Game Thread: G67 36-21-9 Kings @ Hawks 3/20/25

[PuckinUgly57]

Game day again, 530pm start time on FDS. This is game 67, hard to believe there's only 15 games left in the season. I should be able to watch this one in its entirety, Junior IIs flag practice got canceled because half the team is missing on a science camp excursion or something. Score one for pops.

Full skate today, didn't see that Doughty was missing. Looks like the same 12/6 lineup they've been running with Moverare, Burroughs, Thomas and Lewis available if needed. I don't know what to think of Thomas, the dude doesn't get playing time at all. Why is that? I mean I guess when something is working no need to change it but I almost get the feeling he doesn't fit with the team.

He had a very poor TC and what we have seen of him he hasn't done much but these guys that have been sitting, youd think they'd be getting some time before the POs so that if an injury happens they don't go in ice cold. That's my belief anyway. He's also an example of a higher pick (2nd) not turning out.

Kuemper expected to start and from what I've read this game is being called a "revenge game" for the 5-1 butt kicking the Kings took a few weeks ago. I don't see it that way, it's a game they should just win. Key word is should because the Kings tend to play down to their competition and of course it's another road game where they suck - the Kings have the worst road record of any current PO team. Not sure why that is but that's the reality. Bank the points and hope for home ice advantage.

Knight goalied the Kings last time out in his Hawks debut but they have lost 5 straight since. I'm sure they'll want to get back into the W column so I dont expect this game to be easy. And as we saw, this team has beaten the Kings twice (0-1-1) this season already so they'll be looking for the sweep.

This would be a good game for the Kings PP to show some life, my stomach turns whenever they get a man advantage. This is one of the worst PPs I've seen in a while. Kuzmenko hasn't really made a difference anywhere, still the only TDL acquisition non defenseman who hasn't registered a point with his new team. He has some creativity but seems to pass too much, I'd like to see him be selfish and take some shots especially on the PP. I'd like everyone to actually, way too much perimeter passing and nothing funneling to the net.

Prediction: Kings bounce back after the loss to Minnesota and also don't let the Hawks sweep the season series. 4-2 Kings with goals by Kopitar, Edmundson, Dexter and Helenius.

Let's Go Kings!

 

[Kings4OT]

3-1 good guys, Mr. Arrival 3g 6a

Probably 32/33 saves for him too....guy is no joke

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Heard right after the game he's catching a supersonic back to LA and will join the Lakers vs Bucks around the third quarter. The guy just simply amazes me.

 

[Kings4OT]

Why doesnt Jill move Kuz to another line? Just see what happens for awhile

 

[Kings4OT]

TENT, Knight wants that back

 

[Kings4OT]

Turcotte, good start 2-0

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Missed both goals, forgot I had to pick up a kid. Oops haha.

Not the two I expected to get on the board but take it.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Why doesnt Jill move Kuz to another line? Just see what happens for awhile

I'm not sure who else they can put there, moving the LWs up imbalances the lines and guys would be playing higher than they should.

I certainly don't want to see TOTM back as LW1 or Turcotte for that matter.

 

[Kings4OT]

I'm not sure who else they can put there, moving the LWs up imbalances the lines and guys would be playing higher than they should.

I certainly don't want to see TOTM back as LW1 or Turcotte for that matter.

It doesnt matter, its about getting Kuz a point or 2, you gotta mix it up and get a new guy out of his own head. That 1st point is critical and you get it for them asap. Then get back to your set lones or whatever

 

[Kings4OT]

Of course, best chances are pk chances on the Kings PP

 

[Kings4OT]

Pride night with the leasts comin to town....perfect

 

[PuckinUgly57]

It doesnt matter, its about getting Kuz a point or 2, you gotta mix it up and get a new guy out of his own head. That 1st point is critical and you get it for them asap. Then get back to your set lones or whatever

This dude just looks snake bit, damn. He's in position it seems like but either gets goalied, posts or hops over his stick or whatever.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Hawks may stink but that was a nice PP set up. Kings should take notes.

 

[Kings4OT]

Hawks may stink but that was a nice PP set up. Kings should take notes.

You think they can learn?

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Here we go...nice job Kuemper. Set up Turcotte to take that penalty.

Hawks have played way better this period, LA looks like they're on their heels a bit.

 

[Kings4OT]

This dude just looks snake bit, damn. He's in position it seems like but either gets goalied, posts or hops over his stick or whatever.

Or hes a headcase since 39g, could almost see it when they had a long shot of him on the bench before this pp...why its important to do everything you can with these guy.

 

[Kings4OT]

2 points

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Is 2 points. Not a complete game but a team they should have beat and did.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Heard right after the game he's catching a supersonic back to LA and will join the Lakers vs Bucks around the third quarter. The guy just simply amazes me.

Bucks smoked the Lakers last night 118-89, Buster got sidetracked posing for team IG photos and missed the Concord back to LA. No question Buster would have been the difference maker.

Heard Doncic is pissed, said "we could have really used Quinton's size and reach on the floor tonight. It's not often you have a player like him who plays NFL, NBA and NHL and succeeds in all three sports in one season".

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Or hes a headcase since 39g, could almost see it when they had a long shot of him on the bench before this pp...why its important to do everything you can with these guy.

They may have learned from PLD, Kuzmenko is being put in primo situations and not sentenced to the B6. He's also playing with two solids in Kopitar and Kempe, PP1 and mostly OZ starts so he's being put in every situation to succeed but he just isn't producing. I bet Modry even got an assist last night from Europe.

I think you may be right about the headcase, 7-8 games in and not even a classic Buster secondary assist. That's like damn near impossible considering the circumstances.

Side note: Den of Thieves 2 came out on Netflix yesterday, watched it. Highly recommend if you like heist movies.