Penalty-kill strength turns to weakness

Penalty killing had been a primary strength of the Kings throughout this season. Until recently, they had been in the top 10 in the NHL in penalty-kill efficiency for almost the entire season, and from late October until late December, they never ranked lower than sixth. That has changed of late, as the Kings’ penalty-kill unit is only 12-for-20 in the last five games and has dropped to No. 12 in the league. The Kings have allowed two power-play goals in four of their last five games. Before that, the Kings had allowed two power-play goals only four times in their first 35 games. I asked Terry Murray today if he had identified any recurring issues in the effectiveness of the penalty kill…

MURRAY: “Pucks are just going in right now. When I look at the Chicago game, Sharp scored on the seam pass. That’s our weakside forward’s man. He’s got to be in that passing lane. We’re just off right now. Stolly was there, and he came down right to the front of the net and opened up that seam. We’re just breaking down, and that’s all it is, in a penalty-kill situation. It’s that fine line, of having your stick in the right area. I think we can gather ourselves in. No question, with Mitchell back in, it’s going to help. He’s a veteran guy with a great stick. He’s got great range, and I think that the attention has been brought to it through meetings. So I’m looking for a big rebound.”