Willie Desjardins’ tenure as the Kings’ interim coach has consisted of only two games, but players said Saturday they can already see differences in his approach and philosophy compared to those of former coach John Stevens.
“Obviously he wants us to play the up-tempo style. It’s not that Johnny didn’t want to, it’s just a little bit different, I think,” center Anze Kopitar said after the team conducted a morning skate in El Segundo in advance of Saturday night’s game against the Calgary Flames at Staples Center.
“Willie is big on shift lengths, so sometimes he’s pulling us off when we’re on the ice for about 25 seconds.