FINAL: Blues 3, Kings 1 « LA Kings Insider

FINAL: Blues 3, Kings 1

Posted by Rich Hammond on 25 March 2010, 7:31 pm

The Kings finish 0-1-1 on their quick two-game road trip, as they outshot St. Louis 31-26 but lost. More from the locker room ASAP…

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155 Comments

tantrum4 says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:32 pm

Drewiskie needs another rest. Come back SOON Greene!!!

[Reply]
BernierNextRoy says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:32 pm

I’m kinda worried that Quick is burning out, he has had to carry quite a load. It’s also quite obvious that Ersberg is nothing more than a bench warmer. It’s too bad we don’t have a legit backup.

We still aren’t playing a full 3 periods the last several games…not good going into the playoffs.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
@BernierNextRoy,

Dem’s bull paddies, Bro!
EE was great yesterday, got them a point.

[Reply]
BernierNextRoy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

EE did the job he was supposed to do, I am not expecting him to be on the team next season, much less an NHL roster. He was the third best goalie coming out of camp.

For some reason he isn’t good enough to be a legit backup to spell Quick.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
@BernierNextRoy,
Wrt EE,I didn’t think Huet would ever be a starter after his play with the Kings,but he not only proved me wrong,he flourished.I suspect that even if EE isn’t with the Kings next year,he will be with someone.Even beachball found a job.

Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@BernierNextRoy,

It’s because of Ersberg they got a point yesterday. He played fantastic.

[Reply]
BernierNextRoy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
@Mike C,

We could have had 2 points with a goalie that knows how to cover their 5 hole correctly.

[Reply]
Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
@BernierNextRoy,

Last season and seasons before that, the Kings lose that game in regulation. Good teams find a way to get a point and Ersberg was great in relief while the Kings finally showed up for the final 20 minutes. They didn’t deserve 2 points.

BernierNextRoy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
@Mike C,

Past is in the past, I am looking ahead into the new era of Kings hockey. We could have had 2 points last night.

This team isn’t playing playoff hockey, and has to be somewhat troublesome for the coaches.
Jeffp says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:33 pm

I believe in this team but what is with this crappy as starts and then we get into the 3rd and realize that we should actually start trying. It has nothing to do with anything other than getting desperate. Why cant they play the whole game like they do in the 3rd. This is not the time to be playing like this. It is ridiculous and disappointing. This is not just one bad game. They have not put a complete game together since Columbus.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@Jeffp,

I agree…

Remember the desperation Montreal had when they played the Kings in L.A.? It was for the whole game. They were fighting for a playoff spot.

The Kings have shown that desperation the last couple of games—but only in the 3rd period.

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
@Jeffp,
Part of that is the opponent playing defensive once they have the lead, but yes I would like to see the Kings start games better a large percentage of the time instead of starting slow and trying to catchup.

[Reply]
macdup Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 7:08 am
@Jeffp, agree, being a fairly long time Kings fan I am nervous.

[Reply]
Dayman says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:33 pm

Yay! It’s over. Their play is becoming a conspiracy theory

[Reply]
RYC says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:33 pm

How many games now is it that they only showed up in the third?

Can’t recall Simmonds playing much in the third if at all.

[Reply]
FiG17 says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:34 pm

*Clings to sanity* “Don’t leave yet!”

[Reply]
Goring 19 says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:34 pm

7 PP, 1 goal. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Fire Kompon. Nah, just kidding but sometimes I wonder how we’re ranked so high in the PP standings. They looked tired tonight

[Reply]
Mike L Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
@Goring 19,

Blues also are the 2nd highest rated PK team for a reason. Kings just never really adjusted to their play.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@Mike L,

Sometimes you gotta give the other team credit.

[Reply]
Mike L Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

thats what i was trying to say. Remember they have the 2nd highest PK for a reason and it showed along with the kings inability to adjust to ST. louis’s play and blues earned the win.

BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
@Mike L,

Yep. Blues gave us trouble when we were hot…

Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
@Mike L,

They chose passes over shots in the earlier power plays of this game. With players like Handzus and Smyth, that puck should be headed to the net every chance the Kings get an opportunity. Doughty figured that out two games ago.

[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
@Mike L, true, but that’s what scouting and video review is for, and the coaches are supposed to make the adjustments, it’s up to the players to carry out the adjustments. How hard is it to tell the players to shoot the damn thing, even a wrister, when you get an opening instead of passing around the perimeter on now the best pk in the league. When you throw the puck at the net good things happen.

[Reply]
justlu Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
@Goring 19,

The kings have trouble on the PP when teams decide they want to put massive pressure on the pointmen. The Kings are slow to adjust and move the puck low in the zone (below the goal line). They tend to move the puck between the point and the half boards and rarely look to send the puck to someone in a corner or behind the net. And how often do we see a seem pass on the PP it is always passing around the outside between Kopi and the two points and then there are two kings just standing in front of the net. It’s pretty easy to defend when the kings only look to pass to the point.

[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
@justlu, sometimes they’re just slow period. Think how much more effective the PP would be if all PP units were constantly moving, opening seems, shots to the net, etc…what bugs me is sometimes they take a lifetime to wind up for a shot then the D is on them, and when they get the shot, certain players continue to shoot it wide (Stoll, Johnson) It’s just frustrating.

[Reply]
tantrum4 says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:35 pm

Here we go with the “we lost a game so there’s no way we’re making the playoffs” crybabies..Sometimes I’m ebarrassed to be a Kings fan, and it’s not because of the team.

[Reply]
Mike L Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@tantrum4,

I hear you. It’s like they wait for a loss to come out and talk but go hiding during a win. I have tickets to this saturdays game and look forward to a good game.

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
@Mike L, only thing im sick of is the duck trash that has seem to float in

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@Mike L,

The thing to remember is last season’s last ten games, when they didn’t have much fight at all.

This ended up being an entertaining game.
Jones’ attempt to hide the puck almost worked.
If it had, they might have won.

[Reply]
shades Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Yes…cheating is always a wonderful way to win!

Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

I think he was trying to stop it – not hide it. It was a valiant effort. He almost did it.

Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@tantrum4,

Actually, we didn’t lose any ground, thanks to the NY Islanders. The Kings need just 4-5 more points and they have 9 games left to do it. They are going. It isn’t up for debate. After 8 playoff-less seasons, I won’t take no for an answer.

[Reply]
Stop the Puck Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
@Mike C,
theres no question we make it, so i dont really care. we play like this well lose to everyone, if we paly well we can beat anyone nuff said

[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
@tantrum4,

Being a Kings fan is the ultimate roller coaster ride. It can make people a bit queasy… but at the end of it, most will still want to go again. I think the reason why people post more when we lose is simply to satisfy their need to rant… it happens to the best of us.

[Reply]
runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
@tantrum4,

The problem is that this team is not good right now. I am glad that you are happy that they will just make the playoffs. They were playing like a team that was going to make a run in the playoffs and I was not expecting them to be losing to non-playoff teams during the most crucial stretch of the season.

I am not sure what Kings team you have been watching but if you are happy that they just make the playoffs then…enough said. You play to win this is not the trophy participating league.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
@runningman, 3 and 1/2 years into the rebuild this team is not a true cup contender. It is nice to dream, but realistically we will be gaining experience for the youngest core in the league.

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
@runningman,
We haven’t seen how they will do in the playoffs, which by the way is what I consider the most important part of the season. This is just playoff positioning and depending on the first round matchup 8th seed could be better than 5th (Avoid Phx, Van, & Nash). So it really doesn’t matter to me that they are in a slump right now as long as they pull it together in the playoffs. As for Quick he does look a bit off right now, I am sure Ranford & Hextall will have him review film and get his positioning relative to the goal back.
I think mostly its just that. If its concentration problems due to fatigue we will likely see EE in a couple of games.

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
@luc20rules,

You think honestly think Chicago would be easier than Phoenix, Vancouver or Nashville?

jet Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
@Kingme 20, Heck yaa, the Hwks good Goalie is crashing hard. His save % is in the 890′s. The Sharks would be my first choice though. No goalie, no back up goalie.

jet Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
@Kingme, tonight: Starter Cristobal Huet was pulled in favour of Antti Niemi late in the second period with the score 5-1. Huet was put back in to start the third.

shades Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
@runningman, I’ve tried to say this before and got shouted down…you said it much better than I could have and of course I agree 100%!

[Reply]
Action Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
@tantrum4,

Don’t sweat it man, you’ll find that cheering for any team.

[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
@tantrum4, Hey…that’s how I chose my name on here.

[Reply]
runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
@tantrum4,

When a team stinks I will point it out. When they play well then I will acknowledge it. I do not wear rose colored glasses all of the time like some.

[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
@runningman,

I don’t think you need to point it out by saying “well that’s it, see ya next year. We’re done. No way we make the playoffs after that loss”…that is what makes me sick. Of course everyone is going to bitch and moan after a loss, but saying we should pack it in now and there’s no chance we make it? Disgusting thing to hear from someone that’s supposed to be a fan..

[Reply]
Austin Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 12:40 am
@tantrum4,

Exactly!! A TRUE FAN is someone who sticks by their team through bad times and good. It makes me so damn sick to hear all this negative talk after a loss..Yeah it sucks to lose but you can’t be so hard on them. You are actually helping your team by having faith in them and BELIEVING in them!

runningman Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@tantrum4,

I am not sure I ever said that was it. There is no need to pack it in. They have a few more games to change things, but to point out the obvious they are not beating teams that are in the playoffs. 1-7 will not get it done. They are even losing to teams that are not in the playoffs.

How positive can you be about this team at this point of the season. I am trying to see your side but I look at the record and that is the only thing that matters in sports. I wish I could be as positive as you especially when they are losing to sub par teams and other playoff teams when they need to win those games.
Mike C says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:35 pm

Yes, we need Greeney back. Quick has got to be better. But the Kings lost tonight’s game due to way too many passes on the PP instead of shots. A 20 minute effort again, this time, different team, different results. The Kings have to come flying out of the gate. This comeback hockey is really getting old.

[Reply]
KingMe20 says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:35 pm

This loss was well-earned. Until the third, they lacked any emotion, any fire, and were just flat, and a win in the NHL usually takes more than playing 20 solid minutes. Credit to the Blues, they worked their tails off for this one, and they deserve the two points.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@KingMe20,

Couldn’t say it better.

[Reply]
Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
@KingMe20,

Agree 100%. The game is 60 minutes, not 20.

[Reply]
Action Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
@KingMe20,

Yup. We almost got a game tied up we had no business being in. But that’s alright, people seem to forget there’s 82 games in a season. We’ll come back hard against Dallas on Saturday.

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
@KingMe20,

Agreed. Funny thing about the Kings is that they get going when they finally do get a goal, but they rarely get going from the get-go.

[Reply]
cebukid says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:36 pm

Sad looking bunch of hockey players only guy with energy on the team was the back up goalie

[Reply]
RJC76 says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:38 pm

At least all the Duck fans have someplace to go to discuss games that have playoff implications…unlike Anaheim games.

[Reply]
Marbles says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:38 pm

Quick needs to sit for a game, and we need to play a full 60 minutes! We can’t win games when we play hard for a period. This is atrocious and especially since we are in the playoffs. Come on KINGS AND QUICK, WAKE THE F UP!

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
@Marbles,

Think you just might be right.

Don’t forget the record he was chasing, the baby and the Olympic layoff.

Clearing his head might be good for Quickie.

Lots of games left to play.

[Reply]
McDonalds says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:39 pm

yuck. I gotta go brush my teeth

[Reply]
nykingfan says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:41 pm

No friggin energy whatsoever. Not a good effort at all.
Tired is no excuse.

[Reply]
Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
@nykingfan,

Agree 100%. I cannot stand anyone who mention the Kings are tired or Quick is over-worked. All NHL teams go through it. Quick had plenty of rest and got most of last night off. No excuse.

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
@Mike C,

…which tells me Quick’s head is not on right at this point.

[Reply]
chazyloveslekings says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:42 pm

Terry really needs to make some changes. It’s apparent our Quick is burnt out…it shows with the soft goals we’ve been seeing. Give Quick a break, and put in EE!

[Reply]
Kings Fan in Temecula Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
@chazyloveslekings, DUDE I freakin agree with this in so many ways, its totally obvious now, and TM’s too thickheaded! EE played good for us last time too. i dont get it! But if this keeps up quick wont be there for us when we need him later.

[Reply]
Little Willy says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:42 pm

What was wrong with the lines we had yesterday???If it wasn t for all the bad luck in the first,we played great hockey! TM better set up consistent line combination soon or we ‘ll never have any kind of chemistry at all……..

[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
@Little Willy,

Ya including keeping Frolov on the first two lines. What is Murray thinking for putting Frolov on the forth unit again tonight.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:43 pm

Gotta go get my In-N-Out burger, fries and a shake…

final, shootout:
phx 3-4 NSH (SO)

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, can you bring me some in albuquerque??

[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I am going to Tommy’s as we speak. Chili on everything!

[Reply]
McDonalds says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:44 pm

well at least Calgary lost. one step close to the playoffs! sigh…

[Reply]
erwin says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:46 pm

we need to call BERNIER and not next season. Bernier will give us solid goaltending and for Quick , I can’t think he can really play too much allowing goals that can be stop by BERNIER. TM please call BERBIER NOW>>>

[Reply]
Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
@erwin,

This is two games in a row Quick has looked less than average. Now is not the time to call it a season. If he doesn’t show up, I’d be happier with Bernier or Ersberg.

[Reply]
edwood2 says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:48 pm

We just came off two extremely intense games against Colorado. Mon. in LA, Wed. in Colo.,tonight in StL. The boys are tired. Much as we all would like, they will not win the rest of the games. Rest up, and come out smokin the next game!

[Reply]
runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
@edwood2,

More excuses, I bet St. Louis was not tired after playing the Red Wings last night. These players are not 7 year old boys playing little league. All of the teams are tired at this point of the season.

[Reply]
Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
@edwood2,

Your right, they will not win the rest of the games. But they better start showing up for more than 20 minutes or they will not win many of the semi-playoff hockey style games that are going on in this home stretch.

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
@edwood2,

St. Louis just came off 5 games in 7 nights. Everyone’s tired at this point in the season.

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
@KingMe20,

Agreed. And to make matters worse, the Kings have a very very busy week coming up, beginning Saturday with 3 games in 4 days.

[Reply]
runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
@Capt Jam,

I think we should get all of the excuses out right now regarding next weeks games so we do not have to read them next week.
AK47 says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:49 pm

detroit is only 3 points behind us? are you serious? i literally just realized that, that’s scary man

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
@AK47, lol where you been hidding AK?? but ya back when this all started with AVS i said team needs to find the fire cause we can fall out of this fast and everyone else out there isnt playing. then know what they need to do.

[Reply]
runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
@AK47,

someone will make an excuse about that also. The boys are tired….I am tired of the excuses! This team was good at one point of the season and now they are barely holding on. I can’t wait for the next excuse.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
@AK47,

After all this (getting past Detroit’s dominance of us this season), I’ll puke if Detroit passes us in the standings.

[Reply]
Marbles Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
@King John,

And what sucks is Detroit plays Nashville on Saturday, so no matter what, one of those teams is getting 2 points.

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
@Marbles,
This is the NHL it is very likely both teams will get points OTL 1 point & OTW 2 points.

shades Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
@King John, Better get a bucket ready!

[Reply]
Action Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
@AK47,

Well…the Wings are 8-1-1 in their last ten. And are healthy for the first time this season. You don’t make back to back Stanley Cup appearances by sucking.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
@Action,

These 8-10 game win ‘streaks’ really change the playoff picture. Look at Phoenix, Nashville, besides Detroit.

It’s good the Kings had one earlier or else we’d be on the outside looking in….

[Reply]
Player-X says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:51 pm

Soft. No hitting. Major holes in the team’s game right now.

Spotty goaltending.
Slow starts, to a degree that is becoming fatal.
Bad-pinch-itis
Chemical dis-reactions
He shoots-wide. Rinse, repeat.

Getting worked by a one-line team of undersized over-achieving has-beens, specifically McDonald and Kariya, the ones the Ducks got rid of and then won the cup.

Suddenly I don’t like almost half this team; Modin, Halpern, Jones, Drewiske seems less than he was, Who the fuck is Richard Clune, why do we even have Ivanans, Parse is too small and inconsitent to be a top 6 or even top 9 and he does not have the checking game, and by what logic is Peter Harrold not allowed to play his normal position of defense at which he has been solid the last two times he was let play the position.

What the hell is happening to my team?

Give me the simple forecheck and cycle game, win some 2-1, and for god’s sake wake up on time.

News Flash- From now on, the first period is going to count toward the game result. If they score more goals than we do in the first, then we play from behind in the second. Call if questions.

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
@Player-X, what i have noticed is we are not hitting at all lately. What are browns hits over the last 10 games i wonder. Heck even simmers isnt hitting anyone anymore.

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
@pr0cess,
Exactly pr0, no grit, sissy game with missed shots. Very frustrated… but more than that, disappointed that they seem to have no grasp of the actual battles they will be in during the playoffs. These guys are not at all prepared for the physicality of the game, or the up-tempo speed and tenacity they will see.

[Reply]
Mike C Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
@Player-X,

<>

LMAO. This sums up their effort lately, though. No-shows in the 1st period. That part isn’t funny and has to stop.

[Reply]
KingCanada Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
@Player-X, They are ahead by 10+ points from last season at this time. For many, almost for most, playing this late in March is a new thing for them. Let them learn. We’ll look back in a year or two and truly appreciate the growth we made from last year to this year.

[Reply]
NickDoh says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:52 pm

well that soft lineup worked well, got them all of one goal. oh and gave up a goal to the 4th line of the blues.

ah well though. cant win em all and thankfully calgary lost as well! maybe a home game will get things going again! lets go kings!

[Reply]
runningman says:

March 25, 2010 at 7:56 pm

Look at all of the people scoreboard watching now. Calgary lost so that is good. The Kings should not have to worry about any other team losing. This team a month ago was in almost dry cement in the playoffs but now they are worried and watching the 9th place team.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
@runningman, cristobal;, you are the only one worried. The rest of us know we are in.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
@jet,

99.9% in according to the Stats site.

But that number may be inflated since a team could tank and go on a losing streak.

But the Kings won’t tank. They’ll win at least a few more games to make it.

[Reply]
runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
@jet,

thats great just make it in. After the season they had, just make it in. This team should be 4th not 8th. I don’t like to settle.

[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
@runningman,

We were hoping for 4th until Phoenix got hot instead of us.

The Kings should step it up. To fizzle is no way to end a season. Or to even be halfway good.

shades Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
@runningman, I’ll say this again too…anyone who is sitting around saying “if the Kings win half their games, blah blah blah…or…if the Flames only go 6 and 3 and we go blah blah blah…” is kidding themselves.

The Kings have to win…period…not only to get in but to be ready for the playoffs. If you are happy with them squeaking in and losing 4 straight have a good time. I’m just going to hope that some of the young guys they bring up next year are decent and that Bernier is as good as he’s shown he can be. Then maybe we’ll not only storm into the playoffs but win a round or two…this team just is not consistent enough and that’s all there is to say about it.

[Reply]
AK47 says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:00 pm

Not to sound negative, but all year long I’ve been the biggest Terry Murray hater, I don’t think he knows how to coach the Kings player, we need a guy who can literally exploit the skill on this team, maximize its use. Jamie Kompon shouldn’t be there either, but there are enough coaches available, Ken Hitchcock would be the number 1 candidate, imo. McTavish as an assist coach?

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
@AK47,
I have always been a huge supoorter of Murray, and in the overall I still am. BUT-I do not like the mix-up created by using the #1 PP unit comprosed of guys from all different lines, followed by a total soup of players for the three shifts following the power play.
Not that this was perfect, but Murray is totally opposite to the old Russian way of having a 5 man PP unit, that usually skated together at full strength as well.
When is he going to set the lines and let the chemistry devlop again? You can’t just throw anybody out there in the playoffs, tempo is so high that familiarity is much more important.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
@AK47, and Hitchco

[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
@AK47, and Hitchcock was fired why? because he could not teach young players.

Your logic is just the opposite of what an intelligent GM would do.

[Reply]
tantrum4 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
@jet,

Ditto on McTavish…Murray is the best coach in the NHL right now. But AK will NEVER admit to that..

[Reply]
Steve McQueen Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
@AK47, the Kings have the #4 ranked powerplay, so this has nothing to do with him as it does the players who sat around and passed up shot after shot, especially on the 5 on 3. Kompon can’t make them shoot the puck.

[Reply]
doughtyfan_08 says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:05 pm

I only have 3 words for terry murray .. SIT QUICK OUT!!!

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Steve McQueen says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:10 pm

Terrible loss tonight. We gave away 2 important point to a team we should beat.

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KingMe20 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
@Steve McQueen,

St. Louis won this season’s series. It’s not just tonight.

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Mike V. says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:12 pm

Power-Pashion-Pride….Come on! Kings must change their slogan, because that’s exactly what they are missing. No pride, no passoin, no power. Shame on you, Kings players. you would be lucky to make a playoff. And even if you make it, with play like today, you would be out immediately (0-4). I have a proposition for you. Change you slogan but if you want to keep triple “P” it should be- Poor Puck Protection or Poor Plays and Passes.

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Mikyal Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
@Mike V.,
People are very negative here. You guys need to have something to be proud about. The Kings haven’t done this good in I dunno how many years. This is great. Yeah they are playing bad as of late but 3 games in last 4 nights… 1 games was super, 2nd game belonged to the Avs until the 3rd. And today the Kings were just tired b/c they gave all the intensity away in the 3rd vs. the Avs. You should notice that the Kings are not the only ones playing poorly as of late. San Jose is 4-5-1 in last 10. We need Optimists but NOT jinxers!

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runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
@Mikyal,

however,San Jose is a lock for the playoffs are the Kings?

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jet Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
@runningman, yes, they are.

shades Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@Mikyal, I con’t give a shit about any other teams…only the Kings, and they are not playing like a team that belongs in the playoffs.

And another thing…after 7 years of not making it to the playoffs they should have built a decent team by now…that’s why I (can’t speak for anyone else) am not exactly proud of this team.

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jet says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:16 pm

@FiG17,

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luc20rules says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:18 pm

I haven’t given up on the Kings. Magic Number went down to 9 points not up tonight. I don’t want Detriot passing us as I would like home ice if we do stay alive late in the playoffs. If we are 7th and Detroits 8th I will actually cheer for them to get home ice, unless they are playing someone I think we would have an easier time with on the road. Lets just get it going in or just before the playoffs.

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shades Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
@luc20rules, What planet are you on man? Seriously…they are limping in…do you really think they are going to get past the first round, if they get in?

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tantrum4 Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
@shades,

Yes, I do. I actually BELIEVE in this team. Maybe you should stop watching them for a while with all of your negative energy. You’re really bringing the team down.

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runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
@tantrum4,

did you just say to Shades “stop watching them with your negative energy”! These are professionals not 7 year old kids. Are you kidding me?
This team is bringing itself down. They are losing not anyone else.

tantrum4 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 9:08 am
@runningman,

No one else is losing hey? Let’s see, San Jose is 4-5-1, Chicago is 4-4-2, Vancouver has lost two of their last three including losses to the Islanders and the Oilers, Colorado is 5-4-1 and Calgary is 6-4. LA is 4-4-2 so it’s not like we are the only team in a playoff spot that is struggling right now. Man the way runningman and shades talk around here you’d think we’d lost our last 10 in a row!

GO KINGS!!!
MIK3Ysfv says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:21 pm

There is NO EXCUSE for this effort at this point of the season PERIOD. The only plausible excuse is that TM and the coaches are being tuned out. If so, shame on this team. They are supposed to be professionals. ENOUGH SAID. STOP THIS CHILDISHNESS!!!

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tantrum4 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 9:49 am
@MIK3Ysfv,

Yep, that’s the only excuse..LOL!

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erwin says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:24 pm

Where is Bernier??? we don’t need soft goal being allowed by Quick,we need solid goalie like Bernier to make the playoffs. Jones is not deserving to be playing we should put Peter Harrold he’s more compose and can move the puck quicker. TM you should make right decision now or your team will be out of the playoffs, use your sense to make the right decision and you should call BERNIER now or KINGS fans will be devastated knowing we were close making the post season after so many years waiting. DL wake up and call BERNIER becuse if you won’t make the playoffs this year Lieweke might send you packing. Why we send Bernier back when he play great in dallas,wow … quick is tired his mental focus is not there because of the new born baby,we should call Bernier now.

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Mikyal Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
@erwin,
Wow! Just wow! Bring up Bernier….hahahah. You ever though of Quick just being overplayed? Not the kid.(well I don’t think it is). Berneir is set for next year. Now it is Quick’s time. Yes, I wanna give him a reak so put Ersberg vs. the lower teams..

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MIK3Ysfv Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
@erwin, WOW…….

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Dominick Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Yeah,I could just see it now.When Bernier starts having a tuff time then you could say”bring up Zatkoff”,and when that doesn’t work,you could say”bring up Jones”.
OR? you could just not say anything.

Better to be thought of as a fool.Than to open up your mouth,and remove all doubt.

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BRIAN SIMMONS says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:47 pm

kINGS WILL BEAT THE STARS ON SATURDAY OR THEY WILL BE LOOKING AT DETROIT AHEAD OF THEM. LETS GET IT TOGETHER KINGS

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goldielocks says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:49 pm

Do you know what’s gonna happen when Kings actually make play-offs but show crappy game (like this one tonight) in first round match? People in LA will hate Kings even more and a recognition for the hockey will be lost again. This town is unforgivable for such failure and that’s what I’m worried about. I don’t wanna end up being a die hard Kings fan forever. This MUST be the year, boys. It’s now or never! Bring 60 full minutes game from now on and make us proud. Go Kings!

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shades Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
@goldielocks, Welcome to the club…I’ve been around since inception…that’s 42 years. TO make it worse I just heard that the Islanders have only been in the league for 38…count up their cups and add them to those of the Ducks, Canes and Lightning and you get an idea of why I’m so negative (as everyone likes to call it). I’m just a realist and this club will do nothing until a new owner steps in. AEG is focused on soccer now for god’s sake!

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tantrum4 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 9:51 am
@goldielocks,

Now or never? So if the Kings don’t win the Cup this year that’s it? You’ll never watch them again? Wow. I guess I’ll say it was nice knowing ya..I hear the Caps still have some room on their bandwagon for ya.

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MIK3Ysfv says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:50 pm

I have said all season, ” We are in the midst of a rebuild. We were just s’posed to make the playoffs. Just because we were/ are exceeding expectations, lets not lose sight of the big picture.” Nothing about my opinion has changed. However…., That is no excuse for a team this close to the finish line to lose sight of its goals. It is inexcusable for tonight’s result. Hopefully, this team wakes the F up. They are FAR too good for these last few games to define this team. Unfortunately, they will.

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AK47 says:

March 25, 2010 at 8:55 pm

Why did TM take Richardson off the top line? Richardson-Kopitar-Simmonds was working

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King John Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
@AK47,

TM likes to change things up depending on how each game is going and how each player is responding. I don’t think we can expect lines to be set anymore. I thought we might be back to certain lines, but how quickly things changed again.

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runningman says:

March 25, 2010 at 9:07 pm

this team is 1-7 against playoff teams since the Olympic Break but most say they are fine,

are you kidding me?

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shades Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
@runningman, Nice to see you down here again. And of course I agree again. I guess I’m doing this because although I did post some of my own comments it’s nice to see someone who is a realist like myself and not jumping up and down going “hey, we’ll get in the playoffs and get our faces smashed in…why can’t everyone just be happy with that?”

Man…the people here who are happy with mediocrity are amazing! OK, wont hi-jack anymore of your comments!

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runningman Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
@shades,

awesome Shades, it is amazing that people will be estatic if they just make the playoffs. When did LA fans begin to just settle? This team is average and ready to be rolled in the first round but most will be thrilled just to get in.

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justlu Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
@runningman,

I think it is people are realistic about the kings and see them headed in the right direction. They have the youngest core in the league and are 28-0 when leading after 2 periods. How many times last year did the team lose a lead in the 3rd ? Last year the defense improved dramatically keeping shots down and being good on special teams. This year they’ve carried that learning experience over and have been just as good in special teams play and have faced the fewest shots per game besides the Hawks. They have been better offensively and the team is improving and obviously learning from it’s past mistakes. It would be unrealistic for a team that finished 14th in the western conference last year to be expected to make a deep run in the playoffs especially being so young. I will be content this year making the playoffs and gaining experience from it. But to think that this team should be stanley cup ready this year would be ludicrous.

tantrum4 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 9:53 am
@runningman,

Ya it’s much better to jump up and down and cry evey time the team loses. I’m so glad I don’t have to sit near you at any games, I would go crazy listening to you..
JT Snow says:

March 25, 2010 at 9:17 pm

I do not care but Ersberg should have the next two games. Quick needs to get a rest and the coaching staff needs to see Ersberg for playoffs in case Quick shits the bed. I would play the following no doubt whatsoever.
27th Dallas – Ersberg
29th Minn – Ersberg
30th Nash- Quick
Apr 1- Vancouver- Quick
Apr 3 Anaheim- Ersberg(this gives Quick loads of rest)
Apr 6 Anaheim- Quick
Apr 8 Phoenix- Quick
Apr 10 Edmonton-Ersberg(If Quick starts here we know it is all about AEG and money
Apr 11 Colorado- Quick
I would love for some thought on this. Agree or Disagree? Quick needs to sit down for 72 hrs. he’s so tired it is a sin.. seriously. this is our season here.

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tantrum4 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 9:57 am
@JT Snow,

How do you know he’s tired? When I watch him play he doesn’t llok tired to me at ALL. If he gets tired after playing 65 games he is definatley not an NHL goalie. Why aren’t the guys playing 82 games tired? They skate all over the ice and Quick just has to stand there for most of the game. I don’t by the tired argument and neither does any of the 700 guys that play in the NHL…

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VanKingsFan Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 10:03 am
@JT Snow,

I agree for all of those games except i would not give the Iceberg the next two in a row. I would give him the Minnesota game, but not the Dallas one. Quick has played really well vs Dallas all year.

I think it is important to give Quick all of the games vs potential playoff opponents so that he can get as good of a look as possible at their shooters. (Nashville, Vancouver, Colorado, Phoenix)

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Ersberg says:

March 25, 2010 at 9:20 pm

It’s Frolov’s fault.

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Dominick Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Maybe it’s Ersbergs fault?

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runningman says:

March 25, 2010 at 9:28 pm

The one thing the Kings have going for them is that they have only four remaining games against playoff teams, which is nice. I am not sure they will win one unless the the other team has already clinched and have locked down their seed.

They have five more against non-playoff teams. I am looking at a 2-3 record there. A possible 94-96 points enough for a playoff berth.

Not bad baby heading into the playoffs only to get worked in the first round.

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Dominick Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
@runningman, Is it me,or do you just pourposly mix in optimism before revealing your true agenda?

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shades Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 5:42 am
@Dominick, It’s you!

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JT Snow says:

March 25, 2010 at 10:44 pm

Ersberg 28th 29th just because quick needs a rest
Quick 30 and april 1 nash vanc
Ersberg apr 3rd give quick loads of rest
Quick Apr 6, 8 anaheim and phon. no brainer
Ersberg 10th edm
Quick 11 colo.

Thoughts from people who appreciate debate, real debate when points need to be made that aren’t being discussed due to reasons beyond my control as a regular poster…pls

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VanKingsFan Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 10:07 am
@JT Snow, I responded above buddy, let me know what you think. I am with you for sure, but just avoid the two games in a row for Erik.

I have seen firsthand what your back up can do (Razor smashed the Ducks for Van with Luo struggling)

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Jesse says:

March 25, 2010 at 10:44 pm

TM needs to set the lines, no more musical chairs and bring up bernier from the monarchs and let ersberg take his place.

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Chris P. Bacon Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
@Jesse,

I Agree with the set lines part. This is madness.

Quick is OK, he just needs some extended rest.

Hopefully we can win a couple of games in a row to lock a playoff spot.

Then we could play Ersberg, Parse, Harrold, Clune, Drewiske, and let some of the other guys time a tiny break.

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Cynic says:

March 26, 2010 at 12:00 am

Quick looked mediocre. Ever since he had his daughter he’s been less than stellar. Maybe the lack of sleep? Not sure what’s up there.

For the billionth time…

SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK!!!!!

Quit with all the passing in the O-Zone. Passes don’t win games, GOALS do. If you make more than 5 passes on a PP setup, the sixth pass needs to be to the opposing goaltender. when you have 8 PPs, you need to do better than 12.5%. 60 minutes, not 40. Do I really have to bring this all up again?

For a while, we were ALWAYS scoring the first goal. What happened? Did we get bored? TM did say it best: Net Presence, Shot mentality, repeat. I don’t think TM would keep that a secret from the team between periods when he’s telling it to us before the third. Do we have deaf people suiting up?

Drewiskie overpursued on the first goal which led to the 2 on 1. Just tried to make a play, but made a bad read. Quick should hav stopped that shot. Just him and the shooter, exactly what you want as a goaltender. No excuse.

We could still miss the playoffs. We will if we keep giving half-hearted efforts like the last 2 nights. We coast, get behind, feel bad, wake-up and THEN play our game. Really frustrating.

When I mentioned that you were all going to WAR, I meant consistently, not when you feel like it.

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shades Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 5:44 am
@Cynic, One of my favorite lines while watching them…”SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK”…another one is when Quick is playing and I scream “STAY IN THAT DAMN NET”! There are a few more but you really can’t use them here!

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tantrum4 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 10:00 am
@shades,

You guys do realize that there is no point in shooting the puck when there is a guy standing right in front of you waiting to block it, don’t you? People in the crowd that yell SHOOT all game long are the biggest losers in the arena. You can tell they’ve never played a game in their life…

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VanKingsFan Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@Cynic, I only take issue with you attacking the PP. We are 6th in the entire NHL, the PP is not a problem in my book

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Some fan says:

March 26, 2010 at 12:53 am

We’d be much better off without Halpern, Modin, and Williams in the lineup.

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shades says:

March 26, 2010 at 5:46 am

RIght…it’s all their fault…maybe we should replace them with Clune, Ivanans and bring Purcell back! It’s not the players…it’s the coaching!

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Dan H. says:

March 26, 2010 at 3:03 pm

Some of you people are just nuts.

Quick hasn’t been stellar but he’s getting no support. The game he got pulled, two goals were kicked in by his own team. In the shootout people are blaming EE for losing in a shootout when our guys scored ONE time.

You can’t ask a goalie to pitch a shutout and beat all 3 shooters in a shootoute every time out.

Somwhere along the line the guys are going to have to figure out how to score some goals.

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