Kings blocking shots, getting shots through

The Kings and Blackhawks have been on divergent shot blocking paths in the series.

Blocks per game, Los Angeles: 15, 17, 16, 23
Blocks per game, Chicago: 25, 13, 10, 12

In the two games at Staples Center, 83 of 105 Kings shot attempts were unblocked (79.0%), while 81 of 120 Blackhawks shot attempts were unblocked (67.5%).

It’s not necessarily a good thing to consistently out-block an opponent, as it can be a reflection of poor puck possession. But it was clear in Game 4, an evenly played game at even strength, that the Kings did a much better job of getting in front of shots and getting sticks in passing and shooting lanes.

“I think if it’s there, you have to throw yourself in front of it,” Matt Greene said. “I haven’t seen the stats, but it’s just we preach that you want to get in lanes and you want to limit chances.”

Jonathan Toews’ blocked shot was the only shot blocked by a Blackhawk forward in Game 4. It’s a trend likely to be reversed with the home team facing elimination tonight.

In addition to leading the league in postseason scoring, Los Angeles has done many of the little things necessary to win a playoff series, even if they don’t show up in the box score.

“I think that every team that wins has the wall battles that nobody talks about, the exits from the zone, the entries all clean plays, things like that,” Dwight King said. “Everybody does focus on doing them the right way. When you do, it leads to success, for sure.”

Matt Greene, on the team’s approach to keep shots from getting through:
Just trying to make it as tough as possible, but at the same time try to give Quickie a good lane to the puck so he can see everything. He’s obviously the best. You find it’s more out of desperation now than anything else. You want to make sure you’re not giving them anything that they shouldn’t get.

Dwight King, on the forwards blocking shots:
I think they’re doing a good job of reading the defensemen, what hand they are. Obviously if you line up with their body, they do have the extra two feet, or whatever it is, for their stick. I think the guys who are doing a really good job are lining up with the stick and are also finding ways to get their shin pads in front of a lot of shots.