Incompetent. That is what the refs and linesmen were tonight. A high stick that was actually called by the linesman (unless he lifted his arm to smell his pit) and which should have resulted in a whistle the moment the Stars touched the puck. A phantom interference call on Trevor Lewis where Lewis stopped and the Stars' player (whose name isn't important enough to remember) skated into … [Read more...]
As I Sit Here Naked, Thinking About Matt Greene…
Like the rumble of 570 horses beneath the hood. A smooth Aberlour, 16 year, neat. A right cross that lands flush on the jaw. And a woman who keeps her motor clean. I love Matt Greene. Surly called for boots projecting on asses. What we got was a terrific game and exactly what I needed after a 14 hour work day. First, the opponents. Actually, fuck the opponents, let's talk about … [Read more...]
The Pope is an L.A. Kings Fan and Declares Anaheim is Infested with Protestants…
Once you have won a Stanley Cup, certain things should become irrelevant. Moments in team history well short of winning a Cup, the opinions of other team's fans who have not won a Cup, and former players who did not excel here doing well elsewhere. Andrew (I like that better anyway) Loktionov has 4 goals in his first 12 games. Darryl Sutter is pissed off and it has nothing to do with a … [Read more...]
Not So Fasth, Meatball. Kings Light up Ducks 5-2.
As hard as the zebras tried to give the Ducks an edge in this game, the Kings said no. First, a phantom tripping penalty against Dustin Brown and later a similar garbage call against Dwight King, the Kings gave up one powerplay goal out of those two. As far as I am concerned, this was a 5-1 victory. How's your head, Souray? Your face? How many blows did he take from our young stud, Jordan … [Read more...]
Sliding Down the Hallway – Kings Ice Oilers 3-1
Bullet point time... The Kings' defense did a much better job of gap control (the distance between our defense and their attacking forwards) and moved the puck quicker on transitions (the first pass and the speed of the forwards without the puck) compared to the last time we faced these annoyingly skilled whippersnappers. Jonathan Quick was sharp and made big and timely saves although that first … [Read more...]
Kings Beat Blue Jackets 2-1…Our New Bitch?
The Columbus Blue Jackets...just the name strikes fear of boredom into hearts. End of 1st period Me: "This isn't a hockey game. It's a bunch of guys with sticks...on ice." Jacob: "Ha Ha. Write that in your post game and I bet you JT will comment, 'what are you talking about? This was a great hockey game!'" Shinny and sloppy the first two periods, sans Kyle Clifford stripping the puck from a … [Read more...]
Since There Is Nothing New, Here Is Something Old
Today you are supposed to be packing for a weekend in Vegas. You are supposed to be hopping on the party bus, or jumping in the car, or standing in the security line at LAX. You are supposed to be excited for Frozen Fury. Instead, you're pissed. It's just another Friday, just another weekend. You may still be going to Vegas. I'm sure many Kings fans will be there as months ago hotels and … [Read more...]
4-2, 4 In A Row, 4ward Motion.
Sutter on Bernier's record against the Predators: "I never really thought about it. If that had been the case we would've played him 2 weeks ago." I see... Dustin Penner: "We talked about it, actually. We’re roommates on the road, and we had agreed that we were going to score together, in the same game." O... Trevor Lewis: “I think we, all three, almost passed out in the corner there, … [Read more...]
Kings vs. Nashville Predators Open Forum: Familiarity Breeds Contempt
From MayorsManor: Rob Scuderi: “I kind of like seeing Nashville a lot because they a bit of a different style. So, we’re a little more familiar with them. I noticed the first time we played them it took us a while to adjust. Then, that last game that we won, I thought we were ready to go right off the bat – because they do play a very aggressive style. It’s something we don’t see all … [Read more...]
L.A. Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks: Victory!
November 10 wasn't that long ago. But it was a different time. A different era. The same team and a different one. From our 3-2 loss against the Vancouver Canucks on November 10: The Kings 5 on 5 failed in nearly every respect to generate quality scoring chances and getting the puck down low. Yeah, we got shots on goal but you know and I know shots from the perimeter and the point are low … [Read more...]
Surly & Scribe’s L.A. Kings Season Preview – The Defensemen
It’s September and the best part about September is that it is almost October. The 2011-2012 NHL season is on the horizon. I generally find season previews annoying, mostly because they all say the same thing. Here is how they go: This player performed ___ last season. This season, we expect ____ from him because of ____. If the writer wants to add a little credibility to the opinions, he or … [Read more...]
In Defense Of Drew Doughty
Drew Doughty has spent three seasons with the LA Kings. He made the team out of camp as a rookie, had a solid inaugural season and appeared poised to become one of the best young defensemen in the league. In season two, promise intersected with production and Doughty exceeded every level of expectation by playing like an experienced and perennial All-Star as evidenced by his Norris Trophy … [Read more...]
A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO JUDGING TERRY MURRAY AND HIS “SYSTEM”
Guest writer, J.T. Dutch brings us his view on Terry Murray and the "system" of which I often write. J.T., in many respects, disagrees with me and I look forward to engaging him in dialogue on the subject as I hope you do as well. At some point, enough is enough. I've heard so many complaints and so many grievances about the Kings' lack of offense in the recently completed season, and the men … [Read more...]
THE ROYAL REPORT CARD, PART I – THE GOALIES AND DEFENSE
Harry Halkidis is a knowledgeable LA Kings' and hockey fan, an excellent writer and an all around good guy. I have been courting him for nearly a year to join us at Surly & Scribe and he finally honored us with his puck wisdom and written words. Surly thinks of Harry as S&S's third jersey and we hope to see much more of him going forward. Here is part I of his Royal Report Card. First up, … [Read more...]
SEVEN QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LA KINGS
1. Name the last Stanley Cup winning team with a poor and inconsistent power play and 5 on 3. 2. Name a post lockout Stanley Cup winning team that relied on a cycle along the boards - to the point as its offensive system. 3. Are Anze Kopitar, Justin Williams, Dustin Brown, Jarret Stoll, Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson excellent skaters? If yes, is speed really lacking in our top 6 forwards or … [Read more...]
LA KINGS HOCKEY THOUGHTS & TIDBITS
Call it an urge to chat with my favorite Kings' fans...since I can't at the last-minute have you over to the house for a beer or four and talk puck, this will have to do. The LA Kings waived Marco Sturm. Color me apathetic. I don't get frustrated with Sturm's play or lack thereof anymore. Remember that we gave up little to get little and this move is a bit like running out of room in your … [Read more...]
WHY DOUGHTY AND JOHNSON ARE TERRIBLE… AS A PAIRING
I was flabbergasted to see Doughty and Johnson paired together throughout the game against Dallas last night. One would have thought that the stretches they played together so far would have put to rest any ambition of these two young guns being able to play well together at this stage of their careers. It's an ambition we all share. I do not blame Murray for feeling the urge to play these … [Read more...]
I AM JACK’S BEAMING SMIRK
7 years. Cap hit of $4.3 million per season. Jack will earn $3.5 million for the first three years commencing the 2011-2012 season and $5 million in the final four. I am Jack's heavy wallet. Jack Johnson has committed to staying a King for the remainder of his 20's. He has made this writer happier than a perpetual elbow to Corey Perry's face. He entered the league in the 2008-2009 … [Read more...]
I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING…
...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...]
KINGS GET OUTWORKED BY BLUES 6-4
Erik Johnson, Andy McDonald, Alex Pietrangelo, David Perron, TJ Oshie, Roman Polak...all but with injuries. A walk in the park tonight? Not so much. Surly gave you his take of the game. Here is mine: I am concerned about the Kings' passing. So many of them from the defensive zone connect on the opposing team's stick. We saw this again tonight and it has been a consistent Achilles Heel. I … [Read more...]




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