So, for the second straight game we have to hear from the color guy what each one of us can see...each one of us except our coach and assistants we assume. From Jim Fox's mouth during the second period. Right now with the Kings, everything is on the outside, the Kings are trying to enter the zone from the outside and that’s ok, the other team usually tries to put you out there but sooner or … [Read more...]
KINGS v. BLUES OFFENSIVE ZONE ENTRY STATISTICS
January 18, 2011 By
You all know the parameters by now. Each of L.A.’s offensive zone entries that resulted in a shot on goal or a scoring opportunity (a deflected or blocked shot that had a chance) were given a Y mark. Each of the Kings’ entries that failed to result in the above was given a X mark Goals that resulted from Murray’s system of cycling the puck were circled when they were particularly … [Read more...]
LET’S PLAY “TERRY MURRAY’S ADJUSTMENTS TO THIS LOSS WILL BE…”
January 17, 2011 By
Let's try and predict the very predictable Terry Murray. Since there will be no adjustments made to the actual offensive scheme, we can expect: 1. Quick to start; 2. Westgarth will likely be out with Harrold in; 3. Potential line shuffling, possibly with Handzus and Ponikarovsky moving up to play with Clifford while Lewis, Harrold and Richardson take the fourth line role...or something … [Read more...]
LA KINGS ZONE ENTRY STATS AGAINST THE DALLAS STARS
January 17, 2011 By
A reminder about the parameters: Each of L.A.’s offensive zone entries that resulted in a shot on goal or a scoring opportunity (a deflected or blocked shot that had a chance) were given a Y mark. Each of the Kings’ entries that failed to result in the above was given a X mark Goals that resulted from Murray’s system of cycling the puck were circled when they were particularly … [Read more...]
TERRY MURRAY TO RICH HAMMOND TO GOALIES: WIN AND YOU’RE IN
January 16, 2011 By
"He won. He won. He’s playing. He won. Period.” Not since "if it doesn't fit, you must acquit" has there been a more fun quote than "win and you're in." Actually, it's not Murray's quote. Terry just implied it. Rich Hammond came up with the beauty. Well, technically, it's not even Rich's quote as the rhythmic expression has been around for a while (generally applicable to qualifying for the … [Read more...]
DREW DOUGHTY “FLIPS THE SWITCH”
January 16, 2011 By
First, the video. Flip the switch indeed. He scored his first goal in 14 games and though he was caught flat footed on the second goal against, Drew played...well, like the Drew of 2009-2010. Still, one game does not a season make. Consistency. That equates success, both his and that of the team. We all know what he is capable of doing. We've seen it. He is a game changer and a super star … [Read more...]
L.A. KINGS’ ZONE ENTRIES TELL THE TALE
January 16, 2011 By
As promised, I tracked closely each of the Kings' zone entries in last night's 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. The parameters were as follows: Each of L.A.'s offensive zone entries that resulted in a shot on goal or a scoring opportunity (a deflected or blocked shot that had a chance) were given a Y mark. Each of the Kings' entries that failed to result in the above was given a X … [Read more...]
TONIGHT’S SCRIBE STATISTIC
January 15, 2011 By
Last game against the St. Louis Blues I gave you the numbers on missed shots. Tonight, I'll be tracking the L.A. Kings' offensive zone entries that result in nothing...as in no shot on goal nor scoring opportunity. Why this stat? Because the Kings' endless, futile cycling has been nothing short of maddening and when I see opposing teams anticipate the play with ease and kill any potential for … [Read more...]
SHOOT TO MISS
January 14, 2011 By
I have watched the Kings' shots during the losing streak but I wanted to keep actual track of it in the game against the Blues. The NHL statistics follow shots on goal and blocked shots. They do not keep track of shots that go wide or shots that never get to the net for reasons other than a blocked shot (deflection, off our own player, etc). Against the Blues, L.A. had 24 shot attempts that … [Read more...]
THE TURNAROUND STARTS TOMORROW
January 12, 2011 By
Call me optimistic...or crazy...but my instincts tell me tomorrow night against the St. Louis Blues, our season turns around. What? Why? Come on. I know, I can hear you. Hear me. Willie Mitchell is still getting his legs underneath him. He now has had two starts and several days of rest including the last two. A healthy Mitchell in the defensive fold is the glue that keeps our top four playing … [Read more...]
TONIGHT, IT’S A WIN OR ELSE
January 8, 2011 By
The Blue Jackets lost 6-0 last night to Anaheim. They are 1-8-2 on the road and 6-12-3 overall since November 24. Their highest paid defenseman, the 31 year old and very big 6'4", 233 pound Mike Commodore, has lashed out against first year coach, Scott Arniel, for sitting him in numerous consecutive games. Commodore was waived, cleared waivers and hello re-entry waivers or an assignment to the … [Read more...]
I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING…
January 3, 2011 By
...and I feel your pain. But take a moment and reflect. The team before you is the same core as last season. It still lacks a sniper. Sturm? Come on. How many shots sailed high and over the net? How many went wide? It still misses a top four defenseman. It continues to struggle with inconsistent top two lines. It still misses the consistent necessary component on the left wing of the third. … [Read more...]
NO KANE, NO HOSSA, NO MERCY – KINGS v. BLACKHAWKS PREVIEW
December 19, 2010 By
After the U.S. Olympic team eliminated the Soviets in the 1980 Lake Placid games and advanced to the gold metal finale against Finland, Herb Brooks gave a little speech in the locker room to his young team. He told them, "if you lose this game, you will take it to your fucking grave..." he then proceeded to walk out, stopped, turned around and repeated, "to your fucking grave..." While the … [Read more...]
KINGS KICK NASHVILLE’S HONKY TONK ASS 6-1
December 19, 2010 By
I came into this game with boiling ire. I left it with a smile and ready for the Vandals' x-mas concert at the House of Blues. Gonna change the world With my hockey stick Gonna make a real difference Feed the poor and heal the sick A nice kickstart to the night. When Dustin Brown passes, good thing happen. The first such good was great. Brownie, who drove to the right wing side … [Read more...]
CHANNELING RAGE – KINGS v. PREDATORS PREVIEW
December 18, 2010 By
Every smug face at the gym today looked like Steen...and forced me to turn away or risk imminent assault. At the gas station, a fifty something year old man with a St. Louis Rams hat walked to his truck...I suppressed the temptation of spraying him with the gas pump and launching a match. I must manage this anger at the 6-4 loss Thursday night. Medicine lies in tonight's game. The Predators. … [Read more...]
PRIDE=PASSION=POW! KINGS FIST RED WINGS 5-0
December 13, 2010 By
While I am a proverbial health nut, tonight I rebelled. I sat down and had a small and very manageable bowl of regular M&Ms (peanut ones suck), Skittles, and Jelly Bellies. I decided to treat myself to one each time we scored a goal, made a great play or Quick made a big save...I was strolling back to refill the small bowl by the 10 minute mark of the second period...and again by the middle of … [Read more...]
IT’S MOLLER TIME!
December 10, 2010 By
If Surly wrote this article, that would be his title. He loves Oscar Moller, like a kid loves his first set of green army men. If Surly was a GM, he would have a team of Mollers and Cliffords skating around and running into everything in sight. Now, I am going to have to tolerate him swooning for the next however many games everytime Oscar makes a deke, passes the puck or shoots. Moller has … [Read more...]
WHERE CAN WE HIDE BRAYDEN NOW?
November 28, 2010 By
We sent him for a fifteen day conditioning stint in Manchester...conditioning stint...still makes me smile. We kept him out of the lineup for a stretch of games before that, all the while avoiding that elusive ninth game. He has played eight. We are running out of places to hide this kid. Any bets that he will be on the fourth line for his ninth game alongside Zeiler and Richardson while King is … [Read more...]
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