Jason Lewis: The Kings and High Danger Scoring Chance Conversion

Long time reader but finally took $$$ measures to be able to comment (no cellphone verification possible in the Netherlands). Just here to say that your blogs are usually my favourites Jason, especially the readings about 'timeliness' were very interesting.

Ontopic: Surprising the Leafs are also up there. Btw, it would also be interesting to see how Versteeg is doing in converting his high danger scoring chances.

Long time reader but finally took $$$ measures to be able to comment (no cellphone verification possible in the Netherlands). Just here to say that your blogs are usually my favourites Jason, especially the readings about 'timeliness' were very interesting.

Ontopic: Surprising the Leafs are also up there. Btw, it would also be interesting to see how Versteeg is doing in converting his high danger scoring chances.
- DutchSenators

Welcome aboard! Thanks for reading. Much appreciated

It seems like the Kings just through the puck at the net and really don't set plays up like a lot of top teams do. It's not pretty and can be effective, but when it's not working it's just ugly. All that said, I think were good to make a run this year. Chicago and Washington are the only teams I'd lose sleep over. Great article.

Long time reader but finally took $$$ measures to be able to comment (no cellphone verification possible in the Netherlands). Just here to say that your blogs are usually my favourites Jason, especially the readings about 'timeliness' were very interesting.

Ontopic: Surprising the Leafs are also up there. Btw, it would also be interesting to see how Versteeg is doing in converting his high danger scoring chances.
- DutchSenators

I believe that the same structured system that makes them one of the best teams, defensively, also makes them one of the more predictable teams, offensively. Predictability is a product of consistency, so it's not necessarily a bad thing, but the Kings play a relatively simple, consistent game in the offensive zone that opposing teams can anticipate. It starts with zone entries, which are very choreographed, and continues with a forechecking and possession game that relies heavily on getting the puck to the defensemen at the point.

It's not that hard to guess what a Kings player will do with the puck next. That doesn't mean that opposing teams can necessarily stop the shots or chances from occurring, but can prepare a half second earlier to prevent them going in their net. So, even though the Kings generate high-danger scoring chances, fewer catch the opposing defensemen and goalie out of position, or, at least, that's my theory. The Kings' game plan, however, is to take this predictable attack to you over and over again, every shift, until it pays off, whether by wearing you out and forcing you to eventually make a mistake or simply because of percentages.

yeah I agree with ^ we aren't the most creative team in the league offensively.

Watching other teams on the power play though, I noticed that the quarterbacks on the kings don't move quickly or bother with misdirection much. I think that employing some of those tactics might help 5 on 5 and on the PP

I believe that the same structured system that makes them one of the best teams, defensively, also makes them one of the more predictable teams, offensively. Predictability is a product of consistency, so it's not necessarily a bad thing, but the Kings play a relatively simple, consistent game in the offensive zone that opposing teams can anticipate. It starts with zone entries, which are very choreographed, and continues with a forechecking and possession game that relies heavily on getting the puck to the defensemen at the point.

It's not that hard to guess what a Kings player will do with the puck next. That doesn't mean that opposing teams can necessarily stop the shots or chances from occurring, but can prepare a half second earlier to prevent them going in their net. So, even though the Kings generate high-danger scoring chances, fewer catch the opposing defensemen and goalie out of position, or, at least, that's my theory. The Kings' game plan, however, is to take this predictable attack to you over and over again, every shift, until it pays off, whether by wearing you out and forcing you to eventually make a mistake or simply because of percentages.
- Osprey

Sounds like something I've written before...


http://www.hockeybuzz.com...-a-Lack-Thereof/179/71760

I'd add ANA to the teams that worry me. It's going to be tough in the West again.

I'd add ANA to the teams that worry me. It's going to be tough in the West again.
- hiway39

Yup, that improbable run and 9gm win streak finally caught them up with the Kings. Kings aren't playing bad hockey either. ANA is just playing better. It'll be another tough playoff run.

Yup, that improbable run and 9gm win streak finally caught them up with the Kings. Kings aren't playing bad hockey either. ANA is just playing better. It'll be another tough playoff run.
- KINGS67

Saturday will be a good gauge of where the Kings' heart is at. If they come out with intensity and put more than 2 on the board then I'll be satisfied, but if they come out and just go through the motions and cede 1st in the Pacific then it'll only snowball and I'll start to worry about falling to 3rd...

Saturday will be a good gauge of where the Kings' heart is at. If they come out with intensity and put more than 2 on the board then I'll be satisfied, but if they come out and just go through the motions and cede 1st in the Pacific then it'll only snowball and I'll start to worry about falling to 3rd...
- Stu17

2nd or 3rd in the pacific may still be an easier slog record-wise than going first and taking on a central team...i think LA matches up with SJ better

Anyone have a stream for today's game?

what a poop (frank)ing game, so was the one against montreal, this whole attitude from management and coaching about just wanting to make the play offs sucks and it's infecting the players. two 4 point games against Anaslime and we can't even manage to put together a solid 60 minute game in either of them. I am pissed

what a poop (frank)ing game, so was the one against montreal, this whole attitude from management and coaching about just wanting to make the play offs sucks and it's infecting the players. two 4 point games against Anaslime and we can't even manage to put together a solid 60 minute game in either of them. I am pissed
- MikeOxbyg

I'm not sure what games you were watching, but I thought the Kings played well against Montreal on Thursday and again against the Ducks tonight. They heavily out-chanced Montreal, and had very good looks at the net tonight. They out-shot Anaheim 23-11 in the final two periods. Penalties got the best of the Kings tonight, and Anaheim's high potency power-play coupled with strong goaltending by Andersen were the difference in the game. If the Kings play the rest of the season like they did tonight, they're going to finish the season strong.

For all intents and purposes, the Kings are in the playoffs right now. They are 20 points up on both Arizona and Vancouver, and unless something catastrophic happens, there's no way that either team catches up. Assuming Anaheim continues on their tear for the last 17 games of the season, the Kings will play San Jose in the first round, and the only thing that they're playing for is home-ice advantage. If the Kings do manage to take home the dirty banner, they'll be matched up against Colorado, Nashville, or Minnesota, and I'm not sure I'd rather play any of those teams over San Jose.

I think the Kings have proven that it doesn't really matter where you finish in the standings...any team has a shot to win the Cup as long as they finish the season in playoff position. There's not much to be "pissed" about right now if you're a Kings fan.

Assuming Anaheim continues on their tear for the last 17 games of the season, the Kings will play San Jose in the first round, and the only thing that they're playing for is home-ice advantage. If the Kings do manage to take home the dirty banner, they'll be matched up against Colorado, Nashville, or Minnesota, and I'm not sure I'd rather play any of those teams over San Jose.
- tkecanuck341

agreed, that was my point above as well.

I'm not sure what games you were watching, but I thought the Kings played well against Montreal on Thursday and again against the Ducks tonight. They heavily out-chanced Montreal, and had very good looks at the net tonight. They out-shot Anaheim 23-11 in the final two periods. Penalties got the best of the Kings tonight, and Anaheim's high potency power-play coupled with strong goaltending by Andersen were the difference in the game. If the Kings play the rest of the season like they did tonight, they're going to finish the season strong.

For all intents and purposes, the Kings are in the playoffs right now. They are 20 points up on both Arizona and Vancouver, and unless something catastrophic happens, there's no way that either team catches up. Assuming Anaheim continues on their tear for the last 17 games of the season, the Kings will play San Jose in the first round, and the only thing that they're playing for is home-ice advantage. If the Kings do manage to take home the dirty banner, they'll be matched up against Colorado, Nashville, or Minnesota, and I'm not sure I'd rather play any of those teams over San Jose.

I think the Kings have proven that it doesn't really matter where you finish in the standings...any team has a shot to win the Cup as long as they finish the season in playoff position. There's not much to be "pissed" about right now if you're a Kings fan.
- tkecanuck341

Kings played a great game today. The penalty on Lecavalier was a total joke. He occupied the space he was in and was called resulting in the 3rd goal. The Ducks are very good and Perry is a big wussy! That's all!

Oh come on guys it's not like the kings had six power plays to the ducks' two...

Oh come on guys it's not like the kings had six power plays to the ducks' two...
- gtrman09

I thought the Lecavalier penalty was not a penalty. However, I also thought the Thompson penalty on which the Kings converted the resulting power play was equally as bad of a call. After things got out of hand in the first period, I think the referees were calling a tight game to ensure things didn't get any more out of control, hence the tough calls.

You're right, the Ducks were exceptional on the power play and the Kings were not. That's why the Ducks walked away with two points and the Kings none.

I thought the Lecavalier penalty was not a penalty. However, I also thought the Thompson penalty on which the Kings converted the resulting power play was equally as bad of a call. After things got out of hand in the first period, I think the referees were calling a tight game to ensure things didn't get any more out of control, hence the tough calls.

You're right, the Ducks were exceptional on the power play and the Kings were not. That's why the Ducks walked away with two points and the Kings none.
- tkecanuck341

Not sure what game you were watching as Thompson put his stick into the hands and forces Pearson into the boards. Not even close to the BS call on Lecavalier. That being said, the Ducks got the goals even though they were dominated in Corsi.

I'm not sure what games you were watching, but I thought the Kings played well against Montreal on Thursday and again against the Ducks tonight. They heavily out-chanced Montreal, and had very good looks at the net tonight. They out-shot Anaheim 23-11 in the final two periods. Penalties got the best of the Kings tonight, and Anaheim's high potency power-play coupled with strong goaltending by Andersen were the difference in the game. If the Kings play the rest of the season like they did tonight, they're going to finish the season strong.

For all intents and purposes, the Kings are in the playoffs right now. They are 20 points up on both Arizona and Vancouver, and unless something catastrophic happens, there's no way that either team catches up. Assuming Anaheim continues on their tear for the last 17 games of the season, the Kings will play San Jose in the first round, and the only thing that they're playing for is home-ice advantage. If the Kings do manage to take home the dirty banner, they'll be matched up against Colorado, Nashville, or Minnesota, and I'm not sure I'd rather play any of those teams over San Jose.

I think the Kings have proven that it doesn't really matter where you finish in the standings...any team has a shot to win the Cup as long as they finish the season in playoff position. There's not much to be "pissed" about right now if you're a Kings fan.
- tkecanuck341

this would be one of those cases where stats don't win a game. In the Montreal game the Kings played about 17 minutes of good hockey which got the job done that night, but they tried like hell to choke away that lead.

I gotta ask you, if the kings are playing such bltchen worry free hockey, why are you worried about who we draw in the first round?

this would be one of those cases where stats don't win a game. In the Montreal game the Kings played about 17 minutes of good hockey which got the job done that night, but they tried like hell to choke away that lead.

I gotta ask you, if the kings are playing such bltchen worry free hockey, why are you worried about who we draw in the first round?
- MikeOxbyg

I don't know that I would say I'm worried, but there are certainly teams that I would rather play against in the first round than others. San Jose is one of the more desirable of the opponents, as the Kings have proven that they are capable of dispatching them in a seven-game series.