.

Dustin Brown‘s name was bopped around prior to Monday’s NHL trade-deadline.

“I can’t really give you one word, it’s probably a mix of a lot of emotions. I’ve been here for a pretty long time. I don’t know any other NHL team.” – Brown on trade rumors

And he won’t meet another, as for now. Dustin Brown reacted – and played his way through this threat in prolific fashion.

As soon as rumors hit the airwaves, Dustin Brown pleaded with production — showing where he really wants to be, and where he belongs – for now. The Kings have played three games since Brown’s name was dangled, Brown has been involved in seven of the Kings’ nine goals since the media blitz.

Seven points in three games. The last span in which Dustin Brown notched seven points, it took a good 17 contests. That hints at a sense of worry, anxiety, maybe hit with an unwelcomed wake-up call. Whatever has triggered Brown’s point-rush, the trade rumors had to ignite a spark in some aspect.

Leadership has been in question throughout the year for this club, and of course that’s going to center on Brown’s shoulders – the Captain, especially with his offensive struggles mirroring the rest of the team.

This shows a strong sign from a struggling leader, who stole the spotlight in Jeff Carter‘s Kings debut and reunion with Mike Richards while netting his third career hat-trick.

You’re afraid this is just another streaky stretch of success, few Kings players have been consistent with their scoring, it’s been extremely spotty. In the end, consistent scoring is all that matters – especially where the Kings stand right now.

This impressive three-game stretch from Brown could be forgotten and washed up in frustration in a handful of days. You’re almost naive to buy into it at this point, because any glimpse of hope we’ve seen this season has quickly disintegrated into failure.

Maybe the deadline conversation hit Dustin Brown in rough fashion, but sometimes that’s what it takes to shake the idleness out of a player’s potential.

With 70 points, they’re in the Western Conference‘s 10th-slot. The only reachable spot available is owned by the Chicago Blackhawks, who are in 6th with 73 points. The Kings have teams trailing hard, threatened all the way back to the 13th-seed Anaheim Ducks, who are sitting on 64 points. Every team that’s in playoff contention behind the Kings have a game in-hand, having two points on the table is a priceless gift this time of year.

The San Jose Sharks, who sit at 7th, have three games in-hand on the Kings. So, really, there are only two spots for grabs in the Western Conference. It’s dangerous confines for the Kings these days.

The odds are certainly against this club, but if leadership can continue to produce in expected manner, while stemming it to the roster, they should have a pretty good shot at making something work.

That’s all you can say, that’s all you dare say.

The Trick of the Trade

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 144 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

.

Finding it tricky to compile my feelings on this one. Can’t love it, can’t hate it.

The University of Michigan alum will now be playing on the outskirts of Ohio State University‘s campus.

Defenseman Jack Johnson has been traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in swap of forward Jeff Carter and a conditional first-round draft selection in either 2012 or 2013 – pending the Kings’ ability to secure a playoff berth this season.

*UPDATE: Quote from Jack Johnson on the trade via Mayors Manor:

“I’m excited by this. I’m excited to go to a team that wants me, and to play in a great sports city. I want to be part of the solution there. I know they’ve had some bad breaks and some tough seasons, but it’s going to be great when it turns around. Really, I don’t think there’s anything sweeter in sports than being part of a team when they get it turned around.”

This isn’t a big surprise to most, front offices in Los Angeles and Columbus were a good fit for each other at this year’s trade deadline. The Kings were desperate for acquiring offensive help, the Blue Jackets were eager to move a couple of top-six scoring assets in order for a heavy rebuild. The Kings had a very tradeable high-value defenseman, the Blue Jackets needed to move a proven forward that had well-known gripe for playing in Columbus.

It was aligned to happen, now it’s reality.

It’s sad. The more it settles, the more you realize how little Jack Johnson‘s performance in a Kings uniform played into tonight’s deal. Sure, his ugly plus-minus stat irritated fans, which fed many to believe he had plateaued as an NHL player, but the Kings had an above-average defenseman locked up for a lengthy tenure at an extremely low price. Plus, the guy is only 25, and held off the NHL for two years to play NCAA hockey in Ann Arbor. There was plenty of time to be had with Johnson’s development, and it’s now the kiss of death to his tenure as a King.

.

.

Hit the road, Jack: I’ve had my fair number of frustrations with Jack Johnson this season and the last. However, it’s tough to let such promising young talent go in this fashion. It was a move to alleviate distress in the Kings’ front office, which had seen major offseason offensive acquisitions result in the Kings at rock-bottom of the NHL in scoring. On the playoff bubble, but on the outside looking in, the Kings were almost forced to act on something doable that could bring hope for a late-season resurgence.

That hope comes in Jeff Carter, who has recorded 25 points in 39 games with Columbus this season – following three extremely productive seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, notching 84, 61, and 66 points in his final three campaigns in Philly. The Kings now have a proven scoring forward, they’re dying for someone to initiate chemistry in their dreadful offense.

The Kings’ desperate plea for offensive help makes this trade a bit easier to swallow. Not to mention, the Kings are almost top-heavy in strength at defense. I’d expect Slava Voynov to get the call to fill Johnson’s void for the remainder of the year. If there’s one positive to take from tonight’s deal, it’s improving the outlook of the offense while maintaining defensive strength.

Adios, Jack.

Welcome, Mr. Carter.

The Carter: The newly-acquired forward doesn’t just have an impressive resume, but a strong connection to arguably the Kings’ most valuable player in Mike Richards. Both players spent five seasons together with the Philadelphia Flyers, and not only did they maintain possibly what was the strongest relationship on the roster for those years, but were two of the biggest, if not the biggest, offensive producers for the Flyers.

The Kings are dying for chemistry in the offensive zone, this may trigger it.

At the very least, this pumps hope into a club that has been mentally abused by failure in the offensive zone. The coach has changed, lines have been shuffled, maybe a fresh name is the answer — but don’t put all of your weight on it. This is just another direction in a season that resembles tumultuous. Hopefully, this time around, tumultuous exemplifies results rather than excitement.

Argue it if you want, sealed as a done deal.

Metro Los Angeles should know better than to release destination posters during the NHL trade-deadline. Or, maybe Johnson’s looking for directions to Columbus? This new advertisement, released just two days ago.

The Kings’ season started out in extremely positive fashion, Jack Johnson set that table with his OT goal in the season’s opener against the New York Rangers in Stockholm, Sweden.

 Of course, you can’t forget Jack Johnson‘s ‘Tebow’ celebration in January’s victory over the Washington Capitals.

At last, a back-track to better times, when Johnson was a key piece to the Kings’ youthful core.

So long, Jacko. Welcome to Los Angeles, Jeff Carter.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 144 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — Through 58 games of the 2011-12 season, one thing is now irrefutable.

When it comes to scoring goals, the Los Angeles Kings are an embarrassing lesson in futility.

There are many opinions and theories out there, attempting to explain the Kings’ woeful inability to score goals. Many point fingers at the coaching staff, and the system the Kings play, among other things. But when you talk to people who really know the game, such as National Hockey League scouts, along with Iformer NHL players and coaches who are involved in the game in various capacities, among the most frequent comments you hear are that the Kings often fail to execute their game plan, and that they do not pay attention to detail on breakout plays, allowing gaps between forwards and defensemen to get too wide, preventing them from generating speed through the neutral zone.

Once in the offensive zone, the Kings do a poor job of getting traffic in front of the net, their defensemen struggle to get pucks to the net from the point, and the forwards often shy away from taking the puck to the prime scoring areas, let alone shoot if they get there at all.

A glaring example of that was highly-skilled center Anze Kopitar, who recorded a big goose egg on the scoresheet on February 16, in a 1-0 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes at Staples Center.

Obviously, with the Kings on the wrong end of a shutout, Kopitar did not score a goal. But the more important zero on the scoresheet next to his name was in the shots on goal column.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

Also check out Gann’s latest on forward call-ups Dwight King and Jordan Nolan here.

The General Manager is now in question, players are being tossed around for a deadline deal, the playoffs are in doubt — and could quickly become a long shot.

It’s been bad, it’s getting worse.

The Kings’ inconceivable lack of scoring has had an awful effect all year long, those effects have hit this roster no harder than in the past two games.

Two 1-0 losses, two consecutive shutouts on home ice, both against clubs that hopped over the Kings in the standings with those wins. That’s not going to cut it, not even close.

This team now finds themselves out of playoff positioning. Sitting in the Western Conference‘s 9th-seed slot, the Kings are in a frenzy to find a solution, to find an answer — and fast. With 65 points, the Kings are no safe bet to recover and solidify a postseason bid. They are far from alone in claiming the final playoff spot, with four clubs trailing just five points behind them, going down all the way to 13th in the Western Conference, where the Anaheim Ducks stand with 60 points.

Same result, all year long

.

Dealing with Dean: The way things have continued to play out for the Kings, a deal prior to Monday’s trade-deadline may be the only solution in order to fend for a third consecutive playoff berth. Two big names that have been tossed around the grid both belong to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are reportedly open to dealing a couple of major assets.

Yes, that would be Rick Nash and Jeff Carter.

The Jackets, who are mired in their worst season in franchise history, are starting to hint at a full rebuild. This means they’ve got to get something of very high value to part-ways with either of these players. For Nash, Columbus is reportedly asking for Jonathan Bernier, Jack Johnson, Andrei Loktionov, and maybe even a bit more.

Do I like this? No. Am I worried about a desperate knee-jerk move made by Dean Lombardi? Yes.

Ask yourselves, how much thought is Lombardi genuinely putting into the Kings short-term future here, rather than just this season alone? Because, quite frankly, there’s a good chance he’s shown the door if things don’t turn around quickly, and at a very impressive rate. He’s got to act now, and that may not be as good of a thing as it sounds to be.

The last thing you want to do is give away highly talented youth, who have yet to hit their prime stride, for one man’s last-ditch effort at saving his job.

As for Jeff Carter? Well, all right. His attitude is shaky to say the least, but at least he’s got strong connections with Mike Richards. Plus, he’s quite a bit cheaper than Nash, and could fill in as a winger on any of the top-three lines. I’d definitely mull it over.

The Kings are desperate, but they can’t be desperate for a trade. They’ve got to be desperate at playing hockey. The talent is here already, I’ll say it again. If it happens to be one of those year’s in which things just don’t click, then so be it. If a deal is made at the deadline, we can only see how it pans out.

The worst time to shoot yourself in the foot is when you’re already down. For the Kings, I wouldn’t go after anything higher than a Jeff Carter. Add a couple of pieces if you can, just be sure to still value the players this team has now. A big deal, well one that’s too big, could potentially haunt this club for years.

All you can do is wait and see

Desperate in the Desert: It’s a date with the Phoenix Coyotes, yet again. This one is huge, this one is mammoth. The Kings (9th – 65 points) and Coyotes (7th – 67 points) meet just five days after their last affair, which saw the Sun Dogs take a 1-0 shutout victory at Staples Center. The Kings could find themselves as high as 7th in the Western Conference with a win, or continue to separate themselves from the playoff bubble even more. To call this the biggest game of the year wouldn’t do it justice.

At least the Kings have proven they can beat the Coyotes with just one goal. The problem they’re facing tonight, is scoring that goal.

That’s some optimism to build off of.. Right?

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 144 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

.

It came from an unexpected bunch Sunday evening at American Airlines Center, unexpected much like the snow pouring over Dallas during the contest. It came from two new additions that joined the Kings from Manchester, New Hampshire the day prior.

It came from Dwight King and Jordan Nolan, both recording their first career NHL goals in the Kings’ 4-2 win in what was an absolute mammoth game of importance against the Pacific Division‘s Dallas Stars. It didn’t just come from that pair, but from another name familiar with the Granite state, Andrei Loktionov, who was in Manchester until November 14th, leading the club with 14 points through 17 games played.

The two rookies have certainly sparked a bit of excitement with some looks of promise, but you know what the ultimatum is going to be as they continue to dress in Los Angeles – regular contributions. Quite frankly, if you were to judge by their two games, I’d give Dwight King a sure pass on two great performances, and Jordan Nolan with one. Kid looked like he couldn’t even hold his stick he was so nervous Saturday in Long Island.

These two may have the potential to trigger Mike Richards‘ output more than any of his linemates have this year. Who would’ve thought, I was even skeptical after the lineup announcement prior to the 2-1 OT loss against the New York Islanders. Both of these players have similar assets to those of Dustin Penner, but are younger, faster, and would certainly give Penner a run in a battle of strength.

It’s got that 70′s feel

.

Now, don’t fully expect King and Nolan to continue to be regulars on the scoresheet, but their situation is intriguing in their effect on Mike Richards‘ play – which almost holds as much value as first-hand production. To really get Richards’ full value, he needs linemates that can alleviate some pressure, rid him of some of the workload. Both rookies have been getting pucks low, winning one-on-one battles, and maintaining pretty decent puck protection and control to allow Mike Richards to key in on time and space without the puck.

Supporting Richards hasn’t exactly been the case in the two contests we’ve seen Nolan and King, with Richards assisting Nolan’s goal Sunday. However, Richards has the ability to flip the roles and make Dwight King and Jordan Nolan better players, it’s a matter of them making it work. So far, so good.

Both rookies, who are big-bodied wingers just like Dustin Penner, are now on track to seriously threaten his role in this offense. Penner, who’s shown improvement as of late, is unquestionably on the down-tail of his NHL career, and has yet to hit the stride his past resume resembles. But, it hasn’t come to that point yet, both Nolan and King are a few good games away from highlighting their names. Plus, there are a few more litigations involved in Penner’s situation; Waivers, anyone? Well, who knows, it very well could come to that.

Bottom line, the Kings have done right on the two call-ups so far, and their presence is at least stable for the next couple of games. That’s all you can go off of with this club, it’s one at a time. Standings are tight, schedule is dwindling, playoffs are in question, and the roster is desperate for scoring. It’s better not to harp on the long-term, everything’s up in the air especially with February 27′s trade-deadline approaching.

Right now, if they can score, if they can win, then put on the blinders and let it be.

The first second 48

To mention another bright spot, recent Manchester Monarchs player Andrei Loktionov scored his second goal of the season Sunday. This may be his first goal from above the goal-line, but you’re going to take what you can get. It simply redirected off of his skate, that doesn’t mean it’s a cheap goal, though. Well-placed shot to the net by Jack Johnson, good positioning in the high slot by Loktionov, good things happen when you’re smart — and simple.

Don’t trade Jack Johnson, at least in the next 11 days.

Jarret Stoll‘s injury may deem him off of the trade market this season, that’s a good thing.

There’s a bit of hope in Simon Gagne possibly returning in his recovery process from his upteenth concussion.

It’s all up in the air, but one thing’s for sure: Manchester’s development has equaled production in Los Angeles. For now, you’ve got to run with it.

“Score some goals, and make some assists.”
Well, this may be one of the most awkward interviews I’ve ever seen.

You can see King, Nolan, and Loktionov goals in this quick fix. Plus, Williams’ finisher.

The Kings return to Staples Center for a huge game tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes for the first date at home in the past 6 games, 15 days. Grammy trip is over, time to vie for a Cup. Kings at 65 points, Sun Dogs at 63. Both clubs 57 games into the campaign. Damn important if I say so myself.

Queue that train-horn.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 143 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — With an assist on Dustin Penner’s goal at 17:46 of the second period, giving the Los Angeles Kings their final margin of victory in a 3-1 win at Tampa Bay on Tuesday night, center Mike Richards ended an eight-game point scoring drought.

Richards’ performance in this game may have been his best since returning to the lineup after missing eight games due to a concussion that he suffered on December 1, 2011, when the Kings handed the visiting Florida Panthers a 2-1 defeat.

But since returning on December 22 (a 3-2 shootout win against the Anaheim Ducks at Staples Center in Los Angeles), Richards has been a mere shell of his former self.

Indeed, Richards was the Kings’ best skater until he went down with the concussion, having scored eleven goals with nine assists for twenty points, with a +3 plus/minus rating in 25 games. Add to that his solid defensive and special teams play, Richards was easily the Kings’ most valuable skater.

But since his return from the concussion, Richards has not been able to reach that same level of play. In fact, after a hot start, scoring a goal in each of his first two games after being activated from injured reserve, he has scored just three goals with three assists for six points in 22 games.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

.

The postseason is no guarantee, far from it.

It’s too bad, it really is. And even more so, it’s hard to believe.

Hollywood Ink: Coming from an offseason that saw Kings’ GM Dean Lombardi reel off two major deals that brought elite offensive talent in Mike Richards and Simon Gagne to this roster, the Kings are mired in one of their worst scoring seasons in franchise history.  On paper, the moves were drastic improvements. In reality’s results, it’s been anything but. February 27′s NHL trade deadline, even though I hate to say it, may be Dean Lombardi‘s final chance to maintain his managerial career in Los Angeles.

I will say this again, and only because I think it is a major factor in the lopsided differences we’ve seen in offensive production this season and the past, that I target Ryan Smyth as the lead factor on Lombardi’s failures in Los Angeles. It was his biggest deal in 2009, reeling in the veteran forward to mature a young core, it was his biggest loss in 2011, not winning the satisfaction of a proven NHL scorer and allowing him to walk out on his own terms. Many still like the point blame at Smyth here, but it’s a GM’s job to make it work.

.

.

Before you point finger at Dean Lombardi, consider the ultimatums in the failures of his signings of Simon Gagne and Mike Richards to bring success to this club. Gagne has been out with a concussion since December 26, who had posted 17 points in 34 games before the injury. As for Richards, he’s been without support, and his play deems little criticism, it’s hard to do the job alone. Again, this is why Ryan Smyth pops into the equation again, missing a reliable winger for Phildelphia’s former.

The trade-deadline is nothing I’m seeing big change coming from, nor am I fan of it. Really, the only player the Kings are sure to get anything worthwhile for is Jack Johnson. His contract is certainly tradeable, but then again we’re talking Dean Lombardi here. That’s a big name player, that’s a big time deal, Lombardi doesn’t fit that history, especially with the big moves he made just months ago.

.

.

But who knows, it’s gotten to a point of desperation for Lombardi, who is starting to feel pressure as the promise he’s built in LA is crashing hard – and fast. It’s come to the Kings recalling forwards Jordan Nolan and Dwight King from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs to provide a Hail Mary boost to this lost offense. That’s not going to solve the problem, neither is a deal that doesn’t involve Jack Johnson.

And let me be clear, Jonathan Bernier has no business getting dealt before the 27th. Bernier is worth more than a last-ditch effort for a GM on the hot seat. At the very least, leave all other options open (including Johnson), and hope for a top-8 Western Conference seed.

That’s all you can hope for at this point, that’s what Dean Lombardi needs to maintain hopes of further employment in Los Angeles.

If you’re going to hit rock bottom, try not to do it here

.

Where else would you find concourse golf at an NHL game than in Florida? I wouldn’t mind swinging away a few worthless periods at Staples Center. Something they may have to consider.

Unfortunately the only thing taking fans away from the Kings’ miseries are those $9 beers.

.

The Kings are in Dallas, Texas tomorrow afternoon in an effort to salvage whatever they can from this horrible road swing. Posting a 1-4 record on the trip, the Kings have now seriously put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

For a bit of good to the heart, here’s a classic against the Dallas Stars at Staples Center back in 2007. Six goals, in less than ten minutes. It’s hard to imagine ’07 being better times, but it flirts with you.

.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 143 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

.

What do you want me to write about, three goals in Tampa? I’ve had easier times pumping out essays in Spanish 103 than jotting down hollow thoughts about this team. I’m not good at Spanish.

This five-day, two game stay in Florida may have been seen as a holiday to some. A lack of leadership with this group is starting to show.

Cloudy Results: After an abysmal start to the season’s longest road swing (6 games), which saw the Kings tally just one combined goal in two games (both losses), the Kings had the chance to make due to their rough showings in St. Louis and Carolina with what could be considered a ‘home away from home’ type of ordeal.

The next 5 days were to be spent in Florida, dates set in Tampa Bay and Sunrise. The next five days were to come with little excuse for anything but production; A setting with warm weather, extremely minimal travel, rare downtime during a road trip – and a crucial one at that.

A win was notched Tuesday in Tampa, but the Kings lost in an unfathomable funk Thursday in Sunrise to the Florida Panthers. This is where the locker room psyche starts to kick in. This is where you really are starting to see the club’s internal chemistry – or lack thereof, because it’s showing on the ice. It’s shown the majority of the year, it’s shown at home, and it’s nothing new to be shown on the road – a la this past week.

.

.

I’m not here to say there are internal problems in the Kings’ locker room, because I doubt there are. What does seem to lacking though, is leadership. There’s no fire, there’s no continuity in effort and/or execution after a respectable win. Look, Dustin Brown is a good guy, he’s a staple to this franchise, but you just don’t see any honor and leadership coming from the Captaincy position.

And who knows, maybe there’s just too many odds and ends on the roster. It’s well known among athletes, and others who are in group-organized professions, that things always work better when there’s a pronounced leader, feeding chemistry among the core. That’s not happening, and at times chemistry can be strong enough to overpower skill.

Skill certainly isn’t the problem with this roster, yet many want to go after that proven sniper at this year’s trade deadline. Maybe that’s not a bad idea, maybe you could find a player with a strong enough aura to alter this club’s mindset, turn it up a bit.

I’m disgusted at this Florida swing, if Jonathan Quick and a few nice bounces didn’t win that game in Tampa Bay, then tell me what did, please. If tonight’s affair at the Bank Atlantic Center wasn’t one of the sorriest performances you’ve seen this season — which I know, it’s hard to rank ‘em, then give me a reason. Terrible.

If not for more success, the Kings should at least look a little more ‘together’ on a leisurely road trip like this five-day set in Florida. And yes, it’s bad when your All-Star goaltender gets yanked after two periods of play, just two goals allowed, even though he’s 23-13-9 playing under the absolute worst scoring team in the league. Almost forgot the 1.89 Goals Against Average and .935 Save Percentage, both of those chiming in as the 3rd-top ranking in the NHL.

.

.

What was uglier? The Florida Panthers game, Darryl Sutter‘s tie, or Darryl Sutter‘s tie? No, actually that’s pretty awesome.

.

Here’s a little light to be had from the trip, Kyle Clifford‘s dandy in Tampa Bay via a premature goal-horn and by way of a wonderful Rob Scuderi feed.

.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 143 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

.

The Los Angeles Kings miss Ryan Smyth.

I refuse to acknowledge the past two games. What is this ‘past two games’ you speak of? Trash.

Smyth, a menace atop the crease, and a player who always has had the knack to finish, took his valued attributes back to Edmonton over the summer. The qualities Smyth brought to the Kings’ roster for two years were underrated by some, his absence is showing a few holes in the team’s offensive output this year.

Don’t be afraid to admit this, please.

Back home this season, Ryan Smyth has 36 points in his 52 games played. If those numbers were to be compared with those on the Kings, Smyth would be tied for 2nd in points on the team with Justin Williams (36), only behind Anze Kopitar (46). Pretty impressive for Smyth at the age of 35, who was heavily targeted in Los Angeles heading into the ’10-’11 season, simply for inevitably turning 34.

There are two key things I’d like to point out before we go any farther, and before people start to stray away from the main point here. Ryan Smyth didn’t want to stay here, and even if Dean Lombardi didn’t honor his trade request, you’d have an unhappy veteran in the locker room. That’s not good. Second, when the Kings granted Smyth’s wish, they saved $6.25 million on this year’s salary cap hit. If not for this money, the Kings very well may be without Mike Richards or Simon Gagne. And of course, where would the Kings find the cash to pay this guy?

Really, I’d love to make this article as sweet as possible and imagine Ryan Smyth with today’s Kings roster, but the chances of that happening were slim to none.

.

.

Highlight reels haven’t often caught Smyth throughout his career, they sure aren’t these days either. He has no shot, he’s got below average speed, and no physical presence. However, the guy manages to score, and is 3rd in points on an Edmonton Oilers roster that is stacked with youth.

One of the biggest misconceptions made about Ryan Smyth may be those judgments sparked by his age.

For the way this season has gone for Ninety Four, he could slinky behind the goal-line, throw weak (yet smart) close-range shots on net, and use that magical wooden blade of his to redirect pucks to hit twine at a decent rate until he’s 40. These aren’t skills that demand invigorated youth, but more smarts and experience. Ryan Smyth knows how to anticipate plays, how to position for a shot’s rebound, and how to make something out of what looks to be absolutely nothing.

Smyth is reportedly on the NHL trade market for the upcoming deadline as a loan, meaning he’d have to waive his no-trade clause with an expected mutual agreement to return to Edmonton for the ’12-’13 campaign. There will be no Smyth-LA reunion, there are too many reasons to note; And if you are aware of just one, that should be enough to close the door.

It’s just a bit unfortunate, and that’s easier to say with how this Kings’ offense has panned out this year, which is rather top-heavy with extremely notable NHL talent. Yet, much of the fanbase is in hopes for a big-time deal from Dean Lombardi before the February 27 trade deadline. The talent is already here, what you’re really looking for is 3rd/4th line depth and/or a scrappy asset like Smyth. Edmonton’s veteran is on pace to notch 57 points this season, more than he had in each of his two seasons donning a Kings sweater.

Shots on goal haven’t been the issue this year, having someone there to reinforce executing on that opportunity is. That’s what Smyth does, that’s what he did in Los Angeles.

The following clip is from Edmonton’s victory in Detroit Saturday night, and this is what it’s all about. Ryan Smyth has the assist on Simon Gagner‘s goal here – via his shot along the half-boards. That shot is ugly, that shot has nothing on it, yet the results are beautiful. That’s instinct, goals are produced in this form more often than you’d think, you just wont see them on ESPN.

.

.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 142 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

“We were real average, quite honestly.” — Darryl Sutter

Back to work: It may have been an average performance, barely topping the NHL‘s worst club in Columbus — but the fashion in which the Kings earned the two points was anything but. Before we get to the positives from last night’s contest, and how you really couldn’t ask for a bigger momentum swing to start post – All Star break play, there’s a simple explanation for Staples Center clock controversy as Drew Doughty netted the game winner with just 0.4 seconds to play. Kings GM Dean Lombardi said it best, in response to Columbus GM Scott Howson‘s premature accusations.

“Those clocks are sophisticated instruments that calculate time by measuring electrical charges called coulombs — given the rapidity and volume of electrons that move through the measuring device the calibrator must adjust at certain points which was the delay you see. The delay is just recalibrating for the clock moving too quickly during the 10—10ths of a second before the delay. This insures that the actual playing time during a period is exactly 20 minutes.”

“That is not an opinion -— that is science -— amazing device quite frankly.”

“The clock stoppage is actually common, just not always in the last seconds of a game leading to a GWG in that final second. It is the clock’s display syncing with the internal clock/computer.”

So, to get technical, it came down to coulombs in the last-second victory against Columbus.

Would Dean Lombardi be saying the same thing if this had happened against the Kings? Maybe not, probably not. But, when you’re on the losing side of a situation like that, you tend to let frustrations get in the way of clear, calm thinking. Plus, many times have I seen Staples’ clock pause in such a fashion it did last night in the final minute of a period. Drew Doughty scored that goal prior to the 20-minute mark, case closed.

.

.

Not just Average: Kings coach Darryl Sutter was right on the money tabbing last night’s performance ‘average’, but it’s got the makings to give this club a huge boost, a great deal of momentum. If winning a game in front of a home crowd with 0.4 seconds left to play isn’t enough adrenaline to build off of leading into the season’s longest road trip, those who contributed, and in what situations, should provide some much needed optimism.

For starters, the Kings executed on two of three powerplay opportunities, which further shows the resurgence play in man-advantage situations has seen the past couple of weeks. The last time the Kings saw the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 7th, a 1-0 loss, the Kings went 0-8 on the powerplay. What a difference it can make, no?

Justin Williams, who chipped in with a powerplay goal of his own netting the first goal of last night’s contest, now has points in nine consecutive games. Williams has 35 points in his 49 appearances this season, he’s notched 11 in his current nine game scoring streak. This is huge.

Dustin Penner hounded on a turnover he caused and used his strength to find a lane straight to the net in beating a helpless Curtis Sanford for the Kings’ second tally of the night. Penner isn’t riding a point streak like Williams, but whenever you can get production from the struggling forward, you’re gladly going to take it. Plus, the guy has consistently been looking better each game.

.

.

If you were somewhere under a rock last night, here’s a clip showing multiple replays of Drew Doughty‘s goal. If you get to the :49 second mark of this video, you’ll clearly see the clock’s stoppage at 1.8 seconds. However, there’s no reason to be afraid to see this again, as it simply was the visible clock re-syncing with the internal mechanisms. 10′ths of a second can be a bit hard to keep up with, this happens more than you think. It’s difficult to notice, as the clock had the full spotlight this time around. A good goal it is, tough break for the Blue Jackets.. yet again.

.

.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 142 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

.

Checked Bags: Reality hits hard when you’re coming down from a break. For the Kings, the weekend’s downtime during the 2012 NHL All Star Game was a beautiful thing, because life for this roster is going to get pretty hectic – and fast. With 32 games left on the season’s schedule, the Kings are tabbed to play 20 of those in visiting confines, only 12 dates left on the calendar for Staples Center affairs. The Kings will knock off one of those remaining home dates when getting started with post-break play, the return of the Columbus Blue Jackets. That should be an easy start, right?

Then it gets rough, the Kings scheduled for their longest road swing of the season, a six game slate in a span of nine days. I was initially going to say that having six consecutive games on the road isn’t horribly awful considering it’s the longest trip of the year, but it’s jam-packed, just three off-days to counter the heavy travel.

The Kings can afford to continue with their OT/SO trend during this road trip, something that has been a regular occurrence for the club this season. Of the six games the Kings play on their upcoming road trip, four are against Eastern Conference opponents. As long as they can pocket one point against these opponents, they won’t be giving one away to a Western Conference threat if they falter in extra time. But, we all know, the Kings need to start executing when the hockey’s free.

The Kings are no postseason guarantee right now, sitting idle with a 24-16-10 record accounting for 58 points, mapping them out for 95 points at season’s end. In the previous six seasons, the eighth-place team in the Western Conference has finished the year with 95 points or more four times. For the Kings to hit the 95 point mark, they would have to muster together 19-12-1 record, or one that earns them at least 37 points.

If there’s one thing to take in positive manner in the Kings’ road-heavy schedule, location hasn’t attributed to success or lack thereof, it’s well-known that goal scoring has covered that all year long. However, in the past couple of years, the Kings have consistently shown the ability to fare better away from home fans, both during a playoff stretch and the postseason. Boy, I could really go for one more Game 6 Western Conference Quarterfinals elimination at home!

Hotel reservations will be key for the Kings during the remainder of the season, I wonder if Bailey got to room with Jonathan Quick in Ottawa?

.

.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 141 HERE
Sh*t LA Kings Fans Don’t Say HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LOS ANGELES — While the National Hockey League pauses its season to put on its annual All-Star festivities this weekend, what’s a hockey writer to do if the NHL All-Star weekend is not their cup of tea, especially since the game itself has become a complete bore, barely resembling the game we normally enjoy?

Sure, I could have watched the All-Star draft (yawn), and I will watch tonight’s skills competition, the only redeeming spectacle during All-Star weekend. But with some extra time on my hands, why not see how the kids down on the farm are doing?

Indeed, the time has come to take a look at some of the Los Angeles Kings’ young prospects, and, in this installment, the focus will be on the blue line corps.
Deslauriers Already Making An Impact

In his first season in professional hockey, defenseman Nicolas Deslauriers’ development appears to be proceeding at a good pace, despite not being able to crack the lineup with the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, the Kings’ primary minor league affiliate, right off the bat.

“For anyone in my place, you know that with a veteran team, it’s hard to find a spot, [with the top six defensemen, including] guys who have played in the NHL,” said the 6-1, 214-pound native of LaSalle, Quebec. “I knew that, so I worked hard to earn a place in the lineup.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

Or, it could be a blessing in disguise.

Let’s dive into a couple of assets that have shown face recently, both players mighty quiet throughout the season. Neither of the following players are going to save the season for the Kings, but their recent output (if you really call it that) spotlights where this club is really hurting.

Want that big-name, proven talent top-6 type of forward to make way to Los Angeles via another Dean Lombardi deal? That’s the attractive option, there’s another way to look at it.

Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis have both been showing more than just hard work and dependable presence as of late, they’ve been hitting the score sheet. With the boost in play the Kings’ 4th line has seen since Darryl Sutter‘s arrival, this needed to happen sooner than later.

.

.

Kyle Clifford has 9 points this season, he’s recorded a point or greater in 7 games this year. The Kings are 6-1-0 in those contests. Trevor Lewis has 3 points this season, he’s recorded a point in 3 separate games. The Kings are 2-0-1 when Lewis chips in. That makes the Kings 8-1-1 when these two 4th-liners ink the score sheet. These moments haven’t been just a personal boost for Clifford and Lewis, but to the Kings and their biggest problem this year – scoring. In Clifford’s 7 games with a point, the Kings have totaled 24 goals, a 3.43 goals-per average. In Lewis’ 3 games with a point, the Kings have totaled 14 goals, a 4.67 goals-per average.

Those medians are a far cry from the club’s lowly average of 2.13 goals per game this season, which sits dead last in the NHL.

This really shows what production from a 3rd or 4th line can do to a club, it has an effect on the big-name role players, alleviates some pressure. The stats, even though I’m not a numbers guy, avidly agree.

I’m a bit thrown off when it comes to hunting down a big-name on the market come the trade-deadline. The Kings have the firepower, the frustration has been it’s extreme lack in output. What has made it even more frustrating? When that top-6 firepower doesn’t do the job, no one’s going to do it – as such with the Kings this year. If the Kings are to deal before February 27th, it should be a couple of under the radar moves to solidify the 3rd and 4th lines.

Really, it should take nothing for the Jonathan Bernier trade activists to get excited about, there’s no blockbuster solution this year. For the Kings and Dean Lombardi, it may be another move similar to two years ago, roping in Jeff Halpern and Fredrik Modin – but not quite that cheap. The trade may be as boring as watching this team, but it’s one that will suit the Kings much better in the long run.

To be honest, it wouldn’t be an invalid argument to claim the Kings are a fresh 3rd and/or 4th liner away from finally hitting a stride this year.

Deals aside, Kyle Clifford has been heckling defensive zones since Darryl Sutter‘s arrival, notching 20 shots in 17 games. Only 7 less than he had in his first 33 appearances.

Sh*t starts looking like a mental ward when it gets this good

Tuh-tuh-tuh…TODAY JUNIOR!

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 141 HERE
Sh*t LA Kings Fans Don’t Say HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — 48 games into the 2011-12 National Hockey League season, the Los Angeles Kings have a 23-15-10 record, good for 56 points. That puts them in second place in the Pacific Division, one point behind the San Jose Sharks (through games played on January 20), and in seventh place in the Western Conference, four points ahead of the Colorado Avalanche, their next opponent (Saturday, January 21, 7:30 PM PST, Staples Center).

San Jose is third in the conference, and the Chicago Blackhawks, with 64 points, leads the West. As such, the Kings remain in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, and could still come out on top of the Pacific Division, even though the Sharks have four games in hand.

But the Kings could be in much better position if they could get out of the bad habit of getting themselves into three-point games.

Indeed, the Kings lead the league in games that go beyond regulation time, with 17 contests going into overtime or a shootout, and they are tied with the Minnesota Wild for the league lead in games that go into a shootout with ten.

If the Kings continue on their current pace, they will play in 29 overtime games, which would set a new franchise record (27 in 2003-04), and 17 will end up in a shootout, which would be one game shy of the club record (18 in 2009-10).

The problem for the Kings is that they have a losing record in those games this season, with a 3-4 record in overtime games, and a 4-6 record in shootout contests (Kings had a 10-2 shootout record last season).

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

Sugar Coat: Darryl Sutter‘s start behind the Kings bench has attracted high acclaim of late, compiling a 9-1-6 record in his first 16 games honing coaching duties in Los Angeles. Considering where this team stood just over a month ago, there’s much to be happy about. Then again, there’s still a few knacks attracting some negativity around the Kings’ play.

Why? Because they’re consistently falling shy to what is a rather short road to gleaming success – regulation goals.

Of the Kings nine wins under Sutter, five have come in regulation. In those five 60-minute contests, the Kings tallied four goals in three of them, five goals in one of them, and two goals in the other – made possible by Jonathan Quick‘s steller 38-save shutout in Chicago.

Looking at the four victories earned after the 3rd period, the Kings managed just two goals in three of those games, and a blank-spot in the other. In fact, goals themselves aren’t coming in OT either, the Kings winning three of these extended contests via extra shots – with just one Kings OT goal recorded.

This is all harping on the Kings inability to amass the two-goal marker, where one more goal in each of these contests would have sealed the game at the final horn.

Full attention shouldn’t necessarily be directed toward goal scoring, since goaltending has been the crucial factor in allowing the Kings to extend games to extra time. It’s been proven all year long, moreso by Jonathan Quick than Jonathan Bernier, that if the Kings can count on three goals in regulation, they can almost surely count on two points.

Sure, earning one point is better than none, but failing to grab the extra point available in OT/SO, and at times giving it away to counterparts in the Western Conference and Pacific Division will seriously factor into the NHL‘s tight standings come April.

For now, it’s about continuing to ride the resurgence Sutter has injected into this roster, and continuing to work and solve the season’s hurdle of finding that third goal before the 60 minute mark. Because really, this club becomes a very scary opponent when goals come consistently before that extra point is up for the taking.

One game that will always remain a mystery since Sutter’s joined the Kings, his only regulation loss, January 7th’s horror show against the Columbus Blue Jackets. You’d think the good would come out against the bad, but good is only going to come with goals.

Let’s try regulation on for size

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 140 HERE
Sh*t LA Kings Fans Don’t Say HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — Since taking over the reins as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings on December 20, 2011, head coach Darryl Sutter has already juggled his line combinations a few times, trying anything to get his team’s struggling offense going.

The first, most notable change was to move center Mike Richards to left wing on the first line, with center Anze Kopitar and right wing Dustin Brown.

Despite the move, the Kings’ offense remained locked in its deep freeze. But Sutter shuffled the deck again when the Kings hosted the Alexander Ovechkin-led Washington Capitals on January 9, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

For that game, Sutter moved right wing Justin Williams up to the first line with Kopitar, while Brown skated across the blue line to left wing, where he prefers to be while on the attack.

The result: The Kings dominated the high-powered Capitals in a 5-2 victory, and have not looked back.

Indeed, since that game, the Kings have scored 17 goals in those five games, averaging 3.40 goals-per game (GPG), with the line of Brown, Kopitar and Williams combining for eight goals and ten assists for 18 points.

Although the Kings still rank dead last in the league in scoring with an average of 2.15 GPG, that 3.40 GPG clip would place them second in goals per game in the National Hockey League, behind the league-leading Boston Bruins (3.54 GPG).

Indeed, after struggling mightily for much of the season, the offense is finally coming around. But how?

“Maybe we’re more aggressive, which is causing turnovers,” said Richards. “But we knew that if we stuck with the system, we would, eventually, get some opportunities.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

After Regulation: Edmonton’s Taylor Hall (pictured right), who was drafted at Staples Center in June of 2010, put the Kings atop a certain mark in the NHL – one that’s not so flattering. With his Overtime goal Sunday night, the Kings took sole possession for the most OT/SO losses in the league. However, with the Boston Bruins successful shooutout bid tonight, the Florida Panthers now share that dismal stat-line with the Kings – each club with nine losses when extending contests to extra time.

For the Kings, it’s harped on their struggles in shootouts, something the club keyed on for success last year. Two names immediately focus on the downfall – Jarret Stoll and Jonathan Quick, who were guaranteed vices for shootout fortune last season.

The shootout frame was absolutely owned in Los Angeles jerseys last season. The Kings extended contests to extra shots twelve times last year, and won eleven of them. Much of this was due to the stalwart play of Jonathan Quick, and of course, Jarret Stoll‘s record-setting season. Stoll, who was tabbed to shoot ten times by Terry Murray, came through with goals on nine of those ten attempts – setting a single season NHL record with his 90% rate.

Jarret Stoll‘s top-right success has been tamed, due to it’s domination last season

Extending the Struggles: The Kings’ play has heeded much criticism during regulation play, and it hasn’t been much better afterward. In 15 opportunities to grab an extra point after regulation, the Kings have only capitalized six times. When it comes to Overtime losses, Eastern Conference opponents don’t prove to be nearly as detrimental as Western Conference clubs, where surrendering the extra point does it’s least damage to the Kings.

However, in the Kings’ nine losses after regulation, six of them have been to Western Conference opponents, four of them within the Pacific Division. These extra points are huge, especially when it’s within the Conference, even more so within the division. For as questionable as things have been this season for the Kings, small statistics like these are going to be a huge factor as the postseason inches closer.

Jarret Stoll is 2-8 in shootout attempts this season, but is still worth the shot.

Dustin Brown, for some bewildering reason, gets penciled in the majority of the time for his lumbering moves.

Trevor Lewis was given the green light from Darryl Sutter against Dallas for his breakaway goal. An intriguing choice from Sutter, but quit while you’re on top.

When do you put an Andrei Loktionov in there, a Slava Voynov? Something new, something undetected.

When it’s after regulation, thinking outside of the box may be your best bet – especially the way things have gone this season.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 139 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

No Streaking: You’d have to dig quite a ways through the season’s archive to locate the Kings’ longest winning streak – an extraordinary second week of the regular season. In this eight day span (November 15-22) the Kings reeled off four consecutive victories. In fact, the Kings have only managed to compile more than two consecutive victories just one other time this season, a three game win streak in the middle of November, two of which were against the Anaheim Ducks.

Now, it’s not to say that an NHL club must string together hoards of persistent winning streaks to compile an impressive campaign, but the ones that do often exemplify not only a postseason berth, but one that’s a serious threat to the other contenders. The Kings, in what may seem like a surprise to many, are a playoff club if the season ended today.

But, why a surprise? For the fan’s perspective, it’s been about being let down immediately after being drawn in, which has been the case all season long.

Excited the Kings scored more than two? Don’t watch the next game.

Excited the Kings recorded a Powerplay goal? Look away during man-advantage situations for the next week.

Not a tumultuous year, but one with little balance.

The only consistent matter you can really tie to this club has been goaltending, but neither Jonathan Quick (19-11-8) or Jonathan Bernier‘s (3-4-1) record really shows that. The Kings’ offensive woes have seriously undermined performances in the crease.

For the Kings this season, it’s now about making sure a playoff spot is situated in the Western Conference‘s top eight slots. If they do in fact reach this goal, they’re going to be an intriguing bunch come the NHL‘s postseason. They’re most likely looking at a deep positioning, which will see them once again in a road-ice situation.

This roster has had both media and fans in shambles all year long due to faulty production with the skill-set at hand. If the Kings can continue to stutter their way into a playoff berth, there’s optimism to be had. They’re due to break out at some point this season. Plenty of 6th, 7th, and 8th seeds have hit their stride in April in the past.

Then again, that’s why the NHL‘s postseason is such a beautiful thing.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 139 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — On January 9, the Los Angeles Kings, owners of the worst offense in the National Hockey League, averaging just 2.09 goals per game, miraculously scored five goals against the Alexander Ovechkin-led Washington Capitals, in a decisive 5-2 victory, shocking a sell-out crowd of 18,118 fans at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

That night, fans were so thoroughly shocked at the Kings’ offensive explosion that throughout the arena, they were pinching each other to make sure they weren’t dreaming. Some made appointments with psychiatrists, fearing that they were suffering from some sort of mental breakdown. Others were fearful that the end of the world was upon us, and began to get their affairs in order.

Seriously speaking, that massive offensive output from the Kings was a rarity this season. After all, they have only scored three goals or more (during regulation play) twelve times in 43 games this season (through games played on January 11).

And talk about extremes. Just one game prior, the Kings were shutout on home ice by the Columbus Blue Jackets, the worst team in the league, who handed the Kings a 1-0 defeat on January 7.

In that game, the Kings had eight opportunities with the man advantage, but really never came close to scoring.

“I don’t care how many power plays it is, as long as we get one, or two, or three—anything,” said forward Jarret Stoll. “We’re pressing. You could tell there, later on in the game. They were blocking everything. Three-quarters of our shots probably didn’t make it to the net. But every team does that. We’ve got to find a way. We all know we haven’t scored many goals.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

EL SEGUNDO, CA — We’re not even at the halfway point of the 2011-12 National Hockey League season, but far too many players have already gone down due to concussions.

In no particular order, the NHL has lost stars like Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers, Milan Michalek of the Ottawa Senators, Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes, and Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators, all to concussions.

Most notably, the league has also lost Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger, who is expected to miss the rest of the season, and Pittsburgh Penguins superstar forward Sidney Crosby is out indefinitely after a recurrence of post-concussion syndrome.

Crosby, who is, arguably, the best player in the league, missed 41 games last season, and has played in just eight this season with no timetable for his return, after a high hit by then-Washington Capitals forward David Steckel during the 2011 Winter Classic, followed by another big hit by Victor Hedman on January 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Here in Southern California, Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards recently missed eight games due to a concussion. Without him, the Kings went into a nose dive, losing five straight before winning a 2-1 decision at Columbus on December 15, on their way to a dismal 2-6-0 record in those eight games.

Since returning to the lineup on December 22, the Kings are undefeated in regulation play, earning a 3-0-1 record in their last four games.

The Kings most recent concussion victim is left wing Simon Gagne, who suffered his injury on December 26 against the Phoenix Coyotes at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Gagne, who has a history of concussions, was placed on injured reserve, and did not make the Kings’ current two-game trip to Chicago and Winnipeg. The earliest he can return to the lineup would be on January 5, 2012, when the Kings host the Coyotes.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

EL SEGUNDO AND LOS ANGELES, CA — On this Christmas Day 2011, families around the world are celebrating the holiday season, while young children, who have been dreaming for weeks about what Santa Claus might bring them, are, hopefully, waking to find that their dreams have come true.

For the Los Angeles Kings, they are hoping that Santa will bring them the extra goal or two per game that they have sorely missed all season long. They are also hoping that they have found their savior in new head coach Darryl Sutter, the 53-year-old native of Viking, Alberta, who was hired on December 20, replacing Terry Murray, who was fired on December 12, after the Kings slipped and slid their way through the last few weeks.

The 24th head coach of the Kings, Sutter has earned a 409-320-131 record in 860 regular season games. He is tied for 27th among all-time National Hockey League head coaches in games, and is ranked seventh among active coaches). He is also tied for 24th all-time among NHL head coaches in wins, seventh among active coaches.

Sutter is also one of only nine head coaches in NHL history to lead three different teams to 100 wins. Only Scotty Bowman and Ron Wilson have coached four different teams to 100 wins.

Despite having a losing record (47-54) in 101 post-season games, Sutter’s teams have qualified for the playoffs in ten out of eleven seasons, leading the Calgary Flames to the seventh game of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

Double Deuces

Four goals in a single game

Bigger Than You’d Think: For the first time in 14 contests, and for the first time since November 22nd, the Kings managed to score more than two goals in regulation. In fact, the Kings tallied four goals – in a proverbial ‘four point game’ against the Pacific Division foe Phoenix Coyotes. With the regulation victory over the Sun Dogs, the Kings sit even with Phoenix at 39 points to share the 3rd & 4th slots in the Pacific Division‘s rankings.

Out of the Woodwork

Out of the Gate: We’re seeing clear differences with this club with Darryl Sutter housing the Kings’ bench. It’s energy, it’s effort, and we’re starting to see it early in games, and in the third period – missing components that have plagued this roster throughout the season.

When it comes down to good coaching, 2nd Period play is important, it’s about maintaining consistent effort and mentality from the roster. However, it’s not often going to make or break your overall output. Fast starts and strong finishes are the true gauge, the Kings are starting to exemplify those situations, and made perfect example of such tonight.

If you’re going the pessimistic route, you’re going to target tonight’s second frame, in which the Phoenix Coyotes took back complete control of the game. The Coyotes handled the middle frame in dominant fashion, but the Kings began, and finished tonight’s contest in a form that we’ve rarely seen all year long.

And that’s the key

Ahoy, Cap’n!

All smiles on board

Here’s some proof

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 136 *Holiday Special* HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

This show is sponsored by Barry’s Tickets. Enter the promo code “kingscast25″ to receive 10% off!

“I haven’t coached in this many seasons! *referring to finger count* LOL!“

The uneventful John Stevens era uneventfully reaches its end

Time for Another: To no surprise, Darryl Sutter has been the guy tabbed to coach the Kings by Dean Lombardi, and will make his debut behind Los Angeles’ bench Thursday night. The picking is a bit odd, seeing as Sutter hasn’t coached since the 2005-06 season with the Calgary Flames. However, Dean Lombardi is familiar with Sutter, hiring him to coach the San Jose Sharks as Sharks’ GM. Lombardi hired Darryl Sutter just one season into his Sharks tenure (1997) , and kept him aboard for more than five seasons.

There was success when these two worked together, the Sharks making the playoffs in all full seasons with Darryl Sutter behind the bench, winning the Pacific Division in 2002. The farthest the Sharks would get under Sutter is to the Western Conference Semi-Finals (’00,’02), losing in the first-round on three other occasions. Sutter compiled a respectable record of 193-167-61–14 until he was dismissed just 24 games into San Jose’s ’02-’03 campaign.

The Calgary Flames would snag Sutter almost immediately in effort to turn around their ’02-’03 disaster, but the Flames were already too deep to have any shot at success that season. Despite finishing dead last (5th) on the Northwest Division, Sutter went over .500 in his first 46 games to close the year. He would then lead that same club to the Stanley Cup Finals a year later. Sutter remained with the Flames throughout the NHL lockout, but cut ties after an early first-round postseason exit in 2006.

Six years later, it’s Los Angeles.

Welcome!

Fresh Start: The firing of Terry Murray has made the past week quite dreary in Kings country, such as their play. However, definite signs of life showed themselves Monday night in Toronto, fresh off of a team meeting organized by Matt Greene after Saturday’s 8-2 debacle in Detroit. Since Murray’s dismissal, John Stevens led the Kings to a 2-2 record on their four-game road trip. Stevens won’t get to fill that role at Staples Center, as Darryl Sutter is expected to make his debut Thursday night.

If Sutter is going to harp on any specifics in his first few days in Los Angeles, it’s got to revolve around this offense, which just continues it’s unthinkable path of mediocrity and failure.

 - In Monday night’s victory, the Kings set a new franchise record: 12 consecutive games without topping the 2-goal mark in regulation or OT – 12 straight games.

 - In Monday night’s victory, the Kings scored their first powerplay goal in 7 contests. Before this, they had executed on just 2 of their last 36 opportunities.

 - Shot totals haven’t been the problem, the Kings have amassed the 40-shot mark in four of their last six contests. In those four 40+ shot games, the Kings have recorded a total of just six goals.

 - Thursday night’s date with the Anaheim Ducks isnt just Darryl Sutter‘s coaching debut, but the one-month anniversary of Anze Kopitar‘s last goal.

Wake ‘em up, Sutt!

Key Return

Heads Up: Well, at least he’s been skating, but Mike Richards is still donning the red ‘safety sweater’ in practice. There’s still no official timetable for his return, but he’s not yet cleared for contact. Even though the Kings’ scoring woes have dated back much further than Richards’ absence, he was undoubtedly the most prominent forward for this team in November.

Richards made way to the IR while he was hot, reeling off 9 goals and an assist in 11 games before going down via Sean Bergenheim‘s questionable hit on December 1st. The Kings have been miserable without Mike Richards in the lineup, scoring just 12 goals total as a team in the 8 games since Richards suffered his head injury.

To realize how effective Richards’ output was, the Kings scored 15 goals as a team in the 8 games before his injury. Still brutal, but Richards had 7 of those 15 goals, which spotlights the misery the Kings’ offense has been all year long, even with Richards in the lineup.

It’s obviously important for Richards to be cleared for action sooner than later, but also important that he’s a part of a new coach’s early presence, important that Darryl Sutter and Mike Richards can click.

The week’s specific – Pacific

Pacific for Three: You look for the ideal time for the Kings to seriously turn things around, and the debut of a new head coach along with the start of a 3-game Pacific Division swing should be more than enough motivation.

No one’s breaking away in the standings quite yet, except Anaheim – and in the wrong fashion. The Anaheim Ducks will be the first date for the Kings in this Pacific trio, a club struggling mightily to rebound from early season struggles with the hire of Bruce Boudreau. Anaheim is a lowly 3-6-1 in their previous 10, with not much optimism stemming from any aspect of their club.

However, two clubs that are just above the Kings in the Pacific Division – the San Jose Sharks and Phoenix Coyotes (tied at 37 points, Kings at 34) are vital opponents for the Kings to find success against, and with regulation victories. The Kings have seen both the Coyotes and Sharks twice thus far, 1-0-1 vs. Pheonix and 1-1 vs. San Jose.

With the Kings-Coyotes unbalanced schedule this season, this will be the last date at Jobing.com Arena for the Division rivals this campaign. This is always interesting to note, because this could be the last game for the Kings in Glendale, Arizona… ever.

Oh man. This guy

Things looked up – up North

Showing a Pulse: The Kings impressed in Toronto. When I say impressed, I mean they showed glimpses of not being shitty. Defense rebounded from their collapse in Detroit, puck movement in the offensive and neutral zones has noticeably improved, and they finally made due on the powerplay, which was way overdue.

It’s three straight within the Pacific Division, against an Anaheim club that surely should be beat, and two other clubs that need to be beat. That’s if Dean Lombardi‘s plans rejuvenate themselves into what they’ve been mirrored to be for the last seven months. Go Kings

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 134 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

Terry Murray ousted as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings

It had all gone bad

“I think it had to happen,” one Kings player who requested anonymity told me via text message. “We were dead.” – Pierre LeBrun

Terry couldn’t Carry: As much as I’ve harped on the need for the Kings to dismiss Terry Murray from duties as head coach, you never want to see this become an ultimatum for a club 29 games into an 82 game campaign. Dean Lombardi was flirting with a deadline to salvage the season, making the move at the latest point he possibly could have to counter the mess the Kings have produced thus far, and turn things around with a new voice behind the bench. I would have liked to see this action from Lombardi two weeks earlier, which especially had me frustrated with LA’s hockey media who sugarcoated Murray’s final weeks in extremely frustrating ways.

If this was happening in a major NHL city (IE: Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Detroit) complete mayhem would’ve abused TV networks, Radio stations, and the Interweb dating back to mid-November. This dragged on far too long.

The hype to cut ties with Murray didn’t really grow wings until this past week, and it had to come from the fans, bloggers were the only sources to express any distaste with the state of the team. You’ve got to understand the other side before taking shots, you’ve got to understand the point of view coming from the sources who talk to Terry Murray on a daily basis. Even with that, however, his explanations started to delve deeper into statistics, something that has been somewhat of a scapegoat for the Kings struggles this year.

Murray did a wonderful job developing a young Kings core for three seasons, and that’s been a positive attribute on his NHL coaching resume. When you’re working with a young, unproven group like Murray did for those three years, expectations aren’t going to spotlight your output. But with the moves made over the summer, and the Kings working with a roster that has come close to maximizing the team’s cap space for the first time in years, failure like this is simply unacceptable. Best of luck to you, Terry. Thank you for the good work you did in Los Angeles.

Right-hand man

John Stevens will head the Kings bench on an interim basis

Terry 2.0: Stevens, who preaches strategy and has a similar history just like Murray will be the momentary head coach for the Kings. Since he was not promoted in concrete fashion upon Murray’s dismissal, you can count out his chances of heading this bench for an extended period of time. And so, you can’t guarantee he’s safe to hold his position if a new coach hits Dean Lombardi‘s interest radar. Assistant coaches don’t feel the threat until a new voice gains strength with the club’s front office, that’s when they’re open to make co-worker requests. Whoever is chosen upon still heeds a question mark as to who fits alongside them for the job.

Who will it be?: That’s the intriguing part, and don’t expect the search to last longer than the Kings’ upcoming four-game roady. I’m hearing notions from a fellow KingsCast administrator that Tony Granato‘s name has been thrown around the inside circle, a guy who’s got the reputation of lighting locker room fires and winning – even if the tenure was rather short.

Initially hired as an assistant coach, Granato was promoted (much like John Stevens) 31 games into the Colorado Avalanche‘ 2002-2003 season, we’re a mere 29 into the season this time around. Under Granato, Colorado finished the campaign’s 51 remaining games with a 32-11-8 record, claiming a Division title. The Kings are close to meeting that mark, with 53 games remaining on the year’s slate. Granato went on to lead Colorado to a 40-22-20 season in 2003-2004, but was fired to due postseason failure. The Avalanche took another shot with Granato after canning Joel Quenneville in 2008, but the second dance just never pans out. His second stint heading Colorado should be irrelevant when considering him for the Kings.

If it isn’t Granato, I wouldn’t get caught up in big names available on the market, there isn’t much to pick from anyway. I’m not on the Randy Carlyle wagon, I’m just not. What’s appealing about Granato is his short-term NHL head coaching experience, which is why I’m interested in the Kings approaching unknown names impressing in the AHL or Collegiate (NCAA) level. I’m taking a dive to say this publicly, much like the risk Dean Lombardi and Co. would be facing to actually do so. I’m not here to pick and choose, it will most certainly be an interesting week.

Jackets on the plate

Two and Out: Columbus isn’t even a slight guarantee at this point, with the Kings struggling mightily to amount more than one goal a game. The differential isn’t terrible, standing at -2, but the lack of production from a refurbished offense that has more talent and veteran occupancy since their rebuild overhaul in 2008-2009 is disturbing. Not to mention, their lack to score early in games, especially being the team to score first. Here’s some quick bullets regarding offensive struggles…which indirectly uncover how crucial Kings goaltending has been.

- In 29 games played so far, the Kings have managed to score more than 2 goals in only 8 of those contests. The Kings are 8-0-0 when this happens.

- The Kings have been unable to eclipse the 2-goal mark in the last 8 games, scoring just 13 goals in a 3-5-1 stretch.

- If the Kings don’t score early, they don’t win. They’ve been trailing to start a 3rd period in 12 contests, and have lost them all. They’ve allowed the first goal in 14 of 29 games, and have won just 3 of those.

This just about sums it up

Wingin’ it: In the first installment of life after Terry Murray, the Kings will head way to TD Garden for a date with the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. This will be the first of a four-game road trip, the Kings carrying baggage of four consecutive losses to New England. John Stevens is taking quite an intriguing approach tonight, where all players that have traveled will take the ice tonight for pregame warmups. Only after will Stevens finalize his roster for the night. However, don’t expect to see any drastic changes coming from Stevens, and expect hometown boy Jonathan Quick to be a lock in the crease.

Stevens’ laid back approach tonight could help this roster find themselves, get away from the textbook-play that has plagued their output all season, and rebuild a bit of their shattered confidence.

Because, well, you know, the Kings just have not been able to produce any type of effective shot mentality.

The Kings are reportedly in talks with Darryl Sutter. Please, please look at all options, Deano. This would not be the ideal solution.

Looks like Terry Murray with a bitter beer face

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 133 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — After all but one other player had disappeared from the main dressing room area to shower and change clothes, Los Angeles Kings right wing and team captain Dustin Brown sat dejectedly in his locker, slouched down, probably brooding about his team’s performance, or lack thereof, in a 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on December 10, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

This is not a first for Brown, who has been seen doing the exact same thing in seasons past.

But this time, something was different.

Indeed, Brown sat there, unmoving, with the same dejected, disgusted look on his face, for considerably longer than the times I have seen him do that over the past few seasons since he was named as the Kings’ captain.

Sensing that leaving him alone in his thoughts was the wise and appropriate thing to do, especially since the media had already spoken with him, I do not know what was going through his mind. As such, I can only speculate. But an educated guess is that he has had enough of his team not playing the way they are supposed to.

Contrary to popular belief, the Kings’ problems on the ice boil down to execution, as detailed in an earlier story here on Frozen Royalty. In fact, what may not be evident to many is that their problems often start 200 feet from their opponent’s net.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

First up, we have an exciting new program that we are helping to pilot called Incrwd. It’s a really cool rewards program that gives all of our users the chance to win a real reward simply for interacting with our site.

Here’s how it works:

1) Click on the green Rewards tab on the right hand side of the KingsCast website.

2) Choose from one of our real rewards (you have to choose a reward before you can start winning points).

3) Interact with us— visit us, share your favorite articles on Facebook and Twitter, and add thoughtful comments to articles.

4) After unlocking your prize, a reward code will show up in the trophy case that you can take to the brand’s store or website to redeem!

Initially, not everyone will be offered the opportunity participate in the program. Incrwd will roll out their platform to all of our users over the course of a few weeks.

We think it’s a nice way to reward you guys for your contributions, and hopefully it makes your reading experience a little more fun!

For Incrwd customer service, please contact customer@myincrwd.com.

Next up, as we mentioned on our last show, we have teamed up with Barry’s Tickets, official partners of the Los Angeles Kings, to provide you with the best Kings tickets available. In addition to their already low prices, they have given KingsCast fans a 10% discount by entering the code “kingscast25″ at the time of purchase. So, next time you’re scouring the net for tickets (to any event), hit them up!

Finally, we have done a little housekeeping on our Facebook page. It’s cosmetic only but it’s still pretty cool (in our humble opinion). So head on over to http://facebook.com/kingscast and check it out. If you’re already a fan, you’ll notice our new Welcome tab.

Go Kings!

The focus on the Los Angeles Kings “system” of hockey has been subject to ridicule and scrutiny by fans as of late. Members of the media, who are kind enough to respond to on social media have pointed out that fans do not know exactly how the system works. Ok, fine. So let’s look at the explanations Terry Murray has given to Rich Hammond who has repeatedly questioned him about the “system” and the Kings’ lack of offensive production. I have grouped the arguments together with my responses. I am a fan. I have questions. I want answers that make logical sense. These do not.

1. Lack of a shot mentality. Not getting enough pucks to the net.

Well, ok. You have to shoot if you want to score, but it also counts as a shot on goal if you shoot from the red line. But where are those shots coming from? A fine article by Bobby Scribe makes the point that just throwing the puck at the net is not a recipe for success. If one wants a more recent example, take the fact that in the last five games, the Kings had 39 (a loss to the Ducks), 27 (a loss to Montreal), 26 (a win against Florida), 27 (a loss to Chicago) and 33 (a win over SJ). In none of those games did the Kings score more than two goals. So we can dispense with the “more shots equals more goals” theory. More quality shots equals more goals. Just throwing it at the net works now and then (see: Ethan Moreau’s goal against San Jose), but more often than not it’s an easy save and a momentum killer.

2. Teams are all playing traps and blocking more shots

I accept that as fact, because I’m not a hockey expert, that more teams are playing more defensively. I accept that there are more blocked shots. However, the playing field is level. There are 29 teams doing a better job of scoring than the Los Angeles Kings. Do the 29 other teams have better players? Better coaches? Or is this just a temporary rough patch that has lasted over a quarter of the season? One can fairly complain that it’s hard to score goals in the current NHL. One cannot use that as an excuse for being dead last.

3. Other teams are playing this system and scoring goals. Players need time to learn the system.

We have been told that Philadelphia, who has been leading the league in scoring, plays the same system. Great for Philly! The question must be whether it is right for this specific group of players. Kings announcers have pointed out that there are many new faces that need to adjust to the system. It is unclear to me who they are referring to given that Mike Richards apparently played in the same system his whole career and leads the team in goals. Similarly, Simon Gagne played in the Philly system and also in the Tampa Bay system which Anze Kopitar pointed out is similar to the Kings system. I don’t think anyone is looking to Ethan Moreau or Trent Hunter as the source of the Kings problems (editors note: it’s part of it). The lack of goal scoring is from players who have experience with this system, with this coach, on this team. Stoll, Williams, Clifford, Penner, Doughty. Kopitar has even gone ice cold as of late. So, if this is the same system, it isn’t working for these players.

4. It’s early and the Kings aren’t that far out of first. Fans want instant gratification.

Don’t you dare tell us to accept mediocrity. After decades of suffering through one empty promise after another, the consensus at the start of the season amongst fans and pundits was that this would be a breakthrough season for the Kings. This was felt to be one of the best, if not the best roster on paper the LA Kings have ever had. So don’t tell fans to relax and just hope that the Kings win enough games to make the playoffs in the admittedly tight Western Conference race. We have been promised more and we expect more. This team will get no props from this writer for being hard to play against or well respected. We should be past that. We are 27 games into the season. This is beyond the window that Dean Lombardi has talked about, at the last two Hockey Fest events, as being the time where you really know what you have on your roster and what you need.

What concerns me most is that the players seem to have bought in to these explanations. At this point, I see no reason to expect or hope for a change. Hopefully, Mr. Lombardi will hold someone accountable and take some sort of action. Coasting through this season on excuses is just not acceptable.

Dan Goodkin is an attorney by day, fantasy hockey commissioner and Los Angeles Kings fan by night. Give him a follow on Twitter.

ANAHEIM AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — Following a 3-2 loss to the struggling Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center in Anaheim on December 6, if you traversed the various web sites, Facebook and Twitter, one would get the distinct feeling that the Los Angeles Kings were already doomed, and that all hope for them to qualify for the playoffs was lost.

But one look at the standings reveals that the Kings are just three points out of first place in their division, and from third place in the National Hockey League’s Western Conference.

Despite that, the sky is falling for many of the Kings’ faithful, who seem to be looking, desperately, for something and someone to blame, and many are blaming head coach Terry Murray and the system he has the Kings playing, which many claim is archaic, and stifles his players’ offensive abilities.

For weeks, there has been a growing cacophony of frustrated fans blaming Murray for everything that ails the Kings, calling for him to be, not just fired, but run out of town on a rail, or worse.

After the December 6 loss at Anaheim, two replacements for Murray were suggested that should leave just about anyone shaking their heads in disbelief…

Former Kings head coaches Barry Melrose and Marc Crawford.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

Cat Nipped: Thursday night’s meet with the Florida Panthers brought home two points for the Kings by way of a 2-1 victory, but at an extremely healthy cost. Willie Mitchell, the most stable Kings defenseman other than Rob Scuderi, lasted one shift before calling the night in order to tend to an undisclosed lower body injury – never to return. Mike Richards, undoubtedly the Kings’ most vital asset on the offensive side so far this season, suffered a solid – yet subtle, blow to the head from Florida’s Sean Bergenheim. Richards, who has been placed on the Injured Reserve, is very, very likely to be suffering from concussion symptoms.

Not to say our defense has struggled, because it really hasn’t. But, it has been unstable in terms of personnel and pairing, which has lost this blue-line’s aggressive impact in the offensive zone. Mitchell poses to be a new missing threat for the Kings’ back-end, the loss of a stay-at-home defenseman. So far, Davis Drewiske has filled the gap, and he may continue to dress even if Alec Martinez returns before Mitchell does. Martinez has shown to be somewhat of a liability in the Kings’ zone, Drewiske could possibly see all games available until Willie Mitchell returns to maintain solidity in the defensive zone.

Talk about the last guy you want to see seriously injured, the guy with 10 points in his previous 11 contests, 9 of those points being goals. Mike Richards, he’s been the spotlight performer in all aspects of the Kings’ offense, 5-on-5, the powerplay, and the penalty kill (two shorthanded goals, a hangnail away from three). There wasn’t much luck without Richards in uniform Saturday afternoon, a lone goal being scored off of a Dustin Penner deflection overshadowed by a game filled with missed opportunities and draggy puck movement.

Have you seen puck movement like this from Kings jerseys once this year? Here’s a nice example of entering the offensive zone in valiant form, rather than taking the puck wide for a weak, bad-angle shot with no bodies to even seek rebounds.

At least Kostitsyn’s got ties with the Russian Mafia.
That’s kinda cool to couple with an NHL gig

Just to finish

Broken Record Player: You can’t depend on shot totals to link honest analysis, because for the Kings this season, it’s become somewhat of a scapegoat. And when saying this, that’s a mental reaction to their play. Sure, they’ve got no problem going shot-for-shot with another club over a 60-minute span, but if they were to cut down shot total, while raising the percentage of shot quality, we’d be in a better suit.

Looking simple can be great, looking simple can be awful. The difference? The mental status. The Kings are at awful, and it’s coming to the point where smart (yet non-intrusive) passes and decisions are being made to cure a terribly sterile offensive strategy. That means hitting Kopitar low along the boards, or going cross-ice to a defenseman with flat feet. There’s no such thing as simple wrist-shots, snap-shots, or anything you do with the puck to just get it ON NET with this offense. Well actually, I guess there is:

While you were in total shock of Dustin Penner scoring a goal, you missed the player (Doughty) who actually made it happen. Downright spectacular foot movement inside the zone, creates space for a simple snapper ON NET. Damnit! Can’t you see?!?

The Week Ahead: This may be the most important string of contests on the slate so far this season, the Kings are set for two Pacific Division puck-drops, and a meet with the team atop the entire Western Conference and the NHL. Tonight will be the third installment of the Kings’ six matchups with the Anaheim Ducks, who continue to sputter out of contention early, honed at the bottom of the Pacific Division and 14th in the Western Conference with a 1-7-2 record in their previous ten. If Bruce Boudreau is in fact the fix for Anaheim, the results won’t show this year.

Then it’s the NHL‘s best in the Minnesota Wild, who have taken role atop the entire league with 37 points, currently running with four consecutive wins. Their offseason dealings with the San Jose Sharks have paid off dearly, both Dany Heatley (17 pts) and Devin Setoguchi (13 pts) providing serious output for their new club. To finish the week, it’s a meeting with the only club higher in the Pacific Division than the Kings – the Dallas Stars, who sit just one point ahead. This will already mark the fourth meeting this season with Dallas, the Kings faring well for the most part going 2-0-1; however November 23rd’s meltdown still remains a sour aftertaste.

The Five Goal Club: In the Kings’ 26 games played this year, they have managed to hit the 5-goal mark in just four of them. However, that’s where this week’s opponents share a common trait – the Kings have found offensive success against Anaheim (5-3W – 11/17), Minnesota (5-2W – 11/12), and Dallas (5-3W – 10/27). This doesn’t mean much, but facing clubs that the Kings have found relatively recent success against could be a notable mental jolt for this lost offensive group.

Ahh yes…Time for another round of this unecessarily labeled cross-town rivalry

Since Bob Miller no longer can stress the deliciousness of Carl’s Jr. chicken tenders, which are breaded “ON THE PREMISES”, I’ve yet to decide what’s better this season…

Telling us to “Feel the Mexcellence”

Or going bad-ass bold marketing the Outlaw Burger

No child’s play for the Kings this week, especially with Minnesota on the slate

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 132 HERE
Follow ‘Dancing in the Reign’ on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LA Kings: Kevin Westgarth Celebrates First NHL Goal With Teammates, Family, Friends And Fans

Los Angeles Kings Should Take The Great One’s Advice About Shooting The Puck

Los Angeles Kings: Smarter, Better, More Disciplined Play Needed From Ethan Moreau

When Will The Los Angeles Kings Stop Chasing The Game?

Trent Hunter will be alongside Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown on the first line tonight.

What?

The Kings lineup has undergone complete revamp for tonight’s date with the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center:

Dustin Brown – Anze Kopitar – Trent Hunter
Simon Gagne – Mike Richards – Jarret Stoll
Kyle Clifford – Andrei Loktionov – Justin Williams
Ethan Moreau – Colin Fraser – Kevin Westgarth

Shuffled up: If there’s one common aspect shown throughout Terry Murray‘s coaching tenure in Los Angeles, it’s his tendency to make changes in the Kings’ lineup scheme. These changes, which we’ve seen very often the past couple of years, are due to a lack of consistency in Murray’s offensive sets. He’s had little success in maintaining groups that mesh for extended periods of time, which is hard to analyze with the high level of talent he’s working with.

This is why I’ve spent the majority of the season considering how this club could perform under a different helm, there’s simply too much skill among these forwards for such a lack of production and stability. It’s one thing to have an attractive roster on paper, knowing what to do with that roster is just as vital. I truly believe Terry Murray has hit a wall with the Kings, and that the organization’s output is in need of a different direction.

Questionable Calls

Top-line Hunter: That’s right, let it settle in. Trent Hunter, who I question even being on the Kings roster, will be promoted to the first line at the right wing slot. In 11 games this season, Hunter has recorded two assists, 15 shots, and 24 hits. Hunter will provide little in this role, and it probably won’t last very long at all. You’re basically putting a bad Dustin Brown on a line that has Dustin Brown on it – and he’s struggling himself. Not only that, Brown is moving to the left wing which isn’t his primary position, but did play on the left side a few times last season.

That Fourth Line: Is brutal, no questions asked. Why Murray feels the need to ice an enforcer in Kevin Westgarth has troubled me for quite some time. There is less and less need for heavyweights in the NHL these days, protection of vital players isn’t completely necessary, especially when you’re surrendering a roster spot to another player who’s got some offensive capabilities – certainly not Westgarth.

Let’s talk worthless play and stupid penalties while we’re at it, let’s talk Ethan Moreau. He doesn’t provide any positive worth to this team. Let’s stop talking about Ethan Moreau. Sadly, Colin Fraser is the only player on Murray’s 4th line that I see fit and worthy of dressing – that’s not saying much.

Brad Richardson and Trevor Lewis > Ethan Moreau and Kevin Westgarth – regardless of their point production.

In the Stolldrums

Position Swap: Two players will be put to the test in different roles tonight, but not unfamiliar. Andrei Loktionov, a natural centerman, will get the opportunity to showcase himself between Kyle Clifford and Justin Williams on the third line. This grouping may be the most intriguing new-look line Terry Murray has assembled. You’ve got Loktionov, who’s been decent at the left wing position, back to his comfort zone with two forwards who are in desperate need of production. Williams has been without a goal since October 27th, Clifford’s lone tally came back on October 20th. If you’re looking for revitalization, look for some production from this 3rd line set.

The other player changing positions is Jarret Stoll, moving from center to right wing, now playing with Simon Gagne and Mike Richards on the 2nd line. This could be a positive change as well, but you’re doing away with Stoll’s faceoff abilities. Stoll is struggling mightily this season, and notched his first goal since October 18th Saturday night. With just 2 goals and 5 assists on the season, Stoll could benefit from this change. Gagne and Richards will maintain movement and strong possession, Stoll needs to help in that department and hound on loose pucks. He’s got the shot, that’s for sure.

This guy needs some support

This guy needs to do something

Preferrably not this

Credit Puck Daddy for the find

Speaking of finding things, if Terry Murray‘s lineup changes don’t find some steady offensive output, he soon may need to find another job. Go Kings.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 131 HERE
Follow ‘Dancing in the Reign’ on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

Out of State: For a club that plugged through possibly the most difficult travel schedule in recent NHL history to start the season, the Kings have been settled in ideal confines for some time now. In the previous six contests, the Kings have hosted five dates at Staples Center, marking the visitors category just once with a quick jump on the highway to see the cross-town Anaheim Ducks.

In that six-game span, the Kings posted a 4-2-0 record, accounting for 8 of 12 possible points. The lingering gray areas surrounding this team’s performance certainly make those results acceptable. The Kings losses came at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings; both slow, frustrating offensive performances. However, the Kings were able to take both matchups from the Anaheim Ducks, although handing a point Anaheim’s way allowing a late goal that extended the first contest to OT and a shootout.

Unique Uni’s: This will be a quick road trip, with back-to-back dates tonight against the St. Louis Blues and tomorrow night against the Dallas Stars. The Kings won’t be donning their regular visitors’ wardrobe, but a sweater that has only made one regular season appearance away from Staples Center in team history – November 2, 2009 at Jobing.com Arena against the Phoenix Coyotes. It’ll be the black and purple crown hemline shirts for both contests on this trip. The Kings are 1-1 in the purple hems this season.

Berning up

Bernier for One: As expected, and as predicted, Jonathan Quick got the nod for both contests against the Ducks and for Detroit’s visit. Previously looking ahead to Bernier’s next start, I tabbed tonight’s date in St. Louis to be the most plausible – and Terry Murray has notioned those same feelings, as Jonathan Bernier will be in net for the Kings tonight at the Scottrade Center.

It’s best to let Quick occupy the crease against a Pacific Division opponent in Dallas tomorrow. Bernier has just two starts in the Kings’ previous 13 games, and the performances have been nothing above average. Then again, it’s tough to perform well under such a spotty schedule. Quick, like the rest of the Kings roster, looked flubbish in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Detroit, and was also riding his 5th consecutive start. Murray’s goaltending decisions regarding this two-game road set are completely validated.

Not OV-er yet

Not Russian the Process: Even though Dustin Penner and Alec Martinez are now eligible to return from the IR, neither will due to further recovery needs – and maybe, further analysis from Kings’ brass about the situation at-hand. Both Andrei Loktionov and Viatcheslav Voynov immediately injected a boost into this offense, and the roster’s overall tempo.

It was clear in the Anaheim double-take last week that the Kings were playing at a faster, crisper pace than seen so far this year. Don’t be short on admitting, Loktionov and Voynov were huge factors in the upbeat play. It’s not so much that they’ve provided production at a great level, but these two players open a lot more opportunity and space when on the ice. Loktionov has been an upgrade in every facet of a hockey player’s skill-set than Dustin Penner, and Viatcheslav Voynov has shown more poise and control than Martinez on the blue-line, also equaling Marty’s 16 game point-total in the three games he’s been back in the NHL.

Chances are, it’s going to be the same old song for Andrei Loktionov, reporting for AHL assignment upon Penner’s return to the lineup. As for Voynov, there’s no question his status upon Martinez’s return is a hot front office topic. There’s plausible options to consider in efforts to keep Voynov at the NHL level, which could involve waiving Davis Drewiske, keeping Alec Martinez as the 7th defenseman, or trading Martinez. There have been talks, but nothing worth getting into right now. By keeping Martinez and Penner out for this road trip, the Kings could be buying time for more than just injury recovery.

Where ya been?

Secondary Slump: The Kings’ 3rd and 4th lines haven’t been providing too much spark to offensive production, if any at all. Quite frankly, you’re going to have to back-track to the Kings’ 5-goal outpour against the Minnesota Wild to find any evidence, Colin Fraser‘s goal. I wouldn’t go as far to say they’ve been a detriment, but consistent scoring still should be coming from your back-end forwards.

Speaking of which, Brad Richardson and Trevor Lewis have absolutely disappeared, and it looks like they literally will tonight in St. Louis – both are healthy scratches. Both players have a single assist to their names, and have dressed in a heavy majority of games played this season. Richardson got high-praise for his 5-point series in the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the San Jose Sharks, I had difficulty buying into it – Richardson’s current output is showing why. As for Lewis, he’s seriously reliable on the defensive end, he tends to disappear when crossing the red-line.

This looks like a guy who’s got an itchy ear

This also looks like a guy who’s about to get canned.
1-7-3 in your last 11 ain’t gonna cut it, bubs – even with a new contract. That sucks.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 130 HERE
Follow ‘Dancing in the Reign’ on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

Familiar Faces, Foe: The Kings, after a three-day hiatus from league play, occupy Staples Center tonight to finalize their current four-game homestand. It’ll be a cross-town back-to-back affair with the Anaheim Ducks tonight and tomorrow, both clubs hitting the highway to take ice in Orange County Thursday night. This will be the first time these two Pacific Division rivals meet this season.

-  Due to roster shortages in Los Angeles, both Andrei Loktionov and Viatcheslav Voynov will return to the Kings’ lineup tonight. Dustin Penner is out with a hand injury, Alec Martinez out with an apparent shoulder injury – both are on short-term IR.

- Colin Fraser, beside Mike Richards and Simon Gagne, has shown the makings to quite possibly be the Kings’ most valuable asset attained over the summer. Fraser is showing attributes that fit quite well into a 4th-line centerman role, where he’ll be positioned again tonight in his third game as a King. He’s been more involved than Ethan Moreau and Dustin Penner, tossing his frame around with 9 hits and finding opportunity with 1 goal on 2 shots in his first appearances.

- After the three-day break, expect Jonathan Quick to get the starting nod in both contests against the Anaheim Ducks, likewise Saturday afternoon against the Detroit Red Wings. I see Jonathan Bernier sliding into the rotation next Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues.

Reconfiguration – Rejuvenation?

Voynov Effect: Due to Viatcheslav Voynov‘s recall from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs to fill in for the injured Alec Martinez, the defensive lines will get shuffled a bit. Voynov, who appeared in 5 games for the Kings in October, was then filling in for Drew Doughty. Voynov’s stint was a respectable one, chipping in with 1 goal, 2 assists, 8 hits, 9 shots in his five appearances.

Voynov will be paired with Willie Mitchell‘s secure play, which is very sensible. The other two pairs will be Matt Greene with Rob Scuderi, and Drew Doughty with Jack Johnson. This creates a shutdown tandem of Greene and Scuderi, a balanced duo of experience and playing style in Voynov and Mitchell, and an all-facet threat with Doughty and Johnson’s partnership.

If nothing else, this will play extremely well into Terry Murray‘s matchup strategies, not many NHL clubs can ice three defensive pairings that resemble such a wide variety of strong attributes as the Kings can with these six players. Unless Voynov impresses to a degree in which the Kings would be foolish to designate him to the AHL again, expect the Chelyabinsk native to take assignment when Alec Martinez returns.

Top-Six Boost

Andrei’s Up: After failing to make the Kings’ roster out of training camp, Andrei Loktionov gets another jab at the NHL level. Loktionov’s past call-ups haven’t come with a lack of pressure, where he’s been accustomed to aggressive lineup configuration from Terry Murray. Loktionov has been thrown into vital roles on the top two lines in the majority of games he’s played as a King, switching from his accustomed role at center to left wing.

Loktionov finds himself in that position again, tabbed to hold the left wing spot on the second line with Mike Richards and Dustin Brown tonight. The high-pressure position as a top-six forward, and out of his natural position at center, actually fared all right last season. In 19 games with the Kings last season, Loktionov played along the left side of Anze Kopitar on the Kings’ top line. The results weren’t staggering, notching 4 goals and 3 assists in his ’10-’11 stint. In 17 games with the Manchester Monarchs this season, Loktionov leads the central New Hampshire club with 14 points, via 3 goals and 11 assists.

Loktionov will bring much-needed speed, something that has been a moderate issue for this offense. The bigger question regarding Loktionov will be his strength, how well he recovers, handles, and creates opportunity with loose pucks. Winning races to pucks has never been a flaw for Loktionov, his ability to attain control with heavy pressure has. The addition of Loktionov’s speed factor is an enticing look alongside Richards and Brown, but puck recovery and control will only make substantial use of that value.

Hey! Don’t get caught wearing the jersey of a former not so great underachiever like Alexander Frolov, when you can easily transform it into the jersey of someone who probably wont be that great but are maximizing their achievement ceiling like Colin Fraser!!

All you have to do is switch the ‘olov’ to ‘aser’ and you’re good to go. Just use some black tape, letter stencils, and some white paint or something and stop being a b*tch.

Here’s what Colin Fraser thinks about Alexander Frolov jerseys

Colin Fraser also doesn’t give a sh*t about mouth guards

There’s the face of a fourth-line centerman
Fraser and the Russians are on watch tonight

Bailey going Tony Montana on Wild Wing

Wouldn’t have, but it’s Kings-Ducks for two in a row. Back-to-back, Home-and-home.

Episode 129 – Exclusive ‘Tip A King’ Access HERE
Follow ‘Dancing in the Reign’ on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — Much has been said about the Los Angeles Kings and their struggling offense this season, one that has seen their power play improve rather dramatically from last season, when they ranked 21st in the National Hockey League, with a 16.1 percent rating.

This season, their power play is carrying them offensively, ranking seventh in the league with a 20.3 percent rating, through games played on November 15.

But like the last two seasons, the Kings are struggling to score at even strength, especially five-on-five, dragging them down to 23rd in the league in goals scored, with an average of 2.41 goals per game.

If you take a spin around the World Wide Web, criticism of the Kings’ system and the coaching staff abound. Many emphatically claim that the system that head coach Terry Murray has the Kings playing is archaic, that it stifles offensive production, and that it should be scrapped.

They also insist that Murray should fired. A good portion also seem to want him run out of town on a rail, and that is putting it mildly.

Yet, one look at the NHL standings reveals that while the Kings are currently tenth in the Western Conference, and would miss the playoffs if they were to start today, it is only mid-November, and they are just four points out of third place in the conference.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty