The Kings have past the two thirds mark on their schedule as there is 18 games left in the regular season. I've decided to break down the remaining games and see what the Kings will be up against.
JANUARY
Games Remaining: 9
Home: 4
Away: 5
Versus above .500 Teams: 8
At Home: 3
On Road: 5
Versus below .500 Teams: 1
At Home: 1
HIGH LIGHT: Four games in Five days on a tough Interior Conference road trip.
The remaining schedule for this month will be a good challenge for the Kings. Most notably, Powell River will play five straight road games in eight days. The trip starts Saturday in Victoria on the 15th and ends Saturday the 22nd in Penticton. There is a quirk in that stretch as well.
Powell River will travel to Victoria on Saturday morning and return the following afternoon. It's a quick rest as the team will then have to turn around and head out on Monday morning for West Kelowna where they will base for their four game Interior swing. I'm sure the players will have enough of the bus by Monday night.
Those four games in five nights will be the biggest test up until now for this hockey team. There is only one rest day which falls on the Thursday. To further compound the fact, unlike previous years, all four opponents on the trip are playing very well and no game will come easy. In season's past you might point to one of the four teams as having a down year and maybe see that game as a "soft" one. Not this year, as fifth place Trail still sports an impressive 23-18-2-1 record. Furthermore, the Kings edged the Smoke Eaters 1-0 back when the two teams played in Powell River in October.
The Kings do sport a 12-3-3-1 road record, but they lost their last road game they played, a 4-2 defeat in Langley. This team's motto is embrace the road like it's home, and their record reflects that.
UNDERRATED GAME OF THE MONTH: Tuesday, January 25th: Penticton @ Powell River.
This game will essentially be the back half of a home and home for both teams. The Kings will finish their Interior road trip three days earlier in Penticton against the Vees. Both teams sit atop of their respective conference and this could be a possible Fred Page Cup preview.
FEBRUARY
Games: 9
Home: 3
Away: 6
Versus above .500 Teams: 4
At Home: 2
On Road: 2
Versus below .500 Teams: 5
At Home: 1
On Road: 4
HIGH LIGHT: Three games in three nights on the Mainland.
This will be the Kings last visit to the Lower Mainland and second to last road trip of the season. They're in Surrey on the 3rd, Coquitlam on the 4th and Langley on the 5th.
I put this trip ahead of the two game trip to the Island on the final weekend of the season for a couple of reasons. First, with no disrespect to Alberni Valley or Cowichan Valley, two out of the three opponents for the Kings have above 500 records. Second, both Surrey and Langley have beaten the Kings in regulation.
The match up on the Saturday against the Chiefs will be the final of eight meetings in the regular season. Through the first seven, the Kings sport a 5-1-0-1 record but Langley won the most recent encounter on January 2nd in Langley. The Kings want to avenge that loss and end the season series on a positive note.
The contest against the Eagles will be the final one in Surrey in the six game season eries. Through three games up until now, the Kings have a record of 1-1-1 against the Eagles. This might be a foreshadow for what's to come in the playoffs.
Finally the first two games I talked about bookend the tilt with the Coquitlam Express. The Kings have won all four meetings so far this season, but have been challenged at the "Rhino" in Coquitlam. The Kings took both games in the Express; barn but squeaked out a 2-1 win back in October and took a 4-0 decision in November. The scores do mask what were two chippy affairs with emotions running very high for both teams. The Express will be battling for the final playoff spot over the next month and a half and the Kings will have their hands full.
UNDERRATED GAME OF THE MONTH: Wednesday, February 16th: Salmon Arm @ Powell River.
This will be the second and final regular season meeting between these two non conference opponents. The Silverbacks can boast they are the only Interior conference team at this point to beat the Kings. The 'Backs erased a 1-0 first period deficit and downed the Kings 3-2 at the Sun Wave Centre on October 23rd.
Also Salmon Arm has BCHL leading scorer Mike Hammond in their line-up and he adds even more fire power to an already impressive line-up. Last month the Silverbacks also acquired speedster Brad Reid from the Express. This team can roll out four lines that can cause damage.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
KINGS STAND PAT ON DEADLINE DAY
That headline may bother some as according to the poll, 60 percent of you thought the Kings needed or were going after a top six forward. However as the deadline came and went, Powell River remained on the sideline and that isn't a bad thing.
Powell River sits first in both the Coastal Conference by nine points over Langley and first in the BCHL by eight points. The Kings have the most wins and fewest regulation losses and are 11-1-0-0 since November 24th. By my calculation, that isn't bad at all.
One thing to be concerned about when your look to make a deal is messing with those types of numbers your team is producing night in and night out. Coaches don't just have to look at player A over player B but also need to consider team chemistry. How would sending one player to another team affect the collective inside the Kings dressing room? How would a certain player affect the dressing room dynamic coming in from another team or league? There are plenty of variables that a coach has to consider before pulling the trigger on a deal.
Kent Lewis in recent years has been an active player on the deadline, most recently making a deal last year for Daniel Carr. That is a situation where it indeed did work out and Carr acclimatized himself with his teammates and had very successful run for the Kings. However, what are the chances a perfect scenario would come across their table this year?
Furthermore, accountability can be a power motivational tool for a coach to have. The 23 young men inside the Kings dressing room now know the coaches have given them the opportunity to run with it. By not making a move, Kent, Chad and Geoff are telling this team that it's these 23 player that they believe is their championship team. Now the onus is on the players to prove their coaches right.
I'm speaking from my own personal opinion, but what if other teams across the BCHL were simply weary of dealing with Powell River? Maybe some team's were of the belief they didn't want to make a very good team that much better. It's human nature for those types of thoughts to factor in other team's decisions. Also what if the asking prices were simply too high?
That just doesn't apply to the BCHL, come the NHL trade deadline we hear that quite a bit. Teams asking for a kings ransom for a "rental" player. The Kings can't just be making decisions based on this year but also have to be looking at next season as well. If you look at who the Kings can return next season and also factor in a strong recruiting season, this team can be challenging for the top into the near future.
Finally, for some players the thought of the approaching trade deadline might have affect their performance. Now with the deadline in the rear view mirror, might we see better performances in the final two months? I believe you will see a noticeable improvement in a few players.
Powell River is dealing from a position of strength not weakness, so why make a trade for the sake of making a trade? This team is good, it has shown that and these players have earned the right to prove that in April.
Powell River sits first in both the Coastal Conference by nine points over Langley and first in the BCHL by eight points. The Kings have the most wins and fewest regulation losses and are 11-1-0-0 since November 24th. By my calculation, that isn't bad at all.
One thing to be concerned about when your look to make a deal is messing with those types of numbers your team is producing night in and night out. Coaches don't just have to look at player A over player B but also need to consider team chemistry. How would sending one player to another team affect the collective inside the Kings dressing room? How would a certain player affect the dressing room dynamic coming in from another team or league? There are plenty of variables that a coach has to consider before pulling the trigger on a deal.
Kent Lewis in recent years has been an active player on the deadline, most recently making a deal last year for Daniel Carr. That is a situation where it indeed did work out and Carr acclimatized himself with his teammates and had very successful run for the Kings. However, what are the chances a perfect scenario would come across their table this year?
Furthermore, accountability can be a power motivational tool for a coach to have. The 23 young men inside the Kings dressing room now know the coaches have given them the opportunity to run with it. By not making a move, Kent, Chad and Geoff are telling this team that it's these 23 player that they believe is their championship team. Now the onus is on the players to prove their coaches right.
I'm speaking from my own personal opinion, but what if other teams across the BCHL were simply weary of dealing with Powell River? Maybe some team's were of the belief they didn't want to make a very good team that much better. It's human nature for those types of thoughts to factor in other team's decisions. Also what if the asking prices were simply too high?
That just doesn't apply to the BCHL, come the NHL trade deadline we hear that quite a bit. Teams asking for a kings ransom for a "rental" player. The Kings can't just be making decisions based on this year but also have to be looking at next season as well. If you look at who the Kings can return next season and also factor in a strong recruiting season, this team can be challenging for the top into the near future.
Finally, for some players the thought of the approaching trade deadline might have affect their performance. Now with the deadline in the rear view mirror, might we see better performances in the final two months? I believe you will see a noticeable improvement in a few players.
Powell River is dealing from a position of strength not weakness, so why make a trade for the sake of making a trade? This team is good, it has shown that and these players have earned the right to prove that in April.
Monday, January 10, 2011
CJHL WEEKLY RANKINGS: Kings in the Top 3
The CJHL has come out with its first rankings of the year and Powell River remains in the top three in the country. The Kings have slipped from first to third this week, as Spruce Grove once again sits atop the rankings.
rankings
Powell River did lose their first game of 2011, 4-2 to Langley on January 2nd. Couple that with Spruce Grove owning more wins and you have a new leader. I know the rankings don't affect the coaches or team on a daily basis but now they might have a new motivational tool. The team can now set their sites on reclaiming the top spot.
rankings
Powell River did lose their first game of 2011, 4-2 to Langley on January 2nd. Couple that with Spruce Grove owning more wins and you have a new leader. I know the rankings don't affect the coaches or team on a daily basis but now they might have a new motivational tool. The team can now set their sites on reclaiming the top spot.
DEADLINE DAY
Today is the busiest day in Junior hockey across the country. Teams in the BCHL have until this afternoon to have their 23 man roster set for the rest of the season. Some teams will hit home runs on player moves, others will strike out. There will be teams that feel the pressure to make a move and might jump the gun a deal. Other teams will sit back and wait for the dust to settle. All in all, it makes for an interesting day.
I've been asked the same question many times in recent weeks leading up to today. What will the Kings do come January 10th? Short answer? Not much. Why would the Kings feel a big move or a a few lesser moves are necessary?
Powell River sits first in the BCHL with 67 points, 11 up on Langley in the Coastal Conference and eight ahead of Penticton overall. The Kings have an impressive 31 wins in 42 games with only six regulation losses. In short order, why fix it when it ain't broke?
The most I would see Kent Lewis and his staff do would be signing a depth forward to one of their two remaining cards. At this juncture, it's complementing the players they already have not a about face and a major retool. The player they would feel comfortable bringing in would be a good, veteran presence who is a good character guy on and off the ice. At this point it's staying the course, not rocking the boat.
I will be updating the site throughout the day as updates and moves come in from around the BCHL. Happy hunting.
I've been asked the same question many times in recent weeks leading up to today. What will the Kings do come January 10th? Short answer? Not much. Why would the Kings feel a big move or a a few lesser moves are necessary?
Powell River sits first in the BCHL with 67 points, 11 up on Langley in the Coastal Conference and eight ahead of Penticton overall. The Kings have an impressive 31 wins in 42 games with only six regulation losses. In short order, why fix it when it ain't broke?
The most I would see Kent Lewis and his staff do would be signing a depth forward to one of their two remaining cards. At this juncture, it's complementing the players they already have not a about face and a major retool. The player they would feel comfortable bringing in would be a good, veteran presence who is a good character guy on and off the ice. At this point it's staying the course, not rocking the boat.
I will be updating the site throughout the day as updates and moves come in from around the BCHL. Happy hunting.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Kings start a new streak; Roll past the Express 5-2
Powell River started and finished strong in the win over the Coquitlam Express on Friday. The Kings jumped out to a 2-0 lead mid way through the first period on goals from Teagan Waugh and Andrew Pettitt.
Waugh's was an interesting one as he released a wrist shot from the deep slot, between the circles that beat Khaleed Devji low on his glove side. Pettitt's goal was also an auspicious one.
Pettitt took a quick pass from behind the net from Cohen Adair and snuck the puck five hole on Devji. The came from the strong down low play from Steven Schmidt, who won the face off and Adair who out muscled the defender to set the table.
However the Express pulled within one goal late in the period when Alex Petan put a shot between the legs of Sean Maguire on the power-play. That goal was one Maguire I know would like to have back.
The Kings clung to a one goal lead after one, but were unlucky not to have a few more. The Kings out shot the Express 15-5 and were their own worst enenmy when it came to converting their chances. Powell River at times were guilty of being too cute with the puck in the offensive zone.
The lull in play at the end of the first carried over to start the second period. The Kings were stung for a equalizing goal off the stick of Destry Straight just 1:09 into the middle frame. The goal came from a turnover down low in the circle after Malcom McKinney made a nice place and fed it over to Straight. The game winning goal will be remembered more for the assist then the actual goal.
On a delayed penatly, on his back side, Matt Garbowsky some how managed to shovel a pass to Chad Niddery to the left goal line who one timed a quick snap shot between the arms of Devji. The effort and where with all displayed by Garbowsky was something else.
Through two periods the Kings lead 3-2 and out shot the Express 33-13.
The third saw the Kings get back to whats made them successful this season. Powell River started to skate and once again put pucks in deep on the fore check and won battles down low. The Kings cycle game started to wear on the Express and opportunities started to present themself. Carter Shinkaruk's goal however was much different.
Shinkaruk took a nice chip pass from Brenden Forbes and exploded down the right wing and snapped a shot past Devji on the glove side. Adair's goal to finishing the scoring was text book Kings hockey.
On the five on four, Adair was infront of the net and pushed a puck on a rebound, past Devji.
FINAL SCORE 5-2
SHOTS: 46-16 Powell River.
Waugh's was an interesting one as he released a wrist shot from the deep slot, between the circles that beat Khaleed Devji low on his glove side. Pettitt's goal was also an auspicious one.
Pettitt took a quick pass from behind the net from Cohen Adair and snuck the puck five hole on Devji. The came from the strong down low play from Steven Schmidt, who won the face off and Adair who out muscled the defender to set the table.
However the Express pulled within one goal late in the period when Alex Petan put a shot between the legs of Sean Maguire on the power-play. That goal was one Maguire I know would like to have back.
The Kings clung to a one goal lead after one, but were unlucky not to have a few more. The Kings out shot the Express 15-5 and were their own worst enenmy when it came to converting their chances. Powell River at times were guilty of being too cute with the puck in the offensive zone.
The lull in play at the end of the first carried over to start the second period. The Kings were stung for a equalizing goal off the stick of Destry Straight just 1:09 into the middle frame. The goal came from a turnover down low in the circle after Malcom McKinney made a nice place and fed it over to Straight. The game winning goal will be remembered more for the assist then the actual goal.
On a delayed penatly, on his back side, Matt Garbowsky some how managed to shovel a pass to Chad Niddery to the left goal line who one timed a quick snap shot between the arms of Devji. The effort and where with all displayed by Garbowsky was something else.
Through two periods the Kings lead 3-2 and out shot the Express 33-13.
The third saw the Kings get back to whats made them successful this season. Powell River started to skate and once again put pucks in deep on the fore check and won battles down low. The Kings cycle game started to wear on the Express and opportunities started to present themself. Carter Shinkaruk's goal however was much different.
Shinkaruk took a nice chip pass from Brenden Forbes and exploded down the right wing and snapped a shot past Devji on the glove side. Adair's goal to finishing the scoring was text book Kings hockey.
On the five on four, Adair was infront of the net and pushed a puck on a rebound, past Devji.
FINAL SCORE 5-2
SHOTS: 46-16 Powell River.
GAME PREVIEW: EXPRESS at KINGS
14-17-1-8 30-6-3-2
LAST 10: 4-4-0-2 LAST 10: 9-1-0-0
LAST 10: 4-4-0-2 LAST 10: 9-1-0-0Season Series: 3-0-0 Kings
- Powell River has won every meeting thus far with the Express, including two victories at the Coquitlam Sports Arena. The Kings in those three games have held the Express to just two goals. The Express have not beaten the Kings since December 19th, 2008. That's a stretch of 13 games where they went 0-12-1.
- Powell River outshot the Express 46-16 in a one sided contest at the Hap Parker Arena. The Kings got goals from Chad Niddery, Matt Garbowsky, Teagan Waugh and Brendon Hawryluk. Khaleed Devji stood on his head in the Express net. If it wasn't for his performance the score could of read a lot higher.
Coquitlam Express: John Calvano's team might have be turning a corner on their season. The Express are 2-2-0-1 in their last five games and have points in three of their last five games. Michael Krgovich has been leading the way offensively recently. The Coquitlam native has seven points 4+3=7 in his last five games. Also chipping in up front is Massimo Lamacchia 3+3=6 and rookie Destry Straight 3+2=5 during that stretch.
The Express are also getting production from their back end as Mark Begert (1+4=5), Cole Gelley (0+3=3) and Riley McIntosh (1+3=4) have combined for 12 points in five games. McIntosh leads defensemen in scoring on the Express with 24 points (7+17=24).
The power-play is also heating up as its 10 for 29 in five games. That's 34 percent and has helped the Express secure a top five power-play.
Powell River Kings: The Kings are back in the winning column following Tuesday's 4-2 victory over Aberni Vlley. Sunday's loss to Langley was only the fourth regulation loss this season versus a Coastal Conference opponent.
In the win on Tuesday the Kings were without the services of Craig Dalrymple, Matt Garbowsky, Cohen Adair and Justin Bardarson due to the flu. Also missing was Justin DaSilva as he served the first of his two game suspension. Powell River showed their depth and didn't use the short handed line up as an excuse.
One concern of late is the lack of discipline that has creeped into the Kings game. In the last two games Powell River has taken 12 penalties and surrendered two power-play goals.
Who's Hot: After missing the last two games due to the flu, Matt Garbowsky will return to the line up. In his last five games he has six goals. Also producing is Dan Schuler, who has six assists over that same span. However, he hasn't scored in eight games dating back to December 3rd. Cohen Adair has four points (2+2=4) in his last three games. As mentioned Michael Krgovich is the hottest Express player at the moment (4+3=7) in the last five games.
Stat Pack: The Express have never scored the opening goal against the Kings this season. The Kings are 23-1-3-1 when they score first. Also the Express have surrendered 2 or more power-play goals in five straight games.
Puck Drop: Teagan Waugh will be my first intermission guest on tonight's broadcast. Waugh is averaging a point per game over the past month. In the second intermission Justin DaSilva will be my guest. DaSilva is serving the second of a two game suspension he received this week.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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