BIG D!!

So far in these playoffs the Los Angeles Kings have exceed almost all expectations, even the most loyal of fans did not see this coming… or maybe they did? Nonetheless here we are up 3 games to zip against the Presidents Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks. It almost seems as though they can do nothing right and we can do nothing wrong. What those of us don’t realize is that the Kings defensive abilities are amongst the best in the league and they should not be taken lightly.

The Kings ended the 2011-2012 Regular Season ranked 13th in the NHL, and as you begin to dissect their team statistics quite a few stand out.

First they ranked 4th in the league in Penalty Kill % at 87.03%. Right now one of the main reasons they have the Canucks on the brink of elimination is because they have completely shut their Power Play down. They have successfully killed all 17 of the Canucks PP’s, this is just impressive! The reason is two-fold because the Kings have a clearly demonstrated a great kill all season, so that is the first thing. The second thing is the Canucks are without Daniel Sedin, which has put everything out of sync for them. If the Kings take care of business tomorrow night then we will not see D. Sedin in these playoffs. I would be 100% okay with that!

Second the obvious Jonathan Quick is playing at the top of his game. He is moving laterally, controlling rebounds, challenging shooters and taking away everything down low. What makes him and the rest of the Kings dangerous defensively is that they are used to playing very tight games. 41 games they played in this season were decided by 1 goal in either regulation, OT or a shootout. As we all know and have seen these playoff games are tight, and typically decided by 1 goal. Clearly the Kings have been well trained and are accustomed to the pressures of these situations.

The Kings defensively are the most dangerous team in the playoffs, plain and simple.

Lastly, the statistic they have seemed to turn around is their ability to put the puck in the net. They ranked 29th out of 30 teams in the NHL, the only team worse is none other than the Minnesota Wild, way to go State of Hockey. Thus far in the playoffs they rank 4th, this is a definite improvement. The reason for this boost in scoring is pretty basic actually, when they added forward Jeff Carter to the line-up they evened out their lines. Making their 1st and 2nd lines dangerous to opponents, while also taking the pressure off the first line. This allows for the scoring to become spread amongst the lines and also takes the pressure off your goaltender and defensemen!

What it really comes down to is the will to win and peaking at the right time, and the Kings are definitely doing exactly that! We will see what happens tomorrow at 9:00 pm central time!

Well we didn’t take the Pacific Division folks, AND we lost in overtime 3-2. It was not pretty as the San Jose Sharks had 3 un-answered goals to beat the Kings. I am honestly wayy to angry to analyze this game so instead I shall beak the Sharks…

Best Ad EVER! (Yahoo/Greg Wyshynski)

I would have a lot more respect for Ryane Clowe if he simply said… “Yupp I did it.”

FINALLY all the Playoff spots are set! Great to see a few teams back in the playoffs, but let’s get serious no matter who’s in the playoffs they never disappoint. Well that’s a lie the Minnesota Wild would totally disappoint… The Kings end up in 8th place and will take on the Vancouver Canucks. 

John Vanbiesbrouck Poster

Growing up I was a HUGE Florida Panthers and John Vanbiesbrouck fan, so I am happy to Congratulate the Panthers on their first ever division title! This in fact is the poster I recently purchased and now proudly display in my room!! Most kids carry around a small blanket that a grand parent gave them as a baby, I carried around a fleece Panthers blanket… GOOD TIMES!

Playoff Hockey starts Wednesday, Lord Stanley we’re coming for ya!

Playoff Race

The Los Angeles Kings took back the Pacific Division Lead with a 4-1 win last night against the Edmonton Oilers. I would also like to extend a thank you to the Vancouver Canucks for beating the Dallas Stars last night, FINALLY things go the Kings way from top to bottom!!

Although this is great news the Kings have not sealed the deal YET there is still a lot of hockey to be played! Here is what will be happening in the West tonight…

The Anaheim Ducks vs the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Dallas Stars vs the San Jose Sharks. Root for whoever your heart desires!

A for 1 I recommend you watch the highlights from last nights game and slow motion Jonathan Quick’s big glove saves, both of which could have easily been in the back of the net. FYI there is nothing like the feeling a goalie gets when it’s between you and that wide open forward in the slot… pure adrenaline! B for 2 what a great night of offense for the Kings, getting scoring from four different individuals! AND C we took back 1st place from Dallas… BOOM goes the dynomite.

Tonight the Kings play the brutal Minnesota Wild… I can say that because I am a Minnesota native that can no longer cheer for that struggle fest we call a team. Tonight Minnesota do the right thing and cheer for the Kings!!!