alt="LA Kings Insider with Rich Hammond" />– Michal Handzus had one goal and one assist. Handzus now has 400 career NHL points and 100 points with the Kings. He has 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in his last 12 games.
– The Kings tied a season high with three power-play goals.
– Of the 18 skaters in the Kings lineup (non-goalies), 12 recorded at least one point.
– The Kings are 25-0-0 when leading after two periods.
– Alexander Frolov had one goal and tied a career high with three assists. His four points were a season high, and the Kings are 9-0-0 when Frolov has a multi-point game. Frolov also recorded a game-high six shots on goal.
– The Kings scored four goals in a period for the second time this season. They also scored four on Nov. 5 against Pittsburgh.
– Anze Kopitar had one assist and has recorded at least one point in seven consecutive games. He has four goals and three assists in that span. Kopitar’s career best point-scoring streak is eight games.
– Jonathan Quick recorded his third shutout of the season. His 11 saves matched a franchise record for fewest saves in a shutout. Cristobal Huet also had 11 saves in a shutout of Pittsburgh on Oct. 10, 2003.
– Randy Jones had two assists for his fourth multi-point game of the season and his first since Dec. 1 at Anaheim.
– Fredrik Modin scored a goal, his second in three games with the Kings. Modin had two goals in 24 games with Columbus this season before being traded last week.
– The Kings outshot the Blue Jackets 35-11. It was the fewest number of shots on goal the Kings have allowed this season.
– Drew Doughty led all Kings in ice time at 23:17. Randy Jones played 23:09. Anze Kopitar led all Kings forwards at 19:57.
– With Bob Miller still recovering from shingles, Nick Nickson called the game on TV with Jim Fox, with Mike Kalinowski and Daryl Evans handling radio. It was, by Nick’s recollection, his first TV game since Oct. 26, 1990, when he filled in for Bob on the night Wayne Gretzky recorded his 2,000th career point in Winnipeg. Nick and Jim will also call Wednesday’s game at Chicago.
6 shots for Fro?? I like it!
I understand why all year everyone has been saying “We are amazing, but we wont win the cup this year”… Why not… Why cant we win this year? We have the pieces, we have the coaching… we could actually win the Stanley Cup this year, realistically
Rich – Are the Kings hitting the ice today before their flight to Chicago?
Goddamn I wish Frolov would stay this consistent until about June.
Rich–
Great game, nice seg with Fox last night! Couple questions that I thought might be interesting to get a better answer on.
Frolov on the right side–is that all anybody really had to do? I vaguely remember him playing on that side earlier in his career, but this is night and day–slap shot goals? From FROLOV? Can you pin Terry Murray down and get a longer, more detailed coach’s perspective on where this is coming from?
Tangential to that, Williams’ return is going to play a little havoc with the lineup. I know how carefully the team is stepping around putting anything down definitively, but is anybody willing to discuss lineup at this point, especially if Frolov stays on the right side? Brown played on the left side for the Olympics, but he’s stated before how he prefers the right, how does the team see playing Williams/Frolov/Brown/Simmonds/etc., all of whom have seen success in the same one or two slots in the lineup.
Thanks!
Practice is scheduled for 11am.
@Liza,
Only the players who were scratched last night, and they’re at 10 a.m., I believe.
@Rich Hammond, Thanks!
@VanKingsFan, I agree. If Quick could catch fire, or just handle the puck better, and we play our game we can beat any team in the league.
No doubt. The expectation is low because all of our young guys have never been to the playoffs. So its hard to predict how they will react. But yeah, there is no particular reason the Kings can’t make a run. Can’t wait for the playoffs.
Deano is a genius! I credit him for turning around Fro’s season with his “I was just going to rag on him about the Olympics” stunt. Fro went nuclear after that!
I liked Nickson a little better than Bob…
@wavesinair, oooh Waves gets trumped by Rich
@VanKingsFan,
Sacrilege!
@VanKingsFan, I feel the same way. As far as I’m concerned, there is no team in the NHL that the Kings could not defeat in a playoff series. Some could give us trouble I’m sure, but as a series would go on I think the Kings would only get stronger. Some hockey analysts in Canada are pegging the Kings as a cup contender this year, great to see.
@Matt R,
haha i know i know, and I was inviting a bit of an argument. I love Nickson though. Sometimes I wish Bob would show a bit more emotion. I would kill for a Richard “Rick” Jeanneret (Sabres) style broadcast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEfbyrKnKc0
STUUUUUUUU BAAAAARRRRNNES! LOL
@VanKingsFan, Now you’re definitely not welcome in LA. ;)
@VanKingsFan, I agree. Just get in then anything can happen. But that’s easier said then done, b/c history is not on their side.
@VanKingsFan, always.
@wavesinair,
Come on now, watch that video and tell me you dont LOVE IT.
“FA LA LA LA LA, LA LA LAFONTAAIIINNE!!
“MAY DAY, MAY DAY!”
@VanKingsFan,
I still like Bob better.
@VanKingsFan, that’s almost blasphemous. Almost, b/c Nick is as great on the radio as Bob is on tv. But come on, no one touches Bob. No one. More emotion? Bob’s been in broadcasting 50+ years. He’s been with the Kings since ‘73. It’s quite understandable if he’s less inclined to inflect his voice like he used to. Give him a break. He also doesn’t need anyone telling him how to do anything. He’s the best.
Get well soon, Bob.
@Scaught,
Ya on the history… Its almost like I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop and for us to go on a big dirty losing streak. I guess last night put a stop to those thoughts for a while ;)
@Scaught,
haha I know I am treading some dangerous waters, but sometimes I really want my play by play guy to seem a bit like a fan, just like me. If I was calling play by play I would be going crazy when the Kings scored. I guess that’s why I dont have the job lol.
@VanKingsFan,
I can’t even entertain the possibility of a Stanley Cup. I’m still worried about them making the playoffs – not because I don’t believe they will make it – but because I’m a Kings fan, and with that comes with an ingrained expectation for disaster. I’m trying to kill that part. I still can’t forget the year they lost something like the last 11 games. I think the only thing that will cure/kill that feeling is a few solid seasons and playoffs. Yes, they have the talent to win. Will they? I can’t allow myself to believe such a thing is possible just yet…
@VanKingsFan, Can we win the cup this year…absolutely! Depending on who we get in the first round and winning that series and if a couple teams like Chicago, SJ and Vancouver lose in the first round than the door is wide open.
The WEST is tough and any team that makes the playoffs I can see getting to the SC final.
Now if we lose in the first round, that would be extremely disappointing. If we get to the conference finals that would be amazing. In the playoffs you play every other day. The games are so physical and one rookie mistake can cost you the series. No digging yourself in a hole and trying to come back in the third period…that doesn’t work in the playoffs. I just don’t see this team matching up well against Chicago or Vancouver who I fully expect to see in the second round if we advance.
Just wanted to say a few things:
- Never expected Modin to be such a contributor to this team already for a 7th rounder. VERY impresses. He’s playing like he has something to prove. I expected Jeff Halpern to be more active, but in his defense, he is playing 4th line duty and he certainly isn’t a detriment by any means. Clune-Halpern-Parse has lots of energy and are doing a solid job. Jeff’s veteran leadership will do wonders for Clune & Parsey.
- Love Jim, but Nick was easier on the ears. Jim is the PERFECT compliment to any PBP guy, but as the lead, his voice is just too high pitched to handle for PBP stretches. Part of it might have been Foxy doing something he’s not used to. I thought he handled it well, but He and Nick with Nick doing PBP was as good as you could get without Bob.
- Regarding Nick, I always thought listening to him on radio that the radio made him sound like one of those radio guys in the 40’s. Voice not very crisp, almost like he’s talking behind a screen or something. Watching him on TV last night made me realize that it has nothing to do with him being on the radio. LOL!
- There is NO reason in the world that I can think of that we shouldn’t see Rich do more intermission reports, except that I’m not privvy to the behind the scenes scheduling. He does a GREAT job and lately, I’ve been completely distracted with my business so getting his updates when I can catch the game at 11PM on my DVR really helps on those days I haven’t had time to catch up. (The reason I haven’t been here much lately). I hope you get more opportunities to do those spots Rich. I enjoy them.
- Frolov’s angry twin has finally come back from vacation to grace us with his aggressive and magical play. The snub for the Olympics really seemed to set him off. He was fun to watch last night and I’ve noticed this play CONSISTENTLY for 4 games now. Maybe the enigma has started to hatch from his shell? I picked up on DL’s comment of how worried Fro was when he was called into his office on deadline day and had a very worried look on his face that he was traded. (I hope DL didn’t do that on purpose during his contract year, that’s messin’ with a guy’s head. I hope DL wasn’t lying in saying it was an afterthought and that he felt bad for it.) That worried look tells me he doesn’t want to leave. It would somewhat confirm he doesn’t like change. He’s getting 4mil/year now. 5 year deal worth 23 mil broken down like this?:
Year 1- 5.5 Mil
Year 2- 5.5 Mil
Year 3- 5 Mil
Year 4- 4 Mil
Year 5- 3 Mil
Gives him upfront money now with a decrease when he’s 31-32 to make room for the others we have to sign. Load it with bonus incentives for performance and I think you avoid free agency. Other teams will offer more but Fro doesn’t want to leave and if he truly hates change as is rumored, this would probably get the deal done and give DL some flexibility for other core guys in the future when their time comes. Thoughts?
- Smyth did not look good tonight or the last couple of games for that matter. Not sure why, maybe he’s just a little off. He had some giveaways that could have cost us last night. He just needs to go to the net and play his game. Keep the unreal passes he makes to around the net and not at the blueline. He’s a vet. He’ll pick it up.
- Doughty. SICK!
Welp…back to work. Great game.
@Barry’s Mullet,
I would LOVE to see Van in the playoffs… the Kings would be in my backyard and I could get beat up for wearing my Cammo #13 jersey everywhere lol
@VanKingsFan,
Well…. you could always become a Pens fan I suppose. Puck enters the net, red light goes on, crowd goes crazy, then he says “He Shoots, aNd HE SCOOORZZZ”…. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building!!!”
@VanKingsFan,
You posted this on purpose. Rebel Rouser.
Current selection: Living Sacrifice – “The Hammering Process”. A little Christian Fear Factory industrial tech metal to get the gears movin.
@VanKingsFan,
The only teams I worry about are Nashville and Vancouver. Anyone else we seem to have their number. These 2 just seem to give us fits though. Hope they get knocked out early.
@Cynic, And the only way Columbus even gets the 7th rounder is if we win the Cup. Pretty nice deal.
I read somewhere that the conditional 7th for Modin is based on whether or not the Kings win the Cup?
Any truth to this?
@Barry’s Mullet,
Agreed that the West is ferociously demanding. And I think the extension of that is, the Conference final will actually be a tougher series for whomever wins it than the Cup final.
Yes.
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/3/8/1363872/possibly-the-most-iffy-if-then
@VanKingsFan,
I completely and vehemently disgaree! Bob is the best there is, bar none. I rue the day when he retires. No one can fill those shoes.
I’ve always found Nick’s calls to be somewhat annoying, particularly on goals. I don’t know if I can do this justice here, but when Bob is amped up, he says, “He Scooooooores!” and adds to the excitement of the moment. Nick, in the same situation, has this anoying habit of emphasizing the “R’ in “score,” i.e., He Scorrrrrrrrres!” He is also often late on the call (you hear the crowd erupt before he opens his mouth to tell you they scored).
I’ll be glad to have Nick return to the radio booth after tomorrow in Chicago.
@wavesinair,
HOLY CRAP! Unbelieveable. CLB is desperate to shed salary and this works for them as well, seeing as they don’t have to pay ANY of Modin’s salary instead of the potential 1/2 through waivers.
Here’s hoping we give up the 7th! Thanks for the link Waves!
@VanKingsFan,
The great thing about Bob is that he is almost, in a way, unoticable. Not in that he isn’t interesting. I mean that while you’re watching the game the ebb and flow of his voice matches the intensity of the game perfectly to the point where you can get lost in the game. Some of the other announcers are so over the top or so stupid (see Ducks announcers) that it takes you out of the game.
I don’t like all these other guys with their goofy catch phrases and referring to things by stupid names. It’s a net, not a cage. It’s a game, not a tilt. It’s a period, not a frame. Bob doesn’t do any of that and I love him for it.
Nick Nickson is great. I’m sure he’ll take over when Bob retires in 50 years (I can dream) and he’ll be great. I’ve been listening to Bob since I was 8 years old. Bob is the greatest.
I love how so many people are willing to rip Kings players and some come to their aid and some don’t. BUt you say one thing about Bob and everyone goes nuts!
Viva la Bob!
@Cynic,
haha I did. But I still think Rick (Sabres) is the best in the Biz.
I was listening to acoustic covers when I saw your post…. I am AWAKE NOW!!!!
@Matt R,
So you don’t want the Kings to pocket a few pills with greasy Howitzer’s??
The slang is one of the awesome parts of the game!!
@deelo,
Wow, that’s amazing! I hope I’m wrong, but we just got a player for free! If I am wrong, we still got him for next to nothing, nice work Deano!
@VanKingsFan,
Ugh, I can’t stand it! I guess I’m old school, and at such a young age too!
I enjoy Bob and Nick equally. Heard Mike Kalinowski last night and thought that he’d be more appropos as a newscaster, not a hockey announcer, and was really turned off when he referred to “your Los Angeles Kings”.
Is it just me or did the 4th line step up their game last night? I really like the combination of Clune/Halpern/Parse…They were good defensively, they are really quick, and made some really good plays last night. It seems like they are getting acquainted with each other’s game really quick. Hopefully, they keep it up and put up a point or 2 in the game against Chicago haha wouldn’t that be something!
@dtownmbrown, june 2016 froooooooooooooooo
@VanKingsFan, I have to disagree. We don’t have the pieces. Experience counts for a lot in the playoffs and the regular season does not count for squat other than seeding. In the playoffs, San Jose has been futile and so were the Ottawa Senators for many many years. We may be able to get to the 2nd round if we face COL or PHX but it is highly doubtful we can get past a team like DET or CHI.
Having said all that, I hope I end up eating crow.
@Stuart,
Quick is getting predictable w/ his puck play. I can’t count how many times he just wraps it around the boards past his D-men.
granted, this was an easier game, but Randy Jones played great. Jumped into the play at the right times and didn’t make any mistakes. Hopefully he can keep it up, becuase it doesn’t seem like Drewiske will be playing any time soon
@Matt R,
Totally agreed. An announcer best does his job when he blends into the game. The Ducks (or really all Anaheim sports) have the world’s worst announcers. Love Bob – his tone, his delivery – they all match the game’s intensity. I almost wish he’d talk in my ear when I’m at the game.
Who was the guy on the radio last night? Communications Mgr of AEG or something? Ben Stein’s twin brother? Listening to post-game and his play-by-play goal “highlights”.. man that must’ve been painful to listen to a whole game of that. I thought I was back in a Poli Sci lecture at school.
And Jim is a so-so color guy but NOT an announcer. Glad they moved Nick in.
All I know is that we Kings fans are definitely spoiled when it comes to broadcasters. As someone who once was an intern with an NHL team in the broadcast department, I’ve heard a lot of the voices from around this league. I’ve even sat in the booth with a few of them (Bob and Jim included). There are a lot of good announcers, and some that are great, but I can tell you that these are two of the best announcing tandems in the NHL.
I’d love to have that job for just a week, let alone how long Bob Miller has had it. Here’s hoping he gets well soon so that he can enjoy this year’s playoff run!
@VanKingsFan,
Then pick a different team if you want an unprofessional hack who likes to yell and scream. I’ll take Bob’s class, dignity, knowledge, experience and integrity over any of the overly emotional broadcasters out there.
@VanKingsFan,
“WE ARE NOT WORTHY”
That guy is awesome, but i still love bob better!
deadcatbounce –
The term “your Los Angeles Kings” may have come from Kalinowski’s time in Manchester, not uncommon for the pa announcer and others say “your Manchester Monarchs”. Mike may have had a brain cramp!
To make last night’s win even sweeter, the BJ’s turned it around and bombed the stuffin’ out of the Quacks. LOL
@Capt Jam, The Kings just showed them how hockey should be played.Now we’re gonna show Chicago.
My favorite stat from the game was at the end of the second period the Kings had more goals than the Jackets had shots. Total domination.
Reply link is broken on iPod.
WRT the cup, one word: experience. I hope I’m wrong.