Dancing in the Reign: Kings Assure Improvement in Western Canada; Thoughts On Atlanta

Beside the final score tonight in Calgary, is there much else to view in a negative fashion about the first two games? I’m finding it easier to look past tonight’s loss since it’s so early, and since the Kings have impressed in almost every aspect. How stellar has the defense been? Beside a couple of miscues, of course. Those top two pairings couldn’t be better, and Jake Muzzin has been a pleasant addition out of training camp. You couldn’t have asked much more out of the new tandem of goalies Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier. This has all intentions of the Kings putting together one of the lowest ‘goals allowed’ stat lines in the league. As for the offense, they haven’t been bad. Facing a Stanley Cup Favorite in the Vancouver Canucks, the Kings did everything but finish. Facing an expected Playoff team in the Calgary Flames, the Kings faced an angry defense coming off of an embarrassment in Edmonton, blocking a barrage of shots and exposing the Kings to working the outside all night. You’d be stubborn to not have to be pleased with the play the Kings are bringing home Tuesday night. Below I’ve got thoughts on the weekend trip to Canada, and what to look forward to Tuesday night.

Sweet Revenge: Man oh man. Not only were the Kings able to beat the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last year, but for you fellow USA Hockey fans, Jack Johnson sealed the win beating Roberto Luongo off the left post. Nothing like aiding pent-up frustration and sorrow from last year’s Winter Olympics and NHL Playoffs on one wrist-shot. How Sweet it is!

The Jonathan’s Impress: Our first look at the Jonathan Quick – Jonathan Bernier duo was awesome. Allowing a total of 3 goals on 55 shots in the two games combined is excellent. Both goalies were able to keep a Kings offense, which struggled to finish scoring opportunities, in both games. Jonathan Quick stabilized his label as the #1 goalie, and Jonathan Bernier did nothing but continue to exploit himself as a highly touted prospect. Quick stood on his head, plain and simple. The only goal Quick surrendered was due to Alexander Edler‘s presence in front of the net on a powerplay. Edler attracted Kings wingers to the top of the slot, and lost the interest of Kings defensemen to find an opening that left Quick hanging dry. Bernier played well, 29 saves against a playoff-caliber lineup. Bernier got beat on the penalty-kill by Curtis Glencross off of a turnover. Don’t blame Jack Johnson here, Anze Kopitar needs to shovel that puck into the corner. Craig Conroy, however, set the tone in what would ultimately result in a loss with a wrister from 15-20 feet out. Weak goal, but Bernier did have a couple of saves thereafter to keep it close. Jonathan Quick faces a highly underrated young Atlanta Thrashers offense on Tuesday night.

How About Those Rookies?: Brayden Schenn is already wearing out his name with broadcasters, having a big impact on our offensive zone presence on Saturday night, just missing on two scoring chances. Schenn was solid in the offensive zone tonight as well, just missing on another scoring opportunity. Really, Schenn is just inches away from having 2 or 3 goals. Kyle Clifford has shown promise as well, as that fourth line has gained early trust from Terry Murray, seeing ice time late in both games. Kevin Westgarth, the partner to those two on the fourth line has been alright. Nothing great, physical play, no fights, and a bad defensive zone turnover in Vancouver.

Where have the goals been?: The Kings haven’t been able to score, tallying just two goals in regulation this weekend. They’ve had little presence in front of the net, and when they have scored, that’s where they’ve been. The Kings have been forced to take a lot of wide shots with no rebound threat. The Canucks and Flames put a lot of pressure on Kings pointmen and cycling ability. Don’t make assumptions just yet, this offense was a break or two away from exploding this weekend.
Speaking of offense, here comes Atlanta: If you’re wondering what to look out for from the Thrashers on Tuesday, it’s their young offense. Atlanta, through trades and high draft picks, has developed a bright future. Forwards Evander Kane and Niclas Bergfors are just two key pieces to what could be an offensive force in two years. Yet another good test for our defense, and expect the Kings to face journeyman Chris Mason in goal for Atlanta. Here’s to wishing the best to Ondrej Pavelec in his recovery from his sudden collapse during Atlanta’s opener, the cause of which has yet to be determined. The Thrashers are coming off of a 5-3 loss to Southeast Division rival Tampa Bay Lightning, but opened eyes in Georgia with a shocking 4-2 win against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. You could argue that the Thrashers are where the Kings were two years ago. Thrashers’ GM Rick Dudley seems to be taking a very similar approach to Kings GM Dean Lombardi. Dump older, short term talent for draft picks and prospects. And that’s what they have. Young talent, not enough experience. A franchise that was supposed to crumble after losing Ilya Kovalchuk is suddenly posing as a contender in the near future.