Who will continue Game 1 success?

In 24 hours, either the Kings or the Phoenix Coyotes will be in an unfamiliar situation: trailing in a playoff series. The Kings jumped out to 3-0 leads over Vancouver and St. Louis. Phoenix won Game 1 against Chicago, lost Game 2 and then won the next two games. Against Nashville, Phoenix won the first two games and won the series in five games. So far in this postseason, the team that has won Game 1 has gone on to win nine of the 12 series. The Kings and Coyotes are both 2-0 in Game 1 this postseason, so clearly something has to give. Coyotes coach Dave Tippett certainly will be putting a big emphasis on Game 1, but said he didn’t think it would be the be-all, end-all of the series.

TiPPETT: “Well, I’m not going to worry about after Game 1 till that one’s done, and we’ll see how that one goes. (In) series, you have to make adjustments, momentum-wise, tactical-wise. You kind of read and react to what’s happening. If you looked at the last series, after Game 1, we won, but we weren’t very happy. We went to Game 2 and knew we had to be better. So every series is different, every game is different. I think with both teams having a bit of a layoff here, both teams are going to be anxious to get going. I think Game 1, there’s always a little bit of a feeling-out process. I think everybody will be glad to get Game 1 going and get through it, then we’ll read and react from there.”

82 Comments

  1. LA_1968 says:

    Since the Kings will win the series they will win game 1.

    [Reply]

    kb Reply:

    @LA_1968, sounds good

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @kb, I also don’t think Coach Sutter is planning on anyone coming out feeling around either.

    [Reply]

  2. terry crisps tie says:

    Kings in 4

    [Reply]

  3. kb says:

    @terry crisps tie, sounds good

    [Reply]

  4. terry crisps tie says:

    And not impressed with any remaining Eastern teams, so…Cup in 8

    [Reply]

    Shuchuk Reply:

    @terry crisps tie, whoa buddy, take it easy. any team that is still ALIVE has a GENUINE SHOT at the cup. they got where they are for a reason. that includes LA, but NOBODY should be overlooked. GO KINGS!!!

    [Reply]

  5. Howe9 says:

    Why won’t the Kings web site allow us to sell our tickets on Ticket Exchange yet?

    [Reply]

    terry crisps tie Reply:

    @Howe9, what are you selling?

    [Reply]

    Forum gold Reply:

    @Howe9, Post here. Insiders have posted many times that they have extra tickets or can not go and want Die Hards to fill those seats. I am looking for Thursday so let me know. GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

    Howe9 Reply:

    @Forum gold, Ticket Exchange will allow us to sell our tickets starting tomorrow at 2:00pm. I will also try eBay since they do not take such a large percent.

    [Reply]

    Cat1025 Reply:

    @Forum gold, I have two tickets for sale in section 218 for Thursday’s game. Asking face value. (cat1025 at sw-zoo.net)

    [Reply]

  6. Mars says:

    FULL 60 (+if needed)
    Come out hard and strong.

    You know what to do, just keep doing that voodoo that you do so well.

    [Reply]

  7. DesertKing says:

    Fraser and VV with goals and Kings win 2-1.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DesertKing, “Unsung heroes”!
    J Dub was right!!!!

    [Reply]

    Jack Reply:

    @DesertKing, penner, one goal, one assist!

    [Reply]

  8. SLIM says:

    If we lose the 1st game
    I’m afraid at what this blog
    Would look like….
    We are now used to winning the 1st and 2nd games….
    Might be different this time around….
    Although I’m quite comfortable that the
    Kings will win this series with their play of late..

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @SLIM, I am ready for a loss, I will call it a reality check. DS has been doing damn well on keeping everyone ready and in playing shape, mentality, prep etc etc.

    I dont think it will be that bad. It certainly wont be pretty, but everyone is enjoying the extended season for a change. All gravy baby!

    [Reply]

    terry crisps tie Reply:

    @SLIM, Is that a poem?

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @terry crisps tie,
    New around these parts?
    All my posts are quasi Haiku’s…
    It’s how I type…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @SLIM,
    It’s just how you learned it …
    You never interned it …
    Respect, yer’ve earned it …

    Michael J. Reply:

    @SLIM,

    Quasi Haiku???
    Is that like Paul’s girlfriend being quasi pregnant?

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @SLIM, Impossible

    [Reply]

  9. joan fondell says:

    Any news on Cliffy? No one has mentioned his name since the first series.

    [Reply]

    FiG17 Reply:

    @joan fondell,

    He was cleared to play during the last series… but we’ve been playing well, so there hasn’t been much of a reason to sit someone to play him. If and when we lose a game or two this next series, we may see him return.

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @FiG17,
    Exacto-mundo…

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @joan fondell, I wouldn’d be surprised if Sutter gave him a few shifts to keep everybody’s legs fresh. Sutter seems to coach by feel and deoesn’t always share his thoughts, so who knows what the plan is.

    [Reply]

    BlackBiscuit Reply:

    @joan fondell, Clifford has been cleared to play, but DS is not planning to change the lineup, as we are 8-1 in the playoffs and no need to put Clifford in.

    [Reply]

  10. palmspringskingsfan says:

    And then there were four! looking at NHL.com is beautiful sight. This season belongs to the Los Angeles KINGS. They have the talent and the grinders to pull this off.
    I never gave up hope this season even when the times were tough.
    Take the bull by the horns and plw through the desert mutts!!!
    GKG

    If anyone has tickets for the home games please let me know I am looking for 2 or 3 tickets. I can buy at the last minute I just need 3 or 4 hours to get there from PS.

    [Reply]

  11. crashin'da net says:

    My Lord! Can you just imagine what the hockey world will be thinking if the Kings take Games 1 & 2 ??!! Oh how aweet!!!

    [Reply]

    crashin'da net Reply:

    @crashin’da net, that’s “sweet”

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @crashin’da net,
    It would certainly make everyone foaming at the mouth……
    And all other teams on call..

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @crashin’da net,

    I would settle for a split of the first two.

    [Reply]

    BigSeeGas Reply:

    @DesertKing, No!!! First 2 let’s keep the trend going! :)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @BigSeeGas, This could almost have been a post from @lakingsbob(chi) …
    But,
    NO!!!!!!!! It needed more EMPHASIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    (hi bob!)

  12. FiG17 says:

    Game 1 will be huge, as one team will be left down in a series for the first time during these playoffs. Game 2 will be bigger, because we’ll see how that team responds.

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @FiG17,
    Agree Game 1 is important (obviously).
    I’m thinking the Kings take game one for the following:

    Yotes have not played a complete team like the Kings in a month.
    Sutter wil continue to get the team ready to play “lunch pail” hockey -fast, hard & steady.
    Defending against 4 Lines will be a nightmare for Phoenix.

    Worst case for Phoenix? Lose Game 1 and we’re insider their heads. “Geez, are we next to get our butts handed to us?”

    Kings lose Game 1, we can still take home ice away from them.

    I’m thinking Kings in 6 or less.

    [Reply]

  13. KJ says:

    I’m sorry, this is so off topic at the moment, but I was wondering if anyone has the link to the video of us against the Blues…the one where you can actually hear the players talking on the ice – it was posted on this blog a few times. I’m pretty sure it was Shattenkirk that said at one point, after a shot at Quick, “how the (bleep) did he see that”? I thought I bookmarked it, but now can’t find it.

    Thanks to anyone who might be able to help…

    [Reply]

  14. toemas_sandstrom says:

    Well the stupid lakers won. More scheduling conflicts…

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @toemas_sandstrom,

    EXACTLY. I have to put up with seeing ugly yellow flags on cars driven by drone people all over LA. Weak.

    [Reply]

    Zeley Reply:

    @jess, I have a black and purple KINGS flag on my vehicle

    [Reply]

    Steve W Reply:

    @toemas_sandstrom, That’s what the NBA wanted. What other reason was there to give Metta 7 games instead of 10+? The Fakers would be reserving tee times if Metta was still suspended. Oh well, go OKC!

    [Reply]

    Steve W Reply:

    @Steve W, And go Clippers tomorrow morning!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Steve W, Meta World Fleece

    [Reply]

  15. Gail Web says:

    I have my big black new LA Kings circle on my car window for a week now its only 99 cents go to party city, support our LA Kings Fans! Go get circles man thanks.

    GKG!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Gail Web,

    99c, the ideal price for Kings merch !!!

    (Thanks, Gail!)

    [Reply]

    toemas_sandstrom Reply:

    @Gail Web, Speaking of .99c, back when Gretzky broke Howe’s goal record I was flipping through the LA Daily News and saw a full page add stating “One Great “99″ salutes another!” Yup, it was an add for the .99 Cents store. I laughed and cringed at the same time.

    [Reply]

  16. jess says:

    Screw it. Forget about jinxes. I say Kings take the cup.

    That’s my call.

    [Reply]

    Shuchuk Reply:

    @jess, WIN THE DAMN CUP!!!! play hard, fellas!

    [Reply]

  17. Goring 19 says:

    Can we start the game already? It’s the suspense that kills me…..

    [Reply]

  18. Skipunk says:

    Keep listening to coach Sutter, “one game at a time” , “they don’t engrave your name on the cup for winning a game”. Get after ‘em boys!
    GKG! I’ll be invading US Airlines flight #1496 for tomorrows game listening to Nick on my iPhone. None to happy about it!

    [Reply]

  19. SLIM says:

    we will play great vs Yotes…
    They are formidable.
    But we are firing on all cylinders…
    There will be some tense parts…
    But I’m confident we will persevere…..
    At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself….Non stop…

    [Reply]

    Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:

    @SLIM, whyyy why the yotes out of any other teams in the west, had to be the yotes!!! they know us to well, and frankly i’m scared this is ridiculious circumstances and David Tippet shoulda stayed with us

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @Kings Fan In Temecula, The Kings know the Yotes as well. I believe the difference will be wearing them down with size and depth. Tough games but if Quick is on his game I think Cup finals here we come. I just watched replays of highlights of the Kings/Coyotes games this year and the KIngs created a lot of chances, just didn’t bury a lot of them. This team, right now, is finding the back of the net. I think they will prove Smith to be as human as they proved Elliott was. GKG!!! GKG111

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Pili,
    To score is human, to beat Smith is divine!

  20. Adam M says:

    I think that the LA Kings will take the lead the Series for Game 1 because the Kings has the best players on the team so far like Brown,Carter,Doughty,Kopitar,Quick & Richards so what do you think

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Adam M, I think ….
    God Bless you, @Adam M, superfan of LA Kings !!!!

    [Reply]

  21. Kings Fan South says:

    I say the Kings win in 6 games! We will out hit and muscle Phoneix in the series. The stars are aligned. This is OUR year. Been waiting since the mid 70′s. Come on boys. Let’s do it. Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

  22. Duncanz says:

    “Two Tickets To Paradise” on the radio here in beautiful Blythe, CA!
    (I could move here)
    The Kings have to ducats to shangri LA in PHX, AZ right now, and so do I,
    At least for game one …
    Right on the Money !!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    two*

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Love Blythe. I have a place there, the river is beaitiful, and the people are really nice, plus it is only 1 hour and 45 minutes from my house.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DessertKing, Greyhound stops in Indio, you know!

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, Lucky devil

    [Reply]

  23. thrustable says:

    We havent faced any adversity in these playoffs, the games themselves were not easy but we had no catch-up to do. If we lose game one i wonder how we will respond.

    [Reply]

  24. KC23 says:

    Game day …. waaaahooooo!!! :)

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @KC23,

    And so, the Duel in the Desert begins.

    [Reply]

  25. JAYC says:

    Getting ready to hit the road in a few minutes. See y’all down in AZ

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @JAYC, “Buffets” @ 4pm!

    [Reply]

  26. c4sraser says:

    i say 3-1 Kings, Quick with the empty netter!!! GKG!!!

    [Reply]

  27. CPMC29 says:

    9 more loooong hours.

    [Reply]

  28. Jon says:

    Made these for my party today. You’re all welcome to use them. http://imgur.com/a/JDkeC

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Jon, Nice placemats for pancake plates!

    [Reply]

    kings of SB Reply:

    @Jon, Nice work. GKG

    [Reply]

  29. GOOD MORNING TO THE KINGDOM!!!! Big day today, goin to Arlington Park for mothers day then 1 hour to prepare for GAME 1… LA_1968 Please stay cool today and bring them in tonight.. I will be back 1 hour before PUCK DROP!!!!!

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @lakingbob(chi), Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there in Kings Nation. May the Kings top off a great day with a game one victory.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @lakingbob(chi),
    Happy Mom’s day to Mrs bob, fellow King national !!!

    GKG !!!!!!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

  30. OnTheFly says:

    Win today for the Mothers, Win the cup for the Fathers.

    [Reply]

  31. BlackBiscuit says:

    Mr. Tippeet, no disrespect, but go ahead and read and react, change tactics, make changes, all you want…the fact is the better players and better team will conquer and that team has superior players like Brown,Carter,Doughty,Kopitar,Quick,Richards, and Mitchell…and the next level of players like Williams, Voynov, Greene, Stoll, King, and even Lewis, Martinez, Scuderi. You will be playing golf soon, just like the Canucks and Blues. Summer comes a little more early than you know. GO KINGS!!

    [Reply]

    Jack Reply:

    @BlackBiscuit, If the guys play their game and produce, we will be A.O.K., but not if all they do is show effort and play hard…Production is the only guarantee for victory!!

    [Reply]

  32. palmspringskingsfan says:

    nice page in the LA TIMES GO get them an beat them like the bad dogs they are! Time for Mothers day formalities then time to put on the game face!! Pound these fools into next week and send them packing onto the golf course!!

    GKG

    [Reply]

  33. cac90277 says:

    Rangers coach Torrtarella makes me happy we have Sutter. He talks toooooo much! And he shows way too much emotion on the bench. Man I guess I am just use to Sutter.

    [Reply]

  34. tim says:

    Sounds like Tippet is prepared for a game 1 loss to me.

    [Reply]

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