Canadiens at Kings: And This Train Keeps On Winning

Well, well, well, it looks like the Kings are flipping their MO and going for a 5 game winning streak instead of a losing one, and I have to say, I approve. While the Kings technically won the last few games, there were moments where they were just grossly outplayed (ugh, Calgary), but this time around, they started looking like their old selves.

The Kings were strong right out of the gate, dominating possession wise and just looking like a fast, cohesive unit. Usually, this leads to great numbers and no goals to show for it, but we’re living in this post-Olympic world where Kings are scoring goals sometimes.

Less than two minutes into the first, they break out and Tyler Toffoli sends a great pass Muzzin’s way, and lo, he gets one past Budaj. Cheering for Muzzin, we haven’t done it in so long!

The Kings continued controlling the pace of the game, but near the end of the first, luck descended upon the Habs in the form of a deflection off of Jarret Stoll’s ankle. Despite playing keep away with the puck for the majority of the time, in the 20 seconds that the Habs have possession, they get a goal. Of course.

Frustrating as it is, Jeff Carter is here to save the day. Five minutes into the 2nd period, Alec Martinez threads a pass to Kopitar who backhands it oh so neatly to Carter who just slams it in the back of the net.

In games where they have to battle, Jeff Carter always looks furious after scoring a goal. It’s pretty great.

I’m so used to being furious at the Kings’ power play, so this was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. Instead of horrible scrambling in the neutral zone with nary a shot on goal, this whole deal where the Kings set up a play, successfully pass to one another and score a goal is like a beacon of light for the rest of this season. More of this please, more!

On the flip side, what’s a Kings goal without a Kings penalty immediately afterward? This time it’s Justin Williams with that honor, making sure we don’t get too used to nice things. At the end of the second, we experience a phenomenon. The hockey spirit of Trevor Lewis inhabits Anze Kopitar who misses a wide open net denying fans a goal, a McFlurry, and the end of anxiety sweats over a close game. Kings Typical.

Luckily, they were able to hold off the Habs and tally another win. The media and the players always say that the Kings are more of a playoff team than a regular season team, and it looks like those guys are coming out of the woodwork. Not a 6-0 win like the last time, but this post-Olympics world is looking pretty rosy so far.