As noted earlier, the Kings went through more team-related drills than individual drills today, and the focus will start to shift toward the New Jersey Devils, now that the Stanley Cup Finals matchup has been set. The Kings will practice again in El Segundo tomorrow, then fly East on Monday. The Kings were happy to learn their opponent and to start being able to think about, and study, an opponent. Drew Doughty, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter talked today about the start of those preparations.
DOUGHTY: “We’re excited to get started. They’re a good team. We’ve watched a lot of the games throughout the playoffs, so we know what they’re about. Now it’s just a matter of studying their team, studying their habits and their system play, and we should be very well-prepared. … Those top players are going to be really hard to contain, but we’ve got the guys to do it. Kovalchuk is obviously so skilled offensively. If you give him the room to take that shot, he’s usually going to score. Parise just kind of does it all. He battles so hard, works so hard. He’s a tough player to play against. That’s why he’s their leader. He’s kind of like Brownie in that sense, where he just plays so hard and leads by example. … They’re really solid defensively, and their forwards work really hard back and they create those turnovers. Once they create them, they’re good on the odd-man rushes, to create chances and good shooting opportunities. So we have to make sure that we’re getting pucks in and out and not creating those turnovers.’’
RICHARDS: “We can focus on what Jersey does, and obviously watch some film and get a sense of what we need to do against them, rather than just practicing for the sake of practicing. I think when you can focus on your opponent, and put focus on that in the practice, I think it’s going to obvious benefit more than just practicing.’’
CARTER: “I think they’re still playing a strong defensive game, but you look at the guys they’ve added up front, with Kovalchuk and all those type of guys, so they’re definitely more offensive than they’ve been in the past.’’
Carter’s comments, in particular, were related to a question about how the outside perception of the Devils has changed. Long known as a defensive “trap’’ team, the Devils now have more firepower upfront, led by Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise. Darryl Sutter said these are not the Devils of old.
SUTTER: “We’re lucky we get to play them. … They’ve got a lot of skill up front. Their centermen are fast, skilled guys. They’ve got big wingers. They’ve got the veterans and defense and they’ve got, depending on who you talk to, the greatest goalie of all time. (Despite) that old stereotype, they’ve done an awesome job, with that forward group and the way they play.’’
Sutter also talked about how, now that the Kings know their opponent, they can narrow their focus…
SUTTER: “It’s a big difference, when you know who the (opposing) team is. We knew the date. We knew when we were going to travel. We knew the airport we were going to. But the big difference now, and the most important part is, the players and the games. They know the players, and now — not that there’s a big difference in the style between the Rangers and New Jersey, and us and New Jersey — it’s just reinforcing those things for the next few days.’’
GO KINGS
[Reply]
ike Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@gene, Lets get em boys!
[Reply]
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
I don’t think the players are the only ones who are anxious.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@Andros, Ya think? Lol
[Reply]
days without hockey are the loooooonnnnggggesssstttttt days of my life!
keep up the focus boys, and lets get this over with asap!
The time is now. GO KINGS!!!!
[Reply]
Diego Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
@KingSurfer,
Yep, it’s maddening to know the next games are 4.5 days away. The fact that we’re in them is awesome.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 8:34 am
@KingSurfer, And the waves have sucked as well making the wait even worse.
Stay covered my friend.
[Reply]
How fitting Kings vs Devils
Good vs Evil
Game (And a Munters unit) at a time. It’s got us this far. GKG!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@Cynic,
New Jersey must be the Munters capital of the world with all their stinky humidity.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 8:31 am
@Cynic, like the analogy :p
[Reply]
Now that the Rangers are eliminated, it seems our fan base has doubled!
New York is now pulling for the Kings in a big way!
[Reply]
Diego Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
@Munchrat,
I’m the same way. If it’s not the Kings then I want a Eastern team to take it. Can’t cheer for a division/conference rival. If it’s a Canadian team everything changes.
[Reply]
The respect DS give to the teams we play is amazing, the guy is a class act; it also is showing by the teams comments too. The impact DS has on the team is tremendous. It really shows.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
@Mars, Not just classy but SMART too. At times St Louis and Phoenix forgot to play hockey. Not us.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
@HockeyNerd, Yes I agree that among other things, the Nucks, Blues and Yotes were outcoached.
[Reply]
Im honestly nervous! Lets focus on game one. One shift at a time. Stay focused. GO KINGS GO!!!!!
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@VegasIce, Exacta moondo Fonzie.
[Reply]
Diego Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
@rumpa#19,
Yeah, let’s not jump the shark… Shift, period, game…
[Reply]
Being a 45 year Kings fan I hope this series goes at least 6 games, albeit for selfish reasons. 8 months ago, never thinking of the hockey season, I booked a trip to an all-inclusive in Cozumel from Jun 5-Jun 12. Two of the games that week will be broadcast on NBCS which will certainly not be shown in Cozumel. I told my wife I had cancelled the trip and used the money to buy two seats for game 4. She came out of the kitchen with her best Iron Chef knife and told me how she was ready to prepare chopped sausage for dinner. After second thoughts, the trip is back on and I have a chance of missing the most important event in Kings history.
[Reply]
Hackwoods Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
@plywood, I posted recently about a similar plight for me since I will be traveling for work during game 1, 6, and 7, and fishing with buddies during game 5. All planned back in late March. I bought a Slingbox so I can watch the games from my laptop via my DVR. All you need is a good Internet connection. Hopefully your hotel in Mexico has that.
From: 35 year fan
[Reply]
plywood Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@Hackwoods, I’ll try but I’ve never had that good of a streaming connection in Cozumel so I think I’ll have to live with Iheart radio and follow them that way.
[Reply]
BigSeeGas Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
@plywood, i feel your pain. I’m out of the country right now but lets hope the kings sweep the series. we need them to win the cup that is the most important thing right now.
have you considered going to the first 2 games in NJ. i will most likely be heading out there for that. the PHX series was fun watching out in glendale AZ
[Reply]
plywood Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 10:44 am
@BigSeeGas, Wish I had the bucks for that–however, not this time
[Reply]
Redondodave Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@plywood, I was sweating the schedule out as well. My son graduates college on the East Coast on June 10. If there is a Game 6, I will need to change flights to be back in time for the game on Monday. I am hoping for a sweep.
[Reply]
Finesse Hockey Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
@plywood, In addition to hockey fans, we are a boating family. By now we had usually had about three trips getting the boat nice and wet. Not this year…… Boat’s been dry since winter! First trip planned for Lake Mohave after we hoist the Silver Chalice.
We Believe!!!!!!
[Reply]
Crowncity simtom Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@plywood, U can go next year, in August.
[Reply]
Kingsfanforlife Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
@plywood, Never ever plan a trip the first week in June!!!
[Reply]
plywood Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 10:45 am
@Kingsfanforlife, Yeah, hindsight is a beeyotch.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
@plywood,
LOL, what kinds of Kings fan are you, marrying a non hockey fan?????
[Reply]
plywood Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 10:46 am
@Gustavo, Trust me, she has many other redeeming features.
[Reply]
Diego Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@plywood,
Is the Mrs. isn’t named Lorena?
[Reply]
Diego Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@Diego,
Corrected copy:
Is the Mrs. named Lorena?
[Reply]
plywood Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 10:47 am
@Diego, She’s Asian so therefore cannot even PRONOUNCE Lorena correctly.
Videos from today’s practice (so far), including some pretty cool scrimmage vid and shots of the huge crowd. If you look closely, you’ll see Duncanz run out on the ice at one point (I kid, I kid).
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/pre-game-videos/
PRACTICE INTERVIEWS
SUTTER
CARTER
QUICK
MITCHELL
PRACTICE VIDEO
Scrimmage 1 – The Puck Drops
Scrimmage 2
Scrimmage 3
Scrimmage 4
Scrimmage 5
The Stretch
Crowd Shot
Bernie’s Puck Toss
(On a side note, I noticed a new tweek in YouTube’s system that kind of sucks. All video defaults to the lowest quality setting. Remember to click the little gear at the bottom of the video to increase the quality of the video!)
[Reply]
Finesse Hockey Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Duncanz aka. Yo was on the ice! Lol.
Nice vids Paul. Great work. Awesome to see the Kingdom (and Insiders) out in force this morning.
We Believe!!!!!!
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), If you need to live stream it my room mate dell is a live video streamer. Has the HD cam and all the streaming tech stuff. We were talking about how we might help the cause 1970′s fans and all.There is some larger equipment involved. let me know if you want that kind of help and we will step up.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Well, Coach said something yesterday about snow being good insulation back on the farm.
I figured same goes for ice!
It’s bloody cold in that barn!!
[Reply]
Gail Web Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Thanks so much Paul this was great and thanks for all you time to help us see our boys on ice!
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
We are going to the Finals…What..
Part of me still can’t believe this is all true…
NJ Devils shouldn’t and won’t be taken lightly…
I like the match up…Should be a speedy pace…
We need to win the 1st game to get in their heads..
Marty is susceptible to pucks at his feet and isn’t as quick as he once was…
Should be entertaining at the very least..
GKG…
[Reply]
lakingbob(chi) Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
@SLIM, You hit hit it WIN THE FIRST GAME AND GET IN THIER HEADS!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
@SLIM, The Western Conference Finals (herein after referred to as the WCF) are done. The Kings won.
The Kings are now headed to the Stanley Cup Finals (herein referred to as SCF, The Cup, Da Cup, Silver Chalice, and more)
Yes, I agree, too good to be true. HOCKEY IN JUNE!!
35 years of waiting and rooting. I need to step up my game (mega fan) to match theirs now.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@SLIM, Yes this postseason has a surreal essence to it. All the opponents have been very worthy, and the results have been astonishing to say the least. The Kings are a very good hockey team with a very good coach.
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 11:34 pm
@SLIM, To continue our NHL record 9th win on the road would be, how should I say it without being ejected into the cornfield, (add verb here) awesome!!!!! I went down to Huntington Beach pier tonight with the family, my daughter wearing her St. Patty’s day Brown #23 shirt, my wife had on her crown hoodie, and I had my new logo shirt WITH the logo hoodie. In the heart of Ducks country (OC) We received several Go Kings and one Go Ducks….pretty cool…’cept for the go Ducks…..Go Kings
[Reply]
What does DS mean.” we are lucky to get to play them” ?
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
@neil, And not have to play the New York Rangers. After all, Tortorella loves their balls.
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
@neil, i thought he just meant that they’re lucky to be playing any eastern team really, because it is the cup after all and its not this easy to play for all the time/ever
[Reply]
Diego Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
@vinny,
Yep. ask Shane.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
@neil,
D/S = Dominance / Submission
We Dominate, They Submit.
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@Gustavo, Sounds kinky.
[Reply]
Just kissed another $498 goodbye for a ticket to game 3 sec 334. Next project is game 4. So far, it’s games 1 and 3, hollering for the team on 2 different coasts. After 44 years, we’re all allowed to go a little nuts.
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@Robert R, awesome! have fun gkg
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@vinny, Way to go. Money well spent.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
@Robert R,
ONE ticket cost you almost $500?????…OUCH!!
As season holders we paid $531 for 2 tickets for Game 3 & 4.
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
@Gustavo, That’s the most ideal way to land tickets, to be a season ticket holder.
Game one was only $365
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@Gustavo, I hope to get in on the release of tickets this week for game 4.
Was that 2 tickets for each game, 4 tickets total?
[Reply]
Jason Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@Robert R, I paid 35 $ for the Phoenix game 5 rows back
in phoenix of course
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 11:49 pm
@Robert R, We got 3 tix to game 3 in section 218 for $585.00…… Although the renewal is going to cost a lot more than that. This is the most exciting sports moment for me and my family ever. It’s great to see my mom into it and watching every game. My wife and daughter and coming over to me giving me high fives before we leave for work and school saying “go Kings” They know how much I love this team and how long I’ve supporting them. No matter what happens, thank you Kings players and coaches and ownership for giving us this opportunity. Go KINGS Go….Go KINGS Go…..Go KINGS Go
[Reply]
@neil, Same as he always does. Doesn’t let success get to his players heads.
[Reply]
can you imagine we go up 3-0 in the series again??? OMG! that would be so AWESOME! and then the sweep of course
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
@BigSeeGas, When the poll comes I’ll pick LA in 6 again of course. Why mess with a perfect record of being wrong all 3 times?
[Reply]
Doc Allen Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
@HockeyNerd, I did the same. Works like a charm! GKG!
[Reply]
From what I remember seeing the Kings against the Devils, they can switch really fast from defense to offense on a turnover. I think containment of the Neutral zone and not spending a lot of time in our dZone speaks volumes against this jersey team.
I still think Kings are better team all around. GKG!!!
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
@rogiesbackup, I watched 3 of the eastern conference finals games, and the main difference I saw was center ice was more vacant without the Kings playing. The Devils will have to try to adjust like the Kings last three opponents.
[Reply]
It is was it is
Go Kings Go!
Win or (L) all L A Fans should stay on the
Band Wagon!
Go Kings Go!
Long time fan of 24 years
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@Gailweb, LONG time fan here too. What’s so scary is that this team, barring bad luck such as bad bounces or officiating, should win this. With Sutter coaching I think we can rule out not being prepared. We can do this.
[Reply]
Gail Web Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
@Pili, Hi and yes agree we can do this,
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 11:50 pm
@Gailweb, You want to win, don’t you? 40+ years…Go Kings Go
[Reply]
Gail Web Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
@TiredOfIt,
You Want To Win Don’t You?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
andy Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 8:30 am
@Gailweb, Try long time Kings fan of 41 years! I’ve seen s poor team built(Pulford,Milford) into a pretty darn good young team(Vachon,Widing,Maloney,Bernier,Goring,Murphy,Williams,Murdoch,Sargent,Kozak…) then partly taken apart by Dionne signing…then a rebound with triple crown line DTS and Nicholls,Fox,LMurphy,Hardy,Wells,Lessard,then some lean years.followed by hope when Robitaille,Carson and Duchesne came aboard. Then instant star power with Gretz,Blake,Zhitnik,Sandstrom,Grannato,followed by leanest years ever then hope again with Deadmarsh,Allison,Murray,Potvin followed by more lean years then the now…Kopitar,Brown,Richards,Carter,Quick,Doughty,Penner,Williams,Greene,Stoll,King,Voynov…
[Reply]
Gail Web Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
@andy,
Hi and yes the time is now finally is coming true, hope our boys and men are ready, I know at least with Sutter they will almost be the rest is up to them
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
The devil opened up his case and he said: “I’ll start this show.”
And fire flew from his fingertips as he rosined up his bow.
And he pulled the bow across his strings and it made an evil hiss.
Then a band of demons joined in and it sounded something like this.
When the devil finished, The KINGS said: “Well you’re pretty good ol’ son.
“But sit down in that chair, right there, and let me show you how its done.”
The devil bowed his head because he knew that he’d been beat.
He laid that golden fiddle on the ground at The KINGS feet.
The KINGS said: “Devil just come on back if you ever want to try again.
“cause I told you once, you son of a gun, WE’RE the best there’s ever been.”
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@MeanMrMustard,
Bravo Bravo!!! …(Standing Ovation)
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
@MeanMrMustard, Nice and mean .
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
@MeanMrMustard, Georgia peaches covered in/by Mustard!
[Reply]
andy Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 8:19 am
@MeanMrMustard, I think you are a bit premature don’t do think? 1 game at a time! 1 shift,1 PP,1 PK,1 period! This is going to be a long and drawn out series with plenty of ups and downs so hold on there son…
[Reply]
Still gotta play Kings hockey, stats and tendencies mean nothing. Stanley Cup on the line changes everything
[Reply]
Why use the AM version. The real version doesn’t say “son of a gun”.
[Reply]
Because its good to be a King and I’m not talking about Henrik.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
@Mikey J., Queen in my book,and Henrique is the focus now.Peddle to the metal..
[Reply]
Are you kidding me! They aren’t going to NJ until Monday with the series starting on Wed. They should have already gone to the east coast to get ready. I hope they are working hard here. Here there is a lot of distractions. Game one will really tell the tale of this series.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
@Cathy, I like your attitude, but stay in check this will be a tough series. save a little emotion for when it matters because the cup is a tough deal mostly.
[Reply]
This is brutal with so much time to wait, but let’s not forget that we have had long waits for each series and come out and won every time. Our goalie is better, our team is healthier, and our destiny is greater!
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
@kings_fan_for_life, Destiny? What’s that?
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
May 26th, 2012 at 11:58 pm
@kings_fan_for_life, Can you imagine what it must have felt like for a death row inmate while he/she was waiting for his/her DOE? That’s how NJ must be feeling…..just saying IMHO
[Reply]
andy Reply:
May 27th, 2012 at 8:15 am
@kings_fan_for_life, The Kings collectively better not think this is going to be a cake walk because if they do then it could be 2-0 Jersey in no time flat and with that a pretty serious lead and over and done by my books! Kings have to dictate the tempo and take it to the Devils right off the hop. Kings better not be taking the Devils lightly which some may…Our first line,second and third lines better be doing most of the scoring. Not sure the Kings will be able to contain Kovalchuk,Parise,Zajac,Zubrus,Henrique,Elias and Clarkson.Even Devils 4th line scares the crap out of me!!! I know we have some terrific players on our side but do we match up well against the other side?History has taught me a valuable lesson don’t under-estimate the dog!!!Kings better not!!!Everyone on the Kings need to bring their A-games…
[Reply]