Many have referenced March as being the most difficult month of 2012-13’s truncated schedule – between March 2 and March 31, the team plays 17 games in 30 days, including four back-to-back sets.
Most of the heavy lifting of this month’s schedule has been taken care of, and though this coming week opens with a three-in-four, the first two games are against the same opponent, Phoenix, while Thursday’s opponent, Dallas, will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back after traveling overnight from Denver.
After that, there aren’t any back-to-back sets until the month concludes with games at Minnesota and Dallas on back to back nights, March 30 and 31.
I checked in with Dwight King after an optional practice today to see how the team was holding up throughout this strenuous month in which the team is looking to build on its 5-4-0 through nine games.
On how he and the team are feeling in this busy month:
“It’s definitely a little different. Obviously this month here is our most compact month. Personally, myself, I’m doing OK. We get a lot of rest here with the days in between. Those days you’ve got to utilize, and for myself, obviously, I just try to take care of my body.”
On whether the lack of practice time makes fine tuning his game a challenge:
“Yeah, obviously you would like to have more practice time. Moreso, probably as coaches than players. But there are things that you kind of have to learn and address just through video now, and less time just physically going out there and seeing it and doing it.”
On how the decision is made to skate – or not to skate – on optional days:
“You judge yourself depending on how you play or how your body’s feeling. It kind of helps the decision. For us, guys that don’t play a ton of minutes, it’s usually better to get out there and get your legs going, and you feel better the next day.”
On how playing in Manchester during the lockout helped build endurance:
“I’ve only just made the jump here, so I wanted to keep skating, keep game condition, everything like that. Going back to Manchester, it’s very similar to here. It was a benefit.”
On the goal he scored against San Jose last night:
“[It was] a hard-working goal by my linemates. They did all the work on the forecheck and turned the puck over, and I just saw the goalie was screened a little bit and put it to the side. He wasn’t looking over.”
by past postings obviously I’m not totally comfortable with DK’s effort every night.
He is a big body that protects the puck very well in the O-zone, but being so big I cannot figure out why he hasn’t got 100+ hits per year.
Geez smaller players play with so much more determination like a Richards or Brown.
I guess its his game and not for me to say anyway……so keep scoring and cycling pucks. As they say do what you do best.
Jury is still out for me though…….
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 3:37 pm
@harty, He is still young…if he can improve it will make us stronger in the long run…I see him more like a 4th liner….But the team won last year and is winning this year so I guess 3rd line is where he should be.I always thought ..you are only as strong as your 4th line so if King does end up on the 4th..then we are really strong…
[Reply]
harty Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 3:41 pm
@Neil, good point Neil, again I just wish he would bang and crash a little more.
Looks like a real friendly guy with a big heart for the the game.
[Reply]
harty Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:04 pm
@harty, rest/relaxation is a big part of an athletes proper health scheduling…….its as important as the workout activity.
Pro’s really do get supported in many ways with physo professionals, nutrition professionals and coaches that understand the game aspect.
Very cool Jon……
Kings20 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:44 pm
@Neil, Nolan should be at center and Fraser need to sit. Why are we playing this guy? He is got nothing. Nolan in between Clifford and Penner sound so much attractive.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:49 am
@Kings20, At this stage in Fraser & Nolan it is very clear Nolan will ultimately be the more productive player, but it is also glaringly obvious that Fraser is at this point in time the more complete player. Its hard to argue with what Fraser does on the cycle, Dzone, and managing the game for his shifts. He showed last year that he can handle the other teams top lines if need be. That is huge in allowing the Kings to roll 4 lines. The Center position is the toughest outside of D to learn at the NHL level, because it has the most D responsibilities of the forwards.
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:01 pm
@harty, King does not need to put someone through the glass. he effectively rubs opponents out in all three zones. This heavy play wears players out.
In addition, even he has less than a year of experience, he rarely takes a penalty.
He’s line always has a forward back on counters.
He is willing and able to make the final pass of a shot attempt.
I think he did face an adjustment comning back up to NHL speep the first month, but that is typical of young players. The lockout hurt his experience group the most, King, Nolan, Voynov.
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:02 am
@jet,
But he doesn’t. Most of the time he curls away. That’s what is frustrating. When he bears down, like you say he can be very effective. He needs to remember that he is a big body and finish every check.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:49 am
@jet, +1
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:52 pm
@harty, I think his foot speed is a bit of an issue, but when he does have that extra little jump he can be pretty effective. He is also pretty solid in his own end.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
@harty, I feel the same way. If you don’t see him putting up points and assists (as a forward, anyway), you better see him laying hits. It was heartening to see him score last night. I hope it’s a trend.
[Reply]
@joneosen, I would really like to see this subject addressed by players who play many more minutes. I think, and I know I’m not alone, that this condensed schedule is no friend to the players’ health and greatly increases the chances of injury.
[Reply]
OCKingGirl Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
@OCKingGirl, @jonRosen* typo sorry.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:00 pm
@OCKingGirl, well if joneosen can answer it still would be ok..right???
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
@OCKingGirl, I concur with this statement. I loved this interview, but it’s nice (if you can get it) to get.a different perspective from someone who generally plays more or is expected to say, score tons of goals like a top 6 guy. Again, if you can get it)
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:05 pm
@OCKingGirl, If they would tell all. They may have a hard time saying the Players Association has put them in a dangerous situation, but I do agree it would be interesting to know. It would be interesting to know it there have been an inrease in season ending type injuries.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:18 pm
@jet, That and opponents can read. They are not going to admit to things like “yeah, I’m not used to such a heavy schedule. It really wears me down and I’m not at my best”.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:56 pm
@HockeyNerd, Exactly. I think that 99% of all player interviews are completely useless information. The one thing I never ever waste time watching is player interviews. The only players on the Kings that is even remotely entertaining is Penner and Greene imho. They are both pretty quick witted and often spontaneous.
My least favorite King interviews … who am I kidding, they all suck pretty bad.
JonRosen Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 9:50 pm
@OCKingGirl, that will be addressed by Jeff Carter in this week’s LAKings.com feature. Not every player is available in the dressing room after every practice, and almost all of the players on the top two lines didn’t skate today.
[Reply]
OCKingGirl Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 11:09 pm
@JonRosen, +1.
[Reply]
He’s a humble giant with surprisingly soft hands and beastly possession skills on the cycle. Versatility is the key to the Kings, and King has that.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint, he definitely seems like a real nice guy. My interactions with him have only been about 30 seconds long so I can’t speak to his character, but he seems nice.
It was great to see in a (somewhat) high pressure situation, he didn’t panic with . he was cool, accurate and just flicked the puck in with a nifty little wrister.
Naturally you’d expect composure at the professional level, but it’d be easy to.overdo it and try too hard
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:57 pm
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint, WHat did you do where he had to cradle you? I kid…
He seems really nice and friendly, very approachable. A fan of his own team no less.
Love guys like this.
[Reply]
KJ Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:36 pm
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint,
And his face is priceless when he scores a goal!
[Reply]
We tend to think that a guy his size needs to rack up the hits. But there’s so much more to it. The Kings have become an elite team because of the puck possession game they play. When you have big guys who can win puck battles and are hard to knock off the puck (i.e. Penner & King) I tend to worry less about how many hits they have. For opponents, just having to battle with guys this size to win pucks wears them down more. Big guys who can stay strong on the puck like Penner & King have a lot to do with the team’s excellent ability to wear opponents down and take charge in the 3rd periods of games.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:14 pm
@Pumpernicholl, Blackhawks rank as the top possession team in the league and rank 30th in the NHL in hits. I think it was Patrick Toews who said it’s tough to hit opponents when you have the puck all the time.
That’s not to discount hitting because it is important, but as you stated, puck possession and staying strong on the puck.is.more important than the amount of hits a person is making
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:37 pm
@shiny, dont change him…in the past TM tried to change players to little success…
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:25 pm
@shiny, I was going to bring that point up and you guys beat me to it. Statistics can be very misleading without knowing the context. In a particular game Brown may have fewer hits than Clifford and the reason may be that Brown’s line had the puck most of the night and Clifford’s didnt. Its also more than a “willingness” to hit, you have to be in the right place at the right time to be able to hit. Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t always mean what we think either.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:58 pm
@shiny, excellent points!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:15 pm
@Pumpernicholl, Maybe we were just hoping to see King and Penner hit Clowne. And the other tools like them.
Brown throwing hits really seems to energize the team.
DD, King, Nolan have to make a really memorable hit to get the Kings going, Brown just needs to start bumping into guys and shooting to get the Kings all hyped up.
Brown hits = Kings win.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:19 pm
@Mars, Yeah, Dewey is another I’d like to see with more hip checks like the one the other night.
[Reply]
Kings20 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:48 pm
@Pumpernicholl, If this guys would only have somebody at center that can actually know what to do. Fraser??? Out, please
[Reply]
Any report as what Clowe’s injury is and what caused it? I thought that may e he had an injured brain from the negatjve signs posted around the glass during warm-ups.
[Reply]
OCKingGirl Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:38 pm
@DesertKing, We need detail on what the signs said. The chirps on him never get old.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:41 pm
@DesertKing, “undisclosed” as if yesterday. Haven’t checked today. Those troll signs were the best. Clowe=Clown No.goals for you. Clowe=cheater No goals for you.
Wish I had taken a pic
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
@shiny, I have a buddy that’s a Shark’s fan. The best sign he has seen was, “We don’t have a Cluen, thank god”
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
@DesertKing,
Looks like a shoulder injury
http://www.fantasysp.com/nhl_player_news/Ryane_Clowe/
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:53 pm
@Gustavo, Thanks!
[Reply]
gailweb Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
@Gustavo, What comes around goes around
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
@DesertKing,
I thought maybe he got Kingititis, a dreaded fear of Kings.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:53 pm
@DesertKing, More like … Wait that is insensitive to the female fans we have here.
I like yours DK
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
@Mars, good save, O’Mars
edwood2 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
@DesertKing, Thought maybe he chocked on his binky.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
@edwood2,
His real name is Linus.
[Reply]
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 4:33 pm
@gailweb,
[Reply]
gailweb Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
@DesertKing, Hi thanks nice to finally say hi last night and hope you had a great time at game last night, cannot wait to go again tomorrow night
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Jon,
One thing I have always wanted, are nice pics like this but much larger.(desktop wallpaper)
I know you are a busy guy, but a photo gallery would be nice.
I know you have in’s with journalists and such, it would be awesome though.
Thanks,
Marcel
[Reply]
(From the photo) Why are only like 2 people watching King with the puck?
Man the people whom fill the 100′s seats are not really fans are they.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:29 pm
@Mars,
Hey! Hey! I was sitting the 100′s last nigbt and resent that statememt. By the way, could you tell me who won and what the score was?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
@DesertKing, The Bears, 7 to 7.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
@CB14,
Thanks! I love baseball!
gailweb Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:01 pm
@Mars, Hi Mars, I seat in the 100′s and I can tell you I was watching for sure as I always am, but I have a big complain now for sure, for a few years since I am older now and see better from lower sections, I used to sit in 111, and to many corp people there in and out in and out, always miss parts of the game, so now I moved to 102 last year which was great and now this year Staples, and season tik holders for the 10 plan got tossed out of there, and now again corporations have taken over the seats, in my section, they are not fans but just there for the drink and fights, and do not care about us fans at all or the game, just my thing, in fact the girl next to me all she cared about was oh I have to get changed soon and we have to go out and party later, and so many people go in and out all game long to the party room down stairs between 102 and 103 section, I even told a usher last night is not the guy in the purple shirt supposed to stop the people from going up and down until the buzzer rings? Even they guys were talking through out the game and did not even care so much about our beloved Kings and there playing.
This same guy sat in front of us again, from a couple of games ago and told me hey I remember your rule its not my rule just hwo how fans usually behave at games they wait for the whisle.
But again, I guess I will have to go and change my section again I have been going to Kings games for 26 years now, and just became a season tik holder about five years ago, upstairs is too far for me to see, so does anybody have a good nice place to sit now at the games, maybe in section 106,107 or 105? Since lots of people jumped on the bandwagon now I can only hope I can find another fun and great place to sit to see our boys thanks
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
@gailweb, I had tickets for 104 (I think) where the Kings come out, the entire game everyone around us just sat on their phones, didnt jump or cheer when the Kings scored, just glued to their phones or conversations with whom they came, they kept getting mad at us for cheering and getting into the game.
I personally try to buy tickets in 205 or in the 300 corners like 330, 314, 323 and 305
I am not saying ALL are like that, but the pic emphasizes my point.
Too bad you arent in the pic, that would have been awesome.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
@Mars, Once I had tickets for 104, not this last game. Last year season opener.
Just to clarify.
gailweb Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
@Mars, I was yelling and even wearing my Green St Pats jersey yesterday, a true fan I am as long as I can see I am happy I get up every goal I clap our boys off the ice, thanks for letting me know about 104 I will stay away from that section I am trying to watch on tv too, as I tape all the games as well so I can watch and see what I missed for sure, so I pay big bucks and tape on home too, do not understand why Staples has ushers there that do nothing
Go Kings Go!
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:16 pm
@gailweb, I have had to engage the wonders as I call them. If you are willing and have the patience to explain one or two parts of the game to them, it is easier to explain why it is undesirable to block the view during play. With the new tv timeouts, it is easier to get people to come and go at the right time.
It may sound funny, but if you did that more than once a game at the Spectrum, you would get rolled down the stairs, acidentally of course.
[Reply]
gailweb Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
@jet, thanks Jet, believe me I tried to explain about the red light that comes on for a TV time out, and light stopped working a few times last night to no avail the corps as I call them, only cared about going in and out to get more free food and beer, and block paying customers view oh well, rolled down the stairs very funny thanks
Go Kings Go!
Golly gee Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:20 pm
@gailweb, Those of us who sit in the first ten rows of 107 are season ticket holders of man ears and can talk hockey with the b est ofthem. We prodigiously watch the game.
[Reply]
gailweb Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:46 pm
@Golly gee, Thanks
Go Kings Go!
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
@gailweb, I like my section 107 but it tends to be filled with opponents fans, which is fine, but it makes life a bit more difficult when the Kings are playing a team like say, the Red Wings where about 50% of Staples Center is filled with their fans. To clarify, 107 is directly behind the home goalie so that’s why more opponents buy tickets there.
[Reply]
gailweb Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:48 pm
@shiny, Thanks you know I never had a problem with guests from the other teams, in fact last night on my left end were a couple they were sharks fans and were so nice and did not leave there seats even though they were on the end, maybe section 106 should be ok for next year, I will try to find for sure as the corps in ny section are not nice at all now thanks all
Go Kings Go!
And yet more things insiders would never say (please add yours!)
“We played GREAT tonight, the opponent just played better”
“If Tambelini says he’s healthy, he’s healthy”
“No fans of a team from Alberta are stupid enough to think we’d give them (Bernier | Top Prospect) in a trade”
“Ellerby and Drewiske will be a big part of this team for years”
“The reality is we won’t get a stay at home without trading a big name player like Brown or Kopitar”
“Mitchell may not even have a roster spot when he returns”
“Even though we lost, DS should not make any changes”
“I’d start the same Goaltender as last night”
“How do I know? Craig Button said it”
“Bettman is doing the best he can under the circumstances”
“Good. A lengthy suspension SHOULD have been handed out for what that opposing player did”.
“(Western conference team) is now out of the playoff picture”
“(Eastern Conference team) is a force to be reckoned with due to their exceptional defense and Goaltending. Strange that the experts aren’t covering them more”
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:51 pm
@HockeyNerd,
“This blog should never ever have a correction or edit feature”
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
@DesertKing, Ackread!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 5:58 pm
@HockeyNerd, Also:
“That trade would help them too, and I’m sure they’d do it in a heartbeat”
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:26 pm
@HockeyNerd, the carls jr. girl is ugly and we need to get rid of that commercial
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
@neil, i hate nachos
Gustavo Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:01 pm
@neil,
LOL…did your wife make you post that?
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
@HockeyNerd, If we lose 4 of the next 6 we can get the top pick. well, I guess not since DL came to town.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:22 pm
@HockeyNerd, Trade JB for Bryz straight up.
Penner will retire a King
The whole team should have Ovi diapers sticking out.
Patrick is so much better the Heidi.
Wonder if we can get Clowe this summer.
Brown had that whack coming from Smith.
Richardson is back in the lineup. (too far?)
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
@Mars, i understand drafting hickey and trading him for nothing
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
@neil, i meant to post that twice
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
@neil, Or even “Hickey was a good pick, we just had too much depth there”.
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
@neil, the fans in the 300′s don’t understand hockey….the fans in the 100′s are much more into the game…
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:57 pm
@neil, “I miss Lokti. We should’ve given up Stoll for him.”
CB14 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
@shiny, I said that in the off-season, and stand by it to this day.
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
@Mars, some people get funnier with each bottle of “off-day maintence”. you are one of them my friend.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:52 pm
@Mars, I’d rather have the 11 goalies we had before DL got here, and not have a goelie controversy
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:38 pm
@HockeyNerd, “I’m new to the sport. How did the Kings do last year?”
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
@HockeyNerd, Or “Has any 8th seed ever won a cup”?
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:43 pm
@HockeyNerd, If we stay healthy, we can win a playoff sereies this season.
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:45 pm
@HockeyNerd, I wish they would stop running that sexist Carl’s Jr. commercial.
No one likes pig meat anyway.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:47 pm
@HockeyNerd, What do you mean, they don’t have valet parking in the lot across the street?
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:48 pm
@HockeyNerd, I sure hope phil sykes posts tonight.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
@jet, Or “Where was that guy last night? Didn’t see anything”
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:04 pm
@HockeyNerd, Or “I miss Phil Sykes’ delightful and well thought out posts. Those ellipses are great, I can always tell when he’s finishing one thought and not rambling on to another. The guy is a genius. Man I miss his posts.”
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
@HockeyNerd, “The after hours postings on here are great. Who says we need censorship on this blog?!”
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:01 pm
@HockeyNerd,
“Winning the Cup was way overrated”
[Reply]
edwood2 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:01 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Kompon was a genius
Quick couldn’t carry Fukafuji’s cup
With all the new players wanting 70′s numbers, they better retire 77 for Cowie soon
Tiger Williams was a better cook than Justin Williams
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:04 pm
@HockeyNerd,
“Gary Bettman is a strong supporter of the 1sgt Amendment”
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:04 pm
@DesertKing,
“1st”
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
@DesertKing, “Uncle Gary is a very thoughtful and considerate man. I don’t like it when people say bad things about him. He does the best he can with what he’s been given.”
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:05 pm
@HockeyNerd, “Ryan Clowe is the Sydney Crosby of the Western Conference.”
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:09 pm
@HockeyNerd,
“Strollsie is getting married”
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:25 pm
@DesertKing, stoll has bad taste in women
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:11 pm
@HockeyNerd, “We don’t need WM or MG. They’re kind of old anyways. And overrated.”
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:26 pm
T@shiny, the l.a. media really know hockey and their coverage is great
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:27 pm
@neil, i hate west coast bias
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:26 pm
@HockeyNerd, “The reality is we won’t get a stay at home without trading a big name player like Brown or Kopitar”
I’ve pretty much said that one.
“Brown embellishes a lot.”
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:32 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, gail web.
…don’t go kings…..don’t go kings
[Reply]
neil Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
@neil, this blog won’t survive without rich
edwood2 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:38 pm
@HockeyNerd, I sure wish we had professional TV men like the Ducks have
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
@edwood2, We have a winner!
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 9:19 pm
@edwood2, bellybuster
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
@HockeyNerd,
“How come none of the Kings wear 16, 18, 20, 30 or 99?”
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:52 pm
@HockeyNerd, Ryan Clowe is a great stick handler.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:56 pm
@LVKINGS88, Ryan Clowe is honest to a fault
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
@HockeyNerd,
“Boy, Toronto really gave us a gift with that last call.”
“Patrick O’neil or the othe Dork just gave a really great interview!”
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 11:46 pm
@HockeyNerd, Let’s meet before the game at the ‘Magic’ statue!
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:29 am
@Duncanz, Good one..
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Didn’t we win a cup with King doing what he does on the ice? 1st man pressure with speed is the value. He uses his size quite effectively to create seperation so that his linemates have a better chance at loose pucks as the 2nd man in. If he’s the 2nd man in he has the size to make it hard for smaller guys to take it away from him. Just because his hit totals are lower than smaller guys like Brown doesn’t mean he isn’t destroying the competition just the same.
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jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
@Dominick, good points. Also, King is still learning to use his width to shield. His game is still growing. We need to continue the investment.
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Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:05 pm
@jet, Agree, Kings is one that came up as a surprise. Too me anyways, I don’t follow mach all that well. I use you guys for that info and KND.
Say what you want about our young D, they are doing well enough. Granted one of two Vets back would be helpful, but the fact we are doing good without them is impressive
Last year this time, at the 1/2 way point that is, we were much more down in the dumps.
(Dec to Jan, then Feb to Mar)
See graph http://www.sportsclubstats.com/2011-2012/NHL/Western/Pacific/LosAngeles.html
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Good to see Kinger get that wrister to go last night. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
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At last night’s game Willie Mitchell was not listed as IR nor was he listed as a healthy scratch. Does anyone know what his status is?????????????????
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:29 pm
@Golly gee, I believe the reason he is not on IR is he hasn’t played at all. If you mean his status as in how close is he to coming back, nothing has changed
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shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
@Golly gee, It’s because his status is “inactive.” Sutter has listed the statuses so many times. It’s active, IR, inactive and non-roster I think. (Not sure exactly, I’ll double check and get back to you) But he’s not listed on IR because he is simply not on IR
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shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@shiny, Took a while but I finally found it. Had to go all the way back to February 25th.
Active, non-roster, inactive, injured, hurt, sick, not dressed, healthy scratch, on waivers.
So there you have it. Currently, WM is listed as “non-active” according to Mayor John Hoven, which is why he’s not listed on IR
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KC23 Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
@Golly gee, Inactive allows us to keep another roster spot open.
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Got the give Bernier some due credit for stoning Clowe back in San Jose.
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Save, Hrudey! Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:45 am
@Mikey J.,
Can the rest of us throw stones at him too?
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Here are my drunken corned beef and cabbage fueled predictions.
Mon Mar 18 Coyotes@Kings – W for Revenge
Tue Mar 19 Coyotes@Kings – W OT, snapping the OT streak. (B2B wins)
GP W L OT PTS
27 15 10 2 32
Thu Mar 21 Stars@Kings – L because they are non-playoff bound
Sat Mar 23 Canucks@Kings – W for revenge.
Mon Mar 25 Kings@Blackhawks – W for revenge
Thu Mar 28 Kings@Blues - W Cause we have their number.
Sat Mar 30 Kings@Wild – L Because its away
Sun Mar 31 Kings@Stars – L becasue they will still be non-playoff bound
Tue Apr 02 Kings@Coyotes – L because its away.
Thu Apr 04 Wild@Kings - W Cause we are back at home.
Sat Apr 06 Oilers@Kings – W Cause of Smyth
Sun Apr 07 Kings@Ducks - W cause its the ducks. (plus B2B Wins)
Tue Apr 09 Kings@Stars - OTL because they will still be non-playoffs
Thu Apr 11 Avalanche@Kings – L because they are at the bottom.
Sat Apr 13 Ducks@Kings – W becasue its the ducks.
Tue Apr 16 Kings@Sharks – W Cause Nemo needs to be chased again
Thu Apr 18 Blue Jackets@Kings – W Carts wants revenge.
Sun Apr 21 Stars@Kings - W for the past few losses to them.
Tue Apr 23 Kings@Wild - W Beating them at home
Wed Apr 24 Kings@Red Wings – L Cause we made the playoffs already.
Sat Apr 27 Sharks@Kings – W to keep home ice advantage.
29 Points there, with our 32 makes 61 points total, taking 3rd or 4th seed.
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Mikey J. Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 7:52 pm
@Mars, Marstadamus, I agree with a lot of those.
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shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:47 pm
@Mars, I agree with some of them. Some of the others I’m not sure about. Someone at Fear the Fin predicted we’d be about 4th seed because the rest of the teams we play this season have a puck possession percentage less than 50%, which is actually pretty significant. If I can find the link I shall post it.
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shiny Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
@Mars, Found it! If anyone cares to take their own stab at Mars’ drunken ravings based on what this article says.
http://www.fearthefin.com/2013/3/16/4109820/sharks-vs-kings-preview-strength-of-schedule-western-conference-nhl-playoffs#
It was published shortly before the Sharks @ LA game yesterday
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Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:58 pm
@shiny, from the article
The spread isn’t really all that substantial but the Kings have a butter-soft schedule to close out the year. Not only are 12 of their 22 remaining games at home but the combined possession rate of their remaining opponents is abysmal.
That bodes well now. Not sure about our playoff preparations tho.
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Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
@Mars, I separated the back to backs, and placed the current totals too low, was supposed to be at the top. before the 1st set of back to backs. I added that last after adding the totals at the bottom.
Damn you Killian’s Irish red ale!!
I predicted a little high on some, only because this year I think we are due for home ice.
But I think we will finish between 61-63 points @ 4th seed.
3rd if the Hawks and Ducks keep swallowing up points.
I predict Hawks and Ducks on 1st and 2nd round exits (in that order)
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jet Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
@Mars, but, what about the next 16 games?
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Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 11:55 pm
@jet, I dunno who the bottom 4 will be yet.
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phil sykes Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:07 am
@Mars, but mars we cant get 3rd if ducks continue to swallow up points … highest possible would be 4th this season unless the ducks completely fall apart and we win the division
LA_1968 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:17 am
@Mars, I didn’t see your well thought out post when I posted my irrational forecast below
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I the Swiss league, a puck split in half against the goal post.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/puck-splits-half-goal-swiss-hockey-league-did-140532143–nhl.html
Does it count?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:37 pm
@Mars, Weigh the halves and see if the larger half went in?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Or, if “the whole puck has to cross the line” is already stated, that would sorta handle it.
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Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 8:59 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Agree, but a neat one. I woulda given em half. Just to spite the points they were dominating anyways.
Duncanz Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 11:31 pm
@What’s the Kenneth frequency?, But remember, Switzerland is neutral. They don’t play by anyone else’s rules!
lol nashvilles falling off a cliff
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Mars Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
@phil sykes, *Cue Acme anvil dropping noise
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phil sykes Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
@Mars, its just pretty surprising … they will probably bounce back and squeek in . but who knows , they are digging themselves a big hole right now ……. they need wins immediately now …… its fine by me if they miss out … because the kings do not matchup well against them
gaustad on faceoffs and their choking defensive style usually doom us , except for that rare third period we had against them recently
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who knows how long it will since it usually dosent last long , but richards looks better as a winger …………. it frees him up from his defensive responsiblities at center … so now obviously he just hangs out by the point guys more and can be more involved on the offensive rush going the other way ….. hes a player who runs out of gas quickly … so i think the less cardio taxing winger position gives him so more offensive jump in his game
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phil sykes Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 9:19 pm
@phil sykes, how knows how long it will last **
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phil sykes Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 9:22 pm
@phil sykes, lol who knows **
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Mikey J. Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 9:57 pm
@phil sykes, Ah, King Richards
Winning Pacific Division…
Kings are 12 points back of the Ducks with 21 games to go. So that’s 6 games back. If Anaheim plays 500 hockey the rest of the way (11-10), we’d have to go 17-4 to tie them. Afraid neither of those are gonna happen. Let’s get 4th!
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phil sykes Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 10:32 pm
@LA_1968, yep . or 8th …. it dosent matter …. just get in . theres nothing separating the western conference teams so anybody would be a tough matchup . and also proved last year 8th is no hinderence to anything …. just get in . i mean we could get in at 4th . everyone all excited because we have great home record and then lose one or two of the first 2 games …. and then wed be chasing the series ……….. just get in …. who cares where … but okay 4th if u wish ……… thats fine by me .. chicago and the ducks are not invincible and nothing to be afraid of any more than the other playoff western conference rivals of ours … anybody would be a tough opponent … and once the playoffs start – everything resets ……. hawks and ducks being so good in regular season wont mean a thing once it resets ………. once the playoffs start – everything resets ……….. and the regular season looks like exibition games – just get in
and just because ducks and hawks dominated the regular season exibition games has no bearing on how they will do in a 7 game series against the same team every night – phoenix handled the exact same hawk team last year in the first round if anybody remembers
it dosent mean hawks cant win the cup as number one seed or number two …. just saying it really dosent matter where u finish in the west as long as u get in …. just get in …. everybodys a tough matchup out west in a 7 game series – too much parity
nice to hear from ya 68 …. u still been hanging out in mexico
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So what’s WM’s deal? Still having knee issues? He working out off ice? Skating after practice? Sipping Margaritas in in Cancun?
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phil sykes Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
@Cruiznblue, who knows … forget it ………. hes not coming back this season ………… the way the kings have handled the news regarding what exactly happened to him is pretty embarassing in my opinion
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Chip Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:48 am
@phil sykes, Why embarrassing?
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phil sykes Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:39 am
@Chip, okay not embarrassing . you pick the word …….. just never got a real story as to what happened …. no official announcement or anything ……. daryll evans on kings live ………. “hes skating and wouldnt be surprised to see him on thursday” ……. then silence …….. then weeks go by with complete silence …. only to find out thru the grapevine he underwent a surgery …. no official news release by the organization …………………. like bad news everybody matt greene had surgery today on his back and will be out a minimum of 2 months ………. there was no announcement of any kind like this …………………… and i dont agree with how they handled it ….. so i will let u pick the word then , okay chip
DBking Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:28 am
@Cruiznblue, I agree we deserve to know more about what’s going on with him and what happened.
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…. just get in ….
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phil sykes Reply:
March 17th, 2013 at 11:30 pm
@Duncanz, yea …. not sure if i mentioned that …. hehe
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will u look at the picture of that girl in the first row above the easy sign …. thats all i can focus on when i see that picture – not dwight king
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attention blog ………….. just got moderated by jon rosen ……….. it was nice knowing you all
at least everyone will be happy since i made your lives so miserable
name calling begins when ridiculing minority opinion takes place
have fun on your ridiculous blog
to jon rosen ……… no hard feelings at all towards you …. not that u care
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phil sykes Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:30 am
@phil sykes, lol lol lol woops ……. im back ……………. i guess it was a mistake ….. whew …… how would i have gone on if it actually happened ……. it must have been because the site froze for a few minutes
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Save, Hrudey! Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:40 am
@phil sykes,
Nice to see you back on our “ridiculous blog.”
Feel free to leave on your own though.
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phil sykes Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:19 am
@Save, Hrudey!, ridiculous only if i am moderated …. which i have not been ……… so therefore – not ridiculous ……….. if i ever do get moderated – then it becomes ridiculous again ……. see how that works ………. im the king of my castle
nykingfan Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 5:14 am
@phil sykes,
Dude in 8 minutes you went whining like a baby to everything’s all good now…
The blog is about hockey, not about you!
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phil sykes Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 6:59 pm
@nykingfan, dont be silly … everything is about me ….. im an only child
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hi
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FOR FAIL SAKES!!!
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Trivia for March 18: In 1892 Lord Stanley of Preston pledges to donate a silver bowl to the best hockey team in Canada.
Said “bowl” currently residing, as we all know, in Los Angeles!!!
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