With the Kings nursing a one-goal lead in the third period Saturday at Calgary, Terry Murray went through a multitude of lines, largely because of his decision to keep rookie Andrei Loktionov on the bench. Perhaps the most notable move was one that the Kings have turned to in the recent past in tight games, moving Michal Handzus up to a first-line left-wing role. Not long ago, Handzus had been moved down to a fourth-line role, but his play seems to have picked up of late, and Murray had enough confidence in Handzus to elevate him to an important role. Calgary eventually tied the game, but it was on a power-play look when Handzus was not on the ice for the Kings…
MURRAY: “It’s more of a shutdown situation, whenever I go to that. Faceoffs in your D zone, the goalie is down at the other end, that’s the look that I go with. I’ve always liked Zeus to fit in on that left-wing side, with Kopi and Brownie, or Kopi and whoever is on that right side, in the last couple years. He’s such a responsible player, a big, strong guy on the boards who gets pucks out. He’s very responsible.”
Ya, but is he responsible?
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CB14 Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@markisonfire, Good Question!
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If the Kings are to win a Stanley Cup it will be with players like Lokti; not Handzus. TM has got to let these young guys play in critical situations. Handzus has slowed down and may not even be with the team next year as his contract is expiring. Lokti is one of the key building blocks of the organization.
It’s interesting that Boyle, Moulson, and Purcell are all playing better since leaving L.A. and putting up better offensive numbers in their respective clubs. All three were given a shot here at making it but perhaps TM’s system and strange use of personnel may have held them back.
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THEROCKNROLL80S Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
@Crown Royal, Sure am glas that someone else sees this.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@Crown Royal, that can be right too, but u dont really see whats going on with the team,,
U Can blame TM Systems but u not in the system to see in person..
and if the Kings want to win a Stanley Cup they have to score more than 1 or 2 goals they cant do that at all….We have Loktionov in the line up and he not making any different with the scores,,
What the Kings need is a scorer someone that gets scared when he has the puck we dont have any of that Kopi not doing it they all over him Brown cant score either only person that stepping up is Smyth and he older than Handzus Smyth 34 and Handzus is 33 they both old but when
TM use him to block u guys think he really going to be the first line up not u see someone there just temporary just to keep the lead
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
@Crown Royal,
I kinda agree with you, yet I kinda don’t. Lokti is not ready yet. I mean, let’s be honest (and I love the kid’s potential), but he almost never wins a battle along the boards. With a little increase in strength and conditioning this will probably be remedied in the future.
Now I agree that Lokti has a natural talent advantage over Zeus, but Lokti will probably never (speculation) be as solid in face-offs, or the shutdown role, or the PK, or the play between the dot and the boards. All of which win championships. Zeus may or may not be gone next season (I think he’s gone), but his contributions in the aforementioned areas will definitely not be replaced by Lokti…not even to mention his leadership attributes.
A team has many roles my friend.
Go Kings!
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Crown Royal Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@Gislaw,
True, a team has many roles and much of what you’re saying makes sense. My point is Lokti is not going to get better sitting on the bench for the third period of a game in which he’s played well for two periods. This current Kings team is not going to win the Cup this year so why not let him play?
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
@Crown Royal,
I agree with you wholeheartedly on the fact that the kid should play, and I love watching him do so. I was not arguing that point at all. I was just commenting on the assertion (to paraphrase) that you can’t win a cup with players like Zues…quite the opposite in fact. Perhaps I misread your post?
I will, however, argue that the Kings can, in fact, win the cup if they make the playoffs. At that point anything can happen…you just never know. Hope burns eternal, especially for all of us Kings fans. If we are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, however, I say bring all the kids up for short conditioning/experience stints, but not too long so that you disrespect your veterans. Franshise image is important in signing free agents.
I will also reiterate that Lokti is just not ready, and trust me…I wish to hell he was, being of Russian/Icelandic origin myself. I want nothing more than for him to become a forcein the NHL. Keep him up or not, but ‘this season’ Zeus has more to offer.
Harty Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:29 am
@Crown Royal, because they want to get to the playoffs and Zues in that situation gives them the best opportunity.
Lotki will be off to the KHL in two years mark my words
mrbrett7 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 8:31 am
@Crown Royal, It’s not Terry Murray’s job to develop the players. It’s his job to win as many games as is possible.
Players are to develop in the AHL and Junior/European leagues. No, they won’t be ready when they come up, but, if sitting him gives you the best chance to win a DEFENSIVE game, and that IS his job, then he sits.
Pesus Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
@Crown Royal,
Hoprfully DL relizes this too. So he has to conclude that its not the players but the system. Both DD & JJ would have about 10 goals each with a different coach. Just seems like there is something wrong with this team. Something is holding us back, my only conclusion is TM and his bore you to death hockey.
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@Pesus,
Can we please just stop it with this coaching/system nonsense. This same system got us to the playoffs last year, and if not for inexperience (and Frolov missing on his clean break in game 4 or countless other intangibles) could have beaten the Nucks. Every game was close except for game 5. This system has also produced some of the most dominating games that I have ever witnessed…This season and last. We are currently 5-0-1 in our last six, and our losing steaks are attributable to the players, not the coach. We could all see their lack of effort and confidence, and the players themselves owned up to this fact. I guess you think that these professional’s opinions are incorrect? They never bad mouth TM or the system as some other players do regularly on their respective squads.
TM was brought in to do exactly what he has done. Build a friendly, close-knit, team-oriented environment where our youth can learn and develop their potential, unlike our previous two coaches during the rebuild. Along the way, he has developed a system that utilizes our strengths (at this point), which is defense. Things will change as are strength changes. I guarantee that.
If the Kings ever outperform expectations under TM’s term then all you coach bashers who call for changes without offering solutions will eat crow, and I will enjoy the silence on these threads. If you are a hockey coach that has the knowledge and reputation to teach and inspire one of the youngest teams in the league, then I apologize, and hope that you submit your resume to DL because eventually the Kings will be hiring.
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jp Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
@Gislaw,
Thank you for this – you hit the nail on the head. I never participate in the discussions on this blog, but I’ve always enjoyed reading through everyone’s comments until the last couple of weeks. As much as any other Kings fan, I understand the frustration of losing and seeing rival teams come home with the big prize, but the “solutions” that are being offered by some are unwarranted and illogical. Like you said, the times the Kings have played well this year and last are some of the most outstanding and exciting games I’ve seen from the franchise. There are commenters on this blog that have extensive hockey backgrounds and many who don’t, but all of their opinions are equally valid and often insightful. It’s the incessant whining and constant criticism that is driving me crazy. Let’s all just stand behind our team, enjoy the beauty of the game, and leave the coaching and management to the coaches and managers.
And since I don’t comment often, if ever, I just wanted to say to Rich that the Insider has become an invaluable resource for fans of the LA Kings. Every fan I know checks the site daily and even feels like your work has increased our enjoyment of following this team. Thanks for all you do.
Crown Royal Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
@Gislaw,
Sorry, disagree with you. This system is becoming increasingly more obsolete. It is designed to take the speed and creativy out of the game enabling less talented teams to SOMETIMES comptete more effectively with those who are more talented. Many other teams like Vancouver, Minnesota, Anaheim, have gotten better. Having been successful last year doesn’t equate to being succesful this year. Minnesota in particular has gotten better using a defensive system. They seem a bit like the Kings of last season. Teams that have won the cup more recently like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Chicago are more offensive minded.
Last year’s Kings team did take some teams by surprise in that they underestimated and didn’t account for the success of players like DD who as well as some of the other younger players (Quick, Simmonds).
What leads you to believe the system will change?
I have been a big DL supporter but one thing that troubles me is his seeming desire to mold this franchise after the Flyers model. The Flyers have NOT won a Stanley Cup in 35 years! As a long suffering Kings fan, having a winning team doesen’t interest me nearly as much as icing a team that can legitimately challange for a Cup. Having said that my issue is more with TM’s coaching than the talent level of the organization which has improved under DL.
KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@Gislaw, Good post. Yeah, last couple of weeks we’ve been getting some pretty outrageous takes on coaching and lately Loktionov.
Pesus Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@Gislaw,
Sorry Im not happy with just making the playoffs, I want to win a cup. I feel TM wont get it done. Not this scared to take any chances offence. His system may of worked before the rule changes when a 2 goal lead was golden. The league has changed and TM system hasnt. Hell, TM tries to sit on a 1 goal lead.
Crown Royal Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:29 am
@mr.brett7,
Agreed. The primary responibility of the coach is to win. Using Handzus is an example of both that and a vehicle to help him save his job. Loktionov is a natural center but it’s clear TM doesn’t want to use him in that capacity. (I know he was playing on the wing a lot in Manchester this season)
There is now a division on this blog where some posters believe in TM as the coach and others like myself have totally lost faith in him. Whether the Kings win a few games or lose a few games is not going to change my opinion of TM as a coach of this team. I believe the bigger picture is whether TM can lead the Kings to the Stanley Cup. After watching him coach other teams as well as this one, I don’t believe that’s going to happen. He seems like a nice guy who understands and effectively teaches his system. He lacks creativy, the ability to make adjustments and to much of his coaching philosophy is outdated. He is also very poor in effectively using his personnel to their best advantages. He believes more in his system than he does his players. I know some will disagree with me and that’s fine. It’s just how I see it.
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deanna Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Crown Royal, Excellent post. Interesting point that he believes in his system, more than his players. Case in point, Marco Sturm. Why not let him ease his way back, instead of pushing him, thus putting him on the IR for who knows how long. Have just a little more patience. At what point do you put your player’s health ahead of the team’s interest? Yes, they are a part of the team, but they are no help if they can’t play.
Gislaw Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Crown Royal,
Hey Crown, sorry for not replying earlier. Disagree with me all you like, as we all entitled to our opinions. In regards to your above question:
I know the system will change, in stride, as the players/personell change. Be unhappy with our system all you want, but to blame it on TM is ridiculous. He is fully capable of coaching an offensive system, as he did readily with Bure, a good friend of mine, in his lineup in Florida. During that time, he/coaching staff had slightly different systems for different line combinations, but the overall ‘general’ system remained the same. Same with our Kings…there is the general system, and then the system that changes readily upon opponents and in-game situations.
Bottom line: Coaches build systems around team strengths. I have only coached Pee Wee and Bantum, but if I was to walk in the Kings locker room today, I, and any other person would realize that this system (or similar) is the best fit for our personell (although my hockey knowledge is absolutely dwarfed by TM). No offense, but if our team was to implement a run and gun style we would get killed.
I would love to argue that the marquee offensive teams in the league have similar defensive systems, although I believe that two are left wing lock, but their offensive depth allows more success on the defensively generated transition game.
We are simply playing to our strengths.
Crown Royal Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@Gislaw,
If TM is such a great coach why hasn’t he ever won the cup? By the way, the Red Wings were playing a variation of the left wing lock back in the 90′s under Scott Bowman and still managed to bring the cup to Detroit. Bowman knew how to use his players, TM does not get it.
Doesn’t it strike you as ridiculous that the Kings have squandered so many points this season using Stoll, a third line center talent, as the point man on an ineffective power play for FIFTY GAMES? Is that supposed to be superior coaching?
I agree to disagree with you about TM. You can say it’s riduclous to blame TM and his system for the Kings problems but I can also say it’s riciculous to call him a good coach.
408kingsfan Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@Crown Royal, No more building please, this team is like the Winchester mystery house. Under construction for 40 years
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neil Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 8:11 am
@408kingsfan, if Lotki isnt ready to play in the third period…then he isnt ready to play in the first two….and on the first line….BTW the Kings have been winning with Lotki playing on the first line…..just like the Kings won with Moeller ….
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neil Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 8:12 am
@neil, i wonder the Kings record is with Lotki on the ice…remember he was playing at the start of the season when we were winning…the two losing streaks were while he was in the minors..Not saying hes the reason but numbers dont lie….
Was reading an interesting article about why hockey gets such poor ratings and defense first hockey, and the neutral zone trap were both to blame according to MAXIM. I was wondering if the Kings use a neutral zone trap because of their lack of offensive zone prowess, or if they do not use it? Either way, dump and chase is weak sauce.
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
@Jonsey,
LOL! I read that article also, but MAXIM is not a sports magazine…I subscribe, but I don’t take anything they say seriously…except the chicks/cars/jokes? I personally think hockey is not that popular, in America, because not everyone can play, and for those who can (in America where there is not a rink in every hood) it is expensive, being a upper middle class sport. Reason number two, especially in LA, is that it is not trendy (most of my friends). Snoop and Dre need to come to Staples more often. I could be wrong on both accounts of course, and am open to criticism.
The answer to your terminal question is: Yes! The lack of pure offensive skill/depth coupled with our uncanny strength on D…plus defense wins championships which is why DL is building from the back end out.
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Kevin from Toronto Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 7:10 am
@Gislaw, You were right when you said hocke isn’t popular because not every can play. But I don’t think bringing Snoop and Dre of all people to the games will help sell the game. (Snoop claims to be a Ducks fan – Which they probably pay him to say)
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@Jonsey, No! the Kings don’t really play the 1-4 (1 forchecker and 4 players flooding the nuetral zone). If anything they play 1 forchecker and 2 forwards high in a 1-2-2 while protecting a lead. The Kings don’t really score and then sit back as much as it might seem.
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
@Jonsey, The NHL has at least six teams too many. That’s why the skill part of the game is subjugated to these stifling systems. Imagine the level of play if you took the top six forwards and top 4 D from those teams and spread them through the other teams.
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Wasn’t Handzus on the 4rth line because he was playing too much and TM needed to cut his minutes down to make him effective again? He slowly gets back to his normal dependable self, and bam! he’s back on the 1rst line again.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@Dominick, no he was on number 4th line because he wasnt doing anything he was slacking off so 4th line role was to wake him up
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Funny, right before that he was subbing on the 1rst line and power play like he is now, but if you say so.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
@Dominick, i still dont think he was there for the right reason he was only there to protect the lead on Pitt u wont see Handzus on number 1 line …i dont see that at all..am just telling u the reason y he was on the 4th and then number 1…
i didnt say he was good enough to be in number one line even TM knows that if u guys wake up and hear what he said u guys would know
He was there to protect the Lead but he couldnt because of the PP they had to catch up thats the only reason why he was on number one line
xeropoint Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
@Dominick, I think the REAL question here is why the team is trying to “shut down”, or sit on a lead with 15+ minutes left in the third period of a 1-goal game? I can understand Handzus playing for this exact reason but not for nearly the entire 3rd, when the game is close and in doubt.
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@xeropoint, I caught that earlier, and totally agree. The 4 on 4 would have been more interesting with Lokti out there also.
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@xeropoint, I think TM thought that with a 4 day lay off it couldn’t hurt.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
@xeropoint, yea i dotng et it either but then u know Kings Cant hold up the lead less than two mins
I do see why TM did that for
and 4 on 4 Loktionov should of been there ,,he has the speed and skill too and that open Ice he could of done Damage or at least something,,I want to see him in a Shootout just to to test him then putting Doughty there
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VanKingsFan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@KingsFanFTW, Testing for shoot outs should be done in practice, Not in games. My guess is this is exactly what happens and TM uses his best performers from practice mixed slightly with some intangibles (handedness of the goalie etc.)
I thinx there is a lot we don’t know about the personel, that the team and TM do, and I’m thinking, there are a lot of little injuries that personel may have at times that warrant there being put on different lines, as to change rolls to fit nagging injuries, until they prove they have have healed and worked through them,,,while we all think they are sucking for a stretch.
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@Ravens,
That’s why I don’t use the words suck when describing a player anymore. I did it a few years ago when Zues 1rst got here, just to have him come back and prove me wrong the next years after that. Learned to love the guy after that.
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Chuck Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
@Ravens,
Good point. A lot of guys play through injuries and we never know they’re injured until it becomes so bad they have to miss games.
Hope we can stay healthy and keep winning. GO KINGS GO!!!
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for once i agree with TM. if you’re up a goal with under 10 minutes it makes sense to shorten your bench and get some guys out there who are good on faceoffs and are a little more responsible in their own end.
the Kings tend to ice the puck quite a bit when they are holding leads and having Zeus out there instead of Lokti is smart.
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bbb7 Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
@Dave, I dont mind the fact he used Zus at the end of regulation because he’s more ‘responsible,’ but in OT, when there was more room and space for Lokti to use the skills without worrying as much about the physical side, I don’t agree with having Zus out in his place. In 4-on-4 Zus is a glaring liability cause he is so slow.
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@bbb7, Too right. And if you’re going into “shut down” mode, why break up your alleged “shut down” line by moving Zeus? How responsible is that? CalGary has one stacked line that you could match up with. And why go into shut down mode for the whole period? That’s an awful long time to expect to sit on a one goal lead.
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Dave Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@Kenny44, i wouldn’t go the whole period – just maybe the last 10 minutes or so. i think Zeus is getting double shifted in that situation, no?
i think ideally you’ll see Sturm out there in that situation when he’s back.
Pesus Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@Dave, Problem is he didnt use this line at the end of the game. He started this line to begin the 3rd period, which to me says TM was trying to win 3-2, just sit back & play D for 20 min. Still cant believe this guy is coaching. Put this line out with 5 min left but 20? Give me a break. TM is just retarded.
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USHA#17 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 3:47 am
@Pesus, Yep and it gave Calgary a point
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Shakes Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:01 am
@Pesus,
It’s comments like this (TM is retarded) which makes me not comment for stretches of time
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VanKingsFan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@Shakes, Everyone has the right to express themselves, even stupid people Shakes. It is up to us as rational people to filter through the nonsense and dismiss it accordingly without wasting our own energy and sanity trying to change these peoples minds
Dominick Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@Shakes,
Don’t let those kind of comments discourage. If they bother you, say more to the contrary. I do have to admit though, I like the Shakes this season, compared to the Shakes last season. Never disrespectful but far more encouraging than in the past.
Shakes Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@Shakes,
thanks guys =)
will definitely try not to be discouraged
Player-X Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@Pesus, wow. Kings are 17-0-0 when leading after two periods. Obviously Murray is to balme for that terrible record, and second-guessing his lineup choics when he is UDEFEATED makes total sense… to you.
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I’ve got a place for Handzus
To Kings:
Carter
Zherdev
Laperriere
Meszaros
Leighton
To PHI:
Bernier
Williams
Mitchell
Handzus
Moller
Westgarth
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
@Jonsey,
Hows that workin on your X-BOX 360?
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ike Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@Dominick, LOL
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VanKingsFan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@ike, It’s even funnier because i bet that is EXACTLY what happened
Paul G Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@Jonsey, that trade will never happen because it’s awful
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
@Jonsey,
Sorry, but that’s ridiculous. There’s no one on that list that I would want (if I were DL), but there are four on that outgoing list that I would want to keep…maybe three if you consider that Zeus is probaly going to Philly in the offseason. Carter is good, but he’s a center (relatively sure…as I know he played wing prior to his draft year…at least in the games that I witnessed). We’re all stocked up at center.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
@Jonsey,
Dont think so. Why exchange goalie for goalie? I belive Laperrier is done after this season due to concussions, and Carter, Zherdev and Mezaros may do okay in the east but not too sure about their success in the west. Bernier is a truly valuable asset whether we keep him or trade him.
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
@DesertKing, I think you’re right about Lappy, but dear God I hope you’re wrong. Love that guy!
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DesertKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 7:30 am
@Gislaw,
Agreed. It was great to see him at Staples on the night they honored Nordstrom. He has the heart of a lion which helped to make him a King.
ike Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
@Jonsey, An 11 man trade between two teams. I like how you even “sweetened” the pot with Westgarth. LMAO!!
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Pred’s tonight 0-4 on the PP. If you don’t score on the PP’s – you lose the game.
Anyone see the Kaberle-to-MacArthur pass-redirtect goal?? That is hockey. Fake shot/pass to the side of the net for a one-time redirect into an empty net. That’s what consistently wins games. Or the goal with a quick pass to the man in the slot for the one-timer beat the goalie by a mile. That’s what consistently wins games. Not constantly sending your best player to the net to get cross-checked/flattened/stepped-on/fallen on. Wrong era TM. Wrong era.
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Jonsey Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
@crashin’ da net, Thumbs up
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
@crashin’ da net,
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Ravens Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@crashin’ da net, that strategy is what wins in playoof though,,,as long as your guys aren’t flattend by then
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4 mil on his last year (this year) and he’s a UFA after (Handzus)
nanananah…Nanananah!..ey eyy eyyyyyyy GOODBYE!! (and good riddance…now where’s Schenn at?)
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Choralone Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
@Paul G, His cap hit is large, but it hasn’t prevented us from making any deals. You really think good riddance? Have you been watching Kings games at all in the last couple of years?
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Paul G Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 5:11 am
@Choralone, have u been watching Schenn over the past couple years? that kid on one skate is better
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nykingfan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@Paul G,
No he isn’t. If he was, he would be playing on the Kings instead of Junior hockey or the AHL where he really belongs.
Potential is one thing…he may have the potential to be better than Zeus or a lot of other guys, but so far that’s all he has is “potential”.
fsd1 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 7:54 am
@Choralone, obviously not
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nykingfan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 8:15 am
@Paul G,
It’s easy to say that now. once he’s gone, you’ll realize how much you miss his leadership and the little things he does to help you win hockey games.
It takes more than just scoring goals and flying up and down the ice at warped speed to win in the NHL.
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Paul G Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@nykingfan,I miss his “leadership” (Schenn has is it btw) when Boston wants to undo the Kessel trade!! aka when hell freezes over
u guys complain that Terry Murray is too old school when most of u guys r too…it’s a new NHL and it’s a young mans NHL Toews Kane and Crosby won the cup when they were how old? and u never used to c 18 year olds like Seguin in the NHL yooooungest used to be 22-23
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nykingfan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@Paul G,
Schenn has the leadership? I sure hope you’re right..but stop. He hasn’t played 10 nhl games yet.
It’s the same nhl..the cap is what’s different. It has nothing to do with old school or young guys taking over. The team concept is the same now as it was 20 years ago.
mckinggolf Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@Paul G, Bring back Zeus at a lower rate. Trade Stolly, Lokti, Bernier for Parise. Schenn ahs the scoring potential and would be great on the second line.
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One thing no one has suggested which intrigues me is putting Lokti back at his natural position at center and moving Kopi to LW. It would open up more chances for Kopi if he didn’t have to carry the puck in every time, and he’d be more effective along the boards than Lokti. Lokti would play the less physical high-F3 position, and look to find Brownie or Kopi for one-timers if the puck comes to him.
It seems like a waste of Kopi’s zone-entering skills and his backchecking but might be worth a look, at least in practice.
And if they must waiver someone to clear a space it has to be Westgarth. For the life of me I dont see what people have seen in him or his presence as a ‘deterrent’. He has done no such thing ALL season and all his fights have been pretty much staged ones, not from passion or the fire of the moment.
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
@bbb7,
I believe they did give that a “look” in practise recently.
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
@bbb7, I’ve thought about it. Not that I preffer the 2 way player down the middle, but that seems to be the main reason. I think the biggest problem is the spacing between Kopi and Brown if the center is always high slot. That leaves the forchecking to the left and right wingers. If Kopi could play the left, I wouldn’t be opposed to trying it.
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T Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
@bbb7,
“And if they must waiver someone to clear a space it has to be Westgarth”
chances of Westgarth getting picked-up, not that you’d miss him, have got to be pretty slim.
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nykingfan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 8:19 am
@bbb7,
That would shock me if you take your best player and play him out of position so that an untested rookie can play his “natural” position. I rarely ever question TM’s moves..that one would cause me to scratch my head.
I agree about Westgarth…If he gets picked up, those type of guys are a dime a dozen. He hasn’t fought that much and Clifford seesm to be able to take care of himself and teammates just as well, if not beter.
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Chris P. Bacon Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
@bbb7,
Andrei Loktionov #1 centerman. LOL yeah right. Sheesh you guys. Kopitar is the best centerman we have leave it at that.
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Off topic, but the Oilers just did us a solid, beating Nashville on the road 4-0.
Let the playoff watch begin. Go Kings!
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bbb7 Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
@Gislaw, It’s interesting that when you look at the effects of two of the teams in the Western dogfight playing each other, the Kings do fine no matter who wins so long as the game doesn’t go into OT and produce a bonus point. This last two weeks or so there’s been surprisingly few 3-pt games among the teams, which has been great.
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@bbb7,
Agreed 100%, but the OLIERS aren’t catching anyone, so any time their able to defeat someone ahead of us (on the road even more so) extra props are due.
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USHA#17 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 3:54 am
@bbb7, That point to Calgery came back to bite LA.
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Hey we won and were winning its not all gloom and doom folks
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boo Flames won their game and now ahead of us lame
wish the Four day BS break so be more like two days that it
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Gislaw Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
At least it wasn’t a three point game. The Kings are, and always have been, in charge of their own destiny. There is still an unbelievable amount of hockey to play.
That being said, I have always liked the Flames (why???) and hope they do well. Blasphemy, I know and appologize in advance.
Go Kings!
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 7th, 2011 at 10:34 pm
@Gislaw, lol yea there no safe spots only 1 to 3 and alittle 4th are safe but 5 through 8 not a safe zone t all Kings have to play for there life if they want to play in the playoff i know they will pull it off some how i hope at least
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fsd1 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 7:57 am
@Gislaw, and i wonder how many people heard that calgary and the kings have “basically” the same “system” which was mentioned many times throughout the game. Which just means if the posters who think the system sucks and is outdated need to be on a bunch of other team blogs calling for the heads of the coaching staff for using such an archaic form of hockey…..
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VanKingsFan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@KingsFanFTW, Ya but they beat Chicago… sooo win/lose situation. At least it wasnt an OT game, which is the best we could hope for in that particular match up
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@VanKingsFan, yea true kinda hoping Blackhawks win tho they be behind us i believe but oh well we be in the playoff i hope at least
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Smart move with Zuess replacing Lokti in those situations. Good coaching.
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KC23 Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 1:27 am
@DY, I bet if you asked every player and coach in the NHL well over 90% would agree with you. A raw rookie with no size, strenght or experience Vs Zues on the first line. No brainer, Zues is the guy I want.
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Harty Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 4:32 am
@KC23, totally agree, Lotki gets pushed around and if he wasn’t creative what does he bring to the table in that situation, he will not score 20 goals in this league, why…he won’t be able to get to the net with his size
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JayGoLAKings Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 7:47 am
@DY, Definitely a smart move with Zuess replacing Lokti in those situations.
1. Wins Face-offs
2. More Experience (makes the right plays)
3. Better grinder (wins the battles in the corners)
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:03 am
@DY, YUP.
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Can we “pull the trigger” on Kessel please. Get him out of Leaf Land and put him on a team that has a center who needs a sniper. We need a winger and Phil is not happy with Coach Wilson, no matter what the league says. He is there for the taking. DL please do something. Yes We All Are Happy with the way that we have been playing. This latest few games have been what we fans have been waiting for. Loved the last game. We have fought hard to get back in the post season race. Still we are missing something. There is still a nasty little hole that when you watch closely, it still leaks. Kopi’s down slope isn’t all his fault, he needs a proven sniper on his side. I’m not telling anybody how to do their jobs. You guys in the front office know more than some guy behind a computer screen. We fans don’t have all the facts in front of us, so we leave it in the hands that the Owners hired and hope for the best. Here’s to ya!!!!!!!
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DesertKing Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 7:33 am
@kinginsaltlake,
As mentioned in an earlier thread, Burke said there is no way he is trading kessel or firing Wilson, they just need to work it out. I thought his description of Kessel as a “frustrated player who isn’t scoring” pretty much summed up why DL should not pursue a Kessel deal.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:29 am
@kinginsaltlake, I do not want Phill Kessel… he has some skill, sure. But he is being outperformed this season by Clarke McArthur…. that should say it all. He has LAST pick in the all star game, which tells me that maybe he isn’t the most popular guy amongst other players. He sulks and whines a lot, he is crazy streaky, he is weak on defense, he is having a poor year stats wise, he gets paid too much, etc. etc.
Also, if Burke trades him he is admitting defeat in the previous trade with Boston. He will never admit defeat! (even though it is obvious to the rest of the league who won that trade)
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jet Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@VanKingsFan, king of understatement, “it is obvious to the rest of the league who won that trade”. This was the worst trade in the history of the league. I used to think Hexy would take Snow’s job, but it is starting to look more like Burke’s job.
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@kinginsaltlake,
Bet the Leafs would trade Kessel for Schenn….
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jet Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@LAPD line, Okay, maybe, if we get Scheen to take Kessel. I might even give back a second.
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Did anyone notice or mention that this theory of TM’s FAILED as the Kings lost a goal with the experienced line out there taking a penalty to give up the lead with the kid on the bench that helped get a goal in this game?
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Chris P. Bacon Reply:
February 8th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
@Dan H.,
Well, you’re wrong. Go watch the tape again.
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