We have reached that point in the NHL season in which some teams can, at least mentally, fold the tent. For the past couple weeks, only Edmonton has truly been out of the Western Conference playoff race, but now teams such as the Kings’ next two opponents, Dallas and Minnesota, can — if they’re being honest with themselves — look at the standings and know that the playoff ship has sailed.
Of course, that doesn’t mean those teams will give up. Players are still playing for jobs (and pride) and some might truly believe that the playoffs are still within reach. Terry Murray talked today about the proper approach to different types of teams late in the year, and the similarities that must be brought to every game…
MURRAY: “The teams that are battling to get in right now play with a lot less stress in their game. They’re much more relaxed in the attitude. `Let’s just pressure, let’s go after things and see how it plays out.’ That kind of an attitude. You just get into that mode of, `OK, it is total desperation and we need a win, so if we give something up here, it’s due to the fact that we have to win, and we’ll absorb the other part of it.’ So there’s always a need to talk about that in your pregame, that this is a game in which we have to make sure that we’re in the proper checking mode also. Defensive posture by our high forward in the offensive zone is really critical at this time of the year.
“It doesn’t really matter which team you’re playing, but at this time of the year, you have to have awareness to it, to be able to work with your defensemen on those big gaps in the middle of the ice and bringing pucks out. We’re big on that `three below the goal line’ to break it out, so that forward is the responsible player that helps in that area. I think, if we keep addressing that as a mandate for our performance, for our play, then we know the urgency and importance of every game, of putting points on the board.”
The way the Kings have been playing lately, I think they still have to worry about slipping further down the standing and worrying about Calgary moving past them. Unlikely as it seems – they are not mathematicaly safe…and better start thinking about being swept in the first round if they don’t get their pre Olympic form back!
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crashin' da net Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
@Arsenal, you are absolutely correct. What I have seen the last two Kings games scares me.
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I remember a lot of Kings teams (sadly) over the last few years getting a second wind after it’s all over, because some hot team going to the playoffs was in town. I remember how much fun it was to be spoilers, and how hard they played after they’d already screwed the pooch.
I’m thinking these teams might play fearless and frustrating hockey.
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The obvious is that the Kings need to play .500 hockey. They should be able to do that.
After that they can regroup for the playoffs. Looking at the recent 3rd periods we know they can play.
In a 7 game series I foresee a jittery game 1 after which I’d expect the Club to be competitive.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
@USHA#17, “In a 7 game series I foresee a jittery game 1 after which I’d expect the Club to be competitive.”
Interesting thought. That puts starting on the road in a new light (you’re not expected to win all the road games, so they could have a bad first game and steal the second, putting them in good shape.)
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USHA#17 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
That’s a thought.
Consider, after they put together a good period against a team they will see every two days they will learn quickly what’s needed to win.
They could steal a game. If they can get their focus they can stay in any game against any team.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
@USHA#17, there’s less pressure to win on the road in the playoffs, so you can “chalk up” a road loss at the start of the series. I think a road team that’s “better than their record” often steals game one or game two, so I think this makes 5th or 6th place surprisingly attractive.
USHA#17 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Gotcha, yes, we have a good road team.
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crashin' da net Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
@USHA#17, not as of lately. I’m seeing previous season Kings. We need to perform an exorcism!
St. Louis was another team on that list and they played pretty well against us…
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
@Belexes, They may be on the outside looking in, but the quotes from them were all about not being eliminated yet.
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We have at least one game in hand on everyone above us, except Chi., as well as one on Calgary. We just need to win the games we are supposed to win.
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USHA#17 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
@edwood2,
Hey, its the Kings. Always a wild ride. Always suspense. Never easy.
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The Kings have NOT played the same hockey since Modin and Halpern have arrived. I’m just sayin’… I think it somehow fouled up the line combinations that seemed to be working before they arrived. Nothing against them individually as players, but we’re talking team chemistry here. Their win/loss since this trade agrees with my concern. They were acquired on March 3, 2010. Since then, the Kings have only won 4 games, and have 7 losses. I remember reading somewhere that the Kings needed to (only) play .500 hockey after the Olympic break to secure a playoff spot. That has not happened, and the ONLY difference since then is Modin and Halpern. I rest my case… as of today anyway…
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USHA#17 Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
@pnm,
I think the trend started before the arrival of Modin and Halpern. IMO Modin got the Kings 4 points so far but their addition have yet to spark the Club.
I think Modin is a good addition. Halpern is harder to judge because of the way he is used but certainly he is not worse then those he replaced
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crashin' da net Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
@USHA#17, Agreed. Modin’s contributions have been realized thus far. It’s halpern I’m leery of.
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On topic, Murray is dead on.
The lines work hard to start a cycle only to have it broken on the half boards, leaving 2 Kings forwards almost 200′ away from their net.
That’s a lot of skating.
And, I don’t think the Blues played well, at all.
Encouraging 3rd period but to what end?
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johnjuan Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 10:25 am
@USHA#17,
I think they need to take more chances bringing a Defenseman into the play. Take a little pressure off the forwards and get some back door opportunities.
With JJ DD and Jones this should be automatic.
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Well, do you include Williams & Clune to that list. His return is in the same time frame. The lines that worked are not working. I think the play and attitude after the Olympic Break more than the additions on the 3rd & 4th lines are the problem. The players seem to have strayed from the system( play solid D especially up the middle, and on offense get Smith, Handzus, and now Modin in front of the net and shoot the puck from where ever just don’t get it blocked or miss the net). I think TM would like to see 30 shots even bad angled ones as long as someone is there to screen the shot or get garbage rebounds. Its simple, but in 3 weeks some of the players forgot how effective it was.
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The Kings have to just come prepared to play their game. Take the things that brought you success and a long winning streak and go back to it. No need for anyone to do too much out there, get too cute, or make an unecessary extra play. Bring the puck up as a 5 man unit, crisp passes, establish the forecheck, bring bodies down low, screen the goalie, grind it out and score. Just play your game and save the heroics for the elimination games in the playoffs.
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The Blues fell into that category,and we lost.If we don’t take these next few games seriously, and beat the teams we should, our seeding will suffer.
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The cycle is a means to an end and not an end in itself. We need to make it work for us either with a pass or a shot. Look for the seams! Throw it thru the crease with some one on the other side! pass to Dman shooting down the slot! Every good cycle comes to an end. Make it a good one. And string them together after the shot!
(said with one hand in my belt and other in the Dorito bowl)
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Kingsfanone Reply:
March 26th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
@crashin’ da net,
Wow! Almost like Gretz tucking in one side of his jersey! Impressive!
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johnjuan Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:57 am
@crashin’ da net,
Well said though.
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I’m not as hung up on the seeding as I am who the Kings will play in the first round. In my perhaps dim view, it’s better for them to play San Jose or Phoenix than it would be Vancouver or Chicago. http://puckboychronicles.blogspot.com/2010/03/who-do-you-want-kings-to-play-in.html
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Re-read Terry Murray’s quote. I just re-read it three times, and I’m pretty sure that’s the most random, irrelevant, nonsensical thing he’s ever said.
Don’t get me wrong – I love Terry Murray. Very good coach, very bright guy. But sometimes, I wonder if he just doesn’t want to deal with questions, so he just rambles through a bunch of hockey-sounding-words, and hopes that no one reads too closely…
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Masked Man Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:15 am
@Simmer, Yeah, I’m sure if the team heard that speech, they would be wearing big question marks on their faces. I think the teams that are on the verge of getting knocked out(“The teams that are battling to get in right now”) are under the most stress.
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At this time of year EVERY team is dangerous. Just as the Kings were last year, with guys playing for spots on next years teams. There are no “gimme’s”…the Kings must play every game as if it’s a playoff game…the others will be doing the same regardless of where they are in the standings.
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