Who saw this coming? In the regular season, forward Kyle Clifford, Brad Richardson and Wayne Simmonds combined for 63 points points. None of them had more than 14 goals or 30 points (Simmonds had both). Now, through the first five games of these playoffs, Clifford and Richardson are point-per-game performers and Simmonds isn’t far behind. Clifford leads the Kings with three goals and is tied with Clifford for the team lead with five points. Simmonds has one goal and two assists. Considering that the line was put together fairly late in the regular season, and mostly for a spark of energy, it’s fair to say that few people expected this type of scoring from the young trio. Terry Murray, though, will gladly take the production and strong two-way play.
MURRAY: “They’ve played very well. That group, whenever they were together earlier in the year, they like to play for each other. The fact that you’re looking at a young player [Clifford], a rookie putting some pucks into the back of the net, it really doesn’t surprise me. It has happened in the history of the game. And you have a player doing it who plays that hard game. He goes to the areas that you have to go to, to play at this time of year. There’s no reluctance, no hesitation in physical contact in paying a price in order to recover pucks. You get rewarded for that attitude.”
Rich I thought they where the checking line
[Reply]
puckbob Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@Jkking, they’re the # 1 line!
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Gary L Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Jkking, This is the top line without a doubt. Simmonds is finally playing the way he has in the past. Maybe having consistent line mates and the playoff intensity has him showing what he is truely capable of. His play along the boards and in traffic has been great.
Clifford has developed confidence handling the puck. He is now making plays instead of just taking the cautious approach, dumping the puck to a safe location and thinking only about defensive. The improvement in this kid is awesome.
The most pleasant surprise is Richardson. Finally he is getting a chance to show what he is made of. Until now he has been shuffled from line to line, position to position, and in and out of the lineup. This guy has enhanced his value to the team with his play. Unfortunately his play may make him trade bait over the summer.His size does not seem to fit the profile for the Kings and there are a couple of young strong centers waiting in the wings. Staying on the team as a center does not seem to fit the overall plan for Ritchie. Whatever happens from this point forward, Richardson has proven that he should get more ice time in the future, whatever team he is on.
[Reply]
Kyle Clifford = Playoff goal machine.
There’s a song in there somewhere.
The human alaskan malamute has soft paws.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
@Cynic,
Clifford’s the bomb! Can you imagine how good he is going to be by next year’s playoffs?
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
@rontheking, just think about this team in two years if all young people stay, along with those coming and additional draft picks…..
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@Harty,
And with all the young salaries the Kings should be able to keep their premium paid talent as well….
FiG17 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:57 pm
@Cynic,
Clifford is so epic that he’s tied with himself for the lead in points.
I think Rich needs some sleep. He’s been working like an animal for us.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
@FiG17,
The good and the evil Clifford are working together!
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I don’t get it. Third and fourth line scoring usually leads or co-leads the way offensively in every successful playoff campaign year after year. The big contract players are often neutralized or largely shut down and the muckers and grinders have to pick up the slack. This is their time to shine.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
@Capt Jam,
That’s interesting because to this point of the 16 goals the Sharks have scored, most all of their big guns have gotten on the board.
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
@number 6,
They’ve gotten on the board, sure, but they aren’t really carrying the team. It’s been SJ’s third line of Wellwood, Mitchell and Pavelski who’ve caused the Kings the most problems. Thornton didn’t get his first goal until Game 4. Marleau has 2 goals. Heatley hasn’t had one since game 1.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 12:25 am
@Capt Jam,
Clowe, Couture, and White are Killing us on points, but the main 3 that are the most dangerous are Marleau, Pavelski and Setoguchi. Those 3 are the designated shooters as far as San Jose’s forwards. The last game I was really impressed with how good Pavelski is. He’s only got 3 points, but man that guy is dangerous. Marleau is a sleeping giant, lets hope he stays asleep.
Hey Rich is there some weird Clifford wording
there.. Or is it me?
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@Slim, Clifford is tied with Clifford. Major accomplishment.
[Reply]
bmova Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
@jonsey, He’s just that good!
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IceGuy Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
@bmova,
The League’s Most Interesting Rookie.
“I don’t usually give people the Stink Eye, but when I do, it’s their ultimate demise.
Play heavy, my Friends.”
RobSD Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@bmova,
I don’t usually take one off my chin, but when I do, it’s brutal.
He has the heart of a lion and skills! They could call them the heart line… or just “the hustle”. It’s not really a surprise they are clicking. They bust their humps every second of every game. It’s nice to see things paying off. Now if we can actually win a home game… we will dominate at the tank in game 7. Sharks will once again exit stage door left, nice and early.
Is anyone else as excited as me about Vancouver being 1 game away from an early tee time? I was jumping up and down when Chicago scored in OT last night! I know we have problems with Chicago but having the Sucks and the Sharks out in the first round could be awesome. Let’s win game 6! They can doooo it!!!
Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@Slim, Clifford tied with Clifford? Maybe he meant Richardson.
[Reply]
Slim Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
@Brownkingsfan, Yeah maybe..
I’m glad you noticed it also..
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@Slim, do you think Clifford talks about himself in the third person? I would if I were him!
Jonesy Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
@Slim, He doesn’t drink often, but when he does, he prefers Dos Equis
DesertKing Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
@Slim,
Maybe its a Ricky Henderson kind of thing?
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
@Slim,
Oh. Didn’t see this. I’m pretty sure Cliffy’s awesome enough to be tied with himself, so it works for me.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@FiG17, That’s kind of kinky …
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FiG17 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
@Token,
Gotta love Cliffy, heart as big as staples center. The kid just doesn’t know the word quit.
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They are easily my favorite line. Richardson has been the Kings’ MVP so far, in my opinion. Clifford has three goals, but Richardson has created a lot of those chances and he skates so hard and energetically.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
@KingTrojan,
What’s interesting is that after last year being a breakout year for him he seemed to regress this year. In any case he didn’t more forward. But so far he is doing so in the playoffs.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@number 6, Exactly my take. I thought he had regressed a bit this year as well … not so in the playoffs however. He looks even better than last year.
[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
@KC23,
I think he started to pick it up late in the season.
cjms Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@number 6, I think moving him back to center worked out. Of course he’s “too small” for TM’s center lines.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@KingTrojan, Er….Quick.
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KFII Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 7:08 am
@KingTrojan, By far my favorite line in this series. When they are on the ice, they make something happen, so much energy. I love watching it unfold.
Another must win tonight Kings, make it so, and Go Kings Go!!!!
[Reply]
If we could only the combination for the other 9. I still think Stoll would be better with Williams and Parse and Zues with Penner and Westy would be better.
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Stuart Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@EMB3, maybe now that we’re at home and get the last change, otherwise this would be our molasses line and we’d get beat.
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@LaKingsInsider, Happy Easter….You work so diligently with your blog…admirable! Have a great evening! Will check for the updates!
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“Who saw this coming?”
I think I was the one that said Kyle Clifford would be opur MVP of the series. I am not shocked at all. We know what Richie and Simmonds can bring and if you have followed Clifford at all, you know what he brought to teams before he made the Kings. Just get use to it LA, just wait until this Kid becomes a Clowe or Lucic.
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Who knows? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@hockeykingsguy, A Shanahan I tell you!! A Shanahan!
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Stuart Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@Who knows?, been saying this since month one of the season. Future Shanny
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RobSD Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@Who knows?,
Cliffy is my favorite but I’m sorry, he is no Shannahan. I think he is going to be great. He has the skill and heart to easily put up 20-30+. As he get’s more confidence and ice time, his game will elevate. I just hope he stops getting pummeled every few fights. I do enjoy my Clifford with black eyes though. Makes him look like the bad ars he is.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@RobSD, Shanny started his career as pretty much an enforcer and then evolved into what he became, one tough SOB that commanded and got respect everywhere he went. I can totally see Cliffy filling this role if his offense catches up.
William’s is hurt and playing like it
in the last few games..He’s a warrior but
I’m starting to get a little concerned as I
think the next game will be more physical… imho..
Clifford is just insane..
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
@Slim, Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out Handzus is too. That line is not an “energy” line lately. Williams is getting hung out to dry by his linemates.
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@jonsey, Zues has been abused for the last few weeks, and he’s getting no calls by the refs
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
@Ravens,
Yeah, I’m pretty sure I noticed an elbow to the face last night… was that just me?
jonsey Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 6:45 am
@Ravens, Saw it!
We love this young line. It’s the best example of a two way game the Kings have! Excited and nervous about tomorrow.
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I’m having some fun reading the comments on last night’s game on the Let’s Go Sharks forum. Among the funnier ones after the game:
“And the Sharks WILL win game 6. I guarantee it. They’re great on the road and they’re going to bring it to LA in front of their five fans.”
People on the verge of a nervous breakdown can be very amusing.
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RobSD Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@Capt Jam,
I believe that if we can win 6, we win 7. 1 home game… win 1 home game. That’s all I’m asking…1 home game. Score more goals then the opponent at home. 1 time. Please please please.
Didn’t we set a Kings record with like 34 home sell outs? That correct Rich? Something like that. I wonder how many the Sharks had. So if that stat is anywhere close we had less than 8 home games not sold out. The Kings are the Cubs of hockey… I think our fans are best because of all the sheeeet we endure from questionable management decisions.
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@RobSD,
I agree. When you take into account that the Kings have already won 2 of 3 in SJ (and, frankly, should have won Game 1 there as well), it will be the Kings’ series to win/lose in Game 7 if the Kings win tonight. The Kings would go into Game 7 holding all the aces and a huge psychological advantage.
There are, however, two big ‘buts’:
Quick hasn’t played two strong games in a row (and the Kings haven’t won two in a row) in a month.
That said, I think the Kings go into this one holding the edge. Gotta get through the first five minutes without any huge mental lapses/errors and get into the rhythm of the game. I’m hopeful that the Kings will come out pressing hard as they did for Game 3 and force SJ into errors. Get on top of them. Stomp on them repeatedly (not literally) and create opportunities. Repeat until the final buzzer.
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Off topic again… For a team with as many offensive forces Chicago has, they look tired or something. They keep clearing the puck into the offensive zone instead of taking it in. Luongo has been on point in this ot period. Go Hawks!
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Slim Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
@Brownkingsfan,
Right on!
Been saying that to a friend
They look spent..
Hope they beat Nucks tho…
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
@Slim, Hawks win big to force game 7!!! Hopefully it’s foreshadowing what we will do tomorrow! Go Kings go!!!
[Reply]
Slim Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
@Brownkingsfan, We will win tomorrow..
Can’t wait to hear what Knucklehead fans
have to say about LU and the Sisters!!!
RobSD Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@Brownkingsfan,
I heard someone call them the sisters at the last game… I was laughing so hard. That is the best nickname. The fire crotch sisters. LOL.
Hammond- take the day off dude. He has risen!
[Reply]
Doug in Sacramento Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
@HawaiiKingsFan,
Shaka!
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Cynic Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
@HawaiiKingsFan, He has risen INDEED!
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Harty Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 7:32 am
@HawaiiKingsFan, how’s the weather in Hawaii
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Atta boy, Luongo. Nice, fat rebound.
[Reply]
Luongo sucks
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Slim Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
@Slim, Hawks win in OT..
KILL the Canucks..
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The Batman Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
i second, third and forth that.
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The Batman Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@The Batman, fourth*
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Kingsfanone Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 5:37 am
@The Batman,
Tell me you aren’t typing with the whole mask/cape outfit thing going, please!
Yeah, and you speak in a low gravelly voice too, huh?
Pili Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 9:34 am
@The Batman, The Caped Crusader corrects himself…I’m anal about grammar and spelling too. Very nice.
jonsey Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
@Slim, Would rather play them again than the Hawks, but we won’t get that far. If we win 2 games, we get to play NAS. If VAN wins one game and we win 2 we play them.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
@jonsey, Do you think that Luongo, with everything that has happened to him the last 3 years against Chicago, can actually play well with all the heat on him in front of a home crowd that will explode if they lose. Jeez the pressure is all on Luongos shoulders and Chicago has no pressure at all. Nobody would have ever expected them to win 4 in a row. Van couvers worst nightmare is happening. It started with Dallas losing the last game and will most likely end Tuesday night, with a trip to the golf course…..What will be called the worst choke job in history, even worse then last years Philly/Boston.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@Jeff,
With the amount that he gets paid, he better be able to deal with it.
RobSD Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 9:35 am
@jonsey,
They will riot in Vancouver when Chicago wins tomorrow night. I can’t wait. It will be 3 years in a row. GO CHICAGO GO!!!!!
If we don’t implode we win the next two. The boys are either awesome or completely miserable. We don’t have an average setting.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
@Slim, Canuck fan must be gripping sooo bad right now. If they lose this series, I wonder what will happen to the coach and Luongo ?
[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
@puck73,
What will bappen?
Death. Slow death. The pair of them staked out to an anthill with honey poured over their eyes and loins.
But they won’t lose. That’s too cosmic an outcome, too horrifying for Vancouver — indeed, for all Canada — to contemplate.
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Nucks Lose!!! Go Chicago!!!
Quacks Lose & eliminated. What a great weekend!
Clifford is a bona fide STUD!!!!
[Reply]
sciencejock Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@King Alex, Couldn’t have said it better myself =D GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
Ducks lost, yes…………..
Hawks win, yes………….
Kings going to game 6, priceless…………..
All good, just keep playing like its your last boys, desperate, free spirit and with high energy………
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Reboundo Luu-CHOKE-oh!!! HAHAHAHAHA! He choked again!!!!
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The hawks win tells you everything you need to know about thinking you’ve over paid for big time roll players, If Hossa doesn’t hang out to the pucks like super glue the Hawks don’t get that OT goal, series over
[Reply]
ok lets say we win this series and the Hawks win their series u guys think we got what it takes to win against Hawks or Detroit
[Reply]
The Batman Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
@KingsFanFTW, if we win and hawks win, we play the preds
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
@The Batman, ok we got the Preds
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
@KingsFanFTW, First off if we win and hawks win, we play Nashville. A team I know we can beat, as we match up well against them. If by chance we get to the third round against Detroit or Chicago…I be more worried about Chicago then Detroit. But the thing is if we do play Chicago, we will have Home Ice Advantage. Whether that is a good thing remains to be seen with these Kings. But Quick is money against Detroit.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@Jeff, yea true i just want the kings to win this series soo badly
dont know into game 6
[Reply]
Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
@Jeff, I’d rather have Detroit in Detroit than Chicago with home ice
[Reply]
The Batman Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
@Brownkingsfan, seriously me too
Jeff Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@Brownkingsfan, I would most likely want Detroit too, but I remember back in 1988 when the Dodgers played the Mets in the playoffs. In the regular season the Mets won like all but one of the games. However the Dodgers prevailed in the playoffs and we know what happened in the World Series.
But yes I would rather play Detroit.
FiG17 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
ONE step at a time. We gotta win this next game first. I know, I keep thinking ahead too, but the more you think ahead, the more disappointing it has the potential to be. One at a time, one at a time. We still have to win tomorrow night. That’s what we have to think about. It’s impossible to have your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds unless you’re standing on a mountain, and we’re still at the bottom of it.
[Reply]
Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
@FiG17, Thanks. I need that reminder sometimes… I couldn’t relax last night, even with a 3 point lead, no guarantees until the clock’s all zeros! One shift at a time! I’m really thankful we have another home game! Let’s make the most of it!! Go Kings!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Detroit, possible. Chicago, no way.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
@KC23, S.J. looks like the best team in the west..If we can beat them…we can beat anyone..S.J. offense is insane…
[Reply]
Alright Chitown. Canucks might be in trouble. Love it!
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@Mikey J., It looks like the Canucks have fallen and they can’t get up.
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They have been our best line in the playoffs Bar none. I hope they continue to play this well and KMFC becomes a household name, because he’s just so crazy. Crazy looking and crazy good. If the cops arrested him tomorrow for being a mass murderer who beats his victims to death then eats their corpses, I wouldn’t be surprised. The kid is SCARY looking. That being said he seems like a really nice guy.
I’m glad TM learned from game 3 and used his timeout in the last 2 games. Whether you think it would’ve made a difference in game 3 or not, you have to admit that it helped in game 4 and 5.
As far as DP is concerned, he played a good game last night. Anyone calling for him to sit in game 5, me included, had every right to do so. The guy played with no heart and no will in games 3 and 4. I liked his play on the 4th line in game 2, and he played well on the 4th line in game 5 as well. Although some people think the people on this blog are crazy for how well they want the Kings to play, we are nothing like the fans in Toronto and Montreal. As long as DP gives 100% effort, that’s enough for most of us. The fact that he hadn’t scored in awhile didn’t piss me off that much, it was his lack of effort. Lets not forget Kopi and Brownie had significant scoring droughts earlier this season and no one was calling for them to be benched because they were giving 100% effort.
JQ was great last night. Although San Jose had 52 shots, they were nothing like the shots they had in games 3 and 4. I can’t remember one cross-ice pass that led to a one time shot for San Jose at all. JQ can and will stop most all shots that he’s able to see and set up for. The cross ice passes were not like the Kings and their defensive system.
The one thing that has me concerned, and has had me concerned all year long, is the lack of a sufficient Power Play. After starting the series 3 for 9 in the first 2 games, we have gone 0 for 11 in the last 3 games. I’ve got a feeling we’re going to need our Power Play to come through for us in game 6, because San Jose desperately does not want to play game 7 and they will come at us with everything they’ve got tomorrow night.
P.S. Thank you Nashville, and go Blackhawks!
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@CB14, Bad as the Kings power play has been, the kill has been better. It looked to be an interesting matchup in this series, because their special teams stats are opposite the Kings, and the Kings got the early jump, though the Sharks narrowed it. I say the stars align tomorrow night, and all the goals are scored 5-on-5.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Yeah the PK has been great. With the way the Kings PP has been, I hope all the goals are scored 5 on 5.
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
This may be hard to believe, but the Kings’ PP is doing better in this series than SJ’s PP (15% to 10%), which, of course, is related to the efficiency (or lack thereof in SJ’s case) of the PK’s rather than PP success. SJ’s PK has been their achilles heel all season.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@Capt Jam, Well, being so similar (2-fer-low-teens and 3-fer-low-teens, approximately, with the edge going to the Kings) it seems apparent that the expected “balance” is approximately there, with the Kings having an edge (though they started out with an advantage, and SJ caught up.) Given that the Kings did just fine in the regular season not depending on their power play, I’d prefer to see the 5-on-5 thing dominate (though it’s probably pretty frustrating for the Sharks not to score on the PP, and also pretty frustrating to experience low-scoring games, since that hasn’t been their experience in the regular season.)
Hope that wall o’ text made sense.
If Chicago beats Vancouver on Tuesday, who do you think will be better off? A rested Detroit team who will not have played in over a week, or a Chicago team that went to game 7 and only a couple of days off from going to Detroit? Interesting angle to the start of that series.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
@Jeff, Detroit will likely be flat their first game back.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@Jeff, Canuck fan will be eaten alive by Flames fan and Oiler fan on the TSN blog. God I help they lose !
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 12:59 am
@Jeff, The only way we see Chicago is in the 3rd round. If Chicago wins, and we win our series, we play Nashville. If chicago loses and we win, we play Vancouver.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 1:03 am
@Jeff, Sorry got confused with the end of your post.
[Reply]
He’s what I’m seeing:
Tomorrow is pivotal. we win tomorrow it changes the entire configuration of the playoffs. We take momentum back to SJ and take it in 7.
Chicago does the same to VAN. But Chicago won’t take Detroit.
Now, the Kings have a playoff path that looks like:
SJ -> Nashville -> Detroit -> Finals.
I really could not have planned a path to the finals more favorable for the kings. Two teams whose number we’ve had all year. I like it. Go kings, and uhhh I guess, go chicago?
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
@Bill M., Go Chicago!
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
@Bill M.,
I’m seeing the same thing, and as exciting as it is, it also terrifies me. I hope the Kings are focused solely on tomorrow night’s game.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
@Bill M., Not to say I want to see the Kings play Chicago, even though they will have Home Ice if they do, to think they will just roll over against Detroit (Chicago) is ludicrous. I think that is going to be one heck of a series, if it happens. Its a match of an older rested team, versus a younger team that won’t have much time off at all. This could turn out to be the worst thing Detroit did, sweep Phoenix while most all of the other series goes 7 games. Game 1 will probably be Thursday or Friday, so that will almost be 2 weeks off. Anyway we will see once this all plays out, hopefully the way we want.
[Reply]
STOP the Clowe.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
@jonsey, Clowe is a beast out there. He is to them what Clifford has been for us.
[Reply]
Clifford is tied with Clifford with the team lead in points…he’s that damn good!!!
[Reply]
CMaldo Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
@bmova, Hahaha, Clifford needs to be in a new series of Dos Equis commercials! “His fists carry weight, that would break a lesser man’s jaw. When he gets into a fight, his gloves drop themselves… he’s the most intimidating man in the NHL”
[Reply]
KFII Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 7:17 am
@CMaldo, I like!
[Reply]
The big question is, does this buy Richardson an extension? The line is great and I would love to see it next season. But will Schenn getting a shot next year, Richardson and lewis might be fighting for that last center spot.
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@hockeykingsguy, Guess that all depends on how we do tomorrow and after, i think at the least it helps him no matter what
[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
@hockeykingsguy, Zues is a gonner (in my opinion)…this will be the 3rd line next year!
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Cry Baby Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
@Cry Baby, Is there a market for Stoll? Cause Lokti should be in the mix too.
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KindSir Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
@Cry Baby,
why would you want to get rid of our best faceoff and shootout guy?
Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@Cry Baby, I have been a supporter of Zeus, but I think the young talent is pushing past him. Stoll is too valuable to trade away! Think of all the shootout wins he had goals in! He was a FREAK in faceoffs yesterday, 15 of 17! We HAVE to keep him!
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ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
@hockeykingsguy,
I think it makes zues expendable…. I dont really love that fact, because zues is awesome…. But lewis has stepped it up and should claim the spot
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cjms Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan, Lewis is absolutely awful on the draw. Would bet either Richie or Lewis (or both) get moved back to wing, especially if TM is still HC.
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I would rather have young hungry guys like Kyle Clifford. Big contracts tend to make players complacent. Come-on Kyle..get a hat trick and move on up to with the Beverly Hillbillies and Jethro
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OT: I’m a little miffed about the 8pm start. A couple games already, the Kings got screwed on Versus because the previous game went into overtime, and now they’re starting the Kings earlier. I’ll probably miss the whole frigging first period instead of just the part where the Kings got the first two goals.
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CB14 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, 7pm there Kenneth.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
@CB14, Sorry, 7 pacific is what I meant–it’s 8pm here.
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CB14 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Where you at?
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@CB14, Colorado
CB14 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Nice. My sister went to school at the U of Colorado in Boulder. She loved it there, and it was nice when I went back for her Graduation. If I liked snow, that would be the place I would live.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Funny thing is we don’t get that much snow away from the mountains (I’m in SW Metro Denver area.) A lot of the snow is slush and mud in the spring. The winter is the driest part of the year here. Winter’s usually really nice and mild here, and summers aren’t hellish. Don’t tell anybody.
pr0cess Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, not sure how it has been on other carriers but for Dish, they have an ALT channel that has had the game.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@pr0cess, Figures–not DirecTV.
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fsd1 Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 7:20 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, yes they do, here is channel 604 on directtv.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
OMG, you’ve got to be kidding me! Will check that out when I get back to the TV.
Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, The versus thing sucks! What time zone are you in? Try FSW (fox sports west) or Prime Ticket if you can get it!
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@Brownkingsfan, Nevermind. I just checked those, f’ing baseball and something else not as important as playoff hockey. Sorry and good luck!
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@Brownkingsfan, My wife just looked online, it says TSN, RDS(HD), Prime(HD)
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
@Brownkingsfan, Doesn’t mean PT won’t be blacked out here, as it always is when the Kings are on…and if TSN doesn’t show the game until halfway through the second period, that’s what I get.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@Brownkingsfan, Mountain…all the FSW and Prime Kings games are blacked out here. Even with Center Ice, Versus gets the exclusive rights, and they get blacked out (did last season, anyway.)
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Seattle757 Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@Brownkingsfan, If you have NHL Center Ice on your computer you can watch the game. The game wont be on VS, but you can’t watch the game in the LA area on Center Ice
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
I might add that this is exactly what happened to me a couple years ago during the regular season when I didn’t have the “sports package” (which had Versus) and did have Center Ice, but it also happens in the case where Versus has the exclusive in your market and they decide not to show part of it.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 11:42 am
Just to be clear, since I seem to have really hosed it up with the confusion between Pacific and Mountain time, my point should have been that the Kings starting 30 minutes early isn’t going to help the existing problem. That problem is the one where the previous game goes into overtime and those of us who don’t live in California miss most of the first period. In fact, if it happens, we’ll probably miss half the game.
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I’m more concerned about “home ice advantage,” which has just not delivered this season. Doesn’t seem to matter how loudly we cheer (and I’ve whistled and yelled myself beyond hoarse), the boys don’t seem to relish being on home ice and putting their boot on the neck of an opponent when they get a lead. Instead, it’s run-around, forget our system, play the other team’s game, and let them back in.
The time has come, dudes. Time to use home ice to your max advantage. If not now, then when?!? GKG!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@Jack Aubrey, I’m thinking home ice advantage will show up in the elimination game like it didn’t in the previous two, and game 7, well, it’s always up for grabs.
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Capt Jam Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
@Jack Aubrey,
Home ice advantage has not held up throughout the entire first round with the exception of Detroit. It’s been a wild first round.
The Kings are long, long overdue for a home win and a second consecutive win. It’s been almost a month since they last won two in a row and 19 days since their last home win. They couldn’t pick a better day than tomorrow to regain control of their own ice.
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Think about this,we take the series in 7 the blackhawks take out the nucks we then play the preds i never dreamed of this possibility that would be insane. a5,7 and 8 in the second round!!
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Capt Jam Reply:
April 24th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
@frazier king,
…and then a Kings/DET conference final.
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I didn’t read the 118 posts above, but I had my hand up. I saw this line coming!
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Ravens Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:04 am
@kings4queens, I remeber before the playoffs one of our bloggers asked which Kings where going to step up in the playoffs,,I said it’s going to have to be someone in the third line..well now it’s the whole third line
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I wonder what happened to Subby ? Last we heard, he was hightailing it out of the arena with Shark fan in pursuit. Geez, I hope he made it back to So.Cal alive ! Kinda hoping to see him and alot of you other bloggers in the suite tomorrow night. I will be there along with my good friend @KC23. I will have my nametag on so you can say hello or go Sharkfan on me ! lol
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Dominick Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 1:08 am
@puck73, I’m in LA and going to try to get some tickets tomorrow. I still have your E-mail and will try to give you a call to meet for some drinks tomorrow before the game.
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puck73 Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:06 am
@Dominick, Look forward to it. You have my # as well, call or text anytime. See ya tonite Dommer !
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Kingsfanone Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 4:59 am
@puck73,
I’ll try and find you also puck. I’m gonna wear my name badge too!
I saw a later post by subby so I think he got outs there okay. Glad you got a tix for the suite, as I got off the phone with Larry Abel at 8:45 pm, so that man worked his tail off for us & I’m gonna look for him so I can shake his hand.
Hope to see you there!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 5:28 am
@puck73,
5 suites sold out yesterday according to Larry, so apparently there could be a couple of bloggers there! Bringing my girlfriend as brother Phill has to work late.
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puck73 Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 7:58 am
@Kingsfanone, 5 suites again ! I remember telling Rich and Frank on this site that IMO the greem room event wouldnt be nearly as popular as the suite event. Too bad Phil couldnt make it, last time I saw him he couldnt contain his glee being in the suites ! See ya tonite !
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nykingfan Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 5:45 am
@puck73,
Have several for me, my man
Enjoy…GO KINGS!
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puck73 Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 7:51 am
@nykingfan, My offer to you still stands….If you are willing to fly out here next season for a Rich Hammond event, or for frozen fury in Las Vegas, or even fan fest, then I pay for you to get in and some beverage too. That offer is the same for @Whatsthefrequencykenneth as well.
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nykingfan Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 9:34 am
@puck73,
Thanks bro
I’ll certainly try for it.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@puck73, You rock, man!
imagine if we had 2 CLIFFORDS? it would be like the sedins only better lol…………..
go clifford go
go kings go
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CB14 and Puck73, and everybody else who has read my posts where I beg for Bernier. I wish I could make Rich’s gig, but I’m in New York this week. It’d be fun meeting all you guys. As I mentioned in a previous post, if the Kings somehow win this series, I’ll throw a party at my house on the beach in Newport. The invitations will go to Rich and the entire LA Kings Insider Blog Nation as well as the guest of honor Jon Quick and anybody he wants to invite. I’m not kidding. A Jonathan Quick celebration at the Poorpalace. Jonathan Quick was incredible in goal. It was the greatest postseason performance ever by a King’s goaltender. TM made the right decision in sticking with Quick. I was ridiculously wrong with my “analysis”. OK gang?
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bill donnelly Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 1:50 am
@Poorman, Your just frustrated like the rest of us and want to see a Stanley Cup during your life. I personally don’t care who the goaltender is that can get the job done. Your a Kings fan and that’s fine by me
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KC23 Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 2:49 am
@Poorman, Alright, who are you and what have you done to poor Poorman?
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nykingfan Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 5:44 am
@Poorman,
Way to step up Poorman.
We have 2 stud goalies. One of them was going to come up huge for us.
They both wear the Kings shield on the front of their jersey’s, so you weren’t wrong!
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puck73 Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:00 am
@Poorman, I havent seen you in like 25 years. I wonder if you still live in the same place ?
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Poorman Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@puck73, New beach pad.
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Dominick Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@Poorman,
Epic!
CB14 Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@Poorman, I’ll be there with my Quick jersey on!
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I’m not surprised at the success that they’ve had so far. Those type of guys will always be at a premium come playoff time…players who go to the dirty areas get rearded at this time of year.
The only problem is you also need your top players peforming at their peak as well.
So far that hasn’t been the case, but there’s still time to get it going.
I can’t wait for tonight’s game. I expect the Kings to come out and take it to the Sharks and take this to a game 7 where you never know.
GO KINGS!
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***OFF-TOPIC***
Hey Rich,
I see a lot of posts where people are hoping for the Kings to put away the black unis tonight. How about a poll? I wonder if it would have an effect, or is that a decision that needs to be made well in advance? Just a thought…
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jonsey Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 6:50 am
@Minnesota Kings Fan, According to every Mighty Ducks movie ever, you can apparently change mid game :/
I am sick of the “home plate” jersey and am dreading the white one next year.
Wear anything.
Wear the 2002 road!
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I’d like the to thank the NHL for resigning with VS. I have had only one hotel (Kansas City)carry the channel this year. This week when my team is going make an amazing comeback I will be forced to go to a sports bar at 10:30 PM EST to see the game. Whereas I can watch 4 ESPN channels from the comfort of my room in Cincinnati.
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Sebastian Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:15 am
@Big Rob in Dallas, its all about money dude…versus payed more, and espn chose not to match. if youre selling your car, who would you sell it to?
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Reading the LA Times today everyone is trying to come up with a name for Clifford, Richardson, Simmonds line.
The Times says “Gunsmoke” would be good as they have a Sherrif (Clifford), Deputy Sherrif (Simmonds) and Jail Guard (Richardson) and the resemble the old western show.
Although team mates are saying they are the “SOS” line. (Save our Season) line.
I like the SOS line, it is a bit of S.O.S time isn’t it???
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jonsey Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 7:53 am
@Harty, I don’t care what they’re called. They better keep it up!
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Sebastian Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:14 am
@Harty, they should just call them the first line, since they basically should be.
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Spanky Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@Harty,
What about the “Good (richardson), the Bad (Simmonds) and the Ugly (clifford)”?
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Spanky Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:26 am
@Spanky,
That’s “Bad” as in “bad-ass” or perhaps “the Good, the Black, and the Ugly”
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Harty Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@Spanky, I like the Good, Bad and Ugly line.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@Spanky, You get to tell Simmonds he’s bad and Cliffy he’s ugly.
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Spanky Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
With a constant shiner, he’d probably be proud of being called the Ugly.
I’ll tell him in a letter.
JB Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:45 am
@Harty, You know when Clifford/Eliot started down the Westerns angle I thought of Blazing Saddles. Clifford to me is Mongo obviously, Richardson is Gene WIlder the older rehabbed gunslinger doling out wisdom to the new kid Sheriff who is Simmonds.
Not sure what nickname though you could use. The Mongo Line?
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Stuart Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@JB, maybe we can go with the CANDY GRAM line if you want to stick to blazing saddles…
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@Harty, Didn’t someone dub it the “Richard Simmons” line? I know it sucks…
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As most can see alot of people blog here often, have you ever thought where the heck do all these people come from???
Lets start this question going and see where the fans are from…………
Harty – Ayr, Ontario Canada
next?
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KFII Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:30 am
@Harty,
KFII – Boise, ID
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quesocheese Reply:
April 25th, 2011 at 8:41 am
Quesocheese……die hard in Kansas City, MO…….LET’S DO THIS TONIGHT!
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Really digging this line. They are probably the most effective offensive line so far for us.
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