Quinton Byfield, the Los Angeles Kings’ No. 2 overall draft pick from three years ago, ended his month-long goal drought in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers. Byfield’s goal came in the third period, but it was not enough to salvage the game, which the Kings lost 6-3. Byfield acknowledged that the goal was not meaningful, but he hopes to score more goals in the upcoming games. The Kings have been patient with Byfield’s development, and they have seen incremental progress in his game. Byfield appreciates the organization’s trust in him and hopes to continue improving his game.
Byfield’s goal was encouraging for Kings coach Todd McLellan, who hopes it will boost the youngster’s confidence. McLellan has been a passionate defender of Byfield’s development and believes that patience is essential with young players. McLellan compared Byfield’s situation to that of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, who spent time in the minor leagues before becoming key players on the Anaheim Ducks’ Stanley Cup-winning club in 2007. McLellan believes that Byfield has made significant improvements in strength, tenacity, physicality, and learning a new position.
The Kings have a three-day break before Game 6, which they must win to stay alive in the series. Byfield’s role in the lineup has not been determined, but McLellan hopes that he can build on his goal and continue to improve his game. Byfield feels more prepared for the playoffs this year, having played in the first two games against Edmonton last year before taking a seat for the remainder of the series. He believes that playing those games prepared him for what to expect in the playoffs, including the physicality, loud crowds, and big momentum shifts.
Keywords: Quinton Byfield, Los Angeles Kings, Todd McLellan, NHL playoffs, Edmonton Oilers, patience, development, confidence, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks, Stanley Cup.
