A season of success in Hockeywood, LA. Whether you care to debate that statement or not is entirely on you for that is not sarcasm from my end.

The young Los Angeles Kings were able to establish themselves as one of the NHL’s teams on the rise.

Prior to the trade deadline, the Kings did not have a whole lot of “experience” on their roster.  Think about it, Michal Handzus, Ryan Smyth, Sean O’Donnell, Rob Scuderi, and Jarret Stoll. Those were the names on the Kings roster who have appeared in the NHL playoffs throughout their careers.

The rest of the team, almost entirely, were young and inexperienced yet they were able to manage a playoff birth.

Considering their starting goaltender is a mere 24 years of age, Jonathan Quick proved a lot to the Kings brass by winning 39 games and setting a single season franchise record.

Even though Terry Murray pretty much already has given the nod to quick for next seasons starter role, do not be surprised to see AHL standout Jonathan Bernier attempt to steal that role.  He and Erik Ersberg will be battling it out for the back up job.

Earlier this morning, news leaked from the twitter account of Puck Daddy’s Dimitry Chesenkov that Unrestricted Free Agent Alexander Frolov has been made an offer from KHL President Medvedevs club SKA St. Petersbergh. For what it’s worth, they also made an offer to superstar sniper Ilya Kovalchuk.

Kovalchuk, who is likely to be targeted by Los Angeles, has a big decision to make. Will he stay in New Jersey with the Devils, walk as a free agent to a team that offers him a boat load of money, sign in LA to play with a young team that has tons of potential, or bolt to his native Russia to play in the KHL?

Those are questions that remain to be answered still, however, speculation has it that the offer from the KHL is a three year deal worth $30 million tax free dollars.

That is the equivalent to what Kovalchuk would be looking for in his next contract. Considering he turned down a career long offer from the Atlanta Thrashers prior to the trade that sent him to the Devils, it is anyone’s guess as to what Kovalchuk’s next move will be.

But, let’s get back to the Kings.

We all know that Frolov was likely to depart this summer but is the KHL going to truly be his next destination?  Jiri Hudler of the Detroit Red Wings and Nikita Filatov of the Columbus Blue Jackets are two players we will use here as examples when talking about the KHL vs NHL topic.

Both players jumped shipped last season and went overseas, quickly to return to the NHL, as reports have it.

However, SKA St. Petersburg has offered something in the range of $5m per season to Frolov.  So, let’s keep our eyes on that.

Does that not make a statement on its own? Yes it absolutely does.

So I would not fear the KHL ship jumping Kings fans, as Kovalchuk has stated his desire to remain within the NHL.  However, if he is signed by the Kings remains to be seen.

There is some work to be done in LA, as Dean Lombardi has stated they would like to obtain a better option for their second line center position to play behind Kopitar.

Of course, Patrick Marleau is a name that comes up but rumor has it that he prefers to stay in San Jose. However, we know the Sharks have a lot to figure out in terms of salary cap, free agents and contract extensions.

It’s going to be a fun off-season, especially for the Kings.

As it comes my way, it will go from my ears to your eyes.

Enjoy the cup finals.

And speaking of the cup finals, be sure to tune into The Hockey Guys this Saturday at 11:30 a.m. EST as we will go live with our Stanley Cup Preview radio broadcast with special guests Lyle Richardson of spectorshockey.net and Jeff Marek of CBC Sports Canada.

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However, there is one statistical number that is riding in the spotlight above all else.

165:50

That is the shutout streak Philadelphia Flyers starting goaltender Michael Leighton is currently on.

Who?

Yes, the same Michael Leighton that has played a grand total of 103 NHL games since being drafted during the sixth round (165) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Currently, as TSN.ca states, Leighton is hot, posting a record of 3-0-0, a goals against average of 1.11, and a .959 save percentage in his last four games played.

Leighton, facing one of the most historic franchises in this fine sport, is the first goalie to post back-to-back shutouts against Montreal in the playoffs since Buffalo’s Bob Sauve did it in 1983.

He is also the first goaltender since, now part of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, J-S Giguere did it during the Western Conference Finals against Minnesota. ‘Giggy’ got on with it posting three straight shut outs that year.

Giguere went on to win the Conn Smythe trophy that season and the Ducks hoisted Lord Stanley as well.

But who is this Michael Leighton you ask?

Leighton, who was born May 19, 1981 in Petorlia, Ontario, Canada. He is providing Philadelphia with a game that no netminder since the days of Robert Esche have been able to give.

Being part of seven different NHL organizations, he is known as a journeyman. Traded and waived throughout most of his career, his 16-5-2 regular season record which helped Philadelphia climb out of the basement in the East, came as a pleasant surprise.

He is a man that the Flyers and owner Ed Snider pay only $11,000.00 USD. The man who currently has helped the Philadelphia Flyers open up a two games to none series lead on the Montreal Canadiens makes eleven-thousand dollars as a waiver wire claim.

Yes, his actual salary is split between the Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes, but that is all Mr. Snider has to pull out of his pocket to pay the man.

The waiver wire claim was a blessing in disguise for Philadelphia. And right now, it is the best 11k that Snider has ever spent.

To think that this is Leightons first time appearing in the NHL Playoffs is mind boggling. The birthday boy, who turned twenty-nine today, posted a glorious victory in his first playoff start against the Boston Bruins, a thirty save performance in a gut wrenching 2-1 victory for Philadelphia in game six of their Eastern Conference semi-final’s series.

Two nights later, after a rocky opening to the first period, Peter Laviolette called the “timeout” that would continue to help turn this Flyers season around. Telling Leighton during the timeout to simply “shut the door, we will get a goal and chip away at this lead, and with that we can win this game”.

And just that the Flyers did, completing one of the most historic comebacks in all of professional sports history. Only three times prior has any one team in any major sport come back from being in an 0-3 hole. Welcome to history Philadelphia.

And welcome to being part of history Michael Leighton.

Since the timeout called by Laviolette, the Flyers have scored thirteen unanswered goals. Posting back to back shutouts during the first two games of the Conference Finals is something that can not be taken for granted.

This Flyers club has built the mental capacity to know that they can represent the East for the Stanley Cup Finals.

As much as this series is far from over, considering it is now shifting back to Montreal, one has to wonder just how much focus has taken over Leighton’s game.

In game one, he did not have a lot of work facing only 28 shots though most were routine saves or visible shots.

The Flyers defense has truly stepped up in front of Leighton helping the first time playoff performer in earning his victories. And the offense has found life that was lacked for most of the entire regular season.

Funny how things change.

Last night, on home ice, Leighton was the star of the show. It was he who stood tall between the pipes, outplaying Canadiens goaltender Jaroslav Halak; quite the turn of events.

Number forty-nine stopped all 30 rubber discs shot in his direction, with a few top-notch game savers in the mix.

With game three slated for Wednesday night from Le Centre Bell, will Leighton place his name in history again?

So much for the waiver wire, eh?

Anthony Curatolo is the Los Angeles Kings contributor for Hockey Independent. He also writes for The Hockey Guys and NHL Hot Stove. Be sure to follow him on Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC and you can e-mail Anthony ANYTIME.

However, I feel it is time to take a deeper look at what next season’s Kings roster can potentially look like, some UFA’s that might be targeted, whether it is to solidify the top six or bottom six as pluggers, and the pure needs for this team from my perspective.

Also, we take a look at what some of the core combined with the kids can mean for this club heading into next season.

The Kings had plenty to celebrate this season.

The Los Angeles Kings had quite the exciting season, making the playoffs for the first time in six NHL seasons and seven years overall.

Unfortunately for the Kings, though, it was a short-lived postseason as they ran into one of the top three offenses in the NHL. The Vancouver Canucks eliminated them in six games, but not without the Kings acquiring something they did not have prior: playoff experience.

Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Drew Doughty, Wayne Simmonds, Scott Parse, Alexander Frolov, Jack Johnson and Jonathan Quick all skated on playoff ice and obtained their NHL ‘playoff badge’. A vital piece to this Kings future, which looks very bright.

With 15 players signed on through next season and only minor raises needed to keep the restricted free agents on board, the over $15 million in cap space the Kings have will play a key role in their off-season.

A look at the roster breakdown for free agents and salaries. Hat tip to Rich Hammond over at LAKingsInsider.com for having this posted on his site.

UNDER CONTRACT
(with next season’s cap hit)
Dustin Brown (through 2013-14) — $3.175 million
Drew Doughty (through 2010-11) — $3.475 million
Davis Drewiske (through 2012-13) — $616,666
Erik Ersberg (through 2010-11) — $750,000
Matt Greene (through 2013-14) — $2.95 million
Michal Handzus (through 2010-11) — $4 million
Peter Harrold (through 2010-11) — $583,333
Jack Johnson (through 1010-11) — $1.425 million
Anze Kopitar (through 2015-16) — $6.8 million
Jonathan Quick (through 2012-13) — $1.8 million
Rob Scuderi (through 2012-13) — $3.4 million
Wayne Simmonds (through 2010-11) — $821,667
Ryan Smyth (through 2011-12) — $6.25 million
Jarret Stoll (through 2011-12) — $3.6 million
Justin Williams (through 2010-11) — $3.5 million

BUYOUT
Alyn McCauley (through 2010-11) — $666,667

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
(with this year’s cap hit)
Rich Clune ($625,000)
Scott Parse ($550,000)
Brad Richardson ($587,500)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
(with this year’s cap hit)
Alexander Frolov ($2.9 million)
Jeff Halpern ($2 million)
Raitis Ivanans ($600,000)
Randy Jones ($2.75 million)
Fredrik Modin ($3.25 million)
Sean O’Donnell ($1.25 million)

PROSPECTS UNDER CONTRACT
(with next year’s cap hit)
Justin Azevedo ($553,333)
Jonathan Bernier ($843,333)
Andrew Campbell ($580,000)
Kyle Clifford ($900,000)
Thomas Hickey ($1,316,666)
Bud Holloway ($650,000)
Martin Jones ($526,667)
Ray Kaunisto ($900,000)
Dwight King ($591,666)
Brandon Kozun ($575,000)
Andrei Loktionov ($845,833)
Alec Martinez ($875,000)
David Meckler ($561,666)
Juraj Mikus ($562,500)
Oscar Moller ($875,000)
Patrick Mullen ($875,000)
Jake Muzzin ($900,000)
Brayden Schenn ($3.14 million)
Colten Teubert ($945,833)
Viatcheslav Voynov ($845,833)
Kevin Westgarth ($525,000)
Jeff Zatkoff ($850,000)
John Zeiler ($558,333)

That is the entire roster for the Los Angeles Kings for those who were signed, are signed and those who have question marks as to whether or not they will return. As for unsigned and free agent prospects, you can find the list at the end of this writing.

Starting with the blue line.

What can be said about Doughty?! In only his second full season in the league he ended as a Norris finalist, won an Olympic gold medal as an integral figure to his country’s lineup, and earned his role as the team’s number one defenseman and power play quarterback.

Johnson also took strides with his game, bringing his level of play up a notch as well. He tallied career-highs in goals, assists, and points.

With veterans Rob Scuderi and Matt Greene signed on through next season, the blue line has four key contributors already locked in with these two, along with Doughty and Johnson.

Rounding out the defensemen who are locked in for next year, youngsters Davis Drewiske and Alec Martinez along with Peter Harrold could also take that next step to becoming regulars on the Kings blue line.

That leaves the Kings with seven NHL-ready defensemen and question marks to surround the future of Sean O’Donnell, who played a key role in the developments of both Johnson and Doughty.

Other prospects on the rise — Thomas Hickey, Viatcheslav Voynov and Colten Teubert — all will be part of training camp giving their best in order to impress the coaching staff and earn a roster spot of their own.

With the Kings AHL Affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, Martinez earned 30 points with a plus-12 rating and Voynov 29 points and were the top offensive defensemen for the mini-Kings.

The new wave of NHL defensemen all seem to have a very well developed two-way game and we are starting to notice a trend where the “shut down” defenseman is becoming somewhat obsolete.

Look around the NHL and you will notice that even shut down type players such as Marc Staal and Braydon Coburn, to name a few, have an offensive touch to their games even if they are known to play more of a shut down role.

Up front for L.A., the core for these Kings remains in tact and brings a very positive outlook.

Returning are the aforementioned Brown, Kopitar, Simmonds, along with veterans Ryan Smyth, Michal Handzus, and Jarret Stoll. Without panicking, restricted free agents that are likely to be re-signed are Scott Parse, Brad Richardson and Richard Clune.

Andrei Lokitonov and Oscar Moeller, two youngsters who both have limited NHL-time, remain positives to make the club next season.

Moeller appeared in 43 games for the Monarchs this season earning 33 points (15g, 18a). He was a plus-six for the team. An injury limited his time, but currently has appeared in eight Calder Cup playoff games notching six points (2g, 4a). A player the Kings will need to have elevate his game to the NHL standards when looking ahead to the future.

Lokitonov, who also missed a chunk of time due to an injury, has five assists in eight playoff games in the AHL. Only appearing in 29 regular season games for the Monarchs, Lokitonov earned himself 24 points (9g, 15a) and has taken strides since returning from injury.  Another bright spot for the future here in Hockeywood, LA.

Also, it still seems to be a long shot, but Brayden Schenn who was this past seasons first round draft choice for the Kings will be given every opportunity to show what he has learned over the course of a full season in the WHL.

In 59 regular season games and 15 playoff games, Schenn earned 118 points. Something the Kings should take their time with is the development of Schenn and not rush him to Southern California.

Quick and his single-season record-breaking year has provided the Kings with quite the competition heading into training camp next season.

After their six-game elimination at the hands of the Canucks, Terry Murray made a bold statement in naming Quick the number one goaltender for next season. Of course, a bit premature, but his statement could possibly have been made to really challenge the man considered to be the future between the pipes, Jonathan Bernier.

Bernier appeared in three games for the Kings going 3-0 with a 1.30 goals against average and a .957 save percentage. Of his three wins, one came by way of a shutout.

The future looks outstanding for this Kings club. In what many experts feel, as well as myself, they are only one or two pieces away from completing the puzzle and becoming a pure Stanley Cup contender.

Let’s take a break down of the free agents and discuss who we feel should return and who is likely to walk.

UFAs:

Alexander Frolov ($2.9 million)
Jeff Halpern ($2 million)
Raitis Ivanans ($600,000)
Randy Jones ($2.75 million)
Fredrik Modin ($3.25 million)
Sean O’Donnell ($1.25 million)

RFAs:

Rich Clune ($625,000)
Scott Parse ($550,000)
Brad Richardson ($587,500)

Although many might disagree, I personally feel Frolov should be given an offer by GM Dean Lombardi. Of course, nothing near the same $4 million price tag which he earned this season, especially if both parties can find a balanced middle ground. Bringing Frolov back for another two years is something Lombardi should consider.

However, due to the unlikely scenario presented above, Frolov along with Randy Jones and Jeff Halpern are all likely candidates to test the free agent waters and find new homes.

I feel Freddy Modin, who had a strong close out to the year with LA, should be considered to stay with this club.  You can never underestimate the value of a veteran presence on a club filled with youth.  Handzus and Stoll, along with Scuderi can carry the leadership roles however, Modin can contribute just as well both on and off the ice.

Of course, his value from his original price tag has dropped.  If Lombardi is smart, a $2 million per year deal at two years brings stability to this roster when thinking ahead to next year.

Speaking of Dean Lombardi, he is neither disappointed nor frustrated with the season his Kings had.  The steps have been taken, with a few short cuts. He felt he had a competitive club but knew there were still some adjustments needed before they could be considered a true cup contender.

The entire team gained many things, that would likely be too long to list here, by making the post-season. A team many feel is one piece away from being a true threat within the wild, wild Western Conference.

The final piece to the puzzle:

One piece, who could be the absolute missing link, is Ilya Kovalchuk. Uncertain over his future with the New Jersey Devils leaves the Kings with an opportunity to throw close to the max in Kovalchuk’s direction.

If you are questioning why Lombardi did not make an attempt to acquire Kovalchuk at the trade deadline, I will explain it to you.  Why throw away pieces of your future for an uncertainty?  Or better yet, why take away from your foundation for a player that you can obtain without it costing your organization anything significant other than payroll?  Dean Lombardi answered both of those questions in a very simple matter.  You do not.

There was no reason for the Kings to over pay for a player that was not a guarantee to sign an extension with the club he was traded to.  That is proven to us as Kovalchuk has not re-signed with the Devils and with the coaching carousel that the Devils organization goes through, he likely will not return.

If he truly wants to keep to his word about playing on a championship caliber team, as well as earning a long term contract, playing for the Kings would make perfect sense.

They are a young team with plenty of talent and the  focus from the organizations brass remains to build this club from the core out to develop a dominant force out on the left coast.

An opportunity to gel and grow with an organization whose core are all players 25 years of age and younger. Surrounding Kovlachuk with the young talent of this Kings team would be a win/win for both.  Kovalchuk would not be relied upon to be “the man” and would have a solid group of playmakers dishing pucks in his direction.

Less pressure makes for a valiant performance on the ice.  In LA, Kovalchuk will be provided with less pressure and would likely provide the team, from the non-pressure cooker type atmosphere, with a valiant effort.

There is plenty of cap room, and minimal roster space. For the Kings, these are all positives in moving forward from an already stellar season. A few patches into the line up an we could very well have ourselves a force to reckon with.

Yes, Los Angeles, the future is very bright!

Quick hits:

The list of Restricted, Unrestricted and Unsigned prospects.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENT PROSPECTS
Marc-Andre Cliche ($850,000)
Vladimir Dravecky
Corey Elkins ($803,100)
Trevor Lewis ($855,000)
Brady Murray
Daniel Taylor

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT PROSPECTS
Drew Bagnall ($605,000)
Gabe Gauthier ($525,000)
Joe Piskula ($650,000)

UNSIGNED PROSPECTS
Niclas Andersen
Jean-Francois Berube
Constantin Braun
Robert Czarnik
Nicolas Deslauriers
Nic Dowd
Johan Fransson
David Kolomatis
Mikhail Lyubushin
Jan Marek
Igor Melyakov
Jordan Nolan
Martin Nolet
Michael Pelech
Garrett Roe
Andrei Shefer
Joshua Turnbull
Linden Vey
Geordie Wudrick

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Congratulations to the Vancouver Canucks who truly stepped their game up when they realized how for real this Kings team was. The veteran leadership and experience played a huge factor throughout this entire series. The Kings gave a valiant effort from the second the puck dropped in game one to the final buzzer after sixty minutes Sunday night.

A lot can be said for the cardiac boys from Hockeywood, LA.  A lot of positive words pointing to many bright spots in moving forward.

A list of players who earned some valuable experience in moving forward for the Kings are:

Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson, Jonathan Quick, Anze Kopitar, Wayne Simmonds, Scott Parse, and Alexander Frolov.

Next season has some question marks, of course.

GM Dean Lombardi knows his troops will rebound well.  As does head coach Terry Murray.

From Rich Hammond at LAKingsInsider.com here is what Terry Murray had to say post-game:

A quote to note: “So I think the team has taken big strides in the right direction here. Our best players are the young guys, the kids that are 20, 21, 22 years old. That’s a great nucleus to continue to work with. The organization seems to be in pretty good shape, with the depth that it has in the minors and in junior.”

Of all the words that fell from Terry Murray’s lips to Rich Hammonds ears, to me that quote stands out above all. In my opinion, Murray is absolutely correct in saying that his best players are the kids. The nucleus that has been developed in Los Angeles is one that will have the Kings competitive for as long as they can hold onto the stars of the team who are currently 25 years of age and younger.

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Kings on a very successful season.  Next year holds great potential.

In my next feature, we will take a look at the roster, the salary cap, those under contract and what (who), in my opinion, is needed for this team to climb even higher next season.

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For the Los Angeles Kings, it is something that hey have already accomplished during the early stages of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Facing off against a team that presents a challenge to beat them at home was be no easy task for the Kings last night, regardless of already taking one game on the road in this series.

The Canucks, during the regular season at GM Place, posted a record of 30-8-3 and are now 2-1 at home for these playoffs.

Last night, the Canucks were simply the better team knowing they could not go down 3-2 playing at home. It is not something they wanted to have happen; being on the brink of elimination.

Now the tides have turned.  Los Angeles returns home with adversity staring them in the face. Oh yea, elimination is as well.

Jonathan Quick looked like his head was in the clouds last night. The young netminder surrendered 5 goals on 26 shots.  He was pulled in favor of Erik Ersberg who, was then pulled after giving up two goals on four shots. Re-enter Quick yet the Canucks just kept on coming.

Last night’s final score, in case you  missed it, 7-2 in favor of the Canucks.

Mikael Samuelsson, my vote for the best signing from the off-season, had a three point night with an assist on the game winning goal as well as adding two goals of his own.

For the Kings, they must regroup and forget about this loss. They travel home for tomorrow nights game, a game which is now a must win.

It’s do or die time for the Kings. Which team will show up?  One thing is for sure, all of Hockeywood, LA will be in “cardiac” mode.

So Daniel Sedin kicked a goal in and all of Vancouver is in a tyrant over it.

Look at game three and tell me that it would of made a difference?  Even though the Canucks scored again after the “disallowed” goal, you have to understand that the game would have changed if the disallowed goal was actually counted.  The Canucks might not have had the same match ups on the ice at the time, or they might not have had the puck bounce the same way it did off the face off.  A lot of changes and things would have gone differently and the game might not have been 4-4.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the real reason behind the Kings victory in game three.

Drew Doughty, Michal Handzus and the Los Angeles Kings power paly.

The Kings went three for three on the power play against Vancouver in game three to take a two games to one lead over the Canucks.

Throughout their first round playoff series so far, the Kings are seven for twelve on the power play.  Discipline is a key element, especially in the playoffs, when it comes to wining and losing games.

As a result, the Canucks have the worst penalty-killing of any playoff team this year: 18.2%.

The Kings, during the regular season, had a power play that ranked seventh in the league with a 20.8%.

And let’s not leave out Jonathan Quick and his 25 save performance. Not the best game of his short post-season career but good enough for the victory.

Quick has stood tall between the pipes, including numerous game saving stops. Aside from the veteran players who hold experience, especially in the NHL playoffs, Quick will continue to be the key to success for the Kings.

Luongo was on record stating:

“It’s all about (the fourth game) right now. If we win, we take back home-ice advantage. That’s what my focus is on.”

The key word in that sentence, “if”.

Here is another “if” for you Bobby Lu, if your team can not play disciplined hockey and stay out of the box, you are going to lose.

Proving many of the doubters wrong are these Los Angeles Kings. Tonight, they have an opportunity to put a serious strangle hold on the Canucks and the series.

Quick hits:

Join me and my panel with The Hockey Guys tonight as we are joined by Al Cimaglia in our one hour special radio broadcast beginning at 9:30 p.m. EST.

Los Angeles Kings writer Anthony Curatolo and his brand, The Hockey Guys will have their live radio broadcast on Wednesday April 21st, 2010 at 9:30 p.m. EST and can be tuned into live via blog talk radio at:

The Hockey Guys on BTR

With one of the most exciting playoffs the National Hockey League and their fans have ever seen, The Hockey Guys take it one step deeper with their hour long weeknight talk show.

Joining the boys will be none other than Hockey Independent’s very own Chicago Blackhawks writer Al Cimaglia.

Be sure to tune in live Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. EST.

We hope to see many of you in the chat room.  And as always, call ins are always welcome:  (347)87-4625

www.thehockeyguys.net

Taking the series back to Hockeywood, LA all tied up at one means that the Kings are doing more than many might have expected.

The obstacles that the Kings had in front of them have been avoided. With only two games of playoff experience under their belts, Anze Kopitar, Alexander Frolov, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, Drew Doughty, Wayne Simmonds and Jonathan Quick have all stepped their game up, especially in game 2 and have knotted this series up at one game a piece with the Vancouver Canucks.

Aside from one shaky goal against, what can be said about Kings netminder Jon Quick. He has been stellar, that is what.

Quick, along with Doughty, has been one of the standout performers for this Kings club.  Something that was truly important when heading into this first round playoff series.

When the doubters all had the Kings down and out, they have, to this point in the series, proven them all wrong.

Even if the Kings do not escape from this first round series, what you have witnessed over the course of the first two games becomes a marker on the map for the Kings.  The experience they are learning this year will carry them even further next year.

In his first two playoff games ever, Jonathan Quick has posted some fantastic numbers.  Those numbers, a 2.21 goals against average along with a save percentage of .929 shows just how important Quick has been to his club all season long.

When you are able to match, or play above the way you played all season long heading into the playoffs, it shows true maturity. And no matter what the outcome is, whether the Kings advance or not, they are gaining experience in a season that many will never get no matter how long a career they have in this league.  This, alone, will help the franchise mature into next season.

Tonight, the Kings will play their first home playoff game in eight years.  The Staples Center is ready to reach capacity in both fan attendance as well as noise levels.

The fire that will spark under the team from the home crowd is something that will give everyone out in Hockeywood, LA the chills.  In what is already an entertaining series, the Kings can take it to the next level tonight.

A win on home ice presents a huge opportunity for the Kings to truly take control of the series now that it has shifted back to Los Angeles.

Game 3 drops the puck at  7:00 p.m. PST, 10:00 p.m. EST.

As always, you can e-mail me at ACHockeyGuys@gmail.com and be sure to follow me on twitter:  @HockeyGuy_AC
Enjoy the game.

Even if they do not, Dean Lombardi has created, patiently, a cup contending team for years to come with the roster that is currently constructed. The kids truly are alright.

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.

It seems as if the saying “dark horse” is taken lightly these days.

The #3 seeded Vancouver Canucks only finished third due to divisional situations, in which they won their division yet had less points then the Phoenix Coyotes and only finished with two more points then their playoff coutnerpart, the Los Angeles Kings. 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 and the rest of the Kings roster.

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.

But before we look ahead we have to realize what is in store right now.

The Canucks, as a whole, scored 272 goals this season.  Those numbers were good for second best in the NHL.  The Kings scored 241 placing them seventh in the league.

In goals against, the Cancuks surrendered 222 goals to the Kings 219. A more balanced match up on the defensive end of this situation.

However, like stated previously, none of that matters anymore.

What matters this evening is who shows up and who decides to lose focus on what is at stake.

The Los Angeles Kings have stopped the bleeding and the inconsistency and have clinched a playoff birth.

The month of March was not so kind to the Kings. However, April has brought about better times in Hockeywood, LA.

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 71 games for the Kings posting a record of 39-24-6. He has a .907 save percentage with a 2.53 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 236 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.

Quick hits:

A quote from Rob Scuderi on Dustin Browns black eye:

“It starts to get a little better, someone’s going to have to sucker him to keep it going.”

The Kings most recently played a home and home series against conference rival Colorado.  The young Avalanche have been quite impressive this season. A team that made one move to solidify a competitive season during the off-season were not slated to be a lock for the playoffs.

Craig Anderson has provided a season of excellence from his post between the pipes for the Avs thus helping them hold, currently, the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoff race.

Their recent nemesis, the Kings, sit in fifth with just one point separating the two.

Both teams were able to earn three points during the home and home outings.

The Kings took the first game by a final of 4-3 in overtime. Two points for the good guys however giving a point to the bad guys was not something that was part of the agenda.

Colorado’s Chris Stewart opened up the scoring in the first period to put the Avalanche up 1-0. Stewart has stepped up for the Avs this year and is having quite the impressive season.

A little over two minutes later, Ryan Smyth would tie things up for the Kings who were unable to muster together a decent offensive attack during the first.

Both teams went to the locker rooms knotted at one and both teams only registered four shots on goal. Tension on the ice knowing how costly one little mistake could be during this contest.

As the second period was winding down, the offense was at a minimum.  Then Wayne Simmonds found the puck on his stick at the 15:41 mark, netting his 16th goal of the season to put the Kings up 2-1. And that’s how the period would end.

The third period saw some offensive fireworks.

Peter Mueller, who the Avs acquired along with Kevin Porter at the trade deadline in a deal with Phoenix that would send Wojtek Wolski out to the desert, tied the game 2-2 with his ninth goal of the year; his fifth as a player for the Avalanche.

Smyth would net his second of the game at the 9:55 mark of the third to put the Kings up 3-2. This goal looked to seal the victory for the Kings who were preparing to count down the final ten seconds on the clock and skate away with two points.

For the Avalanche, TJ Galiardi had other ideas.  Galiardi was able to find a hole in Kings netminder Jonathan Quick with ten seconds left to tie the game at three and force overtime.

Both teams earned crucial points in the tight rope playoff race.

But one point was still up for grabs; a point that both teams would desperately fight for.

Drew Doughty, who is still smiling from his Team Canada gold medal victory during the 2010 Winter Olympics, beat Avs netminder Craig Anderson for the game winner at the 3:40 mark of overtime giving the Kings the victory and the extra point.

Game one was in the books and the Kings gave the home crowd a reason to explode by taking down the Avalanche and taking one step closer to the playoffs.

The second half of the home and home had a similar outcome, except this time the roles were reversed.

The Avs welcomed the Kings to the Pepsi Center last night.

The score was identical yet the outcome opposite. You would almost think the Kings were playing based off of a scripted scenario. Of course, until they actually lose the game.

Matt Hendricks, another fine youngster stepping up and filling in for the Colorado Avalanche, opened the scoring last night.

Less than three minutes later, Anze Kopitar tied the game up for the Kings.

After Kopitar tied things up, Jonathan Quick and company fell apart for the remainder of the period.

Milan Hejduk and Paul Statsny would add goals for the Avs to put them ahead 3-1 at the end of one and that was all she wrote for Quick.

Erik Ersberg was summoned from the bench for replace Quick after Statsny’s goal.  A smart move by Terry Murray to keep Quick focused and rest him a bit with the Kings travelling to St. Louis to take on the Blues tonight.

The change brought some momentum to the Kings. Although there was no scoring during the second period for either club, it was the play of Ersberg that bailed the team out to give them an opportunity heading into the third to have a fire lighted under them.

It did just that and the Kings were back to their “cardiac” ways.

A costly, late second period penalty to Scott Hannan would have the Kings open the third on the power play.  It didn’t take Drew Doughty very long to cut the deficit to one goal as he netted a power player marker at the :40 second mark of the period.

As the period went on, the Avs looked to have the game in the bag.  That was until Alexander Frolov would tie the game with a power play goal late in the period.

Frolov’s goal would send this one to overtime where nothing could be decided.

The Avalanche would take the extra point from the shoot out and skate to the dressing room victorious.

Tonight, the Kings look to jump on the Blues early and often as they know as well as we do just how tight the Western Conference playoff race has become.

Terry Murray will turn to youngster Jonathan Quick for tonight’s tilt.

An important two points are on the line for the Kings tonight.  Which Kings squad will decide to show up?

Quick hits:

Scott Parse will be in the line up in place of Peter Harrold.

A season of many bright spots has suddenly hit a downward spiral.

The Los Angeles Kings, since the Olympic break came to a close, have not been playing good hockey. Unable to find any offense recently created a free fall in the standings for the team as they were blanked by the Blackhawks 3-0. Lifeless is the best way to describe the Kings offense as a whole from the other night.

However, if you look at the bigger picture the month of March has not been kind to the boys out in Hockeywood. Nine games played and a total of 22 goals scored this month. They are 4-5 and with the season winding down, as much as this statement kills me to write, there is a possibility this Kings team can miss the playoffs.

There is only a six point separation between the Kings sitting in sixth and the Flames who currently are the ninth seed.

Also, the Blues and Ducks are mathematically very much still in the playoff picture. So the Kings need to step up their game as well as keeping an eye on their back.

Yes, they beat the Islanders on Saturday night.  A 1-0 victory.  However, proof that the offense needs a wake up call was shown during that game.

Brad Richardson had the only goal for the Kings and if not for the superb performance of Jonathan Quick, the outcome could have been disappointing.

It was Quick’s fourth shutout of the season and 38th win on the year. Very impressive for the youngster from Milford, CT.

Tonight, the Kings begin a home and home with the Colorado Avalanche at the Staples Center.

The Avs are another young team within the Western Conference. A crucial set of games for both clubs who are fighting to stay within the bottom four seeds in the west.

The two clubs are both fighting for a bottom four position in the west and both need the points. A battle on ice this evening with aspirations from both ends.

The Kings must play a focused game. They need to control the puck, control the tempo and make sure to put every puck on net possible.

Tonight’s line-up (subject to change):

Richardson-Kopitar-Simmonds
Modin-Handzus-Brown
Frolov-Halpern-Clune
Smyth-Stoll-Williams

Johnson-O’Donnell
Jones-Greene
Scuderi-Doughty

Quick

Brad Richardson, who is quietly having a decent season, will see top line minutes tonight playing along side Wayne Simmonds as Anze Kopitar remains in his natural first line center role.

For what it’s worth, thankfully, the Kings are not putting themselves in the same position as the San Jose Sharks. Inconsistency is something that should be taken as a positive over a slump and a long losing streak.  Sounds bad but has it’s advantages.

Well Kings fans were in luck as up next were the Dallas Stars. However, a slight fear still remained within the hearts of the Hockeywood faithful.

Enter Jonathan Bernier, who was re-called from the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs.  Terry Murray decided to give him the nod to start against the Stars.

An interesting situation as the Stars, mathematically, are still in the playoff hunt and the Kings would like to position themselves as the number four seed for home ice advantage within the first round.

It was Bernier to the rescue.  He stopped all but one of the thirty shots fired in his direction as well as six shoot out shooters. The only goal to get by him was Brendan Morrow‘s third period goal.

Marty Turco made 27 saves in the loss.

Fredrick Modin had the only goal for the Kings against Dallas and Jarret Stoll had the shoot out winner to give the Kings the extra point in this contest.

Moving along.

Yesterday the Kings played host to the Nashville Predators who had already beat the team once this month; a 4-2 loss for the Kings back on March 4th.

The goal output yesterday was identical to the March 4th game, as was the result of a loss but it only took the Predators three goals to win this time around.

Jonathan Quick was back between the pipes for the Kings making 28 saves on 31 shots.

The Kings and Predators exchanged goals in the first period.  Steve Sullivan gave Nashville a 1-0 lead and Anze Kopitar tied the game at one four minutes and fourteen seconds later.

The second period was more of a sloppy period as neither team were able to hit double digits in shots nor did they score a goal.

In the third, Dustin Brown gave LA the lead at the 5:56 mark but Colin Wilson would tie the game right back up less than a minute later.

At the 16:59 mark of the third Patric Hornqvist, who is having a  break out season, would net his 26th goal of the year and that would be all the Preds needed to seal the victory.

Pekka Rinne made 18 saves on 20 shots for the win.

Two weekend points earned out of four is not a horrible situation. The situation that isn’t pleasant is that in the month of March the Kings have played seven games.  Three wins and four losses in a roller coaster ride to start the month.

One would expect the post-Olympic hangover to have faded by now, but such is not the case.

The bigger picture is the schedule for the rest of the month.  It does not get any easier.

The next game, Thursday night, is a continuation of this home stand.  The Kings host the Blackhawks who, after this weekend, will most likely be out for blood.

After the Hawks game the Kings welcome the Islanders to the Staples Center.  Then it’s a home and home with the Colorado Avalanche.  The second half of the home and home begins a minor road trip which will make a pit-stop in St. Louis.

The Kings then return home, briefly, to take on the Stars (again). The month closes out with a road trip to Minnesota and Nashville (yes, again).

The playoff position and stretch run are riding on the Kings themselves.  Home ice for the first round is something this team needs to work very hard to obtain.  It is not impossible to accomplish.

That was the sad story to last nights game between the two clubs.

The Kings looked to start a bit flat as Patrick Sharp scored his first of the game within the opening few minutes to give the Hawks a quick (no pun intended) 1-0 lead. Twenty seconds later the gloves hit the ice as Rich Clune and Adam Burish both got to sit for five after dancing with each other on the ice.

Jonathan Quick went on to make 12 saves after giving up the goal to Sharp to bring the end of the period with the Kings only trailing by a goal, though it could of been more. He ended the night with 40 saves in total.

The first seven minutes of the second period seemed to belong to the Kings as Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar scored a little under two minutes apart to give the Kings a 2-1 lead on enemy ice.

Although it seemed like a momentum shift, Kris Versteeg and the Hawks had other ideas as the young winger knotted things up at two.

The third period was a goaltending duel. Antti Niemi made 10 saves in the period and Quick made 11. Obviously, it became a three point affair as the game was heading into over time.

Sharp would get his second of the game, less than halfway through the OT period to give the Hawks the extra point as they notch up another W in the “wins” column.

For the Kings, take the point and run.

With both Phoenix and Vancouver heading to a three point game last night and the Coyotes getting the extra point with the victory, the standings remain the same in the Western Conference.

As of this very moment the Kings continue to keep pace with the Coyotes and the Canucks, though they can not beat out the Vancouver team due to divisional situations. Unfortunately for LA, they continue to remain ten points behind the Sharks. So a divison title and the Western crown is most likely something the Kings will not acheive.  However, the still have a shot to gain home ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs come April.

Quick hits:

Jonathan Quick has left the team to be with his wife as she gives birth to the families first child. He is most likely going to miss the game against Dallas.  Jonathan Bernier has been recalled and will back up Erik Ersberg.

In an effort to reach out to a worldwide community, George Brew of Whats Brewin, Chris Wassel of The Program and Anthony Curatolo of The Hockey Guys have all come together to present an event to raise funds in order to further develop research within the society of Cancer Awareness. Backed by LiveStrong: The Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, all proceeds will be directed to both organizations.

The NHL Foundation has jumped on board as well in donating items such as NHL Autographed merchandise:  Vinny Lecavalier and Eric Staal signed jerseys, pucks, hats and more.

Cancer is a disease that ruins families as well as lives on a daily basis, worldwide. The fight against cancer needs all the support it can possibly get in further research to develop cures that will surpass the current level of “fight” against the disease.

As a survivor myself, when I was approached with the opportunity to take part in this event it was not only touching but something I felt I needed to jump on board with.  I have very scary memories of seeing little children go through such a painful experience that it has stayed with me for years. Everyone who has been affected by the word “cancer” at any capacity can understand that we all need to take a stand, in any way, and this is our way of saying “we are here to help”.

Michelle Kenneth who is a well known and respected person within the Hockey community has stepped above and beyond as well with this post on her personal blog site: Where to Begin. She is willing to match donations up to $500.00, something she took the liberty to do out of the kindness of her heart.  We understand how important this battle is, and are trying to spread the word to gain support as much as possible.  Thanks to Hockey Independent in allowing us to take it one step further here today.

Being that two very large foundations have backed the event, goals have been set but the only way to reach those goals is with the support of you.

Remember, every $1.00 helps.  We understand that in today’s rough economy it is difficult to donate however, a simple dollar donation goes a long way.

We hope you can help us reach our goals.

For more information on the entire event, you can simply click this link: Whats Brewin Stock

To donate directly to the Lance Armstrong Foundation: Live Strong donation page

To donate directly to the Lymphoma Society: Lymphoma donation page

Thank you all for taking the time to read this and hopefully we will be able to thank you further for supporting this great cause.

Good luck to all of you and your teams heading down the stretch run fighting for a playoff spot!  This is one of the best times of the hockey year.

p.s. – A very big thank you to the Gallof brothers for allowing me to set up this blog.

What has gone on with the Los Angeles Kings since the NHL returned from it’s Olympic hiatus?

From red hot to ice cold in the matter of days.

However, the lesser of the play began post-deadline where the Kings acquired Jeff Halpern and Fredrick Modin and shipped disgruntled winger Teddy Purcell to Tampa.

Usually, when you acquire two bottom pairing wingers the chemistry should not be affected much.

So far, for the Kings, it has backfired.

They are no longer a comfortable lock for the playoffs. They are starting to slide away from potentially gaining home ice advantage in the first round. They even began to lack scoring which, outside of goaltending, is the most dangerous weapon in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It is not only the loss itself that hurts, it is the way they lost and the teams they lost to.  It also brings forth questions as to just how important the victory over Dallas fresh off the Olympic hiatus was. Or was it a victory because the Kings played a very poor team right now.  Not poor based off black and white make up, poor on the ice itself.

The Dallas Stars playoffs hopes fade with each game played.  The Kings were not the first team to prove that this week and they will not be the last.

However, the Kings came up short against both the Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens.  These are games where, especially this point of the season, points are crucial to many circumstances.

This is not the time to point fingers.  This is a time where you need to come together as a whole, a team, and get out of this current slump before it drags you down any further.  There have been slumps throughout the course of the entire season, each one being battled out of only to earn a positive streak; victories.

The lovely hardware that certain Kings players brought back from the Olympic games needs to now be put on the back burner. It’s back to NHL hockey and to do the job you get paid to do by your employer. Your job is to be a hockey player and your employer is the team you currently play for, in this case the Los Angeles Kings.

Last night, the Los Angeles Kings jumped on an opportunity to get back on the winning track as they played host to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Terry Murray played around with his defensive pairings after the 1st period in the Kings most recent loss and last night it had a similar look.  The Staples Center crowd supported the home team, without a doubt, as they earned the two point victory to stabilize the teams playoff position.

Six different goal scorers, three power play goals and the Kings skated through the Blue Jackets by a final of 6-0.

Jonathan Quick didn’t have to be spectacular, nor was he tested much.  The Kings defense held the Jackets to just 11 shots on goal throughout the game and this victory seemed like it was almost too easy.

Wayne Simmons, Drew Doughty, Alex Frolov, Michael Handzus, Fredrick Modin and Brad Richardson scored a goal a piece with Frolov as well as Randy Jones adding two assists a piece.

This game needs to be the stepping stone for the Los Angeles Kings stretch drive. The next game is a bigger test, no matter what the goaltending situation is like in Chicago.  The Blackhawks are a powerful offensive weapon with a very strong defense and it will be quite the battle on Wednesday night.

Terry Murray’s post game quotes, when asked about which part of the game he was more impressed with last night: (quotes taken from Rich Hammonds blog at LAKings Insider)

MURRAY: “The defensive part of the game. That’s a good thing. You have to do that. When you get into these kinds of games, the remaining part of the season, it’s always about the checking and defensive structure that you show. Holding teams to a fewer number of shots is always the read that I make on our hockey club.”

Murray’s thoughts on the negatives of a lopsided game:

MURRAY: “When you get into these kind of games, between periods, you’re talking to your team about maintaining focus, structure, good habits, doing the right things, all of the cliches that you want to keep pushing, to maintain that attitude going forward from this game. We know who the next opponent is. It’s going to be a real difficult game. It’s one of the best teams in the league and we’re going to have to make sure we’re doing all the right things.”

And in order to get a good start on this situation, that is the best attitude to have going into Wednesday. The Hawks will be a difficult task and it is respected that they are recognized as one of the better clubs in the league.

However, this Kings team can compete and they have proven it many times this season.

The playoffs are right around the corner. Now is the time to get things rolling. Quick had an easy bounce back games as did the team as a whole. A victory Wednesday night would not only be great for the confidence level and team morale, but it keeps the Kings pushing for home ice during the first round of the playoffs which, in this writers opinion, is a very important factor.

On Monday night, the Olympic break proved beneficial to one team and not so much to the other. The Detroit Red Wings who seemed to be healthy for the first time this season were able to hold on and beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2.

This is a Kings blog, why am I talking about two teams other than LA you ask?  I’ll say it again, the Olympics are OVER. It’s time for everyone to focus on the main prize which is Lord Stanley’s Cup.

The break helped heal a mash unit club.  It also returned a Gold medal winning coach and a very long list of Olympians. The game did not fade much from the skates of the Red Wings and it proved that this team can return to the Red Wings everyone is so accustomed to. Until the Vancouver Canucks came to town. However, we can let the Red Wings writers worry about that.

Five key components of the make up of the Los Angeles Kings have returned the game still fresh under their legs. Michael Handzus and Raitis Ivanans were the other two representatives for their respected countries. With that, the Dallas Stars stood zero chance as the Kings were able to pull off a 5-1 victory on Tuesday night. Quick earned his league leading 36th victory of the season and all signs are pointing towards the playoffs. Tonight, the Kings do battle against the Nashville Predators who are another team fighting to keep their playoff position and hopes alive. Pekka Rinne, who was recently signed to a contract extension by the Preds, will be between the pipes while all signs point to Quick getting yet another nod.

The Kings have won eight of their previous nine road games. Signs that prove just how real this team is. Dean Lombardi has created the black and white and Terry Murray has done his job to add the system that has proven to be a winning one all year.

Tonight’s line-up (subject to change):

Smyth-Kopitar-Brown
Frolov-Handzus-Stoll
Clune-Richardson-Simmonds
Modin-Halpern-Parse

Johnson-Doughty
O’Donnell-Scuderi
Jones-Greene

Quick
Ersberg

Justin Williams, who has been participating in full practices with the club, does not seem to be far off from a return to the line up.  Another offensive threat to add to an already talented roster.  Another reason, also, Dean Lombardi did not have to make any drastic moves on deadline day.

The questions will remain as to what will happen with Alex Frolov come July 1st, but until then there is no need to worry.  Currently, the playoffs are on the horizon and that needs to be the only common thought and conversation amongst the Kings roster.

Quick hits:

The Los Angeles Kings have signed 1st round draft pick Brayden Schenn to a 3-year entry level deal today.

Jeff Halpern, who was acquired yesterday for Teddy Purcell and a 3rd round draft selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, will most likely make his Kings debut.

Fredrick Modin will also be in the line up.  The Kings agreed to acquire the veteran winger for future considerations.

An underdog is a person or group in a competition, frequently in electoral politics, sports and creative works, who is popularly expected to lose.

Do you believe in miracles?

“Sometimes, the best team in a tournament does not take home the Gold medal”. That was Team USA head coach Ron Wilson’s quote after the United States lost in Overtime to Team Canada during the Mens Ice Hockey final at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver .

The miracle aspect I did not buy into however, I did buy into the fact that this Team USA roster had the goods to compete and possibly defeat the best. That was, of course, after looking over Ryan Miller’s season as well as the entire unit as a whole one at a time.

The “underdog” tag was placed on the U.S. team the day Brian Burke announced his roster (as well as the second annual Winter Classic being played). That was until everyone started to realize that a great, hot goaltender could steal games.

Ryan Miller is that goaltenders mold. Posting a stingy 1.04 goals against average during the two week tournament and being named the MVP of the tournament proves why, along with buying into coach Wilson’s system as a whole, the Americans took the Gold medal game into overtime.

The positive that did not show on one single players face on team USA as they recieved their “Silver” medals is that the “experts” didn’t even feel this team would play for a medal. Let alone take the Gold medal game into an extra session.

Aside from Miller, what can be said about the efforts of the entire roster except congratulations. Congrats on an amazing effort and bringing home the Silver medal. You are on the map as one of the top countries in the world. And, to be fair and give credit where credit is due, you had already beaten the team who captured the bragging rights tonight. Do not look back on these Olympics and dwell on them. Carry your head high with pride in knowing that as an underdog you defied the odds.

Tim Gleason, Zach Parise, Chris Drury, Erik Johnson, Brian Rafalski, Ryan Kesler, Patrick Kane; the list can go on without excluding a single player – a list of warriors, of “olympians”. Bobby Ryan, Joe Pavelski, Paul Stasny, Jonathan Quick, Ryan Suter, Jack Johnson, Dustin Brown, Ryan Callahan, Phil Kessel, David Backes, Ryan Whitney, Ryan Malone and Brooks Orpik all need to take this experience and carry it with them towards the World Championships as well as the upcoming 2014 Sochi Games. I say that with a positive thought that NHLers will be permitted to play in said games.

Even Tim Thomas needs recognition for being an amazing teammate.

For names that were “snubbed” like T.J. Oshie, Kyle Okposo and Craig Anderson to name a few; build in anticipation of being able to take part in some of, if not, the best hockey every played.

The outcomes of the events in Hockey that took place over the course of these Olympic games should have brought in new viewers to the sport. Especially within the states for the Americans put on a performance that no one should be able to look passed. This tournament showed the intensity and excitement that comes along with the great sport of hockey. The NHL fan base should immediately grow from the previous two weeks.

No, the USA did not come out on top of the world but they did present enough proof that they are a dangerous group talent wise and that they can play with the best of the best.

To the Canadians and great nation of Canada, I tip my cap. A wonderful Olympics, a wonderful host and tonight you sit atop the rest of the globe in the sport you made famous. A more than worthy candidate to receive the gold medal. However, the talent level was evenly matched for sixty minutes today.

The amazing story that was written today was that of two great powers colliding. Now that the chapter is complete, the NHLers who participated for every nation re-create the common theme as a whole to do battle for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

A common bond was formed and for what it’s worth I truly hope the world gained a bit more respect for the sport as well as the development that is now starting to show it’s potential within the United States of America again.

You can reach Anthony anytime by e-mailing him at: ac@thehockeyguys.net

and be sure to follow him on Twitter: HockeyGuy_AC

Why you ask? Well, being that Slovenia does not have an Olympic hockey team, Kopitar wants to participate in the upcoming Winter Olympics, barring the grant to have NHL players participate by Mr. Bettman.

Imagine Mr. Kopitar centering one of the top two lines dishing out pucks from just past the goal line for the Red, White and Blue.

Time is currently the only factor standing in the way of this.

As of today the Los Angeles Kings have posted a record of 9-1 over the course of their last ten games played. Nine straight victories creating a new franchise record for most consecutive victories in a season.

Since the start of the 2009-10 season, the Los Angeles Kings have adopted the name “Cardiac” Kings. If the previous two games do not explain this new nickname for the club then one must look at the season as a whole.

We will start with yesterday’s victory.  After falling behind 3-0 to the Detroit Red Wings the team held a players only meeting during the break between the first and second period.  It was leaked that the meeting  was emotional , thus creating  a spark to set fire under the players.

However, this was not the first nor will it be the last time these Kings show passion and fire throughout their game. After blowing a lead against the Ducks, the Kings were able to earn two points scoring two goals after the Ducks would tie the game at four.

It has been a common theme tied in to this current season; one which Kings fans have acquired a love/hate relationship with. The love half for the victories, the hate half for the stress all of Hockeywood, LA has gone through. In the end, the former holds the stronger value.

Don’t stop believin’ :

Every team slumps, whether it be a team of superstars or a team of mediocre talent. What the Kings went through in falling from first in the Western Conference to eight has helped them grow together not only as a team but as a family.

Fighting through adversity as well as the simplest form of failing has brought together a unit which at this point looks unstoppable.  Of course they will lose games, as every team does, however the character that has come forth from this club as a whole is something that can not be overlooked.

The Kings are warriors, in their own right.  The “cardiac” style of hockey they play,  as fans leaves us without fingernails, but generates adrenaline pumping like some sort of drug.  The Kings, across hockey nation, have become just that.  Addicting like a drug. Fans from all around the hockey world are discussing this seasons Los Angeles Kings.

No singling out:

From starting goaltender Jonathan Quick to veteran winger Ryan Smyth, there has not been one player on this roster playing above potential. Wayne Simmonds, Scott Parse, Peter Harrold, Brad Richardson and Michael Handzus are some players that deserve a lot of credit. Do not look at the black and white facts, the numbers which are merely fantasy league stats. It is the on-ice play and the off-ice situations that bring more out in each and everyone name on the Kings roster. The battles along the boards, the puck control through the neutral zone, buying into the coach’s system; these are all important factors that must be observed.

Cardiac arrest:

Witnessing this clubs potential of never being out of any single game this season writes a story in itself. Credit is due to the development team, the scouts, the coaching staff, etc.  It is an endless list of reasons behind the making of this Kings team and their success.

Terry Murray has developed quite a system for this young Kings team and it has paid off to date. Do not be surprised if this club plays upset to a few teams within the early rounds of the playoffs.

This season is the beginning of a new chapter for the Los Angeles Kings. From my point of view it will be a very long, entertaining and joyous story.

Quick hits:

After this weekends Kings game there was a Justin Williams citing within the Kings dressing room. Anze Kopitar told him, “Good to see you walking again.”

Jonathan Quick can make his mark in Kings history tonight with a victory against the Ducks.  It will be his 35th victory of the season, most by a Kings goaltender for a single season mark.

The Boston Bruins, coming off a huge victory against San Jose, took it to the Kings after the first twenty minutes of hockey were played.

Jarret Stoll opened the scoring a little passed the half way point of the first period.  Miroslav Satan knotted things up at 1-1 late in the first.

The second period made Kings fans panic.  Boston scored twice to take a 3-1 lead after forty minutes of play.  Goals by Blake Wheeler and Michael Ryder had this game turn sour for the Kings.

I do not know what Terry Murray said to his club in the locker room between the second and third period but whatever it was, it sure worked.

Dustin Brown made it 3-2 early in the third period and the Kings were able to hold Boston to only seven shots on goal. A number that many might find to be insignificant.  Anze Kopitar, a little over two minutes after Dustin Brown cut the lead to one, tied the game for the Kings which would then send the game into overtime.

Both teams were held to limited shots in the over time period, thus sending the game into a shoot out.

A repeat for goal scoring from the third period; Kopitar and Brown were the loan goal scorers in the shoot out to seal the come from behind victory for the home team.

Jonathan Quick stopped both Boston shooters for his 24th victory of the season. Congratulations to Jonathan Quick, a new career high for wins at a professional, competitive level.

Although victorious, the Kings still sit in eight due to, as of this minute, Vancouver skating all over the Pittsburgh Penguins on home ice.

It will be an amazing race to keep track of as the season winds down.

Next up for the Kings are the San Jose Sharks from the Staples Center Tuesday night.

In my absence, the Kings have hit a bit of a rocky road. Over their last ten games played they have a record of 4-6. A steady eight place seeding due to the lack of health within the Red Wings organization has helped the Kings. Now, they need to help themselves.

If the team shows any indication that they understand how crucial the next few games are, step one will be completed. In other words, they can control their own destiny by putting together a string of some good hockey and a streak of wins will come from it. The more they are able to separate the point differential between them, Minnesota, Dallas and Detroit the better of a position they will be in.

In looking up at the teams above them in the standings, this Kings club is only one point behind seventh place Vancouver, three points behind sixth place Calgary and four points behind sixth place Phoenix. Quite the excitement for all of Hockeywood, LA. A tight race, as nail biting as it may be – so save your dollars on your manicures ladies of Kings nation – brings for much excitement not only around the team but around the entire Western Conference.

Currently, the Kings post a record of 26-18-3.  If you took those numbers and put them in the Eastern Conference, the Kings would be a power house. They would have, if the playoffs started today, fifth place on lock.  Now, there is no home ice advantage for that but a much more balanced playoff series would derive from that position.

Heading into this afternoons game against the Bruins, the Kings are coming off one of the best performances of Jonathan Quicks young career. A 4-0 shut out over division rival Anaheim. He made 22 saves to capture his first shut out of the season.

The Bruins are a tricky team. Streaky for lack of a better word. Injuries have been the biggest issue, outside of the loss of Phil Kessel, and the one time power house of the Eastern Conference has taken a step back this season. That does not warrant taking them lightly. Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask are both capable of stealing victories even if the team is not scoring. A very important game for both clubs.

However, especially with Detroit, Minnesota, Vancouver, and Phoenix all playing today, the Kings need the two points.  As obvious as it has become, Quick will have to stand tall again.

Tonight’s line up (subject to change):

Smyth-Kopitar-Simmonds
Frovlov-Handzus-Brown
Parse-Stoll-Richardson
Ivanans-Moller-Segal

Scuderi – Doughty
Johnson – O’Donnell
Jones – Harrold

Quick

Like the weather in New York City, the Kings personnel went from hot to cold back to hot. Unfortunately, not record wise but player wise none the less.

What do I mean? Look at the players who have contributed and factored into the Kings offense over the course of the latest stretch of games:

Drew Doughty (D) 7 pts in last 5 GP
Jack Johnson (D) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Rob Scuderi (D) 3 pts in last 3 GP
Anze Kopitar (C) 6 pts in last 6 GP
Alexander Frolov (LW/RW) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Dustin Brown (RW/LW) 3 pts in last 4 GP

For Quick, even with two losses, his shut out performance along with some very good play as of late, deserves a mention for hot play:
Jonathan Quick (G) 3-2-0, 1.89, .937 in last 5 GPI

Kings fans, this afternoon is the start of the separation period between the Kings and the five teams between them in the standings. Two points is a must, but not a gimme.

Quick hits:

An injury update:

Justin Williams – Leg IR. (Out until at least late March)
Davis Drewiske – Upper body IR. (Out until at least mid-January)
Matt Greene – Lower body (Questionable for Jan. 16 vs. Boston)
Andrei Loktionov – Shoulder IR. (Out until at least early March)

A forward unit that is often overlooked are third/fourth line players. The “checking” line or “energy” line players are the guys whom I feel aren’t discussed enough, if at all. A lot of the average fans will not be able to tell you the name of a fourth liner on the team that they root for, but the true fans know how important these “role” players are to the game.

The “energy” and “checking” lines are lines that are used by coaches to change the momentum of the game; to have a shift in power on the ice to attempt to get your team back into the game.  Usually it works unless it’s matched by the opposing teams energy line that matches up against your energy line and it becomes a wash.

Within this current NHL, some third lines are used so regularly, and have such an offensive touch that they are sometimes compared to second lines (or could be used as such). Also, you would be very surprised to the capabilities of a lot of the third and fourth line skaters around the league. The fact that some games are actually won or determined by the play of the teams third and fourth lines gave me a reason to write about the “overlooked” skaters in the NHL.

Let’s take a look around the league and point out some of the better third and fourth line players as these skaters have changed many in-game scenarios and deserve more credit then they get.

Todd Marchan – Anaheim Ducks -  GP 44 G 7 A 6  SHG 2
Colby Armstrong – Atlanta Thrashers – GP 42 G 7 A 8 GWG 1 SHG 1
Steve Begin – Boston Bruins – GP 43 G 3 A 9 GWG 1
Michael Grier – Buffalo Sabres – GP 33 G 6 A 6 GWG 2
Dustin Boyd – Calgary Flames GP 42 G 5 A 9 GWG 2
Brandon Sutter -  Carolina Hurricanes GP 33 G 10 A 6 GWG 1
Cody McLeod – Colorado Avalanche GP 38 G 5 A 6 GWG 1 (75 PIM)
Raffi Torres – Columbus Blue Jackets GP 41 G 11 A 8 GWG 2
Steve Ott – Dallas Stars  GP 37 G 7 A 6 GWG 2 (75 PIM)
Darren Helm  – Detroit Red Wings  GP 36 G 7 A 5 GWG 1 SHG 2
Zach Stortini – Edmonton Oilers  GP 44 G 3 A 4 GWG 1 (93 PIM)
Radek Dvorak – Florida Panthers GP 38 G 9 A 10 GWG 1 SHG 3
Brad Richardson – Los Angeles Kings GP 43 G 5 A 8 GWG 1 SHG 1
Kyle Brodziak – Minnesota Wild GP 44 G 5 A 10 GWG 1
Glen Metropoli – Montreal Canadiens GP 40 G 10 A 10 GWG 1
Marcel Goc – Nashville Predators GP 42 G 8 A 8
Dean MacAmmond – New Jersey Devils  GP 22 G 4 A 6 GWG 1
Jon Sim – New York Islanders GP 42 G 7 A 3
Enver Lisin – New York Rangers GP 39 G 5 A 6
Jarkko Ruutu – Ottawa Senators GP 44 G 8 A 8 GWG 1
Matt Cooke – Pittsburgh Penguins GP 4 G 8 A 11 GWG 1 (60 PIM)
Daniel Carcillo – Philadelphia Flyers – GP 59 G 4 A 5 GWG 1 (116 PIM)
Taylor Pyatt Phoenix Coyotes GP 38 G 7 A 4  GWG 1
Manny Malholtra – San Jose Sharks GP 41 G 7 A 7 GWG 2
Alexander Steen – St. Louis Blues GP 39 G 7 A 8 SHG 1
Jeff Halpern – Tampa Bay Lightning GP 36 G 7 A 5
Lee Stempniak -  Toronto Maple Leafs GP 44 G 11 A 12 GWG 1 SHG 1
Tanner Glass -  Vancouver Canucks GP 40 G 4 A 5 (63 PIM)
Matt Bradley – Washington Capitals GP 41 G 7 A 8 GWG 3 SHG 1

Honorable mentions:

Blair Betts – Philadelphia Flyers; TJ Galiardi – Colorado Avalanche; Cal Clutterbuck – Minnesota Wild; Travis Moen – Montreal Canadiens; Aaron Asham – Philadelphia Flyers.

The boys have their roles, but they can chip in when it counts the most. These are the guys that every team loves to have and hates to play against. No, they are not superstar snipers but if needed a few could skate on (or already have) teams top lines.

Watch out the next time Matt Cooke or Cody McLeod score on a breakaway because you weren’t paying attention to their presence on the ice.

A hot start to the season, turned into a roller coaster ride. The Los Angeles Kings, who prior to the New Year were the top team in the Western Conference, have fallen considerably. As of today, the Kings sit in eighth place in the Western Conference with a record of 24-15-3. They are ahead of the Detroit Red Wings by three points. They trail Phoenix by three points for second in the division, but trail the top seeded San Jose Sharks by ten points.

As part of tonight’s game night article, we will give a mid-season report card for the Kings. Let’s jump right into it:

Offense:

When the season started, the Kings had one of the best top lines in all of the National Hockey League. Injuries and slumps and as of today, that has all changed. Inconsistency has found its place within the Los Angeles Kings roster. Sure, injuries played a big part in why this has gone down however, even when injuries arise there should be enough depth to have a back up plan.

So the Kings turned to some unheard of sources. It has kept them in the playoff hunt to date. Scott Parse, Brad Richardson, Brandon Segal and even Cory Elkins have helped the offensive support.  Adding that to the names Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Alexander Frolov, Jarret Stoll, Michael Handzus, Ryan Smyth, Justin Williams (although he is currently injured) and the offense is there.

It could, overall, have better efforts and results but by no means is it poor.  The Kings have the tools up front to make sure wins come in bunches and that will keep them in a playoff hunt.

Overall grade: B

Defense:

Sean O’Donnell was signed to an extension to mentor the youngsters and Rob Scuderi was brought in for his playoff experience. Drew Doughty has been a pure amazement this season. Jack Johnson has shown signs of brilliance as well, however, his plus/minus shows otherwise. Sure some luck, or bad luck for that matter, can go into that number. Jack Johnson has had a solid season thus far for the Kings. To put him down is really just animosity towards the inconsistency of the team, in my opinion.

Matthew Greene does his job perfectly.  He is a defender who plays the body and the position the right way. He is not known to be offensive, so he does not really attempt to prove otherwise.

Davis Drewiske, Randy Jones, Peter Harrold and whoever else is called upon to fill in on the blue line for the Kings when needed have performed above average. The overall outlook is a positive one.  Another group of players on this Kings team to help lead them into the playoffs.

Overall Grade: B

Goaltending:

Jonathan Quick has been exceptional this season. At a young age, Quick has stepped into the big time and has played the number one role in LA without much of an issue.  Many say that Terry Murray is over using the young netminder and that it might burn him out, however I think otherwise.  He is only 22 years of age. Play him as much as possible.  His confidence will build with each start, thus helping the Kings gain more wins.  He was one of the first goalies in the league this season to register 20 victories. He started out a bit on the rough side, but his game is seriously starting to come into full form.  Brian Burke decided to bring him along for the ride to Vancouver as well.  That says quite a bit for the youngster.

In his very limited time, Erik Ersberg has not been a burden to the Kings. As a cold goaltender, who has not seen much in game action, what can truly be expected? The Kings can only hope that he plays well and the team give a complete game when he is called upon.

Overall Grade: B+

Team Overall Grade: B

Tonight’s line up (Subject to change):

Smyth-Kopitar-Brown
Frolov-Handzus-Segal
Parse-Richardson-Simmonds
Ivanans-Stoll-Moller

Scuderi-Doughty
Johnson-O’Donnell
Drewiske-Greene

Quick

Jarret Stoll will be back in the line up tonight for the Kings, with limited roles to make sure he can gradually go back to the full time second line player he is. A smart move by Terry Murray. Randy Jones is still out, but is closer to returning.

The Sharks are no stranger to the Kings.  Tonight’s contest could be a potential first round, or Stanley Cup Playoffs preview match up. If the Kings can gain a victory and a full two points tonight against the Sharks, it proves that this season is still very much alive and kicking.  There is no strategy against the Sharks except to stay out of the box and shut down the top line as much as possible.

The team has a tough task this evening, however, a victory is not impossible.

Congratulations to Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, Drew Dougthy and Jonathan Quick as they will all be representing their respective countries at the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver in 2010.

Happy New Year!

Anthony Curatolo is a hockey writer/enthusiast. He also writes for Crash the Crease, NHL Hot Stove, Inside Hockey, Hendricks Hockey and The Checking Line. He is the co-producer and host of “The Hockey Guys” which is a Hockey Talk Radio show that airs live on Sunday’s from 2PM – 4PM Eastern Standard Time. When he is not covering hockey, he is sitting around playing his acoustic guitar and setting his rosters for all the fantasy hockey leagues he takes part in. Anthony is also a self proclaimed “coffee-holic” and X-men fanatic.

With hopes of returning to action with a full, healthy line up coming into tonights contest against the Phoenix Coyotes; such is not the case.

Jarret Stoll and Randy Jones will both be missing from the line up tonight as the Kings return to action.  Stoll is attempting to come back from a sore groin and Jones has been battling concussion like symptoms.

Now, with bad news there is always good news.  Ryan Smyth will be making his return to the line up this evening along with Jack Johnson.  Johnson only missed one game, but Smyth has been out of the line up for an extensive period.  He’s missed 15 games for the Kings and prior to injury was scoring at a point per game clip. His absence has been one of merit, although the Kings have been able to continue their winning ways. Anytime one of your top line forwards goes down to an injury, the return is anticipated highly.  Tonight, we wait no more.

Tonights line up (subject to change):

Smyth-Kopitar-Williams
Richardson-Handzus-Brown
Frolov-Moller-Simmonds
Ivanans-Elkins-Segal

Scuderi – Doughty
Johnson – O’Donnell
Drewiske – Greene

Quick

Healthy scratches: Purcell, Harrold

Jonathan Quick will be making his 35th start of the season for LA. He is one of only five goalies in the league who have hit the 20 win mark.  He is one of the reasons the Kings have had the season they are having.  The play of Quick, along with the solid team chemistry has the Kings poised for a new year with positive results.  It has been an amazing turn around from one year ago.

According to Rich Hammonds blog at LAKingsInsider.com, Terry Murray said that none of the returning players will be playing a limited role. Words that Hockeywood can smile about.

Simmonds, who had knee surgery just two weeks ago, has made quite the recovery.  Slotting into the third line could make that line dangerous to play against if you are the opposition.  It is an energy line with some gifted players that can generate plenty of offensive chances as well.

The two clubs have met four times already this season.  The Kings are 3-1 against the Coyotes.  The defeat came on October 3rd, the beginning of the season which was a 6-3 loss.  The Kings have won the next three, one in the shootout most recently.

This game could be decided by the battle on the ice during special teams play.  Both teams are complete opposites of each other in terms of power play against penalty kill and vice versa.

The Kings are tied for 12th in the NHL with the man advantage while the Coyotes are ranked 6th on the penalty kill.  On the other hand, the Kings penalty kill is ranked 23rd in the league while the Coyotes power play is ranked 21st.  A game of numbers, as it is more often then not, could all come to a head if the Kings do not play responsible hockey.

The eight days of anticipation are finally over.  The Kings are back in action tonight with some points to make up from the eight day vacation from the game.
Injury report:Andrei Loktionov – Shoulder IR. (Out until at least late December)
Randy Jones – Head (Out for Dec. 26 at Phoenix)
Jarret Stoll – Groin (Out for Dec. 26 at Phoenix)