.

Matt Greene’s face doesn’t feel that laceration.

That laceration feels Matt Greene’s face.

Even-Keel: Just about everything for the Kings was on perfect terms when I last did the Inter-web thing. Jonathan Quick was inking record books, the Kings’ accounted for every point available during their first 3 games against Western Conference opponents, and most notably had yet to lose a game in regulation.

As common trend and perception would have it, such a start wouldn’t last forever – a few setbacks are expected, nothing out of the ordinary. But really, does this fanbase now have the ability to direct certain attention to smaller, finite details, things that may have been overlooked in the past due to the team’s struggling aroma? Those details are engrained in the club’s previous four games, the result of which was a 1-2-1 record with just three points earned.

The criticism motioned toward Terry Murray‘s goalie decisions is warranted to a certain degree, but not a valid issue to point blame. In order for Jamie Kompon to institute powerplay success, which went 3 for 15 in the last four contests, shots need to start hitting the net. Really, how much is Davis Drewiske worth to this defense? I think he’s worth waivers for Slava Voynov‘s cause. Scott Parse is scoring goals, but his 12 penalty minutes in 3 games are threatening to overshadow those contributions – Stop getting booked for interference and tripping. Anze Kopitar is awesome. This is looking to be the start of the downward slope to the end of an NHL hockey career for Dustin Penner.

That other guy: I’m in the minority here, but I both liked and respected Terry Murray‘s decision to start Jonathan Bernier Tuesday night. What was the big goaltending issue just a couple seasons back? Trust. Murray didn’t trust Erik Ersberg, so Murray worked Quick like a tax-return agent gets worked in April. You can’t have trust issues with a goaltender like Bernier, and Murray showed where his head was. Bernier hadn’t played since October 8th, his only start in the Kings’ first six games.

And yes, I realize Ersberg is no Bernier, but Murray can’t rest on the back of one guy again. Whether you want Bernier played as trade bait, or played for the right reasons, it doesn’t matter. Mix occasional and consistent together, he deserves that. In fact, I’d like to see Bernier get one of these next three dates. Spotty, but consistent appearances for Bernier will play into Jonathan Quick‘s favor down the road.

Here’s the goal that effectively ruined Erik Ersberg‘s ’09-’10 season, and ultimately his NHL career. That was the only shot the New York Rangers took in that fateful 3rd period, and that also may be the most disgusting shot Marian Gaborik has ever released.

Stick around for a while.

Accommodations: Drew Doughty is on everyone’s radar with every stride, which makes it easier to pick apart his unsettled play thus far. It also makes it harder to accept Slava Voynov‘s AHL demotion. Doughty’s got a lot on his shoulders right now, and that weight will probably sit for the majority of the season. He’s working to overcome a late arrival, a minor injury, and appearances that haven’t exactly matched the status his name holds. However, unfair to take jabs this early.

It’ll be a bit of time for Drew Doughty to get in full-sync with the team, and himself. That’s where it hurts to not have Voynov in the mix. With Voynov’s AHL assignment, you’re putting – from what I’ve seen, a back-end responsible, offensively aware young defenseman who many believe is NHL-ready in no man’s land in regards to the status of his progress. Voynov’s development and exposure is ready for a lengthy NHL gig, his future with the Kings puts Davis Drewiske‘s to shame.

That’s where legalities come into play; for the Kings to option Davis Drewiske and keep Slava Voynov, Drewiske would have to clear waivers. Oh no, don’t take Drewiske. Another name that has popped up is Alec Martinez, but I wouldn’t even consider it. Martinez would also have to clear the waiver wire, and he is far too valuable to even give it serious thought. Drewiske has been hanging around too long, I guess the underlying issue here must be the emergency back-up role if one or two blue-line men hit the IR for a lengthy period of time. Davis Drewiske or Thomas Hickey? Pick your poison.

Thursday calls for an old friend.

Still Going: The numbers show, Ryan Smyth didn’t go back to Edmonton to die. In the Oilers’ 11 games, Smyth has racked up a hefty 5 goals and 5 assists. Smyth isn’t hinging his output strictly on crease presence either, he’s released a whopping 30 shots in those 11 games, averaging 2.7 per game. I don’t see that ratio holding up throughout the season, but that’s more shots within a short time-frame I can ever remember Smyth taking in Los Angeles.

Smyth’s reception on Thursday night at Staples Center should be an interesting one. There won’t be a grand applause, nor will there be a sea of boos. Although Smyth’s name triggered drama within the Kings’ organization that lingered throughout the summer, I’ve gotten over it – I think most have. At the end of the day, you’ve got to realize both Ryan Smyth and the Kings are better off apart. Get there early for warm-ups to see the best hair the NHL has to offer.

Thursday calls for an old dress.

Return of the Hem-Lines: The Kings will be donning the newly-tabbed third jerseys against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. This template is slated to be worn six times at Staples Center throughout the season, with the vintage purple and golds making three appearances for heritage night celebrations.

There’s an eye opener regarding the Kings’ alternate jersey schedule, something you rarely see happen. The crown hem-lines (above) will make a couple of cameos on the road this season, planned to be the wardrobe for back-to-back contests November 22 @ St. Louis Blues and November 23 @ Dallas Stars. The Kings have only worn these templates once on the road before, back-tracking to November 2nd, 2009 during a date with the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena. That unique uniform instance was never presented as an official plan, nor explained after the matter.

In rare form.

Check for moths, you’ve got some threads for Thursday night.

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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!

The battle for a playoff spot continues with an action packed week! In this episode, we discuss the Red Wings debacle, the new contract for Justin Williams, the acquisition of Dustin Penner and we say goodbye to Marco Sturm…in KingsCast ‘See Ya!’ fashion. Question of the Day; how do you think the Kings did at the trade deadline?

Amidst the Kings’ four-day hiatus from NHL play, take a moment to turn your attention to the Manchester Monarchs. Harvest is looking good on the farm, our New England relatives own the top spot in the AHL‘s Atlantic Division, as well as pertaining themselves to 2nd place in the Eastern Conference and the entire American Hockey League. Now, center your focus on Manchester’s leader in points. Granted, numerous names on the roster have surrendered numbers to Los Angeles promotions, but Viatcheslav Voynov‘s stat-line certainly catches the eye. Voynov leads the Monarchs with 37 points. The native of Chelyabinsk, Russia has 12 goals and 25 assists in 48 games. Add in his rating of +10 and his 115 shots on goal, and you undoubtedly have a promising addition to the Kings’ blue-line next season. Voynov was the Kings’ third overall selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, snagged in the 2nd round as the 32nd player announced. Drew Doughty and Colten Teubert preceded Voynov’s selection. To even waste my time analyzing Doughty’s selection would be, well, a waste of time. As for Teubert, he was sidelined in October with a wrist injury and has only dressed in 31 games this season for the Monarchs. Teubert’s progress won’t be as easy to implicate on a stat-sheet, his style attains to regulating defensive zone coverage, comparable to a Rob Scuderi. Both defensemen have the abilities to make the move to Los Angeles in September, but Voynov’s numbers are directing the spotlight.

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

Sometimes you’ve got to pull your starting goalie to catch the attention of the defense. Tonight, that had be in Terry Murray‘s mindset. By my count, Jonathan Quick was only fully responsible for one of Phoenix’s six tallies. Hung out to dry. It happens, just one of the consequences of the profession. Find a proven NHL goaltender who hasn’t been forced to make way for the 2nd stringer a few times, I’d be shocked. Even though Quick wasn’t at fault, it was a good move. Before tonight’s game, Jonathan Bernier was named the starter for tomorrow night’s return to Staples Center. His premature appearance tonight midway through the 2nd period shouldered the responsibility on our defense. They woke up, Bernier got some looks, now you’ve got some chemistry leading into tomorrow night’s faceoff. If you’re looking for a positive outtake on tonight’s blunder in Arizona, look at Bernier’s appearance. Perfect on 13 shots faced in almost 30 minutes, and sent a message to a defense that exposed Jonathan Quick in harsh form. I don’t enjoy doing this, but here’s where you can finger the blame on Quick’s….quick appearance.

First Goal: Jack Johnson unable to handle the puck in defensive zone transition, Scottie Upshall feeds Shane Doan.
Second Goal: Not to take anything away from Keith Yandle, but four Kings’ stared at his back-door feed to Shane Doan. Goals don’t come that way in this league with four defensemen in the slot. They shouldn’t.
Third Goal: Scottie Upshall buries his own rebound from the top of the circle with four Kings’ on the backcheck. Here, you can argue Jonathan Quick allowed a bad-angle goal, but Upshall has no business recovering that puck.
Fourth Goal: Powerplay for Phoenix, but no excuses for this mishap. Scottie Upshall feeds Brett Maclean through Matt Greene, Rob Scuderi, and Michal Handzus.
Fifth Goal: Clear shot from the top, not going to let Quick off the hook on this one.
Sixth Goal: Bad neutral zone turnover, I’ll pin the blame on this even though Kyle Turris‘ shot should’ve been handled.

Expect Jonathan Bernier to extend his time in net tomorrow night. He’s yet to start consecutive games this season, and now he’s got the opportunity to feed off of a promising appearance. The bigger test is this defense recovering from tonight’s mess. Regain composure in front of your back-up, and get your #1 guy back in the crease on good terms.

In what has been a tumultuous first half of the season riddled with injuries and slumps, Rob Scuderi deserves some praise. As for the team MVP at the holiday break, Robby’s in my top three candidates. The 31 year-old veteran is by far the most under-appreciated player on the team. If you don’t hear Scuderi’s name, he’s doing his job. Maybe that’s the downfall to his popularity? Regardless, he’s been the backbone to the roster this season. He’s dealt with the losses of fellow defensemen Drew Doughty, Willie Mitchell, and Matt Greene. He also adapted just fine to the replacements, Jake Muzzin, Alec Martinez, and Peter Harrold. He’s been true to his role throughout, that’s what has made him such a crucial asset to our defense. You want to find a professional athlete who truly earns his money? Look at Scuderi. $13.6 million over 4-years; a golden free-agent acquisition by Dean Lombardi in the summer of 2009. The value he brings to this team is monumental, but the manner in which he does it rarely comes off as so.

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

November is over, I’m blocking it out. Home-ice is often over-hyped, but this upcoming four game stretch at Staples Center couldn’t come at a better time. They don’t just have the comfort of playing in Los Angeles, they have time. Twelve days, four games. What’s going on, Toyota Sports Center? Plenty of opportunities to settle down, watch video, mend the systems in practice. This has almost become too much to handle; Losers in seven of their last eight games holds the Kings at 11th in the Western Conference and living in the Pacific Division‘s basement. I’m done whining about this awful slide, terribly awful. I thought they were going to come home strong against Chicago and beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions in front of a thirsty crowd. I thought they were going to snap out of it and hammer on the Ducks last night in Anaslime. Now’s the time to start fresh, clean the slate, don’t wait for Willie Mitchell and Alexei Ponikarovsky, they can hop on board.

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

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

*Photo Credit: Life Magazine

Five losses in six games, and it’s got nothing to do with luck. Injuries have bruised the roster, but bad play is the reason for the skid. I’m talking on all aspects; Defense, special teams, and a goaltender. Willie Mitchell and Alexei Ponikarovsky are key players, but their absence from the lineup shouldn’t cause complete abomination. The defense is handing opposition too much time and space, the power-play has been awful, the penalty kill has opened up, and Jonathan Bernier hasn’t been solid. This roster, Mitchell and Ponikarovsky aside, is still too good to justify this terrible stretch. They’re playing soft defensively and cute on the power-play. Good teams still find ways to win without two crucial players, and I know we’ve got the depth, where is it?

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

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

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

The Los Angeles Kings are making life hard on themselves with a series of blown leads and poor defense. In this episode we talk about the Canadian road trip, let the world know what we’re thankful for and take your questions from Twitter and Facebook.

The return of Matt Greene to the Kings’ blue line is quickly approaching. As for a specific timetable? That has yet to be released. Don’t expect it to be longer than two weeks, as Greene returned to practice with the Kings today. The “red cross” sweater is anticipated to come off on Wednesday, clearing Greene for full contact in practice. This is a good sign, more so because Greene is recovering from an upper-body injury. He’s got the stamina, lower body strength, and foot movement in check, now it’s just about taking a few hits to test out that shoulder. The addition of Greene to a Kings’ defense that has been flirting with “shut-down” terminology in the first week only strengthens it even more. Greene, an alternate captain since his inception with the Kings, knows how to balance leadership with humor, and has been a key aspect to the organization on and off the ice. His ability to lighten the mood in the dressing room while setting a precedent for intensity and grit has earned him respect from both players and fans. Greene will return to his spot on the third line of defense, bringing his stay-at-home physical play with him. Terry Murray needs to clear a roster spot for Greene, which forces him to take a player out of the lineup. There’s no question that Murray will be pulling a player from the current third line duo of Davis Drewiske and Jake Muzzin. Yes, it’s great to get the toughest Kings’ blue-liner back on the ice, yet it’s difficult to have to pull the plug on a player that has contributed to a Kings’ defense that has become a menace for opposing offenses. Terry Murray has two players on the bubble, but who’s the better fit? Matt Greene may be back in as little as three games, and one player has to go. Has Murray seen enough from Davis Drewiske and Jake Muzzin to make a comfortable decision? If not, the third line of defense has a little more on their shoulders in these next few games. Once again, the Kings have a good problem on their hands, a trend that I can live with. Below I’ll break down my thoughts on the situation.

Davis Drewiske has been alright, that’s all I’m giving him. That opinion wouldn’t be quite the same if Drewiske didn’t have such a strong outing Friday night. He’s always just kind of “there”. Not a huge physical presence, and lacks speed. His first three games were nothing to write home about, and at times, downright awful. His play against Calgary and Atlanta had me calling for Peter Harrold. His breakouts had me wincing, he was losing one on one battles WHEN he was able to force them, and his transition was just not good. He will never be anything better than a 6th man for the Kings, but has shown glimpses of filling that spot well. Four blocked shots Friday night, good puck movement for an assist, and a key factor down low in stunting Vancouver’s attack. Really though, now in his third stint with the big club, when does Drewiske stabilize a spot? How many chances can Murray afford to provide, in my opinion, an average defenseman at best? At 25 years old, he’s got a stampede of younger prospects knocking on the door, including his current partner Jake Muzzin.

Before I get to Muzzin, Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider got some interesting thoughts from head coach Terry Murray regarding the situation. Murray is quoted saying the following: “Whiskey [Drewiske] has played well. I like a lot of Whiskey’s game right now. He’s coming back from a finish that wasn’t where it needed to be, and he’s showing a lot of confidence in his play. It’s not going to be a hard call. Greener will be in whenever he gets the green light and we feel that he’s physically on top of his game.” This was in response to Hammond asking Murray whether he would have a tough choice upon Greene’s return. This has all signs pointing to Drewiske staying in a Kings uniform when Matt Greene returns.

Now for Jake Muzzin, I can’t help but be pleased with the rookie’s output in the first week. There’s no doubt in my mind Muzzin has a brighter future than Drewiske, but that may not be the factor in Murray’s decision. He’s got better offensive ability than Drewiske, and his work in the defensive zone comes with a glaring physical presence. His shot, speed, and work in the corners is better, it’s that simple. Muzzin impressed just as much as Drewiske Friday night, and quite frankly, has been more consistent. Muzzin, much like Drewiske, isn’t going to catch the highlight reel. Both players are expected to play a one-sided defensive game. Unfortunately, Muzzin may be in Manchester come next week, and for the wrong reason. He’ll lose the battle to the more experienced man, and in the first two weeks of the season. Terry Murray has me scratching my head yet again if his quote (above) provides any indication of the decision to come. Already icing the youngest roster in the NHL, Murray may be shying away from dumping an experienced Drewiske. At just 21 years old, the American Hockey League looks to be Muzzin’s next stop. This won’t be the last you see of the young defensive stalwart in a Kings’ uniform.