Alec Martinez was driven from Manchester, N.H., to Montreal, which seemed like a good thing. It’s only a four-hour drive, in a comfortable car, far better than the hassle and time involved in commercial airline travel. Except, Martinez’ car took an unscheduled detour on the way to the practice rink Tuesday. The driver, well, got lost, it seems.
“I think it was supposed to be four hours, but it took a little bit longer than that. I got a good view of Montreal,” Martinez joked. “I’ve never been here before.”
The Kings called up Martinez from Manchester today and sent down Jake Muzzin, a swap of rookie defensemen. Martinez, 23 and a fourth-round pick of the Kings in 2007, played four NHL games last season. At the time of his call-up, he led the Monarchs in assists (11) and points (16) and had scored four power-play goals.
MARTINEZ: “The season has been going well so far. I was fortunate enough to get a few points down there. I think we did a good job. Pretty much every goal I scored was because the forwards had a good net presence. It’s tough for a goalie to stop the puck if he can’t see it. Really, I owe it to the forwards, including Dwight King, who is here already. I actually joked about it before he got called up, that I needed to take him out to lunch, because he was pretty much the reason I scored those goals.”
As posted earlier, Terry Murray did not commit to putting Martinez in the lineup tomorrow against Montreal — he would likely replace Peter Harrold if he did play — but it’s no mystery that the Kings called up Martinez in part because of his ability to contribute on the power play, an area in need of improvement from the Kings.
MURRAY: “Martinez has been playing real well down there. He’s their leading point-getter, and Muzzin, we felt, needed to go play and keep working on his game. I’ll spend today thinking about, and talking about, what I’m going to do for a lineup tomorrow night on the back end.”
Question: He had four power-play goals. Is that part of the thinking as well?
MURRAY: “Sure. Our power play, we need to get it going. When we get to back-to-back power plays, or power plays that are coming very quickly, it’s very demanding for Jack (Johnson) and Drew (Doughty). So to come back with another player who is good on the back end, who can really shoot the puck, is what we need. I know Martinez, one thing he can do is take the puck to the net real hard. He’s got a great shot.
Question: He mentioned taking Dwight King out to lunch, for helping him score those goals with his play in front of the net…
MURRAY: “He’s got a bunch of guys he’s going to have to take to lunch here, because we’ve got some good people in front of the net. That’s not the problem for me. We’ve got good traffic. We need to get the puck there, so that these players can do their job.”
So this one guy is going to solve the issue? Please, how long have we been hurtting on the PP? 2 years now? longer please.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
@pr0cess, We were top 10 last year I believe, so false
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Bill M. Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:02 pm
@VanKingsFan, Top Five, even. In fact, last year’s power play was the main reason we scored enough goals to make the playoffs.
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Net Presence is not the problem..even TM said it…basically we need shooters. shooters that can get the shot through…unlike JJ
)
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GkingsG99 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
@OC KINGS FAN, JJ has got the shot through much more than any other defenseman including Doughty this season from what i’ve personally seen.
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cjms Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:34 pm
@GkingsG99, Actually, Drewiske more than JJ, but he’s not even on any unit of the PP.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
@OC KINGS FAN, Agreed with GkingsG99 on this one. Don’t think you have been watching too closely.
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Michael_DD8 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
@VanKingsFan,
JJ has been shooting more, and thats always a good thing. But sometimes i see Drew ready for a one timer with his stick cocked, and Jack fires a “lousy” wrist shot, that hits some guy in the stomach. When Jack gets it through its great, but sometimes it aggravates the …. out of me
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puck73 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:35 pm
@Michael_DD8, If we had someone like Selanne who specilizes on the PP, and one-timers this PP would be kickin ass. With Kopitar and Doughty feeding him the puck say hello to 40 plus goals this season. Doubt he would ever be traded here though unless the Kings were willing to give up a #1 or a #2.
UglyinLA Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:39 am
@OC KINGS FAN,
Is JJ’s stock dwindling? Looking at next years salaries, DD and JJ are both RFAs. Obviously DD is going to command at least $6M. With Mitch, Scuds, and Greene already on board for next year JJ is suddenly expendable. Muzz and DD2 are shaping up to be #5 and #6. So next years #1-#6 year is DD, Mitch, Scuds, Greene, DD2, and Muzz/Martinez/Harold. Look for the Kings to trade JJ to New Jersey for Parise or to Boston for Krejci or Horton
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I have to admit, I have not seen Martinez play, but Muzzin was doing well till we start the revolving door act with him, then it went south
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I believe in you Alec, I remembering checking the Miami U website every Monday to see how you and Zatkoff did that weekend. Was never disappointed.
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They should let Harold play and sit JJ rear in the stands after that performance in Ottawa.
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Harry Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:47 pm
@KC23, Your kidding right? Yeah, he shouldn’t have made that mistake… but it is what it is now. We need to move forward. I am sure Jack knows better.
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KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:38 pm
@Harry, His season plus minus would indicate otherwise.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:43 am
@KC23, Yes, because +/- means so much…wait, no, it means absolutely NOTHING.
In case you haven’t been watching, JJ has basically been the only guy we have back there playing both defense and offense. Doughty has been MIA just about the entire season.
I won’t deny JJ had a bad game against Ottawa…he did. Guess what, players have bad games. It DOES happen.
YoBro Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
@KC23, Agree. Sit Greene AND Johnson. They are playing SO soft! It’s almost as if they’re afraid of getting hurt as they won’t hit anyone.WTF?! The only ones, it seems, willing to take a hit to make a play are Scuds (glad he hasn’t changed) and little Peter Harrold. And Harry, just cause JJ should know better, doesn’t mean he won’t keep doing it. See the definition of insanity. Our D just needs to re-fire the tenacity they began the season with.
Go Kings.
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KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:42 pm
@YoBro, Sitting him down might be a bit much, but demoting to 3rd defensive parings and reducing his ice time would be indicated. He is on our PP and guess what, our PP sucks.
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YoBro Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:34 pm
@KC23, Good restraint Sir. I could go along with the lesser role, perhaps THAT would inspire him.
Go Kings
puck73 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:38 pm
@KC23, Kc blasting JMFJ ! Maybe they should try Harrold or Martinez with Doughty on the PP and see what happens. Hey, you never know until you try.
hockey junkie Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:41 pm
@KC23, i agree …sit JJ down!
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Michael_DD8 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 9:29 am
@hockey junkie,
JJ will be fine. Im sure the coaches didnt even have to say anything. Jack knew. Come on.
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Rich,
I wanted to ask you, I noticed that you removed the links for the opposing teams blog sites. Maybe for an update? Or did you get rid of them for good? Im sure they weren’t used much, but i actually used them often. Thanks in advance! If you did infact get rid of them, know any place where i can find a list for them?
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I’ve seen some discussion of Penner comming to the Kings. That makes the most sense of any rumorage that is out there right now…
A large 30 goal left winger with only a year and a half left on his contract to prove himself and the Kings can afford him (unlike Iginla).
I am wondering, if all of these non-senseical moves like not playing Muzz, or bringing up Martinez, or playing King on the top line, or sending Schenn down, or not sticking to the Bernie plan, means that something is a brewin.’
The question is, what would the Kings be willing to give up?
I say, give the Oil Schenn, Whiskey, and Bernie for Penner, Dubnik and Ladi Smid…
And let Muzz take his licks with the big club, where he belongs.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:02 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968, Really hate this trade idea.
Penner is an extremely lazy player who doesn’t use his excellent size the way he should. Smid is a concussion case who is currently Not healthy, and Dubnyk will never be better than a back up in my opinion.
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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
@VanKingsFan,
I thought Smid was back? I know he has had problems with his shoulder and his head but his personality would fit big time.
Penner has a bit of rep, but who else on the left side is there to consider (in the whole league)? I would actually mention Latandress but he is messed-up right now too.
I mention Dubnik only because it makes no sense to have two #1s. I like Bernie and he needs to be a #1 somewhere and that is what the Oil need right now. The Kings actually need a #2.
Don’t let anyone get me wrong, I noticed Bernie getting his shot, being sent down, watching Jonny take his spot, working his ass off for a long time, having a good attitude, and now starting in Montreal.
I am just saying, his value is high right now.
Tommorow is huge on many levels that I think many might not understand.
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puck73 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:41 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968, I like Penner, but I would not trade Bernier or Schenn for him, to me those are 2 cant miss prospects.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:47 am
@Doc. Mark 1968, Yikes! For Penner, I would consider giving them Oscar Moller…straight up. With Penner’s contract, that is about all he is worth.
He makes Alexadre Daigle look like a hard worker.
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Off Topic- Once again, a Kevin Westgarth dance partner winds up on the IR. Not sure if Neil broke a hand on Kevin’s melon, but he was looking hard at the hand as he went into the box. That was one tilt I thought KW should have passed on. In a 1 point game I’m leading in, I don’t want to give the opposition momentum, and no one wins them all.
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KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:45 pm
@mcsorleyfan, Good point and the thought crossed my mind. Kind of feel sorry for the guy, he gets hammered when he fights and when he doesn’t fight.
I didn’t feel his fight did much to change any momentum, but it certainly could have and thus your point is well taken.
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This will be Alec’s 5 NHL game so he knows what to expect. He is second on his team with Shots on Goal and would be a great fit at the end of a power play.
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KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:01 pm
@Jay GoLAKings, Sure hope he plays better than he did in last years opener against the Yotes. He stunk, but over a year ago is a life time for a young defenseman.
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puck73 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
@KC23, Well, TM and DL were not amused and shipped him right back after pulling his best Darryl Sydor imitation…getting burnt like toast.
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kingfisher Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 8:29 pm
@Jay GoLAKings, you must seem to forget the games martinez played last year he was slow and very soft on the boards i dont understand giving up on muzzin,he was starting to play well on his last few games in we keep jacking these guys around and it isnt doing us any good.
use martinez shen and a first round pick for iginla………that would cure are problems on the top line and powerplay……lets face it you have to give up something to get a quality player that will be here for a while……we need to act pretty soon the west is getting very tight.
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ringo Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:46 am
@kingfisher, yea……rrrrright….and how old is ignila……yyyyyea……
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mrbrett7 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:49 am
@kingfisher, That would not even be enough to start a conversation for Iginla.
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ringo Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
@mrbrett7, so we would trade a couple of soon to be studs for iginla for 2 years..then what…iginla was a great player now he is a good player. lets face hes allready peeked…so i think that would be a sssstupid trade…but thats me… what do i know , iam just a drummer…lol
@OC KINGS FAN, martinez could give a boost, he’s always had a heavy shot.
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Martinez has been shooting the lights out in Manch. As state above me by Jay…hey nice name…he is 2nd on the team in shots and has 4 ppgs. Bring it on we need to mix up the PP right now.
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Martinez is not a legitimate power play fix. That is a joke. Martinez may not even be ready for full NHL playing time, he wasn’t last year. Muzzin has been just fine. Shuffling kids around really isn’t helping anyone.
The problem with our power play isn’t any player its mindset and strategy. Coaches aren’t beating it in their heads enough to be aggressive and attack. The Kings think if they pass it around the zone enough eventually a PK player will make a mistake, that is one route. Or you could attack the damn net and force the issue, once they collapse, guess what, you’ll have tons of shooting lanes and open players to choose from too…
We forgot you can score ugly goals and its still a point, put it on net and bang it in, Smitty made a career of scoring 3 footers. Someone needs to tell Kopitar to shoo the f***ing puck from the side. You see the goal he scored against Ottawa? Anyone notice that is exactly where he plays on the PP, that shot is open anytime he wants it, maybe if he pushed it, it would force the D to do something and open our PP.
To be honest, Kopi is my biggest disappointment so far. He is supposed to be our superstar, the guy that makes everyone around him better, but yet all I hear is how we need a LW to make him better…someone needs to remind Kopi it is perfectly ok to skate hard through the neutral zone and skate hard at the net as well, we don’t always have to dump and chase and then cycle the punk. I think that fixes first line scoring and PP, its called make your superstar earn his money…
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KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:49 pm
@Erik4Kings, I’m with you, I think Kopitar is actually one of the worst aspects of the PP.
His half boards play has been horid. Why he hesitates after he receives the pass I’ll never understand. I guess part of the blame goes to his line mates not moving once the pass is made. Everyone just stands there looking silly as the defense can take their time getting in position to protect the obvious passing lanes.
Every time I see this I think of Einstein’s definition of insanity.
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Erik4Kings Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:17 pm
@KC23,
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying Kopi’s season is a disappointment either, just not as much as I expect from the superstar of the team. Gretzky made those around him better, Crosby does it as well, that is the sign of a true superstar. I don’t blame Kopi, I think coaching needs to help him mature into that as well, and make sure he understands the control is in his hands, just trust his talent and teammates and do what comes naturally and he’ll continue to grow. Plus, you have to admit it is more than interesting Kopi has the best first half of his career last year paired with…who, Smyth and Williams, now who is on fire this first half, Stoll…coincidence? LOL no. So I think Kopi still has a lot more growing to do in Superstardom, but he certainly isn’t playing poorly per say…just not as awesome as possible if that sounds better.
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Crown Royal Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
@KC23,
I agree that Kopitar has been somewhat disapointing this year particularly on the PP. It is possible he may be coached to do that by someone.
Put Kopitar behind the net (Gretzky’s office) so the Kings can outnumber the opposition down low and the defensive forwards on the penalty kill can’t help guard him on the side boards. Currently two forwards are guarding three players on the PP. Kopitar and the two point men. This also makes it difficult for the forwards to pressure the point men as their defensmen get outnumbered down low when Kopitar steps out from behind the net.
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puck73 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:45 pm
@Crown Royal, There is Gretzky, and Lemieux….and then everyone else.
kingfisher Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 8:36 pm
@Erik4Kings, great point on kopi he needs to be more aggressive towards the net and press the issue,hes getting to cute and needs to watch tape on brownie going to the net,the worst thst can happen is a save held,a puck out and both get a face off in our offensive zone.
quit passing it and soot the dam thing…you might be supprized how many go in…..he has a rocket……….use it.
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I was hoping the Kings would brink Martinez up to the big club. As I posted yesterday and interesting solution to the problem on defense would be the following:
Tm sits JJ and Doughty down together telling them they are going to play 30 minutes each every night together. They are now roommates on the road. If you want to look like assholes or superstars it’s up to you. Figure it out yourselves. Get Muzzin back and pair him up with Scuderi so they are playing 20 minutes a night and play Martinez with Drewiske for 10 minutes a night. (Muzzin and Martinez are the point men on the second power play unit) Greene is a scatch.
I have a feeling that even though it might be rough for a few games it would work out in the end. It’s time for JJ and Doughty to get some tough love.
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Erik4Kings Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:04 pm
@Crown Royal,
No way I back benching Greene. I know our PP is in trouble, but last time I checked FWDs are primarily responsible for scoring, not D-men, so benching one of our best defensive bodies for a PP player? You crazy, PP isn’t as often in a game as regular defense in zone is… See where this conversation is wrong in the first place? Stoll can play PP as well without having to scratch Greene. Bad idea all the way around. Sorry.
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Crown Royal Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:18 pm
@Erik4Kings,
I don’t know why you think Greene is good defensively? He is not a good hockey player.
Stoll is no power play quarterback and he can’t hit the net consistently with his shots. The PP needs somebody to get wristers through to the net. My idea in scratching Greene has more to do with his terrrible play than my concerns about the power play.
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Erik4Kings Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:33 pm
@Crown Royal,
So you’re telling me untested rookies like Drewiske, Harrold, Martinez and Muzzin are better choices than an assistant captain? If so, then we obviously have much different criteria of judging play. Probably not a stat you care for, Greene is 2nd on the team in hits behind who else Brown, and Greene’s 51 hits are 15 more than next best defenseman… And maybe our coaches don’t know much then because Greene should be in Manchester learning how to play NHL hockey or retire I guess and those guys should be wearing letters or competing for one??? I know you’re probably focusing solely on skill and points, but being a captain on a team means a lot more than just skill and points, I guess thats my biggest issue with benching Greene. Coaches don’t give letters to bad players.
And if Stoll doesn’t fit the PP you can put other forwards at the point then but scratching an assistant captain and cornerstone of the team on and off the ice is crazy, especially when its not for an attitude problem and his performance is not bad. Maybe not stellar, but not bad. Plus remember he is coming off the shoulder surgery this off season, being cut up and coming back to a game like hockey isn’t easy 14 games still isn’t enough to be back at 100% truly. Look at Williams last season after coming back from the ankle and compare him to being healthy now…you don’t turn your back on an assistant captain of your team for any old reason. Benching him would create problems in the locker room. And I think if you ask any coach in the league that proposition above you’ll get a No vote passing 2/3+.
Crown Royal Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:44 pm
@ Erik 4 Kings,
Replying to your last post here.
I didn’t know Harold and Drewiske were rookies…interesting.
Maybe Greene shouldn’t be an assistant captain. When DL traded for Greene and later extended him it was, at the time, the correct move. However, times have changed. Greene was a bit younger and still the possibility remained that he would improve which he HAS NOT done. Secondly the Kings are deeper in talent defensively and like it or not the bar has been raised in terms of the team’s and fans expectations.
Greene should get more hits playing as a penalty killing defenseman, but what about the misses? Is anybody counting those? He should be limited to playing on the penalty kill as he can ice the puck and also against the other team’s third and fourth line where he doesn’t face as many fast or skillful players. He is an assest in some ways to the organization but overall he is more of a liability.
Erik4Kings Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:53 pm
@Crown Royal,
LOL, well if you think Greene shouldn’t be an A then there is no point discussing further, we obviously view hockey players and intangibles with much different value, haha. Good discussion though, thanks for expressing more info and debating! I think its crazy still, BUT respectfully think its crazy, LOL. Take care.
Erik
YoBro Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:25 pm
@Erik4Kings, Sorry dude, but Greene ain’t what he was.Because he has limited skill, his strength has been to clear the front with his strength and he’s NOT doing that. Greene W/out attitude is no Greene at all. Sit him till he finds that spark.
Go Kings.
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Crown Royal Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
@Erik4Kings,
Replying to your last post. I know you are expressing your opinion as well. We probably don’t think about leadership as differently as you might imagine. I think Lappy was a great leader and assistant captain. If you go further back in King’s history Terry Ruskowski was another great leader and captain. Neither had much skill but both were stand up guys. Both were extremely valuable to the Kings.
Still don’t like Greene on a team that is hoping to win a championship. Just the way I see it.
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Belexes Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@Crown Royal,
CRoyal” Still don’t like Greene on a team that is hoping to win a championship. Just the way I see it.”
Even though he has already been on a team that made it to game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals? ahhh, I see…
KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
@Crown Royal, Greene is too important in the locker room to scratch, but demoted to 3rd line paring, yes.
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Crown Royal Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:54 pm
@KC23,
If he is on the team he will still be in the locker room.
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EternalOptimist Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@Crown Royal, I think Greene has been solid for the most part this season… it’s the Greene/JJ combo that doesn’t seem to work. JJ is a tough pairing for anybody since you don’t know what he’s going to do with the puck most of the time. Is he going to pass it across or do his little shoulder fake/shimmy move. Pair him back with DD2 and I think you will see a more steady Greene.
On the Spezza goal, I think Greene played it correctly by giving him the outside lane. The only complaint would be that he should have either stick checked or taken the body on Spezza when he cut back in for the shot. But the shot was from a bad angle so I would consider that more of a bad goal on JQ’s part.
puck73 Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:51 pm
@KC23, I cant believe what I am reading on these posts tonite dude. Bench this guy, trade that guy ? Unbelievable ! Watch, when Willie comes back everything will be ok and they will be singing the praises of those players again. I have said it before, and I will say it again..When it is all said and done, Willie Mitchell will end up being the best off-season aquisition by any team this season..MONEY IN THE BANK !
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:56 pm
@puck73, You called that correctly all along, and if it has taken me a while to recognize that, its only because I thought that was quite obvious. Now, having undergone the procedure Greene did, here’s a hint. It may be a little bit here before he’s all back; they say he’s 100%, but that’s the physical aspect. Frankly, I don’t expect to see the old Greene before mid to late January, and the real bad news is that the only thing that will speed the progress is game time. Benching him isn’t the answer. Unfortunately, with Willie out, this leaves a glaring issue. Right now Greene’s the second best stay-home guy we have, but look for the post anesthesia cobwebs to continue clearing. He’ll find the old groove again.
sooo why not try him on the first line??? haha
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Crown Royal Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:21 pm
@kororr,
Tm might just do that. He would say,”I don’t mind Greene there. He is a big body who provides a big screen and helps us control the puck in the offensive zone”.
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Did anyone notice that in the last four games that Kings lost Greene and JJ are -13 between them? It is not that offence too bad – defence is – this pair in particular. They are good guys but it does not work right now.
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:23 am
@Alberto, Willie Mitchell..end of discussion.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:51 am
@puck73, Exactly. It has nothing to do with the two of them playing well, the simple fact is, those two do not play well together (which is strange, because they did play well together last year).
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All these armchair coaches! lol! I think they are a little more in tune to what is going on and I have confidence that THEY will make the right decisions…
I would rahter have issues now with time for corrections to be made than have issue in February or March when it’s too late.
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:24 am
@Boxtime17, Concur. Only thing that matters is getting to the playoffs and being healthy going in.
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i like muzzin but last game he played he made some mistakes even though they didnt result in a goal like jacks lol… Martinez is good and one thing he will do is get goals and assists.. We need him and i hope he contributes on power plays. On another note Drewiske needs to stop getting burnt 1 on 1
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KC23 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:46 am
@jason, I think TM just wants Muzzin to get as much ice time as possible and Manchester is the place for that atm.
I think pulling in Martinez now is a great move. The time to check out your prospects in real games is now with all of our injuries. So I think it is wise to get a good look at as many as possible within the framework of what is needed on the Kings.
The issue of JJ and Greene does need to be addressed in some way or another. I think dropping their minutes down and prehaps 3rd def line duties might be the ticket, but we’ll see.
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:30 am
@KC23, Agree. Why not take a look at Martinez now and see if he can handle the glare of the spotlight now after a years absence. I have always said that 24 to 27 is usually when players are ready for the NHL and he is now 23 so he should be very close so lets see what he can do now at this stage of his development.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:52 am
@jason, Actually, they did directly result in a goal. He looked like a lost puppy on a Columbus goal (can’t remember which one). He couldn’t figure out which forward to puck up.
He’s young, he’ll be fine.
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What About Thomas Hickey? he was the guy who was fighting it out at the end of camp with Muzzin for the Final roster spot. At that time there was a lot of discussion of huge offensive up side that came along with Hickey. I know he isn’t breaking any scoring records this season with Manchester, but maybe all he needs is a vote of confidence from the organization to light a fire under him. I think that it’s time for the kings to either give him a shot or trade him to try and fill some of the other holes in the line up.
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 8:37 am
@kingaling, I am sure we will be seeing Thomas Hickey sometime during the season unless he starts regressing or something. Here is another thing to consider my fellow Kings fan…Dean Lombardi has never traded a 1st round draft pick in the 5 seasons that he has been here and that includes Trevor Lewis who for the longest time I thought was just wasting oxygen. At 23, Lewis looks like he may be just starting to figure it out so I would be shocked if Hickey was shipped out of here unless we are talking about getting an elite center or wing that is no older then 27 and can play and dominate right now otherwise 1st rounders like Hickey, Schenn, Lewis, and Bernier probably wont be dealt..just my 2 cents.
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What we need is for Brown to stop sitting between the 2 cirles picking his nose and making it a 4 on 4. He should be in front of the net with either Zeus or Smyth. That will draw the 2 defensemen to the front of the net and make 4 guys in front. Johnson, Doughty and Kopitar work with a 3 on 2 to get the puck to the front of the net, bang it in and done. Just how SJ killed us with theirs.
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 9:37 am
@Meman, I believe they need a dominant wiger to play eith Kopi and Doughty on the pp. I was watching the Dux vs Oilers on Sunday and Selanne did not play in that game and I am telling you their PP was clearly not the same without him on the ice. Team chemisrty…it’s a delicate thing.
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