Kings/Sharks: Game 3 Preview, now with rally towel

by Niesy on Apr 21, 2011 6:11 PM PDT in Game Previews

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Brad Richardson #15 of the Los Angeles Kings shoots a goal in the second period of game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the San Jose Sharks during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Kings Roster Notes: (IN) Jonathan Quick, Kevin Westgarth, Justin Williams, the demon incarnate known as Penner (OUT) Oscar "They like me now?" Moller, Peter Harrold, Davis Drewiske; Scott Parse (hip), Anze Kopitar (ankle)

Sharks Roster Notes: (IN) Antti Niemi, Ian White (OUT) John McCarthy, Andrew Desjardins; Kent Huskins (upper body). NB: There have been vague hints that the fourth line might see some shake-ups, but nothing concrete has been reported.

Everyone's picked the last game apart by now. Many theories have emerged as to what it will ultimately mean, and how both clubs will respond.

You could point to nebulous things like "momentum" and base your predictions off that, except momentum can shift at any time. Just look at this series: neither team has had a lock on it.

You could assume that the loss will be too emotionally devastating for the Kings to recover from, except there was a relaxed and positive mood at practice.

You could assume that the Sharks have all the confidence in the world, except that they were confident going into Game 2.

You could assume that the Kings have learned their lessons, except they can only prove that on the ice.

I'm not going to make any assumptions, but the biggest storyline for me has been the way the Kings have hung in there and put up a fight. Yes, even after that period. We've been sitting around talking about all the ways the Kings should have won the last one. Think about that. This was the series that people said would be a cakewalk. When Kopitar went down, teams in the West became excited by the thought of getting to face them. Wanted an easy opponent. They were anointed 'Most likely to be swept.' And now we're wondering why LA doesn't have a lead in this series.

The Kings have been in every single game.

That's why when Ryan Smyth or Matt Greene says "Tonight is a whole new start," I believe them. There have been mistakes, what-ifs, and lost opportunities. But it's not done yet. And I want them to keep that attitude and keep on fighting. If they don't throw in the towel, I won't either. Just like the fans who kept cheering their hearts out at Staples.

Is it harder to win three games than it is to win two? For sure. But they still have a chance to achieve a monumental upset and send this series back to SJ dead even.

No one knows until the puck drops. And I can't wait.

Who's with me?

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Comments

Well put!

by Garrett79 on Apr 21, 2011 6:16 PM PDT reply actions

I’m not an optimism Nazi, though.

I’ll stay out of the thread. But it’s nice to have company.

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Apr 21, 2011 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm with ya!

The Kings could really be up 3-0 by now. Richardson had Game 1 on his stick, and we had no business blowing that four-goal lead in Game 3. That’s amazing.

Regardless, the boys have to play their game tonight. Heading back to SJ down 3-1 would be as insurmountable as… well… as insurmountable as our Game 3 lead should’ve been.

by King of Saskatchewan on Apr 21, 2011 6:26 PM PDT reply actions

All right. We’ll let them know. Play your game, check. Get puck deep, double check.

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Apr 21, 2011 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions

This was the series that people said would be a cakewalk.

Who are these people that keep being talked about? Cause no one I know said that.

GO SHARKS!
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin (see profile for more info on this quote)

by Angy on Apr 21, 2011 6:35 PM PDT reply actions

If you want I will gather links from national pundits, fans, and others.

…do you really believe it’s not true?

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Apr 21, 2011 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, okay, here’s just one from your own FtF predictor thread

Needless to say, I don’t really like the Kings’ chances. Actually, if everyone is on their game, the Sharks shouldn’t have much problem with the Kings in the first round. So, you know what, I’m just going to say it…

Sharks in 4

by ZeroIndulgence on Apr 13, 2011 3:45 PM PDT

It’s only one.

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Apr 21, 2011 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I think he was the only one saying in 4 tho wasn’t he? Even those that were saying in 5 or 6, that doesn’t imply it’s easy.

by Angy on Apr 21, 2011 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions

He had at least two other people chime in with “Same here.” I was going for the “no one I know” category. There were several others I can link if you really want.

But a consensus of 5 games is still not conceding much of anything to the other team.

Underdogs are given 4-5 games. Close opponents are given 6-7.

Are you all so reluctant to admit you were the heavy favorites, and thought you would win the series easily? Why?

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Apr 21, 2011 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Let’s see, two seasons ago we were the number 1 seed and, oh wait … that year never happened. Maybe we’ll talk about least season. Nope. That year didn’t happen either. :)

Point is, favorites or not, anything can happen in the playoffs. Whatever happens on Saturday, let’s assume Sharks do win in 5 – would you say it happened easily?? Even the series did then would have been done in 5? I wouldn’t. Two of those games ended in OT, one we were blown out by the Kings. Another we were headed to be blown out by the Kings only to turn it around by a miracle. Easy hell no. Even if by chance it does end in 5.

If you go read some of the posts and comments at the Red Wings site, they won in 4 against the Coyotes, but they aren’t saying it was an easy win. It was hard fought. Each game stand on it’s own, is a battle to be won.

So yeah. Not easy at all.

by Angy on Apr 22, 2011 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Look...

The Kings have yet to lose in regulation… I’d say that is pretty remarkable considering that few were giving them a chance at being competitive in this series. With all the “what-ifs” or “would’ve/could’ve/should’ve”s the games have been played and the series is where it is. That is the past. The Kings are in this thing. Period. All that matters is game 4 and that is as far as it should go for now.

I am not giving up on them until they lose 4 games in a series. Call it blind optimism. Call it crazy. They are my team and I support them no matter what.

Quisp, as always, kudos my friend. You make being a Kings fan all the more enjoyable. You are a homer without being an annoying homer. Perfect.

by Axis of Evil on Apr 21, 2011 7:08 PM PDT reply actions

Epic fail on my part.

Niesy, sorry buddy, I just now realized you wrote this!

Fail. Epic Fail.

by Axis of Evil on Apr 21, 2011 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Great write up Niesy!

I can only think of one other motivational speaker I’d rather see in the Staples Center locker room right now…

Dear Sharks, C U Next Thursday!!!!

by DodgerBlueBalls on Apr 21, 2011 7:17 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

you’ll have plenty of time to dwell on what could’ve been in game 3 when you’re livin’ in a van down by the river!!!

by hawaiipuckhead on Apr 21, 2011 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions

HAHAHAHAHA

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Apr 21, 2011 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions

LMAO

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Where’s the cowbell?

by Axis of Evil on Apr 21, 2011 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

Ill be watching, IN A VAN-DOWN BY THE RIVER!!!!

"It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane."-Alan Garner

by card_base on Apr 21, 2011 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions

I feel a sudden urge to hitch up my pants.

In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC

by Niesy on Apr 21, 2011 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions

1st comment on JFTC

Hey guys having commented here yet, but I’m a huge Kings fan from L.A. I’m with u guys though. I truly think the Kings can bounce back from last game. Atleast I know they won’t make it easy.

"Get 'Em"

by FlyEagles15 on Apr 21, 2011 7:26 PM PDT via mobile reply actions