So hard to believe the Kings have not won a round since 2014. Wish the Kings had some size and toughness by now..the kind of player(s) that was Kolesar capable of tilting / ending a series...like when he clocked Tkachuk and that was lights out, for the Panthers. Not that you want to win by taking out the other teams best player....but at least capable of punking Nurse, Kane, McDavid, Drai, Perry, RNH etc. Who do they have to fear? Englund?
Seems like you have to draft some players that can play, but have size and toughness...and fight. Ziemmer had 5 majors and noted that Yannetti made note of that. I am glad they took Dvorak and Ziemmer, as the first 2 selections last June. Already signed both. Not that either is a year away. But maybe 2, with some luck. Englund and Gav have 1 more year. Here's hoping Dvorak really gets up to speed next yr with the Reign and ready for a late season callup. It's about time the Kings have one of these freakish 18-19 year olds (Wyatt Johnston, Zach Benson, etc) that can burst on the scene...but so unKinglike since Doug Smith...Jimmy Carson...Kyle Clifford.
Prospect pool not looking so great, willl need ones like Akil to push through and make an impact.
I so wish Clarke was in the NHL all year and the player he will be in 2 years, right now.
I would play Akil over Grundstrom or the stupid 11/7 lineup. Finally, a prospect arises to the occasion and makes a great impact with great play, scores goals and looks ready to take on the world...and they promote Carl? Nice, Carl, coming off a -2 game to the Oilers Bakersfield team. So just insert him in, to play the Oilers this round? Akil has way more hockey sense and a better feel for the game and clutch. Carl's hits are few and far between and never one a Kolesar type hit. Ever seen a Carl open ice hit? I don't think I have.
Remember 2012, when the pundits said 'Vancouver in round 1, vs Kings ...4-0 or 4-1" ? It took a great Kings team and a Dustin Brown Sedin hit...all players stepping up and a month later, raising the Cup. No one has big expectations for the Kings vs the Oilers....but the Kings will need soldiers and a player or 2 being Dustin Brown gamer.
Still pumped for Kings playoff hockey! I think they should show tape of the pre game of Vancouver 1 game, 2012 to the team and series and entire Cup run highlights, Monday morning.
At the conclusion, Hiller asks "who has June plans....Hawaii reservations? Anyone? If so, get the fukk out of this room". Yeah, that sounds more like Torts.