There were quite a few moments from Saturday’s game which could have stuck in your brain as you left the Staples Center (or the couch facing your television) on Saturday. For me, it wasn’t the Predators’ two goals on their first three shots, or Alex Iafallo’s first goal, or Alec Martinez’s ecstasy after the equalizer, or even that cursed drop pass in overtime. No, it was Christian Folin’s goal to make it 3-2, which I already know is going to be one of my favorite plays from the entire 2017-18 season.
As Folin explained after the game, assistant coach Dave Lowry had noticed that goaltender Juuse Saros was “cheating” on dump-ins, wandering out of the net a shade earlier than expected to play pucks thrown in along the boards. Lowry pointed it out before the third period, and the situation could not have lined up better for Los Angeles. Having scored a goal to get back in the game and with Folin (not a noted sniper) carrying the puck in down the right side, Saros could not have been expecting Folin to throw the puck on net. Folin also sold it perfectly, aligning his body as if it were an ordinary dump-in. It was a great catch by Lowry, a great bit of execution by Folin, and like last weekend’s overtime faceoff play in Boston, it was something I personally had never seen work. Just another nice surprise in a season full of them so far.
HIGHLIGHTS TO WATCH
KINGS WATCH
- A month into the season, Dean Lombardi was interviewed by Pierre LeBrun about his new gig with the Philadelphia Flyers and his departure from LA. You can get Sarah’s take on the interview, but the whole interview is worth the read if you’re a subscriber. [The Athletic (subscription-only)]
- Brooks Laich answered a series of fan questions on Twitter today. [@LAKings]
- UCLA and USC play the second half of a doubleheader (after the Kings) every year at Staples Center, and this year it’s combined with a beerfest, which sounds fun. Pick your rooting interest before you buy: [UCLA] [USC]/
WORLD WATCH
Matt Duchene got traded! Whoa!
- Ottawa won the Duchene sweepstakes after a rumored three-way trade came back to life, but they certainly paid for it. [Silver Seven Sens]
- Colorado got seven (!) assets for Duchene, and some of them might actually be good. [Mile High Hockey]
- Nashville facilitated the deal as the third party and got Kyle Turris for their troubles. [On the Forecheck]/
WATCH THIS
Congrats to Ontario Reign goaltender Cal Petersen, who stopped 27 shots to earn his first career win and shutout against the rival San Diego Gulls. That included this desperation save with five minutes to go.
GAME TO WATCH
You can watch Arizona and Washington for free with an NHL.com account right here.