Were Those Trades Necessary?

What do Jeff Halpern and Fredrik Modin have in common?


You can easily do without them.


I still don't understand why the Kings traded for them.  I didn't even understand why the Kings were allegedly interested in Ray Whitney, but I would prefer him over Halpern or Modin.


Both guys are in their mid-30s and not big scoring threats.  The Kings didn't give up much to get both forwards, but I don't think either guy was necessary to aid in the playoff push and give the team a solid chance in the post season.  They do give the Kings a better 4 line roster, but I don't think acquiring them was worth giving up Purcell and draft picks, even if Purcell wasn't doing much in the league.  I'm not happy about the trade and would have been content if Lombardi had just left the team the way it was if he wasn't able to secure a goal scorer.

Ryan Getzlaf: 24 going on 43

So back in June 2007 I wrote a post titled "Truly Disappointed in Bucci" in which I ranted about John Buccigross's misguided love affair with Ryan Getzlaf's hair.  For some reason in 2007 Bucci thought Getzlaf's hair ranked in the top 5 of the league.  I was flabbergasted because earlier in the season I had seen Getlzaf without his helmet and the dude was balding and there was nothing redeeming about the non-balding parts of his hair.

Flash forward to January 2010, Getzlaf is now 24 and just won a gold medal.  As Canada celebrated the victory sans helmets, I couldn't help but wonder who the old guy was....until I realized it was Ryan Getzlaf.  Sure, this may be below the belt, a cheap shot, but whatever it's all in good fun, but seriously, holy moly, my 75+ year old grandfather has more hair.  (I know, good genes.)

Woah, Getzie...where did your hair go?

Back in 2007 the bald spot was limited to the top back of the head, the usual balding spot location.  But now it's spread to the front.  How much longer till he has a clear bald runway?  Till he shaves it?  Till he grows the Bob Miller comb over cover-up?  Oh Getzlaf, it's a good thing you're a pretty good hockey player.  I wonder what Bucci thinks of you now.

P.S. Of course he can't help his bald spot; I'm only making fun of him because he's a Duck.

P.P.S When I went to Getzlaf's Wikipedia page today, this is what it said:

HAHAHAHHAHA.....hilarious.

USA Takes Silver in 2010

So Ryan Miller and Company took home silver....

(Getty Images)

and that makes me a saaaaaad panda

and then this happened.

(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

At least the USA would never put inflatable beavers in the closing ceremony.

Seriously Canada?  As if there aren't enough jokes about being Canadian...

USA 5, Canada 3: Squee-Off

Hot damn Sunday's game was sexciting.  Canada may have outplayed the US, but the a-MER-icans found a way to win. I didn't sit down the entire first  period, I jumped in the air for every Team USA goal, and I found myself squeeing over several different players throughout the game.  Who do you think wins the Squee-Off for the US in their 5-3 win over Canada?  Here are the contenders:

1. Brian Rafalski

Brian Rafalski, the sex symbol

Rafalski has represented Team USA several times but for some reason every time I see him on TV or hear his name I think he's European.  But thank God he's an American because he has the golden stick in these Olympic games.  He looked like Niklas Lidstrom in the game against Canada.  He got Team USA the lead very early in the game, took the back lead by embarrassing Marty Brodeur and almost secured a hat trick, but instead received an assist after Jamie Langenbrunner deflected his shot.  How could you not fall over a guy who can score so easily.  Plus, if he had hair, he would look like Lubomir Visnovsky and everybody loves Lubo!

2. Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller attempting to bring sexy back

Ryan Miller looked like a controlled Dominik Hasek in the game against Canada.  He was brilliant but never quite crossed the line into "holy-shit-how-did-he-make-that-save-I-bet-he-sold-his-soul-to-the-devil" territory.  42 saves, 3 goals allowed, and a whole lot of awesomeness.  Girls wanted him, guys wanted him, and everyone wanted to be him tonight.  It definitely was Miller Time.  

3. Ryan Kesler

Who's in style? Yeah, this guy.

First, he talked shit about the Canadians before the game, which got JR's approval during the pre-game show.  Then he secured the win with his amazing one-handed empty-netter, which sent ladies across America throwing their bras at him (on TV).  So basically, Ryan Kesler went from being a Vancouver darling to pissing all over Canada's Maple Leaf logo. I liked him in the NHL2K10 commercial, but now I really like him. 

Verdict: Tough call, but the winner goes to Miller.  No offense to the backup netminders, but there is no way the US would have won with either Timmy Thomas or Jonathan Quick in net.  Kesler of course is totally squeeworthy but Miller won the game.  Let's hope he continues to be absolutely insane in net throughout the remainder of these Games.

USA! USA!

(source)

USA vs. Canada....it's on bitches!

I should probably be over the whole

"my country is better than your country" argument,

but then I watch the movie "Miracle"

and realize that I love my country

because it is awesome. 

I want to rub it in everyone's faces.

So what if it's childish to think that, 

the Olympic Games are all about national pride.

I want the US Men's Hockey Team

to upset Canada because somehow

that will prove again that the US

is still superior to all the other countries.

Go USA!!

Review of Where the Kings Call Home

The folks over at Stadium Journey have written a review of Staples Center.  I don't think I've ever described Staples Center in detail.  I suppose I forgot that not everyone has experienced the awesomeness of where the LA Kings play.  So check out the review of Staples Center, appropriately titled "A Castle Fit for the Kings".

The post mentions the parking fee ranges from $10-$25....you can definitely find lots within a walkable distance for $7.  And the writer is right when it's mentioned that Staples Center doesn't really have that "historical" feel like some of the older arenas.  Whatever, I enjoy riding the escalator to the top levels as opposed to hiking it up stairs.  Frankly, I really, really like Staples Center and now that LA Live is open I no longer feel like I'm going to get mugged walking to and from the arena.

LA Live before the '09-'10 home opener

Demitra is Beastly

Pavol Demitra always was Mr. Automatic when it came to shootouts.

Vancouver 2010

Oh, look.  He's smiling.

 I love watching him in shootouts because you know three things will happen:

1. He'll move slowly...scary slow
2. He'll skate wide to one side, making a long sweeping arc
3. He'll make an awesome move and bury it

So....he didn't quite score on his first attempt against Bryz, but no one's perfect.  When he stepped up for his second attempt I knew the game was over.  He threw is arms in the air for a silent Demitra celebration (the camera wasn't on his face, but hopefully he allowed himself to crack a smile) as his teammates threw themselves on him and mankissed him.

P.S. who knew curling was so exciting!

Those Norwegian Curlers Sure Know How to Dress

Nothing says gold medal contenders like these bad boys

(source: Reuters)

Who the hell designed the pants for the Norway men's curling team?  They're on TV right now and the pants they're wearing are more orange-based, so they're brighter and more obnoxious if that's possible.  Can you imagine the men's hockey team wearing these?

Norwegians, you can send your hate mail to second Chris Svae, the man responsible for outfitting his teammates in clown/joker/pajama/"my-mom-dressed-me"/"I-was-bullied-as-a-little-kid" pants at the Winter Olympics.

Well done, Norway....well done.

Chinese Women Play Ice Hockey?

Apparently not very well....

screenshot from Vancouver Olympics 2010 - Ice Hockey

I can't decide if I'm more surprised that the Chinese were able to field a womens Olympic ice hockey team or that the US Women's team beat them 12-1 in the preliminary round.  

On Monday's PTI episode Wilbon and Kornheiser debated whether Women's ice hockey should even be in the Olympics because Canada and USA continue to completely dominate the other countries.  At first I thought the whole debate was total crap but after seeing the scores of some of these US and Canada games....yeah, they might have a point.  12 goals to 1 is pretty bad, but check out the shots on goal statistic of this USA vs. China game:

USA 61 shots...China 7 shots.   7!!  7!

Olympic Break - What Will Kopitar Do?

Poor Kopitar

Can't he just get his American citizenship and play for the US of A?

We'd welcome him with open arms.

Lubo Wins Over Everyone

Of course it had to be Lubo with the shootout winner.

(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Vote for Lubo

He is still so adorable.  *sigh*  adorable in the "awww, I want to steal you and put you in a stroller and push you around for the world to see so everyone can say, 'oh look at how adorable he is!'".  oh god, what is wrong with me?!


And how annoying was that shootout?  First Kopitar sch-oooooled Deslauriers and then every King who followed fell victim to the pokecheck, until, Wayne "check out my awesome bobblehead" Simmonds sneaked one by the goalie.  It looked like Simmonds was going to be the hero for the night until Pennersquee crashed the party.   Damn you Penner and your big backside.

And then I about fell over when in the next round, the 8th round, who stepped up to center ice?  Handzus? Frolov? Stoll? No.  Of course not....it was f'ing Brad Richardson!!  I had flashbacks to the 2008 game in Anaheim when Ersberg had a brilliant game and in the shootout to tie it, Marc Crawford sent out Brian Willsie, who, to no one's surprise, had a pitiful shootout attempt and the Kings lost.  I thought I was pissed, but you should have seen Connie because I thought she was going to blow a gasket.

Anyway, so the Kings couldn't win another shootout and Phoenix is still sitting pretty with 3 more points.  I couldn't bring myself to be that upset when Lubo scored the winner, because it's Lubo...how can you get angry after you've seen this more than once?

Hey Oilers, how's the basement?

I definitely did not expect the Oilers to be picking up the rear in the West this season.  The Kings have been there many times, especially in recent years so I won't crap all over the Oilers in this post.  It always annoyed me when I read other bloggers write that it should be an easy win tonight because their team was playing the Kings.  Despite how bad the Kings were in those seasons they still won games and occasionally they had moments of brilliance.  You never knew when the Kings would shine and it always felt good to get the random win against a team in the upper echelon of the league.

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Hey Bam Bam, you're next

Even though the Kings are currently in 5th place in the West (and tied for 5th in points in the league...jeez Eastern Conference) I still don't think of them of being in the top tier of the league.  Perhaps I'm so used to the Kings losing that I'm just waiting for things to fall apart.  With just over 20 games remaining it's going to be a dog fight once the NHL resumes after the Winter Olympics.  

Kings v. Ducks - Going for the Big 10

It's Duck Huntin' Season!  Sic 'Em Boys!!

Less than a week ago the Kings and Ducks faced each other and I can't help but wonder if Ivanans and Parros will fight again.  Even though neither guy had the definite upper hand, I loved how the guys faced off: eyeing each other, waiting for the right moment to attack.  Heavyweight fights are the best, especially now that Parros has learned how to stay on his feet.

The best part of the Kings' current winning streak is seeing which players will win the game.  More often than not it's Kopitar, who has notched 15 points in the current 9 game winning streak.  But guys like Frolov, Jack, and Handzus are finally getting on the board with multiple points per game.  When one line gets shut down, another one steps up.  Crawford always stressed "scoring by committee"....he would be so proud.

As much as I hate the Ducks, games against them are usually chippy and exciting, and lately the Kings have had a lot of success against them.  The Kings can do this.  They can make it 10.  

Sheldon Souray - Winner of the Best Hockey Photo

Sheldon Souray is pretty damn hot in that ESPN magazine photo....let me post it again, because after all, I am a heterosexual female:

oooooeeeee!  Lookin' good Souray!

But just because he's hot stuff appearance wise doesn't mean he can just name 6 teams that he's willing to play on and poof, all his troubles in Edmonton will disappear.  First of all, he's no magician like Gob.  Second of all, is he out of his GD mind?  Does he actually think one of those 6 teams (Dallas, Los Angeles,
Anaheim, Philly, Washington, and NYR) wants him on their blueline, especially with his contract?  And what is up with his choices?  Dallas?  Anaheim?  Does he realize this isn't 2008?  The only reason  I can think of for why he would allegedly pick those teams is because of the weather.  And there's no f'ing way LA will take him.  Washington already has a Souray-type in Green and I can't imagine why they would want someone else similar who most likely won't be as beneficial.  I can't say much about Philly and NYR since I don't know those teams very well, but damn Souray...

P.S. I know this post is a little late considering Souray trade talks have been circulating for weeks (if not months) but I couldn't resist  the opportunity to share the photo love with all the ladies. 

Suck It Red Wings

yeah, that's right: suck it, red wings and all your bandwagon fans.  

This season I've had the unlucky fortune one too many times of tuning into a Kings game and immediately seeing the opposition score.  Today was no exception as I turned on the game a little too late and within one minute of watching I had the fantastic opportunity to watch the Red Wings score twice.  Before I could even get over my disgust of hearing way too many Red Wings "fans" cheer inside Staples Center after the first goal, the Wings kicked Kings' fans in their guts again just 16 seconds later.  I couldn't take it anymore, the Wings dominating the Kings, Staples Center overcome with way too many Red Wings fans who I doubt have even lived in Detroit, and the possibility of the Kings having their awesome win streak stuck at 8, so I turned off the game.  

I periodically checked the boxscore and the last score I saw was the Kings down 3-2.  With the game nearing its end I took the chance and turned the game back on.  I had an inkling the Kings weren't going to let this game slip away and I was thankfully able to see Handzus knock in the game winner.  

woah there, is Zeus showing....emotion??

Pocket-size Cammi to betray hockey

Cammi would be a marvelous gymnast.

Oh How the Ugly Has Fallen

Great Scott, what is that?

I know, not cool to be making fun of a guy's looks, but seriously, he's a scary MF.  Remember back in the day when Olli Jokinen was the object of every GM's affection.  "OMG he doesn't like Florida!  We could get Casper Jokinen!!"  Even I couldn't help but think of "what if" the Kings didn't trade him for being so piss poor in his first years in the NHL.  I mean, this guy was picked f'ing 3rd in the '97  Draft.  So much for a high draft pick.

Jokinen has gone from a player for whom teams were willing to shell out multiple players/draft picks to someone who is traded with an average guy for essentially a bag of dicks.  In response to the trade Jokinen was quoted:

“Definitely, it’s a slap in the face to get traded"

Yeah, no shit dude.  If you don't produce your stock is going to fall...perhaps that's why players secure a no-trade clause.  

Damn You, Phoenix

Every time I think the Kings will finally pull ahead and claim the 2nd spot in the Pacific,

Phoenix goes and pees on my hope. 

(Blind Society)

This photo came up in my search for "Phoenix Coyotes Fail"

The Anaheim Ducks have been pretty irrelevant this year

so my anger has turned towards the Coyotes, 

who have somehow managed to be....oh it hurts to say...good.

Why Does Matt Greene Suck at Fighting?

Matt Greene looks like a menacing opponent standing tall at 6'-3" and weighing in at approximately 224lbs, but he's an absolutely horrible fighter.  I'm always disappointed when he gets into a scrap because the result is always the same: FAIL.

(AP Photo)

Matt Greene, fix yo' fightin' skills!

The Game is NOT Televised?!

Ahhhh, I HATE it when my Kings are not televised!

I HATE it even more when I don't realize they're not televised

until I turn on the TV and see college football on Fox Sports channel

and the F'ing Ducks on the other Fox Sports channel!

I'm steamed!

Kings 0, Thrashers 7?....WTF.......

these blowout games always seem to happen once a year

(AP Photo)

let's just pretend this game didn't happen

Live blog of Kings v. Hawks...on Versus!?

woah...does Versus realize they're broadcasting a Kings game?  I can't even remember the last time Versus showed a Kings game.  Hopefully the Kings will have a better outing tonight than what they had on Saturday versus the Predators; Kopitar and Co. have to show the rest of the hockey world what they're missing out on.

Stay tuned shortly for the live blog of the Kings v. Hawks game.

Pre-Game Talk
- I really dislike listening to Joe Beninati.  It sounds like he's trying too hard.

awesome pic, courtesy of Bangin Panger

- Oh Chicago, how I wish to never visit that city again.
- Not sure what I think of Blondie...she's ok.

alright boys, let's start this game.  5 bucks on Brown (cleanly) destroying Toews in the first period.

First Period
20:00 - Why is there a bluish hue?  I know games always look darker in Chicago, but this is a little much.

18:13 - Neither team has established control; play keeps going back and forth...

17:34 - Chicago had the best chance on a rebound from the outer edge of the circle.  But good recovery by Quick to stop the 'Hawks.

17:08 - Nice check by Greene!

16:20 - Nice interception by Brown but Stoll rushed the backhand attempt

15:35 - pretty good cross ice movement by the 'Hawks.  Another camera shot of Terry Murray looking like he always does: bored.

14:38 - good stop by Quick (and no rebound!) on a rush by  Byfjdoi87lggleen....or whatever his name is.

14:20 - oh Stoll! get it on NET!

13:09 - is it just  me or is this game boring?  the teams look fairly evenly matched, which means both teams are doing a good job of limiting the opposition to very few chances.

12:30 - Rookie Scott Parse had a decent shot on net.  He's definitely been outplaying Teddy Purcell and deserves the spot alongside Stoll and Brown.

11:35 - Fourth line out on the ice....I wonder how the Kings would do with only 3 lines...

10:37 - Kopi had a great takeaway and fed it to Williams who powered it wide...

9:58 - Kane has a very white mouthguard...I'd like to see Brownie rip it out of his mouth.

9:00 - the Handzus-Frolov-Simmonds line had a good shift

8:25 - how the hell does Patrick Sharp have so many points against us??

7:28 - holy shit Quick, could that rebound have been any bigger??  he's lucky the 'Hawks weren't in good position to jump on the puck

6:22 - Shots are even at 9

5:18 - This game reminds me of Saturday's game against Nashville except with a tad bit more energy.

4:24 - the fourth line actually had a short cycle going...

3:48 - Nice defense by Scuderi.  He couldn't have played that any better.

2:26 - Parse-Stoll-Brown looking good.....and Brown and Eager both going off for penalties.  Brown is usually good at drawing penalties, but this time he got caught diving.  Boo!

0:00 - not too much action in this period....Blackhawaks had more chances, but nothing too heart-stopping.  I hope this game picks up.

more after the jump....jump!

Kings 1, Preds 3: I'm bad luck

Today was the third Kings home game I attended this season and the third Kings home loss this season.  Is it too much to ask of the Hockey Gods that the Kings win when I go see them play?  It's frustrating and it's gotten to the point that my friends are now blaming me for their home losses.  I think their goodwill has ended and I won't be seeing anymore free tickets this season.  :(

I was really looking forward to today's afternoon game against the Predators, especially since the Kings just came off an awesome 5-2 home win against the Pens on Thursday night.  But nooooooo, the Kings couldn't play that well two games in a row.  Instead, the Kings were sloppy, off kilter, lackluster, and, quite frankly, unlucky.  The teams looked evenly matched, had similar chances, but in the end, the Preds were able to bury more pucks in the net.

(Photo by Noah Graham/NHLI via Getty Images)

Quick, you need to be quicker!

Doughty probably had his second worst game of the season and Kopitar looked off as well.  Despite making some good saves throughout the game, Quick looked Slow on the first Preds goal.  He also made an ill decision in the third period when he prematurely skated off the ice during a delayed penalty just as the Kings missed a pass at the blueline and the puck went caroming down the rink towards a now empty goal.  He tried to skate back in a hurry and then THREW HIS STICK at the puck, which was fruitless since it went wide anyway.  I stared in complete disgust thinking, "there goes our man advantage" as Quick was assessed a penalty.

The third Preds goal, which came off a play where Kopitar fell over while skating backwards and ended with an U.G.L.Y. defensive play by Kopi and Quick, was a gut wrencher since the Kings had just got within 1 goal off an awesome slap shot by Stoll that was barely deflected by Brownie.  The messy defense on the last Preds goal was just another instance of sloppy play that occurred throughout the game.  It was disappointing to see so many offensive passes back to the defensemen slip by them and out of the offensive zone.  It was frustrating watching the Kings play without much energy; it's never a good sign when I can count the number of memorable hits on one hand.  And it's irritating having to convince my friends, who aren't diehard Kings like myself, that the Kings are actually good this season, despite how boring and awful the game was.  I know the Kings are capable of playing great hockey, but games like today worry me that shit's going to hit the fan and the old Kings are going to appear.

But you know what was good about this game?  The drinks we had at Trader Vic's before we got to the game.  So the next time you're heading to Staples Center for a Kings game, stop by Trader Vic's to fill up on one of their tasty beverages.  Don't worry, I won't be at the game, so there's a good possibility that the Kings will win.

Phoenix Again? Blerg.

You know what's irritating?  Watching the Kings play the Coyotes for the third time in just over 4 weeks.  The NHL schedule is so wacked out.  The Kings and Ducks haven't even faced off yet, and won't till early December, yet the Kings have played Phoenix 3 times and Dallas and San Jose each twice.  The season is barely a month old and I'm already sick of other Pacific Division teams.  And I don't care how improved and impressive the Coyotes are, I still despise watching them.  Thank goodness the New Orleans Saints were on MNF tonight giving me a valid excuse to "watch" the Kings game via the boxscore.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

I'm beginning to like this guy...

sorry about the hateful things I said about you.

It feels good knowing the Kings beat Phoenix, especially since the Yotes always seem to have their number.  The win was also sweet since former Kings goaltender, Jason La Barbera, was in net and allowed 4 goals.  It doesn't matter how awesome Barbs is off the ice, because once it's game time I never want to see a former Kings player, especially a goaltender, play well against the Kings.  Remember when Craig Conroy was traded back to the Calgary Flames a day or two before a Kings/Flames game?  He lit up the Kings.  I loved Conroy during his short stint with the Kings, but that game was so not cool.

Anyway, my favorite part about live updates on a boxscore is seeing errors in the updates.  See below for an example:

The shot was eventually credited to Dustin Brown, but if you don't know who to credit for a shot, hit, penalty, etc. don't post the update till all information is collected.  Silly update people.

Glad to see Williams get a goal in his first game back from a hopefully minor injury that won't flare up in the near future.  Even though the Kings got points in their past two shootout losses, it's such a relief to see them get 2 points in regulation.  15 games in and the Kings are only 1 point behind San Jose.  C'mon Kings, keep up the points streak.

The Backups Get the Cold Shoulder

Both the BJs and the Kings were playing the second of back-to-back games tonight and both teams elected to play their starting netminders despite both of them playing the previous night.  The decisions shine a light on two things: 1. Neither the BJs nor the Kings can be seen as easy opponents and that playing against either team will not result in an automatic 2 points, and 2. Neither Erik Ersberg nor Mathieu Garon have played well enough in previous start(s) to allow the starters a night off.

Of the two starting goaltenders, Steve Mason definitely looked the most suspect after allowing 2 goals on 2 shots 49 seconds apart.  Jonathan Quick looked solid at the beginning of the game and kept the Kings up by 2 after stopping Rick Nash on a penalty shot.  He looked so calm during the penalty shot and stayed with Nash the entire time, in position to make a blocker save.

Kings v. Coyotes: let's not fail this time

The Kings have so much trouble playing against the Glendale Phoenix Coyotes.  Let's hope tonight's game is a high energy disciplined game.  Check my twitter feed for updates on the game.  Also, KingsCast, LA Kings Insider, and View from My Seats appear to be tweeting during the game as well.

Then check back after the game for a review of the game.

Kings 1, BJs 4: so disappointing

What is wrong with the Kings power play?  The problem with only using one defenseman on the power play is the risk of the opposition breaking out and being able to completely undress a forward who has to undertake complete defensive responsibilities.  Williams got schooled twice in this game, one of which led to Rick Nash's short-handed goal.  I don't place blame on Williams because he's a forward and I don't think there's a forward on the Kings roster who could have broken up that play.

(AP Photo)

But using only one defenseman on the power play wasn't the only fault to the Kings' issues while playing with the man advantage since they had much success in the first handful of games this season.  Unfortunately the chemistry they had earlier in the season hasn't continued as they've faced teams with solid PK units.

2009 Oct 15 - Kings v. Red Wings - Live Blog

Just got home from work and it's the first intermission. Kings up 1-0. Stay tuned for a live blog of the remaining two periods.

Waiting for the second period to start by educating myself about the magical powers of the wolf shirt.

(source)

Second Period
20:00 awww....there's Brad Stuart!

18:45 - is any team going to take control? uh-oh, Davis Drewiske in the Box.

18:23 - yikes, an f'ing rocket from the blueline by Lidstrom. BTW, how old is that guy??

17:30 - My heart stopped; Bertuzzi hit the post....karmas a bitch isn't it Big Bert?

17:15 - 2-on-1, Doughty all alone

16:42 - Huh, Jason Williams and Justin Williams. That's not confusing at all.

16:26 - crappity crap crap, Wings just tied it. What the...hold on...the Kings get someone kicked out of the faceoff circle and the replacement is Peter HARROLD?! Well, of course he's going to lose the faceoff. Great choice guys.

14:24 - this here some messy hockey, but the Wings have had the better chances and are applying more pressure. I think the only shot on goal the Kings have this period was a shorthanded light backhand shot.

12:19 - Greene and O'Donnell are paired on the ice together.

12:05 - eek, Kopitar got checked at the middle of the ice. Nice extended leg, Cleary. Oooooh, is Terry Murray showing emotion? That might be a first.

11:58 - uhh, wtf. Purcell is sitting in the box right now for too many men on the ice. Let's hope this PK can stonewall the Wings.

11:13 - Just as I was thinking, 'wow, Lidstrom and Rafalski on the blueline', Lidstrom took a slap shot that found its way past Quick. This PK needs to improve Stat!

11:00 - Smyth broke out but couldn't bury it.

9:53 - Wings have outshot the Kings 7-3 in this period.

9:06 - the third line finally gets a cycle going in the Wings zone. Fro passed it to Simmonds who was positioned right in front of Osgood, but he couldn't stuff the puck in the net.

7:50 - backhand by Stoll, but it came from too far out and wasn't strong enough to be too menacing.

7:45 - it seems like the 4th line is getting way too many minutes; are Richardson, Harrold, and Lewis really worth this much ice time?

5:16 - omg, another penalty? and in the offensive zone? Oh F*CK, the ref is Dan Marouelli!! One of the absolute worst refs in NHL history.

Woah, is the Joe Louis Arena really playing 'Single Ladies'?

(source)

3:30 - Bertuzzi just hit the post AGAIN!

3:13 - full strength and it's still 2-1

2:03 - Kings have been blocking a lot of shots, but they haven't been

1:46 - Ahhhhh, another penalty!! It looked like O'D just laid out a hard hit, but somehow it's a penalty. BS. Total BS. Great sales job Holmstrom. Thanks Marouelli.

0:50 - blocked shots, deflections, the puck is flying all over the place!

0:00 - *sigh* the Kings killed the majority of the penalty. Only 16 seconds remain in the penalty and hopefully that'll be the last penalty they take this game. Being shorthanded has killed their chances of establishing momentum and getting their offensive game going. They only had 1 maybe 2 solid scoring chances this period, which is obviously not going to win them any games, especially against Detroit.

Kings World Podcast - Episode 2.1

Connie and I start our 2nd season of Kings World Podcast with a review of Frozen Fury XII and the first four games of the 2009-2010 season. Even though the Kings start the season with a 3-1-0 record we still aren't completely satisfied with their game. We're worried about the penalty kill and defense and hope the Kings can improve both of those areas of their game. The Kings have 4 games this upcoming week, all on the road, so hopefully we'll be back next week still celebrating a winning record.

You can listen to Episode 2.1 on the audio player on the right, from the Kings World Podcast website, or subscribe to us on iTunes. Please send all feedback and questions to kingsworldpodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

Jack Johnson in NHL2K10 Commercial

I did a double take when I first saw the NHL2K10 commercial.

Yep, that's Jack!

Best Damn Hockey Photo

I was worried Zdeno Chara would be the only hockey representation in the current ESPN magazine. So thank you, ESPN, for featuring other hockey players as well:

Ethan Moreau, Sheldon Souray and Andrew Cogliano

Kings 6, Minny 3: Top Line Gets It Done

Kings 6, Minny 3

Let's hope the top line continues to produce like they did tonight!

Coyotes Feed On Kings in Home Opener

Woah, the Kings home opener on Saturday Oct 3rd against the Phoenix Coyotes was one huge disappointment. Kings fans were anxiously waiting for this night because the Coyotes seemed like such easy prey to start off the '09-'10 season with a much wanted win.

Everything before the national anthem set up what was thought to be a great game. LA Live was abuzz with a they're-so-awesome-'cause-it's-so-ridiculous rock cover band and drink and food specials at the numerous restaurants. The Husband and I were tempted to eat at the ESPN Zone but we decided to feast on comfort food at Lawry's because of the smaller crowd and I took advantage of the $3 beer special for fans in a Kings jersey.

LA Live...not too shabby

The server in the Premier section was incredibly attentive, which made ordering through him worth every penny of the half-off retail price I paid for my ticket through StubHub. The pre-game jumbotron celebration of great moments in Kings history set up the moment for the start of the season, the 10th one at Staples Center. But all the momentum kinda came to a screeching halt when national anthem singer Lisa Loeb sang "God Bless America"...woah...what?? Lisa Loeb chose to sing "God Bless America? I know singers have a choice as to which song to sing and I know "The Star-Spangled Banner" is a difficult vocal number with myriad opportunities for failure, but "The Star-Spangled Banner" gives the arena an energy and rush that "God Bless America" does not deliver. Lisa Loeb was fine, nothing extraordinary, nothing horrible, but she did Staples Center, the Kings, and Kings fans no favor by passing over "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the home opener. Of course she is not to blame for the Kings' pitiful outing, but she was the start of many failures over the course of the evening.

The Kings turned over the puck way too many times during the game. Phoenix had a lot of odd-man rushes and easy break outs. The defensemen were much more active on offense than in the past, but it hurt the team when the Kings turned over the puck and there was only one defenseman left to fend off the opposition. Drew Doughty was surprisingly shaky in the game; he was called for two penalties and had several turnovers that left him out of position and scrambling to recover.

Jonathan Quick had two key saves in the game, but other than that looked average. However, it's difficult to gauge his performance given how poorly the Kings played in front of him.

The one highlight of the game was the Kings power play. The Kings scored all three of their goals on the power play and had what seemed like well over half of their scoring chances come while on the man advantage.

It was frustrating to see the Kings try to close the gap on the scoreboard only to have Phoenix immediately regain their multi-goal lead. Watching the Kings lose so decisively sort of felt like the off-season never happened. But I have to believe that the Kings are better than last year. This year the Kings don't have the dead weight of Kyle Calder, Denis Gauthier, and (it pains me to write it) Derek Armstrong. The Kings have 3 very strong lines, and a 4th line that could be beneficial with a promising Trevor Lewis at center. The Kings need to be disciplined and smart, knowing when to take chances and when to stay home and play with more intensity and be more physical. This Kings team is better than what they showed last night and will do better in the future. It's just one game, 81 more to go.

How Long Will it Take for the Sharks to Implode?

My hermano passed on a FB status from one of his friends:

Sharks look like they spent the entire summer celebrating the Presidents' trophy. One thing is sure: the Sharks are more likely to have a disappointing season than the Kings

*sigh* Twitter *sigh*

I always thought I could stay away from Twitter but Connie from A Queen Among Kings finally convinced me that I just had to sign up. You can follow me at Marie_Stiles. I added a Twitter widget to the right sidebar but I think it looks obnoxious so I may remove it.

During Kings games that I watch at home I'll post (tweet?) updates. Otherwise, during non-game days I'll be tweeting (twittering?) random, probably mundane updates. Enjoy!

Limited Time Deal on 200 Level Tickets to Select Kings Games

I recently subscribed to Groupon email alerts and today's discount is for a wonky fitness center. But the sidebar had a notification for a discount on Kings games: $31 tickets in the 200 level section behind the glass to 3 select Kings games:

Oct 8th v. Minnesota Wild
Oct 25th v. Columbus Blue Jackets
Nov 7th v. Nashville Predators

Click here for the deal.

Frozen Fury XII Recap

Another Frozen Fury has come and gone and thankfully we only have to wait mere days before the 2009-2010 season opens at home against the Phoenix Coyotes. Unlike last year's Frozen Fury, this year I made it to Vegas Friday afternoon and was able to venture over to the MGM Grand where the Kings held their charity poker tournament.

I was a cheapo this year and opted to stay at an unexciting hotel/(barely existant) casino located just off the strip about 1 mile north of MGM Grand. Since I didn't want to risk getting mugged for the second time in 3 months as we walked 2 blocks through East Rape-town from the hotel to the strip, I left my purse in my hotel room, which meant I didn't bring my camera to the poker tournament. I definitely regret not bringing my camera because some of the players were very accessible as they roamed the perimeter of the tables, patiently stopping and taking pictures with all the female fans who were seconds away from screaming with excitement. Naturally the player who could barely walk two steps before getting stopped was the beloved Frolov (sans wedding ring....what!? put that shit back on!) As I was blindly walking around the tables I almost ran right into a very well-dressed Jack Johnson who looked exceptionally dapper in a charcoal striped suit with a dark plum dress shirt. Jack was definitely looking good.

Connie of A Queen Among Kings managed to snag photos with several players including, Kyle Quincey (who was working it with a questionably tight Hugo Boss shirt that allowed his guns to take center stage), Ryan Smyth (who had a very tough time figuring out how to smile), Rob Scuderi (who looked like his wife dressed him...not that there's anything wrong that), Anze Kopitar, and Alexander Frolov. (Not so) surprisingly, Matt Greene did not make Connie's cut.

As for the actual hockey game there appeared to be fewer people in attendance compared to last year, but the atmoshere was still exceptional. I was particularly excited because it had been way too long since I was at a Kings game. I was pleased to see all the top guys in the lineup with a couple youngsters thrown in there. I was surprised to see possible rookie Alec Martinez teamed up with Drew Doughty, but was disappointed that Thomas Hickey was left off the roster (and sent down to Manchester on Monday).

Quick Attack!

Kevin Westgarth wasted no time in getting the fans out of their seats as he dropped his gloves not even two minutes into the game. The fighters looked even but in pure Westgarth fashion, he clapped as he skated off the ice....love it...but still not sure he should upseat Ivanans nor do I think we need two enforcers in the lineup for every game. Thankfully, the Kings brass agree as Westgarth was assigned to Manchester on Monday. While Westgarth may be a bruiser all the way, you gotta give the Best Fighter Award to Wayne Simmonds, who not only tore up Hendricks, but also ended the game with a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. Last year Oscar Moller and Wayne Simmonds were the players who just eeked out a roster spot. Moller was sent down to Manchester earlier in the month, but Simmonds is holding strong and looked like he improved his game over the off-season.

Even though the Kings controlled most of the first period they looked rusty and weren't able to get any great scoring chances. Colorado actually got on the scoreboard first despite not showing much spark for the other 19:57 of the period. Frolov evened the score, deflecting a rocket from Jack Johnson.

Both teams picked it up in the next two periods and the Kings finally started looking better. Ryan Smyth showed some grit, but I was expecting him to crash the net more. The Kings still rolled with 4 forwards on the power play, alternating Stoll and Williams at the point; the power play was average, which won't cut it in the regular season, so hopefully the guys find their PP rhythm. Teddy Purcell didn't play as well as I thought he would, especially since you have to think he's fighting for a roster spot. He had some bad passes and wasn't contributing much on offense.

I was most impressed with the Kings defense, probably because Denis Gauthier wasn't in the lineup. The only time I noticed Rob Scuderi was during his first shift; analysts have mentioned that if you don't notice Scuderi, then he's doing his job. Drew Doughty was Drew Doughty as he continued to show a lot of poise and smarts and even contributed on offense with a goal. Jack Johnson was also a monster on defense. He looked physically ready and played one of his better games in a Kings uniform. The only defenseman I was not impressed with was Matt Greene. He was a liability in the game as he made some very noticeable mistakes and took bad penalties. He's not Denis Gauthier bad, but sometimes I wonder why he wears the 'A' and received a contract extension last year.

Matt Greene was in the yellow ball

I'm cautiously optimistic about this season, despite my prediction on Puck Daddy that I expect some level of failure from my Kings; I'm a pessimist, I can't help it. Even though the Kings played alright and they got the win, you can never judge an upcoming season by the results of preseason games. It's too easy to say the defense is significantly better or that Quick looked solid enough to lead the Kings into the post-season. Preseason games are so deceiving because of the mixture of players on both teams. But overall I liked what I saw this weekend and Frozen Fury got me even more pumped up for the Kings 2009-2010 season that starts this Saturday in LA. Go Kings!

Frozen Fury XII - Kopitar's GWG

When the ref signaled for a penalty shot I made sure my camera was on video mode. I handed the camera to the Husband who had a better view and we were able to get a decent shot of Kopitar's Game Winning Goal of Frozen Fury XII:

Wayne Simmonds Made Someone's Head Bleed

The full Frozen Fury XII recap will come tomorrow. Until then, here are some pictures of the aftermath of the Simmonds v. Hendricks fight from Frozen Fury.







Looks like someone took some fighting lessons during the offseason. It's good to see Simmonds hold his own this year.

One Week Till Frozen Fury

(source)

which means, only 2 more weeks till the season starts!!!

I still need to get tickets to the home opener....

A 12-Year Deal Sounds Awful

I think the title of this post says it all. I don't care how good Luongo is right now, I definitely wouldn't want him on my team in 12 years.

(source)

Ummm...wtf...so much could be said...

fighting off urge to make dirty jokes....argh!

I realize all of these long term contracts are really just ways to circumvent the whole salary cap issue while still holding onto your prized possession, but they're ridiculous and I wouldn't want my GM to make these kind of gambles. I think that any contract over 2 years should be converted to dog years. According to the online conversion calculator:

It is a common belief that 1 human year is equal to 7 dog years. That is not very accurate, since dogs reach adulthood within the first couple of years. The formula is: 10.5 dog years per human year for the first 2 years, then 4 dog years per human year for each year after.

So let's say that Luongo, currently 30 years old, has already reached adulthood and that from this point forward every year in his contract equals 4 dog years. I think that's fair. After 12 years of his contract, he would technically be 42 in human years, but in hockey years, which is more like dog years, he would actually be 78!!! WTF?! This scientific conversion proves that this contract really is ridiculous.

Kings World Podcast - Episode 34

And we're back!

Connie and I recorded our 34th episode of Kings World Podcast. We discuss the various events that have occurred since the end of the '08-'09 season:draft, free-agent signings, trades, and quick season preview. And instead of talking about the Kane incident, Connie thought it would be much more interesting for me to recount my exciting Chicago story.

You can tell that we're trying to get excited for the upcoming season but there are just too many non-hockey days between now and October 3rd, the night of the Kings home opener. You can listen to the podcast from the right sidebar, at our website Kings World Podcast, and/or subscribe through iTunes. We'll be back in a couple weeks...or a month with another episode. Until then send us any comments or questions to kingsworldpodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

New Blog Layout

I noticed that my blog layout wasn't appearing as I wanted it when viewed on a widescreen monitor. I decided to use a new 3-column layout, which is hopefully easier on the eyes. Let me know what you think! And email me or leave a comment if you want me to include a link to your hockey related blog or website.

Thanks for reading!

LA Kings Hockey Fest

I have absolutely zero interest in going to Hockey Fest.

Does this make me a bad Kings fan? I think the main deterrent is the $60 price tag for a three-day pass. I'm all about figuring about the cost-benefit of things and I just don't see a whole lotta benefit for the $60, especially since I don't see any info about free parking.

Is anyone going who is willing to share the reasons for attending?

Frozen Fury XII - Kings v. Colorado - Vegas

Too much time between now and September 26, 2009

Road Trip to Vegas

Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, and/or Poker?

Best Pre-Season Game

The Only Pre-Season Game Worth Attending

I am so anxious for Frozen Fury XII