Dancing in the Reign: Sign of Maturity? Kings pull out late comeback in Shootout victory.

The first ten minutes were great. The last ten minutes were even better. The 40 minutes in between? Talk about tough to watch. Boston had the Kings on their heels. Los Angeles was getting beat to every puck, surrendering numerous turnovers too often with passes up the middle, especially in the neutral zone. What else? The turnovers on the blue-lines. The Kings allowed Boston plenty of chances to hold the o-zone since the Kings decided to go with the “let me make stupid decisions and not utilize my teammates to clear the zone” strategy. Players decided to try to break the zone themselves too many times. Not to mention numerous failed opportunities to DUMP THE PUCK. I MEAN, COME ON. I had it when Dustin Brown tried to stick-handle through three Bruins’ on their own blue line…resulting in what? Yes! Come on down! A Turnover. If we got the two points, and allowed an Eastern Conference team a point (who cares) I’m willing to let it slide.

Let’s get to the good stuff. The three goals in regulation? The result of going to the net hard. Every Kings goal this afternoon was from point-blank. I mean, no matter what, Scott Parse and Brad Richardson are hustling, which resulted in Stolly’s 1st period tally. I love the line. Keep those three as-is, Terry. As for the 2nd goal, you’re telling me Frolov made the play? Someone must’ve brewed a pot of coffee and threw him and his half-assed attitude in the shower during the 1st intermission. Guy looked half asleep all day. Call me negative, but he had an awful game. Awful. 3rd goal? Richy was on the ice so you knew some hustle and dirty work was involved. Simmer fed Anze a beautiful last-second pass for the goal. Good to see Kopitar tally a clutch goal, hasn’t had a “crucial” goal in a while, so maybe this one’ll get him going again.

So the shootout comes. We’re looking at two Team USA Olympic roster goalies compete for an NHL victory. Awesome. Tim “Tantrum” Thomas got beat twice through the legs as Jonny Quicker was able to turn away both Boston chances. Good victory, but don’t bask in it. San Jose comes to town Tuesday.