Wayne Simmonds and Ryan Smyth will play tonight, as will Andrei Loktionov, as the first-line left winger with Alexei Ponikarovsky coming out of the lineup. There will also be some shifting on defense…
Loktionov-Kopitar-Brown
Smyth-Stoll-Williams
Clifford-Lewis-Simmonds
Richardson-Handzus-Westgarth
Mitchell-Doughty
Johnson-Scuderi
Martinez-Greene
Quick
More on all this, and other notes and quotes, to come…
Me thinks that Kopi will like Lokti on his left…this just might work.
Make us proud boys.
GKG !!
[Reply]
King John Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@SplattDaddy,
I like this. This line-up is closer to what we had when we were winning early in the year.
The first two lines are set, with a search for 1st line left wing. It’s LOKTIONOV right now, or it could be STURM later on, and don’t forget about PARSE—he may yet get his chance if no one else steps up on LW there.
The 3rd and 4th lines can be played around with to find the best combos (including Poni). Maybe Clifford–Lewis–Simmonds will click more and then the players on the 4th line will be more specialty players.
[Reply]
SplattDaddy Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@King John, Agreed. Really like that third line also.
[Reply]
Why is westgarth in the lineup? he doesn’t fight and he doesn’t score. rather see Oscar or Harold
[Reply]
Lakings1420 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:09 am
Or Poni
[Reply]
ilikebs Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Lakings1420,
I’m with you. Bench Westy, keep Poni. Westy only seems to produce results when his pride has been hurt. So Poni had an “off night” where he didn’t play up to everyone’s expectations. How many nights have the fans seen that happen with Doughty & JMFJ, but we don’t see them getting benched.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@ilikebs,
“So Poni had an “off night”
Which one…he’s had many “off nights”
Kingme20 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@ilikebs,
The difference is that Poni is more easily replaceable than a defenseman would be. I would like to have seen Johnson or Doughty benched more than once this year, but I understand why that hasn’t happened.
nykingfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@Lakings1420,
they’re the same..2 invisible bums
[Reply]
kylecliffordfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Lakings1420,
Westie is > than Poni so far this year. Westie had a great game the other night and help create the only goal the kings scored.
I like the lines, hopefully they will work. But I am concerned that Lokti will not be able to do much, just like last time he was around here.
Go Kings
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@kylecliffordfan,
He’s a goon with very few fights. I recall Ivan having a good game or 2..but at least he fought.
Clifford has been the guy handling the fisticuffs(quite well) but that shouldn’t be his job. That’s Westy’s job.
And please don’t tell me guys are afraid of him. He’s lost more than he’s won.
[Reply]
im ok with everything except playing Westgarth in lieu of Poni! Poni may not be showing much lately but its a whole hell of alot better than anything Westie can bring!
[Reply]
OCKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@BrokeKingsFan, Completely Agree. Murray is very confusing
[Reply]
rmartin1951 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@OCKingsFan, Neither player is any good.
[Reply]
Kevin from Toronto Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@OCKingsFan, He likes to play muscle against divisional opponents. But Phoenix is the only team in the Pacific that you don’t need muscle to play against… Terry is making some bizare moves.
[Reply]
Tylervonallen Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@OCKingsFan, Probably anticipating BizNasty in the line-up tonight.. Even though The Colonel will be the one to drop gloves..
[Reply]
And the merry go round continues. Hopefully we can turn things around against the yotes.
[Reply]
Lakings1420 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@oldthunder, how bout the Murry go round
[Reply]
oldthunder Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Lakings1420, Classic!
[Reply]
I like it, but Id rather see Poni than Westie. Especially on the PK.
Weird that Poni was on the top line yesterday and out of the lineup today.
What I like is Simmonds on the line with Clifford. If those two can build some chemistry while they wait for Schenn, that could spell trouble for opposing teams in the coming years.
[Reply]
txkingsfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@Seabass, you need Westie for Bissonnette in this game, especially because the only way that the Kings are successful against the Yotes is by taking the body and slowing them down with big hits. This will likely draw Bissonnette into a fight with someone. Again, if the Kings don’t take the body, follow through with checks, make sure that everyone gets hit that is around the puck, they will not have a chance against a much faster and good passing team like the Yotes.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@txkingsfan, I will bet you that Westgarth doesnt fight anyone tonight and is his usual useless self!
[Reply]
Section 103 Fan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
I don’t take losing bets.
Dan H. Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
I’d even up the odds and say it’s Simmonds or Cliffy fighting and Westgarth sits from the bench and watches.
Only in TM’s world of line making will a player go from first-line LW to healthy scratch in less than 24 hours!
[Reply]
King John Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@bmova,
TM gave Poni a chance to step it up, but he didn’t.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@King John, Not much of a chance. He came back after a lay off due to injury to play the 1rst line, moved, 3rd line, moved, 4rth line, moved, bench, moved, somewhere else, moved, somewhere else, moved, 1rst line , moved, bench? As if 1 game or even 1/2 game try outs really worked out for any player. Especially one trying to get his timing back after being out of the line up for a while.
[Reply]
Space_Shot Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@Dominick,
This isn’t junior hockey. If TM gives Poni a chance with the 1st line, and he can’t even do what’s asked of him in practice, why should TM expect him to show it in a game? These guys are professionals. If they can’t even earn the next shift on the ice, why should they earn a longer tryout period with a top line?
Dominick Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@Dominick, Apperantly by your reasoning he earned a top spot on the 1rst line. I didn’t see any glaring mistakes in the game to warrent a benching. Did something happen at practice that you saw?
I like the look other than Westgarth in and Poni out. I have no idea why TM continues to dress Westgarth? Even if he’s not happy with Poni he’s 10X better than Westgarth.
But I like getting the lines back to they way they were early in the season.
[Reply]
David Courtney….Now, here’s the starting lineup for your Kings, in goal #5 Peter Harrold, on right defense #22 Trevor Lewis, and on left defense #15 Brad Richardon..That TM, he could turn television into a watch ! lol
[Reply]
Tylervonallen Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@puck73,
“Turn a television into a watch”.. HA!
Neverheard that before… writting down, as not to forget. lol
[Reply]
The brilliance of Murray!!! Putting Poni from first line winger to healthy scratch!!! Murray needs to go…
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@Gokings15, You mean…his act is wearing thin with you too?
[Reply]
KFII Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@Gokings15, maybe Poni is hurting too? Just a thought.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@KFII, no TM is just a joke! playing westie instead of Poni? like i said a JOKE!
[Reply]
jet Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, like one third of a line that gets 5 minutes of ice is a game breaker?
rmartin1951 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@KFII, Hurting the entire year maybe. His play is lifeless.Frolov was way better on his worst day.
[Reply]
Space_Shot Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@rmartin1951,
Frolov is gone for the season, so I would argue that he’s about the same on his worst day.
Poni has been great on the PK this season, but that’s about it. It could be injuries, losing a step, motivation, who knows. All I know is I feel better seeing Loktionov in the lineup on the first line than I would if Poni was playing there. Let’s hope this gives the team the spark they need.
Chongo Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@rmartin1951, LOL…Frolov was usually the laziest person on the ice. Poni isn’t doing much better but he is a definite upgrade from Frolov. Most of the team is stinking it up right now but Westgarth is a waste of a uniform. I would put one of the ice girls out in his spot…at least she would be better to look at and might have a better shot at taking some of their players off their game.
Dominick Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@KFII, I wondered about injury effecting TM’s decision, but with all the losses nobody’s getting the benefit of the doubt. Regardless of personal opinions. It does seem silly to have a healthy Poni scratched in leiu of a player like Westy (and I like Westy). Westy adds size but doesn’t play near as heavey as Poni on his best day.
[Reply]
The brilliance of Murray! Putting poni from first line winger to healthy scratch! Murray has to go!!!
[Reply]
poe Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@Gokings15, What, Murray is still here? Why????????
[Reply]
Just put Poni on waivers and be done with it.
[Reply]
This will be a good game guys. As disappointing, frustrating , and hard watching and losing can be, there is always another game coming up! At the end of the night, we still got about 40 something games to be played, and even though were out looking in, if the kings can get there heads out of there a$@#Ws ,i think they will be better and stronger then ever.
The kings are still one of the NHL’s elite teams, and i know they will prove that we arent some underachieving team that i heard NHL.com call us last night! Lets just take it a game at a time.. Lokti with Kopi should do the trick.
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@Michael_DD8,
well it was NHL on the fly, same thing..
[Reply]
kevin Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@Michael_DD8, 35 OR 34 GAMES LEFT
[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Michael_DD8, The Kings have only 36 games remaining in the regular season (29 against teams currently in the playoffs). That means the Kings will need to go 22-3-8 / 52 pts., just to finish with the same record as last season (46-27-9 / 101 pts.). I don’t see them even getting close to that. I wish they could but all signs point to them not…
[Reply]
Michael_DD8 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@Mark C.,
Does it matter if they get the same points honestly? Even though you are gonna look at it has going back, rather then forward, the west is ALOT harder this year. Making the playoffs is all i care about for now.
Not to mention, 5th seed, or 7th, doesn’t matter, the kings play better against better teams it feeels like anyways.
[Reply]
Mark C. Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Michael_DD8, I think the 8th seed in the west is going to need above 96 points to get in to the playoffs. So if the Kings play .500 hockey for the remainder of the year (18-18-0 / 36 pts.) that would only give them 85 pts, which will not be even close enough when you look at how close the teams in the west are (4th thru 13th separated by only 7 points). They will need to play lights out from this point forward to even make it. I hope they can but it’s going to very difficult for sure.
Michael_DD8 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Michael_DD8,
I agree, but the kings are a team that can play over .500 hockey. They got he skill, just need to translate it too a team effort. When they do do that, they play over .500 hockey, when they dont, we see this.
But yes i agree, but i still think its fair to say, if the kings step up, they still can do it.
Interesting. Hope it works.
[Reply]
It’s Russian heritage night at staples center..if it weren’t for Lokti we wouldn’t have any Russian players on the ice.
[Reply]
tm continues to toss his lines like a salad
[Reply]
The difference between a win and a loss is not going to come down to the extraordinarily minor decision of whether to play Ponikarovsky or Westgarth. Rediscovering the middle of the ice in the offensive zone, not giving up ill-timed soft goals, and winning, is all on the rest of the team to accomplish.
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Pumpernicholl,
Thank you for providing a little rational thought as compared to the rest of the hating going on in these posts.
[Reply]
Jack Handy Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@Pumpernicholl, and being able to neutralize the Yotes team speed. i think thats what worries me most.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@Pumpernicholl,
Someone making sense….Thanks!
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@Pumpernicholl,
I have to agree with you on this. You can argue against the coach and GM all you want ( and I have lately). BUT it all comes down to the players, especially the best players on this team to start leading the way. EVERYTHING is on their shoulders.
[Reply]
Terry Murray should be fired just for the fact that he keeps putting Westgarth in the lineup and had Harrold riding pine when Mitchell was hurt. Please Dean, get rid of this guy before the season slips away.
[Reply]
rmartin1951 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@puck73, We are not losing because of Westgarth. He barely plays. Although he is next to useless the real problem is lack of production at the right time, Sloppy defense and bad goals at the wrong time.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@rmartin1951, Lot of truth to what you just posted, that being said Kompon should be fired first, then TM shortly thereafter.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@rmartin1951, we may not loose because he is in the lineup but we might win with someone else in his place giving us one more guy that can potentially put a puck in the net.
[Reply]
LAPD line Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Exactly, if a better player (Moller, Poni, whoever) is in this spot the kings can roll 4 good lines instead of trying to limit the playing time of a liability. As for firing Kompon, I really believe Murray is the architect of our predictable power play… Kompon shouldn’t get all the blame.
Slightly off topic but check out Justin Bourne’s blog in the Hockey News about a shoot first mentality. He also mentions outdated dump and chase hockey.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/37742-Justin-Bournes-Blog-Shoot-from-anywhere-philosophy-an-outdated-game-plan.html
[Reply]
SplattDaddy Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Crown Royal, Great article, thanks for sharing.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Crown Royal, Looks like you could definately make an argument for both sides on this topic. As for the Kings, they still need a finnisher to play with Kopitar on the pp.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Crown Royal, good read! to bad TM is our coach and this is all we will see from our team until he is not behind the bench anymore.
[Reply]
hey rich, can you get your tech guys to check the rss feed? its hasn’t updated since last game
[Reply]
Love that third line
[Reply]
Token Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@AK47, Yep, finally a high-speed line on the Kings roster.
I bet TM shuffles that ten minutes into the game.
[Reply]
Whatever happened to 44DD?
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@Buster, scratch!
[Reply]
EXT. – LA LIVE, NIGHT
In the small hours of the morning, the place is unnaturally quiet. Its gaudy sensory overload of throbbing electrons has been shut down, recharging for the next evening’s assault on the entertainment starved, sports fans and tourists. The place feels more like a 21st Century graveyard than a Kodak photo spot at this hour. Empty and hollow.
The only sound is that of the whistling warm Santa Ana wind that swirls bits of trash up into the night air, and the occasional wail of a distant siren, perhaps an ambulance whisking some poor victim off to County General.
Standing alone in the midst of this monument to media is a desolate Kings FAN, his mood as black as the Kings sweater he wears. Another loss. Another season slipping away. Decades of fan dedication and yet, the same result. He’s paced about the plaza since staggered out of Staples Center carrying the heavy burden of yet another lackluster performance by the team he’s cherished and supported for so long.
Futility is insidious in that it dims the passion of one, but once its seed of doubt is planted, it moves on to the next victim, and the next and the next until the bleak despair of one becomes the utter malaise of the many.
ANGLE – FAN
He can feel the last ounce of resolve drain out of him. Just before his knees finally give out, he sits on a bench. His weight drops down with just enough force to make the most subtle of sounds – that of hitting rock bottom.
Head bowed, his jersey suddenly swells as he takes a deep breath. Then he deflates in a long, painful sigh. It is the acceptance of the inevitable. After a moment, he raises his head to cast his eyes up to the heavens, looking for some kind of divine intervention, some sign that all will not remain as it always has. Looking, perhaps, for some sort of redemption.
But before he can gaze up at the unknowable stars, he stops. Something has caught his eye. Something vaguely familiar.
INSERT – SIGN
Hanging on the building wall across from our FAN is the sign for the Lucky Strike bowling lanes.
BACK TO SCENE
The FAN doesn’t take his eyes off the sign. After a moment, he rises and takes a few steps toward it. Something from his past is echoing deep in his memory. Something about Lucky Strike.
Then it comes to him.
FAN
LSMFT.
He’d given up the demon weed years ago, but that phrase had always stuck with him. “Lucky Strikes Mean Fine Tobacco”. But what had that to do with his dark mood? What applicable message from ancient history was concealed within it?
His focus on resolving the mystery of the sign was broken as an LAPD cruiser suddenly approached, speeding up Figuroa Code 3, lights and siren. As the cops raced by, their flashing red lights glinted off the dark Lucky Strike sign. And then he knew the answer.
He pulled his iPhone out and furiously typed an e-mail to Dean Lombardi:
“LSMFT – Lokti Schenn Moller For Team”.
[Reply]
King John Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@IceGuy,
Beautiful, poetic…
THank you.
[Reply]
TinaBeana Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@IceGuy, great stuff!
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@IceGuy, Um, ok. Thanks for sharing?
[Reply]
Howe 9 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@xeropoint,
That was fun to read. I would enjoy another one someday.
[Reply]
honestly, I haven;t seen Poni do a friggin’ thing lately and Westy has actually done OK on the 4th line along the boards. I say keep Westy in due to Bissonnet adn send another mesage to Poni – Do what you are paid to do!
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@crashin’ da net, yeah, how about Westie doing what he gates paid to do! DROP YOUR DAMN GLOVES OR RETIRE! YOUR USELESS IF YOU CANT GET INTO A FIGHT!
[Reply]
Why doesnt Tm bench himself. That would be the first step he should take. God what a screwed up coach. Wonder when the last time the players actually listened to Tm. DL you need to pull your H— out and get rid of this so called coach.
[Reply]
Interesting lineup…i hope it works.
[Reply]
My question is, what happens if Lokti and Kopi find good chemistry, and over the course of the next few games score a bunch of goals. What do you do when Strum comes back in, send him right back down after playing so well, no one else can go down without first clearing waivers. Similar to Moller, kid scores 3 points in two 2 games and gets sent back, will they do the same to Lokti?
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@EASportsMgt,
Trade a couple waste of spaces to make room? I don’t know. I’m glad I’m not a GM though.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@EASportsMgt, Hard to say IMO. They very well could send him back. As of right now the playoffs look like a pipe dream in hell so maybe they are willing to give the Kid a true shot at the NHL to give him some experience going into next season. If he comes out the gates flying and gets sent back then i really have no faith in our whole management and coaching staff (except for Luc). I think we need more of the kids up here than just Lokti but its a step in the right direrction IMO.
[Reply]
LAPD line Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
A pipe dream? We are 5 points out of 8th place, and 7 points out of 4th. All we need to do is get back to winning some games. We aren’t getting blown out or terribly outplayed IMHO, just need to get back on track. I don’t believe we are a 12-3 team but we are definitely not a 1-7 team. If we could just stick with this lineup (except for Westy) for a while and get some chemistry I like our chances. I am not throwing away my betting slip showing the Kings winning the cup just yet.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@LAPD line, Im sticking with the Pipe dream! i dont have time to work the #’s but MarkC earlier in the post has.
“The Kings have only 36 games remaining in the regular season (29 against teams currently in the playoffs). That means the Kings will need to go 22-3-8 / 52 pts., just to finish with the same record as last season (46-27-9 / 101 pts.).”
And thats assuming 101 points will be enough to get a playoff spot.
Space_Shot Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@LAPD line,
I would say that BECAUSE the Kings play 29 games against teams currently in front of them in the standings, they have a better chance that if it was out of their control. By the same logic, all the teams 4-8 would have to have a similar record, give or take a couple games. With everyone playing each other, that isn’t going to happen. Realistically, though, they will have to win about 22 games to make it in this season. If they can’t do that, they don’t deserve to be in. It all has to start with a win tonight. Because just like a win is a 4pt swing, a loss is an equal 4pt swing when you’re playing a team ahead of you.
Cynic Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@EASportsMgt,
Could we not waive Sturm and hope he’s picked up on re-entry waivers at 1/2 price? Our cap hit would be roughly the sam ethis year with 1/2 of Sturm’s salary and all of Lotki’s NHL salary, right? If we get a better player for the same money, why not?
I think he has the dreaded NTC, so waivers seems like the only option with Sturm.
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@Cynic, As soon as he waived it to come here, I believe it nullified the NTC. I could be wrong, can’t seem to find it… but thought I heard that before somewhere.
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@EASportsMgt, If you listened to Lombardi on NHL live, yesterday, you would have to assume that unless Loktionov goes on an absolute TEAR in his stint, he will send him back down. What with his talk of Detroit taking their time with Datsyuk, Helm, etc.
He has kind of made it clear that the teams priority is to keep teaching the players and allowing them to develop “the right way” rather than giving the team the best chance to win at the moment.
[Reply]
Mickey Keenan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@EASportsMgt, Send Harrold down. IF TM really has no use for him, and if Loki works out, who cares about waivers, if the guy is never allowed to play.
[Reply]
Let’s get some wins!
[Reply]
Mitch and Doughty paired again, that’s a good thing.
*sigh* but none of that matters.
Except Westgarth is in and that is just lame.
[Reply]
DL is responsible this mess
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@The Zamboni mechanic, are you really a Zamboni mechanic?
[Reply]
I love Loktionov… Hope he is the catalyst
[Reply]
I don’t like Lotki with Kopitar. Judging by his stats, Lotki seems like he’s a playmaker; Kopitar needs a sniper.
Hopefully Murray will let Westgarth fight for a change…
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@Eric,
Loktionov does indeed seem more like a playmaker…. way more like a playmaker based on his stats.
[Reply]
Not gonna lie, i am SICK of these line changes.
[Reply]
Why is everybody defending Poni and his 3 goals 7pts. in 27 games. This dude is a loser. He brings nothing to the table. At least if Murray does ever let the kings start a fight, Westgarth can bring it.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@JOE C., so you admit until they are “allowed to Fight” (which im assuming is not the case)Westgarth is useless?
[Reply]
Fabkings Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@JOE C., I absolutely %100 agree, he sucks!! If you see my post of late he’s one guy that is completely useless and invisible. He’s another lazy Russian for the Kings we have the unfortunate obligation to see. Dump him quick for something, anything.
Go KINGS Go!!
[Reply]
YES!!! I love Loktionov!
[Reply]
King John Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@THEROCKNROLL80S,
Yes!! Agree with you, buddy. We need some new blood.
Read my comment at the top.
[Reply]
Gotta love that 3M investment eating off the press box buffet table (I know, Rich… there’s no buffet table
— What a mess.
[Reply]
I am sick of hearing all the bad talk about Westie. Look at the facts. Westie hasn’t been the sole reason for one of the Kings lost this season. That can’t be said for many others on the team. For one, last game Westie played great and helped screen the goalie on the only goal the Kings scored. Poni hasn’t done anything and I hope he is moved quickly.
[Reply]
Tony Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@kylecliffordfan, What are you talking about? Westie is the reason for a lot of our losses. Take for instance all our one goal losses…if we had someone in the line up who could skate and score we may not have lost all those games. seriously. We are talking about hockey not wrestling
[Reply]
Tookie Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@Tony,
I don’t think he sees enough ice time to single handedly loose us a game. He gets like what? 3 mins?
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Tony, Yea, that’s quite an exaggeration.
[Reply]
Mickey Keenan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@Tony, He does not see enough ice time, that is correct. The problem is someone is double shifting in his spot, or we roll 3 lines. The first line does more skating, and is more tired come the end of the game, making that extra goal more elusive.
Since very guys will fight Westy, who cares. When was the last time the Red Wings had an enforcer in their lineup with the sole intention of starting a fight?
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Sometimes I read these posts and really question whether these are true Kings fans or do people just hate Murray so much that whatever he does, he’s an idiot.
Fire Murray because he scratched Poni for Westy…why not? Poni has been one of our best players on a nightly basis, correct? He’s helped us win a lot of games with his big goals and steady play..right?
Murray gave him a shot on the top line like has pretty much everyone else. So far nobody’s shown they can play on that line consistently…so what do you want him to do..stick with what’s not working? So because Poni was lousy on that line, he should be immune from being a healthy scratch?
Trust me..Westy sucks big time, but I do recall a lot of people craving for him to be brought up last year and take the place of Ivan. Well, you got your wish. Is this what you were expecting from Westy?
I just don’t get it anymore. At least be honest with us all..no matter what Murray does, you’re never going to give him the benefit of the doubt. which is fine…
Now let’s look at the Kings coaching records..who has one of the best records as a Kings coach? Yeah Murray..but hey, why let that get in the way of true hatred!
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Mark C. Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@nykingfan, Well said. People need to stop being such haters.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@nykingfan, 1st….I have never been a Westie fan and i have been out for his head ever since he was basicly gifted a roster spot by TM. 2nd…… i would take Poni underachieving anyday of the week over Westie! 3rd……If TM ever did anything that made sense i would praise the guy for sure but that remains a endangered species at this point. 4th…. to your point about the coaching record, im sure if the other coaches had all the players and assetts we currently have im sure those stats would be different.
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nykingfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
I didn’t specifically accuse anyone…but there were plenty last year who wanted that change..Ivan for Westy.
I don’t think either one deserves a spot in the lineup, but to go after the coach because he’s dressing one over the other is silly. The enforcer has a role in todays game..Unfortunately ours doesn’t fight.
so what you’re saying is that TM could coach the Penguins to a cup or Detroit to a cup the same as Babcock or Bylsma…because they have the horses..I guess anyone can coach them. Again, just a silly argument.
If the coach means so little, why are we arguing about it?
The guy has made Kopitar into one of the best 2 way forwards in the league. I don’t recall Crawford making him into that type of player. Oh wait..how many people here used to hate Crawford as well?
I’m not saying TM’s perfect, but he’s better than anything we’ve had before.
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Cristobal Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@nykingfan,
What you don’t get is that the majority have only started this TM witch-hunt lately.
But, TM has stuck with the “enforcer ethos” for 2.5 years.
Why isn’t it the ethic of this team that we blood our young players with skill first, and worry about playoffs later?
Their is a disconnect between management and coaching, a synapse in DL that isn’t firing.
I doubt Luc will can DL after the season, but I wouldn’t be disappointed.
If the organization is committed to rebuilding it doesn’t need DL.
Could Luc take over as a GM committed to continuing to try and build a winner?
I believe he can do it with the right help.
The Westgarth situation just mirrors what the problems are here.
There’s no reason not to be upset about it.
PS – Boyle scores his 16th last night. And, Zucarello (who DL could have signed) gets his 3rd since being called in a couple weeks back.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@Cristobal, Now that it’s been made clear that TM is staying I sooooo hope the next trend here doesn’t become “Hey look at player X from team Y, who has X goals in his last Y games, DL could have drafted him, that proves DL doesn’t know what he’s doing”……
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nykingfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@HockeyNerd,
It already has started..
Boyle, Moulson, Sully..well he usually doesn’t get mentioned as much because that kills their argument.
Cristobal Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@HockeyNerd,
I have had endless debates with nykingsfan about Boyle, going back 2 years.
I also never wanted TM as coach, but you won’t find a post from me calling for his firing any time lately.
I don’t have faith in DL. I never have. Does it mean I don’t think he’s done anything good? No. But he isn’t my choice for this team (not that it matters), nor was TM.
I can apreciate that TM has his strong points and like his stuborness in certain areas (like standing by Quick), but it’s his insistence on the enforcer, and his preference last year of Jones over Harrold, that don’t sit well with me and never have.
NHL Live tells us to be patient, that we have a great GM. But, NHL Live is in the business of promoting the NHL, not criticising it.
I haven’t called for anyone (besides Kompon, for a long time now) to be fired.
I just won’t be disappointed if DL loses his job and have the right to add my 2 cents to the debate.
And, if I argued my point for a long time on here, I have the right to bring up how correct I was about Boyle. And, how much I disagree with the play of enforcers rather than skill or speed.
nykingfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@Cristobal,
They couldn’t say anything bad about him last year because of the success that we had. Now we’re struggling, so now he sucks. If he was the reason we were good last year, then you can’t argue after a 1/2 season that he now sucks. the season is 82 games..not 42.
If he wasn’t the reason we did well last year, well you can’t argue that now he’s the reason we aren’t doing well.
The enforcer has a place in todays game whether you agree with it or not. The way the game is played in North America..they may only get 3-5 minutes a night, but they have their place. Almost all of the teams have them..Detroit being the rare exception.
Pittsburgh is one of the best teams in the league..they also lead the league in fighting majors…I’m not saying there’s a cause and effect there, but they understand that fighting has a role in todays game.
You say that if we are rebuilding..there’s nor reason for Dl to be here.
I don’t recall another GM ever sticking with a rebuilding effort here. whther it was ownership’s decision or not..the Kings would trade their top young talent for older re-treads just to squeak into the 8th spot.
It sure looks like we have a lot of young talent on the team and guys coming up through the system. If you want to say DD was an easy choice..how about Simmonds? For evey bad move, there were plenty of good ones that he’s made thru the draft. No other GM here had the stomach to stick it out or the constitution to go to ownership and give them a plan to rebuild that made sense..if they did, DL never would ahve been needed here to begin with.
As far as Westgarth…I don’t like him at all, but people were arguing that TM’s an idiot for scratching Poni instead. To me both guys suck. Either way, neither guy is helping.
Boyle will end up being a Kings mistake. the Rangers and every other team in the league could have drafted Simmonds…only the Kings took him..for every bad move, there’s a good one. Didn’t we trade Sully for Williams? Not a bad move.
One thing about Zuccarello…the kid can fly and has pretty good hands…His size will always be a problem…it’s no different than Kozun. He can fly with good hands. Does he have the size to survive in this league long term? Jury’s still out on both.
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Mickey Keenan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@nykingfan, There is a difference between an enforcer and a guys who fight. Clifford, Simmond, Greene, etc.. all fight, but they are not enforcers.. Westy wants to fight, but few teams have true enforcers, so no one wants to fight him…
He is a waste of space when the other teams don’t have one. Tonight against PHX, you have Westy and Bissonette. Two goons. They will go at it… and why, for what purpose. They will do it just to earn their check, not because Doan, hit Kopitar or something like that.
The job of the enforcer was to protect. Now all we see are staged fights, and very little protecting. It used to be you hit our guy, and our enforcer will hit you. Now the enforcer skates around, picks a staged fight, both guys go to the box, and it is a waste of time.
Cristobal Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@nykingfan,
Dave Taylor traded youth for re-treads?
He traded as much youth as DL has, and got good value in a lot of cases. Did it hurt losing Biron, Tambellini, Grebeshkov, Green, Jokinen? I’d argue that in most of DT’s “awful” trades we got the better end of it. People always have this Kool-aid driven notion that DL is doing better than other GM’s, that he’s revolutionary. Go back and look at what he did in San Jose. DL is the one who gave away youth for retreads, including the Lecavalier pick. Graves, Marchment, Damphouse – DL has done the same thing here because he HAD to make the post season last year. If he was truly patient, would he have traded Quincey for Smyth?
As for TM, and again I reiterate I haven’t once lately said I want him fired, I lay the blame for the Boyle mistake squarely at his feet. And, people will call me crazy, but I feel POS could have worked out here. He’s obviously skilled (and possibly a head-case). I will only say that the kid had a pretty good year pre-TM and while playing a lot of 4th line (with Boyle and Harrold) he was (as far as I remember) our only plus player at the time of the trade.
But, most importantly, the enforcer issue. You see, I want that Detroit culture. Not a Philly culture. When did Philly last win the cup? I don’t see an enforcer in the Pittsburgh lineup, either. Or, on Rangers, the youngest team in the league.
This is THE bud of the arguement. I never wanted DL or TM in the first place. I do want that rebuild and that culture to take over, and DL and TM wouldn’t have been who I picked to do it.
But, we’re here. TM might as well drop the enforcer from his mindset. If we’re going to stick with him, he needs to adapt and give us HOPE. There’s still a way to have success this season even without making the playoffs.
Finally, I am not completely disagreeing with you here. I think my points have been made and you have admitted I was correct about Boyle. But, I have given credit to TM and DL when it is due (maybe you missed those posts). Though DL and TM are not my kind of guys, things could be worse. We could be Florida or Calgary right now.
tim chaney Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@Cristobal, should have been more patient with boyle. saw him play the other night and he is a beast…
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@nykingfan, I don’t remember everyone complaining that TM’s system doesn’t work when we started 12-3. Must have been Melrose or Crawford or some other dude that only LOOKED like TM, right?
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nykingfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Of course not.
Take a look at the amount of posts after a win as opposed to a loss. Not even close. Those who hate TM have nothing good to say, so they just don’t post when things are going well. When we slump, they come out of the woodwork like cockroaches.
I shouldn’t doubt their passion as fans..and when they play like garbage, they deserve to be taken over the coals…but to go after him because he’s dressing Westy instead of Poni..that’s just ridiculous. Neither guy is helping.
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puck73 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@nykingfan, I like you dude, but I am sorry, I cannot defend TM or Kompon. I know the Kings are a couple of seasons away from competing for the cup but TM’s player evaluations and Kompons poor strategy on the pp just will not cut it anymore.
How can Westgarth be in and Poni out? To the person who said how can you defend Poni with his 10 points in 27 games I ask: “How many points does Westgarth?” The most memorable thing he’s done all year is gotten his ass kicked and his nose broken…honestly people. wake up
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@Tony, I’m not a big supporter of KW, but if you’re going to allow fighting in the NHL, then you need someone in your lineup that can fight.
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Loskingpride Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@HockeyNerd, I’ll just assume for a minute that you haven’t seen any games this season that Clifford has dropped the gloves in because Westy doesn’t want to damage his Ivy League brain.
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I like the Clifford-Lewis-Simmonds. I’ll be watching that one very closely. Could be very dangerous.
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Tookie Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@Cynic,
Me too. I’m hoping that line does very well tonight.
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Howe 9 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@Tookie,
I think Eichardson, Lewis, Simmonds would be exciting. Put Clifford on the 4th line.
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Harty Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@Howe 9, Clifford has more to offer then Richardson, cannot beleive you can’t see it
Just leave the kid in the Bigs the rest of the way, for crying out loud. We’re already losing, le the kid get some experience and help us at the same time. Win-win.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@Ersberg, Let’s see how he does first.
Patience.
Oh no! That’s a HORRIBLE word to say around here! My bad…….
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Ersberg Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@HockeyNerd,
We’re almost in the cellar and the good-’ol Kool-aid’rs are still preaching patience. 5 years into the re-build, 12th in the conference, with more games on the road than at home left in the season. We won’t make the playoffs, so why not let him play?
Who’s going to do better?
Ignorance.
That’s a better one.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@Ersberg, I for one to not see it as “obvious” that we will not make the playoffs.
So sue me.
Ersberg Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@Ersberg, It’s pretty obvious.
How we’re playing+Games left(on the road vs. home)+rumored lockerroom troubles+zero motivation=no playoffs.
I think it’s pretty obvious and certainly easy to comprehend.
Cristobal Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Are you a veteran poster with a new screen name? Most of these people calling for TM’s head are not new. Many have been DL and TM supporters up til now.
The fact is, people are losing their faith. That’s what happens when you lose in streaks and have problems in so many areas.
Rather than criticizing critics, why not point out the positives? Things could be worse. We could have Sutter coaching and have nothing to build upon. We have some great young players and already know how to play a strong defensive game. TM’s system has merit, it gives you a chance to win. A few changes in personnell (players AND coaches) can put this team in amongst the pidgeons.
People want Wesgarth watching the games and a PP/offensive assistant coach that can turn our chances around. All you need in a sound defensive system with grit is a lethal power play. Get Kompon out of here, already, and get someone who can make the difference.
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I agree with everyone and I am tired of all the line changes. No way to develop any continuity. But, comparing to last year, production wise, our numbers(goals per game) are about the same. The biggest drop-off is with the’3rd’ line. Last year we got 55 goals between Fro/Zues/Simmonds. No where near that this yr. The first two lines are still producing, probably better than last year, but it drops off severely from there. We need to roll four lines. Tonight’s lineup is closer, though. When Sturm comes back put him on the 4th line and bench Westie(for the rest of the season?).
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What happened to “win and you’re in?”
Quick cost the Kings the last game and he gets the start again after two solid performances by Bernier?
I like Loktionov. He is a skilled player that the Kings have been lacking and he seems to have good chemistry with Kopitar. Now if Brown will just pull his stick out of his a$$ and pass the puck to Loktionov they may actually do something.
Very glad to see Johnson & Scuderi paired up together again. They were the Kings best tandem thru the first 20 games of the season.
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Where have all the people gone who couldn’t wait to run Raitis Ivanans out of town so that Kevin Westgarth could take his place? I think I said around this time last year, “Be careful what you wish for…”
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why is Westgarth always playing, at least poni has the ability to score a goal, clifford wins more fights than that lumberjack, i really dislike TM
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Hopefully Murray will keep Kopi Loki and Brown together for more then 1 shift or 1 period
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i got get these moves that TM is making…i understand playing Loktionov cuz he’s been playing great for the Monarchs but i dont get benching Poni in liue of Westgarth….the Yotes dont have any big fighter and even if they did Clifford could handle that…Poni has gotten a bad rap lately and i really like him hes a good skater and he’s got speed for a big man TM doesnt have faith in him and he seems to be the scape goat for the team not playing ive seen the whole lot of players on that team have bad games and they dont seem to get benched…enough with this line shuffling TM and start coaching them to play well and preparing them for the opponents rather than coaching mistakes on film and calling them out in the media
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Saw Loki in Charlotte last week. Strong, fast and creative. Here is my $$$ that says that line produces tonight. Go Kings Go!
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Harty Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Carolina Kings Fan, Lotki is small and I continue to say he will stuggle with NHL size I wish him well and hope he scores 3 goals and continues till end of season.
But all will see the difference between the AHL (size and playability) and the NHL
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Oh goody, more line changes!
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Terry buddy lets leave Westie out of the line up in the future here is a list of more value in a player…….
-15 year old in section 105 row 8 seat 4
-person working in the concession stand behind level 3
-equipment trainer
-program seller outside Staples center
……….get the picture Terry com’on stop the nonsense
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Not that Ponikarovsky has been great or anything, but I’m beginning to wonder if Murray has a problem with players who come out of the Russian system. Frolov last year, Ponikarovsky this year… seems like they don’t get a chance. When the Kings were going 12-3 to start the season, one of the reasons was that Ponikarovsky had been a solid addition to the penalty killing units.
Yes, he’s not scoring, but name someone who is? I just don’t see why he gets singled out.
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Rob Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@Kingme20, 100% agree
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Without Poni on the bench, how does Murray communicate with Lotki? Westie speaks Russian? Uhm, well maybe. He is a Princeton grad and all.
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KingTrojan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@IceGuy, Maybe I’m not a great observer, but I’ve never seen Murray talk to the players or coaches during a game. It’s always Kompon and Stevens that do the talking during timeouts.
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With the exception of Schenn and Poni missing, this looks a lot like the lineup for the home opener. The top two lines are exact same.
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