The Kings will change all three of their defensive pairs tonight, putting Drew Doughty with Alec Martinez, Jack Johnson with Rob Scuderi and Matt Greene with Davis Drewiske. The thoughts are twofold. One, it gives the Kings a chance to get Martinez — and his offensive ability — in the lineup. Two, it breaks up the Johnson-Greene pairing, which had been breaking down at important times, and gives Johnson a steady, stay-at-home partner in Scuderi.
Here’s what Terry Murray said, after this morning’s skate, about his lineup changes, which include putting Martinez in and moving Peter Harrold to right wing with Trevor Lewis and Brad Richardson.
MURRAY: “I want to keep Harry going. He’s a guy who brings a lot of energy, and he has made the adjustment pretty easily in the past and been a pretty good right winger when we’ve played him there. So he will get that look tonight. Martinez, we called him up for a reason. He’s the top scorer on Manchester, in the AHL, playing well on the power play, shooting the puck, getting some results on the power play. Certainly that’s what we need, is to get that part of the game going on a consistent basis. Hopefully he can be a catalyst to get that turned around tonight.”
Question: What led you to put Martinez and Doughty together?
MURRAY: “It gives a young player a good player to play with. They both have great hockey awareness. They’re going to move the puck. They’re going to support each other. I hope, if there’s anything that pops up, that Doughty is able to help him out in tough situations.”
Question: Is part of the thinking, also, to get Johnson and Scuderi back together?
MURRAY: “It goes back to where it was at the start of the year. Jack had a real good start. I think, in the last three or four games, there’s been some minuses piled on that we’d like to put a stop to. Scuderi has been playing real solid. He’s been our anchor back there on the blue line, on the defending part of the game, and I think it will take a little bit of the pressure off in certain situations.”
I asked Doughty about his new partner, and he said he and Martinez played together once last season, in Calgary in December. They were able to get reacquainted on the ice during the morning skate today, and Doughty said he and Martinez would sit down before the game and make sure they were on the same page.
DOUGHTY: “It’s kind of tough. We only played one game together, or whatever it was, so it’s pretty tough to remember what our tendencies are, and stuff like that, but there’s no complaining. It’s part of hockey. We’ve got to get used to playing together as quick as we can. We only had a 20-minute skate, so there wasn’t a lot of time, but there’s no doubt in my mind that tonight we’ll be a good D pairing out there. … There are certain things that we liked to do, breaking out of the zone or things like that. So I’ll definitely go over stuff like that with him.”
Whatever works Coach. Still smarting from the “loss” (?) to the Sens.
Go Bernzy.
Go Kings.
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TM had to do something to stop the D breakdowns with JJ and Greene. Hopefully this will play out well. DD and AM should be an interesting pairing and somehow I feel they’ll do well. GKG!
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KC23 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
@Goring 19, Yeah, you have to have an all star stay at home with JJ or everything goes in the toilet.
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I think Johnson needs Scuderi more than Doughty, good move by coach. But we all miss Mitchell, and hope it clicks between DD and Martinez.
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jayhay Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
@Agame,
i agree, let JJ get back to playin where he was.
honest response from DD.
those 3 on the 4th line come w/ alot of speed and forecheck capabilities. not alot of braun, but can certainly force things to happen. it will be interesting to see how they do.
REALLY starting to get over this King on the 1st line, fast. i’m all about seeing what we have and trying stuff out for a game or 2 or 3, but i dont think King is working and we’ve lost 4 of 5.
if we’re waiting on a trade, so be it, but there’s no guarantee that thats happening. TM & DL must play and dress for the here and now. there must be more options. Lewis deserves at least a period up there, no?
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How about this for whatever the D pairings are – forget the puck and crank somebody – start drilling guys -
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tornado12 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@dirtmover, I couldnt agree more. Get back to the physical game that they were playing earlier in the season. Thats Kings hockey!
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BluLiner Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:32 am
@tornado12,
The problem is the Kings lost two of their most physical players at the same time (Mitchell and Poni)
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dirtmover Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
@BluLiner, I think even more important to start ringing guys up when your missing physical guys – regardless of who is out on the ice for us – basic game – hit everybody – I actually think a nice line brawl would do wonders for the squad tonight -
Stagger Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@BluLiner,
Haha Do you think we could do it against the “Little People Line” (trying to be politically correct:) of Gionta, Cammy and Gomez?
These pairings could work well. When Mitchell returns there would be no disruption of the other pairings which hopefully will develop good chemistry in a hurry. Play hard for Bernier tonight skaters!
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Still waiting for a big trade. Whenever your ready Dean. The fans are waiting.
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fsd1 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:07 am
@Jimbo, I’m not waiting AND I’m a fan. No trades Deano! Stay the course
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Stop the Puck Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:18 am
@fsd1,
what is “the course”
you realize that in sports there is a finite window of opportunity to succeed and that DL isnt the first person to try and build a team this way. drafting and development is obviously the reason why the kings are back in the hunt as a serious playoff contending team, but every championship team is able to address its weaknesses along the way. we dont have to sacrifice anything to do this, either (will have 5 as opposed to 4 “top prospect D-men” really matter in the long run considering we have doughty, johnson, and drewiske in the show already?). so why shouldnt a kings fan be waiting for the necessary trade to improve this team?
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launch Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@Stop the Puck,
I strongly disagree with your statement “we dont have to sacrifice anthing to do this”….if you were a GM in the NHL would you part with one of your top 2 LW for only a defensive prospect????? I think not.
your point about addressing weakness is competely valid, but you don’t make a move this early in the season when you are one of the best teams in the entire league…we are only 4 pts away from Wash & Philly and just 2 from Det.
out of curiosity – what do you propose DL do exactly?
launch Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:11 am
@Jimbo,
you have to remember that it’s not up to Dean alone….the situation has to fit for both clubs.
agreed this has been a tough road trip so far, but it doesn’t warrant a shake up of the team at this point in the season.
to fill the void (LW1) we would have to give up one if not two current roster players….I just dont’ see it.
Stay calm everybody we will work throught this
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kylecliffordfan Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:55 am
@launch, Not to mention probably giving up Lokti or Schenn too
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Stop the Puck Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
@launch,
i agree it would take more than one D prospect, but in general im just saying the tank can always be refueled. at this point, i propose DL should be actively searching for a top 6 LW, and not balk if he hears the names “schenn, moller, loktionov, muzzin, hickey, forbort, teubert, zatkoff, jones, etc”
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launch Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@Stop the Puck,
okay then….what makes you think he’s not on the phone shopping right now?
I have never heard DL say that any of those names are off limits, and all of them are not currently on our roster.
Again, my point is about our current team being solid and there being no need to make this trade that will solve the recent woes and make us into a “contender”
I like the Kings just the way they are. Solid veterans with a mix of hungry youth….and right in the hunt
Jimbo Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
@Stop the Puck, Ummmm have you guys been watching the same team I have? DK on first line left wing? really?
TM calls harrolds play energy! That’s not what my PeeWee coach called it. Get legitimate NHL players on all 4 lines.
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Octane Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@Hockey101, and thats why he coached peewee.
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Hockey101 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
@Octane, there are lots of good coaches in the USA hockey program. You don’t have to be an NHL coach to know when a player isn’t good enough to play in the big leagues.
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Stagger Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@Hockey101,
LMAO
Yeah Dean! Why don’t we have an all-star team? C’mon man, get to it! Just snap your fingers and come up with a LW1.
‘Cuz ya know, they’re givin’ ‘em away on Black Friday at the Wal-Mart down the street!
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Hockey101 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
@Stagger, Not asking for all-stars…why don’t we start with legitmate NHL players. Put Harrold and King on waivers today and find out how many of the other teams rush out to pick either of them up.
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Stagger Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@Hockey101,
If you don’t think Harrold is a valuable piece to this team, then I’m not sure what you are watching.
Luke M Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
@Hockey101,
King doesn’t have to clear waivers if he’s sent down. My son’s Pee Wee GM told me that.
KingsCup2011 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
@Hockey101, Don’t worry about these two comedians. Harrold is valuable to the Kings because he knows he isn’t good enough to be a starter in the NHL and doesn’t mind getting paid to sit around rather than complain about not playing. And you never said anything about having to clear waivers…just that nobody would take either of them if they were placed on waivers.
Does anyone know what the status of Poni and Willie are? Rich is there any updates, we have not heard much since it happened? Time table? How is it coming along? Anything?
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Marc Nathan Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
@Chris, they said on tv that both still have between 2 to 4 weeks before their return(s)
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This should do it.
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Gerard Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:26 am
@goldielocks,
LOL. I’m glad they’ve finally found the solution.
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Nice moves. Interesting too when you consider Murray says he’s paring, “a good young player with a good player,” indicating Martinez as the youth. Martinez is actually older than Doughty! Of course, on the ice he’s not.
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as long as they break up the DD and Harold line I am up for it. That is a disaster waiting to happen. JJ needs a slap in the butt 2, so does DD.
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Bill M. Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:34 am
@ucker, There is a different level to that. JJ has been making mistakes defensively. While DD has certainly struggled to regain his offensive form, he is still playing solid defensively. He has made a couple mistakes that led to turn overs, trying to press offensively, but he generally covers for himself better than JJ when it happens, and he also tends to not do it at such critical times.
DD and JJ both have the SKILLS, but DD has the INSTINCT.
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But king stays on top line again?…..geeeeesh!
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How the hell is Harrold going to get the Norris trophy if he’s playing as a 4th line winger?
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launch Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 11:38 am
@MR King, nice one!
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
@MR King, Drum roll, symbol slash!
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KC23 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
@MR King, Snap!!!
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I’m less interested in what TM is doing with the lines now. Just beat the snot out of the Habs and get us two points dammit!
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I think after tonite Bernier isnt going to be playing as much and his weaknesses will be really exposed. Martinez is great and I like the changes..
One thing no one has talked about is how crappy job the assistant coach Jamie Kompon has done with our powerplay. We have one of the best defenses and goaltending but the powerplay has been lacking. We have the skill and if the coach isnt doing the job…
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Stagger Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@jason,
PP has definitely sucked. Not sure how much of it is Kompon’s fault, but I would like to see a switch back the traditional 2 high, 3 low set that worked so well last year.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
@jason, @Stagger,
I have three words for the Kings and their power play:
–MOVE YOUR FEET!
There.
I feel better now.
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
@jason, Nobody has talked about it? REALLY! WANNA BET!
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….”gives Johnson a steady, stay-at-home partner in Scuderi.”
Isn’t Green a steady,stay-at-home kinda guy too?
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I agree with some of the comments about needing to make a trade. Lets be honest. Getting Poni and Mitchell back in the lineup will help the Kings. It will keep them in the playoffs but will it help them win the cup?? NO it won’t and anyone who says “stay the course” is just the kind of fan that D.L. and company want buying tickets every year.
A guy named DWIGHT KING is playing LW on our top line??? I can’t figure out what kind of hockey player he is. HE HAS ZERO personality on the ice. NO checking ability no speed no hands no passing vision NOTHING. Yet he still gets time on the first line. Why?? Because he’s a “BIG BODY” what is going on here.
Harrold to the rescue that will get it done move a SO SO defensive player to FORWARD. It’s like the KINGS are strapped for money and have no good young prospects to move???? This is the time!! We have the core!! We have great goaltending and a solid defense. GET THE SNIPER!@!!!
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Marc Nathan Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
@illegalstick33, Dwight King has size… but he’s clearly overmatched in the first line role. He’s probably overmatched in a fourth line role at this point, but management can be stubborn at times
I think as the team heads back west from Quebec, they should send King back east and try something else…
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launch Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@illegalstick33,
last time I checked this was a team sport….you should check with Jersey and ask them how it’s working out so far with their “sniper”
it’s amazing to me how people want DL to make the trade or sign this guy or that guy after we lose a few games
one player does not win you games in todays NHL on a consistent basis…sure you may grab a couple victories here and there……but I ask you what happens when this guy goes cold or gets injured???
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Stagger Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
@launch,
The term “knee jerk reaction” comes to mind. Lose a few games, make a trade.
Can you imagine what the league would be like if every time a team had a little bit of a bad run they would make a trade? Almost every team would have a completely different roster by the time the season’s over.
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launch Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@Stagger,
I’m glad that sense can rise above all of this garbage that shows up when we lose a few….which were close by the way. If we get a call in Ottawa and don’t take a crap in Buffalo we are still in first.
Stagger Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@illegalstick33,
Oh yeah, one more thing. The only reason King is on our first line is because we have injuries to TWO of our starting LW’s. It’s not like he was the first choice or anything.
Poni will be back in a couple of weeks and IMO will probably slide into the first line spot since Cliffy is doing pretty well on the third line.
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Peter Harrold doesn’t belong in the NHL.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
@AK47,
That’s OK.
The New York Islanders don’t deserve to be in the NHL, either…
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Jack Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Hey Oh!
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Drum roll, symbol slash!
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So let me get this straight. We put in JB who hasn’t been playing well and then we put a rookie defenseman on the top pairing against a fast habs team with one of the best ice surfaces in the NHL!!! This should be interesting… Think i might worship or sacrifice something before the game LOL
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We’re hanging in there with essentially last year’s team. No Poni and no Willie. It’s DL’s way to bring in new kids. Kopi and Brown asked for a LW1 two years ago, and we all remember Dean’s reaction to that. But King ain’t the guy (no offense meant) for the position on the 1st line. Simmonds, yes. Moller or Lotki, strong maybe. Kopi & Brown have not had an equal partner on their line since camp opened.
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I still miss Parse on the top line. I wanted to see if he would fall into the groove. Meanwhile, Kopi & Brown were on a tear with him there.
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
@King John, At 26, Parse was and is ready. He had 4 pts in 4 games on a groin that clearly wasnt 100%. The other good thing about Parse is that he backchecks and is always a plus player…He shall return !
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So all the GMs and coaches want a trade for a LW1 for Kopi? Exactly which team is willing to give us this sniper for a song & a bag of chips?
Anybody answer that one?
You know why Dean is the GM? Cuz he knows what he’s doing. Let him do his job & you stick to yours, unless of course YOU are a NHL GM.
I highly doubt it.
Oh, and I’m holding the bag of chips, so anyone have a song to add? Really?
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puck73 Reply:
November 24th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
@Kingsfanone, If only there was no salary cap and the Coin Collector was still running this team then everybody could have their instant gratification…and 6 years in a Federal State Prison!
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