The Los Angeles Kings are now up 3-0 in the series against the St. Louis Blues after a 4-2 win tonight at Staples Center. In this episode we talk about the game and give our apologies for fans that have been offended. Question of the Day: Who is your hero for Game 3?
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And they’re rolling.
Amidst their playoff success as a whole, the Kings have found most of it away from home, albeit they’ve only hosted two playoff dates thus far. They’ve stapled themselves as a serious visiting threat – now holding a 5-0 record when playing away from Staples Center. This hasn’t been an easy feat, starting things out in Vancouver’s hosting Rogers Arena, and now in St. Louis.
Scottrade Center?
Coming into this series with the Kings, the St. Louis Blues had lost just seven games in regulation at home all season – that being in 44 games. The Kings have ousted the Blues in two consecutive contests on home ice, and in convincing fashion. Not just that, but they’ve beat the NHL‘s statistically best goaltender in Brian Elliott, in a building he had failed to lose in twice in a row all year long.
Welp, that’s changed.
KopiStar
The Kings beat St. Louis in every facet of the game Monday night, starting things off with a Mike Richards goal just 31 seconds in. That’s an early trend to set, and they certainly didn’t fail to live up to it – tapping home four goals in the first period. It was over, and it only had just begun.
If the Kings are comfortable playing down a goal in front of Jonathan Quick, a four-goal lead just about gives them nine lives.
Most notably, Kings goals came off the sticks of players who sorely needed some postseason production. Three players notched their first goals of the postseason: Justin Williams, Jeff Carter, and Mike Richards. Anze Kopitar pitched in with two goals himself, one of them being the Kings’ 4th shorthanded tally of the postseason – quite possibly the league’s top goal of the year.
Catchin’ ‘em off guard, even the score clock.
- Game 3 Outlook -
I mentioned this during the final week of the regular season when expressing my hopes to wrap up the Western Conference #7 seed, and see the Blues in the first round. St. Louis is an extremely vulnerable club.
Before this season, the Blues had won just a single postseason game since 2004 – appearing in the playoffs just twice in that eight-year span. They’ve got a hungry fanbase and local following, something that can be overwhelming to a club returning to the playoffs after such a long period of time. See: LA Kings – 2010, 2011.
This raises the expectations exponentially, and for a young roster that doesn’t have a ton of postseason experience. The Kings have developed a seasoned group of players, and are running on a third consecutive playoff push – but with eased expectations stemming from their #8 Western Conference seed.
So, the point – the Kings have been able to take the St. Louis Blues away from their game, almost to the point where they look confused as how to skate, yet don’t let them drag down their momentum. The Blues lost it Monday, they lost it on all counts. They tried to counter it with a viciously physical attack, and the Kings countered right back with just that – hitting. This gave St. Louis absolutely no leeway.
So, the move back to Staples Center tomorrow night should have little effect, because the Kings focus is exactly where it should be. That’s hockey – any building, any time.
Final Notes
Home away from home: It won’t be the same routine for the Kings in preparation for Games 3 (Thursday) and 4 (Sunday) at Staples Center. There will be no pre-game skates along the shores of Manhattan Beach at Toyota Sports Center, and players won’t see their own beds on the nights prior to each of the upcoming two home games.
The second-coming of God, head coach Darryl Sutter, is not so much pushing for a road-game mentality, but focus. This keeps the Kings close to Staples Center, and ensures close compatibility and smart choices the nights before puck-drop.
Hello, Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn. Ah, those Russians.
This also gives the Kings the chance to skate on Staples Center ice prior to games, something they never do – the building’s schedule gives them no opportunity. This is huge, especially if St. Louis is stationed at Toyota Sports Center. The ice-sheet at Staples Center has one aspect of consistency – being under the NHL‘s par for quality. With the amount of stress and closure the ice sees here, getting a feel for conditions just hours before puck-drop is an important thing to have. Plus, it keeps the team together throughout the day until the game.
- Simon Gagne skated with the Kings in practice today, unfortunately it’s only a good sign for a player who’s got a career in question with a lengthy string of concussion injuries. Don’t expect Gagne back anytime soon, if at all. However, good for you, Gags.
- Alex Pietrangelo also skated with the Blues today after missing Game 2, and is said to be a ‘game-time’ decision.
- The Kings give me no specific outlook to harp on heading into tomorrow night, they’re as tight and sophisticated as I’ve seen them all season long. It’s clicking on all cylinders.
- Oh, and Vegas now has the Kings with the best odds to take home the Stanley Cup.
- The track the Kings have laid this postseason has train-horn written all over it. Queue it on Figueroa St. tomorrow night.
Carter caters
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Kopi Delivers
And this ain’t the imagery coming from the ‘Lou
Order me up some buffalo boo-bird wings while you’re at it, fools
Make sure it’s got Blues cheese dressing on the side.
Don’t mistake it for Brian Elliott, that’s Swiss cheese.
LAK-STL GAME 2 RECAP in Episode 157 HERE
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The Los Angeles Kings were poised to make history last night by sweeping the Vancouver Canucks. And, well, they didn’t. Cory Schneider lead the Canucks to a win and it will be back to British Columbia for Game 5. Question of the Day: Who will be the hero for Game 5?
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Yes, yes, and f*ck yes.
They entered last night’s commencement to the postseason with no easy agenda, taking to the ice in one of the most hostile environments that is the Rogers Centre, against the NHL‘s best club in the Vancouver Canucks. The league’s spectrum had them written off, and you were anxiously waiting for them to crumble into that trap, the trap they were supposed to fall into.
Instead, they won – and in utterly convincing fashion.
There’s folks looking now, and the Kings have now put themselves on the NHL‘s ‘upset’ radar, making Vancouver look nervous, confused, and undisciplined in a shocking 4-2 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
And who does the game-winning goal come from? None other than Dustin Penner, who very well could have played his best game of the year last night. Mike Richards, who not only intercepted a Vancouver clearing attempt, but controlled the turnover in a patient manner for time and space to set up the goal, did exactly what a player is supposed to do. Throw the puck on net, even if it is a said ‘pass’.
“That was just a bad pass by me. I just saw him [Jeff Carter] go to the net. It was a bad pass and a good play by him.’’ – Mike Richards via LA Kings Insider
Tell me now, what happens when you direct the puck to the net, with heavy traffic?
And it’s quieter than a library
Hit ‘n win: For how unfavorably the Kings were roughed around in the final two regular season games against the San Jose Sharks, last night’s physical performance that featured 28 hits was a complete turnaround – and one of, if not the major factor in the game’s outcome.
This took Vancouver off of their game throughout, the Kings forcing ‘dump and chase’ play by standing the blue lines, and winning the battles against the Canucks’ forecheck. Vancouver had little time and/or opportunity to set up and play into their systems, the Kings were ferocious defensively.
This ignited an extremely undisciplined side to the Vancouver Canucks.
Which, the Kings keyed on, although not as often as you wanted to see. The Canucks took a shocking eight penalties, the Kings executed with goals on two of them.
Winning ways
Jonathan Quick was absolutely brilliant last night, stopping 24 of 26 shots. A shutout was closer than you think. Vancouver’s first goal could have been, and very arguably so, goaltender interference – nixing the goal. But, the call didn’t go that way. Vancouver’s second tally came off of an awkward puck that ricocheted twice en rout to Quick, who had no chance in reacting to the extreme change in angle.
Mike Richards was uncanny in all assets, from his goal and two assists, to his complete and total domination in his matchup with Ryan Kesler, which could force the Canucks to make lineup adjustments for Game 2. This is why Dean Lombardi acquired Richards, and he didn’t just show it in his three points, but while delivering four hits and causing a turnover to develop the game-winning goal.
Solid play didn’t just come from the big names, but from those on the 3rd and 4th lines as well. There was one point in the game where Jordan Nolan, Kyle Clifford, and Colin Fraser controlled the puck for an entire shift in Vancouver’s zone against their first line. There were a combined 10 hits delivered from the back two lines, which shook the Canucks’ defense to the point to where those lines became offensive threats.
F*ck Alex Burrows.
Offensive contributions from the defense is something that has been proven to be a major tool for success for the Kings this season, and they continued to connect while holding the blue line. The Kings are 27-6-3 when a defenseman records a goal, they upped that stat to 28 wins last night. The defense combined for 12 shots on goal, with an assist from Drew Doughty, and a howitzer of a goal from former Canuck Willie Mitchell.
Looking ahead
The Kings must continue to maintain a heavy physical presence, they must continue to challenge Vancouver at the top of their own zone, forcing a ‘dump and chase’ game from the Canucks, allowing little setup during zone entry.
Don’t worry about Jonathan Quick, worry about having success against Roberto Luongo again. If Luongo does in fact get the loss again tomorrow night, the pressure from Vancouver’s surprising backup in Corey Schneider could potentially force the Canucks to make a change in crease when heading to Los Angeles – something playoff teams loathe doing.
The Kings have gone 1-1 on the road to start their playoff series’ the past two seasons, but have never won the opening game in doing so. Back then, Game 2 was just about keeping pace, and maintaining home ice. Now after winning the first contest, they have an opportunity to do some great damage, and head back home with a 2-0 series lead. There’s no room for comfort here, going to LA up 2-0, opposed to a stalemate at 1-1, is a night and day difference.
Continue to let Drew Doughty play a loose game, he did just fine last night in playing freely in both ends, notching an assist with six shots on goal. Not to mention, he’s been recovering to smart positioning after offensive zone rushes better than I’ve ever seen him do. Since Darryl Sutter‘s arrival, Doughty has exemplified himself as a player who performs better with fewer defensive boundaries. Let the guy play.
If there was a player more deserving than Dustin Brown in tallying the empty netter last night, then please tell me who. Eight shots, four hits, and yet another strong, captain-like outing.
At least for now, time is on our side
Game 1 Recap featured in Episode 152 HERE
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The 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have begun and the Los Angeles Kings are off to a decent start against the Vancouver Canucks. In this episode we talk Game 1 in Vancouver and send a welcome message to Canucks fans up North. Stay tuned, KingsCast will be doing a show after every game.
The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks were fighting for 7th in the West coming into tonight at the Shark Tank but it was Dan Boyle who lead his team with a hat trick to finish off the Kings. In this episode we talk about the game and give you a little preview about the upcoming playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks.
Canucks fans….Welcome.
The Los Angeles Kings are hotter than they have been all season winning an astonishing six in a row. In this episode we talk about the games against the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins. We also talk about possibly winning the Pacific Division and Colin Fraser being nominated for the Masterton award.
The Los Angeles Kings are in an all-out battle to make the playoffs in the Western Conference. The “bubble” teams are giving LA very little help in the matter. In this show we talk about the games against the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks and the Red Wings (again). We also give some thoughts on scoring, thank a few fans and talk hockey.
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Dustin Brown‘s name was bopped around prior to Monday’s NHL trade-deadline.
“I can’t really give you one word, it’s probably a mix of a lot of emotions. I’ve been here for a pretty long time. I don’t know any other NHL team.” – Brown on trade rumors
And he won’t meet another, as for now. Dustin Brown reacted – and played his way through this threat in prolific fashion.
As soon as rumors hit the airwaves, Dustin Brown pleaded with production — showing where he really wants to be, and where he belongs – for now. The Kings have played three games since Brown’s name was dangled, Brown has been involved in seven of the Kings’ nine goals since the media blitz.
Seven points in three games. The last span in which Dustin Brown notched seven points, it took a good 17 contests. That hints at a sense of worry, anxiety, maybe hit with an unwelcomed wake-up call. Whatever has triggered Brown’s point-rush, the trade rumors had to ignite a spark in some aspect.
Leadership has been in question throughout the year for this club, and of course that’s going to center on Brown’s shoulders – the Captain, especially with his offensive struggles mirroring the rest of the team.
This shows a strong sign from a struggling leader, who stole the spotlight in Jeff Carter‘s Kings debut and reunion with Mike Richards while netting his third career hat-trick.
You’re afraid this is just another streaky stretch of success, few Kings players have been consistent with their scoring, it’s been extremely spotty. In the end, consistent scoring is all that matters – especially where the Kings stand right now.
This impressive three-game stretch from Brown could be forgotten and washed up in frustration in a handful of days. You’re almost naive to buy into it at this point, because any glimpse of hope we’ve seen this season has quickly disintegrated into failure.
Maybe the deadline conversation hit Dustin Brown in rough fashion, but sometimes that’s what it takes to shake the idleness out of a player’s potential.
With 70 points, they’re in the Western Conference‘s 10th-slot. The only reachable spot available is owned by the Chicago Blackhawks, who are in 6th with 73 points. The Kings have teams trailing hard, threatened all the way back to the 13th-seed Anaheim Ducks, who are sitting on 64 points. Every team that’s in playoff contention behind the Kings have a game in-hand, having two points on the table is a priceless gift this time of year.
The San Jose Sharks, who sit at 7th, have three games in-hand on the Kings. So, really, there are only two spots for grabs in the Western Conference. It’s dangerous confines for the Kings these days.
The odds are certainly against this club, but if leadership can continue to produce in expected manner, while stemming it to the roster, they should have a pretty good shot at making something work.
That’s all you can say, that’s all you dare say.
The Trick of the Trade
Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 144 HERE
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Finding it tricky to compile my feelings on this one. Can’t love it, can’t hate it.
The University of Michigan alum will now be playing on the outskirts of Ohio State University‘s campus.
Defenseman Jack Johnson has been traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in swap of forward Jeff Carter and a conditional first-round draft selection in either 2012 or 2013 – pending the Kings’ ability to secure a playoff berth this season.
*UPDATE: Quote from Jack Johnson on the trade via Mayors Manor:
“I’m excited by this. I’m excited to go to a team that wants me, and to play in a great sports city. I want to be part of the solution there. I know they’ve had some bad breaks and some tough seasons, but it’s going to be great when it turns around. Really, I don’t think there’s anything sweeter in sports than being part of a team when they get it turned around.”
This isn’t a big surprise to most, front offices in Los Angeles and Columbus were a good fit for each other at this year’s trade deadline. The Kings were desperate for acquiring offensive help, the Blue Jackets were eager to move a couple of top-six scoring assets in order for a heavy rebuild. The Kings had a very tradeable high-value defenseman, the Blue Jackets needed to move a proven forward that had well-known gripe for playing in Columbus.
It was aligned to happen, now it’s reality.
It’s sad. The more it settles, the more you realize how little Jack Johnson‘s performance in a Kings uniform played into tonight’s deal. Sure, his ugly plus-minus stat irritated fans, which fed many to believe he had plateaued as an NHL player, but the Kings had an above-average defenseman locked up for a lengthy tenure at an extremely low price. Plus, the guy is only 25, and held off the NHL for two years to play NCAA hockey in Ann Arbor. There was plenty of time to be had with Johnson’s development, and it’s now the kiss of death to his tenure as a King.
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Hit the road, Jack: I’ve had my fair number of frustrations with Jack Johnson this season and the last. However, it’s tough to let such promising young talent go in this fashion. It was a move to alleviate distress in the Kings’ front office, which had seen major offseason offensive acquisitions result in the Kings at rock-bottom of the NHL in scoring. On the playoff bubble, but on the outside looking in, the Kings were almost forced to act on something doable that could bring hope for a late-season resurgence.
That hope comes in Jeff Carter, who has recorded 25 points in 39 games with Columbus this season – following three extremely productive seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, notching 84, 61, and 66 points in his final three campaigns in Philly. The Kings now have a proven scoring forward, they’re dying for someone to initiate chemistry in their dreadful offense.
The Kings’ desperate plea for offensive help makes this trade a bit easier to swallow. Not to mention, the Kings are almost top-heavy in strength at defense. I’d expect Slava Voynov to get the call to fill Johnson’s void for the remainder of the year. If there’s one positive to take from tonight’s deal, it’s improving the outlook of the offense while maintaining defensive strength.
Adios, Jack.
Welcome, Mr. Carter.
The Carter: The newly-acquired forward doesn’t just have an impressive resume, but a strong connection to arguably the Kings’ most valuable player in Mike Richards. Both players spent five seasons together with the Philadelphia Flyers, and not only did they maintain possibly what was the strongest relationship on the roster for those years, but were two of the biggest, if not the biggest, offensive producers for the Flyers.
The Kings are dying for chemistry in the offensive zone, this may trigger it.
At the very least, this pumps hope into a club that has been mentally abused by failure in the offensive zone. The coach has changed, lines have been shuffled, maybe a fresh name is the answer — but don’t put all of your weight on it. This is just another direction in a season that resembles tumultuous. Hopefully, this time around, tumultuous exemplifies results rather than excitement.
Argue it if you want, sealed as a done deal.
Metro Los Angeles should know better than to release destination posters during the NHL trade-deadline. Or, maybe Johnson’s looking for directions to Columbus? This new advertisement, released just two days ago.
The Kings’ season started out in extremely positive fashion, Jack Johnson set that table with his OT goal in the season’s opener against the New York Rangers in Stockholm, Sweden.
Of course, you can’t forget Jack Johnson‘s ‘Tebow’ celebration in January’s victory over the Washington Capitals.
At last, a back-track to better times, when Johnson was a key piece to the Kings’ youthful core.
So long, Jacko. Welcome to Los Angeles, Jeff Carter.
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