Now that the second largest road trip is behind the Kings, time to reassess the strengths and weaknesses that led up to Los Angeles being the third best team in the NHL since Christmas. (On a side note, apologies in advance that this week’s blogging was less than my normal. Work commitments and an exciting new job came my way. Things have now quieted down… *yeah* ) On to the topic at hand:
Rebound Control
One of the key reasons the Blues’ loss took place and other losses before that, I attribute to this recurring issue. As I have written in other blogs, I am a LaBarbera proponent. I have been for three seasons. Nonetheless, this is one of his biggest weaknesses. To make matters worse, the differences between some wins and some losses can be pegged on two things which start with this:
1. LaBarbera’s failure to control rebounds and/or to throw rebounds closer to the boards or the blue line, in other words out of harm’s way.
2. The Kings’ D’s regular failure to clear rebounds left by LaBarbera.
Back to Basics (Carla Muller) 
