VFMS Podcast: March 31, 2010 (Click To Download)
The March 31th episode of the VFMS Podcast is up for your listening pleasure. There are a few different ways to listen. You can either stream the show directly from your computer to your ears at BlogTalkRadio. If you’re into downloading or subscribing to podcasts for your iPod, all you have to do is click the handy iTunes link once you get to the show’s page. And if you want to download it, you can do that too. Of course, you can also bypass the site all together and go straight to iTunes.
If you like what you hear, Vote and Comment over on iTunes!
Not all of the teams in the NHL are exactly sprinting towards the finish line. The Kings recent 4-game losing streak has some Kings fans wondering if this is just the next trick from an organization that has routinely ripped the heart out of its collective fanbase. They are 7 points into a playoff spot with 6 games to go—but what will they do even if/when they get to the playoffs? Here are some links that accompany our spotlight team in the Pacific Division this week: The Los Angeles Kings.
The Kings rank #1 in The Hockey News’ handicapped Drafting Report Card for the second year in a row. (LAKings.com)
Things like this serve as a reminder of why Matt Greene is important to the Kings and their locker room chemistry. I’m a sucker for sarcasm. (LA Kings Insider)
It’s been a while since the Kings have made the playoffs. Here’s a reminder to Kings fans of what it looks like when things go tragically wrong in the playoffs. (The Royal Half)
Part of the struggles during the recent 4-game losing streak? Penalty killing. (Life In Hockeywood)
Part of the struggles during the recent 4-game losing streak? Power play. Specifically, 2-man advantages. (LA Kings Insider)
If you want to know what’s been going on in the rest of the Pacific this week, we have you covered as well…
As usual, here is James Mirtle and his “Playoff Push” that breaks down the record each team probably needs to have down the stretch to make the playoffs. (The Globe and Mail)
Before the Sharks recent 4-game winning streak, Jonathan Willis already saw the turnaround. The Sharks Struggles and How They Might Help. (Hockey or Die)
We all keep talking about how great the Coyotes have been this season. But here’s a look at Dave Tippett, his system, and some trends that might follow him from Dallas to the desert. (Defending Big D)
How good are the Sharks in the faceoff circle? Good. We’re talking historically good. (Behind the Net)
Joe Thornton’s lower body injury is minor. And he was sooo close to 400 consecutive games. (The Grinder NHL Blog)
Are the Coyotes as good as their record shows? We say yes—statistics may disagree though. (Behind the Net)
Who would be the players to step up and help lead their respective teams in the playoffs? How do Dustin Brown and Martin Hanzal sound? (From The Rink)
Looks like Ducks fans are excited about prospect Nick Bonino. Whatever gets you going at this time of year. (Anaheim Calling)
Mike Heika starts to turn his attention to the NHL Draft and the Stars’ need for a defenseman. (Dallas Morning News)
_______________________
As the season winds down and teams are gradually eliminated, it’s time to look at some of the teams that were huge disappointments this season.
We took a look earlier this week at the Calgary Flames and their disappointing season. Who is to blame for missing the playoffs? (The Blame Game: Calgary Flames)
Am I the only one who is surprised by the decline of the St. Louis Blues this season? I thought they would take the next step this season. (Frozen Notes)
Even if Philadelphia makes the playoffs this season, the Chris Pronger acquisition wasn’t about “just making the playoffs.” It sounds like the Flyers have learned that they might need a long-term answer in net. (Phila.Bright)
The Rangers have been less than spectacular this season—could leadership have been the problem? (Scotty Hockey)
With the truculent acquisitions on the blueline, the Maple Leafs were supposed to take huge strides forward this season. Well, we CAN guarantee that they won’t draft as high as they did last year. (Pension Plan Puppets)
We’ll be back at it next week (Tuesday, April 6th) at 8:00 PST as the NHL teams head down the stretch. Next week we’ll be taking a look at the Phoenix Coyotes and discussing what the hell happened this season. We probably won’t be objective—after all, someone needs to balance out the ridiculousness coming out of Canada.
**
As always, you can find me on Twitter at @ViewFromMySeats and my co-host Jennifer Shaw at @gimmeapuck.
Blog Talk Radio: Episode Link
Blog Talk Radio: Main Podcast Link
Direct iTunes Link
You can check out previous podcasts here.
Matt Reitz
Matt Reitz is an NHL Writer for ProHockeyTalk on NBCSports and the Editor-In-Chief here at ViewFromMySeats.com. When he's not shoving a mic in the face of NHLers or explaining why home teams should wear white, he's usually trying to figure out what song to play next on his iPod. It's a never-ending job.
