Anze Kopitar has managed to produce only one power-play assist in the first four games of the series. In the opening round of the postseason, the duo of Vlasic and Braun held Daniel and Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks to just one assist each at even strength. "They feel very comfortable playing with each other and they complement each other well," coach Todd McLellan said. "They're both very good skaters with tremendous stamina so when they get caught out there long, they're able to maintain their composure and get the job done." The Kings may shuffle their lines going into Game 5 to avoid the match-up.

Leier, who was a fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012, lay motionless on the ice before being helped off and there was no penalty called on the play. He is suffering from concussion-like symptoms. Thrower was chosen in the second round of 2012 draft by the Montreal Canadiens.

"Maybe I should have continued right away where I left off in my answer," he said. "I don't doubt for one second that we'll come out with a great effort (Friday night). It sounds like I had given up. If you ask anyone and they look at our series, I don't think there are too many people that would pick us right now. That's what I meant. We're still in the playoffs. It doesn't matter to me which way it's looked at. The guys in this room know enough about me. I believe in these guys ... I'm not going to change anything in how it's said. It's obvious to me that we're in tough." Anyone who said Alfredsson had given up went a little overboard, but he clearly understands that the Senators have their backs against the wall against a talented team.

He has lost his past two appearances while surrendering seven goals, but Chicago is sticking with him. Prior to Ray Emery's injury there was some talk of the Hawks using two goaltenders in the playoffs, but Emery's ailment and Crawford's solid play had stopped those conversations.