Yesterday, I was invited to spend the day downtown at a Kings staff meeting, in which heads of different departments (from hockey operations to group sales, and everything in between) spoke about the present and future of their respective areas. It was a highly interesting day, and I’ll have a significant report on that soon. As part of it, I was able to catch up with Dustin Brown for a few minutes, after he spoke to the group about his charity work. As a side note, if you’re not yet following Brown on Twitter (DustinBrown23), he’s a machine and is already cranking out some good insights. Here’s what Brown had to say yesterday, on a variety of topics…
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Question: Did you get back on the ice this week?
BROWN: “I started last week, but then I took the second half of the week off. Then we’re on this week again, four days a week.”
Question: Who all is out there?
BROWN: “The majority are Kings prospects, and then me, Stolly [Jarret Stoll], Harry [Peter Harrold] and then there are guys who are local to the area, like (Mike) Comrie, (Sheldon) Souray, (Richard) Park, a bunch of them. Mostly NHLers. Fro [Alexander Frolov] was out there.”
Question: Last year, you spent a lot of time organizing the summer workouts with teammates. How did that go this summer?
BROWN: “We did it again this year. Same kind of idea. It was a little less organized. Two years ago, me and Greener [Matt Greene] planned it from the very beginning. It was pretty much the same outcome, it was just a little more chaotic, getting guys in and out. Pretty much everyone came except for a couple of the married guys, which is understandable, and then the Euros didn’t come and Jack [Johnson] was at school.”
Question: You’ve got roughly one month until the start of training camp. Can you talk about how you start preparing, start getting your body ready for the start of camp?
BROWN: “We’ve been working out really hard for probably the last two months, for me at least. A month and a half, two months, we’ve been working out hard. Now it’s about trying to taper off. In the weight room, i’m still doing the weights and some of the other stuff, but we used to do field work and work out pretty intensely. Now, for me, I’m doing some weights, some extra stuff in the weight room, and obviously we’re adding skating, but instead of going to the field every day, like we were, I’m doing some hockey-skill stuff. Shooting heavy pucks, stick-handling, just getting on the ice. What we’re doing now, with the skates, it’s not high-intensity. It’s just a matter of getting a feel for the ice again.”
Question: You’ve talked about not getting too caught up in what’s happening with free agency, but is there a human-nature element to that? Isn’t it natural to be disappointed if players don’t end up coming here, or do guys really not pay attention to it?
BROWN: “I mean, you hear about it. You’re around, and people know. Free agency is what it is. You can’t sit there, as a player, and not wonder what your team is going to do. But it doesn’t really make a difference until someone is signed or not signed. Like the Kovalchuk thing. It seemed like it went on forever. At one point, I picked him up and met him and did all that. At that point, i thought, `OK, where are we at with it?’ Then all that stuff happened, and now I’m just over it, the whole free-agency thing. It’s such an unknown for a player on the team. You sit there and wonder, and that’s really pretty much all you can do.”
Question: There might still be roster additions in the last month, but looking at how things are now, the roster has not been upgraded this summer, in terms of players coming in from outside. When Terry talks about improving 5-on-5 scoring, especially, does that put a lot more pressure on you guys?
BROWN: “I think it allows us to take more responsibility for the team. It really comes down to the core of the team. Whether we don’t do anything in free agency or we go out and get four guys in free agency, if our four or five or six core players don’t get better, ultimately we’re not going to be any better as a team. You look at the really good teams. You look at Detroit. Datsyuk and Zetterberg started as third-, fourth-line guys. They gradually got better and better every year, now that they’re core players. I started out on the third-, fourth-line here. Kopi obviously did not start on the fourth line, but each year I think we’ve all gotten better, especially over the last three, four years. You can add Dewey [Drew Doughty] and all those guys. If those key guys are getting better, regardless of what you do in free agency, you’re going to be a better team. Because those are the guys who take most of the responsibility on their shoulders, when it comes to being a better team.”
Here’s a question for the next time you see him,
“At the end of last season you spoke about requiring surgery on your teeth. Have you looked into that again? Is that something that you took care of or will you deal with it next season?”
He also spoke about how the recovery time would be extensive, so I’d like to know if he’s going to do it or not.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:08 am
He wasn’t able to start the work this summer. Some issue with insurance, so probably next summer.
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Ike Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:15 am
@Rich Hammond, Wow, even a millionaire like Dustin worries about insurance.
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Michael_DD8 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:32 am
@Ike,
Probably costs aloooot of money. If your insurance would normally cover it , why pay? More millions on fun stuff now!
Tito Ortiz Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:49 am
@Ike,
Have you seen the guys mouth? Could take millions…
Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:01 am
@Matt George, I must of missed that quote from Dustin. I wonder if he was referring to dental implants. That is a lengthy procedure. Costly too since most insurance companies doesn’t seem to want to cover it, only the cost of an alternative method of treatment. I guess even a millionaire needs to pinch pennies. LOL
I found it interesting to find out that Fro is still in the area and skating with the rest of the guys. I wonder when he needs to be in NY?
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Paul From Oxnard Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@Kings Fan In Idaho, I would assume Frolov doesn’t have to be in NY until the week Ranger camp opens. I would also assume he still has a place to live out here since he’s been with the Kings for so long. And I’d guess that he may even keep the place since he only signed a 1 year deal with NYR. I bet he wants to prove to the Kings that they made a mistake in the hopes of getting back here next summer.
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KFII Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@Paul From Oxnard, Yeah, that makes sense. Plus I wouldn’t mind getting Fro back, I was one of his supporters last season and was disappointed to see him go.
Also thought it was time to shorten my sign in name.
luc20rules Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
@Paul From Oxnard, Based on his agents comments days, before signing with NYR. He would likely need a new agent not hostile to the Kings. As far as his house if he bought a few years ago and paid lets say 1 mil for and the market value is now 600K would you sell now if you had enough money to hold onto it until the market goes back up? I would love to have Fro back, and its good to hear he is playing with the guys, but I think alot would need to happen for him to see the Kings, and the DL to see him as a high option.
I always enjoy reading the player interviews. I wonder if you can get info from either the players or the trainers as to what kind of off ice work they do? Specifically, like plyo, dead lifts, etc…
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Did anyone read this load of crap…
“The Sabermetric Case Of Dustin Brown”
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/psh/comments/the_sabermetric_case_of_dustin_brown/
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Steve Jensen Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:13 am
@Barry’s Mullet,
The article is fairly accurate from my observation. Brown is not a great offensive player. He’s a power forward who likes to play on the perimeter. I personally think that he’s a third liner, if the team can get stronger in the top six. The article does give him some props where it is due. But the crux is that Brownie is a bit of an underacheiver.
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Larrylb Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:32 am
@Steve Jensen,
I think you have Brown mixed up with Frolov. Dustin has improved every year he has been on the team. Where have you been???
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Steve Jensen Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:50 am
@Larrylb,
Been watching Brownie since he arrived in LA. Where have you been? Don’t misconstrue, I like Brown, but I thought the article was a fair assessment. I not a fan boy, and can objectively critique my favorite team.
I’m not a stat freak either, but Brown was best in 2007-2008 in scoring 33 goals. He dropped in scorring the last two season to 24 each. He’s NEVER had a “plus” plus/minus rating (though that stat is a bit deceptive.)
He tends to go into the zone one on one and rarely comes out ahead in those situations.
Brownie’s a great role player/5-8 forward. Nothing more nothing less. Perhaps he can make the next step. Perhaps not.
That’s all.
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@Larrylb, I posted that article a few nights ago when it popped up on Kuklas Korner. I don’t think the article is at all accurate. You can’t measure what Brown contributes strictly by numbers. And a 5-8 forward? In case you haven’t noticed he plays on the top 6, usually 2nd line RW.
Larry G Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:18 am
@Larrylb,
I just read the article and have to strongly agree
with Steve Jensen. I love the leadership
qualtities of Brownie, have been a devoted and
overly loyal King’s Season ticket holder for over
35 years, but I think the article was incredibly
accurate in its assessment. Too many times Brown
has gone 1 on 1 into the zone, not even looking
to pass and loses the puck.
Sometimes I think he feels the weight of his
captaincy and feels he has to take drastic action
to change the way the game is going. If, as part
of his getting better and maturation, he allowed
himself to do what he does best, he could be one of
the best power forwards in the league.
KC23 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
@Larrylb,
I’m a big Brown fan, but you got it wrong. He definately had a down year last year and was struggling offensively. Not to mention his hits were down (admittedly that’s not entirely fair because he had an unusally great year in hits the year before).
I also agree his skill set is that of a 3rd line player, but his leadership skills are off the chart.
Seattle757 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:26 am
@Steve Jensen,
That article is garbage, there is a reason wears the “C” on his jersey and there is more to hockey then just putting up big point totals every season.
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Matt George Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:30 am
@Steve Jensen,
Agreed on all points.
I love Brown and you can’t quantify character.
But I’ve watched him from the beginning also and far too often I see him try to be that finesse player down the middle and come up short.
His other contributions are, again, unquantifiable. But I agree that he’s a 5-8 forward.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@Steve Jensen, underachiever is fair. He’s expected to produce like a top-6 but his skills are better served for 3rd/4th line. I think Kukla’s point about him getting too much offensive possession with too little results is perfectly just. Too many time DB turns it over on entry, and not always deep either. His tape-to-tape is almost non-existant, which is why he favors pushing ahead rather than looking for the pass. If he can develop a Sakic-like wrister from high slot, then his little curl and tuck move to the middle (when he takes it to the middle) would be more effective. He has gotten better every year and I do think he should get more credit for the PP opportunities that he creates.
[Reply]
18rules Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
@Steve Jensen,
I am sorry arn’t we being just a little tooo critical. Stats are cr_p, you have to look at the player. He is 25 and plays with a lot of poise does he make mistakes YES there isn’t a perfect player out there unless I am unaware of GOD lacing them up. He knows what he needs to do and I am sure he will work on his game. Here is the question, is he bad enough you would trade him? I do not believe any real Kings fan wants to see him go to another team and it sounds like the opertunities were there this summer. His strengths are what this team needs and the rest will work itself out. I thing the article was written because the author was bored. I am objective and I can agree that he has work to do but to call him a negative for the team I belive is crazy.
[Reply]
sstephen17 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@Steve Jensen, Have to agree that Brown is more of a third line player in terms of his skills and production. Hopefully he can improve on that, maybe enough to consistently score 30+ goals per season while maintaining that physical style of play.
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luc20rules Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
@Steve Jensen, I do see some merit in the arguements of the article, but in his arguements he leaves out important facts. Brown is still a young player and still has a window in which his game will improve. Since to make a legal hit he was checking the puck carrier and that will cause turnovers.
He wasn’t great leading the rush, but often he was alone with the team making a line changing. I do think he could benifit from looking to pass or just maintaining possession in the O-Zone, but really the arguement that he should have reduced playing time verse weaker opponents, just doesn’t make sense from having seen Brown play for 6 years. His goal reduction is mostly because he has not played most of his minutes with Kopi like he did when he got 30+ goals.
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jet Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
@Steve Jensen, Hey Steve, let me take the positive side of what Brown does. Sabermeterics says he leads the league in hits, but sometimes gives up position to finish a check. Sabermeterics does not mention how many times a LD goes back for a puck in the third period and picks up a give away for that shift. I did not count last year, but I can tell you that the Kings were often a dominate team in the 3rd period. This is a very unusually trait for one of the youngest teams in the league. Next, sabermeterics says that his scoring per touch is very low. Sabermeterics does not say how many times Brown took the puck to goal. Granted his shot is not the most accurate yet, but the fact that he could get to goal puts pressure on the defence and GK. Finally, sabermeterics does not match Kingmeterics in the shear will to win Brown brings to the team. This is irreplaceable. Brown is irreplaceable.
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Forum67 Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
@Steve Jensen,
There is a VERY big thing that Brown brings to the table that I am surprised no one mentioned in this thread. His durability. If Williams had even half of Brown’s durability the Kings, as successful as their season was last season, would have been far more successful with a healthy Williams the entire season.
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Barry's Mullet Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
While we all know Browne turns the puck over quite often with his one on one play, I disagree with the majority of the article. Statistics can be very misleading. Talk to me about statistics after a player has retired so we can see the entire story.
I love Brown and all the intangibles he brings to the team and the game each and every night… there are no statistics to measure that.
The part I agree with is he is not first line material. He’s been forced to play on the first line the last couple of seasons for obvious reasons and the team and Brown doesn’t benefit from this at all.
Here’s another guy who will get even better over time (stats included) as the team continues to improve its roster by adding more skilled players and gaining more experience in the SC playoffs.
[Reply]
flex Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, good artical,…but for somes db still is value player..this year without FRO db woulde be …well will see.He can be good 3d liner or the best candidate for the upcoming trade.Again,this is a good artical and can be eye opener for some ..who db realy is.
Rich, please,try to make some good stuff.It’s getting boring.
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Dustin is THE MAN. His commitment to the Kings and his teammates is off the charts. Besides growing up in the same town as my Alma Mater, he is has always been accessible to fans, I have spoken with him numerous times, he is truly engaged and engaging. He totally deserves the “C” on his jersey. I have no doubt that every one of his teammates would wholeheartedly agree
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Great Stuff Rich! I think the one thing we overlook as fans is the ability for the core guys to improve, thus improving oiur team. It’s so easy to say we signed noone and we’re the same, simply because it’s a natural, logical thought. Truth is, if all our players are stagnant puds who never try to get better, they wouldn’t be on this team.
Great to hear Dustin point this out. Looking forward to the rest of your meeting report.
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looks like Scott Parse is in the same position as Teddy Purcell last year….it’s either produce or he’s outta here….
I’d also observe that these young borderline players like Drewiske, Martinez, Cliche, Elkins, Westgarth, Hickey, Clune, Lewis, and others, should step up and show the same dedication that Wayne Simmonds showed in making a determined effort to impress here locally….where are those guys?….working hard elsewhere to get in top shape I’d hope..
[Reply]
T Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:32 am
@Real 9,
Parse has already produced significantly more than Purcell ever did. Parse played just fine for a rookie….Purcell, however, did not.
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Luuuuuuuuuuc! Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:23 am
@T,
I would wholeheartedly agree. I was rather pleasantly surprised by how Parse adapted to the big club. Not like Purcell at all.
[Reply]
Real 9 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:57 am
@T,
actually Parse IS quite comparable to Purcell…
they both have the rep as a shooter who can snap it off quickly….I hope Scotty scores 20+ goals this year….
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
@T,
Good take and I agree, Parse is better than Purcell. I thought it was quite noticeable last year.
The impression I got was that the coach was pushing him to the next level by being a little hard on him. I expect he to be at another level this year and easily be a regular 3rd line player.
[Reply]
quisp Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:20 am
@Real 9,
Except that Parse led the team last year in points/60 and goals/60.
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Real 9 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:43 am
@quisp,
I get it, you guys are saying SP is the next Kovi….interesting….LOL!
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Luuuuuuuuuuc! Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
@Real 9,
Not really. Just Parse > Purcell. So far…
I run into DB around the Gundo from time to time with his wife and kids. He is a Quality guy, good family man and becoming a better player every year. So glad he’s a King and he better be for a LONG TIME!
[Reply]
I like Browns answer about taking on more responsibility rather than complaining about no big additions. It is what it is. The kids need to improve each year.
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stagger Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
@Doug in sacramento,
Great point. Love the attitude from DB.
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Well that was very well said and very well spoken by Mr. Brown. He brought up many valid points.
I too like these player interviews. I just get the feeling after reading most of them that the players just say what we want to hear. They pretty much have to. What do you think Rich? Are these interviews genuine to the bone or are some of them just ho-hum and run-of-the-mill? You are probably very good at reading players’ intentions.
I wish there was some sort of “Player Interviews: After Dark” where the player could say what was really on his mind…kinda off the record…
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Kings Fan In Idaho Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:09 am
@bryan agee, Of course if it was printed here..it would be on the record.
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WOW, all of the signs you want to see from your captain. Brwon has made a smooth tranition into Phase B. TM should get some credit for giving him the ‘C’ prior to completing Phase A.
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39scars Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@jet, What do the phases represent?
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That is a captain talking. Love it.
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Brownie is going to score 40 + goals this year…
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Brown is the SH*T!!!! Great captain. im stoked for this season. Stop the hating, Kings are going 105+. !!!!!
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leadswine Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@Michael_DD8, HIGH FIVE BUD!!!!! Can’t wait for my season tickets to get here.
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Great lil interview Rich. You ask the Q’s we krazi KINGS fans wanna hear. Love DB’s answers as well. This just further confirms how great a leader and presence he is to this team. Brownie owns that “C”. Is it October yet cus I’m fiendin’ for sum damn hockey already!! GKG!!
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Frolovvvvvvvvvv :’[””””””””””’
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 11:57 am
@Subby,
:’(
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Thanks Rich…
thank you DB for sprinkling some perspective on the free agency garbage we’ve endured this summer.
Brownie had Kovy is his car and he doesn’t sound effected in any way by the spectacle that is this summers free-agency.
For all of you guys that can’t stop talking about it…can we please focus on the upcoming season and the players on our roster now?
DB brings up excellent points about the Red Wings core guys starting outside of the top six.
He may not have the points but he has the heart and that is what can bring Lord Stanley Cup to LA.
Go Kings Go!!!
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luc20rules Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
@launch, Second that, I hope in a few years NHLers are talking about how Brown, Parse, Richardson, & Simmonds started as 7-12 forwards on the Kings and now have multiple cups and are the part of the Kings Core.
Can’t wait for the season. Will likely visit Toyota Center for Training Camp to get a fix before the season starts. It would be a rough withdrawl now if I didn’t check out the rookie camp games in July.
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Excellent work! Thanks Rich!
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Did anyone else think that Brown’s answer about free agency this year was colored by the epic ass-chewing that Dean gave him after last year? :
“So, unfortunately, the answer you got from two of my best young players was not what I’m looking for. The critique should be, `I’ve got to get better. And if I get better and Doughty gets better and Brown gets better and Purcell gets better and Drewiske gets better and Quincey gets better, and if we all do our job, and if Dean can get us a left wing, that would be really good.’ That’s the answer.”
(Dean Lombardi, responding to Brown and Kopitar saying they needed help on LW next season)
http://www.insidesocal.com/kings/2009/04/lombardi-the-season-wrap-up.html
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launch Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
@Fyzzix,
so is it the GM’s fault that we didn’t get outta the first round?
That quote was after the beginning of last season and we made the playoffs for the first time in a long time…so I don’t get your point.
Are you saying that DB thinks about what his GM thinks before his answers a question in the off-season?
little help please….sorry if this comes off as defensive….but I like both of these guys
[Reply]
launch Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@launch,
sorry i mean that quote was after the end of the season before the playoffs (’10)
[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
@launch,
Actually, if you look at the date, the interview was at the end of the 08-09 season. However, DL has repeated himself a couple of times to get his point across. I don’t blame him. Same question = same answer (if the circumstances haven’t changed)
NOT IMPRESSED Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@Fyzzix, It’s fair to say “the players should all be concerned about getting better each year. That’s their responsibility.” But it’s also fair to say that Dean needs to make the changes necessary to make the team better. Dean was upset that Brown made it public that the team needed (and still needs) a solid left winger.
Brown got better over the year. But Dean actually made the left winger needs even worse by letting Frolov go without replacing him.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 12:01 pm
@NOT IMPRESSED,
“But Dean actually made the left winger needs even worse by letting Frolov go without replacing him.”
What, did I dream that they signed Poni?
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Kevin Y Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
@Fyzzix,
Ah, the old “insidesocal.com” page… good old days
Well, considering Frolov sucked (compared to expectations), AND the fact that he went out in the offseason and acquired a big player in Smyth, were they wrong?
Yes, Brown and Kopitar needed to get better… Smyth helped take Kopitar’s game to another level (at least, before he got injured). Brown needs to get on the scoresheet more, although he still had a great season in other areas.
Really, they’re both right. Your young players have to get better (neither Brown nor Kopitar have hit their prime yet), but you need to bring in complimentary players (like Smyth; same thing O’Donnell and Greene did for Doughty and Johnson).
[Reply]
Can’t wait to see my first game, I think I even miss Bailey and the Icetitutes
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Dr.Gonzo Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Ravens,
*icetitutes* that is pure genius my friend. I am soo stealing that one lol
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Ravens Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@Dr.Gonzo, If only I could use my mind for good instead of Evil!!!
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Old Man Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
@Ravens,The girls yes,but in my opinion Bailey takes away from the game of hockey.I just can`t stand that damn drum in my ear.
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Souray, Comrie, and Park are all practicing with the team? Comrie and Park are both UFAs but they both suck. We should get Comrie just so his fiance Hilary Duff could go to games.
But why the hell don’t we get Souray? We need another D-man, we have cap space, Souray was on waivers, he lives and wants to play here, and he is an allstar. It seems like a no-brainer to me.
[Reply]
launch Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
@Sheldon the turtle,
you should know that Souray is probably the worst d-man with a slap shot ever, when it comes to actually playing inside your own zone.
If you thought Randy Jones was bad….
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Real 9 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
@Sheldon the turtle,
Edmo doesn’t want him, and it appears nobody else does either….he did have one terrific year in ’08-’09….report:
• D Sheldon Souray’s exit from Edmonton seemed automatic last spring. He ripped into management members at season’s end, accusing them of pressuring him to play when he was hurt and turning their back on him after he was injured. He also said they were the reason so many players don’t want to play in Edmonton. He wanted out of Edmonton. Fast.
Two days later, general manager Steve Tambellini, at his end-of-season news conference, said he was tired of spoiled prima donnas griping about Edmonton and that it was going to be his mission to flush them out.
But with training camp a month away, Souray is still an Oiler.
Tambellini couldn’t find any takers for Souray at the NHL draft, and the injury-prone defenseman cleared waivers without a sniff.
So, unless Edmonton can work out an 11th-hour trade, there will be some serious fence-mending to be done.
[Reply]
Real 9 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@Sheldon the turtle,
Duff weds Comrie…..hope it makes him a better hockey player….
http://www.google.com/#q=hilary+duff+mike+comrie&hl=en&rlz=1W1SUNA_en&prmd=nivlo&source=univ&tbs=nws:1&tbo=u&ei=-f5uTPj5EpD2swPj6vH5Cg&sa=X&oi=news_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCIQsQQwAA&fp=1&cad=b
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I’d love to hear Brownie’s opinion on Kovalchuk… and how did it all go down when he flew out to LA. (Maybe not until after he officially signs)
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The best part of this article was the retort from Steve Jensen – who was spot on in his assessment of Brown as a player…from a players perspective!
Maybe that’s the difference in the observations on Brown; as a fan he may be fun to watch run around and make loud checks or skating through the neutral zone then curl / drag the puck inside out on defenders while driving to the net.
As a player however, this selfish level of play drives us nuts.
His hits are generally ineffective as he rarely seperates his man from the puck causing a turnover – and his outside / in rushes are frustrating because the #2 and #3 forwards can’t drive to the net looking for rebounds for fear that he’ll either stop up and curl back or cough up the puck and leave his teammates trapped in the opposition zone.
DB trys to play a style like Alex Ovechkin, but the results are vastly different. He should aim to play a bit more like a Shane Doan or a Bill Guerin.
[Reply]
RoyalPain Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@Mucker,
I kind of agree with all that. He needs to stop trying to do things he can’t do reliably. His game will improve if he simplifies it a bit. I think he’ll learn that.
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We B Ilya'n Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@Mucker,
Yeah, but maybe if guys like Stoll, Frolov, Richardson can find the back of the net or those same guys plus Johnson can step up and provide a physical presence, then Brown wouldn’t find himself trying/having to do so much.
By the way, I’m hoping for new 2nd line of Zeus, Poni, Brown. Any takers?
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OldmanSleepin Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
@We B Ilya’n,
I like it. Something like this maybe?
Smyth-Kopi-Simmer
Poni-Zeus-Brown
Rich-Stoll-Willy
Parse-Clune-Westy
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EternalOptimist Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
@Mucker,
I don’t think it’s selfishness… it’s a matter of trying to do too much all by yourself. Hopefully as he matures as a player(he’s still only 25), he’ll learn that he doesn’t need be going 100 mph all the time and let the game come to him. This relates to hockey sense/awareness on the ice which is the one area in his game which is probably the weakest. Any significant improvement in this area and you could see a top tier power forward emerge.
I still love his effort, intensity, passion and committment to the team though which at this point far outweighs any shortcomings in his game.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
@EternalOptimist,
“I still love his effort, intensity, passion and committment to the team though which at this point far outweighs any shortcomings in his game.”
You forgot one important point. He is UNQUESTIONABLY becoming the true STUD LEADER
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John Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
@Mucker,
“His hits are generally ineffective as he rarely seperates his man from the puck causing a turnover”
I don’t know what hockey club you’ve been watching the last several seasons!
Intangibles are HUGE factors in hockey & stats simply do not measure them. Like, how do penalties-drawn not factor into that Stupidmetric??!
Sure, he has some shortcomings, but he’s just NOW coming into his prime & is turning into a great captain!
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One thing that concerns me about Brown is that while he’s a heavy hitter, he’ll rarely stand up to opponents when they come after him as a result of being hit. He doesn’t have to drop the gloves every single time he’s confronted, but I think he walks away a little too much instead of standing up for himself and his teammates. If you want to dance to the music you have to pay the piper. Just my opinion.
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Tookie Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
@deadcatbounce,
I tend to agree…then when I think about it, I guess that’s why he draws so many penalties.
I’d be so pissed if someone destroyed me, then when I went after him he just calmly skated away. I’d probably do something stupid and get called.
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HeyChief Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@deadcatbounce, I have two observations about Brown: (1) most of his hits are clean and players respect that and (2) he’s a terrible fighter.
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johnjuan Reply:
August 24th, 2010 at 12:51 am
@HeyChief,
Tell that to a certain Dallas Star who took Buster on, got knocked out, and consequently broke his leg in the process.
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Dominick Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
@deadcatbounce, Brown was 2nd in the league in drawing penalties. 39 extra power plays, I think(I’m to lazy to look).
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Dominick Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
@deadcatbounce, Sorry! he was #1 with 49 extra penalties drawn. He’s also led the league in that catagory for the last 3 years.
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KC23 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
@Dominick,
Great point … that is the upside to walking away from those that want to fight after he plasters them … and that is one huge upside.
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Dominick Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
@KC23, Add to that he’s the best hitter in the entire NHL year after year.Brownies been nothing but consistant since he’s been here. A true warrior.
Brown is a gamer and a player like that would be coveted by any other team in the league. Anaheim was built with players like him when they won the cup, even though that franchise makes me want to vomit.
Now, my question is, where has Lombardi been hiding? Is anybody home? Hello?
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Dominick Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Bueller………………..Bueller……………………….Bueller.
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@King Cobra, are you kidding me? I like Fro also but at what point in time should he be blamed for his inconsistency? A MAN being paid millions c
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fsd1 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
@fsd1, Sorry, new keyboard…..Millions can’t take constructive comments or actions by the coach? Fro has been an enigma for his entire stay here, up, down, good, bad yet he didn’t seem to be able to control it. You never knew what he would bring night to night and that is the detriment that he was. Confidence? Pagh! Vomit! If a player with his talent couldn’t do well here at what point in time does he take responsibilty for his actions? He didn’t so we did.
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@King Cobra, You are correct 100%…we will miss him.Also, Brown wo Fro (????) Bad..
Taling about inconsistency…Look at the Brown numbers…more than 20 game wo goal.Nobady talk about this.One thing is clear,Tm and the management
artificaly downgraded him for a cheap upcomping
contract.Yes,we will miss him and we know He was and still is much better player than the new replacment Poni..Also,The fact is ,Brown is getting special “confidence” treatment…for example..his shootout record is very unimpressive,but he is almost always among the first tree shooter…why???
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KC23 Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
@flex,
Fro is a much better player his replacement? Not even close. Poni is better, not by a lot, but better. Fro’s plus minus for his career sucks comparied to Poni and Fro couldn’t produce in his contract year.
And don’t even throw that crap that management didn’t let him. He got pushed down in the line up because of his drop in production, not the other way around.
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src Reply:
August 20th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
@flex,
Funny you should knock Brown for shootouts……..Gonna dare look up Fro or even find some pathetic you tube footage. Shootout=Choke=Fro.
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new kid here. did DB take his # from eddie shack?
also, is simmonds known as simmer on this site?
c’mon kings.
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KC23 Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 5:09 am
@ideeho spud,
Don’t believe Dustin took his number from Eddie Shack (but I did).
Yes, Simmonds is known as simmer on this site from some.
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KFII Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 7:53 am
@ideeho spud,
Hi spud, I’m in Boise, what part of Idaho are you from? Good to know there are at least two of us in this state rooting the Kings on. Welcome aboard!
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NOT IMPRESSED Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 10:24 am
@KFII, The best vacation I ever had was in 2004. Rented a cabin in McCall Idaho. What a beautiful state.
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KFII Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 11:27 am
@NOT IMPRESSED, I agree. The only things I miss about CA are my sports teams, the ocean and maybe IN-N-Out
flex Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 11:38 am
@ideeho spud, dustin “uses” M Jordan Number 23…Jordan and Brown…(???)…tragecomedy…Also,
23 could be the number of missshoots for every game for our so called ” C”
…I hope we will trade him before oktober..I hope!!
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John Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@flex,
You’ve GOT to be kidding!
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In other “news” there’s still a lot of very loud chatter out of Toronto that says that Kaberle must be traded before the season starts and that he’d be happy to waive his NTC to get out of Toronto – provided it’s a team he wants to go to.
If the Kings miss out on Willie Mitchell, which I fully expect they will, it wouldn’t shock me to see Dean Lombardi take a hard run at getting Kaberle. If Mitchell wanted to sign here he would have already. The fact that after the Kings made an offer he went on a tour of other cities tells me he has no intention of signing here. The Kings probably low balled him knowing how they operate over the years.
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BluLiner Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 10:17 am
@Paul From Oxnard,
Burke will only take Schenn for Kaberle.
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Paul From Oxnard Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 10:59 am
@BluLiner, That’s what I believe too, and I would gladly make that deal. Schenn is an unproven prospect. Bank on what you know. May Schenn be better then Kaberle down the road? Maybe. But you know what you get in Kaberle. You have no clue on Schenn.
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rontheking Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 11:35 am
@Paul From Oxnard,
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Trade Schenn? Because he’s unproven? Good one!
Thank you thank you thank you for not being Dean Lombardi….
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 12:13 pm
@rontheking, and I’m glad you’re not DL. I’ve said it many many times….until the Kings management (and fans) are willing to make big trades and offer fair contracts to players who are worth it this team will never be more then an occasional playoff contender. It’s a big market team that operates like they’re the Tampa Bay Rays.
What exactly has Schenn proven to warrant the kind of devotion you and other Kings fans show towards him? He’s played how many NHL games? 1? And yet you wouldn’t trade him for a proven top 4 defenseman with one of the best shots in the NHL?
This is the kind of stuff that makes it frustrating to be a Kings fan. Guess being a Yankee fan has spoiled me – I’m used to teams that actually make moves to win championships. What have the Kings done since the year they traded for Gretzky?
Michael J. Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 12:25 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
Maybe DL should throw in Bernier too – he’s “unproven”.
rontheking Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 12:40 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
So I guess by your metric the Kings weren’t willing to pay Jeremy Roenick enough money for him to come here (he was WAY overpaid, in case you forgot)–it’s not about the money you spend AND because there is a quantifiable amount you CAN spend which is the salary cap…what it’s about is spending your money intelligently.
Sure the Kings need a solid defenseman–but Kaberle’s strengths as a defenseman seem to be mostly in the offensive end (42 assists last year) which means he probably plays a lot on the power play…the kings already HAVE one of the best power plays in the league so that’s not necessarily a need at this point–and Hickey’s supposed to be that assist-passer guy anyway coming in.
Now look at Kaberle’s +/-…with @50 points he still came up with a -16 over the course of the season–even after padding his stats by playing big minutes on the power play. That means his defense in his own end ain’t so great–and it turns out that that IS what the kings need in a veteran defenseman–defense!
Finally, why do you think Burke covets Schenn so much that he almost cried real tears when he wasn’t able to get him in the draft? Because Burke knows Luke his brother, he’s seen them both play and develop and he believes that Brayden might be as good or even better than Luke.
Also, Kaberle’s 32 and at the peak of his career and will only get less productive WHILE making as much as he will ever make (cap hit), while Schenn is only what? 20? And probably NHL ready. AND many believe the sky is the limit on his potential.
So yeah, that’s why I find your assumptions somewhat amusing….
(And by the way I don’t think you can fairly compare what the kings have done in the past to what they’ve done since Lombardi took over–the shoe just doesn’t fit.)
Paul From Oxnard Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 12:51 pm
@rontheking, Your last line about comparing what Lombardi has done to the past is interesting considering you started out talking about the Kings getting Roenick, who was way over the hill when they signed him. I’m talking about acquiring top talent when it is top talent, not 5 years after it was top talent.
Regarding Kaberle, he’s not the best option the Kings had this offseason, but of course they struck out on the better options so as usual they’re left to pick up the table scraps from other teams.
If you want to be a Stanley Cup contender you first have to act like it in the front office. This team has yet to show that type of commitment. They talk the talk but they don’t walk the walk.
rontheking Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
But you would trade an elite prospect five years BEFORE he’s a top talent for a guy who’s “not the best option” who costs top dollar and whom I’ve proven doesn’t even meet the kings needs.
Okay, that makes perfect sense to me.
RJB Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
You hit the nail right on the head. It starts with an organization that wants to win every year not evry 5-10 years or in this csse never. It is pretty funny that we cant land even an injured table scrap in Mitchell. Someone want to tell me why NO ONE WANTS TO PLAY HERE? It is getting ridiculous. I am now starting to think that the translator told PONI that he was going to So Cal and he thought the Ducks and said hell yes (Russian) but to his amazement ended up oat Statples center where it was to late to back out. Please please make a deal or sign everyone we have to a multi year contract so they cant leave
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rontheking Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 6:12 pm
@RJB,
Oh here we go. You two guys belong together. A marriage made in heaven!
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Also, one of the writers from the Hockey News did a “thumbs up / thumbs down” review of the summer. No shock to see the Kings as his first thumbs down. But how are the Blackhawks thumbs up??
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/34821-THNcom-Blog-The-NHLs-summer-winners-and-losers.html
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Ravens Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 9:26 am
@Paul From Oxnard, I read this article, and found it to be idiotic, although the kings should do more and we are hoping they do, there are tons of deals yet to be made and tons of guys left, since Za Za Kovelgabor still isn’t settled, or kaberumor or Willie Signhere, and the REALLY??? the Blackquaks?? a thumbs up?
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NOT IMPRESSED Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 10:21 am
@Ravens, I found the article to be right on. You have to realize the article is from the point of view “what have the teams done to this point”. I agree that there is still time and many choices to help the Kings out. Articles like this are written simply so that they can write something in August. So, UP TO THIS POINT, Dean has failed. But, its not the end of the story yet…
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Dazed N Confused Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 11:43 am
D@Ravens,
Last time I checked summer is not over!!!!
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rick Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 2:37 pm
@Dazed N Confused, True enough, but no one can be anything but disappointed at where things sit as of today. Maybe DL will resurrect this off-season before the season begins, but as of now I would give it a D-. Lots of hopes and expectations, no results – so far.
luckyluc Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 11:50 am
@Paul From Oxnard,complete garbage.This guy has no clue.And by the way,the summer is not over quite yet.The Kings\Deano still have time to make some noise and hopefully they will.
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Bingram Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 11:50 am
@Paul From Oxnard,
Boy is that article a bunch of CRAP.
Go Kings go!
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I thought this was really funny. Bunch of randy jones lovers.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2244133000&v=info
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http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2010-08-21/devils-kovalchuk-camp-continue-contract-talks
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you people are so much better than tv.
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KFII Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 9:27 pm
@ideeho spud, Careful, it gets much more addicting than TV too. Refresh, refresh…LOL
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ideeho spud Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 am
@KFII,to answer your question-lewiston.hope
you’re a gal.
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KFII Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 7:19 am
@ideeho spud, I am, but not sure why that makes a difference. Anyway, good morning to you.
ideeho spudm Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
@KFII, you will never hear from me again but
you should appreciate this:we had a place in
theory called LC ICE ARENA which would make this burg a hockey town. didn’t happen.
population too small probably. it ain’t cheap.
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KFII Reply:
August 26th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
@ideeho spudm, Please feel free to respond to my future posts, and I hope you don’t mind me responding to yours. Isn’t that the point of this blog?
Anyway, too bad you didn’t get your ice arena.
@PAUL FROM OXNARD
Only a MAPLE LEAFS fan would want that trade!
Why would the KINGS want to trade their top offensive prospect with a bio that reads tough,hard nosed,gritty,highly skilled center man.
FOR
A soft offensive D-man, when what the KINGS need is a SHUT DOWN D-man that can pass the puck.
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Brown mentioned he is practicing “shooting” … along with a bunch of other things.
Brown … Spend one hour less in the gym and use that time to practice shooting. Practice shooting until you lose your mind, the cows come home, and all that good stuff.
If brown can improve in shooting he will make a leap in his value … He has pretty much everything else.
And the last thing we need this season are more pucks missing the net by a mile – especially considering we will likely have the rookie Ds as our points.
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venasky,schultz & kozak.
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I think there is a consensus, and I am of this camp, that TO DATE DL has failed the Kings fans miserably this summer. Now he has some time to turn it around but we’ll beleive it when we see it.
Also in the other article – “the better the Kings do, the more sales there are of tickets, jerseys, etc… (paraphrasing here)”, uugghhhh who was the marketing genius that just figured that out??!! If you build it, they will come (and defintitely vice versa) really works in this realm? Amazing. Obviously marketing is playing a big part in our trade process.
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kings fan in temecula Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:38 am
@crashin’ da net, totally agree! i’ll believe improvement when i see it, otherwise its even less than what we had last year D:
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DL has failed the Kings every year.
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