It was not exactly what one would call a probable goal. Matt Greene (40 assists in 384 previous games) passed to Kevin Westgarth (three assists in 67 games), who passed to Kyle Clifford (seven goals in 81 games). Clifford shot and scored for a big fourth-line goal that gave the Kings a 2-0 lead.
“That’s a pretty good exacta: Clifford, Westgarth, Greene. Or trifecta,’’ Westgarth said.
All three players recorded their first points of the season on the goal, a particularly fitting reward for the fourth-line players (including center Trevor Lewis) who gave the Kings some quality minutes. Clifford got the goal, but it came from a nice cross-ice pass from Westgarth, whose hands are usually known for hitting people, not making strong passes. Jonathan Quick smiled when asked about Westgarth’s pass.
“I think everyone in the locker room was pretty happy for him there,’’ Quick said. “He had a big hit and a fight there in the first period, and it’s great to see him get rewarded on the other end.’’
A video of the goal is below…
If that line can put together a string of games like that then all for Westy in and Hunter out more times than not. The big guy looked good out there. Now if he just learn how to keep his chin down. GKG
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luc20rules Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:18 pm
@Harrison Merkin, I was thinking if the Kings had a 3-0 lead, Quick may have told TM just go ahead and put Westy in to cherry pick during the 40 seconds when Phx called a timeout. Gordy Howe Hat Trick. Westy was just short his 1st goal of his career.
Your right he played better than I have ever seen him play in the Phx game. There wasn’t any hesitation is his game, when your not quick to begin with you have to be decisive reading plays and establishing position.
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Fourth line scoring will carry us to the Cup. Well, that and 75% on the PP and 100% on the PK. Ok, throw in 41 shut-outs, that should do it.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:22 am
@DesertKing, If we get 41 shut outs this season, the NHL will just call off the playoffs, and mail us the Cup.
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370455vinSD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:28 am
@Dominick, They should do the same thing if Westy gets a goal.
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:35 am
@DesertKing, Westgrath for the Art Ross!!!
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The Third Vopat Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Andrew, Penner better watch his back, Westy’s moving on up!
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Ha ha ha! Westy got the last laugh against Bissonnette last night.
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KingsGuy Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:21 am
@Dominick, Some nice upper cuts to the ribs too! lol
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:24 am
@KingsGuy, Funny! Bissonnette had the puck on a 3 on 2, and rung it around the boards so he could fight Westy. Westy had the puck on a 3 on 2, and made a good play, and Clifford scored on it.
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Stuart Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:26 am
@Dominick, and everyone on here yesterday would’ve said KW would make that kind of play to engage someone… turn those tables KW and keep it going!!
I think KC should’ve buried that pass from Westy in the first, but oh well, next time!
KingsGuy Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:30 am
@Dominick, I guess round two on the 29th?
I loved the energy and excitement after that goal!
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KC23 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@Anjin, that is the thing I noticed too. Cliffy needed that goal bad for his confidence. He was very excited. Expect Clifford to be on the rise with his game. I’m liking those three together.
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Cliff…the sniper?
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@Adamic39, if it went to JQ you know he would’ve passed it on to KW and said he’d keep the puck for #200…seems that’s just the kind of guy Quickie is…
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efam Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Stuart, If Westgarth had gotten a goal I say give him the puck. Cuz he would have had a Gordie Howe Hat Trick!!!
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There seems to be a lot of cohesion on the team. Quick showimg Westy some love. Feeling you
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Couldn’t be more happy for Westgarth. I guess TM’s plan is to have him score as many goals as fights. That play had many positive implications for this team.
The fact they pulled it off so early says a ton about their reading off each other. While Westy’s pass was UNREAL, Cliffy’s timing and concentration was even more so. And that leaves they guy I have a very close eye on…Lewis.
He had that early, point blank opportunity but couldn’t capitalize. He very well might not see another opportunity like that the rest of the season. But the read and drive on the goal above was perfect. I want to see him make more plays with the puck, but that was a case of do so much without it.
I bet the trailing Coyotes were saying, “Did that just happen?”
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vplaza Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:31 am
@wavesinair,
I think when the opposing team’s 4th line scores on you, it takes the wind out of your sails a bit.
Also, I’m really happy for Westy. I hope he continues to prove his naysayers wrong, especially after signing his recent contract. I think he’s a good fit for the team and will continue to improve. He’ll never put up the points but I don’t think he’s a total liability or totally useless like some people keep saying.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:33 am
@vplaza,
…and I’m admittedly one of those people. And I’m more than happy to be proven wrong. He he plays like he did last night…and I’m not talking about that pass…then you are right, he’ll be a good fit. Hard to believe, but as I saw last night, I can happen.
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Stuart Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:45 am
@wavesinair, I chalked it up to you having a moment of self-actualization ;p
vplaza Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:55 am
@wavesinair,
I know I’m not expecting more points, but I think it’s reasonable to expect that he can play smart hockey, not taking risks, and perform his role on the team. For his cap hit, expectations need to be realistic.
Belexes Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@wavesinair,
I am an ardent Westgarth supporter but gave\give you a complete pass on your criticism because of the incredible video you supplied of DD hitting the ice for the 1st time! lol That vid was electric!
wavesinair Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@Blexes,
Sweet! I knew that vid would come in handy one day!
wavesinair Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:35 am
Wow, I guess I’m not awake yet. My writing mistakes are horrible today.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:47 am
@wavesinair, Today?
Just messin with you. Lewis drew some penalties, played well through the nuetral zone, and killed some penalties. That goal wouldn’t have happened if the goalie wasn’t cheating to the center lane drive by Lewis.
I’ve liked his game the last few.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@Dominick,
re: today
Excellent point!
KC23 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Dominick, was Lewis best game for sure. That line really looked to be playing as one.
variable Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:40 am
@wavesinair,
there are usually periods during a season where the fourth line is yr best line…lewis is averaging over 11 minutes per game early on…cliffy at 7:42 and westy just under five…however, lewis is almost getting as much toi as penner…so maybe lewis’s time is not only on the rise but around the corner…
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Cynic Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@wavesinair, Very happy for Westie also. KFC as well. 4th line was nails last night.
If you’re talking about that pass Richards made to Lewis for that breakaway about him missing a point blank opportunity, It’s not his fault. Yandle made an All-Star defensive play lifting Lewie’s stick at the last second from a bad angle to prevent the shot. Stud defensive play. Otherwise Lewis scores there.
I just think the most amazing thing is that we actually have 4 competent lines to roll WITH interchangeable parts. Westie’s display last night, if not an anomoly, is really quite important for TM to match up against teams night in and night out.
I do wish I could have been on the bench to hear the chatter right after Cliffy scored though. You know the boys were calling him ‘Wayne’ after making a pass like that.
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Everybody eating crow will be back on the hate train in a couple weeks, but I’ll still enjoy this moment.
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Blurker Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Nickdoh, Days, not Weeks.
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Nickdoh Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@Blurker, I can dream! But you’re probably right.
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It looked like even Westgrath was a bit surprised he made that play after Cliffy scored.
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Are we calling the line Triple Crown part 2?
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Stuart Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:47 am
@Joey No-No, only is you’re talking about their dental history…
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Stuart, LMAO, nice.
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Joey No-No Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Stuart, Nice.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@Stuart, or seeing their favorite horse race again.
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The Third Vopat Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@Stuart, Very nice. Like +4
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One goal away from the Gordie Howe hat trick…
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Amazing game I love this team!! 4th line playing great and ofcourse top 3 are great! If they stay healthy I may cry at how great they are. Only question i have for anyone is with Fraiser being healthy and staying on IR i understand he would only come in if there were injuries. MY QUESTION IS: why on lakings.com is he not there? Thank you to anyone and GO KINGS! Great start to the season!:-)
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Speaking of odds, I was able to nail down 60/1 on the Kings winning the cup with a $20 bet in June.
Go Kings!
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Everyone talks about the pass – and rightfully so, it was a beaut – but Westgarth played an outstanding overall game yesterday in limited minutes. Highlights that I remember:
1) A beautiful, hard, legal hit that got Biz Nasty’s panties in a bunch
2) A fight to a draw with the aforementioned Biz Nasty
3) A really nice heads-up play on the forecheck where he stole a pass 10 feet from the net and almost scored
4) Some great decision making with the puck in his own end and consistently excellent effort
5) Then, of course, the cross ice pass to Clifford for the assist
I have questioned Westy’s worth on this team (and the worth of “enforcers” in general) many times, but if he plays like this moving forward – even if this was his last point of the season – he’ll have earned his keep. I was very impressed.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@puddle,
“A beautiful, hard, legal hit that got Biz Nasty’s panties in a bunch”
…this is almost not even hockey related.
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puddle Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@wavesinair, LOL, ew
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variable Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@puddle,
westy has no choice…you cannot just be a knuckle-dragger anymore…he has to contribute by not making mistakes, being defensively responsible and demonstrate his intimidating presence on the ice while maintaining his composure…if he continues to do that, i’m sure tm would love to reward him with more ice time and games…
but he needs a bunch more games like the one last night to compete for regular ice time…this team is showing its depth early on…players are competing for shifts…and that’s great to see…
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puddle Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@variable, Agree on all counts
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I’ve been arguing rolling 4 lines for a long time. Do that, and the opponents NEVER get a chance to rest.
If Westy can continue to improve, play smart and contribute, and just get 2 or three more minutes of ice time per game, that’s 2 or 3 minutes our scoring forwards can rest. That’s the best way Westy can help this team, ironically not defensively, but in actuality – offensively!
Who’d a thunk it?
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Kopigarth was amazing last night. He’s improved so much and his has nothing to do with him getting an assist last night. He is keeping up with the play, checking, and even back checking. Richards influence is contagious!
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Who was it that predicted 4 handclaps and 2 hair flicks by Westy after a fight? I just rewatched that, they got it perfect, dead on.
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@Bluecoconuts, Haha I remeber that too, awesome that we know his move that well!
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How about Dustin Brown waking up the last couple games. It seems that the MR is finally getting something together its good to see. Brown should have had a two goal night but Mike Brown-Smith made a great save.
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Kopi’s line has been activating towards the puck since the season started. Richards line’s been doing it the last 3 games. The 3rd line started doing it in LA, and the 4rth line started doing it last night. Why didn’t we just start everybody doing it back in Europe?
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Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@Dominick, I have no clue. Guess I’m going to blame it on Kompon or Rob Blake. Yeah that makes sense.
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colo king fan Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Andrew, your logic is flawless.
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I just got to Vegas and will be putting my bet down on the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup champion LA Kings.
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I can’t remember the last time our 4th line scored in a regular season game?
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About time. I’m ecstatic to see it, as much flak as I took for supporting him!
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