He responded the morning of Game 2 by announcing two key veteran players, winger Justin Williams and defenceman Randy Jones, would be removed from the line-up.
The Jones benching wasn't all that surprising. He started well when the Kings acquired him mid-season, then suffered a concussion and just hasn't been the same since. A Jones-created turnover eventually led to the game winning goal for Vancouver in Game 1. Fair enough, right?
The Williams situation was more interesting, because he plays on the top line. He hasn't been bad by any stretch of the imagination since returning to the line-up from a serious ankle fracture. He was even OK in game 1. But maybe he came back too soon, because at least in Murray's eyes, his game hasn't completely returned. And his explanation about removing Williams was simple -- he's a veteran player who knows what it takes in the play-offs, and he should be doing more.
That was a lot of food for thought as I made the walk down to LA Live with Nadine and John for the Kings official Watch Party at ESPN Zone. Our friends Scott and Shawna Rousseau joined us, and I think we did a great job representing with the "Back in Black" look!
The Kings were even selling eye black patches with LA Kings on them. GAME ON!
Kings mascot Bailey was up to his usual tricks, entertaining everyone and being the life of the party.
I'm sure the ESPN Zone management loved having him.
It was another hard fought game, and the Canucks fired first with two fast goals in the first period. The second one, scored by Mikael Samuelsson (who also burned us for a goal in Game 1), I'd like to have back. I'm sure Quickie would like that one back too.
But the thing I love most about this team is they don't understand the word "quit." They came back with two goals of their own in the second, and definitely shifted the momentum our direction in the third. Ah, the joys of a team with young legs! Especially those of Drew's roommate, Wayne Simmonds. Simmer was ON FIRE the whole game! Taking full advantage of the bump up to the top line to replace Justin Williams, Simmer battled like a beast along the boards, protected the puck well, and drove hard to the net, scoring the game tying goal.
It took another OT period to finally get it done, but Anze Kopitar broke it open with the game winning goal, assisted by the incredible defensive power play tandem of Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson.
Then the ESPN Zone crowd absolutely ERUPTED! Everyone was screaming, hugging each other, jumping up and down, and cheering like mad. And then the beautiful reality set in - our team had won their first play-off game in 8 LONG YEARS!!!! And judging by the way they looked tonight, it won't be the last one.
Game 3 on Monday at Staples Center will be MAYHEM. Count on it! I'll be loving every minute from Section 114.
GO KINGS GO!
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