the Royal Dog Pound

The Kings are back in the ass-kicking business, and business has been gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooodddddddd.

Against the Columbus Blue Jackets.... just.... OH MY GOD.

The Hattrick has been rennamed the Kopitrick. Nuff Said.

for this reason, Anze Kopitar is the Dog of the Day for the 11th of March, after that 3rd goal, fresh out of the penalty box. He skated out, picked up the puck after Dustin Brown cleared it out of the defensive zone, and barreled down on the net, throwing in two psych-outs before burrying the puck, earning his second career hattrick.

Kings win 4-2

it was sexy.

Against the Dallas Stars...... that was sexy, Michal Handzus.

It was a good game, blah blah blah... but it really didn't get spicy until say the last 32 seconds of the third period when Dallas tied it up... and then 11 seconds later MICHAL HANDZUS scored with 20.8 seconds left in the game. This victory earned Michal Handzus his own title as "Dog of the Day" for the 13th of March, 2011.

Kings win 3-2

our LA Kings are now sittin' pretty at 4th in the conference (10th in the league), meaning if nothing changes in the standings in the next 13 games, the Kings will be facing the  San Jose Sharks in the first round. Statistically speaking, the Kings have an excellent shot at making it beyond that first round. The two teams are matched for victories, but if the games get carried into OT, the Kings have a slightly better chance of winning, given the Sharks track record (8 OT loses in comparison to the Kings 5). San Jose has also given up 175 goals in the season, whereas the Kings have given up 168 goals in the past 69 games, thanks to the excellent goaltending of both our Jonathans. They're better on the Power Play, statistically speaking, but they've also let in more goals while on the Penalty Kill, which bodes well for the Kings so long as the PP line stays strong. The Kings have had more PP opportunities and are far superior on the Penalty Kill. The Kings have had 8 shutouts and have been shut out themselves 5 times this season. San Jose's stats are almost exactly inverse, with 5 shutouts under their belt and 7 against (one of which was in fact by the Kings back in December). In the Kings games against the Sharks this season, victories and losses have been evenly distributed, 2 apiece, but the Kings scored a total of 10 times in those 4 games and the Sharks tucked away 9 goals. It's not much of a difference, but it's still a difference. Both Kings victories were tended by Jonathan Quick, and for this reason, he's probably going to be our best bet against them once again. We have two games left against San Jose this season, both of which will be extremely important to the Kings position in the Playoffs Standings.

all there really is to say is... well........

GO KINGS GO

game in a nutshell: Kings lose to the Stars in OT 4-3

game theme song: "Beers, Steers, and Queers" by the Revolting Cocks

there's really not too much to complain about so far as the refs are concerned (for once). A couple calls solicited the usual "Ref You Suck" shouts, but nothing too major (for once). There were some good goals, there were some good saves, it was generally a good game. Other than the fact that we lost, of course. But hey, at least we got a point.

The first period was a violent one.

Pony got another penalty for boarding... if he gets one in the next game I'm going to put a Pony Penalty Counter on the site. This is kind of ridiculous. It wasn't a vicious or overly violent hit, same as the one he had against the Canucks, he just needs to figure out how to check someone without smashing their face into the boards.

There was a bit of a scuffle between our Matt Greene and Dallas' Brian Sutherby, resulting in a penalty a piece for roughing. Shortly thereafter, Steve Ott of the Stars got dumped in the box for spearing against Matt Greene, the quick icy vengeance of our BigRedDog dished up right there on the spot in defense of the Assistant Captain, resulting in a two minute roughing penalty for the Hound and a five minute spearing penalty for Ott, who was removed from the game immediately after for game misconduct.

Matt Greene got another penalty in the second period, for high sticking, followed by Justin Williams in the third period for slashing.

Willie Mitchell and Justin Williams both put up goals for LA, in the first and second periods respectively. Williams also served as assistance to Mitchell in his first period goal, alongside Kopitar, who then turned right around and assisted Williams in his goal. Dustin Penner, who is still getting his feet under him as a King (what with the TM trademarked line dancing that's gone on again), also leant a hand to Williams, proving once again that he is the kind of player the Kings need-- one who helps get the puck to the net.

the BigRedDog tallied another point with a third period goal, assisted by linemate Trevor Lewis. This guy is continuing to prove himself to be a great asset to the team. He's played in almost every game this season, he's quick, he's not afraid to drop the gloves or throw a nasty check, and he's continuing to improve. Kyle Clifford rocks the ice. He may not be an amazing offense player, or a fabulous defense player, but he is definitely forging his way toward being an unstoppable force for the Kings.

The Stars winning goal in OT was snapped in by Bredon Morrow just 38 seconds into play.

How could the Kings have played better? Perhaps if they moved their feet a bit more, actually cycled around as opposed to remaining generally cemented to the ice while setting up in the offensive zone. Perhaps not returning to the dump and chase mentality. Perhaps if the Captain had focused more on keeping the puck at the end of his stick when he had possession of that little rubber bullet (sorry, DLo, I love ya man, I really do, but you looked a bit distracted at times). Perhaps not allowing the opposition to break away and dart into the D-zone to barrel down on Berni one-on-one, shoot-out style. There's always room for improvement in these games. Lessons to be learned.

Dog of the Day goes to none other than the BigRedDog himself, for that excellent goal in the third period and for rallying to Matt Greene's defense in the first period. The fire in his eyes was pure, unadulterated intensity and passion for the game. During warm ups, he was completely focused on his puck handling and shooting, which has apparently paid off. Personally, I think it's safe to say that Kyle Clifford has a bright future with the Kings for many seasons to come.

GO KINGS GO!!

Don't forget to watch the Kings face off against the Redwings on Wednesday!!

I missed Penner's debut game... on account of being denied the television for 6 hours straight. But from what I've read, it was a great game. We won, YAAAY. 2 points there for our boys in the purple, black, and silver. A good start for the newest member of the Royal Dog Pound. (though there are some, I am sure, who are upset that Penns didn't single handedly lead the Kings to victory with an ovechtrick and a record number of hits... but come on, it's the guy's first game). Willie Mitchell took a puck to the face, 54 stitches by the Kings on-call plastic surgeon, and continued playing, Matt Greene put life and limb on the line as he dove in front of the net to put a halt to a potential Phoenix goal, Stoll sank the only goal scored in the entire game with assitance from Kopi and Smytty, and Bern made 25/25 saves (his second shut out this season, third in his career).

Over all, a very pleasing game

which brings me to today's game...

it's been a while since we last faced Vancouver... almost forgot how many 'Nucks fans show up at Staples Center for these games, and the sort of antics they pull when their team wins. Like bedecking our beloved Wayne Gretzky statue with a Canucks jersey after trouncing the Kings in the third period. Or dressing up in lime green full-body spandex and taunting the team and fans throughout the game. Pucking Vancouver.

the Kings had a great start, with a shot from our new Dustin as the team's first (and only) goal of the game. Penner penned his first point as a King. Huzzah.

And then there was some play, lots of penalties, some wonderful penalty killing by the Kings, some disappointing power plays, and a few minor scuffles here and there. Smytty took a puck to the face, but played on like a champ. One of the Canucks took a puck to the collar bone (upper shoulder, as Bob Miller put it).

Matt Greene did some "roughing" (looked like standing up for his team to me) and got the first call of this penalty-fraught game. Manny Malhotra (the same MM who gave Kopi that lovely gash from lip to cheek earlier this season) got the same call, the BigRedDog got the same call at the same time as well (honestly, I wanted to see him just drop the gloves and start swinging), DoubleD got a penalty for high sticking, caught one of those creepy Sedin twins in the face (perhaps a precursor for that shove that sent him sprawling atop Quick which resulted in the Nucks' second goal), Pony got the only penalty in the second period for boarding (it wasn't a terribly hard or violent hit, but it was still technically boarding and therefore penalty-worthy), Creepy Twin H got a penalty for goalie interference, Zeus for highsticking, and a bunch of others on the 'Nucks. Then Donuts, our doubleD, skated away with his second and third penalties of the afternoon, one for "diving" because the ref thought he was exaggerating a hit he received from Alexandre Burrows, and another for misconduct as he skated away swearing like a sailor.

I, the Hound, declare Drew "doubleD" Doughty as the DOG OF THE DAY. This is a new award that I just came up with and will definitely have to keep around. DoubleD was the embodiment of the fighting spirit. Definitely not the NOBLE fighting spirit, but more like the fighting spirit you'll find in a street brawl outside a seedy bar. DoubleD, we salute you.

the 'Nucks walked away with the victory, but at least we still have our PRIDE; and as we aallllll know...

PRIDEequalsPASSIONequalsPOWER

Dustin Penner's first practice as a King... welcome to the Pound, number 25

/http://video.kings.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=731&id=100813

that man can carry the puck... I think it's about time to say gooooood bye to that dump-and-chase routine the boys have been working so hard to perfect this season and HELLOOOO to actually carrying the puck to the net.

word is he's going to be on the Kopitar-Simmonds line and Simmer is going to be bumped over to right wing to make room for Penner, who is an excellent left wing if his trackrecord has anything to say.

"With [Kopitar] and Simmonds, it should be an easy game," he told the LA Kings Insider, Rich Hammond, as he discussed how he was going to be fitting into the line. Three big guys, one puck, one net, and the makings for a LOT of points for the Kings.  While I may still be an old stick in the mud for that Kopi-Brown pairing, I am really liking what I've heard about how Kopi and Simmer are working with Penner. Hopefully Murray doesn't decide to start line dancing again too quickly and will let our new Dustin actually get aclimated to working with the boys before he gets stuck on a new line.

"Everybody has welcomed me with open arms. " -Dustin Penner

the lines as they stood at today's practice

(according to lakingsinsider.com)

• Penner-Kopitar-Simmonds
• Smyth-Stoll-Williams
• Richardson-Handzus-Brown
• Clifford/Lewis/Ponikarovsky/Westgarth
• Mitchell-Doughty
• Johnson-Scuderi
• Martinez-Greene
• Drewiske-Harrold
• Bernier to start in net
  

not sure if we're getting the BigRedDog, Ponyboy, or Westie on the fourth line, though I'm fairly certain Lewis is going to be holding his spot. I must say, it's awkward watching Clifford and Westgarth on the same line, because any time one drops the gloves, the other stands off to the side looking like he's ready to grab someone and starting fighting, just to prove that he's still a viable enforcer on the team.

GO KINGS GO!!

Kyle Clifford, our Big Red Dog, tallied his 100th penalty minute against the Detroit Red Wings last night (28 Feb). Sure, it was pretty much a bogus tripping call... but for those of us counting and giggling as that almost sadistic smile shines upon creation, eyes searching for some new sad soul to fall victim to our happy hound, that's a nice round number. 100, in comparison to Westgarth's 81 (sorry to keep comparing the two, but they do often come up together in conversations). Sure, Clifford's played more games than Westie has this season, and obviously with good reason. He's fast, he's big, and he's got some sense to him (how else would he have 4 goals and 6 assists as a 20 year old enforcer). This man is going to be around for a while; Hopefully with many more dog fights to come.

stats for the Big Red Dog as of right now

• games played 59
• goals 4
• assists 6
• points 10
• +/-  -11
• PIM 100
• PP goals 0
• SH goals 0
• GW goals 0
• SOG 55
• S% 7.3

GO KINGS GO!!