Justin Williams’ recovery from his dislocated shoulder got a big boost last night when doctors cleared Williams for all practice activities. Williams will be on the ice for practice tomorrow morning, according to Terry Murray, and Williams’ status for Game 1 against San Jose probably will be determined by his comfort level in the next couple days. Williams missed the final nine regular-season games after he injured his shoulder in a March 21 game against Calgary. Here’s what Murray said about Williams’ status
MURRAY: “He’s going to participate in practice tomorrow. The testing, obviously, was very positive. It’s a matter of getting on the ice and starting to participate in the practice and feeling good about your situation, and also knowing the consequences (of playing) that we talked about yesterday morning. There’s a possibility of another injury, but that’s true even if you don’t have an injury. It’s always there, but you have to try to block that part of it out and play your game. He’s been skating hard in the last week, in the extra, so conditioning-wise, I think he should be pretty good. Now he’s got the green light from the doctor to start participating.”
Question: In terms of him playing, it is just a matter of him feeling comfortable enough to go?
MURRAY: “It always will come down to the player coming to the coach and saying, `I’m ready to go.’ Always. When you’re coming off an injury, it’s rehab time, it’s time on the ice, conditioning-wise, and then there comes a time when the player and the coach talk and he tells me how he’s doing. That’s the ultimate meeting, and eventually you make your decision, as a coach, whether he goes into the lineup or not.”
If there has ever been an opportune time for Justin to define his career with the Kings, it is right now. He’s been NAILS this season and I would LOVE for him to be the one who puts the team on his rehabbed shoulder and gets us to the Cup. He’s won one before. He knows what it takes and what to do. He’s got the skill to finish and make plays.
He’s the prime candidate. Thanks for working so damn hard to get back so soon!
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Tim From the OC Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Cynic, I heard that!
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edwood2 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@Cynic, Agree totally. Just the inspirational value alone would be tremendous.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@Cynic, well said again. Im sure I wasn’t the only one who appreciated what you had to say yesterday, but was happy to shut up because you said it so well. JW knows what’s involved and JW is ready to get on the ice and get it done. I’d love to see a lot of folks “facing reallity” get a new introduction to what can happen when courage holds and guts get hard. For all you do, this Anger Juice is to you! I’ll take mine luke warm and bitter as well.
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Central Coast King Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@mcsorleyfan, YEEEEAAAAAHHHHH. Damn thats good.
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Moondoggie Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
@Cynic, Perfect!
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Duckbasher Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
@Cynic,
I had JW in my fantasy league a few years back when he was in Carolina. That’s how I began watching him day in, day out. He was a point getter when healthy without a doubt. OK… not an Oveckin I’ll admit, but for sure a scoring threat (at any time). I also now realize that his “injury bug” isn’t really a bug at all. It’s the result of what happens to anyone (at this level) who plays his @ss off every game, every shift. Think about it… most (all?) of the best players in the NHL are injury prone. Look at Datsyuk, Gaborik, Semin, Hossa (just to name a few) who consistently get injured.
He just signed a long-term commitment to be on my team. An LA King (for all practical purposes) for years to come. I like what he brings to the rink each and every night. And I like the class he brings to our team. I wish him the most success he’s ever had as a player. If he laces them up on Thusday I’m feeling pretty darn good about having him back. GO KINGS!
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I really wanted to see Brownie hoist the Cup this season, but without Kopi–and with us playing so badly the last couple games against our cross-town rivals AND IN OUR OWN HOUSE–we’re just not ready. I think the smart money is to let Williams rest up and heal up. This is not our year. Let the young guys on the team get another taste of playoff-level play, but don’t risk aggravating Williams’ shoulder. Next year, we’ll have Kopi AND Williams back. And maybe TM will have convinced Penner to show up to the games. And maybe DL will find us a replacement for Kompon.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@Not So Quick,
I echo your thoughts reference Kompon. I have a feeling a couple of our free agents are not going to be invited back so we can clear cap space to try and sign a true scoring winger. As someone pointed out in an earlier thread, there are not going to be many options out there. Are any of the current headcoaches who are facing firing potential assistant coaches who could replace Kompon and improve our offense and PP? Replacing Hardy with Stevens resulted in a significant upgrade in our defense and PK this season and finding that same type of change would be huge for us next year.
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garry Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@DesertKing, We will not be a real contending team until we replace Stoll and Smyth with some speed and scoring. Their both great team player’s but we are stuck until it’s fixed. We all know Handzus will not be back and too bad we are stuck with Penner another year.
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KC23 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Not So Quick, I have to agree, but no way to stop Williams from trying. He wouldn’t be Williams if he didn’t give it a go.
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Not So Quick Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@KC23, True, which is why he was such a major improvement over Sully.
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Central Coast King Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
@KC23, I also agree with that. JW is a big game player and if he is the slightest bit ready to there is nothing going to stop him. Thanks for the effort. GKG
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RobSD Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@KC23,
Trade Johnson for some scoring power. He blows and makes everyone around him worse. Great players make everyone around them better. How have Mitchell and Scuderi’s plus minus been doing since playing with Johnson? I don’t understand how everyone thinks this guy is the man. The entire league. Am I missing something? Did I not get the email?
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therocknroll80s Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@Not So Quick, Bettery yet, maybe DL will find a replacement for TM.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@therocknroll80s,
TM’s fine, just replace Kompon.
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Duckbasher Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@DesertKing,
TM needs to mellow out on the corner grinding. We have some fast guys out there that have yet to ever be let loose. We need more speed at the net ala Dustin Brown (who is willing to take the hit for a chance to score). Williams back with Penner?? maybe JW is what’s been missing in Penner’s game? Think about it. Penner went silent when Williams went down. Can I at least hope? GO KINGS!
Slim Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@therocknroll80s, TM wants to go and coach for his brother..
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Fabkings Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@Slim, I was at the Poker Alumni tournament last week and one of thee personalities there(no names now) said, and I quote” if the KINGS don’t completely go after Brad Richards of Dallas, they’re crazy, because HE fits the role the KINGS need”. I’m sure some of you feel the same way too. We”ll see. I guess with Dallas blowing it today, that may tempt Richards to leave for So Cal.
Go KINGS Go!
Dallas up 2-1 end of the first. Are we really going to see an all-pacific playoff? I’m proud of our guys just making a playoff spot having to play in this wild division.
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wannabeking Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@Bill M., Dallas is tied 2-2 now. Would love to see the hawks play the nuckleheads.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@wannabeking,
That would be a great matchup, but if Dallsas can remove the one team that has owned us all season, aka Chicago, then I have to hope that they win.
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Man…dallas is CHOKING in Minny! THey were up 2-1 and are now down 3-2 with 6:40 left in the 2nd. Dallas does not look good right now….
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McDonalds Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@Cynic,
I’m rooting for em–i think it’d be awesome if all 5 pacific teams make it in
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McDonalds Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@Cynic,
all tied up!
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bmova Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@McDonalds, Go MINNY! If Chicago clinches, they have a MUCH better chance of knocking out Vancouver than the Stars.
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Cynic Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@bmova, 4-3 Minny. 13 & change left in the 3rd.
Kluka68 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@bmova, Dallas lost, Hawks are in
well me and i buddy are driving up for game two who is coming with us!
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I doubt there’s any question what William’s thoughts will be come Wednesday or Thursday. He has got the heart of a lion.
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Slim Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@Gislaw, I agree…He will play..
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i would love to see the hawks and their fans out of the playoffs
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chuckrocks Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@KingsFanintheD, not as much as i would like to see the canducks and their fans out in the first round.
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Duckbasher Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@chuckrocks,
Not as much as I would like to see the Sharks and THEIR fans out of it in the first round!
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25 minutes for Dallas to score a goal and not allow one. When do you think will be the next time we will see all five pacific division teams in the playoffs at the same time including all three CA teams? Proves pacific division is the toughest division.
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I don’t think that there is any doubt that Willie will be playing, and that the Sharks are going to try to pound him every chance the get (and they should).
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jess Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@mrbrett7,
Yep, I have dislocated my shoulder over 75 times and trust me, there has not been a sufficient about of time for J dubs shoulder to heal for playoff hockey.. That is a certainty…
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Rich, will there be an Open Forum between now and the start of the playoffs? I have a few things on which I would like to hear your take.
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Dallas got only 2 minutes to tie it up. Imagine if the Kings are in that position. They sure saved me from a heartattack.
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Wild are playing like they’re the ones in contention.
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dallas out
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Wow ..Chicago make the play-offs… I can picture them watching and now freaking out.Wow..
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HAHAHAHAHA….I hate Ribero!
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Dallas done….wow. Lot of Western teams choking on the last game of the season. Chicago is gonna punish Vancouver. Should be a good first round.
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Chicago please hand it to Vancouver….again!
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chuckrocks Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@Cry Baby, ill second that and then follow it up with an amen.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@Cry Baby, Third that
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the nhl got what they wanted with the blackhawks in
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I understand all the fans, players and green people from the Fellini films are celebrating in Vancouver. What? I’m sorry, What? Ops. You mean? Ohhh, yeah, in fact they probably are thinking all that work having such an amazing season could go up in the ether against the defending champs who are essentially playing with house money.
If the Kings don’t make it thru the first round, seeing Vanc go out would ease some (a wee bit) of the frustration from Kopi’s injury and the teams poor play the last week.
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Wow. It would be hilarious if Chicago beat the Nucks AGAIN, ruining their President’s Trophy season. The past two Presidents winners have choked in round 1, and I can easily see Van bowing to the Hawks. Only weakness Chicago has is goaltending. I have doubts if Crawford can steal a series like Niemi did last year
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Ooh, and I realized, the poor Preds. They’ll be very hard pressed to beat the Ducks, meaning Another first round exit. Obviously they have to play the series, but the way Anaheim is playing right now. That would be a bit of a shame for the Preds.
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Bailey Fan Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@number 6, I think Nashville matches up well against the Ducks. Their defense can take care of their top 2 lines and they have enough scoring depth to exploit the Ducks poor defense. Plus, the Preds have taken 3 of the 4 games this year, and they’ve been on fire lately, like the Ducks. Will be a good series, but I think it’s Preds in 7
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dahack11 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@number 6, Don’t discount Nash. They won the season series w/ Ana. Plus, outside of us, Dan Ellis is a VERY avg. goalie.
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KC23 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@number 6, Nashville will likely take out the Ducks imho. Way better defensively and in goal and that is what playoff hockey is all about.
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I’m routing for the hawks all the way on this one..
Spank the Nucks and green pukes..
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KC23 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
@Slim, Oh yeah, I’ll be watching that series closely. Ton of interesting series this year. None better than Boston Montreal though.
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Kings x Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@KC23, 33rd meeting. Always bad blood!
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Being upset about the Quacks taking 2 from us has to pale in comparison to how they must feel in Dallas right now….
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KC23 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@HockeyNerd, Amen to that. Lose to the wild? Ugly.
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Justin will play and so will Schenn when his team is eliminated.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@kingrussell,
Pros and cons to bringing Schenn in –
Pros – he gets NHL playoff experience, he should bring a different look to the offense
Cons – we lose one year on his contract, he will be trying to perform at the super-intense playoff level, if he plays poorly it could impact his confidence, and last of all he will be playing against bigger/stronger players and could reinjure his shoulder.
IMO, I don’t think DL will bring him back up, primarily because of the contract situation and in today’s NHL, one year on a contract for a young potential future superstar is significant.
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LAPD line Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 8:40 am
@DesertKing, I don’t really see the big deal about burning a year off his contract. Eventually, we will be signing him long-term anyway, so what is the difference if it is a year earlier than it would have otherwise been. He may even sign for bit cheaper since he would be younger. Easy to say when it’s not my money, I guess. Bring him up as soon as we can….
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Yeah, am I dreamer …
Kings upset Sharks in 6.
Hawks upset Nucks in 6.
Ducks beat the Preds in 7.
Detroit beats Phoenix in 7.
2nd round.
Kings beats Wings in 6.
Ducks beat Hawks in 7.
Conf finals.
Kings sweep the Ducks.
Stanley Cup.
Kings beat the Flyers in 6.
That is my dream playoffs.
Beating Sharks, Wings, Ducks and Flyers for the cup. It could not be better for me (hate the Flyers worse than any other team)
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DesertKing Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@KC23,
Love that dream!!
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Kings x Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@KC23, Is it 92-93? Sure feels like it..
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KC23 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@Kings x, Can you imagine what a conference final would be like against the Ducks? I think that would over shadow even the Lakers in the playoffs in this town. Wow.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@KC23, Great dream. Lets not forget that SJ is under a lot of pressure not to get bounced early, like they always do. GKG
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KC23 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
@TiredOfIt, Yep, SJ definately is the one with all the pressure, especially starting with two home games. If they don’t win both home games the pressure will mount exponentially (i.e. a lot :p) for the Sharks.
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@TiredOfIt, Losing in the conference final is “bounced early”
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HockeyNerd Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
@KC23, if i’m not mistaken the second round matchups in your scenario (because of the order of seeds) would have to be Hawks / Red Wings and Ducks / Kings. But that’s just nitpicking. Let’s hope you’re right, we can find out for sure!!!!
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KC23 Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 8:19 am
@HockeyNerd, Thinks of “Animal House” Did we give up when Germany bombed Pearl Harbon” … “Germany?” … “don’t stop him, he’s on a roll”
Hehehee
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Please stop talking about Schenn like he is Gretzky. He will not be called up during the playoffs. It makes no sense to burn a year off his contract and watch him get exposed in a high pressure situation like the playoffs. Let him develop right.
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KC23 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@friarking, Right now I totally agree, however if we upset the Sharks and Schenn is available I might be singing a much different tune.
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jonsey Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@friarking, Agreed. Schenn couldn’t even earn a spot in low pressure games. Save him. Although, Evander Kane is playing very well.
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KC23 Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
@friarking, I agree so silly people talking like he’s Gretzky when he is obviously more like Messier.
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JW big heart, be careful and get well 1st.
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Be careful Williams. We only have Oscar to replace you :/ and he hasn’t done anything since we lost you. Might as well use Harrold.
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RobSD Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@jonsey,
Keep the mole and ditch westy. Nobody is dropping the gloves in the playoffs. If they do… we’ll have Cliffy stick his chin in front of their fists.
I do love Westy’s enthusiasm after he get’s his ars handed to him after every fight. Is it me, or does he not win very often?
He and Parros are friends and have dinner after the games with their wives. Now that is funny.
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Thursday
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Thursday, April 14 at San Jose, 10:00 p.m. TBA
Saturday, April 16 at San Jose, 10:00 p.m. TBA
Tuesday, April 19 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. TBA
Thursday, April 21 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. TBA
*Saturday, April 23 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. TBA
*Monday, April 25 at Los Angeles, TBD TBA
*Wednesday, April 27 at San Jose, TBD TBA
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My playoff line-up:
Penner-Lewis-Williams
Smyth-Stoll-Brown
Clifford-Richardson-Simmonds
Ponikarovsky-Handzus-Moller
I dunno if that makes any kind of sense.
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KC23 Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 8:21 am
@Eggplant, I like it a lot, but knowing TM he’ll swap Zues for Lewis in your picks.
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Paul G Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@KC23, Unfortunately
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4lakngz Reply:
April 11th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Eggplant, What about the the high powered scoring machine aka Westgarth?
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TM’s lines are so frustrating. It makes no sense to demote Lewis back to the 4th line after 1 game with no points. Did he not show, he can play heads up and make plays? Obviously, we have made back to back playoff appearances and tied our season record for wins, but sometimes it feels like he is counter productive. All the line swapping and the terrible PP. Kompon is the PP coach but at what point do you start blaming the head coach? If we could score on the PP, we would not be in the position we are in. The thing that is crazy to me, is that we have talent. Not a ton, but we have talent. Regardless of the coaching, shouldn’t they be able to pick up a random goal here and there just by having some talent?
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