Years follow each other and look alike in the Kings of Los Angeles. The regular seasons filled with promises, followed by expeditious outings in series against the EDMONTON Oilers, end up giving the nausea at Phillip Danault.
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The center player returned to another bitter end of the course before jumping on the ice of the Videotron Center for the Sun Life Pro-Am, last Thursday.
For a fourth year in a row, his Kings were eliminated by the Oilers in the spring tournament, a scenario that is seriously starting to prick him.
“Of course you ask yourself questions. What does we need more? We changed the digital disadvantage, we changed the digital advantage … One given moment, it may just be a matter of timing.
“It is sure that [Connor] McDavid and [Leon] Draisaitl, they are the best players in the world. The right teams and the Oilers will take advantage of the small details. You can’t sleep for a second, and you have to be on the lookout all the time, “analyzed the 32-year-old player, who has lived the same scenario each year since he joined the team in 2020-2021.
Appreciated changes
Danault has had a good time in the company of other NHL players, including Steven Stamkos, in Pro-Am Sun Life.
Photo Agence QMI, MARCEL TREMBLAY
In the past few weeks, the Kings’ face has changed. The team chose to add a bit of weight by acquiring the former Canadian Joel Armia in addition to the tireless 40 -year -old Corey Perry.
In defense, the departures of Vladislav Gavrikov and Jordan Spence are filled by the arrival of Brian Dumoulin and Cody this.
“We made good gestures. It’s hard to say before we start playing, but we performed well last year and we went to get more weight at La Défense, ”said Danault.
“We already had a good core of veterans, but Ken Holland judged that there were a few players to add. Right -handers, we never have enough. You can just surprise. It’s been four years online that we have Edmonton in the legs, and I imagine that if we are stuck for the series, we will even go get other pieces, “he added.
Reunion
Danault said he was particularly happy to reconnect with Armia, who no longer has the favor of the team or the public in Montreal.
“I had the chance to play with him in Montreal, and he was a centerpiece of our journey in the final. A large right -hander, the same, talented, if he can find his constancy, it’s solid. I have always loved Armia.
“And Perry is an exceptional player. He was gold medalist with team Canada. He won his cup in Anaheim. He was a first trio player for a long time and he was able to adapt his game to the new league, which is faster. He’s a super intelligent guy and a team guy, “he praised him.
Still the Oilers?
Many changes have been made, therefore, but Danault said he was convinced that the same obstacle will stand in the spring before the Kings. With a different end, he wants.
“Rehearsal, four years online is difficult, but you have to face them anyway. You have 82 games and you know who you are going to play against [en séries] Starting! Last year, we had played 20 games, and I said: “We’re going to play against Edmonton by starting the series.”
“And that’s what happened. We were ready, but it didn’t go on the side. They have the two best players in the world and a good team. Our windows are open at the same time. ”