.

Warning signs are amidst.

Things have gone from comfortably controlled to ice cold.

Game 5, for the Kings, is about as close to “must win” as you can get without meaning it literally. If the Kings are to lose tonight at Staples Center, they head back to face the San Jose Sharks in Game 6 at HP Pavilion where the “must win” terminology will be as real and literal as it could possibly get.

The Sharks are undeniably phenomenal on home ice, they’ve lost only two games in regulation time in their home confines at HP Pavilion this season.

*NEW KingsCast TV: Episode 198: LAK-SJS Game 3&4 WCSF RECAP

The Kings, likewise, own their ice sheet. Downtown Los Angeles has been a brutal location for opposing NHL clubs this season. Aside from owning the best home record in the NHL throughout the regular season, the Kings have won all five of their postseason games at Staples Center this season, including both of the opening contests against the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Let’s hope the trend continues, or else the Kings are in major trouble.

The word to describe it rhymes with ‘pucked’.

King Threat

Looking for an Answer

Domination Station: Although the Kings were only beat 2-1 in each of the last two contests on the road at HP Pavilion, they were outworked, outplayed, and thoroughly controlled by the San Jose Sharks in every facet of the game.

If the Kings don’t have Jonathan Quick in the crease, this series could be a lot uglier than it is right now.

In fact, it could already be over.

Quick has regained the stellar play that earned him the NHL‘s Conn Smythe Trophy last season, and has undoubtedly been the reason the Kings have been able to maintain pace with the San Jose Sharks thus far.

A goaltender, no matter how solid, can only save the team as a whole for so long. To compliment fantastic play from a goalie, the players in front of him need to return the favor by not allowing constant puck control in their own zone, and creating it on the other end – away from their own crease.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Needs it, deserves it: And that respect needs to come in the form of on-ice production. You can praise his play all you want through analysis, but it’s going to do nothing for the Kings’ overall success unless he’s a label of perfection of tonight.

And even for Jonathan Quick, that’s asking a lot in the NHL postseason, and against one of the league’s most lethal offensive tandems in the San Jose Sharks.

It begins at, well, the start of the game, where the Kings have been brutally lackadaisical the previous two contests. The Kings don’t need just early pressure on the Sharks, but an early goal. Against San Jose, your chances only get worse the longer you fail to score, the longer you play Russian Roulette with San Jose’s offensive-prone lineup.

Darryl Sutter needs to work a bit of lineup magic tonight, possibly juggling lines until the Kings show signs of their regular selves.

The Replacements

M.I.A: The Kings were granted quite possibly the most crucial aspect to finding success in the NHL playoffs last season, and that folks, is health. It hasn’t been the same story this season, the Kings heavily weakened on the defensive end without Willie Mitchell, and with a less-than fully productive Matt Greene.

The offense is hurting as well, which shows in the Kings poor offensive results in the previous two games of this series, tallying one goal in each of the past two contests at HP Pavilion.

Offense comes with controlling the puck. And controlling the puck comes from winning faceoffs. Without Jarret Stoll, who has been out with concussion-like syndromes since Game 1, the Kings have been absolutely dominated on referee puck-drops.

Faceoffs set the tone for the upcoming play. And quite frankly, puck possession will bode quite well for you. The Kings, without a doubt, need to win some pucks tonight at Staples Center.

Since Jarret Stoll went down after Raffi Torres‘ high hit in Game 1, the Sharks have gone 113-79 against the Kings in the faceoff circle. The Kings are sorely missing Stoll, their top player in the circle.

And it’s not in faceoffs alone, Jarret Stoll is a staple on the Kings special teams rotation, and the San Jose Sharks have executed in those situations the past two games.

The Sharks won their Western Conference Quarterfinals series against the Vancouver Canucks by getting rich on the man-advantage, scoring an astounding seven powerplay goals in four games. The Sharks have scored two powerplay goals on the Kings in the past two games, winning Game 3 in OT and taking an early lead in Game 4 on the man-advantage.

The only two losses for the Sharks this postseason have come when the Kings have shut down their powerplay.

It’s about staying out of the penalty box. It’s oh so crucial against this team.

Two’s Company

Bad Visit

The Skate of Shame

And those shuffles to the box could quickly lead to a much worse situation than a 2:00 minute personal sit-down with an off-ice official.

It could be the stride to the Kings’ elimination, and their summer.

Lineup Shuffle

Hot-Hand Needed: There are some pretty notable lineup changes heading into tonight’s Game 5 contest at Staples Center. Darryl Sutter hasn’t been receiving quality production from a few big names on this roster, namely the first line likes of Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, who have been almost invisible on the offensive end.

Brown, who’s mixed in time in the penalty box along with his rather uncharacteristically struggling play, will be demoted to Darryl Sutter‘s third line tonight, playing alongside Dwight King and Trevor Lewis. However, he will be back at his normal position of Right Wing.

Swapping spots with Dustin Brown, and joining Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams on the Kings’ first line tonight will be Kyle Clifford, who, when not out with injury, has consistently been one of the biggest assets of energy and effort on this roster.

Clifford has a good Résumé against the San Jose Sharks, both during this past regular season, and the Kings’ matchup against the Sharks in the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Clifford buried two goals against the Sharks at Staples Center on March 16th, and also found time to feed Douglas Murray his own teeth.

Change is good.

Catch ‘em From A Different Angle

But Hit ‘em Square

Lookin’ at You

You’ve gotta earn it.

Tonight’s contest is huge. The Kings, who look to get off the backs of their heels tonight, are facing a challenge unlike any they saw last series, or throughout the entirety of last year’s playoffs.

Tonight’s a test.

Puck drops in Downtown Los Angeles at Staples Center for Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Jose Sharks at 7:30PM PST.

Episode 198 KingsCast TV: LAK-SJS Game 3&4 WCSF RECAP – HERE
Episode 197 KingsCast TV: LAK-SJS Game 2 WCSF RECAP – HERE
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And like that, the series is tied. The Los Angeles Kings lose a difficult game on the road 2-1 to the San Jose Sharks to net the series at 2 games a piece. In this new episode, Keith makes his triumphant return as we breakdown Game 4, give a Playoff Beard update, present our Top Ten fun facts about San Jose, California and preview Game 5 at Staples Center. GO Kings!

Featured Songs: “Battlelines” and “The People” by Bella Novela and “Gameshow” by Suburban Rhythm.

For the second consecutive year, the Los Angeles Kings have defeated the St. Louis Blues to advance in the NHL Playoffs. In this new episode, Chris is once again joined by hockey blogger Alex Kinkopf to discuss Game 6, present a Playoff Beard Update (sort of), give an official See Ya! to the Blues and breakdown the Pros & Cons of playing the Sharks or Ducks in the next round. Go Kings!

The tide has turned! In a series momentum shift the Los Angeles Kings have taken a 3-2 lead after a tight OT win against the St. Louis Blues. In this episode, KingsCast blogger Alex Kinkopf co-hosts as we discuss Game 5, breakdown the scoring, goaltending & physicality of the series, present a Playoff Beard update, preview Game 6 and read the best post-win comments from Facebook. Close it out Kings!

That’s more like it! The Los Angeles Kings hold on for a 1-0 win against the St. Louis Blues at Staples Center in Game 3, making the series 2-1 Blues. In this episode we breakdown the game, preview Game 4, discuss Staples Center concessions, update our Playoff beard tracker and provide genius commentary. Go Kings!

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One starts the show, two in :16 seconds can steal it.

Sometimes desperation wins.

For the Kings in St. Paul, Minnesota Tuesday night, desperation is what they were up against; a Minnesota Wild club that was clawing to maintain life in their efforts to clinch their first NHL postseason bid since with 2007-’08 season.

*NEW KingsCast TV: Episode 188 – LA Kings March to the Playoffs, in April

The Kings mathematically clinched a playoff berth over the weekend, but they’re still fighting to take hold of another accomplishment, and one that could most certainly play a respectable role come the start of the playoffs next week.

That’s home-ice advantage, something the Kings haven’t had in any of their playoff appearances the previous three seasons; unless it’s earned by winning on the road, of course. If home-ice was a factor during the playoffs last season, the Kings surely didn’t take it into account.

Home ice you say? The Kings barreled off a 10-1 record in opposing buildings last postseason.

However, Staples Center has been more than just the Kings’ home this season, it’s where they’re winning – it’s a place you’d like to see them kick off their defense of last year’s Stanley Cup Championship.

The Kings hold the NHL‘s best home record this season with an 18-4-1 mark.

Currently sitting at 4th-place in the NHL‘s Western Conference, the Kings are sitting in a spot that would grant them a series start at Staples Center if the playoffs started today. Two games still remain though, and both the St. Louis Blues (5th) and San Jose Sharks (6th) are both serious threats to overtake the Kings’ comfortable position right now, both of them one and two points behind in the standings respectively.

Before the Kings return home to close out the regular season against the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center next Saturday night, it’s a quick visit to Detroit, Michigan and the Joe Louis Arena on Wednesday evening.

The Detroit Red Wings, who the Kings are familiar with on home-ice in the postseason.

And a team that is flirting, and heavily so, with failing to qualify for the NHL playoffs for the first time in 21 seasons.

That’s why they call it ‘HockeyTown‘.

You’d have to back-track to 1990 since Michigan’s wheel and wing was outside of the NHL‘s playoff picture.

Detroit at Home

To Detroit, then Home

Two to go: The Kings, 46 games into this year’s shortened campaign, have two games left on the regular season’s slate. One of them is on the road, against a team that is fighting to earn a spot in the playoffs. The other is home at Staples Center, against a well-known foe that is fighting to overtake the Kings in the standings to earn home-ice confines in the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

The Detroit Red Wings maintained their postseason pace with a win against the Phoenix Coyotes Monday night, which just about put the Coyotes’ playoff hopes to rest.

This time, Detroit did it to Phoenix in the regular season.

The Kings have seen the Detroit Red Wings twice this season, once at home and once in Michigan. The series is split 1-1-0, with each club earning a win in their home building.

The first contest between the two on February 10 at Joe Louis Arena was decided with under five seconds to play. The second contest, this time at Staples Center on February 17, was decided with under five minutes to play.

 Kopi’s got Wings

Fly High

Proven Performance(s)

A Cold Bern

Crease Conundrum: After seeing head coach Darryl Sutter swap goaltenders for a solid period of time throughout the middle of the season, Jonathan Quick subtly earned back his ‘every day’ label, getting the call in the previous five Kings’ contests prior to Tuesday night, and six of the Kings’ previous seven.

Jonathan Quick returned to his old, solidly dependable form, going 4-0-1 in a stretch in which he started five consecutive games for the Kings.

Jonathan Bernier, who started his 11th game this season Tuesday night, lost his first start in regulation against the Minnesota Wild, getting caught after what was a very strong start by the Kings, to surrender two goals within :16 seconds of each other in the first period.

Quick will be back in the crease tomorrow in Detroit, Michigan, and likely again at Staples Center on Saturday night.

The goaltending situation is just about as good as it can be heading into the playoffs. Jonathan Quick, with a healthy streak of contests under his wing, has found what seems to be last season’s form back in his swing.

And if needed, Jonathan Bernier is there.

Who is, and extremely arguably so, the best backup goalie option any of the NHL‘s 16 playoff teams have on their depth chart.

Voynov’s gotta go high

Minnesota’s Alive: There are times when the failure to execute on a golden opportunity can be exonerated by the team’s overall performance throughout the game. The Kings didn’t play a full 60 minutes of hockey Tuesday night, they got caught sleeping early, and by then, it was too late.

When you lay back, you don’t get bounces.

When you lay back with a player that beholds the skill-set such as Mike Richards, you’ll still get passes.

You’ll still get chances, you’ll still get opportunity.

Vyacheslav Voynov‘s free on this one. Just needed a tad more lift on that release, kid.

Mike Richards‘ pass crossed more lanes than O.J.Simpson‘s Ford Bronco in ’94.

Look What I Found

Last Looks

Red Wings, Red Light: The Kings suffered from poor offensive results Tuesday night, and a lack of productivity on the special teams’ end may have something do to with it. The Kings had just one powerplay opportunity in Minnesota, and failed to record a shot.

This breaks the Kings’ streak of powerplay goals recorded in consecutive games, which was at an astounding eight straight contests with a Kings tally on the man-advantage.

Matt Greene has been himself, his ‘return from injury‘ self. Greene’s had some slips in quickness and coverage, but nothing a return to every day activity can’t mend. He’ll be along for the ride.

That ride hits it’s second-to-last regular season installment Wednesday night.

Big-eyed About it

Detroit’s got history on the line, and a Kings win would situate local playoff hockey just fine.

Puck drops in Detroit, Michigan at Joe Louis Arena at 4:30PM PST on Wednesday. Have the car’s radio-dial situated to KTLK 1150 AM for that cruise home from work.

Episode 188 KingsCast TV: The March to the Playoffs – HERE
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There’s times when you just see it shaping together. You just see it.

For the short-sighted, it’s best to forget tonight’s debacle in Dallas, Texas.

And for this article’s sake as well.

Drew Doughty‘s fifth season in a Kings uniform has been a respectably impressive, yet terribly underrated one. Most of the quiet criticism has centered on the 24 year-old’s low offensive output this year, which is, well, the way many faces came to know the youngblood.

If Doughty has built his NHL resume on one key or attention-grabbing tactic, it’s that of his knack to score at the position he plays, and in the casual, yet baffling way he does it. When it becomes a big enough threat to your game, the opposition is going to adapt. Either that, or you’re going to hit a bump in the road, a la a human being.

Statisticians have been busy with Drew Doughty‘s name the previous three regular season campaigns, where the Kings’ defenseman tallied 37 goals and 98 total assists. When you add serious dependability on the defensive end – which is his main job, well, you’ve got quite a player.

The buzz made sense.

Now you see him with four goals and 14 assists through 40 games this season. And those numbers mean as little as they are low – low, if we’re talking the expectations Drew Doughty’s built.

You may want to be reminded of Drew Doughty early last season after his lengthy contract dispute, which saw him sit out the Kings’ entire training camp and preseason schedule. There, you’re going to be fulfilled with highlights of a defenseman being out of his designated position at crucial times, due to an overdose of his offensive knack, ultimately hurting the team.

Probably not, though. Maybe you’re looking for an answer to right now.

Maybe it’s got something to do with Doughty maturing; taking on a more responsible, defensive approach. That doesn’t mean his future sees him as a stay-at-home defenseman. Please now.

Maybe it’s got something to do with the Kings having the best offensive scheme they’ve ever had in franchise history. Jarret Stoll isn’t our 3rd-leading scorer these days. The defense can play their game.

Maybe it’s got something to do with the Kings starting the season and playing it through so far without the two biggest stay-at-home defensively stalwart names on this roster: Willie Mitchell and Matt Greene.

Maybe the Kings are in 4th-place in the Western Conference with eight games left to play, with a comfortable gap in points, just about cuing a fourth-straight appearance to the NHL playoffs.

Maybe the Kings got throttled tonight by the Dallas Stars, falling by a horrid 5-1 score at the American Airlines Center via surrendering four-unanswered third period goals.

Maybe it’s just one game.

Maybe he’s just getting started

While one finishes

Cup and Out: It was basically already figured, but Willie Mitchell will be out for the remainder of the season, with no return to the Kings’ lineup expected, no matter how lengthy a postseason stretch could last.

I say it out of respect, and what I think many others – deep down, would like to see happen as well: Good career, Willie Mitchell. From a real life perspective, Mitchell should call it a done deal.

The guy can still play, and the Kings would love to have him back on the ice. His unfortunate health history is not worth the return. He’s suffered a myriad of concussions, and has been sidelined all season for a “different” injury.

To put it simply: Life itself, especially with a family involved, is not worth risking while playing the game of hockey. Especially so, when you’ve had an NHL career-run such as Willie Mitchell‘s.

Call it finishing on top.

And better yet, with plenty of life ahead.

Headway

Facetime, Replace time: Because really, the biggest concern regarding this roster at the beginning of the season was the defense. Major injuries to Matt Greene and Willie Mitchell at the beginning of the season seemed to weaken the Kings’ defensive corps terribly.

This is when depth and minor league development pays off. The Kings have the ninth-best Goals-Against-Average percentage in the NHL today, allowing a calculated 2.36 goals per game.

That, without the presence of the two biggest penalty-killers, shot-blockers, and lane cloggers on the Kings’ roster. For the Kings to find themselves where they are today without Willie Mitchell and Matt Greene playing regularly, is saying something extremely special.

It speaks to the second-year Vyacheslav Voynov, who plays like a 10-year veteran. It praises Jake Muzzin, who’s poise trumps that of all other Rookie defensemen in the NHL. It thanks Davis Drewiske for his last-minute time, and gives Robyn Regehr a chance to play alongside #8.

But you talk about a backbone

Colorado Down: The Kings are playing the NHL‘s lowest of lows Thursday night at Staples Center, slated to host the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado is in the midst of some dark days, holding the NHL‘s lowest point-total, with internal struggles tagging along for the ride.

Time to pounce.

On who other, than the team Drew Doughty netted his first-career NHL goal against.

Colorado Doughty

Puck drops at Staples Center against the Colorado Avalanche at 7:30PM PST Thursday.

Episode 186 KingsCast TV: Robyn Regehr in, Davis Drewiske out – HERE
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Chin up, baby.

The Kings returned to Staples Center for the first time in 12 days Thursday night, where they hadn’t scored a single goal in 124:16 consecutive minutes of play.

The key is to dismiss the low-points and move forward.

And that they did, scoring on their first two shots against the Minnesota Wild Thursday night in what was a magnificent start to an extremely important contest, forcing the impressive Niklas Backstrom to be sent to the showers just 3:07 into the first period.

By then, it’s already too late if you’ve made the second mistake twice.

Because when you falter in the same fashion twice, you’re not moving ahead. The Kings know that. Minnesota had no business repeating last week’s happenings in St. Paul Thursday night at Staples Center. They had no chance.

When you give up a two-goal lead to a team and lose as the result, that same team should have no chance against you the second time around. The mindset, the attack, should be fierce – and most importantly, confident.

The Kings are sitting pretty at the moment, holding the Western Conference‘s 4th-place position with a 21-13-3 record that atones for 45 points. They have eleven regular season games remaining.

I can’t see right now, Justin Williams‘ confidence is all up in my sh*t.

Willy Nilly

Hot Hands

Justin Time: Other than the Kings’ two-game stumble that saw them fail to score in two consecutive contests, the offense has been producing in a consistently pleasant fashion, and a lot of it has to do with Justin Williams and the past three weeks.

Williams is currently on a five-game goal streak, now with six goals in five games after his two-goal performance against the Minnesota Wild Thursday night. In his past 12 games, Williams has matched that number with points, scoring seven goals and dishing 5 assists for a twelve on the stat-sheet.

You add Williams’ presence without the puck he has while on the forecheck and backcheck, and the role he plays so well of clogging lanes, and you realize his importance.

Call him five-tools. Call him five-tools with a shot.

In And Out

Words to go by

Making it work: When you’re able to plug up or adapt to any such weakness, or loss of a player, before there’s any elongating effect that hurts your team, you’re doing quite a top-notch job.

And to do it continually so, in all facets of a roster, like Darryl Sutter has done since arriving in Los Angeles last February, is going to grant you a pretty successful makeup of a team.

There’s something magical about the simple, short-worded, extremely humble and private persona that Darryl Sutter and his mindset beholds. It’s a beautiful fit for a talented roster based in Los Angeles; where the big market city and the overflowing amount of media-crazed coverage can easily protrude a team’s focus and chemistry.

Not so, because Darryl Sutter has this team’s heads in his hands. And by golly gee, if there’s one vital aspect of respect a coach can ask for, or be influential enough to earn, it’s the full-on attention and dedication given to the coach’s voice.

The Kings and Darryl Sutter have that firm understanding. There’s absolutely no question. None.

Working with Anything

Adaptations: The year after a Stanley Cup Championship is never an easy challenge, even if you have a similar roster than you did in the season past. The fact is, you still have to work for it, you still have to earn it, and in every single tiny facet, every minor detail.

From Dean Lombardi staying active this season in making numerous minor acquisitions for depth players and draft picks, to Darryl Sutter putting good use to the hand he’s been dealt, it’s been a rather smooth season for the Kings.

After losing Matt Greene and Willie Mitchell to injuries prior to the start of the season, Darryl Sutter was dealt a huge blow to his defense corps, losing the two defensemen who were the most reliable when it came to dedicate, stay-at-home defensive type play.

When you have Vyacheslav Voynov on your roster, those losses become not as big of a deal.

Like a chipped tooth in the NHL

So, in come Rookie Jake Muzzin, Keaton Ellerby from the Florida Panthers, and why not make some light use of Davis Drewiske?

And since Dean Lombardi dealt Davis Drewiske to the Montreal Canadians, we’ll just replace him with a veteran, much more proven stay-at-home defenseman in Robyn Regehr.

We’ll give him the same number, too. The Kings dressed a new face in an old number: Fourty-Four. And he played the best game you could ask for; Simple and safe, staying true to the role he was brought to Los Angeles for.

Sutter was right in wasting no time getting Robyn Regehr associated with his new teammates in live-action, calling on the veteran defenseman to play Thursday night, and once again, surrendering Alec Martinez as a healthy-scratch.

What have you done for me lately?

Surrounding Talent

And Juggling It: When you first consider having two great goalies in Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier on your roster, you probably couldn’t think of a better goaltending depth chart in the entire NHL. It’s not all glamorous, however.

It’s not easy to balance the play of two elite-touted goaltenders. You’re not just trying to share the minutes, but you’re dealing with the minds of goalies – and the head of a goalie is almost as complex as it gets.

You don’t want to disrupt the flow of a goalie, you don’t want to shatter their confidence, and you certainly don’t want to clash their value against one another.

And most importantly, you don’t desert Jonathan Quick.

It’s a delicate game handling two goalies with the skill both Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier have.

Even though Jonathan Bernier is undefeated in his ten starts (9-0-0), continuing to shuffle the starts between these two goaltenders is key. At best, you maintain both goalies’ confidence and groove. At worst, you figure out who your number one guy is come the start of the playoffs.

Goaltender shuffling in the postseason is an entirely different monster to handle.

Oil-Kings

The Kings will play the Edmonton Oilers Saturday afternoon, who are just one spot out of playoff contention, sitting at ninth-place in the Western Conference. So, there’s absolutely no question they’ll be coming out in full-force.

Day games, or “hangover contests” as I’m accustomed to, don’t usually bode well for the Kings at Staples Center. This season alone, the Kings are 1-2-0 when playing under the sun in Downtown Los Angeles.

The last time the Kings played the Edmonton Oilers at Staples Center during the day, you’d have to back-track to February 14th of 2009.

Dustin Penner scored the first of two goals for the Oilers, but Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown netted a couple for the Kings to send the game past regulation.

Dustin Brown, assisted by Kyle Quincey and Alexander Frolov, tipped in the game-tying goal with just :26 seconds left in regulation.

The simple times.

Edmonton under the Sun 2/14/2009

The Kings would go onto fall to the Edmonton Oilers in that contest in a shootout, losing 3-2.

As for shootouts, forget what happened in Minnesota last week. The Kings have seem to overcome it, and showed so Thursday night at Staples Center.

Jonathan Quick doesn’t have a bad swing, though.

Shoot-Ousted

Expect Jonathan Quick to start in net Saturday for the Kings. And expect nothing but the best.

After all, that’s what this team has been built for, and it’s the direction they’re being coached in.

Puck drops at Staples Center at 1:00PM PST Saturday afternoon against the Edmonton Oilers.

Episode 185 KingsCast TV: LA Kings visit the White House – HERE
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There’s nothing wrong with staying idle at the deadline.

A player’s trade value to the outside market can be a dangerous reactor in triggering a knee-jerk move at a General Manager’s most vulnerable time.

That time, which Dean Lombardi has divulged into heavily with hot hands the previous three seasons, is just five days away. It’s the cut-off date to move assets, it’s the 2013 NHL trade-deadline, slated to strike it’s time and freeze NHL rosters on April 3rd.

For backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier and the Kings, that outside trade value is gigantic, and a lot of the reap for reward in trading Bernier will be greatly minimized if the Laval, Quebec native isn’t dealt at this campaign’s deadline.

Again, in five days.

To let return-value fully gauge your actions in letting a player flee can be a very dangerous trap to fall into. You first must work with what you have, and look at it hard. Because, if moving a player proves to bite you in a negative fashion just once, that player, now gone, was priceless.

If Dean Lombardi and the Kings are to trade Jonathan Bernier prior to or on April 3rd, you can expect a 1st-Round draft selection and a current well-known name player to come in return.

Really, you need to compare what the Kings actually need, to maintaining the roster they already have in place.

Dean Lombardi impresses, and shows the utmost confidence as Kings’ General Manager if he sits idle through April 3rd’s NHL trade-deadline.

You don’t move Bernier. And I don’t think Lombardi does.

Value Time

Hot Commodity: Bernier’s name is nothing new to the NHL trade-market, in fact, he’s been one of the most sought-after names in the league for more than a calendar year. It’s no secret he’s been targeted by a number of NHL clubs in need of a goaltender, but he even voiced his request to be traded from Los Angeles – asking to be dealt before last season’s trade-deadline, right after Jonathan Quick signed his 10-year contract extension.

It’s difficult to not side with Jonathan Bernier and his frustrations. The 24 year-old is good enough to be a starting goaltender for a rather large chunk of NHL teams, yet he’s been belittled to the shadow of Jonathan Quick, with little room, or opportunity to live up to the high acclaims he’s been developed with.

After all, he was the #11 overall selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

What may be more impressive than Bernier’s extremely high draft position, is how professional he’s been during the lack of playing time he’s received in, well, not be repetitive, his professional career.

You can push his complaints with AHL demotion and skirmishes with the Kings’ front office in 2007 and 2008 to the side. The kid was 18.

Side to side

Quick-Kick: It’s so vital, and not just to the Kings, but Jonathan Quick as well, that Jonathan Bernier stay with the Kings throughout the postseason for any chance to see this team repeat as a Stanley Cup champions.

He won’t only be needed to fill in for a few of the Kings’ remaining regular season contests, but could surely be used healthily come the postseason.

Jonathan Quick’s human, folks. And a lot of people have realized that this season.

Jonathan Bernier‘s stellar stand-in performances this season have allowed fans to comfortably stay at ease when Quick isn’t called upon by Darryl Sutter.

If many are confronted with a Jonathan Quick-less situation at this time last year, well, they’d be waiving a flag colored white.

There’s no issues with the goaltending right now. In fact, it’s so good, it might be a problem – but a very, very good one to have. Handling two talented goalies, especially a backup that has the skill to start for a large handful of other NHL teams, is a huge card dealt to the head coach.

Darryl Sutter needs to handle this the right way. And so far, he’s done a pretty damn good job.

Hands-on

Final sip

Sticking with Quick: Last season, Jonathan Quick played in a total of 102 NHL contests – from preseason in late September 2011 to the Stanley Cup Finals in the middle of June 2012. He then underwent back surgery over the summer.

His rehabilitation process then hit a point of uncertainty as the NHL did the same, as the labor strike held the 2012-2013 season start off until January 19th, making for an extremely unique and compact regular season schedule.

This consisted of a number of back-to-back contests for the Kings, and a travel schedule that’s a bit harsher than normal. And when you’re an NHL player in Los Angeles, travel is always difficult under a normal schedule.

And for Jonathan Quick, that’s no ideal situation considering last year’s work load and the construction done on the body over the summer.

To put it simply, the Kings would be in big trouble if without Jonathan Bernier this season. And for the first time, I think many faces are realizing the potential and skill the 24 year-old native out of Laval, Quebec holds.

In Bernier’s eight starts this season, he’s 7-0, with one indecision after being pulled early from his start against the St. Louis Blues on March 5th. Jonathan Quick relieved Bernier early in the second period after he gave up three goals on eight shots.

In his two relief appearances of Jonathan Quick this season, Bernier has lost both times. Then again, when you’re put in relief of a starting goaltender, in what is most likely to be a losing situation, your hopes can’t be too high.

The kid has a 7-2-0 record, chiming in with a sexy .923 SV% and a 1.94 GAA in ten games played.

Berning Up

Bottom Line: You keep Jonathan Bernier, because the Kings don’t need outside assets as much as they need a dependable backup goaltender. Having two options in the crease is a gift, appreciate it while it’s here.

And if you think this season’s shortened 48-game schedule has been crazy, remind yourselves of what NHL playoff schedules behold.

It’s a f*cking haul, and Jonathan Quick isn’t the Ox he was last season. The Kings don’t need another first-round draft pick and another respected name. They’re fine.

What they need is stability in the crease. That’s what does it.

We can re-start Bernier trade-talks during the summer time. Capiche?

Burn, baby, Bern

Twin-City life: The Kings are in Minnesota Saturday night for the third game of their current five-game road swing. The Kings have won both contests on their recent trip, and have scored nine goals in their previous two games, after being shutout the two games prior.

This is the first of three games against the Minnesota Wild this season, who sit two points and one position ahead of the Kings in the Western Conference.

Jonathan Bernier is back with the team after taking a leave of absence for a death in his family. However, expect Darryl Sutter to give Jonathan Quick the call in Minnesota, he deserves the continuity in play.

The Kings are in Dallas for a matinee on Sunday. Chances are you’ll see Jonathan Bernier back in crease against the Dallas Stars.

And chances are, he’ll be around for another postseason ride. And get a taste of it, too.

Puck drops against the Minnesota Wild Saturday night at 5:00PM PST from the XCel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Get that car dial tuned to KTLK AM-1150 for that cruise home from work.

Episode 185 KingsCast TV: LA Kings visit the White House – HERE
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They’re seeing red again.

For the Kings, the goals have returned in bulk. A little toast, if you will, to the doubting folk.

Up until the 4:21 minute mark of the second period in Tuesday’s contest at the United Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois, the Kings lugged through a painful 150:35 minute stretch without scoring a goal, amassing a span of seven consecutive scoreless periods of play.

*NEW KingsCastTV: Episode 185 – LA Kings visit the White House

Until then, the Kings’ last tally was still colored purple.

They notched five goals Tuesday night in the Windy City, stuttering any doubts the league’s audience had developed regarding this roster, and shocking the Chicago Blackhawks – the NHL‘s best hockey club, by way of a heart-felt 5-4 victory.

If there was any tension built within the Kings’ locker room after their two consecutive shutout losses to the Dallas Stars Thursday night and Vancouver Canucks Saturday afternoon, both games of which at Staples Center, the Kings surely took those frustrations out in stretching out the twine in the goal cages used at Chicago’s United Center.

10 different players recorded a point, that spells a cool-headed, synchronized roster. The Kings’ previous scoring streak had nothing to do with anything but unfortunate happenings of the Kings running into a pair of hot goaltenders.

Sometimes, just sometimes, you find yourself when in unfamiliar, rather challenging confines.

Like hitting cheese in Chicago, on consecutive lampers.

High and Tidy

Take it back

And put some more cheese on it.

Sharp Cheddar

Christ, Strollsy.

How crispy.

Missouri’n

Going Red on the Blues: The Kings will see the St. Louis Blues Thursday night in the second contest of their current five-game road swing, a team the Kings are accustomed to scoring on.

The Kings are 2-0 against St. Louis this season, winning 4-1 in Missouri on February 11th, and 6-4 in California on March 5th. That’s 10 combined goals on the Blues in two contests, a trend the Kings would like to continue to build on following their offensive ambush in Chicago.

These two teams currently sit next to each other in the Western Conference standings, just two points apart. The Blues (36 pts) hold the Conference’s seventh seed, while the Kings (38 pts) sit a slot higher at sixth overall.

They’ll have to do a lot more work on the road in the coming week, where the winning ways must be continued, with the Kings holding only a small four-point cushion from being out of the Western Conference playoff picture.

Before Monday night’s win in Chicago, the Kings were 0-3 away from Staples Center during the month of March.

Opposing buildings will host the next four Kings’ contests, as well as nine of the Kings’ final 16 regular season games in this shortened 48-game campaign.

In the Kings’ two games against the St. Louis Blues this season, Jonathan Bernier has been the starting goaltender both times, winning one decisively, and being pulled early by Darryl Sutter after surrendering three goals to St. Louis on eight shots.

Bernier started against the Blues on February 11th, making 21 saves in a 4-1 Kings victory, which also happened to be his first start of the season. He lasted barely over one period against the Blues on March 5th, with Jonathan Quick replacing Bernier in a game that would see the Kings come back and win after staring at a 4-1 deficit.

This will be Jonathan Quick‘s fourth consecutive start. He deserves the continuity on play regardless of Jonathan Bernier‘s absence.

Back to Quick

Another 30: The NHL schedule has officially reached the final month of it’s slate, with the Kings, and the rest of the league, expected to play their final contests on April 27th. The Kings will host the San Jose Sharks on that final night of league-play.

In this final month of play, the Kings have 16 games left. Nine of those games will be on the road, and the other seven at Staples Center. All remaining games, such as the entire season, will be against Western Conference opponents.

A Conference that sees a slim eight-point margin separate the 13th-place Phoenix Coyotes and 5th-place Detroit Red Wings.

It’s close.

Playoff-style hockey, especially because of the season’s unique circumstances, should be in full throttle in about two weeks.

Two weeks ahead of time. But hey.

Catch them. Catch ‘em when you’re short

And don’t look back

Half-Hearted

Off the Ice: The Kings’ front office, which has been showing the corporate signs of raking in an asset’s success, while subtly pulling away from their loyal supporters, has taken another step this week.

The downfall was first seen when the well-known and respected roster print cards were no longer given away at the turnstiles at every home game, starting last season.

Now they’re holding back the folks who own half-season ticket packages from privileged rights to postseason ticket stubs.

#HalfDoesn’tMeanEmpty

Getting There: The postseason is statistically no guarantee right now, but you mine as well guarantee it — in a realistic sense.

If the Kings have developed one thing other than a Stanley Cup Championship, it’s a roster that’s too good — including it’s coach, to miss out on postseason play. Even so, with injuries to major players.

The Kings are still without defensemen Willie Mitchell and Matt Greene.

But who’s stressing

Meet me at Applebee’s, fools

Puck drops against the St. Louis Blues 5:00PM PST Thursday night at Scottrade Center in St. Louis MO.

Make sure to have the car’s radio dial tuned to KTLK 1150 AM on that cruise home from work.

Episode 185 KingsCast TV: LA Kings visit the White House – HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE
Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE
KingsCast Hockey Podcast on  —  Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Youtube