27 Comments

1. Crashin' Da Net says:

   November 28, 2009 at 11:55 pm

   Went to the game tonight. Kings played with grit. Quicker won the game for us with outstanding play. Nearly everyone pulled together and worked hard. Again, Williams and Frolov were rather AWOL. Green and Drewiskie were very good. So was Brownie. Again, he was all over the place creating both an offensive and defensive (hitting) threat. I was expewcting to lose tonight. Especially in a shootout. Heck, put JJ up there with Kopi (just kidding?).

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2. Dominick says:

   November 29, 2009 at 12:02 am

   I caught the game on T.V.,and I thought the fist line had some pretty good chances.I guess scoring is the final word though.

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3. Kevin says:

   November 29, 2009 at 12:21 am

   hey Crashin. Greene was a beast out there.. he was running down people similar to what Brown does any given night… Greene and Brown are the #1 and #2 hitting punch the Kings have.

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4. tantrum4 says:

   November 29, 2009 at 12:22 am

   I just want to say after bashing the Edmonton & Vancouver announcers, I got the Hawks feed tonight and these guys were top notch…not biased at all. Oh ya, and KINGS WIN!!!!

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5. Ed says:

   November 29, 2009 at 12:25 am

   Was at the game tonight, very disappointed with Frolov and Purcell.

   Frolov’s style of play just does not fit with the top line. His style completely disrupts the flow of Kopitar and Williams.

   Purcell plays a perimeter game, it seems like he will not take the puck to the slot area. Frustrating to watch.

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6. Cynic says:

   November 29, 2009 at 12:52 am

   Awesome AWESOME game! Win or lose, just a great game. Glad we won it.

   Why did we win it? 60 minutes? CHECK. Winning faceoffs? CHECK. Checking game? CHECK!

   A lot of reasons we won but most important was the fact we played a gritty checking style game. ALL our games are going to have to be played this way until we get some bodies back, ESPECIALLY Smyth. We executed VERY Well tonight.

   Frolov was somewhat non-existent but had a few moments where he battled. I felt like my eyes deceived me in the 1st when I saw IVANANS-Kopi-Williams, I just about DIED! I thought Fro was injured (RICH – can you find out why that happened?!?! Equipment problem for Fro? This is one I GOTTA know. That just looked TOO ridiculous to not be desperate action).

   Kopi seems lost at times without Smyth. I hope he isn’t feeling snake-bit. He needs to have a talk with Simmonds and start BELIEVEING he can score every night. Hopefully your silky SO goal brought you back some of your swagger. Yes, that was YOU that did that…

   Williams, I thought, was explosive tonight. He worked real hard to jar pucks loose on the boards and gain possession. Lots of good positioning when in the O-Zone to keep possession. People just always seem to miss all the little things he does that make him valuable. Shame.

   Another dandy by Parse tonight. I still can’t believe he didn’t score on that deflection and I’m sure he doesn’t either. He’s showing great poise and confidence and he seems to be playing like he’s hanging out an awful lot with Simmonds. I loved seeing his disappointment when he was in the box for taking that penalty. That is the emotion I want to see. Dudes got heart and isn’t afraid to show it. Good on ya Scott.

   Faceoffs were solid tonight and it was nice to see Stoll back on them. My only complaint is that Jarret gets kicked out a lot and his backup is Brown. Brown looks HORRIBLE on the faceoffs and needs to sit with Jamie Kompon during a few practices and work on his draws, that is if he’s gonna be Jarret’s replacement when he gets kicked out.

   Richie – I REALLY wanted you to score when you ended up with the puck 5 feet in front of the net all alone, Huet was just on his game tonight. DAMN I wanted you to get that one. I’m sure you’ll take the win though. Nice game and energy AGAIN tonight.

   Bugsy (Segal) looks like a very solid addition on that 4th line. I’m beginning to think that a 4th line of Clune-Richardson-Segal could be the combination we need to FINALLY have a 4th line worth keeping together. Guess we’ll see.

   There were some negatives:

   In the 1st period, Ivanans had the puck at center ice and had a winger entering the zone. All he had to do was forehand dump the puck into the corner as he had a man with speed on his way to the corner to get it. What does he do? He plays bumblenuts with the puck, slows down, loses balance and crosses the blueline with the puck about 3 seconds after his winger did for an offsides. This is a bantam skill folks. Really. What is it going to take to bench him? Even for one game? I must be completely blind for missing the reason why he continues to be on the roster night after night at this point. His skill level is a proven detriment. If his job is to enforce, he hasn’t in a while. This is EXTREMELY Frustrating for me as a fan and I have been very patient with this. I was supportive of Raitis just a month ago, but his skill level has just tanked. He needs to be held accountable.

   Memo to Teddy Purcell: When you’re coming off the bench and Dustin Brown sweet feeds you a pass in the slot to one-time into goal heaven, PLEASE DO IT! My goodness, nobody around you, goaltender way left of the net and you stickhandle like you want him to recover so you’ll have a challenge when you shoot or something! You looked as though you had control when the puck first hit your tape, WHAT WERE YOU WAITING FOR?!?! You’re still playing aggressive and that’s good, but do you wanna stay, or what? You conquer the AHL in your 1st year like you have one eye closed and then you come to the NHL and don’t have confidence after ALL these games you’ve played? Please spend some quality time with Wayne and Scott. Quit being afraid to make mistakes and just frikkin PLAY YOUR GAME! You’ll be fine, but only if you start NOW! If your skill is ever going to help this team, NOW would be a great frikkin time to show it. You got this. We believe. So why don’t you?

   Bragging rights on D go to the grit guys: O’D, Davis, Greener and ESPECIALLY JJ. Of course his SO goal was absolutely breathtaking and gave me chills each of the 20 times I watched it, but besides that, his play really has improved since he simplified his game and DAMN is he strong! There was one play where he was pushing Byfugly along the boards and I could have sworn Dustin’s hair was turning red. Dude just get’s guys along the boards and tosses them like salads. Can anyone guess the last place ANYONE would want to be with Jack Johnson? Yep, that’s right…PRISON! LOL

   Quick’s fire is officially lit and it’s raging into bonfire status. What a difference from a few weeks ago. He’s pwning the shootout! He make the save against Kane in the SO look like he was yawning at the same time. Kane was flashing both sides of his blade and I think even a picture of his girlfriend naked coming down the slot he was so busy with the stick. Johnny looked like a statue until the last move. Crazy relaxed (Another oxymoron for Foxy). Keep burning my friend.

   Again, just a GREAT game to watch. Great action and solid play for such a wide open style of game seems to be such a rarity to see these days. We were treated to one tonight. Nice work boys! Roast Duck on Tuesday! (What wine goes with roast duck Foxy?)

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7. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

   November 29, 2009 at 2:58 am

   Quick needed the time to work on his positioning. He’s gold at the moment. Hope it holds up. I can’t believe Purcell is still a fixture on this roster. Something must be done about that. WRT Fro, I guess this is going to go right through June. Good to see JJ’s game improve.

   It’ll be interesting to see how well they grind with the Ducks Tuesday.

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8. jayhay says:

   November 29, 2009 at 4:24 am

   If I do happen to get a new puppy for christmas, just tryin to figure out if I want name him “wayne”, “simmer” or just “simmonds”. I LOVE this guy!! I actually liked what richardson was doin out there w/ the upper-liners tonight. Kopitar looks listless out there, terrible. I hope its just one of those spells, but he’s got so much more to give.

   Anyone see williams directing the faceoff set-up on the draw outside the offensive zone 15 seconds into the 3rd when we were on the PP; telling DD to move up to the wing and pushed, I think, brown back on the point, but way out in left field to get that quick far-wing rush if they won the draw? See that a bit in my sunday night league, but can’t say I’ve seen that too too much, if at all in the league.

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9. Gary Livingston says:

   November 29, 2009 at 4:40 am

   Just curious, Rich, know anything about Quick’s new leg pads?

   I think they are new at least. Are they just a different design or a different model as well?

   If so, how many games has he had them for? I think I first noticed them in the Edmonton game.

   Lesser goalies are dying to know

   If I’m mental and he’s had them all season…ignore this. hahah

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10. Shakes says:

    November 29, 2009 at 6:48 am

    @Gary I don’t think you’re mental, I noticed them too… Or at least the slightly different color combo. Dunno if the pads are different or just the colors

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11. Belexes says:

    November 29, 2009 at 7:59 am

    Huge game for Quick…..Where was Teddy?……It seems like JW is moving at double the speed of everyone else out there on both teams……..Brown had a big physical game…..JJ was a basher, and a finisher..

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12. UglyinLA says:

    November 29, 2009 at 8:42 am

    The Frolov-1st line experiment is a dud. He should be placed back on the Handzus Brown line. I think Frolov does his best when Hanzi is parked in front of the net. Similarly, Kopi is at his best when Smyth is parked in front of the net. When I look at the roster, there is no one else who comes to mind that plays that style other than Smyth and Hanzi, and possibly Brown. That is why Kopi and Williams are struggling.

    Until Smyth returns, I (as if it were up to me – LOL) would put Kopi on a line with Frolov and Brown because Frolov plays similar to Williams and Brown similar to Smyth so the formula that worked early in the season is emulated. Give Simmonds more ice time because he is hot. I am still impressed with the play of both Parse and Richardson. Did Purcell play last night, I dont remember his name being mentioned.

    In any event, Chicago buzzed the Kings late in the 3rd, but the Kings found a way to win, and thats always a good thing. Thats what successful teams do.

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13. Howe 9 says:

    November 29, 2009 at 8:50 am

    I was at the game & #15 stood out. He was hustling & busting his butt & I believe he was rewarded at the end of the 3rd or in OT. Great game by Richardson.

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14. pautna says:

    November 29, 2009 at 9:13 am

    Wow, @Cynic, you should seriously consider getting your own blog. That way, you can write to your hearts content, then simply put, ‘Here’s my take’, with a link, like wavesinair does. Just a thought buddy.

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15. Crashin' Da Net says:

    November 29, 2009 at 9:17 am

    All true about Teddy. Given the puck in the slot with a view and others heading towards the net, you just gotta pull the trigger. WRT Williams, he battles in the corners but mostly loses. Funny, I thought he was supposed to be a goal scorer for some reason??? Coulda swore DL said something about his 30+ goals were gonna help us. Must have misheard. He should truly be stepping up to assist Kopi with Smyth out but I just ain’t seeing much of that at all. Not saying he ain’t trying but just missing the mark by a long shot.

    Richardson was very good. Zeus redeemed himself from his goal-letting penalty with the late huge FO wins. Love the fraternal way he protects Simmonds out there. It was great when one of the Hawks gave MG a stick chop to the calves after the play and MG just turned around and smiled at the perp while looking at his number as if taking a mental note. The perp’s face went white and his eyes got this kinda apologetic look all over them. Classic.

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16. Manchester Connection says:

    November 29, 2009 at 9:58 am

    We could use Teddy here down on the farm with the call ups & injuries we have. AND after last night thats is where he belongs cause his confidence is shot.

    I can’t skate and EVEN I would have shot that puck in the slot…JUST LIKE HE WOULD HAVE last year when he was here.

    He needs to get his confidence back and it isn’t coming around out in LA. Teddy is too damn good when he is “just doing” instead of thinking too much!

    Note to Kopie…get over Ryan being out of the line up and get back to the good things you were doing at the start of the season. You can do them with JW just as well as you can with RS.

    Keep it up Jonathan. Kane looked like he wanted to shoot himself! He NEVER thought you would stop him! KEEP IT UP and stay in position and the playoffs will be close behind.

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17. Crashin' Da Net says:

    November 29, 2009 at 10:25 am

    Last thing, Parse KNOWS hockey. Where did he come from? Can we get more? Reminds me of “Mad Dog” Madden.

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18. fsd1 says:

    November 29, 2009 at 10:38 am

    my god, williams had a bad game? was invisible? crazy comments, i guess no one willever be satisfied. Williams was a beast out there, i dont think anyone beat him to a puck. Kopi? go back to what you were doing with smyth? Jesus, Kopi is a monster, backchecks like crazy, forechecks like a mad man, i say keep playing just like you are JW and Kopi, doing a fine job! I actualy thought purcell had one of his better games and parse is doing everything he needs to stay up here. TM, dont listen to any of this bs, keep the lines just as they were last night until scuds and smyth come back, a solid team effort and a well deserved win!

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19. fsd1 says:

    November 29, 2009 at 10:44 am

    i also think fro had one of his best games, instead of puck hogging he was actually looking for and making the passes he needed too. No goals but a whole different Fro out there, he looked like he was making the adjustments he needs to to be a part of the top line, good job fro!

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20. Todd says:

    November 29, 2009 at 11:48 am

    WE NEED RYAN BACK BADLY!!!! That guy sure is missed on the Kopi line!
    Simmonds has really impressed me. That guy plays with heart like Ryan does!
    And Quick was exceptional in last nights game! WOW! Awesome saves.
    I still feel we need another sniper though in the back of my mind……………………Heck, maybe Simmonds is it!!!

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21. Rico Sino says:

    November 29, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    fds1: I agree, Fro had a great game. Arguably the best player out there

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22. Crashin' Da Net says:

    November 29, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    Not sure what game you were watching but OK…. we agree to disagree. (best player out there?????? ( wow!)

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23. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

    November 29, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    Yeah, I noticed Quick’s pads too, subconsciously, and when you brought it up, I recalled…and icky cream color. Maybe they figured into the adjustments he made. Perhaps he was playing with new pads he didn’t like and went back to a pair he’d been practicing with or something.

    I don’t know what this “bad game” bit was with Williams. Seemed like he was trying to me.

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24. Cristobal says:

    November 29, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    Re: Richardson

    2nd period – completely shuts off in the backcheck allowing a break off the pass, but Quick saved his blushes.

    Re: Williams

    Great effort, but I defy anyone to point out what he’s doing in the defensive end. He’s all over the place. I like him, but with Kopi struggling to score, when will someone else (Brown/Simmonds/Parse) get a shot on Kopi’s right wing? I have seen no interplay between these two lately.

    Good win, but we were outplayed. The better team lost, and Murray needs to find some balance with this erratic club.
    And, fire Kompon – hire Larionov!

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25. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

    November 29, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    I disagree with the “better team lost.” The team includes the goaltender, and Quick was the difference, and the Kings were, thus, better. Chicago have even have scored if not for the bogus call. If you wanna say Quick bailed out his team, I’ll agree, but it also wasn’t due to effort, it was the talent they’re missing.

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26. Cristobal says:

    November 29, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Maybe I should have said “the better team last night.”

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27. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

    November 29, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    I didn’t mean to jump on you…I’d agree if tied down and made to confess that Chicago’s the better team…it’s just that I didn’t think it was a matter of bounces. It seemed, all things considered, the Kings beat them, and the difference was Quick. I know that’s a strange experience this year, but it seems to be how it worked out. It probably wouldn’t come out that way in a seven-game series.

    Now, if you want to parlay that into a “the Kings aren’t there yet,” I’d tentatively agree that they’re still a bit short on talent, even when healthy, for a team that hopes to go anywhere. That said, I think they’re pretty close, and I think they still have the potential to do damage this year and will be a legitimate contender soon.

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