Here were Terry Murray’s thoughts, after practice today, about adjusting to on-ice life without Anze Kopitar (and Justin Williams) and the thought process for the Kings going forward. First, Murray talks about his decision to go with the lines he used in practice today…
MURRAY: “I’m going to leave Handzus with Penner and Moller, the way we finished the game off the other night, and Lewis moves up to a higher line, to give him an opportunity here. I’ll watch both Lewis and Richardson closely, to see how things are going, and if I have to make a change at any time, I certainly will, but it’s the old cliche. It’s an opportunity for players to show what they can do on that side of the game now.”
Question: It’s a cliche, about opportunity, but there’s some truth behind it, right?
MURRAY: “Very much so. To maintain the tempo of the game, everybody has to make sure that they’re changing whatever they can, whatever they have to. They have to do the right stuff on that. Execution is going to be critical. Playing the system, playing with structure is going to be highlighted even more, and then the opportunities, when you do recover the pucks, now be creative. Now try to get something done on the offensive part of the game. It’s just going to be a good test for this young hockey club. We’ll be better when we come through it. There’s no question about it. Guys are going to be in a higher situation, more important situation, and they’ll grow immensely through this opportunity.”
Question: And if you had any questions about the character of the team, they will probably be answered now…
MURRAY: “I love the character of the hockey club. This is something that the L.A. Kings are very proud of. It’s a tight group in that locker room, a lot of character, a lot of hard-working people who work hard for each other. They got to battle for each other. As they say, the old foxhole mentality, and this is now when you button things down and you play hard for your teammates.”
Question: In all your years of coaching, have you ever lost your top two scorers in the span of three games?
MURRAY: “No, maybe a week though. It has happened before. You look around the history of the game. There are players that are going to go out, your top guys, and that’s where you just have to rely on each other. You’ve got to tighten things up again and just play the right way. It’s unfortunate when stuff happens, but I’ve seen it before, where you get into that third round of the Stanley Cup playoffs and you end up losing your top guy. You’ve got to know how to react, whenever you get to these kind of situations, and again, this is a great process for us to go through.”
Question: Will you specifically address, with the team, the loss of Kopitar and everything related to that?
MURRAY: “We had our meeting this morning, already. It was our normal review of the game against Colorado. We pull video off and spend about 20 minutes on that part of it. At the same time, we talked about our top two players, top scorers, being out of the lineup and what the responsibility is and what we need to do. So it’s not a matter of changing anything. The system is going to stay in place. The tendencies are going to be there. The reaction is good right now. There’s no hesitancy in our game, so we’ll just keep pushing that part of it. Just to repeat myself, I’m just looking for a couple young guys to step up here and take advantage of this opportunity.”
Hey Rich do you know when you will know the results of the MRI?
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yea i hope so lets go Kings
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Anjin Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Now is the time to really see where our coaching and system stacks up.
After almost going into a deep depression over the weekend i’m starting to feel more confident and I think we have a good opponent tomorrow night to get things rolling with this lineup.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@Anjin, Glad I wasnt the only one. I think my wife thinks I care more about Kopitar than pretty much anything else.
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blueliner Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
@FKA PakiFro, definitely not alone. My family doesn’t understand the state of depression i was in yesterday. I try to explain, but she hasn’t been a Kings fan since 1980 like I have. The way I look at it (at least to make myself feel better) is we need only one or maybe two players to really step up. We need one or two of the following; Lewis, Brown, Moller, Zues, Penner, Smyth, or Stoll to step up with the offense. That’s 1 or 2 out of seven. That’s doable.
Shakes Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
I’m just happy that it’s an injury where he could make a full recovery. it’s like you almost take it for granted that Kopi will always be there. hmph..
puckbob Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@Anjin, take heart my friend, the Kings aren’t going to give up on themselves. niether should we. I’m hoping we’ll see our boys step it up. GO KINGS!
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Ravens Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@KingsFanFTW, I got into a car accident fifteen minutes after Koptitar went down. I was in a fog
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Please tell us:
-”We have the technology”!
-”We can re-build him”
Please fix our “Six-Million Dollar Man”
Go Kings!
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SafariChecker Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@RQ@315, LOL. Let’s hope this ignites Stolly, Smyth, and Cliffy to up their scoring!
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usha#17 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@SafariChecker,
Careful what you ask for in clifford…he’s playing a tight, measured game. Wouldn’t want to see mistakes start.
Its really good Smyth get going…and getting his feel back. I think Smyth will turn out to be the key…if he starts coming on….
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Bickleton Wigglesworth III Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@usha#17,
Agreed. Clifford should just keep doing what he’s doing. Simmonds on the other hand could step up his game. When he puts his head down and decides to makes something happen offensively he’s awful tough to beat. I think both he and Lewis could make big strides. I hope they do.
Goon Squad Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@RQ@315,
“Better… Stronger… Faster”
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wavesinair Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Love this opening! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HofoK_QQxGc
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Cynic Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@wavesinair, Best…Show….EVER….
I was Col. Steve Austin for Halloween one year. Kids in the 70′s & Early 80′s had some damn good TV to watch. I miss the creativity in shows these days, which is why I only watch Hockey or MMA anymore.
Nice throwback. Thanks for the practice video Waves! I liked the interviews on your site as well. I can listen while I work from home. Makes the time fly!
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Paul M. Hedberg Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@Cynic, My 1st crush…Lindsay Wagner.Matter of fact I wonder what she’s doin these days…ok,back to reality.Nice sheet of ice guys.Gotta skate but be smart out there.
Real 7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@Paul M. Hedberg, here she is now….
http://www.lindsaywagner.com/welcome.htm
Lewis, Moeller… are you listening to Murray? I’m just looking for a couple young guys to step up here and take advantage of this opportunity.”
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Rich–Not sure if it’s appropriate for you to approach him, but it would be nice to know if Kopi is in the hospital, or is home, and just in general, how he’s doing. Any chance of that? His mental state has to be low. There are a lot of comments of sympathy and regard on other teams’ blogs from non-Kings fans as well, which was pretty interesting. Even from Ducks fans.
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Mikey Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@In the Net,
Ditto.
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DesertKing Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@In the Net,
Your last sentence really speaks to what a class act Kopi is.
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Stoll
Lewis
Handzus
Richardson
that still seems like a better center order!
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usha#17 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@Paul G,
I like Stoll’s speed but think Zus on the top and Stoll in the middle will provide more balance. I believe we need to spread the opposition to succeed in this situation.
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Terry Murray believes in these guys, and they believe in each other. Guess what? I believe in them too.
Get it done Kings. 2 points at a time.
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All season long we as a group, in general have been critical of the way TM constantly changes up his kines. Well, here we are, about to benefit from the fact that virtually all of the players on all of the lines have spent a certain amount of time playign with each other.
Also, in my never humble opinion, the effect of Kopi’s loss might very well be felt more on the defensive side of the puck. There is wher I think the added ice time to Lewis has the chance to pay off doubly well.
When push comes to shove, in the playoffs, you win way more 2-1 and 3-2 games than 6-5 and 5-4 games. This has been our way of winning the whole season, and there is no reason to see that change. I only hope our defense doesn’t start thinking too offensively, causing us to lose some of what got us here. STRONG DEFENSE.
Keep the faith! Go Kings Go!!!!
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mrbrett7 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@40 year fan, I agree…we will miss his scoring, but it’s on the defensive side of the puck where we will miss him the most.
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DougS Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@mrbrett7,
Also agreed. But that’s where the system, the structure that TM has drilled into the team over the last three seasons, comes in. It will be up to the players to show discipline and trust the system and their teammates. Use the Force, in other words.
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nykingfan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@40 year fan,
Agree. His work in the defensive zone is what has made him the superstar he is now.
I think he’ll be missed everywhere, but especially there.
I also agree about the changing of lines….guys are comfortable playing with anyone and everyone.
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usha#17 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@40 year fan,
Right you are…except about everyone coming down on Murray….just a few…
The Kings have won more games then they’ve lost when Kopitar has not scored.
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@40 year fan,
Finally, some common sense around here. Thank you.
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Marc Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@40 year fan,
Great point about TM’s line shuffling. Even before this happened I thought about how because of all the line changes that guys know they can play with anyone now because they have played with everyone. And even if they haven’t they know they can quickly adapt.
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Not a lotta options. Time will tell. On the positive side the guys are a tight group hopefully they can step it up a notch or two to cover the losses. Fire it up Kings!!!!
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How can it be a good idea for the top line to have 0 games together. Why not have Stoll center Penner and Moller. At least they used to play together at EDM and are friends.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@Thunderbird, for that matter, Moller and Lewis played together at Manchester a fair bit as well
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I liked TM’s comment about no hesitation. Everyone knows what they’re doing. As far as worrying about the d becoming offensive and losing their bread and butter I think TM covered that too. He’ll be watching it. Of course we’ll be without some D without Kopi.
6 weeks exactly from black saturday is may 7. Game four of the second round. See you then Kopi!
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kevin Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@LA_1968, thats my Birthday
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Deke'r Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@LA_1968, Wouldn’t get my hopes up….6 weeks is bone healing time, then you’ve got re-hab to strengthen the ankle not to mention conditioning to get back to game shape. I think the boys are on their own for the remainder of the season, and I also believe they can get it done. GKG!
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@LA_1968, Report out says he has ligament damage. He’s done for the season.
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It’d be awesome if the Kings could pull together and keep going long enough for these guys to get back from injury. It’d be a fitting reward for all Kopi/JW have meant to the Kings this season…
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How will Kopi ever be able to wear his Homer Simpson slippers?.
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First, please know that there is nothing personal intended in this toward Westy. He is who and what he is. He plays with the talent that he has, and I don’t see that changing. He is a King and I support him in that sense.
However …
I think there is general agreement that, in this time of “readjustment”, an advantage this team has in any game is rolling FOUR lines throughout the game. Who centers those lines can, and I’ll bet the mortgage, WILL change as games go along. Fine. It’s probably going to end up as a question of player chemistry in the long run.
But Terry Murray, for his own reasons, continues to play Westy.
So, coach, I’m calling you out. If Westgarth doesn’t contribute, if you cover for him by double shifting other forwards in his spot, than you are not making decisions to better this team’s chances of moving forward, wounded as they are. To make it simple for you, coach, Westy’s Time on Ice had better be equal to the 4th Line’s Time on Ice or you aren’t doing your job.
End of Rant.
Go Kings (including Kevin) Go!
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fsd1 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@IceGuy, I heard somewhere that the oilers are running and fighting with everyone right now, I would guess Westy will be in this game because of that, but perhaps not ofter rest of the season. But who know, maybe he’ll work out just fine.
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Jsut reading those comments is the reason I love TM as a head coach.
There’s no panic in his words..quite the contrary…the guys know their roles and know how to play the system. The system is what will get them through this challenging time. He’s smart enough to address the situation that they’re in, but also challenge the guys to be better.
Also great question Rich about the character of this club.
These are the reasons this club has gotten so good, so quickly. They have excellent leadership in the room and this is as tight a team as you’ll find in the league.
Thanks TM..you have me psyched for whats about to come.
I think we’ll be ok.
GO KINGS!!!!!
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number 6 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@nykingfan,
Totally agree!!
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If you look at it dispassionately, the Kings have to replace about 1 point per game without Kopi in the lineup. Over the short term, it’s not out of the question that a few guys playing over their heads — or, as TM says, guys like Lewis taking advantage of more playing time and more touches — can cover for that. I would not be surprised if the Kings do about as well over these last 7 (it’s 7, right?) games as they would have without Kopi and enter the playoffs in decent shape.
Over the longer term, it will be a real challenge. But this is where DL’s emphasis on getting guys with character should pay off. If he has chosen wisely and he’s right about the importance of character, then the Kings still have a chance to go deep in the playoff tournament.
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KingMe20 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@DougS,
In a strange way, the bigger loss is his defensive play, but what I’ve seen from Lewis lately gives me confidence that he’ll be able to handle it.
I have to say I love Terry Murray’s faith in his guys, and the way they responded in the third against Colorado says something about the team.
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Slovenian media reports: Kopi has got a broken fibula and a torn ligament and apparently he’s done for the season.
Still waiting for confirmation. Hopefully they’re wrong!
Here’s the link:
http://www.rtvslo.si/sport/hokej/kopitar-ob-zlomljeni-mecnici-se-strgan-ligament/254101
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Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@SebaS, Helene Elliot just tweeted:
“Not official but hearing Kopitar has broken bone and torn ligament but WON’T need surgery. Expect official word after kings land in Edmonton”
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Chip Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,
Slovenian to English translation
Kopitar: At the fractured fibula has torn ligament
Theoretically, only available for the Stanley Cup Finals
28. March 2011 at 22:17
Los Angeles – Reuters
Season 2010/11 was the best hockey player Anze Kopitar Slovenian more or less complete. Having broken fibula is an overview of magnetic resonance imaging revealed a link is broken.
Rentegenski first review after injury in 35th minutes Saturday night game between Los Angeles and Coloradom (4:1) is shown to have a broken fibula Kopitar (fibula) just above the ankle. On Monday, the first superstar and scorer king did his investigation with magnetic resonance imaging, which wanted to determine potential damage to ligaments and other tissues.
Broken link at the ankle
Investigations in Los Angeles confirmed that a broken fibula, ankle itself is fortunately remained whole. In addition, Kopitar has torn another ligament (ligaments at the ankle), which will continue this week sewed. The consequences of injury caused by the assurances of doctors across the Atlantic 23-year career Hrušičan below will not be felt.
“This year he was finished”
The first Slovenian-ovec NHL ice surface will presumably absent from 6 to 8 weeks. “Of course at that time remained in Los Angeles, where it will be as soon as possible, has already started preparing for the new season. This year he was finished,” the press release at the end wrote Luke Dollar, a spokesman for Public Relations Slovenia national ice hockey team member, led by Matjaz Kopitar Anže father.
‘Iron’ record did not bring happiness to health
Anze Kopitar is the second serious injury in the NHL-career suffered when he fought with the pen defenders Ryan O’Byrnom landslide, and he lost balance and fell back on what he developed right leg. Until now, the first center Kings consecutive games played with 330, which has just recently improved the club record for the legendary Marcel Dionne (324 consecutive games played).
Without the first two shooters in the playoffs
In this season is “Kopi” in 75 games scored 25 goals and contributed 48 assists, which leads to all categories of the shooting club and is shooting 73 points in the NHL rankings in fabulous 10th site. This was another blow for the Kings, who have three games had already left without another striker Justin Williams. Los Angeles, which hosted Tuesday night in Edmonton, with 92 points, fifth session place in the Western Conference and is on track for the playoffs, where they will be losing the first two shooters are replaced with more granite defense that she commands goalie Jonathan Quick.
History will wait until the second year
Video response to injury Kopitar one of the best blogs on the LA Kings – The Royal Half
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King John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@Chip, Thank you for the translation. It looks like a word for word translation and is much appreciated. The Slovenian point of view is interesting as well.
LA_1968 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@SebaS, Pretty sure your story says it needs to be “sewed” this week and “finished” this season. However, it’s quoting Reuters and they dont’ have the English version on their site.
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Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@SebaS, would that injury take more than 6 weeks we’re all hopeful about?
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SebaS Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@Stuart, If a ligament is torn it could mean the end of the season for him. Bones heal quickly, it’s different with ligaments.
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Zorzi Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@Stuart, Nothing specific was said regarding that. The 6 to 8 weeks period assessment remains unchanged for now.
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Kopitar need 6-8 week for coming back,,, that was said today for slovenian press.. more info:
by google tanslate:
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JureEe Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@JureEe, http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zurnal24.si%2Fhokej%2Fkopitar-anze-poskodba-mecnice-glezenj-ligament-konec-sezone-207318%2Fclanek
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DougS Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@JureEe,
That doesn’t really differ from what we heard from the Kings over the weekend. The real test is the diagnosis after today’s MRI.
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JureEe Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@DougS, this is after MRI
read againm that write before picture.. this is news old max 1 hour.
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LA_1968 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@JureEe, broken fibula above the ankle. “ankle remained whole”
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LA_1968 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@LA_1968, you know what that seems fishy. they would have seen that before now on a simple x-ray.
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Zorzi Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@LA_1968, the MRI is used to determine the damage to tissue as well. Thorn ligament is what was confirmed today after the MRI scan. They intend to operate on it this week.
LBlocal Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@JureEe, via Helene Elliott twitter 1 hour ago
Not official but hearing Kopitar has broken bone and torn ligament but WON’T need surgery. Expect official word after kings land in Edmonton
gKg!
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Stuart Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@LBlocal, never trust a Helen with an E at the end of her name…
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Hey Rich,
Here’s a question: I know some coaches forbid injured players from ‘hanging out’ with the team (particularly Andy Murray) Is there if any, an official policy with the Kings as far rehabbing players and their attendance at games/practices, etc?
I know Andy Murray’s mentality was that injured players could somehow affect morale so he rules it out. Any different with TM?
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usha#17 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@SaveByCechmanek,
Pretty brutal traveling with at broken leg…even on a chartered jet…
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DougS Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@SaveByCechmanek,
I don’t know about TM. But I just read a quote from Arron Asham about how Crosby seems to be everywhere, “like dog poop” because he’s hanging out with the team while recovering.
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SaveByCechmanek Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@DougS,
That’s why I am asking. I remember Andy Murray would not permit rehabbing players from hanging out during practices unless, they were doing non contact skating. I was at the practice facility years ago and saw Adam Deadmarsh skating by himself in the olympic size rink while the team practiced in the regulation rink. (During his last concussion that did his career in) His mentality is that their job was to rehab and that the healthy players should concentrate on playing without them.
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Sometimes i feel like this is just the luck of a Kings fan.
Headed to the playoffs? yea we are but of course we lose our top two goal scorers. why would the hockey gods want the kings to make the playoffs with our top two scorers? thats right, they wouldnt. The hockey gods do not like the LA Kings. i have come to that conclusion.
But.. im hoping this team comes together and plays well down the stretch and into the playoffs.
GO KINGS GO
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pr0cess Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@OC Hip Check, its not luck its the curse
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GreyPaws Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@OC Hip Check,
Do your part, go cut a puck in half as an offering to appease these gods you speak of
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Deke'r Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@OC Hip Check, Maybe the hockey gods are waiting for you to offer up a scrifice!
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yes i think we would all like to know how kopi is doing in his own words
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The hockey gods only exist inside our heads.
The Kings have had some rotten luck. As I posted though yesterday, had we had a slightly different result on the last day of the season where we drafted Brayden Schenn (2008-2009) guess who gets Brayden Schenn instead of us? The Coyotes (or they trade him to Brian Burke). After Schenn there Seems to be a fairly steep drop off in talent _ though time will tell.
But NO, WE got the NO. 1 prospect currently not playing in the NHL. As I recall, had Phnx lost that last game, they ended up in the No. 5 position. So the way I see it, we were pretty damn lucky to get him.
Also, in the 2005 draft, the No. 1 rated player from Europe was some Slovenian guy named Anze Kopitar. But some teams shied away from him as he was from a place that was not considered a hockey hotbed. So the Wild, Chicago and Ottowa all passed on him. Vancouver (drafting before us) picked a defenseman that sadly died in a motorcycle crash.
That left US to get Anze.
If you look at it from that angle, we are not so unlucky at all. Injuries happen a lot! Unfortunately the timing for the Kings was very bad.
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Sorry for the repost here, but I’d like some more discussion on this idea. I’d love it if Rich would pose the question to Terry Murray about Peter Harrold as to why we train this guy as an effective utility man for moments ike this, yet we refuse to utilize him. THis has noting really to do with Kevin Westgarth and his abilities, except that his abilities are not as important this time of year. Having a guy that plays offense AND defense effectively DOES, especially with the frequency that injuries occur at this point of the season.
Here’s my repost:
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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IceGuy Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@Cynic,
See my post above. I agree.
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Cynic Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@IceGuy, Yepo. I can agree. I’m not so against TM here, I would just like to understand why. He doesn’t become a coach in the NHL without reasons for his moves. I’d be happy to know why.
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TradedForAPick Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@Cynic,
I can maybe, just maybe, understand why Kev Westie gets the time over Harrold, with that being that Edmonton is a team without a care and have gone slightly Islanders on most teams lately (minus the insane goonery, but it’s physical nonetheless). Harrold however does offer way more speed and defensive ability and I expect to see him in the games with Vancouver and San Jose, but in a game where the Kings need to send a message that they won’t role over and die, having a big scrap or two may help.
Or TM doesn’t like Harry.
FREE PETER HARROLD
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Garry Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@TradedForAPick,
Be careful…you may get what you wish for. I watched Harrold for 4 yrs in Manchester..he is best on the bench, believe me.
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John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@Garry,
And we’ve seen him here play for the Los Angeles Kings – he’s best playing instead of Westgarth…believe me!
Cynic Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@Garry, I believe you. He’s supposed to get all of that out of his system in Manchester.
I believe he is a lot better now. Harrold serves a better purpose right now than Westy does, considering the circumstances.
EternalOptimist Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
@Cynic,
I agree… Harrold has been a good soldier and deserves another chance to get back in the linup. I’m sure he get his shot soon.
If we struggle offensively, maybe we should consider moving Martinez up front and replace him on D with Drewiske? I can see Martinez doing pretty well at forward since he has pretty good speed and offensive skills.
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I LOVE what TM said here:
It’s just going to be a good test for this young hockey club. We’ll be better when we come through it. There’s no question about it. Guys are going to be in a higher situation, more important situation, and they’ll grow immensely through this opportunity.”
I couldn’t agree more. It’s certainly Not fun now, no guarantee the playoffs will go the way we’d like, but I DO absolutely agree with TM on this one. It will be a massive growth experience for the rest of the team.
Then, keep in mind that next year we have a nice upgrade coming in terms of speed and skill in the persons of Brayden Schenn and Lokti (probably), plus who knows what other surprises. I certainly wasn’t expecting A. Martinez to come in and impress the way he did this year.
Trust me, this franchise is very definitely going in the right direction.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@number 6, yup agree here playoff may or may not go our way but that doesnt mean we going to give up a big test and i believe this team will make it a good one
More speed will be better for the Kings take some slow legs out of the line up and add speed hope for the best the rest of this season plus playoff
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One thing we have going for us is great goal tending…probably second best in the league. Playoffs are almost always decided by having the best….we do.Goalies are huge in the playoffs…Go Kings..!!
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I went through all Slovene media after today’s RMI and it doesn’t look good for Kopi. Broken fibula above the ankle and torn ligament, with surgery later this week. The seasone is done, but he won’t feel any problems after recovery and he will be 100% ready for the next season…
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I going on record and saying No way Kopi will be back unless we are playing into late May!
For the Kings to go anywhere these three players need to pick it up!
Simms Penner & Symth… If they can not improve there game ASAP, we are dust!
Smyth started in the 3rd period and that was a good sign, if we can get Penner scoring goals more and Simms plays like he did last year, we might be ok until Williams gets back!
Kopi is out, no way he is coming back
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@Sammuch, well that sucks but i hope he be ready for next season when we need him and i believe JW will be coming back later on the playoffs if they do get past series one maybe a small chance
we still got this with those injury
Get well Kopi and JW
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Don’t stop, believin’… Hold on to that feeeeehheeeeeehheeeeeelaaaaaaaiiiin’
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A little off topic but maybe not so much…. Smythe’s wrap around goal is the NHL Network’s no. one goal of the week. There’s a great picture of it as well as video
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outsider Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, yeah, it was a real beauty!
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The most important things at this time of
season are Matchups and Injury’s…
Then you throw in Goaltending that can win
you games your not supposed to win…eg Halak last season..
Anything can happen and the Kings have a as good a chance
as anyone keeping these 3 things in mind…
I believe we have the roster to do it and with quick
coming on strong, we are not out of this thing..
The next few games will tell us where we are at, I believe..
Never surrender…..GKG…..
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DesertKing Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Slim,
Nicely said.
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@Slim, Right.
Last in the league then number one
The extreme could not be more.
The next 2 or 5 will set the tone
Man, I hope we score
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My question is if we meet Nashville in the playoffs does Murray start Bernier in net?
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@some fan, No, he won’t … unless Quick loses his first game. Then we’ll see him. Although if we lose by 1 in a low scoring game and Quick faces 40 or more shots that might be the exception.
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Did the Kings just start advertising on the glass last game? It’s the first time I noticed it maybe Kopi was trying to read it. LOL
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KC23 Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@twnclick, Only TV viewers can see it. At the game its not there.
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twnclick Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@KC23, I know that’s why I said LOL. But I re-watched the game before and it wasn’t there.
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
@twnclick,
Mrs. Capt Jam thinks one of the Ice Girls might’ve cut in the ice where Kopi fell since that’s roughly one of the areas where they gather and shovel shavings.
I demand a complete interrogation and sequestration of all Ice Girls. Just to make her happy, of course. LOL.
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tuan jim Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@Capt Jam,
This is an outrage! Take those girls off the ice at once and lock them in my private office. I’ll get to the bottom of this if it takes all night.
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twnclick Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@tuan jim, Sorry but I was told Kopi is already interrogating them and he should be done in Six weeks.
Personally, I think Lewis is going to shine in this situation. GM’s don’t normally waste first round picks on defensive 4th line prospects. The staff must have seen good offensive potential to pick him 17th overall in 2006. True, he hasn’t demonstrated that scoring potential to date, but with the makeup of this team, he also hasn’t had the opportunity. He has molded himself to whatever the coaches have directed, and done it well.
Lewis pulling out from behind the net and setting up for a rebound on Smyth’s wraparound, was indicative of a good offensive mentality. Also, Lewis setting himself up (with nice speed) when Smyth was driving into the zone and then placing the resulting pass perfectly (without having to reposition himself) again shows that good offensive mindset. I think he will surprise us all.
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linny Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@blugator, I like Lewis a ton but how can anyone be expected to score on a defense first team while on the 3rd or 4th line? Now they move him up, but it’s still d first. Also since tm mixes and matches so much, why not try a line of Lewis, Brown and Penner?
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King John Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@linny, Because Smyth worked with Lewis and they both need to be good.
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Lewis big break out opportunity. I’m pulling for him big time because I love his game.
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Cynic Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@KC23, Yeah. I’m pretty stoked for Lewis. I was a little upset with him getting time over Richie earlier in the season, but he’s got his role now that is different from Brad’s and he does it very well.
What I really like is that Lewis has some serious hands and showed it on that goal Smyth fed to him the other night. Lewis has nice ‘finish’ and it would be nice to see him utilize that more. Maybe scoring that NHL Style goal will give him the confidence to do it much more.
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EternalOptimist Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@KC23,
Hopefully he will develop into a player similar to Eric Belanger when he was here… strong 2 way center capable of scoring 20-25 goals.
Probably our best PK forward right now.
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If you look at the positive side of Kopi’s injury.
The fact is losing Defense is much more crippling
than losing offense….{not taking away Kopi’s d skills}
Which is important…But it is the lesser of all evils..
Good defense and stellar goaltending will win you more games..
The Kings have this..JJ, dd, am, wm and mg.. outstanding defense..
Their play is more important than our offense picking up…
Really everybody picking up their game is imperative.
It’s a daunting task but it’s possible..
Can we rise to the occasion? I think we have a shot…
Never the less our Kings are a team to be proud of
No matter what transpires…
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tuan jim Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@Slim,
You forgot to include rs in that list.
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Slim Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@tuan jim, Expected that to be be noticed..
Was just a glitch in the matrix…
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Lets hope our system of strong defense ,playoff style holds true.We really need simmonds ,symth and lewis to up there point totals.
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EternalOptimist Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@frazier king,
I’d really like to see Simmers take his game to another level… he has all the tools to be a 30+ goal scorer.
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Keep believing. And remember to use the hashtag #istillbelieve when tweeting. I also made a page “LA Kings ‘Still Believe’ http://www.facebook.com/pages/LA-Kings-Fans-Still-Believe/173394952712853
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kennynakamoto Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@brandyn, i “liked” it!! nice going
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We need to come out strong and pound the worst team in the league to shut everybody up. Put up a solid 4-0 or 4-1 game. Oscar can score his first NHL goal(this call up). Smyth can keep those wrap arounds going. I think they should keep Zues and brown together. Move Stolli up to the first line. I wish he could score with that wicked snap shot he wins all the shoot outs with.
This was a devastating blow but we went through several spells this season where Kopi and Williams weren’t scoring. If the core guys step up, we can do it. I think there is no doubt we will make the playoffs. Depending on who we draw first round will really make it interesting. How great would it be to be in the second round and get your two best guys back? We shall persevere! GO KINGS GO, GO KINGS GO!
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It’s time to put the kopi injury behind us. We all wish him the best and hope for a successful recovery. Nothing we do will change the fact that he is gone. There is nothing more we fans can say that hasn’t already been said. It’s just great knowing that we fans are sticking by this club. Nobody knows what will happen. All any of us can do is watch tomorrow and see what we have got. This season has had it all. It’s a season none of us will soon forget. Here’s to ya, Kings Fans. You are the best. What a joy to see this blog site blow up these last few weeks. Now let’s win a few more games, get to the Post Season, where anything could happen. GKG>>>>>
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