As expected, the Kings will make one lineup change tonight, with Randy Jones replacing Peter Harrold on defense. Jones and Terry Murray talked today about the need for Jones to keep his feet moving and make the simple plays, something that has been reinforced on video.
More from the morning skate to come. I’ll be having my interview with Gary Bettman within the next hour also…
ask him if he’s going to be wearing his kings jersey tonight!?
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Why is he putting him in now when he knows he needs work? Harrold besides the time he slipped has made the plays and kept it simple. And not turned it over like someone else currently moving back into the lineup.
I think Williams deserves to be in before Jones but I’m not the coach. Go Kings Go. Take it to Vancouver tonight and put them behind the 8 ball. Keep up the pressure.1
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Williams should be in, maybe on the 4th line? or is he too slow for that line?
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I was reading Jones’ bio and noticed he listed his favorite dessert as Maple Turnover. Just sayin’
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Hey Rich, can you get an updated statement from Murray and/or Williams about what the deal is with JW sitting?? I’m pretty curious; it didn’t seem like an injury but more like a punishment. Is Williams still not showing Murray what he needs to see??
Thanks
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I coach, and have refrained from judging Murray’s coaching decisions, but this one makes no sense. If i bench someone who needs work, then they stay there until they fix it. I don’t get it, but hopefully Jones has earned his return. Let’s hope he makes the right plays out there and helps the Kings drop the ‘Nucks into a 3-1 hole. GO KINGS!!!!!!
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This could be bad…we need GOOD mojo, positive affirmation, and no negativity. Say it with me….
Jones will play the game of his life tonight.
Jones will play the game of his life tonight.
Jones will play the game of his life tonight.
Jones will play the game of his life tonight.
Jones will play the game of his life tonight.
Jones will play the game of his life tonight.
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Or maybe even DL’s take on the situation (if you have the exxxxxtra time to hear that on out)… haha
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Harrold was “ok” at best in Game 3. He looked scared. Jones has the ability to be an impact player no matter what all of the haters say. The problem is in his execution. Knowledge without action is useless. This is playoff hockey in LA, and we can’t afford to have part-timers on the ice
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That talk shoulda been had a few months ago. TM should let JJ stay on the left. His game is way better when he’s not forced to give Jones the left side.
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can u ask murray about williams? he needs to play! parse hasn’t brought anything williams can’t bring the past 2 games…
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@ Dan H., I believe the only reason why Jones is in is because Harrold is hurt “upper body injury”, he got hit toward the end of the second period in the last game and didn’t return. I agree with you, I’d much rather have Harry in instead of Jones.
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I would like to see Ivanans in there for Parse, but hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
It would be nice to see Ivanans get in O’Brien’s grill and silence that fake tough guy…
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Uh, people…are you all that blind? Harrold is hurt! Good lord, this isn’t that hard!
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Why Khanon, so Ivanans can play 1 shift, and still cost the Kings the game?
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Let’s bring the noise again tonight Kings fans!!!
I am just as pumped today as I was for Monday’s game. I saw interviews last night on the local news (I know! I was as shocked as you to see Kings coverage on local news) and the players said they were really impressed by the fans.
We need to show them again that we are there and ready to go. My voice is not totally healed, but I am going all out again. Let’s blow the roof off the joint again!!! Run those bastard ‘Nuck fans right out of the building!
GO KINGS GO!!!
GO KINGS GO!!!
GO KINGS GO!!!
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ANY speculation on what time the game will be on Sunday, if indeed they play? I’m planning a trip around it. Day or night? The Lakers dont play. No concerts. Ideas??
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I too would have thought Williams would get back in before Jones. I didn’t see too much from Parse and thought that putting Williams in might be an upgrade, especially with his experience. Harrold played well in game 2. Perhaps the nerves got the best of him in game 3 where I think he only played 8 minutes or so. I have confidence in Jones though. His size is a bit of an improvement over Harrold.
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@ Schoeny – I was under the impression that all games would be at 7pm for this series. I could be wrong. I pray we don’t play an afternoon game, though.
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Randy Jones has played more games than Harrold and handles the puck better. I like his play & he seems to be a playmaker. A left handed shot is always good too.
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Only real reason I see Jones in is because the nuks are banging bodies and will come out even harder game 4, Jones is bigger and more physical then Harold. As for Williams, his timing is really off, even though I like the guy at least Parse is a bigger body in a checking role and thats what we need.
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sstephen17,
Regardless of experience, Williams played like a small, tiny, scared rookie in his first NHL game. That’s what I saw.
The important thing is to win, not to dress this guy or that guy.
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@Schoeny
There will be no game on Sunday
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Jones’ benching was an attention getter. Harrold did fine filling in.
There has to be something wrong with Williams, mentally, emotionally if not physically. He may be playing through too much pain. You will never know.
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As far as Parse is concerned he has made the most of his minutes all season. If you have to sit Williams, Parse is a fine replacement. In fact he will score a goal tonight.
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Wanted to share some interesting pre-game drama that occured during last game’s shoot-around. Ryan Kesler was skating over the center line into the King’s area, over and over. He even caused O’Donnell to move around him. Suddenly Clune decided to skate towards him and Clune proceeded to spear Kesler’s backside with his stick. They stopped and started yapping. I thought they were goint to have a fight before the game started. The officials were not even on the ice yet.
Clune then skated away and Kesler skated over to the penalty box area to talk to an official, all the while pointing towards Clune.
This may be something to watch tonight during the pre-game shoot-around.
Release the hounds! Go Kings Go.
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Would also like to see JW back in. Guys got alot of heart.
Clune-halpern-JW on the 4th.
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@Schoeny
I think it depends on the other series as well. If there aren’t any other games I could see a noon start.
But like @Daoust501 said, there will be no no need for a game 6!!!!
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O.K. Time to admit it. I share a last name with one of the Canucks! That’s all I’ll say. Wish he was on the Kings because I’d get his jersey.
MKF
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Keith Kessler?
Barney Bieksa?
Andrew al…nevermind.
Wayne Wellwood?
Ricky Rome?
Gary Glass?
okay….I think I’m done now.
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Even if Harrold wasn’t hurt, he looked terrible and lost every time he stepped on the ice. We didn’t see him in games a lot this season, but this was by far his worst effort of the season. He was solid on Saturday but god awful on Monday. The Nucks knew it and they went right at him every time he had the puck. There were several times when I turned to my friend at the game and said “There goes Harrold, doing his best Jones impression.” I hope Harrold is able to come back, but only if he is able to come back and play a decent game. If we’re going to get Monday night out of him moving forward, I’ll take my chances with Jones.
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Randy Jones good to go!
48 Games Played
05 Goals
16 Assists
21 Points
Nice Offensive minded D-man to team up with Jack.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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Tookie, you crack me up. Thanks for the mantraa, too! “Jones will play the game of his life tonight, Jones will play the game of his life tonight, Jones will play the game of his life tonight…”
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where is everyone getting this idea that it was an upper body injury other than what people think they saw in the game?
I’m reading Rich’s article on what TM and Harrold said. He wasn’t moving his feet and needs to make simple plays. How does that turn into an upper Body injury?
I really don’t think the Kings are going to withold any injury news, which by the way is league required, about a sparingly used defensman. What sense does that make? If it was Kopitar or Doughty I can understand, but we’re talking about Peter Harrold.
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I have to assume Harrold is hurting because, from TM’s words, there’s no way he sounds convinved that Jones is a solid choice. Perhaps Jones is a bit bigger than Harrold but he plays small and WEAK. This game is pivotal and I hope the whole series doesn’t hinge on Jones’ play tonight.
GO KINGS GO!
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Wanted to share some interesting pre-game drama that occured during last game’s shoot-around. Ryan Kesler was skating over the center line into the King’s area, over and over. He even caused O’Donnell to move around him. Suddenly Clune decided to skate towards him and Clune proceeded to spear Kesler’s backside with his stick. They stopped and started yapping. I thought they were going to have a fight before going back to their respective locker rooms. The officials were not even on the ice yet.
Clune then skated away and Kesler skated over to the penalty box area to talk to an official, all the while pointing towards Clune.
This may be something to watch tonight during the pre-game shoot-around.
Release the hounds! Go Kings Go.
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I submit that Murray either can’t hear or chooses not to hear fans during the game. It is really clear to hear fans yelling for Jones to get off the ice. As a season ticket holder who has upgraded his seats 5 times this season since January, it doesn’t matter where you sit, season ticket holders hold our breath when Jones touches the puck. There’s a clear consensus among season ticket holders I’ve spoke to that Jones was a terrible pick up. For every single supporter, I can name 20 whom oppose. Reading the blogs, this is not an isolated incident.
I’ll be there tonight holding my breath. If I turn purple, somebody shake me.
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Can he keep his “feet moving” right on out of the arena? UGH!!
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Don’t worry Rome is hurt again so Andrew-PIM-Alberts is playing tonight!
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So sick of the whinig about Jones! You know what? I hope Jones scores the game-winner tonight! I would love to see what people wrote afterward. Now THAT would be interesting reading.
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randy jones will get 2 natural hatricks and 5 assists in a 11-1 kings win tonight
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Harrold was out of position for the Canucks 1st goal but comon 2 wins with Harrold and you take him out for a guy that gave game 1 away?? Whatever TM stupid roster change leave JW out and put Jones in?? STUPID move!!
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I can’t wait for tonight’s game! I’m keeping positive thoughts for Jones and hope that he plays smart and keeps it simple. This is a huge game and we need to put away the Canucks and not let them back in the series. 7 jrs to go and I’m ready to scream as loud as I can tonight! Time is going by way too slow…
Darn, I wish I had watched the news last night. I would’ve loved to have seen the interviews.
GO KINGS!!
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From your lips to God’s ear, as my Grandma always used to say…
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Man, today is a very important game! This game if won will put a dagger in Vancouver. We would be up 3-1 in the series with just 1 more to go after that.
I’m sure the coaching staff have addressed(at least I hope so) this point to the Kings. They need to play with urgency!
Lets go Kings!
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I hope so brandyn!
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Randy Jones stats after tonight…15 hits, 4 assists, 3 goals, 1st star of night, 0 turnovers, + 6, gets mobbed by all of the chicks….
Nothing you guys can do about it. Might as well hope for the best game he’s ever played….EVER.
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Although I guess we’d all settle for…”well, he didn’t suck” but whatever I’ll shoot for the craziest scenario first.
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Davis Drewiske says “Hi” Just in case Murray you know forgot he’s still on this team…
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Please get this game underway.
I can’t take reading how Jones is the worst choice ever made by TM..even after they saw Harrold’s last game.
I would also love to play jsut 5 D’men only, but unfortuantely, they’ll be dead and we’ll be out of the playoffs.
snbrdsummit
Fans on TV do the same thing, but I was doing it on Monday with Harrold’s play, until TM finally allowed me to breathe when he benched him in the 3rd.
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Fan support Monday night was incredible. The boys will need it again tonight, so lets give it to ‘em! Headed out to Staples…see you all there!! GO KINGS!!!
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Rich, if it isn’t too late, I’d like to ask one last question to Gary Bettman.
Does Mr. Bettman also believe that Randy Jones is a friggin’ travesty?!
Thank you.
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Indiana JONES and the lost puck.
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Okay I don’t like this but whatever. It’s not like Harrold was much better. BUT I REALLY HOPE he leaves the power play alone. Please don’t put Jones on the point in the power play again, PLEASE DON’T.
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I dont like it, but I am with MrBrett7, Harold is obviously injured and they are not saying anything about it.
So Jones needs to go on a diet and step away from the Maple Turnover(Classic Duffy!).
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GO KINGS GO…GO KINGS GO…GO KINGS GO…Thats what I will be screaming all night.
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Show no mercy for merciless. I admit the hit on Clune was clean but those hits on Smyth and Brown were dirty. Nucks and their fans are only whining about kick-in but never mentioning about getting away from a couple of interferences. It is clear that they don’t know the word ‘Sportsmanship’. Send them a message that they are messing with wrong people. Hit em hard especially that ugly sisters and pretty boy Burrows line and make em never want to play against LA again. As for Jones, I don’t know if he physically fits for this game but what the heck … I’m with it. Just take the hit like a man.
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GO KINGS GO…GO KINGS GO…GO KINGS GO…Going to the game tonight and thats what I will be screaming all night..So excited I can’t wait..Keep the positive thoughts flowing.Randy will do just fine.Just keep repeating ..The Kings will win.The Kings will win.
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@ Space_Shot,
Thanks for pointing out what no one else seemed to remember because they are wearing their anti-Jones blinders. Harrold looked HORRIBLE on Monday. There was one turnover behind the net (and I’m pretty sure it was Harrold) that resulted from what I can only imagine was indecision/hesitancy that very well could have cost us a goal if not for his teammates cleaning it up. He was getting pushed around and not making good decisions with the puck a lot of the time out there.
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What………is there some kind of important event tonite at Staples that will finish off what little vocal chords I have left after Monday and will cause me to be deliriously happy to celebrate a Kings victory?
GO KINGS GO!!!
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Randy Jones needs critisism he did the same thing in Philly, thats why they sent him to the AHL we picked him up on waivers. When he came here he was on fire for a short while. Maybe this is what he needs to keep him going. Bench him after every 3 games for 3 games let the fans rip him a new one and maybe it keeps the fire going.
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All right people. This is what we need to do tonight. No matter what we think of Jones we have to support him and give him a confidence boost. Every time he’s on the ice and every time he touches the puck, we need to cheer loudly. No boos. Maybe get a few Let’s Go Jones chants going (note the ambiguity in the wording). Make him think we’re in his corner (which we are, right).
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I’m generally in favor of putting Jones back in bc Harrold looked way over his head and out of his league in both games. Veteran players usually respond positively to being scratched during the playoffs, so I am expecting to Jones to have a positive impact in tonight’s game and the rest of the series.
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Does anyone think that JW may be injured?
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TSN Mother Nucker Update…
Defenceman Shane O’Brien has been fined $2,500 for shooting a puck at LA Kings forward Jeff Halpern in warmup before Game 3. Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault was also fined $1,000, while the Canucks organization was also fined an undisclosed amount. O’Brien told media on Tuesday that Halpern flipped a puck at him before Game 1 and he was just having fun because they are friends and former teammates in Tampa. O’Brien joked that he talks to NHL’s Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell more than his mom. – TSN
Defenceman Aaron Rome left Monday’s game late in the third period, did not practice on Tuesday and is won’t play tonight. He will be replaced with Nolan Baumgartner. – TSN
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NYK…Harrold got hit, and when he went off the ice, he wasn’t moving his arm, and then never came back = upper body injury. Not hard.
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You can say what you want about Harrold, but he did not, I repeat NOT cost us the game. So understand the critisism, againt Jones, they are pro’s if they couldnt handle it they would not be where they are. Do you think Lugongo will be cryin tonight after all the critisism, I dont think so. He will be ready to go, and if Jones is a pro he will be as well.
Its not “anti Jones blinders on” its calling a player out for bad play. He can deal with it so you should also. This is so funny, if he played for a Canadien team the press and fans would be far more critical. Get over fans calling out a player it is part of the game, whether it is Quick, Jones, Kopitar or Williams they are big boys and are used to it. We here in LA have maybe been to kind to bad play maybe thats why no cup. We need players who can look themselves in the face and say my bad, time to pick up my game.
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“Does anyone think that JW may be injured?”
Yeah. He broke his leg a while back…
Clearly still recovering.
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“Does anyone think that JW may be injured?”
He looked good and positive in practice yesterday.
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Hey Jay!! About Jones stats you forget his assist to the Canucks for the game losing goal in OT of game 1 EH!!!!!
GWKF
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Hey can I go in on Defense? I suck on D and can turn it over just as much as Jones. That way if LA wins the cup I can get my name on it too. Imagine being immortalized on the Stanley Cup…for sucking!
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If the Kings win the cup, he can suck. It won’t matter.
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mrbrett7
but he practiced fully yesterday?
Doesn’t make any sense.
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I will be satisfied with Jones tonight if he does indeed move his feet. So long as he’s not coasting around the D zone I would back this move.
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GWKF
It happens to the best of players.
Ohh yeah, Jones had 1 Short Handed Goal too.
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@Rlane420 -
I assume your comment was directed at me, since you quoted one of the comments I made.
I have nothing against calling out a player who screws up. I have made my share of comments here and elsewhere about various players. What I do, however, have a complaint with is that there appears to be a certain myopia among many fans when it comes to certain players to the point that the player can do no right and when other players make the same mistakes, it is shrugged off. This season, it is Jones who has earned the fans ire.
Look back at game 1, for example – Williams gave up the puck that led directly to the Canucks second goal on a breakaway, yet everyone is clamoring that he needs to get back into the line up. Jones gave up the puck which eventually led to the OT winner – after the Canucks spent over a minute in the Kings zone. There were 4 guys in addition to Jones who still had a chance to get that puck out before the goal was scored (not to mention they got caught on a bad line change). Not so with Williams where I believe there was 1 defender back on a 2-on-1.
Fast forward to game 3 – Harrold coughs up the puck behind the net. That puck very well could have ended up in the back of the net if the other guys on the ice didn’t get back to clean up his mistake (something they didn’t do when Jones screwed up). It was as bad, if not worse, than anything I noticed from Jones in game 1 except for the outcome. And that is on top of him being pushed around and outmatched the whole game. He was hesitant and his lack of experience showed. Yet I have only seen a handful of people actually note how horribly he played. Most people seem to have either not noticed or just think his mistakes are not comparable to Jones when the only reason there was a different outcome was how the 4 other guys on the ice responded.
So, yes, I think there are a lot of people on this site with anti-Jones blinders who refuse to see anything but his mistakes while refusing to see the mistakes of the player who replaced him in the line-up. I am not a Jones apologist by any stretch; I am just rational enough to see that there are other players making mistakes that are just as bad, if not worse, than the ones he has made.
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Jones is shaky to say the least. He looks very nervous when he is on the ice. It seems he forces his passes hoping someone can get to it. Also it seems he goes out of his way to avoid a hit. Something just isn’t right with him. Is he injured or having side effects from his last injury or what? He is simply gun shy all away around. The playoffs are not the time for this as this could cause a bigger and more painful injury if your head is not totally in the game.
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YES! I love Jones. Whenever he gets put in lineup all the JQ naysayers disappear. TM you’re a genius.
GO KINGS!!!
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