.

As training camp officially began Sunday morning at Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, a friendly, familiar face was on his way out the door. It’s a business, now back to it.

Talks within Kings’ brass have been nothing but aggressive, and it’s been no bluff. Here’s the deal: last season wasn’t enough.

Wheeling, dealing.

Kevin Westgarth has been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Anthony Stewart and a pair of future draft selections. The Kings receive a fourth-round draft pick in 2013, and a sixth-round draft pick in 2014.

Anthony Stewart, the 25th overall selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers, didn’t make it to Florida’s roster until 2008, where he played just one season. Since then, Stewart was a member of what would be the final Atlanta Thrashers roster in history in 2010-2011, and then spent last season with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Stewart, a physical fourth-line forward, played 77 games with the Hurricanes last year, potting 20 points with nine goals and 11 assists. He tacked on 30 PIM and 92 hits to his stat-line.

If you’re going to make an early move, you couldn’t have made a safer acquisition that has so much upside to it than today’s gem pulled by Dean Lombardi.

Before anything further, it must be said the Kings lost quite possibly the strongest, most positive personality in their locker room today. Kevin Westgarth didn’t play a whole lot, he didn’t score a bunch, and often took it upon himself to protect the roster’s golden boys when he had the opportunity – and that’s not fun work.

Yet, he had one of the most positive attitudes on the roster. Westgarth was a treat for fans at practices in El Segundo, or during warmups at road games – always recognizing LA’s colors from a distance, and shooting you a head bump or a puck.

If you were to ever take a peek into the Kings’ locker-room, Westgarth’s voice was always well-heard. Even though he was arguably the least-skilled on the roster, and his playing-time was far from consistent, he was always speaking verses that implemented confidence and positivity.

And to note his involvement and importance off the ice, Kevin Westgarth represented the Kings in the NHL‘s CBA negotiations throughout the lockout.

On the ice, Westgarth played in a total of 90 regular season contests in a Kings uniform over the span of three separate seasons. In that time, the fourth-line enforcer dropped one goal, four assists, and 153 penalty minutes.

Kevin Westgarth was so in touch with fans, he spotted and overwhelmingly acknowledged a family from Manchester, New Hampshire that was attending a Kings practice in El Segundo last season, during a trip they made to watch their hometown prospects play in Kings uniforms.

Talk about a 3,000-mile trip being made worth-while.

Speaking of traveling…

Westside Connection

Road Trippin‘: The NHL finalized their condensed schedules for each club Saturday, and they’re staying simple. The Kings, along with all other 29 clubs, will play the majority of their season against division opponents, and all contests within their own conference.

Even though the Kings open on home-ice at Staples Center, they’ll be skating away from Los Angeles for a heavy majority of the first third of the season. Out of the Kings’ first 15 games, only four are scheduled in home confines.

This, because of scheduling conflicts with the two NBA clubs Staples Center also hosts, and the Grammy Award Show -  which annually chases the Kings, Lakers, and Clippers out of their home barn for the majority of February.

The Kings will see Pacific Division opponents for 18 of their 48 contests, and the remaining 30 will be dates with all other clubs in the Western Conference.

The full 2012-2013 Kings schedule can be seen here.

It’s all West this season, without Westgarth.

“The goal”

That was ugly as sh*t.

Westy’s Specialty

It’s crucial that Kevin Westgarth‘s career doesn’t end up like that of Raitis Ivanans.

Shit, if it does, he’s got a Princeton degree to his name. That’s got to be worth something.

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Show me you love me. Put my name on it.

Andrei Loktionov has the longest name on the Kings’ Stanley Cup-winning roster.

A whopping 15 letters if you can count; And his name, they’re counting that out.

The seasoned prospect out of Voskresensk, Russia, who has played in three separate stints with the Kings, contributed moderately to this year’s franchise accomplishment, skating in 39 regular season games, along with two appearances in the playoffs.

The harsh decision to leave Loktionov out of the 52 (now 53) Stanley Cup trophy name engravement list had nothing to do with his lengthy name, or the number of games he played. Loktionov was a mere two games short of the NHL‘s minimum requirement of regular season games played (41) to guarantee a spot for his name on the Stanley Cup.

Two other skaters who fell short of the 41 game requirement, however, were given the honor of having their names etched onto the Stanley Cup trophy.

Kevin Westgarth appeared in just 25 regular season games, 14 less than Loktionov, and his name graces the Cup. Davis Drewiske only dressed in nine regular season games for the Kings, 30 less than Loktionov, and has his name etched onto the trophy as well.

The reasoning for this, which Rich Hammond hinted at, is most likely due to Westgarth and Drewiske’s strong and positive presence off the ice, in the locker room. This is something I could definitely see and believe.

Apparently, the Kings had the opportunity to petition to the NHL to have Loktionov’s name inscribed. Hammond broke the news that the Kings didn’t even make an attempt to do so.

They write checks

Corporate Perks: The other issue here, and the one that seems to be the most bothersome to many fans including myself, are the list of non-player names to be included in the Kings’ newly etched spot on the Stanley Cup trophy.

Fourteen names from ownership, five names from coaching staff, six names from the scouting department, and four names from the training staff were included. That’s 29 total names, roster players aside, yet there’s no room for Andrei Loktionov.

The group of names dedicated to ownership is usually the most disgusting list to grace the Stanley Cup trophy. Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs did his best to make a mockery of the Bruins’ engravings last season, including his three children on the list.

That’s horrible. There’s no place for that, especially when players are kicked to the side.

We’re not at the dinner table, here. Separate family from work, and do so with respect.

Kings’ owner Philip Anschutz, who just put the team up for sale along with his entire AEG Enterprise, didn’t go as far as Jeremy Jacobs, but he did include his wife, Nancy Anschutz, to the Kings engravings this year.

The sport of hockey exemplifies teamwork to the utmost degree, it builds camaraderie rarely seen or experienced elsewhere. Every player matters, and every player must have a selfless side if they plan on being a successful pro hockey player.

Andrei Loktionov dedicated more time, effort, and struggle to play with this club than 39 regular season game appearances can begin to justify. And he did so away from his natural position, call it a double whammy.

That’s why this is so bothersome; and without hesitation, I can strongly express my distaste for Nancy Anschutz‘s name gracing the Stanley Cup ahead of Andrei Loktionov.

I’ll stop there.

Put it in writing, won’t you

The full list of names, via Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: HERE

Andrei the — but wait

Other Omissions: Three players and a former coach have also been negated from Stanley Cup trophy engravement.

Trent Hunter: Put on waivers and sent to the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs on February 17, Hunter played in just 38 games with the Kings, putting up two goals and five assists for seven points.

Ethan Moreau: Put on waivers by the Kings on December 9, but Moreau instead decided to end his pro hockey career. Moreau played in 28 games for the Kings, potting a goal and three assists.

Scott Parse: Parse, still struggling with a hip injury, played in just nine games for the Kings this season. His final contest of the season came on November 8. He totaled two goals in his quick appearance.

Terry Murray: The former coach, who led the Kings through 275 games and two playoff appearances over four seasons, is another controversial name that was axed. Murray was fired on December 12th.

Andrei Loktionov: Is not good at interviews. This is wonderfully uncomfortable. (Below)

Lokt and Loaded

Contrary to recent reports that claimed Andrei Loktionov was to head home to Russia and sign with a Kontinental Hockey League club during the NHL lockout, the Kings’ young forward prospect reported to Manchester, New Hampshire on Friday.

Loktionov, for now at least, will spend his NHL lockout playing with the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs.

Nobody said life was fair. For Andrei Loktionov, the hockey world has hit the kid with some humbling circumstances, just after he played a role in achieving the sport’s most glorious goal.

It’s politics, and it’s the life of pro hockey.

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KingsCast is back in action with exclusive coverage and interviews from Tip A King 2011. In this installment we interview Kyle Clifford, Simon Gagne, Terry Murray, Willie Mitchell, Dustin Penner, Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, Drew Doughty, Justin Williams, Kevin Westgarth, Jarret Stoll and Ethan Moreau taking everything from team chemistry, Staples Center nicknames, the 1-3-1 trap, pranks and so much more!

The KingsCast coverage of Hockey Fest 2011 continues with a jam packed installment! Exclusive interviews with Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Matt Greene, Dustin Penner, Jonathan Quick & Justin Williams discussing expectations, chemistry, Drew Doughty & much more. Includes rare scenes from Dean Lombardi’s ‘State of the Kings.’ Celebrate the start of an exciting year of Kings hockey!

 

Not huge into politics, but I do keep up with the major topics that swirl through the media’s feed and filter into the hands of biased major networks deeming me helpless to reality. Most of it isn’t too bad, especially when it’s something so glorious in respect to our country’s efforts in the past decade. Yes, he’s dead, but some striking revelations came out last night: The guy apparently had plans for an attack on the Los Angeles Metro Rail System. Holy dang, holy jeeze. However, they were reportedly only to be in the initial stages of planning. HERE! The underlying issue was immediately perceived the moment these findings were released to the public.

He had me at efficient. I’m not missing warm-ups for some bullsh*t security check-point.

Re-election Vote – Pocketed. Also, I’m pretty sure Michal Handzus lives in a sector tunnel between the Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine stops.

But on a serious note, Metro is making some comfort-zone type changes for the public which is nice to see. Metro is putting money into what already has been a well-known tight budget situation, with some pretty key stuff. The article is linked up top, but what’s the most important part to all of this? They’re not holding you up. If I’m flirting with 50 minutes prior to puck drop and one of those tan-suits stops me for what I’d consider the worst usage of two minutes in the history of mankind to pat me down, I’d be f*cking ticked-off to the max. That probably doesn’t do justice to what I’d actually be feeling, but what if that guard later stops someone holding a bomb? What if Ryan Smyth scored a goal from a range farther than two feet from the net?

Metro is obviously making some solid investments here, it’s nice to see them reacting in a proactive fashion to Al-Qaeda’s reported plans. Metro is also obviously making some bad investments as well, like the commercial they produced for the Los Angeles Kings this season. This thing is horrible. Two things struck me here: For one, I didn’t know you could find a bad director/producer in the city of Los Angeles. Isn’t that the “thing” in LA? Secondly, I’m perplexed how this could become the final project for a company/organization looking to represent themselves in respectable fashion. Am I being too blunt?

Watch out, this monster might eat your computer screen before the 31 seconds tick off.

If there’s an award for “Worst crowd-to-crowd transition when basing the entirety of your setting on a full-house at Staples Center“, this has got to be a top nominee.

OK, legit.

Candace Parker is a reportedly 6’4″ tall, and she claims to love her seat!

Either they’re dropping in Candace Parker‘s lunch from a helicopter on the live set, or she’s trying to peek over the invisible King Kong sitting in the seat in front of her.
Popcorn seems to be the arena snack of choice, tonight.
That is the most saturated group of minorities to be attending a Los Angeles Kings game I’ve ever seen.

Kevin Westgarth polishes off the casting for this dandy. No wonder the Lakers never take part in Metro commercials.

That guy above the Clippers’ Craig Smith right shoulder looks to be well-indulged. With what, who knows.

ALL ABOARD!

 

 

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

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

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

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

No Line Changes?!?!

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

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

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

Bottom Line

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

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

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

The Los Angeles Kings were facing elimination tonight in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The San Jose Sharks were smelling blood in the water. But, the Kings would not go quietly into the night. They got goals from Simmonds, Clifford and…wait for it: Dustin Penner in a 3-1 win in the Shark Tank. Jonathan Quick made 51 saves in a stellar performance. Icing on the cake: Dennis Bernstein of The 4th Period guest hosts the show!

Subscribe to The Fourth Period Magazine now!

And it very well could be the last. The season’s life-span is in heavy threat, the Kings’ second consecutive postseason appearance is hanging by a thread. The Kings have officially struck “must-win” status heading into tonight’s contest at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. The Kings are facing a 3-1 series deficit, in which three consecutive victories will be needed to advance past the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Right now, it’s one game at a time, one win at a time. That’s the way the Kings must approach Game 5 tonight. Simple mindset, stick to the system, and for the love of god – show some f*cking life in the defensive zone coverage scheme.

 

Guest Services

And the manager ain’t in, either.

You look for any positive outlook on the Kings’ situation, and I’d have to say it’s getting back on the road. For whatever reason, this team isn’t the same at Staples Center. In the first two games in San Jose, the Kings allowed just 3 goals combined, and left the Bay area with a win to their name. Back to Los Angeles, friendly confines, right? In two games, 12 goals allowed, two losses, and a gut-check at the door. All of the pressure is on the Sharks in front of their home fans, even tonight. They’ve got some of the most miserably hungry playoff hockey fans in the league, I mean they’ve been tortured with postseason failure. For the Sharks, tonight is a chance to push the underdog to the side, a team without it’s top player, hanging by a thread as elimination looms. Why does this setting sound somewhat good for the Kings?

One More Ride on the Carousel

“So Terry, what astonishingly terrible, senseless, and downright laughable line changes will we be seeing for Game 5?”

He had me at Dustin Penner and Kevin Westgarth…playing together. Wow.

In all seriousness, I’m quite perplexed with Terry Murray‘s line-shuffling, and that’s nothing new from a personal standpoint. Tonight, you’re looking for a roster that can provide the absolute best last-ditch effort possible. You’re looking for scoring touch, speed, and players who can create and/or finish on scoring opportunity. So with that, Terry scratches Alexei Ponikarovsky and Oscar Moller in favor of dressing Kevin Westgarth and Dustin Penner on the fourth line. Not just that, but Jarret Stoll is centering these two. Immediately you’re hampering Stoll’s value, face-offs aside. Maybe Penner takes off the rental skates for a pair of his own, and Westgarth does nothing with no negative consequence. There’s some positive outlook on the situation for you. Sheesh.

Final Tidbits

- Glad to see Terry Murray stick with Jonathan Quick for Game 5. Yes, he’s allowed 12 goals in his previous two games, but you can hardly fault Quick for any of them. He’s been victim of defensive zone coverage collapse, viciously hung out to dry. Calling for Jonathan Bernier could provide a spark, but goaltending hasn’t been the problem.

- A good omen? Today in Los Angeles Kings history, 10 years from the date, Adam Deadmarsh scored two goals including the OT winner in route to clinching the Western Conference Quarterfinals series against the Detroit Red Wings.

- Scott Parse returns to the lineup for the first time since November, fully healed from a hip injury that he suffered back in August during training camp. Happy to see Parse return, but is it the right decision? In just five games played this season, does he have more value than Alexei Ponikarovsky and Oscar Moller? Tough to say. The guy hasn’t seen live ice in over five months, and both Ponikarovsky and Moller have had decent showings in the postseason.

- The current white/purple away uniforms could be making their final appearance in team history tonight. They’re being scrapped for a white version of the current alternate uniforms next year. The Kings have been donning this template since 1998, although with numerous tweaks being made through the years. Don’t die on me now.

- – - – - -
*PHOTO CREDIT
Kyle Clifford, Jack Johnson, Kevin Westgarth – ‘Sharks Page’ at http://www.sharkspage.com

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.
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
*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

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

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

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