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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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No matter how favorable history may be, just don’t lean on it.

One bounce, one fidget is all it takes to swing momentum, which at this time of year, you know, can spread faster than a flame in open air.

It’s playoff hockey for the Kings, a thing that has become all too familiar with this organization as of late; the Kings now making their fourth consecutive appearance in the NHL‘s postseason tournament, the familiarity seemingly fitting the expectations.

*NEW KingsCast TV: Episode 189 – LA Kings lock up 5th in the West

The Kings’ Western Conference Quarterfinals opponent is familiar as well, one the Kings defeated in stunningly dominant fashion during last spring’s Stanley Cup Championship run, and one the Kings have, for the past two years as a whole, yes you said it – dominated.

It’s the St. Louis Blues for the Kings, who will play host to the start of the series, the first puck slated to be dropped Tuesday evening at the Scottrade Center in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Have your Number

Digits: It’s without a doubt that the Kings have been flirting with complete command over the St. Louis Blues as of late, and last season’s four-game sweep of the Blues in the Western Conference Semifinals is just the tip of it.

The Kings ousted the Blues from the playoffs last season in an absolute ruthless fashion. In their four straight wins, the Kings outscored St. Louis 15-6, sending the Blues’ young roster into a state of timid dysfunction from start to finish.

In all, the Kings have beat the St. Louis Blues eight consecutive times, dating back to March 22nd of 2012 when the Kings earned two points with a 1-0 shootout victory over St. Louis at Staples Center.

They’ve also beaten St. Louis in 10 of the last 11 games overall, the lone St. Louis victory coming in a 1-0 fashion on February 3rd, 2o12 at Scottrade Center.

This season, the Kings posted a 3-0 record against the St. Louis Blues, matching Missouri’s blue-notes two goals for their every one, outscoring the Blues 14-7 in their three contests between each other during the regular season.

Like it was Easy

Blues’ Plus

Two of the three Kings’ contests against the St. Louis Blues this season were played in Missouri at the Scottrade Center, the other in Downtown Los Angeles at Staples Center. All results favored the Kings, and at times, those results carried on.

The Kings’ first meeting against the Blues on February 11th ignited this roster just as soon as the season’s schedule started to grow legs. The Kings entered that contest with a sub-par, completely mediocre 3-5-2 record on the season.

After two goals from Jeff Carter, two assists from Vyacheslav Voynov, and a 21-save performance from Jonathan Bernier, the Kings were in business.

The Kings would pull off an 11-3-0 record after that win in St. Louis on February 11th, washing away the distaste of their 3-5-2 start, fueling the push that has landed them in the NHL playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

That 11-3-0 aftermath included the Kings’ biggest comeback of the season, the Kings overcoming a three-goal deficit in defeating the St. Louis Blues 6-4 at Staples Center on March 5th.

What’s the Muzz?

Comeback City: The Kings, with two goals from Rookie defenseman Jake Muzzin and points from 10 players on the roster, overcome a slow start that saw head coach Darryl Sutter pull Jonathan Bernier from the game in favor of Jonathan Quick.

Jonathan Quick would make five saves during the 38:46 minutes he played in relief of Bernier, allowing just one goal.

The Kings, during that 38:46 minutes Jonathan Quick played, would match Quick’s save-total with goals, dropping five unanswered goals on the St. Louis Blues to run away with a stunning 6-4 victory.

The game-winner came off the stick of Jeff Carter, Anze Kopitar followed up with an insurance claim.

Cart Dart

Anzsurance

Cold but Bold: Since that game-closing goal on March 5th at Staples Center, Anze Kopitar has recorded just two goals for the Kings. That’s a 26 game span, and Kopitar’s in a scoring drought we’ve rarely seen the franchise’s forward trudge through.

But this is the playoffs.

Just as meaningless as Anze Kopitar‘s goal-drought is come Tuesday night in St. Louis, is the Kings’ recent string of overwhelming success against the St. Louis Blues.

That’s why they call the playoffs the second season. All prior happenings are wiped clean from the slate, it simply comes down to a race to four victories.

Quick to the Point

“We both start at 0-0. And we’re going to have to outwork them. They’ve got some big forwards, strong forwards, they go hard to the net. Strong on the back end, a couple skilled guys that can really create stuff on the power play, and obviously they’ve got great goaltending.” – Quick via LA Times

Don’t get caught Short

Puck drops for Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals Tuesday at Scottrade Center against the St. Louis Blues at 5:00PM PST.

Episode 189 KingsCast TV: LA Kings lock up 5th in West – HERE
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The 2013 NHL regular season concludes as the Kings land in the 5 spot. In this installment we quickly breakdown the games against the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings & San Jose Sharks, present our Top 5 Reasons why playing the St. Louis Blues in Round 1 is awesome, introduce our KingsCast Playoff Beard tracker and preview the playoffs.

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They’re not trying to catch up – they’re trying to stay ahead.

That’s the good thing here for the Kings.

Amidst their longest streak of consecutive games against Pacific Division opponents this season, which has called for six inter-division games in nine days, the Kings are maintaining themselves with a 1-2-0 record, while hoping to feed off of the juice that saw them annihilate the San Jose Sharks in a 5-2 routing Saturday night at Staples Center.

The upcoming slate calls for two straight in downtown Los Angeles against the Phoenix Coyotes.

During the Kings’ current Pacific Division stretch, they’ve lost two contests on the road; one to Phoenix 5-2 Tuesday night, and another to San Jose 4-3 on Thursday.

Saturday night’s return to Staples Center was a much different story, a game the Kings needed to win in order to maintain their slim lead that finds them at second place in the Pacific Division and sixth overall in the Western Conference.

They did so with five goals, with twelve players on the roster recording at least one point. And from another impressive performance between the pipes from Jonathan Bernier.

The upcoming two-game stand with the Phoenix Coyotes poses to be worth an eight-point spread in the standings. That feeds more importance into the outcome of this season than a bottle of water does for you on a summer’s day in Arizona.

Tough schedule = A tough go

Back-to-back

Side to side: Consecutive dates against an opponent is a rare thing in the modern-day NHL, but not so this season. The Kings will play their third round of back-to-back contests with an opponent for the third time in ten days.

The Kings swept the Calgary Flames in two games last week at Staples Center, and they split their two contests with the San Jose Sharks – each team winning in their home building. The Kings stay in their home confines now hosting the Phoenix Coyotes for two in a row on home ice.

And home has been sweet for the Kings, who hold a 10-2-1 record at Staples Center this season.

Both previous dates against the Phoenix Coyotes have taken place at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Arizona this season. The Kings won the first meeting 4-2 on January 26th, their first win of the season. Last Tuesday, the Kings played arguably their ugliest game of the season, falling 5-2 on the same ice sheet they clinched the Western Conference‘s Clarence Campbell trophy on back in June.

Coming into Monday night’s contest, the Kings (32) sit two points ahead of Phoenix (30) in the standings. There is some unseen room for movement, however, as the Kings have one game in-hand on Phoenix, playing 27 games so far this season compared to the Coyotes’ 28.

So when you talk desperate, hungry, and quite frankly – scary, you’re looking at the Phoenix Coyotes and their upcoming two-game visit.

With eight points on the line, and ten if you include the games-played difference, this is must-win territory for both clubs, and it’s against quite possibly the hungrier team in the matchup.

There’s some backdrop here.

Pass the Salt

Pacemaker

Give me the Keys: When it comes to good results, there have been a few key aspects to the Kings’ game this season. Heading into Monday and Tuesday, the Kings already have one of them in their hands – home ice, where the Kings hold a 10-2-1 record this season.

It truly starts with scoring first, and the Kings are 10-1-1 this season when issuing red-light service first in games this season. In their current three-game stretch against Pacific Division opponents, the Kings have lost when surrendering the first tally of the contest, and won when striking first.

There’s no Cliff-hanger when goals come early.

Clifford, Clifford, Clifford.

3 minutes in

Not so Quick

Crease conundrum: It may come as a shock to feel comfortable when Jonathan Quick doesn’t get the call for the Kings these days, but Jonathan Bernier has certainly earned the trust of both head coach Darryl Sutter and the Kings’ roster.

And maybe some possible trade-deadline suitors. But you don’t dare go there right now.

When getting the starting nod, Jonathan Bernier has been spectacular with an undefeated 7-0-0 record, holding opponents to two goals or less in six of his seven starts.

He’s lost twice, but both of those decisions came upon relief of Jonathan Quick.

There is no goalie issue in Los Angeles, in fact, right now, it’s almost as good as it gets.

If anything, Jonathan Bernier is simply living up to the expectations he was drafted with, and long-awaited to show at the NHL level. He’s helping the Kings win, and he’s allowing Jonathan Quick to slowly ease back into form.

If you happened to forget, Quick played in a total of 102 games last season, and underwent back surgery over the summer.

Quick shouldn’t be expected to be the iron-man he was last season, and having those same expectations would be silly. The Kings mine as well use Bernier to their fullest advantage while he’s here.

That doesn’t just give the Kings a winning shot, as we’ve seen, but it opens up the long-awaited trade market Bernier is expected to hit sometime in the near future.

Call it a win-win.

Expect Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier to get one start apiece in Monday and Tuesday’s two-game set with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Hell, maybe we’ll even see former Kings netminder Jason LaBarbera.

Wouldn’t that be nice

 

That would be like time-travel to the bad days.

Which is now on Clearance

They put it so lightly sometimes

Fashion Show: The Kings will be officially putting their purple and black ‘Los Angeles’ hemline crown jerseys to rest this week, planning to don the nearly defunct uniform template that has graced this organization since 1999 for the final time.

They will be wearing these sweaters for both contests against the Phoenix Coyotes this week.

Many associated with the team symbolize these uniforms with some of the darkest ages this franchise has seen in recent history.

So why not put them to rest, while the team continues to climb.

Puck drops against the Phoenix Coyotes not just Monday, but Tuesday night as well. Both contests are scheduled to start at 7:30PM PST at Staples Center.

Episode 183 KingsCast TV: Jarome Iginla will not be an L.A. King – 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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Dessert in the desert, Saturday night was.

Things came to light in the same building where the Kings clinched a Stanley Cup Final berth on May 22nd of last year, erupting offensively at Jobing.Com Arena in Glendale, Arizona to show their first true signs of life this season in their fourth game of this shortened 2012-2013 campaign.

The Kings’ 4-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes was buoyed by two goals from Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter‘s second goal in as many games, and was all polished off with Jake Muzzin‘s historic marker – the first tally of his young NHL career.

Defeating the Coyotes, to put simply, was crucial. Even more so if you’re considering the Kings had matched their worst start to a season in their 2-1 OT loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. The Kings hadn’t gone winless to start their first three games of a campaign since the 1985-86 season.

What a bloated record. 17 seasons gives it some spice, but the first three games of a season is nothing to base claims off of. Especially under these current circumstances.

We’ll talk more as analysis legitimizes itself.

It’s game five of the season tomorrow, and the Kings are back on Staples Center ice for the first time in three games, nine days.

This will be a quick, two-game three day homestand for the Kings, who will take to the road thereafter for more than two weeks. Staples Center is hosting a pretty important four points for grabs this week. You don’t want pressure to elevate heading into a 15-day stay away from Los Angeles.

Life can get tough on the road, the Kings have a tough trip looming.

So you must execute on home-ice, execute like Kyle Clifford, who continued to key on his promotion to the Kings’ second-line, notching another assist in Phoenix Saturday. He continues to lead the entire roster in scoring.

Jeff Carter has also struck early season success, scoring two goals in the past two games, including the Kings’ game-winning goal Saturday night. Unfortunately, Mike Richards isn’t in the same boat.

But when it comes from #11…

Kopitar Caters

It’s a date at the Stape with the Vancouver Canucks Monday night.

Puck drops in downtown Los Angeles 7:30 PM PST

Episode 177: L.A Kings Raise the Banner – HERE
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The honeymoon’s over. Hola, hockey.

For the Kings, it’s a roster that has been hit with some unexpected misfortune in the health department. It’s also a roster that is being carried, as well as it can be, by the unexpected.

Scoring has come at an unsatisfactory rate through the first two contests of the campaign, with red-light inducers provided only by the three forwards that embody the Kings’ fourth-line, and two defensemen which rarely trigger reaction from scorekeepers.

Offensive output has been activated by Kyle Clifford (3pts), Jordan Nolan (2pts), Colin Fraser (1pt), Rob Scuderi (1pt), and of course Matt Greene (1pt), who will likely see his assist in the Kings’ opener be his final point of the season. Alec Martinez also has one point, but that’s not a shocker.

Those are the Kings’ leading scorers.

The depth ain’t done, however. Trevor Lewis, who has been rotating between third and fourth-line roles, leads the entire Kings roster in shots-on-goal through two games with eight.

It’s a bit ironic how three of the few powerful offensive bodies seen from the Kings’ roster through the first two games of the season spent some time during the NHL lockout playing in the ECHL. The skill-level between these two leagues is night and day.

Kind of like Tuesday’s performance compared to Saturday’s.

The effort, focus, and overall performance was much better at the Pepsi Center last night against the Colorado Avalanche. If you’re expecting perfection, or a miraculous carry-over from last spring, you’re in for an agonizing ride.

And it doesn’t have to be, because most of what is happening, said, or done today, will likely be irrelevant in about a week.

Sutter says

Lend an ear: It’s already renown that head coach Darryl Sutter was the most vital factor to the Kings’ success last season. The guy knows what’s going on, and he’s got a way of stubbornly expressing it to the media without openly disgracing them.

It’s open-fire. But he does it respectably. It’s like the reporters don’t know they asked a shit-stained question.

Don’t be offended by the truth, which Sutter spits. However, he regularly has a field-day with reporters with his simple, and extremely blunt responses. He brought up an extremely valid point following the Kings’ opening contest Saturday:

“Hopefully, our first and second lines give us some quality minutes instead of just playing them.” – Darryl Sutter via Frozen Royalty

You’ve got to love the subtle, yet oh so blatant messages that flow through Darryl Sutter‘s one-sentence responses.

Guess who showed up in Colorado? It wasn’t the aforementioned first and second lines, that’s for certain. All offensive assets showed improvement, but that was a given following Saturday’s debacle. Tough to get worse, eh?

It was Kyle Clifford and the utterly antagonizing fourth line that ran the show, completed by the likes of Colin Fraser and Jordan Nolan. This trio was used aplenty in Saturday’s opener, and was clearly the best offensive group in the lineup.

The fourth-line returned to the spotlight again Tuesday in Colorado with Kyle Clifford‘s first period goal off of a Jordan Nolan shot. This shot, purposely placed by Nolan himself, granted a friendly carom that would direct access to Clifford’s stick.

Fourth comes forth

Cliff-Hanger: Kyle Clifford practiced with the second line Wednesday, skating alongside Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. It’s yet to be confirmed whether or not Clifford steps into a top-six role for the Kings’ third game of the season Thursday night.

Back to Edmonton

In Edmonton: Willie Mitchell will not play.

Hopefully the Kings can put forth a performance resembling that of an oil-change.

You can always use one of those on the road.

My bad, Gretz.

Puck drops at Rexall Place in Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers Thursday 6:30 PM PST.

Episode 177: L.A Kings Raise the Banner – HERE
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Depth does it, and these days, that requires more than just grit.

This trade was was robbery. Look at the helicopters above.

Anthony Stewart and the two future draft selections attained by the Kings for Kevin Westgarth unquestionably bolsters what is arguably already the NHL‘s most complete roster. Trading Westgarth came at a very low-risk, and Dean Lombardi milked it for all it was worth – and more.

This day in age, an NHL enforcer, which are now more so considered “physical 3rd, 4th line forwards”, can’t earn ice-time by just throwing fists and aggressively using the body at-will. There’s got to be some skill-fed output, whether it be offensive or defensive.

This is why Kevin Westgarth‘s playing time was basically non-existent throughout the Kings’ Stanley Cup run last season. Other players who could hit and fight – yet score, such as Kyle Clifford, Jordan Nolan, and Dwight King, pushed Westgarth out of the picture.

Anthony Stewart is now another name on the Kings’ roster that fits the same role that overshadowed Westgarth’s contributions. Stewart’s offensive NHL output trumps not just Westgarth’s, but those of Clifford, King and Nolan – the three physical back-end forwards that outplayed Westgarth.

The Florida Panthers, who drafted Stewart #25th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, never cashed in on their investment, seeing Anthony Stewart suffer a wrist-injury that kept him out the majority of his rookie season, then spending most of his time in the AHL thereafter.

As soon as Stewart cut ties with Florida’s organization, he blossomed. In 2010-2011 with the Atlanta Thrashers, Anthony Stewart was an every-day asset. He dressed in 80 regular season games, potting 14 goals and 25 assists for an attractive 39-point total. His 55 penalty minutes that season complimented his 3rd/4th line physical role.

Last season, Stewart played with the Carolina Hurricanes, appearing in 77 regular season contests. His output suffered a minor decrease stats-wise, notching 20 points with nine goals and 11 assists, but still very respectable for his duty.

There’s room here for Stewart, and the possibilities are promising. For what a gut-feeling is worth, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jordan Nolan and Dwight King thrown into a trio with Stewart.

And even if that isn’t the case with Stewart’s arrival to the Kings’ roster, it’s an immediate upgrade to Kevin Westgarth, without a doubt.

Another fine move made by Dean Lombardi.

Stewart tricks Anaheim

Ain’t that nice.

Episode 176: KingsCast Holiday Compilation – HERE
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Holiday homecomings are sweet. And Trevor Lewis spells hockey in the state of Utah.

A gift on both ends this is. Hockey’s biggest icon in the Beehive State saddles up locally, with one of minor league hockey’s most successful and tenured franchises.

The Kings’ developing back-end forward has inked a deal with the ECHL‘s Utah Grizzlies, and all will be confirmed at a press conference Thursday afternoon. These are familiar confines for Lewis, who’s home lies in Salt Lake City, and is the only Utah native to have his name engraved on the NHL‘s Stanley Cup trophy.

In fact, on his day with the Stanley Cup on August 30th, Trevor Lewis presented the trophy to 6,000 friends, fans, and family at Maverik Center in West Valley City, UT. And low and behold, the Maverik Center is also the host arena for Lewis’ new club, the Utah Grizzlies.

It all comes full-circle, no? Let’s silver-line this ECHL stuff.

Lewy in the News

Depth to death: If Trevor Lewis‘ nine points during the postseason didn’t tell you things were clicking on all cylinders for the Kings, then the club’s results did. Lewis dropped three goals and six assists during the 20-game Stanley Cup run.

This was a spectacular ending to a rather mediocre season for the young forward, who potted a lowly seven-points in 72 regular season games in the form of three goals and four assists.

Lewis, who hasn’t been known to have the best hands, or the greatest scoring touch, has consistently been a smart player for the Kings, and an extremely comfortable option when looking to fill a 3rd or 4th line Centerman role. Lewis has also been a staple on the penalty-kill, and his defensive mindset is usually spot-on.

The things fans may be missing from Trevor Lewis is a little more offensive touch, a little more output. The ECHL won’t just give Lewis a chance to stay in shape during the NHL lockout, but also an opportunity to gain a little more confidence and loosen up his offensive game – which he can carry over into his return to the NHL.

Hell, Kyle Clifford has six points in five ECHL games — Trevor Lewis should be able to dabble with the score sheet a bit.

Catch 22

Utahlkin’ hockey?

Meet me in Utah: And to bring yet another connection onto the scene, Trevor Lewis will see Kings teammate Kyle Clifford in his debut contest with the Utah Grizzlies. Clifford’s Ontario Reign are scheduled to be in Utah for a pair of games on Friday and Saturday night.

So, if you’re itching to watch some underwhelming hockey with some underwhelming hands, you know where to go. Clifford, who has played in just five games for the Ontario Reign, carries six points into Friday’s contest against the Utah Grizzlies, with three goals and three assists to the name. Clifford is scheduled to play in both contests in Utah this weekend.

Give us a Jump: The Utah Grizzlies are sitting at a less than impressive .500 record as Trevor Lewis arrives to their roster. This currently places them at 7th in the ECHL‘s Western Conference, which totals nine teams. NHL additions are a big deal to ECHL teams and their fans, as this is a dramatic demotion in skill and competition for Lewis.

If Lewis’ addition doesn’t completely pay itself off on the ice, it will with tickets sales and merchandise. We’re talking about the town’s most successful hockey name, and the only one to represent Utah on the Stanley Cup trophy. This, in regards to the current NHL situation, is quite a perfect fit for both Lewis and the Grizzlies organization.

Too bad Utah doesn’t still sport these awesome jerseys. Such beauties.

This will be Trevor Lewis‘ first taste of ECHL play. After being drafted #17 overall by the Kings in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Lewis jumped straight from the OHL to join the Manchester Monarchs for three seasons in the AHL.

And, maybe for old times’ sake, Lewy and Cliff can grab some dinner this weekend.

Good god.

Save my number: Lewis gets to keep his digits to compliment the momentary move back home. He’ll be in the familiar #22 sweater, this time in Utah’s green and copper scheme. Lewis will practice with the Grizzlies Thursday, and dress for puck-drop Friday night against the Ontario Reign.

Episode 176: KingsCast Holiday Compilation – HERE
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The Kings’ Canadian native of Ayr, Ontario will test new boundaries, and the young forward’s new-found location boasts a familiar name. But don’t let words fool you.

For Kyle Clifford, it’s off to Ontario, California.

Clifford’s new digs are just a hop and a skip away from Downtown Los Angeles and Staples Center, a friendly 40 miles East on Interstate-10. It’s home to the closest professional hockey being played during the NHL lockout for Kings fans. It’s the East Coast Hockey League, it’s a forced option these days.

So now Clifford becomes the newest member of the Ontario Reign. The ECHL is considered the NHL‘s “AA” league, if we were to put it in minor league baseball terms. The “E” is a clear-cut level under the AHL in most facets, and comparable to many of Europe’s professional leagues. Skill wise, at least.

The ECHL is well-known for it’s gritty, physical, body-intuitive style of play. Oh, and there’s fights aplenty.

Kyle Clifford is known for his gritty, physical, body-intuitive style of play, and he fights aplenty. Something tells me this could be an enjoyable chapter in the young Kings’ forward’s career.

Cliff-Hanging

When the Kings drafted Kyle Clifford in the 2nd-round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal, Quebec, he was signed and playing with the OHL‘s Barrie Colts.

Clifford made just one other stop before making his astounding and immediate jump to the NHL. This came with the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs for a quick seven games during the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs. This short stint followed his third and final season with the Barrie Colts.

Since then, it’s been NHL-play and a Kings uniform on Clifford’s back.

As soon as Clifford hit the NHL scene, it was apparent there was little looking back. In his debut campaign with the Kings during the 2010-2011 season, Clifford chimed in beautifully in 76 regular season games for a 3rd/4th-line forward. Along with his seven goals and seven assists for 14 points, Clifford introduced us to his enforcer side with a whopping 141 penalty minutes.

In the Kings’ Western Conference Quarterfinals match-up with the San Jose Sharks in 2011, Clifford was an absolute horse – arguably one of the best players in the series. Clifford buried three goals, helped with two assists, and notched seven penalty minutes – in just six games.

Clifford didn’t disappoint this past season, but he didn’t show much progress stats-wise. In 81 regular season games, Clifford recorded five goals and seven assists for 12 points, and piled up another 123 penalty minutes. All of these numbers are down from his rookie season.

But then again, growth, especially for a young player such as Clifford, comes in many more ways than the stat-sheet shows. Numbers aren’t always the telling-tale.

The Kings have undoubtedly struck some value in Clifford’s presence, who’s unpolished talents have graced this roster — and it’s playing style, in just that form – unpolished. And that’s when he’s at his best, which is something special for a player to behold.

You can’t restructure a player’s style, you can’t change a player’s role, but you can certainly instill a system that puts their natural attributes to their absolute best use.

The Kings, in their development of Kyle Clifford, have done so — so far.

Clifford’s Corner

In your Kitchen: It’s worth noting (not really) that there are four (4) Romano’s Macaroni Grill locations within 20 miles of Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario. The fisticuffs with hapless minor league ECHL journeymen Clifford is bound to get into with is going to call for a few of those hearty pre-game meals.

Just like home, eh?

Still Closed: In league-wide news, Gary Bettman and the NHL have now officially canceled all previously scheduled contests through December 14. This, including the 2012 NHL All-Star Game, which was to be hosted on January 27 in Columbus, Ohio.

Your thoughts?

The Colonel’s in town: Kyle Clifford will make his ECHL debut tonight as a member of the Ontario Reign. This evening’s contest is scheduled to see puck-drop at 7:15PM at the Cow Palace in San Francisco against their division-foe San Francisco Bulls.

The Reign, who go into tonight’s dance with 15 games played so far, are making noise in the ECHL among Clifford’s arrival. They’re holding an attractive record that sits at 11-4-0 for 22 points. This positions the Reign at the top of the Pacific Division, and in a three-way tie for first-place in the entire Western Conference.

If not tonight, expect Clifford to drop the mitts soon. Fists fly in the ECHL like the scene’s on turf in a poorly-secured prison field.

A new league means new tricks. May I suggest adopting the ‘Inglewood Jack‘?

We’re not at the Forum, anymore

Another player gone elsewhere, another day.

It’s a tough go, these days.

Episode 174 *The Lockout Edition* – HERE
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