Well, that game was totally awesome. The Los Angeles Kings came out strong in during the first period in their first playoff game in 8 years... played a bit uneven for the remainder of the game... and if it wasn't for an amazing save by one of the world's best goalies... all we'd be talking about today is the Kings stunning win over the Vancouver Canucks.

The Kings defense. Even though they were outworked along the boards, it could have been MUCH worse. Positionally, they seemed to be at the right plae at the right time for most of the game. I especially loved Jack Johnson plowing Burrows... but giving credit where credit is due, Bieksa's(?) hit on Doughty was perfect.

There is no doubt the Kings need to adjust to how the Canucks are charging at them every shift, and they have a day and a half to figure it out. Game 2 is on Saturday. More than enough time to revamp the game plan if need be.

** Death is a definite potentiality, but hey, I’m sure these guys consider themselves a part of the Vancouver Canucks. This is the playoffs, this is war. In war, there are casualties.

Struggling to move the puck out of their defensive zone, defenseman Randy Jones made an unfortunate read and tried to pass the puck through the middle of the ice, rather than go up the boards as Terry Murray and his staff have preached every day for two years.  The turnover led to the Canucks creating several chances in the offensive zone over the next half minute of action.  The puck eventually came to be on the stick of Henrik Sedin, who made a Gretzky-esque pass from behind the net to feed Samuelsson in the high slot area.  The one-timer blast by Samuelsson beat goaltender Jonathan Quick and gave Vancouver a 1-0 series lead in the Kings first playoff game in eight years.

The Kings played a solid game, but a costly miscue during the overtime period by defenseman Randy Jones, who made a careless, backhand pass at center ice that was easily picked off by the Canucks, gave them their final scoring opportunity and they capitalized on it.

Ok, so the Kings lost game 1. No big deal. They played a stellar game and lost as a result of a neutral zone turnover. One of many during the game by both teams. Oh well. On to game 2. One thing is for sure. Vancouver has its hands full and the Kings will only get stronger as the series goes on.

Depth at front came through today.  As expected the Kings top line was shut down at even strength and guys like Brad Richardson, who had a very respectable 17 minutes of ice-time and got his face crushed into the glass, and Michal Handzus played well.

Randy Jones sucks. Not only was he a significant liability, where every time something bad was happening you could look on the ice and see Randy Jones. Not only did he make the awful turnover in OT that lead directly to the Canucks game-winning goal. But he was the Kings player with the 5th most ice time! Only Kopitar, Doughty, Greene and Johnson had more time. C’mon Murray, I know he played well (allegedly) in Philadelphia, but damn. It’s time to show him the bench.

Playoff virginity is gone for the Kings.  Say goodbye to the nerves and just play the game.  Now that the young guys have a taste for the playoffs, they’ll know what game they need to bring.  That game is their A+++ game.