Chemistry needed, and Pens’ lineup

First, here’s the roster that the Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to send to Kansas City for tomorrow’s game against the Kings…

FORWARDS
10-Mark Letestu; 11-Jordan Staal; 12-Richard Park; 14-Chris Kunitz; 18-James Neal; 25-Eric Tangradi; 27-Craig Adams; 28-Nick Johnson; 33-Steve MacIntyre; 46-Joe Vitale; 48-Tyler Kennedy; 71-Evgeni Malkin.

DEFENSEMEN
2-Matt Niskanen; 5-Deryk Engelland; 6-Ben Lovejoy; 7-Paul Martin; 37-Brian Strait; 70-Joseph Morrow; 78-Scott Harrington.

GOALIES
29-Marc-Andre Fleury; 39-Brad Thiessen.

As previously noted, the Kings will go with something of an unconventional set of lines and pairs tomorrow, even though after practice today, Terry Murray stressed the need for improved chemistry among the players. It’s not as though there won’t be more opportunities, though. The Kings play Wednesday in Denver, Friday and Anaheim and Saturday in Las Vegas, so it’s certain that most-established lines will be in place later in the week. Here’s what Murray said about last night’s game and the need for improvement…

MURRAY: “I kind of look at it as a lack of chemistry right now, looking at our top lines trying to get together and trying to become good lines. With Kopitar, Penner and Williams, I’m looking at two players who were injured at the end of the year and I’m looking at Dustin Penner, who came to us late in the season and is trying to go through almost a complete makeover in the offseason. So I’m looking for something good to happen off of that look. The same with Gagne, Richards and Brown. These are three players that haven’t played together before. Gags and Richards have, but you’ve got to get the line going. You’ve got to see them instinctively play the game, and I think we’re really out of sorts right now, when it comes to those plays that have to happen with good lines. So you have to work through it. You’ve got to go through difficult times and situations like last night, where maybe you’re
just out of kilter a little bit.”

82 Comments

  1. xeropoint says:

    Thirst.

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @xeropoint, LOL “I kind of look at it as a lack of chemistry right now”, so let’s scramble the lines around like a drunk chef and two dozen eggs and see what we come up with… What am I missing here??? :)

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @mash-ola, You’re not mising anything. I don’t get Murray either. He makes zero sense, 100% of the time. You stressed the need for improved chemistry and then you change up every line you have. What the heck?

    It makes no sense to me why he switched up the top 2 forward lines. Everyone knows they are your top 6 forwards, so why are you messing with the top 2 lines? It’s not like we have 5 top 6 forwards and he’s switching them around trying to find a 6th. If you’re trying to figure out who to keep between Parse, Lokti, and Hunter, put 2 of them out with Stoll each night and change them as you see fit. Don’t put them out there with Williams and Brown. It’s not a big deal if your 3rd line lacks offensive chemistry, but it is a HUGE deal if your top 2 lines lack offensive chemistry.

    I’ve been trying to understand his offensive coaching scheme for a long time, but frankly I’m convinced he has none. He just pulls 3 names out of a hat and puts them together. How a Head Coach that has been around this long doesn’t understand you need time to build chemistry, is beyond me. And don’t go saying that it’s just pre-season, pre-season is the time to gain that chemistry between linemates, and chemistry is key to a good line. Just look at the Sedin Sisters. They’ve been playing together their whole lives and can read each other like a book, that’s a big reason for their success. I know there’s no way to have that type of chemistry with these King players, but it would be nice for them to have SOME chemistry. Also, if you’re sitting guys so that you can play younger guys, sit them an entire line at a time, and chenge the lines that sit different games.

    [Reply]

    EASportsMgt Reply:

    @CB14, I think if you guys go back and read some of his remarks for doing things like this you will see its always been part of his preparation and I actually agree with it. If you were at the game Sunday you’ve noticed that several times a winger would dish a pass to an area not so much a person and another King was there to get the puck. Not always crisp but it works. So what Murray is doing is ensuring the system is there. That the players know where they’re supposed to be. That’s more important in Murray’s book right now. So once the system is engraved like second nature to Gagne and Richards when you put them back together its actually easier for them to find the chemistry. Because they’re not worrying about their position but rather get to play their game. So tomorrow is an opportunity to play the system without worrying about trying to do to much. I have no problem with this at all. It’s what preseason is for

    CB14 Reply:

    @EASportsMgt, I wasn’t at the game, but I caught the on-line stream of it. I understand the theory of teaching the new guys the system, but Gagne and Richards already played in this very system for some time in Philly. I think I recall both of them saying they did. Also, I wouldn’t be making such a big deal out of this if Murray didn’t totally contradict himself with him saying, “I kind of look at it as a lack of chemistry right now, looking at our top lines trying to get together and trying to become good lines.” Then going out in the next game and changing the top lines around. Plus, if they were playing with their normal linemates they would still be playing in the same system, so why not learn the system and chemistry at the same time? That makes more sense in my book.

    xeropoint Reply:

    @EASportsMgt

    This is a great point you bring up. Although, most of the time, these area passes are breakouts from along the boards. Forwards counter-pinching. A quick no look pass to an area in the middle, where the defenders are coming in to support. I can’t think of too many examples of this in the offensive zone, however and I think that’s where the rub is. This part of the Kings’ game is new and it’s gonna take time for them all to get down. It just seems like Murray is up to his old tricks, simply switching up the line combos, to some.
    The Kings are trying to work out a new style transition game. How many times did they go offsides from trying to carry the puck in? More than I saw in ANY game last season, to be sure. The learning curve, I think, is where there is now a huge gap between the forwards and defensemen; looking for stretch passes, gaining entry without enough support, etc.
    It will come. May take longer than we all would like. As far as the coach goes, you know what they say: familiarity breeds contempt.

    EASportsMgt Reply:

    @CB14, I understand your reasoning and it makes perfect sense. Kind of like kill two birds with one stone. I get it. But the reality is that in Murrays world all lines are interchangeable and every forward should be able to play with one another. I also understand the contradiction. These guys just need to build chemistry so let me see oh I know let’s seperate them and that will teach them. But I wouldn’t be surprised if by the end of the 1st period you see more conventional lines including the return of Richards and Gagne.

    CB14 Reply:

    @EASportsMgt, You’re right about the interchangeable parts, Murray does love that. I guess my mindset is that IMO the best line is one that’s played together for a long time and thus has chemistry together making each one of them better in the process. I know that’s just my theory on it, but it seems like it would make sense if you know your linemates like the back of your hand. Like last year with the alley-oop pass from Kopi to Brown. They had played together for a couple of years and I remember Brownie saying they had practiced that pass before and when he saw Kopi with the puck in the position they were in he knew exactly what Kopi was going to do with it, and the result was one of the best pass/goal combinations I’ve ever seen. That’s the type of stuff I like to see, passes to your teammate where you know he’ll be before he even gets there. The kind of plays that can only be made because they know each other so well out on the ice.

    red49er Reply:

    @CB14, is it chemistry or familiarity you’re looking for? Switching up gives everyone a chance to “click” with another, but limits how familiar you are with a line mate. Being able to move a player into a position/line they are experienced with when an injury does happen is also a huge positive. I also agree with hat trick its another way / angle to view or evaluate a player.

    Hat trick Reply:

    @mash-ola, I sorta thought the same thing when I first saw it but it makes sense now that I look at it. Practice is one thing but playing a real game is another. It’s the best time to get a real good look at someone. I don’t think the coaches have really seen some of these newer guys play before.

    Get a good look at em now and then pair it down to the final roster come regular season time. I’d rather this be happening now than later when it’s too late. Parse is pretty much gone so I think it’s really a good look now as to who will take that spot.

    [Reply]

  2. LBlocal says:

    Hey, Evgeni. Even though ‘Night Train’ is playing in Philly. Keep your head up. Окупаемости сука!

    gKg!

    [Reply]

    Jumblehead Reply:

    @LBlocal, This+1

    [Reply]

    Jay Reply:

    @LBlocal, Can we stop calling him “Night Train” now?

    Worst nickname ever. And now he doesn’t play for us. Move on. Hate that nickname.

    [Reply]

    LBlocal Reply:

    @Jay, That’s your issue, not mine. gKg!

    [Reply]

    EJ Reply:

    @LBlocal, it might be nice to have some respect.

    LBlocal Reply:

    @EJ, It has to do with the way the man plays, NOTHING else. http://youtu.be/DtFk2WJRhqw

    *WE WILL MISS HIM IN A KINGS UNIFORM*

    Tmik Reply:

    @Jay, Opinion statement is opinion.

    I for one like The night train, and even if he doesn’t play for us doesn’t mean I don’t respect and in many ways miss him already.

    Don’t state your opinion as fact for the whole blogosphere.

    [Reply]

    KH Reply:

    @Jay, Just because he’s African American doesn’t make the nickname “night train” racist if that’s your reasoning for not liking it. If we called Matt Greene the “White Train” would that be considered racist too?

    Now as for that banana thrown at simmonds, that was absolutely disgusting and a clear act of racism and personally made me angry as simmer is a total class act. I for one miss him a lot. He did go after Avery tonight which I appreciated

    [Reply]

    Choralone Reply:

    @Jay, For the record, I always hated that nickname too. It just sounds dumb.

    [Reply]

    Steve S. Reply:

    @LBlocal, remember that dirty hit on Simmonds by Malkin late in that game 2 seasons ago? Hope Wayne gets back one way or another…

    [Reply]

  3. wavesinair says:

    Que another Murray story from Scribe… ;)

    [Reply]

  4. Otto Ped says:

    Thecond?

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Otto Ped, lol

    [Reply]

  5. Cortex949 says:

    What does “released from pro tryout agreement” mean exactly? Like “bye, thanks for coming!” and then drive off and go apply at Walmart or something? No more real hockey plans after that?

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Cortex949, Yep.

    [Reply]

    EASportsMgt Reply:

    @Cortex949, no not true. Ray Macias was released from his pro contract with the Kings and signed that same day with an ECHL club in hopes of getting back at least to the AHL for another shot. If a guy like Hunter gets releases he may get signed by another NHL team if not he could certainly play in the A or go over to Europe.
    But yes for some players this may be their last chance and getting released means they hang them up.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @EASportsMgt, It is true in the context of Kings nor Monarchs nor Reign have signed the player so he is released to do whatever, and whatever is not Kings related. So Yep, was appropriate.

    [Reply]

    Cortex949 Reply:

    @Token, Yea that’s kinda what I meant. Like released and not obligated to play or report anywhere. That’s gottta be rough to get cut and have to figure out if u should try hockey still or get a 9 to 5 somewhere

  6. Kostamojen says:

    So let me get this right Murray. You say the top 6 needs to develop chemistry, and yet you destroy the top 6 lineup in this preseason game, destroying a chance to allow them to build said chemistry…I’m just saying…

    [Reply]

  7. neil says:

    Why do we(the fans)make a fuss about the lines……They will change often!!! During games….during winning streaks…during losing streaks…Its a way of life for this coach…

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @neil, Why make a fuss about anything? It’s a preseason for a reason. Work out the kinks.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @xeropoint,

    Why have a preseason if we can’t make a fuss? Why ask why? ;)

    [Reply]

    neil Reply:

    @DesertKing, I like to make a fuss about fans making a fuss….

    xeropoint Reply:

    @DesertKing, Well I suppose this is our preseason too. Getting prepared to complain about the 0-6 PP, what line # Brown should play on, how Parse is either an untapped scoring machine or mediocre journeyman, Doughty’s percieved greediness, Westgarth getting KO’d, DL doing anything, Murray doing (or lack of doing) anything… what else?

  8. edwood2 says:

    I love watching the waiver wire. In addition to our own Cliche and Clune, I see Steve Reinprecht, Keith Aucoin, TJ Henseck, Jonathan Cheechoo and Joe Piskula are all out of work. Especially surprised about Joe, he seemed to have a future…

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @edwood2, He had a lot of potential.. but the guy is 27 years old and he’s nearly at his peak with still not much to show for… It’s too bad, cos I always thought he’d make a solid 5-6 shutdown defenseman. Hope some other team gives him a look/chance.

    [Reply]

    Cortex949 Reply:

    @edwood2, Rewind a few seasons and I bet there was not one person thinking cheechoo would be in that list

    [Reply]

  9. rumpa#19 says:

    Simmons Scores Empty Netter!

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @rumpa#19, The guy in the late night weight loss infomercials with the 30 pounds of chicken fat on a platter?

    >:)

    [Reply]

    mash-ola Reply:

    @rumpa#19, Why can’t the Kings get a guy like Simmonds???

    [Reply]

    Harry Reply:

    @rumpa#19,

    He also called Avery a F******

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Harry, Possible payback for Avery calling Simmonds the-you know what word I’m thinking of? Avery’s been accused of it in the past. Not that it makes it right for Simmonds to use that word.

    [Reply]

    Harry Reply:

    @CB14,

    Coming from Avery, that can be possible.

  10. luc20rules says:

    If there are chemistry issues go to what the players have comfort with in the past. To start the season make this ajustment for the short term.
    1st line Gagne-Richards-Williams they all played in Philly together and should find the fastest chemistry. 2nd line Penner-Kopitar-Brown this combo may eventually be your #1, but for right now Penner-Kopi they aren’t on the same page. As for swapping Brown and Williams they are both vets and should be able to adjust to new lines in a couple of games.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @luc20rules, And I would add; put Cliffy on the fourth line and unleash him. None of this third line shut-down roll. Put Moreau there with his size and girth. Let the kid run wild on the left wing and see if he finds that special scoring touch he showed in the playoffs.

    [Reply]

    PurpleBlacknGold Reply:

    @luc20rules, I agree that those would probably work well to get the guys going. The good thing is, we are almost sure to see them at some point!

    [Reply]

  11. neil says:

    Last preseason game is a week from tomorrow…..

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @neil,

    On another continent…..Maybe they could play themselves on NHL 12 while on the plane and develop some chemistry that way with TM setting the lines then hitting the pause button and resetting the line then TM hitting the pause button and resetting the lines then TM hitting the pause button and resetting the lines then TM……..

    [Reply]

    Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:

    @DesertKing, hahaha save some time, sure :D

    [Reply]

  12. Hat trick says:

    Sorry TM but Brownie doesn’t belong on that line. He’s not your natural goal scorer no matter what he does. He’s a checker/shut down type player. That line needs a natural goal scorer like Williams And they’ve all played together before. Zach Parise would be perfect for that line.

    If you Insist on keeping Brownie in one of the top 2 lines, put up with Penner and Kopi. Then it’s just Penner who needs to get acclimated and that shouldn’t take too long.

    Gags-Richards-Williams and give em a few games and they’ll be all over the place (in a good way).

    Forget Westgarth put Lewis in for him on that line.

    [Reply]

    - ViC - Reply:

    @Hat trick, AMEN to that!

    [Reply]

    mattmonforton Reply:

    @Hat trick, gags and williams are both goal scorers. would make no sense.

    gagne is the goal scorer on the second line. brown drives the net. richards finds the open man.

    as far as the first line, williams will fit perfectly with penner and kopi as they are both big bodies who can drive the net and cause some havoc and williams can do what he does best – score.

    [Reply]

    mattmonforton Reply:

    @Hat trick, not to mention Brown led the team last season in Goals. The guy can finsih.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Hat trick, Brown lead the Kings in goals last year, he can’t score? He lead the team in goals 2 times in the last 4 years, finishing 2nd and 3rd in goals the other 2 years.

    [Reply]

    Hat trick Reply:

    @Hat trick, He certainly did have a decent year last year. Just my observation of watching him play over the years. I really do hope he has a great season this year.

    [Reply]

  13. Hat trick says:

    Clifford-Stoll-Moreau that’ll be the shutdown line. Richardson-Lokti-Lewis as the 4th line but that line should theoretically be the fastest line out of the 4. Instead of a 1-2 punch with Kopi’s and Richard’s line why not knock em out for good with the 3rd punch of the Richardson-Lokti-Lewis line? Richardson and Lewis might not be the goal scoring wonders of the NHL but look at what happened last season with that line and Simmonds. Best line of the playoffs imo.

    As long as our D is doing a solid job of shutting down the O (which they should be doing), should free up our forwards to concentrate more on scoring.

    [Reply]

    Ari Reply:

    @Hat trick, These two lines make the most sense to me too for the bottom 6,

    [Reply]

    Mikey Reply:

    @Hat trick, I concur. I really like Richardson on wing.

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @Hat trick, If you are going to put Moreau on the third line, I’d much rather it be

    Richardson – Stoll – Moreau

    And the fourth line of

    Clifford – Lokti – Lewis

    I think it’s too early to put Cliffy against the leagues top lines. You need experience for that.

    [Reply]

  14. Player-X says:

    Really baffled by why people are complaining about the lines with regard to chemistry, or the purported lack of time to develop chemistry. It’s a big-picture thing, obviously. 4 games in 5 nights, with nobody used to games much less back-to-back games, and guys are advocating using the stars starting in game one through game 4?

    The thinking is clearly to let guys play into the few remaining spots, sprinkle in some vets while they do so but not have those same vets risk injury by playing 4 games in 5 nights; then when the few spots are determined, settle the lines in, and let them play together once the roster is set. He’s taking advantage of a few games to make decisions, and then Murray will have more games to develop the chemistry among all the final teammates.

    Murray was talking about chemistry because he was asked about it; he was not using the idea of developing chemistry to justify to the blogosphere his lineup choices as guys are competing for roster spots.

    If Murray thinks there will be enough time for them to develop the chemistry before game one, I think he is a better judge than anyone. And, if Murray is also trying to juggle the need for chemistry with the need to define some tough choices on his final roster decisions, when else is he going to do it?

    Guys play into position and make the team, lines are decided, then you practice those lines and play those lines. So far, we are only at the point where he is still deciding who makes the team.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Player-X, All Murray has to do in order to give some guys rest is to rest a line at a time. In KC, Gagne-Richards-Brown gets a rest, the next game Penner-Kopi-Williams get a rest, and so on. He’s already sitting 2 top 6 forwards out, so what’s 1 more? Or if he doesn’t want to do that, simply keep the linemates together. King-RICHARDS-BROWN, PENNER-Stoll-WILLIAMS

    Murray wasn’t asked about chemistry, he brought it up when asked “about last night’s game and the need for improvement.” TM, “I kind of look at it as a lack of chemistry right now, looking at our top lines trying to get together and trying to become good lines.” Thus he sees the way to improve is to improve chemistry among the top 2 lines. Then he changes up the top 2 lines so much so that they aren’t even recognizable.

    “And, if Murray is also trying to juggle the need for chemistry with the need to define some tough choices on his final roster decisions, when else is he going to do it?” Simple, keep the top 2 lines together and mix and match the bottom 2 lines. Who cares if the 3rd and 4th line don’t have any chemistry? I don’t, because they aren’t the lines being counted on to put points on the board. The top 2 lines need the chemistry, so why break them up?

    “If Murray thinks there will be enough time for them to develop the chemistry before game one, I think he is a better judge than anyone.” The one thing, along with his offensive ineptitudes, that I won’t believe, is that Terry Murray knows about chemistry. How can he be the judge in chemistry if he’s constantly messing up any chemistry the linemates have by changing them around every game? Or should I say every period? And I’m basing that off of the past 3 years, not the pre-season.

    The top 2 lines were already decided, so now is the time to build chemistry. Use the bottom 2 lines to sort out who should make the team.

    [Reply]

  15. CB14 says:

    Terry got fired and Bryan got hired, when did this happen? LOL Look on the brightside people, mabye he’ll can Kompon! I can dream right? http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/26/3168643/sprint-center-sells-out-nhl-exhibition.html#ixzz1Z6bkdAN9

    [Reply]

    Brig33 Reply:

    @CB14, haha bryan murray lol. the really funny part is the marketing for the game. the billboards have crosby and doughty on them. poor kansas city lol

    [Reply]

  16. LGK!! says:

    I wonder who will shoot me the fastest…. but look at this lineup!

    Kopitar – Richards – Williams
    Gagne – Loktionov – Lewis
    Clifford – Stoll – Brown
    Penner – Moreau – Nolan

    [Reply]

    Who Knows? Reply:

    @LGK!!, Richards?

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @LGK!!,

    Penner & Brown may not want to shoot you, but I’m sure they’d like to clobber you to a pulp.

    [Reply]

    AZ King Reply:

    @LGK!!,

    Bang, bang

    Sotry, but no.

    Kopi is perfect at center, and putting him and Richards on the same lone doesn’t make sense.

    Penner and Brown don’t belong in the bottom 6 (Brown led the team in goals last year for crying out loud)

    And who is Nolan?

    [Reply]

  17. OCKingsFan says:

    Does anyone know if the game will be televised on versus or if they will have a live online stream of the game?

    [Reply]

  18. Subby says:

    This made me sad :[

    http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/09/kings-drew-doughty-dean-lombardi-tim-leiweke-nhl-.html

    [Reply]

    KFII Reply:

    @Subby, I for one, will welcome him back with open arms!!!

    [Reply]

  19. kinginsaltlake says:

    Get on the plane and fly to Kansas City, Drew

    [Reply]

    Brewhemoth Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake, I’ll buy the ticket for him.

    [Reply]

  20. BobMillersHair says:

    2 weeks in and we are already hitting panic button regading chemistry.
    RELAX….it will come.
    JUST GO OUT AND PLAY.

    [Reply]

  21. puck73 says:

    Just wanted to thank the people who came out to Nicks in Costa Mesa last night and they include the following…@ShotonGoal, @OnTheFly, @MichaelJ, @Goring19, @Wavesinair, @Kingfanone, @LittleRhody and his Gal Danielle, and @puck73 and his Gal Pati.
    The food was great and we hung out and talked Kings hockey for a couple of hours. Obviously this was totally differnt then a watch party, but solid none the less. I am really hoping this season that people on this site will take the puck and skate with it when it comes to organizing a Kings Game watch party all over So. Cal this season and believe me, I am going to try and attend as many as I can.
    See and talk to alot of you on friday and saturday !

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @puck73,

    Thanks again Mike for setting that up! Great time last nite, lots of great talk!

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @puck73, are we in Vegas yet??!!!

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Shotongoal,

    Yes, you are.

    Errrrrrrr……..keep your eyes closed! ;-)

    [Reply]

  22. KC23 says:

    Once again the east coast media don’t really have the pluse of Kings. Note the projected line ups. Even the easiest one, Doughty, has an asterist, but the asterist is defined saying “Unrestricted Free Agent”. Lewis is described as “far more offensive up side”. He’s got Loktionov as a winger.

    No clue, none.

    http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=589757

    [Reply]

  23. Jonathan says:

    I am jealous of you guys now, I hope the Cosby/ Richards rivalry continues. It was great to watch.

    [Reply]

    Zamboni Reply:

    @Jonathan, Crosby’s not playing…

    [Reply]

  24. I already miss Simmonds.

    [Reply]

  25. Zamboni says:

    This man makes no sense. Instead of blowing up the lines when the chemistry is struggling, try letting them work on it? Jeez.

    [Reply]

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