Two defensemen out, one change

Posted by Rich Hammond on 17 December 2010, 11:13 am

The Kings are at a suburban practice rink today, since the Garth Brooks show has taken over the arena in Nashville. Neither Matt Greene nor Willie Mitchell is on the ice, so we’ll see what the post-practice update will be. Kyle Clifford is skating with Michal Handzus and Wayne Simmonds on the third line, which is where he spent much of last night’s game. Alexei Ponikarovsky is part of the fourth-line mix. More updates to come post-practice…

Tagged defense

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106 Comments

Dan H. says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:15 am

Rich- Can you ask what was up with Westgarth replacing MOller on at least 3 shifts in the third if you get a chance?

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:42 am
@Dan H.,

Perhaps you didn’t notice but Moller’s size got the best of him last night…ineffective…so to speak.

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@USHA#17,

Yeah well I don’t think Westgarth’s “size” does anything to put the puck in the net so I’m not sure what he’s doing on line two.

I did notice Moller being the first in on th forecheck and the only one on that line with any speed though.

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@Dan H.,

YEs, he’s very quick. Westgarth…well…need I say more?

Garry Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@USHA#17, Replace Moller with Clifford. This guy’s a future star.

[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@USHA#17, He seemed to have very poor positioning as well, especially considering his speed.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
@Dan H., Moller looked a heck of a lot better than Westgarth. I defended Westgarth a lot so far this season, but I’m finding it harder and harder to plead Westgarth’s case. He is completely ineffective 100% of the time he is not fighting and he rarely gets into a fight.

I thought it was telling that when Westgarth finally could get into a fight, Clifford beat him to the punch (if you’ll pardon the expression). I think Westgarth is expendable. Clifford seems to fill that roll just fine and he can play.

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
@KC23,

I agree. Clifford is our new Lappy. I was happy to see Westgarth take over for Ivanans. He’s a lot better on the ice than Ivanans to be sure. But I’d rather have clifford for 5 minutes on the ice than in the box for doing Westgarth’s job.

And I know the defenders will say…Westgarth is nursing a broken nose. So then sit him if he can’t fight. That’s his job.

[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
@Dan H., You’re right fighting is all Westie is capable of doing well, and thats when he is healthy. He checks better than Ivanans, but thats not much of a complement. If he has a broken nose he needs to go on IR.

Harty Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
@KC23, I have said this about Westgarth since September and I was continually told he broke someone’s jaw.
BIG DEAL, can he compete at this level every night, no, can he compete at this level, no……time for the Monarch’s Westie and bring up a goal scorer or a skater

[Reply]
Paul G Reply:
December 18th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
@Harty, Richard Clune can grind it out well

KC23 Reply:
December 19th, 2010 at 9:23 am
@Harty, … and wouldn’t you know it Westy has his best game of the season Vs Nashville. Looked pretty good with Poni and Lewis.

wavesinair Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
@Dan H., To enforce or not to enforce, that is the question. The answer, of course, is to enforce. Logic doesn’t matter whatsoever. The bottom line is, as long as TM is coach of the Kings, we will have an enforcer in the lineup, regardless of whether or not he is “effective” in any traditional sense.

It doesn’t matter who he “replaces” per se. It’s not that he replaced Moller. TM just wanted him in, as he will do no matter what.

Remember last year…Ivan wasn’t very effective either. He didn’t fight nearly as much as most people thought the should and, of course, he couldn’t keep up with AHL speed, let alone NHL speed. Hence all his stupid penalties.

There is no solution other than Westgarth getting better over time. Hopefully a couple of seasons down the road he can improve his skating, shooting, and overall presence as a deterrent to other teams on the ice.

Hard to accept sometimes, but the enforcer issue is a closed case…it’s just one of the cons of an old-school coach.

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@wavesinair,

If I stamp my feet and hold my breath do you think it would help?

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
@Dan H., I didn’t think of that! Scratch everything I said.

luc20rules Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
@wavesinair, I agree about TM, but isn’t it totally ineffective to have an enforcer with a broken nose play? It would be best to put Westie on IR, and get another enforcer up or sign a UFA, and keep the enforcer that worked the best when Westie is healthy.

[Reply]
jet says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:21 am

nashville is on a streak, one night “no fences”, the next “no goals”

[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
@jet,

Please don’t tell me that I’m the only one that got this witty GB reference!

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
@Belexes,

Got it too & loved it!! Very clever!

[Reply]
lilwaynesimmonds says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:21 am

it would be awesome to have a healthy D-corps for more than one game.

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Sebastian says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:22 am

not a great game by Poni, I hope he picks it up, although it was great to see Clifford, he looked very good with wayne simmonds, most of the time they rushed the puck up so fast that handzus was still in the D zone.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:27 am
@Sebastian, That was surprising, given that his return did spark the team. Once again, maybe it was more about them than him (see previous threads.)

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:28 am
@Sebastian, I had a vision last night of the future, of Clifford and Simmonds centered by Brayden Schenn…. somebody touch me!

[Reply]
Crown Royal Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:42 am
@VanKingsFan,

Let’s hope it was somebody you knew!

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:45 am
@VanKingsFan, yeah that sounds like an awesome line…2nd or 3rd line next year?

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@Sebastian, I say third line next year when Handzus’ contract runs out. They have speed, tons of grit and hitting power, and could create some offense. My only concern would be their lack of experience. They would not be the “shut down” line that Zeus created.

Sergei Prozacutov Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
@VanKingsFan,
I will only touch you if you promise there will be no lawsuit.

Haha comrade!

[Reply]
Paul G Reply:
December 18th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
@VanKingsFan, Kopitar Loktionov Schenn…the first 3 centers when they win the cup

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:43 am
@Sebastian,

He might still need a game or two more to come up to speed.

[Reply]
Garry Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
@Sebastian, Poli is not effective and hurts the third line.

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Kostamojen says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:24 am

I’m guessing Drewiske and Harrold will be in for Greene and Mitchell? Any guess on the defensive pairings?

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USHA#17 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:44 am
@Kostamojen,

OMG…

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Nitrohockey Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@Kostamojen, Harrold with JJ, Drewiskie with Martinez, just my guess.

[Reply]
rick Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
@Kostamojen, We can all disagree on Smyth’s contributions – or lack thereof – but can anyone argue that at this stage in his career he is worth his salary and cap hit?

[Reply]
GoKings09 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
@rick,

He’s not, well at least not cap hit. That’s why he signed with Colorado though is because they offered way more than anyone else. His leadership and teaching by example mean a lot to the young team though and those qualities aren’t shown in stats and numbers. Fortunately for our team, we have a lot of young and cheap players on ELC’s so it hasn’t hamstrung our cap situation the way it would on a team like the Red Wings. He is still a top quality winger and may be getting a little old but is one of the best in terms of screening the goalie, deflections, rebound goals, etc.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@rick,

He is always the last one of the ice at warm-ups and you can see that he is always working on the little things that are important. You will also notice him working with the younger players, like Richardson. Maybe this year’s numbers are not justifying his position, but there are intangibles that need to be figured in also.

[Reply]
Whodawat says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:27 am

If Poni’s on the 4th line, Ryan Smyth should join him there. He’s been abysmal. Other than on the PP, he’s been largely ineffective.

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@Whodawat, He had a goal last night and is very effective screening the goalie! how is that abysmal and ineffective? Is he older and slower? YES. Is he still an effective NHL veteran? YES

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:50 am
@tornado12,

Great in front of the net yes. Great along the boards??? No not since (approx) the tenth game. Since then he has rarely been able to pull pucks off the offensive boards or skate through opposition.

Spends a lot of time on his hind quarters and is unable to chase down pucks. Almost like a different player since last year and the start of the season.

But he is still great in front.

[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
@USHA#17, If there was a race between dirt and smyth. Dirt has already one. 6.5m cap hit for a character guy who has net presence.

Whodawat Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
@tornado12, I hope to God you’re not serious. And 6.5m cap hit for a player who is only useful in front of the net… AWESOME!

[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:46 am
@Whodawat, Agreed. He’s great on the PP in creating havoc for the goalies causing screens, but his 5-5 offense consists of weak shots from the angles and a zillion failed wraparound attempts; he’s just too slow for a first or second line now.

[Reply]
Paul Nuno Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:53 am
@bbb7, Im pretty sure he scored a wraparound not to long ago… not to mention he’s amazing at redirections and screens.. When someone takes a shot, the odds of it going in are dramatically increased if smittys in front of the net.

[Reply]
Whodawat Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
@Paul Nuno, I’m pretty sure you’re wrong about any successful wraparound he’s had this season. I thought the days of those failed attempts vanished with Frolov… alas it lives on!

Also, I can’t believe there are actually fans out there who justify his salary by saying he’s good in front of the net. I’m sure he’s great in the locker room too, but what else does he do. Certainly nothing else on the ice. He’s slow, any shot he takes past 5ft around the net has a 1% of going in, he doesn’t backcheck, he’s slow, he’s weak along the boards (yes, he’s a huge reason the 2nd line can’t sustain any pressure in the offensive zone) and he’s slow.

KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
@Whodawat, Smyth has to be surrounded by talent. Stoll and Lewis don’t quite fit the bill. Smyth looked horrible 5 on 5.

[Reply]
EmptyTank Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
@KC23,
Being out-muscled and pushed back two feet behind the net in the defensive zone has nothing to do with who he is paired with.

You *might* be able to pin some of the blame for his repeated turnovers on breakouts and through the neutral zone on his linemates in that they might not be putting themselves in proper passing lanes, but he needs to make that read, keep the puck, and carry it to safety rather than passing it right onto the opposing teams sticks.

I think last night’s game shows that Smyth needs to spend a LOT more time in the weight room, working especially on his lower-body. He’s looking quite weak out there.

[Reply]
tornado12 says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:27 am

Poni demoted? I didnt notice any glaring mistakes last night! whats the deal? I hope he doesnt have torontoitis!

[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:30 am
@tornado12, haha you forget the symptoms of Torontoitis … severe deficiencies to your game while wearing blue and white. Once the blue and white has been shed, there is a strong tendency for the player to have a career year.

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@tornado12,

Demoted or moved to spread out the defense to adjust for two key defensive injuries?

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LomitaKingsFan Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
@tornado12, Not sure its a demotion as much as it is to get a more veteran presence on the fourth line. Similar to how TM was play Richardson on the fourth before he went down.

[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
@tornado12,

He plays left wing on line 3. Evidently that’s just the position to look at with more scrutiny than the rest

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@tornado12, I agree with you. I think Poni’s demotion is more about Clifford playing EXTREMELY well than it is about Poni playing all that badly.

[Reply]
poe says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:28 am

Okay, let’s think positively. The Preds are playing the DEvils in New Jersey tonite. They will then fly home. The Kings are already there and rested. Please, please, don’t come out flat and wait until the 3rd to come alive. Let’s see a dynamic 60 minutes. Go Kings go

[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:34 am
@poe, blues played the night before, and where missing everyone that is important on there team, and we had rested players? Didnt work out so well before, and now we have 2 D hurt also. Guess will see

[Reply]
FabKings Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@poe,

Praise thee LORD!!!!!

[Reply]
Anjin Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:40 am
@poe, Deja Vu?

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:52 am
@Anjin, hopefully with regards to the last JB played against the Preds.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:52 am
@Anjin,

We hope not!

[Reply]
Kostamojen Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:51 am
@poe, Didn’t we just go through this with the Blues?

The Kings rested in St. Louis while the Blues got stomped in Detroit, after we got a big win over Detroit. St. Louis came home ready to redeem themselves and out-played our rested team on the second night of a back-to-back.

Hopefully, these two changes will make the difference:
1) The Kings lost their last game and might come out ready to redeem themselves.
2) The Predators could smoke the Devils and come into the Saturday game a bit overconfident.

Let’s go Kings!!!

[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
@Kostamojen, I think the Kings went into St. Louis a little bit overconfident.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
@Goring 19, The big question in my mind is why a team that just gave up 51 shots (Quick excluded, of course) would go into such a game overconfident.

USHA#17 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:52 am
@poe,

How about this? They still have a good record in the last five since that losing streak.

So, they drop a game that was expected to a gimme. So what? It happens. Only bummer is that they are squandering that passel of games in hand that they (once) held.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
@USHA#17, I think character is just as much about summoning the discipline to beat the teams you’re “supposed to beat” as it is about summoning the energy to beat the teams you’re not supposed to beat. In both 82-game seasons and 7-game playoff series, you’re expected to to do both.

[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

Well, yes. Perhaps I’ve been a Kings fan too long and am being too forgiving or just use to this type of “on ice fan abuse” but these things do happen. It really shaped up like the Wild game.

Look at this way however. The Islander will win games here and there too…and against some good teams. And, look at the funk the Caps are in. They were unstoppable three weeks ago. The standing may be tight but there is still a lot of hockey to go.

Paul Nuno Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@poe, Amen

[Reply]
Tony Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:56 am
@poe, Somewhere I’ve seen this before…

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@poe, Kings should of lost to Detroit, won at St. Louis. Now we should lose to a hot Nashville team and win against the Black Hawks who are still just playing .500 type hockey.

So perhaps we’ll win in Nashville and lose in Chicago. I can’t figure this team out.

[Reply]
pr0cess says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:35 am

mitch could have something like this

“Pronger has broken foot, out 4-6 weeks”

Lets hope not…

[Reply]
LV KINGS says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:44 am

Does anybody know if KCOP streams the games on there website for us out of towners.

[Reply]
Crown Royal says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:47 am

I wouldn’t mind seeing Lewis centering the third line with Clifford and Simmonds. They would be getting to people quickly, making them pay as they try to get the puck out of the defensive zone.

Handzus centering Poni- Westgarth is a big line and Handzus and Poni would still be paired for convenient penaly killing.

[Reply]
Paul Nuno Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:55 am
@Crown Royal, I like the speed line too. zues would bring the best outta westy and poni.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
@Crown Royal, Not a bad thought. I like it … minus Westgarth, he just is a waste of space. The guy is so ineffective.

[Reply]
DrGonzo says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:48 am

Alls I wants for Xmas is a healthy roster… Is that so much to ask for Mr. fat bearded man in a red jumpsuit!?

[Reply]
Kostamojen Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:56 am
@DrGonzo, I think I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that injuries are just an inevitable part of this game. Having a full, healthy roster all the time just isn’t possible. The team will just have to embrace that fact and learn to win games despite the adversity.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@Kostamojen, That’s right, every team struggles with it. It is rare when they don’t. Right now Detroit is humming along very heathy, but with their age … its gonna get to them sooner or later this year.

[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@DrGonzo,

you mean Bruce Boudreau? lol

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BringBackTheShieldJersey says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:55 am

Clifford moving up says more about Clifford’s strong play than Poniblutarsky’s play.

[Reply]
Paul Nuno Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 11:57 am
@BringBackTheShieldJersey, Poni just got back. remember his first game back he played awsome in my opinion. lets not throw poni to the lions because we lost to the blues. there was things that everyone could have done better..(except kopi…he came from heaven and does nothing wrong)

[Reply]
UpperV Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
@Paul Nuno,

I love Kopi, but the game winning goal last night was scored by a guy that Kopi should have and could have had. He was standing around guarding nobody in the high slot while the goal scorer was wide open trailing the puck carrier. The guy with the puck lost it and the wide open trailer picked it up and had plenty of time to pick a spot and rip it home as Kopi coasted in.

I love him, but that was a lack of awareness and effort.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@BringBackTheShieldJersey, Exactly my response somewhere else on the board. Agree 100%. I still can’t believe this guy is only 19 years old. This guy is going to be something special mark my words.

[Reply]
Scaught says:

December 17, 2010 at 11:56 am

They must absolutely, positively, 100% completely show up against this team or they will be embarrassed. Nashville either brings out the best in or humiliates every team.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@Scaught, They’ve done a good job of humiliating the Kings in the past. I’ll give you that.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Yep, I don’t like our chances one bit.

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Cortex949 says:

December 17, 2010 at 12:28 pm

On an unrelated note: anyone see the story about the guy who signed a one day contract with the coyotes to be backup to LaBarbara due to injury? They didn’t have time to get their AHL guy to wherever they were playing, so someone in the organization knew this guy who played in college (but hadn’t been on the ice since 2009) and they called him up and had him sit on the bench as labarbaras backup. Apparently during warmups Jason pretended he was hurt just to scare the pants off this new backup!

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
@Cortex949, Now that is cruel. Funny though.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@Cortex949,

Tom Fenton. He was a in studio guest on NHL Live this morning & told his story. He was getting a haircut when the Yotes called, & thought his buddies were playing a prank. He had 3 hours to get to the arena. Great story!

[Reply]
uvgt2bkdnme says:

December 17, 2010 at 12:29 pm

That is one expensive fourth-line left winger.

[Reply]
LV is the way Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
@uvgt2bkdnme, you are not kidding. @3mil a year.

[Reply]
KC23 says:

December 17, 2010 at 12:45 pm

I’ve been a hockey fan since 1970. Has anyone ever seen anyone worse at handleing the puck than Quick … don’t get me wrong, I love Quick and think he is perhaps the 2nd best in the league, but my goodness he is the worst I’ve ever seen and handleing the puck.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@KC23, Robb Stauber.

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KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@wavesinair, Really? Worse than Quick? Nah.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
@KC23, You’re probably right, I just remember him coming all the way to the blue line to handle pucks and getting schooled. Horrible decisions with the puck.

KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
@wavesinair, I do remember some of that as well, but Quick can’t even do the simple behind the net passes to his D without drama.

[Reply]
Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@KC23,

Marty Turco is considered one of the best in the league when it comes to puck handleing, however…

Look at what has happened to him this year, and last.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@KC23,

Lats year, Quick’s weakness was high over the blocker from an angle. He fixed that and now the flaw we notice is his puck handling. I have a feeling he will get that worked out like he fixed the high over the blocker problem.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@DesertKing, Uh, EVERYONE noticed Quick’s poor puck handling last year also, which is why I don’t understand why it hasn’t improved.

Note to Ranford: Don’t try to improve Quick’s puck handling skills. Focus on getting him to handle it less. Focus on ZERO cute plays. ZERO cute decisions. ZERO cute reads. Keep it simple, stupid. Let the D do as much as the work as possible. Less is more in this situation.

[Reply]
King o' Philly Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
@KC23,
jamie storr was horrible with the puck.
he kept trying, and kept flailing.

[Reply]
wavesinair says:

December 17, 2010 at 1:09 pm

Willie Mitchell is proving just how important he is. When he’s in, we win. When he’s out, look out!

[Reply]
Hat trick says:

December 17, 2010 at 1:11 pm

What happened to Willie?

[Reply]
Carolina Kings Fan says:

December 17, 2010 at 1:21 pm

INCONSISTENT!!!! That is the best way to describe the LA Kings this season. A successful team and hard working team is a reflection of our Head Coach. We are lacking these factors and that leads back to TM. He is a good teacher, not motivator. We need a Head Coach that is tough and fair and can motivate our players. We have good players but the lack of consistent play is upsetting. We SHOULD be a Top 5 team with the right leader. This is becoming an old song year after year.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
@Carolina Kings Fan, I’d say its a lot more a flection of our injuries and lack of debt at the winger position. Especially left wing.

[Reply]
Harty says:

December 17, 2010 at 2:52 pm

All the hipe and line combo’s lets get after it right now……

Clifford, Kopi, Williams (making space for them with someone who can skate)
Sturm, Stoll, Simmonds (speed, speed, speed)
Smyth, Handzus, Brown (size and age)
Richardson, Lewis, Poni (speed and size)

*if and I mean if we need a fighter, then bring on Westie, however he has to do his part (watch Colton Orr for the Leafs operate in this role.

Mitchell, Doughty
Greene, Martinez
Scuderi, Johnson

*keep Drewiski ready if needed otherwise press box

play Quicker for 70 games and Bernier for 12 games

end of day

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 17th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
@Harty,

“*if and I mean if we need a fighter, then bring on Westie.”

Will never happen as long as TM is here.

[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan says:

December 17, 2010 at 3:31 pm

I totally disagree with moving Poni to the 4th line! whatever the reason is i think its wrong. We did not get poni to put him on 4th line minutes. Even though Clifford is playing very well Poni on the 4th line is rediculous!!! The guy has done nothing wrong to begin with, he gives our team sone solid defensive efforts and the guy needs and deserves more than 5 to 10 min ice time a game, plain and simple!

[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan says:

December 17, 2010 at 3:33 pm

to add to my post. If TM rolls out 4 lines consistantly, let me say this again “CONSISTANTLY” then im not opposed to Poni on the 4th, but if not its a waste of a top 3 line player.

[Reply]
jason says:

December 17, 2010 at 6:04 pm

I think clifford is one of the kings best players every night and hes getting better… I dont like Poni on the fourth line but who else should be moved back?

[Reply]