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The Kings have shown some bad signs this season, but it’s got nothing to do with poster board.

Attention now turns to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who sit dead-last in the NHL‘s Central Division with a 3-5-1 record.

*New KingsCast TV – Episode 178 “What’s up with Mike Richards?”*

Jeff Carter will surely be flowered with arena-synchronized boo-birds from Blue Jackets’ faithful every time he touches the puck Tuesday night, much like he was on March 8th of last season. Meanwhile, an old friend will be skating in opposing colors – Jack Johnson.

This should all brew some blood flow for Tuesday night’s date.

Nationwide Arena – a hostile setting? I guess so? Kind of. It’s no joke these days for the Kings when they hit downtown Columbus, Ohio. Along with the nagging ‘Defending Stanley Cup Champions’ target the Kings carry to opposing buildings this season, toss in the return of Columbus’ much maligned Jeff Carter, and the second reunion with former King, and newest Columbus poster boy, Jack Johnson.

The Buckeye State foreshadows quite the dandy of a date.

Light on D, fine without “3″

Blue-line blues: The Kings remain without two of their primary defensemen Willie Mitchell and Matt Greene. Mitchell, who skated Monday at Toyota Sports Center, should return within the next couple of weeks. Greene is out indefinitely.

Even with this, Jack Johnson isn’t missed, and would not be the guy to fill the holes left by the two aforementioned players. Johnson, who offered a more offensive style, would be a bigger liability now that the Kings’ defensive scheme is terribly light.

For a player that was often found out of position in the defensive zone, and had trouble controlling himself in transition after offensive rushes, he’s a better fit elsewhere – especially with a team where he can log heavy minutes and play as a free spirit.

Speaking of minutes, the Columbus Blue Jackets are using Johnson for every penny he’s worth. As forwarded by Jon Rosen, Johnson logged 34:59 minutes of ice time Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings. This is the most an NHL player has skated in a regular season game since Dan Boyle with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008.

Quick Recovery

Red Light: After Saturday night’s 7-4 drubbing by way of the Anaheim Ducks, both Kings goaltenders ended their night in ugly fashion. Jonathan Quick, who started in his seventh consecutive game this season, gave up two goals on Anaheim’s first three shots.

Darryl Sutter, who doesn’t like to do so, pulled his starting goaltender just 5:49 into the contest and granted Jonathan Bernier his first action of the campaign – his first NHL action since March 31st, 2012. Bernier didn’t do much better, but it’s easy to understand the Quebec native had a bit of rust on his pads.

Bernier allowed four goals on 21 shots, and the Anaheim Ducks went on to add an empty-net tally to finalize the scoring. A successful return to NHL action for Bernier would be a difficult feat even if he was given the start, with time to prepare. Instead, he was thrown into the mix in an off-guard fashion, against an Anaheim offense that has started extremely hot.

Comfortable Confines?

Columbus’ Nationwide Arena and the Kings’ Jonathan Bernier are quite familiar with each other. In the previous three dates the Kings have played in Columbus, Bernier has gotten the starting nod.

In those three games, Bernier was reliable with a 2-1-0 record. For Darryl Sutter, tonight’s goalie decision could be bigger than you think. If you start Jonathan Bernier, you give the guy much-needed playing time, in a familiar setting, and fresh off of Saturday night’s action.

Oh, and a chance to polish off the rust shown in Anaheim.

If Sutter decides to go with Jonathan Quick, that’s just as fair – as he is the Kings’ clear-cut #1 starter. You never want an early-exit situation to hangover with a goalie and flutter his confidence. I believe Quick is mentally stronger than that, and tonight’s choice will basically come down to a coin-flip type decision from head coach Darryl Sutter.

Final Notes

Jeff Carter, who the Kings acquired from Columbus, has three goals in seven games. The points will come, because Carter is creating opportunity. In these first seven games, he’s fired off 21 shots – an average of three per game.

Jack Johnson, who the Kings sent to Columbus, has one goal and two assists for three points in Columbus’ first nine games. And not a shocker here: Johnson has a -2 rating to go with it. However, he’s doing exactly what Columbus wants – logging ice, creating shots (25), blocking shots (13), and maybe most importantly, being a solid voice and leader in the Blue Jackets’ locker room.

After all, Johnson is donning an “A” on his sweater.

Jack-Track

Just weeks prior to Jack Johnson‘s trade from the Kings to the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 23, 2012, he snuck Drew Doughty a beautiful split-second, split-decision pass. Johnson, who was often a textbook-style defenseman with the Kings, did show a different side with this instinctive tap to Drew Doughty to defeat the Blue Jackets.

Forgive me later

March 8, 2012: This date presented the first reunion between the Kings and Jack Johnson since his trade and five years in a Kings uniform. Johnson momentarily upset the Kings’ clawing ways to a playoff position, scoring the game-winning goal on Jonathan Bernier with just seconds left in the first period.

The Kings would go 6-1 in their next seven games, en route to a Stanley Cup Championship.

Jack’d

Give me directions to her place, Jacko

Hung to dry

Kids didn’t like Jack Johnson anyway.

And Jeff Carter bangs hot wives. He railed Scott Hartnell‘s hoochie.

Puck drops 4:00PM PST against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.

Have the radio dial set to 1150 KTLK-AM for that ride home from work.

Episode 178 KingsCast TV: What’s the deal with Mike Richards? – HERE
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What do you do when there’s a lockout? Release an official Bloopers show, that’s what. Showcasing the best of the bloopers/outtakes from the KingsCast and Los Angeles Kings 2011/2012 Stanley Cup Championship season. The very best, and rare, moments from Season 3 of the long running infallible hockey video show.

The hockey offseason continues with another compilation of the best “See Ya!” segments from Season 3 of KingsCast (2011/2012). Say goodbye to players such as Ethan Moreau, teams like the Vancouver Canucks & New Jersey Devils and much more! Presented in official KingsCast Los Angles Kings fashion with the popular, long running comedy segment.

The Los Angeles Kings are in an all-out playoff war and it’s not getting any easier. In this episode we talk about the games against the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. We also give our thoughts on why the Kings will and will not make the playoffs as well as offer up a new giveaway on YouTube.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Fit for a King

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

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

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

Kompon can’t get the bird these days

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

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

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

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

How about a video compilation of best reactions regarding this.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 146 HERE
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Arguably the best game of hockey the Kings have been involved in this season, tonight in Nashville.

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

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

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

It’s got to be.

Back in the picture

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

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

Carter cater’s

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

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

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

If this guy wakes up…

Well, how do ya do, Columbus?

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

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

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 145 HERE
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The trade deadline is upon us and the Los Angeles Kings have already made their key move acquiring Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Jack Johnson and a 1st round pick. In this episode we talk about the games against the Coyotes, Avalanche and Blackhawks. We also address all your trade deadline questions including Dustin Brown, Rick Nash and Willie Mitchell’s contract extension.

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Finding it tricky to compile my feelings on this one. Can’t love it, can’t hate it.

The University of Michigan alum will now be playing on the outskirts of Ohio State University‘s campus.

Defenseman Jack Johnson has been traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in swap of forward Jeff Carter and a conditional first-round draft selection in either 2012 or 2013 – pending the Kings’ ability to secure a playoff berth this season.

*UPDATE: Quote from Jack Johnson on the trade via Mayors Manor:

“I’m excited by this. I’m excited to go to a team that wants me, and to play in a great sports city. I want to be part of the solution there. I know they’ve had some bad breaks and some tough seasons, but it’s going to be great when it turns around. Really, I don’t think there’s anything sweeter in sports than being part of a team when they get it turned around.”

This isn’t a big surprise to most, front offices in Los Angeles and Columbus were a good fit for each other at this year’s trade deadline. The Kings were desperate for acquiring offensive help, the Blue Jackets were eager to move a couple of top-six scoring assets in order for a heavy rebuild. The Kings had a very tradeable high-value defenseman, the Blue Jackets needed to move a proven forward that had well-known gripe for playing in Columbus.

It was aligned to happen, now it’s reality.

It’s sad. The more it settles, the more you realize how little Jack Johnson‘s performance in a Kings uniform played into tonight’s deal. Sure, his ugly plus-minus stat irritated fans, which fed many to believe he had plateaued as an NHL player, but the Kings had an above-average defenseman locked up for a lengthy tenure at an extremely low price. Plus, the guy is only 25, and held off the NHL for two years to play NCAA hockey in Ann Arbor. There was plenty of time to be had with Johnson’s development, and it’s now the kiss of death to his tenure as a King.

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Hit the road, Jack: I’ve had my fair number of frustrations with Jack Johnson this season and the last. However, it’s tough to let such promising young talent go in this fashion. It was a move to alleviate distress in the Kings’ front office, which had seen major offseason offensive acquisitions result in the Kings at rock-bottom of the NHL in scoring. On the playoff bubble, but on the outside looking in, the Kings were almost forced to act on something doable that could bring hope for a late-season resurgence.

That hope comes in Jeff Carter, who has recorded 25 points in 39 games with Columbus this season – following three extremely productive seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, notching 84, 61, and 66 points in his final three campaigns in Philly. The Kings now have a proven scoring forward, they’re dying for someone to initiate chemistry in their dreadful offense.

The Kings’ desperate plea for offensive help makes this trade a bit easier to swallow. Not to mention, the Kings are almost top-heavy in strength at defense. I’d expect Slava Voynov to get the call to fill Johnson’s void for the remainder of the year. If there’s one positive to take from tonight’s deal, it’s improving the outlook of the offense while maintaining defensive strength.

Adios, Jack.

Welcome, Mr. Carter.

The Carter: The newly-acquired forward doesn’t just have an impressive resume, but a strong connection to arguably the Kings’ most valuable player in Mike Richards. Both players spent five seasons together with the Philadelphia Flyers, and not only did they maintain possibly what was the strongest relationship on the roster for those years, but were two of the biggest, if not the biggest, offensive producers for the Flyers.

The Kings are dying for chemistry in the offensive zone, this may trigger it.

At the very least, this pumps hope into a club that has been mentally abused by failure in the offensive zone. The coach has changed, lines have been shuffled, maybe a fresh name is the answer — but don’t put all of your weight on it. This is just another direction in a season that resembles tumultuous. Hopefully, this time around, tumultuous exemplifies results rather than excitement.

Argue it if you want, sealed as a done deal.

Metro Los Angeles should know better than to release destination posters during the NHL trade-deadline. Or, maybe Johnson’s looking for directions to Columbus? This new advertisement, released just two days ago.

The Kings’ season started out in extremely positive fashion, Jack Johnson set that table with his OT goal in the season’s opener against the New York Rangers in Stockholm, Sweden.

 Of course, you can’t forget Jack Johnson‘s ‘Tebow’ celebration in January’s victory over the Washington Capitals.

At last, a back-track to better times, when Johnson was a key piece to the Kings’ youthful core.

So long, Jacko. Welcome to Los Angeles, Jeff Carter.

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 144 HERE
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KingsCast winds down 2011 with a special New Years edition episode. LA Kings blogger Alex Kinkopf joins us as we break down the Chicago & Winnipeg games, talk coaching change, power play, Darryl Sutter, Simon Gagne and much more. Happy New Year Kings fans!

This show is sponsored Barry’s Tickets. Enter the discount code “kingscast25″ and receive 10% off

The Los Angeles Kings have hit (close to) rock bottom since the last show. Terry Murray has been fired, the Kings still can’t score and we’re in the market for a new coach that can bring on the goal-scoring fury…right? Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period joins us and brings the knowledge on Coach Murray, future Coach Sutter, Dean Lombardi and more LA Kings hockey talk. Listen to The Fourth Period Radio on Saturdays 4-7PM EST on Sirius 207, XM 92 NHL Home Ice.

This episode is sponsored by Barry’s Tickets. Click the link and enter the discount code “kingscast25″ to receive a 10% discount.
Music by The Graveyard Bandits.