Tonight’s game story (April 6)

Posted by Rich Hammond on 7 April 2011, 12:29 am

Here’s my LAKings.com game story for tonight, with stats and video included. Thanks for reading…

Kings beat Coyotes 3-2 in shootout

The Kings are scheduled to practice tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo.

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98 Comments

McDonalds says:

April 7, 2011 at 12:32 am

Glad we made the playoffs. Too bad about the injuries…i think we would have made some noise

But i guess anything can happen in the playoffs. Go Kings!

[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 7:52 am
@McDonalds, I was thinking where would the Kings be with out that middle of the season losing streak? This team can still make a little noise. Willy will be back soon and if Quick can steal a few the Kings can still go deep. Once the real season starts anything can happen!

[Reply]
39scars Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@McDonalds, Everone has injuries, make an excuse or make a play

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW says:

April 7, 2011 at 12:36 am

Lets make things happen in the playoffs

Go Kings Go

Lets hunt some Ducks its that time again Duck Season

Go Kings Go

[Reply]
CB14 says:

April 7, 2011 at 12:41 am

Off Topic but, does anyone know the proper time to start growing a playoff beard? I have one now and I want to shave it off and start growing a new playoff beard along with the Kings players. Do I start growing my beard now that they’ve clinched? When they play their last regular season game, or right before their first playoff game? Any info will be helpful, and I encourage all my fellow Kings fans to grow a playoff beard along with our team. Big win tonight boys! Keep up the good work.

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 1:05 am
@CB14, usually when the playoff start that when u dont shave it

I think tho

[Reply]
the_guv Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 1:17 am
@CB14, I’m with ya, this will be my first playoff beard. I think they start growing theirs on the first game day, so I guess that’s when I’ll start mine.

[Reply]
DodgersKings323 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:08 am
@CB14, IT starts NOWWW!!! I wanted to shave but it’s too late now! You keep it the way it is man!

[Reply]
kinglouie Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 7:17 am
@CB14, My son asked me to start growing my playoff beard back in October when the season started. He’s 11, and he wanted me to do something unique. I can’t stand it, but a superstition must be adhered to all the way. It doesn’t come off until mid-June after the parade at Staples Center with the Stanley Cup in Brownie’s hands.

[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 7:55 am
@kinglouie, I started a few weeks ago and I am very proud of it! Wasn’t there a contest on here last here?

[Reply]
Scot Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:41 am
@CB14,

There’s nothing off topic about Kings hockey playoff beards

I think I’m going to go with a playoff ‘stache this year.

My girlfriend can’t wait for it. Luckily, she doesn’t see me much during NHL Playoff season.

[Reply]
M.T. Net Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@Scot, somebody needs to invent a “playoff beard” emoticon!

[Reply]
Dilapidus Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@M.T. Net, Hows this ]]]>

Dilapidus Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@M.T. Net, Never mind.. dagnabit.. emoticons are supposed to be ascii.

KingsGuy Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@CB14, Just thinking about what Mollers beard would look like if he lets that thing grow! Ginger and flesh colored beards, they creap me out! HAHA

[Reply]
Token Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:36 am
@CB14, I’m way ahead of you boys. For me, shaving it off would be the playoff move.

[Reply]
LGK!! says:

April 7, 2011 at 1:15 am

Just cuz I’m feeling silly…. I think we should trade Penner for Frolov

[Reply]
Sammuch says:

April 7, 2011 at 2:26 am

Dear Kings,

Do not grow breads, its never won us anything, do something different?

Just grow very long sideburns…

GO Kings!

[Reply]
c-nut Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:52 am
@Sammuch, or mullets! GO KINGS GO!!!

[Reply]
Bill M. Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@c-nut, Smyth n’ Zues have got that one covered.

[Reply]
Scot Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:44 am
@Sammuch,

My hockey team always grows playoff mustaches for playoffs, so I’m doing that this year..

Wouldn’t mind seeing more players from all teams go with just a stache instead of a full beard.

I liked Doughty’s and Zus’s earlier this year. Stoll would look good with one too.

[Reply]
Cynic says:

April 7, 2011 at 2:45 am

It’s 2:30AM and I’m finally starting to wind down..

MAN this feels GOOD! We needed this one BAD and it was nice to clinch a spot tonight. Now the real work starts.

Richie-Simmer-Cliffy has been a STELLAR line since they’ve been put together. They really are making things happen and I believe Richie has been the catalyst of those three to get things going. Richie has been unbelieveable. If he hasn’t shown his importance to the front office by now, it’ll never happen. No more riding the pine for Richie TM. Leave him on the ice!

Penner was slow in the first. Something was said to him between periods for sure. He was getting a little bit at the bench during the first. He came out and brought the work the rest of the game. I don’t know whether it’s just that he’s a naturally mellow guy or what, but someone needs to put some canned heat under his bench spot each and every game. One thing he better stop doing is that lazy pass stuff. He gave up a few tonight, just because he was trying to be cute. This team survives by making the SAFE play. Now if he wants to start scoring some goals and get us some 3 goal leads once in a while, THEN he can make those foofy passes. Otherwise, stick to the system please.

Oscar Moller needs to sit down with Alec Martinez and discuss what it means to just play without fear. It’s the reason Marty has finally stuck with the team. If Mols does what Alec did, he’ll stay too. Better game for Mols tonight. He should have had one.

I’m almost bummed there’s no shootout in the playoffs, only because of our record in them. We’re NAILS, but playoff hockey is my favorite time of year BECAUSE there’s no shootout.

Quick, you’re a sick man. You scare the crap out of me sometimes, but you can seriously be clutch when you want to be. Nice of DD to help you out tonight though.

Figures that the 2 teams I did NOT want to face in the first round seem to be the ones we’ll face. Either Nashville or Phoenix. Between those two, I’ll take Nashville, thank you very much. Phoenix seems to open up and expose our D- more than most teams. Not sure why, but they do.

If I had to place my order for the playoffs, it would be:

1st Round: Nashville
2nd Round: San Jose
3rd Round: Vancouver

For the Stanley Cup Round: Washington

Not the ideal, but what I think would happen if we went all the way. One step at a time though.

GREAT JOB TONIGHT BOYS!!!!! THANK YOU! LET’S GET HOME ICE!!!!

[Reply]
the_guv Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:57 am
@Cynic, Great post.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 7:28 am
@Cynic,

Everything makes sense!

[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 7:57 am
@Cynic,
dude all i know is that if we play the Preds, I’m totally flying down from NY to watch a game there

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:14 am
@Cynic, if we in 4th we be facing Canucks Round 2

[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@KingsFanFTW, The way I see it, Here’s how I think that would shake out:

1. VAN
2. SJ
3. DET
4. LAK
5. NSH
6. PHX
7. ANA
8. CHI or DAL

VAN vs CHI/DAL = VAN
SJ vs ANA = SJ
DET vs PHX = PHX (Upset)
LAK vs NSH = LAK

2nd round

VAN vs PHX = VAN
SJ vs LAK = LAK

3rd Round

VAN vs LAK = LAK

That is how I saw it if we make an all the way run. We’d only face VAN in the 2nd round if the top 4 all advance, which I think PHX can beat Detroit, especially with the goaltending troubles of DET right now. Just my thought.

[Reply]
Scot Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:50 am
@Cynic,

I loved your post too.

I do think Moller has come a long way. I LOVE his patience with the puck in the offensive zone in tight. He created some nice scoring chances for himself using patience. Bryzgalov made a great blocker save on him in the 3rd, I believe, but there is no question Moller has NHL skill. Hopefully, he is able to snatch a spot with the Kings next season. If not, he will somewhere else.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@Cynic, Phoenix, in my opinion, is the same kind of team, but with less talent (and a better coach.) I think that’s why they play the Kings tough–they’re a mirror image. Any game between them can go either way most nights–especially without Kopitiar. Frankly, I like the Kings chances most against them without him, since they probably won’t get a shot at Dallas, even if they do manage to get in. Nashville, on the other hand, disturbs me. They give the Kings fits even with a full compliment of players.

[Reply]
DodgersKings323 says:

April 7, 2011 at 3:14 am

Ceeeelleeebrate good times come on!!
Dun dun dun, dun dun dun

[Reply]
Sean says:

April 7, 2011 at 3:20 am

Rich….

How about an interview from Anze? Id like to see how hes doing…recovering and thoughts of the Kings games….that possible?

[Reply]
baby23 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:43 am
@Sean, Rich, I agree with Sean. Please if possible give us an update on Kopi. I hear every morning on my XM 204 updates about every injured top player, but so far nothing on our Kopi… Thanks Rich!

[Reply]
grega11 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@baby23,

Anže had an interview for slovenian media a couple of days ago. He had high praise for the doctors and Kings` (medical) staff. He said the surgery went very well, that there were no complications and that he would soon wear an orthopedic booth. So good news there.

He is staying in LA for now and the hardest thing for him is watching the games and not being able to help his team. Right now he is the Kings` biggest fan. The goal is fourth place and homecourt advantage and than go round by round. And that they CAN go far in the playoffs.

[Reply]
M.T. Net Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@grega11, “homecourt” hahaha. just make sure jack nicholson’s seat is reserved.

grega11 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@M.T. Net, “home-ice” advantage? sorry, sometimes I just can`t find the right word…
KC23 says:

April 7, 2011 at 3:44 am

This group might not be the most talented group around, but no one can question their heart. Most impressive. They had to beat Dallas and Phoenix and they did both. Looking forward to William’s return.

[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 7:58 am
@KC23, Too bad the Dodgers dont have the kind of heart the Kings have shown the last 2 seasons. You know, the Dodgers..the team that leaves men on base, the team that hits solo shot home runs, the team team who”s pitchers who crumble like a cookie at the slightest hint of adversity. Ned Colletti needs to sit down with Dean Lombardi and take a crash course in acquiring some players with heart.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@puck73, Frankly, aside from the season when Gibby hit the homer out of the stadium, I never really thought the Dodgers ever had any heart–maybe in the 70′s.

[Reply]
c-nut says:

April 7, 2011 at 5:00 am

To all you Dustin Brown haters that complain about the one man rushes, saying its selfish and unproductive. If you don’t see that it is a CAPTAIN showing his team what HAS TO HAPPEN in order to GET THE JOB DONE! So from now on just SSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 6:16 am
@c-nut,

And apropos to your post, I just watched the highlights. Giving up a goal within two mins of scoring one is bad enough…. but giving one up after a Bobby Clarke moment by your captain…. that’s just really a shame. I think that. It’s a shame. I watched the goal (Stempniak) carefully and as some people had commented it did seem that JJ missed his assignment so Mitchell was left high and dry. You rarely see Mitchell sort of floating around in no mans land and screening the goalie like he did. That being said, they would know better than I who really missed the assignment.

[Reply]
Zim Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:22 am
@number 6,

Watch the tape again. Stolli passed up mitchy on the dump in. Had Mitchy been there instead of Solli this goal would have not happened. Old school D needs to learn to not pinch when the opposing player dumps the puck. Wingers/center to funnel the skater to dump the puck then D hustles down to get the puck. Watch the new schoolers do it. Marty and JJ do it right

TPW!!!

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:41 am
@Zim,

Texas Parks and Wildlife?

Scot Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:52 am
@c-nut,

I am one of the complainers about this. Let’s be honest here, 9 out of 10 times, that play leads to either no shot, shot wide, or blocked shot. However, last night it worked beautifully, and full marks to Brownie for making it happen. That was grabbing the bull by the horns. I was cheering as loud as any Kings fan during that goal.

[Reply]
number 6 says:

April 7, 2011 at 6:18 am

Also, very impressive work by Clifford, Simmer and Richie. They really did look strong on the puck, and actually went to the prime scoring areas. That’s the only way you’re gonna make things work for a team that is so well known for otherwise cycling and then sending pucks to the point. It gets teams more on their heels.

[Reply]
Zim Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@number 6,
Agree with you on Cliffy. Kid can play no question.

Team Party Wave!!!

Hockey club

[Reply]
vplaza says:

April 7, 2011 at 6:37 am

Let’s hope the team doesn’t suffer a letdown now that they know they’re in. I’d love to hand the Quacks two straight losses to end the year.

[Reply]
IceGuy says:

April 7, 2011 at 6:39 am

Here’s a good trivia stat:
Which Western Conference team plays two goalies without masks in the same game?

Drew’s “kick out” save last night may well define this young man’s career.

And as for Clifford …
The image I had of him for this year was his wide-eyed, wild-eyed celebration scream at the fans in Section 106 after a goal. Feeling a lot like Terry Murray, I’m changing that to him fighting off a defenseman while driving up the right side boards, KICKING the puck up ice. Henceforth, Cliffy will be known as “Stick” in our house.

[Reply]
c-nut Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 7:19 am
@IceGuy, “Stick” is going to be a MONSTER for years to come! Glad hes sporting a Kings jersey, and hopefully for many years!

[Reply]
Puckman says:

April 7, 2011 at 7:21 am

Are the Kings practice open to the public by any chance?

[Reply]
Howe 9 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Puckman,
Yes they always are. You can sit by the ice where it’s cooler you can sit up top where it’s warm. They also have a concession stand there if you get hungry. Go – it’s fun.

[Reply]
alma Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@Puckman, That is, as long as they are at the Toyota Sports Center… I’d think that once playoffs roll around, they will start skating at the Stapler, and those are closed to the public.

[Reply]
gcheng says:

April 7, 2011 at 7:27 am

now that we are in the playoffs, DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? =)

miracle in manchester video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hoc9UWJbtuI

SWEETNESS

[Reply]
DesertKing says:

April 7, 2011 at 7:32 am

It was so nice to wake up thismorning, knowing we had won, knowing we were in the playoffs, and listening to the sports guy on KFI say that we had clinched a playoff spot while the Smucks had won but had still not clinched. Just a beautiful way to start the day. Now lets win the last two and lock down our home ice.

[Reply]
Hesperia STH Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@DesertKing, The sports guy on KFI use to be a King announcer. Rich Marotta was the color commentator with Bob Miller in the 80′s, so he stil seems to care for the team. I would love for us to rip the Quacks hearts out, sorry they don’t have hearts, I mean rip out their gizzards and stomp them all over the ice. However, I really do wish we would of drafted Perry over Boyle and Tambellini.

[Reply]
Munchrat says:

April 7, 2011 at 7:44 am

How sweet it is to see the X next to the Kings’ name in the standings!

[Reply]
boxtime17 says:

April 7, 2011 at 7:47 am

OMG…

Unless we sweep the Quacks this weekend…..there’s a very good chance we will be playing them in the first round!! GO KINGS GO!!

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:15 am
@boxtime17, i dont think so cause the preds or the Coyotes play back to back the same day as we play the Ducks

[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@boxtime17, Really the only way the Kings would play the Ducks is if the Predators and Coyotes both lost both of their remaining games – very unlikely.

[Reply]
boxtime17 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:30 am
@bbb7,
not if we lose both game to the Ducks…..Yotes will lose two to the Sharks…
Preds might split… watch and see. Quacks have the edge in the tie-breaker..

[Reply]
KFII says:

April 7, 2011 at 8:05 am

Bring on the Quacks! Keep the intensity up boys, four more points to go.

[Reply]
gcheng says:

April 7, 2011 at 8:19 am

now that we have an official energy line, next year would be amazing

penner-kopi-williams (1st)
smyth-loki-brown (2nd)
lewis-schenn-stoll (all center shutdown line)
clif-rich-simmons (energy line)

[Reply]
boxtime17 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@gcheng,

taking bets against that lineup!

[Reply]
KC23 says:

April 7, 2011 at 8:21 am

Even if the Kings split with the Ducks they have a very good chance of ending up 4th. Yotes have a home and home with SJ (who is still trying for 2nd seed) and the Preds last games are against Columbus at home, but the next night they have to play the Blues in St. Louis.

Should be an interesting finish.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 8:36 am
@KC23,

If SJ keeps playing their back-up and is taking a mini-vacation before theplayoffs like they did against the Smucks last night, the Yotes could easily end up with 4 points. SJ should have shredded the Smucks defense last night.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@DesertKing,

Nah, Yotes don’t have any line like the Perry line. Not likely to happen, especially two games in a row.

[Reply]
puck73 says:

April 7, 2011 at 8:22 am

I gotta say one more thing, and this is in reference to Jon Quick. I have been a fan since 73, a long time, and in all these years, I dont think I have ever seen a Kings goaltender that has more zest for competition, and a never quit attitude then this guy. Does he give up some soft goals ? Yes, but this guy absolutely digs in deep and keeps his team in the game and just refuses to lose close games. I wonder how many of you realize just how amazing 10 and 0 is in the shootout ? And he has beaten some of the best, guys like Bryzgalov, Miller, Kipprusoff, and Niemi. As far as Bernier goes, he is great in his own way, and probably more tecqnically sound in alot of areas but I will tell you this…He may challenge Quick hard in the coming seasons, but after what I have seen I will tell you what..I wouldnt bet against Quick, because this guy will probably try even harder…Lucky for us fans !

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@puck73,

I like JQ. And this has been a great season for him. And yes, 10-0 in shootouts is amazing. The Kings are in the playoffs again in large part because of him.

But, I have to say that I’ve also seen a number of games this year where he has gotten rattled by early or quick goals. He got happy feet and wasn’t able to settle down.

Like I said, I like him. He’s already proved that he is better than last year by not suffering a major dropoff after the all-star break (having Bernier as the backup this year probably helped). And I’m not a “JB is the savior” person. I just wanted to say that JQ can improve on a number of things: fewer softies, don’t get rattled, improve puck handling, give up fewer juicy rebounds, etc.

This probably comes off sounding negative, but really just saying he’s really good, but also has room for improvement.

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:39 am
@puck73, yea both Goalies are great we cant throw none of them under a bus

Bernier just as good as Quick and Quick just as good as Bernier pretty much equal in their own way

Quick god in Shootouts

Bernier getting better and better each game he playing..

Very happy with the Goalies DL pick out for us

good to be a Kings Fans

[Reply]
M.T. Net Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@KingsFanFTW, remember that DL selected Bernier & that Quick was already in our system. I think it is a credit to DL that he hasn’t rushed Bernier in. Quick still has room for improvement. We all know he lets in softies sometimes (who doesn’t?) and his puck handling usually results in me screaming and throwing stuff at my TV…but he is a gamer. I hope that he works on his shortcomings. I’ll take him over anybody I’ve ever seen in a Kings uniform (although Potvin & Hrudey had nice little runs in their day). Face it, our only chance at winning the cup is if Quick plays OUT OF HIS MIND. I’d love to see it.

[Reply]
Adamic39 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@puck73, You forgot beating Tim Thomas in the shootout.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@puck73, As far as 10 – 0 goes that is a two part story. Shooters are half the story. While I have been bagging on Stoll of late, but he is money on shoot outs (why he doesn’t use that wrist shot more in non shoot out situations in beyond me). Nine straight goals in shoot outs, that is nuts.

I’m still on the fence with Quick and Bernier. Until I see consistent strong play in playoff situations I won’t be completely sold on either.

[Reply]
KingsFan in OC says:

April 7, 2011 at 8:43 am

I am still pumped after that game last night! Great win boys! Now let’s take it to the Quacks!!! I would love to take both games against Anaslime and have other teams fall the right way and knock Perry & Co. out of the playoff picture. It’s a long shot, but it could happen. These two games are going to be intense!

Keep it up boys! GO KINGS! Let’s go after that 4th spot!

And… GO IRISH! This afternoon in the Frozen Four!

[Reply]
KFII says:

April 7, 2011 at 8:50 am

So, I wonder how the green room experience turned out? Must of been some intense celebrating going on in that section. Did they make it on TV? I left the room during the intermissions.

I’m disappointed that we will not have Bob and Jim calling the next game. Only one more game this year for Bob and Jim. I sure wish they could call some of the playoff games. As much as I want the Kings to win both of the last two games, if they can only win one, I hope it’s the last game so the fans in the green room section will have a winning experience and Bob and Jim’s last game will be a winner too.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@KFII,

Haven’t seen many postings from those who said they were going. Must have been a really good time and I would have loved to have been with them to listen to all the comments during the shootout.

[Reply]
KFII Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@DesertKing, Yeah, with all that free booze, they are probably still hugging the bed, sleeping it off. LOL

Man I just realized, on top of not getting Bob and Jim for our next game, it isn’t even offered in HD. I guess I’m getting spoiled. But my eyes need all the help they can get!

[Reply]
Blurker Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@KFII, Add to that the fact that the game is on KDOC in STANDARD DEFINITION and it will be nearly unwatchable.

Oh, and assuming they keep the same plan as last year, the first round will be on FSN, so Bob and Jim will get to call those games

[Reply]
KFII Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:42 am
@Blurker, I like that plan. GKG!

[Reply]
alma Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@KFII, It was ok… tickets were in section 108… fun part was being able to stand in the walkway between the locker room and the ice and high-five the players as they go out… Cliffy is pretty entertaining to watch as he is so pumped up and excited to go out and do battle… Ian Turnbull was the alum present in the room… I did it to say I’ve done it, but I prefer my half season arrangement.

[Reply]
vplaza says:

April 7, 2011 at 8:55 am

Off-topic…..was watching NHL Overtime this morning…towards the end, they did their Coast To Coast segment. Surprise, their coast to coast highlights went from the Atlantic coast to…Carolina? No highlights from the Quacks game, no mention of the Kings clinching, nothing.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@vplaza, Typical.

[Reply]
Scot says:

April 7, 2011 at 8:55 am

Who wants my field level Dodgers tickets on Friday night the 15th against the Cardinals IF the Kings have a home game that night? Free parking as well..

If anyone says they want them, SHAME ON YOU!

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@Scot, I tried to watch some baseball the other day. OMG it is boring compared to hockey. I grew up loving the Dodgers too, but geez the entertainment value is not even in the same league (if you’ll pardon the expression).

[Reply]
crashin' da net says:

April 7, 2011 at 9:01 am

Way to go boys! Amazing what can happen when you actually pass to the middle and not just bang from the points.

We all know Kopi wasn’t scoring that much anyway and probably a larger contributor on defense rather than offense. Give good opportunity and experience to the young guys to step up, produce, and learn. Everyone stepping up. Richardson not scoring but really do everything else > 100%. It will be difficult to take even 1 game from the Ducks this week but it is possible.

And we only have one Dustin on this team. Thought we had two but guess I was wrong. Maybe we can find another for the Ducks games but I doubt it.

Thank you Quicker.

Hey Terry/Kompon, how we doing on that new and improved PP? Heavy shot, 40+ SOG per game and all……I thought so. Stiil, no one thinks twice about taking a penalty against us. It’s no penalty at all.

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@crashin’ da net,

Huh? Kopi wasn’t scoring much? He may not have 50 goals, but his 73 total points were pretty important and will be impossible to replace. Not sure if you’re trying to rationalize his loss, but seems to me that minimizing his value offensively is a bit misplaced.

[Reply]
rick Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@vplaza, Totally agree with you. Any efforts to minimize Kopi’s importance will be summarily rejected.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:29 am
@crashin’ da net,
Hey Terry/Kompon, how we doing on that new and improved PP? Heavy shot, 40+ SOG per game and all……I thought so. Stiil, no one thinks twice about taking a penalty against us. It’s no penalty at all.

You do realize there’s no Kopi or JW..just the 2 best offensive players we have.
They’ll get the occasional pp goal and you hope it’s a big one, but don’t expect consistency when you lose your 2 best.

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KC23 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@crashin’ da net, If I had to pick one player not to lose it would be Kopitar. nough said about what I think about it.

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crashin' da net Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@KC23, Kopi was the last person I wanted to be out. But to be fair, unfortunately he was forced to play such a defensive role that his offensive contributions were not nearly as high as we expected and in fact needed. I think he was just as valuable as a defensive player than as offensive. Our GF/GA (rather anemic offensive #s) prove that. If I’m not mistaken, his production as of late on the SO’s were even going down. I think JW was contributing more than Kopi has for a while there. Our scoring has been rather balanced across a # of players (thankfully).

We were no scoring on the PP without him just like we were not scoring with him. And it’s not him but the system. Agreed, nuf said.

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nykingfan says:

April 7, 2011 at 9:33 am

nice…2 years in a row going to the playoffs. I can get used to this!
Congrats to the players, coaches, GM. Well done.
Gotta love the way Clifford plays. Every play he goes full out. It was nice to see him get rewarded and what a time for it. Simmer’s starting to look like the old Simmer playing with these guys. That’s great to see. I think this line can be a force come playoff time.

GO KINGS!

[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@nykingfan,

I really do hope that Simmer continues his good play. He’s had such an enigmatic season, it would be nice to have him turn it on at the right time.

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nykingfan Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@vplaza,
Yeah..he’s struggled for whatever reason, but a strong playoff will erase those memories quickly.

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puck73 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@nykingfan, Kings hockey is just not the same without Andre St. Laurent !

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nykingfan Reply:
April 8th, 2011 at 8:22 am
@puck73,
LMFAO
No it isn’t bro!

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alma says:

April 7, 2011 at 9:55 am

Dewey and Simmer need to find new roommates… quieter, more mature ones…

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@alma, You’d think they might room with line mates/defensive pairs, at least on the road. Dewey could benefit from that, I suppose.

[Reply]
poe says:

April 7, 2011 at 10:37 am

Hi, Henny Penny here Now that we know the sky is not falling, how about silencing the Quack Quacks

Oh, you say it’s going to be tough w/o a PP? Let the guys come up with one or two or three

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tellmeY says:

April 7, 2011 at 10:40 am

nothing on the NHL website about us clinching either…that’s annoying.

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KC23 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@tellmeY, NHL.com did have it listed, but it was just the usual game highlights with the caption of the Kings clinching.

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