With Phoenix’s regulation victory over St. Louis, the Kings’ playoff picture has narrowed a bit. Phoenix has moved into first place in the Pacific Division, with 95 points (35 regulation/overtime wins), followed by the Kings (94 points, 34 ROW) and San Jose (94 points, 33 ROW). Tomorrow, the regular season ends. Minnesota hosts Phoenix at 5 p.m. Pacific time and San Jose hosts the Kings at 7:30 p.m. Given that the Coyotes play first, here are the scenarios for the Kings in terms of seeding…
– If Phoenix beats Minnesota in regulation, overtime or a shootout — two points — the Coyotes win the division. The winner of the Kings-Sharks game would finish seventh in the Western Conference.
– If Phoenix loses to Minnesota in overtime or a shootout — one point — the Kings would win the division if they beat San Jose in regulation or overtime. The Kings would finish seventh if they beat San Jose in a shootout, and eighth if they lost to San Jose.
– If Phoenix loses to Minnesota in regulation — zero points — the winner of the Kings-San Jose game would win the division. Phoenix would finish seventh and the loser of the Kings-San Jose game would finish eighth.
In terms of other seedings, Vancouver will finish in first place if it gets at least one point against Edmonton, or if St. Louis fails to get both points against Dallas. Chicago will finish sixth unless it beats Detroit in regulation, in which case Detroit would finish sixth.
Off topic alert! I’ve been staying away from the blog today because I didn’t want to read the negativity. I do think this is a perfect forum to vent frustration, I just don’t necessarily want to read it, usually because I am so pissed already I don’t want to get any worse. Consequently I may be repeating here what has already been said ad nauseam but in the sober (relatively) light of day I don’t disagree with the NHL’s handling of Clowe himself. He’s pond scum, a cheater that is willing to engage in the type of activity that none of us would want our children or anyone else to emulate but when all is said and done, the ref’s just missed a 2 minute minor call. That would never warrant supplemental discipline in any form. He cheated, he committed a 2 minute minor penalty that would also have resulted in a game misconduct but got away with it. Penalties get missed every game and no one complains that the offenders should get supplemental discipline. This one hurt. It broke up an odd man rush that could have resulted in a game winning goal. If seen, it would have put us up two men with just a few minutes left in the game. To say a lot was riding on the call is an understatement, but it was the call that was the problem. The referees should answer for this, not Clowe, regardless of how morally bankrupt he is. Of course, as always, this is IMHO.
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Lake Forest Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:27 pm
@370455VinSD, thank you for the alert
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Kissmyblarneystones Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:48 pm
@Lake Forest,
Very Funny!!!!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@370455VinSD, My problem with it being “only a 2-minute penalty” is that doing so by throwing something would have been a penalty shot. Tackling him from behind would have been a penalty shot, etc. That, and like gambling, something that hurts the integrity of the game so much needs to be handled more seriously. Instead, the league and the announcers and the San Jose homers are all laughing about it. I don’t think too many people think the game necessarily pivoted on it, or that it should have any bearing on the outcome, but you just can’t let the deliberate cheating occur without punishment.
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CB14 Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:41 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Yeah, the would be 2 minute penalty for what Clowe did is too little. It seems like that penalty is meant for accidental touching of the player or puck on the ice. What Clowe did was deliberate, and should have deserved more than just a 2 minute minor.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
@CB14, On the ice, it’s probably all you could expect, but you have to expect the league to enforce it using the catch-all rule, 58.1, I think.
Mars (formerly Mars) Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, My issue is that is unsportsman like, a bad role model move. (yeah he isnt one, but some kids DO look up to their favs, even players like Avery too)
It sets a bad example to the players, just done get caught, lying is OK too. The kids watching. The fans too.
The NHL fines coaches for talking bad about refs.
The NHL gave Avery a 6 game suspension for nasty comments about an ex.
But they wont so anything after a disruption to play and lie to media?
The fact that the NHL is not doing anything is absurd.
The NBA fined Kobe (100,000k) for using a gay slur.
NFL: Jets coach was suspended for tripping a Dolphins player.
I just do not get this one at all.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
@Mars (formerly Mars), Well, obviously, the league is POLITICALLY motivated differently than they’re PRACTICALLY motivated. The gay slur thing is political, not practical. They don’t want to be seen as tolerating politically incorrect speech, and that’s a HUGE deal to them. The idea that the most exciting and pivotal play in the game could be screwed up by the deliberate cheating of someone who’s not even on the ice seems fine with them. So much for the integrity of the game.
King-C Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 10:35 am
@Mars (formerly Mars), I’ll give you the reason. The NHL has degenerated to the level of WWE. There is no integrity period. They routinely manipulate the outcome of games as it suits their needs. It is demoralizing as a fan of 30 years to see stuff like this. My 10 year old was so dejected by the whole thing he didn’t want to go to practice today. I can’t blame him. This is why the NFL, NBA and the MLB are way above the NHL. I’m not saying that those leagues are perfect. Far from it there are a lot of character flaws in those leagues as well. However the NFL as an entity conducts itself in a much better way. If they keep this up the NHL will lose even more market share to those other sports.
PHIL RAYCRAFT Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Bowie Kuhn and Bart Giamatti must be turning over in the graves! Kuhn nixed the Vida Blue/Joe Rudi trade to the Yankees and Giamatti banned Rose from baseball. The rationale? “In the best interests of baseball!” Gary Bettman should be ashamed that he did not step in immediately and suspend Clowe for the last game of the season. He should also have Colin Campbell and/or Shanahan come up with additional fines and/or suspensions for the Sharks as a team and Clowe individually. If San Jose wins the division, this will send a message that cheating is OK. Anybody else as pissed off at our clueless Commish?
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luc20rules Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
@370455VinSD, IMHO, Clowe would be proud to show his child how, and the perfect time to cheat, and Thorton would be proud to have Clowe’s child on his childs team. There is still hope the Kings can win the division, but the Refs have dealt the Kings a rather leathal blow as far as the division crown goes. Go Wild & Go Kings.
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370455VinSD Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
@luc20rules, That’s what really sucks about this rule. Imagine game 7 on the line, less than a minute left, tie score, odd man break against your team along the benches and the only thing preventing you from reaching out and using a Clowe check is a lousy 2 minute penalty and a game misconduct worth about 30 seconds.
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mask0425x Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
OK, generally not being a violent person unless Denny La Rue is around and being almost always against throwing things on ice, I feel that this time is different. Here are a few worthy (and safe) flying objects that should be considered by the Kings fans going to tomorrow night’s game or next time the chum are in town:
1 – A Clow(n)e fish named Nemo, kill two fish with one throw
http://www.disneystore.com/plush-toys-mini-bean-bag-nemo-plush-toy-9-l/mp/1257287/1000267/?CMP=KNC-DSSGoogle
2 – A big nosed multicolored Penguin – as in club where Clow(n)e really should be playing
http://www.disneystore.com/plush-toys-club-penguin-clown-penguin-plush-toy-6/mp/1299924/1000267/?CMP=KNC-DSSGoogle
3 – Bozo the Clow(n)e, always a classic
http://www.clown-ministry.com/index_1.php/articles/bozo_the_clown_plush_doll/
4 – OK, no words needed here, just see for yourself
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62490743/handmade-sock-clown-stuffed-animal-doll
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prlandra Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
@370455VinSD, If a baseball player interferred from the bench or bullpen and the umps missed it, would MLB just let it go with a demerit to the official? If a basketball player interferrred with play from the bench would the NBA just let it go? We already know the NFL wouldn’t just let it go. Minor penalty or not, I can not fathom how you don’t add supplemental discipline for such a blatant act of interference.
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OldKingsFan Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 11:11 pm
@370455VinSD, I was with a group of my non Hockey friends their comment was “Hockey is a joke in any other major sport if someone off the field of play interferes with the game it is taken serious. Not hockey it is a laughing matter.” Until Buttman and his band of clowns understand what a major league sport is about we will always be a third rate sport in the USofA. Shanahan get a clue “If you are his friend he give you a break, if you are a team he dislikes he sticks it to you. Ask NY or Columbus. Another chance to make a statement and we P!$$ in our Cherrios.
Laugh that one to a 3rd rate network that only a 1/3 of the country can watch hockey. Until you understand the importance of consistency Hockey will not be take serious in the largest market in North America.
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OOOOOOHHHH it is coming down to the wire.
I hope Phoenix chokes, and I know the Kings will trounce the Sharks.
Tomorrow is going to be crazy.
Man this is exciting!
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Mars (formerly Mars) Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
@Mars (formerly Mars), Forgot to say, we are in, so as long as we play our game, we are golden! We are not going out in the first round, so relax the playoffs will be fun!
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CB14 Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:41 pm
@Mars (formerly Mars), I like your new name. LOL
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BigSeeGas Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 8:53 am
@CB14, I like the old one
sol Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
I totally know what you’re saying about we are not going out in the first round. I think 2 days ago the division seem so important to many of us, even though the opponent fifth or sixth seed, either in detroit or chicago, would in no way be a pushover team. maybe the division shines so bright because it’s an accomplishment in itself regardless of the postseason.
I surely think this team is capable, but at the end of the day will they take down either st louis or vancouver? that’s a difficult question to deal with, and I think from here on out we should all prepare for that possibility. on any given day of the season let alone the last, it’s a stretch to want your club to win and ask another to lose. it could happen.
I would guess probably by the statistics that chicago would be our most desired opponent. but again all these teams are scary in their own ways. I guess the biggest question for us to ask right now is that the experts who analyze all this ,the authors of this blog and others: who would the kings have the best chance of success against?
now I suppose all of this is moot if we look like we did in victories in the last 10 games.
we could win games. They looked big and like they were covering large portions of ice with confidence and dominance.
the coach has been saying that the game cannot be figured out after it is brought to us.
we must set the tone. and that is not just an idea it’s something that has to physically happen, it has to be executed with precision and craft.
all things are possible.
it’s about sustenance and peaking together.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@sol, If you saw the Phx vs St. Louis game, this is why ALL ALONG I think the Kings have better chance advancing from the first round against St. Louis. St. Louise plays to much of defensive minded game and do not really have too many snipers on their team.
Our offensive threat, specially lately, is by far better then St. Louis. I know defense wins many games, but the object of the game is to score more then your opponent and St. Louis COULD never light the Kings up!!! We’ve had success against sj and Van, but I know in a long haul, they’ll just outscore us.
IF Phoenix wins, Carter doesn’t play, IF Phoenix loses, Carter plays? Too bad Phoenix didn’t play earlier to allow the Kings to wait to submit their line up.
Hopefully in anycase the Kings give Carter more time, and leave him off the roster for tomorrow. The playoff run is more improtant than a division title, or seeding. I’ll take 8th if Carter’s healthy.
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CB14 Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), I don’t think Carter plays either way. I remember Sutter saying he needed to go through a full practice first, and that hasn’t happened yet. Also, I agree with you, they should let him be 100% before playing him.
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Mars (formerly Mars) Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@CB14, I agree keep him out until the 11th. We will need him later. I would rather take 8th than lose him for the playoffs.
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Jody Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 10:05 am
@Dominick (defrim65), Agree, because the Kings play to the level of their opponents, so the seeding doesn’t really matter, although home ice would be nice.
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Kings need a win tomorrow……….much rather play St. Louis than Vancouver in the first round.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@E-Dog, My opinion? They need a win no matter what, but I’m thinking they really don’t want Vancouver in the first round.
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joan fondell Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@E-Dog, Agree. we can beat St. Louis, we seem to have fits with Vancouver
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BigSeeGas Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 8:56 am
@joan fondell, Vancouver has beaten the kings more than any other team in the NHL. I would take the blues just to be safe and hope for an upset against the Canucks. Then we might get some serious revenge against the sharks in the playoffs.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
@E-Dog, I agree!!! St. Louis CAN never have and offensive explosion!!!
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It might be kinda funny to see the Kings miss the 3rd seed and to see the Chicago overtaking the Wings, then the Wings thrashing the 3rd seed. It’d be a heluva series, but maybe the Kings and St Louis would be interesting. The Kings and Vancouver would be interesting in a different, hate-filled way.
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Rather not face the #1 defensive team in the league for the first round match up. The only thing going for us would be that since St.Louis clinched, they have struggled.
St.Louis already knows how to slow the pace down on the Kings. Vancouver hasn’t figured that out yet, and tries to play a wide open style against the Kings. They can match up against Vancouver.
If it turns into lowscoring goalie duals, I’d hate to see the Kings offense stop scoring right at the moment of truth.
No matter who we play will be fine, but I’d rather face a team that will let the Kings skate, and take my chances.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), Nah….with the confidence our offense is having, I’ll take St. Louis ANYDAY!!! They have good players but, the can NEVER bury the Kings offensively. Quick is air tight in more controlled games unlike last nights circus show!!!!
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PHO with home ice advantage in the first round would be a travesty. If their series goes 7, they might draw 20,000 fans
(aggregate)
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loskingpride Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 7:57 am
@Kenny44, I think you added an extra zero.
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There are so many missed opportunities as I look back at what might have been. Of course it is easier to look at the most recent moments, Quick’s stupid penalty, Clowe, Scuderi tossing it over the glass, but there are just so many over the last 81 games. We’re screwed here folks. We should be hosting Game 1, instead we’ll be in enemy territory, without the benefit of the last shift change for countless reasons. God, let us pull one out of our a$$es and get to at least a second round.
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 7:42 pm
@Krusher, Nothings set yet. How do you know the Kings won’t have homeice? Do you have a crystal ball, and some wind chimes that have forseen it?
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Mars (formerly Mars) Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), Wind chimes LOL
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Krusher Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:57 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), People, get your heads out of your butts, we are counting on the Wild to save our division tile chances, after the Yotes destroyed one of the best teams in the NHL on their home ice where they have a ridiculous record. The Wild!!
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brian spain Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
@Krusher, The Kings shut out St. Louis and the Blues have been cold as of late, quit your bellyaching.Go become a Ducks fan they always have room for negative people over there.
BigSeeGas Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 8:57 am
@Krusher, We beat the blues and lost to the wild… It could happen
InTheCrease Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
@Krusher, Quit whining! Why are all the whiners out today?
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
@Krusher, LOL…so much negativity!!! If it makes you feel better the Kings ARE pretty good on the road!!!
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Damn Coyotes won’t die!!
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Whoever said Minnesota won’t be a pushover is right. They’re on a hell of a run right now (seems it started around the time they beat the Kings after the tough travel night.) They may have the juice to deprive Phoenix of a point or two.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, You’re exactly right! Phx played well against the the Blues, but is anybody surprised???!!! It’s much easier to get your mind focus playing a better team!!
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It is official clowe and thorton bigger POS than the sisters. for a professional to call it the play of the year shows a great deal about his character, and the team. Quick I don’t even want to go down that road…after that move I AM DISAPPOINTED
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Totally disagree with the people (including the person who was first in this post). The refs didn’t just miss a minor penalty. The NHL bynot suspending Clowe sends the message it is definitely worth it to stop a breakaway by reaching over the boards or what I’m sure is next-jumping over the boards and actually physically stopping the player. Why not do it if all you risk is a minor penalty? Now that Clowe got away with it I guarantee we will see this again. It will be interesting to see if next time it happens to one of the NHL darlings (Vancouver? Montreal? Detroit?). I’m sure if it had happened to one of those teams and not the kings we would see a suspension or maybe even a rule change!
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Bonvivant1 Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
@Tony, I think your understanding of the league’s response is muddled. There should not have been any supplemental discipline because the call was missed on the ice and injury to another player was not imminent. I’m sure everyone is as baffled as you are by what the San Jose player did. It stands to reason that whatever consequences are to be forthcoming from Clowe’s actions are going to be meted out on the ice tomorrow, and not by league officials, but by the motivation of the Kings.
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As unfortunate as this was, I bet it doesnt happen again for 3 years…I bet its an isolated incident. The NHL should have at least shown some frown upon Clowe, but don’t have the will or the cojones.
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Kissmyblarneystones (Formerly Sean Avery) Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
@Jack,
There’s that word again!!
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Catch the new show on comedy central NHL plays of the week.
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We’re going deep!! We have what few others have in this conference, which is class and experience at this level. The Sharks remind me of the team that played the Chiefs in the movie Slap Shot, in the final game. Their name escapes me.
The ‘Nucks or The Blues, I don’t care. I’ll bet anyones ‘Sloppy 2nd’s’ that the Blues are out in Rd.1. vs us, and so will the Nuck’s. This is a Wings/Kings Final with the Wings getting through. If the Kings get through some how, They’ll be toast vs The Pens.
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You mean some freaky scenario exists whereby we fight so hard to win the Division, and as a reward, get the Red Wings?
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@Darrell, Could be. Do we really want that? Does Phoenix? I rather play the Blues but if we win the Division I will be really happy, even if we play the Red Wings.
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Gustavo Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@Jeff_R,
You mean the REF WINGS?
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@Jeff_R, WoooHOOOO!!! Exactly how I feel!! I’d rather play against an offensively challenge team with a great defense, because the way we’ve lighting it up I know our offense CAN CRACK their D!!!!
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:40 pm
@rogiesbackup, Problem is, I think if we loose we have no choice but to play Vanccouver!!!
All the talk about Clowe is a sideshow. Bottom line is that the Kings had the lead, could have and should have won the game, could have and should have controlled their own destiny – but managed yet again to lose a huge game that could have and should have changed their identity. We now face yet another 7th or 8th seeding, and the likelihood of yet another first round exit. While I am as disgusted as anyone about what Clowe did, and what the NHL didn’t do afterwards, the only real takeaway for me is that the Kings are STILL a bubble team, and STILL cannot be considered legitimate contenders. Boo me all you want, but what I left the game angry about last night is that my beloved Kings really are the Chicago Cubs of hockey.
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joan fondell Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@rick, You’re absolutely RIck. This game makes me more concerned about Quick than with Clowe. Quick MUST learn how to gear up for these all important games and keep focused. He loses his composure and can’t recapture it. All of the games this season he has won with aplomb. But last nights game by him was pretty mediocre (not Vezina-worthy). For Quick to be that elite goalie and for the Kings to go further in the playoffs, Quick MUST be at the top of his game, no weak goals. Otherwise the Kings will quickly be toast. The truly great goalies are psyched for these pivotal games. They don’t get so unnerved. I’d hate to say it, but the Kings are good with hard body checking and hits, but their opponents know that if you get them fighting, killing penalties, you can get them off their game, get in the goalies face, get him mad and you can beat the Kings. That’s what the Sharks did. They got the KIngs off that nice 3-1 lead, and once they made it 3-2, I knew it was coming. Didn’t this happen last year against the Sharks? I can’t recall the exact game, but there was a game where the Kings were well ahead and just crashed. I’d hate to see it again. The Kings MUST win in SJ and if Phoenix loses, maybe we have a chance to have home advantage…GKG!
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@rick, If I was a shark fan, I wouldn’t be too happy either. Niemi is totally not the goalie that can take you far into the Finals!
In fact, I’ll go further and say it’s gotta be more frustrating to be a shark fan these past several years because of all the “talented” players they’ve had yet NEVER BEEN in the Stanley Cup finals!!!!
They’re expected to be cup finalist for a while back now, yet NOTHING!!
Guess Clowe showed his frustration!!
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JD Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 12:55 am
@rogiesbackup, Um… Neimi has hoisted the Stanley cup, while quick has never won a playoff series, this postseason will we quicks chance to show that he is an elite goalie…. Great careers are made in the playoffs
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TiredOfIt Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 12:37 am
@rick, Somebody nailed it tonight, and his name is Rick…
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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/coyotes-take-pacific-division-lead-with-win-over-blues/article2394787/
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Screw everybody. We’re in the playoffs and got a long time we were on the outside looking in. Play hockey. Kick some @sses, make some noise, do some damage. Hell, win the cup. Now. This year. Go Kings.
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tomb Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 2:36 am
@Shuchuk, yeah screw everybody…yeah. It does not matter who will play in the playoffs, if we want to win the Stanley Cup we are going to have to beat every opponent.
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I just cant belive the league does nothing to clowe if this would have happend in Toronto there would be so much out cry. The league just has such a double standard. I just hope carma bites san jose right in the a**.
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Karma
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Cheater who later smiles, denies his wrongdoing and mocks the reporters asking about the incident. He does not get punished by NHL. I am so frustrated that I want the Kings first punish him and then think about wining the game. I think they should rest our tired players. We can beat Vancouver easier than St. Luis.
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Krusher Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
@DrA, If Clowe isn’t punished, without penalty, up and down the ice I will be PISSED! I expect him to be in a fight each time he steps off the bench or out of the penalty box.
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DrA Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@Krusher, Just reading your post I get less frustrated Imagining what a great game it will be.
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i like the second scenario w/KINGS winning the division!! GO KINGS GO!
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Dress Westy and send him in EVERY time Clowe is on the ice.
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DrA Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
@Gustavo, +1
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illegalstick33 Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@Gustavo, Whats that going to do? Get westy hurt? Are you a new fan? Westy can’t handle clowe. Put the puck in the net. Blow the sharks fans a big kiss and get outa town! Thats how you hurt the sharks.
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The Kings are safely in the playoffs and it only took 80 games to get there, so we did well, and with plenty of room to spare.
Congratulations are also in order to The Phoenix Coyotes, who made it in similar fashion and may well now win the Pacific.
Dave Tippett was an assistant here for 3 years up until 10 years ago when he moved on to the Stars and subsequently the Coyotes where he won the Jack Adams in 2010.
With extremely limited resources available, and the uncertain future of the franchise he has done nothing short of a magnificent job in his time in Phoenix.
There are many here I’m sure that once coveted him as a future Head Coach for the Kings. He’s still only 50 years of age.
I wonder if there are Kings fans that still have an eye on Tippett for this job in the years to come and, if so, who would make ideal Assistants for him behind the bench.
Under our present circumstances, this is all just musing, of course, but it’s fun to think about these things from time to time on an off day.
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SLIM Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@Duncanz,
So what are you really saying?
You like Tippet?
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Duncanz Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
@SLIM, Yes I do, but the real motive was to get some of these coots’ minds back to positive, productive thinking. I just got a bit fed up with the dross that kept repeating itself a day.
You?
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
@Duncanz, Oh Duncan I funny that you brought up American Idiot earlier today. I was wondering if you did that because I mentioned it a few days ago, or if it was just a coincidence. You don’t have to get me tickets though, as i saw it the other night. I am an American Idiot
.
Duncanz Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 12:19 am
@Jell_Y,
It was a subtle blend of deduction and extreme serindipity!
I want the Blues. Let SJ take on Detroit or Chi town.
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All the Clowe garbage is past. He proved himself to be the lowest of the low with that brilliant move. The important thing is that the Kings are in the playoffs. I hope they get the division, but for a while there I was concerned they were going to be on the outside looking in come playoff time. I know whatever their seed, they can beat anyone they are matched against.
So, tomorrow I am a Minnesota Wild fan at 7 pm (my time). I may even go to the game with my Kings jersey on and cheer wildly (pardon the pun) for the Wild to beat the crud out of Phoenix. They have been playing reasonably well lately and so there is reason for hope that a win is possible over the Coyotes. Relying on the Wild to help the Kings out is persnoal anathema to me, but I’ll hold my nose and do what I must to support my team.
GO WILD,
then
GO KINGS!
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rogiesbackup Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:56 pm
@Minnesota Kings Fan, Good post. The jersey thing is a good idea, although a yotes player might see it and give him/them a purpose!!
Yah, I think the Kings can beat anybody in the first round too. Just think it’s more doable against an offensively challenge St. Louis team.
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Phoenix probably will loose to Minnesota at least in overtime or in shootout because Minnesota has pride too and playing the last game in front of home fans and they did not loose in regulation in last 5 games, are 4-1 in last 5.
GKG
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Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:46 pm
@DrA, True. That’s why I have some hope that the Wild can win. They have beaten some decent teams, including the Kings who we all saw outplayed them but they got some bounces and benefitted from the back-to-back nature of the game. The Coyotes will be coming in in nearly the same condition as the Kings did on March 31 – late arrival after an exhausting game the night before. Hopefully they trip up and falter early. Maybe they’ll rest Smith and play LaBabs! That would be a hoot, but I would seriously be surprised (stunned?) if they’d place that burden on his shoulders with the division title on the line.
If I watch it at home I’ll see if I can provide up-to-the-minute updates on the game. If I go to the game, use your usual methods of trying to find out what’s going on in ou-of-town games.
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Interesting tho not likely situation:
IF the Yotes win in OT/SO, then the Kings can catch them in points with a win, but ONLY a win in regulation or OT gives the Kings the Pacific crown thru the head-to-head tiebreaker. A SO win would still leave them behind in ROWs and in 7th.
SO… if the Kings go into OT with the Sharks, would they consider pulling their goalie in the final minutes of OT to push for an OT win and first in the division, with the downside an 8th place if they lost…versus trying for a win even in the SO to finish 7th?
To me, I dislike Vancouver so much and am pretty ambivalent about St Louis that I’d rather the Kings play the Canucks, if they cant finish 3rd. Therefore.. I’d go for the win and pull the goalie. (Assuming that Vancouver wins their game and finishes 1st in the West).
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bbb7 Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@bbb7, Sorry, the first line should be ‘if the Yotes LOSE in OT/SO…”
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brian spain Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 7:29 am
@bbb7, If you pull your goalie in o.t. you lose your one point you would have gained.
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bbb7 Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 9:54 am
@brian spain, Doesnt really matter tho… an OT/SO loser point is useless to the Kings tonight. All that would matter is getting a regulation/OT winner if the Yotes get one point; a SO win is worthless in finishing 3rd so unless you care about finishing 7th or 8th it’s moot.. that’s the discussion.
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@SLIM, Curious that Rich allowed this by Twnclick.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 9:57 pm
You do understand that there can be 2,000 comments a day, that I don’t read every single one before it is published and that I don’t moderate comments 24 hours a day, right? Not trying to be rude, at all. I just wanted to make you aware of that, if there was any confusion.
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SLIM Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 10:02 pm
@Rich Hammond,
Thank you for deleting that…
Hanging around DS a lot , Right?
Must be refreshing for you…
How can you not laugh at most of his responses…
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This league is decaying lately…
Just lately…We got Head butt suspensions..
Coaches talking smack and being fined..
Atrocious Officiating….
Not to mention all this knee on knee crap…
Hits to the head with intent to injure…
Running goalies on purpose..
It really is becoming the WWE…
Why not…It’s ALL about ratings…And money….
It’s another blemish on the game we love…
But really it’s on the NHL and it’s staff….
This is not how you promote a sport..
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Duncanz Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 10:32 pm
@SVELTE
Gee, reading this, I see you are working nefariously counter to my comparably sinister intentions.
This makes you the anti-me.
Are you pleased with yourself now … ?
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Osaka Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 6:28 am
@SLIM, You are new to hockey? Ever seen Tiger Williams crush a man’s throat with his stick? Dave the Hammer Schultz? Dave Brown break Sandstrom’s jaw? Hunter hit Turgeon? McSorley club Brashear? Schoenfeld vs Koharski….. When were any of those atrocities you mention not prevalent in the game?
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I WANT THE BLUES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Keep with it, Rich.
Blink for a minute and things get away on you.
Anyway, it’s nobody else’s fault when there are more and more creatures drawn out of the woodwork daily to the compelling stories and interviews, and marginally less compelling nonsensical blogger responses and madcap opinions.
Mahalo ~
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Bonvivant1 Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
@Duncanz, Your comment seems rather antithetical to the spirit of this forum.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 11:50 pm
@Bonvivant1, I stand affected.
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If chi beats det and det slips to 6th, i think our best bet is finish 8 and play VAN, not easy but best travel
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I think the NHL is in wonderful shape …
Head butting is decreasing …
Coaches getting along like houses on fire …
Improved and less controversial refereeing …
Only the odd injurious neutral zone love-tap to the head …
Much milder snow showers on goalies …
Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson considering a hockey screenplay rather than a sequel …
Simple math, right? … the sport is becoming sooo less commercial … .
Which only serves to enhance its already appealing … appeal …
Gary Bettman is doing just a spiffing job … along with accomplished minions, Kathryn, EJ, Colin and Shanny, etc …
We are entering a golden age of hockey prosperity …
Believe and ye shall be preserved …… in formaldehyde …
From a drip …
GNHLG!!!
& GKG !!!!!
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Osaka Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 6:10 am
@Duncanz, I grew up in Philly during the early to mid 70′s, the product on the ice now is like watching Mr. Rogers.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 6:53 am
@Osaka, I am the same age as you I know EXACTLY what you mean …
I grew up in Korea watching Alan Alda, and the pruduct now is like watching WAYNE ROGERS !!!
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Someone should make Clowe wish he would be suspended tonight.
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Please consider all options and Kings playing last game of regular season they can somehow select the opponent in playoffs.
Possible selections include DET, CHI, STL and VAN.
Some chances will narrow before game.
1. CHI -DET game will define 5th or 6th place at 4 pm
2. PHX – MIN game will define 3rd place run and will be finished just around Kings finished just around Kings Sharks game game at 5pm
3. STL – DAL game will define if STL will be 2nd, or have chance for 1st and will be finished just around Kings finished just around Kings Sharks game game at 5 pm
4. EDM-VAN will define 1st place and will start 7 pm
So King will have option to somehow select the opponent.
They will know if they have chance to play against CHI or DET at all with win
With win of PHX they can chose between VAN or STL. With winor lose they will select the opponent (VAN or STL)
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Duncanz Reply:
April 6th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
@slovenian fan, Nice research.
Are you in Slovenia? Who do you watch games with?
Would you still support the Kings if we traded Kopi to CBJ for Nash & JJ?
GSG !!!
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slovenian fan Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@Duncanz,
I watch most games alone as if they are LA games there are at 4.30 am! And it is difficult to find a watching partner at that hour. This season I watched about 60 -65 games, other times I was traveling around or sometimes I could not wake up.
For me there was no doubt the Kings will consider trading Kopi!
If Kopi will win Lord Stanley in LA, he will be King forever, Otherwise he will maybe go somwhere else. In offensive oriented team like PIT , BOS or PHI, Kopi could be 100 pts scorer.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 11:59 am
@slovenian fan, You know, I totally agree and it sounds like you’re a Kopi fan first and foremost, but I was only kidding about trading him away.
As you say, he has the potential to go through the roof and continue to break thresholds!
The way things are going, I see the Kings continuing to get stronger through trades and free agency (maybe not through the draft), and I expect Kopi to stay and reach his 100 pts as Darryl Sutter establishes his brand on the collective Kings’ hockey hide. He knows a lot about this sort of stuff, you know.
Anyhow, glad you’re here and why don’t you contribute tonight on the ‘Game 81′ thread?
If you do I will say hello!
So long!
Duncanz Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
@slovenian fan,
*Game 82 of course.
Unlike Coach, I know there are 82 games in a season!
whats even funnier if nhl network analyst craig button on twitter saying refs are right 99 percent of the time must have his head under the sand geez. GO KINGS will take care of sharks tomorrow. if its for 7th not to bad we can take the blues
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Look, no mater what the Kings blew a lead and opened this door that PHO is skating through. They probably lost home ice in the 81st game of the year…….I said if they made it in they could probably do a lot of damage….that was before Carter went down….I don’t read too many comments about Mr. Carter……mostly about Mr. Clown……….Its obvious nothing will be done by the league and we should’nt be surprised….if that had happened to Sid they would’ve taken Clown out back and shot him…..Alas, it wasn’t Sid…..it was Stoll….Let’s just see how we fare against the best defensive team in hockey in the first round without our “best newcomer”…..GKG
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cup2la Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 12:50 am
@TiredOfIt, do realize carter will play game 1 of playoffs right?
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 1:00 am
@TiredOfIt, Don’t punch the Coyotes Pacific Division Title Ticket just yet. The Wild still have something to say about that, just as Dallas found that out the hard way last year. Remember this Wild team did start out the season 20-7 and whatever. So it isn’t like they are a pushover.
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I got 4 words to say.
GO KINGS GO WILD!!!!!!!
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Tony in Denver Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 7:45 am
@Jeff_R, Amen to that!
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Closing up shop and headed to snoozeville. Will be back at 10 to watch the Hawks and Wings and see who the Pacific Division Title winner’s foe will be. Night Y’all. Get a good night’s sleep as tomorrow is a long day..Hopefully a very fruitful day.
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I guess 8th isn’t too bad.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 7:07 am
@Eldoret, Just a few weeks ago, I’d have hugged you and kissed you if you’d told me we were guaranteed to finish eighth.
Just two days, I’d have kicked you in the kikuyus if you’d told me the very same thing …
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I`m hoping we play the Blues`. We match up well against them. Would be a great series. Hope Carter is back. Would love to see the sharks play the nucks. Hopefully it would go 7 games and they kill each other.
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Not going to get into the Clowe debat, pisses me off to much. On a similar note I have seen soo many “goalie showers” and not a single call…..not one! What have the Kings done to piss off the refs spp much? They are sending the message that’s it’s ok to play the puck from the bench, but it’s not ok to drive to the net hard and hit the brakes, inevitably “showering the goalie”.
I don’t have a good feeling about tonight. I just want to get through the evening find out who we play next and then wait for the schedule to be posted. San Jose has our number! Not necessarily in skill set but in mind set. I think it goes back game 3 when they blew the 4 – 0 game. Thursday night Quick took a stupid penalty and from there he was not the same and neither eas the team i front of him. We need the team to play their game and not get into a mental battle. This not only applies to tonight game but to Vancouver as well. Not worried about the Blues, Hawks or Wings…..just those damn Nucks.
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I’m just happy we made it in the playoffs, but I bitterly disappointed in the league letting something that is clearly a huge integrity issue just slide on by like it was a missed hooking call or something. Bettman is not only incompetent, but a fool.
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Forum gold Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 8:23 am
@KC23, What a difference it would have been had this happened on the East Coast. Until we win the Cup we will have to put up with this bias. GO KINGS GO!!!
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Let’s face facts: Phoenix will beat Minnesota tonight (or SHOULD beat them). So, who do you want in the first round? Vancouver or St. Louis? I’m thinking St. Louis. The Canucks have decidedly more playoff experience, and that means a lot.
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stilts19 Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 9:01 am
@Tony in Denver, NAW…. Lou SUCKS! We can take them down easier than St Lou…
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 10:12 am
@Tony in Denver, Phoenix is playing a back to back where they had to travel late and come into Minnesota late. We all saw what happened to the Kings in that instance. Also the Wild are playing very well right now and have made it a mess as for positioning. The Wild are a tale of 2 seasons. They started out like gangbusters and then fell off the map. This isn’t an easy game and if Phoenix takes the Wild lightly they will end up in Vancouver or St Louis.
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KC23 Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 10:29 am
@Tony in Denver, Not giving nobody nothing till they earn it. Wild has beat a lot of good teams these last few weeks and if ever there was a trap game for Phoenix this is it. Right after a big win against the Blues … wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Phoenix tanks this next one. I also like the King’s chances … Karma is gonna get the Sharks.
I’m picking the Kings to still pull out the division title.
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Nobody likes cheaters, but it happens. Move on and win your next game. Sounds simple right?
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 10:14 am
@KingCharles of SaltLake, It’s amaaing and not one ref saw it. However it is over and done with and the Kings only way of making San Jose pay for that is to beat them and have them finish 8th and most likely a visit to Vancouver.
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NHL Network playing the Ottawa 67′s playoff game from last night…if you wanna watch Tafolli….#16 in red.
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stilts19 Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 9:00 am
@TeamJMFJ, Toffoli is TEARING IT UP in the OHL playoffs! Looking good for the Kings
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stilts19 Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 9:10 am
@TeamJMFJ, ALSO…Aaron Ekblad (#5 for Barrie Colts) is the 16-year old “exceptional” player (only second such kid after Tavares). He’s barely 16 and is already about 6’3″, 210 lbs. A sure fire 1st overall in a couple of years…
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The kings and our fans have been disrespected and insulted more by the guppies than i have ever seen in any sport .The only way end this now is to go into there house play smart hockey and drive a stake into there heart.This is now a more personal war!!!a true rivalry is born. The photo of havlak`s middle finger to our fans should be put on the wall at staple center so we all ways remember .
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jack Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 10:05 am
@frazier king, Yeah, even forgetting the playoff scenario, they need to make a statement tonite. It will be good for morale, confidence, and to make opponents worry a bit more. Too many losses like the other night can wreck havoc on a team’s psych.
I think the only guy who could woop someone size wise is Kopitar…
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Completely OFF TOPIC but is anyone here following the OHL Playoffs. TYLER TOFFOLI is tearing it up!!!He is at, or near the top, of playoff scoring in the Ontario Hockey League Playoffs! That bodes well for our scoring strength in MCH and LAK… Final thought, IF PHX wins and clinches the Pac Div. I say BEAT CLOWE’S ASS!!!! Run him EVERY TIME he’s on the ice. Just a thought….
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jack Reply:
April 7th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@stilts19, I think the best thing is ignore the Sharks and execute our game and focus on the puck…winning is the key, not fighting.
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Fire NHL commissioner.He is full of sheet.
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