Final look/view/listen at Vancouver series

Before we take a first look at the second-round series against St. Louis, here’s a bit of a look back at the series in total.

Before the series, I identified three aspects that I thought might define the series. They were: 1) The goalie matchup. 2) Whether Jeff Carter or Daniel Sedin would have more of an impact, returning from injury. 3) The special-teams battle. How did they turn out? 1) Quick won the goalie battle, although Roberto Luongo was not bad in the first two games and Cory Schneider was very good in the final three games. 2) Each team scored three power-play goals and the Kings scored two shorthanded goals. The fact that the Kings played the Canucks even on the power play, and were plus-2 overall in special teams, was huge. 3) Carter and Sedin each had two points, although Sedin played only two games. Carter was essentially a non-factor. Sedin gave the Canucks a huge Game 4 boost.

What were some other factors, not predicted before the series? 1) The Kings went 2-0 in one-goal games. They were essentially a .500 team in one-goal games in the regular season, which was a big reason why they underachieved. 2) Twice in the series, the Kings allowed the first goal but rallied to win. In the regular season, they allowed the first goal 37 times and won only eight of those games. 3) Late in the regular season, the Kings at times looked a little wobbly in the third periods. In this series, they outscored the Canucks 7-2 after the second period.

Finally, a couple multi-media things. First, my pal Howard Berger did an outstanding job on his blog, in which he captured some great images from Game 5, including a sequence of photos of a grieving Canucks fan. Click here to check it out. Also, click below for Jarret Stoll’s game-winning goal, as presented on TV and radio with two great calls, followed by a full-game recap from KingsVision.

99 Comments

  1. Karnh19 says:

    We played hard and won battles and our PK was fire. GKG well deserved

    [Reply]

  2. PaulCat says:

    Rich,

    If you are able, can you give us any insight on what the flight back from Vancouver was like? Did anyone say anything? Has Dean made any sort of speech or comment? Would love some inside info from the Insider.

    [Reply]

    Rich Hammond Reply:

    Don’t ever comment on flight stuff. As Sutter would say, that’s not for public consumption. Not reporting time. Personal/travel time for players and staff.

    [Reply]

    Poonagi Reply:

    @Rich Hammond, as much as I’d like to hear about that kind of stuff, thank you for being professional and for all of the great work you do for this team and for us fans. You are truly an asset to the community.

    GKG!

    [Reply]

    mfnlakings Reply:

    @Poonagi, +1

    PaulCat Reply:

    @Rich Hammond,

    A more than fair answer. I appreciate the reply.

    [Reply]

    RobT Reply:

    @Rich Hammond, I love the blog. Sometime in the offseason, I would love to have a behind the scenes post of the Kings flights/roadtrips. What I mean is pictures of inside the jet, an idea of what goes on (as in food, drinks etc.), whether the coaches break down video right away etc. We don’t need to know specifics as in one player drinks like a fish (or whatever) or someone yells and screams over errors in the game or whatever. But an idea of what life is like when they travel would be an interesting offseason post in July, shortly after the Kings’ season ends.

    [Reply]

    kingsalltheway Reply:

    @RobT, if you follow jim fox on fb, he posts up their meals, dining, etc insights.

    Kings08 Reply:

    @PaulCat, I think we all know the general idea of what happened.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Kings08, That’s what I was thinking.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @PaulCat, All I can hope for is no DUI’s driving home from the airport.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @PaulCat,

    Rich Hammond reads the blog!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DesertKing,
    Let’s hope he doesn’t let it get to him like Stolly obviously has!

    [Reply]

    Harry Reply:

    @PaulCat,

    You can follow @mayorNHL. He blogs about the La Kings and provides alot of “Inside”

    [Reply]

  3. Kinglers55 says:

    Carter struggled a bit, but he started to come around in the later games. I’d still like to see his shot used more on the PP.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Kinglers55, I think he had two assists in the first game.

    [Reply]

  4. alexmacat11 says:

    Congratulations my fellow fans who are still buzzing from last night! I couldn’t sleep!

    [Reply]

  5. Krusher says:

    This will never get old. Been watching these all day. Went to sleep smiling, woke up smiling.

    [Reply]

  6. smv says:

    How is it possible that the Kings playoff games will not be called by Bob Miller and Jim Fox??? Does anyone know how we can request NBC to use them?

    [Reply]

    DailyMehow Reply:

    @smv,

    Nope.

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @smv, That is the contract that the NHL signed with NBC. After the 1st round the games are all National and no regional. While it sucks for us fans not being able to hear Bob and Jim anymore, it is good for the NHL on a whole to do this. Get’s more fans to tune in and hopefully more people into Hockey. If that happens maybe Fox would have a change of heart when deciding to show a NHL Playoff game or a regular season baseball game. So please more people tune in and get them ratings sky high.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Jeff_R,
    As long as I am being informed when the puck is being “SHOVELLED OUT OF THE ZONE”, and “KNIFED INTO THE ZONE”, and “RUNG OFF THE PIPE”, and also “skittering across the ice”, I guess I can deal with the heartache of not having my Bob & Jim in the living room with me for the games.

    GKG!!!

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @Jeff_R, Maybe fans can request the Kings provide a live internet feed of Jim and Bob calling the game?

    Depending on the NHL’s contract with NBC, internet “feeds” might not be included in the tv-radio broadcast rights or a loophole of some sort might be possible. And who knows, maybe the Kings can get a waiver from NHL/NBC.

    Hey, if you don’t ask you don’t get!

    [Reply]

    smv Reply:

    @dMan, Thanks for the reply. Cutting off Miller and Fox when the Kings finally make a run is just wrong. I will try that.

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @dMan, That would break the contract.

  7. Krusher says:

    The last time the Kings won a playoff series I was holding my 6 year old son in my arms at Staples and we were hugging and screaming our heads off. Last night, we were hugging and screaming but my little boy was sporting a playoff beard! Long, long time.

    [Reply]

    Poonagi Reply:

    @Krusher, that’s freaking beautiful man. I love it.

    [Reply]

    Shakes Reply:

    @Krusher, best post of the night

    [Reply]

  8. Blueline2012 says:

    Wasn’t it Carter who had a great Skate pass to Penner! How quickly (no pun inteneded) we forget! He did miss on an great opportunity last night…but his skate pass was huge in this series!

    [Reply]

    pr0cess Reply:

    @Blueline2012, No one has forgotten but he still needs to light the lamp!

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @pr0cess, When it comes to the Playoffs it isn’t always the top guys scoring. This is where the little guys become huge guys. I like our team how it is. We got guys who can score on all four lines. Just the type of depth needed to get the Cup.

    [Reply]

    Elac Reply:

    @Jeff_R, You are so right. In this series, the third line really picked it up. Total line scoring included 5 goals by the first line, 1 goal by the 2nd line, 4 goals by the 3rd line and 1 goal by the 4th line. Mitchell scored the lone goal by a defense-man. Every goal in a playoff game is important. The Kings 2nd line of Carter, Richards and King just might be the difference in the next series if they start scoring.

    vplaza Reply:

    @Blueline2012,

    Yes, Carter’s skate was important in one game of the series. But did you notice who should have been covering the Ginger twin who scored that PP goal? Not saying that the goal was all his fault, but he didn’t look like he was minding the coverage on the PK at the time.

    [Reply]

    tim chaney Reply:

    @vplaza, he’s getting healthier everyday and i believe j. carter will show up. look out for penner too…

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @tim chaney,

    Personally, I also think that Richards isn’t completely back from the concussion. His play since the injury doesn’t resemble his play prior to it. Of course, two different injuries, but neither seem to be exactly at 100%.

    And I’m really hoping Penner continues to play well and get rewarded. Lord knows he was the recipient of some of the most negative posts in here (and I had my own share directed towards him), so redemption would be great…for him and the Kings.

    tothehaters Reply:

    @vplaza, and it was great how greene cleared the puck when he had the chance

    [Reply]

    InTheCrease Reply:

    @tothehaters, Greene is always a MVP (IMHO).

    brian spain Reply:

    @tothehaters, green is the one who shot the puck into the defensemen when they scored there goal, if I remember right. He had time to settle the puck and clear it up the middle, but who cares Vancouver has started there summer vacation, Its a brand new season again for the Kings, need to play above 500 again in a seven game series.

  9. kb says:

    thanks rich!

    [Reply]

  10. Lake Forest says:

    hahahah nick nickson “….and you can meet me in St. louis”

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Would of been even more awesome if he said “Meet Me in St Louie.”

    [Reply]

  11. LA_1968 says:

    Penner might be top 6 now.

    Nolan looked pretty confident.

    Those two losses to SJ at end of year taught the boys that there is an art to “closing the deal”. As Coach would say, they “came out like it was game 7″.

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @LA_1968, Or they learned how to close the deal after the Detroit fiasco. It was a matter of not wanting to close the deal against the Sharks so that they could play Vancouver and the Sharks would play St Louis. This after knowing they clinched a spot. They had a choice who to play and they wanted Vancouver knowing that SJ would have a tough time with ST Louis and Phoenix with Chicago. Of course this could all just be a conspiracy theorists dream, but I am sticking to it.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Jeff_R, Touche… But even if your conspiracy theory (haha) were true they had never done the actual closing out without their back against the wall.

    [Reply]

    Kings x Reply:

    @Jeff_R, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0446353256/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kings x, rated 4 stars out of 5.
    I guess 80% effectiveness keeps you from getting “fired” by whoever’s paying your check …

  12. gene says:

    What is up with the NHL Administration and NBC for not letting Bob and Jim call the rest of the games. That is truly not right. We have to listen to alot of broad casaters who can’t hold a shoe to either Bob or Jim. Even the one of the Quacks anouncers has been on TV. What a joke this is.

    [Reply]

  13. LA_1968 says:

    “Carter was essentially a non-factor.”

    Eeeeeh. You got to admit that skate pass to win game 1 was pretty key.

    [Reply]

  14. DesertKing says:

    Must remember, 4 down, 12 to go.

    [Reply]

  15. King Charles of Salt Lake says:

    Can’t help but me happy for the guys!!! WOW. Watching these videos are awesome. Did anyone catch a Rich siting during the interview with Stoll? Stoll 29 and an OLD PRO!! Gotta give everyone credit for this win, but now it’s time to put it behind us and move on to St Louis. Game 1 will be huge. Should be interesting how we come out and play. Hopefully no hangover!!! I know we have won a series, but winning the CUP is our main focus. Blues are very much like us. Clifford hopefully will be back. Muscle matters when facing the Blues. Also we got to keep Oshie in check. We are also going to something from our second line. Carter needs to get back into a groove. I do believe his ankle is not 100%. Many factors will be at play as the series goes along, but getting a spilt is of most importance. Long live the KINGDOM and all HAIL the KINGS… HAIL HAIL!!!

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @King Charles of Salt Lake,

    Totally agree about Carter not being 100%. Not close.

    About Cliffy… I don’t know that I would mess with our bottom 6 either way.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @King Charles of Salt Lake,
    Ankle or attitude … I wonder?
    Hopefully the success of the 1st Round win, and a little therapy and nurturing during the break before the next game, and we will see a great deal of improvement in either/or !

    [Reply]

  16. Cup B4 I Die says:

    The Kings bottom 6 outplayed the Canucks bottom 6.

    [Reply]

  17. ForumFan says:

    Several Canucks have implied they ‘gave’ the Kings the first two games and consequently dug a hole too deep to climb out of. I think if was Salo who stated that the Canucks weren’t playing well the last part of the season and can’t just ‘turn on a switch’ when the playoffs started. Then of course there’s the whole ‘what if Daniel had played’ scenario.

    I think all of this does the Kings a serious disservice. Vancouver actually had a pretty good ‘end of season’ if you check the record. Daniel did come back and have an impact but it would be hard to argue that it would have been a series changing impact. And as far as the first two games, the Kings weren’t given those, they took them. In fact the Kings grabbed this series by the throat and just wouldn’t give it back.

    I thought the comeback on the road in the clinching game typified the Kings team since Sutter took over. We haven’t been blown out of any games that I can recall, and have given ourselves the chance to win almost every one of them. Have we always looked good? No. Has the pp been erratic? Yes. But the Kings under Sutter have played with tremendous heart and fought and clawed their way into the playoffs, just like they fought their way to a series win. They have done a good job of playing what we are beginning to recognize as ‘Kings hockey’, and are a tough challenge for any team that plays us in a 7 game series. A lot like the Blues actually lol.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @ForumFan,

    I was saying in the “View from Vancouver” thread earlier this morning that the player and coach quotes sounded just like us the last two years. “Coulda, woulda, shoulda”.

    [Reply]

    tim chaney Reply:

    @ForumFan, the cannuts are dumb and dumb gone…

    [Reply]

    Kings x Reply:

    @ForumFan, When they say they gave the first two games to the kings that means that they were not prepared properly and playing at the level they wanted to play at. They didn’t spot us two games. They flat out got best by the better team

    [Reply]

    Kings x Reply:

    @Kings x, Beat by the better team

    [Reply]

    Hackwoods Reply:

    @Kings x, I think a lot of what we see in the playoffs these days is that the top seeds skate into the playoffs, and the bottom seeds scratch and claw their way in. Essentially, the bottom seeds are playing playoff type games for the last few weeks of the regular season, whereas the top seeds are coasting in. With the parity in the NHL being at a high level, the difference between the #8 and #1 seeds are not all that much, and like I said, the Kings were playing playoff intense hockey the last part of the season and the nucks were just playing hockey, and when the playoffs started, as Salo said, the nucks could not turn the switch on fast enough.

    When you look at the teams player vs. player, I do not see much difference at all between the Kings and the nucks, so it came down to who was more prepared, and that is the boys from LA.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Hackwoods,
    It must have been a disappointment for the VAN fans that their team could revisit the utterly scintillating hockey thT has be ome synonymous with Canucks hockey over the last few years.
    Still, when the Kings are really on, the can do that sort of stuff to ya!
    ‘Kings Hockey’ is rapidly becoming a brand!
    I really hope the team can stay true to its emerging good name!

    Duncanz Reply:

    *”could not revisit”
    least obvious of the typos

    KC23 Reply:

    @ForumFan, Not to worry. After the first game against St. Louis noone will remember or care about Vancouver’s next excuse.

    [Reply]

    King Cobra Reply:

    @ForumFan, I was thinking the same thing, it did bothered me also to see those comments. The Kings kicked their ass plain and simple, end of story!

    [Reply]

  18. DesertKing says:

    Vancouver sucks.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @DesertKing, I think they could make it to the second round……

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    Yep, Vancouver could make it to the 2nd Round of the Hoover/Eureka/Bissell Celebrity Golf Tournament, currently being held in beautiful downtown Vancouver, at the Kiddie Time Miniature Golf Course.

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    Second round at the local bar where they’ll be watching the rest of the NHL playoffs…

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @vplaza, sorry i thought we were talkign about the 2012-2013 season…. my bad

    @DesertKing, they would play at the Kiddie Time Miniature Golf Course, but that was burnt down last year!

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Lake Forest,
    Nope.
    They’ll be 8th seed, we’ll be 1st.
    And we’ll do exactly the same thing to them in the 1st Round next year, as well!

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @DesertKing, The “c” is pronounced ” h”

    [Reply]

  19. Bluecoconuts says:

    Is there any locker celebration videos for this game? It looks like Kingsvision was filming them coming off the ice, it would have been fun to see that locker celebration.

    [Reply]

  20. vplaza says:

    In looking at the highlights, pics, etc., I feel now that while it would have been nice to get the sweep and win it in LA, it’s that much sweeter to have closed this out in their arena.

    Sending thousands of Nuck fans, especially the green weirdos, home for the season to wonder what will happen to their team and coach before next year….priceless!

    [Reply]

  21. Sarge says:

    Best part about Nick Nickson’s call. . . . you can hear him and Evans high-five each other right after Stoll scores. AMAZING.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @Sarge, you have an amazing observation there and I would agree with you. Nice!!!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Lake Forest,
    Major catch by Sarge, there, I reckon!

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Sarge, That was a nice catch. Listen to the call before and didn’t notice, but if you’re listening for it, it is clearly a high five slap of the hands.

    [Reply]

  22. Hockey "G" says:

    Rich, first of all, my hats off to Howard Berger with capturing some amazing photos of the game. Those were truly some wonderful pictures and although I am thrilled that the Kings move on to the next round, looking at some of these Canuck fans makes me feel bad for them a little because of the past dissapointment I have felt. But only a little. Thank you for a great round 1 coverage and I hope round 2 is just as great and I am looking forward to your coverage in round 3 and 4 as well. Positive thinking.

    [Reply]

  23. spidey35 says:

    Besides hearing, “He shoots, he scores”, the line of , “Bob Miller get on my back” has to be one of the greatest lines of all time….

    Good job Jim

    [Reply]

    LB Reply:

    @spidey35,
    I was wondering why Fox said that, did Bob predict that Stoll would score the winner or something?

    [Reply]

    kingswings Reply:

    @LB, Earlier in the broadcast, Bob Miller was relating a story about a long-ago Kings playoff victory after which the goal scorer was carried off the ice on the shoulders of his teammates. He said that’s the last time he saw someone carried off the ice like that. Jim told him he would carry him out of their booth if the Kings won the game/series…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @kingswings, Foxy’s wife thanks you very much for that justification!

    King John Reply:

    @kingswings, The goal scorer was not just any goal-scorer: it was Butch Goring, his 2nd OT goal in the series to even the series with Boston 3-3. Yes, the Kings have had some memorable playoff moments since 1975.

    KC23 Reply:

    @kingswings, Greatest single moment of my watching the Kings was Butch’s OT goal against Boston. Also the loudest event I’ve ever witnessed by far. I couldn’t hear my brother yelling in my ear next to me it was that loud.

  24. Kings x says:

    All I can say is that during the season when we werent scoring goals and the move made by DL to fire TM and bring in DS. I hade no belief or confidence that this team was going to make the playoffs much less upset vancouver in 5. Then for DL to make the carter trade, it really turned the confidence of this team around. As much as people like to think DL is a poor GM we are really just looking to blame someone for the team not reaching its expectations. When you look at it, DL pulled the trigger on some tough decisions at critical moments that invitably resulted in the joy all of us are having from last night. In DL we trust. Don’t ever question it again. Lol

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kings x,
    Hare Hare ! ….. & Tortoise, too … (seems apropos)

    [Reply]

  25. goldielocks says:

    It’s easy to forget small things with this huge accomplishment but … what happened to Quick lost his stick 4 times? Was that Kesler’s doing? Or was that the sign Qucikie was actually relaxed a little?

    Our 3rd line had a big game last night. Lewis … oh, man. He showed what he can do to this team with his skating. I’m going to be his biggest fan if he stays in supporting role. He should know that he can be the biggest hero without scoring the goal. So less shooting would be great(he’s just not good at shooting).

    Stoll … the accuracy of his shooting is off the chart if only there is no back pressure or anything like that. All he needs is the open space and then bulls-eye! He struggled through the season though. I think that was because he was trying to make an open space for his line mates. The guy needs more support to score the goal.

    I think King to the 3rd line was a great move. He can be the first guy to retrieve the puck, taking 2 or more defenders with him. That gives other players more space to play, and he cen be a finisher as well. King(first man to get the puck and shooting), Stoll(QBing and shooting), Lewis(checking and supporting) would be perfectly balanced line.

    Penner on the 2nd line LW is good move, too. I see those guys have something common in their playing styles. It’s going to take some time to glue but I’m pretty sure they will click if Carter stays healthy.

    Greene had a bad game. I once called him “Matt (can’t clear the puck) Greene” during the season. Well, that was the case last night along with bad positioning. But his overall play has been imploved throughout the season. I thought pairing with Mitchell as the shut down pair was mistake because of the lack of the speed but what did I know? They did a heck of job at the crucial time and got it done. On the flip side of it, VV needs to improve his defensive play. He was exposed last night, and that led to Nucks 2-on-1. Fortunately, Qickie saved his a$$ but he needs to work on those areas.

    Against the team like the Blues, every single mistake will be magnified. So make necessary adjustment and be prepared.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @goldielocks, Nicely written!

    [Reply]

  26. Big Rob in Dallas says:

    I still get goosebumps. Thanks for sharing local calls. I got the NBCSN feed.

    [Reply]

  27. Hockey "G" says:

    Oh for the love of God, I have lost even more respect for the NBC Sports Network formally the Versus channel. They have Hayward doing color comenting on the Rangers/Senators game. What in the heck were they thinking

    [Reply]

    tothehaters Reply:

    @Hockey “G”, lets just hope Hayward does not do a king game

    [Reply]

  28. Mikey says:

    Nice to see Quick smile. He’s always seemed so focused. Storing this in my memory bank under happiest moments file.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Mikey, … & Panda..

    [Reply]

  29. Assyrian King says:

    Besides eliminating the Canucks in 5, the next best feeling is to see the Green Clowns leave the Rogers Arena dragging their feet and heads down.
    GKG!!!

    [Reply]

  30. mark manila says:

    i turn off the sound and listen to Nick,Don’t miss Fox and all his advertising plugs.”Meet me in Saint Louie” from Nick said it all. Thanks Rich for all your hard work. Love it herein Manila

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @mark manila, Magandang gabi po!

    [Reply]

  31. Gustavo says:

    LMAO!!!!!

    Rich, it even looks like you pal Howard Berger captured the moment where the crying fan’s girlfriend dumps him, lol. As if he didn’t have enough reason to cry, already. She probably told him: “Don’t call me until you man up!”

    Like I said earlier, the deepest satisfaction in winning this first round comes from the morbid pleasure I feel knowing not a single Vancouver Cannots fan got to enjoy a single home ice win before getting sent to the golf course (or the barbie doll closet, as would be the case for the Ginger Sisters)

    GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Gustavo, Kinda creepy that boyfriend wore a Daniel jersey and girlfriend wore a Henrik.

    [Reply]

  32. crashin'da net says:

    Oh how I love that picture of the greenmen. “Ah sorry, you WON’T have your picture taken with the cup this season ….but you CAN have your picture taken with the short dumpy fat guy in the blue shirt as a close consolation!”.. Priceless. That’s your reward for dressing in those stupid costumes all year long. Can’t wait for you guys to do it again next year….LOL

    [Reply]

  33. Pumpernicholl says:

    “And You Can Meet Me In St Louis!!”

    Way to go Nick!!

    [Reply]

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