As part of today’s media obligations, Jeff Carter walked into the Lakers’ practice facility, tilted his head up and took a long look around. “I’ve never been in here before,’’ Carter said. “A lot of banners.’’ NBA championship banners, that is, and if the Kings are to add a nice wall decoration to their side of the building, they will need to win two more games and they will need to play better. The Kings pulled out a big win in Game 2, but the New Jersey Devils played a strong game, and even though they trail 2-0 in the series, the Devils will try to focus on the fact that they were exceedingly close to winning both games. The Kings’ challenge is to keep the foot on the gas pedal and play their best game of the series in Game 3.
That’s why, even when lobbed a question today about the reaction of family and friends to his Game 2 overtime goal, Jeff Carter quickly turned things around and put the focus on tomorrow, not yesterday…
CARTER: “It’s exciting. It’s obviously a big moment in my career. It was a huge goal for the team. I got a lot of texts and a lot of phone calls and whatnot, but we’re back at it tomorrow night, so we have to move on from that and get ready.’’
Along those lines, Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, Matt Greene and Darryl Sutter all talked today about the need for a stronger showing in Game 3…
KOPITAR: “Obviously we’re in a pretty good position right now, and we want to take care of business now and home. We’ve got to be prepared, because they’re going to be a desperate team, obviously. We’ve got to play with just as much desperation as they will.’’
RICHARDS: “We know the Devils are going to improve, and we have to improve. That was the goal and mindset right from day one in training camp, to get better every game. We have to do that and carry the energy that’s going to be in Staples Center. It’s probably one of the loudest rinks I’ve ever played in. I think everybody here is excited. Even though we got in late last night, you could feel the energy around the building, the dressing room. Tomorrow is going to be no different.’’
GREENE: I think the (Devils’) forecheck is great right now. It’s getting a lot of things done for them that they want to get done. We want more pressure in the offensive zone.’’
SUTTER: “I think managing how New Jersey plays (is important). I think that we know both teams were quite a bit better last night than they were the first (game), in terms of execution, in terms of how they want to play. So, you have to expect that as it goes along. The reason both teams are here is because system, discipline and detail. So, you expect more system, discipline and detail, and then you expect top players always to continue to ramp their game up, or to try to find their game.’’
Just win boys. Do it pretty or ugly….blowout or OT……one game at a time. GKG
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kb Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 6:14 pm
@Coach Mike, cheers 2 th@
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Pat Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 6:37 pm
@Coach Mike, your right a win is a win this time of year, any body can say that the Devils are the better team but they have no wins!!
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Our top players are up 2-0 on their top players. The Devils outshot the Kings yesterday but game 2, in terms of effectiveness, was closer than the shot count. Sutter’s take is spot on.
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Osaka Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@Pili, The final shots were 33-32, not the wide margin some believe.
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Pili Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@Osaka, Wow. You’re right. 11-3 in OT evened it up nicely.
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BigSeeGas Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@Pili, Yeah the announcers were saying “it’s only a matter of time with the momentum NJ had in OT… The shot count states otherwise
PRMan Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 7:34 am
@Pili, NJ outplayed us during the game, but we outplayed them badly in OT again. I think we are in better shape than them.
skooma Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@Pili,
Still, Quick isn’t perfect and will let shots in from time to time. The team needs to have a cushion. Getting lucky in OT isn’t going to keep paying off.
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fsd1 Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 8:10 am
@skooma, dont think it was luck, and why not?
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Boston started the finals down 0-2 last year but that was on the road, they got to go back home after being down. NJ really has a steep hill to climb.
If NJ can feel good about playing well and losing the first two games then more power to them. The Kings need to play better and NJ can feel good. Which team is up 2-0?
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USHA#17 Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@Osaka,
Don’t know about “feeling good about it” but they have to know that with all things equal they can win each and every game going forward.
My home is the Kings play along the half boards and offensive points return to normal with the better ice surface tomorrow.
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skooma Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
@Osaka, I don’t think home ice is a particularly big advantage for anything but the party after the game.
They’ve only lost twice these playoffs and both times were at home.
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Kingstane9 Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 10:53 pm
@skooma, but never lost two in a row at home, I’m sure we’ll be at least 3:1 after these home games
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Devils are playing good there is no doubt about that. Still we have not seen a “Clean” goal from them, so hopefully we get the rest we need because Jersey will not be holding back. The first perios will be the most important. If we can continue to get the first goal then I like our chances, but with the big crowd and all the new expectations placed on our Kings game 3 will be as tough as it will get. Brown seems to be hurting, but is doing his best not to show it. He will have to set the pace and do his best to keep Jersey under control. With that said I’m still on edge and hope our boys come out and win. Like I’ve always sais, “I hate watching the Kings lose”
I would like to take this time to thank all the Insiders who posted during last nights overtime win. It was the first game of this playoff run where I stayed longed on and shared the entire game with you folks. It was OUTSTANDING!!!! Never in my life have I ever felt so close to a group of fans during a hockey game. Here in Salt Lake there has been a few “new” Kings fans which by the way is great. With my flag flying high many have stopped by wishing out team the best. I get text messages from people I know who also know how much this Kings team means to me. For the last four years I have lived Kings hockey day and night. It all started when I bought Center Ice and have watched every game. But being part of this family of Insiders has beem most rewarding. Sure we all don’t get along and sometimes people around here get down right dirty, but in the end we all want the same thing… The Cup!!! So thanks again Insiders fromn around this world, for making this season and Cup run the best ever!
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Pili Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:05 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Great post. Living here in Southwest Missouri, it has been very similar for me. The comraderie here is great, as are the different points of view and opinions. The Insiders make this a great place to hang out, and we can all thank Rich for this home.
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King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:12 pm
@Pili, Indeed Rich and his peeps has opened the door so we can all come together, but let us not forget those who make this blog site work… The fans. Everyone one of us has had a part in devoloping this wonderful blog site. @poorman we miss you and to all the out of towners We love you MAN!!!
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Pili Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Yeah when I said Insiders I meant the fans, the bunch of us lifers whose worlds right now are The World in Relation to Kings Hockey. Life is good
Adamic39 Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Well, let’s go overboard!!
;)
Michael J. Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@Pili,
Where in SW Missouri? My daughter went to school in Bolivar
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Pili Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:34 pm
@Michael J., Springfield, about a half hour south of Bolivar. Southwest Baptist?
Ray (in Dundee, Scotland) Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 6:39 am
Over the moon with the Kings. Followed them since they began. AS an OAP, who played Junior Hockey many years ago it’s unbelievable watching the NHL live on TV in the UK.Looking forward to tonight’s game. Looking for the sweep, but any Kings’ win will do. Go Kings Go!!
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Panama City King Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 11:48 am
@Pili,
I grew up in Downey, CA but my parents are from Purdy, MO southwest of Springfield. I have a couple of cousins that graduated from Southwest Baptist College.
I have been a Kings fan since 1970. Hopefully this is the year! GO KINGS GO!!!
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DesertKing Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 6:04 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
It was fun!!
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Can DS find a way(is there?)or make an adjustment to the forechecking of N.J.If we can make an adjustment or figure out how to break it…it will make game three easier for us.Iam impressed on how N.J. is playing….even thou we are up 2 0…we need to take the game to N.J. Iam sure DS feels the same way….Play to win the Cup!!!!!!!
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vplaza Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:16 pm
@neil,
NJ is not in the SCF by accident. These are the top two teams in the league right now and the Devils play their game better than the other teams the Kings have played so far.
I hate to keep beating that dead horse, but if they could just score a goal on the PP, this could be easier for them.
But, as long as they win, it doesn’t matter how the goals come. I do think the Kings need to make some adjustments to counter the NJ forecheck.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 6:05 pm
@vplaza,
Did someone mention a dead horse?
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JGSamll Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 11:59 pm
@vplaza, Please note that while we are 0-3 on the power play, they are 0-6.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 11:02 pm
@neil, When NJ dumps the puck in the Kings zone, the Kings are able to move the puck out of the zone with 2-3 passes as long as they are crisp and precise. It takes a carefully choreographed series of moves and the ability to make choices in milliseconds depending on what the forecheckers give you. When it works well, we see the Kings get out and try to traverse the neutral zone and sometimes even get a positional advantage that allows them to skate into the OZone in full control and possession. Sometimes even to get off a shot.
As the series has progressed, the Devils have studied the Kings tendencies and begun to anticipate where the next pass will go and where the supporting skaters will likely be. This goes both ways and the Kings have also taken advantage of certain Devils tendencies, just watch how Richards for example will at times get his stick in the way of an outlet pass and be in cold on Brodeur. Consequently, we’re seeing more breakouts being disrupted.
In the run of play, it’s important for the Kings to get the puck as deep into Devils territory as often as possible in order to prevent them from attacking with speed and numbers. The more chaotic the game in the neutral zone, the less chance that either team has of having the time to come out of their respective defensive zones without being disrupted. This is particularly acute during the 2nd period and the 1st overtime period when the bench is farther away from your defensive zone and line changes become that much more difficult. As a matter of fact, both Kings overtime goals were influenced by bad timing on the part of NJ in attempting line changes.
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We took NJD best punch/game and we still won the game, both teams had good scoring chance, we scored and Quick stopped there’s end of store. Kings need to step it up just a little and it’s over in 4, Quick is in the heads of the Devils.
GKG yeahhhhhhhhh 2 more wins!!!!!!
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The kings should get a banner for winning the western conference right?
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EternalOptimist Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@bfarm, A record 10 straight road wins warrants a banner as well. The devils have a banner in there room when they pulled this off in 1995.
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VegasIce Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 2:37 am
@EternalOptimist, Banners? We dont need no stinking banners! We need the cup!!!
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Real 7 Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 2:48 am
@VegaslIce, ah, you been reading my material…
PRMan Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 7:37 am
@bfarm, I only care about one banner. And it doesn’t have the words “Conference” or “Record” on it.
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Game is going to be awesome. Unfortunately, I have clients from 3:30 until 9:00.
Big decision to either keep up with updates on the phone or close myself off and watch game in entirety when I get home at 9:30…
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Pili Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:26 pm
@Michael J., Watch it when you get home and hope the clients aren’t hockey fans.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 6:21 pm
@Pili,
Silly! Because if they are, problem solved!
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DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 1:35 am
@Michael J., Watch it when you get home, that’s what i will have to do
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REALLY is this HAPPENING
Up 2-0
Are you sure this is not a DREAM
A Dream we ALL have had
Not that long ago we Stuggled
WORST scoring team in the league
Now we have won 10 on the road
Really is this Real
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Gmo Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:30 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
Ssssssh. Sssssh go back to bed.
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GKG, I believe a couple of things were touched on by Jeff Carter – the apparent weak stick side being exposed by Doughty and Carter himself and then Jim Fox mentioned about the kings using the full width of the ice ( side to side )when breaking out of the Devils for-check It worked well in the O.T.
I believe these were strategic changes made by our leader and top players.
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BringBackButchGoring Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@Central Coast King, I don’t know how weak Brodeur’s stick side is since you would think that would have been exposed before he broke every goalie record that exists. However, his glove hand was outstanding yesterday so that may have been the catalyst to go to the stick side…
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FdoFmFull Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 11:11 pm
@Central Coast King, If you read between the lines, that’s essentially what they’re saying and it’s evidenced by both Carts’ and Doty’s goals.
MB also knows this and if you’re facing him head on in the slot, it appears he’ll give you room on the glove side to entice you to shoot there, knowing that he can snatch it more often than not.
There also appears to be a weakness down low on MB, but only if you surprise him with a quick release, such as Fraser did. It appears the old reflexes are not as they once were!
GkG!
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I thought that has to rank as one of Quick’s top 5 or 10 games I’ve seen. He was really solid. That 50 save shutout against Detroit I’d list #1, then the 3 shutout series is up there, game 1 against St Louis…he was moving very well last night without scrambling like he can on occasion and get out of position. He was very good against Vancouver too. Let’s hope he takes a team friendly deal because he’s definitely in line for Rinne money, which means less cap space for us in the future to add complementary pieces in the future to keep this team in contention for years to come.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@He Shoots He Scores,
Trading block!
No one is bigger than the team!
…. then again, it is Quickie …
maybe a little compromisin’ is in order …
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FdoFmFull Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 11:19 pm
@He Shoots He Scores, I’m with you, I felt that he was on top of his game for sure.
This doesn’t surprise me because I think that Quick has shown this season that he does indeed rise to the occassion. I’m really happy that he’s ON for the stretch run.
He’s human and he has his ups and downs. There were a couple of the Phoenix games where he gave up a softie or two, but I don’t think we’ll have to worry in this series.
I consider his maturation, along with the maturation of the other members of the “Core” one of the great accomplishments of this season. I’m hoping this goes hand-in-hand with becoming champions, the greatest accomplishment of all!
GkG!
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Real 7 Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 2:17 am
@He Shoots He Scores, let’s worry about that trestle when the train gets there….
!GO KINGS GO!
T minus Gary Edwards
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Does anyone know the Kings practice times? Is it even possible to see them practice?
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CB14 Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 5:46 pm
@Tony in Denver, Usually around 10 or 10:30 at TSC and are open to the public. Only problem is that there probably won’t be another full team practice because Sutter prefers an optional skate at this time of the season.
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Kings need to make shorter passes off the boards to stave off the fore check. Center has been coming down low all year to support but the strong side winger has to be almost perfect on the boards. Flick a pass to the center and they’re out of the zone.
NJ’s forecheck is tenacious and designed to create turnovers. We need to try to chip pucks passed the forecheck to create more odd man rushes. There D is very aggressive.
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Robert R Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@Bonvivant1, The blind clearing pass towards the middle of the ice is usually fraught with disaster. Unless it’s 10-12 feet up off the ice
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FdoFmFull Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 11:25 pm
@Bonvivant1, Agree that “pucks passed the forecheck to create more odd man rushes…” is what the Kings need. However, the Devils are now trying to negate the pass to the center as well as down the boards.
We’re particularly vulnerable when Penner, Brown, or Jordan are attempting to get out of the zone, even Williams can be an adventure. The key is for that stronside winger to get there early and be decisive, even if it sometimes means to chip it out – the short pass is not always there (even if the centerman is in position).
Bottom line, they need to be crisp and decisive to avoid getting hemmed in…
GkG!
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its exciting to be up two games and know that two more wins gets us a cup . . . but i thins ds, and i hope the players know, that one could make a case that they were outplayed for two games and still found a way to win. need to be sharper tomorrow night and in front of the home crowd there is no better time and place. this series is tighter than a 2-0 lead indicates and I know the guys know that. lets take over now and leave little doubt . . .
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Hey rich thanks for all you do to keep us diehard fans informed. Last time the kings were in the finals the NHL brought the different trophies for a public display. Do you know if the NHL is going to do that this time?
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A time to rest now for our boys and men, and be with there family, as tomorrow is another day, and it’s CUP time!
Go Kings Go!
You Want To Win Don’t You? Now go get your rest!
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Duncanz Reply:
June 3rd, 2012 at 6:16 pm
@Gail Web,
“DOUGHTY! Stop playin’ footsies under there with Lewie, or I’ll come after ya’ with a brandin’ iron!
I’ve done it with guys before, ya know!
“It’s a fact!”
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“System, discipline and detail”
This little aphorism is obviously a great watchphrase, if you will, for any coach that preaches top rate organization above all when it comes to preparing a hockey team.
)
Perhaps few coaches in the business (perhaps none) have got it down like Coach Darryl.
No mention of hitting (hi, DB fans).
No mention of scoring (hi, JC antagonists not-so-anonymous; @crashin’ da net, @Dominick & co.
No mention of the minutiae.
Just the fundamentals, ma’am.
“System, discipline and detail”
This is our holy dictum.
And these are our halcyon days.
All together now, GKG GKG GKG GKG Hooraaayyyyyyyy!
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Real 7 Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 2:20 am
@Duncanzer, I’ll say! WHAT? you certainly use big words…
!GO KINGS GO!
T minus Gary Sargent
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Duncanz Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 2:37 am
@Real 7, I’ve got Sargent as a no.22 so by your time stamp, I think you have miscalculated by a full 7 hours …
Unless NBC moved the game to midnight to cater to our Slovenian friends.
Not so dimwitted sometimes, our friends over in Peacock Towers, you know.
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Real 7 Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 2:45 am
@Duncanz, LOL! don’t mind me, I’m just rambling….
shared a drink with Gary during his rookie year….some of the players used to hang out at this place in Westchester…can’t remember the name….a very personable guy…
from Fargo..
Duncanz Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 3:00 am
@Real 7,
Nice story. Great memories. You sound like you have a ton.
Sorry about the superfluosities and grandiloquence.
Now that you’ve alerted me to the problem you will probably not see me using any word lengthier than antidisestablishmentarianism(s).
I guarantee it!
Real 7 Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 3:13 am
@Duncthis, I just have trouble with people who misspell two and three letter words….
and put apostrophies where they don’t belong….of course I raised a young lady who is now an English teacher, so go figure…go ahead with the big words…
Duncanz Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 3:29 am
@Real Cool,
I’ve got one! “mia”.
Should be “amigo mio”
?Verdad?
I hope the Kings are watching TV. NHL Net. are talking like its just a matter of time before NJ starts scoring and wins the Cup, its ridiculous. I want to see the Kings win the Cup in person, lets go 2-0 at home and shut these guys up! Go Kings!!!
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I think that the LA Kings will take a Game 3 win because they are playing at Staples Center can the LA Kings will finish the Devils at Staples Center for game 3 and 4 if the LA Kings will go for a sweep win at Staples Center so what do you think
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Carter can be a real streaky scorer and I’m hoping he gets hot about now.I’m thinking Richardson might just surprise us with a goal,but I don’t care who scores as long as we close this out at home.Aweaome will be the word,GO KINGS,GO!!!!
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dodgervern Reply:
June 4th, 2012 at 9:52 am
@dodgervern, AWESOME!!!!
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