Terry Murray’s postgame thoughts…
(on the game…)
MURRAY: “Well, obviously it’s a loss, a bad loss. That’s pretty much where I’m going to leave it, to be quite honest. It’s a tough game, and it’s a playoff situation where you’ve got to get ready for the next one. We’ll go back home for Game 6, and we’ve got to move through it right away.”
(on whether anything stood out to him as a difference from previous games…)
MURRAY: “The big difference is that our goaltending was giving us some big stops. You can’t sugar-coat that. The goaltending wasn’t good enough here tonight. He had a tough night. I think we screened some of those shots that were coming through. I think there were a couple that were deflected. We’ve got to be better in front of him, and he has to be better himself. He’s got to get himself ready for Game 6. Quick is going to go. He’s been our guy all year long, and the one thing that I’ve always liked about his attitude is the mental toughness part of it, that he can move through bad games and get himself prepared to play.”
(on whether his team can bounce back…)
MURRAY: “That’s the way it has to be. You have to approach it that way. There’s always the ebb and flow of playoff victories and losses, and it’s going to be a test. We’ve got to respond the right way. There’s no question that they’re coming in hungry now. They’re looking to end the series and we’re looking to continue it. We’ll be ready to play. We’re going to be ready to compete.”
(on whether Quick lacked concentration and focus…)
MURRAY: “In part. I think some of the early goals there, he was off his angle, he was flat in his net. I think there are a few things we’ll have to re-address here before Game 6 on Sunday. We’ll review it ourselves in our team meeting and get him ready to go. Concenration is huge. The one thing we did, I thought, in the third period is that we came out and started to play the right way again. We didn’t break away from the system that we’re using, our structure. We had more breakdowns, I know, with goals against, but overall the guys still tried to compete. It’s a hard thing, to dig in when you’re down like that. We have to find a way to do it.”
(on how the young players will respond to an elimination game…)
MURRAY: “The right way. Play the right way. You’ve got to play the game. You’ve got to play with structure. You’ve got to play the system. You’ve got to play with energy and emotion, and you’ve got to play. It’s a great lesson for them.”
a lot of bad play by the kings, but at least goal #5 for vancouver was all RJ. Nice pass to Vancover at center ice, and then moved aside nicely to allow the shot. A REAL defenseman would have blocked the shot, or challenged the puck at least.
pffft. it wasn’t his only mistake and it wasn’t the difference maker and he wasn’t the only one who could have played better, but it really stuck out. never seen harrold make that kind of play.
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“Quick played bad so we’ll go with him again, because I said so.”
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My biggest question is why in the heck are we not checking and beating the %$#@ out of the ginger twins.
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It’s so sad when TM have no problem removing the first line player after a single poor game, but he holds onto the goalkeeper who failed to make a single brilliant save in two months time.
But what hurt the most is that there’s so much talent in this team, but it’s clear from the outer space that the players have lost all their confidence in Quick’s ability a long time ago.
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Please give Bernier the chance on Sunday. He is brilliant. What do the Kings have to lose at this point? Quick has won 2 games in the last 14. I really think Bernier can give them a spark. The team needs it. If you don’t, I would bet everything on them losing Sunday. If all of us fans feel it, you know the team and management feel it as well. Give Bernier the shot. It’s our only chance at this point. If he’s good, the team will feed off it. He is as great as Luongo. I’ve known this ever since he first arrived with the Kings. Sack up Kings organization! What are you made of management? Take a freakin’ chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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This one just plain hurt. Biggest game of the year and we played like that? Well, now it’s desperation time.
If we’re going to be a playoff team, Sunday would be a good time to show the emotion of one team wide.
I got real problems with the way this was handled. For the team to come out like this, tell me who do you put that on? If it’s a few guys, then it those guys. When it’s the team as a whole, I believe you put it on the coach.
TM is a damn good coach, don’t get me wrong, but he said it himself, you have to have an emotional balance in the playoffs. You can be too low on emotion as well, and that’s where we were tonight.
We MUST dominate game 6. There are NO other options.
Terry, make it happen. Tell your captains it’s time to fire up the boys and make them men. All or nothing.
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Murray ” I also made a mistake changing the lines and playing Jones. After having a heavy conversion with myself..iam going to go back to the winning formula of games 2 and 3. Iam going to coach the right way…and not keep messing with a winning formula…Iam going to stay with the coaching system that usually has success..which is …dont change things when its working…I had a strong practice and will go back to what works…”
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My prediction – Kings win 1-0 in game 6 in double OT. And wins game 7 in Vancouver 3-2.
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Quick did as well all year as anyone could expect, he gained them a ton of pts in the SO alone. with that said, i dont like his game, way too many flaws. at 1.8 mil next year, they could move him if they want, or keep him as a backup for at least 1 year.
a ZZ Top concert is on VH1 Classic, enjoying some good tunes and trying to forget tonight.
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About Bernier-
He has his OWN Cup to win in the AHL. He’s worked hard all season for it. Winning that could mean MANY years of success for our future. I’m not willing to give that up for right now.
The last time we went for ‘Right Now’ it took 17 years to right the ship. It’ll come. This team can do it. They just have to pull their heads out and BELIEVE they can.
When this team believes in itself, NOBODY can beat them and they’ve proven that.
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HEY TERRY YOU WANT SOME EPIC WITH THAT FAIL?
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All this goalie talk. I’m reminded about last year. Semyon Varlamov came in cold turkey for the Washington Capitals. No experience, no nothing. Just his skills. Those skills were good enough. Same thing happened again just a few days ago (Varlamov once again replacing Theodore).
Terry Murray is clearly sold on Quick. Bernier has no goddamn chance, not even next season. Quick is his hero and so is Randy Jones.
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I am getting tired of the Randy Jones bashing….yeah he’s not good, but he’s not the reason the Kings are losing. The Canucks as a team are better than the Kings at this point.
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I was NOT impressed by anything I saw tonight. Honestly, i gave up after it was 5-1 in the 3rd. I couldn’t take it anymore. That was some of the worst play i’ve seen by the entire team in a long time.
Randy Jones doesn’t deserve to be on the ice. Stick-boy if he’s lucky. Go with the lineup we had for games 2 and 3, minus that douchebag jones if he was in any of it.
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Mental toughness? What the hell is TM talking about? The guy has won 2 of his last 12 games…is that mental toughness? If he had “mental toughness” wouldn’t he have come out MENTALLY TOUGHER tonight after a collapse in the last game?
Look, I’m not blaming only Quick, but he’s got to be better. And TM’s sticking with Jones is very much like Crawford when he kept going with Cloutier.
Like I said, not all on Quick…I don’t remember Brown or Kopi making any significant plays…what the hell happened to these guys?
I guess it’s time for TM to start figuring out which player he’s going to say didn’t lay it on the line…he has about 20 to choose from. Hey, here’s an idea…maybe he’ll bench Brown and put in Ivanans…that might send a message! Yes I was kidding…but TM is really being outcoached now, though I did lip-read him saying “c’mon guys, let’s go” when they got down 5-2.
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I am not a hockey player have two sons who played,been to manygames. How can the Kings coach accept the Sudin b rothers?
Better consider keep a defensmen on each one f them. Interfere with their play. It’s like the team stands around and watches the Brother do their Doggy /Tricks.!
Rough them up a bit stay ontop of them on them not matter what.
It seems like a give away win tO the Canucks PLANTED games..Shame,shame on the lousy GAME Plans
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If Quick doesn’t have a big game Sunday I think he will have played himself right out of the crease for next season.
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THINKING OR DOING..
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So is it still a question why Jones was on waivers?
Most of the team has an inexperience excuse, but there were a few veterans who made some glaring mistakes too.
Now the Nucks have not only skill but a lot of confidence we have to deal with. Kings better jump down their throats from the get go on Sunday.
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Oops, I think Quicks only won 2 of his last 13, though someone above says 14 and that may be correct. Wow…it’s quite brutal!
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Ryan Smyth should be benched for Game 6. He was absolute rubbish tonight, eg, the giveaway that lead to the Canucks’ 2nd goal where he had been out on something like a 3-minute shift, and his penalties. For the team’s most experienced player and a guy who is supposed to be a leader he was awful.
And Jones. What more can be said about that guy? At least two Canuck goals were direct results of his turnovers. The Kings are 2-0 this series in games in which he doesn’t play and 0-3 in games in which he does play. And yet Murray put him back in the lineup after the Kings’ best game of the series (Game 3). That, I simply cannot understand.
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KJchip
its that simple, Van is the better team, with that said tonight was awful. all i ask for now is that they give everything they have to force a game 7.
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Win or Lose,the Kings are still fun to watch….maybe not tonight,but I have been and still will watching them for a long time to come
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I can’t stand how the canucks are always whining and diving, especially luongo and burrows. I hope the kings take it to them next game and show everyone who doesnt beleive, just how good this team is.
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@kingsfaninwny
It’s sad that many here are making Quick and Jones the scapegoats….which Kings besides Doughty, Johnson, Simmonds and Modin have done anything this series? With that said, I haven’t counted this team out; if the Kings can come out on Sunday and establish a cycle down low and punch the Canucks in face each time they get the puck I think the Kings can get it done. Everybody has a plan until you punch them in the face…..the Kings need to get after it on Sunday, then anything can happen in a game 7.
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i think all the Kings except Quick..Jones…O D. have played pretty dam good…
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The last game, the Kings were on fire and became over-confident and were pretty sure they had won the game in the second period, which then allowed the Canucks back into the game.
The Kings came out once again thinking all they needed to do was showup and the game was theirs. Wake up call!
As much as Murray can preach preparation, so much of the game is mental and psychological. But this is a team of players that learns fast and this was a learning experience for them.
I look for them to come out swinging Sunday like they did Wednesday and keep up the pressure – I think there will be a game 7.
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Jones is the WORST defenseman in the HISTORY of the LA Kings, and I don’t want to see him stink up the ice any longer. Of course I wouldn’t mind seeing him stink it up in a DUCKS jersey.
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Jones and Quick needed to be criticized along with the entire team. They gave up on themselves. And our wonderful coach who made this lamebrain decision about putting Jones and Quick outhere should be criticized too. Murray’s brain is worse than some politicians and he along with others on the team deserves to be on Keith Olbermann’s “Worse Persons List.”
Then again, his judgement is not so keen anyways. He does not deserve an extension after this playoff run.
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It is always nice to get the fresh and thoughtful commentary from the blog, certainly after such a game.
It’s all Randy Jones fault.
JB should be up but he his not because of TM (even though that type of decision is really an organizational decision).
The team should stick with “what works” (I wish EV would take that advice with his own team).
Etc. Etc. Etc…whatever. Having said that, I hope it lasts for as long is possible this play-offs!!…even if I have to read it during the finals, if they make it that far.
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KJCHIP30 says:
Couldn’t agree more. The series IS NOT OVER or it would be best of 5, and Quick and Jones have taken too much heat. Jones has not been good. Quickie has been up and down. But there are a lot players who have not had a good series. I say TM goes to the line ups we had in 2 & 3 and goes with what has worked.
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As far as I concerned it is. And the Kings done it to themselves.
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Besides JQ not looking sharp at all was the way the Canucks just pushed every King around at will and noone ever tried to stop them, they are so intimidated by the Canucks that it makes me sick. They looked like a CHL team or a bunch of OldTimers running around the ice with their heads stuck up their you know what. Most disgusting play of an NHL team that I have seen in quite a long time. The last time, whent he Rangers got beat 15-0.
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TM i’m so impressed the way you think i’m no a coach but I can see situation better than you. Point one, on the two man advantage Kopitar doesn’t belong on top shooting the puck, you have two JJ and Drew that can move the puck better. Jones doesn’t belong in the line up he cannot play D always give away the puck to nucks players,all his outlet pass tonight are ending up to nucks D. You so quick to criticize players like Williams, Parse , Harold and others but you never seem to see the brutal play of your boy Jones. And to Quick, if you go back on game 3 the reason we won is because we were able to score 6 goals but if you see the goals he allowed are all stoppable to NHL playoffs goalie. Bernier needs to play if you wanna win this series,sounds crazy but that’s the reality you’re facing now.
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Terry Murray keeps talking about the need to stick to “our system”. The problem is, Vancouver has dominated us in 5-5 play throughout the series. They have outplayed us in most aspects of the game except the powerplay. And instead of “sticking to their system” on the PK, they’ve made some smart adjustmens to slow us down.
I think it’s time for our coach to make some adjustments. We are too predictable in the offensive zone, and we are completely lost in the defensive zone. TM consistently says we just need to focus on our game. I think it’s time to focus on their game, and what we can do to counteract it.
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And also Ivannan needs to be in the line up to fight Nucks nuckleheads.
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It has been Jonathan Quick, not Jonathan Bernier who has done the heavy lifting this season. It is NOT to say that Jonathan Bernier would not have been capable of doing the heavy lifting had he been given the opportunity, we’ll never know for sure. But we DO know Quick did do the heavy lifting. And for that reason as well as others (some we will never be privy to) Quick will be the goalie in Game 6 (and he should be).
Jonathan Bernier will get his opportunity to show what he can do next season. And if he becomes the Kings NO. 1 goalie next season it will be interesting to see how many CURRENT Bernier fans will be ready to drop him like a bad habit if he has a long losing streak, or worse, does not have a good playoffs.
I am not happy the Kings got run the way they did tonight or that the Canucks whining fans are in a position to gloat big time. But no matter WHAT happens on Sunday this has been a very successful season. And after far, far too many seasons with abysmal goalies (with only a brief respite provided by Felix Potvin), Jonathan Quick gave the team much needed stability at that position and a record breaking season.
And if Bernier REALLY is the franchise goalie that some posters on this blog feel that he is (and I SINCERELY hope they are right), you have only to wait until the next training camp for the new era to begin. I think it is going to be a battle royal for the No. 1 goalie spot next season, but prepare yourselves, it’s going to be Quick’s job to lose. It will not be automatically handed over to Bernier. For one season at least the Kings will be in a wonderful position of having Bernier and Quick pushing each other to excel and the Kings and their fans will be the beneficiaries.
And expect for our defense to get a stronger next season with an infusion of some new blood and expect us to get tougher. I haven’t given up on THESE playoffs yet AND I am already rubbing my hands together in anticipation for next season.
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I gotta stay off these comment boards.
My gawd people.
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“The goaltending wasn’t good enough here tonight.” Thank you for saying the obvious!
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TM is responsible for bringing Jones into the fold.
I want to make it clear that I’m not holding Jones responsible for the loss – just one particular goal. When he had the opportunity to block a shot and stepped out of the line of fire, all I could think of was the constant self-sacrifice of Ian Laperriere. It’s the playoffs and it may hurt like hell but defend your team! That shot went into the net. If you’re not willing to make a sacrifice then how can you defend anyone or anything? Flyers fans were so relieved to be rid of him. I’ve wanted to give him some leeway here, but that particular choice was astonishing to me.
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I’m going to repost this in every thread I see in the hopes just ONE player will see it:
In the playoffs….
There are no ‘Off Nights’.
….only players who don’t show up.
Make sure you’re all there Sunday night because we will be…and we deserve to see you all win this SERIES like we know you can.
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The Kings were embarrassed tonight and I hope they take that to heart and come out in Game 6 and win.
I go back and forth between “it has been a great season no matter what happens” and “players, coaching staff, and management must do whatever it takes to win”. It is frustrating, but I know the kings will win the Cup someday and I can honestly say I have been through the hard times and never gave up on them. I have been a fan for over 20 years.
The one thing that is very hard for me to deal with is that, when the Kings play their game – they can beat anybody. Not seeing that passion tonight was awful. This is not just a problem with Quick or Jones. It is all the players. I wish we had a whole team of players like Lappie (Did anyone see the other night how he block the shot with his face – that is someone who want to win). It was sad to watch this game.
The saddest part for me is this team (who can play with the big dogs when they want to) not seizing the moment and giving its all. Nobody knows what will happen next year – injuries, players going elsewhere, or players not having a good year – so a team needs to have that edge and play to win, not to just get playoff experience.
I hope they come out hitting and take it to Vancouver on Sunday and win. Then go into Game 7 and play their game. If it goes to game 7 we have nothing to lose because we were not pick to take Vancouver to a game 7. The pressure will be on Vancouver and anything can happen in a game 7.
Go Kings Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Over heard in the locker room. Well its back to the beach,the broards,the beer and the bank. We tried but after all it is lala land.
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I feel the kings will win on sunday. You can take that to the BANK.Stay postive fellow king fans.
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I was HIGHLY disappointed in Jones, O’ Donnell, Scuderi, and Smyth. Goaltending was a bit of a joke. Those guys had too many giveaways and/ or penalties. They won few if any battles for the puck in front of the net.
If they shape up we may have a chance in game 6. If not? See ya next year!
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Just like the players have to bounce back, so do the fans. Everyone can have a bad game, and it’s only one loss. The only difference now it that it’s the last loss they can give up.
Keep the faith people. Let Bernier play his own playoffs. He’ll be around for many years to come. Show some confidence in Quick…he’s one of the main reasons the boys are in the playoffs.
You don’t go changing things up at this time of the year without messing up the psyche of the team.
Bring good energy to the game on Sunday. BELIEVE!
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What scares me most is that our bread and butter this series has been our powerplay. The problem is, no team ever has sailed through the playoffs at 50% success on the power play as we recently have. The best teams ever in hockey history rarely saw 25%. You had to know that sooner or later the law of averages would catch the Kings. And he’s the issue. 5 on 5 Vancouver completely dominates us. That’s a fact any hockey fan can clearly see. If Vancouver even remotely lowers our PP effectiveness and/or takes less penalties how on earth are we supposed to outscore a team that schools teams who try to play an uptempo, high octane offensive game? TM needs to make some serious changes to make the Kings more competitive 5 on 5. The fairytale run our team enjoyed on the PP will not last or is over. How badly have we been outscored 5 on 5? its sick. A strong PP is nice to have but any team that thinks they can far in the playoffs on their PP only is in for a rude awakening. A solid DEFENSIVE game plan is required. Trying to out gun, out skate or out fight the Canucks is not the answer. They have 3 lines that can score, have faster overall team speed and seem most games to be more physical. We concentrate so much on the Sedins that their 2nd line and 3rd are killing us now. The Kings need a total team game plan. Strong Defense and playing smart hockey give us the chance to win. Run and gun with the Canucks will only result in yet another ass whooping.
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O’Bryan is doing EXACTLY what he paid to do and we’re all (Kings fans and players alike) falling for it. He’s a decent enough player BUT is a true pro at getting under peoples skin, getting players to stop playing the game and trying to get him. Look at what he’s done! We’re all whining about him, TM is lamenting his “clown” act. Don’t give attention, don’t allow him to get into the players psyche and play the game – not O’Bryan’s head games. He’s not making a clown of himself, he making a clown of everyone that falls for his antics. He’s winning the game within the game. That’s why the Canucks are up 3-2 now.
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Last night’s game was just bad and ugly with almost no good. The goaltending was weak at best. As far as Jones is concerned, in King’s history, we’ve always had one D-man that provides a thrill a minute. One of the bigger problems we’re having is that it seems that some of the veterans we acquired for the playoffs aren’t showing any “true grit”. The kids are doing pretty well. Ever since the Olympics this team has been in a funk as have many other teams. While the Olympics was one of the best tournaments ever, they shouldn’t send NHL’ers to the Olympics anymore. Too big a disruption to the NHL product which is the real deal! Getting spanked sometimes is better than losing a heartbreak overtime. At any rate, Go Kings Go!
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“Jones is the WORST defenseman in the HISTORY of the LA Kings, ”
You haven’t been watching very long, have you?
I could make a list of all the defensemen worse than Randy Jones, but I don’t have 2 days…
That said, he shouldn’t see this series again. Harrold > Jones.
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@PRMan
Your right, there are worst, just not in the Kings dressing room at this time.
Jones has cost the Kings at least one goal in each playoff game. “Well” you say, “they are going to score sometime.” True, but its more likely with Jones.
Whats not being said is how the number of offesive blue line turnovers by Jones and how often he gives the puck away in the defensive zone.
Tack on 5 minutes of added time in the Kings zone per game that is directly or indirectly attributable to Jones’ mistakes.
I don’t like to pick on guys but in this case its Murray’s fault. Jones should have remained scratched. It may not have changed the ultimate outcome but it likely would have made the Kings more competitive.
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With Jones off my chest let me add:
The Kings are not out of this yet.
The season has been a progressive success and the Club offered a brief hint at a second round no less!
We all see the issues, like for example certain players who wre expected to but not or no longer able to raise their game to playoff level.
A coach playing a not fully recovered Williams and who offers his young core supporting players who sow doubt in the ability to win rather then the best supporting lineup.
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Guys-you win as a team and lose as a team. The Kings lost that game. Yes I also have been wondering why Jones is still in the lineup as well, but we need ot focus our energy toward game six and let the boys know that we are behind them and they can still win this series. Remember most experts pick the Kings to finish out of the playoffs this year. So while I want them to win, this experience will do nothing but help them next year. They got a taste this year, Bernier will supplant Ersberg as at least the backup goalie next year and Quick will not have to play 70+ games next year. We will have an infusion of new blood and I am already looking toward next season. But game six is Sunday–focus our attention on that game, put Ivannans in the lineup to curb the fingerpointing of O’brien and the cheapshots on Doughty that the canucks are doing and we ride out a tough win for game 6 and anything is possible for game 7. GO KINGS GO.
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You’ll get no argument from me that Jones is a liability. Now let’s see…I’ve been a Kings fan since 68. Cut my teeth on the likes of Eddie “the Jet” Joyal, Bill “Cowboy” Flett, and Eddie “Clear the Track” Shack.
I got to see the likes of Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull play on Forum ice. At that time, the Kings announcer was Jiggs McDonald, predecessor to Bob Miller. What were you doing then? Oh I’ve seen some Kings heartache in my time, hence the name “once-b4-i-die”!
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To all Kings long long time fans,
You don’t have to lecture new breed Kings fans on what to expect or on how to behave, we don’t owe you a $hit. People like you keepsaying I suffered enough as a Kings fan and I deserve to be heard amd tell you people on what is the best for this organization. Stop lecturing us or you better go back to canada.
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LOL @ Erwin. I didn’t know passionate, intelligent, articulate fans who voice their opinion needed to move to Canada or tow the line. You sound like a jaded Leafs fan LMAO!!!!
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