Last night in El Segundo the Kings rookies took on the high powered Arizona Coyotes rookies in what could be described as a high intensity, high testosterone fueled affair.
There were fights, scrums, penalties, and lots of them.
There was also some decent hockey.
The score ended up finishing in regulation in a 5-3 decision for the Arizona Coyotes. Afterwards, the two teams took to the ice for what can only be described as a chance trading melange of end to end hockey we are going to come to know and love as 3v3 overtime. The score ended 7-3 after the five minute OT period. I am sure this was much to the liking of the players, who looked absolutely gassed having to play end to end hockey like that. Games are definitely going to end more frequently before going to the shoot out when this goes live. There may also be a new statistic needed for goaltenders: Pulled Groins per/60.
It is hard to get a real true impression based on one or two games and a handful of camp days. Here are just a few noteworthies from last night.
Overall
The game was far closer than the 5-3 score would indicate. Arizona played a high intensity first period and succeeded in hemming the Kings into their own zone on numerous occasions and for extended periods of time. That being said, defensively the baby Kings stood up to it well, allowing Bartosak to see the shots while they helped mop up second chances and rebounds. Most of the Arizona chance were one and dones. There were very few multiple chances, rebound chances or odd man rushes in the first. The only goal came on a 2v1 breakdown that happened on a tough pinch up ice by Erik Cernak.
The second period was a little different, as the Kings started to settle in and push back, they had more puck possession time, better zone entries, and overall started to play better. It was 2-1 after 40 in favor of Arizona. The middle frame was mired in special teams as both teams got a little feisty and chippy. The Kings could almost say they let the game slip away at this point as they failed to convert on multiple 5v4 and even a couple 5v3 opportunities. The only goal for Los Angeles came off the stick of Valentin Zykov on one of those 5v3 powerplays.
Bartosak made way for Nick McBride from Prince Albert of the WHL for the third period. The Kings started strong with plenty of O-zone time, but Arizona was able to capitalize on a cold goaltender and a few scrambly defensive zone plays. They scored two goals in under a minute. The Kings fought back with goals from Wagner and Brodzinski but could not overcome the deficit.
It was not an outright blowout or defensive collapse. The Kings kids played two strong periods but were undone by the opportunistic nature of the Arizona offense. They handled the speed of Yotes well with good blueline standup plays and zone entry denials. The classic Kings breakout play was in full effect. If you do not know what that entails, here is a quick mock up of it:
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Here is how teams would NORMALLY be set up against it.
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A lot of pressure is put on that defender or winger on the wall to make a good outlet and start the breakout (Generally it is a defenseman.)
As you can see, with this set up for breakouts the Kings are easily able to transition from defense to offense and essentially catch aggressive teams on the counter. One and done attempts are very difficult for teams to absorb time and time again, as the Kings will eventually rack up possession time and exhaust attacking forwards with up ice breaks. We saw this a number of times last year with the Carter/Toffoli line. This is also why the Kings put so much emphasis on defense first, and making a good first pass out of the zone from the defensemen.
Last night it looked very much like there were players trying to do this after just learning about it and/or practicing it. Understandably. High intensity game with less time to make the decisions plus unfamiliar teammates makes implementing newly learned breakouts all the more difficult. There were some good ones, particularly by Zach Leslie and Erik Cernak, but there were a lot of learning process looking breakouts. It is to be expected. The take home here is that the Kings are already hammering in their style of play to these young kids.
Overall it was a an alright performance from the Kings' kids. Some bad luck goals and disruptive and undisciplined play undermined the overall flow of the game. Let's get to some individual performances.
Erik Cernak
Impressive. He is a physical monster. He had a first period battle going with Brendan Perlini that was exhausting just watching it. Perlini was arguably the best player on the ice for both teams last night, and Cernak had the pleasure of dealing with him for the majority of the night. Perlini is a big kid who the Coyotes list at around 6'3" and 211 pounds. Cernak had his hands full but did admirable. It was extremely physical in the corners between the two and he held his own. As mentioned before, he and partner Zac Leslie were probably the best Kings pairings as far as breakouts go.
Brendan Perlini
This is not just a Kings blog, it is a hockey blog. Good players need to be recognized no matter what, and Perlini was outstanding. As mentioned before, the 12th overall pick in 2014 was a handful all night. If there was a three star selection by the media I would anticipate he being on top of it. Exceptional size and willingness to use it. Very fleet footed for a big kid as well. Definitely worked hard in the dirty areas. Had a goal and an assist on the night.
Patrik Bartosak
Athletic, aggressive, and with some good focus and intensity. Bartosak played two very strong periods with several acrobatic, dare I say Jonathan Quick-esque saves. He squares up to the shooters nicely and challenges them. Seemed calm in traffic as well and rebounds were never really an issue. The two goals he let in came on a 2v1 breakdown and a deflection. All things considered he was probably the baby Kings best player in the first two periods. Several key saves in the first which kept the game within reach. Impressive outing.
Chaz Reddekopp
Got some flak from the fans for his failed hold in at the opposing blueline which led to a clear cut scoring chance at the other end, but overall a solid defensive game. Has little in the way of offensive upside, although he was used on the powerplay last night as well. Good zone entry denials on multiple occasions. Has excellent reach at 6'3" and uses it fairly well.
Kempe/Zykov
Hooked up on a couple of nice plays but overall were a little under the radar most of the game. Zykov in particular. Kempe is as smooth and fluid as can be in his skating style and puck movement. Zykov, what he lacks in skill and flash he makes up for in determination. Made some mistakes in the neutral zone but always seemed to bury his head and be the first forward back to make up for it. Never lacked the effort.
Max Domi
Threatening and agitating. Every rush up the ice seemed to lead to something. Highly skilled player with a bulldog attitude. Hard working and fun to watch. He hooked up with Duclair and Strome a few times on some good scoring opportunities. Coyotes fans are going to love this kid.
Kurtis MacDermid
Nasty, intimidating, tough, and not bad defensively either. He was rather undisciplined in the first and let his intimidating side get the best of him, but he was noticable. Had a great scrap with Maxwell James to start the third that I think most boxing fans would rule overwhelmingly in favor of MacDermid. If he can stay out of the box he definitely has a mean streak and game that can be effective. He really focused in on Anthony Duclair. He got him to take a few undisciplined penalties, one of which was behind the play and off the puck.
Justin Auger
Absolutely towering. Looks a bit lanky still, but that size is intimidating.
Conor Garland
As one Coyotes scout described him to me, "Highly skilled and highly feisty."
Led the QMJHL last year in scoring with Moncton, and I am embarrassed to say I completely overlooked him coming into this game. The name seemed familiar but it slipped the mind. Was the primary set up man for the Wildcats and linemate Ivan Barbashev last year. He can flat out fly, and is incredibly crafty with the puck. Made a nifty and threatening between the legs centering saucer pass (Yes you read that right) that would have made most players fall down. Noticeably small at 5'8", but a very intriguing player.
Jacob Middleton
Low-key good game. Not noticeable in a good way. Was given his fair share of PK time last night as well.
Michael Amadio
Looked bigger than his 6'1" listing. Good on faceoffs most of the night. Was always in the right position in the defensive zone, which is a very good thing in the Kings system for a center. Smart player. Had a chance to net a pretty easy center lane drive rebound goal but ended up shanking it wide. Altogether good defensive game though.
Spencer Watson
Was buzzing most of the night but rarely got to see his offensive flash.
Austin Wagner
Excellent release on his shot from the goal-scoring play. Like Watson, he buzzed around most the evening but got involved in very few outright chances.
Jonny Brodzinski
Like most of the Kings forwards, no real outstanding offensive opportunities to speak of. However, the goal he scored was coolly creative. Took the puck from behind the goal line and roofed it water bottle style over the goalies shoulder. Incredibly difficult shot from so close an angle, but he pulled it off. He has hands, no question.
Alex Lintuniemi
Probably the smoothest operator out of the back end. Very commanding presence when moving the puck. Skates well also. Made a few high-risk decisions, but also created some excellent scoring opportunities with his puck movement.
Feel free to ask about different players you are curious about in the comments sections. It is a small sample size, so take these impressions with a grain of salt.
The second rookie game takes place today at 2PM. Take a late lunch and go check it out! Otherwise follow LA Kings Insider, who I believe will be doing another liveblog today on the game. Also follow
Dave Vest with the Coyotes , as he did twitter PbP on the game last night. He very well may do it again today.
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