The Kings came away from Game 1 slightly happier than the New Jersey Devils because of the final score, but only slightly happier. The Kings had a good start in Game 1, but as the game got into the third period, the Devils started to take control because of some physical play and improved forechecking. Anze Kopitar’s overtime goal — and some strong play by Jonathan Quick — allowed the Kings to come away with the victory and the series lead, but the prevailing thought among the Kings, over the last two days, is that a duplicate effort will put them in high danger tonight. Jeff Carter and Drew Doughty talked about the need for an improved effort.
CARTER: “It’s a huge game for both teams. We expect them to come out with their best effort. In front of their home crowd, they’re going to come out hard, and we’re going to have to be ready, right from the drop of the puck. … I think both teams have talked about Game 1 not being one of their best games. There’s a lot of areas that we’ve talked about and tried to clean up the last couple days, with practice and video. I think, overall, the game was a little sloppy. The puck was bouncing everywhere and things just seemed a little off, so I’m sure that will all be sharpened up tonight.’’
DOUGHTY: “I think both teams are going to be a lot better tonight. We felt like we didn’t have our best effort. Our legs weren’t there. We weren’t making the plays that we could. Darryl was harping on us that we’ve got to be a lot better. We know that they’re going to come out, especially in that first 10 minutes, and they’re going to be all over us. They’re going to be finishing their checks. They’re going to be hard on the forecheck and it’s going to be a tough game, but I definitely expect both teams to be at their best tonight, so we’ve got to make sure that every single guy in that room is prepared to play and prepared to battle.’’
Go Kings Go!
I Hate Ryane Clowe!
Go Kings Go!
Home Plate Logo gotta go!
Go Kings Go!
Snooki is a Ho!
[Reply]
stagger Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:44 am
@King Cobra,
HA! Well done!
Go Kings Go!
Those Devils really blow!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:12 pm
@King Cobra,
Go Kings Go!
Brody’s gonna be covered in snow!
[Reply]
kb Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:11 pm
@Duncanz, DODY>BRODY
[Reply]
Tonight will be an epic battle.
To quote general Maximus Decimus Meridius (Gladiator)… “At my signal, unleash hell”
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:30 am
@Coach Mike, Sounds just like his uncle, E. Pluribus Unum.
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:33 am
@Coach Mike, May the Devils spend most of the evening on their collective gluteus maximus.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:14 pm
@Coach Mike,
Vini, Vidi, Vici !
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:51 pm
@Duncanz,
You have a cousin named vinni?
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:45 pm
@Coach Mike, Maximus also said “You will see your golfing, but not yet… not yet.”
[Reply]
OscarMollersBeard Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:02 pm
@Coach Mike,
[Reply]
Roll call:
Who is starting to get weird looks from people due to length and condition of facial hair?
[Reply]
Ducksuck Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:25 am
@cortex949, Here I have got many comments on it. And just heard this is LA on kroq. The city is behind the Kings!
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:29 am
@cortex949, Who care’s,it’s for the greater good besides my girlfriend doesn’t like it so she don’t come around as much anymore, that’s a good thing, right?,LOL.
[Reply]
Kopi Bryant Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:30 am
@cortex949, Present… My gf says mine is a mixture of Doughty and Martinez… Solid neck beard though, lol
[Reply]
Daren Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:30 am
@cortex949, I am actually getting a lot of compliments on mine…especially from the ladies!
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@Daren,
Yeah, I’ve found my beard hides a lot of the ugly too… BAZINGA!
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:32 am
@cortex949,
Grow ‘em proud, guys, for those of us who can’t!
[Reply]
7MILforHickey Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:36 am
@FiG17, i work at applebees and was forced by possible unemployment to shave mine after the vancouver series :[ cant look like a hobo in the neighborhood i guess
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:47 am
@7MILforHickey,
That sucks.
I just don’t have the necessary chromosome. lol
DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:50 am
@7MILforHickey, Tell um “I look like a man, not a hobo”
CB14 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:45 am
@cortex949, Yup. I typically have a beard anyways, but this is the longest it’s ever been. Haven’t shaved since March.
[Reply]
Bluecoconuts Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:47 am
@cortex949, I grow a very weak beard, but I keep it. I’m visiting St Louis for my girlfriend’s family, they gave me a hard time till I told them it was for the playoffs…. Then they just hung their heads in shame.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:51 am
@Bluecoconuts, Shame that your girlfriend chose you or shame that your beard is a result of the Blues shortcomings?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@LA_1968, a little from column A and a little from column B…..just kidding
stagger Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:47 am
@cortex949,
Mine’s pretty ugly. I’m not even trimming during the finals.
I’m getting pretty sick of explaining it too. Next year I’m going to get a t-shirt that says “It’s a playoff beard, look it up.”
[Reply]
DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:50 am
@cortex949, It’s normal for me….
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@cortex949, For game days I purple the lamb chop & fooman part. Talk about comments when on a beer and ice run.
[Reply]
40 yr fan Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@cortex949, Not only are people trying to buy fried. Hicken from me, but I didn’t shave either for
my mother in law’s funeral nor my son’ s college graduation. I’ve waited
43 years for this opportunity to look grungy for a good reason.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:08 pm
@cortex949, Is your more like Doty’s or Kopidors.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@cortex949,
It’s got so bad, I only leave the house on game days for fear of frightening the neighbors!
[Reply]
Hockey "G" Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:30 pm
@cortex949, I have told multiple times that hopefully the Kings can win quickly so I can shave since this is longest that I have gone without shaving…The people that have had beards or goatees for life, you have to admire them since I am having a hard time keeping mine from going into my mouth when I eat.
[Reply]
puckhandler Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:48 pm
@cortex949, It’s so long I have to reintroduce myself to people I already know! Longest it’s ever been, and the only reason I’d ever go this long without shaving. So worth it though!
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:00 pm
@cortex949,
Present or accounted for, sir.
Here’s me listening to game radio…
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7322777506_e0aa5e68e4.jpg
[Reply]
paige Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:34 pm
so i can’t grow a beard, but my bf has begun calling me “the psycho that lives at my house” just because I say little things like, “Oh look, Jordan Nolan bought a bunch of war-themed dvds for the plane ride to Jersey. I love where his head his at.” He thinks it’s weird that I would know that (thank you, Mayors Manor). I think it’s perfectly normal. But I have to admit, it’s my post season superstition that is killing me. Mine is that I have to be really good and nice to everyone – be a courteous driver, fix my mom’s computer, give homeless people money and waiters 35 percent tips, take on all the hard assignments at work, be nice to the bf, bla bla bla. Had I known the Kings would go so far, I would have given this serious second thoughts…
[Reply]
KJ Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 7:09 pm
@paige, Love it!!!
[Reply]
This is so cool having the Kings in the Finals!
[Reply]
Kings need to be mo, better.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 4:05 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
The Mo’ Better Crew.
[Reply]
The reason why the Kings are playing so well is because they went back to the silver and black color scheme. The glittery purple had to go. Even Gretzky talked about the positive impact the new jerseys had on the team.
[Reply]
DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 11:52 am
@Tyler, No No No No No No …….seriously? The only drawback of finally winning the cup is doing it with these awful jerseys
[Reply]
Dom Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:43 pm
@DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy, LOVE the new jerseys…!!! Getting told from a lot of fans around the league that the road jersey is the best in the NHL….!
[Reply]
tory17 Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:55 pm
@Dom,
I agree the road gear is outstanding,love the way it looks
Gustavo Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 3:37 pm
@Dom,
You love new jersey???????…shame on you, lol
Kingsfanforlife Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:05 pm
@Tyler, Yes, love the black and white….I believe we are better with these colors also! Although purple is a royalty color it just softens things a bit.
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:38 pm
@Tyler, I understand where your coming from but just a touch of Forum Blue for tradition would be cool. GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
chuy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:07 pm
@Tyler, “Does the purple jersey make my butt look big?”
Really? Come guys, I dont care if they are in pink, Just win baby!
[Reply]
stromtrooper Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:09 pm
@Tyler, first time i saw the new logo, i said wt.., then it grew on me. Now i love it and i think anything with purple makes me want to puke. Nothing but black and silver garb for me.
[Reply]
i just wanted to say this….
whoever the kid is that ran down the stairs, and jumped spiderman style onto the glass after frasers goal
is my freaking hero that was so sick
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:19 pm
@7MILforHickey, I loved that too. That kid was fired up. I hope he’s there tonight as well.
[Reply]
LuckyEleven Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@7MILforHickey, me too. That was bad @$$! I hope he’s there again tonight!!! GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
my beard makes nolan’s beard look as good as pencakes!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:23 pm
@3Bcrown,
GRANMA!!!
I didn’t know you posted here!
[Reply]
I have not been able to grow a beard because I am interviewing for a bigger, better job. I am still Go KINGS Go since ’88 when I was a 17 year old kid and first noticed hockey because of Gretzky’s arrival in LA.
[Reply]
For me, the game 1 could not have worked out better. If they would have won 2-0 or more they might have been a little overconfident for tonight. I think that game got their attention.
[Reply]
lowegirl Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@LA_1968,
Well said.
[Reply]
I think “gap control” will play an integral role against a team that has no choice but to come out hard. This will also disrupt any kind of offense they will try and implement.
Doughty can’t be disturbed checking kovalchuck…he’s got to be able to continue that.
[Reply]
Brad Doty for president!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:25 pm
@Scoobby, Un-Doty-bly!
[Reply]
Hey Kings fans — We all know what the team does to get prepared and focused for a game: morning skate, pregame meal, pregame nap, pregame snack, a little soccer in the hallway to get warmed up, etc. etc.
I’m still figuring out my own game-day routine, but what’s yours? What are you doing today to get ready for Game 2??
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:22 pm
@Dave K., I have to stay busy and not think constantly about the game or I’m a mess by game time. About two hours before I’ll start reading this blog and prepare to get “in the zone”.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@Dave K.,
•Read your post (duh)
•Coffee
•Watch replay of Game 1 (good workmanlike curtain-raiser)
•Clean up
•Admire unkempt playoff face
•Get dressed in hockey jersey (and some other stuff)
•Step outside and decide where the best fanatical KINGS company will be for today’s Game 2
Hmmmmm ………………………
[Reply]
Dave K. Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:40 pm
@Duncanz,
Sounds like a good routine!
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@Dave K.,
Before the game, I take my dog for walking and do it counterclockwise (that’s very important). I put my lucky puck in front of the flat screen. I start watching the game with TV volume exactly “35″ and before the 2nd period I change it to “37″, and “39″ for the 3rd. If OT is needed it will be “41″. Call me stupid but this is the most important game day ritual for me and I’d make sure everything is in order.
[Reply]
Dave K. Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:38 pm
@goldielocks,
Excellent. Rituals are important! GKG!
[Reply]
puckhandler Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@goldielocks, funny, on game days, I’ve been doing something similar with the car radio. except, I have to keep them on someone’s jersey number. only listen to the radio at 23, 28, or 32 mostly now. when exiting the car, leave it on 11 or 8.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:47 pm
@Dave K., dealing with the wife and three kids trying to pressure me into making a decision on putting an offer on a bigger place.
Apparently, I have to make a decision based off emotion (AKA my wife).
Cant wait until it’s game time. Going to a friends house to watch with other fans!
[Reply]
Dave K. Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:39 pm
@Lake Forest,
If the Kings win tonight, make a healthy offer. If the boys fall short, tell your family you’re not in the right frame of mind to splurge!
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@Dave K.,
Get drunk and try to forget how long it is until the game starts…
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@Dave K.,
Sex with the wife…:)
[Reply]
working overtime to help pass the time,,,can’t wait!
[Reply]
They will for sure have to be better. Don’t think our goal tending can get any better, the only goal they scored was not even off their stick and our defense was fantastic as well only allowing that one bad bounce to get through. As for the offense, they are smart, fast and bigger, so put that all together with a better game and no one will have the chance to beat LA! (so tired of hearing that chance) Much prefer; “GO KINGS GO:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
oopppppppsss “chant”
[Reply]
Hey, Zach. I love you, man. I really do. I want to see you in Kings’ jersey someday cause you’re awesome player. But … man … calling your teammates over to the conference champ trophy was mistake. You did it as if it was the last chance to take a team photo while our captain, Brownie, saved it for the other cup. Well … I guess it was the right thing to do cause you really don’t have a chance to touch the other one this time. Perhaps, the next season, you’ll have a chance to hoist it as a King.
[Reply]
The one thing I absolutely dreaded going into these playoffs was the thought of overtime games. But the team’s performance in OT has been like a dream within a dream. It’s all almost too good to be true. (They say that watching movies requires the willing suspension of disbelief. Seeing the Kings’ absolutely incredible playoff run is the same…except for the fact that what we’re shaking ourselves to accept is happening for real.)
GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:54 pm
@Ron Reynolds,
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day
In a vision, or in none
Is it therefore the less gone
All that we see or seem
Is but a “dream within a dream”
[Edgar Allan Poe, 1850]
[Reply]
Ron Reynolds Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:04 pm
@Duncanz,
Bravo!
[Reply]
*** Just off the wire:
H Tallinder, the ‘listless Lidstrom’, will not, repeat NOT dress for the NJDs for Game 2, tonight.
Phew, I mean PHEW!
Don’t know about you guys, but I haven’t slept in 3 nights from agonizing about this one.
Now, just maybe we have a chance ….
[Reply]
Itchy Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@Duncanz,
Are you allowed to wear lawlerskate on that lawlercoaster?
[Reply]
Theres a story on sports net .ca about a tatoo artist in venice offering free Kings tatoos if we win , and half of during the playoffs. pretty cool.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@rumpa#19,
Genius promo to the skinartophiles..
[Reply]
I’m sure this has been said before but if D.Sutter isn’t Coach of the Year there should be a special prosecutor…
[Reply]
3Bcrown Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@Poppa K, it’s already a fact that he won’t. he’s not one of the 3 finalists.
[Reply]
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]