When the even-keel, fatherly Terry Murray publicly calls out a player, you know he’s really not happy. Today, Murray took a relatively benign question about Wayne Simmonds’ production (or lack thereof) and scoring chances this season and issued a fairly strong-worded analysis of Simmonds’ play through the first three games of this season. Simmonds has zero points in three games, and had only one shot on goal before his three-shot effort against Atlanta on Tuesday…
MURRAY: “I need Simmer to be a better player than what he is right now. We’ve had a couple of meetings, he and I, and the assistant coaches have sat down and reviewed some video. The most important thing for him is to get his feet going, get skating better, on a more consistent basis. When he’s playing that straight-line game with an edge, with grit and battling along the boards, that’s the best kind of player. Right now, he seems to be a little hesitant in his game, and as a result you get caught in between and it looks real bad. I’m hoping for a big effort tonight on that side of it. That’s the focus that we want him to go into this game with. Simply move your feet, stay on top of it, and I think other things will fall into place.”
To me, Simmonds looked better in the third period of the Atlanta game, but otherwise I wouldn’t disagree with Murray’s analysis. Murray was also asked whether Simmonds’ struggles were related to chemistry issues with new teammate Alexei Ponikarovsky, who has filled the left-wing role alongside Simmonds and center Michal Handzus…
MURRAY: “I want the line to be better. I think Poni has got some habits there that we’re addressing with him, that we want to see. With the puck, we want him to have the puck longer. He’s a big guy that can protect the puck on the cycle, hold onto it for four- or five-second stretches and work the opponent down deep in the offensive zone. That was the strength of that line last year, but it is not related to Simmer and what we just talked about. That’s on him. That’s the focus that he needs to put into it, as an individual, and get himself on track.”
I tend to agree with Coach. Simmonds has seemed a little invisible lately. I wouldn’t exactly single him out as it seems a lot of the forwards haven’t been at the top of their game, but yeah, I guess I have been expecting a little more from #17 these past few games.
Hope it lights a fire and he responds tonite with a big game.
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Garry Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
@mash-ola, The whole third line lack’s energy.
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So he wants Ponikarovsky to hold onto the puck longer… just like Frolov used to?
Don’t get me wrong: I’m hopeful that Poni will be an effective player this season. I’m just sayin’.
Otherwise, this little interview shows a quality that makes TM an ideal coach for a young team. Yes, he’s publicly criticizing a player. But it’s all specific and constructive.
I couldn’t help but contrast it with Melrose publicly describing Darryl Sydor as “a ticking time bomb,” a couple of months after which, he was traded for basically nothing. That’s probably not the ideal way to handle a promising young player. We sure could have used Syd all those years he put in with other teams.
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backchecker Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@DougS,
Sydor was useless and Tm is the best coach ever the kings have had except for Patty
Sydor has done nothing absolutely nothing is out there waltzing kick his a coach
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backchecker Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
@backchecker, simmonds i meant sorry
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Belexes Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@backchecker,
I just got a headache…
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backchecker Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 6:36 am
@Belexes,
Why might that Be ??
DougS Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
@backchecker,
Yeah, Sydor was useless, just like Mitchell and Scuderi, whom you are so keen to trade for some mythical ‘top scorer,’ whom you can’t even name. And I should probably point out that that’s sarcasm, for your benefit.
Dallas got pretty good mileage out of Syd after the Kings dumped him. He was a key player on their Cup-winning team, and the team the year after that won the Conference title.
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puck73 Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@DougS, Couldnt disagree with you more about Daryl “get burnt to the outside” Ssydor. Remember, he was a part of the famous “Escort Service” from 93-96. Other members included Charlie Cruddy and washed up Tim “Muddy” Watters. What a disgraceful period that was for our defense. It seemed that any player could come right in and get ashot within 5 feet of Kelly Hrudey..hence, the “Escort Service”. And how you could possibly compare Syd to Mitchell and Scuderi is beyond me. Fact is, Zhitnik and Blake were the 2 best defensemen we had during that period and Melrose started a rumor that Zhitnik was a drunk and ran his ass out of here. Thank god larry Robinson knew what he had with Sydor and dropkicked him outta here. Unfortunately, Macmaster could only get Zmolek for him and that trade didnt work for us. And whatever you do, dont tell me that Syd has a cup, I could care less, fact is there are a lot players that stink that have cups. Look at Dionne vs Lafleur, you think because Dionne doesnt have a cup that he wasnt as good a player as Guy ?
Belexes Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
@DougS,
Puck73 has more knowledge than most around here. I agree completely with his assessment of Sydor.
Message to Kopitar, Brown, Loktionov, Handzus, Ponikarovsky, Richards, Westgarth, and Clifford :
YOU TOO!
Schenn has been playing well, but it’s time to bury one, buddy!!!
GO KINGS!
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For once I agree with Murray. Simmonds was absolutely among the top players until he came back from his injury last year. Then…. pfffft. Not a whole lot. What happened? He’s better than this.
Poni is so much better than Froloaf it isnt even funny. the bad penalties in game 1 aside, he’s also shown some good stuff.
Also Rich, when is Parse coming back? And why wasnt he at the introductions at the home opener?
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
@5buckcolonnadeticket, Good question! Now that you mention it I didnt see Parse at the introductions. I agree with the Poni assesment as well.
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nykingfan Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
I watched on tv and they did introduce and show Parse.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@nykingfan, that’s funny, because he wasn’t there when they referenced his name.
Garrett Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@5buckcolonnadeticket, what good stuff exactly has Ponikarovsky shown? He has not done a damn thing except take penalties. Meanwhile Frolov has a point-a-game so far in New York.
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johnjuan Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
@Garrett,
I agree Fro should still be here but maybe we will get a tougher team mindset around the net at some point with Poni.
So far its a bust.
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408kingfan Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
@Garrett, Amen I sure miss Frolov’s skills
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Lookin forward to a breakout gm from Simmer… And the rest of the invisible offense. It’s not just Simmonds. Hopefully by now the boys know we are allowed to score in other periods besides the frickin 3rd!! Poni def needs to step up his gm cuz I’m havin horrible Fro withdrawals right now! Let’s murder these Canucks tonite! GoKingsGo!!
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Sounds like TM wants Poni to act more like Fro….hmmmmmmm
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friarking Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
@KingCobra, haha, yeah it does.
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MiniKing Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@KingCobra,
lol thats what I got out of that too.
Translation:
Hey Poni, I hate Fro and I want you to play just like him cause he was good and your suppose to replace the guy I hate….Wait a second…why did I hate Fro so much? CRAAAAP we made the wrong move!?!? Whannn Whann
I really hope Fro comes back to LA after his vacation in NY.
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KingGoph Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
@MiniKing,
I think he just wants him to not shoot the puck after he gains the blue line.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@MiniKing, when Fro actually showed up his game is second to none, but i think TM’s issue was the inconsistancy. Everyone has off days but Fro would only bring or seem to bring his A game 30% of the time and you would get his D game ther other 70%. Poni can give the same type of A game and HOPEFULLY on a more regular basis.
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MiniKing Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
I’ve seen Poni play for many years as a Leaf. I watch a lot of Leafs hockey. He was far worse with inconsistancy then Fro. Yes Fro has some days off. I still think on his off days he was better then Poni on his good days. The only thing that ever bothered me with Fro was his playoff performance.
Poni makes bonehead moves all the time as a Leaf and takes penalties at the worse possible times during his time with the Leafs.
Using a rating scale, Poni is a 65 with potential of reaching 75. While Fro was 78 with potential of reaching 82 and on some nights he was a 74. So we got a guy that has the potential to be as good as Fro’s bad days.
I don’t even know what the *$&% I just wrote with those numbers and explanation, but hopefully you get the jist of it. lol. I don’t even know why I am about to click Submit Comment, knowing very well that some people will think this comment is completely stupid, which I may agree with.
nykingfan Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@KingCobra,
There was never anything wrong with Fro’s talent. Few players in the league have his skill set.
Fro’s problem was he was a lazy player who didn’t show up for a lot of games…or to put it mildly, he never came with a consistent effort night after night.
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Garrett Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@nykingfan, problem is that’s essentially the same argument people have been making about Ponikarovsky since he played in Toronto. There is a reason the guy was still available when the Kings signed him. Nobody wanted him.
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RLane420 Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@KingCobra, he also wanted Fro to act like Fro, every game not half.
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RLane420 Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@RLane420, As has every coach and GM he ever had inc international play
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King John Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
@KingCobra,
Come on, Poni! Hold on to the puck and cycle like Fro used to do! And score a lot of goals while you’re at it! You might turn out to be Fro in disguise…. I really wish it were true. (Or maybe we should’ve signed Frolov again for 3rd line duty.)
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Dear Simmer,
It’s time to start playing for those billboards.
Thanks,
- Us
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Another game or two like this and Simmonds needs to see the 4th line or view the game from the press box like the other players that have been called out.
He’s a great 3rd line player but he needs a little edge to be at his best and he hasn’t had it yet.
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backchecker Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
@Dan H.,
Absolutely has no touch is FLOATING
hits on occassion lazy never goes to
the net
I felt this way last year and
this year I
It shows even more cause no one is
scoring
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And what about Brad Richardson?? Has TM said anything about him looking more of like Richardson of 2 years ago and not Richardson of last year?
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jet Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
@kylecliffordfan, Richie had a good game Tuesday. He out battled bigger guys a few times to win the puck.
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My $.02: Last year, Alexander Frolov was the player who–directly or indirectly– generated most of the offensive chances for the 3rd checking line on which Simmonds played. Frolov made plays himself; the defense knew he was dangerous and so had to pay a lot of attention to him in the offensive zone. This gave Simmonds time and space to make plays. Poni not so much: thus Simmonds has tougher chances. If that opinion is mostly correct, then its an error to call out Simmonds now. Playing the same game as last year will get worse results based on the play of one’s line mates. Its the better NHL players who can make their teammates look good. And TM–someone I think is a very good coach but that’s not to be confused with any opinion he is a perfect coach–should be calling out himself for how for the past two seasons he subtly and not so subtly treated Frolov. Add Fro to this team and we’ve got a monster; give Fro a very talented scoring partner and he very well may put up very big numbers. A point a game so far in Fro’s short time on the Rangers. This King’s team looks pretty good even without Frolov, so let’s hope for the best. Poni plays hard so no reason to throw him under the bus.
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Dan H. Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@vicarious,
Well put. Fro isn’t lighting it up yet in NY. I think he’ll have a very good year though.
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jet Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@vicarious, TM gave Fro more minutes than he is getting with the Rags. Or is Torts mistreating Fro even more?
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backchecker Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@vicarious,
Very well put
I like your analysis of frolov
However Simmonds has no talent so he would only do FAIR with good linemates and with poor line mates would do NOTHING
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nykingfan Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
@vicarious,
Actually it was Zeus who made that line go last year…not Frolov.
Fro played well on that line and did his job defensively…offensively he wasn’t consistent at all.
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Just FYI,
Fro has 2 points as of right now.
Poni has 0 points as of right now.
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MK Ultra Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
@Dan SanDonkey,
Cool, let’s have a Poni vs Froloaf watch this year!
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Mike L Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@Dan SanDonkey,
He’s also playing with a pretty good player who I think his name is Marian Gaborik
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rumpa#19 Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@Mike L, Exactly !
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MiniKing Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@Mike L,
When Fro played with a pretty good player named Kopitar on the Kings, Fro also racked in the points during that tandrum. I never understood why Murray took him off that line. He put him on there to prove to everyone he was lazy and he hustled worked hard, proved Murray wrong and then Murray demoted him for no reason.
So the fact that he’s playing with Gabs means he is also an elite player which a coach trusts him and he is putting up points.
The fact that we replaced Fro with Poni and Poni is not able to play with the likes of Kopitar further proves that we got a lower quality player in return!!!
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Belexes Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
@MiniKing,
Fro < Elite Player
Ghaad Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
@MiniKing,
You don’t replace Randy Moss …….
You don’t replace Frolov
The team decided it was time to move on and that’s it.
Someone else is placed in that position and asked to play a certain way built around their skill set. A player such as Frolov does not define the role of 3rd liner, he simply played that role and did a good job for this team.
There was no swap made of a player so ” we got a lower quality player in return!!!” is an inaccurate statement.
It’s as straight forward as can be.
Kings Didn’t want Frolov
Kings Hired another Player
Poni has his own skill set.
He isn’t currently playing to his ability
He needs to play better.
That pretty much says it all.
Frolov really shouldn’t have been playing on the 3rd line to begin with. The fact that we had a top 6 winger down on the 3rd line says a lot. Everyone knew Poni wasn’t as skilled as Frolov. That was never in debate from what I have seen.
Just because their salary is the same doesn’t mean anything else is.
Simmonds is a spaz – like the Greatest American Hero when he’s flying.
He needs to play with a little more composure. BTW, don’t get me wrong I love the guy, just my thoughts at the moment.
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Tookie Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
@Sparman,
Kinda noticed that too, expecially last game. He never maintained control of the puck in corners, and lost it with the slightest bump. I don’t remember seeing him with a puck that wasn’t rolling/bouncing/dancing. I’m hoping this is all beginning of the year kinks and everyone will work their games out before too long.
Silver lining is we’re still winning games.
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jet Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
@Tookie, simmer has always had a stick of granite, but he seems to have lost some confidence. Bring back the fire Simm.
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Puckn-A Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
@Sparman, Thanks for the G A H reference now that damn song is gonna be on infinite repeat in my own private hell today
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Glad TM’s calling Poni out on his “habits”.. It got to the point on Saturday, that I was giving my buddy prophetic(grammer/spelling police… should of used another word) play by play, before he had the puck. I find a winger like Clifford mor useful than Poni. I mean the guy puts it in the bread basket, every time he shoots from the blue line… Which he does… every shift. A little puck protection wouldn’t hurt at all..
As for Simmer.. I’m sure our boy is just having a spell.. He’ll snap out of it. Plus I still think it might help to put him back up with Kopi, and drop Brown back to the 3rd. I have a good feeling about Loktionov-Kopitar-Simmer.. But that could just be because I’m balls deep in a double-double right.. BWAH
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launch Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
@tylervonallen,
I agree that Nite Train will make an impact very soon….not so sure he has to do it on the first line tho.
can you tell me why everybody wants to demote our captain? it’s maddening to me….the man is a beast and I wish he would get his due respect.
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tylervonallen Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@launch,
Not that I want to demote Brownie in any way. I just don’t think that the chemistry is there. They tried it last year and they’ve tried it this year to no avail.. And yeah, we’re only 3 games in and were all just waxing idiotic here… But, to me it just seemed that Kopi & Simmer sparked, last season, in fewer games than it’s taking Brownie to find that Chemistry with Kopi.
You know what I mean? I’m All for parking Brownie on the first line, because he deserves it.. But if it never clicks (totally hypothetical… but most likely were TM’s coming from), how many opportunities are we willing to sacrifice in order to give respect where it is SURELY due.
Plus, is it really a demotion if he has chemistry with Poni-Zues and has another 30 goal season?
I guess it’s all pure speculation.. But seems worth a shot… by chance, something gets the embers-a-burnin’… But I could be totally off point…
… isn’t arguing fun
LOL
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launch Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
@tylervonallen,
I guess I can accept that explaination….much appreciated.
i can tell this isn’t your first rodeo
brownie will find his way no matter what line he’s on. I do expect the entire team to “gel” as the season goes on, but I will forever back the most “badass” player the Kings have.
and btw – how’s that double-double treatin ya bout now?
tylervonallen Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
@launch
I agree that Brownie wil find his way.. The man is a warrior, and he’s got the biggest heart on the team! Which does hinder him at times.. But also acts as the glue to keep this young team together… And yes. He certainly is one helluva B.A.! Cheers launch!
Go Kings Go!
tylervonallen Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
@tylervonallen,
Oh and the Double-Double, has me in a state of euphoria! LMAO.. Thanks for asking.
Dan H. Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
@tylervonallen,
Usually top line minutes are earned…and not by being called out by the coach as being ineffective.
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tylervonallen Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
@Dan H.,
Totally agree… But for the sake of chemistry?
and if that’s the case.. Are you against the Loktionov Experiment?
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Dan H. Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@tylervonallen,
Give him a shot up there. He’s always been an offensive top 6 prospect so if you want him to do well, that’s where he needs to be.
Garrett Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@tylervonallen, “(grammer/spelling police… should of used another word)”
Only because you opened the door to the grammar police, the correct word after ‘should’ in that phrase is “have”. “Should’ve” is a contraction of “should have”. It just sounds like “should of”.
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tylervonallen Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@Garrett,
Thanks Garrett! Much obliged
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Maybe he’s bummed that it takes Handzus 10 minutes to get from one end of the rink to the other.
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Simmonds will get there. Not too concerned yet. I’m still waiting for Kopi to get into that “taking over the game” mode. So far I haven’t really seen anything from Kopi, 1 maybe 2 drives to the net but it seems like he’s getting knocked down at will when he gets checked. It’s still a young NHL season however…..
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Frolov barely tryung is better than Poni. His nickname should be Option Z since we all know DL only got him after Fro told DL and TM to f off.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
@Alen, I think we told fro to take his 5 mil and….well, you know….
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Alen Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
@fsd1, DL only contacted Frolovs agent when he failed with everyone else as usual. Frolovs agent said he would not be back in LA and numbers were never even talked about. So we went and got Poni. Hopefully the guy can net 20 so we don’t look like retards who overpay for bridge players year after year.
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backchecker Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 6:35 am
@Alen,
As they say in Montreal EXACTMENT !!!
Of topic but… just checked out Wednesday’s appearance of Luc on NHL Live. Thought I was listening to Dean Lombardi with the French accent. Too Funny!!!
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Simmonds was MIA the first two games and just slightly better against Atlanta.
Who knows why this is happening, but this guy should be getting better, not taking steps backwards.
Is he still on everyone’s untouchable list for possible trades?
Hopefully he finds his game soon and I’m sure TM will give him 10 – 15 games before he makes a move. No need to press the panic button yet, but I’m not liking what I see.
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Simmers has defintiely been MIA. The only person kissing the ice more than him the last few games is Willy and that’s because Willy’s stirring up trouble all around the net so they put him on his arse. But while he’s doing that, he’s creating opportunities for his mates.
I saw Simmers fall with no one even around him for Christ sake. As if he forgot how to skate. Gotta come up with more than that dump-n-chase swim move when entering the zone.
SIMMERS! EARLY MORNING WAKEUP CALL! GETCHA GAME ON! WE GOT THE CAKNUCKLEHEADS IN TOWN TONIGHT! PAYBACK TIME!
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Fro’s performance was inversely related to his late night clubbing. He was a player off the ice more than on it.
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ATTENTION KING FANS!!
I’m STILL sick!! Due to illness I am unable to go to tonights game and I have 2 seats available for face value!!
Section 304 Row 6 Seats 9 & 10
These are season seats with a great view!! Face Value = $30 each.
Contact me at fsminc@yahoo.com if you want them
Go Kings!!
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Maybe ,hopefully he will step it after hearing all these comments.The fire could be back just because it VAN. I think theirs a Poni adjustment thing going on ,but we need more time to tell. Get er done……
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WOW! Let the guys start to mess together. It has only been 3-4 games now. If they are lack-luster after 10 games then they, Kings coaching and upper management, will have to start doing some wake-up calls, as in looking to see where they are needing to get a spark. I would rather the Kings turn it on near the end of the year on a 500 level than start off to a great pace, then loose all momentum and not make the play-offs. The Devils have been a team that float around the 500 mark and BOOM! They turn it on come the playoffs and, as we have all witnessed, have one a couple of Stanley Cups. Just sayin…
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I’m gonna roast so I expect a roast back. I could swear last year and over the summer we all complained about TM constantly line swapping, now a whopping 3 games into the season we ( us site poster GM’s) need to change line combo’s and demote players lol.
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I have actually been letdown by Simmonds play dating back to the end of last season. We all love him, and expect more, but I’m having my doubts if he will ever be a top six forward.
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It seems that simmons is usually standing still or facing backwards when waiting for a pass then predictably goes in a staight line down the wing with no creativity. AS for Poni he seems to hear footsteps and immediately dumps the puck…Nobody wanted him and DL claims he was tracking him the whole time- what a load of BS…he was the only FA left..how can you compare him to Frolov..unpredictable but an elite scoring machineIt Why didnt DL sign Raffi Torres a grinder who cn score who was available and made the canucks club. Remember Brian Burke likes big strong players and he had no hesitation dumping Poni
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