Scorers make Kings a threat on PK

It’s almost comical to note that the Kings are plus-1 on the penalty kill in their first seven playoff games, although it’s probably not all that funny to their opponents. The Kings have allowed three power-play goals and have scored four shorthanded goals. That’s not sustainable, over the course of an entire postseason, but taken on its own, it’s an impressive stat. And, in general, there’s no question that the Kings’ penalty-killing unit is a team strength. In terms of shorthanded goals, it’s no secret that a part of the Kings’ success is that some of their top scorers also kill penalties. In Game 2, Anze Kopitar, Jarret Stoll, Mike Richards and Dustin Brown were the Kings’ top penalty-kill-minute leaders. Kopitar, Richards and Brown were also in the team’s top four in points in the regular season. Darryl Sutter was asked about being able to use some of his top scorers in penalty-kill situations…

SUTTER: “It sounds like you have (penalty-kill) specialists, and you always do, but I think a lot of teams would prefer if their top guys could kill penalties. Some guys are disciplined enough to do that, play both ways and be strong enough and have those assets, in your own zone, that they can kill (penalties). If your top offensive guys can do it, it makes a huge difference. Mike Richards is always a guy with a lot of shorthanded goals. Kopi and Brownie have obviously shown that in these playoffs. We use Carter some, and Jarret is a guy with good speed and good offensive instincts. It does impact how (opponents) play on the power play, when you know (penalty killers) are going for it.’’

202 Comments

  1. DesertKing says:

    PK, PP, who cares? ;)

    [Reply]

    Shuchuk Reply:

    @DesertKing, we should send our PK team out there for powerplays…don’t tell them they have the man advantage, just watch them continue to KILL IT.

    GO KINGS!!!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Shuchuk,

    Agreed! The NBC announcers wouldn’t notice either.

    [Reply]

  2. Pili says:

    +1 on the PK. You have to love that stat.

    [Reply]

    shawn in arizona Reply:

    J@Pili, just keep on winning

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Pili, Figures that we prosper on the PK and now the PP can’t buy a goal.
    It’s been talked of before, but it sure is the most unnatural feeling when you dread PP time yet relish PK time!

    [Reply]

  3. Philly King says:

    Haha I just tweeted this stat earlier today. Maybe like noon this afternoon. I wonder if Rich stole my idea and turned it into an article. ;)

    [Reply]

    Syrinx Reply:

    @Philly King, You Wish !

    [Reply]

  4. Stoneknite says:

    I’d like to see the Sedin sisters kill penalties. Hell, I’d like to see them take a D-zone faceoff. It definately is a bonus when your best players ain’t just one trick ponies who can only play one way

    [Reply]

  5. DesertKing says:

    Ha! Smith just pulled a last-year Quick move! JQ is so much better at handling the puck this season.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DesertKing, My jury’s still out on JQ’s puck handling.
    Still best when he minimizes this aspect of his game, probably.

    [Reply]

    LuckyEleven Reply:

    @Duncanz, agreed. JQ makes me hold my breath when he’s out of the net. His stick handling SUCKS! All other aspects of his game are gold standard.

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @LuckyEleven, Would it surprise you guys to know that Quick has less turnovers because of botched stick handeling then most goalies in the league?

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Dominick, Not necessarily. Is there a stat for that sort of thing?
    I’m not setting standards for the rest of the league, mind you. I just want to see JQ be the best he can be – very much like Coach Darryl does.

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Duncanz, Is anyone going to argue that Quick isn’t coachable and has gotten better every year. How long ago was it that he miss handled the puck and it resulted in a goal? People have this fear just because it happened twice in one game, but that was last year. I don’t really remember it happening at all this year. With his improvement mostly in positioning I really don’t doubt that one summer he will work on puck handling (he could work with Hextall) and he will come in as one of the best puck handling goalies in the league. You are shortchanging Quick’s heart and work ethic with these comments and will end up eating your words with in the next 2 year tops.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @luc20rules,
    This has been brought up here before….
    Then why hasn’t he already worked with Hextall..
    It’s just not one of his pluses..

    Duncanz Reply:

    @luc20rules,
    As @SVELTE alludes, regardless of whether it’s been leading directly to goals lately, he would be the first to admit to you this is not one of his strong suits – in fact, probably his weakest. If he improves I couldn’t be happier but it won’t change the fact that he once (currently) struggled noticeably in this area of his play.

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @luc20rules, It’s the same with giving up softies. When Quick does give one up, the gripe is that he can’t focus, even though he’s got the 2nd highest SV% in the entire NHL, and currently (singlehandedly) holds the Kings franchise record in that stat for a season.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Dominick, I’m less worried about the few softies he may concede than I am about something he can physically much better control, as in when he chooses to venture behind the goal line to play the puck and then what he does with it when he arrives. He still makes some troubling reads in these respects.

    luc20rules Reply:

    @luc20rules,
    @SLIM, are you saying that you would have rather him work on puck handling rather than positioning the last 2 years. I think you work on the thing(s) that will improve your game the fastest, then you can work on all the little bells and whistles to fine tune it.

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @Duncanz, Yes, there are websites that keep track of a goalies turnover rate, and give a rating based on percentages. I thought the guys in the ajoining trailer would have told you this? ;)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),
    Secret ones?

    40YearKingsFan Reply:

    @Duncanz, Agreed. He still scares the hell out of me every time he leaves the net. He has been much better this year though.

    [Reply]

  6. Duncanz says:

    They’re trying to say Mike Smith is usually good out of his crease playing the puck.
    That’s certainly not the impression I ever had.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Duncanz,
    Both goals scored were because
    Smith over played the puck…
    He needs to stop being reckless
    And trying to be cool..
    Although some of his outlet passes are spot on..

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @SLIM, I guess inconsistency is the problem, but that definitely makes him a liability in that respect. And we’re all looking ahead to Conf Finals matchup possibilities.
    Come to think of it, IIRC it was yourself that mentioned this once or more on LAK vs PHO GAme threads!

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Duncanz,
    Quite impressed by you’re memory….
    I forgot what the last thread was about already….
    How do you do this?

    Duncanz Reply:

    @SVELTEY,
    I have a team of geeky researchers working out of an adjoining trailer.

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @Duncanz, Your not paying them in crack are you?

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Dominick, Well they’re a ‘crack research team’, after all …

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @Duncanz, nice! LOL

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Duncanz, I have heard that alot, but from this game it doesn’t look that way.

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @Duncanz, He’s like Roy when he “travels”.

    [Reply]

  7. Jack says:

    lol..Melrose says its time for Penner to start delivering hits like Oshi’s instead of accepting them…He also thinks DB is the best player in the playoffs right now.

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @Jack, Penner’s not an open ice hitter (nothing wrong with that, most guys in the league aren’t), and DB is.

    [Reply]

    Donald_S Reply:

    @Jack,

    Did you see Helene Elliott’s column? Penner’s wife filed for divorce, and it must have been recently, she was still around a few months ago to make him pancakes. Though professional athletes are supposed to be able to blot that stuff out, it may be that it’s been an ongoing family problem all year that’s been distracting him. That may explain a lot of his ‘no show’.

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @Donald_S, That actually happened a while ago, and many of us already came to that conclussion a couple of months ago. Sad that it happened to him. She was a beautiful woman, and it must have been taxing on him to have it happen along with him struggleing during the season.

    His resurgence during these playoffs is a good sign that he is healing. I don’t know where things are now with him mentally, but as a fan of this team, I’m glad he’s pulling it together now, and providing the type of play that we need to become a champion.

    [Reply]

    Gmo Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),

    Go PENNER Go

  8. ToughD says:

    PK a strong point is a big understatement…we are 9 forwards deep if needed.

    [Reply]

  9. vplaza says:

    Preds got hosed on that goal.

    [Reply]

  10. SLIM says:

    Toronto hate Nashville..Also..
    That was a goal…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @SLIM, You’re kidding.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Duncanz,
    No they don’t hate Nashville…
    They have an investment in Phoenix..

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @SLIM, Lol. Of course, the refs were (intending) blowing the whistle first.
    • Don Maloney is not full of Baloney.

    luc20rules Reply:

    @SLIM, I have been saying that alot. Probably since SJ Clowe was allowed to play the puck from the bench, and that being on the heals of the Kings having a goal by Minn scored that should have been Goalie Interference. Both help Phx get the 3rd Seed. If you need direct proof look at the officating in the series vs Chicago.

  11. kb says:

    Brown puts the “penalty” and the “kill” in Penalty kill

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @kb,
    I suggest we henceforth refer to the PK as our
    ‘Power Kill’ !

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    I like that!

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @Duncanz, Or Penal Play?

    [Reply]

    Tweeners Reply:

    @Duncanz, Good one!

    [Reply]

  12. monkeyboy says:

    I tried to get suite tix for me and my wife..but as usual when I finally decided to do it, they are all gone. Not to be deterred, I scored two tix for Sun in sec 111…….Man am I ready!

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @monkeyboy,
    Is you’re wife “Monkeygirl”?

    [Reply]

    monkeyboy Reply:

    @SLIM, No actually my daughter is……It’s kind of a running joke with us

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @SLIM, Maybe his wife is Zera from planet of the apes.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),
    Surprised he can write good in English..

    Diego Reply:

    @monkeyboy,

    I tried for tiks and couldn’t get yesterday. Of course the tik guy was to busy having a wee wee contest to respond to my requests for an assist. Oh well, would’ve been good.

    Enjoy the game!!!

    [Reply]

    monkeyboy Reply:

    @Diego, This will be the first playoff game for me since the Kings first year…so not bad making another trip to the playoffs with the team and only 40 some years apart

    [Reply]

    Diego Reply:

    @monkeyboy,

    That’s pretty cool.

    I’d buy you a beverage if I was there.

    Gail Web Reply:

    @Diego, hi Diego check on line tomorrow as they are supposed to be releasing about 100 more tiks to buy, good luck

    [Reply]

    Diego Reply:

    @Gail Web,

    Thank you for the heads up, I’ll check it out. Although I’ve already spent some of the funds on golf equipment and a new Kings golf shirt.

  13. If you would like to read about my conversation with Dean Lombardi today, here you go…

    Lombardi & Me: KingsNewsDaily Chats with Kings’ GM Dean Lombardi…
    http://kingsnewsdaily.com/lombardi-and-me-my-chat-with-the-kings-gm/

    [Reply]

    BigIslandKingsFan Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Thanks Paul, that was awesome that you got to ask him some questions about some of the players. Hopefully Oscar will continue to develop into a better all around player and get a little more size.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
    The Dean of Hockey!

    [Reply]

  14. Meman says:

    The sad thing is the PK is outscoring our own PP as well.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Meman,
    Which ends up being a good thing?

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @Meman, How is it sad when we are 6-1 so far?

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Meman,

    I would be sad if other teams in series were putting up numbers against us on their power play, but not any better for them either. All our other numbers are disproportionatly through the roof as compared to other teams in the series.

    Nothing to be sad about.

    [Reply]

    Meman Reply:

    I love the 6-1 record, I love how the team is playing. I just think our PP has killed our momentum many times. We need to get the PP working if we want to get these last 10 wins, IMO.

    [Reply]

  15. jess says:

    Nash making a kung fu comeback?

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @jess,

    Their chemistry definitely looks better as evidenced by their really good defense tonight. Rinne looked very shaky but his defense has bailed him out. Suspending those 2 guys was probably the best thing they could have done.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Yeah -who would know pushing the russians outta the plane would be the perfect solution?

    [Reply]

  16. jess says:

    Rinne making SIK saves.

    [Reply]

  17. SLIM says:

    Nashville playing like themselves again…
    And so is Pekka…
    I say sit the 2 noobs for another game..

    [Reply]

  18. KDinUT says:

    Caps & Rangers are gonna be tired tomorrow . . . 3rd OT coming up.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @KDinUT,
    I’m tired just watching it…

    [Reply]

    KDinUT Reply:

    @SLIM, Toward the end of their shifts some of those guys legs are moving like they’re really feeling it, too.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @KDinUT,
    Cue lots of crowd shots of kiddies and girlfriends sleeping on laps and shoulders.

    [Reply]

  19. DesertKing says:

    So maybe the Yotes will start LaBarbera next game? ;)

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @DesertKing, I forgot about that guy.

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @DesertKing, They’re saving him for the Kings (which means he won’t play till next season. ;)

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),

    :)

    [Reply]

  20. SaveByCechmanek says:

    Backes says he’s glad they’re on the road. that’s OUCH if you’re a Blues fan. I know he means that the road brings unity to a team and I’m sure he didn’t mean to make it sound condescending but dude, pick your statements more carefully…

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @SaveByCechmanek, Ironic that a guy who’s name is “SaveByCechmanek” would say “pick your statements more carefully”. J/K

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),

    -Yeah that would be like if someone was named “JJ strong plus minus”. J/K ;)

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @jess, Surprise, he ended up a plus player as soon as he left the Kings.

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @jess, Also, 3 things that I said would happen, did.

    1. DD will have to take JJ’s old coverages because VV can’t handle forwards over 200 lbs in the defnsive zone.

    2. Everybody will start griping about how DD’s coverage is getting sloppy lately.

    3. DD’s +/- will end up a minus.

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),

    Hey howz that huge treble hook dangling from yer upper lip feel -cause you look great! You hit that bait like a Marlon! :)

    -And, if you’re not a plus player -playing for the worst team in the NHL then….

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @jess, Doesn’t matter if I’m taking the bait, as long as I’m the one who’s right. ;)

    If you guys get some perverse satisfaction out of being proven wrong constantly, I’ll be here all week. Try the Veal, and don’t forget to tip the waitresses.

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick,

    I think you are the one who’s been proven wrong quite often. First off, what you say about VV is completely unfounded. His play speaks for itself. So you’re completely off on the point, totally falacious. You were wrong about Jeff Carter. And IMO Doughty will not be anywhere near a minus.

    JJ is a career minus 81 or something. Dude, you’re letting your emotions rule your thought process.

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @jess, Where to beegin.

    DD ended the season a -2. He was a +7 at the time of the trade. http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/statistics.cgi?%2B%2F%2D-la-all&mode=&limit=50&seasonID=210

    ES defensive zone faceoffs for the last game. Martinez, and Greene 1, Mitchell and VV 1, DD and Scuds 8. http://www.timeonice.com/faceoffs1112.php?gamenumber=30232

    How am I wrong exactly on Jeff Carter? also I gave a very good reeason why JJ was a minus with the Kings, but you choose to ignore it, give no logical rebuttle, and say I’m emotional.

    Come now, who is emotional here?

    Duncanz Reply:

    @jesst,
    +77
    (how’s that for a stat)

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick,

    Well isn’t that sweet. Hey here’s JJ’s career statics on hockey DB.com

    http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=87869

    Now, JJ is HORRIBLE career wise, so yer gonna bag on DD for a temp minus 2?

    Doughty has done great stuff that you bean counters always put numbers to. A -2 is NOTHING BRU! Get over it! LAME, -reaching for straws at best.

    VV, +12 http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=96422

    And, EVERYONE, in professional sports aknowledges that the team has improved exponentially since Carter’s arrival, and JJ’s departure..

    –Except for you.

    I’ll order the veal, you order the crow, It’s fitting.

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick,

    –And….

    JJ is putting on the 18th hole in the dark right now somewhere back east.

    Carter, DD, VV and Martinez are about to take out the 2nd largest seed in the western conference.

    Stick a fork in it….

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @jess,
    What? How does that even have anything to do with what I had to say? I talk hockey, and you claim I’m wrong, then spout off some gibberish that has nothing to do with my comments. Really?

    Provoking a fellow fan for no reason other than to make that person feel small is wrong. I might not say what you want to hear, but it sounds like your not even listening, and just trying to pick a fight.

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick,

    I’m just speaking the truth, if you find that offensive then go watch Avatar. Seriously. Look at what you have posted, if you find truth in that and are comfortable with that then I can’t help you. There has been zero embellishment on my part. You picked a fight with me. @puck73 said something very similar to you today and you responded with: LOL! -With me it was different. You said I was perverse with the facts, and them are fight’n words. You started it with all do respect. I only responded with facts.

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @jess, Don’t know what to tell ya. I even provide links and yet your insinuating something. I’ll bet you, or puck for that matter don’t even know exactly what you don’t agree with me on, just that you disagree.

    neil Reply:

    @jess, 20 years later…Cant we all just get along!!!!

    jess Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65),

    Why don’t we just let everything we’ve both posted speak for themselves and let everyone else make their own choices. I’m fine with that.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    Ok, this is what I reckon. Tell me if I’m wrong.
    It starts with one of you having a little joke at the other’s expense. Other takes it well, gives as good as he gets. Back and forth. Then both get defensive and snarky. Things devolve from there.
    Some others have the standing here to get away with stuff. But they employ hit and run jabs that don’t go further than a couple of replies.
    You’re both good guys and good posters.
    Maybe it’s late in the evening to be drinking …….
    ……. but you’ve both managed to drive me to it!
    # bygones ~

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @jess, I seriously don’t know where you guys get this stuff. I hate Carter, I want JJ back, I hate VV. It’s insulting. I’ve been nothing but supportive of this team, and haven’t made any of those claims. It started with puck making those claims, and now your doing the same thing with not one single example.

    I don’t hate Carter, I just said he’s not the catalyst of this team, Brown is. I don’t hate VV, I just said he doesn’t take the defensive zone match ups he should be, and DD is covering so that he doesn’t have too. I wished JJ good luck with his new team, and now you guys keep trolling with JJ as if I said I hate the trade for Carter or something.

    Everything I said about JJ’s +/- was months before JJ was even traded, so it’s pretty offensive to have you guys trolling about JJ when I have no problem with the trade. I seriously have no idea what’s wrong with you guys, but if your going to keep trolling, than at least get your facts strait.

    Duncanz Reply:

    z-z-z-z-z

    Stuart Reply:

    insert sound of two cats fighting! :) this volley warmed the cockles of my corazon!!

    KC23 Reply:

    @Dominick (defrim65), I wanted it noted I took no part in this exchange and never brought up the fact that DD is +3 om the playoffs against the two best teams in the west. :D

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @KC23, duly noted! LOL

  21. Duncanz says:

    4 goals in 7 1/2 periods of hockey, then.
    It looks like the ‘New NHL’ was conceived in an outhouse in Osaka, or something!
    :D

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    Did somebody say 8 1/2 ?!

    [Reply]

  22. Duncanz says:

    ” OFF THE PIPE!!!!! ”
    There are no posts in the NHL anymore – at least when the Doctor is in the house.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Duncanz,
    I have my own…
    “Off the red painted long metal thingy”..

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    “Oh my, that was a ktang!”

    [Reply]

    Itchy Reply:

    @Duncanz,
    That’s no HOCKEY there!”

    [Reply]

  23. KDinUT says:

    No . . . not the Rangers. Ick.

    [Reply]

  24. rumpa#19 says:

    Gabby!!

    [Reply]

  25. DesertKing says:

    There’s gonna be a lot of people calling in sick tomorrow in Washington DC.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DessertKing,
    I think I remember you mentioning something about getting your taxes done recently.
    Then you estimate something like 90% of those Cap nappers will be federal workers.
    Therefore …… all’s well that ends well!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    They will still spend our money, but won’t go further on that topic!

    [Reply]

  26. BrokeKingsFan says:

    Im trying to get suite tickets right now…anyone know if there are any more? i tried to get 2 for me and my girl and to no avail.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, did you try the link that Rich had in a post a few posts back?

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @Lake Forest, I did… if i choose the insider option i cant get any. if i choose the new client round 2 option it seems im good. but i want to in the insider suite…whats the difference?

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    both are $175 as well

    jess Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan,

    Too much money! That kind of dough would buy myself and @Happy Lappy beer for an entire night!

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @jess

    you guys dont drink enough then. especially at $12 a beer. it just sucks! finally i get the $ to actually go to a playoff game and in a suite no less and im too late…fecal matter happens i guess…maybe next year

    luc20rules Reply:

    @RichHammond, I did… if i choose the insider option i cant get any. if i choose the new client round 2 option it seems im good. but i want to in the insider suite…whats the difference?

    not sure if this would help you guys, but thought I would give it a try.

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, A fan earlier tried and said they were sold out. For the suite your out of luck unless they open up another one, or a fan sells you theirs.

    jess Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan,

    Yeah, now just imagine if we had to drink less!!

  27. Wilmonde says:

    Sweet. Just saw a guy wearing a Kings jersey at the Angels’ game. Weaver pitched a no-hitter, too.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Wilmonde,

    Yep, he was sitting next to Weaver’s parents. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer and more deserving guy.

    [Reply]

    Stagger Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    The audio guy on the field who gave Weaver his mic before his interview was wearing a Kings cap.

    [Reply]

  28. rogiesbackup says:

    I think the Kings need to make it obvious that one guy is ready to go mono y mono with the opposition goalie on the PK. It’ll make the opposition’s PP second guess and have to worry about playing defense INSTEAD of offense.

    I have a feeling the Blues are going to come out hitting tomorrow nights game; it worked for them during the last period, but I also have a feeling they’re going to target Quick on these cheap shots.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @rogiesbackup,

    For the most part blues made some pretty clean hits. There were some scrums etc. and little things behind the scenes but nothing unusual to playoff hockey. They aren’t pulling dirty stuff even close to what we experienced with the Nucks or even the Sharks in the last two of the reg. season. Refs got a little whistle happy in their favor IMO.

    [Reply]

  29. jess says:

    Why do the “Because it’s the Cup” commercials on NHL network glorify the blues and make zero mention of the kings -or I have yet to see one?

    [Reply]

    Wilmonde Reply:

    @jess, There’s one with Kopi, but they just don’t seem to want to acknowledge that the Kings are winning. Probably because an underachieving regular season team messes with their idea that only teams like Vancouver and Pittsburgh are allowed to be in contention for the cup.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Wilmonde, Yup! -Typical…

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @jess, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCwYZuglhfM

    wish they had the blues SH goal in the highlight, but they don’t

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @Lake Forest, saw this one too… lol

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed28Kah84n4&feature=related

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    -What the… LOL!

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Lake Forest,
    That is something a NorCal hockey fan might post!
    Quite witty satire though.
    I heard @Defrim is cooking one up for his whipping boy, “Carter”, even as we speak!

  30. BrokeKingsFan says:

    Rich

    Im sure your off for the night but if by some miracle your tuning in is there any suite tickets still available? the insider option doesnt work but there is a option that reads “new client price E suites round 2″ both are $175. are they the same?

    [Reply]

    SDGolfer Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan,
    http://lakingsinsider.com/2012/05/01/game-4-suite-tickets-available/

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, Call 888-kingsla tomorrow to see about the ticket exchange program (I think). If anything, they might take your name down, and try to locate tickets for you.

    [Reply]

  31. Rob says:

    “That’s not sustainable, over the course of an entire postseason, but taken on its own, it’s an impressive stat.”

    With this group, I wouldn’t be too sure….

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Rob, Yeah! Who’s to say, after all?!!
    What? Who? Oh, Rich?
    Ah! Well then that’s a whole different story.
    Not a chance that stat can be sustained, of course, not a chance!

    [Reply]

  32. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

    I’m surprised he didn’t mention Stoll’s faceoff capabilities. You want him on the penalty kill, particularly for defensive zone faceoffs. He wins a lot of them, but even more importantly, he rarely lets the other center beat him cleanly, and that’s how you avoid getting scored on off the draw when killing penalties.

    [Reply]

  33. Real 7 says:

    here’s the article I’d been looking for….thanx to Mr. Armbruster for posting it on his site…

    http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kings-blues-fyi-20120430,0,313835.story

    Slava Voynov helps Kings to get going
    Speedy defenseman scored his first playoff goal in Game 1 victory over the St. Louis Blues in second round of playoffs.

    By Helene Elliott

    8:51 PM PDT, April 29, 2012
    Advertisement

    CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Russian-born defenseman Slava Voynov is shy about being interviewed because he’s not comfortable speaking English. What he does on the ice transcends any language barrier.

    Voynov’s speed and ability to move the puck quickly have had a noticeable impact on the Kings since he was recalled from the American Hockey League on Feb. 24. In three stints over 54 games, he had eight goals and 20 points and a +12 defensive rating, tying for the league lead in goals and plus/minus rating among rookie defensemen.

    To those accomplishments he added his first playoff goal, bringing the Kings even in their eventual 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Dustin Penner pressured Blues defenseman Barret Jackman into giving the puck away and made a perfectly timed cross-ice pass to Voynov deep on the right side.

    “Pens had time to look for a pass and he knows I was open for back door. He just saw me,” Voynov said Sunday after the Kings practiced in suburban St. Louis. “It was an unbelievable pass.”

    Voynov likes to pinch in from the blue line. “When defensemen are a little bit sleeping, that opens for the back door,” he said.

    But it can be risky if the puck is turned over and goes quickly back the other way. “I don’t know how to say, but I feel it when I can go or no,” Voynov said. “Pens saw me before I go, so I go. He doesn’t see me, I don’t go.”

    Voynov, +3 defensively while averaging 18 minutes and 38 seconds’ ice time per game, enjoys the intensity of the playoffs. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s so much different hockey,” he said. “It’s quick. More physical. I like it.”

    But he said the Kings will have to play better on Monday than they did on Saturday, when the Blues carried the play through the first period and into the second.

    “For sure we need to move the puck quicker and play a lot better in our D-zone,” he said. “They had a lot of chances early and sometimes in the second period and at the end of the game, so we must play better defensively.”

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Real 7,

    Thanks for posting that here, and thanks to paul for throwing it up!

    [Reply]

    Kman Reply:

    @Real 7,

    Thanks + 1 !

    For some reason I’m just really pumped for Slava. Sometimes as a fan you just immediately support a certain player and for me that is SV. Way back near season beginning he was on my radar to be in D pairs. (Hated to see JJ go and I’m ‘reachin’ here, but I would have loved to see Johnson on LW while we had a chance.) In any event, I really look forward to SV being integral for LA no matter what the offseason brings.

    Really jacked for the “kids” tomorrow night. (Nolan, King, SV.) They’ve already seen what it’s like to skate out onto the ice for the Playoff atmosphere at Staples last series, but things are building now. Gotta be a great feeling. This run is exciting for all, but just imagine how awesome the pregame adrenaline will be flowing for these young guys.

    Pretty stoked for AMart as well. This guy is just a straight up good hockey player. Needs a little time, but getting a great taste. Lookin’ forward to all the “AMFM” posts down the road. Or hey, maybe tomorrow night (hmm, tonight I mean)… AMFM PPG ??

    Fear not long-time Kings fans, we got this. Make the place ROCK !!

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @Kman, I’m super pumped too, not just for Alec and Slava but for the whole team. Penns in particular; he had a less than mediocre season but came on in the last month and has been very good in the playoffs. This team has such a great mix of talent, composure, character and coach. I wish talent started with a T that would have been accidental alliteration…..

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Real 7, nice for VV!! Remember when Kopi gave interviews like that? It’s going be awesome seeing VV grow out of his shell in the coming years!

    If you see me, I will go!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Stuart, Biff it, and they will go!
    Yah, definitely. For all intents and purposes, obviously, by now Kopi is what he ehs – an honorary Canadian, anzeh?

    [Reply]

  34. Osaka says:

    We don’t have a D-man on the team that is a minus +/- in the playoffs, that is huge. Who is taking JJ’s minuses?

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @Osaka, They were traded with him to Columbus. Package deal. Very huge stat, I agree.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Osaka, Dominick is taking JJ minuses. :D

    I kid, I kid!

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    not very many minuses when you are 6-1…

    [Reply]

  35. Gailweb says:

    Good morning all and Lets get hockey ready
    today’s the first day of the rest of our Life

    Let’s rock Staples tonight and show our boys
    men we are true LA Fans!

    Thanks
    Go Kings Go!
    Kings 3
    Blues 0

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @Gailweb, Good morning! GKG!!! GKG!!!

    [Reply]

  36. Big Rob in Dallas says:

    Not sure if this was posted yet but these guys says the Kings have the best shot at going to the SCF out of the West.

    http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/02/pht-extra-breaking-down-recent-successes-for-devils-kings/

    [Reply]

    PhillyKing Reply:

    @Big Rob in Dallas, No!! I like being the underdog!! lol

    [Reply]

    aKinginVancouver Reply:

    @Big Rob in Dallas, I would not trust these guys. They think the Blues are done for, which this is far from over, and they laughed at Phoenix like we would just roll over them. The two teams that I didn’t want to see us play are Phoenix and Philadelphia. But anyway, any commentators that laugh like that at Phoenix obviously doesn’t watch hockey.

    [Reply]

    Big Rob in Dallas Reply:

    @aKinginVancouver, I agree with both of you. I like the no respect thing as that could be used as motivation plus no one has picked us to win anything so I don’t want to jinx it.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @aKinginVancouver, Agree with not wanting to play Phoenix, but Philly? I like our chances against them.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Big Rob in Dallas,

    Not sure we want to be the “favorite” since our team seems to play better without the expectations on them. At the start of the seasono, we were a Cup favorite but the boys couldn’t handle that and meet those expectations, at least under TM. DS has seemed to doa better job of building their confidence and keeping them focused, but partof that was using their “underdog” status to drive them to better things. I like us as the “Underdog” of the playoffs.

    [Reply]

  37. Gustavo says:

    07:27 PST

    11 hours, 32 minute and 25 seconds to game time.

    But who is counting, anyway?

    GO KINGS GO!!..GO KINGS GO!!!!

    (Boy, my client better not count on me being able to speak tomorrow)

    [Reply]

  38. pr0cess says:

    Today will be the longest day ever….

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @pr0cess,

    No doubt. Got a little bit of a nervous optimism feeling right now.

    [Reply]

    pr0cess Reply:

    @vplaza, Ya ill be nervous all day and then when watching the game…

    [Reply]

    Big Rob in Dallas Reply:

    @pr0cess, For me, it will be tomorrow due to a lack of sleep from going to bed so late. If the Kings win then it is OK but if they lose the day will just drag.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Big Rob in Dallas,

    Imagine being a Capitals fan this morning. I wonder how much you-know-what the Caps coach is getting reference #8′s playing time last night?

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @Big Rob in Dallas, In that case you will be ok tomorrow :)

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @pr0cess,

    Sorry, respectfully disagree. June 06, 1944 already has that distinction, but as Kings fans, I am sure we can come up with something uniquely our own.

    [Reply]

    pr0cess Reply:

    @DesertKing, Well played good sir, well played

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @pr0cess,

    They all played well, we just benefited from it :)

  39. JAYC says:

    In case anyone is looking for tickets. Stub has tickets for under $75. I got pair yesterday for tonight for but there even cheaper.

    [Reply]

  40. vplaza says:

    Gonna be watching the game from Vegas. Hoping to come home with the team up 3-0.

    [Reply]

    ILLEGALSTICK33 Reply:

    @vplaza, V-Town Baby!!!

    [Reply]

  41. nykingfan says:

    WAs watching the NYR-Caps game last night.
    The Rangers played 4 D’men almost the entire game occasionally giving Stalman their 5th D a shift.
    I’m not sure how the Rangers D was able to play effectively logging so many minutes in a triple OT game. The only saving grace for them is the Caps are the least physical team I’ve ever seen play in my life.
    I don’t know how those guys are going to survive a matchup with Philly and if they get past them, LA in the finals.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @nykingfan, Good observation.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @nykingfan, Was Bickel hurt? 3 minutes TOI?

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @LA_1968,
    No..he’s physical but prone to mistakes. Torts doesn’t trust him. The problem is they have nobody else on the blueline that they can trust. Bickel played a couple of shifts early in the game but was glued to the bench for almost all of the 2nd and beyond. He never touched the ice in the 3rd and OT’s. .
    Sauer was a huge loss earlier this season with a concussion. They never filled his role.
    Now they’re stuck rotating 4 guys in the playoffs. That’s a recipe for disaster the further you go.

    [Reply]

    KDinUT Reply:

    @nykingfan, Don’t remember if it was the 2nd or 3rd OT, but they showed a close up of him and his expression was like . . . I don’t know . . . if his eyes were daggers Torts would be full of puncture wounds this morning. Bickel just didn’t look happy at all.

    KC23 Reply:

    @nykingfan, I think the Kings would physically wear down NY. The longer the series went the better the Kings would do.

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @KC23,
    I agree. They’ve played Ottawa and Washington and were physically dominated by Ottawa. That’s almost impossible.
    the Kings would punish those 4 guys into submission. They would never be able to survive a 7 game series against the Kings.
    Also they have a couple of very soft forwards..namely Gaborik who needs time and space in order to be effective. You don’t get that the further you go in the playoffs.

    Philly’s a different animal, but if we got the chance to face the Rangers in the finals, I can’t see it going more than 5 games with the Kings winning.

    [Reply]

  42. Subby says:

    I wake up everyday happy as hell to be a Kings fan :]

    I love seeing kings logos everywhere I go everyday.

    I love laughing at every other fan I see with a top team that isn’t in the playoffs.

    I can’t wait for tonight!

    There is NO turning back now.

    [:

    [Reply]

  43. PW says:

    Anyone got the status on Petro?

    [Reply]

    monkeyboy Reply:

    @PW, saw he skated a full practice yesterday…to be a game time decision

    [Reply]

    ILLEGALSTICK33 Reply:

    @PW, STP is reporting that he is…. Half the man he used to be…. Half the man he used to be!!!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @ILLEGALSTICK33,

    “A man, he’ll never beeeee” – Boston

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @ILLEGALSTICK33,
    Then he can sit in a Plush seat in the press box!

    [Reply]

    ILLEGALSTICK33 Reply:

    @Duncanz, ZING!!!!!

    KC23 Reply:

    @PW, He’ll be playing. Bank on it.

    [Reply]

  44. Cynic says:

    Before Rich has a chance….GOOD MORNING FROM STAPLES CENTER

    http://img.archiexpo.com/images_ae/photo-g/desiccant-dehumidifier-315454.jpg

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @Cynic, So I missed the whole correlation regarding the Munters units. Was it due to his pictures always including them from his hotel room? Or is there some inside joke I am missing.

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Rich posted a ‘Good Morning’ Picture one day from Dallas and all you could see was a row of dehumidifiers on the hotel roof with the name ‘Munters’ proudly displayed on the side. Rich made light of the beautiful view, I believe The Kings won that night. It’s been Insider lore ever since.

    Gotta have my Munters! LOL!

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    Mikus booked Rich’s room for kicks. The rest is history.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Cynic,

    Nice…..

    [Reply]

    Gianni_B Reply:

    @Cynic, That is friggin priceless~! Well-done.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    ” Holy Humidifiers, Batman! It’s ‘The Cynic’ ! “

    [Reply]

  45. FKA PakiFro says:

    There should be no work on game days during the playoffs

    [Reply]

    Niko Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro,
    Haha, or school. All of SoCal should observe the playoffs as a national holiday

    [Reply]

    Diego Reply:

    @Niko,

    Holiday for all, except Ducks’ fans.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro, While that would work in our favor now, the last 43 seasons it wouldnt have.

    [Reply]

  46. In case you missed Toffoli’s Redemption (not unlike Shawshank’s but with a little less production value) check out this video from yesterday’s Taxi Squad session!

    Starring: Tyler Taffoli, Simon Gagne,
    Also Starring: Azevedo, Hickey, Clune and Mullen

    http://youtu.be/dmVNvGZrpqk

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Man, Toffoli’s got serious hand speed! If he can just calm the nerves down a little, he’ll be dangerous. He snapped off that back to forehand shot about as fast as Jeff Carter and pick the corner to boot.

    Thanks for this P.

    [Reply]

  47. Capt Jam says:

    L.A. Kings Hockey: our PK is our PP

    While the Kings PP has yet to score in this series, I’m not going to complain because it seems to be in a perpetual ‘matter of time’ state in this series so far. The Kings have not only succeeded at establishing the PP in the STL zone and moving the puck fairly well, but the Kings have (just as importantly) also used that extended possession time to just wear down and deflate the opponent.

    [Reply]

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