Let's take a look at the Los Angeles Kings
by FrankD on Nov 5, 2009 7:15 AM EST
in 2009-10 game previews
9 comments
SBN Cali blog - Battle of California
Game two of Pittsburgh's west coast road trip brings them to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Kahleefawnya for yet another late game (for most of us at least).
The 9-4-2 Kings are off to a surprisingly good start - good enough to pin them at fourth in the West and just three points behind San Jose in the Pacific.
And hey, just one game after Sidney Crosby did his best Rob Scuderi impression the Pens now go up against the man, myth and legend himself. Of course, Scuds did find himself in an interesting situation a little over a week ago when he landed a textbook hipcheck on Columbus's Jason Chimera. If you look at the hit for yourself (video link), you'll see that it's not so much a dirty hit as it is just a perfect display of what has always been a hit style surrounded by controversy. Was it low? Did he take out the knees? It doesn't really matter at this point. We all know Scuderi from his years in Pittsburgh and no one would say the guy is a goon. Nonetheless, Chimera would be fine and Scuderi would be fined. No suspension.
Jonathan Quick is the guy you'll see in net for the Kings. He's been in net for all Kings games, except one loss, (quick math: making him 9-3-2) and is 3-0-2 in his last five. This might be worth keeping on file: In LA's two shootouts (SJ on 10/28, Van on 10/29) Quick has yet to come up with a W. Compare that to Fleury and Johnson, each 2-0 in the shootout this season.
Other names you want to keep an eye on: NHL point-leader Anze Kopitar (11g, 13a), Ryan Smith (8g, 9a), Dustin Brown (4g, 9a) and Drew Doughty (3g, 10a).
Last season the Pens beat the Kings 4-1 in the only regular season matchup between the two.
Puck and thread drop at 10:30. Be there.
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I look for
There to be issues in this matchup for us with the PP being toothless at this point. (different matter if not )
I still think we find a way to win it, but I think that the Kings have come a long way since we saw them last, have a lot of confidence, and the PEICE is part of that change. Hella player as we all know. The time change is not an issue by now of course (xcept to us fans on the EC), but I think that the Pens potentially have matchup issues in their current state. That said we have what 2.5 good lines and soild D? The Kings have what 1.5 give or take?
Looking to me to be a night like the Columbus game, but without the 3-0 hole. Thinking 2-0 to start the 3rd, then the relentless forecheck wears em down and we take em 3-2 in regulation on guts and heart. Oh ya a wee dollop of skill in there too!
SCUDS knows whats commin, and will be able to help his new team avoid its effects for awhile, but like time, water and wind the aggressive forecheck, the forwards on the backcheck, and TEAM play WILL wear you down eventually.
my 2c
by mdmiller on Nov 5, 2009 9:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
The Kings’ top line is pretty solid and Quick isn’t half bad either. I think the goaltenders more or less cancel each other out but the Kings may have a slight advantage since more of their guys are healthy. Kopitar is one hell of a player. Ryan Smith is ageless. I think you’re right though – it’s going to come down to how each team counters the “good” lines. Pittsburgh has a lot of depth, which is something plenty of teams overlook. Let’s see some solid play by that third line and maybe a goal or two from a guy like Rupp. That’ll make a statement.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
by FrankD on Nov 5, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Noted Goal Scorer
Mike Rupp needs to produce for us to be successful
go pens!
by cyroose on Nov 5, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That said ROB SCUDERI AKA the PIECE
Will be forever honored in the PENGUINS fans collective heart for this and other stuff he did too.
Cept when we face em, I’m all for his success.
by mdmiller on Nov 5, 2009 9:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Puck and thread drop at 10:30. Be there.
Yes I will…
by yeah_eric on Nov 5, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Too bad the Pens don’t play LA in Pittsburgh this year… it would’ve been nice to have the opportunity to acknowledge Scuderi’s contribution and special place in history although already in another uniform… I bet it would be very touching for both the player and the fans… of course it comes next season, but in a new building… it won’t be the same… (except the teams meet to play for the Cup;)))
You have to see it for yourself...
by Bla Razor on Nov 5, 2009 12:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it would’ve been :)
I’m excited for this game, can’t wait!
Go Pens.
by AppleSweetRose on Nov 5, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m interested in seeing Kopitar play, but I hope he isn’t that great tonight.
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*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 5, 2009 2:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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