Game 25 Preview: Los Angeles at Phoenix

Projected Starting Goaltender, Los Angeles – Jonathan Quick*
Season: 19 GP (18 GS) / 9-7-2 record / 2.47 GAA / .899 Sv% / 0
Career vs Phoenix: 23 (23) / 11-9-3 / 2.55 / .908 / 3
Last Game vs Phoenix: 1/26/13 / 60 MP / 31/33 / 4-2 W
2012-13, Away: 10 (10) / 3-5-1 / 2.76 / .902 / 0
*The Kings do not reveal starting goaltenders in advance, and because of the absence of a morning skate, it wasn’t possible to confidently deduce tonight’s starter. See the projected lineups after the jump for more details.

Projected Starting Goaltender, Phoenix – Mike Smith
Season: 20 (20) / 10-7-2 / 2.96 / .897 / 3
Career vs Los Angeles: 11 (11) / 8-2-1 / 1.62 / .941 / 2
Last Game vs Los Angeles: 2/21/12 / 65 MP / 25/29 + 2/3 / 5-4 SOW
2012-13, Home: 12 (12) 7-4-0 / 3.30 / .876 / 2

Leading Scorers, Los Angeles
Total Points: Anze Kopitar (8-14=22)
Goals: Jeff Carter (17-2=19)
Assists: Anze Kopitar (8-14=22)
Plus/Minus: Justin Williams (+12; 3-12=15)
Penalty Minutes: Keaton Ellerby (48*; 0-1=1)
*36 of Ellerby’s 48 PIM were accrued while with the Florida Panthers.

Leading Scorers, Phoenix
Total Points: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (3-14=17)
Goals: Shane Doan (8-6=14)
Assists: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (3-14=17)
Plus/Minus: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (+7; 3-14=17)
Penalty Minutes: Kyle Chipchura (43; 4-6=10)

A stick tap goes to: Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The 21-year old Swede is following up his 13-goal, 32-point performance from a season ago with a breakthrough campaign in which he has solidified himself as one of the most exciting young defensemen in the game. His 25:13 average ice time ranks 12th in the league, he leads Phoenix in scoring, and earlier this week Corey Masiak of NHL.com tabbed him as a potential Norris Trophy finalist. Ekman-Larsson has a hard, accurate shot from the point and has held together well in his own end while matching up against the opposition’s top players.

A fist shake goes to: Phoenix’s injuries. Well, more accurately, the injury to Radim Vrbata. Phoenix’s deadliest sniper a year ago with a career-high 35 goals, news broke yesterday that what was originally thought of as a bone bruise is actually a fractured foot. Vrbata, who suffered the injury blocking a shot on February 16, will miss his eleventh consecutive game tonight, and his status beyond this week in unclear. Not that the Kings will be shedding a solitary tear due to their own injury adjustments, but the Coyotes also lost key performers Martin Hanzal and Mike Smith to injured reserve earlier this year.

Why the Kings need to win this game: With Anaheim’s standing and the way they’ve been on a roll, L.A.’s nine-point hill to climb for a divisional title over the final 24 games of the season presents a significant challenge. Home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs is still a very realistic goal, and there are currently eight teams between 26 and 30 points that are thinking the exact same thing.

Rankings and Statistics
Goals/Game: LAK – 9 / 2.92; PHX – 14 / 2.76
Goals Against/Game: LAK – t-8 / 2.46; PHX – 17 / 2.80
Power Play: LAK – 13 / 18.2%; PHX – 21 / 16.0%
Penalty Kill: LAK – t-13 / 82.1%; PHX – t-9 / 83.5%
Shots/Game: LAK – 17 / 28.5; PHX – t-8 / 30.2
Shots Against/Game: LAK – 2 / 24.2; PHX – t-14 / 28.4
Faceoffs: LAK – 6 / 52.0%; PHX – t-3 / 53.0%
Save Percentage: LAK – 22 / .898; PHX – 20 / .902

Projected Lines – Los Angeles

Dustin Brown – Anze Kopitar – Justin Williams
Dustin Penner – Mike Richards – Jeff Carter
Dwight King – Jarret Stoll – Trevor Lewis
Kyle Clifford – Colin Fraser – Jordan Nolan

Jake Muzzin – Drew Doughty
Rob Scuderi – Slava Voynov
Keaton Ellerby – Alec Martinez

Jonathan Quick
Jonathan Bernier

Notes: There was no morning skate, and Darryl Sutter prefers to withhold starting goaltenders, so the projection of Quick starting for the second consecutive day is an assessment based heavily on Sutter’s quote after the game last night, “We’ll talk on the plane tonight [and] see.” Expect several extra players to take the ice for warm-ups, and unless any players are feeling ill effects of the back-to-back, I’m projecting the same lineup as last night. As always, line projections are educated assessments and not definite alignments.

Projected Lines – Phoenix

Mikkel Boedker – Martin Hanzal – Lauri Korpikoski
Steve Sullivan – Antoine Vermette – Shane Doan
Rob Klinkhammer – Boyd Gordon – David Moss
Raffi Torres – Kyle Chipchura – Nick Johnson

Keith Yandle – Derek Morris
Rostislav Klesla – Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Michael Stone – Chris Summers

Mike Smith
Jason LaBarbera

Notes: Line estimations by Jerry Brown of NHL.com. Zbynek Michalek is questionable for tonight after blocking a shot in Saturday’s win over Dallas. He would replace Chris Summers in the lineup if he is able to go. Matthew Lombardi has been day-to-day with an upper body injury and would replace either Rob Klinkhammer or Nick Johnson if he is able to go. As always, line projections are educated assessments and not definite alignments.

114 Comments

  1. DesertKing says:

    Jerry Brown works for NHL.com? That explains alot……..

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    No wonder the Cryotes are bankrupt!

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Michael J.,

    Oh wait, NHL.com, not NHL

    Where is the edit button???

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Michael J., when(IF) JR adds a edit button, it should be Craig Button’s face.

  2. Osaka says:

    Toffoli was making $67,500 playing in the AHL, he is making $700,000 (prorated) in the NHL. I am sure he is cool sitting in the box a few games. Hoped to see him in a game before he is sent down though.

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Osaka, That is what his girlfriend was was talking about when she mentioned how long the wait has been…

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Neil, When she said “FINALLY!”

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Osaka, Right !!!!

  3. yetiman_oc says:

    wouldn’t surprise me to see 45 in net tonight even though 32 looked on top of his game last night. lots of hockey to play this week.

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @yetiman_oc, who was the first one out of the meeting???

    [Reply]

    Andrew Reply:

    @Neil,
    Excellent.

    [Reply]

  4. Osaka says:

    Voynov is tied with Richards for 3rd on the Kings in scoring behind Kopi and Carter, amazing!

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Osaka,

    No wonder his name has been mentioned as Norris candidate.

    [Reply]

    Mrhapa Reply:

    @Osaka, is that amazing or depressing for Richards. He needs to step it up.

    [Reply]

  5. Weasel says:

    I wonder if the “Muzzining” will continue tonight? There can be only one!

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @Weasel, MUZZILLA

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @g smith86, Love it. It fits so well.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Weasel, Ooooh I like that, almost better than Muzzila

    [Reply]

  6. Neil says:

    Its a good think that the Kings are defending champs…are having a good season….Can you imagine this blog if the Kings ever/when they go back to having a bad season/team.It might be 5 or 7 years from now but teams do go in cycles(except for the Kings way in the past) I dont think there is one King who has escaped criticism this or last season. I sometimes wonder how some bloggers live…Every Hockey player is going to make a mistake..every game….Its keeping the mistakes to a minimum and taking advantage of the oppositions mistakes…

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @Neil, I love your positive vibe…although you have to admit, it’s easy to get on here and vent when things aren’t going well…as a fan, I know I have said things about guys I really didn’t mean…Don’t tell me you having posted some doom and gloom before…I know you have

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @g smith86, Yes I have had my complaints but some bloggers make some of our players sound like they really suck…You dont win the Cup and do as well as we are doing so far this season without having lots of good players…and young !!!

    [Reply]

  7. Michael J. says:

    Off topic, but I am still very much concrened… Has any one heard if Brendan Smith has been released from the hospital or is he still on life support?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oadRlpQCgIQ

    The world should be afraid of our #25.

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Michael J., That is soo last month !!! LOL.. He is in rehab and is looking to return next season…

    [Reply]

  8. Lake Forest says:

    2.92, wow what a huge increase from a month ago

    [Reply]

  9. g smith86 says:

    DS is a pretty smart coach…i’m sure he has already thoughtof starting work some players in and out of the line up…wouldn’t doubt if we see the kid sometime soon

    [Reply]

  10. simonsez says:

    I think the big rivalry that came out of last year’s playoffs was LA vs Phoenix. Most of all I am disgusted with Mike Smith’s actions on and off the ice, and I hope the Kings embarrass him tonight.

    [Reply]

    Fortunato Reply:

    @simonsez, smith is on IR

    [Reply]

    Fortunato Reply:

    @Fortunato, no he is not idiot

    [Reply]

    Fortunato Reply:

    @Fortunato, sorry, my bad

    jet Reply:

    @Fortunato, he meant after tonight’s game

    g smith86 Reply:

    @simonsez, yea…he was kind of a Jackass last year…but, the more he lost it, the better it was for the Kings…it was a thing of beauty…But, what really bothered me was the diving like a soccer player, or like he had been shot…JQ rarely does that crap…and even when the contact is ligit…nine times out of ten the refs don’t call anything (it seems as though JQ never gets that call)

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @g smith86, Quick doesnt flop….he goes for the juggular!

    [Reply]

    InTheCrease Reply:

    @simonsez, The boys should crash the net every time they get the chance, see if they can’t draw a few penalties from the mad slasher (sans any serious injuries, natch)…

    [Reply]

  11. linny says:

    I think JQ will b in net tonight…he’s continued to improve and I think he plays better, the more he plays. Also with all the games JB played I don’t think quick will b too tired to play. And I would like to c him in net. That said, no prob with JB

    [Reply]

  12. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

    I kinda like the goaltending mystery, from the standpoint that the other team has to coach for both.

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, If the Kings play D like they did last night, the starting goalie won’t really matter

    [Reply]

  13. g smith86 says:

    I sure hope Rob “blue line” Stauber gets the start tonight

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @g smith86, YEAH!!!

    I swear while it might make me crap my pants, I would love to see JQ do that.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @g smith86, when did it go from ‘red line’ to blue line’?

    [Reply]

  14. BrokeKingsFan says:

    OT: of all the posts I read today I dont think I saw one that gave props to Brownie for his stick on stick denial of a grade AA scoring chance n the 3rd. I dont remember who it was but it was in the 3rd while the flames were pushing back and someone got clear in the slot almost 1 on 1 with Quick and Brownie denied them any chance of a shot by being “heavy” on his stick. Just wanted to give a shout out to Brownie for that…great play!

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan,

    Bring back “heavy on stick” ! …. uh-oh ….

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @goldielocks, :)

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @goldielocks, he did bring his compete and shot mentality

    [Reply]

    FKA PakiFro Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan,

    That was an excellent example of protecting the home plate area in front of Quick.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, If Brown is there, that is expected. Normal play really.
    Sadly, the Kings are playing so good that we take for granted the little things as they seem and feel normal.

    At the top, it takes a brighter light to shine to reach the base of the moutain.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, Kopi dove to push a puck out of the zone similar to that 3rd line center guy

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, What’s more, as I recall, it was on the PK!
    Brownie simply refused him the chance to get his stick to the ice and shepherded him away from the goal and to safety.
    Wonderful, textbook piece of coverage!

    [Reply]

  15. KC23 says:

    It’ll be Bernier. God only knows if Toffoli will get in a game soon or not. My guess is DS is just waiting for any forward to slack off just a bit.

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @KC23, thats my take on the TT situation…that, or an injury to one of our top 6

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @KC23, or the Kings to lose a game.

    [Reply]

    Harrison Merkin Reply:

    @Osaka, I wouldnt expect to see Tiff, Folie, Tiffoliage until The Vancouver series ;)

    [Reply]

  16. Neil says:

    OFF TOPIC… Last night’s anthem singer….anyone think she was going to have a big O during the singing???

    [Reply]

    King Alex Reply:

    @Neil, she seemed to really be enjoying herself out there from my vantage point!

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @King Alex, agree !!!! loved her energy !!!

    [Reply]

  17. xeropoint says:

    I hate the Cryotes but I do love the name Klinkhammer.

    [Reply]

    edwood2 Reply:

    @xeropoint, That would be Col. Klinkhammer to you, Hogan!

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @xeropoint,

    How do you like to have Versteeg on our team? He might be available. I like his name by the way.

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @goldielocks, Cool name… but would rather avoid that 4.4M cap hit. Is there a pressing need for a top 9 winger? If he was a rental, sure, but not for 3 more years with our CAP situation.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @goldielocks, Streaky scorer.

    [Reply]

  18. KC23 says:

    Vancouver game is pretty good. Columbus sure playing better.

    [Reply]

  19. g smith86 says:

    NBC and its other networks, (NHL Network, NBCSN) would be content showing Pittsburgh and Boston and NY Rangers and Washington Crapitols every night! Oh…wait a minute…they already do…With realighnment coming and the Wings basically in an eastern division…we may never see another western division game again on their networks

    [Reply]

    Dooms Reply:

    @g smith86, true…but who wants to Watch the Kings vs Yotes, Canucks vs Blue Jackets, Ducks vs Wild, Preds vs Stars, Oiler vs Avs and this is why I have Center Ice.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @g smith86, Good.
    I hate the NBC coverage.

    Lemme keep Jim and Bob on FSW.

    [Reply]

  20. Dooms says:

    JB should get the start tonight considering the Kings schedule this month. Quick is starting to get back to his form but to push it when we have a potential number 1 as a back-up is not worth a game this important.

    Kings 3 (Kopi, Penner & Doughty) Yotes 1 (Eckman-Larsson)

    [Reply]

  21. KC23 says:

    JJ pushing Burrows around. Good stuff in the Vancouver game.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @KC23, Did JJ get demoted? I thought it was JMFJ

    [Reply]

  22. Lake Forest says:

    @Michael J, Red Wing Fans should be shown the following – http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=659762&navid=nhl:topheads

    [Reply]

  23. phil sykes says:

    disagree with rosen on previous thread who sort of called martinezs game into question …. hes fine , always has been fine ……… and last nights goal was not his fault as both defensemen were already deep in the zone because the kings had just barely cleared the puck over the blueline …. there was no time for them to get up and close a gap because the flames brought the puck back into the zone so fast .. this gap control was a failure of the forwards and not the dmen who were still deep in their zone defending the previous play ……… if anybody is at fault ….. i didnt like the qoaltending – soft

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @phil sykes, and quick lets in a lot of softies and freebies …. getting real sick of it

    thats just my opinion folks ……. like it or leave it

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @phil sykes, you mean this year?…and two all playoffs last year

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @phil sykes,

    I think Quick wasn’t expect that Marty would be beaten one-on-one cleanly. Anticipating his defenders’ move in front of him is one of his elements of goaltending. For that reason, I don’t think it was entirely Quick’s fault. But that’s just my opinion.

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @goldielocks,

    *expecting

    Duncanz Reply:

    @goldielocks, JQ had an awful long time to track that play and locate the puck.
    He made a fundamental error in not shutting the 5 hole..

    g smith86 Reply:

    @phil sykes, I can not be too harsh with JQ…he was sooo money last year when it counted…and the Kings are a different team right now…not as stable on the defensive end and JQ hasn’t really like the JQ we saw last year…but, I still believe it’s coming…and besides all that…The Kings are scoring like they haven’t done in years!

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @g smith86, its the same quick …. just playing behind a worse defense and hes getting exposed because of his over agressive style ….. im sorry folks … he let in plenty of bad goals in last years playoffs …. not just one or two …………. he didnt let in alot in total because our defense was so good …… he actually should have alot lower goals against and save percentage than he did ……. our defense was just that good … with quicks style .. hes only as good as the defense in front of him . thats why now it appears hes struggling – but its the same quick …. he just has a worse defense in fornt of him and is getting exposed

    some bad goals from last year playoffs just off the top of my head without thinking too hard

    all of st louis’ goals from games 1 , 3 and 4 .. yes thats only 4 goals …. but none of them should have been scored ……… first goal of series , weak wrister . stewerts 2 goals in 4-2 loss at staples ……. lame backhander at angle and the other quick dropped an easy glove save so stewert could tap rebound into empty net – as quick is always hundred feet out ……. and game 4 .. some dude just stepped inside the blueline form 55 feet by the boards with no screen and beat quick – he was the only blue in the zone and just walked across the line and decided – i guess ill shoot – and it went in – no traffic at all -by the boards even

    phoenix center ice ………. later in that same game , phoenix behind the net confusion with doughty … he needlessly touched the puck behind the net when doughty was swooping in to take it – he put it in doughtys skates thus causing a turnover and phoenix quickly centered for the tying goal as quick was scrambling back

    newjersey parisee behind the net freebie in game 5 ……
    didnt like the elias 1st goal in game 4 where there was a rebound and elias had an empty net tap in because as usual quick was 30 feet out of the net

    didnt like the first goal of the vancouver series , or the second goal of game 2 (although we had a 4-1 lead at that point) …. weak shots from kinda far out that just beat him … no traffic

    folks these are just off the top of my head

    sure he won us a couple games singlehandedly – the last 2 vs vancouver … and played well in others ……… just saying this guy is not beyond critism and does let in alot of bad goals …… his conn smythe award was more a product of our fantastic defense – not jonathan quick ….. same goes for last years regular season …… it wasnt him that held us in the playoff race …. it was our fantastic suffocating team defense (that also maddeningly prevented us from ever scoring) ….. just my opinion folks

    g smith86 Reply:

    @g smith86, I guess you can go back and criticize the ones he let in…every goal scored has an oppurtunity to be stopped (when the goalie is in net)…I am more interested in the the pucks he stopped, which led to a 16-4 record and a Conn Smythe…sounds to me you feel that since they couldn’t divide the trophy up to the whole team (for its defensive effort) that they just awarded it to JQ by default…I’ll admit that JQ definitely had a lot of help by his teammates last year, but even with as great a defensive team the Kings were last year…there were still numerous breakdowns…and when there were those said breakdowns, JQ was there to bail his team out about 95 percent of the time…I also agree with you that his puck handeling is terrible…I think he is showing improvement there, but has a long way to go

    Also, the Kings defensive structure and goaltending are kind of hand-in-hand…one isn’t really that good with out the other

    phil sykes Reply:

    @g smith86, i hear all yur points …. they are valid ………. i just dont like his overagressive style of play …. obviously …. im rooting for the guy

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @LT21, “agree” that someone around here needs to be rational and reasonable and explain things that might not be obvious to other bloggers that AREN’T close-minded and irrational.

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @phil sykes, “he let in plenty of bad goals in last years playoffs…not just one or two”

    Seriously dude, what on earth are you smoking?????

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, read above

    phil sykes Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, obviously we disagree … so dont want to fight about it ……. you have your opinion and i have mine

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @phil sykes

    (Post goes through my head for analysis)

    “Last years playoffs…. He let in ***PLENTY*** of bad Goals”.

    Like what? Wide open nets? Oh wait, they pulled him. Guess that’s his fault though.

    Someone, anyone PLEASE explain how this man thinks and why I should take anything he posts seriously? I’m really losing it!!!!!!!!

    LT21 Reply:

    @phil sykes, Sorry phil. Normally I find your posts amusing but this one about Quick not deserving the Conn Smythe and didn’t carry the team on his back to the playoffs is way off the mark. I agree our defense was good but, as Sutter says, your best D-man and penalty killer is your goaltender. I agree he didn’t have a great start to this season. I, personally, think it was more getting back his style after months of rehab after a very invasive back surgery. Keep in mind, it was only 6 months ago. And the fact that you are picking apart every goal allowed in the playoffs when he had one of the best records in playoff history is maddening. Were you expecting a shutout every game? Come on now.He deserved all the awards and attention he got last year and he will get his “swagger” back this year too.

    phil sykes Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, if u think a goal from center ice , a goal given to parise , 2 goals by stewert that had no business going in , a goal by another blue from the blueline by the boards as he just skated into the zone arent bad goals – then i feel sorry for you …. but i have felt this way about you for a long time so it dosent surprise me you are of this opinion

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, For the benefit of anybody here who has not played Goal at a high level of Hockey (I am not directing this at the original poster, he is obviously hopeless in knowing the fundamentals).

    1. Sometimes the percentage play is to come very far out to cut down the angle. If you give up a rebound that is not necessarily a “bad goal”.

    2. Sometimes the percentage play is to play the puck behind the net, especially when an opponent is not nearby. If there is then miscommunication with your defense, it is not necessarily a “bad goal”.

    3. Players at the NHL level have accurate shots to within INCHES. If they score from 30, 40 or even 50 or more feet out it is not necessarily a “bad goal”.

    4. Players at the NHL level know how to shoot hard and low to get rebounds. If they get one, it is not necessarily a bad goal.

    5. If you cannot see the puck it is hard to stop it. Replays do not show whether YOU saw it or not. Only you know.

    6. You cannot stop every shot, every breakaway or every scoring opportunity. What you need to do is play the percentages. Sometimes you must leave an opening. NHL players have deadly accurate shots and often will find that opening. If they do, it is not necessarily a bad goal.

    phil sykes Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, i say again ……….. plenty of bad goals … im so sorry we watch such different games

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @reasonable, rational bloggers: Obviously this blogger’s definition of a “bad goal” is ANY goal since “he could have done something differently”. If you have ever played Goal than you know you are taught to PLAY PERCENTAGES. That is all you can do. Once in a while it will TURN OUT to have been the wrong play to make. Sometimes the RIGHT decision has a bad outcome. You cannot reasonably and rationally “Monday Morning Quarterback” ALL of them. But hey what do I know? I guess someone with a .946 save percentage and WELL UNDER 2 goals a game AGAINST THE LEAGUES TOP TEAMS didnt deserve that Conn Smythe. Anyone could have done that with our great defense. Right?

    phil sykes Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, yes right , exactly

    phil sykes Reply:

    @lt21 …………… hadf one of the best records in playoff history because the league is trending toward defense ………. and the kings had a fantastic defensive team ……/ not so much because of what quick did …. just my opinion when yur talking about the history of the game and stuff

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @lt21 obviously im rooting for him as i said to gsmith86 …………. but nobody is above crticism to me

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @phil sykes, There is criticism and then there is just being ridiculous.

    LT21 Reply:

    @phil sykes, Agree to strongly disagree.

    xeropoint Reply:

    @phil sykes, I don’t know. It’s just as easy to find unbelievable saves Quick had no business stopping, when the (admittedly) vaunted defense made a mistake. I think because you don’t particularly fancy Quick’s style, you’re a tad hyper-critical of him.

    It’s OK, too. Other’s here, with some sharp hockey acumen, have their own biases. For example, there are people who ACTUALLY don’t like Jarret Stoll. I know, right? I had a hard time believing it, too.

    ;)

    phil sykes Reply:

    @hockeynerd ………………. plenty of bad goals ………. glad to see it bothers u so much

    phil sykes Reply:

    @xeropoint .. of course about him making great saves … i acknowledged he stole some games etc… in my posts ….. just saying he pretty consistently gives up bad ones or freebies into open nets

    @hockeynerd ………… thanx for your typical lecture about the art of goaltending …. i surely wast already aware of all your points …. but thanx for the usual long winded lecture toward any poster u happen to disagree with ….. not respectful debate back and forth
    ….. but lecture , simply because said poster dosent share your point of view ……… again , thanx for the lecture …. and might i add ….. thanx for the lecture

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @phil sykes, The “lecture” was not directed towards you. But you are welcome anyway.

    phil sykes Reply:

    @hockeynerd …. “be true to thyself” – bill shakesphere ……… lol who are u kidding – get real dude

  24. KC23 says:

    Vancouver losing to Columbus. :)

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @KC23, Geez, Vancouver’s announcers crying about missed penalties that would make the Ducks Hayward blush.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @KC23, omg the crying continues non-stop by vancouvers announcers.

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @KC23, dO They not realize who their own team is? Nothing but a bunch of chippy divers…not to be confused with Holy Diver, which was a song written by the late Ronnie James DIO!

    [Reply]

  25. Gustavo says:

    The Muzzinator will strike again tonight !!

    [Reply]

  26. g smith86 says:

    Watching the Ducks vs Wild…they get really excited about iceing calls there

    [Reply]

  27. YoBro says:

    My question is; Will Beaten Ellerby drill Doan as if he took the last of the potatoe salad at the family reunion?

    Go Kings

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @YoBro, Ellerby has been better of late, but still is treading on thin ice…I would love to see any physical play from Ellerby…especially on Doan

    [Reply]

  28. gailweb says:

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

  29. KC23 says:

    Ducks losing to Wild. Wild dominated the 1st period.

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  30. OCKingGirl says:

    OT: Corey Perry gets a major for nasty hit during Minny game. Player he hit lay on ice for several minutes. Suspension in his future??

    [Reply]

  31. Adam M says:

    What is Darryl Sutter doing we need to change the Goaltender right now because this is Back to Back games that Darryl Sutter was thinking if is Back to Back Games is Bernier’s turn to start in Goal Tonight do not listen to Darryl Sutter put Bernier in Goal right now

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @Adam M, Umm….. I think Daryl Sutter gets the final decision, not us.

    [Reply]

    Adam M Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, okay @HockeyNerd is that Darryl Sutter should not make a final decision because he use Quick back to back games and Quick should take a Night off that Darryl Sutter should be fired for good

    [Reply]

    LT21 Reply:

    @Adam M, Maybe he is planning to “split their time” like the last 2nd of back-to-backs against St. Louis. ;) Let’s hope we don’t get that far down this time though.

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

  32. Jack says:

    dang, columbus got jipped…Canuck spun around in shootout, and him and puck lost all fwd. motion…goal still counts.

    [Reply]

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