In two of the first three rounds in these playoffs, the New Jersey Devils lost Game 1. Both times, against the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers, the Devils came back to win Game 2 (on the road both times). So the Kings know they will get a tough game from the Devils in Game 2, and both teams know they probably can’t put too much stock into what happened in Game 1.
By all accounts, neither team was really satisfied with the way they played in Game 1. The Devils had a tentative start, and the Kings weren’t happy with the way the game got away from them at times in the last 25 minutes or so of regulation. So even though the Kings pulled out the victory in overtime, Jeff Carter and Jonathan Quick came away with great respect for the Devils and know the Kings will need to be much better in Game 2…
JEFF CARTER: “I thought they played as hard as anybody we’ve seen in the playoffs so far. They’ve got a great forecheck. They get on you quick. They’ve got a lot of speed up front, with their forwards. They close quick and they apply a lot of pressure. I expect them to be better in the next game.’’
QUICK: “They’re great on the forecheck. They create a lot of speed in the neutral zone, and those are two of the biggest areas that we need to take away in order to have success. … They’re going to come out and fight hard. We’ve got to bring the game that we know we can bring. We didn’t bring it last night. I don’t think they brought theirs either. I think the pace is going to be a little quicker and maybe a little more physical. We’re going to do our homework and watch tons of video and be as prepared as possible.’’
On the Devils’ side of things, not surprisingly, they’re talking of a better start. The Kings got the better of the first period in Game 1, and the Devils are intent upon not letting that happen again, as Ryan Carter explained.
RYAN CARTER: “We kind of sat back, waited to learn them a little bit. That obviously is a mistake. We should have gone out there and played our game. We’ll … watch the video, learn from it. They’re a good group. They’ve got some strong D, obviously a good goaltender. We got to find ways to keep the puck away from the goaltender, get our forecheck going, get back to our game. I think we’ll learn quite a few things from that last one.’’
Get out in game 2 like, well, all the other game 2′s…
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Donald_S Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:45 pm
@DBking,
Odd, they keep talking about not letting Quick get the puck on dump ins. It’s the weakest part of his game, puck handling.
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We are gonna have to play way better this game…
If we wan’t to go up 2 games….
DD better keep his head up and mellow down a bit..
We were lucky to win that game…
Weird being a Kings fan..NEVER get to comfortable with our play…
This could be the toughest series yet….
We will know more after tomorrows game..
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DesertKing Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@SLIM,
I don’t think we were lucky, but I do agree that the boys will need to play better to take Game 2.
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Deke'r Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:06 pm
@SLIM, ….they were lucky to get 1 goal….
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CB14 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:52 pm
@Deke’r, Yup. Kings 2 goals were clean, Jersey didn’t even deserve the one they got.
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YoBro Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@CB14, Amen.
Go Kings
luc20rules Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:20 pm
@CB14, While you’re right that we got clean goals, and NJ’s was a fluke. Anytime a playoff game goes to OT either team could win. My point if Fayne could shoot even within a 45 degree angle of straight NJ would have gone up and likely won. Martinez didn’t get back in time to actually change the angle of the shot, his stick hit Fayne’s stick after the puck was a foot off his stick. I think the Kings regroup and dominate(hitting, forecheck, and crowd the slot) this game and doesn’t let it come to chance Kings 4-1 victory.
Go Kings Go!
Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:15 pm
@SLIM,
Agreed.
We shut down their superstars but escaped by the skin of our teeth when the Devils’ Grade A chances fell to their lesser lights.
It will be interesting to see which coach will make the first strategic change up to the ultraconservative style both teams relied on in Game 1.
Coach DS is banking on NJD making no offensive headway, forcing Coach PDB’s hand to make the first aggressive adjustment.
Then Kings will counter and get in behind the Devils D and cause untold havoc.
That’s the theory, anyway.
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Jgomez Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:18 pm
@Duncanz, I like that theory
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Stuart Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@SLIM, Alls I knows is the next series won’t be as tough as this one!
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SLIM Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@Stuart,
I thought after we win this one..
We have to play the”best team in the world”
The Pittsburgh Penguins…
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DesertKing Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:07 pm
@Stuart,
Amen!!
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@SLIM,
What did DD do wrong that game? Apparently the whole hockey community is on his jock except some posters here.
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SLIM Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
I watched his hissy fit vs Yotes earlier today…
My reference was he will definitely be a target next game…
And he has to play with resolve…
BTW…I’m a huge DD supporter and think his play in PO’s has been outstanding…
You read that completely wrong!
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PRMan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:00 pm
@SLIM, Get over it. Drew has.
Drove from outside of Toronto for game one (about 8 hours) witth my 7 year old. Got to the game and went down to watch the warm up. A gentleman got Williams to flick a puck over the glass for my little guy, who was absolutely estatic. After the game ran into the same guy again who offered to get the puck autographed. Turned out it was Justin’s dad. He got us down to meet the players and get his puck signed by Justin. Justin was truly a class act and took time to talk to my little guy. Penner, Stoll, Carter, Gagne, King, Richardson, Nolan, Quick (among others) took the time to pose for a pic and ask my son questions. Justin and his dad truly made the trip to Newark the best possible memory one could hope for. Eternally grateful Justin! Couldnt believe we got blown off by Kopitar! Now DD on the other hand..
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DesertKing Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@Alton,
Wow that is class!
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socaljsb Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@Alton, Wow…that’s awesome. Good karma coming for Justin and the boys.
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SDKing Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:02 pm
@Alton,
Outstanding!
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JAYC Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:08 pm
@Alton, Totally awesome! And me and my gf got blown off by Kopi in AZ after game1. We couldn’t believe it as well. I meet DD at frozen fury DD was nice took time to take a pic w me.
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Hockey "G" Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@Alton, Very happy for you but more happy for your son to experince that. That will leave a great impression on him for maybe the rest of his life. Question I have is what about DD?
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Alton Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@Hockey “G”,
When i approached him to get a pic taken with the little guy it seemed like a huge inconvience. Not the reaction i expected when asked to get a picture with my kid. Went down a few notches in my book.
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stagger Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@Alton,
If it wasn’t RIGHT after game one of the Stanley Cup Finals, then I would have a hard time with Doughty not being enthusiastic about having his picture taken with a kid.
However, at this point of the year, with the information you gave us, it doesn’t bother me. DD is at his best when he’s at his most intense. I’m sure it’s hard to dial that down right after a game.
I work with musicians and public speakers. I realized years ago that when a person needs to summon the ability to perform at their highest level, on a large stage, they will do whatever is necessary to get their mind in the right place. It will also take them a while to come down from the adrenaline rush that performance induces. In short, people don’t always act like themselves shortly before, or after a performance/game.
Lake Forest Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:31 pm
@Alton, Great reward as a dad to see your little one that happy. I can only imagine!
GKG
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East Coast Kings Fan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@Alton, that’s a great story. Second best I’ve heard. Best was some fellow black shirted fans who were on the train coming in from NYC and saw Luc. Got invited into his car and rode to Newark with him. Sounded iffy, but they had the picture. Awesome, (although as a dad, I do like the little guy angle of your story too.).
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cac90277 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@Alton,
That is an awesome story man. Good on ya mate. As a Kings loyalist, please don’t hold anything against some of the players. There lives are incredibly stressed right now. You see a guy like Williams and see he’s been here before. Kopi and DD, first time and very young. Some people can handle the pressure better and some need to learn it. I think we all get better with age when it comes to patients, right? I hope your son is a Kings fan forever, even if it’s his second favorite team being you all are from the east coast. Side story, my son and I met Quick at a signing and he was quiet and kind of standoffish I was sort of bummed for the kid, but had I remembered he is also a kid. And a bit sheltered in being an elite hockey player. Anyways thanks for the great feel good story.
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Alton Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 7:03 pm
@cac90277, I would never hold anything against the players. I understand the pressure they are under. Kopitar was hounded by reporters all night while we were there. He was looking forward to meet his favorite player, Kopitar, but didnt. Everyone else was more than willing to take the time for a pic, DD wasn’t as into as the rest, but all the same he took one. I do appreciate the fact that we were lucky enough to have this happen and am grateful for the experience.
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They sat back and waited to learn us a bit? LOL! Really??
Devils Round 4 Game 1 rule: observe your oponent while taking notes on how to play hockey.
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Diego Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:01 pm
@thecupinla,
They had great seats to watch from.
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Danny Ingamells Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:00 pm
@thecupinla,
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I think that the Kings should win Game 2 because the LA Kings are really good for the road games the kings will do the same thing for game 1 and game 2
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As has been noted more than once, most, if not all, of the Kings’ four opponents during this playoff season have talked about ‘playing a bad game’ or ‘playing their worst game(s) of the playoffs” versus L.A.
I seem to recall a lot of hitters having their ‘worst batting days’ facing Koufax, Drysdale, Nolan Ryan….
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Sandy Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:28 pm
@Chris Chllcott, Well said Chris, everyone has a bad game after a loss, but truly the Kings did not look good at all. We will take it.
The Devils are going to have a really bad game Sat.
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PRMan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:03 pm
@Sandy, Will we see their Game 2 where they rally? Or our Game 2 where we dominate even more than Game 1? That’s the question.
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Devils are so poor… I stepped on the ice at the Prudential Center and and they said “Leave the AC alone!”
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vplaza Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:24 pm
@MmmmYummy,
Devils are so poor…..because they gave Kovalschmuck all of their money. They need to go on the street corner with a sign saying something about Ninjas and their family.
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MmmmYummy Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@vplaza, Devils are so poor… even the republicans are willing to give them tax abatements.
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Johnny12 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 6:58 am
@MmmmYummy, the devils are so poor they can’t even pay attention.
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Big Difference on loosing the first game and then coming back in game 2 for the Satan’s…. they were on the ROAD. This is in NJ and they lost the first game — we got them reeling boys. Don’t let up and keep the pressure on.
Leave it all on the Ice!!!!!!!!! (If there is what is known as “real” ice for Game 2….) The NHL should really get on the Prudential Center for such piss poor conditions.
We Believe!!!!!!!!!!! (and we can’t wait to welcome the Kings Home on Monday night!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
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FdoFmFull Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:55 pm
@Finesse Hockey, Beautiful! That’s exactly the point I want to make.
The difference in the two previuos series in which they lost is that being road games, you expect to lose to the home team, so winning the 2nd game is great because you “steal” one before going home and negate the home-ice advantaage.
As you mention @Finesse Hockey, in this series, they lost the first as the HOME TEAM – big difference! Now, even if they win tomorrow (spit to the side), they will have already lost home-ice advantage and they have to win a road game to become champions.
On the other hand, Game 2 is DO-OR-DIE for New Jersey, IMO!
Go Kings Go!
Cheers!
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Enjoy!
http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/clip688654#clip688654
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Lead Feet Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:47 pm
@California Royalty, awesome!
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OT – On Kerry Fraser’s blog on tsn he posted this with re to embellishment. it sounds a lot like what I thought shoudl be done to halt some of it. Who knew?! Now if the league would just start enforcing it!!
The only way to stop it (embellishment) is for the referees to lay the hammer down and assess penalties whenever they occur in a game. Off the ice, the maximum fine has to be levied followed by suspensions as prescribed in Rule 64.3. I am sure you haven’t read many announcements relative to the enforcement of this rule so I will post it here.
Rule 64.3 (fines and suspensions) – “Regardless if a minor penalty for diving/embellishment is called, Hockey Operations will review game videos and assess fines to players who dive or embellish a fall or a reaction, or who feign injury. The first such incident during the season will result in a warning letter being sent to the player. The second such incident will result in a one thousand dollar ($1,000.00) fine. For a third such incident in the season, the player shall be suspended for one game, pending a telephone conversation with the Director of Hockey Operations. For subsequent violations in the same season, the player’s suspension shall be doubled (i.e. one game, second suspension-two games, third suspension-four games, etc.)”
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@Stuart,
OT, maybe – When people in SoCal stop driving round like maniacs and less speeding and stop sign violatory tickets are written, the focus will shift to jaywalking and people turning corners and skimming bike lanes.
Not only so the city/state coffers can be replenished, but because the letters to the Editor (of the OCR, lol) and therefore the paper’s editorials will all reflect these “newly discovered scourges to the community”.
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Justin Williams is absolutely a class act!
With focus on the prize at a premium, and excessive fan contact putting players at risk of getting distracted – I believe that the players have been advised of this from early in the campaign by the powers that be – Justin Williams, when leaving the final TSC practice last Sunday, drove through the security gates, stopped his car, got out, and signed and posed for photos for the 40 or so kids and adult afficionados waiting outside.
Several of the others came to the gate to greet the fans or stopped briefly to sign through the window.
But J Dub distinguished himself by going over and above!!
He won so much respect and love fron those that were there.
@Alton, Agree about AK#11.
Whatever he’s learned about minimizing fan contact, he’s taken it to the extreme.
I won’t say anything more about that in here.
GJW#14G & GKG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lead Feet Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@Duncanz, Thats awesome. Were you there?
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Stuart Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@Duncanz, maybe he’s a germaphobe? did he shun you when you went to TSC?
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@Lead Pipe,@Stuey,
Yes.
I like to be there to wish the guys two wins before they embark on the roadtrips.
AK came out the other week and hung on his way to the car (seems when LAL were practicing Kings players got bumped outside), but he had the look of death in his eyes.
In the weekend, he shot by in the vehicle, no eye contact or anything.
I get it. Different personalities get psyched up over different time frames and in different ways.
No skin off my nose either, but a little goes a long way to the fans.
And I’ve got a lot of time for the way J Dub handles himself!
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I am beginning to wonder if Richards has been playing with some sort of injury…where has he been lately?
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Lead Feet Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@paige, Check out the video that California Royalty posted just a few posts above and check out how violently Richards hits the ice in that body slam from Shane Doan….Maybe that hurt him.
??
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SLIM Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:50 pm
@paige,
Richard’s has not been the same since his concussion…
I think his battle has improved lately though…
We will hear when it’s all over..
I posted about injuries without seeing you’re post..
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paige Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:10 pm
@SLIM, true. the latter half of the season was rough
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Deke'r Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:45 pm
@paige, ….playing outstanding D….
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paige Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:36 pm
@Deke’r, I am not so sure about that. I think the Richards line has had more goals against than all the other Kings lines in the postseason so far, I think. Still a Plus 2. and still one of my favorite players. I just don’t think I am seeing his best.
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Another thing we have been fortunate with
Is we don’t seem to have any BAD injuries so far
[although we will probably hear of some after the series ends]
That can really help to go all the way…
I know Gagne WAS injured…Still we’ve been quite lucky..
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Bill M. Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@SLIM, Also good to have the full roster healthy. Look at the quality guys we can swap in if there is an injury. Not often you have an injured forward and can replace him with Simon Gagne.
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CB14 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:55 pm
@SLIM, Seems like Brownie hasn’t been the same since the Smith slash and Hanzal board.
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SLIM Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:09 pm
@CB14,
I think he will show up Saturdays game…Big time.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@CB14, i would agree with this, but more the handjob board
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Deke'r Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:47 pm
@tornado12, ….whos in charge of that board…I could use one…
Stuart Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:03 pm
@Deke’r, it’s a self serve board
Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@SLIM, … plagie, b0000..
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SLIM Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:05 pm
@Duncanz,
Ah be quiet Duck fan…
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:16 pm
@SVELTE,
Sharks aren’t bad, either …
SLIM Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:28 pm
@Duncanz,
Actually the Sharts were not good this year
And are dropping by the minute….
But you know this as you post on their blog as well…
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:42 pm
@SLIM,
Check out our, er their FA & UFA lists! No one of any note will be leaving.. Might make moves for DP & JS … what’s SP doin’ too?
Next season could be revelationary!
(Where’s @Loge Couturest when I need some love and support …?)
So about the ice and heat. I asked my friend the Devils fan (coming over for a viewing party tomorrow, since I’m back home and not going to game 2, and he gave some color. When they built the arena they claimed a state of the art cooling system, but it apparently has never worked right. Too bad. Otherwise, it’s kind of a nice building,
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@East Coast Kings Fan,
It’s America, right?
Thing’s out of date, already.
Cinq annees est l’eternite
If it aint fixed break it … completely!
Raze it to the ground and start all over again.
For the love of Hockey Gods!
Build one that functions!!
Like I said,
This is America, right?
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SLIM Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:30 pm
@East Coast Kings Fan,
Another weird thing about that building is
That backstage it was always freezing cold
So they added a lot of heaters in the ceiling…
So this comes as a surprise…
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I hope that meathead Ryan Carter DOES find a way to keep the puck away from Quick. He still struggles when playing the puck and 75% of the time it leads to a scoring chance for the opposition. If he would be more decisive with it, it wouldn’t cause as many problems. But, as long as he keeps stoppin’ em like he has, it’s just a minor inconvenience.
Go Kings
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Kenny44 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:04 pm
@YoBro, I saw that, too. He definitely needs to watch more video
Some of their best chance came off Quick mishandles. Quick’s psyche just so totally rejects the puck as an object of pure evil that he can’t bring himself to play with it. It must be stopped! It must be trapped! It must be turned away!
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Been watching the Stanley Cup Final coverage today. NJ is THE team. They are so good!! Brodeur is the best goalie in the world. NJ is playing so well and they haven’t even hit their stride yet. They are just running us over, taking charge, kicking butt. They won Game #1 so easily that the Kings shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath. I mean just look at how they ran up the score on the NY Rangers and then they played us and…… Hey, why are you all laughing? What? Huh? What do you mean we won Game #1? Nooooo, the experts know that NJ is the better team and there is nooooo way we can win so I know you guys are on the medicinal cannabis diet. Can’t believe you guys haven’t figured out we have no chance. Ok, so lets start talkng about NJ again. Now, you know that they have won Cups before and set records……
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Just enjoying the umpteenth rerun of NHL 36′s Mike Richards #10 special feature.
They have one on Lidstrom & Benn too, and maybe someone else.
That’s pretty exclusive.
Nice to see the Kings receiving constant love and more than a little well deserved “West Coast Bias”!
NHLN, which also shows (Hi @TiredOfIt!) “The Three Amigos”, etc (more unbelievable West Coast Bias) at every opportunity, is nothing short of …
T-H-E B-O-M-B !!!!!!!!!!!
GNHLNG & GKG GKG GKG GKG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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PRMan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@Duncanz, The best part:
“What’s your name?”
“Mike”
“What’s your last name?”
“Richards”
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QueenInVan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:16 pm
@PRMan, That wouldn’t happen in Philly.
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@everyone this devils team is from hell itself. There were times they passed the puck around like the harlem globetrotters. I dont see how oddsmakers made the assumption the kings were favored to win series. If LA wins next game in that hellhole arena. there is a god. The devils beat a hard nosed flyers team, then beat ny. We have not been tested this hard before. I like the notion we held down tbeir shots, but how long can we turn away the inevitable? Its called: “one slip” and the series can change. I dont think Sutter will let them too far down if tbey loose Saturday. Right now I think luck will play,a,considerable role. It is anyones hockey game. There not is clearly is “a better team” No. The Kings hav met their match.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@Danny Ingamells,
Lol. Stick around, @Danny.
I want to see what you have to say when the series goes the way ‘I’ think it will!
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Its no wonder J.Williams is so accessible and humble…arent his parents at most of his games? He is in contact with them a lot…It seems that he had a stupendous upbringing and the parents being around does calm the nerves and mellows him out probably.
I bet under the right circumstances, all Kings players would do the right thing…Anze K doesnt strike me an uncaring guy…but sometimes you just don’t feel like it.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:16 pm
@Jack, AK = Aloof kid.
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If you’re near north OC, head to Buffalo Wild Wings in Brea for game 2. GKG!!!
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Put a guard on the sticks and make sure someone checks the amount they are curved before the game! GO KINGS GO!
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New Jersey will not go quietly into the night…they are not like the other teams…in fact, they are much like our own Kings team…they will be ready to even the score tomorrow…the Kings may have to put their best effort forth that we have seen in order to remain unbeaten on the road…
That being said,…if the Kings happen to lose game 2 ( which could very well happen ) I wish not to here from the nay-sayers…the jump-shippers…who will talk of omens of ’93 and what not…
This is not your Daddys’ Kings…this is a team that plays hard and plays defense and unlike ’93,…have a goaltender…
Stop already with the doom and gloom
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g smith86 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 10:14 pm
@g smith86, Sorry KR…I speak from the brain there
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g smith86 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 10:14 pm
@g smith86, or is it KH?
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g smith86 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 10:18 pm
@g smith86, I forget…all I remember from the ’93 final was the Kings throwing the Kitchen sink at Roy and then the Havs would manage to get one scoring opportunity and score because Kelly was flopping around like a fish out of water…rediculess!!
Get Brown to have some timely and selective hits and it will not only draw the focus of the one getting hit, there will be the others wanting to send Brown a message. I really think his physical play can change the Devils focus.
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