Kings vs Blackhawks: Dustin Delivers

"What can Brown do for you?"

A couple of seasons ago, that tag line accompanied highlight reels of our captain dishing out some of the hardest hits in hockey. I've heard more than one Kings fan lately muse where Dustin Brown has "gone" because he doesn't hit like he used to.

Last night Dustin Brown proved he hasn't gone anywhere. And he ISN'T going anywhere if he has anything to say about it.

Let the doubters talk, because when it counts Dustin Brown delivers. He was an offensive MACHINE last night with a natural hat trick and an assist. Four huge points. But he also brought something even more important than that. He brought focus. He brought leadership.

Ever wondered what a leader looks like? THIS is it.

He energized an entire team with his dedication, an entire team focused on righting the ship and getting back to the business of winning. Dustin Brown isn't flashy or vocal, but he is determined. And this is the point in the season where determination means everything

But what about Jeff Carter, the man the Kings also hope will play a significant role in turning this team around?

There were plenty of cheers as he took the ice, playing on a line with Mike Richards as expected. While he contributed no goals -- in fact, not even a point -- Carter is a very fast, fluid skater, good passer and was strong on the puck on all night. He was out with Richards and Doughty on the first PK and fit right in. He got a few looks on the power play. He made a beautiful cross ice pass to Richards in the second period that almost turned into goal number 5. For his first night on the ice with a new team without the benefit of a single practice, he looked surprisingly at home.

Other thoughts from The Queen...

• All the talk in the crowd tonight was about the Johnson-Carter trade. Most people I overheard didn't seem to miss Johnson too much. Neither does the Kings organization, since they have already re-cut the game intro video and erased every trace of him.

• I love my usual seat buddies. I just wish they hadn't sold their seats to a couple of Blackhawks fans. Luckily they turned out to be REALLY cool. Not only complimentary of our players but in agreement a couple of the calls against us were bad. 

• Jonathan Quick earned his HNL high 7th shut out for the season. Amazing what an already stellar goaltender can do with some goal support, eh?
  

• Plenty of writers have called out the guys wearing extra letters on their sweaters to lead by example. Dustin Brown did it with four points. Anze Kopitar got zero points, another bogus goaltender interference penalty and almost broke something in his face. I'm still waiting for Kopitar to rediscover his scoring mojo, but hopefully Brown showed him the blueprint tonight.

• Dustin Penner worked harder tonight that he has since he was doing lunges on the beach this summer. Guess he's not wild about the idea of the weather in Manchester.

Last but not least, it was super cool to see two of Dustin Brown's team mates give thanks to their captain online. Love is all around this locker room.

 

The Kings get their next chance to build on this positive momentum Monday night in Smashville. Bring on the Predators!

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Blackhawks

So I go on the road for work, and the Kings go on the road for a couple of games. I have some pretty successful meetings and the Kings start looking like the Titanic. So Dean Lombardi makes his trade move and decides Jeff Carter is the man to help save the sinking ship.

Will it work? Or does this team have enough holes that it takes more than one move to plug them? Here's what your favorite Kings bloggers have to say.

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The Royal Half from The Royal Half
@theroyalhalf
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score:Blackhawks 6, Kings 5
• Reason: Despite Jeff Carter's 5 goals, the Kings lose at home to the Blackhawks.
• Record: 5-6

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty 
@RinkRoyaltyJon
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Kings 4, Hawks 1
• Reason: If trading Jack Johnson didn't get it through to these guys, nothing will. Dean proved yesterday that he'll willing to make tough moves and the players have one game left to prove their worth.
• Record: 4-7

Bobby Scribe from Surly and Scribe
@kingsofhockey
http://lakingsnews.com/

• Score: Blackhawks 5, Kings 4
• Reason: An offensive explosion followed by offensive language
• Record: 6-5

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
@LAKingsCourt
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score: Blackhawks 5, Kings 2
• Reason: Because the more things change, the more they stay the same. And because I have absolutely NO IDEA what to expect from this team any more.
• Record: 5-6

Hipcheck from LA Kings Road Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letsgokings

• Score: Kings 3, Blackhawks 2
• Reason: Carter makes it happen in his first game with a pair of goal in his LA Kings Debut and Justin Williams out the other with a Kopi helper.
• Record: 4-4

Wavesinair from Deep Inside the Kings@deepinsidekings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Blackhawks 4, Kings 1
• Reason: The slide continues to edge ever closer to the abyss. JMFJ nets the only goal. What? Did I miss something.
• Record: 4-7

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
@Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score: Kings 3, Blackhawks 1
• Reason: The offense looks to get a jolt from Jeff "The Cannon" Carter, but it'll be Mike Richards who benefits, as the besties show instant chemistry. Also, the defense will show the depth that allowed Lombardi to trade away Jack Johnson.
• Record: 4-8

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Coyotes

The Desert Dogs started the Kings slide out of play-off position last week. Will the Kings come back with a vengeance tonight -- or will they get bitten again?

Tonight PLEASE keep the puck away from THIS guy!

Here's what your favorite Kings bloggers have to say.

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The Royal Half from The Royal Half
@theroyalhalf
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score: Phoenix 1, Kings 0
• Reason: he LA Kings become the 1st team to ever have a goalie record 3 consecutive shutouts and also be shut out 3 consecutive times in the same season.
• Record:3-6

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty 
@RinkRoyaltyJon
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Kings 3, Coyotes 0
• Reason: That’s right! Kopi getting rid of Brown should ignite the scoring engine. Crap, at least that’s what I want to believe.
• Record: 4-5

Bobby Scribe from Surly and Scribe
@kingsofhockey
http://lakingsnews.com/

• Score: Kings 2, Coyotes 1
• Reason: It can't rain forever
• Record: 5-4

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
@LAKingsCourt
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score: Kings 3, Coyotes 2 OT
• Reason: he Kings will be looking for payback but it will take extra time - and some extra goals from Brown and Kopitar - to quiet Coach Sutter.
• Record: 4-5

Wavesinair from Deep Inside the Kings@deepinsidekings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score:  Kings 3, Coyotes 2 shootout
• Reason: Reason: On the verge of historic humiliation, it's come to this. And you know what they say about that: When the going gets tough... So this is finally the moment the Kings play to their potential. You know, the potential everyone knows they have. And the tough get going. To be continued...
• Record: 4-5

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
@Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score: Coyotes 2, Kings 1, shootout
• Reason: Darryl Sutter caled out Kopitar and Brown, then broke up his top line. Brown is at his natural RW position, and the rookies now share a line with the top centers. Will this jump start the offense. Doubtful, as this team will stall after a quick start. I predict both goaltenders will play out of their minds again and send the contest to a shootout.
• Record: 2-7

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!

Line-up Changes: The Kings Crew Loses A True Original

The Kings have brought a lot of really fantastic people into my life. To a person, hey are fun, energetic, passionate, thoughtful, and steadfast. They are like family. And one of the people who has been all that and more to me is Michael Timoney.

 

I met Mike when he joined the Kings Crew in it's inaugural season. He has a huge smile and infectious energy, and he would always say hello to me on the concourse before every game. He shared that enthusiasm with each and every fan he met because he took his role as a Kings ambassador seriously. Being a member of the Kings Crew wasn't just a job -- it was a calling.

Mike rolled thousands of t-shirts, handled a t-shirt cannon, scraped up ice shavings, sold calendars, built surfboards, waved flags and even wore crazy costumes -- anything that would bring joy to the fans supporting his team. In return, legions of Kings fans loved him back, making him the only member of the Kings Crew ever to be honored with his own Fan Appreciation  Day.

My heart broke a little when he took a job with the Dallas Stars and left the Kings Crew. I still find myself looking for him on the concourse at every game, but as much as I miss him I'm happy he's getting a chance to advance his career. And I envy the Dallas Stars fans that are having fun with him now.

Even if he's no longer haunting the halls at Staples Center, Mike Timoney will ALWAYS be a member of MY Kings family.

GO KINGS GO!

Kings vs Flames: Flaming Out

Last night was painful to watch. It's even more painful that I don't see things changing for the Kings before the end of the season.

Regardless of who -- or even IF -- the Kings add to the roster before the trade deadline, the defense first mentality of this team is so engrained in it's DNA that the best we can hope to do is limp into the first round of the playoffs, play 4 or 5 games and take the summer off to think about what we've become.

"If I could just take the beach with me, I'd go back to Philly...."

"Oh shit, you heard that, didn't you?"

Sadly, right now we've become an also ran.

THIS makes me sad.

The Kings are running out of time in more ways than one.

Random thoughts from The Queen:

• I thought it was very classy of Charlie Simmer to thank both teams for their patience in waiting through his ceremony since so much was at stake for the game. I just wish he had strapped on some skates -- I think he could have helped the Kings last night.

• I totally forgot about Mike Cammalleri playing for the Flames until halfway through the game. Did the little bastard have to remind me with a goal?

• Dustin Penner is hopeless. I suppose I should be happy he was the Panasonic "Tough Hit Of The Game" but I'm still operating under the delusion that he's supposed to help us score. Maybe IHOP will give him a job when this hockey thing he's doing is over...

• I think some of our Kings players have dogs. I wonder if they can smell pucks? Maybe they can sniff out some goals...

Lastly, here are some of the most inspired tweets I saw last night.

The Kings next game is against Phoenix, the very team that started their slide out of playoff position in the West. Will a road trip to the desert get the Kings back on the straight and narrow path? Let's hope so.

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Flames

The stakes tonight couldn't get any higher for the Kings. After giving up a spot in the standings to the Phoenix Coyotes on Thursday, our boys find themselves in 8th position in the Western Conference standings with the same problem against the Calgary Flames. A loss tonight would drop the Kings out of playoff position and move the Flames into the 8 seat.

Will the Kings rise to the occasion tonight? Or will we witness another Staples Center flame-out? Let's see what your favorite Kings bloggers have to say.

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The Royal Half from The Royal Half
@theroyalhalf
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score: Calgary 3, Kings 2
• Reason: It's a 3-2 league and Brent wants to be just like his big brother, Darryl.
• Record: 2-6

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty 
@RinkRoyaltyJon
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Kings 3 - Flames 2 in OT
• Reason: Well, the Kings HAVE to win, don't they? But, of course the Flames will get a point. Let's not get too out of control and separate from the pack. Wouldn't want Kings fans to sleep easy.
• Record: 3-5

Bobby Scribe from Surly and Scribe
@kingsofhockey
http://lakingsnews.com/

• Score: Kings 3, Flames 2
• Reason: Because hope springs eternal
• Record: 5-3

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
@LAKingsCourt
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score: Flames 3, Kings 1
• Reason: Because this team refuses to obey my expectations and I'm willing to have MY record take a hit if it means this team can FINALLY find a way to score.
• Record: 3-5

Hipcheck from LA Kings Road Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letsgokings

• Score: Flames 2, Kings 1
• Reason: Sadly the scoring woes will not end, nor will they ever. Wayne Simmonds will have a better chance of scoring for the Kings tonight.
• Record: 3-4

Wavesinair from Deep Inside the Kings@deepinsidekings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Kings 3, Flames 1
• Reason: There's no reason to believe this game will be much different than the last. We'll hold the Flames to 1 goal, no doubt. But will the Kings score one of their own? Let alone 2? All signs point to hell yes! They'll bury those chances this time because, well, because I say so! :)
• Record: 4-4

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
@Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score:  Kings 2, Flames 0
• Reason: Coming off an embarrassing loss to divisional rival Phoenix, coach Sutter will have this squad ready to respond. After all, the defense is still working. Quick is still working. The PK unit is still working. Let's hope the boys can put all the trade talk on the back burner and unleash hell.
• Record: 2-6

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!

Kings vs Coyotes: Hair of the Dog

Dean Lombardi talked at the beginning of the season about the Kings taking the next steps in the process of learning to win. I'm pretty sure last night proved that not only has this team NOT take a step forward, they've taken two steps back. And pine after Rick Nash all you want, but we need a lot more than one band-aid -- even one that big -- to stop the bleeding.

The work was there last night. We put pucks to the next. We fought board battles. We fought with our fists. With the Kings and Coyotes, that's how the game has always been played. Even when both teams have been terrible in the past, the Kings and Coyotes crash and bang. Hell, these two teams would start a bench brawl over a plastic trophy. But seriously, who pissed in the Coyotes cornflakes before the game last night? I love physical hockey but they were a bunch of cheap shot bastards last night. When Quick skated out to center ice in the midst of the Mike Smith-Anze Kopitar pile-up, I almost thought he was gonna go full Hextal on us.

And who could blame him. This team gives him NO goal support. They're ruining what should be his first legitimate shot at a Vezina nomination. I hope AEG has a wad of cash stashed away when it's time to renegotiate his contract -- which if they're smart would be right about now. He's been the one bright spot on this team ALL SEASON LONG.

I'm guessing Quickie is praying to the Hockey Gods for some goal support...

The one thing the Kings didn't do last night is the one thing that matters -- score goals.


I wondered as I watched from my seat at Staples last night whether this team truly has the desire to win. The stakes couldn't have been much higher. A division rival. A team that has fought the Kings tooth and nail for every game in the past. A tight play-off race with less than half the regular season to go.  It was a HUGE opportunity for the Kings -- and another one missed.

I'm trying to stay optimistic, but it gets harder as each lost opportunity passes us by.



Other random thoughts from The Queen:

• Nothing gets me going more than a good Captains fight.

• Jordan Nolan is afraid of nothing. Sticks to the face. Elbows to the face. You name it and it happened, but the kid was a warrior out there. And he handles the puck pretty well too.  He can stay.

• Apparently I need to re-read the NHL Rule Book. Kopi gets shoved into the goalie by another Coyote player and Kopi gets mugged for it? And he gets an interference penalty? At least Mike Smith got a roughing call.

• Davis Drewiske was clearly fighting for a spot last night. It's only one game, but if I had to make a decision based only on that 60 minutes, I'd say he's earned one.

• The Jumbotrom volume on the bleeding eardrum setting last night for some reason. Gotta remember to talk to Jay Flats about that.

• Mike Richards worked his ass off last night and got nothing but a game misconduct to show for it. I wonder if the TV cameras got footage of what he said to the refs.

• Note to SOME of my fellow fans in 116: When a player from the other team goes down, don't call him a baby, or a pussy, or anything else that implies he's faking. If that was one of our guys, you'd be part of the lynch mob to attack the opposing team. Hockey players are tough. Even if he is a Coyote, give the poor guy a break.

• My favorite in-game moment of the night was the to the left of me in the lower bowl screaming that the refs worked for Bettman.

• Last night was another sellout, folks. And you wonder why your season seat prices are going up?

The Kings have their next chance to right this sinking ship on Saturday against the Calgary Flames. It's also the Kings final Legends Night of the season, and thank goodness we're honoring Charlie Simmer. The guy knew how to score in his day, so we might have to suit him up after the ceremony...

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Coyotes

The Kings have had a few days off to think about their road trip performance before returning to home ice against an always pesky division rival from Phoenix. Do newcomers Jordan Nolan and Dwight King help the rest of the boys see success back at home? Or will the Desert Dogs take a bite out of the Kings play-off hopes?

Just don't let THIS GUY near the puck....(photo courtesy of Paul Gheduzzi)

Let's see what your favorite Kings bloggers have to say.

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The Royal Half from The Royal Half
@theroyalhalf
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score: Coyotes 4, Kings 1
• Reason: Please… like the Kings can score without Rick Nash.
• Record:1-6

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty 
@RinkRoyaltyJon
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Kings 4, Coyotes 1
• Reason: Kids continue to provide spark to the offense and Quick stands on his head in yet another huge division game.
• Record: 3-4

Bobby Scribe from Surly and Scribe
@kingsofhockey
http://lakingsnews.com/

• Score:  Coyotes 2, Kings 1
• Reason: Coyotes are hot and we are not.
• Record: 4-3

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
@LAKingsCourt
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score: Kings 3, Coyotes 2, OT
• Reason: Phoenix won 5 of their last 6 games, but the Kings NEED to win against every Pacific opponents to secure a play-off spot. It will come down to the wire, but they'll find a way to please the Staples Center crowd who will still be reeling at the news of their season ticket price hike.
• Record: 4-3

Hipcheck from LA Kings Road Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letsgokings

• Score: Kings 3, Coyotes 1
• Reason: Richards new friends in Nolan and King continue to pay dividends. Their line gets a goal, Kopi and Williams come through again, and one of the 4th liners gets 1 as well.
• Record: 3-3

Wavesinair from Deep Inside the Kings@deepinsidekings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Kings 4, Coyotes 3, shootout
• Reason: Spectacularly huge game. Tough call on this one. Yotes are playing well but the Kings always play them tight. If practice is any indication, they're due for a run. There's no doubt the Kings match up, and with the new kids on the block, I'm predicting some difficult adjustments by Phoenix. JMFJ gets a goal and the SO winner.
• Record: 3-4

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
@Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score: Coyotes 3, Kings 1
• Reason: The bubble pops on King and Nolan, as they get held off the scoresheet. And with that youthful spark, the Kings offense will suffer. Phoenix scores an empty-netter to secure the win.
• Record: 1-6

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!

Ticket Price Increases And The Price Of The Kings "Success"

If you've spent the last few weeks fretting over the Kings lack of scoring, worrying about what roster moves Dean Lombardi could make at the trade deadline or whether Jonathan Quick will manage to salvage this season and pull out a Vezina nomination, you can stop worrying. You've got bigger fish to fry if you're a Kings season ticket holder.

You've got to find more money to pay for your season tickets next season. In some cases, significantly more.

The ever-intrepid Helene Elliott broke the news first and most of the Kings fans I know are already up in arms about the projected increases. How can you blame them? Our on-ice product this season has been marginal at best. The economy stinks. No one really plans for a price hike, even though we've seen them every season except one in recent memory. And it certainly doesn't help reading the bad news on the Internet before you even hear it from your Kings representative.

But now that we've ripped the band-aid off and exposed the problem, let's break things down and see just how unreasonable -- or not -- this increase is.

From the Kings perspective, there are some good reasons to justify a price increase.

• Los Angeles is the second largest media market in the country, yet we pay less for seats here than in smaller markets -- for example San Jose, which is the fourth largest.
• According to the Los Angeles Times article linked above, Kings ticket prices are still below the league average.
• The Kings will hopefully make their 3rd playoff appearance in a row this season and seats have been selling well all year. With all but a handful of games selling out, AEG is in a position to capitalize on the market demand for this team.
• Player salaries are already expensive and the league and the players union have a new CBA to negotiate by September. The players were the ones that compromised before, but with Donald Fehr at the helm I wouldn't count on that happening again. The cost of your on-ice product will be even more in the 2012-2013 season and someone has to help pay for it.
• Like it or not, hockey is a business. The price inflation that hits you hurts them too, and every expense involved in running the arena, fielding a team, and servicing fans costs more in this economy.
  

The first three points are the most critical. We're in a huge market with high demand due to the recent success of our team, yet we're paying less than our fellow fans in smaller markets. Sounds like a pretty good deal. And when you start looking at ticket prices in other markets around the league, the picture looks even better.

Take Canada for example. Why do you think there are so many Canadian fans at Staples Center when their teams play here? Because at Staples Center, you can sit in lower bowl for same price as a 300 level seat in a Canadian arena. I know this because I've done it.

Two seasons ago, I went to Toronto to see the Kings play the Leafs. At the time, my regular Kings season seat was in section 114, 8 rows behind the glass. Those tickets cost me $97 a seat. Section 310, Row 18 at Air Canada Centre? Over $100 including service fees. Granted, the Canadian dollar was stronger 2 years ago than it is now, but you see the point.

Now I'm sure you're saying to yourself, "Yeah, but that's Canada. Not a fair comparison because hockey is the only sport that matters up there." Fair enough. Let's look at a US example, in this case the New York Rangers. Madison Square Garden is in the midst of a $850 million renovation that will take several years to complete. Someone has to may for that, and I don't see James Dolan and Cablevision pulling that wad of cash out of their back pocket.  Over the summer, their season ticket holders saw increases averaging 23% -- and that's in ONE SEASON. The Kings average increase will be 9%.

This is what $100 gets you at Madison Square Garden. Beer and pretzels extra.

View From My Seats (one of my favorite hockey blogs, incidentally) ran a feature back in 2010 that did the best job I've seen of breaking down ticket costs across the league. While the stats are no longer current, the thought process still holds true today. When you compare apples to apples, Kings season ticket holders still have a pretty good thing going, even with a price increase on the way.

The good news is that you have plenty of time to scrounge up the extra cash -- early bird renewals aren't due until March 24th. And if the worst case scenario happens and the CBA negotiations fall apart, the Kings won't be playing anyway. At least a good lockout saves you money...


GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Stars

I really hate to be a pessimist, but after watching the Kings on Long island last night, I don't have great hopes for this road trip to end on a positive note. I DO hope Dean Lombardi has some tricks up his sleeve at the trade deadline because we can't win consistently at home and now we're proving we can't do it on the road either.

I know Dallas is a huge divisional rival. I know the Kings SHOULD be able to get motivated by that. But I've watched this team too long to think the end of this roadie leads to a pot of gold.

Now let's see what your other favorite Kings bloggers think.

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The Royal Half from The Royal Half
@theroyalhalf
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score: Kings 2, Stars 1
• Reason: The Kings average 2 goals every 6 periods so why not 2 wins every 6 games?
• Record:1-5

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty 
@RinkRoyaltyJon
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Kings 4, Stars 1
• Reason: Good time for the team to start getting the message, particularly since this is a division game. New York to Dallas is a brutal back to back but I think this is where things finally start to click.
• Record: 3-3

Bobby Scribe from Surly and Scribe
@kingsofhockey
http://lakingsnews.com/

• Score: Stars 4, Kings 2
• Reason: When it rains...
• Record: 3-3

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
@LAKingsCourt
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score: Dallas 4, Kings 1
• Reason: The boys will be tired and ready to go home. Bernier will probably be in goal. Steve Ott is still an ass. Put together it just spells bad news for the Kings.
• Record: 3-3

Hipcheck from LA Kings Road Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letsgokings

• Score: Stars 3, Kings 2 OT.
• Reason: These games always end up being crazy and this one will be no exception. The groin punch continues with Ribeiro, Ott, and Benn all scoring for Dallas and Ott using the 3rd to take runs at both Richards and Kopitar ; giving concussions to both. Dustin Brown once again gives a post game quote about the teams leaders needing to step...but this time he's really, really serious about it.
• Record: 2-3

Wavesinair from Deep Inside the Kings
@deepinsidekings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Kings 3, Stars 2
• Reason: Kings won the first 2 games, Stars won the second 2. Kings turn to win. See? Easy.
• Record: 3-3

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
@Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score: Kings 2, Stars 1 shootout
• Reason: If my theory holds up, the Kings will be focused for their divisional matchup with Dallas. Thing is, their focus will be there, bu the scoring won't. L.A. will need to go to the skills competition to decide this outcome.
• Record: 1-5

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Islanders

As the Kings roller coaster roadie continues, I figured it was time to check in on the boys myself and give them a little extra boost. So The Queen will be in residence on Long Island today! Will it be enough to get the boys over the hump? Or will Monarchs call-up's Dwight King and Jordan Nolan provide more offensive fuel to fire a win?

Either way, the Kings NEED a win. Let's hope they can grab it. I'm predicting they do, but let's see what the rest of the KBPP has to say...

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The Royal Half from The Royal Half
@theroyalhalf
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score: Islanders 4, Kings 3
• Reason: Despite 3 goals from Jordan Nolan and Dwight King. The Kings can't hold on in Long Island.
• Record: 0-5

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty 
@RinkRoyaltyJon
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Islanders 4, Kings 1
• Reason: Team doesn't get it yet. If they're not going to play for Quick, as Hammond said, Quick's not going to play for them. I think Quick sits this one out and the team struggles.
• Record: 2-3

Quisp from Jewels From the Crown
@KingsKoolAid
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/

• Score: Kings 1, Islanders, 0
• Reason: It would be sad to play a low scoring game against the Islanders.
• Record: 1-3

Bobby Scribe from Surly and Scribe
@kingsofhockey
http://lakingsnews.com/

• Score: Islanders 2, Kings 1
• Reason: You see the sun rise, you see the sun set, you learn to trust it
• Record: 2-3

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
@LAKingsCourt
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score: Kings 3, Islanders 2
• Reason: Quick will want payback for last year when his brother-in-law Matty Moulson hit him up for a few goals. Hopefully family pride trumps the Kings ups and downs.
• Record: 3-2

Paul Armbruster from Deep Inside the Kings
@deepinsidekings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Kings 2, Islanders 1
• Reason: Kings open the floodgates, scoring 2 goals. Jon Quick slashes Matt Moulson in the ankle resulting a massive family feud, which is eventually resolved by Richard Dawson and Don Cherry.
• Record: 3-2

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
@Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score: Kings 3, Islanders 2
• Reason: With the call-ups of Dwight King and Jordan Nolan, the Kings will infuse the line with Mike Richards with some fresh, enthusiastic forwards who still possess some offensive creativity. Hopefully their presence will help kick-start the struggling Kings.
• Record: 1-4

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!

Kings vs Lightning: Striking Back!

Apparently all it took for the Kings to get this road trip back on the right track was finding some sunshine.

Coming into tonight's game, the Tampa Bay Lightning had been scoring plenty of goals, led by wunderkind Steven Stamkos. Lucky for the Kings, the Bolts also give up a lot, which helped offset the fact that the Kings haven't been able to buy goals lately. In the end, it wasn't a high scoring game, but the Kings got enough offensive support to go along with a solid defensive effort and come away with a 3-1 win.

Justin Williams and Dustin Penner chipped in two of the three goals, but the feel-good story of the night was undoubtedly Kyle Clifford, who scored the game winner on a breakaway coming straight out of the penalty box. Now THAT is a scene straight out of Hockeywood.

Other tidbits from The Queen:

• Steven Stamkos celebrated his 22nd birthday by scoring his 35th goal of the season. Kevin Westgarth turned 28 and wasn't in the line-up.

• Interesting stat of the night -- Stamkos has now scored on all 29 NHL he doesn't play for. 

• I love the Kings sportscasters, but please back off on the kudos for the "top line" scoring. Right now, Justin Williams IS the top line. Let's give credit where it's due.

• Kyle Clifford takes a penalty, the comes out of the box and scores on a breakaway. To use one of Dean Lombardi's favorite words, THAT is COMPETE folks.

• Why can't we have THIS Dustin Penner every night? 

• Dwayne Rolson is the oldest player in the NHL.  I guess all that goalie padding helps extend your player life expectancy. 

• My score prediction was 3-2 Kings tonight, bringing my win-loss record to 3-1.

And finally, some of my favorite tweets. If you're not on Twitter yet, WHY don't you want to join the party? These folks are FUN!

The Kings stay in Florida another couple of days to play a rematch with the Florida Panthers, a team they beat earlier in the season. Let's hope The Sunshine State winning continues!


GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Lightning

The "Kings of the Road" have been anything but this road trip, and they have a tough challenge against the offensively talented Tampa Bay Lightning tonight. Will a weekend of rest and watching Eli Manning show what it means to be clutch be enough to put the boys back on the win path?

Top 6 forwards, please play like this guy but with a bigger trophy....

I'm hoping so. Let's see what the rest of the KBPP had to say.

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Fake Chris Kontos from The Royal Half
@theroyalhalf
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score: 5 Lightning, Kings 2
• Reason: Tampa Bay knows how to score goals… they just don't know how to keep them out. But since they are starting Dwayne Roloson tonight… I'm sure he totally remembers how to be a goalie again.
• Record: 0-3

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty 
@RinkRoyaltyJon
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Kings 5, Lightning 2
• Reason: If the Kings are as pissed off as I am, they come out flying, hitting everything that moves and crashing the net. How do you score in today's NHL? By getting shots to the net and your big ass in the face of the opposition's goalie!
• Record: 1-2

Quisp from Jewels From the Crown
@KingsKoolAid
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/

• Score: Kings 7, Lightning 4
• Reason: Quisp didn't give a reason, but based on his score prediction I imagine he's feeling good about the Kings chances. He must be on drugs.
• Record: 1-2

Bobby Scribe from Surly and Scribe
@kingsofhockey
http://lakingsnews.com/

• Score: Kings 5, Lightning 3
• Reason: One of our top 6 or Offensive D is due for a breakout game
• Record: 1-2

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
@LAKingsCourt
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score: Kings 3, Lightning 2
• Reason:  Two losses in a row SHOULD be enough to light a fire under the Kings, but until the roster changes I'm not expecting much in terms of goal production.
• Record: 2-1

Hipcheck from LA Kings Road Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letsgokings

• Score: Lightning 3 Kings 2
• Reason: Tampa is the 8th best offensive team in the league. If Carolina can put up two goals, Tampa can put up three. Tampa's GAA is the leagues worse but Kings simply can't score. I'll give the Kings 2 goals tonight but will add; if they get shut out against the Bolts, the yearly fire sale should start ASAP and see our beloved team as sellers as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
• Record: 1-1

Paul Armbruster from Deep Inside the Kings
@deepinsidekings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Lightning 4, Kings 3
• Reason: The Lightning give up goals, but they score a ton too. And while the Kings 'O' gets back on track, its to the detriment of key coverage at times, allowing the Bolts talented forwards to exploit a frustrated Quick.
• Record: Record: 3-0

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
@Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score:  Lightning 3, Kings 2
• Reason: With the worst goals against in the league, the Lightning might not be able to stop teams from scoring on them. But they have nothing to fear from the worst offense in the league, which happens to belong to the Kings.
• Record: 1-2

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!

Kings vs. Canes: Blown Away

Kings fans, here are the facts.

1. The season is half over. 
2. Every game matters.
3. Our play-off spot is by no means secure.
4. Our penalty kill is ranked 5th in the league.
5. Our power play is 21st.
6. Our goal average of 2.09 is THE WORST in the NHL.
7. We barely beat the worst team in the Western Conference on Wednesday. 
8. We lost to the worst team in the Eastern Conference today 2-1 in regulation.

We should be worried because our players are playing like they are not aware of these facts. They should have a hard time looking at themselves in the mirror right now. If I could look at any of them, I wouldn't be able to do more than shake my head. Except for our goalies. I'd hug them both. Neither of them deserve this.

Come to think of it, the Kings fans don't deserve it either.

A few other thoughts from your Queen:

• Lotkionov in, Voynov out. Are we only allowed one Russian in the line-up per game now?

• Justin Williams is a former Carolina Hurricane and won a Stanley Cup with them in 2006. Cam Ward was the Canes goalie then too. Maybe that was how Williams knew to set Kopitar up for that first goal. I just wish he had remembered some other cool tricks like that during the rest of the game.

• In one 14 minute time period, the Kings only managed two shots. It doesn't take higher math to figure out why we can't score with that kind of performance.

• Two games in two days with a flight in between is tiring. But it's also your job as an athlete. Build a bridge and get over it.

• I'm thinking Bernier might make an appearance on Sad Goalies tomorrow. 

• Brad Richardson's birthday is today. Since the Kings don't play Tuesday, I'd say he has a great reason to get really drunk tonight.

Finally, some tweets from the evening that echo my frustration. I'm most shocked that Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times actually tweeted the word "Yo." She's usually so journalistic.

One tweet, however, stood head and shoulders above the rest. Sometimes the truth REALLY hurts.

Now the Kings have a couple of days to think about how to right the ship before they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning and the league's leading scorer Steven Stamkos. Maybe he'll feel sorry for us and share some shooting tips....

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs. Canes

I don't know about you, but I'm liking this prognostication game, and so far I'm doing pretty well. That's good AND bad, since I predicted the Kings loss last night. But today is another day, albeit a Saturday AND the second of two back-to-back games for the boys, but if one thing has held true for this team all season it's that for every up there is a down.

So what so you think, Kings fans? Will the boys rock Carolina "Like a Hurricane" or get blown away? Let's see what your favorite bloggers think.

Get ready to rock your face off, Kings fans!

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The Royal Half from The Royal Half
http://theroyalhalf.com/

• Score: Kings 3, Hurricanes 2
• Reason: The Hurricanes are the last place team in the East. The Kings beat Columbus, the last place team in the West, 3-2. That's not an opinion. That is Science.
• Record: 0-2

Jon Gillette from Rink Royalty
http://rinkroyalty.com/

• Score: Kings 3, Hurricanes 2
• Reason: Last night was an embarrassment and I would hope that this team has enough pride to grind one out when presented with their first chance. It just so happens that the chance comes today and the Kings would do well by their fans to fly out of Raleigh with 2 points. The unfortunate piece; this is a non-conference game so the net gain in the standings is only the 2 points given to the winner.
• Record: 1-1

Quisp from Jewels From the Crown
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/

• Score: Kings 4, Hurricanes 3
• Reason: Because Quisp likes the number 7. All his guesses add up to 7.
• Record: 1-1

Bobby Scribe from Surly and Scribe
http://lakingsnews.com/

• Score:  Kings 2, Hurricanes 1
• Reason: Tuomo Ruutu with the game winner for the Kings...that's right, they trade him between periods.
• Record: 1-1

Meg Jarrell from Kings Court
(That's me so you don't need no stinking link --- you're already here!)

• Score: Kings 3, Hurricanes 1
• Reason: The Kings will want to avenge last night's loss, but let's not get TOO excited – this is still an offensively challenged team.
• Record: 2-0

Hipcheck from LA Kings Road Talk Radio
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letsgokings

• Score: Kings 2, Hurricanes 1
• Reason: Canes defense is horrible and they are middle of the pack offensively, Kings should be able to muster up 2 if they play at the level they did last night.
• Record: 1-0

Paul Armbruster from Deep Inside the Kings
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Hurricanes 3, Kings 0
• Reason: Carolina might be 'Columbus East' but they also have 13 more points than the Jackets and as many wins as Anaheim. Couple that with the 3-0 beat down of Boston two days ago and this trip could get ugly really fast.
• Record: 2-0

Matt Murray from Life In Hockeywood
http://www.lifeinhockeywood.com

• Score: Kings 3, Hurricanes 2, OT
• Reason: The league's worst offense was at its craptastic Friday night, getting shut out for the sixth time this season. However, L.A. has responded well, winning four out of the five games following a shutout this season, with that one loss coming in a shootout to the Penguins.
• Record:  1-1

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Got a prediction of your own? Leave it in the comments and see how you stack up against the KBPP!

GO KINGS GO!

Kings vs Blues: The Royal Half Shoots And Scores!

So the Kings started their six game road trip tonight, and I have to admit I was a little worried. The Blues are a VERY different team under new head coach Ken Hitchcock and the Central Division has not been kind to us this year. Sadly, I wasn't expecting a win, but I guess I was hoping I'd be wrong.
Here's what went through my mind during the game....

Pre-game and First Period
Shit, the Blues have won A LOT of games at home -- wish we could do that.
Please God, let's not get "Halak'ed" tonight....
Man, Kien Hitchcock's voice DOES NOT match his body at all.
No goals in 30 games Lokti? You're SO much better than that.
If I see one more blog about "Clockgate" I'm gonna....oh wait, I'm writing one.....
OK, we got 5 shots off pretty quick. Maybe this will be OK.
Richards, Penner and Clifford. It's either gonna be epic or like the Three Stooges out there.
"Kopitar gets leveled." Gee, thanks Nick Nickson. Kings, can we maybe keep Kopi from getting tripled teamed?
No more chances for Langenbrunner please, he's too close for comfort.
Uh, what happened to our shot total boys? Have we hear of puck possession?
Penner got bumped hard and lost the puck? *shocked*
Kings outshot 11-1? in 14 minutes? YIKES
It's only the end of the first and I'm already seeing a cocktail in my future.....

Second Period
"Clifford trying to feed Penner..." -- I could say something but I won't.
Jesus, Jason Arnott is still playing. Isn't he the oldest active player in the League or something?
The Blues are playing their first game in 10 days and out-shooting the Kings. Apparently they don't know what rust is.
Jackman is a GREAT hockey name.
The Blues have 9 SHUTOUTS this season? 9?
Guys, I TOLD YOU to keep the puck away from Langenrbunner!!!!!!!!!!!!! No surprise he scored.
Damn Drewster, did it have to be you?
At least the Blues have SOMETHING in common with us -- a sucky power play.
I think if Richards can just get a shorty to happen, the rest of the goals will come.
AND we finally get a power play. Here's your chance Drew....
We are ABSOLUTELY getting Halak'ed on this power play.
I'm gonna need chocolate. Very soon.
Halak isn't even in the crease and manages to stop the damn puck! Kill me now.

Third Period
Blues are 20-1-1 when leading after two periods. We are SCREWED.
Clifford is leading the team in shots. This explains EVERYTHING.
Now I'm snacking. Salt & vinegar chips to start. The chocolate is next.
Brownie can't get a goal, but he can still hit. Jason Arnott is too old to handle that Brownie.
Is ANYTHING POSITIVE going to happen for us in this game?
Even Williams can't get a goal! Halak'ed AGAIN!
Shit, I knew I should have started drinking....
AND WE GOT HALAK'ED.

You know, I really hate it when I'm right. I predicted the Kings would lose 2-1 in OT. I gave them too much credit. We couldn't even get ONE goal. Final score 1-0.

For my favorite tweets of the evening, I had to start with a collection of epic missives from The Royal Half. Simply en fuego tonight on the comedy front!

 

Dennis Bernstein from The Fourth Period got in a few choice digs as well, even if the second one is a Captain Obvious statement.

And finally, some other choice gems.  

Although this one is possibly my favorite tweet of the night....

The Kings are back in action tomorrow. On a Saturday. Lord help us. At least it's only a bunch of Hurricanes. How bad can that be?

GO KINGS GO!