Some notes from last night’s game…
– The Kings beat Vancouver 4-1 and improved to 2-0 against the Canucks this season. Last season, the Kings earned only three regular-season points against the Canucks in four meetings. In 2008-09, they went 1-3 against the Canucks.
– The Kings continue to have mixed success on special teams. They went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill and are 18-for-20 this season — with one of those going into an empty net — but the Kings also went 0-for-5 on the power play and recorded only one shot on goal. They are 1-for-16 on the power play this season.
– The Kings were outshot 26-19.
– The Kings scored one goal in the first period and one in the second period. Before Friday’s game, all five of their goals this season had been scored in the third period.
– Jonathan Quick made 25 saves and has stopped 79 of 82 shots in three games (.963 save percentage).
– Ryan Smyth had two assists, and has two goals and three assists in his last two games.
– Jake Muzzin recorded his first NHL point with an assist on Justin Williams’ second-period goal. Muzzin also played a season-high 15:21.
– Alexei Ponikarovsky recorded his first point as a King with an assist on Dustin Brown’s second goal in the third period.
– Jack Johnson played a team-high 24 minutes, 18 seconds, and had one assist and a plus-3 rating. Ryan Smyth led Kings forwards in ice time at 23:26.
– Ryan Smyth and Anze Kopitar each had a team-high three shots on goal. Drew Doughty was credited with a team-high six hits while Davis Drewiske had a team-high four blocked shots.
– The Kings won 25 of 62 faceoffs (40 percent). No Kings player won more draws than he lost.
– A congratulations to Kings public-address announcer David Courtney, who missed Friday’s game to prepare for his wedding today…
I love this team! Now go and work on the power play, and there won’t be a whole lot to criticize.
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fourtunato Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 9:43 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
It’s like golf: When the short game is working the drives go left. When you’re driving the ball 300 yards and straight, you are three putting 8 holes.
I doubt we are going to see ANY team have stellar performance in every category on a regular basis. But if enough things are working, then the W’s come.
Our defense is truly a beautiful thing to watch. If we can score three a game on average, we are going to be beating just about everyone.
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lafan13 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:05 am
@fourtunato,
Ya, looking at NHL.com stats,(its only 4 games i know) we are 1st in defence allowing only 6 goals in 4 games(1 is an EN goal)… Quick has like a .96 GAA
I know everyone was worried in games 1,2,begining of 3 cuz we had some issues putting the puck in the net. But we played some stellar D in those games.
Offensive production can always be better, but not at the expense of our defensive game… i think your right that not many teams will be able to score 3 or more goals on us a game. Should be a fun ride this season.
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CupRun2011 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@fourtunato, Bang on with the golf analogy! TM/DL said that we need to improve the 5-on-5 and PK…okay, now we suck at the PP. Just give it a little time and we’ll figure out how to beat the PP pressure on our D and Kopi on the half-wall…when Lokti and Schenner score their first NHL goals–they will pick up their games.
Only listened to the game, but it sounded like Zeus Simmer Poni picked up their game…did a great job against the Sedin’s/Sami for 2 games now.
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Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:03 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, If our PP was the best in the league, on top of all the other things going right, they would nit-pic something else.
I had a friend who would make a big box with his hands, and say “this is what you want from the world”. He would go through a list of things you need to do to get it, making the box smaller each time, till pretty soon he was making the box with his fingernails. He said that’s reality telling you how to keep it.
Fine tuning never ends.
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Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:14 am
@Dominick, I new I’d mess it up. It should be “this is the DOOR to what you want from the world”.
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I’m especially impressed with the team D thus far. Quick has been outstanding. Just need to finish a little better, but this game was a step towards correcting that. Nice effort!
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jayhay Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 9:43 am
@Belexes, Quick looks soooo good. is it too early for me to eat my words about JB having the #1 gig by xmas? full credit to JQ for his performance and his work ethic coming into the season.
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EdTheKing Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
@jayhay,
Bernier will have the starting job soon. I don’t know if Quick can play like this all season.
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
@EdTheKing, No way.
Quickie is back on his game. The exhaustion (playing every day) and the Olympics (he didn’t play at all but had to stay mentally prepared to play) caught up with him last season. When he came back, he was spent, done, finished. So long as he doesn’t have another baby in March (tough to plan a family around the playoffs), Quickie is going to be just fine. He’s in excellent shape; his .963 save percentage is 2nd in the league and he’s making unbelievable saves. He’s really on it.
I love Bernier. The fact is and this is pure, plain & simple, the Kings have two potential future Vezina Trophy candidates. Too early to say? Probably. Bernier has played…five NHL games total? Yet he’s probably the coolest, calmest, most collected goalie I’ve ever seen. Bernier doesn’t get rattled, is fundamentally sound and never gets out of position.
It’s a great situation for the Kings to have, considering the goalie situation the Kings had just several years ago. I can see now why TM stated from the early going, Quickie was the Kings No. 1 this season. Now we all know why….
Rich forgot to mention Kevin Bieksa, who is doing one great job as a Kings secret double agent!
Hopefully next time, he won’t make it so obvious. He might put the whole operation at risk.
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all of a sudden there is a logjam of young talent trying to get on the ice…what a great problem to have!
but now we are going to have to play our cards very carefully when it comes to up and down movements and the waiver threat….
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
@rontheking, Well said!
I’ve been thinking about that very thing. No longer do the Kings have to worry about the waiver wire from the other teams, they have to protect their own talent. I can’t even imagine being a Detroit fan and having to suffer through that angst. Essentially we got Ryan Smyth because the Wings waived Kyle Quincy, think about it!
Of course we’ve had our own bitter pills to swallow, Matt Moulson for starters. It’s one of the reasons I’m not giving up on Parse. I truly think when he comes back, he’s going to break out. His moves are unreal; Parse is going to be fine. It’s way too early to give up on any of our kids, Trevor Lewis included.
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
@rontheking, But the clock is ticking….
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Funny how last year we lived and died with our PP/PK and this year we’re winning 5 on 5. Go figure.
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lafan13 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:13 am
@KC23,
Think they should go back to a peewee style of powerplay. where everyone just tee’s up from all spots in the zone, and just get some sticks to the net to bang in the trash…. The powerplay isnt working right now because the fowards are trying to do too much. Kopi has had the puck @ the faceoff dot and chosen to pass over shoot like 5 times (example the 4 v 3 powerplay in OT).
If they would shoot more, i think it would pull the PKer’s off doughty and JmfJ. The 2 d men have struggled so far since teams are pressing the points hard to keep DD/JJ off the scoreboard. The Fowards have to take advantage of this and get the puck to net.
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KC23 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:39 am
@lafan13, How to beat the King’s power play is to take away the blue line and agressively go after the half wall puck handler. Because we lack forward skill guys we struggle down low where the half wall quarterback (Kopitar) needs to have options if they are taking away the blue line.
In short, the wingers are not giving Kopitar an option and we turn the puck over forcing it to the blue line that is covered.
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Look guys. Wuick is leading the league in wins, save % and GAA. Likewise the kings as a team is leading the league in save % and GAA. Would anyone in the their wildest dreams ever believe that can happen for the kings? =)
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I hope David Courtney will only miss the one game, boy I just can’t listen to that replacement again…..no offence, it’s just not KINGS hockey.
Good overall game last night. Justin Williams is really trying to show what he can bring,i hope he keeps it up.
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@PUCKBOY25, Willy has been phenomenal. If he stays healthy, he’s going to have a great season. One of Willy’s problems (if you’d call it that) is that he goes into the corners with wreckless abandon. Most players get hurt in the corners; Willy is no exception. Hopefully he can continue to bring it on.
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On another note, over on Yahoo Sports, Mikael Samuelsson is quoted as saying “We played a decent team”, when talking about the loss.
So nice of him to show so much respect. If he is emblematic of how the whole Vancouver team regards the Kings, then they are in for a world of hurt at our hands this year.
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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:16 am
@fourtunato,
I saw this as well on TSN. I have not seen the vid yet, but when read in context of the entire quote, I think what he really said was, “we played a decent game.”
Because he then goes on to say “that’s not good enough.” I think its a typo.
I do remember Sami telling the Swedish coaching staff to f-off for not putting him on the olympic team! So, who knows…
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tuan jim Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968,
In his post-game interview Samuelsson starts to say he THINKS the Kings are a good team, but immediately corrects himself to say he KNOWS the Kings are a good team. He comments on how well we “boxed” the Canucks out.
I thought I heard AV mutter, “We played a decent team” just before he says, “We played a decent game.”
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KC23 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:42 am
@fourtunato, Saw a clip of Vancouver’s coach talking about the game and one of their euro players. To sum up reading between the lines… we got beat twice by one of the best teams in the league, lets not panic.
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backchecker Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
@KC23,
One of the Best Defensive teams indeed
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
@fourtunato, Just one thing…I hope we see Vancouver in the 1st round…..nothing would be better except for maybe the Sharks (possibly) or the Quacks (no way).
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Everything you guys are saying is making me moist. But the season is only four games old. I wanna be reading the same kinda yak on this blog a month from now — or in May.
I’m not one of those fans who second-guess the coach and management after every loss. When the Kings lose I can’t stand to read or hear ANY news of it.
But when they win I can’t get enough. So last night I wandered over to the Vancouver sites to troll in quiet satisfaction for a bit.
Holy Moly, those fans are cruel! They don’t just want Vigneault fired, they want him burned. As for Luongo and Bieksa, public castration is not good enough for them.
Reading these blogs made me remember last season when the Kings lost three in a row and I tried to, but couldn’t, dodge the grim hysterics who recommended that Murray be flayed alive. All of them were overflowing with bile and advice.
I’ve been a Kings fan for so long I dread letting myself get too high on life before the final buzzer sounds. But a coupla things stay with me from last night’s game.
First, the only Canucks goal came after Simmer fell down and couldn’t get back in time — but he fell down charging the Vancouver net. Otherwise Quick woulda had his shut-out.
Second, at the beginning of NHL On the Fly the color commentator seemed to single our game out as a battle of the “heayweights”. Just hearing such words spoken about the Kings in respectable circles sent an electric buzz up my emotional urethra.
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USHA#17 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@tuan jim,
Vancouver fans needed these two games to avoid a bout of season long colitis worrying about LA.
It does not look like the Canuck defense improved much, yet…it may be worse. Meanwhile the Kings look solid in their grind it out play. Thanks to conditioning they get stronger as the game progresses.
What sticks in my mind is 5 Rookies and a patch on the 5-6 defensive pair and one goal from Vancouver.
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fourtunato Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 11:14 am
@tuan jim,
I liked you post until you got to the emotional urethra part. I just don’t want to imagine that.
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
@tuan jim, Yep… It’s kinda giving me a stiffie too!
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Nothing like a GREAT start to get everyone stoked. When the boys do slump we will have this start to remind us how good they really are. Meantime wish didn’t have to wait until Wed for next game. Would rather have seen a Sunday game with dare I say JB getting a start. This team has never been good with more than 3 days rest. And, we want a solid 1 2 punch in goal.
First time I had a good look at my man since May was during last nights post game. He looks and sounds real good. Don’t expect any end of season slump this year. No new baby and he’s playoff experienced. March and April will be fun fun fun.
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Goring 19 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:31 am
@QuicksDaMan, they do tend to get rusty when they have an extended layoff.
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USHA#17 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 11:16 am
@Goring 19,
As Dominic mentioned this is a more typical schedule.
Remember, the added time between games allows older players like Smyth a little breathing space to recharge between games.
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Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:39 am
@QuicksDaMan,
I think we got spoiled, because of the compressed schedule for the olympics. It seemed like we we’re playing every other day last year.
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Great game last night guys, awesome defense, goal tending, a solid 2 way game. Loved the game that Drewiske and Muzzin played. Doughty starting to step it up it looks like. Does anyone else feel we look a lot stronger and mature this year? Even though we won the game last night, to me it still seems the Kings can be even better with the power play clicking, skating for a full 60, the possibilities are absolutely terrifying for other teams. It’s funny how several sources have picked the Canucks to be Stanley Cup champs this season and we’ve beaten them twice? hmmmmmm GKG!
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KC23 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 10:47 am
@Goring 19, And we’re the youngest team in the league. Feels like I’m in some sort of dream I don’t want to wake from.
I also picked the Canucks to win the cup this year. Don’t be too Quick (hehee) to discount Vancouver. Burrows is gonna be back and they’ll be a different team.
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USHA#17 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@KC23,
Perhaps but has their defense improved?
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
@Goring 19, Yes, DD2 didn’t make any glaring mistakes; he actually looked pretty good. Muzzin looks like he belongs as well; TM was right, his drive to the net totally set up Willy’s goal. It was a great read.
I still want to see Clifford get back into the action. I love Lokti; he has great moves, is a great puck handler, and he’s also improving every game. He went into a corner last night and tried to put a check on someone; the only problem, he almost knocked himself over in the process.
Bulk up Lokti; one more year at Manchester filling out.
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I wouldn’t worry about the PP right now. It’s only been four games, after all. I remember how everybody was ready to jump off a cliff this time last year because the PK was deplorable. Remember the six or seven PK’s in a row that the Kings were scored on, and I think at one point their PK was around 40%. It’s still very early, so give the boys a chance.
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That was a fun game to be at. Especially because I was sitting right behind a bunch of Canucks fans.
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@E, *LOL* Revenge is a dish that is best served cold! The real revenge will come in the playoffs this year.
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They need movement on their sterile power play. It is too obvious where the shots are coming from. Get the rotation going on the points, put a big body in front of the net, and get some shots!
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IMO
Nothing like winning ugly and this is the team that you need to play ugly against. Vancouver was handed two games to think about…for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile it looks like the Kings are starting to regain last season’s character and while a little soon to tell but Quick looks new and improved.
Other then doing an excellent job on the PK, Poni was visible in the neutral and offensive zone for the 1st time this season.
Loktionov seems badly outclassed last night and Mitchell looked better then Hamhuis.
Drewiske played his best game of this and last season. OK for a #5D but still waiting for the return of “take the body” Greene.
Rypin appeared to have second thoughts about dropping the gloves.
Burrows may have made a difference but against the Kings Samuelson is more effective on their 1st line.
Schenn filled his skates. Time to look for a room mate.
If Smyth any gas left for the playoffs, look out.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 11:44 am
@USHA#17, 1yes2yes3yes4yes5yes6yes7yes8yes9correct. A+
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Moondoggie Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
@USHA#17, Bloody hell….nice write up!
Just a couple of comments….
Mitchell, wow! What a pick up! I can’t believe the Canucks let him slip away. Talk about making a great defense even better!
Lokti, great moves but needs more size, correct.
DD2, a decent game and I’d agree, his best the last two seasons.
Brayden Schenn….. Start looking for a permanent place to live….in LA!
And when Greenie gets back, holy #&@! Look out!!! Talk about scary D! Possibly the best in the league? Probably….
Bloody nice playing by the 2nd and now the new 1st line. Willy, Stoli and Smytty have been awesome.
LGK!!!
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Hey Rich,
Question… both David Courtney AND Dave Joseph, when announcing scratches and injuries failed to mention MATT GREENE (saying only that Scott Parse and Ray Kaunisto are on IR.) — Is that correct? I was a little surprised, as Greene is certainly part of the current “roster.” Can you clarify the difference between Greene and the other two?
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Marc Nathan Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 11:24 am
P.S. Kaunisto sent to Manchester today: http://theahl.com/stats/transactions.php
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Rich Hammond Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 11:55 am
Parse and Kaunisto “officially” participated in camp — took full physicals, etc. — but Greene didn’t, so he’s officially a non-roster player. It’s basically just a procedure/paperwork thing.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@Rich Hammond, thank you sir… makes total sense, though, he’s certainly worth mentioning by the PA guy when listing players not participating.
P.S. The whole “Staples Center Going Green So No Player Cards This Year” STINKS!!!! If they were truly going GREEN, I could list at least a dozen far worse examples of environmental abuse! BRING BACK THE PLAYER CARDS!
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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
@Marc Nathan,
The Green Movement, YEAH…!!
Just wait ’till 2025 my friend, when you will be forced to drive some electric piece of crap car, and the state has continuous rolling blackouts because of its compliance with the Kyoto Treaty.
And have fun seeing a doctor in what will be a three-way amalgamation of an immigration center, the post office, and the DMV.
19 billion in debt and counting…
As much as I miss home, I won’t be missing any of that.
Great night to be a Kings fan at Staples. Simmonds knocking Albert’s gum out of his mouth and onto the glass was classic. I don’t know if anyone noticed, but when Doughty gave up the puck in front of our net, Mitchell was right there in perfect postion and the Canucks player didnt even make an attempt to head for the net. Based on his play so far, it looks like the Mitchell acquisition was a great move.
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puck73 Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
@DesertKing, Vancouver made a big mistake not re signing him. Remember, they were clearly not the same defensively after he was hurt in January. IMO Willie Mitchell will end up being the biggest signing this offseason by any team..it is already making the Kings better on defense even though its early..its that obvious!
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What are the thoughts on Muzzin? Personally every time he and drewieski were out there I was very nervous.
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the power play is all right, remember the play offs we were unstoppable it runs in cycles .
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