After 19 games as a healthy scratch, Davis Drewiske is back in the Kings’ lineup, scheduled to play tomorrow night in place of rookie Alec Martinez, Drewiske hasn’t been in a game since Jan. 6 against Nashvile. Martinez, meanwhile, will sit for the first time since being called up from the AHL on Nov. 23. Martinez had played 39 consecutive games, totaling three goals and seven assists, but after practice today, Terry Murray talked about the recent for the change, which will see Drewiske paired with Matt Greene…
MURRAY: “The last couple of games, maybe even going back a little bit further, we feel that Marty is just playing a little bit too light, if that’s the right word. Not assertive enough. Not doing the things we know he can do, that he was doing, going back a couple weeks, very assertive with the puck, strong in his own zone, D-zone coverage, 1-on-1. He had a real attitude in his play, and I think he has backed off. We feel like he looked a little bit nervous at times, in puck-possession situations in the Island, and that has been there for a couple games. We have talked to him about it. John (Stevens) spent some time about those issues, and right now, with what we’re seeing, it’s time to step back and give Whiskey, who has been working very hard, an opportunity to get back in there.”
Question: It’s maybe not easy for Drewiske to come back in, after sitting out all that time…
MURRAY: “He’s been paying every kind of price you can imagine, with the extra work in the skating club. His game, he looks very sharp in all of the drills, skating, handling the puck, shooting the puck. It’s his opportunity to get back in.”
Nonimpact lineup change. If Drewiski would actually play like a real stay-at-home defensman and throw hard hits + clear the net, then he would be a solid defensman. Otherwise, he’s a borderline AHLer.
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Deke'r Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@Eric, Seriously?
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Eric Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Deke’r,
Yes. Can you explain why you disagree with my assessment of Drewiski?
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Datacloud Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@Eric, If you look back at the beginning of last season, he showed why he can play in the NHL. It’s an issue of consistency. He had terrific poise and positioning, was calm and made all the right decisions out on the ice. His physical play wasn’t really there, but at that time, it didn’t need to be. In all seriousness, he reminded me of Lidstrom in his own end. Stick work, positioning, confidence, and quick reads. Of course, we really haven’t seen that level of play since his first 10-15 games last season. If he can bring that on a night-in/night-out basis, he’s a great 5th-6th defenseman.
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bulldog13lak Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:24 pm
@Datacloud, I can’t believe you even mention Lidstrom in the same sentence as Drewiske.
DD2, has no impact on a game from the blue line, no strength on the boards, constantly on the wrong side of the puck and opposition player and coughs up the puck in terrible areas which often lead to goals. A so-so player at best.
Sorry, not one of my faves, as you can tell. I would class him in the Randy Jones (wanker) category.
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Forum67 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:12 pm
@bulldog13lak,
If Drewiske had to play the entire game without a stick he would STILL be better than Randy Jones.
can everyone say “SHOWCASE”!
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Heavy G Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@befroe99, Exactly
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rontheking Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@befroe99,
That was my first thought…you have to wonder about the timing of it. Serendipity? Hmmm….
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1HKYLVR Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@rontheking, If you think a team would want Drew who can’t play
like a d and give us a goal scorer not happening. we need give
them something to get someone, that is good.
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Badger57 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@1HKYLVR,
!??……Let me have a drink of what you are having.
rontheking Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@1HKYLVR,
Whiskey?
Ravens Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@befroe99, Leafs and Habs in serious need of Defence
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GOKINGS Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:04 am
@befroe99, Totally, hopefully he will impress. Would love to see him go with some other prospect for a top six winger. That would really amke me happy. GO out there DD and show your arent a healthy scratch player so we can get something for ya
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Ugh not likeing this move at all
Martinez been a very Solid player he get hit once in awhile and still get the puck out and he gets bench,,,
Oh well am no Coach so i dont see what TM seeing maybe he right
Lets hope DD2 would do better
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Give the guy a break. He’s part of the team. Let him earn his pay. We need someone who can put people on their arses. I’m tired of this not pushing teams around. We need to find a meanstreak and start ramming folks.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@kinginsaltlake, yea u are right
Am no coach or close to being one
And i only see games never see DD2 so
Maybe the move was right maybe he be hungry tomorrow game
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Deke'r Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Not sure about very solid….he has been playing well but watch a replay of the Ranger game and decide for yourself, I think TM has a valid point.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@Deke’r, yea true
just i like him didnt agree but hey if a fan coaching this team then the team will be crappy
got to admit that lol
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Deke'r Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Ain’t that the truth!!
HBFan Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@KingsFanFTW, What a Shock! You’re disageeing with TM. I can’t believe i.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@HBFan, well i dont always agree with TM lol like benching Lokti on the Islanders game and Benching AM
i dont want TM to get fired tho i think the players fault for those slumps
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Message to AM, its an opportunity to really drive it home and the shock of being sat can underline that. But that being said, I do think this is a showcase for DD2. He hope net a 1st rounder (not that the Kings are interested in getting picks), but he could be a 4-5 dman on a club like CLB. That’s an asset that could bring something over.
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jayhay Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@jayhay, really need to proof read. He’s not going to net a 1st rounder….. Carry on.
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rontheking Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@jayhay,
That doesn’t preclude a package deal….
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Eric Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@jayhay,
You’re lucky if you can net a 6th rounder for him.
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jayhay Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@Eric, right. like i was saying, i dont think the Kings are into draft picks.
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Does this mean that JJ and Drew will also be split up on the #1 PP unit? If not, who will play on the 2nd PP unit?
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@kozak, Stoll and Green (Our new offensive machine)
Good question, you’re probably right. Looks like they might get split.
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Defensively i dont see an impact,but this “changeup” is gonna do little to improve offense. We should sideline some of the players NOT contributing to the team, heck even do some trades here and there. Sending Lokti back to the farm was an error, he was barely proving his ground on the ice as a centerman ( his natural position). Putting Sturm back in as a first linemate is a risky move seeing as how accident prone he is.. this will mean Lokti will make a fast Return. Looking back at players traded sold whatever, we let go of a few promising names, Moulson stands out the most to me, i bet DL hates himself for that move.. anyway, Defense is not a spot we need improving, were one of the top defensive teams in the NHL with low G.A. average. What we need is some scoring, activate some players with speed and skill, god knows we have them and are not using them as we should…..anyway… GKG!
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Deke'r Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@KingdomCome, Hindsight is always 20/20….
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DD should sit and watch this game for him to wake up and stop the turnovers. I call him Mr. Pillsbury, famous for his turnovers!!!!!
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puck73 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Jamer, lol
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rontheking Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@Jamer,
Then he should probably be paired with Doughty the doughboy.
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nykingfan Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@rontheking,
very good!!!!
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“Showcasing” is a very reasonable explanation here….
After all, you don’t have to sit out a player in order to adjust his game…or to make a point, or improve on slumping play (right TM, re:DB ?).
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Sparman Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@18,118,
I agree, it makes sense that he’s being auditioned. Also, it may not hurt to have him back in the lineup with something to prove.
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Seriously, as a King’s fan for over 27 years I can honestly say that a vast majority of the people on this blog with all due respect need to pipe down a bit. Every one saying that TM should be fired and he is terrible are just ignorant, have never played sports, and does not know the impact of what kind of coach we have. TM’s job is to TEACH this team, which on average is the youngest in the NHL when the season began. People, you need to be a little more patient. I for one do not want to trade away any of our good prospects for rentals. We are going to have to make do with what we have it looks like until the offseason. DL has done the best job as a gm in the league at gathering top draft picks, keeping out good talent and locking them up, developing the best D in the league next to Vancouver, and we have the most amount of top notch prospects in the minors, all thanks to DL and TM. Kings fans, bottom line we are in a GREAT spot and we are only getting better with age and time like a fine wine. Go Kings Go!!!
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KingOfHockey Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@KingOfHockey, woops I meant *our* good talent…
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CB14 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@KingOfHockey, I don’t think the majority of people on this blog want DL fired. We want him to make a trade to improve our hockey team. We don’t want a rental player, we want a 1st line LW, which DL has been trying to get for awhile now,(Kovalchuk), and has been unable to do so. While we have a large amount of top prospects, we don’t have a 1st line LW in the pipeline that will help us this year, or next year. Mabye in 2 years one of our young prospects will be NHL ready. I don’t think we can wait that long. DL has done a great job drafting players, and is a terrific GM. TM is a very good defensive coach. He has done a very good job in the defensive aspects of our team. Not to represent all TM haters, but I think he has done a horrible job with our offensive system. We are 22 in the league in goals per game, 22 in PP%. Last year we were 9th in goals a game, 7th in PP%. We have regressed emmensely. With the offensive talent we have, we should be higher in both categories. TM has done a teriffic job defensively, and horrific job offensively. IMO.
PS- I have played sports, and don’t consider myself ignorant, I’m voicing my opinion, just like you.
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bfstyle33 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@KingOfHockey, Finally someone that gets it.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@KingOfHockey, Nice post thank you,Trade fever is clouding minds.
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puck73 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@KingOfHockey, Your entitled to your opinion, amd like everyoe else..so am I. I will not back off Murray and Kompon until I see improvement in the offense, and the powerplay…and so far…I HAVENT !
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jet Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@puck73, Hey 73, do you really think that our focus should be on scoring since the league went into playoff mode in the middle of January? The Kings can make a good run if the defence stays sharp. Good defence and hot goaltending wins playoff games.
With regards to the PP, we are in the second quartile in the league, and last season we finished in the first quartile. What else are you looking for?
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@jet, Last year means squat for this year. Scoring more goals than you opponent wins games. It’s great we can keep them to 1-2 goals per game. What good is that when we can only score 0-1? We have the D & G, but no O. (and I’m not gonna play acronyms here). We are outside looking in by the skin of our teeth. With all due respect sir – WE NEED GOALS……EOM.
DesertKing Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:12 pm
@jet,
I agree with what you are saying, but remember, you need to have some kind of offense to pick up when the defense or goaltending has a bad game (like we saw against the Isles).
Eric Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@KingOfHockey,
I agree somewhat. However, I do think the Kings need a GM that will utilize all the assets Lombardi has stockpiled to turn this team into a contender. Do you think Lombardi would have acquired Pronger if he was the then GM of the Ducks??
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jet Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@Eric, And look what happened to teh Ducks. The cupboard was bare, so they had to trade away pronger.
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Eric Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@jet,
They did win a cup, didn’t they? Except for last season, they’ve been a highly competive playoff team year after year.
Trading away Pronger was a huge mistake on their part. Pronger turns mild contenders into istant forces to be reckoned with overnight.
Deke'r Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@Eric, So your saying we need another defenseman?
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Eric Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@Deke’r,
A defenseman should not be a top priority, but I wouldn’t mind acquiring a Tim Gleason type of defenseman.
My point was that I don’t think Lombardi would have made the trade for Pronger if he was the GM of the ducks. He probably would have standed pat, rather than take a risk.
Niko Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@KingOfHockey, AGREED! We’ve managed to be patient this long, now we are only 1 (or 2) pieces away from a perennial contender. No reason to mortgage our future to get these pieces before the deadline. Stay the course Deano, I trust you will not do anything stupid!!
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@KingOfHockey, Finally someone with some class. Wished more of us felt like you do.
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Mugsy Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@kinginsaltlake, it’s my belief that there are more of us than you think. We may be the majority in raw numbers, but we are the minority in terms of being vocal (so to speak…err type) on the internet. I’m friends with many people who are in the “stay the course” camp and are drinking the purple DL Kool-Aid, and since we have nothing to say except stay the course we are drown out with all the trade/fire/(insert nefarious act here) conversation.
In reality, it’s a defense tactic to say that “they” were right. Right in the fact that there will undoubtedly be a trade that takes place where player “X” is traded to a team that makes a run and assists them in getting deep into the playoffs. The Kings will not be that team (although I do hope they make it deep into the playoffs), so the argument is generated automatically.
‘Why didn’t DL make the trade for player “X”? He rocked for the (insert NHL Team here)s. The Kings could have got him for a song, and now he’s locked up in a long-term contract with a NTC.’
Stay the course. It will pay off in the long run.
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Alberto Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@KingOfHockey, Leiweke is correct about fans like you who do not care who wins or who loses – they all come to see SHOW and scored goals. I do not mean disrepect for you – I have been Kings fan for 25 yrs as you. But Ducks have won Stanley cup and are in play-offs almost every year. Does it bother you? Should we just all get alone and shut up? There is always the next season, right? $7M/yr player is not playing, captain of the team is not playing and many others. Who is the problem? Lokti and Martinez! – who are playing. I have never heard DL or TM ever admitting they made mistakes.
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HBFan Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@KingOfHockey, You’re using logic on this blog. Most of them will never get it. The ability to apply critical thinking is pretty rare here. ( and I don’t mean criticizing MGMT or the players ) Good post. BTW, I am not referring to all of the posters, just the posters who like to beat dead horses
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snbrdsummit Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@KingOfHockey,
I agree that there’s a proclivity for certain people to go back and forth on whether to fire Terry Murray. I’m one of the resolute ones who maintains that Murray cannot add anything to this team and I have been suggesting this since the middle of last season. Good season or bad season, makes no difference to me. I want to see PROGRESS. I’ve been sold on PROGRESS and I believe in Dean’s vision. It’s how I coach and the only way I quantify another’s coaching ability. FYI, adding players or trading for players is not TM’s progress. That’s DL doing that.
Having said that… Let me ask you a question. You say that it’s TM’s job to TEACH this team. If consistency establishes a base for all things “learned”…
Then what has this team “learned”?
My two cents are that I agree with you. It is the coach’s job to teach. However, I see nothing consistent in the teams play that suggests that they’ve “learned” anything. I can’t even see difininitive evidence that they are working on any single aspect of the game except “strong play”, which is very non-descript itself.
I see glaring fundamental problems in our play that don’t get solved. I’m sure I’m not the only experienced 30 year athlete with some coaching experience to notice this.
This is not a jab at your devotion to the team, nor your right to comment. However, I have been patient. He had a year and a half to convince me that he had something in development value to bring to this team aside from playing line Yahtzee (sp?). I’ve been calling for his job since the All-Star break last year.
As a fan, I’m happy we made the playoffs and I hope we do it again. As a realist, we were not Cup worthy last year and we aren’t any better this year. It’s not getting better folks.
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Dominick Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@snbrdsummit,
Excellent post. I have been rather reserved in the “off with his head” comments, but like you I see fundamental flaws in basic attacking strategies that leave me questioning wether TM can make the necessary adjustments. He is not responsible for the talent that he has, but he is responsible for consistancy and system. The whole coaching staff for that matter.
The power play has not scored 1 backdoor goal all season long. Very few onetimers from the slot. In fact, the only lateral movement is at the top of the umbrella, or behind the nets. The Kings are the only team in the league who approach their power play this way. The only constant has been the lack of momentum gained.
Forchecking is limited to the left side 1/2 boards, or behind the net, with periodic cycles on the right side 1/2 boards. Nothing complex. I liken it too an NBA team holding up after a fast break, instead of taking it right to the hoop. Just take it to the outside and set up the offense.
If this team is going to take that next step, they have to have a more complex system that creates, instead of a simple system that is easy to figure out, and puts the owness on the players to battle through well defended defenses.
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:29 pm
@Dominick, Dom, you ARE the man. I don’t go to my work and feel good about obtaining 75% success. Some owners are into providing casual entertainment and maximizing returns never really persuing a trophy. Some teams provide pride and inspiration and sacrifice some of the profitability to bring home the title. Clearly Liewicke is not giving the DL the green light for this. DL is fumbling trying to get the best bang for the buck; and TM is not getting the best out of his squad. No matter where I have lived, I always rooted for the home team – terrible or not. Been in LA now for 15 years and really getting tired of this dry spell and the “just get in line and buy your tickets boys, we’ll get ‘em next year (again).” Cough up some money, finally make a significant acquisition (don’t let it get away), motivate your team, and bring home the friggin cup already”.
BobKnob Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Dominick,
Good post, this is exactly what I see as well. Simple, dumbed-down play in the offenseive zone and power play that is predictable and allows the defense to cheat. These players aren’t dumb, and there are plenty of players on this team who have the skill to handle the puck on offense at this level. Great, you went to the net…while your buddy, with no support, was being hounded hard by an opponent and coughed up the puck. Way to go.
TM is also twisting (or misunderstanding) statistics to fit his game plan. Just because more shots on goal correlates with more goal scoring, does not mean that getting more shots on net will result in more goals. You can take all the garbage shots on net you want, they aren’t going to end up in the net.
nykingfan Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@snbrdsummit,
When you say it’s not getting better..better than what?
Man, we came off how many lousy years of being a non competitive team. He gets us to the playoffs with over 100 pts..he’s got us in position to go back again and now that’s not good enough? Wow..short memory dude!
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:37 pm
@nykingfan, 8 teams out of 15 make the playoffs each year – more than half. That means an average team can make the playoffs. Where were/are we in the standings last year and this year? We will be no more than average if our defense is great and our offense is dismal. Our offense is actually a bit better than dismal except our PPP (Kompon) and system is letting us down and may just cost us the playoffs.
Can we please let go of the past players have done so well argument? They are gone, probably will never return, won’t be able to help the Kings win a cup. The argument has nothing to do with anything. Let it go, I beg of you all, let it go.
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KingOfHockey Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@fsd1, Couldn’t agree more!
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bbb7 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@fsd1, Agreed.. and every team can make a list of players that have let go that have gone on to do well in another situation/system. Or, if youre going to bring up the ones that have done well, at least mention the ones that were let go (some to great crying and consternation) and never amounted to anything… POS comes to mind.
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LW Anybody? Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@fsd1, But it does has something to do with everything here. Players who were in our system, were chosen to be parted with, and have shown that maybe they shouldn’t have. This calls into question further moves or judgement calls. You can’t not bring this up. I for one, wouldn’t want to see us continue to give up on offensive talent in our system, cause so far, some of these choices made haven’t produced anything that have truly helped.
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fsd1 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@LW Anybody?, for whatever reason, they didn’t fit.
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tornado12 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@fsd1, thank you. Im sick of hearing it too! I am happy for those players as individuals, but they are not LA Kings anymore and u cant cry over spilled milk!
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@tornado12, I wish I can tell my boss that. Sheeez!
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@fsd1, For the love of God, stop crying
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:31 pm
@fsd1, Right on! THAT is what is the MOST irritating thing here of all. What in the world is it supposed to prove? EVERY single GM in EVERY sport has let talent go. Someone here said there was no way I could find anything like that on Jerry West (who probably IS the best all-time GM in any sport). They were wrong, I did. Actually, if their BEST examples are Moulson and Boyle what that proves is DL is doing better than most. Which he is.
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The obvious senerio to me is that AM IS the trade factor, you would not sit him in place of DD2 (showcasing him). But rather to prevent AM from being injured before a trade. Let’s face it, DD2 is not going to bring enough value in a trade versus AM.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@HappyLappy, Why does a teaching move automatically mean a trade? maybe you have the fever.
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Eric Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@HappyLappy,
If Lombardi trades Martinez, we all know the return would be marginal at best. He’ll probably acquire another Halpern-like player. I do hope he proves me wrong.
It seems as though there is a shortage of puck moving defensman, especially those in the early stages of their respective careers, like Martinez. Teams who will trade for the Kings want palyers that can step in to their lineup immediately to show the fans that they didn’t simply throw away quality players for prospects that may become good NHLers. Therefore, Martinez (current roster player), Loktioniv (more or less current roster player), Hickey, and 1st rounder for an impact player. I’m not saying you can net a superstar, but they can acquire a 1st line LW
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jayhay Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@HappyLappy, if AM, and something else obviously, can get a Voracek, i’d be more than happy to go into the playoffs w/ Greene/DD2 as our 3rd pairing.
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:40 pm
@jayhay, yup.
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Michael J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@HappyLappy,
Maybe TM is telling the truth. Am needs to sit, and DD2 needs a few games in before the stretch.
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Badger57 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@Michael J.,
I’ve been saying this for a couple weeks… Give the guys a break of a game once in a while when they hit a rough spell. We have enough guys like Harry, an d Whiskey who can fill in for a game to give the other six a break. The Harry, and Whiskey can stay sharp, and everyone will be fresh for the playoffs. GO KINGS!
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nykingfan Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@Badger57,
I hope you’re right man.
It seemed that Martinez game had stagnated a bit..not much on the rush over the past couple of weeks.
Let’s see whiskey get in there and show everyone what he can do.
Stupid move. AM has been playing great even in losses, this is just dumb plain and simple. He provides a lot with his D and offensive capabilities with his shot and skating ability. DD2 should not be on an NHL roster in my opinion, but whatever just get a W and no one will care for now.
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fsd1 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:06 pm
@OCKingsFan, honestly? Playing terrific? I would say that his last 6 games have gotten consitently away from the level he was playing before. His confidence is down and his play have gone down as the pressure of each game has gone up. Good move in my mind, refocus him and this is the exact way to do it. Besides, DD2 is good enough and deserves some ice time too.
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Badger57 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@fsd1,
I saw him at the Caps game. He was taking hits that he didn’t take the first month he was up. I told my brother he needed a rest. 3 games in four nights is a lot of hitting to take. He’ll be ok in a game or two. We need you AM, stay strong and ready!
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Interesting Dreger Report today- http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/dregerreport/
Talks about how more GM’s are willing to take risks this year on trades, rather than risk standing pat, given the tight playoff races. I wonder where we’ll fit in when all is said and done..
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First Lokti and now this? IF IT AIN’T BROKE???? If this doesn’t work out then whoever I’d making these calls needs to be canned.
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Bo Siemsen Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@DBking,
It’s been broken the last couple of games. A couple of bad bad outings in New York.
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DBking Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Bo Siemsen, we have 1 loss in regulation in our last… What… 11 games? Let’s keep this immovable object called the LA KINGS barreling downhill!
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puck73 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@DBking, If you are intimating firing Kompon and Murray then I would say……..ding ding ding ding ! Let me buy you a drink !
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Michael J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@puck73,
and hire who???
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fsd1 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@puck73, we all know how you feel puck73, really, we do.
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puck73 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@fsd1, If your not careful…you may end up on moderation. just by reading your comments aimed at me, I sense frustration in your posts and more then likely, you will end up where @HBKingsfan ended up…..on moderation.
fsd1 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@fsd1, No, but your chant has to change, we know you want to fire tm and kompon, you say it in every thread ad naseum, you might want to be careful.
HBFan Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:38 pm
puck73, I don’t have an issue with you personally. So if I posting that i am tired of you posting the same take over and over again gets me put on moderation, so be it. I am not the only one who feels this way, but if I’m not mistaken constant repeating of the same post is also a reason to be placed on moderation.
Sorry Rich. I am not trying to disrepect your authority
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:35 pm
@DBking, I get it. TM has done nothing to improve the team since they started 12-3 (see above) BUT “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.
Sorry, you people can’t have it both ways……
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This not stupid move or game related move. Anyone who watched knows Drewiski is no match for Martinez. Martinez is “not assertive enough” – what the hell this means? He has nothing to say about his game but he is not “assertive”. HappyLappy is right – they are most likely preparing him for trade. If you watched DL this is his standard procedure to bad mouth player publically before bad trade, unless he is Blake and can defend himself. Every time you see move like this – sending Shenn of Lokti to minors – this is all about money, very little money. I have been Kings fan for over 25 yrs – I have never seen such cynisim and desrespect to players.
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Badger57 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@Alberto,
He didn’t bad mouth him. He said they talked to him about what he could do better. Nothing wrong with that. I’m sure AM has thicker skin than some fans. He’ll take it right and be back in a game or two. Oh, Whiskey have a good game, it’s been awhile. So em what you can do!
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TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:24 pm
@Alberto,
You’re right, Terry Murray isn’t doing anything to help him be a better player. All he is doing is punishing him by sending him down to Manchester instead of helping him improve on his game so he can stay in the lineup, this is already implying that Martinez’s game has not and is not adequate for the NHL level which he has more than proven it to be. Dean Lombardi has no scruples in the way he is dealing with players recently, the so called small fish such as Schenn or Loktionov who don’t necessarily have powerful agents or won’t go to a Canadian newspaper and give an interview about it are getting pushed around more and more by him. As I said in another post he did the same thing to Frolov by publicly putting him down as a player and a person by saying his attitude wasn’t there, then he said he wasn’t scoring enough, then he traded him. GM’s very rarely speak out against the players on the teams they manage, not just in the NHL but in every other major league as well.
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If you show any glimpse of being an offensive oriented hockey player, you will not be in the Los Angeles Kings lineup. We need more players with a “HEAVY” game!
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Sam Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@MMF, Because Martinez and his 1 pt per 4 games played was lighting it UP! Woo! Have you even noticed him in the last 12-15 games? The Kings have no room for mistakes. They need every point they can muster so some of the learning for long term players has to be put aside. That’s all the move with Loki and this move with Martinez is about. Further, if someone gets hurt, which happened often early in the season you’ll need Wiske so get him some playing time.
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Puck2DaHead Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@Sam, Yeah, but Sam, Martinez is a Dman that shouldn’t be noticed. From my group of fans, we notice Martinez and all the good things that he’s been doing. I’m confused where you think he’s making mistakes. Is it becuase he’s not N. Lidstrom?
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No reason, whatsoever, to complain about this. Competition is GOOD. Making guys sit and think is part of the process. Let them battle it out for the number 6 defenseman spot. Personally I like both guys, but someone has to sit. Heck, even Harrold can come in as far as I’m concerned. Let the coach make that call. We are lucky to have these options.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@wavesinair,
So reasonable. At this point i’m ready to sit tight and see what happens, or see what develops. Wasn’t that the slogan last year? One year it’s King’s Rule, the next is…let’s see what develops.
Not having Martinez or Lokti against the ducks wouldn’t have been my choice, but i’ll be cheering on Drewiske, Sturm, and the rest of the crew and hoping for the best.
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puck73 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Jason4Kings, Good afternoon, my name is Randy Carlsyle and I approve of these changes.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@puck73,
…. and i, Curtis McElhinney, second that.
Michael J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@wavesinair,
It also pays dividends for DD2 to get in a few games here. If he is needed in the last ten games or so it would really be nice for him to get a couple of games in between now and then.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@wavesinair, While I agree whole heartedly with the need to sit young guys now and again, I have to add that this form of teaching or discipline (whatever you want to call it) is only for some players and not for certain “chosen few” others. At least that’s been the case with Murray.
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TMs comments upset me. If AM isn’t playing well enough what about the other players? Sit them, call them out, make them watch from above. TM frustrates me…
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puck73 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@Jstin, You can always buy a ticket and sit right behind the bench at Staples and rip Tm and Kompon the whole game and see if it illicite’s a reaction from the normally stoic TM. HELL, I will sit their with you and if their offense and powerplay continues to suck, I swear I will bury them in a verbal ditch so deep…that they will need a steem shovel to dig themselves out of it !
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Jstin Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@puck73,
Hmm… If I’m going to spend that much money on a ticket I want to see some goals scored! Haha…
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Deke'r Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@puck73, Dude….that was really funny! Afetrall a verbally buried coach couldn’t possibly make a mistake…….problems solved.
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:46 pm
@puck73, I would go as well.
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http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/02/22/diapers-wanted-at-anaheim-ducks-game-against-la-kings/
Has anyone seen this? Are the Quacks sending a message to the Kings/LA Fans, or simply making a good gesture to the OC community?
gKg!
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wavesinair Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@LBlocal,
It’s actually an NHL/Huggies ad campaign disguised as a charity. So every team is involved, not just the Ducks.
I’ve seen the commercial 100 times and it’s a joke. The actress says, “1 in 3 American families struggle to provide diapers for their babies.” I have a real problem with this statement because it’s very vague and totally misleading. Cloth diapers are extremely cheap so I highly doubt the 1 in 3 stat is even close to true. Reusing diapers isn’t glamorous, but it is much more environmentally friendly.
For the record, it’s a Huggies study that came up with these numbers. Maybe 1 in 3 “struggle” to buy the best kind of diapers, but seriously, they need to back up that statement. It’s total fear hype bs. It’s basically a way to for Huggies to promote it’s brand by creating a problem where one doesn’t exist or at least doesn’t exist like they say it does.
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puck73 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@wavesinair, Personally, I think it is huggies night because the Kings have such a crappy powerplay and so that duck fans can lob these diapers at TM and Kompon.
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fsd1 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@puck73, and again we hear you
Michael J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@wavesinair,
with the cost of diapers these days its more like “3 in 3 families…”
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wavesinair Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@Michael J., Yeah, it’s a national crisis! I see little babies all over the place with no diapers. What a joke. Don’t believe the hype dude.
Cynic Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@LBlocal, Well, I see Mickey on the front of those packages. Tells me they’re for the home team. ;-P
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Choralone Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@Cynic, I hope they have the Duck logo on the inside.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@Choralone, hahahahhhhahaahhahhahaha!
crashin' da net Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:47 pm
@Cynic, nice….
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Then there is a speculative angle of:
If we, *gasp*, make a trade with picks and prospects, we must clear roster slot(s).
Martinez is the only remaining waiver exempt skater.
Or it could be what Murray said.
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A lot of you seem to forget that the ducks are a big, physical, tough team, which doesn’t bode well for Martinez’s game. Drewiski is bigger and stronger, but not tough, nor physical. Whatever. Either way, it should be a dandy
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Michael J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@Eric,
I think that it would be a fair bet to say that any NHL player is toughter and more physical than 99% of the guys who are not… including blog posters
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Eric Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@Michael J.,
We’re not comparing hockey players to nonhockey players.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@Eric, He’s been fine for most of the games he’s played this year, so I think the “big bad physical Ducks” is a bit of an overstatement.
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Well tomorrow will tell us where we are at. You know I’m thinking of coming out to LA foe a game in April. I’ll be coming alone. I think the game vs Coyotes would be a good one. This is going to be a dog fight right till the end. They blackout all Coyote games here in Salt Lake. Center Ice is funny about that. Anyway anybody willing to go to the game with me. I’d like to go with someone from the insider. We bloggers need to stick together and their are a few of you cats I’d truly like to meet. My plans are very preliminary, but I’d like to get started soon. Jet Blue has a deal …. 80 Bucks each way, room in Long Beach 70 a night, Take the Metro to Staples 2.00, Game ticket 100.00. I figure 400.00 bucks gets it done. Who’s up to meet me in Long Beach??????
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puck73 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@kinginsaltlake, Any body like you who is willing to put out money like you are in this tough economy and make the trip out here, then I say….count me in. mikebrnstn@gmail.com
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Ive never had an issue with Drewiski, he is an okay D. Im glad we have him incase of injuries, but sooner or later his spot will be going to Hickey, Voynov, Muzzin or Tuebert. Im hoping the Kings call up Voynov before the end of the season so we can see him in a few NHL games.
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Dominick Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@kingfletch,
I don’t see Voynov getting called up this season. We have a lot of depth and now’s not the time for the Kings to start seeing what rookies can do. I don’t think any of the D in Manchester will get the call for the rest of this season. Voynov will work his way to the top of the pecking order, but he’s behind quite a few other players right now. If anyone by a slim chance got the call up this season it would be Hickey, or Muzzin before Voynov.
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Isn’t the game with the Ducks a 4 pointer???? Why should the Kings worry, 4 point games mean nothing to them.
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hmm??? Send down young offense and scratch a young d man? Ok GO Kings!! DUCKS SUCK!!!!!!!!!
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Can you say 1 week from the deadline and no roster space? We need to get our scratches in so we know what we are gonna do if we pick someone up. I doubt this will be the last of it.
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moller – kopi – williams
sturm – lokti – brown
smyth – stoll – simmer
poni – lewis – richie
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Ari Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@Ari, Actually – trade Lewis for handzus
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CB14 Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@Ari, That line-up has too much youth and speed. TM wouldn’t allow it. They wouldn’t fit his “System” of dump and chase. You need big slow players for his “offensive” system. The word “Offensive” in this case is how it looks to us fans.LOL
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jason Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:18 am
@CB14, problem is lewis, stoll, loktionov, moller, richardson, kopi are all centers lol… 6 centers and 4 spots.. Well done management.. Also with schenn coming in whats going to happen..
I say screw it.. Put loktionov and schenn with kopi on the #1 line.. let them 3 figure out how to score and where they want to play and murray can fart around with the other lines as much as he wants
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Noooooo I like marty he is a SOLID player… A solid dddd!
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I like all the kings D including harold and drewiske… The ones who piss me off the most are johnson and greene but they also make me the most happy at times too haha… And yea martinez has been a little iffy lately but he hasnt blown a game yet.. cough cough johnson… Got to give martinez credit for hanging in there.. Of course hes going to have little slumps, only problem is if your new and you slump murray yanks you.. If your old and slow he does nothing lol.. Oh wait he puts you on the 4th line then the next game you’re on the #1 line… Its science
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