The Kings held on for the regulation win and two points, and moved into sixth place in the Western Conference despite being outshot 27-18. More from the locker room to come…
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Inconceivable!
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Kings Fan Vancouver,WA Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@wavesinair, Lol…great movie line. Good & ugly game too
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CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:30 pm
@wavesinair, Unfathamable!
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cpmc29 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@CB14, let’s not over do it now!
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CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@cpmc29, Mabye doesn’t represent this game very well, it was a lackluster performance IMO. That’s all I could come up with. Been hit in the head too many times I guess.
Cynic Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:29 pm
@wavesinair, Well, you got the Kings 3 goals right… LOL!
How many we gettin’ tomorrow? I say 6 and win by 3.
DANG I’m so freakin jazzed right now…gonna be hard to sleep.
[Reply]
Nice to get the two points. But our oh-fense is so bad, we can’t even score an empty netter.
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Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@Gerard, It’s gonna be tough against the better Western Conference teams. They have to keep scrapping.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@Gerard, some Hockey 101
When up by a Goal with a minute left
relative importance of:
NOT giving up goal to tie 100%
scoring empty net goal 0%
[Reply]
Gerard Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:39 pm
@HockeyNerd,
True.
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Goring 19 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@Gerard, bottom line, SCOREBOARD!
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sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:25 pm
@Gerard, westgarth is so bad, he can’t even score an empty netter
[Reply]
Winnnnersssss! Ducks suck!
[Reply]
Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@KH, I don’t know about that. We barely beat them without their two top centers and their starting goalie. They played us tough.
[Reply]
KH Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@Hockey101, Agreed we played bad but we’ve without a top line LW all year
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@KH, Winner, winner, duck dinner!
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You da man rich! Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@KH, fatties
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6-1-3 road trip. Awesome!
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Yeah baby. Just like I like my women,
Not pretty!
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jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@Slim, lamao!!:)
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kingfletch Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:39 pm
lol thats great
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Awesome! Way to beat the ducks and finish a great road trip.
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No power plays and the Kings win. Interesting…
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Anjin Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:54 am
@Tony Granato, hehe, I thought the same thing….
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Big win, boys! Great job!
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It’s always nice to beat the waterfowl which shall not be named, but I’m still looking for a game that makes me proud. Oh well, let’s have a good game tomorrow night.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:50 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, If getting points in 9 of 10 games on a road trip that was supposed to end all playoff hopes doesn’t make you proud, I don’t know what to tell ya…..
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@HockeyNerd, I’ve been pretty straightforward. It was a great road trip. The last FOUR games now, haven’t been great. Three of them have been “just good enough.” I deliberately started by giving props to the win, but the last week has been far less impressive than the two before it. They got their rest at home. Now they need to win by something other than default.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’ll take default wins all day long. It’s far, far better than the bipolar roller coaster ride we’ve been on all season. We didn’t tailspin after a loss. We won. Put a couple more default wins together and we’ll be headed to the post season.
xeropoint Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’m in agreement with you on this. The good signs are there in spades, while considering the record and especially who they beat back east (and tonight YES!) but there are some little parts that could use an infusion of new blood.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:35 pm
@wavesinair, I don’t think there are any more default wins left.
pnm Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I totally hear what you’re saying. This is _not_ a team that will make it through the playoffs. While everyone can argue about the latest road record and putting wins together, which is all fine and good, we need to keep in mind what it takes to get through the playoffs. Any honest evaluation of this team’s play right now shows that we will be toast in the playoff’s, especially when teams and coaches have a minimum of 4 games to pick us apart and expose our weaknesses which, unfortunately, are a few too many. JMHO.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@pnm, Great point about the other teams coaches picking us apart come playoff time. They already have with our PP. Last year we were 7th in the league, this year 22nd.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@pnm, I think there’s a chance to improve, but they need to do that. Frankly, they need to play like they played a couple weeks ago, and they’re not at that level right now.
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Not overly impressed, but big “W”.
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puck73 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@src, You are one of the few that will give an honest assessment.
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That was pretty sketchy but….
Way to go fellas!!
Two points from the gay disney team woooohoooo!!
GKG!!
[Reply]
Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:30 pm
@jess, Disney sold the team a few years ago.
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jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@Hockey101,
founded on the concept of a disney movie
[Reply]
Gislaw Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 pm
@jess,
Even worse, an Emilio Estevez movie.
You da man rich! Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 pm
@jess, “quack quack quack quack quack mr. Ducksworth!”
lamest.
Movie.
Ever.
McDonalds Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 4:13 am
@jess,
:0
TAKE. THAT. BACK.
i like how williams gets points on whatever line he is on..
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Hockeysureshot Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:30 pm
@jason, Justin was brilliant. Don’t you have to earn a spot on the top line? Not sure what Simmonds has done to deserve to be on first line.
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number 6 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@Hockeysureshot,
I’m concerned about Simmer at the moment. He just doesn’t look dangerous at all offensively.
[Reply]
Gerard Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:41 pm
@number 6,
Simmonds and a pick for Hemsky.
tuan jim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@Gerard,
Bite your tongue. What Simmonds brings to the table is not easy to replace.
TM is a fine coach. But he’s no hockey-Coryell. No matter what sniper or hot-dog winger comes to the Kings that player’s numbers WILL GO DOWN. That’s the price of TM’s system. And, generally, you can win with it. So don’t trade away assets of known and increasing value for some pie-in-the-sky dream that will never come to pass.
Who was it who said that Terry Murray would make a forty-goal scorer into a twenty-goal scorer in no time?
xeropoint Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@Hockeysureshot, If it weren’t for Quick’s brilliance in nearly every single game this year, I would give the nod for J-dub to be the teams MVP.
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:29 pm
@xeropoint, He’s clearly comeback player of the year.
@tuan Jim, you’re point explains why a Hemsky deal would be a total waste.
Oh Foxie, stop!!! We played a very wounded Duck team. We’re lucky. We ned to find out how to score goals quickly.
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jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 pm
@crashin’ da net,
True. Still had we lost to the ducks, I would have needed therapy.
[Reply]
Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 pm
@crashin’ da net, Agreed. Only going to get tougher against the rest of the West.
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Huge, huge, huge win. Add in the fact that the “Go Kings Go” was being chanted in the final minute and call it the best possible finish to the best road trip we ever could have imagined.
BACK TO FIG!
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Greatwin! Justin Williams wAs awesome! Should be on the first line. Way to go!
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Osaka Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:32 pm
@Hockeysureshot, I thought Williams was the best Kings player on the ice tonight.
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Hockeysureshot Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@Osaka, I thought so by far! Can’t figure out why he is not on Kopitar’s line. Stoll and Lewis were good tonight. Thought Wayne was our worst forward tonight.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:32 pm
@Hockeysureshot, Just want to point out Kopi’s goal was with Smyth and Williams out there with him.
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Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@Hockeysureshot, He was when Kopitar scored. Kopi, Smyth and Williams were on for that goal I believe.
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Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@Hockeysureshot, I agree. Probably a line shuffle tomorrow anyway.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:53 pm
@Dominick, Probably? If there were a way to bet cash money on it…
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Just want to point out that the Kings last 2 goals were on the counter attack, not TM’s system the dump and chase. I’m just sayin. Great Win Boys!!!
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@jason, Time to him up with Kopi.
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Did Sturm play tonight?
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puck73 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 pm
@crashin’ da net, He made about as much difference as Westgarth…he didnt.
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Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@crashin’ da net, Yeah he was on the first line with Kopitar but wasn’t on the ice when Kopi scored.
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Brian D. Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:14 pm
@crashin’ da net, Never saw him, oh wait he had an o zone turnover…
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Take the two points and run. Not ugly, not pretty just 2 points.
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FU** the DUCKS!!! WOOOOOO!! I love it!
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Big win tonite, but when you consider that they were outshot tonite by a team that was missing their top 2 centers IMO this was unacceptable and embarrassing. The Kings remind me of the last 2 seasons of the Melrose era where he took a team that could light the lamp, and turned into a slow, boring, mucking and grinding team that could barely score…changes have to be made.
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:32 pm
@puck73, Repeat: Oh Foxie, stop!!! We played a very wounded Duck team. We’re lucky. We ned to find out how to score goals quickly.
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@puck73, I stopped reading at “embarrassing.” Dude, no win is EVER embarrassing.
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puck73 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@wavesinair, Like I said, big win…but we should have beat the crap out of this shothanded team. The Ducks were absolutely destroyed by the blues, and that was with Getzlaf and Koivu in the lineup…AGAIN, changes on offense need to be made.
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:39 pm
@puck73, 10 game trip. 1 loss. This isn’t the time to be complaining. It’s a time to be celebrating a great trip. Period.
crashin' da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:46 pm
@puck73, It’s been time to shore up our glaring weaknesses – 5on5 offense and the dreaded PPP. Hey, we did well on the road – nothing dominating, should have beat the Islanders but got shutout. I’ll celebrate when we get in the PO’s. But then shrink from how our weakness will be to mercilessly exploited.
Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@puck73, Scrapping and doing what it takes to get a W but how long can that last? What change(s) do you recommend?
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@puck73, I don’t mind being outshot, but to put only 18 on net the entire game? Sheesh. Kings had 0 shots in the first 10 min of the game and should’ve been down. They had only 2 shots in the first 15 or so min of the 3rd. They’re going to have to play much much much better tomorrow to beat Minny.
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puck73 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:38 pm
@Kenny44, Totally agree…and again, we may have an advantage tomorrow…Miku Koivu will not be in the lineup for Minnesota.
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tuan jim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@Kenny44,
Except for the first part of the opening period, the shots-on-goal stat is not representative of the way the game was played. We had outnumbered attacks and buzzed around their net and cycled for long stretches without getting off a shot or we shot wide.
The Ducks did frolic in the neutral zone — and DEFINITELY had their chances. But what would you expect from a team that’s been embarrassed in their last three games and is then hosting a cross-town rival in one of the most important games so far this season.
I thought McIlhinney played pretty well, and the Duck star players came through for their team. For us to come out of Honda Center with a regulation win is outstanding.
Yeah, so our offense got shut out last time we played the Wild. But don’t forget we shut them out as well. We only lost that game on a single shoot-out goal.
Going 6-1-3 on this road trip was terrific — especially toward the end, when we were leg tired, brain tired, and travel tired.
Can we play better than we played tonight? Sure. But winning doesn’t always happen when you play better than the opposing team. Right now, I’ll gladly take the points however they fall into our lap.
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 7:20 am
@puck73, Gee Billy, I know you got a 2300 on the SAT, but really that means you missed 100 points that were there for the taking. You are gonna have to learn to study, because such failure is not gonna sustain you in intellectual arenas like website blogs.
Love,
Your Father, Puck73
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And we didn’t even give away an extra point with OT!
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A little sloppy but I’ll take it. If the Ducks had Getzlaf and Hiller I think we would have been in trouble.
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:32 pm
@Osaka, we would have lost.
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Hockeysureshot Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@Osaka, I agree. Kings were sloppy and were lucky Anaheim has injuries. Still a good win to end the road trip. Must bring it tomorrow against the boring Wild.
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Osaka Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@Hockeysureshot, I hear you dude, great road trip!
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 pm
@Osaka, woulda, coulda, shoulda… bottom line people…kings longest roadie in history and they only lost one game. if that isn’t enough for you, you are insane.
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Osaka Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:41 pm
@wavesinair, I said a little sloppy, I didn’t say they suck dude.
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@Osaka, …it was the “would have been in trouble” line that did it for me. Not to mention all the other incredible negativity after this win. Sorry. Didn’t mean to direct at you specifically.
number 6 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@Osaka,
I have to say it makes you wonder doesn’t it. Delighted with the W, very concerned about the O. Can any of the forwards manage to put the puck in the net once you get past Willie, Smyth and Kopi? Seriously. I don’t even feel confident about Brownie as an offensive force when a goal is needed though he did help us get a point vs. Rangers.
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King John Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:18 pm
@Osaka,
Getzlaf would get last laugh. But he’s happy anyway with a new son
[Reply]
Zeley Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 8:30 am
@Osaka, It’s been said repeatedly: The Kings play to the level of their competition. Had Hiller and Getzlaf been on the ice, I’m confident the Kings would have adjusted their play accordingly. I don’t know why this is, but I’ve observed the fact for more than a year now.
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That HUGE SAVE by JQ at the beginning of the game was a game changer!!!!! Go KINGS Go!
[Reply]
So:
–Lokti got sent down
–TM changed the lines AGAIN
–AM did not play
–KW DID play
…and the sky did NOT fall after all…..
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@HockeyNerd, yeah, and take out 3 more of the ANA top players and perhaps we could have even scored FOUR goals! We are an offensive powerhouse!
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:41 pm
@crashin’ da net, Yeah, and if Anaheim had not dressed a Goalie we might have had FIVE. And if that blonde girl had stood up the molecular structure of the universe would have been different and Anaheim would have tied the game.
We WON.
Get over it.
PLEASE.
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Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@HockeyNerd, KW almost got a shot on net.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:09 pm
@Hockey101, On a breakaway, no less.
No I do NOT understand why he gets so much playing time (OK, maybe 3 minutes a game, but that’s 3 minutes too much in my mind).
Then again, nearly EVERY team has a player like that….is every other organization that dumb too?
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CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@HockeyNerd, In the past 3 games Anaheim had given up an average of 7 goals a game. They lose their top 2 centers and we barely win 3-2. Not very impressive.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@CB14, A “bare win” counts the SAME two points in the standings as an “impressive win”.
I’ll take EITHER.
I did not say it was an impressive win. I said the sky did NOT fall as everyone predicted it would because of the “bad decisions”……..
[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:31 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Some people not liking decisions is not the same as “everyone” saying the sky would fall. I am very happy to beat the ducks, and celebrate every win, but we got a little help tonight with Hiller, Getzlaf, and Koivu out, and still it was a tight game. You know that too. Anyway, let’s go Kings!
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:41 pm
@HockeyNerd, You’re absolutely right with everything you said. However I believe I’m also right with everything I said. I know you don’t like the negative posts about TM or the Kings play, however I don’t think you or anyone else believes the Kings can win a playoff series with the way they played tonight. What other people have pointed out about the game is true, we were playing a team that wasn’t at full strength, yet we did not play well against them. Yes we did win, and I’ll take a win any day of the week, but this is a team that is fighting for a playoff spot and needs to play better, period. I would like to know if you think the Kings can win a playoff series with the way they played tonight?
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:21 pm
@CB14, Probably not, but possibly. Why does this matter? They AREN’T going to play in a playoff series the way they played tonite. Some things will be worse, some better. That’s Hockey.
And for the record it’s not about disliking negative posts about TM or DL or the Kings (which I don’t) or all of you not having that right (which you do).
What it’s about with me is after reading post after post of (yet again), “DL sent down Lokti”, “TM’s system sucks”, “DL let Moulson” go, the “Kings should have POUNDED these guys”, “this team will never go anywhere in the playoffs”, etc, etc. etc. being one of just a FEW voices here who BELIEVES TM and DL are doing just fine and DOESN’T KNOW YET what these team will do in the postseason, pointing that out.
And yes, I admit it, saying “I told you so” when DL and TM make what I BELIEVED to be the RIGHT decision about something……..
[Reply]
Good game but we can’t count on Willie Mitchell to win the rest of these games for us
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WOW, Way outshot by a wound bird.
Just won’t do.
Must find some needed offense.
Do we just not have it or is it me?
[Reply]
Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 pm
@Slim, It’s the system that keeps our offense low scoring. We will win or lose 2-1 or 3-2 from here on out.
[Reply]
poe Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:34 pm
@Hockey101, We all kniw the system stinks but we are not the ones who can do anything about it
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@Slim, 10 road games. 1 loss. Yes, we have it. Man the negativity is just unreal.
[Reply]
Slim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:42 pm
@wavesinair, To question is not being negative.
I love this team> I just would like them to dominate
more of these games. They r basically all nailbiters.
It’s tough on the nervous system.
Win or lose I’m with them.
Can am man dream?
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@Slim, Dream away. It’s the timing I have a problem with, not the sentiment. I’m just amazed at the lack of celebrating overall by the fans here. We can talk tomorrow about all the O stuff, but immediately after an incredible road trip? It’s so lame IMO.
Michael_J Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:51 pm
@Slim,
I will take any win over a division opponent any day.
cpmc29 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:45 pm
@wavesinair, Sloppy yet satisfying.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@cpmc29, I’m pretty sure that’s what she said….
Michael_J Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:50 pm
@wavesinair,
How about one loss in the last 13 games? And some people only want to bitch and moan…
[Reply]
Slim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@Michael_J, They are looking it over in the war room in Toronto right now.
Might be hard to retrieve. But I’ll record it again after we win tomorrow.
I must say it was quite embarrassing to my Roomate.
TA Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 pm
@wavesinair, I’m not seeing nagativity, I’m seeing concerned Kings fans.
That was a BIG win and BIG 2PTS, however beating a Quacks team 3-2 that is without their
top 2 centermen and their All Star goalie that has been standing on his head all year does concern me.
Mcklinney is not an NHL goalie. The last 3 teams he played scored 21 goals on him on we only got 3. That concerns me.
I love our defense and our goaltending but we soooooooo lack some skilled forwards that can put the puck into the net.
Lastly knowing how poorly their goalie has been you would have thought we’d be shooting the puck at the net all game long and have 30-40 shots on goal. How many did we have 18???
It surprizes me how some fans are happy with a win even though we have big weekness that will hurt us the rest of the year and into the playoffs if we don’t address them.
1) skilled scoring forwards
2) an effective PP
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 pm
@TA, There are definitely some things that TM and DL need to address.
But after the 45,678th post stating that, WE GET IT.
And believe it or not, I bet TM and DL do also.
And as far as weaknesses that WILL hurt, I am not a fortune teller, and neither are you.
Chicago did not have a top-notch Goalie. Won it all.
New Jersey did not have talented forwards. Won it all.
Detroit did not have a top-notch Goalie. Won it all.
Pittsburgh had a very suspect blue line. Won it all.
It CAN be done……..
ringo Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:02 am
@wavesinair, its almost like some of them would rather loose 6-5 then win 2-1. remember the devils in there hay day, not much o-fence just enough a little boring but they got the job done didnt they. granted we could use a little help with our O. but, geeeze get over it we won… (SHAKES HIS HEAD IN UTTER CONFUSION AND WALKS AWAY, KICKING A CAN THATS ON THE GROUND)
[Reply]
before99 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:45 pm
@Slim, we won the game……
[Reply]
Slim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@before99, I celebrated. I jump up and down on my bed
like a girls sleepover. I’m like a parent I want my kids to do just a little better.
Human nature. Maybe my timing was bad but I’m not someone who comes
on here to complain. ever..I’ glad we won. Now on to tomorrow.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:58 pm
@Slim, I want video evidence of the bed jump!
Slim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@Slim, @Michael_J, They are looking it over in the war room in Toronto right now.
Might be hard to retrieve. But I’ll record it again after we win tomorrow.
I must say it was quite embarrassing to my Roomate.
I reposted it in the right place . I think. New at this.
I might not be who you think I am..
sid the kid Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:22 am
@Slim, I want video evidence of the girls sleepover
The slow mo on Mitchells goal looked like his stick is 8 feet long….glad he contributed tonight and happy Kopi finally got on the scorecard. Crush the wild boys…Go Kings!!
[Reply]
Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@Kings Fan Vancouver,WA, Bernier with a big game for the win?
[Reply]
Kings Fan Vancouver,WA Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@Hockey101, Let’s pray he is solid and the boys stay out of the box.
[Reply]
Kings Fan Vancouver,WA Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@Kings Fan Vancouver,WA, Maybe the hockey gods will be nice to the Kings then…lol
sid the kid Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:21 am
@Kings Fan Vancouver,WA, woah, woah, dude. it’s called FOX MO, not slow mo
[Reply]
WERD!
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Cue “This is LA” theme song! That was ugly, but all that matters is Winning!
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Huge battle tnight. To the Ducks credit I knew they would cut down on chances aainst, and the did. The Kings scored 3, but alot tuffer game than the overall score. Still, better result from some other wounded teams we’ve played against this season.
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@Dominick, VOR (voice of reason) Thanks bud.
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Best birthday present ever, so many Kings fans. We were chanting throughout the game. Felt like we outnumbered the quacks fans. They’re only auto-response is how many cups do you have? My response: ” what’s the
score again?”
Good game, not great but I’ll take it. We spent a lot of time in the D-zone, and majority of the offensive play was along the boards.
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@TheRussianKing, We heard you!!! All night long on TV, Go Kings Go! Great job. Loved it.
[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@TheRussianKing, Happy birthday.
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paul 03 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:29 pm
@Jason4Kings,
Happy Birthday.
Great way to enjoy it.
[Reply]
TheRussianKing Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:48 pm
@paul 03, Thanks guys it was the best present I could ask for, now let’s get crazy on the wild.
sid the kid Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:20 am
@TheRussianKing, the best response to that question is factual: there’s only one stanley cup, so how many stanley cups do YOU have?
[Reply]
On another note, I thought the refereeing and the linesmen did a poor job tonite. They missed several offsides calls, and also Ducks penalties that would have given the Kings a couple of powerplays….well, on second thought…
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@puck73, no, you’re right, the zebras missed a couple of interference calls on the quacks, nothing blatant, but close. We should have had a least 1 PP
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Loskingpride Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:08 pm
@puck73, I for one was quite glad the refs didn’t call anything! Would have killed any momentum we had at the time.
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Kings looked a little shakey. They knew this would knock them out of 8th and into 11th but they dug in and played some good defence. Quick was okay. I know I will take heat for this because he only allowed 2 goals especially on 27 shots, but he looked uncomfortable and floppy. If the Kings don’t score 3 they lose this game. Defense won it. We had to hold on for a win. I like winning. The Kings need to take this win in which they played well on D and play even better on D by limiting shots especially around the crease. Offense is still lacking. Richardson is a weak link. -2 on the night and only 1 goal in 20 games. Not good enough. Sturm was just getting back into playing after a long absence. He needs more time, like Williams only worse. Simmonds and Handzus are not the same as last year. We needed them to get better and not worse.
Great job holding on for a win Kings. You’re in 6th place and only a couple of losses away from out of the playoffs. If you can string together 3-4 wins you might take 3rd.
[Reply]
before99 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@jonsey, disagree…. Quick was solid! Thought Handzus was solid as well! Looking at the posts around here you would think we lost this game. We just finished a solid ten game road trip, and we are still in a playoff spot. What else do you want.
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tuan jim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:31 pm
@before99,
You said it! We started February in the toilet and it looked like we were just gonna get flushed out to sea, facing ten tough road games and close to 10,000 miles of travel.
The road trip’s done. We’re in sixth place (for the time being) and still in the mix to finish higher.
Instead of being on the outside fighting to get into the playoffs, we are IN the playoffs. We’ll have to lose our way out.
I for one am proud of this Kings team. And you’re right — both Quick and Handzus were solid tonight.
[Reply]
Great win. Kings have given up fewest goals in NHL. Never before this late. Says a lot about TM’s system, all naysayers aside.
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@Bruin18, You’re right. But his system makes for boring hockey. The Devils ruined a national TV deal by playing his system (their system).
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before99 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:56 pm
@jonsey, Id rather have the wins…..
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puck73 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@jonsey, Totally agree, New Jersey and their left wing lock was not good for the game. Thank god Bettman god rid of the clutching and grabbing after the lockout. Or how bout Patrck Roy’s goalie pads ? AS BIG AS FRIGGIN SOFA CUSHIONS !
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 pm
@puck73, Nothing wrong with the left wing lock. It’s “the trap” that suffocated the fun out of the game years past.
Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@Bruin18, Nobody is saying that his system can’t keep the scoring down – it’s just down for both teams.
[Reply]
Brent Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@Bruin18, Well, technically, the Predators have given up one less now, but that doesn’t take anything away from your point about TM’s defensive system.
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sid the kid Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:17 am
@Bruin18, perhaps it’s not all about tm’s system. i mean quick is no slouch at goal. also, fewest goals given up is a small stat to be looking at in isolation. you can give up more goals than you make and still have a winning record. the kings have a serious CONSISTENT goal scoring problem that will become exposed during hte playoffs.
[Reply]
No one has commented on Drewiske but from what I could tell I thought he looked very solid tonight for the most part.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@number 6, The only thing I noticed was him falling behind the net on his first shift. Other than that he wasn’t very noticable (which for him, is a good thing).
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:39 pm
@xeropoint, He fell in front of the net right after that (he got cross-checked, no call). Have to say this for him, he will stand in and take a big hit he knows is coming. No blatant give-aways tonight, which were a big problem for him last year. He even skated the puck out og our zone omhis own once
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xeropoint Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:01 pm
@Kenny44, I totally agree and have nothing against DD2. Although Greene sort of fills that role and Martinez (game slipping or no) provides a more valuable skill set to that bottom pairing.
For the record, I have no problem with the moves or line changes. These are logical decisions on some level.
before99 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:56 pm
@number 6, he had a great game. Was very strong in his own zone!
[Reply]
TA Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@number 6, yes i thought DD2 had a solid game along with all the defensemen.
I thought Williams was the best King tonight. He should be on the top line with Kopi and send Simmonds back to the 3rd line.
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LW Anybody? Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@TA, DD2 doesn’t do anything for me. I think he’s not going to fit on this team. The only slot open is with Greener, and having two slow bodies together doesn’t seem like a good fit. Martinez adds speed and good outlets to that pairing, where they can both compliment each other’s strengths. DD2 should just be traded, so that he can fit a need on another team and be successful.
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TA Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:01 am
@LW Anybody?, I agree that Martinez is a better fit for the team and the pairing with Green I just said that I thought he played solid tonight. Hopefully DD2 is sent in a deal for an LW that we need.
Two points is all that matters. Complianing after an important win on the road sounds just like p1ssin and moanin to me. 15 out of 20 possible points on the most brutal roadie of the year. As questionable as some of the King’s play of late is, that is too tough for me to argue with.
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:51 pm
@KC23, You’re right, but 75% winning rate barely makes up for 20% winning rate we had on our last streak.
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@jonsey, That was then, this is now.
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Nice pass from Williams. Willie with a highlight goal.
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I’ll take it.
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@xeropoint, Enough said. Good night Kings fans.
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What does this make, 21 out of 26 points? Like it or not, the Kings are on a roll!
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That was a seriously ugly win, but I’ll take it, especially against the Schmucks. But I gotta say, Brown just looks awful out there, it’s getting really embarrassing. What in the world is going with that guy? His stick handling his absolutely horrendous, he can’t make a pass to save his life, and his shots look like something you’d see in a pee wee game. I’m actually starting to feel really sorry for the guy, cuz his game has not just dropped off, it is officially over the cliff and on the ground below…
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puck73 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@pnm, I am beginnig to think that TM and Kompon are destoying offensive creativity on this team….at least thats what it seems like to me.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:41 pm
@puck73, You’re BEGINNING to think that? Because there’s some other dude around here with your same name that has thought that for quite awhile!
I happen to agree.
but if we roll into the playoffs and have success I’ll be happy to say my fears were unjustified.
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 7:28 am
@puck73, beginning to think? lmao, you have been stuck on the same idea for months.
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Hat trick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 pm
@pnm, I know what you mean but it’s expected. his offensive skill is streaky at best. consistently he’s a great checker/hitter and i don’t know why he doesn’t do more of it?
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I think having the first game back at home in this situation might be the best thing. Hopefully they can avoid the “first game back after a long roadie” sluggishness since this game SHOULD count as that.
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Lack of a top 6 wing is Soooooo glaring…moreso by the day
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I keep reading about the “system” and how it’s boring but allows us to play great Defense. I’d like to point out, we DON’T play great defense and the system is restrictive. You put Jason Labarbara in net and we have 10 more losses. Quick is our defensive system.
Let the boys open up the game, we’ll give up the same amount of chances on Quick (and Bernie who has played great) and away we’ll go. Yes, backcheck hard – but let the guys play a more creative game. We’re not winning thanks to TM or his lame ass system.
We’re winning cause of Quick, plain and simple.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:21 pm
@Garrett, Your analysis is incorrect. We give away fewer shots and fewer quality chances than nearly every team. And if we “opened up our game”, the defense would suffer.
You tell me who has better Defensemen than the Kings? Maaaaaybe Chicago. That’s it.
And what other team has forwards who backcheck EVERY shift?
Nobody.
And that’s taking nothing away from Quick.
No, we are NOT an offensively gifted team. All the more reason why TM is doing the RIGHT thing.
When we were in that awful stretch we were getting MORE goals per game than we are NOW. It was the defense that wasn’t playing as well as now.
But I know, I know, we can’t credit TM for anything…..
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sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 pm
@HockeyNerd, “You tell me who has better Defensemen than the Kings?”
Detroit
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:39 am
@sid the kid, No, they don’t.
Not that I wouldn’t take Lidstrom aeven at his age…..
LW Anybody? Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:06 am
@HockeyNerd, You know, I’d buy into your argument about TM’s system if we were in first place, and in complete control of every game that we played under it. But when we are struggling to beat the Ducks who have been pounded lately, and have to fight tooth and nail just about every game to keep from losing and stay in 8th place in the division, it’s hard to.
The top teams in both the east and the west, all score goals, and a lot more than us. People can blame it on us not having enough talent up front, which I think is overblown to some extent, but even that rests on DL too, does it not? The problem is balance, or the lack of that is apparent within this system. I felt last year, and this year two, that we are only a LW and a 2nd line center away from being a truly great team. At this point though, it’s hard to imagine either of those even adding much under this system.
If we happen to win a Stanley Cup under this whole scenario I promise to tip my hat to you though…
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:26 am
@LW Anybody?, Slow down there, because we’re getting off track here and you’re putting a few words in my mouth to boot.
The original comment was we DON’T play great defense and TM has a “lame-ass” system.
That’s just not true.
And that’s ALL I’m saying. (In this post anyway……)
Player-X Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 7:30 am
@LW Anybody?, http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/02/22/what-can-brown-do-for-kings/#comments
Scroll down to Player-X reply on first comment. After you read that, give me a coherent response.
tuan jim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:38 pm
@Garrett,
Quick is doing as well as he is because he can see the shots. And he sees them because our defense is as good as it is.
Quickie himself would be the first to tell you this.
But I agree: Quick is a star player and worthy of the praise he gets. He made a coupla saves tonight that really affected the outcome of the game. Nevertheless, what would his stats be if he started in Edmonton?
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 7:29 am
@Garrett, http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/02/22/what-can-brown-do-for-kings/#comments
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@Garrett, agreed. Quick has made some spectacular plays after the Dman waffled. However, can;pt take too much credit away from the D. They are still few better as a team in the league.
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Just have to say, nice goal by that offensive juggernaut Willie. Was it just me or did Westgarth have a semi-breakaway. That would’ve been hilarious if he’d of scored. BTW, does Westy have a goal at the NHL level?
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Hat trick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 pm
@Goring 19, if he did it was probably an empty netter.
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sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 pm
@Goring 19, westy doesn’t have a goal this year, and that was a breakaway in which he missed the lower left corner of the net. I’d of pulled my tighty whities off and thrown ‘em in the air if he scored. then i’d demand TM take him out of the game again
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Teddy Purcell got a hattrick for the Lightning tonight. He’s third on the team in scoring behind Steven Stamkos and Martin St.Louis.
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pat Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:20 pm
@King John, maybe we can trade for him before the deadline. just kidding!!! hopefully sturm gets his wheels back and pucks in the net.
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sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@pat, Heh, I was actually THERE at the st. pete times forum while on vacation last week when purcell got an assist on the first goal of the game against the ‘canes. I was like, make that yet ANOTHER kings player who gets traded and starts producing for the new team.
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Another question to ponder. How come Willie Mitchell, a stay at home defenseman, can score on a blast through traffic, but when JJ and DD try it, they may as well be shooting at a brick wall. Maybe Willie should play the point on the PP lol
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Garrett Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@Goring 19, That’s easy, he HIT THE NET!
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:09 pm
@Garrett, Bingo give the man a cigar.
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sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@Goring 19, willie should be given a shot on the PP, but it’s too bad TM is in love with his DD and JJ combo. I think the two latter are just in a bit of a drought this year. Both guys have proven what they can do in the past, and they’re going to get better in the years to come.
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Two huge points tonight! Way to get it done Kings. Moving up!! I hope the fans give them a standing ovation tomorrow when they take the ice. They deserve it for their effort this long road trip. Let’s do it Kings fans. Happy tonight
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:22 pm
@KFII, I’m glad you are, because it seems nobody else is……
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KFII Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:27 pm
@HockeyNerd, It’s too bad more people like to comment after a loss than a win. But deep down, I know we are all happy about getting the 2 points. What’s not to be happy about?
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:32 pm
@KFII, We only had 18 shots……Anaheim had 3 forwards out we should have creamed em’….We just can’t score goals……Brown looks bad….and Yada yada yada…
The only reason they couldn’t complain about the power play tonite was that we had none!!!!!
I’m going to find some violin music for everyone to whine and complain to……..
sid the kid Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:13 am
@KFII, since you asked, i will tell you on thing that’s not to be happy about: the kings have given up a goal within the first minute and a half after scoring themselves too many times this year.
Jamesonafterawin Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@KFII, Usually I’m in no shape to operate a computer after a win, let alone a motor vehicle. Some mom’s got MADD at me once. That and ‘people’ on boards tend to be more sensative than a woman with a disrespectful kid and an alcholic husband.
Meh!
Osaka Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:41 pm
@HockeyNerd, Why do you think being critical of the team you like as a negative? I think it shows how much these guys really care about their team. Not everyone comes here for hugs and high fives. Some guys like to share their concerns. Some want to comment their thoughts on the game. Some want to see what overs have to say. If we all thought the same thing or had the same thing to say this blog wouldn’t be very fun. I find it interesting when someone has a different take than I. You don’t think the coaches discuss what went wrong tonight?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@Osaka, That’s the point. DL DOES know what this team needs. TM DOES know what areas need to be addressed.
Pointing it out is one thing.
Calling people “idiots”, or saying “TM’s system sucks”, or saying “I don’t understand why DL can’t get a forward WITHOUT giving up roster player or a top prospect”?
That’s something else again………
Just for some clarity for those who come against those of us who are somewhat concerned over the Kings play: WE WANT A STANLEY CUP. Speaking for myself, everything I say is said with this vision in mind. When I make what I feel is a very fair assessment of how this team is playing as compared to what a Stanley Cup team looks like, this is what I have in mind… A CUP, nothing less.
I have been a Kings fan for over 25 years… All I am asking is that we put a team on the ice that looks like a team who can win a Cup, and then actually win it. Because when the Kings are eliminated from the playoffs (again), no one is going to come back here and remind us all, “Remember that 6-1-3 road trip?” It means absolutely nothing once the playoffs start. Therefor, they’d better do something to fix their issues, or I’m afraid we all get to go through this process again next year. And I don’t know about any of you, but this is getting old… I want a Cup before I die.
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Osaka Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 pm
@pnm, Amen!
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Jason4Kings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@pnm, I can’t argue with any of that ( but I imagine someone else will).
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CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@Jason4Kings, And sure enough someone did. LOL. Funny thing is when I comment about our poor play, I give stats to back up that opinion. Other people complain that I shouldn’t be saying stuff like that, but they don’t offer proof or stats to back up their opinion’s.
Here’s my stats to back up my opinion’s
For the people who want KW to play, I give their record with him in the line-up, and not in the line-up. 20-20-2 with him compared to 13-3-2 without him.
For the people who don’t like that I think Jamie Kompon should be fired, I give the Kings PP% this year compared to last year. 22nd this year compared to 7th last year.
For the people who think that TM has done a good job coaching this year, I give our league standing this year compared to last year. 9th last year compared to 12th this year.
I would just like to say that TM has done a very good job improving our defensive play, however our horrible offensive play has outweighed our defensive improvement this year, IMO.
P.S. This was not meant to offend anyone. If anyone who disagree’s whith me wants to have a discussion about these facts, please bring some of your own to back it up.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:59 am
@CB14, Statistics are just that, statistics.
They mean what they mean. No less than that, but no more.
Goalies (despite the NHL’s insistence on keeping won-lost), Coaches, Assistant coaches, enforcers, etc. do not win or lose games by themselves. The entire TEAM does.
If TM is entirely to blame for the dropoff in points then what has he changed since last year? And if your answer is “nothing” then is the scouting of the other 29 teams so bad that it took them a year to figure out how to shut the Kings down?
Can every one of those 20 losses be attributed to how badly Westgarth played?
Is Kompon supposed to design plays that will score a goal 100% of the time? 50%? 25%? Even when players make soft passes that get picked off?
Quick has a much better record than Bernier. Does that mean Quick should play every game and Bernier not at all?
The Kings have points in 11 of their last 12 now. Is TM suddenly coaching better than he did during our slump?
Yes, Moulson and Boyle and Purcell have 30 goals or 20 goals or whatever. Does it therefore follow DL is a bad judge of talent? I think not, because EVERY GM has let someone of talent get away.
I don’t question your facts.
I question what they supposedly “prove”….
Player-X Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 7:34 am
@CB14, you ignored this earlier, so here is your response. Read it and then tell me something coherent about your “numbers” supporting the “Murray Sux” mantra.
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/02/22/what-can-brown-do-for-kings/#comments
Scroll down to my reply to the very first comment. If this was chess, I would say “Check.”
pnm Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@CB14, Interesting stats you bring up. I think it may be a combination of everything to one degree or another. We definitely can’t pin it on one thing, but the sum of it all certainly raises an eyebrow.
CB14 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
@Player-X, I didn’t ignore your post, I only now got done reading it. LOL Just Kidding.
I just now saw it, sorry for the delay, I don’t always go back and read old posts. Like you said, goals for and goals against aren’t telling the whole story, but what stat does? You gave stats that show the Kings in the top 10 in 5 0n 5 scoring differential, and 4 on 4 scoring differential. Those stats take into account our goals against. I gave stats showing the Kings in the bottom 10 in PP%, and goals scored. I tried to use stats that are pretty commonly referred to when talking about how good a teams offense is. We can both show stats that help us prove, or disprove our points. You are correct that we are in the toughest division in hockey, and that our stats are going to be worse because of our tough schedule.
For the record : I would just like to say that I have never said Murray Sux, I have said that his offensive system does though. I have also said that TM’s sytem is a very good defensive system. I have never had a problem with our defensive play, or PK. The fact that we are one of the best defensive teams in hockey is in large part due to TM’s system, and JQ, and our teriffic D-men. Also our PK coach John Stevens, who doesn’t get enough credit IMO.
@Hockey Nerd, Statistics are what people use to help prove a point. I can say “the Kings have played great offensive hockey this year”, then someone else can tell me their goals scored compared to other teams and disprove my statement. Just like I can say “the Kings have been horrible defensively this year”, then I look at their GAA compared to the other teams and realize I’m wrong. Alot of people come on here and voice their opinion on the Kings play, and alot of people disagree with that person’s opinion. I’m mearly using statistics to help back up my opinion’s. If you think they prove nothing, then we’ll just have to agree to disagree on that.
I’m not ignorant enough to think that KW’s play caused us to lose those 20 games. I’m merely pointing out that the “TEAM” has a better record when he doesn’t play. By the way, I thought you were on the don’t play KW team? Mabye I confused a post or two.
I don’t know exactly what’s changed since last year, I only know were not as good offensively as last year.
No Kompon isn’t supposed to design plays that give us a goal 100% of the time. Kompon is supposed to design plays that give us good scoring opportunities 100% of the time. If the players don’t score on those opportunities, then they don’t score. I’m not an idiot who thinks that the players don’t have a large impact on if we score a goal or not, so please don’t treat me as one.
I’m also not stupid enough to think that Quick should play every game, and I didn’t say anything about that, so please don’t put words into my mouth.
I have never said that DL should be fired, is a bad judge of talent, or that he was stupid to let those guys go. My only opinion on those 3 has been that Boyle, and Moulson were never given enough time by the coach to prove they belonged here. I do think he gave Purcell enough of a chance to prove himself here.
tuan jim Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:51 pm
@pnm,
I’ve been a Kings fan for a good deal longer than 25 years and, yes, I, too, would like a Cup in Los Angeles.
But one of the things that made me fall in love with hockey is that the sport itself can give you so much even if you don’t win it all. Think of the fans in Philly and Toronto and Long Island and Boston — places with a heritage of winning — that have gone through 25 years and more without a Stanley Cup. Imagine being a Canadien fan, seeing all those championship banners hanging in Bell Center, but with no Cup since 1993.
When I first started following hockey the Red Wings were a bunch of pathetic losers, a team whose fans looked WAY back into history for anything like a winning season.
Of course, a 6-1-3 road trip won’t mean a thing if we crash and burn in the opening round of the playoffs. But we went 8 years without even getting to the playoffs. Those 15 out of 20 points may just get us there. Then, we can worry about the rest.
[Reply]
Dom Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 pm
@tuan jim, VERY well said.
[Reply]
sid the kid Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:12 am
@tuan jim, yes, then we can worry about losing in the first or second round based on the glaringly obvious flaws our team has, such as lack of scoring and defensive bumbling around
[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:27 am
@sid the kid,
If our glaringly obvious flaws were as glaring and obvious as you make them out to be, we’d be cheering for the Avalanche right now, not the Kings.
It’s true that we make mistakes. It’s true that our D sometimes misses coverage, gives up too much in the neutral zone, coughs up the puck at the wrong time, fails to clear the defensive end when they have a chance to do so.
But EVERY TEAM does this. EVERY TEAM has the same defensive breakdowns. The fact that we are not among the most frequent perpetrators of these mistakes is a key reason why our record is as good as it is.
DL said at the outset of the season that he’s less concerned with the number of goals we score than he is with the difference between how many we score and how many we give up. Three-quarters through the season our record in this regard is among the best in the league.
That does NOT come from “defensive bumbling around”.
pnm Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@sid the kid, With all of my “complaining,” I will say that I actually think our defense is one of the best in the league. And we have very good goaltending, too. We’re a few pieces away from having a contending team. But I have said this year after year…. after year…. after year… it’s seriously like groundhog day every season. Which is why I tend to complain.
pnm Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@tuan jim, Can’t argue with the “love of hockey” point. I love the game no matter what. However, we do not have ANY, NADA, ZILCH, ZERO championship banners hanging in our rafters that we can “look back on” and say, “remember when we won the Stanley Cup?” We do not have ANY bragging rights whatsoever. Even the… uh-hem… team from across town can say they have won a Cup! That just sets me off. I could probably deal with many years of not winning a Cup… IF we had even won ONE Cup in our team’s history. We don’t even have THAT! So IMHO, that makes my frustration different from a fan of a team who has gone some time without winning a Cup. At least they HAVE a Cup in their team’s history.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:53 pm
@pnm, We ALL want a stanley cup.
Yes, even TM and DL, believe it or not.
Do you think Chicago or Pittsburgh or Detroit or Carolina or the Quacks didn’t have issues and concerns? Right up to game 7 or game 6 or whatever it was?
WE GET IT.
Now can YOU try to get that at this point we DON’T know that the Kings CANNOT win it all??????
Yes, even if they DON’T fire TM or get a 40 goal LW…….
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xeropoint Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 pm
@HockeyNerd, I don’t think anyone can say it, with any kind of certainty. It has nothing to do with 40 goals or a “better” coaching staff.
Nothing to do with endless line combos, sending down/calling up the young guns.
I think it all comes down to this current roster coming together and executing the plan to their fullest. The most important pieces seem to already be here. What concerns me most is these core pieces putting the team on their backs and become what they’re (hopefully) destined to becaome. Champions.
And to this point, in my eyes, has only happened during stretches. This would lead me to believe these guys are learning ALL the hard lessons on the fly while being propped up by the character-strong vets. Who have brought everything thats been asked from them.
Once the signs all point to the kids putting it together, then I will feel the team is realistically ready to contend. My gut says no, this year.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:26 pm
@xeropoint, Mine too. I don’t think it will be this year either. I hope I’m wrong. But if I’m not?
The sun will still come out.
The 2011-2012 season will still be played.
And I will STILL post my opinion that TM and DL are doing fine.
And The Kings will not “owe me” ANYTHING.
sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:32 pm
@pnm, “I want a cup before I die”
As Ayn Rand would say, “wishing won’t make it so”.
The kings aren’t going to win the cup this year or next year. I don’t care how long you’ve been a kings fan, or if you have a visage of Terry Murray tattoo’d on your glutes, and pray to the statue of Gretzky outside Staples, the Kings haven’t put together a team that is a Cup contender any time in the foreseeable future. So get that out of your mind. Don’t let how much you like your team delude and confuse your rational assessment of who the kings really are.
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tuan jim Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:32 am
@sid the kid,
It’s a shame Ayn Rand isn’t our coach. Then we’d REALLY have something to complain about.
I can’t think of a single so-called “objectivist” whose head isn’t planted securely and irreversibly up his/her own alimentary canal.
That’s hardly a place from which one can make a rational assessment of who the Kings really are.
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sid the kid Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 8:41 am
@tuan jim, that’s what you’d call an ad hominem argument fallacy
pnm Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@sid the kid, LOL! I laughed while reading your comments (it’s better than crying I suppose), because you made good points, and it is those points you made which have me frustrated. “…if you have a visage of Terry Murray tattoo’d on your glutes, and pray to the statue of Gretzky outside Staples…” THAT was just classic. Thanks for the laugh! Good times!
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gene Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 pm
@pnm, Agree 100%. Personall I would trade simmons, he is not going to resign with the kings, wants to go to Toronto area where he has lived all his life.
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CB14 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@gene, I would agree with you on Simmonds wanting to go back to Toronto, but alot of people thought JJ wanted to go back to Michigan too. Plus Simmonds and DD are best friends, so I don’t think he’s gonna go to Toronto, nor do I think they should trade him.
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TA Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:45 am
@pnm, Very nice post, you’re a passionate fan like myself.
There are some fans here that think making the playoffs is great and enough for them.
I’m one that will never settle for that mindset. I don’t want to see another quick playoff exit. There’s a team that we share the Staples center with that we should try to take after (Lakers) Championships or BUST!
The frustruating thing is that this team is close, we are a great defensive team and we have good goaltending. We only need a couple things.
1) some skilled forwards
2) an effective PP
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pnm Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@TA, Totally agree on all accounts.
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crashin' da net Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@pnm, Pipe down and buy yer tickets. We’ll win just enough to keep ya coming back, nothing more (said sarcastically).
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pnm Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@crashin’ da net, HAA!!! I sure hope you’re wrong though (about management) and they actually WANT to win a Cup. Some people wanna make money, some people wanna win it all, some people wanna win it all with money, some people want all the money from winning, some people want… um… yeah… I got nothing else…
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Helluva game! way to take it to the schmucks.
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A needed two points. Wow it seems like everytime we going into their duck pond when we cycle into their zone and when we turnover the puck they are outnumbering us into our zone. great job with the defense. now let’s beat the wild!!
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Kings will win the cup this year. Mark my words. I will be a King of all hockey fans.
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sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:29 pm
@Jesse, not even the most die-hard kings fan is deluded enough to think the kings even stand a chance of getting past the 2nd round of the playoffs, let alone besting the nucks
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:05 am
@Jesse, i love that to happen but not this year am a hardcore Kings fan
We just dont have a scorer it only take 4 games to loose it all
If we so call say it happen then am going to eat my words later on
I hope we win but never know really
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CO is all but done this season. What’s it gonna take to pick up Duchene??? That guy would be perfect on the 1st line!
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Eric K Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 pm
@Hat trick, Schenn, Simmonds, and Bernier. I’m exaggerating, but only slightly.
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Anybody sick of the dump and cycling the puck. Seems to me that w have problems against a big and fast team. Good and a well deserved two points. And i loved the Go KINGS Go in their house…
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sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:28 pm
@pat, dump ‘n chase and constant cycling is just a thing the kings do because they’re forced to constantly practise it. if you don’t like it you don’t like what the coaches are pushing the players to do.
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CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@sid the kid, I don’t like what the coaches are pushing the players to do. We scored 2 of our 3 goals on the counter attack, not the coaches system of dump and chase. If we didn’t get those 2 off the counter attack, we would have lost.
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pat Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@sid the kid, i rather have the crash the net then dump and chase and cycle
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Way to go boys i am proud to be a kings fan, From a terrible home stand and out of the playoffs, you guys go on the road and earn 15 of a possible 20 points and end up in sixth place in the western conference.NICE JOB! Keep playing hard you are getting chances to score some of you are having a hard time finishing hopefully that will change soon.22 more games then the playoffs.
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say what you will about the ducks, but i am and always will be a huge fan of teemu selanne, the greatest active nhl player. he just surpassed joe sakic in overall goals scored and i believe he’s now 13th on the all-time list. i hope he stays healthy, i hope the ducks make the playoffs (and lose to the kings) and teemu comes back for another season.
i can’t fathom how anyone–no matter how much they hate the ducks–could dislike teemu. he’s a real class act and a great player
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jason Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@sid the kid, hes a cry baby
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sid the kid Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:40 pm
@jason, with 626 goals, who cares how much he cries. pay the man!
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gene Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:48 pm
@sid the kid, Agree 100%
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oscar Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:51 pm
@sid the kid, He is a Duck and I hate him…..just kidding, I just don’t like him
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BringBackKingston Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:10 am
@sid the kid, DL must like him enough considering he once traded for him.
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at this point i’d rather the Kings play OK and win than play well and lose. 2 points is what matters this time of year. 2 points on the road w/o giving the Quacks any is even bigger.
Just switch out Westgarth and put Poni back in and we’re good to go against Minnesota. Another huge 2 points on the line. Hopefully the Kings can avoid a letdown being home the first game after a long road trip.
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It was nice to see a game, ugly or not, not decided by a bunch of special teams play. It’s especially nice when the LOSERS can’t blame the refs!
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Always feels great to beat the second class LA team.
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HUGE win!!!
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