All eyes turn to Atlanta, where the Thrashers and Lightning are tied 1-1 late in the second period. If Tampa Bay earns at least one point today, the Kings finish last in the NHL, following their 4-3 loss to the Ducks today. I have a TON of stuff from today’s postgame, but I also have to write the game story so I’ll get to it ASAP. For now, here’s the official quote sheet:
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KINGS HEAD COACH MARC CRAWFORD:
(Re: game recap): That was probably pretty symbolic of the way we played this year. We made a couple of turnovers that ended up costing us. If you look at the game as a whole it was fairly even. We probably had the better chances but we gave up the big chance. Whenever you play a team and dont make them work for their chances youre not giving yourself the best opportunity to win.
(Re: season): The biggest deficiency was that we had no goaltending in December. We were atrocious. We went through a month where unfortunately the schedule wasnt good to us. We had 15 games in a month. Thats a bad time to have that facet of your game not be good.
KINGS FORWARD ANZE KOPITAR
(Re: Positives drawn from this season): I think the group really got a lot closer. You dont want to end the season with a loss, but I think it was a good battle today and a good game to watch. We are a big family here, not happy yet, but Im sure in the future when we make the playoffs we will be.
(Re: His play this year): I was kind of scared in the beginning that I wouldnt play up to last years level, but luckily didnt. I have to thank my teammates for playing hard with me all year. Im a year older, and in one year you learn a couple of new things, and get a little more experience. I definitely felt comfortable out there on the ice.
KINGS FORWARD SCOTT THORNTON
(Re: His pending retirement): I just want to enjoy the time with my teammates. I dont know, well see what happens; Ive tried to prepare for it. I still love to play, but I think its time.
KINGS FORWARD DUSTIN BROWN
(Re: Kings future) I think experience is a huge part of it. If you look at our core group, we all got a year of experience and I think thats going to pay dividends. This is my first time in this organization where the same key players will be coming back for a third year, and I think thats a huge part of getting a winning mentality.
(Re: His play this year) It was obviously a good year for me, but it was disappointing from a team standpoint. I felt good all year, and I was healthy all year, which is a huge part of being successful.
(Re: Kings struggles this season) Each individual needs to take accountability. There have been games throughout the year where little things have cost us games. Not chipping the puck in, having turnovers, poor shifts. Its little things like that which cost us games. Its all about players taking accountability and coming ready to play every night, which I dont think was the case for every game, for every player, for every shift. You can look at it two ways: were a young team, but at the same time were young so we should be excited to play every night.
DUCKS HEAD COACH RANDY CARLYLE:
(Re: game recap): These are tough games, but theyre tough mentally. We look at this as a test of our mental aspect of our game. You really have to push yourself when games are played that dont really have any affect on your standings.
(On Joe DiPenta): You could see that the whole bench got a huge lift out of it and it was good for Joe DiPenta. Hes the kind of guy you can sit for extended periods of time but his routine does not change. His preparation and his commitment to his team and teammates will never waiver. It solidifies his position with his teammates and us as coaches. Weve had Joe for three years and we understand what makes him tick and hes a professional athlete. He prepares himself day in and day out.
DUCKS GOALIE JEAN-SEBASTIAN GIGUERE:
(Re: game recap): Its your job to play 82 games a season. We knew that they were going to want to win the last game of the season especially in front of their fans so I expected them to come out hard and they did that. Theyre not easy games to play because you basically play for no reason, but you still have to keep up with the good habits and good work ethics. Were getting ready for the playoffs and thats why its important to have a good work ethic and not get into too bad habits.
(on the Kings): I truly believe they have a pretty good team. They can score some goals. Theyre dangerous on the power play. I dont think theyre that bad and I was expecting them to compete for a playoff spot at the beginning of the year and Im surprised at where theyre at right now.
DUCKS DEFENSEMAN JOE DIPENTA:
(Re: game recap): Its great to have the opportunity to play on the back of the line up and you try to make the best of the opportunities when you get them. Whenever I get a goal its really kind of surreal for me. It was fun. It always seems to come when I least expect it.
DUCKS RIGHT WING TEEMU SELANNE:
(on the break after tomorrows game): I think at this time of the year, every day off is really good for you. I think its going to be a good thing. One more left before we relax. These last couple games mean a lot but they also dont really mean a lot. Obviously down the road you never know how important these points are going to be, but I think its too early to think about that. I think right now we still have to finish strong. We have to finish strong and getting [Chris] Pronger back tomorrow is a good thing too. He needs at least one game under his belt before the playoffs.
