Any analysis of Drew Doughty should start with a flashing disclaimer: “Caution, he’s 21 years old.” In general, 21-year-old defensemen aren’t supposed to do anything close to what Doughty does. Doughty averaged 25 minutes, 39 seconds of ice time per game this season, the fifth-highest average in the NHL and more than top defensemen such as Zdeno Chara, Shea Weber, Mike Green and Lubomir Visnovsky. In fact, among the 13 defensemen who averaged 25 or more minutes per game this season, only 24-year-old Marc Staal of the New York Rangers even comes close to Doughty’s age.
That said, Doughty set a standard for himself last season when, in his second NHL season, he was a deserving Norris Trophy finalist. The presumption was that Doughty, who finished third in the voting last season, might be the favorite for the award this season. Instead, he’s not expected to be a finalist. Doughty totaled 11 goals and 29 assists this season, down from 16 goals and 43 assists last season, and his plus-minus rating went from plus-20 to plus-13. An early-season concussion cost Doughty six games and might have contributed to some tentativeness. Regardless, Doughty has been a different player in the second half of the season, with a handful of brilliant games, many strong games and very few poor efforts. Doughty might have been at his best in Game 2 last night, when he had two goals and two assists, including a brilliant drag-and-shoot power-play goal that gave the Kings a 3-0 lead. Today, both Terry Murray and Doughty gave some in-depth thoughts about Doughty’s season
MURRAY: “Well, whatever I say to you, he’s going to disagree with [smiles]. What we talked many times with him about, between John (Stevens) and I, from the start of the training camp is, `You need to be better,’ basically. And, `You are better. You showed it to us in the past, and that’s where we want you to get to again.’ His feeling was that everything was good. That’s the normal reaction of a young hockey player. I’ve heard those comments back to me many, many times over the years. But you’re always trying to push it to the next level. The one area that was lacking for me was just his skating. He wasn’t jumping with the puck and reacting with the high energy, the explosiveness that we’re seeing in the last half of the season and certainly with the game last night. He was a player that wanted the puck on his stick. He had the attitude that he could make a difference in the game. When he plays with that kind of approach to the game, he can make a difference in any given one of them, because of his abilities.
“That goal that he scored, the second goal, when you just step back and the emotion is out of the game and you replay it and watch it, it’s a phenomenal goal. To do what he did, to get the puck down at that hash mark and put on the brakes and, now, pulling it, skating backwards, holding off, faking a couple of great players in the game and now finding a way to get the puck through to the net, with traffic, and scoring, that’s a pretty special play. That’s what his capabilities and abilities are.”
Question: Did the concussion have something to do with his play early in the season?
MURRAY: “I think it slowed the process down, but I didn’t think — and again, we’re going to get disagreements on this — but coming from the first day of the training camp up until that game — I know that was early in the season — I didn’t think that we had the same player that we knew we had. But that was a setback, there’s no question. When you get hit like that, and coming through the symptoms of that upper-body injury, it does take time. It does put a little hesitancy in your game, and you’ve got to work through it medically and, maybe most importantly, emotionally, to get physically involved again.”
Question: Which kind of player do you think you will get in Game 3?
MURRAY: “Well, again, I think in the last half of the season, we’ve seen this player that we saw last night. Most nights, he’s doing the right things, he’s very energetic, his skating is very good, really moving his feet. We’ll get him again.”
A few minutes later, Doughty shared his thoughts about his season and, in particular, about his Game 2…
DOUGHTY: “In a playoff game, you’re so excited to play and the atmosphere is so crazy. Not that you’re not trying your hardest or anything throughout the regular season, but just motivationally, it’s a lot easier to get up for a playoff game. You’re so excited to play. I knew that we needed that win, and I knew I needed to take over the game and do everything I could to help us win. I just did that and it felt great. We need to do the same thing in the next game.”
Question: How would you analyze your season?
DOUGHTY: “I think, in the first half, I don’t think I was playing bad but I definitely don’t think I was playing as good as I could. Then, the second half of the season, I think I stepped it up. From the last quarter on, I think I’ve played really well. I think I’ve been back in my element, playing good offensively and defensively. So I’m feeling comfortable again. I’m feeling confident — not that I didn’t — but really confident right now, and I just need to play that way for the rest of the season.”
Question: Did the concussion have something to do with the early play?
DOUGHTY: “I don’t know if I would blame it on the concussion. I definitely wasn’t the same when I got back. Not that I rushed back or anything like that. I just, obviously, wasn’t playing the same. I wasn’t jumping into the rush like I had in previous seasons, and stuff like that. Like I said, I wasn’t at my best and I was a little disappointed with my effort in my first half, but I stepped it up in the second half and now that we’re in the playoffs, it’s time for me to be at my best. I guess it’s good that I’m playing better now.”
Question: You and Jack (Johnson) seem to have that playoff power-play thing going again…
DOUGHTY: “I don’t know why we can’t do that during the regular season. I don’t know what we’re doing differently. We love playing with each other on the power play. We think we work together well. We find space for each other to get our shots off. We love playing playoff hockey. We’re going to do everything we can. We know we need offense, in every way possible, because that’s the one area we struggle in. So our power play is huge for that, and we stepped up to the plate last night. Our power play was the changer in that game.”
Question: Can you break down your second goal, from the time you got the puck?
DOUGHTY: “I know that the goalie is going to be off his right post. When I come to the middle, he’s coming from the right post to the middle. I like that shot, my slap shot going top right. I was just hammering it. I had a screen, and I saw that little gap up top. I just wanted to make sure I was hitting the net, and it went in.”
That’s funny, where are all the people who only come out before the series and during losing streaks and ask for everyone to be fired or traded? I have no problem with people being critical, but I hate unwarranted negativity and those who feel that just because they’re hypercritical of everything that they are actually experts.
I don’t mind
1) new people finding this blog and posting a lot, or
2) new people joining the bandwagon (The more fans the better)
BUT I appreciate it when people are thoughtful about what they say. In other words just because we lose a game or two doesn’t mean the sky is falling and that suddenly everyone is an idiot.
Sorry, I had to get that off my chest (and no I’m not claiming like I’m always the most insightful poster or the most informed person…that probably is Quisp, Jet, Waves, Variable, or Dom)
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Guss Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@Shakes, nicely said! Many people on this blog were being so negative before the series it was crushing knowing they’re kings fans! We believe!!!
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mash-ola Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@Shakes, I’ve never mentioned anything about firing or trading Doughty, but I will say that for whatever reason (post-concussion, conditioning, letting last year’s success get to his head, other teams keying in on him more, etc) he did not have as stellar a season as he did last year. Some of his gaffs/miscues were glaring. But as one of the team’s top D-men, he is given more minutes in more crucial situations because I suppose the potential far outweighs the risk. Even down the stretch, he was not playing particularly well. But the last game reaffirmed that this young defenseman has the tools to do be a force and a true elite player in the NHL. If he can continue to execute and make good decisions at both ends of the ice, he’ll be on the hot track once again.
Not sure about the badwagon comments though…
GO KINGS GO!
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
C@mash-ol….Cocur
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
@LVKINGS88,
Hahahahahahahahahahaha
I see what you did there
Jack Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@Shakes, I totally agree…That’s why I left LGK.com many moons ago.All the negativaty.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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Osaka Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@Shakes, Maybe it is like therapy for people to get the bad stuff of their chest. I can see complaining about an issue. I just didn’t understand why people were saying the Kings were going to lose the series with SJ before it even started. They were already talking about next year. I guess if they don’t get their hopes up they won’t get dissapointed. I don’t know. Kopitar being out and Williams hurt some didn’t want to enjoy the playoffs. Scared too? Those were two great games they played there. Love playoff hockey! Kings fans, enjoy the ride.
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LA Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
@Osaka, yea i didnt even know this existed ive been watching kings games for years now but i moved up to college and do not get the games. i stumbled upon this blog 2 months ago but my email wasnt working or something so i would just read what you guys all wrote to figure out what was going on. then we finally got a game and i figured out the negativity pretty extreme. Then when the kings win its like everyone forgets that they called for quicks benching and murrays firing.
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@LA, I always say keep it respectfull,,,,,unless it’s actually funny,,Humor trumps political correctness, I do hate people who put others down, or try to make them feel shame for an oppinion, or tell us who needs to be fired (unless it’s Kompon LOL)
bobblehead Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
@Shakes, Well said Shakes. I read some of the SJ fan comments on their blog this morning….they are crushed and are feeling like the snarks are self-destructing like they always do in the post season after only one loss. Total 180 from the comments they had after game one….there wasn’t one positive comment from those bandwagoners. I am a Murray and Kings supporter thru thick and thin.
GKG!!!
(Preds too….down with the clucks)
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RJC76 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
@Shakes, Well said man. It’s one of the reasons why I quit posting awhile back….and reading after a loss. I get criticism, but some of it was ridiculous. I also got tired of the insults from some of the posters towards TM..(idiot, moron, etc.) I get not liking a coach or wanting them fired, but the personal attacks got old and boring really quick.
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KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@RJC76, The only people that need to get fired or to send in the resignation is the Head man Colin in the NHL Office for punishing stoll and not handing one out for Demers!!!!
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KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@Shakes, Hey I for one have never doubted this team nor any of the guys on previous teams before Deno was hired I felt we always traded and got allot of players on there way out or in slumps of some kind and could have done better with what he had…But even with penner now I dont think it was a bad trade all together I knew it would take time and maybe allot of dont realize when you move from one system to the next things dont just happen over-night!!! But I am and always will be a true fan Win Lose or Tie Kings Till I Die….I know there arent ties anymore but I have had that on my plate frame for along time!!!! And well said I must say shakes … people/fans need to give the guys a break and try not to be so quick to react!!!!
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 12:43 am
@Shakes, I am usually a very critical poster, yet at this time of year, I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer. I wish our Kings all the luck in the world during this year’s playoffs, and hope that I won’t need to break out the criticizing stick anytime soon!
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Doughty played like his old self… hope he keeps it up!
In an unrelated story, the Ducks lose 4-3 to Nashtown, and once again, the Duck’s assinine colorman Brian Hayward makes a fool of himself and disgraces his profession. Completely dominated, outshot, and fortunate to be in the game because of two quick goals by Teemu Selanne, Hayward in the post game says “The Predators survive this game”. He then goes on to bring his argument that it was a “weird game” because the top Duck forwards were shut down, the whole time not giving any credit or respect to the Predators. This guy takes the cake. He’s so biased that I don’t even know how ignorant he sounds. Man, he pisses me off! But the Preds win and the Ducks are down 2-1, so there! lol
GO KINGS GO!
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mash-ola Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
@mash-ola, To clarify, what I meant to say was that he is so biased, I don’t even know if he can hear himself talk. He’s so damned pompous and full of himself… arrrrrgh! ha ha ha… Ahlers is ok as the play-by-play guy, but Hayward… omg…
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GreyPaws Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@mash-ola,
Bob and Jim and Nick and Daryl are just so good that you are spoiled. Quite a few of the other broadcasters i’ve heard recently are guilty of being “homers”
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Osaka Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@GreyPaws, But Hayward is the worst in the league by far. I can only get the Versus feed here in Japan for the playoofs and the guys for SJ are pretty good, I have no problem with them.
NoDoughty Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@mash-ola, sorry, but Ahlers is every bit as biased and terrible as Hayward. I loved it when Hayward said that Sbisa must have ticked off the Zebras and that’s why he’s getting so many questionable penalties.
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blahblah Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@NoDoughty,
haha. i heard that too. he then added that, the refs must have looked at his bio and saw that he was a rookie. yea hayward, the refs got together before a playoff game and they said “hey look that sbisa kid is a rookie! lets go out and get him!”
Osaka Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@mash-ola, I agree, I have no problem with Ahlers, Hayward just makes a fool of himself. Worst in any sport.
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Michael_DD8 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@Osaka,
The sharks announcers the other night made me sick to my stomach. For game 1 that is. Almost got me worst then those HORRID Duck announcers.
Luke M. Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
@Osaka, Drew Remenda is a close second to Hayward. He’s a huge sharks homer.
KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@mash-ola, Well I cant agree with you more its like listening to the 2 morons that announce the Angels games Give Bob,Jim,Daryl,Nick,Vin and Chick god rest his soul he is missed….. By the way Vin is the best baseball announcer in the game …… We are truly Spoiled in LA….
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Socalr6 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@mash-ola, Oh man he’s so dumb. I just happened to be channel surfing and caught him reading off the shots against in the game for each team backwards. Duh! Hello buddie Duh!
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Lead Feet Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@mash-ola, Did you see/hear the part of the game when Rene went behind the net to play the puck and WHILE HIS BACK IS TO THE DUCK FORCHECKER he gets ran into and Hayward says..”OH Thats inrerference from the goalie” WHAT!!! And then again later when one of the PReds forwards gos to the net and gets hammered right into and over Emery, Hayward says “Oh! He didnt even try to avoid contact with Emery!” Uhhhh ya, he was in the air flying BACKWARDS and then landed on Emery!!! What a joke.
I have always appreciated how Bob Miller gives the Kings a hard time when they dont play well. He loves his team. But he does his JOB first..
GO KINGS GO
See you all Tuesday night…I’ll be the one with my face painted!!!
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
@Lead Feet, I think it’s an L.A. thing,,,we have such good announcers in all sports here, or had,,from Chick to Vinny to Miller, you just can’t get any better, I might also be that we are more respectful and unbiased because so many people come here from other cities to escape the oppression of biased hack announcers, we should only welcome are fallen brothers and sisiters with open arms, God knows the horrors they’ve endured, we have only just witnessed a fraction of the inhumanity in this verbally unkind post season on VS and channel 56.
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Central Coast King Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
@Ravens, This is why Bob & Foxxy keep winning those awards consistantly every year. Very professional first.
Davey Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@Ravens,
Dont forget Bill Walton!
hahahah
But I agree, I think Jim Fox is probably the best color commentator because of his level headedness. Defaintely earns his “OOWWWW!!!” moments whenever theres an amazing play/hit.
Bailey Fan Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 12:13 am
@mash-ola, Best part was when he said “It’s a miracle no one’s been injured in this game yet.” but i guess you have to give him some slack, i mean, covering the Ducks, who end up injuring someone on the other team every other game.
Seriously though, he ends up talking more about how the officiating sucks and how the Ducks should be winning and how the Preds have been getting away with murder blah blah blah. Anaheim has the most homer announcers, reporters, and fans in the NHL
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K9 Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@mash-ola, He’s horrible but there are a lot of bad ones out there. I had to turn the sound off. But what bothers me even more are the guys that scream at the top of their lungs when their team scores a goal, it may be Buff/NYR. It makes me realize how lucky I am to be able to listen to Bob/Jim. Nick and Daryl and even Richie Hammond on occasion!
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not dumb Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@K9, the stylings of Sabres play by play man Rick Jeanerette took some time to grow on me, but I really love the uninhibited excitement and emotion in his work. He is unique and has made some very memorable calls over the years.
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I think the concussion played a role, even if it wasn’t the whole problem. Suffering from similar (spinal) issues, I know you can try your best and not be what you are when you’re 100% clear.
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CB14 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Just wanted to let you know that in my opinion, I think you should’ve been mentioned on Shakes list along with the 5 guys he said. I always enjoy reading your posts. I’ve only been following this blog for less than a year, but your posts are always a good read.IMHO
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@CB14, Thank you! I appreciate that.
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Off topic. Ducks lose and Mrs. Fisher was enjoying the game very much.
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Guss Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
@goldielocks, haha, oh that carrie underwood.. mmmm.. i mean carrie fisher? Doesnt sound as spicy
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goldielocks Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@Guss,
She was jumping up and down, dancing happily when her hubby scored the goal after the fighting with Getzlaf.
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Kings x Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 2:34 am
@Guss, Mike fisher-underwood
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mash-ola Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@goldielocks, She’s cute, but the asian chick cheering in the box with her was just plain smokin’!!!! And those Predator Ice girls were cute too! But those Edmonton Cheerleaders in the white boots…. (sigh)
[Reply]
NoDoughty Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@mash-ola, here’s a towel to wipe the drool from your face…. LOL
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mash-ola Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@NoDoughty, whew… Thanks… I needed that!
lol
goldielocks Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@mash-ola,
You mean the pair of white leather boots? OMG! … you made me so horny!
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No love for Johnson? I know Doughty is a much better player, but Johnson was the future of the Kings’ blueline before Doughty was even a twinkle in Lombardi’s eye. Both of those guys had a good game and might just be our playoff heroes.
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
@jonsey, I agree, Johnson does get over looked at times, maybe becuase he ain’t Canadian,,who knows, but I still love him
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Canadian King Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:24 am
@Ravens,
Give me a break, cause he’s not Canadian? It has nothing to do with the fact that Johnson is a -15 to 20 every year and Doughty is a +10-20 player every year. Or that he ways a norris trophy candidate last year. Doughty is by far tye better player, but why is this even a discussion they are both KINGS, nationality has no bearing, just be thankful these great young d-men are on the team we love.
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SafariChecker Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 8:55 am
@Canadian King, I do think that Doughty’s role in the Team Canada Gold Medal definitely spiked his popularity and lends a bit of favoritsm towards him (not necessarily from coaches but fans). I love Doughty and Johnson equally, but I don’t think it is a secret that Canadian players get a bit more love in general. I will say that I think Johnson is a much harder worker (conditioning, work ethic-wise) than Doughty. I worry that Doughty and Simmonds living together has taken from their games a bit. Just my opinion though. And yes, regardless, love having both of them on our team!
jonsey Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@Canadian King, You’re right. I for one am very glad we have both Doughty AND Johnson and think that this is not a Doughty vs. Johnson thing. However, there are many people who frequently criticize him and I think he deserves a big thumbs up for this game.
Mikey J. Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@jonsey, Gotta give credit where credits due. JJ set the tone for the evening.
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Paul G Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 4:45 am
@jonsey, Maybr because he’s easily replaceable by the sheer volume of other offensive defensemen…..Voynov perhaps?
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jonsey Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@Paul G, Voynov = Grebeshkov 2.0
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about the powerplay…it was pretty poor during last years regular season with stoll on the point. then in the playoffs against van, murray goes with doughty and johnson and it was highly effective, to say the least. so what did we do this year? we put stoll on the point again and our powerplay ranks in the bottom of the league. stoll gets suspended in the last game and doughty and johnson go 2for2 on san jose’s first 2 penalties. is it just me, or is it pretty clear we should have 8 and 3 on the same unit. i understand that murray is trying to spread the talent so we have 2 threats, but come on. if doughty and johnson score, we wont need a second unit. and if we do, martinez and stoll can be used on the second unit.
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CB14 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
@blahblah, Pretty Poor, huh? Our PP was 7th in the league last year. That’s pretty good IMO. We have been poor this year though, 21st overall. I agree with you that DD and JJ should play together on the PP, but Stoll isn’t terrible.
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blahblah Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@CB14,
thanks for the correction. i thought our pp was bad last year, too. thats what i get for not doing my research before posting.
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CB14 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@blahblah, No Problemo. I know the Kings PP% the last 2 years by heart because i’ve been pointing out how bad a job Kompon has done all year long. That’s the only reason why I corrected you.
Dan H. Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 8:59 am
@blahblah,
Stoll from the point can’t hit the net on a slapshot…that’s happened all season. Remember pre-season when Heidi got tagged with a puck and the joke was that it had to be Stoll shanking another one?
I LOVE Stoll on the PP but I’d use him as the high slot guy and try to utilize his wicked wrister from the shootouts instead of the slapper.
That’s just me.
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Best defenceman in the NHL
future hall of famer
Last King to wear #8
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jonsey Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
@Paul G, He may very well be OR he turns out to be Rob Blake and they don’t pay him his dues and that’s that. He could very easily be almost as good as Ray. Now, he will probably never put up 100 point seasons, but he really shows a lot of talent.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@Paul G, Concur!
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http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=1083&id=109262
The newest history will be made video – Doughty.
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KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@Michelle, Sweet I love it …..
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Paul G Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 4:44 am
@Michelle, they show the same goal twice….lol drew did score 2 separate goals, someone should tell them that
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Seems like in describing the goal Rich asked him to describe he mixed the two together? First one was top right, second one w the drag back to the middle was on the ice. No? Unless he’s talking about both of them.
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A magnificent win yesterday. Dominating. I was 1 of the negative people on this blog with all my non-stop Quick bashing. Being a standup guy, let me have it everybody. He was brilliant yesterday as was Doughty and the entire team. The Sharks are in big trouble in this series. The Kings are starting to believe, and it feels so good.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
@Poorman, its ok we like both Goalies JB and JQ can get a Stanley Cup if they have help with their Defense
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Don’t feel bad, at one point in the season I posted that we might be better served to bring Martin Jones up and give him a shot,,,,now he’s not even manchesters #1
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rontheking Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
@Poorman,
Ohhhhhh….you…..
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KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@Poorman, Hey dont get to down on yourself …..Just Believe…..
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Poorman Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
@KingsFan1974, I really think the Sharks are thinking a lot. There is a lot of pressure on that team. They’re mentally screwed! Kings will win this series. Vancouver is a whole different situation; worried about them.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@Poorman, yea we will lose against Canucks but at least we have hope to get to round 2
mcsorleyfan Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 12:07 am
@Poorman, Nah… I’ve let you have it enough! But when do we get gas station wars again??
[Reply]
Poorman Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 1:37 am
@mcsorleyfan, Dude, I took your suggestion. I’m doing it on my new radio show! I’m on 1-3 PM on KCAA AM 1050 in the Inland Empire M thr F. Poorman’s Gas Wars. I’ve put the plea on the airwaves to lower the cost of gas to 25 cents a gallon just two hours during my show. Shell is very interested in doing it. Seriously, you gave me the idea and I ran with it. Thanks!
[Reply]
I saw Three things last night posted after seperate goals that made me laugh, seems like we have a trend going on here.
JMFJ
DMFD
CMFK
Anyone else notice?
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Tmik Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@Tmik,
Yay Dyslexia..
Last one was supposed to be
KMFC
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
@Tmik, Those are some amazing M.F.’s
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Guss Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 7:44 pm
@Ravens, lmao
Darrell Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Tmik, That sounds like a Metak radio station. ALL ROCK. ALL THE TIME.
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Darrell Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Darrell, Metal
4lakngz Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
@Tmik, I guess I need to stop calling him Jack Minus Fourteen Johnson!
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Tmik Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@4lakngz,
Awesome.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@Tmik,
The W&#F you talking about? Good observation!
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Nitrohockey Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@Tmik, I guess you could add JMFQ and the entire LAMFK team!!! I’m hoping we can add a DMFP to that list!
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I like Doughty and JJ always did but this season they werent the same but now it seems like they getting their game back and i hope it stays forever
Quick doing great i hope he can keep it up on Game 3
I hope the PP works like on Game 2
I hope we destroy the Sharks at the Staple Center again
I hope we win game 3 and 4
Kings got to keep it up if they want to win this series they have to pick it up to the next level and be one step ahead of the Sharks they are still a strong team and they not going to go down without a fight
Go Kings Go!!
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KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@KingsFanFTW, True but if my memory is correct in all the sharks playoff series the teams that beat them Joe Thorton wasnt even a bit effective they took him out of the game on a playing level and the guy really does stink it up in the playoffs…. message to the kings keep it up on take it to thorton I know he is only one guy amongst allot of great players call it a hunch take to him and the rest of the team fallows!!!!!!
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With Doughty getting hot, the Sharts are going to have to have a little more focus on him, and I can see this opening up the ice for our forwards, especially on the PP. Just another little advantage that getting hot will generate.
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Long time kings fan. last night they where great! they where great in game 1 as well!
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look who is leading the WHL is playoff scoring and regular season scoring.
http://www.whl.ca/stats/show
the kings future has never looked better
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
@gcheng, Vey was the CHL player of the week last week, and Kitsyn in leading the best team in the CHL, the Missisuage St. Michaels Majors in the playoofs with 9 points in 7 games
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@Ravens, edit option please Rich (LOL) maybe I should just proof read
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It lokks like we need to go throgh Van Couver second round!!!
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zdfun Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@LaKingBob[chi], yes, at first, I hope Chicago can beat Van, so we’d face Nashville if we beat SJ.
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
@LaKingBob[chi], now I hope Vancuver sweeps so when we beat the Nucks it will be all that much more impressive
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CB14 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
@Ravens, Edit option again, hey Ravens? Vancouver. Just pointing it out because of your earlier post. LOL
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If we end up playing Vancouver they might be minus Raffi Torres (which would be a good thing before he really hurts somebody). See the hit he had on Seabrooke? And it was in his first game back after being suspended for 4 games – he needs to be gone for at least double that amount or more.
Can you say “headhunter”?
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CB14 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@KDinUT, It was interference, but it wasn’t blindside, plus i’m not sure if he targeted the head. I might be wrong about that, but from the video I saw I thought he kept his elbow down. He might get suspended due to his history, but it wasn’t as bad as his hit on Eberle. IMO
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TA Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@KDinUT, Yes, I saw it. The funny thing was he was arguing that he did nothing wrong!
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@KDinUT,Raffi Torres hit on Seabrook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nomG4dU-mTk
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hockeykingsguy Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
@Ravens, That’s why we are playing Westgarth and keeping the fins in check. The Hawks had no one to answer. Big Scott didn’t fo anything and the rest of their team is soft. They have been out hit this whole series.
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Kings x Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 2:41 am
@Ravens, I don’t like the hit I know they called a penalty but was it for contact with the head? Did he hit him before he had the puck? Otherwise it’s like an open ice hit with your head down. don’t want to see anyone get hurt unless it is Stevens hitting lindros
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Interesting thought about our center postions next year.
I have really liked how well Lewis has played all year, and the few times that TM has moved him up to the 2nd or 3rd line I thought he played very well. Good speed, good defensively, and is great on the PK.
So here is my question;
Who are our 4 centerman next year?
Kopi
Stoll
Zues(free agent)
Lewis
Scheen
Lotki
What are your thoughts?
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hockeykingsguy Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
@TA,
Kopi
Richards (Free agent signing)
Stoll
Lewis/Schenn
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
@hockeykingsguy,
Kopi
Schenn
stoll
Lewis
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scvking Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:33 am
@hockeykingsguy,
Where is the money going to come from to sign Richards? It appears the Kings are going to be right up against he cap, believe it or not. Unless we trade some big contract guys, we have no room for he big F/A signing.
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Canadian King Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:33 am
@hockeykingsguy, No cap space for Richards. Someone would have to be traded out first like a Smyth. I think it will be:
Kopitar
Schenn
Stoll
Lewis/Lokti
My knock on Lokti right now is that he needs to bulk up in the off-season. He is way to soft and will never excell in the NHL if he can’t take hits. He has barely even played any games in the NHL and has already had surgery on both shoulders.
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jonsey Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
@TA, I wouldn’t mind leaving Schenn in the minors next year. I even would take that slow poke Handzus back for a huge discount. He’s making $4 million now, so how about $1 million to make up for how bad he was points wise?
Kopitar
Loktionov/Stoll
Loktionov/Stoll
Lewis
Keep Schenn in the minors and see how good he can be. Wouldn’t it be better to get a Parise rather than a Kessel? Give the guy time to excel.
Can we send Schenn to Europe to play where Kopitar played?
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Howe9 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@TA,
I’m going to bed now.
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CB14 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
@TA, My Kings line-up next year. In my dreams of course.
Parise Kopi Brown
Smyth Richards Williams
Clifford Stoll Simmonds
Lewis Lokti Schenn
Johnson Doughty
Mitchell Greene
Scuderi Voynov/Hickey/Muzzin
Quick
Jones/Zatkoff
Trade Penner, Bernier, Martinez, and Parse for Zach Parise. Sign Brad Richards. Hey a guy can dream right. Then the year after that, Smyth and Stoll are gone. Lokti takes over 2nd C, Richards moves to 2nd LW. Schenn moves to 3rd C, Lewis moves to 4th C, Toffoli comes up to 4th RW, Kitsyn comes up to 4th LW.
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TA Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
@CB14, I like that dream. Looks like muti cups!
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KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
@CB14, Id keep Martinez keep the youth and Zus has been solid
its nice to dream but starting over isn’t always a good thing be careful what you wish for its a solid team with Kopi back but Zus is and has been a great Pk guy and has done his job well……when we had the great one it was supposed to be the multiple cup team and how did that work just think before you write some one off… just my opinion and well since ive been a fan now for 37 years Ive been through the ups and downs this team is great could be one of the best they have ever had Im just saying!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ok folks, I had to listen to sports talk radio all day and the general consensus is that we got lucky Saturday night, DD will never have another game like it and SJ has things well in hand. In fact, some commentators said that SJ plays better on the road during the playoffs so going to Staples is going to help them. No mention that the Kings dominated SJ for 4 of the last 6 periods, played them even for one, and was only really dominated in the very first period. No mention that we now have home ice advantage. No mention that we won without Stoll. No mention that despite the refs wearing blindfolds, we are still perfect on the PK. I actually kinda like it! To all non-King fans – Keep fooling yourself! Nothing matters except the final game, the final horn and the hoisting of the Cup. We no longer care if you respect us, that you don’t fear us, or that you don’t believe in us. In fact, I think a couple of teams are getting a little worried that we are playing better than SJ and they could be facing us in the next round. Tuesday night is going to be epic at Staples and we as fans need to represent!! GKG!!!
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Ravens Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
@DesertKing, Those are fighting words. I can only hope the Kings themselves hear the same disrespect. I’m sure they do
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jonsey Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
@DesertKing, If VAN wins and we win we play them. If DET wins and VAN loses we play DET. I think we would destroy DET no matter how good Datsyuk is. I think VAN would be a good re-match, even if we can’t match their scoring.
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Mikey J. Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@DesertKing, Yeah Man! We kicked their ass the first two games.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@DesertKing, Nothing to see here. Move along. (See you next round!)
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DesertKing Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:39 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Perfect, lol.
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If anyone watched the Blawkhawks and Nucks game, that was a perfect example of why you need Westgarth in the lineup. Torres and Glass were running around taking runs at players and the Hawks had no one to answer it.
Keep our lineup tough TM and we will beat the Sharks, they are Intimidated by us, don’t give them a reason to not be anymore.
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jonsey Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
@hockeykingsguy, Word.
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Mikey J. Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
@hockeykingsguy, It’s not easy to admit this. The Nucks are showing a mean game. After years of getting pushed around I guess their taking a much dirtier path now.
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KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
@hockeykingsguy, Agreed and not to mention Westy has played awesome too
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pr0cess Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
@hockeykingsguy, i think Torres is going get a suspension again, that was a blind side hit to the head again tonight. VAN is a bunch of dirty players now
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BobKnob Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 1:19 am
@hockeykingsguy,
John Scott was in the lineup.
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Dan H. Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@hockeykingsguy,
And what is Westgarth going to do? Nothing. He hasn’t done anything for the hit on Smyth so far and he’s not done anything for the hits on Williams shoulder when they targeted him either.
Sitting on the bench chirping isn’t a big deterrent.
And no suspension for Torres per Dreger and McKenzie.
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best line of the game today by Heyward: “And that allowed the predators to tie the game” problem was, he said that right when Nashville scored the game winner. The guy is really bad
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I spent a lotta time defending doughty against unfounded criticism only to have myself fall into questioning my faith in his ability. This HOF calibur performance was exactly what needed to delay turning myself into an over optimistic liar.
Still, I think you have to credit the fact that San Jose played a really frustrated game, being forced to the outside by the Kings D from the very beginning, getting all their scoring chances completely absorbed. The amount of talent in SJ cant sleep for the entire playoffs, theyre gonna be hungry comin into staples. This is gonna be a great series.
BTW, SJ was booed off the ice. Does anyone think that makes a team play better during the playoffs? Im thinkin its gonna shake up their moral. It would kinda make me angry, working hard to finish 2nd in the west, only to be booed for having a bad game.
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KingsFan1974 Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
@Davey, Well if you look at all of there playoff games they lost it was because the Defense did exactly what the Kings D did to them…if they gut ruffed up and cant play there game they get mad and well even tempered heads and strong d always wins!!!!!
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Quick note for those who may have missed it: Schenn picked up an assist and was a +3 in the Monarchs 5-4 OT win tonight; Bud Holloway picked up a hat trick (including the game-winner). Anyone who caught the game care to report on how Schenn looked?
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jonsey Reply:
April 17th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
@ziggy, Wouldn’t mind seeing Bud called up if necessary. Maybe if we make it to round 2 and need a reinforcement. Playoffs are rough. You lose people.
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Wow…Raffi Torres is in really hot water! His own fish hacks want him suspended.
http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canuck+Raffi+Torres+demolition+wrong+should/4631909/story.html
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Looks like we’re playing the Nucks.
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I want that Drew Doughty that played awesomely last night to be present pretty much in every game! lol it’s good to have him back the way we all know and love him.
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15 more wins
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Just goes to show you what a difference a superstar degfenseman can make in a hockey game.
He played an incredible game at both ends of the ice.
He may not win Norris trophy this year, but he’s well on his way to being the mvp of the playoffs (as we continue on to the cup)
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This is the post from above….. but I’m going to add something below it:
What’s the frequency, Kenneth? says:
April 17, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Wow…Raffi Torres is in really hot water! His own fish hacks want him suspended.
http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canuck+Raffi+Torres+demolition+wrong+should/4631909/story.html
OK. There is the post. But I just saw THIS on puckdaddy.com
Alain Vigneault:
“I compare that hit to [Ryan] Getzlaf on [Dan] Hamhuis, and [Getzlaf] didn’t even get a two-minute minor. I didn’t think [Torres' hit] was a penalty.
YOU’VE GOT TO BE JOKING ME: Talk about seeing what you just want to see. WOW! He’s a good hockey coach and all, but really, do you even have eyes? There has always been something about the Canucks I’ve found a bit troubling. It’s not so much in my nature to dislike other teams. They do what they do. Try and win hockey games. But between the Felliniesque green people and Vigneault’s complete and utter distortion of reality….. I hope someone else, anyone else wins the Cup.
Oh and btw, Keith Jones on Versus found the hit utterly despicable, and that there’s no place in the game for this nonsense.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:35 am
@number 6,
I can’t stand torres. I hope he sits the rest of playoffs
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Dan H. Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@number 6,
No suspension leveled. NHL is inconsistent.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 11:03 am
@Dan H., http://www.nhlwheelofjustice.com/
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Slim Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Funny site..Thanks..
You all still realise we’re still a long shot to even get out of this first round? And if we do our reward will be Vancouver?
Good news is … if by some miracle we get to the conf finals and the cup they’ll be easier teams to play.
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nykingfan Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:31 am
@KC23,
The series is 1-1 going back to LA
Longshots no more…this series is there for the taking.
Vancouver is having an easy time of it with Chicago. No question they’re the best team in the league, but that doesn’t guarantee them anything..sometimes overconfidence can be a killer.
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Canadian King Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:40 am
@nykingfan, Agreed.
Van is very beatable, as long as you use the body on the Sedins and force them into tight areas where they are uncomfortabl. Also they lack secondary scoring from their bottom six right now so if you can limit the Sedins and Kesler they are beatable. I don’t think LA’s top two lines are as dynamic (especially with Kopi out), but our bottom 2 are better and could be the difference maker if we were to play them. Of course we still have our work cut out for us with the Sharks, but we are in their heads now.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:45 am
@nykingfan,
I wouldn’t say the series is there for the taking, but I agree we are no longer longshots. We have the home ice advantage and moomentum right now, but our problem has always been consistency. If we can maintain the level of play from Game 2, then you are spot on. Also,I think both VAN and DET are a little worried that we are going to be there for Round 2. CHI’s style of play is an easier match for VAN than our grinding defensive style, the same for DET with PHO.
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Bill M. Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 8:36 am
@DesertKing, I don’t think Van is worried about anybody. In fact, I’m counting on overconfidence as their downfall.
Detroit, on the other hand, is terrified that we might survive the sharks and nucks. I think the wings would rather see the nucks than us in the conference finals, given the way we mostly manhandled them this year.
Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:40 am
@KC23, My mantra for sports is “To win it all, you have to beat them all”. I know it would be nice to to take the path of least resistance but I want to know we are the best. To be the best you have to beat the best so bring on Vancouver and Detroit. We can beat anybody out East.
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It’s funny how a couple of goals makes all the beer, doughnut and fat comments go away.
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jonsey Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 7:45 am
@King Doughnuts,
Look who’s talking. Your screen name is “doughnuts”. Lol.He is going to be an excellent player, but like Anze, they’re going to hound him about conditioning until they all are going to play into their 40s like CC or TS.
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King Doughnuts Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@jonsey, Yes, and the Doughnuts was a tribute to him, never a put down. When he first arrived as a rookie that’s the nick name the other Kings gave him.
The way I looked at it, the name was a play on his name, not that he actually liked eating doughnuts.
Maybe that’s where the whole misunderstanding came from that he likes eating doughnuts.
Doughnuts seems like a much cooler name than Symithy, Willy, Kopi, Simmer
First time KFC has a bad game, I can already see all the “fat, he needs to lay of the fried chicken” comments coming.
Either way I prefer a cleaver name like Doughnuts and the Colonel over -y, -ie, -er any day.
And don’t we wish we could play 30 minutes a game at the highest level like our favorite fat guy.
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@King Doughnuts, Yup, When was about a week ago we all voted on the best Kings players for the year? Drew didn’t get many votes for best defenseman. But he got mind then.
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Sebastian Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 8:41 am
@King Doughnuts, its funny when all the “I told you so” people come out on the internets. they guy played well in game 2, played bad in game 1. he has to find consistency and all the negative things being said about him will disappear.
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Kopitar Question: When we get to the SC Finals is there any chance Kopi can come back and play? I’m thinking a Justin Williams at 80%. I know it’s a broken ankle with ligament damage but I guess I don’t know the severity of it.
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Bill M. Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@Big Rob in Dallas, I think he is not even projected to walk without a boot until the season is over. Even if he made a miracle recovery, that amount of time off – he wouldn’t be in game shape. Think Williams last year as opposed to this year…
I think the best Kopi can bring us is his attendance – and the luck that he appeared to bring with him Saturday. Maybe that’s enough. I want a cup, sure. But without kopi, I’ll be proud if they can beat the guppies and make a valiant stand against the nucks. A valiant effort without Kopi is a big statement to the league – “we are here, we are tough to play, and we are only getting tougher.”
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Here is a nice piece on the Kings from Spectorshockey.net for the 4-0 butt kicking!!
http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/?p=3755
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number 6 Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 8:31 am
@Kings Fan Vancouver, WA,
Hey guy. It seems to me that some of the Vanc fans are really not nice. Some of their comments wrt the hit on Seabrook were just appalling on the puckdaddy site today.
Thanks for the link.
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Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 10:18 am
@number 6, I know what you mean. I drove 5 hours to see the Kings play up there on the 31st and I wore my Kopitar jersey to the game and I felt like I was going to get jumped. Being heckled is one thing, but when you have drunk fans…well you know. I am a pretty big guy and can hold my own but not in another country. Even my wife was afraid something was going to happen. In all the years I have been up there, this was the first time I felt uncomfortable.
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Is anybody else unusually psyched for tomorrow? I have a good feeling about this series. Wouldn’t a win tomorrow be our first series lead since the frenzy on figeroa?
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number 6 Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 9:05 am
@Bill M.,
No it wouldn’t. They were up 2-1 last year vs. Vanc. And almost up 3-1, as they were leading game 4. Vanc came back to win that game and that was it for the series.
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The guy certainly has talent and unbelievable potential. But the fact is he came into camp and the first part of the season (before the concussion) out of shape and seemingly uninspired. I remember the preseason and first games of the regular season games where he looked like a poor copy of DD2 rather than a decent copy of DD.
The concussion didn’t help, obviously, but he rarely showed the same play that we saw last year. He did gradually pick up his game after February, but IMHO, this last game was his closest game to playing the way he did last year.
Is it too much to ask a 21-year old to show consistency (at least, consistent with his capabilities)? I also think it’s a bit interesting that he thought he didn’t play badly this year. Maybe he’s saying that since it’s his contract year, though, I have no doubt he’ll get the money that he deserves because of his pure talent and potential.
To me, he deserved the criticism he got this year for his play. But I’m also glad that he found his way back at the right time.
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Darrell Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@vplaza, I think it’s interesting Murray and Stevens thought Doughty wasn’t “the same player” from the FIRST DAY of training camp. That just sounds like a young player who is unprepared for being a pro. I think the same thing applies to Simmonds, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence they’re housemates.
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vplaza Reply:
April 18th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Darrell,
Hmm, interesting observation. I hope that Simmonds really does pick up his game soon. While his potential may not be as high as DD’s, he can be a player who makes an impact on a game if he can play to his abilities.
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Well said, Rich. Doughty is still very young. Most defenseman go directly to the minors once they graduate from the junior ranks. Doughty was an exception.
Fans must remember that Drew is only going to get better.
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