When the traveling part got settled in St. Paul this afternoon, I was able to catch up with Dean Lombardi for a few minutes to get his thoughts on where the Kings are in the final few weeks of the season…
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Question: Last night, Dustin Brown was pretty emotional and straightforward in saying that the team needed to look in the mirror and it needed more urgency. The coach seemed to take much more of a calm, even-keel approach to things. What’s your opinion on what is going on with the team right now?
LOMBARDI: “Let’s start here. I don’t think anybody thinks we’ve played at the level we’ve shown, consistently, since the Olympics. We’ve had spurts and periods, like when we played in Chicago. I don’t think that anybody feels that, since the Olympics, that we’ve been playing with — I don’t know what the right word is — juice, or confidence or whatever. You see a lot of teams that have been struggling. Ironically, Phoenix is a team that didn’t have anybody in the Olympics and they go on a roll. Most of the teams that had people there, they have issues. So the issue now is, I believe in this group but we’ve got to quit messing around. It’s not only the wins and losses. In my situation, you’re looking to see how they’re playing. Are we playing to the best of our ability? That’s the goal and I think if we do, we’re going to be more than fine. Then we look at how we need to be even better to go to the next level.
“It’s interesting that you bring those two things up, because I think it’s about each individual. Some guys need to do what Brownie said, i.e. kick themselves in the butt and get going, and probably some of them need to start believing in themselves and say, `Yeah, there’s pressure here, but we got here because we deserve to be here, and I’m going to deal with it.’ I’ve been watching us, and I haven’t had that feeling like I do when we’re on a roll. You know how analytical I can get, but there’s always that thing of having a feel for your team. You feel it when the chemistry is good. You feel it when they believe in themselves, and things are going your way. Right now, it’s kind of mishy-mashy. I’ve been struggling with that myself, thinking that I don’t know whether I need to kick them in the butt or, `Come on boys, let’s go.’ So I think it’s up to each individual to decide. `OK, I need to believe in myself’ or `I need to do what Brownie is saying and kick myself in the (butt).’ I think they’re both right. I think it depends on the individual. Before the Olympics, they had that real good flow going. In San Jose, once, we had that situation where the team got a little too full of themselves and needed to come down. But I really believe what I said. Guys can take from both ends of the spectrum. Murph is saying, `We’re good, we need to believe in ourselves,’ and Brownie is saying, `We need a kick in the (butt).’ I think each player probably needs to choose his own remedy.”
Question: Guys might need different things, but at some point, though, doesn’t there need to be one consistent, collective message going out to the players?
LOMBARDI: “You might be right. I’m not sure. It’s a good question. A lot of my dialogue has been one-on-one, dealing with the individuals as opposed to the group. I think you’re right, though. Ultimately, you need to bring it back to a center message. At some point, it’s got to be the same, but in the end — and I’ve told this to the players — no matter what I say or what Murph says, they’re the ones who have got to figure it out. Look at the captain. Look at how much he has learned. When has he ever been in these situations?”
Question: Unless something really remarkable happens, it looks as though you’re headed to the playoffs. Is there a sense of “Just get in,” or is it important for you to see the team playing well at the end of the season?
LOMBARDI: “I’m not sure. I’ve seen it go both ways. I’ve seen teams go into the playoffs completely on fire and fall on their face, and I’ve seen it the other way too. This is another test. This is probably their first really hard test. We had two blocks during the season when it really felt like the wheels were coming off. When we went into Carolina, I think it was, we were really sloppy. Things didn’t feel right and things weren’t going our way, and there was a sense that we were on the ledge. And then, boom, we found a way. Then we had another one, when we went into a three- or four-game slide, right up until Calgary, when you could say, `We’ve really got to start grabbing this,’ and, boom, they found a way. Now they’re running up against it. But that’s about a team building up the fortitude to deal with this. This is a totally different challenge. Now you’ve got to drive the stake home. You’re at the brink, but it ain’t good enough. But it’s the same type of challenge. It’s just that the stakes are higher now. And you know what? When they get through this, the stakes are going to be even higher. But this is about a team, when you talk about building that mental psyche, they’re going to be facing these kinds of situations constantly, these type of challenges. Yeah, we’d all like to be cruising through here, as we should be, but in the end, it’s going to make you mentally tougher and let you find out what you are as a team. Like what Brownie said, each one is going to learn, `I need to kick myself in the (butt)’ or `I need to believe in myself.”’
Question: Terry’s challenge this season has been to take this young team and shepherd it toward the playoffs. In your opinion, how successful has he been toward that goal?
LOMBARDI: “The one thing about experience is that it brings credibility. He has experienced all types of teams. In Philly, he had a powerhouse with the Lindros line. He’s had an expansion team like Florida. He’s built teams in Washington. He’s seen it all. I was talking to him last night, and he’s saying, `We’ve seen this before. This reminds me of Washington, when we were getting better.’ So he’s got experience to draw on. So that’s not a problem. Even as a player, he’s always been a smart, extremely analytical guy who can keep his head about him. You hope that translates to your players. That’s one of the advantages of, `Hey, this guy knows.’ He’s had great players, he’s had working players and he’s seen all types of teams. That’s where experience can be valuable, because they can look to him and say, `He’s been there,’ especially when we have so many players who haven’t. So they have somebody who’s been there.”
Question: There was a lot of discussion about what to do at the trade deadline, about improving, about chemistry. With Modin, you probably got more than you expected. With Halpern…
LOMBARDI: “Halpern hasn’t found his role yet. That’s the problem. This is what I was nervous about. I was looking at Halpern or a truly fourth-line center, but I erred toward Halpern because I wasn’t sure if Williams could come back. He played with Lecavalier and Malone, so I had no problem in thinking that he could move up, in the short term, and I could cover myself there. So now he goes from playing with Lecavalier and Malone to the fourth line, whereas Modin goes and plays with Handzus and fits in right away. The one thing about Halpern is, he’s a guy who could resurface in the playoffs. Don’t forget the other reason that I did it, too, which is exactly what happened. The other guy [Oscar Moller] belonged in the minors, and he’s starting to get it. I wanted to get a guy because I didn’t want him sitting around. Sure enough, when he first went back, he sucked. But since Hex [Ron Hextall] went down and said, `Wake up,’ the way he did with Bernier, he’s had four really good games.”
So in short its basically put up or shut up time.
At least Dean is hopeful, as am I, but the simple fact is going on a cold streak right before the playoffs isn’t exactly a good sign. I feel like the Kings (as well as the Avalanche) are more of the Western conference wild card rather than actual cup contenders, and I don’t want to come off as overly hopeful but that mid-season hot streak was a huge tease that made me feel like the Kings were a huge threat.
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bob Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@MR King,
This is the problem I have, why in the world would any of us as fans, who have followed the team for years, think that this is the year that they would be a cup contender? Dont you honestly think that is a bit silly? Just like the arguments in December on if this team could challenge San Jose for the WC championship…RIDICULOUS! This team is right where is should be….battling for a playoff spot.
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Lloyd Christmas Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:05 am
@bob,
Couldn’t agree more. If this team makes the playoffs, which they absolutely should at this point, then this year was a success. If they get past the first round, I would call it a huge success. The rest is gravy.
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Anjin Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:40 am
@Lloyd Christmas, It’s very easy to forget how good this team has been at times this season. There were a lot of times this year that I would watch these guys play and honestly say to myself that we can beat anyone!
It’s been really rough since the break but all they need to do is put together 1 solid game to get back on track.
Hang in there and don’t give up!!
Miles Tabata Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 1:01 am
@MR King,
I will take this year over the last 7 anytime. The fact is we got decimated by injuries 6-8 years ago and had not begun to recover until DL took over as GM and bacically hit the reset button and started to build this young team with depth all the way thru to Juniors.
@Bob, Yes, it is being overly optimistic to expect the Kings to win the Cup with most Kings seeing there first playoffs this year, but once in there is hope however dim. I don’t follow horse racing, but a couple of longshots have won the biggest races. There is a reason they go and play the games in the playoffs.
I want to believe.
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In Dean we trust.
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JZarris Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
@Galen, Amen.
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OneTimer Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:19 am
@Galen, Double Amen.
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Lombardi nailed what I think as I watch Kings games. Some games you watch and you can just tell they’re going to win even if they have to beat 3 teams and the refs to do it. Other games they could take a lead and you’re certain they’re going to give it up. It’s the trials and tribulations of a young team learning to win.
I also agree that there could be something to the struggles coming out of the Olympic break. Most of the players who went played alot of hockey in a short period of time. All the Kings who went were involved in a medal game, and only Doughty got the medal he wanted. It’s got to be an emotional let down to even come home with a silver or bronze. And then to have to come back and get into a playoff race seems to me to be a very difficult challenge for any player. To me it’s one of the best arguments for not going to Russia in 2014.
In the poll that was posted this morning I voted that I thought the Kings would only get 4 more points. I think now that they’ll miss the playoffs, unless Calgary continues to want an early vacation as well, and they won today. If I’m right it’s going to be a bitter pill to swallow for this team. I hope I’m wrong, but since the Olympics they just aren’t playing like they want to make the playoffs.
They better turn it around soon…..
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MrBrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
@Paul From Oxnard, So you basically think they will lose every game they have remaining? Wow…
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Paul from Oxnard Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 4:04 am
@MrBrett7, Have they played like they want to win any of these games since the Olympics?
I certainly hope I’m wrong. This is a more talented team then how they’ve played over the last 3 weeks. But right now they’re playing as bad as they have in a few seasons.
Memo to Terry Murray: Why don’t you try giving Quick a rest? You DO have a backup goalie. Use him.
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nykingfan Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:16 am
@Paul from Oxnard,
If you’re right, (I disagree) there’s no way you can trust the season to the hardly used backup goalie.
There’s no more time for rest if you are going to miss the playoffs as you say.
Paul from Oxnard Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:43 am
@nykingfan, If I’m right it doesn’t matter who is in net. They could play Sawchuck or Brodeur and still miss the playoffs the way the team is playing now. It takes the whole team to make the playoffs, not just one player.
Ersberg played better then Quick the other night when he came on in relief. I’d rather have a rested goalie then an exhausted one.
RJC76 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:10 am
@Paul from Oxnard,
The other night, 2 of the 3 goals went off of Kings players that Quick didn’t even have a chance. Ersberg played well I’ll give you that, but to use that period against Quick is not very fair.
Paul from Oxnard Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:42 am
@RJC76, I’m simply saying that if the Kings even make the playoffs and the goalie is exhausted it’ll be a 4 game sweep against. If the Kings don’t really trust Ersberg then he shouldn’t be here. All the players say they trust him. Play him. Don’t kill your #1 goalie. There are opponents coming up that the Kings could beat with me in net (Edmonton, Anawhine).
The point is that it takes a whole team to get in the playoffs. If any facet of the team is unable to pull it’s weight for whatever reason then a change has to be made. Quick has certainly not played very well since the Olympics. Neither has the team in front of him.
Changes have to be made now if the Kings expect to make the playoffs. I hope those changes come and that the Kings do make it. Once you’re in the tournament anything can happen.
RJC76 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:22 am
@Paul from Oxnard,
All good points bro.
“Murry has been there”
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We’ve had short bursts periodically through the year of poor play, which has been followed by long hot streaks. I suspect we’ll see the same here. I’m not worried. Sure, I’d like to see the Kings pick up more wins than they have the past three weeks, but I don’t think we’re in a bad way, either.
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Josh de Lioncourt Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
@Josh de Lioncourt,
As an addendum…our last streak of iffy play was followed by that 9 game winning streak in Jan/Feb.
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shades Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@Josh de Lioncourt, Uhhhhh…exactly when is this burst supposed to start?
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I think Lombardi has a good handle on this. Impossible to predict how we will respond to the playoff pressure. I do think it is not completely secure. Calgary could go on a roll and we could keep losing…
…I hated the way we competed last night, was disgusted at the undisciplined penalties — yes, I’m talking to you No. 94 — and thought we just went through the motions the last ten minutes of play, as if the game was over, when it really was not (we were on a power play and could have made it a two goal game).
Simmonds has been the shell of the player he was when he was untouchable (even for Kovi) and Frolov’s Clark Kent routine is just getting old…
…need a win against Minny BAD
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Thanks Rich. This was perfect timing for these questions. Can’t say I’m thrilled with the result (it was kinda “yeah, I’m confused too”) but as usual, I don’t think Lombardi was being cagy. In a way, it sort of takes some balls to say he just doesn’t know. I guess it was good to get a sort of vote of confidence out of him for Murray, though. I guess he didn’t have to do that.
I’m not sure Murray and his Captains can disagree and both be right, but I do hope each player gets the message he needs to get the rest of the season plus straight.
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Nitrohockey Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, In a funny way, I think it’s good that DL doesn’t know. That means he doesn’t have his hands in the cookie jar WRT the locker room and TM’s running of the team. I’d rather have a GM who knows when not to meddle, than one who can’t keep his nose out of the team bussiness when it doesn’t concern the hiring or firing of personnel. Either way, I hope each guy figures out whether he needs to get his confidence back, or kick himself in the butt. Some may need both!
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This bit about missing the playoffs–it’s possible, but I’ll take all your bets if you think they won’t.
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Lloyd Christmas Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Agreed. They’re in. Goes without saying that it’s going to be a learning year though. I’m not going to be too disappointed if it ends up being an early exit. Next year though… Things are looking very good.
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OneTimer Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:25 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Darnit … you beat me to the punch! Can we split ‘em if I match/double-up your wagers?
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It would be nice to have Oscar back,that HEART and added speed sure couldn`t hurt.Just thinking.
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roadtripper Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
@Old Man, I agree that outside of Richardson we’re just not quick/fast enough!!!
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number 6 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
@roadtripper,
No roadtripper….. we Aren’t fast enough. That’s not an opinion, that’s a fact. Watch the best teams in the league. Wash, Detroit, Pens. There is a reason they have either won cups or competed fiercely for some time. They have Skill and they can skate. I used to play some pickup hockey years ago. It was an old man who organized the game, and he told me back then, skating is the name of the game. I do believe there is plenty of room for Handzus and Greene. On my team, on any team in the league. But when that isn’t supplemented with some complementary speed then I think there can be an issue.
I’ve said it, I’ve said and I’ve said it. THIS IS NOT THE NHL of the 1970′s! The game is Fast now.
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variable Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
@number 6,
it’s starting to rear it’s ugly head re: team speed…
nykingfan Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:19 am
@number 6,
I think you’re right. They have a lot of plodders, but not many burners.
I hope that’s something that’s addressed during the off season.
flex Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 11:35 am
@number 6, 100%
I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
@Old Man, You are correct old man…But wait till we get KOZUN next year..He is a blurrrrrr unfortunately that means the Kings will F with his mind and game and keep him somewhere other than the NHL team
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Dean has done a tremendous job in stockpiling players through the draft in particular young defenseman.Remember,even if these players dont work out here you can use them as valuble chips to get a player you can really use. Dean did a good job in making the Sharks a top organization. Even though he was fired there,you can see Doug Wilson hasnt brought the Sharks to the promise land yet either. I am guessing if San Jose fails again in the playoffs this year Doug Wilson will join the other 12 percent who are unemployed in this state.
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Gayle Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
@puck73,
And Dean has done a bad job also sinking San Jose. The jury is out on him here because he has to prove himself here because he’s not a winner.
And the re-building program has not done better as well.
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RJC76 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:18 am
@Gayle,
How do you figure the rebuilding has not done better? The Kings have increased their point totals the last 2 years to the point where they’re on the brink of a playoff spot, that even this year “experts” predicted they would be outside of?
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OneTimer Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@RJC76,
Not to mention: they also got younger (MUCH younger – going from 24th to 1st youngest in the NHL!) while they ALSO got better. And that folks, is how scary good this team could (and I think will) be in the very near future.
What say you, Gayle? Hmmmm?
nykingfan Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 9:57 am
@Gayle,
Sinking? They’ve been one of the top teams year in and year out since he was there and left.
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Just got 2 keep playing. They’ll make it through this rough patch. Too much talent on this team.
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How come the Olympics did not hurt the Sharks or Hawks or Aves or Caps or Devils?
This is so deep it is hard to pull my boots oui.
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RJC76 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
@Everything is fine,
San Jose is 4-5-1 in their last ten, and that’s with winning their last 3 in a row.
Chicago is 3-5-2 in their last ten. So to say the Olympics haven’t hurt them is not true.
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flex Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 11:42 am
@RJC76, San jose and chicago got mor than enough points to remain on the the top…kings are in “yellow ” szone and could miss the playoff one more time.that would be like US economy crush
and nobady know what to do ,where to start..
..and they offer free beer to bring fans back
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 11:45 am
@flex, I think too much is being made of this “chance” the Kings miss the playoffs. Statisticians put the the Kings’ odds at 99.5%, and their most likely seed is actually 5th, as of the last loss.
Steve McQueen Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
@Everything is fine, the hawks and sharks have had 4 and 6 game losing streaks.
last 10 games
chi 4-4-2
sj 4-5-1
la 4-4-2
col 5-4-1
…you were saying
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shades Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
@Steve McQueen, Chicago and SJ are mathematically in…no comparison can be made between those 2 and the Kings. So that leaves Colorado who has a winning record and the Kings who dont
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Great piece Rich – thanks!
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What a bunch of gibberish …the players have issues? You’re not on Dr Phil, Dean.
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A couple of stray thoughts:
First, as much as I have supported Terry Murray this season, I do wonder what he’s learned since he took Philadelphia to the Finals in 1997. We all know how that didn’t go well, and that his indecisiveness with his lineup was part of the reason they fell flat on their faces (though not nearly the only reason – Detroit was just flat out good). That same indecisiveness seems to be evident with the Kings in the constant juggling of lines. I’m hoping they lock this down this week.
Second, I love the team that Lombardi had assembled prior to the trade deadline, and I’m worried now that he made unnecessary moves in acquiring Halpern and Modin just to show that he was willing to make a move. Modin still has some life in him (though he’s not a great skater), and has played well in some games. However, the drop-off in Simmonds’ play has coincided with his arrival, and I’m not sure why that is. Halpern just doesn’t seem to fit at all, and he may be a good guy in the locker room, but perhaps he needs to stay there.
Lines I would like to see:
Richardson-Kopitar-Simmonds
Smyth-Stoll-Brown
Frolov-Handzus-Williams
Modin-Halpern-Parse/Clune
Scuderi-Doughty
Johnson-Greene
O’Donnell-Harrold
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number 6 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
@KingMe20,
KingMe, I’ve only been critical of DL one time. That was when he made the trade for JW. For me, the jury is still out on that trade. I felt at the time that ‘injury prone’ just might mean….’injury prone’. I’m Not pushing that on JW. He might turn it around 180 degrees, but that was my concern.
Now I respond directly to your comments in the following thread…..
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Buster Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
@number 6,
Three times for me. The Cloutier trade was the all time WORST of his moves, followed closely by the Randy Jones waiver fiasco. The last one was the Preissing signing. I’m just happy with the latter one NOW because that got us Smyth.
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HBfan Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
@number 6, Yeah, POS has been a real asset to his team and now has zero trade value. @Buster. Really? How can picking up someone whose contract ends this year be classified as a fiasco?
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number 6 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 9:13 am
@HBfan,
I wasn’t valuing the trade JW for POS. I know POS has not done much for Edm. That though wasn’t the point. I am personally after what happened to Adam Deadmarsh who had a pretty severe history of injuries himself before coming to LA, not big on trading for players with histories of injuries trailing behind them. That being said, it’s obviously a case by case basis..
I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
@KingMe20, 1997…13 Freaking Years Ago…Thats what we are pulling from this coach?
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To me it looks like DL is admitting he made a mistake with the trading deadline deals as i said before why fix something if it does not need fixing Now DL take responsibilty for your mistake Kings 94 points Calgary 93 points wheewwh !!!!
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R.T. Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
@backchecker, flames 85 points 6 games left kings 90 points 8 games left
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Steve Jensen Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
@R.T.,
In other words, Kings go .500 the rest of the way and Calgary has to run the table to get in.
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number 6 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
@backchecker,
I didn’t even realize that till two hours after reading the interview, then came back online and realize that you caught it. I totally agree…. probably cause far as we can tell, he did make a mistake. Fortunately both those contracts are up at the end of the year.
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Steve McQueen Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
@backchecker, you really think the Kings will only win 2 games over the next 8? Were much better than that.
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variable Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
@backchecker,
i would agree with that re: dl regretting the halpern trade…
the modin trade doesn’t hurt us at all…it’s a freebie…oh wait, it will only cost us a 7th rounder…right…???
halpern could turn it around…gotta give him a chance…he’s got a few more games to get it going…
modin was a steal…and a good gamble, at worst…
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I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
@variable, Yes and that Russian Kid would not have helped us!
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OneTimer Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:33 am
@I’m Just Saying”,
That is a completely, COMPLETELY different discussion/scenario. (Which has already been WELL drummed into the ground as I’m sure you know.)
I tend to agree with you about the deadline trade. I’m not saying it’s the only reason for their problems. DL’s genius also created for him a situation that I wouldn’t have wanted to be in; specifically that the chemistry on this team was so precise before the break, that I would have been scared to tinker with it. Tinker with it he did…. you mention Modin’s skating. My point over and over and over again has been that this team Needs More Team Speed. Not less!!
But it’s also probably altered imperceptibly the chemistry in the room. Not bad, mind you. But as I said before, I felt strongly that the chemistry was on a subtle balance point already before the trade. Maybe the PO’s will prove me very wrong. Personally, I hope so.
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variable Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
@number 6,
chemistry and speed…: two issues at the break that were a concern….
modin makes us slower, but pairs very well with zeus…
halpern has very good defensive/face-off abilities, but hasn’t found his role yet…
so…if you were grading the immediate value of the trade deadline moves so far….i would say…c/c-…
the fact that we got modin for next to nothing…if for nothing…helps make it a bit easier on the psyche…
but…yr right…speed is still an issue and our team chemistry is influx….
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number 6 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 9:15 am
@variable,
Just read your response var. As always, very measured and well thought out. Me, I go maybe a bit too extreme and you always manage to bring it back to center…. so thanks for that.
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KingMe20 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:30 am
@number 6,
There’s a lot of speed that will be available on July 1 (Kovalchuk, Marleau, etc). I’d be very disappointed if the Kings don’t make a play to improve that aspect of the team. A guy like that who’s a breakaway threat keeps the other team’s defense at bay. If they’re not aggressive on pinching in, it can make breaking out of a forecheck a little easier.
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number 6 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 9:17 am
@KingMe20,
A guy like that who’s a breakaway threat keeps the other team’s defense at bay
That’s what You said. I say ‘what a great point’. I didn’t even think of that! We do have Kopi but it’s a lone threat at this point and he comes back hard now two ways – much to his credit.
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How many times in this interview did DL say, “I’m not sure”? Get it people? Modin fit right in? I’m sorry but I don’t agree. I would have rather taken our chances with Oscar, who can skate 100 mph. And how many comments do you think were made among the players like,”we don’t need these guys, we were doing just fine”. Remember the interview after a game a few weeks ago when Murray snapped at a reporter after he asked about anyone in the room complaining about ice time now that those two showed up and what Murray said? “There better not be anyone saying things like that or they can get out of here and we don’t need them here”. Chemistry, chemistry, chemistry.
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variable Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
@keyngsfan,
oscar and jb in manchester helps us in the long run…i like oscar to finish up this year and come ready to be a top-six/nine next season…
[Reply]
Guy who knows things Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 9:49 am
@keyngsfan, Oscar is not now, nor has he ever been “100MPH” this idea that Molly is fast is just ridiculous and assumed because of his stature. Skating, especially speed, is not the strongest part of his game.
[Reply]
I hate to be one of those doom-and-gloom semi-fans that seem to chime in after loss with the “world is falling” nonsense, but…
My confidence in this team is pretty much gone. Since the Olympic break, I don’t think we’ve strung together three strong, consecutive periods, nor two great ones. Quick has been mediocre at best, our defense has been sloppy and our offense has been completely absent. The only positive, in recent weeks, had been the special teams, and that all went south in a big way against a way-below-average Dallas team last night. Despite Murray’s mumbling, these don’t seem to be small flaws in a great team. This has really looked like a 10th- or 11th-place sort of team for the past several weeks.
For awhile, I was okay with a 6th-place finish, because I thought it spelled a best-case matchup with the Cancuks. But now, I don’t really have confidence against ANY playoff caliber team…
[Reply]
RJC76 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
@Simmer,
They still have 8 games to right the ship heading into the playoffs, so don’t right them off yet.
[Reply]
Gayle Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
@RJC76,
Come on, this team has been on a losing streak. I am also writing them off too because they are unable to win at this point and 8 games is impossible to win. Not with this bunch who has gave up.
[Reply]
RJC76 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:24 am
@Gayle,
Who said they need to win 8? I said they have 8 to get it together. Is there a gaurantee that they will? No, but what kind of fan would I be to write them off before the games were played?
Lloyd Christmas Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
@Simmer,
Except for the fact that, other than phoenix and detroit (and maybe nashville), the other players in the west have not been overly impressive either. We still have 8 games to settle things donw.
[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:39 am
@Simmer,
@Gayle,
No offense … but SEE YA.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 9:58 am
@OneTimer,
Agree!
[Reply]
@kingme20, I agree with you about Halpern,he skates around like he has a piano on his bank. And clearly Simmonds looks like he has lost some steam which is really weird condidering the way he usuall plays. Maybe you are right when you note that these moves may have messed up the chemistry. Too bad,I thought they would enhance the team.
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:33 am
@puck73,
I still have hope that they will, and I don’t even think it’s their fault. Sometimes a team is so finely tuned that the smallest tweak can throw it out of whack.
Modin and Halpern can still be effective players, and I’m not blaming them for the team’s problems. I just hope they find a way to get it going this season.
[Reply]
Am I the only one enjoying this? We’re gonna be in the playoffs, and we have 8 games to get ‘er going before they start. I think the nine game win streak has made us forget that we weren’t expected to even get in the playoffs this season (TSN was the only projection I could find at the time that had us in, in 8th spot). But now we’re going to make it, and we have two and a half weeks to get ready for them, and get ready to make some noise.
Don’t forget boys, our window of opportunity to win a Stanley Cup is just opening….there are a lot of teams that would kill to have both our present and our future.
[Reply]
Simmer Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
@Action,
Good perspective to have. They’ve just teased us all season with such a high caliber of play – I think we’re not satisfied with the 2006 Kings we’ve been watching the last few weeks…
[Reply]
Action Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
@Simmer,
I hear ya. At times we’ve looked like world beaters, and lately we’ve looked like we would struggle against Manchester. I’m just optimistic we’ll look better from game 83 on.
[Reply]
I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
@Action, Really Action?…I cant imagine that. Nobody in their right mind would want to come to LA. The ownership stinks the GM is good but handcuffed and the coach is OK except behind the bench..other then that all big names will continue to pass with all our upside as you call it.
[Reply]
Action Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:20 am
@I’m Just Saying”,
Dude, everyone and their dog puts LA on their list of teams when they have no trade clauses. And please explain how Lombardi is handcuffed?
[Reply]
RJC76 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:26 am
@I’m Just Saying”,
So I take it Smyth had a case of temporary insanity when he waived his no trade clause to come here? I’m just sayin….
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 11:50 am
@I’m Just Saying”
(rolls eyes)
It’s safe to say there are very few players who wouldn’t want to “help out” the Kings now.
[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
@I’m Just Saying”, … further proof that even some of our own fans (btw- are you a “fan” IJS? Really, are you? Cuz you seem like a true blue nay say NON-believer to me) … but this shows that many hockey-followers are still stuck in the “old LA” days when this team TRULY sucked, and it truly did not have a culture of winning to believe in (yes, even if that culture-change is just NOW showing freshman year growth. We still have a long way to go.)
But I’ll “Just Say” it again … these are not your father’s Kings. And frankly it’s nice to see after being a fan for 25+ years.
I’m very very VERY excited for the next 5-7 years of Kings hockey.
[Reply]
Rich, I’m sorry for pratling on over and over about team speed being an issue. But rather than carry on about it (btw, the NY Islander TV announcers also saw it as a definite issue for the Kings) it would be amazing if next time you post an interview with Dean if you could ask him if for him it is an issue.
Thanks.
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Has anyone been watching the Monarchs lately??? They’ve won four in a row. They came from behind today and beat Providence 4-3 in OT with a shot from Alex Martinez. Loktionov, Martinez & Moller have been just tearing it up…….
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Okay, I may be going out on a limb here, but this is my attempt at analyzing the Kings play since the break.
They came out of the break with a 5-1 win over Dallas… so we weren’t exactly lagging.
Our next game was in Nashville. Again, they came out flying and scored within the first minute. And here, I think begins the start of their woes… Quick mishandled the puck and gave the Preds an empty netter. Later, they scored a PP goal. BUT, we didn’t give up, got back to within one on a PP goal, but then the Preds got an empty netter. 4-2 Preds… that’s gotta be a mental blow for the team, because you can’t say they didn’t fight hard.
Then was the game vs Montreal. Right off the bat, the Canadiens scored a goal they shouldn’t have let them score. However, after that, they had a relatively good period with chance after chance, but they just kept getting unlucky and it would not go in… plus a bit of an awkward fight between Clune and O’Byrne. Finally, at the end of the period, Kopi gets an amazing goal. Then, at the beginning of the second, Montreal gets a horrible shorthanded goal that Quick’s probably still begging to get back. Very beginning of third, a “Quick, wth are you doing?” goal. Yet, we still tried to get back, got it back to within one… and another empty netter to kill it. So again, the team fought hard, but got unlucky… confidence killer… and as for Quick, his confidence has gotta be just plummeting at this point.
But wait! Hope! King’s get a shut out against Columbia 6-0! This is good!
And we roll it over to Chicago, where again, we come out fighting and play hard, and it looks like we could actually win it…. but, we have a horrible turnover, and it’s ONE wrong move that loses the game. Putting yourself in their shoes, it’s kind of easier to understand the frustration that’s probably going around… just when everything seems to be going good for us, something seems to go wrong.
We go back to Dallas, have a nice little, low-scoring, win in a shootout with Bernier in goal. meh, not the best but it’s something.
Then we lose to the Preds. Again. And once again, it starts with taking a bad goal, that no one could really help… bad angle shot that takes an unlucky bounce in front of the net. Then Quick almost gives up one of the worst goals he ever would have given up, but Greener saved him. Then Kopi has a beautiful goal to tie it. Then, if you’ll all remember the “goalie interference” incident when both teams scored two quasi identical goals and the ref called ours a no-goal due to Smyth’s “goalie interference,” yet they failed to call the Preds for doing the same exact thing on their goal? The preds went on to win that game. Again, unlucky loss that kills confidence.
Then we get blanked by Chicago in a game we never showed up to.
Have a boring, mediocre performance against the Isles in which we settled for the win… but our play didn’t reflect the team we all know and love from this season.
Next was the double-header vs. Colorado, and we fought hard through those games.
In St. Louis, beginning of first, puck jumps over a stick, bad giveaway, two-on-one goal. Beginning of second… goal they wish they had back. The preds ended up winning that one, too.
And then we all know how the Dallas one played out… but I honestly don’t think it was THAT bad. I think they came out to play, got in penalty trouble, had horrible refs, and lost because they’ve been gradually losing confidence.
I’m trying to put myself in their position, they DID come to play after break, but so many things went wrong for them, that it killed their confidence. What we’ve been seeing is not “settlement,” “lack of urgency,” or bad coaching. It’s a team who’s been through a rough couple of games that has caused them to lose confidence in their system. And I’m sure it isn’t helping that so many people are jumping down their throats about “not being urgent enough” because perhaps to a lot of them, THEY are playing urgently, and yet, it’s still going wrong. I think as fans, right now we don’t need to be getting on their backs and getting frustrated with them, because I honestly think they are frustrated enough. We need to stand behind them, stand WITH them, show them that we still believe, that we still have confidence in them, and that they ARE a good team, if they gain that confidence back. So put your Journey cd back in, crank the volume up, and DON’T STOP BELIEVING!
[Reply]
R.T. Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
@FiG17, is that all? lol
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
@R.T.,
haha, sorry. I needed to rant a little bit. Or a lotta bit.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
@FiG17,
Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Before the break the Kings got a lot of bounces and confidence.
After the break a lot of bad bounces and a few bad calls.
[Reply]
Minas Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
@FiG17, Great post…strongly agree. I’m already believing again….We are gonna go on solid streak real soon, head into the playoffs strong, take the 1st series, take the 2nd round to game 7, win it away from home, and lose 4-2 in the conference finals! Next year, we win it all!
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
@FiG17, I got the vinyl record butdon’thavea way too play it.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
@FiG17, Excellent,excellent book/post.You seem to have summed up the jist of it.It seems a terrible time for us as Kingsfans to be fighting,when we should be supporting.
[Reply]
I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
@FiG17, Wow, thanks for the update, your better than TIVO..Now can you update all of us on the last 4 episodes of the House Wives Of Orange County Mr. Wizard?
[Reply]
Old Man Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
@I’m Just Saying”, Where do you get them.
[Reply]
I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
@Old Man, I have a million of em..Cha Cha Cha
FiG17 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
@I’m Just Saying”,
haha, I try. That was more for the sake of my own thought process, sorry. I know I could have left the bulk of that out, but I was just typing as I thought it. I don’t watch the House Wives, but I could if you really wanted me to.
And that’s Ms. Wizard to you. 
[Reply]
I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 12:20 am
@FiG17, No worries…We are all just a bit frustrated and I apologize for the Mr. thing. Have a great evening.
rontheking Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
@FiG17, I’m with you but speaking of figs can we find a different song with a singer who sings like he’s got something larger than raisons between his legs? Please? For the team?
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
@rontheking,
What about, “I Believe I Can Fly”? haha, kidding.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
@FiG17, How about Aha? “Take…me…ooonnn. I’ll…be…gone…in a day or TWOOOOO!”
Player-X Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 6:27 am
@FiG17,
great post, just great
[Reply]
Why exactly does Oscar Moeller have to be in the minors? I think we could use his energy and speed.
[Reply]
David Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
@kingrussell,
I think its good for him to have more playing time on a top line.
[Reply]
Lombardi > Murray
[Reply]
Marc Nathan Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
@AK47,
the top 10 on American Idol > Murray.
The pickle that 1,000,000 people on Facebook think is better than Nickelback > Murray.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Marc Nathan<Murray.
Sorry couldn't resist.LOL
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@Dominick,
all us loser fans < Murray
(but his persistent line-changing and odd critique of some of his players leave room for quandary)
Buster Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
@Marc Nathan,
It’s more like
The bottom ten acts of the Gong Show > Murray
William Hung > Murray
[Reply]
Everything is fine Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
@AK47, Lombardi < Murray, but it is close.
[Reply]
Rich, Just want to say thank you for articles like this.
I’ve followed this team for years (decades) and never had the coverage and insights which your interviews provide.
Your site has enhanced my Kings experience and made following the Club this year much more enjoyable.
With the rebuilding process in motion your work is even more interesting.
Thanks again.
[Reply]
Great article. I almost get the sense Dean supported Brown’s comments. I also would like to note the MONARCHS ARE ON FIRE. Loktionov, Moller and especially Alec Martinez are unstoppable.
[Reply]
Ok, here is my two cents. We need an energy line. We have a couple of energy players, but we need a line that can come out and wake up their teammates as well as the home crowd. I know this puts a couple of guys out of position, but here goes:
Richardson-Kopitar-Smyth
Frolov-Handzeus-Stoll
Simmonds-Brown-Clune
Williams-Halpern-Modin
Scuderi-Doughty
Johnson-Greene (Drewiske if MG can’t go)
O’Donnell-Harrold
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
@edwood2,
We don’t need an energy line. We need more overall team speed, both up front and on the back end. Greenie and Scuds are superb. But those two Plus Jones and OD does not equal speed on the back end.
[Reply]
edwood2 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
@number 6, Agreed, we need more team speed, but these are the cards we must play with. Not an abundance of speed on either end, so we need to do something to compensate. My impression is that no one will be brought up, so this is it.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
@edwood2,
Edwood, I totally agree with that. The reason I keep harping on about it is because I’m not just thinking about this season, but beyond. DL clearly loves players with loads of compete. That’s fantastic, but if they can’t ‘keep up’ w the best teams in terms of skating (again, i’m speaking down the road) then they won’t become an elite team. The early Flyer teams that won in the 70′s wouldn’t win today (I’m speaking of speed, not thugery).
Masked Man Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
@edwood2, Agreed. I like those lines. You could even have a little flexiblity switching Brown and Richardson. Though we’ve seen Brown on the top line already. :\
[Reply]
@ASeg, We had Gretzky! anyone who argues and says that we suck and yada yada yada…we just mention that we had Wayne Gretzky and we win the argument!
cheers
[Reply]
Okay, I’m gonna throw this out there for people to discuss, cuss, or analyze. Could Simmer’s drop off as off late be to the amount of penalties the Kings have taken? You get alot of PK time, lines will be juggled to make up for it, and guys are gonna lose minutes, I think this affects Simmer. Overall, the penalties last night evened out at 7 PP for each team. We just sucked by going 1 for 7. Yeah, there were blown calls, but most of the calls agaist us were deserved as they were penalties you take when you’re not skating. But despite all that, we gotta keep our skates out of our own crease, bring a little more team toughness, and get back to the business of winning. I’m hoping for that players only meeting soon, to fire the guys up and get their heads on straight.
[Reply]
David Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
@Nitrohockey, Hes also taking a lot of penalties lately..
[Reply]
Nitrohockey Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
@David, This is true, and while I didn’t think of it, it could be a factor as well. Thanks for adding that!
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@David, But wait–he’s been called “invisible.” You can’t be invisible if you’re taking penalties!
[Reply]
Hello from North Idaho, Big Kings fan and I gotta tell ya, if the Kings lose against Minny, I’ll jump off the cliff at Hells Canyon!!!! It’s Do or Die, Monday Nite Boys!
[Reply]
Masked Man Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
@John Knox, Bad idea. You don’t happen to know about the Kings history in the month of March do you?
[Reply]
Nitrohockey Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
@John Knox, Don’t do it John! Don’t make that bet, we want to keep you around, we hardly know ya!
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 8:06 am
@John Knox,
A huge welcome from Boise. I thought I was the only fan living in Idaho.
[Reply]
SJ beats Col in reg. LA holds the 7th spot by a point
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I still say that it’s on the players. Brown and TM’s comments were exactly what I want to see from captain and coach. Have we also seen every line combo since the olympics and non have work in more than spurts?
Let’s not stress because the players will snap out of it. Hopefully this season. Skate guys. Play hard. Who is going to step up with the big hit or goal. Brownie? Simmer? DD? JJ?
This is the time to show us how far we have come.
[Reply]
we were winning and playing well before the break
…and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same now…
i think this is the next in a never-ending series of the “biggest test of yr life” moments from this point on…
with every loss…comes another doubt and a higher degree of pressure…
with every win…comes another expectation that the team has never had to accomplish before…
this is what a burgeoning, growing team is all about…
and if the “core” is what and who we think they are (thank you, denny green), then they will step it up from the first shift tomorrow night in minny…to the last shift on april 11 at colorado…
[Reply]
I posted last week that the play and character of this team now resides with the players themselves. Murray is only kidding himself if he thinks tinkering with line combinations is going to make a difference at this juncture. Lombardi seems to agree with me – or I with him, and that’s a first!
The problem with the Kings is not Quick between the posts – it’s every player on the roster – between their ears.
[Reply]
Do you think DL feel’s like he should of,could of and would of traded or signed for some D or O before the trade line?
[Reply]
I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
@till death do us apart, One word
NO!
They would not spend the money to make this team better. They throw bandages on the cuts and try to sell us the product of WE are ready for the next level with the Modine and Halperin deals…It’s a Joke
[Reply]
Thanks Rich, Nice reading. Maybe a bit of a pep talk for the fans too I think. The ones that need a kick in the butt to believe in this team.
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
They’ve been nothing short of pathetic, bordering on totally un-watchable. They’re were a good team, or they wouldn’t have been 4th/5th in the West, they just need to start playing like that team did.
[Reply]
I love listening to Lombardi. I don’t think there’s a pretentious bone in this guy’s body. He just tells it the way it is. This guy is a gift to the fans, not just in the thoughtfulness he brings to his craft in positioning the chess pieces, but also in the way he is willing to open up his mental processes for all of us to see, even knowing that many will question his decisions. I love this guy….
[Reply]
Wait, wasn’t Bryzgalov from PHX in the Olympics for Russia?
If so, how is PHX still on a roll, when they had a KEY goalie behind Nabakov in the Olympics?
Sorry if I am wrong
[Reply]
Woo! I like “4 Wins and We’re In” better than “Back in BLACK” right now. A game in hand against everyone, two with Nashville and Calgary.
The most points Calgary and pull if they run the board is 97, and thats if they win out all their games! Playoffs here we come, its a new season when we’re there.
Ottawa was the #4 seed in 2006-07 and they went to the finals. Edmonton was the #8 seed in 2005-06 and they lost in game 7 in the finals!! Pittsburgh was Seed #4 last year above #8 by only 6 pts. Believe everybody, we can pull together and take off come playoffs! The Penguins were in 8th place last year in the beginning of March and people wrote them off as a wild card just like us. They acquired Guerin at the deadline, very similar to Modin for us. They finished off the year going 4-1-1 in April, something we can match if we come together and believe we can play the way we started this year. I feel a surge coming on, and I think someone is going to light a fire under these guys tomorrow in Minny. We can be tied for 5th tomorrow!
GO KINGS GO!! We can do it!
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
@Jeremy, And if memory serves me (it didn’t–I had to look it up) in 2001 the #8 seed Kings knocked out the #1 Red Wings in a miracle comeback and came within a 7th game loss of making the conference finals!
[Reply]
Jeremy Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
@rontheking, Exactly!! Have a little faith everyone. No one can honestly predict how our rookies/sophs/young guns will play in the playoffs. Even if we’re out 1st round, we have made DRASTIC improvements. Sign me up for 2010-11 regardless! We are on our way to being a household name in the NHL.
Should we pair up well in the 1st round and advance, I guarantee the Hawks and other western power houses won’t be too eager to take us on in the 2nd round.
GO Kings! I feel a hot streak coming
[Reply]
Lloyd Christmas Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:09 am
@Jeremy,
Amen!
RJC76 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:13 am
@Jeremy,
Yeah brother!
It’s startling to read that the Kings, from Deano down to the fourth line, are largely operating as a headless chicken during this slump as they head into the playoffs. No one seems to be capable of or willing to set a course of action (and stick to it) to get this team back above the waterline. Rather, DL and TM have decided to let the team figure this out individually and at their own pace. That’s not leadership; that’s anarchy.
Well, if that’s how it’s gonna be, the turnaround has to start with Quick. He has to be the difference maker he often was for the first 5 months of the season again. Confidence always spreads outward from your own net.
[Reply]
Nitrohockey Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
@Capt Jam, Maybe it’s less about anarchy, and more about “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” This may just be something the boys gotta figure out on their own. Growing pains I guess you’d call it. Sometimes you can talk until you’re blue in the face, but people don’t learn until they experience it.
[Reply]
tullskull Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
@Capt Jam, This is exactly how I interpreted this as well.
I am also not too confident that DL’s read of Brown’s comments is accurate. I think that Brown expected his comments to be much more than just a message to himself.
What happened to “protect the plate” and “shoot first mentality”?
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 11:56 am
@Capt Jam, I’d start with the guys who’ve been putting the puck into their own net.
[Reply]
Please help me understand this. For those who think we should have signed someone else at the trade deadline, who do we sign? For how much? would they accept it? And if we do, who, and how much of our young core are you willing to give up? Is Kovalchuck worth it it lose Doughty in a year or two? Brown? Kopi? who are you willing to sacrifice in order to get that “one magic player” that takes us to the cup? There isn’t one out there. We tried it with Gretzky and it didn’t work. Kovi wasn’t a legit choice, and Whitney wouldn’t have been a good 3 year deal on a 38 year old. I’m content to let this year play out, and evaluate things in the off season. We forget that we weren’t even supposed to make the playoffs this year! The fact that we are is a bonus. Don’t worry about the destination for now, just enjoy the ride!
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
@Nitrohockey, I agree. We didn’t really have to give anything up for what we got–a couple of cheap rentals. Think of all the good young players the Kings have given up over the years for a quick one-time playoff fix that didn’t pan out…it makes me shudder.
[Reply]
tullskull Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
@Nitrohockey, Nitro, don’t waste your energy. There are many of us who are with you. The critics just refuse to see the big picture and are probably season ticket holders.
[Reply]
Gayle Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
@Nitrohockey,
So do you as a fan accept medocracy? I don’t and I have been a long time fan who expect this team to win day in and day out. The re-building is over, folks.
[Reply]
Nitrohockey Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
@Gayle, No, I don’t. Believe me, I’ve been waiting since Jimmy Fox was running around praying Tiger wouldn’t go after someone while he was out there. It’s more about perspective. In the past, we’d get close only to dump our future for a here and now that never panned out. Lombardi but his butt on the line in saying next year was the year for us to make noise in the playoffs. We’re a year ahead. If we falter this year, and don’t make it again next year, then I agree we’ll have more than reason enough to demand accountability and not excuses. My main issue was reagrding the perceived “blown trades” this past deadline. Okay, “Lombardi sucks” I was just asking for people to elaborate. What’s the answer? I guess this was more to stir discussion because I was getting tired of just reading how *insert phrase* sucks!
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
@Nitrohockey, DL isn’t going to sacrifice anyone to get that “one player”, he built (and is building) this team through draft picks. He’s the first GM in our history to do this as far as I know. I have confidence Deano is going to do the right thing for the team. I can’t wait to see what awaits us next year with Schen and, what’s this kids name, Kozun? Anyone know where we pick in the draft this year? We should all meet a staples for the draft and have a big discussion. What do ya think Rich?
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Nitrohockey Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
@Goring 19, I agree, and I don’t want him to. That was my point. Some on here want us to trade away everything for “that one guy” I think that plan is foolish beyond compare!
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Lloyd Christmas Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:12 am
@Nitrohockey,
Agree completely on Whitney. I won’t comment on Kovi. Already have, just seems to fall on deaf ears.
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People…You keep talking about if we would have gotten this guy or that guy and if TM would do this or that…blah blah blah. That ship has sailed. Its all up to the boys now and how bad do they want it. Plenty of time to put together a streak of games where we get back to that pre Olympic form.
As Yogi Berra said, the game is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.
Stop thinking and simply go out and play hockey and don’t forget to shoot the fu_cking puck…PLEASE!
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Goring 19 Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, play the game with intensity, hustle, skate, and I agree Barry, shoot the friggin puck, especially on the PP. Pepper Minnesota’s goalie nonstop and play like you want the win more than them. From start to finish.
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I'm Just Saying" Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 12:23 am
@Goring 19, Wouldnt that be nice…
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the boys just need to go out there .. have fun.. and trust each other on the ice… stop thinking so much and just play the game hard..
simple… everyone hammer… and play hard.. they need to not be afraid to make mistakes….. and then they wont.
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If we go back and check the records. In the past couple of seasons, the teams that made the “biggest” trades at the deadline did not make out so well. The Pens in 07-08 went out and nabbed Hossa, granted it led them to the Cup finals but led to no rings. A year latter they grab Kunitz and Guerin, not necessarily marquee players but more than capable players that can play a variety of rolls including secondary scoring. When the Ugly Ducks won, the went out and got May and a few other shutdown guys that ended up making the difference for that team.
The Devils went for Kovy and got him. A rental player with 90+ point talent. He/the Devils have not done all that great since they made that deal. In fact, Bergefors is out pacing Kovy for points since the trade.
Their is much more to the game than goals and assists. Guys like Halpern and Modin can both play a variety of different rolls on a team. Halpern played on a line with Vinny in Tampa for much of the season before getting dealt here. Plus, at the end of the season if we don’t want to resign either of them, they are UFA.
Enough with the DL should have/could have business. I came to the realization that he certainly knows more about hockey than me (played all my life) and certainly not to sound mean, knows more hockey than anybody on this site (respectfully)
I want the Kings to quit playing like crap just as much as everybody here. I was at the game Sat, and I almost fell asleep. But the team is set, like it or not this is the team that will (hopefully) be in the playoffs in a couple weeks. This team has come a long way, lets do our part and cheer loud! GO KINGS GO!!!
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Nitrohockey Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
@maraudking, if you look at my above posts, it sounds like we’re beating the same drum. I just don’t think there’s many people hearing it.
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I for one have enjoyed this season. I know the last couple games haven’t gone as planned, but the season as a whole has been more successful than I anticipated. I’m also not delusional regarding how much skill we actually have, so I guess my mood swings aren’t as drastic as some.
For any of you that have given up on this team and are Season ticket holders, I’d gladly take them off your hands with a smile.
I’m buying a few tickets to the playoffs on the 1st. Don’t know where I’m sitting yet, but when I find out, I’ll post it. if anyone wants to have a couple beers and a few laughs, just let me know, cause I’ll be there to have fun and enjoy the atmosphere.
Peoples, try and enjoy this. This is much better than the last few years, yet for some it’s the shittiest team with the shittiest coach and the shittiest Gm. What?
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The Kings need a scooter line, a couple of players that can skate. Bring up Oscar and the young Russian and put on a line with Kopitar. Opposing teams won’t be able to hit what they can’t catch. Not only that but they will draw a lot of penalties by opposing teams.
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Lloyd Christmas Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:16 am
@Jim Martin,
I sure remember Oscar getting “caught” a few times, and crushed in the process. Though he just kept getting right back up. Just wish the guy would get a little bigger.
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I also have thoroughly enjoyed this season.
Guys, why should anyone think that this young team with no playoff experience, should have it easy down the stretch? This is where you gain the experience for the good things that are to come. This is a gut check time for these players. They are having a bit of crisis of confidence. It’s natural for a young team to go thru this. They have the talent and the leadership both on the ice and behind the bench.
You can choose to believe what you are seeing nowe, or choose to believe what you saw prior to the break.
To me, this is just one more step or hurdle for this team to become a great team.
It only takes one game or one shift to turn this around. Hopefully that comes tonight.
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Cry Baby Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 7:34 am
@nykingfan, Refreshing! I am so sick of the “sky is falling” mentality of this blog. So few are able to see beyond the end of their nose.
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number 6 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 9:26 am
@nykingfan,
Me too. It just occurred to me that no one has said the following, so I’ll say it. I don’t think the Kings were as good as everyone thought they were during the 9 game winning streak (they played rather poorly in a few of those games, and great in others) – and I don’t think they’re as poor as the way they’ve played since the break. So all in all, it’s what you say NYKF. They are developing. That is the way it goes in some sports. You certainly don’t go from the bottom 10% to winning the cup in one year. And if by some miracle PHX does that this year, then that would be a first. Could happen, but I wouldn’t count on it.
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i think this is an excellent interview with your GM and he is right on with his analogy. Who would’ve thought USA would be in the gold medal game with their players? At this point, the learning curve for the Kings should be known, and it’s time for the players to make it happen. The foundation has been built and it continues to be built every day with this GM. This team now needs to believe in themselves, especially Jonathan Q.
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number 6 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 9:30 am
@tellmeY,
I do think JQ believes in himself. I don’t think there is a shortage of confidence there, but I do think the mental fatigue has come into play (I include the new baby in that). Also, as documented here, many say that he’s young so he should be able to handle that. While on one hand I agree with that, I agree in the context that IF he had worked up to that, say 58-60 games last year,… and then on, I’d be more likely to agree. Not sure how many he played last year but this workload is clearly a first for him.
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I think a lot of fans forgot that we were supposed to finish #12 or less this year. The fact that we are battling for a playoff spot says wonders for what Murray has done with the team. We are on the brink of something great, let’s just hope it is not another Sharks “dominate the regular season and disappear in the playoffs” situation in the future! The Penguins didn’t win the Cup their first go around, neither will the Kings!!
Go KINGS!!!
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mishy-mashy – lol
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anybody know if we’ve scored more on our own goalie than against the other teams goalie in the last three games???
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I don’t bemoan picking up Halpern or Modin, but some of the other moves that were and weren’t made.
– I love Smyth, always have, but it cost us Quincey who DL has replaced with JONES. — evidence of a patient GM who plans for the future or a GM who NEEDS the playoffs to save his job?
– just before the Olympics, with the team playing well, DL waives Segal and replaces him with Clune. Segal played well on all his lines and since joining Dallas has more points than Clune ever managed in an injury plagued AHL career.
A wise move? Why mess with the chemistry?
– after a tradedeadline where DL made minor moves in an effort NOT to mess with chemistry, TM shuffles his lines and benches Frolov. Williams comes back and further distorts the chemistry while TM dreams of the SKW lines’ early point production. My assertion is that POS is really the type of player that we could use right now – a player with breakout speed and breakaway skill. All in all, TM disrupts the chemistry he was so reliant on all season.
Other questionable moves:
- passing on a chance to reacquire Lubo to give us some defensive depth for the playoffs.
- promoting Halpern and Modin off the 4th line. Dropping Stoll to the 4th line after switching him to wing.
*** Calling up Bernier and starting him creating a situation in which fans are now begging for a goaltender change and your backup is made a lameduck.
Questionable moves at a crucial time of the season.
If we beat the odds and DO miss the playoffs DL and TM will be out of work. They’ll HaVE TO right this ship, pronto, in order to prevent one hell of a collapse.
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number 6 Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
@Cristobal,
great…..
yeah,……. sure, ….. umm,
yep, i think…. wait…. ok, so it’s….. oh, nevermind
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