Kings lose 6-3 to Devils
Kind of ugly. New Jersey scored six goals on 25 shots. But it's all about seeing the future now, really, and this was a good night for that. Brian Boyle scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game. He also assisted on a goal from Jack Johnson. A goal and an assist in 12:48 on the ice. Not a bad debut. Peter Harrold played 18 minutes subbing for Blake. He had two shots, one blocked shot on defense and was a minus-1 -- not bad for this game. Kopitar and O'Sullivan were minus-3.
It seemed the last two weeks that the Kings had learned to play some defense, but they sure forgot how to tonight.
This was one of their defensive games a while. Reminded me of the first half of the season.
At this poing of the season it's about seeing what the future will look like. Play the young guys, let them get the experience and develop. Good point about Chicago, they are exposing their youngsters to the NHL and it will pay dividends. We should do the same.
I was at the game tonight. Boyle looked great. That man is huge. Maybe he can turn into the 2nd line center the team needs. Sure looked like it tonight. Too bad they couldn't play d....
Couple observations:
Boyle scored on his very first shot. His career shooting % is now 50.
Boyle led the team in +/- with +2. (actually tied with Giuliano)
Jack's goals have been against:
Luongo
Luongo
Broduer
Can't say the guy doesn't aim high. At this rate, Roy and Dryden will have to come out of retirement for him to keep scoring. Also, all his goals have been on the road. With 12 home games to go, I wonder if he'll even score a goal at home this season.
Today's game had no powerplay goals.
23 days till the trade deadline.
Marc Crawford: We had a great 20 minute effort tonight!
Press: Umm coach, the games are 60 minutes.
Crawford: HUH? When did they change that?!?!
Seriously though, at least Boyle looked great. I hope he stays up here the rest of the year. No sense in wasting him in the AHL.
My boy Sully is in a slump.
What's up with that.
This is what happens when you get lousy goaltending and lousy D. They fought hard in the 3rd period but Aubin made sure there would be no late comeback. What a bum.
Boyle looked good. The pass to JJ was even better than the goal. I would love to see Boyle stay up and bring up Purcell as well. I guess we can count the days until the trade deadline.
I said it before and I noticed it again last night...what the hell is wrong with Brown. The huge bodychecks are few and far between these days. Without the physical presence, he's ineffective. I'm seeing Sully throw a lot more checks than him. I hope he wakes up soon and starts to play his game again because he's bringing down the top line.
I too was at the "game", here are my observations:
1) the jerseys which were most prevalent (in order): Devils, Giants, Kings, Manchester Monarchs
2) It sucks that the Devils are a good team but can only fill up 75% of a new arena whereas the Kings probably draw more
3)The Rangers have a spontaneous whistle chant culminating in a "Potvin sucks!" roar from the crowd during every game; the Devils have the same tune ending with a "Rangers suck!" roar...the King needs one too
4) Ranger fans are incredible. 8 Ranger fans who happened to sit next to us, came to the game for the sole purpose of booing the Devils (and thus rooting for our Purple People Eaters by default) That's just awesome.
5)Barbs just had a bad game. That's all. He should be our starter for the next 30 games as opposed to Yo' Momma Aubin....unless we bring up Quick or Taylor...
Hey Shakes, how'd Boyle look?
I gotta say Boyle looked real good I sorta think it would be cool if after the trading deadline when there's more roster room if we had our third line be an all-Monarch line of Boyle-Purcell-Moulson.
(i think i accidently typed this comment twice)I gotta say Gord that Boyle looked real good. I think it would be real cool if after the trading deadline if we had like our third line be an All-Monarch line of Purcell-Boyle-Moulson.
...just my luck the Giants parade will be on Tuesday so the one day when New York pride will be at its highest in a few years (last championship for the city was the Yanks in 2000) I'll be dressed as a King at the Garden versus the resurgent Rangers.....I wanna see Brownie hit Avery so bad ....
As a lifelong LA resident I just have to say it was yet another bogus Super Sunday as we saw the 13th straight NFL champion go untested against a LA opponent.
Regardless, I have a few comments to our hockey enthusiasts.
First, the D suffered because Blake was missing. Yes, I said IT. Blake has been the best D-man the Kings have had over the past 6-weeks. Hope you enjoyed it because he is gone as soon as his ankle heels in 2 weeks.
Secondly, yes (areeing with several on this subject) the Kings do need to go young for the rest of the season.
Guys like Harrold, Boyle, Purcell and Moulson should play. If guys like Willsie, Thornton or Dallman get ANY ice time what-so-ever the Kings are wasting valuable minutes.
As for Sully - look, he is talented but he is also 5'11 and 190 and just turned 23 on Friday. He has some growing to do. He is not Brownie, physically. He will gain strength as he ages. Right now he is still developing.
As for Brownie - I thinking he is thinking of his new baby. Once that future first-liner pops out Dustin will return with a renewed sense of urgency. Trust me.
And Shakes - You are being very nice in pronouncing JLB a No. 1 goalie. Face it,he is not a No. 1 NHL goalie. We need a real No. 1 until Bernier or Zatkoff prove themselves.
In conclusion, I hope the Kings trade all the current old assets for future picks and maybe a decent NHL-worthy goalie so they can dominate the league for the next 11 years. WEEEEEE!
"Boyle scored on his very first shot. His career shooting % is now 50."
technically true, and I made note of this too. then going back to watch the replay he clearly had a backhand shot that started the play, which was turned away by Brodeur. so it looks better on the scoresheet but whatever.
"3)The Rangers have a spontaneous whistle chant culminating in a "Potvin sucks!" roar from the crowd during every game; the Devils have the same tune ending with a "Rangers suck!" roar...the King needs one too"
glad to say the Kings already do this almost every game, and the fans change it up by shouting the city or opponent name (i.e. Red Wings Suck! or Phoenix sucks!)... you hardly hear it over the TV because they turn all the microphones down that could pick up on the crowd. it used to be much easier to hear in the old days :-(
as for Brown, this is merely a hunch but I figure a baby girl. either way I think they'll have a very happy family very soon.
I'm thinking that Brownie may still be experiencing shoulder problems from that bad crash into the boards that happened not to long ago.
I figure what the heck. it's not a game day and boredom reigns. while I'm at it, might as well give all Kings fans' chants (Western Edition):
Anaheim Sucks! (alt: Mighty Ducks Suck!)
Avalanche Suck!
Blackhawks Suck!
Calgary Sucks!
Columbus Sucks!
Dallas Sucks!
Red Wings Suck!
Edmonton Sucks!
Predators Sucks!
Phoenix (Winnipeg) Sucks!
Minnesota Sucks!
San Jose Sucks!
St. Louis Sucks!
Vancouver Sucks!
it's funny how most people seem to instinctively know what to yell even when we see teams the Kings hardly ever play. Flyers Suck, Rangers Suck, Ottawa Sucks, Tampa Bay Sucks, etc
Represent in Maddyhatty, Shakes! Fuhgedabout those Gnat fans on Tuesday!
Peace!