LA Kings: Kevin Westgarth Celebrates First NHL Goal With Teammates, Family, Friends And Fans

Rugged right wing Kevin Westgarth.
Photo: David Sheehan

EL SEGUNDO, CA — 23 games into the 2011-12 regular season, the Los Angeles Kings have earned a 12-8-3 record, good for 28 points, one point behind the Dallas Stars for the Pacific Division lead, and just three points behind the Western Conference-leading Chicago Blackhawks.

But remaining in contention for the top spots in their division and conference has been more of a struggle than expected, giving fans a lot to rant and rave about.

Fortunately, one feel-good story came out last week, providing a bit of a respite from the constant moaning and groaning about everything that people perceive to be wrong with the Kings. Read more of this post

New On KingsCast: Episode 131 – Thankful For Nothing

Keith Korneluk and Chris Kaliszewski are in a bit of a foul mood in Episode 131 – Thankful For Nothing, recorded prior to the Los Angeles Kings’ 2-0 win over the San Jose Sharks on November 28.

In this episode, they look back at games against the St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, and the Chicago Blackhawks, and, since this was recorded over the long Thanksgiving weekend in the United States, they also shared their thoughts on what they are thankful for. Read more of this post

Los Angeles Kings Should Take The Great One’s Advice About Shooting The Puck

Los Angeles Kings rookie forward Andrei Loktionov will move back to center on November 28, 2011, when the Kings host
the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center.
Photo: David Sheehan

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — Some years ago, in the not too distant history of the Los Angeles Kings, there was a player who once graced the hockey world with his wisdom, not to mention his nearly infinite talent.

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take,” he said.

That player was none other than The Great One, Wayne Gretzky, who holds or shares 61 National Hockey League records, and is fourth on the Kings’ all-time scoring list.

Coming from Gretzky, who was not only the best player to ever play the game, but, arguably the smartest, those words carry several tons of weight.

Each of the Kings players should probably be forced to write those words on a chalkboard 100 times each after falling back into their bad habit of trying to pass the puck into the net, time and time again. Read more of this post

Los Angeles Kings: Smarter, Better, More Disciplined Play Needed From Ethan Moreau

Los Angeles Kings veteran left wing Ethan Moreau has been
noticeable for all the wrong reasons lately.
Photo: David Sheehan

EL SEGUNDO, CA — When the Los Angeles Kings signed rugged, checking winger Ethan Moreau to a one-year, unrestricted free agent contract on August 20, 2011, the expectation was that he would bring energy, physical play, solid forechecking and strong defensive play to the Kings’ third and fourth lines.

The 36-year-old, 6-3, 223-pound native of Huntsville, Ontario, a former captain of the Edmonton Oilers, also brings veteran leadership, and years of National Hockey League experience.

But so far this season, Moreau has played well in spurts, but has not given the Kings anywhere near enough of what is needed or expected.

“His role is basically to be that fourth line left winger—grit, size, experience, and to give us that harder game, and that’s been there…in and out,” said head coach Terry Murray. “But there’s been times that it’s been very good, and I think, in the last couple of games, I’ve seen more of it [from him while playing with right wing Kevin] Westgarth and [center Colin] Fraser, and that’s stuff that we need.” Read more of this post

When Will The Los Angeles Kings Stop Chasing The Game?

The Los Angeles Kings need much more from defenseman Drew Doughty if
they are to stop chasing the game and, as expected, become one
of the best teams in the National Hockey League.
Photo: David Sheehan

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings are twenty games into the 2011-12 National Hockey League season, and their 10-7-3 record, good for 23 points, has them in fourth place in the Pacific Division, two points behind the first place San Jose Sharks.

In the more important Western Conference standings, which determine playoff seedings, the Kings are in eighth place, and would qualify for post-season play if the playoffs were to start today. Further, they find themselves just two points out of third place, and four points behind the conference-leading Minnesota Wild. Read more of this post

Mike Richards Is Leading The Way For The Los Angeles Kings

Center Mike Richards has had the greatest impact in terms of changes
that have improved the Los Angeles Kings this season.
Photo: Chelsea Archer

EL SEGUNDO, CA — Heading into action on November 18, 2011, the Los Angeles Kings find themselves on top of the Pacific Division, and in third place in the Western Conference.

Although things are not all coming up roses for the Kings, who continue to struggle offensively in five-on-five situations, and have dropped to 17th in the National Hockey League on the penalty-kill, they have won four out of their last five games, and have earned points in five out of their last seven. Read more of this post

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