Los Angeles Kings 2008-09 Season Preview

As stated in Kings World Podcast - Episode 1.13, this is the third draft of this preview. Events in the past five days or so have caused me to re-evaluate how I see what’s going down with this roster. Just note, this review could be updated before the puck drops on Saturday night.

Here we are, just a few days until the start of the new season! I thought the day would never come, but I am relieved knowing there is relevant hockey to be had soon enough. I am unsure about many things in life, but there is one thing I can state with confidence: the Kings won’t end the season in 30th place. Wait… I think...? In any case, there is plenty of time to debate this statement, but I’m positive that the Kings can’t look any worse than they did during the 07-08 season. They just can’t. With new coach Terry Murray in place who brings a much calmer coaching style, I’m hoping the Kings don’t come out looking like they already have their tails between their legs. It’s clear that Marc Crawford’s yelling with steam shooting from his ears approach wasn’t working, so it really can’t be any worse, right?

Now that I’ve gotten over the tediousness of the Year-In-Reviews, I can take a more focused look at how the roster appears for the start of the season. The Kings have assigned a number of players, only one of which caused me to do a double take (Teddy Purcell). Sad face. The roster has now been slimmed down and these are the lines that have been running at practices as of late (with their ages). After attending a bit of practice this morning and talking to Daryl Evans for a few minutes, I am more confident with what I’ve written below.

Forwards

Matt Moulson (24) – Anze Kopitar (21) – Dustin Brown (23) - Purple
Alexander Frolov (26) – Jarret Stoll (26) – Oscar Moller (18) - White
Kyle Calder (29) – Michal Handzus (31) – Wayne Simmonds (20) - Gray
Raitis Ivanans (29) – Derek Armstrong (35) – Brad Richardson (23) - Maroon

Patrick O’Sullivan (23) – Brian Boyle (23) - Green

John Zeiler (25) – IR

Yesterday Sully re-signed with a 3-year contract, which is ridiculously fantastic in my eyes because his cap hit is only $2.925 for the duration of the contract. He won’t be making more than Brownie, which I was a little concerned about. I’m completely happy with this conclusion even though I know it was a very trying time for him, especially since he had to miss almost all of training camp and all of the preseason games. He has to now earn his spot back on the roster, something that could take as little as a few days to a few weeks. I’m not really in any rush to push him too hard because (1) I don’t want him to get injured and (2) Moulson looks damn good with Kopi and Brownie on the top line.

Two disappointments for me from training camp (which was reiterated by Daryl Evans) were Purcell and Boyle. Purcell apparently didn’t show up to camp having done what he should have done during the offseason. I didn’t ask what those specific things were, but it’s not like Boyle impressed much either. This is very disconcerting for me since I was counting on those two to be in the lineup and provide offensive output. To know that Boyle isn’t even on a set line in practice doesn’t instill too much hope for me either. Now that Purcell is officially not on the starting lineup and Sully is back, I’m curious to see which of the two kids (Moller and Simmonds) will remain on the team for the entire season. I’m unsure if Moller can, but Simmonds is flat out energy with potential point production who I believe could possibly stay up with the Kings.

The return of Sully actually tosses a wrench into the top two lines, which will, in turn, cause disruption with the bottom two lines. That’s obviously a natural progression, but I’m very curious to see what Terry Murray will do. Many of the players can play different positions, so it’ll be more a matter of shifting the lines to find different dynamics that will still output the desired results than just trying to find a place for Sully to play. Shifting gears to the bottom lines, the spark is definitely Simmonds with Boyle as a disappointment. This could pan out to be an interesting battle for the latter.

Defensemen

Jack Johnson (21) – Matt Greene (25)
Sean O’Donnell (37) – Drew Doughty (18)
Tom Preissing (29) – Denis Gauthier (32)
Peter Harrold (25)

If the Kings decide to run with 6 defenders, Harrold could potentially head back to Manchester. Or if the Monarchs need a veteran on their young roster, I could see Gauthier being shipped over. This would conversely cause the third D pairing to be smaller, but the pairings could be easily shifted around to accommodate the play depending on who the Kings were up against. We know that Doughty and Harrold are more offensive-minded while O’Donnell and Gauthier are the shutdown types. Preissing can get in the mix on the PP or use his positional play on the backend, so I don’t see this as being too much of a problem. That being said... O’Donnell and Gauthier? It could obviously be better, so we shall see. If Murray runs his PPs in the regular season as he has during the preseason, we’ll see only one Dman per shift. I’m pretty sure Doughty will get to be on one unit, but I am unsure who would be the other Dman… Preissing? You know what, now that I’m 100% sure Kevin Dallman won’t be on the point for the PP, I’ll be happy with whoever is out there. Gauthier and Greene obviously got a lot of time on the PK during preseason, so I don’t think I’ll be too surprised there.

Goaltending

Jason LaBarbera (28)
Erik Ersberg (26)

The assigning of Jonathan Quick to Manchester bring us back to the goalie tandem that was set for… just a few games last season. When Barbs was out because of his hernia surgery, Ersberg found himself in a tandem with all those random other folks, Dan Cloutier included (puke). I’m glad that Murray named Barbs as the number one as opposed to last season where Marc Crawford had Barbs and J.S. Aubin on a rotation. This season is Barbs' to take. He came into camp leaner and has stated as such; so as he gets more games under his belt, I'll be hoping he can play to his potential with Ersberg providing sound backup for him. I'm not sure what Ersberg's potential could be. He played in a few games last season and could possibly step in if need be. In any case, I'll be nervous for any goalie in a Kings jersey if the defense doesn't get its act together.

Here's hoping for a great start to the season!


Where's that bottle opener....


x-posted to A Queen Among Kings

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Carolina Hurricanes season preview

I received the email from Sherry today that the new topic was to write up a season preview. I did not immediately snap into action and whip this baby out, I have been working on it for a guest posting spot over at RumorMeThis. Enjoy!

2008-09 Carolina Hurricanes Preview

Well, when your biggest training camp invite is a guy who used to play for the team (and pretty well too), had a couple of DUI's, was caught pissing in public, and spent last season playing in a beer league then there is the possibility of disaster on the horizon. (**Good news, since writing this, Jeff O'Neill and the 'Canes have parted ways, realizing he wasn't really going to make the team**) Then your captain has his knee "cleaned up" after missing half of last season recovering from surgery on said knee. And then one of your top forwards has a freak "off-ice training" accident, tearing his Achilles and has to have surgery, may be out up to 6 months.


Since winning the Cup in 2006, the 'Canes have been unable to even make the playoffs. It can be blamed on the massive numbers of injuries sustained over the 2 seasons since, it can also be blamed on a defense that was old and had more holes than this snappy little mesh number (for the guys). However, at the trade deadline last season, GM Jim Rutherford brought in Joe Corvo who was an instant boost on the blueline. This summer, golden oldie (as in, two years older than God) Glen Wesley retired and now works in the 'Canes organization as Director of Defenseman Development. The oft-broken (also not getting any younger) Bret Hedican was not re-signed, he's looking for a gig out west, no takers yet.

Additionally, Joni Pitkanen was brought in via trade with Edmonton for Eric Cole. Anton Babchuk and Josef Malichar have returned from playing in Europe. Tim Conboy, Casey Borer, Wade Brookbank, Tim Gleason, and Dennis Seidenberg all saw time with the 'Canes last season as well (due to injuries). If you thinking "holy cow, that's a lot of defensemen!" you're correct. Toss in Nic Wallin and Frantisek "Pee-Wee Herman" Kaberle and you have eleven D on the 'Canes roster. It's unlikely Conboy or Borer or Brookbank will see a lot of ice, unless there are more injuries. 'Canes have been trying to toss Kabby out as trade bait as often as Dion Phaneuf goes for antibiotic refills, but no takers. Since his fantastic season in 2006, he had shoulder surgery and hasn't quite played the same. Wallin apparently has a no-trade clause which makes Kaberle the one most likely to be moved. Which is too bad, I hear he makes some yummy chicken. It's worth noting that Kabs has had an exceptional camp, putting himself out there to be shopped or to (hopefully) earn a spot.

The offense has depth and talent, led by "Rod the Bod" and Erik "The Next Captain" Staal. Carolina needed help defensively which meant giving up a forward and Eric Cole was one of the most tradeable. It's tough to see him go, he's a gritty power forward who survived a horrific injury and came back to help the team win the cup. He will definitely be missed. Staal and Brind' Amour are joined by Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen (if he stops seeing cartoon birdies flying around his noggin ), a rejuvenated Sergei Samsanov, Tuomo Ruutu, Scott Walker, Chad LaRose (click on it, you won't regret it!), and Patrick Eaves. That's a lot of decent talent. And with the aggressive offensive system employed by Peter Laviolette things are promising for the 'Canes.

With the loss of Williams for pretty much the whole season, it opens up a roster spot. This is, of course, assuming Brandon Sutter makes the team, which the way the 'Canes brass LLOOOVVVEEE this kid, it seems pretty much a sure thing. Granted, he'll most likely be on the 4th line, but that will give guys like LaRose a chance to move up on the depth chart. So who will fill Williams' slot? Ryan Bayda will get a chance to prove himself. Matt Murley has an excellent shot and has been impressive at training camp. Indeed, so has youngster Drayson Bowman. For comprehensive and near-psycho coverage of Bowman, check my site.

It could all be worthless if the Carolina players all get the dreaded Indifference-itis syndrome that seemed to run through their locker room at varying times last season. As in just after the start of the season and lasted until about a week a day an hour before the playoffs started--and they missed out by the skin of their teeth.

It also rests on the shoulders of a young and inconsistent Cam Ward. And his backup, AHL goalie of the year Michael Leighton. Since winning the Conn Smythe in 2006 Ward has been streaky at best. If he can put together a solid season they'll be in good shape. But it hasn't happened yet. Leighton is a capable backup and most certainly an upgrade from John "NASCAR helmet-wearing" Grahame.

'Canes are projected by most prognosticators as 2nd in the Division, after Washington. Tampa is such an unknown, but the rest of the Division (Atlanta, Florida) is fairly weak. Carolina has many of the pieces to be 1st in the division, it's whether those pieces can come together and be a success on the ice.

For my goalie-loving ladiez. For my Staal-loving sistas.

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Here Come the Caps

The IPB gals set the bar pretty high, but I figured I would be remiss if I didn't do some sort of preview of the Caps, so here goes.

There's a lot of stuff up in the air for my boys as the season looms - pundits of all shapes and sizes seem to be unsure of where to put this scrappy little team with the brand new look. I've seen them placed everywhere from 3rd to 15th in the East...and those are just the "respectable" analysts. Frankly I'm not really sure where they'll end up, either. All I know is that they've improved, which wasn't that hard, and there's a lot of new stuff to be excited about.

Breakin' it down:

Forwards
The Caps definitely bolstered their offensive production by bringing in puckslingers Michael Nylander and Viktor Kozlov, who will likely provide a boost to Russian sharpshooters Ovechkin and Semin (although with 86 goals between the two last season, it's not like they struggled before). Throw in a newly formed checking line that has the potential to add another 30-40 goals easily, a fourth line that can chip in as well, and a slew of youngsters in Hershey that add some depth that was missing last year.

Kettler Capitals Iceplex
KCI, or K-Plex as its been dubbed by one local reporter, is the Caps' shiny, sparkly, beautiful new $43 million dollar practice facility. It's perched precariously atop a parking garage and for the first time offers a metro-accessible glimpse at the boys while they practice in the lap of luxury. It has two ice sheets, loads of locker rooms, a weight room with views of the Washington Monument, a swanky lounge and office space for the whole Capitals staff to set up shop. Anyone who has been there can tell you its a beautiful facility and the boys are just gushing over it - proximity, design, functionality, everything is getting rave reviews from the team. And a happy team is a winning team...right? Right?

Defense
This is the area where the Caps most needed to improve, and they took the first step in doing that by bringing in Tom Poti, a puck-moving defenseman who can serve as quarterback on what was once an anemic power play. More importantly, though, will be the continued development of defensive prospects like Mike Green and Jeff Schultz, as well as the huge and increasingly talented pairing of Milan Jurcina and Shaone Morrisonn. If the Caps are going to succeed they'll need these youngsters to prove they're ready to play consistently, a daunting task but not out of the realm of possibility.

Goaltending
Here's the thing - 37 is old for an athlete. Any athlete. And it's natural for the body to slow down a bit at that point, even for normal people. Olie Kolzig, the face, backbone and mouthpiece of the team, is 37 and will be 38 before the end of the season, and at times he has seemed to show his age, looking a little rusty in net coming into camp albeit in fantastic physical shape. Each preseason game he's gotten a little better, though, and I have the utmost confidence that with an improved defense in front of him he'll be able to carry this team to the next level. It helps that his backup, Brent Johnson, has come into camp looking extremely sharp and should be able to carry a bigger load this year, resting Zilla a bit as they prepare (hopefully) for a playoff push.

Scoreboard
Okay, this one's more for the fans, but I think it's still worth mentioning. Verizon Center up until this year featured what had to be the worst scoreboard/replay screen in the league - weird missing spots, ugly graphics, outdated design...it was all bad. They've finally updated it, though, unveiling an impressive new set of HD screens and a computerized scoreboard for all your scorekeeping needs. At last glance there were still some kinks to work out (like the fact that it only has space for two penalties per team...that could be a problem when certain teams come to visit) but its head and shoulders above what we used to have and replays have never looked sharper.

Special Teams/Shootouts
Now we're getting into the real reason that GMGM signed guys like Nylander, Poti and Kozlov. Sure, strong centers and puckmoving defensemen are great and highly necessary, especially on this team. But the Caps needed to improve in these two areas if they even wanted a shot at the postseason, and with the three additions over the summer plus the continued evolution of penalty killers like Brooks Laich, Boyd Gordon, Dave Steckel and Matt Pettinger, that looks like it will happen.

Uniforms
Come on, I had to mention it - and not to be immodest or anything, but I really believe the Caps have the best new jerseys in the league, bar none. They may have taken awhile to grow on me (I believe my exact words upon seeing them the first time were "ew...really??") but now I'm hooked and will be searching the couch cushions for spare change to save up and eventually buy one for my very own.

This is a team full of guys that no one has ever heard of and that few people care about - and while I don't think that will change overnight, I do think this team is going to surprise a lot of people. Whether that translates into a playoff spot or not remains to be seen, but I'm predicting that they'll at least be in the fight for a postseason berth right up until the end.

For the first time in a long time it's fun to be a Caps fan again, and that's really all I could ask for - things are looking good in DC!

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