First, my sincere thanks to everyone who has taken the time to express sympathy, today and throughout recent weeks. I’ve had family members and family friends tell me about reading the comments there, and how impressed they are that people share such emotions. It really does mean a lot, so thank you very much.
Going forward now, the focus is on the Kings’ record winning streak. I’ve pulled together some postgame quotes, as offered by the Kings — Murray, Handzus, Brown, Babcock, Lidstrom, Zetterberg) and I’ll pull together the postgame notes soon.
TERRY MURRAY
(on the game…)
MURRAY: “We were not executing in the right way. We started fine, but then when it came to the detailed part of the game, we had too many breakdowns, like the first Zetterberg goal. That pass goes through three people, and that’s just not being alert to an assignment. Same on the four-on-four faceoff. We have two guys going to the defenseman up at the blue line and again that’s being alert and executing in the right way, but as mentioned, you get nine lives and you come back and that’s a hard team to come back against. It’s the second time within a couple weeks now that we’ve done it and it shows a lot of character.”
(on second-period changes…)
MURRAY: “Had to make some changes on the line combinations going into the second period, and I thought Parse stepped up to the Handzus line and made a big play on the goal that we scored early in the second period. Guys just stepped in. They’ve shown to be able to do that throughout the course of the year, and there was a need for it today. Balanced scoring, defense starting to get more of the pucks through/ I thought at the start of the game we were hesitant, not shooting, hitting the legs, and as the game went on we started to get more pucks to the net and better traffic at the net.”
MICHAL HANDZUS
(on the game…)
HANDZUS: “We have a lot of confidence right now, and we know that if we stick to our game most nights we will be successful. We knew we did not play well in the first period. We came out a little flat, and they came to us pretty hard. We decided not to try and hit a home run. We just stuck to our game plan. We just wanted to try and score the first goal and go from there, and then we scored three second-period goals. It is great, and a great comeback for us. Parsey [Scott Parse] and Frolov did a great job. They stayed on the puck and they battled, and they won the battles. They had two shots on one play and I got the rebound, and it was pretty much an empty net, but the credit goes to those two guys.”
DUSTIN BROWN
(on the game…)
BROWN: “Going into the third tied 3-3 after being down 3-0 is a huge boost, and we got a huge goal in the last five minutes of the game. At this point we will take it. Winning nine games in a row is obviously a franchise record, and I think what’s special about it is that it is a team accomplishment. We have not had one or two guys win the games for us. Obviously Quicker [Jonathan Quick] has been really strong in the net for us. When you can get scoring from every line, like we have, it is difficult to play against. When you shut down Kopi [Anze Kopitar] or Zeus [Michal Handzus], Stolly [Jarret Stoll] will get a goal, and when you have that going it is hard to play against.
“We knew we did not play a very good first, but I think it has been our attitude this year that we are never out of a game, especially with the way things are right now. It is one of those things where we forget about the first period. There is nothing you can do about it, it is done and over with. We just refocus and get back to playing our way. We addressed that in the first intermission and I think we played a pretty good game after that.”
DETROIT COACH MIKE BABCOCK
(on the game…)
BABCOCK: “We had the game going our way. I thought we had a really good third and tilted the rink our way. Our big guys played well today. I thought we had enough to get it done, but it just never happened. Both teams scored exactly the same way: around the net. The ones they got in the second were freebees. … There is nothing we can do about the injuries. We just need to suck it up and win. I didn’t mind our game today. We had two power plays in the third period and hit the post two times on late shots. The puck just didn’t go in for us. We need to get these points. If we dig ourselves a big enough hole we won’t get out of it. Howard has been excellent for us. He has given us a shot to win every night.”
NICKLAS LIDSTROM
LIDSTROM: “We came out with a good push and got rewarded with scoring some goals. In the second, we didn’t play well enough in front of our own net. They were crashing the net hard. We didn’t do enough to get those key rebounds. We needed a 60-minute game today. We’ve had some moments playing really well and then we have some let-downs and goals scored on us. We have to continue to get better. As a team, we are the guys in here that need to get it done regardless of injuries. It was a tough game because we set ourselves up with such a good period. They set up the puck well behind us and that was the difference.”
HENRIK ZETTERBERG
“In the second, they had most of the momentum. In the third, I think we had a pretty good period. It’s never fun to lose. We were playing a good team. We definitely need the points and need to battle every game. All these teams are playing to get to the postseason and it’s a struggle. The puck just didn’t go in today.”
Welcome back, Rich!
No one would have blamed you if you had taken the entire day off. But on the other hand, I know from experience that when you love your work, it can help keep you grounded in difficult times. I hope this gig and everything you do for us has that effect for you.
Now get back to work!
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i like the quotes on one post…its easier to read ALL the comments at once….Everyone puts sports away during family time…alot of respect for you and we are glad to have you back…it wasnt the same during the game without you….
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Great comeback win…..OD’s a liability
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HOW SWEET IT IS!!!
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Re-post from the last thread (sorry)
Just got back from the game.
The place was rocking off the meter! What a great way to shut up all those Chicken-wing a-holes!
Heard one in the tunnel say “Yeah, but how many Cups have you won?” To which I replied, “How many three goal leads did you BLOW today!!” He shut up.
Nice seeing you as usual Matt and great meeting you Variable!
What a win!
GO KINGS GO!!
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Hmmmm…Zetterberg is the ONLY one who complimented the Kings…The Kings didn’t exactly play their best game, but geez, give credit where it’s due.
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Great comeback! The boys showed some great heart, and determination. Zus was an absolute beast!
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This is proof that magical things happen when Heidi removes her sweater…
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MARK4KINGS…
jinx…:)
just gave you a shout-out on the previous thread…great meeting you, as well…and look forward to future celebrations and wins…!!!
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mark4kings says:
Heard one in the tunnel say “Yeah, but how many Cups have you won?” To which I replied, “How many three goal leads did you BLOW today!!” He shut up.
Mark, that’s the sort of come back that I’ve never been very good at… but well done on that one.
Lucky you to be there.
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Hey variable. You were there!
I went into a health food store in the Polish quarter of Brooklyn and the polish check out girl just laughed when I told her the Kings won 9 in a row. I’m usually more reserved than that, but I was so happy. She just smiled and asked me if the Superbowl isn’t tomorrow. I said ‘yes, but it’s not as big of a deal as this’. What a great moment to witness in person it must have been though (the game…. not me at the health food store).
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what a game!!! zeus is playing like, well, zeus!!! i cant even explain it!! i liked the look of the zeus/fro/parse line!! i wanted to puke in the 1st intermission but felt better during the 2nd intermission.
9 in a row… 4th in the west (as long as PHX doesnt get a point, currently 4-0 dallas… go stars)
GO KINGS GO!!!
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Don’t think the Kings were ready for the speed. A good lesson, shows that they still have room to step it up a notch.
A different Wings team then the one in January. Very fast in the 1st and 3rd. A let up in the 2nd cost them.
Wining ugly is a big part of the game.
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6…
lol…winning makes everything better…even random bursts of happy via the check-out counter…
it was a great game to witness…!
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Amazing how things even themselves out. The game Detroit won with Howard standing on his head, we deserved that win.
We got some luck back our way today.
They have that never say die attitude. They’ve come back against some of the best teams in the league..and have done it consistently.
Time for 10
Go Kings!
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Glad to see you back Rich! The best to you & yours.
These aren’t the Kings of old. When the Wings scored their third goal, if it would’ve been previous years, you would just know the game was over. The attitude was here we go again!! This year the confidence that exudes from this team is amazing! I’m not going to sit here and lie and say I new they would come back, but I did know that this team would make a game out of it and maybe even come back to get a point or two. This team is the real deal! I cant wait to see the boys in action in a real playoff situation. I bet there’s not a team in the west that would want to tangle with us. here’s hoping we stay completely healthy the rest of the way. Go Kings!!!
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I’m glad that all the guys chastised Heidi for wearing that red sweater. What the heck was she thinking, or does that tell you she doesn’t really, I don’t know. The funny thing, and a lesson here, the game switched to the Kings side right after she got rid of it. Funny how things work sometimes, eh?
For everyone hating on Zeus for the last month, what do you think about him now??? He does that almost every game, they just don’t all go in like they did tonite.
As for Simmer, damn glad he didn’t get traded. And the little tribute NHL on the Fly did on the Kings 8 game streak along with stats on Simmer yesterday, very nice. I think the Kings don’t get recognized on a lot of sports programs (ESPN, NHL Network, etc) because aren’t they all based in the east coast? And when someone out here has a chance to pat our boys on the back (Jim Hill in particular), he mispronounces the names or is talking all Lakers, then oops, “we’re out of time till next time friends.”
As of right now, Yotes are down 4-0 in 3rd. Cmon Stars, a little help here please! Kings can maybe stay in tie for 4th longer than a couple hours this time?
The boys were flatfooted in the first, but another testament to TMs system, they settled down and went back to structure and played the system and won. Quicker made some fantastic saves, and our friend the right post made a couple of great saves for us. Things like that happen when you’re winning I guess.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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Rich — Sorry I am late, but you are in our families prayers.
Boy, from reading the last thread we, the posting community, has sure come a long way since the Brown incident last season.
Quick is 14 wins from an NHL record for wins in a season. Possible?
A quick note before we set out on a Detroit bash fest, even though it is fun. I have a friend who lives outside the city who told me today that there are 150,000 families, just in the city, who are 3 or more months behind on paying their heating bill. Usually, this utility bill would be the first one paid each month, so the citizens are enduring a great deal of pain. Just something to think about before going to a Wing site to gloat.
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I’m glad that all the guys chastised Heidi for wearing that red sweater. What the heck was she thinking, or does that tell you she doesn’t really, I don’t know. The funny thing, and a lesson here, the game switched to the Kings side right after she got rid of it. Funny how things work sometimes, eh?
For everyone hating on Zeus for the last month, what do you think about him now??? He does that almost every game, they just don’t all go in like they did tonite.
As for Simmer, damn glad he didn’t get traded. And the little tribute NHL on the Fly did on the Kings 8 game streak along with stats on Simmer yesterday, very nice. I think the Kings don’t get recognized on a lot of sports programs (ESPN, NHL Network, etc) because aren’t they all based in the east coast? And when someone out here has a chance to pat our boys on the back (Jim Hill in particular), he mispronounces the names or is talking all Lakers, then oops, “we’re out of time till next time friends.”
As of right now, Yotes are down 4-0 in 3rd. Cmon Stars, a little help here please! Kings can maybe stay in tie for 4th longer than a couple hours this time?
The boys were flatfooted in the first, but another testament to TMs system, they settled down and went back to structure and played the system and won. Quicker made some fantastic saves, and our friend the right post made a couple of great saves for us. Things like that happen when you’re winning I guess.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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Not sure if it was mentioned in the previous post but Howard is a cheap shot POS with that elbow.
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Damn right double post got me again……..sulk
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we have, sorry
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Yeah jet, call it kharma or just the randomness of the universe, but it is interesting nonetheless how a city like Detroit, which is not known for it’s high standard of living (to put it nicely) has such a rich and amazing history with hockey.
Yet a city like LA, which has so much to offer and so much to do, couldn’t have had a more jinxed hockey history if it were scripted…
Until now that is…
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@Jet…. wow Jet. You really impressed me with that one. Personally I don’t bother going to other teams’ sites, but just the thought is really beautiful to me. It’s true that so many of us have gone thru difficult ‘kings times’ for many years, but to think of others like that to me is the highest calling.
and to var… thanks for the ‘hello’.
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I kinda wondered if the Wings were going to fall flat, after the Kings got a couple goals. I thought they did a hell of a job of coming out in the third and doing what it takes to win. It was a fairly sloppy game against a really skilled team, in the first and the third. It’s not they way I’d like to see them win, but it’s good to see the two points and to see the streak continue.
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Thank you Stars!!!
Stars 4-0 over Yotes…….Geez, what the heck, don’t the Yotes know we’re on a streak here??? lol
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WRT the quotes, Rich, I like the way you normally do it (not complaining! I’m sure it was a matter of the current circumstances.) I like to read comments that are together in response to a single set of quotes.
As for your day, I’m as surprised as the others that you’re on the job. I hope, now that you’re looking for closure on your regrettable loss, your work is a source of comfort and enrichment.
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Oh, and I thought Lidstrom had a poor game–for him, anyway.
…and, I thought it was really sour grapes on Babcock’s part to talk about how the Kings goals were “freebies.” That’s odd…I thought every Wings goal was a freebie, but that’s how it usually looks when they play, in my mind.
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Actually, the Forces Above were just evening out the karma from that 2-1 loss to DET just before the streak when 51 shots couldn’t beat Howard…
Kings and Red Wings are even.
How long has it been since the Kings won two games in a row against Detroit?
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Bako, don’t suppose you happen to know what the Kings record is vs. the Wings if you eliminate this year? I know they won one game vs. them last year or the year before in Detroit. Other than that I can’t remember the last one.
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>WTFK
I agree with you, we would’ve been just fine and totally understanding if you took the rest of the day off too, Rich. I also understand going back to work can make it easier to not think about anything but work for a while.
Rich, did you notice the boys pulled it out for you???
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Babcock
Those goals in the second weren’t “freebies” dude, that’s how this team works hard down low in front of the net. Really sour grapes, Babcock. Kings rock!!!
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Heidi(red/black sweater) must go!
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The 91 playoffs I believe.
We stole this one for sure, but we ain’t given it back. Now to put the hurt on the quacks.
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#6:
All I remember is 22-1-2, after the 2-1 loss earlier this year…
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Great great win and I was able to see it today at Staples. It was LOUD in there! Through the Wings’ timeout the crowd didn’t stop cheering it was great! Up in the 300s we started chanting “Let’s go Kiiings” while a Red Wing fan kept shouting “Eleven Riiings”. Then we scored to go up 4-3 and he was totally silenced.
Any word on what might be done about that vicious elbow Howard laid on Brown off the play? It was blatant and well after the initial contact. Are the Kings sending that to the league?
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Bako…. are you Serious?!! Wow, that’s as bad as the old late 70′s early 80′s Kings were against the Flyers. Thanks for that. Well, I was right about the ’1′. I remember Brian Boyle scored for us vs. Osgood.
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Heidi must go? No way. I’ll take her over Patrick O’neal any day of the week. She seems a bit ditzy at times, but it looks like she really loves her job.
Oh and she’s freaking hot.
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#6:
I remember Kings-Red Wings games from 2-3 years ago when the BentWings LITERALLY skated circles around us, winning 4-0, 6-0…
The Kings would just chase the puck and try to hit somebody… and, couldn’t do it. No puck, no body, no goals.
It was so, so sad.
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The Kings haven’t seen this kind of success against the wings since Deadmarsh went down.
Right about the karma, this was the counter balance to the 2-1 loss.
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@Lidstrom and Zetterberg – In the old words of Gordon Gecko “Payback time sport”
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only the 2nd loss at Staples for the Wings since 2003 – THN
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Wings have had great success vs. Elay…
it was just their second loss at Staples Center since March 2003 …. but it’s a New World!
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#17…you’re a Quicker Googler than me…LOL!
Zeus:”..what do you think about him now???”
I’ve always like Zeus, voted him “hardest King to play against” at the start of the season; although, actually, Kopi has proven to be probably tougher to D
than anyone….did somebody mention Oscar? I loved his game today; and Game describes him well….when it was 0-3 he was as “on-fire” as though we were up 3-0, checking effectively and leading by example….
my Unsung Hero…
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Bako…. so funny you should mention those games from a few years ago. It was one holiday season and I was in LA. It was the 4-0 you mention. I remember a Wings PP goal that just looked like taking candy from a baby. It was so sad and so frustrating.
Still I agree w the comments on these threads that the Kings Do need to tighten some things up, cause some of the sloppy play and mental letdowns will do you in in the playoffs.
But I’m still very proud of the boys. Huge amount of fight. No letdown and no quit.
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The thing I’ll remember from THIS game, in contrast to the 3-2 win in Motown, is the desperation shown by Detroit.
It was not as if the BentWings were beyond caring about this game. They came out strong and fast, and got the lead they wanted…
…And then, they COLLAPSED.
What a beautiful moment!
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“That’s how we do it boys!”
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First of all, my condolences, Rich and adding my prayers for you and my family and also for Brian Burke’s family of the loss of their son.
But what a great game today and I saw it live too. Thought the Kings were to give up and die, but they came back from that deficit to send the wings packing.
And I take Patty O over Heidi anyday…:D
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The first thing that Lombardi needs to do to improve the future if the Kings is to sign Frolov. That guy is the best in the NHL at fighting along the boards and maintaining possession of the puck. It may seem to be an underappreciated part of the game, but keeping the puck in the offensive zone not only wears down the defense, but it makes it pretty hard for the other team to score. “Ice is Nice” asked if Frolov can keep it up at playoff time when the game becomes more defensive. He is exactly the kind of player needed to suceed in that kind of game. He is already playing that game. He maintains possession with two and sometimes three players on him. His numbers may not be as high as some may want, but his contribution to the team is awesome.
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Wow Rich. I honestly don’t think any of us readers would hold it against you at all if you had taken the day off. My condolences to you and your family. Thank you again for doing what you do.
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Rich, I lost my mom exactly 32 years Feb. 6 and I still remember that day and the day of her funeral vividly. It was a surreal time, and I too wish you and yours condolences.
Just one comment about “freebees”.
Looked like a lot of hard work to me.
Always classy to minimize the other team’s effort. Seem like that to you.
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ANOTHER UGLY SHOW. ….HOCKEY GODS KEEP SMILING TO KINGS.
KINGS PLAY 15 MINUTES ONLY AND BEAT THE WINGS,BUT WITH THIS TYPE OF GAME THE FINAL SCORE COULD BE …1-5 OR 2-7. MuCH the same ducks game.Rangers game was solid ,but
after that the only think I like is the convidence.If we play like this in Anahaim the result could tragic.
But,after all ,I just like handzus game .This guy is uniqe,He does everything.I think he is now the most important player in lineup (hard to replace) even (thanks God) we have very good dept. We still need a sniper.If we could not aford Kovi, than get somebody….lets say like jason blake(?!?!)….Smith is another
tresure we need to spare.Kopi,simmonds UNtouchable!!! Our #8 NO COMMENTS,future hall of Fame.Green …shaky,
We also need injury report from….Jw ,Loktionov,Hicky…
Rich,please….
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I like the comments about shutting up the Wings fans. I realize LA is full of people from all over and would have fans following their team. However, of all these foreigners, the most obnoxious are the Wings and Flyers fans.
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I agree with the Gary in that our top priority should be to re-sign Fro in the offseason. It will help in negotiations that his offensive numbers are down this year. But the combination of him and Zeus is formidable to say the least. The first player I saw this year on the Kings who used the reverse check was Frolov and he uses it effectively knocking guys to their rears and protecting the puck. He is like a basketball player boxing people out with his backside while protecting the puck on the boards. He almost always makes the right pass rarely giving up possesion. When he and Simmonds and Zeus get on the cycle no line is better.
On a side note I think Stoll is good at certain things but he is not a good puck handler and rarely do I see him get the puck on a breakout and carry it in with any speed. He usually gets the puck and dumps it in. Where as Brown and Smyth rarely dump the puck and always try to carry it in with speed. It seems when the two line is on the ice it is Brown and Smyth, Stoll is rarely involved in the play. Stoll is good defensively, has a good slapshot, and is good on faceoffs. I don’t think Stoll is a good fit on the second line I would like to see Moller get some time centering this line and move Stoll down to center the fourth line. I think Moller has shown some holes defensively and that is probably why he won’t get a look on the 2 line but I think offensively the 2 line would be even more productive. Putting together a 4th line of Stoll/Segal/Purcell or Ivanans might give TM the confidence to roll 4 lines regularly.
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justlu, you are mistaking the system for thinking Stoll is late to the play. Stoll is responsible to be available on the breakout, and then make the second pass to a streaking winger. When there is sustained pressure, Stoll goes into the corners or the front of the net like everybody else, but he is terrificly responsible defensively before committing to the cycle. As I said, once the deep possession is established, Stoll is in there with the best of them; remember the goals he socred with Parse when Parse first came up? They were deep give and go’s. You gotta remenber, Kings are not run-and-gun, they are a forecheck and cycle possesion team with excellence in two-way play; Stoll is the high forward (F3) most of the time until positive posession is established.
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Justlu,
Adding to what you said…
I like Handzus and Frolov together too. When Simmonds was with them it was very good, but right now with Parse, I think it has better scoring potential, and Simmonds can support Kopitar. Parse, when he’s on his game, ignites the line with his passing and hustle. A lot of scoring chances have been generated when he hustles into or around the zone with the puck and then makes an great pass to someone in front of the net.
Parse= passing and puck movement
Frolov= puck control
Handzus= net presence
They all have the ability to score.
That’s a well-constructed line.
Now hopefully, he can play consistently and TM can keep him there. He’s already doing what we expected Teddy to do with the passing and puck movement.
Also Fro’s +/- has picked up since Parse is on the line (Fro has improved to -6). Parse is +12 in the limited time he’s played. I wonder if that’s the best per 60 min of hockey on the team… (Of course, Simmonds straight up is best with +19.) What about it, Quisp?
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Is it a coincidence Lidstrom and Zetterberg exhibit more sportsmanship in their quotes than Babcock and Bertuzzi? No it isn’t. Lidstrom and Zetterberg are about as classy as it gets.
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you never know guys… Heidi was born in Michigan… a little covert info there… messing with the hockey gods & the hockey chi for 1 period for our kings
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Heidi rocks.Love her attitude,always upbeat.And as cute as can be
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