LA Hockey Underground

It's almost time to pull the cord.  If I were running things, this current version of the Los Angeles Kings would have until about January to right itself.  If it doesn't, the carnage could an should be ubiquitous.  This last week was a bit of an eye opener.  When we beat the sickly ducks, I wasn't displeased, but my enthusiasm was tempered as I looked forward to some real tests.  After playing three serious contenders, we now know that if this team plays its absolute best, they are capable of competing, but still likely to loose.  If they play like they did last night, they are an embarrassment.  I have little faith that things will change much. Since I began writing this, Pearson is now gone.  I don't think he will be the last player to leave.  Doughty, Kopitar, Brown, and Quick need to decide whether or not they are willing to wait out the rebuild, which could mean frustration during the last chunk of their prime years.  If they a...

It never sucks to beat the ducks, especially for Kings fans living in Orange County.  While there is always joy in kicking ducks, even when they are down wallowing in their own mess, my elation is heavily tempered.  To quote John Smoltz, "...irregardless..." (for you Paychex) I am significantly happier than I was last week. During last nights game, I saw better defensive coverage, fewer prime scoring chances for the other team, better breakouts, and better zone entry on the power play.  I also saw a better fore check, a willingness to cycle down low, and better finishing.  The team did not get trapped in the zone as often either.  So now, we should march through the league unscathed, right?  Hardly. All of the positives we saw last night are directly correlated to an emaciated and struggling set of quackers.  Had the Kings struggled against them, I would have been excessively worried about this team.  They did not struggle, and that is ho...

The first domino has fallen.  By now, if you care in the least, you should already know that head coach Stevens has been replaced.  Right now I'm picturing Kings fans dancing in the streets a la Randy Marsh after the Obama election.  Then the harsh reality sets in that changing leadership doesn't effect positive results immediately.  Ladies and Gentlemen, please make sure the safety bar is securely fastened, and keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times.  That is right, the ride has just begun. The Kings are going to continue to struggle.  Not knowing Mr. Desjardins personally, I can't evaluate his coaching philosophy, or his approach to the game, but based on his history, he just might have what it takes to bring this club back to contention.  It will not happen over night. Desjardins has a big job ahead of him.  Luckily, I believe that the team leadership is solid, and that should help.  Even so, this team has to unlearn som...

Stop the presses, as if there are any left running.  The Kings won, and I got to see something that I've never seen before.  You will have to excuse me while I take a moment to soak in something positive.  Ok, now that we have all reveled in some truly needed post win bliss, we can get back to reality.  The reality is, that this team has a long way to go. The big boys showed up tonight.  Line one accounted for all four goals tonight.  Iaffalo proved why coaches have told players to send the puck to the front of the net for the last, well forever.  The power play came alive with a great cross ice pass and El Jeff (Carter) showed that he may be recovering his finishing touch.  Then, Kopi showed some grit and determination to accompany some pretty good instincts to finish off a short handed two on one started by Brownie.  Then, Brownie again on the same shorthanded shift, not only earned a penalty shot, but finished it with a cheeky move....

Is it mid April yet?  It sure felt like it last night.  There was a finality to what happened last night that was akin to being numerically eliminated from the playoffs in early March.  The only difference, is that it was only the first of November, and there is far more suffering in store for Kings fans over the next five and a half months.  The Kings are the Raiders of the NHL, somehow completely inept despite having a roster full of very talented athletes.  Sadly, I expect the plug to get pulled at any moment. I'm sure Stevens is already looking for work elsewhere.  "Chrysler plant, here I come."  It is a bit like picking low hanging fruit to call for the coaches head, but after watching last night, one has to come to the conclusion that this must be done.  The Kings, despite their talent are ineffective in almost every aspect of the game. I watched one power play last night that was the worst power play I have seen this side of beer leag...

The team seemed to play with a new defensive energy tonight.  They moved well.  They drove to the goal. Their spacing looked decent, and individuals stepped up to make plays when it counted.  That is right, I am not talking about the Kings, rather, the Lakers.  The Kings looked pedestrian, and pedestrian doesn't get things done in the NHL as their last six games would demonstrate as they were outscored 29-8.  I am tired of all the negativity.  I'm tired of seeing it online.  I'm tired of watching it.  I'm tired of seeing it in the score.  I'm tired of feeling it.  That is what we do isn't it?  As a fan of a specific team, we feel the highs and lows.  To quote the sage wisdom of Bob McKenzie, "...this isn't heaven.  This Sucks!"  If we just looked at some of the numbers, we might act like middle schoolers and just blame the goalie.  Quick's Goals Against Average is 4.55, and his save percentage is 0.845....

I am officially at a loss for words.  This is my third attempt at this installment.  Each time I attempt to address what is happening with the Kings, my words simply aren't enough.  Loosing sucks, but being embarrassed and run out of the building every night is unacceptable.  There is no explanation that can justify this team's lack of defensive attention, lack of cohesion, and inability to compete.  I will save speaking of winning for another time.  For now, the Kings are on the precipice of becoming the laughing stock of the NHL.