Game Day Thread
Game #60/82 -- 3/12/22
Los Angeles Kings @ San Jose Sharks
SAP Center | San Jose, CA
Previous Meetings
03/10/22 - Sharks 3, Kings 2 (OT)
01/17/22 - Kings 2, Sharks 6
**Game Time EARLY START 6:30pm**
TV:**BSW**
Radio: LA Kings iHeartRadio app
Please remember, DO NOT post links to Live Game Streams in the GDT or anywhere else on LGK
Check out articles on LA Kings Insider Here
Jordan Spence, Trevor Moore & Todd MacLellan 3/10/22 Post Game Quotes
Jordan Spence
On his emotions in warmups, on his first shift
It’s emotional, you play hockey to be at the next level in the NHL and having that moment, going out in warmups especially, it’s nerve wracking, but also excitement. Playing in the game, I was just trying to take it all in but focus on the game as well. Overall, it was an amazing experience, but it was a tough loss tonight that’s for sure.
On managing his emotions throughout the day
It was just a lot of excitement, I called my parents right away. They helped me with a lot, moving to Canada, all sots of things, so I really appreciate what they’ve done and what they’re doing right now. With the emotions, I just tried to keep it all in, soak it all in, that’s what all the guys were saying. It was a great experience.
On the biggest differences between the NHL and the AHL
I think it’s just more structured, more skill, there’s a lot of good players out there, so you really have to be aware of who’s on the ice. You just have to make simple plays and after that, you can be more comfortable and try and make plays.
On the messaging from the coaching staff, coming in to play his game
Yeah, the first period, you just want to get your jitters out and just make the simple play, but as the game goes on, they want me to shoot the puck and create that offensive threat in the o-zone. I was just trying to do the best I can to contribute and help the team.
On having a comfort level playing with Jacob Moverare, and others who were teammates in Ontario
I was partnered with Moverare, he was my D-partner at the start of the season, so it was pretty comfortable playing with him, because I know how he plays and he knows how I play. Durzi played with us at the start of the season too, so it’s pretty cool seeing how they started and how they ended up playing with the LA Kings.
Trevor Moore
On tonight’s loss, and falling against San Jose
I guess they’ve had our number for a little bit now, too many penalties for sure, a little bit sloppy in spots.
On the penalties, specifically in the offensive zone
I think any kind of penalties stink, but offensive-zone penalties kind of hurt. I thought our kill did a pretty good job tonight, but it kind of deflates the team, can’t really get a lot of guys in a rhythm, things like that.
On building chemistry with Andreas Athanasiou now on his line
Yeah, two really good players, obviously. Phil does it everywhere, I think we know that by now, and Dubs is a super talented offensive guy, you get him the puck and it could be a goal at any moment. I’m fortunate to play with them.
On if getting one point tonight is acceptable, in the playoff race
No, I think that game was disappointing for us. We want to beat those guys. They’ve had our number a little bit, dating back to last year and we want to beat them. It’s another one that we let slip through.
On areas to focus on heading into the rematch on Saturday
We were a little sloppy in the neutral zone, maybe, just staying out of the penalty box and we’ve just got to get on the forecheck better. We didn’t have great dumps tonight, it played into the way they set up their breakouts. If we can clean up those things we’ll have a good chance.
Todd McLellan
On tonight’s result
Yawns was just saying, it was a point on a night where we probably didn’t deserve a point, so let’s move on, let’s fix a few things – a lot of things – and get ready to play again in San Jose. It’s that time of the year where you’ve got to flush it quick, you’ve got to get your game back.
On if tonight’s result was on account of missing players
No, the players that are in the lineup have to do a better job of playing. Missing players, it doesn’t help, of course we’d like to have every one of them back, but it’s a fact of life, that’s what it is. If you’re wearing a uniform, playing in the game, adjust a little bit. Do the things that we do well, well all the time and the rest will take care of itself and we didn’t do that today. Six minors, when’s the last time we took six minors, four in the offensive zone. We overworked some players, underworked others, there was no rhythm in the game. It played right into their hands, their special teams are very good. It was not a good night for us.
On his impression of Jordan Spence
I thought he did a real good job. Just think of how I spoke about our team, that’s not an easy night to come in and play. He played with Jacob, three games of total experience, they were fine. We had some experienced guys that maybe didn’t quite get it done as well as they should have. I’m happy for him, that he got the opportunity, and he didn’t disappoint.
On the penalty kill and giving up two PPG’s tonight
It starts with not taking six, because that’s 12 minutes of the game and that’s too taxing on our group. The penalty kill itself, we’re four seconds away from getting it done on the second one, the first one was a good shot, double screen, sometimes teams are going to do that to you. The second one, we pressured them enough, we had them in a bad spot, we let them off the hook and we weren’t good around our net. Four seconds left, we were through it. We have been giving up some goals at inopportune times over the last few weeks, so all of that needs to get cleaned up as well.
On Athanasiou’s play since rejoining the lineup
Dubs has had a tough year, health-wise, that’s been his biggest obstacle. When he did come back, I think he missed so much hockey, I think he forgot a little bit about how hard it is to play. He sat out a couple of games and then came back and gave us really good efforts. He was physical, he blocked shots in Boston, scored big goals on that road trip and tonight another one. He’s been the player we expected him to be. His injuries, and his in and out of the lineup, has not helped him one bit this year, it’s tough for him.
On if he wants to see more from Kopitar and Kempe
They have to pick their share up a little bit. They don’t have to score all the time, just their overall game, and I think on the power play in particular. They’re world-class players, and we have world-class players on the power play, who need to get it done. It’s as simple as that.
On what he’d like to see turned around for the two games upcoming versus San Jose
I know they have the advantage when it comes to special teams right now. Their penalty kill is number two in the league and their power play is running at 27, 28 percent in the month of February. For us to keep putting ourselves in those situations, it keeps us out of our strength. Yeah, don’t take the penalties, but polish up the penalty kill, get the power play going so it at least generates a bit of momentum. I would say that those are big factors.
On Jacob Moverare coming back into the lineup
He has been fine as well. Tough to evaluate him, because he’s in and then he’s not in for a while. He may have had the tougher task tonight, maybe a tougher job or task to come into the game, in comparison to Jordan, because Jacob’s been practicing and practices aren’t very long at this time of the year. He’s had to find a way to keep his game, without playing, while Jordan has been playing at the American League level, getting 22, 23 minutes a night.
On his emotions in warmups, on his first shift
It’s emotional, you play hockey to be at the next level in the NHL and having that moment, going out in warmups especially, it’s nerve wracking, but also excitement. Playing in the game, I was just trying to take it all in but focus on the game as well. Overall, it was an amazing experience, but it was a tough loss tonight that’s for sure.
On managing his emotions throughout the day
It was just a lot of excitement, I called my parents right away. They helped me with a lot, moving to Canada, all sots of things, so I really appreciate what they’ve done and what they’re doing right now. With the emotions, I just tried to keep it all in, soak it all in, that’s what all the guys were saying. It was a great experience.
On the biggest differences between the NHL and the AHL
I think it’s just more structured, more skill, there’s a lot of good players out there, so you really have to be aware of who’s on the ice. You just have to make simple plays and after that, you can be more comfortable and try and make plays.
On the messaging from the coaching staff, coming in to play his game
Yeah, the first period, you just want to get your jitters out and just make the simple play, but as the game goes on, they want me to shoot the puck and create that offensive threat in the o-zone. I was just trying to do the best I can to contribute and help the team.
On having a comfort level playing with Jacob Moverare, and others who were teammates in Ontario
I was partnered with Moverare, he was my D-partner at the start of the season, so it was pretty comfortable playing with him, because I know how he plays and he knows how I play. Durzi played with us at the start of the season too, so it’s pretty cool seeing how they started and how they ended up playing with the LA Kings.
Trevor Moore
On tonight’s loss, and falling against San Jose
I guess they’ve had our number for a little bit now, too many penalties for sure, a little bit sloppy in spots.
On the penalties, specifically in the offensive zone
I think any kind of penalties stink, but offensive-zone penalties kind of hurt. I thought our kill did a pretty good job tonight, but it kind of deflates the team, can’t really get a lot of guys in a rhythm, things like that.
On building chemistry with Andreas Athanasiou now on his line
Yeah, two really good players, obviously. Phil does it everywhere, I think we know that by now, and Dubs is a super talented offensive guy, you get him the puck and it could be a goal at any moment. I’m fortunate to play with them.
On if getting one point tonight is acceptable, in the playoff race
No, I think that game was disappointing for us. We want to beat those guys. They’ve had our number a little bit, dating back to last year and we want to beat them. It’s another one that we let slip through.
On areas to focus on heading into the rematch on Saturday
We were a little sloppy in the neutral zone, maybe, just staying out of the penalty box and we’ve just got to get on the forecheck better. We didn’t have great dumps tonight, it played into the way they set up their breakouts. If we can clean up those things we’ll have a good chance.
Todd McLellan
On tonight’s result
Yawns was just saying, it was a point on a night where we probably didn’t deserve a point, so let’s move on, let’s fix a few things – a lot of things – and get ready to play again in San Jose. It’s that time of the year where you’ve got to flush it quick, you’ve got to get your game back.
On if tonight’s result was on account of missing players
No, the players that are in the lineup have to do a better job of playing. Missing players, it doesn’t help, of course we’d like to have every one of them back, but it’s a fact of life, that’s what it is. If you’re wearing a uniform, playing in the game, adjust a little bit. Do the things that we do well, well all the time and the rest will take care of itself and we didn’t do that today. Six minors, when’s the last time we took six minors, four in the offensive zone. We overworked some players, underworked others, there was no rhythm in the game. It played right into their hands, their special teams are very good. It was not a good night for us.
On his impression of Jordan Spence
I thought he did a real good job. Just think of how I spoke about our team, that’s not an easy night to come in and play. He played with Jacob, three games of total experience, they were fine. We had some experienced guys that maybe didn’t quite get it done as well as they should have. I’m happy for him, that he got the opportunity, and he didn’t disappoint.
On the penalty kill and giving up two PPG’s tonight
It starts with not taking six, because that’s 12 minutes of the game and that’s too taxing on our group. The penalty kill itself, we’re four seconds away from getting it done on the second one, the first one was a good shot, double screen, sometimes teams are going to do that to you. The second one, we pressured them enough, we had them in a bad spot, we let them off the hook and we weren’t good around our net. Four seconds left, we were through it. We have been giving up some goals at inopportune times over the last few weeks, so all of that needs to get cleaned up as well.
On Athanasiou’s play since rejoining the lineup
Dubs has had a tough year, health-wise, that’s been his biggest obstacle. When he did come back, I think he missed so much hockey, I think he forgot a little bit about how hard it is to play. He sat out a couple of games and then came back and gave us really good efforts. He was physical, he blocked shots in Boston, scored big goals on that road trip and tonight another one. He’s been the player we expected him to be. His injuries, and his in and out of the lineup, has not helped him one bit this year, it’s tough for him.
On if he wants to see more from Kopitar and Kempe
They have to pick their share up a little bit. They don’t have to score all the time, just their overall game, and I think on the power play in particular. They’re world-class players, and we have world-class players on the power play, who need to get it done. It’s as simple as that.
On what he’d like to see turned around for the two games upcoming versus San Jose
I know they have the advantage when it comes to special teams right now. Their penalty kill is number two in the league and their power play is running at 27, 28 percent in the month of February. For us to keep putting ourselves in those situations, it keeps us out of our strength. Yeah, don’t take the penalties, but polish up the penalty kill, get the power play going so it at least generates a bit of momentum. I would say that those are big factors.
On Jacob Moverare coming back into the lineup
He has been fine as well. Tough to evaluate him, because he’s in and then he’s not in for a while. He may have had the tougher task tonight, maybe a tougher job or task to come into the game, in comparison to Jordan, because Jacob’s been practicing and practices aren’t very long at this time of the year. He’s had to find a way to keep his game, without playing, while Jordan has been playing at the American League level, getting 22, 23 minutes a night.
Subject To Change
FORWARDS
Kings Injuries
Viktor Arvidsson (IR)
MIkey Anderson (IR)
Andreas Athanasiou (IR)
Drew Doughty (DtD)
Alexander Edler (LTIR)
Brendan Lemieux (IR)
Sean Walker (LTIR)
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Sharks Probable Lineup
courtesy of dailyfaceoff.com
FORWARDS
Former Kings Draft Pick
Jacob Middleton
(it's OK if you've never heard of him - I haven't either - 7th round pick in 2014)
________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
GOALIE STATS
PLAYER STATS
PACIFIC DIVISION STANDINGS
Tonight’s Poll Question:
THIS QUESTION IS FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT’S GAMES. NO NEW QUESTION FOR TOMORROW’S GAME. It’s similar to the question from a couple of weeks ago, but with a new twist.
Pick ANY THREE KINGS PLAYERS you like. Guess how many points each player will get in the next 2 games combined (tonight and tomorrow). YOU CANNOT GUESS ZERO POINTS.
So, for example, you can say: Kempe 3, Brownie 1, Athanasiou 5
For each CORRECT guess, you will receive THE NUMBER OF POINTS THAT PLAYER SCORED.
(so, you can play it safe and guess 3 players you think will get 1 point, or go for broke and guess 5 for AA or 3 for Kempe, etc.)
Take your best guesses in your post below.
The only prize is the glory of seeing your name in the next GDT if you get it right.
Previous Game’s Winners
Congratulations to our sole poster who correctly guessed there would be 10 individual trips to the penalty box in the previous game:
Busted Chops
Poll Win Totals
King Of The Mountain
with 45 points:
srm1105
40 Points
Reg or Rog?
36 Points
LeftyKing
VegasHockey
35 Points
AngelEyes
John a90
Rusty
34 Points
pray4mojo
Sonnyboy11
33 Points
notbob
32 Points
Chateau Bow Wow
DRice
Helvetica
Kurisu
31 Points
hokiecat
Liz4LA
30 Points
Bill Hicks
Dr. Tran
hornman
29 Points
Busted Chops
jammer06
28 Points
JayWells24
27 Points
kingrussell
26 Points
25 Points
KHenry14
Nyssa42
24 Points
Byron
23 Points
dannybuoy1
STONE
22 Points
21 Points
CIrvine
Shackleford
SirJW
20 Points
empire
19 Points
Sevenhole
18 Points
TooCool
17 Points
forum gold
Rogie-Vachon
16 Points
Clif
JETS GARAGE
15 Points
14 Points
cokingsfan
13 Points
Dirtweazle
DRGinLBC
PuckMaster
randdog
12 Points
11 Points
Greg33
kopinator
10 Points
beady eye
beedee
9 Points
8 Points
7 Points
MaxwellSmart
6 Points
Joe Laviguer
5 Points
kingsmen93
waynet
4 Points
3 Points
2 Points
Ice24
rinkrat
1 Point
lurker
MBreeden
RoS
Salami
Stormy2213
***Bet your karma in geogirl’s KARMA BETTING THREAD HERE***
________________________________________________
Photos courtesy of NHL.com/Getty Images
Last edited:
