Kings, Coyotes to meet in conference finals

The Phoenix Coyotes beat the Nashville Predators 2-1 tonight, so it will be the Kings against the Coyotes in the Western Conference Finals, with a start date still to be determined. Wednesday is the soonest that all of the third-round series could be complete, while Saturday is the latest.

As for the regular-season series between the Kings and the Coyotes, it was all over the place. The Kings won twice in regulation and once in overtime, while the Coyotes won once in regulation, once in overtime and once in a shootout. The Kings went 2-1-0 against the Coyotes at home, and 1-0-2 at Phoenix.

350 Comments

  1. COUS says:

    GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

    alex11 Reply:

    @COUS, warming up my “Smiiith” They were chanting Beat La… They may wake the beast

    [Reply]

    Donald_S Reply:

    @COUS,

    Did anyone see Helene Elliott’s article about Dustin Brown? The last part is about how Bob and Jim are just dying to call the games. There is a petition that’s started to put pressure on NBC. If the Kings make the final, we’re going to have our work cut out for us. If we push NBC hard enough, maybe they’ll let Bob call the games in the LA market.

    [Reply]

    Gary Reply:

    @Donald_S,

    I’ll sign that

    [Reply]

    John Roy Morgan Reply:

    @Gary, I found this one on a site, http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/gokingsgo/

    @spencerlakings Reply:

    @Donald_S, I couldn’t find the petition on line…I looked this morning..

    [Reply]

    FaceWash Reply:

    @Donald_S, NEVER HAPPEN. Doc Emrick will be calling all the games. Your best chance, and This won’t happen either, is getting Bob and Jim on the Radio broadcast instead of Nick & Darryl. Nice sentiment for the fans to send to Bob & Jim, but it’s futile.

    [Reply]

    Shane Reply:

    @FaceWash,

    Maybe we can get Bob and Jim to call the game live and then “replay” the games later on that night? I wouldn’t mind hearing those goal calls!

    macwalter Reply:

    @FaceWash,

    bob and jim are nice for tv. bob misses too much action for a radio call, and jim’s expositions wont work on radio. Nick and Darryl are superb. Cant replace them, even with bj.

    Forum Gold Reply:

    @FaceWash, I would settle for Kings Live on FSW or Prime to show the goals and highlights using Bob and Jim as if they had done the game. GO KINGS GO!!!

    Pasadena Hockey Reply:

    @FaceWash, For what it is worth, I think Nick and Darryl do a great job. Plus I wouldn’t want to change any mojo. Don’t shave the beards and keep everything the same on the radio :) .

    Kings Fan South Reply:

    @FaceWash, Correct. Nick should step aside and let Bob call the games on radio.

    King John Reply:

    @FaceWash, Yes, Emrick has the right voice to create excitement in the Stanley Cup Finals. I hope he’s watched a game or two this year in the Western Conference ;-)

    Allen Slev Reply:

    @Donald_S, I too would sign that in a heartbeat. It’s not just quite the same without Bob Miller and Jim Fox.. Bob has been the “Voice” of the Kings for such a looong time, and for him not to be able to call the games now really does suck. I agree it’s a long shot at best, but to some extent, it would be nice to have a petition like that, if for nothing more than to show Bob Miller and Jim Fox how much we appreciate and miss them. It really would be quite a class act on NBCSports to allow the Voice of the Kings call the home games.

    [Reply]

    Mike L Reply:

    @Allen Slev,

    I love Bob just as much as the next Kings’ fan, but I don’t really understand the petition to be honest. It is what it is, it sucks, but there are contracts and rules in place. NBC gets the exclusive rights to the 2nd round and beyond here in the states, just like CBC gets the finals over TSN. I can understand why fans would want Bob and Jim, but I wonder how many of them actually understand why they don’t call the games etc.

    Also, not really fair to say have Nick Nickson and Evans move over for Bob and Jim, they’ve been apart of the kings for a long time as well. It’s great we get to have the postgame show after each playoff game.

  2. Shutyofivehole2 says:

    Time to put Smith in his place

    [Reply]

    gralx Reply:

    @Shutyofivehole2, Not many tickets left for games one and two out here in PHX. BUY THEM UP KINGS FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would love to see the lower level in something other than white!!!!

    [Reply]

  3. COUS says:

    COYOTES GOING DOWN!!!

    [Reply]

  4. Zdfun says:

    Like!

    [Reply]

  5. DesertKing says:

    Hey Rich, you are awake! I thought you had gone to sleep after the Cubs won.

    [Reply]

  6. LA_1968 says:

    St. Louis had the class to lose the Beat LA chant. Man is that tired. I highly doubt PHX will ditch that.

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @LA_1968,

    Didn’t you hear them screaming it after the game?

    [Reply]

    COUS Reply:

    @LA_1968, The Coyote faithfull were already chanting when shaking hands with the Preds….game on!!!

    Smith vs. Quick ///// should be good!

    [Reply]

    Hutch Reply:

    @COUS, Coyote faithful? Sounds more than a little oxymoronic
    on a couple of levels.

    [Reply]

    COUS Reply:

    @Hutch, How about Coyote Ugly?

    PubRat13 Reply:

    @Hutch, ABSOLUTELY!!! PHX was dead last in attendance again this year playing in front of 12k a night, http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Hutch, There was an article about Phx being sold in principle to stay in Phx, but I am worried about officiating in this series. For all the reasons stated above Phx is not a viable NHL market, there tickets are amongst the lowest and attendance among the worst. If you think about all the calls that went against the Kings to close the regular season there was only one benificiary Phx. Then there were the calls in the Phx vs Chi series, and now Raffi Torres has the NHLPA seeking to reverse the suspension for the Conference Finals. I think the Kings are playing better than Phx, but enough to beat Phx with officals trying to give Phx a boost? Worried, but backing the Kings all the way. Its just 8 more wins lets just stay focused one shift at a time. May have to travel out to Phx, there were tickets available for Game 5 vs Nash. I am assuming there will be tickets or cheap enough tickets on stub hub. Any Insider LA to Phx round trip deals?

    Go Kings Go!

    McDonalds Reply:

    @luc20rules,

    …..surely the refs aren’t your chief concern going into this series

    gralx Reply:

    @Hluc20rules, Tickets already on sale out here. Not many left for games one and two. Only singles for upper level. I got a pair 17 rows up this morning on the goal line, the end the Kings shoot twice! Buy them now if you are going to!!!! GO KINGS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

    NMAbbott Reply:

    @LA_1968,

    I find it hard to take any fans that howl seriously. GKG!

    [Reply]

    gralx Reply:

    @NMAbbott, It is more than annoying! It is worst when sitting in front of a couple of kids that do it the whole game LOL

    [Reply]

    DB14onD Reply:

    @LA_1968, How ’bout they get original? That chant is so weak.

    [Reply]

  7. 307 die hard says:

    Score was 2-1… Lets not give smith any extra credit

    [Reply]

    Laura Reply:

    @307 die hard, I was going to say the same thing.

    [Reply]

  8. Gavin Humes says:

    2-1, but still. Same result. Let’s go Kings!

    [Reply]

  9. jess says:

    Sharks have the chomp. Vancouver has the Green Men.

    PHX has the Coyote Howl where the entire audience is promted to run through the stands, knock over random trash cans and forage through the leftovers.

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @jess, And eat small pets that are too slow to escape, that ain’t our Kings

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @LVKINGS88,

    Can’t wait to see Brown put Doan into his own bench to start game 1.

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @jess, Yeah, remember Brown and Doan threw down during the season, Brown has been hitting and scoring, Doan hasn’t been that dominant this PO series

    Stuart Reply:

    @jess, that will be a battle worth the price of admission right there alone…

    @LVKINGS88, IDK about that, Doan has been a big part of their PO success thus far. BUT they haven’t played a team as physical as the Kings. We are deeper than they are. They have a couple of banged up players that will only get worse as the series progresses…

    Wind it up boys!!! Let’s go Kings!!!

    Shane Reply:

    @jess,

    Doan is getting twice as old as everyone else with every game he plays right now. Let’s not hope Brownie breaks him in two and makes a martyr of him!

    Michael J. Reply:

    @jess,

    LOL! I’m laughing. My wife is like “whats so funny”, then comes in and reads this and just leaves…

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Michael J.,

    -Ah haha! I love that! Her reaction made ME laugh!

    [Reply]

    Steve Reply:

    @Michael J., LOL!!!!!!!! Seriously, the same thing just happened to me. The EXACT same thing!

    [Reply]

    puddle Reply:

    @jess, LMAO!! Comment of the evening, good sir!

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @jess, You left out mark there territory(Wee Wee) all over.

    [Reply]

    stagger Reply:

    @jess,

    Awesome! LMFAO!

    Brings up the question of why they named their team after a little scavenger that likes to eat our pets.

    [Reply]

    McSorleyfan Reply:

    @jess, Priceless! I cede my Best Post of the Playoffs to you. The idea of yotes fans rummaging weenies from the trash barrels made me laugh hysterically! That beats my Ginger snap line from the Vancouver series.

    [Reply]

    Real 7 Reply:

    @McSorleyfan, great long-running thread….LMAO!!

    [Reply]

  10. Sc4sc says:

    Those are the ugliest uni’s in the NHL. They have not seen a defense like ours in the playoffs.

    [Reply]

  11. Michael666 says:

    Why does Phoenix scare me?

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Michael666,

    Read below ;)

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Michael666,

    Every team this late in the season is scary, but we just need to shut down Doan and Hanzal and we should be fine. The Yotes didn’t look very physical, and neither did the Preds, so I think PHX is going to have to make som major adustments to deal with us. They havn’t expereinced us with an effective Penner either.

    [Reply]

    rtana Reply:

    @DesertKing, smith has been great too. I hope the kings can get past him, he has been the difference.

    [Reply]

    mike in LA Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Dont forget Carter, Nolan & King. This Kings team has a lineup that Phoenix has not seen yet. Should be a very exciting series. Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

    ashykins Reply:

    @DesertKing, vrbata, that kids good

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @ashykins, Your right, I would have Brown check him ASAP.

    slapshot Reply:

    @DesertKing, They have not experienced the Kings playing as a team. This is what we all thought they could be at the start of the season, it just took them a year to get to where they are as a team. I think it will be a great series, but the howlin yotes are in for a jaw dropping surprise.

    [Reply]

    Real 7 Reply:

    @slapshot, when you’re howlin’, when you’re howlin’, the whole worle howls with you…
    gettin’ to be silly time….better give up for tonight….LAST!….for now..

    san Reply:

    @DesertKing have no fear penner is here none

    [Reply]

    COUS Reply:

    @Michael666, I did not want Phoenix. First of all, Mike Smith is having a “Quick-Like” playoffs, and second, don’t forget that Dave Tippet used to be an assistant coach for the KINGS. He knows how to coach against us and has known Brown and Kopitar for a while. I’m a bit nervous….but always loyal!

    GO KINGS!

    [Reply]

    Deader2818 Reply:

    @COUS,

    Tippett left in 2002. The team now is nothing like the team back them, lol. Brown was not even drafted by the Kings till 2003 and Kopitar 2005.

    [Reply]

    COUS Reply:

    @Deader2818, Tippett did a lot of scouting work for the Kings and had a lot to do with Brown getting drafted, Tippett was very close to being the Kings GM, he has talked about it with Bob and Jim, Kopitar was later I’ll give you that.

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Deader2818, He may have meant that HC of Dallas then Phx the whole time since 2002. He has been a HC vs the Kings for about 34 Regular Season Games not counting 1 Preseason and scrimage each year.

    HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:

    @COUS, But, King, Carter and Nolan weren’t here when they played each other the last time if my memory serves me right.

    [Reply]

    redlight Reply:

    @COUS, Nervous? About Tippet and some perceived “deep” insight into how the Kings play? Why? He left TEN years ago. This current Kings team IN NO WAY resembles anything that he knew then, especially not a 16 year old Dustin Brown. He has no more advantage into our current roster than any other coaching or scouting staff in this league. Fret not. Jonathan Quick, defense, the forecheck, the penalty kill, team speed and relentless hitting will probably CONTINUE to carry the day for the Kings as they have in the first two rounds. Tippett is a fine coach but his connection a decade ago won’t help him now. Nothing will.

    [Reply]

    KingsFan1971 Reply:

    @redlight, Red I could not agree more. IMHO I think if the kings keep playing as they have been they will win!!!!!!!

    fuzzerson Reply:

    @redlight, Every team has insight into every other team these days.

    brian spain Reply:

    @COUS, not one player is here from the Tippet days. and the Style of play is different. Plus Tippet looked distracted by the lady sitting right behind him with the low cut white top with the nice rack.

    [Reply]

    kingsfan1969 Reply:

    @brian spain, amen

    sh27696 Reply:

    @Michael666, You’ve been there, they have finished ahead of us in the standings every year, since the lockout, and you’ve read the temperature. Reading for the next E weeks, and. Smith has been scary good, his last 16 games.

    [Reply]

  12. Michael J. says:

    Wow! PHX scores only 12 goals, but allows only 9.

    I don’t predict a sweep :)

    [Reply]

  13. Sc4sc says:

    Cause we have not swept them yet.

    [Reply]

  14. McDonalds says:

    Glad they won tonight. We’re refocused before our next practice

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @McDonalds, good point. I imagine Sutter has been watching a lot of vid on them already.

    [Reply]

    HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:

    @jess, And I’m sure the Kings scouts who were probably at the game will have some good info for DS.

    [Reply]

  15. Shutyofivehole2 says:

    Anyone believe phx wants it more than the kings……….not

    [Reply]

  16. LUC says:

    road trips to Phoenix will be fun!!! can’t wait. nice to see Phoenix make it this far

    [Reply]

  17. Hutch says:

    “To all the great fans in Phoenix…” what total bs! Where were they during the regular season? How many games did you watch where there were fewer than 10000 in the stands there and a 1/2 empty building full of dead air. 

    [Reply]

    King of the upgrade Reply:

    @Hutch,

    Exactly.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Hutch,

    “To all the great fans in Phoenix…. who won’t drive out here to Glendale, but to the 4 who actually do…..”

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @DesertKing, In the first round someone said the free t-shirts drew a crowd in PHX. I suggested that it was a municipal work release program that got the building full. Either way, whoever buys that franchise must need some operating losses.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Kenny44,

    Sheriff Joe sent the overflow from his jail.

    Goring 19 Reply:

    @Hutch, the bandwagon rolled through today…

    [Reply]

    slapshot Reply:

    @Hutch, Agreed, but I recall back prior to the Kings getting Gretz, I was lucky to find someone at work to talk Kings Hockey with, but the Forum was filled for the most part it seems on a regular basis. But Gretz really improved the kings fan base and the yotes getting this far could be their Gretz move and start something good.
    I only say this as a hockey fan, I think that team has done a great job with what they have and the situation they are in and feel that they deserve to have something happen to get the arena packed for years to come.
    So I say fill up that Banwagon, let them talk trash and howl. I want nothing more than to have a packed house so the Kings can come in and silence the howls.

    [Reply]

    P1 LA Kings Fan Reply:

    @slapshot, Like it.

    [Reply]

  18. KingMe20 says:

    Let’s not kid ourselves. This will be the toughest series of the three so far, but the good news is that the Kings are not playing anything like they were the last time these teams played, and they know what to expect from Phoenix. Also good to know that there will be no Raffi Torres to worry about.

    This will be a rough series, but I still like the Kings’ chances. GKG!

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @KingMe20, Did Raffi Torres have his appeal heard yet? He and the NHLPA filed an appeal of his suspension for the Conference Final.

    http://espn.go.com/blog/chicagoblackhawks/post/_/id/4671060/torres-appeal-comes-as-surprise

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @KingMe20, I agree with you 100%… If the Kings continue to play their game, they will be fine. But here are a few keys that I see going into the series:

    - Quick vs Smith will be a helluva matchup
    - Sutter vs Tippett: two very smart coaches who will have to squeeze everything out of their players.

    - Kings have just gotten by without having to have their Power Play be much of a factor. In this series and, if they make it to the Finals, the Kings will HAVE to find a way to make that PP click. Their playoff lives will rest on their ability to convert.

    - Getting out to leads early will be vital in this series. The Coyotes have a tough time playing catch-up.

    - The Coyotes have a way of laying back, letting a team dominate possession and shots, then wait for mistakes. They are deceptive and can lull a team into complacentcy.

    - Lastly, the Kings will have to key in on Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata (King killers), Ray Whitney, Oliver Eckman-Larzon and Michael Boedker. While they have no true superstars, the Yotes platoon their roster and get contributions from everyone.

    Phoenix is dangerous, but I feel they can be beaten if the Kings, like the fans, don’t take them lightly.

    GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

  19. Sc4sc says:

    Both teams get a lot of rest so no excuses for either team.

    [Reply]

  20. Shakes says:

    Phoenix. LA. Let’s do this.

    [Reply]

  21. nick says:

    timw to sweep the desert neighbors

    [Reply]

  22. Shakes says:

    … Also I predict a road trip to Arizona in my near future

    [Reply]

    Cruiznblue Reply:

    @Shakes,

    I was thinking the same…with a pit stop at Havasu on the way back.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Cruiznblue,

    We can stop in Blythe and do some wake surfing. Just put the new ballast system in the boat and it is ready for some crusty river waves.

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Did someone say waves?

    mash-ola Reply:

    @Shakes, ditto… and I have a feeling that unlike most NHL arenas, tickets will not be as difficult or expensive. Plus, I’ve seen Yote games at America West Arena, but haven’t been to Jobing.com Arena in Glendale yet.

    GO KINGS GO!

    [Reply]

  23. Michael J. says:

    Calling Subby… Calling Subby…

    [Reply]

    loskingpride Reply:

    @Michael J., He’s probably already setting up his tent outside Jobing ;)

    [Reply]

  24. Sc4sc says:

    It’s so perfect that Phx is the 3rd seed as the Kings work their way down the seed ladder.

    [Reply]

    InTheCrease Reply:

    @Sc4sc, Yes, that will be one for the record books and a very hard one to repeat…

    [Reply]

    Dominick (defrim65) Reply:

    @Sc4sc, What’s cool too is that the Kings got them in succession (1, 2, and now 3).

    [Reply]

    slapshot Reply:

    @Sc4sc, I kind of wish Pit would have won the east they were #4.

    [Reply]

  25. SpencerMaze says:

    I was watching the end of the game and the Yotes players stayed on the ice to sort of salute the fans. Why don’t you guys think the Kings didn’t do that yesterday?

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @SpencerMaze, They’re saving it for when Bettman hands the cup to Dustin

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @SpencerMaze,

    You save that for the final game of the season. I think the Yotes know something…….

    [Reply]

    SpencerMaze Reply:

    @DesertKing, Good points ;)

    All I got to say is let’s put Whitney and Doan on their asses early and often!!!

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @SpencerMaze,

    -Don’t forget SCHLEMMY! ;)

    Jim Martin Reply:

    @SpencerMaze, Good point, take them both out of the game and the Kings go on to the cup. Also Kopitar has a score to settle with Smith.

    slapshot Reply:

    @DesertKing, HA yea you beat me to that comment:)

    [Reply]

    Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:

    @SpencerMaze, I know, I was thinking about that after our handshakes… No crowd salute :(

    [Reply]

    QueenInVan Reply:

    @SpencerMaze, The Yotes won’t get another chance to do it…

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @SpencerMaze,
    I asked myself the same question.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @SpencerMaze, Game 4 is in LA so PHX will play their last game on the road.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Osaka,
    I like this trend of thought..

    [Reply]

    HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:

    @SpencerMaze, Because they aren’t done, they will salute the fans, trust them, they won’t let you down.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @SpencerMaze, Havent you read any of the Player interviews, they don’t think they have accomplished anything until the cup is in their hands. There is still shifts, periods, games, and series to win. 8 more wins boys the cup awaits.

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

    SpencerMaze Reply:

    @luc20rules, True dat. Our fan salute will be watching the boys raise Lord Stanley’s Cup. GKG

    [Reply]

  26. TiredOfIt says:

    Guess the records between us in the regular season says it all…hahahaha….We will spank dog butt..I am so confident about our team…GO KINGS GO

    [Reply]

  27. neil says:

    both teams to have rest.thats a good thing

    [Reply]

  28. Stacey says:

    GO KINGS GO

    [Reply]

  29. LVKINGS88 says:

    It would have been nice for the yotes to play one more game but it is what it is, they started before the Kings and had to play an extra game but they didn’t have to play the # 1 and # 2 teams like we did, the Kings are battle tested.

    [Reply]

  30. DesertKing says:

    2 hot goalies, 2 ineffective PPs, 2 strong PKs, it is going to come down to 5-5 and we can roll 4 effective lines which will wear down the Yotes.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    -And their goal scoring comes from a few guys. No one knows who on the kings will step up and score next.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @jess, Actually, they’ve spread the goals around a fair bit.
    Vermette, Boedker, Hanzal, Whitney Vrbata, Doan, Brule, Pyatt, Chipchura, Klesla, Morris, Ekman-Larsson have all netted playoff goals so far, and you wouldn’t write off Langkow and Yandle!

    *Interesting Kings skater stat: Only CF #24 is without a playoff point in 2012, so far!

    [Reply]

    stagger Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Cool stat.

    All good that he doesn’t have a point.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @stagger,
    Oh yeah!!
    Wouldn’t take anything away from him at all.
    In fact, look no further than yesterday!
    Whose line was called upon and entrusted by Coach Darryl to forecheck like freaking demons and securely close out the game?
    None other than the Colin Fraser line!!!
    The kid’s a winner, I don’t care how many points he gets!

    stagger Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    You hit the nail on the head. If we continue to do the same things we’ve been doing, namely balanced scoring, fierce forechecking, great goaltending and bone shattering hits, we should be ok.

    GKG!! Now more than ever.

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @stagger,
    Fraser and Quick without a point in the playoffs?
    SLACKERS!! :-)

    Play our game.
    Roll 4 lines.
    Contain Doan & Verbada.
    Make Smith move side to side.
    Shoot the puck and look for rebounds.
    and …
    Fix the Power Play.

    I don’t think we sweep, BUT win Game 1 and we will already be in the Coyotes heads: “Oh, Jeez. we’re next!”

    [Reply]

  31. KDinUT says:

    Quiet confidence . . . solve Smith and we got this. GO KINGS GO!!!!

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @KDinUT, me too… Get that Power Play going and the Kings should be in good shape. I am not taking the Desert Dogs lightly, though. I think that was the Hawks and Preds problem. Both teams dominated the Yotes as far a shots on goal and puck/zone possession time. The Kings have to get the PP going, and they have to try to get on the Yotes early as they, like the Kings, like to get a lead and sit on it.

    It will be an ugly, hard-fought series…

    GO KINGS GO!

    [Reply]

  32. InTheCrease says:

    1-2-3…

    [Reply]

  33. Sc4sc says:

    The Yotes have no idea what they are in for.

    [Reply]

    HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:

    @Sc4sc, I think our guys will get just the right amount of rest and be freshend up and then it’s off to see the wizard.

    [Reply]

  34. TiredOfIt says:

    UH…doesn’t the NHL own PHO?…Doesnt the NHL pay the refs?…Hmmmm?

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, Thought I heard the NHL owned the Dogs in some way….Maybe I’m wrong

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, That might just be about to change.

    [Reply]

    P1 LA Kings Fan Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, pretty soon we’ll own ‘em! :)

    [Reply]

    Steve Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, All the refs can do is call penalties. We dont care about that.

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Steve, You forget the “Hands-al Above the Crossbar” goal.

    [Reply]

  35. SLIM says:

    Why I don’t like phoenix…
    1….Smith
    2….Tippet
    3….Doan
    Smith almost gets a goal..Praying it didn’t go in…
    This is also his weakness..
    Ray Whitney is too nice…
    Bring it on…

    [Reply]

    Sc4sc Reply:

    @SLIM, We will out hit them and all of your worries will be gone 1,2,3. done!

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @SLIM, Because he took that shot, I dislike him more….ALWAYS disliked Doan…plays like that other one with the finger….Thornton

    [Reply]

    HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, What I didn’t like about Smith was when he jumped on the Pred who got knocked down by another Yote in the crease and then him and two others piled on, only Smith was punching with his blocker. Lost all respect for him on that play. Hope we can fill the net on that jerk.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, You never saw Ron Hextal or Billy Smith play.

    Osaka Reply:

    @SLIM, I always liked Tippet and Doan, both class guys. I don’t know much about Smith so I’m indifferent. Torres was the only guy on the team that I really had a problem with.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Osaka,
    My post wasn’t about class…
    My reference was they are dangerous..

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @SLIM,” Why I don’t like phoenix…” Thought you had something against them.

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Osaka, I don’t know about Doan. I’ve seen too many cheap shots from him where I know he knows exactly what he’s doing but says all the right things afterward to fool people into believing he’s just a hard nosed player who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
    I’ve never had anything against Tippett. He’s a quality coach.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Kenny44,
    Agree about Doan…He’s… look at me I’m a nice guy…
    But does some questionable things on ice…
    Tippet… I tip my hat to…Done a great job with what little he has had..$ wise..

    Osaka Reply:

    @Kenny44, Doan does say the right thing doesn’t he hahaha. I always thought he was a standup guy. I remember Hayward calling him dirty and Doan coming out and saying in the interview he took exception to Haywards comments. Doan crosses the line at times but he ain’t no Torres. Maybe I’m fooled by Doan’s charm or him going back at Hayward, but I think he’s alright. He’s a player, I like guys like him. Maybe he’s a guy you like if he’s on your team but hate if he’s not. Good post as always @Kenny44.

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Osaka
    The enemy of that blowhard is my friend, eh? ;)
    I hear you about Doan, and I’ve learned that you have a keen eye for the game. Maybe Doan is that stand-up guy, but I do think there’s a difference between the way he plays sometimes and the Kings’ men of honor like Brown, Mitchell, Scuderi, Greene, Lewis. Those guys are warriors who don’t cross the line, in the legacy of Matty Norstrom.

    mash-ola Reply:

    @Kenny44, Shane Doan is a class guy, a character guy, the elder statesman, and someone who is well-respected around the league. He’s basically Phoenix’s Dustin Brown. Some people don’t like him and call him cheap/dirty. But if he’s on your team, you love his grit, character and leadership… just like Brown.

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @mash-ola
    Jamie Benn begs to differ. I’ve never seen Brown throw a drive-by elbow at someone’s head like Doan on Benn. Maybe I’m blinded by allegiance, but I just don’t recall that ever.

    Hayward has a legit beef about some late / dangerous hits on some Ducks players. Hey, even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

    Doan is not Torres, but he’s not Brown either.

    Jon G Reply:

    @Osaka, I agree 100%. Perhaps I’ll build up a hatred after a few games, but I’ve always liked both of those guys.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Jon G, Maybe because Doan has played on bad teams for so long and just plays so hard. Drafted by Winnipeg in 95 and spent his whole career with the franchise.

  36. Sc4sc says:

    FINISH THIS!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

  37. InTheCrease says:

    A-B-C…
    (Arsegaps, Blues, Coyotes)

    [Reply]

    JPKelly Reply:

    @InTheCrease,

    …D
    (Devils)

    [Reply]

    HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:

    @JPKelly, I’m with you on that call.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @JPKelly, No, I think …
    ABC Network Ringers

    [Reply]

    HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:

    @InTheCrease, That’s funny…..lol

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @InTheCrease,

    ARSEGAPS!!!! Clever!!!

    [Reply]

  38. DesertKing says:

    See, even Whitney doesn’t know where they are supposed to play.

    [Reply]

  39. Rick says:

    If the Kings let a team with a cartoon logo patterned after Wile E. Coyote beat them then I will be ill! Very I’ll!

    [Reply]

  40. King in OC says:

    I see that LA is better on defense and Goal. Offense would be edge to Phoenix, but I don’t think they can match the physicality of LA. I also think that LA has not had to deal with much adversity in the postseason, maybe because we dealt with it all season. I think KINGS in 5 or 6, I don’t see Phoenix matching our physical presence. The beat a weak Chi team in 6 and a not so focused Nashville team, while we beat Vanc and StL….edge to LA.

    all nonsense tho until puck drops for game 1.
    Hey Boys Win game 1….
    GKG GKG GKG

    [Reply]

    Dilapidus Reply:

    @King in OC,

    I don’t see the better offense. I think we are the most potent offense in the West and have been since the deadline. I think it’s a dog fight.. Yeah I said it… but we take it without any real scares.

    [Reply]

  41. SpencerMaze says:

    I agree with the blogger above who said the Yotes have no idea what they’re in for. We had some success during the regular season but this ain’t the same team. The boys are almost scary good right now. Phoenix is playing well, don’t get me wrong. But our defense will put a strangle hold on their guys plus we got JQ. GKG!!!

    [Reply]

  42. HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration says:

    Actually the score was 2-1, but the way the Preds played it wasn’t going to mean anything. The way they kept missing passes and staying to close to each other there was no way they were going to beat Phoenix. Well, when I said that the Pacific Division was the toughest in the NHL I wasn’t joking and the boys back east are going to find out the hard way. Go L.A.

    [Reply]

  43. rogiesbackup says:

    Kings can’t allow the Yotes to run amuck like they did tonight. Game too much skating.

    [Reply]

  44. SLIM says:

    Strategic move by NHL…
    Now they can’t get Yotes won it
    Because the League owns them…

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @SLIM,
    Disclaimer…I don’t believe in this conspiracy …

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @SLIM, WHo pays the refs?…

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, I dont either…just thought it was “funny”

    [Reply]

  45. SpencerMaze says:

    Hey guys – I have a sure fire way that assures the Kings get a sweep. We play Westy in game 1, he takes a run at Smith, he goes down then they have to play Jason LaBarbera…..4-0 Kings!! LOL

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @SpencerMaze, Smith played well but he isn’t that good.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Osaka, The Kings beat Cory Schneider, they will beat Mike Smith.

    [Reply]

    King in OC Reply:

    @Osaka, Phoenix defense allows 36 shots per game on average,,, kings allow 26… our defense smothers offense’s
    Our D gives our O more chances and there D cannot match ours. This maybe QUICKER than u think

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @King in OC,
    Hmmm. How many ‘quality’ shots does each team give up per game?
    That ratio may be a little closer than the SOGs.
    Then again …
    I honestly feel the Kings have a more accomplished D corps than they do.
    Yandle is a turnover machine.
    MONSTROUSLY overrated, from what I’ve seen!

    Osaka Reply:

    @King in OC, Don’t just go by shots. Nashville was shooting from everywhere and most shots came from far out. True though is our D has smothering offensive chances better than anyone in the playoffs. We weren’t suppose to be able to score against that great St. Louis defense and it wasn’t a problem. St. Louis plays better D than PHX. I like our matchup against the Yotes.

    Osaka Reply:

    @ Drunkanz, I was just saying the same thing. SOG doesn’t really mean anything, scoring chances are all that matter.

    mash-ola Reply:

    @Osaka, I think Smith is VERY GOOD… His goalie coach is former King Sean Burke, and he emulates his style. He LOOKS like Sean Burke did when Burke was playing.

    If you think the Quick is the Kings MVP, then you have to know that Smith is definitely the Coyotes’s MVP… He is very good…

    [Reply]

    P1 LA Kings Fan Reply:

    @mash-ola, how do we beat Smith?

    mash-ola Reply:

    @mash-ola, You have to make Smith move. Keep him shuffling his feet… He’s a tall goalie, so go for the five-hole or down low… He sometimes strays from his net a little, so trying to catch him off-guard will be important, too… He’s very fundamentally sound as far as goalies go.

    It will not be easy cos he covers so much of the net.

  46. TiredOfIt says:

    Dear Dog fan, Try to come up with something more original to chant than “beat L.A.” eh? The Casucks tried it and look what happened to them

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, Can’t teach an old dog thats been out in the sun too long new tricks.

    [Reply]

  47. kb says:

    I LIKE OUT CHANCES! YOTES ARE AS GOOD AS ROADKILL

    [Reply]

  48. Mike since '76 says:

    As for the Yotes future…. check this out…may have to cut and paste to browser, sorry

    http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20570555/mark-purdy-former-sharks-ceo-greg-jamison-leading

    [Reply]

  49. pr0cess says:

    key to the series, Take Dona out of the game, hit him and hit him hard… that is all

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @pr0cess, Don’t let Radim Vrbata be the King killer he has been in the past. Keep Smith moving around. He’s a big goalie, and keeping him moving will only benefit the Kings’ chances to score off of him.

    GO KINGS GO!

    [Reply]

  50. KingsFanFTW says:

    Going to be a tough series…We Know their weakness and they know ours…But we upgrade and so did they..Both team is unknown…………I say we have the upper advantage because of the forechecking but they Coyotes can hit back..

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @KingsFanFTW, It will be a very tough series. The Kings’s toughest series to date, in my opinion. Kings and Kings fans better not take them too lightly. While they don’t wow you on paper, they play hard, Dave Tippett is an incredible coach, and they like the Kings, are playing the type of hockey that is needed in these playoffs.

    It will be ugly, oldschool playoff hockey.

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @mash-ola, right there with ya! ugly, oldschool playoff hockey is absolutely beautiful to watch!!! I cannot wait. It’s going to be nasty right from the get-go!

    [Reply]

  51. Wrf4Kings says:

    Pacific division wcf wow! Who would of thought?
    Kings will battle and it will very good series gkg

    [Reply]

    captainCrunch Reply:

    @Wrf4Kings, Pacific Division went 17-9 in the the first two rounds (Sharks sux), Central was 12-20, Northwest was 1-4. Pacific Division Domination!

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @Wrf4Kings, I totally agree… It will be a nail-biting series…

    I was talking to a friend,and we both said it will be Cinderella vs Cinderalla. Which team’s magic pixie dust will wear off???

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

  52. KindSir says:

    I have to admit, I’m pretty worried about the Coyotes… GKG

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @KindSir,

    What we do very well, is stand firm at the blue line. That will be the biggest obstacle to the Yotes having their way. If they are forced to dump the puck, they’re done!

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @KindSir, I’m not worried, per se… But I just hope the Kings aren’t thinking like the fans and getting too overconfident. The Kings are close, but they just have to stay focused and know that PHX will not be a pushover. It will be the toughest series for the Kings so far. Like the Kings, the Coyotes are playing well in the playoffs with the kind of play that is needed this time of year.

    The good news is you will have to put your faith in the Kings’ braintrust and the players and believe that they will prepare themselves for the series. You have no control over that..

    The bad news is, you’re just going to have to fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride… every minute, every hour, every day… until it’s over.

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

  53. pk says:

    I don’t care what our record was against the yotes in the regular season. This is not the same team! Anybody going to a game in pheonix? We Want The Cup!

    [Reply]

  54. Jim S. says:

    Kings & Coyotes… gonna be a great series!

    GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

  55. LA_1968 says:

    I don’t have airline tickets, nor hotel, nor car rental…. But I just tickets just went on sale for games 1-2 so I got tix for both. Now I gotta break the news to the wife that we’re going on a trip. :-)

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @LA_1968, What I meant to say was PHX just put tix on sale so on a whim I went ahead. Row S/T behind Kings bench both games.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @LA_1968, What are prices like?

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @LA_1968,

    Congrats! Let me help you out:

    1. Family truckster
    2. Motel 6 – they left the light on for you
    3. Happy Mother’s Day!!!
    4. “No honey, we aren’t going so I can play golf, but guess what, the Kings are in town.”

    Emjoy!!

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @DesertKing, “family truckster”
    Is that a “tough little mutt” reference for the Yotes? They’ll probably keep up with us for a period or two ;)

    [Reply]

    anonandonanon Reply:

    @Kenny44, You could toss the d-dogs on top of the truckster, ala Mitt and give em a ride back to to town. 0-2 down.
    The Quick Brown Fox jumped over the lazy dog.
    GKG!

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @DesertKing, Thanks! The other little problem about making arrangements is there are no dates yet! Sat/Mon work better for me so I will root for the other series to wrap up in 6.

    [Reply]

  56. Steve says:

    If Kings keep playing the way they are, they can beat anyone, anywhere. Let’s just hope they can handle the limelight like pros. Thankfully Sutter has shown he can ground them.

    As for Phoenix, they are playing with the same confidence as us. Their goalie can be as good as Quick, but he’s not as consistent. And our team is deeper. This will be our toughest series. Kings in 7.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Steve,

    The Yotes have the same problem – core players who have never been this far interspersed with some vets who have experienced it. Looking at the post-game interviews, our guys seemed a little more focused and business like.

    [Reply]

    FiG17 Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    I thought that too. The Yotes kind of looked like they just won the cup and the “we’re not done yet” seemed to be a bit of an afterthought, whereas that seemed to be the first thing our guys were saying.

    Hopefully we’ll be more focused going into the next round. If we can throw them off in game 1, I like our chances. If not, I like theirs. lol

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @FiG17, Haha, sounds like you’re about as focused as the Yotes are!
    We both just won, probably.
    I’m expecting by Sunday both you and them will be different animals.

    FiG17 Reply:

    By Sunday, my anxiety level will be at an all-time high

    mash-ola Reply:

    @DesertKing, PHX does have some good leadership, though. Starting with coach Dave Tippett. Shane Doan is a leader, but true, this is new territory for him. They’ll have to look to Ray Whitney, the 40 year-old veteran, ‘The Wizard’, who won the Stanley Cup (with Justin Williams) with Carolina in 2006. He has been clutch this season, so the Kings need to neutralize him however possible.

    Otherwise, the Kings and Coyotes are both Cinderellas in virgin territory. ‘

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

  57. 7milforhickey says:

    you guys all seem to be worried about doan and whitney, but i feel like vrbata is the king killer.

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @7milforhickey, All three of them are King killers. There is also Oliver Eckman-Larson and Michael Boedker as well. For PHX, it’s scoring by committee.

    GO KINGS GO!

    [Reply]

  58. jess says:

    One thing is for certain, after watching our record in the series, the yotes clearly understand the importance of Game 1.

    [Reply]

  59. JB@OC says:

    The best player in phx is Smith…,the rest are not as effective. The best way to beat them is keep shooting… Smith will eventually give in.. It will be tough but I know the Kings can score against him.. JQ just have to be solid and shut them out. Smith is also human and he gets nervous. He knows that Kings are good.

    Good luck Kings. GKG.

    Kings are going down the ladder first in beating the #1, then #2. #3 will be a lot easier….

    [Reply]

    Tim from the OC Reply:

    @JB@OC, The Kings need constant traffic in front of Smith. Bump him, skate into the crease and maybe ring one off his mask. Smith can get raddled, maybe pen’s can plan his “Back-side” in his face a couple of times.

    Seriously, Smith doesn’t like getting touched in anyway. Can’t wait to get this going!

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @JB@OC, They are also excellent at blocking shots and clogging the front of the net. Getting shots through will be important. If the Kings can get their PP going, they should be in good shape…

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

  60. bbb7 says:

    Be very interesting to see how the so called ‘experts’ see this series. I expect all the predictions to end with ‘in 7 games.’

    [Reply]

    King in OC Reply:

    @bbb7, I think 5 no more than 6 for LA

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @bbb7, I predict Kings in 7.
    (thanks, by the way)

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @bbb7, I think the Kings have captured the media/fans’ fancy as the Cinderella/underdog… But if you think the Kings haven’t gotten any respect from the rest of the league, then you obviously haven’t noticed Phoenix, who has flown under the radar even longer than the Kings. I would prefer to remain an underdog. But hopefully both teams can earn a little respect now that the Canucks, Redwings, Hawks, Sharks are all gone…

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

  61. David R says:

    why is everyone worried specifically about the coyotes? I mean, after the first two rounds, isnt it pretty much worrying about everyone? I mean, if Nashville came back, would everyone be saying, “good, cause i was worried about phx, but nashville not so much.”??? I dont think so, it doesnt matter who we face from here on out, there will be something to worry about. “team-wise” “chance-wise” its all even at this point, BUT HERE IS WHY THE KINGS HAVE THE ADVANTAGE: we are supposed to lose, we are the eight seed, everyone else has home advantage, all the pressure is on them, and to add to it, they get stressed out more because not only “should” they beat us, they “have” to beat a team that EASILY took out the best two teams in the league. Therefore the psychological advantage is all ours. The only team that can beat the Kings, are the Kings themselves.

    Kings in 5, with Quick putting one in the empty net at the end of it all, to show he is better in every aspect including shooting.

    [Reply]

    Steve Reply:

    @David R, I’m with you all the way until the part about Quick being a better puck-handler than Smith. LOL! But who cares about goalie puck handling. GKG!

    [Reply]

    Ventured Reply:

    @Steve, I care about puck handling. I am hoping smith has a couple snafus like he did in the previous series. He practically handed a couple of goals to the Pred cause he was out of the crease. GKG

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @David R,

    I bought into everything you said until that last sentence. Homer!!

    I went to a Yotes/Kings game this year. the one featured in the NHL36 series with MR. The Kings looked so inept that game and MS looked good. I am a little worried, but believe that if the kings keep to their stregths, standing firm at blue line and winning the battles along the boards, we should get through. They’re fast, and if we start chasing them… it might not end well for us!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kissmybelfastbones,
    It’s probably to your disadvantage you attended a game when the Kings were right around their nadir.
    It’s hard to shake vivid memories. Especially distressing ones.
    The Kings will be A OK – and I daresay you will be as well!

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Well, they definately weren’t at their Zenith but Phoeneix looked stout that game. Speaking of stout, I tried to post a reply to your Guinness Black Lager quip earlier, But was denied by Rich, twice. Anyway, FYI… The words Guinness and Lager never go together!! Ever!!!

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Furthermore, unless you’ve had a creamy pint poured fron the taps at Doheny & Nesbitts, you probably wouldn’t understand why Sir Arthur would be turning in his grave at the mere notion of such a title.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kissmybellylaughs,
    Which one? The one down on Baggot St.
    It’s pretty decent, lud.
    Lol! I can really push your buttons, can’t I?
    I must try harder to help keep your blood pressure down.
    SLF RULE !!!!

    mash-ola Reply:

    @David R, because Phoenix IS a team to be reckoned with. I’m not so much worried as I am saying that the Kings had better not take the Coyotes lightly. It sounds like a lot of the fans here seem to think this will be a cakewalk. This to me will be THE TOUGHEST series for the Kings. PHX is deceptive, because they don’t as good as the Kings on paper. But on the ice, they are very good.

    I do have faith that the Kings will be the toughest team the Coyotes will play in the playoffs, however…

    [Reply]

  62. Skipunk says:

    BRING IT. GKG!

    [Reply]

  63. kingrussell says:

    I’m ready!

    [Reply]

  64. Duncanz says:

    I’m not afraid at all.
    Not one bit !

    [Reply]

  65. Shuchuk says:

    Game 1 is gonna be BIG. Rip their hearts out early!

    [Reply]

  66. rick says:

    I like this matchup very much. Phoenix is a team we can take apart if we continue to play the way we have been – or even close to it. If I could have picked any Western Conference team at the beginning of the playoffs to play for the conference title, Phoenix would have been at the top of my list

    [Reply]

  67. Steve says:

    Smith is good. But the Kings are the highest scoring team in the NHL in the last bit. They are absolutely NOT the Kings they played all year. It will be fun to teach them that in Game 1.

    [Reply]

  68. Kingsfan602 says:

    When is the earliest we would play?

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @Kingsfan602, most likely Saturday or Sunday. I don’t think they can start till the Eastern Conference is set.

    [Reply]

  69. Underdog says:

    1-2-3, that’s how the 8th seed Kings are going to do it in the Western Conference.

    [Reply]

    Underdog Reply:

    1st seed Canucks, 2nd seed Blues, 3rd seed Coyotes.

    [Reply]

  70. Goring 19 says:

    Like I said before, the Kings have battle-tested veterans on this team with lots of playoff experience. Several cup winners and quite a few with a good deal of playoff experience. Throw that in with the system we’re playing right now, and the composure/calmness/swagger, and I think we are going to be very hard to beat. So the ‘yotes can have their moment right now but honestly, barring any collapse by our boys, I just don’t see us losing this series unless Smith is a monster which is highly possible but I have quite a bit of confidence in this group of guys that we can crack Smith’s armor and shut down the rest of tail waggers. I’m not expecting a sweep by any means, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we have the upper hand. GKG!!!!!

    [Reply]

  71. dMan says:

    Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here or you might be in for some major disappointments.

    Tthe Yotes are a pretty damn good team and they have a very hot goalie right now. I think if the Kings stay on top of their game and can rattle them like they rattled the Canucks and St-Louis they have a good chance of winning the series, but let’s not talk sweep just yet.

    [Reply]

    Cruiznblue Reply:

    @dMan,

    I definitely doubt this will be anything close to a sweep…if anything we’re going to see at least 6 games IMO. BUT…I still think the Kings have the edge almost in all categories and as long as they play with purpose like they have been…then I think they will pull it off.

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @dMan, I’d be ecstatic with a series win in whatever number of games as it takes.

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @mash-ola, And don’t expect this to be a pretty series with dazzling plays and flash… it’s gonna be ugly… and low-scoring… possibly even boring… and trench warfare…

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

  72. Kings08 says:

    Playing phoenix is BAD NEWS. now every game will seem like a home game, since there will prob be more LA fans

    [Reply]

    loskingpride Reply:

    @Kings08, Good thing they’re always staying in a hotel the night before then right?

    [Reply]

  73. fabkings says:

    Gonna be a great series!! Very bad decision for Nashville to let Radulov join the team for the playoffs first of all. What message does that send to the team who traveled and played together for the season??? Not a good one, no faith I suppose. Then they go and suspend the guy and Kostitsan for breaking team rules???? If I were a Predator fan I would be ROYALLY PISSED OFF!!

    With those decisions Nashville imploded. Oh well, bring on the Coyotes

    Go KINGS Go!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @fabkings,
    Had a feeling Rattle-off was overrated from the start. The KHL IS your grampa’s league, apparently.
    He was the toast of Scottsdale, but he’ll be toast back in Nashville.
    He ought to take the first Aeroflot flight he can get.
    The poor Kostitsyn bros are going to be taking his heat for a very long time.
    Despite them getting a win afterwards, that incident was what turned the series. Team spirit just wasn’t the same.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Duncanz, Yeah, Willie Mitchell better put Loki & Voynov in lock down before curfew.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @luc20rules,
    He should chain them up to his dog kennel until Sunday (?).
    You know how iron curtainers copy each other’s bad habits.
    You’re right! One way or another, those boys should definitely be Lokt down and guarded like a gulag!!!

  74. A few things I noticed about the Phx and Preds game tonight.

    1. The game was played at a searing pace. The Yotes looked very capable of playing good hockey when the game heats up and the speed of play requires you to make quick passes and not get caught holding the puck. Not sure the Kings have played a full 40 minutes at that pace yet during the playoffs. Having said that I’m certain that Kings want to impose a slower more physical stlyle to win.

    2. The announcers were very good and called an even game. When the preds were putting a ton of pressure on the yotes in the second period they never once started “Hoping” the preds would win. No mention of “If the preds get a goal here their right back in the series”. When the preds hit the post a few times there was no mention from the inside the glass color guy that “The shot clearly beat Smith and that he got lucky”. I’m hoping NBC gets rid of the guys that did our last series and makes some changes.

    3. Smith and Quick are emotional guys and both can let things get under their skin. Smith is more prone to letting things get to him so I hope the Kings use that to their advantage and give him some “Extra” attention. That might be the key to some soft goals going past Smith as he gets frustrated.

    4. I think the Kings might need to beat the Yotes and the refs in order to win the series. Nothing real shocking but I’m telling you the officiating will be worse then any series we seen so far.

    5. The lady sitting behind one of the team benches had a nice rack.

    6. Finally…..No one said it would be easy and I for one had no Idea what to expect from our boys when they are at FULL POWER! They look like Champions right now and I only hope they get the job done.

    GKG!!!!

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @illegalstick33, What I would really appreciate is if the Kings were to beat Phx. advance to the Stanley Cup and win 3 games in the finals. It would be great if NBC could add Bob Miller to call the final games. It just doesn’t seem right if the Kings won the Stanley Cup and Bob Miller didn’t call it. If they didn’t. I would buy a remix with the Game video and Bob calling the final game. It just wouldn’t seem real until I hear him make the call.

    [Reply]

    Steve W Reply:

    @illegalstick33, You forgot the penalty against the Yotes that wasn’t called. The ensuing rush led to a Yotes goal to make it 2-0

    [Reply]

    illegalstick33 Reply:

    @Steve W, Touche….I saw that as well and tried to get my point across during #4. How could all the officials not see that? Well if they didn’t see CLOWE fire from the grassy knoll then anything is possible.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @illegalstick33, Clowe’s play helped Phx lock up the Division.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @illegalstick33, Your best point was your double-pointer.
    The rest weren’t bad tho’ …
    Rack ‘im !

    [Reply]

  75. Cruiznblue says:

    This is going to be a tough series. I dont want to take anything away from the Kings…cause they are firing on all cylinders right now and are playing with those 3 “P”s that they advertise all the time. But the Yotes are pests…they are going to be tough to beat.

    The 8th seed has been sort of a blessing for the Kings though…once again they will start on the road where they always seem to have great success…and it’s a good opportunity for them to get ahead in the series.

    I think we still have the edge in almost every department in this series…except maybe speed but the way the Kings have been pressuring and forcing the team in their own zone…I dought Phx will be flying this series.

    GKG!!!

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @Cruiznblue, Spot on! Plus, now that the Kings have beaten 1 and 2, they are starting to get the love of the so-called experts. They may not be underdogs anymore, but I prefer that they are thought of that way. I wouldn’t want that overconfidence to sink into the Kings’ heads… It will be a tough series, no doubt about it.

    But while PHX will prove to be a tough challenge, I truly believe the Coyotes haven’t played a team playing as well as the Kings are now…

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

    Niko Reply:

    @mash-ola,
    Agree, although with Sutter at the helm I have no doubt he will have the guys ready. They bought into their hype at the beginning of the season, I don’t see them making the same mistake again. If they play the same game they have been, they continue this tear all the way to Lold Stanley’s Cup. I get goosebumps just writing that

    [Reply]

  76. kingfan91 says:

    i know this is absurdly obvious. but it just kind of hit me that if we beat the yotes we go to the stanley cup finals. amazing.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @kingfan91, Really just now, how did the worm at the bottom of the tequilla bottle taste?

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @luc20rules, that would be Mezcal…from Oaxaca. that’s what I’ve been told, of course…

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @dMan, ok – ok, I had one or two with this really interesting guy who interrupted his shots with Dos Equis…go figure

    dMan Reply:

    @dMan, hmmm…it’s all coming back to me now…he actually went up to my hotel room with the three girls I was with…

    when I confronted him, we had a sword fight, he knicked my chest before diving through the window butt naked and made his getaway riding a wild mule bareback yelling “till we meet again, Hombre!” He then cried out “Stay thristy, my friend!” and laughed heartily.

    What a dick!

    dMan Reply:

    @kingfan91, yep, just four wins to the Cup finals – 240 minutes of bone crushing, in your face hockey.

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @dMan,
    Thats 240 ‘Winning’ Minutes of bone crushing hockey!

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @kingfan91, Myself, I knew right away 8 more wins, but just couldn’t sleep until like 4am last night. I just wish the next game was sooner. I know Buttman won’t think of it, but with the West done we should just have the West start with longer breaks between games than the East Conference Finals. West could have Game 1 on Wed or Thurs, Game 2 on Sunday, and Game 3 on Wed/Thurs. East could have their finals games 1, 2, & 3 every other day, so they catch up.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @luc20rules, Too win the cup 8 more wins, 4 more for the finals.

    [Reply]

  77. King Alex says:

    We will beat the Yotes. I just can’t imagine the Kings losing a 7 games series to a wild dog with fleas, ticks & the mange!

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @King Alex, the two wins the Coyotes have had in these playoffs have been against Chicago (offense with no defense/poor goaltending) and Nashvill (good defense/good goaltending but no offense).

    This will be Phoenix’s toughest challenge…

    Should be a good series.

    GO KINGS GO!!

    [Reply]

  78. Kenny44 says:

    Victory for us, contraction for the Yotes. That’s the only sensible result.

    [Reply]

  79. DBking says:

    Beloved Kings. Just be the Kings you have been of late and everything will take care of itself. GKG.

    [Reply]

    SpencerMaze Reply:

    @DBking, well said. Our household is covered with black, silver and purple literally everywhere. What an incredible time to be a Kings fan! GKG! Keep playing the way you have been and like you said DB, everything should take care of itself. Kings in 6.

    [Reply]

  80. King Cobra says:

    All I can say is that goalie dance with Smith and La Dooshbag looks pretty gay!!!!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @King Cobra, Someone’s suppressing some feeeeelings!

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Really! whats his problem with goalies dancing?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones,
    Don’t know, Blarn. He’s quite a character, though.
    Crush on MR, you know.
    mean, who doesn’t like M.Richie though, right?

    King Cobra Reply:

    @Duncanz, You would know……

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @King Cobra,

    Of course, you mean happy.

    [Reply]

  81. pr0cess says:

    SO who is going to phx? i would like to go and be with others?

    [Reply]

  82. m.r.morris says:

    Its time to euthanize some strays.

    GOD Save the Kings

    G K G

    G K G

    G K G

    [Reply]

  83. This guy must have seen the future. Great video before the season started.

    http://youtu.be/bdm43O0CqK0

    [Reply]

    illegalstick33 Reply:

    @illegalstick33, This video is really cool. Not many Kings highlights at all but if you love hockey this will move you!

    http://youtu.be/OohqTf5uvkY

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @illegalstick33, Thanks man.
    Goot seeing a few Kings fans showing up in the comments, incl myself!

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @illegalstick33,

    If this was made before the season started, how is there a clip @ 1:08 of Jeff Carter scoring his first goal of the season for us?

    [Reply]

    ILLEGALSTICK33 Reply:

    @Kissmyblarneystones, Not sure about that one. But if you look at all the clips of Richards in a philly uniform I made the assumption that it was done prior to him coming to the Kings. The end of the video would suggest that the Kings are now cup contenders with the arrival of Gags and Richards. No mention of Carter? I enjoyed the video but was a bit confused myself.

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @illegalstick33,
    For some odd reason, all I seem to see in my head is an update of Randy Newman’s “I Love LA” video.

    “Big nasty redhead at my side” = Randy and Kyle Clifford cruisin’ in the (fate?) Black and White ’55 Buick.

    [Reply]

  84. ToughD says:

    St Louis were bottom spenders, young, inexperienced and definitely overachieved during the regular season. Phoenix is similar but a little better in all departments. Definitely expecting a tougher series, and Doan is a pain.

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @ToughD, I’ll give you that the Blues are young, but The Yotes a little better in all departments? I don’t agree. I think the Nucks and Blues are both better than Phoenix overall. That said, the Yotes have a hot goaltender and there is no room at all for overconfidence at this level. A tough series with competitive games, but if both teams play to the extent of their abilities, a Quick series for the Kings.

    [Reply]

    ToughD Reply:

    @Pili, just meant spent a little more, a little older, a little more experienced [than the Blues]. Their speed and Doan is always a problem for us, and you never know who cheap-shot Raffi is going to take out. The Canucks are better than the Yotes but not the Blues. It looks like we should win easily, but I believe it’s gonna be a tough series.

    [Reply]

  85. king1jason says:

    Were gonna stomp those MUTS!!! This our year!!!

    [Reply]

  86. king1jason says:

    I do not think they can match up with us. Rolling four lines with confidence will help us if this turns into a long series. Kings in six.

    [Reply]

  87. SlimVincent says:

    If Brown doesn’t get in Doan’s head and into his body, PHX could be trouble. But those are two big “ifs”. GKG!!!!

    [Reply]

    slapshot Reply:

    @SlimVincent, I actually feel that Brown getting in Doan’s peanut is one of the keys to the series.

    [Reply]

    elijah Reply:

    @SlimVincent, I know Brown likes to get down and dirty but that is going a little far to say you want Brown to get into Doan’s body. With that said, i really do hope that we rape them in the face.

    [Reply]

  88. zulov says:

    Let’s win this series for Hossa. Not a hawks fan, not a Hossa fan – but Torres is a dirty dog, and his team does not deserve to beat the Kings who have been one of the most aggressive but also most honest teams in the league all year.

    Kill the yotes!

    [Reply]

  89. gcheng says:

    I like phoenix only in the sense that they will have a lot of time off just like us.

    Cause you always lose your sharpness if you dont play for an extended period of time. Thus at least we will be equal in that dept.

    [Reply]

    Real 7 Reply:

    @gcheng, yeah, that’s the worrier for me too…it will be an entire week of just practice…
    it will be interesting to see who comes out fastest…

    [Reply]

  90. I am astonished at the positivity on the blog. It’s as if we were in the 3rd round of the playoffs or something. Of course, we all know that’s not possible. (Forgive me. I’m still coming to terms with reality.)

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
    It’s scary. Weren’t some of these people writing them off and demanding front office /player personnel changes?
    First 82 games…fire/trade them all.
    Last 9 games…Welcome back!

    [Reply]

    Cav Pilot Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Wait, what do you mean by, “we are in the 3rd round of the playoffs.”? When did this happen?

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    “So, you’re saying there’s a chance?”

    [Reply]

  91. vplaza says:

    The only reason I would be worried about facing the Yotes is the possibility of running into a hot goaltender. Fortunately, we have one of our own.

    Wouldn’t it be awesome to knock off the numbers 1, 2, and 3 seeds on the way to the Cup?

    [Reply]

    SpencerMaze Reply:

    @vplaza, yes that would be incredible to say the least!

    [Reply]

  92. Adam M says:

    I think that we need to warned the Coyotes will not injured the best players on the LA Kings like
    1 Quick
    2 Brown
    3 Richards
    4 Carter
    5 Kopitar
    6 Doughty if the Coyotes injured the 6 best players on the Kings will make a Suspended call so what do you think

    [Reply]

    rick Reply:

    @Adam M, As always, I am in complete agreement with you.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Adam M, Hey @Adam M, exactly! I hope the NHL sees it the same way!
    By the way, I’m not sure what you were meaning before when you mentioned,
    “Bridal wars”. Is that something to do with guys eating it in the kitchen, but then getting out on the ice and learning how to stand the heat?
    If so, then I understood your code fully and comprehensively, my man.
    If not, then I can only guess at what do you think
    Also, do you have any special lines in store for those unsuspecting animals out in the desert, the Coyotes?

    [Reply]

  93. Osaka says:

    Phoenix hasn’t played a team that is playing a complete game like LA is, but at the same token this will be the most complete team LA has faced. I am confident LA will prevail but this should be their biggest challenge yet. Goals scored per game in the playoffs LA is 4th PHX is 5th. Goals against LA 1st PHX 2nd. What concerns me more about PHX than Smith (he is a great goalie) is their team speed. LA needs to keep up the physical play against the dogs.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Osaka, Why you have to drag me into it?

    Puck possession and management will win the series. The team that controls neutral ice will set the tempo.

    It boils down to which D makes the crisp first pass. Both teams are strong in that department.

    Scoring first will be critical in this series.

    [Reply]

  94. What must be freaking out the Yotes is Carter didn’t play in any of the six meetings with them this year. Last time they saw us we were 4-4-2 in the last 10 and that was before the debacle in Columbus and Detroit. Tippet’s got his work cut out for him. I know we all said let’s go after him in the Summer regardless but at this point I’ll stick with Sutter.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    We didn’t have Penner either. Of course, our PP was missing then and is still missing now, so one less thing for Tippett to plan for.

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    Didn’t Hitch have a similar argument going into the last series?

    [Reply]

  95. Gailweb says:

    It’s all about who wants it more

    Go Kings Go!

    Let’s start just like on the road the game just
    like before with a Win!

    You Want To Win Don’t You?

    It’s not going to be easy that is for sure our
    boys men have to be hard focused now

    Go Kings Go

    LA Fans stand behind you!

    [Reply]

  96. KingCharles of SaltLake says:

    Is it any wonder we are playing the yotes in the final. The way i see it the games will.sale out for sure because the kings fans will make the trip tp Phx for games 1&2. I,m on my way next to.see if i can get a ticket

    [Reply]

  97. mrbrett7 says:

    So, simple question.

    Are there Phoenix fans?

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @mrbrett7,

    New ownership has an agreesive strategy for that.

    Cardboard cutouts. Look carefully up in the crowd, every third guy will be the same.

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @mrbrett7,

    Couldn’t tell last night. The white out they did looked like they were supporting the Preds.

    [Reply]

    King Cobra Reply:

    @mrbrett7, Their bandwagon has got to be a thousand miles long, but I must say they almost seemed louder than Staples last night!

    Did your hear that fans, bring even more noise next home game!!!

    Let’s stay confident, but not to cocky. That last word is for you D.

    [Reply]

  98. pr0cess says:

    Morning programs, So what section are we taking over in PHX?

    [Reply]

    loskingpride Reply:

    @pr0cess, Probably half the arena.

    [Reply]

  99. Munchrat says:

    Mr. Lombardi your babies just ate my dingo!

    [Reply]

  100. in112 says:

    Sad but understandable that Miller and Fox don’t get to do the games now, but maybe this is a suggestion worth considering: They should do the games anyway and then broadcast the games either on the web or hopefully on FSW after the season ends. In that way, they get to call the games and we get to enjoy our great broadcasters — hopefully, as they tell us the Kings won the cup!

    [Reply]

  101. Stuart says:

    my .02: Smith is hot, but JQ is flatout GOOD! Smith is a lot like Elliott, wonderful season after spiraling the porcelain for the last couple of years. He is playing over his head and will be exposed for what he is, and large, average goaltender. When the Kings start to put pressure on him, he was lose his cool and begin to crack. We exposed Elliott, we will expose Smith.

    I’m saddened to think that we wont hear Bob call him Mike Brown during this series!

    [Reply]

    Shane Reply:

    @Stuart,

    As it went with Luongo and Elliot, so it will go with Smith. Those goaltenders had the NBC announcers masterbating in the booth over how amazing they were – we proved them pretty average, and left the announcers to clean up the mess!

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Stuart,

    Ixney on the ownbrey…

    [Reply]

    Brewhemoth Reply:

    @Stuart,

    Mike Brown!!

    [Reply]

  102. Klownchez says:

    Completely off subject, and extremely hypothetical, but say on the initial face off, a guy manages to win the face off and launch the puck back into his own net. If the other guy in the face off never touches the puck, who gets credited with the goal?

    [Reply]

    Shane Reply:

    @Klownchez,

    Jonathan Quick’s psychiatrist.

    [Reply]

    TellmeY Reply:

    @Shane, Ha…good one

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Klownchez, the player closes to the puck at its last touch, so, presumably the other player in the faceoff circle.

    [Reply]

    Diego Reply:

    @Klownchez,

    Ryan Clown from the bench

    [Reply]

  103. Mikey J. says:

    Ready, ready as anybody can be. I am ready for you, hope your ready for me. Should be an exciting series.

    [Reply]

  104. James R says:

    Practice still scheduled for 10am today in El Segundo? If so I plan to show up.

    :)

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @James R,

    Yep. See you there.

    [Reply]

  105. Dave Hanson says:

    I keep reading all these great things about Tippet. While he’s been a very good coach and a great guy for a long time……It’s Sutter who came in and brought this team together and made them the well rounded, complete team that we’ve been watching ang rooting for. Go Kings. Oh, and while my wife HATES it…..still got the beard going!!!!

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @Dave Hanson,

    Funny, but my wife says not to shave the beard until we win the Cup this year. She normally wants me to be cleanshaven.

    [Reply]

  106. Michael J. says:

    Tix starting at $80.00 for games in PHX on StubHub…

    [Reply]

  107. Rick says:

    PHX has the familarity factor with the Kings that the Canucks and Blues did not have. We took them by surprise. Expect a MUCH different series with PHX…this one will go 6 or 7.

    [Reply]

    Kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Rick,

    Kings in 3!!!!

    [Reply]

  108. JAYC says:

    So who’s making the trip to game 1 and 2? Me and the GF are going for sure. She requested time off and since I’m self employed I’m good to go.. And I just found my 0% CC for 12 months that I haven’t even touched yet lol.

    [Reply]

  109. Chuck says:

    Go Kings!!!

    [Reply]

  110. Kings Fan South says:

    Stub Hub has thousands of tickets beginning at $79 for the first 2 Phoenix games in the Glendale. It is usually the cheapest ticket in the league. I project 25% Kings fans. Make the trip if you can. Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

    Bailey'sCrown Reply:

    @Kings Fan South, Would love to be able to go – Represent the Insiders for us all…GKG!!!

    [Reply]

  111. King John says:

    If hockey can’t survive in the desert, I vote they move the team to Seattle. You gotta keep it in the West, plus Seattle is the largest northern metro area that doesn’t have a team.

    [Reply]

  112. DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy says:

    Why are the out-of-towners getting tix for Phx?? You would think they would want to come down to the Stapler!

    [Reply]

  113. ToughD says:

    Now that next season we will be…1) Reigning cup champions, 2) reigning runner-ups, or 3) top contenders…I plead for Lombardi to refrain from the Joe Corvo sweepstakes, a bona-fide booby-prize if there ever was one!

    [Reply]

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