Tonight’s lineup « LA Kings Insider

Tonight’s lineup

Posted by Rich Hammond on 27 March 2010, 11:21 am

The Kings are expected to skate as follows tonight…

Smyth-Kopitar-Williams
Modin-Handzus-Brown
Frolov-Stoll-Simmonds
Clune-Richardson-Halpern

Scuderi-Doughty
Johnson-Harrold
Jones-O’Donnell

Quick

More to come from the morning skate…

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73 Comments

Stuart says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:23 am

I’ve loved the trades, but our chemistry has been lacking since them. But I like our 3rd line!

[Reply]
khanon Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:25 am
@Stuart,

I agree. Adding two player, three if you consider JW, while subtracting none to an already deep line-up is a little crazy, no?

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@khanon, totally, that’s why I was on board. But now I’m feeling like Moles and Parse were providing that little extra added gel somehow.

I don’t know, I’m just saying.

[Reply]
khanon Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:31 am
@Stuart,

At least the two late season acquisitions won’t be here next season, thank G-d!

David Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@Stuart,
We did add by subtracting. We sent moller down and parked parse on the bench.

tantrum4 Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:30 am
@khanon,

What about Pheonix? They added 6 new guys and they look ok to me..

[Reply]
khanon Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:32 am
@tantrum4,

Yes, but they got rid of players on their active roster as well…

Stuart Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:32 am
@tantrum4, but the point was that we added without subtracting, while PHO added while getting rid of a few pieces.

Capt Jam Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@tantrum4,

Ok?? They have been on fire since the deadline.

USHA#17 Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
@Stuart, Yeah, but the slide started before the break (that is to say before the trades) but consider that Mr. Percell had:
3G – 3A -1 Kings
1G – 6A -5 Tampa.

Modin netted the Kings 4 points,
Percell netted the Kings 2 points

Edge, LA

[Reply]
MK Ultra says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:23 am

I like it.

[Reply]
khanon says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:23 am

I’m glad Clune is back in the lineup… Maybe we’ll actually witness a scrum finally!

[Reply]
Masked Man Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:25 am
@khanon, Never hurts to add some sandpaper.

[Reply]
Kris says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:25 am

Looks good to me!

[Reply]
khanon says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:30 am

Wow! I didn’t realize Harrold is going to be dressed. I like Harrold better than Drewiski. Lets face it, although Drewiski has a big body, he’s not physical, so he’s kind of a waste so to speak. Harrold, on the other hand, is small, but he works his tail off, takes hits, can skate, and possesses decent offensive talent. Easy decision.

[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:33 am
@khanon, I like Harrold as well, tho I give an edge to Drewiske (based on how steadily he played last season) … but BOTH are better than Jones. Since Greene is hurt, OD gets the job of covering for Jones’ messes tonight. Hope he got lots of rest last night.

[Reply]
SDgolfer Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
@bbb7, Drewiske did so great that he’s benched.
Jones played pretty well last game.

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:35 am
@khanon, agree, PH can make a tape-to-tape pass out of the zone. Drew is fine and all but sometimes I feel we need to lay a stick next to him to see if he’s really moving afterall. The tortoise would outskate him line to line.

[Reply]
Cowboy Bill says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:30 am

Just stay away from the stupid penalties, start fast and skate hard. Everything should be fine.

[Reply]
BRIAN SIMMONS Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Iagree

[Reply]
Scot says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:32 am

I thought Richardson had earned himself a spot on the top 2 lines with his play lately.. maybe he’ll move up during the game.

[Reply]
khanon Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:33 am
@Scot,

Hopefully TM won’t be hesitant to play Clune more than the usual 5 minutes or so. The guy can play, so how about rolling all four lines tonight?

[Reply]
shades Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@khanon, Saw this after my comments below and totally agree with the 4 line concept.

[Reply]
Masked Man Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@Scot, Yah I hope Richie moves up the depth chart depending on performance during the game. We all know TM likes to mix things up.

[Reply]
AK47 says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:32 am

They should be good

[Reply]
Masked Man says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:34 am

My only wish- Scratch Halpern and dress Drewiske as a 7th defenseman just in case Harrold plays as small as he looks.

[Reply]
Johnny Utah says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:34 am

7 goals in 2 games against COL and Murray has to completely revamp the lineup (again). WTF?

Richie-Kopi-Simmonds – leave it alone. it works.

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@Johnny Utah, the way I see it, our first line needs to use these last 9 games to recapture their steam. Their our playoff meal ticket, if they get hot, we’re looking good. Ritchie and Simmer need to find their stride on another line.

[Reply]
bbb7 says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:35 am

Calgary getting beat today so if that continues a win tonight would virtually cinch a playoff spot… I hope we see the return of the Smyth-Kopi-Willy line magic.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@bbb7,

Yeah.
cal 0-4 BOS/3rd period, with 15:00 to go…

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Calgary is completely collapsing as I type this…

cal 0-5 BOS/3rd period, with 14:09 to go…

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
cal 0-5 BOS/FINAL

[Reply]
unhinged says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:40 am

Jones-O’Donnell? Yikes.

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@unhinged, Jones has slide along with the rest of the team. Problem is that Jones doesn’t have much margin. He has to play his best 100% of the time.

[Reply]
lenman Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
@unhinged, Exactly!!! This is a disaster waiting to happen.

[Reply]
#1faninvegas says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:42 am

Hey all, I again missed the St. Louis game. I feel bad, but work doesnt stop! I will be here tonight, so please root loudly tonight, as we need two big points!! GO KINGS GO!!

[Reply]
Nickdoh says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:46 am

thank goodness clune is back in! lets go kings!

[Reply]
UKKING says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:58 am

Remember, positive thinking boys and girls. I can envision a 3-1 win tonight. Anybody with negative thoughts will given a detention after the game!

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
@UKKING,

LOL. I’m going straight to the penalty box then bc I am not feeling so good about this one, having seen the new lines.

[Reply]
shades says:

March 27, 2010 at 11:59 am

I have no problem with the lines…they look good…but please TM, stick with them and let them play together from this point forward. You can’t keep changing up and expect to have any chemistry.

Also, I’ve like Harrold all year. What he lacks in size I feel he makes up for in speed, stick handling and smarts. Of course he’s going to make mistakes but he needs the ice time.

This is a very good team, but they need to stick with the same line combos.

Also, although their power play is highly ranked, they need some timely goals there. It seems like only yesterday when they were whipping the puck around like mad with Fro, Kopi, Smyth, Doughty and Stoll against the Sharks a couple months ago…they looked unstoppable. But that has not happened for awhile. Too much passing and not enough shooting. They need to move it quickly and get a shot from the point and crash that net.

They just have to win tonight and I have a feeling they will play well, but if they do not, TM must not panic and change up the lines again…let them play together to the end.

Also, I’ve noticed that Halpern is winning some key face-off which they so desperately need. I think he and Modin are good additions. Again…they just need to keep these lines together for a few games. These guys are all very good players. At least I got my wish and Ivanans is not in there…they don’t need a guy to sit…they need to roll 4 lines and keep everyone fresh for this game and the rest.

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
@shades,

I agree! Good comments there. Play a few games together, see if they mesh, if they do not, than restart. It seems Williams, is getting back to himself again. Good line set-up by TM!

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@shades,

Do you guys really think TM is gonna stick with these combos for any length of time? This man is perpetually shuffling lines even when we used to win with regularity.

[Reply]
shades Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@Capt Jam, I really don’t remember what happened at the beginning of the season when they got off to that great start. Was he shuffling the other lines even then? If so, that’s a major problem with me, and with him, and then for the team of course.

[Reply]
hagi18 says:

March 27, 2010 at 12:08 pm

For those lucky enough to attend tonight’s game, remember back in black….

Let’s get that playoff atmosphere going in the stands.

Wear black and cheer your arses off

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
@hagi18,

Thanks for the reminder. Gonna dig out the Gretzky-era road sweater for the game.

I’ve always found it interesting over the last 10 years that the Kings would encourage fans to suit up in a color that is the least visible and provides no visual impression or distraction whatsoever. Someone must be color blind in the promo dept.

[Reply]
Icecrown says:

March 27, 2010 at 12:11 pm

If Quick is in the game mentally tonight, we will win. That’s all there is to say.

[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
@Icecrown,

That’s a big If.

[Reply]
#1faninvegas says:

March 27, 2010 at 12:12 pm

Now, since noone really goes back and reads comments on here from games way in the past, I am going to comment on something I read. Goes back to a comment/question I made in the open forum. I asked a question about implementing a challenge like the NFL does. I, however, think it’s a good idea. Football, is different when it comes to penaties, granted. I don’t think it should be a challenge for penalties. I think a challenge should come into play when it comes relating to a goal. Hence, the goal against the Kings where the goalie, was moved from one end of the net, to the other. Same play that happend on the other end of the ice moments earlier. If it was available, Coach Murray, could have challenged it, and it would have been a no goal. That is what kind of challenge, I am referring too. Penalties, equal out in the end, but game changing goals, do not. So I say in that case, yes, bring in the challenges!

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@#1faninvegas,
agree! Anything directly involving a goal should be subject to replay, but definitely not penalties.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
@nykingfan,
I agree…. btw, left you a response at bottom of thread on Quick.

[Reply]
sasKing says:

March 27, 2010 at 12:16 pm

I just put this as my facebook status:

“Show’s over, Flames fans. We have some lovely parting gifts for ya.”

Should be interesting to see the comments I get from some of my Alberta friends.

In any case, we need this win tonight to keep hope alive for the 5th seed. I really don’t want to see Vancouver or Chicago in the first round. Phoenix or San Jose are much better matches for us.

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 says:

March 27, 2010 at 12:21 pm

I’ll be wearin my black 3rd jersey and rooting for our Kings here in Los Wages.Oh how I miss Cali,the beach,and going to Kings games…wimper.Go Kings Go.

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
@LVKINGS88,

LOL Los Wages? That was interesting my friend!

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
@#1faninvegas, Thank you,the way things are going here it’s appropiate.

[Reply]
Kris Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
@LVKINGS88, Yea I miss LA sometimes too. Then I leave Vegas to go to a Kings game and get stuck in traffic. lol on a side note flames lost 5-0. Whooo Hoooo! Now we gotta get a win tonight!

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
@Kris, Yeah you cant beat how close things are,but I’m from San Clemente(NOT A QUACKS FAN) so not having the beach,surfing and being able to see the Kings play live sucks.I do go to the Frozen Fury games with some of my ex roller hockey teamates from Gretzsky’s in Irvine,when they come out.When I go to Cali it’s to see my dad and son,oh and my girlfriend,and to see a place that is actually green not brown..haha.

[Reply]
#1faninvegas Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@LVKINGS88,

All of us Kings fans in Vegas need to have a Kings party one night!!
KingFan4ever says:

March 27, 2010 at 12:23 pm

BOS 5 – CGY 0 3rd period. Thank you Calgary. We love you in L.A.

[Reply]
Datacloud says:

March 27, 2010 at 12:45 pm

It’s too bad we’re in the position we’re in now, in a playoff push, and all of our top nine need to be on the ice every game, because at any other time in the season, Brown needs to be benched. I realized he scored the only goal in what was really a poorly-played STL game (the 5-3, as usual, was just sickening), but he’s been failing at every aspect of the game besides the hitting. I haven’t looked at the numbers, but I counted at least five turnovers in the neutral zone and he can’t remember for more than a couple of games not to take the puck up the right hand boards one on one. He’s the worst player on the team at using his teammates and lately has been a defensive liability. Short version: he’s playing the worst hockey of his career, and for him not to come right out and say that shows a lack of accountability and leadership.

A couple of other notes, and I’m not saying anything that hasn’t been said before, as I don’t post much, but Halpern is worthless. Can’t win a faceoff and shows absolutely no presence out there. How many shots does he have since he joined the team? 4. He has 4 shots in 10 games. I’d rather have Harrold in the lineup, and that’s saying a lot, since I don’t suffer Harrold very well either.

I’m realizing that more than any other announcing team I’ve heard in recents months, Bob, and more to the point, Jim Fox, sugarcoat everything and don’t express what they truly feel about the KIngs’ play in certain areas. To my point, all Foxy could talk about after the failed PPs in the 1st was the Blues’ PK, completely disregarding the fact that our team didn’t make any attempt to put shots on net or take advantage of open looks. My least favorite phrase in Kings hockey is “Kopitar to Doughty, to Kopitar, to Doughty, to Stoll, to Doughty, to Kopitar, to Doughty, to Stoll – and it jumps over his stick or there’s finally a realization by the Blues PK that they’re not going to take a shot under any circumstances, put a double-team on Kopitar or pressure Doughty back to the blue line, the puck goes around the back of the net and gets cleared.

One last thing. Mason is fantastic at corralling pucks and getting basic leaves and passes off to break his defensemen the other way. There must have been 15-20 dumps where they kept trying to run it around the boards, instead of lobbing it into a corner or trying some other way to get it in deep without having Mason break up any attempt for F1 to get first man pressure. Maybe I’m overanalyzing this a bit, and the Kings overall can’t manage pucks in the neutral zone, which limits their options, but they’ve gotta find a way. How is it they (at least the first line), were able to break in the zone so efficiently and dangerously the first 20 games? What happened to that? Did it get picked up on way too easily? Where are the Smyth to Kopitar breaks? Williams is starting to get his juju back in the tight spots, so maybe we’ll see some of that happen tonight against Dallas, who always seems to have trouble with us defensively.

And I’m done. Thanks for letting me vent. I hope the Blues game was the last game we have to see where the attitude and the intensity don’t show up until the 3rd. Peace.

[Reply]
shades Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@Datacloud, Just my own 2 cents worth and yes, that’s all it’s worth. Halpern hasn’t had much ice time but I did see him win a couple of key face-offs recently…they got buried in the horrible losses. I think if TM lets him play a bit he can make a difference in a minor way…at least do some things that Ivanans cant’…and I don’t want to see Ivanans in there again this year.

[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
@Datacloud,
I don’t isagree with much that you said, maybe a little hard on Brown but I agree he has been unable to contribute in almost any way except a fluke goal here and there. He just seems to play a one-man game, too rushed, and out of control on forecheck.

Corner dumpins, I totally agree, tho the Pp has good numbers lately and overall, in playoffs the PP is vital as a weapon, Kings have to round out the PP to be able to face any PK system.

Williams is getting there, hands are always last to get back to 100%, but it is time now for improvement to show.

Halpern is not given much responsibilty or ice time, Murray is handling him very well, I think, might be unfair to expect very much of a contribution because I think the last game was the first time he had any real chance to play enough to get a rhythm going.

[Reply]
neil says:

March 27, 2010 at 12:54 pm

we must be really good when Richie can go from the first line to the 4th…With that much talent how come we dont win more?? I would switch Modin with Richie…but what do i know???

[Reply]
Larry says:

March 27, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Let’s get Raitis in there for a little toughness….dunp Halpern. He’s a vet but not enough grit. Yes Raitis is a laibility but with Ott and the chippy Stars we need the toughness!

[Reply]
Masked Man Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
@Larry, Good idea. We need someone that can give Ott what he deserves.

[Reply]
shades Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
@Masked Man, I think Simmonds could handly Ott! But, I think if the Kings just concentrate on hockey and let the refs take care of any cheap shots by Ott…it’s the way to go.

[Reply]
Masked Man Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
@shades, Let the refs take care of anything? I hope your being sarcastic cuz that cracked me up.

big Cam Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Dont worry about raitis, his days are limited. let clune do his thing. Raitis skates like he has a piano on his back. Dick is ready to roll!
Cynic says:

March 27, 2010 at 1:48 pm

This line up, if everyone plays like they are supposed to, could EASILY go far in the playoffs.

These guys just have to !@#$%in’ BELIEVE like we do.

Hope to see 4 solid playing lines tonight.

Halpern gets a dirty goal tonight.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

March 27, 2010 at 2:09 pm

Strange that Richardson is on the 4th line. The guy is way way better than that.

Modin is a great pickup and fits in very well. I’m hoping we’ll sign him actually if he isn’t asking for too much.

Halperm has been so so and its debateable if he is as effective as Moler or Parse.

Don’t like the Johnson Harold pairing at all. Johnson has far too many bad reads in the offensive zone and Harold isn’t good enough to compensate IMHO.

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
@KC23,

Will make Dallas have to watch that line. Richardson adds that little something that may be good for a goal.

JJ: maybe he’ll be a little more conservitive tonight.

[Reply]
ringo says:

March 27, 2010 at 4:19 pm

OK, IAM ALL FOR CHANGING LINES TO GET THE RIGHT CHEMISTRY, BUT WERE HEADING TO THE PLAYOFFS OUR TEAM NEEDS TO GET USE TO PLAYING WITH EACH OTHER.
SMITY KOPI WILLIAMS
FRO STOLL BROWN
MODIN ZEUS NIGHT TRAIN
CLUNE RICHARDSON HALPREN/PARSE

I AGREE RICHARDSON DESEVES A BETTER SITUATION BUT I DO LIKE THAT 4TH LINE HALPRIN IS HAVING A PROBLEM THOUGH GETTING USE TO THE SYSTEM.

[Reply]
king_stoner Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
@ringo,

like the lines

[Reply]
LUCKYLUC13 says:

March 27, 2010 at 4:40 pm

what about a EURO line of Fro-Zues-Modin

[Reply]

Tonight’s lineup

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