|
Let's hope that yesterday's loss to the New York Islanders is the lowest point of this up-and-down season. But before we sink any further, let's remember December 17, 2011.
The Kings -- having just fired Terry Murray and waiting for Sutter -- were dismantled by the Detroit Red Wings 8-2. This rout left Los Angeles 14-14-4 and five points out of a playoff berth. At the time, they were the NHL's worst-shooting (7.0 Shooting %) and lowest-scoring (2.09 Goals For/60) squad. Even their 2.37 Goals Against/60 was more good than outstanding, ranking sixth in the league. Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times set the post-game scene:
[size]Team captain Dustin Brown, usually a quiet leader, almost quivered with rage while acknowledging the Kings had been thrashed. "And there's really no excuse. It's time for everyone in this room to wake up," he said.
Today, LA is 22-20-4, three points behind -- but with three games in hand -- on second wild card Calgary. The good news is they're not the league's worst offensive team! Their 2.44 GF/60 and 8.14 Shooting % rank 22nd and 25th respectively; their 2.44 GA/60 fifth.
Comparing these two low points, you might even suggest that this year's Kings is better than the 2011-12 edition.
Anyway, that's not what I'm getting at, really. Sure, both groups are as rabid on defense as they are ravenous for goals. But that's the extent of the parallel that I'm drawing. I'm in no way saying that this year's team is destined for a title.
I merely offer that it's too early to close the book on LA -- they're far from out of it.
Anything can happen. Or even reasonable things, like Anze Kopitar scoring, Tyler Toffoli returning, their young defense improving, and/or Jonathan Quick heating up.
Or, indeed, it can get worse.
Jeff Carter told LA Kings Insider yesterday, "We’ve got to play desperate hockey right now."
I actually disagree. It's not about desperation -- I've never doubted how much this group wants to win -- it's about precision. Emotion won't solve their woes, execution will. Perhaps the last thing the Kings need to do now is press.
I still believe that this is a playoff team -- but at some point (soon), words have to become wins.
***
Scoring is clearly one of LA's issues -- but so is goaltending. And I don't mean Peter Budaj, though that Jason Chimera gaffe yesterday was rough. I'm talking about the back-up position, mostly occupied by Jeff Zatkoff.
Since 2011-12, LA's back-up goalies have at least been about average, even outperforming Quick in small sample sizes:
[url=https://s2.photobucket.com/user/starazul/media/HockeyBuzz/Back-ups 1_zpsjncghu8j.png.html][/url]
That's not the case this year:
[url=https://s2.photobucket.com/user/starazul/media/HockeyBuzz/Back-ups 2_zps6fmzfvqu.png.html][/url]
It's not all on Zatkoff -- and it's unfair to judge a goaltender's performance on so few games -- but undoubtedly, some better showings from the backup are necessary, especially for a team living on the margins like the Kings.
The affable Zatkoff is easy to root for, so hopefully, he turns things around. And goaltending is a more difficult position to predict -- so "Mr. Game One" might step it up yet.
But Dean Lombardi may regret not casting a line at the other, perhaps higher-ceiling options who have hit the market in recent months.
***
If things continue to go south for the Kings, there may end up being no better GIF to summarize this year than this one from Eric Burger:
***
Yesterday, Los Angeles completed a minor deal with Chicago, swapping center-winger Michael Latta for 28-year-old defenseman Cameron Schilling.
The trade may accomplish marginally more than just granting two players a change in scenery.
For an Ontario line-up stacked with talented forwards, so much so that NHL vet Latta was relegated to the fourth line -- and a Los Angeles organization full of fourth-line NHL grinders -- Latta was a luxury. He was a solid bottom-line citizen for the Capitals in recent campaigns, so he might earn such a role with the Blackhawks.
As for the Reign, at times depleted enough this season on the blueline that they've used Paul Bissonnette there, they could use a steady defender like Schilling while they await Zach Trotman's return, Damir Sharipzianov and Alex Lintuniemi's development.
The 6'2" Schilling is an adequate skater and puckmover with a hard shot. He plays a simple, defense-first game and might fill some of the departed Jeff Schultz's leadership void on and off the ice. Ultimately, he's a bottom-pairing NHL talent, but LA is deep enough defensively that he's unlikely to see any time at Staples Center this season.
And like Latta, Schilling, with 289 regular season pro games under his belt to start the year, still qualifies as an AHL "development player" as opposed to an AHL veteran.
The long and short of that is for each AHL game, a team is allowed to dress a maximum of five "veterans." The rest of the skaters must be "development players." For Ontario, Bissonnette, Teddy Purcell, Sean Backman, T.J. Hensick, Rob Scuderi, and Brett Sutter qualify as league "veterans" -- that's one too many. Schilling's status and ability should result in him suiting up nightly.
Ontario Reign Insider has an excellent explanation of the AHL Veteran Rule here.
I'd say Latta is more likely to be a borderline NHL asset this season, while Schilling can be a big piece for Ontario's quest to re-capture the Calder Cup. Both are UFAs after this year.[/size]
Yesterday at 2:18 pm by Rocky
» utube MM&C 4/26/24 Iraqi Dinar - US Treasury Exchange Rates- Focus - Banking Partnerships - Rate C
Yesterday at 2:17 pm by Rocky
» Parliamentary efforts to transform Iraq into a global market for transferring Internet capacities
Yesterday at 2:07 pm by Rocky
» A parliamentary committee that enriches the political forces: Stop plundering Iraq’s wealth and work
Yesterday at 1:56 pm by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi is the most likely to assume the presidency of Parliament
Yesterday at 1:55 pm by Rocky
» The price of the dollar is close to 145 thousand dinars؛ how much is $100 worth of transactions؟
Yesterday at 11:57 am by wciappetta
» Al-Sudani: The world today is witnessing crises whose impact has been reflected in the global econo
Yesterday at 9:50 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court responds to an inquiry by Al-Sudani regarding the powers of the provincial council
Yesterday at 9:40 am by Rocky
» Among them are the Iraqis... a list of the most sought-after immigrants to America
Yesterday at 9:38 am by Rocky
» An expert talks about the "biggest barrier" and the positives of merging Iraqi and Arab banks
Yesterday at 9:29 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives adjourns its session
Yesterday at 9:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary demands to expedite the legislation of the Eid al-Ghadir holiday law (documents)
Yesterday at 9:23 am by Rocky
» Parliament adds the paragraph “Electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives” to its agenda
Yesterday at 9:21 am by Rocky
» Alsumaria publishes the text of the law against prostitution and homosexuality
Yesterday at 9:20 am by Rocky
» A parliamentarian reveals the reason for the failure of the Speaker of Parliament to pass during tod
Yesterday at 9:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The government has launched many strategies and initiatives that will improve the reality
Yesterday at 8:42 am by Rocky
» International Business: Iraq has made progress in supporting businesses through investment and priva
Yesterday at 8:33 am by Rocky
» Association of Banks: Iraq is witnessing great development in the transition to electronic governmen
Yesterday at 8:25 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives votes to add an item to its agenda (election of the Speaker of the Hous
Yesterday at 8:22 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary integrity: Combating corruption requires parliamentary legislation
Yesterday at 8:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Karaawi: America is trying to restrict Iraq
Yesterday at 8:13 am by Rocky
» The State of Law coalition moves to form the local government in Diyala
Yesterday at 8:12 am by Rocky
» The Sudanese and his battle against corruption.. Where is the fault with the government or with the
Yesterday at 8:11 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister's Advisor: We will see the dollar fall on the black market soon
Yesterday at 8:09 am by Rocky
» The Sunni blocs are resolute. The presidency of the Council is ours, away from Al-Halbousi
Yesterday at 8:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani discusses with a workers’ organization his government’s steps in this field
Yesterday at 7:58 am by Rocky
» Parliament holds its session in the presence of 170 deputies
Yesterday at 7:57 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Nechirvan Barzani and Al-Sudani... the State Administration Coalition holds an “i
Yesterday at 7:55 am by Rocky
» The UAE company ADNOC resorts to Iraqi oil. Find out the reasons
Yesterday at 7:53 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Parliament votes to add an item to elect a president to its agenda
Yesterday at 7:52 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court responds to an inquiry by Al-Sudani regarding the powers of the provincial council
Yesterday at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: It is necessary to attract women to work as a productive energy that cannot be disrupted
Yesterday at 7:47 am by Rocky
» Zebari regarding targeting the Kormor field: a systematic attack on the economy of Kurdistan
Yesterday at 7:46 am by Rocky
» Saudi Arabia tops, and this is Iraq's rank... a list of major suppliers of crude oil to South Korea
Yesterday at 7:45 am by Rocky
» With a value of 125 million dollars.. Iraq is at the forefront of countries importing Iranian textil
Yesterday at 7:44 am by Rocky
» More than a billion dollars in sales from the Iraqi Central Bank within a week
Yesterday at 7:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani stresses the need for the expertise of the International Labor Organization to legislate a
Yesterday at 7:29 am by Rocky
» Including the return of 21 wanted persons.. The Iraq Money Recovery Fund counts its achievements in
Yesterday at 7:27 am by Rocky
» The path to development is the criterion between true patriotism and political clowning.
Yesterday at 7:25 am by Rocky
» The file of the Presidency of Parliament is on the state administration table... this evening
Yesterday at 7:22 am by Rocky
» Director General of the International Labor Organization: Many challenges in the world of work and t
Yesterday at 7:20 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The world is witnessing crises that reflect negatively on the Arab and international peop
Yesterday at 7:11 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: Our government has provided great support for the success of the activities, program
Yesterday at 7:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Asadi: Iraq places the social protection file among its priorities
Yesterday at 7:07 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraq is one of the first countries in the region to join the International Labor Organiza
Yesterday at 7:05 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Al-Sudani and Barzani, the State Administration Coalition holds an “important” me
Yesterday at 7:03 am by Rocky
» Appreciating the presence of Al-Sudani... Director General of the Arab Labor Organization: Here from
Yesterday at 5:29 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: Our government has provided great support for the success of the activities, program
Yesterday at 5:28 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The world is witnessing crises that reflect negatively on the Arab and international peop
Yesterday at 5:24 am by Rocky
» The Parliamentary Development Institute organizes a workshop on the political role of the representa
Yesterday at 5:22 am by Rocky
» With Arab and international participation. Tomorrow will be the start of the Fourth Baghdad Internat
Yesterday at 5:21 am by Rocky
» OPEC Secretary General: The end of oil is not on the horizon
Yesterday at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Closing a number of unlicensed offices and companies south of Baghdad
Yesterday at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Repercussions of the bombing...intensive government movements to resume work in the “Kormor” field
Yesterday at 5:15 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Al-Sudani...the opening of the Arab Labor Conference in its 50th session in Baghd
Yesterday at 5:14 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are working on drawing future visions regarding the “green and digital” economic secto
Yesterday at 5:13 am by Rocky
» Barzani after the Kormor attack: We are ready to coordinate with Baghdad to put an end to these atta
Yesterday at 5:10 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani directs the formation of an investigative committee into the circumstances of the Kormo fi
Yesterday at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Bismayah is confused about the new electronic portal.. What about the landlord and the subcontracts?
Yesterday at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Kurdistan Government: Loss of 2,500 megawatts of electricity due to targeting the Kormor field
Yesterday at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Crisis in Kurdistan: 12-hour daily power outage and complaints of “confusion”
Yesterday at 5:05 am by Rocky
» The Supreme Anti-Corruption Commission demands Nineveh for the contracts concluded by “Najm Al-Jubou
Yesterday at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Al-Khanjar, Al-Samarrai, and Abu Mazen are hosted by Shaalan Al-Karim to discuss accelerating the se
Yesterday at 5:03 am by Rocky
» Iraq asks the countries of the world to respond to its requests to extradite wanted persons: We have
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» “It is coming soon.” The Sudanese advisor sets the date for the referral of the Baghdad metro and th
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Mubarqa: Iraq reserves its full right to respond to the Australian behavior
Yesterday at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Dollar exchange rates on Iraqi stock exchanges... recorded a decline, and this is the list
Yesterday at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Mr. Al-Sadr supports the position of American university students
Yesterday at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Iraqis are ranked 7th in the Arab world on the list of those most seeking immigration to America. He
Yesterday at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Soon.. 3 new hospitals will open in Baghdad
Yesterday at 4:52 am by Rocky
» Sponsored by Al-Sudani...the opening of the Arab Labor Conference in its fiftieth session in Baghdad
Yesterday at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Shammari chairs a meeting at the controlling headquarters to review the results of the security o
Yesterday at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Arab Labor Organization: We commend Iraq's interest in the Arab Labor Conference
Yesterday at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The development road project will provide many job opportunities
Yesterday at 4:47 am by Rocky
» Sudanese advisor criticizes Kuwaiti analyzes regarding the development road project
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 2:21 pm by Rocky
» Al-Mandalawi stresses the need to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Iraq and Poland
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 2:04 pm by Rocky
» Power maneuvers: America provides defensive weapons to Kurdistan in exchange for withholding from Ba
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 10:26 am by Rocky
» Kuwait is drilling an oil well near Umm Qasr, towards Iraqi territory
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 10:24 am by Rocky
» In the document... the first Iraqi ministry identifies the obstacles to changing the new official wo
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 10:22 am by Rocky
» Italian Institute: Iraq is stuck in its own crises, including Baghdad’s efforts to undermine the “au
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 10:21 am by Rocky
» The head of the Integrity Commission announces the holding of an international Interpol conference i
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 10:18 am by Rocky
» Planning: Iraqi companies are not efficient in conducting the population census
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 10:14 am by Rocky
» MM&C 4/25/24 National Bank of Iraq goes live with Temenos core banking and payments
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 8:06 am by Rocky
» A banking official indicates a "danger" to Iraq by depriving more than half of its banks of dollars
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 7:55 am by Rocky
» With the participation of the Association of Private Banks, investment opportunities are on the tabl
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 7:45 am by Rocky
» Within a month... an Iranian border crossing recorded a noticeable increase in exports of goods to I
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 7:44 am by Rocky
» The Association of Private Banks appreciates the efforts of the government and the Central Bank to c
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 7:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Maliki's coalition presents a third candidate for the position of governor of Diyala
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 6:57 am by Rocky
» Arab gathering: The Kirkuk problem is getting complicated and the Sudanese must intervene
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 6:56 am by Rocky
» Next week.. a Kurdish delegation will visit Baghdad to meet with the Minister of Finance
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 6:54 am by Rocky
» Under the pretext of salaries... Al-Party refrains from handing over port revenues to Baghdad
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 6:53 am by Rocky
» Association of Banks: For the first time, we are witnessing a clear targeting of depriving half of t
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 6:51 am by Rocky
» Parliament does not know the reason for the delay in sending the 2024 budget schedules: Voting takes
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 6:49 am by Rocky
» Applicants for the 2024 Hajj are demanding that the Central Bank secure the dollar for them through
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 5:09 am by Rocky
» Governmental and private banks will showcase their services tomorrow during Financial Inclusion Week
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 5:08 am by Rocky
» Iraq's oil exports rise despite OPEC+ cuts
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 5:06 am by Rocky
» A study explodes a "surprise"... Iraq is among the countries that export oil to "Israel": How is the
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 5:04 am by Rocky
» Al-Araji emphasizes working to strengthen national identity
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 5:02 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani visits Saudi Arabia to participate in the World Economic Forum in Riyadh
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 5:01 am by Rocky