The “three stars” of last night’s game were Dustin Brown, Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Quick. No arguments there. Brown and Marleau both had two-goal games and Quick made a handful of very tough saves and once again came through in the shootout. Brown, as noted in last night’s game story, was sharp at both ends of the ice throughout the game, and Terry Murray had strong praise today for Brown’s effort. Murray was also asked, though, for a player he thought might have had a below-the-radar strong game, and Murray mentioned both Trevor Lewis and Oscar Moller. Moller’s play was covered earlier. Lewis had another strong game on the penalty kill — 2:41 of his 13:43 of ice time came in shorthanded situations — and also won 4 of 5 faceoffs. Here’s what Murray said about each player, starting with Brown…
MURRAY: “He was very focused. When you look at his intensity and his strength on the puck last night, it was second to none, as far as I was concerned. As a result of his focus on the game, he’s in the right place at the right time. There were a couple of big plays, obviously, on the goals that were timely. Ponikarovsky comes in on that shift, just as a big body coming at you. He got a stick on it, and just taps it over to Brownie, and then great hands to score on that one. Then the timely goal on the power play, just an excellent play on that one. So he uses his shot, his release, and he’s got an excellent release. At least you’re going to have to make the goaltender make a great save, and if it does hit his pads, then you’re jumping on the loose pucks and the rebounds.
“Trevor Lewis was really good. He had an A-plus game for me. His intensity on the puck, penalty killing especially, was as good as you could possibly want from him. That line, in general, was good, with Cliffy and Richie. They had a lot of speed and tenacity on the puck, and had some good things happening in the offensive zone. At the same time, they were very responsible. Oscar, I thought Oscar played well.”
That fourth line is a WHOOOOOOOOOOLE different ball of wax with Richie in there. As a unit, I would contend that the fourth line was the most effective line in the first period.
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Paul G Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 8:08 am
@Capt Jam, No more Westgarth please
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Brown is amazing. I don’t think people give him the credit he deserves. He has single handedly kept us in many games. And he is overlooked by many on this site. Brown is a very good Captain for this team.
We have so much upside with the young core and what is in the pipeline.
I have been a fan for over 40 years grew up about a 1/2 mile from the Forum actually saw the 1st game there. I can’t remember a time we have been so loaded with potential talent.
Go! Kings Go!
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@OldKingsFan, I was born in Ingelwood. Grew up on 104th and Firmona Ave. Watching the planes go by. Dad spent a lot of time at the track, Hollywood Park.
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duckbasher Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
@kinginsaltlake, I went to a very early game in 1967 (I was about 12) at the Long Beach arena. Yep, the kings played there in their first season. At least a few game before the forum was finished. I remember they played the North Stars. I was hooked for life. I’ve watched most games over the years, even after moving to Idaho in ’98 (thank goodness for DISH and DIRECT). I now live in Bend Oregon and watch every game. Before there was Center Ice I used an LA address so I could get Prime Ticket. What does all this mean? That this is an exciting time for us long time Kings fans.
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USHA#17 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@duckbasher, Did the same when I lived in the Rockies. Registered it to my parents address in LA
In the Net Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 1:54 am
@duckbasher, Here’s one most will not know–during the first Kings games at the Sports arena they didn’t have glass–they had CHICKEN WIRE!
USHA#17 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
@kinginsaltlake, And me? IHS ’71. $6 Scalper tickets got me in on most nights. Parked at Sears
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KC23 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@kinginsaltlake, Yessss … someone older than me.
I was also 12 when I went to my first hockey game. My aunt lived in Inglewood on the other side of the 405 fwy and we walked all the way to the forum and back at night. Those were different times for sure.
My first game was against the Flyers and it ended up a tie game. It was strange to see a player with a helment and goalies were just starting to wear masks. Fighting was a much bigger part of the game and the game was much slower. I remember any time the puck got locked up by a couple of players on the boards the refs would blow the whistle for a face off. A lot more play stoppages. Defenses and goalies would just flip the puck into the crowd any time they wanted to take off the pressue.
There were no nets up to protect the fans behind the goals and it wasn’t all that uncommon for a fan to get nailed. Some poor lady got carried away her face a bleeding mess that very first game I went too. I never forget that first King’s goal I saw live. Wasn’t until the 2nd period and the crowd scared the heck out of me because people sure didn’t react like that at Dodger games. I was hooked for life.
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Mikey J. Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
@KC23, Good stuff. Sounds so raw compared to these days. I can only imagine the characters in the NHL back then.
Shotongoal Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
@OldKingsFan, I totally agree with you and he is certainly not overlooked by me. In fact, I think the truly knowledgable Kings and hockey fans on this site should make it our mission to scold anyone here who badmouths the captain from here on out. I am sick of reading crap about him here. Now,with that said, let’s get to the playoffs!
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CupRun2011 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
@OldKingsFan,
Can’t say that I was there in ’67…my first game was in 1980, I think the Kings played the Flames. Mario Lessard had a 4-0 shutout. Was totally hooked after that and bought season seats in the nose-bleed section at the Forum and used to sneak down to the Loge after the first period.
But I’d have to agree with you, Brownie is a perfect Captain, grit, heart, and skill. I can’t remember anyone having that package to lead this team. I was at the Calgary game on Monday and probably enjoyed that game as much as any I’ve been to lately, the crowd was into the game…the only thing that made me cringe was seeing Willy skate off in the 3rd–I knew it was bad by the way he was holding his arm…Willy really won me over this year. I think he should win the unsung hero!
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@OldKingsFan, you got me beat. I was born on the first anniversary of their first game. 10/14/68
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Brown was a monster last night–he’s really grown into his role as captain.
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I am hoping this teams days of slumping are over. I think it’s simply hard for younger players to give it their all and maintain focus over 82 games, when the playoffs seem so far away. Combine that with aging veterans who are starting to slow, and team speed and effort seem to be a problem. As the games get tighter and more important, the teams real character shows through. These guys are hard to play against when they are on their game, and they are real competitors – the bigger the game, the better they play.
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KC23 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
@Bill M., As our core player mature I think we’ll see less slumping. It’s a real marathon for 82 games. AAA players and especially college players stuggle early in their careers to be consistant because there are so many more games in the NHL and none of them are easy.
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My main complaints with the power play in the past has been moving the puck laterally from the 1/2 boards down. A few games ago I even stated that it’s a shorter distance from the slot to the goal and that onetimers would be more accurate. That play that Brown scored on was exactly what I was talking about.
Now I’d just like to see the weakside D try to agressively patrol the lanes to the net more, behind the 4 man box, and connect on those onetimers a little better instead of stopping it first, and we’ll be all good.
Make’em protect the box and they won’t drift to the point.
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OldKingsFan Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@Dominick, The power play is very frustrating for me to watch. They spend more time passing for the perfect shot and them telegraphing it to the goalie or JJ and load up for the slapper. I see very little movement to open the backdoor play. You watch the Detroit PP they set up better than any tem I have seen. Jamie Tampon needs to be replaced by someone more offensive minded.
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Dominick Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@OldKingsFan,
They have made changes, but this late in the season when were desperate for goals, makes it tuff to watch when they don’t score. Give it time for the changes to take hold, and I think we’ll be OK.
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OldKingsFan Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@Dominick, Watching the power play is like watching the ice capades – They skate all over the ice and don’t do anything with the puck – they either shoot it wide or hit the goalie in the logo. They are not creative with the puck. Hopefully they will get it together soon.
USHA#17 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
@OldKingsFan
Detroit is excellent. Two basic set ups. See saw wings at the sides of the circles and pass across or see saw wings in and at the corners of the net. Very simple, elegant and effective. Really opens lanes.
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408kingsfan Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@Dominick, Thats what I keep saying as well. Get someone to the slot!! Simmonds gets there to score his goals
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@Dominick, Dominick, what’s the deal bro. Wondering if your going to the greenroom night. Not actally clear on your plans. Wasn’t sure if you need tickets or not. Let me know. I would be bummed if I didn’t get the chance to meet as many Insiders as possible. I know it’s about the only thing I’ve been talking about. I ‘m like a little kid going to Dinseyland. I don’t know if I have offended anybody as of late. If I have Sorry. This team means a lot to us and these next 8 games are going to be crazy.
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Dominick Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@kinginsaltlake, I’m planning on going. Looking forward to meeting all of you and enjoying some Kings hockey. Also nothing had ever gave me the impression that you did anything offensive. If I did anything to make you think that, dont sweat it. We’re all good. LOL
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
@kinginsaltlake, are u going to the PHX game? Let me know n what you’ll be wearing and I’ll come down and look for you. Gotta say hey to one of the loyal ones here!!!
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KC23 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
@Dominick, Exactly. That dam umbrellia is so frustrating to watch when its not mixed with other patterns to mix it up.
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Brown did have a great game, but if only we could get that kind of production and performance from him more regularly. No, I don’t exepect him to put in two goals a game, but there was a time not too long ago when Brown wasn’t even nabbing the ‘hit of the game’ award at Staples Center on a regular basis. I remember Stoll got it one night for slamming a bench door with particular emphasis. I knew we were in trouble.
That said, Brown couldn’t have picked up a better to step it up. Let’s hope he keeps it going. We need everyone to pull their weight and Westie’s.
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Capt Jam,
.. couldn’t have picked a better time to step it up…”
Good grief.
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OldKingsFan Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@Capt Jam, I agree – We are a very up and down team. I can attribute some of that to youth and a lot I place on the coaching staff. With a young team a coach and his staff has a big influence on the kids. Beyond that I don’t see a lot leadership demonstrated by our vet’s. Specifically I mean Smyth, he has alot to offer and I don’t see him stepping up when we need him. Zues has been a real leader – I wish we could see that in Ryan. Someone said he may be hurt!
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@OldKingsFan, I agree. Brown has gone into funks, but most players go through them at some point during the long season. Smitty has been lost as of late. Hopefully he can get back to form. I was pulling for him last night. Brown stole the show and it eas great to see.
Choralone Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
@OldKingsFan, I thought Smyth looked alright last night – I’m hopeful that points are soon to follow.
KC23 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
@OldKingsFan, Smyth looked nearly himself last night. First time in a while. I wish they would give him a game off to re-charge his batteries. The Avs game would be perfect for that imho.
Shotongoal Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
@Capt Jam, sorry don’t agree about Brown. He has come to play game in and game throughout his career and I can’t think of anyone on this team that seems to care or work as hard as he does. Not scoting goals every night doesn’t mean he’s not giving his best. I can’t believe the negativity that Brown gets here from some people.
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4th line was great last night….All this talk about Moeller first game being good….his other games earlier this year was also very good..a goal and a couple of assists and 3 wins without loses I beleive.
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KC23 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
@neil, Agreed. I was surprised they sent him back down after the first time here. He looked great, but he did look even better this time. I was surprised he could hold his own on the boards with those big SJ forwards.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
@KC23, he seems to have lost that “boy among men” look he used to have. I was looking for ir last night; not sure if it was there early in the season, because I wasnm’t really paying much specific attention to Oscar.
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While I can’t really dispute Quick deserving the 3rd star. I would like to give props to Martinez’s efforts last night. He had the game of on Norris Trophy player. Just a great effort, I would have liked to see it of been recognized with a star. Brown was first star as he should be the Captain lead by example in all aspects of the game, and did everything in his ability to provide the win, and was the unquestionable MVP of the game.
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DougS Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
@luc20rules,
Assists on 2 of the 3 goals, and attention-getting defensive play — you’re right, Martinez definitely had a props-worthy game.
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CupRun2011 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@DougS, …and a great play on Big Joe on that 2-on-1…reminded me of DD last year when he would dive and just got puck…excellent play!
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
@luc20rules, he had a great game last night. It would be perfect timing if his game is evolving right now like it appears it may be. He and Greene were by far the standout blueliners last night.
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CupRun2011 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@Shotongoal, Our 3 D pairing are really gelling at the right time. I would put up our 6 Dmen as a group against any in the NHL right now!
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KC23 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
@luc20rules, Actually, I didn’t think Quick deserved a 3rd star selection. That soft goal in the 3rd ruled him out in my mind. That was a terrible goal to let in, but it was impressive to see him bounce back after that goal.
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Yeah 4th line was effective last night. That’s the type of line that scores big playoff goals.
Outstanding game for Brown. He has to stay consistent with that type of play from here on out.
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my Fav player is Brownie. I Luv how he just STARED down NIEMI at center ice. No twirling circles, or figure eights. The captain stands in DEFIANCE, squares up to Niemi and glares at him just before his shootout goal..what’s going on in that mind? (i’m gonna score on u and make you my lil .#*(@^$(^ NIEMI!!! haha.
The visual sequence, is a man who leads his team, says; NOT here, NOT now, NOT in my building. Mano y Mano.
Damn, you gotta respect that. A sick hockey moment, the game within the game. Here we go boys!!!!
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You could tell that Brown was ready by his indifference during the pre-game interview.
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KC23 Reply:
March 25th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
@Gislaw, I was only up a few rows from the Kings bench and all the Kings were very focused. No kidding around and not much talking. They all had their game faces on the entire game. DD was probably the only one who appeared a little casual at times. DD just can’t help himself when the music starts playing. His head starts bopping and his lips start mouthing the words. He is such a kid.
I saw Moller asking questions to Kopitar and Penner from time to time, but their response almost appeared to say … not now kid, its game time … not making eye contact and skating away from Moller as the conversation came to an abrupt end. Greene looked like he was going to take someones head off at any moment. It was almost like the whole team took up Zues’s personality. Very serious from start to finish.
Even after the game most of the Kings seemed very business like. I was against the glass just above head level at the tunnel where the Kings leave for their dressing room. It felt like the Kings were given a rude talking to before the game, they seemed in a bad mood to me.
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Have an extra ticket for the game. Premier 10 (KINGS defend twice) If interested, please respond here.
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