Some notes from last night’s game…
– The Kings evened their best-of-seven first-round series with a 4-0 victory over San Jose in Game 2 on Saturday night at HP Pavilion.
– The series is tied 1-1 going into Game 3 on Tuesday night at Staples Center.
– The Kings had not won a playoff game by more than two goals since a 4-1 victory over Montreal in Game 1 of the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals. Their last playoff win by four or more goals was a 9-4 victory over Calgary in Game 5 of the 1993 first round.
– Jonathan Quick made 34 saves for his first career playoff shutout and the sixth playoff shutout in Kings franchise history. Felix Potvin had three of the previous five, inlacing the last one, on April 25, 2002, a 1-0 overtime win over Colorado in the first round. Terry Sawchuk shut out Minnesota in 1968 and Rogie Vachon shut out Atlanta in 1976.
– Drew Doughty had two goals and two assists, which tied the franchise record for most points in a playoff game by a defenseman. Doughty had one goal and three assists in Game 3 against Vancouver last year. Paul Coffey had a four-point game in 1992. The franchise record for most points in a playoff game is five, most recently set by Wayne Gretzky and Tomas Sandstrom in 1990). Doughty has five goals and six assists in eight career playoff games.
– The Sharks outshot the Kings 34-23, including 15-10 in the first period.
– The Kings went 2-for-6 on the power play and 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. In the series, the Kings are 3-for-9 on the power play and 7-for-7 on the penalty kill.
– Jack Johnson had one goal and one assist. Johnson has one goal and eight assists in eight career playoff games.
– Kyle Clifford had one goal and one assist, for the first playoff points of his career.
– Ryan Smyth had one assist, for his second assist of the series. Smyth has 26 goals and 30 assists in 89 career playoff games.
– Brad Richardson had one assist, for his first point of the series. Richardson has two goals and two assists in 17 career playoff games.
– Michal Handzus had one assist, for his first point of the series. Handzus has 10 goals and 21 assists in 68 career playoff games.
– Rob Scuderi had one assist, for his first point of the series. Scuderi has one goal and eight assists in 57 career playoff games.
– Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Brad Richardson each recorded a team-high three shots on goal. Dustin Brown was credited with a game-high seven hits and Doughty was credited with a game-high four blocked shots.
– Drew Doughty played a team-high 24 minutes, 31 seconds. Michal Handzus led all Kings forwards in ice time at 20:48.
– The Kings won 28 of 70 faceoffs (40 percent).
Drew is a big time player. Many people gave this kid hell all season when he went through struggles. 5 goals and six assists in 8 lifetime playoff games. I will never sweat Drew’s game, what he does is simply amazing.
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NoDoughty Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Michael_DD8,
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pr0cess Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@Michael_DD8, Drew was also giving himself the same hell, people know he is great and were just venting there frustrations
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wavesinair Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Michael_DD8,
^ No Dought-y
It’s amazed me this season how shortsighted some are about his game. It’s like they have no clue how lucky we are to have a player like that on this team for years to come. Growth is necessary and with that mistakes happen. He’s still so young.
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@wavesinair,
I think you’ll find a lot of new Kings fans based on our success last season. I find a lot of the blog-commenting crowd, and I mean this in the least offensive way possible, does not understand the game of hockey very well yet. I have seen so many people call for Drew’s head this year… where are they all now? Anyone who is impatient with a 21 year old who plays the NHL defense position like this kid does, simply does not understand the maturation process involved in learning the game at this level. There are a lot of “fans” who will accept nothing less than perfection, and expect Doughty to be Lidstrom at all times, no excuses, no matter what.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Everytime I watch him, even when he makes mistakes, all I think of is Ray Bourque.
KC23 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Pretty much exactly my take about the fans as well. JJ hardly gets talked about, but DD gets trashed on the boards when DD has proven to be a far better hockey player. Just knee jerk reactions to individual plays as opposed to season long trends taking into account 5 on 5 and plus/minus over time.
mcsorleyfan Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, a lot of that seems to result in a desire to participate in the chat- with a hop on the bandwagon and “easy observations”, i.e. DD was a Norris candidate last year, isn’t this year, therefore he mustn’t care, must be overweight, whatever. Noob fans want to feel a part of it all.
FdoFmFull Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@Michael_DD8, Just think of what other teams’ GMs think when they see Drew at his best. What would they do to acquire Drew Doughty and watch him blossom into one of the most complete players (notice I didn’t say defenseman) in the league!
When Drew plays within himself and his teammates understand what they have to do to support his play, it is a thing of beauty. In a way, Drew’s game will not only get better as he grows and matures, but also as the team around him also gets better in terms of skill and all around hockey savvy. Drew has the potential to become a dominant NHL player.
PS: one of the overlooked qualities by most fans is Drew’s defensive skills. He needs to improve in taking on fast, skilled puck carrieres by anticipating and taking better angles. Otherwise, his play around the net is good and improving. His atheletism sometimes blows me away, yet most don’t see that some of the things he does don’t grow on trees!
gKg!
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Lets keep this shot mentality through to the next game Drew!
Great game!
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The game was inspiring to the fans at The Hooters in West Covina. You might have been able to hear the chants all the way west on the 10 andNorth up the 101 Freeway to Norcal! Go Kings Go, Let’s Go kings and Let’s Go Bailey were on full blast as the Kings are now 3-0-0 when hosting parties there this season. 2 regular season victories and now 1 20-11 Playoff win. G
Kings fans get to Staples Center early on tuesday!!!! I’ll be with Marty Mcsorley and Glenn Murray on the stage outside before the game! Look for us, Bailey and the Kings ice Crew! -Jay Flats
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pr0cess Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@JAY FLATS, Wow is that really you?? If so welcome to the best blog in the league!!
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@JAY FLATS, Cool,,I grew up in West Covina,,,but moved to Long Beach GKG
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variable Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@JAY FLATS,
well…
it’s good to know that hockey was the source of the attending fan’s “inspiration” at…eh, um…hooters…
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Even Penner got his legs moving!
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3 for 9 on the power play. 7 for 7 on the penalty kill. nuff said. gotta keep that up to win this series.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@gboi,
Perfect analysis. Add “consistency” to Kings effort and play and we will do fine. We are planning on getting to Staples a little early on Tuesday to enjoy the playoff atmosphere. GKG!
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blugator Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@gboi, Wow, Kompon is our savior. I see a 4 year extention, with a raise, coming soon.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@blugator,
Lol I hope you’re being sarcastic… Kompon is definitely our savior. The PP is still STAGNANT.
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blugator Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
@tacomakingsfan, Yes … extreme sarcasm.
Dan SanDonkey Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@blugator, Not a chance
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Bob Bobson Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@gboi, My thoughts exactly. If we are going to win this series it will have to be on backs of our specialty teams. Hopefully the Kings can keep it up…
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Drew had a great game, but is not as amazing as people keep claiming’ He cost us game 1 and takes way to many bad penalties! He also turns the puck over way to much at the blue line! He will be one of the top defenseman in the game once he corrects a few of his flaws! With that said, playoffs create legends! Hopefully Doughty keeps playing like he did last night
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Kyle Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:26 am
@pokerdan, I think you’re being too tough on Drew! You also use too darned many exclamation points!
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@pokerdan, He’s 21 years old playing the most difficult position on the ice against the most difficult opponents.
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KC23 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@pokerdan, We win and lose as a team. Saying DD cost us game one is a phenomenal gross overstatement imho. The one obvious mistake DD made our goal tender let a soft tweener. Just as much his fault if not more.
Martinez let himself get caught deep on the OT winner. Just as glairing a mistake as DDs. Richardson’s inability to finish on two seperate occations that would of won us the game cost us 2 goals.
We could play the blame game all night long, but in the end it’s no one players fault … and it never is.
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Clifford’s development is great news for Kyle and Kings. Playoff hockey fits his game to a tee!
He just needs to remember to keep it simple and continue to bring his A-effort. I saw him try a no-look pass that resulted in a turn over yesterday – this, he needs to avoid.
What’s exciting to me is the part of his game that will need a year or two more to develop, and that is, in being comfortable enough on the puck to attempt power moves to the net, either on the rush or off the cycle. His center of gravity is so low and powerful, that few opponents will be able to keep him from his intended target. He has the makings of an excellent 2nd or 3rd line winger that will make room for his teammates with his strength, power, and determination. BTW, his defensive game is getting better all the time and he has a good sense for backchecking.
Right now though, a diamond-in-the-rough…
gKg!
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Eric Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@FdoFmFull, He’s definitely a rarity… Great pick by Lombardi
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KC23 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@FdoFmFull, Excellent take of Clifford’s game. Probably a 3rd line player, but a dam good one. I’m so glad we made the playoffs this year so that guys like Clifford and Martinez get that all important playoff experience.
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Difference with this year’s team v last year’s:
Clifford
Westgarth
No Randy Jones
Experience
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NealyBoy Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@Eric, No kopitar.
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Itsari Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@Eric,
maybe it’s just me but as soon as Westy started running his mouth near the end of the 1st period in Game 1, the Sharks just kinda…..backed down I guess. Maybe I’m reading too much into it
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Eric Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Itsari, I agree
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Itsari Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@Eric,
Westy for MVP!!
Eric Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@Eric, Westy for Conn Smythe!
Itsari Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Eric,
Same kind of topic, but looks like John Scott is suiting up for Chicago. Wonder if that will do anything???
Eric Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@Eric, Vancouver has been outjitting the Hawks, so why not! Every team should dress an enforcer period, and teams that don’t should be punished by having our enforcer target their skill players
Belexes Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@Itsari,
Would love to know what Westy was sayin to Eager last night at the 15:00 mark of the 3rd. Westy was doin all the talkin, and Eager was politely listening. LOL
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Itsari, You are…but he hasn’t hurt the team. He has done his job and played halfway decent hockey in the meantime.
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KC23 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@Itsari, I think its time we King’s fans take a step back and re-evaluate Westy’s play. He has shown a marked improvement in his positioning on the ice and his speed is not that bad which is unusal for an enforcer.
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I just read that Bobby Ryan said he’s never had any kind of intent or reckless behavior on the ice. Can someone remind me… wasn’t there an incident between him and Moller about a year or so ago?
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Lori Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@number 6, You remember correctly. Ryan took a run at Moller in the last few seconds of a game the Ducks had no chance of winning.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@number 6, Intent doesn’t have anything to do with it. A high sticking penalty isn’t taken of the boards because you didn’t intend to hit someone in the face with your stick.
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McSwarley Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@number 6,
Having been at that game, and watching the video. There’s not a doubt in my mind that Ryan had every intent to injure Moller.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n63AtqWAqFg
I’d rather forget about Bobby Ryan. Our Kings, without Kopitar or Stoll, shutout the Sharks!
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I’m very happy with Penner’s game last night. He gave it all. And it doesn’t matter whether he scores or not, we Kings fans appreciate his effort cause we are not Ducks or Sharks fans.
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Itsari Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@goldielocks,
Didn’t look like Doug Murray appreciated his game too much
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Token Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@Itsari, All Penner needs to do is stay on Meathead Murray. That opens the whole zone up for the rest of the guys.
Keep it up Penns!
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@Token, This is an excellent point. Penner is the only guy we have (other than Westgarth) with the size Murray has. If Penner can wear down that big body through the course of the series, it should open up others to create…should.
No matter what……this team is special!
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I though Clowe deserved to be the Kings 3rd star since he seemed to motivate Doughty by taking all those cheapshot penalties against him. Thank you Clowe.
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KC23 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@jdm77, Very good call. He was the worst player on the ice for both teams. Extremely dumb penalties and on the PK too afraid to block shots.
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The Kings won by being discipllined.
It may not always pay off but it was great to see the team move on after every cheap shot SJ took, play team defense and forego the risky play like Doughty’s missed hip-check on Couture in game 1, and keep moving the puck deep into the O-zone.
San Jose were particularly cheaty last night and there were many missed calls.
But our discipline really made the difference.
SJ may have played poorly and we shouldn’t expect more easy victories, but we’ll give ourselves a chance.
Keep a steady disciplined approach and take it one shift at a time.
Gotta give Penner some credit for his effort, and even Westgarth. Westgarth just needs to keep his wits and, for pete’s sake, always put the puck deeper in the zone and quit passing towards you’re own net.
Plus, I don’t always like TM’s system but it gives you a chance no matter who suits up.
Finally, Kopi’s brother looks like his twin. How old is he and is he even close to Kopi in talent?
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goldielocks Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@Cristobal,
Gasper Kopitar is 5 years younger than Anze. He is currently playing with Des Moines Buccaneers in USHL. Statistics of 2010-2011 season with Buccaneers are 12 G, 12 A, 24 PT, +1 in 55 GP.
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inlacing?
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Five goals in eight games ties Paul Coffey for the fastest amongst defenseman,
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