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PuckinUgly57
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It's game day, and a chance for LA to clinch a PO spot with a win in any way - regulation, SO or OT. Three spots left (PD3, WC1 and WC2), 4 teams in the running. Kings can make that 2 spots 3 teams tonight. I don't think the Blues will make it and even though mathematically alive Minnesota has no shot whatsoever. Would be awesome to do at Staples South to remind those fools who has always owned SoCal hockey, first Cup or not.
Nothing major to report, looking like they'll go 12/6 again with Arty Retardy and Moverare the scratches and Talbot will start again. Thomas is earning the trust of the coaches and is going to be RW4 with The Lizard and Lewis at LW4. I've seen more out of Thomas in 5 games or whatever than I've ever seen out of Turcotte. Sad to say, especially with his injury history, but I'm starting to think Thomas will beat Turcotte out for a spot in TC come September. Wouldn't be surprised to see Turcotte traded this summer actually, clean house on that abysmal 2019 draft including Retardy.
Turcotte practiced today with Kaliyev and Grundstrom but those two guys are still on LTIR. Grundstrom can be activated at any time he is ready, Turcotte won't be eligible until April 12 per LTIR rules. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Thomas once Grundstrom is activated, do you keep the guy breaking in but playing well enough or put the veteran back in especially as they're most likely going to make the POs? Unless Thomas gives them no reason not to change it up I think we would see Grundstrom. Anyway, some thoughts.
Anaheim has only won 2 of their last 16 games, but again like I'm saying these non PO teams have things to prove themselves. No doubt they'd love to delay LAs chance to clinch especially on their home ice. I expect a physical, chippy battle tonight. Keep your head up, Gudas is in and we all know he can throw some hits and can fight. Would love to see Englund and he go at it tonight and I think we will.
Gibson is hurt so Dostal is starting, he is auditioning to see if he can be a number one in the league. He's getting his shot and this may pave the way to move on from Gibson although his contract is still a nightmare. He hasn't looked bad even behind that porous Anaheim defense. MacTavish is also out tonight.
One guy that has really impressed me all season long in Carlsson, 2OA in 2023. Not to bring Buster up but Carlsson having way more success his first NHL season compared to Buster back then, both as 2OAs. I remember people were a bit surprised the Ducks took Carlsson over Fantilli who was the consensus number 2 but it seems so far Anaheim made the right pick. Fantilli isn't playing too bad either for the BJs this season so it looks like both teams got a good player to build around. Both guys are 6'2+ and almost 200 pounds already, they're just going to get bigger and stronger. Carlsson is skilled, Kings D can't fall asleep.
Prediction: Kings 5-2. Buster finally gets off the schneid and gets number 20, Kempe as usual killing Anaheim, Fiala, Arvidsson and Doughty. Game time is 7pm on BSW.
Let's Go Kings!
Nothing major to report, looking like they'll go 12/6 again with Arty Retardy and Moverare the scratches and Talbot will start again. Thomas is earning the trust of the coaches and is going to be RW4 with The Lizard and Lewis at LW4. I've seen more out of Thomas in 5 games or whatever than I've ever seen out of Turcotte. Sad to say, especially with his injury history, but I'm starting to think Thomas will beat Turcotte out for a spot in TC come September. Wouldn't be surprised to see Turcotte traded this summer actually, clean house on that abysmal 2019 draft including Retardy.
Turcotte practiced today with Kaliyev and Grundstrom but those two guys are still on LTIR. Grundstrom can be activated at any time he is ready, Turcotte won't be eligible until April 12 per LTIR rules. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Thomas once Grundstrom is activated, do you keep the guy breaking in but playing well enough or put the veteran back in especially as they're most likely going to make the POs? Unless Thomas gives them no reason not to change it up I think we would see Grundstrom. Anyway, some thoughts.
Anaheim has only won 2 of their last 16 games, but again like I'm saying these non PO teams have things to prove themselves. No doubt they'd love to delay LAs chance to clinch especially on their home ice. I expect a physical, chippy battle tonight. Keep your head up, Gudas is in and we all know he can throw some hits and can fight. Would love to see Englund and he go at it tonight and I think we will.
Gibson is hurt so Dostal is starting, he is auditioning to see if he can be a number one in the league. He's getting his shot and this may pave the way to move on from Gibson although his contract is still a nightmare. He hasn't looked bad even behind that porous Anaheim defense. MacTavish is also out tonight.
One guy that has really impressed me all season long in Carlsson, 2OA in 2023. Not to bring Buster up but Carlsson having way more success his first NHL season compared to Buster back then, both as 2OAs. I remember people were a bit surprised the Ducks took Carlsson over Fantilli who was the consensus number 2 but it seems so far Anaheim made the right pick. Fantilli isn't playing too bad either for the BJs this season so it looks like both teams got a good player to build around. Both guys are 6'2+ and almost 200 pounds already, they're just going to get bigger and stronger. Carlsson is skilled, Kings D can't fall asleep.
Prediction: Kings 5-2. Buster finally gets off the schneid and gets number 20, Kempe as usual killing Anaheim, Fiala, Arvidsson and Doughty. Game time is 7pm on BSW.
Let's Go Kings!
