Kings mired in losing streak, but brighter days could be ahead

It's been a rough stretch for the Wheatland Kings, who find themselves on a seven game losing streak after dropping two on the road last weekend against the undefeated Okotoks Carstar Bisons and the Cochrane Generals 5-2 in both games.

While the results aren't what they're hoping for, Kings GM Lee Smith is finding positive things to build off of, which could get the team back in the win column.

"I thought we played all right, we did play well on Friday night. Just a couple of tough goals that kind of set us back. We were down 3-0 after the first and after that, we buckled down and it was a 2-2 game after that. So I thought we played very well. Some of our vets played well and some of the rookies played extremely well."

Beating the undefeated Bisons is no easy task, and the Generals are right up there with them, sporting a 7-3 record. It's a tough matchup for a young Kings squad, but Smith has confidence they'll improve as the season goes on.

"We're young and we're trying to figure it all out. This team is very talented, it's very young. These teams that we're playing here are a little bit older, they just got a little more experience and that's really been the difference."

Speaking of improvement and actually earning wins are two very different things, and Smith knows the team will have to play more disciplined, smart hockey to give them a chance.

"We gotta stay out of the penalty box. These teams that are near the top of the league or at the top of the league, they thrive on the power play and they're very good. It's really hard to penalty kill against them because they're so full of talent." 

This has been a trend all season, and it's going to have to change to earn wins. Unfortunately for the Kings, the frustration of losing is actually causing more penalties, so it's a tough cycle to break. 

"I think it's frustration. Sometimes when you're going as hard as you can and you're not getting any leeway...it's just the frustration."

This upcoming weekend features two home games for the Kings, with the Three Hill Thrashers visiting Saturday night at 8:00 PM, followed by the Medicine Hat Cubs coming to town on Sunday at 4:30. Smith thinks this homestand could be the perfect opportunity to break out of this slump.

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