Presumably, Oscar Moller will have arrived and been settled enough to be on the ice for practice tomorrow. Also presumably, Moller will fit into a top-six role with the Kings, but exactly where should he fit in? Perhaps more importantly, who should replace Justin Williams on the first line, alongside Anze Kopitar and Dustin Penner?
REPOST:::::
Breaking News:::
Watching the Blues Yotes game and a fight broke out early.
Reaves hit Biznasty with the same right he hit Cliffy…
Biz Took it and landed his own right and floored Reaves..
End of fight.. Cliffy has been revenged…
My “spidey senses” tell me with Moller in and a concerted
effort by team, will will rise to the occasion and play
really good hockey for the remainder of season…
OH and into playoffs
[Reply]
Nyck Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@Slim, What are you talking about, nothing even happened in that night, nobody got “floored”.
[Reply]
Slim Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@Nyck, Huh, After Biz hit Reaves he crumbled to the ground and it was over..
[Reply]
Nyck Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:24 am
@Slim, You got me all excited man, but it was hardly a decisive fight, it looked more like Reaves just kind of fell over, wasn’t much of a TKO
lets put Moller number one and then if that doesnt work put him down to number two and switch it to either Simmonds or Brown
[Reply]
DFW King Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:50 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Moller will be Chris Kontos 2.0!
[Reply]
16,005 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:12 am
@DFW King,
Now there is an obscure reference I have not heard in a long time… You think Moller gets as many goals with pucks hitting him in front of the crease?
[Reply]
DFW King Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:08 am
@16,005, Actually, I think on a line with Kopitar and Penner, with an explicit strategy of “Go to the Net” and with Moller put there to “use his speed”, he’ll swoop in on a lot of close rebounds.
Kingsrule Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:50 am
@16,005, !6005 is a sell out at the Great Western forum
Definitely Poni! But only because i want a “triple tower” line…;)
[Reply]
duckbasher Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@iansez, My vote is Poni. Let’s see if he can gets results (he’s been playing well lately, no results). Triple Tower Line… Maybe it will catch on.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:13 am
@iansez, Poni is a left winger and has not played any other position the entire year. as a coach, why would you want to play him on his off wing?
[Reply]
Poni has been working his bu&* off lately. He has been doing the dirty work along the boards and getting pucks into the middle (just no one their to get them). Put him out there with Pennitar and he probably won’t score alot of goals, but he will Kopi and DXP to score more. I don’t think that putting Oscar on that first line actually adds anything to it.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:15 pm
@DesertKing,
Sorry, “there” and “DP”, I need new reading glasses!
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@DesertKing,
No doubt about it, Poni been great lately but he doesn’t have first line hands.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:32 pm
@USHA#17,
I don’t think he needs first line hands. We wouldn’t be asing him to score, but rather be a facilitator. Penner and Kopi can be the scorers but they need someone to do that dirty work along the boards so they can pick up the puck and go to the net.
[Reply]
pitty Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@DesertKing, Three time 20 goal scorer i’d say it’s worth a try
Dave Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:49 pm
@DesertKing, Kopi and Penner need some speed on their line. that’s why Williams worked well with them. Moller is a quick player that finds space. he should fit well with the two big bodies.
[Reply]
Brown.
Now that they’ve been apart for a while, Bropitar might have some chemistry again.
And you might as well try Smyth-Stoll-Moller, since it really couldn’t be any worse than Smyth-Stoll-Brown.
[Reply]
steve Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@Jim Jones, i still have trouble seeing “bropitar” happening for a while
[Reply]
Hadley Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@Jim Jones, a post-game caller about two months suggested moving JMFJ to the wing and our radio guys dismissed the idea as quackery. The caller said JMFJ does not have the instincts for defense but he would be a powerhouse on the wing. The radio guys said JMFJ is too important to the defense to even consider moving him to the wing.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@Hadley, I suggested it before we got Penner, now I’m suggesting it again because Smyth has played so poorely lately. It’s probably too late in the year too try, but I would have liked too see them try it about a month ago. They could’ve called up Voynov to take JJ’s place, similar type players, and put JJ on Kopi and Brownie’s left wing. We definately have the extra d-men too give it a try, although TM would probably play DD2 or PH instead of going into the playoffs with 2 rookie d-men. If JJ excells as a LW, we still have Voynov, Hickey, and Muzzin in the minors, with Forbort in the pipeline.Give it a shot TM, after all it worked with Byfuglyn in Chicago last year.
[Reply]
16,005 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:14 am
@Jim Jones,
Would that be the Smoller line?
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:32 am
@Jim Jones, stop trying to hand out that free koolaid
[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:09 am
@Jim Jones, Brown makes sense:
Penner – Kopi – Brown
Smyth – Stoll – Moller
Poni – Handzus – Simmonds
Clifford – Lewis – Richardson
See if these lines work.
[Reply]
I think Dustin Brown has earned the opportunity all season to have a shot on the #1 line with Kopi and Penner. I thought he should have had the spot after the trade was made. I like Moller’s speed with Stoll, and hopefully Smyth can get to the net and actually do something. That #2 line may not be the best defensively but they don’t have to be if they can generate some offense. The other 3 lines can carry the team defensively, from a forward standpoint that is.
On another note, I stated here at the beginning of this month that if the Kings could end March with 92 pts they would be in good shape going into the last 5 regualr season games in April. Well, they’re 4 pts from that total with 4 games left in the month. 2 of the games are very winnable (COL and EDM), so it would be just icing on the cake if they could steal an extra 1 or 2 pts in March against SJ and/or VAN. I still think they have a fair shot at the Pacific title and 3rd seed. But, with that said the only teams I really fear in the opening round of the playoffs is VAN and CHI. My reasons, the Kings size, PK and defense/goaltending makes them comparable to DET and SJ, and better than PHX, DAL, and NASH or ANH….IMO
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@Shotongoal,
Completely agree with your second paragraph. We just couldn’t solve CHI during the regular season and VAN is rolling this season but the loss of Malhotra may create a chink in their armor.
[Reply]
capt jam Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:36 pm
@Shotongoal,
Are you not aware that Brown was on the first line for much of the first half of the season? It was a marginally effective at best. Brown is best suited for a role that doesn’t include primary scoring responsibility.
[Reply]
Bluecoconuts Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:10 pm
@capt jam, Most of Brown and Kopitar’s points came when they were together.
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:25 pm
@Bluecoconuts,
It also happens to coincide with the early part of the season – before the heat went up in the kitchen. Once that happened, they both disappeared.
Shotongoal Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:41 pm
@capt jam, yes I’m very aware seeing as how I’ve been to every home game and watched every road game. If you read my post which is in proper English sentence structure the point I make is that he has worked hard all season and now deserves the chance to play with Kopi and Penner since the trade was made. Not only am I aware of the fact that he was on the 1st line early in the season, but I am also aware that most of his pts came from playing alongside Kopi. I think the problem with some here is that they start reading and want to comment before they actually finish what they’re reading. Try taking in what you read before you start to make your own point. Relax, take a breath and let your mind catch up to your fingers my fellow Kings fan…..sheesh!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@capt jam, Unfortunately so is every other forward not named “Kopitar”….
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:26 pm
@HockeyNerd,
That’s an entirely different discussion. But a valid one.
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:37 am
@capt jam, He was a lot better than marginally effective. Are you aware that Kopitar is in the top 10 in assist and plus/minus and most of it came with Brown?
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:28 am
@Shotongoal, The problem with hoping for the Pacific title is the home and home between Phoenix and San Jose for their last two games. Those points will have to be split between those two teams somehow; best case is two points each, worst case for us to win the division is one team gets 4, and the worst case for seeding is one team gets four and the other gets two. Since we have two games in hand against Phoenix right now, I guess we want Phoenix to win both of those games and lose a bunch up to then.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:30 am
@Player-X, I’m not really hoping for anything, other than the Kings making the playoffs. This conference is so confusing and the new tiebreaker for wins is just plain stupid. But my point really was that I think the Kings match up well with just about any team in the conference. I would just rather see them face VAN or CHI in the conference finals instead of an earlier round. My reasoning for that is I think by then both teams will be running on the same type of momentum and experience, and with the Kings size, PK, and defense/goaltending I think they would have a pretty fair shot at winning.
[Reply]
I;m on the Poni wagon myself,,,he has been THE most aggresive person on the ice for a few weeks, and getting shots on net without hesitation…something I havn’t seen much of latey
[Reply]
Handzus on the wing for passing and moller second line center…
[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 am
@bryant,
Interesting, so maybe….
Penner Kopi Handzus
Smyth Moller Brown
Poni Stoll Simmonds
Clifford Lewis Richie/Westgarth
[Reply]
Simmonds 1st choice since he seems to play better when he is on that line, Poni 2nd mostly for that dirty work using his body and maybe that will let Penner ease up on that. I think Moller on the first line is crazy
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:34 pm
@Kasey9, The problem with that is then you have no real “checking line”….
[Reply]
THEROCKNROLL80S Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:06 am
@HockeyNerd, In today’s hockey checking lines aren’t what they used to be. The need puck possession lines that can score.
[Reply]
Simmer should be up there. Moller definitely not (what has he proved, need production, not possible goals every once in a while) and Poni I would like there but he is a LW. Simmonds at least shows creativity and speed along the boards
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 8:41 pm
@Nubuc13,
Good point about Poni. I didn’t think of that.
[Reply]
Pennitarovsky sounds better than Pennmollitar
[Reply]
duckbasher Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@Matador29, Laughing me old behind off.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@Matador29,
lol!
[Reply]
Cortex949 Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@Matador29, Pennmollitar sounds like an antibiotic
[Reply]
16,005 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:15 am
@Matador29,
Sounds great… can’t fit in on a jersey
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 am
@Matador29, I bet both are canidates for removal from the blog sensor
[Reply]
I’m surprised by all the votes Simmer and Poni are getting. They are needed where they are — against the OPPOSITION’S top line. I would have Moller with Kopitar and Penner, although switching Brown and Moller is reasonable. Just don’t put Westgarth in the top 6, LOL.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@HockeyNerd, Ha ha ha! he was there earlier today.
[Reply]
hockey junky Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:55 pm
@Dominick,
I thought it was a typo that Westy was on topline …..I was cracking up, now I am not so much scary thought
Lol
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:14 pm
@HockeyNerd,
I said the other day that you get it. You and I think exactly alike.
Not saying we’re right, but I sort of think we are. Not Simmer. Between he and Penner they’d spend loads of time cycling the puck and doing a hell of a job of it. Not sure how many goals they’d score though.
You are absolutely correct that Poni and Simmer are needed where they already are.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@HockeyNerd, I agree that they both should be with Zues on the same line against the opposition’s top line, but TM likes to match up Kopi against the other teams top line. Mabye it’s because Kopi has much better speed compared to Zues. I’m glad that we can both agree that Westy should be nowhere near the top 6. I think I remember Ivanans with Brown and Kopi a couple of years ago for a game or two. I didn’t like it then and I didn’t like to hear about it today at practice either.
I would put Brown with Penner and Kopi because the Stoll-Brown combo isn’t working. Stoll’s goal yesterday was with Simmonds and Richardson. I’d like too see that as our 2nd line if they go with Moller on the 1st line.
Penner Kopi Moller
Richie Stoll Simmonds
Poni Zues Brown
Smyth Lewis Clifford
Or
Penner Kopi Brown
Richie Stoll Moller
Poni Zues Simmonds
Smyth Lewis Clifford
[Reply]
Ari Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:31 pm
@CB14, First choice 100%
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:58 pm
@CB14, Either of those seems reasonable. Actually, while I am quick to defend TM for most things I think he messes with the lines waaaay too much. IMHO what is more important is to get players used to their linemates. Just pick somewhat reasonable combinations and leave it at that. Although EVERY coach messes with lines. But TM has really turned it into an art…..
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:14 am
@HockeyNerd, I think you mean obsession instead of art. LOL . I think most coaches have ADD. Remember Andy Murray, he would make placards and slide them under his players hotel room door. They would detail the opposing team the next night, and have the Kings gameplan for facing that team and a bunch of other weird stuff. I’m not saying that stuff is weird, just that a coach would make placards and distribute them to his players like that just seems odd too me.
By the way were up to 2 things we agree upon, TM changing the lines too much, and Westy not playing. If the PP improves, then I’ll concede victory too you and that’ll be 3 things agreed upon. Even though I hate being wrong, I’ll gladly accept losing that argument if it means an improved PP. Go Kings Go!
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:53 am
@CB14, Nice lines i hope Moller hits the ice flying and scoring some.
[Reply]
off topic here.
have you guys noticed how the Caps top scoring trio is having an avg season when they actually focus on playing D.they had to change the way they play in order to be successful in the playoffs.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/was/stats
so imagine how our stats would be inflated if we let our guys run wild in the O. As much as i want to see our guys score lots of goals, i would still prefer what murray is doing with our guys. Defense wins championships
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:41 am
@gcheng, Agreed. The Kings play the style that is a requirement for playoff hockey. We’re built for the playoffs.
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:59 am
@KC23, We play a style that fits the players on our team,the only things lacking are more team speed and better play from some of the core players.this team is close to being a monster.
[Reply]
Brayden Schenn
[Reply]
steveoviper Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:02 pm
@Kasket, WOW,,That would be something to see, demise or surprise (70/30 chance of him stepping up to the pressure).
Brad Richards gets my vote, lets get a little more speed on that line.
I like Westgarth, but I think at this point that Moeller would be the best choice in playing the rest of the season. Keep Brown where he is at thats to strong of a line to miss with, Kopi, and Penner will pick up any ones playing ability (again my vote being Richards on that line). Put Moeller on the third line, and get him into some PP situation to continue to build his confidence.
[Reply]
Bluecoconuts Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:13 pm
@steveoviper, I like Brad Richards, but do you think Dallas gives him up?
[Reply]
steveoviper Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@Bluecoconuts, Thanks for the high stick Blue. We didn’t get him before the trade deadline.Aww NUTS!!!
Actually I mean our Brad Richards from Belleville ON, Canada, not the Stars Brad Richards from Murry Harbor PE, Canada.
CB14 Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@steveoviper, I think you mean our Brad Richardson. You’re missing the “on” in Richardson
Tano Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:19 pm
@steveoviper, Pretty sure you mean, Brad RICHARDSON! Ha ha!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:42 am
@steveoviper, Put him on the PP? … to build his confidence? We are talking about the Kings here. LOL
[Reply]
steveoviper Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@KC23, son, There.
Ok I’m laughing at myself.
Simmonds was so good and effective on that line last season, but this season…has been a different story. That said, I will take his energy over Poni’s experience edge and give the kid another shot at it.
Move your feet, Wayne!
[Reply]
Kozun!
[Reply]
Dare we suggest Mikus?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@DesertKing,
He’s too busy working with the Hockey Gods how to give us a cup in the finals against Montreal.
[Reply]
Brown!
[Reply]
Holloway(sp) why hasn’t he ever gotten the call?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@mike, I think he will get a good look in September, along with Schenn, Parse, Voynov, Loktionov, Moller, Kozun, Muzzin, Hickey…wow, my fingers are getting tired ! Dean Lombardi…giving me all these problems…good ones
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:45 pm
@puck73, Holloway all the way. Waiver Harrold.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:44 am
@mike, I started wondering that prior to the Penner trade. I keep one eye on Manchester and Holloway stats looked pretty good. DL likes to develop slowly and I can’t really disagree.
[Reply]
This is not how I expect things to turn out, but how I would really like them to end up being.
1. Van
2. Det
3. LA 4-1 3.LA 4-2 3.LA 4-0 3.LA 4-2
4. SJ 4-2 4.SJ
5. Phx 1.Wash
6. Dal
7. Anh 4-3 7.Anh 4-3 7.Anh
8. Nash 4-3 8.Nash
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@luc20rules, Spacing just disappeared.
1. Van
2. Det
3. LA 4-1
4. SJ 4-2
5. Phx
6. Dal
7. Anh 4-3
8. Nash 4-3
3.LA 4-2
8.Nash
4.SJ
7.Anh 4-3
3.LA 4-0
7.Anh
1.Wash
3.LA 4-2
[Reply]
steveoviper Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@luc20rules, Flipping Awsome, those were the best play-offs ever. Can’t wait for the draft picks
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:20 pm
@luc20rules,
Good thing you re-posted.
I like all your matches. That would be ideal for me as well. The only thing I would change is sweeping the Ducks. I think it would be Epic to fight through an entire 7 games, and come out on top. Especially if we won the cup, and went through them to do it.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@Dominick, yea would u think that the Ducks Vs Kings be like a Stanley Cup finals match but only in the West side
Would be a great epic battle and love it to see it get to game 7 and we over come them and defeat them and win a cup
And we can shove it to the Ducks Fans saying we are number one and we even Defeated u at that playoff so who better now haahahaha that will be a dream come true
luc20rules Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@Dominick, I was just thinking how nice it would be to go to Honda Center for Game 4 with a Stuffed Duck hanging from a noose tied to a Broom. And Singing Na Na Na Na Hey A Good Bye! with the other 10,000 Kings Fans that would invade the place.
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:49 am
@luc20rules, A Duck/Kings series would turn LA into a hockey town real fast. That might even over shadow the Lakers playoffs.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:24 am
@KC23,
Toally agree. The Lakers are expected to win it all. Anything less would be a failure, but the lakers don’t have a contending team sitting so close to get the local non-fans excited about basketball. Ducks/Kings match up would generate incredible fan interest locally here in southern California. You’d have to be suplanted from another state, or a fan of another team not to pick a side.
Would be great if it even got heated like all the old Detroit/Avalanche playoff series’ of the 90′s. Even non Detroit/Avalanche fans chose sides back then. Would love more than anything to see the Kings/Ducks games turn into that.
DesertKing Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:09 am
@luc20rules,
Bring them all on and let the Cup gods sort them out. Just as long as we end up with it, I don’t care who we play and how we get there, just hoist it above the Kings players’ heads, skate around the rink with it until we can no longer cheer, then hoist the banner so we can take pictures of it and shove it into the face of every other teams’ fans who said we would never get one (especially the Smucks fans). GKG!
[Reply]
@steveoviper, We ended up with the cup right? Of course, why would I ask such a question.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@steveoviper, Yes, the team with the series record by it won.
[Reply]
It’s always gonna be “someone else” because who ever Murry picks, he’ll just change it after a game or two.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:50 am
@Blaked4, This is true, but to be fair, most coaches do the same thing everywhere with few exceptions.
[Reply]
Penner Kopitar Simmonds (reason: Moller hasn’t played in the NHL in a long time and rarely at RW)
Moller Lewis Brown (I like the speed of Lewis and Moller and creativity of Brown [and toughness])
Smyth Stoll Ponikarovsky (Smyth needs a bump down and Stoll might actually boost these two -think of it as a number 2b line)
Clifford? Richardson Westgarth (If Clifford is ready soon, maybe Westgarth can protect him, okay that is unneccessary, but these are the left over guys)
[Reply]
YooperSkip Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:43 pm
@jonsey, Zus??
[Reply]
justlu Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:56 pm
@jonsey,
I agree with the first two lines and think Lewis deserves a chance and love the speed of the 2nd line. I think it is a guarantee we will see ths 1st line with Simmonds that was actually the original first line when Penner was aqcuired but lasted a single period.
I would like to see Clifford-Zues-Poni on the 3rd line and my 4th line would be Smyth-Stoll-Richardson.
[Reply]
It should be either Brown or Simmonds. Both being capable right wings. Moller, while I always want our youth to tear it up, is probably not ready for first line minutes and/or responsibility. I just don’t see him being successful against an opponents ‘shut-down’ top pair. I could be wrong however…
Whoever Murray chooses will be a King, and that is alright by me!
Big game coming up…Go Kings!
[Reply]
Moller has got to be the guy on the 1st line! He’s been scoring well in Manchester so he comes in with a lot of confidence, plus his speed and knack for finding seams will complement Kopi and Penner, neither of which are especially fast or anxious to shoot. Pull Richie up to the 2nd line for the same reasons. Both are skilled, quick players whose talents are wasted in checking roles. Maybe bump Smyth down to the 3rd line just to spread things out a little. And Simmonds on the 3rd line is a great fit with Smyth and Handzus, moving Poni up to the 2nd line to reward him for his hard work.
Kopi – Penner – Moller
Stoll – Richie – Poni
Simmonds – Handzus – Smyth
Lewis – Clifford – Brownie
That 4th line would be tough to play against . . . .
[Reply]
Raitis Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 11:09 pm
@5hole, I don’t think richie shouldve on that second line IMO
[Reply]
jason Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:57 am
@5hole, richardson is a 4th liner.. I don’t understand why everyone likes him and his terrible D zone coverage.. I love how you put brown on the 4th and rich on 2nd lol
penner-kopi-moller
poni-zus-brown
smyth-stoll-simm
cliffo-lew-rich
I hear people dont like moller on the #1 line but he brings a good finish and speed to the line… probably the most similar player to williams in that hes small, fast and has good hands.. if you put him with 2 big players who can pass and shoot i’m positive he will get points… People who dont like him, hes a better finisher than brown and simmons.. The whole problem with the kings lineup is smyth playing on the second line.. once that changes the lines will click better
[Reply]
I really hope that OM does well…here is your chance to shine!
[Reply]
Anyone got a Parse update?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:16 am
@ToughD, Rich said in one of the earlier posts today that he skated. Parse also said he’s not 100%. I would consider him playing this year a long shot, considering there’s only like 10 games remaining. But I’m telling you there’s a chance!
[Reply]
Methinks TM loves Moller (who had some early I think somewhat lucky success but the good players are always “lucky”) and he’ll be the initial choice. For at least 2 shifts I mean. And if whoevers up there on the 1st wing isn’t producing, more speed to any change: King’s need some scoring darn it. I’d play Brown up there he’s been playing hard and that should give Kopi more space. Hope Smythe can pick some scoring slack up. He’s overdue for some goals. And with Williams out we need some more production from that line. Stoll’s been solid all year. Smythe not so much. Too bad for the William’s injury–this team seems snake bit. Should be interesting!
[Reply]
Moller actually has a fair amount of time with the big club. I think he’ll fit in nicely and we sure need his offense.
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we have tried simmons and brown both have had ok but unconsistent success… Poni and moller would definitely feed off of this opportunity.. I chose moller for finish and speed.. I would say poni but i fear he will get called for too many penalties the more he plays
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Poni has been working his butt off but so has Simmons. I see no reason why Moller would have more votes than him. Seriously, I didn’t understand why Loktionov went directly to the first line out on Manchester. I like Moller, but the first line?
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I thought this was interesting. In the last 23 or so games these are how the 2nd and 3rd Defensive pairing have gone.. How to you bring the kings top +/- defenseman to terrible, add jack johnson to his line..poor scuderi
martinez/greene +7 10 points
johnson/scuderi -20 10 points
glad to see martinez and greene doing well and developing chemistry.. I think scuderi and johnson are just a terrible pair…worse than jack and doughty together..
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KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:17 am
@jason, JJ and just about anyone is a bad pair. I’d like to see him converted to a wing position. He just doesn’t seem to have what it takes to be an NHL defenseman.
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Poni needs to stay on the shutdown line with zone, as we don’t have a replacement for him on the 3rd line.
Give the kid a shot with Kopi and Penner.
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Ersberg Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:29 am
@Ersberg, Zeus not zone.
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Only three players have played both wings for any extended time this year: Brown, Poni and Richardson. Moller has not played Right wing for the Kings this year at all. I don’t think you trade for Penneer to solve the left wing problem, and then move him to right wing so you can call up a right wing to replace a right wing that got injured.
Simmonds has been there at right wing the last few games, and contrary to popular belief Murray usually does not change the entire roster of lines all in one game, he usually makes sure one line is “familiar” from having played together recently. So, maybe Simmonds stays and Moller fits in elsewhere.
I like the idea of quickness added to Kopi and Penner, and actually Simmonds has a great first step and has beeen excellent moving the puck along the boards and then coming off the boards with it, exaclty what Williams is so good at. Second choice would be Poni, for me, because he has been so solid lately and it’s a look that has not been seen yet, maybe it clicks and that line gets hot.
Penner-Kopi-Simmonds
Smyth-Stoll-Moller
Poni-Zus-Brown
Clifford-Lewis-Richardson
or
Penner-Kopi-Poni
Smyth-Stoll-Brown
Clifford-Zus-Simmonds
Richardson-Lewis-Moller
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Player-X Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:17 am
@Player-X, wow, ignore the first paragraph, I mixed up Moller with anotehr player, Moller has played RW and Center, but never left wing. doh…
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Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:36 am
@Player-X,
I was thinking that while I was reading it. I’ve been pining for brown, and I think Simmers is more of a natural pairing for Zues. I would go with your 1rst line up, but switch Brown and Simmers.
Also we already know that Poni-Zues-Simmers is an effective shut down line, why change it? Brown hasn’t played there much all season long, and now with the playoffs on the line everybody wants to experiment with the chemistry.
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Observations:
Who knows best that losing Williams hurts? The team does. Each will have to step up their game to make up for the loss.
The Geezer Line is kaput, and from recent performance, so is Smyth. As things stand now, I’d suggest 4th line for him.
1RW? Oscar. Why? Process of elimination.
Brown has been very active playing his roll of knocking people on their butts, yet ready to score (backdoor was great the other night).
Simmonds is starting to look like the wild man from last year, but that aggressive style is better on 3rd.
And Oscar? His speed and hands best replace the qualities that Williams brought to the 1st line. Less adjustment then for Kopi and Penner.
Besides, in Oscar’s case, you can’t hit what you can’t catch – speed. And when he does take a hit (remember Perry’s smack on him?) little O is back on his feet and motoring.
If all else fails, Greener and Scuds will have to turn into offensive powerhouses!
Penner-Kopi-Oscar
Poni-Stoll-Brown
Cliffy-Zues-Simmonds
Smyth-Lewis-Richie
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LAPD line Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:48 am
@IceGuy, I agree with everything you just said, and I like your lines…..
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Howe 9 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:23 am
@IceGuy,
It was Ryan that did the cheap shot hit on Oscar.
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I already said my peace on this, but:
The best month, statistically, that both Brown and Kopitar had was when they played on the same line together (December).
It’s not a coincidence.
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:43 am
@mrbrett7, I totally agree with you….I’m not sure what some here are thinking about Brown, but they sure seem to have a problem with him. I must be missing his incompetence, but I’m glad to see that some share my regards for him. Then when you read some thoughts on what that top line needs from the 3rd member, Brown fits them, speed-driving to the net-fitting in with the line without other lines losing effectiveness….its almost like they make our argument for us but then they insert another name other than Brown’s!! LOL
I’m not thinking about just that top line, but how the movement of wingers will affect all the lines. I said on this thread last night that Brown makes sense, because of his style and effectiveness earlier with Kopi, and the fact that it doesn’t upset the other line combos. I would put Moller with Stoll-Smyth, and although that line wouldn’t be a top defensive forward line, they might generate just enough offense to offset that weakness, and the other 3 lines would be able to maintain the defensive forward abilities that the team, as a whole, has had all season.
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KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:22 am
@mrbrett7, Exactly why I picked Brown.
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well if Moller in the First line we all should nick name it to this
D,A,M
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KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:23 am
@KingsFanFTW, or M.A.D.
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Just not Brown. He had an excellent game against Calgary, crashing the net, crashing people, basically playing the way he should. When he is on the first line he tries to get too fancy.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:03 am
@edwood2, yea one thing i dont like about Brown he trys to be too fancy for me i dont care how they score as long as they score
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I voted for Brown. I’ve wanted him up there since we got Penner. Only reason I didn’t suggest it, was because Penner, Kopi, and Williams had some chemistry going. But now that Williams is out, this is the perfect opportunity for Brown. Moller can take Brown’s spot on the 2nd line.
I’d be happy just to see it tried for a shift or two. Give Brownie a chance on the 1st line!
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I voted for Moller, but this will be a fluid situation right down to the end.
anyone of a number of guys can slide up to the #1 RW spot…
If Moller doesn’t work out, there’s no sense in force feeding the situation.
We’ll know soon enough what the best option is.
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Penner – Kopitar – Brown
Smyth – Stoll – Moller
Poni – Zeus – Simmonds
Clifford – Lewis – Richie
yes, i would put brown up there but im sure Murray will go into line juggling again, so realistically, i think we will see Brown, Moller and Simmonds switching in and out of the top line in the next few games.
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Kingstane9 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Sebastian, more likely Penner – Kopitar – Simmonds
Smyth – Stoll – Brown
Poni – Zeus – Moller
Clifford – Lewis – Richie
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Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:43 am
@Sebastian,
My thoughts exactly. I would keep that line up till the end of the season, and rotate Brown, Simmers, and Moller. I would even rotate Richie and Moller regularly with each other(depending on match ups).
TM will probably mix everything up on a daily basis though.
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BluLiner Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:29 am
@Sebastian,
This is an easy one and you got it dead right.
Kopitar and Brown played most of the season together and at times were an awesome combination. Add Penner, and the magic could be back.
The Smyth, Stoll line has been stagnant. It improved only a little with Brown. Moller’s speed may be just the thing to jump start that line again.
The other two lines are fine with Westgarth on the bench unless the opponent plays cheapshot artists.
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KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:25 am
@Sebastian, Those are my picks for lines exactly.
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Why put a player in a position where he won’t succeed? Moller is still unproved and Simmer has the experience and has put in the time and deserves a chance to play on the first or second line. Lets see what Moller can do playing with Poni and Zeus who have size and need someone with a little more speed and quick hands to put one in now and again.
This is the playoffs…no time for favorites. I don’t care if Kopi plays with Westy and Clifford as long as we get 2pts every night and make the playoffs.
Penner Kopi Brown
Smyth Stoll Simmonds
Poni Zues Moller
Clifford Lewis Richie
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 am
@Barry’s Mullet, Kinda like these lines Barry.
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Why wasn’t Loktionov put in? I think he would be a better fit over Moller. We need offensive production (See: Last 2-3 games) and Loktionov brings just that. Moller is more of a grinder and is, in all honesty, more of what we already have.
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pr0cess Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:02 am
@IntrepIDOwnz, um isnt he hurt still?
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:05 am
@IntrepIDOwnz, because Lokti is hurt
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DesertKing Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:05 am
@IntrepIDOwnz,
Lokti is out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury while playing for Manchester. You are right, he would have been a good selection to cover for JW.
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Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:21 am
@IntrepIDOwnz,
I wouldn’t clssify Moller as a grinder. He thinks he can, but I think he is more of a tricky winger with some speed, and puckhandling skills. He also likes to agitate and plays a pretty good defensive game. He is offensive minded in his persuits, and should be a nice spark of energy for the Kings.
I wonder how this will effect Manchester? They don’t have Lokti, and now they’ve lost Moller heading into the playoffs.
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Token Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 am
@Dominick, Manchester just got Weal from Juniors since his season ended there. Not a bad addition.
43-53-96 +13
Put him in with Azevedo and Kozun and call it the midge line.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:34 am
@IntrepIDOwnz, Moller isn’t even close to a grinder. Loktionov got hurt 3 weeks ago.
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Mark it down in your book…I predict that Mollerill be more effective then Justin Williams.
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Lvhatrick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 am
Sorry……. Moller will be……
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Sebastian Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:05 am
@Lvhatrick, i really dont think so. i dont think i will be marking that down on my book.
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pr0cess Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:12 am
@Lvhatrick, moller will get knocked around
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Give me Lewy!!!!
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All I am saying…..us give Moller a chance! Lol
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If Simmonds can keep his feet moving and not get lazy I think that should work out nicely. They have already played on the same line, so possibly there can be some chemistry lingering.
Brown would be another good choice for a sweet #1 line. But kind of leaves us dry on our “checking” line-up.
Moller, NO. I am sure he’s going to get the chance to be on the #1 line. However, he is lacking experience.
Richardson, I like where he is at…
Poni, well, we have all seen this guy on the top line-up before. As of late he is not a #1 liner, but if he can get back into the game %100 without taking stupid penalties it could work!
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