Greene wants to slow run-and-gun Sharks

After practice today, Matt Greene shared his thoughts on how and why he thought Game 3 got away from the Kings, plus his mindset going forward…

GREENE: “They’ve got a skilled team. That’s when they do their best damage, is when it’s run-and-gun, playing like that and taking chances. That’s not our game. We can’t get into that. We’ve got to play tight defensively. We’ve got to get our chances by defending and getting something going the other way. We’re not going to create the five-man rushes that they can. They’ve got a high-skilled team, they’ve got a high-powered offense and we’ve got to slow them down and play a tighter game, like we did in the third period. That’s how we’re going to have success.

“You can’t be down. That was yesterday. Tomorrow is a new game. It’s a seven-game series for a reason. You’ve got to move on, past these letdowns. If you dwell on this, you’re not going to do yourself any favors. We’ll come back and we’ve got to win a game. Go back up there tied (in the series) and see what happens after that. Our focus now.is to limit our mistakes. The coaches did a good job of showing that to us today, and guys know it, too. Everybody has been around enough. Everybody is professional and has been to the playoffs in the past. You know you’ve got to learn from your mistakes, but at the same time you can’t dwell on them. You’ve got to move forward and get ready for tomorrow night.”

53 Comments

  1. Slim says:

    Lots of time-outs called by lots of coaches in todays games
    Just an observation..

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Slim,

    But all in all, they can only use one…

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    They need more, like in the nba, with the 20 second one too. Maybe not.

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    Doesn’t matter how many there are, TM didn’t use his one tool he could’ve used to calm his players. He didn’t coach, just watched.

    Telling your team a day later doesn’t give them a chance to change anything when they have a chance to affect the outcome BEFORE its final.

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @Kingsfanone,
    I feel the exact same way. After they scored their second goal I could see them starting to take the game over, and even thought “here it comes”. I remember getting blasted last season for complaining about TM not settling the team down and using a time out to refocus the team, but I still don’t see the wisdom in not using an important tool like a time out. That’s 1 major reason why we have them to begin with.

    Lamest excuse I’ve ever read is that you don’t want to embarerass your team, as if an opposing team coming back from being down in a matter of minutes is less humilliating. Another is let them play through it, which is why the other team is coming back on us in the first place.

    During the season, this is why we didn’t dominate games and ended up playing so many 1 goal games. When TM feels the momentum swing the otherway he should stop it dead in it’s tracks, but he ignores it and just tells the guys to play harder.

    Slim Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
    I worded that wrong..My point was many coaches in
    today’s game utilized their time-out option.
    It’s a tactic put in the game for a reason…
    When used correctly it has an impact in a game..
    I think using one last night should have been optioned..
    GKG

    [Reply]

    Galen Reply:

    @Slim, and the helped!

    [Reply]

    Galen Reply:

    @Galen, they

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Slim, Almost like NHL on the Fly was running a time out tutorial tonight ;)

    [Reply]

    PCloadletter Reply:

    @Slim, If I remember correctly, SJ called a time out in the first period and the Kings scored 2 more goals after that before the onslaught started. Just saying, calling a time out doesn’t gaurantee a turn around.

    [Reply]

  2. Luke M. says:

    Silver lining: Kings can score goals. Tighten up the D tomorrow and this series is still winable.

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @Luke M.,

    Well, going into the playoffs, they were struggling to score 1 or 2 goals. They score 9 in the last two games, but are 1-1 in those game. Go figure.

    [Reply]

  3. number 6 says:

    Hockey is going crazy. What is With this sport. I’ll state right here that one of my least favorite teams is the Flyers. But Mike Richards just got a 5 min elbowing penalty. I could not believe it (and I want Buffalo to win). If that was a 5 minute major then what was Demers mugging of Smyth? If the Kings lose, ok the Kings lose. But really nhl. Get your stuff together cause there is No consistency whatsoever in this league. Torres on Seabrook (he couldn’t even play last night) two min minor, Demers on Smyth, Nothing, then a rather normal 2 min elbowing penalty on Richards…. Five.

    This does not help the sport of hockey. These guys are all over the place!!

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @number 6,

    So now you know why players aren’t getting the message clearly. The message isn’t being clearly sent. It ain’t rocket science.

    [Reply]

    Ravens Reply:

    @number 6, Tony Bruno was blasting that call and gary Bettman for allwoing such horrible officiating to take place on 710 ESPN,,,,or maybe it was 570,,antways the inconsistancies are not going un-noticed

    [Reply]

    anonandonanon Reply:

    @number 6, This happens when you change the rules for the playoffs. They threw out the standard of consistency by refocusing on new aspects of infractions, with new punishments. Not the best strategy when the most important part of the year is on the line. imo

    [Reply]

  4. 408KingsFan says:

    I think Green should take a pillow case, fill it with full soda cans, and beat Dustin Penner with it for a few hours. And then just stick him on IR until he can be traded.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @408KingsFan,

    Did you just call a Code Red?
    –I can handle the truth!

    [Reply]

    Kings x Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I approve this message and will sign the order

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Kings x,

    At least you don’t want to rip my spine out or pee in my skull…

  5. NY Rangers are in the process of pulling a Kings if anyone isn’t watching and wants to feel better. I mean, we’re tied at being the youngest team in the playoffs (with the Preds). If a vet team like the Rangers can choke after being up 3-0 going into the third we shouldn’t feel THAT bad. ^_^

    Caps & Rangers are tied 3-3 with 5:53 left in the third.

    [Reply]

    BluLiner Reply:

    @Gary Livingston,

    It will only make me feel better (lot better) if Rangers lose!!!

    [Reply]

    BluLiner Reply:

    @BluLiner,

    Also, third goal due to an Avery penalty (that makes me feel better too)

    [Reply]

    Gary Livingston Reply:

    @BluLiner, ^_^

    [Reply]

    BluLiner Reply:

    @Gary Livingston,

    oh-oh, sorry, your a Rangers fan. (I was also when I lived in NY, but now its Kings since ’98)

    Gary Livingston Reply:

    @Gary Livingston, haha, what? Who said I was a Rangers fan?

    BluLiner Reply:

    @Gary Livingston,

    my fault again, I have to brush up on my emoticons.

    Derek Reply:

    @Gary Livingston, caps are my 2nd favaorite team (distant 2nd) to the kings, so it’s nice to be watching a game like this when you want the team coming back from a multiple goal deficit to win

    [Reply]

    Kings x Reply:

    @Gary Livingston, I hear you. But it just doesn’t feel the same

    [Reply]

    Gary Livingston Reply:

    @Kings x, Well, yeah. No emotional investment in the Caps vs Rangers.

    You know, you have objectivity here. haha.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Gary Livingston,

    It’s over. 4-3 WASHINGTON.

    Tomorrow, it will be the RANGERS in the “I lost a 3-0 first period lead and dropped the game in OT” Dunce Seat over in the corner, thumb in the mouth, pointy hat embarrassing the Ranger Faithful…

    There is a God…
    ;-)

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Rangers even have their own Penner – Gaborik got his first goal in a month, then handed the game to WAS in OT. I’m sure the folks in NY will be looking to pick up his spirits

    [Reply]

  6. utahking says:

    bako, sorry about the delayed response, had to go to baseball practice ( I coach 11 and 12 yr olds) you are correct, schenn does have to prove that he belongs, but can’t we use him for 1 game b4 we lose a year?

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @utahking,

    Can you pick one of your 12 yr olds & put him in the playoffs against the Yankees. The answer is no, it couldn’t help anyone, especially Schenn.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @utahking,

    No problema.
    Yes, and folks like Quisp agree with your idea…

    He said:
    “I believe the Kings will win tomorrow night. But if they lose, I hope they recall Brayden Schenn for game five. He can play one game without triggering his deal.”

    But me?

    Call up Brayden Schenn if the Sharks win game four?

    -Even though game five is a road game?
    —If the Kings win that game, it’s 2-3… Do you play him then?
    —The Monarchs may advance tonight… Or, they may not. If not, and it goes 1-2 now, 1-3 Thursday, 2-3 Saturday, AND Manchester has not advanced (They lost tonight in OT and lead 3-2)…

    Then, what? Burn the last year and damn the torpedoes? For ONE GAME, potentially?

    Let the man play in Manchester. Let him WIN in Manchester! Save that year for later, down the line…

    [Reply]

  7. BringBackKingston says:

    I say enough focus on what the kings did or didn’t do last night. Really, the Sharks have a controversy of their own. Their starting goalie has given up 8 goals over 4 periods before being pulled. The backup looked ok. So lets put the focus back on the Sharks… who do they go with? who do they have confidence in? They have a big question to answer there.

    [Reply]

  8. xeropoint says:

    I still feel sick to my stomach. :/

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @xeropoint,

    I’ve felt like that since leaving Staples last nite.

    [Reply]

  9. Derek says:

    off topic, but i don’t know if this has been address in the midst of all the penner bashing. but obviously we lost sturm because of the deadline. do you think we would have een better off not trading at all and keeping sturm?

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Derek,

    Have you seen Penner play? You may have answered your own question?

    [Reply]

    Derek Reply:

    @Kingsfanone, actually i haven’t seen him play.. i’ve seen him spectate, but that’s about it.. god i wish my gf didn’t have a crush on him and bought his jersey….

    [Reply]

    408KingsFan Reply:

    @Derek, oh that hurts!!

    Derek Reply:

    @Derek, @408KingsFan, yep.. she’l probably be the only person at staples tomorrow rocking #25, you know maybe i can convince TM to put her in in penners place. she’d probably do a better job!!!

    Kings x Reply:

    @Kingsfanone, Manchester for conditioning assignment

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Kings x,

    Send him anyplace than to a Kings game.

    number 6 Reply:

    @Derek,

    :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

    That s a guuud one Derek.

    [Reply]

  10. Kings x says:

    Would have been better because he is an offensive depth player. He is not a first line scorer pressure guy neither is Penner. They are both secondary scoring guys who can contribute without the spotlight and pressure

    [Reply]

  11. jonsey says:

    Stop Clowe and stop Pavelski and you’ll get a win Greene. Oh, and Westgarth has 0 PIM and Simmonds has 10 PIM, but who has more points?

    [Reply]

    anonandonanon Reply:

    @jonsey, We could also be all over their defense like a cheap suit. That’s where the Sharks are vulnerable, the D. Pound Murray, (added for my personal gratification). When we attack with our forwards we stiffle their creativity. Double bonus.

    Lean forward. Stay off your heals.

    gkg gjg

    [Reply]

  12. nykingfan says:

    It’s a new day and the Kings should be ready to get back to playing Kings hockey tonight.
    I expect an all out effort from everyone including Penner tonight. any less is unacceptable.
    I think a nice tidy 3-1 win is in order tonight.
    GO KINGS!

    [Reply]

  13. Rob says:

    A lot of talk about a lot of stuff. What I see, when I sit back and look objectively, is seven outstanding periods, two not-too-bad periods (both OTs), and two absolutely abysmal periods (with the 2nd of the last game being the worse obviously; 1st of the first game the other).

    When the Kings are on game they can beat anyone, and usually will–and I’m talking about these Kipotar-less Kings. The problem is, when they lose sight of the big picture, the lose it in spades; each of our two losses came about exclusively because of the two awful periods listed above.

    I don’t think a line shake-up will do anything positive, although I do agree that Moller certainly can’t do any worse than Penner at this point.

    Keys: Penner needs a good slap to wake him up, or he needs to be benched in favor of whoever. And everyone else on the team needs to stay awake, for the whole 60 minutes.

    I am hoping that game 3 was the necessary wake-up call….

    GKG!

    [Reply]

  14. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

    Greene nailed it.

    [Reply]

  15. linny says:

    Why didn’t he think of that when we were up 4-0?

    [Reply]

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