Game 3

I don't even really know where to begin. Going with the tradition of naming big games, I think that the "F'-up on Figueroa" is my title for it. Long story short, the LAKings blew a 4-0 lead and lost 5-6 in overtime. For a team that prides itself on defense, it had a monumental meltdown at the worst possible time. There was a lot of focus on the puck and over pursuit. The kind of play typical for your average rec team. I was hoping that some good news was coming last night, but the Duck/Preds series is tied 2-2.

 

Much was made of the game winner. As the Kings had 4 skaters back against 3 rushing Sharks. Except two of the Kings players were standing nearby and watching as Setoguchi put home the winner. The Kings are well trained to get back on the back check, but were asleep effort wise.

 

You could easily say that the Kings could be 3-0 in this series. That is true. Had they squeaked out the two OT games, Game 2 was all Kings. On the other hand, the Kings have completely blown two opportunities to win games. All that matters is the outcome of the series at this point. But history will be made either way. I am hoping that the Kings are able to overcome one of the most colossal meltdowns of Stanley Cup Playoff history.

Fisher vs. Ducks

There isn't mush better feeling in sports, than when your favorite player has a big game on the biggest stage. Fisher was huge in Games 1 & 3 for the Predators. Game 1 was a 2-goal and 3-point effort. Game 2 was 2/3 of a Gordie Howe hat trick: game winning goal & fight. I have been watching the Predators since Fisher left Ottawa. The guy has a history of injuries, largely because he doesn't take any nights off. His style is to play hard regardless of the regular season or playoffs. So, when he picks it up for the playoffs, look out. And it's even sweeter to see him succeed against cross-town rival Anaheim.

Game 2

Confidence. The LAKings clearly had some confidence from the end of Game 1, where it was apparent that they could play head-to-head with the Sharks. I think the loss of Stoll made the Kings simply bring their games up. Case in point, Brown has been a force since Kopitar went down with the ankle injury. Some guys simply realize it's time to step-up.

Game 2 was all about defense and special teams. The powerplay goals by Doughty and Johnson were the story. The powerplay hasn't been all that powerful, but a perfect time to get out of a scoring rut. Martinez played a very offensive game, a good sign in my mind. He could have easily put his game in "safe" mode after he got caught pressing the offense in the OT of Game 1. Quick got a shutout. A nice bonus for the team that did a great job in front of him.

I've been impressed with Ponikarovsky for a second game. He has a very high "compete level" which Muray has been stressing. The guy is hard on the puck, isn't taking dumb penalties. I think it's a matter of time before it is reflected on the scoresheet. Even if it's not. I appreciate his game after basing him most of the regular season.

 

Game 1

Great game last night. I was thinking that it was very important for the Kings to score first and keep the crowd out of it. About 30 seconds into the game, San Jose scores and I had a terrible feeling that we were in for a long night. Quick looked a bit shaky after that early goal. He even fell down while coming around the net. While the Kings did not get many shots, they were playing hard. I noticed Ponikarovsky especially working hard and making some nice hits. Quick settled down and looked stronger as the game wore on.

Brownie scored on a nice 2-on-1 rush with Williams (powerplay no less) and we're right back in it. True to form, the Kings allow a goal minutes later when Doughty misses a hip check and Couture comes in alone. Granted, Quick should have stopped that one. I think he got caught leaning, anticipating the 2-on-1 that developed. Once Williams scored to tie it, I was stoked. We are one shot away from stealing Game 1. Kings pressed hard in the 3rd and took the play to the Sharks, clearly looking to win and the Sharks looked tentative. LA made up some ground on the lopsided shot count.

Going into overtime, I wondered how long this one might go. Playoff overtimes seem to end in the first 5-minutes or 2 periods later. San Jose had more chances, but the game was loosening up. On a back-and-forth exchange, Martinez got caught up ice and Pavelski came in as the 3rd man trailer. Pavelski rifled one into the upper corner, just as Martinez was getting back to check him. Game over with about 5 minutes left in 1OT.

The Kings were right in this game. If anything, the lesson is that we can play right with these guys. 

Stanley Cup Playoff Picks - Round 1

It's my favorite time of year. I love the first round of the playoffs. I usually don't get any sleep during this time. There are just too many games going on. I start to do any household chores after the last West Coast game ends, which makes for long nights. As tradition, I will be putting my picks down. They are far too biased. Some teams I just don't like. Ohers I can't shake as chokers. Some have players I just don't want to see win the Cup. Take that for what you will.

 

Let's start in the East. I haven't watched much of the East this year. Which is a departure from the last 3-4 years. So, that's a minus on my part.

Capitals vs. Rangers. The Capitals get to test their new playoff/defensive style. Ovie has underachieved in my mind. Green is coming back from injury. The Rangers lost Callahan to injury, but got back Drury. I'm a huge Drury fan, and that guy has a Claude Lemieux-like way of elevating his game in the second season. I have to give the goaltending edge to Lundqvist. All that being said, I think the Caps will be too much for the Blue Shirts. Caps in 6.

Flyers vs. Sabres. Philly is limping into the playoffs. Largely because of missing Pronger, IMO. The word is that Mr. Cheap Elbows is going to miss at least Game 1. Doesn't sound good. I also wouldn't count out a team with Miller, though he's had injury issues and is probably not 100%. I'm taking Sabres in 6.

Bruins vs. Canadiens. I think the bears from Boston are the Eastern team to beat. I always consider goaltending in the Cup playoffs. And it doesn't get any better than Thomas. Nothing against Price, who's been great this year; but Timmy T has been other-worldly. Bruins in 6.

Pens vs. Lightning. Crosby and Malkin out. I like the Bolts in this year's upset special of the first round. Mostly because I dislike Fleury. While I do like Stamkos/St. Louis/Lecavalier. Bolts in 7.

 

Canucks vs. 'Hawks. Chicago barely made the playoffs, relying on a Dallas loss to get the 8th seed. Vancouver is pretty much everyone's pick for the Cup Final and/or Champs. Loungo. Twins. Vancouver in 5.

Kings vs Sharks. Quick will be outstanding and despite the loss of Kopitar and a 50% Williams (if he comes back) the Kings will somehow upset the fish of San Jose. I just can't post anything which says the Kings won't win. All the sports writers have the Sharks by a landslide. I will call upon San Jose's long history of choking. Kings in 7.

Red Wings vs. Coyotes. Zetterberg is out for at least game 1. Bryzgalov will be solid. The veteran Wings always find a way to win. But I don't think Howard can deliver the goods. Coyotes in 7.

Ducks vs. Predators. Offense or Defense? Anaheim has this year's 50-goal man in Perry. Selanne is the ageless wonder. I love Selanne. Yet in the playoffs, I'l take defense. Nashville has a solid advantage is goaltending. Rinne has been great this year. The Ducks have been a mess in goal this year. Nashville has a good style for playoff hockey. Nashville in 7.

Kings vs. Sharks - Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 1

What a wild weekend. There was a chance that all 5 Pacific Division teams would make it into the Playoffs. It was up to Dallas to win against the Wild, but it didn't happen. The reigning Cup champs got a break and just made it in, and get to face Vancouver for their troubles. Either way, it was clear that the Kings were going to play San Jose.

I don't like their momentum going in. They dropped back-to-back games to the Ducks. Which would have meant 4th or 5th place. That would have meant home ice advantage and a lower seeded opponent. But, that is history.

The news is that Williams has been cleared to play, coming back early from an injured shoulder. He could be in game #1. That would be huge for the Kings. Parse is also close to a return. All I know is that there's not going to be any Kopitar return this year.

All I know is that any playoff run begins and ends with Quick. Let's do this!

 

Gladiator Rock 'n Run - FYI

FYI. For any SoCal Rock 'n Run competitors. Make sure and check-out the Facebook page for the Gladiator Rock 'n Run. There's a code that gets you $6 off the entry fee. Also, there's a promotion with LA Fitness that gets you a 30-day workout pass. I happen to workout in a gym at my work campus. But I will definitely use a free 30-day pass for weekend workouts at the LA Fitness close to my house. Check it out.

LAKings Playoffs 2011

We are in! I find it not so ironic that the Kings punched their ticket into the playoffs with a shootout win, with Quick in net and Stoll scoring. I believe that 9 extra points have come in this fashion. Now we get to play our freeway rivals for a home and home series to finish the regular season. The Ducks have finished strong. Perry hit 50-goals last night with a hat trick performance. Teemu has come up big the last few weeks as well. Meanwhile, the Kings have lost Kopitar and Williams in the last few weeks.

I still have a good feeling about the Kings. All of the playoff bound teams are looking to buckle down defensively and get some dirty goals if necessary. But the Kings have played a stingy defensive style all year. That's something you can't easily throw a switch on. Still, having Kopitar and Williams in the lineup would have been ideal. I don't know about the players, but it's hard for me to get up for these last few games, rival or not. I'm already getting set for Game #1 of the Cup Playoffs.

Gladiator Rock 'n Run - Entered

My team is officially entered in the Gladiator Rock 'n Run and the countdown to Saturday, May 7th has begun. Frankly, I am shocked that the 3 other guys signed-up so quickly. I figured there would be a couple days of hazing for the wishy-washy guy that couldn't commit. But within two days we got a team together and four guys on-board, that's got to be some sort of record.

There are several cool looking obstacles I am looking forward to. Beside the obvious mud hills, slippery mud slope, and mud crawl; there are lots of stairs, an 8' wall, cargo nets to climb over cargo containers, slip 'n slide into a mud bog and fire. The fire sounds cool, but it's actually a fairly lame obstacle.

The best part of the event is that they have a party at the end of the course with a couple bands and a beer garden. I think what sent me over the top was that the whole event is put on by Dan "Nitro" Clark one of the more obnoxious and my favorite American Gladiator (well, beside Gina Carano). Thus the name, Gladiator Rock 'n Run. How can you not get on board for that?

Fullerton Municipal Golf Course

Finally got back onto the golf course this past weekend. My Dad was in town and we made it over to Fullerton Muni GC for an 8:00 AM round. Seeing as how my last round prior was played around Christmas, it isn't really fair for me to consider myself a golfer. Well, I tend to run hot and cold with most things, and I still consider myself a video gamer despite long absences in that area too. With that said, here is my review of the course.

I base my enjoyment of a golf course largely on how well I happen to hit the ball that day, green fee and pace of play. The positive points with Fullerton GC were that the course was in good shape, and I was able to get a Saturday morning tee-time on the Wednesday beforehand and the green fee was $46 with a cart. While Long Beach is more convenient, I have had nothing but very long rounds on the weekends. For the same amount of money, I'd rather add a 1-hour drive to a 4.5 hour round, than golf locally for 6.5 hours. We moved through the course at a good pace and I had a blast. Fullerton is not a very long course, but it does have some nice tight fairways and elevation changes. The anthill greens are on the small side as this is an older-style golf course, but they were also on the slow side and relatively flat. I think a long hitter would over power this course, but that's not me. Fullerton GC was a good value in my mind. I would definitely go back.

Gladiator Rock 'n Run

I'm currently trying to get a team together for the Gladiator Rock 'n Run in Irvine next month. http://www.gladiatorrocknrun.com/index.html I ran in a mud run several years ago at Camp Pendleton. It was a blast. Immediately after that run I wanted to do it again. Well, I never did. But it was a blast and this run looks shorter with more obstacles. Definitely my speed. I used to do long distance running when I was in grade school and into high school. But my knees no longer like that stuff anymore. I figure I can get through 3-miles without a lot of extra training or more importantly, injury.

Sucker Punch - Review (w spoilers)

I saw Sucker Punch this week. There was a lot of build up for me, as I had heard about this movie quite a while ago and it had my interest from the start.

On my way to work, I happened to hear a movie critic on the morning show I listen to. He said it was a video game movie for adolescent boys. Unfortunately, I think this was meant in a negative way. His review prompted me to go online to read a few more of the reviews. Rotten Tomatoes scored it 20%. That's brutal! Still, I firmly believe in making my own opinion and it is out of character for me to look at movie reviews before going to a movie anyway.

I will start by saying I am one of the few people who liked the movie. Why? Because I am a man who likes: a giant orc samurai wielding a mini-gun, WWII Nazi steampunk zombie armies, fire breathing dragons, & assault rifle wielding kickass girls. Add a very dark story, loud 70's & 80's anthems, & liberal use of slow motion and you have Sucker Punch. I figured the visual effects would be amazing and they didn't disappoint. But I was hoping that there would be some sort of story thrown in there. There is. This was a movie that had me thinking afterward, how do I interpret what I just witnessed?

The plot it fairly straight forward, but there is the fact that the storyteller is in a mental institution and facing a frontal lobotomy. How much do you trust the unreliable narrator? The narrative is confusing. There are effectively 3 levels of reality. The black & white world the movie starts in, a brothel that Babydoll goes to once within the mental institution, and the fantasy world where the Matrixy action scenes take place. The lines between these worlds becomes crossed at the end of the movie. The editing makes for various interpretations of the story. My interpretation of the story is that Sucker Punch is about the main character's transition from reality to a new reality or world that will be based in her mind due to her "procedure".

My criticisms? Due to the nature of the plot there are throwaway and under developed characters. Admittedly, my version of the story may be completely different than what the director/writers intended. During my journey, the main character effectively lives on as a different character in her mind. I think this is the hardest concept to accept. You become totally invested in the main character Babydoll and in the end she becomes the less developed character Sweet Pea.

At the same time, it is the very faults of Sucker Punch that make me like it. I don't really know how to accept the story. Some points are not clear or spoon fed to you. Were these plot holes intended or due to editing or my faulty memory? I can't wait for the DVD to come out, so that I can see the deleted scenes, and hear the commentary of what the director intended. Maybe I just need to see the movie again? Either way, I liked Sucker Punch. I cannot recommend it to everyone. Clearly, it is a polarizing movie by the reviews. But I am recommending that you go in with an open mind.