Here’s hoping that everyone — on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border — is enjoying the holiday weekend… Now that the dust has settled on the Kings’ recent roster moves, here’s your chance to play coach for a day. How would you have the top two lines look? It’s fair to assume that the Kings’ top six will include centers Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards, left wingers Dustin Penner and Simon Gagne and right wingers Justin Williams and Dustin Brown. So, if the season started today, which wingers would you want flanking Kopitar? Keep in mind that the others will be with Richards, so plan accordingly…
What has Penner done that earns him first line? He should at least have to show some interest in playing for the Kings first.
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wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:20 am
@BringbackButchGoring,
Yeah, that’s the bottom line. Penner will play on all 4 lines this season. Just depends on when he decides to play.
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rontheking Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:34 am
@wavesinair, I’d be happy if he could show a little interest in just playing hockey itself….
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:22 am
@BringbackButchGoring, well when he first came to the Kings he made Kopi and JW score 5 games in a row so i think if he made line one a very good line to score 5 goals a game when he first traded to the Kings i say if u can imagine a full 82 season with Kopi and JW
U guys are forgetting that Penner wasnt the answer to anything when Kopi and JW got hurt.He was the only there to help Kopi out on the scoring.This year his last year on the Contract and u know every player has to prove that he wroth signing so he going to be better than he was last season.
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KingMe20 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:24 am
@BringbackButchGoring,
I think the reason you put Gagne with Richards is because they’ve played together for a few years already. Plus, that second line becomes as dangerous as the first, so they may not see the top checkers every game, which will help Penner’s productivity. It’s a great problem to have for a coach.
Now, when they re-sign Doughty, this will have been a very good offseason. September can’t get here soon enough.
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HockeyOnly Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@KingMe20, I have this dream that Doughty could become a Tampa Bay Lightning and a guy by the name of Stamkos could be saying … King me. It’s only a dream.
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the_guv Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:05 pm
@KingMe20, Great point about not having to face top checking lines. I don’t think Penns has earned the #1 spot, but your argument has me convinced that’s where he should be.
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flakingsfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:24 am
@BringbackButchGoring, Kopitar should bring some life back in Penner he seemed depleted after Kopi’s injury, plus you can’t split up that Richards Gagne Brown line! Imagine that line for a second!
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Kingstane9 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:13 am
@flakingsfan, totally agree, these line should rock the league next season, but TM will split them eventually and for sure.
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Xtra-sampler Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@flakingsfan,if that line is as great, as we all think its gonna be, its gonna need a name! how bout.. “THE R-G-B LINE” hahah
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PRMan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:08 am
It’s colorful.
Bluecoconuts Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:28 am
@BringbackButchGoring, Penner has been working out really hard this offseason, with a trainer. He said he’s in the best shape of his career, and is only getting started. He seems to have motivation.
Either way you don’t want to split up Gagne and Richards, because they have chemistry already. Plus Richards and Brown will open up a lot of ice for Gagne. That leaves Penner and Williams.
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MiniKing Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:49 am
@BringbackButchGoring, I heard Penner is being traded….you heard it here first!
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DaveinSD Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:59 am
@MiniKing, i would love that package him and Richardson for David Booth.
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USHA#17 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@MiniKing,
Dustin Rosa
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Goring 19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:55 am
@BringbackButchGoring, I like your blog name!
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King John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Goring 19, Goring’s heart is with the Islanders; that’s where he shined and helped win the Stanley Cup several years in a row, all within an excited hockey atmosphere. I could tell in the interview Bob had with him this past season.
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USHA#17 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,
No need to bring back Butch…how about just retiring that helmet and hanging it from the rafter?
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Penner will have a monster year. 30+ is my guess. He’s too many veteran guys on this team. He has to be accountable and he will be. These are great days my friends. Go Kings!!!!
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Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@Harrison Merkin, I agree with you about Penner but only because it’s a contract year. That will be his motivation to score 30+ goals.
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Jeff Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Won a Stanley cup. The guy is going to be very good for the kings. Watch what the top line does against every team that tries isolating kopitar. They now I have two big puck possession players to deal with, and you can’t iso them both
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Muelch Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, He’s not a great impact player, and he’s probably the worst of the top 6 forwards, but he is good at getting in the right place at the right time on offense, and he’s good at turning a good pass into a goal. He only really plays well with creative players, but that’s exactly what we need, concrete goal scoring support for our best creative players, Kopitar and Williams.
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FemaleFan #1 Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 9:38 am
@BringbackButchGoring, Agreed. Time to really start making decisions based on what he IS doing rather than what he’s CAPABLE of doing
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Penner and Brownie play similar styles and need to be split up. Probably should keep Gagne and Richards together.
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wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:24 am
@Hit ‘em, Penner and Brown? Similar styles? Hmmm. I couldn’t disagree more. But it’s fairly obvious the first incarnation of the top 2 lines will be:
Gagne/Richards
so that automatically makes
Penner/Kopitar
It’s a little harder to predict TM’s RW decision, but I’d like to see Brown with the Flyer line and JW up top.
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Deke'r Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@wavesinair, Word….can’t wait for camp to start. Guess I can dig out my old Flyer jerseys now?….GKG!
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Lewes Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:25 am
@Hit ‘em, Agree. I put Penner with Kopi solely because I want to see if Richards and Gagne can reignite the old chemistry from Philly.
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broncokings Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:28 am
@Lewes, williams richards gagne would be fun, then you have browns speed with kopi and penner
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brian spain Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:44 am
@broncokings, I agree with you. Williams and Gagne are buddies and will have fun lighting the lamp. Like when they were kids…having fun playing hockey with your buddies.
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:59 am
@broncokings,
That’s how I see it making sense. I guess everybody’s already forgotten that Williams, and Richards were the ones who called Gagne about playing here. That seemed a major factor in the decision making process for Gagne signing here, but hey! what do I know?
anonandonanon Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:09 am
@broncokings, PKB is also a bunch of beef. Crrrrunch.
GRW speed to burn. Hands like lightning.
Then slip in some third line nasty. …”mmmm, That’s bass!”
We’ll see them all, in all combos, all the time, so… I don’t see a horrible combination. Yippee-ay-o-cayay!
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@Hit ‘em, The only thing Brown and Penner have in common is their first name. That being said I got Gagne Richards and Williams together because of chemistry. Brown with Kopitar and either Penner or Parse depending on who looks better early on. I wouldn’t be surprized at all to see Parse take Penner’s job.
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@KC23,
Aside from the hip issue (which is probably 100% now), I think that’s a good possibility. It will probably be explored at least, because Parse was slated to be there long before Penner even got here. It’s really up to Penner how much of a chance Parse gets. I also believe one could very well make the other one expendable.
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bfarm Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@Dominick,
Sounds great but I don’t really see the talented player Parse is that everyone else does.. =\
Penner ??? He can’t keep up , he will get tired after he ad DD eat too much McDonalds this off season again. Kopi needs a ” fancy” scoring linemate to compliment Brown’s big hits
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puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:29 am
@Chad smith, Wow another Doughty “Fat” blast. Gee, I never saw that coming.
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Chad smith Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:41 am
@puck73, It was hard to miss… It’s so large. I am kidding of course.
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puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:44 am
@Chad smith, The only thing “Fat” about Doughty this season will be his bank statement.
USHA#17 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@puck73,
LOL Perhaps DD and DP contracts should be tied to mid summer body fat percentages. Lean, mean with lots of sodium, now that’s how we like ‘em!
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Chad smith Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@USHA#17, I totally forgot about the body fat clause… No wonder they like the strip club buffet.
Deke'r Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@USHA#17, Ohhhh…body fat…..thought they were talking about DD’s head…
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:31 am
@Chad smith,
Laziness will be the theme this off season. DD’s too busy cry’n over Simmonds and drowning his sorrows in Mc’y D’s. Penners hitting the strip clubs, and Kopi’s kickin it at the golf course instead of lacing’em up. Greene’s too busy fishing with Mitchell to care, and Brown is spending his time hiding at the childrens ward, in any hospital that will let him serve himself cafeteria food. Scuderi is finally building himself a trophy case to house his Stanley Cup Ring, and he’s doing it in styrofoam. And last, but certainly not least, Quick is busy making another baby.
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puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:43 am
@Dominick, Leave it to the Dommer to take it to the next level ! lol
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@puck73, Did he really just say that?? I think he went there…
Pesus Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:49 am
@Dominick,
TM wont make any of out forwards back check.
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Goring 19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Dominick, stop it Dom, you’re killing me! lol
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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Dominick, hehee
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bfarm Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@Dominick,
you forgot richardson and williams season tickets to the dodgers lol
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Nitrohockey Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@Dominick, Quick is sharkfishing with His brother in law. Quick caught a kite. Saw it in his twitter!
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Sure is nice to have options:)
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puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:32 am
@Before99, Your welcome, sincerely Dean Lombardi, Alternate Governor, President, General Manager Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club.
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the_guv Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:14 pm
@puck73, nice
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Penney actually played pretty well with Kopi for the first few weeks after the trade.
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Sorry penner
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Harty Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@Kwan, I like the Kings chances and cannot wait to get going with hockey every night, however lets trade Penner for another LW person.
I agree with others blogging he has been a disappointment, and he certainly doesn’t deserve a chance to play with Kopitar, typically struggling players have to prove thier way.
I cannot believe fans don’t see this, he was wrong from the trade last year.
Go Kings, lets get going right away and stay winning……
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Ps: I salute u Mr. Lombardi and Mr. Lieweke. U guys have kept ur word and made the Kings a contender.. Please sign doughty to a long long term deal and then go after parise. We will be a dynasty for many years. Thank you
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:39 am
@Kwan,
Lets not get too greedy. Parise is too far out of budget, but it was a nice try.
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Kwan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
@Dominick, How is parise out of the budget when we were willing to pay b. Richards $60m?? I don’t follow ur logic
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@Kwan,
OK, don’t believe me.
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@Dominick, Not if we dump JJ, Penner or both. I think Devils will trade Parise this year to a Western Conference team. I don’t think they can/will re sign him
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Jeff Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Excuse me but as of June 30th 2012, both Stoll and Penner’s contract will be over. That is close to 8 million right there between the 2 of them off the books. How can you say that he will be out of our budget, when they were willing to pay Brad Richards close to 7 million a year, even with Penner and Stoll on the roster.
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Jeff,
Yes, 2012 is when we should evaluate trying to do that, for sure. The money will be free, we won’t have to give up anything off the roster to get him, and DL can get something longterm.
@BringbackButchGoring,
Do you really think DL is fool enough to give up JJ (who he just locked up for 7 years) for a guy he will only have for 1?
Nickcypress Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, They are obviously going to want Bernier.
Jeff Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
I am not sure if NJ is going to trade him, if they can’t sign Parise. If they are doing well next season, they just might keep him and risk losing him for free. Lou has done that before, so it isn’t out of the realm of possibility. However if the Devils have a season next year, like this past season then he might trade him, especially if it isn’t likely they can get him to resign. Then DL can try and work out a trade. Most likely at that time, we will know who will be our #1 goalie Quick or Bernier. Most likely it will be Quick, meaning you put a package together including Bernier to trade for Parise. Or you just wait to see if you can convince him on July 1st and lose nothing. It may be that he wants to play in his hometown of Minnesota.
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@Jeff,
I think Lou will try to get something for Parise if he can, but giving up Bernier (or the equivelent there of) for a player that only has a temporary shelf life is not Deans style. he’s typically not interested in the high priced rentals. If Bernier was in any conversation, it would be for an asset that he can count on for a while, not just this season. If the Devils sign Parise beyond this season, they wouldn’t trade him, they’d dump salaries somewhere else.
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I like Penner-Kopi-Williams as they had some good chemistry when they played last year and i think they are a good trio. Penner (when he’s right) does the dirty work in front of the net, Williams digs in the corners and has a good shot and Kopitar is the playmaker that can shoot.
I also like Gagne-Richards-Brown as well. Richards and Gagne have history together and Brown can crash the net to give the other two time and space.
of course TM will mix these six all around the second we lose a game but that’s how i would start things.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:02 am
@Dave, I agree, I think Terry should chill out on the musical lines thing. Give these guys a chance to gel together.
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bfarm Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@King Cobra,
I really hate how he does that…
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Penner Kopi Williams (over point per game when they were healthy)
Gagne Richards Brown (played together before, tough and passionate line)
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I say Penner-Kopi-JW on the 1st line.
Penner help out Kopi alot.When Penner first game with the Kings.He got 5 points in a rowfor just 5 games.The only reason he suck at the end and this is not excuse its the reality of it was because he was there to give Kopi a true LW but Kopitar got injured and JW did too so he was left alone and everyone expected for him to score 40 goals but he couldnt.Because he had the same problem as Kopitar did.
Plus he was great in Oliers half of the season too 21 goals before he got traded to the Kings and he was up one goal from Kopi cause when Kopitar was playing before Penner came he had 20 goals and at the end of the season it was Penner 23 goals.Kopitar 25 goals.4 goals Penner help Kopitar to score the other goal was on the PP on the same day he got injured
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I think ultimately you have to see who develops the best chemistry and that will come with time. But to start the season, i would argue Gagne and Richards should start the season together because of the familiarity there. so that leaves penner on Kopi’s LW1. Now RW1 is the question. Since Williams has familiarity with MR and Gagne i would start him there and that leaves Brown at RW1. Also, I really feel Kopi and Brown have chemistry together. They had a run there in nov/dec that was probably statistically some of the best in their respective careers (though I have not researched it thoroughly and they did go cold for a while after). i also like what I saw with Penner when he first came here when he was paired with Kopi, though Williams was on the RW1 then.
That leaves a rock’em sock’em big 1st line with a more pure skill 2nd line. Or it might be wise to have a mix on both lines, in which case I put Williams as RW1.
Its a tough call, but those are my thoughts. As i said, it will prob take the first 20-25 games to realize the best combos, assuming everyone stays healthy
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:46 am
@tornado12, I’d say we’re looking at less time to build chemistry. Usually DL likes to look at the season in 10 game increments, or even 7 games at a time. TM lasts as long as the next city.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@Dominick, and sometimes he’s mixing it up at the post-game interview, before heading to the airport.
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At this point in his career Gagne is nothing more then a 2nd line winger. The problem is that nobody knows what Penner is? Sure, he’s got the talent but has underachieved pretty much everywhere he’s gone. To me he’s a little bit better version of Patrick O’Sullivan. Therefore the best thing to do is put Gagne on Kopitar’s line 5 on 5 and Penner on the line on the PP. IF Penner can prove he’s got the goods to put up 1st line points then he gets the job.
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puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:39 am
@PaulHB, I know Rich didnt mention it above, but I am not counting out Parse. The guy played well with Kopi and Williams, and Kopi had more room out there when Parse was on the ice.
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tornado12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:47 am
@puck73, i think he would be a good filler if injury arises. So many fans here think we are crazy for pumping this guy up, but in limited time, he has shown strong potential for sure!
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:06 am
@tornado12, as I see it he has pumped himself up.
tornado12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:10 am
@mcsorleyfan, too bad others here dont see it as well!
BigKidNick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@tornado12,
I hear what you’re saying but I think everyone would like to see it for 82+ games. That’s the difference between upside and bona fide.
rontheking Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:06 am
@puck73, I was thinking the same thing…if Penner doesn’t bring it consistently, give Parse a chance with Kopi. I bet he would surprise everybody (except those of us who see his genius).
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Belexes Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@rontheking,
I feel the club should give Parse the chance to make an impact as an everyday player.
sincerly,
Brian Willsie
rontheking Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@rontheking,
If it was up to me, I wouldn’t give Parse any more chances at all. He’s already proven that he’ll never be any good.
Yours,
Matt Moulson
bfarm Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@rontheking,
I was thinking you could re-sign me to play forward?? I’d probably do better than Parse. I mean really, sometimes its nice to try new things.
Best Wishes,
Dan Cloutier
rontheking Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
@rontheking,
@bfarm,
What?
Come on…you can do better than that, can’t you? Where are all the witty Parse-haters hiding?
tornado12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:47 pm
@belexes, i dont get your personal hatred of Parse…In fact, I would question all the haters…if Parse scored 50 goals next year would you be mad he scored that many for YOUR Kings? Just dont get it…
RoyalPain Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:01 pm
@rontheking, All we are saying, is give Parse a chance…
Belexes Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@tornado12,
I’m not a “hater” of any King, including Penner.
Lets face it though, Parse was a nice surprise when he took Teddy’s spot and showed something from the position. He doesn’t however belong on the first or second line on this team, no matter how you try to bend his average stats. I know you could say that neither do guys like Lokti, or DKing belong in those roles either, except for the fact that they are boys, and may grow into something special.
Scott Parse may someday score a few goals, but this team and the talent on it has essentially passed him by. We no longer have room for a Derek Armstrong, Brian Willsie, or others that have had the “average” label on them. That was then, and this is now. This team has emerged, and taken a nice step forward.
rontheking Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@rontheking,
I can’t understand it either…why anyone would want to degrade and take pot shots at some young 26-year-old starry-eyed kid who still has a chance and is on the verge of possibly realizing what must have been a lifelong dream to experience some measure of success at the highest level of hockey, or anything else for that matter…and for what? So they can be right about some poor kid’s epic failure and downfall? That’s sad and pathetic.
We should be cheering these kids on and wishing them the best of luck and success, no matter what team they play for or how good we think their chances might be. I for one wish they could all succeed and live their dreams….
wavesinair Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:12 am
@puck73,
Parse’s hip is a real question mark. He has the ability, but will his body allow him to be the player he can be? I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think it will.
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tornado12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:34 am
@wavesinair, that scares me too. he already had surgery and kinda failed that. maybe he came back too soon in the playoffs? if he doesnt stick this year he will have a VERY steep hill to climb!
HockeyOnly Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@wavesinair, I think you’re 100% right Waves, Parse has speed over Penner but like you I don’t think he can take the hammer like Penner can.
brian spain Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:50 am
@PaulHB, Gagne is 31, thats the prime of a guys career. he played well in the playoffs, after being hurt. He said he is 100%. If Kopi is 100% then the guys are good to go. Maybe Brown will go down and play with Kyle clifford on the third line and Parse gets with Kopi. He has speed. Brown Clifford and Richie. thats a scary third line, speed and some hitters.
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rontheking Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:37 am
@brian spain, It’s nice to have so many options–and if I know TM he is going to try each and every one of them!
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John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:13 am
@PaulHB,
I wouldn’t say he underachieved as a rookie scoring 30 & the Cup.
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Penner and Kopi had good chemistry before Kopi got hurt. People seem to forget that Penner was actually playing well when he first came to the Kings, and he’s working hard this Summer, so I expect him to bounce back this year. I’d go with lines of: Penner-Kopitar-Williams, Gagne-Richards-Brown, Clifford-Stoll-Lewis, Richardson-Fraser-Westgarth.
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vplaza Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@Zamboni,
I haven’t forgotten that he played decently at first. But I also haven’t forgotten his awfully poor play after that. No, I wasn’t expecting him to score 40 goals. Just to skate hard, with heart, and try to help your tram out, even with the little things. He was a ghost on the ice. Just because Kopi wasn’t on the ice didn’t mean he could act like he wasn’t on it either.
The excuse only goes so far. I say he should be on a short leash to start the year to watch if he really has improved his commitment to play for the Kings.
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Zamboni Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@vplaza, Hence why I noted how hard he’d been working and how committed he’s been this Summer. I don’t think he was mentally or physically ready to be thrown into an intense playoff race like that, and I expect better things from Penner this season.
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One thing to keep in mind:
Penner LW = power forward
Williams RW = sniper
Gagne LW = sniper
Brown RW = power forward
So what my point is, Gange and Williams both being snipers, can’t be on the same line. It’s better to spread the finishers across the top two lines … IMHO
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jonjon Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:24 am
@Ari, i wouldnt mind seeing kopitar with williams and gagne, they seem to fit him better. those three guys are strong on the puck. richards penner and brown would be a gritty line and those are three guys who like to get open to accept a pass so im sure they could go well together. my point you want to see whose game will go well with whose, not simply spread your players out like your playing NHL11
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Ari Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:36 am
@jonjon, Haha … That actually is my NHL 11 strategy … Good point too . At the end of the day, gotta test them out
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John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Ari,
Spot on! Perfectly built lines IMO – kinda like how our D is structured.
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Ari Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@John, Precisely
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Penner sucked when he first went to Edmonton than he picked it up. Penner will have a good season for the Kings. Not only does he want to prove he is a good player, it’s a contract year. Whatever the motivation I will predict 30+ goals. No need to get all crazy on me. We’ll talk in May and if I am wrong I will say so. But I am confident that the players brought in will take pressure of the top 6 forwards.
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Christian T Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:49 am
@Christian T, I meant take pressure “off” the top six forwards.
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bfarm Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@Christian T,
I’m not gonna go crazy on you but you really think 30+ goals? howcome?
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Kopitar gets a high skill speedy winger in Gagne. Second line will be very unpleasant for opponents.
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Penner – Kopi – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Parse – Stoll – Holloway
Clifford – Lewis – Richardson
I’d consider trading Stoll for more wing help and then bring up Lokti, but this would do just fine I would think.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:42 am
@puddle, When Loktionov proves he can play consistently in the NHL, then I would consider trading away a veteran like Stoll but NOT until then.
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:53 am
@puck73, Yeah, that’s my reservation as well, and is why I said “consider.”
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:00 am
@puddle, Yah I here ya. Also, I am still concerned about losing Handzus, he was really a great penalty killer and a great veteran presence. I hope guys like Lewis, Loktionov, Richardson, and Richards step up and make up for his absence.
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:16 am
@puck73,
True. However, we can easily be Kopitar-Richards-Lewis-Richardson down the middle & not miss a beat.
[Reply]
brian spain Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:53 am
@puddle, Loktionov is nopt big and or strong enough for the NHL. Give it up on him. he hasn’t done anything up in the big boy league. Stoll is staying.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:18 am
@brian spain,
He’s only 21, so give him some time to get stronger. Because the kid has A TON of skill & great hockey sense!
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:36 am
@brian spain, Geez, you’re right, I should have realized if a guy hasn’t stuck in the big leagues by age 20 he’s a bust. o__O
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:53 am
@puddle,
I know your just throwing it out their, but seriously, Stoll is going nowhere, and I will go you one even further. I bet he gets a contract extension for 1 or 2 more years by seasons end.
bfarm Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@brian spain,
Im afraid he might turn into an Oscar Moller
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:00 am
@puddle,
Stoll has an insane Faceoff winning %. How in the world are we going to replace that in a trade for more LW?
We do not have any other center, now that Zeus and Schenn are gone, that can replace Stoll’s puck skill, grit, speed and even shootout scoring % to the 3rd line.
Besides, my fiance thinks he’s cute, lol…(and I reap the benefits of her drooling over him)
KEEP STOLL!!!!
[Reply]
Datacloud Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:06 am
@Gustavo, Word. Stoll, at 57.7%, is the only guy we have who can consistently win faceoffs, with Richards and Kopitar both being under 50% and Lewis, well, is Lewis in the FO circle. Even Richardson, who seemed to do well in that area late in the season, was at 42.8 for the year. If we somehow lost Stoll, we’d be at the bottom of the league for sure.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Datacloud, Lewis doesn’t have to be a center…he could play wing and that would make room for Loktionov without having to sacrifice Stoll.
Datacloud Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Datacloud, Sorry. Richardson was at 50.8%. I was reading the PO stats. :/ Lewis was 39%! Damn that’s ugly.
Datacloud Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Datacloud, Loktionov was 41.8%, but without a statistically large enough sample to draw on. Even so, he’s not considered to be strong in the circle. I can see Richardson taking the lion’s share of the 4th line draws as well as taking over for Handzus when we need a strong draw off the left circle.
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:21 am
@rontheking,
True, Lewis doesn’t HAVE to play center, but he most definitely should – he played his best hockey at center last season, especially defensively!
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:15 am
@puddle,
I like those lines
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:50 am
@John,
Though, I would switch Clifford & Parse.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@puddle, Loktionov can’t even stay healthy in the AHL, what makes us think he’ll stay healthy in the NHL?
[Reply]
Everyone keeps talking about who should go with Kopi. Sorry but I think its more about Williams. I would love to see Williams play on the second line. Playing against the 2nd line D pairing and the speed and hands that he has it would be awesome.
Penner-Kopi-Brown
Gagne- Richards-Williams
[Reply]
jonjon Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:27 am
@Why Not, williams got put up on the 1st line late in the season and that seemed to be where he was blossoming. him and kopitar played well off each other i think he’d do fine up there. penner maybe not though, i know gagne played with richards but right now ive got to put penner at the 2 spot until he proves he can be a 1st line winger.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@Why Not, How many NHL coaches are going to be dumb enough not to see that Richards is our real first line quality wise? We don’t determine who is the first line, the opposition does and Gagne Richards Williams is clearly more dangerous than Penner, Kopitar Brown. That being said I like the thought of Kopitar Penner and Brown playing against teams 2nd best forwards and defensive parings.
[Reply]
As I said yesterday in the Gagne signing post, I think Penner still holds the key to the Kings’ success next season. Therefore, I think he should be on the 1st line with Kopitar. I also really liked what Brown did when playing with Kopi last year, but I guess I would like to see Williams-Kopitar-Penner and Brown-Richards-Gagne at least early on. Penner is the unknown only because of his subpar play with the Kings after the trade. Hopefully, that was just an adjustment thing and having the offseason to get into proper shape, and the fact that he’s in a contract year will give him the incentive to step up big and produce like he has throughout his career. I was for that trade, and still think it was the right move by the Kings, now hopefully Penner justifies it.
[Reply]
assuming penner plays to his Level he has, I just see penner using his massive body to make room for Kopi and Williams to make some magic. And same on the second with brown.
Assuming all pieces fall into place of course.
[Reply]
Fast forward to next june: Gary Bettman says: Dustin Brown come get your Cup!!!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Ochoniko,
I have that dream also, and it is glorious in it’s simplicity.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@Ochoniko, I got that dream worse than you as I play NHL 11 and have seen Brown lift the cup twice on the big screen … errr my 50″ plasma.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:51 pm
@KC23,
What difficulty?
I’ve only won one Cup on Superstar.
[Reply]
Base solely on the performance I saw of Penner and Williams late in the season and playoffs, I’d prefer to see Brown next to Kopi to add grit and hitting skills to Kopi’s already superb defensive ability.
And I never get tired of replaying that Kopi allyoop pass to Brownie vs San Jose. Give me more of those, boys!!
Penner is the big question mark this season. But he was brought in to support the Kopi’s line in the first place, so I’d keep him there till he cements his performance or proves unworthy of it. Come on, guys, it’s a new season and everyone inside the Kings camp reports huge progress on Penner’s effort and conditioning. I, for one, will give him the benefit of the doubt.
I think the chances of Brownie’s grit rubbing off on Penner are much higher than a reverse effect taking place if they play on the same line. And playing alongside the captain should add more positive pressure for Penner.
I also think Richards’ toughness and Williams’ puck skills can combine for multiple scoring opportunities. Add Jack MF Johnson, Martyinez or Doughty’s scoring touch and KABOOOMM !!!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:51 am
@Gustavo, TSN just reported that Drew Doughty will not re sign here because of @Gustavo’s harsh treatment of him online.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:59 am
@puck73, lmfao…you are on fire today dude!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:04 am
@tornado12, Dude, will you be at fanfest or Frozen Fury ? Their are still so many people I want to meet this season on this site, and you are one of them. BTW, the Hammond suite event kicks ass, thats mandatory !
tornado12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:08 am
@puck73, Im making a real hard push to be at FF. In fact, Its about 90% chance im there…I keep trying to get to the Suite nights, but live in san jose and usually dont have enough notice before hand to get time off work. Where does everyone stay at FF? MGM I assume right
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:08 am
@puck73,
LMFAO!!!!….I promise to go easier on Drew ‘Pudgy – Canadian Mercenary – Want More Money Than Kopi – Can’t Stay In Shape To Finish A Game Without Taking Stupid Penalties That Cost Games’ Doughty….:)
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:13 am
@Gustavo, Its all good bro ! @Tornado, people stay at all sorts of hotels in Vegas. Me and my girl will be staying at Mandalay Bay this time as we have never stayed there before. In the past we have stayed at places like the Golden Nuggett, and Treasure Island.
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@puck73,
I am still laughing, and I read that 15 minutes ago.
[Reply]
Guss Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Gustavo, hey man, nice name! Its actually my real name, havent met anyone with it before, a kings fan sweet!
[Reply]
Penner-Kopi-JWill…Penner will come into camp ready to go, especially after DL’s latest signing of Gagne knowing that we are that much closer to a legitimate cup run. Penner can play the F3 game well, sneak into the slot area, take abuse and allow Kopi and Justin to do their thing…and Penner can finish! Gagne-Richards-Brown for obvious reasons but with Brown and Richards on the same line, Gagne doesn’t have to kill himself in tight spaces anymore, the other 2 will open up the ice for him. I know he wont shy away from the physical game, but I sure like the thought that a few less hits and he stays healthy all season long. Remember, TM likes to keep 2 guys together for chemistry so Gagne/Richards and Penner/Kopi seem the logical tandems. When TM wants to rip apart a team with speed and grit, he could always line up JWill with line 1A and smoke the opposition that way too.
[Reply]
Anyway you slice it, this is potential the most offensively loaded team the Kings have had since the Gretzky days, and it has a defensive corps that those teams never had.
Good to be a Kings fan these days.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@KingMe20, Don’t forget the Deadmarsh/Ziggy days were pretty good too. Too bad the potential didn’t last when the whole team got hit by an invisible truck, that no one ever got the license plate of.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@Dominick, Did’nt we have record braking injury games lost,and broke are record again the next season? Drill sargent Andy Murray era.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@rumpa#19,
Yes. We broke our own record, but St.Louis got hit even harder that 2nd year, and I think they are the current record holders dating back to that very season. Dark times for us all back then huh?
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@Dominick, I caught that plate… A vanity plate as I recall; AMURRAY or somesuch.
[Reply]
i voted for Gagne-Kopi-Williams, bcuz i think Penner-Richards-Brown CAN be a BRUSING line the way they play!!! ***Asuming Penner plays 100% for us this year!!!
[Reply]
Caleb C Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@Levi,
true but if Penner steps up he can clear space for Kopi and willi on line one and Gagne and Richards could potentially get their chemistry back
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@Levi, Only thing I see Penner doing on that line is putting up que cards that rate Richards and Browns hits.
[Reply]
Still need to sign Drew!
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:02 am
@Maury, dont worry it will be done just wait for it
[Reply]
we all know, that our beloved TM is going to play “musical lines”…. The only thing that’s for certain is Kopi on #1 line. The rest is “blink and you miss it”…..
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@NoDoughty, Hey hay hay do the Murray shuffle.
[Reply]
NoDoughty Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@rumpa#19, LOL
[Reply]
Buster Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@NoDoughty, And to think I was going to blast Rich for not including an ALL OF THE ABOVE vote due to TM’s line-change-go-round.
[Reply]
NoDoughty Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@Buster, Rich should know better by now….LOL
[Reply]
If I were coach, the first thing I try is Penner-Kopitar-Brown, simply so that I can give Gagne-Richards-Williams a look. The latter three who are all friends is something you have to try right away, in my opinion.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Scot,
Agreed!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@Scot,
Absolutely!
How’s the shoulder?
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@Dominick,
I had surgery about 3 weeks ago, and it’s still a little painful. I have to be in a sling for 2-3 more weeks. I started physical therapy about 10 days after the surgery, and let me tell you- it’s not fun! It’s quite painful but I guess I have to understand it’s all meant to get the thing back to normal. The tear in my labrum was pretty significant, so I couldn’t really play anymore until it got fixed.
Only 4 months and counting until I can play hockey again! Which should put me back on the ice right around the same time as the Kings!
That was nice of you to ask.
Are you going to Frozen Fury?
[Reply]
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@Scot, I’ve had that one; surprised there wasn’t 5 weeks immobilization afterwords. It takes a while, and adhesions can crop up years later with new jolts of pain where scar tissue developed that you were never aware of.
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:36 pm
@mcsorleyfan,
I actually am doing 5 weeks of immobilization. The only time I can take my arm out of its sling is for showering and PT. I’m knocking on wood regarding the scar tissue. I’m just doing everything the doctors say!
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@Scot, Now what one is 1st line? Nice problem to have.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@rumpa#19,
I have no idea, and I don’t care!
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@rumpa#19,
To be honest, if I had to pick one, Gagne-Richards-Williams line would be the top line.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:06 pm
@Scot,
I’m definately hoping too. I put in for my vacation then, and don’t know for sure if I’m gonna get it, but I’ve been talking with puck, and I want to find some Kingsfans to ride up there with. That way I don’t have to drive, and can spend my time partying. Should be a blast if I can go.
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
@Scot, Did you have the mitek suture put in? If so, and you heal as I did, I like your prognosis. I’d say my shoulder is 90% now. I rarely ever think about it. They did rescope it a few years later to clean it out, but it has been problem free for years now. Of course, right now I am sure it is all kinds of pain, but it does get better.
[Reply]
I think Dustin Penner played a lot different when he was with J. Williams and Kopi. It was obvious that his cardio was not where it should have been. I would go to games and watch him kind of eagerly almost frantically waive to the bench 20 seconds or less into a shift because he was gassing so fast. If he comes to camp in great shape, is comfortable with the team and our system I think we will have the good Penner playing on our team.
We need to stop bagging on this guy (I include myself) because this is not going to do us any good. WE need to support him and hope he is committed to his training. Give the guy another chance to prove what he can do.
GO Kings GO!
Will the real Dustin Penner stand up! Are sure hope so, because if he does our Kings are going to dominate!!!
[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@King Cobra
Totally agree with you on the Penner comment, he needs everyones support. We need him to have a good season and needs to be given a chance, after all he is a LA KINGS player.
Go Kings Go
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@Gmo,
First, he better EARN everyone’s support.
What we needed was a player with at least heart. Didn’t get that last spring.
Whenner has a lot to PROVE. What he needs/wants comes after.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@IceGuy, If he does not show up 100% ready physically, emotionally and mentally in Sept. He is gonna have a long season….Let’s hope for the best.
HockeyOnly Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:56 pm
@IceGuy, I hope he has the greatest season in his career so they trade him for a new Zamboni and a bag full of new pucks. Actually a left wing that cares. I’d bet he has a great season since it’s “Contract Year”.
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@King Cobra, In Philly they will us “DOOMINATERS”
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@King Cobra,
Tell you what, I’ll hold off the Tin Man comments until I see him in camp to see if he has a newfound commitment to playing hockey because he obviously didn’t have that last year.
I think he should be on a very short leash so that he knows that repeating his awful play last year won’t be tolerated.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:06 pm
@vplaza, Agreed….
[Reply]
offtopic, but i would love for the kings to bring in Drury for one season. He brings leadership and grit for the playoff run.Otherwise, I feel we are pretty much set.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:29 am
@wideleft, I love Drury, total winner and leader. Just wonder if the guys body can stay in one piece for another season. If we can get him cheap, roll the dice…..
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:37 am
@King Cobra,
Totally agree. The guy is one of the most clutch playoff performers, like, ever!
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@John, K Cobra is correct .that was along time ago in a far of galixcy.
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@rumpa#19,
Actually last season was really the only time he was injured, limited to 24 games. If you throw that out he averages about 78 games a season.
rogiesbackup Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
@wideleft, NOWAY!!! We need every little space / time to bring experience to our very talented youth prospects. Drury will just take away valuable time from our youths that need the NHL game experience.
[Reply]
Doesnt gagne and Richards know Williams? Why not an all Philadelphia line
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:26 am
@Jacob, Yes, they are actually super good friends and stay in touch with each other.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Jacob,
I’m pretty sure the reason Gagne signed here was because Williams, and Richards called him up to come play here.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@Dominick,
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@IceGuy,
Sometimes the best thing to say is to say nothing at all!
HEY HEY HEY..!!!
Jason Arnot is still out there unsigned. Won’t he be a great replacement for Zeus?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:30 am
@Gustavo, I like Jason Aenott as well. He is big guy at 6’3, has a veteran presence, has won a cup, and is a very tough matchup.
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Gustavo, we have a replacement for Zeus – Stoll.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:35 am
@Dave,
I want him anyways. Bigger body. Cup winner. Leadership….and cheap, I hope!
After winning the cup we can give the youngings like Lewis and Lokti some play minutes.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@Gustavo, This may be a great idea. We have lost all of our Phase C players. Big Willy and Lil Willy may be able to step into those roles, but who knows. I would at least interview him and ask what he would contribute to our younger players growth. You can tell from the response if he has any interest in helping others improve. I believe Zues had a major influence on Simmonds and clifford’s growth. Symth’s work ethic and approach to practice was incredibly valuable. OD helped DD!, DD2,and JJ. Will we have that this season? The thought is giving me the Willys
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:39 pm
@jet,
Lol.
I definitely think this teams needs one more piece of leadership. Either a 3rd/4th line character guy, or a veteran 7th defenseman. Some teams even use the backup goalie role to add some leadership, but this team doesn’t right now.
I went with Penner & Brownie….Sounds like there’s some already developed chemistry between Willy, Richards & Gagne, might be interesting to see what they can do….
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:59 am
@Moondoggie,
No doubt that’s what TM will try. If it’s not clicking, he can always go back to Penner-Kopitar-Williams, which had glimpses of success for a few games last year.
Either way, should any of us be surprised if TM starts shuffling up all the lines at some point?
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Scot, If TM can make it though the 1st game without play with lines that would be the surprise. He has so many new toys to play with.
[Reply]
Why speculate on the lines when Murray is going to mess (oh, I shoul have typed mix) them up anyway. How about the PP—-that surely need some adjusting.
[Reply]
If all things go to plan the kings should be in good shape. Williams i think will play great on the first line. Last season he was still shaking off the dust and getting his offensive game back but by the end of the season he was one of the kings most skilled players and he helps Kopitar’s game a lot by keeping a lot of loose pucks alive. Gagne seems like he’ll fit well with Richards or Kopitar. Brown would be a force if he was with Richards. Penner still needs to prove himself, but now with Gagne he can be slipped into the 2nd spot if need be so there should be some stress off his shoulders. Clifford if he keeps progressing will be amazing this year. Stoll will make a name for himself in the west as a 3rd line center. The right wing can be filled by maybe Colin Fraser have to wait and see, people have a lot of good things to say about him from what ive heard. Westgarth will probably stay to fill the role of enforcer and take some of the fighting responsibilities off of Clifford and he surprisingly played his best hockey in the playoffs. Richardson emerged as a center on this team and will be centering the 4th line with ease. Lewis was probably the kings best PK guy, i think should have always been playing wing though. He has the speed for the position and if he can use that to his advantage it will go a long way for the 4th line’s production. Doughty needs to improve his shot from the point if he’ll want to improve his offensive production, on the defensive side he continues to play in the toughest scenarios with ease but will have to learn to take control of the tempo and make the opposition play to his speed. Johnson will also have to improve his shot from the point but more importantly get his defensive game on track. He was a -21, one of the worst in the league, and his partner was a +1. Martinez had a solid rookie season, didnt seem to make any costly mistakes and helps on the PP. Greene is a little slow but he’s got a lot of nastiness to him which will go a long way in a playoff series. Scuderi and Mitchell seem to be solid shutdown players and are very good in front of the net. Quick will be the #1 and Bernier the #2, they are one of the strongest tandums in the league. Now is the time to start polishing off the players and adjusting the system to what the players need and what they are bringing to it. I would be very happy if this team was locked down for a few years. Happy to be a kings fan =]
[Reply]
I love the Kings and our fans but I do get annoyed with the fact that no matter what the subject is, a large number of posters continually go the scapegoat route. Frolov is lazy?, Brown not a 1st liner, Penner is a bust, Williams is injury prone, Quick lets in softies so we must play Bernier, Doughty is fat, JMFJ is our worst defenseman. I have my share of gripees but this constant bashing of our players is getting kind of played out. I get so excited for this team and it’s future, then I read the topics comments and am wondering if I’m reading a thread on a last place team. I’m 36 and was going to Kings games since I was four, and I don’t ever remember a team this talented from top to bottom , from prospects to the 1st line. I’m excited and I hope all of the posters realize what this organazation has become.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Puckn-A, I 2nd that motion
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@King Cobra, P.S. except for Randy Jones…… Thank god he is gone!
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@King Cobra, LOL, there are always exceptons.
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@Puckn-A, Herumph.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@Puckn-A, I’ve been around since 69 and you’re right, the King’s have never had this level of talent. Closest was 75, but that team didn’t have much offense (but best defensive team the Kings ever had).
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@KC23, Not quite. Allison deadmarsh paltry. Teams were pretty talent laden. So was the 93 team.
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@dMan, Besides Allison,Deadmarsh,Palffy and Norstrom, tell me who else was good on that team?
dMan Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@Puckn-A, seriously?
Glenn Murray, Stumpel, Smolinksi, Laperriere, Belanger
Blake had left, but Schneider, Boucher, Visnovsky, Miller on defense
Potvin in goal. That wasn’t too shabby.
Here’s a link to the cast of characters:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000402002.html
Irish lak Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@Puckn-A, thank you verry much, go kings go, im almost gitty thinking about the poor gupies, they better load up on icy hot and slings and cortezone , its gona hurt ( san jose ) its gona hurt , arrrrrrrrr.
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@Irish lak, Hey buddy how ya doing?
[Reply]
Irish lak Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Puckn-A, good bud how are you
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@Puckn-A, hear hear
[Reply]
Kopi, Penner, Williams. Richards, Gagne, Brown. Don’t forget that Penner has actually won a Cup. How about line 3…Loktionov, Stolle Clifford, Richardson. That doesn’t suck either! And then what about Loktionov? This team is loaded dudes! I’m hoping they’ll test Bernier in some big games. I still think he potentially Could be more Clutch than Quick. I believe Quick has The Luongo Choke Factor going. Sorry guys, but the results don’t say otherwise.
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John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:48 am
@Poorman,
Quick was clutch against San Jose – we just couldn’t get him any goals. This season will be different!
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Poorman Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:53 am
@John, That’s two years running with Quick John. Vancouver and San Jose. And in the stretch runs both years, he’s wilted during tough times. Early in the season is when he’s been better with less on the line. all I’m saying is that when the going has gotten tough, he has yet to prove himself. Look what Thomas did this year with a team that wasn’t as good as several they played. The goaltender playing great Can take any team all the way. In the case of the Kings, they Could have won at least 1 of those series if he had been great in every game.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@Poorman,
I’m sorry, I COMPLETELY disagree! I think yeah, maybe he did have issues 2 seasons ago, but NOT last season!!!
Thomas is 37, Quick is 25 – pretty unfair comparison. Although, same style
Jumblehead Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@Poorman, the 34 save shutout in San Jose in game 2 and the 51 SAVE 3-1 win in game 5 at San Jose that extended the series not withstanding, right?
Bill M. Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@Poorman, Quick isn’t always great, but he’s rarely BAD. I do think that when hes bad, it’s really obvious, which is actually a good thing, because you can see it and pull him while the game can still be won. Probably my biggest criticism of TM this year is the failure to pull quick in a couple games where we made a comeback that would have been enough if he didn’t wait so long. It was obvious to me he was off well before te game was out of reach. Even if Bernier was an inexperienced back up at that point – he’s a good one! use him TM!
But really, you cant blame the SJ series on quick. He was solid. He was better than Niemi, I’d say. Maybe we should blame the power play that we all said would be their downfall? You have 5 minutes to score one goal and you force a game seven? And you fail? It’s called supporting the goalie. You have to give him a lead before he can defend it for you.
I do think we will have to choose one or the other. But not this year. Maybe next. This year Quick is the man, but Bernier can provide good minutes that keep quick fresh… You want to talk about Thomas? He played among the fewest games of any starter. Why wouldn’t you? Your goalie is the backbone of the team. He’s 37 years old. And hes coming off hip surgery. And you have Rask, who is nothing to spit at…of couse you keep Thomas’ workload light. Wanna bet that didn’t help him in the finals?
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@John,
Not the same style anymore (if your talking aggressiveness). When I watched Thomas constantly go sliding across the crease, and putting himself out of position, before scrambling to get back and make a save during the Stanley Cup playoffs, it dawned on me that Quick doesn’t get caught out of position like that anymore. If there’s one glaing improvement Quick has made to his game, it’s his positioning. It’s still not perfect, but way better than it was the season before last.
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Poorman, Cant wait til you start trying your hand at Ranger, Islander, and Devil hockey on the blogs as soon as you get to Manhattan !
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@Dominick,
I just mean as a TOTAL gamer, will do anything to stop the puck! I would hope you’re not criticizing the Conn Smythe and Vezina winner, Dominick
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@John,
LOL! not at all. Just an observation that no one has mentioned yet. I’m just trying to make everyone more aware of Quicks awsomeness is all.
John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@Dominick,
Hahaha I know, just play’n, man! I totally know what you’re say’n, watching Thomas HAS GOT to give Bruin fans near a heart attack!
YoBro Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Poorman, Now, Now, Poorman; Don’t apologize for pointing out truth.
Go Kings
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@YoBro, what truth u think Bernier could save those open ice pass??Have u guys forgotten that Bernier let some of open ice passes too.am nto mad just saying the truth no matter what goalie was in playing against the Sharks.Would end up the same results as it did .
Quick not a choker.Bernier too soon to tell.Bernier a great goalie but so is Quick.U guys are forgetting that Quick made us get to the playoffs 2 times yea Bernier help out later on the season but losing most of his beginning didnt help him out or the Team out.
I wouldnt want to put that stress on Bernier when that his first year in the NHL.Now this year i would if Quick does slip up.
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jet Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@Poorman, poorman is much more optimistic now that he is a richman
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@Poorman, i don’t know all those goals was a open pass goals it would of been hard on Bernier too.But this season who ever plays better should get number one spot i don’t think Quick had ever choked in his playoffs.Game 2 and Game 5 was all Quick there he stolen game 5 51 saves and letting 1 goal in thats pretty dam good.Game 6 Quick did amazing but in OT Thornton got a lucky puck bounce ending up scoring.
I dont think Quick was the blame for game 3 or 4 could be 4 but most of those goals was an open ice passes and Martinez helping them score their first goal or second i believe.
game 1 Quick was a little off but got his game back fast.Made it a close game Richardson fail on a grand prize victory and instead went behind net and end up back of our net with an one timer.
But still too soon to say Bernier could of did better.U guys are still forgetting the real fact is Bernier was a rookie that year.Y would anyone put that much stress on a rookie goaltender when Quick been good all season long.Yea he had some bad games but so did Bernier doesn’t mean if Quick slips up one or three games means he lost it to Bernier..Bernier stolen about one game i admit that.But Quick stolen a lot of games that 10-0 Shootout victory was all his games he stolen.Shootout victory may not be a great victory but if it had to come to that u cant blame it on the goaltender saying its his fault after all he made it to a shootout.The Offense didn’t have the right skill to score more goals to not make it a shootouts.
I like to see Bernier get his shot but i would like it to be he stealing the spotlight not giving it to him.If he hasn’t took the spotlight from Quick than he not doing something right to impress TM at all.I know TM has trust and like Bernier but if TM still picking Quick over Bernier there something wrong that Bernier doing..I wouldnt compare Luongo to Quick.Quick is a better Goaltender than Luongo is.U cant say BErnier better than Quick cause Bernier hasn’t really prove anything yet.U guys say stop blinding Quick’s mistakes but u are blinding Bernier’s mistakes too.Every goaltender has problems no one prefect.
I like Bernier but to me he hasnt showing that much yet.Starting horrible was a mistake he did to impress me.If he starts like that this season coming up then i will be the same as i was like last season.Both Goalies can get the job done.I dont like throwing either Bernier or Quick under a bus.Quick has been amazing for the Kings and So has Bernier.
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puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Good insight as usual on Quick and Bernier. My opinion on Quick is that nobody has given him anything, he has earned it ! Starting in the Juniors, then in Manchester, and then he got a shot up here as a backup until he got a couple of starts and just continued to impress. All along the way he has made Lombardi and Hextall and Murray keep him here. The bottom line…Bernier may have been drafted by Lombardi, but if he wants the starting job, he is going to have to rise to another 2 levels if he is going to beat out Jon Quick who in my opinion is the most level headed, uber competitive goalie I have seen in a Kings uniform in the 38 years I have been watching this team.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@puck73, yea i think so Quick is a amazing goaltender..I like Bernier too but that start needs to be better.I just dont liek everyone saying Quick sucks or Quick a choker or blaming Quick on that series lost when he clearly made it a very close series.Game 3 people could blame Quick but do they really see the real fact thatt he Defense let him out.He cant save 100% all the time and thinking Bernier will save it 100% too..Bernier a great goaltender but he still let goals in too.They forgetting the first slump lost was against the Sharks TM put Bernier in the net and he let in 6 goals as did Quick..Quick is a great goaltender to either way we have two great goalies.I cant throw either one under a bus.But i can point out their mistakes that needs to be worked on.
Gmo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:40 pm
@puck73,
You are bang on dude, JQ has earned everything thus far and rightfully so
KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@Poorman, Your argument falls apart about last year. Quick did not fall apart, the forwards did. Year before a whole lot was going on with Quick, but I agree he did let us down against Vancouver. Last year though, sorry not buying it. And his record in shoot out proves he is good under pressure. Bernier hasn’t proved a dam thing except that he could have a slow start and that he’s not nearly as good as Quick at shoot outs.
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jonjon Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:55 pm
@Poorman, quick was playing with a hip injury at the end of the season and into the playoffs, you could totally tell, he wasnt so great on his glove side like he usually is.. remember when he let that puck in from the red line? INJURY!! he’ll be better next time around
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Poorman Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@jonjon, If that was the case, then I think that TM Could have given Bernier a Chance because of the injury situation. I’m not saying Quick isn’t a great goalie. What we do know is that with games tied after the 3rd against San Jose and into playoff extra time, in three gmes, Quick was scored on and lost. You can’t lose all three. I’m only saying I’d like to see how Bernier handles the pressure of a playoff game. We don’t know.
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Timere Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@Poorman, It doesn’t help that the whole overtime was played on the defense. If they stay in our zone and we can’t clear the puck, they have the best chance of winning.
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@Poorman, Loktionov needs serious manly size and mass if he’s to compete in the NHL; the results don’t say otherwise.
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crashin' da net Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:34 pm
@Poorman, Nope. Sorry. Quick stands on his head 14 out 15 times. When he’s bad, he’s bad, granted. But he is stellar for us and we would never had got to the playoffs without his outstanding play. No one better in the shootout. Again, that’s what help get us where we were. What failed us was lack of 5on5 and a pathetic powerplay that actually gave the other team the short-hand advantage. that’s why I’d dump kopon – even if just for the psychological element. But we all know it is more than that. Our boys were attempting to execute a very poor PP strategy. This really needs to change this year even though our players are so much more talented than last year.
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Poorman Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:14 pm
@crashin’ da net, Until Bernier’s given a chance, I’m not buying this Quick talk despite the fact he is good. But in the clutch, we still don’t know if Bernier’s better. My gut says he is. Let’s give him a chance, and then I’ll listen to this one sided logic.
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Let’s try Kopi with Clune and Westy, best fourth line in history.
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@jet,
Why stop there? It could potentially be the worst 1rst line in history. lol
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@jet, Is it holloween already?
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Poorman Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@rumpa#19, I like Penner, Westy, Parse with Westy centering.
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BOB line – Black/Orange & Brown.
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I think you are all correct in your line combinations. And since we have TM as our coach he will prove that you are all right too! Haha
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As far as hunger goes I’d like to see Lewis on the first line and Penner on the grinding line.
I think Lewis can learn alot from Kopi and Williams, plus has the speed to keep up them.
Penner I just don’t know what’s wrong with him. There’s no hunger! Going through the motions
I guess. Hopefully his attitude will change.
Lewis – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Penner – Stoll – Parse
Clifford – Loktionov – Richardson
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KC23 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@Spanky, Penner and Parse are both LW.
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kingshockeyguy Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@Spanky, How did you dream up those lines? What has Lewis done to earn him a first line LW spot? When he is a center and a right winger that doesn’t really score. Clifford > the lewis and that showed in the playoffs. You also have richardson on the right side and he is a center/LWer. Then you have Lokti and I wouldn’t even get into that. He is not a 4th line center and probably won’t make the team this year as it should be.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@Spanky, As much as I have issues with TM’s coaching at times, I DEFINITELY wouldn’t want you coaching. Lewis on the 1st line? The guy has the worst scoring touch on the team outside of Westgarth. Dwight King would probably score more goals on that line than Lewis.
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Penner should be fine once the system becomes innate. We’ll see a much more motivated and focused player with the upgrades we made. How can’t a guy get excited about the additions and the addition by subtractions. This teams speed has already been bumped up a few notches. Penner knows he’s being watched like a hawk rght now and has ample time to get in great shape and a full camp to get is groove on with the rest of the guys. These boys will be pushing each other so motivation will not be an issue here for anyone.
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John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@KOHO,
I think that’s a key point “pushing each other”. Peer pressure with this leadership group will go a long ways!
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Hackwoods Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:51 pm
@KOHO, I hope Pen has a great year, but to think he will improve his motivation based on the moves the team is making is just naive. The guy got traded from the worst team in the league to a true playoff contender late in the season and he did not show up, not even in the playoffs. He was going into his last year of a contract, and not even Pen could possibly think the oil were going to compete in 2011-2012 season. The guy just plays hockey for a job and a paycheck. He will always lack heart because that is innate or developed very early in life. You can’t play 6 years in the Nhl, play in juniors, and the ahl and then all of a sudden grow competitive hunger at the age of 28. The only way he plays well is due to wanting another contract/paycheck. As long as he produces some, I will be mildly happy because I know that no matter what we are stuck with this guy. If he is not good enough, I have no problem putting him on the fourth line and moving Parse up.
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The scariest thing about all of this……the season appears to be hinged on the hope that Penner isn’t the Tin Man we saw late last year.
I really hope all of you are right. The ‘adjustment to a new team/system’ and ‘Kopi went down’ excuses only go so far, IMHO. To me, he checked out before the regular season ended.
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John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@vplaza,
The season does NOT hinge one player! If he’s sucking it up, DL will take care of it
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Who Knows? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@vplaza, I think Penner is not used to playing meaningful games passed December/January.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:04 pm
@vplaza, I just hope TM decides to loosen the reigns a little finally. There’s really no excuses this year. There is much more talent up front, and everyone of these guys knows how to be responsible within means. If he lets them play then the sky’s the limit. I’m sure everyone will have good years. If he continues to worry incessantly about making the safe plays and keeping players from truly attacking in the offensive zone, I’m guessing Penner and others will have another down year. I also worry that the team may finally start to lose faith in TM altogether if he doesn’t adjust to having more skill in his line-up.
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we all know TM is going to juggle the hell out of the lines on a nightly (and sometimes afternoon) basis, so why waste valuable cyber paper banging out line combos?
personally, I’m waiting for Bernier-Kopitar-Brown
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I read a post above about our King Fan Basshers and I have to agree. I am so annoyed and fed up with people bashing our team. We have come so far from a few years ago when we were finishing last to now. Like stop. Just stop. Players are not perfect and shouldn’t be bashed when it happens.
I play hockey myself and I go through scoring slumps. My team doesn’t tell me I suck and neither do my friends that watch. We say “better luck next time” or we try to figure out something to get each other going.
For example. I finished 3rd in scoring with like 29 points. 19 goals – 10 Assist in 10 games. The follow season I finished 12 points. 8 goals – 4 assist in 10 games. My team did not say one negative thing the entire time. We support each other and help. So lets do that for our Kings. Who cares where they came from or their track record. Players emerge from nothing all the time and stars have their years. We can just hope for the best and continue to do so when a player isn’t doing so well.
So give Penner a chance before you throw him to the curb. JJ is going to make some mistakes. Doughty is going to keep eating doughnuts but who cares. Those are The Kings we are going to root for so root for the. If your going to bash please just keep it to yourself or go start http://www.lakingsBASHERS.com because I think a lot of us can agree the negativity is so old. We may have a lot of Flyers on our team but lets not act like their fans.
That is all.
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Gmo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@Subby,
I like your thinking
Go Kings Go
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@Subby, LOL nice post
I agree on u with that
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Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@KingsFanFTW, thanks :] its been bottling up for a while lol
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@Subby, lol i can tell LOL we got a great team to cheer them on
Go Kings Go!!
King Alex Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@Subby, Thank you & great post. This is the best team on the past 20 years we are putting on the ice. GO KINGS GO!!!!
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John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@Subby,
SO true! This is OUR team, so let’s support ‘em. GO KINGS GO!!!
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Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:17 pm
@John, Thats what I like to hear :]
and from now on I am going to start calling out the bashers when they start bashing. We really have no room for it. I hope you all agree and will help to do the same.
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Subby, even though I agree with you on your last post. I do believe that when the season starts and playerss don’t.perform……. then critisism is warranted.
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@Subby, That has got to be the best post I’ve read in as long time.
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Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@LVKINGS88, Thanks :] I put a lot of thought and time into it. I didn’t even say %50 of the things I wanted to either lol
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Subby, Poorman ect. are unable to enjoy the fair weather. If you rip em you have plenty of backers on here. maybe we should an east side story stand off?
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Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@rumpa#19, what are you trying to say? o_O
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@Subby, Nice job.
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Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@Bkrs-Bud, Thanks :}
Ya know I am VERY curious to what some of the Bashers I’m talking about think about my post. Feel free to reply. I am curious.
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LBlocal Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Your link doesn’t work! It figures, it’s a Kings site, and they’re off-season… Can be found on the golf course.
I kid I kid.
=) http://youtu.be/xJqJM4xM-oE
gKg!
Vplaza Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@Subby,
Very good post. But I think that your analogy only goes so far. Let’s say that in your low point year, you dragged yourself around the ice, not finishing checks, not taking any, coughing up the puck every time you were merely touched. And you coasted around the ice rather than go at speed, waiting for your shift to end so you can get off as quickly as possible.
Or how about if I’m part of a team (take your pick, sales, engineering, etc.) and day in and day out, I bring nothing to the table, letting everyone do the work.
On a recreational sports team, I can see maybe players not saying anything. But in a professional environment, where I’m paid to get a job done, I think things would and should be different. And no, I’m not asking Penner to be perfect. I’m not even asking him to score 20 goals. What I am looking for is a different player than what we saw last year because any way you slice it, he deserved the criticism.
Again, I think your post was very good, but I think that people should live up to their end of a bargain, and if they don’t, they shouldnt be surprised at the criticism. I’ve already posted a reply somewhere on this topic that I will wait and see what toe of player he is when he comes into camp. Till then, he hasn’t really done anything yet for this team.
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Hackwoods Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:02 pm
@Vplaza, Good post. Also, some of the bashers are most likely long suffering fans, and in the 80′s and most of the 90′s were just like you: happy about almost every move the team does and happy with each player no matter their slump and excited about each coming season no matter how bad the team is. It is fine to be myopic, but it is also ok to criticize because that is what these boards/blogs are for, I.e. Stating your thoughts and responding to others’ opinions. If we all chose myopia, then this board would be boring and most likely non-existent due to lack of traffic.
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Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:46 pm
@Hackwoods, I agree but I was talking more to the people who scapegoat everything blaming this player or that player. Of course criticism will happen but the constant downers bashers and negative tall on our team all the time needs to stop
Adamic39 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:44 pm
@Subby, Thank you for saying what you said. Plus one.
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Puckn-A Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@Subby, I agree, the bashing is getting old, bad things or slumps are gonna happen. I think as fans we are emotionally invested in this team and just need to be more positive and supportive of the team. I’m not sayng how or what to think but I do believe it would be better than constantly bashing certain players for a 20 game sample size.
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Frolik, Malone, or Prospal all on my wishlist :]
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i think make it an all flyers line. SG-MR-JW.
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Let’s break it down a bit:
Penner-Kopitar-Williams
Penner will have a better year this season. 1) It’s a contract year, and he’s got to audition to keep his role/paycheck. 2) He’s on a cup contender team now. Playing with Edmonton, it’s not a stretch to think that he let his fitness go a little bit cause he knew his team wasn’t going anywhere. That doesn’t make it excusable, but it’s a fairly common piece of human nature.
Kopitar has some of the best vision on the ice of any center in the NHL, and Williams is a prolific scorer who has a good sniper mentality. Penner and Kopi will be able to use their bodies to maintiain position, and Williams will use his speed to get some of his own. I expect Kopitar to get a lot more assists this season, feeding Williams in the slot or Penner in the paint.
Gagne-Richards-Brown
Gagne and Richards will continue to combine for a lot of points, and have a history of good chemistry. Gagne will be the big gun on the score sheet from this line, and Richards will be a huge contributer with the ability to score just as well.
Brown has tenacity and is an outstanding forechecking winger. He’ll free up the puck in corners, and bring a physical presence that will help keep his linemates safe. He’s also got good hands and will probably pick up 15-25 goals, depending on how opposing teams decide to defensively cover this varied line.
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Any word what number Gagne (and Fraser) will be wearing?
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John Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Quisp,
Since 12 isn’t taken that’s my guess.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@John, well Lokti is number 12
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Quisp Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:51 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
Exactly. I wonder if Lokti gets bumped. Alternatively, 17, 24, 26, 27…
John Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@KingsFanFTW,
Oh yeah, totally forgot! Will be interesting to see if Gagne compensates the kid or chooses another number.
Penner was our leading scorer when he got traded to us. If he can score half assing in EDM I am sure he will do great if not AMAZING with a good team. Contract year so he will try. Maybe he will try for the sake of its his job and he wants to do good and we are a cup contender now. Maybe. I am going to hope so and support him. So Go Penner and GO KINGS ;D
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Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Subby, leading goal scorer*
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on a different note I thought it was interesting that Spektor put on his blog about how the West gets no attention what so ever, I’m going to copy and paste from his blog here – SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s funny, the media and blogosphere has been going ga-ga over Stamkos’s contract situation, but we’ve scarcely heard a peep about Doughty, one of the best young defensemen in the league, and the possibility he could be a target for an offer sheet. Like the Lightning with Stamkos, the Kings would match any offer, but it just goes to show how little attention is paid by the most in the media and blogosphere toward top young talent in the Western Conference, especially those in California. Unless they’re the Sharks, it seems no one pays attention to them.
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Goring 19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@Ravens, that’s not true, there is no east coast bias in this league. Just look at NBCs weekend hockey schedule, you always see the Kings errr, Yotes errr, Nucks errr, Ducks errr, Sharks errr, wait a minute….lol
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Ravens Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:31 pm
@Goring 19, Ha!
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Who Knows? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:03 pm
@Ravens, Hey, at least our players are less likely to get an offer sheet.
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The @The4thPeriodDB is saything on twitter that the kings are done signing..but possibly not dont trading!!!
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Who Knows? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:01 pm
@Levi, Yeah, well we need to sign one more person.
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Well, its time to talk Goaltending!
Hmmm Q or B?
A)I think Q will be the man in the being and look at B will take over at the end of the year.
B)Q will get injured and B shows hes talant or fails.
C)Jones comes in as backup and shows he could be a good backup and someone gets traded.
I think all three can happen this year or B gets injured too and Jones shows his stuff, say he gets 6 games max this year. TM does not like Z so I doubt he will be called up, unless he does something to spark TM to like him again in traing camp.
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LA_1968 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@Sammuch, Our goals against is great which also reflects on our system and defense. I’d like to see the save percentage take a step in the right direction this year.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@LA_1968, Save percentage is a skewed stat. The Kings give up nearly the fewest shots in the league. So, a goalie who lets in 2 goals on 25 shots, is going to have a worse save percentage than a goalie who let in 2 goals on 37 shots. If they both win the game, it doesn’t necessarily mean the guy facing 37 shots is better. What if the guy facing 25 took all the shots from right in the slot? What if the guy facing 37 only faced weak outside shots? So, Quick’s save percentage(which by the way is actually pretty damn good anyway) is always going to be slightly less than some comparable goalie who’s team gives up more shots.
[Reply]
Rich,
Please throw us a bone regarding DD!!!
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@KFII,
Here is your bone, lol…DD has been negotiating fast and hard to acquire multiple McDonalds, Sonics, KFC & Tim Horton Doughnuts franchises in anticipation of the megabucks his agents promised they’d be wrestling out of kings management.
He is also concerned that the coaching staff will cut his minutes drastically when he shows up to training camp looking like a bloated Shaq (after 5 yrs in retirement). But he doesn’t really care.
(Now, take everything I say about DD with a grain of salt and a healthy dose of humor)
[Reply]
Why didn’t we go after Bergfors??? He signed a 1 year deal for $575,000 with the Predators. That is totally worth the risk. This guy was in the atlanta-NJ trade taht brought Kovalchuk to the Devils. I would have liked to see us add this guy.
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@Todd, what are his stats? What risk?
[Reply]
Todd Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Subby,
29 points in 52 games with atlanta before being traded to Florida with 7 points in 20 games. Minus 11 with Atlanta but the guy is only 23 years old. He has a lot of potential and I feel the Preds just stole this guy. With a cap hit of $575,000
Rotoworld says this about him:
Bergfors is just the type of low-cost, high upside player the team has had success with in the past. Although he struggled as a member of the Panthers towards the end of last season, he possesses the talent to be a significant offensive contributor in Nashville.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@Todd, He was great in NJ for a rookie.
[Reply]
On a completely unrelated note, I went to the Tampa blogs to see what they were saying about Gagne. One blog had NO reader comments for any posts at all. The other one had between 0 and no more than 20 for all posts. Over 2400 people voted on this one Kings blog item and there are over 200 comments. Who says there is no passion for hockey in L.A?
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@fourtunato, I agree
[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@fourtunato, Florida teams believe it or not depend on ‘Snowbirds’ from Canada to fill a lot of the seats come winter
[Reply]
mietennen and langenbrunner are still available as UFAs. either one of those guys can fill the 3rd line right wing and put up decent numbers (possibly better than simmonds). Langenbrunner is a good leader with 3 cup rings who could bring a lot to the team. might be a good “fit” unless one of our youngsters can come in and fill that spot.
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@blahblah, thats what I was saying! I think Lagenbrunner would be good
[Reply]
Seems to me that this situation was in the works for quite some time…check out the front of the jerseys here in this picture. CA!!!! They knew already and were just waiting for the chance to head out west and help the Kings grab the cup. GKG
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/756022-simon-gagne-joins-kings-reunites-with-richards
[Reply]
Penner and Williams
Before Kopi and Williams got hurt, that line was deadly.
[Reply]
Is anyone ever going to deal with the Oilers again?
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=370456&hubname=nhl-kings
[Reply]
The Batman Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@jet, Possibly, if you read all the comments on that site, a lot of them are saying that the oilers had no fault in what happened….its pretty funny to read actually, though…they are prolly all oiler fans. Regardless i would want to know what other teams fans thought about the whole thing
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@jet, So many people are talking shizzle on us in there -____-
[Reply]
TM said in his Gagne comments that you’d like to see Gagne with the first line center. After all… Gagne was Stamkos left wing this year.
Therefore I see Kopi and Gagne starting together (5-5).
Let’s see if Mike Richards leadership quality can prop up Penner.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:56 pm
@LA_1968,
I truly believe Kopitar is the heart of the Kings offense..
..But I also truly believe Mike Richards is the first line center of this team now.
It really doesn’t matter, either way, but I think Gagne will be playing with Richards, to start at least.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:14 am
@LA_1968, I wonder what Gagne – Kopitar – Williams would be like. Remember the first couple of months with Smyth, Kopitar and Williams couple years back. No better line in the league up until Williams got hurt.
[Reply]
I have a serious question…
Are July, August, and September really necessary months?
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@FiG17, i agree lets just delete those months and get the hockey season started
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Bill M. Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@FiG17, only as time for Kopi and Williams to heal, Doughty to cash his huge check and get focused, Penner to get in top shape.
[Reply]
Let’s roll 3 lines, like this…
Gange-kopitar-Williams
Cliffy-Richard-brown
Penner-stoll-Richardson
Parse-Lewis-lokti/westgarth
I really like the look of the 2nd(checking) line.
[Reply]
I’m so going to enjoy watching the Kings kick Edmonton’s arse this year. Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.
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i think Loktionov is gonna be in this mix for sure… and I’d be wary of cycling Gagne and Williams… one collision between the two and you have a crowded IR
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‘I’ve got a grandfather who is 93 that watches every game on TV and he wasn’t too happy about the West coast Games’-THN.com. There you have it, In Brad Richards own words, the real reason why he didn’t sign with the Kings. I guess his grandpa doesn’t know how to use TIVO!
[Reply]
Who Knows? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:54 pm
@Steve W, The sad thing is that his grandfather won’t live to see him play the whole 9 years. Hell he’ll be lucky if he gets to see this season.
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KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:03 am
@Steve W, Remind me to send his grandfather a thank you note. He did us a favor.
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i don’t know about you guys but i get this feeling Dean is going to try and trade for Parise. I know it cant happen until his arbitration is over but the NJ already has two plays under contract for 150 million and it will be tough for them to sign him. What better team to trade him to then the kings! i mean we would have the assests they need to make it possible ( goalies and defense), and were in the other conference. Not only that but I’m still hearing Dean might have one more big trade this offseason. Thats just what i think though..
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Oldman sleepin Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@KCH12,
Agreed. I see an offer of Parise for bernier making sense for both teams.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:02 pm
@Oldman sleepin,
I have been saying that for a couple of months. It makes sense for both teams financially and neither team would have to worry about the trded players hurting them during the regular season.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@KCH12,
If I were DL, I’d not trade for Parise until we’re well into next season and Parise proves he’s made a complete recovery from his knee injury and subsequent surgery. The last thing we want is another Marco Sturm knee fiasco.
[Reply]
KCH12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@Gustavo, I agree but maybe we’d get some sort of discount or something like we did with Gagne because of his history with injury. Plus its hard to compare Parise with Sturm because he’s obvioulsy a lot younger and hasn’t hit his prime yet.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@Gustavo, Parise is a great 2 way forward, that being said, I agree with you. If we were to trade for Parise then we would want #1 A long term commitment from him and his agent. #2 A clean bill of health from one of the Kings doctors.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@puck73, Any doctor is fine as long as it’s not Edmonton’s.
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:10 am
@puck73, Nothing to worry about regarding Edmonton’s doctors. They are busy doing a blood letting with leches atm as someone had some swelling.
tuan jim Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@Gustavo,
Marco Sturm was not a fiasco. While we had him didn’t he put up 9 points in 17 games or something?
If I wanted something to worry about it would be how long it’ll take Kopi to get back to playing trim after his broken ankle.
[Reply]
Haha Brown’s a RW….didn’t stop TM from playing him on the left
side….Parse has played on the right side before…I know it’s as silly
as playing a Dman at Forward….wait we did that too?!
[Reply]
keep Dustin Brown AWAY from Kopitar.
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Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@Tony Granato,
Why???? I want more of those allyoop passes between Kopi and Brownie.
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Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:16 pm
@Gustavo,
Haha good call! Probably my favorite goal the Kings scored last year.
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Kingstane9 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:52 pm
@Gustavo, I was about to point out that outstanding play as well.
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Ravens Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:23 pm
@Tony Granato, one of the top ten goals of the year on NHLN
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I keep checking this site like every 5 minutes waiting to see some more big news sheesh!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@The Batman,
Shouldn’t you have some kinda fancy Batcomputer or somesuch? Or have Robin go down to the Batcave & check for you! lol
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rontheking Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:57 pm
@Kingsfanone, Alfred should be keeping tabs for you so you can run your empire and fight crime at the same time.
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The Batman Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:48 pm
@rontheking, lol i think i might have to rethink my name haha
Goring 19 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:25 pm
@The Batman, when some news shows up,commissioner Gordon can use the bat searchlight, with a crown symbol of course!
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Next order of business regarding Free Agency: Sign Jamie Langenbrunner!!
Need him to fill a 3rd line/veteran role. Plus he could be the winger that takes a top 6 role should one of the wingers get injured.
..After signing Doughty, of course.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@Scot,
No, I much rather go after Jason Arnot than Landenbrunner. But if you wait till Mr. Drew Spoiled Pudgy Canada Doughty to sign to make a deal to better the team, chances are you’ll miss out on both.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@Gustavo,
I like Jason Arnott as a hockey player, but he has been nothing but a Center his entire career, and the Kings are deep at Center already. Kopitar, Richards, and Stoll more than solidify the top 3 spots, and Lewis and Loktionov will handle the 4th line role. Even Brad Richardson (if re-signed) can play Center, if needed. We need a winger on the right side for the 3rd line, we really don’t have one right now, after trading Wayne Simmonds.
Besides, Jason Arnott is going to go where he will be a Center on the top 2 lines. He is too arrogant to play a smaller role with a team. I’ve never been a huge fan of his personality either, he doesn’t really fit the Kings style in the locker room, in my opinion.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:32 pm
@Gustavo,
I also wouldn’t trade Stoll to make room for a guy like Arnott to be the 3rd line center. Arnott is 36 years old, and Jarret Stoll actually has a chance to stick with the Kings longer now, and sign an extension this season if he fits well as a 3rd line center. With the expectations being lower on Stoll, not being counted on to score as much, I’m looking for him to have a great year. Would love to see him form a line between Kyle Clifford and Jamie Langenbrunner. (either Clifford or Richardson)
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@Scot,
Gagne-Richards-Williams
Penner-Kopitar-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Langenbrunner
Richardson-Lewis-Westgarth/Parse
No?
Give Loktionov another year in Manchester. That would be my plan.
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:46 pm
@Scot,
Arnot is UFA. No Stoll trade required. And at his age he still has enough in the tank for a solid 4th line anchor. He’s a big bruiser with experience.
Doughty is a million times more arrogant than Arnot and everyone is kissing his canadian culo. Nothing more humbling to Arnot to remain unsigned in the weakest free agent market in years after 3 days (July 1) He’d appreciate an opportunity to contribute on a winning team of this caliber.
Gustavo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@Scot,
Keep in mind Dean L has been building this team from the defense up and with focus on strength in the middle. So Arnot would definitely fit in a reduced shared role in the 3rd line with Stoll or anchoring the 4th line.
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:23 pm
@Gustavo, Arnott and Stoll play the same position, and neither one of them are 4th line players. Thus if we sign Arnott, we’d have to trade Stoll. Your idea of having Arnott be on the 4th line isn’t realistic, he’d never sign here to play on the 4th line. Not to mention the fact that we already have 3 guys going for that spot. Lewis, Richardson, and Lokti. The last thing we need is another center.
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@Gustavo,
Do you mean the franchise playing, top minutes, put the team on his back
clutch Gold medal Norris candidate passionate scoring youngster
from Canada who has always been a King fan Drew Doughy?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@Scot, Either him or Miettenin. Miettenin scores more, but Langenbrunner is a leader. You can never have enough of either. I’d prefer Miettenin personally because he’s younger and quicker, plus he could provide a little scoring from the 3rd line alongside Stoll and Clifford. Miettenin had 16 goals last year while Langenbrunner only had 9 goals. Either one is fine with me.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:28 pm
@CB14,
I like Miettinen too, he is quick and skilled, plus he knows the Pacific Division very well. (Langenbrunner has been in the East most of the last 10 years). My only concern with this Kings team right now is size, after losing Handzus and Poni. And with Stoll essentially taking Handzus’ spot in the lineup, that’s a size downgrade. (but a speed upgrade) Langenbrunner doesn’t have the “6’4″, 225 pound” frame like Zues, Poni, and Arnott, but he does throw his body around a lot. He and Miettinen are about the same size. Whoever Dean signs, I’m OK with at this point, because he has done AWESOME so far.
One more thing, even our Defense isn’t known for it’s size, a lot of teams have at least one BIG dude, and we don’t, although Greene isn’t tiny and he plays huge.
We don’t usually have many Fins like Miettinen, and adding some extra hockey sense is never bad a thing. They are usually pretty smart players.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:04 pm
@Scot, Miettenin had 109 hits last year compared to 96 for Langenbrunner. Langenbrunner is bigger though, he’s 6’1″ 205, while Miettenin is 6’0″ 190. Like you said, either one is fine, I just value Miettenins speed over Langenbrunners slight size advantage. Whatever Dean does is fine with me!
Dave Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:53 pm
@CB14, i like the idea of Miettinen – if DL can re-sign the RFAs soon and he still has some space then it would be interesting. but i’d rather DL have some space to work with during the season so he can make a deal should one become available.
everything is dependent on Drew right now. whatever his cap hit is will determine what else DL can do.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@Dave, I think we need one more forward because of injuries to a lot of our forwards. Here’s a list of our injured forwards.
Kopi – Ankle / leg
Williams – Shoulder
Parse – Hip
Lokti – Shoulder
Fraser – Cyst
I know Williams and Parse have played since being injured, but it’s still questionable as to whether or not they are fully healthy. Plus Gagne and Williams aren’t exactly known to play 82 games a season. Also TM has previously said that certain guys, Lokti and Parse, won’t play unless they’re on the top 2 lines, which they likely won’t be. I don’t agree with that mindset given our roster. We’re not the typical 2 scoring lines, defensive minded and checking 3rd line, and energy 4th line. I see no reason why Parse, Lokti, and Richardson can’t be our 4th line. One that provides energy, speed, and a scoring touch. Also I don’t like Westy playing. So for all those reasons I think we need another forward. Although I do like the idea of having a little wiggle room up against the cap so that DL can get another player if the need arises.
Anybody think Terry Murray is drooling about what he has to work with in his top 6 forwards? I think he can’t stop smiling about this team is shaping up like!
I’ve said this before, but somebody wake me up, cuz I must be dreaming! Is it time for training camp yet?
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@Kingsfanone,
He may be drooling but he may be a little worried too, cuz if this team has trouble scoring goals he’s gone. No more excuses. Lets get DD signed and skip right to oct
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@Pesus,
That is correct, no more lack of scoring excuses. Get signed Drew & quit thinking you are all that. You are not there yet, & it’ll take you buckling down & working harder. Do it.
[Reply]
My dream ‘bruising’ four lines:
Penner – Kopi – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Clifford – Stoll/Arnot – Westgarth
Parse – Lokti/Lewis – Richardson
Anyone who takes liberties with our top line will have to deal with two full bruising lines coming at them. When they’re nice and soft, in comes Parse / Lokti / Richardson to play ‘catch me if you can’ and skate circles around what’s left of their beat up lines.
[Reply]
Someone else pointed out that there’s a couple “natural” lines, consisting of old Oilers and Flyers forwards. Because these seem worth looking into, my initial choice would be “other.” This is probably especially true with Williams and Gagne both being on Richards’ line, and less so with Penner, Stoll and whoever else it was (forgot.) I suppose this makes Brown and Penner potential Kopitar line mates as well.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 6:59 pm
That said, it probably doesn’t matter, because TM will probably have tried all humanly possible combinations by Christmas anyway.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Christmas? More like Halloween. LOL
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@CB14,
More like Period 2 of.the first game! Cmon, were talking about Terry Murray here, guys! lol
via Bob McKenzie …
On vacation, but this is big: MIN trades Havlat to SJ for Heatley
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:41 pm
@Levi,
WOW!
First Brent Burns for Devin Setoguchi, and now this??
That sucks. Heatley was totally slowing down for San Jose, I think they just got better.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@Levi, Wow! That is big.
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@Levi, saw this as well – that’s a big trade. not sure what to think of it. Heatley definitely the better goal scorer but Havlat could be very good with Thornton.
i think SJ has taken a step or two backward though. Burns is not good defensively and now they trade a consistent 30-goal guy for an injury prone Havlat.
Havlat does kill the Kings though.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:31 pm
@Dave, Heatley is very one dimensional. I dont think he ever goes below his blue line! Havlat is a much better 2 way player! All my shark friends are loving this trade. They didnt care for Heatley’s selfish play. Im so glad we didnt get him when he was available!
[Reply]
Blue liner Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@Levi, Heatley, Setoguchi, 1st rounder and Charlie Coyle for Brent Burns, Martin Havlat and 2nd rounder.
Lost a great forward, a fast forward, a top notch prospect and a 1st round pick(albiet in the last third of the round probably) for an offensive defenseman and an injury prone forward. Go kings!
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@Blue liner, Ian White is signed by the Wings,he was killing us.I think B Burns cant cover for him and D Setiguci.To me they are weaker for sure.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@Levi, I don’t know what to think about this trade. Havlat can do better, but he is a risk on staying healthy. Plus he has declined somewhat since joining Minny. Of course that could be because of the way Minny plays or his linemates. He could rejuvenate his career in San Jose playing with Thorton and Marleau. We will see. San Jose does get Cap space to get a couple of more players, so that could help them with this trade.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:56 am
@Levi, Sharks are making some bold moves, I hope they back-fire!
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Levi,
I think we have the Sharts a little afraid of us..
Trying to stay up to our moves..
[Reply]
Headlines should have read, “No B Rich, better Gange West!” Way to go DL and the staff. Like this move better.
[Reply]
I, much like many others here, am very happy to have Gagne here with the Kings. AS I look at what could be the lineups on opening day, something very profound comes to mind. The potential top six forwards have the ability to score 30+ goals in the coming season. It does not mean that all six will, but the potential is there. Looking at all the other 29 teams in the league, I can not see another team that has that potential to do so. But what makes me really happy as well, is that not only can they score, but both centers are great defensively. The last time we had the chance for this much offense was in the days of Gretzky, but the defense was no where as good as it is now. The goaltending is also better. When we sign Doughnut to a nice long term contract, defensively we will be even more sound. How amazing would it be to see the Kings top in the league in scoring, defense, PP, and PK. This team has the very strong potential to be tops in the league for either of those categories.
So in conclusion my fellow Kings fans, let us sit back, cheer as loud as we can, and enjoy what very well could be the best season for the Kings of all time.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 7:49 pm
@Hockey “G”, Amen G.
[Reply]
Jon G Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@Hockey “G”, I agree 100%.
[Reply]
GKG Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@Jon G,
AMEN.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Hockey “G”, Herurph!
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please people, langenbrunner . get real, hes as washed up as it gets. 9 goals people. last thing we need is another poni. only move necessary is to trade penner to some unfortunate sucker . that needs to be done immediately . he didnt win the cup on the ducks as a top 6 forward, he was a third liner . this guy is the most overrated player in nhl history
[Reply]
Rumor that Stamkos doesn’t want to stay in Tampa Bay. DD for Stamkos straight up? Kidding.
[Reply]
Bama Kings Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:57 am
@Vplaza, What is out in the “rumor” world is Bernier and DD for Stamkos. I think it’s an over payment, but I would ponder the Stamkos for DD move.
[Reply]
Some of you may be hearing that a radio host named “Incarcerated Bob” is reporting that Doughty turned down a huge offer from the Kings and a trade is a possibility.
“incarceratedbob: Kings made a big offer to RFA Drew Doughty today – His agent rejected offer from Kings (Trade is possibility now)”
He also said LeBron was going to the Knicks last year (obviously he went to Miami), Alex Semin was going to the Islanders (six months ago), and Cliff Lee was staying with the Rangers (he went to the Phillies). So, please don’t panic until you see it here.
“The More You Know…”
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:50 pm
@Eric K, This guy is a nut, don’t believe anything he says. I would believe Eklund over him. People on HFboards posted a bunch of stuff he said, that were totally ridiculous and obviously didn’t happen. So this is just a waste of a post.
[Reply]
is Minn GM an undercover sharkfan? I hate seeing the sharks getting better. They are still the team to beat in the Pacific!
[Reply]
Bill M. Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:30 pm
@tornado12, I think the kings want to disagree with you. The sharks are worse defensively and in goal. They had better scoring but we have closed the gap there a lot. This is hopefully the year of the changing of the guard in the west.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@Bill M., I want to believe it too. There is no team i hate more (Sucks r close), but until we can prove we can beat them, they are still better than us!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@tornado12, I agree. The Sharks are going to be the toughest team to pass in our division. We can do it, but it’s not a gaurentee, that’s for sure. Last summer I thought we were better than them, only to see them wave as they passed us by on their way to the Conference finals. If you ask me now, I feel the same way I did last summer.
tuan jim Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@Bill M.,
San Jose improved mightily in the SIZE department. Burns on the blue line and — what is his name? Oh, yeah! — Michal Handzus up front.
Who’s gonna be knocking Zus out of the crease? Who’s gonna take the face-offs against him? Who’s gonna stop him from blocking our standard shots from the point?
Got him for $2.5-mil, did they? Well, hell. He’s almost middle-aged.
[Reply]
Just a hunch. I hope they give Gagne-Kopitar-Williams a long look. Gagne is potentially the most legitimate sniper Kopitar has had on his wing since he’s played with the Kings. Teaming Penner with Richards AND Brown and he’ll be hard pressed to take a shift off, let alone a whole game. Challenge Penner, if he doesn’t respond cut him loose.
[Reply]
Brown can keep the C
but they should stitch B on richards jersey, B for Boss!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ws-5435ZFw
and how awkward would it be for richards and booth to be in the same locker room after this happened….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIXcGOr4-04
[Reply]
Setting emotions aside…if the Kings traded Doughty for a solid forward, signed Kaberle…would the Kings be better? Just curious. 7+ million (if the reports are accurate) is so much for a defenseman IMO. Just curious what the kings fans think. I love reading all of the intelligent posts on this site!
[Reply]
historyguy67 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:03 pm
@bryanagee, Uhhhh…no. ‘Nuff said.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:08 pm
@bryanagee, No. Kaberle sucked in the playoffs, and with Boston in general. We don’t need another top 6 forward. That being said, I don’t think DD deserves 7 million a year.
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WildKaRD Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@bryanagee, Anything 6 or under is a good deal for Doughty.. No more, no less, but he must remain a King
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@bryanagee, I agree, completely. We can win a cup in the next 3 years, so lets go try and do it. Trade DD for Parise and sign a solid D man.
Done.
Ship the cup.
Anyone thinking DD had anything to do with our d being strong is nuts.
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I kinda wish Kopitar would be with Gagne and Brown. Kopi and Brown had some chemistry this year, and the line would have some grit and lots of skill. Besides…most of the reason is that I’d really like to see Penner play with Richards, cause Richards would be there to kick Penner’s butt if he starts mailing it in.
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I say let the fomer Philly guys have a shot at playing w/ each other and working some chemistry. They all seemed excited to play w/ each other so let them have a go. So I voted Penner-Kopi- Brown. Brown seemed to be learning a bit from Smyth about how and when to go to the net. So Penner and Kopi can be the guys working the puck down low, cycling and looking for Brown or a D-man to be open. Plus we know Penner isn’t a heavy forchecker even though he’s big. So Brown can be that first guy in taking the body and getting the puck to Penner or Kopi to work it. Maybe that way when Penner sees Brown (a guy smaller than him) smashing people he’ll feel the need to also play heavy.
Gagne and Williams have the skill and skating ability to work it down low in a different way. I loved watching Williams do all those cut backs and stutter steps along the walls (although that tends to be where and why he gets hurt but that’s his thing). Gagne has the same skating skill and also can find those open spaces to shoot.
It really seems like the big challenge on paper this year for the Kings is getting that same success from the 3rd line they had before. I liked Zues in the faceoff circle and their ability to shutdown other lines.
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M.T. Netter Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:50 pm
@JB, Brown doesn’t go to the net nearly enough. being a true power forward means that you park your butt in front of the net and refuse to be moved. this creates rebounds, deflections and other garbage goals.
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Sharks send Heatley to the Wild for Havlat? Not sure I see the need for that move for either team, except for the cap change working for each team. Heatley was pretty forgettable in the playoffs (well, at least after the first round), but Havlat doesn’t exactly have “winner” written all over his resume either.
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I find it extremely interesting that “most” people think Penner (“public enemy number one”) should be on the top line with Kopi…
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CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@brian, That’s why DL brought him here, to play alongside Kopi. Plus Gagne and Richards played together in Philly. If you move Penner to the third line to play with Stoll and Richardson, that will significantly decrease his offensive output, which is pretty much why he’s here. One possible line-up that I’ve thought of to have balenced scoring is conditional on signing a RW like Antti Miettenin. It would be:
Parse – Kopi – Brown
Gagne – Richards – Miettenin
Penner – Stoll – Williams
Clifford – Lewis – Richardson
That would give us 3 balanced scoring lines, and a 4th line that has speed, toughness, and is defensivly responsible. I remember the Smyth, Stoll, Williams line playing great at the beginning of the year, and given the fact that Penner is similar to Smyth, why not give it a shot. Also Parse played well in his limited time with Kopi and Brown last year before he got injured.
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MacSwede Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 4:11 am
@brian, Probably the same people who rooted for him at the trade deadline
I think a lot of people got dissapointed with Penners performance, me included. To see the bad backcheck on Setoguchis game winner really got me angry. But I think he has a lot in him, I dont really think he is lazy. He was a little like Doughty last year in the beginning, out of shape.
I am hearing now that he is working out really hard with Tim Addams, and that he is one of the most dedicated and motivated during the summer. This sounds promising. Maybe next season will be his best in his career?
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@jacob, Thank you, well said. Although the Kings were supposedly around #4 in defense, we gotta lot to improve there. Quick is the man!
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got to get rid of penner – its an absoulute must ………..no amount of wishful thinking by us kings fans , or off seasoning conditioning is going to change the fact that he will always be way too slow and therefore cant keep up defensively
his defense kills us – get rid of him now ……. the dude is completely set in his ways , i mean hes been playing forever now – almost 30 now – so if he hasnt improved his speed to keep up with others by now then he never will ….. the guy hurst us defensively everytime he steps out on the ice …. its not going to change because of our wishfull thinking …… it wont happen – he is what he is ……. hes been playing long enough now – he will not just change magically over the summer
everytime we threw penner out … i was like … here comes a goal for the sharks ….. and sure enough ….. presto …… goal sharks
and then murray put him out there in a 4 on 4 skating situation ….. im like …. what ??? ? …… with his speed and all that open ice …. im like , murray yur an idiot for not scratching him every game and now u put him out 4 on 4 ……… so im like, murray your an idiot for not scratching him the first place every game – and now 4 on 4 …. im like , u deserve to lose murray ….. and sure enough … boom … 4 on 4 goal sharks
hes too slow and not defensively inclined , and not magically gonna change over this offseason
give parse the chance he lost last season because of injury or make a trade for booth or somebody
its time to cut your losses
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Poorman Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@jacob, 1 important point you miss. Penner has won a Stanley Cup. He will be good again.
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jacob Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@Poorman, again?????? …. thats my point hes never been any good …. one of the more overrated players in nhl history …. alot of bad players have won stanley cups …… the guys has a cup only because he was playing with pronger, neidermeyer,selanne, perry, getzlaff, macdonnald and gigueree ….. all great players who won in spite of him ……..dude , did u see him play for the oil the last 4 years or us last year …… the guy is a loafer with no commitment to team defense whatsoever …. but hey we disagree … no biggie …. peace
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John Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:31 am
@jacob,
30 goals and a Cup as a rookie is any good. It’s a 22 man roster in the most TEAM sport of all team sports and it takes all 22 guys to win a Cup, plain and simple. Sure, he has a lot of deficiencies, but luckily he doesn’t have to be our savior.
Gmo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:03 pm
@jacob, Wow dude you need to come down lol, you sound all wound up. Penner will need to have a great season because he is on his final year of his contract, but if he doesn’t guess what?DL will let go of him as will become a UFA. As for myself I’ll be cheering and hope he has a great season as it will only be beneficial for the team, I mean he is a KINGS player after all and deserves our support and blessings. If you can’t support and cheer for every single KINGS player then cheer for the sharks!!!!
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fsd1 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@jacob, you know nothing of which you speak
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:37 am
@jacob, sounds like you need a hug.
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rontheking Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@Bkrs-Bud,
Jacob and Dustin Penner need to group-hug….
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I dont like to put lines together until the teams roster is set. It would be nice for the kings to either sign or trade for another forward because j williams and gagne both have had a lot of injuries in the past years and we need more depth. Dustin penner needs to get in shape and care about his job and i feel he’ll do that next season and he’ll be more effective in possibly a first line role with kop and williams. RESIGN DOUGHTY AND GET IT OVER WITH and then carry on with other roster moves dean.
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jacob you said the same thing in about 10 different ways, if hes that bad then who’s gonna trade for him? Penner has one year left on his deal and he knows if he doesnt come back in better shape hes not going to play, then how is he going to get paid? He learned those ways playing in edmonton where the rest of his team was as terrible as he was, the other kings players will pick him up and demand he play better otherwise hes out.
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DesertKing Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:34 pm
@
Weekes22,
And if Penner fails to perform well, then we let him go unsigned and apply his salary to someone else, preferably Parise.
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jacob Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:50 pm
@Weekes22, yea weeksie one sentense i retyped twice by accident …. sorry …oops ……………. but yea he is that bad …. and its not about the goals he may socre or not score because like williams and kopi do all the work for him …. i just plain and simply want him off the team because of his bad defensive play …. quite honestly, its not the lack of offensive production he had with us .. its his slowness to keep up and lack of team commitment to defense
my point is we all know hes bad so cut your losses now rather than lose games because of him next season … i mean we already lost a playoff series to the sharks , and it had alot to do with him ……. so why ruin the begining of next year until we realize , yea this guys a dud ………… i say cut your losses now …. give the job to parse …. or trade for somebody
regarding gagne …… i think were all excited about the possibilities here …. but lets just remember he going to turn 32 this season ……. everybody , myself included, lets keep our expectations realistic for a guy of his age and injury history …. im very hopeful its going to be a very good signing …. but lets just stay grounded everyone
considering hes the same age as richards ….. i would much rather have gagne for 2 years then overpaying richards for 9 when for the last 7 years he will be declining rapidly
so in my opinion , in the long run, past these 2 years it will work out much better for us not to have richards here with that contract in three years
and yea weeksie, i tend to have ocd issues as well ….. lol lol
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CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:14 pm
@jacob, “Williams and Kopi do all the work for him.” Really? Then who helped him score 32 goals 2 years ago with Edmonton. He was the best player on that team and he didn’t have teammates like Kopi and Williams. He scored 15 more goals than his next closest teammate, and 22 points more than the next closest teammate. Yes he played very badly last year after coming over to the Kings, but he’s a big time player who the Kings need to come up big next year if we intend to go after the Stanley Cup. Period.
And this is coming from a guy who bashed Penner on this site every opportunity that I could towards the end of last season. Which, by the way, I will still do if he plays like he did last year for us, in which it appeared that he didn’t give a blank about anything.
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:24 pm
@jacob,
You type like my old friend Clippers. He used the period punctuations as a pause between sentences also, which made his posts easy to spot, but your not as rude and self serving. He was a little OCD also. Hope you stay polite.
As far as Penner goes, it’s too late to complain about him now, because the Kings have already made the commitment to see it through with him till camp. Your only chance is to wait till camp, and see if he comes in out of shape, or falls flat on his face because he sucks. Then your disdain for him might do some good (maybe).
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vancitykingsfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:17 am
@jacob, It dont matter how old u r…look at smyth 23 goals and he was playing with stoll. Gagne is a better skilled player than him and he is going to be playing witha better center….If gagne stays heathy he will get 30plus goals. age dont matter….look at the sedins sisters they sucked there whole career, now they are in there 30s and they are pretty much the top 5 players in the league…Im just saying age dont matter and if Gagne can stay heathy its gunna be 30plus goals. and fun to watch him play again…..
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jacob Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@Weekes22, and yes unloading penner to some sucker might be completely impossible …… i mean i sure as hell wouldnt take him for free , much less 4 million dollars ….. but who knows … some team may take a flyer on him considering we just gave up a first rounder and a prospect for him
i mean the bruins found lombardi regarding the kast year of sturms contract right ?
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@jacob, If he sucks,send him to manchester.
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@jacob, You sound more like someone who lost a fantasy championship because of Penner, whether you had him and needed him to score but he didn’t. Or you were facing him and thought you had it in the bag but then Penner scored one of the few points he had towards the end of the season to beat your fantasy team.
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OMG, now SJ sends Heatly to the Wild.
Didn’t they want Bernier? Send him to
the Wild with Penner for Heatly.
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Tony Granato Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:46 pm
@Spanky, two words: no thanks! playoff choke artist, no D, and a headcase to boot.
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CB14 Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@Tony Granato, You forgot to mention he’s a bad driver too. We don’t need another reckless driver in LA. We’ve got enough of them already.
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Scot Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:05 pm
@Tony Granato,
and a murderer!
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blahblah Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:48 pm
@Scot,
wow. youre going there?
Gmo Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 10:49 pm
@Spanky,
Penner and JB for Heatly? Are you nuts lol, hell no
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I think it is pretty funny th at after 2 weeks of intense blogging, numerous threads and more than 3000 posts we reached the following conclusions:
We didn’t want Gagne because we wanted BR or Cole or Leino of Jokinen but then wanted Gagne because of MR but then we didn’t want him because we were going for BR but when we didnt get BR and were happy about it we wanted Gagne because he was the only one left (?)
DL was great then was an idiot then he was great but became and idiot but ended up being a genius.
We wanted DD signed right away because he was indispensible, but he hasn’t signed and the longer it takes, the more willing we are to let him go.
What this all proves is that we live in America, and because of the actions of some brave men on July 4th, 1776, we can believe and say what we want in the greatest country in the world. Happy Birthday America!!
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:07 pm
@DesertKing,
They have a description for that.
Bipolar disorder — sometimes called manic-depressive disorder — causes mood swings that range from of the lows of depression to the highs of mania. When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts in the other direction, you may feel euphoric and full of energy. Mood shifts may only occur only a few times a year, or as often as several times a day. In some cases, bipolar disorder causes symptoms of depression and mania at the same time.
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matthew Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@Dominick,
Dang it Dom now i dont know whether I am bipolar, manic, depressed, patriotic or all of the above. It must mean that I am a King fan. GKG!
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Dominick Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:31 pm
@matthew, We both are. LOL
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:30 pm
@Dominick,
I may be 2 polar, does that count? Does that make me manic, but now I may panic. Now I’m getting depressed.
Yup. I believe that makes me a Kings fan. Good nite.
lol
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jacob Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:32 pm
@Dominick …………… i am him ……… no fooling …….. nice to see you again
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Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:05 am
@jacob,
I thought it was you. LOL
Nice to see Rich giving you another chance. Don’t get yourself booted this time.
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Dominick, Thats how I feel when I play fantasy sports.
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Mikey Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:34 am
@DesertKing,
Great post. We have the freedom to want instant results, regardless if its what we wanted or not. There was once “im pisses off, and im not going to take Ot any more.” Now its “I don’t like this, someone make a change NOW!”Now just my 86 cents (inflation)
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John Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:41 am
@DesertKing,
I wish you right & it was the greatest country in the world. But it’s a capitalist dystopia because we’ve completely ceded the rebellious spirit of July 4, 1776 to the corporations.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@John, Sad but true. At least we seam to be waking up one at a time.By the way HBO has a John Adams marathon today.Happy 4th kings fans!!!
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MacSwede Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:34 am
@DesertKing, You americans
I hope you realize that you are all europeans from the beginning 
The real true native americans that should be honored this day is the indians, or natives, or what you now call them. Dont forget that 
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rontheking Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@DesertKing,
I’m not willing to let DD go–I don’t care how much he demands! I’ll stalk him!
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Bama Kings Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@DesertKing, Not me. I’m happen exactly how things have gone and have been calling for DD’s trade for two months. Ship’em and receive a very hefty bounty, much better than is in the FA market.
Then sign an average D-Man (cause that is all DD was last year) and away we go.
I’m not saying Stamkos, but Parise would do. Hell, I’d take Stamkos and move Kopi to wing.
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what is JJ contract guys??
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@jacob, Spot on. It’s funny how some people just see the goals go in, and just expect some miracle save from a goalie. You could ask any player in the Kings or Sharks dressing room who the best player in that series was, and they’d all say QUICK. Quick is the back bone of this team. There was nothing he or Bernier could have done any better. The Kings left him out to dry many a time. Hopefully this year, we’ll have a healthy Kopitar, and I think Richards won’t be letting anybody score without paying a heavy price either.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
July 3rd, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@PP Anybody?, this was supposed to be a response to one of jaob’s earlier posts. Don’t know why it showed up down here.
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@jacob, If we had Kopi with us in the San Jose series we win it, the guy is huge in both ends…
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Some food for thought Regarding Penner and Semin..
“The Capitals acquired Brouwer in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks last week, and dealt goaltender Semyon Varlamov to the Colorado Avalanche on Friday.
“We will be able to resign Karl Alzner and Troy Brouwer so everyone who is amped up, please try to relax just a bit,” Capitals owner Ted Leonsis wrote on his blog, Ted’s Take, on Saturday, as quoted by the Post. “We will look to make some trades in the offseason maybe even sign another free agent. We will continue to look at all of our options. We may not be able to get anything done. We may be able to do something. Time will tell.”
It has been widely speculated that the Capitals could complete a significant move this summer, possibly as early as this coming week.
Various reports have linked the Capitals to actively shopping winger Alexander Semin, who has one-year left on his contract with a cap hit of $6.7 million.
The Capitals currently have just over $1 million in available cap space. Teams are allowed to go 10-percent over the cap during the off-season, but must fall within the cap by the start of the regular-season.”
-How far fetched does a Semin for Penner swap sound? Semin seems to have fallen out of favor in Wash., and Penner isn’t exactly the coach’s favorite here. Semin makes over 2 million dollars more, and his contract ends at the same time as Penner’s. Washington gets some cap relief in return, and also gets back a winger so they aren’t left with a huge hole in their line-up. Both players get a change of scenery, we pick up a guy who can score forty goals. If it doesn’t work out at the end of the year, no harm cause it would be at least a push with Penner. Not saying the caps would make thatn deal, cause they’ probably still need a little more cap space, but I think it might just be the right kind of deal left to be made for this team. Just a thought…
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Way off topic, random thought, since our primary logo is now the “baseball diamond” or “fraction” whatever you wana call it… Will the logo at center ice change?
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KH Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:24 am
@Jefreyryan, good questions. wish i knew the answers…
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jacob Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:40 am
@KH, that third jersey home plate thing is the stupidest ugliest thing ive ever seen …. absolutelky embarassing …. change it and or go full time with the purple ones ………… and okay everybody , ill layoff penner, but i had to get that off of my chest …. lets just say i really want him off the team, i dont believe he helps or is neutral …. i just believe he really really hurts us defensively …. enough said and i will move on …. i just believe salary dumping him somewhere for a low draft pick like a fourth rounder or something , just to dump his salary and then replacing him with somebody through trade is what this team really needs …. to me thats the last piece – replace penner with somebody with some speed and who can score 20 to 30 goals (parse?????) and we will be legit contenders
we basically are right now , but replacing penner with a capable top 6 forward is the move left to make to put this team over the top
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KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:56 am
@jacob, I agree about the home plate logo. Very disappointed in their choice to use that as the main uniform.
King Cobra Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:10 am
@jacob, Penner does score 20-30 goals on a crappy team. Let’s chill and see what he does. The home plate road sign nightmare logo is absolutely hideous!!! WORST ever!
Let’s start a petition to replace it, I am ready to sign.
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:51 am
@jacob, He needs a short scoring streak so we can get anything for him,and if that happens you now have a catch 22.If we are winning.
Off topic but VERY intriging!!! Reports are that Stamkos and Tampa Bay are growing further apart and Tampa may trade Stamkos. Witj that in mind what do you think of the following trade? Stoll, Bernier and Hickey Muzzin Martinez or Voynev (pick one) for Stamkos. If that deal ever happened we would a dynasty!!!
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WOW now that I posted that I can’t sleep!! We would doninate the Western Conference and to think how in the world could or power play ever be stopped!! Kopitar, Stamkos, Penner, Richards, Gagne, Williams, Brown plus Doughty, johnson, Martinez on defense. WOW!!!! Not even the Legendary Jaime Kompon could possibly screw that up!! Where’s the Kool Aid Deano?
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Just to get my two cents in…we have to re-sign Doughty…the longer this drags out the more nervous I get. I have to admit though, if DD is asking for 7+ mil a year then forget it. His cap hit AT MOST should be 6 mil per, but I really hope we get it done and get it done soon. Off topic…I read a rumor that Stamkos does not want to sign in Tampa and management is becoming more and more frustrated the longer this goes on. Supposedly they are beginning to realize that if negotiations don’t start to pick up and a deal is not close to being met then they may strongly consider trading him. Teams interested in acquiring him are supposedly Philly, Toronto, Boston, Chicago, and our Kings! If I’m DL I do this trade in a second IF the price isn’t too steep. It would be hard to pass on someone like Stamkos, but not if they ask for too much. We can’t trade the whole farm system and get rid of the majority of our roster. Who would we trade on the current roster and what package would we put together to try and acquire him? Very interesting indeed. I say nix the whole thing if it means giving up DD or Johnson. We need to keep our young defenseman. Trade 1 or 2 current forwards like a Penner and Brown or Penner and Williams along with prospects and picks. I didn’t think the Kings were going to be involved in much after signing Gagne, but I keep hearing them in rumors of trades and free agent signings. Should be very interesting leading up to the beginning of the season! GKG!
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Is it too early to start the: We Want Parise Committee?
Like, start sending a contingency to Devils games with signs reading: Come to LA, Parise!
Get his mind thinking about us.
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Where is Doughty??????????
I am beginning to get really nervous about this. Why have he not signed yet??? He is a very important player for us. He IS our key player in the defense, no matter that he had an off season last year (scored 40 points though!!).
I am hearing rumours that he wants to be the highest paid in the Kings, is that true? That sounds a little “diva” . I am not sure I like it. If that is true the will drop in popularity among the fans.
What are your thoughts? He wants to be paid more than Duncan Keith after he won the Norris!
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TM knows best who to play I will just sit and watch and listen to Bib and Jim and enjoy this team that DL and AEG put together for us. Muchas Gracias Amigos.
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Best team for the kings on paper that ive seen in a long long time. They are not even done yet, once Doughty signs ill be able to stop checking the internet 10 times a day for kings news.
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OnTheFly Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:27 am
@Kingfletch, Who you kidding…You wont stop. I even made Lakingsinsider my home page. Theres no stopping wont you start. Kings fan for life.
[Reply]
OnTheFly Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@OnTheFly, once you start
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@OnTheFly, My home page also.
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WTF! Why is everyone suggesting trading bernier away? Just stupid, we have one of the best and cheapest goalie tandems in the league, don’t mess with it. If we sign dough boy and the rest of our FA’s, we have a great chance at a solid run the way we are….
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paul 03 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:29 am
@Alan21, Agree,it.will.be.fun.to.watch.both.are..great.goalies!
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:59 am
@Alan21, i agree with u dont trade any of our good goalies they have been good to the Kings
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puck73 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@Alan21, I wasnt looking to trade Schenn away either, but when the Flyers offer you 26 year old Mike Richards…see ya Schenner. As far as Bernier goes, not looking to trade him, but if Uncle Lou calls and I’m Deano and he wants JB then I ask him…whattya got ?
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SLIM Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@puck73, I don’t see a trade just yet..
But quick will go before Bernier goes…
[Reply]
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@SLIM, disagree; Bernier is still unproven. Quick is reliable for a full season.
ksy57 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
@SLIM, I agree, Bernier is going to be a star!
Ducks, Sabers, Rangers, and Kings.
Teams that are starting the season in Europe.
Ever since the NHL began regular Europe starts, The Cup went to a European starter team. Pens, Hawks, Bruins.
So, which of the Ducks, Sabers, Rangers, and Kings has the best shot at the cup?
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:44 am
@Token, KINGS!!! LOL
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:51 am
@Token,
Out of that list I would honestly say us. Wow that’s pretty awesome.
[Reply]
Bill M. Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:12 am
@AZ King, Definitely us. Ducks have no D, and are a paper tiger if Hiller doesn’t get better. Sabres are also far too reliant on Miller. Sharks have fire power but some of it is slowing down, and again, NO D.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:56 am
@Bill M., Sabers actually look real good. Their D just got revamped.
I’m thinking the Sabers are stronger now than the Rangers. Only caveat on the Sabers is the cap. They gotta move a player before season start and get a backup for Miller.
Rangers D is weak. I think they’ll deal before the end of summer.
Ducks could surprise if Sbisa and Fowler blosom. Could happen.
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@Bill M., Ducks also haven’t made a single move to replace Teemu Selanne yet. It’s also no secret that they need to upgrade at least 3 of their bottom 6 (which they haven’t done either). Koivu, and Blake are starting to show their age, and they’ve only got Ellis if Hiller isn’t ready, because Emery is gone.
I was on Quisps websight and a lot of people seem to believe the Ducks are going to improve also. I’m just wondering what everybody is basing this off of, because the only move the Ducks have made so far is Foster for Sutton, and Foster will probably be in Syracuse next season.
Am I missing something here?
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@Token,
Kings for sure. If your theory holds true then we are predestined to take it, and the season is just a formality.
[Reply]
hockeygeoff247 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@Dominick, That is exactly what everyone in Vancouver was saying all last season and into the playoffs.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
@hockeygeoff247, Yeah, I wouldn’t take it that far. It’s a statistical anomaly.
‘Nucks, Wings, Hawks, Sharks will all be strong teams and if you look at CBJ, they got better overnight, like us.
It’s gonna be a fun ride and the West is gonna be tough once again.
I think TM starts out with Penner-Kopi-Williams as first line just for the simple fact of seeing if
Richards-Gagne-Brown has the chemistry we think they will. If not he puts Gagne on that first line.
[Reply]
Wow there must be a lot of perfect people on this blog. I mean the way a lot of you are going on about Penner would make me believe that none of you have ever left a bad impression on someone, or that you always do exactly what you boss expects you to do day in and day out with no exceptions. I wish I could be like you guys, but the fzct is guys like Penner, myself,and a few other people on here are human, and sometimes were not going to live up to other people’s expectations.
The bottom line is Penner is not going to make anyone else around him better. He needs skilled players that can get him the puck in the right situations so he can finish. He is not the most reliable guy defensively, but neither was Kopi until TM got a hold of him. Expecting him to be anything other than the kind of player he is is unfair and idiotic. It would be like you boss coming to you and saying “I know your not a numbers guy, but I need you to organize and project our company’s financial bugdet for the upcoming year. And even though this isn’t what you were hired to do, if you screw up you’re fired.” Seems pretty harsh to me. Maybe giving Penner a chance to play with Kopi for more than a handful of games, which he did pretty well already, wouldn’t be such a bad idea. That’s just me though, but I’m not perfect…
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:08 am
@AZ King,
LOL…That was ‘perfect’!!!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:44 am
@Gustavo,
LOL…….ditto………and “perfectly” beautiful too!
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:24 am
@AZ King,
Come on, man. Is it in his contract that he’d only play when Kopi was around? That if Kopi isn’t on the ice that its okay for him to take the night off? He’s a professional hockey player. And I, for one, expect him to play at the level expected of professional hockey player, especially one paid as high as he was. And no, I’m not asking for perfection.
As I’ve said before, the excuse that he played poorly after Kopi went down only goes so far. He just didn’t play poorly. He checked out completely. Did you see how he ‘played’ in the later part of the season and especially the playoffs? He wasn’t just having a bad game. He wasn’t even in the games, either mentally or with his heart.
Yes, let’s give him a chance, but if it’s apparent that he’s still Tin Man, the Kings need to make adjustments quickly.
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:47 am
@vplaza, I think you need to watch game 2 of the sharks series he showed up and played hard.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@vplaza,
DL’s assessment of Penner is a little different, and I am trusting DL on this one. He did an interview a little while ago about what’s going on with Penner, and he said that “Penner shows that he cares about all the right things”, and “that he does want to succeed”. I think he even mentioned that Penner is motivated. You seem to have already condemned him to failure, but DL’s assessment contradicts all your conclusions. Gary’s pretty much hit the nail on the head here, and I agree. I think he was just trying too hard, and cares too much.
The Kings have already made the choice to stand behind him, and DL is definately looking for Penner to play a huge roll in this next season, so I”m personally on board with it, and am excited to see what he brings to camp. Go Penner!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Dominick, I predict Penner will have one of his best years. Still wouldn’t resign him though. You either have the right character or you don’t. He showed clearly that if things aren’t his way he’ll coast out the season.
Michael J. Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:37 am
@AZ King,
You make some strong points. I also believe that the human element has a lot to do with how a player preforms on any given night. it was pretty obvious that something was wrong with Penner last season. Whether it was physical, mental, or emotional I do not know, but something was not right. I expect him to really turn things around this year.
It is unfortunate that there are so many on this blog who believe that these players are (or at least that the players should be) immune to injury, pain, and emotion. But, what should one expect when the sum total of one’s experience, in either leadership or management, consists of his NHL ’11 team.
[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@Michael J.,
Exactly.
Again, to me, it seemed like he was hesitating due to over thinking and lack of confidence. He was caring too much and unable to snap out of whatever it was that was causing him the problem. He for sure cared.
I’m telling you all, Penner was trying. Just trying way too hard. If you were watching him closely and able to see his expressions…look into his eyes after a play and after a mistake you’d see how much he cared and how much effort he was giving.
Those of you thinking otherwise are jumping to conclusions and mistaking his hesitation on the ice and being a step behind as him simply not trying. Which, if you want my opinion, is wrong.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@AZ King, i always leave a bad impression on everyone here..Most of them cant understand me or they want to hate me or they want to tell me how to write my sentences but thats okay doesnt mean i hate them i just get mad about it thats all.Sorry for the people that i might snap on but am only human ><..
Too Penner case i think he going to have a hell of a good season he has to last contract he gots to get paid.
[Reply]
LAPD Line Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:08 am
@AZ King, Actually it would be more like being traded to a new company in a different city, and then having your new boss say that to you…. not to mention 18,000 people looking over your shoulder, all of whom think they can do a better job than you.
Give Penner our support, I think he showed flashes of something very good with Kopi and Williams last year.
[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@AZ King, Penner gets a chance to make the squad/line just like everyone else. He’s been indoctrinated. Had 3/4 of a year to blend in and get his head/heart right. he starts with a clean slate and will be judged based on what we pay him and how much effort he puts in. End of Story. I wish him luck (selfishly) but we need to see some big improvements. Let’s not forget the criticisms we currently hear about Penner have preceeded our acquisition of him. Let’s see/hope he turns the ship around and proves us wrong. Otherwise, 3rd/4th line and pine are always there and show no bias.
[Reply]
jacob Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@crashin’ da net, guys all im stating is facts about justin penner
facts – these have been the 2 knocks on him for years now
fact 1 …….. hes too slow
fact 2 …….. he does not play defense – thats how he is able to score 20 -30 goals
if he does decide to play defense and play an honest game – then his goal totals will decrease significantly
some players are so good like kopi and justin wiiliams and dustin brown that they can play a solid two way game and still get 30 goals — penner is not one of these players
if he does decide to play a two way game , his goal totals would drop to arond 15
so take your pick 25 goals and no defense or 15 goals with defense
obviously i would take the 15 goal scenerio where he plays defense , but i highly doubt penner wants to be known as a 15 goal svscorer , and thats why he cheats offensively – besides even if we do luck out and we get the 15 goal , conciencious two way penner – hes still too slow …………. anyways , i was gonna drop it , but it seems we all cant get enough of this topic
[Reply]
jacob Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@jacob, lol i know …. dustin penner
While we’re not on the subject of building team chemistry in the locker room among all those responsibly for satisfying us, the rabid LA hockey fans….What about the drama, anxiety and negative energy that could result from the following concerns?
1. Penner’s conditioning / effort…(In my not so humble opinion, Penner will start the season with a bang that will make the media crown the LA Kings among the top 3-4 favorites to win it all)
2. Milke Richards allegedly propensity to dominate others around him (IMNSHO this is a baloney story created by locker room subbies to ‘Dr. Scholl’ C. Pronger)
3. Mr. Drew ‘Pudgy – Out of Shape – Wanna make More Money Than God – I’m Canadian Who Cares About Stupid US Fans, Just Give Me My McDonalds” Doughty’s delay? Isn’t it time someone tells him to ‘poop or getting off the pot’? Please allows team management to move on and trade your sorry and skillful ass to some eastern conference mediocre team where you can shine and make more money…or just make more money.
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:52 am
@Gustavo, Someone is mad at Mr Doughty eh.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@Bkrs-Bud,
I think he’s just worried that no one heard him the first 20 times.
I was exactly like that……….back when I was 10.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@Dominick, What millennium was that?
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@Token,
2009 tee hee hee.
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
@Dominick, lmao…
McCheese Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Bkrs-Bud, Somebody needs a hug
[Reply]
The home plate road sign nightmare logo is absolutely the WORST in the league! The black uniforms are cool, we just need to get the big crown on them or replace the road sign nightmare home plate logo with something great. Our team is amazing, our logo should be as well.
Petition to replace it. Are you guys ready to sign?
[Reply]
LAPD Line Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@King Cobra, I agree…. I like the colors, just not the logo. Look at this idea, using the old crown from the purple and gold days.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10214155@N05/5548653400/
Personally i dont see anything wrong with our current black, silver and purple home jerseys
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@LAPD Line, went to the link and it said the photo is private.
[Reply]
LAPD line Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@King Cobra, Sorry, fixed it…
king lopez Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@LAPD Line, that is crazy! I made a team on NHL 11 the other night and that’s is exactly what i made! WOW!
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@LAPD Line, I like it! You should email that to the front office…. Thanks
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@King Cobra, Sign my name.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@King Cobra,
Change it to an outline of a sheild, instead of the home plate road sign nightmare logo and I’m in.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Dominick, would be better. I can’t believe with all the designers in LA that is the best they could come up with…..
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@King Cobra,
Maybe Rich can do a Poll on this.
I’ve always liked The Shield logo because the sunglasses on the lion is sooooo subtly LA.
LittleRhody Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@IceGuy. Agree 100%. That was my favorite part also.
Who Knows? Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@King Cobra, I like it.
[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@King Cobra, that is awesome!
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@King Cobra, I’ll sign!! We need SOME color in it. If you remember the t-shirt they were selling during the playoffs last year, the only thing you could see on it was the Sharks logo. It really ‘popped’ since it was the only thing that was not black. I couldn’t buy it.
Look at the LAKINGS.com website. All the ads and the original pic of M. Richards in the Philly jersy really jump off the page. Otherwise it looks like an old movie, all black and white.
We NEED the purple.
[Reply]
jacob Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@LittleRhody, yea besides that stupid roadsign logo of ours, the so called blackout during the playoffs is another thing that some brain dead person came up with
hello , hello …… black dosent show up – makes the stands look empty if anything …. what dummy thought this up …….. u only do these whiteout things with colors that pop out at you like white in phoneix and winnipeg … orange in philly …………….. otherwise just give us white towels like the canucks do
anyways blackouts , along with our logo roadsigns are the two dumbest thiungs ever
[Reply]
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
@jacob, AGREED!
King Cobra Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
@LittleRhody, We need to ask Rich to do a poll asking if we should change the front home plate patch Logo on the black jersey’s . I know they won’t get rid of the black jersey itself, but maybe if we raise enough hell they will put something better on the front.
DO A POLL RICH!!??
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@King Cobra, Pretty nice, but I still like what we’ve had the last couple of years. The only thing I really don’t like is the 3rd jersey and sure enough if that isn’t the fricken one they want full time. Geez. I want a poll on this. I can’t believe we’re the only ones who think that home plate is crap.
[Reply]
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
@King Cobra, I’ll sign it. This thing has been painful as an alternate jersey; it looks like a road sign or the emblem for a junior high girl’s softball team. NOT happy with it.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 8:33 am
@mcsorleyfan, It has just gone from alternate to th main jersey so get ready for more pain
[Reply]
Heatley traded to Minnesota for Havlat.
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@SavebyCechmanek, Bad trade for San Jose IMO. Maybe there is some panic in SJ that they have to do something to shake up the team, but I can’t see how this helps them except perhaps in the locker room
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@BringbackButchGoring, agreed. Setoguchi and now Heatley? What are they doing? I don’t get it.
[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@Goring 19,
The Sharks got back a money player who’s still about as big as Heatley. He also scores big goals in defensive games. They also gain $2.5-mil in cap space.
SavebyCechmanek Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@SavebyCechmanek, Plus Havlat is a better 2 way player. I think they know they need to get a little grittier. And the 2.5 cap space is huge
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@SavebyCechmanek, he may have been a better 2 way player but it didn’t help the Wild
[Reply]
Rich,
Anything on whats taking DD so long? Im sure if u knew something we would be the 1st to know, but Im getting more worried with each passing day. Maybe they are waiting for Weber or Stamkos? Anything? Something? This is the best off season in a long time but it could go south real quick if a team offers DD an offer sheet.
Thanks for everything Rich and enjoy ur 4th. I’ll be checking back soon! Think I’ll need a 12 step program to stay away for this site.
[Reply]
Let’s make a pack and quit bagging on Penner.IMHO he will come back and have a banner (contract) year. He’s committed to coming back stronger and conditioned. That, alone, shows me alot.He’s proven that he has the talent, and Ifeel 30-35 goals is not a stretch. At this rate, with all the negativity towards him, he’s going to step on the icelooking like “Waldo” in the Van Halen “hot for teacher” video.For you young ones who don’t know what i’m talking about, pull it up on you-tube.Teacher’s not bad either
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@wideleft, Perhaps someone making 4 million a year shouldn’t be out of condition in the middle of the season in the first place….I mean c’mon they were running 45 second shifts for the guy. That’s pathetic.
[Reply]
ksy57 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, he was playing for Edmonton, why be in shape?
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@wideleft, haha I remember that video when MTV used to actually play videos. Saw Van Halen from the 11th row back then, my ears are still ringing.
[Reply]
Dammit, this blog gets all messed up once we hit 400 posts in a topic.
Ritch should have a script that fires off a new topic for us folks with no lives outside Kings banter.
Waaaaaaaaaaaa!
OK, I feel much better. I’m gonna go marinate the porterhouse steak for a bit.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@Token, you can’t go wrong with a porterhouse, it’s very underrated. BBQ burgers and hot dogs here today per the kids request.
[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Token,
Marinate porterhouse steak? You’re going to MARINATE it?
Either the meat is supermarket select or you’re some kinda frigging communist.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@tuan jim, communist? nyet!
[Reply]
Token Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
@tuan jim, Um, yeah. I grew up behind the iron curtain. Fled in 84 westward.
Yes I do marinate beef. My current fancy is a Caribbean Jerk marinade.
Unless it’s aged beef with a coating of good green fuzzy bacteria and mold on it, it gets marinated, comrade Tuan Jim.
[Reply]
Happy Independence Day America,and to you Rich and all Kings fans.
[Reply]
@jacob, Jacob, Jacob, Jacob…Dont you know that I am the official guy on this site that gets to throw sand in @poormans face ? lol Anyway, give em hell @jacob !
[Reply]
Happy 4th of July fellow bloggers. I will be giving my money to Frank and Jamie tonite. That’s right I will be at blue heaven with my girl and another couple, club level seats ! BTW, remember, Kings night at Dodger Stadium is July 29 I do believe, so I was hoping that some of the crew can get together and hang out that night at the stadium. Hey @poorman, this is your chance to finally meet me again after all these years, so dont miss your chance before you move on to the Big Apple !
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@puck73,
Happy 4th buddy.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:26 am
@puck73, Happy 4th my friend! Enjoy the game!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@puck73,
Have fun. And be careful
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@puck73, Happy 4th and enjoy the show.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@puck73,
Happy 4th & have a great time at the Ravine tonite, Good talking to you on the phone the other day & enjoy the hotel!
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@puck73, Happy 4th! It is the 5th over here now, but I had a little celebration yesterday. I had to go to a fancy import shop, but I found a Budweiser. Dean already supplied the fireworks. Have a good one guys.
[Reply]
kingsfaninsb Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 1:24 am
@puck73, man dodgers suck. the kings and dodgers are goin in opposite directions. rough to be a dodger fan.
[Reply]
Knowing that Richards, Gagne, and Williams do know each other and they have played with each other it seems pretty obvious those three should be on a line together.
[Reply]
and to you also. My fireworks came early thie year. thanks DL
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@jet, It sure would be great to have Dean over for a bbq, I could talk hockey with that guy all afternoon !
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@puck73, Pictures pucks73 yawning at 2am saying to himself … enough with the boxes I need some sleep.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@KC23, 2am, that would cover box 1. hey it would be fun to talk to him.
Let’s just get Doughty signed already! The guy is a world class talent that I think gets overlooked by some Kings fans. Keep in mind he is 21. He made the damn Canadian Olympic team at 20. Anybody that draws comparisons to Ray Bourque is fine with me. Please no more weight jokes!…God forbid if he reads this blog!
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@hockeysureshot,
I’m with you…he can have all the dollars and doughnuts he wants.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@rontheking, Dean’s last offer included Randy’s donuts
[Reply]
Who Knows? Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@hockeysureshot, I think a Tim Horton’s franchise might be a deal breaker here.
[Reply]
kingsfaninsb Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 1:25 am
@Who Knows?, hahaha those timbits are killer. they will take anyone down
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@hockeysureshot, You would actually think an NHL player would read this? If they would you are concerned about his feelings? If that is the case weight is the least of his concerns.
I will say I agree that the whole weight issue is asinine. Where does it come from? His junior years? Has anyone ever seen DD? Does he look fat? He was 5th in the league for minuets played a game at 25:38! Only 4 players in the whole league averaged more mins per game! Also to note his production went up in the second half of the season, players with conditioning issues always have their production always tail off. He had a tough first half with the concussion, period.
[Reply]
I still like keeping Stoll and Williams on the same line. Maybe plug in Cliffy or Ricardson in Simmonds spot.
Either way, have options.
[Reply]
Can any one else imagine next year when we sign Parisie what our top 3 lines look like!
Parisie Kopitar Williams
Gagne Richards Brown
Penner Stoll Lewis/Lotki
[Reply]
Here it is July 4th and I’m jonesing for Kings hockey. “Help me Obi Bob Miller, you’re my only hope.” lol I wonder what Bob and Jim are doing today?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@Goring 19,
I’m still wanting to know what they think of all our trades & signing. I think that would be interesting to read/hear.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Would love to hear Foxies breakdowns with some video replays on Richards and Gagne scoring some goals against the Kings. LOL
[Reply]
Doughty for Stamkos? Hmmm..well that’s interesting
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@exqueezme, Trading away a franchise defendemen would be a mistake, Yours truly George Maguirre Former GM of your Los Angeles Kings (Now Deceased)
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@puck73, that’s happened in this franchise? Really? When? Oh and I’m glad the former GMs didn’t trade away number 1 picks for has-been over the hill players in the twilight of their careers either.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@Goring 19, Larry Murphy….He turned out sorta good.
jet Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Goring 19, could we add in Sydor, Boucher, Zitnik, Berg, Redmond, Kennedy, blake, oh I am starting to get sick.
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@puck73, First round pick to Buffalo for late 30ish Rick Martin, First round pick-Phil Housley, not so good of a trade for Kings
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@Goring 19, That’s just cruel bringing that back up. Cruel cruel cruel. That’s like a Detroit fan bringing up Dionne. Bet that made you smile.
jet Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@Goring 19, I think that was Korab for Housley. and I had almost gotten the taste out of mouthh from that one. Thanks alot.
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@puck73, my mistake, that would be the Kings trading a first round pick to Buffalo for an over the hill Rick Martin. They did not select Phil Housley. It was Tom Barraso. My bad. Rick Martin played a whopping 4 games for the Kings. What a great deal, a first round pick for that.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@puck73, and let’s not forget the trade of a first round pick to Boston, we got goaltender Ron Graham (anyone remember him?). They got Ray Borque. In all fairness to the GMs of the past, I would venture to say these things from the past were probably a result of Mr. Cooke’s meddling.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@Goring 19, Stop it!!! Painful memories.
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
@Goring 19,
My mother really likes Ricky Martines music, and she thinks he’s sexy. Bwwaaahhhaaahhhaaaha.
Oh! were you talking hockey? I can’t hear you with my fingers in my ears.
Osaka Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@puck73, True, a franchise defenseman theoretically is the most valued piece of any franchise. You are assuming though that DD is or will be a franchise defenseman. I think he is very good and could be a franchise defenseman but he still has some issues to address. Larry Murphy, Ray Borque, Lidstrom all have a professional about them that was second to none. I know DD is young but I don’t see it with him. I do see it with Stamkos. It is what takes the guy to the next level
Like I said DD is young and a hell of a lot more mature at 21 than I was. I don’t want to trade him but if there was a player in the league I would trade him for it would be Stamkos.
[Reply]
Who Knows? Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@exqueezme, No!
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@exqueezme, If we didn’t already have Kopi and Richards, I’d consider it. But we don’t need another center.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@exqueezme,
Not a chance. They are represented by the same management team. They are probably working together to squeeze the most they can out of the Kings and the Lightning. Once Stamkos signs Doughty will follow within 48 hours.
[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@exqueezme, in a new york heartbeat.
[Reply]
gustavo Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@exqueezme,
Yeah right…How long would S. Stamkos last in TM’s two way system? When SS ever played any defense?
Naaahh, as much as I get a kick out of bagging on Drew ‘Doughnut’ Doughty for making us all wait for him to sign on the dotted line, I do not see this as a good trade for our team.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@exqueezme, If you look what kind of kid each guy is, I would take Stamkos. He has figured out what it takes to be a professional. He works out with Gary Roberts each summer, hard working, soft spoken, humble….. The kid will be in the league for years to come. I can see DD being a franchise defenseman someday (not there yet) but it is hardly a sure thing. I am not bagging on DD, he is a great player, I would just choose Stamkos over him.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@Osaka, But where would he play now that we’ve got Richards? All 3 of those centers would need to play at least 20 minutes a night, and playing either Richards or Kopi on LW takes away from how good they are defensivly. Would you put Stamkos on Kopi’s right wing? I wouldn’t hate it, but I’m just not sure how he would take to it. At least Brad Richards had played a full season at LW.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@CB14, Your right, we would be clogged down the middle. Although Mike Richards has played wing. Hopefully DD will be with us for a long time, but if Stamkos was offered for him I would have to jump.
CB14 Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@Osaka, Good to know about Richards playing LW. I guess the question of whether or not to trade DD comes down to money. If he wants 8 mil a year, I don’t see anyway he gets that from DL right now. I wouldn’t even want to give him Kopi money right now, unless it’s to match an offer sheet. Lets just hope this thing doesn’t drag on into September.
Here’s an interesting possiblility. Why not trade Stoll, Parse, Muzzin Voynev Hickey or Martinez (just 1) and Berneier for Stamkos? It was make an instant Cup favorite PLUS keep our “core” players there for many years to come!! It would be like the old Islander or Oilers dynasty of years past!! We can sign a Marty Turco or Nabokov to back up Quicker and just think how AWESOME of PP would be!!
[Reply]
What I find funny is that both TB and the Kings are ran by Leiwekes and both DD and Stamkos have the same agent.
[Reply]
BigSeeGas Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Who Knows?, I like the sound of that trade. I think we are stacked defensively and doughty is a d man that produces offense. With stamkos on the powerplay we wouldn’t need doughy so much. Then trade someone like Loki or Richardson or I would go as far as Clifford for a solid d man that can help us hold leads. Don’t know what everyone else thinks but it sounded good when I started to dream about it. It’s hard though because I am a drew fan.
[Reply]
OK no more Penner and Doughty bashing. I think all’s we had here was failure to communicate, so any man coming into camp out of shape gets a night in the Box, any man not giving 100% every night gets a night in the box, their minds ain’t right, and when a mans mind ain’t right you have to make it right. Sorry, watching Cool Hand Luke
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@Ravens,
Ya gotta love Paul Newman!
[Reply]
gustavo Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Ravens,
LOL…do not leave that tray of hard boiled eggs around ‘you know who’ (DD)..:)
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@gustavo, Do you call DD fat in every comment you write? Cause it sure seems that way to me.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@gustavo, Uggghhh, give it a rest already.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Dominick, Here Here.
CB14 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@Ravens, Shakin the tree here Boss, shakin the tree.
Sometimes nothin can be a real cool hand.
Some men you just can’t reach, so you get what we got here last week, which is the way he wants it, well, he gets it. I don’t like it any more then you men.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@Ravens, But, a man also has to know his limitations
[Reply]
YoBro Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@Ravens, Shakin’the bush Boss,, Shakin’ the bush!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 8:16 am
@Ravens,
I need my car washed.
[Reply]
Randy Jones signed with Winnipeg!
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@Steve W, Good maybe we can rest some of our forwards the night we play them.
[Reply]
OCkingsFAN Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@Ravens, hahahaha randy jones…hahahaha
[Reply]
anonandonanon Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@Steve W, Have you ever counted the number of Kings prospects, draftees and contracted players that are routinely ridiculed here that somehow are still in the league? Almost every team has a go-to guy. Even Brent Sopel is still around, and contributing. But during the Taylor purge he was always deemed a huge mistake. And Brian Boyle with 20 plus, as Dick sez, “Oh Myyyyy!”
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@anonandonanon, That is because when a so-so player can’t crack the top 6 of his team and goes to one which doesn’t have those experienced players,he makes them better because he can crack the top 6. Also, he play play in a position that fits him, because there won’t be other players ahead of him in the pecking order.
[Reply]
billanthony Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@anonandonanon, Obviously Sopel is a legitimate pro. When I think of his “career” with the Kings I see it as part of an unfortunate pattern in hopefully it’s final throes. Trade away draft picks/prospects for a pure rental role player in last gasp hopes of a playoff run, then an immediate and complete late season collapse.
As for talent moving on, it speaks positively of the Kings ability to recognize, stockpile, and to some degree develop talent. The economics of the hard cap means teams can’t afford “spare” NHL-ready top six forwards. Choices have to be made, and exact numbers come into account. No knock at all on Dave Taylor, he’ll always be regarded as a great King, but with all due respect, and for reasons that far preceded his tenure, at the time that ended the whole thing needed a long overdue full overhaul.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
@anonandonanon, Randy Jones is and was the worst king in history…..
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
@Steve W, I can’t believe teams keep signing Jones! The guy is the worst d man in the league! I usually don’t bash players much, but this guy lost play off-games for us. I have never seen such a pathetic player be so afraid of the puck. Every time he had the puck he could not wait to get rid of it in a total panic! THANK GOD he is no longer a King……
[Reply]
what is the best source to stay on top of these trades? Any suggestions –anybody?
Happy Fourth to my fellow LAK fans
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@jess,
Aside from NHL.com and TSN.ca/NHL, The fourth period is a pretty good site.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@AZ King, thanks AZ!
[Reply]
jmsalsa Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@jess,
I signed up for twitter. The TSN guys are constantly sending out updates on stuff – pretty much ahead of everyone else.
@TSNBobMcKenzie
@DarrenDreger
and while you’re there grab rich’s twitter feed too: @lakingsinsider
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@jess, Stay away from Eklund..he’s like a crack dealer.
[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@jess, http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/hockey/movements.cgi?none
[Reply]
Heatley to Wild for Havlat. Havlat is a great playyer, but it’s a questionable trade. Hopefully, this move weakens those Sharks.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Alexb20, Heatley did nothing in the playoffs. I think that’s why they traded him.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@Alexb20, I think it helps them, addition by subtraction. They are a better team just not having him, then to add Havlat’s speed is huge.
[Reply]
Muelch Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 2:30 am
@Alexb20, I think it makes them worse. Havlat probably does fit more properly into their system, but Heatley is definitely the better player. This might make them more balanced, but it reduces the overall skill of their team.
[Reply]
Alexb20 Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Muelch, Yeah, I agree. Havlat has speed, and definite skill, but he definitely isn’t the sniper that Heatley can be. I also agree, however, that he didn’t show up when the Sharks needed him to show up. I suppose we shall see as the season progresses.
[Reply]
Geez Kings fans! Way to be greedy. It isn’t enough to finally have a top 6 corps whjere each guy has scored 30 before, you have to want Parise too! Give me a break. Appreciate what we have here. This is a winner. Don’t trade anyone else DL! You’re doing great.
[Reply]
While it is fun to create the #1 and #2 lines for the team, we all know that TM can’t keep from changing lines up for an entire period let alone a whole game, so does any of this really matter? We finally have a very solid top 6, a d to be proud of and one of the best goaltending duo’s in the league….the future looks bright.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@Blueline, So true. I wonder if we’ll ever see Clifford – Richards – Brown. Be a lot of nervous hockey players with their heads up and on a swivel.
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@KC23, nope, we will see Gagne and Richards (pick the LW), along with Williams and Kopi (pick the LW), with Clifford, Stoll (pick the RW) then the gamble starts with who do we need every night out there.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
@Harty, Yeah, I realise that, but was making the point of how TM juggles lines and how it would be interesting to see the one mentioned because of their ruff naturedness. Then again Clifford did seem to start to come of age in the playoffs last year and be a lot more effect offensively. Stranger things have happened.
red49er Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@KC23, If they set up that line of Clifford, Richards and Brown for more than a weekend I’m not gonna just watch every game – I’m gonna watch every game twice!
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
@red49er, Just like the opponents will have to do, because they will have been hit so many times they’ll have forgotten what happened.
Nashville stole Bergfors for $575,000! We could of grabbed him for 600,000. Oh well, I just like that kid, we are pretty set but Bergfors on the 3rd line 15-20 goals and he is pretty gritty.
[Reply]
Hey 6 days to camp. will Grist, Elliot, and Legacy be there? Rich, can you post a roster and schedule? Ok, back to the party.
[Reply]
Over the weekend, I got in a big debate with my friends over Kopitar and where he ranks amongst the other centers in the league. All of my friends that I was talking about with were either Leaf or Habs fans, so they barely know anything about Kopitar.
I said he was in the top 5 centermen in the league. What do you guys think? I think I have a valid point. The centermen that first come to mind, don’t have the defensive skill set Kopitar does, and he is never injured (i know – no need to say it)
Happy belated Canada Day to the fellow Canadian readers
and Happy 4th of July to the Americans
Go Kings!
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@kevin from toronto, depends on what you want in your center. Two way center or a pure scorer.
[Reply]
Joemv8 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@kevin from toronto,
Man I agree. I`m out on the east coast and people laugh when I tell them how good Kopitar is. They simply don`t know because he plays on the west coast and it`s not in Canada. He is the total package. Size, speed, skill and play both ends of the ice. He will really benefit with Richards there because it will give them 2 scoring lines that they need to take them to the next level. I would even say Kopi is in the top 3 centers in the league.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@kevin from toronto,
You’re right, he’s most definitely already a top 5 two-way center, and how old is he? Just wait till he’s entering his prime!
[Reply]
Doughty2Richards Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@John, I’d say the top 5 centers in the league are Crosby, Malkin, Backstrom, Sedin and Kopitar. Honorable mentions to Getzlaf, Staal, Sedin, Kesler, Lecaviliar and Thornton.
[Reply]
Doughty2Richards Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@Doughty2Richards, Totally forgot to put Pavel in my list! Doh! I’d replace Sedin with Datsyuk
CB14 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Doughty2Richards, I would Stamkos on that list as well. Certainly ahead of Lecavalier.
kingCow Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@kevin from toronto,
As far as, two way, centers go??? I would go as far as to say Kopi is in the top three.
( in no particular order )
Pavel Datsyuk
Anze Kopitar
Sidney Crosbey
In my opinion, Datsyuk and Crosby have the better offensive prowess, and also play good D. Kopi plays the better D,than the other two, and has pretty damn good offense. He just doesn’t score nearly as many goals. (he needs to pull the trigger more often.)
I can’t think of many more that play equal, or better defense, than Kopitar. I don’t know. Just my 2 cents.
If it is pure offensive talent?? I would put Kopi somewhere in the top ten at the very least.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@kevin from toronto, You are talking about two way centers so lets leave out Sendin, Malkin, Ribeiro, Backstrom, Stamkos, and Brad richards. Guys like Crosby, Datsyuk, Toews, Staal, Getzlaf, Kesler, Thorton, Mikko Koivu….. Two way centers I would say Kopi is maybe in the top 5 or 6.
[Reply]
kevin from toronto Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@Osaka, I don’t think Ribeiro is even in the top 20…
I think the debate was just – who is the best overall. there are some centers that have what Kopitar doesn’t and vice versa. I think though that Kopitar’s all around game, on and off the puck, are in the top 5. I asked myself “am i just being biased because i’m a big kings fan?”, and i don’t think i was.
he is one of the strongest guys on the puck i’ve ever seen.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@kevin from toronto, Kopi, Crosby, Datsyuk, Toews, Staal, Getzlaf, Kesler, and Thorton. I can’t pick a top 5 from that eight, it wouldn’t be wrong to say any of them are in the top 5.
Can Doughty sign already, I get more nervous by the hour!
[Reply]
Penner-Kopi-Brown
Gagne-Richards-Williams
Clifford-Stoll-Lewis
Parse-Richardson-Westgarth
PK-
Gagne-Richards
Kopi-Brown
PP#1
Gagne-Kopi-Penner or Williams, JJ and Stoll
PP#2
Parse-Richards-Brown, Doughty and Martinez
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@Player-X, Going with the all Philly line eh.
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
@Osaka, Exactly, and also Penner and Brown gonna make just a little room for Kopi, doncha think? Try matching Kopi and all you get is PAIN…
[Reply]
jacob Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
@Player-X, sweet sleestack
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@Player-X, Switch Doughty and Stoll.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 12:01 am
@Bkrs-Bud,
On the PP.
I probably should of rearranged mine so Stoll could play that left point, but I think Richards is a better option on the left point, so I figured maybe try Stoll on the right opposite JJ, and Richards on the left opposite DD. Unless Stoll plays center, then switch out Martinez.
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@Dominick, I wouldn’t mind Stoll on the first pp.unit but he misses the net way to often you can’t get rebound chances when your point men miss the net.I do not know enough about richards pp talent so i defer to your knowledge on him.I can’t stand it man i wish it was OCTOBER,I am really excited to see the team play and how the roster shapes up.
tornado12 Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
@Player-X, why Westie? because you want him or because you know TM will always dress him?
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 5:55 am
@tornado12, mostly cuz of TM, but he has shown some skating ability late in the season. 4th line minutes but also sub him out for the occasional double shift for the hottest right wing that game, such as Brown, Murray likes to do that.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
@Player-X,
My version
Penner-Kopi-Brown
Gagne-Richards-Williams
Clifford-Stoll-?
Richardson-Lewis-Westgarth/?
Alternates
Parse/Lokti/Holloway/Westgarth/?
PK-
Lewis-Richards
Kopi-Stoll
PP#1
Gagne-Kopi-Williams, JJ/Richards and Stoll/DD
PP#2
Parse/Penner-Lokti/Stoll-Brown, JJ/Richards and DD/martinez
Note:
Westgarth is listed on the 4rth line, and the alternates (not by personal choice, but by the fact that he will play in at least 50 games this season, wether I like it or not, and that’s where I think he will go when he’s in the line up).
? mark is possible FA, Manchester player, or trade possibility that I believe is still on it’s way.
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 6:10 am
@Dominick, Isn’t it great that the Kings now have at least three reliable, effective and experienced PK tandems? Losing Zus and we still have an excellent set…
Also, Lewis centering the 4th is probably equally likely as Richardson there, just depends on Parse and who Murray feels like matching him wi9ht that day against any particular opponent (matchups)… Could be Parse Stoll and RW, or Parse Richardson and RW, or Parse Lewis and RW. I see you don’t have Parse in at all; I also am not sold on him but think they will give him a real long look, at least many games even if most games are at reduced minutes.
Did Richards paly point on PP at Philly? Only ptroblem is his faceoff percentage was 49.8, not terrible but Zus was 51.9… Kopi was 49.9 but Lewis was 39.2 by the way, yuck. Makes a big difference on PK, especially.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@Player-X,
I gree with you. A lot of differennt combos going and the permutations seem endless. I have Parse as an alternate. The alternates could play 5 games, they could play 50. I don’t think he will be set at a permenent pairing, but will be alternated like you said, for match ups, and to fill in for injuries which are bound to happen. He could very well work his way into a permenent pairing though, and make some one else the alternate (which would be awsome). I think he could even be Penners biggest threat in the line up, but we’ll see.
The face offs are one of my biggest concerns right now too. Maybe we should get Eddy O, or someone to come back and be a faceoff coach.
Happy 4th of July. Proud to be an American, proud to be a Kings fan.
[Reply]
will drew just sign already so i can order the new white jersey (already available for pre-order on shop.nhl.com) with his name on it?
and when are the legends retro jerseys gonna be available again… i think the fact that they’re nowhere to be found on the website leads me to believe that it will be released properly in the coming months
my serious debate on what to get:
white jersey = doughty
black jersey = brownie
purple (old homes) = kopitar (i shall retire this one since i got it signed)
legends purple & gold = kopitar
girlfriend:
black = clifford
[Reply]
Ravens Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
@Shakes, Black=Brownie
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
@Shakes,
Chances are you’ll have to become a Detroit or Toronto fan if you intend on wearing a jersey with Doughty’s name on it.
[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
@Gustavo, if he goes I want it to be the leafs. Wings games would be unbearable at staples
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 7:32 am
@Gustavo, Oooooooohhhhh puuuuuuleeeeeeezzzzzeeeeee!!!! @Gustavo = DRAMA!!!
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@Shotongoal, ease up on the guy, it DD’s agent
Shotongoal Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@Shotongoal, we ALL need to understand that this is a process. This is a young player who has already displayed his talents at the International and NHL level, and he is now in an important contract situation that will mold his financial and playing future for several years. Why would he or his agent do anything hastily, and , why would the Kings not think this thing out thouroughly also? I can’t believe the shortsightedness of some people here when it comes to this. I guess we got spoiled because Kopitar and J. Johnson got their contracts done so quickly. I just think its ridiculous and unbelievably so fickle of some to rip on Doughty when they don’t know all the facts. We as Kings fans are so fortunate to have this player on our roster, and now some want to rip on him for taking care of his future. WE as fans need to think as winners as much as we want the team to be winners. You don’t rip on your “franchise” player because he hasn’t signed his contract fast enough for some……
LittleRhody Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
@Shakes, Question and/or a comment:
Have you ordered a jersey from NLH.COM before? Reason I ask is a friend of mine ordered one and the name plate and some of the numbers were falling off when it arrived. (It was a Smyth jersey, so maybe it was a little forshadowing).
NHL.com offered to repair it but it would take several weeks. The TeamStore at Staples couldn’t help but they did mention that their stiching was better quality (although, what else would they say).
Thats the only experience I’ve had with NHL.com, so besides a possible ‘heds up’, I was wondering if you, or anyone, would say this was an exception, or unfortunately, more the norm?
(Go with the purple
)
[Reply]
mcsorleyfan Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
@LittleRhody, My wife got my DD at NHL.com; I got her JQ at Staples. hers is MUCH NICER. Shop at home, guys! I’ll never deal with NHL.com again.
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 2:41 am
@Shakes,
I wish I had money to buy a new jersey. Mine’s had more than it’s fair share of use. Broke college student woes.
You should get a Richards jersey.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 9:35 am
@FiG17,
Keeping my Robitaille purple and black.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Shakes, go with the purple throwback for Clifford. it just matches the eye color too perfect.
[Reply]
in case you guys missed it, the AEG “Welcome to LA, Brad” video has leaked. check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBqNlTudqkQ&feature=related
[Reply]
Black = Wayne. Oh wait (; haha jk
[Reply]
Anyone else worried about Williams and Penner on a line, leaving massive defensive gaps and making kopi work twice as hard to back check? Agreed it could be a great offensive force, but going the other way seems a little scary….
Regardless, loving the new additions, can’t wait.
[Reply]
I see Joe Piskula got a 2 year deal from Calgary. That dude got about 15 minutes here and done. I didn’t think he was that bad, we’re just set in the position.
Anyway..happy 4th everyone..
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@Cynic,
I remember when he signed here people were so happy with Lombardi’s aggressiveness. I think he had some ridiculous bonus clause that paid him $50K for playing like 3 games. Kind of upset some other GMs that were going after him. At the time, he was supposed to make a strong push for the following season, but nothing came of it. I dont even think he got an injury call up after those first few games at the end of that year.
[Reply]
boring
adjective
not interesting I’ve got a boring job in the office.
[Reply]
do all RFAs have arbitration rights?
[Reply]
PK Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
@tornado12, Good question? I doubt it. What would a player have to arbitrate if that player doesn’t have a contract? I can’t find anything online.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 11:20 pm
@tornado12,
NO.
Most players must have 4 years of NHL experience before they are eligible for salary arbitration (the term is reduced for those who signed their first NHL contract after the age of 20). The process is used by restricted free agents, because it is one of the few bargaining options available to them.
[Reply]
The Pacific will be wide open this year. Colorado is still rebuilding. Yotes lost most of their scoring and their goal tender. Bryzgalov always killed the Kings. San Jose is franticly searching for an answer and shopped away two of their best offensive players for more D. I think they can already here the footsteps, cause we’re coming. And the Smucks really have done nothing in the off-season and may lose Teemu, which obviously decrease’s their scoring depth.
[Reply]
Does anyone else feel drew may not sign here? I mean it just a gut feeling.. But I dunno what others are thinking
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 2:38 am
@Jefreyryan, Not to worry. Just typical GM/Agent high priced player haggling.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 7:28 am
@Jefreyryan, No not worried at all. I find it funny that some are ripping him for not signing yet, but Lewis, Martinez and Richardson are in the same boat and no one is smashing them. Now that most of the UFA stuff is done the RFA stuff should follow.
[Reply]
I watched some of the Flyers-Sabres series on NHL Network.
Mike Richards plays with a lotta frisk and I LUFF HEEM.
. . . However . . . when he hit one of the Buffalo defensemen, Richards bounced back like he’d just taken an exploding grenade in the face.
Talent and courage and grit are wonderful. But they’re no substitute for SIZE.
SIZE will stop a train. Common physics tells us that when two object collide with the same velocity, the object with greater mass will produce the greater change of direction in the other.
I want opposing players to collapse in fear when they see our behemoths coming at them. I want them to cower in their shadow, then curl up in fetal positions and suck their thumbs.
It’s a simple wish. I really ask for no more. SIZE.
[Reply]
Dave Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 12:15 am
@tuan jim, with size comes a lack of speed. dustin brown isn’t big but he knows how to use his body effectively. sometimes he ends up on his rear but the point is still made. the goal is still to dispossess the other team of the puck, not knock them through the boards.
i’d prefer a combination of speed, tenacity and toughness. forechecking is the key to the Kings scoring goals and adding a guy like Richards that is tenacious and reads the play so well will help a bunch.
i believe the #1 issue with the Kings last year (other than Kopitar’s injury) was skill. the team didn’t have enough guys that could create offense. it really showed on the power play when teams would just collapse and take away shooting lanes from the point. they knew the Kings lacked the skill to make a play. it didn’t help that the system put the skill guys on the wall either.
adding Richards, Gagne and Penner should really help the skill level. everyone in the top-6 has scored 30 goals before and all are still potting at least 20 per year consistently. now the Kings can still play their defensive game and have enough goal scorers to capitalize on their chances.
remember, this is a top-5 team defensively. now with a few more guys that can find the net if the Kings can just get into the top half of the league in goal scoring we will see a Cup contending team.
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Muelch Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 2:05 am
@Dave, Skill is great for the scoring lines, but it would be pretty irresponsible not to get a big defensive forward for the 3rd line. If we put Brown with Richardson and Clifford, and bring up Parse, we’d have 3 good scoring lines, but would still need a defensive line for those Shorthanded minutes and late game lead situations. Stoll and Lewis are good defensive forwards, but neither is all that tough. A defensive line needs to be able to match the ability of opponents scoring lines.
One of our best achievements for the past 2 years was that we almost never gave up 3rd period leads. Big and tough players on the low lines are to thank for that, because they can lean on the smaller opponents in late season late game situations when everyone is tired. We’ve lost 3 of those players this offseason in ‘Zus, Poni, and Simmonds. We need to replace that size, it’s the only element of this team that is lacking
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KC23 Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 2:58 am
@Muelch, The last two years in a row we lost in the first round due to blowing leads. There was virtually no scoring skill in the 3 players you mentioned we lost. Most people in the know say the big LA King weakness was team speed. We replaced Zues with Richards who can hit, has speed and good hands = huge improvement. Gagne replacing Smyth = big improvement in speed. Players like Simmonds and Poni come a dime a dozen.
My guess Holloway will fill in nicely on the RW. He’s had some success down in Manchester and should be about ready. Here is a sneak peek:
2009-10 Season: Recorded 47 points (19-28=47) and 26 penalty minutes in 76 games with the Monarchs…Led the Manchester team in assists (28) and points (47)…Tied for the team lead in unassisted goals (three)…Registered three three-point games…Tallied six points (2-4=6) during a four-game point streak from January 23-29…Collected seven points (1-6=7) over three games from February 5-13…Appeared in 16 games during the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs…Led the Monarchs in points (7-7=14) during the playoffs…Tied for the team lead in goals (seven) and assists (seven) during the post-season…Tied an AHL record for game-winning goals in one post-season with six…Scored the game-winning goal in each game of the Monarchs four-game sweep of the Portland Pirates…Recorded 11 points (6-5=11) during a 10-game scoring streak from April 16 to May 7, the second-longest streak of the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Dave Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@Muelch, i believe we will see Kopitar and Richards on the ice late in games as they are both very sound defensively.
tuan jim Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 7:50 am
@Dave,
Size does not equate to lack of speed. It so happens that Zus has size but isn’t fast.
But my point — which I raise every time I bring up this issue — is very like what Muelch says: In those crunch games at the end of the year, when teams are tired after a long season and are scrapping and clawing to get into the playoffs, those third periods are the times when you win or lose.
And for as long as I’ve followed hockey SIZE has been a significant determining factor in who wins those tough games. We had that size for the past two years and — regardless of what KC23 says about our blowing leads in the playoffs — we wouldn’t have gotten into the playoffs without our third-period performances over the season.
KC23 is right — that our one-and-done past two playoff series was based in part on our INability to keep third-period leads. But KC23 should likewise remember that our offense and power play — both of which are supposed to be “fixed” by importing more skilled and creative players — had no problems putting playoff points up on the board.
SIZE, guys. SIZE. Any coach will tell you that.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 9:30 am
@tuan jim, Size that can skate you have to be able to skate in the new nhl no more skiing grabbing,holding up and down the ice anymore and scoring talent for pp is a must with all the penalties being called.
Dave Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@tuan jim, you can’t really count last year as giving up leads in the playoffs because our best defensive forward was injured. everyone on the Kings staff has said that they missed Kopitar more defensively than offensively. Kopitar will be on the ice a lot in the third period. Richards is fantastic defensively as well and Stoll will be out there for every faceoff.
Holding leads won’t be an issue if the team is healthy. We still have our best face off guy (Stoll), our best defensive forward (kopitar) and we brought in one of the best two-way centermen in the league (Richards).
i just don’t see that we lost that much size either. Smyth wasn’t any sort of physical force, Handzus was pretty good at shutting some teams down but he struggled against quicker teams for obvious reasons. Richards will be just as good if not better than Handzus was in that regard. Plus Clifford will play more minutes this year which means more physicality.
The way I see it each line will have size. Penner and Kopitar on the first line – those two will be tough to handle. Brown and Richards aren’t really big but both play bigger than they are. Clifford on the third line (it remains to be seen who will be the RW on that line) and Westgarth on the 4th line.
so i think the concern about size is overblown and i actually think the Kings will be better defensively this year from the forwards than in the past with Richards and Gagne coming in and Stoll moving down to a move defensive role.
Dominick Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 12:16 am
@tuan jim,
Snot bubbles! I wanna see snot Bubbles!
Sometimes angle, and body position at the point of impact makes all the difference in the world. Brown can hit someone 40 pounds heavier, and send him flying, because Browns technique is perfect when he’s coming in on a guy.
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tuan jim Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 7:58 am
@Dominick,
When you have 6’5″ immensities, with fangs and one-eye — as Bill Cosby used to say — in the middle of their foreheads, you don’t need to perfect your technique or compute angles or points of impact.
I remember Don Perry’s coaching style when he was with the Kings. “Lay the ol’ lumber on ‘im.”
Obviously not a finesse-oriented style. But it was one he was able to use successfully enough to upset the Oilers in 1982, when we already had “skill” players like the Triple Crown Line.
Other things being equal, SIZE always produces an advantage. Our defensive game had SIZE to back it up. I don’t expect our defensive numbers to be quite as good this season without the Beasts we just lost.
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petemagoop Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@tuan jim, I’ve probably watched the Flyers last 280 games or so with a particular interest in Richards, don’t worry about him, he plays much bigger than he is and every opposing player has their head on a swivel when he’s out there–the Kings got the best Richards in hockey–trust me you’ll love him
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I’m not sue the Kings will employ a “shut down” 3rd line this season the way they did when they had Zus.
Their top 2 lines are manned by not only offensive talent, but skilled 2 way forwards.
I don’t see TM hesitating to go with Kopi or Richards late in the game with a lead…..
I think the 3rd line will be the nergy line this season, not the stopper line.
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puck73 Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 6:19 am
@nykingfan, Could this be the season we see you at frozen fury or a Hammond suite event ? Remember, my offer still stands, and their are many on the site who go to the games that look forward to finally meeting you Mr. Voice of reason !
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Arbitration Deadline today. 2pm.
Kings have 4 roster players with qualifying offers. One is the petite Swede so nothing there.
Kings have 9 players with QOs in the minors. One is the big Swede so nothing there.
And finally we have The Princes, with a greedy agent, who wants to be the highest paid King, or so the Internet murmurs go.
We have 17 players on the roster, not counting Fraser cuz he’s broke.
Signing our four roster RFAs (Doughty, Richie, Lewis, Martinez) takes us to 21.
This leaves room for two rookies to make the big club out of training camp. Not bad, last year we had six rookies.
And now the waiting.
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Player-X Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 7:29 am
@Token, Good info…
I personally think Doughty is worth 5.375 for two years, or however long the contract would be that takes him to UFA status. (If you know, I would be glad to find out) Let him earn, or not earn, a swing at the big fish market over the next few seasons. As of now, and I am just guessing as a layman, but of as of now I think Lombardi has the leverage because by just the numbers alone, I don’t see how an arbitrator could ever come up with Lidstrom/Kopi/Pronger money.
Doughty is worth the big bucks based on potential, but when based only on actual results, Doughty is nowhere near the elite and should therefore be nowhere near the elite on the pay scale.
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Token Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 8:38 am
@Player-X, DD would need a 6 year contract to get him to UFA. Basically, Kings own the leverage until he is 27 yo, and his December birthday doesn’t help him there. DD is not arbitration eligible. After next year (4th year on roster) he will be.
Question is; will DL have the brass to deal with another “hold out”, which eventually got him fired from the Sharks. Dean basically only needs to extend a qualifying offer no smaller than his previous years salary. But that won’t happen.
Lewis, Martinez, and Richardson are all arbitration eligible.
Ritchie went there last year but signed before the hearing.
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Player-X Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@Token, Thansk Token, sounds like bad news to me, this thing could go long, no?
Hi guys,
What do you think of this article I wrote about Mike Richards? I am intervuing a swedish writer who covers the Philadelphia Flyers.
Remember, it is written in swedish, here translated by google, so the sentences is a bit strange sometimes.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sv&u=http://www.svenskafans.com/nhl/losangeles/Vem-ar-Mike-Richards-408517.aspx&ei=JxoTTtioB4_usgby0bXwDg&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBoQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.svenskafans.com/nhl/losangeles/Vem-ar-Mike-Richards-408517.aspx%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1613%26bih%3D809%26prmd%3Divns
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rontheking Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@MacSwede,
Great intervue!
I’ve heard the rumors about the partying…but this is the first I’ve heard about Richard’s gambling addiction. Hopefully he won’t be spending too much time (and money) partying in close by Las Vegas…maybe he should skip Frozen Fury.
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MacSwede Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 10:32 am
@rontheking, sorry!! It is not gambling!! Stupid google translate..
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jacob Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@rontheking, lol ……. they are talking about gambling offensively in the game of hockey ……. not gambling , as in gambling in vegas
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MacSwede Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@rontheking and jacob, I looked at my swedish article now, and the word gambling stands for playing-form, or “type of play”. It is refering to penalty killing the first time the word occur, but I did not want to use the word penalty killing two times in a sentence. The second time it is referring to his play with gagne, the play well together in all parts of the rink, in all types of play (pk, pp etc.).
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jet Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@MacSwede, good stuff, thanks
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Off subject, but does anyone know the Developement Camp schedule for July 11-12 yet?
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I’ve heard of beating a dead horse. And I’ve heard of talking a horse down. And I’ve heard of talking to a dead horse.
But I’ve never heard of talking a horse to death…until now.
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DesertKing Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@rontheking,
Please refer to Shake’s epic post regarding the actual transcription of the Kings-Brad Richards meeting.
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God… we’re barely a few days into the boring parts of summer and I already can’t handle it!!! Lol
OCTOBER COME BACK TO MEEEEEE!!!!
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I got a feeling one of our young defensemen are going to allow us to trade for some strong RW debth.
I also don’t see Loktionov making the team this year. Coming off yet another injury, I definately wouldn’t put him on the big club yet.
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DO NOT BUY JERSEYS at STAPLES CENTER. All you have to do is turn it inside-out and you will see they are trash. The numbers are all glued on with no stitching at all done. There are 500 places that sell nice pro styled stitched on numbers for the same price or lower.
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Sebastian Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@Sauce, got a good source for jerseys? im in the market for one soon.
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@ Sebastian Rivercitysports.com has always done real good work. I have also use triple threat sports online orders and just sent them jerseys to have numbered and they do real good work so check out either and they are both done right.
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I think Brown and Richards are too much eggs in one basket; they play the same style. I’d like to see Brown, Kopi, and Penner because I want to see that “hail-marry pass” made by Kopitar to Brown against San Jose again.
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Lokti – Kopi-Brown …Gagne- Richards-Williams..
Parse- Stoll-Penner …Clifford-Richardson-Lewis..
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