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The Kings’ power play has been a difference-maker

Chicago Blackhawks v Los Angeles Kings - Game Three

in Game Three of the Western Conference Final during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on May 24, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.

Harry How

Technically, the Chicago Blackhawks only have one fewer power-play goal in this series than the Los Angeles Kings’ three tallies, yet it seems clear that Los Angeles has carried a significant advantage in that area lately.

The Kings went two-for-four in turning things around against the Blackhawks in Game 2. The Kings were only credited with a 1-for-3 mark in Game 3 and even gave up a Jonathan Toews shorthanded goal, yet Drew Doughty’s game-winner on Saturday might not have happened if Michal Rozsival didn’t take a bad penalty.

Here’s the Kings power-play goal that actually counted as a power-play goal:

Even with that Doughty goal being considered even-strength, the Kings have enjoyed arguably the best power play this postseason. They’ve scored a playoff-leading 14 goals while connecting on an impressive 24.6 percent of their 57 opportunities.

Kings head coach Darryl Sutter provided his typically folksy explanation for why things have been working well for his team’s power-play unit, as LA Kings Insider reports.

“I think we used lots of different guys and tried to use different looks and make sure that we’re not passing the puck into the net. We shoot it in there,” Sutter said. “It sounds silly, but screens, tips, rebounds are still the best way to score goals. Was our last goal a power play goal? [Reporter: No, even strength.] I mean, basically, coming out of the box. It’s the same thing. Guys are pounding the puck.”

On the other hand, the Blackhawks’ power play looked pretty flat at times. Joel Quenneville even believes his team lost some momentum after some of tonight’s weaker showings.

So, what should the Blackhawks do?

Well, OK then.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins