If the Kings are looking for someone to rally around, emotionally, they might cast an eye toward Ryan Smyth, who has played a team-high 90 career playoff games. In fact, he’s got a wide lead, as Michal Handzus is second in that category, with 69 games. Smyth has been to the playoffs 11 times, including one trip to the Stanley Cup Finals (with Edmonton in 2006), so there’s probably little he hasn’t seen in the postseason. Smyth shared his thoughts on the Kings’ need for a bounce-back effort in Game 4…
SMYTH: “We, as a group, have got to be determined here in Game 4, to change back the series. Obviously every team has some younger guys and every team has some older guys. You want to utilize that experience and spread it to the younger guys, to allow them to overcome it in a situation like this. I feel like the guys woke up (after Game 3) and dusted it off and were prepared for practice, and we’re excited about (Game 4). … We’re in control of our destiny. It’s a seven-game series and we, as a group in this locker room, believe that we can win. It’s just a matter of competing from period-to-period. We can’t look past the first period (of Game 4).”
I’m really looking forward to seeing how well they’ve actually bounced back. So far this series could be 2-1 or even 3-0 LA if overtime had gone our way. Tie it up tonight boys!
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 9:45 am
@RabidZiggy,
1-8 in overtime, not counting shootouts. Overtime rarely goes our way.
Put last game behind us and even the series tonight. We have a young team and sometimes u need games like game 3 to learn how to win. Learn how to hold on to leads when the other team is throwing everything they got at you.
Go kings!
[Reply]
Looking for a win tonight,
[Reply]
The bounce-back effort needs:
1. Win faceoffs in your own zone.
2. Don’t take stupidly long shifts.
3. Be strong on the puck, forcing the other team to waste energy trying to get it away from you. Get that cycle going.
4. Take advantage of PP opportunities.
5. Help your goaltender out by playing your man and clearing rebounds.
6. Kill penalties the way you killed them most of the year.
7. Take good shots at their keeper (i.e. cut back on the wide shots).
I realize that’s easier said than done, but this team just doesn’t have the firepower to play loosey goosey with the Sharks.
[Reply]
Chris Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 9:28 am
@vplaza, 8. Bench Penner
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 9:31 am
@Chris, 9) cover that 3rd/4th man trailing the play!
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:15 am
@Stuart,
THANK YOU! AGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! that damn late man, every time! lol
Sebastian Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:35 am
@Stuart, maybe the kings could steal that play and execute it themselves. its pretty damn effective.
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Sebastian, we would have to have at least 3 guys with speed on the ice at the same time… not us right now. But in the near future, I can see that as being a play in our arsenal.
Another thing to watch on that play by the sharts is that amount of times they shoot it wide… THEY DON’T. We would be shooting wide all night leading to breaks the other way with our guys caught.
we just don’t have the personnel for that type of movement right now.
vplaza Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Chris,
LOL, I forgot about that. Bench the Tin Man.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 9:54 am
@vplaza, thats everything they DID do in game 2. Good call
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:47 am
@vplaza,
CRASH THE NET!! Last game in the first and earlyin the second period, we were going to the net and scored (alot!). As we lost control, we went back to taking shots from the point which didn’t work. We are a big team that lacks the skill levelof SJ. Crashing the net and using our size works to our advantage. can’t ait for tonight’s game and GKG!
[Reply]
germankingsfan Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:56 am
@vplaza, You forgot keep Penner on the bench!!!!
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:09 am
@germankingsfan, I actually thought the way Penner was playing from the 2nd half of game 1 until the Kings built the 4-0 lead was the best he has looked as a King, except maybe the first few games after the trade. I hope the lousy play after the building of the 4-0 lead, was a team wide deal and not just Penner going back to his invisible ways. I can’t fault him when the whole team pretty much failed. Now depending on what he does tonight and the team, we will see.
[Reply]
Choralone Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:58 am
@vplaza, Use the boards, make the safe pass, don’t leave the zone without the puck, get it in deep, cycle, be patient….
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:05 am
@vplaza, Don’t take stupid penalties, especially if you have the lead.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Jeff,
Tin Man, are you listening?
[Reply]
We need a HUGE bounce back boys! Being a Kings fan it has been hard hearing all those hockey critics and being the joke of the hockey world past couple of days. It was just a game, we’ll show them what we’re made of! GO KINGS GO!!!!
[Reply]
PubRat13 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:02 am
@KingStanley, Even as unbelievable as the other night was as a Sharks fan, I still felt bad for the Kins and their fan base. For the past 8 years it has been the Sharks who have been the collective playoff joke in the NHL. People calling us underachievers, failures, that we dissapear when it matters most and that guys like Thornton and Marleau have no heart. The sad thing is, this year is no different, anything but a Cup will be seen as a failure. In a league that is very East coast bias, Kings and Sharks fans are passionate and love their teams and we both HATE the Ducks. I think the fan bases are very similar and whether we lose in the 1st round or raise the Cup, I will be writing that check to renew my season tixs next year. Best of luck bro, will be fun to see how this thing shakes out!
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:22 am
@PubRat13,
OMG!
A sharks fan I can almost like.
Major points for the Ducks comment.
Tonight will be very interesting.
But, if you will allow …
GO Kings GO!
[Reply]
PubRat13 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:32 am
@IceGuy, Absolutely! Good luck and if you ever make it up to The Tank, beer on me!
KC23 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:48 am
@PubRat13, Great post and yes we have common ground regarding dealing with East coast bias.
[Reply]
Penner, if you are reading this, it’s time to tuck ‘em and show us the DP that we all believed and hoped that you would be. I’ll be more impressed with you as a player that has a SC ring if you are able to do it again, with another team, and when you weren’t expected to succeed – and I bet hockey fans around the world will feel the same way. Make us proud … and don’t give us an excuse to ship you off in the off-season like the other underachievers that have worn the crown recently (Frolov, O’Sullivan, Cammaleri, etc.). That is all. Go Kings.
[Reply]
Starting to get over the other night. Can’t believe how much weighed on me after that game. Felt like some awful hangover.
But with how the team is reacting I feel pretty confident in them again. Regardless, these are our Kings and we will support them.
Kick some ass, boys.
[Reply]
Drink Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 9:48 am
@Dailymehow, agreed. Maybe its shock turned to hopeless optimism, but the quotes I’ve read over the last day have me feeling a lot better. Not sure why, but it feels different then previous attitudes after a disappointing loss. Tonight is huge, and should be fun to watch.
[Reply]
baby23 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:03 am
@Dailymehow, I am also getting over the loss. My fellow hockey buds at work did a group hug and yes, it made us feel better and ready to move on! Can’t wait for the game tonight! Let’s tie this thing up! GO KINGS GO!!!!!
[Reply]
Central Coast King Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@Dailymehow, Your very right on that hangover feeling. The bad taste in my mouth stayed until this a.m.. My outlook is refreshed, my spirit unbroken and hopefully we will celebrate but not to much. GKG
[Reply]
They better bounce back, I’m drivin in from Vegas to see the game tonite….
[Reply]
Central Coast King Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@Lvhatrick, Love the commitment,I’ll take those odds to victory and then the banker.
[Reply]
It’s so hard to be optimistic right now, but this series would be 3-0 and Quick would have allowed maybe one or two goals total if only they had been able to play their game consistently. They have shown that they can stop the Sharks and force them into our game. They did it for 2 periods (at least) in the first game, three in the second and call it two in the disaster.
It most certainly can be done. I have serious concerns about TM, not as a tactician, or in player development, but as a truly motivating coach behind the bench. I understand his position that yelling doesn’t help, although I disagree a bit. He thinks you don’t have to motivate professionals to do their jobs. I don’t think that’s true really. I think they still need that boost, especially if you want to go far in the playoffs.
Part of the coaches job is definitely to fire up your team and keep them on it for 60 minutes. Any consistency failures on the ice cannot be blamed only on the players.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 9:34 am
@Dilapidus, 18000 screaming fans wasn’t enough motivation? They need more from the coach?
[Reply]
jmsalsa Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 9:51 am
@Dilapidus,
maybe it’s the other way around. maybe what they DON’T need is to be “fired up.” a calm, collective coach amongst a group a young players isn’t always a bad thing.
Staying focused is just as important as getting pumped up.
[Reply]
Dilapidus Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:27 am
@jmsalsa,
Certainly not in my experience. Fired up doesn’t mean out of control, it means 100% ready to compete mentally.
And ‘fsd1′ fans are great and very motivating but Coaches have the ultimate responsibility to field a team that is ready to go. Great coaches instill a level of confidence that allows players to get very excited to play without losing focus.
If Terry wants to be a great coach, and I think he’s not that far off, he’s going to have to find ways to do that within or without his ‘no yelling’ philosophy.
[Reply]
Duckhunter Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:23 am
@Dilapidus, Guarentee if TM would have sat Penner for 3 or 4 shifts after his stupid penalty, and then let him skate on the 4th line…his effort would have improved (it improved alone by putting him on the 4th line in the 1st game) and his LAZY backcheck would not have happen. By doing this TM is also showing the rest of the players losing your concentration will not be tolerated. I think that’s the motivation some players do need…TM is right you can’t yell at them but if you affect that playing time (hard to get a great contract if your not on the ice) you can change a lot of their habits.
[Reply]
Mike Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Dilapidus, That’s the conundrum for all leaders really – how much “motivation” is enough without causing irreparable damage for the future. I agree with TM to the extent that I wouldn’t want to play for a “Keenanesque” type coach, because “motivation” will work in the short term, but then it will begin to backfire and everyone will just be thinking that TM is crying wolf and tune him out.
So, I believe that a good leader needs to be able to kick someone in the butt, but also pat them on the shoulder and the really wise leader knows when to do each to whom.
[Reply]
Mike Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Mike, btw, I believe that penner needs the kick in the butt, in my humble opinion.
[Reply]
System Wins Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@Dilapidus, I agree for the most part. I believe its a tough task to remain in a system when youve had success against the same team for 5 periods straight with 8 straight goals in that span. It was a first for them for the season to be so successful against a team such as the sharks. I could easily see the team asking themselves just how good are we? They made an attempt to play in their style and got burned. They got baited into their style of play and got eaten up like shark bait. Lesson learned. Now to stay in the system for we know this is what has worked and the only thing that will work. I think they had to go through this experience because thats just how good our system works. It can produce big leads. But now we know we need to remain in it. GO KINGS GO GO KINGS GO
[Reply]
Funny/sad thing, last night after the Laker game Stu Lantz is rambling on about something but then he says any coach can teach, but only the good ones can make in-game adjustments… that kind of stuck in my craw as I crashed out.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:05 am
@Stuart, Much easier to make in game adjustments in basketball than hockey…MUCH easier.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:07 am
@mrbrett7, why?
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:26 am
@tornado12, 5 players compared to 18 players. Simple math. It’s easier to get 5 players on the same page than it is 18.
Well, to be fair in basketball, more like 7 or 8.
Also…basketball is a MUCH slower game. Possession changes after a basket or missed basket, so possession changes every 25 seconds or less. In hockey, it’s constant motion.
There really are not set plays in hockey like in basketball. Hockey is the only sport that is constant (normally) fluid motion. You can make small adjustments like changing up lines, or changing up who is matched up against who, but by in large, it’s all pre-game strategies, and it’s up to the players to carry out those strategies.
That’s why you hear so much about “systems” in hockey, and you don’t really in other sports.
tornado12 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:41 am
@MrB, thanks! that makes sense! I avidly watch hockey and my Lakers. I like to compare and contrast because I do see similarities in both sports, just never thought of it like that. You have opened my eyes!
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:16 am
@mrbrett7, wasn’t so much concerned about the relevance of the sport so much as the idea of making in-game adjustments. Yesterday I felt that a lot of heat was thrown toward TM for his lack of in-game, not so much on the fly, but between intermissions I guess, adjustment. And I didn’t think much about it, but to happen to hear that after mulling it over all day was quite the coincidence. Almost like Stu turned to the tv ala Ferris Bueler and said “Stuart – good coaches make in-game adjustment” and then went back to Joel Myers…
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:27 am
@Stuart, See my post above. In 12 minutes, there aren’t a whole lot of adjustments that can be made in hockey like in basketball or in football or in baseball. You have what you have at the beginning of the game, or as with the Kings, the system (like every other team has their system they play as well), and if the players themselves do not stick to said system, you’re pretty much f’d.
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:34 am
@mrbrett7, WADR I think in 12 minutes you can change a PP scheme, talk about movement and what not. But I agree with the on-the-fly adjustments and how that’s better suited to a stop-and-go-game. But alas, it was just a thought in passing.
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Stuart, You can…of course in 12 minutes you can, although you really have no idea what exactly goes on in the lockerroom in those 12 minutes. In those 12 minutes, that’s all they have to re-hydrate, dry their pads, most of them get completely undressed and into dry fresh undergarments.
It’s not like you have 12 assistants sitting up in a press box strategizing the entire period and you get to come down and take 30 minutes to figure out a new scheme on something you have been practicing for 9 months.
It really isn’t that easy. Look around the league and tell me how many other teams you see with the ability to make in-between period adjustments other than changing lines, or adjusting who is covering who in a matchup situation. That’s really all you do have time for.
Furthermore…Stu Lanz…REALLY? That man wouldn’t even have a career if not for Chick Hearn.
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:45 am
@mrbrett7, LOL I know. He only kept his job because he sat next to Chicky for so long…
But I hear you. 12 minutes isnt long and it’s only enough time to suck some wind and change a soaked jock.
puck73 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Stuart, Very key point. in game adjustments. I always thought Andy Murray did a good job with strategy and motivation. That being said, Andy Murray also set records for man games lost due to injuries…lol
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@puck73, The Puck returns. Where you been? Missed reading your posts.
[Reply]
69 games. *giggle*
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I think most expect a Kings demise after the last game, so a win tonight would be a huge momentum turn. GKG!!!
[Reply]
txkingsfan, cammaleri a underachiever? explain.
[Reply]
txkingsfan Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:02 am
@utahking, (1) couldn’t tell you who his team’s goalie was in any game ’cause he rarely skated on the defensive side of the red line, (2) never met a puck he didn’t like to shoot – especially with a wide open teammate waiting for a pass, (3) thought he should be paid based on the amount of shots he took and how many hot women he dated rather than actual production, and (4)he’s only 5’9″, sooooo …he’s usually achieving under the arms of taller players. How’s that?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:18 am
@txkingsfan, I did always like his little man drop-to-one-knee-I’m-about-to-propose shot…that went wide.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:16 am
@utahking, I used to call him Mr. October…that was the only time he tried hard.
[Reply]
We need some smashmouth old time hockey tonight boys!
Every time a guppie touches the puck, hit them.
Go get them Kings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
illegalstick33 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@tim, BAM!! SMASH!!! CRACK!!! POW!!! I’m so pumped I just checked my co-worker into the wall!! He looked at me like I was crazy and I yelled….GKG!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@illegalstick33, don’t get fired!
[Reply]
Tonight we see what this team is really made of. Will they just fold or will they show heart. I expect a scrap or two just to send a message.
Go Kings
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:15 am
@hockeykingsguy,
Anything to keep Westgarth off the ice.
[Reply]
I was at game 3 and I must say the fans gave it all we had. I will support the Kings through thick & thin as I have since I was a kid. Leave it all on the ice tonight boys. There is no shame in losing if you leave it all on the ice. Let’s have shark fin soup for dinner tonight!
Go KINGS Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Get back to defense! Run and gun doesn’t work with a team you can’t out run! Bench Penner first lazy shift! This team can do it!
Go kings go!
[Reply]
HERO’ AND DOGS SO FAR:
Some of you may agree others may not. Up to this point of the series this is my assessment of who has impacted the Kings either positive or negatively.
HEROES
1) CLIFFORD – PLAYING WELL BEYOND EXPECTATIONS. IS PURE HUSSLE AND HEART AND ISN’T AFRAID TO GO TO THE PLACE GOALS COME FROM.
2) RICHARDSON- A PEST ON THE FORECHECK…. HUSSLE AND GRIT HAVE CREATED PROBLEMS FOR THE SHARKS. HE FORCES TURNOVERS, BEATS PEOPLE TO LOSE PUCKS, AND HAS MADE HIMSELF A TRUE ASSET.
3) DOUGHTY- HAS GIVEN A NON EXISTENT PP SIGNS OF LIFE
4) SMYTH- HAS BEEN THE ONLY TOP SIX FORWARD THAT HAS BEEN NOTICEABLE ON A CONSISTENT BASIS IN GAMES 1-3.
DOGS:
1) PENNER- HAS PLAYED LIKE A 141 POUND FIGURE SKATER, INSTEAD OF LIKE A 241 POUND FORCE.
2) PONI- HAS CONTINUED HIS REGULAR SEASON TREND OF UNDERACHIEVEMENT.
3) DOUGHTY- HAD A GREAT 2ND GAME, BUT AT TIMES SEEMS TO FORGET HE IS A D-MAN FIRST. HAS BEEN EXPOSED AT TIMES. BY GETTING CAUGHT IN TWO DEEP.
4) BROWN- HAS ANYONE SEEN OUR CAPTAIN. THERE HAVE BEEN FLASHES WHEN I THOUGHT HE WSS THERE, BUT LARGELY INVISIBLE
THIS LIST COULD PROBABLY BE EXPANDED AS FAR AS HEROES AND DOGS. THESE WERE JUST THE TOP ONES THAT STOOD OUT TO ME.
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:15 am
@Steven Jaime,
Stop shouting.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:21 am
@Steven Jaime, hahahaha…we can hear you.
So, you have Doughty as both a hero and a dog? What has Poni done that you expected him to do? He’s basically played on the 4th line the entire season, which hasn’t really changed in the playoffs. I would put Doughty as a dog…he has NOT been good.
Brown? Really? He has a goal and an assist in 3 games, I believe 20 hits in 3 games, and has been quite noticeable.
[Reply]
tim Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:35 am
@mrbrett7, Agree with you completely. Brown has been a force out there, leading by example.
Hitting everyone in sight.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:50 am
@mrbrett7,
While the rest of the world spun around the toilet the other night, Brown was everywhere and hitting everything. He left it all on the ice during the last game.
[Reply]
Steven Jaime Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:58 am
mrbrett7, Okay may invisible wasn’t the best choice of words. I will agree brown does hit, but they’re not always smart hits. Yeah he also has a goal and an assist. So that gives him 1 more point than Penner. That whole line has been pretty horrible. They are leading the team in one area though and that area is the bad side of the +/- category. Handzues and Brown are both -2 whiles. Penner is rocking a -3. Here is exactly what brown has done in this series. 61:31 minutes on the ice. 1 g 1 a 2 PTs -2 rating 23 hits 3 takeaways and 3 giveaways. So maybe invisible isn’t a fair term. Inneffective might be a better term, or victimized. San Jose has 8 even strength goals and Brown has been on the ice for half of them.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@Steven Jaime, now that’s a much more interesting angle to take… but we know 2 of them were blown assignments, so I don’t know if DB can be bugs bunny and be everywhere doing everything. He’s doing what I’ve expected him to do all season, and for that I’m satisfied with his play.
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Steven Jaime, So how many of those goals were Brown’s guy? Yet reason #1.2 million why the +/- statistic is meaningless to me.
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:27 am
@Steven Jaime, I think you should reconsider your dogs list. I think there can only be one.
[Reply]
rick Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Steven Jaime, Penner, a dog???? Surely you jest. A mouse or gerbil is more like it.
[Reply]
SimiKingsFan Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:36 am
@Steven Jaime, Don’t think that is a fair assessment of Poni. He needs more minutes to show us what he is really capable of producing. Give him more of Penners minutes and then we’ll see.
[Reply]
Steven Jaime Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:51 am
@SimiKingsFan,
I wouldn’t mind seeing Poni take Penners minutes. At least Poni does work hard. I just think he got way to much $ as a free agent to produce less than a 20 year old rookie.
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:34 am
@SimiKingsFan, Sorry but he’s had all season to show us what he can do. Wasn’t even close to Frolov’s talent level, and disappears from games even more than Fro.
[Reply]
Duckhunter Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:40 am
@Steven Jaime, the whole line of Clifford-Richardson-Simmonds…they have played playoff hockey…only period they were compromised was the 2nd on Tuesday just like everyone we put out there, besides that…they’ve been good….Simmonds hasn’t stood out but has helped recover pucks and keep the cycle going….hopefully game 4 he’ll put it in the back of the net also.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:43 am
@Duckhunter, I have my issues with the way Simmonds has managed the puck.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:49 am
@mrbrett7, I’ve only had issues with him when handling in the nuetral zone or just inside the blue, the grey area. But down low he’s been working like a stud. He forgets to dump and falls in love with the idea that he can get around that second guy…
Michael J. Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:05 am
@mrbrett7,
He needs to make it his priority to get it in deep. Forget about any kind of play at the blue line, just get it in deep to your mates!
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:12 am
@mrbrett7, Agree with both of you.
I know many feel that Simmonds has high end skill. Guess what, he does not. He is what he is. A very good 3rd line forward, WHEN he plays his game.
Get the puck, get the puck deep, and cycle. THAT is your game Mr. Simmonds…now go play your game.
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:47 am
@Steven Jaime, tsktsktsk, DB has picked it up in the playoffs. Physically, for sure. He is now hitting EVERYTHING in sight and even a few things he can’t see. The man is playing possesed. That opinion might be yours and yours alone, and take it from me, I’ve been riding DB hard pretty much all season.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:20 am
@Stuart,
I agree with you. I have been pretty critical of DB all year, but I think that he has played well all series. He has been hitting a lot, which is very important. I don’t think the Sharks want to be physical with the Kings at all. If DB, Cliffy, Westie, Poni, Simmer, Greener, Mitchell all engage San Jose physically the sharks will fold. That is the King’s game.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@Stuart, At the game the other night I focused on Penner just to see if he was really that bad or am I just another King’s fan looking for something to whine about. Unfortuately I found out that Penner deserves his press here on the blog, but it was difficult to focus on Penner while Sharks where getting hit left and right by Brown.
I’d be watching Penner standing there or coasting somewhere away from the puck not even attempting to find a passing lane or get into a cycle and suddenly BOOM out of the corner of my eye some Shark would be getting hit by Brown.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Steven Jaime, Way off base regarding Brown. Way way off base. Remember he is skating with Zues who is Mr. Defensive forward and invisable man on the other side. Brown was hitting Sharks every chance he got … EVERY CHANCE HE GOT.
[Reply]
The one thing I have learned about this team this season is that you cant count them out. Lets be honest here, the Kings didnt make the playoffs because of talent and a ton of firepower. They made it because of things like…Grit, character, never say die attitude, penalty killing, team defense, and good goaltending on most nights. Alot of these intangibles arent things you find on the stat sheet. Maybe thats why alot of the so called experts cant understand how we could possibly hang with a team like the Sharks who have more firepower. Fact is, the Kings record goes beyond stats, its about tremendous leaders in that dressing room…Go Kings !
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:07 am
@puck73, Good post. I feel the same.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:12 am
@puck73, That’s a quality post right there.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:40 am
@puck73, That post in itself was very inspiring!!!
I can’t wait to get to the arena!!!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:58 am
@puck73, Good to see your posts again!!!
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Personally, my expectations for tonight are very tempered. Even if the Kings win this one going away by a score of 4-0, I doubt that I’ll be able to enjoy the win knowing that the Kings should be looking to close out a sweep of this series tonight, and that riot police should be stationed around the perimeter of the arena.
The Sharks have yet to play a complete game in this series. Their goaltending and defense have been average at best, and it doesn’t appear that those areas are going to improve any time soon. They hold the advatage in this series solely because the Kings have seen fit to giftwrap it for them with a cute little bow that’s made out of the Kings’ arrogance and soft focus.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Capt Jam, Could not agree more with everything that you said. Other than the fact I will still be quite happy with a win.
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Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Capt Jam, I think your expectations are too high, as well. This is our second year through the tourney. OT is up for grabs. If we can tie this up tonight, win or lose, we’ll be better off than we were last year.
Something tells me your still talking with your broken heart in your throat. If we win tonight you’ll be jumping around screaming as if we did seal the series.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:46 am
@Stuart, I know where he is going with this. I tend to agree with him. For the most part, it’s the same team as last year. Other than Clifford and Martinez, the only additions are veterens.
So, the mistakes being made really shouldn’t be happening…not on the consistent basis that they are happening. The core and the veteren core, they KNOW better.
I’ve played in games like this. Where your skating in quicksand and no matter what you do, nothing goes right. I’ve also been on the other end, where no matter what you do, you can’t do anything wrong. It’s a snowball effect. It’s the most helpless feeling in the world. If you do care (and I think they do), all you want to do is win, but the harder you try, the worse you make things.
The BEST thing they can do is get out of that 1st period tonight either leading, or at least tied 0-0, having played THEIR game. Settle back into a normal routine.
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Stuart Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 10:50 am
@mrbrett7, for sure. They can’t grip their sticks too tightly…
Capt Jam Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:15 am
@mrbrett7,
What I’ve seen when hockey teams get into these tailspins where they lose control and nothing goes right is, it’s often exacerbated by players playing outside of the team element. In other words, players will try to reverse the momentum on their own in one large swoop instead of consistently working as a team to get back into the game. With the Kings, as soon as Doughty goes into Bobby Orr mode, I know we’re in trouble. I know we’re getting desparate. I know we’re going to end up chasing the puck and flopping on the ice in our crease. I know we’re probably not going to win.
Michael J. Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:16 am
@mrbrett7,
Lets not forget Lewis and Westy are rookies
I think that if Kopi was healthy that the team would be in better shape to advance than they were last year. For over a year now I have had my eye on next season as they year the kings could be a serious contender. I hope I am right.
Capt Jam Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 11:06 am
@Stuart,
My initial expectations for this series, based on the team’s recent performances leading up to the playoffs, were that the Kings would get wiped out of the series 4-1 or even 4-0. It may still end up 4-1, but it never entered my mind that the Kings would just hand it to them as they have. My presumption was that the Sharks would earn and deserve their wins. That couldn’t be further from the truth up to this point.
So, in a way, the Kings have exceeded my expectations, but in another regard, they haven’t. It’s kind of a wash, just as this season rapidly turned on Terrible Tuesday.
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We’ll see how it plays out of course.Hard to make up for it or get it back once it’s gone.I refuse to shovel dirt on anyone halfway through a series though.Hope THE turning point has yet to happen.An even series & gm 7 up there…that sounded good when this series started,sounds good now as a matter of fact.BOTH teams have taken what the other has given.Gotta KEEP what you take though.
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