Kings Decide to Lay Low; Sharks 5, Kings 1

by Connie Kim on Jan 20, 2010 10:58 AM PST in Recap Comment 17 comments

(AP Photo/Lori Shepler)

In the third meeting of the brand new year between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks, the latter proceeded to put the former in its place. In the prior game for the Sharks, they absolutely demolished the Calgary Flames, which I didn't think they'd be able to duplicate in Staples Center, but I ended up being approximately 90% incorrect. For the Kings, they had come off a game against the Boston Bruins by giving up three goals with sloppy play, among other things. They inevitably came back to take that game into the shootout for the win and two points.

In last night's game, the respective trends unfortunately continued. The Sharks picked off the Kings and the home team ran around and around and around. I wasn't sure how much worse the game could have continued to get after the horrific showing in the first period, but continue it did. I will say they made an effort to get their legs moving after Wayne Simmonds knocked the one and only puck past Evgeni Nabokov. Sure the Kings added some pep but the slight uphill push of momentum was far too little against a dominant teal opponent.

Jonathan Quick looked slow and a bit off his game, but (let's be honest here) the entire team was off on the beach somewhere working on their tans. And someone tell me this, why in the hell did Drew Doughty not take A SINGLE shot during the 4-on-3 at the beginning of the game?? I can't understand it. You man the point for virtually an entire minute and you elect to pass every.... single..... time....

It hurts. So the Kings found themselves down three goals after the first, and, like a die-hard fan, I stuck with it. I quickly realized (around 5 minutes into the game) that the goals against were going to be inevitable, but did I think five goals were going to get past Quick? No, not really, but I also didn't think the Kings were going to be running around the entire game doing almost nothing. Passes weren't landing, possession was extremely minimal for any sustained amount of time, and the Sharks' foot speed was also just a beat faster than any King out on the ice. I'm glad this is what I spent my Tuesday night doing, watch my team sit stagnant in 8th place.

The only players who captured a bit of my interest were Dustin Brown and Ryan Smyth. The rest of you, go sleep it off. Also, Rudy Kelly was completely, 100% right.

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Sweet Victory

Is it 6 straight seasons the Kings have missed the playoffs? Sadly I’m going to have to agree with the Shark’s Jamie Baker saying that the streak will continue this season.

I think you should move north like I did Connie. Sure it’s a little more pricey up here but it was nice adopting the home team Sharks 6 years ago and I have no regrets. Oh..yeah I followed the Kings while living in Socal…but the fact that my gf at the time had season tickets was probably influential in going that route. ;-)

by johnmn on Jan 20, 2010 8:25 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I lived in NorCal for a bunch of years. Let’s just say I’m glad I’m back in SoCal. =)

Season tickets are the way to go…unless your team is constantly sucking.

by Connie Kim on Jan 20, 2010 9:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

that sucked

and i only get to watch so many games as i’m out of the market.

at least the red wings lost and we still have a game at hand against the flames

Also, Rudy is always right! :)

I'm nobody's fool, least of all yours

by BoulderDodger on Jan 20, 2010 9:09 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

A total blow-out like this is similar to the one where the Kings destroyed the Sharks a couple weeks ago; an anomaly. The Kings are no way as bad as they looked last night. They are, no doubt, slumping, and maybe all the games Quick has played has started to get back to him. He looks tired.

He Score, He Shoot! Number To Be Retired After Illustrious Career

by Greener on Jan 20, 2010 10:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately, the next two games are against very strong clubs from Buffalo and Detroit. I don’t think they can afford to sit Quick in favor of Ersberg at this time.

2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!

by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 20, 2010 10:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. For a serious push, it’s time to trade for an experienced back-up.

He Score, He Shoot! Number To Be Retired After Illustrious Career

by Greener on Jan 20, 2010 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree in that instance of playing Quick instead of Ersberg, but games against Buffalo are always unpredictable and we all know what happens when Detroit rolls in.

A trade? Hmmm…

by Connie Kim on Jan 20, 2010 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I can’t say that I agree with a trade for an experience backup. After all, who is out there that could provide value to the Kings? Maybe Roloson on the Isles? I can’t think of much more beyond that. I would rather Dean & Ron save the assets for a move to acquire some scoring punch. Or better yet, sometimes the best trade is the one that you never make – let the kids figure it out on their own, barely make it into the playoffs, and use the experience for a more formidable playoff run next season.

2009-10 Kings Hockey: Delivering Milk Steaks from the Meat Train at an arena near you!

by DodgerBlueBalls on Jan 20, 2010 11:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs