The last time the Kings and Canucks met, the contest ended with Jarret Stoll going top shelf on Cory Schneider for a series-clinching overtime goal that ended a season of high expectations in Vancouver and fueled belief in Los Angeles.
“That seems like a long time ago,” Coach Darryl Sutter said of the Kings’ five-game series win last spring.
Tonight’s game will not provide the kind of drama that can only be found with a season on the line, but it does offer the Kings the opportunity to keep things rolling after Saturday’s 4-2 win at Phoenix.
“A big win tonight against a big team like (Vancouver) will definitely give us a confidence boost,” defenseman Drew Doughty said. “Then, hopefully we can string a few wins together.”
Sutter declined to classify the Canucks as a Kings’ rival, at least not this early in the season, and said he did not expect any carryover from last year’s playoff series.
“We haven’t played them yet,” Sutter said. “It’s tough to talk about a rivalry when you haven’t played a team yet.”
Asked if there were any team he got particularly fired up for as a coach, Sutter shifted to the deadpan delivery he has mastered in his media sessions.
“Chicago, Colorado, Edmonton, Phoenix, and now Vancouver,” Sutter said. “Pretty much in that order.”
Taking them in that order, tonight’s showdown with the Canucks will be the Kings’ fourth game in seven days, which Sutter likened to a playoff schedule.
“You are already in almost like a playoff practice/game mode already, just because of the time that you have,” Sutter said. “You try to get your players all the re-charge you can, while at the same time keeping them mentally right there.”
Doughty, meanwhile, said he does smell a bit of a rivalry brewing with Vancouver.
“We have played them a few times in the playoffs in the last four years,” Doughty said. “They are definitely a team that we are excited to play. They are a good team, so you kind of learn to hate them. Tonight is going to be a battle and we look forward to it.”
Doughty said he also expects a hard-hitting game.
“It should be a good, physical matchup, which everyone loves,” Doughty said. “You are getting banged, but at the same time, you are giving it back. There is nothing more rewarding than beating a team that has won the Conference the last couple years in a row.
Defenseman Willie Mitchell continues to recover from knee surgery and did not skate with the team. Sutter said it is his preference to focus on players who are active, not those who are absent.
“If he is on injured reserve,” Sutter said, “then he is a non-active player. Once he is off that, then you talk about him. Until then, they’re injured. I’m not a doctor, I’m not a psychologist, not a therapist.”
In his role as coach, however, Sutter is more than willing to assess the play of his top-line players, and the reports were mixed. Some players have not yet gotten up to full speed in this truncated season and Sutter placed Mike Richards in that category.
“It’s been an adjustment for some of our guys, in terms of getting up to pace. (Richards) is one of those guys that has to get up to pace.”
Dustin Brown, however, has shown improvement on a nightly basis, according to Sutter.
“Brownie has gotten a little bit better every game,” he said. “Brownie is a power game. He goes up and down, a power game. Strong on the walls, goes to the net. If he’s not doing that, you guys can see it better than I can. That’s his game.”
Sutter said he has also been pleased with the way Davis Drewiske has played while filling in for the injured Matt Greene.
“I think what we want him to do is take up Matt Greene’s minutes in positive way, with quality minutes,” Sutter said. “Greener gave us penalty killing minutes, and a solid 5-on-5; first minute, last minute. Situations like that. In the three games that (Drewiske) has played, he has done a good job.”
CLIFFORD STARTS FAST
With five points (1 goal, 4 assists), Kyle Clifford is the Kings’ leading scorer. Sutter said Clifford was highly motivated after missing out on most of the team’s run to the Stanley Cup last spring.
“When (Kyle) left last spring, he was so happy that we won it, but so disappointed that he didn’t get to play after he got hurt in the Vancouver series,” Sutter said. “That was his whole purpose when he left; he wanted to put himself in a position to play regular. He did that.”
Clifford played with the Ontario Reign of the ECHL during the lockout and said that decision kept him in shape and ready when the NHL season finally resumed.
“From a conditioning standpoint,” Clifford said, “down there they only have three lines so you are on pretty much every other shift. As far as conditioning, that was a good kick start.”
Playing on the Kings’ second line has also helped, but Clifford said, more than anything, his success has come from playing hard and paying a price.
“It’s fortunate to play with the two guys I am with now, but all my linemates have helped me,” Clifford said. “I just go to the net. How many players get rewarded by going to the net? I think that’s the mentality for every player on our team. Just go to the net hard.”
SUTTER ON SIMON GAGNE
When told Simon Gagne said he is playing a role he is unaccustomed to, Sutter quipped:
“He better get used to it. In this schedule, it’s not what you did, or what you are going to do. It’s what you are doing. That’s a fact.
MUZZIN’S FIRST GOAL
The Kings’ first win of the season Saturday in Phoenix coincided with the first goal of Jake Muzzin’s NHL career.
“It’s a big goal for me,” Muzzin said. “I am happy and excited about it, but I am not really big on holding the puck high, or anything like that. I will probably give to my parents and let them put it somewhere safe in the house.”
Muzzin said he feels more ready for the NHL this time around than he did during his fist stint with the Kings in 2010-11.
“I feel a lot more confident this time,” Muzzin said. “I’m a lot more calm on the ice. I’m a lot more experienced after being a pro the last couple of years, compared to coming in right after juniors. I’m more excited to be here and more confident.”
Tonight, Muzzin said, is an opportunity for the Kings to keep things rolling.
“We have been talking about building every game. We had a couple of close losses that we could have easily won. We want to build on the positives in each game and get better each game. Hopefully, tonight we can continue.”
DS has a natural gift for exposing the media when they ask stupid questions. As a fan, I love the Sutters and the Tortorella of hockey.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
@Gustavo, how can one not laugh or find Sutter to be the ultimate coach, I laughed out loud with his
“Chicago, Colorado, Edmonton, Phoenix, and now Vancouver,” Sutter said. “Pretty much in that order.”
[Reply]
jlhamon Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 2:54 pm
@Gustavo,
+1
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:25 pm
@jlhamon, That, and “….it’s not what you did, or what you are going to do. It’s what you are doing. That’s a fact.” Classic Sutter.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 5:37 pm
@Pili, Not sure if I like “what you’re going to do” or “what you might do” better. Either way he is the greatest.
luc20rules Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
@Gustavo, Miss NFLs old Coach Mora. “You think you know, but you just don’t know!”. Funniest thing about it was the next day in the presser a Media guy gutted his media guide and had it professionally replaced with nothing, but blank pages and asked Coach Mora to sign it. He just LOL.
[Reply]
Almost every Kings fan was vehemently opposed to the Sutter hire and now he’s universally loved. The turnaround still amazes me. That’s a fact.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 2:30 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
DL did a good job!
Glad we didn’t get Tippett, I know some wanted him
I didn’t like how he handled the losses, nor his team.
I think that all showed his true colors!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 5:08 pm
@Mars, Tippett wasn’t available?
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
DS earned the respect and appreciation of every fan who ever doubted him. He did what DL hired him to do. And he did it well, without the benefit of a full season or training camp to get everyone acclimated to his coaching style.
I’m happy I did not jump on the Boo DS wagon before he even arrived here. It’s always best to give someone a chance to prove or hung themselves before crucifying them.
[Reply]
JD Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 7:26 pm
@Gustavo, I would have loved Tippett, at that time, now all I see is a Whiney little B, love sutter
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
The question is whether or not Kings fans (sans @DesertKing) will do a reversal and wish Kompon back to L.A.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:04 pm
@Michael J., That crow would be so big it would fill Sally Struthers
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
@Lake Forest, Pulling out the Struthers slam! Harsh, but funny.
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Mike Stivic: “I take great exception to that comment, Arch’!”
DesertKing Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
@Michael J.,
Only in a “Dr. Who” episode.
[Reply]
I love how DS handles the media!
Great read!
I am very pumped for the game! Cannot wait!
Top two lines will fire up tonight!
Wonder who’s going to pressure the red headed step children?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
@Mars, Who better than the ‘Big Red Dog’ ?!!
And keep the color theme going and let Brown deliver!!
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:41 pm
@Duncanz, My guesses were 13 and 23 as well. GKG!!!
[Reply]
Someone needs to make a couple t’s with Sutter’s quotes on it. This guy is classic.
Hope Browner can replicate last years hit on Sedin sister… Strong game Brownie!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 2:31 pm
@KingsGuy, that would be awesome!!!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
@KingsGuy, I wanted to make a shirt similar to the attached but with Terry Murray on it
http://weheartit.com/entry/299611
[Reply]
KingsGuy Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
@Lake Forest, LOL
[Reply]
off topic question:
I heard the the NBA champ will go to white house (I know I know, some of you are Tim Thomas) soon, how about the Kings? We won’t travel to east this season until SC Final.
[Reply]
trytodethroneus Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
@zdfun,
They will go there along with the L A Galaxy.
Possibly after the game in Nashville on Feb 7
[Reply]
Sutter is the man! The guy is so deadpan but makes his point so that you know where you stand. He’s not going to let these guys off the hook after winning it all last year. He will challenge every guy on this team during the season to get what he needs out of them.
[Reply]
I think Clifford will continue the point streak in a Kings win tonight!
[Reply]
harty Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
@hbjohn, yes I beleive……..
[Reply]
I have to disagree with DS. Though I do understand why he has to state it this way , i think Vancouver IS our biggest rival. For the players based on the recent playoff series they have had. For the kings fans based on their obnoxious fan base. Personally I will always hold a special contempt for the Gretzky statue stunt.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
@tornado12,
So what you’re saying is that the first round playoff series against Vancouver, a NON-Division team, creates more of a rivalry than playing against Phoenix, a Pacific Division rival, in the Western Conference Finals, uh?
As for contempt, how about saving it for the ‘bench stick on the ice’ antics of one Ryane Clowe of the San Jose Sharks? It could have cost us the playoff entry. The most important rivalries are always within our own division, which is the race we want to win each and every season to get to the playoffs.
Hating Vancouver for their rioting (fans), diving (1/2 the team), finger biting (Lapierre), referee cross checking before the puck drops (Hansen), skating around while the US national anthem is played (Burro), concussing Kyle Clifford on the board (No name hockey player) is all nice an dandy. But the rivalries should be on the ice between whistles and when points in the standings are on the line.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:10 pm
@Gustavo, All due respect but division rivalry points are pretty much on par with anyone else in the western conference with the way playoffs are seeded now. Winning the division doesn’t give u any benefits past the first round. I guess rivalries are always a subjective issue and as I alluded it depends on your point of view so perhaps u and DS r right in a way.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
@tornado12,
I agree that this truncated season does put almost everyone in the conference in a close race for points, but not during a regular 82 game season. Let’s get out of or win our division first, then worry about anyone we meet in the playoffs.
Also, the two seasons are long enough to build regular AND playoff rivalries.
Deke'r Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 5:29 pm
@tornado12, ….have to agree on that one…..
[Reply]
Thanks for the update, few more hours of waiting and then game on!
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Hey guys. Im looking at heading down to la at the end of feb t catch a few games and maybe check out mammoth mt. Any idea on decent hotels to stay at? Also ill be traveling from canada and dont know the area well so if you know any cool places to check out while im in town that would be awesome.
[Reply]
Daniel, your brother is ugly.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:07 pm
@DesertKing, I see what you did there.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
@DesertKing, All I can say is LOL!
[Reply]
Interesting about Gagne.
I still want him on the PP
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
@Perro,
Me too. Him and Williams have arguably the quickest release on the one-timer on the team. Yet it hasn’t been used since Williams first season basically.
[Reply]
They should have the refs view this video tonight before each period first puck is dropped, lol
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/eye-on-hockey/21621031/video-jannik-hansen-crosschecks-ref-wont-be-disciplined
[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
@Gustavo, That was really uncalled for. How do you justify that as a player to the league? How does the league not do anything about it? It seems the league has just given each player a get out of jail card. That was strange.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:25 pm
@KOHO,
I think they gave Clowe 35 minutes in penalties last night because they thought he was the one who did it.
This video should be played in the jumbotron tonight
[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
@Gustavo, You would think that would be in the referee training video too. That was a big mistake by the league for not acting on it. Was listening to the Vancouver radio Team 1040 and they don’t know how he got away with it either. They said something to the point that the Vancouver fans can’t complain about bad calls anymore because he should’ve been suspended and fined.
DesertKing Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
@Gustavo,
Nothing done because:
1. It involved Evil Load’s favorite step-son, Clowe
2. It involved POC Burrows, who disrepsects the flag which Evil Load thinks is okay.
3. It happened during a Shark/Canuck game where every player was going to be diving, so they figured the ref was diving too.
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
@Gustavo, Shows the sad direction this game’s headed in.
10 years ago we wouldn’t even be discussing the legality of this crosscheck.
Oh for the days of unfettered, unjudged contact in hockey.
Which Hanson brother was it, anyway?
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:59 pm
@Duncanz,
It was the one with the glasses, I’m sure of it.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
@Gustavo,
I thought it was the one who plays with slot cars.
Deke'r Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 5:32 pm
@Gustavo, ….nawwwww….the one who put the foil on…..
Alright lets get this started now………can’t wait…….
Cliffy do as you say man, go to the net hard with or without the puck and you will be rewarded. Carts and Richie are great players and they will feed you at the net.
Look out Schneider or Louie the Cliffy freight train is coming to the station……..
Com’on Kopi and company keep it going, light the lamp………Dustin Brown where are you, please come back to the Staples Centre tonight. He just needs to lay our either Red Headed Swedish treat tonight. Go Brownie, let loose…….
[Reply]
harty Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
@harty, Ops that should have read lay out either Red headed Swedish treat.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
@harty, 23 will get it going. The look in his eyes almost guarantees it,
[Reply]
Really cool…still hard to beleive……The Kings use to look at teams like Vancouver as the measuring stick…….NOW teams look at us to see how to become champs….really cool !!!!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:08 pm
@Neil, AND the world didn’t end as predicted!!!
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), The World kinda changed for me…The Giants(Baseball) and the Kings winning championships in the same year…..
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
@Neil, For me it was the Cardinals in ’11 and then the ultimate topper the beloved Kings.
The KND Big Pregame thread is now open for your incredible insight and hockey acumen.
What might you discover upon your arrival besides a truncated version of the quotes above?
Among other things, photos from today’s skate, a radio interview with former King Ray Ferraro, tonight’s expected lineup, my notes including links to enemy blogs, pregame stories from around the worldwide interwebs, AND video as it trickles in today.
All morning, all day, all night. That’s how I roll over at KND (and here).
Thank you and enjoy and spread the love.
Link: http://kingsnewsdaily.com/knds-big-pregame/
[Reply]
neil Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), highly recommended!!!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Loved it Paul. Mayor’s interview with “Little Ball of Hate” was hillarious.
[Reply]
Word is Luongo will be in net tonight. I’m sure he’s looking forward to getting pulled by the second period.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
@KOHO, Loo-on-go!!!
[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
@Pili, You know that’s ringing in his ears already.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
@Pili, Lu-gan-is … Lu-gan-is …..
[Reply]
Munchrat Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:55 pm
@Duncanz, Buurowes?
Man I hated the lockout. Kings hockey is back….yes I realize that a few times a day, and it keeps a perpetual smile on my face
[Reply]
PK Subban signed 2 year deal with the Canadians.
[Reply]
PK Subban signed 2 year deal with the Canadians.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:25 pm
@goldielocks,
1 post per/year …
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
@goldielocks, So important, it must be said twice.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:29 pm
@goldielocks, So PK is back on the PK?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
@goldielocks,
Since when does DL work for the Canadiens?
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 5:41 pm
@goldielocks, Another bridge contract. Good job by Sir Lombardi not letting the DD situation go down that road.
[Reply]
Whatever!!!
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/powerrankings
[Reply]
Subban deal is $5.75 for 2 years.
[Reply]
I love when the Kings beat the Cannots..
Might be my favorite team to beat..
Trick is to score a least one more goal than they do…
Doesn’t sound that difficult…
[Reply]
Great song about the Sedins…
Called “Prejudice” by Tim Minchin..
I think this guy is amazing…
His lyrics are intense..
Please Enjoy..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVN_0qvuhhw
[Reply]
YoBro Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 5:46 pm
@SLIM, Very cool. thanks for sharin’. Like a neo Mark Russell, with an edge.
Go Kings
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:01 pm
@YoBro,
Check out his other songs on youtube..
This guy will be recognized in America..
Sooner than later..
[Reply]
The team we are playing tonight is from VanHoover, because they suck.
[Reply]
Did anyone just see that recovery save Kari Lehtonen made on JMFJ??
Even Quicker would be proud of a supernatural play like that!
[Reply]
stagger Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
@Duncanz,
I saw it, crazy save.
[Reply]
crashin'da net Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:15 pm
@Duncanz, yup. Nuts. Go Blue jackets!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
@crashin’da net, Did us the favor.
Win tonight and we catch Stars.
[Reply]
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I wasn’t one of those opposed. I just wasn’t sure. Didn’t trust the Flames fans. Being GM is a world of difference from coach.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
@KC23, I felt the same way.
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
@KC23,
TM’s answer when his teams struggle was ALWAYS to throw it back on them – “you’re not doing it right”. He never even considered altering his approach based on his lineup or the opponent or league trends.
If you all recall, even the Kings players were expecting DS to come in with fire and brimstone. If DS was going to come in as TM but with more volume, I didn’t think that would work. I was hoping for a more offensive minded coach who could take a fundamentally sound team and free it up a bit to attack more.
Funny thing is, that’s what DS turned out to be. He came in and asked the players to relax and play the game. He encouraged all of the players to make plays and pressure the other guy. Hockey for Dummies was dead! Long live the Zen Farmer!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
@Zenny44, I’m rather partial to that moniket …
[Reply]
Is the steroid freak with the painted on tan coming with his son who need a haircut?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 5:50 pm
@LA_1968, he’s got an extra set of ear muffs for you
[Reply]
DrA Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
I can’t wait. we must win tonight Period. W will raise our playoff chances by 5% from 38% to 43%. Every game is so huge. There is no other option. Win, Win, Win!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
@DrA,
Do you hang out with @JeffR by chance?
[Reply]
Neil Smith on NHLN marveling just now about how Marleau’s 9 goals equal the total of the entire Blue Jackets team so far.
Lucky he didn’t check the Pacific Division standings before finding that comparison …
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:08 pm
@Duncanz, I love the sharks fast starts because it only means they’ll fade at the end just like always. That said, they have like 3 guys in the top 5 scoring. Former king teddy is tied for 7th out the gate.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
17th in pts but yeah, gonna be another bright season for him, eh?
[Reply]
I predict that by the end of this season Kings fans are going to hate Zack Kassian. That guy is a beast.
[Reply]
DrA Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:18 pm
@Jon G, I wish we had Zack Kassian in our organization but we had a good enforcer and did not play him. I am glad we have Clifford.
[Reply]
Gotta love Daryl. Such a stright talking farmer. Refreshing. GKG!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:21 pm
@crashin’da net, Zen.
[Reply]
Rewatching Brown’s Game 3 hit on Henrik then scoring the only goal of the game. Just beautiful. It makes me want to send Henrik a Life-A-Alert for Christmas (help me, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up)
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
@DesertKing,
He looked like a de-clawed cat that got locked outside, pawing at the bench door like that.
[Reply]
Toffori showed his quick hands.
[Reply]
Our biggest rival is ourselves.
[Reply]