Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Sutter says Kings power play is “awesome”

Darryl Sutter, Rob Scuderi, Drew Doughty

New Los Angeles Kings coach Darryl Sutter, center, puts his arms around Rob Scuderi, left, and Drew Doughty, right, after Doughty assisted Scuderi on his goal in the first period against the Phoenix Coyotes in an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

AP

Say what you want the Kings’ new head coach, but one thing that Darryl Sutter has certainly been is successful. The Kings are unbeaten in regulation since the Sutter took over five games ago; and they’re 4-0-2 overall in their last six games as they continue to work towards a playoff spot. Despite the victories lately, the problem that the followed the team continues to hinder the club: scoring.

Sutter would like to tell you that those stats don’t matter. Who cares if they have the 25th ranked power play in the league? Who cares if they’re the worst scoring team in entire NHL (by a large margin)? Despite the persistent troubles with the man-advantage, Sutter likes what he sees from his new team.

“Our power play is awesome, other than the 5-on-3, in the two games we just played,” Sutter said after Saturday’s morning skate. “…I know, if I’m watching upstairs or I’m covering, I’m saying, `Oh, the power play,’ because it’s 14 percent or whatever, but you have to give them — especially the young players on the power play — you have to give them the ability to use their ability.”

Just to review, the Kings “awesome” power play has only scored twice in their last 42 opportunities. The 5-on-3 opportunity Sutter spoke about was nearly a full two minute, two-man advantage during the Kings 1-0 loss in Winnipeg. Having a strong power play is important for any team, but it’s even more important for a team that is struggling to score goals at even strength.

Perhaps that’s why the team practiced on their power play the day after a redeye flight from Manitoba (and back-to-back games).

Los Angeles will get to show what they learned tonight against the Canucks in their final game of 2011. At this point, fans at Staples Center may want a power play that is a little less awesome, and settle for one that is a little more productive.