Game Thread: G79 45-24-9 Kings vs Nordalanche 4/12/25

[davnlaguna]

I think they are playing 5 on the power play is to rest the Defense.
With Doughty out they are trying things just to see.

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

The PP has lost so many games for LA, they don't even generate good chances for the most part or can't even get set up in the zone. They just play catch around the perimeter.

The five PP look is dangerous but seems to also be a better option than whatever they've been sporting all season long. The only forward I would even feel remotely comfortable with going back on D would be Kempe. They joked earlier and said he's the best 9th defenseman on the team, it's true.

But I agree, they run this 5 against Edmonton and we could see a lot of shorty attempts going the other way and burn LA.

I mean, it's not just scoring, but keeping Edmonton or whoever accountable. Edmonton has had so little fear of LA's PP the last few years that they just take liberties running every player through the boards. Worst case maybe something gets called, and Kings do nothing with it. At least now, with this small sample size, they would have to theoretically think twice before just taking runs all game.

Kuzmenko has just opened up the ice though. Even at the end of that 2nd, his little pass up the boards to Kempe for the break. He stops on a dime, and he makes decisive actions. He's quick, which helps a ton too. He can stop and go and create just enough space to make a play, which people have been pointing out, also lets Kopitar and Kempe move to open space with the understanding the puck will be there. And a lot of time, it is getting there. They flashed some stat that basically last 3 weeks, Kings are up over 4+ goals per game, for #1 in the NHL. I think the Carolina, San Jose, and Boston games helped inflate those, but the Kings are definitely at least capable of scoring some goals now, and it really shows.

But obviously it settles the other lines too. Fiala and Byfield seem to have some nice things going, and Laferriere has been a nice balance. I really would consider Danault-Moore the 3rd line. I don't know why the Kings broadcast insists on having them listed as second. To me they are slower and smaller, and probably the biggest liability of those top 3 lines. And then the 4th line Hellenius and Mallot has been nice because of their size. I saw Hellenius at the game the other day, and the dude is so insanely large. He has a full foot on pretty much everyone around him.

I am worried about their defense, but hard to find too much wrong with their forward group right now. Even Kuemper, who is painful to watch scramble, is really just a big body and makes the other team beat him for the most part. But he's been a really calming and solid presence for the team. He definitely doesn't seem to overreact to too much.

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

I think they are playing 5 on the power play is to rest the Defense.
With Doughty out they are trying things just to see.

Well I hope they consider keeping it, even if the defense gets more healthy.

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

Kuzmenko also a UFA like Gavrikov. I wonder what a nice little playoff run, or even a halfway decent showing would net this guy to stay in LA. Haven't see that discussed in any capacity.

 

[Kings4OT]

Kuzmenko also a UFA like Gavrikov. I wonder what a nice little playoff run, or even a halfway decent showing would net this guy to stay in LA. Haven't see that discussed in any capacity.

I would like LA to keep both, but I am concerned about $$ and terms.

 

[Kings4OT]

I dont mind either way on the 5F pp. Since adding Blowout thr pp just runs much better

 

[davnlaguna]

I would like LA to keep both, but I am concerned about $$ and terms.

Not greatly worried about their cost. LA has been good for them. They were both struggling a bit before coming to LA. I hope the can reach a good deal for both sides.

 

[davnlaguna]

Dang injured the ref

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

Kings with pretty bad energy to start this 3rd. PP was okay, but kind of a momentum killer. Avs come right back and score.

 

[davnlaguna]

Well I hope they consider keeping it, even if the defense gets more healthy.

Anything that keeps doughty off the Powerplay is good by me

 

[Kings4OT]

NJ14 having a great game

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

Nasty work from Laferriere to Fiala. New career high for Fiala.

 

[Kings4OT]

I knew they had to give the credit to Byfield, 4 mentions since that goal, 5

Seriously they mention Laferriere and Fiala once or twice and lay right into Byfield knob gobbling ....its why i just am turned off by that guy and the fact he is not being more than a tweaner 2/3 type guy. Hes getting it done lately and points are points but damn they could rest it some

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

Also not entirely in love with Jim Fox's new catchphrase. "Time and score... time and score..."

 

[PuckinUgly57]

I would like LA to keep both, but I am concerned about $$ and terms.

I don't think Kuzmenko will be getting $5.5 million again on this next contract (Kings are paying $2.75 million with the 50% retention), I think 2 years/$6 million would be a fair amount but who knows what his recent play and any bump in the POs will create for him on the market.

He seems comfortable in LA, hope he takes that into consideration. Same with Gavrikov but these may be the only two opportunities left for these guys for retirement contracts taking their ages into consideration.

 

[Kings4OT]

They dont mention Byfield letting his guy just walk up to Kuemper with the puck there...not 1 name nada nothing

 

[PuckinUgly57]

I knew they had to give the credit to Byfield, 4 mentions since that goal, 5

Seriously they mention Laferriere and Fiala once or twice and lay right into Byfield knob gobbling ....its why i just am turned off by that guy and the fact he is not being more than a tweaner 2/3 type guy. Hes getting it done lately and points are points but damn they could rest it some

It's aggravating, all he did was flip the puck into the zone. Laferriere and Fiala did all the work, it's how Buster has racked up at least 2/3 of his points this season and why I'm not a believer.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

They dont mention Byfield letting his guy just walk up to Kuemper with the puck there...not 1 name nada nothing

They didn't mention his lost coverage on that Avs first goal either. It's extremely clear there is a directive to pump this guy up but sweep his short comings under the rug.

 

[davnlaguna]

Darcy wanted to get one back.

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

Funky finish

Kuemper looked like he was hesitant to try that shot, but he went for it. Avs got a piece of it.

Kopitar losing both faceoffs insanely clean to Nelson. Kings still lack an elite faceoff guy like they used to have in Stoll.

Offense was humming, but no Mackinnon or Makar and that game was too close down the stretch,