For starters, our big guns look ready to go. Kopi established his punishing presence early. Just as a guppy defensemen was lining up to plow him into the boards, with a sudden stop Kopi, in a move that gave new meaning to the words, "Shock and Awe" violently thrusted his shoulder backwards into the oncoming defenseman that was suddenly in pain and reeling backwards. The message was clear, come into my space, and there will be a price to pay. Later, Kopi continued his abuse of guppy defensemen as he, used a backhand toe drag to create a scoring chance that was so smooth it brought back visions of Clark Griswold's non caloric silicon based kitchen lubricant. Just in case anyone had forgotten, not only is he one of toughest guys on the ice, he still has world class hands. For all the number geeks out there, and those that are either too blind, or simply ignorant of the intangibles, yes, he did score, and had five shots on goal. This bodes well for the future, as everyone in the building wants Kopi to shoot a bit more often.
Continuing the theme of big guns, Doughty showed his dominance and skill during his frequent shifts. Maybe now that the east coasters will get to see him match up against Karlsson and Burns on a regular basis, they will realize that he deserves to be recognized as the league's top defensemen. Time after time, Drew schooled the sharks, creating turnovers, and sending the Kings out of their own zone and down the ice. Doughty could have his best season yet.
Quick! Enough said, right? Well, not exactly, but close. He looked fresh and on point. Mr. Quick demonstrated his competitive fire and team loyalty when Goodrow (a name that goes on the list next to Haula) took a cheap shot to the chin of Muzzin. Quick instantly demonstrated that he had his teammate's back and went right after Goodrow. While the Kings demonstrated that at times they can still get out skated and out played in their own end, JQ saved their bacon more than he should ever be expected to. If they keep forcing him into these kinds of efforts, he will need some serious back up by Cambell. Injury prevention starts with good team defense, and some regular rest for the prime key to any post season success.
In addition to all of this; Foreman, Hyde, and Kelso caused fits for the guppies. That's right, That 70's Line is back intact and flying, at least for now. They will need to create a few more chances for Carter, but if Kid Pearson and Double T can continue to finish and drive the wings, that should take care of itself. The kings need good years from these two, and a return to a thirty plus goal year from El Jeffe.
Despite my disappointment at not getting to watch Anderson-Dolan, or Villardi play, Kings fans were treated to an unheralded surprise. Wagner brought world class speed to the fourth line, and time after time pulled a Linda Ronstadt (Blue Bayou) on the guppy defense. Though he didn't score, his speed and grit will help the fourth line put some extra pressure on opposing defenses. This being said, there were times when he showed his rookie side, but hopefully he is a fast learner. I'm sure that the veteran core of this team will expect nothing less, and playing with Thompson, who also looked darn good for most of the game, should help bring the youngster along.
Finally, and yes, I know I took my sweet time getting here, one must address the issue of Kovalchuck. Yes, he got beat a couple times in the defensive zone as a result of underestimating his opponents. And, yes he did not look great in overtime, and got caught on the ice too long, which was at least partially responsible for the game ending goal. However, he looked sharp for much of the game, and on the puck through the neutral zone, he brings a skill level and an attacking presence that this team needs. If Kopi has a big year, Kovalchuck will likely have played a big role, and hopefully would have reciprocated with a solid year of his own. I'm looking for some serious production from this big free agent addition.
The pieces are here to do some damage this year. How much, will largely be determined on how consistent they can be at or near their best. While still struggling to exit the zone, and chasing in their own zone at times, the Kings are playing some darn good hockey. Cheers to a new season, and Cheers to those of us that cling "...to the hope which springs eternal in the human breast..." (E.L. Thayer).
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