Quickie quotes

HURRICANES HEAD COACH PETER LAVIOLETTE:

(Re: game recap): "We talked about coming out strong and on our toes in the third period and we didn't. We were sitting back a little bit too much. They evened it up and we flattened out again. We had an opportunity and didn't bury it and they had an opportunity and buried it".

I started to get used to hearing these kind of quotes after games, except usually not from the OPPOSING team's head coach! Great comeback win, and a good confidence booster! Go Kings!!

Thank you Jill and Rich for all your hard work in making this the best Kings blog on the net!

What a goal!!!!!!!!

Poetry.
Pure Poetry.

And we didn't have to sit through a shoot-out. Yessss. Thank You Mikael Handzus!!!

What a performance by Handzus. Breaks up the play and gets up ice to shake some nutmeg on Whitney and leave Ward helpless. He looked like Ron Francis out there.

Did Jason Labarbara just out play a Stanley Cup winner? Oh my...

Its a good thing Lombardi has Handzus locked up for a few years. wink...

cheers

Rich,

Could you ask the players if they've ever heard of Anthony, Quisp, wavesinair, ChewyRockyHorror, JDM, or petey?

cheers

I attended my first game tonight, and about half-way through the second period, I was wondering why I put myself through this time after time...

But alas, Brown put it in the net late in the period to bring back hope; I thought that was a real important goal, to be only down by one going into the third.

Kopitar finally netted one too with a nice backhand finish from the side of the net.

Simmonds really impressed me the whole game. He should be here to stay if he keeps up the intensity he showed tonight, as well as the great hands that he showed on the pass to Handzus.

Moller looked like a seasoned veteran most of the night, as well.

On defense, Doughty looked like he was born to play in the NHL, and Quincey looked real solid most of the night.

Handzus is a totally different player than last year, and I'm most excited about what he may bring to this team.

The "stopper" line of Frolov-Handzus-Simmonds was definitely the most effective, until O'Sullivan re-joined Brown and Kopitar on the top line late in the third; they looked great together.

All-in-all a very satisfying game to attend, and the second straight come-from-behind victory from 2 goals down.

Awesome game.

Guys and gals, what a game, what a team.

cristo - I love how excited you've been over our team this week. We finally have a team that feels right. Not just an outstanding individual performance by Frolov or Brown or Kopitar to squeak out a win, but a real team. They play like a team. They kill penalties and clear the crease like a team. They stand up for each other and support the puck like a team. They score every kind of goal from garbage to poetry, as you put it perfectly, like a team.

I probably freaked out my neighbors when I yelled ZEEEEUUUUUUSSSS!!!!! at the top of lungs.

And can I just say, Doughty makes plays I didn't know an 18 had the composure or intelligence to make. Little flip passes to himself, perfectly timed pauses and body position, finishing checks and even figuring out when to jump in the forecheck when he is going to get covered on D. We are truly lucky to have this phenomenal kid.

I was very impressed by Quincey. He looks 5 years his senior, and even though he got caught up ice on that Staal and whoever 2-on-1 in OT, he for 95% of the time played a very smart and responsible two way game. Honestly I never saw as solid a performance out of Harrold this or last year... and I was a fan of Harrold's. Also great to watch 'Canes literally bounce off of Quincey a few times.

Brown plays like a captain.

O'Sullivan hasn't missed a beat. Even missing camp he looks to be already improved over last year. Watching him spin backwards at the blue line and stick handle at high speed is so exhilirating.

If Simmonds can manage to put on the 10lbs we all would like he will be putting more than a few people on the IR.

Moller, seemed like a little bit of an off game, but I still saw a few flashes of the brilliance that is to come.

OD... best offseason move.

Gauthier, couple of bone crushing hits and mostly solid play again.

Preissing was solid and not really noticable, exactly as he should be.

You could see the flood gates open in Kopitar's face and body language after his goal. My favorite play aside from the goal was when he brought the puck in the Canes' zone and totally intentionally kicked the puck forward to either Sully or Brown as he was being pulled down to the ice.

Greene is someone I'm very happy to have locked up for 5 more years.

Labs - not ONE bad goal against! Saved the game several times! Though he earned the new nickname - Jason 'heart attack' Labarbera.

Boyle - is gravity shrinking him?

Frolov - always showing me that he is the most talented player on the team (though Sully is knocking at his door) and I love the increased fiestiness either the team or Murray has instilled in him. I've always loved Fro, but I sense a renewed hunger in his game.

19 for 19.... wow. Just, wow.

Murray - Messiah

Me - ...busting at the seams.

I get excited about every Kings season because after a summer of no hockey I'll take anything thrown my way, but I really haven't been this excited since 2001. And even still, there is a visceral intangible element to this team I didn't even catch wind of back then.

I know I'm getting ahead of myself but my brain is like a broken record tonight.....

p-p-p-p-p-p..p...plaaayyyyooooo-oooh no I dare not say it. But I certainly think it.

Was I the only one that was IMPRESSED by the Kopitar goal? Has the presence and patience to bring the puck in and the time to place a tough angled shot top shelf

Nice post JDM, pretty much sums up everything I could have said. Especially Brown playing like a captain. There was talk today on XM Hockey that the captain was not so crucial, more of an honorary position. That may be true on a team like the Redwings or the Sharks, but on a young team like the Kings, I think the captain is an important part of building identity and a winning culture. Given his past experience as a youngster on this team, his skill and the way his personality has developed, I don't think we can underestimate what he brings to the table that help to make this truly a team.

JDM and Brian,

completely agree with you guys.

what's interesting (and exciting) is that is seems like DL's plan is finally taking some shape here. We've been reading about him wanting to get the young talent together with some veterans, about wanting to get a team that is tougher and more physical, and wanting to get guys that will grow and become responsible men. did you read all the recent articles on brown? seems like that guy for one is turning into the man, player, and leader that DL and team need to grow around. and he's definitely showing it on the ice, since he got the 'c' on his chest, brown is playing like a man possessed.

i can't believe how much better this team is than last year. it's incredible. i won't mind a bit if the team loses a bunch of games this year as long as they keep playing like a team out there. this is really exciting to watch. i think we're finally turning the corner here, hopefully the team will keep progressing and getting better together as a unit.

and hopefully boyle will reverse the forces of gravity and start playing like the beast he should be! this guy is big enough to take on someone like chris pronger!!!! he needs to start playing like it!

Its taken Terry far too long to see that Sully needs to be back on the 1st line for both Offense and Defense Kopi and Brown are -3s. Hopefully starting next game this wont be an issue anymore (cant use the he missed training camp excuse any longer). Good game overall (Canes had a few lucky goals) Quincey looks like a great pickup so far. Keep it up guys its fun watching this team.

Good luck Kings. I hope to see Frolov playing better.

Last night's game was awesome. They are a team renewed...the men of Manchester and Coach have put a new pride and determination on this team...I love watching them play and never feel like it's over if we are down by goals.They believe in themselves and it is great to see LaBarbs play like he is. They are a TEAM and it is so good to see.
To the boys..THANK YOU for the heart- to COACH- yeah!!!! We love you and to DEAN...we believe, we believe!

I have been really impressed so far this season but it is important to remember that a young team like this can be wildly inconsistent. They did well the last two games (out of an 82 game season) but I would not be surprised if they fall apart against Colorado. I am not saying they will, but a team this young can play like SC champs one game and a cellar dwelling team in the next.

However, at the very least I have hope that Murray's system will teach the Kings to play better as a team and provide for some exciting hockey.

WOW how often have we seen that we all agree here? Damn that's good to see and read.

This is the most exciting Kings team I've seen in a loooong time.

I can't believe what I'm watching with Doughty. This was by far his best game. His physicality is amazing. He clears the puck out of the zone with absolutely no panic. He makes rushes up the ice and makes passes with complete clarity. I haven't seen much of Shenn, Bogosian and Peterangelo, but I would have a hard time believing they can be as good as this guy. I have to keep reminding myself that he's only 18 years old! He plays like a veteran defenseman in only his 4th NHL game..incredible!!!!

I can't say enough about the play of Zeus...This was the guy Lombardi was expecting when he gave him that crazy contract we all thought was ridiculous.

I noticed in the 3rd period, Murray moved Sully back to the top line. Great move! Moulson was completely ineffective last night. Also Boyle needs to step up his game big time. He's too big not to be physical. He's playing like a gentle giant out there. Not good enough to stay in the NHL. Hopefully he gets the message soon or he's looking like the 1st guy who will take the trip to Manchester. Purcell scored 2 last night.

I'm like you JDM..I'm so excited watching this team play and I'm also getting ahead of myself thinking of THAT word. Ah screw it...who gives a sh** we've been watching this team for how long giving us absolutely no hope of a playoff spot...At least through 4 games, this looks like a PLAYOFF contender...There..I said it...now you can all kill me!

I agree. To basically everything you all are saying. I would add only the observation that the Kings have a lot of offensive talent that is not scoring yet; they've started to come around, but just entertain for a moment the prospect of Moller, Doughty and Boyle chipping in. Those three will start putting the puck in the net. In the case of the first two, it's not even so much about them getting their legs, as it is about sheer momentum. Eventually, the opportunities will pile up, and the puck will go where it goes.

In the same way that Manny Ramirez made the hitters around him better because the other team had to think about Manny all the time, Handzus playing like this makes everyone else better. Defensively, who are you going to match up against? Put Pronger out against Kopitar, and you leave Handzus with Ken Klee. Now, in a world in which Moller is also scoring... damn.

Of course, that's the whole idea.

Now, two more bits of fun. (1) Jack Johnson will be ready in January, and Clune will be ready before that. (2) Purcell, Hickey, Teubert, Voynov, Loktionov, Lewis, Bernier. One of those guys will be ready this season, two next season, and the others in two years probably (although maybe sooner, who knows). Will everyone pan out? No. But there isn't room for everyone anyway.

This is what rebuilding is supposed to feel like. It hurts and sucks and you think you're never going to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and then, one day...a little light.

Before you know it, we'll be breaking out the sunscreen. About the same day Teubert hits 215 lbs, I'm thinking. And Hickey shaves.

.....or when Teubert shaves and Hockey becomes 215 lbs (wishful thinking, I know)...

Great posts by all, particularly JDM, I scared the piss out of my neighbors too yelling "ZEEEEEEEUUUUUUSSSSS!!!!!" at the top of my lungs in the OT. That was a whole lot of fun last night. One thing I would disagree with, while I love Fro, Kopi is by far our most skilled player on this team. All of them bring something special. Brownie is a true leader and is backing it up with his presence, physical play, ability and knowledge of the game. Fro is skilled and strong. Sully, best pair of soft hands in the league, he moves the puck effortlessly, welcome back, again. The kids, what can you say???

I've said in the other postings but yes, I've got to agree:

Kyle Quincey - Great pick-up DL, he was excellent, particulary for his first game as a King and still learning Terry's system.

Terry Murray - The next Murray. Well no, he's been around longer. I love his composure. This IS the guy we needed last year and the year before. When the Kings gave up those goals in the 2nd, he kept his cool which calmed and reassured his young players. Crow would have gone nutz! That was one of the big things JMFJ hated about Crow, I'm sure the other young players felt the same. It's just a different attitude.

The PK - Only 3 teams in the league with a 100% PK right now, the others are Minnesota and Buffalo. Not bad. Great to have you back Mark Hardy. You have these guys playing like a team....Imagine that, team defense and the Kings in one sentence. Not bad....

Drew Doughty - The 18 year old man child. Plays like he's been in the league for years. Talk about composure! He's making little plays look easy and big plays look easier. Sorry folks but I'm not missing Stamkos, I'm glad we ended up with the 2nd pick!

Zeus - Sigh.....And he's going to be a King for another 3 years. If anyone doubted DL and his plan, Zeus's play should put that to rest. Our 2nd line center has arrived.

I'm not much into making predictions but I'm going to go against the grain. I think this game was a real confidence builder for LA. They've played well in all four games this year, yet they're 2-2. Not bad for such a young team. But I see Monday as a coming out party against another team that's rebuilding and you know we and the Kings would like to see crush, the Avs. LA in a walkaway, 6-0.....but I'll take 4-1 or 5-1.....This is getting entertaining, don't u think?????

Go Kings!

I am riding the same high as all of you. Two win is good, but we still have a lot of hockey to play and a lot of learning still to be done. Having said that, this team has already passed all my expectations. As all of you have already said and JDM put so eloquently, their playing as a team. Besides the first game, they have shown more positive progress than all of last year.

I have already given praise to Preissing and Handzus on a earlier thread, but there's more to be given. Handzus, you are playing your ass off, my goodness. MVP so far this young season. Didn't know that was in you Hanzuz, keep up the great work, and we're all proud of you and you're dedication to get better.

I also posted earlier how good I thought Doughty was, but I have a feeling, he's going to blow us out of the water before the end of the year. Pay close attention to him, you are all watching a star being born. Incredible!

What can I say about Simmonds, except, son you are a joy to watch. You help bring a fire and energy to this team, we haven't seen in a while and it's refreshing. Keep it going son, you are making more than one fan smile.

Brown, Kopi, POS don't need any praises. We know who they are and what they bring to the table. What I wil say, is thank you for your efforts and dedication to this team.

I will leave you all by paraphrasing my man Pete Carrol. Our first goal is to play in the Rose Bowl, and if we do make it to the championship game, that's a bonus. My take on the Kings. First goal is improving and showing growth and progress over last year, bonus plan is making the playoffs! Lets all keep in mind, before the season started, most of us just wanted to improve over last year. We have already done that.

Oops...forgot one...nykingsfan, yep! Good to see you again and I couldn't agree more, right on! We are all in agreement, isn't that nice??? A very good 2-2 Kings team...not bad at all.

Bring on the Avs, Go Kings!!!

Duckhunter....Right on....Is this great or what???

Go Kings!

Oh, I forgot about Fro. For you who feel Fro shouldn't be on the checking line, I disagree. TM is doing Fro a huge favor. TM is making Fro a better all around player, by making him play all aspects of the game, and it shows. Besides Handzu, I've noticed Fro more than anybody else. Doesn't mean he'll stay on that line, but for now, he's playing great. Go Fro!

Duckhunter,
re:Frolov

I agree, Fro has a fire under his butt and is all over the place. Doesn't look like Lazy Fro anymore. But I'm shocked that I still hear many anti-Frolov sentiments (not really on this blog, but at games and other sites) that think Frolov has been lazy and bad to start the season. I can't imagine what games these people have been watching or if there is just some bias they can't overcome, but Frolov is doing everything he always did and more.

That almost-goal he almost-scored last night was pretty cool. Watching the low angle replay it's incredible that he was able to get any shot off, let alone one on net.

socalkings - you were definately not the only one majorly impressed with Kopitar's goal. I think Duckhunter said it best, we've come to expect that level of skill and play from Kopi, we expect to see several strong plays like that from him every game. But to sing his praises a little more, who can forget him going 1-on-4 and coming out by himself in front of the goalie!

Fun stuff. Love all the positive energy buzzing around here. Very refreshing for the soul. Keep it up Kings so that we the fans may keep it up as well!

nykingfan - You instilled new courage in me. PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS PLAYOFFS!!!.... phew... no lighting bolts coming through the roof... good think Zues is on our side ;)

Duckhunter - I think Frolov has always been incredible at getting back and covering defensively. He and Zues are gifted skilled players and this is why Zues was signed for 4 mil a year. The only aspect they may lack is the ability to really punish the other teams line, but with their size, it's always a danger. Great stuff and incredible to see Zues rise from the ashes and play like he's reborn.

cheers

Just wanted to say I thought the ex-kings had a decent showing. Gleason played a lot of minutes and was pretty steady, while Corvo had a decent showing as well. Corvo is really strong with the puck. Kaberle, however, was a real loss for Carolina, going out after getting struck with a shot after 7 minutes of ice time. Wasn't he traded for Kharalati? One of Taylor's poor decisions as GM. Kaberle is a very good defenseman.

Cristobal, first off, I'd like to say, I really enjoy the POSITIVE but still intuitive part of you. Also, I agree with you on the ice at Staples. There's no reason why the ice can't be perfect.

As far as Fro, no matter how good you thought he was before, he's better now. Previous years if he wasn't on one of his scoring streaks, he was nowhere to be found. I see him all over the ice now. I believe it was the Quacks game were I say him finish off a couple checks as well. I don't think I'm saying he didn't play defense, but I will say, I'm seeing him play a better all around game. He seems to be playing a little better don't you think?

Also, I think putting Fro with Handzu is a brilliant X's and O's move. By putting both these guys together with one of those young whoooper snappers, not only can they shut someone down, but can also create a lot of offensive pressure on the other guys. So really you're shutting down the other teams top lines in more than one way, defensively and puck control. If you think about it, that's a great strategy.

Duckhunter - I totally agree with you about Frolov. He seems better and more effective at doing what he wants right now. Maybe it stems from the new coaching and the new attitude. I DO think he's always been great defensively and I don't think the Kings would miss a beat if he were centering instead of Handzus.

There is no better line combo than one that is hard to stop offensively, yet can shut down the other teams best forwards. You are right on in that assessment.

Frolov does seem to be an even better player than ever right now. I always thought he could be almost Jagr-like, but also thought he could wither and die if he wasn't able to find the right situation. I am so happy right now that I appear to have been so wrong about our young talent getting destroyed by being overwhelmed with responsibility and a lack of team support. Maybe it comes from having been an LA Rams fan, a Minnesota Vikings fan, and a Kings fan. My favorite teams always built me up to eventually fail. But the Kings right now, are not only performing well on the ice, but they are underdogs, and I love an underdog. So far, this season has been perhaps my favorite ever. It reminds me of the year the Kings beat Detroit in the playoffs and took Colorado to 7 games. I loved to see the team find its confidence and really feel like they belonged on the ice with the big-boys.

cheers to that.