GDT: Welcome to the Black Parade: WCQF game 3, (1)Vegas Golden Knights vs (WC1)LA Kings @7:30

[kingsfan28]

Not game related, but damn it made me feel better.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

Yeah, no. I miss Bob terribly, but this is another example of the team living in the past. We're closer to a 2016 result than we are a 2014 result.

Bob Miller is a fan of the Kings. Obviously he's more connected to the team than we are but he has absolutely no effect on what they do. He's nothing more than an optimistic fan. As long as Blake and Luc aren't thinking the same then it doesn't matter.

 

[Herby]

Toffoli - 7 goals since new year (1 in last 14 games)
Pearson - 9 goals since new year (1 in last 15 games)
Kempe - 5 goals since new year (0 in last 32 games)
Thompson - 1 goal in 29 games since joining Kings
Mitchell - 4 goals since new year (1 in last 15 games)
Clifford - 5 goals since new year (1 in last 18 games)

That is how you are an average team despite having a top 5 center, top 5 defenseman and top 5 goaltender. Not to mention an elite 2nd line center and above average def. beyond Doughty.

This core has proven it's tough to beat when it gets secondary scoring. Unfortunately there wasn't any secondary scoring for most of the season.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Complete shame. Sort of like Games 1 and 2 in terms of wasted opportunities, but we actually played a really good game overall.



Doesn't make a difference in the end, just frustrating.

That’s why I was so teed off after game two. They really, really needed that game. It’s an entirely different series, and Quick had one of his best performances of all time.

This has been a really difficult series for me as a life long Kings fan and Vegas native. My allegiance is very much with the Kings in this series, but I also feel compelled at points to defend Vegas. I also don’t want to start building a case against them, because they’re the hometown squad now, and I feel obligated to root for them beyond this round. They’ve really galvanized the city, especially after 10/1, and it’s really cool to see everyone immediately get on board.

On the other hand, the Kings are MY team. Period. I will never cheer a Kings defeat, even at the hands of the Knights. It’s just not in my DNA. And it really stinks to see my brother and Dad, also lifelong Kings fans, immediately jump ship to the Knights. Doesn’t feel right.

Now I’m in a position where I’m mourning yet another season down the tubes for the Kings, but I also don’t feel like I can really emotionally get behind the Knights the way this series has played out.

Whatever. First world problems, I guess. It’s particularly depressing with the Kings because it’s like watching the slow collapse of a once great empire. Every playoff-less season and first round defeat is one more reminder that the glory days are over. I think that, more than anything, fuels my “SCORCHED EARTH REBUILD” rhetoric. I just want to move on. I’m tired of these same players disappointing me only because I’m reminded of how much better they used to be. Time to start fresh. Build the right way again. Give me something to look forward to. I’m tired of worrying about the ticking clock on Kopitar’s prime years.

I’d much rather come into threads like these and say, “well, they’re young,” like we did in 2009. Now we say, “they wasted another year.” There’s a very good chance 17/18 was Kopitar’s career year.

Just sucks all around.

 

[KingsHockey24]

How are you guys feeling this morning?

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I'd write my thoughts on the game, but after the past 15 pages, I'd probably be lynched lol.

Again, it was another fun game to watch with a really bad ending, but that move by Neal was really world class

 

[KingsFan7824]

0-4 on home ice in the playoffs in the 4 years since winning the Cup at home, as the crowd chanted We Want The Cup, on Friday the 13th. Looking very possible that they'll get closed out on home ice for a second consecutive series since winning on home ice. Nobody had this future timeline back in June 2014.

At least the players get paid. They get something out of it. It's just been 4 wasted years as fans. Oh well.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

They never could get that 2nd goal,

Actually, the hockey gods gift wrapped that 2nd goal to Toffoli.....but he blew it.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Actually, the hockey gods gift wrapped that 2nd goal to Toffoli.....but he blew it.

Slash by Neal had nothing to do with it??

I keep hearing that Toffoli blew it, and he might well have, but everyone leaves out the slash to the hands like it has ZERO affect on the play??

 

[Herbert Lewis]

Sorry that you lost last night, but I saw on TSN.ca that Haula should be suspended for a hit on Kopitar, but I don't live in Canada........... even though living in Alaska, TSN won't show the hit. Any of you got it? especially I felt the Doughty hit was nothing to get a 1 game suspension in te STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!!

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Slash by Neal had nothing to do with it??

I keep hearing that Toffoli blew it, and he might well have, but everyone leaves out the slash to the hands like it has ZERO affect on the play??

I just watched the replay and it looks to me like the slash occurs BEFORE he shoots it. We could probably argue it all day, but the fact of the matter is that Toffoli has sucked balls for quite awhile now and this golden opportunity certainly didn't help with that.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I just watched the replay and it looks to me like the slash occurs BEFORE he shoots it. We could probably argue it all day, but the fact of the matter is that Toffoli has sucked balls for quite awhile now and this golden opportunity certainly didn't help with that.

Not gonna argue that last part, I think he needs to be moved, package him and something, and you get a speedy winger in.

 

[LAKings88]

place felt like it wanted to pop then those 2 goals just killed it, people were walking out the doors immediately..

never felt so let down by this team before. i'm sitting there believing they can make it happen then they just completely **** the bed..

Crowd was in it. My voice is gone this morning. They played well, just could not bury their chances. I still don’t think Vegas gets past the next round but they are constantly doing the unthinkable.

 

[kingskring]

Two thoughts:

1. Stevens isn’t getting fired. You don’t fire a coach after one season after we made the playoffs. Otherwise the HC position will be toxic. He will be here for another year
2. I wouldn’t be shocked to see a bunch of our players (TT?) playing thru injuries.

 

[Butch 19]

Management lacks vision and this team still has an identity crisis. It’s more obvious when the core (save quick) isn’t playing up to par. Dustin Brown has been nonexistent in this series, he used to be an animal in our cup runs. He’s just a shell of what he was, and his value will never be higher than it is now.

He's also 6 years older...

 

[The Tikkanen]

He's also 6 years older...

All these replies and player critiques show you the Kings lack identity. They are simply former champions at this point. Teams aren't scared of them, the mystique is gone so everybody minus the best of the best on the roster should ready to pack their bags. Brown had a great regular season, he's not going back to his previous style of play but he did his job pf putting up points. In the playoffs like many other King players it's been a different story.

 

[LAK74]

Sorry that you lost last night, but I saw on TSN.ca that Haula should be suspended for a hit on Kopitar, but I don't live in Canada........... even though living in Alaska, TSN won't show the hit. Any of you got it?

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I look at how Minnesota responded after being down 2-0 against Winnipeg, and after giving up the first goal in Game 3, and without their #1 defenseman. They pressed hard and have fought back and are going down swinging, and not on a whimper.



After the abuse the Kings have taken physically and being stifled offensively, one would think they would amp up the urgency to step on the opponents throat and not look back. But unfortunately, all they were able to muster through 40 minutes was a single goal, and their attempt of a comeback was too little, too late by that point.

This team should have been pissed off after what happened to Kopitar, and be more determined, but they allowed themselves to be pissed on instead. They sat there and took a golden shower from the Golden Knights.

 

[Drivesaitl]

All these replies and player critiques show you the Kings lack identity. They are simply former champions at this point. Teams aren't scared of them, the mystique is gone so everybody minus the best of the best on the roster should ready to pack their bags. Brown had a great regular season, he's not going back to his previous style of play but he did his job pf putting up points. In the playoffs like many other King players it's been a different story.

Agree with a lot here. At one point in the 2nd game I'm looking at Brown on the pk and he's scared. Visibly scared, intimidated. Not by any physical threat but in consideration that ANY goal scored at any point is going to beat the Kings.

The Kings throughout this series have played with a fear of what the Knights would do to them rather than what the Kings could muster. This is SJ series all over again and a Kings club that apparently is done. I guess I needed to see one more playoffs before coming to the conclusion and with Stevens taking over this season was a bit fresher but this Kings team has no extra gear.

It was honestly sad seeing Doughty try to get himself jacked up all night and then not being able to contribute anything offensively the whole series. Then at fault for the kill goal leaving coverage behind the net.

None of the Kings star players delivered in this series with apologies to Kopitar who worked a dogged 200 foot game and is spent. What a vicious but end by Haula. Awful stuff.

Anyway if you don't score any goals you don't win. Kings shored up the D side of the game but scoring vanished. 1 more goal here or there and the series is different.

 

[Drivesaitl]

On a positive note this is the best Quick has looked in the playoffs since 2014, albeit bad goal at the worst time.

But additions like Folin, Fantenberg, Forbort, Ladue have looked decent and better D fill than Kings have had in a few years. Martinez and Muzzin had good comeback years. Phaneuf looked to try to make a difference.

Iafallo, and Kempe are forwards with an apparent future.

There has been lots of try this season by the lineup, and continuing into this series, but this lineup lacks depth, scoring depth, and isn't and showing mileage.

But again the defensive efforts have been solid in the series. The GAA was ridiculously low for the first 3 games until late last night.

 

[Ollie Weeks]

Looks good on you, boys.

Either start winning or roll over and die. Either way I’ve got a life to live and you just aren’t that fun anymore.

 

[DryIslandBartender]

He's also 6 years older...

Definitely, he’s aged and hits have taken a toll on him. Maybe that’s why he wanted Sutter gone to prolong his hockey career.

Bottom line is, he’s got to go but this current FO will probably keep him because they are all buddies.

 

[Frolov 6'3]

I've got to admit, I'm giving up.

''See'' you all with the draft again.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

It was kind of funny watching the Vegas bench celebrating the goals last night. They looked like the Kings in the final seconds in 2012. Running up and down the bench hugging each other. But hey, they deserve it I suppose.

I've got to admit, I'm giving up.

''See'' you all with the draft again.

Stupid article on ESPN says, "Which team is in most trouble if they go down 0-3?" Uhh, all of them?

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Anyone else have flashbacks to the Terry Murray days this series?

Say what you will about Sutter, but he at least pushed an offensive system that didn't involve endless dump and chase.