***Nashville Predators vs. LA Kings GDT 3/22/22 7:30pm on ESPN+ & Hulu ONLY***

[ChiKingFan]

So impressed by these young defensemen. Bjornfot is established, and Durzi, Spence, and maybe even Moverare look like legitimate NHLers. That is not something anyone was sure of three or four months ago. Add in Brandt Clarke, Faber, Anderson, Roy, and this has the look of a really great defensive corps moving forward.

Where the future lies in terms of assets will be interesting, because I don't know how other teams value the Kings kids vs. how the Kings value them, but I look at a guy like Grundstrom, who may not be a valuable trade chit, but is a legit third or fourth liner, and you need those guys.

 

[ChiKingFan]

Did Melrose just say Arty's goal was a softie?? Yes he did...

Top corns bro, top corns.

That was a freaking laser.

 

[santiclaws]

Spence leading all D men with 22min TOI. Who saw that coming?

I think he led everyone with about 26 in his second or third game. Some of the Kings' draft picks are looking really good. This is a 4th round pick?

 

[Ice24]

Kupari is stepping up after being sent down. This kid played tough, smart and out-hustled his opponents tonight. I said we need two young players to step up, who will be the next player to elevate his game.

 

[Ice24]

I am digging Durzi?s game.

 

[DarkLeftHand]

I?m not sure it?s great cap management to have two guys in goal making five mil apiece, and I know everyone was ready for JQ to cede the net to Cal, but I?m cool with having two guys you can rely on, and alternate between if either has a slump. It seems like a strength, rather than a liability, knowing that you have two quality guys competing for the starts.

 

[sonnyboy11]

Good grief BMel looked like the worse for wear on the post game.

 

[VCRW]

Best broadcast team I?ve heard on ESPN so far this season, our boys should study the tape

I enjoyed the broadcast team too. But I have found the streaming video quality on Hulu is much better than on ESPN+. Watched the first period on ESPN and then switched to Hulu. Night and day difference.

 

[Sevenhole]

Good grief BMel looked like the worse for wear on the post game.

Sad, I still remember the young Melrose. NBCSN left him the hockey analyst dust

 

[Sevenhole]

I enjoyed the broadcast team too. But I have found the streaming video quality on Hulu is much better than on ESPN+. Watched the first period on ESPN and then switched to Hulu. Night and day difference.

Will have to try it on Thursday

 

[Reg or Rog?]

This is bizarre. I thought we were going to get destroyed tonight.

This team is hard to figure out. Nothing surprises me anymore with this team. I never expected this tonight. We came out flying and put a very very good team back on it's heels. The Kids Are Alright

Maybe this slew of injuries was a good thing. Early in the season, we talked about this Japanese character on LGK. Sure seems to sum up the Kings season.

 

[VCRW]

So... Trevor Moore is second on the team in assists...

GKG!!!

 

[sonnyboy11]

Will have to try it on Thursday

Echoing VCRW's sentiment. The games look a lot better on Hulu than ESPN+.

 

[AngelEyes]

I am digging Durzi?s game.

As am I. One thing I marvel at every game is that he has no panic in his game at all.

 

[AngelEyes]

Spence leading all D men with 22min TOI. Who saw that coming?

Normally, one might expect Matta or Edler to lead the TOI, but Spence has been very impressive. And speaking of Edler, he looked soooooo slow tonight at times. Tough coming back from fractures at his age.

 

[Sultanic]

Spence has been outstanding. Poised when facing his boards, always in terrific supporting position, quality breakouts that often involve a stride or two to change the angles to his benefit and his gap control is already at the pro level.

He was the best skater on the ice all night. Thoroughly shut down Forsberg's line, played 2:30 more than any other King and he earned every minute of it.

 

[Nyssa42]

Just got home....you guys have said it all....what a game! Kupari! Byfield!! Everyone!!!!!

Can't wait for fantasy camp tomorrow! I'll try to post a few things when I can. Gonna get to hang out with Jordan Nolan. woot!

 

[Sultanic]

As am I. One thing I marvel at every game is that he has no panic in his game at all.

Unfortunately he has the worst positioning and defensive reads of any Kings defenseman since Jack Johnson. He has zero ability to defend a cycle, but the kid plays with his heart and his balls on his sleeve. You can't help but love him.

 

[Bollocks]

Woah, the rookies are on fire! This team evolved from a rookie-unfriendly team to a showcase bonanza.

I?m not sure it?s great cap management to have two guys in goal making five mil apiece, and I know everyone was ready for JQ to cede the net to Cal, but I?m cool with having two guys you can rely on, and alternate between if either has a slump. It seems like a strength, rather than a liability, knowing that you have two quality guys competing for the starts.

It's a luxury the Kings can easily afford at the moment. When it will be time to hand out $$$ to the kids, Quick's contract will be gone anyway, and Cal's over in 24-25, which isn't exactly debilitating if he turns out to be a sub-par starter long term.

 

[jammer06]

Congratulations to the following posters who were within +/- 2 minutes of 18 total PIM or guessed the GWG would be awarded in the 1st Period:

16-20 PIM (1 point)
Rusty
DRGinLBC
srm1105
beedee
Rogie-Vachon
sonnyboy11
SirJW
LeftyKing
Shackleford
Chateau Bow Wow
hokiecat
Reg or Rog?

18 Total PIM (2 points)
jammer06
AngelEyes
dannybuoy1
forum gold
Nyssa42
Sevenhole

1st Period (1 point):
Kurisu

Simply can't remember the last time the Kings caught a team coming out flat, stormed them early and were actually rewarded for it. That might be the most surprising thing since we can all picture first periods where the kings have a 12-18 shot advantage and a 0-0 score going into the second. Quick was vintage again, going all aggro but somehow not getting burned. Seeing an actual PP goal and a shorty in the same game, scored by the Kings, is still a shock. Also I was super happy to see Raz, Lias, Lizotte, Moore eating up those PK minutes so that Kopi didn't have to. If those guys can take those minutes on their legs it should go a long way. Spence and Durzi continue to amaze, and I was honestly surprised how much better Maata has looked getting up in the play. I can't tell if that stretch swing pass was always something that was available or just something the AHL'ers haven't been told to stop doing. They're hitting it now but at some point a team is going to pick up that tendency. Overall that was the easiest game to watch since maybe the opener against the Knights. Someone tell Durzi he's a lover not a fighter though.