LA Kings vs. St. Louis Blues – Game 5: Expect A Return To Ultra-Tight Checking
May 8, 2013 Leave a comment

LA Kings center Anze Kopitar, shown here during a recent practice session, ended a 20-game goal scoring slump in a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of their first round playoff series at Staples Center on May 6, 2013.
Photo: David Sheehan/FrozenRoyalty.net
Indeed, although their offense awakened, much of that was due to the Blues playing right into the hands of the Kings.
“The turnovers in the neutral zone fed their offense,” said Blues center David Backes. “To have a couple of guys pinching in, giving them a two-on-one and a three-on-one when we’re up 2-0 in the first, that’s not the way to protect a lead. We hung [Blues goalie Brian] Elliott out to dry there. He’s been awesome for us, and we need to be better for him.”

Due to a very heavy schedule on May 7, 
