Thursday, April 7, 2011

Kings Win, But Still Want More

"Made the playoffs.... Now time to get home ice!" - Dustin Brown's tweet after the game.

No need for a fancy press conference or long extended quotes from the team captain. That statement says it all.

The Kings have been a very workman like group this year. There isn't a flashy superstar carrying the load offensively or a Norris Trophy worthy season being played on the blueline.

It's been a team game, supported by (for the most part) excellent goaltending.

Make the playoffs - check. Now, next on the list, hold onto home ice.

Here are a few post-game notes and the video highlights from last night's 3-2 shootout win over the Phoenix Coyotes...

* In an appropriate tie-in to the theme of the night, the working man's hero, Kyle Clifford, scored a goal and was the first star of the game.

* Jonathan Quick is now 10-0 in the shootout this season. Unreal.

* As noted before the game, 'Yotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov was 7-2-2 at Staples Center, with a 1.92 goals-against-average. And he did everything in his power to get another 'W' - the Kings just weren't having it.

* Jarret Stoll is now converted nine of 10 chances shootouts this season.  Unstoppable.

* Lee Stempniak scored his 19th goal of the year for Phoenix in the first period.  Seven of them have been against the Kings.  SEVEN!

* The win was the team's 46th of the season, tying the franchise record (accomplished twice: 1990-91 and 2009-10). With two games to go, can they break it?

* Shootouts, shutouts and everything in between - the results varied over the six-game season series between LA and Phoenix - however, one thing was a constant. The team that scored first won each time.

Now, enjoy some video highlights...



"We can take a deep breath and breathe out, but we got two big games ahead of us," coach Terry Murray said following the shootout.

He could have just as easily said, 'Pack a sandwich and grab your lunch pails. You're going back to work on Friday - for a double shift.'

More from practice later today.



The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Pre-Game Notes - Kings Players on the 'Other' Trap Game

Jeremy Roenick Previews Kings vs. Coyotes - April 6, 2011

Westgarth, Clifford and Biz Nasty - the story explained

Kings-Coyotes Preview with Eric Belanger - talking memories of LA, teeth pulling and more

Tyson Nash Previews Kings vs Coyotes - includes word association and player evaluations




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