The Kings are 2-2 since the then Stadium Series game and have shown glimpses of exciting play. Last night’s game against the Avs had some of those elements to me.

Despite the 2-1 loss, the Kings managed to go the distance with Colorado, ultimately losing the game in a shootout. I thought it was a pretty solid effort all around, with Quick looking particularly good, against a team that put the body on them and broke up a lot of passes and shots. I was impressed by the forward group’s ability to keep coming after Colorado even though they often hit a wall, as well as the defensive corp’s ability to hold strong against a talented Avs roster.

I know McLellan wasn’t as impressed with the loss, but last night was one of those games where I felt you could see a glimpse of Blake’s “big picture” for this team and where he’s taking them. Sure, it wasn’t a big blowout with rookies scoring like crazy, but the youth is getting their reps and the speed is developing nicely, as evident by maintaining their pace with a quick Avs team. I was impressed by the tenacity of the young bucks to fight along the boards and get to the net throughout three periods and an OT, despite COL closing the door frequently - the Kings never gave up. One of the real bright spots was special teams, particularly the PK, where the boys managed to kill off five penalties. That’s a very impressive feat in any game.

I really do believe there’s something special developing here and if Blake can add to that before the deadline (more on that in a second) it will be even better.

Of course, I can’t say enough about those beautiful throwback sweaters worn last night for ‘90’s Night...my God did they look good! Snoop on the broadcast brought some laughs, too.

😍 these jerseys pic.twitter.com/qsDsx3O770

— LA Kings (@LAKings) February 23, 2020

The Clock Is Ticking

As the trade deadline rapidly approaches, I keep wondering what Blake has up his sleeve. Really like the Frk signing. Two-year deal making the league minimum in each of those years for some forward depth and a hard working guy is cool in my book. Plus, at 26 (and with that shot), he’s at the right age to be a part of this rebuild. A young old guy to help the young guys...

I’ve really liked what he’s done thus far and know he still needs to make a couple more moves and believe he will.

One wonders if he wasn’t on the the phone with Carolina last night with both Reimer and Mrazek going down with injury. Unless they decide to sign the zamboni driver (haha), I could see Quick being a fit for them. LA would probably have to eat some salary, but it could make sense for both teams. CAR gives JQ a chance to go to a competitive team that’s currently in a Wild Card spot and they have some nice picks for the 2020 Draft and defensemen...

- 2 first rounders: CAR, Leafs conditional
- 2 second rounders: CAR, Rangers
- 2 third rounders: CAR, Sabres (Skinner trade)

I doubt anything would happen between these two organ-I-zations involving a super high pick for JQ (although he’s having a solid year), but I think a couple lower picks and a good prospect(s), or someone similar to a Trevor Moore style or something, would be doable - assuming LA retains some salary. But I’m always awful with values and returns regarding trades. I never have a clue.

If Carter doesn’t have a serious injury, I think there’s a real chance he gets moved, too. Teams are always looking for that veteran experience this time of year - even more so on the backend, so throw Doughty in the mix, too. That’s a tough contract to move, but if the end goal is to get it off the books to make room for the future, maybe you take back a little less return if it means you don’t retain any money (or at least most of it). I think the same applies to Brown. You might have to take a little less if it means getting him out.

I know it’s kind of a hot topic, but would you guys be down to move Kopitar? I would. I mean, we’ve discussed before that no one should be off limits at this point and I think it will be easier to move them now then the summer. Strike while the iron’s hot.

I could see some playoff teams going all in and willing to go for it with some of these LA vets and I saw pull the trigger. I assume Blake has everyone on the block and it’s just a matter of what teams are willing to send the other way.

I think the tricky thing with the vets is that I can see some teams asking for additional return (picks/prospects) with them and you don’t want to give those up with what the Kings are trying to do.

I’m pumped to see what happens today and tomorrow...should be interesting. Hopefully we see some healthy scratches tonight!

__________________

The Kings face Edmonton this evening where Cal Petersen will most likely get the nod.

The 32-22-7 Oilers are on a two-game losing streak. EDM is at the top of the league on the PP and second best on the PK. Despite McDavid still out, Leon Draisaitl has continued his tear on the points column with 97 in 61 games. So...the Kings will need to figure out a way to contain him...

The Kings will no doubt be a bit tired coming off last night’s game and they run into an Edmonton team looking to bounce back.

Go Kings Go!

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