The Los Angeles Kings are experiencing something new-a playoff deficit. The team entered last season's playoff race being the underdog. They were able to fly under the radar, chipping away at each team. However, that is no longer possible as they entered this season as the reigning champs. They made hockey look easy last season, but now it is a different story.
In just two games against the St. Louis Blues, the Kings have knocked in two goals. Jonathan Quick was mistake free last season, and now has the team in a 2-0 hole. The Kings have sold out eat playoff game in 2013, but they risk running into a 3-0 hole and seeing the Blues do to them what they did last year.
The Kings must figure out how to score. They were the third-highest scoring team in the Wester Conference during the regular season and now they have gone cold at the wrong time. Jeff Carter who leads the conference with 26 goals this season and has yet to find form in the postseason. It is the same story with Mike Richards.
St. Louis Blues goalie Brian Elliott is proving to be one of the best in the league, limiting any chances the Kings have to find the back of the net. The team is doing a good job of eliminating any traffic around the net for him.
The Blues are attempting to avoid a repeat of the 2012 season where they were swept by the Kings in the second round. That year they lost twice at the Staples Center. St. Louis remains in control of the series this year, hoping to eliminate any chances of a late series run by Los Angeles. If the Kings can get their defense back on track, they have a chance at getting a Game 3 win.
Watch the St. Louis Blues vs. the Los Angeles Kings live stream, click here
