NHL Playoffs: Avalanche Seek To Close Out Kings In Game 4 The Colorado Avalanche entered Sunday’s Game 4 with a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Kings, setting the stage for a potential sweep in their first-round matchup. The Kings, however, carried the weight of history as they faced the daunting task of overcoming a 3-0 deficit, a challenge they had previously conquered. In the 2014 playoffs, the Kings rallied from a similar hole against the San Jose Sharks, eventually winning the Stanley Cup. This time, the pressure was on the Kings to avoid repeating the same fate. Interim coach D.J. Smith emphasized the importance of mental resilience for his team, stating, “You’ve got to be loose now. You know the end result if you don’t win. Sometimes when that happens you grip it a little less and you make a play maybe you wouldn’t have made early on.” Smith also highlighted the team’s collective belief, noting, “I don’t feel for one second that anyone in that room doesn’t think we can win our next hockey game.” The Kings’ determination was underscored by their captain, Anze Kopitar, who is set to retire after the season, adding an emotional layer to their fight. For the Avalanche, the opportunity to close out the series quickly was a priority. The team had previously advanced in four games on three occasions, including two of their four Stanley Cup wins in 2022. Coach Jared Bednar praised his team’s versatility, stating, “You’re comfortable winning a 1-0 game. If it’s a little bit more run-and-gun, you can do that, too. It’s well-rounded players that can play a 200-foot game that give you the best chance to win, and we have a team full of them.” The Avalanche’s defensive discipline, particularly in low-scoring games, had been a key factor in their dominance.#los_angeles_kings #d_j_smith #colorado_avalanche #nhl_playoffs #anze_kopitar
