The Throne Room

The regular season is upon us now, and the Kings have played a trio of games thus far. Opening day in Stockholm saw the Kings beat the New York Rangers on a Jack Johnson power play goal in OT 3-2. The next day in Berlin, the Kings were outworked by the re-tooled Buffalo Sabres and beaten 4-2. Tonight in New Jersey, the Kings suffered a 2-1 shootout loss to the Devils. So, all things being symmetrical I thought I would give some of my thoughts on the team’s play thus far.

A Dustin Penner injury brought head coach Terry Murray to move Simon Gagne up to the top line with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. That line has accounted for 3 of the team’s 5 goals thus far, and while Murray’s original idea was to have Penner flank Kopitar on the left, the seemingly instant chemisty between Kopitar, Williams and Gagne should see that line combination stick around awhile. The Kings’ lone regulation goal tonight was a beauty by Gagne, who was set up by Williams and Kopitar. This line has been dangerous in all 3 games and should continue to be going forward.

Much has been said about Jack Johnson needing to be a plus player this season. Through 3 games, Johnson is a -2. Jack has done much to contribute offensively, particularly in the first two games; but he has yet to escape being caught standing around on an opponents goal in any game this year. Johnson has been on the ice, and has made key mistakes in at least one opposing goal against in each of the Kings’ first three games. This is going to have to change in order for Johnson to make the leap from a good second pair defender to a very good defender, period. It’s early but what we’ve seen from Jack so far is what we’ve always seen – and that isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Alec Martinez was the Kings’ best defenseman in their opening game in Stockholm, hands down; and he continued that solid play into the first period against Buffalo in Berlin. After that, Martinez has vanished. In a sense this is good – he hasn’t made any glaring mistakes worth remembering, but he also hasn’t stepped up and made any significant contribution either. If Martinez can regularly play with the intensity he did in the opener, it would be a huge asset to the club. If he’s invisible, it could prompt the team to give Slava Voynov – who had a dynamite preseason – a look during regular season competition.

Scott Parse’s time with the Kings may be coming to an end soon. After having a terrible preseason and contributing nothing in the opening pair of games in Europe, Parse is a healthy scratch yet again. He’s a guy who probably doesn’t fit into any available role on this Kings’ team right now, and his career as a fringe NHL’er has lasted three years on the strength of one fantastic goal against Mikka Kipprusoff three seasons ago. It would be no shock to see Parse end up on the waiver wire soon, where he’s likely to go unclaimed, punching his ticket to Manchester.

Veteran Trent Hunter has looked good in a bottom 6 role so far, much better suited for that role than the aforementioned Parse. While he doesn’t possess the same scoring touch, Hunter could prove to be a worthy replacement for Wayne Simmonds as the season wears on.

It’s far too early to forecast, but Jonathan Quick has been sharp in his pair of starts for the Kings (he was first star in tonight’s SO loss) while Jonathan Bernier was good but not terrific against Buffalo. Based on Terry Murray’s “play the hot hand” comments in preseason, it’s safe to assume we’ll see a lot more of Quick if these first three games are any indication. Ideally Bernier will step up when his next opportunity arrives and that will continue to push Quick – healthy competition can only be a good thing after all. I expect it to be about like last season. Bernier will play well when needed and Quick will be stellar. In short, the Kings will be fine in goal, and I expect Quick to be part of the Vezina Trophy conversation at season’s end.

How is it possible that Dustin Brown doesn’t have a single hit in the Kings’ first three games? Please tell me that’s a typo.

Speaking of Dustins – Penner’s season debut tonight was less than impressive. He didn’t seem to have a lot of jump and the only time of note he used his size was taking a charging penalty at the end of regulation. One game does not a season make, but Penner looked like the Penner of last season – a colossal disappointment – in tonight’s game.

Now that Drew Doughty is making 7 million a season, he needs to be a guy that can take over games. While he missed all of camp and only played in one exhibition game, and hasn’t been bad by any means, he is being paid like the Kings’ best player, and he hasn’t been that so far. Which leads me to…

Just who has the Kings’ best player been so far? No surprise, it’s Anze Kopitar. 5 points in 3 games so far, you can see the effect that having a legit #2 center like Mike Richards is going to have on Kopitar’s season. The 40 goal, 100 point mark is well within his reach, and ESPN analyst Barry Melrose said on the NHL Network’s “On the Fly” last night that he thinks Kopi might win the Rocket Richard trophy this season. This may be the year the rest of the hockey world officially finds out, just how good Anze Kopitar is.

Mike Richards had a key goal to tie the opener against the Rangers, but he still looks to me like he’s not quite dialed in with his teammates yet. I expect it’ll happen relatively soon – and perhaps if Penner continues to disappoint, moving Brad Richardson to 2nd line Left Wing would better benefit Richards’ play. It’s too early to judge, and Richards has already contributed, albeit not quite as consistently as we’d all like.

All in all, the sky is not falling. The Kings have played 3 games, all of them against good teams. As good as the Kings’ are, you could look at the schedule and say it isn’t out of the range of possibility that they could be 0-3 right now. I’m in no hurry to reach for the panic button.

Much will be revealed Saturday afternoon, as the Kings venture into Philly to take on the unbeaten Flyers, perhaps the toughest test yet.

GO KINGS!

-JS

At the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, Kings’ rookies are set to start camp in 3 days. The veterans will arrive a week later. The Kings’ annual HockeyFest is this coming Sunday. It all means one thing – hockey season is right around the corner.

This season will be one of buzz and heightened expectations in Los Angeles. The Kings, having made two consecutive playoff appearances – and consequently two consecutive first round exits – have made moves to turn the team into a bona-fide Cup contender.

LAST SEASON

I am of the belief that last season’s team was capable of much better than it achieved. For a couple of stretches in 2010-11, the Kings were flat out the NHL’s best team – including their fantastic 12-3 start out of the gate. The Kings’ system under 3rd year coach Terry Murray stresses responsible play in their own end, and defense and goaltending were the team’s strengths without question. Once again, the Kings had trouble producing 5 on 5 offensively, and the power play was mired in a funk that seemed to be never-ending. Inconsistency and key injuries were ultimately the Kings’ demise. Without leading scorer (and the team’s best defensive forward) Anze Kopitar, the team finished 7th in the West and earned a matchup with the division winning San Jose Sharks. Minus the team’s best player, the Kings had San Jose on the ropes after the first period of game 3, with a 4-0 lead at home; but the Kings stopped doing the little things that had been working up to that point, and defensive breakdowns (as well as a phantom goal by Joe Pavelski at the end of the 2nd period that appeared to hit the crossbar and never go in but wasn’t reviewed) led to a collapse and an eventual 6-5 OT loss. The loss seemed to deflate the team – and while Jon Quick stole a game 5 victory on the road, the Kings would sign their own death warrant by their inability to score on a 5 minute power play at the of regulation that carried into overtime. San Jose’s Greg Louganis…err, Joe Thornton took advantage of a fortuitous bounce in OT and ended the series. It was disappointing on a lot of levels – the Kings’ had the series in their grasp and allowed it to slip away, and the Sharks, much like their fans were more than a little unsportsmanlike about the victory. If anything could make this longtime fan hate a team more than Anaheim, this was it.

The loss highlighted some holes the Kings would need to fill in order to make a serious Cup run in future years – lack of a true 1/2 punch at Center, lack of scoring punch and speed in the top 6. Dean Lombardi had clear goals headed into the Summer of 2011. I’ll take a look at the 4 areas of the Kings organization and talk about my outlook for the team’s forwards, defensemen and goaltenders; as well as the team’s coaching staff and management.

2011-2012 OUTLOOK – FORWARDS

This is where the majority of the Kings’ roster changes have taken place. The Kings made perhaps the offseason’s biggest splash by acquiring Philadelphia Flyers captain and All-Star centerman Mike Richards. In doing so, the Kings had to part ways with gritty winger Wayne Simmonds – a fan favorite  - and the team’s top prospect in center Brayden Schenn. While the Kings lost out on the Brad Richards’ sweepstakes to the NY Rangers, the wasted little time in going after target 1A – former Flyer and Tampa Bay LW Simon Gagne. In addition, the Kings accomodated LW Ryan Smyth’s request for a trade back to Alberta for family reasons. The Kings head into training camp with a projected first line of Left Wing Dustin Penner – who is reported to be in excellent shape going into a contract year, Center Anze Kopitar and Right Wing Justin Williams. The Kings second line should be new additions Gagne at LW and Richards at C, joined by captain Dustin Brown on RW. That’s perhaps the most formidable top 6 in the history of the Kings’ franchise. The addition of Richards at Center adds another reliable, gritty two-way forward and will take a ton of pressure off of Kopitar. No longer is the drop off at center as steep as in the past. Every member of the Kings’ top 6 has been a 30 goal scorer at least once in their career, and it’s safe to assume with Richards at C2, Kopitar could hit the 40 goal mark this season.

The Kings 3rd line should look something like 2nd year man Kyle Clifford at LW, Jaret Stoll at C and likely either Trevor Lewis or Brad Richardson at RW. Youngsters Tyler Toffoli and Brandon Kozun will get looks at RW3 as well, but it might be safe to assume either are a year away from cracking the lineup.

The 4th line will consist of either the aforementioned Lewis and Richardson, Newcomer Ethan Moreau, tough guy Kevin Westgarth and when healthy, Colin Fraser who was acquired from Edmonton as part of the Smyth deal.

The Kings possess a talented group of forwards, with depth at Center to rival or surpass any team in the Western Conference right now, and scoring punch on both wings; and solid two way play throughout 4 lines.

2011-2012 OUTLOOK – DEFENSEMEN

The only offseason loss suffered by the Kings was that of Peter Harrold, a utility type player who spend time both at forward and on D in limited action the past two seasons. Harrold was a healthy scratch most of the time, so his loss won’t have any noticeable effect on the team.

The Kings return all of their defensive pairs from 2010-2011 (pending an RFA signing expected to happen before camp opens). Drew Doughty and Willie Mitchell figure to be the team’s top pair yet again; while Jack Johnson and veteran Rob Scuderi round out the top 4. Veteran leader and Alternate Captain Matt Greene should pair with Alec Martinez to complete the top 6. The only guy of those 6 that could potentially have to look over his shoulder is Martinez, who has had essentially half a season of NHL experience and came out of nowhere to seize the #6 D-spot from now veteran David Drewiske and youngster Jake Muzzin.

Perhaps the most hotly contested spots on the entire roster will be those #6 and 7 defensive slots. Martinez has the advantage on #6 as the incumbent, but Drewiske and Muzzin figure to make a strong push, as will youngsters Slava Voynov and former #1 pick Thomas Hockey. This is a quality problem for the Kings – a glut of quality young defensemen who compose a strong defensive pipeline for the Kings’ organization. While Voynov and Muzzin are clearly knocking on the door and can’t remain in the AHL indefinitely, either could seize opportunities in the event of a slump or an injury, or serve as trade bait should the Kings want to strengthen their lineup at any point during the course of the season.

Regardless of how it shakes out, the Kings have the best defensive corps in the Pacific Division. San Jose has attempted to keep pace with the Kings defensively by adding Brent Burns – who is an outstanding puck mover but is extremely inconsistent defensively, and Colin White – who’s best seasons are far behind him. The Kings corps is superior in almost every facet to San Jose’s, and Anaheim, Phoenix and Dallas all lack depth on the back end. Advantage Kings, to say the least.

2011-2012 OUTLOOK – GOALTENDERS

Another strength for the Kings. Jon Quick has established himself as the Kings’ best goaltender since Rogie Vachon. While Quick can safely be considered one of the NHL’s elite goalies, he remains perhaps the most underrated goalie in the league. Both of the Kings’ playoff victories of 2010-11 were stolen wins for Quick, including a superb 51 save performance in game 5. Quick’s reflexes and lateral movement are much like his surname and his size doesn’t give opposing shooters much net to look at. Quick is in many ways similar in style and disposition to Boston’s Tim Thomas, who willed the Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup as playoff MVP.

Behind Quick is 2006 first round pick Jonathan Bernier, who is considered by many as a future NHL elite. With Quick established as #1 and Bernier under contract for two more seasons, the Quebec born Bernier will have to earn every opportunity – which in the end makes both of them better. Bernier’s development will motivate Quick to stay on top of his game and Bernier will have to be motivated to work hard to take advantage of any opportunity he’s afforded. The combination gives the Kings one of the league’s best tandems, and the Kings would be in good hands if Quick were to slump or suffer an injury of any kind.

The Kings cupboard is well stocked in goal as it is on defense. Martin Jones, who had a stellar first pro season last year, should get the lion’s share of work for the Kings’ AHL affiliate in Manchester. Jeff Zatkoff will compete for playing time there, and J-F Berube should spend his first year as a pro with Ontario of the ECHL. 2011 2nd round pick Chris Gibson will return to Chicoutimi of the QMJHL for at least one more season.

In Quick and Bernier, the Kings have the division’s best goaltending tandem. Better than Niemi/Nittymaki. Better than Hiller/Ellis. Certainly better than Smith/LaBarbera and Lehtonen/Raycroft. Look for Quick to be a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2011-12.

2011-2012 OUTLOOK – COACHES/MANAGEMENT

The Kings enter 2011-12 with no turnover in this department. General Manager Dean Lombardi has guided the Kings from also-ran to legitimate contender in five seasons. He’s done that largely though the draft…acquisition of top prospects and some key trade acquisitions. If there’s one area on Lombardi’s resume that might be his inability to attract marquee free agents to LA. In the past three seasons, Lombardi has targeted Marian Hossa, Ilya Kovalchuk and Brad Richards and all 3 have signed elsewhere. As the cliche goes “If you built it, they will come”, and Lombardi has built a winner in LA now. Challenging for the Stanley Cup in 2012 will go along way toward attracting the big fish.

Head Coach Terry Murray enters his 4th season behind the Kings’ bench. Murray has been a stabilizing figure there, and has helped tutor the Kings’ youngsters in a defense first system which has allowed them to get the most out of limited offensive production. While the Kings’ offensive production looks to have undergone a drastic upgrade, they will still be responsible in their own end. With expectations high for the coming season, Murray’s job might be in some jeopardy if the Kings were to struggle out the gate.

Assistant Coach John Stevens works primarily with the defense and on the penalty killing portion of the special teams, areas where the Kings excelled and should continue to do so.

Probably the biggest sore spot among Kings’ fans is Assistant Coach Jamie Kompon, responsible for the forwards and the power-play. Kompon has come under heavy criticism for the power plays lack of production in long stretches. Often times the Kings’ power play appears to lack creativity. If there’s one member of the Kings’ staff who is legitimately on the hot seat, it would be Kompon. With weapons like Doughty, Johnson and even Martinez on the points, the Kings have few excuses not to be near the top of the league in power play statistics.

Goaltending coach Bill Ranford has done an outstanding job with both Quick and Bernier. Having moldable talent makes a big difference – remember Jason LaBarbera who couldn’t be coached to competence no matter how hard Ranford tried. It’s a good relationship both ways here, as Ranford is fortunate to have talent like Quick and Bernier to work with; and in turn they’re fortunate to have Ranford working with them.

CONCLUSION

Last season I thought the Kings were the best team in the Pacific Division and for stretches they proved me right. In the end, lack of depth in key spots and inconsistent performances, as well as key injuries forced the Kings into a lower playoff seed. The 2011-12 Los Angeles Kings are perhaps the best team in franchise history. With all-world depth at Center, one of the NHL’s best defensive units as well as one of it’s best goaltending tandems and a solid coaching staff and upper management team, look for the Kings to march to the top of the mountain known as the Pacific Division and plant their flag as Champs.

But, there is a bigger task ahead. Division titles mean little without the hoisting of Lord Stanley’s chalice (just ask San Jose). Next time, I’ll talk about why this Kings’ team could be the one to end fans’ long wait for the hallowed Cup.

See you at HockeyFest Sunday. GO KINGS!

-JS

It has been many moons since I’ve posted a new blog entry here. Hard to believe my last post was in November of 2010. How time flies when you’re busy I suppose. It’s good to be back in the saddle here, and I hope to be able to post more frequently leading up to and during the 2011-2012 season.

When the 2010-2011 season ended, the Kings found themselves on the short end of a 6 game series with San Jose. Kings were minus their best player, and it still took the Sharks 3 overtime victories to vanquish a resilient Kings’ squad. I’ll not discuss this much, as I’m still bitter we lost to the most overrated NHL franchise of the last decade, and every time I see anything teal I want to kick babies. OK, maybe not babies. Anyway…

The loss of one player made a significant dent in the Kings, particularly defensively. The Kings were thin up the middle without Kopitar, and it cost them. Fortunately. Dean Lombardi took notice of this and made it his priority to shore up center ice for the Kings. Just before the 2001 NHL Draft, Lombardi was able to engineer a deal with Philadelphia to acquire Flyers’ captain Mike Richards. The Kings had to part with fan favorite Wayne Simmonds, top prospect Brayden Schenn and a second round pick in 2012; but for a guy with Richards’ credentials, that’s more than a fair price to pay. The emergence of Kyle Clifford made Simmonds expendable, and Schenn is still probably a season away from full time NHL duty. In acquiring Richards, the Kings now have a 1-2 punch at center that matches up with any team in the West.

Winger Ryan Smyth in the meantime, requested that Lombardi send him home to Alberta if a trade could be worked out. The event created a bit of a shitstorm in the local hockey media, with Smyth denying his trade request initially. After what ended up being days worth of drama, Smyth was sent to Edmonton for Colin Fraser and a pick. Fraser was found to be injured, and Lombardi neglected to reverse the deal. The Oilers owe the Kings additional compensation over the mishap but don’t expect that to be much. Smyth will be missed, but the Kings do gain a TON of cap space from the deal and Fraser, if healthy, can be a serviceable bottom 6 player who has a Cup ring from his time in Chicago two seasons ago.

Smyth’s departure left a gaping hole in the Kings top 6 heading into the start of free agency on July 1st. Lombardi and company- an entourage including the Kings’ coaching staff and AEG CEO Tim Lieweke – made a hard pitch for Brad Richards that included testimony from Wayne Gretzky and Kobe Bryant about the joys of playing in LA on Friday. Richards chose the Rangers and former head coach John Tortorella on Saturday, and the Kings immediately took to plan 1A and signed LW Simon Gagne, the longtime Philadelphia Flyer most recently a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning, to a two year deal. Gagne has scored 20 or more goals 7 times in his career, 30 or more goals 4 times, and 40+ goals twice. He comes with some risk as he’s had some unfortunate injuries later in his career, but Gagne is a gifted scorer who has spent several productive seasons alongside new Kings #2 Center Mike Richards in Philly. Provided Gagne can stay healthy, he can score 30 + on Richards’ flank, and he makes the Kings a much better team. Unlike last summer, when the Kings had no plan beyond their pursuit of Ilya Kovalchuk, Lombardi and co went out and got the necessary pieces to make the Kings a contender right now, without giving up their entire farm system to do so.

So, as of July 3rd, the Kings’ top 6 looks like Penner-Kopitar-Williams and Gagne-Richards-Brown. The best and most balanced top 6 the Kings have had in a decade or more. I expect the Kings to add perhaps another serviceable bottom 6 guy before camp, but that’s perhaps not even necessary as the Kings have Bud Holloway, Tyler Toffoli and Brandon Kozun on the cusp of cracking the lineup. We’ll see how it plays out, but Lombardi has options.

One interesting thing for those in the twitterverse: Dennis Bernstein of The Fouth Period has hinted over the past couple of days that he thinks the Kings have one more big move coming before camp, and has indicated it involves a forward. I’ll not speculate much here now, but one has to wonder if it doesn’t have something to do with Zack Parise – who’s arbitration award may be more than the Devils can swallow. NJ needs an heir for Martin Brodeur, which leads me to believe hypothetically at least that Bernier would be part of any such deal. Again, pure speculation on my part as Bernstein hasn’t divulged any info on the Kings’ possible dance partner, and for all we know it could be something off the board. It all remains to be seen.

The sum of all the moves that have been made up to now, and the potential of another big move on the horizon is this: The Kings are contenders, right now. Dean Lombardi has responded to critics who’ve hung the “Can’t make the big move” tag on him with two dynamite additions to the roster. Lomardi knows these Kings are ready to make a run at the Cup this season. It would be fair, and by all means accurate, to call them frontrunners for the Pacific Division title in 2011-12, and one of the teams to beat in the West. I’ll withhold my in depth analysis of that as there’s a lot of time between now and the opening of camp in September.

Needless to say, if you’re a Kings’ fan like I am, there hasn’t been this much excitement surrounding our team in a long time. I know it’s got me waking up daily asking “Is it October yet?”.

GO KINGS!

-JS

I’m normally pretty long winded here, but driving round trip to LA from San Diego on a work night has me exhausted, so I’ll keep it brief.

Kings lost 2-1 in OT tonight in Phoenix and 3-1 at home. Don’t have much comment on the road game, since I was at Staples watching the home game.

In brief about the LA game:

Phoenix skated a lot more guys looking for roster spots, and looked hungrier at times. They did an especially good job on defense. Goalie Al Montoya could’ve put up a hammock in front of the net most of the night. Other than the goal, the Kings’ best chances all missed the net. They sure teach those kids to collapse around the net though.

Brayden Schenn wants a roster spot in LA, now.

Doughty and Mitchell look pretty good together, but the team as a whole looked a bit sloppy at home.

Didn’t agree with all the calls, but the Kings took some absolutely STUPID penalties.

Jon Quick was very sharp for 55 minutes. He had a lapse in focus at the worst possible time, and gave up a bad goal on a Phoenix power play. Just happened to end up as the game winner.

Kyle Clifford and twitter favorite Paul Bissonnette had a pretty good scrap. Not sure it was worth the 17 minutes of penalties they assessed Clifford, but it was a crowd pleaser for sure.

Ryan Smyth played on the first penaltykill unit all night. Seriously, he did. He did the job, but hopefully that experiment was in light of Handzus, Stoll andf Ponikarovsky being in Phoenix.

Kings make their first round of cuts tomorrow, from what I understand.

More on tonight’s game, in more detail, when I’ve had some sleep (and preferably some coffee)

Go Kings.

-JS

After coming a half a puck short of winning game 1 of their playoff series against Vancouver (despite not playing their best game), the Kings got even in game 2. Vancouver took a 2-0 lead in the first ten minutes of the first period, a period in which, in truth, the Kings didn’t show up in until late.

From the puck drop in period 2 on, the Kings took control of the game. Increased offensive zone possession, good scoring chances and smart play finally led to the Kings’ breaking through Roberto Luongo, who looked much more confident tonight than he did Thursday. The Kings got their first goal from Fredrik Modin (what a pickup that’s proved to be) on the power play, after Luongo stopped Jack Johnson. Johnson got his own rebound and skated around the sprawled Canuck goalie, wisely dishing it to the front of the net where Modin would collect and bury the puck to cut the Vancouver lead in half.

35 seconds later, The Kings top line of Ryan Smyth, Anze Kopitar and Wayne Simmonds, got a 3-on-1 rush. Kopitar fed the puck to Simmonds who buried it. 2-2, just like that. The Kings would carry much of the remainder of play, but I thought were a bit sloppy in the last 5 minutes of regulation. Vancouver was in the Kings’ zone for a good chunk of that time, and you got the feeling by watching that the Kings were hanging on by a thread. The Kings’ defense made plays (a magnificent play by Drew Doughty to break up a 2-on-1 for the Sedins) and Jon Quick held the fort, and the Kings managed to escape to OT.

In the OT, Quick made several critical saves, and the biggest blunder of the game was made by the Vancouver bench – a too many men on the ice penalty that would give the Kings the power play – and ultimately seal the Canucks’ fate tonight. On the man advantage, The Kings were able to establish possession and managed to keep the zone and control the puck despite the Canucks’ best efforts. Finally, Jack Johnson faked a shot and passed to Drew Doughty, who fed cross ice to Anze Kopitar. Kopitar’s one-timer was blocked by Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler, but Kopi collected his own rebound and beat Luongo. Game over, Kings win.

A testament to the Kings’ strong play: The Sedin twins were -2 and had 0 points on the night.  Mikeal Samuelsson continues to be a King killer, as he had another goal tonight.

Not without mention is the strong play of Quick in the Kings’ net. After standing on his head and giving the Kings every chance to win game 1, Quick’s goal allowed to Samuelsson I’m sure left a lump in the throats of many Kings’ fans. Samuelsson’s shot came from the top of the circles, and it appeared to be deflected by the stick of Matt Greene. While I can tell you from personal experience as a goalie, that wasn’t a routine save by any means, it definitely doesn’t look good. In the end it didn’t matter. The important thing for Quick was how he responded to that goal. Instead of allowing it to rattle him, he tightened down the hatches and was perfect after that. The Kings needed him to be. Through the first 2 playoff games, Quick has a 2.21 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Where are all the haters now? Quick has been stellar.

While I don’t necessarily agree with coach Terry Murray’s decision to sit Justin Williams, it’s amazing how much better the Kings look WITHOUT Randy Jones or Raitis Ivanans in the lineup, isn’t it?

Now, the Kings head back to Staples Center having taken home-ice advantage from the Canucks. The pressures of the first home playoff game for many of the Kings’ players could be a factor. Based on the Kings loose attitude thus far, I’d wager not. If the Kings play as well for the rest of the series as they did tonight, it’s going to be another disappointing spring in Vancouver.

GO KINGS!!!

-JS