-Last night’s performance was mostly positive for the Kings. Jonathan Quick kept the score tied early, and for the final 40 minutes Los Angeles was the better team. Of course, “being the better team” doesn’t get you two points in the standings (see: Detroit), and the Kings finally earned some puck luck of their own when Jeff Carter, driving towards the net to create some grease in front of Nikolai Khabibulin, had Trevor Lewis’ wristshot glance off the blade of his stick and into the back of the net. Carter told me after the game that he wasn’t trying to deflect the puck, that the deflection was coincidental and he was only trying to create traffic and a screen. I’m not sure if I’m buying that – it appeared as though Carter may have called for the puck and chopped his stick at it. In any case, when you’ve scored 209 goals in 530 career games, you score goals in a variety of different ways, including in some situations when you’re not necessarily even looking to get a shot on net. The play was set up when Davis Drewiske used a good stick to disrupt a rush into the zone by Taylor Hall.
-Speaking of Hall, I wasn’t overly fond of his play or the play of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins last night. Their line, along with Jordan Eberle, was a combined minus-nine and allowed an even strength goal to the Kings’ Jordan Nolan-Colin Fraser-Trevor Lewis line. Lewis and Fraser won the net-front battle for the puck over Nick Schultz and Nugent-Hopkins, allowing for Fraser’s chip shot from close range. The Oilers have a surplus of speed and some enviable burgeoning skill, but are there a collection of grinders and role players that are so necessary to go deep into the playoffs? There’s Ryan Smyth, Ben Eager and of course Eric Belanger – who certainly helped the Kings win a playoff series 12 years ago – but I’m not yet seeing an excessive amount of veteran strength and jam in Edmonton’s top-six, at least not in the sense of “jam” that can be found embedded in Anze Kopitar’s, Mike Richards’ and Dustin Brown’s games. L.A. tightened up over the final 40 minutes of this game and was successful in winning the battles along the boards and keeping the Oilers’ skill mostly to the perimeter.
-Have you liked Jake Muzzin’s game ever since Darryl Sutter’s “road apples” comment? I’m guardedly optimistic. I also asked this question to two people whose opinions I value greatly, and they weren’t as ready to moderately speak as favorably as I was. I’m not looking to write an opera about his recent play, but I saw a few things that I liked yesterday. He was hitting – he was credited with four hits in 16:05 and had a rather large first period open-ice hit on Belanger. He also very nearly came away with an assist on a simple second period play in which he snapped a puck low towards the Edmonton net, right in the wheelhouse for Richards to get a stick on it. Richards’ prime deflection was stopped by Khabibulin on one of the 35 saves the 40-year old goaltender made in a throwback ‘Bulin Wall performance. Muzzin isn’t ready for a top-four role, but his play has certainly been an improvement over what it was in the Anaheim game.
-Dustin Brown led the Kings with five hits. Share your thoughts below.
I’m not sure if there is a more useless stat out there than “hits.”
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:44 am
@Tyler, For a team like the Kings, it tells you how engaged a player or the whole team is in the physical game. it’s really a bad sign when this team isn’t hitting.
Point being: the state is not useless.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:23 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
The “state” is useless, but I agree with you that for the Kings and their style of play, the “hits” stat is significant.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:56 pm
@DesertKing, OMG…we agree, the state is useless B-) , actually. The stat, however is significant.
Shakes Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:48 am
@Tyler, attendance
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Michael J. Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:44 am
@Shakes,
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Subby Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:16 am
@Tyler, I couldn’t disagree with you more
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Goedecke Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:38 am
@Tyler,
-1
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Goedecke Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:38 am
@Tyler,
-1
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jordan Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:38 am
@Tyler, its a key factor in how Brown plays. if hes not being physical and making his opponents think twice about skating past him, hes not being effective. i disagree as well
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Lake Forest Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:47 am
@Tyler, if you have Ever watched hockey, then you would know big hits can change the momentum of a game. Browns hit on rosival, browns hit on the ginger. They do change the game.
I don’t know the stat comparison of whichever team has more or less hits wins the game, but it would be interesting to see the comparison
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LA_1968 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:03 am
@Tyler,
As a team, leading a game in hits is bad many times because you hit when don’t have the puck. But for a player it can tell a story… Good or bad.
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Mars Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:14 am
@Tyler, BROWN HITTING = KINGS WIN!
He has been lack luster on hits, and he kings have been playing sleepy hockey
He hits, they wake up And outshoot and play alive!!
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Tyler Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:20 am
@Mars, I’m sure we would all prefer it if Brown hit the back of the net more than he hit opposing players.
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Forum Gold Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:27 am
@Tyler, It seems when he hits he also gets scoring opportunities so let’s hope for good things tonight. GO KINGS GO!!!
blueliner Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:47 pm
@Tyler, I also disagree. The Kings game really turned around in the 3rd when Brown made the big hit on Nugent-Hopkins. Created a spark for the team and they took over the game from that point on. Hits, even minor checks take a toll on the opposing team. In particular defensemen.
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Robert R Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 2:12 pm
@blueliner,
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Robert R Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Sorry, I went blank for a moment.
The “hits” stat didn’t make a hit with Tyler, but hits do make a difference. It’s tiring to get hammered; takes energy out of the victim. This stat is the best gauge we’ve got to measure physicality.
Tyler, try taking an NHL-caliber hit. When you’re released from the hospital, let us know what you thought of it.
Brown was hitting much better last night….Muzzin is better then Ellerby and should be with DD….also the Kings are 4 5 1 on the road…500 on the road and lets get a winning record at home and we will make some noise in the standings !!!! Great job …JR !!!!!
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KingHal Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:34 am
@Neil,
Yes Brown had 5 hits. But doesn’t it look like he’s pulling back at impact instead of hitting thru the opponent? He has got to be playing hurt.
And what was w/ everybody falling / losing edges last night? Anybody else notice that?
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Kat Posell Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:39 am
@KingHal, Someone mentioned this morning that the ice there was crap. Can’t remember who it was so I’m not sure if they knew for certain or were just commenting.
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Mars Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:15 am
@KingHal, oily ice
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DLB Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@KingHal, I noticed the same thing. I thought Edmonton’s ice was supposed to be especially good (?)
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KC23 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:45 am
@Neil, Muzzin better than Ellerby? Muzzin been playing 3rd defensive pair assignments. Ellerby playing 1st defensive pairing assignments. So when considering that, I’m not so sure.
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rick Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
@KC23, The number of the defensive pairing doesn’t equate to who is playing well. Give Ellerby any number you want – he hasn’t shown me yet that he is an NHL caliber defenseman on a consistent basis.
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IceGuy Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:46 am
@Neil,
Ellerby’s in a tough spot. He cut his defensive teeth playing in the no defense East. Now he’s in the West, and worse yet – on the Kings. He’s got a tough learning curve to climb. He seems to skate well, and has made a couple of really nice passes. I’m going to give him a little more time.
Muzzin has to learn two things: 1 (from Voynov): learn how to cut down the angle when you can’t match speed. 2 (from Scuds): learn how to use your stick low on the ice to cover more defensive territory.
Foxy had the best comment last night. On Taylor-Hall’s breakaway, Doughty was a half step behind. He could have tried one of his diving swipes at the puck, which would probably have ended up a trip, or hook Hall’s hands. Both end up with a penalty. In stead, Doughty just stayed on his right side, cutting off any move across the crease, and let Quick mind half the net and do his job. That was a great play on both Kings parts.
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KC23 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:02 am
@IceGuy, Great point on the DD/Hall play.
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Robyn Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:20 am
@IceGuy, I think, if I recall correctly, Fox also said Doughty made a move or something with his stick on the ice so it it in a way helped the goaltender. It was something to that effect, but I can’t quite remember. Anyways, good point, very valid
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:22 am
@Robyn, WRT Ellerby/Muzzin…. DS had DD with Muzzin in the third period…. Its worth repeating….Kings are really missing WM,Marty and Greene….
jordan Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:36 am
@IceGuy, that was ben eager on the break away, if it were taylor hall instead he probably would have hooked him
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puck luck is huge….good observation Jon…
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:46 am
@Real 7, Frankly, I thought it was the inevitable result of standing up to Edmonton’s frantic style of game, and sticking it back to them. Maybe being pushed turned on the “compete” switch. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between puck luck and getting the bounces you earn. I think maybe how you look at it depends on whether you win or lose.
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Real 7 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:06 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, “Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between puck luck and getting the bounces you earn.”
same difference….puck luck means getting the bounces….I’d like to think we’ll be earning a lot more of those…
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Cav Pilot Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:39 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, My dad used to say, “The harder I worked, the luckier I got.”
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
@Cav Pilot, Yup, that’s the idea. As long as you’re also working smart. I think the Kings started the season working harder than smart–particularly against Chicago.
#5 looked awfully slow in the first period last night. he reminded me of myself when my 45 year old legs can’t keep up with the 20 somethings rushing down on me at pick up. wonder if the will try Campbell tonight?
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:42 am
@yetiman_oc, I believe Ellerby’s problems with the Oilers speed last night had more to do with the fact that he isn’t used to playing a team with that much speed. Teams with the speed of the Oilers aren’t seen in the Eastern Conference very much, so it will take Ellerby a little time to get used to playing teams like that in the West. Fortunately they are only a few of them. With more experience against those teams he will do better.
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fsd1 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:04 am
@yetiman_oc, he did in the first but thought his play really picked up after that
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yetiman_oc Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:20 am
@fsd1, i’m not sure how much he played in the 2nd and 3rd but i noticed that #8 had partners that were not #5 a lot late in the game.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:24 am
@yetiman_oc, DD with Muzzin in the third period…
FKA PakiFro Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:35 am
@yetiman_oc,
Yea, Ellerby just couldn’t keep up with Hall/Eberle/Nugent-Hopkins. It was a smart move by Sutter/Stevens. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ellerby back with Doughty tonight though. Flames aren’t anywhere near as fast as the Oil
vplaza Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@yetiman_oc,
Noticed that too. Another observation…while I thought that #8 was playing well to start the season, in the past few games, he has looked pretty bad. Last night, there was as a shift where he just seemed to be lost and could not track the puck down. He needs to step it up, like the rest of the team needs to.
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Jake Muzzin did look great last night! I would hope to see the Kings come out more physical tonight against a relatively old team. Clifford should try getting under Iginlas skin
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yes, Nolan-Fraser-Lewis line was very good….do it again….in fact, they should start, and set the tone for Kings Dominance..
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KC23 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:47 am
@Real 7, I liked that line alot. Amazing how much better Lewis looked without being weighted down by an ineffective Stoll at center.
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Jon, can you please unblock me on Twitter? I think Rich blocked me earlier and for some reason I can’t follow you again. My twitter handle is @azizk47. Thank you very much
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JonRosen Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 9:45 am
@AK47, Not quite sure how to do that… give me a few hours here, I’ll fool around with the settings when I get back to the hotel.
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AK47 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:10 am
@JonRosen,
Thank you good sir! Keep up the good work, we truly appreciate it
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Subby Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:17 am
@AK47, lol
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Kudos to Jon Rosen on his work here on the blog. Love your style.
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yetiman_oc Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:21 am
@KC23, +1
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Steve Jensen Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:50 am
@KC23,
+1
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Forum Gold Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@KC23, Hat Trick. GO KINGS GO!!!
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rick Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:13 pm
@KC23, Agreed. Better than ever…
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Maybe Muzzin is moderately improving, but I saw a couple pretty bad D zone turnovers from him last night and a couple plays where he hesitated for too long in the D zone. I’ll be much more comfortable when Martinez is ready to go and replaces Muzzin in the lineup.
[Reply]
Steve Jensen Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:52 am
@LB,
I agree to some extent. I saw Muzzin make some poor choices in the defensive end, resulting in turnovers. He got better as the game went on in the third period. It’s a learning curve and you want to minimize the mistakes. I think he’ll be a fine #4 or #5 defenseman in this league.
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Connie is back!!
Great game from Quick last night, Mr. Sutter I stand corrected!
That is why you are a NHL coach and I am not!!
Out
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Brownie’s big hit on RNH last night was his best of the season! It was potential turning point for Brown, and will hopefully get him going this season. The Kings desperately need him to start producing, but we all know with Brown it starts with the hitting.
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I agree Jon. I’ve liked Muzzy Wuzzy for a while but my expectations were way to high when he came up but I think he is coming around. I’m seeing him do those little extra things everywhere and doing the things he should more solidly.
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Lewis was awesome last night to. It seemed like he was everywhere I looked.
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bbb7 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@Subby, Lewis is aggressive, quick, and has great positional sense. That said, he falls to the ice more than anyone except Canucks trying to draw penalties and his offensive skills are zero. I wish he had even a SMIDGEN of finish; he’d be the prototypical 3rd liner.
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Oilers radio made a point out of their fourth line only playing a few minutes last night. “You can’t win like that.”.
If the opponent has better quality that’s what happens and you get worn down. Something to watch for.
Almost time for the 3 hour drive “down” do Calgary. Lot of sun and high cloud ceiling so it should be nice for a while.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:38 am
Here’s a pic from Edmonton this morning… 11 degrees. Amazingly, we’re getting used to it. Edmonton is pretty though. Caught me a little off guard.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dr6vlwsuf5ayblr/DSC00375.JPG
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Shotongoal Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:52 am
@LA_1968, hey man what were you wearing last night and did your wife have a camera?
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:07 am
@Shotongoal,
Two black Kings jerseys. We shared the camera until security came.
Did you see us?
Do you still wear your DK 2012 shirt off his back?
Shotongoal Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:39 am
@Shotongoal, yeah it was a quick shot of you guys early in third period. I’m planning on wearing it on this next homestand, hopefully get him off the schnide! Lol
Michael J. Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:48 am
@LA_1968,
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr………
[Reply]
Glad to see the take on Muzzin. I have not been a fan but thought he made some strides last night. Has anyone asked Brown about his diminished physical play? Did the time in Europe under Crawford completely alter his mindset?
[Reply]
Brown played much better, Penner played much better, Quick showed he’s getting back to his miraculous self, then there’s Doughty. One play in particular last night showed me he just isn’t going for it like he use to. About midway through the 3rd I believe, he was taking it up the middle with two wingers vs. 3 Oilers back. He only had one defender directly in front of him and instead of making a move to try and create something he shoots it on net just inside the blueline. I’m gonna go with a confidence issue but he needs to start going for it and taking an extra step to create a better opportunity. I understand we don’t have a shutdown d-man to cover his ass this year but he needs to take a little more of a chance to help out on the offensive end.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:41 am
@Bradapiller,
I thought the exact same thing on that play. Why didn’t he challenge the Dman there?
But, he’s third on the team in scoring and first in assists. His alleged offensive struggles aren’t really warranted.
[Reply]
Bradapiller Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:28 am
@FKA PakiFro, Touche, didn’t realize he racked up 7 helpers so far. I guess I was just expecting a little more in the Goal column this year.
[Reply]
Great job Jon! I’ve been trying to keep an old Kings fan and close friend encouraged about what I’ve been seeing on the ice but I don’t think he’s buying it. I even told him, 3 games in “that if the Kings can stay .500 through the defensive losses and scoring struggles, we should be primed to make a significant run once we overcome those obsticals”. The Kings are right where I said they should be. The boys are playing well even though their still taking some losses along the way, but at times I even find it a hard sell and wonder if I’m even seeing it right. Thanks.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:55 am
@Dominick, going into the playoffs last year all I heard from Dominick was how great the Kings really were. I rolled my eyes and picked Vancouver in 5.
I now pause before disagreeing with Dominick.
I do agree however and open laugh at those ready to throw Quick and DS under the buss after the first few weeks of the season. Throw in the fact we’re missing 3 starting defensemen and I think were doing okay.
Mitchell is key though. We’ll struggle until Mitchell is back in the line up full time imho.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:52 am
@KC23,
I don’t think a lot of people understand just how much Willie and Greener mean to this team. If those two are healthy we could easily pencil in another three to five points in the standings.
It takes a full ropster of NHLers to win in this league.
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:18 am
@Dominick, I was hoping thru these first 15 games (that included 11 road games) the boys would come out with 18 points or so; if they win tonight they will have 16 so not so bad considering they’re missing three of their top six D. For the remaining 33 games that leaves 13 road games and 20 at home, and only one extended road trip (5 games in the end of March) for the rest of the way. I’m optimistic!
GKG!
[Reply]
Ducks Viktor Fasth to a two-year contract extension worth $5.8 million. He was the Swedish league goalie of the year …. hmmm, I heard that somewhere before.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:56 am
@goldielocks, Ducks have two excellent goal tenders and they’ll will go a long ways. Ducks are going to be tough at least until injuries expose their lack of depth.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 10:57 am
@goldielocks, so 8 wins is worth 5.8M
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:09 am
@Lake Forest,
8 wins with 8 starts. Impressive number but also premature I think.
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Forum Gold Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:16 am
@goldielocks, Hope we give him a sunburn on the back of his neck Monday night. GO KINGS GO!!!
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:24 am
@goldielocks, Agreed…what happens if and when they start loosing?? LOL
Was just doing a little math for a post at Paul’s excellent web site. King’s have lost about 1,300 NHL games of experience with Martinez, Greene and Mitchell Vs Ellerby, DD2 and Muzzin.
That is a ton of experience not on the ice.
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:20 am
@KC23, For sure. I wouldnt have even expected us to be competitive if told this was what the team would be facing; it just goes to shot what a good system and coach can do.
[Reply]
Ellerby scares the holy heck out of me. He appears to not know the lesson I am learning in my intro hockey skating class. Don’t crosover when taking the man with the puck. I don’t know how he got drafted 1st round. Give Campbell a chance, and soon.
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pr0cess Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:25 am
@HalfCrowned, Ya he was getting beat on the outside alot
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Michael J. Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 12:01 pm
@HalfCrowned,
I may be showing my age here…
About 20 years ago there was this young and talented quarterback name Steve Young whom the 49ers acquired from Tampa Bay with a 2nd round draft choice. Young would have been the 1st overall draft choice had he not gone to the USFL first. Young had two terible years in Tampa and wa considered a bust. Bill Walsh traded for Young because of his talent and his belief that Tampa’s coaching had done more damage than good to Young. Sound familiar?
Give the kid a chance.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
@Michael J., I think Elleby is playing very well myself considering he is playing a first line defensive pairing with a struggling Doughty. Elleby is a +2. I do agree about that ONE play though (although I’m sure there might of been others). Horrible decission to cross over at that point against a player that good.
[Reply]
I really like the play of Hall last night. Defensively he’s not where he needs to be, nor are most of the guys on that team, but the skill they have you can’t teach.
I wasn’t as impressed with Nugent-Hopkins. After the open ice hit, I don’t even remember seeing him play.
Schultz on D looks to be a future stud. They have a lot of young, skilled forwards, You can always add the grinders, but it’s a lot harder and more costly in terms of trading talent to get the high end skill players.
as for Muzzin I’m not ready to annoint him anything. His play has been up and down since he’s been in the lineup. I thought he was effective last night, but his game against Chicago was terrible. Ellerbee is going thru the same thing. You just don’t know what you’re going to get night in and night out. With Mitchell and Greene you knew what you were getting and that was a great comfort to the Kings.
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:25 am
@nykingfan, Edmonton the future Canucks!!! Talented with NO cup!!!
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RE: QUICK……Great example of what two games off can do to even a Con Smythe winner. Keeps him hungry and focus, BUT I have noticed in the REGULAR season, last season of course, Quick after 5-7 starts he has ONE soft game. Doesn’t necessarily mean a lost for the Kings, though.
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Shotongoal Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 11:43 am
@rogiesbackup, I responded to this on an earlier post but here goes again………didn’t seem to bother him after 20 straight playoff games last season. Sorry, but I can’t buy your REGULAR season analogy.
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Jon, thanks for the astute analysis and observations. It’s nice to see this added value as I travel a lot and miss games more than I’d care to.
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JR-strange….not to be harsh, but this is not an Edmonton Insider…why do we care about the performance of Hall-Hopkins….etc.
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Great coverage Jon. What are thoughts about who starts in net tonight? Does Bernier get the shot?
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Just started to watch the DVR replay of last night’s game. How cool is it to see the Stanley Cup everywhere in the FSW opening? How cool is it to know that we are not hoping, we are not wanting, we are not dreaming, we are not thinking “someday”, nope, WE HAVE THE CUP! WE HAVE THE CUP!!
Now that that is out of my system, I will state the obvious in that we need the 2 points, we are a better team than Calgary and just need to play Kings hockey, not Flames hockey. GKG-AGAIN!!
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guyH Reply:
March 5th, 2013 at 9:25 pm
@DesertKing, You wouldn’t still have a copy of the Flames game, feb 20. I watched it. Live in Salt Lake. Friends of Trevor Lewis’ dad and Aunt. No one else say him crashing into Goalie Joey MacDonald but me. Can’t believe clip is nowhere to found online either, in ighlights or on youtube. Thanks, Guy
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Whatever happened to the call of running into the goalie? Helmsky runs Quick twice, not pushed into him by our guys, and no call?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
@DesertKing,
See last night’s game blog for similar comments
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@DesertKing,
It seems to be happening a lot this year to Quick
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Gustavo Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 6:48 pm
@DesertKing,
The rule has been reqritten. It now says: “A minor penalty shall be assessed on an offensive player who makes contact with the goaltender, unless said goaltender plays for the Los Angeles Kings”
Those 2 non calls where another embarrassing and blatant example of “referees coming back totally out of game shape after the lockout”
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Jon, wonderful work on the game. I can’t help to think the problem with the defense stems from not getting a chance to ratate the younger players through training camp to see their strengths and weaknesses. In the case of Ellerby, he should be able to adjust quicker to the game than what he is currently doing. He is showing a lack of confidence we can ill afford with Mitch and Greener out.
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Gustavo Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 6:44 pm
@Seals2Kings,
Ellerby is doing VERY well for an out of conference transplant with limited experience playing top 4 D minutes. Give him time to learn the system. He’s already covered DD’s rear end multiple times.
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Jeff Carter is a potent offensive weapon (and contributes defensively), and the folks should appreciate this.
I still can’t get over his hitting a target the size of a coffee can to win game 2 of the finals. ‘Twas amazing.
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PhoolishGM Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
@Robert R, I think the Kings may be catching Carter on an interesting upside of his career. He’s using his size now in a way he didn’t in Philly–and I watched just about every game he played in Philly. Always had the wrist shot, but didn’t do much in traffic. Now he’s creating chances closer to the crease, taking defensemen with him to the net, protecting the puck on the wall. Playing more center helps, but definitely more size to his game this year.
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Robert R Reply:
February 20th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
@PhoolishGM, He has a fine touch around the net in addition to the wrist shot.
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Wayne Simmonds vs Pens
2 goals,
1 assist
1 fight
Wish we had him back.
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