Game Thread: Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings - 10/21/13

[Cobiemonster]

vs.

10:30pm EST/7:30pm PST - FOX Sports West​

FLAMES (3-2-2) at KINGS (6-3-0)

TV: SNET-W, FS-W

Season series: The Los Angeles Kings won all three matchups last season, outscoring the Calgary Flames 12-4. This is the first of five games this season.

Big story: These teams appear to be heading in opposite directions. The Flames have lost two in a row to start their five-game road trip, while the Kings are winners of five of six as they continue a four-game homestand.

Team scope:

Flames: After starting out the season getting a point in five straight games, Calgary has lost two in a row in regulation. Wednesday it was a 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks and Saturday was a 6-3 pounding by the San Jose Sharks.

"This is by far the best team we've played, but at the same time this is by far our worst game. We made some bad decisions … that cost us some goals. We made some bad decisions when we went to the box for a few unnecessary reasons," coach Bob Hartley said.

The Sharks scored in the opening and final minute of the first period to take a 2-0 lead, and built a 4-1 lead after two, as the Flames were shorthanded nine times, allowing three power play goals.

"We had no focus. And when you have no focus in this game, especially playing against a team like this, you don't have a chance to win," Hartley said.

In their four road games so far, the Flames have allowed 16 goals.

Kings: No strangers to close games, having played four one-goal games and two two-goal games already, the Kings looked like they would be in another tight contest Saturday night but broke a 2-2 third period deadlock with three goals to earn a 5-2 win against the Dallas Stars.

"What we need to do is create an identity again on ice. You need to do it every year," said Justin Williams, who had two-first period goals. "Whether it's a tie game going into the third [or] you're down a goal, you need to feel like you're going to win, and tonight I felt in this dressing room at the end of the second period that we were confident we were going to win."

The Kings got five goals, their most in a game this season, and Williams had two full periods to attempt his second career hat trick, but was unable to do so even when the Stars pulled their goalie late in the third period.

"It's funny when you get one early, things seem to slow a little bit down for you and you start making a few more plays. Of course, I certainly wanted to get that third one. I wanted to see the ice littered with hats," the 14-year veteran said.

Who's hot: Left wing Jiri Hudler has a goal Saturday night, and has a point in all seven games this season (four goals, five assists) for the Flames. … Defenseman Jake Muzzin had two assists Saturday and has four points in his past three games for the Kings. Goalie Jonathan Quick has allowed three goals on 61 shots (.951 save percentage) over his last two games.

Injury report: Forwards Mike Cammalleri (hand), Matt Stajan (leg) and David Jones (upper body) are all on injured reserve for the Flames. … The Kings report no injuries.

Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings - 10/21/2013

 

[davnlaguna]

A (regulation) win would be nice. Ducks have a seven game win streak going. Kings should as well

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

Cant wait for this game to start hopefully we pick up another win.

GO KINGS GO

 

[ouendan1]

This is a game that we SHOULD win.

Also look for Kopitar to build off his game against Dallas. It was the first time in a LONG time he looked dominant in the offensive zone.

 

[Cobiemonster]

Projected lines for tonight(per LAKingsInsider):

Calgary Projected Lines

Curtis Glencross – Mikael Backlund – Lee Stempniak
Sven Baertschi – Sean Monahan – Jiri Hudler
Lance Bouma – Joe Colborne – TJ Galiardi
Tim Jackman – Ben Street – Brian McGrattan

Mark Giordano – T.J. Brodie
Kris Russell – Dennis Wideman
Chris Butler – Shane O’Brien

Karri Ramo
Joey MacDonald

Los Angeles Projected Lines

Dustin Brown – Anze Kopitar – Justin Williams
Daniel Carcillo – Mike Richards – Jeff Carter
Dwight King – Jarret Stoll – Trevor Lewis
Kyle Clifford – Colin Fraser – Jordan Nolan

Robyn Regehr – Drew Doughty
Willie Mitchell – Slava Voynov
Jake Muzzin – Matt Greene

Jonathan Quick
Ben Scrivens

 

[Cobiemonster]

Go Kings Go!!!

 

[Kings4OT]

From the early play it looks to be an exciting game

 

[Cobiemonster]

Drew Doughty PP goal! Kings lead 1-0!

 

[ChiefsDdgersLakersKings24]

Doughty should be a top candidate for the Norris this season.

 

[Cobiemonster]

 

[Bluesince62]

Doughty should be a top candidate for the Norris this season.

Early yet, but it might finally be the time for him to start collecting the hardware. He is having a very strong start to the season on both ends of the ice.

Amazing to think he's still only 23.

 

[Cobiemonster]

Early yet, but it might finally be the time for him to start collecting the hardware. He is having a very strong start to the season on both ends of the ice.

Amazing to think he's still only 23.

Yeah if his offense comes full circle, without a doubt - and it is amazing that he's still very young

 

[Cobiemonster]

Cammalieri ties it on the PP at 1-1 in the 2nd

 

[pete6835]

 

[ouendan1]

cammy scored against the Kings... what's new?

 

[Kings4OT]

That was a really great shift by Frattin

 

[Cobiemonster]

Carbomb has played really well tonight

 

[Cobiemonster]

Sean Monahan gives the Flames a 2-1 lead - let's get back at it Kings

 

[Kings4OT]

Richards/Carter!

 

[Kings4OT]

Richards/Carter!

Carter it is!