If you were watching closely during Wednesday's game in Chicago, Drew Doughty was very excited when Jarret Stoll scored to put the Kings up 2-0 early in the third period.
For those who missed the celebration, here's a short clip, followed by some reaction from both when asked about it after practice today.
Stoll - "I haven't seen the video yet, to be honest with you. Obviously, I didn't even realize it at the time. It must not have been that good (laughter ensues for all around). I need to take a look at it, I think. He told me about it and I said, 'Really? I didn't even realize it.' I was just too happy that we finally scored a goal."
Doughty - "It wasn't pre-planned. It was just spur-of-the-moment. I don't know what I was thinking. It just kind of happened, I guess. There's nothing behind the scenes. I was just excited that we got the second goal. I don't know why I did it, probably won't do it again though."
So what happens if Stoll gets a hat trick some time soon?
Doughty - "Well then I guess I, ah..."
Several of his teammates began chiming in with lots of laughter and stuff that doesn't need to be printed.
Let's just say, your parents were right - boys will be boys.
The Mayor
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Friday, December 30, 2011
Johnson and Sutter talk LA power play and goaltending
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| LA Kings - Jack Johnson (photo by Dimur) |
In 23:34 of total ice time - second only to Drew Doughty among all players in the game - Johnson finished the night with one shot on goal, two hits and two blocked shots.
After things were over, he shared these thoughts...
On the overall game - "Our goalie played a phenomenal game. But, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how well he plays - if we can't score a goal, we're in trouble. I thought it was a pretty hard fought game. When teams play the way they do today, it's a bounce here or there that can win or lose you a hockey game."
On both teams killing off a 5-on-3 power play - "It cost us the game, you can say that. We had plenty of chances throughout the game to score. But, that was huge for both teams. They had one fairly late in the game, which could have won it for them. There were plenty of chances for both teams though."
On any regrets from the loss - "We regret not scoring. We don't hang our heads though, it was a hard fought game. Looking back, we took three out of four points on the road. So, it was pretty good. If we can take three out of four on the road every time, that's a pretty good season."
Quotes from Winnipeg locker room after def LA 1-0 in OT
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| Kings at Jets (photo courtesy of LA Kings) |
After all the high-fives on the ice, here's what the Jets were saying back in the dressing room...
Kane on his scrap with Jack Johnson - "Guys are going to stick up for each other and I'm no different...I know (Blake Wheeler) was trying to hit him in front. He was kind of coming this way and I thought the contact was made before the puck even got to him. I didn't like the hit. Obviously, it was a big hit. So, I wanted to get in there and stand up for him."
Goalie Chris Mason on the overall game - "It definitely felt like one goal would be the difference tonight, with the way we were playing and the way they played as well. We kind of figured it would be a low scoring game. With them coming in (having played last night), they didn't play as tired as I thought they would."
Mason on the Kings' toughness - "I thought we did well. We know their game is puck possession. They get the puck down low and protect it. Their big guys have skill too. So, we knew it would be similar to the big line against Anaheim. They're tough to defend. But, I thought for the most part, we did a great job."
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Remembering Winnipeg and Wayne Gretzky's last game with the LA Kings
For several years in the mid 90's it seemed like the Kings were on a 'Closing Down the Arena' tour, as they made their final visits to old Chicago Stadium, Boston Garden, Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, the Capital Centre just outside Washington DC and several others.
However, it was their second-to-last skate around the ice at Winnipeg Arena in February 1996 that ended up meaning much more than what was originally intended. Coming at the end of a four game jaunt that went from Edmonton to Colorado then St. Louis, the Kings finally arrived in Manitoba on February 25th - having gone 0-2-1 on the trip. To say it was the worst of times wouldn't be much of a stretch, as the Kings had only won one game in 12 tries during the month of February.
Before we get to the events that unfolded in the next 48 hours though, let's take a quick look back at the beginning of the trip. I was on hand for the games in Canada and attended the Kings practices as well.
While the score in Edmonton was 7-2, these weren't the Oilers of old. Ryan Smyth was in his rookie season and goalie Bill Ranford had just been traded to the Boston Bruins the month prior.
The Oilers' seven goals that night came from seven different players - Zdeno Ciger, Mariusz Czerkawski, Greg de Vries, Donald Dufresne, Ralph Intranuovo, Todd Marchant and some guy named Doug Weight (one of the best American born players of his generation). On the receiving end of every one was Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey.
Down at the other end, Oilers netminder Curtis Joseph gave up goals to Vitali Yachmenev and, of course, Wayne Gretzky.
However, it was their second-to-last skate around the ice at Winnipeg Arena in February 1996 that ended up meaning much more than what was originally intended. Coming at the end of a four game jaunt that went from Edmonton to Colorado then St. Louis, the Kings finally arrived in Manitoba on February 25th - having gone 0-2-1 on the trip. To say it was the worst of times wouldn't be much of a stretch, as the Kings had only won one game in 12 tries during the month of February.
Before we get to the events that unfolded in the next 48 hours though, let's take a quick look back at the beginning of the trip. I was on hand for the games in Canada and attended the Kings practices as well.
While the score in Edmonton was 7-2, these weren't the Oilers of old. Ryan Smyth was in his rookie season and goalie Bill Ranford had just been traded to the Boston Bruins the month prior.
The Oilers' seven goals that night came from seven different players - Zdeno Ciger, Mariusz Czerkawski, Greg de Vries, Donald Dufresne, Ralph Intranuovo, Todd Marchant and some guy named Doug Weight (one of the best American born players of his generation). On the receiving end of every one was Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey.
Down at the other end, Oilers netminder Curtis Joseph gave up goals to Vitali Yachmenev and, of course, Wayne Gretzky.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
WJC 2012: Kings prospects face-off on TV today at noon
Today, both teams are back in action again - with the U.S. facing Finland and Canada squaring off with the Czech Republic.
Of note, the US/Finland game will feature three LA Kings prospects. In the red, white and blue will be the Kings two tallest defensive prospects - Derek Forbort (6-foot-5, from the University of North Dakota, first round selection at the 2010 NHL Draft) and Kevin Gravel (6-foot-4, from St. Cloud State University, fifth round 2010 NHL Draft).
They could be shooting pucks at Christopher Gibson (2011 draft pick out of the QMJHL), as Team Finland hasn't announced their starter yet. He was in goal on Monday for all eight of Canada's goals. It wasn't pretty. In fact, it was so bad the announcers were using expressions like 'post traumatic stress disorder' and 'under siege' when talking about Gibson's day.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Why Andrei Loktionov needs to be sent to Manchester
Before all the Loktionov lovers lose their mind, relax.
If you've heard any of my recent radio/podcast interviews, the kid has talent. He's still young, he'll be fine. The Kings thought the cake might be done, they pulled it out of the oven, had a bite and it's not fully cooked yet. Put it back in the oven for a little longer (in Manchester) and everything will be just fine.
At the end of last season and over the summer, Loktionov talked of only wanting to play center, he felt more comfortable there. Then, when he was called up this year, he was put on the left wing - because that was the need at the time. Everybody tried to put a smile on and power through it. Fact is, it didn't work. The same issues from last season were still there.
A few weeks later he found himself at center when Mike Richards went down and that should have been his chance to shine. It didn't happen. Fifteen games into his call-up he has no goals and two assists to show for it. Don't buy into the 'he's not being used properly' line of thinking. Good players make things happen when given the ice time. He hasn't done that by any stretch of the imagination.
The only reason he's still with the Kings right now is because of the NHL's holiday trade freeze. When Richards came off of IR last week, the team should have needed to make a corresponding roster move to make room for him. Yet, the freeze allowed them to carry an extra player through today.
But, as timing would have it, with the injury to Simon Gagne last night, the Kings might not need to make a roster move today - other than putting #12 on IR.
If you've heard any of my recent radio/podcast interviews, the kid has talent. He's still young, he'll be fine. The Kings thought the cake might be done, they pulled it out of the oven, had a bite and it's not fully cooked yet. Put it back in the oven for a little longer (in Manchester) and everything will be just fine.
At the end of last season and over the summer, Loktionov talked of only wanting to play center, he felt more comfortable there. Then, when he was called up this year, he was put on the left wing - because that was the need at the time. Everybody tried to put a smile on and power through it. Fact is, it didn't work. The same issues from last season were still there.
A few weeks later he found himself at center when Mike Richards went down and that should have been his chance to shine. It didn't happen. Fifteen games into his call-up he has no goals and two assists to show for it. Don't buy into the 'he's not being used properly' line of thinking. Good players make things happen when given the ice time. He hasn't done that by any stretch of the imagination.
The only reason he's still with the Kings right now is because of the NHL's holiday trade freeze. When Richards came off of IR last week, the team should have needed to make a corresponding roster move to make room for him. Yet, the freeze allowed them to carry an extra player through today.
But, as timing would have it, with the injury to Simon Gagne last night, the Kings might not need to make a roster move today - other than putting #12 on IR.
Quotes from the Coyotes locker room after 4-3 loss to LA
The Phoenix Coyotes brought a collection of former Kings with them to Staples Center last night - including coach Dave Tippett, goalie Jason LaBarbera and forward Patrick O'Sullivan. However, LA outshot them 35-29, out-hit them 28-25, won more faceoffs, killed every Coyotes penalty, chased LaBarbera early in the third period and won the game 4-3.
Afterwards, coach Tippett had this to say about the overall game...
"I thought we hung in there. We wanted to make sure we competed hard and give ourselves the best chance of winning. We were hanging around the whole game right to the end. There were a couple of goals that LaBarbera would like to have back, but those are tough to overcome."
On back-up goalie Curtis McElhinney’s relief effort, Tippet said - "I thought he played very well. He made a couple good saves and then he got lucky on a couple posts so we just took a chance to see if we could change the momentum there. We competed hard tonight and you always want results without a doubt. They had some guys really play well tonight. We have to keep that attitude and try to win a big game at home."
If there was one positive for Phoenix, it had to be the play of Raffi Torres. On his two goal performance, Tipped said - "He made a couple good plays on breakaways to score. With our lineup the way it is we need people to contribute throughout and he gave us a couple good goals tonight."
Afterwards, coach Tippett had this to say about the overall game...
"I thought we hung in there. We wanted to make sure we competed hard and give ourselves the best chance of winning. We were hanging around the whole game right to the end. There were a couple of goals that LaBarbera would like to have back, but those are tough to overcome."
On back-up goalie Curtis McElhinney’s relief effort, Tippet said - "I thought he played very well. He made a couple good saves and then he got lucky on a couple posts so we just took a chance to see if we could change the momentum there. We competed hard tonight and you always want results without a doubt. They had some guys really play well tonight. We have to keep that attitude and try to win a big game at home."
If there was one positive for Phoenix, it had to be the play of Raffi Torres. On his two goal performance, Tipped said - "He made a couple good plays on breakaways to score. With our lineup the way it is we need people to contribute throughout and he gave us a couple good goals tonight."
Monday, December 26, 2011
Captain Dustin Brown on LA's effort - 'That’s what it’s going to take'
We already posted postgame comments from LA coach Darryl Sutter and defenseman Rob Scuderi following the Kings 4-3 win over the visiting Phoenix Coyotes.
Now, we turn to team captain Dustin Brown, who recorded his fifth game-winning goal of the season in tonight's victory. He now has five points in the last six games (four goals, one assist). Also, his four shots on goal, four hits and plus-3 rating tied him for the team lead in all three categories tonight. Here's what he had to say after the game...
On the overall play - "For our team to be successful it’s about work. We didn’t have our best second [period]. We came out and rebounded with a really good third [period], the work ethic was there and we found the back of the net twice. At the end of the day, that team was two points ahead of us and it was a huge two points for us to get at home."
On the Kings offensive outburst tonight - "That’s what it’s going to take. We are going to have to have scoring from the back end. Tonight we had a lot of shots. We had some grade-A scoring chances that didn’t go in the net. I know we probably hit three or four posts. We’ve been getting more shots on goal and keep saying 'keep shooting the puck, it will eventually go in' and tonight they started going in. I think if we can continue that mentality, you are going to see us score more goals. Last week we had three 40 shot games and two goals—I don’t think that is going to happen if we can consistently put up 30-35 shots."
More up in the morning.
The Mayor
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Postgame comments from coach Darryl Sutter and defenseman Rob Scuderi
Now, we turn to team captain Dustin Brown, who recorded his fifth game-winning goal of the season in tonight's victory. He now has five points in the last six games (four goals, one assist). Also, his four shots on goal, four hits and plus-3 rating tied him for the team lead in all three categories tonight. Here's what he had to say after the game...
On the overall play - "For our team to be successful it’s about work. We didn’t have our best second [period]. We came out and rebounded with a really good third [period], the work ethic was there and we found the back of the net twice. At the end of the day, that team was two points ahead of us and it was a huge two points for us to get at home."
On the Kings offensive outburst tonight - "That’s what it’s going to take. We are going to have to have scoring from the back end. Tonight we had a lot of shots. We had some grade-A scoring chances that didn’t go in the net. I know we probably hit three or four posts. We’ve been getting more shots on goal and keep saying 'keep shooting the puck, it will eventually go in' and tonight they started going in. I think if we can continue that mentality, you are going to see us score more goals. Last week we had three 40 shot games and two goals—I don’t think that is going to happen if we can consistently put up 30-35 shots."
More up in the morning.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Postgame comments from coach Darryl Sutter and defenseman Rob Scuderi
LA 4, Phx 3: Quotes from coach Sutter's postgame presser
Here are the first batch of quotes from coach Darryl Sutter's postgame presser, following the Kings 4-3 win over the Coyotes...
On the overall game - "It’s nice to see a ‘W’ up there…I want to over-emphasize the importance of producing more offense to win hockey games…We had a good first period. We’ve been trying to talk about that, good first periods. Then I think they [Phoenix] made the push in the second, and we didn’t match it, and then we got it back in the third."
On the Kings defense providing much of the offense - "[They were] holding their line. [They had] patience at the blue line instead of being over aggressive and forcing offense. Good play down low. I thought the first period we did a really good job of that down low and going low to high."
Defenseman Rob Scuderi, who scored the team's first goal of the night, added the following comments...
On the overall game - "It’s nice to see a ‘W’ up there…I want to over-emphasize the importance of producing more offense to win hockey games…We had a good first period. We’ve been trying to talk about that, good first periods. Then I think they [Phoenix] made the push in the second, and we didn’t match it, and then we got it back in the third."
On the Kings defense providing much of the offense - "[They were] holding their line. [They had] patience at the blue line instead of being over aggressive and forcing offense. Good play down low. I thought the first period we did a really good job of that down low and going low to high."
Defenseman Rob Scuderi, who scored the team's first goal of the night, added the following comments...
Three LA Kings prospects featured in two TV games today
While many of the Kings current roster has participated in past tournaments - including Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Mike Richards - it was some of their top prospects who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the WJC.
Brayden Schenn of Team Canada was traded to Philadelphia over the summer for Richards. Maxim Kitsyn is back home playing in Russia. Yet, Derek Forbort of Team USA has returned for a second year.
Here's a quick overview of the three LA Kings prospects in this year's tournament...
USA - Derek Forbort, defenseman, University of North Dakota, first round selection 2010 NHL Draft
USA - Kevin Gravel, defenseman, St. Cloud St. University, fifth round selection 2010 NHL Draft
Finland - Christopher Gibson, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL), second round selection 2011 NHL Draft
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