Projected Starting Goaltender, Los Angeles – Jonathan Quick
Season: 14 GP (14 GS) / 6-5-2 record / 2.42 GAA / .906 Sv% / 0 SHO
Career vs Vancouver: 15 (15) / 6-8-1 / 1.97 / .928 / 0
Last Game vs Vancouver: 1/28/13 / 64 MP / 21/23 shots / W
2012-13, Away: 9 (9) / 3-4-1 / 2.60 / .909 / 0
Projected Starting Goaltender, Vancouver – Cory Schneider
Season: 10 (10) / 5-4-1 / 2.72 / .908 / 1
Career vs Los Angeles: No regular season appearances
Last Game vs Los Angeles: No regular season appearances
2012-13, Home: 5 (5) / 2-3-0 / 3.34 / .888
Leading Scorers, Los Angeles
Total Points: Anze Kopitar (6-11=17)
Goals: Jeff Carter (11-2=13)
Assists: Anze Kopitar (6-11=17)
Plus/Minus: Slava Voynov (+12; 3-6=9)
Penalty Minutes: Mike Richards (30; 4-9=13)
Leading Scorers, Vancouver
Total Points: Daniel Sedin (7-13=20)
Goals: Daniel Sedin (7-13=20)
Assists: Henrik Sedin (3-15=18)
Plus/Minus: Henrik Sedin (+12; 3-15=18)
Penalty Minutes: Dale Weise (36; 1-1=2)
A stick tap goes to: Alex Edler. The 6-foot-3 Swede struggled in last year’s playoff series before rebounding with a team-best average ice time of 23:42 and anchoring a reliable defense. He signed a six-year, 30-million dollar contract extension in January, adding more stability to a blueline that has also locked up Kevin Bieksa (through 2016), Dan Hamhuis (through 2016) and Jason Garrison (through 2018).
A fist shake goes to: Cory Schneider. For Kings fans, there are certainly several other names that would suffice in this column. But from someone who had previously dubbed him as “Jonathan Quick’s Sochi Backup”, I had been expecting more from a goaltender who hasn’t yet proven that he can handle number-one type minutes in this league. Schneider was excellent in relief in last year’s playoff series, but there’s more work to be done before he can make an honest claim for a spot on Team USA’s roster at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Why the Kings need to win this game: Los Angeles is about to play 17 games in 30 nights and they’d like to open the stretch on a positive note. As rosy as things have seemed lately, they have as many points as the Western Conference’s 10th place team, Dallas. This is a rivalry game determined by on-ice results, rather than geographical proximity.
Rankings and Statistics
Goals/Game: LAK – 19 / 2.56; VAN – 16 / 2.74
Goals Against/Game: LAK – 6 / 2.28; VAN – 12 / 2.53
Power Play: LAK – 21 / 15.5%; VAN – 12 / 17.7%
Penalty Kill: LAK – 15 / 81.6%; VAN – 21 / 79.7%
Shots/Game: LAK – t-13 / 29.5; VAN – t-21 / 28.0
Shots Against/Game: LAK – 2 / 25.4; VAN – t-11 / 28.0
Faceoffs: LAK – 8 / 51.3%; VAN – 22 / 49.2%
Projected Lines – Los Angeles
Dustin Brown – Anze Kopitar – Justin Williams
Trevor Lewis – Mike Richards – Jeff Carter
Dustin Penner – Jarret Stoll – Dwight King
Kyle Clifford – Colin Fraser – Jordan Nolan
Jake Muzzin – Drew Doughty
Rob Scuderi – Slava Voynov
Keaton Ellerby – Davis Drewiske
Jonathan Quick
Jonathan Bernier
Notes: A significant question is whether Alec Martinez is re-inserted into the lineup. He will be on the ice for warm-ups. If he goes, it will likely be in place of Keaton Ellerby as a method of matching up against Vancouver’s team speed. Considering the five-game winning streak and some of Darryl Sutter’s comments from practice and this morning’s skate, I’m leaning towards Ellerby remaining in the lineup and Martinez’s presence used a vehicle for added competition amongst the defense.
Projected Lines – Vancouver
Daniel Sedin – Henrik Sedin – Alex Burrows
Chris Higgins – Mason Raymond – Jannik Hansen
David Booth – Maxim Lapierre – Zack Kassian
Tom Sestito – Jordan Schroeder – Dale Weise
Alex Edler – Chris Tanev
Dan Hamhuis – Kevin Bieksa
Keith Ballard – Jason Garrison
Cory Schneider
Roberto Luongo
Notes: The biggest question for Vancouver surrounds the availability of Kevin Bieksa, who has missed two games with a groin strain and is a game-time decision for tonight. Also to consider: the Canucks are playing the first of back-to-back games. “If I feel good enough to play, I should feel good enough to play back-to-backs,” he told reporters this morning. If he is unable to go, Dan Hamhuis may play alongside Jason Garrison, with Andrew Alberts shifting in alongside Keith Ballard. Mason Raymond has shifted to center in the absence of Ryan Kesler, who is sidelined with a foot injury. Tom Sestito, claimed off waivers from Philadelphia yesterday, is poised to make his Vancouver debut.
Holy stats batman!
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Canucks will come out strong, but they will be no match for our forcheck. GKG!!
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Neil Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 3:56 pm
@aKinginVancouver, Stanley Cup champs in town,,Home crowd will be into it…Strong start is a must…..
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Daryl Sutter on HNIC….
Being more polite to Ron…
I think his name is Ron…U know Don Cherry’s rube…
Speaking like a human being….
Making a big deal for game in Vancouver….
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Hard to believe our second line center is our PIM leader. Paging Tiger Williams!
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jet Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 4:16 pm
@edwood2, Hey, the last time I looked Ryan Smyth was the penalty minute leader for the Oil. See it could be worse.
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More of this tonight please Cap’n
http://youtu.be/7tfMeuDpJn0
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Edler is a choke. He was terrible when it counted most last Spring. Can’t believe he got that much money.
I like our chances.
Elleby perhaps seeing the last of his playing time for a while. Although, depending on how this game goes, we could see Martinez as late is Tuesday’s game against the Blues.
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SLIM Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 4:06 pm
@KC23,
Respect you”re Edlers….
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iggy99 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 4:33 pm
@KC23, ellerby>drewiske in speed, physicality and potential
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Kings are 2nd in the league in SOGA?
That would be phenomenal considering how inexperienced we are at the back end!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 4:37 pm
@Duncanz,
Uh, no. 13th.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Uh, yes, 2nd. Thought you meant shots for. And it is remarkable.
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:20 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I just spent way too much time on your site. It’s awesome.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Thank you Kenny! And not enough
*OT
Subban vs Crosby.
This should be fun!
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GO KINGS GO
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Burrows out really hurts. AV will try to get his first out agaiist our 3rd pair every time possible. Marty will need to go if at all possible.
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KC23 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:14 pm
@jet, Burrows out? Nah, Bieska “might” be out. I think?
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Lets start March madness with a big win tonight. Go Kings Go!!!
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Whose that knocking on the door, whose that ringing the bell,
Whose that knocking on the door, whose that ringing the bell,
Per Captain Brown, open the door, and let Henrik in,
oooooooo yayaya,
let him in.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:17 pm
@DessertKing, Go Wings!
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DesertKing Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:18 pm
@Duncecanz
Love those guys (not the Red ones).
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SLIM Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:21 pm
@Duncanz,
What do you call a dog with wings?
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Duncanz Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:36 pm
@SLIM,
Red?
Babcock?
Getslaughs?
Linda?
Neil Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:32 pm
@Duncanz, Sir Paul !!!!!
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ducks score on phx in under a minute in the 1st.
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DesertKing Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:17 pm
@jess,
I guess the Yotes suck. Who knew? I mean, they have Shane Doan, oh wait, he sucks. They have Mike Smith, oh wait, he sucks too. Thens that Yandle guy who is, oh, wait, he sucks too. Then they used to have that Roszival guy and he, well, he didn’t suck at diving. Damn those Ducks!
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jess Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:56 pm
@DesertKing,
It’s like a hard fought race to a good cry.
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DesertKing Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:14 pm
@jess,
Lol!
SLIM Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:20 pm
@jess,
I’m already screaming at the TV….
Why?…Most of Hayturd’s comments…
That’s why…..It’s astonishing how homerish and stupid he is…
I know …preaching to the choir…
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jess Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:55 pm
@SLIM, Is that wy the one commentator dude sent him down to ice level, to get him outta his box?
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edwood2 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:51 pm
@jess, Read on TSN the Yotes recalled Klinkhammer. Gotta call him colonel, don’t ya think?
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jess Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:56 pm
@edwood2,
definitely
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Love HNIC on Saturday nights.
Even in his newly feathered watery deathbed Brian Burke cannot escape the judge, jury and executioner extraordinaire, tonight passing himself off as a repatriated Daryl Evans, resplendent in a (for him) consevative Chicago-style stripe-splattered jacket.
This evening’s subject; ‘How Nazem Kadri’s “nasty habits” (quote by guess who) kept “management” at the Griefs from sanctioning his full-time call-up last season when he was desperately needed and just look how brilliantly he’s doing now …. just like someone (guess who) always said he would 6,000 times over!’
I just love HNIC on Saturday nights.
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Things I look forward to tonight….Hockey Game
Winning the Hockey game
Reading Jon’s posts
Reading Duncanz posts and giving him a hard time
Reading DS’s quotes !!!!
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DesertKing Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:37 pm
@Neil,
No nachos? oh, wait, thats me, sorry.
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Neil Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:52 pm
@DesertKing, Make your own list !!! LOL !!!!
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DesertKing Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:55 pm
@Neil,
I did one the other day. It was too much work, I lost millions in the stock market, I found out I had relatives I didn’t know about, I learned a new langauge that no one else speaks, and Dos Equis didn’t call me. So, no, I won’t be doing a list today
Duncanz Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:15 pm
@Neiling, I swear I’ll ‘-1′ your every last post!
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Damn. Stuck in Houston again. Gonna miss another one.
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edwood2 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:48 pm
@Cav Pilot, At least you can listen on the internet!
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Duncanz Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:14 pm
@Cav Pilot, Consolation is at hand. Turn on TV, Dynamo are playing DC Utd!
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Play like the Stanly Cup champs you are Kings and win this one! Lets give Vancouver a reminder!
Go Kings Go!
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Osaka Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:56 pm
@KFII, When the Kings play their game, they are very very difficult to play against.
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“… I’m leaning towards Ellerby remaining in the lineup and Martinez’s presence used a vehicle for added competition amongst the defense.”
Nice take Jon.
Sutter’s comments that Martinez must beat out a defenseman for a spot are the opposite of Terry Murray’s stance that an injured player never loses his roster spot.
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The Nuks 4th line is designed for one thing – inflicting attrition in a compacted season, because the Nuks are panicking.
The key with the twins is to not leave the passer. They live on give & go.
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jess Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 5:59 pm
@Kenny44,
Do you think the sedins would be more dangerous if both heads were placed on one torso? One thing’s for sure, JJ would have nothing on their (it’s) head fakes.
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:17 pm
@jess,
1) Um, no.
2) Is that some backhanded effort at the “two girls, no cup” joke?
3) Better warn @Osaka – DanrikSedinsan is on a collision course with Godzilla! Evacuate the village!
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Duncanz Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:19 pm
@jest, Thought you were going to say it the other way round.
I would.
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:23 pm
@Duncanz,
@Jess was assuming a Brown hit that would cause the hydratic HenrikDaniel’s heads to knock back and forth like one of those perpetual motion desktop marble swing thingies.
Duncanz Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:36 pm
@Kenny44, … or one of those dunking bird thingies from the 60′s, whatever they were called.
Wonder if anyone still has one that’s been operating forever like that fire station lightbulb in Livermore.
How effective is the King’s style of play? They lost Mitchell, Greene, and Martinez to injuries and still continue to win AND shutdown opponents. We have the youngest group of defensemen in the league right now! The youngest! Ellerby wasn’t good enough to play in Florida but playing on the Kings we lost 2 games since he came. It is our system, our style of play. It is a team effort. Lokti may have 5 points in 6 games for N,J but he doesn’t play the style of LA Kings hockey as well as the players we have.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:27 pm
@0 sake, Not sure whether it is factored with Kings being without WM & MG or not, but NHLN have us at youngest TEAM in the NHL again at an av. age of 26.3 years.
Once again, our progress accounting for these odds is phenomenal!
(And just imagine if we had a 22 y.o. Lokti pulling the strings on the no. 1 line!)
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SDGolfer Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:37 pm
@Duncanz, Loki didnt have the hockey smarts to play wing, thats why h’es gone
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Duncanz Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:49 pm
@SDGolfer, Right now he’s just praying that the Kings will be unlucky enough to have to reencounter him in the SCFs, this year.
In his current mood, Devils fans don’t even remember that they once had a device called a Parise!
Take the initiative early tonight, please.
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Hey everybody, mite hockey on tv right now.
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6-6 now.
East Coast hockey is superlative!
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:39 pm
@Duncanz,
Sweet Fancy Counoyer
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While Pens vs Habs game is fun to watch, I don’t see them win it all. They need a thing called defense to do it especially in playoffs.
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g smith86 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:44 pm
@goldielocks, yea…it’s entertaining though…but some bad defensive breakdowns and equally bad goaltending
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I think DS needs to amend his catchphrase. It’s a 3-2 conference.
In the East, it’s 6 to 1, half a dozen to the other.
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Time for Jon Rosen to pop into the locker room:
“I just wanna say good luck, we’re all counting on you.”
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g smith86 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 6:45 pm
@Kenny44, surely, you can’t be serious?
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 7:07 pm
@g smith86,
I couldn’t be more serious and don’t call me Shirley.
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neil Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 7:09 pm
@g smith86, don’t call me surely
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the only team in the east that has consistantly played a more defensively structured system has been NJ…and over the last 18 years or so…they have been to the finals more than any other team…
Defense does win championships
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 2nd, 2013 at 7:06 pm
@g smith86,
Defense makes championships possible.
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