Consistently Inconsistent

This is why goaltender Mathieu Garon was never able to gain a foothold as the #1 goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings. 1 period would be flashes of brilliance, but rebounds are given up everywhere. The next period would be a complete meltdown, goals coming in bunches. The final period, he'd figure everything out and be steady and strong. There is just too much inconsistency in his game. Speaking of inconsistency... how about those Los Angeles Kings last night?

Kings 4, Oilers 5


In line with the NHL's new code of conduct,
Craig MacTavish will receive a 4 game suspension for picking his teeth during a game.

What you saw in last nights game was the definition of a young team. They came out on fire, completely dominating the first 10 minutes of the period, but unable to score. But the other team is able to bang out 3 goals against... and the entire team looks deflated. They re-group in the locker room and come out even more dominating. You could tell that every player on the Kings knew they were going to tie the game up. And not only do they tie it, but take a one goal lead. This is when a young team is running on all cylinders... feeling like they are invincible. Then the inexperience shows up in the 3rd period as they are once again unable to hold a lead and lose in a shootout. I'll take the point that the Kings earned. Anytime a team is down 3-0 in the first and comes back to gain a point should be considered a victory. But last night... wow, that King team was so exciting and so frustrating all at the same time.

I'll say it. Kyle Calder played a great game. And Oscar Moller looked very comfortable centering the 2nd line. (He's starting to remind me of Paul Kariya in his skating stride and style). And maybe all Jason LaBarbera needed was some competition for the starting job.

I think that Dustin Brown could could bludgeon a defensemen with his stick as he's trying to deke around them, but as long as he kept his legs moving, the referee would call 2 min for holding the stick on the opposing team. How many penalties did he draw tonight simply by keeping his feet moving?

Did anyone catch the awkward-fest between Patrick O'Neal and Heidi Androl during the 1st intermission? They started talking about holiday shopping, Patrick O'Neal said his kid wants a mannequin, Heidi Androl has just learned about the internet and then they mentioned that 18 year old Drew Doughty is appearing at a Sports Chalet on Sunday. It's almost as if Fox Sports had lost the script before the game and asked these 2 to "wing it."

It's like she's staring into my soul.

I can't remember a time before that there has been a back to back home game... but I'm kinda glad the Kings are forced to play again tonight. There is so much to take from this game, both good and bad, that I'll be curious to see how they react against the Blue Jackets of Columbus. Half Season Ticket Holder Buddy and I will be there.