It’s been quite a roller-coaster week for Alexei Ponikarovsky. On Saturday, he returned to the lineup after missing six games with an ankle injury. On Monday, he skated on the first line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Today, he’s out of the lineup entirely. Ponikarovsky played just under 15 minutes on Monday against Toronto, but Terry Murray made it clear that he didn’t like what he saw. As earlier noted, Ryan Smyth will take Ponikarovsky’s spot on the first line, and Brad Richardson will take his lineup spot, with Richardson skating on the fourth line with Trevor Lewis and Kevin Westgarth. Here’s what Murray said today about his decision to scratch Ponikarovsky…
MURRAY: “With Poni, I just need him to be a more competitive player right now. He’s coming back off another injury there, but it’s got to be a whole lot better, from a veteran player.”
Ponikarovsky, signed to a one-year, $3-million contract last summer, has three goals and four assists in 24 games.
MURRAY: “Whenever you’re scratching a player, it’s very hard. Everybody wants to play on a regular basis. Certainly, whenever you’re a veteran player it’s more difficult. But there’s a standard of compete that we have to have. I was looking at the game that he played against Toronto, his former team. It was maybe the first game that he played against them. If he played against them with Pittsburgh, I’m not sure. And he’s playing with Kopitar and Brown. That’s a pretty good pair to be able to get on a line with, against your old teammates. I was expecting not just hard work but a very competitive level of hard work. That part of it is not there for me. In fact, I was upset about it at the end of the game. It needs to be at a higher level. I need to express that. Players don’t really want to accept it all the time, but that’s our view and that’s where the decision has to be made.”
Ponikarovsky actually did play a game against Toronto last season, after being traded to Pittsburgh. It was on March 28, and Ponikarovsky had one assist in the Penguins’ 5-4 shootout victory. On the other side of the coin is Richardson, who returns to the lineup after missing two games as a healthy scratch. Murray hasn’t elaborated as to what his issues with Richardson’s play were, but said he was confident that Richardson is ready to play…
MURRAY: “We had a meeting, and went over some video. I think we’re at an understanding, of what he needs from me and what I need from him.”
well that signing seems like a bust.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@rexmundi, Yeah, it was kind of a grasp at the time, because they thought they were in the running for someone high powered when they let Fro go, then it all fell apart. I’m sure that’s why he got a one-year deal. I’m not sure anyone expected a lot out of him, but most of us probably expected more than six goals and eight assists (I’m projecting.)
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Matt George Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@rexmundi,
For most of the season I have enjoyed watching Poni NOT get bullied off the puck.
I was explaining that to my wife during the Toronto game when … he got bullied off the puck.
Good move by Terry.
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Dominick Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@Matt George,
Didn’t he just come back like a few games ago? Didn’t seem like it took very long for him to get benched. Maybe he’s not 100% and instead of admitting it, they just said they expect more.
I know that sounds silly, but so does benching a guy who just cameback and is trying to get his feet under him.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@Dominick,
Yeah, but his play in the Toronto game was really, really poor. Sloppy, lazy, i couldn’t believe it, and i like him.
wavesinair Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@Dominick, Toronto was his second game back. I’m surprised Murray didn’t even know if he had played against his former team yet. Seems like something you’d know as a coach.
john olive Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Someone needs to kick the teams butt! Too much feel good stuff going on. These guys make lots of money and I have to take a second on my house just to go to a game and what do I get? All that high paid talent and poor play. I hate the Ducks but they have less talent but play far better. We need a coach who isn’t afraid to hold his players accountable and take their gold clubs away!!!
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. . . and the fans want more from Terry Murray.
I’m tired of him publicly calling out ‘bridge’ players and staying silent with the ‘core’ guys who stink up the place.
Your act is getting Tired Terry.
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fsd1 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@Noble Savage, so is yours
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jet Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@fsd1, agree 100%
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Tookie Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@Noble Savage,
Yeah, ’cause it didn’t work when he called out Marco. Relax.
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LV is the way Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Noble Savage, A little harsh. I know the season has not gone to according to plan, but there is alot of games left, and i don’t hear no fat lady singing yet.
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johnjuan Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@LV is the way,
She’s clearing her throat.
Why does he play Westgarth? The guy fights less than simmer or Clifford.
Put someone in that can play hockey.
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luc20rules Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@johnjuan, Agreed.
pitty Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Noble Savage, First let me say I like TM as a coach, However you do have a point Noble. I have seen Brown, Doughty, Johnson and others make some real bone headed plays over and over and not one word is said. I guess TM knows who he is allowed to chastise and who he can’t.
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pnm Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@pitty, So glad to see someone else calling out other players who seem to get mysteriously overlooked when they play poorly. I think a few timely healthy scratches would have been appropriate for a few players at points during this season.
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Maybe it’s time to scratch Drew Doughty for a game for his lazy play and numerous turnovers!!!
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mash-ola Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@DC, Funny you should say that… I was thinking the same thing. He’s young and still has franchise defenseman written all ove rhim, but this season (injuries notwithstanding), it just seems like he’s taking too many risks and not keeping his game simple.
On Kings Talk after games and otherwise, Nick Nickson and Daryl Evans seem to give him a ‘pass’ of sorts because he was a rookie of the year candidate, a norris trophy candidate, playing the most minutes and put into all situations. But if you are looking solely at this season, he just doesn’t seem to be playing well overall. And that’s not necessarily because we have higher expectations of him because of what we’ve seen him being capable of. To me, it just seems that his focus is off. His best asset is his ability to pick his spots and jump into the offense and not leave the backend vulnerable. But this year he seems to be prone to a lot of ‘rookie-like’ mistakes. His focus doesn’t seem to be there, either. I don’t necessarily buy the ‘out-of-shape’ issue some people have mentioned. But he just looks unfocused and lazy at times.
The good news is he’s really young and his shortcomings as of late are 100% correctable. The bad news is his game isn’t what it was these past few seasons…
That is all…
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Mike J Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@mash-ola,
Is the reason for Doughty’s play, still lingering issues from the concusion. I’m talking both physically and mentally. I don’t know. I just don’t see him especially on the power play moving with the puck and changing angles when he shoots, he just seems to stand there and that’s not what makes him so effective offensively.
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Rich,
Where’s the thread that says “ooops! crashed again”.
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It’s clear that TM doesn’t like Russian players. Last year it was Frolov, this year Poni. Anyone else makes mistakes-fine! Russian players-doghouse! I’m not saying that Poni is playing great but don’t tell me that Westgarth is better. At lest Poni can help on PK. Hopefully when Lokti, Voynov and Kitsyn would be ready for NHL TM would be gone. …TM is out of his mind. He is clearly lost control of the team, changing lines every day but getting the same result. Why? Team doesn’t respond to him. Change should be made before too late.
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mvirker@san.rr.com Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@fsd1, Do you think Westgarth is better than Poni? …O.K. not hates them, just doesn’t like them. So many Kings I agree, he did not play well last game. But was he the only one? No. But he is the only one who got benched. Wonder why…..
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Choralone Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@mvirker@san.rr.com, It doesn’t matter in Poni’s case what TM is or isn’t doing with the other players. He can’t use it as an excuse, and neither an we. The bottom line is it is within his power to play better. It’s one thing to play outstanding – few players can maintain top-level performance consistantly. It’s another thing, however, to give a poor effort or not play up to minimal standards.
Performance can’t be judged without looking at expectations. TM’s expectations for Westgarth are obviously different than those for Poni – that’s the big difference. Westgarth is less experienced and less talented.
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fsd1 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@Choralone, Thank you, Apples and Oranges
johnjuan Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@fsd1,
Poni brings more to the team than Westgarth regardless of the role.
Carolina Kings Fan Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@mvirker@san.rr.com, Finally someone agrees with me. Can we start a new poll? Should we fire TM?
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wavesinair Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@mvirker@san.rr.com,
That might be all well and true except for the little fact that PONIKARAVSKY IS NOT RUSSIAN. Calling him Russian is like calling a guy from California a dude from the Bronx.
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So we bench Poni and keep Westy in the lineup? How exactly is that helping us?
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Gary Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@DY, agree. Westy at one point looked like he was figuring out how to play a regular shift (after Murray had talked to him about passing rather just chipping it off the boards). Now, he looks worst than ever.
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fsd1 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@DY, looks at the blues lineup
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Poni deserves this scratch. He was worthless last game. A while back, after getting called out, he played like a beast for a game or two. Then went back to stink-mode. Yeah, there are other players that need to be held accountable. In case anybody hasn’t noticed, Brown and Stoll have been demoted, too. We can’t complain about Murray doing nothing, then complain when he acts, too.
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Dominick Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@Gary, Browns having a great season. In Browns case It’s not a demotion.
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Waiting to hear from TM that “it’s got to be a whole lot better” – regarding Westgarth. Don’t think we’ll hear it – I cannot fathom what he sees in Westgarth.
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In the doghouse! I keep thinking of a George Thorogood song and it aint “bad to the bone”
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Poni knows he’s not coming back next year, so he just banked 3 Mil. Wish I could do that. Do any of you out there in blog land thinks this Guy has earned his pay? I’m a big body also, Dean sign me up. I’ll skate for free and give you more then he has. Poni=Bum
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SUMMARY FROM NHL HOME ICE/SIRIUSXM–
Darryl Evans:
Mental fatigue vs. physical fatigue from the holidays…
Expects a rebound this week.
Got to stop feeling sorry for themselves!
Young team, coaches powerless, players have to figure it out!
Phil–long homestands are weird!
Darryl–It’s tough, 10 game road trip upcoming, entertainment centers, not hockey rink… Multiple events, schedule pushed around to make a profit, affects the product on the ice.
Poni never hitting stride…
DL, will he get a top six forward?
Darryl–Sturm will get better, but not the miracle man. DL has to search out there, not easy, young players need one more year (Schenn, etc)… But core is strong, need top 6 forward.
Playoffs, what needed?
–93-95 points, everybody beating themselves up, VAN is better but not by that much, CHI will be better, SJ may trade to get better.
Announcer consensus: RENTAL PLAYER IS PROBABLY COMING…
JQ gives up the leaky goal now and again
JB a disappointment (.888 save %)
LAK still has games in hand
tight, tight race… 10 games on road to come…
Difficult, need 6-4 on that trip, but if less than 14-15 points…
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Dominick Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
That schedule pushed around comment. Does that have anything to do with the Clippers, and the Kings playing on the same day?
Also San Jose trading to get better is probably refering to their need for a Veteran defenseman.
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Murray seems to have a habit of calling out the fringe players but not the “core” guys who are most defiantely underperforming. Did the Kings really think that Sturm was the panacea for all thier forward issues?
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Disappointing because he started the year off so well and then got injured. Prior to the injury, he was playing a good solid defensive game.
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I want more from TM!!!! Stop moving lines around. What’s with you man? Try keeping the lines set for 2 weeks and then see what happens.
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He is what he is… a power forward with good two-way sense and okay hands. He should in no way be compared to Frolov. But Ponikarovsky is neither a goal scoring machine nor a banger/fighter. I was a little surprised myself to see him on the first line against the Leafs. The way Simmonds was playing that night, and in general lately, I would have put Simmonds on that line in a heartbeat.
With Poni, you kinda get what you pay for, I just wasn’t holding much hope of him being a big scoring threat (I think I predicted he’d miss some time with injuries and be good for like 18-20 goals and 30-40pt, and even that seems high at this point). Career 3rd-4th liner imho.
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Dear Terry,
There is something seriously wrong with Doughty. He keeps backing off and looks like he is in a foggy haze. Play Harrold instead and maybe instead of benching Doughty put him in on left wing. Too many times the D MEN are backing off the play!
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Well it’s good to know who’s taking Frolov’s place, for the only player that will face any repercussion for their play. What about Doughty? Does he not have to be “a whole lot better”?
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He’s basically been Frolov. Prety much a waste of a roster spot.
If you want to get on DL for a signing..this would be it.
At least it’s only 1 year.
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wavesinair Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@nykingfan, 3 mil, 3 goals. 1 million per goal. I swear I think I could do that. I would give every ounce of effort and stand in front of the net and get pounded. I bet I can chip in 3 and I’ll do it for only 1 mil.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@wavesinair, me too, me too!
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nykingfan Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@wavesinair,
I’ll taker $500k and just deflect the shot with either skate or face..whatever. I’d still out-produce him.
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My impression is he is a lazy player not all that unlike Froloaf. Basically he takes games off, sometimes several in a row.
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Nyck Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@KC23, perfect, so he fits in well.
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number 6 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@Nyck,
That is GOOD.
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I like Murray being very candid with his players and he is–if they don’t respond sit them–and yes exepct more from a veteran – I bet we see a “re-charged” Richardson tonight!
Thisis more about players taking anight off then a coach not addressing issues.
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I have to say that for Terry Murray to put Poni on the first line against Toronto and NOT know if he had played against his old team yet is very odd to me. I would think that someone would know this among the coaching staff and make it a point to at least mention it to Poni…
“Hey Poni, you had a pretty good game against Toronto last year with Pittsburgh. I’m putting you up on the 1st line tonight and want to see you tear them apart. I know you got an assist last time, so how about a goal or 2? This is you game to shine.”
Yet, TM didn’t even know this? Strange.
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Cynic Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@wavesinair, Very good point.
Did you notice this quip though: “I was expecting not just hard work but a very competitive level of hard work. That part of it is not there for me. In fact, I was upset about it at the end of the game. It needs to be at a higher level. I NEED TO EXPRESS THAT.”
I think TM is realizing he is missing some things here. A few days ago, we were asking him to bench some vets that were underperforming and he’s doing that tonight. I agree with the move to do so. Poni played very average for being on the top line against his former team. Clifford replaced him TWICE…..CLIFFORD! 19 years old! If that didn’t send a message to Poni (And it obviously didn’t) then the benching is well deserved.
I have to give credit to TM that he is admitting some faults in his game publicly here. I’d like to see a bit more of it. I still don’t get the Richie benching, but we are never going to know everything that goes on. He’s back in and I expect one heck of a game from him tonight.
We need to win tonight. Dustin Brown needs to rally this group by taking the body and being ultra physical, Matt Greene needs to get these guys pumped up vocally, and Anze needs to make some opposing d-men look really stupid tonight. That’s how the leadership group will carry this team right now.
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fsd1 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@Cynic, good read, thanks
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wavesinair Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@Cynic, I sure hope so. The leaders on the team need to start leading. Did you read the TM quotes on Frozen Royalty? Pretty interesting stuff about lack of leadership in the room.
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Cynic Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@wavesinair, Honestly, if this was finally going to happen, there are worse scenarios and times of the season for this to happen. We got 40 games and we’re still only 3 points out of 8th. We’re far from out of it, but leadership has to start calling individuals out and players have to play for the full 60 minutes EVERY NIGHT. The San Jose game shows it can be done and we can truly dominate teams. The team should be mandated to watch that game once a week until we win the Cup, just as a reminder of what they are fully capable of doing.
Any negativity in the room should be counteracted with a viewing of that game to absolve the excuses. It’s been done. Do it again and quit complaining.
neil Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Cynic, i need the coach to be at a more competative level….
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Trade DD for a top six forward +?….bring up Voynov
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Dominick Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@The Zamboni mechanic, Good thing you have a day job! LOL
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Nyck Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@The Zamboni mechanic, sit doughty for a few games, bring up Voynov.
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Everyone knows I’ve never liked Ponikarovski however this doesn’t make any sense, even if your mad at him or disappointed in his play its has to be better the Westgarth.
Why is this happening with Westgarth, send him out of town, way out. Try a AAA Midget Oldtimer team in Maine.
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wavesinair Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@Harty, Because Murray is a big believer in having an enforcer in the lineup. Haven’t we gone over this? Yes, we have. Like 1000 times.
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fsd1 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
@wavesinair, I think the number is 2,000.
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number 6 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
@fsd1,
No, no, I think it’s more.
Murray is an idiot. Scratch Doughboy Doughty!! Send DD a message for his garbaje play. Poni is doin better than a bunch of our sorry players.
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Dominick Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Your name should be “Rob from St.Louis”.
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Westgarth is an enforcer alright… He keeps enforcing our opinion he cant handle that role. Ivanans was no good either (frankly) and took too many penalties, but you could count on him to yap, get in someones face, and from time to time actually fight. We havent had reliable grit since McSorely and while occasionally his circuts would overload (Donald Brashear), he could fight, score a goal here and there and more than anything give others pause. We are not a hard team to play against and Westgarth does nothing to change that.
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wavesinair Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Black knight, I pretty much agree with everything but the last part. Other teams are on record as saying the Kings are hard to play against. We could be harder, but we have come a long way.
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Black knight Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@wavesinair, You are right, it was a poor choice of words on my part. Not knocking our guys… Our grit guys are better than we have had in a long time (Brown, Simmonds, Clifford play a heavy game). I should have said, I am not sure other teams fear our ability to respond with Westgarth out there, if TM believes Westy is a deterent and puts him in the lineup for such, the results have been disappointing. Sometimes he needs to initiate, intimidate and let everyone know he’s there.
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It’s interesting, Yahoo’s Puck Daddy has both Frolov and Poni as the ‘goats’ for their teams this year. Kings swapped one for another. Can’t seem to win that one.
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frolov was horrible last year, and there was plenty reason for thinking ponikarovsky would be better.
Instead, Poni is just Frolov II.
I’d bench him, and Westgarth, and bring up Meckler or Holloway from Manchester. Or trade a bunch of prospects for a more promising winger. Meanwhile, Rich, any updates on Parse?
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3 million gets you three goals! damn inflation
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wow poni’s got 7 points in 24 games……….. offensive juggernaught to say the least. the pens fan said we were gonna be sorry……….
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has DL ever aquire a avg player who then blossomed under Murray’s system???
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What is it with these fans the more quotes I read the more I realize that we are just as fickle as the coaches are when I guy is playing great everybody is “oh he was a great signing” but you have one bad game which is ur second game back after injurynand everybody throws you under the bus….Ponikarovsky is a veteran player and I’m sure he will bounce back he already is gonna have a better season than Frolov for all of you who insist on comparing them to each other Frolov is done for year in case you haven’t heard
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When Poni was on the 4th line we were playing great…..rolling out 4 lines….Poni never should ve been put on the first line and esp. after coming back from an injury…I guess one bad game and you get benched…..not demoted but benched….not less minutes but benched….
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luc20rules Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@neil, Poni started the season on the 3rd line with Handzus and Simmonds. We really didn’t roll 4 lines at the start, it worked on the mini streak of 6 games or so while Mitchell and Poni were injured, and maybe some earlier while Doughty was injured. As long as Westie is in don’t expect the 4th line to get more then 6 minutes as a whole line. When we were on a roll a player(s) were double shifted to play on the 4th line replacing Westie’s spot or he was a healthy scratch.
I actually really like having Richardson on the 4th line as if any of the top 6 is playing poorly he can step up and it puts more heat on the top 6 to perform, and his speed changes the look of any line he joins.
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Here we go again. As it comes to Russian players any slip in the play for a few games and there it comes – public humilation. Anyone else would be dealt with dignity. Murray does not coach. All he does is this: team meeting, behind closed doors meeting, benching for game or two, demote to lower line, send to minors. This is all he does! The other coaches work with players on ice and coach them. Murray comes with punishment. DL left the team with short bench intentionally to save money on payroll. They relied a lot on excellent JQ play on goal. He was #2 goalie in the NHL.
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With all do respect to Russian NHL players, they have always seemed a bit on the “I’m just not gonna exert too much energy tonight” kinda thing. Even when I was young and new to the sport on TV, the media seemed to help promote that, can’t put my finger on it. I do think after watching NHL games in person and TV, I would have to agree on the “lazy” play, and yes Froliov was the perfect example of that. I saw the writing on the wall for him a couple years ago. Pavel Bure? Kovalchuk? Only exception that comes to mind Ovechkin, he’s a monster and becomes the game when he plays. Poni seems to not care, I only say that with his body language, if that makes sense. Look at Sturm coming off an entire year layoff and he sticks up fir Kopi???? My choice would be dump Poni and Zeus, get someone who WANTS to be in LA and WANTS TO WIN! Maybe Kings purple isn’t close enough to the Russian flag or something.
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Kings clearly needed Poni’s big body against a physically big Blues team. (Hindsight is 20/20 but I did no pre-game scouting and barely remember the last time they played each other — I expect more from the coaches.) Murray’s gotta consider the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses for roster changes, not always make changes based on a grading system from the previous game. I mean, these are all NHL players, right? That’s why they’re up on the big club. If they don’t cut it, then put them on waivers, release them or send them down to the minors. Otherwise, let’s put in the best lineup vs. our given opponent — find the right match-up.
Another Murray note: Stoll is barely an NHL caliber player any more. What team is gonna sign him after his contract is up? I don’t question his heart or his effort. And off the ice, he seems like one of the most likeable guys around. But, throwing him out there at the point every time the Kings get their first PP of a game (and even when they pulled their goalie at the end of last night’s game!) is momentum suicide. I don’t care about his rare goal or rare assist on the PP. He’s getting chance after chance and has no sniping ability whatsoever. Do you notice him shaking his head every time the goalie snags an easy save off his stick. He knows his shots are weak. His teammates avoid his side of the ice as much as possible on the PP. Take Jack Johnson who is emerging as a PP stud (since Murray gave him a shot at end of last year), why? Because his shot is deceptive, it’s fast, it’s hard to track, it’s heavy and it gets on the net in tough areas for the goalie to make a save. The PP points should only be Johnson/Doughty & Martinez/Drewiske or double-shift Johnson or Doughty. Stoll never gets scratched because his effort is always there, but he barely belongs in the NHL any more and Murray uses him like his name is Malkin, Ovechkin, Datsyuk. Gimme a break.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/17763-THNcom-Blog-Stoll-contract-another-example-of-failing-CBA.html
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