Champs staggered: LA Kings return home in 0-2 hole to surging Chicago Blackhawks

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Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) passes off the puck against Los Angeles Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi (7) as goalie Jonathan Quick (32) defends during the second period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference finals, Sunday, June 2, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The Los Angeles Kings have been in all types of jams during the past two postseasons. Just a few weeks ago, they even escaped the same 0-2 deficit they’re now facing in the Western Conference finals.

Yet the defending Stanley Cup champions aren’t sure they’ve tangled with an opponent that could match the depth and versatility of the Chicago Blackhawks, who might even be the team that can end Los Angeles’ 2 1/2-month run of dominance at home.

After back-to-back losses in Chicago, the Kings are hoping they can stay perfect at Staples Center in a crucial Game 3 on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles has won 14 straight at home since March, and they’ve won seven straight home playoff games dating to last season’s Stanley Cup clincher.

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