Tuesday, October 21, 2008

McHatin'

Quick... which one of these guys scored for the first time tonight?

Oscar Moller

Drew Doughty

McLovin

Kings 3, Abrupt and Rapid Flow of Snow 4

How drunk was McLovin???

Now... imagine if we only had a real goalie? Yes, I realize that the Kings had 2 major defensive breakdowns in front of Jason Labarbera that led to 2 goals, but LaBarbera also let in 1 goal on 4 shots in a first period that the Kings completely dominated. And tonight, they played one of the few teams in the league that are in a worse goaltending situation than the Kings... and they blew it. If fans are truly to believe that this team has turned the corner into a consistent winner, these are the kind of games they need to win... consistently.

But you can't be too angry when you get two nice goals from two of the teams' youngest players. Oscar Moller's first NHL goal showed why Coach Murray gives him plenty of time on the power play. And 18 year old Drew Doughty's first NHL goal showed why he was drafted 2nd overall last year. It wasn't so much the goal itself, it was the confidence he showed waiting at the blueline for his teammates to get onsides first before he went in for the score. A great goal, especially after getting schooled earlier in the game by Ryan Smyth.

And you are officially a team leader when you pick up the puck from the net after a rookie scores their first goal. Anze Kopitar... you are a team leader. A 21 year old picking up an 18 year olds first NHL goal.

The highlight of the night: Oscar Moller describing himself as a "small, shifty player that is offensive" to Patrick O'Neal in between periods.

Things I Learned from Watching the Colorado Avalanche:
Their goaltending is almost as bad as ours.

Joe Sakic is ageless.

Ryan Smyth has a blade with no curve. Thanks Jim Fox!

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