Two things in red have been bedeviling the Kings of late: Martin Brodeur and the goalpost. After he allowed four goals in a Game 3 loss to the Kings, New Jersey’s goalie has now allowed only two goals in the last six periods. The Kings also hit a couple posts early in each game, and in each game, the lack of a break seemed to get to the Kings a bit. The Kings started pressing to create offensive chances, and the Devils also played a solid defensive game in front of Brodeur. Early on, they blocked a lot of shots that could have let to scoring chances. Later in the game, they did a more effective job of pushing the Kings to the outside in the offensive zone, which regularly let to long-range shots that were easily stopped or knocked away by Brodeur.
While this is nothing revolutionary, the Kings’ challenge will be to make things difficult directly in front of Brodeur. He’s outstanding, positionally, but the Kings can make things more difficult with traffic and deflections. Moreover, they need to not get frustrated if pucks don’t go in early. Hitting the post isn’t a bad thing. It’s an indication of how close a player really is to scoring, and Anze Kopitar knows the Kings can’t sulk if they don’t get the breaks right away.
KOPITAR: “Just stay with it, really. We’ve had some good chances. We’ve hit the post quite a bit of times, the last couple games. So, it’s just creating chances again and making sure that when we do create them, we have to finish them off.’’
Asked about Brodeur specifically, Kopitar said, “He’s playing well. He’s not one of the best goaltenders in the league for no reason. We have to find a way to beat him.’’ Drew Doughty and Dustin Brown also talked about generating more offense.
DOUGHTY: “(Brodeur is) a great goalie, there’s no secret, but I think right now, we’re making him look a lot better than we should be. … We’ve got to crash the net, and when we get those chances, we’ve got to bury them. We’re not getting the bounces right now. They’re hitting posts and whatnot, but we can’t be discouraged. We’ve just got to continue to battle and get more and more pucks to the net.’’
BROWN: “It’s a happy medium between shooting the puck and, you don’t want to just shoot the puck just to shoot the puck, because Brodeur is going to knock it down and maybe even move it, and get you trapped. But I think we need to shoot more. We also need to be better at getting our shots through. They had quite a few blocked shots. I’m not sure of the number, but we had some grade-A opportunities that got blocked. It’s not an easy thing, to get through, but we have to find a way.’’
Guys, I hate to say it, and I know a lot of people are going to disagree… but if we don’t win tonight, we are probably not going to take it. It’s MUST WIN tonight. Go Kings Go!!!
[Reply]
Trip Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:05 am
@John, You’re right. I totally disagree!!
[Reply]
Cesar A Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:05 am
@John, the Kings will close it out tonight!!
[Reply]
BringBackButchGoring Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@John, Yes our 10-1 road record certainly indicates we can’t win one on the road.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@BringBackButchGoring, LOL in reading these responses I thought the exact same thing.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:11 am
@John, You don’t get nuttin for three.
[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:48 am
@John, wrote: “Guys, I hate to say it…”
Well then don’t?! Nothing says it couldn’t there – IF ….
Next topic.
[Reply]
ZimPuck Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:58 am
@John,
I expect both teams to play like there’s no tomorrow….and then if there is a tomorrow they’ll play the next game the same way..I think the desperation meter has been pretty well maxed out for a while. It’s The Final.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:59 am
@John, ….lahooooo….saherrrrr….
[Reply]
Maury Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:11 pm
@John, Tonight we can win the cup; game seven we can lose the cup.
[Reply]
EasyBob Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@John, Today is my birthday. I will be there and WE want the CUP tonight. Great birthday gift. GKG !!!
[Reply]
Coach Mike Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
@John, Well, going into tonight’s game, the Kings have 3 wins and the Devils have 2.
To recap, the first team to FOUR wins the cup so… let s do some some quick math….
NJ – 2 wins + 1 win (tonight) = 3 wins
LA – 3 wins + 1 win (tonight) = 4 wins (and the series is over)
I’m no math major but it sure looks as if the MUST win tonight is NJ.
Keep the faith.
Go Kings.
[Reply]
Deepsea_drumz Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
@John, Disagree. Any other team I would agree, but this Kings team has been battling on the road since April. They do need to close it out, but if not, they can still win in N J. I predicted the Kings will hoist the cup in Newark. Enjoy the game.
[Reply]
Let’s make Marty have to see through bodies in front of him. Kings can get it done tonight. Let’s Go Kings!!!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:50 am
@Cesar A, Brown and Penner need to plant themselves in front to be ready for the screen and rebound.
It has worked well in the past. Gotta stick with it.
Let them fight it out of the corners 2 on 1 and have us waiting for the puck to pop out so we can fire it over Brody, high and stick side.
[Reply]
Hey guys, looking for a little advice.
Going to my first game of the playoffs, will probably be getting to LA Live/Staples around 4. Any advice on where to park from those of you that have gone to some of the recent games? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:14 am
@luuc,
In a parking lot. (rim shot)
Seriously though, I know that people are parking further away and walking in. It’s not rocket surgery. The closer you are the more you pay. There are 1000 lots in a mile radius. I’ve even seen people parking up near the 7th street metro station for $4 and riding down to Staples for $1.50. Smart.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:14 am
@luuc,
Go earlier! Probably looking at $50-60 to park unless you get Staples parking online via Ticketmaster (via the Kings home page). Have fun tonight, you are going to love it!
[Reply]
Kevin Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@luuc, Don’t try to park next to LA Live. I usually park off Grand and 11th.
[Reply]
spidey35 Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
@Kevin, don’t give away my secret parking area….
[Reply]
Epiccarpenter Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@luuc, we arrived at 3:30 the last game. All the available parking was 100.00 Wound up parking at the Coliseum and taking the train
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:22 am
@Epiccarpenter, The Coliseum? Wow. Just park north and take the metro. Grand total of $5.50.
[Reply]
RLane420 Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@luuc, Yes, get there before 4
[Reply]
4King Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:19 am
@luuc,
park at 11th and hope. it is cheaper, it is an easy walk and after game you can head over to 10 freeway away from traffic. i always park there.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:33 am
@luuc, Not early enough. You should really be getting there no later than 3PM. Where are you coming from? Is it possible to take the metro?
[Reply]
luuc Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@mrbrett7,
Thanks for all the responses guys! Coming from Irvine. Metro is possible, my problem is getting out of work early enough. I’ll see if I can head down a bit earlier.
Thanks again for everyone’s help!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
@luuc, I would just take the metro in. It drops you off literally right in front of staples, and then you don’t have to worry about your car getting turned upside down (also literally).
KC23 Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:38 pm
@luuc, You had best get there long before 4. There is a parking lot garage at Olive and 8th and its only $11 bucks. Bit of a walk, but you’ll not find anything remotely close at 4pm.
[Reply]
It ends tonight. Kings in 6, as many have said all along. I like what Barry Melrose indicated in his recent blog – although the Kings can’t beat the Devils four times in a row, there’s no way the Devils can beat the Kings four times in a row!
[Reply]
Daniel Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:44 am
@Dave K.,
Melrose is a true scholar! Seriously, he called the series Kings in 6 anyway. Here we are.
Go Kings!!!!
[Reply]
Deepsea_drumz Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
@Dave K., It’s hard to win 4 in a row. Watch the Kings own the ice in front of Brodeur. Also wAch the Kings scoop up rebounds unlike last Sat. Night. Go. Kings!!!!
[Reply]
SportsGirl101 Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
@Dave K., Agreed with Barry….If the Devils god forbid win tonight we will be in the same position the devils were when we went up 3-0 in the series and we will be going to Newark and raising the cup!
[Reply]
Can the LA Kings should win at home yes The LA Kings Fans are going crazy to help the kings win yes can the LA Kings will take the Stanley Cup Champs yes and yes so what do you think
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@Adam M,
I just saw Prometheus last night and realized you are one of the Engineers.
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:20 am
@Adam M,
yes and yes and so what do you think?
I read that before somewhere?
GKG!
[Reply]
Trip Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:28 am
@Adam M, I think you just had a stroke. You ok?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:53 am
@Adam M,
Dont worry, @Adam M. Some people are just Trip-pin’ out!
I absolutely subscribe to your ecstasy.
Damn good ecstasy it was, too!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
@Duncanz,
LOL
[Reply]
We have to get back to crashing the net and stop settling for shots from the point. Crash the net, create pressure and rebounds, and draw penalties (yeah, I know, the refs suck). GKG!!!
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:17 am
@DesertKing, lol ya seriously, wouldnt wanna see penns get thrown to the box for farting on marty again
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:22 am
@vinny, 2 mins for having a big ass, like he said…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:25 am
@vinny,
Are you proposing changing his nickame from “Pancakes” to “Passing Wind”?
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:52 am
@DesertKing, haha nice i like it
KopiSTAR Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:34 am
@DesertKing, And it doesn’t help that 1) there’s no screens infront of Marty
2) 75% from the point are high and wide
[Reply]
crashin'da net Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:43 am
@DesertKing, that’s me – creating pressure and causing penalties. Carts gotta mess up his hair again.
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:49 am
@DesertKing, I say wipe that smile off of MB’s face by running into him every chance you get, if it costs us a couple of penalties so what…we have the best kill in the league…play the percentages…win the big silver thing….go kings go
[Reply]
you know all the Ya we are 10-1 on the road blah blah, you know what that doesn’t mean jack. Tonight is must win plan and simple. I do not feel good going back to Nj at all
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@pr0cess,
I don’t think it will come to that but if it does, there’s no more pressure. The 10-1 on the road blah, blah still means a lot. That record isn’t a fluke. Without question they play well on the road.
Overall though, it’s a matter of who the better team is. If the Kings can’t win 4 then they just weren’t good enough. I don’t think that will happen because I think they are the better team but that’s the reality. The other reality is they don’t play well at home.
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:32 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I think they just switched their road / home pattern last game.
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
@pr0cess,
I don’t even want to think about a game 7. The Kings need to play tonight like it’s their game 7. Pull out all the stops and play with great desperation. Crash the net, hit everything that moves, no stupid penalties, be relentless on the forecheck, and finish the chances they get. After being up 3-0 they cannot allow NJ one game for all the marbles. For so many reasons, they need to win it tonight.
[Reply]
The Devils gave up twice as many scoring chances. Just bear down. Killer instinct!
[Reply]
Let me put this way:This playoff final it’s not 3-0 or 3-2,it is final three game series–They have nothing,but we have 1-0 lead,0-0,1-0,win one more that WE ARE THE CHAMPION..LET’S ALL DO IT TOGETHER…GKG…
[Reply]
one of the things that caught us the last couple of games is having the shot/pass blocked up high trapping 3 low while sending the Devils up ice with a 3-2… this needs to stop. get the puck deep and no passing up top unless there is a clear lane.
Little things that can be cleaned up should get us the cup tonight!
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:51 am
@Stuart, Agreed – first option is direct to the net. In our zone, be a little more patient with the puck. I’d rather take a hit from Parise and eat the puck than rush a pass that Parise intercepts for a scoring chance.
[Reply]
Those post shots will find the net tonight! I’m calling a 4-1 Kings victory. Kopitar (2), King (1)and Richards with the empty netter!!
[Reply]
JOHN SHAW Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:37 am
@Trip, I’ll take it…GKG…
[Reply]
Daniel Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:48 am
@Trip,
Sounds good to me too.
Go Kings!!!!
[Reply]
mask0425x Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:51 am
@Trip,
You forgot to mention Slava scoring the only goal for NJ
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:54 am
@mask0425x, lol
[Reply]
Men’s best successes come after their disappointments.
Henry Ward Beecher
We were disappointed after games 4 and 5. Our greatest success will be game 6!
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@King Alex, nice one! I will ride that quote to the Cup!
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:54 am
@Stuart, Anything to inspire!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:38 am
@King Alex,
Devils suck! – @DesertKing
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:53 am
@DesertKing, Can I quote you on that?
[Reply]
PEOPLE let’s breathe and THINK for 2 seconds before posting/rambling out stuff that I have to figure out what you meant.
Either Kings fans are really excited or well, not that smart.
And yes this is the pot calling the kettle black
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:44 am
@Lake Forest,
What if you have green or brown pots?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:52 am
@DesertKing, when are you picking me up for tonights game?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
@Lake Forest,
As soon as I figure out how to get my son out of the truck, but he is a pretty big kid and an even bigger Kings fan
LVKINGS88 Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@DesertKing, Yeah one of those there new fangled green and blue pots they show on the black and white teevee.
[Reply]
cromartee Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:47 am
@Lake Forest,
I think it’s the invasion of the iBody snatchers.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:55 am
@Lake Forest, Jitters, Nerves, the Long season.
Its been a long time since we have been this deep, emnotions nerves and everything is just boiling over.
Its like a dream come true.
It’s like drawing the first 5 numbers in the lottery, we are just waiting to see if we get the Mega to take the jackpot.
GO LAKE FOREST GO!
GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:58 am
@Log Onnest,
Why can’t you just look me in the face and say that.
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@Lake Forest, A group of really excited dimwits is what we are.
[Reply]
It’s all about Hard work, grit and grind and Putting it into the back of the net. The guys will finish it out tonight and the city will be know as KING COUNTY. GO KING GO !!!!
[Reply]
there are still 1600 tickets left on stubhub… maybe the prices will drop rapidly? it would truly be a miracle
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@kingsfaninSB, 1600 people are not sure if they can take the heart break again lol
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
@kingsfaninSB,
1600 fans playing both sides – either make some money or see history being made.
[Reply]
Full 60 tonight guys.
No slow starts.
No slwoing at then end of a period.
Play like it is game 7!
Big bodies like Brown and Penner in front of the net.
Screen Brody’s view. It has worked well in the past.
Hard forecheck, strong back check.
Play like you have all playoff long.
Take it to them.
Dont relent. Dont second guess.
Fire hard and fire fast.
GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
whiteywiding Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
@Mars, And fire OFTEN!
GO KINGS GO!!!!!
[Reply]
Let’s go boys get er done!!!!
It’s actually okay since I predicted they’d win Game 6 at Staples, it’s all part of my plan!!
Go KINGS Go!!
Brown and Kopi need to play at yet another level tonight.
Can’t wait to see them raising that damn cup tonight on home ice
[Reply]
jack Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 11:50 am
@FabKings, Sweeeeeeet!!!! I wonder how will I feel?
[Reply]
“we had some grade-A opportunities that got blocked. It’s not an easy thing, to get through, but we have to find a way.”
Brownie is right. Remember Capitals – Rangers series? It was like a blocking shot contest. The defense system so much depends on blocking shot is a dinosaur. The Kings, on the other hand, have a solid and sophisticated defense system (thanks to TM and JS). It’s time to exterminate the ancient once in for all. Fake shot, toe drag, one-timer … do whatever you can do to get the puck through the first layer.
Doughty beat Brodeur with his one-timer because he was on the left side. Right handed shooter on the left side, and shooting at Brodeur’s stick side are the keys. Doughty, Carter, Williams, they all beat Brodeur cleanly. If the left hander shoot from the same positions they did, Brodeur can see the release point. Use their Ds who attempt to block the shot as screens. When Brodeur can’t see the release point the puck ends up in the back of the net.
[Reply]
I hope the memo on the King’s bulletin board says “Hit hard, shoot accurately, and defend your goalie in front of the net” and WIN THE CUP TONIGHT! Long suffering players and fans need this to happen, you’ve earned it and so have we, the fans!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
@Happy Lappy, I’m one of the more optimistic guys here, but you know what? They haven’t earned it and neither have the fans. I’m not saying it won’t happen. I’m saying the Kings have a job to do tonight. They need to forecheck so effectively and bottle up New Jersey so completely that a misplay by Quick or the puck bouncing around off bodies like a billiard ball ain’t gonna be enough.
For THEIR part, the fans need to realize this is not a party. Not yet. Be loud. AT ALL TIMES. NO MATTER WHO SVORES FIRST. Do that, and the Kings will feed off that energy and all the above will happen.
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@HockeyNerd, I mentioned the other night that I thought the goal that went off VV was not a fluke,NJ was fore-checking like a mother and we were being beat to the puck,that was a hard worked goal by them.What happened to our fore-check? the one that SJ,VC and Phoenix had no answer for, where is our the team that shut down the neutral zone?
[Reply]
Get. The. First. Goal.
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@Newf, that is everything
[Reply]
jUST GOT BACK. Yes,got the bottle of the bubbley.. I feel like itis tonight, not like the last 2 games..Got the MOEJOE feeeling today.. THIS IS IT EVERYONE!!!
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
June 11th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
@lakingbob(chi), I think yours will be the last post I read before gametime! You’ve got the right attitude! I’m feelin’ good about tonight too!
[Reply]
As much as I hate to say this, the Kings lucky breaks and bounces started changing when Gagne replaced Richardson. I was hoping DS would bring him back tonite. BR was definitely more gritty than SG has been. Sometimes change is not a good thing. gKG!!!
[Reply]
A Kings fan walked into a bar
[Reply]
Drive the net boys. Drive the net all night!
[Reply]
I say we put Voynov in front of THEIR net. He seems to have a knack for deflections …
[Reply]
Put marty to sleep like kopi did with his breakaway OT winner just dangle him to sleep boys and watch out for his polkcheck
[Reply]