Assuming he looks both ways before crossing the street in the next 24 hours or so, Anze Kopitar will set a Kings franchise record tomorrow night by playing in his 325th consecutive game. Marcel Dionne played 324 consecutive games, from Jan. 7, 1978 until Jan. 9, 1982. Doug Jarvis hold the NHL record with 964 consecutive games played. Kopitar started his streak late in his rookie season, on March 21, 2007, after he returned from a back injury.
KOPITAR: “I don’t know if that’s something you want to look at too much, and jinx it. It’s definitely a nice accomplishment. Hopefully it’s not going to be done after tomorrow. I hope now. You just play and prepare yourself. That’s about as much as you can do for yourself. Come ready to play, and prepare, and obviously some stuff in the offseason helps too. If you get hit by a puck and break a bone, it’s not like you can do anything about it. The tendons and muscles, if they’re attached, that’s when you can kind of control it off the ice and just take care of yourself.”
Since most players do everything possible to hide the extent of injuries and soreness, it’s tough to know how close Kopitar has come to missing a game. Kopitar had a close call in this season’s opener in Vancouver, when he required 18 stitches in the mouth area after being cut by a stick. Kopitar played the next night in Calgary and didn’t categorize that as a “close call.”
KOPITAR: “No. It was sore, it was painful, but I’m not skating with my face. The only tough part was eating. My teeth were OK, but I had to chop the food down pretty far, into small pieces. Other than that, everything was fine.”
“It was sore, it was painful, but I’m not skating with my face.”
Bahahahahaha! I love this guy! hilarious!
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the_guv Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@Bill M., Is this dude a hockey player or what!!
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LBlocal Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@TheKingdom, BEST PLAYER ON THE ICE!
gKg!
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mfnlakings Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
@Bill M., Classic!
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MyKay Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 1:17 am
@Bill M., hahahaha i lol’d
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More on the iron man. Of course, his latest streak has him 7th in points among forwards, but he’s also 5th in assists among all skaters. Among all centers, specifically, he’s:
3rd in total points.
11th in goals.
Second only to Henrik Sedin in Assists
Tied with Toews for best +/-
Tied for 4th in Game winners (6) with Toews, Carter, and Kesler.
4th in TOI
6th in total shots.
One of the most complete centers in the league? I think so.
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the_guv Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@Bill M., No doubt in my mind he’s a top 10 NHL center. He’s still young, and getting better too.
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rick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
@the_guv, He is, or is about to be, not just a top 10 center – but simply among the top 10 of all forwards in the league, and a perennial All Star for years to come.
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PRMan Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@the_guv, Top 5 easily.
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kq949 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
@Bill M., Great info! Don’t forget, all while playing AMAZING defense. A lot of those Centers play a one-way game! <3 Kopi!
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Scot Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 12:17 am
@Bill M.,
Good stuff, Bill. Thank you.
We are lucky to have him.
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You have to wonder how a baseball player would fare in the NHL… uh, maybe not
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jordan Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@DesertKing, haha oh man,
Baseball:
hang nail…on injured reserve for 2 weeks
Hockey:
puck to the face, 59 stitches, missed 20 minutes of game back out on the ice, if it didnt take the doctor so long for the stictches they would be out there sooner.
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number 6 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@jordan,
Yeah, only in baseball you run around the bases for a ‘freebie’ (i.e. it’s a home run so what can happen there?) and – lo and behold, a broken leg!! (see Kendrys Morales for further details).
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Ravens Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
@number 6, Oh no,,,the first thing that comes to mind “The Juiced Puck era”
Ravens Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
@number 6, I was going to say “corked sticks era” but then I thought some Montreal fan would see it and have all our stick examined the next time we play them
kinginsaltlake Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 3:58 am
@DesertKing,Or– Any other sport, for all that matters.
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:28 am
@DesertKing, I’ll never forget the day I watched a professional baseball player leave the game because he strained his groin … wait for it … on his home run trot. I kid you not.
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I have a man crush on Kopi… Just wondering, how is his english so good? Do most slovenians have to learn english in school?
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Who knows? Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@reggie dunlop, His grandmother taught him englsih when he was just a wee lad.
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King John Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
@Who knows?,
Wow! Grandma had vision… She was looking out for him and looking ahead for him.
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driller1 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
@reggie dunlop, His grandma, who was an English teacher, would interview him in English when he was growing up so that he’d be ready when he was playing in the NHL. True story.
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reggie dunlop Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@driller1, thanks for the info… Can’t believe he is still only 23.. Seems like Ive been watching him forever…
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Newf Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
@reggie dunlop, further to that, one of the main issues a lot of young european players have in adjusting to the NHL is the language barrier. i think that was a major asset to Kopi as he never had to adjust. i think it’s also why you’re seeing a lot more European players coming over here to play junior now as well.
luc20rules Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@driller1, You guessed it the first word see taught him was “obviously”.
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Sebastian Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
@reggie dunlop, His English is impressive. I just hope he doesnt hang out with doughty too much and ends up saying “you know” every 3 words
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jp Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
@Sebastian,
Kopi’s most overused phrase is “it is what it is.” I cringe a little bit every time I hear it. Definitely less annoying than the “you know”s, however.
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Osaka Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@jp, Or “it’s one of those things”
Agame Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 2:18 am
@Sebastian, I heard him not long ago in an interview, which was 2 minutes long sayin you know 20 times. you know!
He is cool guy!
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zdene32 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 8:07 am
@Agame, he does that a lot when he is interviewed through the phone
Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 9:01 am
@Sebastian, You know, any one of us would have the same pattern to our speech. I mean, almost everybody speaks that way during interviews
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liki Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 12:36 am
@reggie dunlop,
I can answer you regarding learning English in Slovenia. In our school system everybody will have at least 8 years of learning English in primary and secondary school, so most of Slovenian understand and can speak english, maybe not that perfect as Kopitar does, but good enough that everybody can understand. In our school system you always learn two different foreign languages, one of them is English, the other depends where do you live. Where I live, it’s German, on other part of Slovenia is Italian. We also understand and spear Serbo-Croatian language (as part of Ex-Yugoslavia).
We are nation of 2mio with unique language, so we have no other chance to learn foreign languages.
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Davey Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 1:32 am
@reggie dunlop,
Obviously you know, Kopitar can interveiw much better than Doughty. Slovenians do study english at a young age as many small eastern european countries, you know, its huge. Obviously, they fared better economically than most of their neighbors, you know, so theyve got a fairly good education system, its huge. Ive met quite a few sloveniens in Europe, and i thought obviously their english was fluent. Obviously since they are such a small country, you know, learning enlgish is huge if they want to compete in a global market.
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zdene32 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 1:51 am
@Davey, this is true, english is obligatory from the 4th grade on and german/french/spanish/.. from the 9th on, but you have your first english lessons usualy sooner, i had mine first in kindergarden, but the most important thing that i see why we are good in foreign languages is that are TV stations dont synchronize the movies but they use subtitles, because french, german, italian, russians they all sinhronize their movies
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grega11 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:30 am
@zdene32,
and movies, yup
George from Slovenia Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 1:40 am
@reggie dunlop,
U Were asking something about school education in Slovenia? We’re learnig English in every School we got. I think, that Slovenians start learning English at the age of 11-12, when they’re in the 5th grade. If you’r visiting high school in Slovenia you have to learn Slovenian, English and one more language. Usually people pick German, some are learning Italian, French, also Lathin. Young population is very well educated, speaking quite good English. Btw, if u’d have an opportunity, visit Slovenia one day. Its a small country with a great natural diversity. Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia with population of 300 000 people. You need only 1 hour from Ljubljana to go skiing in the mountains ( Julijske Alpe) or swimming in the sea ( Jadran see ). There are also many caves, castles, chucrhes ( up to 800 years old ), lakes, forest, etc. Its a very green country, with not a lot of criminal. So, I hope you got some wiev, how does it looks liek to be here
Cya
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grega11 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:23 am
@reggie dunlop,
yup, english is the first foreign language in almost all elementary schools from 4th grade on
from 9th grade on we usually have to learn two foreign languages (english and mostly german)
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I sure hope this isn’t like talking about a shutout during a game…
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the_guv Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@xeropoint, I was thinking the same thing. on the other hand, it should be acknowledged.
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Hawks have chased Niemi . . . 6-3 Chi after 2 periods
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
@KDinUT, lame there goes our 4th place
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neil Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@KingsFanFTW, we want first!!!( third)
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@neil, thats impossible cause they going to play against the stars next tomorrow so does it matter not really
well what about Dallas they going to play against the Sharks tomorrow so what do u want to win then? so its a lost for the Kings both ways
KDinUT Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Gives us the chance to close the gap to 1st in the division tomorrow night – nuttin’ wrong with that.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@KDinUT, yea true but then we going to have to fight it with the Dallas cause they going to want it back
I think Kings deserve it the way they are playing but am not saying we cant just saying
the Sharks play back to back games and the next game is against the Stars so bad news for the Kings we want the Stars to loose
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@KDinUT, we want the Stars to loose too but then it comes to number one so its confusing when they both play against them to me nothing goes Kings way
KDinUT Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@KDinUT, @KDinUT, More than anything I just want to see us 5 points ahead of the Preds at the end of the game tomorrow. Then if Dallas beats SJ we’re one point behind the fish and still ahead of Dallas – I’ll take it.
A Flames win over the dogs is probably a good thing, too (I think that would be the best outcome there, anyway).
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
@KDinUT, well if u have faith i most too I think we can win it against the Stars and the Sharks cause We have a good team i think they got what it takes
Kostamojen Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Sure we get knocked out of 4th place for tonight, but it keeps San Jose in striking distance. If the Kings keep playing like this, there is a good chance we could finish the season with the Pacific Division title.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@Kostamojen, yea i love that Kings deserve it
But going to be hard when Dallas are playing them tomorrow :/ two teams in our division going to battle each other that going to suck cause we dont want Dallas to win tomorrow either
Kostamojen Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
@KingsFanFTW, I’m excited to be going to the Kings/Sharks game on the 24th. That will be the best opportunity to make up points against them. Also, let’s hope Dallas loses to Philly on Saturday.
taz42 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@KDinUT, Was just reading Sharks gdt over at hf boards and lmao. Those fans are so busy hating on Toewsa, they’re having one miserable nite.
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Kostamojen Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
@KDinUT, I don’t know if it’s logical, but, Chicago is the one team that I fear to draw in the postseason.
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xeropoint Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@Kostamojen, I’m with you. Would be a bad matchup for the Kings.
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wavesinair Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
@Kostamojen,
Sure it’s logical. We haven’t won a game against them this season.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
@wavesinair, Didn’t the Kings tear up the Dead Things in the postseason after getting clobbered during the regular season?
CB14 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I was at game 4 of that series. My first, and only playoff game in person, and let me tell you I didn’t know a stadium could be that loud. In the last minute of the game the referees had to keep re-setting the clock whenever a whistle would blow because the time keeper couldn’t hear the whistle. A remember that game like it was yesterday, the best Kings game I’ve ever been to!
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
@Kostamojen, every team that going to make the Playoff going to be a tough team no matter what..
it doesn’t matter what Kings face on the playoff..To me its all about how much a team wants it so they play as hard as they can
If Kings doesn’t play harder than what they are playing right now then to me they just don’t want it
They cant fear one team because they won 4 times and the Kings never won against them in a season and think they going to win if they fear them
They have to play like there no tomorrow or our lost is up fast
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number 6 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
@Kostamojen,
I said that on an earlier post. If Kings ended up fourth and Chicago 5th or vice versa. Or the two teams 3rd and 6th. Not nice. Their record the last two years is 1-7 and I don’t know before that.
The Hawks have too much speed and skill for the Kings it seems. Not like playing the Caps and keying on Ovie and Semin or something. They have huge depth at forward and a good pp.
Every team has their bad matchups and the Hawks would have to be at the top of our list.
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the_guv Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
@Kostamojen, Very logical. No one wants to see the champs first round (at least i would think).
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:35 am
@Kostamojen, Just remember all our games against Chicago were pre-Penner. The Kings are a different team with Penner.
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Banez81 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:46 am
@KC23,
I couldn’t agree more!
Which team do we really want to face in the playoffs, should we make them? Who do we match up well with? Just throwing the question out there.
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xeropoint Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
@Goring 19, Dallas, Detroit and San Jose are the best matchups, IMHO. Do not want to face Chicago, Vancouver or Phoenix.
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the_guv Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@xeropoint, Couldn’t agree more. I’d prefer Dallas or Detroit, we’ve done well against them thus far.
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Scot Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
@the_guv,
We have done well against Detroit this year.. But man, something about playing them in the playoffs scares me. Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, and Lidstrom morph into super BEASTS as soon as the playoffs start, Franzen especially. Factor in all their playoff experience, yikes. Any team we play in the playoffs, though, is going to be a tough matchup.
mfnlakings Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
@the_guv, This
CB14 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
@Goring 19, Dallas, Anaheim and Nashville IMO. I don’t want to face Calgary, Phoenix, and Chicago. I know Vancouver, Detroit, and San Jose are the top three in the west, but I wouldn’t mind playing them either.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
@Goring 19, well i say every team dont care
cause we all know if we do make it past the First Series we going to meet to Canucks Detroit or Blackhawks if they make it no matter what
if we beat Blackhawks then we still have to pass Canucks the playoff going to be hard no matter what
So i say and i believe we can beat every team just not going to be easy its going to be very hard but all i want is go to the second round thats all
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cpmc29 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
@KingsFanFTW, nicely said. GKG.
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Mikey J. Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
@Goring 19, The Kings are going to have to upset two very good teams, most likely Vancouver and Chicago and possibly Detroit too get themselves to the Finals. What scares me more than that intimidating hurdle is who they might have to face from the East. Something about the Finals match up seems to be the most daunting and unpredictable. Anyway that is a lot of high stress situations away and for right now just making the playoffs, especially this year would feel pretty darn good.
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@Goring 19, sorry not to peepee on the parade but can we just wait till the Kings clinch a playoff spot. Beware of the “gooch” its a powerful thing!!!
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Scot Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
@Goring 19,
Just remember Montreal last season. They were the 8th seed, and everyone’s brackets (mine included) had them being swept by Washington in the 1st Round. Amazingly, Montreal won in 7 games. Then everyone had Pittsburgh destroying them in Round 2, and they did the unthinkable in that series, too. So whatever seed the Kings get, they can win a series against anybody. Different juices start flowing in players once the playoffs start. Even if the Kings get 8th and draw Vancouver in Round 1, they can beat them. If there’s anything I’ve learned from all my years watching hockey, playoffs specifically, it’s that ANYTHING can happen, and there are upsets and surprises EVERY year.
Teams get into a groove at the right time sometimes. Remember Anaheim the year they lost to the Devils in the Finals? They were UNBEATABLE (Giguere was) in the first 3 rounds, after upsetting Detroit in Round 1. Edmonton, the year after the lockout… Don’t count out the Kings getting into a groove like that. This team has some swag, man.
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:46 am
@Goring 19, Been wondering that lately. My choice of who I would want to face most to least is the following:
1)Dallas
2)Yotes
3)Detroit
4)Sharks
5)Calgary
6)Chicago
7)Canuckelheads
I wonder what all those team’s fans would say regarding the Kings?
I bet Dallas and Detroit are the most scared of us. Sharks perhaps too. I also think Vancouver would have cause for concern with us. Calgary, Phoenix and Chicago would love to end up against the Kings probably.
I’m hoping Chicago pulls the Sharks because Chicago really struggels against the Sharks. I’d like Vancouver to pull Calgary because even though Calgary would lose, they would put a physical beating on Vancouver.
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Banez81 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:54 am
@Goring 19,
Okay call me crazy, but I don’t think it matters who we’ve had success with during the season when it comes to playoffs. Last year Vancouver man-handled us during the season and I, contrary to some popular belief, thought that series could have easily turned in our favor.
I actually hope we draw:
Chicago 1st round.
Phoenix 2nd round.
Vancouver 3rd round.
Just beat the crap out of all the teams we’re not supposed to win against and silence everyone. Especially the cocky Canucks fans.
I know it’s a tad unrealistic but it would be nice right?
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Banez81 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@Banez81,
You could throw Dallas in there for one of the first 2 rounds instead just because I love beating the crap out of Dallas. Or maybe even the Shmucks.
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 9:12 am
@Banez81, You’re not crazy, just accurate. All bets are off in the playoffs, where goal tending and defense are key. Anything can, and does, happen. That’s why NHL playoffs are the best sporting event of any sport (and yes, that includes the NFL where 2 wins can get you to the Super (dull) bowl.)
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Kopitar is a very good player and one of the top 5 in the west conference in my opinion……he does it all with good size
-sheilds the puck
-feeds his team mates
-great hands
-can score
-great shot
-quick release
-backchecks
-can work in all zones
-good team mate
-has fun out there
-always smiling, tells me he likes it
-has speed
…….just a complete player
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Harty Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@Harty, I know Perry Schell agree’s with me on all of the above……..
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Osaka Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@Harty, You never see him lose his composure either.
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Scot Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
@Harty,
A couple of those are redundant a couple of those.
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Scot Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
@Scot,
I just wanted to say that.
None are really redundant.
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:48 am
@Harty, Agree completely, but I do think there is one element missing from Kopitar’s game that would make him a better player. He virtually, never plays with an edgyness to his game. With his size he could certainly improve on his physical play imho.
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Shakes Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:07 am
@KC23,
Although in Penner’s first game i recall Bob & Jim saying they felt Kopi was really asserting himself…so maybe he does it without us noticing sometimes? (which sounds odd now that i read it because by definition being edgy means you’re being noticed)
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The goal should be first…….and let other teams worry about us….If you are scared about playing certain teams then you are going to lose….Go for first….and worry about no one!!!!
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the_guv Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@neil, Agree, however, we do match up better against some than others.
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neil Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
@the_guv, We didnt have Penner when we played some of the other teams(Chi)and Westy will not be used in the playoffs…so its a different game now.We dont match up with speed…….other teams dont match up with our size!!!! With all that said, it could be who ever has the hot goalie at the time…
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:50 am
@neil, Well said. If Quick was hot last year Vs Vancouver we would of won that series hands down. Quick just wasn’t himself.
rick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@neil, Very much agreed. All we need to worry about right now is winning our own games.
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old codger Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@neil, Right on!! We are in now and no one can knock us out if we win.
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He was drafted 11th overall his draft year, and I remember that some teams shied away from him as no one had ever come out of Slovenia (evidently). Looked at his draft year today and there are a few teams that I’ll bet regret not going for him. Also he was the No. 1 rated European player taken that year in the draft.
Hooray DT. That makes up for what I still consider a huge missed opportunity in the amazing 2003 draft where we had three firsts and didn’t go anywhere as far as we could’ve with those picks. Oh well. He made up for it.
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with all those stitches he truly looked like the Kopitar Monster
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Great accomplishment by Kopitar. Although he’s not a physical player, he does get a lot of ice time and in TM’s system, he has to play both ends of the ice. IMO that makes the consecutive games streak even more impressive.
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Well, it’s hard to believe he’s just 23. Although he has great commitment to his defensive responsibilities, he pounces on offensive opportunities with a confidence and skill that keep growing. And now, finally, a LW comes along who seems to be an excellent compliment. There’s more open ice as a result and this has lead to the kind of creative goals that we’ve all hoped would start to happen. From a season tix holder since 1987, these are exciting times.
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Winning!
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Kostamojen Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 8:40 am
@kevin from toronto, Kopitar has TIGER BLOOD!
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well chicago did us a ‘favor’ by beating SJ…they kept SJ only 3 points ahead of us, but knocked us down to 5th.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@Newf, yea hope we win tomorrow and dallas wins tomorrow too then we be only one point behind them
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Newf Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@KingsFanFTW, if the Kings can pull off 3rd in the Pacific and the Flames don’t make the playoffs, i would be one EXTREMELY happy Kings fan here in Calgary
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all sorts of positive thing happen this week for the team they are winning games in the clutch with that “never say die” adittude that we saw early in the season the Capt. Dustin Brown played his 500th game in the black and purple and now Kopi will have the Kings record for consecutive games played…im gonna go out on a limb and say Poni scores a hat trick next game they way he’s playing lately id love to see that happen
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I think Trevor Lewis is going to be clutch in the playoffs. He hs been getting his chances but no reward. IMHO he will be BIG come playoffs.
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Goring 19 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
@Kings Fan Vancouver,WA, haha, every once in awhile that happens when a guy not known for his scoring comes up big in the playoffs. Anyone remember Chris Kunitz? BTW I do like Trevor Lewis’s play and would like to see him get rewarded with a goal now and then.
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YoBro Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@Goring 19, Kunitz??? or Kontos?
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:56 am
@Kings Fan Vancouver,WA, I have become a huge Lewis fan myself. Mostly because of his clutch PK play. He is as good as anyone on the PK. Amazing for a rookie with so little experience. If he ever develops a softer pair of hands he’ll score like Williams.
I’m dieing to see Lewis play with some talented linemates some time. Just to see where he’s at. Might be very interesting to see Lewis play with Poni and Simmonds.
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You’ve just jinxed him
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This is impressive because of the style he plays. He doesn’t go out of the way to hit guys but he plays boths sides of the ice and in all areas. Being the foundation of the Kings offense he has a target on his back and does receive a share of cheap shots. Kopi and Drew are both marked men on the Kings.
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:57 am
@Osaka, Brown is also a very marked man. He is one of the most hated players in the league.
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Scot Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@KC23,
I think the opposition, for the most part, respects his physical game. He isn’t known for dirty hits or cheap shots, really. Once in awhile, borderline. But as far as being one of the most hated players in the league– yes. Why? Diving. Embellishing. Going down easy. He deserves to be hated.
Look, I’m just as much a Kings fan as everyone on this blog, but Brown might be my least favorite player on the team, because of that.
A few people on here were complaining about Ralph and Razor (Stars broadcasters) during the game on Sunday, because they were complaining that they got hosed when Brown went down easy and drew a tripping call which led to our first goal, on the PP. Well, I don’t blame them! Brown dove. I’m sorry, but I hate that about him. Play the damn game with more integrity. I realize it helped us win the game, but my conscience tells me we “cheated,” and, therefore, didn’t deserve that goal. I’d rather earn wins with integrity, and be more respected. Shameful, for a captain.
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There is one very important point that no one on this site has mentioned. When it comes to the Stanley Cup playoffs, it is usually good goaltending and defense that wins games. And my fellow Kings fans, this is the best goaltending and defense we have ever had.
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:59 am
@tim, Not really, but close. Vachon was the best all time King’s goalie without question. And the Dan Maloney years defense was even better defensively than this King’s team.
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tim Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@KC23, I stand corrected. I think what I was trying to convey is that this is the best our overall goaltending and defense has been in a very long time.
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Really great job Rich, I don’t remember a single person even mentioning that before today. Not even a heads up “he’s close”. With all the stat junkies this blog has, that’s a major oversight on everyone.
I sure won’t congratulate him till after the game though.
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Bo Siemsen Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 3:44 am
@Dominick,
It has been brought up regularly in recent Kings’ games. It was mentioned in the Stars’ telecast aswell as the Blue Jackets game. I am pretty sure Jim and Bob have mentioned it too, bringing up the Marcel Dionne comparison.
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Dominick Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:18 am
@Bo Siemsen,
My bad, I meant on the insider. none of the bloggers that I can remember. Come to think of it, I missed it on the telecsts also. Maybe I have an adult attention deficit disorder. Either that or I just drink to much beer during the games. :p
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I would like to comment on a few things this morning.
1} It doesn’t matter who we play in the post season. I’m sure the boys in the locker room want to win every game they play. All that matters to me as a fan is to see the club win their division. Catching and beating the Sharks would be huge for this teams progression.
2} Kopi and Brown are the two guys that got together and decided that losing was not going to cut it ant longer in LA. They knew that from them the team would build around. Adding Greene and some very solid Vets has turned this Kingdom around in just 3 years, I might add. Along came Quick, right at a good time. Quick has grown with this group of Kings. Now I might also add that as of late Burnier has played great. He is part of this team and deserves some credit for winning some tough games down the stretch. Our “D” is outstanding due to the fact of getting Mitchell in the off season. With Mitch and Scudes the younger crew of JmfJ, DD#8,and Martinez have guys they can look to and grow from. Greens is the glue that keeps it all together. I enjoy watching this club.
3} If this team keeps playing to these 1 goal games I am going to go crazy. It’s been nothing short of Madness around my house of late. Screaming at the flat screen, where the players can’t hear you is just not right. Yelling at some Cat who was wearing a Red Wings hoodie at the 7-11, is just not right. Telling your wife to go to the bedroom and watch American Idol on the standard def Tv is Priceless. I’m telling you fans on this blog site, that life here in Salt Lake is crazy enough with the Kings winning these 1 goal games, I am on the brink every game. In LA most of you people got a lot of cool things to do. It’s a good way to get away from hockey. Things like Magic Mountain, Hollywood Stars, Lakers, Dodgers, Beaches, massive gang fights, alot of cool things to take your minds off. Here nothing, but who is going to be my next wife to go along with this one and the Jazz, not the music people, but that lowly team your Lakers beat up all the time. So I tell you who ever has read this post. That I am going NUTS here can we please win tonight’s game bye atleast a goal or two…..Please.
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Dominick Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:32 am
@kinginsaltlake,
Massive gang fights? LOL
I’m with you on the 1 goal games. Glad we’re winning, but some space and some room to exhale every once in a while would be nice.
Would love to win our division also. I think it doesn’t really matter who we play because we still have to prepare and work hard, and no team is going to just lay down for us. Home ice would make a big difference though (I hope).
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KC23 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 6:03 am
@kinginsaltlake, Classic post from a obvious fellow Kings junky. You are right about it doesn’t matter who we play in the playoffs, because to get to the finals you are going to have to play the best sooner or later.
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Shakes Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:39 am
@kinginsaltlake,
i loved everything you wrote in point #3…especially about yelling at a cat at 7-11
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launch Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 8:41 am
@kinginsaltlake, nice job…
your fervor is very much appreciated….makes me feel a little more normal…
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Slovenians do learn english in schools. They(we) start to teach english at only 7 years old.
English is necessary in whole Primary and Secondary schools here in Slovenia, and you have to do also graduation of English. Our 2nd necessary foreign language in schools is Deutsch(German language).
Back to Kopitar now. He’s one of the most accomplished NHL centers in both ways – personality and his NHL skills. I’d like to say something in the name of all Slovenians – we are so proud to have him.
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This is nothing, Kopi! 640 to go…
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A question for all you long time King’s fans. (been a fan since 1969 myself)
Have you ever had a season when you looked more forward to each King regular season game than this season?
I can’t say that I have personally. This is the most entertaining regular season I’ve ever experienced as a King’s fan.
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Carolina Kings Fan Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 6:42 am
@KC23, Great point! Even though I live in Charlotte I find myself this year watching just about every game. Even my dad who has his season tickets since 1977 and is over 70 years old has been following the road contests even more than ever. Excited that with a win tonight we are only 1 point behind San Jose. I will be in Nashville to cheer the boys on. Flight leaves at 1145am.
Go Kings Go!
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fsd1 Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:50 am
@Carolina Kings Fan, Where are you sitting? I’ll be there with my wife. Woo Woo, first game in 5 years!
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 6:52 am
@KC23, I became a fan in 1970. I loved the 74-75 team, was heartbroken when they got knocked out of the playoffs. The first couple of Gretz years and the Cup finals season were amazing, even when Gretz missed a lot of the regular season with a back injury, but this year has been just unbelievable! Its been a rollercoaster and I actually have had trouble focusing on anything else but the Kings!! LOL
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Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 6:57 am
@KC23, I totally fell ya bro. This is by far the most exciting season to me and I have been hooked since I was 7 back in 1978. This team has the best tandem between the pipes ever in franchise history, and our D IMHO is the most balanced I have seen in years and I got big love for our Top Line now.
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Bill M. Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:54 am
@KC23, I took an interest in hockey in 1991 and my first game was the 93 semifinals vs VAN (I think it was game 3 or 4, we won 7-5 or so).
That’s not as long as many others here, but this is by far the most excitement I’ve felt about this team. Their struggles, and the way they play when they are on, remind me of Philly last year, but also pitt the year before that. I have agood feeling that this team is going to really step up as the games get bigger. I just hope we go out in the first couple or go all the way. I don’t think I can take the disappointment of another finals loss…
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nykingfan Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 8:11 am
@KC23,
This is as exciting as it could possibly get.
Every single game, shift is a nail-biter. My wife always asks if a game is on tonight…I always tell her the same thing
“Tonight’s a HUGE game”. She says you say that every night…well, it’s true!
I think the difference with this team as compared to the Gretzky days..
We’ve seen this team grow from infancy to where they are now….We watched them struggle and try to find an identity…They’ve come so far in a relatively short period of time, but have struggled for every inch and every spot in the standings. They/we deserve to enjoy this trip and see how far they can go.
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Scot Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 8:54 am
@KC23,
Really awesome point. I was born in 1985, never really watched a Kings game until the ’93 finals when I was 7 years old, but watched every game of it. Then my dad took me to my first couple of games at the Forum when Gretz played the following couple seasons. I’ve been a fan ever since, but NEVER as much as the past 4 years or so, and this year, by far, the most.
I think ‘nykingfan’ above said it best. We’ve seen this team grow, it’s not free agents slopped together, this feels like “our” team for the first time. Penner and Mitchell, etc, have joined this “family” in the past year or so and fit in seamlessly.
Also, this is the first season I’ve followed Rich’s blog. I’ve never felt closer to this team or known more about the team. In year’s passed, I didn’t know who was injured or wasn’t going to play until Jim Fox went over the scratches before the game. And I heard about this blog just from watching games last year, via Jim Fox. So Rich, I think you’re a huge part of bringing the fans closer to this team and passing along all the information. THANK YOU.
Good point, KC. I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE GAME TONIGHT!!!! AHHHHH 8 MORE HOURS!!
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nykingfan Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@Scot,
Excellent point about Rich’s blog.
I found out about it a few years ago and it brought me so much closer to the team and what’s going on. I never knew about injuries, trade rumors, pretty much anything other than the games being played. Ithas been and will always be the 1dsy
Now, it’s like I’m right there with everyone else knowing as much about the team as you could possibly want.
Rich, a huge thanks for all you do!
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nykingfan Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@nykingfan,
sorry for the pitiful typos
It has and always wil be the 1stm site I go to every day.
Michael J. Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@KC23,
Great question. I grew up in the Bay Area watching th Seals lose, lose, and lose. In 1976 they moved to Cleveland and my team was gone. The closest team was the Kings, so I sort of rooted for them. I moved to OC in 81 and have followed the team ever since. But, without a doubt, I have never been as enthusiastic about the team as I am now. Yes, during the Gretzky ere I was all hyped up. Now I am a bit more mature and understand where this franchise is heading for the next fifteen years.
Like you, I have never looked forward to each game in the same manner as I am this season. Just wait ’till next year!
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@KC23, Unfortunately, like kinginsaltlake, I live in an area (Tahoe) where Center Ice and 1150 are my only venues for the Kings. I have been a Kings fan for ever and no, I cannot remember ever living game to game like I do now. When this season finally ends, I will surely go nuts.
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