Oscar Moller has arrived and is skating in a first-line right-wing role in practice, along with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Penner. No other surprises among the group of Kings forwards…
Penner-Kopitar-Moller
Smyth-Handzus-Brown
Ponikarovsky-Stoll-Simmonds
Clifford/Lewis/Richardson/Westgarth
More updates to come from practice…
i give it 10 minutes, then brown or simmonds goes up there. i hope im wrong though, and moller gets a hat trick
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pr0cess Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 am
@Sebastian, ^^ im with him, infact i think he will get smashed up in the process
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EJ Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Sebastian, I agree. If it doesn’t click by the end of the 1st, TM will shuffle things, and Oscar will probably wind up on the fourth line.
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nykingfan Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:08 am
@EJ,
You may be right that he’ll switch it up after the 1st period..or whenever
If the line is not playing well, should we just keep them together and potentially sacrifice the game?
I’m sorry, but I just don’t understand people’s hard-on over TM’s line switching.
If something’s not working..change it before it’s too late!
Or as I mentioned…just let them play together..hope they develop chemistry..and if not, maybe next year we’ll get back to the playoffs.
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:21 am
@nykingfan, I agree. What does “chemistry” mean, anyway? What, if Moller show himself to be a huge defensive liability you don’t change?!
centericeman Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:25 am
@Sebastian, Hum maybe we should only wait for the first shift to through him under the bus! I understand the urgency of the race, but I think that not only are the fans a little impatient, I think Terry Murray is a little quick with the hook.
Remember Moeller has to adjust to new line mates, and a new league.
Give the kid a shot.
Remember we continue with others on the team (#3 on defense) that has great moments, and he has blunders that are glaring. But we stick with him!
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KingsGuy Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:40 am
@centericeman, Yes, let’s stick with a guy is lacking NHL experience on our #1 line. Sounds like a great idea.
I say Simmonds is on first line by the end of the game.
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John Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:47 am
@KingsGuy,
Oscar Moller has NHL experience.
frazier king Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:50 am
@KingsGuy, I fill with smyth not doing any thing the past 20 games or so he should be moved to the first line to get him going.
KingsGuy Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:46 am
@John, Yes, you are right! He even has a few NHL goals… I was just saying he is lacking “NHL” experience… He has been in the AHL for a reason.
Would be cool to see “Captain” Smyth on the first line. Doubt TM will make that move.
centericeman Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@KingsGuy, With Murray’s quick hook, I wouldn’t be surprised. But that isn’t to say I would agree with the move.
toothless puck mouth Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:27 am
@centericeman, Moller is undersized but he does have NHL expirience and has had some succcess when hes had call ups before
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centericeman Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@toothless puck mouth, Well to say he is “undersized” he is only an inch shorter than Williams. Williams is “undersized” as well, but produces like a stud! My point is that imho Murray is a little to quick to shuffle things around. I have been in that position with coaches before, if you have a bad shift they are all about shifting lines. I didn’t like it then, and I am not sure of its benefits.
But again that is just MHO.
Jeff Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:52 am
@Sebastian, I like Richardson on that first line. He’s been playing with a lot of passion lately.
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:58 am
@Jeff, passion doesn’t equal goal scoring talent. I like Richardson, but he belongs on the 3rd or 4th line. He hustles, harrasses and digs, but no way does he have the goal scoring talent to skate on the 1st line.
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number 6 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:25 am
@Jeff,
Passion is one thing but they need to score goals and he’s not a natural goal scorer
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jason Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@Jeff, richardson is terrible.. hes jack johnsons twin for getting scored against and terrible D
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:57 am
@Sebastian, More likely to be Brown, they tried Simmonds. When Williams went down, Brown went up to the top line and developed a scoring chance right away.
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GOKINGSGO Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Sebastian, I like Mollers skills, i just worry about how he will fare alongside two big bodies who grind the puck down below the end line. Good luck Moller, Keep your head up, Already had your bell rung in your first stint with the big club. Lines should be
Penner-Kopi-simmonds
Smyth-stoll-richie
poni-zeus-brown
clffi-lewis-Moller
We would have a capable 4th line, and brown can bang with the 3rd liners. Worry about Moller in his own zone getting PWNED along the board. For example, Joe Thorton on the puck along the right side boards, Moller to cover him? Scary…. Or Bertuzzi with the puck moving down the right side Moller to body him to the angle? LOL…. Good luck kiddo!
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@Sebastian, Hey gang,
REPOST FROM EARLIER THREAD:
I’m all for Mole` getting the call but I’d love to see 60 minutes with Penns/Kopi/Brownie. Brown has 18+ goals from Kopi’s right and hasn’t scored since they moved him [I know...a goal or two] At some point Kopi/Brown and a warm body was working and working quite well. Tell me those three bearing down on your defensive pair doesn’t strike at least a little fear. I get that Mole` is similar to Williams in size and speed but there again wouldn’t it make more sense to play him with Stoll and the entity that is currently inhabiting the the body of the veteran formerly known as Smyth to see if we can get them jump started down the stretch. And finally leave Zues/Poni and Simmer on that 3rd line and watch the chemistry to continue to develop. Lastly you have 4th line with speed, grit and toughness. I like it boys. I really do. Rich…give TM a nudge on this one for me.
Penner/Kopi/Brown
Smyth/Stoll/Moller
Poni/Handzus/Simmonds
Clifford/Lewis/Richardson/Westgarth
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I personally think he’s too small to be on the top line but what do I know.
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Melissa,
You know more than you think, apparently.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Melissa, I agree with you, but right now, his size is going to hurt him on any line. If he can use his speed and skill, he should be okay.
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Shakes Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 am
@mrbrett7,
Also if you think from the perspective that each line has have a size and speed “budget” you could argue that Penner and Kopi’s extra size “affords” us the ability to add a smaller guy on their line
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@Shakes, Yes, I agree with this also…which is why I’m not unhappy about it. If Penner, especially Penner (read that…yes, I’m calling Penner out) does his job, Moller should be more free to create.
Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:33 am
@Melissa,
That kind of reasoning makes no sense. Is Martin St. Louis too small to be on his top line?
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Chongo Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:37 am
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, True dat…and uh Danny Briere? How big was Gretzky by the way? Every team can stand to have a smaller, faster, skilled guy. Moller did awesome during his first stint before the injury. We will just have to wait and see.
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Laura Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:47 am
@Chongo, and Cammalleri..he is pint sized but is awesome! I miss that guy!
Hockeyfanb4Gretzky Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Chongo, And did we forget about LaRose(sp)? from Carolina.
Bob Bobson Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 am
@Chongo, Agreed, but it seems like it took them some time and several teams before blossoming. Moller may have to go through the same learning curve.
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@Chongo, Gretzky played in a time where small guys could do well easily because the big guys couldn’t move.
You named two outstanding small forwards…can you name more? The point is, yes, there are some, but the odds are stacked against you.
Michael_DD8 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:51 am
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
How bout Gionata? Ryan Callahan , all small. I hate when people knock someone for there size. Many people did it too lokti on this sight too. Remember, we dont expect these guys to be our hitters, or be taking hits. There job is to use there skill to get around those big hard nose guys and make some plays.
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kevin from toronto Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:00 am
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Martin St. Louis and Oscar Moller aren’t even in the same league. Figuratively speaking of course.
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Stuart Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 am
@kevin from toronto, If you were to take a look back at the early years for MSL, I think they are very much “in the same league” but if you’re simply looking at MSL now and comparing him to Moley, then of course not, but that would be a ridiculous thing for anyone with .25 of a brain to do…
king Doughnuts Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:22 am
@kevin from toronto, what about Spud Webb… man, could he put it in the net or what?!
Ersberg Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:17 am
@Melissa, Theo Fleury and Cliff Ronning called to say hello.
Also, Montreal has many small forwards; check out where they are in the standings.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@Ersberg, If Theo Fleury and Ronning played today, they wouldn’t have nearly half the success they did back then, and you know it.
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Stagger Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@mrbrett7, Ronning maybe would have a tough time now. Fleury would still kick-ass. He was so amazingly competitive that I think his game would still work today. Man he used to kill the Kings! I hated that guy!
Ersberg Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@mrbrett7, Are you kidding me? You mean back when you were able to muscle a guy when crossing the opposition blue line? Back when games were 1-1 going into quadruple OT?
Yeah, I’ll argue that since you can barely give a guy an elbow these days, I’d say they’d have more success now than any time during their tenure up until today. Perhaps if you had said prior to when they played, you may have a more of an argument.
No way in Hell they’d be lesser players today than when they played. You won’t convince a fan that’s been watching hockey since the ’70′s(that would be me) that this is the case.
Capt Jam Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 am
It’s not about the size (so much) as it is what you do with it. Ahem.
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number 6 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:29 am
@Capt Jam,
Like they say, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight…. it’s the size of the fight in the dog.
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wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Capt Jam,
That, of course, is what she said.
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Paul G Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Melissa, Clearly not much….were already one of the biggest teams in the NHL and also one of the slowest….I’ll take his speed anyday
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jason Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@Melissa, lokti, kozun and moller are all small and fast but they score and put points up.. in the few games moller played he put up great points… and he has better finish than simmons and brown.. overall they are more experienced but moller is a finisher… watch out he may surprise and fit very well
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sid the kid Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@Melissa, lubomir visnovski is also too small to be a defenseman
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I really hope his scoring touch is there.
He has great energy and should benefit from playing along side the Big Guys Anze and DP.
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Moller will be find on that line. He’s fast..real fast and they don’t have that on that line.
Penner and Kopi can give him space and he can snipe. He’s not afraid to shoot which is a good thing for this team right now.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:31 am
@Dan H., Yeah…he really isn’t that fast.
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Dan H. Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@mrbrett7,
Hopefully you’re not one that says Simmonds if fast.
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PAYBACK TIME OSCAR!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq4Zkdn6RJQ
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KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Sebastian, I prefer this version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsA4tTXgNuU&feature=related
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Sebastian Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:31 am
@KC23, that was not enough…
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Mikey Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:36 am
@Sebastian, devistating hit. I would be so ashamed if one of our boys made a run like that..
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wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Sebastian,
Good versions, but I prefer my own…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n63AtqWAqFg
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well this wouldn’t ever happen if Williams didn’t get hurt poor poor Williams
hope he gets well soon
Well lets see what got Moller hope u got this
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M.T. Net Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:38 am
@KingsFanFTW, get well soon, rich rich williams!
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LAPD line Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:30 am
@M.T. Net,
Tacky, Classless, and uncalled for.
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very happy with this decision from TM….lines 2 thru 4 played great last game…adding Cliffy and subtracting Westgarth is only going to boost our line up
Moller deserves his chance and I get a feeling he will perform….he knows this may be his last chance….everything is in order for him to solidify his spot inthe NHL
it sucks Williams went down, but it’s a golden opportunity for Moller…..GKG
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tornado12 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 am
@launch, i agree with your sentiments, but I dont think this is OM’s “last chance”
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Wonder what Brown thinks of that. I’m sure we’ll never know, but I do wonder.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@KC23, I think you and I agree that Brown should be on the 1st line with Kopitar, but…it’s not our decision to make, and Brown has proven he will do what is asked of him, which is why he is the captain of this team.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@mrbrett7, Brown should be on the 3rd line he is perfect for that role.
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this is the right move – the only reason to call Moller up is for him to be a top-6 player like he has been in Manchester. he was drafted as an offensive player, he has been groomed as an offensive player and he needs to be played in an offensive position with talented players. if TM/DL wanted a bottom six guy they would have called up someone else.
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jason Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@Dave, perfectly said
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I’m excited about Moller being back……but not at the expense of Williams…..
Crossing my fingers for the little viking……..
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pr0cess Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:33 am
@Louis Zypher, he is like the Viking from “teach your dragon to fly” lol
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ok this is cool thought i would share
http://www.acoollink.com/junior-reporter-tough-questions/
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wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:47 am
@pr0cess,
Sadly, it looks like he was put up to it. Reminds me of those little beauty queens that their mothers like to parade around on stage.
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This is going to be interesting because Moller has actually done pretty well will much lesser talent around him. Then again he’ll be up against better talent checking that line. Should be fun to watch it unfold.
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Mole or not, the 1st line has struggled with getting solid O-zone time. It started against the quacks, who have a much more formidable 1st line than CAL has. And in our next game we’ll see which end of the ice our 1st line plays in…
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Moller is getting his shot. Just like Lewis earlier this year, I believe it is his last shot. We all know and it has been widely discussed fthat for Moller to stick with the big club, he has to be top 6. His size has been a hinderance. We all think he has the skills. Now he needs to deliver at the right time, otherwise, he goes the way of Teddy Purcell, Matt Moulson & Brian Boyle (And probably succeeds with another team).
I am rooting for Oscar big time.
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Stuart Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:38 am
@Cynic, hopefully he goes the way of Marty St.Louis. Small but effective.
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wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:54 am
@Stuart,
Exactly. And to that point, Martin St. Louis didn’t stick in the NHL until he was 25. He was up and down until then. Oscar is only 22. So I don’t think this is his last shot by any stretch. He’s proven he can play at this level. It’s just a matter of consistently keeping his game at a high level. I really hope Deano is simply letting him marinate until he’s so primed, he grabs a spot.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@wavesinair, Well, St. Louis did break his leg, pretty badly, and that accounted for some of the time lost.
wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:54 pm
copy that.
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Cynic, Don’t believe it is his last shot by any means. Players his size has been in the NHL forever and will continue to be. He just has to continue to improve which I believe he has. Should be interesting this time around because he knows the system well and he will have lots of talent around him and against him.
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jason Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@Cynic, he already delivered this season lol…. look at stats
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I posted this in an earlier thread today, and we know how two-threads-back is ancient history, but I think it’s worth a talk:
re: TM stopping practice over bad passes:
But maybe it’s about time that he stopped everytime there was missed pass. All that talk about our PP a couple of threads ago and not one person mentioned how terrible our team passing is. To me, this is what makes a PP click, PASSING!!! I was watching the CAL PP the other night when they were force feeding JI and it was their passing that was making it possible…then look at our PP and our general passing is abysmal!!!
IMO our players don’t think about their passing, they just launch the puck without any conviction. I think DB throws every pass in a “general” area because nary is the day that I see him complete two tape-to-tapes in the offensive zone per time in. Same thing with WS. Intercepted passes end up going the other way. Blocked passes that get dumped out kill 12-17 seconds on our PP EVERYTIME!!! three bad passes and there goes a minute of PP time. With DP, at least I can see that the man can put a pass on someone’s tape at speed, to where the receiver doesn’t even break stride.
I’ve heard people talk about bag skates after bad games, well, IMO it’s time for a practice where all people do is hit players in stride. If you can’t put a pass on a stick then skate laps or wash everyone’s jock, I don’t know, but someone needs to point out that puck control and offensive chances go hand-in-hand with completed passes!!!
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Stuart, Concur. I’ve noticed games where the passing is on, and I’ve also noticed the Kings winning those games.
The lack of solid passing on this Kings team drives me up the wall as well.
When the puck is carried into the o-zone (with support) also has lead to winning games.
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number 6 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:31 am
@Stuart,
Concur totally Stuart. There is a great chapter in a book about John Wooden where evidently one of his maxims wasn’t ‘practice makes perfect’ but ‘perfect practice makes perfect’. The idea was that your bad habits from practice will spill over into game situations. So I too was impressed to see that TM had the foresight to correct things As they were happening.
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Stuart Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:49 am
@number 6, it’s not wonder that man was a coaching GENIUS!!! The Wizard was onto something there, and yet people think practice is a waste of time, or a necessary evil, or something that I can’t exactly put my finger on.
Take advantage of practice to hone skills and perfect the little nuances of the game! Like PASSING THE DAMN PUCK!!!
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number 6 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@Stuart,
You know, I used to live in the UK and the int soccer team plays w passion but their comfort on the ball and passing is not near the level of teams like Brazil and Argentina who learn the fundamentals from the grass roots level.
I think at college level and juniors, while I think the scouting staff has done a very consistent job, they could also put As Much focus on fundamentals as they do on to the aspect of character.
number 6 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Stuart,
Sorry Stuart. I meant to say that at college level and juniors, they do teach fundamentals, but the scouting staff also has to get those players that exhibit those qualities. It seems to me that Kings teams going back ages haven’t been terribly strong in passing and receiving pucks. When you watched Detroit the last few years, and going back a long time ago there is one word to describe their fundamentals: Strong!!
bbb7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Stuart, Very much agree, the Kings have trouble making two clean passes in a row. Even bobbling a pass slightly causes you to hesitate on the next one and gives the D adjustment time. I dont know if practicing will help, tho, cause if by this time in their hockey careers the players cant make/receive a pass cleanly, they probably never will. It’s what makes our PP weak, the constantly stopping/settling/recovering passes before making another.
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number 6 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@bbb7,
As for the likes of Ryan Smyth or Zues (though I love his game) I agree. But there are enough young guys where they are still young enough to get a certain benefit (I would think) of correction of certain fundamentals.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@bbb7, The fundamentals including passing/ receiving are essential to playing the game at a high level. Among the Kings’ forwards, it’s what defines Brown as “not appropriate for top-6 duty”. It also makes Smith marginal. With Brown, he can single-handedly sabotage puck possession in the offensive zone like no other – and usually does! I like Brown’s other qualities (attitude, energy, focus, etc.), but he functions well as a 3rd liner. Even in the recent rotation, Brown should not be in the 2nd PP unit.
I’m pretty sure that TM does not emphasize clean, accurate passing as much as I’d like to see. Not sure what John Stevens’ philosophy is either. Certainly, I’d characterize TM’s style as traditional tough-nosed Canadian hockey where brawn is king to the detriment of finesse. I’d like to see the pendulum swing ever-so-slightlty towards the finesse without sacrificing toughness…I’ll give TM credit with abandoning his static PP approach and they’ve made strides, but I don’t know if they can improve enough to make it pay off this season. The next step would be to change movement and tactics in the offensive zone so that it’s not just point shots, but also actively seeking opportunities at the height of the dots, especially closer to the middle of the ice.
GKG!
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Stuart Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@FdoFmFull, Been screaming what you’re saying about DB from the mountain tops of many small towns, but everytime I’ve called DB the biggest momentum killer on our team, someone throws out his goal total…BARF… who cares how many goals he scores. MAKE A DAMN PASS that leads to a goal! and a clean one at that!!!
I love Moller’s readiness to shoot the puck from anywhere on the ice at any time, the Kings need more of that, but I’m still not sold on the idea of him on a line with Kopitar and Penner. Just doesn’t seem like the right mix. Also, I’m worried that their physical game will only encourage him to try and bang too (something he’s also always happy to do) which really shouldn’t be his game.
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rick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Bickleton Wigglesworth III, Do you really think that Kopitar and Penner play a “physical” game? They are two big bodies who don’t mix it up all that often. Penner, in particular, should be able to bulldoze people, but rarely does it from what I have seen so far. I am one who thinks that Moller is going to be a good fit. Like Williams, he is quick and clever with a nose for the puck. He ain’t in Williams’ league by any stretch, but he is about as good of a replacement as we have in the organization.
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Stuart Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 am
@rick, Idk rick, from what I’ve seen so far, I’ve think DP has bowled some people over pretty regularly. At least I’ve been impressed by that part of his game.
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Just Win, Baby!!!
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Good enough player Moller that he would be a regular for a lot of teams. I dont mind him in a big role.
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I still think you need to reunite richie and simmonds and put them on the ice with Zus. Keep it Stoll/Smyth/Brown and then 4th line is strong with Clifford/Lewis/Poni
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Moller is pretty small to be playing with guys like Kopitar and Penner.
Simmonds could move up, but his line has been great lately and no need to break them up… but then you’ve got Stoll with those guys now and Handzus moves up? That one doesn’t make much sense.
What about bringing Lewis up and keeping the 4th line of Poni, Richardson and Clifford.
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moeller changes are team to a team of speed, this gives us speed at the top, kopi and penner have decent speed but moeller is prolly now the fastes skater on the team now.
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I say smyth would be better on the 4th. With less minutes, he could prob have more gas in the tank to score.
Lines should be:
Penn-kopi-moller
Poni-zues-brown
Cliffy-stoll-simmer
Smyth-Lewis-richie
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:22 am
@Ari,
I like your Smyth reasoning with one exception: the fourth line is the momentum line, requiring lots of energy, high intensity skating. Not exactly Smyth’s calling card.
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Ari Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@Capt Jam, Good point
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Man this is a slow team. That might be the biggest loss from the Williams injury.
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KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:59 am
@fuzzerson, Moller is not slow.
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I really think it is time for Ponikarovsky to step up. I know that Frolov is injured but I can’t help but wonder how we would be if he were still a King. Either way, if we can’t score any goals we are not getting past the 1st round. We are third best in D but 23 in offense. I don’t think there is a favorable matchup for us in the first round unless we can switch to the Eastern Conference where we own everyone. The next best thing would be to play all our games on the road.
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nykingfan Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:13 am
@Big Rob in Dallas,
Fro would probably be a habitual scratch for indifferent play…
Amazing skill but no heart whatsoever. Bad combination!
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Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 am
@nykingfan, I know a lot of people question his heart but he made the 3rd line of Handzus and Simmonds go. They are not producing like last year. I just wonder what would have been had we kept him instead of Poni. He was the master of cycling along the wall and then making the pass to the point. Since that is our entire offense I can help but think we could score an extra 1/2 goal a game with him there. I also think how good we would be if we got Kovalchuck too. We REALLY need a sniper to break open our 1-1 games in regulation.
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KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@Big Rob in Dallas, A reasonable question to ask, but don’t ask the Ranger’s coach.
nykingfan Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@Big Rob in Dallas,
Good point about Fro. I actually like Poni’s game a lot better (when he’s on)
I love the grit he brings to the game. I’d like to see more scoring and I still think it’ll come. He better hurry up though!
wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Big Rob in Dallas,
Poni has stepped up. His game is the best it’s been. If he keeps it up, he’ll be scoring. It’s time for Kopi and Doughty to step it up. After all, it’s their team.
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EternalOptimist Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@wavesinair,
Totally agree, Poni has been working his arse off at both ends of the ice. He deserves to be rewarded with a few more goals.
Great point, we have 3 stars in Quick, Kopi and DD, but only one has really upped his game to carry the team recently. I’m confident the other 2 will step it up as well.
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nykingfan Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@wavesinair,
I think Kopi’s stepped it up big time over the past 6 weeks or so.
Doughty’s Doughty…He still makes mistakes like a lot of young D-men, but he can take over a game with his skill. He also seems to have the Knack for knowing when to take over a game with an end to end rush or joining the play..a lot like JJ and Martinez.
I think the guy who really needs to step up big time is Smyth…I love Smytty, but he looks terrible. It’s one thing not to score, but he’s not involved.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@nykingfan, Agree, I’ll add that the only thing DD is not doing is scoring. If you don’t appreciate what DD brings to a team, then you’re missing the finer points of the game. Dude is AMAZING! Earlier in this thread, the topic of passing skills was discussed, watch DD’s passing skills – he’d make a great centerman if he wasn’t such a great d-man. Yes, he still makes mistakes in the area of the ice where you pay dearly, but, I’ll be honest, watch Mitchell’s game, he makes more…not to mention JJ.
With the uncertainty of the 1st line, having lost Williams, this team is going to need both secondary and PP scoring more than ever. The team needs to come out of the gate like a bat out of hell and get a jump on teams – they seem to do well in games in which they score first. Certainly the numbers are there when they lead after both the 1st and 2nd periods!
GKG!
Maybe Moller will score us some goals like alot we need scorers not a person to score once in awhile
Penner,Kopi,Williams score mostly ever game they played but when they lost against the Blues and didnt score that was the last time they ever scored
So that line broked We need it back cause everytime Kopi line score we find a way to win
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Stuart Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:21 am
@KingsFanFTW, LOL after reading your posts I feel like the AFLAC duck when he hears Yogi Bera say something.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Stuart, LOL
telling u my post comes out weird like Moller got soemthing i just reread it am like WTf did i just said LOL
Yea its true soemtime i dont know what i wrote but i know what i was trying to say
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I like all those lines -Westy
Penner-Kopitar-Moller
Smyth-Handzus-Brown
Ponikarovsky-Stoll-Simmonds
Clifford/Lewis/Richardson
If TM decides to try something else, I would like to switch Moller for Brown.
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Justin Williams – 6′ 1″ 188 lb.
Oscar Moller – 5′ 10″ 189 lb.
What’s the problem here? Both players weigh the same. One could argue that Moller has a stronger build for his height.
The whole “he is too small” thinking is pure malarkey.
Heck, Brad Richardson is 5′ 11″ 192 lb. Is he also too small for the NHL?
Rubbish arguments.
Let’s support the guy instead for a change, can we?
Go Sweed Go!
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number 6 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Token,
Yes, for sure. As in all the above arguments, I mean Danny Briere has done reasonably ok for himself. Granted he’s on a team that doesn’t take any bull, but still.
Also I keep thinking of the goal OM scored vs. Detroit. It was a real nice touch to sort of reach back behind him and pull the puck back before tucking it into the net.
With Dustin Penner on the left wing he can do a lot of the work down low (as can Kopi). I for one like the balance. I’m almost scared to say it but I find it highly unlikely he’ll go thru what Purcell went thru here. Maybe he doesn’t score in the first game or two, but give him time and he’ll pick up points for sure.
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bbb7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Token, It’s not so much that Moller is small as that he PLAYS small- Oscar gets easily pushed off the puck, and doesnt win any board battles. With his skill in close quarters, JW was able to come away with pucks even battling with bigger men. IF it comes down to the line being successful requires OM to scrap along the boards it’s not gonna happen; we need a scheme for that line in which Oscar’s job is moving to open space and letting the other two guys get him the puck.
Good luck OM.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:40 am
@bbb7, well like ur post but u got to give a supprot to Oscar Moller sooner or later he going to be a Kings in the near future
so matter as while give him the best luck
I believe he bring something good maybe not to that line but maybe to the second u never know into u see it
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Token Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@bbb7, The four games he played this year with the Kings, he looked just fine, even on the off wing. 3 points in 4 games.
But that’s just my observation.
I’m just disappointed in the general fan gospel here when the facts point to a different line of reasoning.
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Hopefully Oscar Moller is this years version of Chris Kontos. We need someone with the hot hand to scores some big goals and get us into the playoffs.
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Tuff games ahead…this is it ladies n gentlemen GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!!! GO KINGS !
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:42 am
@rich, yea going to be tough games from here and out
Play hard like there no Hockey tomorrow sooner or later they will be no hockey left
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Other than the 92-03 series with Toronto, these next 9 games are arguably the most important in Kings history. We, as fans, need to focus on these games, not the past and not nest season…these things do not exist.
The “system” will not be changed – move on
Murray will not get fired – move on
Kompon will not get fired – move on
Frolov is not here and probably won’t ever be -move on
Boyle is not here and probably won’t ever be – move on
Schenn is not here and probably won’t be this year – move on
The management and players we have now are the only ones we will have for these last nine games. I know everyone here likes to offer their opinions and you are what makes this site so incredible. But it really is time to focus on what’s up…not on what’s past.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Dave’s a Killer, yup we need to support our team and support them to Victory
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rich Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:51 am
@KingsFanFTW, IM IN !!!! GO KINGS!!!!
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:45 am
@Dave’s a Killer, uh, 92 -93 season
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launch Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:53 am
@Dave’s a Killer, you forgot….
Trade Quick – move on, not going to happen
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
@launch, Oh, yeah, and bench Doughty
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KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, 74-75 series against Toronto also.
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Paul M. Hedberg Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@KC23, hard to think what the direction of the franchise woulda been if we make a run that season.I like to think I’ve gotten past it though.My catharsis or redemption or whatever was being at The Forum on APR 10 ’82.
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Shakes Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@Dave’s a Killer,
you forgot: Trade JMFJ
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Paul M. Hedberg Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, looking at the history of 9 gm finishes;need to have a winning record over the next 17 days that’s for sure.
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Moller, last time up 3 pts in 4 games. He’ll surprise
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wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
@Mike in Oregon,
That’s thing. It isn’t a surprise. He’s proven he can play at this level. Everyone else just gets fixated on his size, when it’s more about his age. At 22, he’s just getting into that place where he will start to get more games. It may take a couple more years until he sticks. St. Louis didn’t stick until he was 25.
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Hold on for the race to the end. All other teams get hit with injuries as well. Take the bumps and fight for their jobs. Maybe next year we will get some young energy guys who can scier like we did in 1982
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Paul M. Hedberg Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@KingsOfComedy, like JP Kelly,Evans,Hopkins,Fox,Bonar & D.Smith…oh yeah & BOZEK.Need to stick with those kids though.
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A little dose of adversity can turn out to be a very good thing, sometimes.
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We lose offense and the Sucks get Hiller back from his bout with the vapours. Seriously, how drunk do you have to get to have the spins for 8 weeks?
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jess Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@370455VinSD,
Vertigo can be a nasty thing but usually chicks get it.
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Still have to fix that 2nd line since it has absolutely no goals…..empty betters don’t count
Change up Simmer and Brown
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FdoFmFull Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@Paul G, The options TM had to fix the 2nd line have come and gone. Now we’re getting the injuries that we mostly avoided earlier. Ideally, TM would have given Smith the odd game off (3-4 games) over the last 4-5 weeks since it’s been evident that he’s running on fumes. Now with Williams gone and Clifford just returning, he has to play Smith. Realistically, there was never going to be the chance to rest him in the last week of the season – the team is not in a position to do so like Washington is doing with Overchkin – we don’t have the luxury. Gotta make the playoffs!
GkG!
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Stoll gets our only goal the other night, and then also scores in the shootout and gets demoted to the third line? What’s up with that?
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FdoFmFull Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@DY, Got demoted to the third line THEN he had the big game! It’s called motivation!!!
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Play BIG Moller!
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I’m just glad the kings organizattion has resources deep enough to be able to call up a skilled 2nd rounder like moller. Playoffs bring out extraordinary traits in men and teams. He may just surprise us and I look forward to seeing how he contributes to the chemistry tomorrow night.
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Moller is too small, I hate to say it. His size is good for AHL but not NHL. And yes St. Louis, Biere, and other small guys in the NHL, but Moller isn’t those guys with thier talent.
I hate to say it first but watch what happens…….
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