The Kings entered training camp with the idea that Scott Parse would hold down the third-line right-wing spot and play alongside Kyle Clifford and Jarret Stoll. Now, less than 10 days into camp, Terry Murray has expressed continued displeasure with Parse’s play. Could that spot be up for grabs? Could a player such as Brad Richardson or Ethan Moreau, or perhaps tryout winger Trent Hunter, step up and claim that spot? I asked Murray today whether he would say that there is now competition for that third-line spot…
MURRAY: “There’s always competition for those positions. I’m putting him in a situation with Stoll and Clifford and trying, and giving him some time, with some understanding that he missed the whole year last year, playing four games and a couple games in the playoffs. So I’m trying to give him a lot of time. There’s a little more compassion, I guess, with what I’m looking at, but at the same time, after a couple games I need more. I need more work. I need more skating. I need to see him moving his feet, just to show that, `Yeah, it’s starting to come, I’m starting to get my confidence, I want to handle the puck, I want to do the right things,’ and solidify this position on this line. He’s reluctant to grab ahold of it right now. So he’s not going to play in the game tomorrow, as we move into Kansas City. There will be a couple other guys getting some opportunities. That’s what our training camp is about now, to see where the other guys are going to fit.”
Hunter, in camp on a pro-tryout agreement after spending the summer recovering from a serious knee injury, has played in one preseason game already and will be in the lineup when the Kings play Pittsburgh in Kansas City on Tuesday, on a high-profile line with Dustin Penner and Mike Richards…
MURRAY: “I want to play him. I want to give him some more games and give him a fair opportunity. We’re moving him up in the lineup tomorrow, with the look that he will have, and he might play two, three more games out of these four games that we have left. I like what he’s done. He has come in and worked very hard. He’s coming off, obviously, an injury that took away most of last year from him. He put a lot of time in in the offseason. His conditioning is good. He’s a big-bodied guy that can establish himself in front of the net. He’s got good hands to score some goals, and that’s the reason we invited him to the training camp, to see how that might fit. We’ll see how he is in the next few days.”
Parse hasnt looked impressive at all, i wuouldnt mind seeing any of the other three guys
take his spot.Richardson/Moreau/Hunter IMO
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mash-ola Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@Kings 4 Life, I like that Coach is challenging him. He needs to respond, or he’ll have to give up that spot and go down to Manchester to work on his game. It’s soley his spot to lose. Prove us wrong, Parse… show some fire and some competitiveness… and soon!
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KIngs 4 Life Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
@mash-ola, You’er absolutely right.
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Zamboni Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@mash-ola, He won’t be going down to Manchester to work on his game. He’s going somewhere else on waivers.
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Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Loktionov – Brown
Clifford – Richards – Stoll
Richardson – Moreau – Hunter
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CB14 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@VanKingsFan, Lewis???
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Cynic Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@VanKingsFan, Lokti 2nd line center over Richards? Bold move. I can see why in this case though.
I’d make the 4th line: Richardson-Lewis-Moreau. Trent Hunter as the bench rider with Westie. Go with 7 D & 2G = 23.
Leery about Stoll @ RW. When he sucks, move Moreau up one and insert Hunter and let Stoll sit. A lot of money on the bench then, but do what you must to win, right>?
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KingSurfer Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@Cynic, brilliant! Lewis makes Hunter look like the Hunted.
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bmova Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 8:02 am
@Cynic, Stoll scored 20 goals last year, and that doesn’t even consider his goals in the SO, and his faceoff abilities. That’s a brilliant idea to sit him!!!
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Cynic Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@bmova, 20 goals as a CENTER. He played RW a few games last year and did pretty much nothing. (Kind of like placing a LW like Parse on the right side and expecing miracles, but I digress).
The Stoll quip was tongue in cheek. Nobody really wants to sit him, but if TM plays him on the right side, WHEN he fails to produce, he’ll get benched for it. Seems to be the MO for TM. I’m just offering the solution when he gets sat.
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@VanKingsFan,
Though I feel Lokti projects as a 2nd line C, I don’t think he has usurped Richards yet. Plus, why would you move our best face-off man to the wing? I think Loktionov of the 4th line centering Moreau and Hunter would work. Maybe even Richardson with either of the two mentioned playing the wing with Stoll and Clifford.
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Mikey Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@ArmChairKingsFan, i say lokti centers Richadson and Lewis. Richardson looked really good on wing against the yotes.. and lotki is looking better and better. the kid is going to be a stud for sure.
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Jefreyryan Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@Mikey, Yeah. Let Lokti play against real nhlers and see how he fairs. I like the kid but i think the second line is too much for him right now.
KC23 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@Mikey, I like that line idea. (B.Richardson-Lokt-Lewis). Clifford – Stoll – Hunter on the 3rd line. Doesn’t work when Westy plays though.
Duckbasher Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@Mikey, – Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Westy (as a person). He seems like a really good young man. But he belongs up in the stands with us fans for at least 60 of the games this year. And if he can’t stop using his face as a punching bag, he needs to be sent down to Manchester and asked to become a player instead of a fighter. And for pete’s sake, taught how to check someone.
Cynic Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@ArmChairKingsFan, I get what VAN is thinking here. No way is Lokti better than MR, but Lokti needs FINISHERS to be more effective at center than Richards does. He’s putting Lokti at 2nd center to play to his strengths and maximize benefit to the lines. That’s all. Richards can do more on his own than Lokti so VAN is placing him with lesser players in Cliffy and Stoll.
Stoll at RW is just mediocrity waiting to happen though IMHO.
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DLB Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@VanKingsFan, it makes sense to me because Richards is a superb defensive center.
Please consider this idea, TM!
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art Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@DLB,
Also makes sense since TM likes to play the “shutdown” line more than the 2nd line.
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Ducksuck Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@VanKingsFan, Lokti over Richards sounds as good as Kopitar on the 4th line
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Stang Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@VanKingsFan, Stoll has to center cause he wins so many face offs. Richards and Gagne work good together, same line.
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PurpleNGold Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 7:13 am
@VanKingsFan, The change i would like to see for the line up:
Penner – Kopitar – Williams
Gagne – Richards – Brown
Clifford – Loktionov – Stoll
Richardson – Lewis – Moreau
Now that is a strong lineup. Go Kings!!
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Hunter > Parse
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jp Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@Bickleton Wigglesworth III, x > Parse
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I would like to see Richardson on that line with Clifford and Stoll. Richie has aleady shown mid-season form in terms of his effort and energy out there. I think that line could cause problems for a lot of teams.
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some fan Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@KingsFan in OC,
That line was together for about half the game yesterday after Parse got demoted.
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KingsFan in OC Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@some fan, Yeah, I saw they were out there a bit last night. I should have said I would like to see it become a regular thing.
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some fan Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@KingsFan in OC,
Fair enough. Wasn’t sure if you saw the game or not. I agree with your assessment of Richardson. He works all the time.
mash-ola Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
@KingsFan in OC, I think he’s earned a try at the position. He seems like he can adapt to any of the lines and any of the game situations he’s been placed in.
He does have some real good chemistry with Trevor Lewis, though… so as long as he’s given a fair shake, I’ll live by whatever line they put him on.
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AS I’ve posted before Parse is not effective on right wing. He needs to play left wing where he is an offensive threat. He’s a player with excellent skill for a winger, can really snipe, and when healthy is a good skater. Unfortuntely injuries have held him back pretty much his entire career as a pro.
Tm is kidding himself if he thinks Parse is as good on right wing. He needs to play the off wing as his favorite move is to skate across the crease on his forehand with speed and shoot or pass. He’s also excellent at finding the open man when positioned on the left wing half boards.
There are more candidates for the third and fourth left wing spot but this is another case of TM not understanding how best to utilize his players. He may as well stick Lewis on the third line at right wing and have him continue to work on his faceoffs during practice so he can remain an option at center for the future.
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Doughtty99 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@Crown Royal,
I was thinking the same thing re: Lewis. Why not try out
Clifford-Stoll-Lewis
Parse-Lokti-Richardson/Westy/Moreau/Hunter
The 3rd line becomes another fun 2-way line and that 4th line really has some speed & energy along with a big body/protection for Lokti (unless, of course, that spot is filled by Richardson).
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Crown Royal Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@Doughtty99,
Yeah, that creates some interesting combination possibilites for the fourth line. I just don’t believe at this point the Kings would keep Lokti as a fourth line player. They probably want him playing a lot of minutes. Richarson is a guy I like in the lineup and Moreau is a pro who is difficult to play against. The Kings have more depth than anytime since the cup run in ’93. Maybe even more depth now.
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Crown Royal Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@Zeropoint,
When I say Parse is more talented than 80% of the wingers in the league I mean just that;
but only talent-wise. He is not one of the top 20% wingers. He has great vision coming down the off-wing, skates very well and has excellent hands. As a goal scorer he can beat NHL goalies top shelf and is the best passing winger in the organization. He has had serious injuries even before coming to the NHL. I don’t know if he’s healthy but I doubt he can make it in TM’s system as a right winger. He’s much better on the left.
He seems to be TM’s whipping boy in the past. I don’t think TM spotted him (no surprise there) earlier in TM’s tenure as Kings coach and I just don’t think he fits TM’s idea of a player for some reason. I’m not defending Parse. Haven’t seen him this season. Just talking about the talent he has. It is considerable.
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xeropoint Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@Crown Royal, Hey, I’m one of the peeps who reckognizes Murrays dartboard discipline, trust me. There are plenty of cases where certain players get a free pass regardless of what they do on the ice, when others could cough outloud in a video review and sit for 10 games. Not fitting into Murrays ideal… to that end I agree.
It’s obvious that Parse has talent. He wouldn’t be here if he didn’t. I do think it’s VERY overstated to say he’s elite in any fashion, much less the problem simply being which wing he’s playing on.
He’s having a difficult time adapting to a bottom six role, which involves the things he has most certainly not shown to be good at: work in the corners, defensive positioning and puck management. He’s not a turnover machine, by any stretch but doesn’t really add anything in that particular role, either.
P90X Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@Crown Royal, I understand what you’re trying to say. This has nothing to do with TM, this is all about the player. People kept saying the same thing about Frolov, and it just never worked. sooner or later you have to come to the conclusion about a player and abillity/ skill level. I just don’t see it from Parse. Unfortunately he just doesn’t fit anywhere. Cut him loose, let him try to find a spot on another team and move on. It’s probably better for everyone.
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Crown Royal Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@P90X,
You may be right about Parse. With Frolov, TM used him on a checking line because he needed a big left winger who could control the puck in the O-zone to play with Handzus. That was not using Frolov to his strength which was as a first PP team player and a first or second line winger.
I don’t think TM using his players to their strengths but rather to fit his system. I believe this is a weakness of TM. He’s an adequate but not good coach.
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Duckbasher Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@Crown Royal, – One of the most important things that anyone building anything has to do to be successful… is to use the right tool for the right job. Why would you want to use a wrench to pound in nails… when your boss has given you a tool box filled with 5 kinds of hammers? Recognizing what people’s skills are and using them to the best of “their” abilities doesn’t appear to be one of TM’s skills. I mean look at what Boyle and Purcell have been able to do outside of TM’s “system”. He tried to use Boyle outside of what he had already shown were his skills. Also, he took Frolov who was strong on the puck and a major contributor to the powerplay (30+ goal scorer) and put him on a checking line. Sorry, I just don’t get his management style.
Crown Royal Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@Duckbasher,
Yeah, I agree. I believe TM just doesn’t understand any other way to coach. He lacks talent as a coach. In fact, he coaches pretty much the way he played. Conservative, by the numbers, hope for the mistake from the other team then capitialize.
He is not creative and doesn’t have the eye to see what his players do best. He believes in his system, not his players. He coaches not to lose rather than to win. I have serious doubts that he is also a good enough bench coach who is willing to make adjustments during a game that can impact the game. I believe TM would have to have superior talent to win the Cup. If he plays a team with equal talent he is likely to be out-coached.
P90X Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@Crown Royal, I understand where you’re coming from. But can you honestly keep blamming the coach for certain players inabillities/play. I’m not saying that TM’s system is perfect, but he has had success with it. The Kings have improved every season since he’s been the coach. I also don’t see why some people think he isn’t the right coach for this team.
Crown Royal Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@P90X,
Very few players can do everything on a hockey rink. In fact, very few all-around players make it to the NHL. More players have a certain talent that gets them to the big show. For examle, Lewis can skate but isn’t especially talented as a shooter or playmaker. Brown can skate and hit people but doesn’t have a lot of puck skills. Hickey is a puck moving d-man but isn’t that physical, etc.
Good coaches can see what certain players do best and find ways to maximize their talents while covering up their weak points by using them with certain players or specific times and situations in the games. TM’s approcah is to play a system where players have to fit into little circles or squares. We have already lost Frolov, Moulson, Boyle, Purcell, Moller (for now) as well as, potentially Parse, Hickey, Voynov, etc. (as yet undetermined if they will make it here) because TM doesn’t understand how to best utilize them. He is not very flexible and absolutely lacks creativity. TM lacks talenet and imagination. He’s solid about systems and probably treats the young players well by not yelling at them. I view him as a C or C- coach.
Crown Royal Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@Xeropoint,
There are a lot of players who are better fits than Parse in a bottom six role. His value is as an offensive player not a defensive one. TM seems to like taking offensive players (Frolov-Parse) and trying to make them defensive players who have offensive punch.
I doubt either one would ever be that good defensively. It is reasonable to expect everyone to be responsible defensively but unrealistic to assume that they’re going to become that good on the d-side of the puck.
I wonder how Gretzky would have fared with TM as a coach. Would he have let Wayne hang up at the blue line waiting for breakout passes as was his custom? I know that’s an extreme example but Gretzky would probably have never been better that adequate as defensive forward. Kopi made a big transition to an all-around game but he was younger, and more talented as a player than Frolov or Parse.
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xeropoint Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
@Crown Royal, I think we agree on most of this. Good conversation, even though we probably won’t see the thing about Parse eye-to-eye
ToughD Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 2:48 am
@Crown Royal, I agree…Parse’ value is an offensive player not a defensive one. Remember he is playing with Cliffy and Stoll…not the most talented offensive players, and so his stats are going to be reflective of that. It’s gonna be tough to evaluate him, and if he’s our best prospect and he can’t win a top six spot, well I’d rather have his low salary on the bench as a [top six] backup than being a trade we regret in the future. Besides Penner is a UFA next year and maybe Parse is capable of replacing him. Plus who says he can’t improve to be more of an ideal checking line player? To just give up on him is ridiculous.
xeropoint Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@Crown Royal, That’s a pretty bold number to throw out there. What makes you think he’s better than 80% of the wingers in the entire game? There’s really no eveidence of that, even taking into account DL pumping his tires once upon a time.
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Hunter with Penner and Richards? What happened to Gagne and Richards with Brown? I understand resting some players and letting younger guys have a shot, but why not rest 1 line at a time? That way they can continue to gain chemistry together.(I know that’s acid to Terry Murray’s ears)
If you want these potential 3rd liners to have a shot to play with quality offensive players, put them with Stoll and Clifford, or Stoll and another potential 3rd liner. That way they gain chemistry with Stoll, our 3rd line Center, and get to play a lot of minutes. I just don’t understand putting Hunter with 2 guys he’s not likely to play with during the season, but of course Terry Murray doesn’t care about chemistry between linemates.
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I wrote this on an earlier thread. But basically when its all said and done it comes down to two seperated roster cuts. Voynov or Hockey and Lokti or Hunter? Who would you guys keep. I know some don’t like Parse but I don’t see management putting him on waivers before the start of the season. A more likely scenario is to send Lokti down and give Parse another chance before bringing him back which assumes Hunter plays himself into a spot. What do you huge think?
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Crown Royal Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@EASportsMgt,
You may be right about Parse-Lokti. I’m not convinced Drewiske is all that safe at the moment. Sure, he could be another Harold hanging around and not playing but sorry to say he hasn’t developed. I’ve watched him since he was a high school player in Wisconsin but he hasn’t fulfilled his promise here. Might be better off in another organization.
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CB14 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@Crown Royal, I think DD2 is safe because he has a guaranteed contract, and is at the age where he could sit in the press box all year long, much like last year. I don’t think DL would want Voynov, Hickey, or Martinez to sit in the press box on a consistant basis, it would stunt their groth. Although he’s not safe because of his play so far.
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CB14 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@EASportsMgt, Can’t we keep both if Westy is injured? Parse hasn’t shown me anything at all, but I’ll take your word that they’re not gonna send him down. Sending down Lokti makes the most sense if Hunter proves his worth, but there’s also the risk that he bolts to Russia, also a risk for Voynov too. Both have IMO proven their worth this pre-season, and sending them back to Manchester wouldn’t sit well. I know some might say if they’re the type of people to leave N.A., let them, but given that they’ve proven themselves NHL ready, I would kinda see their point.
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jwr Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@EASportsMgt,
I can see them sending Hickey down rather than risk Drewiske to waivers. Personally I would rather see DD2 traded for a pick at this point to open the spot.
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Dominick Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@jwr, Agreed. I still think Whiskey’s got some fight, but if it’s his time, then he has some trade value. It would be a waist of an asset to just waive him.
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xeropoint Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@Dominick, I don’t think there’s much trade value there. Pretty much every team has a consistent healthy scratch/ journeyman/ plug-a-hole guy. Harrold was twice the player Drewiske is and we would have got zero for him, too.
BringBackKingston Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@EASportsMgt,off memory it’s 25-man roster for europe and with the possibility of Westgarth being out for a period of time, there is a little extra time to let it all play out between the forwards.
Following up what Crown Royal said, I could also see Drewiske on the outs. If Martinez continues to play so-so, he could drop down to that #7 spot and split time with Voynov (when DD8 is signed).
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Crown Royal Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@BringBackKingston,
Yeah, Martinez doesn’t seem to be playing that well so far this season. He looks afraid to make mistakes. I liked his play when he was first called up last season. He needs to get that jump back and agressive play going again.
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KC23 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
@EASportsMgt, Where is everyone getting this Voynov is better than Martinez? Voynov has done ZERO so far. Not a single second in a real NHL game. You’ve got Martinez who more than proved himself last year on the outs?
Wow, just wow.
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Crown Royal Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@KC23,
I like Martinez but he hasn’t played as well so far this season. It may be the coaches reigning him in or could be just he hasn’t hit his stride yet.
Voynov is a talented player who has played in the KHL and been an AHL allstar. Currently he seems to be playing better than Martinez.
I focused on Martinez in the game at Phoenix where he led the team in ice time. He was not skating like last year and his reads were poor. This may be a coaching issue with the coaches trying to make him play a more conservative game. I hope not but only time will tell.
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Penner-Kopitar-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Ricahrdson
Moreau-Lewis-Hunter/Westgarth
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jp Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@Matthew Motush, this
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Duckbasher Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@jp, As mean as this sonds, I’m hoping Westy can’t go for a while and we get to see Lokti and Moreau (or Hunter) get some decent minutes.
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KingsFan in OC Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@Matthew Motush,
I like the look of that roster!
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Jon G Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Matthew Motush, This looks just right to me.
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Kenny44 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@Matthew Motush, Dear Mr. Master-Of-The-Utterly-Sensible-Hockeylines:
You only wrote them out that way because it’s so obvious. Maybe just a little bit too obvious for TM. If we see half a period of this ^ we’ll be lucky.
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xeropoint Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@Kenny44, Except yesterday we saw MOSTLY those very lines, except the fourth. For 2 whole periods to boot.
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Kenny44 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@xeropoint, except for the bottom six. OK, Thanks for MOSTLY backing me up. LOL. I would have given TM a little more than half a period to juggle every one of the lines.
KingSurfer Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@Matthew Motush, and not use Loktionov? You guys are out of your minds, he’s been one of, if not the, best player on this team so far this preseason. He proved himself last year as well.
The bottom line is we don’t need Hunter. Maybe in MCH so he’s available as injury insurance, but not now. This is the new NHL. Speed & skill goes a lot further than a “big body” does.
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jet Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@KingSurfer, sure, until the playoffs
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KingSurfer Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@jet, thats what the trade deadline is for, not to mention Richards, Brown, Clifford, and our Defense.
Doughty for “whoever we want”…
Kenny44 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@KingSurfer, I’d still give some more time in a top offensive role in MAN, then call him up. I still want to see him develop some “fight through”. Love his skill and speed, don’t want to see him get hurt again. He’s very close to being ready to really contribute.
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JMFJ#3 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@Matthew Motush, i like those lines pretty well.
Penner, Kopi, Willy
Gags, Richards, Brown
Cliffy, Stoll, Moreau/Hunter (rotate older guys)
Richardson, Lokti, Lewis
Trade: Parse
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CB14 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 12:16 am
@JMFJ#3, I like the speed on the 4th line a LOT! Those guys can do some damage. I liked Lewis’ offense a lot more last year as the season went along. Not to mention he had 3 assists the other night against Phoenix. Plus Moreau-Stoll-Clifford are all bigger physical players compared to the other bottom 6 forwards so it makes sense to have them play the “Stopper” role. Kind of like last year we had 3 big guys in Poni-Zues-Simmonds matched up against the other teams top lines.
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Why is TM shuffling the lines so much?! To get line chemistry, shouldn’t they work on it during preseason???
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CB14 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Brownkingsfan, You would think they would, especially among the top 2 scoring lines. They can mix and match all they want with the bottom 2, but keep the top 2 intact.
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Kenny44 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@Brownkingsfan, Clearly, you did not attend the same high school as TM. Chemistry involves instantaneous reactions that last a few seconds. That’s why you have to shuffle everything all the time, hoping to get one of those fleeting moments of action.
If you could actually culture success among linemates, they would call it biology, not chemistry.
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xeropoint Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Brownkingsfan, Um… this is the preseason.
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TM is just warming up for a season full of shuffling. I wish he was getting it out of the way, but he is’nt.
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I think it’s been proven how badly this team needs Lewis’ speed.
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Rich are all 32 players traveling for the next two games??????????????
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There were a lot of players smiling today at practice.
Parse wasn’t one of them.
On one missed shot, he did the old ‘smash your stick against the glass’ trick.
I saw two players try to play around with him (as players often do to each other during practice) and Parse would have none of it.
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puck73 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@wavesinair, Like @CrownRoyal said, Parse plays beeter on the left side then the right.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@puck73,
I have to agree also with Crown Royal, but our opinion doesn’t count, does it? Maybe Parse just has a mental block and just can’t get past it? I don’t know. The way this team is stacked tho, it’s either swim or you get left behind by the bunch. That’s also not a bad thing to have, overall that is!
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emb3 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@puck73, Well, the Kings have a spot on the right. It’s up to him to take it or…
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Duckbasher Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@puck73, Agree, Parse = WAY better on the left. Let’s not be giving up our talent because they aren’t having a good training camp after missing an ENTIRE SEASON.
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KC23 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
@Duckbasher, True that.
I’m a Parse supporter. He definitely looks like he’s still recovering from the injury. Hasn’t showed the same explosive speed. Even last year in camp he didn’t look right, probably already hurt himself at that point.
He wasn’t very good in the first preseason game against Phoenix. Ironically, I thought he started out well yesterday only to get demoted for his efforts. I don’t think Parse will ever get a chance playing for Murray. Don’t forget that Murray didn’t even get Parse into a preseason game before the 2009-10 season yet he still got the callup and put up solid numbers in limited ice time and zero powerplay time.
Murray wants to prove that he’s right about this player. What other player gets publicly scrutinized so much after two preseason games after a year out due to injury?
Real “compassionate”.
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wavesinair Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@some fan,
Depending on how you define “still recovering,” if true, it does not bode well for Parsley. I have no idea if his hip is good to go or not, but that type of injury is career threatening. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him pack it in. I hope not because I like him.
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tkecanuck341 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@some fan, Scott Parse, is that you?
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some fan Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@tkecanuck341,
I was Don Meehan a week or two ago now I’m Scott Parse. I wonder who I’ll be next week!!!
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puck73 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@some fan, lol ! Outstanding !
Duckbasher Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@some fan, – I agree. TM amazes me at how he mouths off to the press about things that should only be between him and the player. I was taught that you never dicipline or discuss a person’s performance in public. You praise performance in public and discipline in private. Also, if he can’t see that Parse’s strong set is at left-wing then TM should be coaching pee wee. Oh, that’s right were talking about the same guy who used our 30 goal scoring Frolov on a checking line.
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jet Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@Duckbasher, Should Parse replace Simone or Clifford? it is easy to bash someone for what they are not doing, but it is a little harder to suggest what they should do. So, I ask you who the peewee coach should take out for Parse to play?
Are you saying you would have played Frolov instead of Clifford last season?
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LAST CALL KINGS FANS: A pizza get together is scheduled for 7 tonite at Nicks Ristorante at 2300 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa. The food is Sicilian New York Italian. Cross streets are Harbor and Wilson in the Home Depot shopping center. This is a great chance to finally put a face to some of the names for you. Should be a good crowd and we will see you tonite !
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Penner/Hunter-Kopitar-Williams
Gagne-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Ricahrdson
Parse/Moreau-Lewis-Loktionov/Westgarth
I was at the Kings vs. Ducks game last night and I have to say that Penner looked as fat and slow as ever, and Hunter is a big boy who likes to be in front of the net so I think they should fight for the front line so Kopitar and Williams can shoot and give them the re-bound. If anything it will maybe light a fire under Penners arse, cause he really needs it.
Gagne-Richards-Brown line looked pretty decent, still need to work on passing as does the whole team. and I think the coach should alternate Westgarth with Loktionov depending on who we play and if we need muscle or skill, and if parse doesnt step it up give Moreau a shot for the 4th line.
And if Drew Doughty’s agent would get his head out of his arse we would be ok on D, but if not then I think we should give Hickey or Voynov a shot. I thought Voynov was very good with the puck during both games at Staples center and Hickey looks a bit jumpy but he made some smart passes also.
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Parse obviously needs some time in Manchester to get his game back. He missed an entire season…I think TM is asking too much too soon. Let him play 25+ games down there and if someone goes down or isn’t cutting it, he gets called back.
The guy I feel bad for is Lokti. He certainly makes the trip over to Europe and then what? More than likely he gets dropped off in Manchester on their way back. With the log jam at center Kopi, Richards, Stoll, Lewis, he needs to be playing LW in Manchester if we are ever going to see this kid in a Kings uniform.
I would like to see one of the speedsters who can play RW get a 10 game tryout. I think that is our only weakness right now….SPEED!
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xeropoint Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, Too bad he can’t be sent down without clearing waivers… although I don’t think anyone would pick him up ATM.
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Crown Royal Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 7:23 am
@Barry’s Mullet,
I agree the Kings are not a fast team. The team is probably an average skating NHL team now that Handzus and Smyth are gone which will help the overall team speed.
Tm likes grit over speed. Moller is gone for now and Kozun is probably a half season or full season away from being ready. If Lewis or Richardson is playing as the third line right wing it gives more jump to that line. However, I do believe that TM has already decided that Lewis is going to center the fourth line.
Moreau used to be an excellent skater but I’ve only seen him one this year. In that game his skating was decent but not sure he’s up to his old standards. Your point about the Kings needing more speed is well taken. Good observation.
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I wasn’t impressed before or after the injury. That being said, I’d still give him another game to figure it all out, then replace him if he still sucks.
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anyone know if tomorrows game will be streamed live? if not, point me to the person to beg and bribe.
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Scott Parse, new Kings Insider whipping boy. Penner and Doughty get the day off.
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puck73 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@lilly, If I had my way, I would blast Mcnall, Melrose, and Sydor until they finally screamed UNCLE !
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Duckbasher Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@lilly, TM caused this one with his mouth. Maybe trying to light a fire? Or is it to justify sending him down and risking waivers?
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xeropoint Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@Duckbasher, He’s always been vocal about Parse. I would figure, giving the benifit of the doubt, that it’s a “light a fire” scenario, since Murray doesn’t really have the say in who gets sent down or called up, etc.
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Seems to me Bud Holloway wld have had a real chance to make the club as an extra wing this year based on Holloway’s last AHL season.
On a minor complaint, it also seems to me there was a better chance Holloway wld have stayed in NA this year if he had a cup of coffee with the NHL club last year. Not sure if he had no call up because Murray likes to play his favorites and the vets; or DL and the brain trust likes to go slow; or, since I never saw Holloway play, his play did not warrant a call up. Still, my $.02 is that I like to see the prospects get a shot or two at the NHL level. As last night’s game showed, its a often small difference between the players.
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KC23 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@vicarious, Absolutely right about Holloway. He screwed up big time.
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I have not seen any of the pre-season stuff, but the jury certainly seems out on Parse. Here is my query- Hunter missed most of last season with an injury, and, according to those who have seen him, is playing like a man possessed. I know some injuries are tougher to come back from than others, but it makes me wonder if Parse was in slow recovery mode this summer, while Hunter was in desperation mode.
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KC23 Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@edwood2, I certainly wouldn’t say he is playing like a man possessed, but he is playing better than Parse atm.
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Coach Murray has tough decisions to make,
Do you play Parse and hope he makes progress or cut your losses and make a move quickly. And Lotki is a top six forward in my opinion he won’t be effective playing low minutes. But theres no place for him playing big minutes with Kopi and Richards in the line up. Decisions decisions
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Simmons Scores Empty Netter!
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@Mikey, I agree with Duckbasher, send Westy to Manchester to learn how to be a winger who can fight rather than a fighter who can’t wing.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
@Stang, ridiculous. Westgarth has nothing to learn or to prove in Manchester… He scored a career high 11 goals in Manchester just 2 seasons ago, and added 14 assists. He wasn’t getting 1st or 2nd line ice, or PP time… so, he made the most of his opportunities, and played up to AHL standards. Of course the NHL is a league that involves quicker reactions, and better goaltending, so I am not expecting 25 point seasons out of a guy who gets between 4 and 7 minutes a game, but he’s a hockey player who can be effective and isn’t a total liability out there like more than a few past enforcers have been.
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Bottom six should be
Clifford-Stoll-Lewis
Moreau-Richardson-Hunter
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Penner-Kopitar-Brown
Gagne-Richards-Williams
Clifford-Stoll-Loktionov/Hunter
Richardson-Lewis-Moreau/Westgarth
Parse is still NOT nhl ready (or at least championship run ready)
Doughty/Mitchell
Scuderi/Johnson
Greene/Voynov
Martinez will have to challenge for the last D spot..I am very impressed with Slava
Quick/Bernier
Important, depending on how the season progresses we make a bold move and trade Bernier and the least productive of the top 6 for a blue chip UFA (ie Parise, Umberger or Hemsky) at the trade deadline!
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