The Zeus is Loose

Kings 4, Tropical Cyclones 3

Well, I guess that pesky knee problem that was bothering Michal Handzus all of last year seems to have gone away. He looked in prime form all night long, scoring the first and last goal of the game. In the industry we call that "Bookending." Coach Murray making the move to turn Alex Frolov into Keith Primeau by putting him on a line with Handzus just might work out. For Handzus.

My Half Season Ticket Holder buddy was once a pretty dedicated Flyers fan, so I watched a lot of Handzus on Center Ice a few years back. And when the Kings signed him last year, we were both excited to have him on the team. But then the season happened, and Handzus disappeared completely... even though he played all 82 games. In this day and age of trades and free agency, I think we always assume it will be very easy for players to step into new teams, learn new systems and succeed. You just have to look at what Manny Ramirez did once he joined the Dodgers. But for Handzus and Tom Preissing it seems maybe they truly did need some time to adjust and learn playing for a new team in a new conference. Or maybe it's just because everything about the Kings sucked last year.

Even before Jim Fox starting talking about it non-stop, you could tell the Staples Center ice was way off tonight. Pucks were bouncing left and right, players were losing edges and falling. Maybe it's because the chemistry between Cuba Gooding Jr and Heidi Androl was so hot... It made for a sloppy game indeed.

I realize that Patrick O'Sullivan will soon rejoin the top line (and he did for most of the 3rd period) but I love watching him and Oscar Moller skate together. They both skate so fast and have such great hands. Moller seems to get better with each game, there is no way they are sending him back to Juniors after 10 games.

If anything, I want Matt Moulson to join Handzus and Frolov's line. In hockey, there is nothing greater than a line that shares a numerical jersey order.

Things I Learned from Watching the Carolina Hurricanes:

Sam Sewn Off. Sergei Sam Sewn Off NOT Sam Son Off. And why not, the guy has only been in the league 11 years... it's a perfect time to let broadcasters know that they've been saying your name wrong. You gotta admit, Bob Miller stumbled his way around Jarret Stoll and Eric Stall, but he hit Sam Sewn Off perfectly each time.

Cam Ward is a really great goaltender. But does he have a heartbeat? Sure he lost, but that guy doesn't even seem to break a sweat out there. He hardly moves to make saves.

A Sutter Brothers Son is on the Hurricanes?!?!! Jesus, there really is nothing else to do in Canada but play hockey.

Sounds like heaven.