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Having been busy with a few other projects, I finally found the time to write on the Kings-Canadiens game from Saturday.

Remember last week I guaranteed that Dustin Penner would get a goal if he played extende minutes Thursday against the Panthers? The only thing extended was his time on the sidelines, as he didn’t play against Florida.

However, with the Kings losing Mike Richards, Penner was thrust in to action on Saturday against Montreal.

And for the first time, maybe ever with the Kings, Penner showed the skills he possesses. Crashing the net, positioning himself in front of the goalie, and even, bum bum bum, scoring a goal. Kings lost 2-1, but if Penner can continue playing the way he did a couple days ago, the Kings may actually score more than 1, or 2 goals.

Yes, the Kings lost to the Habs, but it was more a case of bad luck, and Carey Price, than being dominated by the Canadiens. Price, the Montreal goaltender, had to have cat like reflexes to save the puck from going in to the net in the first period. It took a bad bounce off the boards and was headed to pay dirt before Price dove and poked it away.

3rd period, Dustin Brown made two impressive moves, but Price didn’t budge, making an easy save on a tough attempt.

The Kings had a number of other attempts, but Price was nearly unbeatable. Yes, Penner beat him, but that was expected–haha. That was Penner’s first regular season goal since the 13th of March, or last season.

The Kings penalty kill streak ended at 24. The Canadiens got a PP goal in the 1st period. The Kings did 4 more penalties, which they killed off, so they have started a new streak.

It isn’t the most exciting brand of hockey, but it works for the Kings, right now. I’m talking about the lack of scoring by them, or their opponents. The game against Montreal was the 4th straight game the winner has tallied 2 goals, or less. The Kings have split the four.

Jonathan Bernier is looking more and more solid with every start. His first start in 11 days was another good one, as he only allowed 2 goals on 27 shots. Many of those shots were point blank. I wonder if the Kings would allow Jonathan Quick to leave at the end of the year as a free agent, and hand over the goaltending reigns to Bernier? Be a dumb move, but you never know.

The Freeway face-off is next for the Kings, who travel to Anaheim for the second time this season. The last time the Kings were in OC they scored 5 goals. They could sure use 5 on Tuesday.

The Ducks are in a free-fall. They fired coach Randy Carlyle, replacing him with former Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. The Ducks have lost 18 of their last 21 games, and 10 of 12 at home. Weirdly, the last 2 teams the Ducks beat were the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens, two teams that have beaten the Kings.

The Kings need to Kick the Ducks while they’re down.

Go Kings!