One of the story lines coming out of last night’s game was the matchup of the lines centered by Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler and the Kings’ Mike Richards, with most people coming away most impressed with Richards’ game — he had one goal and two assists — and with Canucks coach Alain Vigneault saying today that he wasn’t sure he liked the matchup. As the home coach, with the final change, Vigneault can get the matchup he would like going into a faceoff, so will Vigneault look to change? After practice today, Vigneault said, “Obviously we need to have an answer for Kopitar’s line — they were really effective — and we need an answer for Penner. We have to have an answer for Richards, who played one of the best games since he’s been in L.A.”
There was little argument that Richards had one of his best games with the Kings. Dustin Brown and Drew Doughty said that with the playoffs underway, they expect the best from Richards.
BROWN: “He’s been known, throughout his career, to play big in big games. I think he showed that last night. Playing against Mike, even going back to when we played against each other (when Richards was in Philadelphia), he’s not a fun guy to play against. He has a little bit of that `rat’ mentality, but he also has that skill, that killer instinct. … You look back, throughout his career, and he’s not the biggest guy but he’s pretty physical and he delivers some big-time hits.”
DOUGHTY: “He’s a big-time player, and I think that’s one of the reasons why Dean Lombardi got him over the summer, is because he’s so good in those pressure situations. He’s a leader, and last night he showed that. He was great defensively, great offensively and he made some really big hits at key times.”
Need an answer for Penner?!?!?! Never, in a million years, would have thought of hearing that from an opposing coach! Go Penner!!!!!
[Reply]
Newf Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, only ever thought i’d see the IHOP say that.
[Reply]
jp Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
@Newf, They still have no answer for Penner.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@jp, There is no answer for penner. He is an enigma
Duckbasher Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
@Newf, Penner brought his game last night. I can’t tell you how happy i was not only for him… but for the Kings and us fans. “He that can have Patience, can have what he will”.
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
@Newf, lol
[Reply]
Chris G Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, You took the words right out of my mouth!
I thought it was Penner’s best game as a King. I was shocked to see him BEATING guys to the puck in the 3rd on a few occasions, then next thing I know he’s scoring the game winner. Let’s hope they keep worrying about him.
[Reply]
Mike Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, secret weapon??!!
[Reply]
Sandy Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, Sounds funny an answer for Penner but I love it
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, It is great how Penner played last night. However just like saying that the series isn’t over with after 1 game, I will hold out saying anything positive about Penner as it was only 1 game. How many times did us fans say that was Penner’s best game as a King, only to have him go invisible afterwards. Once Penner does it consistently only then will I talk about Penner positively. Gotta say he did play great last night and really deserved that goal he scored, based on how he played throughout the game. It is also great hearing the opposing Coach talk about him positively and that they have no answer for him. Good for Penner. However he needs to do this consistently, not once in a blue moon.
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 11:19 am
@Jeff_R,
The big difference is that there are 82 regular season games, so if you play well in one and win it for your team that’s great but there are still 81 more to play.
But in the playoffs there are really just 4-7 games to worry about at a time. So, Penner has already played exceptionally well and help the Kings win 25% – 14% of the series.
[Reply]
Onetimer1966 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:12 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, If they are looking answer for Penner then we must be really scary team and they are in a big Trouble.
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@toemas_sandstrom,
“we need an answer for Penner.”
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Stop it, you’re killing me. Maybe he’s hoping that tomorrow night the Kings players will still be laughing about this so hard, that they won’t be able to catch their breath enough to play.
[Reply]
Mark Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
@toemas_sandstrom,
AHHHHH HAAAAAA HAAAAAAA HAAAAAA. Please have a good day.
[Reply]
Resedakingsfan Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, I can’t stop laughing at that comment about needing an answer for Penner. That’s awesome!! I’ve defended Penner a lot this season, only because he has potential to be a good player. He just hasn’t played many good games as a King. I’m glad he got the game winner last night, and I’m glad the Canucks think they need an answer for him. Maybe this will give him some confidence. I thought he played one of his better games last night. Go Pancakes!!
[Reply]
warp6 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, Fear the pancakes!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
tacoman Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 7:06 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, Everyone seems to be laughing at this comment, and I can understand why… Penner up to this point has not brought the production that we kings fans were hoping for.
That being said, I don’t think the coaches comments were based on Penner scoring the winning goal.
Penner was a BEAST last night, hitting guys hard, beating them to pucks, playing heads up team hockey. If Penns keeps this up our cup chances go up significantly.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, Is that awesome or what? It’s apparently quite possible for Penner to make up for the disaster that has been the last 1.25 seasons.
[Reply]
Bama Kings Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 9:13 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, I’m for giving Penner another shot next year at a reasonable contract. The way he carries himself, he seems like a guy who is coming through a very dark tunnel, seeing the light on the other side.
He doesn’t take himself seriously an he’s on the up. The second half of the season showed signs of a better Penner.
If he keeps this up, give him a new contract at a low hit or incentive based.
Hard to no want to see this guy do well… “I used to be a good hockey player.” You gotta pull for that guy and hope he gets there again.
[Reply]
Richards’ hit on Burrows was just the icing on the cake last night! Love it when guys “play bigger” than what they physically are..
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
@iansez,
I HATE Burrows..and loved seeing him get flattened and then screw up on the empty goal by Brown.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
@FKA PakiFro, +1
@iansez +1
Burrows trying to Hold richards down after the hit was priceless. oh what the F do I do now?
Hope he gets more and more and more.
[Reply]
Bluecoconuts Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@FKA PakiFro, He probably coughed that up because he saw Brown coming in and was afraid of getting flattened again by an even harder hitter.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
@Bluecoconuts, That is exactly why you take the body every shift and finish your checks.
DougS Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
@iansez,
Even more than Richards’ hit, I loved how Burrows took a run at Richards afterward — and literally bounced off him.
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
@DougS, he was trying to draw a call.
[Reply]
flutie16 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 8:04 am
@Kenny44, Yep diving as usual
Richards could be a pivotal guy in this series. The X Factor. Maybe even more than Kopitar. Having essentially two number one centers is creating a match up issue and they’re basically admitting it.
[Reply]
Mike Milbury & Keith Richards on NBC live just called out the Canucks for diving and being floppy last night just like they were last year in the playoffs. Sometimes Milbury’s bluntness is pleasant.
[Reply]
Galen Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@Cruiznblue, that was sweet!
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
@Cruiznblue, what does Keith Richards know? He should stick to playing his guitar, kissing up to Mick Jagger, and taking drugs!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@Jeff,
LOL
[Reply]
KDinUT Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
@Cruiznblue, Keith Jones . . .
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:42 am
@KDinUT, You mean, Brian Jones ..
(you’re welcome!)
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 10:09 am
@Duncanz, you mean Davy Jones..es tu hermano!
LVKINGS88 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@Cruiznblue, They don’t have no sympathy for the devil.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
@Cruiznblue, His lack of balance is unfortunate. He should have been saying the same about Logan Couture.
[Reply]
I’m trying to get my brain around the concept that the Kings could lead this series 2 – 0. Just doesn’t seem possible. Vancouver is close to do or die tomorrow. But it didn’t seem possible that the Kings could dominate like they did last night either. What if…. The Kings have *six* 30 goal scorers on their active roster. It’s hard to believe watching them this year, but it’s true. What if they all showed up at the same time? What if….
[Reply]
Sandy Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@Donald_S, Lets not rush into this. The nuks have a very good team but I hear ya, what if.
Remember back in 20 I think the Kings were down to the wings 2-0 and came back and won the series, all I’m saying is 1 game at a time.
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
@Donald_S, that’s an awesome thought…let’s see ::
Kopitar, Brown, Williams, Penner, Carter and Richards….Gagne would make seven, but..
[Reply]
EmptyTank Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
@Donald_S, DON’T even think like that. It’s one game. ONE game! Don’t think for a minute that tomorrow night will be anything like last night. It’ll be 0-0 at the start with 60 minutes to play. The Canucks are a damn good team with the experience to know they need to change their game plan and the will. Well, all except for Kessel’s dirty, cheating, diving, flopping self.
[Reply]
Off topic,
There was a replay of last night’s game on the nhl network around 10 am this morning, then about 15 seconds into it, the screen went black for about 10 seconds, then it resumed except it was the Nash Detroit game. I was sooo bummed!
[Reply]
Ian Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
@jess, Kings are too hot for TV.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
@jess, you KNOW that the NHL wont pay for a Kings rebroadcast.
They cannot even muster up the cajones to deal with cheating against us.
I bet there is a smooth amorphous patch of skin in there boxers. Just like a Ken doll.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@Mars,
wow, PERFECT!
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@jess, Even the replays are prone to Blackout rules.
[Reply]
The ‘Nucks are worried about Penner?? Seriously??? They are in worse shape than I thought.
Never mind the fact we have two very solid scoring lines, a stellar PP and PK, a great goalie,
a hard hitting third and forth lines and a mentality we arent taking any crap. God forbid we worry about Penner. Maybe they had flashbacks to something he did to them while he played for Edmonton.
I can just see the headline now, “Canucks panic at the thought of The Pancake Man going wild on them”
All we have to do is play OUR game, like we did last night, and we should be able to prevail in
this series.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
@KingsFaninVegas,
He did play well last night. Threw his body around, scored a big goal, made a HUGE defensive play to prevent a goal with a seemingly empty net. Let’s get over this pancake thing already and enjoy it when he plays well for a change…
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
@KingsFaninVegas, Too bad Penner has not gotten a chance to play with better linemates lately (after his divorce). He’d shine.
What a coincidence that the minute he plays with Richards and Carter, magic happens…
Don’t underestimate him.
Also, did you see the defensive play he made to negate an open net shot by Kesler?
Dude was huge yesterday.
The point is that Vigneault was not expecting to have to plug so many holes in the dyke. The Kings are beming a real headache for other teams’ defensive strategy.
Get uesd to it!
GkG!
Cheers!
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@KingsFaninVegas, I think we are that wild card team that no one wants to play in the first round
[Reply]
Bonvivant1 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@KingsFaninVegas, The coach is blowing smoke…… Sarcasm.
[Reply]
Interesting though that he (Vigneault) said that. Also interesting that he didnt change it last night (or did he)?? I have a lot of respect for Vigneault, so it’s much appreciated to hear him say that.
Again, it was only one game, elt’s not get ahead of ourselves. No counting chickens!
[Reply]
Sam Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@Lake Forest, I find Vigneault much like his team, to be whiny.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
@Sam, We can’t all be perfect. I still think he’s a good coach.
[Reply]
Jack Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:32 pm
@Sam, I wonder if the complaining and diving is an organizational mandate, coach or simply the luck of the draw that the players they got are weenies.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@Lake Forest,
YES! no chickens…we don’t even have eggs yet!
Some of the celebrating is reminiscent of the “we want the cup” chants outside staples when the Kings went up 2-1 a couple years ago….Lets get them on the brink and finish them before we celebrate
[Reply]
jess Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
@Lake Forest,
I don’t find Viggy to be anything special. At least not from what I’ve seen so far.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@Lake Forest, Loving the bloggers comment of waiting for vigneault to dive off the podium
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
@Kings x,
[Reply]
Did i read this sentences right..They need to find an answer to Penner??What??wow Go Penner!!
[Reply]
I heard they also fired their acting coach this morning. Loved how pre game on NBCSP showed them diving and flopping and the quote was “There is a reason why nobody outside of BC likes the Canucks and this is why”
[Reply]
jess Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
@PubRat13, Bummed that I missed that.
[Reply]
toemas_sandstrom Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
@PubRat13, Man, if that’s an actual quote, that tweet from the team is going to haunt the Canunts and their fans for a long time! (was the word play on Canucks over the line? Hate to be booted for that)
[Reply]
Love the chess game strategy aspects in this series. Vignault and the Nucks underestimated the Jedi powers eminating from one Mike Richards! Not to mention the balance and depth that the Kings now have with Master Carter in the realm.
It’s Vancouver’s turn to make adjustments and to rev it up for Game 2.
Keep in mind that they even have the last line change advantage for another game, then they’ll have to react to Farmer Sutter’s reign of terror at Staples!
Really like how disciplined a game the Kings played. It’ll be tougher to maintain in Game 2 because I suspect that we’ll see even more attempts at being physical and chirping by the Orcas.
Mustn’t come over to the Dark Side…
Cheers!
GkG!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@FdoFmFull,
Let me guess, you wear your chubacca mask when sitting at the computer?
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
@jess, Some think it’s my playoff beard…
[Reply]
jess Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@FdoFmFull, LOL!
Kings x Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@FdoFmFull, The discipline was paramount to their success in game 1
[Reply]
I love Richards. I loved him all year and I loved he went out, in the dying seconds of Game 1 and LEVELED Burrows. I can’t stand that guy. I would have loved Burrows to pick a fight with Rick. Him and Lapierre’s smug faces need to be playing golf next week.
[Reply]
Dreams do come true, and prayers can be answered
GKG!
[Reply]
Give him the C.
[Reply]
Didn’t see this posted: Dad Says Sedin Has Not Recovered from Concussion
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@scarr77, The pic in the article is hilarious, the puck is behind him, clearly he isnt ready for play if he cannot chase the puck (I know not a game shot, just jabbing at the gingersnap)
[Reply]
Penner earns his bread and butter in the Playoffs.
[Reply]
toemas_sandstrom Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
@Secret Squirrel, *Batter* and Butter
[Reply]
Uhhhhh, it’s getting late, when will we hear of what happens to bitz if anything?
guaranteed that if that hit was to Crosby, he would be suspended for 8 games….
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@Lake Forest, I dont think he will have the level of respect and protection he used too, not after the Schenn retaliation anyways. He should know better and really effed up. Sadly the NHL still buttman climbed into bed with him that night and fined coaches for talking smack. Sad.
I used to have respect for the guy, felt bad for him, but if he is going to play reckless and retaliate, then I dont feel bad anymore. He clearly did not learn a lesson and well. He gets what he gets.
[Reply]
Bitz is getting a 2 game suspension for the hit on Clifford.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@Maureen N., yah, we know
[Reply]
TWO GAME SUSPENSION!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
@Lake Forest,
Pretty sure someone much earlier on the blog said Foxy twittered that late this morning. Guess it’s official now.
[Reply]
Two games.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@Maureen N., anything else?
[Reply]
Hearing was at 3:30 ET and suspension followed – official.
[Reply]
Wonder if Vancouver will find the answer for Penner? The Kings have been looking for it for a couple of years now with no luck.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
@KC23, yeah that’s not gonna happen
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@KC23, LOL.
I was thinking we have an answer, just not a solution.
Seriously though, after Cliffy went out, Penner kinda took over that roll, and well, we liked what we saw. I think we should stick with him in Cliffys role.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@Mars, you might have a pretty solid point there.
[Reply]
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@KC23,
I keep telling you guys Penner’s playing pretty good. His puck protection has been really good, and his outlet passes have been sharp. H emight look like a bulldoser on skates, but he hasn’t been a liability, and the kings have been winning a lot down the stretch, and that’s with Penner averaging 14 minutes a game.
I understand he should be scoring more, but he has been contributing.
[Reply]
Maureen N. Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
@Dominick (defrim65),
You nailed it, Dom. Penner also scored the game winning goal in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup for the Ducks. I believe he has some bling to show for that effort.
[Reply]
crashin'da net Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), You bet Dom. I got the suspition that Penner may have been just as frustrated with the Kings as the Kings were with him.He picked it up late in the season and played quite well last night.
He is a beast along the boards when he has the puck and he’s been making very dangerous passes to the middle for quite some time. Unfortunately, no one has been driving the middle. I also saw him going none-to-nose with someone out there doing some serious jaw-boning. Would love to see him become an MVP during the series or playoffs as a whole. Kings would go quite far if that happened.
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), I agree completely. Penns has been playing much better the last 20 games or so. Being buried in the 3rd line without a playmaker or a finisher has not helped his scoring chances. The big man shows good puck protection and offers sweet centering passes where other players should be. If this guy does leave via FA at the end of the season, he will be resigned between 2 to 3 mil a season and pot 20 goals for someone. I also notice not one Knucklehead wanted anything to do with him scrap wise. They all stayed away or backed off real quick when Penns was near. It’s time to play him with Richards & Carter IMO.
[Reply]
Maureen N. Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
@King Alex,
CPR line – Carter, Penner,Richards.
FdoFmFull Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@King Alex, Palabra!
Cheers!
tacoman Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
@King Alex, I agree it’s nice to see Penns doing more, and hope it continues, but lets not overlook the fact that even before Cliffy went down and the lines got jumbled the third line was dominant! The Vancouver slanted announcers even pointed it out.
Being analytical as I am, I have to evaluate our chances in that fashion. After pouring over all the stats, reading, listening to the wisest among us,and while wearing one of my many autographed Kings jersys and hats, I broke out the old slide-rule along with a 6 pack of something made in Milwaukee, uttered a few chants, and finally came up with what it will take to hoist the cup.
Result? Win 15 more games before losing 12,(providing the losses don’t come in groups of 4).Heck, even tha AFLAC duck “ain’t” that smart!
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@Old Codger, like it!
just to think you’ve been holding this back from us….
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
@Old Codger, I like it when you used Gunter’s Rule or even better, the abacus!
[Reply]
Good for Penner, hopefullly he has an impact for the rest of the playoffs
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 11:20 am
@Williams4485,
I’d be more than happy with one game winner each series!
[Reply]
We need to warned the Canucks because the Canucks likes to cheat and you know the rules for the Stanley Cup Playoffs of 2012 is if the Canucks need to stop cheating for Game 2 if they don’t the LA Kings wins the series by a forfeit so what do you think
[Reply]