Kings Should Take Heed From Flyers’ Past
NHLHS writer Dave Strehle dives into the Ilya Kovalchuk saga with his thoughts on the situation.
Reading the daily rumor mill as to whether or not the Los Angeles Kings are still in the running to sign unrestricted free agent Ilya Kovalchuk has become tedious, at best.
Categories: Around the League, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Western Conference Tags: Anze Kopitar, Dean Lombardi, Drew Doughty, Eric Lindros, Erik Ersberg, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jack Johnson, Jay Grossman, Jonathan Bernier, Jonathan Quick, Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings, Mark Recchi, Michal Handzus, mike ricci, NHL, Peter Forsberg, Rod Brind'Amour, Ron Hextall, russ farwell, steve duchense, Wayne Simmonds
I Can’t Buy What I’ve Done Before. I Want to Open Up Another Door
Dean Lombardi, President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings, "And again, I think the players are entitled to their share. Its more the allocation in there. It makes it reasonable for both sides. I think it helps the team, I think it helps the union, and I think it's good for the game." In comparing the current position of the LA Kings with the Chicago Blackhawks, he commended them for building itself correctly, from bottom-to-top. The difference, with the Kings, would lie in the time it takes to get there. The Blackhawks have taken approximately seven-years to build into Western Conference contenders. Lombardi felt that the Kings could match those results, in less time.
Categories: Around the League, Chicago Blackhawks, Cost Efficiency, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Pacific, Western Conference Tags: 2010 NHL Draft, Anze Kopitar, Brian Campbell, Chicago Blackhawks, Dean Lombardi, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, JMFJ, Jon Quick, Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings, Marian Hossa, Quick, Sidney Crosby, Stanley Cup Finals, Terror Twins, ThrowtheTwinkie, Tomas Kopecky, Wayne Simmonds, Western Conference
And Now The Pressures On, The Heat Is Rising… Tonight There’s Something In The Air (Black In ST Louis)
I,personally, should have known this game was doomed when I was screaming GET OFF MY GOALTENDER..and realized I was screaming at my own Defense. And then I realized how many mistakes had already been made 1/2 way through the game but none of them by Randy Jones.. Immediately, I started looking at flight prices to Los Angeles, AGAIN. Then I cried.
Categories: Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Pacific, Playoff Coverage, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Anze Kopitar, Arch, Buffalo Sabres, Defense, Dustin Brown, Ersberg, Flight Prices Suck, Head to Desk, Jim Fox, LA, Lack of Defense, Los Angeles Kings, NHL, NHL 2010 Playoffs, playoffs, Quick, Randy Jones, Ryan Smyth, St Louis, Staples Center, TerrorTwins, ThrowtheTwinkie, Twitter, Vancouver Canucks, What Can Brown Do For You
It’s Times You Like These, You Give and Give Again
Game 3 led the La Kings and its Kingdom were talking and acting like it belonged in the playoffs instead of the punk kids on the block that have weeds for a garden and bricks for yard furniture. You know the ones, the ones that all the cool kids with the nice houses on the block look down on, and when those kids step up the rest yell "NO FAIR.. MUST BE A CONSPIRACY" There was Quick's punch to the head, Doughty and Brown's trash-talk and Smyth sending Luongo home early... but now? Now Game 5 is time to get that back.... because Game 4 didn't quite go as planned...
Categories: Around the League, By Teams, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Vancouver Canucks Tags: 2010 NHL Playoffs, 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson, Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings, NHL, playoffs, Ryan Smyth, Terry Murray
Karma Police… Arrest This Man… This Is What You Get… When You Mess With Us
Next on Sports Psychosis, MD: Sports Paranoia: What to do when your players want to blame inferior play and losses on league conspiracies, inept officiating, flying reptiles, fish and/or men (we're assuming men?) in bright neon costumes that climb the sin bin like spider-man without the power or responsibility. The truth, though no one will admit it or give the LA Kings respect for it, is that they have dominated the Vancouver Canucks in net, special teams (and no the Kings have not been favored in power plays given) and, well heart. So the Vancouver Canucks took to that adage - if you can't beat them, beat the shit out of them. And I suppose that is fine, if you are going to kill off your penalties. But-- um... pssst..... boys.. yeah you... with the Greenmen... you missed a spot...
Categories: Around the League, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Pacific, Playoff Coverage, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Alexander Ovechkin, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, Jonathan Quick, Ryan Smyth, Sidney Crosby, Wayne Simmonds
Canucks back at it
With 2 games already in the books and the series tied 1-1 between the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings, here are a few observations.
The Kings youth hasn’t been a liability… yet
Their core of young players have played extremely well under early pressure. Facing the raucous crowd in Vancouver is no easy task, now they have to perform in front of their own crowd. It will be interesting to see if the butterflies show up when they hit the Forum ice tonight. Opening on the road may have been a blessing for the Kings, especially since they made it out of GM Place with the all important split.
Penalties… “too many”
While much has been made of the “too many men on the ice” call that led to the Kings winning power play goal on Sunday, it could be argued that had the Canucks buried some of their chances earlier in the game that call wouldn’t even have happened. The Canucks found themselves in the box 7 times, while the Kings were only penalized 4 times.
The Alberts experiment
Brought in at the trade deadline for some depth on defense, Andrew Alberts was supposed to be a shot-blocking, punishing defenseman that could fill-in as a 5/6 defensemen. Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case as he’s taken way too many penalties, made too many defensive mistakes, and generally been a liability on the back end. Did Canucks fans expect too much or has he just had a hard time adjusting to the Western Conference style of play? No one really knows. Barring another injury or really poor effort by another d-man, he’s probably going to spend the rest of the play-offs in the press box as Aaron Rome is back from injury and going to play in Game 3.
What the Canucks need to do:
- Play physical – they need to get in on the forecheck and bang the Kings players, especially their skill players like Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, and Drew Doughty. It’s not easy to play 20-30 minutes a game at play-off intensity, but it’s much easier if you aren’t being hit.
- Need for speed – the Canucks, who have one of the fastest skaters in the NHL in Mason Raymond, have more team speed than the Kings and need to use it to their advantage.
- Fewer penalties – plain and simple, stay out of the box!
- Net presence – they need to get more bodies in front of Jonathan Quick, he is an excellent netminder and like most will stop any puck he can see. Additionally, the Canucks need to get in his “kitchen” both physically and verbally. See what the kid is made of.
- Score early – survive the first 10 minutes and get some pucks behind Quick to get the crowd out of it.
We’re still picking the Canucks to win the series in 6 games, but they still have plenty of work to do as they are up against a very solid team in the Kings.
What are your thoughts on the series and who do you think is going to win it?
I-5 Canucks
NHLHS Canucks Correspondents
hipcheck44@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @Hipcheck44 and @WCE71944
Categories: Around the League, By Teams, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Aaron Rome, Andrew Alberts, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick, Mason Raymond
Follow The Underdog, Hold On His Collar Tight- Kaiser Chiefs, Off With Their Heads!
Follow the underdog, hold on his collar tight
-Kaiser Chiefs- Off With Their Heads (2008)
This is the song of the blog <and part of the next> because I think it is just that fitting.. plus the name of the cd it is from.. HEH. <save the line that ends the blog>
Categories: Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Pacific, Playoff Coverage, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Alexander Ovechkin, Anze Kopitar, Christian Ehroff, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Henrik Sedin, Jack Johnson, JMFJ, Jonathan Quick, Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings, Manchester Monarchs, Pittsburgh Pen, Rob Scuderi, Roberto Luongo, Ryan Smyth, Scuds, Vancouver Canucks, Wayne Simmonds
Pros & Cons: Los Angeles Kings vs. Vancouver Canucks
Our newest feature, Pros and Cons, holds a debate between two of our featured writers as they make an argument for each team in the series. We will continue this series throughout the playoffs as we delve deeper into how these two teams will interact.
Categories: Around the League, By Teams, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Pacific, Playoff Coverage, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Alexander Edler, Alexander Frolov, Alexandre Burrows, Anze Kopitar, Christian Erhoff, Daniel Sedin, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Fredrik Modin, Henrik Sedin, Jack Johnson, Jon Quick, Jonathan Bernier, Justin Williams, Kevin Bieksa, Mathieu Schneider, Michal Handzus, Mikael Samuelsson, Pavol Demitra, Rob Scuderi, Roberto Luongo, Ryan Kesler, Ryan Smyth, Sean O'Donnell, Shane O’Brien, Willie Mitchell
Dark Horse Theory: Western Conference
NHLHS writer Anthony Curatolo takes a look at a team considered to be a Dark Horse in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Kings.
If there is one team in the Western Conference to fear heading into the NHLs post-season the Los Angeles Kings fit just that mold.
A team that many say are too young or too inexperienced need to look deeper into the foundation of the Kings roster.
Let’s start with the veterans. Michal Handzus, Ryan Smyth, Rob Scuderi, Sean O’Donnell, Justin Williams, Fredrik Modin and Randy Jones all know what it is like to take part in the post season of the NHL.
Categories: 30 Team Series, Around the League, By Teams, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Pacific, Western Conference Tags: Alex Frolov, Anze Kopitar, Brad Richardson, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Fredrik Modin, Jack Johnson, Jonathan Quick, Justin Williams, Michal Handzus, Randy Jones, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Smyth, San Jose Sharks, Scott Parse, Sean O'Donnell
Choose Your Own Adventure…
How about I jinx the entire playoffs… and claim ignorance for my sins? Hey look… the last time the LA Kings were in the playoffs this was simple… I WANTED the Detroit Red Wings… I was living with a fan… In 1993, it was so freaking unexpected, that who gave a crap what opponent came next…. HA! So this is not only a long time coming… it is a new territory… so I claim ignorance in stirring the wrath of the Hockey Gods … and should a punishment HAVE TO rain down on me… just leave my boys out of it, mmmk? They know NOT what I do.... Bring on.... Did you think we were just giving that away?? Uh. No.
Categories: Central, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Pacific, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Antti Niemi, Anze Kopitar, Chicago Blackhawks, Christian Ehroff, Cristobal Huet, Detroit Red Wings, Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith, Henrik Sedin, Hockey Gods, Jack Johnson, Jack MF Johnson, JMFJ, Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings, Manchester Monarchs, Patrick Kane, Roberto Luongo, Sensnation, Vancouver Canucks
Close, But…
There will be no post-season play for the Anaheim Ducks this year. After a 5 – 4 shoot-out loss to the Los Angeles Kings in the final round of the Freeway Faceoff, Anaheim’s playoff hopes were put to rest.
Despite an excellent performance in the net from Curtis McElhinney, the Anaheim Ducks were unable to shut-down the Los Angeles Kings’ offense, allowing them to overcome two three-point deficits, forcing the game into overtime with Anze Kopitar eventually notching the game winner in the shoot-out.
Categories: Anaheim Ducks, Around the League, By Teams, NHLHS Features, Pacific, Western Conference Tags: Aaron Ward, Alexander Frolov, Anze Kopitar, Bobby Ryan, Colorado Avalanche, Corey Perry, Curtis McElhinney, Dan Heatly, Erik Ersberg, Jack Johnson, Jason Blake, Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings, Lubomir Visnovsky, Michal Handzus, Scott Neidermayer, Sean O'Donnell, Teemu Selanne, Vancouver Canucks
Cost Efficiency: Duncan Keith Leads the Pack
As of the Olympic break, Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks) is the most cost effective player among the top 50 scorers. Bobby Ryan, from the Anaheim Ducks, leads the top 50 in goals per dollar ($68,642.90). Keith, however, leads in points per dollar, as well as assists per dollar.
Categories: Cost Efficiency, NHLHS Features Tags: Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Alexandre Burrows, Antoine Vermette, Anze Kopitar, Bobby Ryan, Brad Richards, Chicago Blackhawks, Corey Perry, Daniel Alfredsson, Daniel Sedin, Dany Heatley, Duncan Keith, Dustin Penner, Eric Staal, Evgeni Malkin, Henrik Sedin, Henrik Zetterberg, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jamie Langenbrunner, Jarome Iginla, Jeff Carter, Joe Thornton, Jonathan Toews, Jussi Jokinen, Loui Eriksson, Marian Gaborik, Martin St.Louis, Michael Cammalleri, Mike Green, Mikko Koivu, Nicklas Backstrom, Nik Antropov, Patrick Kane, Patrick Marleau, Patrick Sharp, Paul Stastny, Pavel Datsyuk, Ray Whitney, Rich Peverley, Rick Nash, Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, Shane Doan, Sidney Crosby, Stephen Weiss, Steven Stamkos, Tim Connolly, Tomas Plekanec, Travis Zajac, Vincent Lecavalier, Zach Parise
Sunday NHL Morning Papers (Western Conference)
In NHL Morning Papers we break down the stories published in newspapers around the country. By reading our synopsis the average hockey fan can catch up to all the happenings around the National Hockey League.
Categories: Morning Papers, NHLHS Features, Western Conference Tags: Alexander Semin, Andrew Brunette, Antti Miettinen, Antti Niemi, Anze Kopitar, Barry Trotz, Brad Richards, Brad Richardson, Chris Mason, Dan Ellis, Darryl Sutter, Eric Fehr, Evgeni Nabokov, Ilya Bryzgalov, James Wisniewski, Joe Pavelski, Ladislav Smid, Marty Turco, Mikko Koivu, Nicklas Lidstrom, Pekka Rinne, Roberto Luongo, Ryan Miller, Ryan Stoa, Steve Mason, Steve Staios, Taylor Chorney, Todd Richards
Tuesday NHL Morning Papers (Western Conference)
(hat tip to the boys of Illegal Curve. Thanks to their amazing class and their blessing to take over this feature here at NHL Hot Stove. We hope you enjoy the latest daily series.)
Categories: Morning Papers, NHLHS Features, Western Conference Tags: Alex Auld, Alex Burrows, Antti Niemi, Anze Kopitar, Corey Crawford, Dave Tippett, Jason Arnott, Joel Quenneville, Josh Harding, Matt Greene, Patrick Kane, RJ Umberger, Ron MacLean, Ryan Miller, Steve Ott, Terry Murray, Todd Richards
The Man Behind the Mask: Jon Quick
The second installment of “The Man Behind the Mask” takes a look at the road to the National Hockey League for Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick. We hope you enjoy this weekly installment only on NHL Hot Stove.
Jonathan Quick rose quickly through the ranks on his road to the National Hockey League. Born in Hamden, Connecticut on January 21st, 1986, this east coast native now shoulders the load for the youngest team in the League.
Selected in the third round (72nd overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Quick emerged as one of the leagues young, up-and-coming netminders in the game today. So much so that Team USA selected the 23-year-old with hopes of him getting his feet wet in international competition.
His journey began on his high school team in Hamden where they named him to the New Haven Register All-Area Ice Hockey team. He then starred in the famed Avon Old Farms hockey, similar to another famous USA Hockey Hall of Famer, Brian Leetch.
While at Old Farms, Quick led the team to two straight New England Prep Championships holding the all time New England prep school record for most shutouts in a season (9) during his senior year. His stay there showed signs of things to come.
Categories: 30 Team Series, The Man Behind the Mask Tags: Anze Kopitar, Brian Leetch, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Jon Quick, Jonathan Bernier, Los Angeles Kings, Ryan Smyth
