Get your fix. Get it here, and get it now. No looting on this side of town, folks.

KingsCast‘s annual Summer Hockey Roundtable has all six episodes running LIVE. If you’re behind on the times, or itching for a double dose of satisfaction, we’ve got you covered with clear-cut HD streams filled with offseason Kings analysis right here – all on one page. Keith and Chris bring this high profile cast straight into your living room with Kings banter from all angles.

While it’s hot!

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You’d hate for the kids to think that you lost your cool.
This guy must be on cloud 9.

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Touching on a broad array of minor topics here: I’ve got some updates on the Kings’ preseason schedule, the NHL Entry Draft – which sits just two weeks away, a bit of free agent discussion, and an ode to the hockey fans out in Atlanta. Also, KingsCast is right on par thus far with our predictions to the outcome of the Stanley Cup Finals. Check out our picks along with those of a few members of the Los Angeles hockey Media in my last segment.

Also, if you haven’t been keeping up with the annual KingsCast Summer Hockey Roundtable, you can tune in to the first five segments below – don’t get left out. This prime slew of guests are talking everything Kings hockey, from Drew Doughty‘s conditioning to Jack Johnson‘s disappointing post-contract play. Catch it from some of the best in the business, as Keith and Chris rep the Fourth Period Magazine, NBC Sports, ESPN Los Angeles, INSIDE SPORTS, HockeyTalk.biz, Frozen Royalty, and Mayor’s Manor. How do you beat that? You don’t.

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If it’s not the Royals…: The preseason venture to Missouri is nothing new for the Kings, but not something that the team took part in last season. The venue is Kansas City’s Sprint Center, and a September 27th date is expected to see the Kings play the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh is a rare opponent, making this an intriguing exhibition in itself. Also factor in the possibility of this game being the return of Sidney Crosby, who sat out the second half of the season after suffering a concussion in the Winter Classic. The Kings’ travel itinerary that graces the preseason and the commencement of the regular season is already looking brutal.  With the overload of travel, expect the remainder of the preseason schedule to stay within the vicinity of the Los Angeles region, most likely split-squad contests with the Phoenix Coyotes and a date or two with the Anaheim Ducks. Here’s how the Kings travel plans look heading into the start of the season:

September 27 – Kansas City, Missouri: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (PRE)
October 1 – Las Vegas, Nevada: VS Colorado Avalanche (PRE)
October 4 – Hamburg, Germany: @ Hamburg Freezers (DEL) (PRE)
October 7 – Stockholm, Sweden: VS New York Rangers (REG #1)
October 8 – Berlin, Germany: VS Buffalo Sabres (REG #2)

Draft Outlook: Nothing to get too excited about when looking at the Kings’ scheduled selections in this year’s draft. When Dustin Penner was acquired, our first-round selection was shipped to Edmonton as part of the deal. Now, Dean Lombardi‘s looking at a first selection at #49 Overall in the 2nd Round. Lombardi is no stranger to trading up for higher picks, as he did last year in order to snag Derek Forbert. However, the Kings, at a developmental standpoint, are in promising condition. I wouldn’t have a problem with Lombardi holding off on working any deals, as I feel we’re simply at a point where we take the best player available at our given time. The core of our depth doesn’t have many glaring holes, I don’t see Lombardi chasing after players with specific assets unless they fall into our allotted selection.

Market Musings: Attention has once again centered on the Kings filling the left-wing void with a top-six forward. The Dustin Penner experiment is far from over, but his disappointing start has most looking for an alternative solution. A name that’s been tossed around the premature rumor mill is Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils. They’ve yet to reach an agreement on a new contract, and it looks as though the Devils will be filing for arbitration within the week. The Kings aren’t struggling with cap space, and they do have a few contracts that would be considered “tradeable”. Word has also lingered that Parise isn’t fully on board with Ilya Kovalchuk headlining the team, unfortunately for him that won’t be changing anytime soon.

As heartless as it gets.

Losing your team is tough, and Atlanta’s puckheads know this feeling all too well. This is the second time Atlanta has lost an NHL club – and likely, the last time. The degree of brutality in which the process was vindicated is what garners my attention. Anyone knows Atlanta is no striking marketplace for hockey, and the ownership surrendered to that theory – in pathetic fashion. They didn’t just play into the stereotype, they fueled it. Why people are questioning Winnipeg’s ability to support an NHL club is astounding to me. Sure, they failed the last time around, but you’ve got to be crazy to believe the financial situation won’t be one of the best in the league for years to come. Not only is Winnipeg starved for an NHL return, but they’re housing this club in an AHL building suited for just over 15,000 spectators. You want to talk revenue? Talk to this cheesy ownership that sold out Atlanta. My condolences to those in “Blueland”.

Take a break from those talking heads on the collective networks tracking the NHL‘s Stanley Cup Playoffs. We’ve got eight local Los Angeles-based analysts and media members in this segment providing predictions to the outcome of the final series, which sees the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins getting together for a few dates.

Straight-cut here, with each member predicting the series winner, the number of games needed, and who they see as best fit to win the Conn Smythe trophy. We’re repping ESPN, The Fourth Period Magazine, INSIDE SPORTS, Hockeytalk.biz, Frozen Royalty, and NBC Sports – and it isn’t Pierre McGuire!

Series Outlook

These two clubs met just once during the regular season, the Boston Bruins coming out on top on February 26th in the Vancouver confines that houses one of the toughest atmospheres in the NHL. The Bruins won 3-1, overcoming an early one-goal deficit with a Milan Lucic go-ahead tally with under five minutes to play, and Patrice Bergeron shutting the door with some empty-net insurance. Roberto Luongo faced 24 Boston shots, with 22 saves. Tim Thomas took on a heavier load, facing 28 Vancouver shots with 27 saves. The Boston Bruins finished the campaign with 103 points, winning the Northeast Division and taking the third slot in the Eastern Conference. The Vancouver Canucks finished with 117 points, and not only won the Northwest Division and Western Conference, but took the NHL‘s Presidents’ Trophy. Predictions from some of the top Los Angeles hockey media and analysts are below, with mine included at the end.

Dennis Bernstein – Senior Writer/Director at The Fourth Period Magazine

Vancouver Canucks in 5 Games – Ryan Kesler for Conn Smythe Trophy

“It’s the Canucks year, after slaying the Blackhawks dragon, they’ve gotten better with each round. Roberto Luongo, thought to be the weak link, put up his most impressive effort of the post season in the elimination game vs the Sharks. The Bruins were life and death against the East’s 5 and 6 seeds and are 2nd best in every facet of the game.”

Charles Smith – Executive Producer at INSIDE SPORTS

Vancouver Canucks in 6 Games – Ryan Kesler for Conn Smythe Trophy

“Roberto Luongo should have no problem being the equal of Tim Thomas between the pipes. Bruins are tough, but lack the mobility on defense to shut down the Sedins. Ryan Kesler has taken his game to a stratospheric level. Vancouver has been building up to this for the past several seasons, and finally, the team has achieved critical mass.”

Matt Reitz – Writer at Pro Hockey Talk for NBC Sports

Vancouver Canucks in 6 Games – Ryan Kesler for Conn Smythe Trophy

“If the Bruins thought the Lightning power play was tough, just wait until they see the Canucks who were the best with the man advantage this year. Then there’s the Bruins’ PP that has been absolutely anemic, which won’t get any easier against Vancouver who had one of the best PKs in the NHL. Tim Thomas is the kind of goaltender who can steal a few games in a series, but the Canucks are just too good in every facet of the game to be denied.”

Dave Joseph – Morning Sportscenter Anchor at 710 ESPN Los Angeles

Vancouver Canucks in 6 Games – Roberto Luongo for Conn Smythe Trophy

“The Canucks’ offense will exploit a less-than-mobile Boston defense while Vancouver’s back line will neutralize the Bruins offense. Roberto Luongo will continue his stellar play this post-season and bring the Conn Smythe and the Cup back to Canada. Vancouver’s depth will prove too much for Boston.”

Gann Matsuda – Executive Publisher at FrozenRoyalty.Net

Vancouver Canucks in 5 or 6 Games – Ryan Kesler for Conn Smythe Trophy

“With the Sedins and Ryan Kesler leading the way, Boston won’t have the answers to what the Canucks will be throwing at them, not with the Canucks holding an advantage in terms of skill and speed, which should negate Boston’s ability to play a physical game. The Canucks also hold a huge advantage on special teams, which spells big, big trouble for the Bruins.”

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Chris Kaliszewski – Co-Editor and Producer at KingsCast.net

Vancouver Canucks in 6 Games – Roberto Luongo for Conn Smythe Trophy

Selfless was his demeanor: Welcoming conversation, advice, and help to anyone and everyone.
Charismatic was his presence: Lighting up any room with witty opinion and insight fitting into a broad array of discussion.
Affectionate was his attitude toward others: Always taking dialogue to a personal standpoint, showing you he truly cared about you as an individual.
Momentous was his résumé: A well-traveled man who had been a staple in the sports media industry for over two decades.
Warm and considerate was his heart: A man who wore it on his sleeve in every aspect of life, protruding its love and care to everyone and everything around him.

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That heart of his stroked it’s final pulse today, Jonathan Moncrief passed away this morning at the age of 42. Jon died after suffering a pulmonary embolism, believed to be sudden. Jon and I were just talking on Saturday, bruising our thumbs in a text message conversation as he was en route to Santa Monica for the second annual KingsCast Roundtable. As I cycle through waves of tears – the biting of my lip the only thing granting me respite, my heart yearns for one last goodbye; one more banter about the Kings, one more personal conversation to check up on each other, one more. Before I move ahead with the coping process, I’d like to share my relationship with Jonathan Moncrief, the extraordinary voice for the Los Angeles Kings for the past three seasons at the LA Examiner.

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A displaced Kings fan I currently am, situated on the other side of the country for the time-being. In my second season as the blogger here on KingsCast, I invested in a two-week hockey trip to Los Angeles in late December. Along with my plans to have a few drinks and put in some work with the fellas here on the site, I followed their recommendation and reached out to Jon for some advice and guidance in the sports media industry. Advice and guidance doesn’t justify what he did for me. Damnit, Jon…

Not many industry professionals would respond to an e-mail from a 21 year old kid in pursuit of joining them hand-in-hand to divulge in their every day work, let alone take it seriously. That, he did, and put forth effort in every imaginable way possible to make it the best experience for me.

His initial plan was to get me credentials to join him in the Staples Center press box for the January 6, 2011 contest when the Kings hosted the Nashville Predators. His attempt in asking the Kings’ front office was rejected. That wasn’t good enough for him; Jon emailed his chief editor, requesting for him to personally approach the Kings about granting me credentials. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out either. The funny thing is, the kindness exuded in his substantial effort was plenty in satisfying me.

To substitute my press box experience, Jon met me on the Staples Center balcony during each intermission of that January 6th contest against Nashville. Here, he dished out raw material from the Kings, Predators, and the NHL to provide me with the exact documents that were provided in his chair upstairs. This isn’t basic stuff, folks.

During my visit, we hopped on the Metro Rail together a couple of times with El Segundo as the destination, in pursuit of getting close looks at the Kings in their pre-game skates. We were both in bliss as we took in a couple of mornings in the Redondo Beach-side confines that securely houses two sheets of ice from the California heat. It was business and pleasure for Jon; Coca Cola in-hand, notepad on the dashboard, and a tape recorder ready with a fresh battery. That tape recorder was handed to me, loaded with interviews, passing on the responsibility for me to write the next Kings article on the LA Examiner – under his name. I mean really, what else could the guy do. Above and beyond, fucking above and beyond Jon…man oh man.

I asked him for an interview, I wanted it to be a feature segment here on KingsCast. He accepted the request immediately, and we sat down days later for the recording. We chose the Denny’s on Figueroa, three blocks from Staples Center. What can I say, the guy had good taste. I think our table rotated through two different waitress shifts, it was non-stop dialogue, and boy was it great. I had hours of transcribing ahead of me, and flew back home to a heavy semester at College. Jon pushed for me to concentrate on school, making a strong point to me that my studies should be top priority. I then made plans to make it an off-season feature, a 2-3 part summer series. That plan was tabbed to be my next published article, with transcribing beginning this weekend. Instead, this is. The audio from our interview sits just a double-click on the mousepad away from me. I’ve got to wrap my head around this. Whether or not I decide to go through with publishing that interview, the audio file will remain with me for life.

“Keep writing.”, he would tell me. And that, I will, Jon.

I’ll miss you, buddy.

Gann Matsuda of Frozen Royalty also had a nice write-up. Find it here.

As noted in the last piece, we’ll be finishing the TOP FIVE segment here at KingsCast in compact fashion, breaking down the top three games in one blog. You can only flirt with the past for so long, plus there are more important things to get to. Look out for an in-depth interview coming soon with Jonathan Moncrief, your go-to voice for the Los Angeles Kings at the LA Examiner. What was once considered the impossible has reveled into existence! Your TOP THREE Los Angeles Kings games of the 2010-2011 campaign crunched into one segment. Hit it now!

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March 24, 2011 – Regular Season Game #74
Los Angeles Kings 4 – San Jose Sharks 3 (SO)
Staples Center – Los Angeles, California

Why it’s #3: All was right in the world for the Los Angeles Kings after this respectable victory. However, the game to follow would put a premature ending to Anze Kopitar‘s season – but that’s beside the point. The powerplay showed some late-season glimpses of existence, with Dustin Brown capitalizing on two man-advantage opportunities. The final minutes were quite wild with the Kings taking a 3-2 lead with 1:42 remaining, only to see the Sharks tie the contest with just :05 to play. Alec Martinez, who has become my favorite defenseman on the roster, posted assists on both of Dustin Brown‘s PP goals. Jarret Stoll continued to be automatic in the shootout, cranking one off the cross-bar to juice up his 8-9 record in breakaways this season. Dustin Brown with the unnoficial hat-trick to clinch a crucial win later in the shootout.

December 4, 2010 – Regular Season Game #25
Los Angeles Kings 3 – Detroit Red Wings 2 (OT)
Staples Center – Los Angeles, California

Why it’s #2: The Kings were fresh off of a much needed victory against the Florida Panthers, which happens to be #4 on the list in TOP FIVE. Even with the win against Florida, the Kings were stumbling, allotting just two victories in their previous nine games. The Kings overcame two deficits in this contest, eventually pocketing two points with Anze Kopitar‘s goal in OT. Kopitar’s goal was huge for this team, a game-winner from your premier player can certainly be a shot in the arm for any group. The Kings would go on to win seven of their next ten games, proving the worth of Kopitar’s finish. Justin Williams was his brilliant self netting the first Kings goal, and Alec Martinez continued to solidify his roster position with the second tally. Peter Harrold notched an assist on Martinez’ goal, likely to be his last ever point in a Los Angeles Kings uniform.

November 4, 2010 – Regular Season Game #12
Los Angeles Kings 1 – Tampa Bay Lightning 0
Staples Center – Los Angeles, California

Why it’s the best: These two teams should meet more often. The night this game took place, I recall mentioning the fact that this could end up being the contest of the season. Well, it was. It was also determined by the Kings’ top goal of the year as well – argue if you wish. Holy jeeze, Justin Williams. Earlier in the year, I related the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Kings, but just one year behind our process. I’m either wrong, or playoff success has too many variables to dictate credibility. This was an honest game throughout; the numbers in Shots Taken, Hits, and Faceoffs were shoulder to shoulder. Tampa Bay’s coach Guy Boucher said “That was a real playoff game,”, while Kings coach Terry Murray mentioned “There were a few hits, a few confrontations, a little old-time hockey.” Those two excerpts almost say it all.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT. EATING AND THINKING. AND KINGS HOCKEY. HELL YEAH.

Kopitar’s tint is more publicly acceptable to me than most of the sunglasses people wear these days – helmet included. Circa 2007. Circa Still Awesome.

TOP FIVE Update: Due to time constraints, which are the cause of me roughing through the last week of a semester at College, and the mind edging away from the hockey scene as the summer commences, there will be some changes to the TOP FIVE countdown here at Dancing in the Reign. The top three games will be crunched into one final segment, due by the end of the weekend. Look out for it, cause it’s going to be an absolute f*cking crisp dollar – I assure you. You can catch #5 on the list HERE, and #4 on the list HERE. Get ready for some memory remedy with recaps of vital victories against another Florida club, a California counterpart, and a Detroit dandy.

Someone Set The Table, We’re Coming At You With Summertime Kings Talk.

That’s Right Folks, The Off-Season Roundtable Is Taking Place This Weekend.

KingsCast Roundtable: Keith and Chris will be hosting yet another off-season roundtable this weekend. They’ll be welcoming a slew of guests to recap the 2010-2011 Los Angeles Kings season, while looking ahead to next year. Here, you’ll get insight analysis on free-agents, trade possibilities, and how the Kings look going into the 2011-2012 season. You can expect to see some solid names in the discussion:

Keith Korneluk & Chris Kaliszewski – KingsCast.net
Jonathan Moncrief – LA Examiner and Inside Sports
Charles Smith – Inside Sports and HockeyTalk.biz
Dennis Bernstein – Senior Writer & Producer – Fourth Period Magazine
Gann Matsuda - Frozen Royalty
Matt Reitz – View From My Seats
John Hoven – Mayors Manor
Dave Joseph – ESPN Radio & ESPN Los Angeles

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Leaving a Trail

Purple to the side, Black and White’s All Right

Purple Nurple: The Kings have all but confirmed uniform changes, it’s all hinging on a public showing, which I expect to come on September 11 at the annual Los Angeles Kings Hockey Fest. The Kings’ website has dropped purple from it’s repertoire like 5th period Algebra, leading you to believe what the club’s future color scheme will look like. The marketing directed toward the 2011-2012 season has been predominantly coded in black and white, further adding substance to the non-official official announcement from Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider. Ever since I realized the new “LA” logo was supposed to mock a shield, I’ve grown to like the template a bit more. It took me two and a half years to not see it as a “home plate” or “UPS” design, and that instantly jacked up it’s credibility. I’m shocked at my inability to see this, as it has me questioning my self-proclaimed NHL uniform expertise. But still, they need to knock it off with the unnecessary shoulder piping, and how about adding some shoulder patches?

It’s a clear-cut photoshop job, but figure this as the most credible first look at the new Road uniforms for the 2011-2012 season. Anze, watch that f*cking walk signal and keep the pressure off of that right ankle.

Not huge into politics, but I do keep up with the major topics that swirl through the media’s feed and filter into the hands of biased major networks deeming me helpless to reality. Most of it isn’t too bad, especially when it’s something so glorious in respect to our country’s efforts in the past decade. Yes, he’s dead, but some striking revelations came out last night: The guy apparently had plans for an attack on the Los Angeles Metro Rail System. Holy dang, holy jeeze. However, they were reportedly only to be in the initial stages of planning. HERE! The underlying issue was immediately perceived the moment these findings were released to the public.

He had me at efficient. I’m not missing warm-ups for some bullsh*t security check-point.

Re-election Vote – Pocketed. Also, I’m pretty sure Michal Handzus lives in a sector tunnel between the Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine stops.

But on a serious note, Metro is making some comfort-zone type changes for the public which is nice to see. Metro is putting money into what already has been a well-known tight budget situation, with some pretty key stuff. The article is linked up top, but what’s the most important part to all of this? They’re not holding you up. If I’m flirting with 50 minutes prior to puck drop and one of those tan-suits stops me for what I’d consider the worst usage of two minutes in the history of mankind to pat me down, I’d be f*cking ticked-off to the max. That probably doesn’t do justice to what I’d actually be feeling, but what if that guard later stops someone holding a bomb? What if Ryan Smyth scored a goal from a range farther than two feet from the net?

Metro is obviously making some solid investments here, it’s nice to see them reacting in a proactive fashion to Al-Qaeda’s reported plans. Metro is also obviously making some bad investments as well, like the commercial they produced for the Los Angeles Kings this season. This thing is horrible. Two things struck me here: For one, I didn’t know you could find a bad director/producer in the city of Los Angeles. Isn’t that the “thing” in LA? Secondly, I’m perplexed how this could become the final project for a company/organization looking to represent themselves in respectable fashion. Am I being too blunt?

Watch out, this monster might eat your computer screen before the 31 seconds tick off.

If there’s an award for “Worst crowd-to-crowd transition when basing the entirety of your setting on a full-house at Staples Center“, this has got to be a top nominee.

OK, legit.

Candace Parker is a reportedly 6’4″ tall, and she claims to love her seat!

Either they’re dropping in Candace Parker‘s lunch from a helicopter on the live set, or she’s trying to peek over the invisible King Kong sitting in the seat in front of her.
Popcorn seems to be the arena snack of choice, tonight.
That is the most saturated group of minorities to be attending a Los Angeles Kings game I’ve ever seen.

Kevin Westgarth polishes off the casting for this dandy. No wonder the Lakers never take part in Metro commercials.

That guy above the Clippers’ Craig Smith right shoulder looks to be well-indulged. With what, who knows.

ALL ABOARD!

The Kings were on Staples Center ice for just the third time in nine contests, sulking into Los Angeles along the 5 freeway with an ugly 1-7-0 record that symbolized their previous eight dates — talk about a low-point. The lone victory during that slump-fest happens to be #5 on the list in TOP FIVE. Florida’s visit to Staples Center was quickly overshadowed when the Kings pulled off an absolute dandy against the Detroit Red Wings on the premises just two nights later, but it certainly still deserves recognition. This night had some substance. The Smyth-Stoll-Williams line does it’s thing in due fashion before it’s sudden downfall, Peter Harrold scores, Anze Kopitar with a pre-injury golden moment, and Peter Harrold scores. Oh, and it also fueled December’s resurgance, the Kings snagging two points in eight of the next eleven games. Can’t go wrong here, really.

BAILEY Cameo – TOP RIGHT

For the “Sunshine State”

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December 2, 2010 – Regular Season Game #24
Los Angeles Kings (3) – Florida Panthers (2)
Staples Center – Los Angeles, California

Highlights can be seen below, Bob and Jim with the Fox Sports West feed. Not the prettiest game you’ll see, but a crucial one at that. Does Florida even have a broadcast team anyway? And why does their arena have bright green seats, I’ve never understood that. Probably designed the place around an early ’90′s Arena Football League team or something that folded two years later.

Why it’s #4: There are no green seats in the background because this game was not in Florida. That comment above was completely irrelevant to anything recognizable to this game. Anyway, not necessarily one of the most appealing wins this season, to the casual viewer at least. However, it came with a marvelous finish and kicked the Kings out of the valley they were trapped in. That valley was located in Shitty F*cking Defense-ville, in the country of WhereTheFuckIsJonathanBernier-istan. The eight games prior to this win against the Florida Panthers saw the Kings grab just two of sixteen points available, seven losses in regulation, but stole a Shootout win in Boston to curb the dismal state of play. After the refresh, the Kings went running, pulling off an 8-2-1 record in the next eleven games, taking 17 of 22 points on the board.

Defense Due: I shoulder a lot of blame on defensive struggles for the Kings’ November slump, but they were due for a win. In the two games prior to Florida, the defense was showing signs of it’s early-season form, the offense just couldn’t take advantage of it. A 2-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks and a 2-0 dud against the Anaheim Ducks had everyone waiting for the offense to hop aboard. The defense stayed honest, surrendering just 6 goals in the next 4 games. The offense joined the party too, putting up 12 tallies in the same next 4 games. Talk about making ends meet, the Kings would go 4-0-0 after the forwards started to put some pucks away.

Prior To Vacation: Unfortunately, tonight was one of the last memorable sights of the formerly-known “geezer line”. Jarret Stoll wouldn’t score a goal for the next 15 games, totaling just 3 assists in that span. For the Williams, Stoll, Smyth line as a whole, it all went downhill with Stoll’s numbers, which queued Terry Murray to call out the centerman in public fashion. Murray sent the message in late December, and Stoll responded almost as well as you could have expected. Jarret Stoll is certainly an interesting offseason subject as his contract with the Kings has expired. The guy deserves some serious consideration for a new contract, he’s a staple in the face-off circle and can fill multiple roles in a team’s offensive scheme.

PETE!: Always nice to see Peter Harrold put one in, his only goal of the season would come in this game against Tomas Vokoun and the Florida Panthers. He gets the game-tying goal here, only for it to be his last of the season. In the following game, Harrold assists on the game-tying goal, to also be his last of the season. 9 more times he’s etched into the lineup, but with a questionable presence you really couldn’t tab as either valuable or harmful. He’s an under appreciated player in this organization, there’s no doubt. With an NHL career dating as far back as the ’06/07 season with the Kings, Harrold has been a comfortable substitute, especially as a swingman. He can fill slots anywhere on the ice except the crease. Not only does he have a two-sided skill set, but he can do it respectively at an on-call basis. Not easy to do. His status as a King isn’t necessarily expected to continue into next season, tougher issue to delegate than it looks. Best of luck with your future endeavors, Pete.

You bet your ass he’s staring at that two-spot. Either that or the Jumbotron captured the guy I saw rocking a Peter Harrold jersey two years ago. Peter Harrold probably likes seeing people in Peter Harrold Jerseys. Then again, it’s probably him staring at the scoreboard that’s been juiced-up due to his snapper after intercepting a Florida clear-attempt, thinking about how many more people are going to buy Peter Harrold jerseys because of his CRUCIAL goal.

Anze Kopitar ends it late in the third period. More from him later. If you recall what happened in the game scheduled after this one, the writing’s on the wall.

Like a drunken townie reminiscing their high school athletic career, we’re taking a look back at the TOP FIVE LA Kings games played this season. The NHL Playoffs are in full-swing, and we’re just getting started with offseason coverage here at KingsCast.net. Look out for a new episode of Overtime by the end of the week, Chris and Keith will be at you with a Season Review in Episode 107. For the time-being, let’s get to #5 on the list.

November 20, 2010 – Regular Season Game #19
Los Angeles Kings 4 – Boston Bruins 3 (SO)
TD Banknorth Garden – Boston, Massachusetts

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Highlights can be seen below, unfortunately we’re working with the Bruins’ NESN feed here. Enjoy yourself a nice helping of Jack Edwards, the same guy who related a Bruins playoff victory to the Revolutionary War. Please now.

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Why It’s #5: When targeting the low points to the Kings tumultuous season, the second-half of November stands out as the worst stretch of hockey played by this club. From November 14th to December 1st, the Kings earned just one victory over a span of eight contests. That single victory is the one we’re talking now, the epitome of a diamond in the rough. Although the Bruins were able to recover from a 3-goal deficit, the Kings stabilized the onslaught to extend the game to a Shootout – where the Kings absolutely own Boston. In fact, the Kings are 5-0-0 against the Bruins dating back to the 2008-2009 campaign, locking down three victories by way of a shootout, a win in OT, and a win in regulation.

Quick Fix: Tim Thomas may have been higher on Team USA’s goalie depth chart in the 2010 Winter Olympics than Jonathan Quick, and he may have been selected to the 2011 NHL All Star Game while Quick was questionably ignored, but he has no business in a shootout against the Kings goaltender. That’s three head-to-head shootouts between Thomas and Quick since 2009, and Quick is eating his cake too.

You know what that means, time for another…

At least he doesn’t throw milk crates like Tuukka Rask.

Secondary Scoring: Another great aspect to this game, with Kings goals coming from Brad Richardson, Michal Handzus, and Jarret Stoll. It just goes to show how crucial depth in the offensive department can be, consistency with that was the problem for this roster.

Early Signs: Trevor Lewis had one hell of a game here folks. His puck control in the neutral zone opened a lane for Brad Richardson to coast in for the Kings’ first tally, one of Richardson’s few appearances this season. Don’t let a 6-game playoff series fool you, SEE YA Brad. Lewis then took part in Handzus’ goal, beating Boston’s defense to a rebound off of a Dustin Brown shot, and utilized time and space low in the zone to structure the play.

‘Zus On The Loose: Michal Handzus had quite a performance, netting the game-clincher in the 6th round of a scoreless shootout. Handzus’ regulation goal saw him make use of open space in the slot, where he found himself alone, hammering home a rebound from a Davis Drewiske point shot. That would be Drewiske’s final point of the season.

The Countdown: Be on the lookout for the next installment of TOP FIVE, where I’ll break down #4 on the list. Anyone else have the Tampa Bay Lightning as this year’s sleeper team? I sure do.

If you’ve yet to see Keith and Chris’ post-game analysis of Game 6 on Episode 106 of ‘Overtime‘, don’t get left out. You can watch here or simply click on the screen-shot below. Both of those options are pretty simple, though, so it’s your preference on how to approach them.

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To most, they weren’t even considered to have a chance, yet the Kings lost this series themselves. It’s saddening, it’s heartbreaking, and it happened in the worst way it possibly could have. To be positive, I can now try and have some sort of life, but those are overrated and filled with too much stupid sh*t anyway. Today I found myself not entrenched with feelings of anger and disgust, but a serious appreciation for how this team finished the season. Anze Kopitar‘s broken ankle didn’t do any damage to the mental capacity of this roster, that’s what’s so great about it. They kept moving, and locked up a playoff position in a heavily saturated group of contenders vying for postseason play in the Western Conference. This, they did without Justin Williams as well, respect is given where it’s due, there’s a tough team here folks. The playoff matchup with the San Jose Sharks looked like an uphill battle from the start. I predicted the Sharks in 6 games, but if two bounces take different routes, the Kings very well could still be playing hockey. Three overtime losses, and the failure to hold a four-goal lead on home-ice. That’s not gonna do it, but it certainly was close.

What’s wrong with this picture? Not only did it happen in the harshest, most absolute worst way possible, but look at the staff on-hand for first-person experience…

The heads were down, but it’s hands-down when we’re talking top defensive defensemen on this roster – Willie Mitchell and Rob Scuderi. And poor Jonathan Quick – who was magnificent. Yet, a funky bounce finds Joe Thornton’s stick like it had a directed GPS System and this thing’s over. Done.

Actually, a good friend of my mine saw Jonathan Quick without his uniform on the other day and was lucky enough to snap a picture.

Good side or bad side? Tough call.

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The summer awaits us, a time that seems more refreshing by the minute. An 82-game regular season and a chunk of playoff contests can get to the head. Everyone needs a break, time for things to slow down a bit. Before you know it, El Segundo will be in full-swing in just four months for training camp. There are a few players with expired contracts who will be dealt with, a blockbuster-type deal that I could see coming, and the draft. Talking about any of that would take us to overload central, my mind can’t take much more right now.

Thanks for Attention Deficit Disorder

I figure that’s the only reason my blog gets traffic, anyway.

And no, I didn’t photo-shop that. I know.

But really, I want to thank everyone for the readership. I really do appreciate it, and I enjoy working to put together decent content for Kings fans to enjoy. Whether it’s for a quick moment, or something that sticks with you for the day, I enjoy sharing my thoughts and opinions with you. Even though I’m a dislocated fan for the time-being, the strength this team’s community exudes is just about the best I’ve ever been a part of. Special thank you’s to:

Keith Korneluk and Chris Kaliszewski: Happy to meet you guys on the Wilshire/Western Purple Line two years ago, and even more happy to have developed a steady partnership. ‘Overtime’ is quite possibly the best independent analysis in the entire NHL, the fan-base is lucky to have such coverage.

Jonathan Moncrief of the LA Examiner: Jon took me under his wing earlier during the season, and even asked for permission to grant me into the Staples Center Press Box so I could shadow him. It didn’t work out, but his effort was satisfying enough. We were able to catch a couple of Kings practices together, he included me as best he could, much appreciated.  He went above and beyond in providing me with advice and guidance. Look for an in-depth interview I had with LA Kings reporter Jonathan Moncrief in the coming weeks right here on ‘Dancing in the Reign‘ on KingsCast.net. Thank you, Jon.

Meg Jarrell of LA KingsCourt: Thank you for the free-use of your photography, for the sharing of my content, and for your ability to satisfy my social-network fix of LA Kings news and media in a matter of minutes.

‘MayorsManor‘, ‘The Royal Half‘, ‘Surly&Scribe‘, ‘DieHard Los Angeles Kings‘, and of course Rich Hammond of ‘LA Kings Insider‘ – Just for some damn good coverage.

Tender Loving Care

He was at the Hospital for his ankle, I was there because the Kings are retiring the uniform Kopitar’s donning here. They’re shedding these for some lame white concept of the current third jersey. I hate that template and design. I’ve tried to like them, because I know our wardrobe is going to hell, but it’s almost impossible. Put these new concepts next to ‘Bland’ in the dictionary.

That’s it for now. I’ll be back periodically throughout the off-season, including some pretty good stuff in the coming weeks. Look out for notes on Kings’ free-agents, an exclusive interview with LA Kings reporter and journalist Jonathan Moncrief of the LA Examiner, and honest coverage of other news and notes to come out of Los Angeles Kings camp this summer. Goodnight, and good luck.