The Los Angeles Kings, for only the second time in club history, are in the Western Conference Finals. Bloggers are in crunch mode getting their content out quickly. Here’s a nice recap of some of the stories from Gann Matsuda’s Frozen Royalty on the playoffs thus far. Head on over to his blog and give these stories a read:
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!
Round 2 of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs has arrived! The Los Angeles Kings showed their strength on the road (once again) defeating the St. Louis Blues 3-1. In this episode we talk about the game and give a quick comparison on why the Blues are similar to the Kings.
They entered last night’s commencement to the postseason with no easy agenda, taking to the ice in one of the most hostile environments that is the Rogers Centre, against the NHL‘s best club in the Vancouver Canucks. The league’s spectrum had them written off, and you were anxiously waiting for them to crumble into that trap, the trap they were supposed to fall into.
Instead, they won – and in utterly convincing fashion.
There’s folks looking now, and the Kings have now put themselves on the NHL‘s ‘upset’ radar, making Vancouver look nervous, confused, and undisciplined in a shocking 4-2 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
And who does the game-winning goal come from? None other than Dustin Penner, who very well could have played his best game of the year last night. Mike Richards, who not only intercepted a Vancouver clearing attempt, but controlled the turnover in a patient manner for time and space to set up the goal, did exactly what a player is supposed to do. Throw the puck on net, even if it is a said ‘pass’.
“That was just a bad pass by me. I just saw him [Jeff Carter] go to the net. It was a bad pass and a good play by him.’’ – Mike Richards via LA Kings Insider
Tell me now, what happens when you direct the puck to the net, with heavy traffic?
And it’s quieter than a library
Hit ‘n win: For how unfavorably the Kings were roughed around in the final two regular season games against the San Jose Sharks, last night’s physical performance that featured 28 hits was a complete turnaround – and one of, if not the major factor in the game’s outcome.
This took Vancouver off of their game throughout, the Kings forcing ‘dump and chase’ play by standing the blue lines, and winning the battles against the Canucks’ forecheck. Vancouver had little time and/or opportunity to set up and play into their systems, the Kings were ferocious defensively.
This ignited an extremely undisciplined side to the Vancouver Canucks.
Which, the Kings keyed on, although not as often as you wanted to see. The Canucks took a shocking eight penalties, the Kings executed with goals on two of them.
Winning ways
Jonathan Quick was absolutely brilliant last night, stopping 24 of 26 shots. A shutout was closer than you think. Vancouver’s first goal could have been, and very arguably so, goaltender interference – nixing the goal. But, the call didn’t go that way. Vancouver’s second tally came off of an awkward puck that ricocheted twice en rout to Quick, who had no chance in reacting to the extreme change in angle.
Mike Richards was uncanny in all assets, from his goal and two assists, to his complete and total domination in his matchup with Ryan Kesler, which could force the Canucks to make lineup adjustments for Game 2. This is why Dean Lombardi acquired Richards, and he didn’t just show it in his three points, but while delivering four hits and causing a turnover to develop the game-winning goal.
Solid play didn’t just come from the big names, but from those on the 3rd and 4th lines as well. There was one point in the game where Jordan Nolan, Kyle Clifford, and Colin Fraser controlled the puck for an entire shift in Vancouver’s zone against their first line. There were a combined 10 hits delivered from the back two lines, which shook the Canucks’ defense to the point to where those lines became offensive threats.
F*ck Alex Burrows.
Offensive contributions from the defense is something that has been proven to be a major tool for success for the Kings this season, and they continued to connect while holding the blue line. The Kings are 27-6-3 when a defenseman records a goal, they upped that stat to 28 wins last night. The defense combined for 12 shots on goal, with an assist from Drew Doughty, and a howitzer of a goal from former Canuck Willie Mitchell.
Looking ahead
The Kings must continue to maintain a heavy physical presence, they must continue to challenge Vancouver at the top of their own zone, forcing a ‘dump and chase’ game from the Canucks, allowing little setup during zone entry.
Don’t worry about Jonathan Quick, worry about having success against Roberto Luongo again. If Luongo does in fact get the loss again tomorrow night, the pressure from Vancouver’s surprising backup in Corey Schneider could potentially force the Canucks to make a change in crease when heading to Los Angeles – something playoff teams loathe doing.
The Kings have gone 1-1 on the road to start their playoff series’ the past two seasons, but have never won the opening game in doing so. Back then, Game 2 was just about keeping pace, and maintaining home ice. Now after winning the first contest, they have an opportunity to do some great damage, and head back home with a 2-0 series lead. There’s no room for comfort here, going to LA up 2-0, opposed to a stalemate at 1-1, is a night and day difference.
Continue to let Drew Doughty play a loose game, he did just fine last night in playing freely in both ends, notching an assist with six shots on goal. Not to mention, he’s been recovering to smart positioning after offensive zone rushes better than I’ve ever seen him do. Since Darryl Sutter‘s arrival, Doughty has exemplified himself as a player who performs better with fewer defensive boundaries. Let the guy play.
If there was a player more deserving than Dustin Brown in tallying the empty netter last night, then please tell me who. Eight shots, four hits, and yet another strong, captain-like outing.
At least for now, time is on our side
Game 1 Recap featured in Episode 152 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE KingsCast Hockey Podcast on — Facebook - Twitter - Youtube
The 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun and the Los Angeles Kings are off to a decent start against the Vancouver Canucks. In this episode we talk Game 1 in Vancouver and send a welcome message to Canucks fans up North. Stay tuned, KingsCast will be doing a show after every game.
It came from an unexpected bunch Sunday evening at American Airlines Center, unexpected much like the snow pouring over Dallas during the contest. It came from two new additions that joined the Kings from Manchester, New Hampshire the day prior.
It came from Dwight King and Jordan Nolan, both recording their first career NHL goals in the Kings’ 4-2 win in what was an absolute mammoth game of importance against the Pacific Division‘s Dallas Stars. It didn’t just come from that pair, but from another name familiar with the Granite state, Andrei Loktionov, who was in Manchester until November 14th, leading the club with 14 points through 17 games played.
The two rookies have certainly sparked a bit of excitement with some looks of promise, but you know what the ultimatum is going to be as they continue to dress in Los Angeles – regular contributions. Quite frankly, if you were to judge by their two games, I’d give Dwight King a sure pass on two great performances, and Jordan Nolan with one. Kid looked like he couldn’t even hold his stick he was so nervous Saturday in Long Island.
These two may have the potential to trigger Mike Richards‘ output more than any of his linemates have this year. Who would’ve thought, I was even skeptical after the lineup announcement prior to the 2-1 OT loss against the New York Islanders. Both of these players have similar assets to those of Dustin Penner, but are younger, faster, and would certainly give Penner a run in a battle of strength.
It’s got that 70′s feel
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Now, don’t fully expect King and Nolan to continue to be regulars on the scoresheet, but their situation is intriguing in their effect on Mike Richards‘ play – which almost holds as much value as first-hand production. To really get Richards’ full value, he needs linemates that can alleviate some pressure, rid him of some of the workload. Both rookies have been getting pucks low, winning one-on-one battles, and maintaining pretty decent puck protection and control to allow Mike Richards to key in on time and space without the puck.
Supporting Richards hasn’t exactly been the case in the two contests we’ve seen Nolan and King, with Richards assisting Nolan’s goal Sunday. However, Richards has the ability to flip the roles and make Dwight King and Jordan Nolan better players, it’s a matter of them making it work. So far, so good.
Both rookies, who are big-bodied wingers just like Dustin Penner, are now on track to seriously threaten his role in this offense. Penner, who’s shown improvement as of late, is unquestionably on the down-tail of his NHL career, and has yet to hit the stride his past resume resembles. But, it hasn’t come to that point yet, both Nolan and King are a few good games away from highlighting their names. Plus, there are a few more litigations involved in Penner’s situation; Waivers, anyone? Well, who knows, it very well could come to that.
Bottom line, the Kings have done right on the two call-ups so far, and their presence is at least stable for the next couple of games. That’s all you can go off of with this club, it’s one at a time. Standings are tight, schedule is dwindling, playoffs are in question, and the roster is desperate for scoring. It’s better not to harp on the long-term, everything’s up in the air especially with February 27′s trade-deadline approaching.
Right now, if they can score, if they can win, then put on the blinders and let it be.
The first second 48
To mention another bright spot, recent Manchester Monarchs player Andrei Loktionov scored his second goal of the season Sunday. This may be his first goal from above the goal-line, but you’re going to take what you can get. It simply redirected off of his skate, that doesn’t mean it’s a cheap goal, though. Well-placed shot to the net by Jack Johnson, good positioning in the high slot by Loktionov, good things happen when you’re smart — and simple.
Jarret Stoll‘s injury may deem him off of the trade market this season, that’s a good thing.
There’s a bit of hope in Simon Gagne possibly returning in his recovery process from his upteenth concussion.
It’s all up in the air, but one thing’s for sure: Manchester’s development has equaled production in Los Angeles. For now, you’ve got to run with it.
“Score some goals, and make some assists.” Well, this may be one of the most awkward interviews I’ve ever seen.
You can see King, Nolan, and Loktionov goals in this quick fix. Plus, Williams’ finisher.
The Kings return to Staples Center for a huge game tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes for the first date at home in the past 6 games, 15 days. Grammy trip is over, time to vie for a Cup. Kings at 65 points, Sun Dogs at 63. Both clubs 57 games into the campaign. Damn important if I say so myself.
Queue that train-horn.
Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 143 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE KingsCast Hockey Podcast on — Facebook - Twitter - Youtube
The Los Angeles Kings are on a long road-trip that could very well define their season. In this episode we talk about the games against the St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning. We also take your Kings questions from Twitter and Facebook and talk about Dean Lombardi’s next moves.
“We were real average, quite honestly.” — Darryl Sutter
Back to work: It may have been an average performance, barely topping the NHL‘s worst club in Columbus — but the fashion in which the Kings earned the two points was anything but. Before we get to the positives from last night’s contest, and how you really couldn’t ask for a bigger momentum swing to start post – All Star break play, there’s a simple explanation for Staples Center clock controversy as Drew Doughty netted the game winner with just 0.4 seconds to play. Kings GM Dean Lombardi said it best, in response to Columbus GM Scott Howson‘s premature accusations.
“Those clocks are sophisticated instruments that calculate time by measuring electrical charges called coulombs — given the rapidity and volume of electrons that move through the measuring device the calibrator must adjust at certain points which was the delay you see. The delay is just recalibrating for the clock moving too quickly during the 10—10ths of a second before the delay. This insures that the actual playing time during a period is exactly 20 minutes.”
“That is not an opinion -— that is science -— amazing device quite frankly.”
“The clock stoppage is actually common, just not always in the last seconds of a game leading to a GWG in that final second. It is the clock’s display syncing with the internal clock/computer.”
So, to get technical, it came down to coulombs in the last-second victory against Columbus.
Would Dean Lombardi be saying the same thing if this had happened against the Kings? Maybe not, probably not. But, when you’re on the losing side of a situation like that, you tend to let frustrations get in the way of clear, calm thinking. Plus, many times have I seen Staples’ clock pause in such a fashion it did last night in the final minute of a period. Drew Doughty scored that goal prior to the 20-minute mark, case closed.
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Not just Average: Kings coach Darryl Sutter was right on the money tabbing last night’s performance ‘average’, but it’s got the makings to give this club a huge boost, a great deal of momentum. If winning a game in front of a home crowd with 0.4 seconds left to play isn’t enough adrenaline to build off of leading into the season’s longest road trip, those who contributed, and in what situations, should provide some much needed optimism.
For starters, the Kings executed on two of three powerplay opportunities, which further shows the resurgence play in man-advantage situations has seen the past couple of weeks. The last time the Kings saw the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 7th, a 1-0 loss, the Kings went 0-8 on the powerplay. What a difference it can make, no?
Justin Williams, who chipped in with a powerplay goal of his own netting the first goal of last night’s contest, now has points in nine consecutive games. Williams has 35 points in his 49 appearances this season, he’s notched 11 in his current nine game scoring streak. This is huge.
Dustin Penner hounded on a turnover he caused and used his strength to find a lane straight to the net in beating a helpless Curtis Sanford for the Kings’ second tally of the night. Penner isn’t riding a point streak like Williams, but whenever you can get production from the struggling forward, you’re gladly going to take it. Plus, the guy has consistently been looking better each game.
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If you were somewhere under a rock last night, here’s a clip showing multiple replays of Drew Doughty‘s goal. If you get to the :49 second mark of this video, you’ll clearly see the clock’s stoppage at 1.8 seconds. However, there’s no reason to be afraid to see this again, as it simply was the visible clock re-syncing with the internal mechanisms. 10′ths of a second can be a bit hard to keep up with, this happens more than you think. It’s difficult to notice, as the clock had the full spotlight this time around. A good goal it is, tough break for the Blue Jackets.. yet again.
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Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 142 HERE
Follow the blog on Twitter HERE Get your Official KingsCast Apparel HERE KingsCast Hockey Podcast on — Facebook - Twitter - Youtube
The All Star break is over and it’s time for some LA Kings hockey. In this episode we (briefly) talk about the NHL All Star Game, the game tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets, talk about the possibility of trading for Jeff Carter and Ryan Malone and tell you what we heard in the Premier section at Staples Center.
You’ve seen the Internet memes. You’ve seen Sh*t Nobody Says, Sh*t White Girls Say, Sh*t Asian Girls Say, Sh*t Straight Guys Say to Gay Guys. But have you heard from Los Angeles Kings fans? Exactly. You haven’t. So, please enjoy Sh*t LA Kings Fans Don’t Say.
KingsCast presents…The Most Miserable Time of the Year for the LA Kings. When you think of cheesy YouTube Christmas songs sung in a miserable harmony, think of KingsCast! So settle back and enjoy some tidings of great joy from Keith and Chris!
The Los Angeles Kings, for only the second time in club history, are in the Western Conference Finals. Bloggers are in crunch mode getting their content out quickly. Here’s a nice recap of some of the stories from Gann Matsuda’s Frozen Royalty on the playoffs thus far. Head on over to his blog and give these stories a read:
