It was only a few minutes after last night’s game when Terry Murray told reporters that he wouldn’t make line changes, that he was pleased with chemistry. Well, this morning the Kings hit the ice with three new lines, although each received only right-wing tweaking. Justin Williams skated with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Trevor Lewis skated with Jarret Stoll and Ryan Smyth. Wayne Simmonds skated with Michal Handzus and Kyle Clifford. Afterward, Murray tried to throw a bit of cold water on the changes, telling reporters that those wouldn’t necessarily be the lines Thursday when the Kings play Florida…
MURRAY: “We’ll see where that goes, in a couple days. Sometimes, if you make a little line change in practice, it brings a little more focus to it, and that’s a good thing when you have two days between games. We’ll see where it goes. Look, we need some offense. We need to get some production from the top two lines, in particular. The Stoll line has been tremendous, through the time they’ve been together, with lots of points, good chemistry, good reads and a lot of things happening. But in the last several games here, we’ve gone a little stale. We’re just trying to get a different look and get some focus back. Maybe it will stay as I had it in practice here today. Quite honestly, I can’t answer that. I’m going to continue to watch the last couple games, and put it under the microscope a little bit and see if I can make some changes that would be for the next game.”
If Murray does decide to make changes, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Williams on the top line. The Kings’ leading scorer, with 22 points in 23 games, Williams has been consistently strong all season. His speed, hard skating and willingness to work in the corners have made him a standout in nearly every game this season, and the move of Williams to the first line can be seen as a reflection on his strong play…
WILLIAMS: “Well, I don’t know about that, but it’s definitely a reflection of how the team has lacked scoring. We’ve scored, I don’t know, five goals in the last five games, something along those lines. That’s clearly not acceptable, so we’ll try to switch things up maybe. Maybe Kopi, Brownie and I can create something, but it’s only going to get created if we work hard for each other out there. I know we will, and hopefully this is something good. Smytty, Stolly and I stayed together for over 20 games, which is kind of an eternity for lines in this league, but hopefully we can do the same, create a spark and get something going in the positive direction.”
Question: You and Kopitar, when everyone was healthy last season, had some good success. If that something you think you could pick up again?
WILLIAMS: “For sure. Kopi is a guy who is simply going to create space, just by him being out there. If I can play at the top of my game, that means good things. Brownie is kind of the crasher, and I’m the grinder. I’ll try to make plays out there and try to make stuff happen, but I can’t deviate from my game, just because I’m playing with Kopi and Brownie. I’ll just play the same way.”
Hmmm…TM isn’t getting any results from shuffling the deck chairs…so he’s going for the element of surprise!
Ha Ha! You don’t know HOW I will arrange the deck chairs! deal with THAT!
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YoBro Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
@Bill M., That’s funny, right there!
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I don’t think the issue is so much with the Kings playing a mediocre game or line combination is the issue. I believe other teams have realized how dangerous the Kings can be, and are playing with more intensity against the Kings. Minor mistakes are causing the losses for the Kings. Kings should take this as a positive and put another winning streak together.
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JW said it best…..20 games together is like a eternity.
we have been losing and it’s time to take a look at some different combinations.
I like what TM put together for practice today, everyone has an opinion and I think TM has earned the right to make a move like this.
we will get it together, don’t be worried….just like when they say “you can’t win ‘em all” the same has to be true the other way around
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I cannot believe some of the posts on this blog. Up until three weeks ago, this team was the greatest thing since sliced bread and headed for the Stanley Cup Finals. Now TM should be fired, Brown should have the “C” ripped off his jersey and put on the third line, JJ should be traded, DD’s fat, etc, etc. Teams hit rough patches and actually lose games during a long season. Isn’t it better that the Kings do it now and recover with SIXTY games left rather that do it with twenty left and miss the playoffs? I suggest that some of you go back through this site to November 11th and before and read all the POSITIVE comments about the same guys you ridicule now. I really don’t think many of you could hold the schedule that these guys do with practices, games, all the travel plus do required personal appearences and maintain a stable family life. Sure, they get paid big bucks, but what the hell, give them a break. Some of you change loyalties like school girls. How about showing some support to the team that you all say you love so much. This is just my opinion.
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Sako Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
@Turk, Drew is fat, people have been talking about that since the preseason. TM tinkers too much with the lines. Jack “Minus Forever” Johnson and DD are playing like Favre getting turnovers and making mistakes everywhere.
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TopShelf Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
@Turk, Why the name Turk?
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@TopShelf, why question his name? are you a serb? just curious…..
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zulov Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
@Turk, The Kings are not the only team that has to jugle all the responsibilities you just listed – every team in the league has to do that – and the better teams manage to win too…
People criticizing on this site has been warranted somewhat as of late – the Kings have played some of the worst hockey in over a year – right after they played some of the best – naturally people are going to have opinions.
The fact that they are commenting on this site means they ARE LOYAL – cause only crazy fans would care enough about their team to get all worked up.
With that said – TM is finally getting his head out of his @#$ and putting Williams with Kopi. And Lewis up to line 2. Hopefully that helps the team score a few goals.
And there is no question that since DD came back from his concussion, JJ has ben hit with the f-up stick and has cost the knings a GA in several games all by himself. As for DD, he too has not been looking like the guy we saw carrying the flag for Canada last year…
Martinez has actually looked better out there then either JJ or DD.
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Erik4Kings Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
@zulov and Turk,
Criticism is one thing, to never criticize is retarded, no one is perfect. I made the point the FB page this morning.
If your tennager showed you first month of school their overall potential and then the next month went to complete crap you mean to tell me you wouldn’t say a word to the teenager to discuss mistakes, learn from it and offer some constructive criticism? I think that is more than fair. To sit aside and say oh he’ll figure it out on his own and when he does I’ll be there, but until then, you’re the best kid, don’t listen to anyone else, you can do it, keep doing what you’re doing…please…
I will say those saying the Kings suck or Doughty’s fat, strip Brownie and fire TM, a bit much. I’ll admit I’ve wanted TM gone since last year though.
But to say Doughty has shown he is out of shape with his play on ice is nothing wrong with that, its the truth. Sometimes to truth is positive and sometimes its negative…
As for JJ I could trade him and care less right now, Muzzin was showing me he has same skill set as JJ and I’ll take those mistakes from Muzzin in his first year, but from Jack after 4 as a pro…not what you expect from a highly touted top 5 draft pick, lets face it he hasn’t panned out. Might as well trade now while he still has value because its clear he is all confidence, when the team is good, he is good, when the team is bad he is bad, that is not a blue chip player or star sorry.
I can admit I am a huge homer when we win, its fun to just say how awesome everything is, but when we lose I will openly and constructively criticize, but will never simply state a player sucks, coach sucks, or is fat, no point there…but complaining doesn’t make anyone any less of a fan.
And that point of they juggle a lot, whatever, all teams do. You think my life is any easier? Hahaha. I don’t have any pity for these poor pros that have to travel and practice hard and have thousands adore them for millions of dollars. I bust my ass everyday of my life for pennies compared to them and never get recognition, its called life…
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
@Erik4Kings, Agree 100%
Garry Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 9:21 am
@Erik4Kings, I also agree! I would trade JJ is a heartbeat. We are loaded with great D’s in Manchester and need three gunslinger’s on the front two lines.
KFII Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
@Turk, I hear you. It’s rather painful to read through the comments lately. I know a lot of fans are frustrated, but some of it is so over the top it just sounds childish. Hang in there, I’ve seen some very rational comments lately too. Those and Rich’s reporting, keep me coming back for more.
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Williams, kopi, smyth, that will be the final line after t.m is done with his science exp, wow what a thought, put players together that play well together. Id rather have one line that scores than no line for now, thats if d.l takes his thumb out of you know were and gets a skilled left winger, ( dont hold your breath ) mngmt makes me sick, im not upset at t.m he is playing what he has, he needs more.
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Kopi and Williams should be realy put together, but I’m not sure for Browny to stay in the 1st line…
Some team player is needed to let them make the real demage. There are not many options, but there are some much better than DB…
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I think we all need to step back from the ledge a bit. The mood here has turned really dark.
The facts are:
Doughty has had turnovers, high profile turnovers, before, just like almost every defensemen you watch every night. They are amplified now because the Kings are not scoring and are 1-7 in the last 8.
JJ has always been the high risk, high reward player. Nothing has changed. Again, amplified with the Kings play lately.
Injuries. Dont blame injuries but the Kings are VERY young without Poni, Mitchell, and Parse. We are starting 5-6 rookies a night. We generate a lot of offense off of our defense. It is hard to generate offense with so much inexperience. Terry Murray has to find what works. The other day everyone seemed pleased with Simmonds on the top line and since it didnt work we need to fire the coach?
After a 12-3 start there were calls for Murray winning the Adams. Now, 8 games later we should fire him?
I cant believe the calls to have Brown to be relieved of the “C”.
It is never as good as it is when it is going well (12-3) and it is not as bad as it is right now (1-8). The Kings will turn it around. These guys didnt forget how to play hockey in 14 days.
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RabidZiggy Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
@Scott from Temecula, Well said. This is a slump, albeit a bad one, and if the Kings can manage to come out of this soon, they will be all the better for it.
That being said, it would be nice to actually have a genuine left wing scoring threat on this team.
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Scott from Temecula Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
@RabidZiggy,
Agreed, about the LW. But unfortunately that is not going to occur anytime soon. Since we do not have a scoring skilled winger in the system (certainly in the immediate future) and I do not believe DL is making a trade anytime soon.
It was really sad to see Parse go down. Not that I would testify that he would light lamp 30+ times this year, he does have potential.
We are tonight, after all, just three points out of second place in the conference.
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I agree outsider but who? Ryan smith did well
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why would you put together lines in practice that your not planning on playing together in the game? that really makes no sense to me! I hope TM does stick with these lines at least for the next game and see how it goes.
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zulov Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I agree – that statement doesn’t make much sense. TM was so blown away by the early success this season that he keeps hoping the magic returns? MAKE A CHANGE AND DON’T BE SO SHY ABOUT IT.
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When things go bad like this I often think of how Phil Jackson works when the Lakers are struggling on the floor. He doesn’t call a time out like 99% of the other coaches. He keeps them out there until they fix it themselves. In the Laker’s mind who are sucking on the floor they know that aren’t getting a break until they fix it themselves.
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zulov Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
@KC23,
Uh = TM is no Phil Jackson – and the Kings are not the Lakers. The Lakers start one of the most dominant players in NBA history, and they have one of the most dominant coaches in NBA history not to mention a team full of champions who know how to win.
The Kings are a young team with 2 players who won the cup once. And a coach who was fired before after leading his team to the finals.
I don’t think the Kings are in a place where they can fix it themselves – thats why you have a coach.
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Erik4Kings Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
@KC23,
Talk about apples and oranges, but I see what you’re getting at. LOL.
I think TM is a good coach and has done well to get this team to the expectation of making the playoffs. But TM does not have what it takes to push this team to that next step and win a series or a Cup. No disrespect, he just doesn’t.
One thing I will refer to though is last year how awful Detroit was first half of the season with injuries, then they got healthy second half and made a Conference Finals run…my hope is that can happen with the Kings, but not only get healthy but get smart, LOL.
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puck73 Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
@Erik4Kings, Good point about Detroit last season. They looked awful early on, and then in the 2nd half of the season they went on a roll and made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs.
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Hat trick Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
@KC23, I totally agree with your point. I don’t think Murray is our guy either. We need someone like a Scotty Bowman behind the bench. Someone who can instill that winning attitude and belief. And for Detroit it’s always curious how they make the playoffs year after year like clockwork. I’m actually surprised if i don’t see them there. What is it about Detroit and their hockey that is so consistent? Whatever it is bring that stuff here.
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zulov Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
@Hat trick, I agree definetelly about TM not being able to tae us past R1. And I am actually beginning to think that making the playoffs this year will be an accomplishment for this bunch…
# or 4 games into the skid I said TM is not the kind of coach that can make a cup run. His soft manner and dear in the headlights look wouldn’t fill me with confidence…
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off topic…. i just wanted to give a shout out to all the bloggers who did not share my view(negative view) of Kevin Westgarth(Mcsorleyfan, Usha#17, to name a few, I know there is more and you know who you are). Westy has grown on me! I bashed the guy plenty of times in previous posts but after i saw his blown up or beaten face last night(kudos for fighting Scott), not to mention what he and the 4th line did (best line last night IMO)there is no way i cant like the guy! I still think he has areas to improve on as does everyone but im no longer a Westie hater. Way to show your stuff Westie!!!! not that you needed to prove anything to me but you have proven your worth Kevin, keep it up!
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puck73 Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I believe Westgarth will eventually be 2 ta 3 times the player Raitis ever was even though that might not be saying much. Regardless, he is an upgrade as an enforcer from what we had.
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Harty Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I question kudos for Westgarth for facing Scott, heck that is his job and if doesn’t want it move over, someone else will come in not unlike our top goal scorer, its his job…….
yes it took a big step to play last night and play so well I agree on that front I agree totally however to suggest for a moment a tip of hat for him to do is job, heck we don’t applaude carpenters for hammering in nails do we
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 1:19 am
@BrokeKingsFan, It’s all good. I was stoked to see that the guy on the doorstep banging for entrance was wearing #19 myself. As I said to someone else criticizing Westie, I’ll be happy to revisit the matter at game 40 if he’s really failing to adapt. Here’s hoping he continues to improve!
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Considering the American culture and demographics, it is HILARIOUS that people are calling Doughty fat.
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PakiFan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
@VanKingsFan,
Considering the American culture and demographics of Professional Athletes….Doughty IS fat.
if you want to cite demographic data, you need to make sure you are looking at the right data set….you can’t compare an NHL Athlete to the general U.S. demographic. Otherwise you can just take a skinny American playing in Canada and say that he is the standard!
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AlexB Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@PakiFan, Still – look at American Baseball. Don’t tell me all those “pinch hitters” really need all that bulk to hit a homer.
Also, certain American Football players could stand to lose a few.
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zulov Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
@VanKingsFan, Yeah dude, what the heck are you talking about? He is a NHL athlete earning millions of dollars. If he is even 10 pounds out of shape, he is considered FAT.
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xeropoint Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
@VanKingsFan,
Nice shot at your neighbors to the south. Way to keep it classy!
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
@xeropoint, Thank you! I refrained from commenting or replying ohhhhh………….about 100 times. My reply to that post would not have been “classy” at all and im glad someone called him out.
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The downfall of this team is when TM decided to start Bernier against the SJ. Why did he change up things? Look at their record since the change 1-7. It just IMOP messed up the chemistry. Granted Bernier was a #1 draft choice but Quick is the teams #1 goalie and should be starting against the top tier teams.
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zulov Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@tanker39, Still, Bernier wasn’t the reason the Kings lost that game. SJ was all over them and made the kings look like they were half blind and skating in glue.
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The Kings are in a slump – period. They are still relatively close in the points race, thanks to their fantastic early run, and I don’t think there is any need to panic. That being said, the Kings must win against Florida.
I think it’s a little bit of a confidence issue as of late. I saw several plays in which our offense simply backed off because they expected the play to go awry. When you’re playing, thinking that you aren’t going to get any chances or any offensive pressure going, then you’re not going to score.
As for Drew Doughty, I think he’s still a bit shaken up. A tremendous amount of pressure is heaped upon him, and I think that even with his usual even keel temperament that pressure is getting to him. Someone is telling him to be aggressive, to make sure he establishes himself, and I believe that is detracting from his original game.
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Now that we have db on the left let’s get cheechoo!!!
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Just a wild thought…
Let’s move Jack Johhnson to Left wing.
Hear me out on this.
It possibly plugs the hole on Offense with a guy who can hold his own with the bigger d-men he’d face, he’s offense minded, and can pass and shoot well.
It also means that he won’t be on the blue line any longer to blow his coverage by pinching too deep on plays. he won’t be able to turn the puck over trying to hold it in the zone and then bobbling it off over/under his stick. He won’t have to be as responsible getting back to be the only man defending a 2 on 1 rush at the net.
it’s a win/win to me.
sure we end up getting a hole on Defense, but don’t we have that already? maybe Peter Harold would really step up and shine with the extra PT on defense. we have youth to fill that gap too. Maybe the boost JJ would bring to the first line would be enough to jump start our offense a little bit.
Just a thought.
JJ2LW. You know you want to see it even if it’s just a 1 game experiment.
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zulov Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
@JJ 2 LW,
Ha!!! I love that idea!!! No seriously, I would love to see that tried!! If they can stick Bughlin on D and have him be an all star, why not?
JJ is usually #3 in the shoot out – so obviously TM thinks he can srore. Kopi, Wlliams, JJ. I want to see that line!!
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outsider Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 3:16 am
@JJ 2 LW, Let’s try it! Could be a real game winner!!!!
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JJ 2 LW Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 10:59 am
@outsider, let’s get this campaign started. Spread the good word. JJ2LW! make it happen!
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Great quote… “Maybe Kopi, Brownie and I can create something, but it’s only going to get created if we work hard for each other out there.”
This is one of the main things that the “geezer” line has been doing consistently all year. If the other lines play with this mentality then the slump will end. Support each other by working hard to get open for easy passes instead of hoping the puck will come to you, backcheck like a mofo, support your dmen when they pinch, take a hit to make a play…
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EllieMurray Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
@EternalOptimist, I wish they’d ask Williams more questions. He always has great answers.
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EternalOptimist Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@EllieMurray,
Totally agree… he always answers the questions honestly and just gets the game. Wouldn’t be surprised if he transitions into coaching after his playing career is over.
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EllieMurray Reply:
November 30th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
@EternalOptimist, He was decent in the broadcast booth in NC too, so if he doesn’t coach he should be the color commentator, lol.