Was at the game last night and here are my observations:
- While I have no doubt they are trying as hard as they can, the reality is that it appears that the Yotes have actually given up. Again, I know that's not the case, so it must be that the Kings are forcing it to appear this way... how?
- Well, the Kings are clearly more energetic - getting to all loose pucks and creating plays all over the ice. It's bad enough that they are carpet bombing Smith to the extent they are, BUT - virtually everyone one of those shots is a beautifully set-up, high-quality shot. Compared to the very few scoring chances the Yotes had which were awkward, almost accidental chances...
- The Kings seem to possess more team speed. They are out-skating the Yotes on every line and player vs player.
- The Kings seem to possess a better understood game-plan. It's like watching a well orchestrated theatrical performance vs the bad news bears... as the Yotes literally can't gain any momentum, can't create any quality rushes or scoring chances, and can't keep the puck out of Smith's grill.
The worst was when the Yotes had back to back power plays early in the 3rd period. On the first power play, they embarrassingly achieved NO shots on goal!! If you didn't know there was a power play you would swear the teams were playing equal strength. The very next power play they were able to achieve ONE shot on goal. Yes - one shot over two consecutive power plays... It was some of the most brutal brand of hockey I have seen in a long long time.
IMHO, the Yotes look gassed - both physically and mentally. They were never the most talented team on the ice, so their success depended on near-perfect execution and Smith standing on his head. Well, that has all come crashing down to earth now and the Kings are exposing them. I think it's a virtual impossibility for the Yotes to somehow turn this around... bummer...