Los Angeles’ faceoff rate has improved significantly over the past three weeks. Over the span of eight games – the Kings have won seven of the eight – the team’s faceoff ranking has catapulted from 22nd in the league to seventh due to a success rate of 57.2% over that time. Overall, the team has won 51.9% of faceoffs this season. L.A. finished seventh in the league by winning 51.5% of its faceoffs a season ago.
In the chart below, Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Jarret Stoll and Colin Fraser qualify as “regular centers”, as they’ve logged significantly more draws than any other skaters. Jarret Stoll has been particularly strong at the faceoff dot over his last five games, winning 54 of his last 84 draws for a 64.3% success rate.
Dallas, tonight’s opponent, is tied for 23rd in the league with a 47.8% success rate.
Date / Result / Faceoffs / Successful Faceoffs / Unsuccessful Faceoffs
2/19 / 3-1 @ EDM / 33/55 (60%) / Kopitar 10/16 / Stoll 9/17
-All regular centers were above 50%. Only Dwight King (0/1) was below 53%.
2/20 / 3-1 @ CGY / 40/62 (65%) / Kopitar 14/22 / Fraser 0/2
-All regular centers were above 64% except for Fraser.
2/23 / 4-1 vs COL / 27/55 (49%) / Kopitar 10/16 / Stoll 2/10
2/25 / 5-2 vs ANA / 41/65 (63%) / Kopitar 16/21 / Fraser 2/5
-Jarret Stoll: 13/23
2/27 / 2-1 vs DET / 33/64 (52%) / Richards 10/16 / Carter 0/3
-Jarret Stoll: 8/15
3/2 / 2-5 @ VAN / 36/58 (62%) / Richards 8/11 / Fraser 3/5
-Anyone who took a faceoff for L.A. had at least a 56% rate. Jarret Stoll: 10/16
3/4 / 5-1 vs NAS / 24/48 (50%) / Stoll 9/14 / Kopitar 6/15
3/5 / 6-4 vs STL / 31/56 (55%) / Stoll 14/16 / Kopitar 7/16
Hoping to see more set up plays off the draw, like the Carter game winner.
GO KINGS!
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:44 am
@Pesus,
Hoping to see Cliffy knock someone the F out!!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:14 am
@kissmyblarneystones, YEAH!
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:25 am
@Mars, Last week at practice the Kings were working on a play where after the FO the player who too the draw would skate to the front of the net…It was also a hard practice and it seems the Kings are getting into really good shape… physically !!!
Hoping to see them play 60 minutes, not 20-30 like they did Tuesday and several other games before.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:04 am
@Gustavo, So we are being picky with wins?!?!
Hell I’ll take 20-30 minutes with the wins we have had against 8 out of the last 10 games.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:38 am
@Gustavo, Hey buddy…Ill be at the game tonight and I still feel like I owe you for the tickets you so graciously gave me last year. Ill buy you and your wife a round of Beers or some concessions if you prefer not to drink. I know it pails in comparison to ticket prices but ill do what i can. I can meet you where ever you like just let me know…
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Thank you, buddy!!
We’re in Section 214 Row 6. See you tonight..
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
@Gustavo, Stay put after the first period and ill find you…if they dont let me in the section Ill hollar at ya!
I told you this is one of thee most important stats…… You know, if you care about them (looks at Sutter)
As long as we are winning them, we have better puck possession for shots in the Ozone and have the ability to get the puck out of our zome.
More shots on net. We’ve had far too many face off losses that have directly led to a goal being scored on us.
Stoll’s biggest attribute, other than taking stupid penalties.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:07 am
@Lake Forest,
I thought Stoll’s biggest asset was bringing quality talent to the team parties.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:12 am
@Michael J., Once I attend said party, he will be on the top of my list of favorite all time Kings. Until then………
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:32 am
@Michael J., hey you’re not supposed to curse on the blog. Oh, my bad. You said asset, with a “T”. Thought that said something else
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:12 am
@Lake Forest,
Interestingly, faceoffs are a problem for the Blackhawks.
I would hope that the boys will do better against them in the 3rd game & will win that game…
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:23 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, They (hawks) are firing on all cylinders at the moment.
Defense, Offense and Goaltending. They are getting it done, but like we all know, the Canucks won the President’s trophy the last 2 (or 3?) years and that gets you nothing!
Not taking away thire current record which I don’t see as being broken in a LONG time.
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:34 am
@Lake Forest,
Not faceoffs…
Only Toews was positive last night.
The ‘Hawk announcers were talking about that problem on the SiriusXM radio feed.
Toews is 5th in the league, FO% 59.4 (>200 faceoffs); rest of the centers blow cheese.
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:38 am
@Lake Forest,
Point is: CHI is winning an inordinate number of one goal games.
There will be a lot of those during the playoffs.
One day, they will lose a late game faceoff & it will burn them.
Goring 19 Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:41 am
@Lake Forest, not taking away anything from the Hawks skills and such, but it seems they’ve been on an everything going right streak. They haven’t had injuries (until now), they haven’t had one of those games where “nothing” goes right and “nothing” goes in. The hockey gods have been on their side, and it could last longer but that’s yet to be seen. I commend them for their run.
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:44 am
@Lake Forest,
Check out the list:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20132ALLSAAAll&sort=faceOffWinPercentage&viewName=summary
CHI is 17th, at 50%. LAK is 7th, at 51.9%. League leaders are BOS 57.8%, PHX 53.3%, MIN 53.0%, SJ 52.9%, DET 52.6%, PGH 52.4%…
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:43 am
@Lake Forest, don’t know if you read a great article by Robert on JFTC, but statistically speaking, puck possession is more likely to lead to wins. In the early season when Kings weren’t winning, they were still dominating puck possession and in most of their games were actually gaining the zone aggressively instead of just relying on dump and chase.
So as you said, these statistics bode well for the team. As you’ll notice, every game where the Kings were more than 50%, they won the game, except for Vancouver of course.
Great job by the guys to win these puck battles.
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:53 am
@shiny,
I remember about 13 years ago when my Bakersfield Condors had a great winning streak, at the beginning of the season. In 1999-2000 season when they set the team record with 11 straight wins, team looked unbeatable. Then, the inevitable injuries slowed them down, etc… Out in the first round of the playoffs.
It’s about talent, yes, but size makes a difference. The Condors, like the Blackhawks, had great goaltending & skill but were relatively small. They wore down, had injuries, & exited the playoffs in 3 game sweep.
Time will catch up with the Blackhawks.
Mark my words…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:58 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Ray Emery – personal best win streak of 11 games. He and Crawford cannot keep up that pace. Ray Emery winning the Vezina? Tell me the lockout didn’t affect the first half of the season.
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:03 am
@DesertKing,
Feel great about Ray Emory, great comeback story!
Hope that the season ends as well as it has begun for him (until he loses to the Kings, of course…)
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:08 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I believe as most on here do that the Blackhawks would not be able to sustain a series. They’re very good, but I still think Kings could come out on top. March will be a trying month but they’ll be able to learn to balance the rest and speed schedule as they go. And come playoff time, they’ll have it down pat and will burn through the competition high on adrenaline. Or at least that’s my optimistic hope
And sooner or later Emery and Crawford will break down so.I’m not worried about the Hawks.
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:12 am
@DesertKing, haven’t seen anyone else with as many noteworthy performances so far this season
Real 7 Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:29 am
@DesertKing, sorry, I have trouble regarding Ray Emery so highly….in years past he was considered barely an NHL backup goalie….sure he has worked hard to improve and he has shined in games like last night, with some brilliant saves….just don’t think he can keep it up much longer….I put the voodoo curse on him…’Hawks are going down!!!
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:36 am
@Real7
I agree with you. I was being sarcastic. Who would ever think Ray Emery could win the Vezina, but if you look at a record of 10-0 so far, during a “normal” season, he would be the leading candidate. The fact that he has the best record just shows how the lockout impacted the NHL and the level of play fo rthe first half of the season.
Remember when players noted that faceoff %’s would likely improve once they played significant games at home?
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:43 am
@Helvetica, it was a prophecy!
[Reply]
Faceoffs lead to great things, in both the offensive and defensive zones. Special Teams magnifies their importance even greater. Keep it up Kings!!!
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:42 am
@Chuck, agreed! makes the game a whole lot easier when your winning faceoffs…
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:53 am
@Chuck, As DS might say, you can’t score without the puck, right? GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
Candy coating stats to make us forget a dismal 3-5-2 start is not working for me. We should be second to the Hawks in the Conference. Despite Anaheim’s stellar play we should be leading the division. I know the season is broken down into segments but with a shortened schedule and with so much parity, the bad stretch we had is very difficult to recover from. Granted this team is playing much better but only 5 points separates us from Columbus.
This is the time to begin separation from the rest of the pack.
[Reply]
Choralone Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:50 am
@bonvivant, You’re right. Rosen shouldn’t report anything about their positive play now, but spend 5 posts every day harping about what they didn’t do 2 months ago.
[Reply]
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:09 am
@Choralone, Rosen is going to report on whatever he feels is in the best interest of the blog. Sometimes stats don’t equate to wins.
[Reply]
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:09 am
@bonvivant, good stats.
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:51 am
@bonvivant, I don’t see how these stats are candy coated. It’s simply showing that the Kings are winning faceoffs, which correlates with puck possession, which statistically is more likely to lead to game wins.
Statistics like blocked shots and lack of turnovers actually prove that your team had less puck possession time than the other team. Shot differential is actually the best statistic for predicting which team is more likely to win.
The point is: these are just numbers from the last few games and it’s showing good things in the Kings. No one is forgetting about the dismal start, but at least, for now, Kings appear to be on track to win most of their games
[Reply]
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:11 am
@shiny, The stats themselves are not candy coated its how the information is reported that lends itself to interpretation.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:20 am
@bonvivant, as I said, stats are just numbers. People can interpret them any way they want. No one is denying Kings had a slow start. But stats or not, Kings must be doing something right to win. These numbers merely back that up. Just because you win more FO than the other team doesn’t mean you’ll win the game. Chicago has a mediocre FO win % and they’ve won their last 10 games. Stats are just nice because they are indisputable fact. It’s nice because they make naysayers like Zipper shut up about our team
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:52 am
@bonvivant,
8 Points & 2 games in hand!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:05 am
@kissmyblarneystones,
and no JMFJ for a few more games.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 7:11 pm
@DesertKing,
We’re done with him, right?
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:19 am
@kissmyblarneystones, I meant Edmonton, who could make a push for the playoffs. It’s a foregone conclusion that the Jackets will not make it. Thanks for the correction.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:32 am
@bonvivant,
If you think the Kings have problems then the league should probably just put the Oil out of their misery. Leaky defense, mediocre goaltending and forwards who are not responsible in their own end (see OT goal given up the other night).
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 7:12 pm
@bonvivant,
Cool, cool.
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:52 am
@bonvivant,
Don’t worry about the Sucks and the Bad Hawks. Let them finish 1 and 2 in the Conference, as long as we finish 3 or 4. Let both of them meet up with someone in the first round and either get knocked out or so beat up that we finish them off in the next round. The winner of the Cup will come from the Western Conference based upon the level and type of play we are seeing in the Eastern Conference. Hopefully Chicago meets up with the Yotes in the 1st round and have to endure the Doan idiocy (taking bad physical penalties) and the Smith Slashing, plus more travel. Hopefully we meet up with San Josuck and now that everyone is watching the lying/cheating Clowe, we can actually play a fair game and we can overrun them with a minimum of travel. Detroit and VanHoover could meet up in the 1st round and really wear each other out. Of course, if we finsish 8th, we just do what we did last year: 1st seed Chicago – bring them on and watch them fold, 2nd seed Anaheim – go ahead and cry, we are loving the short roadies and having more King’s fans in your house, 3rd seed VanHoover – better warn the fire department since the VanHooverans will be rioting again. Whoever is left will just have to understand that we will not be denied a second Cup.
[Reply]
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:15 am
@DesertKing, We should have a top seed. If you’re correct about those other teams then it could work itself out that way. The prospect of facing Chicago in the first round should be motivation enough to get a higher seed. If the Kings want to play back door playoffs like they did last year then more power to them. Am I giving Chi too much credit? Probably not. What they are doing and how they’re doing it is not a fluke. I don;t see a precipitous drop off in their play in the future either, unless they have a rash of injuries.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:24 am
@bonvivant,
No team can sustain what Chicago is doing. The lockout created the perfect environment for one or two teams to excel in a state of chaos. The chaos is starting to work itself out and we have already seen other fast starting teams (SJ and St. Louis) come back to reality. Chicago (and we are starting to see it with Anaheim to some degree)are going to have to come back to the pack. Our home opener against Chicago had us playing poorly. When we played them in Chicago, the consensus is that we could have actually won that game easily. When we meet up for the 3rd time, they will each see a “true” team that has been forged through months of playing and some practice, not a couple pof teams that started playing games after 5 days of practice. Another thing to remember is that there are no shoot-outs in the playoffs, and the B’Hawks have already used up a couple of their “last minute win” goals.
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:35 am
@DesertKing, I agree no team can do what Chicago is doing. I think they’re incredibly skilled and fast but in our last meeting, Kings were starting to wear down the Hawks in the 3rd. Had the Kings shown up for 60 minutes, it would’ve at least been a tie, if not a win. I distinctly remember Mike Millberry commenting “A tired bunch of Hawks here in the 3rd” which is proof to me that Hawks cannot handle an overly physical game. If we were to face the Hawks in the playoffs, I strongly believe the physicality of LA’s game would get to them by the end of the 2nd game and there isn’t a ton of rest in the playoffs
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:47 am
@DesertKing, Can’t overlook Pittsburg and Boston as potential cup winners. Boston is the closest team in terms of style and make up to the Kings.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:49 am
@bonvivant,
Their goaltending isn’t very good and they have developed a proclvity for diving similar to the Casucks. They’ve lost their toughness that they displayed a couple of seasons ago. Pittsburg? They’ll fold faster that a wet kleenex when the Western Conference team start beating them up and they actually have to face teams that play defense.
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:59 am
@DK, what is this defense nonsense you keep going on about? All teams are the same in the NHL. They have 5 forwards and some dude blocking the net they insist on calling a “go-lee.” BTW, when do you think the NHL will expand to the west coast?
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:58 am
@bonvivant, WOW, I thought I had the propencity to be negitive, but 8 points separate us from Columbus in only 22 games played. The Kings are averaging more than 1/3 of a point than Columbus each game. At this rate the Kings will have about 20 more points that Columbus by the end of the year. Columbus will just be a dot in the rear view mirror.
[Reply]
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:16 am
@NOW IMPRESSED, I agree. That is what needs to happen.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:09 am
@bonvivant, quit living in the past!
[Reply]
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:16 am
@Lake Forest, Those who are not aware of the past are doomed to repeat it.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:21 am
@bonvivant, uh, Jon is talking about the last 10. Which would be our past, YOU are talking about the first 10 games. If we won the first 10 and lost the last 10 we would still be talking about the last 10 games.
Would you then bring up, “well remember how great we were the first 10?”
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:26 am
@bonvivant, there’s a difference between awareness and not letting it go. When interviewed after the win over the Sucks, Quickie said that there no chip or desire “vengeance.” You have to learn from your mistakes, move on and focus on the task at hand. Thinking too far behind will keep you there. Focusing too far ahead won’t get you anywhere. All that matters is what’s happening right now. And right now the task is morning skate to be prepared for Dallas
Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:29 am
@bonvivant, Just win the last game of the year and I will be happy …counting the fact that we will be in the PO’s !!!
Michael J. Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:27 am
@bonvivant,
Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed…
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:31 am
@Michael J., You can spin any numbers you want…good or bad…The Kings will not win every game..the Kings will make mistakes…BUT the Kings are a very good team…Either enjoy the journey or wither in misery ……
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:31 am
@Neil, not directed to Michael J….
Michael J. Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:34 am
@Neil,
I’m like “what did I say???”
Michael J. Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:36 am
@Neil,
BTW, I noticed that when I use my phone it identifies my as @michael J. We must somehow be related
bonvivant Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:44 am
@Michael J., I literally fell out of bed. This of course is not a justification for pessimism, just a sore hip.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:47 am
@bonvivant,
Hope you feel better
Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:51 am
@bonvivant, After being a Kings fans for so many years its hard to realize that the Kings are really good…its different being on this side…but it feels good !!!!
Michael J. Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:55 am
@bonvivant,
Day-to-day or will you need to go on the IR?
jet Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@bonvivant, Look, in this watered down season, the teams with the fewest key injuries is going to finish top 10 in the league. Five of our 7 defencemen are new. Given that fact, we are giving up more ‘A’ quality issues than we have in 4 years. You have to realize our potential with the inexperience on defence is a middle of the pack team. It is what it is.
[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
@bonvivant,
You’ve got to remember that the Kings started out with two of their regular defensemen injured. DS said that that affected the team’s game quite a bit. He had to adjust and let the young D become acquainted with what was expected. DS has made adjustments thru the season and also very good in-game adjustments that have turned the team around and got them into a similar groove as the SC run last year. So quit being so hard on the team.
[Reply]
OT,
Immediately after the 6-4 loss this last Tuesday, St Louis called up Jake Allen, goaltender.
The Halat / Elliot myth is over, courtesy of the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions, Los Angeles Kings.
We made them look like swiss cheese.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 9:55 am
@Gustavo,
We also managed to make them look better then they actually were. Need to stop that. We’ve been our toughest opponent this year.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:02 am
@kissmyblarneystones, lack of consistent goaltending has been killing both our teams. Nothing against any of the goalies as they’re all good, but this season is killing their abilities to get into a smooth rhythm
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:09 am
@shiny, Agreed. I know we need to swap and rest having so many games per week and so many back to backs. But Quick thrives on lots of games he gets better as they go on.
Cant say for JB as he usually doesnt see the opportunities.
I went to the store to get some Swiss cheese for my Ruben sandwich,
Interestingly enough the brands were Halak and Elliott.
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:32 am
@Mars, REALLY?! LOL!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:37 am
@Real 7, Naw, I was at Subway for lunch wearing my Brown t-shirt, another guy was wering his Quick t-shirt and we wer cracking jokes about it.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:38 am
@Real 7, I’ve actually seen Elliot swiss cheese, no lie LOL
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:41 am
@Mars,
The Fleury and Bryzgalov brands seem to be popular in Pennsylvania.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:52 am
@DesertKing, aww don’t knock Bryz with his dorky Star Wars mask just because he creates giant gaping holes in front.of his own net
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@DesertKing, I hear you can only get Bryslglov importerted from the Soviet Space Program and once in a while NASA runs a sale on it, it depends on the years production run.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:44 am
@Mars, Great now I’m hungry. GKG!!!
[Reply]
Quick tonight it seems.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:44 am
@goldielocks, yup. I had a feeling it’d be him. Seems Bernier couldn’t handle the back-to-back start
[Reply]
Hmmm … Rugby official wore GoPro camera for the match. Could be a good idea for hockey, too.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:44 am
@goldielocks,
Great, then we could confirm that when Ryan Clowe put his stick on the ice, all four officials were checking out the porn star sitting in the first row of section 113.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:48 am
@DesertKing, someone posted a picture and I would swear up and down that the refs were looking right at him.
I will never forget Sutter’s comments to the media. “It’s not like I could text them. What are they going to do, call too many sticks on the ice?”
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:51 am
@shiny,
LOL! The plot thickens!
OFF TOPIC+++
Im coming down from seattle in mid April to visit family. i want to go to the blue hackets game on the 18th. LONGSHOT- Anyone have tickets they want to sell to a broke, 25 year fan, havent been toa game since the 93 playoffs, want to take his teenager to his first nhl game?
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:50 am
@stromtrooper, the box office sells single seats for 50% off. Or check stub hub. I know lots of people sell on stub hub
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 10:54 am
@stromtrooper,
The Kings Ticket Exchange on the website is also pretty good since you are buying from season ticket holders who are trying to dump tickets due to scheduling conflicts. It is gonna be tough to get them at a good price. Everyone wants to see the Stanley Cup champs play. I normally would buy $25 seats at the Pond in Anaheim when the Kings play the Sucks there, but this year those same tickets in Anaheim were over $60. Hope you guys can get in!
[Reply]
stromtrooper Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:33 am
thanks guys for the tips. i just want to ad i read almost every post on this blog and it helps me not feel so alone up here where i think i have seen one other kings fan in seattle. i miss LA.
GKG! GO KICK SOME STARS ASSES;)
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:44 am
@stromtrooper, check Stubhub the day before the game or the morning of the game. You can usually get really good seats, including the Premier section for well under face value, especially against CLM.
[Reply]
The Kings are set up as a puck possession team. That is the make-up of the roster. If you don’t win the draws, that means you’re chasing the game, and this team isn’t built to chase the game.
Win the draws, and you will likely win a large number of games.
It’s pretty simple.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:15 am
@mrbrett7, What? We are also built to chase, we end the chase with hits though.
We have to check, backcheck and forcehck to re-gain possession.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:21 am
@Mars, yeah did anyone see VMFV hustle his butt off to chase down the puck when he was BEHIND the.Blues players? What a rocket that kid is
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
@Mars, Sorry, but that’s not true. They are built for puck possession…this team plays any other team with real speed, and if they don’t have the puck, they will be behind the play.
Hitting does not mean puck recovery.
Take a look at the statistics. Winning a face-off equates for roughly 10-15% more puck control for an entire game. This allows them to cycle the puck.
That is how they are built. It’s really not rocket science. One play by one player does not equal the strategy for an entire game.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
@mrbrett7, Dude. You took it waaaay too seriously.
Do you really think I honestly meant we are built to chase. Really?
It would be like me saying we win games by the fact we dump and chase.
Next time I will use a winky face instead of a smile or end my comment /sarcasm.
jet Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:40 am
@mrbrett7, bingo, let me add that the new 5 are getting better at holding possesion in thier own end until a pass opens up. hopefully gone are the days of D zone turnovers and panic icings.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:16 pm
@jet, They are, indeed. It’s really no secret to what the Kings want to do every game. It’s how Detroit plays/played. The difference being that this team is bigger and stronger than those Detroit teams. They relied on speed and cunning…the Kings rely on brute force.
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One discussion we havnt heard the last few days…That the Kings play beter defense with Bernier in the net…Our scoring is now 13th in the league so that discussion is also going away…..Our PP is getting better..that discussion will also be gone….The Kings…changing the way we think !!!
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@Neil, Other suggested topics
1. What I miss about Kompon…….
2. Playoffs 3 years ago so Bonvivant can talk about the past (just giving you a hard time my friend)
3. Why Duncanz is always so serious?
4. The bad trades that we are mad about even though we won the Cup?
5. Clockgate
6. JMFJ
7. The honorable qualities of Ryan Clowe
8. The Blog after hours.
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Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:17 am
@Lake Forest, getting rid of DS..a one hit wonder……getting nothing for Hickey….why players leave the Kings and become scorers!!!
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shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:23 am
@Neil, yeah, like Clune and Lokti and Gagne! Unfair! Wait, what are we talking about again?
Real 7 Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:19 am
@Late Frosty, I LIKE the blog after hours….seems I’m usually awake then…
the other choices, not so much…although I know you were being facetious..
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jet Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:35 am
@Lake Forest, Sutter’s choice of ties
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shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:49 am
@jet, sometimes I’m surprised he owns ties. But he’s been a coach for what, 20 some odd years so I’m sure he’s invested in a few. I’d love to know which days he forgets his and has to borrow one and who he borrows from (my guess is Mr. Fashionable, Stoll)
Munchrat Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@Lake Forest, Munters, baby! All day every day…
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vplaza Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:19 pm
@Lake Forest,
Fire Kompon!
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shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:18 am
@Neil, they WERE until Tuesday when they had so many bad D breakdowns then JB couldn’t close his gaping 5 hole. To be fair, all 3 goals scored on him were re-directions
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Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:19 am
@Neil, I would have agreed that the Kings Defense was better with JB in net until we played St Louis, it was not on that game as it could have been. Once JB was swapped out, then the D tightened up a bit, not entirely but it was better for JQ than it was for JB.
Hard to say it was better for JB that game, the others yeah, they blocked more and kept the team out of reach of JB. With JQ, they expect him to be his full amazingness and play a little looser.
I think we will see that change a bit now though. More evenly not swapping though.
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I’m sure Jon will be back soon with an update from the pregame skate, but in the meantime, here’s my report from this morning showing some power play work and who will get the start tonight in net.
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/quick-time-32-gets-the-start-against-dallas/
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shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:32 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), thanks Paul!
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Forum Gold Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
@shiny, +1. GO KINGS GO!!!
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gailweb Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:35 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Thanks Paul great work as always
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I’m really puzzled. I see so many comments here which seem to be saying they don’t care how we play during the season as long as we make the playoffs. I realize this is a shortened season, but whether it’s this one or a full 82-game one, I like to see my team playing great hockey all season long. I didn’t feel good last year finishing 8th in the Conference. Sure, like everyone else, I was elated by our playoff run (the first 17 games of it). But I still feel we have a lot to prove in terms of our greatness. Winning a short tournament isn’t enough for me. So to have a mediocre regular season again, no matter how successful we are in the playoffs, lacks complete fulfillment. I see this team as capable of being near the top for the next several years and we should be able to show it in the regular season.
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shiny Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:45 am
@Russ Dynda, I think we all care. I think you might be misconstruing certain comments that people make to others who put a premium on winning. We all like to see our team play good hockey and hate to see them lose. But, if we.make the playoffs, it’s worth everything for a shot at repeating
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Duncanz Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:51 am
Man, if all hockey fans were @Russ Dyndas there wouldn’t be any more hockey fans!
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Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@Duncanz, I’m curious what you mean.
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jet Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:56 am
@Russ Dynda, These are two seperate items. You can build a team to win the trophy or build a team to win a cup. It is very difficult to do both due to the parity drive by bettman.
Examples of my first point are, the Nucks, the Sharks, the future oilers, the Habs. These teams will win trophies, but do not have the team that win multiple tough series. Compare these teams to Kings, Blues, Bruins, Devils, future Panthers, Hawks. These teams have the toughness and team build to compete in multiple tough series.
The second point is parity, which I would just ask you to look at the salary cap next season which will penalize teams with older, skilled players.
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Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@jet, All I know is that there are 30 teams in this league and, because of the parity you mention, there will be several good ones that come up short in the playoffs, some because they were beaten by better teams, and some because of pure luck. Are you and those who agree with you saying you can’t be proud of your team if they don’t win the Cup? Man, that’s a recipe for a frustrating life.
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jet Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
@Russ Dynda, Look, I am happy if they play as hard as they can within their capibilities. Do I enjoy winning regular season games? Yes, but winning a playoff game is 10 times better. It is like comparing watching your son play to watching your nephew play. You cheer for both, want both to preform well, but when it is your son who makes a special play, there are no words.
jet Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
@Russ Dynda, Russ, also by the way, I do very much enjoy what you add to this blog. I just respectfully disagree with you that winning is more important than our new 5 learning as much as possible for the playoff push.
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:58 pm
@Russ Dynda, Actually, playing great hockey is what I want to see. Play to your capabilities and the wins will come. So I don’t think we disagree that much. And I don’t disagree that Playoff games have more significance than regular season games. I just don’t like to downplay the regular season to simply a run to qualify for the playoffs.
And thanks for the welcoming tone.
Lake Forest Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 11:59 am
@Russ Dynda, You sound like you should be on the Vancouver Blog!
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vplaza Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
@Russ Dynda,
Yes, damn the Stanley Cup, the President’s Trophy is where it’s at.
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Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
@Russ Dynda, kinda like dating a beautiful model for 6 months and then in month 7 you get any and every thing you want from her…yea that would stink…
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Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
@Neil, With that attitude I can see why most relationships break up.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
I think most people, no, 99% of people would say ‘complete fulfillment’ is winning the championship. But whether we like it or not, players themselves say all that matters is making the playoffs. Would they like ‘home ice’ advantage? Sure. But getting in is the goal no matter how it’s done. I think it would help if you defined what ‘complete fulfillment’ is to you though. 82-0 then 16-0 with no goals scored against?
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vplaza Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Perhaps he’s looking for what Chicago is doing this season.
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Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
@vplaza, I don’t expect what Chicago is doing. And I won’t be crushed if we don’t win the Cup this year IF we’re beaten by a great team. I’m a sportsman; I enjoy the sport. If my team plays great and loses–and that happens–I don’t lose my self-esteem.
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:35 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Then why do you people even watch games during the regular season? Or why do you watch after you clinched a spot in the playoffs? Don’t you enjoy just watching great hockey? How did you manage to hang in there during Dean Lombardi’s first 3 years when we absolutely stunk?
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
@Russ Dynda, *Sigh*
For better or worse finishing well in the regular season buys you 2 things:
1. Being able to play in the postseason.
2. An extra home game in a 7 game series.
THAT’S ALL.
THAT’S IT.
Vancouver and St. Louis had EXCELLENT regular seasons last year. Didn’t help them one bit when they had to play us. I want my team to have locker room chemistry, confidence, teamwork, Goaltending, good coaching and experience. THESE SRE THE THINGS THAT WIN YOU STANLEY CUPS. I can name you every Stanley Cup
Winner year by year since expansion. I cannot tell you which team had the best record. More importantly, teams that win a presidents trophy but not a Stanley Cup do not consider the season a success.
I doubt any of this is sinking in. Maybe you’d be better off as a Vancouver fan…
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@HockeyNerd, I’ve come to the conclusion that this person just posts things to see if he can get a reaction from other people. I for one will not play into that again with him or her. You’re all wasting your time with this “pot-stirrer”.
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Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
@Shotongoal, Go back to sleep. You say more intelligent things that way.
Shotongoal Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:01 pm
@Shotongoal, that’s all you got?! Lol
Listen man or woman, you have zero credibility with your posts, you’re abrasive, argumentative, can’t back anything up, make ridiculous statements in an attempt to justify your meanderings and sound like someone who knows next to nothing about hockey or this team. So read this back to your spouse and cry yourself to sleep. You mentioned something before about bullying, maybe you should look up the definition of the word hypocrite. Stop being so thin skinned. If you’re going to spew comments here expect one of a few things to happen, either people will share in your thoughts, question your ideas, or totally ignore you. Be prepared for any of them. I guess it’s easy though to make it personal when you’re hiding behind a keyboard……
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:12 pm
@Shotongoal, Everything you’ve said above seems to characterize you. My original post here was not argumentative or abrasive. Re-read it. It brought up a topic. You are the one who’s so worked up. So why don’t you just be true to the declaration you made twice now, and not respond to my posts again. I’m sure we won’t miss each other.
Shotongoal Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:46 pm
@Shotongoal, I think you just don’t like being called out for what you are, a pot-stirrer. Every time you post on this blog it leads to some type of friction, so I decided to knock on your door when you made the ridiculous comment that YOU could have coached this team in the playoffs and YOU could have rode Secretariat to the Triple Crown! I’m not big on egotistical and bombastic rants, so yes, I am standing up to you and calling you out on this and some of your other comments you have made here. Again, deal with it!
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
@Shotongoal, A pot-stirer? Why should that bother me? There are many individuals on this site who disagree with each other and express it. I tend to have minority opinions. People disagree with me and we debate. What’s wrong with that? My “ridiculous comment” came because you tried to imply that Secretariat won the Triple Crown because of his jockey and compared that to our great run in the playoffs which you attributed to Sutter. I disagreed with you on both and exaggerated for effect. If you’re “not big on egotistical and bombastic rants” then maybe you should ttop posting here and then the percentage of them would diminish considerably.
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
@HockeyNerd, Are you through bragging about all you know? I raise a simple question in a non-combative manner and people get upset. I’m asking people to consider something. It’s about sportsmanship and fair play and respect for others? Ever hear of those things? That’s what sports should be about and how we should be using them to teach our kids. Or am I wrong?
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
@Russ Dynda, So now I’m bragging because I tell you what I know to make a point? YOU started this by expressing disappointment that people do not agree with YOU on something. There is a reason we don’t and if you don’t want to hear it, don’t post.
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
@Russ Dynda, I have no problem with your posting your disagreement. I just find it comical that you have to preface it with a declaration of how much you know and how expert you are. Can’t you let the content of what you say stand for itself? You don’t see me bragging about any credentials I might have.
Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
@Russ Dynda, are you the “author” of books???
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Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
@Neil, I’ve authored a few.
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Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
@Russ Dynda, “Masculinity of Men” ????
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@Russ Dynda, That’s one of my books. Has a chapter in it about sports. I don’t think many of the bloggers here would like what I say about it.
Duncanz Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@Neiling, Are we all just guinea pigs in a petrie dish for @Russ???
(and does this even include @blarneyrubble, @HockeyPhone and @shotofftarget?)
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Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:22 pm
@Duncanz, Actually, I am a big hockey fan. I’ve been so since a kid when I grew up idolizing Bobby Hull. But I’ve also been a big student of management as it pertains to sports, business and military history. Seeing the bloggers’ opinions here has been an education in itself, unexpected and something I hadn’t planned on.
Duncanz Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:33 pm
@Russ Dynda, Keep on doing what you’re doing.
I think our military history sucks and you should hear some of the reaction_I_get..
Cunning Plan Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:21 pm
@Russ Dynda,
Some people see the glass half full Russ doesnt…. Negative Nanny
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puck73 Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
@Russ Dynda, Interesting, I wasnt happy with this team either, but for a different reason. The problem I had was they werent playing entertaining hockey IMO until the 3-2 loss in Detroit where Jimmy Howard stole the game for The Red Wings.
Looking back though Russ. this team has been scoring more goals since The Jeff Carter Trade. I think the reason this team started out as boring as when TM was coach? This team had alot more extra time to party with The Stanley Cup because of the lockout then other teams in the past.
That may seasm like a weak excuse, nut looking at the way Mike Richards is playing now compared to earlier this season…it seems obvious to me.
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Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:01 pm
@puck73, I actually wasn’t complaining about this team. Like you, I wasn’t happy the first ten games. But how could anyone be dissatisfied with how they’re currently playing? What I wrote above was simply a question about the attitudes of the bloggers here. I love watching great hockey and it just puzzles me that so-called “fans” only seem to be satisfied if you win the championship. Not everyone can win it. I wonder if those people here who took exception to what I’ve said do shoddy work most of the time and only perform to their maximum when a big bonus is on the line.
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Neil Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:12 pm
@Russ Dynda, I actually enjoy the journey…winning is the bonus…BTW Iam going to read your book…seems interesting!!!
vplaza Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:08 pm
@Russ Dynda,
I’m puzzled by how you come to the conclusion that many here are only satisfied if the Cup is won. Don’t you see the way this place goes crazy when the Kings lose? These are fans that care about how the team does, regular season or playoffs.
The many statements that say the goal is to win the Cup is pretty straightforward. Are teams satisfied if they don’t win the Cup? Should fans be? Should they be content that they won the President’s Trophy but lost in the first round?
Mountain out of a mole hill, if you ask me what this is all about.
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
@Russ Dynda, I’ve just seen a number of people here say lately that all that matters is if we make the playoffs. Also, they have been bragging about winning the Cup after a mediocre regular season. I feel great that we won the Cup. But it was just a 20 game tournament. So I don’t feel like bragging as if we are a super team. NOT YET. I want to be able to say that and I think we have the potential. Of course I would feel let down if we won the President’s Trophy and did not win the Cup. That said, if we lost to another great team who had to play great to beat us, I wouldn’t hang my head. Does that make me anti-Kings?
vplaza Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 2:36 pm
@Russ Dynda,
Finishing 8th last year qualifies as a mediocre regular season? If you look closely, the Kings were one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs. The reason they had to squeak into 8th spot is because of the horrible first half they had. But after going to Sutter, rumors about trading Brown, and getting Carter, the Kings were far from a mediocre team.
You want to brag about a “super team” or a Stanley Cup Champion? I mean, seriously, I fail to see the logic behind that. By that analysis, I guess by that analysis, fans of the Raiders, Broncos, Ravens, Steelers, and Giants shouldn’t brag about their Super Bowls that they won as Wild Card teams because they barely made the playoffs after mediocre seasons.
Is it any worse to be happy that your team won the Cup because they went into the playoffs the 1st seed or the 8th seed in today’s world of parity and free agency?
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
@Russ Dynda, Well, mathematics says that the number 8 is halfway between 1 and 15. No, the Kings were not one of the hottest teams going into the Playoffs. They ended up losing the last two games and dropped from 4th to 8th seed in a week. In total we ended up with 95 points. Sutter was coaching for 61 of them in 49 games. If he coached the entire season and you prorate his point total, he would had 102. Terry Murray had 101 and 98 the previous two seasons. I think we all agree that Terry Murray was a weak coach. So the team’s performance under Sutter was similar to Murray’s in previous seasons.
I personally have not been a football fan for many years. But I wouldn’t be all that proud to win the Super Bowl with a 4th or 5th place team. They won a 4-game tournament? Maybe others see it differently. I don’t think logic is involved here, rather, preference. I guess you and I are looking for different things in our team.
All I’m saying about our team this year is that I expect a better performance than an 8th place finish. To me, we have a much better team than that and if we only finish 8th again, then win the Cup, there will be some tarnish on that accomplishment. That’s my personal view. If others feel differently, that’s their privilege.
jet Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
@Russ Dynda, I think one item you have not entered into your equation is that a playoff game is different than a regular season game. First of all it is a series, so one team will impose it’s will upon the other. Since hockey is a physical sport, this leads to an extra dimension that most other sports just don’t have. What does it take to win a playoff series? Skill, speed, hockey sense, are part of the equation, but also, toughness (mental and physical), durability and most important heart. Often time the last set can compensate for the lack of the first set. In addition, the regular season has too many games. The players do not have the ability to go to max intensity every game. In the playoffs there are some down days, a lot less travel, and more time to make adjustment to the other side. The playoffs are the ultimate chess match and at the same time the game emotionally oversaturate one’s body. I do not think you are feeling the game as much as you could/should.
Russ Dynda Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 7:04 pm
@Russ Dynda, I agree with what you say here. I actually think the regular season is more of a challenge to coaching than the playoffs, just for the reasons you mention. That’s one of the reasons I have been down on Sutter. He is determined to roll 4 lines, even though there are so many variables during the regular season.
According to the LAW OF AVERAGES the Black Hawks will even out their winning streak with a run of bad luck. Lets hope it will be in the playoffs.
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Munchrat Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@KingsOfKomedy, Or Murphy’s Law, anyhow…
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Mars Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
@Munchrat, On the 25th it will be known as KINGS LAW!!
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pr0cess Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@Mars, I am the LAW!
vplaza Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@Mars,
Paging Judge Dredd to the white courtesy phone!
Starting goalie, Robb “BLUELINE” Stauber!
While it is amazing to rewatch that now, I remember how much it always freaked me out then.
But at the same time, it would be EPIC to see Quick do it.
He did win the fastest goalie in the all-star game.
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Go Kings Go!
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Too bad Stoll can’t take faceoffs from the penalty box.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 7th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
@KC23, That would just be Clownery..
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