The opening-night roster is set, but there are still decisions to be made for Terry Murray and the Kings. Presuming that Brad Richardson plays a second-line role with Scott Parse (sore groin) out of the lineup, and with Kevin Westgarth as a lock for the right-wing spot, that leaves four players — winger Kyle Clifford, center/winger Trevor Lewis and centers Andrei Loktionov and Brayden Schenn — vying for two spots on the fourth line. Has Murray decided how he would like the fourth line to look on Saturday night?
“No, I haven’t,” Murray said. “I haven’t decided that yet. I’ll have an opportunity to watch, over the next few days, and it will probably come down to the day before to make a call on that.”
Just two days ago, Murray indicated it was unlikely that both Loktionov and Schenn, two rookie centers, would make the opening-night roster, but there they are. I asked Murray if the fourth-line center spot would be fluid at the start of the season, giving both Loktionov and Schenn an opportunity to show what they can do…
“With a couple guys on IR, we were allowed to make that decision,” Murray said. “He’s had a great training camp, speaking of Loktionov. There’s a nice upside to his game, and I think it’s important that he has a sense that we appreciate what he has done throughout the training camp and tell him that he’s on the opening-day roster. We’ll go through this, over the next couple days, and then I’ll get to the last day or so before the game and make a decision on who is in.”
Of course, things are likely to change again when Parse returns. Parse was on the ice — after practice — for the first time since he injured his groin and foot in the preseason opener, but is expected to open the season on injured reserve. When Parse returns, it’s almost certain that one of the young forwards will be dropped from the roster, but that doesn’t appear imminent.
“I was surprised to see him out there at the end of practice,” Murray said. “It’s a good thing, but he needs some work now, if he’s even close to saying, `Yeah, I want to get going.’ He needs some time with the coaching staff to get himself back on top of the game.”
TM on Parse’ He needs some time with the coaching staff to get himself back on top of the game.”.
Schenn and Clifford need time to show if they should stick verse NHL regular season competition?
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jet Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
@luc20rules, loosely tranlated , of course
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luc20rules Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
@jet, Very loosely.
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Dominick Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
@luc20rules,
Obviously!
Garry Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@luc20rules, It will be Clifford, Schenn and Westgarth. Parse and Richardson will vie for the chanch to play on the second line and the loser goes. You just don’t sit or send done a guy who you are paying $3.1m. The other’s will be up and down this year based on injuries but a lock next year when some contract’s run out.
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Either Schenn, Loktionov, or both will probably sit out game one. It’s unlikely the Kings will dress two rookie centers or play one out of position opening night. Clifford is more likely to play but Lewis could be the fourth line left wing though that’s doubtful.
Schenn is the better fit for the fourth line this year if he is NHL ready. Loktinov looks to be the favorite for the second line center role next year. Lewis is he dark horse right now as he is currently the best skater of the three and a bit more expierienced but has less long term upside as a third line player. He probably dosen’t have the skill to ever be a second liner.
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Harry Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
@Crown Royal, If Schenn and Cliff are the only ones that will go back to Juniors, I see both of those players getting the most out of it the first X games.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
@Harry,
I think Clifford will stick with the big club. Either Schenn will go back to Juniors or Loktionov down to Manchester at least for awhile.
It’s a difficult decision with the rookie centers. Loktionov is probably more ready than Schenn but is more of a top six forward. Schenn is a better fit on the third or fourth line but may not be quite ready. The problem is Schenn may not get that much out of another year of Juniors especially if he is counted on for the third line center position next year with the Kings.
[Reply]
kylecliffordfan Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 9:22 am
@Crown Royal,
I agree Crown royal. Looks like it’s between Loktionov and Schenn. They both play the same position and they are only going to keep one. Lewis will be the extra forward that sits out most of the nights. That’s ok because he has been around longer and Murray doesn’t like sitting the youngsters. I think Clifford won the 4th Line left wing role when Clune was put on Waivers. You don’t put Clune on Waivers to play a kid for 9 games and send him back.
I think the Dark Horse is Parse. I think Loktionov is sent to manchester and Parse gets his chance with a very short leash. If Parse doesn’t work out, I think he will find himself back in Manchester like last year. Injuries during training camp are hard to overcome. You don’t get that full camp and other players may beat you out of a job. I wouldn’t be surprised if they send Parse down to manchester for Conditioning (if he doesn’t have to clear waivers). Already seems like Murry wants Parse to prove he belongs in the 2nd line role now.
It’s nice having a cheap Brad Richardson!!!
Noticed Drew Bagnall was waived by MIN today.
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quisp Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
@Cynic,
Yeah, but he was signed to play on their AHL team, don’t you think?
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holly Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
@quisp, I’d guess as much.
But he’s a guy who’d make a pretty good 5 or 6 guy for a team.
Hopefully he’ll make an impression, but (as terrible as it is to say) at almost 27 and going into his 4th pro season, he’s kind of getting to the end of his making an impression period.
[Reply]
HargleBargle Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
@holly, on what planet is Drew Bagnall a 5-6 defenseman for an NHL team? really?
Cynic Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
@quisp,
Well, I don’t think that was Drew Bagnall’s line of thinking….
Then again…
Actually, I think he’d be good enough to make the Ducks roster as a 6-7 considering how bad that D-corps is. There are a handful of teams IMO that could use him like we use Drewiskie.
I still think he holds the NHL record for most consecutive 2 minute penalties in 8 minutes (3 against PHX last preseason).
[Reply]
Kings season previw on FSW right now!
[Reply]
John Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
@John,
Actually it’s at 6:30 Kings Live: Season Preview
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:00 am
@John,
And it’s being re-played a few more times on Thursday, I think. Only a half hour, so not really any in depth stuff there. Jim Fox and Patrick O’Neal are hosting.
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:17 am
@Kingsfanone,
Isn’t Patrick O’Neal the Ducks announcer?
[Reply]
Is anybody else having problems with this site?
I can read comments fine on my MacBook, but not on my iPad or iPhone.
Thanks
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
@SDGolfer, works fine on my HD2.
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fourtunato Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
@vplaza, works fine on my G4 and on my Toshiba laptop and on my Blackberry.
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neil Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
@SDGolfer, trouble on my cell phone…
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sstephen17 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 11:10 am
@SDGolfer, Maybe you are holding your iPhone wrong?
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if dishnetwork does not have my kings back on by the 16th. I am moving to another provider no matter what!
[Reply]
art Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
@Sammuch,
You should switch to Directv. You can use my account number as a referral and we each get $100. I’ve had them for 10 years and they’ve always been great to me.
[Reply]
jamesonafterawin Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
@art, Switched today. Costed me $180. to buy out of Dish. $55. for 5 months with Direct. Not missing a single game, unless dead or the person keeping me from a game wants to be dead. Installer will be out on Saterday, if he’s not, dead.
I understand Dish’s issue, but after they wouldn’t negotiate the buy out price or pause the service,
screw em.
I agreed to a contract, and they can’t fullfill it, then I have to pay a penalty to cancel it. You loose the $800. left to make off of me.
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:44 am
@jamesonafterawin, Have a lawyer friend write a letter with the magic words “class action” in it.
Warning: IANAL.
Or you could just go around the neighborhood throwing rocks at everyone’s Dish Network dish.
Warning: IANACriminal.
(For people too dense to notice, that last suggestion was A JOKE and is not intended to be taken seriously by anyone. Do not vandalize your neighbor’s property, even if you hate them and they have stinking Dish Network.)
49puckstothe nuts Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
@jamesonafterawin,
Funniest post ever! and I agree. Sat. is my appt. with direct tv
Lewis REALLY stood out at Frozen Fury as a speedster always jumping on loose pucks and always being in position. This guy is an asset above and beyond all other prospects I have watched this off season.
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Chaz Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
@408kingfan, To be honest with you though, even Guilano had a lot of peppyness to his game but completely lacked the necessary skills to play anywhere other than on the penalty kill. Lewis hasn’t shown me anything other than this so far, and yes, I was at FF as well.
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Good2bKings Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:18 am
@Chaz,
If you were at FF, then you missed a great game. Lewis was one of the best on the ice. I can remember at least five times where he chipped the puck in, chased it down, and either made a centering pass or held the puck in the corner. As a fourth line player, that is exactly the type of effort we need. If I saw that type of effort and skill out of Stoll, I might get of his case.
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jet Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:34 am
@Chaz, I did not see the game, but I did read the Colorado blogs and they are hoping we would waive him so they can pick him up. They were impressed with his game.
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Am i crazy or is there more to what Murray says than his words? http://lakingsnews.com/2010/10/05/is-terry-murray-hinting-at-something/
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
@Surly Jacob (JDM),
I got the same impression when I read it the first time. I’m not totally convinced that either Schenn or Loktionov is a lock to be with the Kings when Parse returns.
Schenn might be sent back to Juniors and Loktionov to Manchester with the Kings keeping only one extra forward.
I think Schenn’s immediate future with the Kings is how well he handles things over the next several games and practices. He is the better fit for the fourth line than Loktionov and Loki can be called back at any time. I agree…I think Loktionov is earmarked for Manchester. He might be more ready after 30-40 games there anyway.
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jamesonafterawin Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
@Crown Royal, Yup, check here second thing in the morning, 5-10 times during the day, and last thing I do in the day. I often look to the right of the page to see the other blog’s, and feel bad for those teams fans.
This is nice!
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liked that
called in helicopters to blow out candles of 250,000
marchers in dc in the 70′s. tricky dick from yorba
linda. hip hip hip hooray.
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I haven’t chimed in much lately but I am just compelled to say once again that I REALLY appreciate you Rich. Not only are you the best source we have ever had, you are actually a pretty talented writer.
If Kings management reads this; You guys have a true find here. This man is making you money by keeping us engaged way beyond what we would be otherwise. I checked this site perhaps 10 times today and was never disappointed.
Rich, you attract a very high level of posters. I don’t post much because after reading what these other guys have to say, there isn’t a whole lot left.
And lastly, I have not been more excited to start any NHL season in my life. I feel like I’m 12 again! GO KINGS!
[Reply]
mark4kings Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@fourtunato, Ditto on all four of your paragraphs, especially the last. As a life-long, patient but still long-suffering fan, this is the most optimistic I’ve felt going into a season since forever.
That being said, DROP THE FREAKIN’ PUCK!!
GO KINGS!!
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@fourtunato,
Well said. You should post more
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Subby Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
@fourtunato, Couldnt agree more. Seriously like every year I feel so much more as a fan then the year before and I think WOW I cant become more of a fan. Then I started coming on this blog a little before the kovi drama and now I feel just so much more involved and wayyyyyy more of a fan then before and the season hasn’t even started.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
@fourtunato, You hit it straight on the button. This is the most excited I’ve been since the Gretzky trade. Bought season seats for the first time ever (been a fan since 1970). If it wasn’t for Rich, I doubt I would of got the tickets.
[Reply]
Kingsfan99 Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
@KC23,
Totally agree. Not a day goes by where I don’t check this Blog at least 5 times throughout the day. Great job Rich and to all the loyal Kings fans/bloggers. Should be an entertaining year! GO KINGS!!!
[Reply]
Im with you fourtunato. Kings fans are the best. Rich is by far the best. And half the time the coments left here are so good i wonder if im reading a depo from a supreme court argument depositoin. I love you guys. You have made my stay in arizona feel like i was at home. Go kings go
[Reply]
I expect to see Parse sent down- many of us were never really impressed with him, and with Frolove gone and Ponikvroski here in more of a less offensive role- I would expect Murray to go with the “hot hand” until it cools. don’t forget- Schenn and Clifford can be returned to Junior, but Loktionov, who was impressive in camp- can only go back to Manchester.
I don’t know- I have a feeling that some of these four young bucks just might be sticking around- at least for awhile…
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
@Danny Ingmells,
Parse would have to clear waivers, which he is a decent player, who we would risk losing if we sent him down.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
@lafan13, DL at breakfast with the GM called Parse the second most skilled player on the team. We will not be exposing him to waivers. The problem is focus, and maintaining the style of play the Kings want on the ice. I don’t by defensive lapses as he was a +13 with limited playing time. I think its more checking and maintaining positioning.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
@luc20rules, http://lakingsinsider.com/2010/01/28/reprieve-for-parse/#more-3631
lafan13 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 9:15 am
@luc20rules,
im with ya, im not ready to throw parse out cuz he’s injured. DL talked highly of him, and that +13 +/- after only playing a handfull of games…
New follower here on this blog, but I’ve been a Kings fan since the early 90′s.
Just wanted to say thanks to Rich as well, appreciate all your hardwork for us fan/followers!. And thank god the Kings are back on the upswing! It’s been a long time coming, but worth the wait! Looking forward to a very bright future for the team and organization as a whole.
Cheers.
[Reply]
OAHUKINGZFAN Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
@LA.Kings1991,
DITTO
[Reply]
Seattle3211 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:03 am
@LA.Kings1991,
Amen.
[Reply]
Off topic, but Monarchs won their preseason game tonight against Portland 5-2.
The kids looked pretty darn good. Tonight Martinez, Hickey, and Moller all wore As, but Morris is known for cycling through the players he feels are deserving before settling on letters, unless there’s someone he feels is the unquestionable leaders on the team. With most of our true long term guys gone, where the finally land is anyone’s guess.
[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
@holly, Thx for keeping us posted on the Monarchs Holly….Looking forward to hearing from you this season on the team’s progress…
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
@holly, Thanks Holly!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:15 am
@holly,
You rock! Looking forward to reading your posts this season.
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
@holly,
I’m thinking you have a fantastic team out there, this year…
Keep up your studies/Blog when you can!
[Reply]
Does anyone know if games as a scrath for the junior eligible players count against their contracts?
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ALOHA GUYZ,
Just wanted to give a big Ups to Rich Hammond, and the faithful posters on here. U guyz keep me up 2 date on everything here on Oahu.
MAHALO’S
[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
@OAHUKINGZFAN,
Wow a Oahu Kings fan! Kings are Noka Oi (I think that’s how you spell it)
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:48 am
@OAHUKINGZFAN,
a Hawaiian hockey fan; what a concept!
one of my memories from Oahu was the beautiful pineapple fields, and eating the fresh pineapple where it was grown….wOw! what a taste….
Oahu no ka oi! indeed…welcome!
[Reply]
HawaiiKingsFan Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 1:30 am
@OAHUKINGZFAN,
I am also a huge Kings fan and live in Honolulu, although I grew up in LA.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 4:56 am
@OAHUKINGZFAN,
“Mona luckahiki means hockey
Mona luckawiki means love
A moonlit ice rink means romance
with my baby and the stars above
Chorus:
“Kiki Hockey, Waikiki Hockey!
Kiki Hockey, Waikiki Hockey!”
– Gretzky in SNL
[Reply]
Seattle3211 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:18 am
@OAHUKINGZFAN,
It’s good to know we have some hockey fans in da islands. I was born and raised on Oahu (Windward side – Kailua). Get plenty local people up here in the Seattle area. E komo mai!
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I’m a day behind, but didn’t see anyone else mention it. The NHL Officials Union has come to terms with the NHL on a 4 year contract so the weird officiating by scabs mostly College Refs of the preseason will not continue into the regular season I hope.
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/39510072/ns/sports-nhl/
[Reply]
DougS Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
@luc20rules,
Cool. So now we can get back to weird officiating by guys whose names we recognize.
[Reply]
jamesonafterawin Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
@DougS, Ha!
[Reply]
joseph K Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
@jamesonafterawin,
My all time favorite referee name is Pierre Champoux (pronounced as shampoo). Say it a few times and it rolls off your tongue.
Does anybody has a feeling that management will announce Doughty’s extension of the contract in next few days as it was the case with Kopitar years ago?
Is the lack of his play (according to some blog writings) result of negotiations with Dean?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:30 am
@slovenian fan,
I can’t speak for DD, but negotiations this early shouldn’t be a worry. I think it would be out of character for him, to stress over something that can and will work it’s self out.
P.S. did you get a chance to see Kopi practice over the summer at all?
[Reply]
slovenian fan Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:37 am
@Dominick,
I watched him and his brother Gasper skating once in August under supervision of his father.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 7:08 am
@slovenian fan, I actually asked this question specifically. Rich’s answer was the same as DL. The reason our bigger names (i.e. probable long term contracts) of our young RFA (restricted free agents) have not been signed is because of the uncertainty of next years CBA (collective bargining agreement).
Neither the agents or GM’s are willing to stick their necks out until they absolutely have to.
[Reply]
Just a note that Slash will play the Anthem at the 2 first home games, and the slash in the upper left hand corner of this website has mysteriously vanished.
Coincidence? Or conspiracy?
[Reply]
Really seems to me like Loktionov will get a few games until Parse gets back as a “Great job, we’ll see you if we need a call up, or else next year.” The fourth line center seems like it will be Schenn for at least half of the first 9 games, at which point Schenn either stays or goes. I think Clifford is really the one that lucked out with Parse going down. Otherwise I would think that Richardson takes the fourth line left wing spot. Too many variables going on here, I just wanna see our kids succeed!
[Reply]
“He’s had a great training camp, speaking of Loktionov. There’s a nice upside to his game, and I think it’s important that he has a sense that we appreciate what he has done throughout the training camp and tell him that he’s on the opening-day roster…”
I’d like to see an interview with Lokti, to see how his English is….has only been in NA two years or so, with 46 pro games experience….only a 5th round draft pick in ’08, his upside looks awesome….forget who said, he has very soft hands, meaning he has that scoring touch….sounds good to me..
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:48 am
@Real 7,
Ive been talking about his hands…There amazing, this kid will be a 35 or more goal scorer. i hope he gets the chance to prove itt!!
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 3:02 am
@Michael_DD8,
could call him Cool Hand Lok….
maybe he’ll score 50 some day….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNyl6gXLMLQ
[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:12 am
@Real 7, NICE!
Harry Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 9:09 am
@Real 7, Atleast he now has some one (Ponikarovsky) to communicate with in Russian… Fro didn’t
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 10:38 am
@Real 7,
The only reason he was a late round pick is because no one else thought he was going to leave Russia. Pretty sure I remember Lombardi saying that he would have easily gone in the 2nd round if it was a guarantee that he would come to the NHL.
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 11:43 am
@Stagger,
Lokti’s numbers and depth chart was high enough for him to be a 1st rounder, but as you stated, he was very high risk. Its even better for us seeming how we still got him, at a later round
. His memorial cup with windsor was outstanding, i would love to see him on this team.
[Reply]
Rich
I need some help with my math please this was brought up yesterday by many and still seems wrong
Based on 23 players on the roster it seems to me 20 would dress and 3 would sit why does everyone say 2 would sit ???? 2 goalies and 18 others does that not leave 3 sitting ?
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 9:40 am
@backchecker,
I think the “2″ everyone is talking about are the forwards. We’ll most likely have 2 forwards and 1 d-man on reserve.
[Reply]
I think Rich has exposed a long standing myth about King’s fans. King’s fans have always been there, they have been kept locked up by a local and national media that refused to give information about our beloved team.
I regularly listen to 710 espn and all they talk about is baseball, basketball and football. The joke will be on them when hockey hits the big time in LA. By the end of the season don’t be surprised if you can’t find a ticket and suddenly espn is forced to give them their due.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 7:57 am
@KC23, Why would you listen to them? As a guy who likes hockey like you do, the guy you need to start listening to is Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton. Lee is now on in the mornings starting at 9 AM on 1090 AM. Lee is one of the few guys out there that will cover all sports and is vey prepared, a true Pro. Believe it or not, The Coach John Quintera also knows hockey but very few people call him about it. As for these morons on 570 and 710..their lives revolve around how many times Kobe takes a dump in the toilet every day..to them, thats more important then hockey.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:59 am
@puck73,
Done. Starting today, no more 710 due to their lack of hockey content.I’ll give 1190 a shot.
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 9:22 am
@puck73,
Hacksaw is funny. He’s a quirky dude but you can ask him about the east coast lacrosse league and he can tell yu stats. Very prepared doesn’t cover it with him. He knows his stuff about all sports.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
@puck73, Hacksaw NOT HIS REAL NAME!!!!! Also makes up alot of stuff and has fake phone calls…
[Reply]
Irrespective of who plays on the fourth line we need at least 20 goals a season and at least 5 from those players who do play on the line. If we can accomplish that from the personnel playing a “checking line” role then we will be that much deeper.
WE know we’re going to get goals from the first 3 lines.
1st line will probably score 80-95 goals,
2nd line hopefully will score 65-80 goals,
3rd line will produce at least 40 goals,
and from the back end we will probably score 25-35 goals.
Total those numbers up and that’s puts us upwards of 230-250 goals. That would be very respectable. We had 231 goals last year and finished a respectable 9th in the league. Washington scored 313. If we score at least 250 this year that puts us in the Elite 5.
Big question is with our current roster I don’t see much upside in the second line as to scoring.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 8:45 am
@Bonvivant1, I would rather our GA be 81 goals less than our goals scored, than target a particular number.
[Reply]
Goals scored doesn’t mean squat…
I don’t care if the 2nd line has a slow start…as long as they don’t let in too many goals. So far it seems our third line is scoring more than the second, and that’s ok with me. Richardson could have a breakout Camalleri-type year and Parse can be brilliant too. Call me drunk or optimistic, but I think we shouldn’t worry about the second line. This is the most talent we’ve had on a team in years.
I was impressed with Loktionov and Clifford. Sorry Schenn.
[Reply]
Goals and goals allowed doesn’t mean much. Calgary had one of the best defenses in the league and they didn’t even get in the playoffs. Washington and the Pens offense was fantastic and neither could get past the Habs for Goodness sake.
It’s all about the difference between goals allowed and goals fired while maintaining a good, if not great defense.
[Reply]
Schenn is here for a cup of coffee, he has 9 games to shine and make DL’s decision tougher than it already is.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Stoll or Richardson centering the 4th line….3 rookies on that line to start the season is a bit scary.
I expect Lokti to get some time at C and LW on the second line. I don’t expect to see him playing much on the 4th line. TM knows he needs more skill up front and with Parse out this is really a great opportunity for him.
Lewis and Clifford will share time to start the season and if Schenn sticks, Lewis probably goes back, but if Clifford doesn’t shine, he goes back first.
What a nice set of problems to have.
[Reply]
KINGS SIGNED Jordan Nolan to an entry level contract.
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All valid points folks but our goal differential has to be at least 40 to 50. We have a stellar defense and forwards who have committed to a system that favors a defensive first mind set. That being said, Murray wants to open up the offense because he knows our goal tending is solid enough to prevent too many goals against. Establishing realistic goal production from each forward line will put teams on the defensive and open up the game to our style of play which is cycling the puck and creating scoring chances in the offensive zone. Our shots for will increase this as well. If the pre-season is any indication we should out shoot opponents consistently this year. The more shots the better percentage you have for goals going in. Stoll may be the only exception to this rule.
With our depth we should increase our goal output 10% to 15% this year. Calgary is an offensively challenged team and they have no choice but to place an emphasis on defense. As to Pitt and Washington they came up against Halak. He had a great playoffs. I think this was an aberration at best. Why else did they trade the dude to St. Louis? The game is opening up as players become more skilled. This is an exciting proposition for hockey fans.
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Possible future LA Kings jersey prototypes (based off our current 3rd) snapped in Luc’s office – plus Matt G. wearing the forum blue and gold gloves!
http://www.icethetics.info/blog/2010/10/6/sneak-peek-at-la-prototypes.html?ref=nf
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Shakes Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 10:43 am
@Jonathan,
you beat me to it!
i sure hope they don’t drop the Purple from their main color scheme as they theorized…
I LOOOVE our current home unis. Maybe not as much as the Gretzky-era-chevron-silver-and-black but i really do like it… especially when it seems like pro teams are going overboard in terms of black uniforms with no color
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Drew Is Better Than You Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 11:15 am
@Jonathan, I honestly can’t stand those, or the current alternates we have. There really is no sense of emotion of pride in them. It’s a dumb design that has no character of the team or what we represent in LA. I reallllly hope that’s not the jersey of the future. I like the color scheme. In my opinion we should keep the black silver white color scheme but instead of the “home-plate” design, we should put in the crown or the shield.
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Drew Is Better Than You Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 11:21 am
@Jonathan, oh and If you read the comments below that picture, someone mentions that those are the jerseys of an LA roller hockey team. Maybe they are just gifts to luc or something? We’ll see. I tell you what though, I’m FOR SURE buying the new alternate that comes out for the vancouver game, the classic purple and gold in the new EDGE design should be sick!
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KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
@Jonathan, Not a fan of our alturnate jerseys myself. I have to admit they’ve gown on me, but now I just don’t wince when I see them.
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O this is BS… So as of Nov 1st us Dish people will lose normal FOX also…
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Dan H. Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 10:46 am
@pr0cess,
That’s been the plan all along. it’s a problem with Fox Sports so all of the Fox sports channels will be gonzo.
You’re welcome to use my Directv account number to get 100 bucks off if you want
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pr0cess Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
@Dan H., LOL thanks dan, why this have to happen at the start of the season…
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Shakes Reply:
October 7th, 2010 at 4:46 am
@pr0cess,
Which underscores the points that it’s a problem for the NBA (and tha tmeans the entire NBA…not just the Lakers of course) as well…
As much as I love the NHL it helps to have the NBA stuck in the same camp. People not being able to watch basketball is a non-starter
All that means to me is that this will get resolved by the start of the NBA season…which means the end of October.
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I would go with FIOS for hockey coverage. They have incredible HD and they do not have any issues with FSW. I pay about $150 per month for everything (phone, internet and TV).
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Looks like the Devils are going to try and go with only 20 players. While I would never hope for any player to get injured, I wouldn’t mind seeing one of their defencemen come down with a 48 hour flu on a back to back weekend.
I think my impish side just got the better of my cherubic side.
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If HICKEY does not play well this year he might loose his job to this other prospect, this Juiner is been talk about a lot this year by scouts and the Kings drafted him in 09.
Nicolas Deslauriers, D, 19
Drafted 3rd round, 84th overall, 2009
One of the more unsung prospects in the Kings organization, Deslauriers never seems to get mentioned along with the team’s other top prospects, but has consistently shown he deserves acclaim. One of the fastest skaters in the Kings pipeline, Deslauriers’ agility makes him valuable both in rushing the puck up the ice and in recovering defensively to prevent scoring opportunities. Deslauriers was one of the most exciting defensemen in the QMJHL this year, scoring nine goals and adding 36 assists for 45 points in 65 games. What’s promising about the young defenseman is his commitment to rounding out his defensive game and becoming more adept at utilizing his body. At the team’s recent rookie camp, he showed off his fast skating and confidently threw his weight around. He also displayed dazzling positional work.
Still only 19 years old, Deslauriers will undoubtedly play for Gatineau this season, where he’ll be a key contributor. He’s still a couple years away, but he’s consistently improved since being selected and has the potential to be a valuable NHL defenseman.
WAKE UP HICKEY OR THIS KIN MIGHT TAKE YOUR JOB!
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jet Reply:
October 6th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@Sammuch, At dev camp, I thought he was the second best defenceman out there. Although, I thought Muzzin was a step and a half above him. His play in his own end was much better than it was last year. Honestly, there were 4 or 5 players who I thought to myself, this cannot be the same guy that was here last year. The 12 month growth I saw was unbelievable. Emerson deserves some accolades for what he accomplished over the past year.
Nolan was probably at the top of that list. I cannot tell you how many times he went deep to receive an outlet pass and then lead the rush down the ice. He still looked a little like a defencemen once he got in deep, but the play making will come. Anyway, while it will still take an all out effort to have a shot in LA, I am glad he got a contract, a chance.
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