.

Find a way to wrap your head around it.

Find a way to embrace it.

The Kings are just one victory from representing the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.

It’s been no fluke, it’s been everything that good hockey represents, and it’s coming straight out of Los Angeles. The Kings have already burned through two of the top three teams in the NHL, and are well en rout to knocking off another. If the Kings do finish off the Phoenix Coyotes, they will be the first ever club to beat a #1,#2, and #3 seed in one playoff year.

Do I guarantee a win on Sunday? Absolutely not.

Do I expect a win on Sunday? Absolutely yes.

Expectations labeled this team at the beginning of the season, and they faltered in the eyes of many. Those expectations have been regained, but only because of raw performance – not offseason acquisitions. It’s different now, it’s about beholding this team in their truest form – their best form.

That’s difficult to do with a team that has let you down with so many glimmers of hope throughout the year, only to fall back to disappointment. That’s clearly over, they’ve kicked down the wall that was stumping their progress, and have restructured NHL history while doing so.

For the Cup, it’s hands up

Nails in the Coffin: The Phoenix Coyotes are dragging to Staples Center Sunday, running on few hopes and an empty tank. The Kings have just about run Mike Smith to the ground, albeit his team hasn’t helped him very much. The Kings have averaged just over 38 shots on Smith each game this series, and they’re shutting down any room for error by shunning Phoenix from any offensive success. Beat Smith while he’s down, shots early.

Doan and out: When you’re a team in a situation like Phoenix, you may lean toward leadership right now. That’s something they’ve been missing from their Captain Shane Doan. His on-ice performance has been abysmal in itself, totaling four shots, one point, and a minus-three rating. As for his performance as a whole, Doan’s 19 penalty minutes, which come with a touch of unclassy, make it not too shy of embarrassing. That’s purely on the Kings, and give him no breathing room tomorrow. Down and out, continue to put him out.

Responding: The Phoenix Coyotes led the Kings in goals for a moment Thursday night, the only time they’ve upped the Kings on the scoreboard the entire series. That lasted 2:07, as Anze Kopitar would knot things up with a breakaway beauty. That’s what’s making the Kings so dominant, constant and consistent response. They’re shutting down any chance for the Coyotes to build momentum, any type of chemistry, any groove. This has been the big factor for the Kings throughout the postseason. They’ve allowed opposition to score two consecutive goals once in 12 games, you don’t beat that. And, it’s important for it to continue.

Sun’s up

Big day: It’s another 12:00PM start at Staples Center, another thing that should no longer effect the game’s outlook. The Kings threw their ugly history for playing home afternoon contests to the side against the St. Louis Blues, pulling out the brooms in their 3-1 series clincher just 13 days ago. You factor the Kings current state in all aspects, and a start-time is about as worrisome as Raffi Torres‘ presence – none.

Road life: Not to mention, Darryl Sutter is pulling the same trick again – a genius one at that. The Kings will be sleeping next to Staples Center tomorrow at a hotel, going old-school with the ‘road at home’ feel. You think about how they’ve maintained such level, focused heads, and this tactic has to be quite a reason for how well Darryl Sutter has coached this club. Plus, I think 172 other events are being held or based near L.A. Live, so no travel issues.

Embellishing disgust

Final Notes

– Martin Hanzal will return after serving his one-game suspension. This gives Phoenix their 1st-line centerman back.

– The Kings failed to score on the powerplay in Game 3, but held Phoenix blank yet again on the man-advantage. The Kings have been so good in 5-on-5 play, holding the Phoenix powerplay is more important than scoring on it.

– Watch Anze Kopitar‘s Game 2 goal again, and watch Dustin Brown‘s assist. Beyond spectacular.

– The Coyotes will undoubtedly come with their best effort in Game 4, but they’re extremely fragile right now. Another fast start is crucial, and quite frankly – it’s the queue to the end of Phoenix’s season.

– Keep in line with the strategy and mindset used throughout the postseason. I’m not smart enough to fully analyze it, no one is. It’s damn near perfect.

And because

LAK-PHX GAME 3 RECAP in Episode 161 HERE
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The Kings have pulled the same postseason story in their desert duo, the script that’s been haunting the NHL‘s best clubs – and their buildings.

With a crystal-perfect 4-0 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Tuesday night, the Kings haven’t just swiped home-ice advantage from their counterpart, they’ve sucked the life right out of them.

It’s home-bound for Staples Center with a commanding 2-0 series lead.

The Kings aren’t just beating teams, they’re stealing their heads. Not one team has been able to make successful adjustments and/or play level-minded against them. The Phoenix Coyotes boiled over in frustration to a point which saw them rely on cheap tactics, classless moves that saw them lose their Captain Shane Doan and their 1st-line center Martin Hanzal – Hanzal will sit for Game 3 as well.

It’s gotten so bad for the Coyotes, NBC broadcasters were praising Phoenix for staying out of their own zone…sometimes. At this point, the Kings were out-shooting the Coyotes 7-1.

I’m in Phoenix, trick.

- Game 2 Looks -

Carter’s catering: Look who decided to show up. Jeff Carter has been a much better player this series, he’s had a strong presence – even if he has botched a few golden scoring chances. At least he’s been there, and that’s the difference. Being “there” will deem you success, and that came for Carter in the form of three goals – your natural hat trick. Beautiful.

Carter was impressive in Game 2 before he even began to bury goals. Carter improves this team in more ways than stats will show, so his presence early in the game fed into his goal-scoring quite fittingly. They’ll come if you’re there, good to have #77 back on board.

Taking shots: After rifling a season-high 48 shots on Mike Smith in Game 1, the Kings came back with another flurry with 40 on Phoenix’s frustrated goaltender. This, against a notoriously stingy Phoenix defense – which also gets praise for it’s shot-blocking ability. Not only are the Kings unloading a high number of shots, they’re smart shots. This means shooting for rebounds, and the Kings haven’t been scoring too many pretty goals lately. Garbage is gold.

Quick-out: Jonathan Quick was stellar yet again, stopping all 24 Phoenix Coyotes shots to record his second shutout of the postseason. If there’s one factor that’s underlooked with this Kings team, it’s the importance of being confident in the goalie you’re playing in front of. That loosens things up, makes it easier to play. How much more confidence could you possibly have in this guy right now. Unfathomable.

Going for a Strollsy

- Game 3 Looks -

Suspendo: Out of the three Coyotes’ players to pull gutless moves in Game 2, only one has been given supplementary discipline. Martin Hanzal will be out for Game 3 for his hit on Dustin Brown. Hanzal hasn’t been much of a factor in the series, but regardless, when you take Phoenix’s 1st-line center out for a game, it’s something you can queue as a bit to capitalize on.

Power playing: The Kings were standstill with a 4 for 51 success rate on the powerplay this postseason heading into Game 2. That trend shifted a bit, the Kings executing with goals on 2 of 8 man-advantage opportunities Tuesday night. Special teams’ success is a huge bonus in this matchup, and the Kings didn’t just finally solve their powerplay woes, they maintained their dominance on the penalty kill, once again blanking Phoenix. This will be a major storyline throughout the series, starting again tomorrow night.

Letting it ride: There could be more to say, or you could just own up to the uncanny manner in which this team is playing. They’re too hot to touch, so don’t overdo it. Game 3 – bring home another win on Figueroa St.

Trick fix

Fist pump

What?

Did I stutter?

LAK-PHX GAME 1 & 2 RECAP in Episode 160 HERE
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Those Phoenix fans wear white at home for the playoffs.

It must be an effort to add some sort of kick to the building’s atmosphere or something I guess. That’s cute.

Meanwhile, their team got worn out, just got outright beat in every facet of the game by the Kings in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals Sunday night. The Kings showed no signs of letting their 7-day hiatus slow them down. In fact, they came out playing absolutely out of their minds.

Dwight King‘s got the name, don’t call it fame. Give him a sharpie to sign that “whiteout”.

Can’t stop, won’t stop.

Temperatures exceeded 100 degrees in Glendale, but Kopi’s getting nippy

- Game 1 Looks -

They’ve started this third-round tilt on a tear, peppering Mike Smith with a whopping 48 shots, beating him genuinely three times, with many more chances that hinged on a bounce or a break.

The Kings are now 6-0 on the road in the postseason, they’re 9-1 in total, and have just momentarily stolen home-ice from the Western Conference‘s 3rd-seed club. This, after dropping both the #1 and #2 seeds in utterly stunning fashion.

Two big names for the Kings came through again on Sunday, Anze Kopitar starting the Kings’ scoring, potting a back-hand upstairs, while Dustin Brown tallied the game-winning goal on a beautifully-placed shot that handcuffed Mike Smith.

And then there’s Dwight King, who’s become a staple on the Kings’ second line after spending the majority of the season with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. King has shown it in all aspects since his late season call-up. He’s been a menace in all three zones, and has the speed and scoring touch you don’t see too often from guys his size.

He continues his impressive trend by potting two goals Sunday night – beautifully reading a 2-on-1 with Mike Richards to notch the Kings second goal, then sealing the deal with an empty-netter. You talk about a huge late-season addition, you talk Dwight King – very much so for his Rookie counterpart Jordan Nolan. The Granite State’s been great.

Jonathan Quick played very well once again, but didn’t see too much action from the Phoenix offense. Quick stopped 25 of 27 Coyotes’ shots to seal his 9th postseason win. The big story may be his flub on Derek Morris‘ goal from center ice, but if there’s any goalie due for a slip-up, it’s Quick. The factor here, neither Quick or the Kings faltered or surrendered momentum after the lapse.

Hold up now

- Game 2 Looks -

Head Balance: I’ve said it time and time again, and every time the Kings have proven themselves stable enough to feed off of early-series accomplishments. A Game 1 victory gets you nothing but just that, a win. You can only expect the Phoenix Coyotes to come out stronger Tuesday night, and they’re built to do that without surprise.

They’re going to make adjustments, which is something teams have failed at doing so far against the Kings this postseason. You’ve got to remember the goalie which they’re playing against, Mike Smith, and their well-known stingy defense. For the Kings to beat Phoenix’s attempt at making successful adjustments to their game, the Kings should make no adjustments.

You don’t change the way you’re playing right now, because it’s absolute gold.

Not to mention, the Coyotes are well-aware of how the Kings managed their two series’ with the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues, they’ve seen it. The goal here is to not allow them to change the pace the Kings are, and have been riding.

Final Notes

– The Kings have let opponents score two consecutive goals just once during the entire postseason, that being in their only playoff loss – Game 4 of their first-round mosey with the Vancouver Canucks. Responding to goals doesn’t just keep you at pace, it shuts down the opposition. That was huge Sunday night with Phoenix’s two tying tallies, and it will surely be a major factor again Tuesday.

– The powerplay has looked good, but hasn’t put up numbers. Man-advantage scoring is a huge bonus when we’re talking this matchup, the Kings need to spark it. You can’t look for too much, though. The Kings shut down Phoenix’s powerplay last night, and have allowed only three man-advantage goals in the playoffs. The Kings have scored more times on the penalty kill (4 shorthanded goals) than they have allowed (3).

– A quick start is so valuable, a la seen in the Kings’ 1st period frenzy Sunday night – outshooting Phoenix 17-4. Strong starts can certainly set the tone, and that’s been the Kings’ tune for the most part. Don’t give Phoenix any room early.

–  The Kings topped their game-high total for shots on Sunday, this includes the regular season. With 48 shots, that climbs above their previous total of 44 against the Minnesota Wild in December. That’s a good sign, because if you’re going to beat Mike Smith, you need a heavy gauge of shots.

Desert King

Get this guy one ‘o them free t-shirts

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Take a ground-level look at this one, because it ain’t gonna come easy.

This third-round date calls for a club the Kings are all too familiar with. Or are they?

It’s the Phoenix Coyotes tomorrow night to kick-off the Western Conference Finals, and this Pacific Division foe is the only club that stands in the way of the Kings and a Stanley Cup Finals bid. Although the Kings have seen the Coyotes six times this season, these two clubs have changed face since the postseason hit.

If not changed, they’ve both certainly hit a stride no one has seen all year.

It’s a battle of two clubs who have keyed playoff success on phenomenal goaltending, outstanding defense, special teams’ success, and production from depth. You looked at the St. Louis Blues before last series, and you saw most of this. There’s a clear-cut difference when looking at Phoenix, they’re doing it in the postseason.

As for the Kings, they’re doing the same – if not better. It’s difficult to have any doubts about this Kings team right now, especially with the play of Drew Doughty. Play it back now.

Cactus practice

- Season Series -

As is the case with divisional opponents, the Kings met with the Phoenix Coyotes on six occasions during the regular season. The Kings had the upper hand, ending with a 4-1-2 record against Phoenix. Five of the six contests were decided by one goal, the other by just two. Three of the games went into extra time, and Jonathan Quick recorded two shutouts – Mike Smith with one.

Game Notes: Jonathan Quick would record his second consecutive shutout, stopping 28 Coyotes’ shots. Ironically, the one he recorded two nights prior to this game was against the St. Louis Blues. Dustin Brown would score the game-winner, and Kyle Clifford would add the insurance tallying the Kings’ 2nd goal – and it may be up for grabs as the most awesome celebration of the year. Not because it had style, but because they were freaking the f*ck out.

Game Notes: The Kings had won 5 of 6 games coming into this contest, but this would see them kick into a turn where they would lose 5 of the next 6 games. Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards with goals, but Radim Vrbata had two of his own – plus a Daymond Langkow OT clincher. Mike Smith was a wall, stopping 37 of 39 Kings shots.

Game Notes: Rob Scuderi would bury his only goal of the season in this contest, Willie Mitchell would follow suit chipping in with his second of five goals this season. The Kings amassed 35 shots on Mike Smith, Jonathan Quick stopped 26. Raffi Torres netted two goals for Phoenix, but the guy is a complete non-factor right now.

Game Notes: This was your typical match-up with the Coyotes. Boring, low-scoring, and probably on some crappy week-night. However, Drew Doughty ended things on exciting terms with his offensive zone rush goal. Not to be forgotten, Jonathan Quick nabbed his sixth shutout of the season, stopping all 22 Phoenix snips.

Game Notes: Goal-scoring woes shot the Kings in the foot again. Mike Smith stopped all 28 Kings’ shots, and Radim Vrbata snuck the game’s only goal past Jonathan Quick in the 2nd period. This would see the Kings and Coyotes tied for the Western Conference‘s 7th seed at the time.

Game Notes: The final matchup with the Sun Dogs, good habits turned bad, and bad habits turned good. The Kings found three early 1st period goals, but gave it up. This may have been Jonathan Quick‘s weakest game of the season, stopping 25 of 29 Phoenix shots.

- Series Look -

Starting on the same foot: It will have been an entire week since the Kings have played live-hockey come puck-drop Sunday night, ending their series with the Blues last weekend. Downtime is always a tricky variable to balance in the postseason. However, the Kings had six days off after their series win against the Vancouver Canucks, and showed up for Round 2 just fine. All are healthy, a stable mindset has been put in place by Darryl Sutter, the break in action should not cause any setback for this Kings club.

Stacking Bricks: As if Jonathan Quick wasn’t facing a good enough opposing goalie in Brian Elliott, him and the Kings now turn to standout Mike Smith. Smith, who’s regular season stats were stellar, has carried over that performance into the playoffs. Along with his .948 save percentage and 1.77 goals against, Smith has two shutouts to go with his 8-3 record in 11 playoff contests.

Quick ups the ante, though. He’s untouchable with an 8-1 record, chiming in with a .949 save percentage and 1.55 goals against. This is certainly going to be another series where the focus of outcome lays heavily on performances in the crease.

Depth’ll do it

From all faces: Balanced scoring from a roster is one of the most valuable commodities to have in postseason play. In fact, that may be the reason these two teams are surprising the NHL – output coming from defensemen and 3rd and 4th lines. Both the Kings and Coyotes have received wealthy contributions from their back-end players.

To really feed into how crucial it is, Justin Williams puts it best when addressing the importance of the 3rd and 4th lines in a postseason matchup:

“Sometimes the first couple lines offset each other, and it’s the so-called unsung heroes who get the stuff done.” – LA Kings Insider

And that’s exactly been what’s happening for both of these clubs. In nine postseason games, the Kings have had goals from 15 different players – how magical is that. 11 of those are forwards, the other four players are defensemen. It’s coming from both ends, ain’t it sweet.

Phoenix on the other hand, has seen 13 different players score. However, they’ve played two more playoff games than the Kings. They’ve struck gold with 10 forwards, and three defensemen.

Out of the box

Special opportunity: Surprisingly, the Kings have scored just as many short-handed goals (4), as powerplay goals. But really, you can’t count on short-handed scoring, keying in on man-advantage opportunity and maintaining solid defense on the penalty kill is the ultimate factor in executing and shutting down on crucial moments.

The Kings started the playoffs with three power-play goals in their first two games. Since then, they’ve scored just one in 35 chances through seven games. That may not be doing it the fancy way, because they’ve been doing it the defensive way. The Kings have allowed just three goals in 38 instances when they’ve been a man-down.

The Coyotes have been quite impressive as well, scoring on five of 33 power-play opportunities, and allowing 3 goals on 38 instances when shorthanded. These teams are so closely matched in all aspects, all you can really focus on is the Kings continuing to play aggressive in special teams situations, while staying loose and relaxed. Trying to do too much is what often kills you.

For the Kings, maintaining pressure in the neutral zone on the penalty-kill, while continuing to enter offensive territory on the power-play, will be their shot in the arm. Because when it’s a match-up this close and this familiar, finding success in the special teams department can go a very long way.

Chalk up some W’s for Foxy, deal with NBC’s horrid broadcasting

And he’s waiting

Right now you can feel it, back then you could hear it

Fourth-line production, and don’t let those faces fool you. It’ll be just as important, and just as exciting for this group to continue to roll on all ends.

Plus, if a Kevin Westgarth – Kyle Clifford connection can’t heed good luck, I don’t know what will.

No series prediction here – and that’s been working quite well.

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I took Sunday afternoon to let it settle, let it sink in.

Took some time away from the typewriter; a moment of silence if you will.

I will be the first to admit my following of the Kings compares little in length to many of the faithful who watched yesterday’s beautiful happening at Staples Center. However, the glory which blossomed in the waning seconds yesterday hits us all the same.

It takes the breath right out of you, sets you idle for a moment.

And what better way for it to end than from yet another connection between the Kings’ two longest current tenured forwards, two staples of the franchise. There is none.

Like it was scripted or something.

Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar have been through some dark, difficult years with this franchise. The Kings are the only NHL team these two players know, both starting their careers in Los Angeles. They’ve grown together, they’ve struggled together, and through time, that’s a hell of a resume to build with one another. Because, when the time comes to capitalize on those turbulent experiences, it’s just that much sweeter.

An empty-net goal is something the hockey world sees regularly. It’s a simple task really, if you are provided the opportunity. However, this one was different. It came from two names that resemble this franchise to the fullest, and cemented history this team has seen just once before, and that was 19 years ago.

This one had substance.

You may not be able to comprehend it, but you can surely feel it.

–  This sends the Kings to the third-round of the NHL postseason for just the second time in franchise history. The only other season in which the Kings advanced this far was during the 1992-1993 campaign, in which they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.

–  The Kings have never before swept a playoff series, a best-of-seven series that is. They accomplished that feat Sunday.

–  No other 8th-seeded NHL team has eliminated the #1 and #2 seeds in the same playoff year. Again, the Kings made history – and this one shook the league as a whole, not just the Kings’ record books.

–  The only two other times the Kings saw the St. Louis Blues in the postseason, 1969 and 1998, the Blues swept the Kings in both meetings. Oh, how the tables can turn.

–  You talk about the season, and you talk about overcoming struggle. The Kings trailed the Blues just one time during the entire series. That was the in the 1st period of Game 1. The Kings would strike back, and they would never look back.

If there’s a theme to be had for this playoff run, that fits the bill perfectly.

Kopitar to Brown…

Kings win.

And, ain’t it a thing of beauty.

LAK-STL GAME 4 RECAP in Episode 159 HERE
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Don’t call it a matinee, but a clean-up day.

Swip-swipe, sweep ‘em up.

The Kings are just one win from pulling out the brooms on the St. Louis Blues, just one win from sweeping the Western Conference‘s #2 seed in dirty fashion. With Thursday night’s 4-2 victory at Staples Center, the Kings are up 3-0 on a seriously deadbeat St. Louis club. The Blues’ only lifeline in the series thus far has been showing up, something the Kings have had trouble with in playing while the sun’s up.

They’ve had a brutal resume in recent history when it comes to playing in LA’s daylight. The Kings hosted four afternoon dates at Staples Center this season, rocking a horrendous 0-3-1 record – in some of their ugliest outings of the year.

If this postseason has showed you anything, though, it’s to take very little from regular season results. Results? Well, as the very last seed to make it into the postseason, the Kings have already knocked out the #1 team, and are on the cusp of eliminating #2.

Eight’s been great – whether we’re talking standings or Drew Doughty.

Sneaking in – then going in

Dent in the Crease: The Kings beat Blues goaltender Brian Elliott outright Thursday night, probably the first time you can say that this series. The prior two contests, Elliott was hung out to dry by a shell-shocked Blues roster, due to the Kings utter dominance in all three zones. He wasn’t the victim of a flat-footed defense this time, he was flat-out beat.

Elliott, along with the entire Blues club, find themselves at the lowest of points. Jaroslav Halak isn’t available to save the day, and you can bet 21 year-old Jake Allen won’t be getting the call. He’s got 1:07 of NHL action to his name. That’s one minute, seven seconds. Just like the Blues themselves, the Kings must hound on a bewildered and beaten Brian Elliott Sunday afternoon.

Howe it’s done

Talk about leadership, talk about Mike Richards‘ presence the past two games. Richards, who planted the Kings five-goal outburst in Game 2, just about took over Game 3 Thursday night. It was a case of the Gordie Howe hat-trick – Richards potting a goal, an assist, and going for a tilt with Jamie Langenbrunner.

This is the Mike Richards you heard about when he came to the Kings last summer, the Mike Richards you’ve been waiting to appear in a Kings uniform. The guy has sparked the roster with physical play the past two games, and has followed that with offensive output.

He does this as a smaller player in the league, and he does it with uncanny smarts that are fooling the best goaltenders in the league. Richards has now beat Roberto Luongo and Brian Elliott while standing along the goal-line, just five feet out, by sliding the puck toward the net and using his eyes and positioning to completely baffle them. That’s not cheap, that’s gold.

Beside Richards notching his third postseason goal Thursday, the Kings got some output from a wide variety of names. Justin Williams scored in his second consecutive game on a botched pass-attempt, but what I’d still call a very smart play. Throw the puck on net, good things will happen. Also, the Kings saw Drew Doughty tally his first of the playoffs, and welcomed Dwight King‘s first career NHL playoff goal.

From all assets, and on all cylinders.

- Game 4 Outlook -

 - Once again, the Kings will be stationed at a downtown hotel for the night, giving them an opportunity to feed into tomorrow with a meal and a meeting together. Just as well, they’ll wake up with Staples Center right outside their window, a quick and easy transition for an early start. Darryl Sutter‘s unique, yet very intelligent tweaks to the Kings’ off-ice preparations have deemed to be very helpful.

 - The Kings were able to tally the first powerplay goal of the series Thursday, while keeping the Blues blank on the man-advantage. The Kings powerplay has threatened all series, but with little luck. The Blues, on the other hand, look lost on all fronts. Continuing this trend will be important tomorrow. You can’t give St. Louis a spark in any aspect, importantly special teams.

 - B.J. Crombeen will return to the Blues lineup for Game 4. Oh no, look out.

 - Kyle Clifford is continuing to skate with the Kings, most recently alongside Andrei Loktionov and Kevin Westgarth on a practice line. No immediate return is due for Clifford, but signs are pointing at a return if the Kings advance to the Western Conference Finals.

 - No other analysis is needed, simply just one more performance like we’ve seen throughout the series. Kick ‘em while they’re down, and put ‘em out.

King me

LAK-STL GAME 3 RECAP in Episode 158 HERE
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And they’re rolling.

Amidst their playoff success as a whole, the Kings have found most of it away from home, albeit they’ve only hosted two playoff dates thus far. They’ve stapled themselves as a serious visiting threat – now holding a 5-0 record when playing away from Staples Center. This hasn’t been an easy feat, starting things out in Vancouver’s hosting Rogers Arena, and now in St. Louis.

Scottrade Center?

Coming into this series with the Kings, the St. Louis Blues had lost just seven games in regulation at home all season – that being in 44 games. The Kings have ousted the Blues in two consecutive contests on home ice, and in convincing fashion. Not just that, but they’ve beat the NHL‘s statistically best goaltender in Brian Elliott, in a building he had failed to lose in twice in a row all year long.

Welp, that’s changed.

KopiStar

The Kings beat St. Louis in every facet of the game Monday night, starting things off with a Mike Richards goal just 31 seconds in. That’s an early trend to set, and they certainly didn’t fail to live up to it – tapping home four goals in the first period. It was over, and it only had just begun.

If the Kings are comfortable playing down a goal in front of Jonathan Quick, a four-goal lead just about gives them nine lives.

Most notably, Kings goals came off the sticks of players who sorely needed some postseason production. Three players notched their first goals of the postseason: Justin Williams, Jeff Carter, and Mike Richards. Anze Kopitar pitched in with two goals himself, one of them being the Kings’ 4th shorthanded tally of the postseason – quite possibly the league’s top goal of the year.

Catchin’ ‘em off guard, even the score clock.

- Game 3 Outlook -

I mentioned this during the final week of the regular season when expressing my hopes to wrap up the Western Conference #7 seed, and see the Blues in the first round. St. Louis is an extremely vulnerable club.

Before this season, the Blues had won just a single postseason game since 2004 – appearing in the playoffs just twice in that eight-year span. They’ve got a hungry fanbase and local following, something that can be overwhelming to a club returning to the playoffs after such a long period of time. See: LA Kings – 2010, 2011.

This raises the expectations exponentially, and for a young roster that doesn’t have a ton of postseason experience. The Kings have developed a seasoned group of players, and are running on a third consecutive playoff push – but with eased expectations stemming from their #8 Western Conference seed.

So, the point – the Kings have been able to take the St. Louis Blues away from their game, almost to the point where they look confused as how to skate, yet don’t let them drag down their momentum. The Blues lost it Monday, they lost it on all counts. They tried to counter it with a viciously physical attack, and the Kings countered right back with just that – hitting. This gave St. Louis absolutely no leeway.

So, the move back to Staples Center tomorrow night should have little effect, because the Kings focus is exactly where it should be. That’s hockey – any building, any time.

Final Notes

Home away from home: It won’t be the same routine for the Kings in preparation for Games 3 (Thursday) and 4 (Sunday) at Staples Center. There will be no pre-game skates along the shores of Manhattan Beach at Toyota Sports Center, and players won’t see their own beds on the nights prior to each of the upcoming two home games.

The second-coming of God, head coach Darryl Sutter, is not so much pushing for a road-game mentality, but focus. This keeps the Kings close to Staples Center, and ensures close compatibility and smart choices the nights before puck-drop.

Hello, Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn. Ah, those Russians.

This also gives the Kings the chance to skate on Staples Center ice prior to games, something they never do – the building’s schedule gives them no opportunity. This is huge, especially if St. Louis is stationed at Toyota Sports Center. The ice-sheet at Staples Center has one aspect of consistency – being under the NHL‘s par for quality. With the amount of stress and closure the ice sees here, getting a feel for conditions just hours before puck-drop is an important thing to have. Plus, it keeps the team together throughout the day until the game.

 - Simon Gagne skated with the Kings in practice today, unfortunately it’s only a good sign for a player who’s got a career in question with a lengthy string of concussion injuries. Don’t expect Gagne back anytime soon, if at all. However, good for you, Gags.

 - Alex Pietrangelo also skated with the Blues today after missing Game 2, and is said to be a ‘game-time’ decision.

 - The Kings give me no specific outlook to harp on heading into tomorrow night, they’re as tight and sophisticated as I’ve seen them all season long. It’s clicking on all cylinders.

 - Oh, and Vegas now has the Kings with the best odds to take home the Stanley Cup.

 - The track the Kings have laid this postseason has train-horn written all over it. Queue it on Figueroa St. tomorrow night.

Carter caters

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Kopi Delivers

And this ain’t the imagery coming from the ‘Lou

Order me up some buffalo boo-bird wings while you’re at it, fools

Make sure it’s got Blues cheese dressing on the side.

Don’t mistake it for Brian Elliott, that’s Swiss cheese.

LAK-STL GAME 2 RECAP in Episode 157 HERE
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Put it on the board, ‘bebeh’.

If you’re going to start on a foot, do it on the right one. The slipper fits thus far.

And it’s a Kings victory, giving them a hand on the St. Louis Blues with a 1-0 series lead, while sniping home advantage from the second seed’s hands.

The Kings’ offense was provided by some unlikely names, with Vyacheslav Voynov opening LA scoring, and Matt Greene notching the game-winner on yet another Kings postseason shorthanded tally – their third in six games.

Dustin Penner deposited the victory, potting a bank-shot clearing attempt into St. Louis’ empty net with just 14.1 remaining.

Then there’s Jonathan Quick‘s stalwart stance in the crease, yet again. His play has been nothing short of unfathomable it’s been so stellar, peppered with a heavy barrage of shots to start the game – six within the first three minutes of play. The Blues would bury their eighth shot on Quick, but many teams – and goalies, would come out of that opening sequence down 3-0.

And then, this:

Initial this one. Two V’s = W

Dustin Penner will be momentarily remembered for his unique empty-net goal from last night’s victory. But, take another look at Vyacheslav Voynov‘s goal above. Penner’s pass might very well be the giver of the playoffs thus far. Phenomenal patience and placement, and that’s about as good as it gets.

Speaking of assists, soon after his goal, Voynov fed Jeff Carter one of the best set-ups you possibly can on a 2-2 rush. Carter needs to wake up, and fast. Botching that opportunity doesn’t mean ankle soreness, it means not being ready, your head isn’t there.

He made another sh*tty play later, but I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe because it was so sh*tty.

Look, ankle injury or not, this guy was acquired to produce, and even if he’s not putting up numbers, there’s got to be some sort of presence from Carter. There’s not, and if it doesn’t start to happen sometime soon, I’m taking the screenshot below into literal matters when talking about and maliciously and wrongfully judging Jeff Carter.

Is this a coincidence? Ehhh…

Meanhwile, Voynov’s dropping dimes somewhere

- Game 2 Outlook -

Absolutely no time or room to settle, something you’re learning not to expect from this Kings roster, which has maintained a seriously humble attitude during their playoff success so far. I guess this is the real growth we’ve been waiting for. What they can’t do, is let the Blues flip the switch like they did in the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the San Jose Sharks.

After losing Game 1 to the Sharks, the Blues pulled off four consecutive convincing victories to nail their series in five games. They did so by outscoring the Sharks 12-5 in the final four contests. The Blues are almost a guarantee in home confines, losing only their eighth game in regulation at the Scottrade Center to the Kings Saturday night. They’ve played 45 games in their building this season. A Game 2 victory will be a monumental feat for the Kings.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, the biggest offensive factor between these two clubs is who can score two goals in a game. That was the case Saturday, Matt Greene‘s #2 tally tabbed as the game-winner. Dustin Penner, just for insurance reasons.

Quick but it ain’t easy

I don’t have much to say, there aren’t too many words that can justifiably describe Jonathan Quick‘s play. However, the Kings have maintained uncanny defensive presence to help his cause. We’re not seeing defense from just the defensemen, however.

It’s called offensive defense, it’s about attacking both blue lines. See: Dwight King.

The Kings are putting pressure on he Blues before they can hit the neutral zone, much like their strategy against Vancouver. The Kings are allowing very few options for opposition to create any momentum coming out of their own zone. And if they do break a lane or two, it’s rushed, and the Kings are well-positioned because that usually means three Blues players are still looking to find a way to support the puck.

Special teams will continue to be a major factor, especially in such a tight match-up that is the Kings and Blues. Although the Kings went 0-5 on the man-advantage Saturday, they nipped a combined eight shots to couple with some pretty decent puck posession. They made their statement on the penalty kill, which is better than a powerplay goal for more reasons than you may think.

The Kings are staying aggressive when shorthanded, that’s ‘keying in’ in it’s truest form. And it may be an antonym to the aforementioned “agressive”, but the Kings are playing relaxed hockey in special teams situations. That’s absolute gold this time of year.

Pat Riley never had dry hair

LAK-STL GAME 1 RECAP in Episode 156 HERE
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Consider the first-round date with Vancouver an abyss, all it did was get the Kings here. But you can still watch replays of Jarret Stoll‘s goal. When I’m looking at you, I’m watching Stoll’s goal…in my mind. And then again on YouTube later probably.

This one is calling to be lengthy and close. It’s got low-scoring, one-goal games written all over it. What else would you want playoff hockey to be, Flyers-Penguins? Trash.

Things don’t get much easier for the Kings heading to the 2nd round, finding themselves in the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2001.

It’s the St. Louis Blues, who reeled off a season hockey fans can only fathom for, notching 109 points to tie the New York Rangers as the NHL‘s second best club. Of course, the only team that fared better than those two this year was the Vancouver Canucks. Welp, they’re done. Where’s the hand sanitizer at?

Take a Knee

- Season Series -

For as successful the St. Louis Blues were this year, they had some trouble in dealing with the Kings. The Kings notched W’s in three of the four contests played against the Blues. With the exception of one game, all between the two clubs were decided by one goal – that’s close hockey. I expect that to be the trend in this series, you can throw their seedings out the door right now. #2 vs #7 means absolutely nothing.

October 18, 2011 – Los Angeles, CA

St. Louis Blues (0) @ LA Kings (5)

Quick Notes: This would be the Kings “official” home opener, after playing their first two “home” contests in Sweden and Germany. It doesn’t get much better than this one, folks. Simon Gagne with 2G, 1A, goals from Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, and Justin Williams with 2A. Oh yes, another Jonathan Quick shutout. *Also to note: They wore the new whites at home to try and sell more jerseys.

November 22, 2011 – St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Blues (2) VS LA Kings (3)

Quick Notes: Anze Kopitar would open the scoring for the Kings in this contest, he wouldn’t score a goal for another 17 games thereafter. Willie Mitchell potted the game-winning goal with just over five minutes to play via a long-range rocket from the point. Jonathan Bernier was steady with 23 saves to record one of his five wins of the season. The Kings also donned their alternate purple crown ‘hemlines’ on the road, an extreme rarity.

February 3, 2012 – St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Blues (1) VS LA Kings (0)

Quick Notes: This one was brutal, and it kicked off a five-game span that saw the Kings tally just six goals in total. Jaroslav Halak handled the Kings’ struggling offense quite easily, fending off just 22 shots. Jonathan Quick would make it a game with 32 saves, but another offensive letdown shuns the Vezina Trophy finalist’s performance yet again.

March 22, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA

St. Louis Blues (0) @ LA Kings (1) *Final/Shootout

Quick Notes: The Kings would jump from eighth to third place in the Western Conference behind another dazzling performance from Jonathan Quick. Quick would stone the Blues with a 38-save shutout, his eighth of the season, tying the Kings single-season record. Newcomer Jeff Carter would seal a victory for the Kings, beating Brian Elliott for the game-winner in the shootout.

- Series Outlook -

Even Stevens: This has the makings to be a very lengthy series, a close one at that. Both the Kings and Blues bring superior goaltending, strong and disciplined defense, and the angst to change the pace of a contest with good puck possession. Like I mentioned before, playoff seedings mean nothing in this, and quite frankly, the Kings have shoved their 8-mark to the side.

It’s yet another opponent with two strong goaltenders, the Blues set mighty well in the crease with Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. They split time quite evenly, Halak dressing in 46 games (23-10-4) and Elliott 38 games (26-12-7). Their numbers were astounding, in fact Brian Elliott (1.56) posting the only GAA better than Jonathan Quick (1.95). Jaroslav Halak stands right behind the two, posting in at 1.97.

Of course, however, Jonathan Quick has almost played twice as many games as those two.

A bright side here, the Kings can yet again queue some goaltender shuffling with a few good offensive performances early, a twisted change in feel to a series that has the ability to give the Kings a hand. The Kings were able to chase Roberto Luongo out after two games, but Corey Schneider is not to blame.

The factor was Quick, and when he plays up to par, he’s almost impossible to beat – it’s the opposing goaltending that needs to stay at pace at this point. In the final two meetings against the St. Louis Blues this season, Jonathan Quick stopped 67 of 68 shots directed toward his crease. Impeccable.

Depth will be a huge proponent for the Kings again, who saw wonderful play from the back-end forwards in the first round. The Kings’ 4th line with Colin Fraser and Jordan Nolan, only got better when Brad Richardson returned. Richardson, who was the Kings’ playoff dark horse last season, is showing signs of more postseason magic.

And you’re going to need this 4th line to play well in both ends again, fill time and space, while continuing to possess the puck like they did against Vancouver. When Darryl Sutter shows the confidence to throw out his 4th-line with under three minutes to play in Game 5, you’ve got some good things going.

Final notes

- Dustin Penner will continue to play on the 2nd-line with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. Penner took Dwight King‘s role in Game 5, which I don’t think is an argument you can either bash or behold. Bottom line is, Penner must have good presence to continue to play alongside Richards and Carter, both of which are due for some postseason production.

- The Blues have two top-six forwards that the Kings have seen little, or none of this season. Andy McDonald and Alexander Steen missed a combined 90 games with concussion injuries this season. McDonald was a nuisance in St. Louis’ first round series against the San Jose Sharks – potting eight points (4G, 4A) in five games. The Kings have yet to see McDonald this season. The Kings met up with a healthy Alexander Steen twice, who was able to reel off 28 points (15G, 13A) in 43 games. Steen also chipped in against San Jose, with 1G and 2A in five games.

- Game 4 in LA will see a puck-drop at noon. God help me now, this team doesn’t have a good history with matinees. Channel January 7th.

- Don’t expect any immediate return from Kyle Clifford. Clifford skated in practice today, but in the ‘red-cross’ sweater.

- Just to show you how close this series will be, the Kings averaged 2.29 goals per game this season, the Blues 2.51. Not just that, but these two clubs topped NHL charts for the least goals against. The Blues allowing just 1.89 per game, the Kings 2.07. It’s a tale of who can score two goals each game, seriously.

- Kings in si–no, seven.

“Vancouver will be back in the finals”

Stolly’s gold

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 155 HERE
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Win tomorrow night – that would be the sh*t. But seriously, don’t let it get too close.

You can hardly call Game 4′s loss a failure, considering the fact the Kings are still strong suited with a 3-1 series lead – that’s something you’d gawk at the opportunity of having before this postseason tilt even began.

It’s just another chance to close things out when we’re talking Game 5, this time without the over-anxiety stemming from the ‘sweep’ hype, and the NHL history it involved. Yes, the 8th-seed club may have held a little more pressure on the shoulders than the 1st for a moment or two Wednesday night.

For now, it’s about finishing Vancouver as quickly as possible, they will get scarier with each progressive contest, which means Game 5 is the Kings’ best fit.

Bright spot – Kopi shot

It’s safe to say the Kings outplayed the Vancouver Canucks when looking at Game 4 as a whole, but they failed to turn that into scoreboard proof with a shaky 2nd period, one that started with a penalty you really don’t like to see a player take this time of year. Colin Fraser‘s 4th line played outstanding, but his leg-check penalty taken just three minutes into the middle frame sparked Vancouver’s troubling offense.

After killing off all of Vancouver’s 14 powerplay opportunities in the first three games of the series, it would faulter in Game 3, the Kings allowing two man-advantage tallies – the first of those converted during Colin Fraser‘s penalty.

Special teams proved to figure into the winning matter again, but the Kings on the wrong side of things this time. While running into trouble on the penalty kill, they ran into a more disciplined Vancouver team, which also committed just three penalties – all of which the Kings failed to capitalize on.

Closing time

And that time was finally decided upon early on Saturday. Due to concert arrangements at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, this series took a halt for four days, a drastically long time for a playoff series. And due to Television agreements, the time of Sunday’s game was decided the day prior – a decent fortune for the Kings, who get a later start – 5PM Pacific.

The four day hiatus seems to favor the Canucks, who get more time to aid to Daniel Sedin‘s return to the roster, and more time to build off of their second grasp at playoff life with Game 4′s victory. However, the Kings didn’t seem to buy much out of Vancouver’s push, continuing to hound the Canucks throughout the second half of Wednesday night’s contest.

Their problem was Corey Schneider, who has stopped 62 of 64 Kings shots since taking over for Roberto Luongo in Game 3. The Kings biggest feat in tomorrow night’s game could very well be putting more than two goals past Schneider, which for when you’re playing in front of Jonathan Quick, deems to be some very solid insurance.

Brad Richardson‘s return sparked the Kings’ fourth line more so than I expected it to, arguably the most predominant combination in Game 4. The no-namers chimed in with stunning play, Dwight King, Colin Fraser, and Brad Richardson combining for six shots and 11 hits. A heavy physical presence bodes well against the Canucks in their zone, which has seemed to be the major factor in establishing control on the offensive zone for the Kings. The 4th line didn’t just get the puck into Canucks’ territory, they kept it there.

Kyle Clifford will be out, again. It seems indefinite at this point.

I noted the extra days off in between games favored Vancouver, but hopefully it also has some effect on the rehabilitation of Jeff Carter, who has almost been a complete non-factor for the Kings offensively. After a nice start to the series with two assists in Game 1, Carter has plummeted under the radar with 0 points in the last three contests, carrying a musky -3 rating. A Jeff Carter with a good ankle doesn’t just open up options through his own skill, but that of his linemates – most notably Mike Richards.

Two major performers in Game 5 for the Kings last season were Kyle Clifford and Wayne Simmonds, albeit under much different circumstances. Both players will be missed, and for obvious different reasons. Who fills the void, and repeats the Game 5 playoff trend tomorrow night?

Clifford, the Red Light Dog

Crunch time

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