haroldsnepsts

I just don't think Buffalo has the firepower to come back like that. It would take a meltdown by Philly goaltending.

Was that Hartnell who dove behind the net? Nope. Briere. And this dive by Briere works. I hate that little f*****.

That was a really soft call on Myers. But Buffalo screwed themselves with the cute play along the boards instead of the solid play that would clear the zone.

Overall the Kings have great team defense, but when they get rattled, holy hell that goes out the window. I agree that Doughty didn't have a great series. He had those goals, but he has this habit of trying to do too much. He ends up getting cute with the puck or trying to make the highlight reel hit, and though he's good, he's not good enough to take over a game like he tries to. Couture blew past him for a goal when Doughty went for the big hipcheck. And Thornton made him pay when he tried the spin-o-rama along the boards in his own zone instead of making the simple play. Still, overall I'd say they're a very good team defensively when they're on their game. They could grind it out and cycle the puck better than almost any team in the NHL. Their puck retrieval was incredible. It had to be, because it's really the only way they could ever gain the offensive zone was to dump and chase.

They've got a lot of talent, but their goaltending and defensive play in general is suspect.

That would mean Downie continues to play. But I guess he is the lesser of two evils.

What he said. The over 35 year old rule would eat all that cap space if Lids decided to hang em up before his contract ended. Holland can just keep offering him 1 year deals. And honestly I could see Lidstrom's contract getting under 6 million for next season. I know the cap is up, but his ice time is down and will likely continue to come down a little next season. Though I guess that would put him making less than Rafalki. And if he wins another Norris, it might be hard to negotiate him down under 6. Hmm....

To me it just makes them seem even more mentally fragile if they need their GM to take the attention away from them. They look like a whiny franchise from top to bottom.

Yeah, unless the Sharks "flipped the switch" I like the Wings chances too. The Kings could've been ahead in this series, or at least even but blew a 4 goal lead. And they were a young team without much offense and missing their best player in Kopitar. And the Sharks still looked beatable a lot of the time against them.

The good news for the Wings if they play them is that Niemi is dogs***. But San Jose's speed will be tough to deal with. Setoguchi, Marleau, Couture.

Agreed. Half the time he floats around and lets his teammates go dig out the puck.

One of the reasons for sure. Their power play was horrific this regular season. They need to fire whoever their PP coach is. The Kings don't have a ton of offensive talent, but it shouldn't have been as awful as it was. The sad part is, it actually was better in the playoffs than it had been. but it's still awful.

f***. the one time Thornton is noticeable on the ice.

I'm on the west coast, so it's a regular night of hockey. The problem is when the Wings games start a 4:30pm!

Given the Sharks-Wings series last playoffs, I wouldn't feel that bad.

Wow. 5 Minutes? I guess they ruled that headhunting? Kings have gotten a couple fortunate calls tonight. I wish their PP was better.

sometimes yes, frustratingly so. Unbelievably talented, but still immature.

Kings are my 2nd favorite team. Young, physical, but definitely the major underdog. I think LA only has 8 players in their regular lineup who are older than 26.

He's a really good defensive forward in general. But his presence on the PP shows how limited the Kings are offensively. Kings score!!!!

I hope the Kings keep ripping slapshots. Even if they don't score, hopefully they'll at least hurt 'em.

Crap. Heatley decided to start playing.

Sad but true. But a goal this game would be a huge step in the right direction. C'mon Penner. get your fat ass to the front of the net!

Agreed. They need a sniper with speed. Penner is neither.

Now that the Nucks must've overcome their "flu" apparently the reason they're losing is officiating.

Umm Williams looks old and slow too. And Doughty. And Penner.