Kings-Phoenix preview
Here is the real test of whether the Kings have turned their play around -- back-to-back games with Phoenix. Wayne Gretzky and the Coyotes have owned the Kings like no other team, outscoring them 13-5 while beating them all four games this season. And, while Phoenix has played substantially better since picking up Ilya Bryzgalov and are just three points out of the eighth playoff spot, it is a .500 team without those four wins over the Kings. With the Kings playing back-to-back nights and Jason LaBarbera having to work for 39 saves in Friday's win over Calgary, it wouldn't be surprising to see Dan Cloutier get his second start of the season in goal. The game is a 6 p.m. start on FSN West, then the teams will play at Staples Center on Monday.
Say what you will about Gretzky as a coach, but you've got to love this quote: ``Listen, we've been horsebleep for three or four years. Everything is positive right now, and everything is heading in the right direction. And the people who have hung in there with us, hopefully we can reward them at the end of the day. This team is going to be an exceptional team -- not just a good team, but an exceptional team. There's a process now. There's a lot of parts to the puzzle that are in place.''
What do I think of Gretzky as a coach? I wish *I* could get a five year, multi-million dollar contract for losing and missing the playoffs. He must be wearing some really nice pants. (Pursuit of Happyness reference)
What's this I see.
Cammalleri given some ice time?
FIRE CRAWFORD!!!!
Hey Matt, tonight on HNIC Hot Stove, Al Strachan said that Handzus is "telling his Czech buddies" that he had no offers last summer when Lombardi offered 4 years for 4 mil a season.
Basically (in my words) Strachan was saying Lombardi made a huge offer to Handzus when no one else was competing for his services. Think Handzus and/or Lombardi would comment on Strachan's comments?
I would rather have Donald Sterling as owner of the Los Angeles Kings than Philip F. Anschutz...
By the way, Matt, I really apreciate all the interviews you have been posting on the blog since the Kings returned. I understand that the Daily News' budget limits how much you can do while the Kings are on the road.
Way to step it up a notch on the blog now that the Kings are home again, Matt!