Thursday (non-)skate update « LA Kings Insider

Thursday (non-)skate update

Posted by Rich Hammond on 24 February 2011, 12:13 pm

The Kings had their team meeting this morning, after which Terry Murray said that Jonathan Bernier will start in goal, in the second of back-to-back games. As expected, Alexei Ponikarovsky returns, replacing Kevin Westgarth as the fourth-line right winger. No other changes are expected. More notes and quotes to come…

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102 Comments

Jason4Kings says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:15 pm

Let’s go Bernier! Show us you’re a gamer.

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KingsGuy Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Jason4Kings, Yes, God please show JB how to play goalie. I cringe at the thought of Bernier between the pipes. Sigh… “Show us you’re a gamer!”

GKG

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Pili Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@KingsGuy, Bernier’s been pretty sharp, except in shoot outs….win it in regulation!

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KingsGuy Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@Pili, He has made some good saves. I just don’t like his rebound control… Hopefully he proves me wrong and we get the W!

What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Pili, Except in shootouts and except in the last game he played. I’m willing to hope it was an aberration, though.

Bill M. Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@KingsGuy, In pure talent and technical terms, Bernier’s rebound control is actually much better than Quick’s. It’s putting it into practice (NHL experience, confidence, composure, and having enough ice time to get into a zone) that causes Bernier problems. Given the opportunity to gain those things, Bernier will probably as good or better than Quick. That said, you can never predict how a goalie will develop, especially when it comes to the critical mental details like composure, and it’s going to be hard to beat quick in the composure department.

Canadian King Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@KingsGuy, As this year progresses Bernier gets better and better. I for one no longer cringe and the site of him. I agree that he needs to work on shootouts though. Where I seem to cringe the most these days is our lack of scoring.

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NHKingsFan says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:17 pm

We want Westy! We want Westy!

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before99 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@NHKingsFan, No we don’t…..

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Sebastian Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@NHKingsFan, ….to learn to make big hits on the forecheck….not take stupid penalties…and fight more. and since he doesnt do any of those things we (i) want him to be a health scratch!

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Dave Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@NHKingsFan, must be a Wild fan

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CamGravel Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@NHKingsFan, leave him on the bench till he learns to play to his strengths, and not take dumb penalties

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gene Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@NHKingsFan, Darn right, stupid move.

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kennynakamoto Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@NHKingsFan, heck no we dont!!! he took a stupid penalty last night

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Kingsfaninsano Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@kennynakamoto. He had a great chance to scor as well. In front alone.

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captainCrunch Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Kingsfaninsano, just because Westy is alone in front doesn’t mean he has a great chance of scoring.

Kingsfaninsano Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Kingsfaninsano, All I’m saying is that his game has improved. there are games when Poni does a horrible job turns the puck over and takes bad penalties as well. U never know what to expect from him

wavesinair Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
^^^ lol.

Great “scoring chance” but not a great chance to score…big difference!

TheRussianKing Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@Kingsfaninsano, Not really, It happened right in front of my eye’s and when it happened I out loud shouted “yeah right”. Everyone around laughed, and he shot it so far wide it was retarded, like his hands are magnetically polar opposites from the net.

Dan H. Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Kingsfaninsano,

He had a breakaway and didn’t get a shot on goal. Not sure how that’s helping your cause for him being in the game.

tornado12 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@waves THAT squiggly line. before the lol.

1HKYLVR Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@NHKingsFan, no we don’t let’s trade him for anything

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KingsGuy Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@NHKingsFan, I’m starting to like Westy! Definately not in place of Poni though…

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Capt Jam Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@NHKingsFan,

Westy for Brad Richards. One head case for another. LOL.

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Lime says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:18 pm

Let’s take it down tonight Bernier. Absolutely crucial game tonight.

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lafan13 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Lime, Id expect a game like tonite to go to shootout again… hopefully bern(ed)ier will give a better showing.

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Lime Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@lafan13, I guess you can’t be technically sound at something like a shoot out. If it does go to a SO I hope Bernier proves himself.

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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@lafan13, if it goes to a shootout 90% a lost i like Beriner but he not good at all on the shootout

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Ian Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@Lime, If it goes to a shootout I hope the kings make history by being the first team to swap out goalies for the shootout (pretty sure its legal).

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sasKing says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:19 pm

This is the last set of back-to-back games until the final weekend of the season. I wouldn’t expect to see Bernier much more after tonight.

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Stuart Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@sasKing, I didn’t think we were going to see JB tonight. I actually would’ve rode JQ every game from here on out. This is his time, his team, his playoff run!

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Sebastian Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@Stuart, i would have also played quick tonight. i hope bernier can have an awesome game and get the W!

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Stuart Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Sebastian, my old lady’s going to be pissed, seems the last few games we’ve gone to JB has been in and she digs JQ… lol

Oh well, let’s just get the win!!! IN REGULATION

Joe Ward Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@Sebastian, Bernier will have a good game. Just hope he doesn’t lose, anyway. We gotta score some goals, too!

Space_Shot Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Sebastian,

He shut the Wild out last time he faced them. Let’s hope for more of the same. Looking forward to seeing the retro uniforms in person tonight. I just wish Reebok would sell them. The knock offs are overpriced and don’t look nearly as good.

BluLiner Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@Sebastian, No goals given up against the Wild last time they played.
Dominick says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:21 pm

Any word on switching Simmers and Willy?

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outsider Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Dominick, Kopi & Willy should play together!!!

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2hitnik Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@outsider, I am less concerned with who Kopi’s RW is Brown, Willy, Simmer – all do fine. It’s the LW that concerned me. I’d rather see Sturm with Stoll and Smyth with Kopi.

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Tookie Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@2hitnik, After last night I’d rather see Sturm – Lewis – Poni. Sturm was killing me all night.

wavesinair Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@Dominick, How about the ‘ole Smitty/Kopi/JW line…

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Dominick Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@wavesinair, That would be a step backwards for TM, and his ego won’t allow it for more than 1 game.

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outsider Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Dominick, I would like to see the lines like this:
Richardson – Kopitar – Williams
Smith – Stoll – Brown
Sturm – Lewis – Simmonds
Poni – Handzus – Clifford

2hitnik Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Tookie, I totally agree. Sturm doesn’t seem to click with Kopi.

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1HKYLVR Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@2hitnik, take kopi and his first line and make then the second line
sccond line will be the first

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BigMikeonD says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:21 pm

Bernier will be a wall tonight. I could easily see a shut out. He struggled in the Garden and will bounce back. I think the Kings put the wood to the Wild tonight. This is another step toward the playoffs.

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KingsFanFTW says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:25 pm

lets go and good we need a person that can score than Westy

Lets get another 2 points need it

Go King Go

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SplattDaddy says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:27 pm

Lets go JB…And, lets get those top 6 forwards to start hitting the twine from the inside out !!
GKG !!

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VanKingsFan Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@SplattDaddy, From the inside out?

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SplattDaddy Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@VanKingsFan, Yeah….LOL…No sense in hitting it from the outside….

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E-DOG says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:34 pm

Kovalev was traded to the Penguins for a 7th round pick today……..if I was Lombardi I would have been all over that. Especially since he’s a UFA at the end of the season. If he didn’t do anything you could just let him walk. He’s a winger with some skill that we’re lacking. Hopefully Lombardi is working on a bigger deal and that’s why he let this one slip through.

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Dominick Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@E-DOG, 7th rounder, that’s it? I would have gave them a 5th and a few burgers from In N Out. C’mon DL.

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Walter Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@E-DOG, lazy hockey player with a bad attitude, would have been poisin in the dressing room.

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2hitnik Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@Walter, We may never know if Dean was in on that, but Kovalev had a no trade, so he would waive it for Mario/Pittsburgh, but not sure if he’d come to LA.

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lazyone Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@Walter, yet teams like Pittsburgh still want him

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Deke'r Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@lazyone, With Syd and Malkin out for the season they’ll take anyone!

LF13 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@E-DOG, If I remember correctly he had no trade clause in his contract and so he was in charge where he went.

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Dave Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
@E-DOG, You can’t just trade for a guy – he had a no movement clause and if he doesn’t waive it then you can’t make a deal. he could have offered the moon but if Kovalev didn’t want to come to L.A. then there is nothing DL can do.
i don’t think Kovalev fits in well here. i like his skill but he would drive TM crazy. not sure if Kovalev remembers how to get to this own blue line.

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BrokeKingsFan says:

February 24, 2011 at 12:57 pm

even though Westagrth had a decent game last night (except for his stupid penalty) it put a smile on my face when i read “As expected, Alexei Ponikarovsky returns, replacing Kevin Westgarth as the fourth-line right winger”.

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Dominick Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I didn’t watch the replay, but I think the Camara guys got a shot of TM right after Westy took that penalty. I couldn’t tell you what TM was thinking, but he looked pissed.

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Jorgen Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@Dominick, he should be more pissed at himself for putting Westy in that situation. No team in their right mind are going to risk stupid penalties this late into the season, especially not in a conference as tight as the West. Why he chose to play Westy is beyond me.

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fsd1 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@Jorgen, disagree with both of you on being a stupid penalty. In my mind TM had that look because there were 3 ducks there doing the exact same thing that they whistled westy for. I have no idea how a team penalized as much as they are not comitting any penalties at all. Not possible. Refs missed some and that scrum should have been evened out at the least.

Dominick Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@fsd1, didn’t think it was all that bad, just thought TM looked pissed. Penalties are to be expected with a guy like Westy since his game shoud be an agressive one. To his creit he hasn’t really burned us to bad this season on penalties(I don’t know if that’s because Westy isn’t assertive enough, or TM wants him to play instead of cause trouble).

Osaka Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I thought Westy had a good game, even had a partial breakaway. I had no proplem with the penalty he took.

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Dominick Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@Osaka, I agree. TM is sitting him tonight though.

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Bryan B says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:09 pm

Dean usually makes one or two deals at the NHL Trade Deadline. What moves does he have in the works this time around? All I have to say is, if he is going to get someone, make sure to pick a up a goal scorer. And not a rent a player. Or a washed up player.

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Michael J. Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@Bryan B,

Like who??? What GM is going to trade a “goal scorer” who is not a rental or old?

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Jorgen says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Get Drewiski off the team…he’s a liability

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bbb7 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Jorgen, I thought DD2 actually played well last night after the early game jitters. He was calm, didnt panic and made some decent outlet passes. Pretty good for being out 19 games.

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fsd1 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Jorgen, disagree, outside of one “blowout” he played a very solid game, Kopi fell down too, should we get rid of him?

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Leo Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@Jorgen, I won’t go as far as calling him a liability, but when we have a choice between Martinez, even Muzzin and DD, to me is a no brainer. Not even close. Memo to TM: Please forgive Martinez, he promises he won’t be soft anymore and would be as physical and hard nose as DD is. ???!!!! LOL..

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boter says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Where can I see official statistics of the game? Like face off’s won %, shots on goal, time on ice… For every player.

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some fan Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@boter,

Go to NHL.com. Check out the GameCenter page. Under the stats column you’ll find Time on ice (TOI) summaries, faceoff statistics, and shot reports for both teams.

Last night’s game:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/rosters.htm?id=2010020908

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Mike.V. says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:11 pm

Poni- 39games 4g/4a +4
Westgarth- 42games 0g/3a -5
When “Kings” desperately needs more scoring I think it’s an obvious choice.

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Jorgen Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Mike.V., agree 100%. Not to mention that Poni actually takes the body more than Westgarth as well.

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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@Mike.V., You are right,Poni needs get busy if he is going to make up for Fro’s 51 points.

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pokerdaniel says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:12 pm

@sebastion.. no way we play quick every game and burn him out like last year! We need him ready foe the playoffs this year

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Harty says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:14 pm

its scary very scary what could be happening behind the scenes, here are some bullet points that no one is seeing……..

-Kings are in the playoff hunt as it stands
-good chance they will stay in the hunt even with the same team
-really they are 15 points behind the league leaders (really, 7 win difference)
-everyone wants a top 6 forward to play with Kopi (will 1 player make that much difference, likely not, trust me)
-goals for are the best in the league (but our goaltending is terrible according to many)
-we don’t score enough but we are one of the top teams in overall +/- category

Finally too many na say’rs not enough supporters…..if we stayed with this team we likely make the playoffs and go out 2nd round, if we trade and pay more money and loose some youth likely we go out in the 2nd round. Tell me what’s the difference??

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Michael J. Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Harty,

Nay-sayers will be happy for 5 minutes???

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fsd1 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@Harty, you are absolutely correct, i don’t see a need to trade anything right now, I’m thinking we have the players coming up to get us there in the future. I would take a 2nd round exit as an improvement over last year. It wouldn’t make me happy, but I would take it.

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Chongo Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Harty, Fact is…it is impossible to predict what kind of impact a proven goal scorer will have. Correct me if I am wrong but I seem to recall a lot of negative comments on your part during the slide. Do not equate someone’s passion about this team with nay-saying. There are a lot of ridiculous comments on this site (not talking about you Harty)so take them with a grain of salt. Also, do not assume that you are the only one that is rational on this site, a lot of us stopped making comments because there are a lot of bandwagoneers and it seems rational thought is frowned upon. Usually, I respect your comments. I respect this one as well but a good trade can make a difference…problem is I don’t expect one but would be thrilled if DL pulled the trigger.

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launch Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Harty,
I have a problem…..GF are the best in the league?????

we may be a top team in GA, but certainly not GF….help buddy….did I read that wrong.

everything else is spot on…I especially like the 1plyr will not make a difference….I am constantly reminded on Rich’s blog how many people think that “the savior” will take us to the Promise Land…..it’s a joke really

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Chongo Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@launch, Look at it this way…we have a three way tie for the goal lead with 20 goals. If we had a player with say 25-30 goals at this point. We could have picked up at least a few more points. If he scored those 10 goals in one goal losses, we would have 10 more points from ties. Did that one player with the 30 goals make an impact???

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fsd1 Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@Chongo, True Chongo, but another way to look at it is if each player had scored 1 more goal where would we be?

Chongo Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@fsd1, Touche…truth is we are in a great spot and we have just as good a chance as any team in the division. GKG!

Barry's Mullet Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Harty, Agree 110% I would also add…

If the right player becomes available and its in the teams long term best interest, make the deal.

If its to pick up another Modin, Halpern, etc., put the cell phone away and go with what we have and see what kind of damage this team can do in the playoffs this year.

Most of the pieces are already in place. Some of the remaining pieces we need to really compete for the SC are in the minors and just need a little more seasoning before they are ready.

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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@Harty, Great post.

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Osaka Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@Harty, You’ve decided where the Kings will finnish with or without a trade? Why do they need to play the games then, their destiny is already settled? IMO they are no better of a team than they were last season so why would they advance to the second round? History has proven that teams adding the right player at the trade deadline puts them over the hump so to speak and they have great playoff runs. http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Ranking-the-top-20-most-significant-NHL-trade-de?urn=nhl-325344#remaining-content Even rental players have brought the cup to teams (Mark Recchi 2006 to Carolina).

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Kingsrule says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:19 pm

I don’t think DL is going to get any free agents at the deadline and honestly if we keep up the kind of play the Kings showed on the recent road trip, who cares?
It would be great to have a proven 1st line LW but take a look out there and see who’s available and what the price would be……That’s why I don’t see an aquisition before the deadline.

[Reply]
Chongo Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@Kingsrule, Were you aware that Erik Johnson was available? DL could be trying to pull a trade for a LW that is not on anyone’s radar. You never know…I kind of agree with you though.

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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@Kingsrule, Sometimes the best trade is the one you don’t make.

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Deke'r Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@Bkrs-Bud, He who questions training only trains himself at asking questions.

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DesertKing says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:28 pm

Good move replacing Westy with Poni. Clifford has shown time and again that Westy’s main strength is not really needed. I posted earlier this week that last night’s game would be a 1 goal win over the Sucks. Tonight, I believe we will win by 2 goals and Zeus has the game winner. GKG and we really need those 2 points (especially at home).

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KingTrojan says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:36 pm

It’s the right move to have Bernier in goal. But I really wanted Quick in net with the Rogie Mask.

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some fan Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@KingTrojan,

Seriously!!!!! That’s twice now we get screwed out of seeing Quick’s awesome retro gear at Staples Center!!!!

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gmo says:

February 24, 2011 at 1:58 pm

i would have preferred to see QUICK in goal tonight…….but……….!GO KINGS GO!

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Bryan B says:

February 24, 2011 at 2:17 pm

Has anyone honestly heard of any rumors going on involving the Kings?

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Canadian King Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Bryan B,
Besides the ridiculous Edmonton and Avs deals, none that have any shot at happening. Knowing how DL is with keeping prospects around, he will only do a small move like getting Stillman for a mid to late pick.

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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@Canadian King, Most likely.

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Arron Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
@Canadian King,

Not getting stillman…he is a hurricane now.

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Capt Jam Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@Bryan B,

Deano is sniffing around Brad Richards according to what I’ve read around today.

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chuckrocks says:

February 24, 2011 at 3:01 pm

Ponikarovsky didnt play last night? Wow, didnt even notice, kind of like when he plays.

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