You can take some good out of Sunday’s loss.

It may not have to relate directly to hockey, because in anyone’s eyes, a shutout loss at home in the playoffs is nothing to write home about, nor praise.

I had to catch myself as time ran out in the Kings’ 2-0 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes Sunday afternoon. A momentary strike of anger and frustration hit – and then I realized how stupid that was. As phenomenal as the Kings’ 11-1 start to the postseason has been, you cannot allow yourself to get intertwined in the success to the point where it builds into heavy-set expectations.

Now it’s 11-2 for the Kings, and still just one victory away from the Stanley Cup Finals. If that’s not a situation you can be grateful to be in, I’m lost at what is. You want it to be good, but not too good – and the Game 4 loss to Phoenix may very well be a blessing in disguise.

They say closing a series at home is one of the more difficult things to do in hockey. When it becomes not only clinching a series, but sweeping one – for a ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals, the pressure is insurmountable.

We all want a party, we want it on home ice, and you just want it too bad.

Then you think about the feat of beating Phoenix goaltender Mike Smith four consecutive times, while simultaneously grinding Shane Doan to be an absolute ‘non-presence’ – and that’s something very few, if any, NHL clubs are capable of doing.

And heck, if there’s one thing Kings fans know; It’s that sometimes, things just don’t go your way.

Bounce house

Not Today: Quite frankly, there’s a certain point in a game when you can start to realize results may not click in your direction. For the Kings, they once again outshot the Phoenix Coyotes, hammering Mike Smith with 36 shots, but they were shooting at goalie who had the day locked in his hands. The Kings maintained solid pressure throughout, but were simply not getting the help from any graceful bounces.

Not to mention, they’re facing one of the league’s elite goaltenders.

And the elite stepped up for Phoenix, Shane Doan took the game into his own hands, potting both Coyotes goals. If you expected Phoenix to die quietly, you weren’t taking them seriously enough. And if you expected Shane Doan to go without an impressive fight – well, you’re just expecting too much.

Those were my keys to Game 4, getting under Smith’s skin early, and keeping Doan off of the scoresheet. That didn’t happen. When those two get a bite of success, that makes the day’s job much, much more difficult. They’ve managed to do it once, but that’s nothing compared to what the Kings have accomplished this series.

Phoenix on a string

- Game 5 Looks -

– The Kings are back on the road Tuesday night, back to Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, AZ. This will be a positive environment for the Kings, as they’ve shown to be a ‘road team’ not just in recent history, but throughout this playoff run. The Kings are undefeated in road confines this postseason, taking their 8-0 mark with them into Game 5.

– The only previous loss for the Kings in the playoffs came in another Game 4. This, in their Western Conference Quarterfinals bout with the Vancouver Canucks. The Kings would clinch the series on the road, winning Game 5. You’re looking for a repeat instance Tuesday night in Phoenix.

– The Kings were shutout for the first time in the postseason in Game 4, a grim reminder of the offensive struggles imposed on this club throughout the year. It’s crucial that doesn’t sink into the mental aspect of this team again, especially now. Shots haven’t been a problem for the Kings this series, and firing at Mike Smith with a large quantity is once again vital.

– Shots are important, but quality shots are vital. The Kings, although putting up another sexy shot-total in Game 4, were limited to shots from the outside for much of the contest. This, along with failing to find open lanes, the Phoenix Coyotes blocking an astounding 12 shots. Regaining presence within Phoenix’s defense in the middle of the ice will be important in the opportunities granted on Mike Smith.

– The Kings were unsuccessful on the powerplay in Game 4, and they looked a bit stagnant during their man-advantage opportunities. To couple with that, they finally faltered to Phoenix’s powerplay, allowing Shane Doan to score the game-winning goal. Special teams is a deal-breaker in this matchup, something the Kings need to regain success on for Game 5.

– Response has been the key to the Kings’ success, and that’s exactly what they need in Game 5. A 3-1 series lead feels comfortable, but it shouldn’t be. Darryl Sutter has engrained a solid mindset in this club, one that has shown little to no weakness when faced with adversity. If you start to give Phoenix time and room, that’s when things will start to get a bit scary. You stop that from happening, you do so with a Game 5 win.

– Alas, things are far from over for this Kings club. It’s sitting there, it’s waiting for us. All you can do is execute, which is what this roster has been doing for the past month.

If you haven’t done so already, give yourself a second to realize where this team has come from, what they’ve done to get here. If you do it genuinely, perfection certainly doesn’t fit the bill. That’s what’s been so great about it, and may that story continue Tuesday night.

Another crack at adversity

LAK-PHX GAME 4 RECAP in Episode 162 HERE
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Find a way to wrap your head around it.

Find a way to embrace it.

The Kings are just one victory from representing the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.

It’s been no fluke, it’s been everything that good hockey represents, and it’s coming straight out of Los Angeles. The Kings have already burned through two of the top three teams in the NHL, and are well en rout to knocking off another. If the Kings do finish off the Phoenix Coyotes, they will be the first ever club to beat a #1,#2, and #3 seed in one playoff year.

Do I guarantee a win on Sunday? Absolutely not.

Do I expect a win on Sunday? Absolutely yes.

Expectations labeled this team at the beginning of the season, and they faltered in the eyes of many. Those expectations have been regained, but only because of raw performance – not offseason acquisitions. It’s different now, it’s about beholding this team in their truest form – their best form.

That’s difficult to do with a team that has let you down with so many glimmers of hope throughout the year, only to fall back to disappointment. That’s clearly over, they’ve kicked down the wall that was stumping their progress, and have restructured NHL history while doing so.

For the Cup, it’s hands up

Nails in the Coffin: The Phoenix Coyotes are dragging to Staples Center Sunday, running on few hopes and an empty tank. The Kings have just about run Mike Smith to the ground, albeit his team hasn’t helped him very much. The Kings have averaged just over 38 shots on Smith each game this series, and they’re shutting down any room for error by shunning Phoenix from any offensive success. Beat Smith while he’s down, shots early.

Doan and out: When you’re a team in a situation like Phoenix, you may lean toward leadership right now. That’s something they’ve been missing from their Captain Shane Doan. His on-ice performance has been abysmal in itself, totaling four shots, one point, and a minus-three rating. As for his performance as a whole, Doan’s 19 penalty minutes, which come with a touch of unclassy, make it not too shy of embarrassing. That’s purely on the Kings, and give him no breathing room tomorrow. Down and out, continue to put him out.

Responding: The Phoenix Coyotes led the Kings in goals for a moment Thursday night, the only time they’ve upped the Kings on the scoreboard the entire series. That lasted 2:07, as Anze Kopitar would knot things up with a breakaway beauty. That’s what’s making the Kings so dominant, constant and consistent response. They’re shutting down any chance for the Coyotes to build momentum, any type of chemistry, any groove. This has been the big factor for the Kings throughout the postseason. They’ve allowed opposition to score two consecutive goals once in 12 games, you don’t beat that. And, it’s important for it to continue.

Sun’s up

Big day: It’s another 12:00PM start at Staples Center, another thing that should no longer effect the game’s outlook. The Kings threw their ugly history for playing home afternoon contests to the side against the St. Louis Blues, pulling out the brooms in their 3-1 series clincher just 13 days ago. You factor the Kings current state in all aspects, and a start-time is about as worrisome as Raffi Torres‘ presence – none.

Road life: Not to mention, Darryl Sutter is pulling the same trick again – a genius one at that. The Kings will be sleeping next to Staples Center tomorrow at a hotel, going old-school with the ‘road at home’ feel. You think about how they’ve maintained such level, focused heads, and this tactic has to be quite a reason for how well Darryl Sutter has coached this club. Plus, I think 172 other events are being held or based near L.A. Live, so no travel issues.

Embellishing disgust

Final Notes

– Martin Hanzal will return after serving his one-game suspension. This gives Phoenix their 1st-line centerman back.

– The Kings failed to score on the powerplay in Game 3, but held Phoenix blank yet again on the man-advantage. The Kings have been so good in 5-on-5 play, holding the Phoenix powerplay is more important than scoring on it.

– Watch Anze Kopitar‘s Game 2 goal again, and watch Dustin Brown‘s assist. Beyond spectacular.

– The Coyotes will undoubtedly come with their best effort in Game 4, but they’re extremely fragile right now. Another fast start is crucial, and quite frankly – it’s the queue to the end of Phoenix’s season.

– Keep in line with the strategy and mindset used throughout the postseason. I’m not smart enough to fully analyze it, no one is. It’s damn near perfect.

And because

LAK-PHX GAME 3 RECAP in Episode 161 HERE
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The Kings have pulled the same postseason story in their desert duo, the script that’s been haunting the NHL‘s best clubs – and their buildings.

With a crystal-perfect 4-0 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Tuesday night, the Kings haven’t just swiped home-ice advantage from their counterpart, they’ve sucked the life right out of them.

It’s home-bound for Staples Center with a commanding 2-0 series lead.

The Kings aren’t just beating teams, they’re stealing their heads. Not one team has been able to make successful adjustments and/or play level-minded against them. The Phoenix Coyotes boiled over in frustration to a point which saw them rely on cheap tactics, classless moves that saw them lose their Captain Shane Doan and their 1st-line center Martin Hanzal – Hanzal will sit for Game 3 as well.

It’s gotten so bad for the Coyotes, NBC broadcasters were praising Phoenix for staying out of their own zone…sometimes. At this point, the Kings were out-shooting the Coyotes 7-1.

I’m in Phoenix, trick.

- Game 2 Looks -

Carter’s catering: Look who decided to show up. Jeff Carter has been a much better player this series, he’s had a strong presence – even if he has botched a few golden scoring chances. At least he’s been there, and that’s the difference. Being “there” will deem you success, and that came for Carter in the form of three goals – your natural hat trick. Beautiful.

Carter was impressive in Game 2 before he even began to bury goals. Carter improves this team in more ways than stats will show, so his presence early in the game fed into his goal-scoring quite fittingly. They’ll come if you’re there, good to have #77 back on board.

Taking shots: After rifling a season-high 48 shots on Mike Smith in Game 1, the Kings came back with another flurry with 40 on Phoenix’s frustrated goaltender. This, against a notoriously stingy Phoenix defense – which also gets praise for it’s shot-blocking ability. Not only are the Kings unloading a high number of shots, they’re smart shots. This means shooting for rebounds, and the Kings haven’t been scoring too many pretty goals lately. Garbage is gold.

Quick-out: Jonathan Quick was stellar yet again, stopping all 24 Phoenix Coyotes shots to record his second shutout of the postseason. If there’s one factor that’s underlooked with this Kings team, it’s the importance of being confident in the goalie you’re playing in front of. That loosens things up, makes it easier to play. How much more confidence could you possibly have in this guy right now. Unfathomable.

Going for a Strollsy

- Game 3 Looks -

Suspendo: Out of the three Coyotes’ players to pull gutless moves in Game 2, only one has been given supplementary discipline. Martin Hanzal will be out for Game 3 for his hit on Dustin Brown. Hanzal hasn’t been much of a factor in the series, but regardless, when you take Phoenix’s 1st-line center out for a game, it’s something you can queue as a bit to capitalize on.

Power playing: The Kings were standstill with a 4 for 51 success rate on the powerplay this postseason heading into Game 2. That trend shifted a bit, the Kings executing with goals on 2 of 8 man-advantage opportunities Tuesday night. Special teams’ success is a huge bonus in this matchup, and the Kings didn’t just finally solve their powerplay woes, they maintained their dominance on the penalty kill, once again blanking Phoenix. This will be a major storyline throughout the series, starting again tomorrow night.

Letting it ride: There could be more to say, or you could just own up to the uncanny manner in which this team is playing. They’re too hot to touch, so don’t overdo it. Game 3 – bring home another win on Figueroa St.

Trick fix

Fist pump

What?

Did I stutter?

LAK-PHX GAME 1 & 2 RECAP in Episode 160 HERE
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Those Phoenix fans wear white at home for the playoffs.

It must be an effort to add some sort of kick to the building’s atmosphere or something I guess. That’s cute.

Meanwhile, their team got worn out, just got outright beat in every facet of the game by the Kings in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals Sunday night. The Kings showed no signs of letting their 7-day hiatus slow them down. In fact, they came out playing absolutely out of their minds.

Dwight King‘s got the name, don’t call it fame. Give him a sharpie to sign that “whiteout”.

Can’t stop, won’t stop.

Temperatures exceeded 100 degrees in Glendale, but Kopi’s getting nippy

- Game 1 Looks -

They’ve started this third-round tilt on a tear, peppering Mike Smith with a whopping 48 shots, beating him genuinely three times, with many more chances that hinged on a bounce or a break.

The Kings are now 6-0 on the road in the postseason, they’re 9-1 in total, and have just momentarily stolen home-ice from the Western Conference‘s 3rd-seed club. This, after dropping both the #1 and #2 seeds in utterly stunning fashion.

Two big names for the Kings came through again on Sunday, Anze Kopitar starting the Kings’ scoring, potting a back-hand upstairs, while Dustin Brown tallied the game-winning goal on a beautifully-placed shot that handcuffed Mike Smith.

And then there’s Dwight King, who’s become a staple on the Kings’ second line after spending the majority of the season with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. King has shown it in all aspects since his late season call-up. He’s been a menace in all three zones, and has the speed and scoring touch you don’t see too often from guys his size.

He continues his impressive trend by potting two goals Sunday night – beautifully reading a 2-on-1 with Mike Richards to notch the Kings second goal, then sealing the deal with an empty-netter. You talk about a huge late-season addition, you talk Dwight King – very much so for his Rookie counterpart Jordan Nolan. The Granite State’s been great.

Jonathan Quick played very well once again, but didn’t see too much action from the Phoenix offense. Quick stopped 25 of 27 Coyotes’ shots to seal his 9th postseason win. The big story may be his flub on Derek Morris‘ goal from center ice, but if there’s any goalie due for a slip-up, it’s Quick. The factor here, neither Quick or the Kings faltered or surrendered momentum after the lapse.

Hold up now

- Game 2 Looks -

Head Balance: I’ve said it time and time again, and every time the Kings have proven themselves stable enough to feed off of early-series accomplishments. A Game 1 victory gets you nothing but just that, a win. You can only expect the Phoenix Coyotes to come out stronger Tuesday night, and they’re built to do that without surprise.

They’re going to make adjustments, which is something teams have failed at doing so far against the Kings this postseason. You’ve got to remember the goalie which they’re playing against, Mike Smith, and their well-known stingy defense. For the Kings to beat Phoenix’s attempt at making successful adjustments to their game, the Kings should make no adjustments.

You don’t change the way you’re playing right now, because it’s absolute gold.

Not to mention, the Coyotes are well-aware of how the Kings managed their two series’ with the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues, they’ve seen it. The goal here is to not allow them to change the pace the Kings are, and have been riding.

Final Notes

– The Kings have let opponents score two consecutive goals just once during the entire postseason, that being in their only playoff loss – Game 4 of their first-round mosey with the Vancouver Canucks. Responding to goals doesn’t just keep you at pace, it shuts down the opposition. That was huge Sunday night with Phoenix’s two tying tallies, and it will surely be a major factor again Tuesday.

– The powerplay has looked good, but hasn’t put up numbers. Man-advantage scoring is a huge bonus when we’re talking this matchup, the Kings need to spark it. You can’t look for too much, though. The Kings shut down Phoenix’s powerplay last night, and have allowed only three man-advantage goals in the playoffs. The Kings have scored more times on the penalty kill (4 shorthanded goals) than they have allowed (3).

– A quick start is so valuable, a la seen in the Kings’ 1st period frenzy Sunday night – outshooting Phoenix 17-4. Strong starts can certainly set the tone, and that’s been the Kings’ tune for the most part. Don’t give Phoenix any room early.

–  The Kings topped their game-high total for shots on Sunday, this includes the regular season. With 48 shots, that climbs above their previous total of 44 against the Minnesota Wild in December. That’s a good sign, because if you’re going to beat Mike Smith, you need a heavy gauge of shots.

Desert King

Get this guy one ‘o them free t-shirts

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Don’t call it a matinee, but a clean-up day.

Swip-swipe, sweep ‘em up.

The Kings are just one win from pulling out the brooms on the St. Louis Blues, just one win from sweeping the Western Conference‘s #2 seed in dirty fashion. With Thursday night’s 4-2 victory at Staples Center, the Kings are up 3-0 on a seriously deadbeat St. Louis club. The Blues’ only lifeline in the series thus far has been showing up, something the Kings have had trouble with in playing while the sun’s up.

They’ve had a brutal resume in recent history when it comes to playing in LA’s daylight. The Kings hosted four afternoon dates at Staples Center this season, rocking a horrendous 0-3-1 record – in some of their ugliest outings of the year.

If this postseason has showed you anything, though, it’s to take very little from regular season results. Results? Well, as the very last seed to make it into the postseason, the Kings have already knocked out the #1 team, and are on the cusp of eliminating #2.

Eight’s been great – whether we’re talking standings or Drew Doughty.

Sneaking in – then going in

Dent in the Crease: The Kings beat Blues goaltender Brian Elliott outright Thursday night, probably the first time you can say that this series. The prior two contests, Elliott was hung out to dry by a shell-shocked Blues roster, due to the Kings utter dominance in all three zones. He wasn’t the victim of a flat-footed defense this time, he was flat-out beat.

Elliott, along with the entire Blues club, find themselves at the lowest of points. Jaroslav Halak isn’t available to save the day, and you can bet 21 year-old Jake Allen won’t be getting the call. He’s got 1:07 of NHL action to his name. That’s one minute, seven seconds. Just like the Blues themselves, the Kings must hound on a bewildered and beaten Brian Elliott Sunday afternoon.

Howe it’s done

Talk about leadership, talk about Mike Richards‘ presence the past two games. Richards, who planted the Kings five-goal outburst in Game 2, just about took over Game 3 Thursday night. It was a case of the Gordie Howe hat-trick – Richards potting a goal, an assist, and going for a tilt with Jamie Langenbrunner.

This is the Mike Richards you heard about when he came to the Kings last summer, the Mike Richards you’ve been waiting to appear in a Kings uniform. The guy has sparked the roster with physical play the past two games, and has followed that with offensive output.

He does this as a smaller player in the league, and he does it with uncanny smarts that are fooling the best goaltenders in the league. Richards has now beat Roberto Luongo and Brian Elliott while standing along the goal-line, just five feet out, by sliding the puck toward the net and using his eyes and positioning to completely baffle them. That’s not cheap, that’s gold.

Beside Richards notching his third postseason goal Thursday, the Kings got some output from a wide variety of names. Justin Williams scored in his second consecutive game on a botched pass-attempt, but what I’d still call a very smart play. Throw the puck on net, good things will happen. Also, the Kings saw Drew Doughty tally his first of the playoffs, and welcomed Dwight King‘s first career NHL playoff goal.

From all assets, and on all cylinders.

- Game 4 Outlook -

 - Once again, the Kings will be stationed at a downtown hotel for the night, giving them an opportunity to feed into tomorrow with a meal and a meeting together. Just as well, they’ll wake up with Staples Center right outside their window, a quick and easy transition for an early start. Darryl Sutter‘s unique, yet very intelligent tweaks to the Kings’ off-ice preparations have deemed to be very helpful.

 - The Kings were able to tally the first powerplay goal of the series Thursday, while keeping the Blues blank on the man-advantage. The Kings powerplay has threatened all series, but with little luck. The Blues, on the other hand, look lost on all fronts. Continuing this trend will be important tomorrow. You can’t give St. Louis a spark in any aspect, importantly special teams.

 - B.J. Crombeen will return to the Blues lineup for Game 4. Oh no, look out.

 - Kyle Clifford is continuing to skate with the Kings, most recently alongside Andrei Loktionov and Kevin Westgarth on a practice line. No immediate return is due for Clifford, but signs are pointing at a return if the Kings advance to the Western Conference Finals.

 - No other analysis is needed, simply just one more performance like we’ve seen throughout the series. Kick ‘em while they’re down, and put ‘em out.

King me

LAK-STL GAME 3 RECAP in Episode 158 HERE
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And they’re rolling.

Amidst their playoff success as a whole, the Kings have found most of it away from home, albeit they’ve only hosted two playoff dates thus far. They’ve stapled themselves as a serious visiting threat – now holding a 5-0 record when playing away from Staples Center. This hasn’t been an easy feat, starting things out in Vancouver’s hosting Rogers Arena, and now in St. Louis.

Scottrade Center?

Coming into this series with the Kings, the St. Louis Blues had lost just seven games in regulation at home all season – that being in 44 games. The Kings have ousted the Blues in two consecutive contests on home ice, and in convincing fashion. Not just that, but they’ve beat the NHL‘s statistically best goaltender in Brian Elliott, in a building he had failed to lose in twice in a row all year long.

Welp, that’s changed.

KopiStar

The Kings beat St. Louis in every facet of the game Monday night, starting things off with a Mike Richards goal just 31 seconds in. That’s an early trend to set, and they certainly didn’t fail to live up to it – tapping home four goals in the first period. It was over, and it only had just begun.

If the Kings are comfortable playing down a goal in front of Jonathan Quick, a four-goal lead just about gives them nine lives.

Most notably, Kings goals came off the sticks of players who sorely needed some postseason production. Three players notched their first goals of the postseason: Justin Williams, Jeff Carter, and Mike Richards. Anze Kopitar pitched in with two goals himself, one of them being the Kings’ 4th shorthanded tally of the postseason – quite possibly the league’s top goal of the year.

Catchin’ ‘em off guard, even the score clock.

- Game 3 Outlook -

I mentioned this during the final week of the regular season when expressing my hopes to wrap up the Western Conference #7 seed, and see the Blues in the first round. St. Louis is an extremely vulnerable club.

Before this season, the Blues had won just a single postseason game since 2004 – appearing in the playoffs just twice in that eight-year span. They’ve got a hungry fanbase and local following, something that can be overwhelming to a club returning to the playoffs after such a long period of time. See: LA Kings – 2010, 2011.

This raises the expectations exponentially, and for a young roster that doesn’t have a ton of postseason experience. The Kings have developed a seasoned group of players, and are running on a third consecutive playoff push – but with eased expectations stemming from their #8 Western Conference seed.

So, the point – the Kings have been able to take the St. Louis Blues away from their game, almost to the point where they look confused as how to skate, yet don’t let them drag down their momentum. The Blues lost it Monday, they lost it on all counts. They tried to counter it with a viciously physical attack, and the Kings countered right back with just that – hitting. This gave St. Louis absolutely no leeway.

So, the move back to Staples Center tomorrow night should have little effect, because the Kings focus is exactly where it should be. That’s hockey – any building, any time.

Final Notes

Home away from home: It won’t be the same routine for the Kings in preparation for Games 3 (Thursday) and 4 (Sunday) at Staples Center. There will be no pre-game skates along the shores of Manhattan Beach at Toyota Sports Center, and players won’t see their own beds on the nights prior to each of the upcoming two home games.

The second-coming of God, head coach Darryl Sutter, is not so much pushing for a road-game mentality, but focus. This keeps the Kings close to Staples Center, and ensures close compatibility and smart choices the nights before puck-drop.

Hello, Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn. Ah, those Russians.

This also gives the Kings the chance to skate on Staples Center ice prior to games, something they never do – the building’s schedule gives them no opportunity. This is huge, especially if St. Louis is stationed at Toyota Sports Center. The ice-sheet at Staples Center has one aspect of consistency – being under the NHL‘s par for quality. With the amount of stress and closure the ice sees here, getting a feel for conditions just hours before puck-drop is an important thing to have. Plus, it keeps the team together throughout the day until the game.

 - Simon Gagne skated with the Kings in practice today, unfortunately it’s only a good sign for a player who’s got a career in question with a lengthy string of concussion injuries. Don’t expect Gagne back anytime soon, if at all. However, good for you, Gags.

 - Alex Pietrangelo also skated with the Blues today after missing Game 2, and is said to be a ‘game-time’ decision.

 - The Kings give me no specific outlook to harp on heading into tomorrow night, they’re as tight and sophisticated as I’ve seen them all season long. It’s clicking on all cylinders.

 - Oh, and Vegas now has the Kings with the best odds to take home the Stanley Cup.

 - The track the Kings have laid this postseason has train-horn written all over it. Queue it on Figueroa St. tomorrow night.

Carter caters

.

Kopi Delivers

And this ain’t the imagery coming from the ‘Lou

Order me up some buffalo boo-bird wings while you’re at it, fools

Make sure it’s got Blues cheese dressing on the side.

Don’t mistake it for Brian Elliott, that’s Swiss cheese.

LAK-STL GAME 2 RECAP in Episode 157 HERE
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Put it on the board, ‘bebeh’.

If you’re going to start on a foot, do it on the right one. The slipper fits thus far.

And it’s a Kings victory, giving them a hand on the St. Louis Blues with a 1-0 series lead, while sniping home advantage from the second seed’s hands.

The Kings’ offense was provided by some unlikely names, with Vyacheslav Voynov opening LA scoring, and Matt Greene notching the game-winner on yet another Kings postseason shorthanded tally – their third in six games.

Dustin Penner deposited the victory, potting a bank-shot clearing attempt into St. Louis’ empty net with just 14.1 remaining.

Then there’s Jonathan Quick‘s stalwart stance in the crease, yet again. His play has been nothing short of unfathomable it’s been so stellar, peppered with a heavy barrage of shots to start the game – six within the first three minutes of play. The Blues would bury their eighth shot on Quick, but many teams – and goalies, would come out of that opening sequence down 3-0.

And then, this:

Initial this one. Two V’s = W

Dustin Penner will be momentarily remembered for his unique empty-net goal from last night’s victory. But, take another look at Vyacheslav Voynov‘s goal above. Penner’s pass might very well be the giver of the playoffs thus far. Phenomenal patience and placement, and that’s about as good as it gets.

Speaking of assists, soon after his goal, Voynov fed Jeff Carter one of the best set-ups you possibly can on a 2-2 rush. Carter needs to wake up, and fast. Botching that opportunity doesn’t mean ankle soreness, it means not being ready, your head isn’t there.

He made another sh*tty play later, but I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe because it was so sh*tty.

Look, ankle injury or not, this guy was acquired to produce, and even if he’s not putting up numbers, there’s got to be some sort of presence from Carter. There’s not, and if it doesn’t start to happen sometime soon, I’m taking the screenshot below into literal matters when talking about and maliciously and wrongfully judging Jeff Carter.

Is this a coincidence? Ehhh…

Meanhwile, Voynov’s dropping dimes somewhere

- Game 2 Outlook -

Absolutely no time or room to settle, something you’re learning not to expect from this Kings roster, which has maintained a seriously humble attitude during their playoff success so far. I guess this is the real growth we’ve been waiting for. What they can’t do, is let the Blues flip the switch like they did in the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the San Jose Sharks.

After losing Game 1 to the Sharks, the Blues pulled off four consecutive convincing victories to nail their series in five games. They did so by outscoring the Sharks 12-5 in the final four contests. The Blues are almost a guarantee in home confines, losing only their eighth game in regulation at the Scottrade Center to the Kings Saturday night. They’ve played 45 games in their building this season. A Game 2 victory will be a monumental feat for the Kings.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, the biggest offensive factor between these two clubs is who can score two goals in a game. That was the case Saturday, Matt Greene‘s #2 tally tabbed as the game-winner. Dustin Penner, just for insurance reasons.

Quick but it ain’t easy

I don’t have much to say, there aren’t too many words that can justifiably describe Jonathan Quick‘s play. However, the Kings have maintained uncanny defensive presence to help his cause. We’re not seeing defense from just the defensemen, however.

It’s called offensive defense, it’s about attacking both blue lines. See: Dwight King.

The Kings are putting pressure on he Blues before they can hit the neutral zone, much like their strategy against Vancouver. The Kings are allowing very few options for opposition to create any momentum coming out of their own zone. And if they do break a lane or two, it’s rushed, and the Kings are well-positioned because that usually means three Blues players are still looking to find a way to support the puck.

Special teams will continue to be a major factor, especially in such a tight match-up that is the Kings and Blues. Although the Kings went 0-5 on the man-advantage Saturday, they nipped a combined eight shots to couple with some pretty decent puck posession. They made their statement on the penalty kill, which is better than a powerplay goal for more reasons than you may think.

The Kings are staying aggressive when shorthanded, that’s ‘keying in’ in it’s truest form. And it may be an antonym to the aforementioned “agressive”, but the Kings are playing relaxed hockey in special teams situations. That’s absolute gold this time of year.

Pat Riley never had dry hair

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Consider the first-round date with Vancouver an abyss, all it did was get the Kings here. But you can still watch replays of Jarret Stoll‘s goal. When I’m looking at you, I’m watching Stoll’s goal…in my mind. And then again on YouTube later probably.

This one is calling to be lengthy and close. It’s got low-scoring, one-goal games written all over it. What else would you want playoff hockey to be, Flyers-Penguins? Trash.

Things don’t get much easier for the Kings heading to the 2nd round, finding themselves in the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2001.

It’s the St. Louis Blues, who reeled off a season hockey fans can only fathom for, notching 109 points to tie the New York Rangers as the NHL‘s second best club. Of course, the only team that fared better than those two this year was the Vancouver Canucks. Welp, they’re done. Where’s the hand sanitizer at?

Take a Knee

- Season Series -

For as successful the St. Louis Blues were this year, they had some trouble in dealing with the Kings. The Kings notched W’s in three of the four contests played against the Blues. With the exception of one game, all between the two clubs were decided by one goal – that’s close hockey. I expect that to be the trend in this series, you can throw their seedings out the door right now. #2 vs #7 means absolutely nothing.

October 18, 2011 – Los Angeles, CA

St. Louis Blues (0) @ LA Kings (5)

Quick Notes: This would be the Kings “official” home opener, after playing their first two “home” contests in Sweden and Germany. It doesn’t get much better than this one, folks. Simon Gagne with 2G, 1A, goals from Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, and Justin Williams with 2A. Oh yes, another Jonathan Quick shutout. *Also to note: They wore the new whites at home to try and sell more jerseys.

November 22, 2011 – St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Blues (2) VS LA Kings (3)

Quick Notes: Anze Kopitar would open the scoring for the Kings in this contest, he wouldn’t score a goal for another 17 games thereafter. Willie Mitchell potted the game-winning goal with just over five minutes to play via a long-range rocket from the point. Jonathan Bernier was steady with 23 saves to record one of his five wins of the season. The Kings also donned their alternate purple crown ‘hemlines’ on the road, an extreme rarity.

February 3, 2012 – St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Blues (1) VS LA Kings (0)

Quick Notes: This one was brutal, and it kicked off a five-game span that saw the Kings tally just six goals in total. Jaroslav Halak handled the Kings’ struggling offense quite easily, fending off just 22 shots. Jonathan Quick would make it a game with 32 saves, but another offensive letdown shuns the Vezina Trophy finalist’s performance yet again.

March 22, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA

St. Louis Blues (0) @ LA Kings (1) *Final/Shootout

Quick Notes: The Kings would jump from eighth to third place in the Western Conference behind another dazzling performance from Jonathan Quick. Quick would stone the Blues with a 38-save shutout, his eighth of the season, tying the Kings single-season record. Newcomer Jeff Carter would seal a victory for the Kings, beating Brian Elliott for the game-winner in the shootout.

- Series Outlook -

Even Stevens: This has the makings to be a very lengthy series, a close one at that. Both the Kings and Blues bring superior goaltending, strong and disciplined defense, and the angst to change the pace of a contest with good puck possession. Like I mentioned before, playoff seedings mean nothing in this, and quite frankly, the Kings have shoved their 8-mark to the side.

It’s yet another opponent with two strong goaltenders, the Blues set mighty well in the crease with Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. They split time quite evenly, Halak dressing in 46 games (23-10-4) and Elliott 38 games (26-12-7). Their numbers were astounding, in fact Brian Elliott (1.56) posting the only GAA better than Jonathan Quick (1.95). Jaroslav Halak stands right behind the two, posting in at 1.97.

Of course, however, Jonathan Quick has almost played twice as many games as those two.

A bright side here, the Kings can yet again queue some goaltender shuffling with a few good offensive performances early, a twisted change in feel to a series that has the ability to give the Kings a hand. The Kings were able to chase Roberto Luongo out after two games, but Corey Schneider is not to blame.

The factor was Quick, and when he plays up to par, he’s almost impossible to beat – it’s the opposing goaltending that needs to stay at pace at this point. In the final two meetings against the St. Louis Blues this season, Jonathan Quick stopped 67 of 68 shots directed toward his crease. Impeccable.

Depth will be a huge proponent for the Kings again, who saw wonderful play from the back-end forwards in the first round. The Kings’ 4th line with Colin Fraser and Jordan Nolan, only got better when Brad Richardson returned. Richardson, who was the Kings’ playoff dark horse last season, is showing signs of more postseason magic.

And you’re going to need this 4th line to play well in both ends again, fill time and space, while continuing to possess the puck like they did against Vancouver. When Darryl Sutter shows the confidence to throw out his 4th-line with under three minutes to play in Game 5, you’ve got some good things going.

Final notes

- Dustin Penner will continue to play on the 2nd-line with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. Penner took Dwight King‘s role in Game 5, which I don’t think is an argument you can either bash or behold. Bottom line is, Penner must have good presence to continue to play alongside Richards and Carter, both of which are due for some postseason production.

- The Blues have two top-six forwards that the Kings have seen little, or none of this season. Andy McDonald and Alexander Steen missed a combined 90 games with concussion injuries this season. McDonald was a nuisance in St. Louis’ first round series against the San Jose Sharks – potting eight points (4G, 4A) in five games. The Kings have yet to see McDonald this season. The Kings met up with a healthy Alexander Steen twice, who was able to reel off 28 points (15G, 13A) in 43 games. Steen also chipped in against San Jose, with 1G and 2A in five games.

- Game 4 in LA will see a puck-drop at noon. God help me now, this team doesn’t have a good history with matinees. Channel January 7th.

- Don’t expect any immediate return from Kyle Clifford. Clifford skated in practice today, but in the ‘red-cross’ sweater.

- Just to show you how close this series will be, the Kings averaged 2.29 goals per game this season, the Blues 2.51. Not just that, but these two clubs topped NHL charts for the least goals against. The Blues allowing just 1.89 per game, the Kings 2.07. It’s a tale of who can score two goals each game, seriously.

- Kings in si–no, seven.

“Vancouver will be back in the finals”

Stolly’s gold

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Win tomorrow night – that would be the sh*t. But seriously, don’t let it get too close.

You can hardly call Game 4′s loss a failure, considering the fact the Kings are still strong suited with a 3-1 series lead – that’s something you’d gawk at the opportunity of having before this postseason tilt even began.

It’s just another chance to close things out when we’re talking Game 5, this time without the over-anxiety stemming from the ‘sweep’ hype, and the NHL history it involved. Yes, the 8th-seed club may have held a little more pressure on the shoulders than the 1st for a moment or two Wednesday night.

For now, it’s about finishing Vancouver as quickly as possible, they will get scarier with each progressive contest, which means Game 5 is the Kings’ best fit.

Bright spot – Kopi shot

It’s safe to say the Kings outplayed the Vancouver Canucks when looking at Game 4 as a whole, but they failed to turn that into scoreboard proof with a shaky 2nd period, one that started with a penalty you really don’t like to see a player take this time of year. Colin Fraser‘s 4th line played outstanding, but his leg-check penalty taken just three minutes into the middle frame sparked Vancouver’s troubling offense.

After killing off all of Vancouver’s 14 powerplay opportunities in the first three games of the series, it would faulter in Game 3, the Kings allowing two man-advantage tallies – the first of those converted during Colin Fraser‘s penalty.

Special teams proved to figure into the winning matter again, but the Kings on the wrong side of things this time. While running into trouble on the penalty kill, they ran into a more disciplined Vancouver team, which also committed just three penalties – all of which the Kings failed to capitalize on.

Closing time

And that time was finally decided upon early on Saturday. Due to concert arrangements at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, this series took a halt for four days, a drastically long time for a playoff series. And due to Television agreements, the time of Sunday’s game was decided the day prior – a decent fortune for the Kings, who get a later start – 5PM Pacific.

The four day hiatus seems to favor the Canucks, who get more time to aid to Daniel Sedin‘s return to the roster, and more time to build off of their second grasp at playoff life with Game 4′s victory. However, the Kings didn’t seem to buy much out of Vancouver’s push, continuing to hound the Canucks throughout the second half of Wednesday night’s contest.

Their problem was Corey Schneider, who has stopped 62 of 64 Kings shots since taking over for Roberto Luongo in Game 3. The Kings biggest feat in tomorrow night’s game could very well be putting more than two goals past Schneider, which for when you’re playing in front of Jonathan Quick, deems to be some very solid insurance.

Brad Richardson‘s return sparked the Kings’ fourth line more so than I expected it to, arguably the most predominant combination in Game 4. The no-namers chimed in with stunning play, Dwight King, Colin Fraser, and Brad Richardson combining for six shots and 11 hits. A heavy physical presence bodes well against the Canucks in their zone, which has seemed to be the major factor in establishing control on the offensive zone for the Kings. The 4th line didn’t just get the puck into Canucks’ territory, they kept it there.

Kyle Clifford will be out, again. It seems indefinite at this point.

I noted the extra days off in between games favored Vancouver, but hopefully it also has some effect on the rehabilitation of Jeff Carter, who has almost been a complete non-factor for the Kings offensively. After a nice start to the series with two assists in Game 1, Carter has plummeted under the radar with 0 points in the last three contests, carrying a musky -3 rating. A Jeff Carter with a good ankle doesn’t just open up options through his own skill, but that of his linemates – most notably Mike Richards.

Two major performers in Game 5 for the Kings last season were Kyle Clifford and Wayne Simmonds, albeit under much different circumstances. Both players will be missed, and for obvious different reasons. Who fills the void, and repeats the Game 5 playoff trend tomorrow night?

Clifford, the Red Light Dog

Crunch time

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Predict this happening, and it’s a sure ‘no’. Don’t look now; But, Oh!

This isn’t real; Hold up now, yes it is.

The Kings have pulled the unthinkable in winning each of the first three games in this Western Conference Quarterfinals series against the Vancouver Canucks, now sitting pretty with a commanding 3-0 series lead, just one win away from advancing to the second round.

If the Kings are to notch one more victory in this series, it would be the first time they have advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals since April of 2001, a humbling 11-year streak that is now being heavily threatened.

If you think changing franchise history is a big deal, think about breaking NHL history. Never has an 8th seed team beat a 1st seed team in four consecutive games, and this 2011-2012 Kings roster has an extremely valid shot at being the first to ever do so. With a win tomorrow night, they will accomplish that never-before touched feat.

And you ask yourselves why it’s happened, but that’s not a very good question, because it’s just Dustin Brown. Again, the guy plays an outstandingly marvelous game Sunday night just like he has all series. Brown, who led the Kings in shots in Game 1, nailed the series opener’s coffin shut with his empty-net goal. Brown assisted Jarret Stoll on the game-winner in Game 2, this after potting two short-handed goals himself. And of course, Captain California sends Vancouver to the brink with his Game 3 jam-shot.

Trainnn Hornnn

There’s no way you can leave Jonathan Quick out of this equation, who turned away a whopping 41 Vancouver shots in rout to earning his first career NHL postseason shutout. Quick withheld the Canucks from having any luck in the only extended period of time they’ve outplayed the Kings this entire series, the Canucks outshooting the Kings 25-11 through the first 40 minutes. After saving the Kings from a sub-par first two periods, Quick took his heaviest load of shots (16) in the 3rd – protecting Dustin Brown‘s lone tally.

Game 3 was the type of game the Kings had been playing all season long. Slow starts, little-to-no offense, and a 1-goal game. There’s a reason why they’re used to these, and why the nerves are mellow in these situations right now, and that’s goaltending – Jonathan Quick. Quick has sufficed in maintaining hope for the Kings with lackluster goal scoring all season long, and the defense is comfortable in playing in front of him in those situations.

In Games 1 and 2, the Kings outsourced success to the special teams. On Monday night, they did it the old fashioned way.

Smiles at the Stape

With Monday night’s Game 3 victory, the Kings snapped their five-game playoff losing streak at Staples Center. Their previous postseason win in Los Angeles, which dates back to April 19, 2010, was also their only playoff win at Staples Center since 2002. This takes the bite off of their 1-5 record in home confines during the past two playoff appearances.

Bad ice, could be nice: The intersection at Figueroa and Chick Hearn hosted an NBA contest before Monday’s game, and the ice conditions were absolutely brutal. Quite frankly, I’m surprised the NHL didn’t take action. But, then again, there’s little you can change when the venue is Staples Center, you’re lucky enough to find a schedule opening with two NBA teams. The Lakers game prior to the Kings’ date went into overtime, putting more pressure on the ice surface, and less time for breathing room before puck-drop.

As much as I’m sure many Kings players hate it, this very well could be playing into their favor. The Vancouver Canucks have some of the NHL‘s best ice at Rogers Arena; the Kings, historically some of the worst. However, it’s much easier to transition onto well-manicured ice than it is to adapt to a soft, slow surface.

Also take into consideration how often the Kings play clubs in the Pacific Division as opposed to how often the Canucks do. Ice conditions don’t get a whole lot better in San Jose, Anaheim, Phoenix, or Dallas.

The Kings are used to bad ice conditions, the Canucks aren’t. This slows down the game for opposition, which allows the Kings to prone on their physical play with slower, more hesitant puck movement. A bad bounce or two for the Kings, and it’s just another game at home. A bad bounce or two for Vancouver, and it can have mental effects.

Looking at Game 4

– The Canucks chipped Daniel Sedin a plane ticket to Los Angeles yesterday in hopes of him rejoining their roster tomorrow night. Sedin, who’s been out since March 22 with a concussion, is tabbed to be a ‘game time’ decision. Tab this as an act of serious desperation, tab Daniel Sedin as a ‘non-factor’.

– Brad Richardson will be back in the lineup for the Kings tomorrow night, fully recovered from his appendectomy. Richardson is slated to skate alongside Colin Fraser and Jordan Nolan on the fourth line. Richardson, who posted three points in four games before hitting the IR, could be of use tomorrow night if he brings a little postseason magic like he did in last year’s Western Conference Quarterfinals with five points in six games.

– Feel comfortable? I think not. This club has exemplified what it means to be humble during this playoff stretch:

“It’s very possible for a team to come back, down 3-0. You’ve seen it happen so many times. We’ve got to make sure we close it out tomorrow. We’re in our home barn. We have our home fans. They’ve been great for us so far, and we’re sleeping in our own beds every night. We have no excuse not to play our best game of the series, coming up tomorrow. We have to.” – Drew Doughty via Rich Hammond

– Finish ‘em.

Grinnin ‘n winnin’

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Flirting with history, flirting with the 2nd Round – like it’s 2001

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Considering the outlook just four days ago, consider things good.

We last touched on the Kings before Wednesday’s affair in Calgary, tabbing them to need at least eight of the possible 12 points available in their final six contests. Well, after a grueling three puck-drops in four nights, the Kings have been able to credit five of six possible points to their name. At the moment, this leads them to third in the Western Conference, as they’ve taken the throne of the Pacific Division.

The offense has restructured itself in the past three games, even with the loss of Jeff Carter – dark horse Brad Richardson filling in quite well with two goals tonight in Minnesota. The Kings have scored 10 goals in the past three games, but have still continued to struggle on the powerplay. Coming into tonight, they had executed on just two of their previous 30 man-advantage opportunities. They cut themselves a bit of slack in Minnesota, Dustin Brown potting a loose rebound from a Mike Richards powerplay shot.

Some may argue the Kings would have come away with two points tonight had Jonathan Quick been in net, especially considering his shootout resume over Bernier’s. With tonight being the second of back-to-back games, Darryl Sutter fit in some time for Jonathan Bernier in the most plausible opportunity possible before the regular season’s end. Quick, who will most likely start the final three games of the campaign, was due for rest, and Bernier was due for live-play.

And as for those final three games:

Monday VS Edmonton Oilers
Thursday VS San Jose Sharks
Saturday @ San Jose Sharks

It’s a rematch with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, who the Kings saw Friday night, handling them quite easily in a 4-1 victory. The Oilers, however, are a scary opponent right now, even if they are 14th in the Western Conference, 29th in the NHL. They have absolutely nothing to play for, which alleviates pressure – something that can buckle teams in a playoff race this close.

The Kings haven’t found gleaming success against Edmonton this season, heading into their final matchup with a 1-1-1 record.

Defensive offense

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The Kings’ offensive output is something surely to be praised as of late, but much of it stems from the blue-line. Alec Martinez has been a pleasant surprise recently, chipping in with three goals in his previous eight games. It hasn’t been just Martinez, as the defense has been contributing in a balanced effect.

Seven points have come off the blades of defensemen in the past three, Willie Mitchell (1G, 1A), Drew Doughty (1G, 1A), Matt Greene (2A), and Alec Martinez (1G). Along with allowing the season-low in shots Friday night (14), the defensive department has done quite well for themselves, and for the team. Just five regulation goals have been surrendered by the Kings in the past four contests.

As for the forwards, the loss of Jeff Carter is a heavy hit to take right now, the Kings momentarily losing their key trade-deadline acquisition. To fill his role came Brad Richardson, who was all over the ice tonight, involved in both ends, taking the night’s spotlight with two goals, just his fourth and fifth of the season.

Carter will be evaluated Monday in Los Angeles for an MRI. X-Rays initially saw no damage that posed any signs of a bone break, Monday’s further examination should tell a better story. Obviously, Jeff Carter should be counted out of the Kings lineup for Monday, giving Brad Richardson a chance to build on his magnificent performance tonight in Minnesota.

Richardson came out of nowhere last April

The Kings haven’t been able to qualify for the NHL playoffs in three consecutive seasons since their run from 1999-2002, the beginning of the Staples Center era. They’re due for another trifecta.

Do they make history with three straight runs?

.Only the final three will tell.

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If there was ever a point in the year when the term ‘must-win’ had to be taken into literal matters, that time is now.

The Kings, with just six games left on the season’s slate, find themselves on the outside of the postseason cut-off, intertwined with five teams battling for two spots, all separated in a margin of just three points. The Kings jumped from 8th, to 10th, to 3rd in a matter of ten minutes late last week, but a couple of games later they slip with two straight losses to find themselves back at 9th in the Western Conference.

It’s such a tight ship, that out of the Kings’ remaining six games – which sees 12 points on the board, they’ve really got to shoot for acquiring 7-10 of those points. Seven is pushing it. If you’re going to draw up a final six game schedule for a team in such a position as the Kings, well, the schedule they have couldn’t be much better:

Wednesday @ Calgary Flames – (11th in West, 1 pt behind Kings)
Friday @ Edmonton Oilers – (14th in West, 29th in NHL)
Saturday @ Minnesota Wild – (13th in West, 27th in NHL)
April 2 VS Edmonton Oilers – (They suck, beat them)
April 5 VS San Jose Sharks - (1st in Pacific, 2 pts ahead of Kings)
April 7 @ San Jose Sharks - (Could it come down to this?)

There’s a lot of positive outlook to be had here. Two games against the 29th ranked team in the league, Edmonton. A game against the 27th ranked club, Minnesota. I don’t care about any history, player matchup, or any other variable other than if you’re worthy of making the playoffs, you beat bad teams. Good teams beat bad teams, bottom line.

The remaining three, now those matchups are key. That gives the Kings a little more incentive to take things into their own hands, have a little more leverage on the situation, rather than scoreboard watch. Tomorrow night’s tilt with the Calgary Flames has monstrous implications tied to it, the Flames just one point behind the Kings in the Western Conference. For one of these clubs to leave two points astray right now would put them in serious trouble. The Kings are 1-1-1 against Calgary this season.

And the final two dates of the season almost makes it look as though the NHL planned ahead. It’s a home-and-home with the San Jose Sharks, who now have possession of the Pacific Division, leading them to 3rd in the Western Conference with 88 points, two more than the Kings. The teams have met four times this season, the Kings with the upper hand going 2-1-1.

The San Jose finale weekend is a longshot thought, considering being in contention at that point will be a huge win in itself. The opportunity is certainly there for the Kings, but it’s far from being claimed, so close to being out of reach.

Oh, and count out the Colorado Avalanche (10th – 86). They’ve played like 95 games already.

Special Needs

The Kings have shot themselves in the foot in the special teams’ department the past two games, going a combined 0-7 on powerplay opportunities, both in one-goal losses (disregard Boston’s EN goal). In fact, the struggles on the man-advantage stem back to the previous six games, the Kings winning the first four of those, but going a combined 1-20 on the powerplay.

The previous two contests spotlight the importance of executing on the man-advantage, which is something the Kings surged off of upon the acquisition of Jeff Carter. Sure, they then found balance to win without powerplay output, but it’s simply inexcusable to lose two one-goal contests, in games that could decide your season, with no results in 14 minutes of 5 on 4 hockey.

But for the love of god, if you pick apart anything now, you’re going to go crazy. Wins, points, in any possible way.

This means draft beer

On somewhat of an off-topic, it’s great that the NHL Gamecenter has respectful agreements with National Television networks. It helps to ensure solid ratings for their coverage. For me, it helps to support illegal streaming from some sketchy European website, or one of my local bars – which doesn’t benefit much from me being there.

All in all, NHL Gamecenter‘s legal tactics bring out the worst in me, many others as well I’m sure.

Nothing like some country music to play off a breakaway tally

That’s the rural boundaries of Western Canada for you, and that’s where the Kings are stationed tomorrow night – Calgary, Alberta for a pivotal tilt with a club just behind them in a postseason race that’s tighter than a pair of jeans at a skate park.

If this isn’t the playoffs already, it’s nothing. It’s got to be made out of something.

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Positive looks

Positive results

Holy jeeze, what’s happening?

The Kings have won four in a row, the first time they’ve done so all season.

They’ve scored 38 goals in ten games. That’s 3.8 goals per game.

To stretch things to the eleven-game mark, the Kings have recorded the first goal in nine of the aforementioned. They’ve also recorded at least three goals or more in nine of the previous eleven contests.

They’re 8-2 in their past ten games.

Yet, they’re still out of playoff positioning with just ten games remaining.

They’re one point from inching into the Western Conference playoff picture, they’re two points from taking over the Pacific Division.

The Kings currently sit at ninth-place in the Western Conference, just one spot out from the postseason cut-off. The team ahead of the Kings, the Colorado Avalanche, who hold the final playoff seed, have just one more point (83) to the Kings’ 82. A bright spot to take into consideration here, Colorado has two games in-hand on the Kings, leaving four extra points on the table for Los Angeles to work with. That’s highly favorable right now.

Stepping up

They look like a completely different team, they feel like one. Production is coming from all angles, most notably in Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and the newly acquired Jeff Carter. This team seemed to turn the tables upon the acquisition of Carter, but the two big key producers have been from two faces that have marked territory here for quite some time.

During yet another offensive outbreak against Nashville Saturday night, Dustin Brown snapped his ten-game scoring streak. In that span, Brown notched an astounding 15 points in the form of five goals and ten assists. In the past 13 games, Brown has totaled 18 points. In Brown’s first 59 games this season, he recorded 28 points, that goes to show you how monstrous his recent outbreak has been.

The other big aspect in the Kings’ resurgence has been Anze Kopitar, who has churned out points in nine of his last ten games. In those ten games, Kopitar has chipped in with 11 points. This doesn’t necessarily knock his season-long production before his recent streak, but it’s shown something Kopitar has been lacking this year and in the past – consistency. When you’ve got a hot asset in Kopitar, you’re a dangerous club.

Sippin’ on San Jose

It’s the San Jose Sharks tonight at Staples Center, and it couldn’t get much bigger. The Kings and Sharks are twined in a dead-lock tie with 82 points apiece, both clubs trailing the top of the Pacific Division, honed by the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes (83 points respectively), by just a single point.

What makes this even more crucial, both the Kings and Sharks are one win from attaining not just a Western Conference playoff berth, but the possibility of taking the top spot in the Pacific Division – which earns a straight shot to the Conference’s third-seed. This is playoff hockey already, expect the atmosphere to emulate that feel tonight.

Not to mention, these two teams see each other three more times this year, including the final two contests of the regular season. The Kings are 1-1-1 against San Jose in their first three meetings this season. All you can ask from the Kings is that they continue this turnaround, you don’t want to fuss with it now, especially since fans and myself have been calling for this since October.

Let the elite continue to ink the scoresheet…

Toss in some back-end scoring, and things should be just fine

You think Mike Richards is sweating the Western Conference playoff race?

Hell no.

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They’re back in it, albeit barely.

It’s been a soul settling rebound from the horror shows seen in Columbus and Detroit last week with two crucial victories against the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings. That’s led the Kings to their current 78-point total, where they stand tonight in the Western Conference‘s 11th seed.

The Kings’ 11th place marker makes the situation look a bit worse than it actually is, but it isn’t good. The 8th and final playoff berth is owned by the Colorado Avalanche, who stand at 81 points. There is a positive here, the Avalanche have played 73 games, the Kings just 70. That’s six possible points on the board for the Kings on Colorado, a huge boost to have this time in the season.

The two clubs that separate the Kings from playoff hopes also have 78 points to the name, and both are playing hockey as I scribe away at the typewriter. The San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames are the Kings’ hurdle, but optimism points at the Kings chalking up to even with San Jose in games-played after tonight, and being one game in-hand on Calgary. San Jose had four games on the Kings just a couple of weeks back, that’s a battle won in itself.

*Update: Flames add two points in victory over Phoenix Coyotes, now at 80 points.

There’s still some face-time to be had with the Sharks and Flames, the Kings slated to see Calgary for one more game, and scheduled to see the Sharks a whopping three times in their final 12 contests.

Power hour

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It’s without question Jeff Carter has had a major impact on the improvements in the Kings’ scoring, a team that has compiled 29 goals in the past nine games, the nine games in which Carter has been in LA. Carter has chipped in with seven points himself, notching give goals and two assists. He’s contributed quite nicely, and when he hasn’t been on the scoresheet, he’s been opening opportunity for others on the roster.

An eye-popping stat churned out by Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider here: Since the Carter trade, the Kings have scored on six of their previous 21 powerplays, a shocking sight to see after the way Jamie Kompon‘s offensive special teams operations have worked this year.

Compare powerplay success in the past nine games (28.6%), with that of the entire season’s (16.5%). There’s got to be a factor somewhere.

Speaking of power, save some energy with Matt Greene, damnit.

Short sighted

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Anze Kopitar has two shorthanded goals in the last four games. Nothing short of hell yes.

Wilson could probably sit for free

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The Kings are 2-0 with Tom Hanks in the building, get him on the bus.

Brown delivers against the Ducks

It’s a date with the Anaheim Ducks Friday night, a team in which the Kings have fared quite well against offensively, with 14 goals in five games, and overall – notching a 4-1 record against the cross-town Pacific Division rival. And of course, it’s another must-win game, as they all shall be tabbed from here on out.

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It may just not work for the Kings this year. That’s not criticism, it’s what’s been happening.

A lackluster performance in Columbus on Thursday, followed by a complete and utter collapse Friday in Detroit have the Kings slowly inching out of the playoff race, and making it very difficult in having a shot at reclaiming a spot.

The Kings have fallen to 11th in the Western Conference, with 74 points to the name. With 14 games remaining on the regular season schedule, there’s still time for drastic change – good or bad, but as close as the standings are, the Kings don’t have much room to move – that’s what makes the last two losses so detrimental.

Because when it’s this close, idle movement in the standings can certainly be a good thing.

They haven’t been idle in Los Angeles, they’re moving back, and that’s a scary step to take. At 11th, the Kings can only reasonably be within reach of 7th place in the Western Conference, owned by the Phoenix Coyotes (76 pts) who don’t even have an owner themselves. There are five clubs from 7th-11th place in the Western Conference, and are all separated by a maximum of two points.

Hence Phoenix (7th – 76), Los Angeles (11th – 74).

So there’s some hope to be had, but that’s a tough battle to win.

 Fit for a King

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If you’re looking for a bright spot, look to Dwight King. King, in his second stint with the Kings as a call-up from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs, has fared quite well in his second go-around. Since his promotion, King has delivered seven points in 13 games with three goals and four assists.

He’s shown impressive puck-control low along the boards, he’s shown reliable consistency with presence in front of the net, and he enters the zone with strength and smarts – with or without the puck. As a line-mate of Mike Richards‘, King showed strong signs of promise. Since Jeff Carter replaced rookie Jordan Nolan on their line, Dwight King almost becomes a regular 2nd line asset in your mind.

Dwight King wins that game in Detroit, the Kings lose it.

Kompon can’t get the bird these days

They’ve scored 22 goals in their previous seven games, that’s well above their average – which ranks dead last (30th) in the NHL. That’s over three goals per game, crazy isn’t it? So quite frankly, the problems are stemming from areas other than the forwards these days – imagine that.

It has been seen as of recent. Having both Alec Martinez and Slava Voynov in the lineup combines to be more of a liability than Jack Johnson in the defensive zone. Jonathan Quick had the weakest game of his season Tuesday night in a 5-4 win against the Nashville Predators, and he chooses to do so when this offense scores an uncanny five goals for him. Jonathan Bernier, as always, got the call in Columbus. A very solid game from the backup, but fell victim to those in front of him.

None of these problems are snowballing, they’re just all coming together at the wrong time. Not much time to make things right.

And they release this during the week, this is unecessary and unfitting for everything this season. But even so, a video dedicated to goal celebrations deserves a look. Take it away, f*ck face Patrick O’Neal.

How about a video compilation of best reactions regarding this.

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Arguably the best game of hockey the Kings have been involved in this season, tonight in Nashville.

The last time the Kings played hockey in music city, eight short nights ago, the biggest storyline – or non storyline at that, was the passing of the NHL‘s trade deadline. The roster, namely Dustin Brown, was safe. However, the Kings would drop another offensive failure into the hands of the opponent, falling 2-1 to the Predators.

It’s been different since the Kings’ last trip to Nashville, it’s been good.

Three-de-feat: Tonight’s return to music city exemplified and pushed the proof of the Kings’ improved play. With five goals recorded in tonight’s victory, the Kings have amassed a total of 13 in their last three contests. I won’t dig into the statbooks to provide solid proof, but if I were to be a betting man, I’d say that’s got to be the highest goal output in a three-game span seen from this club all season long.

It’s got to be.

Back in the picture

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Pending on tonight’s outcome in the San Jose Sharks‘ tilt with Edmonton, the Kings have at least momentarily inched back into the NHL‘s postseason picture. Now with 74 points, the Kings have claimed the final spot (8th) in the Western Conference, just one behind the 7th seed Phoenix Coyotes who are at 75 points.

Not a sense of security, though. The Kings have three teams trailing hard, all within two points in the standings. That includes San Jose, but the Sharks’ games-in-hand on the Kings are dwindling, and San Jose will have played just one less game than the Kings after tonight. That’s a positive step regardless.

Carter cater’s

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His name may have hit the scoresheet in just one game since he’s been a King, but Jeff Carter‘s addition to this offense has certainly brought an uptempo sense of balance.

Since Carter’s first game as a King, the team has gone an astounding 4-1, totaling 18 goals in those five games. For a club that’s been absolute worst in the NHL in scoring for the majority of the season, and for a team that has struggled to chunk together a handful of wins, there’s something about the Jeff Carter deal that makes it right – everything.

While acquiring a proven top-six forward, the Kings also maintained defensive strength. And for their current cause, they may have improved that defense with the loss of Jack Johnson. Johnson, who was prone to struggle defensively, is being replaced by two prospects who may fill his role equally – if not better in their own zone. As for the opponents’ zone? Alec Martinez and Slava Voynov are offensive defenseman, they’ve added to the Kings’ offensive boost, even if it isn’t in the stats.

If this guy wakes up…

Well, how do ya do, Columbus?

The Midwest swing begins Thursday night in Columbus, Ohio. It’s not your average tilt between these two clubs – far from it. Drop the Jack Johnson reunion and Jeff Carter‘s return to Nationwide Arena into the equation of an already critical game. Can’t get much better.

The boo-birds could be out for Carter every time he touches the puck. In fact, in his first return to Columbus at least, they could be Rob Blake – esque for a Staples Center perspective. It’ll wash over, but it’s too soon to believe the anger has subsided.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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?

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

.

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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“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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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- Have failed to record more than two goals in regulation in ten of twelve contests.
- Averaging 2.12 goals per game (13th in Western Conference).
- 3 for 18 on Powerplay opportunities in last five games combined.
- One goal recorded in the last 180 minutes (3 games) of ice at Staples Center.

Hmmm…

“Mmmm… Traitorade“

Damnit.

Short Leash: Well, all right. The downtail the Kings are riding isn’t anything extraordinarily bad, in fact it’s been pretty tolerable – until last night. Heck, 5-0-1 out of the gate is going to buffer the nerves for a bit. Here’s the difference between this season and years’ past, there isn’t a lot of room for testing patience. The Kings have done that to themselves through success within the draft and development departments, and a handful of impressive recent moves from GM Dean Lombardi. Not to mention, the results laid out from a young core of players the past two seasons, many of whom are still here.

Beside Alec Martinez and Drew Doughty‘s mild struggles on the Kings’ back-end, the offensive department has been the glaring scapegoat – you can even dip into the latter part of the Kings’ 5-0-1 start to see their struggles. See: Jonathan Quick shutouts. How about some back-up for the blame? The Kings are averaging 2.12 goals per game, have scored more than 2 goals in regulation only twice in twelve puck-drops, and are just about the worst scoring team in the entire Western Conference sitting in the 13th slot in front of the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild.

“Everybody’s on my f*cking tail, Anze. Let’s go with that ‘hitting the net with your shot’ theory we went over in practice. F*ck.“

Creating Chances: Beside the Edmonton contests, shot totals haven’t been the telling issue, shot quality has. In the Kings previous two games, they outshot the Colorado Avalanche 32-16, and the Phoenix Coyotes 39-32, and were still fighting just to maintain pace on the scoreboard. They’re not creating opportunity for those quality chances, most of which stem from second shots and slot presence. There’s been a lack in recovery of rebounds, or traffic in front of the opposition’s net to disrupt shots, or open lanes for short-range passes.

To add to the misery, the former King renown for his success in front of the net and rebound recovery, Ryan Smyth, put the hurt on the Kings and their offensive issues in potting the game-winning goal Tuesday.

Look, you could count on defensive stability in a pretty confident state heading into the season, but where with you regarding the offense? OK, we’re working with two major additions here, Mike Richards and Simon Gagne. We’ve got the top-line left-winger we’ve been sought after and another premier centerman to fill holes in an already somewhat stable offensive scheme. Is Terry Murray‘s heavily defensive mindset disrupting what should be gleaming production from these new assets? It very well could be.

Flat Feet: Recovering loose pucks in the offensive zone has been hampered by a lack of quickness and solid positioning in the 5-on-5 game. As for Jamie Kompon‘s powerplay, which has executed on just 3 of the last 18 powerplay opportunities has fallen victim to a lack of movement. A lot of idle passing, a lot of in-place shots, keeping lanes stagnant and giving opposition time and space to react to Kings puck movement.

Struggles at the ‘Stape

The Bulin Wall: For the first time in in Staples Center history, the Kings have gone without a goal in two consecutive games. For the second time in history, Nikolai Khabibulin has shut-out the Kings in Los Angeles after they’d been held scoreless in the home date prior. The last time this happened, which took place in 1998 at the Great Western Forum, Khabibulin was in the second year of a three-season tenure with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Happy Feet: Answers are going to need to start presenting themselves in tonight’s date with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where the Kings will see Pittsburgh for the second consecutive season without Sidney Crosby. Don’t consider the Penguins shorthanded without Crosby, as they’ve managed to sustain an incredible start to the season without #87, tied atop the Eastern Conference at 19 points with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It’ll be one of the NHL‘s best goaltenders in Marc-Andre Fleury for the Kings to fight their woes tonight. Fleury is posting an astounding 1.96 GAA with a 7-2-1 record, in front of a stalwart back-end allowing just 2.09 goals per game. The Penguins are finalizing a three game road trip in tonight’s date at Staples Center, a venture away from home that has disrupted their recent 5-game winning streak. The Penguins dropped a contest 4-3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday and gave way via extra shots Thursday night in a 4-3 OT loss against the San Jose Sharks.

Shot mentality: Winning’s reality

Cold as an Igloo: Due to Conference alignment, these two clubs usually only see each other once every season. You’ve got to back-track to February 10th of 2011 to find the last date, where Pittsburgh exposed similar problems engrained in the Kings offense at the Consol Energy Center. The Kings battered Fleury and the Penguins with 33 shots, yet could only find the scoresheet once. Jordan Staal queued ushers in OT beating Drew Doughty to the outside on a mid-range rush. Traffic is going to be the storyline tonight for the Kings, and shots fired into that traffic. Fancy is off the table right now, bounces have been known to swing spirits.

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Matt Greene’s face doesn’t feel that laceration.

That laceration feels Matt Greene’s face.

Even-Keel: Just about everything for the Kings was on perfect terms when I last did the Inter-web thing. Jonathan Quick was inking record books, the Kings’ accounted for every point available during their first 3 games against Western Conference opponents, and most notably had yet to lose a game in regulation.

As common trend and perception would have it, such a start wouldn’t last forever – a few setbacks are expected, nothing out of the ordinary. But really, does this fanbase now have the ability to direct certain attention to smaller, finite details, things that may have been overlooked in the past due to the team’s struggling aroma? Those details are engrained in the club’s previous four games, the result of which was a 1-2-1 record with just three points earned.

The criticism motioned toward Terry Murray‘s goalie decisions is warranted to a certain degree, but not a valid issue to point blame. In order for Jamie Kompon to institute powerplay success, which went 3 for 15 in the last four contests, shots need to start hitting the net. Really, how much is Davis Drewiske worth to this defense? I think he’s worth waivers for Slava Voynov‘s cause. Scott Parse is scoring goals, but his 12 penalty minutes in 3 games are threatening to overshadow those contributions – Stop getting booked for interference and tripping. Anze Kopitar is awesome. This is looking to be the start of the downward slope to the end of an NHL hockey career for Dustin Penner.

That other guy: I’m in the minority here, but I both liked and respected Terry Murray‘s decision to start Jonathan Bernier Tuesday night. What was the big goaltending issue just a couple seasons back? Trust. Murray didn’t trust Erik Ersberg, so Murray worked Quick like a tax-return agent gets worked in April. You can’t have trust issues with a goaltender like Bernier, and Murray showed where his head was. Bernier hadn’t played since October 8th, his only start in the Kings’ first six games.

And yes, I realize Ersberg is no Bernier, but Murray can’t rest on the back of one guy again. Whether you want Bernier played as trade bait, or played for the right reasons, it doesn’t matter. Mix occasional and consistent together, he deserves that. In fact, I’d like to see Bernier get one of these next three dates. Spotty, but consistent appearances for Bernier will play into Jonathan Quick‘s favor down the road.

Here’s the goal that effectively ruined Erik Ersberg‘s ’09-’10 season, and ultimately his NHL career. That was the only shot the New York Rangers took in that fateful 3rd period, and that also may be the most disgusting shot Marian Gaborik has ever released.

Stick around for a while.

Accommodations: Drew Doughty is on everyone’s radar with every stride, which makes it easier to pick apart his unsettled play thus far. It also makes it harder to accept Slava Voynov‘s AHL demotion. Doughty’s got a lot on his shoulders right now, and that weight will probably sit for the majority of the season. He’s working to overcome a late arrival, a minor injury, and appearances that haven’t exactly matched the status his name holds. However, unfair to take jabs this early.

It’ll be a bit of time for Drew Doughty to get in full-sync with the team, and himself. That’s where it hurts to not have Voynov in the mix. With Voynov’s AHL assignment, you’re putting – from what I’ve seen, a back-end responsible, offensively aware young defenseman who many believe is NHL-ready in no man’s land in regards to the status of his progress. Voynov’s development and exposure is ready for a lengthy NHL gig, his future with the Kings puts Davis Drewiske‘s to shame.

That’s where legalities come into play; for the Kings to option Davis Drewiske and keep Slava Voynov, Drewiske would have to clear waivers. Oh no, don’t take Drewiske. Another name that has popped up is Alec Martinez, but I wouldn’t even consider it. Martinez would also have to clear the waiver wire, and he is far too valuable to even give it serious thought. Drewiske has been hanging around too long, I guess the underlying issue here must be the emergency back-up role if one or two blue-line men hit the IR for a lengthy period of time. Davis Drewiske or Thomas Hickey? Pick your poison.

Thursday calls for an old friend.

Still Going: The numbers show, Ryan Smyth didn’t go back to Edmonton to die. In the Oilers’ 11 games, Smyth has racked up a hefty 5 goals and 5 assists. Smyth isn’t hinging his output strictly on crease presence either, he’s released a whopping 30 shots in those 11 games, averaging 2.7 per game. I don’t see that ratio holding up throughout the season, but that’s more shots within a short time-frame I can ever remember Smyth taking in Los Angeles.

Smyth’s reception on Thursday night at Staples Center should be an interesting one. There won’t be a grand applause, nor will there be a sea of boos. Although Smyth’s name triggered drama within the Kings’ organization that lingered throughout the summer, I’ve gotten over it – I think most have. At the end of the day, you’ve got to realize both Ryan Smyth and the Kings are better off apart. Get there early for warm-ups to see the best hair the NHL has to offer.

Thursday calls for an old dress.

Return of the Hem-Lines: The Kings will be donning the newly-tabbed third jerseys against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. This template is slated to be worn six times at Staples Center throughout the season, with the vintage purple and golds making three appearances for heritage night celebrations.

There’s an eye opener regarding the Kings’ alternate jersey schedule, something you rarely see happen. The crown hem-lines (above) will make a couple of cameos on the road this season, planned to be the wardrobe for back-to-back contests November 22 @ St. Louis Blues and November 23 @ Dallas Stars. The Kings have only worn these templates once on the road before, back-tracking to November 2nd, 2009 during a date with the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena. That unique uniform instance was never presented as an official plan, nor explained after the matter.

In rare form.

Check for moths, you’ve got some threads for Thursday night.

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Solid Seven: There’s little to complain about when looking back at the Kings’ first seven regular season contests, a seven-game start that has claimed a 5-1-1 record sitting on a wealthy 11 points. In fact, if you could dive into a negative aspect regarding the Kings’ start, you’re referring to a non-issue at this point. There are no glaring heroes carrying the club, everything is seeming to click in all aspects of the Kings’ game, and their roster.

Not only are the top players feeding off of new acquisitions, but the depth needed to maintain those top roles are shaping the strength of this team. The Kings have an offense averaging 2.4 goals per game, a stalwart blue-line allowing just 1.3 goals per game, all in front of Jonathan Quick. This wall is sporting a 5-0-1 record with three shutouts and a disgusting .973 save percentage, simply the backbone to the threatening core the Kings have developed.

Pipes

Shattering the Books: In result of another absolutely stellar performance Saturday night, Jonathan Quick became the first goalie in Kings history to record three consecutive shutouts. This is elite status, folks. Quick hasn’t allowed a goal in the last 188 minutes and 10 seconds of live-play. That sets another Kings record, Rogie Vachon now down to second on the list, his former streak of 185 minutes and 55 seconds set during the 1975-1976 campaign topped.

Quick’s playing a sound game, his positioning cuts angles like corporate cuts jobs. He’s rarely out of position, and when he purposely does so to play the puck, it’s a little easier on the nerves than in the recent past. Regardless of the streak Quick’s riding, Jonathan Bernier will get the start tomorrow night against the New Jersey Devils. I like this move from Terry Murray, an Eastern Conference opponent, much-needed action for Bernier, and early rest for Quick.

Blue-line

Deserves a Look: Don’t ignore the defensemen who have subdued primary scoring opportunities, shooting lanes, and the opposition’s use (or lack there-of) of the offensive zone slot. They’re keeping everything along the boards and to the outside, this develops angles that are friendly to Quick’s positioning while reducing traffic.

Jack Johnson has been the highlight star among the group, netting three game-winning goals with two coming in OT. Johnson seems to be more open with his shot this season, directing a puck toward the front of the net whenever the opportunity arises. Also, he’s developed what may be a continuing role/position on the powerplay, where his usual threat atop the zone with his shot is uniquely positioned low in the zone for secondary looks.

The absence of Drew Doughty, who is set to return either Thursday in Dallas or Saturday in Phoenix hasn’t really been an issue, Slava Voynov‘s impressive debut at the NHL level has filled the role rather nicely. However, chances are Voynov will return to the Manchester Monarchs upon Doughty’s return. Since Davis Drewiske would have to clear waivers in order to be assigned, Voynov will most likely be paying another visit to central New Hampshire and the AHL.

Red-light

Electric Bill: Consider the importance this organization stressed about having a dependable “Top Six” in the offensive department during the past couple of off-seasons. Now, look at the players headlining the Kings’ statistical output. Albeit Dustin Penner with his lone assist and trudgy stride, Anze Kopitar (10), Simon Gagne (7), Justin Williams (7), Mike Richards (6), and Dustin Brown (4) are leading the Kings’ roster in the scoring department.

Someone give Jamie Kompon a get-free card for the next couple of weeks, the Kings’ powerplay ranks 6th in the NHL with a success-rate at %25. Now, if Kompon was still pulling ugly results, this would be a different story. With Richards and Gagne, the options should be near countless when drawing up a system. A successful powerplay shouldn’t be a common acclaim for this club, it should be expected. This is good for now, but struggles similar to those seen the previous two seasons on the man-advantage shouldn’t be tolerated.

“Ahh.. so this must be what it’s like to play at Jobing.com Arena. *Sigh…”

“Hey sweet cheeks… I can last longer than Halak”
(50 Bucks says that’s at an Applebees or something. Maybe a Chili’s)

My friend spotted Jonathan Quick hanging out in public the other day, and he was able to snap a sweet candid pic!! Look at that smile.

“Eww I just touched Brodeur! He’s so old!! And mediocre!! And hurt!!”

It’ll be ‘The Moose’ for the Devils tomorrow night.

The Brodeur Cure: Quite ironic, actually. I’m well aware of Johan Hedberg‘s background, and know that his nickname derives from his 16-game stint with the International Hockey League‘s (IHL) Manitoba Moose in 1998. Well, not his 16 appearances exactly, but the “lucky” helmet he wore while tending for Manitoba and thereafter in his transition into the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Manitoba Moose, an organization that successfully tenured 15 seasons in the difficult market that is minor league hockey (IHL, AHL) were forced to relocate to St. John’s, Newfoundland when the Winnipeg Jets confirmed relocation from Atlanta. The majority of Hedberg’s NHL career took place with the Atlanta Thrashers, housing the crease for the now defunct NHL club in 136 games from 2006-2010.

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Tic-Tac, Tic-Tac

Paddywhack

Working Overtime: The Kings have closed cases on both of their victories in two fashions that would surprise most, considering the club’s recent past. Both defeats have come in the extra frame while on the powerplay, and off of Jack Johnson‘s stick. How about some deserved breathing room for Jamie Kompon, and some substance to Johnson’s healthy contract extension he took the ink to in January. Sure, you could call both of these Mike Richards – Jack Johnson connections botched plays. However, the recovery, or impressively quick reaction/adaptation to a fumbled setup is what what makes both of these finale’s absolute gold. In both instances against the Rangers’ Henrik Lundqvist and the Flyers’ Ilya Bryzgalov, Richards’ exploited his ridiculous ability to make plays in touchy situations, where Johnson’s aggressive positioning opened opportunity. This is your diamond found in the Kings’ early mediocrity.

A fair guage

Sideshows aside: We’re done with Europe, we’re done with the North American opener, and we’re done with the homecoming-reunion affair in Philadelphia. Dennis Bernstein, the Senior Writer and Director at the Fourth Period Magazine said it best over the weekend through twitter, citing:

“True barometer for #LAKings early season will be next week when they go STL/at PHX/DAL.“

And yes, that is certainly the case. The Kings have the St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, and Dallas Stars on the week’s slate. All Western Conference opponents, two of which reside in the Pacific Division – all teams the Kings are expected to beat, the Kings need to beat. Regardless of the early starts these opponents have chalked up, their season outlook doesn’t behold the level of expectations, or talent, that the Kings do. All three of these opponents would consider their 2011-2012 campaign a success with a playoff slot. For the Kings, it’s renown that multiple playoff rounds conjoined with a threat to be a Stanley Cup favorite is the tag-line.

Speaking of tag-lines

It’s also time for a new marketing department.

Kings O’Clock – The hype’s ripe: Hockey’s back in Los Angeles, where excuses for failure will be as valid as your reasoning for scrapping 5th period Algebra in 10th grade. That’s what makes the week’s schedule stand out. This roster has developed serious credentials to look down upon lesser opponents. That’s baggage for attention, that’s being a target, that’s being good. This week should see absolutely no less than four points attained, unless another home-ice relapse is witnessed. For the first time this season, the setting is steady, especially with the only road game this week taking place in Phoenix, which has to be one of the weakest road environments to perform in. The downside? The Kings are without Drew Doughty, but not for contract reasons.

V for Voynov

Slava-Rama: After falling victim to a solid cross-ice hit in Philadelphia, Drew Doughty has been placed on the Kings’ Injured Reserve list for the next 7-10 days with an undisclosed upper-body injury. This opens up another opportunity for prospect Slava Voynov, a defenseman that would grace most NHL rosters out of training camp. Voynov, who made a case for himself during the preseason with steady defensive coverage coupled with a goal and an assist, is coming off of a 2010-2011 campaign in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs that saw him record 51 points in 76 games. Voynov, who was assigned to Manchester following Doughty’s signing, has called for a goal and an assist in two games with Manchester – along with a +5 rating. Expect Voynov to get regular time, even ahead of Davis Drewiske, and maybe an appearance or two with the Kings’ second powerplay unit.

Jack-O Lantern

Back in the States

Turning back the clock – :27.3 left on the clock

Dancing with the Devils: This will be the first official road game for the Kings this season, as both contests abroad had the AEG-owned club slated in the home category. Kings owner Phil Anschutz holds ownership of the O2 Arena in Berlin, Germany and the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden – both arenas that housed the Kings’ two regular season contests during the NHL Premiere. Fair? Probably not, but who’s to say two less puck-drops at Staples Center won’t benefit the Kings down the road, stemming from their knack to bring the bulk of their sub-par performances to Los Angeles over the past few years. And of course, this will be the first game in which the new road uniforms present themselves in official fashion.

That doesn’t count, man!!

It’s Early: Both clubs enter tonight’s contests holding 1-1 records, but the New Jersey Devils have been graced with settled hospitality, making tonight their 3rd consecutive game at the Prudential Center in Newark. The Devils began the year on a sour note, blanked by the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0, the team in which the Kings visit after tonight’s game. The Devils rebounded in hosting the Carolina Hurricanes, while embracing an impressive offensive performance after an M.I.A. debut. Ilya Kovalchuk netted the Devils’ game-winner, and Zach Parise pitched in with two goals of his own – finishing Kovalchuk’s tally with empty net insurance. And who would’ve known? Former terribly inefficient King Alexei Ponikarovsky netted his first of the season, his first as a Hurricane.

Good to see!

But still not that good.

Roster Notes: Expect to see Martin Brodeur penciled in tonight, although Johan Hedberg showed flashes of his old self Monday night. Brodeur and Hedberg’s playing time could very well fit the rationing Kings’ goaltenders Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier will be subject to this season. Quick will be tonight’s starter, you can’t expect Terry Murray to attend to his “hot goalie” strategy this early, nothing fits. Smart rotation until serious difference in performance is evident.

After missing the first two regular season games with an undisclosed lower-body injury, after a summer ravaged by conditioning criticism, Dustin Penner will be back in the Kings’ lineup. There’s been less hype than concern, but that’s not a bad thing. If you’ve looked into the details of Penner’s off-season regimen, or tuned into Episode 124 here at KingsCast, you’ll know that suffering a minor injury in the body area where heavy work was centered on isn’t uncommon, and something you shouldn’t lose any sleep over. Quite frankly, I’m approaching his performance this year as if last year never happened. Fresh start. And of course, a big thank you to the state of Maryland for hosting Kings practice skates during the 4-day hiatus.

Of course they’re Devils fans out there in MD, but someone’s gotta watch the guy managing the sign.

Hey, at least the guy’s got his head on straight with this one!

You can do so, here. Go Kings

Los Angeles Kings @ New Jersey Devils
4:00PM PST – Prudential Center

**Please Note: The practice photo used in this piece is credited to Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider. A credit is inserted in first use of the photo.

“Be a pal and step-in on this dance for a minute, Craig.
@KingsCastBlog just hit me up on the Twit!“

“I’ll be in the lobby, fools.“

Back on board: We’re back to celebrate tonight’s commencement of the NHL regular season, and of course highlighting the Kings’ opener tomorrow at the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden. This will be the first official contest overseas for the Kings, after putting a cap on preseason action Tuesday choking out a 5-4 victory in Germany against the DEL‘s Hamburg Freezers. The Kings will open the work-year against the New York Rangers, the second consecutive season the Kings start in the Eastern Conference. Let’s take a quick back-track and see how the Kings’ preseason ventures shaped out.

Early Preformances

As bland as tumultuous gets: Take exhibitions with a grain of salt. You’re going to catch a few striking moments, and a few that kill the nerves. Up-down, up-down, which seemed to be the ride taken during the eight-game preseason stretch. The Kings tallied 4 wins and 4 losses in the eight contests that were spattered with heavy roster movement in some unfamiliar buildings.

Manchester’s got V’s: Slava Voynov took advantage of Drew Doughty‘s absence, potting two goals and an assist before his dismissal to Manchester. Don’t be surprised to see Voynov in Los Angeles sometime this season, as he was the leader to be tabbed Doughty’s replacement if the holdout ensued into regular season play. Andrei Loktionov, who’s familiar with Los Angeles, failed to overcome the hardship that is being a prospect at the center position in the Kings organization. Nevermind the top two centerman, but Loktionov just isn’t a better option than Jarret Stoll or Trevor Lewis. A strong transition to a wing position may be the harsh reality to Loktionov’s near future with this organization. A goal and an assist, Loktionov back to Manchester as well.

Familiar faces: You look at the numbers game, Anze Kopitar headlined the roster with four goals, Jack Johnson topped the assists category with three. However, back to the up-down concept. September 28th provided it all; Beside the 6-0 Colorado Avalanche drubbing, all of Johnson’s assists were recorded this night, as well as three of Kopitar’s four goals. And how about Alec Martinez? I’m tabbing him as the dark-horse for the Kings defense this season. Not only has he shown the knack to be downright steady in the defensive zone, but netted two long distance calls with a shot that’s going to be a threat on the Kings powerplay unit this season – Book It.

Eight’s gotta be great, that’s baggage for the fashionably late.

Opener’s Outlook: The player that sparked the most off-season ruckus is settled with the roster after a controversially late arrival, while the player that sparked the most off-season criticism looks to be out for tomorrow’s contest. Drew Doughty in, Dustin Penner out. Expect Jonathan Quick to get the crease call, cross-end from New York’s Henrik Lundqvist, who will be the hometown tender tomorrow night, a Swedish native from Åre, a bordertown of Stockholm. Not only is this an absolute superb goaltending matchup for an opening contest, but against an elite name Quick rarely gets to front the pipes against.

Offensive Factor: The Kings’ offseason acquisitions centered on forwards. The Kings’ offseason acquisitions have fueled huge expectations. We’ve got big changes in offensive personnel, and we’re dealing with seven defensemen that share familiarity and growth as a group. The fact of the matter is, the forwards are expected to spotlight tomorrow’s contest, especially against this goaltender. Drew Doughty‘s going to hear the gripe unless he’s absolutely flawless, but you’ve got to expect this defense to be somewhat of a safe haven for the club. There are no holes on the Kings’ blue-line, just instances of passive, under-performing play. SEE: Jack Johnson.

Old Friends

While we’re in Sweden: How about a quick update on former Kings prospects Oscar Moller and Bud Holloway. Both players, respective in their 2nd and 3rd round draft positions in concurrent years, have scoped out a different route, and you really can’t blame either of them. In fact, you’ve got to respect it in some manner. Both players signed with Skelleftea HC of the Swedish Elite League during the summer, and the numbers symbolize a smooth transition. Both Moller and Holloway have dressed in Skelleftea HC‘s first seven contests. Oscar Moller is sitting on 5 points with 3 goals and 2 assists, while Bud Holloway has chipped in with 4 points in the form of 3 goals and an assist.

Bailey goes f*cking chow-town on the MLB Playoffs for random snacks.

“OH SH*T! It’s f*cking opening day.“

“OH SH*T! I better not play like sh*t.“

Let’s do this until June – Go Kings.

 Live from Two Places

The Simultaneous Series

Los Angeles Kings @ Phoenix Coyotes – 7:00PM – Jobing.com Arena
Los Angeles Kings VS Phoenix Coyotes – 7:30PM – Staples Center

This means three things: Empty seats, gaudy uniform numbers, and goals.

Main roster players from both clubs will get their first live in-game action tonight, along with a heavy slew of prospects who are still in tryout mode. The Kings won’t make their first Training Camp cuts until tomorrow, deeming this do or die for a handful of names, most of whom wouldn’t be in serious contention for a roster spot anyway. So yes, that means split-squad, where both the Kings and Coyotes will ice two rosters balanced with veterans and prospects.

The Phoenix Coyotes’ season-ticket holders (4) had a little fun with this gig last year, deciding to “Split-Squad View” the games. How clever! Fred and Marissa (pictured) stayed put in Glendale, while Bob and Kim (not pictured) traveled to LA! Bob and Kim won’t make it this year unfortunately, they sold their season seats to subdue the tax raise they’re getting slammed with just to keep the Coyotes in town.

But it’s hockey!

Don’t let it burn you like the sun at high-noon.

Meehan’s probably taking calls from Cancun, let’s talk Brandon Kozun.

Looks at the Rook’s: This is about as exciting as it gets when the Phoenix Coyotes are involved. The Coyotes Sun Dogs symbolize two things from a Kings fan’s perspective: A boring regular season opponent seen way too often, and a major part in the commencement to a brand new season of Kings hockey – a feeling that doesn’t present itself often enough. Both clubs capped off their Rookie Training Camp this week with a two game Rookie Series at the Toyota Sports Center along the shores of Redondo Beach in El Segundo.

The Phoenix Coyotes took the first contest on Wednesday evening with an 8-7 victory fueled by a relentless 3rd period 5-goal ambush. The Sun Dogs exposed Kings’ goaltender Christopher Gibson in his first appearance with the Kings organization since being drafted 49th overall in the 2nd Round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The Kings earned the split Thursday afternoon, after surrendering yet another 3rd period lead. Jordan Nolan capitalized on a 5 on 3 powerplay advantage with just 1:58 remaining to notch a Kings victory.

Brandon Kozun was the spotlight performer for the Kings’ rookies in these two contests, no questions asked. The 6th round, 179th overall selection for the Kings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft has forcefully transitioned off of an extremely impressive campaign in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs. In 73 games with Manchester last season, Kozun tallied 48 points in the form of 23 goals and 25 assists. This, after a two-year surge with the WHL‘s Calgary Hitmen in which he recorded 215 points in 137 regular season games and 48 points in 41 postseason contests.

Kozun, with 2 goals and 4 assists recorded in the Rookie Series, exploited two impressive aspects a forward of his size must entail to play at the NHL level. These being: An accurate, quick shot – and good passing. Passing is everything for a player like Kozun, who has the speed and strength to win battles to the puck, but not necessarily to finish plays. He proved his ability to possess the puck, and coupled that with good vision, quickly transitioning the puck through an open lane with a well-placed pass.

When you’re looking for quick, accurate release, refer to Brandon Kozun‘s goals on Wednesday. Kozun capitalized on two offensive zone faceoffs to record the 1st and 6th goals for the Kings. Goals that stem from offensive zone faceoff wins aren’t as easy as they look, where the shooter is often flat-footed with a well-positioned defense distracting open lanes. Kozun, however, managed to react to those well-placed pucks with quick, well-placed shots.

Looking for help? Look for Brandon Kozun. Kozun followed up his two early goals in the Rookie Series with four gorgeous assists. First, by threading the needle to feed a Ray Kaunisto goal with 02.8 seconds remaining in Wednesday’s contest, and three crucial feeds on Thursday. Kozun was the storyline for Thursday’s victory, assisting on the Kings’ final three tallies in their 4-3 win. Why does Kozun’s vision stand out? All three of his assists Thursday were the results of cross-ice passes, the kid has the sight and instinct to go with his quick release.

Don’t expect to see Brandon Kozun in a Kings uniform this season, but don’t be surprised to see him either. His stature of 5’7″ at 164 lbs calls for further testing and development in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs, at a first or second line Right Wing position. However, Kozun’s starting to symbolize himself as a small forward who already amasses Oscar Moller in potential per square-foot. Some have referred to Kozun as the next Martin St. Louis, I’m referring to him as a young star who has earned serious and credible attention, unlike others. This isn’t the last we’ve seen of Brandon Kozun in a Kings uniform in the near future, look for the Calgary native to don Kings gear for the remainder of the pre-season. There’s more to see here, folks.

At least give your Hockey Fest ticket to someone else, man. Those b*tches are SOLD OUT.

An offer of nine-years at $61.2 Million has reportedly been denied by Drew Doughty‘s camp.

Leaning Toward Dean: Here’s my chance to be blunt about the Drew Doughty contract situation, straight forward. That door was opened today amidst reports of Doughty’s most recent contract denial offered by Dean Lombardi. Lord help me if I didn’t worship Doughty’s timeline to re-sign and waste more important thoughts this summer. If the Kings weren’t trying, it’s another story. That’s three offers Lombardi has thrown on the table this summer, the most recent offer carrying Anze Kopitar-type money. Still, not good enough. The guy is 21 years-old, arguably the highest-touted young defenseman in the NHL, and a celebrity in the Canadian hockey market after his stellar performance during the 2010 Winter Olympics with Team Canada. So yes, Doughty’s camp is in the hunt for serious pay and solid job security; But is nine seasons while equaling the yearly salary of Anze Kopitar not good enough?

Thinking it’s time for a gut-check.

Shut the f*ck up Penner. Christ.

Back To The Future
Queue the first installment of June’s KingsCast Summer Hockey Roundtable for a serious dose of honest Doughty critique. Food for thought.

Sour Aftertaste: Please realize here, the members in this group of hockey media in the Episode above are not bashing Doughty’s skill, his value to the Kings blue-line, or his career potential. That’s been well advertised by Doughty himself, but the issues at-hand center on his attitude, his conditioning, feeding to the question that’s building solidity: Is Drew Doughty really worthy of being the highest paid-player on this team?

Attitude wasn’t the only downfall last season.

Trying To Find A Balance: Let’s swap those statistics, and if Doughty’s camp is being this stingy with contract negotiations, then so be it, you can’t argue with 82 games and 59 points. However, a pretty drastic downfall is the reality here, and there seems to be a bit too much demand for the supply – at this point in time. On August 30th, less than ten days ago, Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times reported what seemed to be a concurrence of terms between the Kings and Drew Doughty:

“Lombardi said he spoke Monday with Doughty’s agent, Don Meehan, and made an offer that “codifies what we’ve been talking about for a while.” Lombardi said the offer includes “different lengths for him to consider,” likely six to eight years.”

I consider this report to still be deemed ‘recent’ the way this summer has gone, and the Kings’ latest offer of $61.2 million over a 9-year span must be a result of it. Once the funds are broken into a yearly-salary, Doughty is earning just as much as Anze Kopitar – and situated until he’s 30 years-old. I’m lost here, what’s wrong? They may not want more money overall, but a chunkier yearly-salary over a shorter term, positioning him young and rich with NHL freedom in a few years.

Thirsty for Attention.

M.I.A. – Missing In Appearances: Doughty’s lack of public appearances have jolted the nerves of fans all summer, stemming from his cancellation to boarding the LA Kings Fan Cruise to the recent revelation that #8 will not attend Sunday’s Hockey Fest. The common justification for this will be something along the lines of “Doughty is afraid of getting hammered with contract questions.” If Doughty and the Kings were seriously on the same page, and confident in negotiations, this problem is fixed in an instant. What do scrap employees go for these days, 8.50 an hour? That’s what I make, so I’d consider that fair. “No contract questions for Mr. Doughty, Ma’am”. Simple. If everything is on-par internally with the Kings and Doughty, there’s no shame in shielding certain questions from fans in public environments.

Speaking of Hockey Fest, let’s back-track to last year’s event to take another look at Dean Lombardi‘s “Passionate Proclomation”. Check 3:19 – 5:10 in KingsCast‘s Episode 69.

What’s It Going To Be?: It’s starting to have a negative effect on the Kings’ fanbase, who will miss Doughty’s presence at yet another team event Sunday at Staples Center. That, a team can withstand, but when it begins to have an effect on the team itself, that’s when we’ve got real problems; and the way negotiations have been going, they’re flirting with that possibility. As Keith stressed to me earlier tonight, you don’t want to play games with team chemistry, and any sort of holdout from Doughty would do so. Believe me, I want Drew Doughty to re-sign, and I think Drew Doughty will re-sign. But, does he deserve what he and his agents are asking for? How much more will Dean Lombardi‘s stiff reputation on the hockey market withstand the displeasure coming from Doughty’s camp? One of the sides needs to swallow a slice of pride here, and the way this process has been trending, its time for Don Meehan and Drew Doughty to sacrifice a slice of that cake.

Probably too much, probably.

About that time – Interior Design

Fresh Surface: The Staples Center staff began paint application to the Kings’ new ice surface this morning, a process that will likely take a day or two longer to complete. As noted in a couple of previous blogs, the new ‘LA shield’ logo will make it’s center-ice debut on September 21st in a split-squad preseason contest against the Phoenix Coyotes. This replaces the black, purple, and silver crown as the rink’s featured art-work, where it was tucked inside the center-ice circle since the 2002-2003 season. However, the crown is hanging around, creatively implemented into the red-line.

Talking Aesthetics, Again: Just when you think the Kings were settled on uniform plans for the 2011-2012 season, another questionable decision blindsides the fanbase. It was understood that the Kings’ former primary home uniform would be implemented as the new home alternate, making room for the new ‘LA Shield’ primary home and away sweaters. Well, not quite the case. In what was first reported via MayorsManor, and later released in an official statement from the Kings, purple has been dropped from the repertoire. But, has it? Not really, which justifies this decision as being terribly senseless.

The purple-less crown (left) will take place as the new crest on the template shown (right).

And it makes no sense: The Kings didn’t actually rid of purple from the wardrobe, unless I’m missing something here. So, while keeping purple on the elbow piping and shoulder caps on the “new” alternate uniform, you’re going to eliminate purple from the uniform’s crest? This is going to look terrible, and it will last for two years – maximum. Mark my words. Talk about an ugly ending for the crown and the black hem-lines.

Speaking of ugly endings.

Joe Thornton will never have a bigger moment than this in his NHL career.

This is your final sighting of the Kings’ Crown on ice. Let’s talk in two years, I guarantee more uniform changes. This has been a complete disaster, I’m looking forward to the amendment of this summer’s uniform debacle. I can deal with it, this club is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Unfortunately, the organization failed in providing a solid wardrobe for the show.

Afternoon games suck.

KOPI – For Three!

My sources are telling me this probably won’t happen, but what better to scribe about during the dog days of August. Always better under the lights, no?

Come on now, Tim. The Columbus Blue Jackets were one thing, but at 1:00PM? Better give that Ticket Rep a call, or hop on board here! A solution? Maybe.

FOR THREE!: Three, the number of dates Staples Center has vacated for the Los Angeles Clippers that force the Kings to host opponents in the early afternoon during the 2011-2012 season. Two of these dates call for 1:00PM puck-drops, the other at 12:30PM. However, the Clippers may not be able to honor their 7:30PM reservations on those nights with the status of the NBA‘s lockout showing no signs of being resolved before the start of the 2011-2012 campaign. So, with that, I’m vying for the Kings to push for later starts for the three afternoon home games on the schedule. For Staples Center to fill those time-slots the Clippers held would be nearly impossible at this point in time. The fall/winter time-period wasn’t designed for concerts or any other major events that demand anything more than a rink or court, the Kings should and will have the run of the building. But, will it happen? Here’s how the Kings look while the sun is out at Staples Center this season:

- – -

- Saturday, November 19 -
Los Angeles Kings VS. Detroit Red Wings – 1:00PM
Los Angeles Clippers VS. Chicago Bulls – 7:30PM

- Saturday, December 3 -
Los Angeles Kings VS. Montreal Canadians – 12:30PM
Los Angeles Clippers VS. Indiana Pacers – 7:30PM

- Saturday, January 7 -
Los Angeles Kings VS. Columbus Blue Jackets – 1:00PM
Los Angeles Clippers VS. Milwaukee Bucks – 7:30PM

- – -

If you look at the three opponents the Kings plan to host this season for matinee affairs, it seriously adds to the substance of this opinion.

Detroit Red Wings – November 19: This may be the final year in which the Kings host the Red Wings twice during the regular season. With the Atlanta Thrashers relocating to re-establish the Winnipeg Jets, there will more than likely be realignment between Conferences, implemented for the start of the 2012-2013 season. This means instead of seeing the Detroit Red Wings 4 times a year, 2 times at home, it will be 1-2 times a year, 0-1 times at home. Welcome this storied franchise appropriately, during prime-time. Yes, the red apparel floods the building, but you can’t help but deal with the presence of such a respectable organization.

Montreal Canadians – December 3: Yet another historic franchise, so far we’ve racked up two of the ‘Original Six’ teams and have accommodated terribly. Good or bad, it’s the Montreal Canadians, and they’re making a rare venture to Los Angeles, their previous visit to Staples Center being March 6, 2010. So again, it all seems sensible, doesn’t it? Begging for prime-time, if I say that one more time Deion Sanders is getting involved.

Columbus Blue Jackets – January 7: Having trouble with this one, I think it comes down to… Something like, it should be illegal for the Blue Jackets to play afternoon games on the road? Does that sound right?

Over a cup of coffee.

Pancakes for Kopi

Could it Happen?: Obviously, each of these clubs resume with their own schedule after the meeting in Los Angeles. The afternoon start-times more often suit Staples Center‘s basketball scheduling needs, but also factor’s into the opposition’s travel from the west coast. Here’s how the three opponent’s look following their skate in Los Angeles.

- Detroit Red Wings -
AT Staples Center: November 19, 1:00PM
AT Honda Center (Anaheim Ducks): November 20, 5:00PM
About an hour on the highway, certainly doable.

- Montreal Canadians -
AT Staples Center: December 3, 12:30PM
AT Bell Centre (Home Rink): December 6, 7:30PM
No travel issues, here. Do it.

- Columbus Blue Jackets -
AT Staples Center: January 7, 1:00PM
AT Honda Center (Anaheim Ducks): January 8, 5:00PM
Again, about an hour on the highway, doable.

Do the Kings and Staples Center actually pursue such an idea, pending the NBA‘s lockout negotiations? If the changes become a serious possibility, and these evening dates are considered available, I don’t see why not.

“Back-order my ass. Listen up hammerhead, my KingsCast Tee’s were supposed to be here three days ago.”

“You’re acting like there’s a Kings watch party at Hooters tonight or something. No man, because it’s f*cking August. That means McSorley’s on-call, buddy. How about taking one more look in that truck.”

PART THREE.

Déjà vu, for you: Our guest from Part II of today’s THREE-PART SERIES commemorating Wayne Gretzky‘s arrival to Los Angeles on August 9, 1988 joins us again for the final segment. Daniel Kim, who walked us through the happenings at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center in his role as hockey manager, now talks about his hockey career which began in Los Angeles during Gretzky’s hey-day with the Kings, topping it off in the pro’s skating with clubs in the WCHL and ECHL. Kim’s timeline fits in perfectly with the Gretzky trade, a positive result of a successful hockey product raised in Los Angeles during the specific time period we’re shooting for. Gretzky can make you want to play the sport, but he can’t provide a shot in the pro’s. So really, Kim fits the specific example I’m looking for.

Kim (12) with the ECHL‘s Bakersfield Condors

- – -

Backdrop: There are few professional hockey players that originate from Korea, very few. If we’re talking the number of Korean’s to ever play in the NHL, we’re talking two. Kim’s family moves to Los Angeles from Seoul, South Korea in 1982, Tinseltown not exactly a booming hockey market, either. Well, Koreatown. Nice choice on location though, Koreatown is fucking awesome.

Kim picked up the sport ten years after the move to LA, three years into Gretzky’s stint with the Kings. As a youth hockey player in Los Angeles, Kim skated with two Midget AAA travel clubs, the Anaheim Junior Ducks and the Ventura Mariners. After that, Kim spent some time at the Junior level with Bay City Bombers, and then went Collegiate with Santa Monica College and West Los Angeles College. Kim did indeed ‘Live The Dream’ according to the true hockey player, making his way to appearances in both the WCHL and ECHL over a span of four years. Let’s get to the talk, shall we?

- – -

KingsCast: Daniel, you were born in Korea, where hockey is not considered a major sport by any means. Then, at the age of 3, your family moved to Los Angeles, a city where hockey isn’t a major sport for the locals. So tell us, how did hockey become such a major part of your life, and eventually your early career?

DK: “I started hanging out at the rink with friends during Public Session and I had a friend who played hockey and got me interested.”

KingsCast: Hockey’s a tough sport to get involved in if there’s little interest from your parents. Were they familiar with the sport when you started playing? Did they encourage it?

DK: “My Dad played soccer in Korea but didn’t know anything about hockey. My parents were very supportive when it came to sports and studies. My parents sacrificed a lot of time by driving me to pretty much every rink in southern California to get me on the ice. I remember my mom working all day, then having to drive over an hour in traffic to get me to a rink for practice. I didn’t realize the sacrifices that my parents made until I was much older.”

KingsCast: Wayne Gretzky’s move to Los Angeles definitely added more buzz to the sport on the West Coast, did his presence have any effect on your youth career?

DK: “I was a Dodgers and Lakers fan growing up because of the coverage they had on TV. After Gretzky got here, the Kings were getting more coverage and I started to watch hockey on TV. I didn’t know how to play, but I was watching Gretzky and the Kings on TV. Once I started playing hockey, I became more of a Kings fan.”

KingsCast: Did you notice an overall change in the popularity of youth hockey once the sport’s icon played for the Kings? Was there an increase of youth programs instilled in the city?

DK: “It’s unbelievable, the numbers of rinks and travel hockey teams there are now because of Gretzky. He had an effect on roller hockey as well, there even used to be the Wayne Gretzky Inline center where kids can try to play hockey.“

KingsCast: To be able to play professionally, you need to develop your skills around other talent. Was it difficult to find skilled opponents in LA? Was there a lot of traveling outside of the city for games?

DK: We were the only AAA team out of Southern California at the time, we were traveling at least once a month to Colorado, Western Canada, Seattle, and all the way to Alaska to find competition.

KingsCast: When did you know you had a shot at playing in the ECHL?

DK: “I really never thought about it. I played in the WCHL prior to the league merging with the ECHL. Once they merged, I just focused on getting a job without giving it a try. I was working in Bakersfield as a Hockey Manager and the Coach of the Condors knew that I had pro hockey experience asked me to play a some games for them while I worked there.“

KingsCast: You were lucky enough to play with two California-based teams, the Long Beach Ice Dogs and the Bakersfield Condors. Take us through the overall experience of getting the chance to play pro in your local state.

DK: “The experience was awesome. I was lucky to have my Friends and especially my parents at every home game and some road games. Being born in Korea, a lot of the local fans didn’t know that I was from Southern California. Which was pretty funny because they wanted to know how the Hockey in Korea was.“

KingsCast: Best moment, story, you can share with us from your pro hockey career.

DK: “My first pro game was the home opener in Long Beach, I remember I was so nervous standing in the tunnel waiting to come out. During the first home game they announce the players and we skate out of the tunnel. My number was 2 and they announced the names in numerical order so I had to go first. I remember saying to myself “Just don’t fall or run into the referees and I’ll be fine.” The game itself was a blur, but that moment I will never forget.“

KingsCast: First Kings game?

DK: Against the Pens at the Ingelwood Forum. My dad bought tickets to watch Richard Park another Korean Native from Southern California.

KingsCast: All-Time Favorite Kings player.

DK: Wayne Gretzky and Ian Laparriere.

KingsCast: Favorite current Kings player.

DK: Drew Doughty

- – -

Hoping Drew Doughty agrees to a deal soon, for both your sake and mine. However, I think I may have you beat here. Circa the IHL’s Cleveland Lumberjacks 1996-1997 season.

Richard Park and Jim Paek, the only two Korean’s to ever play at the NHL level, and on the same team. The Cleveland Lumberjacks were my team at a young age, skating in the city where I was raised, and playing at the highest level (IHL) within the city’s limits. Richard Park played in 50 games for Cleveland in ’96/’97, whereas Jim Paek dressed in 74 games during the ’96/’97 season. Considering my frequent viewings, and the fact that it’s mathematically impossible that those two never played together, I can more than probably say I’ve seen a pretty awesome part of hockey history. Ironically, Jim Paek played for the Los Angeles Kings. During the ’94/’95 season, Paek dressed in 18 contests for the Kings, racking up a goal and an assist, ten penalty minutes, and a -1 rating.

And there you have it, words from Daniel Kim, a prime example of success during the ‘hockey boom’ in Los Angeles. Contact today’s guest, information available in Part II, and check out the ice at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center.

Hey you! What’s cooler than watching KingsCast, or reading KingsCast?!?

Easy answer, man. That would be: Watching KingsCast or reading KingsCast in your brand new awesome KingsCast T-Shirt. Gretzky probably would have done the same.

PART TWO.

In due celebration on this 23rd anniversary of Wayne Gretzky‘s trade to Los Angeles, we continue with today’s THREE-PART SERIES to celebrate the day that changed the game of hockey forever – August 9th, 1988. If you’ve missed out on Part 1, where the trade is analyzed along with it’s effect on the NHL, you can get it here. The NHL‘s expansion was the public’s broad view of Gretzky’s impact playing on the West Coast, but what about the city of Los Angeles itself? The sport’s popularity in LA certainly grew in the late 1980′s, early 1990′s as the Kings’ became more popularized around the city. But has it sustained consistency, with even more growth?

Kings’ logo revamp seems to be in effect, here.

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During the past week, I had the opportunity to chat with Daniel Kim, the hockey manager at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center. A pretty prominent figure at the rink, Daniel operates the many aspects needed to maintain successful youth hockey programs, also helping out behind the bench with the local travel team in Panorama City. The development of youth hockey in Los Angeles feeds straight back to August 9th, 1988, and the sport seems to continue to build on that growth. Without further ado, let’s check out a bit of the local youth hockey scene in Panorama City with Daniel Kim.

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KingsCast: For those who aren’t familiar with the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center, can you provide a quick rundown of the facility, what it has to offer to the public, and how long it has been in existence?

DK: “We are located in the San Fernando Valley about 30 minutes north of Downtown Los Angeles. We offer 2 sheets of ice with a snack bar and pro shop located inside. We have Skate school, Sticktimes (drop in hockey or stick and puck), Pick-up Hockey, Freestyles, Public Sessions, Special needs hockey and Broomball.”

KingsCast: With your position as ‘Hockey Manager’ at the LAKVIC, can you describe to us what that job description entails on a day-to-day basis?

DK: “I manage all youth hockey that the rink offers including in-house hockey, hockey classes and clinics. I also help manage the facility by scheduling employees, booking and selling ice, and make the rink schedule on a weekly basis. I also coach the travel program the West Valley Wolves.“

KingsCast: Hockey is obviously the aspect we’re targeting in this piece, how would you describe the current youth hockey scene at the LAKVIC?

DK: “Family environment, we cater to the youth hockey players either travel or house players by providing them sticktimes and public sessions.“

KingsCast: Have the LAKVIC‘s youth hockey numbers increased or decreased since your inception as hockey manager? Do you know why?

DK: “With the help of our coaches the numbers have increased by providing a strong house progam which feeds the travel program.“

KingsCast: How has the hockey scene at LAKVIC been affected by the success of the Kings?

DK: “Our Mighty Mite(ages 4-6) and Try Hockey Free programs have grown due to the success of the Kings.”

KingsCast: Do you provide both youth house and travel leagues?

DK: “Yes, we have a 9-under and 10-older program for our house leagues. The West Valley Wolves is our A/B travel program and The California Heat is our Tier progam. The California Heat Peewee AA won Nationals last season.“

KingsCast: How and when did the LAKVIC become affiliated with the Kings and can you describe the partnership?

DK: “We got the deal from the Kings in February of this year. Basically it’s a cross promotion with brand marketing of the LA Kings.“

KingsCast: Can you give me a few names of players that are either playing at the junior level, major collegiate, or professionally that have come through your program?

DK: “There have been so many hockey players that has started their hockey careers here that moved on to the ECHL, USHL, WHL, D-1 College and Prep schools. Here’s a few. Matt Ford (ECHL), Billy Ruggiero (CHL), Darren Rowe (USHL), Shane Harper (WHL), Billy Blasé (Yale) and Merrick Madsen (Prep).”

West Hills, CA native Matt Ford (middle) with the AHL‘s Lake Erie Monsters

KingsCast: How do you promote hockey to the youth at the LAKVIC; Special programs, deals, Kings player appearances?

DK: “We offer “try hockey free”, we rent out equipment to the kids, so they can try hockey for free. We also have a Special Needs program which the Kings are heavily involved. Every year the Kings send at least 3 players to the rink at the beginning of the season. The kids can skate with them and play hockey with them.”

KingsCast: If parents are interested in enrolling their kids into programs, how do they contact you?

DK: “E-mail me at d.kim@lakingsvalleyicecenter.com, reach me by telephone at 818-893-1784 x 225.”

KingsCast: Which local LA-based rink did you play at as a youth, on your path to the ECHL?

DK: “Growing up I lived in Los Angeles, and every rink was 20-45 minutes away. So I played at pretty much every rink. Other than this rink, I played at Valley Plaza, Pickwick(Burbank), Iceoplex (Simi Valley and North Hills), Anahiem Ice, Riverside Icetown, Culver Ice Arena, Paramount, and Bay Harbor(Torrance).“

Fresh ice, Always nice.

Well there you have it, folks, head over to Panorama City and test the skates out – brush off that summer rust while you’re at it. Check out the official website of the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center for further information on the facility and the numerous hockey programs they offer. And of course, note Daniel’s information in the interview, get in touch with him to get involved in their hockey community. This isn’t the last we’ve heard from special guest Daniel Kim in today’s celebration of August 9th, 1988. Be on the lookout tonight for yet another interview with Daniel, as he shares the story of his path to playing professional hockey in the East Coast Hockey League.

“I don’t think anybody really believed it would happen. And, when it did happen they (Canadians) were – you know, it was like the Prime Minister being sent to another country at that time.” – The same guy as Glen Sather

Where were you?: It happened 23 years ago today, a date that deserves to be celebrated for it’s colossal relation to our modern era of hockey. Whether it’s to honor the greatest transaction in Los Angeles Kings‘ history, or to honor the immense amount of positive change it rippled into the NHL‘s system, it’s a historical aspect of the game that deserves annual recognition.

Hold on now, there’s more: Wayne Gretzky put hockey on the map in Los Angeles and across the Southern half of the United States, which is why you’re getting hit with a THREE-PART SERIES to celebrate the occasion. We’re scoping out the trade itself in this article, followed by two interviews as I dig into the local LA hockey scene. Look out for an interview with the hockey manager at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center in Part II. Then, to top things off, I’ll profile a former ECHL player, raised in LA, who crafted together a stint in the pro’s in Part III. Keep them eyelids peeled, folks.

Relocation Station

There’s no question, Wayne Gretzky‘s venture to Los Angeles planted NHL expansion to unfamiliar areas, the league hoping to feed off of the success the Kings’ franchise glorified in after the trade. If there’s anything to seriously symbolize the explosion of hockey in LA upon the Gretzky acquisition, it’s the Kings becoming the first professional sports team in Los Angeles to ever sell out it’s seats to every game in one full season. “KO-BE!” *Air Jumpshot* Air ball.

Expand, the NHL did, and in rapid fashion, which is probably why a few clubs on the map find themselves troubled. Am I the only one displeased that Round two in Atlanta couldn’t work out? Starting in 1991, three years after Gretzky arrived in LA, the NHL was planting teams on the Southern end of the country faster than your local nursery was potting tulips in April. Until 1999, a quick eight-year span, ten clubs were placed in the Southern half of the United States. Nine of the ten Southern clubs are still operating in their respective markets in a well-balanced group, some with a reputation of striking success, others scraping to stay afloat.

California, most notably, has had much success with the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks, two teams residing in the region where the NHL was reborn. Raleigh, NC and Nashville, TN have embraced their teams from the start, validating those moves. Florida seems to be getting by just fine, no booming markets in Tampa and Miami by any means, but they’ve seemed to make ends meet since their expansion. Hockey in the desert is running dry, the Phoenix Coyotes having to reach out to the taxpayers in Glendale for financial support – just to survive another season. As for Dallas, attendance numbers have been ugly as of late, and ownership is in the process of trying to sell the Stars. Overall, not too shabby of a result to the Southern experiment.

Get on the Buss, Execute the Deal.

In attendance for the 1985 NHL Awards, former Kings owner Jerry Buss reached out to former Edmonton Oilers‘ owner Peter Pocklington to express interest in Gretzky. On the night Buss approached Pocklington, Gretzky was receiving his sixth consecutive Hart Memorial Trophy, fresh off of the best season of his NHL career. In ’84-’85, Gretzky notched 73 Goals, 135 Assists, totaling 208 Points. Disgusting. Inhumane. If you’re looking for good timing, or the right place, don’t look here. It’s like trying to be in the right place at the right time, to propose a trade for Wayne Gretzky, and you’re going to the ’85 Awards to do it. Not your best bet, by a long shot. But it’s a bold move, and that had to stick with Peter Pocklington.

This may have been a ‘one last shot’ ordeal for Buss as Kings’ owner, as Bruce McNall began to purchase shares of the franchise in the summer of ’85, ultimately taking over full ownership in 1988. McNall followed up with Peter Pocklington about Gretzky numerous times, building off of his predecessor. McNall finally struck serious interest from Pocklington in the summer of ’88, as relations between Gretzky and the Oilers were scuffling through unhealthy contract communications.

Pocklington wanted cash: the Kings had cash. Pocklington wanted draft picks: the Kings handed over a full-line’s worth. Marvelous work by McNall here, who cashed in on a vulnerable Pocklington, who was working in the midst of frustration and panic about Gretzky’s contract. Not even five years later, McNall pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud, swiping $236 million from six banks on defaulted loans. Nice. Great job getting Gretzky to LA, though, man.

“We went from having 5, 6, 7,000 fans a night, to all of a sudden being mobbed, sold out every game, having celebrities running around locker rooms, you have President Reagan calling me for seats on the ice. It was the place to be, and the place to be seen.” – Bruce McNall

“Maybe hockey’s not LA’s #1 sport, but all of a sudden there was so much notoriety about Gretzky’s arrival in Los Angeles, some people called up right after the trade and said: ‘I’ve never been to a hockey game before but I want four season tickets.’ Ticket reps replied with ‘I don’t know where you’ll be sitting’. ‘I don’t care, here’s my credit card number, put me down for four’.” – Bob Miller

He may have won his four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, but Wayne Gretzky‘s broad-based legacy will forever be seen through his history with the Los Angeles Kings. When a player and a certain team can combine to be larger than four Stanley Cup championships, it was something special, and it still is something special. The impact Gretzky had on the NHL and the game of hockey is astonishing, he didn’t just put Los Angeles on the hockey map, he made it a landmark. His involvement in the game is crucial; a position in the NHL is open when he’s ready, and don’t believe for a minute that the Kings haven’t thrown out the offer.

“It’s like selling the Mona Lisa. You think it’s yours, and suddenly he’s gone. Wayne Gretzky put Edmonton on the map.” – Jim Matheson

More than just Edmonton, Jim.

“The bottom line for me, I would have rather invested my money with Bernie Madoff than invest in Edmonton’s word.” – Dean Lombardi per Helene Elliott

“My history with players is that if I get a guy that wants to be traded, I probably don’t want him. I want the guy who’s hurt by the trade.” - Dean Lombardi per Dennis Bernstein

A well deserved dagger tossed by Dean Lombardi earlier in the month, and a sensible view on dealing with unhappy players during Mike Richards‘ introductory media event. Unfortunately, no player was hurt in the deal that sent Ryan Smyth to the Edmonton Oilers just over a month ago. Instead, June 26′s transaction quickly grew to become a nasty, lingering aftertaste throughout the Kings’ front office and fan-base that could be no more satisfying than a healthy punch to the gut. What’s the most distasteful part about the entire process and it’s result? Tough to rank ‘em from worst to worst-er, so let’s just compile a nice list:

1) At some point in Late-April until June, Ryan Smyth requested a trade out of Los Angeles,  to the f*cking Oilers and no one else  preferrably to the Edmonton Oilers.

2) Word got out, Smyth denied the allegations. Those allegations ultimately caused his nose to get even larger. #pinocchio

HOLY COW!

3) He says it’s for family reasons, Edmonton being a very familiar and friendly setting for his family, the Oilers being a comfortable and historic team to end his career with.

4) Dean Lombardi shows respect to Smyth by acting on his request, a quirky one at that, considering where the Kings and Oilers stand in 2011-2012 respectively.

5) Dean calls Oilers’ GM Steve Tambellini.

6) “Oh hey Dean, yeah not much, just being a huge douche. How have you been?”

7) They agree on a deal, giving the Kings forward Gilbert Brule and a 4th-round draft pick for Smyth. The Kings planned on dumping Brule once the deal was finalized, but you can’t dump a player that’s not cleared to play, RIGHT STEVE TAMBELLINI? Brule’s health conditions called off the reportedly done-deal, his history of head injuries, one of which a concussion he was still recovering from, and a rumor of depression as the cause. OK, there’s one down.

Number 8 still unsigned.

9) They agree on a deal after the initial deal they agreed on was no longer concurred upon. This time, it’s forward Colin Fraser and a 7th-round selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. This deal is actually finalized, just two days after the Gilbert Brule report. Fraser, however, was a player the Kings planned on keeping in their system. And what do you know, further analysis by the Kings’ medical staff after the trade showed his ankle fracture not properly healed, deeming him ineligible to play. Fraser’s facture was publicized, but the Oilers stated that he would be clear to play in just a few days. Word had it that the ankle may require surgery, and that it did, with Fraser going under the knife this week in Cleveland, Ohio – he is out indefinitely.

10) Dean Lombardi, 34 days after the trade, lands the blow I’ve been waiting for since June 26. Lombardi files a formal grivance to the NHL regarding Colin Fraser‘s health conditions at the time of his trade to Los Angeles.

“This is twice. There comes a point where you say this is wrong.”

Here’s the way it needs to go, the way it should go. It’s not “if” the Kings get anything from this lawsuit, but “what”. The trade won’t get revoked, Smyth is 100% done in Los Angeles, scratch that possibility off the board. What adds even more fuel to this fire is the proposed deal BEFORE Colin Fraser, the transaction falling short with Gilbert Brule due to last-minute medical revelations. Look at it any way you want, but the Edmonton Oilers attempted to deal two injured players in the span of two days. Excuse my french, but fucking up like that doesn’t happen to honest professional franchises twice in as many days. Sorry, but this is on Tambellini and the entire Edmonton franchise.

The grievance has been filed, which calls for NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to open his schedule for a hearing. Bettman, who analyzes and files all grievances has yet to set a date for the meeting. Don’t fall for the Red Herring, Gary. This is an obstacle for Bettman, unlike many would think. His decision sets a strong precedent for trade grievances from here on, an issue that hasn’t been addressed too often since the lockout. If we’re staying true to the rules, Lombardi and the Kings pay off from filing this grievance.

We’re not in Kansas City, yet: But the marketing released is warming up the approach to the start of the season. As touched upon a few weeks back, the Kings will make their return to Kansas City’s Sprint Center for a preseason contest after a one year hiatus from AEG‘s Missouri-based complex. This will be the farthest the Kings travel at that point in time, September 27, after a home-and-home split-squad series against the Phoenix Coyotes and an exhibition with the Anaheim Ducks at Staples Center. A promotional advertisement has been released for the affair, and tickets start at just $10 – The exact same price charged by the person who produced and edited the commercial. What a deal.

Let’s just go over things here:

Horrendously banal hockey metaphors – CHECK
Footage of a former King: Wayne Simmonds – CHECK
Footage of  that scumbag another former King: Ryan Smyth – CHECK
Footage of Tom Preissing as an Alternate Captain – WHAT (Seriously, look close)
Is that Jonathan Quick wearing an all-white mask? – Check, I’m not sure.
Horrendously banal hockey metaphors – CHECK
Like more than 30 Jarret Stoll highlights – CHECK

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Hey, if you think John Ahlers and Brian Hayward are downright f*cking atrocious at calling hockey games, discretely present your stance by wearing four-leaf clover sunglasses.

Now we know where Bob and Jim stand, others seem to think it’s a pretty fair consensus as well.

Kings ‘Caster’s Ranked High: A contributing writer over at SB Nation provided solid insight into the TV broadcast teams associated with each NHL club, in ranking them from worst to best. According to the list, the Bob Miller and Jim Fox tandem are ranked at five-stars, which only includes three other commentator couples – the voices of the Nashville Predators, the Florida Panthers, and the Dallas Stars. Jack Edwards of the Boston Bruins is ripped to shreds in this piece, and it almost wasn’t enough. Man, – He’s just terrible, bottom line. And what do you know? Ahlers and Hayward are hit first, and deservedly so. Oh, and to my Red Wings buddy, who constantly degrades the in’s and out’s of the Kings franchise in comparison to that of Detroit’s, often slamming the Kings’ tradition. Well, looks like Ken Daniels, Mickey Redmond, and Larry Murphy are traditionally bad at calling games. Eat that cake, Arthur.

Swede Additions

Where there’s Vacancy: Now, the only sources I’ve been able to find are on European websites, forcing me to send along this news thanks to a few attempts with a translator. However, the news is reliable and %100 true. Bud Holloway and Oscar Moller are giving their career’s a shot in the Swedish Elite League for the time being, agreeing to terms with Skellefteå AIK.

For Bud Holloway, this is an outlet he needed to pursue because of his situation in Los Angeles, a situation that simply wasn’t the best for his personal doing. It’s a decision you’ve got to understand; Holloway has consistently produced at the AHL level the past three seasons, tallying 145 points (65 goals and 80 assists) in a Manchester Monarchs uniform since the 2008-2009 season. Not once has Holloway dressed in a regular season game for the Kings, he’s been battling a heavy slew of prospects at the wing position since he left the WHL. The Kings’ moves in the offensive department this summer didn’t help his outlook, either.

As for Oscar Moller, his rookie contract failed to reach agreement on negotiations, and the Sweden native returns home by inking a two year deal with the same club as Holloway, Skellefteå AIK. Moller, who dressed in Los Angeles for 87 games, could never cement a role with the Kings. In his time in a Kings uniform, Moller supplied 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists). Often shifting through various lines, Moller never clicked with a certain pair to seriously instigate a permanent spot on the roster. His stature has been one of his biggest setbacks, where his speed becomes undermined. He may be able to get first-step to loose pucks, or track down an opposing player who’s possessing the puck, but retrieving that puck was an issue with his size and strength. The SEL looks to be a smart move for Moller, where he’ll see an increase in skill level and a decrease in physical play – compared to the AHL.

Who’s taking bets?

If there’s a pool for preseason hockey that exists, the Fox Sports West site might be of help. We’re losing to the Anaheim Ducks on October 3rd, at Staples Center. *SIGH

“I’m telling you, it’s 3-2 Ducks over Kings in October 3 Exhibition.”

Welcome to Los Angeles, Mike Richards.

Honda Center might lose it’s NBA dates, too. Oh wait, they didn’t get that team.

“Ok Stolly, I’ve got two ruts and a puddle in sight. Send word back – ‘Stay to the right!’”

Most have heard about the lockout threatening the NBA‘s 2011-2012 campaign by now, but who would’ve known that the Association’s labor talks actually hold some interesting implications for the Kings? The NBA houses two clubs at Staples Center, two clubs that vacate a minimum of 82 dates each year. For every single one of those dates, the Kings’ playing surface sits under multiple layers needed for configuration of the basketball courts. And every single time it happens, the quality of that ice is constantly battling damage – not exactly ideal. Ice conditions at Staples Center could very well be on the upside during the coming season, a building that has a shaky resume for maintaining a quality sheet.

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During the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend festivities in Raleigh this past season, the players voted on the worst ice sheet in the league.

Party for Marty!

What say you, Drew?

Paint Job: Roll through the countless Kings headlines this summer, and one of the most important issues has been tossed to the side like downtown cab cards. I’ve made an attempt to tackle that forgotten topic, making a formal request to the Staples Center maintenance department late last week for some insight on the plans for the design at center ice this season. Since the Kings made the move to Staples Center in 1999, the center ice has logo has remained the same – the silver, purple, and black crown – the now defunct primary logo for the Kings. You’ve got to put your money on the ‘LA shield’ logo as the new imprint at center ice. However, cutting that logo down the center (for the red line) might be tricky, as the ‘LA’ isn’t exactly centered, and the crown below is a lot smaller, where the red line would eliminate a lot of it’s presence. Don’t expect to see any purple at center ice some September, but maybe this? I’d almost give the purple-less crown a better shot than the new primary logo, hopefully we’ll know soon. I’m expecting to hear back from a member of the maintenance department early this week. For those who are attending Development Camp at the Toyota Sports Center, send word this way if you’re seeing any changes to the artwork on their ice sheets.

Paid in due.

Martinez Renewed: No surprise here, the Kings avoided arbitration with defenseman Alec Martinez by agreeing to a two-year deal worth $1.475 million on Friday. Martinez, who was called upon in November from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs, solidified his name on the Kings roster immediately. Martinez arrived in Los Angeles to provide a spark to the Kings’ 2nd powerplay unit, and that he did. Along with that came sound defensive coverage coupled with an above average offensive skill-set for a back-end player. Martinez, in his first full season in the NHL recorded 5 goals and 11 assists in 60 games during the regular season. That doesn’t scream success, but when you back it up with a +11 plus/minus, you’re talking about a key asset. Let’s not get started with the value of the +/- rating statistic, the guy is dependable on the blue line – that you cannot argue.

Court Date: Unlike Martinez, Brad Richardson hasn’t been as fortunate this summer. If the Kings and Richardson can’t come to terms by July 21st, the negotiations will be decided by way of arbitration. Richardson made $900,000 last season, and has just 10 days to see the Kings agree to improve upon those numbers. I agree with the Kings’ strategy thus far, as Richardson bothered me throughout most of the year. Numerous fans praised his postseason performance, but other than his forecheck and transition presence, I haven’t seen much else. He’s got trouble finishing plays, winning loose pucks, and triggering production. In 68 regular season games, a lowly 7 goals and 12 assists were in Richardson’s name. The guy pours out 8 points in the San Jose series, and fans love him. Haven’t seen anything good enough to demand a raise, I expect the Kings to take this contract to court.

Paper Chasin’

Business Approach: It’s taking a lot longer than most fans have hoped in Drew Doughty agreeing to terms on a new contract with the Kings. The kid wants money, and his agents Don Meehan and Mark Guy are pushing for a healthy pay-day. Reports have surfaced that Doughty is looking to become the highest paid player on the roster next season, where Anze Kopitar tops the list, due for a $6.8 million salary next year. Doughty is apparently looking for $7 million a year, while Dean Lombardi has offered something in the vicinity of $5.5 million per season. Taking contract negotiations personally as a fan is difficult not to do, but you’ve got to understand the strategy from Doughty’s camp here. Something will get done, Doughty will remain a King, and probably for quite a while.

Looks at the Rook’s

Development Camp: The first taste of 2011-2012 Kings hockey takes place tomorrow at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo. You can find the schedule and roster here, where most of the prospects withing the organization will be skating in preparation for Rookie Camp and Training Camp. Last year’s first selection for the Kings in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Derek Forbert, is questionable for participation. Forbert reportedly is dealing with a bad back, possibly stemming from his struggles with mononucleosis during his freshman season at the University of North Dakota last year.

When Alexei Ponikarovsky is considered to be a GM’s ‘Plan B’ while musing the free-agent market, things aren’t good. When Alexei Ponikarovsky is shipped to Carolina simultaneously as  a ‘Plan B’ of Simon Gagne is inked in Los Angeles, things are downright stupendous.

What a fu*king train-wreck that Ryan Smyth deal turned out to be, eh? Might’ve been better off trading him for a bag of pucks, but chances are, those would’ve come with defaults too. We wouldn’t want Steve Tambellini sending fair product or anything.

But far more important are the stellar acquisitions Dean Lombardi executed this past week to land Mike Richards and Simon Gagne from the Philadelphia Flyers. The additions of Richards and Gagne add some serious credibility to the Kings being tabbed Stanley Cup contenders next season. If there’s reasonable dispute to that, th – - there is no such thing.

Out of Town

Alexei Ponikarovsky and Michal Handzus have found new digs, riding free-agency out of Los Angeles. Ponikarovsky has a new home with the Carolina Hurricanes, agreeing on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million. Good riddance, attributing for a lowly 5 goals and 15 assists in 61 games this season. Ponikarovsky, who was brought to Los Angeles to replace Alexander Frolov, was a non-factor all season long. Carolina may be Ponikarovsky’s final stint in the NHL, with the KHL likely to embrace the final years of his pro career. A more notable departure is that of Michal Handzus, who has commited to the San Jose Sharks for two years at a combined salary of $5 million. Handzus ends his 4-year tenure in a Kings uniform, marking his symbol with the franchise as a solid, dependable, 3rd-4th line centerman. He honored his quiet, under appreciated duty, and always with pure class. Unfortunately, the team is straying away from his need, which is not to say he doesn’t still belong in the league – just as San Jose has noticed.

Is this Wade, James, Bosh status? Just call 7 Cups with some smoke machines behind you.

Along with Ilya Bryzgalov, Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn found their way to Phildadephia, prime assets in the deal that brought Mike Richards to the Kings.

Philly West

Adding these two players to the Kings’ roster is absolutely outstanding, and has the writing on the wall to elevate the team to being a serious Stanley Cup threat. Richards brings a prominent name to the 2nd line centerman position, totaling 158 points in his last two seasons – including the postseason. He’ll add security for Anze Kopitar, who will most likely remain atop the centerman depth chart. When you’re talking Richards, you’re talking prominent – you’re talking elite. The Kings haven’t just added another offensive outlet, but one that instills a resume with serious playmaking ability.

After falling short in the Brad Richards‘ sweepstakes, the Kings agreed to terms with Simon Gagne for 2 years at $7 million. Gagne, who spent last season with the Tampa Bay Lighting, is coming off of consecutive 40 point seasons with 17 goals and 23 assists. Gagne, at this point, can be considered as a fixture on any of the Kings’ top three lines.

The Ryan Smyth deal couldn’t get any uglier, as reports are claiming that Colin Fraser is still recovering from an injury that will keep him out for the first four months of the season. Fraser was the second player offered in the Smyth talks, after Gilbert Brule was nixed from the initial deal for his concussion history. Man, talk about leaving a sour taste.

The inevitable has taken form. The best of luck on your future endeavors, Smytts.

Not many players can pull off white skates, either. We’re talking Fedorov status here.

Sorry to see him go, the seasoned veteran who was hitched to this club in Dean Lombardi‘s marvelous acquisition in July of 2009. He brought with him experience to mold the development of an extremely young roster, he immediately proved himself worthy of still being a top-six forward, and the guy always got it done on the power-play, smack-dab in his roundhouse – the crease.

It was only a matter of time, really. Initial word had gotten out that Ryan Smyth approached Dean Lombardi in request of a trade out of Los Angeles about a week ago. When confronted about the revelation, Smyth firmly denied the allegations, which soon after turned out to be true. You’ve got to be somewhat happy for Smyth, who now can end his career where it started, and where it was embraced – with the Edmonton Oilers. Family has been said to be the fueling factor to this entire soap opera, where making home in Alberta was top priority. But, a bigger priority than a decent shot at the Stanley Cup with the Kings? The Oilers are about two years behind the Kings in terms of developing a young roster, and the way Smyth lagged during the second-half of this season, a renewed or extended contract with the Oil is far from guaranteed. That could give Smyth one final season in Edmonton, where Cup hopes are nothing but hope and optimism, compared to one final season in Los Angeles, where serious contention is in full gear. Welp, it is what is it.

I mean, come on! The guy still used lumber, a true vet.

Sure wasn’t LeBron James leaving Cleveland-like, but I was a bit turned off in the manner Smyth handled the whole ordeal. At first, I backtracked to his denial of the rumors, and tabbed him as a liar. But think, really, what does a professional athlete of Smyth’s caliber do in that situation? Keep it quiet, better for yourself, better for the internals of the team. The whole thing was true, that’s all that mattered.

The Kings received two assets in the trade, Centerman Colin Fraser and a boost in Cap Space. Fraser, unlike the first player the Oilers offered, Gilbert Brule, will actually get a shot to make the Kings’ roster. The cap space freed from dropping Smyth’s contract allows for more leverage in renewing Drew Doughty‘s contract or hitting the market again for a pursuable top-six left winger. Bittersweet.

I’m done analyzing draft prospects for three reasons:

1) Chances are, I’m one of the last resources on earth you’re coming to for insight on draft selections.

2) I’ve got no ability when it comes to predicting a player’s professional career, and not many people do. However, a lot of people think they do.

3) I’d probably be twisting a healthy combination of opinions and analysis from others into banal summaries, so let’s just scrap it.

Don’t mean we ain’t talkin’ draft, though! What’s in the closet Mr. Gibson?

“Yeah yeah, heartwarming stories about your childhood, save it for an FSW intermission feature segment or something, Chris. But how fu*king crispy are those new roadies?!?”

Apparently I’ve been completely unaware that clubs unveil new sweaters during the NHL Entry Draft, or this is something new. Along with the Kings completing their new set, the Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators both introduced pieces of their new wardrobes. I expected an unveiling of this jersey to come at LA Kings Hockey Fest on September 11th, but I was obviously wrong. Most of us knew what was coming, including myself, so how’s the newly officialized outfit combination fit your taste?

I figured the Kings would keep purple in the wardrobe for the alternate, but never expected the black hem-line sweater to take the position. Quite frankly, last year’s throwback specialty jersey should’ve been tabbed as the full-time alternate.

Fortunately, these beaut’s will grace the roster’s dress-code three times during the 2011-2012 season, once again designated as the Kings’ ‘specialty jersey’.

I’ve got to tab the newly released road uniforms as my favorite to the new set. Ironically, I’ve got a strong distaste for the black version, which was introduced in November 2008. The decision to make the former home uniforms, the black hem-lines, as the new alternate doesn’t make much sense. Usually an alternate uniform presents a fresh look, instead the Kings are keeping grasps with a template that not only represents a somewhat bleak era in Kings history, but a design that simply does not fit in with the new look. Contrast is all right, but if you’re looking to do it the right way, you implement something with roots to the franchise. I’ve grown on the new looks, and the sharp addition introduced this weekend strengthens my acceptance to the change.

*NHL Network Fail

Not dogging on the crown, but get your sh*t straight!

Word has it Ryan Smyth wants out of Los Angeles, musing dreams of a return to Edmonton.
Word has it Ryan Smyth doesn’t want out of Los Angeles. Cat and Mouse games.
Say it ain’t so, Smytts. I never expected a move like this from you, regardless of your value to this team. Unprofessional, Edmonton shouldn’t even be impressed with the allegations.

“Sick Hair.” Smytty Hair.

He asked for it. Clues have been piling up since the initial leak, pointing all signs to this claim to be truthful. I’d like to get something out to you folks first, before the actual hockey part is discussed. Disappointment – that’s how I feel about Ryan Smyth right now. Regardless if you think he’s still a good fit for the Kings’ roster or not, this isn’t a tactic I’d ever expect to see from Smytts. Yeah, he had the bad fortune of his words hitting public ear, but these revelations are a pretty big turn-off. If he likes his chances in Edmonton for the next three years, then he must really want out of Los Angeles. Didn’t expect this from a respected, seasoned veteran who has been a huge asset to this club’s growth over the past two seasons. I’m a huge Ryan Smyth fan, and please don’t let his horrid second-half relate to my appreciation for him, and denounce the rest of this entry. There are too many allegations and rumors ablaze, let’s just talk about the pros and cons in the situation that has developed around #94.

Can’t help but say, something smells downright fishy in this b*tch!

Pass the Tartar Sauce.

Whenever any player requests a move, chances are the reaction from the current club’s fanbase won’t be too sincere. For Smyth and those of the Kings, that has been the case. The majority of the fans seem to be welcoming a move, rather than sorting things out with the 15-year veteran. Unfortunately, that’s fueling a lot more hatred toward Smyth than I believe necessary. He was attacked on a consistent basis last summer from various analysts, as his age suddenly became a glowing negativity to his future. Smyth started the season on fire, contributing to Kings’s offensive production at a torrent pace. The overall consensus is a decline in Smyth’s performance, even though he recorded just six fewer points this season than he did in ’09-’10. However, Smyth tallied his 47 points in 82 games this year, compared to 53 in just 67 games the previous season. The ratios will clear the air. But is a near 50-point season a burden to this roster? That may not matter, the player may not match the role anymore.

Revelations have recently come about that there was a disgruntled veteran on the roster this season, and all fingers point at that being Smyth. You’ve got to be crazy to believe the Edmonton Oilers have a better shot at the Stanley Cup than the Kings in the coming three seasons. Is this selfishness we’re witnessing, an ego that can’t subdue itself? Smyth is clearly willing to surrender a decent shot at the Cup before his NHL career ends, in order to return home to headline a roster bundled with young, inexperienced prospects. But would he headline that roster? Edmonton’s core can develop on it’s own just fine, the past is nothing the Oilers need to flirt with. Smyth needs to realize his role in Los Angeles is more valuable, and that the opportunities are much greater with the Kings. Has he burned that bridge?

If Smyth does in fact get dealt, it only means a jump in the process for prospect initiation, or more action from Dean Lombardi in the free-agent market. If I had to guess a sensible time for a trade, it would happen in Minnesota this weekend at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. I could see Lombardi acting on an offer that included a couple of mid-round draft picks, the Edmonton Oilers happen to have two in the third round. Edmonton can’t exactly handle Smyth’s price easily, as they’ll be hesitant to give up cap-space, while the Kings’ are looking to drop some numbers for the free-agent market.

“Dustin Penner needs to workout ‘this much’ during the summer.”

“This is also my reaction every time we’re on the Powerplay.”
“Ryan Smyth‘s nose is this big.” Next Question?

Per Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider, who sat down for an interview with Kings’ General Manager Dean Lombardi earlier today, a preview was provided of their transcribed dialogue. No direct quotes are provided, but Hammond gives a pretty clear view of how their talk played out. Of course, the first topic of discussion revolved around the NHL Entry Draft, which takes place in Minnesota this weekend. The two continued to touch on an intriguing contract renewal offer to a well-known defensive asset, the offseason free-agent market, Dustin Penner‘s summer, and the status of players on the mend. Quite frankly, Dean Lombardi seems to be on par with my outlook.

“The Kings, whose first pick in the draft is scheduled to be No. 49, would consider options to trade back into the first round but only for a deal that makes sense, not just for the sake of it. This year’s first round is not considered especially deep.”

Couldn’t agree more, and don’t expect Lombardi and the Kings to find a sensible deal this weekend either. Prospects aren’t atop the list of priorities this club needs to approach in the coming years, there is plenty of development in the Kings’ system. This isn’t the type of draft you throw a party for, the Kings are slotted for a 1st selection at #49 overall in the 2nd Round, and the year’s group isn’t too deep from the looks. This feeds into the mindset that trading up for a selection is clearly unnecessary, the Kings take the best player at their given time, nothing more needs to be done this weekend.

“Within the past few days, the Kings have made a “major” offer to Drew Doughty’s agent. Lombardi has made two trips to Toronto — location of the office of Don Meehan’s, Doughty’s agent — within the past four weeks, and the Kings would like to get a deal done before the draft, if possible. Lombardi said he is certainly aware of the risk of an offer sheet to Doughty but is not overly concerned.”

Key word – major. This quote screams long-term deal for Drew Doughty, just about cements Doughty as a King for the majority of his NHL career. Did I expect this to be an off-season move for Dean Lombardi? Not necessarily. Lombardi has preached work ethic and offseason conditioning since he’s been in Los Angeles, two departments many agree Doughty has lacked in. However, the smarts, the skill, and the presence are too much to risk parting ways with, especially when there’s experience and maturity still needed. I was 50/50 when it came to offering a long-term offer this summer, I was leaning toward a 2-3 year deal. Really, you couldn’t go wrong either way, and the player we’re dealing just has too much promise to even consider breaking ties with.

“The Kings are still in the market for a top-level forward, either through free agency or trade. Lombardi said that even if it was guaranteed that Dustin Penner would have a big season, statistically, the Kings would still seek outside help to improve their scoring numbers, both 5-and-5 and on the power play. Penner, Lombardi said, has been dedicated to working hard so far this summer, and Lombardi expressed optimism.”

Stop showing up looking like you spent your previous night engulfed in High Life’s after dinner at some grease barn. And, stop playing like shit. Liking that Lombardi stresses staying on the market this summer, as there are a few notable names in the mix that would fit the Kings’ direction. I’ll talk Zach Parise until it becomes a favorable rumor, as the New Jersey Devils filed for arbitration on their contract negotiations just days ago. He’ll be 27 years old at the start of the season, and is coming off of 92 and 84 point campaigns prior to just playing 13 games this year due to injury. He’s undoubtedly a top-line left winger, and will provide other options for fitting Dustin Penner into the system.

“Anze Kopitar is making great progress from his recovery from ankle surgery, Lombardi said, as is Justin Williams from his shoulder surgery. Willie Mitchell and Jonathan Quick also had minor medical procedures but will be ready for the start of training camp.”

As expected, good news coming regarding injuries, which is usually the case during the offseason. Anze Kopitar, who is back in Slovenia for a part of the summer, was feeling good enough for a round of golf just a few days ago. Kopitar played in a charity event, with some sick shorts and ankle tape for support. Rich Hammond blogs it here, and the original article here.

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

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

While it’s hot!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As heartless as it gets.

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

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

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

Series Outlook

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

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

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

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

Charles Smith – Executive Producer at INSIDE SPORTS

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

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

Matt Reitz – Writer at Pro Hockey Talk for NBC Sports

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

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

Dave Joseph – Morning Sportscenter Anchor at 710 ESPN Los Angeles

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

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

Gann Matsuda – Executive Publisher at FrozenRoyalty.Net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’ll miss you, buddy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Leaving a Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OK, legit.

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

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

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

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

ALL ABOARD!

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

BAILEY Cameo – TOP RIGHT

For the “Sunshine State”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You know what that means, time for another…

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

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

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

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

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