The third set of “Open Forum” questions and answers…
—–
ForumFan asked: In terms of personnel do you have any idea why Bud Holloway has never been given a chance and been recalled from Manchester? Will he and Voynov be invited to camp?
Answer: I know that the Kings had internal discussions about Holloway. Given that the Monarchs got eliminated from the playoffs, if the Kings had advanced to the second round, it’s likely that Holloway would have been called up. In general, you could definitely make the argument that Holloway at least deserved a cup of coffee in the NHL. That said, be careful with AHL players, and I mean this with absolutely zero disrespect toward AHL players. But when you look at a 25-goal scorer in the AHL, there’s a world of difference between a 25-goal scorer in the AHL and a 25-goal scorer in the NHL. If Holloway came up to the NHL, was he going to be a top-six forward? Possibility, but you wouldn’t bet on it, would you? Oscar Moller and Dwight King were solid AHL scorers, and weren’t able to make an impact. Again, that’s not a knock on those guys. It’s just that the AHL and NHL are different worlds. Just wanted to make sure I was clear on that. Going forward, Holloway is a restricted free agent, so the Kings will have to decide whether to offer him a contract this summer. Voynov is still under contract, so he will be part of training camp.
—–
Hat trick: When does the Kings organization believe they will make a serious run for the cup in terms of years?
Answer: I’m sorry, but I don’t really understand the question. Is a serious run different from a non-serious run? I can assure you that every player, coach and manager in the NHL starts a season believing it can win the Cup, so I’m sorry but I don’t really know how to answer the question.
—–
LB asked: Rich, did you grow up a hockey fan? Or is it something you started doing as a sports writer and got into it then? Do you think the Kings will make a trade for a top 6 forward? Even if it involves moving Bernier?
Question: I didn’t grow up playing hockey, but I started following it after the Gretzky trade and went to a lot of games in my teens. So I was definitely a fan of the sport before I started covering it. Lombardi’s answer on the trade possibility can be found here:
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/04/27/lombardi-on-improving-the-roster/
—–
Lead Feet asked: Is the NHL interested or concerned with making changes or adjustments to their video review protocol/rules?
Answer: There are no changes on the horizon, but I do think the league will continue (and should continue) to look for ways to improve goal/no-goal accuracy through video review. In terms of reviewing offsides, icing, etc., I don’t think you’ll ever see that happen. The game could easily turn into a mess if they ended up reviewing 50 neutral-zone passes every game to see if a player was offside. That’s just one of those judgment calls, one that every sport has, that is going to have to involve some human error.
—–
Dk.lakings asked: Hey Rich I heard that there was talk of switching the NHL schedule to a more even distribution of games to be played between western and eastern conference teams. Something like playing western teams 4 times instead of 8 and playing the east teams twice like other sports. Any news on this? I think all of us would like to see that. And finally maybe the west would get more recognition and calls in the long run??
Answer: No, I have not heard anything like that seriously considered. It would help exposure, but it would hurt Western teams in terms of travel. Western teams already have it tougher than Eastern teams — simply because of geography — and asking Western teams to make yet more trips to the East is only going to make their seasons more difficult. I’m not saying it won’t happen one day, but I’m saying it doesn’t necessarily help Western teams in the long run.
—–
kluka68 asked: 1. During the game who else besides the coach and 2 assistant coaches are on the bench with players? What are their roles? 2. When the player is injured who is coming to him from the bench? If the injury is severe is there a doctor who comes to evaluate player on the ice? If the player requires stitches or other medical attention, where it’s done? In the locker room or there is a special medical office where they can provide first medical aid. 3. When player is injured and not coming back to the game where and by whom he is taken to? Well, when it’s really bad injury obviously he is taken to the hospital, but if injury in just not that bad, than what? If this player was not accompanied by family member what happened with his car ( if he used one to get to Staples center ) 4. Can you tell us more how Bob and Jim work? Sometimes during the game they bring some info about player, is this something that they have written on the notes before the game or there is a data base which is easily accessible during the game and they can check statistics right away? During the game when Jim explains certain play he draws on the TV screen, how he does this? When they talk in front of the camera do they have a TV monitor with live picture in front of them? It will be great to see a post with videos where you will tell us some insides on Jim and Bob’s work. 5. When playoffs round is over and player line up to shake hands what they usually tell each other? Obviously the losing tem probably congratulates the wining team, but what they hear back? 6. During the game do players from the bench somehow communicate with the players on the ice? And if yes what do they tell?
Answers: 1) Depending on the team, you’ve got two or three trainers and two or three equipment guys, who will either tend to injuries or broken equipment during the game. 2) In the Kings’ case, it’s almost always head trainer Chris Kingsley on the ice. There must be at least one doctor present at every game, so he/she would tend to more serious injuries. And no, there’s no “medical office” set up, per se, but there is a training area where non-emergency situations would be handled. 3) If a player doesn’t require a hospital visit, he would just stay in the locker-room area. As for cars, I have no idea. A lot of players carpool, so I’m assuming there’s always someone available to take the wheel. 4) Bob and Jim do extensive work before the game and don’t rely on computers. They update player cards and stat sheets that they have available during the game and can easily reference. Jim uses some variation of a Telestrator to diagram plays. When they do stand-up segments in front of the camera, there is monitor in front of them, yes. 5) I’m sure there are thousands of different combinations of greetings. They probably all follow some form of “Good job.” 6) Not to any significant extent, no. Coaches might yell toward players, for quick instruction or line changes, etc.
—–
nykingfan asked: When you asked Murray about Parse’s game 6, did he seem somewhat pissed about Parse not being honest with them, or did I read too much into that answer?
Answer: I don’t believe “not being honest” would be the proper phrase here. It’s quite likely that Parse truly believed he was ready to play. Therefore, it wasn’t a matter of being dishonest. Murray’s point, I believe, was that if a player says, “I’m ready to go,” then he better be ready to go. Murray certainly did seem irritated that he had to bench Parse, but again, I don’t think there was any suggestion of dishonesty on Parse’s part. A lack of realism? Perhaps, yes.
—–
508KingsFan asked: Out of the twelve home games I will be attending at Staples next season, will the Kings win one of them? Is so please let me know which one.
Answer: If you start out 0-11, I’ll ask Jim Fox to wear his technicolor dreamcoat.
—–
KingsFanFTW asked: how long are we going to have Bob Miller??
Answer: You can keep him another couple weeks, maybe, but then his wife is going to want him back.
—–
number 6 asked: Rich, feel like I’m beating a bit of a dead horse here, but your feelings please about the forwards with regards to speed and skill. We all know that it’s lacking, but do you think it’s important as an issue to address? Two points: one is that I noticed DL make reference to San Jose’s skill level (so at least he noticed it), but how seriously do you think management takes this issue and again your personal feelings about it. Second point I make is that I’ve said on numerous posts; without the red line the game has changed post lockout, but I really wonder sometimes if management notices. There have been a number of games they won where clearly everyone could see that the Kings were rather dominated but won thanks to Quick plus a well timed goal or two.
Answer: This issue came up with a member of Kings management recently, and a good point was raised. Essentially, the point was: speed is good, but it’s what you do with the speed. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Nobody gets to the wrong spot faster than [insert player's name].” Well, that’s the rub. Nobody ever confused Luc Robitaille with a speed-burner, but who would you rather have in the offensive zone, a slow Luc Robitaille or a speed demon who runs around like a chicken with his head cut off? Of course, everyone wants a solid mixture of both, no question. What you want most is a player who simply moves his feet in all situations and who can make good, quick decisions on the move. Foot speed and quickness are not always the same things. As for the game changing post-lockout, I’m going to guess — and please feel free to correct me if needed, as I’m not trying to put words in your mouth — that you’re suggesting Murray’s system is antiquated, post-lockout. If so, no, I don’t agree. If you look at what the Washington Capitals are doing right now, it’s very close to a mirror image of what Murray tries to get done. The question is, do you have the players to pull it off, is the message being received and is it being executed on the ice? Those questions, respectively, have to be answered by a team’s general manager, its coach and its players.
—–
thustable asked: Rich, do you think Doughty will not turn into another Alexei Zhitnik?
Answer: Do I think he will not? Yes, I do think he will not.
rich thanks for clearing up AHL versus NHL play. So what your saying if guys are playing down there its because they have not the game yet to play in NHL style game. Is it you have it or you don’t?
Thoughts on Quicks 3 home games and giving up 16 goals at home versus 4 on the road?
I understand it was not all on him but the stat seems unbalanced, any reason why?
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
@ocKINGhb, Good rule of thumb, normally.
If a player scores 60 goals a year in Juniors, he will most likely score 30 goals a year in the AHL. That means you can count on him to score MAYBE 15-20 in the NHL.
The basic point is, just because someone is a great scorer in lower levels, does NOT mean that they have anywhere near the ability to do the same at the highest level in the world. You must remember who they are playing against, what defenses they are playing against and what goaltenders they are playing against.
Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, but it’s a pretty good rule to follow.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@mrbrett7, Not one player in juniors scored 60 goals this season, not in OHL, WHL, or QMJL. So your saying there in not one 50, 40, or even 30 goal NHL scorer in all of Juniors. I agree scoring in juniors or AHL are different beast than NHL, but there is no formula or rule of thumb to compare the scoring. Scouting is much more complex. Dustin Brown played in the OHL and his highest goal total was 41G, he has scored 30 NHL goals in a season. Looking at numbers alone you will never have any idea what kind of an NHL player a junior player will or can be.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@Osaka, Good point, I didnt think about that. I guess the answer is…The draft has been, and always will be an inexact science.
Thank you so much Rich for all you do..I am so addicted to your blog..I hate that the Sharks are playing tonight and we’re not..boo hoo!
[Reply]
Kinguy Josh Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@IwantTheCup, There’s still hockey on???? I stop watching after we get eliminated. It hurts too bad to watch.
[Reply]
KFII Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@IwantTheCup, I know what you mean by addicted. I found this site last season, and I’ve checked it daily ever since. In fact daily is an understatement. It would be fun to have a list along the side of this page, that shows everyone who is currently logged onto the site.
And yes, I hate that the Sharks are playing tonight, I probably won’t even watch. I’ll be checking the score though. I hope they choke!
[Reply]
IwantTheCup Reply:
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:45 am
@KFII, I know, that would be fun. I read in Rich’s forum answers that they used to be able to instant message on here! He’s working on doing it again, so that’s awesome! I also am a newcomer to this site, just this season. Damn Sharks!
[Reply]
I am having buyer’s remorse. Is Colton Teubert still playing or his season over also? Did his stock go up or down as the season ended?
[Reply]
Is there any chance that Ersberg returns? He won the Gargarin Cup (Russia’s Stanley Cup) with the Ufa Salavat Yulaev, and has been selected for the Swedish WC-roster. Maybe we should trade Bernier in a package for a solid forward?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
@Thomas, CONGRATS to EE. I truly thought he got the wrong end of TM’s stick…
[Reply]
Rich, can’t thank you enough, both for the blog as a whole and the open forum. Really fun, addictive read all around (my fiance refers to the blog as my mistress). Here’s my question: with off-season trades potentially coming up, which of the Kings players under contract next year do you think, either through your own observation or feelings from management, have taken themselves off the table? Conversely, is there anyone who has exposed himself as more, for lack of a better word, “vulnerable” for a trade? If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, I suppose this question could include Monarchs players as well.
[Reply]
I’m not buying the AHL NHL warning. I don’t know much about Knight other then what we saw in the NHL but that guy had Zero impact and really no NHL level skills at all. In Mollers case he has NHL level speed, hands and Hockey IQ. Moller wasn’t able to make a mark with the kings but he still might have a shot with another team. I liked what Moller brought to TM’s BIG BODIED defense first system. Knight won’t be back.
Holloway NEEDS a chance and he SHOULD get one! If he fails so be it but his numbers and skill set are something the Kings need to take a chance on. Others may have fallen before him but he could turn into a very important player in the FINALS next year!!! GKG
[Reply]
“In terms of reviewing offsides, icing, etc., I don’t think you’ll ever see that happen.”
I’d think in the case where offsides was NOT called, and the possession resulted in a goal, the goal should be disallowed. We’ve seen that happen before, and it really should not. I’d say the same thing goes for goaltender interference (Toronto should be able to call back a goal for it and initiate a penalty.) There are probably other such situations which are worth adding to review.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Thought of another…too many men on the ice leading to a goal.
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
April 29th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Agreed, and in those kind of ‘goal was scored under perhaps suspect circumstances’ I think each coach should have one challenge during the game that could be used under that strict a framework. That wouldnt slow up the game much and could right some big wrongs.
[Reply]
This is a hypothetical question, so maybe one your not comfortable answering, but a friend of mine and I were debating on what would happen to the Pacific Division if Pheonix were to move to Winnipeg. My question is this: would Winnipeg be apart of the Pacific Division for one year? Do you think the NHL would make a change and if so which team do you think we are more likley to see in the Pacific, Vancouver or Colorado?
[Reply]
Ok I was out of town after game 6 without a computer..What did I miss? Selane test’s positive for preformance enhancers? Simmonds Hire’s Jedi Master to teach him to get pucks out of the zone? am I close? ok, I guess I’ll just go back and read on my own.
[Reply]
Rich, thanks for the answer to my question. Very well answered…..
and the ‘do I think he will not? yes I think he will not’…. that was good.
[Reply]
Crown Royal Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 8:13 am
@number 6,
I know you’ve posted about the lack of speed issue with the Kings for some time. I agree with you. I think Rich Hammond is missing the point a little when talking about wanting speed versus hockey smarts. Why not assume both? Your question about the red line was a good one.
Jacque Lemaire, Mr.Defensive hockey, insisted on speed from Risebrough when the Wild got started by drafting players from other teams. His quote was something like,”I told Risebrough to get me guys who can skate.” The first pick Risebrough made was Daryl Laplante from Detroit. He could really skate but didn’t last long with the Wild because he didn’t work hard enough. Lemaire believed it was more important to have speed on the wings rather than at center. He always used Brian Ralston that way despite Ralston’s preference to play center early in his carear.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:10 am
@Crown Royal,
Thanks so much for your comments. Have been away (self imposed hiatus) from the computer. I have been thinking a lot about Rich’s response and I agree with what you said. Whether it was the way I posed the question or what, something left me unconvinced by his answer. Certain aspects of it I understand, but lean more in the direction of points you’ve brought up.
Skating has always been important in hockey. ALL the dynasties had skaters. Montreal of 70′s, and Isles and Edm of the 80′s. Maybe NYI are the closest to being an exception of that group, but they were such a well balanced group. And Potvin, Trottier and Goring and a few other guys on that team were no slouches when it came to skating. It’s the BASE of the game of hockey.
[Reply]
Crown Royal Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:26 am
@number 6,
Yeah, Also Bob Bourne was maybe the fastest skater in league at one point. He had lost a step (or two) by the time he played for the Kings. When he played for the Islanders at that time he could really fly!
@Rich Hammond
I believe in mentioning what Washington is doing you’ve missed (or disagree) with a point some of us have been trying to make about TM’s system. We believe the system can work to a point but in the end is self defeating. By slowing down the game it can limit what the other team can do against you but also limits what you can do to them. It is also difficult to develop the creative insticts of your players.
Detroit plays a strong defensive game. However,the core of that team currently consists of Lindstrom, PD, HZ, and TF. None of those guys were drafted in the first round. They mostly developed in a European system on a larger ice surface where speed and skill are at a premium. Yes, some of them grew up in the trapping 1-2-2 zone era (in Sweden) but many coaches there and leaders in the hockey federation fought against that kind of coaching. When you bring young players or offensive players into TM’s type system it is very difficult for them to continue developing.
The Kings had a self limiting system that worked in the Bob Pulford era. It was based on Jack Kent Cooke’s Redskins. No rookies, very disiplined. It won games but no championships. The Capitals will not win the Cup this year. They may limit what other teams do, but will limit themselves in the same way. Ovechikin will continue to wait for his skate with the Cup.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Crown Royal, You make a persuasive argument about the Caps, we shall see.
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@puck73, Ya some of that makes real good sence,,I’m waiting to see the results from the caps as well. Getting ready to watch Nucks/Preds…go Preds
[Reply]