The Los Angeles Kings have a new coach and Artemi Panarin in the lineup, but Tuesday night's loss to the Florida Panthers showed a familiar weakness, according to The Hockey News.
Special teams decided little in the game. The two clubs combined for 11 power-play chances and didn't score on any of them. Los Angeles went 0-for-5, and Florida went 0-for-6.
The penalty kill was the bright spot for the Kings. The Hockey News reported that Los Angeles had given up five power-play goals through its first two games. Against Florida, the Kings killed off all six Panthers chances and created offense while shorthanded. Erik Haula, Joel Armia and Brian Dumoulin each had shorthanded chances but didn't score, and Scott Laughton also had a chance that didn't produce a goal.
The bigger concern was the Kings' own power play. Late in the first period and into the second, Los Angeles had an extended five-on-three that included a four-minute double minor for high-sticking. The Kings didn't score and finished with five shots on their five power plays.
The Hockey News noted that the power play has been a problem for the Kings for years, especially during a run of playoff exits that has left fans wondering when the team will start scoring in big moments.