1-The Kings Thin Blue Line remains a Playoff Liability
The Los Angeles Kings have lost three in a row as their lack of defensive depth was again exposed in a 2-4 loss at the Anaheim Ducks on Friday and a 2-5 loss at the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday. The Kings blew a 3-2 third period lead at Anaheim and were outshout 32-22 in the game. Los Angeles used to suffocate teams in the third period and completely shut down their defensive end, but no more. A good example of their lack of depth is that Rockin’ Robyn Regehr has been over 21 minutes of time on ice in his last five games, a level that cannot be sustained for the 34 year old veteran. Regehr has already missed 15 games this season and had a close call with a blocked shot at Anaheim. Number one defenseman Drew Doughty is at 30 minutes per game on the season, and despite the fact that he claims to love the extra time, it is not conducive to a long playoff run. The arrival of Andrej Sekera will help, but Stanley Cup hero Alec Martinez (concussion) and Slava Voynov (domestic violence charges) have not been adequately replaced. There is no more grueling challenge in sports than the Stanley Cup playoffs and you will lose players by attrition along the way. The Cup is won with defense and goaltending. The Kings thin blue line does not equate with a long playoff run, if LA can even make it. The three losses put the Kings in an eighth place tie with the Calgary Flames.
2-The Jets are not Going Away
The Jets were dominant in their Sunday win over the Kings and have looked like a rejuvenated team since cutting ties with Evander Kane. Winnipeg outshot the Kings 29-20 and chased number one LA goaltender Jonathan Quick, who allowed four goals on 21 shots in two periods of work. Goaltender Michael Hutchinson has a .919 save percentage with two shutouts as he continues to press for more playing time. Winnipeg has gone from a team that was rather bland and boring and impossible to take seriously, to a team that is inspiring and exciting to watch. Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is having a career year with 15 goals, 27 assists and a plus-eight. Just as important, Big Buff is has developed into one of the top leaders in sports. Paul Maurice deserves serious consideration for the Jack Adams Award. Home games feature a phenomenal fan base that does indeed fuel the Jets with passion. The Jets have become appointment television and represent the best characteristics of the sport.
3-Predators get Reality Check
The Nashville Predators have lost four out of their last six games and two in row to have their lead cut to two points over the Montreal Canadiens for the best record in the league. Nashville had a 26-3-1 record at home before losses to the Minnesota Wild (2-4) on Thursday and the Detroit Red Wings (3-4) on Saturday. The Detroit loss in particular was a wakeup call. The Red Wings are a marquee type of franchise that makes for as strong measuring stick as far as playoff credibility. The Preds folded under the pressure as they were unable to hold a 3-2 third period lead. The loss to Detroit was a reminder that there is a stark difference between the regular season and playoffs as Nashville did not deliver in a game that was one of the best all weekend with a playoff charged atmosphere.
4-Jagr Makes Immediate Impact with Cats
Jaromir Jagr arrived with considerable hype to the Florida Panthers and scored one goal to go with one assist and a plus-one on the weekend. Just as important, Jagr brought immediate leadership credibility and could be seen in some animated discussions with teammates during two home weekend wins over the Buffalo Sabres (5-3) and the Tampa Bay Lighting (4-3). Jagr appears to have jumpstarted the Cats and their playoff push that finds them just two points behind the Boston Bruins.
5-Winning Habit for Price and Montreal
The Montreal Canadiens are just two points behind the Nashville Predators for the top record in the NHL and are on a four game winning streak. Despite their success the Canadiens do not garner respect as a truly elite team. In fact, Montreal is often derided as a one man team based on goaltender Carey Price, who has a .936 save percentage with six shutouts. The critics do have some ammunition as Montreal does rank 22nd for shots allowed, which is almost as much of an eyesore as their rankings of 19th for goals scored and 25th for power play efficiency. But the Habs continue to find a way and a top goaltender is the number one requirement for a deep Stanley Cup run. Secondary scoring also remains a legitimate concern.
