Pre-Game Talk: PLAYOFFS!!!!

[kinghock]

This first series is going to come down to the Kings PK vs the Oilers PP. LA is going to have to out-discipline Edmonton to advance.

In my view It is impossible to win in playoff when:

Team currently has only 2 pairs of reliable defensemen (Edler cannot do it after his injury):

Spence and Matta

Toby and Roy

Team has only one reliable goalie who is really old (Quick)

 

[cyclones22]

It's hard to quote multiple people with this new software, so

View attachment 537714

Yes,

We need to do this

Or the shape of the Kings logo to replace UPS logo with the photo of Kopi w/his arm around Brown from last night inset into it.

 

[bouncesonly]

Does Kevin Hart really sell out an arena the size of Staples? Maybe he can be moved to the Microsoft Arena next door. They must have contingencies for conflicts arising from playoff scheduling for its tenants.

EDIT to add I went looking for tickets for this event and it appears that YES, Kevin Hart can sell out Staples. I wonder what they'll do here.

Kevin Hart selling out Staples......not bad, not bad....but Fluffy lol:

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias Adds Second Dodger Stadium Date After Becoming First Comedian To Sell Out Historic Venue – Update

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias Becomes First Comedian To Sell Out Dodger Stadium For Massive Show in May; Will Be Taped For Netflix Special

deadline.com

Bro sold out a 45k seat venue, twice

 

[bouncesonly]

In my view It is impossible to win in playoff when:

Team currently has only 2 pairs of reliable defensemen (Edler cannot do it after his injury):

Spence and Matta

Toby and Roy

Team has only one reliable goalie who is really old (Quick)

Except it is possible: 2018 Vegas Golden Knights

 

[YP44]

Avatars idea:

Do it for Brown

All Brown pics-backwards water bottle, the Kneeings, the hit, cups, father of 20, and more.

Him putting the hat on his head (twice) after hat tricks is epic too

 

[DoktorJeep]

In my view It is impossible to win in playoff when:

Team currently has only 2 pairs of reliable defensemen (Edler cannot do it after his injury):

Spence and Matta

Toby and Roy

Team has only one reliable goalie who is really old (Quick)

The Kings D looks worse than the Oilers because of inexperience. It’s not like Ceci, Barrie and about to retire Keith is anything to fear in 2022. Guys like Russel and Maata are a wash. Plus Nurse looks to be at less than 100%, which is another advantage. You can’t discount that If Doughty were in, the Kings would look 1000% better than the Oilers on D.

To make it a series, you need Quick to outplay Smith and Danault/Kopitar to stay even or better versus McDrai.

Assuming special teams aren’t a deciding factor, It’s going to come down to the bottom six. The team that gets depth scoring will likely come out on top.

 

[Schmooley]

The Kings D looks worse than the Oilers because of inexperience. It’s not like Ceci, Barrie and about to retire Keith is anything to fear in 2022. Guys like Russel and Maata are a wash. Plus Nurse looks to be at less than 100%, which is another advantage. You can’t discount that If Doughty were in, the Kings would look 1000% better than the Oilers on D.

To make it a series, you need Quick to outplay Smith and Danault/Kopitar to stay even or better versus McDrai.

Assuming special teams aren’t a deciding factor, It’s going to come down to the bottom six. The team that gets depth scoring will likely come out on top.

Yea thats what I was thinking also. Either Iafallo Lizotte Byfield Kaliyev score and Grundstrom and Brown play very physical. Or Hopkins and Foegele come up in a big way.
Thats if goaltending is solid for both teams and Kings top two lines play the shutdown role perfectly.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

I don't know if it's that simple. There are lots of guys who stepped it up D+3 and beyond.

Granlund
Johansen
Schwartz
Tarasenko
Hayes
Niederreiter
Kuznetsov
Rust
Stone
Miller
Rakell
Kucherov
Trocheck
Gaudreau
Guentzel
Fiala
Kreider

There is also a whole second tier of guys like Toffoli, Turris, Buchnevich, Schenn, Bertuzzi, Tatar, etc who did the same.

It's certainly not very unlikely, all prospects take different paths. There are guys on that list who peaked and dropped and guys who have sustained it, but it's not uncommon for players to take a slower path. Lots of variables are involved - luck, health, maturity, and so on.

Most of the players on this list broke out during D+3. That was my entire point. If we get to the end of next year with Byfield producing like a third liner, we’re in trouble. D+3 is the critical year.

Of course you can find examples of players like Mark Stone who developed unusually late. But those players are very rare.

The clock is ticking on players like Turcotte and starting to tick on Byfield. That doesn’t mean they’re outright busts who will be in Europe soon, but the longer a highly touted prospect goes without a major offensive breakout, the more unlikely they are to ever produce at an elite level.

When Tarasenko was Byfield’s age he was putting up PPG in the KHL, by the way. I understand Kings management is a clown car and has a lot of blame here, but there’s no doubt that Byfield needs to start showing more offensive acumen at a professional level.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Yea thats what I was thinking also. Either Iafallo Lizotte Byfield Kaliyev score and Grundstrom and Brown play very physical. Or Hopkins and Foegele come up in a big way.
Thats if goaltending is solid for both teams and Kings top two lines play the shutdown role perfectly.

Kane is the wild card in my mind. You can play 5 guys as a unit to shut down McDavid and Draisatl, but adding a motivated Kane to that mix on either line could tip things. That might mean Kopitar’s line gets outscored by Draisatl.

So you’ll really need all four lines of the Kings going to feel confident. First two games will be huge. If the Kings win game one, I like their chances to move on. If they lose the first and win the second, we should see an extended series. Lose the first two and we’re looking at a waste of 8 days.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Most of the players on this list broke out during D+3. That was my entire point. If we get to the end of next year with Byfield producing like a third liner, we’re in trouble. D+3 is the critical year.

Of course you can find examples of players like Mark Stone who developed unusually late. But those players are very rare.

The clock is ticking on players like Turcotte and starting to tick on Byfield. That doesn’t mean they’re outright busts who will be in Europe soon, but the longer a highly touted prospect goes without a major offensive breakout, the more unlikely they are to ever produce at an elite level.

When Tarasenko was Byfield’s age he was putting up PPG in the KHL, by the way. I understand Kings management is a clown car and has a lot of blame here, but there’s no doubt that Byfield needs to start showing more offensive acumen at a professional level.

When Tarasenko was Byfield's age he had played over 100 pro games and didn't have a covid-ruined season or a half season lost to a broken ankle.

"the clock ticking" on these guys is assuming a heavily causal relationship between time after draft and outcomes when it's readily more apparent 'pro games played' is a much better metric for where they should be in progression.

These guys need reps and minutes and offensive situations and until lately they were getting none of the above in comparison to their peers.

This forum needs more patience, full stop.

 

[King'sPawn]

When Tarasenko was Byfield's age he had played over 100 pro games and didn't have a covid-ruined season or a half season lost to a broken ankle.

"the clock ticking" on these guys is assuming a heavily causal relationship between time after draft and outcomes when it's readily more apparent 'pro games played' is a much better metric for where they should be in progression.

These guys need reps and minutes and offensive situations and until lately they were getting none of the above in comparison to their peers.

This forum needs more patience, full stop.

To be clear - the forum needs more patience for the prospects. The organization needs to change habits and philosophies soon.

 

[KingsKnight]

Trying to recap/summarize avatar ideas:

BROWN AVATAR IDEAS:
- Do it for Brown / Do it for Dustin!
- Hollywood Ending
- What Can Brown Do for You? cUPS (UPS)
- The Last Dance

OTHER AVATAR IDEAS:
- Hollywood in the playoffs avatars (again)
- Hollywood + California Reffing. Players in black and white stripes with a sprinkle of hollywood magic
- tinder/dating profiles: frame matching w/ Cup, frame w/ their 'likes', "i'm here for a good time not a long time."
- Surprise, mother****
- We've only just begun
- Cup logo = Kings logo
- No Expectations / Low Expectations
- Just Happy to Be Here
- "We're your substitute opponent (Vegas) couldn't make it."

 

[TwzKing]

Trying to recap/summarize avatar ideas:

BROWN AVATAR IDEAS:
- Do it for Brown / Do it for Dustin!
- Hollywood Ending
- What Can Brown Do for You? cUPS (UPS)
- The Last Dance

OTHER AVATAR IDEAS:
- Hollywood in the playoffs avatars (again)
- Hollywood + California Reffing. Players in black and white stripes with a sprinkle of hollywood magic
- tinder/dating profiles: frame matching w/ Cup, frame w/ their 'likes', "i'm here for a good time not a long time."
- Surprise, mother****
- We've only just begun
- Cup logo = Kings logo
- No Expectations / Low Expectations
- Just Happy to Be Here
- "We're your substitute opponent (Vegas) couldn't make it."

Im good with any of these but the surprise one made me chuckle

 

[Fishhead]

Most of the players on this list broke out during D+3. That was my entire point. If we get to the end of next year with Byfield producing like a third liner, we’re in trouble. D+3 is the critical year.

Of course you can find examples of players like Mark Stone who developed unusually late. But those players are very rare.

The clock is ticking on players like Turcotte and starting to tick on Byfield. That doesn’t mean they’re outright busts who will be in Europe soon, but the longer a highly touted prospect goes without a major offensive breakout, the more unlikely they are to ever produce at an elite level.

When Tarasenko was Byfield’s age he was putting up PPG in the KHL, by the way. I understand Kings management is a clown car and has a lot of blame here, but there’s no doubt that Byfield needs to start showing more offensive acumen at a professional level.

Yeah most of them started about then and I generally agree that D+3 is the year to look at, but I think with all that's happened we are going to see a lag with a lot of guys. Between lockdowns and other COVID issues a lot of players have missed a good amount of development, and I think we will see that fairly league-wide.

My biggest misgiving with Turcotte is his injuries. Even if it appears to be bad luck it's still disconcerting. Byfield though is still very young. Remember, Byfield isn't even 20 yet although it feels like he's been around longer than that. It's difficult to compare his stats to Tarasenko, but his age is a lot closer to Tarasenko's 10-11 season where he put up 19 points in 42 games. Remember Byfield put up 20 in 32 games in the AHL when he just turned 18, and that league is a lot closer to the KHL than the NHL is. Not to mention Byfield had a significant injury to come back from. It's also significant that the Kings are a bottom-third offensive team and a top-10 defensive team (even with the injuries). Their system is looser than it was and TM is more patient with rookies, but it still demands responsibility. Stutzle has looked good so far, but he's also on a team that focuses on defense about as much as I focus when my wife is yelling at me to turn off the game and help with the kids.

I think it's in a fan's nature to worry about prospects, but I'm not worried about Byfield's development at all at the moment. Turcotte, sure.

 

[LAKings88]

Trying to recap/summarize avatar ideas:

BROWN AVATAR IDEAS:
- Do it for Brown / Do it for Dustin!
- Hollywood Ending
- What Can Brown Do for You? cUPS (UPS)
- The Last Dance

OTHER AVATAR IDEAS:
- Hollywood in the playoffs avatars (again)
- Hollywood + California Reffing. Players in black and white stripes with a sprinkle of hollywood magic
- tinder/dating profiles: frame matching w/ Cup, frame w/ their 'likes', "i'm here for a good time not a long time."
- Surprise, mother****
- We've only just begun
- Cup logo = Kings logo
- No Expectations / Low Expectations
- Just Happy to Be Here
- "We're your substitute opponent (Vegas) couldn't make it."

Looks like we need a poll

 

[Nasti]

Yes,

The first round, every local broadcast will host for the local tv area. However, ESPN and TNT will also be doing a national broadcast. All local games will be blacked out on national games.

For example (hypothetical), BSW will show Kings-Oilers. ESPN may also be showing the game, but if you live in the LA market, you will only be able to watch the BSW telecast. Everyone else in america will watch on ESPN.

Are you sure about this? I know in recent years, blackouts have been lifted in the playoffs. Also, the Kings sent an email with the schedule stating Game 1 will be on BSW and ESPN2.

 

[Docgonzo]

Best way to watch Ballys on a roku? I had a directtv info but sadly that person sold their house and ditched directtv. Was looking into cable for next season but need something for playoffs.

 

[Sol]

Looks like we need a poll

Yeh

Trying to recap/summarize avatar ideas:

BROWN AVATAR IDEAS:
- Do it for Brown / Do it for Dustin!
- Hollywood Ending
- What Can Brown Do for You? cUPS (UPS)
- The Last Dance

OTHER AVATAR IDEAS:
- Hollywood in the playoffs avatars (again)
- Hollywood + California Reffing. Players in black and white stripes with a sprinkle of hollywood magic
- tinder/dating profiles: frame matching w/ Cup, frame w/ their 'likes', "i'm here for a good time not a long time."
- Surprise, mother****
- We've only just begun
- Cup logo = Kings logo
- No Expectations / Low Expectations
- Just Happy to Be Here
- "We're your substitute opponent (Vegas) couldn't make it."

i personally think Brown related avatars would be extremely boring and milquetoast.

Hollywood in the playoffs, and California Reffing sound fun. The tinder one is a bit too random and nonsense. The surprise one is funny too at least and relevant

 

[tardigrade81]

Stopping by to say good luck folks! Should be a fantastic series. I love watching Quick. You all know that. Reminds me a lot of myself in net…. Well…. Sort of. But not really at all. We’re both flexible, but that’s about it

Anyway I’m rambling (my wife hates that) I think this series goes 6 or 7. Both good teams playing good hockey near the end of the season. Cool to see the Kings back in the playoffs!

Take care.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

So you’ll really need all four lines of the Kings going to feel confident. First two games will be huge. If the Kings win game one, I like their chances to move on. If they lose the first and win the second, we should see an extended series. Lose the first two and we’re looking at a waste of 8 days.

Even if we get swept, getting some playoff experience for all our younger players will be invaluable. Learning that every lost puck battle or failure to clear the zone could result in the team being sent packing is huge.

I think we match up well against EDM if we can stay out of the box. McDavid and Drai are gonna get their opportunities. Just can’t let others beat us. Also, can’t let Smith handle the puck much. His breakout passes are a killer.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

I'm not seeing the games being broadcast on BSW, only ESPN2...do I have that correct?

 

[The Lukeman]

Are you sure about this? I know in recent years, blackouts have been lifted in the playoffs. Also, the Kings sent an email with the schedule stating Game 1 will be on BSW and ESPN2.

Pretty positive about it. Info about playoff scheduling is in BSW contract, I will try to find a source and link it in a followup quote. Occasionally, a blackout may be lifted for a game for a variety of reasons (most of the time being that BSW telecast is also being shown as the national telecast), but per their tv rights, BSW has exclusive local market rights for any game they are scheduled to broadcast.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Even if we get swept, getting some playoff experience for all our younger players will be invaluable. Learning that every lost puck battle or failure to clear the zone could result in the team being sent packing is huge.

I think we match up well against EDM if we can stay out of the box. McDavid and Drai are gonna get their opportunities. Just can’t let others beat us. Also, can’t let Smith handle the puck much. His breakout passes are a killer.

I don’t know if it’s true that playoff lessons reliably to lead to prospect growth. Two recent examples off the top of my head are Kempe and Travis Dermott. One took years to breakout after his first play series. And the other was decent prospect who went straight downhill after turning the puck over for a deciding goal.

For every Kyrou and Thomas, there are probably more guys where the 8 days didn’t mean much. But in principle, I agree that some playoff experience is immeasurably better experience than none. At the end of the day, it’s more opportunity for a kid to shine on the big stage.

 

[Nasti]

Pretty positive about it. Info about playoff scheduling is in BSW contract, I will try to find a source and link it in a followup quote. Occasionally, a blackout may be lifted for a game for a variety of reasons (most of the time being that BSW telecast is also being shown as the national telecast), but per their tv rights, BSW has exclusive local market rights for any game they are scheduled to broadcast.

My only option is ESPN so this would suck if true.

 

[DoktorJeep]

I'm not seeing the games being broadcast on BSW, only ESPN2...do I have that correct?

I see BSW in the nhl app.