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.

Let’s see, today is the 12th…it’s an even day, so the Kings are in talks with Kovalchuk and his agent, Jay Grossman.  But come tomorrow, there will be “no new talks scheduled”.

It’s hard to believe that these rumors have only been going on for less than two weeks.  Every day there is a new one, and today is no different.

TSN.ca is reporting that the Kings are denying reports that they will announce today the signing of the biggest free agent on the market this year.

Kings’ GM Dean Lombardi says that Kovalchuk is flying to Los Angeles to meet in person as talks continue.

The two sides are said to still be far apart on terms of a contract, with L.A. reportedly offering deals for 12 years for $63 million and 13 years for $84.5 million.

Kovalchuk’s camp is looking for a 10-year, $100 million guaranteed deal.  With upcoming collective bargaining agreement negotations and the possibility of another owner-induced lockout looming after the 2011-12 season, the guaranteed money has to be a sticking point for the Kings.

The 27-year-old sniper has scored 40 or more goals in each of the last six NHL seasons, netting a career-high of 52 in 2005-06.  He lit the lamp 41 times last season playing for the Atlanta Thrashers and New Jersey Devils.

While he remains one of the most predominant, dynamic players in the world, Lombardi and company may want to proceed with caution as they head into further negotiations with Kovalchuk.

The situation in the City of Angels bears a striking resemblence to that of the Philadelphia Flyers in the early 1990′s.

The Flyers had gone through a patch of three consecutive non-playoff seasons, but were starting to re-build with a solid base of players.  But GM Russ Farwell added youngsters such as Rod Brind’Amour, Mark Recchi, Mike Ricci, and a newly drafted phenom named Peter Forsberg, a winning team was beginning to take shape.

But Philadelphia ripped the franchise apart to acquire another young superstar-in-the-making in Eric Lindros, sending Forsberg, Ricci, offensive defenseman Steve Duchesne, starting goaltender Ron Hextall, a bevy of other young players, draft picks, and cash to the Quebec Nordiques for the rights to Lindros.

This set the team back a few years, and they failed to make the playoffs over the course of the next two seasons.  In the meantime, the trade provided the cornerstone for the Quebec / Colorado Avalanche franchise’s Stanley Cup-winning teams.

Up until last year, the Kings had not made the NHL’s postseason dance for the past six NHL seasons.

In this scenario, they are well ahead of the early-90′s Flyers’ progression. as a team  Under Lombardi, the team has gotten younger, deeper, and better.

Boasting such young star players as Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, Jack Johnson, Wayne Simmonds, Jonathan Quick, and Jonathan Bernier, there is a threat that this group also could be torn asunder.

If Lombardi were to sign Kovalchuk for the contract demands that the player’s camp is asking for, Los Angeles faces the risk of having to part with some of the good, young core that has been developed.

While the Kings have in excess of $17 million of cap space available for the upcoming campaign, the problem would arise after the 2010-11 season.  That’s when the contracts of Doughty, Johnson, Simmonds, and Bernier are set to expire, and the youngsters will be due hefty raises as they become restricted free agents.

Also set to become unrestricted free agents after next year are veterans Michal Handzus, Justin Williams, and Erik Ersberg.

Further complicating matters are the whispers that the owners are going to demand that the existing upper salary cap limit of $59.4 million be lowered.  This would almost certainly lead to a lockout by the owners as the NHLPA would fight a reduction vigorously.  And the Kings would still be on the hook to pay Kovalchuk with a guaranteed deal.

But Lombardi would have his work cut out for him in getting his core players signed if the cap were to remain the same, let alone any possible decrease.

If Lombardi wants to take a gamble and truly believes that signing Kovalchuk is the key piece to pushing his team over the top, he may want to take that chance.

But it is a risky choice.  As it appears now, Lombardi has his team on the right track and headed very quickly in the right direction.  Being able to keep the core intact, they should have a window of opportunity to be contenders over the next several seasons going forward.

But Lombardi’s modus operandi historically has been to build his teams through youth and patience.  And it’s obvious that he is on the right track.  If he were to go after Kovalchuk and risk losing some of his young core, it would be a totally different train of thought.

Is Lombardi a betting man?

We shall see.

David Strehle
NHLHS Flyers Correspondent / NHL Writer
dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @PhilaDAVEia

- How High, Tellin’ Stories- The Charlatans

President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings, Dean Lombardi

Why hello… it’s been a while.. too long. And normally after such an absence, I’d like to catch-up, talk and chit-chat. However, since I have another, sweeter, kinder entry on the way for after Stanley Cup Finals that is actually about us, the Kingdom; I think we’ll save our sweet nothings for then. Mind you, I don’t mean to say that this fireside chat is mean or negative. Actually, just the opposite.  Instead, it is President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings, Dean Lombardi giving quite the positive take on the Kings future and then a real honest look at the NHL, and how the finances work <or don’t> for the NHLPA.

It is nice to be writing about the boys again, though. If I recall, when I last left the Kingdom, we were licking our wounds after a sudden ending to a long-awaited NHL playoff berth. Looking to the bright lights of the future, many were praying those lights weren’t attached to a speeding train <runs for cover.. > I KID I KID!  Hey, look, I’m not the pessimistic one... ok most of the time. So we that in mind and fittingly enough, just three weeks out from the draft, I come to you and bestow a glimpse of a very well-lit future I promise will not get you run over by any freight trains.

THROW THE TWINKIE!! THROW THE DAGGER!!… HELL THROW THE TWINKIE AT THE DAGGER!!!

It seems that “DO-IT DEANO” has been discussing our fate with not just Rich Hammond but a brilliant radio show in Toronto. Now, per usual, I am going to have to back into the start of this little monster of mine <big shocker there, I’m sure>. Anyone crazy enough to follow the insanity I create on Twitter, Face Book or otherwise, knows I’ve now adopted the Chicago Blackhawks until they ride Chris Pronger like Zorro and the Stanley Cup right down Madison Avenue because <and say it with me now.. throws out the most smitten voice possible..> they threw the twinkie! Truly out of loyalty to our boys, it must be done… Blackhawks or bust… driving back and forth to Chicago and all.. then October comes and all bets are off .

Huh? What.. Oh.. YES I have a point-I might be a liiiiittle rusty.. but yeah I’m getting there! See- watch, err.. read: Monday, June 7th, on Toronto’s AM Radio 640 Dean Lombardi was interviewed on  The Leafs Lunch show. He, like I <seeee- told you there was a point…> started with those same Blackhawks, an organization that he felt built itself correctly, from bottom-to-top. However, in that comparison, he was quick <heh. The dorkiness remains.. the pun was not intended but will not be removed> to note that the Blackhawks seven-year build to Western Conference contenders could be matched by the LA Kings in less time. Rightfully, I’m going to note, that since Lombardi’s arrival in 2006 he has spoken of a “plan <also mentioned by him in the interview>“.. and truth be told he should be given credit for sticking to that plan.

Lombardi went on to commend the  Blackhawks at not only building within, 2-3 players per draft and now… “they’ve learned to win”. We all remember my crawl, walk, run speech- before- during- after the playoffs? AD NAUSIUM EVEN??? That would be what I spoke of.. And what is this? Another piece to a rebuilding puzzle for the Blackhawks: free agency? JESUS MARIAN &HOSSA! However, he was careful to qualify his statement with how precise the Blackhawks were with their signings. Making sure each provided the most impact at key times <specifically naming Marian Hossa and Soupy…errr… Brian Campbell>.

Now, forgive me, or don’t if you must. However, I’m going to add Tomas Kopecky <DONT EVEN.. Don’t look at me like that, you had to see this coming from ME> . First off, the Blackhawks did one thing that has nothing to do with Kopecky himself. They signed him WITH Hossa. That took vision. How much do you think that helped the transition from Detroit to Chicago? Now.. he was raised by the Detroit Red Wings and say what you will but Detroit raises them well. He was only let loose because Detroit couldn’t find him the ice time due to their plethora of talent <excuse me while I find my souvenir game 6 barf bag to barf in it yet again> Furthermore, Kopecky, received limited playing time in the first half of this season but came on in the second-half. During the playoffs he was always emotional, gritty and offensively on-target. Since the loss of Andrew Ladd, he has been invaluable. But I digress.. or add-on for the accountable talk, depending on how much slack you want to give me or if Lombardi was here, but  he’s not… DAMN IT! JANET! Moving on… Why would we make it to the level of the Blackhawks, quicker then they did?

Shall I Take You to Our Leader?

<please remember that all quotes are from the radio show noted above.. as are the background/paraphrasing unless where noted that it is my own opinion or knowledge.>

Take it away Mr. President, “I think that some of our kids are ahead of schedule. I think that this year, the way that the way we approached the playoffs from the top down, versus the Cinderella method; I think that they’ve learned to start dealing expectations.” Now I <key word: I> could go on and make an attempt to read into that statement <who’s ahead, who’s behind, who’s a surprise and who the hell has to go…> but by the grace of the Hockey Gods I’ll refrain. I could do the same when he goes on to say that this also all depends on how aggressive the Kings are in adding the piece or two through free agency…. Um.. ok.. I’m just going to have to do this one… I mean did you expect me to hold back TWICE??? sorry.

ENFORCER DEAN — I’m sick of the scratches– THEY HURT- broken legs, smashed faces, sprained ankles, pulled groins, sprained backs etc… Matt Greene and Sean O’Donnell fighting is heroic but there is a fine line between heroism and stupidity. In fact, I’ve watched the New York Rangers long enough to know that bless and love Adam Graves but he crossed that line almost everyday of his career!!!!  I mean what is the point of another forward being signed that is just going to get thrown around like the answer that isn’t blowing in the wind??? NONE! NO POINT! NO ANSWER! NO NOTHING! <too much @bobdylansays on twitter, me thinks> If said forward is on the IR the whole freaking season then he’s not going to do us a whole lot of good, now is he??! You know, I think I wrote a whole blog dedicated to the Manchester Monar… oh no.. that was PB <PRE BLOG YOU FOOL not Peanut Butter> around Thanksgiving. They are an incredible and talented bunch of men. Without them, we would not have made the playoffs. But, really??? The AHL should NOT be playing the NHL under any given circumstances… just sayin’. But now that I got that out..

Lombardi went on to etch-a-sketch the lines between dots that represented key agents and the core kids essential to the Kings present and future. Alright, admit it. How many people just aged themselves with the etch-a-sketch joke… heh….. Then he spoke directly to all of it coming together through those same franchise players continued development, ahead of the game or not <not that it matters if they are injured and can’t move forward because they can’t play?!> Sorry… I’m trying..I really am.

What Can Brown Do For You?

Kopitar's Two-Way Play Moves Forward

“I think they have to continue improve,” he explained.  ”I said this last year. No matter who we add it’s not going to matter unless Brown and Kopitar and Quick and Doughty and Johnson all improve themselves. But I think we have a chance to do it a little quicker then Chicago.”

I’ll Gladly Pay You Tomorrow for a Burger You’ll Let me Eat Today…

Now, furthering this thought, we have to begin to hone in on what money the Kings have to spend on potential free agents. And in all honesty, this is not my strongest suit when it comes to any sport. However, like I tell the kids where I work, I am a life-long learner, as they should be and so I try. And the way it is dealt with here.. well it ROCKS! And, by George, I think I’m starting to get it <just bare with me a second or 10> ! So, a player comes into the league and he has one salary until the free agency age of 27. Then they hit this second tier where you suddenly have to sign him to another, usually way-long contract that is going to eat up a lot of cap room long-term. So it might look like the Kings have a lot of money to spend short-term but if they do, it is going to bite them when it comes to signing the Terror Twins? Yes? I think that, in essence, is what was said. It was also then compared to the Backstrom situation in Washington. Now..<you stayed with me so far… let’s see if I got this, shall we> here’s the kicker!

Our master of the purse strings says: “The dilemma is <do you> get aggressive or just focus on keeping your own… When you look at our cap room now, you see we have 10 million dollars in space. But if I put a guy in at 6.5 and then I’ve got Doughty and Johnson and Simmonds and these guys add-up and boom, it’s gone.” <as you’ll notice in a moment or 4.. Dean-o is fond of his “BOOMS!” aye-carumba, Batman!> Now check out how this son of a bitch rolls out because here is where I think Dean Lombardi shows not only his knowledge of the business but his fan base, the sport and even more importantly, his passion for it. For Lombardi, it is about what is best for the teams, the league, the sport, the players, its union <but what’s best for the union and the players it represents should be the same, no? <— my thought.. MINE!> and the fans.  <I’m actually going to leave out the fan bits and save it for that other little monster I’m working on that will be out for all your beach reading pleasure when the Finals are complete!>

“It’s backwards in terms of the way it used to be. Where young players came up, their leverage increased a little each year and then, eventually, once they learned to win, you got Joe Sakic dollars but there was a process in place for these kids. And again, this is NBA stuff where a guy gets one contract, you make him a star, and he’s never played a playoff game and here’s 10 million a year.” Now, part Deuce, let’s bring it back to the Kings for one second <ok 10> -because I’m on a roll here- Lombardi goes on to explain the flipside- irony- of all of this and that includes us. Ultimately, although it might sound odd, it really works out better for a lot of teams to sign older players. Their contracts are shorter. They are going to get more money up front <in the short-term where the space IS> because it brings your long-term numbers down<long-term where the space is NEEDED>.

You can’t do that with the kids. Round and round we go.. a circle only has one side… MY POINT <keyword kids? MY> A ND SO.. . Riddle me this, Batman... Where does the young-to-averaged age, one-dimensional, forward who wants the long term 5-6 year deal at 7-8 million per make ANY LOGICAL SENSE??! Well IT DOESN’T! DUH!! Not when you look at the cap implications DOWN THE ROAD. Now you bring in say, an older, cheaper tough-guy… hmmm.. and no I’m NOT apologizing THIS time because that whole she-bang made sense.. and you know it! And truly.. I think that was pretty damn succinct for the amount of information it took… SO THERE <STOMPS FOOT>! … <silence..eye twitches>

<Damn it! I need advil.. that hurt my head…>

Pie? Did Someone Say Something about Pie?

Now that I have advil and a twitchy, wonky eye.. <hey, how is Briere?> we can get back to the debacle of free agency and those age dependent tiers <see now I thought this was just a problem with Illinois and their educational system.. ADD..squirrel.. sorry..> Lombardi made his stance very clear. Let’s break this down before going into the details, shall we?

1) The cap is not the evil axis.

2) It is not the players total revenue take-in that should be reduced. How it is distributed among them, should be.

3) Free Agency at 27 makes a long-term plan like the Blackhawks or the Kings very difficult in smaller markets.

Ok now.. let us take this step-by-step… it was Lombardi’s and the host’s opinion <NOW your key words are: Lombardi’s and host’s opinion see how that works?> that when the Free Agency age was dropped to 27, most GMs new right away that it would present a huge obstacle in keeping drafted talent. Because we all know that right now, in most sports it goes something like this…

HEY! Look who we drafted! Good kid, great potential! 3 years later…

He wants what?? SCREW HIM! THAT BACK STABING SON OF… I knew he didn’t want to play here.. I could see it… in that.. THAT.. THAT WONKY EY OF HIS!

Since the lockout, teams that have a young player with possible pay-offs but nothing proven yet, have to decide if he’s Kane or Abel <ok that one is Mom’s from game 5 of the finals when Kane scored- I can’t take credit>. Do you gamble and sign him long-term. Not to mention gambling with invested dollars and cap space, or do you let him go and risk kicking yourself when his hat trick knocks you out of the playoffs? <been there, done that, burned the t-shirt>

Lombardi explained, “It’s almost impossible to be like Buffalo was; they were winning, had built through the draft, had younger players and younger usually meant cheaper and they could compete with teams that didn’t draft well.  Well, now those teams like a Nashville or whatever that draft well, now you can’t keep it down because, like I said in the old-days, with free agency at 31. You still had to deal with hold outs, but you at least had the rights to the players.” And it is at this point that I wonder and again with the key words being I WONDER if Dean is showing some brutal honesty from his different positions throughout his career,from the management side of the coin. I mean take it from any position in management <of the NHL.. I’m not talking middle-management on Park Avenue>. Whether you are a coach, a GM, what have you.. Its gotta suck when you tell your fans <qualifying statement: you have to MEAN WHAT YOU SAY FOR THIS TO WORK> that you are rebuilding, drafting and bringing them in. But then, because of the way free agency is set up at 27 instead of 31 it becomes impossible to keep that promise. Suddenly you are bidding against teams in larger markets that don’t go through the draft and losing the players you brought up. NOT FAIR.. JIP.. REDO! Didn’t work on the playground… isn’t going to work now.

Take’r home Dean-o… “Now you build through the draft, you tell your fans to be patient, the kid starts coming along… only got three-years pro, so how predictable he’s going to be, you still don’t know but it’s like, I can’t lose this guy now. Aaaaand, so, boom! Now you’re looking at the six-million.” <ok you can argue the number of “a”s I put in the “and” but yeah, that’s a direct quote … love the “BOOMS!” wash. rinse. repeat..> Here’s where the player’s overall well-being comes into play. Look my dear Kingdom, I swear to you that I started this damn thing at about 8PM on June 8th 2010 and its 2:30 AM CST on June 9th. I have a 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM day ahead of me tomorrow. I had dinner while I wrote. I have the interview memorized, mmm k? So here it is, nowhere that I can tell, does Lombardi or the host of this lovely show <and it is incredible> in any way insinuate that the players should make less money on a whole or that they deserve to bring in less of the overall revenue. And this is my strength.. the inferencing, synthesizing, inferential unstated kind of information.. yeah.

Lombardi’s argument.. no, not even an argument.. his concern is that, much like the United States in general, you have a spreading gap of haves and have-not players. Yet everyone is paying the same dues to the union and work just as hard. Actually, often times, the players working hardest <the ones in the corners, the ones winning the battles , taking the body, blocking the shots> are getting paid the least- and that is the majority of them. While the minority of the players are taking home the largest amount of the revenues. He’s going to go with the pie analogy here.. so if you are hungry, you  might want to break and eat.. or get some grub while you read..

Go Dean-o, Go…”Now you can say the union don’t like this; but nobody is saying take away their pie. It’s the allocation within the pie.”And again.. there is nowhere that I hear anything other than good intent. However, with the following quote, I’m sure there are some who would find that a GM possibly putting words in the players mouth.. is well.. kosher as Christmas?

Calling the spade, a spade… “It’s the allocation within the cap and I don’t know how many players really think it’s fair either to have that much discrepancy, particularly for a young player… It’s just something about what the nature of sports is supposed to be; when three guys are taking 70% of the payroll and the other guys are making $400,000.”

Admittedly, I’ve heard and read that some don’t necessarily buy into Lombardi’s concerns  for the overall well-being of the NHL’s financial state, let alone the NHLPA. Could it be a preemptive, proactive, make-nicey PR move for the players? Hey look, you want to be Negative Nancy and Debbie Downer, be my guest. And yes, there was mention of another possible issue with the upcoming CBA, which Lombardi quickly waived off as nonsense <not his word>. However, maybe in my nativity, <however there isn’t any kool-aid in MY fridge> I think this is some pretty great stuff, Mr. President. WHEN I put it together from other interviews in print, audio and video, I am choosing to believe that he is what he says he is. He cares about building not just a team the right way, but people. He cares not just for our Kingdom but the entire sport. Because of these factors, yes, he might actually care that it is ass-backwards for any player; even ones named Crosby <SHADDAP>, to make more money in a year then Sean O’Donnell will have seen in his entire career. Especially, when they are paying the same dues to the NHLPA.

And so I am going to leave you with the following quote that encompasses his beliefs in one shot.

“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.”

And Now The Pressures On, The Heat Is Rising… Tonight There’s Something In The Air

Marblehead JohnsonThe Bluetones- The Singles

A thousand times I sat down to write this and a thousand ways it could go. But it is going to be short, simple and sweet. Once again my blog on hockey culture in Los Angeles will wait. It is timeless. It is important but, in the face of tonight, can wait until business is taken care of. I have to, despite whatever rules might exist, also suggest the following reads before tonights epic battle at Staples Center:

It’s Times You Like These, You Give and Give Again -One By One -Foo Fighters Only band to come out and say “we’re playing ALL NIGHT,” and do it! 3 1/2 hours- Hey Dave! Gotta work in AM!

As this goes to “press” Drew Doughty was named a finalist for the Norris Trophy CONGRATULATIONS!

I mentioned an article in the Wall Street Journal that I would not only dissect but offer major comments on, and after some intensive, first-hand research. I have decided to break this edition of the blog off into a separate part. So, in essence there are two blogs coming out at the same time. In consideration of the length <cause I can let that get out of hand as it is> and being they are two completely different types of blogs; the first being a review of the series so far- the normal edition and the second more a springboard off the a fore mentioned article and the culture of hockey in Los Angeles. Having said that, let’s move on to the topic of this edition at-hand:

When I left everyone last, I wondered if the next time I sat down to write would it to pull the Kingdom off the ledge or if it would be to attempt to join everyone in celebrating the beginnings of a new contender in boxing arena known as the Western Conference.

(Side ADD but important note.. as I mention the “Kingdom”:  NHLHotstove’s fearless leader, Alex, is working on my hyper-link definition page. As he revamps the website for next season, the page will be created to hyperlink  my corky, dorky nick-names and the ones crafted by the Kingdom- to definitions to each in every edition of this dear blog for the newbies and just plain confused soon enough. And confused by my doing.. not theirs the Hockey God’s know!).

It Was the Best of Times. It Was the Worst of Times- Games Two and Four

Here is an odd dichotomy of emotion for games that start and end in completely different directions. I went into game 2 a bundle of nerves, wondering if when I wrote this blog <albeit thinking it would be written sooner but I digress> if I would be doing it to pull the Kingdom off the ledge? Or instead, wrapping our minds around making a run for round two while knowing the series was long from over.

Game 2 started and although it was never said aloud, when we went down 2-0 right into it, I thought it was going to be time for the: “I’m already proud of them no matter what” speech (which is completely true). However, with their ability to not play 60 minutes in any given game (whether it is the first, second or third period that they decide to sit out), our boys came thundering back to steal it in overtime. <THIS TIME– but remember that thought and this one- because as the Charlatans say- “The stories that you tell come back to haunt you…” Us and Us Only>

Game 4.. well there was swagger and it was said aloud.. very very loudly, aloud. 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” <you didn’t think I was leaving that out, did you?> 

See now, this is where those stories you tell come back to haunt you because Game 4 was gangbusters. Staples Center was a-rockin and the Kingdom was sending a message about itself and the team: not in our house because this is not Sweeden <ahem. neutral territory is what I mean>.  For sure, we were going back to Vancouver to wrap this sucker up in 5 games. UNFREAKING BELIEVABLE but true… I mean it was happening.. we were watching for it. We had been waiting for it… but suddenly it didn’t happen. And why? Because we didn’t show up for the whole game. I don’t know if I can pick out an entire period but there were definite stretches where they weren’t there. Add to that, that the Canucks actually started showing up on the penalty kill. The first time they shut-down our power play, I think a shocked hush fell over the Staples Center. It felt like an eternity in my living room before the music blared and the Kingdom roared again.

The question, before looking forward becomes, how the hell did it happen? How did we go from the bundle of nervous excitement before game 2 to this swaggered team that had a chip on its shoulder and something to prove, something it knew it could prove. Something most definitely changed. And it all goes back to one thing: GAME THREE. Now that we have looked at games 2 and 4, we are going to look at the linking factor: Game 3. Obviously there was a shift in momentum, attitude and perception. To get it back in Game 5, we must look at the whole and think; what was the good? What was the bad? And riddle me this Batman? What was the WTF??? Like Holy Hoppin what was Randy Jones doing in the line-up in game 4?? Not that he played horribly, mind you, but let’s face it- the man is just cursed, the black cloud over the LA Kings.

I’m a new day rising, I’m a brand new sky to hang the stars upon tonight -One By One- Foo Fighters

Game 3 held enough pressure to cook rice. Let’s face it. If the players were throwing up in the back of the locker room from the rookies to the most season veterans I would not have blamed them. From those I talked to that went to practice that morning, those that came to sign autographs were very uptight. They signed and took pictures as they normally do but weren’t “quite themselves.” Now, I take them on their word, having not been there myself. The first playoff game in eight-years and even from home, I could feel the electricity of the building. And when the Vancouver Canucks even scored the first goal of the game, credit to the Kingdom for holding the allegiance keeping Staples HOME to the LA Kings and going hush, becoming a neutral arena, as the media predicted.

Now as I (and others) stated before the LA Kings decided not to show up during intervals of the game but also got away with it because the Vancouver Canucks decided to forget the rules of the game and take penalty after penalty. Credit to the LA Kings for walking through the door when opportunity knocked (unlike Game 4) nearly at will with three of the five goals coming on the power play. Then the three events that snowballed into what I believe would change the attitude, beliefs and yeah bring those punk-kids down the block level with the cool kids and within striking distance of a series they weren’t supposed to win.

First, there was Jonathan Quick’s punch. Now understand that I italicize that not for diminishment but because, truly, it wasn’t what it seemed. The Canuck, who I don’t believe was ever truly identified, but please comment below if you are sure of who it was; but he was half-falling already when Quick stood helmetless over his sunken body and had punched him square in the face. Well the Kingdom roared and the bench stood in shock. Next, the goal that started the controversy… Sedin gets waived off and the whole Canucks team goes into meltdown mode… 2 minutes later, they  score and keep it this time and then Ryan Smyth who doesn’t know what day it is and is probably seeing 20 players and 10 pucks on the ice snaps a shot from the blue-line so vicious that it ricochets off of Luongo’s glove and ends his night in net. Please let me repeat that cause it is so much fun: In the first playoff game at Staples Center in EIGHT YEARS, the Los Angeles Kings ripped Luongo so bad that they ended his night early, with the Kingdom singing Luuuooongoo! Then the trash-talking began! Drew Doughty to Captain “I’ve remembered what Brown Can do for you” Fearless; the Canucks bench was bombarded with those oh-so unsuitable words for TV that make you happy you learned to lip read. With that the Kingdom and their team learned their place in this series and the NHL world.

This is why the Kingdom began, foolishly, to take things a bit too far- planning for what ifs in round two. Should the trash-talking with Canuck fans hit another level? Oh sure… why not? It is what sports are about and the Kingdom has been slammed around disrespectfully long enough. And it was fun—they would say STFU and finally we would say: No. (simple, yet gratifying). But this is also why and how the Kingdom and the team went into Game 5 with a certain belief, a different attitude. And when it didn’t work out, it didn’t happen. It was like a nice to the heart, like the punk kids were out for what they were and now have to walk into enemy territory with what to show for it? Well.. that is where it is time to look ahead to tonight and game 5 in Vancouver…

Ever Stole The Win Off Jaws Of Defeat? When It’s There For Taking You’ll Find Dancing All Over It’s Teeth-Drawn From Memory- Embrace

The Good (Please keep for Game 5): The Power Play, Jonathan Quick, The Terror Twins, Anze Kopitar, Rob Scuderi and Wayne Simmonds: <This is NOT by Far the ONLY Good- Just my points for this thread—there are the consistent players- just what is up for point NOW> Is the Kingdom, the Media and anyone else that joined the “lets doubt Quick’s chi bandwagon” done yet? Because if he hasn’t shut-up the naysayer’s, I quit. With every single game Quick looks more and more like Mike Richter with just a little more ‘tude. Richter never had the size, but he had the heart. He also had the flexibility and agility that many ballerinas would have killed for. My Mom even quipped that Quick had the best male leg split she’d ever seen <ha!> and after seeing some pictures of him with friends, he isn’t very big, but he plays big. Not to mention that glove hand—again just like Richter. How many times did you see it, or see free framed pictures of Richter with that glove hand, holding up the puck like a trophy for everyone to see… as if to say, nope, it is right here… I GOT IT BOYS… no worries.

Next the Ugly: Not showing up for the whole game, Randy Jones and getting the crap beat out of us (KILL IT! For Game 5)—which sometimes can also fall under the WTF??! Can someone, ANYONE please explain to the team that to consistently win they MUST MUST show up for an ENTIRE 60 minute game? I mean do they have to go watch a Manchester Monarchs game??  To not show up for whole periods or just intermittently throughout the game, while relying on the Canucks to make mistakes. Let alone, the power play to take advantage of those mistakes, is a disaster in the making <see Game 4>. Randy. Jones. What has not been said about this poor fool of a took. You know have to have some sympathy. I heard a story about a recent practice session after game 1. When he made the turnover that caused the goal that ended the game, my mom turned and looked at me during that 5 second delay before the mass hysteria of screaming starts and said “Who was that? He might as well have stopped at the blue line, politely picked up the puck and handed it to Quick so that he could put it behind the line for the Canucks.” Then I started screaming. Well I guess when he came out of the facility some fans went to get autographs and he thought they were after something more ominous and almost broke into full stride..  then he realized he was safe… whoops! However, I never thought he’d see the light of the playoffs again. But he did.. and truthfully? As I stated above… he played well. But we lost. I just think he’s cursed and brings us nothing but bad karma from the Hockey Gods. He must not play again. Or the Kings won’t continue to round 2. End o’ story. Lastly, there is the Kings being beat around like rag dolls (and I’m not talking the cat breed, like my Anze). This has GOT TO STOP. Ryan Smith, Brad Richardson. Thank God they are the type to get up and keep going but sooner or later someone will break a leg, hand, strain his back, or worse again. Then what?

*Now in all honestly I have had beef with the organization all year about this. I said over and over again what a blood bath the West is during the REGULAR SEASON… what was expected of the post-season??! Too late now, but someone has to get something done…

You Know I Hate To Be That Fan BUT Connections to 1993 Are TOO Much:

1. The Montreal Canadians Captain in 1993? Kirk Mueller. Assistant Coach now? You guessed it.
2. Luc Robitaille had the most goals in one season by a left-winger with 63 and points with 125.
3. Speaking of Richter and Quick- Guess who Richter beat to win HIS Stanley Cup! Ok it was 93- (1994)
4. Played Vancouver Canucks in Round 2. Lost games 1 and 4 as a severe underdog. Won series in 6 games.
5. We had one of, if not arguably, the best young defensive cores in the game with Robe Blake (later to become a back-stabbing son of a… <shut-IT> and hall of famer Darryl Sydor along with solid but the underachieving Alexi Zhitnik. We have the Terror Twins…
6. The playoffs were a record-setting, heart palpitating, hey! Can you pass the Tums, sponsoring roller coaster ride with a record-setting 28 overtime games. The Canadians playing in the bulk of them with 11 (10 in a row, mind you; 3 in the finals against the Los Angeles Kings and setting a record of having won 10 of them total). 10 overtime wins for a team is a NHL record. This season already has 11 overtime games in the first round. At that rate, 1993’s record will easily be shattered 2010. The Kings have participated in 2 of them.

This Week’s Sign of the Apocalypse: The Greenmen are on Twitter: RUN!

Susan Crosby
NHLHS Los Angeles Kings Correspondent
scrosby@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @kittypets

Just Because You’re Paranoid Doesn’t Mean They Aren’t Talking About You

<Ahem> … the Title, from Karma Police of the CD Kid A– is dedicated to that certain backstabbing son of a… who scored on himself…

So there have been whisperings of the NHL having a conspiracy against and for certain teams and players. The San Jose Sharks cry foul because they choke every year, in the first round <yawn>. Any Canadian team cries foul because they are convinced that the NHL won’t be happy until NHL stands for the NO-Hamilton-League. And well any team that plays the Penguins and/or Caps have the “how to cry conspiracy against Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby” For Dummies in their locker room. However, the LA Kings had managed to avoid this entire debacle. Mostly, I suppose, because the Kingdom already knows that the NHL, its fan base and media (until the Olympics) didn’t have any respect <hell I don’t even know if you can NOT respect a team you don’t know exists> for us, so why complain about something you are used to? However, in Game 2 against the Vancouver Canucks, the rules all changed and we were ushered into the conspiracy theory party with VIP status.

So how did that happen, exactly? Well the LA Kings went down 2-0 really fast and then, well came thunderin’ on back, led by Anze Kopitar and Wayne Simmonds in the third period. I suppose (and I say suppose, because, I think this whole thing is silly- and it was 1 of like what? 5 goals … yeah.. cause there were FOUR OTHERS) that started (and again key word here?? STARTED) it. Anyhow, by rattling Luongo, stunning the city, and bringing the Kingdom to its feet, the Kings started a domino fact that led to another overtime and then all hell broke loose.… and the Kingdom, La Kings, Vancouver Canucks and stupid freaking Greenmen became co-stars in the NHL Conspiracy Theory movie that is now filming in NHL arenas across the country.

Now, I’m pretty sure, I get the background for Canuck fans here on their first issue.. in overtime, especially in the playoffs, you have to decapitate a player, hell maybe sometimes more than one, to get a power play. But let’s get this straight– the Canucks had not 7 but 8 men on the ice at once. Then not two minutes before, I’m pretty sure our fearless captain was put in for a lobotomy, so that he could no longer remember “What Brown Can Do For You”. All of this, running concurrently with Smyth being tossed around like a Rag Doll (and I don’t mean the breed of cat Rag Doll- my Anze-I mean a DOLL) not just in game 1 and 2 but right through game 3 where he probably was seeing 5 pucks when he slammed home the goal that tipped over Luongo’s glove, effectively ending his night in net.

Speaking of Game 3– um yeah– there was THAT non-goal. Look as a newly acquired friend told me, “Tell Canuck fans to take heart in the fact that they might have lost the hockey game, but they won the soccer match 1-0.” (Ducks and runs ——>) I think its a fun joke- I’m not even sure if it was the right call. Truth be told, I don’t know if the NHL does. But there in lies the point, the error is in the rules and the rule book not with the ruling itself. I mean if a rule is too blurry to be called right, does it really exist or is it just there to be regurgitated as a reference point for officials that have to make subjective rulings in important games at inopportune times? Someday that delay of game penalty is going to cost a team the Cup. It will probably be the Kings- just you watch. Funny enough, the last game I watched with Mom a Canuck (accidentally I think) shot the puck over the glass (I want to say a penalty was called but with all the penalties going in this series- who can keep track) without it touching anyone and she yelled, “Hey- good play. He stopped the crashing around the goalie.” I laughed. Out of the mouth of babes..

And so it began again … only through the rinse cycle..  for those who have read before (wash, rinse, repeat X2.. hell X4 even)… because it isn’t just their fans, now. Even the Sedin’s were crying in the media and the coach. Not to mention the fact that you would think, having won game 4 in Los Angeles, they would have let it go? OH HELL NO! It has gotten worse, from what I can tell… there are coaches and media outlets walking around with DVDs of every goal disallowed and boarder line goal allowed in the NHL since the rule changed and seeing which would apply and which wouldn’t (WHO THE HELL HAS TIME FOR THIS DURING THE PLAYOFFS?? I CANT KEEP UP WITH FREAKING TWITTER?) Not to mention that I can’t go 30 seconds now without an announcer seeing something or commenting on something or clarifying a penalty or a ruling on the ice without having to immediately say… “nope the official is (fill in the blank) because on page X Section X paragraph X line X it clearly states… Now, in an effort to start anew with the best of 3 ahead of us… I’d like to say the following

Dear city of Vancouver, Canada, the Vancouver Canucks, the Ginger Twins (Holy Hoppin Creativity Batman!!! Who had THAT sign??) and yeah- you- you stupid freaking Greenmen,

SHUT-IT!

The only conspiracy theories in this country involve grassy moles, the CIA, the man on the moon and Area 52…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…

Sincerely,

S. Crosby (no, I’m not scanning my driver’s license and you can’t make me)

p.s. – I never boo National Anthems. In fact I sing along, even like a fool,  in my apartment.

Susan Crosby
NHLHS Los Angeles Kings Corrospondent
scrosby@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @kittypets

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Fewer penalties – plain and simple, stay out of the box!
4. 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.
5. 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

-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>

Kaiser Chiefs- Good Days Bad Days
Point in fact- the original version of this blog, titled, “Choose Your Own Adventure,” was written and posted by your’s truly on 4/7/2010. As you will read, it stated that the LA Kings (whether it was against all clichés or not) wanted the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. Since then there were so many blogs either agreeing with or, since the series was set in stone, calling this series for the LA Kings that I have given up on the idea of listing all of them and the quotes to prove my point. And if you know me OR have been reading this blog (or its original home) you know how MUCH I LOVE to prove my point.. cause I rarely have one, let alone it be RIGHT….

So, now that fateful blog, and I are on the line. I’m good with that- just ask my current place of education <not work but schooling>. For the most part (and when not, I’ve gone on record and called myself out),  I’ve been on target with everything I’ve criticized (out of love.. ) and praised about the Kings and the Kingdom <see below> and what isn’t, I’ve called out on myself and corrected, no problem. Truth be told, if you know me, you know that outside of my job I have the self-esteem of a thumbtack. However, should this keeps up- it might just move to a steel push-pin <shout-out to Joulene in LA!>

And so.. I’m willing to just update the data and add some thoughts and tid-bits from “Choose Your Own Adventure,” because, well…… I CALLED IT FIRST DAMN IT!                      <STOMPS FOOT>

Next, in hoping that I’m going to start drawing in more and more newbie readers as things progress, I’m going to steal MayorsManor.com’s idea and start hyper-linking terms that either the Kingdom <like that one – that is my term for the Kings fan base- which, unlike SensNation, actually exists during the  Good Days and Bad Days not just when the Senators are running over the Penguins>knows or, even better, I have developed and know.. and think are cute <in my delusional world> and ask that everyone just humor me on <for instance- The Terror Twins- Would be Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty- so take note>. So, until that is up and running I will define as I go, promise.

First things first- unless otherwise needed, and who knows.. it might be.. I’m going to kill the part that said why I DID’NT think the Chicago Blackhawks were a good idea, as it is not needed now and we have enough business to deal with. I have the ability to work a blog into 8 pages as it is… no unnecessary information here..

Grab'm By The Collar- JMFJ and Scuds Look To Rock Canucks

If you had a different attitude… You have missed an opportunity and that’s a really big mistake – Kaiser Chiefs- Good Days, Bad Days

So, straight to the updated facts. As I had said on 4/7/10… “Now, should you not be the common sense kind of person (I’m a Literacy Specialist, it is how I operate- I do not run on stats and math as most mathematicians and math teachers do- not that the facts aren’t important- I’ve run them through blogs before- just that when common sense seems.. more.. well.. logical and to the point, I will go with it. Of course, emotion will suffice, too. However, for you fools, here are the facts, just the facts.”

LA Kings Vs. Vancouver Canucks  2009-2010

PLEASE NOTE ***Only Data Changes Are To Reflect SEASON Totals**

See, funny enough, we have the same record against the Vancouver Canucks as say the Chicago Blackhawks… HOWEVER, the dates and circumstances under which we’ve played the Canucks this season is where the reasoning (for the good days and bad days– see how the common thread with the music runs.. LOVE. IT.)  comes in, so stay with me people.

The LA Kings are 1-4 this season against the Canucks..

3-1, 4-1 and 2-1 losses (the 2-1 loss was a shootout)

Lone win was the most recent 8-3 blowout.

10/29 was the shootout loss: 2-1- very close game during the LA Kings tear of a start to the season

11/26 was a 4-1 loss going into Thanksgiving when the Manchester Monarchs (LA Kings AHL Minor League Team) were flying by the seat of their pants against the NHL, instead of the injured, aka missing in action LA King. And while we are on the topic, may we take a moment of silence to give thanks to the Monarchs? For we’d be long done and dusted, in this race, if not for those men.

12/14 was a 3-1 loss The slide from hell continues into the Christmas break.. one player in and one player out. Wayne Simmonds had just been injured on the 12^th, listed week-to-week that day (not even day-to-day but week-to-week—come on this is the Kings, after all) then there goes Jarrett Stoll. And to be perfectly honest because a lot of this period has been blocked out for what little remains of my sanity- maybe Ryan Smyth was long gone by then? So, seriously… yeah– GO MONARCHS!

4/1/10 THE BLOWOUT. Wow. The one upside of the Olympics, maybe. I swear, this is where the positive reasoning kicks in and as a bonus makes sense <yeah I SWEAR this is NOT a squirrel- that would be an ADD reference to squirrels- I squirrel alot.. > … so take a deep breath and here we go…

On both sides of the Olympics, we have Roberto Luongo’s number- Players played WITH him (one that REALLY needs a shot in the arm.. Drew?? DREW??? DREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW? – think Alvin- the chipmunk… forget it (cultural reference)… played with him, damn well, too for Canada. <And let me note here that the last two games of the seasons I did see signs of life from Drew. As I’ve said of both Drew and Scuds (Rob Scuderi) when signs of life have popped up … please.. please… please, COME BACK! We miss you boys.>

Then we have our Captain Dustin- ever pumping, ever leading, ever pushing, ever ass-kicking, I’m going to drag this team to <and now through> the damn playoffs if I have to do it myself, one-by-damn one of you Brown (hat trick that night, anyone???).

And of course, JMFJ (Jack Mother Fucking Johnson). I didn’t say this was a PG blog, did I?  JMFJ led the team in minutes, had three blocked shots and although only two official assists, was on the ice for the entire hat trick in the blowout. He was an intricate part of each of Brown’s goals- and essential to the win- hence the second star.

Now.. to drive the point home.. Anze Kopitar didn’t even play in the Olympics …<another rant for another blog… yeah> but when he had the puck the look on Luongo’s face was priceless and after the ensuing goal was scored? Luongo did a fish out of water dance worthy of Dominick Hasek trying to draw a penalty… Oh yeah… that cage is rattled.

One-On-One

Leading Point Scorers:

Anze Kopitar

81 points 34 G 47 A (but if he hadn’t been injured… Kopi is not far off.. really)

Henrik Sedin

112 points 29 G 83 A

<Holy Hoppin I thought that was for both Sedin brother’s Batman!> 29 Goals 83 Assists (Mother of SOMETHING  that is some passing skill, vision of the ice…mighty!)

*Ok, admittedly the Canucks win this- but Henrik Sedin is tearing up the entire league- so reasoning, again dictates that I’m not throwing out my argument on one player. Having said that Scuds single-handedly shutdown Alex Ovechkin in the playoffs, for the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, he could do it again <if he comes out of hiding>. I don’t doubt his chi… And really- do you doubt Anze hitting a hidden gear in the playoffs… SERIOUSLY?! Cause I don’t.

Leading Defenseman:

Drew Doughty

59 points 16 Goals, 43 A +20 (*See above… * Wash, Rinse, Repeat X2).

Christian Ehroff

44 points 14 Goals 30 A +33

Probable Starters

Jonathan Quick

GP 72 GAA: 2.54 W: 39 L 24 SV% .907

Roberto Luongo

GP 68 GAA: 2.57 W: 40 L: 22 SV%.913

**Huh… well what do we have here? Funny, I don’t hear Canuck fans screaming that Luongo is a waste, should be replaced and has been soft, is out of position all the time, lost focus or isn’t good enough… and I’m pretty sure I haven’t heard anything about his defensemen scoring on him lately or flirting with the female reporters DURING GAMES… yet his numbers are just about identical with Quick’s and Quick has played in 3 more games… huh… just sayin. NOW CAN I PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HAVE SOOOOOME FUN??? Thank you

Sticks and Stones and Animal Bones Can’t Stop Me From Getting Away With Good Days and Bad Days, Yeah- Kaiser Chiefs- Good Days, Bad Days

Expectations, people, expectations. I know I gave this advice out in the original blog (4/7/2010) and I’m going to give it out ONE MORE TIME: crawl WALK RUN. Do I believe in my team? SHIT YEAH! Do I believe in Cinderella stories.. uh, 1993 anyone <oh and yeah.. who did we beat again in the first round.. um, right>.  k. However, if and when the inevitable, comes. WHENEVER it might come I, for one, will be damn proud of this team. Because, truth be told, I already am. I know, for once, there is a future to look to.. a really bright future.  There will be good days and bad days.. and sooner or later the Kingdom will be ready to take the bad with the good (without trading every player on the team, MAYBE, HUH???!)

Next Blog.. Are we backing from the ledge? Are we leaping to new heights?

And hot damn.. I’ll be taking it from a whole point of view… <shit I’m shaking thinking of it>

Even using the latest article from the Wall Street Journal

<and one last line of Good Days, Bad Days for this blog> because…

Saturday it will be time for LA to show that  This city loves a scrap, One day it’s gonna bite

- Kaiser Chiefs- Good Days, Bad Days

… oh and, of course,  more Musical Hockey Fun, next time!

<Runs to hide under the desk from  Hockey Gods, the Kings, Canuck fans… the Canucks? And entire Kingdom…which is and always will be greater than “SensNation”>

…And so with a roll of the dice the LA Kings <and I> started the engine (lyrics <w/ names added by me> Gomez, B-Side- A New Tide- 2009)

Los Angeles Kings by Anthony Curatolo

It’s been a season that saw the Kings earn the label “cardiac”.  This is due, much in part, to the fact that the Kings found ways to overcome adversity quite often during games this year.  Trailing time and time again, this Kings team had the “never say die” type attitude and were able to generate third period come backs that helped push them forward; now a Western Conference playoff team.

Over the course of the season, the Canucks and Kings played head to head four times.  The problem, the Canucks won three of the four.

Jonathan Quick was charged with all three losses while Jonathan Bernier was between the pipes on April 1st, the final meeting between the two teams which saw the Kings put eight pucks passed Canucks netminder Roberto Luongo in an 8-3 victory.

This is the playoffs and we can erase all regular season situations.

However, of the Kings main contributors, Alex Frolov, Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar are all appearing in their first playoff series. Add to that list Wayne Simmonds, Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty as well as the young Jon Quick.

Now, the veterans of the club, Michal Handzus, Sean O’Donnell, Ryan Smyth, Justin Williams, Rob Scuderi and Fredrik Modin have all been a part of the playoffs. Of those veterans, Williams, O’Donnell, Modin and Scuderi all own Stanley Cup rings.

It comes down to the veterans taking control and leading the youth movement of LA into the second round.

Vancouver Canucks by I-5 Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks survived an NHL record 14 game road trip and injuries to key players such as Kevin Bieksa, Pavol Demitra, Daniel Sedin, and Willie Mitchell to win the Northwest Division for the second time in three years. As a team, they also ended up second in goals for(272), team power-play goals(68), home wins(30), and victories by 3 or more goals(23) – finishing second or tied for first in those categories with the Washington Capitals. Vancouver also led the league in wins(11) when trailing after 2 periods.

In past seasons the Canucks success has been solely on the shoulders of goaltender Roberto Luongo. That wasn’t the case this season as the offense took center stage. Six players scored 25 or more goals and many others finished the season with career years. Veterans Henrik Sedin (Art Ross trophy winner & Hart trophy candidate), Alexandre Burrows, Daniel Sedin, and Ryan Kesler led the way with personal best seasons on the score sheet. Off-season acquisitions Mikael Samuelsson and Christian Erhoff also posted career years (something every GM hopes for when they add players to their team).

While the offense flourished, the defense was another story. Even with the emergence of Erhoff and Alexander Edler, injuries to Bieksa and Mitchell and issues with Mathieu Schneider and Shane O’Brien led to a lot of defensive breakdowns as players that were not expected to log top-4 minutes were called upon to do so night in and night out. Defense and goaltending are the biggest question marks for the Canucks heading into their first round matchup with the Kings. While many feel that Luongo will regain his form of past seasons, without the return of Mitchell (which doesn’t seem likely) the defense will have to play a disciplined game and rely on the forwards to backcheck and help out on defense.

Many Canucks fans were rooting for this matchup, but make no mistake about it this will be a tough series. The Kings have an excellent mix of experienced veterans and young players that have excelled in one of the toughest divisions in the NHL. In the end though, home ice advantage and a more experienced goaltender will lead the Canucks to victory in 6 games.

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.

Of the aforementioned, two have hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup: Rob Scuderi and Justin Williams.

Playoff experience rests within this Kings roster. Head Coach Terry Murray has also been to the playoffs numerous times and also understands the pressure that comes with the post season.

Success lies on the shoulders of one member of this Kings roster and that is netminder Jonathan Quick.

To date, Quick has appeared in 70 games for the Kings posting a record of 39-24-5.  He has a .907 save percentage with a 2.54 goals against average this season.

When discussing the playoffs the goaltending of a team becomes the main focus on their ability to advance and just how far they will go.

For the Kings, with the young and inexperienced Quick, the one benefit that could come about will be if the standings stay the way they currently are. The Kings hold the seventh seed in the Western Conference and the San Jose Sharks hold the second seed.

This season the Hockeywood, LA boys split the season series with the Sharks, posting a record of 3-3. However, outside of the “X” factor of Dany Heatley for San Jose, they are pretty much the same team that has failed in the playoffs numerous times this decade. With history on the Kings side, a visit to the second round is likely.

As for the team as a whole, it will be the first for many when the Kings commence their first round playoff series.

Brad Richardson, Scott Parse, Jack Johnson, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar and Alex Frolov will all be making their first trips to the post season.

Not only anticipating the feeling that will come from the atmosphere of the NHL playoffs, but the excitement level will be on overload.

This is a team that can upset many of the top seeds in the West. For the Kings, they should not fear the Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks or the Phoenix Coyotes. The Chicago Blackhawks are a different animal altogether, so they will be excluded from this discussion.  However, if the Kings wind up facing the Hawks in the first round it could strike fear within the team which would cause a disadvantage for LA.

That is the one match-up that the Kings are hoping to avoid.

However, as a dark horse team with the firepower up front that the Kings have, even defeating the Hawks is not an impossible scenario.

The Kings have scored 234 goals to date. That is good for seventh best in the league in offensive production.

They have 11 players in double digit numbers for goals scored. Three of the 11 have 20 goals or more and two others have 19. In looking at those stats, it provides the Kings with an advantage – the simple fact that this team can score goals, especially when it comes to crunch time.

If the stars align the Kings can make their way into the conference finals. A road that will not be easy to skate down, but one that has a positive path.

Anthony Curatolo
Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

Hey look… the last time the Los Angeles 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 <I’m willing to be sacrificed>… and should a punishment HAVE TO rain down on me… just leave my boys out of it, mmmk? They know NOT what I do.

Ok… right now we have swapped places with the Detroit Red Wings… jumping from 7^th place to 6^th place. On a personal note—thank you boys, sure my ex does love this- well no, he doesn’t… I am… heh. Back to the matter at hand, this puts us in a position to play the Vancouver Canucks rather than the Chicago Blackhawks. Now I know, I know… it is a mortal sin in sports. You never talk about who you want to play. The clichés are ENDLESS… “We respect both teams and would have a tough opponent and… WA WA WA like Charlie Brown’s teacher <or I could say something else but being this is public I’ll not go there…>. However, look at it with some common sense, or by the facts and it is clear that the LA Kings just have a better shot against the Canucks then the Chicago Blackhawks.

In one way, this scenario, if I’m to be selfish about it, but I won’t be, doesn’t even work for me, because Chicago is a 4-hour turn around drive for me from the Arch… heeeeey though, wonder if my passport will be sorted by then…oooooooooh Alicia… care for a visit in Seattle and drive to Vancouver? Happen to know any Canuck connections? oops.. sorry… moving on…

Now, should you not be the common sense kind of person (I’m a Literacy Specialist, it is how I operate- I do not run on stats and math as most mathematicians and math teachers do- not that the facts aren’t important- I’ve run them through blogs before- just that when common sense seems.. more.. .well.. logical and to the point, I will go with it. Of course, emotion will suffice, too. However, for you fools, here are the facts, just the facts.

Kings VS. the Blackhawks:

As of April 7th- Kings are 1 and 3 against the Blackhawks (1 win in a shootout)

Won 1 2-1 (in a shootout non-the-less)

Lost 3 4-1  (3-0 and 3-2 in a shootout)

Now Head on Head (all as of April 7^th)

Leading Point Scorers:

Anze Kopitar 79 points 34 G 45 A

Patrick Kane 85 points  30 G 55 A

Leading Defenseman:

Drew Doughty 57 points 15 Goals, 47 A +19 (We all know how this has been going since playoffs).

Duncan Keith 66 points 15 Goals 53 A +19

Probable Starters:

Jonathan Quick: GP 70 GAA: 2.54 W: 39 L 24 SV% .907

Cristobal Huet:  GP 48 GAA: 2.50 W: 26 L: 14 OT: 4 SO: 4 GA: 114  SV% .895

-(sounds familiar, eh- another reason not to play the Hawks)

**Stats should be considered very carefully when considering that Huet’s split time with Antti Niemi, who played a near equal 36 games. However,                         Huet is the favorite to start.

Now on to the Vancouver Canucks…

And please note that this is where some reasoning has to come in….

See, funny enough we have the same exact record against the Canucks… but let us notice some dates of these games and the circumstances surrounding them…

The LA Kings are 1-4 this season against the Canucks..

3-1, 4-1 and 2-1 losses (the 2-1 loss was a shootout)

The lone win was the most recent win was the most memorable 8-3 blowout.

10/29 was the shootout loss, 2-1- very close game during the Kings tear of a start to the season

11/26 was going into Thanksgiving when the Manchester Monarchs were flying by the seat of their pants against the NHL, instead of the injured, aka missing in action LA Kings… they did their best but lost this game 4-1 <and while we are on the topic, may we take a moment of silence to give thanks to the Monarchs? For we’d be long done and dusted, in this race, if not for those men>.

12/14 The slide from hell continues into the Christmas break.. one player in and one player out. Wayne Simmonds had just been injured on the 12^th, listed week-to-week (not even day-to-day—come on this is the Kings, after all) on the 14^th and then there goes Jarrett Stoll. And to be perfectly honest because a lot of this period has been blocked out for what little remains of my sanity- maybe Ryan Smyth was still long gone by then? So, seriously… yeah.  We only lost 3-1 – GO MONARCHS!

4/1/10 Wow. The one upside of the Olympics, maybe <and this is where you run with the positive reasoning– it really does kick in and make sense people, so stick with me>. On both sides of the Olympics, we have Roberto Luongo’s number- Players played WITH him (one that REALLY needs a shot in the arm.. Drew?? DREW??? DREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEW? – think Alvin- the chipmunk… forget it… played with him, damn well, too for Canada. Then we have our Captain Dustin- ever pumping, ever leading, ever pushing, ever ass-kicking, I’m going to drag this team to the damn playoffs if I have to do it myself, one-by-damn one of you Brown (hat trick that night, anyone???) and Jack MF Johnson. As I said in my blog for that game.. he led the team in minutes, had three blocked shots and although only two official assists, was on the ice for the entire hat trick. He was an intricate part of each- and essential to the win- hence the second star. Anze Kopitar didn’t even play in the Olympics …<another rant for another blog… yeah> but when he had the puck the look on Luongo’s face was priceless and after the ensuing goal was scored? He did a fish out of water dance worthy of Dominick Hasek trying to draw a penalty… Oh yeah… that cage is rattled.

*If you are wondering why I didn’t breakdown the games vs. the Blackhawks… I think that the stats speak for themselves… no reasoning needed.

Now Head on Head (all as of April 7^th)

Leading Point Scorers:

Anze Kopitar 79 points 34 G 45 A (but if he hadn’t been injured… Kopi is not far off.. really)

Henrik Sedin 107 points <Holy Hoppin I thought that was for both Sedin brother’s Batman!> 29 Goals 78 Assists (Mother of SOMETHING  that is some passing skill, vision of the ice…mighty!)

*Ok, admittedly the Canucks win this- but Henrik Sedin is tearing up the entire league- so reasoning, again dictates that I’m not throwing out my argument on one player. Having said that, Rob Scuderi single-handedly shutdown Alex Ovechkin in the playoffs, for the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, he could do it again <if he comes out of hiding>. I don’t doubt his chi… And really- do you doubt Anze hitting a hidden gear in the playoffs… SERIOUSLY?! Cause I don’t.

Leading Defenseman:

Drew Doughty 57 points 15 Goals, 47 A +34 (See above… Wash, Rinse, Repeat X2).

Christian Ehroff  42 points 14 Goals 29 A +33

Probable Starters

Jonathan Quick: GP 70 GAA: 2.54 W: 39 L 24 SV% .907

Roberto Luongo: GP 67 GAA: 2.56 W: 39 L: 22 SV%.912

**Huh… well what do we have here? Funny, I don’t hear Canuck fans screaming that Luongo is a waste, should be replaced and has been soft, is out of position all the time, lost focus or isn’t good enough… and I’m pretty sure I haven’t heard anything about his defensemen scoring on him lately or flirting with the female reporters DURING GAMES… yet his numbers are just about identical with Quick’s and Quick has played in 3 more games… huh… just sayin.

Enjoy the game tomorrow GO KINGS GO! Next Blog Friday/Saturday… Keeping Playoff Expectations In Check <no pun intended LOL>…

Remember.. crawl… run.. .walk.. hmmm no wait…  crap.. gotta go think.. you get it though… … oh and more Musical Hockey Fun!

<Runs to hide under the desk from the Hockey Gods, the Kings, Canuck fans… the Canucks?

And the entire Kingdom…which is and always will be greater than “SensNation”>