June 8, 2012, Los Angeles Kings-New Jersey Devils NHL Stanley Cup Final off day notebook for HockeyPrimeTime.com

Stanley Cup Final Notebook: Kings move on in wake of disappointing Game 4

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Written by Denis Gorman

Friday, June 08, 2012 01:45

In the midst of all of the expectations surrounding the Los Angeles Kings heading into Game 4, the Kings did something no one expected them to do. They lost. Now they need to refocus, heading into Game 5. The funny thing about the Los Angeles Kings having compiled a 15-2 record in the Stanley Cup Playoffs — including a 3-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final — is that it created expectations. The chance to equal the 1987-88 Edmonton Oilers for fewest games played in a Stanley Cup Championship playoff season was there for the Kings. So was winning the first Cup in franchise history. So even if the Kings cannot fathom why expectations placed upon them prior to Game 4, it was natural that their 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils created some disappointment. “[Just] continue to play the way we're playing,” Kings coach Darryl Sutter said during his media availability Thursday. “That's why you play series. Unfortunately, we have some spoiled people that think that everyone wins 16 in a row or something. [It is] a little confusing to me. What was the biggest determining factor in the Game 4 loss and what do the Kings have to do differently in order to win Game 5? The Kings are 10-0 on the road in the playoffs this spring. “[We] played better in Game 4 than we did in Game 2,” Sutter said. “[The] differences [were] missed opportunities and [Martin Brodeur's] play last night. Go play on the road. No big deal.” *****   The Montreal Canadiens announced late Wednesday afternoon that assistant coaches Randy Cunneyworth and Randy Ladouceur have been fired. … The Calgary Flames and Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada announced a multi-year sponsorship partnership Thursday morning. …The Boston Bruins announced the dates of the organization’s sixth annual prospect development camp. The week-long camp will run from June 28-July 2 at the Bruins training facility in Ristuccia Memorial Arena. It will be open to the public. … The Dallas Stars hired Bob Bassen as the Director of the Alumni Association and Business Development. Bassen played for the Stars, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Quebec Nordiques and Calgary Flames in his 15-year career. … The Carolina Hurricanes announced Thursday that equipment manager Wally Tatomir retired following 17 seasons with the franchise. Assistant Equipment Manager Jorge Alves was promoted to Tatomir’s position. “I would like to congratulate my friend Wally on a great career, as he steps away after many good years in hockey. Wally was a major contributor to our organization’s success and he will be missed,” Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said in a statement. “We’re happy that after years as an apprentice and assistant with the equipment staff, Jorge will join us full time.” …The Hurricanes also announced goaltender John Muse agreed to a one-year contract. The deal, which came with a $10,000 signing bonus, calls for Muse to make $525,000 in the NHL. He will earn $50,000 in the minor leagues. Muse split 2011-12 between the ECHL Florida Everblades and the AHL Charlotte Checkers. … The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday that it had agreed to terms with right wing David Jones on a four-year extension. Terms were undisclosed but theDenver Post reported that the deal was for four years and $16 million. The Avalanche also announced a two-year deal with defenseman Matt Hunwick. “Matt provides depth to our defense. He played an important role for our team late last season and we are excited to have him under contract,” Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Sherman said in a statement. You can follow us on Twitter @HockeyPrimeTime and @DenisGorman. Photos by Getty Images

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