Poor work and bad passing makes the Kings play poorly.  Poor work and bad passing makes the Kings play poorly.  Poor work and bad passing makes the Kings play poorly.  Poor work and bad passing makes the Kings play poorly.  Poor work and bad passing makes the Kings play poorly.  Poor work and bad passing makes the Kings play poorly.  Poor work and bad passing makes the Kings play poorly.  Poor work and bad passing makes the Kings play poorly. 

I could go on, and maybe should go on.  Once again, the Kings passed extremely poorly for most of the night.  Passes handcuffed players, causing turnovers, loss of scoring chances, and magnificent scoring opportunities for the Wild, who magnanimously took advantage in the first period.  Maybe it's a lack of familiarity, but I really think it has a great deal to do with focus. To be fair, both play an issue.  The timing and spacing at this level is so critical, that with this many young players, being in a position to make a good pass possible will be a process for this team.

One of the great truths in sports, is that youth breeds inconsistency.  One of the marks of a mature professional, is the ability to be at or near ones best each and every night.  This was something the great ones (Yes, I'm including The Great One) openly talk about.  Bobby Orr openly talked about his commitment to giving his best for the fans each night.  Wayne Gretzky, in his auto biography talked about passing the Islanders locker room after having lost to them in the Stanley Cup Finals and seeing the discrepancy of effort evidenced in pain and suffering the older, more seasoned pros had been willing to go through.  This was a moment that really shaped the entire culture of the greatest team in NHL history.  The young Kings will need some time to learn how to be at their best every night.

It appears that the elder Kings, and the coaching staff were able to right the ship to some extent last night.  After coming out sluggish and sloppy, missing assignments, screening Quick and frankly making his and our lives miserable for twenty minutes, they righted the ship some.  It was actually fun to watch the next forty minutes despite the team not playing their best.  They were at least competitive.  Truth be told, they were given some help by the Wild when Minnesota took a bunch of penalties in the second, including a five minute major.  

Ultimately the Kings fell short.  Hopefully four days off will help them get healthy.  This team needs Roy and Walker.  Passing, is it a lost art?  Not if the Kings want to win.

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