L.A. Times - Kings

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.

SAN JOSE — Neatly framed but almost forgotten, a front page from the San Jose Mercury News sits against the wall in a room above the Sharks' practice rink. The newspaper photograph depicts a coach and two players, and the headline is bold:

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.

During last season's run to the Stanley Cup, the Kings enjoyed an unusual edge.

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.

Flawless at home and flawed on the road?

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.

Kings say Jonathan Quick can't let frustration get the best of him

By Lisa Dillman — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 PDT

Coach Darryl Sutter understands why the goalie is upset with the contact he's been absorbing in the playoffs but says it can't become a distraction. Quick is not disciplined by league for verbally abusing referees after Game 3.

There is more than just a little bit of Ron Hextall living in the body of Kings goalie Jonathan Quick.

Senators beat Penguins, 2-1, in double overtime in Game 3

Associated Press — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:23:00 PDT

Colin Greening scores the winner for Ottawa, which cuts its deficit in Eastern Conference semifinal series to 2-1. Boston beats the New York Rangers, 5-2, to take 2-0 series lead.

Colin Greening scored 7 minutes 39 seconds into double overtime, and the Ottawa Senators rallied for a 2-1 victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins that cut their series deficit to 2-1 on Sunday night.

Kings are left crying foul after 2-1 overtime loss to Sharks

Helene Elliott — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:44:00 PDT

L.A. players are irate about crucial penalties that give San Jose a big advantage in the third period in Game 3 of playoff series the Kings lead, 2-1.

Kings pay the penalty in 2-1 loss to Sharks

By Lisa Dillman — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:45:00 PDT

Sharks cut series deficit in half and end L.A. win streak as Logan Couture scores power-play goal 1:29 into overtime.

NHL fines Sharks $100,000 after general manager's comments

By Helene Elliott and Lisa Dillman — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:46:00 PDT

Doug Wilson publicly criticized the league's decision to suspend San Jose forward Raffi Torres for an open-ice hit to the head of Kings center Jarret Stoll.