An end to an era, in progressive fashion

For the past decade, the Kings’ image on the ice has retained a one-of-a-kind look.

Or, well, unique.

Athletically speaking, we’ve seen this team’s image hit some pretty miserable low points. Aesthetically speaking, however, it’s all been done in a uniform template that has been a truly exclusive set to the NHL‘s league-wide closet.

Tonight, the Kings will wear their purple and black crown uniforms for the final time at Staples Center against the Phoenix Coyotes. It’s a bittersweet farewell to a wardrobe set that, even though having a rather loud, boisterous look, is one that symbolizes simpler times with this franchise.

The Kings donned their black and purple crown uniforms as their primary jerseys for eight seasons, beginning in the 2002-2003 campaign and ending after the 2010-2011 season.

The transition to the Kings’ current black/white/silver scheme started in November 2008, when the Kings introduced their current primary home uniform as an alternate sweater.

From then on, the Kings’ marketing department centered heavily on the new colors and logo, rooting the slow, rather awkward death of the purple and black.

Old style

The new sends it off in style

Last Hurrah: Respect was paid to a dying piece of Kings history Monday night, in a 4-0 rout in what was a monstrously huge Pacific Division date with the Phoenix Coyotes. Many familiar faces were sporting the Kings’ crown for one of their final times, and a couple of new faces debuted play in the black/purple template – just as it’s going out of style.

Keaton Ellerby, who the Kings acquired on February 9th from the Florida Panthers, sported purple and black for the first time as a King this past week.

The newest addition to the roster, Tyler Toffoli, who was called up from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs on March 10th, not only wore purple and black for the first time, but also scored his first-career NHL goal Monday night at Staples Center in the uniform.

Looking sharp, eh?

Crowning Toffoli

Top-shelf; where Momma keeps the cookies.

Hemline Timeline

Memory Lane: In the ten years the Kings have worn their black and purple crown uniforms, there have been many special moments engraved into the organization’s history books.

White Out: The white version of the Kings’ crown uniform was put to rest after the 2010-2011 season, making it’s final appearance on April 23rd, 2011 against the San Jose Sharks in Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals at HP Pavilion.

The Kings would extend that series to six games, winning their final contest in the white crowns in a 3-1 victory that would see rookie Kyle Clifford bury the eventual game-winning goal.

Game 6 would see the San Jose Sharks win the series 4-2, with an overtime goal off the stick of Joe Thornton, putting the white and purples to rest for good.

Final Presentation

Rookie Wear 4/23/11

A Kopitar Hat-Trick 3/11/11

And a Kopitar Trick 1/30/10

A Little Extra Time 12/4/10

Brown Cooke-ing 2006

Dustin Brown hitting Children

Kopitar’s First 10/6/06

A Devilish Touch 2006

And, of course, Jeremy Roenick

We’ll get back to actual analysis once the Kings are back to black.

Tonight, it’s about the purple, and it’s about the crown.

It’s about embracing the past decade, as the franchise continues to evolve.

Scream and shout

Mope and pout

Or just look like this

That’s how Alec Martinez’s game looks right now

Just know, you can always look back at it

One final night in the purple/black crown hemlines.

Puck drops against the Phoenix Coyotes tonight at Staples Center at 7:30PM PST.

Episode 183 KingsCast TV: Jarome Iginla will not be an L.A. King – HERE
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Phoenix stays for two

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.

Six’s slick. Kings’ call-up Looking up

Sometimes talent is discovered through the misfortune of others.

Injuries to Matt Greene and Willie Mitchell opened the door for Jake Muzzin to make a return to the NHL in a Kings uniform.

And also through the decisions of others, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, who drafted Muzzin 141st overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and let him walk.

*NEW KingsCast TV: Jarome Iginla will not be an LA King

This is the Woodstock, Ontario native’s second stint in the NHL, and it looks to be a permanent one.

Much like the Kings’ 5-2 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale, Arizona Tuesday evening at Jobing.com Arena, Jake Muzzin faltered, albeit in a season that has brought many positive accomplishments to both the Kings and Muzzin’s ferocious rookie NHL season.

The kid doubled his penalty-minute total in a single evening on Arizona ice, racking up six minutes in the penalty box, matching his total in his previous 21 games played in a Kings uniform this season.

The Kings’ unfortunate health with their blue-line corps can’t afford such an absence during a game, especially with Jake Muzzin, who has blossomed into an everyday dependable asset in the Kings’ defensive scheme.

If six minutes in the penalty box Tuesday night is the most glaring rookie mistake Muzzin has made this season; because, quite frankly, it is, then the kid has to have some upside.

If you’ve watched the Kings’ new defensive young-blood this season, you’ll be able to tell he’s playing right up to par with Vyacheslav Voynov and Drew Doughty. Muzzin, who’s been Doughty’s defensive partner as of late, has taken offensive control of their pairing, which almost single-handedly justifies Doughty’s low point-total this season.

You want to talk numbers? Muzzin’s stat-line is rising on the consistent.

Drew Doughty has been in position this season. And I think he’s been wonderful. With Jake Muzzin on his side, he’s backed off to play a more conservative game.

Send it away now.

Post Service

Can you hear it?

Seeing

Red

Looking right. It’s looking Right.

On Both Ends: After Matt Greene went down with an injury in the Kings’ season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, Jake Muzzin got the call for promotion from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs.

During the NHL lockout, Muzzin played in 29 games for the Monarchs, potting two goals and handing over nine assists for 11 points.

In seven-less games at the NHL-level this season (22) with the Kings, Muzzin has matched his AHL point-mark, racking up five goals and six assists in a Los Angeles uniform. If that’s not a successful transition for a young player, it’s impossible to say what is.

He’s second among Kings defensemen in points, only behind Vyacheslav Voynov and his 18.

It’s all been positive, because he’s tied for the best plus-minus rating on the entire roster, currently at a +11 mark, toe to toe with Justin Williams.

And it’s been on net; Muzzin has 35 shots in 22 contests, ninth-best on the roster and third among Kings’ defensemen. He’s got a great shot coming off his left-handed stick. It’s accurate, it’s a quick-release, and it’s rarely forced. It creates opportunity, and as the numbers show, success.

You know what they say about putting the puck on net.

The kid has shown us he can hit the post from the point. Hit the post and coast, baby.

Iron Man

Don’t doubt Doughty

Muzzin’s Effect: There’s been a healthy amount of gripe towards Drew Doughty and his offensive output this season. Most of it centers on his goal-total this season, which stands at zero through 25 games. However, Doughty’s racked up 10 assists.

With the bad comes the good. Doughty has seen a sharp decline in his scoring, but he’s shown a much more conservative stay-at-home game. This may not be his most favorable style, but it’s the one he’s playing now.

Without a doubt, this is a better Drew Doughty than we saw early in the 2011-2012 campaign, when Doughty often forced his offensive game after signing his major contract extension, which would find him out of position defensively at an alarming rate.

Drew Doughty will score, it’s a non-issue. Right now, he’s playing a much more mature role. If it means less highlight shows and appearances on the stat-sheet, then so be it.

The Kings are doing just fine. And Drew Doughty has zero goals.

Meanwhile, his rookie line-mate is on a tear.

You’re a bit greedy if you want anything more.

Assist me with this?

What a golden feed that was. Muzzin’s crisp and Stolly snips.

Snacking at MacDonald’s

Shark sighting

San Jose: The Kings will be at HP Pavilion for the first time since the final game of last year’s regular season, in which the Kings lost to the San Jose Sharks for the second consecutive contest. Those two losses to the Sharks only paved fate’s way – forcing the Kings to head into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Western Conference‘s 8th seed.

Remember how that turned out?

By the way, Ryan Clowe has zero goals, a weak eight assists, a liable minus-eight rating, and a hot-head total of 72 penalty minutes – in 23 games.

He might just be best used when on the bench.

Clowestick

The Kings (30) sit two points ahead of the Sharks (28) with both teams playing their 26th contests of the season tomorrow.

This will be the first of four matchups during this shortened campaign between the two Pacific Division rivals.

Puck drops Thursday night at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California at 7:30PM PST

Route 77

Look back at it.

Call the fire department, this one’s out of control.

Analogies, analogies. Sometimes they’re shitty.

Led by Jeff Carter‘s recent string of monstrous offensive output, the Kings have buried an astounding eleven combined goals in their previous two contests, this on 45 shots – that’s nearly a 25% success rate. That’s filthy.

*NEW KingsCast TV – Episode 182: Jeff Carter is a Beast

The Kings aren’t only scoring at all times, but at the right times. They tallied eight third-period goals in a 48-hour span on Monday and Tuesday evening at Staples Center, beating the Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues in convincing fashion.

In both contests, the Kings have forced opposing goaltenders to be pulled from their own crease, chasing away Nashville’s Pekka Rinne and St. Louis’ Jaroslav Halak.

Things were over Monday night before Nashville could weather the Kings’ third-period outburst, and the Kings executed again Tuesday night, when things were supposed to be over, scoring five unanswered goals to overcome a 4-1 deficit.

Both game-winning goals came off the stick of Jeff Carter, who now has 15 goals for the season – more than double of the Kings’ second-leading scorer, Anze Kopitar, who has seven.

They’ve won nine of eleven contests.

Call ‘em hot-headed.

Hats off

Giveaway back

How ironic: The Kings, who have been putting on a slew of giveaway promotions for fans this season, went with the traditional ballcap handout to those in attendance Monday night. When Jeff Carter scored his third goal of the game that night, clinching a ‘natural hat-trick’, many of those gifted hats were given back – tossed to the ice in celebration of Carter’s accomplishment.

The same thing happened with the Kings in October of 2005 against the Colorado Avalanche, when the late Pavol Demitra recorded his own hat-trick on a hat-giveaway night at Staples Center. The ice, again, littered with free hats.

Which is a good thing, cause they’re pretty f*cking brutal looking, and everything.

Capping it off

Carter and Co.

Deal-Breaker: When Dean Lombardi acquired Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 23, 2011, it was a bold move for a top-six forward the Kings beleaguered offense was in dire need of.

This was a trade-deadline deal, a plea for a player that could spark some life into the Kings’ offensive scheme, and helping this team to take a serious stab at a playoff run. Which, they did – and more. Jeff Carter chimed in magnificently during the Kings’ 20-game postseason stretch, potting eight goals and five assists for an attractive 13 points.

Jeff Carter came to Los Angeles along with the carry-over of his lengthy contract, an 11-year deal signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, which was then sent with Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and just under 12 months ago – placed into the hands of the Kings’ front office.

Carter is under contract until the end of the 2021-2022 season, a lengthy deal has rarely look so good. With the carryover of his contract, has come the carryover of his outstanding production.

He leads the roster in goals with 15 to his credit, and is second in points with 17, only behind Anze Kopitar‘s 20. If his shots aren’t hitting the back of the net, they’re creating opportunity – Jeff Carter leads the team with 64 shots on goal.

To say he hasn’t been clutch would be a farce – because he’s been the roster’s lifeline in crucial moments, his six game-winning goals show that.

Muzz Buzz

Hey, Rookie: Another problem may arise when Willie Mitchell and/or Matt Greene return to the Kings’ blue-line. That’s what to do with Jake Muzzin. Back to the AHL and a return to the Manchester Monarchs seems to be past this player’s ways now.

Alec Martinez is finally back, sending Davis Drewiske back to natural and necessary confines.

Chances are you’ll see Jake Muzzin in a Kings uniform throughout the remainder of the season, and for how he’s looking now, the beginning of next year’s campaign as well. He’s been more than reliable in his second NHL stint, doubling down for three goals and four assists through the Kings’ first 18 games this season.

Muzzin is third on the Kings’ defense in points (7) and shots (27). He’s also got the second best +/- rating with a +6, only behind Vyacheslav Voynov‘s stalwart +10 mark.

Jonathan Squared

Playing time?: Head coach Darryl Sutter pulled a shocker Tuesday night, penciling in Jonathan Bernier to start for the second consecutive game. It may be hard to remember the last time Jonathan Quick sat two consecutive contests, because in Bernier’s four-plus seasons with the Kings, he had never once started in net in two straight games.

This time around, coming off an 18-save performance in a deciding 5-1 win over the Nashville Predators Monday night, Jonathan Bernier got the call again in a back-to-back situation with a Pacific Division matchup with the Dallas Stars looming on Thursday.

Darryl Sutter‘s decision to play Bernier was bold, nevermind whether it was right or wrong. He instituted a feel of confidence in Bernier, who has struggled with an opportunity to find a consistent, dependable starting role in the NHL.

Jonathan Bernier allowed three goals on eight St. Louis Blues shots, forcing Darryl Sutter to react on his decision, pulling Bernier from the game less than two minutes into the second period. This decision didn’t spark immediate reaction from the roster, but it proved to be part of the Kings’ miraculous come-from-behind victory.

Jonathan Quick faced just six shots in his 39 minutes of relief of Bernier, stopping all but one.

When the players in front of you bury five unanswered goals, chances are you’re in good hands. A la the Kings Tuesday night.

Stars in the Making

The Kings found decent success when facing the Dallas Stars last season, going 3-1-2 against their Pacific Division foe. The most eye-opening part of last year’s match-ups against Dallas, however, may be the success the three prominent Kings’ rookies had in the state of Texas last season.

Vyachaslav Voynov, Dwight King, and Jordan Nolan all recorded their first-career NHL goals against the Dallas Stars last season.

Starring Voynov

Starring King

Starring Nolan

Look now: The Kings, who have spent the majority of the season in the basement of the Pacific Division and out of playoff seeding in the Western Conference, now sit pretty. With their 12-7-2 record, which atones for 26 points, the Kings hold the second position in the Pacific Division, only behind the Anaheim Ducks and their 35 points with a 16-3-3 record.

The Kings sit at 4th-place in the Western Conference. Call it sexy.

It’s a meeting with the Dallas Stars Thursday night in Downtown Los Angeles. Dallas, with 24 points, is just one regulation win from matching the Kings’ mark, yet they sit dead-last (5th) in the Pacific Division. and are just barely maintaining playoff seeding, holding the Western Conference‘s eight seed.

If you don’t call this meeting a vital one, you’re out of this league. The Kings can either maintain their push to the top, or topple in the Pacific Division in their first meeting of four this season with the Dallas Stars.

Welcome to LA, Jaromir Jagr.

Puck drops against the Dallas Stars at 7:30PM PST Thursday night at Staples Center.

Episode 182 KingsCast TV: Jeff Carter is a Beast – HERE
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Heading Northwest, North in the West

They’re climbing the Western Conference standings, and are now traveling North up the Pacific’s coast. The Kings’ upcoming quick two-game road swing isn’t the only regional topic this club is running with.

Anze Kopitar fascinates the National Television audience these days. Embrace it, NBC.

You may think this is something new. Next stop is British Columbia.

*NEW KingsCastTV – Simon Gagne traded to Philadelphia Flyers

The Kings stunned the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday evening in their 2-1 victory at Staples Center with two goals in the final ten minutes of the contest to win their fifth straight game. They’ve totaled seven wins in their last eight games.

It was a dramatic defeat of the team from ~~Hockeytown~~ the ‘Motor City’.

Consider the Kings rolling.

Don’t sleep on it

Unless you’ve gone sick from seeing it.

Maybe so

The NBC Sports Network televised the Kings’ meeting with the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday night as part of their “Rivalry Night” series. At first, labeling this meeting as so seems odd. But then you figure, they were probably:

Considering This

April 18, 2001. Like noted earlier: Don’t sleep on it.

Can’t stop, don’t stop

Michigan Rush: The Kings’ current run of seven wins in eight contests began after their loss in their first meeting against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena on February 10th. When you consider the effects a loss with just :04.5 seconds left in regulation, many, including myself, would see it as a blow to the gut carrying a negative response to linger with the heartbreak.

The Kings, however, turned a momentary disaster into yet another building block.

They’re showing signs of chemistry they consistently posed en rout to their Stanley Cup Championship last season. This beautiful aftermath played out to fuel a suddenly reborn roster, when that heart-wrenching loss to Detroit had all intents of burying this club early.

Rearview mirror: The Kings are climbing the standings. They’ve locked up 14 points in their previous eight contests, which has been a major boost to their current overall total of 22 points. They’ve found their way out of the basement, and have climbed back into a playoff position.

With their 10-6-2 record, the Kings now sit at 2nd-place in the Pacific Division, and at 7th-place in the Western Conference.

It’s been no fluke either. All four offensive lines have been working in full-throttle, and the Kings’ suddenly-young and inexperienced defensive scheme has been absolutely delightful considering the injuries that hit Willie Mitchell, Matt Greene, and Alec Martinez.

Signs are pointing at an imminent return for Alec Martinez. Take a break, Davis Drewiske.

Not to mention, the Kings’ goaltending tandem may finally have a comfortably dependable back-up option. For the meantime, at least.

Bern, baby burn

About Time: The Kings drafted Jonathan Bernier in the 1st Round as the 11th overall selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. It is rare for such an early draft pick as a goaltender – a mightily highly touted one at that, to go so long without tagging himself as an every-day starter in the NHL.

It’s also rare to have a goaltender as good as Jonathan Quick.

But when you’re facing such a unique, heavily condensed schedule, especially after a season that saw Jonathan Quick log 89 games through the middle of June, you’re going to need to lean on your back-up goaltender. It’s smarter than it is safe.

Jonathan Bernier has started four games for the Kings this season, holding a stellar 4-0-0 record when called on by head coach Darryl Sutter. In Bernier’s one other appearance, which was in relief of Jonathan Quick on February 2nd against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center, Bernier was credited with the Kings’ loss.

That, however, was Bernier’s first live NHL action since March 31st of 2011.

Rising value: Jonathan Bernier‘s solid play is important to this club in more ways than one. I’m not talking about just wins. Bernier has the youth and resume to attract a heavy-list of NHL teams come the trade-deadline, and the Kings know that.

They also know they have a very solid netminder to give Jonathan Quick a breather.

Utilize Bernier’s dependability and promise in the crease, and do so while advertising his high trade-value to the other 29 NHL teams.

Darryl Sutter knows the tools he’s working with.

Dean Lombardi also knows what he’s doing.

The Kings, well, you can find them in British Columbia Saturday night.

A Stoll through Vancouver

Remember Me?

Just passing by

Puck drops at Rogers Arena against the Vancouver Canucks at 7:00PM PST Saturday night.

Episode 181 KingsCast TV: Simon Gagne traded to Philadelphia – HERE
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Brown’s iron strikes Gold

Four straight, and it hasn’t been prettier.

The Kings knocked off the Anaheim Ducks Monday night in utterly convincing fashion at Staples Center, handing their cross-town rival and Pacific Division leader their first loss in seven contests. It came in a 5-2 rout with three unanswered third-period markers.

Highlighted by Dustin Brown going bar-down.

The sexiest goal seen this season, bar none.

Iron Dance

crisp•y ['krIspI]

adj. crisp·i·er, crisp·i·est

1: 17:53 LAK Dustin Brown (6) Snap Shot – Assists: A. Kopitar (8) & J. Williams (7)
2: Firm but easily broken or crumbled; crisp.

You didn’t know?

Corner treatment: This isn’t the first time Dustin Brown has undressed an Anaheim goaltender high from the slot with a laser to the top-right corner. In fact, Brown’s beamer last night just about mocked his actions seen back in December of 2011.

Déjà vu

All aboard: Dustin Brown‘s tally last December against the Anaheim Ducks tied the contest late, which granted extra hockey that saw the Kings capitalize on the Captain’s efforts to win the game in a shootout.

Brown’s goal Monday night was just as important, but even prettier, once again tieing the score at two, this time paving way to Vyacheslav Voynov‘s goal, all together completely deflating Anaheim’s roster.

As for Dustin Brown‘s right-hand man? Well, he’s left-handed, and he’s Anze Kopitar. In Brown’s two similar goals shown above, the primary assist has come off the stick of none other than Kopitar himself. Kopitar dabbled in last night’s action, accounting for three assists – including Vyacheslav Voynov‘s game winner, and Dustin Brown‘s bar-down equalizer.

If you’re analyzing past the red-light, you’ll notice Dustin Brown‘s complete game looks to be coming back into form. This atones for his play without the puck – especially in the physicality department.

In the previous four contests, Brown has laid 21 hits on opposing players. He’s most dangerous when inducing open-ice contact, and he seemed to finally catch his timing last Tuesday in Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers – laying five hits, labeling the middle of the ice a danger-zone for opposition.

He’s also planted nine shots on opposing goaltenders in the Kings’ last four games. That might have something to do with his current three-game goal streak.

The only thing louder than Dustin Brown‘s play of late, was the iron the Kings’ Captain struck last night.

Call it welding, fools

Not so..

Got them Slippers on

After Tuesday’s slew of contests, the Kings (9-6-2) sit at 10th-place in the Western Conference with 20 points. However, they’re just one point out of housing themselves in a postseason-eligible position. This is what sets the storyline for Wednesday night’s date with the Detroit Red Wings at Staples Center.

The Red Wings (9-7-3), who the Kings have two game in-hand of, hold the Western Conference‘s final playoff berth right now with 21 points. The Kings already have the long-term advantage on Detroit with four possible point in their favor, but Wednesday night will put the club’s will to the test.

The Kings skated with the Detroit Red Wings in Michigan at Joe Louis Arena on Feburary 10th, losing 3-2 via a Jonathan Ericsson goal with just :04.5 seconds left in regulation.

The Kings have given away another contest in the final seconds this season, that to the Edmonton Oilers on January 24th. In the Kings’ second meeting with Edmonton, they returned the favor.

How about another round of Déjà vu?

It’ll call for a Frenzy

Puck drops 7:30PM PST Wednesday night at Staples Center against the Detroit Red Wings.

Episode 180 KingsCast TV: LA Kings Battle in Alberta – HERE
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Two-Two’s gone Loose

Rink-board advertising markets honestly every so often.

Solid play earned Trevor Lewis a promotion Saturday afternoon, penciled in to play alongside Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on the Kings’ second line by Head Coach Darryl Sutter.

This move only continued the oft-quiet forward’s mini scoring outburst.

Lewis has erupted to tally two goals and two assists in the Kings’ previous three contests. His recent numbers have been anything but stat-fillers, they’ve been certified game-changers.

Against the Edmonton Oilers this past Tuesday, Trevor Lewis notched two assists, including a beautifully placed helper to feed Jeff Carter‘s game-winning tally with just 46.9 seconds left in regulation. The following night against the Calgary Flames, Lewis struck gold yet again – this time scoring the Kings’ game-winning goal himself.

And as many witnessed in downtown Los Angeles Saturday afternoon, Trevor Lewis continued his tear, killing any momentum the Colorado Avalanche may have been in the midst of mustering with a shorthanded marker to all but seal the deal in the Kings’ victorious return to Staples Center.

Lewis’ PK-tally is the Kings’ one and only shorthanded goal so far this season.

Two (Two) Short

When ugly’s pretty

Red-Light Lewy: Lewis’ tally early in the second period on Saturday was a terribly weak goal if you’re Colorado goaltender Semyon Varlamov or Colorado defenseman Tyson Barrie. Both players treated Lewis’ rush like their man-advantage situation had some sort of heed into the situation until point’s end.

As the Kings showed the league last spring, it’s a kiss of death to sleep on the penalty kill. Lewis put the nails in Colorado’s coffin, who the Kings made short work of Saturday.

He kept it simple, too, which is how he functions as an NHL player. There’s nothing fancy about Trevor Lewis‘ game. He’s got below-average hands, depends on open lanes and positioning rather than skill-fed moves, and is an absolute magnet on the forecheck – a magnet when it comes to shadowing and pressuring opposing players who have the puck.

That’s your standard resume for a solid, dependable, third or fourth line forward.

And when that type of player is putting up numbers that catch glances, your situation can’t be all that bad.

Plus, it makes you not miss Brad Richardson even more than you didn’t miss him before.

Five-Tools

Trevor Lewis‘ four points through the previous three games have just been the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the 26 year-old’s recent play. The native of Salt Lake City, UT has been fulfilling just about every aspect of the game a forward can.

Lewis has a +6 rating in the last three contests. The Kings, as an entire team, have a +7 rating. Did you want to talk about positive impact?

Aside from that, he’s ripped off eight shots on goaltenders and laid seven hits on the opposition.

The Kings drafted Trevor Lewis in the first round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft as the #17 overall selection. Since then, he’s played 197 games in a Kings uniform over the course of five NHL seasons. The production hasn’t always been there, but the dedication to him has.

Maybe we’re seeing the pursued result of the Kings’ strong commitment to this player. Maybe Trevor Lewis is a late-blossom player. If consistent dependability graces your name before you put up numbers, the attractive stats are only a bonus.

Been around the block

Climbing gear: With three straight wins and a 5-1-0 record in their previous six contests, the Kings continue to climb the Western Conference standings, now holding the group’s 10th spot with 18 points on hand.

The Kings are only one point behind the two clubs that own the 7th and 8th-place spots in the Western Conference. These teams are two Pacific Division foes, which have a current tally of 19 points – the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars.

As for the 9th-seed? The Pacific Division trend continues. The Phoenix Coyotes, also at 19 points, are straddling the postseason cut-off mark in a heavily saturated race toward a playoff berth in this uniquely shortened campaign.

Monday night, the Kings will be playing the only Pacific Division club not on their direct radar in the standings, the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim stands at 2nd in the Western Conference, 2nd in the entire NHL, and are currently breaking away from the Kings and the rest of the Pacific Division with their 27 points – 12 of which are due to their current six-game win streak.

Wouldn’t that be a nice thing to bring to a halt.

Puck drops 7:30PM PST Monday night against the Anaheim Ducks at Staples Center.

Alberta’s clean; Kings home for 13 of 16

Wake up. Wake up, now. There’s something brewing here.

Maybe a skin smack or two from that crisp, unbearably cold Canadian air was needed to hit the faces of this club for a bit of a wake-up call.

The Kings play 13 of their next 16 contests at home.

The Kings return to Staples Center Saturday afternoon with a 7-6-2 record. They’re fresh off of two wins in Alberta, Canada, staving off the Edmonton Oilers in a late 2-1 thriller, and following up with a 3-1 win against the Calgary Flames.

*NEW KingsCastTV: “LA Kings Battle in Alberta”

Although the Kings now own a winning record for the first time this season, they still sit last (5th) in the Pacific Division. However, they’ve made some improvements regarding the entire Western Conference, now filling the 11th-seed with 16 points.

Ahead of the Kings are the Detroit Red Wings (17pts), who the Kings host Wednesday, and behind the Kings are the Colorado Avalanche (15pts), who the Kings host Saturday afternoon.

It’s already got a postseason-like tingle to it, no?

When it comes to home ice for the Kings, there’s never much comfort in the setting. The upcoming rush of home contests is just as vital as it is comforting for this team. And comfort, as we’ve seen in the past, doesn’t bode too well for this roster.

Honey I’m…

Home: The Kings have played just one home contest in the past 23 days, but are now slated to play at Staples Center thirteen times over the next four weeks. The Kings are 2-1-1 in Downtown Los Angeles so far this season.

This next string of games (16) will push the season to it’s 2/3 marker (31 games), which is a major point in the schedule for NHL teams, especially because of this year’s unique and shortened 48-game slate. The standings, because of the season’s strict inter-Conference schedule, will be extremely tight until the end – that’s if you’re still in contention.

The battle for playoff positioning will be heavily saturated, and the Kings must take full advantage of the plethora of home contests that graces their schedule for the next month. Of the Kings next thirteen home games, ten of them are against clubs that are currently ahead of the Kings in the Western Conference standings.

Six of those home games will be against Pacific Division opponents, including a back-to-back series against the Phoenix Coyotes. Of the Kings three road games over the next sixteen contests, two are also against Pacific Division opponents – the San Jose Sharks and the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Kings are playing more than half of their home contests over the course of the next 30 days. If they were to throw away a golden opportunity this year, it would be failing to climb the standings during this lengthy home-stretch.

Looking up

Top-six Who?: The Kings, much like during last year’s regular season, have been struggling mightily to score goals. Just a few days ago, the Kings were dead-last (30th) in the entire NHL in goals scored.

After sweeping Alberta with two straight victories, the Kings have improved to 25th in goals scored in the NHL. This, brought to you by the continuation of production from the Kings’ 3rd and 4th lines, as well as a couple of the club’s popular names starting to once again show signs of life.

Dustin Brown, who had been without a goal in eight games until notching the Kings’ first goal Wednesday in Calgary, has been uncomfortably quiet this season – both offensively, and physically. Brown has looked much better the previous two games, finding three shots on goal, and laying eight hits on opponents.

Lewy (and Co.) in the News

Digging deep: After Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Kings coach Darryl Sutter called out his forwards, namely those who had yet to score a goal this season – as the schedule surpassed the quarter-mark:

“What is more significant being at the quarter pole is the fact that we have guys with zero goals at the quarter pole. I don’t even think I’d be in the lineup if I had zero goals at the quarter pole.” – Darryl Sutter via LA Times

As a player, that’s your queue to respond – and bury the puck.

Trevor Lewis did just that, scoring the Kings’ game-winning goal Wednesday in Calgary, and assisting on the Kings’ winner in Edmonton the night prior. Lewis has three points in the past two games, his only points of the season.

Lewis’ other assist came off of Colin Fraser‘s goal in Edmonton. Fraser was playing for the first time Tuesday night after being a healthy scratch the previous four contests.

Hold on, Edmonton

Another quiet, yet popular name that has struggled this season is Mike Richards.

Hair long, Money long

Sleeping Star: One of the biggest concerns regarding the Kings’ slow start was the non-effect Mike Richards on the ice. Richards, unlike his linemate and good friend Jeff Carter, has been struggling to produce offensively the majority of the season.

Richards, much like Dustin Brown, has come to life recently. Mike Richards tallied the game-winning goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets last Friday, and followed with two goals on Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

Although it was clearly little too late when Richards notched his two goals Sunday, the situation and manner he scored them in was invigorating. For the first time this season, we saw Richards single-handedly take the game into his own hands, showing a passion and fire we haven’t seen from the veteran forward since last postseason.

Without a Dought-y

Ouch: Maybe the screen shot tells it all. The Kings are hurting defensively.

All hail Vyacheslav Voynov.

#13 Buries the Avalanche

Colorado Down: The Kings played the Colorado Avalanche in their second game of the campaign on January 22nd, falling 3-1 at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Kyle Clifford scored the lone goal for the Kings. Colorado scored three goals in the third period to secure a victory.

The Avalanche will be in Los Angeles for a matinee affair Saturday afternoon. The last time Colorado played an afternoon game at Staples Center, this happened:

When you think it’s bad

There’s always this to shed some light.

Seeing Purple

Catwalk: The Kings will be donning their vintage “Forum Blue” (purple) and gold throwback beauties for their return to Staples Center Saturday afternoon. This will be in recognition for Ian Laperriere, who the Kings will pay tribute to in the first installment of this season’s “Legend’s Night” series.

However, it’s more fitting for former Kings owner Jerry Buss, who passed away early this past Monday. These are the uniforms the Kings wore during Buss’ ownership, and it’s the first home game for the Kings since the former owner’s passing.

There will be a moment of silence dedicated to Jerry Buss prior to Saturday’s contest.

Puck drops at Staples Center Saturday at 1:00PM PST against the Colorado Avalanche.

Episode 180 – LA Kings Battle in Alberta

The Los Angeles Kings bite-sized roller coast season continues! Back in action with another mind bending installment is KingsCast. In this episode we breakdown the Red Wings, Blues, Blue Jackets, BlackHawks, Oilers & Flames games, give our Top 10 favorite things about the Provence of Alberta, attempt to bring back the ‘Throw Out Some Numbers’ segment and send out an invite to a special video project. It’s not only the Kings on the uptick, we are too, so tune in.

The vivacious play of Voynov

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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