Andrei Loktionov is expected to replace Kyle Clifford on the Kings’ fourth line. Loktionov and Kevin Westgarth rotated on drills in the morning skate, but Westgarth stayed on the ice for extra skating. Afterward, Darryl Sutter talked about Loktionov’s familiarity with the team, and his speed, as reasons for him going in.
There was no update on Clifford’s status, but Sutter did indicate that Brad Richardson could resume some hockey activity in the next couple days. More notes and quotes to come…
Not too sure about this, but I do trust DS……
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@fsd1, unless he has something up his sleeve ;
[Reply]
loskingpride Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
@fsd1, DS has secretly gotten Juras Mikus to Vancouver where he will take Clifford’s spot and score 4 goals and 2 assists in the first 15 minutes of the game causing Vancouver fans to riot in the streets and burn half of Canada down.
[Reply]
GravelPitKings Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
@loskingpride, plausible…
rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
@fsd1,
I like it. Loki is going to have a positive impact on this series–I can feel it…or maybe that’s just heartburn….
[Reply]
brian spain Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 5:16 pm
@rontheking, Your dereaming, he is going to get crushed, the Canucks are going to kill him. They were cheap shoting the Kings the whole game. I hope he has health insurance…haha. Would be sweet if he can make some plays, bet Westgarth plays Sunday night.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@brian spain,
We’ll see. Nobody crushed him earlier in the year when he was up playing with the big boys….
rogiesbackup Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
@fsd1, Lotki DID show some signs of brilliancy as a playmaker and strengths AGAINST a hit. He also was one that demonstrated hard work and that started to pay-off with a couple goals just when he was sent down. I was surprise the Kings didn’t make room for him on the lineup. I’m sure Kings didn’t have a choice.
But the Kings just like last game need to take control of the tempo of the game and drive hard to the net-NET PRESENCE!!!!!!
[Reply]
pitty Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@fsd1, What are the odds Lotki survives the game. First time he goes into the corner it’s not going to be good.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@fsd1, Loki, was hot(3G in 6 games. but a -2 in the Col. on Feb 22 sent him to Manchester) when he was sent down, but it was one of those things. Other players would have been subject to waivers. I think its the speed of Vancouver is the reason we go with Loki. I hope we have the same refs tonight. The reason I get so angry when I see bad officiating is years ago in the playoff series verse Colorado Deadmarsh & Allison basically both were retired by a string of poor officiating, which led to greater and greater uncalled cheap shots from behind. Both eventually missed 2+ years from post concussion syndrome from hits from behind that could have been called charging and/or boarding. Even with the injuries no penalties were called. I have to say it looks like the crew in game 1 had player safety in mind and called a good game.
[Reply]
brian spain Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
@luc20rules, That was the game everybody threw stuff on the ice. Never forget it. That was as bad an officiated game as I have ever seen.
[Reply]
I agree with this for one big reason, Westy has not played in weeks if not months. Lokti has played more with this team than Westy and he has played in Manchester since being sent down. I understand he is not a bruiser, but he is not rusty and he is actually one of the better players when it comes to takeaways. If he uses his speed he can be a great counter to Vancouver’s 4th line. Also if he gets stuck with either of the top 2 lines he has already played top 6 or top 9 minutes for us so he can handle a shift until he is changed.
[Reply]
TeamJMFJ Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
@Bobo, didnt think about that…makes more sense now that you brought that up
[Reply]
KingsGuy Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
@Bobo, I know Westy is rusty, but Lotki will have a target on his head. IMO, it’s known he’s easily knocked off the puck. Hence, creating turnovers…
[Reply]
Bobo Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@KingsGuy,
If the Canucks are going to worry about Lokti all game then they are crazy. Yes he may turn it over but he isnt playing 20 minutes. He is smart enough to dump it in if worst case scenario is presented. Canucks have bigger fish to fry than Lokti, and that is Richards and Kopitar and Carter. Plus I have to believe 100% if Westy plays and throws a hit 1 second late he is going into the box. The refs always players like him as scapegoats for calls.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
@Bobo, You forgot our secret weapon that the Canucks have to worry about….IHOP boy.
KingsGuy Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
@Bobo, Agreed, there are lot’s of players to keep an eye on. The players you mentioned, are among the few. So happy to have #11 & #10 on our team.
IMO, Lotki is a small chink the the armor. I am sure they will know to put pressure on him…
face wash Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@KingsGuy, so you think Westy is better with the puck than Lokti?
[Reply]
KingsGuy Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
@face wash, As far as stick handling “with” the puck? No… As far as being cremated into the boards getting knocked off the puck, yes… There is a reason he was sent back to AHL.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
@KingsGuy, Burrows is likely to pull the poor guy’s arm off.
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
@KingsGuy, Don’t worry, if anybody checks Lotki, then they’ll have to answer to Westy… oh, wait. haha
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
@KingsGuy,
He is NOT easily knocked off the puck IMO…that was last year.
[Reply]
Harrison Merkin Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@rontheking, Agreed. People need to go back and watch his last 15 games. He’s figured out how to get under checks and is a high possession player. He’s crafty and has great hands. Other than him playing out of position I see this as a lateral move with a hell of a lot of upside.
EmptyTank Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@Bobo,
I too agree because (hopefully) Lokti adds more energy to the Energy Line that Westy
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
@Bobo, Very good point about being/not being rusty. Something I personally didn’t even consider.
[Reply]
Come On..He going to get eaten up by Canucks..I say injury coming soon..
But great news for Richardson!
[Reply]
Looking forward to a good game tonight. Our boys are pumped and full of confidence…as am I!
GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
Lokti with the hat trick tonight. Kings win 6-0.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
@DesertKing, uhhh, no
[Reply]
KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair) Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
@DesertKing,
Beat me to it… except you’re wrong on the score
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair),
Penner gets 3, Lokti gets 3, and Bernier gets the shut out = 6-0. Kings win!! Kings win!! Kings winnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Kman Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
@DesertKing,
With his 9 min. of TOI
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@Kman,
Yep, 1 every 3 minutes. We must have faith (and a really good PK)!
[Reply]
Damjan Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
@DesertKing, hope someone upsaires hear you!
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
@DesertKing, After last game, Penner will be hungry and might score a goal. If not he will go invisible again next game. Hope the Kings stay hungry!
I think Quick gonna be the man of the night. Win or loose.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
@DesertKing, Might as well call the ovechtrick while you’re at it
[Reply]
A coach that values speed? That’s crazy talk…
[Reply]
3-0 Kings, Loktionov with the hat trick, Quick with the shutout (55 saves)
[Reply]
vladimir Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair), 2:0 Quck (85 saves)Go Kings Go !!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair),
Loving it!
[Reply]
toemas_sandstrom Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair),
If the Kings could only put Mike Ditka in the lineup…38-0. Da Kings!
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, lol
[Reply]
Please do not put Lotki on wing. Can not afford to have him injured getting smashed into the boards…
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:38 pm
@krash324, Since Sutter came in, Lokti’s been better pulling the puck off the wall with his quickness rather than just trying to “play heavy” on the boards and battle through or eat the puck the way TM demanded.
[Reply]
ToughD Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
@Kenny44, yep he’s learning to play like a sedin along the boards…u may be able to bully him off the puck but u gotta catch him first! AND he’s very good defensively
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
@Kenny44,
I agree…and he isn’t easily knocked off the puck anymore. There. I said it.
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@rontheking,
How do you this? From AHL games? Great news if it’s true.
Lets go boys!! come home up 2-0 it will be a great flight back i promise
[Reply]
I may have gone to Westy. He played well in the playoffs last year.
[Reply]
Optomistic Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
@DBking, WHAT ABOUT ALL HIS PENALTIES which are ill-afforded during playoffs?
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
@Optomistic,
You need to change your profile name to pesomistic!
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
@Weasel, If you’re going to rip on someone or male a joke at least spell it right
Weasel Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@kingsx
err did you notice the spelling of ‘optomistic’?
While we can banter about who best replaces Clifford’s role, keep in mind that the key role of that 4th line of late has been as an “Energy Line” used to change momentum when needed.
In that regard I do believe that Lokti is the better fill-in for KC.
[Reply]
Harrison Merkin Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
@EmptyTank, I don’t even think clifford was filling Clifford’s role.
[Reply]
Does anyone know if there are any sports bars with happy hour during the playoff games, or best places to watch the game tonight in south bay area?
[Reply]
Kings are in the driver seat. Need to be patient and wear down the Nucks. Need to control Center Ice and trap the wing. Keep away from outmanned rushes and stupid penalties and we are up 2-0. Vancouver will play this like is a game 7. Wait for your chance to counter and beat them at their own game. Go high on Luongo and you will score.
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
@redondodave, having a 1-0 series lead after the team took that many penalties is hardly in the drivers seat, especially against the President’s Trophy winners…
I’m not being negative, just realistic.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:54 pm
@California Royalty, Since this playoff format went into existence in 93 there have been 2 President Trophy winners who lost there first game of the playoffs. 1 was San Jose and they lost the series. The other was Detroit and they won the Cup. Let’s hope the former is how it works out in this case.
[Reply]
KDinUT Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@Jeff_R, You’d better be hoping it’s the latter and not the former . . . I personally like your second option much better than the first.
(By definition, former is the first of two things and latter is the second . . . )
redondodave Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
@California Royalty, Yeah you are right. I am getting a little ahead of myself. We have to remember that the twins work very well together and Henrik looked lost without his brother. Vancouver was also in the weakest division and sopped up a lot of wins against inferior teams. They won 18 games in their division, only Boston won more in their division with 19 wins.
[Reply]
Lokti… Going to be shaking my head from now till the end of the game… Lokti… just terrible.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
@California Royalty, Thinking it over I actually think it is a good idea. Plus I trust DS and what he says and does has worked out well so far, so why not this.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
@California Royalty,
Disagree! Without being disagreeable!
[Reply]
Let’s hope the addition of Loktionov to the line up confuses the hell out of Vancouver’s defense even more than last game.
[Reply]
A buddy of mine in Edmonton called me and said that on their local sports radio show they are calling the Kings – Canadas! Hilarious. He said no one cares about Ottawa, and everyone hates Vancouver even more.
Go Kings, Canadas team!
[Reply]
Lead Feet Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
@Lead Feet, “Canadas Team”
[Reply]
Kman Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
@Lead Feet,
As soon as this gets tweetment I”M IN !
[Reply]
Lead Feet Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@Kman, ya.
He said that was actually what started the conversation and all the calls coming in were saying how they loved that tweet.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
@Lead Feet, Awesome!
[Reply]
Newf Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
@Lead Feet, that is awesome!
[Reply]
Forum gold Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
@Lead Feet, So. CA. Now means “Southern Canada”. We do have a large area to be Ooot and A-boot in. GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
Lead Feet Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
@Forum gold,
Ahy! = word!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
@Lead Feet,
I always liked pack bacon and strange brews. I guess I have been a Canadien for my whole life and never knew it. (Sung to the tune of the Canadien national anthem) Oh L A Kings, our team south of the native land, true purple and gold, for LA Canada Flintridge we stand, with black jerseys and home plate shields, we keep LA entertained and free, from far and wide OH L A Kings, we put our faith in thee! True LA fans, glorious and cell phone free, we stand to win for thee, OOOOH L A Kings, we want the CUP for Bob Miller!!!!!
[Reply]
Lead Feet Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
@DesertKing,
Awesome!
You need to get the entire home crowd to sing that at game 3.
Can you get that done?
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@DesertKing, You mean Canadian, unless you’re a fan of that team from Montreal that won the cup in 1993 against the Kings.
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
@Steve W, or you’re a Quebecker.
DesertKing Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
@Steve W,
Tomatoe, tomato, potato, potatoe…. but, for the record, my son is looking at attending school in Montreal, so Viva Les Habitatntes, or in So Clese, “Take off hoser dudes!”
Canadian King Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
@Lead Feet, I am in Regina, Saskatchewan and everybody is calling the Kings Canadas team. It is awesome, my bro is a HUGE Nucks fan and he is getting the gears left and right.
[Reply]
mash-ola Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
@Lead Feet, The Kings actually have more Canadian-born players on their roster than the Canucks do, and from Int’l competition, Richards, Carter and Doughnuts are a big presence on their roster… Also, there are a a few of ex-Oil on the team (Stoll, Greene, Penner and Frazier), and Sutter is a good ole boy from Viking, Alberta. Familiarity breads contentment (and AB has a real hatred towards BC, it seems).
[Reply]
Oy, I hope I don’t see rooks Lokti & Nolan out there against the Nuks top line. But on the road that’s bound to happen if we use the fourth line at all. Maybe Sutter is thinking of the fourth line as spot duty, with each of those pieces sometimes filling in on other lines as need be. If it’s another penalty filled game that makes sense. If it’s a lot of 5 on 5, we’ll need the fourth line to play together for some appreciable minutes that might expose them to challenging match ups. Lokti is the only speed on that fourth line. With Van going smaller / faster adding Ebbet, maybe Sutter didn’t want a real slow fourth line with Westie that might have to match up against Nuks with speed on all four lines.
[Reply]
Bring up Richie Clune! Chirps all day but backs it up with his fists, unlike the Burrows, Lapierre, & Bieksa who will only fight guys who aren’t fighters.
[Reply]
Clifford stepped up last playoffs.The kings will miss him out of the line up.Loki scored 3 goals befoe getting sent down so hopefully he will continue his streak.Welcome back loki nows your chance to score some goals and assists!
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
@paul03, and all of them off everything ‘kept his stick. tough place for a rookie but he is a pro, who can skate. if he plays his game, w/o too much nervousness he will not hurt our chances. He’ll probably take fewer penalties and play better defense than Clifford too
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
@red49er,
Yeah, love Clifford and what he brings, but IMHO Loki brings more skill…and the Kings already have plenty of beef with Nolan and King as support-bangers.
[Reply]
maybe Loki will be a playoff performer.
[Reply]
I feel like I’m getting ‘Vancouvered’ in LA right now. Rain, rain, go away.
[Reply]
KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair) Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
First time I think I’ve heard thunder set off car alarms. I can only hope the ‘clapping’ at Staples on Sunday is as loud! I’m in El Segundo so if you’re south, get ready!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair), Greeeeeeeat! The morning looked good, so no jacket or umbrella for me. Not like I have a long walk but still
[Reply]
370455VinSD Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair), I’m hoping that hits San Diego, right now it’s barely drizzling. I kind of enjoy the novelty of actual weather. Tonight is going to be a grind but I think we are going to tough it out. I think we should be able to weather a storm and then dictate pace for most of the game. Quicker is going to have to be on his head per usual but hopefully that won’t be a stretch.
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair),
Car alarm thunder in Cypress at about 1:50…
[Reply]
Will Lokti center the 4th line?
[Reply]
I like this!! Adding more skill to our bottom 6, i think we have enough big body presence throughout the lineup! Lokti will be awesome on either PP he is put on also.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
@Michael_DD8,
Wow great minds really do think alike….
[Reply]
What I wouldn’t give to have Luongo play in McLean’s gear. Enjoy the Kings goals of the 93 series against the Nuks (back in their old Taco Bell uniforms)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KMvgZCJRAQ
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
@Kenny44, Kurri was so Moreau-like … and MR could pick up a few tips from WR, fo sho.
Great look back at those glory days!
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
@Duncanz, Good ol’ Warren of the Wasteland!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
@Kenny44, Ahhh … good times. :”)
[Reply]
how’s about Brown-Kopi- Williams,Penner-Richards-Carter,King-Loki-Stoll,Nolan-Fraser,Lewis.Have Stolli play on the wing
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
@luckyluc13, I see your intent, however, Lewis is too valuable to be on the 4th line.
Here’s my lineup:
Penner/ Kopitar/ Williams
Brown/ Richards/ Carter
Stoll/ Lokti/ Lewis
King/ Fraser/ Nolan
I believe this is our best top-6 combo – never attempted so far…
Energy/ Speed Line – Have Stoll play LW to Lokti centering, but allow Stoll to take most/all draws;
Heavy Line – that 4th line allows a true 4-line game for Sutter to keep all the troops fresh!
Cheers!
GkG!
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
@FdoFmFull, Would be surprised if anything other than the 4th line changed….why mess with them now?
[Reply]
luckyluc13 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
@FdoFmFull, that works for me also
[Reply]
Canadian King Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
@FdoFmFull, No way you touch that first line, they were awesome last game. I think Stoll needs to be center as well, I personally think Lokti is useless on this team right now. Stoll is too good of a face-off guy and is alot better than Lokti at being a two way centerman. Not saying I don’t like Lokti and don’t think he has a future just not right now in the playoffs, but we will see and hopefully I am wrong about him.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
@FdoFmFull, WE WON! Please stop changing things around while they are working.
[Reply]
Westgarth has an assignment tonight. Find Bitz.
[Reply]
chuckrocks Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
@Mel Powell, awesome.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@Mel Powell,
Ha! I think it was in the book “Dynasty” where the stories are told of Billy Martin and Mickey Mantle (and others) actually fighting players from other teams under the bleachers after the games. Classic.
[Reply]
Crap. I will be on the road..I hope the lonely Holiday Inn in eastern shore MD has NBC sports.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:05 pm
@Jack,
iPad (or any computer) + slingbox = awesomeness
[Reply]
How the Kings perform tonight (IMO) will have less to do with the play of Lokti and the fourth line, but rather the play of the third line. More specifically the play of STOOL and PENNER (aka: Rec. League). Yes, Penner’s play was impressive for game one, but even a broken clock is right twice a day. Stoll, on the other hand, looked absolutely horrible in game one, and his failure to get the puck out of the King’s zone lead to the Nucks first goal. I’m just really glad Penner was on the ice for that game winner and not Stool, he would have missed the net completely! Let’s hope for a miracle and Penner plays with the same intensity for two games in a row.
GKG!!!!
[Reply]
krash324 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
@SimiKingsFan, First goal was more the non call on the bump that Quick took, otherwise he would have stopped that easily. Canucks are a good team, they will not let us out of our zone that easily
[Reply]
Gretzky to Kurri Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
@SimiKingsFan,
Stoll was completely screening Luongo for the Kings second goal, and Penner tapped home the game winner when other guys had chances and didn’t, so I don’t necessarily feel that’s a fair evaluation of either of their game one performances.
How about we support all our guys right now, cause we need 20 dressed players a night if we want to raise a cup.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
@SimiKingsFan,
I agree. Stool really needs to get back to playing like Jarret Stoll–especially by not taking crappy penalties….
[Reply]
Gretzky to Kurri Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@rontheking,
That is one thing I DO agree Stoll needs to improve. Karma will catch up with those early penalties if he keeps committing them. It always does.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
@Gretzky to Kurri, He does, yes, but lets get serious…that was a god awful call.
Zacmar Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
@SimiKingsFan, Pancakes got to make that salary money
[Reply]
I am as big a KINGS fan as anyone on this blog but some of you are looking at this through light purple glasses or just plain HIGH… As much as I hate the CA-NUTS, they are a big mean fast and tonight unforgiving NHL freight train.. All of this talk about Loktionov having a hat trick and doing this and doing that is just crazy. If he were really able to do these types of things, he would never have been sent down in the first place… Get real.. Like DS said he’s a nice player, meaning he has some skill but he is not NHL tuff… But we really don’t have any other option as Westgarth has not played in a while (for good reason). So, best thing for Lokti is to be together with King and Nolan (to really big bookend wingers) and hope that he doesn’t get killed… this is the NHL play-offs. I hope he does do well and maybe figure in the scoring but mainly I hope he doesn’t get hurt because we don’t have anyone else to come up or fill the whole.. I believe the KINGS will win tonight but Lokti is not the great 99 and won’t get any free passes…
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
@DRTBUG 22, most of it is all fun, but i would NOT be moving King from the 2nd line and I definately would not mess with the first line, if he is going to play it will be the fourth line and I still expect that line to get the same amount of ice time as they usually do. DS has often said, We roll 4 lines….
[Reply]
DRTBUG 22 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
@fsd1, Point attempting to be made is that Lokti need big strong forwards to play with him in order to be effective.. I agree that I would not make any changes that would impact what we have going from Wednesday night… It is a shame that we don’t have enough big bodies to let him play with.. I was hoping that DS would just slot Westy where Cliffy was and leave it.. I hope he make that change instead of what has been printed.
[Reply]
Luuuuuuuuuuc! Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
@DRTBUG 22,
An all rookie line??? Technicalities aside of course. I’m still holding out that this is a DS mindgame and Westy ends up suiting up after the Nucks put together their gameplan.
[Reply]
KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair) Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
@DRTBUG 22,
It’s called humor. Look into it, you might like it.
As for Lokti being sent down, that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. It often takes a few trips back to the AHL for a player to finally figure it out.
Then you have guys like Nolan and King who come out of nowhere. The point is, you never know.
Then again, Lokti could have a horrible night. We shall see.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
@DRTBAG 22, Way to call out those fanciful GA-LOOTS, DiRT!!
They will be disappoInted when Lewie single-handedly wins the game with his 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th tonight and Kings will go on to a 7-1 victory (2 more by Penns, 1 by Scuds, 1 off of WM’s stick at the other end) and probably come back and win both at home!
I, for one, will not be at all surprised when this inevitably happens.
[Reply]
Canucks Keith Ballard, who has not played since Feb. 7th, coming back from a concussion, is replacing Aaron Rome on defense.
This is from the Canucks Report: As late as last week Ballard was having trouble making plays under pressure during practice, but he stuck with it and continued to rest to where he felt ready to play. He was cleared and taken off the injured reserve earlier this week.
When asked about any discomfort he may have been feeling in the last few days, Ballard responded with the wit reporters have missed.
“I haven’t had any issues with headaches, neck pain, nothing like that, I might have been dizzy from guys skating by me, I don’t know,” he laughed.
Insert Lokti here
[Reply]
Luongo played his brilliant game in game 1 and still lost. Keep the pressure on him & he will crack for sure. Luongo is only going to get worse than his game 1 performance. This is a statement game for the Kings. Without Ginger & only Mary Ann in the lineup, Vancouver is ripe for the pickings. The gingers are what make this team dangerous. Without them, they lose their O zone cycle. Put them out of their misery tonight Kings as they are already feeling sorry for themselves. Tonight we come home up 2 games to zip! KILL KINGS, KILL!
[Reply]
Gretzky to Kurri Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
@King Alex,
For sure. I think Luongo is one of the most enigmatic goaltenders in the game. Get in his head and he could really hurt the Canucks chances at winning. But if he’s on his game…watch out.
Keep the pressure on.
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@King Alex, Luongo is good for a least 1 bad game a series. I hope it is tonight.
[Reply]
vegasking Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
@King Alex, nicely stated. We have Luongos’ number
we just have to attack him with shots. I see him getting pulled
tonight. GKG!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Anybody doing a watch party near long beach?
[Reply]
KingsNewsDaily (formerly wavesinair) Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@Stillkingly,
Yes…well kinda.
http://lifeinhockeywood.com/2012/04/12/kings-playoff-watch-party-at-the-lazy-dog-cafe.aspx
[Reply]
I heard there are a few going to a local bar in Lake Forest too.
Cabo Cantina, which happens to be a bar closest bar to my house. I haven’t been there yet.
[Reply]
Lokti was sent down because Stoll as a winger did not work at all, and Lokti does not have the ingredients of a fourth line winger. Playing Stoll out of position ruined his season, IMHO. When Penner came back from his Pennercakes vacation, there was no room in the top nine for Lokti’s skill set, and Stoll HAD to go back to center. The way that other team plays, I would rather see Westy in the lineup on the fourth line than Lokti. Just my opinion, though. DS knows more about it than I do. GKG !!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
@Jumblehead, The only person who ruined Stoll season is Stoll.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
@KC23, sooo funny!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
@Jumblehead, I feel the same way you do about Westy playing tonite. That being said, I also agree with you about Sutter. He seems to do more right then he does wrong. If it was TM making this decision, many of us would be going ballistic including me!
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@Jumblehead, Stoll’s new visor ruined Stoll’s season.
[Reply]
Any watch-parties in 818 or Hollywood???
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@Dom, None that I have heard. There will be one in Cerritos at The Lazy Dog Cafe as posted by @wavesinair.
[Reply]
Dom Reply:
April 13th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
@puck73, thanks puck, that’s a bit far though…… living-room it is!!
[Reply]
My Long Beach Watch Party has been moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Does cunuck taste more like chicken or more like pork? Need to have the right grub. Go Kings Go!!!!
[Reply]
I think DS has a better feel than all of us combined times a billion as to which player will be more effective in the open spot. I say let’s not second guess him.
[Reply]
Go Lokti!!!
[Reply]