This is, admittedly, starting to reach dead-horse territory, but at the same time it’s difficult to understate the importance of Dustin Penner to the Kings’ playoff chances. With top scorer Anze Kopitar out, and with Justin Williams’ status uncertain, Penner is arguably the Kings’ most purely talented scorer (and that’s certainly written with a nod to Dustin Brown). Yet, since he arrived in a trade from Edmonton on Feb. 28, Penner has been inconsistent at best. He had two goals and four assists in his first seven games, but then went without a point in his final 12 regular-season games. Even within those point-free games, there was inconsistency. Some nights, Penner looked active, mobile and aggressive. Other nights, he looked rather passive. Which version of Penner will the Kings get in the playoffs? Or, perhaps more importantly to the Kings, how will Terry Murray be able to bring the “good” Penner onto the ice for the start of the series?
MURRAY: “By talking to him, demanding it. I’ve had several of those meetings, and that’s OK. I thought his effort in the game against Anaheim at home was pretty good. He had his feet moving. There was a good intent in his game. The game at Anaheim, I didn’t like, so we talked about it and he brought the kind of effort that I felt he needed to get to. Now, is there more? Yeah, absolutely. Is there more more potential in there? Do we need more from him? Sure we do. He’s got the potential to make a difference in the game. That’s the reason why we add a player who has skill and size and speed like he does. It’s, `Bring it out every day, every shift.’ We’ve got to get to that area and that time, when we’re looking at him at the end of the day and saying, `That’s an excellent game.”’
We are going to get a dominant determined Penner. The one we saw in the 2007 playoffs!
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:25 am
@Howe 9,
I hope so. Perhaps the urgency and importance of playoff games will bring out his best. He hasnt seen one of those since the SCF in 07.
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G$ Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:25 am
@Howe 9, That was 4 years ago and two teams later. Do you think he’ll remember?
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Stuart Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@G$, it’s like riding a bike, at least I hope it is…
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G$ Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@Stuart, We may have to put the training wheels back on
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@Howe 9, I just checked the stats and he got 3 goals and 5 assists in 21 playoff games that year. That about par with what he’s done so far with the Kings this year.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@NOW IMPRESSED,
wow…what the hell was DL thinking?
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dahack11 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@Howe 9, No one has bagged on Penner more than I, but I also think TM is responsible here. His offensive system is frankly, offensiive. And by making Penner play up high instead of down low is trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
Penner & Ryan Smyth should never leave the crease.
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Duckhunter Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@dahack11, even though his line is going good…throw Kyle Clifford in there also…we have the potential to provide any goalie with an uneasy night of not seening the puck.
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pitty Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Howe 9, More like a dormant Penner. Lazy, Lazy and throw in some more Lazy and there you have Mr. Penner. I don’t blame DL for the trade because no one in my opinion is more disappointed in his play than Dean
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No other NHL coach has been able to bring consistency out of him. Why should Murray be any different?
Didn’t like this pick up when we got him and he’s done nothing but prove me right every step of the way.
I hope he likes places the likes of Edmonton, because those are the kinds of awful teams that will be willing to sign him for ridiculous figures to have him loaf around and lead a team into last place… What would you expect from an ex-duck tho….
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G$ Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@goodguy, Good thing we didn’t trade the farm for him like we’ve done in the past.
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Duckbasher Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@G$,
After watching him play (every game), I’d say he was only worthy of a 2nd round pick. But we gave up a 1st and a 2nd. The Oiler fans were very vocal in warning us of what we were getting. Our bad.
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Christian T Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@goodguy, When you play on a team like Edm. no one notices if you don’t bring it every night. He’ll get it. This trade was not just for this year anyway. He will learn just like the other Kings that still don’t get it every night will. Funny how we focus on him when just about every other player can’t score. Is it the players or the system. If we win the first round do we have to keep TM? Might be better to lose?
I don’t really want that. LGK!
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In the Net Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:45 am
@Christian T, Actually, they noticed plenty in Edmonton. Lots of bad press up there. Pretty much just like it has been here.
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justlu Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
@Christian T,
I think most Kings fans are hammering this guy over all the others is because of a perception of a lack of effort from this guy. We don’t complain about other guys not scoring because we see them putting in a solid effort every night. We don’t see that in Penner.
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Duckbasher Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@Christian T,
I really don’t think people are “wanting” to ride Penner. But seems that every game is the same, no grit, nada. Do you not seem him gliding around in la-la land avoiding the dirty work it takes to win? He always avoids the hits. He plays soft. Maybe he’s hurt?
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mike Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@goodguy, He kinda reminds me of a former Kings player who has a bunch of potential but didn’t bring it every night…anyone remember #24?? Mr Froloaf?
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ace Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@mike, at least fro still put up 25 – 30 goals extrapolate out penners numbers and its on pace for a whopping 10 goals season
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mike Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@ace, Fro put up 2 30+ goal season. He never scored more than 24 in any other season in his career. If you count Penner’s # from this entire season (Edm + LA), he’s got 23 goals. Overall, if you compared their career #’s it’s about the same. I NEVER said one player was better than the other. All I was getting at is, they are about the same.
mike Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
@ace, One last word, if you extrapolate Fro’s # this season with the Rags, he’s got a whopping 13 goals!
Sharks do not want to wake this tiger
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txkingsfan Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@39scars, this may be true, but first we must find a way to actually wake him – unfortunately we’ve had our fair share of inconsistent players over the past few years – Frolov, O’Sullivan, Cammaleri – Penner needs to use his size more effectively. And while I’m at it I’m personally calling out Simmonds too for his lack-luster play as well. He is playing timid and gets knocked off the puck more than Moller lately. Where is the “go-to-the-net” Simmonds?
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39scars Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@txkingsfan, U r right on all points. Good post
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Sparman Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@txkingsfan,
I thought Frolov played some of his best games as a King during last year’s playoffs. Particularly in the last game, No. 6, I thought Fro was our best player.
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Penner needs to show up and be a force….how many times does your coach have to tell you to bring it before you do something?
I just can’t believe that he doesn’t know by now. TM should try something unconventional…remember Melrose and Tony Robbins?
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Christian T Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@launch, The team only listens to the coach when it pertains to defense. They know TM offers nothing for “O”.
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Dominick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@Christian T,
Exactly! When Penner first got here he was a -12. His offense has dissapeared after the first 10 game mark with the Kings, and been replaced by solid defensive play the last 9 games. His +/- is even since. His only improvement since Kopi went down is that he won’t hurt us defensively. Terry Murray is asking for harder work, but is playing Penner with a more 2 way hockey style, and not offensively attacking.
The harder Penner works on TM’s defense first system, the less he’ll score, but the better he’ll be defensively. Unfortunately what we need from Penner is scoring, and TM has to stop blaming his players, and adjust the team offensively instead of the same old defense first system they play.
This next statement isn’t directed at luanch, but everybody. If anybody wants to argue that we don’t have the offensive weapons, and have to play like that, then don’t complain about the lack of scoring. Especially when it comes to your best offensive weapons.
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tornado12 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@Dominick, BINGO!!!
Pesus Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
@Dominick,
He looks confused just like Sturm looked, cuz they thought they were brought in to help score goals. But really they end up being the 3rd D-man
mcsorleyfan Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@Dominick, That was so well put I’d love to buy you a round! Not getting out of the house much yet, but we’ll see how long this thing goes.
Dominick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Mcsorelyfan,
Good to see you post. Hope everythings goin well for you.
Duckbasher Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@Dominick,
Well stated. Let’s mellow out on the dump and chase and try entering the zone with the puck and some speed (what a concept eh)?. Dustin Brown can do it… he just needs someone else to think offense first along with him.
BobKnob Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@Christian T,
Clearly they listen to him w/r/t the offense, or else we would be scoring more goals and looking like we know what we’re doing offensively.
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spidey35 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:03 am
@launch,
I say bring in Tommy Lasorda for a pep talk. If Tommy can’t get you fired up, nobody can.
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Dominick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@spidey35, Ha! A few years ago (I think) the Kings actually brought him in to give the guys a pep talk. He sat in with Bob and Jim during the game and talked with them about the good ‘ol days.
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@spidey35,
Tommy is gone. They lost him in a giant plate of Lasagna 6 months ago. Everyone was hoping he would just eat his way out, but he hasn’t been seen since.
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Pesus Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@launch,
No player will be a force up from playing D first hockey. I have not yet givin up on penner. Alot of negative post about him, u guys act like we score 6 goals a game and he is nowhere on the score sheet. We score 1 goal a game not cuz of penner, we score 1 goal a game cuz of TM. Hes not scoring, niether is stoll, smyth, simmonds, I can list the hole roster.
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fsd1 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Pesus, I’m reporting this from below because it really does mean something that all the TM bashers should read…….Sorry, have to diagree once more, they had 84+ attempted shots the last game and there were quite a few blocked shots, the shooting is there (coaches job) the going in the net isn’t (players job). This is in regards to the statement that it is TM causing us not to score, the whole roster is responsible.
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Dominick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@fsd1, I would contend that 84+ attempted shots is solid, if they’re taken from high scoring areas. Fact is, if you look at scoring chances for, and scoring chances against, those stats are skewed.
Dominick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@fsd1, Zone penetration is also good, but most of that time is spent along the boards. Are you saying that the players willfully play there, and that has nothing to do with coaching?
Pesus Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@fsd1,
If all we do on the power play is take turns taking shot from the blueline then ofcourse there will b alot of blocked shots (coaching) why dont our player go to the slot and take shots? Cuz its not the safe play (coaching) always safer to dump. Ever wonder why we never get many out numbered attacks? Cuz our forwards r in too deep. (coaching).
Look around the league roster by roster and compare other teams to ours, like phx, we have way more talent than phx, nash, list can go on but they finish with better records and better playoff positioning? WHY? Coaching!
jet Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@pesus, Maybe, but it could also be that Phx and Nash have there top to scorers playing or that they do not have 6 rookies playing. So, maybe they finished a point ahead of us becasue of available players and experience!
Does Penner have any Russian in him? Seems to have the same attitude as Frolov.
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pr0cess Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:32 am
@DesertKing, lol
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@DesertKing,
And half the talent..at least fro would take over the occassional game or two.
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He needs to work on his conditioning first and foremost. IF the Kings can get him in better shape over the summer he WILL begin to dominate up front. Until that happens we will only continue to see flashes here and there. You can see it clearly on his face how winded he is on certain nights and he seems to lack the support and/or motivation to improve this area.
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Pesus Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@Jeremy,
No one will every dominate up front when the first conern is defence.
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Please don’t make me call you Dustin Anson Carter Penner!
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DesertKing Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@MK Ultra,
Is that you Ralph Malph
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I have nothing but high hopes for Pen (like we all do).
But I have to wonder about his motivations given what he has achieved in his short career in the NHL.
He got his Stanley Cup pretty much out of the gate.
He got his mega contract not that far behind.
Couple those two things with a general lack of fire in the heart and I’m doubtful we’ll ever see what Penner’s true potential is.
[Reply]
jmsalsa Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@Matt George,
doesn’t help us much for this year’s playoffs – but given that next year is a “contract” year for penner – we might see a bit more effort from him. at least, that’s what i keep telling myself. =)
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Anybody who has played on a perennial loser knows that it lulls some into complacency. Perhaps the intensity of the playoffs will light a fire under Penner. Let’s hope so. If it does then the Kings have a fighting chance.
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Pili Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@Minnesota Kings Fan, Very true. With Penner lit up, we have a great fighting chance.
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Penner – Stoll – Williams
or reunite the geezer line?
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Sebastian Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@Seabass, agree, need to try someone other than Handzus on the top line. need more speed
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pr0cess Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Sebastian, well the fast guy we have is small and will get trown around like he was the last 2 games….
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jet Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Sebastian, Or keep Zeus on the top line with Penner and Brown, geezer line, odd teen line, and Poni, Lewis, and OM
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FanoKings Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Sebastian,
I sure do miss Loktionov. Small guy but his energy forced everyone to play better.
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Dominick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Seabass,
I wouldn’t mind seeing
Penner-OM-Brown
Geezer line
Stopper line
Cliffy-Lewis-Richie.
OM plays the first line anyways, might as well put him where he’s most comfortable. OM, Lewis, and Richie can rotate. Then we have at least 3 lines who are doing what they’re intended to do, and only have to worry about the first line.
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What a waste of 4 mil
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fsd1 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@germankingsfan, I will say again……not yet.
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Milk Carton….
oh, and as for Coach Murray’s quote…. SLOW is a speed on my washing machine.
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i think penner’s a waste. he was the last LW of any note, and dean took the leap; but in the end, penner’s sort of a sluggish, complacent dude who plays when he feel likes it.
i expect little from him this playoff. the team as a whole will have to have cast some kind of magic spell to get past the sharks.
it’s gonna be ugly, imho.
i hope i’m wrong, don’t get me wrong.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@King o’ Philly, I hate to say it but Im pretty much in agreement with you. Its gonna be interesting to say the least.
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Why do Murray’s comments regarding his conversations with Penner remind of the Frolov days? Sounds an awful lot like he won’t be here after next season.
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So…Who’s this Penner guy? is he new or something? Did he just come up from Manchester?
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Marty's Knuckles Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Sebastian, Great minds…
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John Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@Marty’s Knuckles,
Where?
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When did we get Penner?
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Sebastian Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Marty’s Knuckles, hahahaa.
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Helenenothelen just tweeted–
“Justin williaams and Scott Parse still not on regular lines at kings’ practice…williams was to talk to terry murray after practice today”
Doesn’t sound positive…
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Okay here I go.
Penner is a good player that doesn’t use his size to his advantage but he does have skill and its up to Murray to put him in a position to use it. BM has been frustrating coach to watch this year. His constant moving of guys around and his inability to show any creativeness is frustrating. He demands players change to his style of play. Well how about changing a little to what you have and scoring some goals. Does Murray have some russian in Him? He does know that the point of the game is to out score the other team. I mean the Kings had a period last week where they didn’t record a shot. How do you not change things up to shake up the team at that point. Get a freaking shot already. Maybe send out 5 defensemen and send a message. Does Murray do that? Nope. He keeps sending out Westgarth. I don’t have enough time to go over everything but what happened to Lewis. Kopitar goes down and he moves up. Has an unreal game where he is all over the puck and gets 2 great assists in a King victory. Then puuuuufffff. Back to the 4th line Lewis. You clearly don’t understand what we are trying to do hear in LA. Get the puck back against the wall, play around with it, and then try to make a horrible pass back to the point so it can get picked off or so s Dman can shoot it into the corner again.
I sure hope that SJ plays like the SJ of old otherwise this is going to be a quick and painful exit.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Dave,
You’re talking about Terry Murray and not his brother Brian (BM)
You got it a little backwards in the playoffs you don’t win by “outscoring” your opponents. You win by playing stifling defense and convert your chances. The Kings have been miserable in converting scoring chances into goals. PArt of that is the loss of your 2 best offensive players.
So you feel that with Kopi out and JW probably a shell of himself, we should open things up and attempt to “outscore” SJ? The Kings would be blown out of 4 straight games and back home. The only chance we have is to play the system..tight checking, great goaltending, and convert your opportunities.
I was just re-reading your post and I find it funny that you mention the poor passing the Kings do, but somehow this is Murray’s fault? Obviously it can’t be the players fault for poor passing.
Trevor Lewis: I like the way he played when Kopi went down, but think back to the last couple of games he had as the 2nd line center. His game was way off what it was previously. Neither of the games were very good, so he wasn’t pulled because he was playing well. He was pulled because his game had slipped as a 2nd line center.
It’s real easy to blame the coach for the ills of the team, but sometimes the players need to step up and do their jobs…So far with Kopi out, very few have stood out showing they can be counted on..especially Penner and Moller.
If we’re going to beat SJ, guys need to step up big time. I expect it to happen.
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Duckhunter Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@nykingfan, exactly…what wins in playoff is d and GREAT goaltending….score your ugly goal and win 1-0…not many 5-4 or more games. The way Penner ran over some of the Ducks in that last game leads me to believe he understands what he has to do without a talented playmaker with him.
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Rick Knickle Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Dave, +10000. I mean Penner is adjusting to 1.) A radically different system and 2.) juggling linemates and often being paired with a slow moving defensive minded centerman (Handzus). I think his inconistency has more to do with these reasons rather than just simple “effort”.
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fsd1 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Rick Knickle, I agree, the playoffs will be a different thing for penner
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fsd1 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Dave, So how would you suggest he make changes? What would you do? Really, there are so many bloggers here who are complaining about TM but really, how would you do it coach?
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Dave Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@fsd1, I wasn’t saying it was poor passing I was intimating that the system that he wants them to play promotes the poor passing. Defense does win championships but you have to shoot to score and Murray doesn’t want them shooting. I appreciate all the optimism but I am tired of being substandard and this year has been such.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Dave, Sorry, have to diagree once more, they had 84+ attempted shots the last game and there were quite a few blocked shots, the shooting is there (coaches job) the going in the net isn’t (players job).
Dave Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@Dave, I understand there have been a lot of shots the last couple of games. Most have come from the point where you are hoping for a tip or lucky bounce. Most get eaten up by the D or the goalie has an easy save. I just wish they used their skill more. I mean they all have played a lot of hockey in their lives and really between all of them no one knows how to run a power play?
@Matt, what issues?
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Stuart Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@Dave, it got deleted, but before it did I was able to go to the site… ALLEGEDLY, DP is involved with another woman who is about to/ has gone public. Very stupid move by DP if it is true, very sad/stupid move by the mistress if it is false…
and by the pic of her, she looks like chewed dog food. Just sayin.
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I feel bad for the guy. I don’t think he’s used to playing on a different line every night. No wonder some nights he’s good, some nights he’s average. It takes a long time for an offensive line to gel out there. Ask the Russians who kept lines together since the players were peewees. Of course your numbers will suffer if you’re spending time on the ice unsure of what your new linemates are capable of. Feel me?
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launch Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@PurpleReign,
I don’t disagree….however, I think the bigger issue is the effort he puts in some nights.
I was at the Phoenix game (3rows off the ice)….the man is huge!! it’s amazing that he doesn’t just take over games.
he has skills and soft hands without a doubt, but most people feel like he doesn’t try hard enough on every shift.
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He’s Garret Anderson on skates.
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insider01 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@JDB, possibly, but I was thinking more of Matt Kemp on skates
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JDB Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@insider01, Ha. Him too!
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Robert Beck Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@JDB, Now thats a good one!!!
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Duckbasher Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
@JDB,
Good one. But can he dance?
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@Matt,
I haven’t heard anything about “other issues”….please elaborate
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Stuart Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@launch, google dustin penner mistress
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launch Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@Stuart, oh boy…..that’s not good! yikes
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Stuart Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@launch, that can never be good… That would effect anyone’s performance at ANY job…
mcsorleyfan Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@Stuart, whoa. Drama comes at a crappy time. He should have cut bait before leaving Edmonton if that was the plan. Between Harpo’s drama and this mess, our organization is catching egg on the face something awful. At least the harpo mess was offseason, not at the start of the 2nd season. Egads. Let us all hope this blows over quick!
[Reply]
mcdangles Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@launch, I just saw the pics and the letter-email. If this is true, not good. All I can say is that Penner better watch where he puts his stick…..better be putting pucks in the net with that stick come 1st round vs. Sharks
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There are times that I see more effort with the kid working at McDonalds than with Penner. He’s getting paid the big bucks…..step up and earn your money.
[Reply]
You mean there’s more than one version?
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It’s not Penner, it’s the defensive system he plays in.
[Reply]
therocknroll80s Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@therocknroll80s, you could also say that for the whole team!
[Reply]
The excuses offered for Penner amaze me. He is a professional athlete being paid big bucks to perform on a team known for its work ethic. We all see his lack of effort and motivation. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR IT. I hope DL dumps him over the summer.
[Reply]
Bob Smith Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@rick, Dump DL. All he can do is draft ok when he has a pick in the top 5 of the draft. Any one of us could do that. Out with the OLD guard NHL grey hairs and bring in some fresh new people who understand today’s NHL.
[Reply]
kingfish Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@rick,
yep see ya penner
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@rick,
Agree
blame the guy not iging the effort…
I don’t understand how someone can get a pass for not trying….
[Reply]
Another sign that the DL front office and TM coaching staff needs to go after a quick dispatching from this years playoffs. I guess nobody read Brian Burkes and then Craig McTavish’s comments several YEARS ago about how Penned is NOT worth the kind of money he is paid and that he is lazy. It always amazes me that people on here can’t see that these guys aren’t the ones that are taking the Kings to the promised land. I am 15 and I could have told you this is what you were buying DL.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@Bob Smith, Mctavish from the team that signed him to a big contract called him lazy in the press? Link please.
[Reply]
jeanshorts Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@fsd1, http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/kurtenblog/archive/2008/11/17/craig-mctavish-shreds-dustin-penner.aspx
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/sports/oilers/story.html?id=8094df3b-bf43-479c-b973-c10dd439e3ef
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/03/09/oilers_penner_mactavish/
I could go on but I think these will give you the gist.
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I think Penner will do just fine once we get out of “crippled” mode.
Remember that he was brought in to play on a skill line, which matches the game he brings and scores with.
That skill line disappeared on him and he was asked to do the “Murray Grind(tm)” instead.
Once we get Williams back on that first line, odds are good his effectiveness will improve.
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Dominick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@Token, Agreed!
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I haven’t even read the comments on here (so far). Rich, you said it best, dead horse territory. This is what I Love about sports (yes, sarcasm). Someone is being paid millions (not even like, a million)… millions of dollars a year, and they have to be told by there boss ‘look, you’ve gotta bring it’? WHAT? I’m sorry, I just don’t want to say anything else.
Oh, yes I do actually. It’s sad.
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mcdangles Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@number 6, glad I saw your post. I was going to say the exact thing. A professional should NOT be constantly told to STEP IT UP. Maybe once, then after that the DOG HOUSE. These guys are getting paid MILLIONS to play top of the world hockey, NHL…. not sand bagg’in it and knowing they are still getting paid!
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Just hoping we get a Penner that can step up and make some big goals for us. But I’m not holding my breath!
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Penner in personality and on-ice effort reminds me a lot of Rob Blake. I remember being a 15-year-old kid at the old Forum when Rob Blake was out of action with an injury and I saw him in a suit watching the game near the Zamboni entrance — I asked him: “Why does it look like you play differently in the playoffs [like you're holding back in the regular season]?” Besides my being an unnecessary pest and the “duh” answer to my question, he did answer: “The playoffs are a totally different [thing/animal/beast... you gotta have something left/it's a whole other level].” Us fans might not like it, and it gets irritating to watch during an 82-game stretch, but these players have to leave something in the tank for the playoffs. If they don’t hold back at all, they might not even be healthy enough to play in the playoffs. Granted, there are certain guys who don’t hold back (Brownie, Williams), but when you’re 6’4″ and fully confident that you belong in the NHL, you’re more likely to take a night off here and there and just deal with the coach’s criticism. Hockey is a harder sport to coast in, but all pro athletes do it including tennis players in tourneys who fold in events that don’t carry as much weight in rankings, etc. Tough to compare hockey and tennis or even basketball, but look at the Lakers who know how grueling it is to go deep into June. Each pro athlete knows how to manage their body so they’re ready when it matters. I expect Penner to lay it on the line vs. the Sharks. Look at the flip side, we could be complaining about a player like Jagr who’d lead the league in scoring, often get shut down in the playoffs and then cry about how nobody remembers what you did in the regular season. That’s right, nobody remembers… GKG!
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thustable Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@egold44, thanks for the book
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@egold44, Good Post. Good take. Not sure if I agree 100%, but well written in any case.
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I have an even better and much more important question Rich. Which version of Penner, Symth, Simmonds, Johnson, Ponikarovsky and Doughty will the Kings get?
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, Yeah, really.
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Want Penner to score….? Tell him to park himself in front of the net. That way he doesn’t have to hustle up and down the ice like the rest of the guys, and that would prevent him from making blind passes that go to the other team. Just tell him to block the goalie’s line of sight, stay on his feet, and slap away at the rebound. It worked in the first four games he played with us. Maybe it will work again.
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I honestly don’t think it should take a flippin’ coach to tell a professional athlete to go as hard as he can for FORTY-FIVE SECONDS, then rest a few minutes and go do it again.
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rick Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
@In the Net, Well said. Penner has had the same problem everywhere he has gone, and his coaches have all commented on it. Murray is trying to remain positive (what choice does he have at this point in the year?), but the simple fact that the Penner work ethic issue has come up so quickly – and so often – speaks volumes about what TM must really think of him. Unless he makes a huge turnaround in the playoffs, I will be surprised if Penner lasts through the summer as a member of the Kings. I would rather take our chances on someone with less talent but more heart.
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Duckbasher Reply:
April 12th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@rick,
Too late. We bought him. Buyer beware. His stock is already down. If the Off Ice rumors are also true… and the Kings start shopping him… we’d be lucky to get someone to take him on waivers.
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even oscar moller has been working harder than dustin penner of late.. penner has picked up some bad habits since he arrived from edmonton… (no fly-bys) watching him on the ice in the kings last few games, its like hes pulled an alexander frolov – he has checked out and is already on the golf course… pity too, cause it makes the gm, dean lombardi look like a tool for waiving marco sturm and then trading for a guy that was going to be a difference maker, the next piece, a player with size and mad skillz who surly would add to an up n coming team and take them further into the post season… hey penner, take off your skirt and move your damn feet….
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I wish he would work out and get the point. But I truly beleive he doesn’t want to play for the Kings (like alot of players) and if you combine that with his reputation as it applies to his general play, if he doesn’t help in the playoff’s (and I don’t mean be a star), I say do some homework Kings and trade him at the draft for somebody that should want to play for the Kings.
I think this team has a motivational problem already, a Penner isn’t going to make it better.
Or am I the only one that thinks the Kings as a team should be better than they are?
But I’m still upset about dropping that last two games. Didn’t help that I was at both.
And I will never be going to the pond again. I’ve been treated better by the cops in a drunk tank.
Not a joke.
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Ptrpare for s shirtless Penner. I think we’re in for a treat. There’s no room for any other hopes.
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Penner has for too long been playing for a non-contender. You go from the top of the Mountain; Cup in ’07 to the foothills the next year, an ingrained passivity can take over. I hope DP breaks out of that funk since we’ve got him next year too. Sometimes hard for new players to get their mojo but in the absence of Kopi and JW, DP HAS to produce! GKG!
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Let’s hope Pylon has another gear for the playoffs.
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Penner Sucks
I have been to 13 games including last night’s Playoff game
Penner had a nice assist in the first period but then NEVER did ANYTHING the rest of the game.
I am not talking about goals ( heaven forbid he score a goal) but he was just skating around and not showing ANY effort.
He should be BENCHED he is hurting the team.
At least one of the Sharks goals were a direct result of Penner’s lack of hussle.
HE SUCKS
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