There have been some reports out of Sweden that Oscar Moller has either signed or intends to sign with a team in the Swedish Elite League, and those reports appear to be true. A Kings source just confirmed that Moller has been talking to teams in Sweden — it’s not yet known whether he has actually signed a two-year contract yet — but there’s an important aspect of the story that hasn’t been reported (to my knowledge). Any contract Moller signed with a Swedish team would contain an “out” clause, allowing him to return to the NHL (and, presumably, to the Kings) per his choice. It’s been indicated to me that the Kings don’t mind the move, as it would allow Moller to play professionally and, perhaps, build some strength and experience against older players.
Moller, 22, was a second-round draft pick of the Kings in 2007. He has totaled 12 goals and 14 assists in 87 games over parts of the past three seasons with the Kings, while spending the rest of his time with Manchester of the AHL.
Makes sense.
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Harty Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@wes, let him go, better hockey for him. Less physical and more stick work.
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peace moller
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Does LA retain his NHL rights if he does infact play a few years in sweed? I would assume if LA did still have his rights, he would have to hit re-entry waivers if he did come back ….
or if he returns would he be alike a UFA???!?!??!
Rich help!?!?
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I think it’s a good move for both parties. There isn’t a place for him with the Kings right now and IMO he’s ran his course in Manchester. Best of luck Oscar!
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I have a feeling he was told something in the exit meetings that he didnt like. Oh well, maybe he can talk to Johann Fransson about it…he can relate !
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Hopefully when Oscar returns, the Kings will have a head coach that actually knows how to utilize Moller’s skill set.
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Ike Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
@DBB, This hypothetical coach would no doubt be able to turn water into wine.
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DLB Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@Ike, because there aren’t other teams/coaches out there who use smaller guys like Moller effectively? There are.
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HockeyOnly Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@DLB, Try Tamapa Bay and Marty St. Louis
Ike Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@DLB, That assumes Moller has the same skill set as those other players and that Moller would blossom if he were allowed.
You are implying that TM is holding him back which I am not convinced.
@HockeyOnly
St. Louis is a rare exception. If Moller were playing in Tampa, he wouldn’t be a pt per game player.
I’m not hating on Moller. I would love for him to break out with the Kings. He needs to put in the effort. Its on him. Its his responsibility. Its not TM holding him back or any other stupid thing like that.
Jack the Lad Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@DBB, I was just thinking the same thing. I bet T.M. is gone with’n two years and we will then see the real O.M.!
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red49er Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@Jack the Lad, the real oscar moller is too light on his skates and not quick enough to make up for lack of size. his grit has never been a concern.
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Kevin Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@DBB,
Like use him on the 1st line? Oh wait, he was used there.
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MacSwede Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 1:47 am
@Kevin, In fact, he wasn´t! And that surprised me a lot, given that Murray tried every other player in the organization there..
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Kwvin Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 9:56 am
@MacSwede, really? April 6th, he was on TMs number 1 line with Penner and Handzus (kopi) was hurt. He stayed there a few games and did not produce. He had power play time during this stint as well as earlier in the year and STILL did not produce. I am a fan of Moller, but kid is too small. Small would be okay if he was fast. He gets knocked off the puck on a regular basis.
And anyone who throws out a St. Louis comparison is off their rocker. That’s like saying “well Westgarth is slow, but so was a certain left wing we had.”
CB14 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@Kevin, You’re saying that Handzus and Penner were the Kings #1 line. Uhh, I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure that when people on this blog say 1st line, they mean a 1st line with Kopi, not Zues, who was our 3rd line center for most of the year.
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Kevin Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@CB14, April 6th, AS I STATED, Kopitar was injured. Handzus took over first line duties. Is it ideal? no. But neither is Moller on the first line. Hence why he is off to Sweden. He, himself knows what is best, and that is why he is going there.
CB14 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@Kevin, I saw what you wrote, but I just don’t think you should be saying that he was on the 1st line when it wasn’t a real 1st line IMO, that’s all I’m trying to say.
P.S. I must have missed your last line in your previous post, “well Westgarth is slow, but so was a certain left wing we had.” Freaking Hilarious Man!
Player-X Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@DBB, This ain’t the eighties, and the coach and the “system” you criticize are the foundation of winning teams. People say that Murray has dulled the offensive sword on the Kings, but we scored plenty of goals against San Jose, but still lost. Why? Because the defensive game let us down. Our supposedly “anemic” offense was not the problem; it was simply a problem of youth getting away from the defensive system. Seriously, the whole “fire Murray” thing is a total joke, but one that we have all heard way too many times.
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Michael J. Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Player-X,
Thank you Player-X.
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fsd1 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@Player-X, Double Thanks!
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CB14 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@Player-X, How can you say that TM’s defense first system is the foundation of winning teams when TB, which was 22nd in Goals Against Per game this year, is one of four teams still playing in the NHL Playoffs?
All 4 teams left in the Stanley Cup playoffs were all in the top 7 in Goals Per Game this season.
Vancouver #1
Boston #5
San Jose #6
Tampa Bay #7
While the 4 teams left were only in the top 22nd in Goals Allowed Per Game.
Vancouver #1
Boston #2
San Jose #10
Tampa Bay #22
Here’s a list of the last five Stanley Cup Champions
Chicago: 3rd in Goals For: 6th in Goals Allowed
Pittsburgh: 5th in Goals For: 17th in Goals Allowed
Detroit: 3rd in Goals For: 1st in Goals Allowed
Anaheim: 8th in Goals For: 7th in Goals Allowed
Carolina: 3rd in Goals For: 20th in Goals Allowed
Judging from the basis of these facts it appears to me that Offense wins Championships, not Defense.
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number 6 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
@CB14,
CB. I’m back with you again…. and this time….. I won’t be sarcastic. I Agree With You.
Look at Boston. They barely squeak by in game 2, and are struggling to keep up with TB, Why…. cause their powerplay has been awful.
People are welcome to comment on how well the Kings did on the PP vs. SJ and even a year ago vs. Vanc. But the fact is that that was an anomaly. So, a poor powerplay and a system that clearly is very heavily weighted towards defense. And you could flip it on it’s head. A team with a sound defensive structure completely and utterly fell apart on the defensive side of things in game 3.
Not sure what my point is other than – yes d may win championships, but you’ve gotta gotta gotta be able to supplement it with some creativity. Otherwise you end up like the Baltimore Ravens. Great D. And what have they won lately? And like the Kings in Game 3, vs the Steelers they were blowing em out, and then the d falls apart.
CB14 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
@number 6, I don’t know if you caught my comment on the other post, but if you didn’t I just wanted to say my bad. With so many people on this site it’s tough to tell what’s sarcasm and what isn’t. Just look at this page and you’ll find posts similar to yours the other day and they’re not being sarcastic.
It surprises me that Jamie Kompon, from all reports i’ve heard, is still on the Kings coaching staff. I really hope that he will be re-assigned within the coaching staff because his PP system is not working. Someone on this page brought up the best quote toady that “The best defense is a good offense”. So True, So True.
Pesus Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 6:45 am
@CB14,
Thanks for the stats, Just backing up what alot of us have been saying for a long time now. D is still very important and Im glad TM stresses D to everyone but now its time to add the Offence to the strong D we play. Cuz strong D alone wont get it done. Is TM that guy? If he’s here I hope so. .
Player-X Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 9:37 am
In a way, your numbers support both of our viewpoints. The reason it is so important to have a great scoring punch is the enhanced defensive focus on defense that occurs in the playoffs. I mean, we can agree that the playoffs become more defensively oriented, in general, can’t we? Or do you disagree with every single commentator and paid expert?
So, it is necessary for there to be a strong defensive ability couple WITH a terrific scoring punch. It is the balance; it is not a black-and-white, either-or issue. My opinion is that there must be a real defensive ability, not that which is a by-product of offensive capability )as BobKnob refers to just a couple of posts down, and that defensive ability is vital.
Also, another aspect to your numbers from the past 5 Cup winners is that 3 of 5 did demonstrate that defensive ability during the regular season. Carolina was a huge upset, mostly because they were so porous defensively. Pittsburgh barely squeaked it out against Detroit, mostly because Fleury stood on his head in the Finals.
Your take on the numbers of the 4 teams this year is slanted, and you use semantics to be able to interpret the numbers favorably but not completely accurately. With Tampa being 22nd in defense, but the others being 1,2, and 5, it is not meaningful to say “the 4 are only in the top 22.” What is meaningful is that you have the two best defensive teams, the 7th best, and then the surprising Tampa Bay team. I would doubt you would claim you expected Tampa to be in the final 4, based on their offense. They are an upset, for a reason; lack of defense.
Much the same is true of the 5 past Cup winner’s characteristics, also. You had the best defensive team, the sixth and seventh best, then you had the upset Carolina team and the anomalous Penguins. But, even arguing the regular season stats is inherently flawed, unless you totally reject the predominant view that the game tightens up in the playoffs, that there is a “playoff hockey” style known to all.
My main view is that the Kings have the required foundation of defense upon which to build. The “building” requires more skill players, and the Kings are working on that, but those skill players can and will flourish with Murray’s offensive system that is at issue here. Put it this way; I think establishing a cycle is the way to begin offense when the rush is not available, which is most of the time in a playoff game. Our guys are still learning how to score out of the cycle, how to create from that beginning. But, you have to be able to establish the cycle first, to create from that beginning, and that is the foundation. It takes defense in your own zone, strong play in a slower, controlled game with more time of possession and “field position” in their zone. That is a safe and consistent way to win a 7 game series.
CB14 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@Player-X, I absolutely agree with you, and every single commentator and paid expert, that the playoffs become more defensive oriented.
I also agree that a team needs a strong defensive identity, and Terry Murray has done a very good job of giving the team that identity.
You mixed up some of the teams defensive numbers this year, but it’s no big deal. Carolina and Pittsburgh may have been anamoly’s because they were poor defensively in the regular season, but my main point is that none of those teams were bad or even average offensively, just like this year’s eventual champion. So when you look at those stats and then look at where the Kings were in scoring this year, 25th, it appears to me that we will not win a championship with a defense first system
Where we disagree is that I believe the young skilled prospects that the Kings have in the pipeline will have their skills diminished by the defense first/dump and chase system. I guess only time will tell.
jonsey Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
@Player-X, Not even close. Our leading goal scorer was Clifford. Our offense was a big let down. We had to give up on our defensive game to get a chance to score goals. We don’t have the big guns to scare opponents off. More big guns = more offensive time = fewer goals against.
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number 6 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:38 pm
@jonsey,
Yes Jonsey, and not only that, but while your d may get you a win, just Look at the pressure that JQ was under, in Game 5 vs. SJ and both games in Detroit that they won. You could say it was great d. No it was adequate d that was constantly under pressure and their goaltender won all three of those games.
If someone thinks you’re as a team gonna win FOUR seven game series against the best teams in the NHL I have only one thing to say. Dream on.
BobKnob Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@jonsey & number 6,
I agree, and I think a lot of the reason Van was #1 on D was due to their dominating offense. Did they necessarily have the best D corps or system? Probably not, but I’m sure it was still very good. It’s hard to score on them when you can’t get out of your own zone.
I don’t think looking at one aspect of the game and saying it’s enough to win is correct, since it was obviously a problem all season long which remained in the playoffs. When you watch the games instead of bury your head in stats, you could see there were obvious problems or ways to improve. Stellar D alone is not enough to win, we need a complete game.
We had a great back line and D system, but we weren’t able to dominate other teams. We held on.
justlu Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
@Player-X,
just because the kings scored a few goals against sj doesn’t mean anything. Look at the whole season the kings finished 25th in goals for. They only finished ahead of 5 other teams in gf how can one series against sj negate the lack of scoring that happened during the whole season ? If your satisfied finishing 25th out of 30 teams in gf then I guess you can say the offense wasn’t anemic.
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justlu Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@Player-X,
to add further to my argument you could say that once the Kings got away from murray’s defensive system against sj they showed some offensive punch. Which means the team has the talent to score but are running the wrong system to do it who would you blame that on?
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Stuart Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@justlu, Exacty when did they get “away” from the D system, show this punch you speak of, and WIN? I remember them pouncing on SJ in game 3, getting away from the system (becuase they fell in love with the idea that they were now a prolific offensive team) only to give up a monster lead and eventually lose. Game 5, kind of got away from the system, but JQ stole another game for them. Game 4, got away from the system and got blown away.
I’ve been following this conversation, and I must say that I agree with a lot that has been said (ei-balance, offense is a good defense, we’ve laid a good foundation) but to say that the Kings got better offenseively when the got away from the D-1st system the showed some punch is kind of far-fetched.
Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 7:05 am
@Player-X,
Thanks. I’m right there with you.
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dMan Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@DBB, Interesting. As far as I remember, Moller WAS given the chance to display his skill set, but had a hard time against the bigger, STRONGER NHL players.
It’s not like Murray never gave him a chance. In fact, just as he has with all the players, he challenged him to get better conditioning and stronger to be successful at the highest level of hockey. Sounds to me like someone who is looking out for the best interest of the player and the team! Some players like Kopi respond, others pack their bags and head back home.
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Brian Bush Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@dMan, or to the Islanders… or Lightning… or Rangers… where they dont have to play against “STRONGER NHL” players to score goals
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jet Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@Brian Bush, you must be refering to Patrick O’Sullivan or Brian Willsie
Brian Bush Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@jet, no i am refering to the guys that TM said were not able to play against stronger NHL players like Moulson 31G… Purcell 17G… and Boyle 21G… not Brian Willise whose career long before the Kings established himself as a bottom 6 forward or Patrick O’Sullivan who TM gave top 6 minutes to until DL traded him for Williams
scepin Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 7:48 am
@DBB, You hit the nail squarely on the head!
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Start of Kovigate part deux?
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Wouldn’t you like to be an Oscar Moller Winger?
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DesertKing Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@SLIM,
That is what I truly want to be, e, e,!
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Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@SLIM,
Cause if I was an Oscar Moller Winger……..Everyone would be in love with me.
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DesertKing Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@Dominick,
Cause if I was an Oscar Moller Winger….all the Swedish girls would be in love with me.
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number 6 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@DesertKing,
You guys are Absolutely Brilliant. Bonkers, but I love it.
tuan jim Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@SLIM,
Jeez, the Kings have only been out of it for a week or two, and you guys are already slap-happy.
You won’t make it to October before your brains disintegrate.
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jet Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@SLIM, very funny, thanks
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So long #9, please come back when you are ready to play with the big boys.
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Maybe he comes back in a few years stronger on and off the puck and helps this team. Best of luck Moller. Cant be that bad, Im sure there are alot of hot blond chicks in Sweeden
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dMan Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@Pesus, I found Norway and Denmark to be better in the hot blond chick department.
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jet Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@dMan, Yahh, and those Finns too although their languange sounds like ringing in your ears with all the N’s.
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MacSwede Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 1:51 am
@dMan, There´s no place better than Sweden regarding hot blondes!! And you all know it…
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Are the Kings still responsible for his salary cap hit this upcoming season if they retain his rights?
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@mrhapa, nope
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I was looking toward Moller to beef up over the summer and retun an offensive threat next season
Oh well
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Token Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@408kingsfan, Yeah, I went to the beef-up store the other day and all the beef for upping was on sale. I have no clue why Moller didn’t get some.
I’m just baffled at these lazy players that just refuse to beef-up.
/sarcasm font
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408KingsFan Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@Token, well, when I hit the weight pile I beef up and I’m not a professional athelete
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jet Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@408KingsFan, It is true that some sthletes just cannot put on weight until later in life. I have a good friend who has worked out his whole life and was never able to add bulk. He turned 50 and all of a sudden he gains 25 pounds of muscle. He is 6’4″ and he went from 170 to 195. Every body is different.
Token Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
@408KingsFan, Yeah, and by contrast I hit the weights for three years of serious lifting, got real strong and didn’t put on much weight.
Some guys bulk up, some don’t. I’m pretty much convinced they all try.
BobKnob Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
@jet,
People who can’t gain weight…
…aren’t eating enough. I know it takes some people more calories to gain weight, and is harder to get down, but it can be done. Olive oil in your O.J. Extra butter. Fried Chicken. Hamburger helper. Triple Cheeseburgers. Pizza. These will all help if you “can’t” gain weight.
Thank god. I hope everyone will shut up about the following things now;
-Moller being fast (completely untrus. Small does not equal fast). Skating was one of his biggest issues. Just ask the staff and management.
-Moller having a deft scoring touch. Not at the NHL level. No. Untrue. Never showed the prowess at the NHL level he showed in the WHL.
-Moller playing “bigger than his body” a total bunch of garbage.
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harglebargle Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
PS – he will never play for the Kings again. They’re probably pretty excited he’s someone else’s development problem now.
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puddle Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@harglebargle, I understand your point of view, and you might be right about OM, but I’m sure there were others who thought otherwise (I remember reading that Burke really liked the kid). I’m surprised the Kings didn’t turn him into a 3rd round draft pick or something.
I’m hoping the same thing doesn’t happen to Voynov. He’s gotta be chomping at the bit as well.
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HockeyOnly Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@harglebargle, I agree with you 100% because, when the Kings let you go, you are a rebuild.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
@harglebargle,
…Just watch.
Moller will light it up in Sweeden or elsewhere in the NHL.
A disturbing trend may be reaffirmed with Moller: the L.A. Kings just don’t know how to utilize or groom young talent.
Dean Lombardi’s collar just drew a little bit tighter.
Next season must see the Kings break into the NHL elite, and that means top 4 seeding or third round of the playoffs.
This team just can’t afford to distribute talent like it were dealing cards–tossed away indiscriminately.
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Randell Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, i agree, we can’t even get anything back from him…if this is another Moulson or Purcell type thing I will be hunting for Lombardi’s head
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fsd1 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@Randell, Happy hunting
dMan Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy said “…Kings just don’t know how to utilize or groom young talent.”
right, tell that to Kopi, Brown, Simmonds, Doughty, Quick, Bernier, Martinez, etc.
Hockey pundits talk about the L.A. Kings being on the verge due to the amazing young talent they’ve got.
Amazing…
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spudboy Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@harglebargle,
-If he isn’t fast, how does he beat everybody to the puck in the corner on dump-ins?
-Deft scoring touch? You’re right he hasn’t shown it at the NHL level.
-Playing bigger than his body? That wouldn’t take much as he is really small, and he used to play bigger, but, yeah, in his last call-up, he didn’t. Probably, most-disappointing.
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Michael J. Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@spudboy,
He beats others into the corners because he is skating forwards and accelerating as the puck is dumped in. the defensemen that he beats into the corner are skating backwards.
Love OM, hope he improves by playimg against men and returns as a force.
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harglebargle Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@spudboy, What the hell are you talking about? Of course he is going to beat defenseman in for the puck. He will never beat anyone in a footrace. All those comparables to Marty St Louis and Robataille are only right on one account – the kid doesnt skate well enough to play a consistent top 6 role on an NHL team.
That’s it. It isn’t hard to understand. You’re entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts. He isn’t a good enough skater (or scorer) to play in the top6 in the NHL. If the Kings thought they was some real opportunity to develop him between now and age 25, they wouldn’t be too excited about this signing. Fact is, they don’t care.
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probably a good deal for both, I’m think Dl expects a trade for a scoring winger or a Monarch who is a bit bigger to fill his role next year so there will be room when Smyth, Penner and Stoll are gone for him to come back, by then he would probably fill that Stoll void
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Very smart move by Moller. Hopefully, he will return when the team finds some offensive improvement.
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Rich,
He just have a verbal agreement according to Aftonbladet.se http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/hockey/sverige/elitserien/article13040301.ab I know you can’t read Swedish, but it states that the parties have verbally agreed to a 2 year contract.
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Jorgen Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
On that note; sounds like he’s trying to force Kings hands to make a move or let him go.
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Crown Royal Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
@Jorgen,
Yes, and he also says he hasn’t given up his dream to play in the NHL. This is something he’s told all teams who have been interested in his services.
Looks like another Moulson, Purcell, Boyle type loss of talent for the Kings. Offensive players just can’t seem to play for the hockey genius, Terry Murray.
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Y would he sign with us? they scratched him for Parse, who missed over 70 games… i think he got the message after that insult. Just be ready to see him score for another team.. I cant figure out if we are impatient with our youth or the system sucks for scoring?
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Player-X Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@Rudedogg, Neither, Moller did not perform. Boyle did not perform. Purcell did not perfrom. Moulson did not perform. It is pointless to second-guess, such as “if we had been just a little more patient we would have had them when they blossomed.” I could just as easily say, “they needed to be fired/trade/ignored to be motivated, only then did those players finally ‘get it’.” The whole thing is irrelevant; those players had their chances with the Kings, and failed. What they do after that does not change their failure when here.
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puddle Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@Player-X, Agreed.
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Michael J. Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
@Player-X,
Yup…
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Choralone Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@Player-X, I’m not on the anti-TM bandwagon, but the alternative you suggest that they needed to be “motivated” seems pretty weak in Purcell’s case (or Moller’s for that matter).
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Rudedogg Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Player-X, I guess Lombardi is right playing under pressure is alot different than playing with no expectations( Moulson). I do remember Boyle saying how he gets it now but it drove me crazy when they tried to turn him into a bruiser because he was 6′ 7″. The guy has a nice wrist shot and im getting flashbacks watching Penner get yelled at for not running people into the boards… As for Purcell I havent seen him play so i dont know what is different for him in Tampa.
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dMan Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@Rudedogg, asking a player to be well-conditioned is not asking them to a a bruiser or run people into the boards, it means being able to keep the puck on the end of your stick, it means being able to cycle and protect the puck, it means having the strength to drive to the net, it means having the bulk to take the physical beating in front of the net, it means not going down to injuries, it means surviving a full 82 game season and having the juice to go deep into the playoffs, it means that after all that, having the strength to lift the damn cup over your head!
scepin Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 8:00 am
@Rudedogg, Purcell is more like Joe Thornton: pass first. You see, TM has a mold and either you fit into it or not. Doesn’t matter if you’re Gretzky, Crosby or Pucell.
tornado12 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Player-X, Agreed about TP (over 80 games) and to a lesser extent BB (only 36 games), but Moulson only got 29 games with us (scoring only 10 pts granted). I dont agree Moulson got a fair shot. He is the only one that I think we let get ‘away’. Although, we will never know what would have happened if he stayed, that I think we can agree on.
I dont bring up ex kings players because every organization has let good players go, only to thrive elsewhere. It happens and no use crying over spilled milk.
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Player-X Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@tornado12, good points, nado, I did not know Moulson had only that many games, thanks for the info. I think I was wrong about Moulson, as you say. The other guys, though, I remain convinced…thanks again.
centericeman Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@Player-X, Tornado:
I completely disagree. Those three players especially Moulson where not what our team wants. Big, not necessarly skilled, plumbers. That is what we seem to want patroling each and every position!
Here is the problem, you only get a Kopitar that can do both plumb and score. Not all players are like that and you need. The coach and management to realize that you need a mixture of toughness, talent and plumbers to be sucessful.
We gave away the scoring portion of our young crop because they weren’t what DL RH and TM consider valuable assets cause they weren’t plumbers or didn’t fight their “compete” level wasn’t necessarily in the corners.
Until such time as the coaching and management realize this fact we are going to continue on the same tread!
Take a look at Tampa Bay they have lots of talent, so does Vancouver. Now I will say that at least 3 of vancouver’s top players are kopitars in that they can do it all. That is why they will win the cup this year.
Joe Pavelski is the same size as Moller and he is very sucessful in the playoffs!
Note to TM, DL and RH–look at the value of non 6ft 3in 200 plus players that are ready to play and may have a different contribution than Plumbing!!
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tornado12 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@centericeman, you bring up a valid point that I cant ignore. In fact, I posted below that none of those players are defensive players. You have to be able to play defense first to be a LA King. I dont think anyone can argue that! Perhaps your analogy is more accurate in that they are ‘plummers’. But it is obvious that management favors character over talent. DL has made that clear.
TA Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
@centericeman, Well said!!! That’s the best post that I’ve seen here in a while.
. We have enough 3rd and 4th line forwards (Cliffy,Simmer,Stoll,Lewis,Richie,Zues,Westy,Poni) DL needs to finally address our Top 6 or we will never get to the next level. He has done a good job with our backend (goalies & defense) now let’s upgrade our top 6!
That’s why I don’t feel that Kopi gets the credit that he should, he is one of the NHL best 2-way centerman around. Right there with Kessler IMO. If Kopi played for a more offensive minded team you would see him post over 100 point seasons. Which leads to my point that there aren’t many Kopi’s or Kessler out there that are the best players on both sides of the ice. The fact is the Kings have 2 skilled forwards (Kopi & JW) most elite teams have 4 to 6 skilled forwards, until we upgrade our top 2 lines the Kings won’t be a contender
BobKnob Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
@centericeman,
I’d bet Moller is only 5’11″ on paper. Joe Pavelski seems bigger than him.
centericeman Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@centericeman, bob knob:
I don’t necessarly mean Moller, I mean that players of this size can compete and be sucessful in the league. Somenthing that I think our management doesn’t consider, or is so tilted to having the biggest nastiest team that these type players never get a real shot!
In addition, I think we need a real offensive coach to help us in the offensive area. I don’t mean to let Murray go, I think he is a good coach, I gave him a B, and he has the attitude that we need right now…encouragement.
Pesus Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Player-X,
No one performs, You dont see a disturbing pattern here?
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KC23 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
@Player-X, Finally, someone who gets it. Well said!
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Crown Royal Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
@Player-X,
They have failed playing for a coach who “doesn’t get it.”
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Puckn-A Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@Player-X, Moulson did perform at a higher scoring rate than most Kings actually and from the 4th line. Seeing as we had 12 million on the 4th line at times (Poni, Zuess, Smyth, Penner, Stoll) we could of retained Moulson for that 1 mil he got from the Islanders 2years ago.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@Rudedogg,
The latter. Cammy and Sully and Boyle all showed promise under Crow. Sully and Boyle went backwards under Murray (Cammy was gone before TM took over).
To be sure, non of these three are known for their defensive ability on their respective teams so you can be the judge. Of the three, I’d only want Cammy back because he can score enough to make a difference, despite his defensive short commings.
[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
Cammalleri did not want to stay here. DL was right not to lay big dough on a guy who already had his eyes on moving elsewhere.
So Cammy goes to the Flames, scores close to forty goals, and — just when Sutter’s wick is wet to keep him — heads off to Montreal.
Trading POS was sound and, in retrospect, one of the smartest things DL has done.
As for Boyle? Good riddance. Even HE admits he was worthless until he saw The Cutting Edge and learned how to skate with the big girls.
I surely don’t blame DL or TM for Purcell. TM gave the kid plenty of chances to fit in here and it was no-go. When he was traded to Tampa Bay the support for that decision was near universal. In fact, there was more fuss over the loss of Brendan Segal.
All these regrets . . . as if the Kings were the only ones who let talent blossom elsewhere. Remember how little we spent to get two super years out of Felix the Cat?
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 7:37 am
@tuan jim,
I don’t regret any of them going/being traded. Like I said, those guys aren’t exactly great defensively so I wouldn’t trade their defensive lapses for their offense, except for Cammy. I know he wanted out, I was merely stating a player I wouldn’t mind having on the team still.
I disagree with the Moller bashers. This is going to come back to haunt us like Moulson, Purcell, Boyle, and every other player we gave up on too early. This one really hurts because I love Moller. He’ll probably end up in Tampa, or a place where they have a good owner or coach that will let him play. But only time will tell. That’s the breaks. I wish Moller luck and agree that for him it’s a good move. Go Bolts.
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@Mike in Oregon, like I just posted above;
Moller did not perform. Boyle did not perform. Purcell did not perfrom. Moulson did not perform. It is pointless to second-guess, such as “if we had been just a little more patient we would have had them when they blossomed.” I could just as easily say, “they needed to be fired/trade/ignored to be motivated, only then did those players finally ‘get it’.” The whole thing is irrelevant; those players had their chances with the Kings, and failed. What they do after that does not change their failure when here.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@Player-X,
The only thing about the P-M-B failure axis above that can get you is the question about coaching: Is it their preparation or the system that made NHL quality players fail?
May it not be that there is an intrinsic problem with L.A. coaching that is the weak link here…
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, you could go down any teams roster and find players performing now that did NOT perform with their last team, both Kings and Non Kings, it happens, i wish everyone could stop living in the past and especially stop blaming the system or the coach for a players inability olack of desire to perform.
Player-X Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, could have been: system, preparation/dedication, youthful inexperience, youthful lack of strength, inability to grasp a system, lack of linemate chemistry, stretch of bad confidence/intimidation at NHL level, a sense of entitlement/assurance at being brought up to NHL when it took abject failure to prove it wasn’t gonna come without work, and on and on. Might be so many axis combinations we need a 16 wheeler as chassis for them…
Osaka Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, TM has the best winning percentage of any Kings coach ever.
DLB Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@Player-X, how much of a chance did Moulson get, exactly? I disagree with you there.
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Player-X Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@DLB, Yeah, I was wrong about Moulson, only 29 games according to tornado, so on Moulson I yield, but I still think the others had their chances here.
Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
@DLB, Also Brian Boyle was a defenseman/4rth liner when he was here.
Pesus Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@Player-X,
You are right thet didnt perform. But why is the real question. Maybe a different answer for all of them. I just hate to lose more guys and watch them score elsewhere. Who’s next? Schenn?
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Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
@Player-X,
The main disagreement I have is that all those players (and a few others) are known for offense. If you look at our defensive core you’ll see that there isn’t a recent failrure to develope homegrown talent in an area of the roster that has less positions, but is traditionally harder to develope. Goal tending has been handled well after decades of mismanagement. 2 way grinder types have been handled well also. Scorers?
Our scoring needs are being delegated to FA’s, with homegrown talent being shown the door in the scoring department.
Wingers that play a 2 way game have thrived, while we have yet to see a single pure offensive threat develope under Murray wrt home grown talent. So far everyone is shipped off, or allowed to leave for nothing. Always with their weaknesses pointed out that other teams have been able to develope with the same player.
I can’t say he hasn’t made a few offensive guys better like Brown, and Kopi, but he inherited those players, not start from scratch. I’m willing to back TM next season, but offensive developement is a fair question to ask, and shouldn’t be swept under the rug.
TM has got us far, but we have some really good offensive players coming up in the system that I see falling to the way side, because of the same limitations as previous offensive players, in a developemental system that hasn’t got a good track record so far.
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CB14 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@Dominick, Great post Dominick! In regards to your second paragraph, can you say Bud Holloway? He scores 19 goals last year and 28 this year but can’t get a look with the Kings even though we struggled to score goals all year long. Doesn’t make sense to me.
BTW. Dustin Brown had his best offensive season under Marc Crawford, not Terry Murray.
Kopi has had his best offensive year last season under TM, but in only his second year in the league(while under Marc Crawford) he had only 4 less points than his best year, last season. Is 4 points an improvement in his offensive numbers because of Terry Murray, or because he gained more NHL experience. I’ve got to go with experience. I will say that TM has improved Kopi and Brownies defensive game a ton, but the decrease in offensive production is too much for me to want another year of him behind the bench.
BobKnob Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@CB14,
Who cares who did what under Crawford. He was an awful coach.
centericeman Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@Player-X, Chances?
Chances to play the way the Kings coaching and management dictated to play!
Scorers are a different bread than what our management sees as contributing.
A team needs a mix of players! Detroit has a line that is speed, speed, speed! But they can also bring out horses like Bertuzii and Franzen. They have a little of everything and can play with anyone.
That my friend is the point, compile a TEAM that can play in all situations. We have one option, crash and bang.
Granted we do well at that, but everyone knows what to expect from us. How about a line that is skill and speed? We have the horses in the wings to put one like this together!
Or we can continue with Tunnel Vision.
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Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@centericeman,
I agree with you. Stamkos has always been an offensive threat. The Bolts have improved his defensive play, but always with the mindset that he is an offensive player. So they developed him to be better aware of defensive situations, but priority wise, always look to get into shooting situations, and develope his strengths.
When Schenn, Lokti, Vey, Weal, Kozun, or any other offensive players play for us, are they going to be those types of players, or spend the next year developing their defensive game, and grinding it out, before being given any opportunities to play with offensive players, on a line designed to score.
TA Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
@centericeman, Another great post centericeman!
Almost all elite teams have 4 to 6 skilled forwards and we have 2 (Kopi&JW)
Most elite teams have a line that has speed and can score, another line that is a checking line. And a grinder line. They also have an effective PP!
Like you said the Kings have a lot of grinders and all we do is dump & chase. And let’s not even bring up our PP!
gege Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@Mike in Oregon, All of those players did not perform while a king. Good ridence. Just like Penner. Get rid of him to.
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fsd1 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@gege, Penner will be a different player when the season starts or he wont be here.
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Oscar is to slow, two small and not the right fit for the Kings. DL please go out and trade Penner for a forward that truly wants to be a king and work his butt off. Penner is not worth another 4 million year.
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fsd1 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@gege, Who you going to trade him for?
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rick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@fsd1, A burger and fries.
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jet Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@rick, butt, isn’t that the problem?
Shame. He and Loktionov were dynamite together and I would have loved to have seen them work together for the Kings.
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It’s just as good to have Moller play top minutes in the SEL than in the AHL. as long as the Kings retain his rights (which they do) then it’s all good. let him play at home against quality competition.
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Good luck Oscar! Get stronger and keep playing with heart.
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Brian Boyle, Teddy Purcel, Matt Moulson, and now Oscar Moller. 3 of the 4 have found their scroing touch elsewhere, two of the 4 would have been top 5 scorers on the Kings roster this season. Murray’s system handcuffs the purely offensive. I don’t know if Moller fits that bill, that is yet to be seen.
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fsd1 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@camarillo andy, Sure, blame the coach, he plays in every game.
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Pesus Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@fsd1,
He coaches every game, or so he says.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@fsd1, Why is it so hard to grasp that maybe for those players mentioned, it was “the system”. TM has a certain game plan, and certain way of wanting players to play. Not everybody enjoys playing that way, or watching someone play it. Maybe some players just don’t “perform” under the current way the Kings are structured, and therefore succeed elsewhere. Doesn’t mean the players were failures.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
@PP Anybody?, The kings system requires hard work,patience,and dedication,Lazy players that only want to play hard for their own stats. need not apply.
CB14 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@fsd1, Here’s some stats that help explain why people blame the Head Coach for the Kings offensive problems. You already know how well Matt Moulson and Brian Boyle have done since leaving the Kings, so here’s some stats of theirs before Terry Murray was their Head Coach.
Matt Moulson had 5 goals, and 4 assists, for a total of 9 points in 22 games with Marc Crawford as head coach.
He had 1 goal, and zero assists in 7 games for Terry Murray.
Brian Boyle had 4 goals, 1 assist, for a total of 5 points in 8 games with Marc Crawford as head coach.
He had the EXACT same numbers in 28 games, three times as many, under Terry Murray.
It’s not like you can say that Boyle and Moulson only improved once they got older, because both both of them put up better numbers before Terry Murray was their Head Coach, and after Terry Murray was their Head Coach. I’m sure Oscar Moller will do the same thing.
The next 2 players are perfect examples that Terry Murray’s offensive system takes above average offensive players and turns them into mediocre offensive players.
Alexei Ponikarovsky averaged over 20 goals the last 5 seasons under different coaches and teams, yet only scores 5 goals under Terry Murray.
Dustin Penner averaged 24 goals the last 3 seasons, and was on pace to score 27 goals this year while with Edm, yet was on pace for only 9 goals while being coached by Terry Murray.
These 4 players stats are not my opinion, they are facts. If the large decrease in scoring came from only 1 or 2 players then you could say that it’s an anomoly, but 4 players have seen their offensive production drop significantly under Terry Murray, that’s a big problem. It’s also a big reason why top tier offensive players will not come here, or in DP’s case be happy coming here, as long as he is the Head Coach.
[Reply]
TA Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
@CB14, Well said CB! Which brings up the point that Penner never wanted to be a King.
Since his first interview and almost every shift that he’s played as a King he’s shown that he doesn’t want to be here. If I was traded from a last place team which won’t be winning anytime soon, to a playoff team with a chance to win a cup for years to come I would be jumpping up and down. Instead all he talked about was what he was leaving in Edm. And furthermore if I was on a new team or started a new job I would show up and give my VERY BEST and show a alot of EFFORT! Penner has done neither!.
NO HEART! NO EFFORT!
fsd1 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 8:59 am
@CB14, pretty weak, Moulson, didnt get a chance under crawford or TM, Boyle, only interested in Offense not defense, dont want him on the team, Poni, injured for 22 or 25 games and a new system which by the way he did well at after coming back from injury and finally Dustin Penner, New system, lost both linemates just as he was beginning to look good, is slow and needs to change his persona and get into shape. What else you got?
Ravens Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@camarillo andy, yeah, we would have scored maybe 10 more goals throughout all of last season, while giving up another 10, right back at square one, only with a goalie and D with a lot less confidedence.
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ForumFan Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@camarillo andy,
Agree with you completely. TM wants everyone to be a grinder, and can’t seem to find ways to bring some finesse into the team.
Here’s an interesting question: are there any ‘small, skilled’ players that would do better playing for the Kings under TM than wherever they currently play? I can’t think of any.
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NHL live was really interesting today..KINGS were mentioned!
Interview with Purcell, touching on his time with LA
and a top prospect who models his game after Doughty….
But best is Tomorrow…The brother -in-laws……..
Quick and Moulson will be in the studio to talk to Deb and EJ….
Rich will probably post it …BTW..I’d understand if one or two
players slipped by our organization, that would be normal..
But 4 or 5 …hum…Does make you think!
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puck73 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@SLIM, Get used to it, when you draft as many players as Dean has over the last 5 sesason, plus you have a salary cap to deal with, unlike when the coin collector owned this team, you just cant keep them all, and trust me, Dean would love to !
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fsd1 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@SLIM, doesn’t make me think at all.
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CB14 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@fsd1, How many does it take to make you think? 10, 12. Poni will be added to the list next year, assuming he doesn’t come back here, which is not much of an assumption when you look at how he was treated by the coaching staff. TM, “Poni we need you to score some more goals, and because you haven’t been doing that we have decided to sit you these last 2 playoff games in place of Kevin Westgarth.” Poni, “But coach I just scored last game, and KW hasn’t scored all year long.”
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fsd1 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 9:05 am
@CB14, after 44 years of comings and goings of players who succeed elsewhere for whatever reason. All i know is TM has a winning percentage since he got here, the Kings play a great styloe of hockey and I dont want to spend my life bemoaning all the what ifs and what could have beens, I’m happy with the direction of the team, the improvement they show each year since dl and tm have arrived and refuse to think any longer about what if? Im absolutely sure there are 100′s of players we let go that never amounted to anything, does anyone get credit for that? Give me a gallon of the koolaide please!
tornado12 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@SLIM, None of those players are known for their defensive play. That is a MUST to ‘fit’ in with our system, regardless of offensive talent. Do we have any weak defensive players on our roster? Cant think of one. Look at TL, he plays well defensivley and in other areas (PK, skating, etc), but does not light it up offensively. Yet, he played with the Kings all season and got more opportunity with the Kings then the afore mentioned players! Makes sense to me.
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Off topic, and I have no idea if this is true or if it even matters. But since its Kings related…
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/Former+star+Robitaille+financial+trouble/4798831/story.html
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puck73 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@FKA PakiFro, I have to admit, if this is true, then I am surprised considering Luc made some good money during his NHL playing days. That being said, it just goes to show you that these kinds of situations even happen to high profile people. IMO, when you consider how much him and his wife have contributed to charity, plus he is so well liked in NHL circles, it wouldnt shock me at all to see several people rally up for them and help get this situation resolved.
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tornado12 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@FKA PakiFro, maybe he is just leveraging the bank to shave a couple grand off his overinflated Socal mortgage. Im sure he will be fine. As Puck says, he is too well liked in the community to be left out in the cold.
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Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
Interesting news, but I really wish I didn’t read it. I think that news is very personal (nothing to do with hockey), and didn’t cover both sides of the story. Since I don’t feel Luke owes us fans an explenation, I wish I didn’t know about it. I’m more bummed that the Montreal Gazette would print that article without finding out more details, and a comment from Luke himself. Seems like a smear tactic, to one of our most iconic figures to ever wear a Kings jersey.
Even if it were true, that doesn’t make Luke any less of a great man. Good that you brought it to our attention though.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 11:04 pm
@Dominick, Luc, not Luke Dominick.
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Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
@CB14, My bad.
deadcatbounce Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@FKA PakiFro, I guess even nice guys can be financially irresponsible and stupid.
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deadcatbounce Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@deadcatbounce, Just saw where Luc’s business partner screwed him with the house, so my apologies to my comment above. Good luck, Luc.
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Off topic but I think this says it all about Drew Doughty:
ttp://kingscast.net/episode-108-la-kings-post-season-roundtable-2011-part-1/
Pretty much much backs up what I said all year about Doughty. 1) Not in shape. 2) doesn’t get it yet that he HAS to put in 100% hard work.
Hopefully watching Stamkos & his best friend, Coture, still in the playoffs, will smack him in the head a little bit & be a wake up call.
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jet Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@dahack11, Which way will he go, ‘No pouty Dougthy’ or ‘Malibu Drew’? I am betting on “No pouty Doughty”. Hit it hard this summer kid.
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Sad, he’s my favorite player. Well, come back better than ever Moller!
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How many days until the next Kings game?
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Scot Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@DesertKing,
I will say 137. But I have no idea. It’s something around that.
I just lost my mom, do you want to talk about that too?
(Im kidding)
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Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@DesertKing, 4 months 13 days. I cheated and looked at Wavesinair’s website. He has a count down clock.
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Ravens Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@Dominick, got a link to waivesinair’s web site, I’ve always wanted to look
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Ravens Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@Ravens, I forgot the- ?
Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
@Ravens, http://deepinsidethekings.com/ He spent last summer not posting much (except on the Kovi drama) till camp. I suspect he’ll do the same this summer.
I know the answer. Brayden Shenn He dominated in the juniors so I’m sure he is the Kings MVP next year with 50 goals because he was real good in junior hockey.
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Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
@408KingsFan,
IF! he stays with the parent club this upcoming season. Depends alot on where we are with free agency, once the summer is over. Would like to see a Calder in the Kings trophy case soon, considering we built through the draft.
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408KingsFan Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@Dominick, I was just joking
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Token Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@408KingsFan, You need to use the “joking” font so folks know.
/joking font <—– See here
Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@408KingsFan,
I suspected you were, but no way to know for sure. The fact that you had to tell me, means I didn’t catch on, Or I am too dense to figure it out.
Most likely somewhere in the middle.
ok with the score now B’s-5 TB-3, are the bolts bad D finally getting exposed or is Thomas just showing up Rolo?
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BobKnob Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
@Ravens,
Seguin just walked right past the D twice, basically. Kids on fire, the D isn’t exactly swift of feet, and I don’t think they expected him to do that. So it’s kinda his fault.
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By the way, who here actually thought Moller was going to be the piece that finally puts us in the elite next year? probably nobody, a fun skater who might have 18-20 goals at best next year, but probably give up 8 or so, that’s not what’s going to put us past Van or SJ, I actually think Holloway/Schenn or Kitsyn would give us at that and not give back the 8 next year. But if Moller gets a little stronger and resposible in the SWL then he comes back, gives us 30 goals and gives back none
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6-3 Boston. I like seeing Tampa get pistol whipped.
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Dominick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
@Dominick, 6-4 Stamkos with a beauty.
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Scot Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@Dominick,
Wouldn’t it be nice if the Kings had a PP like Tampa’s?
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Sebastian Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 8:16 am
@Scot, their PP is so crazy…at times they overload down low and keep only one guy at the point. but once they lose the puck down low they are quick to rotate around, and nobody is standing still at the half wall. watching these 4 teams left playing makes me really jealous about the quality of players they have and their ability to take over games offensively, their speed, creativity. wow. i love playoff hockey. hate that the kings never make it this far.
DesertKing Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@Scot,
I was watching it last night and said the sam e thing to my son.
Stuart Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Sebastian, “nobody is standing still at the half wall” – Therin lies the key to our anti-success, too much standing around waiting by everyone on the ice.
6-5!
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Ravens Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
@Steve W, One of the most exciting game 2 ever, it almost makes an argumaent that the best Defence is a good Offence. I think in the end the D may get the better though, maybe not in this series, but I don’t see TB pulling this same stuff with the D going to the net on Van and being succesfull
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Who cares? we don’t need him. Let him go!
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What a game!!! TB seems they can score at will..
Thomas just stoned them…amazing back and forth
with T> Seguin having the night of his life..
Can’t wait till next…Tampa take it…
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Ravens Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
@SLIM, they are so aggresive on offence, and boy thier puck handling is out of this world, TB I mean
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Ravens Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
@SLIM, I love this series, no wonder the NHL is trying to open up the games more
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number 6 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
@SLIM,
Say what you will but Tyler Sequin was obviously a wasted high draft pick and a huge disappointment.
Burkie really got the B’s on that one.
Hey hey settle down!! I’m just kidding…. I’m just kidding.
So what, 6 points in barely two games. Nothing to write home about.
Slap happy.
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number 6 Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@number 6,
I’m just jealous that other than Kopi the Kings don’t have any forwards who seem in the same ‘realm’ as Tyler Sequin. And he’s only 19?
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Hat trick Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@SLIM, I think it’s gonna be TB vs Van for the cup. If it is gonna be one helluva series. Game 7 triple OT bomb!
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Good bye Brady..er..er.. Pavol…er…er.. Oscar
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I really liked Moller when I first saw him play. I think if he could have stayed longer he would have found his rhythm. I think he’s better off over there. I think they play on an olympic sheet and that would be perfect for a guy like him. They will have a helluva time trying to catch him.
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Even if he turns out to be St. Louis or Fleury, I will not blame Deano & Co. for letting him go (if that is what this signals). Sometimes you have to let go. He didn’t thrive or even show signs of thriving with the Kings. I wish him well, but life is a little bit heart and a whole lot of circumstance. Yeah you have heroes, but most people are born with what they get and live with it. Moller will never be a superstar, no matter how hard he tries.
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Moller wont be back until TM is history, Poni looking elsewhere, for sure and Haz might sighn a 1 year deal for he to slow to play anywhere else…
While other team get faster every year, we are skating like Mollassasssss…. TM will get us in the first round again heyyyy and out again…. that D for you. 2 way hockey anyone, Tapa SJ and Van are great examples TM
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fsd1 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@Sammuch, other bandwagons have spots open….
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Take care and good luck O.M. Hopefully you’ll have a better go at it in the S.E
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I was a bit disappointed that Moller still got knocked off the puck so easily. You’d think that would have been something he worked on the most while in Manchester. He’s obviously talented offensively, has a nose for the net and puck, has no fear, and can take a big hit and get right back up; but, getting knocked down still takes you out of the play and causes turnovers. It just seemed like he was a boy playing amongst men.
I really don’t think this is a big loss. We still have his rights, apparently. Hopefully he can gain some confidence and size and come back year after next when we have a new coach (lol?).
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Even though I am a Swede, I dont like this at all. Dont you realize that we just lost one piece of trade asset?`
No one will trade for Moller now when he has returned to SEL (actually, returning is a wrong word since he has never played there).
We should have traded him when he still was a hype. But then, we certainly would see him succeed in another NHL affiliate.
One thing I dont understand is why Moller never got to play in the first line with Kopitar. Murray tried every other player in the organization there..
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WOW! what an awesome game to watch that was last night with Tampa Bay and Boston. they put on a great show of skill. there were like 10 breakaways combined in that game which is more than the Kings had all season. haha. both teams were entering the attacking zone with possession and speed and creating great chances, instead of dumping and chasing, and losing the puck and then repeating. I hope Tampa Bay takes it all, they are so much fun to watch.
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How’s Kopitar’s recovery going, what’s the latest?
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Never given a proper chance.
I may be in the minority but I think this highlights exactly what is wrong with the Kings (or rather TM’s) system, rather than what’s wrong with Moller. I don’t buy the too small argument at all. Oscar is too small to be a grinding, dump and chase type forward, which is what TM was asking him to be, but not too small to be effective in the NHL.
Is Briere too small for the NHL? (same size as Moller)
Is Kane too small? (same size as Moller)
You can’t ask someone to play a role that they simply aren’t suited for, and it’s a coaches job to put players into a situation gives them the best opportunity to succeed. I see this as a coaching failure.
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fsd1 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@ForumFan, sorry, both briere and kane are studs, which as of this moment OM isn’t.
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Seattle757 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@fsd1, That’s the best excuse you can come up with?
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fsd1 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Seattle757, as long as people are using them as examples of who OM is then yes.
number 6 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@fsd1,
fsd I don’t think that’s the point. It’s not just about how big, what potential etc exists inside the person known as Oscar Moller. The point imo is that the Kings have already let go of three players in the last two years who between them totaled 68 goals last season.
I said it before, if it was One player, fine…. it happens. Honestly, how often to you see ex redwings floating around the nhl who couldn’t make it with them, but did with other teams.
Three. Some people say, well the player didn’t bring it. He had every chance.
If someone tied a hand behind your back and asked you to play frisbee, you could still do ok, but you might do better with two free hands. I mean, there is clearly an issue with this franchise in terms of developing their players. Whether it’s impatience, or the system they work in or the players they are paired up with, I don’t know. But to say it’s just the player is manifestly ridiculous.
I live in nyc and have watched Brian Boyle throw his weight around big time (never mind the goals he’s scored). So, why would this be the case now, but he played too soft while in LA?
Maybe you have the answer, and if you do I’m very interested to know as I find it interesting.
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number 6 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@number 6,
Where I say three at the beginning of the sentence I’m obviously I hope referring to three Kings, not three Redwings.
ForumFan Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@fsd1,
agreed that Briere is a stud now. However, have you seen his stats when he was Oscar’s age? Here they are:
Age 20 – 1 goal
Age 21 – 8 goals
Age 22 – 1 goal
I think you are missing the point. Under the TM system Briere never would have been allowed the opportunity to become the player he is now. I’m not saying OM will ultimately be another Briere, just pointing out that Oscar is younger, the same size, and is not being used correctly by our current coach.
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fsd1 Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@ForumFan, then we should trade him or release him.
Dominick Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@ForumFan, I agree. DL should be wondering what’s happening to lead these small players to not make an impact. DL invested a 2nd round pick for a little guy, and has some more little guys on the way through the pipe line. Are they all going to have to prove themselves through play along the boards, in a grind game that nullifies any speed and open shots through the middle of the ice? Why even bother drafting small players if you play a system that only favors size and stregnth. Seems like a dead end if you aren’t ready to adjust your system for the little guy, and expect him to beat large physical players equally on a cycle with bigger teammates.
Little guys on other teams are asked to create if possible, skate fast, or shoot hard. Beat the other guys too the offense, not grind it out, and try harder to fight through it.
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BobKnob Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@Dominick,
Yeah, I agree. It doesn’t make sense to draft that way and then have that coaching mentality. But DL and TM are 2 different people and I’m assuming DL already has a plan for the next coach and where he wants to go with that. I think he likes the idea of TM developing the young player’s 2 way game. If he does have those changes in mind, it might not be a bad thing to be stuck with TM for another year.
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Good luck Oscar. I’m happy for you. Enjoy your future success.
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Best thing for Oscar. He can still play pro hockey over in Sweden and maybe even excel with his size limitations. If he puts on some beef and adds to his skill set we can welcome him back for a second look. Until then…good luck!
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There are elements of Moller’s game I like and would love to see the guy put on like 25 lbs and play for the Kings, but the truth is (in my opinion) he gets knocked around too much, skates into the play with his head down and it’s only a matter of time before an injury takes him away from the game for awhile.
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harglebargle Reply:
May 18th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
@LicoriceBiscuit, yes he should put on 25lbs and skate even slower than he already does. Great idea.
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BobKnob Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@harglebargle,
AFAIK, only you think Moller is slow.
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harglebargle Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@BobKnob, AFA-I-K, and I do, they were working on Moller’s skating in Jr. Sending him instructions, scouts to monitor his skating, and investing in him in the off season with skating coaches, private camps, etc.
Not everyone that posts here is some guy that watches games on TV. some of us know things.
BobKnob Reply:
May 21st, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@BobKnob,
Cool, so in Jr’s he used a skating coach. Why do you think having a coach means you suck at something? Anyways, it doesn’t matter, he’s not slow NOW. He beats plenty of opponents to spots on the ice.