Monday Musings

• I have noticed, around the league, the three star selection has been sore spot for some fans. There are two distinct groups. One, doesn't really invest too much into the star selection and are halfway out the door before the stars are announced. The second, seem to hotly debate who was selected in a particular game. I find myself somewhere in between. Part of me knows a certain player knows he played well and his peers in the dressing room will let him know. However, the other part wants that player to be recognized for his efforts. I'm going to let you, the fan decide. 
• After every Kings broadcast, I'm going to take your suggestions on who should be  the three stars. You can submit your suggestions, through email, to prkingsbroadcast@live.ca With your emails I will pick the three stars for every game.
• I don't think this statistic gets enough credit. The Kings lead the league in goals against, as they have only surrendered a stingy 20 goals. Last season the Kings were fourth, only giving up 160 goals. Kent Lewis has this team committed to team defense and it shows.
• On the other side of the ledger, scoring has recently shown up as an issue over the past week. The team this weekend did have trouble putting their chances away. However the major reason for the lack of scoring was not converting on their man advantages. If you ask the coaches, this isn't a major concern, because through video work and practice this can be corrected. As long as this team continues to created chances 5-on-5 and produce power-plays, the goals will come.
• Three things from this weekend showed me signs of this team getting where they want to be. One, Carter Shinkaruk scored his first goal on Saturday and looked very good on the wing with Matt Garbowsky and the fleet footed, Mike Sones. Two, Andrew Pettitt scored his second and third goals of the season on consecutive nights. He was the only King to pop one in by Frank Slubowski on Thursday and scored in Nanaimo the following night. Thirdly, Mike Garteig is the real deal. The 19 year-old seems to have  grown under Josh Watson last season. Garteig was given the chance to seize the role this season and hasn't disappointed. Three shutouts, 1.55 GAA and a sparkling 923 save percentage, is simply outstanding.
• One concern that I have heard from fans is their issues in trying to listen or watch Kings games online. The BCHL has gone to a new server this season and you may expect with that, technical issues will arise.  I have been told by league officals they are working on the matter and tell me it should be rectified. How is the broadcasts for you? leave a comment below or email me.
• These next four games at home will be big for the Kings. As in two weeks they will embark on one of their toughest road trips of the season up north. Quesnel and Cowichan come to the Sunshine coast this weekend and four points, and nothing else is the objective here. Points at home are a must, regardless of the opposition.

Have a good Monday,