Kings have taken a 2 games to none lead in a series that they (according to the Vancouver media) should be over matched in as far as talent, depth, system, experience, and fortitude (regardless of the fact that the Kings down the final stretch actually outscored Vancouver, allowed less goals than Vancouver, and had a better winning percentage then Vancouver). The one thing that everyone (including the Vancouver media) failed to understand is that the Kings weren’t planning on just rolling over and dying.
The first 2 games have been a clinic in discipline as the Kings have dominated play, and the Canucks have resorted to nonsense behind the play to try and get the edge over a team that has more than held their own in manufactured scoring chances, and puck possession.
The targets have changed throughout the games, but Drew Doughty seems to be one of the main targets. Surprisingly, this strategy has done nothing but backfire on Vancouver, as the Kings special teams play has left the Canucks licking their wounds, and the Kings heads up play has been nothing short of consistently strong.
-The 3rd Brown goal was changed to Stoll who scored at 8:30 of the 3rd period. Brown did get an assist on the play.
-Drew Doughty led all players for both teams in TOI with 25:20 of ice time.
-Will Hanson face any disciplinary action from the NHL for wrestling with an official, and refusing to stop trying to goon it up with DD? I doubt it, but he should be suspended, and DD shouldn’t have got a penalty for recognizing the situation, and trying to skate away. WTF!
-Luongo, 26 shots, and 4 goals. Really? Quick is outplaying you..
-King-Richards-Carter were on the ice for both Vancouver goals.
-Vancouver is 0 for 10 on the PP through the first 2 games. They’ve also gave up 2 shorties.
-Pancakes has 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points and a +2 rating in 2 games against Vancouver. Henrik Sedin has 0 goals, and 2 assists, and a 0 +/- rating against the Kings.
-Vancouver has played 3 Sunday games since January, and they went 1-1-1. LA has played 3 Sunday games since January, and they went 2-1-0.
-Shot differentials were skewed by the fact that the Kings led most of the game on the scoreboard. Vancouver led tonight in EV shot differentials. Fenwick they were +16, and Cosri they were a +24.
-Kings have had the lead through the first 2 games for a combined 41 minutes, and 42 seconds total. Vancouver has had the lead for 8 minutes, and 51 seconds total.
Back to LA for the next 2 games. Lets make it a series to remember Kings fans, and GO KINGS GO!