Almost Bored to Tears: Kings 3, Devils 2
by Connie Kim on Jan 31, 2010 9:53 PM PST
in Recap
5 comments
Success! The Los Angeles Kings end their five-game road trip going 5-0. It's been a loooooong while since something like that's happened, but they pulled it out here and I couldn't be happier. But I must say a few things on this last game against the New Jersey Devils.
1) There was nothing considerably great about this game. Was anyone else kinda... really bored? Maybe it was the 2:00pm PST start on a Sunday late-morning-afternoon-ish, but my lethargic eyes were watching an equally lethargic Kings team make an attempt to move their legs in a meaningful fashion. Perhaps it's been the long road trip to the Eastern Conference or maybe it was because this was the 9th back-to-back so far this season; all I know is I wasn't really expecting a win. Everything in the game told me the Kings were going to go 4-1 for this stint away from Staples Center, but a very unexpected goal came from Wayne Simmonds to tie the game up very late in the third period. In my mind overtime was looming upon the horizon and I was already thinking about what was on the menu for dinner.
2) If I thought Simmonds' goal was unexpected, Drew Doughty's goal came out of NOWHERE. With less than 30 seconds to go in regulation, I found myself with my mouth hanging open. The blast from the high slot was all the Kings needed to get the game-winning goal. Well, perhaps having Dustin Brown and Ryan Smyth in front of Martin Brodeur helped.
3) Having two more points is spectacular, but I wouldn't have stressed myself out had the Kings lost today. As of tonight, the Kings sit in 5th place with 69 points in the Western Conference. They are two away from the Phoenix Coyotes and three away from the Vancouver Canucks. I can only look at the standings and smile.
0 recs |
5 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Doughty’s goal was amazing because he faked like he was going to draw the puck to the corner and then suddenly unleashed a slap shot after Brodeur started to skate to his right. Brodeur was setting up for a corner shot while Doughty was shooting. Great use of his screeners and a very smart play.
I love that guy.
The West Coast is the Best Coast.
by RudyKelly on Feb 1, 2010 11:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
On Connie's third point...
It would have been a very successful road trip even without that fifth win, especially coming off of the lackluster homestand. Beating New Jersey was gravy at that point. But gravy sure tastes mighty good sometimes. :-D
By the same token, I’d cut the boys a little slack if they have a letdown against the Rangers tomorrow. I believe in their grit and character as a team, but having a letdown after a long and successful roadie seems to be one of the constants of sports, no matter how good you are.
OTOH, maybe Gaborik has already used up his allotment of goals for the Rangers’ trip. We’ll see.
by DougX on Feb 1, 2010 12:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Will I be mad if the Kings lose tomorrow at home? That’s a negative.
by Connie Kim on Feb 1, 2010 5:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I won't get mad
but with six games left till the big evil break I would like to pile up as many points as possible. Due to the PTSD of having gone through the Andy Murray disintegration post Olympics four years ago. They had 69 points (after 60 games) at the break, and finished 10-12-0-0 to miss the playoffs. Actually, they did all right for a few games, then went on a 4-11-0 reverse tear, and that was that. Won the last two games though.
Wait till this year.
by Quisp on Feb 1, 2010 9:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
