-In Darryl Sutter’s post-game press conference, the question was asked whether the “best line” has been whichever line Kyle Clifford has played on. It was a relevant question, and not one I expected to be asked at the start of the season. Clifford has been very good, and his underrated speed and nose for driving to the net has been rewarded by the most consistent offensive performance of his career. He is on pace for 28 points in 48 games, which would double his career high of 14 points, set in his 76-game 19-year old rookie season of 2010-11. It will be interesting to see if Clifford can sustain his goal scoring pace – prior to this year, his career shooting percentage was 7.6%, and through 12 games this season his shooting percentage is 16.7%. The most interesting stat? Throughout his career, he has averaged exactly one shot per game. He has appeared in 169 career games, taking 169 shots. This year, he has taken 12 shots in 12 games. Darryl Sutter has been advocating Clifford to shoot more, and if he does – considering he’s someone who attempts the majority of his shots from close range – he’s likely to see a spike in his goal output, even if his shooting percentage doesn’t appear to be sustainable. His second period goal last night was a terrific individual effort. He was rewarded for his pressure at the Kings’ blue line in forcing the puck away from Nikita Nikitin with his stick before driving into the offensive zone and placing his shot inside the far post with a crisp snapshot after opting to shoot. Good things will happen if he starts taking more shots.
-Judging by Darryl Sutter’s postgame comments, I’m banking on Jonathan Quick getting back between the pipes in Chicago on Sunday. “I said we were going to ride a hot goalie, but at the same time, our schedule’s got to demand that Jonathan and Jonathan both play well for us” to me is indicative that he wants Quick to get back into a rhythm and re-establish the level of play he demonstrated a season ago. It’s unwise to start planning goaltenders games in advance, but I’d expect Quick to start in Chicago, while he and Bernier split the two games in Alberta. If Quick does go in Chicago tomorrow, it will be a pivotal start. After two games off to practice and refocus, it will be a strong benefit for the team if he produces a standout goaltending performance to dismiss the rotation questions that have arisen over the last week. Should he struggle after a week without game action, questions of that rotation will continue.
-That being said, Bernier was good for the second consecutive game. He didn’t face a ton of action but was good when called upon, especially during a Grade-A scoring chance during a Blue Jackets power play in the second period when he denied Derek Brassard’s point blank one-timer. He has been very good since a rough outing in relief of Quick in Anaheim two weeks ago. Still, the biggest question is whether this goaltending balance will help Quick find his game again, because L.A.’s ceiling is obviously raised considerably when he is operating at a high level.
-It wasn’t the prettiest game on the eyes Friday night – and they’ll certainly need a stronger performance versus the conference-leading Blackhawks – but I’m not ready to really recalibrate any opinions based on an effort against Columbus. At Staples Center, the Blue Jackets and Kings seem for whatever reason to engage in low-scoring, low-chance affairs, and last night’s game appeared to fit the familiar script. Most importantly, L.A.’s puck possession game and ability to spend the plurality of its time in the offensive zone were highlighted in the win, and by limiting Columbus to 13 shots on goal, they lowered their shots against average to 23.9 per game, which ranks second in the league.
-A much stiffer test awaits at the United Center, where the Blackhawks average 3.36 goals per game and allow 1.86 for an average goal differential of +1.5, easily the best in the league. Red hot Chicago goaltender Corey Crawford remains day-to-day with an upper body injury; he didn’t skate Friday morning, nor did he dress in the Blackhawks’ 4-1 win over San Jose last night. If he is unable to go, count on Ray Emery (who is 4-0-0) starting against the Kings on Sunday afternoon. Chicago is yet to lose in regulation this season.
Here’s hoping LAK can hand them their first regulation loss this season. I agree, I thought the D did pretty good last night and JB looked good. I also think you’re on when you say JQ is starting in net because the work load demands that it has to be split between the 2 goal tenders. Guess we’ll have to wait for the song tomorrow to see who’s playing.
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This is the first time since game one against Vancouver last year where I feel the Kings are facing almost certain defeat. And we all know how that turned out.
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 8:58 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Are you talking post season or regular? Either way, I guess we do know how it turned out
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:05 am
@Robyn, g
Game one of the playoffs, 1 vs. 8 seed, facing the president’s trophy winner in Vancouver. Remember that feeling? Not too many Kings fans thought we had a shot. Well no Kings fan in their right mind thought we had a shot!
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:09 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Based on past history, I had doubts that they could do it. They did it (and more) and I haven’t doubted them since
KC23 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), (puffs out chest) I correctly picked that first series when I said it will be a 4 – 1 series.
(mutters under his breath) except for the fact I picked Vancouver would beat us. :^O
PRMan Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Honestly? I thought we needed to win as many games as possible while Daniel was out and then somehow steal 1-2 more to win it. When the twins aren’t together, they’re no better than second liners.
tornado12 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:29 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), The Blackhawks are due for their first loss of the season. Why not us?
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:43 am
@tornado12,
Was gonna post the same thing.
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neil Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:58 am
@tornado12, we can/will be able to beat any team. We have the talent….we have the skill…we have the coaching…. no team scares me anymore…..
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KC23 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@tornado12, Does look like a good trap game for them, but we’ll see. That is a lot to ask our very young defense.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), i predicted the kings would either sweep vancouver or win 4-1 ….. i couldnt have been more right ….. it pretty much went exactly as i said …. as i am a professional gambler …… you can imagine i was extremely displeased i didnt cash in on this series going exactly as i expected .. i was actually tired of traveling to vegas and just wanted to stay home ……. (and no , i dont do the over the internet credit card crap …. i bet large dollars per game only – vegas is the best way to go)
however , i was throughly convinced the blues were going to beat us and that the blues were going to win the stanley cup …… which i did have money on ……….. i was glad to lose my money and be dead wrong …………….. really , i couldnt lose – either i win a ton of money or the kings advance …………… i was going to be happy regardless
[Reply]
Measuring stick game… We’ve played well lately lets see if we really did take that next step or if we just beat inferior competition… Stl and CLMBS arent playing well ATM…. We need Brown to start skating again, been invisible for the last week…. Kopi needs to use that big body and start putting points on the board… Looking for Quick to start finding his form, didnt see a whole lot of rubber over the offseason…. Gunna be nice to see if we are as good as we hope we are.
[Reply]
I don’t know if there is a direct relationship between the top line not producing and Dustin Brown not hitting. But Brown is simply not hitting. Is he playing injured? Does he need ‘trade rumor’ motivation? or what?
Last night he had only 2 hits. TWO!!..in 25 shifts and 18:05 minutes of ice time. That physical element has been missing from him so far this season. It does not surprise me that Kopi and Gagne do not find more space to move and create plays in the O zone if Brown is not hitting, intimidating and disrupting the other team.
The sooner he gets that hitting bug back into his system, the sooner his line mates will be able to up their production. Just my not so humble opinion.
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:12 am
@Gustavo, I said it before, he needs to get angry. He was the number 1 hitter in the league (or was tied for the most hits in the league) for like the past 3 years running. I think he’s not angry enough. Something needs to make him mad. I don’t know what, but he needs to get mad so he will hit. I noticed it in one game (I can’t remember which now) but he started checking guys and literally, the rest of the team started to step up their game. Maybe there’s something about seeing your Cap’n go all Hulk on other guy’s butts that makes them step it up, but whatever it is, it works.
Paging Cap’n Crunch Brownie
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:45 am
@Robyn, I agree. He has been playing differently lately. I think DS is discouraging it somehow. Brown needs to play Hard, then Hustle back into position. The biggest prob with Brown is the hits and out of position. But what the hits do for team morale is undeniably huge.
Brown, do that voodoo that you do so well.
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:50 am
And his skates need to be sharpened,he fell three times last night.
Mikey J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:36 am
@Gustavo, I’m a bit concerned about that too. Last year he hit everything in sight. This year he’s almost a completely different player.
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:45 am
@Mikey J., Maybe it’s complacency. He got the Cup and now he’s not angry.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:00 am
@Ronbyn…. like a songwriter who gets in a happy relationship…The good songs disappear….. see Jackson Browne after he gets in a relationship….. see Jackson when that relationship goes bad…
Duncanz Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
@neildown, As a teenager and a Taylor Swift devotee myself, I can relate to this entirely.
Two questions:
Who’s Jack Brown – Dustin’s little brother?
And how did you manage to spell her name so rongly?
Pesus Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:47 am
@Gustavo,
We were saying the same thing last year at this time, remember we were blaming it on the new rules about hitting and harsher punishment on boarding.
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:57 am
@Pesus, It does seem like the hitter has to be super conscience of what he’s doing. If the guy is near the boards, you can’t hit him or it’s a boarding call (see DD’s hit from last night when the guy he hit just flopped face first into the boards). But if he turns around, then you can hit him. If he doesn’t turn around all the way, though, then it can still be a boarding call. It’s kind of ridiculous the calls and the players seem to be willing to take the hit so they can draw that penalty.
[Reply]
Ashykon Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:54 am
@Robyn, to be fair the guy doughty hit didn’t even have a puck and was hit from behind face first into the boards.
Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:33 am
One thing I’ve learned here: we need Jackson Browne angry.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:39 am
@Robert R, Correct !!! or any sensitive songwriters….Heartbreak brings great art!!
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@neil, I’m thinking a Carter/Williams/Joni Mitchell line would be effective.
Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:04 am
@Robert R,
Wait, are we talking about Jackson Browne or Dustin Brown?
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 6:26 pm
@Michael J., Both. We can have Jackson Browne cover the blue line too. I’m sure we could get him for a song, yuk yuk.
dMan Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:22 am
@Gustavo, Playing in the Swiss league will do that to you.
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KC23 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@Gustavo, I agree 1000%.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:30 pm
@Gustavo, u cant play that bowling ball style dustin plays all season long – youre body will not hold up ….. u can pick your spots in the regular season for a game or two here and there …….. but dustin must save his body for when we really need him to do it …… in the playoffs ….. and thats what he does
[Reply]
Hey Kings Fans, is anyone can recommend me place where i can catch Sundays Game in South lake Tahoe.?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:39 am
@lEVON, probably one of the casinos.
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KC23 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 1:25 pm
@lEVON, It’s on National TV NBC. You should be able to watch it from your room.
[Reply]
lEVON Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
@KC23, Thanks Very much, i thought it is on Fox sports west
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I think that the Black hawks never lose any games so far so that means we need to change the lines for the kings like put fast Skaters to the first line like
1 Kopitar Clifford Richards
2 King Brown Lewis
3 Williams Penner Carter
4 Fraser Stoll Nolan for Defenseman Lines are
Ellerby Scuderi
Doughty Voynov
Drewiske Mitchell with Willie Mitchell returns to play so what do you think
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:45 am
@Adam M, Good to have you back Rich Hammond !
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:50 am
@Adam M, I wouldn’t count on WM just yet.
Richards is not a 1st line center and Brownie is a better winger than a center. I don’t think Penner is a good center either.
I’m not sure the system of 2 OD guys w/ 2 homers paired together would work but at some point, I think all these lines eventually get a combination due to shift changes.
[Reply]
Adam M Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
@Robyn, okay @Robyn my point is that I am talking about fast Skaters should be on a 1st line I know that Mike Richards Kyle Clifford and Anze Kopitar are fast skaters should be a 1st line to help the kings beat the Black hawks
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:04 am
@Adam M, Brown Carter Cliffy or better yet swap carts with richie.
One hard hitting line! But I say carts for the snipe/finesse
[Reply]
Adam M Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@Mars, Okay @Mars here is the deal my 2 brothers said that Dustin Brown is not playing well with the LA Kings because if Dustin Brown is a Captain of the team and he is not a fast Skater at all so we should give Anze a Captain
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
@Adam M, A Blackhawks fan couldn’t have drawn up those lines better.
I like the way you do lines..
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Well they ruined our home opener now it’s time to ruin their perfect regulation record!
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jess Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:35 am
@Tom, that’s the spirit!
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Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:39 am
@Tom, I like your thinking!
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Mars Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:50 am
@Tom, much better than my point!
Bring the pain!!
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Here’s Jack Johnson’s shove in the back of Carter…
http://youtu.be/ixDciFkKeMU
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jess Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:37 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
JJ what a punk!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:46 am
@jess, JJ, TM….Boo Boo Boo
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:48 am
@puck73, yes!!
neil Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:02 am
@puck73, feels like old times here !!!!!
jess Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:18 am
@puck73,
goldielocks Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:16 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Hey! Because of you, I’m playing with this *#^#&(# hockey club!
Such a straight forward guy.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:27 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Sour grapes…
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:34 am
@Michael J.,
Bitter. Bitter, party of one? Your table is ready.
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:40 am
At this point, I’m sure #77 couldn’t care less and neither do I. The Chicago game, especially vis-a-vis the goaltending of Jonathan Quick, should be front and center, IMHO.
[Reply]
Chris H. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:41 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Although I don’t understand why the fans booed JJ during the game. He wasn’t the one that requested the trade like Carter. Columbus booing Carter makes sense, he hated it in Columbus. But #7 pushes #77, then #7 goes up on #7′s face. ;D
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 3:12 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
That’s why it stings
because he wears my ring …
[Reply]
What is a definition of a hot goalie??? Wins ??? Goals against?? If Bernier lost 1 0 but stopped 49 of 50 shots…would he be considered the “Hot ” goalie…But when he stops 12 shots in a game..is he Hot???? 12 shots is like one period….I like Bernier but Quick needs to get back in….
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:05 am
@neil,
Wins. Period. Wins means points. Love JQ, but you play the guy who is winning. Remember when TM pulled JQ after 3 shutouts? This isn’t exactly the same, but it isn’t exactly that different either. Play who is winning.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:41 am
@RobSD, so if Bernier wouldve won 6 to 5 yesterday…he should get the next start???
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:26 am
@RobSD, It’s completly different. Not even close.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@RobSD, TM pulled the STARTING goal tender on a 3 shut out tear, VS a back up goalie doing pretty good in winning 2 games. Apples and oranges me thinks.
[Reply]
LT21 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 3:37 pm
@KC23, This is what I have been saying all along when people try to compare. No comparison. Well said.
Pesus Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:18 am
@neil,
The competition is over, Quick got the long term deal, Bernier is trade bait.
DS is is a 1 goalie coach. I think he trying to lite a fire under Quick. What you did yesterday doesnt mean a thing today type of message.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:28 am
@neil,
Manon Rheaume is about as close as you’re going to get…
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:53 pm
@Michael J., Somewhere beyond the sea ….
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Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:47 am
I agree about Quick, but last night’s game was the usual low scoring LA-Col affair. Columbus did have a few excellent opportunities and Bernier stopped all but one. True, only 12 shots–but if 3 or 4 are great chances and he lets in 2 or 3, it’s a 3-2 or 4-2 Columbus win. He answered when we needed him.
[Reply]
LT21 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
@Robert R, “He answered when we needed him.” Isn’t that the point of a “backup goaltender?”He did his job. Period. Nothing flashy or spectacular. Funny how everyone forgets the diving save Quick made against Columbus just earlier this season. He isn’t lame, he just needed a spark. He got it watching JB start 2 in a row.
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 5:36 pm
@LT21, Yes, Quick needs to get back in.
I was addressing the point about the “hot” goalie. I contend that yes, you can have a “hot” game even when only facing 12 shots because there usually will be a few high-quality chances in the mix. You need your goalie to deliver when you need him, and Bernier did.
I am confident about us coming out with 2 points.
If my life long love affair withe the Kings has taught me anything,
It is that we beat teams we should not, and lose to teams we should not.
We defy all odds all the way around. So if you say the odds are not in our favor,
Well, you most certainly are saying we will win.
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 9:52 am
@Mars, Poetic, I like it.
[Reply]
Mikey J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:13 am
@Mars, After years of watching Kings I would rather go into the Chicago game on the heels of a 2-1 sledge fest with Columbus then a 6-1 wide open thrashing of Columbus.
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:28 am
@Mikey J., The Kings may have won last night, but it didn’t feel like either team really gave it their best effort. Oh sure there were spurts, but other than that, not really. I’m hoping that they go into tomorrow’s game with a lot of confidence and suck the wind right out that building as they dominate and destroy the team the way they did to us at our home opener. (I’m only slightly vengeful)
[Reply]
Mikey J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:40 am
@Robyn, Let’s just say they didn’t blow they’re wad last night.
Mikey J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:40 am
@Robyn, their wad
I had a dream that Kane was twirling around with the puck in circles on the ice and all of the sudden Clifford comes from no where and Hulk Smash!!
The home crowd was like: “Oh my God, they killed Kenny!!!”
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:03 am
@jess, +1
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:19 am
@jess,
throw in some girls and that could be called a fantasy
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:53 am
@jess, telling that you say Clifford instead of Brown…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:01 am
@jess,
And a deep, deep voice says “Now children!”
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:27 am
@jess,
With all due respect, your dreams are a total friggin hash, bro.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:44 am
@Kenny44,
Quiet, you’re supposed to be dead :p
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
@jess, Without Kane, Peggy, from the credit card ads, would be lost without scoring advice.
[Reply]
This is way OT, but what the heck is a Hab? I know the Montreal Canadiens are called “Habs” but I have no idea what that is
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:06 am
@Robyn,
Look at their logo.
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:12 am
@goldielocks, Right, still don’t know what a Hab is lol. I’m from L.A. I’m more familiar with Hispanic cultures than Canadian ones. (That’s a poor excuse but I’m using it anyways)
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 12:03 pm
@Robyn, Le Habitant,the Habs in my best French Canadian accent, which you can’t here.
goldielocks Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:13 am
@Robyn,
Actually, Habs refers to ‘habitants’ as first French Canadian settlers. And the logo simply means Canadian hockey club.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:18 am
@Robyn,
Not sure but there is this place French Canadians go to for life after death and it’s called Re-Hab.
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:22 am
Oh, thanks, guys!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:23 am
@Robyn, Thank goodness for Google, I had no clue once you asked
Question: Why are the Montreal Canadiens called the Habs?
Answer: Habs is an abbreviation of “les habitants,” the informal name given to the original settlers of New France, dating back to the 17th Century. So it’s a natural fit for the The Montreal Canadiens, established in 1909 and marketed as a French-Canadian hockey team.
Having said that, the nickname might have been the result of an error. According to NHL.com, the first man to refer to the team as “the Habs” was Tex Rickard, owner of Madison Square Garden, in 1924. Rickard apparently told a reporter that the “H” on the Canadiens’ sweaters was for “Habitants.” Not true. The distinctive C-wrapped-around-H logo stands for “Club de Hockey Canadien.”
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:26 am
@Mars, Wow, that’s more effort than I would’ve put into this. Thanks!!
And thank goodness for Google because that was very informative and now I finally know why they’re called the Habs.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:48 am
@Robyn, haha, no effort, just copy and paste
Dont doubt my laziness on the weekend.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:30 am
@Robyn,
That’s not all they’re called.
Gmo Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:49 am
@Mars,
wow that’s good to know
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:06 am
@Mars,
Perfect. My son starts college their next August, so we are quickly learning about Montreal and French Quebec. I am going to try and visit him in school when the Kings are playing in Montreal and catch the game there.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
@DessertKing, I will direct my Uncle Gary to ensure that at least one regular season goes ahead so you are able to watch this non-conference game.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:29 am
@Robyn,
It wasn’t long ago where these kinds of questions/answers were hard to find. Remember betting someone you were right and they were wrong only to wait a few days before someone could go to the library to find out? That entire line of human discourse is completely gone. Well, almost gone
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:35 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Sorry, I grew up in the era in the internet. I have no idea what you’re talking about
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I always just ask an adult!
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
@Duncanz, I once took a shot in the habs. Talk about pain…
On the question of the goalie debate, I’m curious if people think it’s better to have 2 #1s (as many think we currently do) or a very strong #1 (like JQ last season) and a mediocre back up (as JB was last season) in relief of the #1 when he needs rest on back to back games.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:33 am
@Robyn,
Who thinks we have two #1′s?
Q is the #1 guy no question.
As for the question, I believe is far better to have a clear cut #1 goalie, especially in the playoffs. I’m not sure about Cups but it would be interesting to see how many have been won by a ‘tandem’ team of goalies. I bet not many.
Who’s going to the library to research this?
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:33 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I’ll meet ya there
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:40 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
maybe we……………. could………………… dispatch………………. you……. know…………….. who………. That…. might……………. keep him busy…………. for a whi…..l…………e………..
[Reply]
Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:42 am
@Michael J., Are you referring to Phil Sykes?
Mikey J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:09 am
@Michael J., . just kidding
Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:28 am
@Mikey J.,
Huh?
Mikey J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@Michael J., You didn’t have enough periods, so I added one JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
@Mikey J.,
Sorry, a little slow on a Saturday..
Right now I think the biggest decision DS needs to make is what to do with D. King for tomorrow’s game. Is his size going to be needed, or will his lack of speed be a liability? Skate him or sit him? If he sits, does Fraser of Richardson go in?
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Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 10:42 am
@Michael J., Well Chicago is notorious for their speedy skaters and counting on puck turnovers which is how they are such a winning team right now. So the question is, which one is better? Size or speed? Is there a person that has both? If not, then see previous question and determine which will be a better asset. If Kinger can put the hurting on them, I vote for size but only if he can keep up.
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:32 am
@Michael J.,
King was a big negative last night. Any puck that came to him was firmly in the opponent’s possession within a second or two. He’s not hitting, he’s not forcing his way to the net and he just can’t keep up with the flow of play right now (even with Richards and Nolan, who are exactly melting the ice with speed). I wouldn’t mind seeing Cliffy or Penner take that spot, put Richardson on L4 and sit King tomorrow.
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Many say that last night’s game wasn’t pretty–and it wasn’t. But Columbus’ style of play may be more responsible for that. Maybe they focused on a tight-checking style because they were playing
THE STANLEY CUP CHAMPION LOS ANGELES KINGS
(had to do that). Please remember that the Kings smothered them defensively for most of the game and Columbus’ end of the ice was a lot more chopped up by period’s end from excessive use. You deal with what the other team throws at you, and we came out ahead.
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Robyn Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:15 am
@Robert R, I’m just hoping that we can come out ahead tomorrow against Chi-town. DOWN WITH THE HAWKS. (Sorry, had to do that
)
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Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:37 pm
BTW Kudos to NBC for picking this game, thereby making it an afternoon game and not coinciding with evening pickup hockey. Most considerate. Will celebrate by ordering an umberger with fries.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
@Robert R, A plate of crawfords in the shell and a side of toevs for me tomorrow, thanks!
Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 6:35 pm
For dessert, a candy kane.
Duncanz Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
@Robert R, Sounds hossa good!
Well, my youngest child turns 18 today. His mom did a great job of raising him. When asked what he wanted to do today, he said he wanted to go to a hockey game, so he is going to see the Reign play tonight. Without me. Yep, his mom raised him right
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Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:06 am
@DesertKing,
Excellent choice for your better half.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:21 am
@Michael J.,
I can’t choose the right goalie, but I sure can pick the right woman
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Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:29 am
@DesertKing,
Which is good considering you are not coaching the Kings…
Kenny44 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:36 am
@DesertKing,
Forgot Valentine’s Day again? Is that what this is thread is all aboat? Well I, for one, will not be a party to it!
DesertKing Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@Kenny44
I can’t coach the Kings because they won’t fork over the nachos and sent me back to my wife. I gave my wife nachos for Valentines Day and she sent me back to the Kings. What is it about nachos that these people don’t like?
Kenny44 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@DesertKing,
Flaming hot nachos on a heart shaped platter? I can’t imagine why that didn’t close the deal for ya
Michael J. Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:57 am
@DesertKing,
I guess the biggeer questions is when does he move ou….. errrrr…. Where is he going to college???
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DesertKing Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:13 pm
@Michael J.,
Next August, in Montreal.
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luc20rules Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
@DesertKing, Planning to go to Sunday’s Reign Game? I have extra tickets for free. Likely going early so I can watch the 12:30 Kings game before the Reigns 3pm start.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@luc20rules,
Sorry, have to work but thanks for the offer
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Looking at Lisa Dillman (from LAT)’s twitter and she’s posting some comments from Sutter about Chicago. He states “We got them off on the right foot. We take a lot of credit for their success… They’re not invincible… We’d like to try again (to beat them). You know what, they’re not on a different planet than us.”
You know what? Sutter is the best. Right?
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 11:32 am
@Robyn,
Salty ol’ coach, right?
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If Emery plays keep the first shot on the ice and swarm rebounds. He will give up goals if you test his feet. Unless you are coming in clean, shoot to not score – shoot to get the big old goalie down and make him swim.
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Robert R Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
@Kenny44, I hope that he has a rough time–rough as an emery board.
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phil sykes Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
@Kenny44, yes ………. always employ this strategy against tall goalies or ones that like to hold their glove hand by their ear (which is a new trend) ………….. elliot , schneider , rinne , crawford etc….
yes , get the goalie moving post to post and watch him swim
throw pucks at his feet – shoot not to score – just throw it there and crash and create chaos
excellent read kenny
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 16th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
@phil sykes,
First thing I think when I see a goalie taller than me – I’m shooting right at his feet. If he can’t control his rebounds there’s going to be a crooked number on the board tonight. But of course I’m testing 5 hole if I get a break on him. Especially after getting him to think about low corners, it should be open.
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