If Anze Kopitar builds on Monday’s goal and raises his game, the Kings might recover. (Chris Williams/Icon SMI)

By Allan Muir

It wasn’t long into Game 4 before the Los Angeles Kings felt the boots of the St. Louis Blues pressing down hard on their throats. After allowing two goals in the first five minutes, the defending champs faced the likelihood of a 3-1 series deficit and a return to the road, where they have lost eight straight.

But it turned out that adversity suited them. With nearly a full game to play, they found another gear and took the game to a level that the Blues couldn’t match. And for the first time in the series, L.A.’s offense finally got on track, powering two comebacks in a thrilling 4-3 win that sends the series back to St. Louis knotted at two games apiece.

Here are some quick observations from the series-tying win for the Kings:

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