Place holder

Będzie parę zmian :)

2010-04-24T19:29:00.000+02:00

Odkopałem tego bloga po latach, teraz kiedy nikt już się jego zawartością nie interesuje, mogę sobie spokojnie poeksperymentować.

Nice... :)

How much for Cammy?

2007-07-30T14:54:00.000+02:00

Feel free to add you predictions on the amount Michael Cammalleri will get from arbitration.

2007-07-07T23:09:00.001+02:00

test

Are Noronen or Hiller a solution to goaltending woes?

2007-05-22T05:41:00.000+02:00

In the recent Rich Hammond interview, Dean Lombardi does say that he and coach Crawford might consider going into next season carrying three goalies.

Assuming that Garon walks (UFA) and Cloutier and LaBarbera are under contract, Mikka Noronen seems the only viable solution for the "third guy" on the NHL roster come fall 2007 from the list that has been circulating around lately. He does have quite a lot of NHL experience, which is way more than the large majority of the other Euros there.

Do you think he will/should beat out Barry Brust for the third goalie spot in LA? If not, and Lombardi signs someone else (like a Swiss goalie Jonas Hiller?), where does he end up? Manchester? Is he better than Fuji?

Lombardi has also had a positive spin on Jonathan Quick. Where does this situation leave him and Jeff Zatkoff? I know it seems like a good problem to have for a hockey club - curious about your: "where does the potential Euro goalie fit?" thoughts .

Keep your fingers crossed for the Monarchs!

2007-05-06T22:48:00.000+02:00

With LA Kings not going anywhere after this season (unless you count the San Bernardino valley golf courses as a viable option), the shift of attention of the Purple and Black nation moves to the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings primary affiliate in the American Hockey League.

The Monarchs have already gone past the first round of the Calder Cup play-offs, for the first time in their six year history in NH, by eliminating Worcester Sharks 4-2.

They are now tied 1-1 after two games at home against the Providence Bruins (with Game Three coming up on Wednesday). The winner of this conference semi-final will most likely play the defending champion, Hershey Bears, who are up 3-0 against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Keep your fingers crossed for the AHL top goalie, Jason LaBarbera and the rest of the team in the days to come!

I love my Kings

2007-04-07T11:46:00.000+02:00

I love my Los Angeles Kings deeply and truly enough not to abandon this project. I might not be able to cover individual games any more (not that there are too many of in the remainder of the season), but I'd like to throw something valuable your way 2-3 times a week on regular basis from now till the draft day, let's say.

When I was tracking when the chores of life took hold of me in a way as to prevent me from covering the Kings on a (almost) daily basis, I realized it was just about the trading deadline. Right about the time that Matthias Norstrom departed, Sean Avery was traded and subsequently Jack Johnson came to town.

Could anybody positively bring me up to speed about the team, please? I know the scores, the standings and the bif picture. I need to get an information pill on who do you think emerged in the last 25 games or so - much like I used to present it in the Kings Three Stars for every ten games they had played.

Would anyone be so kind (perhaps people that actually watch the games?) as to brief me on how JMFJ is doing in the NHL. I did see the hipcheck that Jan Bulis administered on him, but not much more.

So, we're back in the chase, folks! Let me hear from you.

Stats

2007-03-27T12:19:00.000+02:00

To help you answer the question(s) I posted in the post below, here's the monthly round-up of visits to my blog.

Down with a prolonged flu, I started thinking

2007-03-27T12:10:00.000+02:00

The last five weeks in our home have been probably the most difficult health-wise in years. My wife has been down with flu two separate times, our daughter - once (luckily, during the week when the rest of us were relatively healthy) and myself - I have a high fever myself as I typing this...

Anyway, I was wondering about the future of this blogging project. The LA Kings are still my hockey passion, but the time to write is getting shorter and shorter.

Is there anything you would miss if I called it quits?

There aren't many of you, my readers, mind you... The comments are few and far between, the site stats show some 10-15 visits daily, so perhaps it wouldn't have been a major blow to the Kings blogging community...

Regrouping

2007-03-19T17:46:00.000+01:00

As much as the Kings have I have been regrouping for the last couple of weeks. This blog will lift off its wheels once again on Thursday evening. Sorry for the occasional loss of power, folks :).

In the meantime, you are more than welcome to check out what's cooking with the LA Dodgers.

The most exciting thing about being a Kings' fan

2007-03-09T07:48:00.000+01:00

Well, it's the hope of the future:

When you hope to see players like Kopi, A-Fro, Squid, Browny coming to a full potential, prospects like Sully, Tuk, Cliche, Bernier and in particular JMFJ reaching the big show in 1-3 years - there is enough to help you go through a season as difficult as this. If only 2-3 of these high draft picks we acquired in the Conroy, Avery, Sopel and Norstrom trade ever pan out, the Kings might take us all for a ride reasonably soon.

How about a Stanley Cup ride for a change? When was the last time we've gone THAT way? I know I know, too many Canadien fans around me :).

More on Matty in Dallas

2007-03-03T09:42:00.000+01:00

Norstrom, while obviously put in a strange spot after 11+ years in LA, is trying to make peace with life in Dallas, TX:

"Once you get to the rink, it's easy to put it behind you," Norstrom said. "It was good to get out there and skate, and I feel good about this. We have as good of a chance as any team [in the playoffs]."

He's looking forward to the playoffs - something he would have missed this, and potentially next, season with the Kings:

"You go into every season in the same situation as other teams, and it's not a given that you're going to be in the playoffs," Norstrom said. "That's why I'm so excited for this year, and for next year, too."

Matty moving to Lonestar State

2007-03-02T22:40:00.000+01:00

I should be able to follow up all the recent Kings trades (once I finally get a grasp of all the draft picks Dean Lombardi has accumulated recently), but here's just a snippet from a Stars blog, called Grapevine Sports.

It's regarding Dallas trading for the Kings captain Mattias Norstrom:

[...] The Stars grabbed Mattias Norstrom from the Kings in a deal totalling four players and five draft picks. While Dallas surrendered a first rounder to get him, I still like the deal.
I’d argue that the Stars haven’t had a defensive defenseman like Norstrom since Derian Hatcher suited up for them. And they didn’t have to give up any players in their current rotation to get the deal done.

Down the road might be a different matter.

I would assume that it was precisely the "down the road" (meaning age, deteriorating positional defense and hefty contract worth 1 and 1/4 years) that got Lombardi to pull the trigger on Matty. Plus, he may have his final shot at the Stanley with the Stars. This year or the next. Much earlier than in LA.

On a similar trading deadline note, I love it how truthful our GM proved when he announced some three weeks ago he was not shopping Aaron Miller (pending UFA) in hopes to extend him for reasonable money. Some non-West Coast media were really surprised Miller was not traded ;).

Games 61-62: Kings @ Anaheim Ducks 4:3 Sh.; Kings vs Vancouver Canucks 2:3

2007-03-02T21:40:00.000+01:00

Game 61: @ Anaheim

LAK goals from: Lubo Visnovsky, Michael Cammalleri, Derek Armstrong
ANA goals from: Kunitz, Selanne, Getzlaf

The game recap is here.

Any time you can go south to Anaheim and steal two points the way Sean Burke and the Kings did, you should come back and celebrate.

Game 62: vs Vancouver

LAK goals from: John Zeiler (his NHL first!), Lubo Visnovsky
VAN goals from: Morrison, Linden, Bieksa

The game recap is here.

Funny that LA had to offer Zeiler a professional contract before calling him up as he used to have one only with the Monarchs. I was so sure of at least one point here (Bieksa scored just before the end of regulation) that I was rubbing my eyes in disbelief later that day when I saw the actual score...

Kings' Three Stars for the games 51-60

2007-03-02T15:57:00.000+01:00

It certainly does not help the evaluation knowing that the Kings only won three games in regulation in this ten game period. Nonetheless, here are the Kings' Three Stars:

*** Alexander Frolov - 8 goals and 4 assists, had it not been for his latest scoring surge, the Kings would have been even less lively to watch. Frolov is currently on pace for 42 goals - wow, indeed.

** Sean Burke - stepped in to give the team enough hope to keep us in most of the games he's started. While he still might be playing his last professional season, he's certainly coming out of the league with the shout.

* Anze Kopitar - 4 goals and 6 assists, which makes him a point-per-game man again. While the Calder Award for Anze might be out of reach (especially with Colorado's Paul Stastny surging for a runner-up position as of late), Kopi continues to dominate upfront.

Games 59-60: Kings @ Carolina Hurricanes 1:2, Kings vs Anaheim Ducks 3:2 OTL

2007-03-02T14:59:00.000+01:00

Game 59 @ Carolina:

LA goal from: Alexander Frolov
CAR goals from: Whitney, Walker

game report is here.

If I say the game seemed to be pretty close and with a little bit more luck the Kings might have surprised the defending Stanley Cup champions at their home ice, would it mean the Kings were so strong, or that the 'Canes were so weak?

Game 60 vs Anaheim:

LA goals from: Alexander Frolov, Anze Kopitar
ANA goals from: Selanne, Kunitz

game report is here.

I'm only watching this game now, so will update more if needed later. It was the home debut of John Zeiler (#73) and from what I saw, he looked pretty smart in the white home jersey.

THN ranks the goalies and ours are nowhere to be seen in top30

2007-03-01T22:53:00.000+01:00

Via James Mirtle. Is there any doubt about why any of the five Kings goalies this season never made any form of the top-30 list?

Naaah... :)

Burke's influence on Garon

2007-02-24T14:02:00.000+01:00

Since Sean Burke was picked up from waivers by the Kings on 18 January (five weeks from now), he's revolutionized the confidence level that the D-men have in their netminder. And not only in Burke, but also in Mathieu Garon, for whatever it's worth now. The numbers don't show it yet (as Garon has played only three times since his comeback from injury) but the stability and steadiness that Sean brings is starting to rub over to Mathieu all of a sudden.

In the 10 game period with the Kings, Burke has allowed 4 GA only twice, breaking the standard for the Kings netminders this season. What is more, it's been six times (out of ten, mind you), that he allowed 2GA per game and fewer (including a SO and two game with 1 GA!). As of now, his GAA is at the level of 2.22 with .931 SV%. And we're talking about a guy *drafted* before Anze Kopitar was born! :)

Garon will be hard-pressed to get his GAA way lower than 2.6 for the season (he's currently sitting at 2.81) and his SV% higher than .915 (now .903), but if he continues to rock-and-roll between the pipes the way he did in his last two games (both close ones vs Anaheim and Vancouver), he might get himself a starter contract next year, in, say, Florida.

Kings extend Derek Armstrong

2007-02-20T11:42:00.000+01:00

By now, you must have heard about the LA Kings extending the contract of center Derek Armstrong for another two years. My understanding is he will get 1.4 mln in the first year and 1.6 mln in the second year, which is not too much for a third line center.

Now, this begs a question - does the new contract at these numbers mean that the Kings brass have finally made their peace with Armstrong centering no higher than a third line? I certainly hope so, 'cause this means a number of things:

1. The first two line centers for the next and successive year must be Anze Kopitar and UFA star center (pray that it is either Gomez or Drury);

2. Armstrong moves Alyn McCauley to the fourth line center, which makes UFAs like Marty Murray and Jamie Lundmark expendable by the season's end (unless one wants to give Jamie a shot at the wing on the fourth line if Tom Kostopoulos was not coming back).

3. Third-line center money for Amstrong means that he's most likely to settle into this role smoothly in the next couple of years. Re-signing him is a good step at this price as long as he's nowehere nearer the scoring lines and first power play unit. In the role of the serviceable possession center, Armstrong should thrive. If only he won more faceoffs, on top of that...

Games 57-58: Kings @ Washington Capitals 3:4 OTL; Kings @ Nashville Predators 4:1

2007-02-20T11:25:00.000+01:00

Game 57: @ Washington 3:4 OTL

LAK goals from: Anze Kopitar, Alex Frolov, Lubo Visnovsky
WSH goals from: Zubrus, Gordon, Clymer, Clark

Game report is here.

Game 58: @ Nashville 4:1

LAK goals from: Anze Kopitar (2), Brian Willsie, Michael Cammalleri
NSH goal from: Hamhuis

Game report is here.

That must have been a huge game for the Kings (I'm sorry I have not seen it, but I'm running late on my TV appointments ;)). Winning (or scoring points) away has not been a problem on this particular road trip, but any time you can beat a Conference leader and one of the best teams in the NHL - it's huge.

Kings in London - I'm buying tickets!

2007-02-13T10:40:00.000+01:00

The last three times I tried, I visited LA (tapping away from an undisclosed Beverly Hills location now ;)) on days where the team played away from the Staples. While I understand that the scheduling (neither NHL's nor mine) was done in a such a way on purpose, I still think you have got to be hugely unlucky to miss a good hockey game in LA on three straight occasions.

OK, make it two - the very last time I was here was June and the Dodgers played the Phillies - my first ever trip to the baseball Mekka - the Chavez Ravine.

But still, March last year and February this year and no Kings in town (I'm hoping to be able to see the game at Carolina on TV later today)? That's why I'm jumping at the proposal that EJ Hradek reported recently.

And why not - it's not like the NHL hockey is hugely popular in the US, anyway. Why not try over in Europe? Perhaps I would not have chosen the UK as the launching pad (why not Sweden or Finland if you've already crossed the Atlantic?), but still - ice hockey is a top-5 sport in Scandinavia, Czech and Slovak republics, Russia and is making steady progress in places like Germany and Switzerland.

Given the relatively cheap airfare from my part of the world to London, England - I have already asked my fellow NHL craze-ders ;) over at forum.nhl.com.pl to sign up. If you're reading this and you're European and want to go with us, give me a shout either here in the comments section or over at the English-only forum. Looking forward to seeing these Kings games in the UK live in our timezone for a change :).

Games 55-56: Kings @ Florida Panthers 7:0, Kings @ Tampa Bay Lightning 2:3 OT/Sh

2007-02-08T20:29:00.000+01:00

Game 55: Pasting of the Panthers

Probably the happiest-go-lucky game of the season. I've only seen the highlights and goals, but from that perspective it seemed as if everything clicked pretty easily on offense, to the extent where some skills were being shown off with the game being over early.

Game 56: Kings keep the point streak alive in the sunny state

My understanding of the drawback of having Sean Burke between the pipes during the shootout against his former team is that these guys used to practise against him and presumably know his moves better than any other team. Regardless, I'll take one point and hope the Kings keep on rolling in Washington, DC.

Musings on what the Conroy and Avery trades brought

2007-02-08T20:27:00.000+01:00

To start things off, I'm relatively happy with what the Kings received by shipping away Craig Conroy to the Calgary Flames and Sean Avery to the New York Rangers.

Common knowledge was that both of these players struggled somewhat this season under Lombardi/Crawford regime. Conroy was moved to third line defense-first duty and his production took an expected major blow. Which is understandable when you're surrounded by guys like Willsie/Thornton/Ivanans and/or Kostopoulos.

Avery seemed to get his act together in the beginning of the season, when he tamed his tongue and avoided stupid penalties (including the ones for fighting), however things have gone progressively wrong as of late. I do not buy into this "clubhouse cancer", though, but still it was quite obvious that taking unnecessary penalties that somehow turned out to hurt the team, got Sean the ticket out of town.

I think that moving both Conroy and Avery to the best-suited locations (Craig loved Calgary, while Sean's show-business career can take a twist to the better in Big Apple), shows how classy our management is :).

What we got for both of them is a mix of third-line plug-ins (Jason Ward and Jamie Lundmark) who can't be expected to stick around when next year reels in, two promising prospects (high-to-middle end in Marc-Andre Cliche, and mid-level in Czech Jan Marek). There are also two draft picks from the Conroy deal (one this year and one - next).

Overall, the trades compliment the direction that the management has taken since the beginning of the season. Move larger contracts to acquire expiring ones, prospects with future and/or shot at NHL and draft picks. On the scale of 1 to 10, I would have given the Conroy deal a 7, and the Avery deal an 8. And you?

Game 53-54: Kings @ Calgary Flames 1:4; Kings vs Chicago Blackhawks 2:3 OT

2007-02-04T00:15:00.000+01:00

Game 53: The Craig Conroy bite-in-the-ass game.

You will find the recap by clicking on the link up here, as I'm sorry, but can't see any point in doing game recaps any more. They just seem to take up too much of my time, which I'd rather devote to writing out my thoughts about players, moves and tendencies on the Kings this year.

Therefore, the game recaps to come will be a matter of simple cut and paste from various sources, I hope you understand :).

Game 54: Overtime loss to fellow cellar-dwellers net just one point

New AEG arena in Ontario, CA

2007-02-03T10:19:00.000+01:00

[thanks to PuckHead27 for letting me know]

Great arena, and honestly, another reason to move my family to SoCal once they put a Kings affiliate there. At this point, regardless how much I'd love it to, there is no reason to move the Monarchs from Manchester, NH to Ontario, CA. The AHL schedule burden put on these guys will be just too grueling...

But, if the new arena was populated by the ECHL former Reading Royals? Not a bad idea, as there are some ECHL teams already in the immediate viscinity.

The venue is to open in late 2008, and by this time, it might as well be graced by the likes of Jonathan Bernier and Trevor Lewis in "Kings" uniforms ;).

Games 51-52: Kings @ Vancouver Canucks 3:2 OT, Kings @ Edmonton Oilers 3:4

2007-02-03T09:34:00.000+01:00

Game 51 @ Vancouver:

LA goals from: Alexander Frolov (2), Patrick O'Sullivan

VAN goals from: Salo, Linden

Instead of the regular pros and cons, I'd have to link you up to the Yahoo game report(s). I apologize, but due to some other things on my mind (no link yet :)), I was unable to watch the games off the torrents.

Two things that come to mind, having read the first hand reports are Sean Burke outduelling the great Roberto Luongo and Patrick O'Sullivan scoring his first goal on the come-back trail from the Monarchs (second on the season).

Game 52 @ Edmonton:

LA goals from: Michael Cammalleri, Patrick O'Sullivan, Brian Willsie

EDM goals from: R. Smyth, Hemsky, Horcoff

Another link, my apologies. If only it hadn't been for that fatal third period, the Kings might have been a surprising two-for-two on the North-Western road trip. Oh well, not that the two points at the Oilers would have changed the fate of this season...

Seriously, I'm still here

2007-02-02T18:36:00.000+01:00

Just haven't got enough sleep lately, let alone time to update my blog.

Even as I'm typing this, I'm thinking how to buy time to get the thing rolling.

Don't give up hope, Kings fans!

Can Kopitar still win the Calder Trophy?

2007-01-29T21:38:00.000+01:00

It's basically down to himself and Penguins' Evgeni Malkin, with two Colorado boys Stastny and Wolski distant third-fourth.

There is a very insightful thread over at LetsGoKings.com about Kopi's chances, and I have recently added my thoughts about what the Slovenian sensation have to do during the upcoming East Coast trip in order to reverse the curse of the East Coast bias bitches ;), who vote based on what they see every day. And they don't get to see too much of Kopitar since they turn to bed too early.

Here's what I offered:

Just to refresh the topic after Kopi outscored Malkin during the Young Guns ASG, here's what needs to happen for Kopitar to chip into this East Coast bias in hopes to have a chance to beat Malkin in the Calder Trophy voting:

Following two games at the turn of January (@ Flames and vs. BlackHawks, is this the first time this season that we're facing them??), the Kings are off to an East Coast trip to Panthers, Lightning, Capitals and (after an away game in Nashville) Hurricanes (3-13 February).

It would be advisable if Kopi went on an absolute tear during these four EC games, while the Kings get some rebound on the road and win something like two out of four games (perhaps both in Florida?). If Kopi could get like 6-7 points in these four games, while showing off his "regular stuff" (for us, WC audience) for the first time on an extended EC road trip, I believe it would help him take some of the spotlight off Malkin.

By the way, Malkin have not been exactly tearing it up lately (apart from his 5 assists night): in his last 20 games, he's scored more than 2 points per game only twice, while NOT registering a point in six of them (including the last two the Pens played).

Chances are by 13 February, Kopi will close in on Malkin in the Calder race.

As of this moment the *point* race looks like this:

Malkin - 44 GP, 52 pts [24 g, 28 a]
Kopitar - 52 GP, 44 pts [13g, 31 a].

Kings Three Stars for Games 41-50

2007-01-28T17:07:00.000+01:00

Here is my next selection of Kings Three Stars for the period covering Games 41 through 50. It's noticeable it was one of the worse runs by the team, as LA went 2-7-1 in these ten games.

*** Michael Cammalleri - Five goals and seven assists [though usually in losing causes] brings Cammy a No1 star honours. What is even more important, he has not been a minus point player in a single game in the entire period in question, regardless of the Kings slide. According to the TSN player page, if he continues scoring at this pace, he will end up at 30 goals and 41 assists for the season [would have been his first scoring 30]. There is talk among Kings faithful that Cammalleri's agent will ask for a considerably higher salary at the end of the year than the team is willing to pay. Will he get traded before the deadline?

** Anze Kopitar - even if he does not produce at his amazing pace [over 0.8 point per game], he continues to dazzle. The thing is - produce he did: 2 goals and 5 assists is nothing to be ashamed of. In periods like these, when he can't shoulder the offence on his own, you almost tend to forget that he's only 19...

* Tom Kostopoulos - two goals [against St. Louis and Atlanta, both on the road] and overall solid physical presence in time Dustin Brown did not seem to bring it to the rink every night, get Kosto the No3 star recognition. He's a paragon of a team player, leaving everything out on the ice and part of the energy/fourth line [with Ivanans and Conroy] that held the opponents honest.

Honorable mentions: Lubo Visnovsky (2g, 4a and the only All-Star on the Kings), Yutaka Fukufuji (for his debut in the NHL, even if he never starts another game in his life).

Games 49-50: Kings vs St. Louis Blues 1:3, Kings vs Phoenix Coyotes 2:3

2007-01-28T17:06:00.000+01:00

Kings lose against former coach. Again.

LA goal from: Raitis Ivanans

STL goals from: Drake (2), Guerin

Pros: I admit I have not managed to see the game first hand. A scan of the extended boxscore and Kat's blog entry (sic!) do not enlighten me nearly well enough to venture any pros from this game. Has anyone seen anything of value from the Kings that night at Staples? Let me know.

Cons: The end of the Brust-Fukufuji two-headed inadequate phenomenon was abrupt and painful. Given the overhauling changes that the Kings underwent since the last time Andy Murray saw them, it is amazing how easily he still manages to beat LA with his new team.

How much lower can you fall? Kings drop one on Luuuc night...

LA goals from: Alexander Frolov, Anze Kopitar

PHO goals from: Gratton, Nagy, Roche

Pros: Obviously, the Luuuc night itself was a huge event. Really, the Kings front office came up with a class act to honor the greatest LW of the most recent history. The game had a plus from the opposite end of the ice-rink though: a very good debut from Sean Burke. Overall in his career nothing more than an adequate goalie, he came out big and strong as opposed to what the Kings used to see between the pipes earlier on this season. There is some promise in goal - too bad I'm saying that about a 40-year old journeyman...

Cons: For the second consecutive night (and loss) the Kings PP comes up empty-handed (0-for-8 against the Coyotes at home??). Losing two goal first period leads (in fact less than six minutes into the game) to a fellow cellar-dweller would kill momentum of better teams.

Sean Burke is making a difference

2007-01-28T16:37:00.000+01:00

It's been a relatively short stint with the Kings, but after months of piss-poor through incompetently average goaltending, veteran Sean Burke is making a huge difference.

Funny thing - he's not doing anything we did not see him do throughout almost twenty years of his NHL career. He stands tall, covers quite a lot of space between the pipes, does not commit too soon to the shooters and clear the rebounds out of the way.

Funnier still - *this* has Kings fans jumping for joy :)

So far Burke has appeared in better part of one game and two full games for Los Angeles and every time out he gave the team a chance to win [even though the Kings have a 1-2 record with him in goal]. First, he almost had a win for his new rebuilding team [LA lost to Phoenix on Luc Robitaille night, when only dehydration cramps held him out in the third period], then he outperformed [well, won against] Roberto Luongo in Vancouver and came just one goal against from at least tying Edmonton on the road last night.

[all game reports pending on weeknights Central European Time later this week]

Right now, he sits at GAA 2.56 and .926 SV%, which has not been seen in the LA-LA land this deep into the season since Kelly Hrudey was around ;). In all likeliness, his bound to lose these numbers rather quickly, but in the meantime, he's given the Kings a double-take of much needed adrenaline.

And a thought of what might have happened this season, had they have only average to decent goaltending all the way.

Game 48: Kings @ Atlanta Thrashers 2:6

2007-01-25T14:34:00.000+01:00

Road woes continue against fleet-footed Thrashers

Yutaka Fukufuji looks on in disgust? Disbelief?

(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Alex Frolov, Tom Kostopoulos
ATL goals from: Hossa (3), Hnidy, Slater, Metropolit

Pros: Good thing the Kings did not spend more time in the sin bin, since with that PK efficiency, some better *AHL* team would be beating us like dandy. I know we're in a fight for a top pick this year, but really, it hurts when you're so exposed to a good, but not necessarily great home team.

Cons: The two-headed reserve goalie drama took another turn in Georgia, as the Kings were unable to either provide solid NHL goaltending from Fukufuji and Barry Brust, or, in the absence of it, contain the fleet-footed Atlanta snipers (Hossa, Kovalchuk, Kozlov). The PK was 1-for-3 only... Says Craig Conroy:

"That's just the way it's been going. We give up a lot of goals ... and there's nothing we can do about it. We just have to try to get better defensively and help our goaltenders. They've been under a lot of pressure."

Well put, but so what (at this point). And - Kings will be playing a lot more games on the road after the ASG break, so suit yourselves...

Games 47: Kings @ Dallas Stars 1:3

2007-01-20T14:11:00.000+01:00

Injuries or not, Stars just too much for the Kings

Close, but no cigar - the story against Dallas so far this season

(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Michael Cammalleri
DAL goals from: Barnes, Hagman, Daley

Pros: Cammy has definitely found his scoring touch and threatens for the first star of the ten-game period (the results will hit the net soon). Too bad it coincides with an overall team slump.

Cons: I was thinking a Stars team that lost Modano, Morrow, Zubov and Barnaby (plus 2-3 other second tier guys) would be beatable. Think again, Hartman... You can't do too much when your team spends a better part of the third period in the sin bin. Off-hand, I don't remember too many games when the Kings did not put double figures in shots on goal in ANY of the three periods of play.

The Luc Robitaille Day!

2007-01-20T13:45:00.000+01:00

It's tonight. Before the game against the Coyotes. The great Luc Robitaille career will find its honorary ending with a jersey retirement ceremony at Staples Center. So many memories, so much dedication, and Helen Elliot does get it right in today's LA Times great Luuuc story:

"...after the requisite three-season waiting period, he will be voted into hockey's Hall of Fame." Right away, on the first ballot. Unanimously.

There is more on his outstanding affection for LA and its fans, who stood behind him in an exceptional way, even when Luc had to leave for Detroit to get his well-deserved ring:

"Robitaille's bond with Kings fans is like no other. They revered Wayne Gretzky, but his talent was too otherworldly to relate to. They cherished Robitaille as one of their own, the kid who grew up here and became a star but never forgot them on his way up.

"He was embraced by the people of California. He was truly the people's favorite," said Gretzky, who will coach the Phoenix Coyotes against the Kings tonight. "He not only played for the Kings, he tried to sell the Kings and the sport of hockey."

Says his former coach - the memorable one in his own right: Barry Melrose:

"He loved L.A., and the fans loved him back. He was Mr. King."

In Luc's own words, his career has been even more than a dream come true:

"I was a little kid wanting to play a game," he said. "I remember coming into the Forum for the first time and looking at the ceiling and everything and thinking, 'Wow.' Now my name and number will be there for as long as" Staples Center exists.

"It's not something you set out to play for, when it happens and you see that, to me, it's an amazing accomplishment. I can take my grandkids and show them that."

Thank you, for all the great moments, Luc! And see you around as you continue to build the future of the Kings - off the ice this time round.

How Hexy got his way with Push

2007-01-19T15:31:00.000+01:00

There a funny little tidbit in LA Times online edition about how Manchester Monarchs GM and Kings assistant GM, Ron Hextall, got his way around Dean Lombardi with promising younster Konstantin Pushkarev. By far the best bit is a wrap-up of how a telephone conversation between Lombardi and Hextall went after Pushkarev wanted promotion to NHL and more playing time. This happened when Hexy went to Manchester to "fix" the Kazach player:

"Hex is down there and I call him and I'm losing my patience," Lombardi said. "I'm in Western Canada, waiting in this huge line to cross the border and I'm yelling into the phone, 'Get him out of here. I don't want him around our players anymore.'

"I'm out of my car and I'm just screaming. The border guard is looking at me and wants to go through my trunk now. He was ready to frisk me, people are beeping their horns behind me and all I hear in my ear is Hex saying, 'Calm down, I'll take care of this.' … I'm yelling at him, 'He's going to tell every other player to try to go somewhere else to get their way.' Hex is just saying, 'Trust me, Dean, I can get to this guy.' These are the critical moments in the development of a player."

Be it "War and Peace" by Lombardi for Frolov, or "Critical Moments" by Hextall, both of the GMs seem to find a way to get their way with the young Euro players.

Burke on board

2007-01-19T14:50:00.000+01:00

Not a bad deal, if you asked my opinion. Perhaps not as long-term as Robert Esche would have been, but it gives you two distinctive advantages to see Sean Burke in the Kings uniform:

1. It enables to send Yutaka Fukufuji back to the AHL first (eventually to the ECHL) right away for him to work on his mechanics and continue on the regular learning curve at his level. At the same time, as soon as Mathieu Garon comes back from the injured ring finger, it enables to send Barry Brust to the AHL to continue to back up Jason LaBarbera for the Monarchs. By that time, Burke will play every 5th game only.

2. Burke's contract is as low as you can get'em. Rounding off to full numbers LA will pay roughly 700K for the remainder of the season for his services and sparing the careers of Fukufuji and Brust. Not a steep price. Moreover, the contract is off the books after April.

Overall, while I would have liked to deal with Philly to get Esche, snatching up Burke while not giving away anything is probably second best Dean Lombardi could do.

Spread some "karma"!

2007-01-17T17:57:00.000+01:00

I'd be pleased if the readers of this blog (hopefully there are some apart from casual passers-by in control of their "next blog" button feature) actually told me what you like (and dislike) in this piece of net-land.

I find it difficult to try to take every (any?) angle on all things Kings without the scarcest of feedbacks. So? Would you be so good as to let me know? :).

(Photo courtesy of www.all4humor.com)

Games 46: Kings @ St. Louis Blues 5:6

2007-01-17T17:07:00.000+01:00

Kings come up short in front of national audience

Yutaka Fukufuji debuted in the third and saved 4-0f-5 shots

(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Rob Blake (2), Michael Cammalleri, Tom Kostopoulos, Matthias Norstrom
STL goals from: Rucinsky, McClement, Tkachuk, Stempniak, Weight, Wideman

Pros: Fukufuji's debut (covered elsewhere on this blog - like two or three notes down).

"I thought we played a heck of a game," Kings coach Marc Crawford said. "We had 90 percent of our players who played their hearts out tonight. We were deserving of more than we got."

I know I know: the motto of this team is "Play hard!", but I can hardly watch them lose heart-breakers like this and lop-sided ones like the most recent one against SJS, but stil lose! Today's pros corner is hence taken up by the promise of future.

Cons: Kings had a lead *three* times on the road against no better Blues team and still came out empty-handed, as the STL timely power play scores sunk our PP unit even deeper (than the ground...)

Rexall Place like you've never seen before

2007-01-15T22:38:00.000+01:00

Perhaps it's because I'm a graphic Clarence Butterfingers and can't tell an 'embedded object' from a 'gif resolution', but I really like these cool and geeky things the webmasters do to NHL teams' websites.

One of my most recent finds is a new look inside the Edmonton Oilers' Rexall Place - a virtual tour, they call it, I'm told :). Have a 360 degrees look around for yourself, you will be amazed what a little bit of technology can do to show the arena in a way you'll never see on TV.

Now, if only the lakings.com did something similar... Last time I checked, they replaced the graphic designer with a new one and most of their sub-pages were, well, under construction. Just like our hockey team. No wonder the Oilers are the Western Conference defending champions, while the Kings will hit the golfcourse in April...

Having said that - the Rexall is really worth taking a peep at.

Fukufuji debuts!

2007-01-15T22:20:00.000+01:00

And so the day has arrived! Saturday, Janury 13th, 2007 will forever be remembered (excuse my pompousness) in the NHL annals as the day Yutaka Fukufuji, the first Japanese hockey player, took to the ice in a official NHL game.

His stats: one period of play [third], 19:17 minutes TOI, 5 shots faced, 1 GA, a ton of "you did great" cards, not only from Asian fans of his. In fact, here's a handful of quotes for you to enjoy:

"I was so nervous," the 24-year-old Fukufuji said. "This was my first time playing in the NHL. I was so nervous but I was excited, too."

"When the Japanese kid went into the net and he made that great save [against Weight]," Kings coach Marc Crawford said, "I thought we are really going to have something happen."

Kings to acquire Robert Esche?

2007-01-15T12:35:00.000+01:00

From a multiple of sources, including LGK.com and less trustworthy Bruce Garrioch of Ottawa Sun. Here's a number of reasons why Robert Esche would not be that bad of a deal for the Kings:

1) We are not going anywhere this season [meaning playoffs], so struggling Esche (and he is struggling this season at almost the level of Dan Cloutier), even if the change of climate does not help him, is not going to ruin our chances;

2) Esche does not earn a lot - he sits at exactly 1 mln for this season, so given the fact that we are about 60% through, he's owed some 0.4 mln. Very affordable;

3) He's in the final year of his contract - clearly a stopgap solution for the Kings till the end of this season to find out what's cooking with DC. Should Esche play out of his mind in LA, and UFA Mathieu Garon walk and (potentially) Cloutier retire / be unable to perform, you could always sign Esche to an incentive-laden short-term contract to split the duties with Jason LaBarbera in fall of 2007. If he continues to disappoint in LA - it's not gonna cost much, so the gambling might pay off.

4) Currently Esche's asking prices from the Flyers is at all time low [he's been marred with groin problems throughout the year]. A fourth round draft pick should get the job done.

5) Barry Brust and Yutaka Fukufuji are much better suited for AHL (former) and ECHL (latter) duty. If the STL game was any indication, and it was, there was a reason why Brust was not very highly regarded as a star prospect. He's simply running out of gas. I believe a struggling Esche will be a better short-term solution.

And what's your take? Shoud/will the Kings go after "The bearded Robert"?

Games 44-45: Kings vs Edmonton Oilers 1:2 OT; Kings vs San Jose Sharks 2:5

2007-01-12T19:37:00.000+01:00

Point streak continues even with OT loss

The Kings came this close to winning three straight

(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goal from: Konstantin Pushkarev
EDM goals from: Stoll, Hejda

Pros: A third-game in a row where the Kings continue to add points in the standings. The shots barrage seems to be back [especially in the first period]. For a change, LA puts their player on 'season's first' list as Pushkarev scores his first NHL career goal to tie the game.

Cons: A first three-game winning streak [at game 44] was within reach, however, it slipped through our fingertips as Hejda became another first-time scorer against the Kings. LA failed to score against the NHL's number one penalty killing unit on the road [0-for-5]. Had they done so, especially in the third, they might have gotten two much needed points rather than one.

Sharks teach Kings a lesson quickly and efficiently

LA will reach this level of talent in 2-3 years
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Michael Cammalleri, Anze Kopitar
SJS goals from: Bell, Michalek, Clowe, Marleau, Rissmiller [EN]

Pros: Like in three of the four decisive Shark wins this season, the major pros for the Kings was to have a first-hand experience of what a Lombardi-built team looks like. Efficient passing, timely scoring, killer-instincts and great goaltending. Trouble is, I am talking about the San Jose Sharks at the moment. The crystal ball says the Kings could be able to match this level of talent in 2-3 years' time, if Lombardi is given green light to reconstruct.

Cons: I did not mention it any earlier because the evidence was scarce, but it looks much more likely with eveyr game that Sean Avery is starting to lose the composure he had started the season with. Stupid penalties, arguments with referees and overall nervousness seem to be taking its toll on him.

Senators blog in Polish goes English

2007-01-11T10:09:00.000+01:00

There is a really good blog out there on the Ottawa Senators, written by a friend of mine, Krzysztof Sankiewicz.

I haven't mentioned it to you so far, folks, since... well, it used to be available only in Polish.

How many of you, read in Polish, raise your hand?

I thought so.

Well, it's your lucky day, Kings (and Sens, for that matter) Nation! Krzysztof just launched an English version of his blog, which will list most of his thought-provoking entries, cross-posted and translated from his Polish source blog. How cool is that?

Join me in congratulating him on hitting "the other side of the pond" by leaving a note in his comments section. You'll be very glad you did.

One goes up, another goes down

2007-01-11T09:45:00.000+01:00

No, this is not a post about Konstantin Pushkarev's latest surge with the Kings, as he deserves one on his own. And might perhaps get one from me here, either later today or tomorrow. The title of this post, though, refers to two veteran new-coming Kings players, both at crucial positions, whose road with the team have been bumpy like... well... bumpy.

I mean Dan Cloutier, gradually going down, and Alyn McCauley, gradually going up.

Cloutier, who's been maligned by pretty much every mental ghost known to mankind on skates, learned yesterday that he would be away from the team for medical reasons, longer than expected. At the moment, the management and player are looking at their options, but it seems the choice is between extended rest and surgery. Both cases mean the Kings' fans and Dan's team-mates won't be seeing him any time soon. Given, his stats this year - it's good news. I wonder if the team could put Cloutier on the extended rest till the end of the season and then ask him, off the record, naturally, to pull a Malakhov. If my understanding is correct, by doing this, the Kings could get the league to classify Cloutier as "permanent IR" and lift his salary from the team's cap number. Long way before that happens, though.

Now, McCauley's "fault" is opposite to Cloutier's. He has not been around the ice-rink at all this season. The veteran center has not dressed for the first 39 games and is only trying to find his grove back from the knee(s) surgery. Coach Marc Crawford uses McCauley pretty cautiously, which is good, given the fact that Alyn's:

"[...] brain sees a play and reacts much quicker than [his] legs will."

One could see him as a dominant third-line center in the latter part of February - winning key face-offs, killing penalties, like he used to do throughout his career so far. I could imagine McCauley being gradually inserted into the lineup with more and more minutes and perhaps around quicker wingers, which could also provide some protection for him. Dustin Brown and Brian Willsie come to mind.

The show must go on, as some actors exit the stage to make room for those who enter.

I might be too exhuberant and poetic on this one, but the consus is there's been little harmony throughout the Kings' season to date.

One thing we did not know about Johan Holmqvist

2007-01-08T14:43:00.000+01:00

There's probably more unless you're a die-hard Tampa Bay Lightning fan, but this one stands out the most: he has stopped all 10 skaters he has faced in shootouts this season, including Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Did I hear a "wow"?

The kid seems to be the defensive equivalent of Jussi Jokinen on shootouts last year with the Dallas Stars.

And Holmqvist's got a simple recipe for success:

"I just tried to give them nothing to shoot at"

It's definitely worth checking at the end of the regular season how he did. I bet he's gonna be in top3. Do you?

Games 42-43: Kings vs Columbus Blue Jackets 3:0; Kings vs Detroit Red Wings 4:2

2007-01-08T13:05:00.000+01:00

A win's a win to start the year with a right foot

Tough battle with a positive ending
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Michael Cammalleri, Sean Avery, Lubo Visnovski
CLB goals from: none

Pros: Columbus is not as weak a team under Hitchcock as they used to in the first month and a half of the season. The good thing was LA was able to outshoot and outpressure the visitors right from the get-go (limiting Blue Jackets to two shots in the first half of the first period). Even though the game itself wasn't exactly very spectacular, the Kings managed to stay away from trouble and took the two points. Mathieu Garon did not have too many scoring chances against him, but still it's the shutout that counts.

Cons: Not a lot to write home about on the powerplay: 1-for-10 has been uncharacteristic for the recent PP surge.

LA reverses the tables on Detroit, stays unbeaten in 2007

Puck past the opposing goalie. Good.
(photo courtesy of ww.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Lubo Visnovsky, Rob Blake, Michael Cammalleri, Sean Avery
DET goals from: Draper, Samuellsson

Pros: ...and finally, after twelve straight games (and, was it?, four straight years), the Kings prevail against the Red Wings! Lubo seems to become a shot of adrenaline for this team. At this point there's no way Dean Lombardi might be thinking about trading him at the deadline. Good game for Brian Willsie. A season debut for Konstantin Pushkarev, who replaced IR-ed Scott Thornton (broken hand). Off-hand, it's the first time this season, that the Kings scored four unanswered goals and all of them in bunches (two and two, less than two minutes apart from each other).

Cons: Coming from behind again - even though there is light at the end of the tunnell (and it's not a head-on train :)). The Kings seemed angrier (from what I was able to discern) rather than apathetic once they got to 0-2.

The Chelios restaurant drama

2007-01-05T21:43:00.000+01:00

Chris Chelios remains away from the Detroit Red Wings while the drama related to two-stabbings of his restaurant employees unfolds.

You can find more information about this tragic event here.

Interview with Todd Fedoruk

2007-01-05T14:06:00.000+01:00

NHL.com's Shawn Roarke caught up with a former Duck and current Flyer enforcer, Todd Fedoruk. As most of you I was scanning the text for the most crucial question that I would have asked Todd, which is:

"How's your face, 'cause I can't see through the blue bruise?" or "What did you feel when Boogeyman landed the right hook on your cheekbone?"

Roarke took the polite way, though, and started off with "Is it nice to be in Philadelphia?" What kind of response did he think he was supposed to get for that??

Anyway - that's the reason perhaps why I'm not in journalism professionally. Being a blogger, I could ask all sorts of questions that might not see the light of day.

Tim Leiweke and AEG pave way for KC Penguins

2007-01-04T22:54:00.000+01:00

According to the information from their website
Sprint Center opens up in exactly 278 days from today.
(photo courtesy of: www.sprintcenter.com)

The President of AEG Tim Leiweke (who own the Los Angeles Kings, if you did not know) made a very generous offer earlier today to Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team has 30 days to respond to a rent-free proposal to use the Sprint Center arena in Kansas City, should they choose to relocate from the Steel Town.

What's it gonna be, Mario?

Will the Pens preserve tradition with difficult present issues included or will they tread to the great unknown in hopes of being greeted with open hands? What do YOU think?

PS. Here's a link to the actual construction site webcam. If only we had one installed in the meeting room of Mario and his boys...

Importance of face-offs

2007-01-04T15:52:00.000+01:00

While I do not necessarily agree with everything that has been said about the importance of face-offs, namely:

Winning a faceoff, or a "draw" in the language of the game, is like controlling the line of scrimmage and giving a quarterback another chance to survey the defensive backfield. Losing the draw is like throwing an interception or fumbling.

I do believe the Sporting News article from almost six years ago is still valid and well worth reading.

Kings Stars for games 31-40

2007-01-04T15:17:00.000+01:00

I am about to hand out three stars for the ten games (31-40 of the season), which brings us to the conclusion of the first half (almost). Bear in mind that this has been a relatively poor season for the Kings goalies so far (most notably Dan Cloutier) and not a strong one for our defence. Therefore every time a defensman or goalie gets a star or is honored just out of the top three, it's a rare ocassion to celebrate ;).

Ok, you've patient enough - here they are:

*** Derek Armstrong, C - the sneaky second line center, has quite comfortably replaced Anze Kopitar on the first line (just to give the Slovienian youngster a breather). Planted between Frolov and Cammalleri will get you points, but Army has mostly caught my eye in the puck handling department, accurate passing and fighting in the corners. Apart from Kopitar, he's the best possession forward that we have. Not that the Kings really finish games with a lead... ;), but it's not Army's fault. At least not the last ten games.

** Lubo Visnovsky, D - Lubo has really taken it to another level in his last ten (he did miss two games, offhand, to minor injury, though). Scoring five goals and getting six assists gets him on pace for 66 points for a season, just one shy of his personal best from a year ago. In a contract year that Lubo finds himself in, it means he will, and rightfully, get big bucks either in LA (preferably) or on the open market. Keystone of power play, due to Lubo's assists from the point even Rob Blake's name started being a frequent show at the scoreboard.

* Alex Frolov, LW - even though he went on an eight game scoreless streak for most of the period, he did keep over one assist (on average) every other game and then finished the year 2006 (and the period in question) with the amazing four goals and four assists in the final three games. In the absence of consistent scoring from the likes of Michael Cammalleri (lately) and Craig Conroy (throughout), Frolov remains the only viable scoring option (apart from Kopitar), who's capable of hitting the net both at home and on the road. Suffice it to say, that Alex is on pace for 88 points now, which would have surpassed his previous career best by 34 points. Wow.

Other recognized: Barry Brust, AHL and NHL backup goaltender, who suddenly rose to the ocassion when called upon after Cloutier and Mathieu Garon had gone down his injuries. Though not spectacular and perhaps still not nearly a long term solution for the Kings, he did give the team a boost with his very solid play. Easily the rookie of the period, so to say.

Games 40-41: Kings @ Calgary Flames 4:6, Kings @ Detroit Red Wings 2:6

2007-01-04T15:14:00.000+01:00

Sloppy games on the road continue

Lubo Visnovsky puts some hope on the tough year-end on the Kings
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Lubo Visnovsky (2), Craig Conroy, Alexander Frolov
CGY goals from: Huselius (2), Iginla, Phaneuf, Langkow, Tanguay

Pros: The main pro was the fighting and biting back (it seemed). The third period from the Kings epitomized that kind of effort the management and fans had in mind when the "Play hard!" motto was first created in the beginning of the season. Visnovsky seems to hold the NHL record for point-per-dollar. It will raise some eyebrows how much this guy gets in the open market when he becomes UFA this summer...

Cons: Losing a goal in the first six minutes of the game. Again. Losing what little was left of the momentum from the EDM and PHO games very quickly. Derek Armstrong and Sean Avery given only about 13 mins of TOI each? What the?

Kings close out lackluster year with a 12th loss in a row in Motown

Zetterberg moves through swiftly the Kings defensive zone. Unfortunately...

(photo courtesy of ww.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Alex Frolov (2)
DET goals from: Holstrom, Flippula, Datsyuk, Draper, Samuelsson, Williams

Pros: Recognizing his hot streak (and likely Kings Star*** nomination) and moving Armstrong to man the first line center between Frolov and Cammy proves to pay off (two assists to Army on Frolov goals).

Cons: Twelve in a row against Detroit. Twelve losses that is? Why would the Hockeytown guys have our number of all teams? Losing goals in bunches (especially on the road) is what kills the Kings. This time round it was the secong period (goals 01:50 mins apart) and third period (01:01 mins apart). Which team would have survived that? None. That's why coach Marc Crawford and our defenders have to do a better job of preventing them.

On a separate note - is this me or have the Kings stopped to hustle to outshoot the opposition as of late? They used to get some 15% more shots per game (on average) on most nights in the beginning of the season. Fatigue? Disillusionment? Both?

Will Greg Hogeboom make it to the NHL?

2007-01-03T21:26:00.000+01:00

It was one of the keyword google questions that lead one reader of this blog, from Toronto, Ontario to this place. The reader in question read the blog for 20:45 mins, or so it seems from the blog archive file. It was yesterday, five minutes before you seem to get off work (5 p.m.).

Well, what do you think, dear Torontonian? Will he make it? :) Let me know, what you think next time you're here. And thanks for coming back. And please bring your friends over next time :)

PS. Crazy how detailed this site tracker information is these days, huh? ;)

Favorite non-Kings

2007-01-03T20:51:00.000+01:00

Here are my three favorite non-Kings in the NHL:

1. Jaret Stoll, Oilers
2. Kyle Wellwood, Maple Leafs
3. Martin Havlat, Blackhawks

Can you guess what quality they share apart from being forwards?

Also, please take a moment and use the comments section below, to let me know about your favorite non-Kings :), while I work on the overdue Kings game reports.

Tribute to Steve Yzerman

2007-01-03T15:49:00.000+01:00

What a great ceremony... Congratulations on spectacular career - Stevie Y!!

I hope and pray the Kings give Luc Robitaille enough space and attention on January 20th on his jersey retirement night.

Games 38-39: Kings vs Phoenix Coyotes 4:3, Kings @ Edmonton Oilers 6:4

2007-01-03T15:37:00.000+01:00

Shootout win is icing on the cake after a wild third period

Fighting to crawl out of the cellar

(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Derek Armstrong, Rob Blake, Sean Avery
PHO goals from: Perrault, Sjostrom, Saprykin

Pros: Another good one from Alex Frolov (absent from the scoreboard lately, going scoreless for seven games in a row, including this one, if my memory serves me right) and Armstrong. The latter makes a case for himself in the Kings Stars*** which hits the net tomorrow (hopefully).

Cons: On most nights Kings seem to be so weak that a wild ride like this could only have a happy ending against a similarly hapless team like the Coyotes.

"Lord knows, we've been a tough team to love lately," coach Marc Crawford said after the game.

Well put.

I do not particulary enjoy writing about the Kings losing goals in bunches, so that's why this section ends here (two PHO goals less than 1:30 mins apart in the third. Grrrr...)

Come-back win a first for Garon against Edmonton

Garon and McCauley make long anticipated comebacks
(photo courtesy of ww.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Dustin Brown, Brian Willsie, Rob Blake, Alex Frolov, Sean Avery, Lubomir Visnovsky, Alyn McCauley
EDM goals from: Pisani, Tjarnqvist, Smyth, Stoll

Pros: Every time you score seven times away from home, you have gotta be glad. Especially since so many players got involved in scoring. It was fun seein the Kings come back from a two-goal deficit (2-4) on the road. The game was the Kings debut of center McCauley, who was very competent (12-of-22) in the face-off circle.

Cons: Mathieu Garon's glove hand was very shaky (cost us at least two goals) in his first game back from the groin injury. While powerplay ruled (3-0f-7), the PK unit let the Kings down big time, losing three goals in eight chances (one 5-on-3, though). Kings are close to the bottom in penalty killing this year. This game proves why.

Why do this year's Kings (almost) always seem to start games a goal (or two) down?

2007-01-02T23:50:00.000+01:00

It did happen in October and November, but the phenomenon culminated in December: out of 14 December games, the Kings started 13 a goal (and sometimes two) down, quite frequently in the first half of the first period.

If I'm correct, the only game when we took the 1-0 lead in December was the 4-2 win at San Jose.Not surprisingly, the overall Kings record for December was a measly 5W-8L-1OTL. There was not much difference between Staples (seven-out-of-seven going 0-1 down) and on the road (six-out-of-seven).

What do you think is the reason for it (please try to abstain from 'Cloutierisms' . I have not checked it, but offhand it seems the Kings are mostly playing catch-up regardless of the actual goaltender)? Is it lack of focus in the beginning of games? Lack of self-confidence (I don't suspect the reason to be too much self-confidence)? Anything else?

The 2006-07 Kings have not been a come-from-behind team so far. Why is it so difficult for the Kings not to dig a hole for themselves at the start of the games?

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts in the comments section. It might be worthwhile also to keep an eye on how this topic develops over at LGK.com.

Monarchs on top

2007-01-01T22:14:00.000+01:00

Don't look now, but the Manchester Monarchs have climbed to the top of the standings of the AHL's Atlantic Division. As of today they enjoy a comfortable six point lead in the most competitive of the four divisions.

Major reasons for the heads-up play of the Monarchs are the team effort for coach Mark Morris and spectacular play of goaltender Jason LaBarbera. He's first in the league in games played (31), second in wins (17), second in shutouts (4), fifth in GAA (2.35) and in a class of his own in shots faced (has some 10% more than the runner-up in this category).

The offensive powerhouse for the Monarchs is provided by the likes of Noah Clarke (12g, 16a), Patrick O'Sullivan (11g, 12a), and rookies Matt Moulson (8g, 14a), John Zeiler (10g, 10a) and TJ Kemp (3g, 17a). The Monarchs are still waiting for the full emergence of two forwards that we heavily counted upon before the AHL season started: Konstantin Pushkarev is currently at the level of 15 points (only four goals, though) and Lauri Tukonen (12 points for six goals and assists apiece).

As long as the Monarchs don't get the belated gift of Dan Cloutier being sent down to New Hampshire on a conditioning assignement (which has not been ruled out by the Kings brass), they might get themselves into a good position for the Calder Cup playoffs.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T21:29:00.000+01:00

Happy New Year, all Kings and Monarchs fans! (and for that matter all fans of the NHL, what the heck :)).

I know I have been a little behind schedule in terms of game reports (full four games back), but since I'm back in the huddle tomorrow morning, I promise to keep you entertained by the time those Columbus Blue Jackets roll into town on Wednesday evening.

In the meantime - I was trying to find a perfect spot for the first three game winning streak for the Kings this season. There are few better than the upcoming games (vs Oilers, vs Sharks and @Blues) January 8-13. Another stretch quite full of potential could be vs Blues, vs Coyotes and @Canucks January 18-26. There is also one at the beginning of February, where LA faces Blackhawks at home, followed by visits to the Panthers, Lightning and Capitals...

See, I'm trying to remain positive regarding whatever that could be saved from the memories of this, rather painful, season :)

A front page for Greg!

2006-12-29T22:49:00.000+01:00

One of my favorite Kings minor league players - Greg Hogeboom - is getting some well-deserved publicity over at NHL.com.

Join me in keeping our collective fingers crossed for his ECHL ASG start and perhaps another call-up to the Manchester Monarchs. It seems like he has little more to prove at the ECHL level with 38 points [14+24] in 27 games for the Reading Royals.

"Greg's a very offensive player at this level," said [his head coach] Karl Taylor, one of many young, bright and articulate coaches in the ECHL. "The great thing about Greg is he's actually a two-way player. He gets a lot of credit for his offensive play, and obviously he's a thrilling player to watch. But when he went back to Manchester, he had to learn defense. He's become a very complete player."

Banned Boogeyman dancing?

2006-12-28T17:57:00.000+01:00

Is the league finding new means to marginalize fighters? They seem to have prohibited Minnesota's Derek Boogard to even stretch his legs during the TV timeout. Considering the guys like him play all six-to-eight minutes per game, they might just be doing that not to get cold...

What's next?

Roster changes coming up

2006-12-28T16:53:00.000+01:00

There are no bad news for the Kings fans this time round:

Dan Cloutier is being put on the IR as I type this:

"The soreness he is having in his hip is affecting his knee," coach Marc Crawford said. "Hopefully by giving him a week off, [it] will give him time to work through the issues he has."

The hip injury was not related to the surgery on Cloutier's left knee that limited him to 13 games last season. "It's in the other leg," Crawford said."

At the same time Mathieu Garon has flawlessly completed a skating and workout session and is hoping to be able to play over the weekend, as the Kings hit the road for three games in Edmonton, Calgary and Detroit to wrap up the year:

"This is the first time I have smiled in a month," Garon said. "I wish my wife was here to see it. It's not my decision to make, but I have no pain and feel ready to play."

All this in hope that Alyn McCauley can debut as a King very soon:

"Hopefully I'm going to get a chance to wear my Kings game jersey for the first time."

Finally, some good news for all. Except Cloutier perhaps, but he's dug a hole for himself. And let him stay in that hole for more than a week ;).

Ship a center, but not Craig

2006-12-28T16:33:00.000+01:00

With the recent flurry of Eastern Conference centers going down with injuries (namely Jason Spezza and Michael Peca) and the incoming news of another Senator pivot (Mike Fischer) leaving the ice bruised, the rumors of Kings shipping out a veteran center to one of these teams have began to resurface.

And I'm all for them - as long as we mean another veteran center this time. Keep Craig Conroy on the team, what's more - extend him for a year or two at decently low price. And trade Derek Armstrong out east, while he's value has reached all-season maximum.

You could get a decent price for Army if you pulled the trigger in the next one or two weeks. Just review what I offered Ottawa as food for thought almost two months ago and exchange Conroy's name with Army's. As for the Leafs a straight-up trade would be more difficult to come up with. They need a defensive-minded center and would have to be very hard pressed to part with either Brendan Bell or Ian White for Armstrong.

Games 36-37: Kings @ St. Louis Blues 2:5, Kings @ Nashville Predators 0:7

2006-12-28T15:57:00.000+01:00

Kings lose hands down against fellow cellar-dwellers

Helpless between the pipes

(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Anze Kopitar, Derek Armstrong
STL goals from: Backes, Stempniak, Rucinsky, McClement, Jackman

Pros: It's usually quite difficult to try to grasp any pros of a defeat to the worst team in your conference, especially, when a rookie scores (Backes) his first ever NHL goal against your team. The Los Angeles hockey team seems closer and closer to a high draft pick in next season draft, while our level of play could be summarized on most nights as "Anze and the rest". Thumbs up for Lubo Visnovsky for two assists on the night.

Cons: Another lame effort with Cloutier letting in four goals (the fifth one was an EN) to upkeep his league-worst GAA. I wonder how to classify seeing former Kings coach Andy Murray behind the Blues bench. It's a pro for some, and con for others.

Predators ashame hopeless Kings in a rough one

Will Barry Brust restore order in LA's goal?
(photo courtesy of ww.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: none
NSH goals from: Arnott (2), Legwand (2), Dumont (2), Karyia

Pros: It hurts so bad, that no words can amptly describe it, I suppose... About the only plus in this contest was Barry Brust seeing the light of day after Dan Cloutier got ejected for spearing Hartnell in front of the goal.

Cons: There was never a glimmer of doubt how much separates the two teams. Those of the Kings fans who did not suffer a heart-attack during the game, bid farewell to this season. Perhaps prematurely, but I can understand their anger and disillusionment. As for myself, I'm waiting to the Cloutier situation to clear out. Only then will the team be able to compete.

On second thoughts I wonder why coach Marc Crawford has so much to say after such an lop-sided loss:

"We had chances on the power play to make this a game," Crawford said. "Give their goalie credit for being good, but we didn't bear down on our chances. There was some open nets there and we didn't put the puck in the back of the net. For the first period-and-a-half, our power play was more effective than their power play, but we just couldn't finish."

I guess I'd have been hiding in the Tennessean woods had I been him...

No, not tired of blogging

2006-12-26T08:13:00.000+01:00

I would like to put to sleep all gossip about myself being tired of blogging. Quite on the contrary. Even though if you looked at this blog recent record (less than five visitors per day during the last week), you would be tempted to think I was.

The major reason for lack of my blogging activity for a few days has not been the Christmas break, either. I still owe you two latest game reports (both on tough road Kings losses, for different reasons). The problem has been my low bandwidth that makes it virtually impossible to publish anything more but a plain text. I'm told by the operator that it's because of my going over the limit of GBs per month and things should go back to normal on January 1.

In the meantime, though - do you know of a good way to boost my visitor-per-day ratings without selling my soul to the (New Jersey) devil(s)? I'd be grateful.

Difficult Christmas in Ontario

2006-12-23T20:48:00.000+01:00

Both the Senators and the Maple Leafs are going to endure some tough times well into the New Year as their key centermen: Jason Spezza and Michael Peca went down with knee injuries over the last 48 hours.

While Spezza is almost certainly out for about 4-6 weeks, the extent of Peca's torn MCL and fructured tibia in right leg are not yet fully assessed. Especially, given his 2002 torn MCL and ACL that left him off the ice for a couple of months.

It might be a difficult Christmas in Ontario.

Which raises the question of which LA Kings center could be shopped to either of these destinations for prime talent? Craig Conroy, again? Derek Armstrong? I would not mind at all if premiere prospects (much rather than draft picks) were involved from up north.

It's gonna be interesting. Even though, I fully comiserate both guys on the amount of pain. Knee injuries are usually very painful.

Is fatigue getting to Frolov?

2006-12-20T19:39:00.000+01:00

Following his amazing 11-game period (13th November against SJS through 7th December vs Nashville) where he scored 11 goals and registered 5 assists, Alex Frolov seems to be cooling down a bit recently. Not that any player in the league (barring Ovechkin, perhaps) could keep it up for a prolonged time.

However, not only has not scored in the last five games (three assists to his credit), but also the number of his shots taken per game has dropped considerably (to 1.6 sh/gm). At the same time, Frolov is seeing a considerably less TOI during the last five games. He logged 15:49 and 13:47 respectively in the recent home-and-home series with San Jose. In the previous 30-odd games this season, he has seen less than 16 minutes of ice time only once, while frequently playing for 20+ minutes.

I'm not looking down on him in any respect. On the contrary - his 11-game scoring binge only sharpened my appetite for more of the same from Frolov.

So, do you think all this is a sign of mid-season fatigue? Is coach Crawford seeing it and is this why he sends him out less frequently lately (number of shifts per game is down as well)? Is there any on-ice evidence in his intensity of play?

Hmm, I'd love to hear from you on this one.

How much more can you do?

2006-12-20T18:59:00.000+01:00

His line? Three goals and an assist with a plus-5 rating in four games since he was brought up to the NHL club on Dec. 11. Maxim Lapierre and the Montreal Canadiens, I mean.

Enough?

Think again - the Canadiens sent the 21-year old down to the farm earlier today, only to make a roster place for Steve Begin. Good for all four points in 29 games and a minus-6 rating.

Go figure.

Games 34-35: Kings vs Dallas Stars 3:4 OT/Sh., Kings vs Calgary Flames 3:5

2006-12-20T14:59:00.000+01:00

Dallas continues their season dominance at Staples with shootout win

Yutaka Fukufuji - will he get a start later on this season?
(Photo courtesy of: www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Dustin Brown, Sean Avery, Rob Blake
DAL goals from: Boucher, Barnes, Morrow

Pros: Yutaka Fukufuji, first Japanese ever to don an NHL uniform, was the backup goaltender behind very competent (again!) Barry Brust. Kings come back from a 0-2 deficit, but are just a little unlucky not to hold on to the win.

Cons: You cannot expect the Kings to effectively open home games 0-1 within the first three minutes of the games (seems to be a trend lately) and come back to score points against such teams as Dallas.

Mistakes prevail on and off the ice as Flames burn Kings

Kings were unable to take advantage of no Kiprusoff in Calgary's net
(photo courtesy of: ww.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Anze Kopitar (2), Dustin Brown
CGY goals from: Amonte, Rich. Regehr, Langkow, Moss, Huselius

Pros: Another display of puck-handling and scoring skills by Kopitar - too bad it was good for nothing, collectively. Staying out of the penalty box, like the Kings did, can only benefit us if we can draw penalties against the opposition (which LA failed to do).

Cons:The Kings have a propensity to give up goals to people who have not previously scored in the league this season to date - they will soon find e-cards from Regehr and Moss in their mailboxes. Anyway, this loss is hugely dependent on off and on the ice decisions of Mark Crawford's starting Dan Cloutier, who was coming off a bruised shoulder. It was ill-advised as Craw should have played the hot hand with Barry Brust who collected 3 0f 4 possible points against San Jose and Dallas.

Key quote from Cloutier:

"It was not a good way to start the game. We had a few crucial mistakes and the puck was at the back of the net. We did a good job battling back, but we made some key mistakes that cost us in the second period."

We? Us? Yeah, right - yourself and Crawford. I'm getting tired of repeating this, but unfortunately it's true more often than not.

Kessel speaks out

2006-12-19T09:20:00.000+01:00

The first post-operation interview with Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins, just hit the IP addresses. It's amazing how quickly a young mind and body can recuparate after learning news like this and undergoing a difficult treatment and procedure. Just a little tidbit to make you read the whole thing:

"Kessel knew he had cancer last Saturday night, when he played in a 5-1 home loss against New Jersey. Three days later, he underwent the operation to remove his right testicle, which confirmed he had embryonal testicular cancer.

And he wasn't relaxed until tests were completed Friday, confirming the cancer was confined to his testicle."

Please show Phil Kessel your continuous support through the Christmas season. Sending a get well e-card to the Bruins is not totally out of place, right?

The mightiest assist men

2006-12-18T14:57:00.000+01:00

There seems to be some general consensus regarding Sidney Crosby, Jaromir Jagr and Joe Thornton as the most influential assist men in the NHL this year. This is reflected in the daily assist leaders section on NHL.com.

However, if you take a closer look at it, and split the number of first assists (more goal-inducing) and second assists (often credited to a player by chance e.g "last one to touch the puck before the whoever who was given the first assist") by specific players, as a blogger named Forechecker did, you would arrive at some of the most refreshing solutions.

Here's his list of the Forechecker's mightiest assist men across the NHL this season:

The column of interest for our purposes is the one on the far right. According to Forechecker, the "Mod pts" stands for modified points you arrive at when the number of second assists is taken away from the player's total number of points scored to date. Pretty good, huh?

Here are some of my observations based on this spreadsheet:

1. The modified top five among the assist-producers is not necessarily the names you think of first. Selanne and Hossa are most glaring surprises here. I might be inclined to put Spezza here last year, but defeinitely not this year.

2. From the list at hand, the player that suffers the most from taking away the second assists is Pronger. He's a perennial scoring card presence, but it seems now more by default (on the power-play, especially) than by bona fide production. Second worst off is Crosby - the whole point of attempting this analysis.

3. Whitney is the sensational winner of the % of first assists. While Ovechkin and Thornton, second and third respectively, are locks, Whitney takes this category by storm, really. Caught me fully off-guard.

4. The most over-rated assist men are Pronger, Sakic and St. Louis, whose great majority of assists are second ones.

This analysis is not designed to look down on Crosby, rather - to find out to what extent the simple every-day stats most of the people are using reflect the true nature of the process of putting up non-unassisted goals :).

I like the spin on stats that Forechecker provides. I'll be lurking more frequently :).

Your menu tonight: Brust and Fukufuji

2006-12-16T21:11:00.000+01:00

Since Dan Cloutier is down with a bruised shoulder and, as we know, Mathieu Garon is still out due to pulled groin muscle, and as we still know, there is no way on earth Jason LaBarbera would have cleared re-entry waivers to get to LA, here are you starting and backup goaltenders for the Los Angeles Kings game against Dallas Stars this afternoon:

Barry Brust and Yutaka Fukufuji.

Yes, you might not have heard about either of the two, unless you're a die hard King/Monarchs fan.

Tell you what: having seen Yutaka's pictures for the first time in her life, my 7-year old daughter, Natalie Laura, said he was "quite cute". Hope either of them [though Brust will get a start] perform well enough to give us a win. On top of being cute, that is.

Photo: Yutaka Fukufuji

The battle of Lundqvists

2006-12-15T20:04:00.000+01:00

Henrik Lundqvist, No1 goaltender of the New York Rangers, had a first professional opportunity in North America to play against his identical twin brother Joel, who got recently called up to the Dallas Stars. Joel replaced injured Mike Modano on the roster and boom, the very next day the Rangers and his [two periods of hockey] older brother come rolling into town.

The outcome of this "battle"? Henrik and NY take this one easily 5:2 on the scoreboard. The more personal contest between the brothers did not exactly live up to the excitement. Joel was on the ice for the paltry 5:44 on nine shifts and did not even fire a slap at his bro.

Heck, if I was in his skates [mind you, I'm an only child], I would have taken a one-timer at the opponent's goal right the first time I was in their zone. Just to keep Henrik honest, you know. After all, had I scored on him, I'd have stolen the headlines. The psychological edge, you know, before the Stars went on Broadway some time in the future...

Photos: Henrik (above) and Joel (right).
If they both played the same position,
I would not have dared to say who is who :).

Games 32-33: Kings vs San Jose Sharks 1:3, Kings @ San Jose Sharks 4:2

2006-12-15T14:18:00.000+01:00

Sharks teach Kings a valuable lesson [1:3]

Kings fall flat on their collective faces
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goal from: Lubomir Visnovsky
SJS goals from: Pavelsky (2), Bernier

Pros and cons: Well, as expected almost anytime the Kings have three or more days off before another game on schedule, LA fell to their faces. What's the good thing in it? I did not set my hopes too high. The Sharks came out to play much like the Predators a couple of days earlier and snatched quite an easy victory at Staples.

Defensive blunders (see: breakaway, by Pavelski) and lack of fore- and backchecking, as well as putting the league's No1 PP unit out on the easy as many as seven times per game [withtwo scores] would kill teams much better than the Kings.

This is what happens when (almost) everybody "plays hard" [4:2]

On top of the Sharks at the Tank (photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Anze Kopitar (2), Michael Cammalleri, Derek Armstrong
SJS goals from: Ehrhoff, Grier

Pros: Huge game by Kopitar who set the tone. Alexander Frolov might have made the key roster move taking out Dan Cloutier with this shot of his, that bounced off Cloutier's collarbone :). While Barry Brust is still not an answer for an NHL club, he really did well last night [congrats, man!]. Shutting out the PP unit and Marleau-Thornton-Cheechoo trio to ten shots and just one point [assist by Joe] was amazing.

Cons: Mostly, inconsistent play from game to game. I mean c'mon, who in their right minds would have thought the Kings take it from the Sharks at the tank without Lubo, while scoring four? Heck, I benched Kopitar on my fantasy team myself... I really don't know what to expect on Saturday afternoon (night, my time) against Dallas. I really don't.

Fewer and fewer of those crazy goalies

2006-12-14T16:00:00.000+01:00

Rocky Mountain News has a piece on the extinguishing breed of crazy hockey goaltenders and their weird routines. It's worthwhile reading in its entirety. I was especially taken aback by this:

"[Jacques] Plante knitted in the locker room and Glenn Hall threw up before games and Gary Smith had to shower between every period."

Maybe it's not that bad, after all. That there are fewer and fewer of them, I mean :).

Sopel and Tverdovsky activated

2006-12-14T13:24:00.000+01:00

Brent Sopel and Oleg "Old Leg" Tverdovsky are ready to come back to the Kings lineup as soon as tonight. They have been activated to the current roster, while defensman Peter Harrold has been sent back to the AHL affiliate - Manchester Monarchs:

Tverdovsky, who sat out 12 games because of a groin injury, said he has been ready for the last week, but "they wanted to be careful because I already had one setback."

Sopel, who sat out 16 games because of broken bones in his ankle and hand, also said he has been ready to play, but had been taking a cautious approach.

The days of rotating Dallman, Weaver and Harrold seem to be over for now. Dallman takes the final spot with Tverdovsky, Sopel joins Matty Norstrom, while Weaver rides the pine.

Game 31: Kings vs Colorado Avalanche 5:4

2006-12-13T16:41:00.000+01:00

Lucky LA comeback in a shooting spree at Staples

Craig Conroy scores the game winner
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Tom Kostopoulos, Michael Cammalleri (2), Scott Thornton, Craig Conroy.
COL goals from: Laaksonen, Arnason, Liles, Turgeon,

Pros: Having three veterans score a goal in the same game is not something the Kings would rely on very often lately. Such consistency might lead to stringing together several wins, but perhaps not earlier than the end of December. It was also refreshing to see a well fought fight by Sean Avery (his first of the season, he has certainly been up to his two-strikes-you're-out program). Don't look now, but Dan Cloutier seems to show early signs of coming out of his league-leading season-long slump. It's early, though. Off the ice, Brent Sopel has resumed practise with the team - there's no word how soon he'll be back, though.

Cons: How many teams can the Kings effectively come back against when they lose four at home. Ok, Avalanche has been one (even on the road), Coyotes and Blues on most nights. That would be it. Until we lock away the access to goal on our end, I'm afraid the win-loss see-saw might continue.

Kings Awards for games 21-30

2006-12-12T21:08:00.000+01:00

This period has been a real up-and-down one for the Kings as the team went combined 4-6.

And here they are, the top three Kings for the games 21-30!

*** Winner ***
Alexander FROLOV, LW - winner, hands down. Amazing scoring outburst that kept the Kings in the games for most, if not, the whole ten game period. Suffice it to say that while Frolov continued to be on the ice in all three situations (ES, PP, PK) and log almost twenty minutes per night on average, he posted nine goals and four assists. He's currently on pace for 77 points (45+32).

** Runner-up **
Derek ARMSTRONG, C - back from the clavicle injury, Armstrong helped build strong physical presence at center when Kopitar started to tail off a bit. He was active in the corners, going to the front of the net and got himself three goals and seven assists in this span. An unheralded missing piece of the team coming back strong.

*Third place*
Rob Blake, D - a little more controversial choice, but I wanted to make notice of our offensive-minded defensemen. Blake has been most consistent of the group lately. He has also picked up his scoring, which was almost non-existent in the beginning of the season [two goals and five assists during the last 10 games].

Honorable mentions: Mathieu Garon for the three games in the row just preceding his injury and Michael Cammalleri - the most dangerous forward around the opponent's net. Also Craig Conroy - for regaining his scoring touch recently.

Even more publicity for the Kings

2006-12-12T20:47:00.000+01:00

Christmas must be getting nearer and nearer 'cause the Kings are getting more and more national exposure by the day. Barely did I manage to report on the NHL.com piece on Patrick O'Sullivan, when the same website and ESPN.com ran stories on hard-hitting Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar visit from his family.

Enjoy it while you can - there's no assurance the Kings will get three full-page articles on the same day anytime soon...

One second thoughts, though - which three stories from the Kings could make the first page ON THE SAME DAY?

1. Dan Cloutier recording the shutout (that was easy)
2. Sean Avery getting the first instigator penalty of the season (well, he did and so what? Went barely unnoticed with his previous modest behavior)
3. Alyn McCauley actually gets to debut for the Kings almost half way through the first season
4. Kings successfully sneak Jason LaBarbera through the re-entry waivers
5. Jeff Cowan, Raitis Ivanans and Mike Weaver all score in the same game

There could be more - can you help me out with this?

Say a prayer for Phil. Now.

2006-12-12T10:26:00.000+01:00

Boston Bruins rookie, 19-year old Phil Kessel has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Little more is known as of now, apart from the fact that he's admitted to and gotten ready for an operation at Massachussets General Hospital later this week, perhaps as soon as today or tomorrow.

Please say a prayer for Phil's health, endurance and faith to pull through it. Thank you.

Sully regains form in Manchester

2006-12-12T09:28:00.000+01:00

The NHL.com frontpage ran a story yesterday on Kings phenom Patrick O'Sullivan. In case you jest have enough time here for some tidbits, here are the most interesting snippets with a word of commentary from me:

The (recent) past:

"Playing for the Kings against Colorado on Oct. 23, O'Sullivan headed to the front of the Avalanche net. Teammate Craig Conroy made a half-pass, half-shot that deflected off a stick and into the upper portion of his mouth, right below his nose. The impact blew out two of O'Sullivan's front teeth, one of which ripped out root and all. Part of his jaw was smashed, an injury that will require some minor reconstructive surgery. He needed a couple root canals, and one of the roots became infected. He was on painkillers for a month. He couldn't eat properly for about two weeks."

The present:

Monarchs coach Mark Morris was recently asked if he had 10 minutes to talk about O'Sullivan. Morris laughed and said he didn't think that would be enough time.

Morris likes O'Sullivan, no doubt. But it's now his task to turn the pure scorer into a complete player, with a particular emphasis on mining some grit. It's a message that Morris emphatically repeats over and over in practice.

The (imminent) future:

"Last year, I was able to play with a couple of older guys. I think a lot of times teams were probably more worried about them than me," he said. "I know I can score. I find if I focus on other things in my game, the (points) take care of themselves."

As do the cuts, the lost teeth, the battered bones and a mouth that feels like it was flossed with barbed wire. All that's a price eagerly paid, and a small one at that, in exchange for a character reference and possibly another promotion.

"Oh, definitely. I'd go through a lot more to get back there," O'Sullivan said. "I think most hockey players would."

Good to know he's become grittier and looks at the obstacles on the way as the learning points. Given the amount of facial injuries, I'm going to say I believe if *that* didn't stop him, he's going to be back in LA pretty soon. And for good.

Game 30: Kings vs Nashville Predators 1:4

2006-12-11T14:27:00.000+01:00

Slow-footed Kings suffer again after days off

Kings got sent home flying...
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Alexander Frolov
NSH goals from: Hartnell, Smithson, Timonen, Radulov

Pros: The main plus of this game was the fact that I was able to see it from tape in a relative proximity of the game itself. It seemed like the Kings did lack effort in backchecking and defense (I'm willing to give Peter Harrold a pass on a swing-and-miss that led to the Preds' SHG). There were a lot of strange bounces on all five goals and with a little bit more luck, the outcome could have been different. It was NOT as if the Preds totally outplayed the Kings. They outhustled us, that's for sure.

Cons: No-one, apart from Cammalleri and Armstrong at times, took the responsibility to shake the slopiness and slumber off the team. There seemed to be a lot to shots taken straight at Mason or quite wide of his goal.

Not made to rest

2006-12-10T20:32:00.000+01:00

Since the start of this season, there have been a handful of games that the Kings played coming off more than two days of rest in a row. A quick look at the schedule give the following results:

10-Oct (3 days off) vs NYI - result: 4-2 W
22-Oct (3 days off) vs ANA - result: 2-3 OL
4-Nov (3 days off) @ PHO - result: 4-6 L
7-Nov (3 days off)) @COL - result: 6-5 W
16-Nov (3 days off)) vs PHI - result 3-4 L
22-Nov (4 days off) @ SJS - result 3-6 L
30-Nov (3 days off) @ PHO - result 4-7 L
7-Dec (4 days off) vs NSH - result 1-4 L

See a pattern here?

The Kings lost six out of eight such games, giving up a flurry of goals (including a six-pack and a seven-pack at lowly Phoenix). It does not matter too much who they play against, from the cellar-dwellers Coyotes and Flyers to the creamtop of Anaheim and San Jose). It does not matter whether they play at home or away - they apparently tend to lose focus on off-days and come out inexistent as in the recent game against the Predators.

While no team can alter their schedules, the Kings should at least take a lesson out of their off-day mishaps that have happened so far. Perhaps a change in mental preparations to games on game days should be made? Putting more stress on having game-time attitude during on-ice practisesessions on off days?

There will still be a chance to redeem this tendency by the end of the year. LA faces the Sharks this coming Tuesday with a three day rest, and sees the trend continue for the games against the Flames at home on the 19-Dec and the Coyotes again at Staples on the 26-Dec.

There is room for improvement but readiness starts in your head. This year's edition of the Kings simply playes better when they are regularly on the run, perhaps every second day. They can't change the schedule - but they sure can try to sustain the mental makeup on off days. These Kings are just not made to rest.

LaBamba weathers the storm with dignity

2006-12-09T08:01:00.000+01:00

A King property buried down deep in Manchester, NH, 26-year old goaltender Jason LaBarbera should have every reason to complain about what life has been bringing to him lately. First, five long years in the Rangers organization where he was mostly stuck in Hartford (with an AHL MVP trophy to his credit), then the move to LA, outbidding Mathieu Garon for the starter's job last season, learning to know his girlfriend had cancer, and subsequent losing the starter job. And now this.

Even though he beat out both Garon and incoming veteran Dan Cloutier in camp, he was sentenced to do time in Verizon Wireless penitentiary. With no chance to get called up this season due to the reverse waivers procedure that would most probably see him snatched by another team (much like Michael Leighton of the Ducks taken by the Predators). He's had every reason to complain. But somehow - Jason chose to stay positive. Amazing.

I hope for a continued great season for him on the Monarchs and to see him next year in LA. In the era of general whining around, his voice needs to be heard. And no, he's not out playing golf yet. Quite on the contrary - his play keeps Manchester up in the thick of the conference race. That's what kind of fellow he is.

Bernier in a class of his own

2006-12-08T20:35:00.000+01:00

Bernier with Ron Hextall (left) and Dean Lombardi
(photo courtesy of www.phillyblurbs.com)

In case you missed it, Kings goalie of the future Jonathan Bernier is having a monster season for Lewiston Maineiacs. He leads the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in wins (19 of 25), GAA (with 2.34) and SV% with .913.

No doubt his team leads the league. Now, let's see how well his form carries over to the World Juniors in three weeks in Sweden.

Game 29: Kings @ Anaheim Ducks 3:2

2006-12-08T19:22:00.000+01:00

Tough blue-collar effort keeps league leaders in check

Bodies were flying in the Honda Center on Sunday
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

LA goals from: Alexander Frolov (2), Derek Armstrong
ANA goals from: Getzlaf, Marchant

Pros: A very well played game, strategically. A lot of forechecking, digging the puck in the corners (Armstrong, Sean Avery) and very solid defensive effort by out chequered defense. Suffice it to say that the leading Anaheim guns (Getzlaf, Perry, Penner) without game-changing scoring chances (save for one Cloutier miscue behind the goal). Frolov and Avery seem to understand each other better and better. A-Fro continues to stay hot. Sneak-peak preview: he's gonna get my Three Stars after games 21-30 over the weekend.

Cons: I'm sorry to say but the the KDOC broadcast team was unbearable. Their remarks were inflammatory to non-Duck fans, most of the play-by-play guy's comment about the Kings were either trivial or off-base and the general feeling of prevailing Duckdom treated my nerves. I know they are THE Duck channel, but there should be a little less bias against the visiting team.

Four Kings will grace the WJC 2006

2006-12-07T17:06:00.000+01:00

LA Kings will be well represented in the upcoming World Junior Championships in Sweden.

Jonathan Bernier will be the starting goaltender for Team Canada, while Jeff Zatkoff will provide backup at G in Team USA, who will also have Trevor Lewis and huge presence of Jack Johnson at the blueline.

Quite a lot to cheer for for the Kings' fans, don't you think?

Games 28: Kings vs Anaheim Ducks 3:4

2006-12-07T16:48:00.000+01:00

Aaron Miller and the Kings fail to up-end the Ducks and Scott Niedermayer in the first game of the set
(photo courtesy of: www.yahoo.com)

Kings rally falls just short as Ducks prevail

LA goals from: Scott Thornton, Rob Blake, Dustin Brown
ANA goals from: Selanne (2), Moen, Niedermayer

Pros: The rally was quite exciting, but I wish the Kings had never gotten behind by four in the first place. Can I have a show of hands? Well, I knew you do too. Pretty nice bounce back game by Cloutier, I read somewhere that he tends to block out crowd (and message boards) noise during games. Apparently, during the Ducks series it worked. Nice to see Lubo Visnovsky get two assists.

Cons: You can't expect to fall behind and work your magic in the dying minutes of the game, can you?

Game 27: Kings @ Phoenix Coyotes 4:7

2006-12-05T16:03:00.000+01:00

Pucks were flying past Dan Cloutier at a record pace in Phoenix...
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

Let down between the pipes sinks the LA ship quickly

LA goals from: Derek Armstrong (2), Mike Cammalleri, Craig Conroy
PHO goals from: Zigomanis (2), Nagy, Saprykin, Michalek, Fischer, Doan

Pros: Goaltender Barry Brust debuted in the NHL in a rather harsh fashion (off the bench in the first), but managed to keep his composure and ended up with 24 saves in 28 chances. While Brust (which we knew before his Phoenix cameo) is definitely not an NHL starter material, we can pay him what little tribute we have energy for, 'cause he outplayed a veteran starter. Another good thing was seeing Armstrong net two goals.

Cons: Losing four goals in the first quarter against a lowly Coyotes team is always an embarassement (did I already mention Cloutier today?), especially when your star(ter) is taken out after 2 saves of the first five shots, three of which ended up in the net. Possibly the worst road game by the Kings in a long time.

Kings keep on putting offensive numbers

2006-12-05T09:59:00.000+01:00

I wonder if it's easily noticeable, but the Kings have gone through the whole month of November scoring at least three goals in each but one game (2-3 OT loss to Minnesota). I know they have allowed more than that due to reasons discussed before, but it seems the days of scoring "one or none" are clearly behind them.

They started the month of December on a similar note scoring six times in a two-game set against the Ducks.

Alexander Frolov is in the TOP 20 in the NHL in the power play points department with 13, while the Kings as a team are third in the league in PP scoring percentage on the road with 20.0%. At the same time Los Angeles leads the NHL in the total power play opportunities, which says a lot about their ability to draw penalties, while staying out of the box themselves.

Apart from the injuries to some key defensive pieces (Mathieu Garon, Brent Sopel) and prolonged incomptence of starter Dan Cloutier, that need to be overcome in order to keep the goals allowed to a lower mark, offensively the Kings are firing on most cylinders. This trend might as well continue as the Kings are scheduled to play the next three games at home against three teams that seem to have trouble on their own:

1. Nashville Predators - missing their top goalie Tomas Vokoun
2. Colorado Avalanche - just two more points than the Kings and last place in the Nortwest division
3. San Jose Sharks - whom the Kings have already bitten and home and played hard against.

Four points out of these three games are not out of question if Cloutier can bring back his priceless form from the Honda Center on Sunday.

(I will follow up with the game recaps later today)

Cloutiered into the woods

2006-12-01T15:14:00.000+01:00

I admit I have been cloutiered (equivalent of flabbergasted) by the whole "Dan's the man (even though he's not)" philosophy and have taken the battering by the Coyotes last night very personally.

At this point, if I was the Kings GM ("Dean, pick up the damn phone, will you?!"), I would seriously think about packaging Cloutier and Konstantin Pushkarev (as an obvious though still marginal trade bait) to either Boston or Columbus for the likes of Tim Thomas or Pascal Leclaire. Heck, at this point I would even throw in a second round pick for them just to take Dan off our hands.

In pursuit of some place where my boggled mind could rest before the Saturday night PST game against the Ducks (first of two), I'm taking my family for a half-weekend (Friday evening and the whole Saturday) trip to the woods. I'll be offline until the Saturday Ducks game, your time, most of my readers :).

If you somehow manage to trade Cloutier in the meantime (or buy out his contract by virtue of an offering of willing hearts, which should be plenty of, given Dan's level of play), let me know in the comments section. I'd appreciate it if there was/were message(s) there when I come back.

Garon's groin injury

2006-11-30T16:10:00.001+01:00

There is no news yet as to how he reacts to treatment of the pulled groin muscle suffered at the end of the yesterday's practice.

The only thing that keeps me reasonably cool-headed about it, is that I'm quite sure Crawford would have started Dan Cloutier against the Coyotes regardless. Having said that, I make my mental preparations NOT to see Garon until the second of the two weekend games against Anaheim Ducks.

If he comes back earlier, things might get interesting again. With Dan in the net, I only hope for two points, if that in the next two.

Don't be such a cloutier, Dan and prove me wrong! :)

One d-man injury away...

2006-11-30T15:26:00.000+01:00

...from a disaster. No, it's not 2005/06 and yes, Aaron Miller is still reasonably healthy.

With the news of Oleg Tverdovsky finally making it to the IR (even though he has been out of action for over two weeks now) and Brent Sopel still nursing a broken leg bone as well as a broken hand, the Kings might as well start looking around for a inexpensive defenseman.

They currently have the veterans Blake, Visnovsky, Norstrom and Miller in the top two pairings, with Dallman and Harrold making up the final pair and Mike Weaver providing (invaluable?) backup. Should any of the four vets go south, half of the defensive corps would be made up of players who make me woozy (though for various reasons: Dallman is inconsistent, Weaver is a AHL-type of guy, and Harrold is simply too inexperienced).

I wonder why the Kings management missed out on the opportunity of picking up Jay Harrison from the waivers. The Toronto Maple Leaf/Marlie is a minimum salary player (.450 mln USD for this season) with a little bit of NHL experience. What's more his overall skills are quite sound as he impressed a number of people in Ontario last year during the dreadful period where majority of NHL and borderline Leafs d-men were out. While his role might have been limited on this years Kings to an injury sub, he'd prove of great value to the depleted Monarchs blueline and possibly fight to make it in LA next year. Harrison is only 26.

Since Dean Lombardi chose not to snatch another defensman, he must be a man of unwavering faith. Mind you, I will gladly pray for the well-being of our blueliners - I just hope there are other measures we ought to take before we all kneel down collectively to save a d-man for a rainy day.

("Now, Aaron Miller, would you leave your motorbike alone?! Or else, I'm calling the 911!")

Enters Peter Harrold

2006-11-29T18:07:00.000+01:00

Peter Harrold as a member of the Boston College Eagles
(photo courtesy of www.uscho.com)

Please meet the newest addition to the Kings blueline, Peter Harrold. The whole of the Inside Hockey article is worht reading, but if you only have a couple of minutes, here are the best chunks:

Q: Does the team here run any differently than in Manchester, say in terms of practices?

A: No, things are the same. Obviously the difference in skill of the players you’re playing with is noticeable, but the Kings have tried to make the club in the NHL and the AHL run the same system. They run the same ideas through the whole organization so they can make it easier, so they can groom their own players, and have guys come up through the system and understand and be ready to play.

Q: Is the budget unlimited for sticks here?

A: It’s pretty much unlimited in both places. Up here it’s really unlimited, and you have a wider selection, but the AHL is not much different. You get pretty much whatever you need. It’s first-class organization.

And the finale:

"Maybe you’re hearing what we are: a young man (Harrold is twenty-three) who is well-spoken, as might befit a former Boston College student and hockey player. And a guy who can analyze things from the micro-level to the macro-level. That is what makes a good hockey player, and that’s what predicts success for Peter Harrold.

Size-wise, he’s listed at 5’11” and 195 pounds. In person, he impresses as lanky but cut. Give him a couple of years, and he might fill out fifteen or twenty pounds. Naturally, along the way, he may go up and down from NHL to AHL, and he’ll probably make his share of mistakes. But you can’t help pulling for a guy as decent as this youngster. And hearing what he says about the way the organization works should spark fan hopes as the Kings continue their rebuilding process."

Amen to that, brothers and sisters. Peter has certainly been on the impressive side in his short stint with LA. Keep it up, man!

The Kopitarian sect grows larger

2006-11-29T17:55:00.000+01:00

... they took over the city walls already. What's next? (stay tuned for more information as it becomes available).

Games 25-26: Kings vs Calgary Flames 3:1, Kings vs New Jersey Devils 3:2 OT Sh

2006-11-29T15:58:00.000+01:00

Dustin Brown charges Kiprusoff's goal

(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

Kings rule in a best game this season

LA goals from: Anze Kopitar, Alex Frolov, Mike Cammalleri
CGY goal from: Tanguay

Pros: Three goals from out top "Sesame Street" boys (phrase coined by LA Times' Chris Foster), including the very first in Staples by Kopitar. Overall best balanced effort, almost every facet of the game seemed to click (2-for-5 on PP, 0-for-5 PK, good goaltending by Mathieu Garon). Feeding it to the defensive-minded Flames (and their Mikka Kiprusoff) was a no small feat.

Cons: Hardly any, perhaps the only one that stood up was Rob Blake's four giveaways - lucky none of them lit the red light.

Second solid effort in a row has Kings on a winning streak

LA goals from: Lubo Visnovsky, Mike Cammalleri
NJD goal from: Gionta, Zajac

Pros: Coming back twice from a goal down always counts. Winning the overtime shootout (which for some reason Kings have a tendency of losing) to start the winning streak was an icing on the cake. Luck plays its part as Gionta hits the post just after scoring the first goal of the game. Cammy scores his 100th point in the NHL - all as a King :).

Cons: Seems like when they put more effort into fore- and backchecking, the Kings do not outscore the other team any more. The number of shots per game is going down (about 22-23 per night last two games), and when you don't have a superstar scorer who can convert even a single opportunity, you have to try peppering the opponents with the shots.

The other two cons were Garon going down with the injury during practise before the upcoming game at the Coyotes, as well as Kings moving Oleg Tverdovsky to IR with his groin injury.

Craw has spoken...

2006-11-27T15:07:00.000+01:00

...but I still don't like what I'm hearing:

"I'm looking for our goalies to play better than they have been playing," Coach Marc Crawford said. "They have worked their tails off. I can vouch wholeheartedly for the character of both these guys."

and

"I don't know if either have deserved to get more time," Crawford said. "I still believe in both these guys.

as well as:

"We don't want to point fingers, we all want to stick together to work through any problems," Crawford said.

Doesn't he really have a clue or is it just shadow-fighting for the media?

Crawford abstains from goalie controversy

2006-11-27T13:03:00.000+01:00

Read this first.

You will find quotes from several key Kings regarding the current (season-long?) goaltending controversy in LA.

There are quotes from the man directly involved in the whole thing - goalie Mathieu Garon, team captain Mattias Norstrom as well as key playmakers Michael Cammalleri and veteran Craig Conroy.

A notable exception in the Chris Foster article is the team coach: Marc Crawford. I believe his not speaking out on the issue hurts the team.

Well, not only is he not speaking OUT, I don't believe the Kings, in the trenches of their dressing room, do hear what's on Craw's mind in regards to starting goaltending. Even if they do, the message, as relayed by the players, is quite fuzzy:

"I don't know about that," Garon said when asked if his play warranted being the top goaltender. "As I said at the start of the season, we have two good goalies here and whoever is playing the best is going to play. That's always the case."

The better and hotter goaltender does not know whether his number is up for the next game, especially in the light of his counterpart Dan Cloutier sucking up big time for the league-worst GAA and SV% among goalies who played 10 or more games?!

DAN CLOUTIER

LAK

378

3.67

328

.868

817:08

What sort of communication between the coach and his players is this supposed to be?

"Right now, we need our goaltenders to give us games like this," Conroy said. "We have two guys who can do that."

I'm sorry, Craig, but you're wrong. Cloutier cannot give you, at least at the moment, a game like this (one goal or less per 60 mins). In fact, here's a roundup of all his games so far:

Game	Dec	GA	SA	SV	SV%	SO	PIM	TOI	EV GA	PP GA	SH GA
Nov 22, 2006 vs. SJS	L	5	12	7	.583	0	0	28:51	3	2	0
Nov 18, 2006 vs. PHX	W	3	39	36	.923	0	0	59:41	3	0	0
Nov 16, 2006 vs. PHI	L	4	30	26	.867	0	0	58:50	4	0	0
Nov 13, 2006 vs. SJS	W	2	18	16	.889	0	0	59:55	2	0	0
Nov 7, 2006 vs. COL	W	5	34	29	.853	0	0	60:00	3	2	0
Nov 4, 2006 vs. PHX		1	7	6	.857	0	0	33:11	1	0	0
Nov 1, 2006 vs. PIT	O	4	23	19	.826	0	0	62:45	3	1	0
Oct 27, 2006 vs. CBJ	L	2	14	12	.857	0	0	58:16	2	0	0
Oct 25, 2006 vs. MIN	L	3	29	26	.897	0	0	57:30	2	1	0
Oct 23, 2006 vs. COL	L	6	32	26	.813	0	0	40:00	3	3	0
Oct 18, 2006 vs. MIN	O	2	27	25	.926	0	0	60:25	2	0	0
Oct 16, 2006 vs. DET	L	3	27	24	.889	0	0	58:32	1	1	1
Oct 12, 2006 vs. DAL	L	4	29	25	.862	0	0	60:00	3	1	0
Oct 10, 2006 vs. NYI	W	2	25	23	.920	0	0	59:53	2	0	0
Oct 6, 2006 vs. ANA	L	4	32	28	.875	0	0	59:19	3	1	0

Do you see the same pattern?

Dan is yet to start a game and NOT give up two or more goals! Regardless of the W/L outcome (which is poor, again), Cloutier does not warrant, heck, or even stand a chance of turning out numbers and co-players confidence that Garon has established recently.

I'm no Cloutier or Crawford basher, mind you (even though I do vent anytime someone brings to mind the extension given to Dan BEFORE he played a single game in a King uniform). In my opinion though, it is perfectly within the confines of proper big-level coaching skills to name a starter based on being hot, having better numbers and being physically and mentally ready to take the challenge of the next game. And to communicate it to himself, the goalies in question and the team itself. Heck, perhaps to us, the blogosphere and the media, for a change...

All in all, at the moment, the Kings , have one NHL-quality goaltender (MG) and will be better off sticking to him while he provides the goods. It might (and probably will) not be forever, but for now - Garon gives the team a better chance to win.

Game 24: Kings @ Dallas Stars 3:5

2006-11-27T11:22:00.000+01:00

Kings found themselves with their backs on the ice too many times in Dallas.
This has been an overall trend playing the Stars this season so far.
(photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com)

A hole in Dallas too deep for the Kings to crawl out of

LA goals from: Dustin Brown (2), Alex Frolov
DAL goals from: Boucher (3), Zubov, Lehtinen (en)

Pros: 3-0f-7 power play opportunities converted on the road against top Western Conference team should net a closer game, if anything. While Frolov continued his scoring binge, it was very refreshing to see Brown work the PP in the crease back again. Regardless of the obvious cons, the game might have a totally different result if LA converted with the pulled Mathieu Garon a minute before the end of the third period. In summary - close, but no cigar.

Cons: Bad habits continue as the Kings keep on losing goals in streaks (getting out of the 0-3 hole on the road against the top defensive team? Naaah...). Six Kings penalties in the first period laid groundwork for amazing Brian Boucher scoring night on the point.

Game 23: Kings @ San Jose Sharks 3:6

2006-11-26T09:31:00.000+01:00

Kings get tatooed by a former Lombardi team

LA goals from: Scott Thornton, Dustin Brown, Lubo Visnovsky
SJS goals from: Vlasic, Bernier, Thornton, Marleu, Goc, Pavelski

Pros: First career game of young defensman Peter Harrold. He head an assist on the Brown goal and ended the night +1 with almost 14 mins of TOI. Not bad, eh? It was yet another game where the Kings score three or more goals away from Staples, yet the goaltending can't keep them in a game.

Cons: Getting scored upon six times when the home team misses two of their major rifles (Cheechoo and Michalek)? Not me, I just wanna wash and go (home and bury my head in a pillow wailing...). Dan Cloutier goes 7-of-12 and is closing in on a worst starting goalie W-L and GAA and %SV numbers in the league... The second period [0-4] kills the Kings again, especially the three SJS goals in a span of three-odd minutes hurt the royal self-confidence. Things aren't looking good if your team allows first-ever NHL goals to rookies Vlasic and Pavelski.

Hitchcock's a poor match for struggling Blue Jackets

2006-11-24T11:31:00.000+01:00

I find it strange and somewhat disturbing that a coach of the reputation of Ken Hitchcock decided to take the first bait thrown at him and swapped his Flyers scouting consultant pass for a Blue Jackets head coach position so soon.

I really do.

Well, the Blue Jackets are so miserable these days that 'Hitch' has probably nothing to lose. If it turns out, as his opponents claim, that "he can't coach in the new NHL", all the blame for his coaching failure in Ohio can be shed onto players' inexperience, strong division rivals or lack of owner/management commitment. On the other hand, if he does succeed, well, hockey community of Columbus - meet your saviour.

Having said that, though, I think Hitchcock and Blue Jackets are not a good match. Why? The former Stars and Flyers head coach has shown propensity to overuse game-worn veterans of which there are few and far between in Columbus. I'm also not sure how the most offensively-gifted young guns on the team [Nash, Zherdev, Vyborny] will take Hitchcock's defense-oriented schemes and patterns.

Says Damien Cox of the Toronto Star:

"In Dallas and Philly, he was viewed primarily as a hard-driving, defence-first coach, and that may be what he turns out to be in Ohio, as well. There were suggestions in his final days with the Flyers, however, that he lacked the hockey philosophies necessary to succeed in the "new," faster NHL."

If the Flyers example should hold, the young players did not exactly thrive under Ken's idealogy, to say the least.

While the coach has been known around the league as a paragon of ambition and drive, I doubt he has enough soft skills to get the message across to his guys. The age difference does not help either, as evidence by the rants Hitch has had in Philadelphia with the former Phantoms, (probably with the noble exception of RJ Umberger).

Is there an ounce of doubt deep down in Hitchcock's heart as well?:

"I wasn't sure I wanted this job when I went for the interview. I thought I'd go through the interview process but after it was over, I knew I wanted it. This is a really good gig," said Hitchcock, who has a three-year contract but has no player-personnel title as well.

Well, one thing is for sure. In order to clear the obstacles Hitchcock and Blue Jackets have to face a first, and odd, test as early as today. Columbus meets Philly at Wachovia Center this afternoon. I don't care how Hitch is reacted to by the orange-and-blacks, what I'm going to look forward to is the level of energy the team in white brings to the ice.

This might be as good sign as any of things to come in Columbus under Hitchcock's mighty hand. After all, the coach has a lot to prove to a lot of people. Including the undersigned.

(photo courtesy of www.courierpostonline.com)