Here’s how the Kings’ forwards are lined up this morning, which is essentially the way they ended the last game…
Penner-Handzus-Moller
Smyth-Lewis-Brown
Ponikarovsky-Stoll-Simmonds
Clifford-Richardson-Westgarth
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Im happy with those lines, i thought they would put in Harrold instead of Westgarth though
[Reply]
Hat trick Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@kennynakamoto, I thought that would be the best choice but i guess not.
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@kennynakamoto, I thought the same thing.
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FM3 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@kennynakamoto, I understood why you would want Harrold in and that still may end up being the possibility. I’m thinking that since Richie is in a Center role, Westgarth and Harrold may end up doing what Westgarth and Richie were doing just recently by switching back and forth depending on the situation. I have to say that with this lineup, our overall team speed went up with Lewis, Stoll and Richie as our centers and each is responsible in the defensive zone. without Kopi in the lineup, teams may want to push forward, trying to take advantage of him not being there, but with the team speed, we may catch their defense pinching up a little more than usual and get a few more odd man rushes and scoring opportunities.
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luc20rules Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
@FM3, So let me get this staight Westie in Kopi out and our overall speed increases. I am a season ticket holder and can definately tell you that is not the case. I would have expected Harold in because he has played center, taken faceoffs, and played PK minutes. He won’t add much to the Offense that will be missing from Kopi’s absence, but should be able to help fill the Defensive Center role that had people talking Kopi for the Selke Trophy. Does Edmonton even dress a thug, I just don’t see playing Westie Edm Major Penalty leaders are Stortini RW 215lbs with 8 fights & Peckham D 234lbs with 8 fights.
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Chins up boys, here we go!
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As they should be…..
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Rich, finally a new post
Lines look good… I wish they kept Zues and Brown together. They have been a good combo as of late.
I am sure we are going to get all the Westy haters complaining about him being in the line-up. LOL.
Lets go Kings. Shut em down and win!
[Reply]
DaveinSD Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@KingsGuy, Edmonton is fast and Westgarth is too slow…I don’t like it.
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roadtripper Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@DaveinSD, I couldn’t agree more!!! Call up Kozun!!!
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16,005 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@roadtripper,
Per LeBrun, any call up would preclude any chance for Schenn to get called in an emergency situation. Make do with what we got.
RobSD Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@roadtripper,
We really don’t need him down the stretch. Clifford can handle the duties, we need more depth, not a giant unskilled man, who plays 5 minutes a game.
Since '67 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@KingsGuy, No he can cheer from the bench, Quickie can probably cover his shifts and even out skate him in full gear.
Now before everyone gets all bent out of shape here. I’m just trying to make light of a very tough situation. I for one am not huge fan of Westgarth, although, he is King and I have and will always be a fan of THE TEAM. Also, I really hope that he will be able to contribute in a positive way, no matter how large or small that may be. We need points and momentum and that is most important going into the playoffs. The boys really need to come together and for us to show just how supportive we all are of the current group of players. This is huge, why don’t we show them just how great of fans we are!!!!!! GO KINGS GO!
[Reply]
I really like Lewis’ promotion. He has been playing very solidly of late and putting him in that role gives that line some much needed speed.
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@Kramsteezy, I’m also really interested to see Lewis with some offensively talented wingers. Should be interesting.
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If that doesn’t work, I suggest a switch of Brown & Moller:
Penner – Handzus – Brown
Smyth – Lewis – Moller
Poni – Stoll – Simmonds
Clifford – Richardson – Westgarth
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@King John, This what I would like to see…I would also like to see a kid get a shot instead of playing Westgarth, although I don’t mind having him in against Edmonton the way they have been fighting lately.
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dcaps55 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:18 am
@King John, I like that idea. Looks great on paper. But, I appreciate what TM is trying to do by balancing the lines with veterans and rookies. Moller, although hardly a rookie has two solid veterans to lean on. Lewis, two solid veterans around him. Finally, 4th line gets Richie in between to two hard to play against rookies Cliffy & Westy…
So, I’d switch Lewis & Stoll
Penner – Handzus – Brown
Smyth – Stoll – Moller
Poni – Lewis – Simmonds
Clifford – Richardson – Westgarth
or keep the 4th line intact from the whole season, Richie & Simmer seem to have great success when they are on the ice together:
Penner – Handzus – Brown
Smyth – Stoll – Moller
Poni – Richardson – Simmonds
Clifford – Lewis – Westgarth
Starting to feel better about things…
[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@dcaps55,
The reason for Lewis on line 2 is because he and Smyth had incredible chemistry together the last game.
I also think Brown likes to play with and works well with Handzus. It would kind of be a power line.
[Reply]
jason Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@dcaps55, stoll is cold right now, lewis is hot.. stoll only 1 even strength point in 12 games and hes -7. Lewis 3 points and +2… He scored within minutes of moving up.. keep him there
[Reply]
McDonalds Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@King John, Totally agree. Let’s see how moller does without Kopi, and if it’s not working then swap him with Brown
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@King John, Who’d have guessed we’d be playing a center at right wing? After all this trouble trying to improve at left wing, it looks so odd seeing Moller continue to play at right wing.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:29 am
@King John,
I agree with you due to the chemistry between Brown and Zeus.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@DesertKing, The chemistry has been on the power play between Zeus and Brown.
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Aloft hungry young players on our team, I’m hoping that what has happened is inspirational
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That 4th line looks hmm, i don’t have a word for it. Help?
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King John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@Agame, Or he could put in Harrold….
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@King John, Harry could play right wing, at least in a pinch…or he could continue to ride the bench to support both offense and defense in case another player goes down on either end.
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@Agame,
The 4th line looks the same as it has much of this succesful season. So, I guess that word you’re looking for is “Winner”.
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Makin do with what we got…
Still, it doesn’t look like too bad a team, provided Penner and Moller start producing…
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@J-Ro, It’s where we find out just how much depth we have. Unfortunately, most of that depth isn’t at the top-six forward skill level.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:25 am
…at least, when you leave out the unfortunate injuries in the minors…
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i like how smyth and lewis woke each other up offensively
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frazier king Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:17 am
@Qmungous, smyth finally after at least 20 games or so got his game back,think he was hurt.
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Michael J. Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@frazier king,
Agreed. He must have had some kind of nagging injury…
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bbb7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Qmungous, I would not jump the gun on Smyth…it WAS Colorado, after all. Let’s see a few games before we declare him ‘back.’
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@bbb7,
He’s looked “back” for about four games, in my expert opinion.
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nykingfan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@bbb7,
It wasn’t just the Colorado game. He’s played well over the past 3 or 4 games. He finally got rewarded with a goal against COL.
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What did Peter Harrold do, run over TM’s dog? I hope we won’t
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Blurker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@Blurker, …be seeing Westgarth for the next 7 games. (stupid phone.)
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Cynic Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@Blurker, I think he booed TM.
I think Harry would be much more effective on the 4th line than Westy right now. We’re not looking for fights this time of the year and if we were, Clifford can still handle that part of it. We need speed and a little extra defensive mindedness that Harrold brings as a D-man playing winger goes a LOT farther than Westgarth right now.
I wish TM would see that.
What baffles me is we spend that time cross-training Harrold to play wing and be that spare part and then we don’t use him. It really makes zero sense to me.
FREE PETER HARROLD!!!
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@Cynic, I agree with you.
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Hockey G Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@Cynic, I could not agree with you more Cynic. With Harrold at least we have more of a chance of scoring and would be able to roll the four lines as we have been doing in the past. It would give us more of a chance to rest players and gives Harrold that chance to play and get some points.
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Carolina Kings Fan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@Cynic, Please sit Westy. We need speed and scoring.
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poe Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@Carolina Kings Fan,Couldn’t agree more. He’s TMs new Randy Jones and we know how useless he was
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@Blurker, He’s very valuable riding the pine because he can replace a forward or a defenseman in a pinch. It just so happens that he’s more valuable not playing late in the season than he is playing (and I don’t want to think about the off-season, at this point, because I like the guy a lot.)
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Blurker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Seems like this might be a pinch..? I’ve got to believe that TM has ZERO intention of playing Harrold at all-american or else why wouldn’t he get limited ice time in the only game that isn’t against a team we’re competing with for playoff seeding???
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Blurker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@Blurker, Ignore the word “american” there. I’m about to throw this phone out the window.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@Blurker, Well, there’s no roster limit now, so they can keep who they have and bring up players. The pinch will be when they’ve used their three roster moves.
Westgarth is a much more effective 4th liner than Harrold, who brings absolutely nothing as a forward. I’m satisfied…
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Chongo Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@Eric, lol
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John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Eric,
Westgarth brings absolutely nothing as a foward
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SDGolfer Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@John,Wrong.
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John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@SDGolfer,
Ok, I’ll give he brings a decent ability to fight, but that’s it, nothing else, nada – not the ability to check, not even the ability to recognize WHEN to fight! We don’t need a fighter this time of year anyways.
Brent Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Eric, Harrold scored a goal against Detroit without much game action. Westgarth hasn’t scored anything. Harrold is more mobile and plays defense and forward.
I believe Harrold is a better match for speed and skill than Westgarth and Westgarth better for toughness and intimidation.
Use them accordingly.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Eric, that is the funniest thing i have read on this site to date!
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chuckrocks Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@Eric, Westgarth couldnt score on a breakaway with the other teams goaltender pulled.
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I like Westgarth but we need speed out there. I’d say Harrold should be the 4th line winger.
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I’m posting practice video via twitter…@wavesinair or click me…
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wavesinair Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:27 am
Here you go…
http://www.twitter.com/wavesinair
Much easier to post via twitter than YouTube.
Let me know how they look please.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@wavesinair,
Awesome dude, thanks.
[Reply]
Kostamojen Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@wavesinair, Ah man, Twitter is blocked at my work
Go back to YouTube, LOL.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@wavesinair, Finally, a decent use for Twitter!
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@wavesinair, They look great, thanks.
A question for anyone: When a team is in So Cal to play the Kings and the Staples Center is configured for basketball and so there can be no morning skates/practices on it, where do the opponents go to practice?
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Kostamojen Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@bbb7, Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo?
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Wasn’t Kopi supposed to have an MRI today? I hope he doesn’t have any ligament damage!
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I’m intrigued at how this will play out. It’s an interesting twist in the story of the LA Kings.
Just make the playoffs. You never know what can happen after that. John Druce can come out of nowhere. The Ducks can sweep the Wings. Halak can steal a series against the Caps, and then the Penguins on top of that.
One shift at a time.
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puck73 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:45 am
@KingsFan78, Good analogies, and just as important…their all very true.
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tornado12 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@KingsFan78, i saw this in a previous post, but too lazy to search the 500 plus posts. Can anyone remember a team winning the SC without their best player?
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@tornado12, Nope…I can’t.
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loskingpride Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@tornado12, 1950 Red Wings without Howe I think it was.
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tornado12 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@loskingpride, please tell me you had to look that one up and not from personal experience…lol
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@tornado12, Edmonton in ’90 without Fuhr, although maybe that’s stretching it a little…
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PRMan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@tornado12, But many have won getting their best player back in round 2.
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KingsFan78 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@tornado12, No, but it’s not specifically about the cup anymore. It’s also very likely the Kings wouldn’t be the first team to win the cup without their best player. Still, if this current roster makes the playoffs, and makes any sort of noise while there, it’ll be a fun ride.
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LAK27 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@KingsFan78, Ha! John Druce…awesome!
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Pretty solid, however, I would have liked to see Brown stay with Zeus. I also have concerns that the first line will be pretty slow (with the exception of Moller).
We’ll have to see how it goes.
Whatever we end up, if everyone gives 100% they can be successful. Think of the Devils teams in the 90s.
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Just hope JW is back in 3weeks.
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Man I can’t wait to see TL get some serious offensive responsibility. I think he’s going to be a gem in our playoff run!
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@Stuart, I have a strange feeling that Lewis will be one of those kids whose hands eventually catch up with his feet (speed). I just don’t see it happening this year.
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Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@mrbrett7, you might be right, but I’m hoping RS will be able to feed him some softies like the one he was able to put up top on COL… I already know that DB is not a passer in your book, so RS will have to shoulder that load! Set up Lewey and let’s see those hands form in the fire!!!
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@Stuart, You don’t want to know what I think about RS and his passing ability…but that was a great pass the other day against Colorado.
RS couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat when it comes to passing…but, that really isn’t his game (as it isn’t Brown’s), so it’s really not fair to criticize…
When I put together a line, I like to see one banger, one playmaker/passer, and one finisher.
tornado12 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:03 am
@Stuart, DB is a good passer. That setup to Zues against COL was pretty saucey!
WOW, seriously?? Just plugging in Westgarth was seriously the worst thing to do.
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im very pro-fighting and pro-heavyweights and pro-enforcers, but westgarth has played the rookie role too long. he needs to step up and fight when the kings need a boost in a game not when the guy hes been asking politely all game finally says yes and its a boost for the other team.
im also not a fan of harrold at all, muchless at forward. but id like to see harrold get some games in against at least the nucks and sharks, even the stars since barchs face is mush still and probably wont be fighting. they are going to need harrold to play some time at forward in the playoffs so get some warm up games under the belt.
i believe! go kings!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@nickdoh, That is my biggest knock against Westgarth. He’s timing of when to fight is random and rarely does it seem to be when we need it most. Clifford has that natural ability of knowing when to throw down to help the team.
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No one can predict what has happened, but it would be nice to have Marco Sturm right now.
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Bonvivant1 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@Jay Go LA Kings, Interesting comment. I was thinking the same thing the other day. It certainly would have given us a few more options. We’ll see how much depth this team really has. Right now this team, without Kopitar and Williams, reminds me of teams in the mid to late 90s. Not a lot of offensive upside. Our goaltending and defense are significantly better. I think the X factor for the remaining season is going to be our defensive scoring. I would not be surprised if Murray opens it up a bit more.
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Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:43 am
@Bonvivant1, even though he’s commented that he’s going to get MORE conservative… UGH
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@Stuart, Where did he say that? I must have missed it…but I wouldn’t blame him if he did.
Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@mrbrett7, I could’ve sworn that I saw that, but I looked and looked and didn’t see it. Maybe I just made it up or took it from what I think TM would say lol. sorry
Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@mrbrett7, ok, found it. The lighting in the loo must’ve been bad because this is what I read feom helen : “Murray said he considered becoming more conservative but will stick with the current structure.”
I mistook the “considered” part. moo-moo
Michael J. Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@Jay Go LA Kings,
I was thinking about that also. A month ago the Kings had Kopi, Sturm, Williams, and Lokti down in Manch… Noone could have predicted any injuries.
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KingsGuy Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@Jay Go LA Kings, Sturm??? Yeah, he did so much for us while he was in LA… I think it took him like 13 games to get his first goal as a Cap.
Much rather have DP.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@KingsGuy, Who has a total of 2 goals in 13 games played…
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Bonvivant1 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:53 am
@mrbrett7, Overall he has 24 goals I believe. That is still better than 5 of our forwards. This is a wake up call for Penner. He still does not to have to carry the team but he has to make the first line a credible scoring threat to merit match ups with opposing defenses’ best players. This will not only free up our second and third lines to get more looks but will create match up problems for other teams. I would like to see our fourth line chip in at least 4-5 goals the remainder of the season.
DLB Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@mrbrett7, and more assists.
PRMan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@Jay Go LA Kings, I did. I said we should waive Drewiske or Harrold instead of Sturm, even if we KNEW they would be taken.
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jess Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@Jay Go LA Kings,
Sturm is a good guy and a decent player but truth is, Penner produces more in a few games for us than Sturm did during his entire stay here. And Moller is producing, Lewis is stepping up, Mitchell looks great, Smyth is getting his legs back so let’s see what happens tomorrow night.
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Top 3 lines is how the game was ended Saturday and it looked pretty good, albeit against Colorado. Westy has been playing better as of late and Richie can play anywhere.
My bigger consern is how do you stack the PP and who gets Kopi’s PK time? Richie essentially lost his PK time to Lewis and think he should get the first shot there. As for PP, I think Stoll goes in on 1st line with orders to shoot and put Moller on the half wall.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@2hitnik, Stoll is the most overrated PP guy I’ve ever seen. His one timer is one of the worst I’ve ever seen. I like Stoll over all, but on the PP he just can’t finish or develop loose pucks with his play making.
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Today is the first day of the rest of the season. Our team wll do fine and often teams that face adversity come together even more and collectively become a better unit. Not saying that I wouldn’t want Kopi and JW back in there in a heartbeat, but there is always more than one way to achieve a goal. GKG!
[Reply]
John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@DesertKing,
And you know what they say about wounded animals
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Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@John, they eventually die of their wounds?
[Reply]
John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@Stuart,
Before that!
DesertKing Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@Stuart,
LOL, don’t think that will happen with our team, but it is still a funny answer!
PRMan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@John, They get picked off by Predators?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@PRMan, I laughed.
Shakes Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@John,
They get eaten by Coyotes? they killed by Blackhawks, they get Ducked…by… what does a Duck do?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Shakes, besides deficate all over the place? NOTHING!!!
KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@Shakes, Ducks? Its whats for dinner.
Bring up Elkins and put him as the center of the first line.
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Come on boys. Goal #1 get into the playoffs. I’d bet we need only 3 or 4 wins to secure a spot.
Goal #2 scratch and calw past round 1. Once we get into round 2 we get kopi and JW back! Can you imagine being the only team to acquire two major playoffs DURING the playoffs!
Defense and goaltending wins championships. Remember all the devils cup winning teams. It can be done!
Go Kings Go!!!!
[Reply]
Rich, any Kopi updates?
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@outsider, find out later on this day mostly going to be gone for 6 weeks or more
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I’m glad they have Edmonton first.
It should be a good ease into the new lineup, and also a good determinant of whether they can still compete.
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well not Westy fault i think he doing good for couple of games so lets just try to keep the winning streak going
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Couple things, Everyone here knows how I feel about Westie, But this game is one of the games I think TM had him slated to play and I think his presence is needed. Were playing a team with nothing to loose, one that’s running around and taking liberties all over the ice. For that reason I see Westie getting the call. After this game I don’t think you’ll see him. It will be Harold or a call up. just my opinion.
With Lewis being moved up his on ice responsibilities have changed from a possession game to a more creative roll. He is now expected to go out there and put up points not just hold the puck and cause havoc. He has a great opportunity here and I for one think we will all be surprised with his play and he will bring his game up to the level we need.
[Reply]
Barry's Mullet Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@KingzzFan, Completely Agree! Unless they are planning to call someone up, I think he needs to be ready to go for the playoffs…speed or not!
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@KingzzFan, yea that is true and i think he out of guys to play so we have to live with him at least he gotten betterthe past games
[Reply]
KingzzFan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
Westy is that you? I can’t understand how you can keep saying he’s gotten better over the last games? The last time he was asked to polay more minutes he played 7:43 against STL, Do you remember how that ended? yeah 4-0 we got shut out. It cant be about doing better lately, and he is not the guy you dress when you NEED to roll 4 lines. If we make the playoffs I doubt he will even see the ice. The enforcer goes out the window in the playoffs. You need responsible players out there.
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@KingzzFan,
Lewis is already got off to a great start in his new role during the third period on Saturday. He’ll do fine. We’ll be fine.
The Kopitar injury is going to be a blessing in disguise: most teams don’t have the personnel to cope with a team defense such as the Kings play, nor a team offense such as the Kings started rolling out when Williams went down. That’s the approach the team had when they got off to a 12-3 start, so I’m perfectly comfortable finally getting back into that mindset.
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nykingfan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Capt Jam,
Blessing in disguise?
wow…I can’t agree with that one because Kopi’s also our best defensive forward.
any time you lose your best offensive/defensive/PP/PK/matchup against the other teams top player…it makes life more difficult..not impossible though
I think the Kings defensive style will have to win out for us, but the loss of Kopi hurts on many different levels..not just offensively.
This means it’s time for other guys to step up and shine.
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:53 am
@nykingfan,
Just wait and see.
nykingfan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@Capt Jam
you left out the part about hoping as well.
I hope you’re right…
I have a feeling the guys will make us proud!
Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@Capt Jam, I’m right there with you! I think this might get TL out of his shell, never to return! The expectations and playoff pressure will serve him well for our future!
GKG
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ESPN reporting that the NHL has confirmed four teams, including LA, for overseas games to start next year.
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@Bill M., Yeah, I can see how that went in Toronto. “Okay, lets see. Who should we screw with tons of travel? Ah yes, of course the Kings, just like we did a few years back. Yep, lets pick a team that already travels more than most any teams and that we don’t give a dam about. What do you think about that one Murphy. Oh yeah, that’s my choice.”
This really fricken p1sses me off.
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Here are five reasons by puck daddy:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Five-reasons-to-still-believe-in-the-Kopitar-les?urn=nhl-wp1255
I agree with them
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@slovenian fan,
Wyshynski is useless.
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Kings x Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@slovenian fan, The Los Angeles predators is the new name. Penner is due to breakout. How fitting against Edmonton tonight.
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Pittsburg’s been getting along without Malkin and Crosby for quite a while. The Kings should be able to manage.
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Scot Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@camarillo andy,
Ditto Vancouver with all their injuries.
Every team in the playoffs in the East and West has gotten through a significant injury or 2 this year. This is a good test, one the Kings can absolutely overcome.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@camarillo andy, yea true but someitmes other teams are different we do better than them
and when Kopi and JW we be able to play again they will join the team again
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@camarillo andy,
Very true. However, PIT had to reinvent itself in order to keep pace. All respect to them for doing it in the middle of the season. However, the Kings don’t have to undertake such a daunting task: they’re already built to function as a team. We may lose a couple of pieces, but everyone is prepared and capable of stepping in and stepping up.
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@Capt Jam, Pitt was smart, they reinvented themselves prior to the injurys. Paid off big.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@camarillo andy, There’s a huge difference between regular season and playoffs, and you’ll notice they’re not exactly a top team right now, either.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:37 am
Sorry, I was thinking of Chicago for some stupid reason, not Pittsburgh (regarding the top team comment.)
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, You take a look at Chicago’s schedule? They will be lucky to make the playoffs.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 12:28 am
@KC23, Exactly!
I think the kings will answer the bell and make the playoffs. Simply because there will be a spike in activity due to the injuries. But they will be badley exposed in the playoffs without Williams @ 100% and no Kopitar. The truth hurts but if they get past the first round (without willie and kopi) I would be surprised to say the least. I will still cheer them on and pray for the best but reality has just kicked us in the stones!! Die bravely my good men! Die bravely!!
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Helene reporting Bernier vs EDM, Quick vs VAN
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, That’s pretty much the way I saw it…and probably once against the Schmucks, too.
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I got a bad feeling about those last two Duck games. Ducks have been playing extremely well of late.
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@KC23, Yes they have. They’ve worked past big injuries and now we’ll have to, also. We have a tough schedule, so we really need to beat the Oil. The way they rolled over for CalGary was pathetic and they should be without Pajaarvi, so let’s not give em an inch.
like the lines except i would switch Handzus and Stoll. GKG!!
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If Bernier plays tomorrow that means Quick is getting rest thats good
Bernier will do as great as he been doing
And the team we have will be just find without Kopi and JW my dad and the fans had a good point on them
when they were playing but they didnt score at all those other games and the kings still made a win without them scoring or being part of the plays
So Kopi and JW get well soon
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look at USA last year… going against CANADA, noone thought they would win but they competed pretty good their players are nowhere near the players of canada all together but as a team they worked well. Look at the Green Bay Packers. Lost their running back ryan grant first day of season, given they had a lot of time to adjust to that other stepped up they had sooooo many injuries and still won the superbowl, if this team can win without Kopi, best case win the quarterfinal get williams back, win the semi final and get Kopi back…Who knows, it can happen.
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Rich,
Is there a way to get an injury update from Manchester…opinion has it that Clune and Cliche are both injured at the moment…are they day-to-day…done for the season etc.
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Pride=Passion=Power=Playoffs=POSSIBILITIES
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Though i am extremely sad that Kopi broke his ankle, i am excited to see how our boys will preform- Now that our number 1 and number 2 players are out of the line up, everyone will be chipping in to make up for the loss. we still have quite a few players with almost the same amount of goals- granted those goals were assisted by kopi.
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Not to worry about Westy…He’ll play a few shifts and others will get double shifted in his place. He’s fine for 6 minutes.
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correct me if I’m wrong. In the last game, the only time a line played the full shift in the offensive zone was the fourth line w/ Westy? And it wasnt the first time in the last two weeks I noticed it. He is getting better. I’m on the fence about who should play but am not worried about either choice
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@dabronx, Westy has improved a lot, but he has lots more to improve on.
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dabronx Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
@KC23, that goes for everyone
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Time to fuse in the player who is going to replace westy so that he can get in game shape and in sync with the rest of the team.
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what about Martinez? He’s been playing well of late. He’s always shooting the puck even if they dont go in, theres good rebounds for second chance goals. Go Kings! We Believe in you!
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I just realized (I’m sure everyone else already has) that Penner is now the “senior” member of our 1st line.
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Mike, Senior? He’s the ONLY member of our 1st line.
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We need a guy on the fourth line to eat up minutes I don’t agree with Westgarth being in the lineup. Without Kopitar the team is going to have to absorb those 22 or so minutes that he gave them every night. Couple that with Westgarth only getting 5 minutes or less of ice time and the rest of the team is going to suffer. They are going to have to work that much harder on D and need rest between shifts. Westgarth is not a very good defensive player and not very good on the forecheck. Now more than ever the Kings need good defense from top to bottom so they can grind out 2-1 and 1-0 victories. Westgarth is a defensive liability compared to Harrold why not give Harrold the 4th line spot to eat up minutes and be defensively responsible. At least if he gets beat he has the speed to recover. Smyth doesn’t look to be in shape to handle any more ice time than he already gets. I think putting Westgarth in really handcuffs the team and is going to tire them out.
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