The secret formula has been revealed! Ready? Kings hold opponents to two goals or less + Kings score 3 goals or more = Kings win! That being said, forgive me for saying so but the Los Angeles Kings had absolutely no business beating the St. Louis Blues last night. Shot totals aside, the saves that Jonathan Bernier made were flat-out phenomenal. This was exactly the kind of game he needed to get his season back on track and he earned the Kings two huge points. If we see an effort like that from Jonathan Quick tonight, we’ll also see the Kings right there at the top of the Western Conference in points, despite all the recent drama. Mike Richards and Anze Kopitar displayed their magic, each with a goal and Richards assisting on Kopitar’s. I’m not sure how these guys do it but man is it fun to watch them. Richards was 15-16 on faceoff’s (the 16th was the final faceoff and he just fell on it to kill the clock – shouldn’t count!!!). Well, I suppose now would be a good time to address the rest of the team…
All over Twitter, I saw the exact same thoughts I was having about Ethan Moreau. Um, when exactly does the time come when Terry Murray has enough and sits this guy out for a couple of games? Apparently not tonight as Murray has already committed to sticking with the same lineup from last night’s game. Moreau was brought in for his veteran presence and to lead by example. If this is his way of leading, it’s no wonder the Kings can’t find any consistency. Trent Hunter actually had a good game but should not, for any reason, see power play time. Kyle Clifford just doesn’t seem like the same guy we saw last year and I can’t figure out if it’s a confidence issue or if there’s something physically wrong but it’s getting a bit frustrating. Jarret Stoll has also been invisible lately. I know they’re the “checking” line but at some point they have to chip in with some points. Colin Fraser has some grit and I’m really starting to like this kid. He went through hell to get into the lineup and he’s making the most of it, much to the dismay of Trevor Lewis who may be sitting for a while. I don’t understand why Moreau would go on back-to-back nights when he’s made the mistakes he has and you have a fresh and very eager Brad Richardson itching to get in. This has the potential to be a bad night for the fourth line…
This just in: Drew Doughty fined $2,500 for a hit that I was just about to discuss. Initially, I thought he would be suspended. When I saw the replay, I thought he’d be suspended. When I watched NHL On The Fly, I thought he’d be suspended. I like being wrong sometimes… The position of the player and the length that Doughty extended his arms to make that hit lead me to believe that this would result in more than a fine. Drew stepped up his game in the third period after being on the ice, and looking like he was watching when the Blues scored each of their two goals. Ahh, the glory of slow motion replay…
Props to Willie Mitchell for maintaining control and waiting for traffic to setup in front before blasting a shot from the blueline for his first goal of the season and the game-winner. I’m still extremely impressed with Slava Voynov and don’t think there’s any way you can let him go back to the Manchester Monarchs. Dean Lombardi needs to find a trading partner and a new home for Alec Martinez or Davis Drewiske because Voynov needs to be here. I’m not a GM and I’m certainly not going to pretend to be one but I’m pretty sure there’s a deal out there (particularly with news of New Jersey Devils scouts watching the Kings rather close lately). Dean has assembled a fantastic team here but, and we can all agree on this, it could be a little better without some of the lingering question marks.
Anyhow, the Kings are in Dallas to take on the Stars tonight. The game will be broadcase by our friends at Fox Sports West at 5:30. Four points in two nights is a tough task but the Kings are halfway there. Let’s hope for a regulation win so we can get a little breathing room and enjoy a couple of days off.