Third period surges

Ever since Columbus’ Nick Foligno scored in the third period of Los Angeles’ 2-1 win over the Blue Jackets on February 15, the Kings have outscored their opponents 18-2 in the third period. Five goals have been power play goals, two have been empty netters, and 11 have come at even strength. If empty-net goals are to be discounted, then the Kings have outscored their opponents 16-1 over the span outlined below:

Third Period Scoring:
February 17: Kings 2 (Richards 2), Blackhawks 0
February 19: Kings 2 (Carter, Stoll-EN), Oilers 0
February 20: Kings 1 (Carter), Flames 0
February 23: Kings 0, Avalanche 0
February 25: Kings 3 (Voynov, Muzzin, Carter-EN), Ducks 0
February 27: Kings 2 (Carter, Kopitar), Red Wings 0
March 2: Canucks 1 (Higgins-EN), Kings 0
March 4: Kings 4 (Carter 2, Richards, King), Predators 1 (Bourque)
March 5: Kings 4 (Richards, Muzzin, Carter, Kopitar), Blues 0

Los Angeles has outscored its opponents 25-12 overall in the third period this season.

68 Comments

  1. vplaza says:

    Love this…but begs the question…why can’t they do this in the 1st and 2nd periods? ;)

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @vplaza, they like to give their opponents a false sense of security ;-)

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @shiny, that seemed to be the case last night.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @vplaza, just wearing down the other teams. I dont think we have been playing poorly in those periods, (to a certain degree), but on a back to back, scoring 8 goals in the last period of each game says something about the patience, the readiness and the coaching staff.

    Aside from Scuds I thought we all played well last night considering.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Lake Forest, I was a bit shocked Scuds didn’t have his man on the first goal last night. I think he misses Greener and.Mitchie to eat those big minutes. Kudos to Sutter, though, for adjusting to his team’s needs and playing abilities

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @Lake Forest, probably a bit of it is about wearing down the other team with their big body play in the first and second periods.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @vplaza, Yup, it’s all about the rewards of taking the body, which is why they’re even better in a series.

    pr0cess Reply:

    @vplaza, still hung over

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @pr0cess, “How about these f’ing third periods!!”

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @vplaza, LA loves drama? Plus its the wear and tear the Big, Fast, Mean Kings put on opponents that even gets more effective in a 7 game series playoff format.

    [Reply]

  2. OnTheFly says:

    Its not how you start, Its how you finish! WTG Kings

    [Reply]

  3. Lake Forest says:

    So Phoenix or Anaheim tonight?

    [Reply]

    FKA PakiFro Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    Tough question, but the answer must include a regulation decision. Something they didn’t do in the first two games of this three game series.

    [Reply]

    FKA PakiFro Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro,

    I just want to add the Kings are getting it done in regulation, which is huge considering the very real chance of ties in the final standings this season.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro, with all these 3 point games, it makes me wonder if the Kings might miss the playoffs for lack of points. But we’re in 4th at the moment so it doesn’t seem like we’re hurting that much in terms of points

    FKA PakiFro Reply:

    @shiny,

    The Kings winning games in regulation also prevent others from picking up the bonus points, so that definitely helps.

    Two of the last three losses though could have been 1 pointers for the Kings but they blew it in Detroit with 4 seconds left and couldn’t capitalize on a late PP in Chicago with the extra man.

    Of course, if the Kings keep winning, doesn’t matter what anyone else does.

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    DS said he’s counting on the Black Hawks and the Ducks to take points away from others. Kinda agree but we still have a chance to take division over though.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Ducks will blow them out on home ice.

    [Reply]

    cetericeman Reply:

    @KC23, I think someone said something about “dim whit” response on some of the other treads?

    This is a “duck whit” response.

    We have to wack the ducks each and every time we play them.

    Beat them physically and on the scoreboard.

    Send them home, or to their own locker room minus many feathers!!

    No room for any other outcome!!

    are we clear?

    I SAID: ARE WE CLEAR?

    OUT

    [Reply]

  4. pesus says:

    A lot of Carter on that list. He was in game shape from day 1 and thats where it shows, other team starts to wear down he’s still flying around.

    [Reply]

  5. KingsOfKomedy says:

    They need to ask Daryl S. about the JET LAG problem Kings have. It seems they workout too close to LAX and they are the only ones affected. The other teams skate like Jets in the first & second period and Kings LAG

    [Reply]

    Shakes Reply:

    @KingsOfKomedy, *rimshot* this was not Komedy becoming of a King =)

    [Reply]

    cetericeman Reply:

    @Shakes, WE ARE CLEAR Shakes.

    Wack the ducks everytime.

    OUT

    [Reply]

  6. Subby says:

    If the Kings keep winning game who cares how the others are doing;p I wanna catch Anaheim tbh. I can’t ever justify rooting for them.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    Hey @Fubby, so tonight your rooting for Phoenix?

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @Duncanz, Can’t root for them either. Darn it!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @PRMan, I’m trying to bust @Sub’s bollocks.
    He paints himself as a diehard ‘dog’-hater.

    KC23 Reply:

    @Subby, Amen. I want the division tital this year. Let someone else play Chicago or Vancouver the first round.

    [Reply]

  7. monkeyboy says:

    It wasn’t all that long ago that if the Kings went into the 3rd down a goal or more it was game over-my how things have changed Getting behind is a concern though. Hope they can fix that

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @monkeyboy, it certainly seems to put a pep in their step but I prefer games like the Avs one where they were.content to hold back the team and not allow them to score

    [Reply]

    bbb7 Reply:

    @monkeyboy, Exactly. The Kings of last year and the year before seemed to NEVER get a timely goal when down and so were pretty much a sure thing to lose when falling behind. The stats tell the story:
    2012-13 (so far) trailing after 1: 4-6….. trailing after 2: 3-6
    2011-12……….trailing after 1: 2-12-4…trailing after 2: 1-22-3
    2010-11……….trailing after 1: 5-12-2…trailing after 2: 4-21-4
    Good teams find a way.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @bbb7, You know, I think that changed in the playoffs. It was uncanny how many times they got a goal right after the other team.

    [Reply]

    plywood Reply:

    @bbb7, they need to improve their trailing after 3 a lot though.

    [Reply]

  8. Sammuch says:

    Some of you know me and some do not! IM BACK!!!

    For who do remember me, I was not around since September do to my Mom illness and as of 20 days ago she been cure 100% of cancer))))))

    It started in April…but because I took care of her…she a big kings fan!!! then she was before…. My spirt for love of hockey and making her watch all games on TV! made her forget her pain as she was watching…but she mostly enjoyed watching the Kings with me…

    Anyways, now that I have more time on my hands, you’ll see me more out here!!!

    Thank you to the Kings organization For winning the Stanley Cup, and All Kings fans smooth my moms pain Now that she is 100% cured!!!))))))))))

    [Reply]

    hockeyfanb4gretzky Reply:

    @Sammuch, Good News Welcome back

    [Reply]

    Cortex949 Reply:

    @Sammuch, that’s great news. I have been through the same thing with a family member but with a different outcome. It really puts everything in perspective seeing how insane we all get over hockey, line combos, standings, and stoll shooting wide. Congratulations to you guys and hope everything is smooth sailing from here on out

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @Sammuch, Welcome back! I am certain like myself we all remember.

    As you are aware there are more important things in life then hockey.

    great to hear about your mom!

    [Reply]

    bbb7 Reply:

    @Sammuch, Glad to hear the good news! Welcome back.

    [Reply]

    Forum Gold Reply:

    @Sammuch, How fitting that you return on a recovery day. All the best to your Mom and GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Sammuch, That’s sammuch good news, Sam!!
    :D

    [Reply]

    King Alex Reply:

    @Sammuch, Welcome back! I understand what you are going through. My brother & I are the primary care givers to my 79 YO disabled mother who is also a Kings fan. Best wishes to you and yours!

    [Reply]

    gailweb Reply:

    @Sammuch, Glad to hear your moms well, now and watching the Kings can make anybody get better faster for sure.

    Nice to have you back and take care, all the best

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @Sammuch, Good to hear about your moms, I was able to watch the SC win with my Dad last year,he wasn’t a fan so much but we watched it together,he died not long after that. I went out and bought a MITCHELL jersey not only because my last name is Mitchell and we have a Mitchell on the team but also because of my Dad. I wish you and your Mother Godspeed and glad to have you back in the Kingdom.

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    Great news! Thank heavens for your mom’s health, and congrats for your mom being such a fighter!

    Sammuch mom 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 SOB cancer 0

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Sammuch, Great news about your mom and welcome back.

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Sammuch, ….just doesn’t get any better than that….

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Sammuch, Great News! Remember the five-year rule-of-thumb, though. Three women in my family with breast cancer passed the five year mark. Here’s to the best outcome for your mom.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    BTW, did lose my mom in January, but it wasn’t the cancer, which was long gone.

    [Reply]

  9. shiny says:

    For those complaining about Kings’ lack of speed in the first couple periods, think of them (collectively) as a giant boa constrictor. This type of snake is not blindingly fast, but rather is content to sit patiently, waiting for it’s prey to come waltzing by innocently until strikes then slowly squeezes the life and will out of its prey.

    Point of fact: King snakes are a type of boa and they eat rattlesnakes :-)

    Go.Kings

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @shinny, … and ducks and sharks and coyotes?

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Duncanz, oddly enough, yes. And Canucks and devils. Strange creatures these Kings… I mean King snakes

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @shiny, They don’t have to be fast in the first couple periods, just not out of position.

    [Reply]

  10. goldielocks says:

    It’s not like their effort isn’t there for the 1st and 2nd period. They absorb beating in two periods and then counterattack in 3rd period that surprise the opponent effectively. It’s like a “Sun Tzu”‘s tactics which follows the method to make them relax a bit and then attack with full forces.

    [Reply]

  11. gailweb says:

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

  12. King Alex says:

    I said it last night but I think it bears repeating, the Kings play in 3rd periods lately remind me of the Showtime era Lakers 4th quarters. Keep them close then put the pedal to the metal and blow them out. Impressive stuff!

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @King Alex, it’s funny…when the Kings went up 6-4, I mentally put the game in the refrigerator. I don’t remember how long it’s been since I thought of it, either (maybe a year.)

    [Reply]

  13. shiny says:

    OT: I think the Kings’ theme song should be “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister. The lyrics fit this team so perfectly, especially with their 3rd period shut downs

    [Reply]

  14. Mars says:

    We after winning lord Stanley’s cup, as the 8th seed;
    Squeeking into the playoffs and then dominating;
    Should not be surprised that we will prevail and win.

    never give up!
    Never surrender!

    I was there for the Miracle on Manchester
    I was there for the Fury on figeroua 1
    Watched FoF2
    Last night was FoF3 and I watched it all!

    Last night was the first time I did not doubt a comeback
    When we were down, I knew we had it!
    It was the first time I KNEW we would still win.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Mars, You even called it during the 2nd intermission, right?!

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Mars, what were the first 2?

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Mars, Gotta admit, there’ve been games I seriously considered turning the game off, but last night, at 4-1, was NOT one of them, and at 4-2, I had a strange inkling they had a better than 50-50 chance of winning. Frankly, the team seemed to play a lot better in front of Quick last night than Bernier–kinda backward to how it had been before last night.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    Guess I should have said I thought Quick looked rather “amped” to get into the game, which was what I thought would happen if he started. He tends to kick butt after a tough game, and that’s why I hated the original goaltending decision. I even hated it (at first) the night before, but figured each goaltender should start one of the two, and it made sense for Nashville to be Bernier’s (and a couple guys reminded me of that.)

    [Reply]

  15. EricC says:

    I think these 3rd period surges have a lot to do with the Kings’ confidence in their abilities to win games. Knowing what they’re capable of (2012 Stanley Cup Champs!) allows them to never give up on a game. Basically, the Kings’ mentality right now is that they can beat ANYBODY.

    [Reply]

  16. marc adler says:

    Maybe Kings out score opponents in third period, Is Because Kings do not show up for the First Two.

    [Reply]

  17. phil sykes says:

    it can change in a heartbeat … no reason to get too excited about a few game streak in the 3rd period ………. encouraging ? ….. yes

    but its like if a hitter goes 7 for 7 in baseball in his first 7 at bats in the bigs . do we call him a career 1000 hitter ? ….. no …… its just too small a sample size

    but so far , so great

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @phil sykes, It’s a trend that holds up, just like the trend where they’ve won almost every game, going back FOREVER, when leading going into the third. It isn’t any accident.

    [Reply]

  18. toughd says:

    IMHos…

    Never thought Id see this edition [lombardi] of the kings play shoddy hockey for as many periods over the last couple of weeks and still pickup points.

    Expected the fisticuffs since we’ve won 6 in a row from the blues, now that its 7 expect blood to be shed in our next encounter. They’ve got to try something different…right? Hope we [and the refs for that matter] are ready for runs at Quickie.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @toughd, That’s a good point. I just got done bragging about how they never lose when leading going into the third, but they did that for the first time in YEARS (in regulation at least) a few games into the season. They’ve also lost by bigger margins this season when they’ve lost. I’m not sure what it means, but at least their ability to screw up games seems matched by their ability to come back.

    [Reply]

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