Showing posts with label LA Kings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LA Kings. Show all posts
No time to panic?!
LA King fans are on the ledge. Two games left and scenarios for the Kings making the playoffs are getting thin. How about just win the next two games! Let's Go Kings!
Meanwhile LA Dodger fans in game one of the season saw the bullpen do alright. In game two, yesterday, they had a meltdown. No time to panic only two data points.
Liverpool needs a win today in FA Cup competition to restore the confidence of the team. The thrashing at the hands of Manchester United and Arsenal in their last two matches were devastating but in the end not surprising. The team needs to play its game and put away the Blackburn Rovers. I would guess the Rovers will "park the bus" and if Liverpool gets frustrated failing to score early the Rovers could steal a goal and pull off the upset. And, of course, the other scenario is for the Rovers to play to 0-0 for 120 minutes and roll the dice on PKs. My guess is that Rodgers will stick with the 3-4-3 formation for at least the first half and see how it goes. If it isn't working he will change it up and go for the win in regular time. Wonder if at any point in the game will Sterling, Sturidge, and Baloteli be on the field? I suspect if that triple is in, Liverpool is in trouble!
UPDATE: Looks like the usual 3-4-3.
UPDATE: The line-up was a 4-3-3 and a 1-0 victory for Liverpool!
Lakers are going nowhere except hopefully a good draft pick.
LA Galaxy are off to a slow start which isn't unusual for them. Replacing Landon Donovan isn't easy and in the end the pieces they have this year might not add up to what they had last year. Much rests on the continued development of their young star Zardes and asking more of their experienced (though not star powered) role players in the mid-field (Juninho, Hasidic, Ishizaki, Vayrynen, and others).
So Cal Sports Round-Up
Can the LA Kings make a run at defending their Stanley Cup title?
The first step is getting into the playoffs. At the moment, the Kings are on the edge of qualifying for the playoffs fighting for that last spot in the wildcard. There are still around 20 games to go so fans will watch the movement both up or down in the standings will mean whether they get in or out of the playoffs.
On the LA King's site there is a wonderful collection of videos that chronicled their dramatic playoff run in the 2013-2014 season. Seeing those videos vividly highlight the grit and determination needed to win a championship. Am figuring with this team, they can pull it together to make the playoffs. Just hope they can stay healthy enough to get that shot at defending the Cup as the many rounds of the playoffs will take its toll on any team.
Meanwhile, what about UCLA basketball?
In ESPN bracketology, UCLA is listed in the "last four in" group. Upsetting Arizona would be a big plus for their case but that might be asking a lot to beat the Wildcats on their home court. UCLA definitely has to beat the two Washington schools and USC. A run to the finals of the Pac12 tournament would help and even then they could wind up a bubble burst.
The team has gotten better but they have little margin for error as the starting five plays the lion's share of the minutes and score almost all the points. If one or two get into foul trouble or an injury were to occur, they would be out of options as all their games from here on out are pretty much all must win.
The first step is getting into the playoffs. At the moment, the Kings are on the edge of qualifying for the playoffs fighting for that last spot in the wildcard. There are still around 20 games to go so fans will watch the movement both up or down in the standings will mean whether they get in or out of the playoffs.
On the LA King's site there is a wonderful collection of videos that chronicled their dramatic playoff run in the 2013-2014 season. Seeing those videos vividly highlight the grit and determination needed to win a championship. Am figuring with this team, they can pull it together to make the playoffs. Just hope they can stay healthy enough to get that shot at defending the Cup as the many rounds of the playoffs will take its toll on any team.
Meanwhile, what about UCLA basketball?
In ESPN bracketology, UCLA is listed in the "last four in" group. Upsetting Arizona would be a big plus for their case but that might be asking a lot to beat the Wildcats on their home court. UCLA definitely has to beat the two Washington schools and USC. A run to the finals of the Pac12 tournament would help and even then they could wind up a bubble burst.
The team has gotten better but they have little margin for error as the starting five plays the lion's share of the minutes and score almost all the points. If one or two get into foul trouble or an injury were to occur, they would be out of options as all their games from here on out are pretty much all must win.
Time running out for LA Kings?
Don't know if it is time to hit the panic button yet.
There are still about 30 games to go but the Kings have slipped to 12th place (there are 8 slots in the playoffs per conference) and are simply not playing well or well for 60 minutes.
The team did not add any high level players to last year's team via trade or free agency. The feeling was this team had another championship run in them despite being a year older (most of the team is below age 30). Unfortunately, the team has looked sluggish at times. On other occasions they are strong for two periods but lose focus in the third period. The team has the most overtime losses, again another indicator of not having enough in the tank. As hard as it is to admit, the loss of Voynov to legal issues maybe a major factor. He was regarded as the #4 defenseman on the club. With him out, they have had to fit in some journeyman defensemen and the mainstays have had to spend more time on the ice. This domino effect may have weakened the defense especially in the third period when fatigue becomes a factor. And of course, the various injuries to various players adds to the worn down look of the team. Defense has been a strength of the Kings. Last year's squad that won the Stanley Cup allowed only 2.05 goals/game. This year's team is surrendering 2.59 goals/game.
Sustaining excellence is not easy. There is a reason why back-to-back championships are rare. Hoping they can pull it together.
There are still about 30 games to go but the Kings have slipped to 12th place (there are 8 slots in the playoffs per conference) and are simply not playing well or well for 60 minutes.
The team did not add any high level players to last year's team via trade or free agency. The feeling was this team had another championship run in them despite being a year older (most of the team is below age 30). Unfortunately, the team has looked sluggish at times. On other occasions they are strong for two periods but lose focus in the third period. The team has the most overtime losses, again another indicator of not having enough in the tank. As hard as it is to admit, the loss of Voynov to legal issues maybe a major factor. He was regarded as the #4 defenseman on the club. With him out, they have had to fit in some journeyman defensemen and the mainstays have had to spend more time on the ice. This domino effect may have weakened the defense especially in the third period when fatigue becomes a factor. And of course, the various injuries to various players adds to the worn down look of the team. Defense has been a strength of the Kings. Last year's squad that won the Stanley Cup allowed only 2.05 goals/game. This year's team is surrendering 2.59 goals/game.
Sustaining excellence is not easy. There is a reason why back-to-back championships are rare. Hoping they can pull it together.
Sports Blogging in Red and Blue
Am hoping to blog a bit more in 2015.
What will be on tap?
In Blue:
Dodger Blue - the new ownership group has taken big steps to remake the Dodgers according to their plans. The off-season house cleaning has been dramatic with Ned Colletti who built the previous team moved out of the GM spot. The new brain trust, Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, has shipped off many pieces from the previous season's line-up. So look for blog posts on the upcoming season as the Dodgers continue to strive to return to the mountaintop they haven't been to since 1988.
It is time for new World Series dramatic moments involving the Dodgers!
UCLA Bruin Blue - UCLA Men's Basketball is in for a rough season as they lost almost all of last season's starting line-up to early departures to the NBA and graduation. Nonetheless, will be keeping tabs on their progress with realistic expectations. I think finishing fourth in the Pac12 would be quite a feat with their diminished rooster. Alford's job should be safe as most college coaches get about three years to complete the transition.
One of the pivotal moments of the 1995 run to the title was the last second victory in round two. Not going to get to the finals this year, but hopefully, the team will continue to build to a return to the top.
I went to UC Irvine for graduate school and so I keep an eye on the men's basketball team. They have yet to make it to the NCAA. The only ticket is winning the Big West post-season tournament. They have been to the final game a few times but have come up short.
As for UCLA Football, the rumor mill is whether Coach Mora will be seriously considered for the SF 49ers opening. Mora turned aside last year's speculation that he would take the U of Washington job. We shall see what the mood is around the team and the coach as they head into the Alamo Bowl on Jan 2. Anticipate a high-scoring game: UCLA 38 KSU 35.
UPDATE: What a wild game! Final score: UCLA 40 KSU 35.
Though Hundley was the biggest key to UCLA's success this season, it was his backup, Jerry Neuheisel, coming in for an injured Hundley that probably provided the most memorable victory of the season.
In Red, White, and Blue
Like many US sports fans, hadn't taken to soccer much until the 2010 US World Cup effort. The dramatic goal by Landon Donovan sealed it for me and has made me into a fan of the sport.
The historic goal:
The emotional reaction:
Anyway, US Men's national team (USMNT) will continue to hopefully develop the new talents that will build on what Donovan and his generation established. Also, this year is the Women's World Cup where team USA (USWNT) is expected to do well.
In Blue
The LA Galaxy's away colors are blue. It will be a year of transition for them as Landon Donovan has retired. Since I started following them as a result of the 2010 World Cup, they have taken three MLS Cups. Am looking for them to be competitive in the 2015 season as they defend their 2014 MLS Championship.
In Red
Continuing the soccer theme, I have adopted an English Premier League team to follow: go Liverpool! They remind me of the Dodgers. Liverpool FC is a club with a rich history of great successes but recent struggles with occasional moments of near greatness. With the departure of Luis Suarez (31 goals) and injury to Daniel Sturridge (21 goals) from 2013-2014 campaign (the tandem accounted for 52 of the teams 101 goals), Liverpool has struggled thus far in the 2014-2015 season.
Below is a fan video of the Liverpool supporters singing You'll Never Walk Alone before what would turn out to be a crushing defeat at the hands of Chelsea on April 27, 2014.
In other colors
LA Kings (black, white, aluminum) have won the Stanley Cup two of the last three years. The NHL season is a real grind and it is hard to repeat. The Kings have had injuries and have Voynov has been suspended indefinitely due to pending criminal case against him.
LA Lakers (purple, gold, white) have pretty much fallen apart. Kobe is the only true star in the group and the rest are B+/B-level role players of which most would probably not be on the starting line-up of other teams. But in the end, they are professionals with pride and will play with heart even in losing efforts. It is really weird after so many years of watching them as the favorites to now seeing them as underdog on most nights in the NBA schedule.
What will be on tap?
In Blue:
Dodger Blue - the new ownership group has taken big steps to remake the Dodgers according to their plans. The off-season house cleaning has been dramatic with Ned Colletti who built the previous team moved out of the GM spot. The new brain trust, Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, has shipped off many pieces from the previous season's line-up. So look for blog posts on the upcoming season as the Dodgers continue to strive to return to the mountaintop they haven't been to since 1988.
It is time for new World Series dramatic moments involving the Dodgers!
UCLA Bruin Blue - UCLA Men's Basketball is in for a rough season as they lost almost all of last season's starting line-up to early departures to the NBA and graduation. Nonetheless, will be keeping tabs on their progress with realistic expectations. I think finishing fourth in the Pac12 would be quite a feat with their diminished rooster. Alford's job should be safe as most college coaches get about three years to complete the transition.
One of the pivotal moments of the 1995 run to the title was the last second victory in round two. Not going to get to the finals this year, but hopefully, the team will continue to build to a return to the top.
I went to UC Irvine for graduate school and so I keep an eye on the men's basketball team. They have yet to make it to the NCAA. The only ticket is winning the Big West post-season tournament. They have been to the final game a few times but have come up short.
As for UCLA Football, the rumor mill is whether Coach Mora will be seriously considered for the SF 49ers opening. Mora turned aside last year's speculation that he would take the U of Washington job. We shall see what the mood is around the team and the coach as they head into the Alamo Bowl on Jan 2. Anticipate a high-scoring game: UCLA 38 KSU 35.
UPDATE: What a wild game! Final score: UCLA 40 KSU 35.
Though Hundley was the biggest key to UCLA's success this season, it was his backup, Jerry Neuheisel, coming in for an injured Hundley that probably provided the most memorable victory of the season.
In Red, White, and Blue
Like many US sports fans, hadn't taken to soccer much until the 2010 US World Cup effort. The dramatic goal by Landon Donovan sealed it for me and has made me into a fan of the sport.
The historic goal:
The emotional reaction:
Anyway, US Men's national team (USMNT) will continue to hopefully develop the new talents that will build on what Donovan and his generation established. Also, this year is the Women's World Cup where team USA (USWNT) is expected to do well.
In Blue
The LA Galaxy's away colors are blue. It will be a year of transition for them as Landon Donovan has retired. Since I started following them as a result of the 2010 World Cup, they have taken three MLS Cups. Am looking for them to be competitive in the 2015 season as they defend their 2014 MLS Championship.
In Red
Continuing the soccer theme, I have adopted an English Premier League team to follow: go Liverpool! They remind me of the Dodgers. Liverpool FC is a club with a rich history of great successes but recent struggles with occasional moments of near greatness. With the departure of Luis Suarez (31 goals) and injury to Daniel Sturridge (21 goals) from 2013-2014 campaign (the tandem accounted for 52 of the teams 101 goals), Liverpool has struggled thus far in the 2014-2015 season.
Below is a fan video of the Liverpool supporters singing You'll Never Walk Alone before what would turn out to be a crushing defeat at the hands of Chelsea on April 27, 2014.
In other colors
LA Kings (black, white, aluminum) have won the Stanley Cup two of the last three years. The NHL season is a real grind and it is hard to repeat. The Kings have had injuries and have Voynov has been suspended indefinitely due to pending criminal case against him.
LA Lakers (purple, gold, white) have pretty much fallen apart. Kobe is the only true star in the group and the rest are B+/B-level role players of which most would probably not be on the starting line-up of other teams. But in the end, they are professionals with pride and will play with heart even in losing efforts. It is really weird after so many years of watching them as the favorites to now seeing them as underdog on most nights in the NBA schedule.
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