KBPP Preview: Kings vs. Wild

The journey up and down the Western Conference standings has looked like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride for the Kings the past few weeks, but we're finally back on top of the heap. Tonight it's time for a wild ride of a different kind -- against the playoff ousted Minnesota Wild. Yet another team with the potential to be a spoiler, the Wild will be looking to capitalize on a less than well rested Kings squad playing back-to-back games. The Kings NEED to keep accumulating points to continue riding the Pacific Division wave. I think they need a hearty breakfast for starters.

The rush of adrenaline from a huge win also works wonders, so I think the Kings have it in them to get another one today. But what do the rest of your favorite Kings bloggers think? Let's have a look.

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

• Score: Kings 4, Wild 1
• Reason: WHO NEEDS JEFF CARTER? Oh wait… yeah… we kinda do.
• Record: 17-11

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

• Score: Kings 4, Wild 1
• Reason: The Wild can score one less than the Oilers. Seriously though, just to be on the safe side, the Kings need to win the next three so they have a cushion going into the home and home against the Sharks.
• Record: 16-12

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

• Score:  Kings 2, Wild 1
• Reason: The Wild aren't the toughest opponent, but tough travel on a back-to-back could catch up with us on this one. Still, the Kings need a win and I'm an eternal optimist.
• Record: 16-12

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

• Score: Kings 3, Wild 1 the final score will be.
• Reason: Special panelist Yoda sez: Low Scoring Game I do predict. 3 Goals will the LA Kings Score. Defense sill be strong for Kings, sustained offense the Wild will not be able to muster. 
• Record: 14-14

Paul Armbruster from Kings News Daily (aka The Artist Formerly Known as Wavesinair from Deep Inside the Kings@deepinsidekings)
http://deepinsidethekings.com/

• Score: Wild 1, Kings 0 SO
• Reason: The Kings will play a tight and tired game and will take this one scoreless into overtime and beyond thanks to Bernier's 'I ain't no second fiddle' play. However, Richards can't replicate his short-handed success in the shootout, letting down his bad-ass backup, but succeeding in sleeping on the plane ride home along with the rest of the team.
• Record: 16-12

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

• Score: Kings 2, Wild 1, OT
• Reason: Less than 24 hours later, the Kings skate into Minnesota to take on a lackluster Wild team. Since Quick really wasn't tested by the Oilers, my guess he'll go tonight. The Kings will be tired, and will be ever more after the Wild keeps the game deadlocked. But Anze Kopitar will connect with a goal in OT to lift L.A.
• Record: 16-12

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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 Oilers

Two straight losses took some wind out of the Kings playoff sails until a much needed win in Calgary brought the boys back to life. Now we face the bottom-feeding Oilers, who are out of the playoffs and playing only for the joy of being a spoiler. For the first time since the trade deadline, the Kings will be without Jeff Carter which presents a challenge we'd prefer not to have. But you know what they say about adversity, right?

Can the Kings continue their climb back towards a possible Pacific Division title? Or will our playoff hopes hit an oil slick? Here's what your Kings blogger panel predicts.

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

• Score: Kings 1, Oilers 0, shootout
• Reason: Because the Kings want to make it as close as they can.
• Record:16-11

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

• Score: Kings 4, Oilers 2
• Reason: No reason. It must be so.
• Record: 15-12

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

• Score:  Kings 3, Oilers 0
• Reason: The Kings are suddenly without star shoot-first forward Jeff Carter, but the Oilers have key injuries of their own. Quick has been a rock for the Kings all season and this is the perfect chance for him to increase his record shut out total to a nice round number 10. Some contributions from the guy in the number 10 jersey are overdue and should help the cause.
• Record: 15-12

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

• Score:  Kings 3, Oilers 0
• Reason: Kings keep the win streak moving against the Oils. Kopi and Brown keep the scoring alive for a pair and Mike Krushelnyski scores the EN as the Kings go 3-0 in back to back games.
• Record: 13-14

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

• Score: Kings new and unimproved lineup 3, the stinkin oily bastars, 2...decided in overtime with Richardson scoring the game winner.
• Reason: Like the Ducks have the Sharks number, it seems the Oilers have the Kings. Interesting how the two teams battling for a spot (Kings/Sharks) are bitches to inferior teams (Ducks/Sharks) and how much this little circle of hatred is going to determine the outcome. I predict that if the Kings win tonight, they'll make the playoffs. If they lose, they're out. Therefore, I must go with my heart on this on, regardless of how much I believe the stinky Oil can very well ruin our year. Oh and by the way, Smyth is only one of two Oilers to have played every game this year. We sure could have used him if he wasn't such a quitter.
• Record: 15-12

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

• Score:  Kings 2, Oilers 1
• Reason: The Kings are battling for their playtoff lives, while the Oilers are playing out the string. Needless to say, all the pressure will be on L.A. The Kings also may have to contend with not playing with Jeff Carter, who has energized the team since joining the ranks of the Royal Regiment. Brad Richardson is getting a chance to roll with the big dogs. I'm thinking he'll respond as the Kings tap the Oil to remain entrenched in the playoffs.
• Record: 15-12

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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!

LA Times Turns Its Online Back To Hockey Fans

I post a lot of links on the Kings Court Facebook page and Twitter account for two reasons. First, I like to promote great Kings hockey coverage. Second, I know not everyone has or is willing to take the time to read as much Kings coverage as I do. Going to Kings Court is a convenient place to get all the news worth reading in one step.

When I was planning Kings Court and making a list of all the hockey sites I was following, the Los Angeles Times was not on my website list. I have never been a Helene Elliott fan and the Times doesn't exactly put a ton of effort into providing hockey coverage in their printed publication. Based on the headlines (or lack thereof) during the Kings last two playoff appearances, you wouldn't think the greater Los Angeles area had ANY hockey teams, much less two.

But after thinking about it further, and looking at what more knowledgeable hockey writers and bloggers than myself were reading, I decided I should include the Los Angeles Times to provide the most thorough coverage possible to the loyal fans following my site.

Sadly, that ends now.

That's right. The Los Angeles Times has gone where many other dying print publications are going -- into the business of charging for their online coverage. While the fee is far from a Kings ransom, I refuse to give one red cent to a publication that treats hockey like an also-ran sport and would rather cover pre-season baseball or anything basketball related than give front page coverage to a hockey team playing for the most iconic trophy in sports. Especially when I can read Helene Elliott's tweets for free and have a great idea of exactly what she'll write about the Kings anyway.

Game over, mainstream media!

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Blues

The Kings are on a 5 game winning streak and that positive momentum could not come at a better time. Tonight will be the true test of how good the Kings really are courtesy of a match up with the Western Conference leading St. Louis Blues.

If you remember the Kings first home game of the season, the boys came out hard and completely destroyed the Blues 5-0.

But this Blues squad has fine tuned their game under a season of Ken Hitchcock and our task tonight will be anything but easy. Tonight's game may also be a preview of the Kings first round in the play-offs if the standings in the West hold steady 10 games from now.

Will the Kings continue their winning ways tonight? Or will they be signing the blues for the first time in a while? 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: Kings 3, Blues 2
• Reason: The LA Kings get two goals from Mark Messie…. I mean Dustin Penner and beat the Blues.
• Record: 14-9

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

• Score: Kings 4, Blues 3
• Reason: Well, if the Ducks can do it... Honestly, I don't care about the score anymore, I only care about the 2 points in the standings and making a statement against potential playoff opposition.
• Record: 13-10

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

• Score: Kings 3, Blues 1
• Reason: Thanks to a valiant effort from the Quacks, the Western Conference leading Blues are coming in to Staples with little less energy and a loss under their belts. The Kings are in attack mode and the Pacific Division is in sight. The power of Hanks is with us!
• Record: 13-10

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

• Score: Kings 4, Blues 2
• Reason:  If the ducks can hang a 4 spot on the Blues so can the Kings given their recent scoring mojo. I see a very physical game with at least a couple of fighting majors handed out while I once again try to shake the vision of bad memories involving Geoff Courtnall.
• Record: 11-12

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

• Score:  Kings 3, Blues 2, shootout
• Reason:  St. Louis is vulnerable after losing 2 of their last 3 and going into the second half of their back2back tonight. However, they will be ready. But so will the Kings, who have finally shown they want to move past their notoriously inconsistent tendencies. The first two games of this match up resulted in 5 goals total for each. The third game was a Blues shutout 1-0. Tonight?
• Record: 12-11

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

• Score:  Kings 2, Blues 0
• Reason: The Kings may be the hottest scoring team in the West since Feb. 25, going 9-3, but the Blues have been on fire as well, going 10-4 in that same span. But the Blues have been tapering off since clinching a playoff spot. Still, this will be a defensive struggle, as both teams are 1-2 in goals against. My guess is the Kings will be able to crack the seal at least twice, allowing Quick to do what he does best.
• Record: 12-11

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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 Sharks

The Kings are on a 3 game winning streak, and the momentum couldn't have come at a better time. Starting tonight, we begin a 3-game showdown with our division, conference and last season playoff rival -- the San Jose Sharks. The standings in the West have never been tighter, and the Sharks are one of the teams standing in the way of our playoff glory. It's us or them, Kings fans!

Will the Kings rise to the challenge and serve some Shark Fin Soup for dinner? 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: Kings 4, Sharks 3 OT
• Reason: At least Four Goals in Four Straight Games. Because It's The Cup.
• Record:13-9

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

• Score: Kings 4, Sharks 2
• Reason: Because it's what all the cool kids are doing.
• Record: 12-10

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

• Score: Kings 3, Sharks 2
• Reason: Kings 3, Sharks 2
• Record: 12-10

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

• Score: Kings 5, Sharks 3
• Reason: Kings continue to ooze confidence as scoring comes in bunches and from unlikely sources. Sharks, not prepared to play a Kings team that can actually score, wilt under the pressure and play as if their fin has been cut off and used as the min ingredient in an Asian soup recipe
• Record: 10-12

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

• Score: Kings 5, Sharks 1
• Reason: The Sharks are ripe for the catching. Each team has scored the same number of goals against each other so far this year and that was when the Sharks were good and the Kings sucked. This game should set the tone for not only the end of this season, but the end of the Shark-domination era. The end is near ladies and gentlemen. The end is near. Fear the fin no more!
• Record: 11-11

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

• Score:  Kings 2, Sharks 0
• Reason: The Kings are in the vicinity of The Zone. They are playing their best hockey of the season. And they are finally playing with Balls. That's right, Balls with a capital B.
• Record: 11-11

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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 Predators

Are you feeling the Luck o' the Irish today, Kings fans?

After a huge win over the Ducks last night, there is no rest for weary teams like the Kings who are working to climb back into playoff contention! Tonight we face the always aggressive Nashville Predators and look for another two points -- and another step up in the standings.

Do the Kings have it in them on back-to-back nights? 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: Kings 2, Preds 1 SO
• Reason: Jon Bernier is the Predator hunter.
• Record:12-9

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

• Score: Kings 3, Preds 2 SO
• Reason: 4 points in 2 nights - can there be a bigger reason?
• Record: 11-10

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

• Score: Kings 3, Predators 2
• Reason: Because Drew O'Doughty is infused with the Luck 'O The Irish even though he's Portuguese. So is my O'Doughty t-shirt.
• Record: 11-10

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

• Score: Kings 5 Predators 4
• Reason: Going with my heart on this one no more no less. Go Kings in a Barn Burner with scoring being spread through all four lines. Ill go with Colin Fraser and take the 38-1 odds currently posted in Vegas for the odds of him scoring.
• Record: 9-12

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

• Score: Kings 4, Predators 2
• Reason:  4, 1, 5... Those are the goals scored by the Kings in the previous 3 meetings with the saber toothed singers from music city. The trend between these two teams is to let the game open up. But I see the Kings getting snake bit and falling into their old ways yet again and scoring 1. Which is why I'm picking them to win! It's the old super-double-jinx-reverse-method.
• Record: 10-11

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

• Score: Predators 3, Kings 2 shootout
• Reason: This one will hurt (as will any other loss this late in the season.) The Predators were one of the big winners at the trading deadline,  reuniting the Brothers Kostitsyn. With Tom Hanks in attendance, the Kings will suffer a heart-breaking loss, but one that will only test their resolve.
• Record: 11-10

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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 Ducks

Tonight is the end of a seasonal milestone -- game 6 of the Freeway Face-off Series. So far this season, the Kings have owned the Ducks. Tonight, we can only hope the trend continues since the Kings DESPERATELY need points to get back into playoff contention. And as Kings Court follower Lyon Ate Jolyon posted earlier this week, we know what happens when a King meets a Duck....

Will we enjoy another fine roast duck banquet tonight, Kings fans? Let's see what your favorite Kings bloggers think.

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

• Score: Kings 4, Ducks 3
• Reason: Jeff Carter is on the attack-ack-ack-ack-ack. You outta know by now.
• Record:11-9

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

• Score: Kings 4, Ducks 1
• Reason: Kings beat the Ducks in what we all hope is the last time we see Teemu Selanne on the ice. The guy is world class but I think we've all seen just about enough of him.
• Record: 10-10

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

• Score: Kings 4, Ducks 2
• Reason: Because Jeff Carter learned first hand how big a rivalry this is and he'll want to have another hero moment. And he knows girls love a hero.
• Record: 10-10

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

• Score: Kings 4, Ducks 3
• Reason: Voynov will stay hot and Mitchell will pot one as well. I choose Mitchell to score as well because he owes me one. Browns and Carter round out the 4 some. Brian Hayward will disagree on a refs call and Jon Ahlers will use the word "nifty" about 20 times.
• Record: 8-12

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

• Score: Kings 5, Ducks 3
• Reason: Why you ask? WHY??? Because they have to win! Anaheim is in prime position to play spoiler and they would like nothing more than to have miserable company. Please Kings, show up tonight. Hiller gets burnt like Peking Duck.
• Record: 9-11

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

• Score: Kings 3, Ducks 1
• Reason: The Kings have found their scoring mojo just in the nick of time. But will they be able to put it all together in Anaheim, where all they are playing for is to ruin in for the Kings? My guess is yes, as the Kings attempt to make up some room in the Western Conference race, which is more congested than the 91 Freeway at Rush Hour.
• Record: 10-10

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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 Red Wings

Last week things got ugly at The Joe. Slovenian vs Slovenian, Mike Richards breakdowns, dogs and cats living together -- just downright ugly. Tonight the Kings get a chance to whitewash the ugly and make it pretty and new again. And advance their playoff hopes. Because it's the reason we're here. Right?

I need more rally towels in my collection. We make the playoffs, we get some.

Let's see what the Kings blogosphere expects to see tonight.

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

• Score: Kings 3, Red Wings 2
• Reason: Because the Los Angeles Kings are the ultimate cocktease.
• Record:10-9

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

• Score: Kings 3, Red Wings 1
• Reason: Revenge
• Record: 9-10

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

• Score: Kings 3, Detroit 2
• Reason: Because the 3-2 league thing is keeping me in the playoff hunt right now. Hopefully it does the same thing for the Kings.
• Record: 9-10

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

• Score: Kings 3, Red Wings 2
• Reason: Kings look to make a statement after the motown choke not but a mere few days ago. Richards/Carter continues to pay dividends and Voynov stays hot for his 2nd in 2 games. Doughty plays up to the level his is capable of and Quick maintains the mojo he brought to Chicago.
• Record: 7-12

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

• Score: Red Wings 5, Kings 2
• Reason: Rusty Howard in net should give the Kings more than enough incentive to unload hell on ice, out-shooting the Red Wings by a wide margin... again. Which is why I'm taking Detroit, who has proven over and over again, they bend but don't break. Having scored no less than 4 goals in each of the 3 previous games with the Kings, the Wings score at least 4 and win the season series 4-0. Kings fans freakout... again.
• Record: 9-10

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

• Score: Red Wings 2, Kings 1
• Reason:  Rich Hammond called their last matchup The Meltdown in Motown, which I'm sure the Kings would like to put behind them.   But the Kings have to face a rested Jimmy Howard, and I'm thinking L.A. isn't going to be able to crack him.
• Record: 10-9

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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 Blue Jackets: Who's The Man?

The big story tonight was the Carter-Johnson face-off.  Jeff Carter couldn't wait to get out of Columbus. Jack Johnson is happy to be somewhere he's wanted after being traded by the Kings. But who got it done where it matters -- on the ice?

My prediction tonight was simple. Kings win because Carter > Johnson. Boy was I wrong.

Not that I'm totally surprised. Johnson isn't the show pony Carter is. He had more to prove tonight and every Kings fan knows Jack is one of the most competitive people you'll ever find around  a hockey rink. He had a shot at his hero moment and he grabbed it. Good for him. I'm sure it gave him great pleasure to stick that win in our faces. The Twitterverse thought so too.

Although I have a sneaking suspicion there was a conspiracy at work to trip up the Kings. Mike Richards suggested some evidence before the game even started.

Apparently someone gets a little cranky when their nap is disturbed....

All the Kings can do at this point is move on and hope for better outcomes in the games to come. On the plus side, Anze Kopitar's game showed signs of life tonight, and we're going to need him in Detroit tomorrow. Despite fielding of a roster depleted by injuries, the Wingnuts are never easy to beat, especially on back-to-back nights AND at The Joe to boot.

Every game counts and unless the Kings want to see our playoff hopes evaporate, they have got to post some wins -- soon.

At least Kings prospect Ray "Sooper Yooper" Kaunisto still has his sense of humor intact....

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Predators

With 17 games left in the regular season, every one is critical for the 9th place Kings. Nashville is a tough place to start a road trip given our record against them this year, and the Preds are coming off the trade deadline an improved team to boot. Will Jeff Carter be the difference maker again tonight? And will normally rock-solid Jonathan Quick finally get a win in Smashville this season?

Bernier has the better record, but Quick gets the chance to beat the Preds.

Let's see what your favorite Kings bloggers think.

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

• Score: Kings 1, Preds 0
• Reason: Same old Kings, Same old Predators.
• Record:8-7

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

• Score: Kings 5, Predators 2
• Reason:  Because the ball is finally rolling and the Kings are taking the Pacific Division.
• Record: 7-8

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

• Score: Kings 3, Predators 1
• Reason: We have to beat these fucks eventually
• Record: 6-9

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

• Score: 4 Kings, Predators 2
• Reason: Nashville was a rough town for the Kings last time, but
  Sheriff Carter is in town to help turn the tide.
• Record: 7-8

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

• Score:  Predators 2, Kings 1
• Reason: Same old story and will end in Hammond simply copying and pasting quotes from his previous entries from the last Nashville Game. Only wild card here is will Bernier start? if he does reverse the Score and the Kings win 2-1.
• Record: 5-10

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

• Score:  Kings 3, Predators 2, SO
• Reason:  It's a watershed game and I think they are finally up to the challenge.
• Record: 7-8

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

• Score:  Predators 3, Kings 2
• Reason:  The first real test since Jeff Carter has come on board, the Predators are no slouch. They have a home point streak going, and they were movers at the trade deadline. They also have Pekke Rinna in goal, who leads the league with 36 wins. The Kings are finally out of the cellar of least amount of goals, and that may have to do with the acquisition of Carter. They now have 138, the Wild have 137, so they aren't out of the woods yet. I think they'll keep it close all game, but fall thanks to a flukey goal in the third.
• Record: 8-7

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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!

Kings vs Ducks: Carter Reigns

It's good to be the King. Or more specifically, it's good to be Jeff Carter right now.

After taking a few games to settle in, Carter picked the perfect moment for his coming-out party as a King, contributing two goals towards a very important win against the cross-town rival Anaheim Ducks. And the fact that his first goal as a King was assisted by his BFF Mike Richards was the kind of moment Hollywood screenwriters dream up for movies.

BFF's

Watching Carter during warm-ups last night was like watching the most popular guy in school working the room. If there were any concerns about his effect on the Kings locker room chemistry, I think those have been put to bed.

He's already a greeter....

The most popular guy in town chatting up his new teammates

The new cast of Entourage

Something tells me Carter will be VERY happy here in LA. And as long as he keeps sparking this offensive resurgence, I'm happy to have him.

Other thoughts from The Queen:

• Dustin Brown has now scored 4 goals in the last 5 games and is tied with Anze Kopitar for team goal leader. His goal last night was the direct result of hard work grinding it out in front of the net. Brown is the perfect example of a player knowing his role and executing on it perfectly. There are a few other forwards on this team that need to figure out their role and execute too.

• It was also nice to see Kopitar break his goal drought. Granted, all he did was hit an empty net, but you gotta start somewhere.  Then again, he did check George Parros into the boards. Yes, you read that right.

•  Dustin Penner is playing flat-out awful hockey right now. I'm not sure whether it's the divorce or the pancake diet, but he's just terrible. Seems Kings fans everywhere agree.

• When I weighed in on the issue of just how bad Dustin Penner was skating, no one disagreed with me.

• Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are truly the coolest people in Hollywood. They get the Kiss Cam pointed at them, get as excited as normal fans and then deliver the perfect smooch. And THEN Tom rocks it out during the Dance Cam segment. You'll never see THAT at a Lakers game, folks.

• Girl Scouts selling cookies on a night when Lubo is in the building. Coincidence? Or cookie for you?

And finally, two more of my favorite tweets for the night:

The Kings have a tough road trip in front of them this week. First up is another game in Nashville against a tough Predators squad on Tuesday, followed by back to back games in Columbus and Detroit. Let's hope Carter and Company can keep the Kings offensive firepower going. The playoffs are in sight, but we're far from done with this battle. Stay strong Kings fans!

GO KINGS GO!

Win A VIP Game Experience For The Kings-Bruins Game!

When the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins head to Staples Center in a few weeks it will be a special night of hockey. If you're lucky, it can be even more special thanks to a unique raffle prize opportunity from the Kings Booster Club!

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Kings vs Bruins VIP Experience - March 24th

• Zamboni ride
• Lower Bowl seat upgrade for up to 4 people*
• Pre-game locker room visit
• Meet and Greet with Kings players (TBD)

* You must already have game tickets in order to win, but the 4 tickets DO NOT have to be located together.

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The drawing is March 13th, which gives you only two more opportunities to buy tickets! One of those opportunities is tonight, so don't delay! Stop by the Kings Booster Club table on the lower concourse (near Section 102) at Staples Center and take a chance. Tickets are only $1, but if you spend more you get more chances (7 for $5 or 15 for $10)!

GO KINGS GO!

KBPP Preview: Kings vs Ducks

Hello Kings fans! The Queen is BACK after a little work travel to pay those old hockey bills, and we're back to predicting Kings wins and losses. My record has taken a hit lately, so much like the Kings I'm trying to climb back into play-off contention among my fellow Kings bloggers. Nothing like a Duck Roast to get a Kings fan back on track, right?

I'm predicting a Kings win tonight, but let's see what the other members of the KBPP have to say.

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

• Score: 4 Kings, Ducks 0
• Reason: Depsite 4 goals from Jeff Carter… oh, wait… cool.. Jeff Carter scores 4 goals and the Kings win!
• Record:7-7

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

• Score: Kings 4, Ducks 0
• Reason: The Ducks have been trying to scare us recently but it all came to an end against the Sabers. The Kings are going to put the finishing touches on the misery in Anaheim. And, 4-0... When the Kings roll, that appears to be HOW they roll.
• Record: 6-8

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

• Score: Kings 5, Ducks 3
• Reason: Surly's birthday. They must win.
• Record: 5-9

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

• Score: Kings 3, Anaheim 2 (OT)
• Reason:  It will be the typical Kings-Ducks slugfest, but pride -- and the playoffs are at stake.
• Record: 6-8

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

• Score: Kings 4, Ducks 3 (OT)
• Reason: Kings rookie continue to be the difference both on the scoreboard and on the fight card. Jeff Carter comes alive and Brown does his thing.  Willie Mitchell scored the GW goal...that what he does against the Ducks.     
• Record: 4-10

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

• Score: Kings 3, Ducks 2 (OT) Carter with the chicken dinner.
• Reason: I know it's not a rivalry that rivals a bitter playoff rivalry, but hey, it's a pretty exciting game nonetheless, right? It's shaping up to be a bad-blood type of game, and I certainly hope it lives up to the billing. With our own offensive threat to rival Perry, I'm looking at this to be the game where Carter makes his mark. Quick will be so rested and ready to put his team on his back if need be, but I don't think it will come to that. Still, it's a tough call considering what's on the line for both clubs. I just hope we pummel their top guys all night long.
• Record: 6-8

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

• Score:  Kings 3, Ducks 0
• Reason: The Kings' offense is slowly coming around, finally catching up to their All-Star goaltender's stellar season. The Carter/Richards Connection will finally connect, and the power play will ignite. Could this be the start of their playoff push?
• Record: 7-7

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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!