Here’s how the Kings’ lines look in practice this morning, including the reunion of a first line that had success in stretches last season…
Smyth-Kopitar-Williams
Clifford-Handzus-Brown
Sturm-Stoll-Simmonds
Ponikarovsky/Lewis/Westgarth/Richardson
All defensemen are present and accounted for, as well. More updates to come in a bit…
Still no second line center and lacking a goal scoring winger. Is Lokti back from Russia yet? If so DL needs to call him up and swing a deal for a goal scoring winger. These lines are not good enough.
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IceGuy Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@Crown Royal,
Amen. Fanned. Faved.
With the players we have here right now, Lewis should be C #2 just to have some SPEED on an attack.
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@Crown Royal, I won’t be surprised to see Lokti called up when he returns to the states, and see Zues shipped off for a high pick or something. I think we might see these lines by the trade deadline:
Smyth-Kopi-Williams
Sturm-Lokti-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Simmonds
Poni-Lewis-Richardson
Clifford/Poni being interchangable mostly, but I kind of like Clifford on the third, I think he has more offensive upside, his style tends to be a little more “disruptive” to opposing defenses. More than that, I like having Poni’s defensive experience to stabilize the fourth. It allows us to roll four lines more regularly, keeping everybody fresh.
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Crown Royal Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Bill M.,
Yeah, I like these lines better. I agree about Clifford on the third line. However, Handzus has a no-trade clause. Not sure he would waive it at the deadline. Also TM would throw a hissy fit if DL moved Zeus.
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@Crown Royal, If DL tells Zus that we won’t be offering him a new contract, that it’s already decided he’s on his way out, and that we are going to use the remaining season to break in his replacement, he might waive it.
As a player, if the GM tells me “your replacement is ready, your contract is up, you can accept a trade or sit in the press box” I’ll waive my no trade.
PRMan Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Crown Royal, Any GM that did that to a player would have a real hard time signing free agents. You don’t treat Handzus like that. Avery maybe, but not a good soldier like Handzus.
Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@Crown Royal, Well you don’t really say it that abruptly. You tell him that you are disappointed in his performance, that a prospect is going to fill his role, and he can choose to wait for the end of the season, or he can be moved now and hope to finish the season strong somewhere else so that he can make a better case for a new deal.
As a player, if I’m losing my spot on the roster, and I won’t be offered a new contract at the end of the year, I’d rather be told the situation and given the choice, rather than just being sat down or sent to the minors. If we aren’t going to play him, it’s actually more fair to him that he is allowed to go to anther team where he can showcase himself and try to get a new contract. That’s all I was suggesting.
You are suggesting, I guess, that you don’t sit a player just because he’s been a good soldier for the last three years? Well, if, as many are suggesting, we should have Lokti as the second line center, then one of the other centers sits or goes to Manchester. Saying that you should never do that, is to say that you should just accept the fate of your season if you have underperformers who can’t be moved, and prospects who are ready and able to help save the season.
kevin Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@Bill M., I think there is gonna be a guy name iginla or semin or gagne in that line up
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OCKingsFan Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@Bill M.,
Smyth-Kopi-Williams
Sturm-Stoll-Brown
Poni-Handzus-Simmonds
Clifford-Lewis-Richie/Westgarth
If things aren’t going well during a game TM can move around any one of the players from the fourth line and insert them onto a different line, but I think this lineup gives us the best depth and combination of speed, size, grit, and skill at the moment. I still think we need to acquire a 1st line winger and a 2nd line center before the deadline, but a lot easier said than done and we have DL as a GM so good luck with that. Wouldn’t hurt to have another veteran puck moving D man to take Martinez’s spot for the last quarter of the season and playoffs. Just break this stinking slump guys and put yourselves in position to win the division. We have plenty of time but we have to put a long winning streak together and fast. That 9 game win streak from last year would definitely help right about now.
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Pesus Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Crown Royal, How about trying a new coach? With a better “system”. He may not be all to blame but something has to change. I’m starting to think some players are losing faith in the “system”
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@Pesus, I think its that the players have lost faith in each other. Case and point – Doughty watching the guy with the puck, rather than sticking to his man. When players lose trust in each other, they start to cheat their assignments, instead trying to be the hero who saves the play.
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KingsGuy Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@Bill M., Agreed…
USHA#17 Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
@Bill M., I think you’ve made a very good point. When I think of responsibility I look a the sucker pass Simmonds dumped Martinez two games ago only to see Kopitar do the exact same thing to Martinez last night.
Its quite amazing to see a team unravel. Last year this team covered for each others mistakes. This year they have forgotten how.
I was wondering when we would see the Smyth-Kopitar-Williams line resurrected. Here’s hoping it works. But, the Kings current problems might be more about player attitude and drive, than it is about what lines the players are on…
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wavesinair Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Kostamojen, It was resurrected last night briefly. I was hoping it would happen and there you have it.
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@Kostamojen, Agree. I fully expected that this top line would resurrect in the second half as well make a push for a playoff seed. The benefit is that now all of these guys have had significant time playing with each other, so if we have an injury, or TM needs to improvise, etc. he can, because at least everybody knows the system, and he knows everybody’s limits, and he knows who has chemistry. I mean, we probably didn’t NEED to see Poni on the top line, but hey, you never know, and at least now TM knows for SURE it’s bad idea.
Now that it’s crunch time, you go with the big guns, wiser for the time you spend experimenting. If any top line is going to really light it up and carry us into the playoffs, it’s that one.
The real question has little to do with that. The real question is, like you said, the player attitude, and how to fix it.
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King o' Philly Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@Bill M.,
is this your justification for tm’s incessant line jumbling? that they’ll all be better prepared for the 2nd half?
i can’t tell if you’re giving him too much credit or making him out to be a total fool.
honest question: why would any coach EVER play a series of lines he didn’t think were the BEST lines… i can’t imagine any coach jumbling guys, snuffing chances at chemistry, keeping things out-of-synch, never allowing rhythm to develop ONLY to keep guys familiar with each other in the event of 2nd-half injuries, etc…
if he thought these were the best combos, he SHOULD HAVE played them already this year, don’t you think!?
the reason he’s waited this long to reunite smyth-kopi-williams goes back to tm’s general philosophy: that any player can play on any line… they’re “interchangeable parts” … it’s a “team” philosophy that winds up producing bland, mediocre teams with no soul or identity.
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@King o’ Philly, Not so much that he really wanted to “try everybody with everybody”. I think it’s more a recognition that our second line was weak last year, so he wanted to use Smyth and Williams to shore it up and spread the offense around, hoping to find some other players who sparked with Kopi. I think he avoided this combo because it is an admission that we are still too weak on the second line. So he tried everything else BUT this first. Now that we are really in danger, experiment over, go with a real first line and hope for the best from the second.
snbrdsummit Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@King o’ Philly,
I’m really in agreement with King on this one. TM is grasping for straws. The only conclusion anyone could possibly draw from this behavior is that TM has no clue. He’s actually convinced the players that their problem is a lack of motivation or some derivative thereof. Its a shame that you never hear anyone on the team saying that they atudied video of their play in an effort to root out the fundamental mistakes they make. The fact that TMs answer to everything is to mix up the lines is indicative of the larger problem that nobody on the coaching staff is technically sound enough to present the problems and work on the root cause. Coaches are supposed to have a technical eye and a vision of how to apply it. You don’t establish credibility for saying lets TRY this.
Close.
Id rather see
Smyth-Kopi-Williams
Sturm-Stoll-Brown
Poni-Zus-Simmonds
Cliff-Richie-Lewis
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@Seabass, I think that once Poni and Sturm have had more time to get back into game rhythm, this is exactly what you will see. I think these lines are a pit stop on the way to the eventual lines you posted.
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KingFanMGM Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Seabass, I agree. That is a much better looking lineup. I wouldn’t mind switching Poni & Clifford though.
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YooperSkip Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Seabass, I don’t comment much, but your lines are better than what TM has skated this AM. The Kopi line did well together last year, Lines 3 and 4 had good efforts together this year and only line 2 is “different” since Sturm is new and I think he should be on Line 2 and not on the stopper line. Good input–wish TM would see it like you do.
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spidey35 Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Seabass,
Good lines seabass. Do you feel like coaching?
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Dave Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@Seabass, i like those combinations. westgarth is a waste right now in that he provides absolutely no offense and he really isn’t doing his job protecting anyone. simmonds and clifford can handle that.
there isn’t enough skill right now. you either need skilled guys or guys that crash. i’d prefer to see one skill guy, one crasher and one guy to dig out pucks on each line.
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Tom Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@Seabass, I like those combinations.
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Ari Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@Seabass, TM – take heed! This is probably the best line combo we can squeeze out of our current roster!
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Dominick Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@Seabass,
I think Kingsfans are unanimus. These are the lines that most would do. Leaves room for interchangeble parts on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4rth left wings, and 2 centers to exchange on the second line.
I like Brown with Kopi, but no one has been able to play with those 2 on the left side.
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Goring 19 Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Good lines Seabass. Zeus does NOT belong on the second line and Westgarth brings absolutely NOTHING to the team at this point. I’ve been a big supporter of TM but his failure to see these obvious points is shaking my confidence.
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I dont know about you guys, but I like it. The team lost its confidence in Quick. Thats the problem. NO BUENO!
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u guys got the first line now u guys not happy wiht the second come on lets just see what the second can do and hope the frist line does as great as it did last year
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all i can say is, it’s getting to look like rearranging frickin’ deck chairs on the ol’ titanic — the ship going down as a playoff berth fades from view….
obviously i don’t know what’s being said to individual players at practice, or what they’re drilling; but from the outside, it just looks like TM’s rolling the dice, hoping to hit the right combo.
FRUSTRATING!!!!
it’s about guts and drive and determination, man, WHOEVER is out there. these elements are SORELY lacking of late.
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but, but, but, I thought Sturm was the answer for the 1st line?? Any good players on IR right now? I bet DL is gunning for them. *shakes head*
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Colin Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Kevin, Yeah, Zach Parise.
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@Kevin,
I don’t think anyone, in the organization or otherwise, contended that Sturm was the answer for the 1st line. He was acquired for virtually nothing and is simply another experienced forward that, you have to admit, gives our team additional depth.
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Yeah. I sort of expected him to wind up on the second line. He wasnt the real solution, he’s just an experienced body that came cheap, in a position where we were having trouble fielding a complete roster.
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King John Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
@Kevin, you ask, “Any on the IR” to gun for….
That would be Scott Parse.
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The whole team(minus Simmonds) looked like they were skating in mud last night. Lets get Richardson back in there!! At least he’s mostly responsible for beating Colorado twice this year, can’t say that about Westgarth.
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Michael Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, Agree, Richie has to be in the line up!!
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gralx Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, I guess the real question is…. If Westgarth is not going to drop the gloves in a game like last night’s… Why the hell is he even in the game? Dude doesn’t make big hits, doesn’t skate well, does not puck handle well. If you ain’t throwin’ you ain’t playin’!
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I believe this marks the first time this season the Kopi/Brown pair has been separated in practice (and I’m assuming the next game).
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Jason4Kings Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@wavesinair,
Wasn’t at the game last night, watched on TV, and i noticed alot of frustration on Kopi’s face all game. Mostly at Poni early on, and then TM moved Clifford on his wing.
You gotta wonder what Kopitar is saying behind closed doors.
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@Jason4Kings, The same report that reported on TM’s comments, and the closed door locker room lambasting they gave themselves, also reported that it was mentioned to murray that some players have complained about the accountability of the overall team.
Murray’s response was that any player making that complaint had better be prepared to back it up on the ice. I think that’s actually a pretty good answer.
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@Jason4Kings, Thanks for your reply earlier Jason and all other Kings fans. The way it sounded on Kings talk last night is …. Get off of #8 and let TM coach this team. Only thing that is going to help the team now, is the team. Look nobody is going to get fired and DL will not listen to anybody other then the people that are close to him. We all don’t want to see this club go backwards. No Playoffs, is not a reality yet. Let’s get behind these kids and believe that they will work it out.
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MR King Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@Jason4Kings, I don’t remember Clifford being on Kopi’s wing until late in the 3rd. And that was because Sturm had been sent to the penalty box until the end of the game practically.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@MR King,
Seems like i remember it being earlier than that, but i could be wrong.
wow it only took half of the season for TM to reunite the lines unreal
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Strummer Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@kennynakamoto,
Agreed.
The one line that makes the most sense has been completely ignored until now.
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That first line will make a lot of fans happy. We could use some of that magic from last season. I hope it works out.
Just do what ever it takes to get the confidence back and start winning again! Get it done Kings!
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love this second size, full of size and power. They will score a lot of ugly goals
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rick Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
@Cory, Seriously? You got a guy who will probably end up with 20 something goals (Brown). a guy who is on pace for around 10 goals (Handzus) and a guy who will have less than 10 goals at years end (Clifford). That ain’t much of a scoring line. Sturm and Stoll seem to be developing some chemistry. I would put the two of them with Brown for a second line, and leave Clifford, Handzus and Simmonds to be the shutdown line.
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Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@rick, Thats exactly how I would put the lines together. Get the shut down line back together TM!!!
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@rick, Brown will probably make 30 this year. He is on pace for 33, which would tie his career high.
That said, I think this will happen eventually. TM probably trying not to change everything around all at once. Stoll has been better since his visit to the dog house, and Zues just doesn’t have the offensive touch he’s had in the past.
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rick Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@Bill M., I doubt Brown is going to hit 30 playing with Handzus and Clifford….
Michael J. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Agreed
Ari Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@rick, Agreed!
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gralx Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@Cory, ANY goals would be step up
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tornado12 Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@Cory, Ding, Ding, Ding!!! we have a winner…
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Hope the new lines bring some good results!
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I Like the look of the new lines. I think the 3rd line has started to click, so I am fine with not messing with that. Clifford has proven he plays real well with Zus, so that should be good. The first line is what I was hoping to see day one.
I think Poni could be moved if Lombardi wants to. I haven’t been to impressed by his lack of effort and no emotions at all. Looks like he isn’t even trying.
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@dropkickfan, Yeah. Poni is solid defensively, but has no real interest in the team and it shows. He was a valuable filler acquisition in off season, but that was before we knew that we had clifford ready to go. I think he suits that line more effectively, with a bigger upside. Clifford maybe inexperienced, but at least he shows some effort and emotion in his game, and he’s the right kind of player for that role.
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just to tell everyone that I said that I always said that why someone would not put the best line hockey together. Answer Justin will have so many points and hard to sign him back. Just like I said now it will be together so they can make the playoffs. Just sad how kings just dont put their best hockey for the fans.
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Whether TM is a good coach or not… weve seen coaches in all sports fired when Management says “you cant fire the whole team”. Move TM into management and give Wayne Gretzky the job for the remainder of the season. Maybe he can get Barry Melrose to be his assistant! Seem to remember Barry didnt mind putting talented players in the doghouse, or the stands. Gretz wouldnt accept an “I dont know whats wrong” from his captain They certainly remember our last deep run into the playoffs and wouldnt roll over to the Leafs, like we did last night. Sure I am joshing a bit and it is far fetched… but so are our playoff aspirations.
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I was at the game last night talking trash to all the leafs fans around me and it didn’t wrork out so well. I even made a lude gesture so a group as we were walking out and almost got beat up. Haha bad night all around
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friarking Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@Cortex949,
Way to stay classy.
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rick Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Cortex949, Clearly “Cortex” is a good name for you.
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Does anyone really think that changing up the lines will help this team. I am so sick and tired of hearing the excuses after every game that the kings lose. When you are making as much money as these guys make to play a game, and you don’t PLAY HARD EVERY SHIFT, then you should get another job. I for one will not spend any more of my hard earned money watching this team. I will use it to go out to dinner. At least I will be satisfied after the meal and will have gotten something for my money. I have been a fan since 1967. Same old kings.
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@kings0431,
A fan since ’67 and you choose NOW to jump off the bandwagon??
lol…
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kings0431 Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
Not jumping off the bandwagon. Will just watch them on TV. If they play poorly, I can just switch channels.
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Bill M. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@kings0431, Really? you’ve never paid for an expensive meal and been disappointed? Wow.
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kings0431 Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@Bill M., Yes, once in a while you get a stinker for a meal, but most often you get what you pay for and most often the meal is fine. And if the meal is really bad, the manager takes care of you. The last time I checked there are no refunds at the games. Year after year this team does not play up to potential, and all you hear are excuses. Enough for the excuses. If changes need to be made regarding the coach or players, it should be done.
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LV is the way Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@kings0431, If you think you can do better then by all means take of the coaching duties. Have not been around since 67. But when you have players like richardson out of the line up for some unknown reason, and have westgarth in. Something is wrong with that picture. Westagrth a heavy weight, i think clifford can handle that roll when needed. I would never jump ship because the team is a slump.
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kings0431 Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@LV is the way, I am not a hockey coach so I am not paid to do better. As far as Richardson not being in the line up I totally agree. He should be playing and Westgarth should be in Manchester. As far as being in a slump, how many slumps do you need a season? When players constantly say that they only played hard for 40 to 45 minutes in a 60-minute game, that is what makes me sick. You get paid to play the entire game to the best of your ability. If I ran my business half assed, I would have no business left.
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Line combinations are wonderful IF THEY WORK. Everyone loves the first line combination but if we don’t get secondary scoring, the team will lose and no one will be happy. The one line I would really like to see back together is
Poni/Zeus/Simmer
This line was playing “heavy” as TM calls it before Poni went down the second time with an injury.
Sturm/Stoll/Brown
Clifford/Lewis/Richie
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Michael J. Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
Yes, those combinations make the best sense. Look for Brown to relapse and play like he did most of last year. He won’t get 30 playing with Zeus & Clifford. I love Cliffy, but he’s 3rd line at best.
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Most people on this blog are arguing about alternating one third or fourth line winger for another.It is amazing we have this many points with the lack of skill at the forward positions. We need more speed up front.The big players are too immobile to hit. We nee players like Bobby Ryan and Corey Perry. I would play Richardson more as well as Moller and Loktionov for the rest of the year.We have a record of dumping players who could help after only playing them five to ten min a game with other nonskilled players. Boyle and Moulson could have helped us but were never given a fair chance. Boyle was never given the chance that Clifford has been given.Jason Blake is ex King who is far superior to most forwards in the organization who was given up on way too soon by previous management.David Steckel good enough to play for Washington as is better than Poni. Jared Smithson playing for Nashivill who is better than many of our present forwards.
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BMSTANG Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@rmartin1951, I still think “Mini Blake!” everytime I see Jason on the ice.
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I like these lines better as Williams will have a chance to flourish offensively (and Kopi as a by-product) But it’s become more clear to me the problem is we need a playmaking 2nd line center; there’s plenty to gripe about not having a true sniper but a passing center would make the wingers better and could QB the PP, since Kopi is stuck on the halfwall on the PP and you cant QB from there, and DD just isnt able to be that QB this season, for whatever reason.
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MR King Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
@bbb7, Unfortunately that 2nd line center is still in the minors now playing for the Saskatoon Blades. Or the Manchester Monarchs. Depending on which of Schenn/Loktionov fits the bill.
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Finally. Good luck Smyth, Kopi, Williams. I can already smell more goals
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It’s about time. I really don’t understand why he has neglected the first line all season in the spirit of balanced scoring. This line can CARRY the team. Secondary scoring can work itself out.
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How bout for just once we stop talking about other players from other teams and just realize that we for sure have the talent on this team and if they don’t pull their heads out of their _____ there goes the season. Seriously…people…try for once to blame this on the “team” and not the GM or the coaches. The players just need to figure it out that’s all…hopefully it will be soon.
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Play making is another term everyone throws around. How many great passing plays can you think of from the past 2 or 3 season…I can count them on one hand. This team is chockfull of finishers but few play makers. Kopi and JW are the only play makers that come to mind. Sturm in his short stint has also made some nice passes. I’m talking primary passes, not JJ’s 28 assist off shots from the point. Brown is a finisher, not known for his passing skills, same goes for Stoll, Smyth, Simmer, Zeus, Richie, and down the list.
This team has to work so hard to produce offense because they are challenged skill wise and you can’t play 82 games like its the most important game of the season. The talent is coming but for right now, TM will need to tinker with the lines and find that magic that produces goals without taking too many risks defensively.
How good would a Martin St. Louis look playing on a line with Brown and Kopi. I understand these guys don’t fall off tree’s and hopefully Lokti or Schenn can be that play maker.
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For everybody who’s disappointed with the new lines, just wait until next week when TM will change them again.
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keep the lines the same way for like 10 games in a row and let the players learn from each other! TM needs to stop gambling with the line changes and hoping for some miracle to unfold! We have good players and they need to know the coach believes in them! And as far as I am concerned we can go ahead and teade Doughty! I have never thought Doughty is that good despite all the hype surrounding him!! We won pretty much every single game when he was out of lineup and injured, and everyone was saying that once he comes back from his injury the team would be even better! Give me a break… He doesn’t even compare to someone like Rob Blake and Jack Johnson was fine when Doughty was gone! Free up some space for JJ and get rid DD. We all know he turns over the puck too often and takes tons of bad penalties that have cost us a lot of points!! I just don’t see what all this hype is about! Doughty isn’t anything special.. Sorry, but the truth hurts!!
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Doc.B Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@pokerdaniel, How long have you been watching hockey? Doughty is a GOD on D. He IS the next Lidstrom!! He’s only 21 give him a break. He’ll be 5 times better than Rob Blake.
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Has TM gone two games this year without changing the line? How do these players get use to each other when you change the lines every game. Its a joke and TM is a joke for a hockey coach. Get rid of him before it is to late.
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Doc.B Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@gene, How is coaching the problem here. We went 12-3 in our first 15 games. Our system works!!! Our coach is great! We just need some players with heart,skill,drive and passion for the game. The Kings as a team look lazy and complacent out there. They grab a 2-0 lead and they think they won the whole game. Too much arrogance. Kinda what we see in the Lakers.
The only thing I don’t like about our coaching is that Stoll is in the top 2 lines and on the PP. This is a joke!!! He is a fourth line center at best. He skates like he has two left legs. Horrible!! 3 goals in the last 16 games ain’t gonna cut it if were trying to be a contender. We need a Jason Spezza type center under Kopi not Stoll. Come DL get real!!
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I don’t know why on earth clifford is on the second line. I would have put richie with handzus and brown. Once everyone gets rolling, 1st keep it!, 2nd line should be: sturm-stoll-brown, richie-handzus-simmonds, poni-lewis-cliford/westgarth. Just watch if the old line doesn’t produce they will be dismantle in 3 games. Time to start a winning streak on thursday. misss you kings!!
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with the 9th pick in the 2011 NHL draft the Kings select ????? Dman.
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I will say it again. Two non injured 20+ scoring wingers plus a vet d. This will only happen July 1st.
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Dominick Reply:
January 11th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@Kings x, Semin comes to mind. Wait and see on the others.
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Smyth-Kopi-Williams, it’s about frickin’ time!
Go Kings!!!
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It’s about time for the first line, now let’s see a second line of stoll, brown and sturm. Clifford, zues and simm
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thank you.. i think people are where they should be… Clifford and brown on the same line could be exciting.. big hits
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i hope he keeps these lines and doesnt change them after 1 game lol
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Turning point of the season.
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try saying the 3rd line 4 times fast
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Finally surrendering to reality. We know that line 1 works. We also know that zeus, simmer and poni works. let’s admit it and do it. put Stoll with Brown and Clifford. And that leaves us with a speed line of Lewis Richie and Sturm. That’s a great change of pace group and a look that we’ve been missing.
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top 6 wingers are Smyth, Williams, Clifford, and Brown.
HOW ABOUT THAT BLAZING SPEED AND SKILL???
Joke. Slowest group of top 6 wingers in the league. With that said, Williams is a quality player, as is Brown, and Smyth is Smyth. But that’s the roster the Kings have right now. There are strengths and weaknesses on it. All the coach can do is do the best with what he has. It’s having ******* Clifford still in the top two lines that IS under TM’s control, that’s what’s killing this team. No speed. No skill. No shot. He brings nothing to that line. The puck dies with him. He actually hurts the line. He’s not even a neutral. TM the Terrible (coach).
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Smyth-Kopi-Williams
Sturm-Stoll-Brown
Poni-Zuess-Simmonds
Clifford-Lewis-Richie
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