There’s nothing “routine’’ about playing in the Stanley Cup Finals, but the Kings will try to get in as much of a normal routine as possible heading into Game 1 on Wednesday. Tomorrow, the Kings will head to Prudential Center for a practice at noon Eastern time, following the New Jersey Devils’ practice. After practice, the Kings will participate in their end of the league’s “media day’’ session, which is really just a longer, more extensive media-availability session than the Kings would normally do. After a bit of down time, the Kings will — as is typical on the road during the playoffs — meet for dinner and a final big meeting before they rest up for Wednesday’s morning skate.
As for what the Devils are up to, here are a couple items from the local media…
Devils’ Ilya Kovalchuk says there is a little extra motivation facing Kings
Devils’ Henrik Tallinder is cleared to play in Stanley Cup finals
There’s nothing “normal” about Newark!
GkG!
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 7:11 pm
@FdoFmFull, There’s an episode of the Rockford Files where he has to go to Newark. Rockford, a standup LA guy, hates the idea but goes and is taking cracks at Newark and Jersey the whole time.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
@LA_1968, Gotta check out that episode of Rockford Files – thanks @LA_1968!
My analysis on how the Devils will try to shut down the Kings’ top line.
The Kings Kopitar Line was far and away the best in the recent WCF series.
Tippett tried everyone and everything to slow them down and could not. This line outchanced all other lines, from either team, by a wide margin.
You better believe that the Devils brain trust considers slowing down Kopitar’s line as vital to their chances to win the Stanley Cup.
How will the Devils try to shut down the Kings’ top line?
My guess is that DeBoer will first try matching his third line, Ponikarovsky/Josefson/Clarkson against Brown/Kopitar/Williams. The likely defensive pair will be Bryce Salvador/Marek Zidlicky, though the Volchenkov/Harrold combo may not be out of the question either.
If Kopitar and Co. skate out of their zone with the puck, the Devils will attempt to stop them in the neutral zone, or at least channel them to the outside. This is where Kopi’s puck handling and Brown’s speed need to prevail to avoid having to dump and chase, which plays into the Devil’s strategy/ Brodeur’s puck-handling.
On the other hand, on OZone face offs, the Kings can either deploy Kopi’s line, or alternatively, Stoll’s line with their excellent play along the boards and ability to cycle. Of course, Richards line is never a bad choice in the OZone!
It’ll be interesting to see what matchups the Devils coaching staff go after early in this series and what results they get. They certainly don’t want to pit either of their top 2 lines against the Kopi line and end up being snuffed out. Not only is Kopi’s line great in outchancing anyone else, but they defend extremelly well…
The next series of chess moves will be very interesting – from both coaches!
GkG!
Cheers!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 4:03 am
@FdoFmFull,
Chess!!
Here is Wiki’s definition of the “Kings Indian Attack”:
(Get a butchers at this, @Shakes!)
• A closed, strategic opening
• Presents its practioner with a comfortable middlegame vs various defenses
• Involves a central push leading to a central bind and Kings side space
• Also to concrete attacking chances on the Kings’ side.
• Assymetry often leads to violent middlegames
• Also to neatly constructed winning nets involving sacrifices
(• Game can be won whether practioner is Black or White!)
All of us Knights from around Staples are in sync!
GKG GKG GKG GKG !!!!!!!!
Chess/Cheers!
Zeley Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 8:58 am
@FdoFmFull,
I have read that Ponikarovsky has been moved to the first line. However, I did not pay attention as to who was taking his place on the third line.
FdoFmFull Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
@Zeley – you’re right! Here’s what their lines look like lately:
Zach Parise-Travis Zajac-Dainius Zubrus
Alexei Ponikarovsky-Adam Henrique-Ilya Kovalchuk
Patrik Elias-Jacob Josefson-David Clarkson
Ryan Carter-Stephen Gionta-Steve Bernier
I don’t know enough about the Devils to speculate why the coaching staff made this alteration. Comments?
Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 7:55 pm
@LA_1968, Ahhh… Rockford and The Kings, two of my favorite things in life!
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose, I went through all the episodes on Netflix. Finished about a year ago. Guy cracks me up. My kind of guy.
Jon G Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose, Me too! The New Jersey episode is one of the best. Rockford’s watch gets stolen at the airport and then his rental car gets stolen while he’s chasing the guy who took his watch. Then he has no money because his traveler’s checks were not American Express.
LA_1968 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Alright… What about the one where Rockford casually mentions to Angel that a friend of his died. Later in the show, Rockford goes over to Angel’s apartment for some help, and finds his deceased friend’s stuff all over the apartment. Angel: “He’s dead! He doesn’t need it any more!” Hehehe.
IceGuy Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 11:02 am
@Kings win, Ducks lose,
Ring.
BEEP.
“This is Jim Rockford. Leave your name and number and I’ll get back to ya.”
“Jim it’s Dean. I’m really thrilled that you found Penner’s heart for us. I got you 2 seats for the Cup Finals. Unfortunately, they’re in Jersey.”
Theme Music.
Jon G Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
@LA_1968, I thought about that episode when I had my own 10-day business trip to New Jersey a few years ago. The airline lost my luggage and someone set off the fire alarm at the hotel at 5AM while it was raining.
Despite all of that I actually enjoyed my time there, although granted I wasn’t in Newark.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 3:37 am
@LA_1968,
What a collection of memories on Memorial Day!
Inside the “Joe” an extraordinary, strange hush falls over the already extraordinarily strangely hushed empty seats …
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Just prep like you have all post season. Do not change the winning formula!
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Diego Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 7:50 pm
@Mars,
I agree, stick with the normal routine as much as you can. If you start tweaking your MO it breaks the business as usual approach and puts more pressure on the Kings. Shift/Period/Game.
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David R Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:27 pm
@Mars, Ill tell you what hasnt gotten normal for me, listening to that guy whose does the play by play, doc or whatever, i have enough anxiety as it is watching these games, but this guy has to increase my anxiety just announcing there is a commercial break, and any shot comes within the parking lot distance of the net is announced like a bomb went off in the building. I think he has some stock in dvr technology, his plan is to make us all get it and sync it up to the radio broadcast so we dont have to listen to him. i would if i didnt spend all my money on tickets. seriously though, can we get something going, they guy is terrible, i lose my mind listening to him
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 5:00 am
@David R,
” OF THE PIPE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 5:00 am
Lol, “OFF”
JS Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 6:25 am
@David R, I also hate when he says players “knife” or “pitchfork” the puck. Emrick uses some weird verbs.
If only we had Bob and Jim in the booth.
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Watching the Angel game. Weaver left in the 1st inning with a back injury, we are lucky to be tied 4-4 in the 3rd, but the best thing is that every time they show a left handed batter, you can see a proud Kings fan sitting in the first few rows, wearing his Kings Stanley Cup (yes, “Stanley Cup”) Final t-shirt and King’s hat. Just beautiful.
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g smith86 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
@DesertKing, yea …noticed that too..switching back and forth between them and the dodgers…Kings fever is spreading!
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Spidey35 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
@DesertKing, That’s pretty cool, especially in duck country (anaheim).
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Kenny44 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:20 pm
@Spidey35, They may claim it’s “Duck country”, but not without challenge from us Kings fans in the OC
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Goring 19 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:43 pm
@Spidey35, I live in Yorba Linda, Selanne used to live close by, went to the same Ralphs. Talk about living in quack country, everything around here is ducks. But believe you me, I love to wear my crown shirt when I go out right about now, get a lot of stares that says, “I can’t believe you guys are in the finals and we’re not” loving every minute of it…..
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Andros Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 12:52 am
@Goring 19, yeah I get a lot of that when I go to Disneyland, lately.
David R Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:34 pm
@Spidey35, yes the OC has more Kings fans than ducks fans I would argue. And if you account for REAL fans, hands down there are more Kings fans. Ducks fans come out only when ducks are playing well, Kings fan are out all the time, like myself wearing my kings hat wherever i go win or lose. the kings fans in oc were here before the ducks were even around and we will be here after we pass them up with stanley cup championships!
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KC23 Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 12:23 am
@David R, He speaks the truth. Spent some time in OC and there are plaenty of King’s fans. True King’s fans.
Tenspot Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
@DesertKing,
Even saw some Kings hats down here in OC at the hotel I work at this weekend, was cool to see and yell “Go Kings Go!” at them. I don’t get to yell at our guests all that often…
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g smith86 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:58 pm
@Tenspot, Hey man…I have lived in OC most of my 43 years…believe me, there are plenty of Kings fans down here…they all have been hiding…there’s always enough room on the band wagon, eh?
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Tenspot Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@g smith86,
Hehe I hear you man, was typing that when you posted
Kenny44 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@g smith86, Hiding? Forget that! I wear my Kings gear proudly wherever I go in OC, even when I go to hockey games at Honda Center that don’t feature the Kings. In fact, when I took my son to his first game there, before the teams took the ice he got up and chanted “Go KingsGo”! Some nice lady informed him that the Kings weren’t playing that night, and asked wouldn’t he like the Ducks to win. He was beside himself – “Ducks?! Not the Ducks! Quackquackquack . . .”
So, no, we’re not hiding at all. The only thing hiding is the free Ducks towel that’s in my car wash bucket.
David R Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
@g smith86, I am with Kenny 44, I were Kings stuff all year long and Im in the heart of OC, sure you are seeing more bandwagon people, and even some duck traitors, but there was is and always will be real kings fans in the OC
Tenspot Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
@Tenspot,
Actually, to be honest there are quite a few Kings fans down here, it’s how I became a fan. Watched the Ducks first cup run they lost with my Kings fan buddy and fell in love with the sport, then he gave me a history lesson on the Kings and fell in love again.
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phil Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
@Tenspot, I was at Dodger Stadium tonight and they flashed the Kings logo twice on the bigscreen – first was a jersey and second was a hat. Kings fever IS spreading!
I’ve been in Newark once and that’s all I was ever prepared to do! It’s an utter cesspool!
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FdoFmFull Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
@Larry, I literaly could not wait to get the heck out of there myself!
GkG!
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I’m REALLY trying to remain even-keeled here but that usually lasts about 2 minutes. Every lead-in on NHL network has nj in it? WTF?????….ok…if that’s the way they want it then we’ll just have to win the whole(add verb here) thing.
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brian spain Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@TiredOfIt, bro, the first three rounds of the playoffs every team logo was replaced with the devils logo. All 16 teams, then 8 then 4, they finally changed the Kings logo the next day after Devils advanced past the Rangers. The guy who does the NHL front page is a Devils fan I would guess.
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g smith86 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
@TiredOfIt, Don’t worry about the coverage…I think it plays into the Kings hands…When the Kings put on another gem of a road performance, they will have to start to finally recognize this team….E.J. on NHL live gave the “intangible” edge to the Devils…all the pundits are wanting to pick the Devils so bad…it cracks me up!!! I mean, if you can’t see how good this team is playing by now…#1 seed…gone, #2 seed…c’ya, #3 seed…bye-bye…all in 14 games!
These guys just want a good final, I guess…WHATEVER!
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Tenspot Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@TiredOfIt,
And I’m so tired of hearing Nickelback, was nice they interviewed Dionne though
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David R Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:39 pm
@Tenspot, what would you rather hear, 3 days of nickelback, or one game with play by play by that doc guy who gives everyone anxiety over a missed pass….
reality is the worse cause you have to deal with both, hahahahhahahahhahah (losing my mind listening to play by play guy laugh)
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FiG17 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
@TiredOfIt,
I think you want an adjective, not a verb.
I gotta use my degree in English somehow.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
@FiG17, No….I think its a verb…It’s an action word……not a describing word…it starts with an…..its a bad word…sorry.
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Tenspot Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:59 pm
@TiredOfIt,
I believe the word of which you are discussing in the form you are referring is an “intensive”…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intensive_word_form
FiG17 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:01 pm
@TiredOfIt,
Lol, I know which word you are referring to, but in this case, even though it ends with an -ing and is commonly known as a verb, it’s being used as an adjective to describe “thing.” The term for it is “participle adjective.” It’s like when you have a sinking feeling. “Sinking,” while it’s in verb form, is being used as an adjective for feeling.
English lesson over. There will be a quiz on Friday.
Back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Zeley Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 9:18 am
@FiG17,
My degree is in Journalism. I started to response to TiredOfIt with the same message, but seeing as I came to this party late, just kept reading instead. Thanks for standing up for the language. Though you’ve got to admit, with the way English can use a typical word as a noun, or an adjective, then it catches on and society accepts it as a verb, it’s a wonder we maintain any standards at all.
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Goring 19 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:45 pm
@TiredOfIt, same old, same old. Still no respect. Same thing happened with the nucks, blues, and yotes, and we all know the outcome thereabouts….
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How did you solve the Avatar thing?
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Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 7:56 pm
@Diego, http://www.gravatar.com
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Diego Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose,
Thanks.
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DesertKing Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose,
Been trying it, every time I click “next” it dumps the image I chose.
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rontheking Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
@Diego,
I tried it…now….
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Just win the first game….
All the pieces will fall together…
We have a very good team on ice right now…
People are still shaking their heads on our development…
Dean has done a fine job of connecting the pieces…
GKG..
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@SLIM,
Well said Slim…
I hope we can just keep one game even through the first 30 minutes. By then, our pounding on their axes will start building up and the retaliation will begin. To me, that is a good sign.
I am also very appreciative of Dean. His requirement for the veteran acquisitions is to have Cup Finals experience. That’s going to pay dividends. I also like his way of not caving on deals has gone. Maybe he paid a little much for DD but we got the extra year. Also no No-Trade-Clauses. Very good stuff on top of the players he likes.
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KC23 Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 12:25 am
@SLIM, I am nevous about the first period of the first game. Long as we don’t get too far behind in that first period I think we’ll be okay.
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Was bored and reading NHL http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=632926&navid=DL|NHL|home
Seems like we are still the underdog.
I dont get why it isnt split more evenly.
Da Debs, struggles with the #3panthers (7 games), Killed the #4 Philly (goaltending faulter) Went 4-2 with the #1 rangers who squeeked into the ECF. Now that is no easy feat to get this far, but they havent faced any really tough teams.
The Kings faced #1 #2 and #3 and did it in a timely manner. They are alive and fighting like mad men. The Kings were largely discounted the entire time and fought through it all and still dont get much respect.
I do expect it to be a great series. No easy push over for either team. It will be one of the best Stanley Cup Finals to watch. Not just as a Kings fan, but because it will be amazing. Just wait!
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g smith86 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
@Mars, You would have to admit that the Rangers are a tough team to play against…not necessarily to beat, but tough to play…with that slush rink they play on at MSG…no fun going in there this time of year
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jess Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:31 pm
@g smith86, Key word, slush.
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brian spain Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:31 pm
@Mars, Mars don’t worry about what anybody thinks. Just worry about enjoying this run the Kings are on. The Devils are in the Final because they are playing well at the right time. The Kings stumbled into the playoffs by losing two in a row to the Sharks. Between the last game of the season and the first game vs, Vancouver they found something inside(probably experience) and have rolled with it for 6 weeks, Hope they can roll for another two to two and a half weeks. Doc. Emrick is going to be screaming avery time the Devils shoot the puck, you thought the last two rounds were bad. You and everybody else in here is going to be so upset by this A-TEAM of NBC. Doc. know the Kings are playing well, but NBC is from the East Coast and you will know it by the first game.
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g smith86 Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@brian spain, I will say it again, Doc Emirik could make a trip to the bathroom sound exciting…yea, I know he is the Devils own, but he will try to play it as neutral as possible…I mean, as good as BOb Miller is, there is a big difference in his call of a goal for (the Kings) versus his call when they give up a goal
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Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:51 am
@g smith86,
Emrick is a fraud. I saw a documentary where he was shown screaming and yelling in excitement, all while looking bored stiff. He doesn’t really feel excited – it’s just an act, based on what I saw. I hope I’m wrong, but I saw what I saw.
brian spain Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:59 am
@g smith86, I disagree with you about Bob Miller, Bob’s voice excitement changes on when goals are scored, if its a tie game with 30 seconds left and either team scores you can’t tell if its the Kings or the opponent from his pitch. Doc is exciting, he was screaming everytime there was a shot from anywhere, Bob cranks it up more for scoring chances. One thing Doc loves is calling 15 seconds of a minutes, like ” a quarter of a minute left or 3 quarters of a minute left”.
FdoFmFull Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@brian spain, I’ll admit that Doc calls a “fair” game, however, the disadvantages of hearing Doc call a game far outweigh any advantages.
For example, that high-pitched voice of his is akin to nails-on-mirror torture. His verbose way of describing the action is superflous and excessive. His penchant for colloquialisms and idioms only make him sound pompous and arrogant. However, the most anoying quality about Doc is the fact that he infuses a higher, louder tone to any action around the net in what comes across as a cheap, superficial way of adding excitment.
There’s a reason why someone like Bob Miller is acclaimed as a great hockey play-by-play man. It has mostly to do with calling the play in simple, straight-forward everyday english with a natural emphasis and hightened enthusiasm in his voice when it’s warranted by the action and not a millisecond before…
Oh well, I guess I’m biased.
GkG!
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David R Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:44 pm
@FdoFmFull, I agree, the guy is SUPER WACK. I cant stand him, HE CREATES ANXIETY is what he does, you think a terrorist attack was taking place when there is a missed pass. DUDE DOC i have enough anxiety as is it, just do it like Bob, tell whats going on matter of factly in case i turn my head for a second to get my beer, dont make me feel as if the world is is spinning into and joining another solar system because someone missed the net by 10 feet. the only doctor this guy doc comes close to is doctor kevorkian, BECAUSE HES KILLING ME LARRY!
KC23 Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 12:27 am
@brian spain, People forget that we didn’t have Carter in those last two games against the Sharks. As puck73 is found of pointing out the Kings are like 25 and 7 or something like that with Carter. That is crazy good.
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brian spain Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 8:03 am
@KC23, I agree KC, plus they knew they were in and those games really diidn’t mean anything, since they had clinched a spot. This is going to be one heck of a series. I think Kings have what it takes, as Long as they continue to take the body, and forcheck with tons of energy, no reason they aren’t 100% ready. They looked great in practice Sunday. I hope they can finish this dream>
King Cobra Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 8:21 am
@Mars, Also need to take in account the West is far more superior and stronger than the East.
They will have to talk about us more after we win the Cup!!!!
GKG
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I’ve called every series this year…5 sweep 5. I am feeling Kings in 5 again.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
@Daren, Nice job!
Kings in 6 @ home!
GkG!
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Daren Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 10:37 pm
@FdoFmFull, Yeah…I hope to see them skate the cup on home ice!!
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terrycrusostie Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:57 am
@FdoFmFull, Better yet, Kings in 4 @ Home!
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David R Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:47 pm
@Daren, well go bet then, but could you call it for raising the cup at game 4 or 6 please?
I havent called all the series, but all the Kings ones I have, Kings in 4
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Matt George Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 6:54 am
@David R,
I just don’t see how they could stop us IF … IF we play at our top level.
Kings in 4.
oh yes.
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19 games? I’m going one more than that…Kings in 6…20 is a good hand in black jack…but you know,…I could see the Kings sweeping too
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m.r.morris Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 8:39 pm
@g smith86, Dont they say you are to hold at 17? I guess in this case it will have to be 18. I still think the Kings in>>>>_____<<<< put our answer here! I have no clue but it is going to be an amazing series…
GOD Save the Kings… Fidei Defensor
GO KINGS GO
GO KINGS GO
GO KINGS GO
GO KINGS GO
LONG LIVE The Los Angeles Kings…
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“Devils’ Ilya Kovalchuk says there is a little extra motivation facing Kings”
I’ve got to believe the feeling is mutual among some of the Kings players and management. As a good a player as Kovalcuk is, he essentially wasted our time and was never serious about signing with us. At the end of day, he did us all a favor and I like our chances without him. That said, here is my “Ode to Kovalchuk” …
Kovalchuk, Kovalchuk,
We’ve not forgotten you spurned us
Should have been a King
If you wanted a ring
We’re glad that you didn’t join us
You came to town
With your wife in tow
Just to see the scenery
Kovalchuk, Kovalchuk,
You only wanted more greenery
Now the cup is on the line
Each game becomes more serious
Kovalchuk, Kovalchuk,
We’re glad that you didn’t join us
Beware of Brown
He’ll make you frown
When you don’t pay attention
Kovalchuk, Kovalchuk,
We will get our redemption
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Tenspot Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@MD16,
Haha Nice! +100 MEAD FOR EVERYONE!
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
@MD16, Kovalchuk skates down the left wing and OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…what a crushing hit by Brown…..oooo he’s hurt Mike…..Kovalchuk is down and he’s not moving…oh my goodness what a hit!!!
He had his head down the whole way Mike and Brown just CRUSHED him…..I hope he’s alright…this could effect the rest of the series Mike……….more to follow….Go Kings Go
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Hadley Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
@MD16, in a similar vein, there is an “Ode to Anze” presently on youtube, recorded by the angel-voiced Kelly Gerner. It is to the tune of the Jagger-Richards song, “Angie,” and sample lyrics include:
Anze, Anze, when will those clouds all disappear?
Anze, Anze, where will you lead the Kings from here?
With our tickets in our hands and some t-shirts for the fans
You can say we’re satisfied
But Anze, Anze, what about all those nights we cried
Anze, you’re beautiful, you see the net with those doe eyes
Anze, we all love you, and you will lead us to the prize
All the dreams we hold so close, turn the Devils into toast
Or maybe serve them up deep-fried
Oh Anze — Anze
We know you’ll lead the Kings from here
Oh, Anze you’re a beast, every night is now a feast
You flick your stick, we say good luck
But Anze, Anze, you will always own the puck
With great Quickie in our goal and with winning in our soul
Can you say we’re satisfied
But Anze, we all love you baby
Lord Stanley’s Cup is in your eyes
There ain’t a playe that comes close to you
The L.A. Kings will never die
Anze, Anze, ain’t it good to be alive?
Anze, Anze, lift the Cup up to the sky.
A possible link to the youtube video of “Ode to Anze” is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xxZpD56qOE
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OC Kings Fan Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 12:22 am
@Hadley, Beautiful!!
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Rangers gave the devils way too much room on the PP. Ain’t gonna happen with LA.
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Robert R Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
@jess, We let Doan walk out from behind the net in game 4 (power play goal). Can’t make that kind of defensive breakdown again.
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KC23 Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 12:34 am
@jess, I smell another shorty in this series. I think it’ll be Richard’s this time though.
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The Devils were lucky to escape the first round…but having done so, they caught a Philly team that thought they didn’t have to play any defense, even though the goalie was playing terrible, and took care of the Flyers with ease…and then catch a tired Ranger team and took a little while but dispatched of them…
So why do I feel like the media has it backwards? To me, this is going to be the Devils toughest test yet…why are they spinning it the other way around?…”well the Kings haven’t really seen a team playing at the top of their game yet”…don’t know who said it, but i heard it… and it seems to be the sentiment amongst the media outside LA…
Hey lame east coast media…the Kings have beaten the Best team in the league…and two of the best goalies in the league in three consecutive series and by only losing twice…You all picked the nucks two win…you all had Hitchcock as coach of the year…you all thought Mike Smith was the best goalie in the playoffs…guess what?…they are all on the golf course right now…so maybe you should re-think your angles at this point,…because the Kings are for real…and they are coming to stinky-smelly New Jersey to make you all believe, once and for all, who deserves the respect…that will all come when DB kisses the cup! GKG!
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FdoFmFull Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:57 pm
@g smith86, It’s funny reading some of the Jersey fans’ comments. They’re not far different from what you say here.
For example, one fan in describing the “inferior” opposition faced by the Kings described Vancouver as weakened by a missing Daniel Sedin and a “choker” Lou. He said St. Louis was at a disadvantage withour Halak, and that Phoenix was nothing but an opportunistic defense-oriented team with only Doan as a legit forward!
On the other hand, they see the Devils as better because they come from a more competitive Atlantic Division, including they say, having just beaten the best Eastern team in NY. Not to mention the Philly conquest as well as Florida. There’s always an implicit belief that it’s only in the East that hockey is played at the highest level and that the Kings have no idea what awaits them.
I think this is going to be a very good series.
Kings in six at Staples b!tches…
GkG!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 4:56 am
@FdoFmFull,
Interesting mixture.
Devil’s food for thought!
Both sets of fans laboring under some home cooking.
Devils made it out of Hell’s kitchen.
This series won’t necessarily be cake!
GKG
Cheers!
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
@g smith86, Very well said…+100
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“The Kings are in the Stanley Cup Final? Really? How did that happen? Never mind, they can’t beat anybody, never have, never will. #1, #2 and #3 seeds? Really? Well, they are the Kings, so what is everyone worried about. I thought that LA didn’t have a team anymore. The Rangers will wipe them out. What, the Rangers didn’t make it either? The Devils?!!! The Kings and the Devils?!!! What the hell have you people been doing?! I told you “Rangers vs. Canucks.” What was so hard about that? When I am busy vacationing 49 weeks a year and playing golf the other 3 weeks, you are supposed to handle this. Damn, now I have to present a trophy to a team in Newark or LA. Crap.” -Gary Bettman, 2012
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
@DesertKing, Wow…How true this probably is
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 4:45 am
@DessertKing,
“Oy Colin, get me Anschutz on the phone. We’ll put in a bid! Then call Maloney and tell him he’s on his way to the coast. We’re dumping all our stock in the Coyotes!!!”
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Is it Wednesday yet? Start the game already!
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Kings in 5. Sorry. No cup presentation in L.A. Just have your bubbly ready and your posse kickin it a your pad during game 5. Have fun. It’s been a good run……don’t forget to get up Sunday morning and do what ever the hell you do. I suggest going to church because you just beat the Devils and God may want to give you some props.
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Go Kings Go!!!
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I just found out that my girl friends friend has been Kyle Clifford’s gIrl friend for a bit now……. So weird
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RobSD Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
@Ashykon,
She likes the gingers huh? Sounds like a ticket hook up to me.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 4:34 am
@RobSD,
I guess it depends how many friends of his girlfriend’s girlfriend there are!
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KINGS WILL WIN BIG 4-1.
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This blog is for Kings fans. Proof you ask? 96.35% are ready for it. (as of now…)
http://lakingsinsider.com/2012/05/28/kings-devils-series-poll/#comments
GKG
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This whole thing on NHL Network, all the Jersey stats, are all totals. The Devils have played FOUR more games than us. Pretty sure that in stats “per-game” we’re on top of everything except on the PP.
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….out of respect for Marty…..Kings in 6……
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 4:29 am
@Deke’r,
Bro’, deux jeux pour Brodeur?
Non chance … bon chance!
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I’m going to Jersey to attend game 1 and to visit my hubcaps.
I sit and write about these games and the team, but the fact that after 19 years we’ve come this far seems unreal to me. We’re really going for it.
When the Lakers finally beat Boston in ’85, that seemed unreal for a while. The sports version of hitting the lottery. Total shock, happy version.
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I think it’ll play to the Kings advantage starting on the road, doubly so that both teams opened all three of their prior series on the road so NJ hasnt felt the pressure to not lose ‘home ice advantage’ (such as it is) and momentum right off the bat.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
@bbb7, Interesting angle!
GkG!
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HA…this cracks me up…Jersey over LA….HAAAAAAAAAA…typical Russian for you…has not clue…but we will show him
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Cruiznblue Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 1:26 am
@tellmeY,
Kinda like vancouver/st louis/phx over the kings?
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 4:20 am
@tellmeY,
Well, I sure hope VV#26 isn’t a “typical Russian for you”.
tellmeY you think that way.
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This long layoff is driving me crazy. I can only imagine how it’s affecting the players. I’ve gone from confident to nervous. I hope the boys can muster the nerves to really step up strong from the start of game one. Most Jersey fans are so arrogant. Would just love to shut em up! GMFKG!!!
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NamidaEurope Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 2:57 am
@LuckyEleven, couldn’t agree more! Moreover, I’m going to Hannover, Germany, so I suppose the first game I’ll see is the game 2 on Saturday. Aaaarrghhhh…. that’s not cool. Hold the line, king’s fans. GKG!!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 4:15 am
@NamidaEurope,
Zwei games later you will hopefully see Herr Bettman Hannover the Cup … to the Kaisers!
Gute Reise!
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NamidaEurope Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 5:56 am
@Duncanz, Thank you. I hope so.
actually, I’m not from Germany, but your german seems to be Gut! I’m the same as Elias, Zidlicky and Sykora, but I don’t want them win the cup. Go KINGS Go!!!!!!! I’d rather make the trip to Slovenia to see Anze with SC. 
)
Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 10:57 am
@NamidaEurope,
Czech that!
No, I remember you said before one time you were from Czech Rep. I was just riffing on the Deutshe reference.
Do me a favor, please. Post often with your special Euro perspectives on hockey and the NHL.
Rarely there are posters from around the continent, especially Slovenia, of course.
I expect to see more input from the Russian sector with the inevitable development and increase in profile of VV over the coming years.
Thankfully, these days we can all get along.
’68 has gone forever – unless you’re Jaromir Jagr!
PS Did you come into Kings fandom for AK actually or for some other reason.
As you allude, one wouldn’t blame you for being a NJD afficionado. Their CR reps have all had great seasons!
Wow I’m still here! Why! did the game start?
Where am I? I cant see, wait i see something, it looks like cup, it’s huuuuuge!!
What is it, someone help, it’s a monster of a cup, it’s sucking me in and I can’t get out!!! Hellllllllllllllllp!!!!!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 4:07 am
@Sammuch,
That cup of your’s has something in it nightly that I would like to get my hands on … and my throat around!
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Sammuch Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 5:18 am
@Duncanz,
Be careful it has this substance called beer, that’s in this cup! It can drown you!!
Have you heard of this substance? The story is this cup mix with beer is very dangerous, but if you pour it out and drink this substance called beer you will be saved! I heard of this story from something called the Hockey Gods, just be careful it almost caught me, but if it does, I shall pour this substance to save my dear life…
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Duncanz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 10:39 am
@Sammuch,
Apparently, the after-effects last well into the following morning.
I will probably avoid this dangerous substance like the plague and safely stick with my usual indulgences of a dozen shots of Jack Daniels and coke.
Are they together in the glass or otherwise, I hear you ask ….
I don’t blame Kovi for his decision. He might have been more up front about his reasons for visiting L.A., but we can’t blame his wife for wanting to see it. What we can do is send them packing after showing them and the world who the best team in hockey is.
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Dang. when we clinch the cup, I hope I don’t cry in front of my wife and kid…Yikes!! lol
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i think th elong layoff will have them springing out of the gate like Secretariat! i predict one or 2 Kings goals in the first period.
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Sammuch Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 5:27 am
@Jack,
I think the Cali horse, May I Have Another might be our good luck charm, close by in NY!
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deepsea_drumz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@Jack, Don’t be surprised if New jersey scores the first goal…And…don’t be surprised when the Kings come back and score 3 or 4 unanswered goals and set the tone for this series. Mentally, it could be over for the Devils by the 2nd game should the Kings stay unbeaten on the road. This will be a great series if your a Kings fan.
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Here’s the quote to pin up on the bulletin board:
“I’d been there before but my wife had never been there. That was the main reason why we went, so she could see what it was all about,” he recalled. “And we had a couple friends who lived there, so we spent time with them and they showed us around the area.
“I went to their practice facility and talked to their guys a little bit. That was it. Not much. I talked with (Dustin) Brown and (Matt) Greene. All that I care about is the Devils. I know I made the right decision. My family loves everything in Jersey. My kids are settled. That’s the most important thing.”
Might be good to finish an extra check or six.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:28 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, He should love the Kings, we were the team that helped him jack the price up on his contract. He probably came here to make it look like he was serious about us and screwed Lou.
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deepsea_drumz Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Priceless…….
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Hey all, I am planning a trip to New Jersey for game 2 on Saturday night. I want to leave from Southern Ontario (near Brantford, Ont) on Friday . Anyone willing to share expenses to New Jersey? Let me know – we can exchange email addys…….NJ OR BUST……GO KINGS GO!!!!
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Extra Motivation?
really?
… that makes no sense.
If WE rejected Kovalchuck then .. yes I would see the motivation thing but …
“Yeah .. I’m gonna show those damn Kings a thing or two! … that’ll teach ya to … to … try and sign me!!!!”
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Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:43 am
@Matt George,
I saw that, too, and thought the same thing. How would choosing not to sign with a team you never played with and then facing them in the playoffs be a motivator for anyone? Not a clue!
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QueenInVan Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:57 am
@Minnesota Kings Fan, Maybe he’s not sure he made the right decision after all. He needs to be reassured.
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Shakes Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:59 am
@QueenInVan, totally agree, see below!
Shakes Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:57 am
@Matt George,
It’s a wonderful point and I was trying to think of a good analogy… I have a friend who dated a girl in college and then he broke up with her and married someone else. To this day he will still say “man, I really made the right decision… I would’ve been crazy if i married the first girl, right?”
…and i feel like he keeps on saying that to try and convince himself as opposed to demonstrating a pure conviction. I think Kovi is the same ways, if he repeats that he loves Jersey enough he’ll believe it. This series is his way of proving it to himself that he made the right decision.
I mean there is something weirdly ironic that Kovi is saying NJ is the perfect place while his teammate and fellow stud Parise is having a hard time being convinced to want to stay?
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RE: some of the comments about the east coast bias on the NHL Network and other media outlets:
I think they spend so much time on the Devils because they don’t pay much attention to the western conference. They don’t know enough about the Kings to say anything meaningful, so it’s Devils this, Devils that, ad nauseum…
You should see some of the fan comments, too, about how the Kings “don’t play Eastern hockey” and that this will somehow hurt them. The Devils’ fans don’t know anything about the Kings, either. The games will take care of that. They’ll know who the Kings are soon enough.
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One problem with Newark is that the arena is fine, but there’s not a really logical bar or place to gather beforehand…
I was thinking it would be cool to have a meet-up but the reality is that getting to the arena early may be best (it’s supposed to rain anyways)
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Jack Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:57 am
@Shakes, There is a big 2 story bar 10 meters from the arena across the main entrance where the ticket windows are…
Guys, I have parked on the street for countless games there at night, and never had any issues…
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Shakes Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 7:58 am
@Jack, that could work for me – i was saying about getting into the arena not for safety reasons but b/c there’s not a lot to do right around the stadium (by the way one things neat about the arena is all the high school hockey jerseys they have up)
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Timbo from Canada Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 8:09 am
@Shakes, is there tailgating in New Jersey? I am gonna drive down to NJ on Friday….GKG
One more day. Who’s doing the T-Minus countdowns?
The anticipation is killing me. I hope we see the same team we saw in all the Game 1′s so far. I think that the Devils are a good team, but I think the Kings can create some matchup problems for them and our defense is as sound (maybe even more so) as any the Devils have faced so far.
Kings hockey for 60 minutes tomorrow night and things should go well.
Like someone else posted on the Poll thread, I’ve called Kings in 6 in every series so far, so why change? I’d be happy if I was wrong again.
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Shakes Reply:
May 29th, 2012 at 8:16 am
@vplaza, right the countdown! ok i’m on it!..see next blog post!
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Usually players with something to prove with “extra” motivation…usually will make mistakes trying to be fancy and puck handle too long to make that extra special play. Kinda like when the Kings play at home. Hanging onto the puck too long will cost Kovi and the Dev’s. I keep trying to use the fast forward on my remote to make the game arrive sooner to no avail. GO KINGS GO!!
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