Here’s my LAKings.com game story for tonight, with stats and video included. Thanks for reading…
The Kings are scheduled to practice tomorrow at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, but a practice time has not yet been announced.
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tonight was terrible but if we lose to florida thursday then I think its officially rock bottom. so what comes first? lombardi selling the farm? or terry murrays job?
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Kwaz Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
@kings562,
Hopefully it doesn’t come down to that. A bad November can be overlooked over the course of the season if things turn around. Not being a psychic though, I am concerned about the way the team has been playing, and the same cliches we keep hearing. Hopefully things will get better before Poni and Willie get back so that their returns can get the team back to elite status!
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Garry Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:38 am
@Kwaz, JJ and DD must play better because their mistake’s keep piling up. JJ is still trying to do too much with the stick.
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Garry Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:12 am
@Kwaz, We have not been the same team since Tampa Bay and Dallas put the muscle on us!
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PurpleBlacknGold Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 11:23 am
@Garry, I would have to disagree. The change came AFTER those games, when the Kings stopped playing a physical game. During the first fifteen games, the Kings were establishing a physical forecheck right from the start and because of that, they had room to do their thing.
stephan Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
@kings562, i think this is rock bottom! losing against analheim and getting shut out by them is the absolute lowest for me! it doesn’t even matter ow if we lose against an eastern conference team!
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Stagger Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
@kings562,
Neither one yet. Too much invested. The system goes down through the minors. There’s a lot at stake.
We will pull out of this. IMO the question is how soon will it be. Will we be able to get back towards the top of the conference, or will we be stuck fighting for 8th place?
I think Poni and Mitchell coming back will be huge. However, our depth, as far as current NHL talent, has been exposed IMO.
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Goring 19 Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
@Stagger, we’re only 6 points out of top of the conference Stagger. There’s still a long way to go in the season. Get a grip people.
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Michael Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
@Goring 19, you lightened my mood
doctor Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 8:48 am
@Goring 19,
we win 6 in a row, then lose 7, it is obvious this team is bi-polar and they need medication!!!!
MR King Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
@Stagger,
As excited as I am over the idea of Poni/Mitchell returning – should the team really rely on two FA signings? The core group of players this franchise is built around isn’t performing up to par, which is magnified by the absence of Poni/Mitchell – the supporting cast.
Didn’t this same thing happen to the Blues/Blue Jackets the past few seasons? Now look at them so far this season. I think the Kings will fight their way back before the playoffs, but this season feels like just another step in “the big picture”.
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Should we bring bags over our heads on Thursday? Will that send the right message to the team?
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kingsxstevenxkings Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
@RabidHockeyFan,
Not a bad idea
or posters that read:
DEAR KINGS,
PLEASE ACTUALLY TRY TONIGHT.
SINCERELY,
YOUR FANS
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RabidHockeyFan Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
@kingsxstevenxkings, How about a money back guarantee from the players! They win, or they return our ticket funds! Would that be enough motivation!
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Paulislav Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
@RabidHockeyFan, They’re playing like THEY have bags on their heads….
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They practice?
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Paulislav Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
@Nyck, Only at sucking. It’s really starting to pay off.
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Sancho Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
@Nyck, Agreed. Practice what? Sucking?
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One thing I have noticed during this string of losses is the lack of play between the hash marks. It seems as if the team is content to stay on the perimeter and take very low percentage chances. Also, they have gotten away from the cycle in the sense of it opening up more room on the ice. It seems as if they are going through the motion of the cycle to always work it to the point, which is not a bad idea, but when the other team knows that you are going to the point, it completely defeats the purpose of the cycle and its options. We need not so much a big body in front of the net, but someone who can score from the slot in that magical 15-20 feet from the net zone between the circles. When the opposing goalies are giving up long rebounds on our point shot, our forward in front of the net is too deep to handle a rebound and our other 2 forwards are coming out of the corner. If we could get someone in a trade in the mold of a Zetterberg who could not only provide great screens, but has the hands to roof one from the slot, or one time a pass from the half boards. Oh well, if that does not work, we could always go find Chris Kontos….thay guy had an incredible ability to deflect a shot off of any part of his body into the net!!!
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utah@kings Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 1:12 am
@JacquesQ,
good point about the hash mark play.
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Stuart Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:41 am
@JacquesQ, it’s hard to build a good cycle when you don’t get puck control time. Even AK now, it’s charge in with the puck and shoot away.
Now is the time to bring Willy and Smitty back tot he 1st line with AK.
And I’ve always been a supporter/fan of JJ but he needs to be a healthy scratch for a game or two, just to take a step back and see how he is hurting the team. That late TO was/is unforgivable.
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Anjin Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:12 am
@Stuart, agreed on the forward lines. Kopitar looks unmotivated out there to me. He needs skilled players around him to actually make things happen. Having Simmonds up there is better but still not up to par.
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no offense but jesus h. christ on a popsicle stick.
let’s don’t go completely your money or your life
just yet.
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Hey Rich. In all sincerity, Thank you.
I couldn’t watch the last period tonight.
So what you bring here helps.
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It might be gratifying on one level to see all the players and coaches wallow in self-flagellation and loathing — and I’m pretty sure they all have a healthy grasp of just how they messed up –
But on a practical note, if they need to let the past be the past and build on the positives to get a win next time, I encourage that.
I’m going to duck out before I’m called crazy.
Thanks for the article, Rich.
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xeropoint Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
@DLB,
Did you hear Browns comments on the game? I don’t think he has a grasp on anything that even remotely resembles reality
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Dan H. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 8:26 am
@xeropoint,
Simmonds and Murray said they played well tonight. Doesn’t sound like reality either. I don’t know what game they watched but if you’re SHUT OUT you didn’t do well.
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DetroitSons1952 Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:50 am
@Dan H., Sorry, but I have to disagree with you partner, partially, sometimes you get shutout and played as great a game as the other team. In this case, one team built on the “Mo” and the other team’s “Star”?? only went to the front of the net ONCE all night. Kopi seems to like playing along the boards and falling down overtime he gets hit. Have you ever seen him steal the puck and score? I am also so tired of Ryan Smyth’s only move in his “Book of scoring moves”. To me these guys look disjointed and scrambled. If JQ hadn’t been in the nets it really would have been disgusting, although it already was.
I am as unhappy as anyone over what is happening right now, but some folks on here are going a bit overboard. If you paid too much attention to some posters here, you would think we have gone from best team in the league, to worst team in the league, in 2 weeks. We are neither. I don’t think this year’s team is any better or worse than last year’s – for which I blame management. However, if we had arrived at 13-10 by winning a few, losing a few, etc., I have a hard time believing many here would be surprised. I thought the same thing when we were 12-3 as I do now – this team has been built to be good, not great, and this is the best we can expect until something changes at the top.
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LW Anybody? Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 1:43 am
@rick, Very true. Thing is, most of us have been waiting a long time and would like us to finally take that next step to actually being a GREAT TEAM, not just a decent one.
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Anjin Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:14 am
@rick, I would agree with you but when it gets to this point i’m not only wondering when our next win will be but when our next goal will be.
2 goals scored in the last 3 games should be horrifying to this team!
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C’mon Murry, go Herb Brooks on the team! Bag skate these fools till they know what team they play for!
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thustable Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
@Whodawat, I don’t believe in miracles…
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thank god i had class not to watch this crap, what’s killing me is that left wing first liner, I heard voynov for wheeler, might not be such a bad move…anyways wtf is up with Doughty not producing at all, I think all this preseason hype about him and the team have just cursed us, I feel like this is the Dallas Cowboys of the NHL, so much hype and playing like dog sh.it
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Anjin Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:16 am
@Randell, I honestly think this team and especially Doughty believed all the hype about themselves and are wondering why they aren’t winning games by default for just showing up to the rink.
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DetroitSons1952 Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:52 am
@Anjin, I’ll give an Amen to that.
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kovalupchuk anybody?
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Well on that note the Ducks played a great game! They handed us a shutout and moved up in the standings. And it’s always a joy to see X-Kings kick us when were down. There needs to major changes on this team, (and I’m not just talking about trades). It seems like none of the players respect Murray and nor this franchise. I have been a hockey player and a fan way to long to realize that these players have no passion and no confidence in eachother or this team (from the coaches to the rookies). Every year there’s always something up with this team. If it’s not the Defense it’s Offense, and if it’s not the offense it’s the goaltending and if it’s none of these it’s usually injuries and coaches. Im getting tired of spending too much money and time to watch garbage games. I think this organization owes it to there fans to actually put a good consistent team out there sooner or later! DL come on prove your critics wrong (we know you can draft players pretty well) but can you actualy pull off a single good trade without overpaying a player and giving up your farm and picks (and I’m not talking about fragile injured players you take intrest in) for elite player in league! That being said goodnight everyone hopefully we come out of this hole! Top of the rankings or bottom feeders, I’m always a true and loyal fan! Go Kings Go!
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I feel like Manchester needs to come in to do some training exercises with them. We had our own skid down here with some absolutely terrible games, but the guys at least stepped up immediately afterwards and said “You know, we did one or two things right but everything else went down the tubes and that’s not good enough to win a game.” And then bounced back with some of their best hockey yet by not only working harder in practices, but by extending their work on their own. One thing that the guys down here really have going for them, even beyond the skill level, is their work ethic. The games they’ve lost have been mostly because they’ve played without heart and just go through the motions.
I don’t know if the Kings need to get back to basics or what, but they need to shake it up a bit. One dominant period won’t win you the game if you let up for the next two. Likewise, one bad period doesn’t mean that the following one needs to be even worse.
But most of all, we need to see these guys holding themselves accountable and making the changes themselves. We can piss and moan about TM or DL or whoever we want for as long as we want, but until the guys themselves decide that the way they’ve been playing is unacceptable and do what they can to change it, nothing will work. Of course, the only way to see that is through game play. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak.
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Goring 19 Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
@holly, I agree to a point. I believe the players know what they have to do. They are professionals and I’m sure they take pride in what they do. With the exception of a couple of games in this current losing streak, we haven’t played too bad. It’s been a combination of not playing a full 60 minute game, critical turnovers, lack of intensity all at any given time during any given game. The one constant I have seen during this stretch is absolutely no bounces our way when we need something to happen. But then again, I guess good teams make their own good things happen.
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holly Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 12:05 am
@Goring 19, Oh, I’m sure they know what they have to do. The question is just why aren’t they doing it? I know one of the key differences between Manchester and LA is that while in the NHL the threat of trade or not having your contract renewed looms, in Manchester the guys are almost playing for their supper. Every game is an opportunity to show that they deserve a shot. For a lot of guys in the NHL, that isn’t quite the case.
I’m not saying that NHL players don’t care because they’re already there, we all know that isn’t the case. It’s just that for a player who is called up or who is playing in Manchester every shift is an opportunity to show that they’re worth it. While professional sports is by no means a stable job, the guys in LA who have already solidified their position as an NHL caliber player do have it a little better than a guy in the minors. Someone not resigned who hasn’t played significant NHL time is usually lucky to get signed by another NHL team and buried in the minors, especially if they’re coming from a team that has shown itself to be fairly willing to play the waiting game.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:13 am
@holly, I dont buy this argument if you are using it for why our guys arent showing the same heart and effort they did earlier in the year. One, because every team we play is made up of the same type of players in the same financial/contractual situation, and 2, because we have used many Manchester guys this year, in big roles, and it hasn’t seemed helped to much… even bad ass Jonny Z played and he is the ultimate (i am playing for my meal) player.
Doughty doesn’t put his imprint on games like he did last year. Kopitar lacks a scoring touch. Brown lacks leadership skills, takes more than a checker to be a leader. Johnson is overrated. Smyth lacks playmaking ability, needs someone else to make the play then he jumps on the garbage. Currently we don’t have that “someone” who makes the play. Handzus sometimes looks like he has alot of miles on those legs. Bernier ain’t living up to the hype. Quick is good, but costly turnovers are killing him. Greene is eh. Scuderi “didn’t come here to finish second”, he won’t finish first either. Simmonds is energy, but lacks a linemate he can have chemistry with. And on and on……..
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MR King Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
@thustable,
Sit Kopitar and Doughty. Move Brown to the line for checking – the 3rd. Johnson is overplaying. Smyth’s playmaking used to be done by Kopitar but now he’s playing with Stoll for some awful reason.
Handzus is on that list of players who actually give a damn. Bernier needs a team in front of him, as does Quick. Greene? Who cares. Scuderi = Solid. Simmonds energy would go well with any of the following: Lewis, Clifford, Richardson. Gee, I wonder why? Oh right, because they’re all energy players.
Terry Murray, wtf are you doing with your lines? What film did you guys watch yesterday?
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Like I said everyone, we’re only 22 games in to an 82 game season. The boys have hit a bump in the road that they can’t seem to get out of. You know they’re going to bust out of it sooner or later when bounces start going our way and then when they get on a winning streak everyone will be saying how great JJ and DD are, Kopi and Justin et al Oh and lets not forget in Dean we trust and how Terry Murray’s a genius. Isn’t that what you all were saying a month ago myself included? Remember all the praise being heaped on all the personnel when we were winning? Now were in a funk that will change with a couple of wins. Everybody knows it. But everyone here is jumping ship and pointing fingers and from time to time I’m no exception before I remember that it’s a lot different on the ice than from where I sit watching the game. Let’s all calm down people.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 6:06 am
@Goring 19,
Exactly!
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Those of you questioning Rich Hammond’s work ethic, credibility and journalistic integrity need to have their head examined. His job is to provide current and reliable information about everything related to the Los Angeles Kings which he has done admirably since the day he received this job.
Hardly any of you pay attention to his feature stories or the numerous investigative stories which he no doubt spends hours on leading up to a game. I sit in the 300 level at Staples Center and I always spot Rich in the press box pouring over his laptop well before the team hits the ice for pre-game warmups.
His purpose is not rumor mongering or to be the dissatisfied mouthpiece for fans who do not enjoy the team’s current play (read: losing streak). If you would like that type of hyperbolic and speculative journalism, I suggest you look to other less credible sites of which there are many to choose from. You should count yourselves lucky to have a talented and unbiased reporter who devotes themselves fully to the team whom you support.
Twitter – jonathanehawks
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holly Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
@Jonathan, I think it’s the player’s work ethic we’re questioning, not Rich’s.
We’re all aware he works hard and none of us are faulting him for his inability to lace up or to get the team to vocally own up to their mistakes to the public.
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Jonathan Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
@holly,
Check some of the other threads from tonight where posters basically asked why Rich hadn’t beaten down Dean Lombardi’s door to ask the “REAL QUESTIONS”.
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MR King Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
@Jonathan,
That’s uncalled for. That isn’t Rich’s job.
holly Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
@Jonathan, It’s a valid question. The thing with sports is that many people while they’re in the excited state that comes with it view things fairly myopically. They don’t see the fact that Rich very well could be asking direct, pointed questions regarding the situation and Lombardi is being Lombardi and talking in circles or not at all. They don’t grasp that Rich may have a lot of the tape cut out of the way, but he can’t exactly corner Lombardi and get him to answer the questions RIGHT NOW because we want answers.
We’re coming off of a loss against a heated rival during a losing streak where the losses can’t even really be categorized as games they should have won based on play level alone.
I highly doubt that in a rational, calm state anyone thinks Rich is anything but a godsend for us and the consumate professional.
Bottom line: It’s the internet. People get heated and act like jerks.
JacquesQ Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 12:02 am
@Jonathan, agreed, that is shameful and the people who said that should be embarrassed. I don’t think that there is another journalist on the NHL beat for any team that has given their readers more insight into the day-to-day functioning of a professional hockey team. Rich’s feature stories are insightful and show a side of a player that we would not get from any other source.
Sure, we get frustrated as fans, but let’s keep this in perspective…it is still just a game. And regardless if the Kings are winning or losing, Rich’s contribution to the fans is always enjoyable and something that I look forward to reading every day. We are very fortunate to have a top-notch journalist covering the team that we love and we are fortunate that Rich has the organization behind him in providing us insight that is practically non-existent anywhere else in the league.
Rich Hammond Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Thanks for the kind words. Please come say hello sometime.
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Jonathan Reply:
November 29th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
@Rich Hammond,
If I can ever find a key to the press box I will!
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Rich Hammond Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 12:02 am
If you’re by that section, feel free to just come up to the top row and holler/wave…
nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 6:15 am
@Jonathan,
Anyone questioning Rich’s work needs to see what coverage other teams get from their beat writers.
I respect the hell out of Rich because no matter how close he is to the team, he keeps his objectivity above all.
We don’t need a “homer” for our Kings coverage. We need someone who will tell it the way it is and not sugarcaoat coverage like a lot of others do.
You are a true professional Rich.
I would think that’s the highest compliment a reporter could receive.
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Rich,
Is it possible for you to post any of the blogger comments in the locker room? Obviously the legitimate motivationally enhancing ones…
I sat at the game tonight and a reoccurring thought kept popping into my mind. These guys are simply not earning their money. I plainly see the lack of effort, the lack of intensiity, the lack of committment. The product they provide to the fans is not worth paying for and is uninspiring.
Philly west is more like long island west
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Thanks for the great job as usual Rich – don’t let the trolls get you down. Great game story – especially the mention of kopi and simmers breaking their sticks in frustration and johnson sitting in silence at his locker. If some of the commenters on here actually took the time to read your work they would realize the Kings are just as frustrated with losing as the fans…but then again, maybe not…seems like most of them just enjoy spewing nonsense.
@JacquesQ – finally, a comment with some intelligent analysis – thank you! I agree with what you said…especially the forwards seeming always to be just a step or two too deep to handle rebounds. Wonder if that’s because the perimeter shots seem always to be a second or two too late?
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JacquesQ Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 12:10 am
@Mark in Long Beach, I think it may be because the emphasis is on the “shot mentality.” I have heard the coaching staff use terms like “havoc” in front of the net, which is certainly something that works, especially for players like Smyth who have made a living in front of the net. However, just being a big body in front of the net doesn’t guarantee a goal…the players who score on deflections are artists. Not everyone can do it and we shouldnt expect someone with size to be able to do it. I think it would help if the cycling forwards know that they are going to work it to the point, for the low forward in the corner head straight to the slot to creats traffic and allow for a high rebound shot. If the puck gets deflected or saved, the cycling forward on the half boards is there to reestablish possession if it is on that side. It also has the advantage of allowing that player in the high slot to quickly backcheck the weak side winger and prevent an outnumbered chance. Regardless of strategy, I just think that they need to have more players off the puck in the slot.
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By the way Rich is the best aqcuisition the kings have made in years. He provides us with so much information, insight and a forum for the die hards to talk. I honestly cringe at what kings coverage was like in the pre-Hammond era!
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Maybe I missed it somewhere but I didnt read anyone question Rich’s integrity, ability, or anything else for that matter. I took the poster’s comments as frustration regarding the same, broken-record comments by the players and coaching staff. I think it was supposed to be a harmless comment.
I know everyone’s pretty pissed right now so let’s chill out. I mean after all, shame on us for actually believing we were an elite team. I mean, cmon!
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If we are Philly west, then why don’t we have the skilled players like Richards, briere, giroux, Carter just to name the big four?
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As promised…
I’m sure it’s obvious to DL by now and maybe Quisp can do a much more thorough job of what I am about to explain, but a simple look at tonight’s top 6′s for each team will show what our problem is. See the player and his highest goal/point (seasons over 30 goals) total year for their careers:
Kings:
Simmonds – 16/40 (0)
Kopitar – 34/81 (2)
Brown – 33/60 (1)
Smyth – 39/70 (4)
Stoll – 22/68 (0)
Williams – 33/76 (2)
Ducks:
Ryan – 35/64 (2)
Getzlaf – 25/91 (0)
Perry – 32/76 (1)
Selanne – 76/132 (7) (6 over 40, 3 over 50)
Koivu – 22/75 (0)
Blake – 40/69 (1)
Statistically, looks pretty even (less Selanne of course)but when you look at the NATURE and TENDENCIES of these players and their playing styles, Of the Ducks top 6, 5 are sniper type players (Koivu is left out). How many ‘Sniper types’ do we have on our top 6? One, maybe two. Kopi and (right now thankfully) Williams. The rest are ‘Grinders’. We have too many ‘Grinders’ on our top 6. When you have so many grinders, your D-men have to score or at least take the bulk of the shots to get the puck to traffic for the grinders to score. Have our d-men been scoring or even handling the bulk of the shooting?
The Ducks have the reverse problem. Too many snipers, no real grinders. Perry and Koivu (Maybe). Their top six are ultra aggressive, which was great when they had the top 6 d- from hell. Now it’s a mess, which is why they usually can’t stop from getting scored on (unless they play us
).
Back to us. We need a top 3 LW in the WORST way right now. Smyth-Stoll-Williams have cooled down from their hot start, which was basically winning games along with Quick playing out of his head and solid D-. Losing Parse jacked us since he is that ‘Sniper type’ AND a LW. It doesn’t help our offense that TM is so D- minded. I don’t mind being the grinding, home-plate team, but you need offense for your defense to PROTECT LEADS not give you a chance to stay in games and tie them.
This team knows how to play defense. IMHO, TM needs to let his snipers play a little more open with that reckless abandon and hunger to score. Yes, they’ll be out of position on the backcheck once in a while, but you can’t have it all. You have to take risks to score in this league. Defenses are so tight right now, you have to get ultra aggressive sometimes and rely on your F3 to backcheck and your d- to angle any rushes out to the half-boards until the two forechecking forwards can get back. Anaheim did this quite well the year they won the cup. Their D- scoring helped that along as well.
DL needs to get that scorer/sniper NOW. TM needs to let his snipers play a little deep in the o-zone and make his d-men cover ‘em. Until then, I think the lines need a changin:
Smyth-Kopi-Williams
Richardson-Stoll-Simmonds
Clifford-Zeus-Brown
King/Lewis-Zeiler/Lewis-Westgarth/Lewis
Kopi needs a puck possession guy and Williams has been tearing it up in that department. Smyth sits behind and in front of the net as usual. Williams will draw more attention which will free up Kopi to do more damage. He’s getting smothered every night! Brown doesn’t have the skill to be the threat to draw that attention away so Defenses just take their liberties with Kopi and he can hardly seem to break through on a rush. Willie will help here.
Richie & Simmer are SO fast and can forecheck so well that stoll just has to stay in the slot and keep the top of the attack triangle and be ready to shoot most of the time. That speed will back off defenders and more cycle time will result from it. More cycle time + less pressure = more chances at net. When Poni comes back, put him in Richie’s spot and send Richie to the 4th line.
Clifford and Brown are the body beaters. They will both check the crap out of people and free up pucks for Zeus to get to the d-men while he goes to the net to screen the goalie. Brown and Clifford are fast enough that they can backcheck effectively should anything get blocked or go wrong on a break the other way. THis is the CHECKING line, so Brown can just focus on what he does best and not worry about scoring. He’ll play better that way.
Lewis has looked strong enough to carry the 4th line and could be effective anywhere on it. Westgarth surprised me tonight with his ability to get to the front and create chances. Maybe it’s starting to click for him. Put Zeiler in when you want a crash & bang 4th line, put King in when you want more steady play with more potential offense on the forecheck.
That’s my take on it all right now. Just a fan looking to vent his frustration with what he’s been watching (To quote our captain) in a positive way.
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src Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 1:29 am
@Cynic,
Nice rant.
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The Acacia Strain Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 2:04 am
@Cynic,
We need Frolov back
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VanKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:17 am
@The Acacia Strain, haha agreed, it would give the other guys a break since we would be directing all of this hate mainly towards him
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Timere Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:48 am
@Cynic, Fantastic take on things. If we are using the team from last year, maybe we should use what worked last year.
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good to be with you people in the middle of the night.
wish i had the answer but i don’t.
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Here is my Game story for tonight: Kings unable to find the net again as Doughty and Johnson continue to show signs of tardy sophmore curse.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:17 am
@slapshot, Sophmore?
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Kings/Washington or Kings/Bruins?
A high placed source sent word this morning that the Kings and Washington had agreed on players (believed to be Fleishmann for Drewiske) and that the ball was in Washington’s court – Also heard for a source that the Kings and Bruins had spoken at length over the weekend and that a deal was also “close”. Looking forward to an announcement as the Kings are desperate for 1st line LW help. i don’t i get the feeling that maybe we need a trade too shake thing up.if this is ture i really don’t wanna lose roster players but maybe this is that kind of shake up the team needs to get back too winning.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 6:16 am
@nate101,
you read hockeybuzz too, ha? LOL
The next time they get a rumor correct, will be the 1st time.
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nate101 Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:44 am
yes i did hear this from hckeybuzz i also said if it was true lol i’m big kings fan i love our team i just want them too get back on track .sometimes alittle trade can shake things up.but at sametime i don’t want kings too give up to much not unless its for the right fit player for our team.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 11:28 am
@nate101,
The name they threw out there in the article was Matt Greene. hmmm he’s not on the ice today for practice….
I would doubt it, but…..
VanKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:18 am
@nate101, Washington would be kicked out of the league if they made that trade… or they would just become the new Maple Leafs…
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How about getting a witch doctor into the dressing room before the game to get rid of the bad juju? Or, in the alternative, a sports psychologist
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trade, salary cuts, sitting out of a game…..do something we need a win!!!!!!!!!!!!
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lv is the way Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:01 am
@the dude from the southeast, You are talking about DL..? Mr stay at home and make big bucks and do nothing. Well my first move would have been fired the coach, 2nd trade away JJ and get a scoring winger.
The Queens could get out played by the real ones out in west hollywood.
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i don’t even like to read the comments (usually one of my favorite parts of the site) after losses. it’s just not worth it, nor is it constructive. the team was not as good as their 12-3 record indicated, but they are also not as bad as their recent slide indicates, we’re a good #4-7 seed team. I’m a big fan of teams that don’t make knee-jerk changes for every tough patch abnd the calls for firing everyone under the sun are not really productive. Earlier in the season we would’ve probably scored 2 goals in the first period based on our play against the Ducks- but we got away with nothing. That’s just the breaks.
But that being said I probably won’t be reading any comments until the Panthers game on Thursday. It just makes me more annoyed than anything. I like Bob Miller, Chick Hearn, and Vinny because I’d feel smarter after having listened to them. That’s how I feel about Rich and 65% of the bloggers here….but after lossses when the blog get flooded by non-constructive criticism that percentage goes down to like 10%.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 6:18 am
@Shakes,
Don’t let them get you down….
I notice how after a win we’ll have roughly 80 comments..after a loss, we’re up to 250..
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Shakes Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:43 am
@nykingfan,
thanks bro (also thanks for overlooking my typographical errors…we really need to get an edit button on this)
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nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:46 am
@Shakes
have you seen my typo’s? Half the time I can’t even figure out what I typed.
I don’t get the doom and gloom coming from people after last nights game. They outplayed the Ducks for most of the night. The breaks aren’t going our way right now. It happens to everyone. You go thru peaks and valley’s in a season. We’re in a valley right now. Those bad breaks even out over time.
I thought TM’s comments after the game were spot on.
It’s pretty simple right now. We need better play from Doughty and Johnson. No question about it. Both are playing the worst hockey of their careers at the same time. That’s a recipe for disaster.
I think both will come out of it soon and get back to playing the way they’re capable of playing..the way we’ve seen both play in the past.
Our offense goes thru those 2 D’men. Along with Kopi, they need to be the best playrs night in and night out.
The turnovers are disgusting,but the 2nd Anaheim goal wasn’t a blind turnover. JJ was losing his balance and trying to get the puck away from the Anaheim checkers. He couldn’t get anything on it. Next thing you know, we’re down 2-0 Just lousy breaks.
The offense generated chances all night against Anaheim. Hiller was the difference. the save on Kopi was a killer. 9 out of 10 times, that goes in. again, when you’re in a slump, those pucks don’t go in.
As for the people calling for DL and TM’s head…
Ignorance is bliss!
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puck73 Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:45 am
@nykingfan, You are still the voice of reason, a good solid post as usual. That being said, it is has been clears since the beginning of the season the beginning of the season that Kopitar is now a man on an island without Parse on his left side. That was a big blow to lose him til February because he had 4 pts in 4 games, and he did it on a groin that clearly was not fully healed. That being said, they really have no choice now but to go and get an elite goal scorer that not only can help take the pressure off Kopi and Brown, but just as importantly help on the PP as well. I saw the Ducks PP without Selanne and trust me, losing him for an extended period of time would be a huge blow to that team. I was at the game last night and at 40 years old, I cannot believe the speed of Selanne right now, shocking! If I was DL, I would give the Ducks a 2nd round pick and a top prospect for Selanne right now because this guy is an elite player still, even at his age! Ans most importantly, it would help Kopi, and the PP. Now, if the Kings want a more permanent solution the obviously Selanne is not the way to go, so you have to look at younger players and be willing to give up more. Even Iginla would command a premium price currently at age 33..It will be interesting to see what DL’s next move will be..See ya dude.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:34 am
@puck73,
Guys like Iginla are going to cost us our future. Someone needs to step up on the Kopi line and show that they can handle the responsibility that comes with being on the 1st line.
It would be hard to imagine the Ducks trading Selanne to the Kings.
As far as the PP…the first PP looked really good, without results. They need to move the puck quickly and get the shots thru to the net and then crash the net with bodies for rebounds. It sounds simple, now they need to do it consistently.
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lv is the way Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:46 am
@nykingfan, Just missing one thing, They may have out played Anaheim last night, but it sure was not 60 minutes of hockey if you ask me, JJ’s turnover sure cost them as well as Drew’s dumb penalty to boot. Undisciplined hockey is what i have seen lately.
Like you said the pucks are just not bouncing the Kings way at the moment. As for off with the heads of DL and TM well i have another opinion on that i rather not say. Because it’s sure not nice to write about.
It’s sure heartbreaking when you see your team fall to wayside during a stretch they should be winning.
Coach needs to take some blame, as well management. Players need to be held responsible as well. It seems to me by the look on the coaching staff and players there is no emotion at all.
The physical game has just left town it seems. But by all means I hope for a turn around on Thursday, people think this a push over game, since Fla. isn’t playing a playoff spot, but they are a good team by all means. As Al Davis put one time. ” Just Win Baby”
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nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:30 am
@lv is the way,
I think the term “60 minutes” neess to be taken in context. Nobody outplays someone for a full 60 minutes, but I know you get the point.
The turnovers have been too numerous lately..most have come via the defensemen (especially JJ, DD, Greene), but the forwards have been guilty as well.
It needs to stop and the only one that can stop it is the players. they’re not being coached to give the puck away…think back to the first 15 games. They didn’t commit thesse kind of turnovers. The play was strong at both ends of the ice. So that begs the question…
Were the first 15 games just a mirage and what we’re seeing is the real Kings?
I seriously doubt it. Teams go through these kinds of slumps..even Stanley cup winning teams. the most important thing is the work ethic. when that goes completely, changes behind the bench need to take place. Other than the Montreal game, that hasn’t been the case.
With what’s going on, the last thing the Kings think is they have an easy game coming up.
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Barry's Mullet Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 8:53 am
@nykingfan, Glad to see you haven’t gone over to the dark side. You cynic and a few others have saved me from having to jump off the bridge with all the other Kings bashers…not because I agree with them, but simply can’t take all the garbage being posted every time this team struggles. Nice Post!
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nykingfan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:35 am
@Barry’s Mullet,
thanks man
Not close to going to the other side. I still have the utmost confidence in the players and the coaching staff.
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I saw Doughty flirting with the ice girls in the 3rd period, he said something to her as she skated by. Something along the lines of “Hey beautiful.”
I’m all for getting laid, but he’s definitely not in the game right now….
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Carol Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@jayrew, I worry about the half dressed girls causing the team members to lose their focus
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Off topic for a moment…. Rich …if you got offered a elite writing job for the Cubs..would you turn it down because you are a fan??? Thanks
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Rich Hammond Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:01 am
I can’t imagine that I would accept it, for that reason. There was an opening, at a suburban paper, a few years ago to cover the Cubs and I didn’t even send a resume.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:11 am
@Rich Hammond, OK Rich, you might have some perspective here…
Which is worse, to be a Cubs fan, or a Kings fan?
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Rich Hammond Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:28 am
I’m biased, naturally, but I don’t think it’s even close. At least the Kings were able to play for a championship in 1993. The Cubs haven’t been able to say that since 1945. In ’84, they had a 2-0 series lead — in a best-of-five — and lost. In ’03 they five outs away, with a three-run lead, and blew it all.
Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:34 am
@Rich Hammond.,
Did you ever get to see Ernie Banks play? When did he retire? ’75, or something like that?
neil Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:33 am
@Rich Hammond, Thanks right now more then ever do i really understand not being a fan of the team you are covering….It would really be hard to write a fair article on the Kings right now….Thanks!!!!
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So what happens now? no can be happy but nothing seems to be changing, infact its getting worse?
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We are facing several issues:
1. Powperplay – what powerplay?
2. Scoring – 1 goal in 6 periods (and that was on a 5-3 PP)
3. Mental errors – some of our best players are making serious mental errors as evidenced by our top defensemen (youth factor?).
4. Game plan – the other teams in the league have analyzed us, found our weaknesses and our exploiting them.
The last few games have made it very apparent that if you concentrate defensively on just a few of our top players, the others are unable to score. Every game we are seeing Kopi, Smyth and Williams being double-teamed whenever they touch the puck. The coaches need to find some way to break that cycle and get the PP going. The lack of a powerplay killed us last night.
On the positive side, we are only 1/4 of the way through the season, so there is time for the coaches to figure it out, the players to refocus, and for DL to find us some experienced firepower that other teams will have to respect.
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Dazed N Confused Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 8:34 am
@DesertKing, As of today our record this year is worse than our record at this time last year. JJ is making one mistake after another and I think it might be time for him to sit a game or two.
We have also gone back to the dump and chase of old. It hasn’t worked before so why keep doing it? Every now and agin you hvae to change it up but this is pretty much the game plan last night.
Do we need a trade, another call up, or should we just sacrafice one of our young players as a punishment for their play? I think some type of upgrade is needed at LW because it seems like our team cannot score. If we actually score we have a chance at winning a game and our D does not look so bad. We do not give up a lot of goals we just cannot score them.
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Wow, so many of you here are bi-polar – it’s a little disconcerting; euphoric one moment, suicidal the next.
The reality is that this is still a very young team that is going through growth. I look at this string of losses as a good thing given the tremendous start. This teaches them not to be overconfident which I think they became and that all wins are not a given – that hard work and discipline is at the heart of success. It also is a collective lesson in dealing with loss and not to become too fragile or down on yourself and that the core beliefs will get you back on track.
This team will find its winning ways again soon enough and I would rather they go through this type of hardship and lesson at the beginning of the season than at the end.
For those who think that Lombardi or Murray are going to or should lose their jobs because of a short string of losses are delusional. Did you really think the rebuilding was over? It has a very solid foundation and Lombardi and Murray are right to expect more out of their core and to push them to be better – think long-term. There are missing pieces (as there always will be) and when it/they become available through trade or free-agency then Lombardi and co will get them.
This team will make the playoffs and I think are capable of making a dent. In the meantime, enjoy the ride, but keep the highs and the lows in perspective. It’s a long season.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:06 am
@dMan, Agreed. I am thinking that it might be a good thing for this young team to have to scrap and claw their way to make the playoffs.
The bi-polar analysis is great! Just imagine if these manic-depressives were 49er fans in 1983… “Trade Montana, he threw an interception!”; “Fire Walsh! He called a running play on third and two!”; “Cut Lott, the other team completed a pass!”
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Fire all the fans that what either TM or DL fired or another line up change. :p
Will make exceptions for those who want the PP coach fired or JJ demoted to 3rd defense pairing.
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I’ve noticed a breakdown in the following areas – in no particular order.
1. Breaking out of the zone. Too many long passes are being attempted up ice instead of short, crisp passes with F3 support breaking out of the zone through the neutral ice
2. Finish checks. Brown and Simmonds need to be more physical.
3. Shooting. Smyth, Stoll, Williams and Kopitar need to drive to the net and shoot, shoot, shoot! Too much peripheral work and dump and chase. Get the puck to the net!
3. Patience and forward support. Doughty and Johnson are trying to make things happen offensively and getting caught. Forwards are not supporting their efforts. Trying to hard to get goals, missing assignments and coverage.
4. Forwards breaking down on PK. Keeping it simple and clean. Too much scrambling.
5. On-ice communication and trust; when tense players have a tendency to clam up – need to communicate again and trust their teammates are there to support them.
My $0.02
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Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 8:58 am
@dMan, How about a lack of overall team speed? Does anyone else notice how effective Lewis is because he can win the race to the puck, or how quickly he he gets on the opposing d-man behind the end line?
Speed is coming! Schenn, Lokti, Hickey, Moller, Voynov- all good skaters! All with the Kings next season!
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holly Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:21 am
@Michael J., Schenn doesn’t belong on that list.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 11:16 am
@holly, I stand corrected. Unless he takes Handzus’ spot on the roster.
I am as dissapointed and frustrated with Jack Johnson as anyone else here on this blog. Nevertheless, people, lets all be rational here. Jack is young, and still developing.
This whole scenario reminds me of what happened with Darryl Sydor. The team was impatient and traded a then 22 year old Sydor for Shane Churla and Doug Zmolek (I think). Well, we all remember the great contributions both of those guys made to the Kings. Sydor went on to play 14 more seasons, won two cups, and was an All-Star.
Lets all be patient. Remember, the Kings will NOT win the cup this year. This team is due to peak two seasons from now. This team still needs to grow and mature (as we all saw last night).
LA Kings cup winners 2013!
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pr0cess Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 8:58 am
@Michael J., so tell me why is it that kane and keith are able to win the cup at a younger age??
the age factor seems to be a crutch at times, aleast to me.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:08 am
@pr0cess, That is a different team. I thought we were talking about the Kings.
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Jason Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:16 am
@Michael J.,
I kind of feel this way too. I don’t want to trade Jack, i just want him to sit a couple games.
What do you think about the value of Smyth if we’re still a couple seasons away?
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Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:29 am
@Jason, $6.2 million salary = untradable. I see his value in what might rub off on Simmonds, Clifford and some others eg. battle for pucks, go to the net, screen the goalie, be responsible in your own end.
I think Smyth has one more year on his contract after this season.
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Jason Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:35 am
@Michael J.,
Right. Sometimes i forget to think about the money parts. I have that problem in real life too.
This team seems to be as bi-polar as its fans!
DD takes a horrible penalty, ducks score…so trade JJ?
You don’t trade pieces away today that you will just want back tomorrow!
That was the best game the Kings played during this losing streak and unfortunately ran into a hot goalie…this stuff happens during losing streaks.
People…these guys are young and trying way to hard at the moment. That’s why when a Poni or more importantly a Mitchell goes down, it really exposes this teams inexperience.
All young teams have to learn to play through adversity like this…it will make them better in the longs run.
As I posted yesterday, this team was never as good as their 12-3 start and not as bad as their current losing streak. It will all balance out over the next 55+ games and a lot is going to happen between now and then. Don’t jump off that bridge just yet!
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Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:21 am
@Barry’s Mullet, Good post. I thought losing Poni and Mitchell’s experience, mobility, and size would hurt. It has, but only to a certain degree.
The truth is that Kopitar, Johnson, and Doughty have to step it up. These three and Quick are who the team is being built around (well, maybe Brown too). The Kings “top players” need to play like they are expexted to.
I seem to remember the young Oilers going through some rough times before winning a cup, so I guess the Kings are in good company.
Please, lets all be patient…
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The Kings have dropped to their comfort zone — last place. Last night’s game was boring. To me both teams looked uninspired. If I wasn’t there, I would have turned it off.
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Here’s something I thought of while reading all of the pathetic crap posted since last night and this morning. What if Rich, not that I would blame him right now, and I hope he doesn’t but, if he just flew off the handle and quit giving us this forum to express our views???????? Maybe then the majority of you “so called fans” would finally get it. I for one, am extremely greatful that Rich gives us the oppurtunity to express our feelings, but some of you, and again I use the words “so called fans” are ridiculous with your comments, and demands. For those people, I appologize Rich, and hope you keep doing what you do best, covering this team like nobody ever has.
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Dazed N Confused Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:51 am
@P90X, What are you talking about???? Rich makes a post which he has been doing great at all yesr. Then us as fans or “So Called Fans” express our feeling about the team we cheer for with some positive comment and frustration comments. This is what the forum is for, this is more of a venting area for me.
This has nothing to do with Rich and I am now confused and what ould teh “So Called Fans” get?
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The boys played extremely hard tonight and I beleive THE BEST TO THEIR ABILITY! That’s the key, I don’t think we can get much more offense out of them. Playing hard gets you so far. Either they lack the talent or the lack the coaching right now. Previous games games had much less passion but not this one. Maybe with Poni and our new defenseman back, we can spend more time in the Ozone and maybe score a goal. But I certainly would not expect any major “game-changing” improvements.
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Dazed N Confused Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:55 am
@crashin’ da net, We cannot score and we cannot win. We have not given up a huge amount of goals, but the fact of the matter is the puck will not get a win uless we can find someone to make the net move at the other end, we do enough at our end.
One last thing, has anyone noticed that we seem to have problems controlling the majority of our passes?
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Let me first start off saying Rich thank you for all the information that you provide. However I think you were more of a Journalist when you worked for the Daily News then working for the Kings it seems as if you have become more of a RA RA man then a Journalist. Because the Stories that should be posting are more like.
1. Why is our Defensive Corps failing and not adapting under John Stevens when players like Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson seemed to flourish under Mark Hardy and they seem to be taking steps backwards under John Stevens. Is there personality conflicts or communication that Mark Hardy was able to get through to these guys that John Stevens is incapable of.
2. The last three or four years the Kings offense has lacked creativity on the Power Play and on 5 on 5 play. The only factor that seems to remain the same is Jamie Kompon. When we here him on the Telecast he is always talking about getting the shot on net. But as everyone has figured out the Defense is playing us high because they all know that our Defense is going to take the shot. Which is they are playing high one would think the slot should be open.
3. The main problem Dean Lombardi. He is a brilliant man and a shrude GM. But he is delusional if he thinks he can ice an NHL team with that many AHL Players. Not to say that one day they won’t be NHL players but he seems to contradict himself with Jonathan Benier saying he needs to mature in the Minors and not wreck his confidence by bringing him up to early but with the other players he does not seem to care one bit. He always seems to make his analogies on the Detroit Red Wings or New York Yankees and how he wants to build an organization like that. But those to Teams roster mainly consist of 95% of Veteran players and one maybe two Rookies with no expectations so they can gain there confidence and mature with the veteran leadership. And they develop into Proffessional players that way. He also likes to talk about the the right puzzle piece fitting in. Right now he has a half done puzzle with a square of cardboard not even cut into puzzle pieces and trying to fit the square pieces into the shaped puzzle. And last his inability to acquire the Players everything he has done is either on Players that are questionable or on the Waiver wire (IE Justin Williams, Willie Mitchell and Kyle Quincey) in these cases they all worked out. But his problem is in the signing of proven players. I don’t know if he is in fear of the new CBA or he is just trying to inplode this Team because he sees something in the upcoming draft. The bottom line is the LA Kings are are good Team but the GM is Handicapping the Team by putting players in the slots that are not ready to be there. And my personal belief is he is hurting his Prospects in the Long term by destroying there confidence.
So Rich how about getting some stories on these things and not we can let go of the Stories like Westgarth needs to wear a Face shield and the back story on Davis Drewiske
Thanks
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Rich Hammond Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Once again, I’ll ask the question. When the team was 12-3, were you here demanding that I ask for contract extensions for all the coaches? I’m sorry you don’t enjoy the content. I appreciate the advice, but I will continue to provide consistent and fair coverage, and not be a reactionary based on fan frustration built over the results of two weeks’ worth of games in a six-month season. But I thank you for your input, sarcastic and condescending as it may be. I understand, and appreciate, the frustration involved, but screaming at me to scream at management is going to accomplish zero, except making me look like a fool, and I don’t intend to be put in that position.
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Barry's Mullet Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:27 am
@Rich Hammond, Nice retort!
@DlParker Nicely put together post but too bad its only out of frustration. You ask good questions, maybe you should find a job reporting on the Kings and see how far you get with that kind of questioning. Maybe than you and a few others will understand why Rich doesn’t ask those type of questions.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 11:25 am
@Rich Hammond, Wait!!!! It isn’t your job to relay all the fan’s complaints and suggestions on how to run the team to management?
Then, what do you do all day???
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 11:30 am
@Rich Hammond, Rich, you do a great job. I think dude just wants to be heard. We as Kings fans feel like were being robbed. The Kings give us good hockey for a year, lose only 4 games in a row last season, this year start off with a bang, and Boom, we go on a slump. We the fan have been through some hard years with this team. We have questions ok. Here’s mine—-Is there something to what DiParker says, Is our defense not adapting to John Stevens?
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DlParker Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
@Rich Hammond, You are right I am frustrated and and have questions I do not mean to insult you in any way. I am just tired of the same old story from the Management from the Kings. Puzzle pieces and Yankees and this is not something that I have been thinking about during the Slump all year the Kings seem to be missing the Offensive punch to be a Playoff Team. So I apologize to you Rich for anything that I might have said about the job you are doing
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Jason Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:22 am
@DlParker,
Complain about the players,coaches, management all day, but i don’t think it’s fair to make fun of Rich’s stories or act like he’s not doing his job. He writes a blog on the King’s website….you think he should fly off the handle during a slump and start chasing DL around with accusations? Why would the King’s, or us, want that? Having said that….you do it. Your post was fine, your opinion, except for the jabs at Rich. That’s my opinion.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:33 am
@DlParker, I would LOOOOVVVEE to see Parker try and ask these to Dean directly.
*Dean just shakes his head sadly and walks away, “where do these guys come from” he whispers to Rich Hammond as he walks away
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PAINFULL=POWERLESS=PATHETIC
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hockeyfanb4Gretzky Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:18 am
@hockeyfanb4Gretzky, Rich Thank you for all that you do. I for one can`t get enough of this site and all the information it provides us fans
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I never thought I would say this but….I think the NHL ought to make Selanne pee in the dixie cup. I was at the game last night and this guy was flying by, and thru are young defensemen like he was 27 instead of 40. I cannot prove the guy is on the juice, but after what I witnessed in baseball with Barry Bonds and Roger Clemmens getting better with age..I am sorry, but your damn right I am suspicious.
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Goring 19 Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 11:07 am
@puck73, it must be a euro thing lol
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Frustrated only begins the list of emotions I have about the team right now…. So, 5 months tomorrow is how long we have been waiting for a big splash player. Alas, I fear we will still be waiting for a few more months/years. What good is it to compile all the tradable chips in the world if you never lay them on the table? I don’t understand the revolving door to the AHL. Either they are ready (Lewis, maybe Clifford) or they are not (most everyone else we have brought up). Moller made the team 2 years ago out of camp and is putting up about a point a game at this point. Why hasn’t he been given a sniff?
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TO RICH.YOU ARE THE BEST!KEEP DOING THE GREAT JOB YOUR DOING.THANKS.as for the KINGS,its same old story,waiting for a great team to show up.been waiting a very looong time.will keep waiting.GO KINGS
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How about this? Since DL can’t do his job, why don’t all the other GM’s out there simply pick up the phone and make the deal for that 40 goal scorer themselves? Prefferably a LW, OK? Once one of you work that deal just simply contact DL, or Rich and he can pass along the details of your deal.
Since most teams are looking to get rid of top-flight players it shouldn’t be very much trouble at all.
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