The Kings are scheduled to practice tomorrow at 10 a.m. in El Segundo, in advance of Wednesday’s playoff opener. The last time the Kings played in Vancouver, Darryl Sutter took a couple jabs at the Canucks and those who cover the team. Sutter noted, of the Canucks, “It’s a pretty well-balanced team. We feel fortunate they could fit us into their schedule tonight. … All you have to do is listen to everything. You can’t imagine how they could lose a game, again.’’ Well, the Canucks haven’t lost many of late, even without injured star Daniel Sedin, who is recovering from a concussion. The Canucks finished the regular season by winning eight of their last nine games. We’ll take a more in-depth look at the Canucks tomorrow, but for now, here’s a first-look sampling from the Vancouver newspapers, and then the big question: how do you think the series will go?
Canucks to start playoffs Wednesday against L.A. Kings (Vancouver Sun)
Canucks feel new, versatile lineup has them better equipped for playoff success (Vancouver Province)
I’m not optimistic, especially the way the D has played of late. Odds are way against the Kings here..I don’t think one single media “expert” will pick VAN to lose. Though Pierre LeBrun of ESPN said the Kings will give the Canucks a hard fight in 7 games.
Still, not optimistic.
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SDGolfer Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 4:55 pm
@MassKings,
“Experts” are picking the Kings.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/7772345/experts-picks
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MassKings Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@SDGolfer, Wow I didn’t see that. Pleasantly surprised.
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KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair) Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@SDGolfer,
Melrose takes the Kings in 7. Pretty cool.
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USHA#17 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair),
Just nostalgia for the days of the ungray mullet… dont get too excited…
Cruiznblue Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:30 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair),
He needs to stay out of the sun
mash-ola Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 12:30 am
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair), Funny how when he has something positive to say about the Kings, it’s cool, but when he says something negative or votes against the Kings, he’s an idiot with no credibility… lol
Maureen N. Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
@SDGolfer,
Of the 8 “experts” 5 pick the Canucks over us.
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Christian T Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
@Maureen N., Sutter says those 5 think the Canucks will go 16-0 to win the cup. But after last year(roits) karma will come thru the Kings.
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
@SDGolfer, Interesting that they’re all in agreeance on the Red Wing/Predator series.
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DavidR Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:45 pm
@SDGolfer, of course the Kings are not the pick, the reg season series is tied at two a piece, but we are playing are best right now, the experts are showing their “expertise” by but have they considered….who else in the Canucks the division made the playoffs???? Oh yeah, no one. HAHAHA, and San Jose can have a jolly old time playing St. Louis, who they beat in the regular season how many times????? HAHAHAHAHA, thanks for sticking your stick out Clowe, cause Im glad we have the chance to knock out the Canucks in the first round. KINGS IN 6 if we split the first two, KINGS in 4 in we win the first two.
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California Royalty Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
@MassKings, Mike Keenan picked them in 6!
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Hate to be a Debbie downer but…
The only 8th place team to ever make it to the finals were the 2005-06 Edmonton Oilers but they lost in 7 games to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Besides that, there have been two other teams who were last place but not in 8th place (this is before there were 8 teams in a conference). The 1948-49 Maple Leafs (22-25-13) were the last ‘worst’ seed to win the Stanley Cup. The 1937-38 Blackhawks (14-25-9) are the only other ‘worst’ seed to win the Cup. In fact by there record, they are the worst team to have won the Stanley Cup.
That being said I will watch hoping the boys can win! Just stating facts
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Jeff Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@tornado12, didn’t the Flyers make it to the finals a couple of years ago after finishing in eighth? As I recall, they beat the NYR on the last day of the season (in a shoot out) to get eighth place.
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thrustable Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:35 pm
@Jeff, I think that was last year, no?
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Philly King Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 6:09 am
@thrustable, That was the 2009/10 season. Last year was the Canucks/Bruins.
tornado12 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@Jeff, They ended up 7th seed actually
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Jeff Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@tornado12, my bad! I do remember that they had to beat the Rangers on the last day of the season (in a SO) to get in.
brian spain Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:59 am
@Jeff, Flyers were #7 seed when they went to the finals. If I remember right.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
@tornado12, Kings aren’t a normal 8th seed though. Plus they were only 2 points out of 3rd. So if the Canucks thinks this is going to be easy they will be sorely mistaken. Kings can beat anybody in the West, as they showed throughout the last month.
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tornado12 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
@Jeff_R, I think they can beat the Canucks too but the fact remains the odds are gravely stacked against them. An 8th seed is an 8th seed I’m afraid.
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tornado12 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
@tornado12, *…against them to win the cup.
OneTimer Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:10 pm
@Jeff_R,
Majority of their fans think they shouldn’t even bother playing the series out. This gem from Vancouver Sun comments:
“Good win by our boys, now for the kings, not much there, Canucks in 5, if the referees cheat like they did last year. I hope our 3rd and 4th lines absorb the brunt of the physical assaults that are to be expected from a dirty team like LA. Coulda been a good first round, but the Canucks are going to skate the pants off the kings, whose only chance is to ‘goon’ it up, but we have reloaded since last year and the result will be a wipe out of the LA kings.”
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Canucks+start+playoffs+Wednesday+against+Kings/6426704/story.html#ixzz1rVKVZgfA
Can’t wait to HATE the NHL’s worst fans again.
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USHA#17 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
@OneTimer,
It may not be LA who bumps them but I hope the have their fire insurance paid up in Vancouver.
ikbenben Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 1:54 am
Hey @OneTimer, all of us canuck fans aren’t like that guy. I’ve been reading a lot of the comments on the province and the vancouversun websites and a lot of the comments are positive in that this is going to be a tough series which it will be. Of course I think we will win in the end of course
good luck to both teams
Rookie Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 7:41 am
@OneTimer,
is this clown really a sports writer?
OneTimer Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 9:50 am
@OneTimer,
Good on ya’ ikbenben, and best of luck for a tough, honest, FAIR series between our 2 clubs. Here’s hoping no lowlife “Clowe antics” rear they’re ugly head.
rick Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
@Jeff_R, Not true. We had the lowest number of points of any Western Conference playoff team. That is the very definition of a “normal 8th seed”.
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Philly King Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 6:10 am
@Jeff_R, Except the Sharks… apparently we cant beat them… At least not if we get a two goal lead.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:07 pm
@tornado12, You forgot the 91 North Stars run to the finals vs. the Penguins. Conference alignment was different back then, but they were the lowest seed in their division and made it to the finals.
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Booga01 Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 9:42 am
@tornado12: I think the Flames were an 8 seed that made it to the Cup finals against Tampa Bay with DS as the head coach.
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I hope, I hope, I hope, that falling apart those last two games against San Jose when a third place home ice series against goaltenders emory and crawford doesnt cost us. But I can’t help but feel the wind has been let out of the sail. Worried the boys look and looked both physically and emotionally spent just to get in . . . here’s hoping I am wrong because vancouver is a bad draw for us in my opinion.
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
@rt16,
Kings were 13-5-3 towards the end of the season just to make the playoffs. in the overall big picture, the Kings are better than those last 2 games. Kings have matched up well against Vancouver this season, and some of our most well played wins this season have come at their expense.
Nothings guaranteed, but the Kings have a better chance against them then against a team that will slow the pace down. The seeding is what it is because of the sum total of the season, but doesn’t take into account that the Kings were hot the last 21 games, and scored above season averages during that span.
The Kings will hold their own as long as they continue to score.
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agree vancouver is a bad draw for the 1st round but i hope the Kings kick those canucks in the canuts GKG!!!!
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DEH Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
@c4sraser, it was either St. Louis or Vancouver, damned if you do damned if you don’t. Look at it this way, the eastern championship series in 2010 was between 7th place Philly and 8th place Montreal. Montreal beat the presidents trophy winning Capitols in 7, so it can happen.
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Assuming Carter is healthy, I think we have a better chance than most pundits are giving us. There’s an odd learning curve with this group. It’s certainly not linear like we all expect.
Those last two losses to SJ combined with the way last season ended, as well as the last two first-round exits, makes me think the core players will soon reach the conclusion that if they want to advance, they will need to relax and let it fly.
I get the feeling that they’re fed up with falling short and that can be dangerous for a team like Vancouver. If they choose to deploy a go-for-broke type of collective attitude, I think they have as REAL chance at upsetting the Canucks.
After all, it’s Vancouver with everything to lose. If the Kings can find it within themselves to play like they have nothing to lose (especially Quick), there’s no question in my mind they can do it.
However, if they tense up and space out for periods of time, the green monster will eat them alive. Steal one in Vancouver boys!
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rontheking Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair),
Did you get married?
I think there are more than a few so-called pundits who think the Kings will win based on the difference in goaltending and the fact that the Kings are peaking offensively at the right time and are sound defensively.
I’m feeling pretty good about their chances myself. People forget that there were a lot of major changes on the Kings this year, and it took most of the year for the Kings to develop their team chemistry and identity. I think they have finally gotten there. The only reason the Kings are eighth seed is because their scoring was so bad for the time it took to develop the chemistry they have now.
When it comes to the playoffs it’s all about when a team peaks…and the Kings are playing their best hockey of the year right now. I say Kings in six, and another riot to follow immediately minus the lovers….
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IceGuy Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:17 pm
@rontheking,
There’s one thing that I don’t believe has been discussed about the Canucks-v-Kings series, and that is this.
At no time during the year have the Canucks faced a series of games against a tough, strong defensive team with good back checking and a good goalie. They have so many points and lead position because of the Division they play in.
Face it. WE have been essentially playing Playoff Hockey since the All Star Game. Yeah, the last two games didn’t come out like we might have wanted, but the point it the Kings have been playing under pressure for weeks now. Not so the Canucks. Reality check, we finished 2 points out of taking the Division. 2 points! Or, only one game when Quick held opponents to 0 or 1 goals in regulation.
It will be interesting to see how they do under constant pressure form the Kings. And, likewise, it’ll be interesting if Sutter can convince his team that everyone has reset to zero. No favorites – just games.
The Key for me is a split in the first two games in Vancouver. Take one, and we have a very good chance to take them down.
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letswinthecup2012 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@IceGuy, agreed. good post
Nice props by Bieksa towards Quick
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Of what use is “stealing one in Vancouver” if, as has just been shown, we can’t take care of business at home?
Much as I hate to say it, the team has given me little cause for optimism this past week.
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rt16 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@Ron Reynolds, gosh and the hardest part to deal with is that the opportunity to “get over the hump” was in our hands and included having a two goal lead in that game against san jose. i know thats spilled milk at this point but its those “crucial moments” foxy talks about all the time that separates the men from the boys and the pretenders from the contenders. what i would have given for facing the hawks with home ice advanatage!!! not feeling it but what im feeling and readers feel doesnt matter . . . its what these guys can accomplish. they did themselves no favors thats for sure.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
@Ron Reynolds, Since Sutter took over the Kings have become pretty dominant at home, unlike how we were with TM (BOO.) Losing the last years in the Playoffs at home is something that I expect won’t happen this year.
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
@Ron Reynolds, Kings went 13-5-3 to end the season.
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Ron Reynolds Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:43 pm
@Dominick (defrim65),
Sure, Dominick…but when we controlled our destiny with a chance to win home ice in the playoffs, we weren’t up to the task. We saw other teams outplay us, and we saw other teams that appeared to be both hungrier and more focused than us.
I don’t think we’ve earned the right to expect any notoriety at this point. Knocking the Presidents’ Trophy winner out of the playoffs would, of course, completely rectify the situation.
By the way, I’m curious to know how you and others feel about our chances in overtime. As I wrote in a previous post, if any of our playoff games go to OT – and there’s every reason to expect as much – I, for one, will cringe. I just don’t feel confident about our play in OT.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
@Ron Reynolds, The Kings, for whatever reason, seem to go into ‘a just don’t lose the game’ kind of mode in OT. It worries me. SJ showed just how much it meant to step it up and attack in OT. If the Kings get into OT and sit back, it won’t bode well for them.
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 1:42 am
@Ron Reynolds, You sure don’t sound confident in this team at all. The fact is that the Kings had to win a lot of games just to make the top 8, and they accomplished that. Before those last 2 games they shutout Edmonton to solidify a playoff birth.
I guess you could look at the last 2 games and ignore that they went 13-5-1 before that, but that seems a little shortsighted. The Kings are also playing a team in the first round that they have matched up extremely well against.
If you want to wait till they actually win before you believe, then your just short changing yourself.
Those 2 games don’t sum up the fact that they have been winning at a 72% winning percentage during the hardest part of the season when everybody was tightening up defensively, and fighting for their playoff lives. They were so far behind the only way to get into the playoffs was to win.
Just because they didn’t win their division doesn’t mean they aren’t winning.
Shaubou Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:18 am
@Ron Reynolds, I agree. All season long we have not won overtime games. When you are playing Scuderi in overtime that just says a lot!
I’ll say this tho. If we beat Vancouver in the first round we will win the cup or get to the finals.
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rt16 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
@Davidk, shake yourself man!
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Jeff Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
@Davidk, really? And what, exactly, do you base this statement on? The Stanley Cup Playoffs is a two month long marathon. How can you possible say that the Kings will win the Cup or get to the finals by winning the first round?
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Marc Nathan Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
I’ll say this tho… odds are that Davidk is either 15 years old or under, or has been in a coma much of his adult life
(and I say that lovingly… getting out of the West will be a huge challenge for ANY team.)
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
@Jeff, Umm depending on who our 2nd round opponent is depends on how far we go. If we beat Vancouver we would play the highest seed left after the first round. One of St Louis, Phoenix, Nashville or Detroit. Depending on who it is most likely will make the 2nd round a bit easier then the 1st, especially if it is St Louis or Phoenix. Nashville or Detroit will be harder, but they also will have gone through a very physical hard fought series which could wear them down especially if it is Detroit. 3rd round would pit us against Chicago or San Jose in this instance. Both teams that the Kings would and can beat, taking them to the finals. Now of course this is all hypothetical and I am not saying this is how it will happen. Just stating that by winning against Vancouver would make the road to the Finals a bit easier, no matter what team we will play in the 2nd or 3rd round.
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Wilmonde Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 12:17 am
@Davidk, I’d say that Nashville and St. Louis would give the Kings more trouble than any other team in the West. In the East, Boston, Pitt, and NY are also a tough opponent to draw any day of the week, SCF or no.
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DL made the interesting comment on NHL Network the other day. He said he should have made the decision on King & Nolan earlier in the season. Well … now it’s a playoff time and it’s gonna be a whole new game. How about some more fresh blood in the lineup? Let’s talk about the line that is not funcioning. Obviously it’s the 3rd line. Those 3 guys are none factor whatsoever. I mean what’s the purpose on that line? Checking? … that would be too much, wouldn’t it? They’re not producing either. Penner shows his potential from time to time but that certainly not enough. Stoll wins the draw but takes stupid penalties as if it’s his obligation to do so. Lewis thinks he’s fast and furious but never finds the back of the net. What do you expect for them? Suddenly clicks and become saviors? Sorry but it ain’t gonna happen.
I don’t mind if Lokti replace Stoll and some other young guns replace Penner and Lewis. Stoll and Penner will be gone after the season anyway and hopefully Lewis, too. So why not give the young players experience of the playoff hockey? That won’t hurt us, will it?
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
@goldielocks, Manchester is on the precipice of possibly missing the playoffs. If that were to happen the Kings could call up some guys from there. Not sure how many call ups you are allowed or if King and Nolan count for that. Someone who knows the CBA and Playoffs and call ups can give us those facts.
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teki Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
@goldielocks, i agree with most of what you said. the third line is a mess. Penner has, once again, regressed and is just an iceberg out there. stoll, at least, wins faceoffs but those penalties are atrocious. I like Lewis, just wish he’d score some. he’s good on the pk and puts forth the effort. Penner needs to be scratched, I’d rather have Richardson out there than him. at least Richardson can skate. assuming carter is back and health the other three lines are solid. I cried a little every time I saw the third line on the ice last night.
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vinny Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@teki, lol! i agree about lewis, and think lokti could benefit greatly from nhl playoff experience. id do it
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:21 pm
@goldielocks, I think what we see is what we get. At this point, Lokti has kind of faded in Manchester. He can’t even seem to be a factor for them anymore, so I don’t see him helping the Kings at all. The only player I could’ve seen the Kings bringing up for the playoffs was Cliche, but he’s injured so that won’t happen either. Plus, the Monarchs are heading into their own playoffs, and seeing how none of their players would really help us now, playing the AHL playoffs will help them in the long run.
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Kings have lost 5 straight home playoff games? Is that correct? They haven’t been really stellar at Staples this year, either.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
@MassKings, They weren’t stellar while TM (Boo) was the coach. However they have been since Sutter took over. Lot more dominant at home.
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bmova Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:50 pm
@MassKings, Yeah, 5 straight. Games 4 and 6 against Vancouver in 2010. Games 3, 4 and 6 against SJ last year.
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I think if the Kings can get by Vancouver, they’ll end up in the Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately, I’m not sure we’ll get by Vancouver.
That said, Carter coming back will be helpful. With Carter in the lineup we were streaking. Let’s hope his return sparks that again. I’m also love to see Gagne back.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@JDBiGC, Carter in the lineup puts everybody else in there rightful positions and causes matchup problems w=for the opponent. While he didn’t score a whole lot, the team as a whole did. That is why the Kings are a lot better when he is in the lineup, especially Kopi.
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Niko Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:36 pm
@Jeff_R,
Yep, Can’t go into the Playoffs with Richardson as your #1 LW and expect to do any damage.
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Any Carter news??
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Somebody in a comment above said that Vancouver was a bad draw. I think we’re a bad draw for Vancouver. I suspect that Vancouver would have rather played Phoenix or San Jose than us. San Jose is not the team that they used to be. And does anybody really think Phoenix is going far? They had an amazing run, but I suspect they’ll be exiting the dance shortly.
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rt16 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
@JDBiGC, phoenix will beat the hawks in 5 or 6 games . . . the blackhawks would have been a great draw for us. look at the stats . . . emory and crawford have been horrible between the pipes for them and they don’t win away from the united center. phoenix has home ice and the hottest goaltender going in Mike Smith . . . phoenix will beat chicago. who cares who vancouver wanted to play . . . what matters is what would have been the best match up for us . . . and Vancouver is not it at all. Would have taken a reeling St Louis team or home ice against the Black Hawks any day and so would have everyone in the Kings organization
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Jeff Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:32 pm
@JDBiGC, SJ may not be as great as they were in prior years but they still managed to manhandle the Kings the last two games. So what does that say about the Kings?
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Marc Nathan Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@JDBiGC, i think Phoenix will do very well. They play a very disciplined style of hockey, Yandle and Ekman-Larson are way under the radar and Mike Smith is having as good a second half as any goaltender in the league.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
@JDBiGC, If opponents can’t keep Vrbata and Whitney quiet and Torres and Yandle chime in with some scoring, and Mike Smith (along with the well structured ‘D’) cannot be solved, Coyotes could surprise a few people.
And Blackhawks are far from impregnable.
Dave Tippett might be the most resourceful coach in hockey. Helping out Andy Murray here in the early 00s must have taught hin a bit!
Even if I couldn’t see them going all the way, I’ve got a lot of respect for that organization, and especially for Dave Tippett.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
@JDBiGC, I really think Chicago is going to beat Phoenix, especially if Towes plays. Phoenix hasn’t really faced a dominant offensive team like Chicago in the final month or so. They need Smith big time this series and i am not so sure he will be able to do it. Doing it in the Regular season is one thing, the Playoffs a whole other story. Just ask Quick. Up until this season Smith was never dominant. Not sure where that came from, maybe it is the Desert air. As Bryz did the same and became a sieve in Philly.
I also think San Jose made a mistake beating us both games. They would of been a lot better off playing Vancouver then they will be St Louis. I feel that the Sharks will go down in 5. Vancouver is a much better match up for the Kings.
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Christian Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 5:00 am
@Jeff_R, I don’t know too much about Phoenix, but they somehow managed to allow 54 shots against from the Blue Jackets and still shut them out. This tell us that Mike Smith can be great, but it doesn’t seem like a good grade to their defense…
They put up an impressive season finish, but I also believe Chicago will beat them.
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the kings won’t go to far if they keep playing 2 periods to win and 1 period not to lose
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Anjin Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 7:07 am
@ziggy99, it’s pretty bad when you’re leading 2-0 going into the 3rd then as soon as San Jose scored the 1st goal you knew it was over and we were going to lose.
This team needs to learn what 60 min means or we’ll be made short work of by Vancouver.
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I think Vancouver wins in 5 games. I just don’t think we’re there yet to compete against the elite teams.
Much as I love Quick he has put some doubts in my mind about his consistentcy in big games.
I also don’t like what I see with Richards. Richards forecheck, for what ever reason, has really been average to weak since he came back from his concussion.
DD is a good, but not great, defenseman with very little maturity.
Stoll is a horrible 3rd line center taking foolish penilties and contributing next to nothing offensively. Penner is pretty much a once in a blue moon performer that’s stuck with a very poor center. Penner and Stoll have zero chemistry. I’ll be real disappointed if Stoll or Penner are still with the team next year.
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DEH Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@KC23, I like next year’s third line:
king Lokti Toffoli
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King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
@KC23, Remember that it’s a NEW season buddie! I can understand why your down. We sure didn’t get the win in the last two. We are playing better you said so yourself. If the Kings can put the season behind them, come out and play the type of hockey we saw the night We played San Jose MARCH 20. I believe we will give the Canucks a run for their money. Yes Penner and Stoll have NOT did their part., OOOPs dinner is ready gotta go
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bmova Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:47 pm
@KC23, I think you underestimate Stoll’s faceoff and PK abilities (the latter when he hasn’t taken the penalty). What team has a third line center that is SO MUCH better than the “horrible” Stoll?
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KC23 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:29 pm
@bmova, Better than average faceoff and good on the PK … I’ll give you that. He sucks at virtually everything else though.
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Let’s face it, if the same Kings show up to play Vancouver as showed up to play SJ in the last two games, it’s going to be a pretty short series. Quick needs to stop the puck better, the defense need to get their head out of their rears, and the entire team needs to stop taking stupid penalties. I would bench Penner. That fat, lazy, load is worthless. Can’t skate, can’t stickhandle, can’t make a play to save his pathetic life. Can’t wait until July 1st when this loser is off the roster.
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It is a whole new season. Everything changes. No shootouts,no ties, just wins and losses. Carter will be back and the lines that were clicking on offense will be back together again. Quick will be rested, everyone will be prepared, and while we lost the last two, its not like we lost them to the Ducks. Vancouver doesn’t do well against “physical” teams that can match their speed, which is us. We just need to get one of the first two, the first two at home, and then 1 of the last 3. Have faith everyone, our team can do this and I cannot wait for game warm-ups on the 15th, standing at the glass holding my sign saying “BURROWS – Respect the National Anthem!”
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@DessertKing,
That’s funny, ‘cos I had the exact same idea, exceptt my sign is gonna say,
” Burrows, You-Dig-Yourself-A-Hole ! “
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hey Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
@DesertKing,
Canucks was retooled this year by adding players that have size, grit and physicality up front. Their defense is just as physical as any other team in the league and can shut down their opponent just as good as the Kings. With regards to the goalies they do have Schnieder to lean on just in case if Loungo falters.
They proved this year that they can be very physical if the needs arises with no hold bar, the game against Boston last January was one of them. Just sayin….
Enjoy the series….
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bmova Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
@hey, The physicality that Vancouver brought into its lineup were Sammy Pahlsson and Zack Kassian at the trade deadline. And last I checked, Kassian is injured. Other than that, they’re lineup is very similar to last years. Let’s not forget that we thoroughly outplayed and outperformed this team on NYE in LA. That was a comprehensive 4-1 win. We also came back after surrendering the first goal!
[Reply]
hey Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@bmova,
I agree, but Vancouver shuts the Kings down in the last game employing the same defensive tactics as the Kings is noted for. Kassian will be used as a depth chart only during the play-off, I was talking about Byron Bitz and David Booth that have the grits and physicality that were missing last year who can play both defensive and offensive roles.
All I’m saying is, the myth about Vancouver not being tough and doesn’t have grits are passe’, however, we will soon find out the proof of the pudding when the series starts on Wednesday.
Enjoy the game…
Whats concerning is that while winning the Cup is priority #1, a franchise that has 1 division title since ’67 should not take winning their division lightly. They had something to play for, no excuses. They tanked at the end. To think that all of a sudden they will re-energize and beat a Vancouver team that has back-to-back Presidents Trophys and a huge chip on its shoulder from last years finals is fool-hardy. IF the Kings win the series, it will be regarded as a VAN meltdown, not a Kings victory.
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this series should and will go 7.
I’m interested in seeing who Carter replaces. Logically, one would think Richardson, but his speed vs. Mrs. Butterworthless’s inability to make a good pass… I’d hope Penner.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:46 pm
@Marc Nathan,
Agree, sit Penner. Shouldn’t be hard, just put a short stack in the press box.
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Jeff Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
@Marc Nathan, I hope it’s Penner. Penner brings absolutely nothing to the table. He is a waste of a roster spot. One of the worst acquisitions that the Kings have ever made (and that’s saying a lot).
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Like I said last night, if Carter is ready then Penner sits, Richardson is faster, he forechecks better and has scored more in the last 5 games than Penner has and that for the first time in a long time means a lot. I would also put Carter on the second line with Richards and Willy and maybe sit Scuds for a game, he has not looked good lately.
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bmova Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
@LVKINGS88, JW and Carter are both RW? Who were you planning on seeing on the left side of Richards?
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My heart wants to say Kings in 6, but my brain tells me Canucks in 5. I realize that it’s a “new season”, but the Kings pretty much backed into this new season instead of going in with any momentum.
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Gail Web Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
@vplaza, I agree even on the LA Kings web site pictures from last night, the last one says San Jose Sharks looks for a rebound against Jonathan Quick #45 of the Los Angeles Kings at HP Pavillon on April 7, 2012 in San Jose California, photo by Don Smith, they only had 16 photos, if that says it all, and cannot get Quicks number correct.
All I can say if hoping for 24 years and no cup yet, I know lots of you out there longer than me how much longer do the fans have to wait?
Keep praying and paying.
Go Kings Go!
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The last time the Kings faced Vancouver they were 1 period away from going up 3-1. History is against them by all accounts but stranger things can happen. All we hope for is that those strange things work in the Kings favor. Go Kings win or lose!
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bmova Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
@SavebyCechmanek, I still remember Luongo stopping Frolov on a breakaway in the third period of game 4 to keep it a one-goal LA lead. That I think was the turning point of the series.
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rontheking Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
@SavebyCechmanek,
That’s what I keep thinking about too–how close the Kings came to going up 3-1 in a series where they should have been dominated. I really think that was a better Canuck team then compared to now…and there is no doubt that this is MUCH better Kings team this time around.
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Kings will sweep the Casucks in 4 games…
Penner will get the lion share of goals….
Now back to regularly scheduled broadcast…
While what I stated is silly…It is the Play-offs…
And just about anything can happen…
Nucks have much more PO experience which will
help them immeasurably…
Kings [to win this series] have to play at their best
Every shift, period, and game…Quick will have to completely
Outplay the Bobby-lou/ Cory sneides tandem…
Carter and Richards have to pretend they’re back on the Flyers
With the play they provided there years back…
All 4 lines need to contribute…
And if our 4th line could score we will be in a better place…
Nucks can and will take us out of our game…With Burrows and Lapierre..
I will also be watching the Philly/ Pens track meet..Should be intense..
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
@SLIM,
What you state is not silly at all …
Maybe the state you reside in is …
You are simply prone to grave understatement …
in whatever you’re opining …
Or gross overstatement …
Depends from day to day …
Then again, who’s going to give
me any credit …
Not my credit union, that’s for sure …
Anyway,
Go Running Rebels …
& …
GKG !!!! … We Can Get This Done ….
And, if not … HELP! …
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:28 pm
@Duncanz,
So you’re saying you like reading my haikus..
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:33 pm
@SLIM, Sure thing! You and Lennon might be the greatest of all the modern day poets !
Then again …..
One time (recently, actually) there was a guy here with a blogname of like ‘punkgoth” something or other. So I left some JAMC lyrics in a reply to his post, but I didn’t credit them. He never replied, but another guy, who funnily enough had vehemently debated me on a topic some weeks earlier but must have forgotten, left me a really touching, wistful reply telling me how poignant my poetry was. I mean it wasn’t Toby Keith or anything …… I’ve noticed him here since, and one day, when he’s around at the same time, you’ll see me ‘fess up to him. Woe betide me if he ever discovered the actual source of those lyrics first!
Ok, Happy Easter, War is Over ………… until WEDS MF NITE !!!!
Eat The Sisters! … or something or other ……
Lot’s of positive thinkers in here. My heart says Kings in 7 but my brain says Canucks in 6.
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bmova Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:36 pm
@xeropoint, Go with both. Kings in 6!
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Go Kings Go!
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I’m not sure if any you have been reading blogs and forums on sites such as TSN, Sportsnet and CBC, but LA has been quickly trending as “Canada’s Team” this round because of the hatred the rest of Canada has towards the Canucks. So there we have it, people on both side of the border will be joining the KINGDOM. Hoping I see some King fans in Rogers Arena Wednesday/Friday… The stress/anxiety will easily shed a couple years off my life during these games…
I BELIEVE!!! GO KINGS GO!!!!
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SLIM Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
@KINGCANADA87,
That’s so funny and wonderful…
The hate is intense for them..
And rightly so…
Kings will have more support then they know..
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
@SLIM,
The Kings will need a lot of..
Tech Support …
In the ‘Phone Booth’ ….
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SLIM Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@Duncanz,
that movie was great…
The one with Keifer…
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@KINGCANADA87, Funny you mentioned it. I don’t know about Canada, but in general, I’ve been feeling a vibe of a lot of hatred toward the Canucks and their fans, so I do actually think a lot of fans of other teams will be rooting for the Kings. I do hope some of that “love” helps.
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The big IF is if the Kings play 60 (plus) minutes…. When the Kings have played the whole game and with Ds pushing them…we can do it!!!!
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Let’s take it one game at a time.
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Some of us think the Kings have a good chance of winning this series. Of course the Canucks have more experience in the playoffs, but does that mean that we have to roll over. No! If the Kings win game 1 then everyone and I mean everyone will be back on this train. So many fans out there who don’t post on this blog will be rooting for our Kings. Let’s just enjoy the next few days until Wed night. Butterflys will not wake till then. This has been a strange season, so we have a chance.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
@King Salty of Lake Charles,
I’m with you, @Charlie!
I jump off the wagon after each loss – in more ways than you’d think.
Then the next morning I dial in, read your column, and I get right back on.
So even if I’m more a fan of your column than anything else, by proxy that also makes me a fan of The Kings.
Soooo, Go KCoSL Go!!!
& Go Whale Hunters Go !!!!
Let’s do this for Uncle Salty !
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 1:49 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, I’m with you too!
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Good to see all the pretend Kings fans making their predictions for a Kings loss. Now that’s the spirit!!
I say the only way for this to be a fulfilling run in the playoffs would be to go through Vancouver and San Jose. But what do I know; I actually root for and support this team.
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bmova Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
@Belexes, I’d love to see LA and SJ in the conference final.
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Belexes Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:34 pm
@bmova,
Would be a dream come true, wouldn’t it?
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bmova Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
@Belexes, Indeed!
Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
@Belexes,
I voted Kings in 7.
I hope that doesn’t make me a disloyal fan.
If anyone thinks so, I will go back and vote for Kings in 4.
Although, you gotta like how those whales play just a little bit, right?
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rick Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:36 pm
@Belexes, So you are not a Kings fan if you think the Canucks will win? Say what?
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rick Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
@rick, I should have added that I guess that being a season ticket holder for 15 years doesn’t qualify me as a fan of the team… I could have sworn that l was???
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
@rick, Ok, change of tenor.
The key word used – it often is – was ‘spirit’.
I’ve noted many, many obnoxious posts by folks, personal ones about the pedigrees of the players, etc, many so repetitive that the blogger name sticks in my mind and my craw. You are aware of these, too. After a while you figure out who are the loons sometimes [raises hand gingerly] and who are the true antagonists.
These unfortunates are NOT true hockey fans, nor fans of The Kings. They think they are but they’re really egocentric, arrogant individuals with not enough going on so that when The Kings win they are sated. When the team loses they thrash about wildy (a little like our cousins to the north) bitterly ragging on any name on a black shirt they might remember through their blind raging. Officials and anyone representing the NHL are fair game too.
These ‘fans’ are all about ‘winning’ (that slogan, heh heh) for vicarious reasons and not truly about the fortunes and the enjoyment of the team or of their fellow fans.
Whoever reads this post, don’t be that guy.
If you don’t happen to fancy the teams chances, be objective and reasonable as to why.
Be a good fan.
‘Passion’ does not necessarily equal good spirited fandom.
It might represent a good spirited fan. It might just as well represent a mean spirited negative nancy, of all the qualities described above.
I love winning as much as the next guy, but I don’t let it turn me into a reptile..
GKG & Go Kings Fans Go !!!
Thank you, Happy Easter/ Passover ~
Some Canuck’s jokes….
Q: Why did the Post Office recall their latest stamps?
A: They had pictures of Canucks players on them and people couldn’t figure out which side to spit on…
Q: What is it called when a Vancouver Canucks player blows in another Canucks players ear?
A: Data transfer.
Q: What is the difference between a Vancouver Canucks fan and a pot hole?
A: I would swerve to avoid the pot hole!
Q: What is the difference between a Canucks fan and a baby?
A: The baby will stop whining after awhile.
Q: Why don’t the Canucks drink tea?
A: Because the Canadiens and Red Wings have all the cups.
nd there are tons more…
Hope you enjoy….I diid…
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vinny Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
@SLIM, lol awesome
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letswinthecup2012 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@SLIM, beauty
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CPMC29 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
@SLIM, lol good stuff. Keep the spirits up. Kings in 7 or sooner. It doesn’t matter to me.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 10:37 pm
@SLIM,
Phew!
Nice when somebody …
can lighten things up …
So quickly …
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Canadian King Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:43 pm
@SLIM, Nice!
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Maybe the kings losing the last 2 games is a good thing. The Canucks might think that we are falling apart (which I hope we are not). They could be underestimating the kings and their cockiness could work against them.
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Capt Jam Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:05 am
@BigSeeGas,
They are falling apart. They fall apart every year at this time. Check the records in the prior two years and you’ll see that the Kings went on losing benders just prior to the end of each regular season and went into the playoffs with the hope of being able to turn it around in the playoffs. That’s just not a formula for success (as the Florida Panthers will also soon find out).
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BigSeeGas Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
@Capt Jam, I think we should note that this year we are a new team. A bit more experience. New players that can win games (carter And Richards) they carried Philly that year. Also we have a new coach. So I’m going to give this team a clean slate. I truly hope that you are wrong, I’m going to keep believing that this team can pull it off and advance to the second round and we will take it from there.
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I’m exited for the first game baby. Who cares who were playing its playoffs! To win the cup you gotta get through them all right? Screw it! Here we come nuckleheads…
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I couldn’t pick. I simply don’t want to say what I think. I’ll put it a different way. I don’t feel a whole lot better about this team (after the last few games) than I did last season, with Kopitar out.
The cool part is the Kings are playing the most hated team and fans in hockey, so there are a lot of people rooting for them.
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YoBro Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I sentence you to be hanged by the neck until you cheer up!
Go Kings
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
@YoBro, Yeah…that about covers it. I really want to be upbeat. Of course I’ll be watching the games. It’s not like I’m no a glutton for punishment–being a Kings fan. The last couple games they played and the last game against the Canucks better be one hell of an anomaly.
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YoBro Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:16 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’m with you on that. It’s tough being a King’s fan and watching ‘em give up that 3rd slot, it was OURS! BUT….. That was only the heat race bro, the main event is coming up. We tweak our setup a little bit, and go like hell on Wed! When these boys play their best, they can compete with any team out there. They’ve proven that. They just picked a crappy time to lay a pair of eggs. And to the Sharts hurts doubly.
So, strap in boys, and play like your hair’s on fire Wed.!
Go Kings
Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
@Yo Boo, Isn’t Easter a rather good time to lay a pair of eggs ….. ?
Stuart Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, that statement i was hoping that was to signify the teams arrival wasnt to be… sux
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the canucks should be scared of this l.a. team… when we have our game going, we’re tough to beat. i’m hopin for a good series against these guys…
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thrustable Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:44 pm
@letswinthecup2012, the Canucks “always” have their game going. We have to rely on “if” we have our game going.
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Whatever happens it should be a good series with some good hockey. There is a nice rivalry brewing between these 2 teams. I hope & pray we take my most hated team down but we will have to play one hell of a series to do so. This is going to be a very focused Nicklehead team coming in with the bitter taste of losing the cup last year. Like I said before, to be the best you have to beat the best. I’ll be at every home game rooting the boys on & giving hell to the sea of invading Knockleheads. Let’s get it on & see what the Kings are really made of.
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I took Kings in 6! nuff said!!!
gkg, lets be the 1st team to 16 wins!!!!
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We outplayed SJ for about 45 minutes then they took it to us. Previous game we outplayed the Sharks for about 38 minutes then they took it to us. Games are 60 minutes, we need to play great at least 40 minutes and really good 20 minutes each game to win the series.
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Kings in Six.
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PREDICTION AS FAN: Kings in 6
PREDICTION IN REALITY: Canucks in 5
In the last three years in the playoffs, Quick has never demonstrated he is a goalie who can win the big game (like Felix Potvin for example). I thought this year would be different, but the San Jose games showed me precisely what Sutter was talking about: Quick hasn’t shown he can win the big game. Until then …
The Kings don’t have a go-to guy.
If we had 6 Willie Mitchells, maybe I’d say something different.
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puck73 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:01 pm
@Steve, Willie Mitchell might be the best shutdown defenseman in the game today. And, in case you havent noticed the last couple of games, Willie has been super effective on the powerplay as well. He has been piling up assists on the pp, genius move by Sutter to give him a chance on the 1st unit and it has payed off.
How good is Willie? On our team, their isnt anyone on the back end that can carry his jock currently, and that includes Dewey and Scuds.
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Sometimes you just have to believe that things will come together and will make a run.. It didn’t end like we all wanted to but im proud of the team for getting in.
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CPMC29 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@pr0cess, I agree with you. It is a new season now.
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I vote when I find out if carter is playing on Wednesday.
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thrustable Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:45 pm
@purple and gold, and find out if the 2nd ginger twin is gonna play.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@purple and gold,
Lol, One-man bandwagon jumper, eh?
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The Kings sold out almost all games (it’s under 18,118 because of the two games in Europe). Most teams (21/30) had over 96% capacity, including Nashville. But Dallas is way down this year. Three teams could do better (and have in the past): Colorado, Columbus, and Dallas. I don’t have much hope for the Coyotes or Islanders.
It’s interesting that on the road the Kings are the worst draw in the league at 89.4% (road stats). No other team is under 92% and most are higher. Well, I guess it’s not too surprising as Phoenix, Anaheim, and surprisingly Dallas had low attendance at home overall and they’re in our division so we play them more.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 12:04 am
@King John, A hard truth of the matter might also be a factor: the Kings, for most of the season, were just plain boring to watch. The slow it down at all costs, sit back and don’t attack, play defense only style that TM had us play, and DS took a long time to start to change, was not very entertaining too watch even as a Kings fan. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t pay money if I were in another city and another team’s fan. I could see how a fan would rather save up and watch the Penguins/Flyers/Bruins/Blackhawks instead.
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King John Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 11:18 pm
@PP Anybody?, yup!
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TO Team:1.) Agonized over every misstep-convered stupid penalty-less PK for Quick. 2.)Anticipated opponents every players’ pass-to intercept. 3.)After interception to quick offense attack. 4.) Quick shot in-front or middle of net to top corner,with drop-off play or two rusher-123 back to back pass,3 or 4 rusher of triangle play. 5.)Extra hustle… To Quick:No matter how they’re passing,just stay home inside (middle of net ) take away the open space.Watch-out:they all shoot onto TOP of net.(they knew you.) To DS:All (or some ) player need to save energy and leg for the 3rd.period,win or defense:needs a lots of STRENGTH in 3rd. period or overtime….Every team ask for home-court advantage,–Don’t worry,JUST win all the road games,You’ll have home-court advantage.” THINK “……….GKG.
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Why all the doom and gloom?
You guys realize the Kings finnished the last 1/4 of the season with a 72% winning percentage, finishing those games 8 games above .500, and only lost twice in regulation in their last 10 games. Kings are on a roll, and even though they lost their last 2, those games had to go to extra minutes.
Don’t let those 2 games stereo type your opinion of where we are, because those 2 games do not equal all that this team is capable of. The Kings in their last 10 games alone also have shutouts against St.Louis, Calgary, and Edmonton.
They will be ready.
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Michael J. Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
@Dominick (defrim65),
Exactly! The last 20 games usually sets the tone for teams and has much to do with how well they do in the playoffs.
The last 20 games have gone 12-5-3. I’ll round it off to 13-7 for the last 20. Another 13-7 run puts the Kings 1-1 in the cup finals.
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puck73 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:02 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), Thanx Dommer.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:17 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), Totally agree Dom. These last 2 games while disappointing are just a small part of how the Kings finished the season. People say we lost the Division and 7th place in the last 2 games. Well what if those 2 loses had been earlier and we ended up winning those last 2 games and finishing 8th. People need to realize that a season is 82 games long and games in October and November matter just as much as they do in April. Where the kings ended up, in 8th with 95 points, is a far cry from where most people thought they would last December.
The season is over and the kings have made the playoffs. Doesn’t matter where you end up. Just get there. The Kings aren’t a normal 8th seed. Go back and looking at those 9-10 games where Quick only gave up 1 goal and we lost. Just imagine if we scored 10-15 more goals where we be. 8th is not a problem. We are just as good as Vancouver. Vancouver got a bunch more points based on there lesser division. The Kings probably would have over 100 points if they were in the NorthWest. This is going to be a hard fought and competitive series. It will go 6 or 7 games. May the best team win…..
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puck73 Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
@Jeff_R, BTW Jeff, The Kings were 12 and 4 with a healthy Jeff Carter in the lineup. I think the Kings have a heck of a chance in this series if they dont commit stupid penalties and get the kind of goaltending we have come to expect from Quick.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:42 pm
@purge73, So we don’t want Quick to play the way we’ve come to expect? Like in the last 2 games?
Are you becoming part of the ‘slightly silent underground majority’, or whatever its Gen. Secretary was calling It?
Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 12:10 am
@puck73, Yeppers. I kept saying that if the Kings got a sniper that things would change and they would start scoring more. That not only would the line the sniper go on start scoring, but also the other lines. Of course when I was saying this I was talking about getting Nash. But Carter works just the same. That and adding Viynov, King and Nolan truly transformed this team offensively and defensively. I believe we are much better. Dean even admitted on Bettman’s show that he made mistakes and that he should of brought in King, Nolan and Voynov earlier. Fortunately they did it just in time and adding Carter just pushed it over the edge. I do believe the Kings will win this series. They aren’t a traditional 8th seed and if you extrapolate the lineup we have now a whole 82 game season…Just WOW. We would be the President’s Trophy winner. However I am sure nobody will care about all of that, after the Cup comes to Los Angeles. Either way next season is going to be awesome.
Mars (formerly Mars) Reply:
April 8th, 2012 at 11:39 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), +1
THANK YOU.
I am tired of all the negative crud here, unless they are trying to pull a DS to motivate.
We can and will take them; I am hoping we can take them in 5 not 7. We will come out fresh, focused and ready to take it to them.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 12:13 am
@Dominick (defrim65), I saw things the last couple games that bugged me. Most especially in the last game, was our transition game reverted back to the ragging back of the puck into our zone again. Talk about momentum killer. The Kings really need to finally get over this part of their game. They drew the Sharks into our zone countless times in the 3rd period, all within their own doing. If they’d just be assertive and breakout of their zone when they have the puck, well, I don’t need to tell you. Anywho, Just bugs me. If the Kings can just stay on top of their game, then I like their chances. I just feel like they still worry too much about who’s playing on the other side, and that makes me worry.
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 9:40 am
@PP Anybody?, Those are some of the same things I saw myself. If the Kings can find that flow through the neutral zone, and keep things moving forward, they’re tough to beat.
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KC23 Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 7:04 am
@Dominick (defrim65), While all that is true … the Canucks have still been playing better the last dozen games or so. Much better than us, uncluding beating us during that time.
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:23 am
@KC23, 1-0, and that game wasn’t a game they dominated. They have played well, and aside from the Kings would be my pick to go to the finals in the West. I do think that when this team is on their game they can dominate Vancouver. I’m just not ready to lay down and except defeat like most here.
If you look at it realistically, the Kings have just as much of a chance of moving into the next round as Vancouver. Andy Murray said once “everybody keeps talking about the Red Wings, but the way I look at it, This is about our march to the Stanley Cup, not their’s”
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:40 am
@KC23, Yes the Canucks have played well down the stretch including one game against us, which was only a 1-0 game. Look at all the other teams they played during the streak, all teams that are not in the playoffs. They have basically been shooting layups. Well now it is time to see what they can really do, as well as the Kings, who has played really well against Playoff teams.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:01 am
The games against Vancouver and San Jose sucked. I consider those the best predictors of the postseason, which is why it’s hard to get excited.
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We hope for the best, but expect the worse… Ahh, the life of a Kings fan.
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2 days until our Road to 16 wins starts. Vancouver here we come. Night all. Sweet dreams of Stanley Cups floating around my head.
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Since I learned that the Kings are coming to Vancouver, I’ve been talking to my Canucks friends and they all agree that they don’t see this series being an easy win. Somethings to note about the Canucks going into this series that might help those who think the Canucks will walk all over us:
1. Sedin is out and they think he will be back by game three (but there is no word on how he is doing)
2. Kesler’s scoring has dropped significantly this year. My friends say that after the injury in the Boston series, he hasn’t been the same.
3. We win the goaltender matchup. Luongo is a choke artist and WILL choke if we put the right pressure on him. watch what Chicago does to Luongo and you’ll see.
4. There is so much pressure on Vancouver that one loss will send the whole organization into panic mode.
5. This team (especially with Carter) is completely different than the team that faced Vancouver two years ago. Don’t expect the same team.
I am confident that the Kings will be a threat and this is going to be a fun time to be a Kings fan in Vancouver!!! GKG
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KC23 Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 7:08 am
@aKinginVancouver, The Kings are clearly better than they were two years ago, but so is Vancouver imho. Their defense is MUCH better imho, but their offense … maybe not as good as it was. Very true about Kessler this year. Kinda like Richards.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@KC23, We beat Vancouver in defense and Goaltending (Stats wise) as they do us in offense. However in the last month our offense has been much better and gotten closer to where Vancouver is. Going to be an awesome series and if the Kings can win game 1 it would put a lot of pressure on the Canucks and Luongo, as fans will be screaming for Schneider. I am hoping for a split in the first 2 games., as I believe our home losing ways in the Playoffs will be history.
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Hey I live in San Jose and I don’t get cable and I’m assuming that it will be blacked out on gamecenter so I was wondering if anyone knows where I can watch the games or if anyone is watching it and wants to let me join. I’m new to the area so I don’t know any kings fans up here. Thanks a lot
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Gailweb Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 6:19 am
@Ashykon, Hi I don’t live there but I do know
games will be on regular tv CBC or NBC too
so just look on regular tv and good luck
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TeamJMFJ Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:24 am
@Ashykon, i think someone said it was on NBC sports network
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:47 am
@Ashykon, It shouldn’t be blacked out if you are in San Jose. I don’t know for sure or how it is going to work with Gamecenter and the fact that all the games will be National. You should really get Directv, then you can see all games. If interested let me know, jrosene28@gmail. They got some relly good deals now. Anyway if not then you can see on Wednesday how Gamecenter works. There are also ways online of watching the game. You can email me about that also.
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Ashykon Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@Jeff_R, The email you sent doesn’t work. I can’t really get any of those cause I live in dorms so I don’t get any of that tv. What were the alternate ways of watching online? Thank you
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Out of 82 games, how many are agains their own division? People are saying that its a weak division and no one but Canucks made it to the playoffs, but Kings are only 8-8-4 against the NW division. There is no statistical line that favors the Kings compared to Vanc.
The only valid looking glass is the one aimed at our own Kings and their potential to shut down people and lately score more.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:03 am
@Jack, Interesting. Colorado owned them, and that’s the difference right there.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:49 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Of course all the Colorado games were before Carter. The last Colorado game is what made Dean strike to get Carter. Of course things might be different, in terms of records if they were playing those teams a lot more.
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The 2 games against the Sharks put things in perspective for me, No high hopes of beating Vancouver. But since I am a Kings fan I am fully prepared for a let down
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Duncanz Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:14 am
@Top Shelf, You’re probably well stocked..
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:50 am
@Top Shelf, Yea 2 games that they got 2 points out of put things in a lot of perspective. What about the Detroit meltdown game, what did that do to you? After that game is when they went on there big run. That game was a lot worse then these 2 Shark games.
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What’s new on Carter and Gagné? A return of the snipers wouldn’t be a bad thing.
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nykingfan Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 5:57 am
@Christian,
We need Carter, but there’s no way Gagne, even if he comes back, can be effective after being away foro so long. It would be like Parse last year.
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Since these polls are about as scientific as rock/paper/scizzor, what Kings fan voted for the Nucks to win the series? LOL
The Kings need to clean up a few things in their game that have crept in recently, but there’s no reason they can’t and shouldn’t win this series..especially if they get Carter back.
Anything short of advancing to the 2nd round is unacceptable. Weve been thru the wars of 1st round battles..now it’s time to win one of them.
The Canucks are a really good team with excellent goaltending, but so are the Kings.
No excuses boys…win this damn series!
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vinny Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 6:57 am
@nykingfan, yeah!
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Kings fans! Start buying your tickets for the games at staples if you havent already. I dont want to see the lower bowl covered with stupid canuck fans! Still a buch of tickets on stub hub. Get them before they do
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Michael J. Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:36 am
@Sebastian,
Got mine for Sunday
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The Kings ended up 25-13-11 under Daryl Sutter, and were 12-4 with Carter in the lineup. Sutter not only has done a damn good job coaching this team, buy I honestly think the best cotribution he has made to this organization is when instead of getting some rest during the all star break, he decided to call on his former General Manager instincts and go see some of our young players at Manchester in person. It was there that he determined that Dwight King and Jordan Nolan might be able to help this team out. I gotta admit, like alot of you, when I heard these 2 players were recalled, I was laughing my ass off, and pissed at the same time because I just didnt think these 2 young players could possibly help what was ailing us this season. BOY, was I , and most of you wrong! To me, the turnaround of this team was when these 2 kids came into the lineup/ Then, when Carter, Voynov, and Martinez became permanent fixtures, this team has really become a much tougher and balanced team to play against.
Bottom line, I think this team should be really good now going forward, and also I think if no one gets hurt, I think the Kings will knock Vancouver out in 6 games.
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nykingfan Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 7:48 am
@puck73,
Well said Pucky!
agree 100%
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TeamJMFJ Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:22 am
@puck73, totally agree puck! I was watching highlights of our 2010 series with VAN and we had so many scrubs on the team…and we were leading the series…i also believe the kings will overcome their round 1 blues and beat the Canucks….in 7
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Lake Forest Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:34 am
@puck73, (hey man sorry I didnt confirm that last text message). I 100% agree with you here….
Let’s get Carter back in.
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Shotongoal Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 9:24 am
@puck73, I agree with everything but the outcome of the series. And here’s why. The Kings have as a good a chance as any 8th seed has ever had to knock off the President’s Cup winner but, only if they play their very best games and VAN stumbles. My concerns are these, the Kings did not show that necessary killer instinct in the final two games against SJ. They were content to be a playoff team, much like last season when they lost the final two games to ANA. This carried over into the playoffs when they had the opportunity to put SJ away in games 3 and 6. I thought Murray was the problem and his lack of intensity (outward) was mirrored by the teams on-ice performance. But, now they’ve shown that same lack in these final two games when they had a chance to NOT face the top team in the 1st round. Until the team, as a whole, can prove they have evolved-grown up then I can’t think they’ll win this series just because I hope and want them to.
If they do evolve in this series and do win it, then watch out Western Conference!
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nykingfan Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 9:40 am
@Shotongoal,
Good points!
you would have liked to see them come out, especially in the last game, and clamp that down in the 3rd, but once again bad penalties killed them.
They also didn’t get a good performance from Kopi, Richards, and several other top players. Were they looking ahead to the playoffs? Maybe, but they need to put together solid 60 min efforts each and every game to have a chance to beat Vancouver.
I think if we play our best, we can beat them straight up..just My opinion.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:54 am
@Shotongoal, I think even though Sutter is coaching and TM is gone, we still revert back some to TM’s ways. It is a bit hard to get out of your system when you been brainwashed for 3 years. They slowly have come out of it but still have a little ways to go. Hopefully it will all be gone by Wednesday, as this is a new season where everybody starts at 0.
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nykingfan Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@Jeff_R,
we also didn’t blow many 2 goal leads in the 3rd under TM..(except when it counted most..playoffs lol)
but the norm was if we went into the 3rd with a lead, it was over…not the same any longer.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@puck73, If they do so, it looks like their best chance is in six. Maybe five. They sorta need a split of the first two, and that sets them up for the five- or six-game shocker.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 11:00 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I feel they will split the first 2 games and then kick it in high gear at home. Since Sutter took over our home record has been awesome. I checked it out and we were 8-7-1 at home under TM and with DS we went 14-7-4. That is a lot better and I feel they will be much better at home from now on, especially in the Playoffs where we have struggled since Game 4 2010.
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this will be the longest 2 1/2 days every!! Also i see the game will be on MBCSN. And if i was a betting man its going be the VAN feed? Wish means all us sat no cali folk will have to listen to there horrible announcers….
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Tony in Denver Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:28 am
@pr0cess, I love watching the NBC sports network, and they show back-to-back playoff games, and the game before goes to double OT. Then they join the Kings game midway though the second period, and refer to the game as BONUS COVERAGE. Does this happen to fans in LA too? (since NBC has exclusive rights)
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Tony in Denver Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 8:34 am
@Tony in Denver, Oh, and last year, when the Kings were playing the Sharks, the only announcers I got to hear were from SJ because their games are broadcast by Comcast, which owns NBC. Most unfortunate!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:09 am
@Tony in Denver, I’m in Colorado too, and I want to tear their frigging throats out. BTW, they also fail to show a game recap after they show two sets of commercials between the extended coverage of the first game and the “bonus coverage” of the Kings game. Checked the schedule already, and there’s no allotment of extra time between games, so if any of them goes into overtime, we’ve got a good idea what we’ll see (or wont’ see.)
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 11:03 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Not sure how Cable works but on Direct TV they have like 1 or 2 different NBCSports channels for such a situation. Although it won’t matter to me as I will be in L.A. and get the Kings feed (FSN, PT, KCOP.) With 4 different channels showing National games this really shouldn’t be a problem, unless all the early games go to multiple OT’s
.
Vegas has the Canucks winning the Western Conference and Penguins (of course) winning the Eastern Conference. Pens the favorite to win the cup.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 11:04 am
@Maureen N., That is what the guys on NHL Channel said. Doesn’t mean anything. When has media or odds ever been right.
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If the Kings win game 1, they’ll win the series. There I said it.
If they split like they have been the last couple of years, I’m not quite as confident.
If they drop the first two, then I’ll be hoping for a 2001-esque comeback in game 3.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 9:15 am
@FKA PakiFro,
**By split i mean lose game 1 and win game 2.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 11:07 am
@FKA PakiFro, The Home games are the difference. After we had a chance to go up in 2010 3 games to 1 we blew it and haven’t won a home game since. Now that Sutter is our coach instead of TM (Boo) I feel that streak will end and if we split the 2 games in Vancouver we will win the 2 here and go up 3 games to 1. Although I would love it if we swept the Canucks.
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It’s not easy, but we definitely have chance.
And hopefully our Kings surprise us to win the series in 4 games.
Go Kings go!
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From memory (forgive me, I’m old–feel free to edit and correct)
Gone from last years’ playoff team: simmonds, handzus, ponikarovsky, johnson
Added to last years’ playoff team: Kopitar, Richards, Carter, King, Fraser,
Nolan, and a healthier Williams……and coach Sutter with an updated “system”
I like the KINGS” chances (in 6)
GO KINGS !!
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puck73 Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 9:53 am
@trytodethroneus, You forgot Smyth, and a not in game shape Parse as well from last season.
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The failure to win the division is huge.
It tells me we are still a superstar away from meaningful playoff success.
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puck73 Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 10:03 am
@Munchrat, I think their is alot to what you just stated. That being said, I also think if Gagne was healthy, and playing with Carter and Richards, plus the fact that he has played in the finals and has played big on that stage, I think we knock Vancouver out no problem.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 11:11 am
@Munchrat, Dean has come out and said he made mistakes in not helping the team much earlier to get out of there scoring woes. That is the reason they lost the division. There lack of offense in the first 5 months. Had we scored just 10-15 more goals throughout the season we would of won the division. I feel that Dean has learned a lot this year as well as the Coaches and players and things have changed and will continue into next year. The saying goes it is easy to lose but harder to win. That is us in a nutshell.
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What would be sweeter? Winning in 6 in front of an adoring home crowd? Or winning in 7 in front of a stunned, tearful Vancouver crowd who got their Stanley Cup victory parade already planned? I choose the latter.
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I’d love to see the Kings upset Vancouver. Usually there are a few upsets in the 1st round. Will they do it? I doubt it. But… Nobody knows until the games are played.
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King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
@Sancho, Will you please leave my wife alone? Evertime I see your name I get upset!!! Kings in 6!!!
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The Canucks organization have the toughest travel out of every team in the national hockey league, also every major sports station have voted the Vancouver Canucks having the toughest schedule in the NHL. And they somehow still managed to win the presidents trophy yet again.. I do believe the kings will be a good/tough matchup for the canucks but speaking as a third party, I do believe VanCity will make easy work of the kings. They have experience. They have checking. They have sound defensive core. And ultimately, they have two of the best goaltenders in the game. The kings have played well of late however going into the playoffs with 2 bad losses does not bode well for their confidence. Also the main factor in this series that will propell Vancouver in a sweep is the simple fact that the Canucks have made the run to the Stanley cup finals which means they understand when to expense energy and conserve it. They’ve played this season with just enough effort to get by and win the leagues best record. Saving their energy for the cup run. Good luck to both teams.
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@Luke, truth
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