June 6, 2012, New Jersey Devils-Los Angeles Kings off day notebook for HockeyPrimeTime.com

Stanley Cup Final Notebook: Kings PK getting it done

Features
Written by Denis Gorman
Wednesday, June 06, 2012 00:52
Special teams have been one of the big storylines of the postseason, both good and bad. While their power play has struggled for the entire postseason, their penalty kill stands as one of the main reasons why they could lift the Stanley Cup on Wednesday. One of the primary reasons that the Los Angeles Kings are on the cusp of the franchise's first Stanley Cup has been the dynamic play of their penalty kill units. Los Angeles has allowed just five goals in 69 power plays against in the playoffs, and has killed all 11 of the New Jersey Devils' power plays in the Stanley Cup Final. Moreover, the Kings lead the league with five shorthanded goals. "I think our penalty killers did an awesome job," Darryl Sutter said in his media availability Tuesday in response to a question regarding Greene bodying Ilya Kovalchuk during the Devils' first-period 5-on-3 power play in Game 3. The Kings' coach singled out Jonathan Quick, Willie Mitchell, Matt Greene, Jarret Stoll and Anze Kopitar for special commendation. Stoll and Greene are role players whose value is often overlooked due to a lack of tangible statistical results. Yet, Sutter knows his team might not be without their contributions. "Similar character guys," Sutter said about the duo. "You get asked about what you knew about the team when you came here. I knew a lot about Stollie and Greener, just from coaching against them. You get to know character in a hurry. "Guys with that work ethic, guys that are team guys, you almost know it when you coach against them lots or see them [a lot]. You almost know it better than your own players sometimes." ***** Devils coach Pete DeBoer was still irritated on Tuesday that referee Dan O'Halloran did not stop play before Kings' defenseman Alec Martinez scored the first goal in Game 3. DeBoer complained after the 4-0 loss Monday night that O'Halloran did not explain his rationale for the decision. "I didn't get one," DeBoer said when he met with reporters Tuesday afternoon. "I didn't ask for one. I guess you have an opportunity on the ice, right, for the referee to come over and explain to you the thought process. That was the opportunity I did not get. I didn't pursue one after the game. "I think it's pretty evident to me after re-looking at it that it shouldn't have counted. It was a critical time in the game, so it's unfortunate." ***** Kings center Dustin Brown, Phoenix Coyotes right wing Shane Doan and New York Rangers right wing Ryan Callahan were named finalists the for the Mark Messier Leadership Award. The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas on June 20. . The Montreal Canadiens announced the hiring of Michel Therrien as head coach. . Jacques Cloutier was hired as an assistant coach by the Calgary Flames. Cloutier was Bob Hartley's assistant coach with ZSC Lions of Switzerland's National League A. Hartley was hired as the Flames' head coach last week. . The Carolina Hurricanes announced the restructuring of the organization's Hockey Operations Department Tuesday. Ron Francis has been named the Vice President of Hockey Operations. Jason Karmanos, the son of Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos, is the Executive Vice President and Assistant General Manager. Assistant coach Dave Lewis and Director of Defensemen Development Glen Wesley have received contract extensions, while Rod Brind'Amour will be an assistant coach next season after having spent the last two years working as the Hurricanes' Director of Forwards Development. That is now Cory Stillman's position. Greg Stefan will replace Tom Barrasso as Goaltenders' coach. Barrasso is now a professional scout, as is Dave Hunter, who was promoted to that role. You can follow us on Twitter @HockeyPrimeTime and @DenisGorman. Photos by Getty Images
	Last Updated on Wednesday, June 06, 2012 01:24

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