Monthly Archives: December 2009
KINGS DROP 4th STRAIGHT IN 2-1 LOSS TO FLAMES
I’m not a number cruncher, but sometimes a few odd and/or disturbing values can’t help but make themselves known after a hockey game.
81 minutes in penalties.
4 game losing streak.
1 loss away from 9th place.
Look on the bright side. Kopitar is OK. I’m sorry, that was a little toungue in cheek, since Anze Kopitar has not been OK for quite some time.
I took a lot of notes on the game for this report, seeing as how I’ve been a little absent from the site lately I wanted to come back strong. Unfortunately, most of those notes contain the term “suck” or an elongated “BS”… so I threw them out.
Not every Kings stunk up the ice tonight. In fact, all things considered, this was another loss that probably should have been more exaggerated if not for some superb efforts by Ersberg, Parse, Simmonds, Moller, Drewiske and most notably, Richardson, who played one of the best games I’ve seen from him with a crown on his chest. I already know as many of you read that last sentence, you saw ‘Ersberg’ and ‘superb’ in the same sentence and have already screamed in your head or elsewhere “but what about Conroy’s goal?!”
For those of you fortunate enough to miss this heavy hitting but suffocatingly annoying game from a Kings fans’ perspective, the goal I am referring to was Calgary’s second and the ultimate game-winner. It came off of Craig Conroy’s stick, his first goal of the season (just a few games late) and was assisted by Jack Johnson and Ersberg, regardless of what the boxscore claims. Ersberg went behind the net to play the puck, one of a few ill-timed decisions to do so, got caught up and fumbled the puck as he was stick checked by a Calgary forward. Then, Johnson tried to recover, but was checked as well and tipped the puck directly to an open Conroy who had an even more open net to shoot at, Ersberg apparently hoping to stop the puck through telekenisis.
Ok, it was a bad play. Other than that however, Ersberg played a very strong game, especially for someone who has only seen pucks in practice for quite some time. Several moments spring to mind, particularly one where Ersberg’s strong left pad kept out repeated shots from David Moss and Daymond Langkow. But yes, the Conroy goal was a stupid play, though one can easily argue that Dustin Brown’s soul-sucking effort on a penalty shot was worse. Brown lost the puck stick-handling from his backhand to his forehand as he skated by the hash marks. So much for a momentum boost that would have nullified Conroy’s lame goal (the penalty shot came 2 minutes after Calgary’s second goal). Ex-Kings certainly have been showing up in Kings’ games lately moreso than some current Kings.
Even tough I am loath to do so, we all must tip our hats to Mikka Kipprusof. The goofy bastard played a hell of a game, the kind that makes me very glad this is the last time the Kings’ will have to face him for the remainder of the regular season. “Kipper” (isn’t that an item on a menu at Jewish Delis?) made key saves on Moller, Doughty and Smyth, burning holes through players backs to find pucks and remaining strong in his crease as the Kings actually tried to muck it up in front from time to time.
You already know that Anze Kopitar was nearly killed by Phenough. If you don’t, see the post below for a video of the play that got the Scum of Calgary ejected from the game. In general, the Flames once again proved to be more than the Kings can physically handle, dishing out other huge hits, most notably to Moller and Purcell.
There is a blurry thing in my vision. At first, when it appeared last Saturday, I thought it was just a normal, but persistent eye floater. Then on Monday I realized it was actually red. Tonight the vision became slightly clearer.
Is that… could it… no, it can’t be. A panic button?
Nah.
There is still hope to end 2009 properly.
Unless of course you’re in Australia. In that case you’re screwed.
PHANEUF HIT ON KOPITAR – MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO…
For those of you that did not see the game or the hit, here is Diane Phaneuf’s hit on Kopitar.
Here is what it comes down to – when you watch the video, you see two things. Kopitar going for the puck and Phaneuf going for Kopitar. His eyes are on Anze the entire time and he timed his hit when Anze was the most vulnerable and reaching for the puck. So, what does that make Phaneuf? A $6,000,000.00 dollar per year no-talent pussy that has been regressing in his play each of the last 3 seasons? No. He was that before this hit. What it makes Phaneuf is exactly what the NHL is seeking to eliminate from the game. Cheap and dirty. Hits like that can end careers. I am sure Phaneuf and Sutter are proud of that hit. I would expect nothing less from either of them because to anticipate halfwitted baboons to feel or do otherwise would simply be foolish on our part.
Here is a banana, Sloth…remember to share it with your defenseman while you pick insects off each other’s hair.
NO DOUGHTY ABOUT IT – DREW IS AN OLYMPIAN
Our own prodigy, Drew Doughty, has made the Canadian Olympic team. For the nhl.com report, click here.
Here is Drew’s interview with Hammond.
Question: What was your reaction this morning?
DOUGHTY: “You know, I was pretty surprised. I knew I had a shot at one of the last spots there, but getting that phone call this morning was real surprising, but definitely one of my greatest moments.”
Question: When you were at the summer orientation camp, what were you thinking then? That this could happen? Might happen?
DOUGHTY: “I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew I had a shot, but I knew I was young and that there’s a lot of good D-men who were trying out for the team. I was pretty surprised. At that camp, I didn’t know what to expect.”
Question: To what do you attribute your development at such a young age?
DOUGHTY: “I’ve had a lot of help over the years. When I played in Guelph, Ontario, there, they helped me out a lot. I had a lot of great coaches, in Dave Barr and Jason Brooks there. They taught me a lot. I was pretty much just an offensive defenseman then, and I kind of became a two-way defenseman. I think that has a great deal to do with why I made the team.”
Question: How much of a factor has the success of the Kings been, in terms of confidence and making your game more well-rounded?
DOUGHTY: “It’s definitely important, for all of us. The Kings have been struggling for quite a few years now, so getting those wins and being at the top of the conference for a little bit there, it was definitely a confidence-booster for all of us and it helped us grow and become more confident players out there.”
Question: Some big names on defense did not make the team. Do you feel for them at all?
DOUGHTY: “Yeah. I’m sure everyone who was at the orientation camp would love to be on the team. I think they’d do anything in the world to be named to this Olympic team, and some of them are great players, and guys that I actually thought would have been on the team. So I guess I feel for them a bit, but I’d definitely rather be in my position.”
Question: You seem pretty calm. Were you jumping up and down when you got the call?
DOUGHTY: “When I got the call, I was still half-asleep. It was pretty early for me. I was just waking up. I actually had a voice mail at first, because I was still asleep and I didn’t hear my phone ring. But when I woke up, I was definitely pretty happy. I woke up Brownie right away, my roommate, and told him, and I started calling everyone in the family.”
Question: How will you challenge yourself over the next six weeks to stay on an even keel, with still a lot of hockey to play?
DOUGHTY: “I’m always going to have Team Canada in the back of my mind, but right now I just want to help the Kings win. They’re my No. 1 focus. I’m obviously going to go out there every night and try to be a better player and play my best, and hopefully take my play into the Olympics.”
Question: How does it feel to be the young guy of the group?
DOUGHTY: “It feels good. I definitely might be a little nervous going in, just going in to meet the guys for the first time, being the young guy. It’s different, but I love it, obviously, and it’s great to be named.”
Question: Your roommate could end up being your opponent in the Olympics. Is there going to be a little joking around there?
DOUGHTY: “I’m sure we’ll be giving it to each other, chirping each other back and forth. It’s going to be fun playing against Brownie. I know he’s a hard hitter and stuff like that, so I’ll be looking out for him.”
Question: Did you sleep well last night, thinking about your chances?
DOUGHTY: “I couldn’t sleep last night. I’m going to be honest. It was a pretty tough night for me last night. I was up, then I was sleeping, then I was back and forth. I was pretty nervous. I didn’t really know what my chances were. I knew I had an outside shot. Making it is definitely a big surprise, as I said, but I’m just so excited.”
Question: Did you save the voice mail this time?
DOUGHTY: “I still have it on my phone. I haven’t deleted it yet. It was definitely a surprise, getting that call in the morning. Words can’t even describe it.”
Question: Who made the call?
DOUGHTY: “Doug Armstrong. I believe he’s the GM of the St. Louis Blues. He was our GM at the World Championships as well, so I kind of got to know him there. He was the one who made the call.”
COMMENTS FROM PLAYERS AND COACHES:
TERRY MURRAY (courtesy of Rich Hammond):
“It’s a great opportunity for him. It’s wonderful for a guy, 20 years old, to be selected as one of the top defensemen in Canada and play in the Olympic program. It’s great, it’s exciting.” Asked if he thought Drew would be picked, Murray said: “Yeah, I did. I thought that he had a chance. He had a great year last year. He really had an impact on our hockey club, playing a lot of minutes in all situations. I don’t know the reasoning behind what the process is, when you’re selecting defensemen for the team, but he is a pretty complete hockey player. He’s going to be able to get out there in all situations. He’s not a player that’s going to feel overwhelmed or nervous. He can handle the big stage. He’s done it in the past, and he will do it again. It’s wonderful.”
DUSTIN BROWN (courtesy of Rich Hammond):
Question: Drew said he couldn’t sleep last night. Was he pacing the floors all night?
BROWN: “Yeah, a little bit. I went to dinner with him, and we room together, and I think it kind of hit him at dinner. The TV was on, and they started talking about the team being named tomorrow, and it kind of hit him that the possibility was there that he would be playing. It’s funny to see. I don’t think he fully understands how big of a deal it is, especially being here in Canada while it happens. Obviously it’s a huge honor for him. He’s so young, and I think part of what makes him great is that he doesn’t understand how big of a deal it is, and how good he is. He just has that goofy attitude. He doesn’t realize how good he is.”
Question: He said he woke you up right away to tell you…
BROWN: “I kind of heard his rustle. I think he turned his phone on silent, because he didn’t want to get woken up too early. When he got up, I was kind of half-awake, so I heard him talking to somebody. I figured that was probably the call he was hoping for. He was pretty excited after that, making phone calls to friends and family.”
Question: What do you think about the possibility of being on opposite sides?
BROWN: “It’s always fun. Obviously there’s a fine line. It’s fun to compete against your teammates, but at the same time, you play hard and once they put on that jersey, you don’t really differentiate them from any other player on the other team. That could cause conflicts, not so much personal between me and Dewey. If something were to happen, that’s part of the game, and when he plays for Canada, I don’t think he’s going to differentiate between me and any other player, if I’m named to that team.”
Question: So you need to keep your head up, in other words…
BROWN: “I just have to watch out for his butt. That’s all he seems to hit with. I’m not too afraid about his body checks. It’s his hip checks.”
MIKE BABCOCK (courtesy of TSN):
BABCOCK: “The great players, they seem to just get better so fast. He’s a guy that plays with unbelievable poise. Great in his own zone. He’s a matchup guy, plays against the best players each and every night. We honed in on him, we watched him. Kevin Lowe spent a lot of time covering him, and in the end, we decided he was going to be a great fit. He’s a difference-maker. He can shoot the pill. He can get it going.”
YZERMAN:
“There’s no question there’s some tremendous players, and Mike Green is an outstanding offensive defenceman,” he said. “We felt that Drew Doughty in this case is a little bit more complete a player, and based on how he played at the world championships … that he was a better fit for us.”
KINGS LOSE 4-3 IN A WILD FINISH
The first thing I thought about after the buzzer sounded ending the game was the grief I may receive from my dear friend Tyler, who is a Minnesota Wild fan, as any good Wisconsin boy should be.
The second thing I thought about was where my friends and I should go to drown our sorrows of this loss as well as the four we have been handed in the last five games.
Injury issues aside for a moment, this game highlighted one very important fact – our best players were not our best players. Ryan Smyth very much gets a pass. He wasn’t spectacular out there but he shouldn’t be yet coming off his injury. Even at the level he was playing however, he was leaps and a few bounds above Anze Kopitar and Alexander Frolov. Kopitar looked like a shadow of himself. Frolov had defensive lapses and made some odd decisions in the offensive zone when he had opportunities to take high percentage shots.
The Wild’s first goal started with Kopitar turning the puck over on a poke check and Havlat driving the other way toward Quick. Havlat roofed the puck from the right wing, over Quick’s right shoulder.
The second goal was an odd decision by Frolov. He broke his stick and, while already one man down & the Wild with the puck in the offensive zone, Frolov left the zone and went to the bench to get another stick, essentially causing a 5 on 3. Before he returned, the Wild scored. This can be argued both ways and there are options there: stay in the zone, get another stick, make a change.
The third goal practically appeared to me in slow motion. The moment I saw Frolov float from Quick’s left side to his right, fail to take the man with the puck (Nolan), fail to block any potential pass by Nolan and fail to support Doughty on defense, I knew something bad was about to occur. As it happened, Nolan took a pass – shot from practically behind the goal and Belanger tapped it in. I don’t blame Frolov for that goal but his poor defensive positioning did contribute to it.
The Wild’s fourth goal broke all of our hearts as the Kings had just come back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game in the third with less than 3 minutes remaining. Jack Johnson pinched when he should not have, a 2 on 1 went the other way and the Wild got a lucky goal that went off Doughty’s stick and past Quick. This game was very much a team loss. We could discuss Jack Johnson, Whisky, Purcell, the list goes on. The Wild were very opportunistic. We handed this game to them and, make no mistake, they took it without hesitation.
But at the end of the night, the most discouraging aspect of this game however was Kopitar’s overall play. Weak in the defensive zone coverage. Weak on the puck through the neutral zone. Unwilling to go to the front of the net. Unwilling to carry the puck and the play over the blue line. Easily knocked off the puck and his skates. Easily taken out of the play. That is not the Kopitar we saw at the beginning of the season. It is the Kopitar we saw for much of last season.
I am not overly concerned. I know this team has the talent, character and work ethic to bounce back. I only question whether Kopitar understands that his general manager isn’t paying him around $7 million dollars per season to be an average center on the King’s first line. Players of his caliber and pay grade do not get to take shifts, nights, weeks or months off. He has 2 goals and 4 assists for the entire month of December, to date and is a -3 this month. He went goal-less in 9 games in November. He hasn’t scored a goal in the last 5 games. If he expects to be on a winning team, he has to at first self reflect and play like a winner. With the exception of Drew Doughty and Jonathan Quick, I am not sure there are any other players on this team that are not expendable. Lombardi is not going to tolerate his best players failing to play their best game. Neither will this coach. Neither will my brothers and sisters of puck. As a consolation prize, Drew Doughty and Wayne Simmonds had excellent games. Simmonds continues to show why he is the soul of this team. Drew continues to show why he is poised to become one of the, if not the, best defenseman the Kings have ever dressed.
GO KINGS!
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY IS A PREREQUISITE TO BECOMING A CHAMPION
For any of you that expected the road to the playoffs and beyond to be without bumps, bruises, and broken bones, you should take a good hard look at past Stanley Cup champions and the roads each of them traveled to get there. Injuries are opportunities to test the depth of a team, a depth that is mandatory if the hockey team expects to have a chance in the playoffs. The Kings found ways to win with Smyth, Simmonds and Johnson out of the lineup. For them to earn their way into the post season, they will have to find the same with Justin Williams out, be it for a month, two or the entire season.
Anze Kopitar must put the puck into the net.
Rob Scuderi must not put the puck in his own net.
Dustin Brown must show why he can be a premiere power forward in this league.
Matt Greene must stop fighting players that know how to fight.
Jack Johnson must put the MF back in his name with his hard hitting, charging and mean spirited play.
Drew Doughty must continue to earn the definition of his last name.
Each of you must develop a sense of humor.
Look, this team is mix of youth and veterans that bring skill and strength to the ice. Add a consistent ingredient of work ethic and smart play, and there isn’t a team in this league that can beat the Kings. You know this so relax and enjoy the ride. With all my heart, I believe in this team and I believe we are destined for nothing short of greatness.
KINGS CAN’T SHAKE OFF THE RUST VERSES COYOTES – LOSE 3-2
The good news. The heart and soul of this team, in Ryan Smyth and Wayne Simmonds (in that order) were back.
More good news. Jack Johnson was also back.
Bad news. The Kings couldn’t get their game on track and lost 3-2.
More bad news. Justin Williams suffered a broken leg that made every guy who plays hockey and has broken a bone cringe.
Good news for Coyotes fans though – apparently Ed Jovanovski’s hymen is still intact after the hit he took from Brendan Segal in the third period.
The Hockey Gods giveth. The Hockey Gods taketh away.
The Kings’ first goal came from Dustin Brown in the first period to give the team a 1-0 lead despite the Kings beings outshot something horrible. The goal was a rebound and tip in from Whiskey’s point shot. The Coyotes responded with two goals, the second one sheerly out of principal should not have counted. The puck popped in the air in front of Jonathan Quick and while Rob Scuderi tried to play the puck, he knocked it in the goal off his glove. The Kings tied the game in the third period on another rebound and tip in. Michael Handzus did the honors after Ilya Bryzgalov made the save on Kopitar’s shot from the left circle. The Coyotes however were outworking the Kings and took the lead for good on Keith Yandle’s goal 9:20 into the third. The Kings surged in the final minute as they had a three man advantage with two Coyotes’ penalties and Quick pulled, but Jack Johnson missed the net on two high percentage chances from the high slot.
I don’t put too much emphasis on this loss. While it would have been nice for the Kings to come out with a win and leap frog the Coyotes in the standings, the anomaly of an 8 day break and four players injected into the line up who were previously out with injuries should throw off the timing, especially on the defensive side of the things. For any of you ready to freak out over this loss, keep in mind that the Kings were outplayed for essentially the entire three periods while the Coyotes were on top of their game and we only lost 3-2 while being in the game up to the final second…and add to that brutal officiating this side of suck.
Everyone other than Justin Williams can lick their wounds and move on. As for our star winger, get well soon Justin. You’re an integral part of this team.
Go Kings.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LAKINGSNEWS.COM!
Merry Christmas…
Happy Hanukkah…
And the best of holidays to you and yours!
TEAM RUSSIA ANNOUNCES OLYMPIC ROSTER – FROLOV NOT INCLUDED
Our enigma wrapped in a paradox at left wing, Alexander Frolov, has not been named to Team Russia’s 2010 Olympic Roster. Frolov played for Russia at the last winter Olympics in 2006 before suffering a partially separated shoulder early in the tournament that Kings fans remember all too well. Who did make the team?
GOALIES
Nabokov
Bryzgalov
Varlamov
DEFENSE
Markov
Nikulin
Kalinin
Korneev
Grebeshkov
Tyutin
Gonchar
Volchenkov
FORWARDS
Datsyuk
Malkin
Fedorov
Kovalchuk
Afinogenov
Zaripov
Semin
Zinoviev
Radulov
Kozlov (Victor)
Ovechkin
Morozov
So, was Frolov snubbed? Did he deserve to make the roster? Will his reaction to this exclusion show in his play the remainder of the season?
WAYNE SIMMONDS IS BACK!
Rich Hammond has reported that Superman Wayne Simmonds is back. Link here.
KINGS SIGN MUZZIN
Click on the link here.
He is a big, mean and tough defenseman who the Penguins didn’t sign, no doubt in large part due to his back surgery. A low risk, potentially high reward move by Lombardi. In xmas terms, it’s a stocking stuffer.
AND JUST LIKE THAT, THE KINGS ARE 5th IN THE WEST
The Hockey Gods giveth and taketh away. With Nashville’s victory over the good for nothing Flames, they leap frogged us though both teams have 47 points. In fact, so do the conference leading Chicago Blackhawks…it’s a log jam at the top.
NEW KOPITAR POLL!
Check out our new poll on Anze Kopitar, the burning question on everyone’s hockey mind until Smyth returns!
KINGS MINUS FIVE BATTLE BUT FALL TO THE FLAMES 2-1
The Kings came into the game tonight without the following players: Ryan Smyth. Jarret Stoll. Wayne Simmonds. Jack Johnson. What would these players mean to any good hockey team? A lot of missing talent. What does it mean to the Kings? The heart of the first, second and third line, and a rough / tough / young / offensive defenseman. Oh yeah, Randy Jones was also out.
So, what did Kings fans expect from their team coming into tonight’s game on the road against the Calgary Flames? Simple. To win.
No excuses. No woe is me. From the drop of the puck, the Kings battled and while the game finished with a Flames victory 2-1, there isn’t a Kings fan that should look back at this game and feel anything other than pride in our boys’ heart and hustle.
Nothing to pout about. No regrets.
KINGS SURVIVE THE OILERS’ BEST AND FINISH THEM 3-2
For parts of this game, the Kings resembled London during WWII between September 7, 1940 to May 10, 1941. Unlike the “blitz” however, the Kings had a secret weapon against the relentless bombing – a force field if you will that guarded the Kings’ territory like a father with a shotgun and a shovel defends his daughter’s virginity. Too much? I’m just getting started.
The Kings came into game without Ryan Smyth, Wayne Simmonds and recently Jarret Stoll. For most of this game, they also lost Jack Johnson with a very low body injury. Johnson took a bomb from Sheldon Souray to his leg, which generally translates to a bruise or break. For a while there, it looked like even Dustin Brown (who has started to come into his own lately) had injured his shoulder. The pre and post Olympic break can’t come fast enough.
The Kings took the lead on a nice give and go from Dustin Brown to Brad Richardson at 5:29 of the first. In the second, Richardson, in the holiday spirit, took a shot that rebounded right to Brown who put the puck past Jeff Deslauriers to give the Kings a 2-0 lead. Great, right?
Well, yes, but then came the bombers. A full scale attack in our offensive zone. Cycling, passing, shooting, the Oilers were everywhere. Sheldon Souray, off a face off win by Ryan Potulny, rocketed a shot past Quick on the short side. With layers of traffic in front of him, Jonathan likely never saw the shot. While the Kings were able to survive the period down 2-1, including a late penalty by Jack Johnson, the third picked up where the second left off. Potulny blasted a one timer past Quick on a nice feed from the commanding SS (for those of you a little slow tonight, work up a few lines for the reference).
Fortunately, it is always darkest before dawn.
It didn’t happen immediately.
In fact, it was so subtle you may have missed it.
One shift, just one. Dustin Brown held and cycled the puck and took a hard low shot on Jeff Deslauriers that was stopped solely due to the netminder’s position…I am still not sure he even saw it. Dustin followed up the end of his shift with a bone crunching hit in the defensive zone and the Kings regained possession of the puck. Suddenly, the momentum changed. The Kings were attacking again. Passes were connecting. Speed backed off the Oilers defense in the neutral zone. The Kings got back to a puck possession game while slowing the Oilers down from sustained attacks. With under 5 minutes left in the third, Alexander Frolov took over a shift and the game at the same time, cycled the puck between he and Williams, and fed a nice pass to Sean O’Donnell who fired a shot past Deslauriers to give the Kings a 3-2 lead. The Kings never looked back and while the last minute of the game was a bit spooky with a brief Oilers power play, the Kings did what they do best when heading into the third with the lead – win.
Post Game Tidbits
Jonathan Quick showed tonight why he is developing into a world class goaltender. Watching him the past 15-20 games has been sheer pleasure.
Brad Richardson and Dustin Brown looked good tonight. I dare say there was even chemistry there.
This game was exhibit A of how much we miss Ryan Smyth and Wayne Simmonds. The Oilers goaltender was leaving some big beautiful rebounds right in front of his net on at least six shots that I counted. Smyth would have converted at least two of them.
As a reader pointed out earlier, each of Jarret Stoll’s groin injuries have been right before the Kings play the Oilers. Weird.
How injured is your team when a defenseman like Whiskey has to play forward? Let’s get the guys back and healthy already.
Congratulations to Sean O’Donnell for getting the game winner. It was his first goal in 5 years. Seriously though, I think it was just under 160 games and it’s all about quality with with O’D, not quantity.
Good Guys win.
KINGS LOSS REQUIRES MANY BEERS
Tonight the Kings lost to the Minnesota Wild… no, that’s not right, and its not 2005.
3-1 was the final score against New Jersey… damn, wrong again. I’m not worried about Y2K.
Let’s try and figure this one out. FSN didn’t televise the game. I had to go to a smelly bar with smelly people to watch it on Center Ice. That must mean it was against a Canadian team. OH! That’s right. The Canucks.
The Kings have gone mostly red-light-less in their two previous meetings against the Canucks, and this cold December night was no different. For the third time this season, the Kings mustered a lone, meager goal against a Vancouver team that plays with a ton of speed in front of superstar goalie Roberto Luongo.
It is hard to tell how much of the game is the result of Luongo’s perfect positioning, Vacnouver’s stifling defense or pitiful puck management by the Kings. Truly, the 3-1 loss can be pegged on all of these things.
Much like their last game against the Stars, the Kings gave up an early goal, this one to Vancouver heart-throb Ryan Kesler. Left alone in front of Jonathan Quick, Kesler slammed home a rebound while Rob Scuderi decided whether he should cover his man or the man Anze Kopitar wasn’t bothering to cover.
About 16 minutes of nearly unwatchable hockey (the kind that makes coaches happy) later, Sami Salo scored the sole special teams goal of the game after the uglier of the two Sedin twins fed him a pass in the slot from the right half-wall.
Two and a half minutes later, the Kings woke up and Sasha Frolov scored off of a Randy Jones rebound. Where was he? Parked right in front of the net. That’s a good Sasha.
Frolov was one of the only Kings, other than Quick, about whom I have postive things to say. However I will not say them, because this was not one of those “well look at the bright side” losses. This was a “can’t win ‘em all, particularly when you suck” loss.
The second period dragged on without either team potting a goal. There was some light back and forth, but most of it was between the two blue lines.
The Canucks, realizing this Kings’ team had forgotten to bring their game to GM Place, sat back and let the Kings try to break through their impenetrable wall of two forwards and two defenseman. The Kings tried and tried, dumped and chased and dumped and dumped, to zero avail.
Finally, just under 15 minutes into the final frame, something happened. But not the good something.
The Kings gained entry into the zone. Dustin Brown had the puck, but seemed upset that Teddy Purcell, who was standing inches away, wanted it. So Brown vigorously stick handled right and left, seemingly in more of an effort to shake Purcell than to shake the Vancouver defenseman, lost the puck, and the play went back deep into the Kings’ zone. Two lame turnover and recoveries later, Matt Greene fed a pass from the top of the circles right up the middle of the ice to Justin Williams, who either tried to handle the pass or tip it deep into the Canucks’ end. Whatever he was going for, he failed. Shane O’Brien picked up the bobbled play and fed a streaking Kesler, who broke into the Kings’ zone. Matt Greene slid to his left to play Kesler, ignorant of Sean O’Donnell two steps away from pressuring Kesler and more importantly, a wide open Mason Raymond. Kesler fed Raymond, who broke in alone on Quick and scored the fate-sealing goal between Quick’s supple thighs.
Oh well, 8-1-1 in the last 10 isn’t so bad. In fact its downright awesome. This one game does nothing to take away from that. Well… that’s not true.
The Kings’ lost Jarret Stoll in the third period to a groin injury, his second such malady of the year. More on that tomorrow.
I could describe more, but I won’t.
NHL Network is replaying the game for those of you who missed it, tomorrow morning at 11:00am.
You could watch it, but you shouldn’t.
Now if you will excuse me, I have a beer to finish.
JARRET STOLL OUT WITH A LOWER BODY INJURY
For the love of the hockey Gods, what in the hell is going on here? We have now lost Smyth, Segal, Simmonds, and Stoll. Williams goes down with a right, upper mid-range injury and I will officially lose it. The only good news is that we may have run out of players whose last name starts with “S” so maybe this injury bug will stop. All we know about Stoll is a lower body injury. Just enough to piss us off.
WAYNE SIMMONDS IS WEEK TO WEEK
Kings Superman Wayne Simmonds underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee Monday afternoon at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. He is week to week, while the fans’ anxiety for his returns is daily.
ANOTHER GAME, ANOTHER SHOOTOUT, ANOTHER VICTORY: KINGS BEST DALLAS 3-2
Ryan Smyth still out.
Wayne Simmonds suddenly and surprisingly out due to a meniscus tear.
Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Alexander Frolov all working their way out of scoring slumps.
What does it all mean to the end result?
The first period didn’t start well. The Kings were chasing the puck in their own zone and did little to create offensive zone pressure in the first 10 minutes. Yet, one just knew…you could look at the player’s faces for even when they weren’t at their best, they were calm and focused – as if each forward and defenseman could sense that they were about to take this game back and that the Stars’ momentum was temporary.
James Neal started the scoring for the Stars on a seeing eye centering pass from Brad Richards that found its way past Randy Jones and Jack Johnson. The first period ended with the Stars up by a goal. In the second, The Kings tied it on a Stars’ turnover created by Justin Williams who broke with Alexander Frolov and made a beautiful flip/saucer pass combination right on Sasha’s stick who promptly roofed the puck over Stars goaltender Alex Auld. Mike Modano gave the Stars’ an undeserved lead on a turnover by Drew Doughty. Jere Lehtinen stripped Doughty of the puck and placed it right on the all time goal and point scoring leader among American born players’ stick.
The Kings however were playing a much better second. Justin Williams was particularly impressive with his relentless pursuit and possession of the puck. A fellow fan commented that he looked like Pavel Datsyuk out there to which this writer agreed. Anze Kopitar tied the game on a rebound from Sean O’Donnell’s point shot and aptly followed it with a HELL YEAH! celebration.
The third period saw an oddity. Alexander Frolov, who to the layman’s eyes appeared to be having a decent game, was pulled off the first line and placed on the third. Ted Purcell, who had accomplished just this side of nothing during the game, moved to the first line. Now, whether that was because Terry Murray was unhappy with Frolov’s play or whether the third line’s defensive struggles were the reason remains unknown. The move was surprising enough that even Kings color commentator Jim Fox made a pointed comment about it. We have no idea why this happened because Rich Hammond never asked so we are left to guess.
Without scoring in the third, the game once again transitioned into overtime, one with a rare 3 on 3 due to coincidental penalties at the end of the third on Matt Greene and James Neal (the latter for “diving”). Though certainly not for a lack of opportunities, neither team could put the biscuit in the basket and off to the shootout we went again.
The shootout saw Michal Handzus, who is fast becoming “money” on these skills competitions, score the sole goal.
Of all the Kings players and despite Justin Williams’ inspired and aggressive performance, the masked man Jonathan Quick stood out the most. There were times during the past two decades that this Kings fan wondered if we would ever have our own home grown star goaltender. Well, let me tell you boys and girls, we believed it at the end of last season, during the offseason and Quick is doing everything to make us believers this season – we may just have our star netminder in spades.
Jim Fox commented that this was Jonathan Quick’s best game of the season. I am not sure about that, but the fact that about 7 to 8 other games may fall into that category tells you how far our young goalie has come. Justin Williams said during Heidi Androl’s on-ice interview that Dallas goaltender Alex Auld was good “but ours was great tonite.” Terry Murray in his post game interview declared, “when you’re not playing your best hockey and you win, it’s goaltending.”
We agree Terry.
WAYNE SIMMONDS OUT? BUT, BUT, BUT…
Rich Hammond has reported that Wayne Simmonds is out with a lower body injury. Rich wrote that Simmonds is seeing a doctor today and a timetable will be set at that time.
I don’t understand.
Superman doesn’t suffer injuries. This must be some of kind of misunderstanding. Everyone should email Rich and tell him that false rumors like this will only land him a good butt kicking…
In the unlikely event that I am in denial, I am looking at you Teddy, Sasha, Oscar…Anze…let’s see it…bring it.
VIDEO: LADIES & GENTLEMEN, DREW DOUGHTY…
(video by Rommel of hfboards.com)
KINGS COME HOME AND KICK THE DOGS 3-2
Last night’s game against the Sharks was an emotionally charged victory. Our own Surly Jacob has only partially recovered. So when our Los Angeles Kings came home tonight to play the waiting Phoenix Coyotes, some Kings fans wondered if we were going for Round II or a let down akin to the “Post Penguins” hangover game earlier in the season. After all, the Coyotes were coming into this game undefeated in 5 and Ilya Bryzgalov sported a GAA of less than 2.
This Kings fan never had a doubt.
This Kings team was unimpressed.
Wayne Simmonds started the scoring by taking control of the puck (and the shift) and making a beautiful pass from the “office” to Oscar Moller who leaned his stick back and roofed the puck over Bryzgalov. Simmonds continues to show a maturity and game breaking ability that is so far beyond his years.
Jack Johnson put the Kings up 2-0 on a bang bang play that saw him receive his own rebound after hitting the post on a wicked slap shot. Incredibly, he slammed the puck home with a one timer. Does he get a goal and an assist? No. But he does get our sincere admiration for everything mother fu***** Johnson.
The Coyotes though didn’t quit and took advantage of the Kings pressing deep in their own zone. Rob Scuderi suddenly faced a two on one. Matthew Lombardi put the puck inches past Scuderi and to Scottie (I thought only girls ended their names with “ie”, no?) Upshall who beat Quick by the same number of inches on a near perfect shot inside the right post. The Kings had their share of chances to take a 3-1 lead. Frolov looked like a man possessed out there at times and put a “walking the dog” move past Sami Lepisto that lifted nearly every Kings fan in LA out of their seats. Some are still not sure how the hell that didn’t go in.
The 2nd period ended with the same score and the Kings started the third with the lead. Why is that important? Because coming into this game, the Kings were 13-0 when leading after 2 periods.
Going for 14…
The Coyotes scored early as Martin Hanzal picked up the rebound and Radim Vrbata slid the puck over the line. The power play goal seemed to give the Desert Dogs some momentum but the Kings would neither bend nor break. Both goaltenders came up with some big saves but none bigger than 3 consecutive saves (the last of which caused me to suffer a groin injury just watching it) by Jonathan Quick and for the second night in a row, the Kings were headed to overtime. Unlike last night however, despite some quality chances and controlling nearly the entire overtime, the Kings could not put the Coyotes away.
Off to the skills competition.
Yes, I am hockey purist.
Yes, I do not like the shootout.
Yes, I was at the edge of my seat watching it.
Yes, I felt semi-guilty for enjoying it.
Kings: Kopitar, shot it wide. No goal.
Coyotes: Vrbata, nice move, denied by Quick’s glove.
Kings: Johnson, fake, backhand, lifts it over Bryzgalov and in! GOAL!
Coyotes: Mueller, damn, nice shot, goal.
Kings: Brown, tried to go 5 hole, no goal.
Coyotes: Doan, for the love of everything right in this world do not let this son of a…BIG SAVE by Quick. No goal.
Kings: Simmonds, tried to go 5 hole, no goal.
Coyotes: Korpikoski, ping…Quick gave him nothing but the post. No goal.
Kings: Handzus…really, Handzus. SCOOPED it over Bryzgalov, a beauty. GOAL!
Coyotes: Prucha, OH! Damn it! Lucky goal.
Kings: Parse, tried to go 5 hole, have we learned NOTHING from Brown and Simmonds, no goal.
Coyotes: Lombardi, tried to go 5 hole, weak effort, no goal.
Kings: Doughty, one, two, three head and shoulder fakes, BAM! Nice wrister up top. GOAL.
Coyotes: Lang, wow, nice backhand. Goal.
Kings: Williams, what a move, backhand, 5 hole? GOAL!
Coyotes: Upshall, keeping fingers, toes, and other imposing body parts crossed, head fake, wrist shot…does Quick have it? Does he? YES! No goal.
First to 20 wins in the west.
10 games over .500.
14-0-0 when leading after 2 periods.
8-1-1 in the division.
1 point behind the San Jose Sharks for the Pacific Division.
2nd in the Western Conference.
Go Kings!
It’s official – Patrick O’Neal is an idiot
He toasted Heidi Androl with his mic…and then followed it up with “I’m an idiot.”
KINGS WIN HEART THROBBER OVER SHARKS
I find myself without words.
What can be said about what needs to felt?
How about, HELL YES!
That about sums it up. The Los Angeles Kings 5-4 overtime win against the division leading San Jose Sharks is the reason I watch hockey.
Up and down action, bone rattling hits and goals, goals, goals. This one had it all. The Kings showed tangible evidence of what Terry Murray means when he harps on the team to “dig in”. Teddy Purcell dug in when he entered the arena at 150mph, zipping all over the ice and getting rewarded with his first goal since the 3rd game of the season. Anze Kopitar dug in when he crashed the net and banked home a perfect fake-shot pass from Drew Doughty into a Nabakov-less net. Dustin Brown dug and dug and dug, until his stubbornness finally paid off when he scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
This team has heart. Mine is still beating out of its chest.
The Kings also got goals from Jarret Stoll, a deflection, and Drew Doughty on a marvelous slap shot.
Pavelski, Marluea, Boyle and Malhotra scored for the losers, in that order. The lead fluctuated back and forth between the two teams. From the Kings, 1-0, to the Sharks, 2-1, and back to the Kings, 4-2, to a 4-4 tie.
Both teams played incredible, strong games, neither willing to give an inch and each capitalizing on every minuscule mistake or hesitation.
It really could have gone either way.
But it didn’t.
19-10-3.
Breath deep. Soak it in.
Maybe I’ll get more specific tomorrow, when I’ve stopped smiling.
GO KINGS GO!
