If you expected it to come easy, you may have lost grasp as for what this team is playing for.
It could be a bit troublesome to keep the head up, but it really shouldn’t be.
The Kings’ near-perfect postseason success has spoiled us to the utmost degree.
They’ve written one of the most historic playoff runs in sports history to get to this point, which still sees them in a situation that finds them on top in a Stanley Cup Final series that many wouldn’t even imagine this club partaking in.
So it’s time to stop being the ‘under-dog’.
That label comes with a history of struggle, the Kings have surpassed that. What they’re dealing with now is new-found struggle, losing two consecutive games for the first time this postseason, and allowing the New Jersey Devils to breathe life into this series.
For the love of anything, suffocate it. End it.
Pick it up, finish it up
Similar to how thinking too much can kill you, over-analyzing things can bury you.
It’s Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
How about watching it happen.
Go Kings.
LAK-NJD GAME 5 RECAP in Episode 168 HERE
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Just let it roll. Make it happen like we and the rest of the world have come to know.
Nothing more to be said right now.
Go Kings – Bring it home tonight won’t you.
One more
LAK-NJD GAME 4 RECAP in Episode 167 HERE
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It’ll be the franchise’s 45th birthday Wednesday, and Game 4 is joining the celebration.
Tell me the stars aren’t aligned.
With an offensive outburst leading them to another win Monday night, the Kings are just one victory away from the Stanley Cup, just one win from the greatest glory to grace this franchise, something that would be quite a gift for that birth-date recognition.
The Kings keyed on the powerplay in Game 3, and exemplified perfection in doing so. They executed on both man-advantage opportunities, Jeff Carter and Justin Williams potting third-period powerplay markers to push the Devils to the brink, making them look just about as hopeless as every other opponent the Kings have seen this postseason.
Then there’s Jonathan Quick, again. Quick posted his third shutout of the postseason in stopping all 22 Devils shots. That’s just been another taste, Quick has stymied New Jersey all series long, turning away 70 of New Jersey’s 72 total shots.
The Kings see themselves in the same Game 4 situation they’ve looked at in each previous series this postseason; on home-ice, with a 3-0 series lead. This position, albeit any team or fan’s dream, has been the least successful for the Kings. They’ve gone 1-2 in these situations, including their only two losses of the entire playoff campaign.
But it’s just about one more win.
Seeing red
If the Kings don’t have absolute commanding control over New Jersey with their 3-0 series lead alone, the inside numbers certainly give their edge and dominance extreme validity. The Kings have now stopped all 12 Devils power-play opportunities, while simultaneously making Ilya Kovalchuk non-existent.
The scoring is coming from all assets, three tallies from the top-two lines and another from defenseman Alec Martinez – who has subtly been outstanding all postseason long, especially last night with his late instinct to jump in on offensive rushes.
Is it worth talking Jonathan Quick? You already know.
He’s been getting even more help as of late, because lately, sometimes the shots just aren’t getting to him. Matt Greene and Rob Scuderi combined for seven blocked shots, the defense as a whole got in the way of 12. To add to Alec Martinez‘ goal, Drew Doughty and Willie Mitchell chipped in with assists.
It’s simply coming from all cylinders, and you don’t stop that.
You can’t.
Party at Marty’s
Tough ending?: Martin Brodeur doesn’t have to play perfect just once, he has to do it four straight times. For the slew of pressure he’s been facing, and for the utter rampage this Kings team is on – with Jonathan Quick at the other end, you’ve got to come to terms with something. Even the greatest players run into a machine they just can’t handle. It’s not his fault.
Killing Jersey: Of the Kings’ six successful penalty kills Monday night, most notable was their stunting of New Jersey’s 5-on-3 opportunity in the first period. That is one of the best ways to feed into a momentum swing in this game, because it comes in one of the most difficult, inglorious fashions. If the Devils can’t solve Jonathan Quick and the Kings’ defense in that situation, in the early stages of a game they need to win, when can they?
Finish ‘em: I’m not sure what else to say, I’m not really sure why I said any of the aforementioned. This Kings club hasn’t just stunned us, but the world. It’s beyond comprehension, it’s bigger than a majority of sports history, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
They’re at home Wednesday night, Staples Center will be holding the Stanley Cup trophy in it’s bowels, and it’s one more win for the taking. But oh, is it all so much more than that.
The season’s seen tough times
Worse times
These times
There’s Davis Drewiske
John Stevens times
Lost times
Hold up – -
Tick, tack, paddywhack
Been in it since ’06, owns it six years later
LAK-NJD GAME 3 RECAP in Episode 166 HERE
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For Stanley Cup Final ticket prices, one can’t help but be grateful for some extra hockey. And boy, have those Devils fans gotten a taste.
One for the money, and two for the show.
Call it flow; some of that road flow. Call it 10 and oh.
The Kings are heading back to Staples Center in the same fashion they’ve done in the previous three series’ this postseason: Holding a 2-0 lead, and on a majestic road that seems to be just their own. The winning continues, the Kings upping their record on the road to 10-0 this postseason. That’s unfathomably filthy, and it owns NHL record books.
Things have been done a bit differently this time around, the Kings being the ones to queue opposing buildings to close house, rather than the 3rd period horn. It’s been in overtime, and they’re inching toward glory in an aspect of the game that they’ve allowed to absolutely kill them in seasons’ past.
The Kings were 0-3 in playoff OT contests in their first-round exit against the San Jose Sharks last season. Extra hockey also haunted the Kings in their only other Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1993, also going 0-3 in OT contests against the Montreal Canadians.
They’re 2-0 in this series alone, 4-0 throughout the postseason. And when they’re not winning Stanley Cup Finals games in walk-off fashion, they’ve been doing so to clinch. The Kings sealed the fate of both the Vancouver Canucks and Phoenix Coyotes in the OT frame.
Many say it’s luck, which is a huge factor.
But, when you play consistently close hockey like the Kings had done all season long, with Jonathan Quick in your rear-view, you are a dangerous threat. The Kings are just that.
Their consistent struggles throughout the regular season have been a golden blessing in disguise.
They’re made for this.
Watch it happen
There’s been no hesitation from the Kings when it comes to the next, and final goal of the game. They’ve outshot New Jersey 15-6 in OT so far, and have ended both instances on their own terms. It’s all about being comfortable in that situation, and the Kings couldn’t be better built for the OT limelight.
Shot-totals in OT don’t necessarily mean a more explosive offense, but a better overall feel of yourselves as a club – which is a strength the Kings have. While playing a conservative-type defense in OT, they’re sure enough to take risks up the ice, but in smart form, always with players back. It’s about lulling the opposition to sleep, and pouncing on open lanes.
In fact, shots are what is most important come OT, and they don’t have to be good. Just after a sequence that saw Dustin Penner surrender an opportunity by holding onto the puck too long, Jeff Carter does exactly what you want a player to do in that situation – throw the puck on net. Carter did so for a chance and a rebound. A rebound he got, and made that bounce count with his next shot.
Looking at it
Slinky eyes: Many were amazed at the fact Jeff Carter scored the Game 2 OT goal without actually looking at the net. This is the knack of a goal scorer, this is something extremely good to see from Carter. In fact, catching Martin Brodeur off-guard without giving away the eyes may have been the only way the Kings score again in Game 2.
Carter, who had possession for a while, had a very good feel for his positioning and where the net was. Carter was controlling the movement of the defense, Martin Brodeur included, after picking up his own rebound. Carter knew this, and he shot against the grain (a la Wayne Gretzky), with no clue to foreshadow the decision.
They call that ‘seeing with the puck’s eyes’.
Trigger pulled – New Jersey’s hopes nulled.
Hero Sandwich
Kopiheart
Today, we’re all Kings
LAK-NJD GAME 2 RECAP in Episode 165 HERE
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Holding a grudge is an easy thing to do, and it may help to suffice any pain or anger felt toward a certain being. However, that stumps long-term development in making amends of a past situation, no matter how difficult it is, or was to accept.
Many fans dealt with this in real time unlike myself – that being Game 2 of the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately, I’m somewhat thankful for not witnessing it. I’ve seen a few stingers, just free of one more. You know what happened, you know the momentum swing it sparked, and you may even blame it on the Kings demise in their series against the Montreal Canadians.
Am I opening an old wound?
Am I beating a dead horse?
At first glance, that’s all you may see. But, Marty McSorley‘s conference call on Sunday showed me something else, and it had nothing to do with his new-found explanation of the situation, which caught me off guard – shedding new light on one of hockey’s darkest moments after spending years putting up a guard whenever the question was asked.
Up until now, approaching McSorley in regards to his ‘illegal curve’ was seen as just that – illegal.
The former Kings enforcer shielded questions left and right about the incident until letting things come to fruition with the public Sunday, and I certainly didn’t see it as a cry for publicity, or for it to have any effect on the current team.
I saw it as a genuine time to calmly honor a question that’s been haunting Kings fans for 19 years, since the last time they were skating in the Stanley Cup Finals. He didn’t finger blame at certain individuals, he certainly didn’t deny being guilty, just some bewilderment and a bit of hostility to how, and why the situation happened.
I won’t see his words as true or false, but they do have a certain degree of believability to them. The dots do kind of flirt with connecting, especially considering when the Montreal Canadians decided to trigger on their ‘so called’ tactic – down 2-1 to the Kings with 1:45 to play in regulation. Queue a powerplay goal why don’t you.
What was the secret weapon here: McSorley’s manicured stick, or the Montreal bench?
Marty McSorley‘s stuck around, whether you’ve embraced it or not. I haven’t necessarily, but there’s a little respect to be had after Sunday. For a player that may have caused you a great deal of pain over the 1993 incident, give a second to think about his side of it, what he’s dealt with. He certainly wasn’t the only one doing it, you better believe that.
“But look at L.A. right now, the game is very, very alive and very, very well.”
And really, that’s all that matters.
Do you think any one player on this roster cares about this? Come on, now. Throw the ‘curse’, and blame, out the door while you’re at it.
Back to it tomorrow night.
Recap and VIDEO of McSorley Conference Call via INSIDE SPORTS HERE
LAK-PHX GAME 5 RECAP in Episode 163 HERE
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Chalk up another challenge, chalk up the New Jersey Devils.
These clubs have seen each other just three times throughout the past two years, and not one time since October.
For the Kings, those dates with the Devils have brought very little success. However, it’s senseless to base the outlook of this series on recent history. Unless we’re talking the past month.
We’re talking a different head coach, and a completely, utterly different Kings team here. If not through growth and production, through their roster. Remember Trent Hunter and Ethan Moreau? Remember when Kevin Westgarth played? Oh god.
Remember when Terry Murray sat Jonathan Quick after three consecutive shutouts, only to see Jonathan Bernier get torn apart in a 3-0 loss to the Devils in October?
Actually, that wasn’t a completely terrible decision. It’s just easy to make it look like one now.
Red October: New Jersey has come as an ‘early-bird’ opponent for the Kings the past two seasons, all three of their match-ups coming during the first month of the regular season, that being October. In these games, the Kings have gone 1-1-1 against the Devils, including 0-1-1 this season alone.
Purple Daze: The New Jersey Devils already have two of the worst commentators in Chico Resch and Steve Cangialosi, and their graphics department hasn’t been stumping their performance. The MSG+ network is rocking the purple crown (above) like it’s last season. This gives me full-on justification for continuing with the throwback trend for a little while more.
Turning back the clock, :27 seconds left on the clock
Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it
- Season Series -
October 13, 2011 – Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
New Jersey Devils (2) – LA Kings (1) *Final/Shootout
Game Notes: The Kings would notch the first goal less than two minutes into the contest, Simon Gagne scoring his first goal in a Kings uniform. The Devils would tie the game later in the period with a goal from Patrick Elias. There would be no more goals until the shootout, the Devils ending things quickly in just two rounds. Jonathan Quick was stellar, stopping 36 of 37 New Jersey shots, including an absolutely stellar 3rd period and OT performance. Johan Hedberg would replace Martin Brodeur after the 1st period, and stopped all 16 Kings shots he faced. This was also the Kings first regular season game on North American soil, after starting the season in Europe.
October 25, 2011 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
New Jersey Devils (3) – LA Kings (0)
Game Notes: The Kings entered this game on a defensive tear, riding three consecutive shutout victories – all recorded by Jonathan Quick. Terry Murray chose to start Jonathan Bernier to give Quick some rest, and the backup was picked apart in a 3-0 loss, allowing all three goals in a six-minute span. Johan Hedberg started again for Martin Brodeur, who was injured four games prior against the Kings. Their fortune of luck against Hedberg wouldn’t change, the Kings failing to score on any of their 31 shots. This wasn’t just the end to the Kings franchise-record shutout streak, but the end to their hot start to the season. The Kings would begin to slip from here on out, going 1-5-1 in their next seven contests.
Missing asset
Devil Killer: He scored the only Kings goal against the Devils this season, and he’s been beating them his entire career. Simon Gagne, who is likely to miss the Stanley Cup Finals in final recovery from his concussion, is now skating with the Kings in practice.
Even if he is feeling physically well, Gagne hasn’t played a game in just over five months. To insert him into the lineup at this point is a major, major risk to take. For a player who’s been out for the length he has, with the injury he sustained, a solid two weeks of ice conditioning is needed at the very least. Why fix something when it’s not broken.
I’m not talking just getting back to full in-game shape, this hockey is at a completely different level right now. It’s not just playoff hockey anymore, it’s the Stanley Cup Finals. That takes mental and physical strength I just don’t see Gagne having right now.
Now, if the Kings get to the point like they have in the previous three rounds, the point where they see themselves with a 3-0 series lead, then I’m all for letting Gagne dress. Since he didn’t meet the NHL‘s minimum games-played requirement to get his name on the Stanley Cup if the Kings win, he needs to play in at least one Stanley Cup Final game to get that privilege.
By the way, out of all current NHL players, Simon Gagne has the most goals against Martin Brodeur with 19. It only makes it harder to say, but Gags has to watch this one from the seats – it’s only for the better.
Knowing New Jersey
Stopping Ilya: The much-maligned forward for the Devils, Ilya Kovalchuk, has had an absolutely astounding postseason run so far. With seven goals and 11 assists, Kovalchuk is riding 18 points heading into the series.
While he can be a liability defensively (tagging along with a -4 rating), he is a menace on the powerplay. Out of Kovalchuk’s 18 points, eight of them are on the man-advantage, in the form of five goals and three assists. The Kings, whose penalty kill has been stalwart, must keep Kovalchuk from finding any powerplay success.
Seeing Marty: Possibly the biggest story other than the Kings these playoffs is the play of Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, who is heading back to the Stanley Cup Finals at the age of 40. The Kings saw Brodeur for just one period this season due to injury, scoring one goal on 11 shots.
Brodeur, who is carrying a 2.04 GAA and a .923 save % into the finals, has been helped by his offense quite a bit. If the Kings know what they’re getting from Jonathan Quick, Martin Brodeur could easily become New Jersey’s weak link if offensive pressure continues for the Kings.
Top-line grind: The line of Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, and Justin Williams must continue it’s forceful presence. Not only have they combined for four shorthanded goals, but 42 goals all together – in just 14 games. They’ve showed serious presence on both ends, also shutting down the defensive zone, carrying along a +32 mark. You may see Mike Richards‘ line paired up with Ilya Kovalchuk‘s to try and maintain the steady production of Kopitar’s line.
The last time the Kings played the New Jersey Devils, all things were looking up under the helm of Terry Murray…
Not. Look who’s up in this b*tch now
How about a Stanley Cup Finals series prediction?
C’mon Gretz, you’re killing my cool in front of everyone.
Kings in 5 games. I repeat, Kings in 5 (five).
Because, the time is– oh, that’s no good
Now there we go
But because, the Time is Now
LAK-PHX GAME 5 RECAP in Episode 163 HERE
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It may not have to relate directly to hockey, because in anyone’s eyes, a shutout loss at home in the playoffs is nothing to write home about, nor praise.
I had to catch myself as time ran out in the Kings’ 2-0 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes Sunday afternoon. A momentary strike of anger and frustration hit – and then I realized how stupid that was. As phenomenal as the Kings’ 11-1 start to the postseason has been, you cannot allow yourself to get intertwined in the success to the point where it builds into heavy-set expectations.
Now it’s 11-2 for the Kings, and still just one victory away from the Stanley Cup Finals. If that’s not a situation you can be grateful to be in, I’m lost at what is. You want it to be good, but not too good – and the Game 4 loss to Phoenix may very well be a blessing in disguise.
They say closing a series at home is one of the more difficult things to do in hockey. When it becomes not only clinching a series, but sweeping one – for a ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals, the pressure is insurmountable.
We all want a party, we want it on home ice, and you just want it too bad.
Then you think about the feat of beating Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith four consecutive times, while simultaneously grinding Shane Doan to be an absolute ‘non-presence’ – and that’s something very few, if any, NHL clubs are capable of doing.
And heck, if there’s one thing Kings fans know; It’s that sometimes, things just don’t go your way.
Bounce house
Not Today: Quite frankly, there’s a certain point in a game when you can start to realize results may not click in your direction. For the Kings, they once again outshot the Phoenix Coyotes, hammering Mike Smith with 36 shots, but they were shooting at goalie who had the day locked in his hands. The Kings maintained solid pressure throughout, but were simply not getting the help from any graceful bounces.
Not to mention, they’re facing one of the league’s elite goaltenders.
And the elite stepped up for Phoenix, Shane Doan took the game into his own hands, potting both Coyotes goals. If you expected Phoenix to die quietly, you weren’t taking them seriously enough. And if you expected Shane Doan to go without an impressive fight – well, you’re just expecting too much.
Those were my keys to Game 4, getting under Smith’s skin early, and keeping Doan off of the scoresheet. That didn’t happen. When those two get a bite of success, that makes the day’s job much, much more difficult. They’ve managed to do it once, but that’s nothing compared to what the Kings have accomplished this series.
Phoenix on a string
- Game 5 Looks -
– The Kings are back on the road Tuesday night, back to Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, AZ. This will be a positive environment for the Kings, as they’ve shown to be a ‘road team’ not just in recent history, but throughout this playoff run. The Kings are undefeated in road confines this postseason, taking their 8-0 mark with them into Game 5.
– The only previous loss for the Kings in the playoffs came in another Game 4. This, in their Western Conference Quarterfinals bout with the Vancouver Canucks. The Kings would clinch the series on the road, winning Game 5. You’re looking for a repeat instance Tuesday night in Phoenix.
– The Kings were shutout for the first time in the postseason in Game 4, a grim reminder of the offensive struggles imposed on this club throughout the year. It’s crucial that doesn’t sink into the mental aspect of this team again, especially now. Shots haven’t been a problem for the Kings this series, and firing at Mike Smith with a large quantity is once again vital.
– Shots are important, but quality shots are vital. The Kings, although putting up another sexy shot-total in Game 4, were limited to shots from the outside for much of the contest. This, along with failing to find open lanes, the Phoenix Coyotes blocking an astounding 12 shots. Regaining presence within Phoenix’s defense in the middle of the ice will be important in the opportunities granted on Mike Smith.
– The Kings were unsuccessful on the powerplay in Game 4, and they looked a bit stagnant during their man-advantage opportunities. To couple with that, they finally faltered to Phoenix’s powerplay, allowing Shane Doan to score the game-winning goal. Special teams is a deal-breaker in this matchup, something the Kings need to regain success on for Game 5.
– Response has been the key to the Kings’ success, and that’s exactly what they need in Game 5. A 3-1 series lead feels comfortable, but it shouldn’t be. Darryl Sutter has engrained a solid mindset in this club, one that has shown little to no weakness when faced with adversity. If you start to give Phoenix time and room, that’s when things will start to get a bit scary. You stop that from happening, you do so with a Game 5 win.
– Alas, things are far from over for this Kings club. It’s sitting there, it’s waiting for us. All you can do is execute, which is what this roster has been doing for the past month.
If you haven’t done so already, give yourself a second to realize where this team has come from, what they’ve done to get here. If you do it genuinely, perfection certainly doesn’t fit the bill. That’s what’s been so great about it, and may that story continue Tuesday night.
Another crack at adversity
LAK-PHX GAME 4 RECAP in Episode 162 HERE
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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.
– 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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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
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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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