Monday evening, the Kings aired a live practice on their local broadcast affiliate and Hall of Fame play by play man Bob Miller announced that the Kings are are the first Cup champion in NHL history to bring back every player who played in a Stanley Cup playoff game the following year. I don’t have any way of verifying this but if that’s the case, this team is something special.

It made me think… it took us 45 years to get a Cup in LA. Why not two now? The same team, same chemistry that was there last spring should still exist. Same uptempo style Daryl Sutter brought to an already rock solid defensive base and one of the leagues premier goaltenders. So why not?

Of course, there will be challenges. The Kings start 2013 without perhaps their best player, Anze Kopitar, who is recovering from a knee injury suffered while playing in Sweden during the NHL lockout. Defenseman Willie Mitchell, who played key minutes paired with rookie Slava Voynov and was instrumental in the Kings’ dominant postseason penalty kill, could miss up to a month after offseason knee surgery. All-world goalie Jonathan Quick was just cleared to play this week after undergoing back surgery during the offseason. But the Kings have depth at Center. Jeff Carter will slide in from the wing and fill in admirably for Kopitar at #1 center. Davis Drewiske or youngster Jake Muzzin can spell Willie Mitchell for a short period of time; and while Quick looks to be in game shape during camp, the Kings still have a blue chip backup in Jonathan Bernier – a guy good enough to start for probably 20 teams in the league. And if the lockout did any team a favor, it’s the guys who played into June. The Kings are well rested and ready for the puck to drop.

Another factor that can’t be overlooked: AEG CEO Tim Liewieke has said publicly that GM Dean Lombardi has permission to spend to the cap if the Kings have an opportunity to acquire a player or players that he feels can help ensure the Cup stays in LA.

So while it’s no guarantee, it’s fair to say the Kings have as good a chance, maybe better, than any Cup champion in the 15 years since Detroit won back to back titles, to repeat. The organization has indicated that anything less would be considered failure at this point. If you’ve been a fan as long as I have, that’s a HUGE shift in culture and attitude from within.

And this time, I’m not saying it out loud even a minute too early.

(Photo: AP)

If you pay attention to most hockey media, you’re hearing names like Jonathan Toews and Henrik Lundqvist as mid season frontrunners for the Hart Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League’s MVP. By definition, the Hart Trophy is to be awarded to “the player adjudged most valuable to his team”. While a strong argument could be made for the aforementioned Toews and Lundqvist, I can think of one guy who eclipses both in value to their team. Just one problem: Most hockey writers are in bed before his team plays their home games.

In my mind, it’d be difficult to say there’s anybody more valuable to their team than Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings. At press time, the Kings sit just two points out of first place in their division (and 3rd overall in the West). Quick has posted 20 of the teams 23 wins, and sits in the top 5 in the NHL in goals against average (1.95), save percentage (.934), wins (20) and leads the entire league in shutouts with 6 – 3 of those coming consecutively back in October. And he’s done it all behind the lowest scoring team in the entire league.

Quick has given up 2 goals or less in 24 of his 39 starts. He hasn’t allowed more than 4 goals in a single game even once this season. He has 12 wins in games where the Kings have scored two goals or fewer. No goalie in the league is under more pressure to perform on a nightly basis.

He’s one of the league’s absolute best goalies, and at this point, probably the frontrunner to start in goal for the US at the 2014 Winter Olympics (provided NHL players are allowed to play).

It’s certainly possible, given their talent laden roster, that LA will increase their scoring before the season ends. Dean Lombardi has built a stable of young defenders that will carry high value on the trade market, and he will likely deal for a sniper on or before the trade deadline. That said, if the Kings meager offensive output continues and the team wins their division (highly possible if not likely), I don’t think that any other player in the league can be said to have been as valuable to his team.

Let’s just hope some of the hockey media decide to stay up and watch.

JS

- A very scary moment in the Detroit Red Wings game against The Nashville Predators last night, when a hard shot by Roman Josi caught Patrick Eaves in the side of the head. Eaves was stretchered out of the arena and taken to Detroit Medical Center where he is being treated for a fractured jaw. Hopefully he can have a quick recovery from this very scary incident. The Red Wings won the game 4-1, their 5th straight.

- 2 controversial moments in the game between Pittsbugh and Montreal when Max Pacioretty of the Canadiens hit Kris Letang in OT. This appears to be a head shot. In this guy’s opinion, it appears the head is the principal point of contact, now if it is intentionally aiming for the head, I cannot tell. I believe the hit was going to be shoulder to shoulder before Letang dropped his head for the shot. I do think Brendan Shanahan will definitely be looking at this one, as for a suspension…. I think he might, keyword “might” get a 1 game suspension, if not just a fine. Pittsburgh won 4-3 in OT, easily another controversial moment in the eyes of Habs fans, the referees seemed to fall asleep on that one, but alas, you do not stop playing until the whistle is blown.

- The New York Islanders continued their flip flopping fight with The Columbus Blue Jackets for bottom spot and 29th in the NHL, crawling back out of the basement with a 3-2 win over New Jersey (Thanks to Ilya Kovalchuk)

-The New York Rangers are having a great November so far, going 8-2, including last night’s shutout win against Philadelphia thanks to Henrik Lundqvist, who made 29 saves in the effort.

- Colorado busted their losing streak in a big way, scoring 5 against Edmonton, including a first goal of the season for Shane O’Brien and a first goal in the NHL for newcomer Stefan Elliot.

- Bye Bye Boudreau? The Capitals got slaughtered for the 2nd game in a row, this time 5-1 at the hands of the slumping Buffalo Sabres. The losses are starting to mount, you can bet the rumors are going to start to swirl (if your name starts with an E, and end with a D, computer generated rumors do not count)

- Lightning strikes twice, Tampa won their 2nd straight game against the red hot Florida Panthers last night thanks to brilliant goaltending by Mathieu Garon, and the scoring abilities of one Steven Stamkos. In 2 games, Garon had 47 saves, and Stamkos had 3 goals, and 1 assist.

- The Phoenix Coyotes continued strong play, as did Mike Smith, making 26 saves in a 3-0 shutout of the falling Dallas Stars. Mikkel Boedker scored career goal number 20 in the 1st period, Ray Whitney and Taylor Pyatt also added tallies.

- The Los Angeles Kings are 1-2-1 their last 4 after losing to The Chicago Blackhawks yesterday. Corey Crawford and Jonathan Quick both faced 27 shots, but a Jonathan Toews goal (his 13th this year)  in the 2nd period broke the tie.

-Sit down Luongo! Corey Schneider made his mark last night against San Jose, stopping 43 shots in a 3-2 victory, his 4th straight, only allowing 3 goals in those 4 games. Just think, the goalie making $900,000 is winning games while the guy making $10,000,000 is riding the pine. Silly…isnt it? For Vancouver also, Manny Malhotra, playing in game number 800, scored his 2nd of the year. For San Jose, Patrick Marleau scored his 10th goal, his 20th point on the season, and Joe Pavelski earned his 150th career assist in the game.

Goalies
#33 Mark LaForest (1987-89, 38 GP, 10-16-4, 3.91 GAA, .873, 1 SO)
#35 Neil Little (2001-02, 03-04, 2 GP, 0-2-0, 3.87 GAA, .838)

Defensemen
#29 Terry Carkner (1988-93, 376 GP, 29-103-132, -25, 867 PIM)
#37 Eric Desjardins (1995-2006, 738 GP, 93-303-396, +143, 396 PIM)
#5 Larry Goodenough (1974-77, 129 GP, 15-56-71, +72, 104 PIM)
#2 Derian Hatcher (2005-08, 203 GP, 9-24-33, -17, 193 PIM)
#2 Mark Howe (1982-92, 594 GP, 138-342-480, +349, 323 PIM)
#8 Brad Marsh (1981-88, 514 GP, 14-96-110, +99, 636 PIM)
#28 Kjell Samuelsson (1986-92, 95-98, 545 GP, 35-106-141, +103, 815 PIM)
#6 Chris Therien (1995-2006, 753 GP, 29-130-159, +125, 583 PIM)
#14 Joe Watson (1967-78, 746 GP, 36-162-198, +191, 397 PIM)

Forwards
#7 Bill Barber (1972-84, 903 GP, 420-463-883, +316, 623 PIM
#16 Bobby Clarke (1969-84, 1144 GP, 358-852-1210, +506, 1453 PIM)
#34 Jim Dowd (2007-08, 73 GP, 5-5-10, +0, 41 PIM)
#15 Al Hill (1976-82, 86-88, 221 GP, 40-55-95, +33, 227 PIM)
#9 Bob Kelly (1970-80, 741 GP, 128-168-298, +134, 1285 PIM)
#26 Orest Kindrachuk (1972-78, 360 GP, 79-181-260, +116, 465 PIM)
#27 Reggie Leach (1974-82, 606 GP, 306-208-514, +212, 276 PIM)
#10 John LeClair (1995-2004, 649 GP, 333-310-643, +197, 337 PIM)
#88 Eric Lindros (1992-2000, 486 GP, 290-369-659, +188, 946 PIM)
#14 Ken Linseman (1978-82, 89-90, 269 GP, 73-184-257, +50, 585 PIM)
#25 Shjon Podein (1995-99, 301 GP, 44-48-92, +35, 216 PIM)
#20 Dave Poulin (1982-90, 467 GP, 161-233-394, +166, 303 PIM)
#26 Brian Propp (1979-90, 790 GP, 369-480-849, +311, 669 PIM)
#8 Mark Recchi (1991-95, 99-2004, 602 GP, 232-395-627, +43, 388 PIM)
#97 Jeremy Roenick (2001-04, 216 GP, 67-106-173, +53, 211 PIM)

Pat Quinn (1978-82, 141-73-48, .630, 3 playoff appearances, 1 Stanley Cup final appearance) will coach and he will be assisted by Mike Nykoluk (Flyers’ assistant from 1972-75) and Keith Primeau (played with the team from 2000-05).

The Rangers team will be lead by defenseman Brian Leetch and goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck.

For Steve Mason, the team in front of him has been playing at half speed, the defense, hasn’t done work, and has made bad choices in front of the net. Mason, while his defense hasn’t helped him, he hasn’t helped himself, often looking rattled, letting in a few weak goals that seemed to shatter his, and his team’s confidence. Mason has looked absolutely spectacular at times this season, but more often, we have seen the puck wind up in the net. This break in which Sanford is playing, means a lot for Mason (besides healing his new injury), he can work on his game, and hopefully, get back to the form we all saw a few years ago, building back trust with his defense, and teammates, so both can play at the top of their game. When Sanford falters, Mason will get his turn inbetween the pipes again, and can try to prove that he’s our guy.

For Curtis Sanford, the ball is in his court, and he is running with it right now. A man who is playing like he deserves to be in this league, and he hasn’t shown any signs of weakness thus far. The team overall has had a change, hanging in against Boston, winning against Nashville and Calgary, most in part, thanks to Sanford, who made 80 saves over those 3 games. Making key stops on 2 on 1′s, breakaways, and on the penalty kill.  The defense looks much more comfortable in front of Sanford, much more confident in making plays knowing he is back there. How long this run of good play lasts is the real question, if this boost is temporary, or if with Sanford’s help, the team has actually turned a corner after a disappointing start.

Now yes, there could be flaws in this theory, the team could just be getting better (Nikitin and Letestu are helping out, of course). But from my perspective, it seems the team play better in front of Sanford, and they get those key, morale boosting saves they do not seem to get with Mason. When the defense is comfortable with the goaltending, and vice versa, they run like a well oiled machine. When the trust is broken, the team just seems to fall apart at the seams. Let’s hope that Mason, and Dekanich (when he comes back) both find the same rhythm that Sanford has seemed to find on the ice. If that happens, there is no telling where we could be come seasons end.

LETS GO JACKETS!!!!!

-Reports are floating around that Jeff Carter wants out of Columbus.  Carter’s agent shot down those rumors, but the internet can’t help but wonder if he’ll be dealt anyway.  Carter played on the 2006-07 disastrous Flyers team, but even with that experience, going from a Stanley Cup contender to the worst team in hockey is still a shock.  It’s been a bad six weeks for the Jackets, especially for Carter who has missed 10 games with an injury and still doesn’t have a goal.  He does have a no-trade clause starting in the summer, but Carter just  needs to focus on hockey, winning games and perhaps better play will help turn Columbus around a bit.  Even if he were traded, Columbus wouldn’t get the return they traded to get him (Jakub Voracek, 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick).

-Oh boy, how must Craig Smith of the Predators be feeling?  Had an empty net and shot it over the glass, fooling the horn and spotlight operators.  Luckily for him, it didn’t cost Nashville a win and it gave the commentators (and his teammates) a laugh or two.  Despite the gaffe, the rookie center is having a very good season, under the radar, with seven goals and 14 points.

-How about that Senators offense?  Expected to be one of the worst in the league, Ottawa’s one of three teams to score 60 or more goals (61) and is eighth overall with 2.9 goals per game.  Milan Michalek is on pace for 49 goals, which would shatter his career high of 26 (in 2006-07 with San Jose).  Nick Foligno and Jason Spezza both have six goals each.  Unfortunately for the Senators, they’ve allowed a league high 68 goals.

-It seems that Sidney Crosby should be back shortly, as he’s now being ruled out of individual games and not stretches of games.  Love him or hate him, when healthy he’s one of the best players in the league and the NHL will benefit from his return.  He’s been practicing, but still needs to be cleared by doctors.

-Good to see the sale of the Dallas Stars approved.  The team was hindered in the offseason when star center Brad Richards walked for nothing and the team didn’t spend a whole lot to replace him.  Dallas is near the bottom of the league with their cap number, flirting with the cap floor.  That will surely change with the ownership situation settled.

But for some guys, Movember is year round.  Here’s a look at a Movember Starting Lineup:

Tim Thomas, Goaltender
Timmy doesn’t rock the ‘stache through the whole year, but when he decides to grow it, it seems like his play gets even better.

Harold Snepsts, Defense
One of the most popular Canucks of all time has one of the most known hockey facial hair of all time.

Dave Babych, Defense
Babych was known for his mustache in five different cities, including stints in Winnipeg and Hartford.

Wendel Clark, Forward
Captain Crunch wore the fu manchu proudly as he beat his opponents mercilessly.

George Parros, Forward
In today’s NHL, Parros is the player for most known for his mustache, going by @Stache16 on twitter.

Lanny McDonald, Forward
#1 ‘stache of all time. Nuff said.

Who’s on your team?

- Has Matt Calvert’s magic finally run out? In 12 games played, he has registered 3 assists, and only 4 total shots on goal. Last night, he was practically invisible on the ice, zeros all across the board, 10 PIM’s and a measly 5:40 spent on the ice.

- Is Jared Boll expendable? in 4:44 on the ice, he accomplished short of nothing other than 1 shot, 1 block, and 10 PIMs. With Derek Dorsett on the team (taking care of the big hits and fighting), you have to wonder if it is worth it having both on the same team.

- Congrats to Antoine Vermette, you scored a goal, and it only took you 17 games to do it! While it was a show of hard work and never giving up on the play, it’s a shame we haven’t seen more of this out of him this year, and hopefully we do!

- Nikita Nikitin and Mark Letestu, Scott Howson looks brilliant on these two roster additions. Nikitin has been virtually flawless on the ice, providing hard work, and actual defense. Letestu hasn’t been completely flawless, but he’s adding a big amount of jump to his line with Ryan Johansen and Vinny Prospal.

-Steve Mason did a great job tonight, you cannot hang the loss entirely on his head. The 1st goal against, Fedor Tyutin fell, losing his man and blocking the way for anyone to cover Matt Cullen who scored an easy backhander. The 2nd goal, Grant Clitsome didn’t follow his man behind the net, which led to the puck coming out front, the real failure on the play came at the hands of RJ Umberger, who failed to do anything to stop Nick Johnson from roofing it over Mason. The 3rd goal is the only one I would fault Mason on, he pretty much just kind of, missed the puck.

 -  RJ Umberger, Rick Nash, and Jeff Carter. 11 shots, 6 of them were Rick Nash’s, this is completely unacceptable of the 1st line. Jeff Carter was invisible, seeming to kind of lull around the ice, no real effort given on the ice. RJ Umberger must be having a curse from his new contract, he has went completely MIA since signing it. Rick Nash had a few chances, but nothing is working, the captain ahd a little more hustle in his skates tonight, but his linemates didn’t. And while it was good to see some hustle out of the captain, that is what we need to see night in and night out, the captain who leads by example, needs to do so, this season, he hasn’t done it. In my opinion Prospal needs to go back on the first line, Umberger is not cutting it at all.

]]> http://crimespreehockey.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/puck-rewind/feed/ 1 cujorulesdtown90 Anaheim Ducks v Columbus Blue Jackets