Jim Fox rejoins us today with his thoughts on the Kings 4-0 victory last night in San Jose.
As you may recall from his High/Low article following game one, Fox didn't like the team's minimal shots in the first period that night or their defensive zone coverage on the first goal against.
On the plus side, he was impressed with Justin Williams' two-point performance and how they won the special teams battles - both on the penalty kill and with Dustin Brown's power play goal.
What are his takeaways from game two? Let's check in and see...
HIGHS
* Drew Doughty - he showed that the quicker the pace, the more effective he becomes
* Kings play making - with the puck and the lead, the Kings were still making plays, not just dumping it in...without the puck, the box-out skill of all defenders allowed Jonathan Quick to see the puck
* Energy line - nice to see Kyle Clifford, Brad Richardson and Wayne Simmonds get rewarded for tenacious play
LOWS
In a game where the Kings just took it to the Sharks from the opening face-off to the final horn, it's really no surprise that Fox couldn't come up with one low from the game.
They won 4-0 on the road. Isn't that enough?
Sure it yes. Yet, I recall Fox saying the Kings 4-0 shutout in San Jose back on December 27, 2010 was one of the 'five most complete games' he's ever seen the Kings play in team history. That covers a lot of ground, considering he's been on the TV side for 20+ years and more than eight seasons on the ice as a player.
So, I asked him to compare the two games. Putting aside that last night was a playoff game, while the other one was a regular season contest - just as hockey games, how did they stack up to each other?
He said it was "understandable" that the Sharks lost the December game and "most people believe the Sharks had an excuse." Fox went on to explain that "one of the most difficult games to play is the first game after Christmas" - noting that the Kings had played the Ducks the day before, while the Sharks were still "eating Christmas dinner and opening their gifts." (Apparently, Canadians think people still open presents on 12/26 - even though that's Boxing Day north of the border...but, anyway...)
In summary, Fox thought the Kings "were good with the puck in both games, maybe better defending in last night's game though."
And finally - what was up with that facial scruff last night? TV viewers are used to the well groomed and polished Jim Fox. Is it a playoff thing?
Of course it is!
Although, Fox said "the beard is looking a little gray, actually looking a lot gray!" At first he didn't seem to mind the coloring, saying it showed his "experience" - but, then later adding "I might have to get out the Grecian Formula to add a little more color to the color-man."
In all seriousness, the scruff is for the Kings Care Foundation and Fox wanted to thank all those who have pledged for him so far, saying he truly appreciated it all the support he's been receiving.
To learn more or get involved, simply visit www.lakings.com/beardathon and enter his name after clicking the 'Pledge a Friend' button.
You can also go to his specific page here. As of this posting, he's in first place with $2,440 raised so far, half of his stated goal of $5,000.
Plus, you can vote for Fox in the 'Beard of the Day' contest on that site as well.
As most of you know, he's an extremely active member of the Kings Care Foundation and is constantly working on their behalf in Southern California, especially with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
"Every little bit helps and I encourage anyone who can help to please donate or pass along the word to anyone you think may be able to help," Fox said.
I'll try to have more from Fox later on in the series. Right now though, I think he's on his way over to the store to get some beard dye.
The Mayor
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