Columbus @ Los Angeles - 12/6/08 - 7:30PM

johnjm22 · 12-06-2008, 02:41 PM

.

Los Angeles Kings
(10-11-4, 24 pts)

VS.

Columbus Blue Jackets
(11-11-3, 25 pts)

7:30PM (PST) @ Staples Center Los Angeles, CA

TV Broadcast: Prime (Home), FSO (AWAY)
Radio Broadcast: KTLK 1150 AM, XM 205

GAME PREIVEW

After a frustrating night in a building where they have never won a game in regulation, the Columbus Blue Jackets now can turn their attention to playing in an arena where they enjoyed nothing but success last season.

The Blue Jackets look to put the memory of a tough loss to the league's best team behind them when they visit the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

Columbus (11-11-3) opened a three-game road trip with a 3-2 loss to San Jose on Thursday. The Blue Jackets held a 31-22 edge in shots and took a first-period lead on Rick Nash's goal, but fell to 0-2 against the NHL-leading Sharks this season and 1-13-2 all-time in San Jose.

"Our guys played a real good 60 minutes, and we deserved a better fate," said goalie Steve Mason, who made 19 saves. "We kept the pressure on them the entire time. The first time we came here (on Oct. 14), we put the pressure on them, and that was our goal coming in. Our guys deserved the win."

The Blue Jackets have been very competitive in their last two road games - both against top contenders - but have nothing to show for their efforts. They fell 5-3 in Detroit on Nov. 28, when they yielded the go-ahead goal with two minutes left in the third period.

Columbus won't be facing as strong an opponent Saturday, as it looks to duplicate its strong play at Staples Center last season. The Blue Jackets won twice in Los Angeles to snap a five-game losing streak there and went 3-0-1 overall in 2007-08 against the Kings (10-11-4).

The Blue Jackets, though, continue to struggle on the power play. Their 9.9 percent conversion rate with the man advantage is the worst in the NHL.

Los Angeles lost its third straight on Friday, 5-4 in a shootout to Edmonton. The Kings, who led 4-3 after two periods, have taken a lead into the third period in their last three games, only to come up with just one point out of a possible six.

They have been outscored 7-0 in their last three third periods.

Jason LaBarbera took the loss Friday, entering after Erik Ersberg allowed three goals in the first period. It is unclear who will start Saturday for the Kings, who are 1-4 in the second half of back-to-back games.

Alexander Frolov and Michal Handzus each had a goal and an assist during the Kings' four-goal second period Friday. Frolov, who had been benched in the third period of Tuesday's 4-2 loss at Phoenix for a mistake that led to a Coyotes rally, did not register a point in last season's four games against Columbus.

INJURIES

LOS ANGELES
Marc-Andre Cliche (Separated shoulder on 10/06/08) IR
Jack Johnson (Shoulder injury on 10/13/08) IR
Brad Richardson (Lacerated foot on 12/03/08) day-to-day

Columbus
Derek Dorsett (Broken finger on 11/27/08) IR
Rostislav Klesla (Right ankle injury on 11/15/08) IR
Raffi Torres (Right knee surgery on 12/01/08) IR

RECENT MEETINGS

02/10/08 - Kings @ Blue Jackets 3-2 (Kings win in Shootout)
01/03/08 - Blue Jackets @ Kings 4-3 (Blue Jackets win)
12/21/07 - Kings @ Blue Jackets 2-1 (Blue Jackets win)
10/31/07 - Blue Jackets @ Kings 4-1 (Blue Jackets win)

*Kings All-Time Record against Columbus (13-11-4)

LEADING SCORERS

Forwards
Frolov, LA - 19 points (11 G, 8 A, +1)
Nash, CBJ - 24 points (13 G, 11 A, +6)

Defensemen
Quincey, LA - 15 points (2 G, 13 A, +6)
Tyutin, CBJ - 11 points (3 G, 8 A, -2)

PROBABLE STARTERS

LaBarbera, LA - 14 GP Record: 4-6-2 GAA 2.70 SV% .901
Mason, CBJ - 10 GP Record: 6-3-1 GAA 2.18 SV% .917

TEAM STATS

GAA
LA – 2.76 (13th in NHL)
CBJ – 3.04 (T-20th in NHL)

Avg. Goals
LA – 2.60 (T-21st in NHL)
CBJ – 2.88 (12th in NHL)

Power Play %
LA – 17.4 (19th in NHL)
CBJ – 9.9 (30th in NHL)

Penalty Kill %
LA – 83.3 (9th in NHL)
CBJ – 78.5 (25th in NHL)

WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

Cutty Sarkn3ss* · 12-06-2008, 02:44 PM

MUST WIN GAME TONIGHT!!!!

I'll be there trying to start "Let's Go Kings" chants.

BehindEnemyLines · 12-06-2008, 02:49 PM

Please Labs be so angry that you'll play the best 60 minutes of hockey in your life!!!

Ollie Weeks · 12-06-2008, 03:28 PM

Well, Mason won't be looing for his first anything as a rookie tonight, so lets torch him!

**Legionnaire** · 12-06-2008, 04:15 PM

Kings lose 4-1. Simmonds, Ivanans, and Brown with fights.

BurningBright · 12-06-2008, 04:20 PM

Kings will lead 4-2 goin into the third, then lose 5-4. Blowing their 4th consecutive 3rd period lead. Oye.

johnjm22 · 12-06-2008, 04:21 PM

It's time the Kings rid themselves of the December curse...

Reaper45 · 12-06-2008, 04:35 PM

I'll sacrifice a bull for a Kings win.

**Legionnaire** · 12-06-2008, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper45

I'll sacrifice a bull for a Kings win.

A Red Bull and Vodka to the Gods of Drunkeness.

Riposte! · 12-06-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cutty Sarkn3ss

MUST WIN GAME TONIGHT!!!!

I'll be there trying to start "Let's Go Kings" chants.

Were you doing that at the Capitals game by the way? There was a guy in the 300s who was yelling that chant every ten minutes or so.

NSX · 12-06-2008, 05:01 PM

I've lost faith in this team and predict they will have another loss tonight. 4-2 Frolov and Brown with the goals.

CTKingsFan · 12-06-2008, 05:02 PM

although the front page of lakings.com says the game is prime ticket. The news wire says it was changed to Fox Sports West, as does my Direct TV. So keep that in mind when turning on the game.

JPFT · 12-06-2008, 05:04 PM

Go Kings Go!!!!

Telos · 12-06-2008, 05:51 PM

This is it. It is now or nothing. Their effort tonight could be huge on their future. They have dropped the ball, just when everyone was noticing this team they blew this series against all their rivals in the stats. This win is mandatory. If they lose this game it better be a hell of an effort and something to build on. It is up to you Dustin! Take charge of this team. You need to wire them up and make sure they are playing for a full 60. Blow the timeout if you have to and accept the wrath of Murray but spark this team for all you are worth! GO KINGS!