Game Thread: Kings vs Canadians

[Kings4OT]

Not that you care


0-1 the other guys

 

[Kings4OT]

Cammy outta the air on the PP


1-1

 

[Kings4OT]

Carts out, looks like back of leg cut by a skate...might not be good

 

[davnlaguna]

Carts out, looks like back of leg cut by a skate...might not be good

Hope nothing more than a too close shave
But expecting worse

 

[PuckinUgly57]

No specific injury details from what I have read but he is going to miss some time. I'm assuming it's a cut to a tendon like Karlsson had a few years ago when Matt Cooke sliced his Achilles. Hope it's not that serious, especially because speed is Carter's biggest asset.

Should be interesting to see who slots into that 2C position on this upcoming road trip, the Kings are gone from 10/21-11/2. Long trip. I assume Dowd will be inserted into the lineup as a C instead of the RW they have moved him to this season.

Kempe, what can you say - the kids is talented. His second goal reminded me of Kopitar's first NHL game against Anaheim where he burned not only Pronger but Giguere too (both players were very dominant at that time). Same wing, same speed, same move and goal.

B6 came through last night, need more of that when the big guns are shut down. Liking what I am seeing in the new structure, still very sound defensively - although they are giving up a lot more chances than in years past - and scoring an average of 3.5 GPG (6th) and allowing only 1.67 GAPG (1st).

Impressive.

 

[davnlaguna]

Not what the NBC guy said last night
Mike milbury. Not impressed
They have played no good teams
They can't score and their defense relies on Quick too much

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Milbury LOL...I watched the post game show and he almost sounded depressed having to give the Kings props. I love watching that guy squirm.

 

[LoCal Kings]

What segment of the hockey audience does NBC think Milbury is appealing to? Most old-school fans are more intelligent than what passes as his version of "analyst". And most younger or newer fans cannot figure out what the hell he is talking about.

I usually turn off the sound in-between periods of NBC games. Actually listened to the post-game, and it was embarrassing. NBC needs to buy-out his contract, absorb the cap hit, and/or trade him to a network in Russia.

 

[Fox4Kings]

Kempe, what can you say - the kids is talented. His second goal reminded me of Kopitar's first NHL game against Anaheim where he burned not only Pronger but Giguere too (both players were very dominant at that time). Same wing, same speed, same move and goal.

I thought the EXACT same thing when I saw that goal. He's even got a little bit of the flowing hair, too. Good for him, hopefully it will be a confidence booster moving forward.

All signs are pointing to Kings signing Laich, seems to be a good simple fit for a temporary replacement. Veteran presense, can fit the role, knows the scheme, I'd be surprised if it didn't happen.

 

[Fox4Kings]

Not what the NBC guy said last night
Mike milbury. Not impressed
They have played no good teams
They can't score and their defense relies on Quick too much

Saw that too, it appeared like both of the other announcers were doing their best to not laugh at his analysis, Keith Jones definitely had a smile and then the other guy dropped a little stat right after something like "Kings have only allowed 10 goals all season, I guess that's not bad"

I do agree with his statement, Kings haven't really played anyone yet but c'mon they have the best record in the league and are playing well, no need to act like the games have been handed to them. They have played well.

 

[Vegas]

What segment of the hockey audience does NBC think Milbury is appealing to? Most old-school fans are more intelligent than what passes as his version of "analyst". And most younger or newer fans cannot figure out what the hell he is talking about.

I usually turn off the sound in-between periods of NBC games. Actually listened to the post-game, and it was embarrassing. NBC needs to buy-out his contract, absorb the cap hit, and/or trade him to a network in Russia.

I'm guessing east coast teams don't mind Milbury at all.

 

[Kings4OT]

The impressive thing to me is the fact that the Kings haven't played "anyone tough" and still look pretty good doing so. When over the years have the Kings not played down to their opponent? Kings rely on Quick? well I disagree other than every team relies on their goalie. The Kings look solid defensively and I expect added offense to translate into added shots against. Carts out, this hurts a lot and hopefully doesn't cause a tailspin.....or a nagging injury when speed/shot is his entire game.

 

[davnlaguna]

Saw that too, it appeared like both of the other announcers were doing their best to not laugh at his analysis, Keith Jones definitely had a smile and then the other guy dropped a little stat right after something like "Kings have only allowed 10 goals all season, I guess that's not bad"

I do agree with his statement, Kings haven't really played anyone yet but c'mon they have the best record in the league and are playing well, no need to act like the games have been handed to them. They have played well.

Can only beat who you play.
Carter out won't help.
Laich was signed prior to the injury but gets to stay in LA instead of Onterio

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Confirmed, Laich signed. I'm sure he will be up with the Kings while Carter is out. Article also mentions Carter had surgery today for a laceration and will be out a few weeks. Doesn't sound like a tendon but bad enough to where he can't walk or skate.

Kings sign Laich to two-way deal - Article - TSN

 

[Psych3man]

The Kings made much better moves in the offseason than the experts (or I) gave them credit for. They hate when they didn't see it coming, and the east hates western teams being successful.
The Fantenberg signing was excellent and the Iafalo signing more of the same.
From Elliotte Freidman's 31 thoughts:

"24. Impressive, under-the-radar first-couple-of-weeks player: Alex Iafalo (sic), Los Angeles. An NCAA free agent. “Looks like a lot of us missed on him,” one exec said.

 

[Fox4Kings]

I'm not sold on Iafalo yet. He looked pretty good first couple games, been just OK for me lately. He's playing on the top line with Kopitar so certainly he is going to get some opportunities. Here are the stat lines:

Kopitar - 4G - 4A = 8PTS
Brown - 4G - 3A = 7PTS
Iafalo - 0G - 1A = 1PT

Stats aren't everything but that is a pretty significant imbalance, I know Brown and Kopi get PP time too but they only have 1 point each from the PP.

 

[Kings4OT]

Kopitar - 4G - 4A = 8PTS
Brown - 4G - 3A = 7PTS
Iafalo - 0G - 1A = 1PT

.

Any other season I would think you had Brown and Iafalo swapped.

Iafalo seems definitely serviceable. While the stats don't show it his biggest contribution is not being a liability on the line thus far. Brown/Kopi aren't rushing back or covering his mistakes.....

 

[pete6835]

Iafalo seems definitely serviceable. While the stats don't show it his biggest contribution is not being a liability on the line thus far. Brown/Kopi aren't rushing back or covering his mistakes.....

I was going to say the same thing. If you don't see him make Muzzin type errors, he is a plus.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Muzzin is still Muzzin, bonehead plays all over. Would still love to see him moved for some help elsewhere.

Iaffalo, sure you haven't seen him on the score sheet but he is making things happen. This is on the wrong thread but he is the main reason Kopitar scores the GW goal yesterday against the BJs. Hustled, kept the puck alive and then Brown got it to Kopitar.

That play doesn't happen if he just gives up on the initial play. Reminds me a lot of Williams in that sense, somehow always managed to keep a play alive an extra moment or two and many times it paid off.

 

[Fox4Kings]

I understand everyone's points, but words like "serviceable" and "keeping plays alive" is not what I am after on my top line. It seems to be working now, and if for whatever reason his presence allows Brown and Kopi to shine than that's great, but I don't see it as a sustainable success formula.