After practice today, Terry Murray said Randy Jones would replace Peter Harrold on defense in Game 4 tomorrow. Harrold did not have a shift in the third period of Game 3, and Murray said only that it was “time to make a change.” Asked if Harrold was injured, Murray smiled and said, “We’re hiding it,” but Harrold participated in the full practice this afternoon. No other changes are expected. More from practice to come…
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Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He previously worked at the Los Angeles Daily News, was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar.
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Ugh… I hope this is the Jones we saw when we first acquired him and not the Jones of late…err most of the season… Let’s get both games at home!!! Go Kings!
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Noooooooooooo!
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Hide the Women and Children!
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Murray’s infatuation with Jones is nauseating. Jones has been out in left field ever since he came on board and has made one bad move after another. Harrold might not have been dynamic, but at least he doesn’t excel in giveaways that result in goals for the opponents. Read the blogs…it’s always Jones, Jones, Jones!
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Oh no
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It’s the only move he can make at this point. Harrold was as bad as I’ve seen anyone play last night.
You can’t throw Drewiske in at this point. The game is played at a much faster pace than anything he’s dealt with before. We’ve all seen the level of play increase during this series. That’s not fair to him or the Kings.
So by default, it’s back to Jones. He better not f*** up again.
[Reply]
JDizzle
I agree 100%. Thanks for a balanced take because the bashers will be comming out of the woodwork.
I am glad to see him in; I don’t care what anyone says on this blog. Is he Duncan Keith? No. But when he is going good the Kings are better for it.
At some point he may have to sit again if he starts sucking. In that case bring in Whiskey. If a forward goes bad or goes down, then bring in Willie. That way they can all get their name on the Cup!
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This makes me sad.
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this is awful. i agree Mark 1 that when he is going good the Kings are better for it, but that is like saying we will win the game if we just score more goals than the opposition!
The problem is, Jones hasn’t been “going good” since after about the first 10 games he played for the Kings. And we have definitely been worse for it.
I say it is Whiskey’s turn in our game of musical chairs for the 6th DMan spot.
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nooooooo
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I will support whomever Murry puts in the line-up and will be cheering them on at Staples tommorrow night.Support our Kings here,as well as Staples Center
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They should have Boyle move back and play D…
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Have you guys seen some of the crap Canucks fans are writing about us and our fans on these blogs?? It is honestly pathetic how many whiners they have in Canada. Telling us “Yanks” that we don’t know anything about hockey and how the calls have blown the series for them and how it is a complete conspiracy theory hahaha it’s so sad and laughable that these people can’t admit that their defense, goaltending, and lack of offense is the reason they are losing. What games are they watching? I find it sad they have to resort to personal insults about us as people and our country in order to make themselves feel better and give them peace of mind…pathetic.
Kings in 6!
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Good god, this is the one move I’d expect from the coaching staff that WOULD cost the Kings the series. I know it’s being dramatic but after the amount of suck Jones brought forth in game 1 I was hoping he never showed up in a Kings uniform again. I know we don’t have any other choice, I mean, Drewiske is gonna get destroyed if you just throw him in there, but come on, why do we have to be plagued with the cancer known as Randy Jones?
[Reply]
The biggest compliment you can give Harold when comparing him to Jones is that he doesnt make costly turn-overs.
Jones generally plays better in all areas of the game. But like Quick he lets his concentration lapse at times and all of a sudden you get a turnover and an odd-man rush.
I can see why TM wants him back in the line up for his skill. But he can be Vancouvers best asset if he starts making mistakes. Lets hope it does not come to that (like, you know in game 1).
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Bash all you want people, but the disrespect that some of you have given Jones is more disgusting than anything he has ever done. Those that criticize are just waiting every time he plays to pick apart his every move. He played a good game is game one and on that one turnover, which wsas the only one he had, did not result in an immediate goal. That puck could have been cleared by any five on the ice, but it didn’t happen. Every goal that is scored is because someone missed their assignment. Every goal. Give the guy a break and I’m glad he’s back in.
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Harold was getting the focus of Vancouvers forecheck and he was hard pressed. It was one of the few areas that they accomplished their mission. His passing and movement in game 2 were really excellent though. Jones will handle that kind of physical pressure better but really needs to work on precise passing. Keep it simple Jonsey.
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I’m starting to think Davis Drewiske is just a myth.
http://lakingsnews.com/2010/04/20/why-damn-it-why/
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Every move TM has made so far has worked out, so let’s just hope this one does too. I just better not see Jones out on the PP, that would be just insulting. Leave DD and JJ out the entire two minutes; or 30-40 seconds which seems to be all the time we need to score!
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I think Harold did fine for not playing for such a long time. It seems Jones panics when he is behind the net.
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Cancer? Calling someone a cancer because he turned the puck over. That’s the kind of comments that are disgusting. Good God, Doughty turned it over twice last night and missed his assignment on one which resulted in a goal.
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so much for the better defensive zone coverage and sticking with what works. 2 wins with Jones out…1 loss with him in.
He’s slow, always behind the play, always loses his guy in coverage.
Will he be replacing JMFJ on the first PP unit to showcase his awesome skills since the PP is clicking on all cylinders now?
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I wonder what JMFJ thinks about that, since he was talking about how he likes pairing with Harrold earlier.
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DEAR GOD, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
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Jones, Harrold, Drewiske… Alberts, Rome
Both teams have a weak spot on 6th man D.
Pick your poison… and enjoy the game anyways.
I am! =)
[Reply]
OK Jones, prove us wrong.
GO KINGS!
[Reply]
Jim S.
Good point:
The Whale injuries have made it thus on their side and unwillingness to trade have made it thus on ours.
I bet the Whale is missing MS right about now, injuries notwithstanding.
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Harrold…Jones…Jones…Harrold…at this point, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that the Kings do a better job of clearing the zone and keep shooting pucks at Luongo! GO KINGS!!!
[Reply]
Mark 1
Totally agree with you. Enjoy the ride! It’s the playoffs!!! =)
[Reply]
Not sure what to say about this. Harrold did not play well last night, and ordinarily I would OK with him being taken out. But Jones is such a huge question mark. If we get Good Jones – we will be even better. If we get Bad Jones – well, you know what happens then….Keep your fingers crossed everyone.
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JOOOOONES!
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There go the playoffs.
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No single player will….cost us the series…or a game.It is a TEAM effort.Support the KINGS
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Why make a change in the lineup after a win? I can see doing it when you lose, but after last night it doesn’t make any sense to me.
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Harrold played good enough for me to want to see him back in and Jones out. If it comes down to Jones vs Drewiske-Im all for going to the unknown X factor in Drewiske other then suckage we know in Jones. Id almost rather play with 5 Dmen or better yet let Justin Williams give it a shot.
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He better play no more than 5 minutes tommorow, why mess with chemistry right now?
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If Terry scratches him for more than two games in a row, Jones cuts off his bedroom privileges. Murray has needs too.
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I’m not liking this.
Harrold made his share of mistakes last night, but if JJ is playing better and feels more comfortable with him, why take him out? If all things are equal, leave Harrold in. In my opinion Harrold will do anything to get his job done, will make any sacrifice….not so sure about Jones.
Jones does not take the physical play better. Very few times have I seen him take a hit to make a play. I see him shy away from contact quite a bit. I do not feel comfortable with this guy playing. I have nothing against him personally, but I cringe at the thought of him playing defense for us. I really hope he does his job. I want the Kings to succeed.
[Reply]
I understand there aren’t a lot of options on D after the top 5 are concerned, and yes, maybe Harold didn’t size up well last night, and there were a few times when he had trouble clearing our zone. I get all that.
What I don’t get is why Drewiske wasn’t groomed for the post season during regular season games in lieu of Jones’s very suspect play.
What did Drewiske do to banish hismself?
I really hope that Jones proves me wrong……
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No, no, no, no, no!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Both have issues but Jones is a one goal handicap.
Harold at least remembers to get back after pinching.
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I agree that bloggers are way to critical of Jones. He is average to good as a #6 D-Man. As for Harold he did play well, but looked a bit hesitant in Game 3. If Jones was as protected as Harold was with about 9 to 15 mins a game he would do better as well. The problem is the temptation for Murray to want to put a veteran in as the team is young giving Jones 21+ mins. I don’t really know many #6 D-men that are successful playing that many minutes. The fact that your #6 in the depth chart means there are holes in your game.
That said, I hope Murray and the score allow for a better distribution of minutes. I hope Jones does well.
Its the speed, quickness, and aggressiveness of the Kings that has gotten the last 2 games, keep it up Kings.
Go Kings Go!
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Jones just attempts to do to much. When he takes a deep breath and says hey I just need to keep my tail in the game(vice press box) he’ll do fine. The question is, has TM fostered a false sense of security in this kid’s head by not benching him earlier? But hopefully a little tough love worked. Go Kings Go!!!
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This can’t be right– I thought we already voted Jones off the island.
I agree Harrold wasnt great last night but he brings speed to the defense and usually Jones brings turnovers. The posters who have said we just dont have a great 6th D are dead on, but few teams do. But those of you defending Jones, watch him carefully tomorrow and see if you still think he’s okay back there after the game is over. I for one will be sweating, and if he ends up out there when the Canuck’s first line is out, we’re in trouble.
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I do NOT want him on the PP.
he better NOT!
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Harrold was nervous in the first half of 1st quarter, and the first goal was his fault. Aslo as I remember, he and the puck were behind the net, 2-3 players went by, but no one got the puck, then the puck was stolen. I believe that’s the reason.
Why don’t we give a chance to Drewiske?
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How much will they lose if JW replaces Clune? Might have more offensive chances from the 4th line with a veteran presence. Needless to say if Jones gets to play again so should JW.
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I like Harrold, I don’t like his indeciveness ( a deer in the headlights last night behind the net and loses the puck which almost turn into a nasty nightmare) Anyone else notice the carbon piles where Peter was standing at last night. Jones isn’t the greatest but he at least doesn’t freeze on the “Really Big Stage”. If I had my druthers, I’d druther have ummmm Need-a-meyer or Orr maybe Doug Harvey or even Jr. Langois.
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I’m not to familiar with Jones so I can’t really give too much of an opinion. All I ask for is for everyone to try & play their best.
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Keep the Faith….Murry has his reasons.No team talks about injuries at this time of year.I gotta believe that has something to do with his playing or not certain people.
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Free Willy! Catch Clune!
Maybe TM is anticipating increased physicality from Van in the next game and feels RJ will handle it better…
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I believe Harrold is being benched for leaving his man all alone for the Canucks’ first goal. I’m not sure if I’m biased, ’cause I really like Harrold on D, but that’s about the only mistake I’ve seen Harrold make for the whole season. Of course he’s only played a couple or more games.
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I’d of used Whisky, but that’s me.
[Reply]
harrold got his shoulder popped out out during the game. He was noticeably hurt at the end of the 2nd. He couldn’t lift his arm up and was stuck on the ice. That is why he is not in there, not because jones is better.
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As much as I despise Jones, Harrold was god awful last night. I don’t blame him on this one.
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Hmmmm…..How can I screw-up a good thing?????
BRING ME RANDY JONES!!!!
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If we win with Jones playing I will believe the Bettman conspiracy theory……
[Reply]
I’ll bet a lot of the Jones bashers are the same ones that were ready to throw Quick under the bus when he had his bad streak. Quick has come out of his funk during the playoffs and as much as I like Harrold, he hasn’t had many shining moments. If Jones really sucks tomorrow, then TM will have a tougher decision that this one. BTW, I think TM is probably a much better coast than any of us on this blog.
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Make that “coach”
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I am not smart enough to understand TM’s reasoning for this.
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What part of ‘If it ain’t broke, DON’T FIX IT’ does TM NOT understand?!?!?!
I hope Jones plays a total of 3 minutes all game after we have a 4 goal lead.
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I’m sorry, but those of you who write Drewiske off without actually seeing him in action in the playoffs is baseless. It’s not to say that you can’t be right, but you have nothing concrete to base your opinions on. On the whole, Drewiske has skated circles around Jones and Harrold this season and it was consistent from what we saw of him at the end of last season. This is a kid with a lot of potential. If you have to flip a coin, I’d rather have a kid who will work his ass off to get recognized than to have Jones turn the puck over again and again.
Murray is not a genius, we just have some outstanding talent this year.
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OMG!!! NOooo, Jones loves to give good passes to the opposite team instead of our team =[
Lets just hope he plays better this time or else Murray should sit him for the rest of the playoffs end of the story!!
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Harrold did look rattled in the first 10 mins but you can say that about most of the team. I agree with DuckHunter that we should leave him in since JJ does seem to play better when they are paired together. It’s probably because Harrold keeps it simple and defers most of the puck handling, rushing up ice to JJ.
But I can understand why TM made the change. I just hope that Jones keeps it simple. By that I mean he will have played a good game if we don’t notice him at all. I hope he does not play like a “high-risk” dman that Babcock mentioned in his quote praising DD.
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For those trying to defend jones. Please stop. Jones has been making terrible mistakes in crucial situations all year. Yeah he was good in the first 8-10 games because he scores a few goals, but that’s about all the good I’ve seen. His d zone coverage is not good. He is not very physical which is really important at this time of year. And he turns the puck over in ot. He did it a little while back when we played Chicago and he tried to make a play in the nuetral zone and it was turned over and I think it was sharp who scored on a breakaway. Then he did it again in game one. All he needed to do was make the smart play(which harrold wouldve done) and dumped the puck deep. But instead he tried to make a pass and it gets turned over and van gets their forecheck going and we can’t get some guys a needed change. Wala they score.
I agree that I would not go with Davis but I hope harrold comes back in soon if he really is injured. Would much rather have him than jones.
Having said all that. I hope jones learns and gets better. There was a reason he was sat out.
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ALLLLLLLL we are sayyyyyying….Is give Drewiskie a chance….
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And last night when I watched the Kings play in the closing minutes, I thought to myself. MAN if Jones was in this situation the Nucks would of had a few goals by now. Jones is not good under pressure and gives the puck to the opposition.
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Despite a few positioning miss cues I thought Harrold made the safe smart plays, its too bad. Im sure RJ is a great guy. I read about how he has a foundation to help kids, Randy Jones and Family Foundation. I think TM knows he is a great guy and is giving him chance after chance. I really wish he would play to his potential on a consistent basis. He has shown moments of great play throughout the year. I feel bad for him, but he really needs to stay focused or he is going to cost us goals or the game.
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Seriously, TM – What happen to not making changes when you are winning……This move has got to make Williams feel like crap – knowing that a weak D-man is getting the nod over a playoff veteran…..
I didnt think Harrold played that bad – great? no but not as bad as Jones has played – If he is not happy with Harrold’s play, why not let Drewiske play…..I agree with snbrdsummit
plywood – Who threw Quick under the bus? and you can not compare a 7 game winless streak to endless amount of mistakes Jones has made INCLUDING contributing to Quicks winless streak a few times (like gift wrapping a goal for Bobby Ryan)
When Jones is on his game he is average at best on D and good at offense…but still average on D
When he is NOT on his game – he blows at every part of the game – Someone please prove me wrong….
iansez – Drewiske is more pysical than Jones…
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I don’t like it but I’ll support it. Hope we get the calm and focused Jones tomorrow. Play well Jonesy, play well.
Also, I’ll take Willie for Cluner anytime.
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I think at this point, Carolina Hurricanes fans like me groan and say if you don’t want Williams, Murray, we’ll be more than happy to take him back.
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With Harrold in…2-0
With Jones in..the big goose egg.
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Jones is not the reason we win or lose. Harold is only a slight improvement, if any. Drewiske would actually be a big improvement if they’d give him a chance.
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Nooooooooooooooo….
Why does it have to be the game I’ll be at? omygod, omygod, omygod….okay, calm down everyone. We’ll be okay right? RIGHT? Please Jones, please don’t make me boo your ass tomorrow. I’ll feel really bad if I have to.
Where’s the vicodin?
[Reply]
As I have written before, it’s all on Murray. Jones cost us game 1 with his turnover. He costs us another and Murray is 100% responsible. This is an irresponsible move.
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This is playoff time. Therefore I am going to assume that Harrold is injured. There is really no reason for me to have anything to say about Jones or his play. It’s all pretty much been said by both his defenders (not me) and his detractors (me). For better or worse the decision has been made. I will hold any comments about Jones in abeyance until the conclusion of tomorrow’s game. Hopefully, even if there is no reason to give Jones great praise, there will be no reason to give him great scorn.
[Reply]
My initial reaction was to roll up into a ball and cry
But then i realized that this move is probably for the best. Harrold has not played well. The Nucks’ first goal was his fault. He’s sort of been running around these past few games.
Jones CAN be good. hopfully sitting for two has woken him up. JUST PLAY SMART.
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I thought we decided to leave him in Canada, by majority vote. I say 1 bad turnover and bench his ass.
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Good lord here we go again. Jones isn’t responsible enough to play D in Manchester!!! Any bets on how many turnovers that lead to goals he has?
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Jones reminds me of sydor when he started with the kings. He was always making that bad play that led to the oppositions fortune, but with experience sydor became an alright player… I’m hoping jones figures it out much faster for our sake!
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Is this some sort of cruel joke? Seriously, just because the Canucks are falling apart and their fans are losing their collective minds, it desn’t mean we need to feel bad and give them hope.
Ok, haha, April fools has past, you can come out now.
Hello, I this thing on?
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GO KINGS GO!!!!!!!!
Kings in 6
Get behind the TEAM people……ALL of them
After all it is a TEAM game, right?
Let’s just be fans now and enjoy the games, no one here is a pro coach, player or GM to my knowledge. So let’s be happy with effort.
[Reply]
While you’re at it, please put Williams back in for Clune. Clune’s fine when he’s the only one on the ice fighting for a job during reg. season, but in the playoffs when everyone’s fighting for their lives he’s not quite ready for primetime.
I’d love to see a 4th line of Parse-Stoll-Williams for some unexpected offensive production, plus throwing their bodies around. Keeping the 1st and checking lines intact, that leaves a 2nd line of Frolov-Halpern-Brown. I appreciate Halpern’s veteran presence and faceoff ability, but the Kings need more depth at center to make this really work — like Brayden Schenn next year! (Gotta lower expectations of Frolov and sign him to a fair contract to maintain depth he provides.)
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Anybody notice that Jones was guy who kept the puck in at the blue line in Game 1, that led directly to Modin’s game-tying goal?
He had Brownie coming back in support, and kept it alive with a diving, one-handed poke. Phenomenal play that’s been largely overlooked. I’ve not been a big fan of his, but let’s hope it’s all positives from here on out with regards to Jonesey!
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@ coachlee
Do you still keep in touch with him and that’s how you know he’s injured, or are you speculating? Or would you have to kill me if you told me? hope he’s okay.
I think that Harrold is a solid defender. Personally, in my criticism of him, I was just saying that he hasn’t been great the past two games. If anything it’s a compliment to his skill; i’ve seen him play better.
[Reply]
@egold44
Parse—Halpern—Williams
Stoll will stay with Frolov and Brown.
But I think TM wants either Clune or Ivanans in there as a tough guy.
[Reply]
What we also need is more offense! Swap Williams for Clune!! Get williams back out there..
[Reply]
lostjedi and coachee
Where are yoy getting this info that Harrold was hurt?
If he was hurt, why was he on the ice for practice yesterday? The full team practiced.
For the people saying that we’re winning, why change anything..
The problem is TM had such little confidence in Harrold’s game (assuming he wasn’t injured) that he benched him for the 3rd period. We only dressed 6 D’men. That meant in a physical, heavy, playoff game he had to overwork guys like OD. Do you want the same thing to happen in game 4? Are you really willing to burn out your D before we even get to the next round?
[Reply]
Harrold was on the ice for how many goals against in 2 games?
1?
Some sketchy moments early, but he settled down.
TM should have stuck by him.
But, RJ is better than Alberts, slightly.
[Reply]
Hey Cristobal,
Homer (in regards to that last statement)
[Reply]
Rich,
Of all the topics available to write on this day, 92, and counting, have chosen Jones as their inspiration for prose. Is he really that compelling of a topic?
[Reply]
Compelling? Nah. Distressing? Yeah.
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Be afraid. Be very afraid.
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There HAS to be a reason that all of us are not aware of.
If Jones has a breakdown that leads to a goal that is the difference, it’ll be on TM
[Reply]
Well Harrold had his chance in two games and was worst than Jones in my opinion. Harrold ran around his own zone and turned the puck over a lot. He has zero physical presence when he is on the ice and at times looks like he doesn’t have a clue out there. Good for TM sitting him the 3rd period last game, he could have cost us. I hope we don’t see him the rest of the playoffs.
Now I wish Drewiski was given the chance to dress. Drewiski is just like Jones and Harrold in the turnover department, but at least he can take the body and play physical. We will have to see how Jones does after riding the pine 2 games. I am sure TM is going to keep a short leash on any 6th “D” we dress and isn’t afraid to shortening the bench and only playing 5 defenseman if he has to.
I think it’s a great move TM to get Harrold out of the Lineup. Not sure if it’s a great move putting Jones back in instead of drewiski. I still keep looking back to the trade deadline and wonder why we didn’t go get a 6th d-man????
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Wow Jones has 45 bad games and Harrold has 1 and the Kings win the game. Well here you go Philly fans and TM fans this guy is a disaster and if we lose with this moron in tonight Advantage Nucks…Way to saty with whats working. You dont think Harrold can rebound after a bad game? Bad Coaching
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Oh Crap….here comes a 2-2 series…
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It’s a risky move, but I agree with going with the veteran Jones again. Harrold, in both games, has shown more often than not, that he is not capable of playing at the playoff level yet.
Boy, I’d love to have Kyle Quincey back on this team again (along with Smyth not instead of).
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I like Drewiske, but I would never play him right now.
1. He has played only a few games in months.
2. When he was in, he looked shakey at times and wasn’t keeping up with the pace of the game.
3. He’s a rookie and has no playoff experience.
The pace of the playoffs is much higher, and the Kings are more likely to have disaster happen with a rookie with no playoff experience who has played maybe two games in the last 3 months, and did not particularly distinguish himself in those games. This is not Drewiske’s fault, it’s just circumstance. I’m sure he’d be the first to understand that.
With Harrold, you have a guy who did not have a great game in Game 3 and seemed overmatched at times, so you’re left with Jones, a veteran with playoff experience who played a decent Game 1, but made a critical mistake. That he has so many bashers only matters to the bashers. TM knows what he’s doing. I expect Jones to rise to the occasion.
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coachl;ee
I’m not doubting you, but I know from reading Rich’s after-practice articles that when a player is injured he either doesn’t skate in practice or wears the jersey indicating an injured player. He said Harrold had a full practice.
Something doesn’t jibe!
Also, for TM to say “we’re Hiding it” when asked about an injury and smiling, leads me to believe it’s not an injury.
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coachlee
I never said you have to be physical to be a good defensive player. I stated that Jones and Harrold are both worthless and Drewisiki might turnover the puck as much as them, but play physical.
I have never been a fan of Harrold, if anything TM keeps him around because he really likes the Guy. I hope Harrold is removed from the team next year to open up a spot for a better player. Harrold had a bad game in game 2 as well as 3, it wasn’t just game 3. He looks lost and out of position in both games.
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NYKIngsfan,
Yoiu right there is no injury. No one cares on the Nucks if Harrold was injured or not. It’s not like he some elite player.. LOL.. There is no need to hide anything about Harrold. This is a result of his poor play and poor decisions in both game 2 and game 3.
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Jones had two shots at playing good D and blew it .Harrold hasn’t really played lately and was thrown into the mix and did a decent job. I say keep him in now that he has better adjusted to POff Hockey. Besides, he didn’t have any costly turnovers…ehem, Jones.
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DREWISKE! DREWISKE! DREWISKE!
Liked what we saw when he was leading the team in +- during the first half!
If Jones coughs it up again at a crucial moment again in game 4, it’s time to give the boy a shot in game 5.
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Dean Younglbood
If you think he did a good job, you’re really a Nucks fan.
Apparently there was no injury..at least according to the latest blog entry. It was due to his poor play.
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I wonder how many assists Jones is going to have….to the Sedins!
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Hopefully less than Harrold had.
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nykingfan,
I agree 100% with all your post.
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