NHL - latimes.com

This spring, every step is harder for the Los Angeles Kings

Helene Elliott — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:17:00 PDT

The Kings went 16-4 in magical run to 2012 Stanley Cup. They've already lost four times in 10 playoff games this year. And road could get even bumpier from here out.

Kings get into hot water on Twitter during Sharks game

By Chris Foster — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 PDT

Kevin Ryder of KROQ's 'Kevin & Bean' morning show fills in as a guest on the Kings' Twitter account, with embarrassing results for the team.

The Kings' official Twitter account received a game misconduct penalty Tuesday … from the Kings' front office.

Kings sound alarm after Sharks get even

By Lisa Dillman — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:06:00 PDT

San Jose dominates early in 2-1 victory. Mike Richards scores the only goal for Kings, but he admits to being embarrassed.

Sharks jump Kings, 2-1, to even playoff series

By Lance Pugmire — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:46:00 PDT

Mike Richards nets the Kings' lone goal after San Jose grabs an early 2-0 lead. Sharks even series 2-2.

San Jose 2, Kings 1 (end of regulation)

Bruins take 3-0 lead over Rangers

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:41:00 PDT

Daniel Paille scores with 3:31 left to give Boston a 2-1 victory at New York.

NEW YORK— Daniel Paille broke a tie with 3 minutes 31 seconds left in the third period, and the Boston Bruins put the New York Rangers on the brink of elimination with a 2-1 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night.

Sharks hope they can finally live up Stanley Cup expectations

Helene Elliott — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:44:00 PDT

San Jose has had all the elements to be a champion for years but has yet to even reach the Stanley Cup final. The Sharks face a pivotal moment in Game 4 against the Kings on Tuesday.

Red Wings beat Blackhawks, 3-1, and grab the lead in Western Conference series

Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Detroit has a 2-1 edge on top-seeded Chicago after getting goals 31 seconds apart in second period from Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller.

DETROIT — The young Detroit Red Wings have made the mighty Chicago Blackhawks look vulnerable, beating them two straight times to gain an advantage in their last playoff matchup as Western Conference rivals.

Los Angeles Kings' last line of defense is shifting in playoffs

By David Wharton, Los Angeles Times — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:04:00 PDT

Kings enjoyed unusual stability in their defense pairings during last year's Stanley Cup run. This spring they've had to mix and match because of injuries, other factors.

Kings discovering that the road to a repeat is tougher than expected

By Lisa Dillman — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

The Kings lost only one game on the road in the playoffs last season on the way to winning the Stanley Cup. They have already lost three times on the road this postseason. Kyle Clifford could rejoin lineup.

Logan Couture is stepping up in a big way for Sharks

Helene Elliott — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

The 24-year-old center has developed into a leader for a San Jose team trying to escape its past playoff failures. He scored the winning goal in overtime in Game 3 against the Kings.

SAN JOSE — When Kings defenseman Drew Doughty had his day with the Stanley Cup last summer, he held a party in his hometown of London, Canada, and encouraged guests to pose for photos with the gleaming trophy. Logan Couture, Doughty's childhood pal and now a rival as a center for the San Jose Sharks, stayed behind the camera, deliberately beyond reach of the revered prize.