Some notes from last night’s game…
– The Kings tied their season-high for goals in a game as they beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena.
– The Kings have scored five goals in six of their 66 games this season. The Kings have a 20-0-2 record this season when they score at least three goals.
– The Kings have scored a total of 18 goals in their last five games. They had scored a total of 18 goals in their previous 11 games.
– The Kings outshot the Predators 28-26, including 13-10 in the third period.
– The Kings went 0-for-1 on the power play and 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. The Kings have not allowed a power-play goal in six consecutive games and have killed 18 consecutive penalties.
– The Kings improved to 14-10-8 on the road, 15-12-12 in one-goal games, 24-4-6 when scoring the first goal and 14-1-2 when leading after the first period.
– Jonathan Quick stopped 22 of 26 shots. Quick earned a victory over Nashville for the first time in his career, in his sixth start (1-4-1). Quick tied his season-worst by allowing four goals. Quick has allowed four goals in six of his 56 games.
– Justin Williams scored two goals, to push his season totals to 15 goals and 45 points. It was Williams’ second two-goal game of the season (after Oct. 15 at Philadelphia) and his 12th multi-point game of the season. Williams has two goals and one assist in his last three games, and has two goals and three assists in three games against Nashville this season.
– Trevor Lewis had one goal — the game-winner — and one assist, to push his season totals to three goals and two assists. Lewis scored his first game-winning goal of the season and recorded his first multi-point game of the season. Lewis had gone 15 consecutive games without recording a point.
– Drew Doughty had one goal, his eighth goal and 28th point of the season. Doughty has three goals in his last seven games.
– Matt Greene had one goal, his fourth goal and 11th point of the season.
– Willie Mitchell had two assists, to push his season totals to 12 assists and 16 points. It was Mitchell’s second multi-point game of the season. Mitchell has three assists in three games against Nashville this season.
– Slava Voynov had one assist, his 10th assist and 14th point of the season. Voynov has one assist in each of his last three games.
– Jordan Nolan had one assist, his first NHL assist and third point, in his 11th game.
– Dustin Penner had one assist, his ninth assist and 14th point of the season.
– Anze Kopitar had one assist, to push his team-high totals to 37 assists and 56 points. Kopitar has recorded at least one point in four consecutive games (two goals, three assists).
– Colin Fraser had one assist, his fifth assist and sixth point of the season. Fraser has two assists in his last three games.
– Dustin Brown had one assist, his 21st assist and 40th point of the season. Brown has recorded at least one point in five consecutive games and has six goals and five assists in his last seven games. Brown has one goal and two assists in three games against Nashville this season.
– Anze Kopitar recorded a game-high five shots on goal. Matt Greene was credited with a team-high four hits. Willie Mitchell was credited with a team-high three blocked shots.
– Drew Doughty led the Kings in ice time, at 24 minutes, 58 seconds, followed by Rob Scuderi, at 24:02. Jeff Carter led all Kings forwards in ice time, at 19:01, followed by Mike Richards, at 18:48.
– The Kings won 30 of 57 faceoffs (53 percent). Jarret Stoll won 7 of 18 draws (39 percent). Mike Richards won 9 of 15 draws (60 percent). Anze Kopitar won 7 of 12 draws (58 percent).
The Kings are making me look stupid by winnning without scoring PP goals, but hey, it is better to be stupid and happy than right and unhappy. GKG (but please score some PP goals to)!!!!!
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wavesinair Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 10:56 am
@DesertKing,
…or stupid and unhappy but think you’re happy because you’re stupid.
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Stuart Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 10:59 am
@wavesinair, but if you think, therefore you are, then to think you’re happy would mean you’re actually happy, right? but either way you’re still stupid, which can’t be good.
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Kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:06 am
@wavesinair, Classic!!!
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Dominick Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:10 am
@wavesinair, At least Deserts got 1 thing goin for him. He’s smart enough to know the difference. Now if he could just figure how to use the VCR….
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DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:15 am
@Dominick,
Thats the machine thingy with that shiny tape in it that looks really cool when you unwind it and throw it in your tree?
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:14 am
@wavesinair,
Not sure what you mean, but yes!!!
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:17 am
@wavesinair, ignorance is bliss…..
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EmptyTank Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@DesertKing,
What did we have??… something like 22 seconds of PP time last night?? Don’t get too down on the PP
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Elijah Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:04 am
@DesertKing, why are we looking at stats? according to sutter, stats don’t matter. math is confusing to him and it just makes him angry. lol I think the biggest victory out of this game is the fact that our team showed that they can put 5 on the board and maintain a strong offensive presence throughout a game. GO KINGS GO
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DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@Elijah,
Careful, you are quoting a stat there
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jacky boy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:12 am
@DesertKing, why do the kings always seem to get more penalties against them then for them
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jacky boy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:25 am
@DesertKing, Anybody know where I can watch the Kings Wings game on Friday… Its not on Fox sports?? Thanks
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Steve W Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
@jacky boy, KCOP channel 13.
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King Cobra Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@jacky boy, or get Center Ice package and watch Wings feed.
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jacky boy Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
@King Cobra, Thanks!! Excited that that the game is on TV
– With the win last night, a game in hand over Phoenix, and just single point behind them, the Kings finally have their playoff destiny back in their hands. I think it’s been quite a while since we could say that. Lots more hockey to go, but it feels good regardless.
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KC23 Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 10:59 am
@wavesinair, Our chances (to make the playoffs) actually improved to over 50% for the first time in a while.
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I’m wondering what everyones turning point was in feeling confident in the King’s chances this year. Mine was the signing of Mitchell and his comments about the team. I went from thinking this team is emploding to … maybe there is something still there to turn this season around.
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wavesinair Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:07 am
@KC23,
Well he signed a couple days after the Avs disaster and one day before we blanked the Hawks 4-0. I think it was that Hawks slaughter and subsequent solid play (despite the loss to the Preds) that has given everyone hope.
Still though, with one bad game, there’s a huge contingent of fans who will turn on a dime toward doom and gloom.
On a side note, props to Lewie for hanging in there and battling away. He was getting roasted early on last night and he really came through for this team (and us). So thanks Trevor!
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Niko Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@KC23,
That was huge, for me it was Brown’s hat trick. Our captain leading by example ignited the scoring which has not cooled off. Willie’s confidence in this team definitely helped spark the way they have been playing of late, like the winners he told the media they are.
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Kopi Bryant Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@KC23, Exactly what I thought. I thought there had to be something wrong in the locker room but when Willie signed and gave those comments I was a little at ease knowing that the group of guys we have are ok.
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DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:18 am
@KC23,
Passing of the trade deadline coupled with the Kings making the biggest trade deal. MR seems renergized having Carter on his line and that helped also.
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Kings x Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
@DesertKing, Definitey carter trade. Changed the entire chemistry of the team for the better. Also showed managements belief and confidence in the current team and the commitment to winning. Bringing in slava and having having the presence of big bodied Nolan and King
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King John Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
@Kings x, agreed.
Shotongoal Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@KC23, I would say that the Carter trade coupled with Mitchell resigning were the big turns for me. Of course, there’s still a while lot of regular season hockey to play so we shall see how it plays out.
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:31 am
@Shotongoal, “whole” lot
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:59 am
@Shotongoal, The addition of Voynov and subtraction of JJ also helped.
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Gmo Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:59 am
@KC23,
Mitchell’s comments in regards to the team were great . Was great to hear the things he said about our group of guys .
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Jim S. Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@KC23,
I enjoyed Dustin Brown stepping up with a hat trick after having his name printed in trade rumors. As captain, he’s always had to “talk the talk” & now he’s “walking the walk” & leading by performance! Way to step it up Captain!
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Big win last night but let’s hope that the Kings don’t face Nashville at any point during the playoffs. This is one team along with Phoenix that I would prefer to stay away from.
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Niko Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:15 am
@4Kingsfans,
There’s no team I want to face more than the Nucks (round 2 of course)
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KC23 Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@Niko, I love to see the Kings face Vancouver as well. Chicago and SJ are also on that list.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:50 am
@KC23, What about ST Louis? The battle of relic coaches back in the limelight. Two teams that are similar yet I think now with Carter and Voynov the Kings are better offensively and defensively then the Blues. Could be a really good matchup.
4Kingsfans Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@Niko, With the way things are going this could be a first round match up which I’d be willing to take. Luongo is a head case and can easily be beaten on any given night.
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King Cobra Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
@4Kingsfans, The team we have now when playing correctly and tenacious will and can beat ANY TEAM!!!!
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4Kingsfans Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@King Cobra, It’s because of the way they are playing now that even before the trade for Carter all of the experts had them making a big slpash come playoff time. Let’s hope that they can keep this train rolling and make up for such a poor start. I’m starting to believe.
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Finally, a night off from scoreboard watching. No W.C. teams playing. While the Kings have a tough schedule ahead, so do the other teams 5-8. Phoenix’ schedule looked the easiest, then they let up and lose twice to Columbus. I hope the Kings see that and are ready to play on Thursday (dont want to go to Detroit on Friday with a loss).
Dallas and Chicago also have tough schedules left and San Jose’s is brutal!
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:52 am
@BluLiner, Columbus is a really tough opponent right now. They have nothing really to play for except for jobs next season, so they can just go out and play and have fun. Plus the whole Nash will he be traded or wont he I think affected them and since he stayed he is playing real well now too. We can’t look past them like Phoenix may have twice. We won’t have the clock in our favor this time.
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Kings x Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
@Jeff_R, Somebody’s streak is coming to an end tomorrow. It will not be ours!
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
@Kings x, Who would of ever predicted this game being between two teams on 3 game winning streaks?
I think Vancouver lost last night just to spite us.
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vinny Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:29 am
@LomitaKingsFan, lmao i think youre right
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:57 am
@LomitaKingsFan, I would think Vancouver would have more motivation to beat teams that we are competing against, so that would hep us rise to a position where they won’t have to face us in the first round. I would think that we would be one team Vancouver doesn’t want to face early on.
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Mikey J. Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:58 am
@LomitaKingsFan, Michael Ryder is just tearing it up for Dallas. It seems like Vancouver can’t beat anyone right now. Not counting on them for any favors.
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KC23 Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
@LomitaKingsFan, My distain for Vancouver knows no boundaries. I hate that team with every fiber of my being.
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I said this last night. For the boys to go into Nashville and do the Preds the way they did was very impressive to say the least. They are heating up at the perfect time. We all knew if they could just raise the goal per game up to around 2.7 or so they would be unstoppable. So who do you guys think starts in goal tomorrow in CBJ?
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Kings x Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
@SpencerMaze, First reg loss by Nashville at home since Jan 5th. Very impressive. I’ve said all along that we have a really good team. Something has just been off with the chemistry. Things just haven’t been clicking. They look pretty good now. Keep it up boys
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That pass from Nolan to DD was a beauty. Liked his composure and patience . Great play
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Kings x Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
@Gmo, So was voynov to JW on his second goal
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Scott’s King Birthday Road Trip:
I’ve left my home in Connecticut to see the Kings finish their road trip for my birthday! I will post comments and picture from each game.
GKG!
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 11:58 am
@Scott, Happy Birthday and bring good luck during the trip.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 6:02 pm
@Scott, Happy Birthday, Scott, and please post as much as you can.
Cheers!
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Timing is everything. I really feel Kings are going on a Heater in these last games which they haven’t done so all year perfect timing.. Doughty is sick I don’t care what any of the haters say he is so smart and crafty. Yes once a while he brain farts but he is the real deal. So impressed with Voynov also. That kid is so accurate with his tape to tape passing especially out of our own zone and playing with Mitchell he has TON of upside. Not going to lie got very nervous when Quick let in some soft goals “here we go again” but to Sutters credit for sticking with him and the players credit for FINALLY bailing him out great win. Get ready boys and girls here comes a serious Rush and we finally get to see the team play like we knew they could at the right time. GKG!!!
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Kings x Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
@Cunning Plan, JQ has only let in 4 goals four times. Team as only scored 5 goals six times. Tit for tat
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Cunning Plan Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
@Kings x,
Errrr…. That’s my point all the games Quick bailed the team out on it was nice to see them bail him out for once.
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Matt Greene has now doubled his previous personal best “goals in a season”.
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TeamJMFJ Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
@RedBear, he is that true sniper weve coveted for so long!
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Duncanz Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
@RedBear, @TeamJMFJ, He’s actually putting a lot of the guys to shame.
He’s a defensive D with hardly overwhelming speed or shooting calibre, and yet he is only 4 goals behind DD, and ahead of several of our forwards.
I hope we keep Greener. He was the throwaway in the Vishnovsky trade to EDM, and yet he has played nearly 300 games for The Kings, has a positive plus/minus, is formidable and mean physically and manages to reduce his PIMs year by year.
Cruelly, perhaps the least heralded player on the LAK roster!
GGG!!!
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At times throughout the game I thought the Kings had it in the bag!At other times I got nervous that our leads would evaporate! Glad to see the Kings score as many goals as they did. And to see all the lines playing pretty well!Props to the PP they were exceptional!!!
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I always look for a stat that stands out.
For me, the JC/MR, Fs with most mins in ice-time was incredible. I hardly noticed this line on the ice all night!
Perhaps they do their job that efficiently, but I trust we will see a lot more in the future than the paultry 2 shots of the 28 taken by The Kings in this game.
Not good enough.
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