Just to set the table, here’s how both teams are expected to line up tonight…
KINGS
Smyth-Kopitar-Brown
Richardson-Stoll-Williams
Ponikarovsky-Handzus-Simmonds
Clifford-Schenn-Westgarth
Mitchell-Doughty
Scuderi-Johnson
Drewiske-Muzzin
Quick
—–
CANUCKS
D. Sedin-H. Sedin-Samuelsson
Raymond-Kesler-Torres
Schaefer-Malhotra-Hansen
Tambellini-Bolduc-Desbiens
Edler-Ehrhoff
Hamhuis-Bieksa
Alberts-Ballard
Luongo
Most Kings fans will immediately think that this is guaranteed win night, but that’s a pretty good Vancouver team. I just hope the Kings can pop one early, and have their confidence buoyed. I’d just like to see the kids fit in nicely, and take my chances on the scoresheet, but a betting man would give this one to Vancouver.
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Chad Smith Reply:
October 9th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
@Marc Nathan, You may want to rephrase that statement “Most Kings fans will immediately think that this is guaranteed win night”. I would say most fans hope for a win
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Kevin Reply:
October 9th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
@Marc Nathan,
I dont think any fans would say this is a guaranteed win. If they do, they are insane. This is a VERY good Vancouver team.
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tuan jim Reply:
October 9th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
@Kevin,
Agreed.
Where are they weak?
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Choralone Reply:
October 9th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
@tuan jim, A lot of Nucks fans seem to hate their 4th line. I also remember the Kings feasting on Alberts and his ceaseless dumb penalties in the playoffs, but supposedly he’s looking better now.
But yeah, Vancouver is picked by many as a Stanley Cup team for good reason.
I haven’t gotten around to reading any of Murray’s recent quotes but is Loktionov going to get to play?
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The 4th line has me excited as much as any of them.
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Cant wait for the puck to drop tonight.
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No Burrows?
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jayhay Reply:
October 9th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
@Scaught, shoulder surgury, i believe missing 1st month. sound familiar???
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Nucks upgraded the defense but only have two lines that can score.4-2 Kings with goals by smyth, simmonds clifford and johnson. Yeah it means nothing but its fun! Go kings!
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I dont think anyone in their right mind thinks this is guaranteed win for the Kings against a team that took us out of the playoffs last year and lots of people think will win the West this year. Not sure who you are talking to.
I am really excited about the third and fourth lines…they look good…
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OneTimer Reply:
October 9th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
@LongBeach,
Concur. Sure I believe they CAN win, but this is NO guarantee. In fact I’d say LA is the underdog. (Opening night on the road and all, and vs. a VERY good Nucks team.)
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Let’s hope they are ready to play. The Canucks are one of the favorites this year if not the favorite in the west.
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I would really like to see Loktionov in a top 6 role.
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hopefully westgarth can break a jaw tonight
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
October 9th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
@HotWhenWet, and NOT his own:)
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Lets hope Drewiske-Muzzin don’t end up out there against Sedin-Sedin-Samuelsson too often. Scary
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Drewiske-Muzzin scares me too. All in all good match.
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Wow, Rich and Stoll on the secound line, not good, i hope I am wrong… I just do not see it being a goal scorer line. To me its 3rd line A or B
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Anything is better than last season’s opener.
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Choralone Reply:
October 9th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
@HargleBargle, Bleh. I splurged on some expensive seats for last year’s home opener.
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Well after giving this game ALOT of thought I have my predictions on how it will end.
Final Score
L A Kings 5
Vancouver 2
3 Stars
1st Star J Johnson 1 Goal 2 Assists
2nd Star A Ponikarovsky 1 Goal 1 Assist
3rd Star W Mitchell 1 Assist, 4 Blocks
Kings Goals by:
J Williams, A Ponikarovsky, J Johnson (PP), R Smyth (PP), J Stoll (EN)
Vancouver Goals by:
D Sedin (PP), R Kesler
I think this game will be about physical play, strong fore check and the Kings final goal will an empty net goal with just seconds left.
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I really like our chances.
Doesn’t look like Van has much past their top 2 lines.
I pen this as a LOW scoring affair. Like 3-1 or 2-1 in favor of our boys.
One of the Sedins has the goal for Van. Kopi, Richie, JJ, or Zus for us.
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Sorry, going to say my Kings will loose tonight 4-3 in OT
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