Kings Shut Down Again

March 25, 2017

An all-too familiar scene went down at Staples Center on Saturday night. The Kings not scoring a goal. This time it was a 3-0 loss to the Rangers, all but officially sealing their fate of missing the playoffs.

Once again, the Kings would have their chances, but couldn’t finish. Derek Stepan scored late in the 2nd period and Antii Raanta made 30 saves for his 8th career shutout.

The Rangers also got goals from Ryan McDonagh on the power-play, and an empty-netter from Rick Nash. New York has won 8 of their last 10 road games. They have the best road record in the NHL.

Jonathan Quick made 17 saves for the Kings. He still hasn’t given up hope on making the playoffs though. “We have to focus on the next game. Try to win the next game and go from there,” Quick said. “That’s it. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, that’s your mind-set. That’s what we’ll do.”

The Kings had a number of younger players in the lineup, who continued to gain experience. That included rookie Jonny Brodzinski, who was making his NHL debut. The 23-year-old nearly scored his first career goal, but was stopped on a breakaway in the 2nd period.

“I wish we had gotten the win. If I score on that breakaway I had then it’s a totally different game,” Brodzinski said.

Stepan scored at the 13:02 mark of the 2nd period, when he fired a shot past Quick after the puck bounced off the boards.

The lead became 2-0 when McDonagh scored four seconds into a double minor against Andy Andreoff for high sticking. McDonagh blasted a shot that went through Quick’s legs. Nash would add the empty-net goal with just over a minute left in the game, and that sealed the Kings fate.

The Kings will try their luck on the road against a few division foes starting Tuesday in Edmonton, followed by games on Wednesday and Friday at Calgary and Vancouver.

UCLA Run Ends Against Kentucky

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March 24, 2017

Looks like Lavar Ball was wrong on this one. UCLA was eliminated by Kentucky on Friday night in Memphis in the Sweet 16, losing by a score of 86-75.

The game belonged to De’Aaron Fox, who scored 39 points on the night. It was the best NCAA scoring performance for Kentucky since Tayshaun Prince had 41 against Tulsa in 2002, and it was the best by a freshman in tournament history. Kentucky wins its 14th straight game, and moves on to play UNC in the Elite 8 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, UCLA was eliminated in the Sweet 16 for the 3rd time in the last 4 years. That’s all too common a problem for Steve Alford, whose teams have never been further in the tournament.

Lonzo Ball, who announced after the game that he played his last game as a Bruin, scored 10 points while dishing out 8 assists, but turned it over 4 times as well.

The first half was not the up and down pace you would have thought from these two squads, and Kentucky took a 36-33 lead at the break.

In the 2nd half, the closest the Bruins would get would be 50-49. The Wildcats pushed their lead to as many 14 in the final minutes.

UCLA shot well from the field but the Bruins turned the ball over 13 times, and Kentucky outscored them 14-2 off the mistakes.

The Bruins are done for the year, but much to the surprise and disappointment of some, Steve Alford announced that he is returning to UCLA and will not be taking the job with his alma matter, Indiana. “I’m very, very happy where I’m at, and hopefully that’ll continue,” Alford said.

UCLA has the #2 recruiting class in the country coming in next year, including Lonzo’s younger brother, LiAngelo. Recruiting has always been Alford’s strong suit, but it’s the coaching that’s been more troubling.

Lakers Snap Skid

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March 24th, 2017

The Lakers snapped a 6-game losing skid on Friday night at Staples, beating the Timberwolves in overtime 130-119.

Jordan Clarkson scored a career-high 35 points, while making eight 3-pointers. Clarkson rebounded from a poor shooting night against the Clippers, a few days earlier. Julius Randle added 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who won for only the 2nd time since the All-Star break.

Andrew Wiggins scored 36 points for Minnesota, but fouled out with 1:17 left in overtime. Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 13 rebounds, as the Timberwolves lost their 5th in a row.

The Lakers went on a 9-1 run with 2:30 left in the game, which erased an 8-point Timberwolves lead. Randle’s bank shot finished the run, but Wiggins made one of two free throws to send the game to overtime.

Clarkson took over from there, scoring 7 of 8 straight Laker points. That gave the Lakers a 117-109 lead. Minnesota would never recover, despite Ricky Rubio’s best efforts. He finished with 19 points and 15 assists for the Wolves.

Lakers’ forward Larry Nance Jr. knew the night belonged to Clarkson. “We needed every point of his 35,” Nance said. “It was one of those games where everything he was throwing up went in.”

Before the game, the Lakers unveiled a statue of Shaquille O’Neal in Star Plaza. O’Neal sat courtside with mother Lucille O’Neal and they shared a kiss. O’Neal addressed the fans at halftime as well.

“There was a better energy in the building because of Shaq,” Lakers coach Luke Walton said. “We didn’t get to channel that until the second half when the second unit came in and began defending. It definitely brings a little extra.”

The win along with the Suns loss, means the Lakers are only 1 game worse than Phoenix in the battle for better lottery odds. The Lakers only keep their 1st round pick this year if lands in the top 3, and they currently have the 2nd worst record in the league. LA returns to action on Sunday against Portland at Staples Center.

Ducks Move Into 1st Place

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March 24, 2017

The Ducks defeated the Jets 3-1 on Friday night at the Honda Center, which tied Anaheim with San Jose for 1st place in the Pacific Division.

Andrew Cogliano scored late in the 2nd period, and Jonathan Bernier continues his solid play with 17 saves. Corey Perry and Jakob Silfverberg scored as well for Anaheim.

The Ducks have won 3 straight, and Bernier is 7-0-1 in his last 8 starts. His play in the absence of the injured Jonathan Gibson has given Anaheim renewed hope of winning another division title.

Josh Morrissey scored a power-play goal for the Jets and Michael Hutchinson made 32 saves for Winnipeg. The Jets were winless in 8 tries this season, against Anaheim, San Jose, and Edmonton, the top 3 teams in the Pacific Division.

Perry got the Ducks off to a nice start late in the 1st period, as he fired a shot through several bodies in front of the net. After Morrissey tied it, the Ducks took a 2-1 lead when Cogliano threw the puck in front of the net, which bounced off of the Jets’ Jacob Trouba and in.

Anaheim would maintain that lead, and then Silfverberg would add an empty-netter with 1:07 left in the game.

The Ducks will return to action on Sunday against the Rangers. There’s just 8 games remaining in the regular season for Anaheim.

Kings Beat Jets But Time Running Out

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March 23, 2017

The Kings kept their very slim playoff hopes alive on Thursday night with a 5-2 win over the Jets at Staples Center.

The Kings scored four power play goals on the night. Drew Doughty, Marian Gaborik, and Anze Kopitar scored power play goals, while Tanner Pearson and Jake Muzzin also scored for LA. The Kings still trail Nashville by 8 points with 9 games to play.

Gaborik scored at 2:01 of the 3rd period to give the Kings a 3-2 lead. Almost 2 minutes later it was Doughty extending the LA lead by 2. Then Pearson scored a short-handed goal with 10:38 left.

Patrick Laine and Mathieu Perreault each scored for the Jets. Ben Bishp made 19 saves for the Kings.

The last time the Kings had four goals on special teams was when they scored four power-play goals against San Jose on April 5, 2012.

Kopitar has gotten hot but it is likely too little too late. The Kings captain has scored 5 goals and 9 points in his last 10 games.

LA will be back in action on Saturday night against the Rangers at Staples Center. Five of the Kings last nine games are at home, but they’ll have a three game road trip to Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver before the season ends.

Barnes Beats Clippers Late

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March 23, 2017

Harrison Barnes made a jumper with 1:06 left, and the Mavericks beat the Clippers 97-95 on Thursday night in Dallas.

Barnes also picked up a steal off of Blake Griffin in the final seconds to help secure the win. Wesley Matthews made a free throw with under a second left to play, and then J.J. Redick missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer, which would have won the game for LA.

“We had a great shot on the last play,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “That was great execution, and it was a 3, would have been a game-winner. Make, miss, we will live with that.”

Griffin scored 21 points on the night, despite missing his last 3 shots. DeAndre Jordan had 14 points and 18 rebounds, Chris Paul scored 15, and Austin Rivers had 13.

The Clips went on a big 22-4 run at the end of the 1st half to take a 54-48 lead at halftime. The Mavericks went on a 13-2 run to start the 3rd quarter, and took a 79-77 into the 4th quarter.

Seth Curry led the Mavs with 23 points and Harrison Barnes added 21. The Clippers had their 3- game win streak snapped.

The Clips fell 1.5 games behind the Jazz for 4th place in the Western Conference. The Jazz will come to Staples Center on Saturday to take on the Clippers. It will be the first of a 3-game home stand.

Ducks Get Big Win Against Oilers

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March 22, 2017

The Ducks and Oilers battled it out at Honda Center on Wednesday night, and Anaheim came away with a 4-3 win in what could be a potential playoff preview.

Anaheim rallied from two different one goal deficits in the 1st period. Hampus Linholm, Josh Manson, and Rickard Rakell would score three straight goal and the Ducks took back sole possession of 2nd place in the Pacific.

Jonathan Bernier made 29 saves for the Ducks, in what was his 11th straight start in net. Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot was pulled in the 2nd period after Rakell’s 32nd goal.

“I tried to get to the middle and make a play,” Rakell said. “The first play didn’t work out, so I just tried to do something to beat the defender.”

Oilers forward Connor McDavid scored his 26th goal of the season, which came in highlight reel fashion. McDavid leads the NHL in scoring, but after his first career goal against the Ducks, Bernier took exception by poking him in the chest later in the period.

The Ducks are still in contention for the Pacific Division title. The are just 2 points behind San Jose, who has 89 points.

“We were lucky enough to have a 2-2 tie,” Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle said. “We changed our attitude, and we’re much more competitive in the hockey game from the second period on.”

The Ducks return to action on Friday at the Honda Center against Winnipeg.

Clippers Maul The Lakers

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March 21st, 2017

The Lakers were the designated home team in their showdown with the Clippers on Tuesday, but it wasn’t much of a contest, with the Clips winning 133-109.

Chris Paul led the way for the Clippers with 27 points and 8 assists, J.J. Redick had 24, and Austin Rivers scored 18 off the bench in a game that was virtually decided by halftime. The Clips were up 70-40 at the half.

Although the Lakers didn’t play much defense, they did get some productive performances from their young players. Brandon Ingram scored 21 points and D’Angelo Russell had 18. Ivica Zubac had 17 and 7 rebounds, while Julius Randle added 19.

The Clippers shot 53% from the field and outscored the Lakers in the paint 60-36. They got whatever shot they wanted, and the Lakers couldn’t do anything about it. The Clippers also hit 3-pointers.

One of those 3-pointers was a 46-foot bomb from Jamal Crawford to end the 3rd quarter. That gave the Clippers a 108-74 lead heading into the 4th. Crawford finished the game with 15 points, and passed Calvin Murphy for #69 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list

Laker coach Luke Walton wasn’t please about his team’s effort at times, and benched his starters to open the 2nd half. “Playing without a certain amount of effort isn’t going to be acceptable or tolerated,” he said. “A lot of guys it’s more about the individual success rather than the team success.”

For the 2nd straight game, the Clippers starters sat out the entire 4th quarter. The game was so out of hand that Chris Paul was watching the 4th quarter with his son on the bench.

“Until the team more than individual, it’s going to be really hard to win,” Walton explained. “I would say we played harder in the second half but not as hard as we should play. To come out in front of our home fans and give that kind of effort wasn’t ok.”

The Clippers have now defeated the Lakers in 17 of their last 19 meetings. The win moved them a little bit closer to Utah, who is now just .5 games ahead of them for 4th place in the West.

The Lakers on the other hand picked up their 51st loss of the year. With Phoenix’s loss to Miami, the Lakers remain two games worse than the Suns for the 2nd worst record in the league, and the race for better lottery odds.

Clippers Strike Early Against New York & Hold On

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March 20, 2017

The Clippers made it two in a row on Monday night at Staples Center with a 114-105 victory against the Knicks.

Blake Griffin scored 30 points, while DeAndre Jordan and J.J. Redick had 14 each. The Clippers had 6 players in double figures, including Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford, who combined for 31 points off the bench. Chris Paul had 13 points and 13 assists.

For the Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Derek Rose scored 18, and Carmelo Anthony with 16.

The Clips built a lead as large as 25 points after outscoring New York 34-19 in the 3rd quarter. However, the Knicks used their bench to cut the deficit to 7 by the last few minutes.

The Clippers’ starters sat out the entire 4th quarter. Despite the strong showing from Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford, LA’s bench was outscored 43-39.

There’s 11 games left in the regular season and the Clippers are now within one game of the 4th place Utah Jazz in the Western Conference.

Up next, the Clippers will have a designated road game on Tuesday night against the Lakers. The teams have split their two games so far this season.

Kings Get Shut Down In Edmonton

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March 20, 2017

Just when you think things can’t get any worse for the Kings, they suffer a 2-0 loss to Edmonton on Monday night in Alberta. At this point, the Kings chances of making the playoffs are about as good as me dating Mila Kunis.

Cam Talbot made 35 saves for his second consecutive shutout and 7th of the season, and the Kings lost their 2nd consecutive critical game.

Patrick Maroon scored 1 minute into the game, and former King Milan Lucic poked a rebound past Jonathan Quick about 11 minutes later, which accounted for both goals on the evening. Lucic’s goal came on the power play, which ended a streak of 34 consecutive LA penalty kills on the road.

The Kings on the other hand were unable to convert on either of their two power play opportunities. They also showed why they have only the 25th best offensive in the league all night, failing to capitalize on the scoring chances that would come their way. The Kings were outshot 15-7 in the 1st period. Although they would put up 28 shots the rest of the way, they couldn’t finish.

Jonathan Quick stopped 29 shots but the Kings have now lost four of their last five games. They are six points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final playoff spot in the West with only 10 games remaining.

The Kings return home on Thursday to face the Winnipeg Jets. They will need a Titanic like disaster from the teams in front of them, along with winning nearly all of their remaining games to have a chance at playing in the postseason.