I KNOW


*Insert Time Warner/Dodger greed bashing comment here*


- Jason_Lewis

Agreed, I have Direct TV. Haven't missed the Dodger Games in probably close to 30 years as well until now. Good thing there's hockey but the greed really pisses me off too

Josh Beckett of the L A Dodgers just threw a no hitter against the Phillies!
- arh777

Who cares? Go Angels!!!

Watching that first period last night, the Hawks certainly looked like a team that was angry and pissed off and used it to their advantage. Quick should have at least stopped that first shot, and couldn't hang onto the second shot by Toews on the doorstep. That entire first period gave me a bad feeling that once again, the Kings could not stay with the Hawks. Chicago dominated action after the Kings tried the score, keeping the Kings pinned in their own end for much of the period. If that continued, or continues in this series, Chicago will be good shape. This is why the Kings must simply forget about all the defensive aspects and keep skating and making plays. You are not going to be able to defend the Blackhawks and win a 2-1 or 3-1 game against them. I was thoroughly impressed with that third period because not only did they suffocate the Hawks' attack, but kept coming at Crawford hard forcing him to come up with plenty of good "game saving" stops before Doughty made it 4-2.

I still think this series comes down to whichever goaltender battles the elements best. Both teams are trying their best to screen and distract the opposing goalie so well. To those who are saying that Corey Crawford has been outplayed by Quick, I am not so sure about that. Game 2 was a meltdown for sure, but the Hawks simply stopped skating and the same thing just about happened last night as well after the first twenty minutes. Crawford made some huge saves in that third period when the Kings somehow outshot the Hawks something like 14-4 (I remember seeing a 12-2 count late in the third). Quick still needs to be better. The first goal was terrible, one in which a Stanley Cup level goaltender needs to have. The second goal was all skill by Toews, but perhaps should not have gotten the goal after he cross checked Jake Muzzin to the back of the head in order to get that inside position that led to the goal. Still, Quick cannot afford to allow any weak goals against a team that can seemingly score at will.

In my eyes, the officials seemed to give the Blackhawks every chance at taking game 3, of course the high sticking calls are inexcusable, but the too many men came seconds after Dustin Brown was blatantly hauled down in a defensive position in his own end trying to clear the puck. LA somehow was able to keep skating hard all night with the 3-2 lead and managed to get that all important 4th goal from Doughty.

I am surprised to see that it is the Blackhawks who look frustrated. Once again, it is the Kings who are putting all the pressure on the opposition, forcing them to play with more desperation than expected. I did not think that would happen against this Chicago team, but it has.

If the Kings plan on taking this series, I think they are going to have to finish off the Hawks four straight here. Giving Chicago any life Monday night heading into Wednesday back at the UC is a death sentence. The Kings just need to keep skating hard and keep attacking. Like I said before, if anyone wants to beat Chicago in a best of seven, let alone one game, you need to take their game and shove it right back at them. So far that is exactly what the Kings have done...thanks in large part to that 70s line.

They have some real jerks over there but most are ok. I just ignore and keep on posting.
- arh777

It's been a tough couple of games to swallow... Give them a break, also stop pretending you don't like a forum with such volume for you to throw your opinions out there and get some people riled up.

Who cares? Go Angels!!!
- lakings35

Who cares? Go... Padres.

It's been a tough couple of games to swallow... Give them a break, also stop pretending you don't like a forum with such volume for you to throw your opinions out there and get some people riled up.
- PuckAndSticks

True enough, but some common courtesy would be nice. But most on your side do seem to be copasetic.

So question for you then. Knowing that Toews so far has been quite effective in containing Kopi and Gaborik, and considering he and Hossa to be your two best defensive forwards imho (unless you disagree), what are the odds we see Hossa and Kane swap spots to kickstart Kane and match Hossa up vs Carter and the kids?

Excellent game last night!!
After the game irritated me as I sat and ate dinner at RocknFish at LA Live, Chicago fans non stopped talked about losing and how LA fans know nothing about hockey. They were purposely talking aloud to annoy my sister and I. But we fired back amongst eachother (my sister and I) as we talked about the highlights as they were shown on the TVs.
As long time kings fans and ticket holders these Chicago fans at the game tried antagonizing kings fans as they came into the building and during their short times with the lead was just as bad and as obnoxious as the flyers fans that invaded the building during their visit to LA earlier this year. Very rude to season ticket holders during warmups not moving out of the way as the season ticket holders arrived at their seats and wanted to enjoy watching the END of warmups without an old mans ass in their faces. (Long time ticket holders as well). Come on Chicago fans you are way better than that.
Enough about the fans.
Thus is exactly what LA needed (a win at home to take the series lead). The kings aren't done. They need to bring their A+ game tomorrow night!
GO KINGS GO!!
#nhl15doughty

I think you're spot on about the Center depth, that is a major advantage for the Kings. Its usually always an advantage for whoever plays the Hawks, but especially against LA who arguably has the best Center depth in the NHL. I agree about Crawford, he has been outplayed by Quick. And i also agree that Sharp and Kane haven't done much of anything. But anyone who's really watched the Hawks in the playoffs knows that Patrick Kane doesn't do jack poop till games 5-6(or 7 if need be) of a series anyways. He's become known for waiting till late in the series to breakout and find his space to make plays, seemingly hoping that the opposition gets worn down over the course of the first 4 games.

Another huge factor is having Handzus plague that 2nd line and really hinder what Sharp and Kane are able to do. This is why we saw the switch to Ben Smith at 2C in the 3rd period of last nights game. Might see Shaw or Regin there in the future, as im hoping that Q has seen enough evidence that Handzus is killing that lines possession. Put Handzus on 4th line and PK duty where he belongs, swap out Bollig for Regin. Simple as that. Might see it happen soon in this series.

Im not so sure about the whole speed factor though. I think its obvious that the Kings new 2nd line really helps their overall speed. That line has been killing the Hawks. But i think you're underrating the speed of some of the Hawks bottom 6 forwards, mainly Kruger. Kruger can fly. Ben Smith is a pretty good skater himself, Saad is blazing fast, Shaw is fast, Regin is fast, and even though Versteeg isnt as fast as he was back in 2010 after his knee surgery, he's still a fast skater in general. Bollig is really the only Hawk forward in the bottom 6 who u could say isnt a fast skater, rather average(last year he was just downright slow, but he's really improved his skating this year).

Id still say player for player the Hawks bottom 6 is slightly faster(whether its either Bollig or Handzus on 4th line duty), and id still say the Hawks defense(Rozsival excluded) is still less susceptible to being broken down by the oppositions speed and counter attack than the Kings are.

If you're looking for the true reason the Kings have gained the upper hand I think the Special Teams has been the major factor in the outcome of games 2 and 3. The Hawks PK has finally been broken down again, and the Kings have gotten some huge timely PP goals. And conversely the Hawks have had moments in games 2 and 3 on the PP to put games away and extend leads but have failed to put one in. Between the special teams play and the goaltending(Quicks performances in the 2nd periods of games 2 and 3 have been world class) i think the Kings have found their formula for victory.

I think the Hawks have outplayed the Kings through the first 2 periods of games 2 and 3, yet couldn't breakthrough in game 2 and then gave up 2 goals on just 4 shots in game 3. Critical and both mainly due to Quick vs Crawford and special teams conversions. Much like how the Kings dominated the 2nd period of game 1 and yet lost the game because they failed to convert when they were really bringing the pressure. Gotta give mad props to Quick and the Kings PK, and also their ability to score on the PP at just the right time.
- SimpleJack

Sharp is playing hurt. No way is he 100%. Unless it's just a very horrible slump. But he just doesn't look like the sharp we are all used to seeing. As for Kane I just think LA is shutting him down. The player that is a maniac out there is Toews hands down. That guy is a beast. Love watching him play the game. True captain!

Excellent game last night!!
After the game irritated me as I sat and ate dinner at RocknFish at LA Live, Chicago fans non stopped talked about losing and how LA fans know nothing about hockey. They were purposely talking aloud to annoy my sister and I. But we fired back amongst eachother (my sister and I) as we talked about the highlights as they were shown on the TVs.
As long time kings fans and ticket holders these Chicago fans at the game tried antagonizing kings fans as they came into the building and during their short times with the lead was just as bad and as obnoxious as the flyers fans that invaded the building during their visit to LA earlier this year. Very rude to season ticket holders during warmups not moving out of the way as the season ticket holders arrived at their seats and wanted to enjoy watching the END of warmups without an old mans ass in their faces. (Long time ticket holders as well). Come on Chicago fans you are way better than that.
Enough about the fans.
Thus is exactly what LA needed (a win at home to take the series lead). The kings aren't done. They need to bring their A+ game tomorrow night!
GO KINGS GO!!
#nhl15doughty
- LA_Kings6720

This is hockey not golf. Develop a spine.

This is hockey not golf. Develop a spine.
- flamminghead

Didnt know that being a douche was a requirement for a hockey fan.

This is hockey not golf. Develop a spine.
- flamminghead

This is a hockey site???

This is a hockey site???
- LA_Kings6720

Then why is everyone here talking about Baseball? FFS. I think you misread my post.

Then why is everyone here talking about Baseball? FFS. I think you misread my post.
- flamminghead

I was being sarcastic by your reply to my post.
Clearly you are lost

True enough, but some common courtesy would be nice. But most on your side do seem to be copasetic.

So question for you then. Knowing that Toews so far has been quite effective in containing Kopi and Gaborik, and considering he and Hossa to be your two best defensive forwards imho (unless you disagree), what are the odds we see Hossa and Kane swap spots to kickstart Kane and match Hossa up vs Carter and the kids?
- cryptical77

I think Quenneville's pis aller is the Bickell-Toews-Kane line. He went to it last year when down 3-1 against Detroit. I think he plays his final card now as opposed to rolling the same lines out there in hopes that something clicks. I think line 2 is going to be Sharp-Shaw-Hossa. Both top lines have immense fire power as well as net presence. Then maybe Saad-Kruger-Smith, third line. I think we see Regin centering the fourth line with maybe a Nordstrom, And possibly Versteeg. Bollig, Handzeus and Rozival are out. Quenneville is going go with the nuclear lines up top then look for a player or two to step in and bring a new element.

Watching that first period last night, the Hawks certainly looked like a team that was angry and pissed off and used it to their advantage. Quick should have at least stopped that first shot, and couldn't hang onto the second shot by Toews on the doorstep. That entire first period gave me a bad feeling that once again, the Kings could not stay with the Hawks. Chicago dominated action after the Kings tried the score, keeping the Kings pinned in their own end for much of the period. If that continued, or continues in this series, Chicago will be good shape. This is why the Kings must simply forget about all the defensive aspects and keep skating and making plays. You are not going to be able to defend the Blackhawks and win a 2-1 or 3-1 game against them. I was thoroughly impressed with that third period because not only did they suffocate the Hawks' attack, but kept coming at Crawford hard forcing him to come up with plenty of good "game saving" stops before Doughty made it 4-2.

I still think this series comes down to whichever goaltender battles the elements best. Both teams are trying their best to screen and distract the opposing goalie so well. To those who are saying that Corey Crawford has been outplayed by Quick, I am not so sure about that. Game 2 was a meltdown for sure, but the Hawks simply stopped skating and the same thing just about happened last night as well after the first twenty minutes. Crawford made some huge saves in that third period when the Kings somehow outshot the Hawks something like 14-4 (I remember seeing a 12-2 count late in the third). Quick still needs to be better. The first goal was terrible, one in which a Stanley Cup level goaltender needs to have. The second goal was all skill by Toews, but perhaps should not have gotten the goal after he cross checked Jake Muzzin to the back of the head in order to get that inside position that led to the goal. Still, Quick cannot afford to allow any weak goals against a team that can seemingly score at will.

In my eyes, the officials seemed to give the Blackhawks every chance at taking game 3, of course the high sticking calls are inexcusable, but the too many men came seconds after Dustin Brown was blatantly hauled down in a defensive position in his own end trying to clear the puck. LA somehow was able to keep skating hard all night with the 3-2 lead and managed to get that all important 4th goal from Doughty.

I am surprised to see that it is the Blackhawks who look frustrated. Once again, it is the Kings who are putting all the pressure on the opposition, forcing them to play with more desperation than expected. I did not think that would happen against this Chicago team, but it has.

If the Kings plan on taking this series, I think they are going to have to finish off the Hawks four straight here. Giving Chicago any life Monday night heading into Wednesday back at the UC is a death sentence. The Kings just need to keep skating hard and keep attacking. Like I said before, if anyone wants to beat Chicago in a best of seven, let alone one game, you need to take their game and shove it right back at them. So far that is exactly what the Kings have done...thanks in large part to that 70s line.
- royalgardens

I don't think LA has to win 4 in a row, but if they really need to win game 4 to put a strangle hold on the series. If they win game 4 then I think they will win game 6 if it comes to that. LA seems to be getting stronger as games and series go along. The biggest thing that LA needs to do now is frustrate Chicago, they're taking penalties as a result, and Crawford has been visibly upset with a few goals the last two games. If LA can come out and press hard Monday night, get a goal or two early and rattle Crawford, I think they have a good chance. They need to make sure Chicago doesn't get a chance to establish their game. Neither of these teams will be able to shut the other down for 60 minutes, so LA needs to get pressure early so when Chicago does push back, they have some wiggle room.

I KNOW


*Insert Time Warner/Dodger greed bashing comment here*


- Jason_Lewis

Like something of the lines of...fill in the blanks, They have roughly 35 percent of the market share in so Cal, they will never overtake directTV or dish, ever!!

Great read Jason.

As a Hawks fan you've pretty much nailed it.

The Kings are a special team this year. They are much quicker and are getting serious contribution from depth players.

If the Hawks are going to get in this they need to get faster and play a full 60 mins. You'd never guess which team played 2 x 7 game series' to date.

As my fellow Hawks poster mentioned, those lines and additions look ideal, however, Q is stubborn. I think you see:

Bickell-Toews-Kane
Sharp-Smith-Hossa
Saad-Kruger-Shaw
Versteeg-Handzus-Regin

Also, Rozsival out and Brookbank in.

We'll see what Coach Moustache pulls out of his sleeve next game. Regardless of who's in, the Hawks need to match that speed of the Kings. Never thought I'd say that with a Kings/Hawks series.

This is hockey not golf. Develop a spine.
- flamminghead

Says the..Flamey fagg oty fan? Kinda rhetorical, no?

I think Quenneville's pis aller is the Bickell-Toews-Kane line. He went to it last year when down 3-1 against Detroit. I think he plays his final card now as opposed to rolling the same lines out there in hopes that something clicks. I think line 2 is going to be Sharp-Shaw-Hossa. Both top lines have immense fire power as well as net presence. Then maybe Saad-Kruger-Smith, third line. I think we see Regin centering the fourth line with maybe a Nordstrom, And possibly Versteeg. Bollig, Handzeus and Rozival are out. Quenneville is going go with the nuclear lines up top then look for a player or two to step in and bring a new element.
- PuckAndSticks

So...what will he roll with to counter FOUR LA lines this year? We aren't a 2 offense -2 checking line team like most teams roll with. How would you counter our attack? LA hybrids in all sequences, making them a very diverse and dangerous opponent.

Great read Jason.

As a Hawks fan you've pretty much nailed it.

The Kings are a special team this year. They are much quicker and are getting serious contribution from depth players.

If the Hawks are going to get in this they need to get faster and play a full 60 mins. You'd never guess which team played 2 x 7 game series' to date.

As my fellow Hawks poster mentioned, those lines and additions look ideal, however, Q is stubborn. I think you see:

Bickell-Toews-Kane
Sharp-Smith-Hossa
Saad-Kruger-Shaw
Versteeg-Handzus-Regin

Also, Rozsival out and Brookbank in.

We'll see what Coach Moustache pulls out of his sleeve next game. Regardless of who's in, the Hawks need to match that speed of the Kings. Never thought I'd say that with a Kings/Hawks series.
- TyCamScore

This makes too much sense.

I, for the life of me, cannot figure out why Handzus is in the top-6 between Kane and Sharp and why Regin is playing center. Not to mention Smith being outside the top-6 and Kruger playing 4C. I hate to say so overtly that Quenneville is being outcoached to this point but... if it looks like a duck...

So...what will he roll with to counter FOUR LA lines this year? We aren't a 2 offense -2 checking line team like most teams roll with. How would you counter our attack? LA hybrids in all sequences, making them a very diverse and dangerous opponent.
- Ersberg

Settle down... i was just answering a question, but yeah, I think he will do the same thing. And it will probably work. Its the last bullet in the chamber and as such, Quenneville rarely misses. As for the 12 HOFers you have steamrolling the Hawks, sorry, but the main reason your team has a 2-1 lead is because of your goaltender. Not because of the lethality of the 'hybrid lines' you endlessly roll...

I see a team in the Blackhawks that have every bit as much skill as the Kings, and probably then some. I see a team in the Kings who have capitalized on their chances more than the Hawks. The Hawks have their backs to the wall. There is not a team more capable of answering the bell than the Chicago Blackhawks. Its easy to pump the chest when youre up 2-1, but one slip up, one bad bounce, one missed opportunity, and this series is heading back to Chicago with you guys back pedaling. I fully expect the Blackhawks to win this game.

Settle down... i was just answering a question, but yeah, I think he will do the same thing. And it will probably work. Its the last bullet in the chamber and as such, Quenneville rarely misses. As for the 12 HOFers you have steamrolling the Hawks, sorry, but the main reason your team has a 2-1 lead is because of your goaltender. Not because of the lethality of the 'hybrid lines' you endlessly roll...

I see a team in the Blackhawks that have every bit as much skill as the Kings, and probably then some. I see a team in the Kings who have capitalized on their chances more than the Hawks. The Hawks have their backs to the wall. There is not a team more capable of answering the bell than the Chicago Blackhawks. Its easy to pump the chest when youre up 2-1, but one slip up, one bad bounce, one missed opportunity, and this series is heading back to Chicago with you guys back pedaling. I fully expect the Blackhawks to win this game.
- PuckAndSticks

Yeah it's not like theres a team in the league who has already won 6 games when facing elimination ...

Not underestimating the Hawks at all. Nobody here wants to see this thing going back to Chicago tied 2-2. A best of 3 with 2 games in Chicago, no thanks. I think the Kings know it too and were gonna see another hell of a hockey game. To say the Hawks have more skill than the Kings is a tough sell if your talking depth. Top end talent though, I think Toews is the best center in the league and Kopi is right behind him but depth ugh. I will take Pearson and Toffoli over Saad or Regin or any other young Hawks forward.

Yeah it's not like theres a team in the league who has already won 6 games when facing elimination
- QuicksEnnormous

I feel like you chose to use a stat to imply a difference of opinion, yet craftfully avoided actually making said statement. Im not sure squeaking by SJ and ANA with such difficulty is a glowing compliment, but whatever...

I think the Blackhawks have had a tough time kicking the offense into gear. STL and Minny were both a lot more defensive series' than the two LA has had. Tired LA in game 1 gets Hawks their only win. I think there will be quite a few goals in game 4 from both sides.

[quote=PuckAndSticks]

Here is where we have a clear difference of opinion. Anaheim and SJ are both very good hockey clubs. Maybe you don't watch the Pacific Division enough or take the easy way of oh SJ choked regardless winning 6 games facing elimination no matter of opponent is impressive and to imply the Hawks are better at facing adversity is foolish.

Either way I'm not trying to craftily say anything I think the 2 best teams in the league are going at it and I would go as far to say the winner of game 4 is likely to win the series.

I bet we see the best game the Kings have played so far in the Playoff's in Game 4. I'm Pretty darn sure we'll see Mr. Game 7 Williams step up tomorrow and when they try and shut down That 70's line, I believe Kopitar's line will start scoring..

But it's going to be hard for them to shut down our 2nd line with Pearson being so damn fast. I still can't believe how fast that kid is, And he has some great hands and knows when and how to hit that open guy (Carter, Toffoli)..

I believe game 1 could have been different too. I think they played pretty good on Hardly any rest or time to get ready for this Series. I just want the Kings to step it up and end this one fast, I don't think I can take another 7 game series.