.

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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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Here again for some quick updates regarding discussion in Monday’s Pork And Beans.

Guilty of riding an off-season glittered with overrated applause for his 5-point postseason performance.

Richardson Renewed: Just four days after the Kings agreed to terms with Alec Martinez, the only other arbitration threat for the Kings, Brad Richardson and the Kings did the same. Richardson’s raise sees him cashing in for $1 million next season, and $1.35 million in 2012-1013, an improvement from the $900,000 earned this past season. Sure, I moderately agree with the signing, but I was bothered with Richardson’s performance this season. I had high hopes last summer while coming off of an 11 goal, 16 assist campaign, those hopes weren’t fulfilled. The statistics don’t portray a sharp decline in performance, due to games played, but his presence was quite weak this year. Great on the forecheck and transition game, Richardson had trouble MAKING plays. He can initiate turnovers with his consistent pursuit to the puck, but he rarely gets to it, or recovers it. Richardson may be able to initiate quick transition with his movement without the puck, but there’s no threat when entering the opposing zone when he has the puck.  Whether it’s late decisions, opting for a top-circle wrist-shot instead of challenging the outside with his speed, or a giveaway dump-in where he’s overcome by strength, the execution just isn’t there.

Do not touch!

Concept for Ice at Staples Center in 2011-2012.

Training Seminar: I correct myself from my last blog, claiming the crown has been imprinted since the inception of Staples Center in 1999. For the first time since 2003, the artwork at center ice will require new stencils. I hope the maintenance staff, which unfortunately were quite difficult to speak with, are really frustrated with this change. As expected, it’s the Kings’ new primary logo. I heard back today from a Staples Center receptionist, who “claimed” to have followed up on my request, but the only word in her dictionary seemed to be “yes” – to everything. Probably just trying to get me off of the phone. But before that, KingsCast reader ULVkingsfan got me the credible source I needed. The 3D seat viewer on the official website has the new primary logo at center ice, which all but deems it official.

So, Dustin Penner‘s getting in shape, eh?

 

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.

Filling that Kings hockey void is Part 5 of the 2011 KingsCast Roundtable series. In this brand new episode, the experts discuss who’s played their last game as a King, who’s got a future with the team & how the roster compares to that of current Cup contenders. Detailed debate on Stoll, Smyth, Handzus, Mitchell, Richardson, Lewis and more! In memory of Jon Moncrief.

 

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.

 

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

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

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

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

No Line Changes?!?!

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

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

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

Bottom Line

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

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

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

Kick ‘em while they’re down. Talk about seizing opportunity, tonight’s contest sees the Kings in Pittsburgh to face the injury-riddled Penguins. The franchise record 10 game road-swing hits the fourth installment, the Kings have snagged five out of the six possible points so far on the trip with a 2-0-1 record. The Penguins enter the night sitting at 4th place in the Eastern Conference with 72 points. A roster that is ordinarily problematic for opponents enters the night considerably shorthanded without four of their top forwards. As the Kings continue to fight their way back into the Western Conference‘s top eight, they must take advantage of a bruised Pittsburgh Penguins roster. The key losses to their offense has shown, Pittsburgh is riding two consecutive losses with just one goal combined in both contests.

Winter Classic Curse? All was right in the world for the Penguins heading into the Winter Classic on New Year’s day. That is, until Sidney Crosby suffered a concussion by way of a blind-side hit from Washington’s David Steckel. A tough loss, Crosby was on track for a career season, he’s been out of the lineup since. Just days later, Evgeni Malkin‘s season ended as he went down with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, surgery has him out indefinitely. Chris Kunitz became the next victim, suffering a lower-body injury during warm-ups prior to Pittsburgh’s contest Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kunitz, who is in the midst of one of the best years of his career, is expected to be out for about a week. Then, we have the absence of Matt Cooke. Good riddance, a four game suspension doesn’t justify the crap this guy continues to pull. His hit on Columbus’ Fedor Tyutin was the latest installment to add to his dirty reputation, nice knowing he won’t be on the ice tonight. Combined, the losses to this roster account for a total of 162 points this season, 75 goals and 87 assists. The Penguins promoted four players from their AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins to fill open spots.

Kevin Westgarth will dress tonight after being a healthy scratch for the previous six games. The Penguins will undoubtedly take a physical approach tonight, looking to create scoring opportunities in any fashion possible with critical production out of the lineup. Does this justify Westgarth making a return to the lineup? I’m torn. I’ve been frustrated with his play throughout the season. If Pittsburgh’s injuries revolved around their defense, scratching Westgarth is a no-brainer. I’d like to see the Kings pounce on Pittsburgh offensively, which has me leaning toward Brad Richardson dressing. Won’t dispute Terry Murray‘s decision tonight, Kevin Westgarth may be a safe bet for Pittsburgh’s scheme.

Brad Richardson certainly deserved his contract extension this summer, I won’t dispute that. Unfortunately, the expectations laced in the deal aren’t being fulfilled. Richardson became a prominent fixture on the 3rd and 4th lines last year, breaking out with a career high 27 points tallying 11 goals and 16 assists. If his numbers didn’t catch your attention, his nuisance to the opposition should have. His greatest strength is applying consistent pressure to the puck on both ends of the ice. Richardson created plays, whether it was closing lanes in transition or his ability to force turnovers causing skittish puck movement. Offensive depth was crucial to last season’s success, Richardson stabilized it. With the recent struggles Kings’ forwards have endured, a return of last year’s Brad Richardson could provide a bigger boost than many realize.

In his first full season in a Los Angeles Kings uniform, Richardson was a pleasant surprise. His NHL experience was still a bit shallow and he had yet to separate himself from AHL assignments, expectations weren’t too high. Ruthless on the forecheck, he quickly became a reliable asset. As a result, his line-mates thrived on loose pucks. His presence in front of the net is no Ryan Smyth, but he disrupted the crease, opening up the slot and creating second chance rebounds.

I’m not seeing the same presence he held without the puck this year, and that affects his numbers. In 25 games, he’s posted 4 goals and 2 assists, 3 of those goals coming in one game. He’s not going to hit the highlight reel with his output, neither will the majority of the back-end of this offense. Scrappy play is his key to success, and that feeds his surroundings. The constant shuffling that has been adjusting line combinations on the 3rd and 4th lines this season can’t be helping the cause, but in Richardson’s case, that’s no justification. He set clear guidelines for himself last year, and that granted him a contract extension. He’s getting paid to create opportunities with gritty play along the boards and in the crease, and he’s failing to fulfill his role. Oft-forgotten players such as Richardson are just as valuable to overall team success as the cover-boys. The Kings’ saw enough in him last season to take another shot, it’s critical that he proves his worth in solidifying offensive support.

Gann Matsuda of Frozen Royalty had the opportunity to speak with Brad Richardson during the Kings road trip. Here are Brad’s thoughts on his recent hat trick and opportunity to contribute above the fourth line.

LOS ANGELES — With the Los Angeles Kings back home from a five-game road trip in which they earned a solid 3-2-0 record, they now find themselves in a rather lofty position, atop the Western Conference standings and second in the overall National Hockey League standings (through games played on October 29).

As one might expect, players such as Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, Justin Williams, Ryan Smyth, Jarret Stoll and Jonathan Quick have played key roles in the team’s strong 7-3-0 start through ten games. But role players are making solid contributions as well, including versatile forward Brad Richardson, whose strong play has earned him a promotion to the Kings’ top line, skating alongside Brown and Kopitar.

But at the start of that five-game road swing, beginning with a 4-2 loss at Phoenix on October 21, Richardson found himself in his usual spot on the fourth line.

Little did he know that big changes were in store for him, and they came rather unexpectedly early in the second period at Colorado on October 23.

In that game, Richardson, 24, started the game on the fourth line, but Kings head coach Terry Murray, as he is wont to do, decided to tinker with his line combinations, moving Richardson up to play left wing on the first line, while moving rookie forward Andrei Loktionov down to center the fourth line.

The results were explosive for Richardson, who poured in three goals, including the game-winner, leading the Kings to a 6-4 win. Richardson scored at even strength early in the second period, added a shorthanded goal in the third period that was scored while the Kings were killing off a five-minute major power play, and, for good measure, he tallied another even strength goal late in the period to close out the scoring.

The hat trick was Richardson’s first in the NHL.

“Yeah, that was pretty fun,” said Richardson, who was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the fifth round (163rd overall) of the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft, playing parts of three seasons with the Avalanche. “You don’t plan on going into a game and scoring three goals, but it was one of those nights where everything clicks, and doing it against my former team was pretty special for me, too.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.