News » Niskanen has played eight

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Drew Doughty had just played more than 39 minutes in a double-overtime playoff game, and he still couldnt sleep on the Kings flight back to Los Angeles. The Western Conference finals have ascended to a new level of tension after the Blackhawks dodged Los Angeles first attempt to eliminate them. Chicago trimmed its series deficit to 3-2 in an extra-time thriller in Game 5, while the Kings got a sleepless trip home. Los Angeles gets another chance to advance in Game 6 on Friday night. While the Kings have been incredible in elimination games this spring, Doughty realizes they cant sleep on the opportunity before them at Staples Center. "We know we cant let it go to a Game 7," Doughty said Thursday at the Kings training complex. "No matter what, this game has to be ours. Its so important for us to advance to the Stanley Cup Final that we win this game. If we give them this game, theyre going to have so much more life, and theyre going to be a different team. We need to take that and deal with it." Doughtys fellow Kings largely agreed with the star defencemans pointed declarations as they recovered from their worst defensive performance in 16 games. Jonathan Quick and the NHLs best defensive team gave up five goals to the Blackhawks, who survived despite Corey Crawfords fourth straight unimpressive effort in Chicagos net. Los Angeles, which blew a lead heading to the third period for the first time this spring, has mostly downplayed the notion of payback for last seasons conference finals loss to Chicago. But Doughty thinks it should be on the Kings minds before what might be the defining game of their season. "They know how to win," Doughty said. "We also know that they took our Cup back from us last year, so now its our turn. We want to eliminate this team. They eliminated us last year, and its our turn to return the favour. We need to go into Staples believing that we can eliminate this team, and do just that." While Doughty attempts to keep the Kings focused on Game 6, the Blackhawks intend to remember what got them off the canvas in Game 5 after the previous seven periods of the series were largely dominated by Los Angeles. Before Game 5, the Blackhawks curiously insisted all the pressure in the series rested on the Kings, not the team facing three straight elimination games. Whether the facile psychological ploy helped or not, the champions still seem to think Los Angeles is the team in trouble. "We want to stay with the mentality that were putting all the pressure on them," Chicago captain Jonathan Toews said before the clubs flight to the West Coast. "Its going to be tough for them to close it out and win that fourth game against us." But the road has been tough on the Blackhawks, who are just 2-6 away from home in the post-season. Chicago was outscored 9-5 and beaten convincingly twice at Staples Center in this series, showing little of the offensive potency that got them to this point. Coach Joel Quenneville made another round of lineup adjustments to spark his team, and the Blackhawks had immediate success teaming Brandon Saad, Patrick Kane and Andrew Shaw on a new line for Game 5. Kane, a ghost for much of the series, contributed four assists. "We have our backs against the wall here and face elimination, but were staying relaxed," said Saad, who had three points. "Weve been through it before, and it definitely helps. Weve had success on the road before, and L.A. is definitely tough, but were not going to let that end the season. We cant make any excuses whether were playing at home or away." The Kings spent much of the past month avoiding playoff elimination, already winning six games with their season in the balance, so they can appreciate the Blackhawks resilience. Chicago produced a three-goal first period and a third-period tying goal before Michal Handzus overtime winner capped one of the most entertaining NHL post-season games in recent history. Back home for Game 6, the Kings want their own defining victory. "I think for the fans, it was unbelievable to watch," said Marian Gaborik, who scored his 11th goal of a spectacular post-season. "But for us, it wasnt the type of game we want to play. You know, trade chances, trade odd-man rushes. "I think were going to have a lot of energy (in Game 6). If we win, we can be in the Stanley Cup Final. That itself should give you plenty of energy." Nike Air Max 90 Günstig . The Leafs were back on the ice Wednesday following an 10-day break. It apparently wasnt long enough, as Team Canadas 2-1 win over Latvia didnt conclude before the Leafs began practice. "I was thinking we might get a little delay, but it was nice to get out there," said Tyler Bozak of watching Wednesdays game. Nike Air Max Outlet Schweiz . FLIP SAUNDERS (Timberwolves): Im not the least bit surprised that he appointed himself as head coach after his search concluded. https://www.schuheshopschweiz.ch/billig-...hweiz-d286.html. Some teams got significantly better, some teams divested themselves of talent and some teams had quiet afternoons, keeping the status quo. Nike Air Max 720 Schweiz . "Weve given ourselves now a tougher task," said Carlyle after the Friday practice, the Toronto head coach notably chipper and upbeat throughout. "But the bottom line is we just have to win our share of games [and] not worry about what anybody else is doing. Nike Air Max 95 Günstig . Browns advice worked. Irving scored 20 points, including seven in the fourth quarter, and Cleveland defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 88-82 Saturday night. Irving made his first shot of the night on a layup a little over three minutes into the game.Mathieu Perreault signs with Winnipeg Jets Best of luck to former #NHLDucks C Mathieu Perreault, who has reportedly signed with WPG. Good guy deserves good things. — Dan Wood (@Duckscolorman) July 1, 2014 Best of luck to my buddy Mathieu Perreault heading to free agency. Great center. The best as yet to come. Only need a chance in a top 6 #nhl — Louis Robitaille (@LouisRobitaille) July 1, 2014Jonas Hiller signs with Calgary Flames "Jonas is familiar with the West, hes had great success in the league," - Treliving on Jonas Hiller — Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 1, 2014 Today Jonas Hiller agreed to not win a Stanley cup for the next two years. Aka he signed with the flames for two years. — Mac Vogel (@VOGEL_cords) July 1, 2014 Jonas Hiller got a good deal! One of my favorites, so sad to see him go, but he deserves a new start. Good luck to him! #PleaseDontShutUsOut — Mike Hart (@mhart92) July 1, 2014Brad Richards signs with Chicago Blackhawks Biggest NHL Free Agency move of the day: Brad Richards to Chicago. Blackhawks just improved their team drastically. — Amin Ajani (@AminAjani) July 1, 2014 Im willing to wager that Kane can liven up Brad Richards and get a good, productive season out of him — Tyler Joy (@Tj1626) July 1, 2014 Wow Brad Richards will have a blasty blast in Chi-Town. I sense a lot of Chelsea Dagger in his future — Greg (@GregNYR19) July 1, 2014Stephane Robidas signs with Toronto Maple Leafs Talking good guys, former #NHLDucks D Stephane Robidas is one of the best. Good luck to him in TOR. — Dan Wood (@Duckscolorman) July 1, 2014 Stephane Robbidas is 37 and is coming off a fractured leg, so three years and $9-million is probably as good as he was gonna get.dddddddddddd — Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) July 1, 2014Matt Frattin traded to Toronto Maple Leafs @Matt_Frattin is back in TO baby! #reunited — Jake Gardiner (@Jgardiner272) July 1, 2014Leo Komarov signs with Toronto Maple Leafs Welcome back boddddddddy @CorporalKomarov @LKomarov — James van Riemsdyk (@JVReemer21) July 1, 2014 Happy to be back in the capital of hockey..See you soon;) #MapleLeafs — Leo Komarov (@LKomarov) July 1, 2014Jussi Jokinen signs with Florida Panthers Jussi Jokinen scored 57 points for #Pens last year; #FlaPanthers leading scorer (Nick Bjugstad) ended with 38. — George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) July 1, 2014Al Montoya signs with Florida Panthers You guys all know what was the tiebreaking factor in my new goalie partner signing right? #flow #twins pic.twitter.com/kwy0z1O1Bn — Strombone (@strombone1) July 1, 2014Matt Niskanen signs with Washington Capitals Matt Niskanen signs a 7-year, $40.25 million deal with the Washington Capitals. #TSN #FAF #FreeAgentFrenzy — NHL on TSN (@NHLonTSN) July 1, 2014 Matt Niskanen has played eight years in the NHL, one of them was very impressive. Someone will overpay for him today. — steve simmons (@simmonssteve) July 1, 2014 Matt Niskanen a true American, not signing until halftime of the game. — Ann Frazier (@annfrazi) July 1, 2014 After carefully evaluating todays deals, Ive concluded that free agent frenzy needs more breathalyzers — Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) July 1, 2014 ' ' '