The Kings showed their ability to come from behind in their first-round matchup against the St. Louis Blues, crawling out of a two-games to none ditch.

Right now, their focus is staying ahead; staying ahead of the San Jose Sharks – a team that is equally as capable of overcoming a two-game deficit as the Kings are.

They say a two-goal lead is the hardest to hold in hockey.

A two-game lead, well that can certainly behold the same difficult implications.

The Kings will have to push to stay ahead of the San Jose Sharks heading into Game 4 of their Western Conference Semifinals series Tuesday evening at HP Pavilion, after falling in Game 3 by way of a 2-1 score that saw the Sharks regain life with a game-winning tally off the stick of Logan Couture early in the OT frame.

The Sharks have lost only twice this season in their home confines at HP Pavilion, where they’ve played a total of 27 games.

The Kings, on the other hand, have only won a single (1) game on the road since the month of March.

How do you define difficult?

Comfortable doesn’t exist right now.

Winning in Northern California’s hostile confines can give the Kings a taste of comfort, however.

Game 4 can send the Sharks to the brink.

It can also make this much closer of a series than you would want it to be.

Putting a Spin on it

How do you want it?

Short-sighted: The Kings continue to be without a few key players from their lineup, namely Jarret Stoll, who hasn’t returned to the lineup since the horrendous blindsided blow he took from the now-suspended Raffi Torres in Game 1 of the series.

Stoll, who has continually grown to be one of the most dependable and useful players on the roster, is being sorely missed. Jarret Stoll is the Kings’ best forward in the faceoff circle, he’s a staple on the Kings’ penalty-kill, and he’s a regular on the Kings’ powerplay rotation.

The Kings, who had been able to regroup to cover the loss of Jarret Stoll in Game 2 by shutting down the Sharks on special teams, were fully exposed Saturday night in Game 3.

They’re getting drilled in the faceoff circle. And that’s oh so crucial to the San Jose Sharks‘ success.

Also missing is Kyle Clifford, who has been a big-time performer in the past against San Jose in the postseason, and Matt Greene, who is a specialist in clearing out opponent’s traffic in front of Jonathan Quick – and traffic, without a doubt, has been the Sharks’ strongest strategy.

But thankfully, and fruitfully, the Kings are getting some assistance from the prospects.

From Manchester

With Love

Youth Groove: The Kings’ have been getting some unexpected appearances by youth prospects in their system during the postseason, with Tyler Toffoli, Jake Muzzin, and Tanner Pearson all making their NHL postseason debuts this year.

To raise the bar a level, Tanner Pearson didn’t just make his NHL postseason debut Saturday night against the San Jose Sharks, but his NHL debut as well.

The kid couldn’t have been level-headed. There’s no way.

He might’ve been as coherent as a teenager five beers deep.

Shockingly, however, Tyler Toffoli has been performing in the big-time picture magnificently. And, well, quite impressively.

He presented himself as a worthwhile asset after being added to the lineup in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the St. Louis Blues. And he’s apparently proved himself as well, as head coach Darryl Sutter has stuck with the young, inexperienced forward.

Tyler Toffoli has registered points in the Kings’ previous two games against the San Jose Sharks, assisting on Trevor Lewis‘ game-tying goal in Game 2 at Staples Center, and scoring the Kings’ only goal in Game 3 at HP Pavilion.

It’s a youth movement, if you will.

Purple Days

Flavor of the Week: The prospects in the Kings’ organization who came up from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs were a big story during last year’s postseason run as well, but those names have changed.

Call it a Sophomore slump if you want, because Dwight King and Jordan Nolan have been disturbingly silent not just during the playoffs, but the season as a whole.

Young bloods.

Like Jordan

Take a Seat

Point at Detroit

How about burying one, Dwight. Then we’ll talk Detroit.

Dwight King hasn’t registered a goal since the Kings’ March 25th contest against the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s got two assists through nine playoff games this season, and holds a less than impressive -1 rating.

Don’t talk back, kid

Speakeasy

Game Four Pour

Short-Circuit: The Kings were able to eliminate San Jose’s biggest threat from their offensive tandem throughout the first two games of the series, but crumbled Saturday night in the worst way, and time, possible.

The San Jose Sharks swept through the Western Conference Quarterfinals with ease against the Vancouver Canucks, and it had quite a bit to do with special teams offensive production.

San Jose scored seven powerplay goals against the Vancouver Canucks in their four-game sweep against Brititsh Columbia’s finest.

In their first two contests against the Kings in the Western Conference Semifinals, the Sharks were shutout on their man-advantage opportunities, going 0-7 against the Kings on their powerplay.

However, three is key.

The Sharks buried both of their goals against the Kings in Game 3 Saturday night on the powerplay advantage.

As you know, that’s the kiss of death when playing the San Jose Sharks.

And as you know…

Someone needs to make a leading statement on this team.

And they need to do it in Game 4.

Word has it, he’s back

Word has it.

How ironic, the Ottawa Senators won their Game 3 contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2nd OT period on Sunday.

We’ve got ourselves a sorely-missed asset back in the mix. Maybe.

Comeback Cliff

Call us Rich

But who’s Counting

Who’s Fronting

Richy Rich.

Let’s hope for Christmas-like expectations Tuesday night.

Puck drops for Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals Tuesday night at 7:00PM PST against the San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion.

Episode 196 KingsCast TV: LAK-SJS Game 1 WCSF RECAP – HERE
Episode 197 KingsCast TV: LAK-SJS Game 2 WCSF RECAP – HERE
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The Kings will stay within California State boundaries for their Western Conference Semifinals series after their triumphant comeback to oust the St. Louis Blues in six games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, winning four straight contests against St. Louis after facing an early, and gut-checking two-loss deficit.

How they continue to grow.

A best-of-seven date is slated to start against the San Jose Sharks in Downtown Los Angeles Tuesday night at Staples Center.

Everything was aligned for the Kings’ second-round series to involve our neighbors from Orange County – the other NHL club from Southern California.

The Anaheim Ducks just couldn’t keep up.

The Kings will move up, and do so against their Pacific Division opponent from up North, who they have recent postseason history against.

San Jose was the opponent in the Kings 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinals series, and it was a lopsided affair that turned out to be much closer than expected, and was certainly closer than the results that series ultimately showed.

The Sharks prevailed against us in the 2011 NHL Playoffs, but it was so against a much younger, weaker Kings roster.

If you compare the growth and improvement of each of these rosters since that 2011 postseason bout, the Kings’ plus-side blows the Sharks out of the water.

The Kings were without Anze Kopitar in that one and only previous postseason matchup with the San Jose Sharks, while he was recovering from a broken ankle that left him out of the lineup indefinitely.

But the young stars were definite.

Doughty’s dos

No Dought

Drew Doughty, who was moderately quiet throughout the majority of the regular season, but ended up with a respectable six goals and 16 assists for 22 points at season’s end, reignited his clutch offensive ways Friday night against the St. Louis Blues in Game six, notching the Kings’ first goal of the contest with the kind of moves and suave we’ve come to know all too well from #8 the previous two years.

Playoff ‘Bout

Youth Hangout

Plus Some: The Kings’ youth carried them through their last postseason matchup against the San Jose Sharks in 2011, but their development – plus some absolutely crucial additions to the roster via the aggressive ways of GM Dean Lombardi, should make this upcoming Western Conference Semifinals series a great opportunity not just for revenge, but overall self-proof of what this roster has beautifully grown to become to be.

Kyle Clifford‘s the one player who you can connect with both the Kings’ current position, and the Kings’ playoff matchup against the San Jose Sharks in April of 2011.

He was, at times, the best player for the Kings in this past Western Conference Quarterfinals series against the St. Louis Blues.

And as an NHL rookie, he was rocking the same type of impact.

Red Dog, Light

Purple light: The Kings, in that series, would retire a bit of history, wearing purple on the road for the final time in their 3-1 victory in Game 5 of the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinals.

The player to tally the third and final goal for the Kings in their purple visiting sweaters was Dustin Penner, the same player to bury the game-winning tally on Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues.

Oil left in the Tank

The White/Purple road uniforms were retired that year.

The Black/Purple home uniforms were retired this year.

Dustin Penner won’t be a King next year.

It’s just mother nature’s cycle.

Laser Penner

Don’t get caught up with Dustin Penner now, just love his current play. It’s like a dying light bulb shining it’s brightest before it’s, well, ending.

If playoffs was in her Pepsi cup

This innocent little girl would be choking.

Whether it be like Old Times

Or what Today finds

Just let it Roll

Fresh Feelings

The Kings played the San Jose Sharks only four times during this season’s shortened and compacted schedule due to the NHL‘s rather lengthy lockout.

They pulled out ahead in the end, but just barely, finishing with a 2-1-1 record against Northern California’s black and teal.

Each team has earned two points when playing in home confines. The Kings, however, were able to snag a point from San Jose at HP Pavilion on April 16th, forcing that night’s date with the Sharks to go past regulation.

The Kings outscored the Sharks 13-10 during regulation play.

It’s all off the books now.

Don’t depend on anything.

Not even a Hail Mary

Puck drops against the San Jose Sharks for Game 1 of the NHL‘s Western Conference Semifinals Tuesday night at 7:00PM PST in Downtown Los Angeles at Staples Center.

Episode 194 KingsCast TV: LAK-STL Game 5 WCQF RECAP – HERE
Episode 195 KingsCast TV: LAK-STL Game 6 WCQF RECAP – 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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Sometimes talent is discovered through the misfortune of others.

Injuries to Matt Greene and Willie Mitchell opened the door for Jake Muzzin to make a return to the NHL in a Kings uniform.

And also through the decisions of others, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, who drafted Muzzin 141st overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and let him walk.

*NEW KingsCast TV: Jarome Iginla will not be an LA King

This is the Woodstock, Ontario native’s second stint in the NHL, and it looks to be a permanent one.

Much like the Kings’ 5-2 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale, Arizona Tuesday evening at Jobing.com Arena, Jake Muzzin faltered, albeit in a season that has brought many positive accomplishments to both the Kings and Muzzin’s ferocious rookie NHL season.

The kid doubled his penalty-minute total in a single evening on Arizona ice, racking up six minutes in the penalty box, matching his total in his previous 21 games played in a Kings uniform this season.

The Kings’ unfortunate health with their blue-line corps can’t afford such an absence during a game, especially with Jake Muzzin, who has blossomed into an everyday dependable asset in the Kings’ defensive scheme.

If six minutes in the penalty box Tuesday night is the most glaring rookie mistake Muzzin has made this season; because, quite frankly, it is, then the kid has to have some upside.

If you’ve watched the Kings’ new defensive young-blood this season, you’ll be able to tell he’s playing right up to par with Vyacheslav Voynov and Drew Doughty. Muzzin, who’s been Doughty’s defensive partner as of late, has taken offensive control of their pairing, which almost single-handedly justifies Doughty’s low point-total this season.

You want to talk numbers? Muzzin’s stat-line is rising on the consistent.

Drew Doughty has been in position this season. And I think he’s been wonderful. With Jake Muzzin on his side, he’s backed off to play a more conservative game.

Send it away now.

Post Service

Can you hear it?

Seeing

Red

Looking right. It’s looking Right.

On Both Ends: After Matt Greene went down with an injury in the Kings’ season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, Jake Muzzin got the call for promotion from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs.

During the NHL lockout, Muzzin played in 29 games for the Monarchs, potting two goals and handing over nine assists for 11 points.

In seven-less games at the NHL-level this season (22) with the Kings, Muzzin has matched his AHL point-mark, racking up five goals and six assists in a Los Angeles uniform. If that’s not a successful transition for a young player, it’s impossible to say what is.

He’s second among Kings defensemen in points, only behind Vyacheslav Voynov and his 18.

It’s all been positive, because he’s tied for the best plus-minus rating on the entire roster, currently at a +11 mark, toe to toe with Justin Williams.

And it’s been on net; Muzzin has 35 shots in 22 contests, ninth-best on the roster and third among Kings’ defensemen. He’s got a great shot coming off his left-handed stick. It’s accurate, it’s a quick-release, and it’s rarely forced. It creates opportunity, and as the numbers show, success.

You know what they say about putting the puck on net.

The kid has shown us he can hit the post from the point. Hit the post and coast, baby.

Iron Man

Don’t doubt Doughty

Muzzin’s Effect: There’s been a healthy amount of gripe towards Drew Doughty and his offensive output this season. Most of it centers on his goal-total this season, which stands at zero through 25 games. However, Doughty’s racked up 10 assists.

With the bad comes the good. Doughty has seen a sharp decline in his scoring, but he’s shown a much more conservative stay-at-home game. This may not be his most favorable style, but it’s the one he’s playing now.

Without a doubt, this is a better Drew Doughty than we saw early in the 2011-2012 campaign, when Doughty often forced his offensive game after signing his major contract extension, which would find him out of position defensively at an alarming rate.

Drew Doughty will score, it’s a non-issue. Right now, he’s playing a much more mature role. If it means less highlight shows and appearances on the stat-sheet, then so be it.

The Kings are doing just fine. And Drew Doughty has zero goals.

Meanwhile, his rookie line-mate is on a tear.

You’re a bit greedy if you want anything more.

Assist me with this?

What a golden feed that was. Muzzin’s crisp and Stolly snips.

Snacking at MacDonald’s

Shark sighting

San Jose: The Kings will be at HP Pavilion for the first time since the final game of last year’s regular season, in which the Kings lost to the San Jose Sharks for the second consecutive contest. Those two losses to the Sharks only paved fate’s way – forcing the Kings to head into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Western Conference‘s 8th seed.

Remember how that turned out?

By the way, Ryan Clowe has zero goals, a weak eight assists, a liable minus-eight rating, and a hot-head total of 72 penalty minutes – in 23 games.

He might just be best used when on the bench.

Clowestick

The Kings (30) sit two points ahead of the Sharks (28) with both teams playing their 26th contests of the season tomorrow.

This will be the first of four matchups during this shortened campaign between the two Pacific Division rivals.

Puck drops Thursday night at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California at 7:30PM PST

Episode 183 KingsCast TV: Jarome Iginla will not be an L.A. King – HERE
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Wake up. Wake up, now. There’s something brewing here.

Maybe a skin smack or two from that crisp, unbearably cold Canadian air was needed to hit the faces of this club for a bit of a wake-up call.

The Kings play 13 of their next 16 contests at home.

The Kings return to Staples Center Saturday afternoon with a 7-6-2 record. They’re fresh off of two wins in Alberta, Canada, staving off the Edmonton Oilers in a late 2-1 thriller, and following up with a 3-1 win against the Calgary Flames.

*NEW KingsCastTV: “LA Kings Battle in Alberta”

Although the Kings now own a winning record for the first time this season, they still sit last (5th) in the Pacific Division. However, they’ve made some improvements regarding the entire Western Conference, now filling the 11th-seed with 16 points.

Ahead of the Kings are the Detroit Red Wings (17pts), who the Kings host Wednesday, and behind the Kings are the Colorado Avalanche (15pts), who the Kings host Saturday afternoon.

It’s already got a postseason-like tingle to it, no?

When it comes to home ice for the Kings, there’s never much comfort in the setting. The upcoming rush of home contests is just as vital as it is comforting for this team. And comfort, as we’ve seen in the past, doesn’t bode too well for this roster.

Honey I’m…

Home: The Kings have played just one home contest in the past 23 days, but are now slated to play at Staples Center thirteen times over the next four weeks. The Kings are 2-1-1 in Downtown Los Angeles so far this season.

This next string of games (16) will push the season to it’s 2/3 marker (31 games), which is a major point in the schedule for NHL teams, especially because of this year’s unique and shortened 48-game slate. The standings, because of the season’s strict inter-Conference schedule, will be extremely tight until the end – that’s if you’re still in contention.

The battle for playoff positioning will be heavily saturated, and the Kings must take full advantage of the plethora of home contests that graces their schedule for the next month. Of the Kings next thirteen home games, ten of them are against clubs that are currently ahead of the Kings in the Western Conference standings.

Six of those home games will be against Pacific Division opponents, including a back-to-back series against the Phoenix Coyotes. Of the Kings three road games over the next sixteen contests, two are also against Pacific Division opponents – the San Jose Sharks and the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Kings are playing more than half of their home contests over the course of the next 30 days. If they were to throw away a golden opportunity this year, it would be failing to climb the standings during this lengthy home-stretch.

Looking up

Top-six Who?: The Kings, much like during last year’s regular season, have been struggling mightily to score goals. Just a few days ago, the Kings were dead-last (30th) in the entire NHL in goals scored.

After sweeping Alberta with two straight victories, the Kings have improved to 25th in goals scored in the NHL. This, brought to you by the continuation of production from the Kings’ 3rd and 4th lines, as well as a couple of the club’s popular names starting to once again show signs of life.

Dustin Brown, who had been without a goal in eight games until notching the Kings’ first goal Wednesday in Calgary, has been uncomfortably quiet this season – both offensively, and physically. Brown has looked much better the previous two games, finding three shots on goal, and laying eight hits on opponents.

Lewy (and Co.) in the News

Digging deep: After Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Kings coach Darryl Sutter called out his forwards, namely those who had yet to score a goal this season – as the schedule surpassed the quarter-mark:

“What is more significant being at the quarter pole is the fact that we have guys with zero goals at the quarter pole. I don’t even think I’d be in the lineup if I had zero goals at the quarter pole.” – Darryl Sutter via LA Times

As a player, that’s your queue to respond – and bury the puck.

Trevor Lewis did just that, scoring the Kings’ game-winning goal Wednesday in Calgary, and assisting on the Kings’ winner in Edmonton the night prior. Lewis has three points in the past two games, his only points of the season.

Lewis’ other assist came off of Colin Fraser‘s goal in Edmonton. Fraser was playing for the first time Tuesday night after being a healthy scratch the previous four contests.

Hold on, Edmonton

Another quiet, yet popular name that has struggled this season is Mike Richards.

Hair long, Money long

Sleeping Star: One of the biggest concerns regarding the Kings’ slow start was the non-effect Mike Richards on the ice. Richards, unlike his linemate and good friend Jeff Carter, has been struggling to produce offensively the majority of the season.

Richards, much like Dustin Brown, has come to life recently. Mike Richards tallied the game-winning goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets last Friday, and followed with two goals on Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

Although it was clearly little too late when Richards notched his two goals Sunday, the situation and manner he scored them in was invigorating. For the first time this season, we saw Richards single-handedly take the game into his own hands, showing a passion and fire we haven’t seen from the veteran forward since last postseason.

Without a Dought-y

Ouch: Maybe the screen shot tells it all. The Kings are hurting defensively.

All hail Vyacheslav Voynov.

#13 Buries the Avalanche

Colorado Down: The Kings played the Colorado Avalanche in their second game of the campaign on January 22nd, falling 3-1 at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Kyle Clifford scored the lone goal for the Kings. Colorado scored three goals in the third period to secure a victory.

The Avalanche will be in Los Angeles for a matinee affair Saturday afternoon. The last time Colorado played an afternoon game at Staples Center, this happened:

When you think it’s bad

There’s always this to shed some light.

Seeing Purple

Catwalk: The Kings will be donning their vintage “Forum Blue” (purple) and gold throwback beauties for their return to Staples Center Saturday afternoon. This will be in recognition for Ian Laperriere, who the Kings will pay tribute to in the first installment of this season’s “Legend’s Night” series.

However, it’s more fitting for former Kings owner Jerry Buss, who passed away early this past Monday. These are the uniforms the Kings wore during Buss’ ownership, and it’s the first home game for the Kings since the former owner’s passing.

There will be a moment of silence dedicated to Jerry Buss prior to Saturday’s contest.

Puck drops at Staples Center Saturday at 1:00PM PST against the Colorado Avalanche.

Episode 180 KingsCast TV: LA Kings Battle in Alberta – HERE
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Like a buried gem found on Tolkuchka, this player’s value is Russian upward.

To double-clutch at the simple realization a player is spending just their second season at the NHL-level means you’re dealing with an extremely special name.

And one that battles proper pronunciation.

That’s the case for the Kings’ Vyacheslav Voynov, who was selected 32nd overall by the Kings in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Voynov was the third player acquired by the Kings in that season’s draft, behind Drew Doughty (#2 overall) and Colten Teubert (#13 overall).

Voynov is showing a maturity and intelligence level right now that trumps Drew Doughty‘s. As for Colten Teubert, he no longer plays in the Kings’ organization. Teubert was traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Dustin Penner on February 28, 2011.

Voynov has played in just 65 regular season NHL games. Sprinkle last season’s 20 postseason contests into the mix, and the number hits 85.

Yet, the kid plays like a veteran. The Kings have an exceptional asset on their hands.

The 23 year-old native of Chelyabinsk, Russia is carrying the Kings’ injury-plagued defense on his shoulders. When you say he’s been the best defenseman on the roster this season – you’re dead-on and right. When you say he’s been the best overall player – you’ve got a point.

Because, in a style of play that seems to come from instinct rather than raw skill, the quickly developing prospect has been on point.

And from the point, he’s been lethal.

#26 bombs Columbus

Flying V

Slava-Rama: Numbers can be dishonest at times, but the statistics that sit beside Vyacheslav Voynov‘s name just about do his play this season justice. Just about. In the Kings’ first 11 games to start this shortened season, the Russian blue-liner has six points in the form of two goals and four assists.

If you’re looking for beauty, track Voynov’s presence for a shift. Follow him at all times, follow him without the puck. That folks, is when you really see a player.

Voynov’s six points (2G, 4A) is tied for second-best on the roster with three other players – Dustin Brown (3G, 3A), Mike Richards (1G, 5A), and Kyle Clifford (1G, 5A). Brown and Richards are clear-cut top-six forwards, where you’ll expect sexy offensive stat-lines. Clifford has been a horse, and deserves every point he’s tallied this season.

But for Voynov, his offensive numbers are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to analyzing his overall presence on this Kings roster.

When he isn’t inking the score-sheet, he’s keeping scorekeepers on their toes by creating red-light opportunities. The kid puts the puck on net, and he often directs it toward the traffic that presents itself in the crease. Vyacheslav Voynov is fifth on the Kings roster in shots on goal with 22.

In 54 regular season games in the 2011-2012 campaign, Voynov recorded 20 points in the form of eight goals and 12 assists. He’s on pace to shatter those results this year, even in this shortened 48-game season.

Nothing new here

Watch me now

Five-Tools for you: When you talk well-rounded, that speaks to the game of Vyacheslav Voynov. He may be more impressive without the puck than with it. This points to positioning; providing support in all areas on the ice.

Vyacheslav Voynov is open more often than your local Denny’s.

This bodes extremely well for puck control, giving the other four players on the ice with Voynov at any time a reliable target to share the puck with when under pressure. And this is why I stress the beauty of watching Vyacheslav Voynov without the puck.

It’s called ‘regrouping’, and it’s oh so vital in today’s NHL game.

He’s always open. And it if isn’t in a clear and open area multiple feet away, it’s close by for support of the pressure he’s reading.

Take Notes

Mom’s got dinner on the table: For the first time in 27 days come Friday, the Kings will be on home ice at Staples Center. This, for a date with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be the second time these two clubs have seen each other this season.

The Kings defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2 on February 5th in Columbus, Ohio at Nationwide Arena.

This will also mark Jack Johnson‘s first visit to Staples Center in an opposing sweater since being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last February for Jeff Carter.

Speaking of Vyacheslav Voynov, he had quite the impact the last time the Kings played hockey in downtown Los Angeles.

Come home, we’ve got time

When I kicked it in New Hampshire

Give Loktionov a call

And tell him you’re killing it. Tell him you’re killing it in the big show.

Episode 179 KingsCast TV: LA Kings are slumping – HERE
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And #74′s back for a couple.

Go looking for one thing, and little do you know, it’s already in your hands.

When Dean Lombardi dealt for Dustin Penner in Feburary 2011, it momentarily posed as the answer to the Kings’ desperate need for a top-six forward that brought both size and production.

Penner, who has been somewhat of a disappointment since coming to Los Angeles, has been overshadowed – and outplayed, by a younger, more promising addition in Dwight King.

Both players will be under contract again next season, but they entail much different meaning. Penner, who is sticking around with the Kings for one more season at $3.25 million, will likely see this as one of the final contracts to grace his NHL career.

It’s an opposite spectrum for Dwight King, who is locked up for a much cheaper price, but as a player with a future that could be worth much more.

Dwight King has inked a contract extension at $1.5 million for the next two seasons.

They say money can label one’s worth; For the Kings, they’ve secured a developing asset that certainly has the potential to more than pay off for his salary the next two seasons, making this a probable steal for the Kings.

It’s safe at the absolute worst, which happens to be the best thing about it.

King, in what was his second NHL stint, came in loud, tacking up 14 points in 27 regular season games. His production didn’t falter in the postseason either, following up with eight points in the Kings’ 20-game postseason run.

King from New England, Cup’s been back in New England

Take me there: Since we last touched base, three more players and two staff personnel have enjoyed their personal days with the Stanley Cup. This round of visits includes a trip back to Boston, Massachusetts – giving New England a sniff of the hardware they owned last season.

Simon Gagne

July 13 – Lac-Beauport, Quebec

Gagne, held down with a concussion the majority of the season, appeared in just 37 regular season games, yet returned for the final four games of the Stanley Cup Finals. The head’s gotta feel quite all right; Gagne spent his day on the golf course with the Cup, as host of his annual golf tournament for local cancer charities.
Red October

Rob Scuderi

July 14 – Dover, Massachusetts

Scuderi deserves this just as much as anyone else, and more than the majority of the roster. He played in every single game for the Kings this season, all 82 regular, and 20 postseason. You hardly notice him, but that’s how you know a player in Scuderi’s role is doing his absolute best. He didn’t bring the Cup back to his hometown of Long Island, NY, but to his longstanding off season home in Dover, Mass. Here, he greeted the locals with the Cup at their local Fire Department.
Scuderi robs Ottawa

Colin Fraser

July 18 – Sylvan Lake, Alberta

Fraser, who became a valued menace on the fourth-line, and erased any memories of Ryan Smyth, was a go-to asset all season long, playing in 67 regular season games, and 18 of 20 in the playoffs. His payoff was presence, not production. Fraser presented the Cup in his wife’s hometown, celebrating with a local parade through the community’s farmers market.
Beginning of the end

Another round, New digs, Cleared

Prospect ink: The Kings continued to resign restricted free agents after locking up Dwight King. This time, the front office made agreements with those in the AHL system, keeping another four prospects in Manchester Monarchs uniforms for one more season.

Those signed are Thomas Hickey, Jake Muzzin, David Meckler, and Stefan Legein. For Hickey, this may be his last grasp at a chance with this organization. The #4 overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft is struggling to crack through the Kings’ system. Thomas Hickey‘s NHL future may simply endear that if it works, it’ll be elsewhere.

Windy City: It didn’t take too long for Jamie Kompon to find new work, he’s been hired to reunite with Joel Quenneville and take the helm as the Chicago Blackhawks‘ assistant coach.

If powerplay struggles turn out as bad as they did for Kompon in Los Angeles, Blackhawks fans may start drinking as much as Patrick Kane.

Reasonable Dought: As expected, Drew Doughty has been cleared of sexual-assault charges.

Off the hook

Two-year look

The King thing

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Take a ground-level look at this one, because it ain’t gonna come easy.

This third-round date calls for a club the Kings are all too familiar with. Or are they?

It’s the Phoenix Coyotes tomorrow night to kick-off the Western Conference Finals, and this Pacific Division foe is the only club that stands in the way of the Kings and a Stanley Cup Finals bid. Although the Kings have seen the Coyotes six times this season, these two clubs have changed face since the postseason hit.

If not changed, they’ve both certainly hit a stride no one has seen all year.

It’s a battle of two clubs who have keyed playoff success on phenomenal goaltending, outstanding defense, special teams’ success, and production from depth. You looked at the St. Louis Blues before last series, and you saw most of this. There’s a clear-cut difference when looking at Phoenix, they’re doing it in the postseason.

As for the Kings, they’re doing the same – if not better. It’s difficult to have any doubts about this Kings team right now, especially with the play of Drew Doughty. Play it back now.

Cactus practice

- Season Series -

As is the case with divisional opponents, the Kings met with the Phoenix Coyotes on six occasions during the regular season. The Kings had the upper hand, ending with a 4-1-2 record against Phoenix. Five of the six contests were decided by one goal, the other by just two. Three of the games went into extra time, and Jonathan Quick recorded two shutouts – Mike Smith with one.

Game Notes: Jonathan Quick would record his second consecutive shutout, stopping 28 Coyotes’ shots. Ironically, the one he recorded two nights prior to this game was against the St. Louis Blues. Dustin Brown would score the game-winner, and Kyle Clifford would add the insurance tallying the Kings’ 2nd goal – and it may be up for grabs as the most awesome celebration of the year. Not because it had style, but because they were freaking the f*ck out.

Game Notes: The Kings had won 5 of 6 games coming into this contest, but this would see them kick into a turn where they would lose 5 of the next 6 games. Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards with goals, but Radim Vrbata had two of his own – plus a Daymond Langkow OT clincher. Mike Smith was a wall, stopping 37 of 39 Kings shots.

Game Notes: Rob Scuderi would bury his only goal of the season in this contest, Willie Mitchell would follow suit chipping in with his second of five goals this season. The Kings amassed 35 shots on Mike Smith, Jonathan Quick stopped 26. Raffi Torres netted two goals for Phoenix, but the guy is a complete non-factor right now.

Game Notes: This was your typical match-up with the Coyotes. Boring, low-scoring, and probably on some crappy week-night. However, Drew Doughty ended things on exciting terms with his offensive zone rush goal. Not to be forgotten, Jonathan Quick nabbed his sixth shutout of the season, stopping all 22 Phoenix snips.

Game Notes: Goal-scoring woes shot the Kings in the foot again. Mike Smith stopped all 28 Kings’ shots, and Radim Vrbata snuck the game’s only goal past Jonathan Quick in the 2nd period. This would see the Kings and Coyotes tied for the Western Conference‘s 7th seed at the time.

Game Notes: The final matchup with the Sun Dogs, good habits turned bad, and bad habits turned good. The Kings found three early 1st period goals, but gave it up. This may have been Jonathan Quick‘s weakest game of the season, stopping 25 of 29 Phoenix shots.

- Series Look -

Starting on the same foot: It will have been an entire week since the Kings have played live-hockey come puck-drop Sunday night, ending their series with the Blues last weekend. Downtime is always a tricky variable to balance in the postseason. However, the Kings had six days off after their series win against the Vancouver Canucks, and showed up for Round 2 just fine. All are healthy, a stable mindset has been put in place by Darryl Sutter, the break in action should not cause any setback for this Kings club.

Stacking Bricks: As if Jonathan Quick wasn’t facing a good enough opposing goalie in Brian Elliott, him and the Kings now turn to standout Mike Smith. Smith, who’s regular season stats were stellar, has carried over that performance into the playoffs. Along with his .948 save percentage and 1.77 goals against, Smith has two shutouts to go with his 8-3 record in 11 playoff contests.

Quick ups the ante, though. He’s untouchable with an 8-1 record, chiming in with a .949 save percentage and 1.55 goals against. This is certainly going to be another series where the focus of outcome lays heavily on performances in the crease.

Depth’ll do it

From all faces: Balanced scoring from a roster is one of the most valuable commodities to have in postseason play. In fact, that may be the reason these two teams are surprising the NHL – output coming from defensemen and 3rd and 4th lines. Both the Kings and Coyotes have received wealthy contributions from their back-end players.

To really feed into how crucial it is, Justin Williams puts it best when addressing the importance of the 3rd and 4th lines in a postseason matchup:

“Sometimes the first couple lines offset each other, and it’s the so-called unsung heroes who get the stuff done.” – LA Kings Insider

And that’s exactly been what’s happening for both of these clubs. In nine postseason games, the Kings have had goals from 15 different players – how magical is that. 11 of those are forwards, the other four players are defensemen. It’s coming from both ends, ain’t it sweet.

Phoenix on the other hand, has seen 13 different players score. However, they’ve played two more playoff games than the Kings. They’ve struck gold with 10 forwards, and three defensemen.

Out of the box

Special opportunity: Surprisingly, the Kings have scored just as many short-handed goals (4), as powerplay goals. But really, you can’t count on short-handed scoring, keying in on man-advantage opportunity and maintaining solid defense on the penalty kill is the ultimate factor in executing and shutting down on crucial moments.

The Kings started the playoffs with three power-play goals in their first two games. Since then, they’ve scored just one in 35 chances through seven games. That may not be doing it the fancy way, because they’ve been doing it the defensive way. The Kings have allowed just three goals in 38 instances when they’ve been a man-down.

The Coyotes have been quite impressive as well, scoring on five of 33 power-play opportunities, and allowing 3 goals on 38 instances when shorthanded. These teams are so closely matched in all aspects, all you can really focus on is the Kings continuing to play aggressive in special teams situations, while staying loose and relaxed. Trying to do too much is what often kills you.

For the Kings, maintaining pressure in the neutral zone on the penalty-kill, while continuing to enter offensive territory on the power-play, will be their shot in the arm. Because when it’s a match-up this close and this familiar, finding success in the special teams department can go a very long way.

Chalk up some W’s for Foxy, deal with NBC’s horrid broadcasting

And he’s waiting

Right now you can feel it, back then you could hear it

Fourth-line production, and don’t let those faces fool you. It’ll be just as important, and just as exciting for this group to continue to roll on all ends.

Plus, if a Kevin Westgarth – Kyle Clifford connection can’t heed good luck, I don’t know what will.

No series prediction here – and that’s been working quite well.

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From Murray To Sutter: What’s Changed For The Los Angeles Kings? Link here.

Los Angeles Kings: Doughty’s Maturity Starting To Show In Post-Season. Link here.

Los Angeles Kings: No, That Guy Wearing Number 25 Is Not An Impostor. Link here.

Los Angeles Kings Can’t Rely On Gift-Wrapped Wins In Post-Season. Link here.

Don’t forget to follow @frozenroyalty for the latest stories from Gann. Believe me, you’ll get them quicker there!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.

.

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

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

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

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

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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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.

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

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

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

2. Teams are all playing traps and blocking more shots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOS ANGELES — During the second intermission of the Los Angeles Kings’ 2-1 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 5, colleague Dennis Bernstein, Senior Writer for The Fourth Period Magazine, a columnist for TheFourthPeriod.com, and the Executive Producer of The Fourth Period Live on Sirius/XM Radio, was talking with me about the play of Kings defenseman Drew Doughty.

It is not exactly a trade secret that Doughty has not lit the National Hockey League on fire so far this season, with just two assists (both coming on the power play), a -3 plus/minus rating, and twelve shots on goal in eight games.

We discussed the possibility that Doughty is likely still feeling the effects of his recent right shoulder injury (he missed five games due to that injury), and that he may have returned to action too soon. I said that it is more likely that his contract holdout, which forced him to miss the team’s training camp, has caught up to him.

About a month into the season, Doughty has not displayed the speed, physical play or offensive capabilities that he has displayed since his rookie season in 2008-09.

While playing catch-up to the rest of the team, Doughty’s play also appears to be a drag on the Kings’ offensive attack, which has not even come close to performing near expectations.

Following his team’s shootout loss to the Penguins, Kings head coach Terry Murray indicated that he believes that missing training camp is indeed a factor in Doughty’s slow start.

“I’ve seen this so many times over the years, with players who, for whatever reason, miss training camp,” said Murray. “There’s some lag time here, to get the rust off, to get the cobwebs out, to get going.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

- 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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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

“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.

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.

Hockey Fest 2011 is only four days away!

After an incredibly exciting June and July for Los Angeles Kings fans, marked by the trade for Mike Richards and the signing of Simon Gagne, the summer settled into endless speculation about when Doughty would sign (it will be soon, right? Right?). Of course this summer also has to go down as one of the worst off-seasons for hockey.  So I recognize that my indignation and confusion regarding the announcement of the Kings alumni who will attend Hockey Fest is petty and insignificant in light of the real tragedies experienced by the hockey world over the past few months. Nonetheless I feel compelled to complain a bit and since I had to look up who some of these people were I figured I’d save some people some time and share the results of my research.

The announced alumni, subject to change are: Daryl Evans, Jim Fox, Mark Hardy, Bernie Nicholls, goaltender Gary Edwards, Glen Murray, Brandon Convery, Brad Norton and Ian Turnbull.

When I first saw this list I wondered whether it was a list of Kings broadcasters and wondered whether Bernie would be doing the sideline reporting in place of Heidi Androl. As I read further and recognized a few of the names, I had to wonder..well..why these guys?

Here is some information about the attendees and my grades for these selections:

Daryl Evans and Jim Fox, though significant and treasured parts of Kings history, are at Hockey Fest every year because they work for the Kings. Mark Hardy was an assistant for the Kings for years and now works for the Kings ECHL affiliate. So, I’m not impressed with any of the three attending. Grade: C (would be an A, but knocked down two grades for cheating)

Bernie Nichols is legit. He scored more than 30 goals in six straight seasons for the Kings (1983-1988), topped off by his 70 goal performance in 1988-89. He was the star of the team and I look forward to hearing from him and would be happy to get an autograph. Grade: A

Gary Edwards played five seasons for the Kings between 1971-1977 primarily as Rogie Vachon’s backup. As Vachon and Edwards were runners up for the Vezina trophy in 1975, he is a part of Kings history, although the lesser part, but how many times can the Kings make Vachon appear at these things? My answer would be every year until the NHL wises up and gives him his Hall of Fame jacket, but that’s a rant for another day. Grade: B

Glen Murray had a few nice seasons with 29 goals for the Kings in two out of the four that he played with the club. He went on to better seasons with the Boston Bruins, three times eclipsing the 30 goal mark (2001-2004). Still, I find myself wondering if Mr. Murray was involved in any defining or even interesting moment in Kings history. I suppose he was on the 2001 team that defeated the Red Wings, but did not score during that series. Grade: C

Now is where it gets bizarre.

Brandon Convery? Who? I had to look him up. He played 3 games for the Kings in the 1998-199 season. I don’t think there’s much more for me to say about this choice. I guess “once a King, always a King” doesn’t have a games played requirement? Grade: F

Brad Norton played for the Kings for a total of 73 games over two seasons (02-04) before fading into obscurity. I do recall Norton, mostly because he was a fighter (97 PIM in 55 games in 2002-2003 and 77 PIM in 20 games in 2003-2004) and because it was fun to shout “Hey Norton!” when he was on the ice, a reference to the Honeymooners. Other than that, his stint with the Kings was no more significant than say Matt Johnson, Steve McKenna or Ryan Flinn. This is the second time Norton has appeared at Hockey Fest. I guess he impressed the first time? Grade: D (not an F because I hope to be able to shout “Hey Norton!” when he is introduced.

Ian Turnbull played for the Kings for 42 games during his one and only season (1981-1982). He had a stellar career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, cementing his place in hockey history with the record for most goals by a defenseman with five for Toronto in a game against Detroit in 1977. If this was a Maple Leafs Hockey Fest, I would understand his inclusion. As it is a Kings Hockey Fest, I’m left to scratch my head and wonder. Grade: D (not an F because he holds an NHL record and that’s neat)

In summary, the alumni trotted out by the Kings this year is somewhat pedestrian and in other ways confusing. There are plenty of players that hold a dear place in the hearts of Kings fans and hopefully will be part of Hockey Fest in the future. But Brandon Convery? Come on.

Which Kings alum would you love to see at Hockey Fest this year?

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.

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.

Keep that remote control idle, Chris and Keith are coming at you with the recap to tonight’s glorious victory with Episode 102 of Overtime. Stay on that couch.

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I was harping on conservative defensive play tonight, and boy was I wrong. But really, can you blame that mindset? The Kings’ powerplay has come out of nowhere and has suddenly become the storyline of the series. Jack Johnson with two points, and Drew Doughty doubling the pleasure riding the four-wheeler.

Jack and Drew, I sure don’t mind it, do you?

DIRECT DEPOSIT

The one aspect that has proved to be a struggle throughout the year for the Kings has become the most domineering factor for the club’s offensive production in the playoffs. Save yourself the trip to Downtown, Los Angeles for the weekly ‘Art Walk’ and watch video of the Kings’ powerplay in the first two games of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Vincent van Gogh has got to be rolling over in his grave. Remarkable puck movement, astounding control and use of space in the offensive zone, and executing on open lanes for shots. No hesitation, and utilizing opportunity to stretch the twine in San Jose. Folks, we’ve got a roster that can win this series.

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Quick Satisfaction

You can’t ask much more from a goaltender than what Jonathan Quick has provided for this team in the first two games of the series. Although a loss in the opening contest, Quick maintained poise and posture after surrendering an early goal to keep the Kings in the game. You can’t pin Joe Pavelski‘s OT winner on Quick, there’s nothing you can do to defend a shot like Pavelski unloaded on a smooth transition odd-man rush off of an offensive zone turnover. Not only does the guy regroup from such a heartbreaking finish, but he epitomizes a brick-wall and silences the Shark-Tank with a shutout. The HP Pavilion was quieter than a college library during finals week, and boy was it a beautiful thing.

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And for Dessert, Kyle Frank Clifford

I’ll take another goal, please. Your chocolate cake tastes like shit.

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The White Hem-Lines Survive Another Day

My cult-like addiction to hockey uniforms took another step forward tonight. If the Kings were to get swept in the series, tonight’s contest would be the final installment of the current road uniforms. Well, you can stamp a ticket back to San Jose, and throw those white hem-lines in the washing machine. They’ll need something to wear for Game 5, and these beauty’s are what the closet will be calling for. Fashion show.

Say the pressure’s off the shoulders, take pride in labeling them an underdog, and have more faith than a chapel on a Sunday morning, but you can’t ignore the fact that this isn’t the roster we planned on leading us into the postseason. With just three games remaining on the Kings’ regular season slate, things look alright – but don’t necessarily feel that way. We’ll be looking for another taste of Midwest magic tonight. If the Columbus Blue Jackets win, the Kings are in. However, it’s always better to control your own destiny. It would take a complete collapse for the Kings to not etch their name into the NHL‘s playoff tree for the second consecutive season. The Kings would have to lose all three remaining contests, with the Dallas Stars winning their final four. After last night’s 6-1 drubbing by way of the San Jose Sharks, the final three games must instill rejuvenation. Below, I’ll break down the five key components that must attract focus for this club’s survival.

The Remaining Three, They’re Key: This is a seriously vulnerable team without Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams in the lineup. In their first opportunity to clinch a playoff spot last night, the Kings dropped a dud. The 6-1 San Jose slugging exposed the Kings’ defense and goaltending in the harshest manner we’ve seen since February. With three games remaining, the Kings need two victories; Not for playoff positioning, but for confidence and momentum. This team needs something positive to feed off of entering the postseason terribly shorthanded. A date with the Phoenix Coyotes, and two with the Anaheim Ducks. Both playoff teams, and both possible first-round opponents. The Kings most certainly have to pocket some points before the postseason arrives. Don’t let last night’s monstrosity be the kicker, it is crucial to segway into the Western Conference Quarterfinals on a positive note – especially with the injuries that have bruised the roster.

Goalie Carousel – Keep It Moving: Miserable performances from Jonathan Quick AND Jonathan Bernier last night. There’s one way for Terry Murray to react to the collapse last night, and that’s with consistency. You’ve gotta go Quick-Bernier-Quick for the remaining three games. With this, you provide our starter with an immediate chance to abolish last night’s disaster. Just as important, Jonathan Bernier gets another start before the postseason. Two opportunities for Quick to regain composure, and continuity for Bernier. You’ve got to establish clean trust in both goaltenders with the playoffs so close, while providing opportunity for both to enter the postseason on good terms.

Conservative-ism: With our top two goal scorers out of the lineup, the Kings must stick to conservative play. Our defense, Drew Doughty especially, has been caught deep in the offensive zone making extra efforts to create scoring chances. The aggressive mindset isn’t terrible to see, but the opposing odd-man rushes that have ensued from the defense pinching is a problem this roster can’t afford. This was spotlighted in Thursday’s loss to the Vancouver Canucks, which materialized two of their tallies. Last night posed the same issue, it’s crucial that the same approach is taken in the defensive zone as it would be if our offense was healthy. Unfortunately, the defense and goaltending is going to determine the outcomes of games for the remainder of the year. The first priority must be establishing solid presence in our own zone. Scoring will have to hinge on turnovers, neutral zone transition, and puck control in the offensive zone.

Act Your Age, Ryan: I’m appalled at how drastically, and how quickly Ryan Smyth‘s production has curtailed. Smyth has 11 points in the previous 29 games, split with just 2 goals and 9 assists. His numbers, if you want to call them that, may not even be the worst part. His overall presence on the ice has taken a serious downfall. He looks sluggish, he’s been slow on the forecheck, he isn’t establishing any presence in front of the net, and just looks downright exhausted. Smyth turned away a lot of off-season criticism with a strong first-half, and suddenly the critics may have a point. He doesn’t look 34, he looks 40. You talk about veterans who need to step-up to subdue the losses of Kopitar and Williams, and Smyth is on that list. Dustin Brown and Michal Handzus have answered the call, where are you Ryan?

Westgarth’s Gotta Go: I’ve shared my displeasure with Kevin Westgarth numerous times throughout the season. Now, I can do that with more confidence. Those who refuted a claim that Westgarth shouldn’t be getting ice vouched for his “protection” of the team’s superstars. Well, no more Anze to tend to, get Westgarth off the ice. Not to mention, players whose abilities don’t go farther than playing the ‘enforcer’ role are not valued like they once were. More clubs are icing two-way tough guys, players who can contribute in some other fashion than throwing fists. We’ve got that player in Kyle Clifford. Shouldn’t we be worrying about dressing offensive outlets rather than ‘enforcer’ types, anyway? For the love of god, you’ve got Peter Harrold wasting away on the bench. Yes, wasting. A swingman who can play both sides of the ice, and has a bit of an offensive touch in his repertoire. Does anything else need to be said, Terry? Sheesh.
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*PHOTO CREDITS:
Jack Johnson, Los Angeles Kings, Home Primary: Michael Zampelli
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings, Home Primary: Associated Press
Ryan Smyth, Los Angeles Kings, Home Primary: Michael Zampelli

Once drafted, Voynov left Chelyabinsk Traktor of the Russian Elite League for the Kings’ minor league system. Voynov’s transition to the AHL was smooth to say the least, tallying 23 points in 61 games during the 2008-2009 season, and improved on those numbers during the 2009-2010 season with 29 points in 79 games. The defensive prospect is shattering his output from the previous two seasons, establishing himself as Manchester’s most valuable asset on the blue-line. If Viatcheslav Voynov makes the Kings’ roster out of training camp next season, which I expect, the Kings will have the convenience of icing three offensive defensemen. To say the defensive pairings would be attractive with Voynov’s addition would be an understatement. Dressing three offensive defensemen with Rob Scuderi, Matt Greene, and Willie Mitchell is intriguing. The factor becomes Alec Martinez, the most recent defensive promotion. Dumping Davis Drewiske and Peter Harrold may have to be the harsh answer to Voynov’s inclusion, starting off with Martinez and Voynov rotating the 6th and 7th blue-line spots. Expect Viatcheslav Voynov to remain with the Manchester Monarchs for the remainder of the season in pursuit of the AHL‘s Calder Cup. Expect the 21 year-old prospect to vouch for residence in Manhattan Beach in September.

The frustrations from the injuries that have plagued our defense have been subdued by Scuderi’s persistent presence. He’s got an astounding +13 when on the ice with 40 blocked shots. Offensive struggles have overshadowed the Kings’ 2.34 goals against per game, which is fourth in the NHL, and the best in the Western Conference. Goaltending aside, Rob Scuderi has stabilized this bruised defensive core to maintain one of the toughest back-ends in the league. The depth he provides covers a lot of ground with holes in the lineup, the defense has been able to hold their own with Scuderi at the stable. He netted his first goal in 108 games on Tuesday, a drought dating back to October 4th of 2008. Rob Scuderi has more game-winning tallies than Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson, chew on that. Give credit where credit’s due, especially when it’s been the underlying support of a battered team.

Delegating his style of play, I’m not sure how much the AHL has to offer in furthering Moller’s development. He’s not a play-maker, but an underlying presence on both ends of the ice with his quickness. What must be evident from Moller is his pursuit on the forecheck and knack for recovering loose pucks. Both aspects have shown themselves quite clearly in his two games. Maintaining his positioning in the crease is quite positive, as he took part in the offensive ambush Monday night in Detroit, disrupting Jimmy Howard‘s vision, capitalizing on a rebound off of Drew Doughty‘s shot from the point. Strength, not skill, will be the ultimate factor in Oscar Moller solidifying a long-term spot on the Kings’ roster. It’s rather difficult to thoroughly analyze the updated version of the Stockholm native in only two games, other than it’s been encouraging. In a season in which he failed to survive the duration of exhibition contests, he’s got a chance to turn heads with a second look. So far, so good.

Three of the four opponents coming to LA are teams we need to beat. With a couple of brutal road-trips in sight, the Kings’ must take advantage of a few flimsy opponents at home. Florida, Detroit, Calgary, and Minnesota are coming, the Red Wings are atop the Western Conference, clearly the most threatening opponent. The Kings’ have an opportunity to boost confidence against a few sub-par clubs, and test themselves against a team who has replaced them atop the conference. We’ve got comfort in hearing promising news regarding Willie Mitchell and Alexei Ponikarovsky‘s injuries, but it’s important that improvement is made before they return.

This offense has been surrendering themselves in the neutral zone. There’s no push, no lanes opening, no confidence entering the zone. The defense has been tentative, gaps galore at the blue-line, no early physical presence. These problems aren’t rooted from the abilities of this roster, just bad performances. Don’t try and tell me Matt Greene and Drew Doughty are this bad. Don’t tell me this offense and power-play doesn’t have the capabilities to be a huge threat. A lot of this is mental, just bad decisions with and without the puck. You’ve always got to brace for a bad stretch, unfortunately this one has been drawn out. Please, put the trade talks on hold for a bit, that’s not going to fix the issues that have evolved from this downfall. Maybe for a boost come the playoffs, not now. I wouldn’t mind seeing Terry Murray settle down with the line shuffles and Manchester transactions. It’s difficult to settle down when the lineup constantly changes, let a few things work themselves out. Here’s to a resurgence at home, whaddya say?

*Photo Credit: Life Magazine

Defense: Just throw out a red carpet on the blue line while you’re at it. Add a little spice to it, maybe some orderves. They’re backing down on the blue line, feeding odd-man rushes. Jack Johnson no longer bothers me with this, I’m used to it. Have Matt Greene and Drew Doughty mentally recovered from their injuries? They’ve been behind on plays, notably Greene. If he’s not physical, he’s not much. Rob Scuderi has been solid, Davis Drewiske is himself, just kind of there. The AHL shuffle continues with Alec Martinez promoted in an effort to boost the power-play. Worked last night, about the only thing that did.

Special Teams: The Kings have weakened on the penalty kill. This is one of the problems you can attest the losses of Willie Mitchell and Alexei Ponikarvsky to. They’re both key factors in the defensive zone, and contributed to a 4-man line that sealed lanes earlier this year. As for this power-play that just can’t score, they’re getting too meticulous. Shoot the puck. Jack Johnson has finally decided to use his wrist-shot from the point, which just begs for screens and rebounds. Where’s Kopitar’s shots from the umbrella? They’re not setting up in the neutral zone, surrendering blue-line rushes and dump-ins into easy control and transition for the defense. This power-play situation has no excuses for their lack of production. No one on the IR hurts it’s output, they’re just not taking shots. Too much action on the point to feed slap-shots. Get some slot presence and stop dancing with the puck.

Now to Jonathan Bernier, this has been a touchy subject with fans. It’s clear he’s not getting enough help from his defense, but you need to make saves, bottom line. In his current stretch of three losses, he’s allowed 14 goals. Unacceptable. He’s faced a lot of shots, dealt with an afflicted defense, but that’s why he’s there. The problems that have hit this defense haven’t necessarily left Bernier out to dry, but have allowed room for development on plays. The signs are coming earlier with the lack of pressure on the blue-line, it’s Bernier’s job to read it and deny it. Not happening. First full season in the NHL and still only 22 years old, his recent play shouldn’t trigger complete uncertainty just yet.

I’m not here to be a pessimist and stir up crazy rumors. I’m not labeling Doughty’s injury to be extreme either. But why is the aura surrounding the vague statements released by Terry Murray and Dean Lombardi worrisome? Doughty has gone from being ruled out for tonight’s game in Phoenix, to a scratch for at least a week. This, in a matter of hours with no inside information. It looks to be a waiting game on the severity of Doughty’s injury. If you take a look at Cole’s hit that knocked Doughty out of the game, you’ve got to notice the shoulder-to-shoulder contact. Yes, I’m considering a sting to the right shoulder that is undergoing tests. However, there were no painful expressions as Doughty sat on the Kings’ bench for the last minute of the period. You can only manipulate this for so long, justifying possibilities until you drive yourself crazy. The fact is, we’re going to have to wait for answers. No one has downplayed the injury, and no one has pressed the panic button. Dean Lombardi and Terry Murray have Kings fans by the throat, clearly sending a message that this is too serious to exploit. An explanation will eventually be provided, but until then, optimism for the star defenseman is your best bet.

EL SEGUNDO, CA — Following the 2009-10 season, the Los Angeles Kings lost defensemen Sean O’Donnell, Randy Jones and later in the summer, Matt Greene.

While O’Donnell and Jones signed with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, respectively, Greene underwent shoulder surgery is expected to miss the first month of the 2010-11 season, at least.

That left the Kings undermanned on the blue line, but, even with Greene out of the lineup, the Kings defenseman corps looks to be better than last year’s model.

That improvement began with the loss of Jones—addition by subtraction. It continued with the Kings’ acquisition of veteran defenseman Willie Mitchell, who was signed to a two-year unrestricted free agent contract worth $3.5 million per year on August 25, 2010.

The 32-year-old native of Port McNeill, British Columbia is a tough, physical, stay-at-home defenseman who is an upgrade over the aging O’Donnell.

“Anytime you can add a player of the caliber of a Willie Mitchell, it’s a good thing for your team,” said defenseman Davis Drewiske, who appears to have a spot on the third defensive pair all but secured. “He’s going to be great to have around. He’s a guy I look forward to playing with and learning from.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty

LOS ANGELES — With the Chicago Blackhawks winning the 2010 Stanley Cup on June 9, the 2009-10 National Hockey League season is over and attention now turns to the league’s annual awards, which will be presented at the Palms in Las Vegas on June 23.

LA Kings defenseman Drew Doughty could become the second-youngest player to win the James Norris Memorial Trophy on June 23, 2010.
Photo: Rich Lam/Getty Images
Perhaps the most interesting race for the awards will be for the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defenseman during the regular season.

The finalists are Chicago’s Duncan Keith, Mike Green of the Washington Capitals and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings.

Green, 24, led all defenseman in goals, assists and points with 19 goals and 57 assists for 76 points. He ranked tenth league-wide in assists, led all defenseman with ten power play goals, ranked second among defensemen with a +39 plus/minus rating and was second among blue liners with four game-winning goals and ninth in time on ice per game (25:28).

The 26-year-old Keith also had solid offensive numbers, scoring 14 goals and adding 55 assists for 69 points. Among defensemen, he ranked sixth in goals, second in assists and in points, ninth in plus/minus and second in ice time per game (26:55).

Among NHL defensemen Doughty, 20, ranked third in overall scoring with 59 points on 16 goals and 43 assists, second in goals, fifth in assists, and eleventh in plus/minus (+20). He tied for second in power play goals among defensemen with nine and ranked first with five game-winning goals among the blue liners. League-wide, Doughty ranked thirteenth in ice time per game (24:58).

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

“Church & Dwight, makers of important products such as Trojan Condoms, Nair Hair Removal Products and the nationally known Arm & Hammer brand are pleased to welcome the Los Angeles Kings into our investment portfolio”, the company said in a press release. “It just makes sense. We have been trying to penetrate the Los Angeles market with Trojan Condoms but have been unsuccessful at doing so. We believe that this will help leverage our brand into an exploding market.”

Dean Lombardi, President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings said “I don’t expect their to be any change in the way we have been running this team. However, there will some changes that fans may not like at first.”

Church & Dwight and AEG Worldwide announced this morning that the Los Angeles Kings would be changing their name to the Los Angeles Magnums. In addition, the Los Angeles Kings parted ways with fan-favorite mascot Bailey as they will now be utilizing the ever-popular Trojan Man. That night, the Kings Magnums will debut a limited-edition third jersey that night. No word on if the jersey will be ribbed for the fans’ pleasure.

The team will be celebrating this union with a Pleasure Pack Giveaway Night. The first 10,000 fans to Staples Center on April 3rd against the Anaheim Ducks will receive their choice of one Pleasure Pack or Multi-Speed Vibrating Ring.

Defenseman Drew Doughty and forward Wayne Simmonds issued the following joint statement: “As young players in the league who are making more than the average American, we use Trojan Condoms on a regular basis. They keep us from becoming Baby Daddies. We think Trojan Condoms are the right fit for all of the Kings.” The two declined to comment on which brand of Trojan was their condom of choice.

Notes on the game:
– Let’s start this out on a positive note. As for the Kings only goal tonight, how many times have we seen this sequence? Drew Doughty to Anze Kopitar on the sideboards, a hard wrister on net for a Michal Handzus rebound goal? Music to my ears, eye candy. Beautiful goal, an unfortunate high-point to tonight’s game.
– The Stars came out with a vengeance in the 2nd period. Dallas was able to capitalize on 3 of their 9 shots in the period, setting their tone to the game. The carousel that was the Stars power-play began to run in full-force. With three second period power-play goals, and four overall, the Stars keyed in on a struggling Kings penalty-kill.
– Former King Brandon Segal had a couple of solid scoring chances tonight.
– The Dallas Stars earned their first victory in tonight’s Pacific Division season-series finale.
– Every goal was recorded on the power-play. Tough outing for the Kings, as they only capitalized on 1 of 7 power-play opportunites, and allowed 4 goals when a man-down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Zyo-PXYOM

Notes on the game:
– On Nashville’s first goal, Randy Jones did everything right in defending Steve Sullivan. Jones forced Sullivan to the outside, making him have to release a shot from a low-percentage angle. Unfortunately, the puck slipped through the pads of Jonathan Quick, who had a shaky start.
– The powerplay continues its success as the Kings were able to capitalize on their only opportunity today. Drew Doughty utilized his control and presence with the puck when under pressure, and managed to not only get the puck down-low, but drag a couple of Nashville defenders with him. This cleared up space in the slot, which Michael Handzus took advantage of by feeding a wide open Anze Kopitar for the goal.
– Good job by Dustin Brown to walk the puck in from the side-boards forcing Pekka Rinne to move. Brown released mid-stride in the middle of the slot, catching Rinne off-guard.