Wednesday practice; no changes

The Sharks are having a limited practice this afternoon, but all the Kings’ men are on the ice this morning, with the regular line combinations. More updates from practice to come…

136 Comments

  1. Lanny McDonald's 'Stache says:

    I sure hope they’re practicing defending that play where the 4th man skates in as the trailer… I heard the Sharts like to attack that way.

    [Reply]

    Taylorskings Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, I think you’re onto something. There might be some old archive footage they could dig up,……oh wait, we could just replay our DVR from last night.

    [Reply]

    Goring 19 Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, that’s what I been sayin, the sharks been doin that all series and the Kings haven’t picked that play up.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

    ..And, I heard that a certain Kings forward (a left winger with the initials DP–jest sayin’) is REALLY REALLY BAD about back coverage on the weak side.

    –Man, do I miss Kopitar. Think about the times he was the one covering that trailer!

    [Reply]

    A_Cup_Before_I_Die Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Amen! I thought I was the only one noticing that. It was happening an awful lot

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, That is the same play they beat us the first game in overtime. I touched on it in a couple threads after the first game and they do it ALOT. Whether its the 3rd or 4th guy into the zone they always hit the across the seam pass to the trtailing man. I would think we would have it snuffed out by know but it happens at least 5 to 10 times as game.

    [Reply]

  2. jkking says:

    DID WHENNER SHOWUP?

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @jkking, only Whenne’r he felt like it. I think he was turtled in the showers…

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @jkking,

    When he was told too.

    [Reply]

    Scott Reply:

    @jkking, You have to wonder how LA will respond in the off season. Yea the playoffs aren’t over, but no team can win if they don’t have a go to guy(s). LA arguable has 1 pure goal-score – Kopitar. Unfortunately he won’t be doing much from the stands.

    This FA season might not be the best place to look either. FA’s this year include:

    Richards, Nylander, Connolly, Laich, Stillman, Frolov, E Cole, Samsonov, N Zherdev, Tanguay,Kovalev, Ryder, Hejduk, Vrbata.

    Of those guys who would actually work in LA?
    1. Cole
    2. Richards
    3. Connolly

    Everyone else is either too old – Hejduk & Tanguay – or not what LA needs – Laich, Frolov (sorry man) Samsonov.

    The obvious move is make a trade? But who and how?

    Nash, Iginla, Zetterberg, Crosby, Datsyuk, Perry, Gagne and St Louis are all lovely options but how many of them are actually available? Nash, Iginla and Gagne at best?

    With another 2-3 years of Kopitar, Smyth, Williams, Brown and Quick locked up the time for LA to make a move is upon them. I hope tonight’s lack of a key focus scorer highlighted that. Think about, LA has seemingly always had that guy: Goring, Dionne, Gretzky, Robitialle, Palffy.

    On that note – Go Kings Go! Let’s Go LA!

    [Reply]

  3. Keeper says:

    Seriously? There needs to be a “Bench Penner” chant next game.

    [Reply]

    Nickcypress Reply:

    @Keeper, Yeah my buddy is so pissed he’s going to make a sign lol. He really needs to be benched though. I can’t believe he didn’t even TRY to dive on that OT goal…

    [Reply]

    SafariChecker Reply:

    @Nickcypress, Try to dive? He didn’t even skate. He coasted in and then kind of sorta made it look like he was reaching. How about tying up the stick, skating hard, or any of those things?! So frustrating, especially given it was overtime and what was at stake. Diving is expecting far too much out of him. I was really hoping that he would prove all of those critics that he’s a lazy skater wrong.

    [Reply]

  4. Cynic says:

    Wow. I’m more disappointed about this than the game (What game?) last night. We have an epic fail and we make NO CHANGES? I mean, I get you don’t want to screw with a young team’s confidence, but at LEAST make the obvious move of benching Penner for AT LEAST ONE GAME! He was soulless out there last night! Put someone in who wants to be there! Unless he has the excuse of a lifetime (Dog ate his heart, I thought I was still an Oiler and it’s golf season, etc.) this is just silly and painful to ignore this.

    I don’t think I’m overreacting when I say to do that. Really. If talking with Penner is not doing the job, benching is the next step. If that doesn’t work, you bench him permanently. Where’s the accountability here we keep hearing about? ;-?

    [Reply]

    GkingsG99 Reply:

    @Cynic, “Dog ate his heart…etc” hahahaha thanks i needed the laugh.

    [Reply]

    Dan H. Reply:

    @Cynic,

    Of all the comments you hear about Moller’s size etc the one thing nobody questions is his work ethic and heart. Can’t say the same for some others.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Cynic,

    So, replace Penner with…
    With…
    With?

    Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad…
    –Eventually, you may have to eat your financial commitment (see the LA Angels of Anaheim about the now designated for assignment Brandon Wood).

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, but in Wood’s defense, he hadn’t won a championship elsewhere and then signed a monster contract elsewhere still and then got traded to the LAAA only to lose his game there. He was an unproven commodity who didn’t pan out at the big show. Wood was dime-a-dozen. Penner is an entirely different animal. and by animal I mean the kind that have three fingers and climb trees in the rainforests of the world…

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Stuart,

    Expectations.

    Wood was the Wunderkind power producing infielder in the minors. Expectations taint fans AND players!

    Stuart Reply:

    @Bako, AND gms…

    Spanky Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    How about a garbage can?

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    Parse. He’s on the active roster. LW with sniper ability and can play the 2 way game better than Penner is right now.

    Just Sayin’ ;-)

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Cynic,

    If only he were healthy…
    Still have my Parse computer wallpaper.

    Cynic Reply:

    @Cynic, Bako- He’s healthy. He’s on the active roster. He can go.

    I just look at what Bolland did for Chicago yesterday. 1 Goal, 3 Assists, first game back from a concussion after 17 games. If he can do it, why not Parse?

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Cynic,

    Bring on Scooter! BTW, he just might be a little faster than Penner.

    Player-X Reply:

    @Cynic, I think Penner should be on the 4th line next game, switched with Ponikarovsky, and told flat out that if he doesn’t improve his play, Moller will take the spot on the 4th line the game after next.
    I don’t think Penner is becessary lazy in game, but I think he is unfit. Of course, maybe that means he was lazy in the workout room or over the summer… But really, I think Penner is just out of shape: When have you ever heard a coach making a concession like “if you can only give me 20 seconds at 100 percent…?” that can only mean he is not able to go full bore for a full shift.

    [Reply]

    mcsorleyfan Reply:

    @Cynic, My wife ate my mistress… something…

    [Reply]

  5. John says:

    Wow! No line changes? Really?

    [Reply]

    bmova Reply:

    @John, The offense wasn’t the problem; the D was!

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @bmova, The forwards backchecking and playing D was a problem. the forwards turning pucks over in the neutral zone and blue line were a problem. The forwards chasing the puck around and losing their men in our zone were a problem. It takes 6 players on the the ice to play defense.

    [Reply]

  6. Lanny McDonald's 'Stache says:

    Penner is nothing more than a convenient scapegoat. He’s a forward. He is not singularly responsible for that epic collapse. Believe me, I realize Penner sucks, but frustrated Kings fans seeking to find a blame target would do better to direct their ire at Terry Murray, the D corps, and quite frankly Quickie as well.

    [Reply]

    Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

    Also, yes I realize Seto was Penner’s man in OT, but really – if you were Terry Murray, would you skate that overgrown lumberjack-looking loafer in sudden death with a playoff game on the line?

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, That’s crazy…I was at the game and Penner was disgustingly uninterested. There was no effort what so ever. Murray is at fault for Not using the timeout, and Not moving Penner to the 4th line. Quick played a great game. Our D wasn’t bad. Our whole team started chasing in their D zone, and trying to do too much, because they were collapsing. Penner glides all over the ice and NEVER moves his feet. There’s no way you can put any blame on quick. The guy was hung out to dry. That’s just ridiculous.

    [Reply]

    Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:

    @John,

    Believe me, I’m a huge Quick fan and supporter. I totally think we should come right back with Quickie in net next game.

    HOWEVER,

    in a game where a team allows 6 goals, you simply cannot state “Quick played a great game”. No, a great game would mean he stops one or two of those stoppable shots (YES his team hung him out to dry, but YES there were some stoppable chances). If Quick plays to his potential, he has the ability to steal games for us. I’m not hanging this loss on Quickie by any means, but if you’re looking for a player that could have stepped up and stopped the bleeding last night, Quick could certainly have done that.

    [Reply]

    Joe 35 Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

    Penner could have “stepped up and stopped the bleeding” by playing to his potential too. I dont know if you saw that OT goal but penner didnt take another stride after getting into our zone, but thats not his fault though right? Quick, however, you are saying was suppossed to make an amazing save sliding across the crease and sprawling out for the puck?

    Dominick Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
    None of the goals Quick gave up were even by Kingsfan standards considered weak. The goals were in tight or from a wide open man standing within 5 feet of him. 1 goal even went off his own man redirected in the slot. I do think TM was a fool for not calling time out and changing goaltenders to try to refocus the team, but I don’t think Quick could be blamed for the epic team failure in front of him.

    As far as Penner, he was (just like the rest of the team) a stud in the 1rst. Penner (just like the rest of the team) collapsed in the second. San Jose had all of the answers, and the Kings ran into wall after wall. You could feel the momentum swing, and the Kings did nothing to adjust at all.

    I liken it to Russian soldiers charging German machine gun nests. Valient efforts, but utterly futile. Can’t blame just 1 guy for this failure, unless you want to blame the guy who doesn’t change the rules of engagement, and adjust to the situation, so that his troops don’t get slaughtered.

    Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

    Joe – I didn’t place the blame for the OT goal on Quick. If you can find where I did, please show me.

    Dominick – Again, I did not call any of Quick’s goals allowed “weak”. Please find where I did.

    Re-read my post more carefully and get back to me.

    Dominick Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, I wasn’t calling you out on Quick. I was giving my opinion of how I thought Quick played. Sorry if it came off like that, it wasn’t my intention.

    Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

    No worries, this blog just needs a less confusing commenting system

    Joe 35 Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, I know you didnt put the blame on quick for the OT goal, but what you did say is that Quick needed to step it up, and penner is just everyones scapegoat. My point by bringing up the OT goal was to show you that had penner stepped it up like you say Quick should have, he could have held us in there last night. So I guess what I am getting at is, is that you cant tell everyone theyre using penner as a scapegoat, then go and say Quick needed to step it up. Its a team sport and everyone needs to pull their own weight.

    Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,

    I see what you’re saying Joe, but my point was never that Quick needed to step up and give a better effort. My point was that Quick is a gamebreaker, in the same vein as Doughty, Kopitar, etc. He has the capability of making the WOW save, that, while not necessarily expected, can be a HUGE boost to your team. Quick had the ability to be the deciding factor in the game, and wasn’t.

    It’s not an indictment of Quick by any means. I love the guy. He’s fantastic. But he also didn’t come up large in the biggest game of the year for us. Neither did Penner with his lazy play, neither did Johnson with his missed coverages, neither did TM with his horrible mismanagement, etc

    Joe 35 Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, ok I see what youre saying now. I agree, we could have used a boost from a big save, or just a big play in general. Lets just hope we come out strong tomorrow! GKG!

    John Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, You’re wrong dude, quick had no chance, and he made a few saves that he probably shouldn’t have. The closest one he was to saving, was Pavelski’s tying goal. Pavelski all alone 3 feet in front of our goalie. It’s the NHL. Players will get that goal. Goalie can’t be held accountable for that.

    Cynic Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
    There are 2 things here:

    (1) The TEAM lost the game
    (2) PENNER played like he didn’t care.

    Penner needs to be taken out simply to make sure a roster spot isn’t wasted. I don’t blame him (Entirely) for the loss (Although he did contribute handily by not contributing), but he needs to be accountable for his individual play, hence the reason for demanding his ouster.

    [Reply]

    Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:

    @Cynic,

    Good points, and believe me I will not shed any tears if Penner’s ice time gets slashed.

    [Reply]

    Dan H. Reply:

    @Cynic,

    Westgarth played 2 minutes and change. Want to talk about a wasted roster spot?

    [Reply]

    Octane Reply:

    @Dan H., but in those 2 minutes and change he got a point and didnt give up a goal.

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Cynic,

    The TEAM scored 5 goals…

    There is no PENNER replacement…

    ?????

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
    Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse.
    Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse.
    Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse.
    Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse.
    Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse. Parse.

    and PARSE.

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Cynic,

    Hurt Hurt Hurt Hurt Hurt…

    You win.
    My IPhone doesn’t paste as fast…

    ;-)

    Cynic Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, YOU’RE KILLING ME HERE!!!

    NOT HURT!!

    http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/04/11/parse-williams-both-have-green-light/

    This is parsing me….LOL!

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Cynic,

    Well said!

    [Reply]

    tacomakingsfan Reply:

    @Cynic,
    I agree as well. Even my wife who every now and then watches the games with me was shouting “What’s wrong with that guy!!??” I don’t think Penner will be “THAT GUY” who can just simply own the game. That is pretty unfortunate and wish that we could at least have our draft picks back.

    [Reply]

    rick Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Penner was certainly not the only reason that we lost the game, but if you really think that TM should be blamed for using him in OT, why have him on the bench at all?? The guy does provide a wonderful scapegoat for all – but he has earned it. His lack of effort is appalling and entirely unacceptable. I, for one, am extremely unhappy to learn that he is still playing a major role on one of our “top” lines. The fact that he is speaks volumes about Kings management.

    [Reply]

    rmartin1951 Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, I agree. Penner is tentaive and looks gasses after twenty seconds. He is pressing under the pressure. Kings would not even been this far without Quick. Four of the goals were point blank one timers from potent scorers with no defensive zone coverage. Many teams would love Quick. Philly,Chicago, and Detroit would all
    be improved. This team is not good enough to beat a stronger team in a seven game series. It has been there modus operandi all year. After we played the best game of the year in San Jose we went on an eleven game winless streak. Doughty and defense were great last previous game and then could not keep under control last night. We looked likwe a junior A team in the QMJHL running around in our own zone. TM looked bewildered. The team is improved but is far from a legit Stanley Cup Contender.

    [Reply]

  7. John says:

    Rich, are you sure?

    [Reply]

  8. OC Hip Check says:

    Penner = NO HEART AT ALL. ill say it over and over and over Penner doesnt want to be a king. you could tell from the first interview after the news he was going to be traded. you can tell when someone is excited about something. and you could tell Penner was bummed to be in LA. i have never seen a professional athlete look more careless than he looked last night. i honestly think he should be benched and put Moeller in. i know moeller is smaller and he gets pushed around alot but he plays with heart. Like he wants to be here. Like he wants the Kings to win. Penner is absolutely worthless. i dont think he would even care if he got benched. his mind is not in the game. its really sad honestly

    [Reply]

  9. Harrison Merkin says:

    I still haven’t recovered from last night. Just heart broken. Crushed actually. Was at the game and living the life that’s deserved us and all of sudden…DEATH! I was a few beers too deep and tossed my mostly empty cup in frustration. It was a classless move on my part and for any fan that may have received a light misting I am truly sorry. To top off the evening I tried to goat a Sharks an into an altercation embarrassing my wife and disrespecting the game. I am a sad sad little elf today.

    Apologies sincere.

    Uh…go kings.

    [Reply]

  10. Danielle says:

    I usually don’t like to call out individual players, but something is clearly off with Penner. He has moments where he is great (like on Zeus’ goal) and then he disappears.

    It seems to me that if he has stopped (or never started) responding to the coaching staff, that the team captains need to pull him aside and have a talk with him, if they haven’t already. This team has always seemed to be a cohesive unit this season, but it is only as strong as its weakest link (sorry for the cliche) which, now, seems to be Penner.

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @Danielle, This is EXACTLY what I mean. Strong as the weakest link. Thank you Danielle. Precisely the reason Penner needs to sit.

    It’s not about blaming him for the loss, just his individual play and heart. We need EVERYONE on all cylinders every game to win. We can’t afford Penner’s attitude and approach right now. If something is wrong, let’s get it fixed and move on. We can’t have his play drag us down.

    [Reply]

    GkingsG99 Reply:

    @Cynic, YES, i mean… seeing Penner skate around out there (no im sorry standing out there) all nonchalant is NOT going to help get the team going. Seeing what Richie’s line has been doing out there does. I wish Penner had the heart of someone like Richie. The guy ALWAYS plays hard and for the team with or without the puck.

    [Reply]

    Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:

    @Danielle,

    Yes, but the question is that if TM is watching the same game as the rest of us, why is he giving Penner 20 minutes of ice time and putting him out there in OT?

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, it can only be because TM knows he’s limited as to who he can use and also TM must truly have some religious-type faith (believe in what I’ve/anyone else has never seen) that Whenne’r will start to produce. I think Whenne’rs production ship has left the harbor.

    [Reply]

    Nitrohockey Reply:

    @Stuart, I think TM’s strategy regarding Penner may be best named “give him enough rope to hang himself”

  11. Pili says:

    I can’t think of any changes that could help. A lot of blame being put on Penner; I just don’t see it. This was a collapse by everyone. I just want to go back to bed but I have to work. BTW, I was so proud of the fans last night. Even the announcers mentioned that it was so loud in the building, you couldn’t hear the whistles. The chants (Ni-e-mmi and GKG) were awesome. I was giving the fans an honoray assist…what the hay happened……

    [Reply]

  12. 5buckcolonnadeticket says:

    Yes, there is plenty of blame to lay at Terry Murray, and not benching Penner is an excellent example of a Murray failure.

    If the sharks can pull Niemi, Kings should make example of Penner (and Niemi wasn’t exactly being blamed by being pulled).
    Seriously, Penner being out there is disheartening. There must be some consequences.

    Is he this year’s Randy Jones? If so, expect more damage.

    [Reply]

  13. ryanzlakings says:

    Omg that game gave Me nightmares last night. When will the frustrated season end.

    [Reply]

    tabiduh Reply:

    @ryanzlakings,

    I actually did have a dream about this last night. Not a nightmare, because it was pretty funny. They had a rematch at 2 am, but they all had to wear Star Wars costumes. Pretty sure that dream was supposed to belong to my 9 year old, who was very disappointed. He is the biggest little Kings fan there is.

    [Reply]

  14. Sebastian says:

    consider todays date, Murray must be high out of his damn mind. no like he has a lot of options though.

    [Reply]

  15. Marbles says:

    WTf Murray, Penner is still on the same line? Man I can’t wait for this guy to be fired.

    [Reply]

  16. B Dogg says:

    What really makes me mad is that the Kings traded Cammalleri to get Penner. GEEEEEZ

    [Reply]

    Empty Netter Reply:

    @B Dogg,

    One cancer for another

    [Reply]

  17. SimiKingsFan says:

    I was at the game last night and I was disgusted by the performance of Penner. He is a major liability to this team. If the puck is on Penner’s stick he seems to give 100 percent, but away from the puck it looks like he has no desire to be on the ice. He is not a team player, meaning he doesn’t want to play defense the way the Kings system requires of its forwards. Heck even Westgarth is far out performing Penner. If TM doesn’t have the huevos to bench Penner then at least drop him down to the forth line and give his minutes to someone that deserves them, like Poni.

    [Reply]

    SLG1013 Reply:

    @SimiKingsFan, Exactly…

    TM says before the series that he wants Poni to step up and score some goals. Last night Poni got a whopping 7:58 of ice time while that sloth Penner got 19:36…

    We were also at the game last night sitting only a few rows behind the goal that the Kings shoot on twice and Penner gave up several opportunities behind the Sharks goal to take the body on White and Boyle. Both of these guys are smaller and can be thrown off their game with physical play. The other big body forwards (Clifford, Simmonds, Poni) never seemed to miss an opportunity to take the body. One of the main reasons that the Kings can be successful against the Sharks is the physical play… it just doesn’t seem to be in Penner’s DNA…

    [Reply]

    number 6 Reply:

    @SLG1013,

    That’s it. I don’t think it is.

    [Reply]

  18. anonandonanon says:

    one game. whole team goofed it. rub a little dirt on it. get back to work. dig in. play hard.

    gkg gjg

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @anonandonanon,Great post.

    [Reply]

    anonandonanon Reply:

    @Pili, Liked yours too.

    [Reply]

    kings247 Reply:

    @Pili, agreed. time to regroup and focus on game 4. i think the kings have what it takes to pull themselves together and kick some san jose butt!!! GO KINGS GO!

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @kings247, anonandonanon and kings247, that’s the spirit! There’s nothing anyone can do about last night. Thursday night, however, the sky’s the limit. GKG!!!!

  19. dahack11 says:

    I’ve been calling out Penner for weeks & all I got on this board were excuses for him. NOW, everyone is all over him…..which in a way, is not fair or accurate. yes, he sucks, but the entire Kings team sucked last night. they didn’t lose this game b/c of Penner, or b/c om TM. They lost this game b/c 19 players & 3 coaches did not do their jobs. It wasn’t just one or two.

    i actually knew we were in trouble at 4-1. We weren’t playing our game, we were playing theirs, & THEY are ALOT better at it. It was clearly only a matter of time, which made watching it happen all the more painful.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @dahack11,

    The entire Kings team came within an overtime goal of being up 2-1 in the series…

    –Yes, Penner blows cheese, most of the time.
    –Penner was not responsible for all the blown coverages.

    The Kings simply cannot play as though they are a pond hockey team if they want to win consistently in the playoffs. Skate and shoot sets them up to be outnumbered attacked to death.

    [Reply]

    number 6 Reply:

    @dahack11,
    @BakoCA

    You’re absolutely right. This can’t be pinned on anyone. It was the ultimate team collapse.
    But Bako, as for your comments about how we came within an OT goal I personally never felt they were gonna get it, and other posters who were at the game said you could see that.

    Maybe maybe not. I agree with you about game 1 (within an OT goal) but that’s a really hard spin to put on last nights game. Statistically correct but not more than that.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @number 6,

    I agree that I never felt the Kings would get the first goal in OT. The game was lost when the lead was lost.

    But, just as that puck that bounced off 3 different legs to get to the exact right place at the right time for Joe Pavelski to roof past Quick, the game ain’t over by what one FEELS should happen.

    The breaks in this series have seriously gone the Sharks’ way so far…
    The Kings are DUE, man…

    [Reply]

    number 6 Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    Hey thanks Bako. I am so looking forward to tomorrow. Not because of the game, but just to feel less ‘lousy’ than I do today. I’ve been managing to get some work done (4 p.m. back here) but am starting to just not feel like doing much more at the moment.
    Guess we’re all feeling pretty blah after that game though. The poor fans who went had to be soooo excited when up 4-0, then to see it crumble had to be rough rough rough.

  20. LA king DUECER says:

    Wednesday practice update; Penner healthy scratch, Moller in.

    Would make my day!!!

    [Reply]

    tacomakingsfan Reply:

    @LA king DUECER,
    And then pigs will fly and hell will freeze over. Penner is not getting benched under TM.

    [Reply]

  21. Roger Rabbit says:

    Back at the trade deadline is was thrilled to see we got a LW, but now, Penners got to go, give him a one-way ticket to edmonton so he can freeze his ass off and be happy knowing he contributed nothing to a team who desperately needed his reported skills. At least put someone in who wants to be on the team. Bet that gets him a good free-agency contract next time around.

    [Reply]

    shorthanded Reply:

    @Roger Rabbit, Penner will be much better next year next to Kopi. Granted it seems like everything he has done lately costs us, but he not our saviour. We all knew what Penner brings to the table before he came to the Kings…..big body, doesn’t check much, great hands and shot, but not the greatest of 2-way players. If Kopi was out there with him we wouldn’t be having this conversation becasue his lack of defence would not be as noticable.

    All I am saying is that our chances of winning the cup this year was small tp begin with, but the next year and many more after that should be one heck of a run. Keep the faith good brother!

    [Reply]

    tacomakingsfan Reply:

    @shorthanded,
    That’s the problem. I keep preaching it. Penner was brought here for a SCORING LEFT WINGER!!! He should NOT need anyone like Kopitar to be able to produce. If he cannot pull his own weight then we got serious issues with him and hopefully management can move him.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @tacomakingsfan, your handle threw me. Initially I thought you were a fan who makes tacos… then I realized you’re a fan from Tacoma… LOL it’s like reading license plates sometimes.

    shorthanded Reply:

    @tacomakingsfan, But he is not that player that can make it happen on his own. Why does nobody understand that? Even DL said he went out and got some help for Kopi. Trust me at the rate he gets paid he should be doing those things but look at the stupid money Scott Gomez got. And furthermore if kopi went down prior to the trade deadline he would have never acquired Penner.

    Empty Netter Reply:

    @shorthanded,

    That’s what puzzles me as to him meeting Lombardi’s requirements of being a “fit”
    to justify trading prospects / picks.

    [Reply]

    shorthanded Reply:

    @Empty Netter, Really who did we give up? Tuebert come on he is not a quality prospect besides Forbert has so much more upside. And our 1st rounder this year is not going to be anyone that will be worth keeping the pick anyways….remember its a very weak draft year. We all knew Penner isn’t the “so called fit” as he was just brought in to give Kopi a big winger on the left side.

    I am not a Penner fan trust me! I pretty much hate all former and current Ducks (with the exception of Lubo). I just think everyone’s expectation of this guy is way off the radar!

  22. mcdangles says:

    This team needs someone like Mark Messier (Messiah) to show them how it’s done and to get in their heads and I mean GET IN THEIR HEADS. Meaning, get in their faces and say shape up or ship out and if ya don’t, then ya got me to deal with. I know there are those from the past that have been a voice of reason, Messier was one to do just that. The Kings need a PLAYER to do just that and I hope someone steps up to the plate and soon or this team is TOAST in the 1st round

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @mcdangles, we need DB to go postal in the locker room… start throwing things around like his name is Chelly visiting Nagano… (I think that’s where it happened)

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @mcdangles,

    They have him, he’s just a little young right now. He will be weering #10.

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Michael J.,

    *wearing (doh)

    [Reply]

  23. Chris says:

    Bag skate

    [Reply]

  24. ONE LAST THING…

    What do y’all think about the fact that SJ essentially gets the day off today?

    –If I were the coach of the Sharks I’d be pissed as hell that they didn’t get things together for more than one full period of hockey last night.

    Folks, do not forget that the Kings scored five very legitimate goals in last night’s game.
    –Aren’t the Kings supposed to be the team that can’t score goals?
    –Todd-Boy for the Sharks doesn’t even seem to care?

    Arrogance may yet kill the Jaws Boys.

    [Reply]

    number 6 Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    Bako, I know you (and I and many others) admire Quisp’s feedback. And according to him on his blog, the Kings were ahead because Niemi was atrocious. A few good Kings goals for sure but the first for example on Willie, he absolutely should have had that. Richie’s goal I’m not sure about.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @number 6,

    So…

    Will they start the Maki Shark in goal?
    –Big Mistake. Huge!

    [Reply]

    number 6 Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    Left you a reply btw at a thread up higher.

    AS for who they start in goal, it doesn’t really matter if the Kings can’t get themselves organized and crisp the way they played from per 2 game 1 until end of per 1 last night

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @number 6,

    Another thing–
    Notice how easy it was to get in front of Niemi? That is exactly what the Kings need to do to score goals, and I don’t anticipate the Jet Ski Jaws Boys making it any harder in the following games to get there…

    If anything, the Sharks will be even softer in front, given their ability to shoot from the top of the circle and score. Stop the lucky dribblers in front of Quick, spend as much time in the Sharks zone as we did for four consecutive periods, and the Kings will score. The Sharks will get frustrated and give up stupid penalties.

    Watch.

    [Reply]

  25. 408kingsfan says:

    UGH I am working in SJ and had to go in and hear it all day long I am so pissed

    [Reply]

    shorthanded Reply:

    @408kingsfan, Tell them to go kick rocks for me!

    [Reply]

    tornado12 Reply:

    @408kingsfan, i told them i didnt gloat when we won. That shut them up!

    [Reply]

  26. Capt Jam says:

    As someone mentioned above, Penner is a convenient scapegoat since he’s already on the S list of anyone who pays attention to the fine details of Kings games. Last night was a complete organizational (from Luc) and team (down to Westgarth) failure, but a large part of this falls on Terry Murray. His inability and/or unwillingness to adjust in real time and manage the psychological aspect of the game once again cost us. He should’ve called a timeout after the second Sharks goal and pulled Quick after the third goal – not because Quick was the goat, but to drop a grenade on the team, to implore them to drop the Lakers-like arrogance and get their heads back in the game.

    The entire organization should be embarassed for the Chokejob on Chick Hearn Court.

    [Reply]

    Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:

    @Capt Jam,

    Agreed with all of this.

    [Reply]

    kyle Reply:

    @Capt Jam, the last 2 minutes of the second were the critical minutes. After SJ scored to cut it to 5-4 we had to kill 85 seconds. TM didn’t need to tell his players that. And a timeout only lets SJ meet and plan too. They’re not ordering McFlurries while we’re on a timeout.
    And yes Penner is a convenient and deserving goat. No one in a playoff game should skate so lazily. He glided down from the blueline on the Setoguchi backcheck. All it took was Seto skating two strides and he was free of Penner. All I can imagine is that TM is not going to give Penner a break and is going to let him lazy-shift every time on the ice to show the players they don’t want that overpaid jersey filler back next year. Same for the message to Dean- namely we gave him every chance to show he cares about being here, and he doesn’t, so move him and make room for Schenn, Holloway, Moller, Lokti, Zeiler’s dog, a hot water bottle or anything else that would be an improvement in the room.

    [Reply]

    Capt Jam Reply:

    @kyle,

    It was already out of control during the last two minutes. We were already trading goals with SJ and that’s never a recipe for success for this team. Once SJ got up to 4-3, it was too late to close the floodgates. There are times when you have to be proactive and last night was one of them. From my seat over the broadcaster’s nest, we all saw the problems started from the very first shift after the Kings’ fourth goal. That shift was the first one where the Kings stopped competing for pucks and taking the game to the Sharks, as if there is a mercy rule in this league and they were waiting for the referee’s to end the game at 4-0 with being awarded a TKO decision. It’s just absolutely ridiculous and inexcuseable that so-called professional athletes at this level have a meltdown of such immense proportions at this stage of the game.

    It’s not just one game, Quick. It’s the season. You guys just threw away the season. Again.

    [Reply]

  27. Capt Jam says:

    At this point, I expect one of two outcomes tomorrow:

    The Sharks will bomb a Kings team that is ready to raise the white flag; or

    The Kings decide to play a little more than 23 minutes of solid hockey and win a tight checking, physical game.

    Call me crazy, but I just don’t see the Sharks tanking again like they did in the first period last night. SJ can feel good that the Kings let them have a second game in the series (they can’t seem to be able to earn their own wins), but they have their own plethora of issues that will eventually do them in. Again.

    [Reply]

    kyle Reply:

    @Capt Jam, Let’s hope you’re right on the Sharks’ issues, and we make this a best of 3 series.

    [Reply]

    Capt Jam Reply:

    @kyle,

    Agreed. That’s about all we have at this point.

    [Reply]

  28. KingFan79 says:

    Here’s a line change for you, TM… drop Penner to the 5th Line on a Four line rotation or have that skinny chick in the 3rd Row at last night’s game play for him

    [Reply]

  29. BigMikeonD says:

    That game made me sick. Sick. I live in the land of the fish and am going to hear it tonight from all of my team mates. All I can say is it is only one game. If the Kings can figure out how to get over the collapse mentally they can still pull this out. Singling out one guy is not going to do any good. We all knew going in the Sharks offense will put our defense to the test. They need to get back to doing what they do which is playing as a team. The second period last night was a classic example of not doing that. I was actually concerned when we went up early that they might sit back. Unlike driving a car we don’t need to look in the rear view. We need to look forward and prepare. The Kings need to come out firing tomorrow or start booking tee times.

    [Reply]

  30. Marc Nathan says:

    I love what Kevin Westgarth brought to the table in his two minutes of ice time, honest I did. BUT… don’t you think the lineup has more flexibility with Moller in it? I know I do.

    Knocked off his feet… pushed around… easily moved… BUT… The Kings are 1-0-0 in the playoffs with Moller in the lineup, 0-2-0 when not.

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @Marc Nathan, The Kings are 0-2 with Stoll in the lineup. Should we bench him?

    I get what you’re saying though. It’s more about how our defense plays than any one person to win games.

    Penner is just not playing and a totally separate issue beyond how the team plays. At least Westgarth tries.

    [Reply]

    tacomakingsfan Reply:

    @Marc Nathan,
    Moller is like the “the little engine that could” and as far as Penner, well he’s the “the big engine that stalls”

    [Reply]

  31. IceGuy says:

    Rich,
    A few threads back, Bogus Dude posted that he was sitting on the goal line watching the Sharks 5th goal. He calaims that he and fellow fans from that vantage point DID NOT see the puck hit the net, i.e. NO GOAL.

    I just looked at the clip from the NHL’s Highlights of the game.

    It looks to me that Bogus Dude and his fellow fans are right.
    The puck goes up, then straight down & away from the crease, with force.
    Watch the water bottle and top netting.
    Nothing moves.
    The puck hit the crossbar and down.

    Unless there is some other evidence of a goal, it should not have counted.

    Is it too much to ask for the Kings, Prime Ticket or the NHL’s Toronto War Room to provide the overhead shot of that goal?

    I know it will change nothing regarding the game’s outcome, but I would appreciate the opportunity to put any nagging questions to rest.

    [Reply]

    Bogus Dude Reply:

    @IceGuy,

    I didn’t mean to open up another can of worms for discussion, but how does this not get reviewed? That puck clearly hit the crossbar and came down in the crease. Was that Furlatt looking right at the play?

    I and many others are so disgusted with what is going with the calls on the ice regarding a legitimate goal/no goal and checks to the head.

    That’s it, I’m done venting. Let’s get em on Thursday Kings.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @Bogus Dude, i need to see this on video!!! IT might just be the straw to push me over the edge.

    [Reply]

    kyle Reply:

    @IceGuy, gotta believe it was checked in Toronto, but the view NHL highlights showed doesn’t convince me that puck ever went in. The overhead would be conclusive, but it’s a tough (now that I’ve seen it again) to explain how Pavelski goes roof just inside the crossbar and the puck comes down at an angle such that it drops in front of the goal line.

    [Reply]

    Octane Reply:

    @IceGuy,
    Your right about it hitting the cross bar but did fall over the line and then bounce away from the goal?

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @Octane,
    The puck essentially kicks straight down from the crossbar, landing about 3″ IN FRONT OF the goal line, then away. I’d just like to see the overhead. And since Toronto is all about fairness and all, they should make that view available.

    [Reply]

    Pili Reply:

    @IceGuy, I just watched the replay, only full speed available that I could find, and it sure looks like it hit the crossbar and bounced by down and forward. Really hard to tell. Oh well.

    [Reply]

  32. DY says:

    We win as a team, we have major mental breakdowns and lose as a team, no scapegoats here. Time to put this one behind us and come together for the next one. Time to compete like it’s the playoffs!

    [Reply]

  33. Scott says:

    Rich (or anybody), is there a Kings practice at TSC tomorrow?

    [Reply]

  34. Kingman 369 says:

    I love all the great comments about Penner. Three weeks ago not many in my section agreed with me about what a sissy slackard Penner is. Now almost the entire section is yelling about his lack of effort. So, if TM won’t remove him let us fans take it on. The first time the organ starts the music for sharks suck…everybody chants PENNER SUCKS! Pass this around in your section prior to game start & maybe we can be heard!

    [Reply]

  35. Josh N says:

    Jonathan Quick Playoff Stats: 3-6, .893 SV %, 3.34 GAA……… Nobody cares though, because “Quicks the guy.” Why is Quick the guy?

    “Because he just is.”

    SMH..

    [Reply]

    Capt Jam Reply:

    @Josh N,

    If TM can’t bring himself to call a simple timeout to regroup in the middle of a flood, I think asking him to analyze cold, hard facts is hoping for a bit much, don’t you think?

    [Reply]

  36. PetrKlimaIsGod! says:

    the change that needs to be made is to switch drew with martinez, martinez was a plus 12 for the season and a plus 2 last night. drew was one of the worse players in the ice in that game, bump him down to the third d line with green

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @PetrKlimaIsGod!, that has a lot to do with the matchups. Doughty is always out there agianst the opposing teams best players. martinez is out there usually against the opposing teams 3rd or 4th line.

    [Reply]

    PetrKlimaIsGod! Reply:

    @Sebastian, i understand that but a -3 is just unacceptable. if a player is having a bad game such as drew obviously did, you have to make a change. i honestly dont think martinez could have possible played an worse than doughty in that game. i get that drew is one of the cornerstone players for this organization but why shouldnt he be demoted during a game just as any other player normally is?

    [Reply]

  37. rob says:

    With all the hate towards Penner, I am wondering what you thought about Michael Handzus getting absolutely schooled by Marleau on his game winning assist. Go back and watch the ice-level view of the play. Puzzled how/why nobody noticed his poor play on that one!

    [Reply]

  38. CanadianKing says:

    Side Note- JW is battling St. Louis on TSN’s Play of the Year. Lets make sure he wins! http://www2.tsn.ca/showdown/2011/

    [Reply]

Leave a Reply