Alexander Frolov‘s tenure as a Los Angeles King officially came to an end yesterday, as he reportedly agreed to terms with the New York Rangers on a one year contract. The 20th overall pick of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft spent 10 seasons in the Kings organization, 7 of those years in a Kings uniform. Last season, the final year of his contract, was a huge disappointment. Held to his lowest point total since the 2005-06 season, Frolov became the centerpiece of criticism. Other than a couple of offensive spurts, Frolov never was the offensive powerhouse scouts and fans alike knew he could be. His drop from the first line to the third was well deserved by many, and his inefficiency to work with Terry Murray‘s offensive gameplan didn’t help his cause. His departure is no surprise, as Kings GM Dean Lombardi noted earlier in the off-season there was a “slim chance” Frolov would return as a King next season. However, there was an offer on the table for Frolov after the failure to lure in Ilya Kovalchuk. The meetings were short, with both sides understanding it was time to move on. The 28 year-old winger out of Moscow, Russia leaves a small imprint on Kings history, recording 169 goals and 217 assists for the franchise. Was I frustrated with him the majority of last season? Yes, as I’m sure most of you were. However, the contributions Frolov attributed to the Kings franchise cannot be ignored. Here is a look at the career of Alexander Frolov in a Los Angeles Kings uniform:

2000 NHL Entry Draft: Alexander Frolov was selected 20th overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. A talented winger out of Russia, Frolov’s expectations weren’t low. His ability to handle the puck in the offensive zone was intriguing. Here, you had a player that was able to create chances for linemates, as well as finish opportunities himself. Frolov knew how to create a comfortable offensive presence, giving teammates ample opportunity to find open space, and always dependable with puck presence behind the goal line. The Kings had a sure winner, a skilled winger with offensive smarts, and the strength to do so. I’ll continue to say it, Alexander Frolov may have the best puck protection skills behind the goal-line I’ve ever seen. Frolov chose to play in Russia for two seasons instead of opting for the American Hockey League. Frolov joined the Kings in the 2002-2003 season.

LA Kings Debut: Alexander Frolov made his debut for the Los Angeles Kings in 2002, making the team out of training camp. In his seventh game, Frolov tallied his first career goal against…who else? The New York Rangers. Frolov immediately made an impact on struggling Kings rosters recording 31 points in his rookie season, and eclipsing that total in 2003-2004 with 48 points before the 2004-2005 NHL lockout sent him to CSKA Moscow to join them in the regular season and Dynamo Moscow for a short playoff stint.

2004-2009: Frolov came out with a vengeance after the lockout, with a 54 point season, again with a struggling Kings roster. His future always looked bright, as he often sparkled surrounded with a roster of average at-best players. He continued to grow into a blossoming NHL star, recording his career high in points with 35 goals and 36 assists. Frolov had stapled himself as a face of a Kings roster that was beginning to look toward a bright future full of young talent. Frolov’s point production went down the next two seasons, as the Kings began to dump veterans for young prospects. It may have not been obvious at the time, but Frolov didn’t seem to mesh well with the incoming core of young players. Frolov began to show signs of his nonchalant play that slowly began to turn heads. Heading into the 2009-2010 season, Frolov was playing for his contract. A one year option was up in the air with the Kings front office as well as his value to other teams if he was granted Unrestricted Free Agency.

2009-2010: You’d expect a strong season from Frolov, especially in a contract season coupled with the talent around him. Talk about playing under expectations, Frolov continued his trend of disappointing from seasons before. Lackluster effort may have been the biggest problem with the fan-base. With the organization? Terry Murray felt the need to bench Frolov out of frustration with his play, and Kings GM Dean Lombardi expressed a lack of communication between him and the Russian winger. The relationship between the team and Alexander was falling apart, even amidst a playoff season. Frolov showed signs of life in the second half with a couple of 4-game point streaks, even carrying the offense at times. However, he wasn’t consistent. That’s what you need if you’re going to be pay 4 million a season. The season ended in the 1st round of the playoffs and so did Alexander Frolov as an LA King. To have a gut feeling a player is gone before it actually it happens is not a good sign. It was clearly time to move on for this player and this organization. I wish the best of luck to Alexander Frolov with the New York Rangers, as well as hoping the signing of Alexei Ponikarovsky is a solid substitute. What do you think?

The push for Ilya Kovalchuk to become an LA King officially came to an end today. Kovalchuk reportedly agreed to terms with the New Jersey Devils, with an official announcement to come tomorrow afternoon at the Prudential Center. Fans held their breath for almost three weeks in hopes of acquiring the most coveted free agent on the market. Up until the first day of free agency, the Kings were considered the front-runner to sign the 27 year old Russian. However, Dean Lombardi and the front office never seemed to offer a contract to Kovalchuk’s satisfaction. Multiple times the Kings cut talks with the winger, and multiple times they were back in the hunt, even hosting Kovalchuk last week for negotiations in Los Angeles. In the end, Lombardi clearly wasn’t ready to commit the money or years Kovalchuk demanded. And why not? There’s a young core to build for the Kings, and that should be top priority. The Kings still need a top-caliber forward, and there’s no question that vacant space will be filled via free agency or a trade before the season starts. Below I’ll break down the possible free-agent options the Kings have to acquire the missing piece in their offense:

Frolov now an option? Before I start with the attractive free agents still on the market, and possible trade bait, Alexander Frolov suddenly becomes an interesting topic. Coming off of an average year, with a few bumps along the way, many feel he and the Kings are parting ways. However, does Kovalchuk’s decision to sign with New Jersey put Frolov back in the picture for the Kings? Maybe. Maybe not. His lackluster effort has been his biggest downfall, but have we taken his point production for granted? Terry Murray made a point in sitting him last season, stressing his need to follow the “system”. Frolov was mum on responses to his benching, but came back solid. You can expect 50 points from the winger, averaging near 20 goals and 30 assist a year. Bottom line: The KHL is appealing to Frolov, which would offer more money, a lengthier contract, and provide an opportunity to play in his home country.

Free Agents that could fit:

Alexei Ponikarovsky: Ponikarovsky, at 30 years old, is coming off of a pretty productive season. Dealt to the Penguins at the trade-deadline from Toronto, Ponikarovsky never really meshed well with his new team. He had a career high 61 points in 2009, and recorded a combined total of 50 points with Toronto and Pittsburgh last season. At 30 years old, a lengthy contract may be desired, which may scare Lombardi away. Ponikarovsky is a great fit to a 2nd or 3rd line, and has a very impressive two-sided game, recording 18 takeaways, 43 blocked shots and 146 hits.

Sean Bergenheim: I like the guy. I see this as low risk, high reward. Bergenheim, only 26 years old out of Finland, is coming off of his third NHL season. Bergenheim, another winger who plays well on both ends of the ice, would be a great fit for the young roster we have. Many won’t find Bergenheim enticing, as he won’t provide instant star power, but his upside is very pleasing. In his three seasons, Bergenheim has hit the 20 point mark, and recorded 10 goals each year. A big plus, much like Ponikarovsky, are his stats in his own zone. Last year Bergenheim recorded 57 takeaways, 37 blocked shots, and 127 hits.

Ruslan Fedotenko: Yet another UFA winger out of the Ukraine from the Penguins. Fedotenko is about the same player you’re going to get out of Ponikarovsky. Physical, solid two-way game, and good for about 30 points. Fedotenko’s -17 rating is a bit scary. Quite frankly, there’s not too much to be excited about with Fedotenko, except being one of the best available UFA wingers still on the market.

As for Restricted Free Agents, there are a few on the board, but the problem is acquiring them. The Nashville Predators have yet to agree on terms with Patric Hornqvist, who would be a great fit. Young in age, and coming off of a 51 point season. Steve Downie, who’s rights belong to Tampa Bay, would also be a spectacular fit. Also 23 years old, and coming off of a 46 point season, I’m surprised Tampa Bay has yet to agree on a contract. I’m only throwing a couple of RFA’s out there, because I could list them all day long. The big factor is the team who owns their rights. They hold the key, and players such as Downie and Hornqvist demand higher pay than their current club, and often times, draft picks as well.

Trade possibilities? Free agents may not be the option for Dean Lombardi and the front office. In fact, the possibility of acquiring a winger via trade could very well be a better deal. I want to hear your thoughts on possible trades. Who do you have your eyes on? Who would you be willing to give up? Any other free agents catch your eye? The page turns on Ilya Kovalchuk, let’s get chatting on new options.

The Los Angeles Kings have been active in the front office the past couple of days, re-signing five players. Are they the moves fans have been hopefully anticipating? No, but building a solid roster does not entail glamorous front office activity. What Dean Lombardi and Co. have done is extended the progress of young talent in the Kings system for one more year. More importantly, the Kings agreed to terms with RW Brad Richardson before taking the the route of arbitration to court. Below I’ll break down Richardson’s deal, and the four RFA’s who were recently granted new contracts:

Richardson Signed: On Saturday, the Kings announced the re-signing of Brad Richardson to a one-year deal, paying the right winger $900,000. Not a surprising move here, and I never expected the Kings to take this to court. In two seasons with the Kings, Richardson has recorded 11 goals and 27 assists. His first season was marred by a foot injury. However, Richardson proved to be a key player last season, contributing by finishing offensively and creating chances for others with his hard work low in the zone. You’re not going to find a better 2nd/3rd line winger who can grind to create opportunities like Richardson.

Reports have shown that the Kings recently signed Trevor Lewis, Rich Clune, Corey Elkins, and Marc – Andre Cliche to one year deals. In no position to negotiate a lucrative deal, each player is said to have taken Lombardi’s initial offer.

Trevor Lewis, the 2006 1st round Entry Draft selection, has the clock ticking on his development in the Kings organization. Lewis missed the majority of the season last year with Manchester with an upper body injury. However, his comeback was strong, and may have been the clincher for the Kings in holding on to him for one more season. Lewis had a solid post-season for the Monarchs, and needs to continue to build on that in training camp.

Rich Clune provided some energy and intensity to the Kings roster for 14 games last season. Clune recorded a measly two points, but scoring isn’t his role. He quickly made his presence as an enforcer, and his quick uprise with the big club last year made it no surprise to me that the Kings allowed Raitis Ivanans to walk, especially with Kevin Westgarth developing as well. I’d bet on Clune making the team out of training camp as a 3rd/4th line enforcer. Westgarth is clearly his biggest competition.

Corey Elkins is the oldest of the RFA’s, but showed plenty of promise last year with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. In his first year of professional hockey, Elkins recorded 21 goals and 22 assists. His post-season performance was impressive as well, tallying 8 goals in 14 games. His opportunity of making the Kings out of training camp is up in the air, although I fully expect Elkins to start the season in Manchester to continue to develop in only his second year of professional hockey.

Marc – Andre Cliche, the Alternate Captain for the Manchester Monarchs last season, has yet to separate himself from the rest of the talent in the AHL. I don’t expect Cliche to start the season in Los Angeles, but wouldn’t be surprised to see a lengthier NHL appearance (one game) than last season, to truly test his stature as a centerman.

If you ask the majority of Kings fans how their off-season is going, don’t expect a pleasant response. But, were we expecting too much? As some say, were our eyes bigger than our stomachs? (Not literally, of course). In no way am I saying the Kings are staying mum for the remainder of the season transaction-wise, but a lot of expectations have been built up for Dean Lombardi to make some big moves early, and he has failed to do so. The Kings were labeled as buyers, and certain ones at that, when it came to the free agent market and the off-season in general. Many fans are griping, and they have reason to. However, that doesn’t mean I agree. Below, I’ll be breaking down the market that has eluded Dean Lombardi, what could still happen, and other off-season headlines:

Chuck any thoughts of Ilya: Consider the Kings attempt at signing free-agent left-winger Ilya Kovalchuk all but over with. Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider quoted Dean Lombardi responding to a question about Kovalchuk’s “choices”. “We are not a choice.”, said Lombardi. Many are upset, not I. Never did I have a comfortable feeling in regards to Kovalchuk joining the Kings roster. Yes, we need a talented winger, but Kovalchuk never felt like the right addition to me. I’ll admit, Russian free-agents scare me. Don’t pull the discrimination card. Did Kovalchuk seem like an odd-ball in a locker room full of youngsters and solid, seasoned veterans such as Ryan Smyth, Rob Scuderi, and Dustin Brown? I pictured it….not working. But what do I know? Honestly. I just hope Kovalchuk works out better for the Isles than Alexei Yashin. But not really. Deano, can’t blame you for staying idle on this one.

Richardson getting Richer?: It was reported yesterday courtesy of Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider that Brad Richardson has filed for arbitration. And the man deserves to get paid. Arguably the hardest working player on the roster, Richardson earned a salary of $587,500 last season. He won’t rack up astounding points, but his effort makes up for it. A right-winger who develops offensive-zone possession with his ruthless work in the corners, I’d be surprised to see the Kings take this to court. Richardson deserves the raise, and with the Kings quiet in the market, expect them to reach an agreement.

Gagne? I say, NO WAY: The Kovalchuk talk is dead, and now reports have been popping up regarding Kings interest in Philadelphia’s Simon Gagne. Yeah right. Maybe four years ago, like Keith mentioned. Not worth it. Rumors show Philadelphia is interested in either Jonathan Quick or Jonathan Bernier along with winger Wayne Simmonds. It’s really simple to me. Gagne costs too much to take the risk with the young core we have. Lombardi is smarter than to break up the young offensive group we have to acquire an 11-year NHL veteran who is on the down-slide. If we’re talking about acquiring a defenseman, different story. With the exit of Sean O’Donnell, the Kings don’t necessarily need a top-four defenseman, but a smart, proven veteran.

Final Thoughts: I’m happy with a quiet off-season. Give this young roster another year to mature together. Lombardi had, and still has, the opportunity to make moves. I’d like to see the Kings acquire a veteran defenseman, but I won’t push for a trade for an elite forward. I have confidence in the growth of the team we have. What are your thoughts? Trade possibilities? Any remaining fee agents you’d like to acquire?

The Los Angeles Kings have been touted as the front-runner for free agent left-winger Ilya Kovalchuck throughout the off-season. We’re two days into the NHL free-agent market, and little to no progress has been reported as far as negotiations go between Dean Lombardi and the 27 year-old Russian. Rich Hammond, of the LA Kings Insider, was declined of comment from Lombardi regarding the push to sign Ilya Kovalchuk on July 1st. Lombardi, however, released a statement through Mr. Hammond earlier today, citing: “We have been, and continue to, work, on a number of different scenarios. We do not anticipate any resolution tonight. if something changes, we will let you know.” If you’re looking for optimism Kovalchuk-wise, this won’t satisfy your fix. In what was a quick turnaround, and quite a surprise, the New York Islanders have been reported to be finalizing a deal that would make Kovalchuk an Islander for 10 years, at 10 million each season. With plenty of cap space available, the Islanders can afford to make this addition. What makes Kovalchuk to the Islanders even more attractive is the organization’s push for a new arena. With 2009 NHL Entry Draft 1st Overall selection John Tavares already on board, this could be a huge shot in the arm for an Islanders franchise that has been struggling for decades. Helene Elliott of the LA Times heard firsthand: “A source who is familiar with the situation but isn’t authorized to speak about it publicly said the New York Islanders were offering Kovalchuk $10 million a year for 10 years to become the centerpiece of their team and their campaign for a new arena. The source said the Islanders, who are about $9 million beneath the cap floor, were close to finalizing a deal with Kovalchuk.” The Kings have one huge advantage: Their future. For New York, it’s too early to tell, even for John Tavares. With a solid, young core continuing to grow in Los Angeles, the future is bright. There’s no telling what Lomardi will do, or has done. Go under, match, or exceed New York’s offer. Whatever happens, it will be a combination of Kovalchuk’s character and determination, and Lombardi’s game-plan now that the pressure is on. Remember Alexei Yashin?

The Los Angeles Kings added five players to their organization this weekend at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Playing as hosts to the other respective 29 teams in the NHL at Staples Center, Dean Lombardi and his peers in the front office made sure to be active, racking up four trades to move ahead in order to snag three of their five prospects. The NHL draft is a bit different from those of other professional sports leagues, where immediate impact of the player drafted is seen quite often. With the majority of the draftees continuing their careers at the collegiate level, or on the junior hockey stage, it is very difficult to predict the outcome of the selections. Teams rarely base their picks based on position, since growth and maturity to the NHL is such a long, difficult process. The best player on the board will be taken, especially past the first round. The Kings have the money to spend on a premiere left winger during the off-season, so building the defense with use of their first pick in Derek Forbort (Right) was a very sensible selection. Below I’ll have notes on Derek Forbort and the other four draft selections for the Los Angeles Kings in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Dean Dealing: Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi was active in the trade market this weekend, making four trades. Three of the deals allowed the Kings to move up on the board in order to make selections. Another trade gained a third round selection for the Kings in the 2012 Entry Draft. Here’s a quick run-down on the transactions:
*Kings trade 19th and 59th overall picks to Florida for 15th overall pick
*Kings trade 49th and 109th overall picks to Colorado for 47th overall pick
*Kings trade 79th overall pick to Toronto for a third-round selection in 2012 NHL Entry Draft
*Kings trade 169th and 199th overall picks to Atlanta for 148th overall pick

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Derek Forbort – 1st Round, 15th Overall
United States Development Team
Defense – 6’5″ 198
The Kings already have a young core of defensemen. Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson are thriving and developing into premiere players with the help of the veteran presence with the big club. Forbort is only 18 years old, but there is no reason to rush his progress. With 2007 1st round selection Thomas Hickey still developing in Manchester with the Monarchs, both players won’t be ready for the stage in Los Angeles until Johnson and Doughty become young veterans. The upside of the defense outlook for the Kings future is sky high. Not to mention, Forbort will be attending North Dakota to play for the Fighting Sioux, Matt Greene‘s alma mater. I’d expect a lot of dialogue and advice coming from Greene, which is spectacular for Forbort’s experience at North Dakota. I love the pick, and so does The Hockey News, who tweeted the following: “L.A. trades 19th, 59th picks to FLA for 15th, take D-man D. Forbort. Kings could have league’s best blueline in 5 years.” What can’t you not like about this selection?
Grade: A
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Tyler Toffoli – 2nd Round, 47th Overall
Ottawa 67′s of the Ontario Hockey League
Center – 6’0″ 178
The Kings acquired Toffoli by jumping up on the board. LA’s 49th and 109th overall selections were traded for Colorado’s 47th pick. Coming off of his second season with the Ottawa 67‘s, Toffoli recorded 79 points with 37 goals and 42 assists. Not a big player, but is said to make up for it with his effort. A two way offensive threat with a quick release and superb accuracy, Toffoli knows how to read the ice and has showed his ability to create and finish plays.
Grade: B-
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Jordan Weal – 2nd Round, 70th Overall
Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League
Center – 5’10″ 162
Weal is the only player the Kings didn’t make a move up on the board to acquire. Coming off of his second season with the Regina Pats, Weal recorded 102 points with 35 goals and 67 assists. Touted by scouts as a player who “beats the odds” with his small stature, Weal led the Pats in points as their smallest player. His playing style is compared to that of Jason Blake, with his great movement in the offensive zone and the ability to finish plays with flare. Another small center taken, but has showed his ability to make that a non-issue.
Grade: B
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Kevin Gravel – 5th Round, 148th Overall
Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League
Defense
6’4″ 185
An 18 year old defenseman with a season in the NAHL and USHL respectively, Gravel is a stay-at-home defenseman but also has shown glimpses of offensive ability. There’s no question he needs plenty of work, growth, and experience. His name probably won’t pop up with Kings fans for a few years to come. Gravel is said to be great with his stick in the defensive zone, along with his quick foot movement and quick instinct with the puck.
Grade: B-
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Maxim Kitsyn – 6th Round, 158th Overall
Metallurg Novokuznetsk of the Kontinental Hockey League
Left Wing
6’2″ 194
The Kings traded their 169th and 199th picks to the Atlanta Thrashers to move up to 148 and snag Kitsyn from the board. At 19 years old with two years of experience in the KHL, Kitsyn and his agent are in the works of backing out of the remaining three years of his current contract with Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Kitsyn hopes to play major junior hockey next season. Ranked 6th overall among European skaters, Kitsyn’s fall in the draft was due to his rough season in the KHL. Out for two months with an injury, Kitsyn only recorded one goal and one assist in 21 games.
Grade: C

Take a quick look to the left of the screen; If you can bear to. It was that close. That close. But what good would harping on Roberto Luongo‘s last-ditch effort to stop a re-directed shot from the point do? Hard not to, but not necessary; as we saw a very impressive Kings performance. What a great opportunity to steal a game. Today, I don’t find myself quite as upset as I thought I would with a game 1 loss. Truth is, there were many good things to come from the Kings last night. From Jonathan Quick‘s spectacular play, to sound coaching from Terry Murray, you’ve got to believe they can rebound from a tough loss. Below I’ll share a few thoughts on where the Kings stand going into Game 2:

On Jonathan Quick:
The goaltender situation had me worried going into the playoffs. Jonathan Quick looked shaky, flat, fatigued. We had an under-played backup in Erik Ersberg, and thoughts of the playoff goalie shuffle ran through my head. Well, look who showed up last night. Jonathan Quick stood on his head. 41 saves, and cutting off a 1st period Vancouver ambush kept the Kings in the game. Quick will last the entire series, and will be a deciding factor in the result.

On Ryan Smyth:
The Vancouver defense had Smyth on target all night. Playing to keep him away from the front of the net, they took it to him physically. Smyth got handled in the corners all night long, but that’s not his game. If someone on this team wants the Cup, it’s Ryan Smyth. His passion showed in the hits he took last night.

On Who Stood Out:
Randy Jones saw plenty of ice time last night, and played well. He continued to move his feet with the puck, didn’t cough up the puck very often, and played the body. Michal Handzus had an outstanding game. He seemed to be in the vicinity of the puck all night. Leading the Kings in shots, and almost burying a game-winner in overtime, Handzus continues to be reliable. Fredrik Modin didn’t shy away from shooting the puck, and scored a goal in his trademark spot; in front of the net.

On Who Didn’t:
Anze Kopitar was surrounded all night. Vancouver’s defense did an impressive job containing Kopitar, rarely giving him much room with or without the puck. Justin Williams hasn’t looked great since his return from the injury, and failed to contruct any chances on the 1st line. Drew Doughty didn’t disappoint, but may have lost his head a bit. The intensity was good to see, but can’t cross the line to grant a power-play to Vancouver.

On Terry Murray:
Terry Murray coached a solid game last night. He didn’t so much concentrate on the match-ups as he made sure the entire dressed roster got their legs into the game. As much as I was pleased with this, I’m afraid he may hold back in Game 2. A few changes could be made in his strategy now that the Kings are down a game.

The Kings entered today’s regular season finale in Colorado with nothing more to do than ensure positive vibes heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mission accomplished. With their 2-1 Overtime victory, the Kings await the start of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Vancouver Canucks, coming off of an all-around solid performance. Backup goaltender Erik Ersberg got the call in the finale and impressed. With 31 saves, Ersberg may have strengthened head coach Terry Murray and the rest of the organization’s confidence in him entering the postseason. A solid defensive showing held the Avalanche to only one goal, while a poised offense tied the game late; And carried that momentum to clinch the victory in overtime. Below are my notes on today’s regular season finale:

Notes on the game:
– Let me reiterate on Erik Ersberg‘s strong performance. Quite comforting, especially with starting goaltender Jonathan Quick looking shaky in his recent starts. Look for Terry Murray to trust Ersberg if Quick struggles early in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
– As for Colorado’s only goal, you could argue a whistle should have been blown to stop play. Ryan Stoa shot from the top of the right circle and was able to crash the net to bury his own rebound. Can’t really blame Ersberg on this one.
– Another third period comeback results in another victory. This offense has consistently showed the ability to utilize poise and patience facing late-game deficits. Matt Greene‘s decision to put the puck on net was perfect. Jarret Stoll, parked in front of the net, was able to deflect the shot to beat goaltender Craig Anderson to tie the game with only 4:32 remaining.
– The Kings beat Craig Anderson in overtime as Dustin Brown, with great positioning, was able to score on a close-range rebound off of a Drew Doughty shot. The Kings continue to show their force in front of the net, capitalizing on outside shots.
– The Kings (6) will face the Vancouver Canucks (3) in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Keep posted here at Kingscast for a series preview.

For those who have said a first round match-up between these two teams would be boring, you’re wrong. Both teams played well on each end of the ice, maintaining a fast pace and playoff-like atmosphere. The Phoenix Coyotes have certainly proved their surprising 4th place season with consistently solid play here at the end of the season. With 1 point earned in the shootout loss, the Kings bumped themselves up to 5th place in the Western Conference with 98 points. If the regular season were to end today, the Los Angeles Kings would face-off against the Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Former Kings goaltender Jason LaBarbera had a solid outing with 22 saves, and Jonathan Quick looked sharp in net stopping 25 Phoenix shots. Two young defensemen stepped up for the Kings tonight; literally. More on those d-men below along with my notes on the game:

Notes on the game:
– Both Kings goals came via aggressive offensive defensemen tonight. First, with Drew Doughty‘s spectacular split of two Phoenix defensemen who walked in alone on Jason LaBarbera and beat him to the far side. Note, Doughty risked the rush knowing Justin Williams was back on the play to cover. Williams fed Anze Kopitar up the sideboards, who saw the streaking Doughty, and led him perfectly to eventually score the 1st Kings goal.
– As for Jack Johnson‘s goal, it was almost impressive. Johnson caused the turnover, and finished the transition of that turnover with a goal. After winning the battle with two Phoenix defensemen, Johnson cleared the puck to an open Ryan Smyth in the neutral zone. Johnson caught up to the play, went straight to the net after reading Smyth’s fake shot, and capitalized on Smyth’s pass with a goal.
– Phoenix’s two regulation goals came off of face-off wins. First with Wojtek Wolski winning the puck in the corner, and feeding an open Matthew Lombardi who beat Quick from close range. The second goal came off a point-shot off of another face-off. Zbynek Michalek‘s point shot was deflected by Taylor Pyatt and beat Jonathan Quick with just under 6 minutes remaining.

In what was a stunning comeback victory on the road, the Kings showed their poise and perseverance fighting back from a couple of three goal deficits to earn a shootout victory. Moments prior to Anze Kopitar‘s back-handed drag shootout winner, the Anaheim Ducks were officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Colorado Avalanche buried any of Anaheim’s hopes by clinching a spot of their own with a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. You’ve got to be impressed with the capability of this young roster to rebound being three goals down to earn a victory. Jonathan Quick‘s play? Not so impressive. Quick has shown signs of fatigue, and just hasn’t been nearly as sharp as he was earlier in the season. More thoughts on the goaltender below. With tonight’s victory, the Kings bump up to the 6th seed in the Western Conference. With 97 points, the Kings are only one point behind the 5th seed Nashville Predators, and have a game in hand. It’s safe to say Los Angeles is safe from falling to the 8th seed, as the final push could very well have the 5th, 6th, and 7th seeds jumble around quite a bit. Below are my notes on tonight’s game, as well as video of Anze Kopitar’s highlight reel shootout winner on Ducks goaltender Curtis McElhinney:

– It’s quite obvious to say Jonathan Quick has looked flat in net for a while now. If there’s one thing contributing to this, it’s fatigue. I’ve stressed this all season long now, and we’re seeing the results. Another possibility? Jonathan Bernier‘s footsteps. I am a believer that Quick may have a little more pressure on his shoulders now that Bernier has impressed the big club. Quick now not only has to perform well as the playoffs rapidly approach, but has a statement to make for training camp next season. This is your fault, Terry Murray.
– Even with Quick’s sub-par play, Anaheim earned most of their goals. Bobby Ryan showed great puck control and patience on a 1st period power-play to find a wide-open Jason Blake who opened the scoring.
– As for Anaheim’s second goal, Teemu Selanne simply beat Sean O’Donnell. Anaheim’s third tally came thanks to a flat-footed Randy Jones, who fumbled the puck behind the Kings net. Bobby Ryan jumped on the puck, and ended Jonathan Quick‘s night.
– If the comeback wasn’t impressive enough, the Kings showed strong effort and skill on all four regulation goals. Starting with Dustin Brown, who muscled his way to the net and recovered his own rebound to put the Kings on the board. Alexander Frolov used his strength to get to the front of the net as well, burying a rebound courtesy of Dustin Brown.
– You say comeback, I say Justin Williams. Wow. If there was one player to fuel the the third period for the Kings, it was Williams. Scoring the Kings third goal, Williams moved cross-ice as he entered the slot, turned toward the net, and held on to the puck to beat a helpless Curtis McElhinney. Williams was also the key to Michal Handzus‘ game-tying goal. Entering the zone with the puck on the side-boards, Williams fed a streaking Handzus who received the pass in the slot and scored thereafter.
– As for Anze Kopitar‘s game-winner. Man, oh man. We’ve seen it many times before, but it never gets old. Check it out below.