Life In Hockeywood: L.A. Kings Blog • Podcast • Video

The Hockeywood Insider: Imitations and exultations

2010-03-17T19:51:00Z

There are times when we have to stretch to give you, the listeners, your money's worth. (Which is fortunate that we don't charge for it.) That is not the case this week.

We are joined by two illustrious guests: Daryl Evans, who is always money in his observations about the Kings, and Helene Elliott, who also often has an unflinching opinion about the hockey club. Both were nice enough to join us this week to talk puck.

We also have not one, but TWO emails! (Yes, Jesse just about peed in his pants with excitement.) Jesse also does his best to annoy me with his knowledge of world currencies, as I counter with my Kermit the Frog imitation. Jesse also channels his inner-Ovechkin and unveils his Russian accent, which sounds a lot like his French-Canadian accent.

Did I mention we have emails? Probably. You too can also send us emails at thehockeywoodinsider@gmail.com. You can also subscribe on iTunes, so you can get the podcast before anyone else does.

It's the Hockeywood Insider: accept no imitations. Especially if they are Russian.

Click here for the podcast. (Yes, it's a blatant attempt to boost my hits. Hook a brother up!)

Kings fall prey to the Predators yet again

2010-03-15T16:43:00Z

Game 67: Predators 3, Kings 2

it's almost been a year since the Kings last beat the Predators. Six games, six losses. Their last match, just last week, was particularly discouraging.

With Jonathan Quick back in net for the Kings after becoming a father, the Kings were after it again. Unfortunately, they were outplayed once again by the Predators.

Several players did bring their game for L.A. Anze Kopitar was a monster in the faceoff dot, winning 71 percent of the drops. He also scored his 32nd goal of the season, a power play goal that tied the game in the first period. Dustin Brown also lit the lamp for the Kings, putting the Kings up by a goal in the third period. He also doled out 4 hits. Matt Greene was a human weapon of mass destruction, blocking shots and knocking people down. And Michal Handzus led all the forwards in time on the ice and had 5 hits to boot.

But the story of the game (other than it being Burger King Jersey Appreciation Day) was the disallowed goal by Justin Williams and the following allowed goal by Patric Hornqvist left a bad taste in everyone's mouth.

But bad calls happen in hockey. It's how you respond that is important. The Kings only mustered 20 shots on Penne Rinne, including only five in the third period. That fact speaks volumes of how the game went.

Were they tired? Were they prepared? Were they screwed? Who cares? They put it a lackluster performance, and allowed the Predators to sneak ever closer to the Kings in the standings. And they have three games at home, which should allow for some recuperating time for Quick and the boys.

For more Kings news, blogs and video...

Kings fans have it their way!

2010-03-15T08:15:00Z

What was originally an innocent question by a poster over on LetsGoKings about what the Kings' rare 1995 alternate jerseys were actually worth snowballed into an idea almost as crazy as Project Runway: the Hockeywood Edition.

I never thought in my right mind that I'd see this many BK jerseys in one place. When I wrote about it yesterday, it was a funny and interesting side note to Sunday's game. (And just a little disturbing, as well.) Turns out, Kings fans aren't messing around when it comes to their allegiance to the Kingdom.

It's almost like seeing a herd of zebras on the plains of the Sahara. They all blend into a giant mirage of awesomeness.

And no, they don't make your butt look big.

These four people are rocking game-worn jerseys, some of the rarest jerseys you'll ever see.

Want more? Turns out Fox Sports' spotlight player for Sunday's game was Ryan Smyth. He was featured before faceoff when he was interviewed by Patrick O'Neal. Check out over Ryan's shoulder...

Even on the telecast, the BK jerseys leap out at you. He's always lurking, like on the commercial.

For more of this story...

Sunday is Burger King Jersey Appreciation Day!

2010-03-14T16:12:00Z

An idea so absolutely ridiculous and inane has surfaced over at LetsGoKings that, at first glance, might make you throw up in your mouth a little bit. But since I drum to a beat of ridiculousness and inanity, I am drawn to it.

In addition to being officially Anze Kopitar Bobblehead Giveaway Day when the Kings take on the Nashville Predators on Sunday, it is also unofficially Burger King jersey Appreciation Day.

'What's a Burger King jersey,' you may ask. Only the league's first concerted foray into a new stream of revenue called "third jerseys."

The year was 1995, and until that point teams were authorized to wear home and away jerseys. But there had been teams which had used third jerseys between 1955 to 1993, but they were usually throwback jerseys.

That season, five teams actually designed an alternate jersey with a different feel that their official jerseys. The Ducks, Bruins, Penguins and Canucks all joined the Kings in creating a completely new look for the team to wear at select times through the season. Some weren't so bad, like the Bruins and the Pens. The Canucks' third jersey was meh, but lightyears ahead of their Yellow V jerseys. Then there was the Ducks third jersey, absolutely fitting for a team run by Disney.

The Kings jersey was not well-received by fans and broadcasters alike, and the team only wore them several times. What was wrong with them? Wear to start? Hockey jerseys are generally all about straight stripes and bars. The 1995 jersey had a weird sash stripe going across the front and mirrors on the back.

In a nod to their past, the jersey uses purple and gold trim on the names and numbers on the back. And not just any gold trim, metallic gold trim, making the Kings the only team in professional sports to have used two different metallic fabrics on their jerseys.

However, when added with choice of using a skinny serifed font for the name, it left them virtually unreadable to broadcasters and viewers alike, especially when the name stretched into the gray sash on the right. It was a decision that would have even been questioned today in the world of hi-definition TVs.

Bernier outshines Stars as L.A. saddles Dallas in shootout again

2010-03-13T02:36:00Z

Game 66: Kings 2, Stars 1

O.K., lets get it out of the way.

Jonathan Bernier was tremendous in his debut Friday against a team the Kings have absolutely dominated this season. Even though he admitted to be nervous, he certainly didn't play that way. He made 29 saves in regulation, and blanked Dallas in the shootout. he was also named the first star of the game, in his first start of the season. He was good.

As for the rest of the team, they continue to show signs of struggling as they acclimate to one another during this crucial stretch run. In addition to getting Bernier in net, the Kings welcomed Justin Williams back into the fold Friday, and was immediately put on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Ryan Smyth. That line was together for 18 games this season, and had 23 goals and 38 assists. Let's hope that continues as Williams gets up to speed.

As long as they keep getting points, I won't stress. Just because they haven't made the playoffs since 2002, and teams like Phoenix and Vancouver continue to play well, should be no reason to worry that the Kings should fall out of playoff contention. Other than the fact that they have dropped three of the last five games is no reason to panic. Who's panicking? Not me. No way. NEVER!

Back to reality, the Kings did not play well Friday. Other than Fredrik Modin redirecting a Dustin Brown shot in the first period for a power play goal, the Kings looked to be playing without a lot of fire. Then again, the Dallas are playing for their playoff lives, so maybe that overshadowed the Kings' effort.

The Stars seemed to be on the verge of scoring all game. In the second period, seemed out of sync, forcing Bernier to stand on his head. He even lost his stick during a penalty kill, using a defenseman's until killing off Dallas' man-advantage.

One thing is for sure, the Kings' penalty kill is markedly better, and have killed off their last 12 penalties. And in one game, the Kings jumped from 21st to 18th on the PK.

Bernier had made 21 saves in the first two periods, and looked to be a steel trap. But a defensive mistake broke the shutout. That and someone in the newsroom saying the dreaded "s-word" moments before Brenden Morrow scored to tie it up. And for the second time in two games, the game would go to overtime. The Kings could only muster one shot, but Bernier turned away all three shots to head to the shootout.

For the rest of the story, as well as other Kings news, analysis and video...

Doughty for the Norris! Do it!

2010-03-11T20:30:00Z

With 16 games left in the season, I figured the time is right to start promoting the Kings' Drew Doughty for the Norris Memorial Trophy, an award for the top defenseman in the NHL. Turns out, someone beat me to it.

Over on Facebook, you can join the Drew Doughty for Norris fan page, and let your voice be heard. From the page:

First off, this is not a lark. We aren't trying to stuff the ballot box with an obscure name just for a goof. This is a real and genuine effort to inform the great hockey minds on the east coast that when they are just getting ready to lay down to go to sleep, there is a 20 year old kid by the name of Drew Doughty that is showing fans in Los Angeles what it means to be in on the ground floor of what is to become a franchise player.

Now before you start with me, let's get this out of the way. Individual awards really mean nothing in a team sport like hockey. And yes, it's still early to start guessing who is going to win postseason awards. Just go with it.

Ever since last season when Doughty lost out on the Calder Trophy to goaltender Steve Mason, I have been discouraged. Even after presenting the hockey world to the Doughty Manifesto, people failed to see the potential of the kid from London, Ontario. That all changed in Vancouver.

Now since donning the Canadian national hockey jersey for the Winter Olympics, Doughty has become a media darling. Doughty is on the lips of every hockey fan east of the Rockies, and has been touted as the next Bobby Orr, arguably the best hockey player of all time. (Sorry Gretzky.)

Now it's a call to arms. Now it is time to combine our forces and get the word out. Let you voices be heard from the tallest mountain and deepest message board. Call a friend, call an enemy, call your mom... Flood opposing team fan sites, write out-of-town hockey beat writers, pick fights with other team's bloggers...

If this was Star Wars, you'd be receiving a message to Execute Order 66. If this was Battlestar Galactica, you'd be hearing All Along the Watchtower. If this was Godfather II, it would be time to settle all family business.

For the rest of the story and more videos...

Kings get a glimpse at their future in OT loss to Hawks

2010-03-10T23:45:00Z

Game 66: Blackhawks 3, Kings 2 (OT)

Some might see an overtime loss, I see progression.

I had said last game recap, that I now expect the Kings to beat the bad teams. But I should've also said I expect them to be able to play with anyone. And Wednesday's game certainly supports that opinion.

Chicago has ascended toward the top of the NHL this season. With their young core of players, such as Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith, they have assembled a phenomenal.

They are tied with San Jose for points (93 as of Thursday), and are third in goals average (3.21). They boast the most shots for (34.2) and the least shots against (24.3). Their power play (10th) and penalty kill (6th) are among the league leaders. For all intents and purposes, the Hawks are an elite team.

The Kings also have a solid core of young talent. As of Thursday morning, the Kings are seventh in the league for points (83). Their goals for average (2.94) is also seventh in the NHL. The power play clicks along at a 20.2 percent pace, good enough for sixth overall. The only area that can be conisidered a true weakness is their penalty kill, which as of Thursday is 21st in the league. But you consider that it was at the bottom for the first couple months of the season, you can see marked improvement.

These teams are built similarly, so they should match up well. And on Wednesday, they did. Patrick Sharp scored in the first period as Chicago got off to a big start. But L.A. responded in the second period with two quick goals from Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar.

The Kings had their hands full with the Hawks. They were outshot, 43-30. Jonathon Quick stood on his head for much of the game, and continues to amaze. The relentless Chicago attack was like looking into a mirror. Each line has the potential to strike at any moment. And when it got to overtime, I figured it would automatically go to the shootout.

For the rest of the recap, as well as more Kings analysis, blogs and video...

The Hockeywood Insider: Expectations and revelations

2010-03-10T19:54:00Z

The podcast this week finds us back together in the same room, which can only mean one thing: clearer audio! Woot!

Jesse and I are back with a show that will curl your toes and punch you in the nose. We touch on the past week, crown a new King of the week, and discuss all things hockey. We also talk about the Oscars, Avatar, House and 3-D TV technology.

Don't forget, you can subscribe on iTunes, so you can get the podcast before anyone else does. Why would you want to do that? Beats having me come to your house and reminding you each week, isn't it?

It's the type of stuff you've come to expect: mindless entertainment. So find a comfy chair and settle down for the Hockeywood Insider.

Click here for the podcast

Kings beat down the Blue Jackets

2010-03-09T07:01:00Z

Game 65: Kings 6, Blue Jackets 0

The Kings needed that.

They needed to be reminded that they have the skill to beat teams they are supposed to. And as sweet as the win was against Columbus, it wasn't that sweet. Again, this is a team the Kings are supposed to beat.

It was pretty impressive to see the team completely clamp down on the Jackets. Only five shots given up by L.A. is pretty dominating. I bet Quick could have played without a mask, and probably enjoy a hot dog and a Coke during some of those stretches.

The Kings' power play continues to get better, connecting three out of six times. When Rick Nash got a double minor for giving the high stick to Rob Scuderi, it opened the door for a two-fer. Michal Handzus and Alexander Frolov scored twice in less than a minute to effectively knock out the Blue Jackets. Although, it also could've been Wayne Simmonds goal, from Modin ans Scuderi to start the scoring. Or Drew Doughty's tally 8 minutes later, from Handzus and Frolov.

With his goal, Doughty is now tied for second in defenseman scoring. Over at ESPN.com, they have a "trophy tracker", which gives you a sneak peak at what to expect for the postseason awards. Right now, the leader for the Norris Trophy is Washington's Mike Green, who's 64 points and gaudy +32 in plus/minus some of the major factors for being in the "lead", if there is such a thing. Then again, last year's winner, Zdeno Chara, didn't lead in any of the categories. What does that mean? That's right, Drew Doughty has a definite shot to win the Norris this season.

For more Kings news, opinions and video...

Kings, Screens and Guillotines

2010-03-07T00:45:00Z

Game 64: Canadiens 4, Kings 2

You know what I have a problem with? All the nicknames the Canadiens have. Seriously, pick a name and go with it. To prove my point, I'll include as many in this post as I can.

Since 1968, when L.A. entered the league, the Kings have only beaten the Habs 27 times in 133 games. That's a 20 percent clip, and the Kings' worst overall record vs. another opponent. (Second-worst, you ask? 28.5 percent against the Flyers) L.A. has always had problems with the Canadiens, long before they matched up in 1993.

So when the Kings skated into STAPLES with 80 points against the struggling Le Grand Club, I thought this would be a chance for these young players to start to change the tide of history. The Habs were without their leading scorer, former Kings Michael Cammalleri, and have been toiling in the competitive Northeast Division. Add to that the fact that L.A. is 13-3 against Eastern Conference teams, and things seemed right for a victory over Les Habitants.

Wrong.

What transpired Saturday was more of the same against their 1993 nemesis. Montreal scored two of their goals with less than a minute gone in the first and third periods, and scored short-handed as well. Not the showing many fans had hoped for.

Le Bleu-Blanc-et-Rouge played the game with a purpose Saturday, as they have been hanging around on the playoff bubble in the stacked East. And their intensity paid off in the first when Brian Gionta scored with less than a minute gone in the first.

The Kings' top line of Dustin Brown, Ryan Smyth and Kopitar shot a combined 11 times in the game, but were a combined minus-5. Even though Kopitar had a nifty goal to tie up the game in the first, much more is needed out of that line. Can we just put Simmonds back up there, please?

For more Kings news, blogs and video...

Predators take a bite from Kings' confidence

2010-03-05T01:11:00Z

Game 63: Predators 4, Kings 2

Don't look now, but the Predators are making noise down in Nashville. And it sounds more like Old Time Hockey than the Grand Ole Opry.

For some reason, the Kings don't play the Predators particularly well. They have lost five games in a row to the Preds, reaching back into last season. But that was before the Kings really started to gel and come into focus as the fourth best team in the West (and in the league, according to some)

The Kings pick up where they left off last game, playing with a white-hot intensity that seemed to stun the Nashville bench. And when Alexander Frolov scored with less than 60 seconds gone, it looked as if this game was going to be different.

But four minutes later, Jonathan Quick mishandles a puck behind the Kings net, and Sean O'Donnell blows a tire and falls to the ice. That allows J.P. Dumont to pop in the tying goal. At first it was an unassisted goal, but then they added two assists to Steve Sullivan and Dan Hamhuis. That left me scratching my bald dome. Once Quick touches the puck, doesn't that negate whoever touched it last for Nashville?

Whatever. Dumont's goal had the same effect on the Kings bench as Frolov's goal did earlier. The Kings were completely dumbfounded, and played the rest of the game playing catch up.

For more Kings news, blogs and video...

The Hockeywood Insider: Olympic Malaise

2010-03-04T19:38:00Z

How long has it been since we've recorded a podcast? A week? A month? A year?

No matter how much time has passed (psssst, 4 weeks), we're back with a vengence now that the Kings are underway for the stretch drive for the playoffs.

To make up for lost time, we crown a new King of the past Month, discuss the Olympic hockey tournament, and Jesse breaks down Vancouver 2010 as only he can.

It's the Hockeywood Insider, chock full of piss and vinegar and ready to roll.

Don't forget, you can subscribe on iTunes, so you can get the podcast before anyone else does.

Click here for the podcast...

Quick now new gold standard for L.A. goalies

2010-03-03T01:43:00Z

Game 62: Kings 5, Stars 1

The Kings' all-time goaltending list is admittedly not that impressive. Sure you have Rogie Vachon, Felix Potvin and Kelly Hrudey. But for each of those names, you have a Dan Cloutier, Jason LaBarbera or Rick Knickle.

So when a player can rise up and set a team record in goaltending, you tend to pay attention. That's exactly what happened Tuesday when Jonathan Quick tallied his 36th win of the season to break Mario Lessard's 30-year record.

The Kings picked up where they left off back in February, mainly kicking ass and taking names. Tuesday's team was the Dallas Stars, a team they have outright owned this season. And it was a perfect start to the pressurized stretch run.

I have to say, this "stretch" run is going to be more of a sprint than a run. The league closed up shop for the Olympics, and players couldn't even practice for a week while the Games were underway in Vancouver. But the time off wasn't wasted as teams got healthy and rested for the playoffs.

Sure, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, Michal Handzus and Drew Doughty didn't get a break, but thank goodness Quick got some rest. The kid has been an iron man for the Kings this season, and it was nice for Burke to name him to the U.S. team. But let's face it, Quick was the Christian Laettner of the U.S. Olympic hockey team. A good player in his own right, but wasn't going to see the ice unless something unforeseen happened.

The time off the ice probably gave Quick some time to think and focus on what he needs to do when he laces up the skates for the Kings. And he was able to come out and pick up where he left off for L.A.

Almost.

For more Kings news, blogs and video...

The Best of Anze Kopitar - Nothing Happens by chance

2010-02-26T17:37:00Z

Here is an outstanding fan video for Anze Kopitar. The thing that sets this apart is the old footage of Anze as a kid, playing hockey in Slovenia.

But I especially liked seeing a slightly older Kopitar along the boards, with a defender on him, skates in on goal, holding onto the puck, then flipping it into the net after the goaltender commits. Fast forward to Oct. 6, 2006, and there's Kopitar, Chris Pronger in tow, skating in on goal, and flipping it into the net after J.S. Giguere commits.

It's ten minutes, but definitely worth a look, since the Kings don't play until next week.

AP: U.S. Olympian Dustin Brown interview

2010-02-24T04:50:00Z

Click inside

Matt Greene is freakin' hilarious

2010-02-20T09:58:00Z

Olympic Watch Party: Border Skirmish

2010-02-16T16:14:00Z

Discuss over at LetsGoKings!

Kings crown Avalanche as they head into Olympic break

2010-02-14T06:15:00Z

Game 61: Kings 3, Avalanche 0

So, that's how it's done.

The Kings' affinity for early-game siestas were nowhere to be found Saturday, when they took on the road-weary Avalanche.

The Kings came out and took the game right at Colorado, pushing them hard while limiting them to 4 shots in the first period. Playing their third game in four days showed, as the Avs looked lethargic.

The Kings got goals from Brad Richardson, Anze Kopitar and Oscar Moller. But none received any of the Stars of the Game...

U.S. Olympian Jonathan Quick was named the number one star for his shutout. he faced 22 shots, but wasn't really tested in the game. Perhaps he found motivation in the fact that there's a really good chance he won't get into any Olympic action, and wanted to make a statement. If Quick doesn't get a taste before, say Boston's Tim Thomas, then Brian Burke's head isn't on straight.

In the past month, heading into the 2010 Olympics, Quick has been on fire. He has 10 wins to Ryan Miller's 4 and Thomas', um, zero wins. Quick's 2.46 GAA is also lower than Miller's (2.61) and Thomas' (3.44). He also had the only shutout between the three in the past month as well, which happened to be Saturday's blanker.

I was leary of having the Kings' workhorse netminder riding the pine in Vancouver, when he could be resting at home and working out with the team when practice resumes. But now, I want to see Quick in goal, especially against Canada.

Defenseman Jack Johnson, fresh off his whirlwind trip to Vancouver, also showed no signs of fatigue. He had two assists on the game, both of which in the third period, and got the nod for second star. Say what you will about his plus/minus (which many misguided fans have been focusing on recently), Jack has really found his place on this team. After underachieving the past two seasons, he's really embracing his role and is only getting better.

Richard Clune, the rookie from Toronto, who in his second NHL game, registered two assists and one fight, got the third star. In fact, he almost scored before his fight, when his attempt on Craig Anderson was turned away and he was shoved into the goalie. The fight was a draw, but showed exactly the type of player the Kings have.

So now, two weeks without the NHL... I'll be able to get back up to speed, now that my laptop has avoided imminent disaster from some spilled coffee. Later this week, a new podcast and possibly an Olympic preview video... Stay tuned. But make sure to join fellow hockey fans on Sunday, Feb. 21 in Long Beach, as we get together to watch the underdog U.S. team take on the powerhouse Canada team.

For more Kings news, blogs and videos...

Jack Johnson invades Vancouver!

2010-02-13T01:16:00Z

Every since I head Jack was going to try and go to the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremony, I was wondering if anyone was going to try and follow him up there. ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne did just that and traveled with Jack on his trip to Vancouver, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of Ramona.

But good for Johnson. Every time I've watched the Olympic Opening Ceremony, I've wondered what it would be like to walk with my fellow countrymen in the largest of arenas of the world. Now Jack will have a memory that he'll be able to keep forever. Follow Jack's journey over on ESPNLosAngeles.com. I'll post more stuff as I come across it tonight...

• ESPNLosAngeles.com: Jack Johnson jets to Vancouver

• LA Times: Jack Johnson wasn't going to miss this

For more videos and stories...

Kings left feeling oily in shootout loss.

2010-02-12T03:56:00Z

Game 60: Oilers 3, Kings 2 (shootout)

It was more of the same for the Kings on Thursday. At least this time, they got to the shootout.

The game was oddly similar to their loss to the Ducks: they came out flat in the first two periods then try to cram a game's worth of effort into the third.

The difference was in goal. On Monday, they couldn't crack a well-rested Jonas Hiller; On Thursday, they they were able to overwhelm Jeff Deslauriers in regulation, who had lost four of his last five games on the Oilers road trip.

The frustration is in the fact that the Kings were lacking that killer instinct throughout the game. It's a dangerous thing to rely on seeing just how far you can let your opponent get ahead of you before catching up.

When they got to overtime, you knew the Kings were in familiar territory. They even got a power play opportunity, and played four-on-three. But the Kings power play woes continue, only scoring twice in the last 15 opportunities. (Those two PP goals came in the Anaheim game on Feb. 4.)

The Kings did have their longest shootout exhibition in franchise history. And when Wayne Simmonds scored, it looked to be karma, since it was also Wayne Simmonds bobblehead night. I had visions of the Dodgers' Manny Ramirez's grand slam on his bobblehead night this past season. I half expected Simmonds to come to the bench and have Matt Greene push his head and bobble his head. But alas, Erik Ersberg, filling in for a sick Quick, couldn't stop Dustin Penner and Lubomir Visnovsky. But hey, a point is a point.

For those of you who are scratching your heads wondering why coach Terry Murray is jumbling the lines again, don't worry about it. Obviously the Kings have had success with the Kopitar/Richardson/Simmonds and Brown, Smyth and Stoll lines.

But Murray has time to try and figure out which other combinations could click. I'm pretty sure by the time the playoffs roll around, we'll be seeing those lines return, because they are proven deadly. But why not continue to see what else works?

Oh, and for those fans who booed last night in the second period... really? This young team has had moderate success this season, some might say they are overachieving. But as soon as they hit a rough patch, the Boo Birds come out? Really? Don't be that kind of fan, people. You sound like Duck fans, completely oblivious.

This team is still finding it's identity, and is going to make the playoffs. Look at the bigger picture. Hopefully, their current 2-game slide can be blamed on looking forward to their second extended winter break this season, and not something more drastic.

In December, The Kings were winning at a 8-3 clip before their long Christmas break. But they had lost two of their last three games before they left for the holidays, and came back with a three-game losing streak.

Fast forward to February, and the Kings just had their 9-game winning streak snapped. If history repeats itself, the Kings should win on Saturday, then come back from the Olympic break with three losses. And that's not a bad thing.

Think about it, success in the postseason is all about streaks. With 22 games left, the Kings can start the cycle all over again and catch their third wind just about the time the first round of the playoffs come. Then it's anyone's game.

For more Kings news, blogs and video...