Drew Doughty has no interest in trying to recreate history.
Facing the prospect of a second 3-0 first-round series hole at the hands of the San Jose Jose in the past three years, the Los Angeles Kings defenseman is adamant about the need to get things going immediately.
"We have a lot more to give, and it has to start tonight," Doughty told reporters Monday in advance of Game 3.
"There's no way we can go down another game."
Only four teams in NHL history - including the 2014 Kings - advanced after falling into a 3-0 series deficit, and Los Angeles has handed San Jose home ice advantage by dropping the first two games of the series at home.
A loss tonight would put the Kings in a tough spot, or put the Sharks right where they want them, depending on how you look at it.
TORONTO - Mississauga Steelheads forward Alexander Nylander has been named the Ontario Hockey League's rookie of the year.
Nylander led all OHL rookies and finished 19th overall in league scoring with 75 points (28 goals, 47 assists) in 57 ga...
The Ottawa Senators announced Monday that Luke Richardson, the head coach of the AHL's Binghamton Senators, is leaving the organization to pursue a new opportunity.
Richardson, who has both played and served as an assistant coach with Ottawa, leaves after general manager Pierre Dorion informed him he was not in consideration for the team's vacant head coaching position.
"We have a list of candidates with our credentials - and you're not on it," Richardson said he was told, according to TSN's Ian Mendes. The 47-year-old, who was in the mix for the Buffalo Sabres job eventually given to Dan Bylsma last year, is hoping he can find a similar opportunity soon.
"My aspirations are to be a head coach in the NHL and nothing else," Richardson said.
The Ottawa native led Binghamton to a pair of postseason appearances, most recently in 2014. This season, his team finished last in the North Division with a 31-38-6 record.
Not many predicted the Sharks would be up 2-0 on the Los Angeles Kings heading back to San Jose. But that's precisely the case - and it should come as a surprise to no one.
Since the late-February trade deadline, the Sharks have been playing their best hockey, outshooting and outchancing their opponents by a large margin. They're also the NHL's undisputed best road team.
Some may say the Kings have the Sharks right where they want them. In 2014, San Jose had a 3-0 stranglehold in its first-round series with Los Angeles. The Kings won four straight, outscoring the Sharks 18-5 en route to winning their second Stanley Cup in three seasons.
These Sharks, though, appear different.
In 2014, San Jose came out flying, outscoring L.A. 13-5 in the opening two games. Down 2-0 in Game 2 after the first period, the Sharks exploded for seven goals in about 26 minutes, winning 7-2. San Jose took full advantage of defensive coverage mistakes by its opponent.
"If we're not playing the way we're supposed to, having the coverage we're supposed to, then those types of things are going to happen," Kings defenseman Robyn Regehr said after his team's loss.
Through two games of this season's series, Los Angeles isn't making the same mistakes that led to the blowouts of 2014. Games 1 and 2 were intense. They had a do-or-die feel to them, already, both one-goal games, and the Sharks are showing the kind of resilience that may give them the mental edge they previously lacked.
In Game 1, the Sharks blew a 2-1 lead and fell behind 3-2 after Trevor Lewis scored shorthanded late in the second period. In the past, that would've been it for the Sharks. Instead, they responded, with Tomas Hertl scoring 30 seconds later to tie the game. Seventeen seconds into the third period, captain Joe Pavelski scored what would hold up as the game-winner.
Game 2 played out a bit differently, with San Jose jumping out to an early lead. Despite relentless pressure from the Kings in the final half of the third period, the Sharks held on, with first-year playoff goalie Martin Jones standing tall.
The Sharks have struggled in the playoffs since they entered the league in 1991, and are known for their spring collapses. This could be the year the narrative changes.
Music City surprise
The Predators have a 2-0 lead on the Anaheim Ducks as the series shifts to Nashville. It's the first time the Predators have won the opening two games of a playoff series in their history.
"We were just stupid out there," Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau said after Game 2. "The penalties we take sometimes are just so selfish and so dumb. Quite frankly, we don't deserve a break if we're just going to be yelling and being stupid all night long."
In Game 2, Nashville had five power-play opportunities, compared to Anaheim's one. Shea Weber's goal with the man advantage held up as the winner.
Jimmy's gettin' the hook
After losing the opening two games in Tampa Bay, Detroit switched things up in a big way in Game 3, going with goaltender Peter Mrazek over Jimmy Howard. The Red Wings played a much tighter defensive game, allowing Mrazek to settle in, and he needed to make only 16 saves for the shutout.
It was Mrazek’s third career playoff whitewash, and all three have come against the Lightning. This raises the question: Why didn't Mrazek start in goal in Game 1?
Phil the net
Phil Kessel has two goals and an assist in two playoff games with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's up to 15 goals and 24 points in 24 career postseason games, showing he can be a valuable piece on a team ready to win.
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, it has other issues right now. After a solid debut playoff start from Jeff Zatkoff, he struggled in Game 2, allowing four goals on 28 shots. It'll be interesting to see how the Penguins adjust as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden.
GREENBURGH, N.Y. - New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh has practiced for the first time since being hurt two weeks ago.
Coach Alain Vigneault said Monday that McDonagh's status for Game 3 of the first round series against Pittsburgh at Mad...
The New York Rangers had a surprising participant at Monday's practice as injured captain Ryan McDonagh skated in a full-contact jersey on the team's fourth pairing alongside recent call-up Raphael Diaz.
"It made everybody feel good to see him out there," said veteran defenseman Dan Boyle. McDonagh has been out of the lineup since breaking his hand during an April 4 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Head coach Alain Vigneault said it's doubtful the blue-liner will play in Game 3 on Tuesday, but added that "stranger things have happened."
He also admitted he has "some decisions to make" with his defense group prior to the game, according to Jim Cerny of BlueshirtsUnited.com. There's speculation that the 30-year-old Diaz may draw into the lineup in place of rookie Dylan McIlrath.
Tyler Seguin returned to the Dallas Stars' lineup Sunday and saw the ice for the first time since suffering a cut to his left Achilles tendon during a March 17 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but it's clear the forward isn't 100 percent.
On Monday, general manager Jim Nill told reporters Seguin remained in Texas to rehab his Achilles injury, but could be called to play in St. Paul if needed. He's considered day to day, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.
The 24-year-old was limited to just 15 minutes of action during his team's Game 2 victory over the Minnesota Wild, and was moved down to the fourth line during the third period.
Nill also added that defenseman Kris Russell is ill. Jordie Benn drew into his place on the blue line during Monday's practice.
"Hard-working kid, good on the walls, physical, likes to fight. The kind of player you like," lauded head coach John Torchetti, according to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune.
The 22-year-old would replace Jarret Stoll in the lineup, who has no points and a minus-1 rating through two games.
Gabriel led the AHL's Iowa Wild with 137 penalty minutes in 66 games. He went without a point in the first three NHL games of his career earlier this season, but did receive a pair of fighting majors.
Seven other players were recalled by Minnesota on Monday as Iowa's season came to an end.
Monday night will be an emotional one at Wells Fargo Center as the Philadelphia Flyers will honor late owner Ed Snider, who passed away last Monday, prior to Game 3 against the Washington Capitals.
With Snider's initials - E.M.S. (born Edward Malcolm) - already featuring on a commemorative patch on the Flyers' playoff jerseys, it was revealed Monday the initials will also be marked behind each net.
The New York Rangers may have a new man on the blue line in Game 3.
Veteran defenseman Raphael Diaz, who hasn't played in the NHL at all this season, was recalled from the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack and will be at the team's noon practice on Monday.
The 30-year-old appeared in four games during the Rangers' Stanley Cup Final run in 2014. He doesn't have a point in 12 career postseason games.
There is speculation Diaz could draw into the lineup Tuesday to replace rookie Dylan McIlrath, who played just nine minutes in Game 2. Injured blue-liners Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi aren't expected to be ready for Game 3, and are considered day to day.
