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.

 

The Kings are looking to elude elimination once again tonight against the San Jose Sharks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. This time, they’re holding ground in the home confines at Staples Center. This hasn’t been the location of choice when you’re talking success for the Kings in this series. They’ve lost both contests in the home barn, allowing an astounding 12 goals combined in the two games. If Staples can manipulate consumers with their ‘Easy’ Button, I’ve got something else for you.

Matt Greene’s on-board, just back it up with some sound defensive zone coverage buddy.

I’ve already put this thing through worse abuse than an ‘upper-cut’ button on a 1992 Mortal Combat arcade game.

Jonathan Quick hasn’t been the problem at home, and chances are he won’t be tonight. Maintaining the Sharks offensive output hinges heavily on focusing on avoiding coverage collapse. Numerous analysts, Jim Fox included, noted that Games 3 and 4 at Staples Center weren’t playoff hockey. I’d have to agree, the Sharks weren’t necessarily given their goals, but they were granted several opportunities in which an NHL player would have no excuse to justify not burying the puck. Hung out to dry, and I’m not talking mommy’s backyard clothesline. Jonathan Quick was helpless, as any goaltender would’ve been with that spotty defensive coverage. Our goaltender stood on his head to win Game 5 for the Kings, allotting 51 saves in a majestic performance, and his capabilities only grow when he’s getting decent defense in front of him. If the Kings can focus on formulating consistent coverage in their own zone, the chances for the Kings to extend this to a 7th game are quite attractive.

No Line Changes?!?!

“Terry, any chance you’re adjusting the lines for Game 6? Terry?…Terry?”

Put away your dancing shoes, no ‘Terry Murray Shuffle’ tonight. It wasn’t so much his decision, he’s been in complete shock since that train-wreck of a 4th-line he compiled actually did something in Game 5.

I stand corrected, as I’m sure many of you do as well. I was pretty harsh in criticism when Terry Murray announced his 4th-line combination of Dustin Penner, Jarret Stoll, and Kevin Westgarth. Can someone check if a Penner goal assisted from Westgarth was predicted by the Mayans? I’m trying to get to the bottom of this 2012 apocalypse business. Both Dustin Penner and Kevin Westgarth had pretty solid games. Westgarth has shown a noticeable step-up in his offensive zone play, he’s been on the puck and disrupting San Jose’s break-out quite well. Penner’s been alright, I’m hoping his goal Saturday night opens up his game a bit. He recently claimed to be “thinking too much” on the ice, which doesn’t attain to his style. The guy’s abilities revolve around effort and grit, getting to the puck down-low and along the boards. And yes, he needs to take advantage of open-ice when he’s not the first guy in. He did that well, executing on a beautiful pass from Kevin Westgarth in Game 5. I still can’t help but hate the fact that Jarret Stoll is centering these two, are his abilities not used better elsewhere? I think so.

Bottom Line

- Kings must support Jonathan Quick tonight and not allow the opportunities they presented San Jose in the previous games at Staples Center this series. Quick’s got the positioning and poise to stop the majority of shots he’ll see, it’s a matter of not exposing him in helpless fashion.

- The Wayne Simmonds, Kyle Clifford, and Brad Richardson line needs to continue it’s playoff tear. They’ve been an absolute crucial part of the Kings’ scoring in the series. Clifford and Richardson both have 5 points apiece, with Simmonds chipping in with 3. They’ve been hounding the Sharks’ defense on the forecheck, they’re getting to the net, and getting the puck there. There’s no question this line’s continuity will be a factor tonight.

- Scott Parse looked good Saturday night, and will continue to play alongside Michal Handzus and Justin Williams. I was surprised with how quickly he seemed to adapt to live-gameplay, the Kings will need a second coming of that tonight.

And it very well could be the last. The season’s life-span is in heavy threat, the Kings’ second consecutive postseason appearance is hanging by a thread. The Kings have officially struck “must-win” status heading into tonight’s contest at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. The Kings are facing a 3-1 series deficit, in which three consecutive victories will be needed to advance past the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Right now, it’s one game at a time, one win at a time. That’s the way the Kings must approach Game 5 tonight. Simple mindset, stick to the system, and for the love of god – show some f*cking life in the defensive zone coverage scheme.

 

Guest Services

And the manager ain’t in, either.

You look for any positive outlook on the Kings’ situation, and I’d have to say it’s getting back on the road. For whatever reason, this team isn’t the same at Staples Center. In the first two games in San Jose, the Kings allowed just 3 goals combined, and left the Bay area with a win to their name. Back to Los Angeles, friendly confines, right? In two games, 12 goals allowed, two losses, and a gut-check at the door. All of the pressure is on the Sharks in front of their home fans, even tonight. They’ve got some of the most miserably hungry playoff hockey fans in the league, I mean they’ve been tortured with postseason failure. For the Sharks, tonight is a chance to push the underdog to the side, a team without it’s top player, hanging by a thread as elimination looms. Why does this setting sound somewhat good for the Kings?

One More Ride on the Carousel

“So Terry, what astonishingly terrible, senseless, and downright laughable line changes will we be seeing for Game 5?”

He had me at Dustin Penner and Kevin Westgarth…playing together. Wow.

In all seriousness, I’m quite perplexed with Terry Murray‘s line-shuffling, and that’s nothing new from a personal standpoint. Tonight, you’re looking for a roster that can provide the absolute best last-ditch effort possible. You’re looking for scoring touch, speed, and players who can create and/or finish on scoring opportunity. So with that, Terry scratches Alexei Ponikarovsky and Oscar Moller in favor of dressing Kevin Westgarth and Dustin Penner on the fourth line. Not just that, but Jarret Stoll is centering these two. Immediately you’re hampering Stoll’s value, face-offs aside. Maybe Penner takes off the rental skates for a pair of his own, and Westgarth does nothing with no negative consequence. There’s some positive outlook on the situation for you. Sheesh.

Final Tidbits

- Glad to see Terry Murray stick with Jonathan Quick for Game 5. Yes, he’s allowed 12 goals in his previous two games, but you can hardly fault Quick for any of them. He’s been victim of defensive zone coverage collapse, viciously hung out to dry. Calling for Jonathan Bernier could provide a spark, but goaltending hasn’t been the problem.

- A good omen? Today in Los Angeles Kings history, 10 years from the date, Adam Deadmarsh scored two goals including the OT winner in route to clinching the Western Conference Quarterfinals series against the Detroit Red Wings.

- Scott Parse returns to the lineup for the first time since November, fully healed from a hip injury that he suffered back in August during training camp. Happy to see Parse return, but is it the right decision? In just five games played this season, does he have more value than Alexei Ponikarovsky and Oscar Moller? Tough to say. The guy hasn’t seen live ice in over five months, and both Ponikarovsky and Moller have had decent showings in the postseason.

- The current white/purple away uniforms could be making their final appearance in team history tonight. They’re being scrapped for a white version of the current alternate uniforms next year. The Kings have been donning this template since 1998, although with numerous tweaks being made through the years. Don’t die on me now.

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*PHOTO CREDIT
Kyle Clifford, Jack Johnson, Kevin Westgarth – ‘Sharks Page’ at http://www.sharkspage.com

Kings fans less professional than Gann Matsuda of Frozen Royalty have used the term “worthless” and “bust” referring to Dustin Penner. Here, Gann takes a look at what’s going on with Penner. Enjoy the read!

EL SEGUNDO, CA — To anyone who has watched the Los Angeles Kings fairly regularly over the last seven weeks, left wing Dustin Penner has been very, very noticeable…

…for all the wrong reasons.

Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi acquired Penner in a trade deadline day deal on February 28, 2011, in a deal that sent defenseman prospect Colten Teubert to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange, along with a first round selection in the 2011 National Hockey League Entry Draft, and a conditional third round pick in the 2012 draft that will become a second round selection should the Kings win the Stanley Cup this season.

Penner was acquired to score goals and create space for center Anze Kopitar. But with Kopitar out until next season with a broken ankle and torn ligaments, Penner, who is one of the most skilled forwards on the team, was expected to step up and give the Kings a lift.

But Penner ended the regular season scoring just two goals and adding four assists for six points in 19 games with the Kings. Even worse, he ended the regular season without a point in the final twelve games, and he last scored a goal on March 13 at Dallas.

That was 16 games (including playoffs and regular season) ago.

Through three playoffs games, Penner has just one assist, and, like he ended the regular season, has mostly been a non-factor. Even head coach Terry Murray has noticed, as he has demoted Penner to his team’s fourth line during Games 2 and 3 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal playoff series against the San Jose Sharks.

The Sharks lead the series, 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for tonight at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Despite his poor play, Murray is reticent to make any drastic personnel changes.

“Dustin Penner’s a very talented guy,” said Murray. “He can become a very good player in this game. Size, strength, speed, skill—he can make a difference in a game for us, and that’s what we need right now, for him to give us that kind of a performance.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

And, if you want to read more about the abysmal game three, read Gann’s other latest: LA Kings On Short Road To Recovery After Game 3 Flop Against San Jose.

When pitchers in baseball are throwing flat with no injury symptoms, they call it ‘dead arm’. For Dustin Penner, he’s got a dead presence, and it’s effect has been lingering far too long. Expired is the explanation for more time needed to adapt to Terry Murray‘s system. I’m sorry folks, this is an NHL player here. I guarantee that you can’t count how many different systems the guy’s played under on two hands – dating back to his high school days. It’s been since the beginning of March, playing in 19 games over the span of 50 days. There’s no justifying his performance any longer, let’s get real. Yes, great pass by Penner for Michal Handzus‘ goal last night, but you can seriously argue that Penner should have shot that puck instead. He fed ‘Zeus a shiny dime, and anything less would’ve been intercepted for a turnover. Don’t get me started on Devin Setoguchi‘s OT winner, Penner defended that play like he was at the community rink for a Sunday afternoon public skate session. These numbers are quite horrendous, Penner has produced a petty two goals and four assists totaling just six points since joining the Kings. Not only that, but he’s been almost a complete non-factor anywhere in the offensive zone, and his defensive coverage has struggled with his laggy backcheck that often finds itself in the wrong spot – when it gets there.

It’s not easy to judge body language all of the time, but call me Sandra Day O’Connor if we’re talking Dustin Penner. The first thing that comes to mind when analyzing his play is fatigue, he’s just lumbering around, there’s absolutely no extra effort. Then you see that same dry-cut look on his face that shows less intensity and passion than a castle guard. Oh, it just hit me…

Who monitors this abomination of a pre-game entrance prop during the game, anyway? It’s probably like Davis Drewiske or Peter Harrold or something, or like a Staples Center security guard or something.

But hey, Perfect Fit!

Only person passing through this gauntlet MUST HAVE CREDENTIALS

If you want to add some legitimate credibility to this abhorrent orange castle…jeez…orange? really? Well, then you need a guy who fits the bill. Who’s good at showing no emotion? Dustin Penner. Who’s good at always having the same stupid look on their face? Dustin Penner. Who shows little reaction when being publicly called-out by their coach? Dustin Penner. Who’s been torturing the Kings roster with lackluster play and can be subject to irrelevant criticism by me? Dustin Penner.
You could sharpen your skates with this guy’s teeth and he wouldn’t budge.

Plus, that would give Oscar Moller a chance to return to the lineup…

Holy Sh*t, Oscar. You’ve got a better playoff beard than Penner too!

But it won’t happen, and I’m not sure it should either. I’m confident Terry Murray will be sticking with Dustin Penner throughout the postseason, just as he probably should. It’s easy to call for the guy’s head like I’ve been doing, but his résumé is just too good to throw to the side, even with his elongated streak of disappointing passive performances. It may be another chance for Alexei Ponikarovsky to be the Kings’ top power forward tomorrow night. The way things have been going for Dustin Penner, you can’t refute that.

We all took issue with Jason Demers’ hit on Ryan Smyth the other night. Well everyone except the National Hockey League. Gann Matsuda of Frozen Royalty takes a look at the discipline that Jarret Stoll faced and the discipline that Jason Demers didn’t face. You gotta love the NHL!

Before you start rolling your eyes, this is not really about the merits of Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll’s hit from behind on San Jose Sharks defenseman Ian White in Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal series on April 14. It is also not about if Sharks defenseman Jason Demers should have been suspended for his hit on Kings left wing Ryan Smyth in the same game. Even the punishment Anaheim Ducks right wing Bobby Ryan should receive for stomping on Nashville Predators defenseman Jonathon Blum’s’s foot in Game 2 of their first round series on April 15 is not what this story is about.

These incidents shine an ultra-bright spotlight on the haphazard way the NHL hands out fines and suspensions. Indeed, it often seems that whether or not the incident results in an injury, along with the severity of the injury, dictates whether or not a suspension is handed down, not to mention the number of games.

Of course there are examples where the resulting injury does not appear to factor in the decision. But, more often than not, that is exactly what happens.

To illustrate the haphazard nature of NHL discipline, Stoll received a one-game suspension for his hit from behind on White, and will miss Game 2 of that series on April 16.

But compare that to former Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger, who threw a vicious elbow to the head of Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond during Game 3 of their Stanley Cup Final series on June 2, 2007, and received a one-game suspension.

At the time, Pronger was already a repeat offender in the eyes of the NHL, and had a reputation for head hunting going back to his days with the St. Louis Blues. Yet all he got was a little, teeny, slap-on-the-hand one-game suspension, rather than being forced to miss several games, as he deserved.

Of course, this incident is just one out of many that have bewildered hockey fans for decades.

Stoll is not a dirty player, and did not appear to run White with any intent to hit him in the head. Nevertheless, the hit was clearly from behind, and he made contact with White’s head. It was the kind of hit the league is trying to rid themselves of.

But Demers’ hit on Smyth also falls under that category, as he skated hard at Smyth and launched himself, leaving his feet with his left elbow raised, hitting Smyth in the head.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

 

Keep that remote control idle, Chris and Keith are coming at you with the recap to tonight’s glorious victory with Episode 102 of Overtime. Stay on that couch.

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I was harping on conservative defensive play tonight, and boy was I wrong. But really, can you blame that mindset? The Kings’ powerplay has come out of nowhere and has suddenly become the storyline of the series. Jack Johnson with two points, and Drew Doughty doubling the pleasure riding the four-wheeler.

Jack and Drew, I sure don’t mind it, do you?

DIRECT DEPOSIT

The one aspect that has proved to be a struggle throughout the year for the Kings has become the most domineering factor for the club’s offensive production in the playoffs. Save yourself the trip to Downtown, Los Angeles for the weekly ‘Art Walk’ and watch video of the Kings’ powerplay in the first two games of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Vincent van Gogh has got to be rolling over in his grave. Remarkable puck movement, astounding control and use of space in the offensive zone, and executing on open lanes for shots. No hesitation, and utilizing opportunity to stretch the twine in San Jose. Folks, we’ve got a roster that can win this series.

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Quick Satisfaction

You can’t ask much more from a goaltender than what Jonathan Quick has provided for this team in the first two games of the series. Although a loss in the opening contest, Quick maintained poise and posture after surrendering an early goal to keep the Kings in the game. You can’t pin Joe Pavelski‘s OT winner on Quick, there’s nothing you can do to defend a shot like Pavelski unloaded on a smooth transition odd-man rush off of an offensive zone turnover. Not only does the guy regroup from such a heartbreaking finish, but he epitomizes a brick-wall and silences the Shark-Tank with a shutout. The HP Pavilion was quieter than a college library during finals week, and boy was it a beautiful thing.

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And for Dessert, Kyle Frank Clifford

I’ll take another goal, please. Your chocolate cake tastes like shit.

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The White Hem-Lines Survive Another Day

My cult-like addiction to hockey uniforms took another step forward tonight. If the Kings were to get swept in the series, tonight’s contest would be the final installment of the current road uniforms. Well, you can stamp a ticket back to San Jose, and throw those white hem-lines in the washing machine. They’ll need something to wear for Game 5, and these beauty’s are what the closet will be calling for. Fashion show.

I really like that picture to the right, a lot. Is it because of the intensity of the shot? Nah. The black and white effect? Nah. Because Kevin Westgarth‘s face is blacked out? Yes. Look, I wouldn’t take shots at the guy all of the time if Terry Murray STOPPED PUTTING HIM IN THE LINEUP. JEEZ. The Kings showed their ability to hang with the San Jose Sharks Thursday night, and it’s vital that they don’t fall back on that precedent. Everyone knows who the favorite is, who’s expected to win, that we’re without our best asset in Anze Kopitar, and now our key player in the face-off circle and secondhand scoring outlet Jarret Stoll. The excuses could go on, but I expect nothing less from this club than what they showed Thursday, only with fewer miscues. As for the first installment of the playoff round, all who were expecting a Sharks win – myself included, were right. But not exactly, as the Sharks just barely muscled out the win in Overtime on a very well executed odd-man rush. Which brings me to the point that staggers in my mind as the single-most important aspect to the Kings having a chance in this series: Conservative defense, say it with me now. The back-end of this team is what’s going to win games, plain and simple. Capiche? Capiche.

Hey fellas, thinkin’ what I’m thinking?

And it ain’t politics.

To have any chance, defense must be stressed as the primary factor every shift. That will feed to Jonathan Quick‘s success, and will provide the forwards with more opportunity to transition off of turnovers. You look at the Sharks’ game-winning goal Thursday night, and notice how vulnerable we can be when our defense creeps into the offensive zone. Especially in overtime, we cannot afford to be playing with the puck up-top, granted there’s powerplay and/or ample time and space available. Neither of those were the case. You give San Jose open opportunity, and we’re all but finished. We maintained that mindset throughout, but faltered at a terrible time. Now, I will call myself out here. If Alec Martinez does control that puck, and/or Wayne Simmonds is able to posses it, you’ve got a prime scoring chance in the works. That’s playing the risk and reward game, guess how that turned out.

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Stoll-en from the Lineup

Jarret Stoll will serve a one-game suspension for his hit on Ian White. Don’t enjoy saying it, but Stoll deserved the suspendo. So, how did Oscar Moller end up filling his void?

Hey, looks like Oscar’s playoff beard is improving by the year!

I’d be grouchy myself if I was victim of seriously questionable roster choices, time after time. Well, the Kings opted not to call up Brayden Schenn after his team was eliminated from the WHL playoffs. Even though he still had a one-game cushion before burning a year off of his NHL contract, the Kings looked the other way. Not saying I like the decision, but can’t hate it. Maybe playing it a little too safe, Dean? The kid could’ve come out and had a huge influence, even for just one game. And hey, who knows, maybe the Kings would’ve sought burning a year off of his deal worth his addition.

The Kings then pursued calling up John Zeiler from the Manchester Monarchs. What?

Zeiler couldn’t clear waivers in time for the NHL to grant his presence to the Kings’ lineup tonight, so Oscar Moller slips back into Terry Murray‘s notepad again. Moller will manage his duties on the 4th line, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some in-game shuffling for the Swede. He’s solid in winning races to loose pucks, especially on the forecheck. He won’t necessarily win those battles, but he’ll certainly disrupt the opponent enough to have an impact.

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Trap Game

This is most definitely a trap game for the Kings tonight, but the other way around. Usually when you’re talking this terminology, it means overlooking a sullen opponent and losing because of it. For tonight, it’s about the Kings not expecting to be neck and neck with the Sharks like the case was Thursday. A heartbreaking loss like that can often translate into a complete abomination in the contest to follow. Don’t come out just as hard, come out harder – with a vengeance. Focus on maintaining stay-at-home defense, protect Jonathan Quick, and execute on every offensive opportunity available. Get back what they took from you on Thursday, and head to Los Angeles with home-ice advantage.

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*Photo Credit:
Kyle Clifford, Jack Johnson, Kevin Westgarth – SharksPage at www.sharkspage.com

We’ve said this before: if you’re not a regular reader or subscriber to Gann Matsuda’s Frozen Royalty blog, you need to be. We love to keep you up with his latest stories but sometimes things come in the way. Since the Kings clinched the playoffs, Gann has been handcuffed to his computer churning out the stories to make sure you’re informed going into round one. So here’s a list of what you missed (don’t miss, just subscribe to his blog already):

Kings Will Need A Miracle To Win First Round Series Against San Jose – Gann has decided to go against “blind faith” and write the truth. This is an uphill battle here, my friends. Big time. Gann grabs some quotes from the team and Terry Murray. He also peppers in the reality of the situation. Great read though, if you’re one of those fans who is predicting Kings in four, this might enrage you.

Being Offensive Would Be A Good Thing For The Los Angeles Kings – If you’ve been watching the Kings with any sort of regularity since Anze Kopitar (and Justin Williams) went down, you know that scoring goals has been an issue. Coach Murray stresses the importance of Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty stepping up during the playoffs. This story is complete with notes, quotes and the raw audio interviews that Gann assembled.

Yeah, Kings fans, we’re really behind. Gann also had some nice commentary before the Kings actually made the playoffs. Here we go!

LA Kings Want 4th or 5th Place In West, But Don’t Control Their Own Destiny – Remember that brief but fleeting moment when the Kings were hoping to cling to fourth in the West so they could secure home ice advantage? That didn’t last long. Here, Gann breaks down the where they could land and who they could face. Damn those Ducks!

LA Kings Would Be Court Jesters If They Don’t Take Final Two Games Seriously – The final two games against the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks who were surging and Corey Perry who is making a strong case for the Hart Trophy. We were going to win both, right? One? None? They certainly ended up court jesters at the end of it. But, going back to Gann’s latest article: if they can pull off a miracle, we can can take away that title.

As always, there is some highly informative and interesting reading from Gann at Frozen Royalty and there will be much more as we get into the thick of the playoffs. But, don’t worry, if you’re too lazy we’ll always post his stuff here. Go Kings!

We’re less than 24 hours away, folks. The opening contest of the Western Conference Quarterfinals series between the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks is slated for 7:00 PM PST tomorrow night at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. The two Pacific Division clubs will meet in the postseason for the first time in NHL history, the same year in which all California-based teams have qualified for the playoffs. Below, I’ll break down the series outlook, take a look back at their six meetings this season, note on key factors for the Kings, updates with analysis, and a prediction. Hey, and way to go NBC, no shock there. I bet it’s because Pierre Mcguire‘s forehead can’t fit into an airplane, that could explain the unbalanced regional telecasts.

These guys sure look ready, ARE YOU?!?

Maybe something a bit stronger, Anze.

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Season Series

Taking a look back on the six games played between the Sharks and Kings, you’ve got your share of lopsided scores, but the season series played out evenly with both teams going 3-3-0. San Jose outscored the Kings 18-13 in regulation, but the Kings were able to snag wins in both contests that extended to extra shots. Both teams have recorded shutouts in the meetings, Jonathan Quick on December 27 and Antti Niemi on January 1. The final meeting of the season was one you’d like to forget, the Kings got dropped like 5th period algebra in a 6-1 nightmare. However, that has failed to really have any significant lingering after-effect. An off-night for Jonathan Quick – he’s human, and a complete collapse by the defense. And of course, out Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. Both aspects have recovered in decent form, and Williams looks to be making a postseason return. That’s a good thing, even if at 80%. As for venues, both the Kings and Sharks went 2-1-0 on home-ice, and 1-2-0 on the road.

November 15:   Los Angeles     3 @   San Jose   6
December 27:   Los Angeles   4 @    San Jose    0
January 1:         Los Angeles     0 vs    San Jose  1
January 26:       Los Angeles   3 vs    San Jose   2   SO
March 24:         Los Angeles   4 vs    San Jose   3   SO
April 2:             Los Angeles     1  @    San Jose  6

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Keys to the Series:

Not talking car keys, but some solid f*cking defense.

*FUN FACT: Davis Drewiske ALSO ties Matt Greene’s skates.

*** Maintaining Quick: Goaltending is going to be an enormous factor for the Kings, much like the defense. Jonathan Quick is coming off of six consecutive starts, going 2-4-0 during the season-ending string. He’ll need to be solid, the Sharks have the clear advantage on the offensive side. Jonathan Bernier‘s previous start resulted in a shutout performance in Edmonton on March 29. Bernier logged 34 minutes of ice in relief of Quick on April 4, but you can hardly leverage anything on that. Bernier hasn’t shown signs of rust after lengthy periods on the bench, and he’ll have to do the same this time around.

*** Conservative Defense: This is how the Kings, coupled with goaltending, are going to win in the playoffs. It’s the best thing going for them right now, and it has been throughout the season; granted a few breakdowns. As long as the Kings’ zone is clogged and Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier are protected from odd-man rushes and open scoring opportunities, we can maintain the Sharks. Sticking to a consistent defensive scheme is crucial, its not their responsibility to make up for lost assets on offense. After Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams went down with injuries, too often did the defense get caught deep in the opponent’s zone. If the Kings’ defense can create turnovers and instability for the Sharks’ offense, that feeds to offensive opportunity for our forwards. Which brings me to…

*** Executing on Mistakes: And this is huge. We’re not going to see many comprehensive end-to-end offensive pursuits with the roster we’re icing. The forwards must work with our defense. This means being in position to transition on loose pucks, turnovers, and tight coverage. They’re going to have to fill support roles, and be able to hound on any small opportunity available.

*** Forecheck: Another major factor in the Kings’ offense creating opportunities. Grungy goals, plain and simple. Eliminating cluster and troubles in the neutral zone must be avoided with getting the puck deep, and hounding. You’ve got to work San Jose’s roster for everything they’re worth. Continue to dump the puck, and disrupt on the forecheck. Here, you’re keeping the defense in safe position, while implementing constant penetration against San Jose’s defense.

*** Special Teams: If the Kings can solve their powerplay woes, it could be the deciding factor in the series. This has hampered the offense throughout the season, and the Kings didn’t end the regular season on good terms with the man-advantage. A powerplay is an opportunity, and opportunities are going to be the storyline for this offense. Any chance they get, they must take advantage. Traffic, shots, smooth entrance into the zone, it’s vital. As for the penalty-kill, you can’t head into tomorrow night feeling nervous about it’s stability. Defensive zone coverage a man-down has been a consistently solid aspect throughout the season. If you think we can afford powerplay goals to San Jose, you’ve got another thing coming.

He’s Back!

It’s official, Justin Williams will be in the lineup tomorrow night in the series opener. Williams has been skating with the Kings for the past few days, even participating in contact drills. He was cleared by the medical staff, and gave Terry Murray the “good to go” after today’s practice. Huge, even if he’s not at 100%. Williams accounted for 57 points with 22 goals and 35 assists until missing the final nine games of the regular season after suffering a separated left shoulder. His recovery was a lot faster than initially perceived, his presence is huge. It has yet to be determined what line Williams will group with tomorrow night, but you’ve got to be grateful for the simple fact that he’s back in the lineup. Just-in time? Nope, it’s Justin Time!

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Prediction

San Jose Sharks in 6 games.

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Series Schedule

Game 1: Thursday, April 14, 7:00 PM PST – HP Pavilion

Game 2: Saturday, April 16, 7:00 PM PST – HP Pavilion

Game 3: Tuesday, April 19, 7:30 PM PST – Staples Center

Game 4: Thursday, April 21, 7:30 PM PST – Staples Center

Game 5: Saturday, April 23, 7:30 PM PST – HP Pavilion

Game 6: Monday, April 25, Time TBD – Staples Center

Game 7: Wednesday, April 27, Time TBD – HP Pavilion

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Don’t Forget!

Make Sure to head over to KingsCast on Facebook for your chance to win a Bernie Nicholls autographed stick blade! Just hit us up with your prediction for the series, and the winners are entered into a raffle for the prize!