Throughout the road trip, Terry Murray had been noncommittal in terms of his plans for the goalies at the end of the road trip, with back-to-back games. So it wasn’t a huge surprise last night when Murray said that Jonathan Quick would start again today against New Jersey. It’s always interesting to look backward at the thought process, though? Was that really the plan all along, or did Murray change his mind at some point?
MURRAY: “All along, quite honestly, I was thinking that this would be the opportunity for Ersberg to play. Then with his game in Columbus, I started to rethink it, and then last night again, it kind of confirmed that I need to keep going with Quick.”
It is hard to be critical of anything he says or does when the team is winning like they are right now…
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OT
Seems like Kovi might be going to the Flames. They just traded Phaneuf for what ESPN is reporting as White and Stajan–both of which are free agents of various kinds at the end of this year. Seems like they are moving salary for a bigger move…
Bummer!
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Someone, what does the Flames have to offer in a trade for Atlanta? Dion was the only chip they had.
As for signing in the offseason. LA looks more attractive to Kovi then Calgary
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I thought Ersberg would get the nod, Quick must be so tired
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AK47 I agree.. He has to be tired as heck.. But who knows what TM is thinking. But i guess his thought is stay with the hot hand.
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how is he tired when hes playing the best hes played all year? you dont think at some point at Umass or avon or the minors that he didnt play 3 games in 4 days…as long as you are on teh top of your game fatigue plays second fiddle
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If the goalie is hot, you stick with him. I’m one of the fans that think EE is a very good back goalie for Quick. The last two games Quick has been very good. So stick with him.
Let’s go Kings, finish up this road trip on a high note by beating the Devils.
Go Kings!!
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My guess: If the Kings don’t play well and fall behind early, TM will yank Quick in favor of EE. This will allow him to rest up for the Rangers. Win, win situation as far as rest is concerned and playing time for Erik. But I think the 2 points are more important here. Thus, the start for JQ. Just like Bingram stated, how can you pull him when he’s on top of his game?!
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It looks like ESPN has added Meyers and Hagman to their list, so maybe it’s not as dire as I thought. Of course nhlnumbers.com is down, so I can’t see their contract status.
WWAMD: I’m not sure what Calgary would have to offer, but then again I’m not sure what Lombardi is willing to offer. Additionally, I don’t know if ATL is letting anyone negotiate with Kovi and I don’t think Lombardi will do a deal–any deal–without a long term contract in place.
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Nice article on the Kings
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nhl/columns/story?id=4873875
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I’m glad to see Phaneuf leaving the Flames. The Kings have seemed to have a hard time against them this year, even when they’d win. I’m more than happy to see him headed for the Eastern conference.
Also of note is that Giguere is expected to wave his no-trade clause and be traded to Toronto as well.
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Calgary- Phaneuf, Sjostrom, and some prospect
Toronto- Hagman, White, Mayers, Stajan
Also, some Toronto reporter is reporting that the Quacks have traded Giguere and a 1st to Toronto for Toskala.
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I really do appreciate TM’s candidness. I also think the oly break has something to do w/ the decision.
On the Tor/Cal trade; Phanuef’s relationship w/ the Sutters’ was one that was wearing thin. Phanuef is a Burke kind of guy. I think Calgary likes their ability to sign these guys, remember they traded just to get the rights to negotiate w/ JB, and they need scoring like no ones business. They needed a shake up, sooner than later.
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Source: Flames “Very Much in On Kovalchuk”
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wontonkings01,
“some prospect” is keith aulie, Calgary’s 3rd best prospect, played for the Canadian Junior team.. Toronto got some good assets out of this deal and if they’re getting Giguere and a 1st for Toskala, then this a very very very veryyyy good day if you’re a leafs fan!
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What do you mean “so tired”. These guys are highly conditioned kids. Quick could be ready to go again after a Power Bar and a 2 hour nap. I like Ersberg too, but you gotta stay with Quick today. Good choice TM.
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I love Ersberg, but seriously…how do you put him up against NJ?
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I don’t get why we have Ersberg on the team if you won’t put him between the pipes on the last game of a road trip and a back-to-back to boot. If you have so little confidence, why not bring bernier up and give Quick a rest? This experiment of playing Quick 70 plus games is a dangerous one as we position ourselves for a deep playoff run.
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Do the flames now package hagman with some d man and picks for kovi? I can see it happening.
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Carol
This is exactly what Quick and the Kings need to prepare for a deep playoff run. Keep playing him even when you might think he is to tired. Believe me, he can handle it. And don’t think for a second that Quick doesnt want it.
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carol
i urge you to find a coach this year that has benched his goalie that has won five straight, and led them to an undefeated trip. sure you can split hairs about how EE isnt getting his time, but this is NOT when you say “lets get EE his one start out of 10 on this game” jsut for the sake of getting him in there.
and heres a point about kovi no one has discussed: he wears 17 that is simmers number only!
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oh well, whatever it takes to get the 2-points, but whoever is in there we need to play a wee bit better in front of them so they don’t have to keep saving us until we wake up…
ps – Calgary in losing their pylon just got better, not to mention getting some good players in return… They’ll be coming on again so let’s keep piling up those points!!!
LET’S GO KINGS!!!!!!!!!
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Well for of those who say ” WHO CARES” regarding these trades. Well ANA trade giggy for toskala and blake. Gee by the looks of it. ANA just got some more offense. They are only 5 points out 8th. Det right on the tail of the flames. So Kings fan start praying.. It’s just got alot harder to stay where they are now.. So every game from now until the end of season, has more meaning than ever.
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where can you see the game today at a sports bar between west la and sfv on nhl center ice
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Plenty of time for Quick to rest during the O-Break. Miller is team USA’s #1. Quick is making a case for #2, but I’d be shocked if he starts any games and plays beyond garbage time in a blowout.
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Here’s a scary thought….
Considering that Toskala is a UFA this year, the Ducks just freed up about $5 million. What if they are making a run at Kovi…..
There have been rumors that Ryan is available…
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they have the same scenario as the kings then, with seemingly much less to trade and a worse team currently….then theres the question of signing him and i doubt anaheim could pull that off….but theres always the chance
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Let EZE start against the Rags on Tuesday. They’re averaging just about 1 goal in their last few games.
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I think the trades today will help all three teams.
I wish they were ALL in the eastern conference, though.
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does any one else want to see that mega star ilya come over to the kings we could use his pure goal scoring on our team. it would take alot of the wieght off kopi
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@elpollodiablo: Not without conditions. I only want someone to come to LA who wants to be a King. Especially a huge talent like Kovi, who can seriously upset the budding chemistry. If his heart isn’t in it, no way do I bring him here.
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@wavesinar
Here, here. Well said
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Burke is trying to buy himself another cup – he will fail miserably. He got lucky in Anaheim, but his moves are desperate, erratic and financially irresponsible. What is he trying to prove at this point in the season? What message is he sending the coaches and players? Toskala, Blake and the others are probably very happy to be leaving that organization. He should be selling, not buying.
The Flames trading Phaneuf is a bit of a surprise. Was Phaneuf a locker-room cancer? which would be a good move for the team, or does the front office think moving two defensemen for one defenseman and more forwards was the answer to their current slide? Very odd trade IMO. And the timing is just bizarre.
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As for Kovi, as wavesinair mentioned, he really would have to be one of Lombardi’s character players. Sure he’s a quality player and a great scorer, but what’s the attitude he brings on the ice? What’s his work ethic? Does he want to win over anything else? Is he a true team player? How will he gel with this young group of players? Will he fit in or feel like an outsider? Will he be wiling to adapt to Murray’s system and take on a little more defensive responsibility?
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Devilchicken – there is another thread for that and it has over 450/500 posts, just scroll down brother.
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About Quick – you ride your hot goalie until he isn’t hot. That’s how it’s done.
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