Game 28 Preview: Phoenix at Los Angeles

Projected Starting Goaltender, Los Angeles – Jonathan Quick
Season: 21 GP (20 GS) / 9-8-2 record / 2.69 GAA / .891 Sv% / 0 SHO
Career vs Phoenix: 24 (24) / 11-10-3 / 2.65 / .904 / 3
Last Game vs Phoenix: 3/12/13 / 60 MP / 24-29 shots / 2-5 L
2012-13, Home: 9 (8) / 6-2-1 / 2.16 / .894 / 0

Projected Starting Goaltender, Phoenix – Mike Smith
Season: 23 (23) / 11-8-3 / 2.78 / .903 / 4
Career vs Los Angeles: 12 (12) / 9-2-1 / 1.65 / .941 / 2
Last Game vs Los Angeles: 3/12/13 / 60 MP / 31-33 / 5-2 W
2012-13, Away: 10 (10) / 3-4-3 / 2.31 / .923 / 2

Leaders, Los Angeles
Total Points: Anze Kopitar (8-17=25)
Goals: Jeff Carter (17-2=19)
Assists: Anze Kopitar (8-17=25)
Plus/Minus: Jake Muzzin (+12; 5-6=11)
Penalty Minutes: Keaton Ellerby (48*; 0-2=2)
*36 of Ellerby’s penalty minutes came as a member of the Florida Panthers.

Leaders, Phoenix
Total Points: Mikkel Boedker (6-12=18)
Goals: Shane Doan (9-17=16)
Assists: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (3-14=17)
Plus/Minus: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (+8; 3-14=17)
Penalty Minutes: Kyle Chipchura (43; 4-6=10)

A stick tap goes to: Dave Tippett. We can’t use Oliver Ekman-Larsson every game, even if he just signed a six-year, 33 million dollar contract in the time since the teams last met. Having guided his teams to the playoffs in eight of his nine years as a head coach, Tippett has led the Coyotes to an average of 101 points per season in his Phoenix tenure. Let that statistic sink in for a moment.

A fist shake goes to: Mikkel Boedker. After a 10-point February, the Dane has experienced an inconsistent March and has logged points in only one game out of his last seven: a two-goal performance in last Tuesday’s 5-2 win over L.A., his first multi-goal effort since December 29, 2011. Of course, Kings partisans who recall last year’s playoff series may have other names they’d be willing to lump together in this category.

Why the Kings need to win this game: Not to sour over a 12-5-0 stretch, but the Kings have posted a 3-3-0 record over the previous six games, and a win tonight makes both records look better. Phoenix hasn’t scored through the first two games of its roadtrip, and Jonathan Quick needs to go back to throwing some zeroes and ones on the scoreboard. This is also a home game against a divisional opponent squarely on the border of the playoff cutoff.

Rankings and Statistics
Goals/Game: LAK – t-8 / 2.96; PHX – 16 / 2.64
Goals Against/Game: LAK – 12 / 2.59; PHX – 16 / 2.68
Power Play: LAK – 12 / 19.6%; PHX – 23 / 15.7%
Penalty Kill: LAK – t-20 / 79.6%; PHX – 8 / 83.5%
Shots/Game: LAK – t-16 / 28.9; PHX – 7 / 30.4
Shots Against/Game: LAK – 2 / 24.3; PHX – 15 / 28.5
Faceoffs: LAK – t-9 / 51.0%; PHX – 3 / 52.9%
Save Percentage: LAK – 25 / .893; PHX – t-15 / .906

Projected Lines – Los Angeles

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

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

Jonathan Quick
Jonathan Bernier

Notes: The Kings have won nine of their last 10 home games. Los Angeles has played in 21 consecutive games without heading to overtime, the longest non-OT stretch since finishing 22 consecutive games in regulation time between January 27 and March 14, 2003. The Kings and their opponents have combined for an average of seven goals per game over the last nine games. 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
Kyle Chipchura – Boyd Gordon – David Moss
Raffi Torres – Matthew Lombardi – Paul Bissonnette

Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Rostislav Klesla
Keith Yandle – Derek Morris
David Schlemko – Michael Stone

Mike Smith
Jason LaBarbera

Notes: Forward and 2011-12 35-goal scorer Radim Vrbata skated after practice today (per this Mayor’s Manor photo) and is nearing a return. It won’t be tonight, as he remains on injured reserve. Defenseman Zbynek Michalek hasn’t played since blocking a shot with his foot during a penalty kill on March 9 and remains day-to-day. As always, line projections are educated assessments and not definite alignments.

153 Comments

  1. Golly gee says:

    I sure hope ths means Bernier will be in goal Tues nite!!!!!

    [Reply]

    fsd1 Reply:

    @Golly gee, even if JQ wins?

    [Reply]

    yetiman_oc Reply:

    @fsd1, my vote would be yes. need the entire team involved especially this year. jb has done nothing but win every game he has started this year. why would you not want to give him a start on back to back games to keep everyone fresh and involved?

    [Reply]

    fsd1 Reply:

    @yetiman_oc, I agree with everything you’re saying, but if JQ needs to get his mojo back and wins tonight in good fashion i would put him out there again. He certainly doesnt need the rest. But either way, JB is the best backup in the league right now.

    KingsGRT Reply:

    @fsd1, not to step on JB’s toes too much but Jake Allen and R Lou might have something to say about that

    luc20rules Reply:

    @fsd1, I believe Quick is the better Goalie long term, but I really don’t think goalies are at there best playing back to back nites. I would also say at this point in time Bernier seems to be playing better as well as the team playing a bit better infront of him. Just what I feel from watching all the games. It is in my opinion ok to go with the hot goalie. By playoffs would I feel more comfortable if that was Quick with Mitchell & Greene back? I can’t emphasis how much, YES!

    [Reply]

    King John Reply:

    @luc20rules, AGREED!

    KC23 Reply:

    @Golly gee, I’m good with whatever the King’s coaches think is best.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @Golly gee, I hope this means LaBarbara plays tomorrow.

    [Reply]

  2. jess says:

    NHL Live got into the topic of tonight’s game, then proceeded to talk about the yotes and ekmund larson’s contract extension for a few. Nothing about the King’s and Toffoli or the spectacular play of Clifford against the sharks. Then they left for the break getting all gushy over a stupid stamkos sign at some east coast arena. What ever, I give up on these guys.

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @jess, “What ever, I give up on these guys”

    you actually had faith to begin with? good on ya jess…someone had to, right? :)

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan,

    No, faith is earned in matters of this nature. So far the East Coast Hockey Network has earned nothing. As a matter of fact, they’ve been rather taxing ;)

    [Reply]

    nvlahakis Reply:

    @jess, I renamed the network Sidney Crosby and Friends Network

    [Reply]

  3. Michael J. says:

    Does Smith play back-to-backs?

    [Reply]

    bbb7 Reply:

    @Michael J., I believe the term when used about him is ‘hack-to-hacks’

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @bbb7, hahaha

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @bbb7, if I was drinking something right now it would have been spit out all over my computer screen.

    [Reply]

    McSorleyfan Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, OH yeah! I snarfed a bit…

    PRMan Reply:

    @bbb7, hack-to-backs of Dustin Brown’s leg, that is

    [Reply]

    yetiman_oc Reply:

    @Michael J., why would he? don’t they have the ex king goalie to back him up?

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @yetiman_oc, LaBarbera, LOL

    [Reply]

  4. OCKingGirl says:

    @JonRosen… +1 on those who remember last year’s playoffs may have others in mind for a fist shake. Haha.. That is for sure!! Someone slash the back of Mike Smith’s leg so he can “embellish” what that feels like.

    [Reply]

  5. bbb7 says:

    JQ needs to throw a string of zeros and get his mojo back. Tonight is the night!

    [Reply]

    freezerflatten Reply:

    @bbb7, sutter hasnt made the right decision on goaltending yet. why does this suprise anyone?

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @freezerflatten, last game Bernier started…wasnt that right???

    [Reply]

  6. JD says:

    Teams rested, home game, no excuses tonight, stop the puck

    [Reply]

  7. jess says:

    Toffoli gets goal numero uno tonight. If not, for sure a couple of assists -or both.

    -L-G-M-F-K- (!!)

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @jess, This^ (does this count the same as me ‘calling it’ too, if he does indeed pot one?)
    ;)

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @xeropoint,

    Sure, -you and I often have similar opinions, so what the hell :) (!)

    [Reply]

  8. LA_1968 says:

    Doooh… Westgarth almost had his first goal and point. Open net but hurried it.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @LA_1968, first point in Carolina

    he is a sniper (kidding of course for that one goal he had last year, I forget against who)

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Yeah, I meant of the year. I think the one you refer to was at COL. Got him on Hockey Night with shiny suits… not Evans.

    [Reply]

    nvlahakis Reply:

    @LA_1968, If he would have sank it that would mean Westgarth would have more goals than DD…… Keep on earning that big paycheck Drew

    [Reply]

  9. Jordan Nolan sitting 2 in a row for the first time in his NHL career. I posed the question in my latest article: Is he really struggling? http://kingsnewsdaily.com/is-jordan-nolan-really-struggling/

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), If we can replace him with Penner and then get additional offense from Toffoli, then does it matter if he’s struggling?

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @PRMan, Yes.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), He is in a tough spot. His game does need more develpoment. The Kings are definitly a different team with TT in for him. On the other hand we are a dominate physical team with him in there. So, TT for now and Nolan for the playoffs?

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @jet, Idont see Nolan being with the Kings next season…Too many RFA that will need to be signed including VV..Cliffy..Lewis.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @Neil, He will definetly be on the team. how much cheaper can you get a player?

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @jet, I tend to agree. If TT plays lights-out it will be hard for Deano but in the end, I think he goes back to Manchester until their season is over.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Read your article. Thanks. I agree that he’s a victim but his play made him an easy target. I hope things get better for the 2nd and 4th line with this experiment regardless of Nolan taking the fall. If it was me, or TM, I wouldn’t make any moves out of loyalty. I admire Coach Sutter for always trying to get better.

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @LA_1968, Thanks ’68. It will be interesting to see if TT sticks but my guess is this is just an audition and he’ll go back down before 10 games.

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), is the ten game “thing” still around..what is it again??

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    It’s actually only 6 games because of the shortened season. If he plays game 7, one year of his entry level contract gets subtracted making his next contract come sooner than what would normally be ideal for a GM.

  10. vplaza says:

    Boedkobviously, everyone here hates the guy.

    [Reply]

  11. Cav Pilot says:

    Ok Insiders, you’re going to have to do this one without me tonight. I’ll be at Club Nokia watching The Specials. I’ll be sending good vibes across the plaza.

    [Reply]

    crashin'da net Reply:

    @Cav Pilot, It’s the dawning – of a newwww Era! Go Specials!!!

    [Reply]

    crashin'da net Reply:

    @Cav Pilot, I’ts the dawning — of a Neeeeeeeww Era! Go Specials Go!

    [Reply]

    Cav Pilot Reply:

    @crashin’da net, Is this the in place to be? What am I doing here?

    [Reply]

    Ravens Reply:

    @Cav Pilot, This Town is looking like a Ghost Town

    [Reply]

    KingMe20 Reply:

    @Cav Pilot,

    A Message to Hrudey?

    [Reply]

  12. KingMe20 says:

    Here’s to zeroes and ones for Quick and Doughty, respectively.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @KingMe20, Donuts for dounts?

    [Reply]

    KingMe20 Reply:

    @jet,

    No more donuts for Doughnuts!

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @KingMe20, Pancakes for pancakes?

  13. gailweb says:

    The puck stops here

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

  14. King Alex says:

    Dopey things Coyote’s fans say…………Raffi Torres should win the Lady Byng award! …………

    We have just as may passionate fans any any other team in the league! ……………

    “Werewolves of London” is the perfect song to play when a COYOTE scores!

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @King Alex, Come on a half man – half wolf its got to be the closest any Coyote fan feels to being human.

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @King Alex, Dopey things coyote’s fans say….”We need to get tickets as soon as they go on sale…otherwise they will sell out….”

    [Reply]

  15. crashin'da net says:

    KC & Lewie are tied – 4 goals / 10 points each except Lewie has 2 GWG and is +8 compared to KC +-0. Lewie gonna pull away tonight??!! Doesn’t matter. GKG!

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @crashin’da net, I say KC does, he goes in small spurts of ups and downs. like 3 games on 3 games quiet, etc.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @crashin’da net, how many fights does Lewis have?

    [Reply]

  16. jess says:

    Of course if Clifford comes out playing like he did against the sharks, yotes will have their hands full. I have to admit that while he has a KO this year, I really get nervous when he fights (especially against 245ers). He’s too good to lose due to another avoidable concussion, and let’s face it, a kid his age have parts of the brain which are still developing until age 25 (pre-frontal cortex).

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @jess, You are right. We will need to bring nolan back for certian teams.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @jet,

    Nolan can certainly throw! I’ve seen Dwight King bop a few heads too.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @jess, Murray is a beast on the ice. Always liked him as player. But he really fights like a girl. Further, he must be 265. He looked like 2 Cliffys.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @LA_1968,

    Think there might be any youtube vids of westgarth clapping for himself whilst murray tries to punch him in the face??

    [Reply]

  17. FKA PakiFro says:

    Winning these two games would put the Kings 6 points ahead of 9th place Phx, and leave them with a game in hand. Needless to say, a sweep of these two home games will go a long way towards getting a playoff spot. They’ll have some serious distance on the 9th and lower teams if they can pull this off.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @FKA PakiFro,

    Hopefully JQ gets the win tonight, and Bernier can share the workload tomorrow night. Back to back starts for either GT has not proven to be such a hot idea.

    [Reply]

  18. vplaza says:

    Kings need to put distance between them and the Yotes. And they need to take advantage of the game in hand that they have.

    Need to get a winning streak going again.

    [Reply]

  19. Duncanz says:

    2 Tix available for tonight’s big extravaganza vs Coyotes.
    Good price for the right Insider blogger!
    greenelawn26@gmail.com

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @Duncanz, Daren and I are already going! (no not really)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Lake Forest, He he, I’ll check you out on Facebook.

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Duncanz, forward his identity to me !!! Iam on facebook….neil wachs I dare you!!! LOL…

    jet Reply:

    @Duncanz, I can never make these at the last minute, but I always appreciate you making the offer. thanks

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @jet, I thought the Major was a lady!

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Duncanz, How much for the wrong Insider?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), 1 humble phone call.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Duncanz, Are you a ticket broker now?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @LA_1968, with the emphasis on ‘broke’.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Free Gimp-Giveaway with these tix?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @jest, YES, he would look good holding a lampshade in MdR.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Thank god I don’t live in MdR.. But yes, -it would fit in well there.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Duncanz, Lol, for some reason I thought you did!

  20. Lake Forest says:

    in the same amount of games as far as GF we are beating detroit, vacouver, phoenix

    sharks are tied for last in the league, yet 2 points behind us

    [Reply]

  21. Pico says:

    Qu’ick is the samething on baseball. Last ia was the best closer. This year he close anything. Bernier is the closer. DL and DS wake up. You signed Quick is your rescans abilities to assume. Lets play Bernier and you make the playoff. Green and Mitchell was not here to protect Quick. All the time Quicky is on the ice . He look like a frog

    Wake uPppppppppppp
    P

    [Reply]

  22. CB14 says:

    I’m surprised Quick is in net tonight. I hope Sutter doesn’t play him back to back like last week. Even if Quick does well tonight, I’d start Bernier tomorrow night.

    [Reply]

  23. jet says:

    Let’s get the first goal again and our goalie won’t matter.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @jet,

    Toffoli, Carts and MR will hopefully put the yotes on notice early in the 1st. But don’t discount Stollie’s deadly shot, as long as it’s not more than 3’6″ away from net!!

    [Reply]

  24. Adam M says:

    I think that Bernier will face LaBarbera Tomorrow Night

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Adam M, Good call. I agree.

    [Reply]

    Batfan13 Reply:

    @Adam M, I’ll take that matchup anyday

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Adam M,

    Backo-a-backo

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Adam M, I hope you’re right.

    [Reply]

    MmmmYummy Reply:

    @CB14, Last time I checked Babs had a .92 save % – not so bad and better than JB currently.

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Adam M,

    I’ll pass that along.

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @goldielocks, Adam M. with a take…that didnt suck !!!!!

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @goldielocks, Does anyone even remember who said that and who it was about? (not you goldie)

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), TM said it. It was in response to Fraser saying he was healthy and ready to play.

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    Nice pull.

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), @CB14,

    Wow … you got some good memory, CB … I only remember it was TM who said it but forget what about. Kinda funny situation when he said it. That’s all I remember.

  25. LA_1968 says:

    Both teams had last night off. Kings were at home saturday, but PHX was at Columbus. According to Coach Sutter, the schedule has been determining winners and losers lately. Bigger game for us.

    [Reply]

    lakingbob(chi) Reply:

    @LA_1968, We need these two games for a statement to the Pacific that we are who we are!!! I really believe the 2 Jonathons are going to be BIG these next 4 at home.. Then guess what??? ON TO CHI TOWN!! Yes I

    [Reply]

    lakingbob(chi) Reply:

    @LA_1968, We need these two games for a statement to the Pacific that we are who we are!!! I really believe the 2 Jonathons are going to be BIG these next 4 at home.. Then guess what??? ON TO CHI TOWN!! Yes I

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @LA_1968,

    Now is the time to create a gap in points with bako-a-backo dubs. That is of course if you factor out any possible grease boarding scenarios. ;)

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @LA_1968, 4 points for us please.

    [Reply]

  26. patches1968 says:

    Go kings

    [Reply]

  27. Mars says:

    I would love to see a huge hit on DoanKey tonight
    make it memorable Brown!!

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Mars,

    -or DD leaving his skates and planting his rear end on Doan’s face. Of course @Gustavo would really be upset!

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @jess, Keep the skates planted, I dont want to see DD earning a suspension.

    A clean hard hit, something Roseval like, or even Sedin-esque.

    Brown needs to come in hard and fast then look back like…. what??

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Mars,

    Leave skates then after the hit? Either way, you’re really messing with @Gustavo’s biggest fantasy trade, and that’s not cool.. :)

    Mars Reply:

    @Mars, He can leave his skates in a celebtratory jump after the hit :)

  28. TaylorInSpokanada says:

    [From "March 18 morning skate quotes: Jarrett Stoll"]: Anyone else notice Mike Smith’s tendency to “duck and cover” on hard shots up high? I’ve noticed it on about a dozen or so high shots but never really heard anybody comment on it as a weakness in his game. Thoughts?

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @TaylorInSpokanada,
    Thoughts?…Here’s one…
    He’s a mean-spirited jerk!

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @TaylorInSpokanada, that isn’t a duck and cover, I can see how your confused
    It’s really a lunge and whack attack!

    [Reply]

    KLos Reply:

    @TaylorInSpokanada, and he’s an (unsportman-like) embellisher. When the Yotes are down, watch Smith when an opposing player skates through his crease. He either WACKS or FLOPS.

    [Reply]

  29. Neil says:

    as we wait….Any insiders live in Santa Clarita???

    [Reply]

  30. g smith86 says:

    I hate to say it…and I haven’t looked at any of the 100 posts before this one, but Bernier should be in net tonight…I will battle like heck for JQ…and I still think he is the best, but he is off his game right now…it happens, and i realize that the onle way out is to play your way back to greatness, but there is no time for that…Kings need to keep winning…and unfortunately, that means playing the hot goalie..even if you just signed the other for 10 years and a boat load of cash

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @g smith86,

    Yeah my pick would’ve been to start JB tonight and JQ tomorrow night, but who am I to argue with Kings Stanley Cup Mgt.?

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @g smith86, no worries…no mention of Bernier/Quick around here for days……

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @Neil, he he

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @g smith86, I respect ya, so dont take this the wrong way.

    But I hope I get to say that you were wrong. (not really wrong, but your fears were unwarranted)

    Eff it you know what the eff I mean. Effer.

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @Mars, yep…and believe you me…I am hoping for the same….crow is my favorite

    [Reply]

  31. g smith86 says:

    I’m sure I will post these comments again..(because I am a pain in the arse)

    and I have stated them before, but the Kings identity last year was Defense and great goaltending…one begetting the other…also, during the Playoff run, a PK that was better than good in the regular season became a force in the playoffs…and so good that they scored more goals shorthanded than they gave up (I think, at least it seemed that way)

    I don’t think we will have that identity again until WM and MG get back in the lineup and JQ starts acting like JQ

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @g smith86,

    -or until you see Toffoli get his first goal and or assist(s) tonight..

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @jess, yea…I know, the puck is going in right now for the Kings….unfortunately, it is going in both ways…(Oh boy…that will get some remarks)

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @jess, Gordie?

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Mars,

    TT isn’t a fighter.. Just pure goal scorer. Same as Carter. And this might be why Sutter has them together… Right?

    Mars Reply:

    @Mars, I think phx might target him a bit, they are cheap like that.
    He might do it just for the fact he can. Not saying its smart.
    But when I hear goal and assist, I think geeeet reeeeaaaady fooooor iiiiiittttt.

  32. phil sykes says:

    quick in goal …. im kinda expecting a loss then in this lopsided goalie matchup …….. hopefully quickie can step up …. we dont need anymore losses at this stage …. time to start building a cushion if we can

    phoenix is not that good of a road team so maybe we can pull it off

    wow , sutter gushing about kopi …. thats usually not his great style of keeping everybody on their toes ….. but the most important thing i gleened from what daryll said was kopi maybe was injured the first two or three weeks of the season and is fine now …. so he made it seem like kopi is healthy now …. so thats good , obviously

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @phil sykes, Kopi s a straight up beast!!!

    [Reply]

    Adam M Reply:

    @g smith86, okay @g smith86 Kopi is not a beast he is my best friend if you call him a beast one more time my Dog Sophie will bite you up

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @phil sykes,

    His knee must be ok but for a while there it certainly seemed far less than 100%. As for the goalies, not sure what you mean by lopsided. Smith and Quick are pretty close numbers-wise.

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), its not about stats . smith is just better and more consistent in my opinion …. and stays deeper in the net which i like …. but hey …. heres hoping quickie has a great game …. we need it from him

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), and yes …. i have been assuming kopi was still hurt .. and who knows maybe he is ………. because i agree with you ….. kopi does not have the same offensive impact as before it seems …. so im blaming the knee . thats the only thing that makes sense … because to me , kopi is the best player in the nhl

    and for anyone that may want to quote silly stats in response like .. “well actually his point totals are comparable to years past etc…” ……. will u please save it ………… im not a stat geek , and can simply watch people play to determine if someone is good or not

    [Reply]

    KLos Reply:

    @phil sykes, and it amazes me how little “props” Kopi seems to get from the talking heads. We know JQ got the CS trophy. But clearly, without Kopi, the Kings would not be SC champs.

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @KLos, thank you klos ……. finally a voice of reason

    [Reply]

    KLos Reply:

    @phil sykes, ……… as you’d say

  33. KLos says:

    Also haven’t looked at the 100+ posts above; so maybe it’s already been said . . .

    But, tonight’s game feels like a “must win” for Quick, all his accolades and trophies notwithstanding.

    Home game, revenge from loss @ PHX, team coming off its super 4-line performance, JB playing like a #1, JQ being pulled last outing.

    Play your game JQ . . . and GKG !!!

    [Reply]

  34. Ravens says:

    GKG, take down the new enemy #1

    [Reply]

  35. g smith86 says:

    I hate Coyotes…If I see one crossing the street…I try to run it down.or case it with a baseball bat or golf club or whatever is handy…can’t stand them Coyotes…My favorite part of the Playoffs last year was when DB slammed into one of them there Coyotes like it was trecking across the 405 in rush hour traffic…and the leader of the pack started crying about it…that was great!

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @g smith86, That hit on Roseval was epic. They kept crying it was dirty. LOL

    Wouldnt mind seeing that again, or a DB on Sedin ala nucks playoffs on Doankey

    Someone just shut doankey the eff up.

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @Mars, amen!!!

    [Reply]

  36. LVKINGS88 says:

    Come out like you did the other night,knock the crap out of this team and then tomorrow rinse and repeat,GO KINGS GO!

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @LVKINGS88, Park and ride.
    You wan wash the yote blood off the grill later.

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @Mars, I keeps mine on the car as a momento…or prize, if you will

    [Reply]

    g smith86 Reply:

    @LVKINGS88, in honor of the new man in a funny hat and dress, amen to you to

    [Reply]

  37. LVKINGS88 says:

    Looks like it’s JB tonight,

    [Reply]

    KLos Reply:

    @LVKINGS88, what? u @ Staples?

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @KLos, No @ home,I saw him on TV warming up,don’t think it’s the other night replays.

    [Reply]

  38. FabKings says:

    Keep Doan, Smith and all the rest if Cryotes teary eyed tonight boys.

    GO KINGS GO!

    [Reply]

  39. Mars says:

    TT Welcome to the NHL!

    [Reply]

  40. Kenny says:

    If Matt is the only person on IR, and Willie isn’t a scratch what is he!? Mia? His man card is gonna be pulled soon

    [Reply]

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