Wednesday skate update « LA Kings Insider

Wednesday skate update

Posted by Rich Hammond on 23 February 2011, 10:46 am

Kevin Westgarth will be in the Kings’ lineup tonight at Anaheim, leaving Peter Harrold, Alec Martinez and Alexei Ponikarovsky as the healthy scratches. Terry Murray said Ponikarovsky would be back in the lineup tomorrow night against Minnesota. Otherwise, there are no lineup changes/surprises. The Kings will be on the bus from El Segundo to Anaheim shortly. More notes and quotes to come…

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157 Comments

KH says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:48 am

Getzlaf’s wife is in labor and he might not play tonight as per Helene Eliot

[Reply]
Hesperia STH Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:05 am
@KH, He’s playing per Carlyle but Koivu is a game time decision per Helene.

[Reply]
KH Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Hesperia STH, Ohhh bummer I was hoping we could catch a break

[Reply]
Colorado King Fan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 am
@KH,
Getlaf has a wife?? and she’s pregnant. I thought you had to be a man to do that?

[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 am
@Colorado King Fan, it doesn’t work that way for Ducks

[Reply]
BringBackTheShieldJersey Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@Colorado King Fan, I’m not asking, and he’s not telling.

[Reply]
Jamer Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@Colorado King Fan, I would take a Getzlaf over Kopi anytime. Getzlaf comes to play every night.. cannot say the same for Kopi.

[Reply]
KingsFan in OC Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@KH, The baby will most certainly be born with more hair than Ryan has!

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@KingsFan in OC, Now that’s funny and probably very true, the baby is going to be just as much of cry baby as daddy also.

[Reply]
Kingswin says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:49 am

Good choice Murray! Anaheims a physical team. Go Kings!

[Reply]
NH Kings Fan says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:51 am

Yeah Westy! Go get em!

[Reply]
before99 says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:51 am

Crap!!! why oh why!

[Reply]
54FIGHTING Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@before99,

Exactly – why is Peter Harrold still on this team?

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@54FIGHTING, Ever heard of injuries? He can fill in at forward or defenseman.

[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Nothing like having a mediocre player to fill in at either position. Ok at defense. Bad at forward.
jayhay says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:53 am

this is a game for Westy. some teams no, ANA yes. we’ve gone back and forth about DD2 being in, who may be moved? DD2 or AM? time will tell, obviously, but if you’re going to get DD2 in, ANA is a good match up. i hope he does well, and i hope that the message to AM is well received.

[Reply]
Gene-O says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:53 am

Good lord! Westgarth and Sturm instead of Lokti and Poni? What’s with the Russian hate?

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:02 am
@Gene-O, only one of those guys is Russian

[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@Sebastian, Thanks for the education. Wait…Which one is Russian?

[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@PRMan,

He’s being technical, Poni is from Kiev, former USSR.

GkingsG99 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@PRMan, the ov’s.

wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Ukrainian/Russain history is complicated but many modern Ukrainians hate Russia for abuses during tyrannical USSR rule. It’s much more than simple pride – like calling a Canadian an American. It’s comparing oppressors to the oppressed simply because of close geographical approximation. Try telling a Ukranian he’s Russain sometime and see how they respond. Not a good idea.

[Reply]
Gene-O Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Well, if we’re going to nitpick, I guess technically, Poni is a Russian Ukrainian, or a Ukrainian of Russian descent. Still no love for the Russians…

[Reply]
steve Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@wavesinair, never call a canadian an american, they don’t deserve that kind of compliment.

go kings/usa go

[Reply]
kevin says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:55 am

What would your line up be if we traded handzus lotki martinez and a draft pick (orsub simonds forany one)for richards and erikson

Erikson kopi brown or williams
Or
Erikson richards kopi

[Reply]
kevin Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:04 am
@kevin,

erikson kopi williams
sturm richards brown
smyth stoll richardson
poni lewis clifford
or
erikson richards kopi
sturm stoll williams
smyth richardson brown
poni lewis clifford

[Reply]
DBking Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:35 am
@kevin, they would never do that. Maybe they would talk about it if it was richards but they would never give up erikson even alone for that.

[Reply]
DBking Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 am
@DBking, while your at it you may as well call Vancouver and ask for the twins.

number 6 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:30 am
@kevin,
In other words, the whole Dallas offensive team for a guy who is 35 years old and rather slow, an un proven young centerman and a promising d man (and of course they already filled that need getting Goligosky from Pens. Yep, great idea. Give Joe Nieuendyk a call. I’m sure he’ll be delighted.

[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@kevin, Were did you come up with those two players? in the a rumer about them?

[Reply]
Mel Powell says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:57 am

Great, another Princeton Alumni Association meeting. You know, they’re not that smart, and I know…I went to Yale. (OK, I’m not that smart, either. Never mind.)

[Reply]
steve Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Mel Powell, I thought he was Harvard

[Reply]
steve Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@steve, guess not

[Reply]
DesertKing says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:59 am

The good – we have a better defense,better goaltending and a better PK.
The bad – we have little or no offense
The ugly – a powerplay in name only.
The result – Kings win by 1 goal and all of us Kings fans walk out of the Pond with smiles on our faces and 2 more points in the standings. GKG!

[Reply]
rich Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:26 am
@DesertKing, i’ll see that! and raise ya 1 goal

[Reply]
Dave's a Killer Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:32 am
@DesertKing, The good, bad, and ugly…..very nice!!

[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, The GOOD,the Kings,the BAD,the quacks goaltending,the UGLY,Ryan Getslapped.

[Reply]
16,005 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:59 am
@DesertKing,

Agreed, but I believe ANA will get 1 point as well.

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wonton28 says:

February 23, 2011 at 10:59 am

Zherdev is on waivers. Dean HAS to pick this guy up. He HAS to.

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Sebastian Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:03 am
@wonton28, pick him up and waive Poni!

[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:04 am
@wonton28, we basically picked up Sturm for nothing (similar to a waiver move) and thats done nothing for us. yes, Z is available, but lets i hope DL is focusing his attention on a player of significance.

[Reply]
Since '67 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:18 am
@jayhay, …maybe nothing, I guess that really depends on the point of view. He’s scored 4 goals in 15 games playing on different lines (even the fourth line at times). So does that mean that Kopitar is doing double-nothing since he’s only scored 2 goals in his last 25 games? That while almost always playing top line minutes.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 am
@Since ’67,
No. It means that A) Kopi goes thru some serious slumps so far every year and B) they are exacerbated because the construction of the Kings is such that in concentrating firstly on d and goaltending we haven’t yet developed anyone who can complement him and his huge skill set. Therefore they keep rotating players hoping something will stick which only makes matters worse.

Is this a criticism? No. It’s an observation. When you make one choice then something else may suffer and it has so far but hopefully sooner (this season) or later (sometime next season) will be rectified. Otherwise Kopi may get fed up and I’d like him to stay with the Kings at such time as his contract is nearing the end.

wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 am
@jayhay,
we’re talking about Dean here. He doesn’t have the balls to trade for a big guy. He really doesn’t. He will end up getting another Halpern and call it a day.

[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:11 am
@wonton28, The guy makes only $2 million a year and is UFA at the end of the season, so why would Philly have to waive him? (1) No takers. (2) Attitude problem. (3) Doesnt fit in system. In any case, I’d be really leery of him. And isnt he a RW? We dont need a RW.

[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:15 am
@bbb7,

He’s listed a rw/lw…to pick him up as a rental at this point might give him some incentives to produce and the cap hit would be minimal. He’s sitting at a +7, even though he has a reputation as a defensive liability. It would be a gamble…but could pay huge dividends too….

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 am
@rontheking,
and then someone else on the roster would have to sit as we can’t send anyone else down…. and there are already constantly a minimum of like three scratches every game. i think if you’re gonna get someone then get someone…. not just someone hanging out there who no one else seems to want either.

wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 am
@bbb7, yes there are probably reasons why Philly are getting rid of him. But how can this hurt us? I don’t see ANY down side to picking him up.
We all know Dean isn’t going to make a big move before the deadline. So do you feel comfortable going into the playoffs (if we get in) and actually contending? With our current lineup? I don’t.
We all know Brown can play LW. We’ve seen in during this season and in the Olympics. Hae Brown-Kopitar-Zherdev… how can you say NO to that?

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:13 am
@wonton28, Why? What has he ever done in the NHL to justify the Kings picking him up, and do you really think TM is the guy who’s going to unlock any offensive potential he might have?

[Reply]
wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:18 am
@deadcatbounce,
We gotta take a chance right?

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:22 am
@wonton28,Desperate???

wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:24 am
@wonton28,
Kings are desperate. If you don’t think the Kings are depserate then you’re not a Kings fan.
Look at it this way to, we don’t have to trade away, Voynov, Schenn, Simmonds, etc.

poe Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@deadcatbounce, You all miss the obvious. He’s just another Philly reject that TM and Dl just has to have! Other names being bandied about include a severe concussion and an aasortment of other injured players who may, or may not, become healthy next year. I have never in my 50+ years of watching hockey see a team sign so many walking wounded.

[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:13 am
@wonton28, zherdev will be a cancer in the locker room. While he would come cheap, and we have a need for his style…. He is known for being a lazy player, and there is a reason he was waived today….

If he was a king, im sure TM Would bench him often…

[Reply]
LW Anybody? Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 am
@lafan13, I would take Zherdev over Dwight King.

[Reply]
wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:31 am
@LW Anybody?,
I would take Zherdev over anybody who play left side of Anze this season.

jet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:56 am
@LW Anybody?, King is one of teh hardest working players in the system. Please do not insult him like that.

wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@LW Anybody?,
1. I did not insult King. I didn’t question his work ethic or him as a player.
2. Don’t put words in my mouth.
3. King nor any players who play on left side of Anze has stuck around long enough to be considered a 1st Left Winger
4. Zherdev would be another test at the 1st line for TM. I just see him lasting longer than ANY players who played on that spot.

wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:20 am
@lafan13,

So you would rather have Westgarth, Lewis and Poni over Zherdev? Ok, maybe Z won’t work out. It’s only portion of his 2 million that we have to pay and if he is a cancer, bench him, put him on the 4th line. All I’m saying is that he’s another 20+ goal scorer, a sniper, a guy who can actually skate. Why not take a chance? How bad can he hurt our chance? It’s better than taking no chances.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@wonton28,
I think that’s the kind of mid-level move that most critisize Dean for. I don’t really want Zherdev, but I agree if your not going to get anyone than Zherdev should at least be considered, but we don’t know what DL is up too. There’s still time to assess and maybe even do nothing.

Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@wonton28, See a doctor you might have trade fever,he will have you watch the kings game tonight.7hrs to go.

wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Dean get crisized anyway for his actions.
Yes there are still a few more days but what’s really left on the trade market? DL probably won’t deal Schenn so that limits us to making a big move. Forget Penner and Hemsky, we’re not getting them unless Schenn is involved. So what’s left Cory Stillman? Remember, we would have to “TRADE” something to get someone. Zherdev is on the waivers. We don’t have to get rid of anything other than money. So how can Zherdev hurt us?
Yes, I do have the trade fever but other teams and fans have it too. If you guys think we can go far into the playoffs with what we got right now, you might need to see a doctor.

Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@wonton28,
I wouldn’t deal Schenn either. Options are out there without getting Schenn involved if Dean can find a way to be creative. That’s is assuming that Dean even thinks we need a trade. I admit I have a little bit of fever also, but it’s out of my control. I certainly try to look at all sides of it, but he’s got a different perspective than I do.

wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@wonton28,
To be a playoff contender, teams need solid plays from 3 lines. As of right now we have one solid line which is our 2nd line but that has been broken up too. With Zherdev, he adds depth, maybe not as a 1st line guy but one of 3 top lines. I just don’t think he’s a big risk. Best that can happen to us by signing Z is… he produces. The worst case scenario… he gets benched, he plays on our 4th line, he wastes little bit of salary. That’s it.

gene Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:14 am
@wonton28, Can you tell me what team this guy is on. Sorry for being stupid on this.

[Reply]
wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:28 am
@gene,
Flyers.

[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@wonton28, Is he worth it??

[Reply]
wonton28 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@king lopez,
He adds depth to our lineup. Maybe he’s not an impact player like we need but he’s more productive than any guys who has played on 1st line LW spot. He’s cheap, we don’t need to get rid of anyone and he’s an UFA. So I think he’s worth a shot.

[Reply]
uknojata says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:05 am

if it’s gonna be a “heavy” game why sit poni?

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:07 am
@uknojata, no clue

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bbb7 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:12 am
@uknojata, Cause nobody is heavier on the bench than Westy.

[Reply]
Eric Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:15 am
@uknojata,

Because Poni sucks?

[Reply]
SplattDaddy Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 am
@uknojata, I “kinda” hate to say this, but, Poni is kind of a wimp in Hockey standards. He’s got great size but rarely uses it and fully allows his line and teammates to get pushed around. He avoids fighting at all costs even though he has that size. I had always hoped he would use that big guy status to his advantage, and have yet to see it. That’s just my opinion.

[Reply]
Eric Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:21 am
@SplattDaddy,

Fully agree. Why do you think Burke got rid of him? I wonder… did Lombardi sign him just for the sake of signing someone or did he really want him?

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
@Eric, because he was a back up person since Dean didnt get 40 scorer guy

So poni was there to fill in the spot

number 6 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:41 am
@SplattDaddy,
yeah i think he’s filling in for the ghost of the old brian boyle now that boyle has found his game elsewhere…. i see him often on tv with the rangers and he’s doing well….. and no complaints on my end that they let him go…

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 am
@SplattDaddy, sounds like Boyle while he was employed by AEG…

[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
@SplattDaddy, I think he uses his size in the D zone, but he is hit and miss in the O zone.

[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@SplattDaddy, I disagree. Some games Poni is the only King hitting.

[Reply]
KingNation13 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@PRMan,
I agree. I think Poni had 5 or 6 hits just a few games ago. He doesn’t fight but he does make body contact. Also, isn’t Poni the one who has used his size to drive to the net 3 of the last 4 games. No goals but I’ve seen good effort the last 10 or so games. He hasn’t produced the way we were hoping but I can say that about many on our team. I would have thought his size would serve a purpose against the Quacks but what the heck do I know. I just hope for a win. Lets go boys.
gene says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:12 am

How long will it take tonite before Getsloff (spelling) if he plays, Perry and Ryan to start running the kings forwards into the boards or blind siding them in the middle ice area? Hope we dont take any crap from them tonite. This would be a great game for KW to prove to the KW haters he is worth his salary and 5 minutes of playing time.

[Reply]
5holer Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@gene, Yup he is worth his salary alright…NHL minimum! He gives you NO HOCKEY PLAY! He is in tonight because of the insatiable need for Coaches to have a “DF” (designated fighter). Its an insane waste of a roster spot. If LAK have a timid forward or D-man, I do not know who he is! This team is not pushed around at all, except at the scoring sheets! 95% of NHL players are NOT FIGHTERS! There are an insanely few number of designees in the league and we all know who they are! 99% of the other NHLers are plenty tough enough with the 1% or so who should never play it tough…what’s the point! LAK need skill up front against a highly skilled offensive team with weaker GTs(no Hiller) like ANA. KW isn’t going to help that cause any! Yeah, he will waltz with Parros again(Choreography Group, Take 37), no doubt! To some that’s hockey at its best. To me its counter productive to a team with limited offensive prowess(that’s the never ending story here!). LAK are not going anywhere with this forward group…maybe a quick in and out of play-offs, if they get there at all. Fine! 7th, 8th place finish and get Nuks or Wings and out in 5-6 games! Like Burke in Leafs Land, I don’t subscribe to it either. Where is the improvement? Pony has been a bust, but also has been misused in role given him(many ill advised uses). He has proven talent, but no opportunity to get any traction with any linemates. LAK is LW Hell!…Sturm is No Answer to any of this either…Parse was best shot but no more!
Case dismissed!

[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@5holer, well said my friend, couldnt agree more!

[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@gene,

Those guys aren’t gonna change their game because Westgarth is dressed. And we certainly don’t want Westy out there against that line.

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@gene, Wesy wouldn’t be out there with Gets(Getzaloaf, Getzalaugh, Getzslapped). If he was I’d be screaming at TM for the goal he scores before the fight(if Westy even faught him afterwards).

[Reply]
tornado12 says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:14 am

signing Poni for the amount we did has been an epic fail thus far.

[Reply]
Marc Nathan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:16 am
@tornado12, true dat!

[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 am
@tornado12, agree…i expected a lot more from him, sure hes had injuries, but hes been consistently invisible most of the season. in 15 games played, Sturm has the same exact ammount of goals and assists as Poni has in 39. I didnt think i would miss Fro…but Poni makes me miss him…a lot.

[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@Sebastian, then what does westagrth make you feel like? couldnt be any better thats for sure!

[Reply]
jason Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 7:33 pm
@tornado12, i blame the coaching.. take a goal scorer, play him on the 4th line every night.. he never gets his feet going

[Reply]
rick says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:17 am

I must have missed something somewhere – why is Martinez sitting?

[Reply]
LW Anybody? Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:20 am
@rick, because TM “saw some things in his game”.

[Reply]
ForumFan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@LW Anybody?,

Unlike Westgarth, who must have a briefcase full of compromising photos somewhere. First the guy gets handed a roster spot in training camp without really earning it, now he playing instead of more other skillful players on the roster.

It’s not really his fault. I blame Terry Murray.

[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@LW Anybody?, That was great.

[Reply]
rick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 am
@rick, Just saw the post from yesterday….

[Reply]
Sebastian says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:23 am

i wonder how long Murray will keep Sturm on the first line? 1 game, 1 period? Murray really needs to figure out his lines and keep them for a while.

[Reply]
nickdoh Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:25 am
@Sebastian,

i gave my friend/family and over/under of 35mins. heavy money on under!

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 am
@Sebastian, say 2 periods

But 1 game for sure

[Reply]
nickdoh says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:25 am

we need westy in for emery

[Reply]
Barry's Mullet says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:34 am

Monster game tonight…should be very physical.

Both teams tied in points.

Both teams need the points bad.

Anahiem goaltending is very suspect with Hiller out. That means we either get shut out or win going away.

Both teams play heavy/physical

My prediction…

100 penality minutes

Final score…

Kings 6
Ducks 3

[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Barry’s Mullet, u really think this lineup can score 6 goals? maybe you’re right against that terrible sux D, but even that is a stretch. 3 goals tops. Kings win 4-3 (SO or OT)

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@tornado12,

Maybe… if one guy gets hot and scores a hat trick… and the sun sets in the east tonight… a pig flys by… TM uses the same lines for more than 5 games…. one day goes by on the blog where no one wants to fire DL… Kompon develops and implements a PP system that works…. Please Kings, make me eat my words!

[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, and both teams have been in dry dock for awhile

[Reply]
Dncwthmisry says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:42 am

I feel a Westgarth/parros battle coming on. Westy may not be the greatest skater and he may not score very often, but I never see any guy on that ice that works as hard as Westy. He runs 120% every game and every practice! He is a true asset to the Kings team.

[Reply]
ForumFan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:49 am
@Dncwthmisry,

You are joking, I assume?

[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@ForumFan, He does give his all. Unfortunately Westy’s 120% is equivelent to that of a Midget forchecking in the AHL. He could do some damage if he new how to aggrivate the other team.

[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Dncwthmisry, You’re not his mother, are you?

[Reply]
Dave says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:43 am

Westgarth = loss – book it.

[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Dave, please have your wallet talk to my wallet.

[Reply]
Jones says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:44 am

I have never seen Westgarth lay one meaningful check in his entire career. He needs to forecheck and actually hit someone to make an impact in the game. His staged fights are useless. Don’t expect much from him tonight, I never do.

[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@Jones, And I’m sure he is resting easier now that he knows you dont expect anything from him.

[Reply]
Jones Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@fsd1, I don’t know if Westgarth has read my comments today or not and if he is resting easier, but I would prefer he rested in the press box or at home during the games

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@Jones, he’s too slow to hit anyone on the forecheck. and when he is on the 4check I’m constantly looking at the refs arm…

[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@Stuart,

Yeah, and once again the Ref’s arm doesn’t go up.

[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Jones,

I will say this…. he had a spirited game earlier in the season at Honda center, he did some banging and crashing. I’m sure Murray remembers.

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5holer Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@Jones, Its because he hasn’t been able to check anyone yet! He has not found an equal to his hockey skills to be able to catch up to yet. He gets his forecheck going when it has just become a backchecking position in the next period change over!…abit late I’d say! I cringe every time I see him on the ice. He is a liability on both O & D(the rarest of all feats!), but does a good job with his cue cards for choreography dancing. Thankfully he gets a whopping 5-6 minutes a game, plus 5 for fighting! He has iron feet and cement hands, good in construction work but not much for hockey. So he can tie his skates that is a plus! A right handed Ivanans! Just what LAK need…hey DL Ivanans is available as a LW candidate! Cheap too! Tonight is going to be a tough one to win for LAK. Luck has it that Hiller is dizzy again, but Curtis the goalie shut us down last time…Hell Dan Cloutier would look like a Vezina candidate against us! Doesn’t every goalie look great against us? Kings 2-1, I hope! Anyone listen to Helene Eliot’s takes? Used to dismiss her out of hand, but now she sounds the most sane of all western hockey writers, at least lately! Hope she is wrong about that “tedious mid-range deal coming or nothing”, but I wouldn’t bet on it!
Hockey senselessness! And for $100 a seat!? Whoa?

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DesertKing Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@Jones,

Haven’t been a big Westy fan this year, but he did have one memorable check where he took out 2 guys so Richardson could make the pass that led to the winning goal earlier this season. We have to give credit when credit is due.

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5holer says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:48 am

Mr. DL is a stubborn manager. He stays the course at all times as shown by his few transactions of significance in 4 years. 4 years ago the “cupboard was bare” with no pieces of any note developing, especially on D. Fast forward 4 years later any the “cupboard is loaded with D and GTs” now with few skilled forwards coming. LA needs a 1st line LW for going on 3 years. DL has literally dumped 3 exceptional LWs in last 3 years…50 goal scorer Cammy(to Calgary for a 2nd round pick?), 30+ goal scorer Moulson(for ZERO, released him?) and 25+ goal scorer(maybe more?) B Boyle(for nothing, released him?). Hmm? We need a LW still don’t we? Kopitar is left in Siberia yet another year with a parade of linemates that don’t match up with him. Stubborn is as stubborn does. I’m a waning supporter of “The Plan”. But when it comes to player evaluations and plotting potentials, I am leary indeed as the evidence mounts on the wrong side of the ledger over and over again. Let’s see there is a load of blue chip players available(or so it seems by the movement to date), but conspicuously absent from anything is LAK. Daunting! Because after the Ilya advised Kovy wars in July, nothing of “The Plan” has been implemented yet. I don’t trade a Schenn nor a JJ, nor a Sim at all….BUT I pitch hard for a fix to the anemic offense and give some future for a better now. No one is exempt from talking about when you are 4 years in and 2 games won in play-offs deep into your rebuild with no assurances of an invite to the dance in April! Confounded track record! There are no perfect fits in the real world of trades, but the team needs help now! Do it now or perhaps unemployment awaits for stubborn managers!
Say No More!

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fsd1 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@5holer, I think we should gut the team, hire a new gm and start from scratch. Oh, and fire TM! oh and fire Kompon. Lets start from scratch after the 3 miserable stinking lousy crappy years we have had.

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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@fsd1, Lol and move the team.

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DesertKing Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@Bkrs-Bud,

Don’t know if could get to too many King’s games in Winnipeg, but maybe Quebec.

Belexes Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@fsd1,

Wouldn’t have to worry about those two cities. Was recently a great article about why Canadian expansion won’t work.

http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2010/12/8/1536097/nhl-relocation-winnipeg-quebec-city

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Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@5holer, i hear what you’re saying. But Cammy would’ve been gone with nothing coming our way, MM would never have become the player he is today had he not gone, and with Boyle, they wanted him to play his size never realizing he was just a 250lb finesse player.

I don’t see our situation as still in the “building” framework, instead I see a crop field. The ground has been tilled, seeds planted, now it’s time to wait and watch them grow. Some of our crop will wither and die while others will show themselves soon. Like Lokti, has got the skills, just needs some size. Patience folks.

Now I would feel differently if all of DL’s draft picks were already developed and we were waiting for his second generation of picks to fill our holes…

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5holer Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@Stuart, That is your take, fine! I agree to disagree about Cammy, MM and Boyle. They are what they are today because someone saw it in them and provided them an op to succeed…and they have flourished. That may not have been the case here, but they turned out pretty good elsewhere when it could have easily been here. This team preaches patience top to bottom. This post sounds off about patience all the time. Well what happened to patience with those 3 guys? I won’t belabor it any further.
I say you are always building until you reach the prize and put it in your display case! And then you go back to work the next year at building it again, working towards the prize again! If I am wrong, well then I am happy to be wrong! No manager should throw away a season IMO! I believe that was done here on far too many occasions past and present! The NHL is not an ideal Patience Foundery! Its too expensive an industry to be patient very long! If we can agree that Winning = Success(or vise versa interchangeably), then perhaps you can equate Success = Dollars to Management, along with Winning to Fans. These are inseparable conditions in the game of pro sports. Lastly, draft picks and developmental systems are very important to maintaining productivity and they are “feeder crops” if you will, but it is not the end all. Drafting is largely a Crap Shoot for 18 year olds! Development is largely force feeding to attempt a better product, but horses are needed to run the race. Perhaps a good or better horse is even more important than what you MIGHT have coming in your stable now? At best it is all a Crap Shoot, but it requires the dice to be rolled to win! Gotta take some chances or you don’t improve enough to win the prize. Columbus took a chance, so they brought him home in chains….he still took the chance…and he won I’d say!
Where are the horses…not in Manchester! They are in another organization somewhere but not here right now!
Enough already!

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jet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@5holer, I respectfully completely disagree. DL has consistently gotten rid of the players who could not handle the pressure and picked up the players who could. Cammy scored two goals in Flames last 20 meaningful games 9including playoffs). Moulson has how many playoff goals? Boyle did not see the light until his coached signed him up for a beer league and posted their roster over his locker. Meanwhile, DL has made Los Angeles a destination spot. That means players actually want to come to work, as opposed to pre DL when players wanted to come here to work, on their tans. In the past two years, he has been able to bring in quality, Symth, Scuds, big Willy and Poni. Kovi even looked and be honest, 3 years ago Kovi would have laughed at us. So, “The Plan” is obviously working and working quite well. I could go over every move DL has made, but my point is not to embarrass you, but to help you understand winners are not built over night. Each rung of the ladder is a battle and the battle is bigger with each higher rung as you get to the top rungs.
You say what you would not trade, but what exactly is “pitch hard” mean when you start with not wanting to move any of your quality assets. Please make a specific trade recommendation if you are going to condemn those who have not made a trade.

With regards to the stubbornness and DL, you are precisely correct. He will build a winner. It will not be a winner for one season (Hawks), he will not make a deal that does not make sense, he will not over pay, and he will do everything he can to keep our quality players. Thank God he is stubborn.

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fsd1 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@jet, nice post jet!

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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@jet, You are so right ,To many people are impatient i guess they think the Red wings Built their organization in 2 yrs,Building the right way takes time and patience. Just say no to trade fever.

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Belexes Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@jet,

As usual you are informed, and correct.

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LW Anybody? Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@jet, Cammy is a poor example to use if your point is that he can’t bring it to games that count or “handle the pressure”. Who was the leading goal scorer in all the playoffs last year? Well, that was Cammy.

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jet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@LW Anybody?, uhh, he was a free agent who signed with the Habs so we would not of had him last year anyway. We were discussing the Flames giving us a first for a one year player who completly buckled under pressure.

Fabkings Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@jet, I agree with just about everything you stated, Go Kings Go!!!!!

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Michael J. Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@5holer,

That’s a fresh take! Thanks!

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ForumFan says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:48 am

What’s the point?

How about having someone in the line up that may actually score a goal, instead of a pointless rumble with the other team’s ‘enforcer’, say Loktianov? That’s right, he isn’t on the roster.

And where was Westgarth anyway, when the Islander’s took a run at Kopy?

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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
@ForumFan, in the bench hiding

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fsd1 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@ForumFan, he wasnt on the ice

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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@fsd1, very true! the guy is NEVER on the ice so why have him?

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Hat trick says:

February 23, 2011 at 11:57 am

Boooo! lame decision. I’d take Poni over Westgarth anytime, anyday.

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KingsFan in OC says:

February 23, 2011 at 12:00 pm

So, does this mean we won’t get a “Morning in Anaheim” post with the photo of the bus going down the 405?

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jet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@KingsFan in OC, great parking on the 405

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King John says:

February 23, 2011 at 12:34 pm

ESPN hockey is saying DL is interested in C Brad Richards.

That’s all we need: Another center, another concussioned player

What would happen to Schenn, Loktionov?

Please stick to finding a great LW.

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Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@King John, don’t worry. The plan is to get BR and have him play LW…

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Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:56 pm
@Stuart, Or bring up Lokti and have him play LW.

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Barry's Mullet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@King John, You and everyone else can keep looking for that “Great LW” that doesn’t exist!

In the meantime, look how deep your team is up the middle with Brad Richards. You actually have a 1A and 1B center. He plays the point on the PP. Any FA LW/RW would kill to come and play in LA with this tandem.

Richards
Kopi
Stoll
Schenn
Lokti
Lewis

Smyth/Richards/Williams
Sturm?/Kopi/Brown
Clifford/Stoll/Simmonds
Richardson/Lewis/Westy/take your pick

I would say we lose Lokti, prospects and picks to get Dallas to deal a player like Richards if that deal ever happened.

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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, Richards Would be a nice upgrade over stoll, but he is a ufa next yr.no need to over pay,he may just be a rental.

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Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, Why, when we could wait till the summer and not give Dallas anything?

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Barry's Mullet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@Dominick,

A) We would sign him to an extension before I give up anything

B) We need him now

C) If we wait for him to hit the FA market this summer…like so many others, he will sign somewhere else.

5holer Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, Don’t worry, LAK will always be on look out for that non-existent great LW! Count on it, always looking for another Luc! In 60 minutes of hockey how much ice time can you give 6 centers? Wings used alot of centers playing on their 3 lines (6 out of 9) some years, but we do not employ their system of play(speed and possession game). We are a muck and grind team these days of DL & TM! We need finishers period! Any and all positions, we need finishers…perhaps 2-3 of them IMO. Centers have greater defensive responsibilities then wingers in our system(in most NHL systems really). Offensively, it is not any more demanding for centers or wingers, but more so for D-men to be pinching alot to hold possession in O zone. Everyone wants Brad R! Who wouldn’t want him? Brad R doesn’t do it alone, but its a move in the right direction perhaps? I am not sold on Brad R because of the cost mostly, as I see it costing us too much. I think there are many other pieces out there available at a reasonable price(picks, prospects, & “suspects”). I do not believe in addition by subtraction, or trade a strength for a weakness on the NHL roster. We are not that deep on any position at NHL level, not yet! Any move has to be to improve the NHL product now and going forward(not a rental you cannot sign to term) IMO. Expendables are at our AHL level and lower yet. No one makes a trade of Timmy Lewis for Brad Richards or anything like it. We have alot of those developing assets to parlay into something offensive, a left handed shooter is preferred, but anything with scoring skills(and not just a passer either, aka Hemsky) would help alot. If Joey N in Dallas will do what you propose, great…but it would probably cost him his job as GM! Something has to give pretty soon or we are done.
My thoughts.

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Barry's Mullet Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@5holer, I think we are on the same page. Joe needs to get something for BR and if he walks for nothing as a FA this summer, that may cost him his job.

BR would not be my first choice, that is not what we currently need. DL on the other hand is always looking down the road (I give him major kudos for having the vision) and to have two centers of the caliber of BR and Richards along with Schenn might just be too much to pass up if a deal can be made. And as you said, Detroit is a perfect example of using multiple centers on one line.

We have to play TM’s defensive system for now because we don’t have the talent up front. That doesn’t mean it will be this way forever…obviously adding some more firepower to this defensive system would be the perfect balance. Adding Richards gives us more puck possession time in the offensive zone which we are pretty good at right now.

Hemsky doesn’t impress me…too soft and often injured. I’ll take him for a prospect or pick, but I’m not giving up the farm to get this guy, or Penner, or anyone else currently being discussed as possible trade targets, maybe with the exception of Kessel…he’s still very young and has already proven that he can score 30+ goals.
stephan says:

February 23, 2011 at 1:18 pm

absolutely ridiculous to scratch Poni for Westgarth! TM is high!!

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iekingfan71 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@stephan, I just think we need to keep shuffling the lines. Or better yet lets trade all our skilled forwards for defensemen or goons and hunker down in a 1-4 lineup. Right now the Kings are as exciting as watching paint. The Kings block a lot of shots, but hit the defensemen or the boards more often with there shots than the net. We need some help, pleeeeeaaaaase!!!!

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5holer Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@iekingfan71, You may be right about this group as it is, so why make trades at all? There are no skilled forwards to speak of and we have a goon and plenty of D-men. There you have what you described already, a “1-4 lineup(?)” all hunkered down and watching paint dry! We shoot at 2 foot wide nets, while our opponents shoot at us, that why we hit the boards with our shots! we gotta complain to the league about making the nets 9 feet wide for us! Seriously though, you make a good point here. This is a defensive team with few scoring options and perilously few skilled forwards who can score goals consistently. Help is needed, but will it come or must the team continue to struggle for goals indefinitely?
There is more offensive action in a Chess Tournament then most Kings games! I never knew how much excitement there is in watching paint dry, err ah.. watching Kings trying to put a puck in the net! Once in a while it is pretty, but mostly its frustration.

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KingsFan in OC says:

February 23, 2011 at 2:46 pm

So can we just get the ubiquitous Westgarth vs. Parros scrap out of the way in warmups? Everyone keeps hoping for Westie to lend security for the other miscreants on the ice, but he will only end up thowing down with Porn-stache in their regular pugilistic yawn-fest.

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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@KingsFan in OC, 100% true. If you want to see protection it needs to come from the Simmonds/Clifford types. No one ever sees Westgarth sending a message to another team’s player who isn’t in his weight class.

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KingsFan in OC Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@jonsey, And I never see Westgarth (or Ivanans last year) take a run at someone. I would be okay with Westie getting some penalties if they are of the “I’m-trying-to-smash-you-through-the-glass” types of penalties. I don’t want to see Westgarth in the box for hooking or tripping.

Take a run at someone like Corey Fairy or Baldzlaf and stir things up a bit Kevin.

If you are only going to fight Parros, the two of you should just tip your helmets to one another and skate to the box of five minutes. The two of you fighting has zero impact on the game one way or another. We get it! You guys are both big and you both went to Princeton! Who cares? I highly doubt either team gets fired up watching you two manatees go round and round for no apparent reason.

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KingsFan in OC Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@KingsFan in OC, oops. To the box “for” five minutes.
408kingsfan says:

February 23, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Westy and parros good brawl

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Kevin says:

February 23, 2011 at 6:31 pm

Dear Terry Murray YOU ARE DUMB… We want Poni and Marty back!

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