Zus Leads Kings to Monster Comeback, 9th Straight Win
February 7th, 2010 by puremetal33When the first period ended at Staples Center yesterday, the score was Detroit 3, Los Angeles 0. It seemed as though the Kings’ 8 game win streak was about to come crashing to a halt at the hands of the Red Wings. However, this is a different Kings team than in years’ past. Maybe as recently as last season, the Kings might fold their tents facing such a deficit (of course, against anybody but Dallas, right?), but the Kings settled down, started playing their game and by the time the second period was over, the scoreboard read Red Wings 3, Kings 3.
Kings were badly outplayed in the 3rd period, with few quality shifts in the Detroit zone, but they made them count. Michal Handzus collected his own rebound and tucked it in past a sprawling Jimmy Howard for his second goal of the game and what would turn out to be the game winner.
It’s impossible to understate what a critical cog Handzus is in the Kings’ machine. He wins face-offs, and plays a ton of minutes shadowing the opposing teams’ top center, has great puck possession skills (which is why Terry Murray should keep he and Alexander Frolov on the same line permanently), and makes a perfect screen/deflector in front of the net. 6 of his 15 goals are game winners. Handzus will likely end up one of 4 or 5 Kings with 20+ goals in 2009-10. If he was the Kings’ most improved player last season, he’s even better this year.
The streak of 9 consecutive wins is a new franchise best. Jon Quick continues to lead the NHL in wins with 34, and is now one win short of tying the Kings all-time season high for wins by a goaltender, set by Mario Lessard in 1980-81. It seems as though that mark could well fall before the Olympic break.
The Kings will carry their winning streak into Anaheim on Monday. Expect Honda Center to be 2/3 Kings fans. The Ducks have won 9 straight at home, but the Kings own the Ducks this season - having won all three games between the two clubs this season, and having won the last 5 games. Jon Quick is 5-0-0 all time vs. Anaheim.
After Anaheim the Kings face the lowly Oilers and the surprising Colorado Avalanche at home before the Olympic break. It will be important for the Kings to keep focus and continue to play their game. If they do, winning out to the Olympic break (which would give them 12 straight) is a real possibility.
Kings take on Anaheim at the puddle on Monday night, installment number 4 of this year’s Freeway Faceoff. Kings only need to earn one more point in the final three games to clinch the season series. I suspect they’ll do much better than that.
Go Kings!
-JS
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