VIDEO: Coach Darryl Sutter's presser after 1-0 loss to CBJ

Coach Darryl Sutter suffered his first regulation loss since stepping behind the Kings' bench a few weeks ago, with a record of 5-1-3 after today's 1-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Sadly, his post-game presser was not filled with as many of his three-word answers as we've come to expect - little things of beauty, which are quickly becoming popular around these parts.

The best one today was 'Keep Bangin' Away' (when talking about what to do with the power play). Slightly re-phrasing one of his answers though, we could have 'Big Boy Goals' (on what's needed). Finally, it's a little too long to qualify as a three word answer - but, 'What Do Ya Do?' was another solid response.

Take a look (and listen) at what he had to say when asked about the power play, Dustin Penner's injury that popped up just before the game, the play of Jonathan Quick and much more...

Is Jack Johnson now nicknamed 'Johnny'...hmmm, I didn't get the memo.

The Mayor
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Quotes from Blue Jackets locker room after def LA 1-0

There's a reason why the expression 'scoreboard' is often used among sports fans wanting to talk smack - because it never lies and usually trumps all other arguments, at least when speaking about a specific game.

The Kings should be able to score at least one goal when they spend 13:36 on the power play in a game against the NHL's 29th ranked penalty kill. They didn't today and the lost to the last place Columbus Blue Jackets. A team who entered the day with only ten wins - the fewest in the league.

Columbus picked up a lone goal from defenseman Grant Clitsome and made it stand up, giving them their first shutout of the season. After the final buzzer cleared the ice, here's what they were saying back in the locker room...

Coach Scott Arneil on the overall game - "I think certainly Curtis [Sanford] was certainly the big story there. He played outstanding, made the big saves. But I have got to give a lot of credit to our team. We blocked a lot of shots. Penalty kill did an outstanding job. They [the Kings] did get shots but we really took away any of the backdoor, tap-in type of things. If there were rebounds we cleared them out of there. Our shot blocking [today] was one of the best I’ve seen it this year."

Kopitar praises Quick, Brown talks power play after 1-0 loss

For the first time in the Darryl Sutter era, the Kings lost a game in regulation on Saturday. It probably wasn't that surprising, for the last few seasons the Kings have rarely shown up for afternoon games.

For the third game in a row LA failed to score more than one goal - and, in fact, didn't have any goals. It was the second time they've been shut out in their last five games and fifth time this season.  The chances were there for the Kings, who out shot the Blue Jackets 31-18 and spent more than ten minutes on the power play - against the NHL's 29th ranked penalty kill.

Dustin Brown finished the game with six hits and Anze Kopitar was credited with six shots on goal, both were high water marks among the LA players. Afterwards, they spoke about what went down...

Brown on the Kings' power plays (which included a 5-on-3 and a 6-on-4) - "We have to find a way to score goals. That has kind of been the problem for us all year. If I had the answer, we wouldn't be talking about it. We have to figure out a way to get a goal. You can look at that last power play - we had a four-minute power play to start the period and other opportunities. Our PK has been doing a good job and our 5-on-5. If we score a goal on the power play, it’s a different game."

Brown on new strategies for the ailing power play - "We're working on it. But, it doesn’t really make a difference. We have to find ways to score goals. He [Jackets goalie Curtis Sanford] made some pretty good saves on the power play. But bottom line is you just have to find a way to score goals on power plays."

First Goal Contest - win tickets to Meet the Players Party

Are you as good as Dustin Brown?

Prior to Thursday's game against the Coyotes he came on MayorsManor and predicted Drew Doughty would score the first goal for the Kings. Not only did #8 find the back of the net, it stood as the game winner.

Unfortunately, there was no sign of Doughty and Jarret Stoll doing another one of their 'love tap' goal celebrations though.

Today, we'll be running another First Goal Contest as part of the Kings game. One lucky winner will win a pair of tickets to the Kings' Meet the Players Party - scheduled to take place this coming Tuesday.

If you like to play the odds, here's some past performance information to help you with your pick. This is a list of a few LA Kings and their career numbers vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Dustin Brown five goals in 24 games
Drew Doughty two in 13
Jack Johnson zero in 14
Anze Kopitar 11 in 19
Dustin Penner seven in 22
Mike Richards one in five
Jarret Stoll four in 28
Justin Williams five in 14

Of course, you can also go with Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis, Willie Mitchell or a bunch of other guys.

So, who do you think will score first for the Kings today?

Entering is easy, either log in via the website or just use your facebook profile below. Submit your answer and you could win a pair of tickets to the Kings' Meet the Players Party. Good luck!

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VIDEO: Drew Doughty's game winning goal vs Coyotes

Drew Doughty scored his third goal of the season - and the only goal of the game. Enjoy...

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Quotes from Coyotes locker room after 1-0 OT loss in LA

For the third time this season, the Kings defeated the Coyotes last night. LA defenseman Jack Johnson described it as a 'boring 0-0 game' - but Drew Doughty managed to sneak one past Mike Smith in overtime, pushing the season series to 3-1 in favor of the Kings.

Afterwards, Coyotes coach Dave Tippett and captain Shane Doan weren't too happy about the way things went down...

Tippett on the Kings’ OT goal - "It should be no goal. It’s not a matter of fact that the puck went in the net. The puck did go in the net, but it should be goalie interference. If they don’t give the goal to Johnson then it’s goalie interference. If he comes in and puts his leg in front of Mike Smith’s leg so (Smith) can’t make a stop that is goalie interference. It’s as simple as that. It’s a poor call. It’s a blown call that should be no goal."

Tippett on the overall game - "We had lots of guys compete awfully hard. We knew that’s the kind of game we have to play. It’s an intense game. We have got to do a lot of little things right. With our lineup the way it is right now we have to have everybody compete as hard as they can and we got to find ways to win. I think we got a bad break."

Tippett on his goalie's performance - "Excellent. That’s what we need. We need our goaltender to be a very good player for us every night. He played a heck of a game."

Kings goalie Jonathan Quick on the importance of winning

With tonight's 1-0 win over the Phoenix Coyotes, goalie Jonathan Quick has run his record to 6-0-2 in his last eight games - with a 1.20 goals-against average and .956 save percentage.

After the game, he shared this...

On his shutout - "That’s great in all. We got two points tonight, it’s huge and that is what we are really looking at. It doesn’t matter how we do it, as long as we are getting two points and we continue to climb the standings. That’s what we are trying to do here."

On Doughty’s lack of scoring before tonight - "To be honest, I didn’t even realize that he has gone some time without scoring. As a D man, you aren’t going to score too many goals. The top defensemen aren’t scoring too many goals. He has been great in the D zone; that is all I am worried about as far as the goaltending perspective goes. The goals will come; he is talented enough. That is nothing that we are worried about at all."

On the importance of tonight's win - "I think they [Phoenix] were three points behind us coming into tonight. Obviously it is a huge division rival. This marks maybe the halfway point of the year too, so we wanted to finish that strong and get two points."

Drew Doughty's post game comments are up here.  More notes and quotes to come.

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Drew Doughty on his game winning goal vs Phoenix

After a little initial confusion, less than a minute into overtime, Drew Doughty's goal stood and the Kings beat the Phoenix Coyotes by the final score of 1-0. Here's what he had to say back in the locker room...

On the game-winning goal - "It was huge. Obviously, I haven’t been scoring a lot this year and I finally contributed on the score sheet with a goal for the team and most importantly get the win. I was real happy. Greener changed for me there; I just wanted to get into the play. I saw that we had control of the puck so I raced up to the blue line. Me and Stolly [Jarret Stoll] made eye contact and made a nice pass. Then I just tried to drive the net and sometimes you just have to score those dirty goals like that."

On going suck a long time without scoring - "I don’t know, I guess it is a little surprising. Most of all, for me, it’s just frustrating. I know that they come in bunches and now that I got this one and finally got the monkey off my back I think a lot more will come in these next few games."

Jonathan Quick's post game comments are up here.  More post game notes and quotes to come.

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First Goal Game - LA Kings players submit their guesses

For the past few seasons we've hosted a 'First Goal Game' contest on twitter and facebook for LA Kings home and road games. Each night, one random winner is selected from all correct entries and a prize is awarded - things like t-shirts, game tickets, etc.

At practice yesterday we asked a few of the Kings players who they would pick in the first goal contest. The question was simple enough - looking around the room, yourself included, which player will score first vs. the Coyotes?

Here's what a few guys had to say...

Drew Doughty - Stolly

Mike Richards - Kopitar

Checking in with Loktionov - new skates, new attitude

It's only been a few weeks since the Kings coaching change, but some of Darryl Sutter's answers have been real gems. They're often short and seem to write their own headlines.

For example, I recently asked Sutter if he had any comment about the hoopla surrounding rookie Andrei Loktionov playing at center or wing earlier this seasons. And what pearls of wisdom did the coach lay on me?  'I don't care where he plays.'

Of course, Sutter went on to explain that he thinks most of the Kings forwards are talented enough to play multiple positions, yada, yada, yada. All good stuff, sure.  Yet, the simplified version is much more fun.

Loktionov was out of the line-up for Sutter's first three games. However, he's played in five straight games now and like most of the Kings, he seems to be taking to his new coach rather well.

"Oh I like him, he's a good coach," said the 21-year old Russian, with an ear-to-ear smile. "I like his system we play in the offensive zone, the defensive zone. At center, you have to always play down low. You have to always play in the middle. He says in the offensive zone we can send three guys behind the net and keep it a live puck. I like it."

Kings prospect Jeff Zatkoff makes life on the edge work

Just when you think you know the answer to the Kings goaltending depth, leave it to Jeff Zatkoff to change the question.

Originally selected by the team in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft, it was starting to seem like he was slipping a bit in the organization's overall rankings. Obviously, Jonathan's Quick and Bernier have solidified their place with the big club. However, even last year - when he was thought to be the starting goalie as the season started - he saw undrafted rookie Martin Jones steal his job and make it to the AHL All Star Game.

Yet, things are back on track for the 24-year old Michigan native. In the last 48 hours alone, he's been named the AHL Goalie of the Month and to this year's AHL All Star Game.

Although he's sitting on a 10-4-1 record at the moment, the season didn't start out so well. Sure, he went to Europe with the Kings, but upon returning home he was a little rusty.

"The biggest thing for me personally was getting into game action," said Zaktoff "I played, basically, one period during the pre-season. Then, I came in and played that first game vs. Springfield [AHL]. It was kind of like an exhibition game for me, in terms of finding my game. So, my first real game wasn't where it needed to be and I had some things to work on still. As I played more games I got more and more comfortable, especially with the things I was able to work on over the summer. It's all starting to come together form me."

That's a bit of understatement. His 2.04 goals-against average, .935 save percentage and 6-0-1 mark at home say things are going pretty well.

Penner on coach Sutter wanting 'Mud with the Makeup'

Since Darryl Sutter took over the coaching reigns of the Kings, they've scored three or more goals in two of the seven games. That's an improvement from where they had been, having only done it twice in the fifteen games prior.  However, they've also had three games with one goal or fewer. Yet, somehow, they're 4-0-3.

Yes, they're still struggling to score goals. But, with an undefeated record in regulation since he's arrived, something is different.  Here's Dustin Penner's take on the situation...

"We scored four goals once. That was a big difference," the usually funny left winger began - before offering a more serious answer...

"He came in here and we pretty much kept everything the same. He may have put his own certain touches on it though. He's really a hands on coach. Not to say Terry wasn't hands on, in his own way. But, I've never seen a coach before Sutter come into the dressing room four minutes before we go on the ice and he's in there getting pumped up just like we are. He's a really good motivator."

What's the coach saying in a situation like that?

Four Kings play Word Association with Coyotes leaders

Three games into the Kings' six-game season series with the Coyotes it's been exactly what you'd expect from two division rivals - tight, close battles. They split a pair of games in October, with the Kings shutting out the Coyotes 2-0 in the first contest and losing 3-2 in a shootout a little over a week later.

Both those games were in Phoenix. Then, the day after Christmas, Staples Center hosted game three and the Kings won 4-3 - getting two goals from their defensemen (Rob Scuderi and Willie Mitchell), a rare site this year.

With a look ahead to tonight's game, we asked a few of the Kings to play word association using the names of four Coyotes players they know well - long-time captain Shane Doan (a Kings killer throughout his career), Ray Whitney (leading the 'Yotes with 35 points...and 15 career goals vs. LA, his most against any Western Conference team), Keith Yandle (leads all Phoenix defensemen with 24 points) and Derek Morris (has played 63 career games vs LA).

Here were the answers...

from Dustin Brown

Doan - Physical
Whitney - Magical
Yandle - White stick
Morris - Big

Dustin Brown shaken up on play, sees the doctor twice

Late in the game Monday night vs. Colorado, with LA on a power play, Dustin Brown was hit in the head with a puck right in front of the net. It was a play that may have gone largely unnoticed, except for when the Kings captain went to skate after the puck in the corner, he fell down and seemed out of it as he skated to the bench moments later.

Coach Darryl Sutter gave one of his (gaining in popularity) three-word answers when asked about it after the game - "Pucks are hard."

So, following practice today, I asked Brown what was going on there and if he had he fully recovered before taking his turn in the shootout.

"I feel good today," said Brown. "I think that's kind of natural. I went to tip it and I think their D hit it and (the puck) caught me right under my helmet - on the back of the head. Yesterday I went and saw the doctor and I saw him again today. So, everything is good."

As for the little twirl around the ice he took right before the shootout, Brown explained it this way - "My balance was off a little bit, getting back to the bench after (the hit). I just wanted to make sure I could skate before I went in the shootout."

Taking nothing away from Avs' goalie Semyon Varlamov, perhaps that's part of the reason why Brown missed on his shot.  He had been red hot recently, picking up the deciding goals in shootout wins vs. Anaheim and Toronto just before the Christmas break.

The Mayor
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Coach Sutter and Kopitar talk about Practice at Bernie's

As reported earlier today, Bernie Nicholls was an on-ice guest at Kings practice this morning. He knows new coach Darryl Sutter well, having played for him with two different organizations - then, sticking around to 'help out' with the Sharks after he retired.

We already took a look at what Nicholls had to say about his former coach. Now, we turn to some comments from Sutter and Kings center Anze Kopitar about today's 'consultant'...

"He's a good resource to have, you know," said Sutter. "We're a team that's still trying to find our way, to contribute more individually, offensively. I coached him in Chicago and San Jose and I obviously know what he can offer. He’s in town and available, so it’s nice to have that. We have Nelson Emerson in here too when he's available and not out on the road. He can help us. It’s good to have."

Like Nicholls, Sutter wasn't clear how long Bernie would be around, only saying, "I’d like him to watch a couple games. He knows some of the young guys. He can help them a little bit."

When asked if he planned on bringing in any other guys from his past, Sutter said, "It’s awesome to have those guys that you’re comfortable with and that know the game. Why not? Why not use that resource when you have it? If you've been around long - heck, I was talking to Jimmy (Fox) about stuff the other day. You know what? That's what it's about. It’s not about having the blinders on. It’s about using everything you can."

Bernie Nicholls on LA Kings, interest in coaching and love for Sutter

There was a surprise guest at LA Kings practice today.

When all was said and done, the full picture surrounding Bernie Nicholls' appearance was still a bit cloudy. However, in his own words, it was 22-below back in Ontario yesterday, so he couldn't get here fast enough.

When asked how long he'll be here, he offered a simple, "I have no idea."

For just about every other question - including his possible interest in helping coach the Kings - he provided a much more detailed answer, working the small crowd of media like the seasoned vet that he is.  It was a mixture of stories, laughter and opinions.

Nicholls was all smiles and looked fit as a fiddle after spending an hour on the ice with the team.  Here's a full transcript of the conversation that ensued afterwards...

On coming out to LA - "I talked to Darryl a little bit when he got hired. I always like being out and being with the guys. He just asked me if I wanted to come, kinda help out and talk to the guys, just be around to see what we could do."

Impressions on what he's seen from afar and then up close today - "I think the team is playing really well. I've played for Darryl twice, so I know what he's all about. Seeing the guys earlier in the season, it's a different team (now). I think they've always worked hard, they've always played great defense. But, for a skilled team, it's sad to say this - but, they were terrible to watch. They may get 15 shots in a game and you're going, 'Wow. They have too much skill and too much offense to do that.' I think Darryl has allowed them to create offense. Darryl's mentality has always been the same - work hard, no matter what aspect of the game.  And Darryl, he was an offensive player. He understands how to create offense. He's allowing players to do that. You can see the big difference. They're always going to be able to play good defense and their goaltenders are great. Now, if you can get them to create an offense - and eventually goals will come from it - then, it's going to make them that much better."

LA prospect Jeff Zatkoff named AHL Goalie of the Month

Jeff Zatkoff has reemerged as the top goalie in Manchester.

For those unfamiliar with the goaltending situation with the Kings top farm team, the Manchester Monarchs (AHL), here's a quick, watered down version...

Jonathan Bernier was the starting goalie there two years ago. Zatkoff was his understudy and was expected to be the number one guy last season. Things started out that way.  Yet, soon thereafter, rookie Martin Jones stole the show and his spot - riding his early season success all the way to the AHL All-Star Game. Then, Stella got her groove back and Zatkoff was strong down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Even so, Kings coaches and management continued to heap lots of praise on Jones during last summer's Development Camp and it looked like Jones would most likely get the bulk of starts in Manchester this season.

Zatkoff was selected to join the Kings as the 'third goalie' on their season opening trip to Europe. However, it was more for the experience than anything else.

Once he returned to the U.S., the Monarchs were off to a rough start and neither he nor Jones were looking too good in net, with highly inflated goals against numbers.

Well, all is forgiven and life has returned to normal.

Quotes from Colorado locker room after 2-1 win vs LA

The Colorado Avalanche trailed the LA Kings in shots 12-5 after the first period. The game was scoreless. 
LA was up 1-0 after 40 minutes and led in shots 21-12.

Then, with less than six minutes remaining in the game, Ryan O'Reilly scored to tie it. Nothing happened in overtime. And the Avs' Milan Hejduk - a Kings killer his whole career - scored the only goal in the shootout.

After Colorado's 2-1 win, here's what they were saying in the visiting team's dressing room...

Coach Joe Sacco on the overall game - "We have some confidence if we do good in shootouts. We have some guys who really know what to do with the puck and when you feel good about yourself and those situations you can build that confidence. It’s a big win tonight. Obviously it’s another conference win against a team that we’re fighting with in points. It’s a good game. Our goaltender was solid all night long. Varly (Varlamov) played really well, gave us a good chance to win tonight. After that first goal that they got we started to get our legs and started playing more. Good result tonight for our team."

EXCLUSIVE: Jarret Stoll postgame comments after 2-1 loss

LA Kings center Jarret Stoll couldn't deliver one of his patented shootout goals and the Kings fell to the Colorado Avalanche 2-1.

For the night, Stoll had two shots on goal, four hits and one blocked shot in 18:12 of total ice time.

After the game he shared the following comments...

On when he was clipped in the face with a high stick late in overtime - "It's just one of those plays. We have to bury that on the power play. We have to bare down. We have to make good passes, flat hard passes - at that point, the ice isn't very good at that stage of the period. You have those big moments in games at key times, and that was definitely one of them. We had a 4-on-3 for over a minute. That's the game right there.

On only taking three faceoffs in the first period - "Yeah, it was an odd period. That had that four minute penalty and then it was 4-on-4 right away. Some periods you just don't get many draws. I don't know, it's weird. That was definitely one of those periods where I wish I had more."

On Colorado's overall pressure - "They were waiting, but they're smart. They work hard, they still battle. You can tell they're a very well coached team. They think out there and they're a fast team out there. They get on you and when they sense a turnover or sense a bad pass, they're right there pressing up. They're a tough team to play. They're well balanced up front with hard working guys and their D are steady. They're playing well right now and they're missing, arguably, their best player in Matt Duchene.

More post game notes and quotes coming up.

The Mayor
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POLL: LA Kings Player of the Month - December 2011

Last December, Dustin Brown was voted the Kings' Player of the Month - topping Anze Kopitar and Jonathan Quick in the voting.  This time around, two of those three will almost surly be the two vote-getters and Brown may even repeat as winner. We shall see.

Overall, the team went 7-6-2, which isn't that dissimilar to their 6-5-2 record in November.  However, it was really the tale of two halves, as the Kings were 5-0-2 in the final seven games of December. Oh, and after beating the Canucks on New Year's Eve, they found themselves in first place in the Pacific Division.

As for individual performances, here's an overview of the most worthy candidates from last month - listed in alphabetical order...

Dustin Brown - five goals, three game-winning goals, led the team in hits (73) and shots on goal (63)

Drew Doughty - led all defensemen in points with eight assists, including six helpers during a personal best five game points streak in late December and led the team in minutes played nearly every game

Jonathan Quick - posted a 7-4-1 record with one shutout, including going 5-0-1 in his last six games with a 1.44 GAA and .951 save percentage

Matt Greene's New Year's Resolutions for his teammates

Yes, it's January 1st, which means it's time for a New Year's article. Only this time, instead of hearing about what somebody hopes to accomplish or change in the coming year, we have one of the Kings' players sharing some resolutions for his teammates.

Kevin Westgarth started the tradition on MayorsManor last year and it seemed like a good idea to give it another whirl. So, here are some New Year's Resolutions Matt Greene offers up to his fellow LA Kings...

Mike Richards - Score more

Dustin Brown - Tip in a couple of Jack's shots (Johnson, sitting in the stall nearby, jokingly added, 'Yeah, instead of blocking them!')

Anze Kopitar - Play more minutes

Kyle Clifford - Get harder, you're getting soft off the ice.

Willie Mitchell - Be more vocal, talk a little bit more and make sure everybody knows what's on your mind.