This is the first of three meetings between Los Angeles and Nashville this season. After tonight, the two teams will meet on Thursday, February 7 at Bridgestone Arena and on Monday, March 4 at Staples Center.
Last year, the Kings finished 3-1-0 against the Predators, going 2-0-0 at home and 1-1-0 on the road. Jonathan Bernier started both games at home, while Jonathan Quick started both of the road games.
Though Darryl Sutter did not reveal his starting goaltender specifically at the morning skate, it is presumed that Jonathan Quick will make his sixth consecutive start to open the season.
Neither Quick nor Nashville’s Pekka Rinne – both Vezina finalists a season ago – have posted particularly strong numbers in these teams’ head to head matchups. Quick is 1-4-1 in his career against the Predators with a 3.17 goals against average and .888 save percentage, while Rinne is 5-5-0 in his career against the Kings with a 3.14 goals against average and .884 save percentage.
Though the sample size remains small, Nashville has struggled to find the back of the net early in the season. Averaging 1.67 goals per game, they are tied with Colorado and Florida for the lowest goals-per-game mark in the NHL. To complicate matters, Patric Hornqvist – who has seven goals in 14 career games against Los Angeles and led the team with 27 goals a season ago – sprained his knee while battling for a loose puck against Anaheim last Saturday and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks, per Josh Cooper of The Tennessean. Shea Weber, who signed for 14 years and 110 million dollars after the Predators matched Philadelphia’s offer sheet over the summer, has been held without a point and is a minus-one through the first six games of the season. With Ryan Suter’s free agency departure to Minnesota, Weber has seen the majority of his time paired alongside Swiss national Roman Josi.
Nashville currently ranks last in the NHL with 23.2 shots per game.
QUOTES
Anze Kopitar, on how to find success against a team that has responsible, two-way forwards:
“I think just making strong play through the neutral zone. If you turn the puck over in the neutral zone or on the blue lines, it’s tough to get any O-zone time, and you’re pretty much hanksing the game for the most part. So you just want to make sure you make strong plays.”
Kopitar, on Weber:
“In the defensive zone, definitely his shot is his strength, so you want to make sure you’re in his lane the whole time and try to prohibit the puck to go to him. Other than that, it’s really just play…It’s just again, playing our game and focusing on us.”
Darryl Sutter, on how to play against a team with two-way forwards that don’t offer you much space:
“Match up against their veteran centermen. Three guys that really take care of both ends of the ice, and then they’re really smart players in terms of the neutral zone being quarterbacks, so we’ve got to match up against those three guys, and then obviously awareness on their two defensemen that shoot the puck a lot.”
Drew Doughty, on Shea Weber:
“He’s just an all-around defenseman. He’s got the big shot, so the offense kind of comes from his big shot. He’s a good puck mover, physical in his D-zone. He’s a situational player, plays in every single situation. He’s definitely someone I’ve looked up to since I played with him a few years back.”
Nashville coach Barry Trotz, on the developing chemistry between Weber and Josi:
“I think its coming. You look at Suter and Weber were together for seven years, maybe eight. One year in the minors, as well. It’s coming around pretty good, but at the same time, it’s still a work in progress. We’ve still got that improvement foundation that we want to get with them.”
Trotz, on Long Beach native and 2007 first round draft pick Jonathon Blum, who is yet to appear in a game this season:
“He’s worked really hard in the off-season. Jon – his biggest improvement has been the work that he’s putting in in the off-season. He’s still an intelligent player. He’s still got a good stick. He does all the things that Jon Blum has always done. He’s just made a bigger commitment in the offseason to get a little bit stronger and faster. He’s always got the good hockey sense and all the good skills and that. He’s just worked on that other end to get his strength level and power level up. I’m happy with him. He’s worked hard every day with [strength and conditioning coach] David Good, and he’s worked hard every day on the ice with our coaches and the drills and that stuff. I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit, and actually a couple times was very close to being put in the lineup.”
KINGS PROJECTED LINES:
Brown – Kopitar – Williams
Clifford – Richards – Carter
Gagne – Stoll – Lewis
King – Fraser – Nolan
Scuderi – Doughty
Voynov – Martinez
Drewiske – Muzzin
Quick
Bernier
This is the game our team really gets it going and resembles the team that spanked everyone last June. I can feel it…can you?
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 4:10 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Only if the Captain gets off the schneid and starts wiping out his -5 +/- start…
A goal would do…
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 4:29 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, or 2
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Itchy Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:24 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Idunno… the Preds have given us trouble in the past. Some would argue that The Kings were a different team then and some would argue they got Quick’s number.
Hope you’re right, can’t afford a setback.
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This just in……Penner will sing the National Anthem tonight
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neil Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 4:14 pm
@monkeyboy, or lip sync?
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Forum Gold Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 4:18 pm
@monkeyboy, Three Dog Night with the accompany? GO KINGS GO!!!
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neil Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:41 pm
@Forum Gold, A “three dog night” reference !!!! WOW !!!
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DesertKing Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 4:23 pm
@monkeyboy,
Good way to meet Pia……..
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:23 pm
@monkeyboy,
Oh, say can he sit
On the bench again tonight
What so hard he nailed
At his playoff’s redeeming
Whose broad shoulders and chin scars
Thru the Devil’s red fight
While the games that we watched
Were so digitally streaming
And the Cup’s silver glare
The crowd bursting with swear
Gave proof to the fans
That his heart was still there
Oh, say does that left-winger
Penner still crave
For the Kings near the sea
And the care that he gave
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:58 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwcfY0Ldf2Q
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jess Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:59 pm
@monkeyboy, LMAO
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Definitely don’t need any hanksing tonight, Kopi.
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Real 7 Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:39 pm
@xeropoint, hanksing….boy that’s a new one on me….apparently means ineffective, or similar.
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Kenny44 Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:45 pm
@xeropoint,
Slovenian for “chasing”, I think.
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Was very impressed watching Weber’s new partner, Roman Josi last season.
He played really well in the game when they beat the Kings.
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Go Kings Go!
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Welcome Jon Rosen,
Nice to see the Kings hired a great talent. Big ups to you & best wishes on your inaugural season with the
Stanley Cup Champions!!
Go Kings!!
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I am really looking forwards to tonight’s game! Should be loads of fun on a bun!
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……and you’re pretty much hanksing the game for the most part. What does hanksing mean?
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Duncanz Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:18 pm
@kissmyburbsystars,
I believe it means to miss a shift while asking for Tom Hanks’ autograph but I’m not completely sure – it may also mean missing a shift to ask for Colin Hanks’ autograph..
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Real 7 Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:41 pm
@Duncanz, you’re getting warm…LOL
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neil Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:42 pm
@Real 7, You blow your nose in it ????
Real 7 Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:44 pm
@neil, no, that’s a hankachoo, chief…
Just wanted to add my own welcome to Jon. Looking forward to reading your stuff, and seeing how you make this blog your own.
As for tonight, the Preds are always a tough team to play against. Looking for Brown, and hopefully Richards, to come out in a big way tonight.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:52 pm
@IN King,
Would you like them to ‘come out’ in drag? Is that big enough?
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Watching Jets @ Cats and it’s good to see that Miamians are largely keeping true to their convictions and maintaining their boycott of all things NHL, including Panthers hockey tickets!
Sometimes I wish Kings fans would be so principled and show Bill Daly just what they think of the way he handled things wrt the CBA and recent lockout.
Of course, my Uncle Gary is only a figurehead who travels the continent surveying his territories and receiving laudings from his innumerable worshipers and so remains decidedly blameless for anything that might have gone wrong in his absence.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:17 pm
@Duncanz,
I’ve been to more than a few Panther games. They used to play at the Miami Arena located downtown, Scary!! (think Inglewood with an attitude) But at least there they drew a crowd. Ever since they moved to Sunrise in Broward, (50 miles North) people lost interest. I lived in Palm Beach at the time so it was a good move for me. Tampa BAy on the other hand has no such supporter problems.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:28 pm
@kissmybocaratones, Sunrise, sunset…
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:38 pm
@Duncanz,
Yep. For sure.
Real 7 Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:43 pm
@Duncanz, receiving laudings? I think you mean laundry, no?
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Kenny44 Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:47 pm
@Duncanz,
Contraction! It’s what the economy’s doing anyway.
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Welcome Jon, I am glad they finally hired someone with a background like yours. I bet Bob Miller is already giving you a razing over Wisconsin hockey being the best in the Big 10 or maybe the world. Good luck, there are some real characters on here, some even know hockey.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:35 pm
@Happy Lappy,
Hockey? This is a hockey website?
Damn…….
I thought this was a Star Trek and Star Wars site.
Scotty…….beam me up.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:37 pm
@Happy Lappy, Exactly.
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This is probably the only time I can break out the old ‘deep inside’ site as a headline for a story. Here’s my report on Jon Rosen’s hire and what it means for the future of team beat reporters. Enjoy.
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/deep-inside-the-kings/
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:38 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Great write up, Paul!
Deep Inside? What is that in reference to?
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Welcome Jon! Lookin forward to your words of wisdom.
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neil Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 5:44 pm
@KingCharles of SaltLake, Iam replying to your post….. Agree !!!!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:24 pm
@KingCharles of SaltLake,
As we all look forward to yours.
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Is it too early to start working on a Suite Night? Gotta get to know the “new guy”, I’m hoping our old pal Rich will make an appearance.
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DesertKing Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:38 pm
@Happy Lappy,
A suite night with a post-game skate, to, you know, sweat out the beverages.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:40 pm
@DesertKing, And smile. A lot.
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DesertKing Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:46 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I always use that group photo in the classes I teach.
Welcome!
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Welcome Mr. Rosen…
Wow..A few Rosens in Hockey..
Most being in New York…
Please do a one-thread game blog..with updates..
I’m sure you will…
Kings have another must win game…
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I kind of like the change to King on 4th line, with Gagne on 3rd. King gives it his all every shift, but has done little offensively so far this year. Gagne doesn’t belong on the 4th line – he’s a scorer if he is anything at all. His skills may have deteriorated to the point that he doesn’t belong on the 3rd line either, but will be interesting to see what he’s got left.
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I am finally in game shape for 10:30 starts.
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Real 7 Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:47 pm
@Munchrat, move to Hawaii and you won’t need to be in game shape…
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Munchrat Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 8:52 pm
@Frenchy, I’ll take that under advisement..
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Munchrat Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 8:52 pm
@Frenchy, I’ll take that under advisement..
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvzL_38FnlA
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:26 pm
@Munchrat, I love how he says three different names. Chevy at his best. Well this and Caddyshack.
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we should get a win tonight……I like the lines, unless DS starts with the antics of the last game in the 3rd period, spinning the lines inside and out……
But that was a good exercise for all guys, they knew if they wanted another shift they had to put out, and big time. And one in row didn’t cut it, they had to be consistent every shift.
That I thought was sending a very strong message, some typically top 6 guys didn’t get much ice time.
Winning the cup has brought much confidence right accross the board including the coaches.
We just need Mitch to get back soon…………..no disrespect to Muzzin or Drewiski but we need big Willy to solidify the back end. And without the ruggedness of Greener he becomes even more important.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:31 pm
@harty, I’m thinking 5 goals, 3 on the power play. That should keep the lines intact.
As for Big Willy and the Back End, I have no comment.
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MickSorley Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:43 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Took the words out of my mouth.
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MickSorley Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:44 pm
@MickSorley, about Big Willy that is..
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 8:26 pm
@MickSorley, Big Willy out of your mouth. Got it.
SDGolfer Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:48 pm
@harty, and Paul Armbruster, Antics of line changes????
Coaches changing lines?
It freaking worked.
Dont act like no coach changes lines.
Its ridiculous.
The lines have been different the last 3 games.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:54 pm
@SDGolfer,
I thought it worked.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 8:35 pm
@SDGolfer, Uh, why was I included here?
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jess Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 7:17 pm
@harty,
DS can change lines as he sees fit as far as I’m concerned.
Unlike TM, his system actually has something revolutionary called a forecheck.
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Now that we have our new leader Jon Rosen, who will be the 1st Insider banned to the cornfield? Hopefully not me. Maybe we can lay odds & place bets! Welcome aboard Jon!
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Ravens Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 6:52 pm
@King Alex, does this mean all past Insider x-cons have been pardoned?
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King Alex Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 7:17 pm
@Ravens, if TL, Governor of the Kings grants it.
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!!GO KINGS GO!!
!!GO KINGS GO!!
!!GO KINGS GO!!
Let’s steam roll over the preds
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predicting a good game for Gagne and Brown tonight
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Welcome aboard Jon! Looking forward to the new insider Guru’s observations…
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Goring 19 Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@Goring 19, Oh, BTW GKG! GKG! GKG!
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jess Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 7:11 pm
@Goring 19,
Hey G-19, haven’t seen ya since the glorious day of drinking beer outta lord stanley’s cup in an unknown backyard, on a hot summer day somewhere in beautiful El Segundo
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If we can just effin score everything will be fine
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The lines look good but the “d” is obviously a little weak considering the injuries. With the kings playing a tight defense oriented style they’ll b in alot of low scoring games. So I don’t c them going on a long winning streak of 5-6 games. Does anyone else think they’re going to have a tough time getting in the playoffs? Many teams in conference r much improved n I c them fighting it out within 2 or 3 others just to get in.
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Patrick O’neal gave his free ring to his father..
Then he put it on Ebay..
Not surprised knowing who his father is…
Did you know his kids mother is Rebecca de Mornay?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 8:25 pm
@SLIM,
I hope the ring story is just a joke.
Here’s a bit of a coincidence. The first post you commented on over at KND has the same title of my old blog where I wrote the only story of its kind about O’Neal, including a mention about “Risky” Rebecca.
http://deepinsidethekings.com/2010/10/patrick-oneal-kings-fan/
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 8:32 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I hope that story is a joke also. I tweeted Patrick but he didn’t answer my query. Not expecting one either.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 31st, 2013 at 10:17 pm
@Kingsfanone, And I’m just talking about Patrick getting a ring!
Really though, I highly doubt he got one.
It’s nice to have a writer’s name on the blog. Welcome Jon.
I guess this will be the game thread?
Go Kings Go!
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While we wait for Nashville, I bought my ticket for Columbus on Tuesday. I hope that the Blue Jackets and their fans get a humbling demo of Stanley Cup-quality hockey.
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Why is Darryl Sutter take Dustin Penner for the LA Kings so my Oldest Brother Brian said that Dustin Brown is doing awful as a Captain and what’s going on with Dustin Brown that the LA Kings need to change the lines against the Ducks are
1 Kopitar Penner Carter
2 Richards Stoll King
3 Gagne Brown Nolan
4 Lewis Fraser Clifford
Defenseman
Doughty Mitchell
Voynov Drewiske
Scuderi Martinez so what do you think
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