In practice today, Teddy Purcell skated on the third line with Alexander Frolov and Michal Handzus. Terry Murray indicated that he was dissatisfied with Scott Parse’s play on that line last night, which was a big reason why Oscar Moller moved up to that line later in the game. It sounded as though Murray would, in an ideal world, play Moller on that line, but that would leave him without a fourth-line center under the current setup. No defensive changes are expected tomorrow night, and Jonathan Quick will start in goal.
LATEST NEWSRULES FOR BLOG COMMENTING
- No profanity, slurs or other offensive language. Replacing letters with symbols does not turn expletives into non-expletives.
- Personal attacks against other blog commenters, and/or blatant attempts to antagonize other commenters, are not tolerated. Respectful disagreement is encouraged. Posts that continually express the same singular opinion will be deleted.
- Comments that incite political, religious or similar debates will be deleted.
- Please do not discuss, or post links to, websites that illegally stream NHL games.
- Posting under multiple user names is not allowed. Do not type in all caps. All violations are subject to comment deletion and/or banning of commenters, per the discretion of the blog administrator.
SOCIAL MEDIA
LA Kings Insider LA Kings Official
Agreed. Parse was nowhere to be seen last night
[Reply]
it’s all interchangeable, and by the second shift of the second period, Murray puts a clamp on Ivanans’ butt and nails him to the bench and so the remaining 11 forwards play mix and match anyway. One good shift and you’re promoted, one “bad” shift and you’re demoted, and hell… BRich was -3 last night so I was expecting him to be skating for Ontario this weekend (sarcasm) … No big deal. They all get to play, they all get to suck, and occasionally they have a good shift and beat a crappy team like Toronto.
On to the next game, and I guarantee you, whatever the line combinations are in period one, they won’t be the line combinations in period two on Saturday. It’s like the sun shining in LA…
[Reply]
I’m glad Purcell is getting more ice time. People complain about him not scoring…can’t do it if not given the oppurtunity. Handzus and Frolov did great last night, in my opinion.
I’m not even looking at the Kings as having a “Top Line” per se anymore…they’re all playing so strong, and we haven’t had that in forever it seems. Great to see.
Doesn’t suprise me about Quick, however some of those goals he gave up last night seemed kinda iffy, like he was caught off guard. Hopefully he stays focused and is keeping up on his rest. Ersberg should be due for some starts soon. With the Olympic break coming up though, it’s hard to say, as Quick might not even get any action unless Miller & Thomas can’t get things going.
[Reply]
Can we please let Quick rest for a game, or two? Dont’want him burned out at the end of the regular season.
[Reply]
I really liked the Zus-Fro-Moeller combination last night. Zus and Fro control it down low, and Moeller is quick enough to create some space for himself and has that Cammeleri-like suprisingly good shot.
[Reply]
segal should play with FroZus.
4th should be Parse – The Mole – Purcy.
[Reply]
@ Ecktore Amen!
Why, do we keep playing him? He has been looking sloppy, the Oylmpics can be a heavy burden whether he plays or not he will be worse for wear when he comes back, there will be lots of practices, games in a short span and the excitment of being there.
We need him down the strech not playing crap teams like the Leafs.
[Reply]
I thought Teddy looked really good last time he played, but then was demoted for Ivanans.
I think the message got through, let him work his way up again. Either he helps us move ahead, or we showcase him, it is a win/win.
[Reply]
Obviously DL wants Purcell in the lineup so he can showcase his enourmous skill set, grit, heart, and determination.
[Reply]
Ecktore – Is New Jersey worrying about burning out Brodeur or is San Jose worrying about burning out Nabakov? Luongo, Brzgalov, Miller? And all of those guys are 30+ (Brodeur is 38!) Quick is 24. Trust the coaches and Quick himself to make the right decision about how much time off he needs.
[Reply]
It seems to me that TM is using Purcell only to punish those that don’t play up to their potential
[Reply]
@KingsFan in OC
All of those goalies have been in the league for quite sometime and have a better understanding of what they can and can’t do so there is absolutely no comparison.
I will give you a real one. When King Henrik first came in for the Rangers he was a stud, one of the best in the league, he played all the time, went on to some international play and by the end of the year was so burned out that they Rangers could not keep their momentum.
It takes a goalie a few years to know what their body can do and off season training to be able to do it.
No player is ever going to say he cannot play, I played/play tons of times when I shouldn’t and never told my coaches the truth so I would not be taken out unless I thought I could not contribute to the team.
[Reply]
Timid Purcell again….great. At least Parse is willing to bulldoze his way in the corners and boards. TP is skating around like a fairy.
[Reply]
If you want to make a point to a player on this team, just replace him with teddybear.
[Reply]
“Agreed. Parse was nowhere to be seen last night.”
Except the couple times he almost scored from the slot.
[Reply]
I really don’t think that Quick will burn himself out in the longrun though…the guys knows how to sleep. Check this article out
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/bobsleigh/news/newsid=28135.html?cid=rsstsn
[Reply]
Ecktore -
Quick will have 2 weeks off during the Olympic break. I really doubt he starts a game and will only be on the bench if someone gets hurt. He’ll be fine.
[Reply]
I also thought Teddy looked good the last game he played…..ON THE FOURTH LINE!
[Reply]
Clune on 4th line? Thoughts?
[Reply]
When it comes to one one battles, Teddy loses 19 out of 20, he is just easy to play against, looks like parse’s place just got the T.P… that’s ok it will only take 1 game to clean it up… after that no more fairies allowed on the Kings, ever!
[Reply]
What’s the frequency, Kenneth
Did you catch that play by Parse..I believe it was in the 2nd period when he gave one of the laziest backchecking efforts I’ve seen in a long time.
They showed the replay but didn’t mention Parse…but the effort..or lack therof was obvious.
He deserved to have his ass nailed to the end of the bench and he also deserves to be sitting up in the press box..or down in Manchester.
I’ve said it many times before…if you’re a fringe player, you better not get caught being lazy. there’s absolutely no excuse for what he did.
This is not the 1st time with Parse either.
I like his play but if he can’t committ to giving 100%, then he needs to get used to the bus trips in the AHL because that’s where his career will be.
[Reply]
Yes, the play where Parse dropped his stick…then went to go get it, had me yelling @ my screen. That let the Leafs get a pretty good chance. Thankfully Quicker bailed him out.
[Reply]
I’d rather have a lazy Parse than a useless Ivanans…
[Reply]
@ NYKF – I was referring to him being “invisible.” If you haven’t figured it you yet, I respond negatively to hyperbole.
[Reply]
“nowhere to be seen” = “invisible”
[Reply]
You’re right WTF. What was I thinking making the comparison to other goalies’ workloads?
[Reply]
KingsFan in OC
San Jose has a habit of working Nabakov really hard to get the playoffs. History shows how well that works once they get into the playoffs. Perhaps comparing Quick to that isn’t a good way to back-up your argument.
[Reply]
I agree with Cristobal, Segal is the best fit with Frolov and Handzus. That lined played together for two games a few weeks ago and was dominant, spending entire shifts in the offensive zone nearly every time they touched the ice.
[Reply]
You’re making comparisons to other goalies that have not won a Stanley Cup recently. And I only that because from your list, Brodeur is the only one to win a cup. Last year, Marc-Andre Fleury played 62 games. Ranked 9th in games played, and won a cup.
Miikka Kiprusofk played 76
Marty Turco played 74
Niklas Backstrom played 71
Henrik Lundqvisk played 70
Cam Ward played 68
Ilya Bryzgolov played 65
Dwayne Roloson played 63
Evgeni Nabokov played 62
Not one of these netminders made it to the SC Finals last year. Only MA Fleury, and Chris Osgood. Who, by the way, only played 46. posting a 26-9-8 record.
[Reply]
Rich
What exactly did Murray say to indicate he would like to play Moller with Frolov and Handzus, in an ideal world.
Can’t he just send Parse down and bring up another center to fill the fourth line?
If he wants to that bad, it shouldn’t be that much of an issue. It’s not like he’s assigning Purcell who’d have to clear waivers. Parse can just be sent back.
It’s not rocket science.
Now, I didn’t see the lazy backcheck in question last night and I’m certainly not defending it. NYKINGFAN is absolutely right. Fringe players do not have the luxury of taking plays off. In saying that, at this rate Parse’s game is going to soon be affected like Purcells. Murray’s got thses guys skating around on egg shells, wondering when the next benching is coming if they make a mistake.
These two are a couple of skilled guys who cannot play their game if they cannot take the odd chance to make a good play.
[Reply]
@ Gizmo – I liked your comment. Don’t you think this season’s a bit different with an olympic break that will include Quick sitting on his bottom side before the race down the stretch?
[Reply]
Correction- Cam Ward won a cup with Carolina.
[Reply]
I can hear it now in the locker room…
Murray ” If you guys dont play hard I’m sitting you for Purcell”
Nice trade bait resume TP
[Reply]
I agree Nykf, if you’re working for a spot then u need to do just that. As an ex- athlete (not hockey) I know that u not only owe it to yourself to put it out there every night but more for the team who displays the patience and confidence to have u out there to have there back! Maybe he’s in awe at being in the show and gets cauhgt watching. youngsters tend to do that on the big stage. He’s made some good hustle plays since bieng up here so i think he’s coming to grips with what he has to do here, day in and day out! Lets hope he gets it! all he has to do is look at Simmers. Aloha Guyz
[Reply]
Oh, by the way, Quick needs the work. His mental focus for a complete game needs work. I believe he’ll show some people come playoff time. LOHA
[Reply]
Parse lost his stick in the second (?) period and opted to retrieve the stick, instead of covering the forward. That ended up resulting in a 2-1 scoring break down low in which Quick made a good save to keep Toronto down.
That said, this isn’t the first time that TM benched Parse for one bad play. Parse has shown nothing but energy, grit and scoring since being called up.
Purcell has shown nothing from day one, despite his first week lucky goal and a two other tallies.
When will this end?
[Reply]
WTFK
I got it now!
The Jumping Shrimp
I don’t think they should have a fear of playing the game the right way. We’re in a battle for a playoff spot. As fans, we know how badly we want this playoff spot..we expect the players to want it just as bad.
Imagine if Parse’s lazy play led to a goal which led to us losing the game….we can take the scenario out further, but I think you get my point.
I don’t think any of us would care if this was the old Kings battling for the 15th spot in the conference, but these are different times and it should never be acceptable being lazy.
I agree OahuKingsfan For the most part I love the way Parse battles. I think he can be a solid, useful player on our team, but only if he’s committed to giving 100% every shift.
Makes you wonder if a guy like Simmer has spoiled us completely..the same way Doughty has spoiled us on D.
[Reply]
Didn’t see Parse’s “non-backcheck” yet, but when will it settle in that a player doesn’t have to go 100% all over the ice? Pick your spots.
All Parse has done is provide us with secondary scoring and some skill — something I can’t say about Purcy, Ivan, or even Moller.
Anyway, the center should be back first on the backcheck most of the time.
And, what about Mollers horrible play against Detroit on their first goal the other night?
Don’t forget these guys are still adjusting to the NHL, it’s pace, and it’s grueling schedule.
[Reply]
Steve Jensen
“this isn’t the first time that TM benched Parse for one bad play. Parse has shown nothing but energy, grit and scoring since being called up.”
Parse has also shown a penchant for getting lazy…that’s why he got benched a couple of times.
TP might not be scoring, which he needs to do, but he’s not a lazy player and he is defensively responsible.
That’s still the most important thing.
[Reply]
Cristobal
I think coming back on the backcheck is a pretty good time not to be lazy.
The polar opposite of Parse’s play was the play Stoll made getting back in the zone….head up and looking for the trailer coming into the zone. he picked it up and averted a good scoring chance. Those are plays that win games and get you to the playoffs.
Right or wrong, I don’t think patience should be a virtue at this time of the year..with so much on the line.
Mistakes are going to happen, they just can’t be lazy mistakes.
If the schedule is getting to some of the young kids,which is understandable, then they need to sit out.
It doesn’t seem to effect Simmer’s game. It didn’t as a rookie last year either.
[Reply]
Parse has helped this team more than Purcell this season. Remember Parse is still a rookie finding his way in the NHL. Purcell is average at best.
TM changes things all of the time so the roles of each player change.
[Reply]
Newf says:
“I’m glad Purcell is getting more ice time. People complain about him not scoring…can’t do it if not given the oppurtunity.”
WHAT? Opportunity? Opportunity, on every line, is all TP has had this whole year!!!
As Marc Nathan says,
“it’s all interchangeable” anyway. But don’t say he hasn’t had the opportunity!
I agree with Jack The Whiner, “Timid Purcell again….great. At least Parse is willing to bulldoze his way in the corners and boards. TP is skating around like a fairy.”
…and with WTF, Kenneth… “Agreed. Parse was nowhere to be seen last night.” …”Except the couple times he almost scored from the slot.”
I honestly don’t think this has as much to do with TM not wanting Parse in there. I think it’s just that as we’re really nailing down some line combos right now he’s trying to find that last piece on the Zeus/Fro line as well as nailing down the 4th line (although I think it’s this 4th line that will indeed stay interchangeable, like last night inserting Ivanans just in case Toronto chose to goon it up…)
[Reply]
I disagreed with alot of you on Parse.. Just because of one play,one game you want him out or gone?.. What about that pass he made to help beat Detroit? Parse fits with the Kings and deserves to be with the team..
[Reply]
I didn’t watch the game, but it sounds pretty harsh to crucify a guy for one missed back check. I never noticed a lack of effort from Parse when he was playing with Richardson, Simmonds/Stoll. Maybe he’s not use to playing with Fro and Zues? If lazy back checking does a become a tendency, bad habit then I would agree with the criticism… I think we need to cut him some slack considering how much positive contributions he brings to the team.
[Reply]
I don’t want Parse gone, but he’s not going to be in there playing like that.
When he’s playing hard, he’s really good and an asset to the lineup. He has to be consistent. Can you wait for that consistency while battling for a playoff spot.
TM’s a real good coach and I trust he knows what he’s doing.
[Reply]
TM, you have given every chance to TP, why do you keep screwing things up and holding other players back! Enough of this already.
[Reply]
NEWF: “People complain about him (Purcell) not scoring…can’t do it if not given the opportunity.
Glad you wrote this, had I heard it I would not have disbelieved my ears:
The whole thing is as simple as it is silly. As a scorer Ted is a bust but as a 3rd and 4th line player he’s not bad.
Ted has been given ample playing time (lines, shifts and games) to prove his worth. He has shown value, only not on offense.
[Reply]
Parse was the late difference in Detroit. He was involved in the last two goals. I hope he shores up whatever is bothering TM, because he can be a really good contributor to the Kings. I hope he can establish himself as a regular player.
Christobal mentioned a 4th line of:
Parse—Moller—Purcell
I’d like to see that: it could actually be a scoring line, if each person played to his potential…
[Reply]
a lot of you are acting as if Parse is being sent down. jeez all TM is doing is trying to find the right fit for ZUES/FRO. He still has Parse in the line-up. It may just be a motivational tool…relax
[Reply]