CALGARY COACH BRENT SUTTER
“We were assertive, we played an intelligent game and we were smart. We did a good job of hounding the puck and being strong on pucks. And our specialty teams; we had three power-play goals and we killed off some big (penalty kills). (Iginla) played a whale of a game (today); just not the fact that he scored. He was just rock solid in a lot of areas. He showed why he is the captain of the team. You can tell he was keyed in right from the start and that just flows through the rest of the guys.”
JAROME IGINLA
“It was a good game for us and a fortunate start. We had a good little breakout on the first goal and (Jokinen) found me in the middle, skating on their D with some speed, and I was just trying to use them as a screen, and I didn’t even see it go in. I thought we had a really good game as a team after that. (Coming off of a loss) our attitude was good today and we came here very positive. Nice to have an afternoon game and not have to sit around and wait for it.”
MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF
“We played a strong road game. We came here after a pretty weak game at home and we knew we had to play good hockey. It was a close game but we kept doing what we wanted to do – playing our system – and it worked out well.”
Not to be mister copy editor, but Brent Sutter’s quote should say that Iginla played a “whale” of a game – unless he did a lot of crying to refs.
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Sounds like they had the attitude and energy you would’ve thought the Kings would have. Oh well……
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I could see what looked like Iginla rallying the team right as they were coming out onto the ice before the start of the 3rd. They were all together in the tunnel and he was giving them a pep talk and you could hear the energy coming off of them even without being able to hear any voices.
So, what happens next…the Flames come out focused and very confident and get a seriously powerful win today.
The Kings lose their confidence, play without energy, watch plays and don’t contribute as a team and have no focus at all, and of course give a game away.
Hopefully, the team finally allows such a simple concept to sink into their heads and get back to doing what they were in the beginning of this season. Playing with confidence. Playing with drive. Playing with focus.
What’s that sound like? Oh! Pride, Power, Passion. It was nice when they were living up to that.
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We took some tired penalties, but the X calls against us were weak at best considering what was let go on draws. I am glad that Murray keep his new line on the ice. The referee seemed to have the “I am the boss and I do not have to follow the rules if I do not want to” ego going. There is no way he will be able to explain letting the Flames have the last change. The penalties were 5-1 after the second. Worst refereeing since Montreal. I never understood those who said they were having flashbacks from dropping acid in the 60s, but I had Koharski flashbacks all the way home.
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One more thought, the ice was terrible. Maybe no more midday games
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saying the ice is terrible is a bad excuse. the flames played on the same ice. but, you saw their entire team dig in and supporting each other’s play and playing a hard checking game despite the ice being bad.
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The refs tried their hardest to make sure the Canadien team won. Good job to them. Along with the bad calls, they got in the way of about 10 Kings passes. I half expected the ref to dive in front of a Jarret Stoll shot on the Kings powerplay. It’s convenient when the refs are from Alberta isn’t it?
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they earned the game…hate to say that…but it is what it is. Time for a beer.
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What is it about afternoon games. I can’t remember an afternoon game the Kings have won. I really can’t remember the last time the Kings won a day game.
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Look, the poor ice is not an excuse, more of a statement. It slows the game down and makes it hard to watch. It basically takes the crowd out to the game. We have a young team which still plays off the crowd. The Kings play better at night and I believe the above is one of the reasons.
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Nothing like bashing the coach and blaming the goalie to make us all feel better.
The reason we got outplayed today is we have no grit. The only player that has a pair is injured so everyone take the next few weeks off because its going to be ugly. Trading for Smyth was brilliant, the exact type of player we need to show the young guys how the game is played.
Looks like after 20+ games, no one learned a damn thing. If I was Smyth I would take it personally and I wouldn’t be quiet about it!
And would everyone please stop blaming Quick, Frolov and JJ every time we lose. It takes 20 guys to win or lose and when 15 of them decide to take the day off, makes it tough on the few who actually give a damn.
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The Zebras should go back and learn 101 Hockey
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Barry gets it. =)
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Barry Does get it
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I agree with Barry it’s not Qucik or Frolov or Johnson who is the problem It’s Tm. I have been supporting him for a season and a quarter but I’m Quickly (pun intended) losing faith in what he’s doing.
He dosen’t get it all at about the powerplay. Doughty is better at shooting than passing at this juncture and Stoll can’t handle the puck so opponents pressure the point men constantly. Williams, though a good player, does nothing on the powerplay. Frolov and Brown are both better suited to playing on the PP and have proven it in the past.
Quick has been okay in goal put poor puck management and bad passes put him behind the eight ball all too often. Quick appears to have lost confidence in his teammates.
Frolov and Johnson don’t fit TM’S system. Johnson could possibly be an all star elsewhere eventually. Frolov is an excellent power play guy who can finish but is only a slightly above player at other times. TM’s system is okay if you have the right personnel for it but he DOES NOT know how to use his current players.
If some personell and role changes are not made in this team, the Kings will not make the playoffs. There is talent in L.A. now with more on the way: Loktionov, Moller, Bernier, Voinov, Hickey Schenn, Clifford, Teubert etc.
Right now this team is in trouble. The coach and his system is not getting the max from Frolov, Johnson, Browm, Simmonds and Quick. This is what good coaching is, getting the most out of your players. Is there anyone who thinks he is, or am I making a valid point?
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I’ve found that it’s too infuriating to discuss in detail any more. This team has to play better with the talent it has, and that’s on the coaching staff. The negativity is deserved, and I can’t really afford to be around it right now, so you probably be seeing less of me unless they play better.
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Crown — The system is geared to help the young players fit in and to win in the playoffs. And the young players are able to play and be productive on many nights. The playoffs are a possiblity this year. The primary issue is consistency. But, consistency is an issue with all young teams.
We can not clear out all of the players who don’t fit at one time. This is why DL said the rebuild would take 5 years. We are almost 3 and one half years in and there has been significant progress. As much as we all want it now, it will probably take another year and one half to have all of the players needed to be an impact team. There is no way to rush development. The coach is perfect for where this team is.
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I agree Jet that the coach is very good for where this team is at. I do have slight concerns about whoever’s responsible for the PP though.
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Jet,
You make a good point but my biggest fear is that if the Kings don’t make the playoffs this year Lombardi, who I think has done a very good job won’t get the chance to finish the rebuild.
I have been totally okay with TM until very recently. I’m not sure changing wingers back and forth between the third and fourth lines is going to make enough of a difference. I don’t like the crap about earning power play time either. Richardson is the Kings fastest skater and works his ass off every shift. Are we going to have him as our first line PP center? This is the NHL and everybody has a roll to play. Some guys are grinders, others are skill players. The coach needs to get out of each player what he does best and got him to the league in the first place. Like it or not we’re here to win-both the players and the fans. TM did well at the beginning of the year but he is not making the necessary adjustments. I still believe we’re heading for trouble without some major changes. I hope I’m wrong.
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Crown,
I do not see any possibliity DL will not finish out his 5 years. We have one of the best group of prospects in the league, if not the best. Our juniors are all doing great and Manchester is doing very well. The Kings will be one of the top 20 teams this year. There has been improvement every year and by all apperances it will continue. DL will get an extension by next summer.
We have 3 top players out so TM is going to have to try some new lines. I would be disappointed if he did not try a coupld of different looks. Again, it will be a few years before all the players are aligned with the system.
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I see all the talk about improvement, progress, great prospects, 5 year plans, etc. and I have to ask – how is it teams like Chicago and Philadelphia can go from havng nothing to being legitimate contenders much faster than we can? I agree that we are in better shape than we were 4 or 5 years ago, but we are STILL a question mark to even make the playoffs. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone who takes a serious look at this team could reasonably expect more out of them than a seventh or eighth seed and a fairly quick exit from the playoffs. The fans have a right to demand more after so many years of futility, and I am one who does.
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Duckhunter:
The Kings beat Minnesota last year in a day game. I usually only go to matinees because of traffic. This is getting tough on me.
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rick — Chicago’s rebuild was actually 7 years. Philly had one bad year with a number of injuries. That may not be a rebuild.
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