Dustin Penner is skating this afternoon, but on the “extras” line with Colin Fraser and Kevin Westgarth. Here’s how the Kings’ forwards are lining up so far…
Gagne-Kopitar-Williams
Richardson-Richards-Brown
Parse-Stoll-Hunter
Clifford-Lewis-Moreau
Penner-Fraser-Westgarth
[UPDATE: Penner left the practice after initial skating/drills and hasn't returned.]
At least he is skating. One more day, just one more day to wait. Go Kings!
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I’m really digging the Richardson, Richards, Brown line…fast, hard workinghard hitting, 3 guys with huge forecheck and backcheck…all van score and make plays. Go get em Brad….you work your tail off every game and deserve it!!!
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fuzzerson Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:42 am
@THEFL, Finally the Richie Rich line is formed
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:11 am
@THEFL, I like that line as well! No lack of commitment there
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Resedakingsfan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@THEFL, Agreed, this is an exellent, hard working, hard hitting line for the Kings.
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Richie on a scoring line.. Get well soon, Penner.
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If this is the lineup for the Rangers game I have to say DL should take TM by the shoulders and shake him! If Parse is going to play use him on one of the first two lines where he belongs. He’s a top six left winger or nothing. This is like the Frolov case. TM is maddening. If Quick hadn’t been so good in the shootouts last year where would this team really have been?
TM destroyed Moller. He blew it with Moulson, Purcell, Boyle, and Drewiske hasn’t developed in his system. The Kings lost a weapon in Frolov and now he’s misuing Parse in the same way. The PP sucks.
There are Bantam teams with more creative power plays. DL needs to wake up and straighten TM’s ass out!!
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DesertKing Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:28 am
@Crown Royal,
Wow, I think my hair got singed. Agree with some, but not with all. I liked Moller, but it was obvious that he was not going to be a full time NHL level player. Frolov, well, he was an enigma wrapped in a time continuum leading to multiple dimensions (aka – no one could figure out where his head was and how to communicate with him as was evidenced by his short and unsuccessful time with the Rangers). The PP does suck, and the failure of the PP leading to a failure to get wins could be TM’s downfall.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:52 am
@DesertKing,
When Moller came up to the Kings all he brought was speed, a terrific shot, skill, and was being talked about as a potential NHL captain. There wasn’t a team in the league who didn’t want him. TM and his system destroyed him. Who is the next group of near NHL ready players at Manchester? Probably in this order Loktionov, Voynov, Hickey, and Kozun. None of them fit TM’s robot mold of players. I just hope DL doesn’t let TM destroy that group as he has the previous one.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:06 am
@Crown Royal,
I guess you would need to define “destroy” for these players. Having watched Moller play on numerous occassions, he did truly bring speed and skill to the ice. However, it was readily apparent that he did not bring strength and size. In today’s NHL, many of the players have both speed and size/strength. Moller repeatedly got muscled off of pucks that others players would have been able to maintain possession of. Referring to one of your favorite players, Frolov, he was a good example of size and speed, great skill and the ability to hold onto the puck. Unfortunately, he was usually off in outer space and he did not possess the heart and desire of players like Moller. If we could have combined Moller and Frolov into one player, then you would have one ofthe ultimate players in the league. I don’t think TM has destroyed anyone as a player, and I don’t think the players do either, since a good number of our recent acquisitions waived their NTC/NMC clauses in their contracts to come to us.
KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@Crown Royal, Moller never did anything all that special imho.
Helvetica Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@Crown Royal, Which Moller were you watching? His shot isn’t that hard and he was getting pushed off the puck with a high level of frequency. And what is this potential captain talk you speak of? Also, while I agree Frlov had his uses, he was largely inconsistent and suffered from the same problem that many other players face when they break into the NHL… lack of heart and commitment. It’s not coincidence that he was underperforming in NY either.
Token Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:31 am
@Crown Royal, Yeah, put Parse out there to shut down B Richards, Gaborick and the likes then complain how he needs to score more goals.
But then again, what are the odds of TM keeping lines intact for more than 3 shifts?
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:53 am
@Token,
Good points, both of them.
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DLB Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@Token, that is exactly what he did with Frolov — plus cut his power play time to boot.
Gee why aren’t you scoring as much as you used to? It’s fine to use people on a shutdown line, but he never seems to get that it cuts into their offense.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:30 am
@DesertKing,
What free agents are you talking about waiving the NTC other than Smyth who was past his prime and didn’t want to stay anyway? Richards NTC hadn’t kicked in yet when he was traded here. Anybody else?
When I say destroyed, in reference to Moulson, Boyle, and Purcell, TM destroyed the opportunity to add badly needed offense to the Kings lineup. Moller and Drewiske did not improve under TM’s regime. Yes, Moller needed to get stronger. What 19 year old doesn’t?
The next generation of Manchester players will be held back (except TM will want to rush King) because they’re more skill players, not bangers. Kitsyn is lucky to be in Russia away from TM. Toffoli is also lucky to be in juniors. Nothing agains Morris and his staff. I think they’re dong a pretty good job all things considered.
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KFII Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:32 am
@Crown Royal, Wow, your glass is empty!
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:39 am
@DesertKing,
Frolov was not one of my favorite players. He was excellent on the PP. He was not a checker. TM seemed not to care as he took him off the first PP unit and used him as a third line checker.
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McCheese Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:37 am
@Crown Royal, yeah we really missed all that Frolov production that bloomed last year once he got out from under TM’s thumb. With all 7 of his 2010-2011 goals, we would already have a cup.
Relax a little. IT IS OFFICIALLY HOCKEY SEASON!
Even on nights when the Kings don’t play, we can watch a few other games, some NHL on the Fly and on and on.
26 1/2 hours until the puck drops on a glorious season.
GKG!
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:57 am
@McCheese,
Yes, Frolov was a head case. He was also a big left winger who could score on the PP before TM showed up and turned him into a third line checker. We could use a big top six winger who could score, me thinks.
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puck73 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:18 am
@Crown Royal, Parse has way more chemistry with kopitar and Williams then Penner has shown. Parse may not be flashy, but all I know is when he is Playing with Kopi, Kopi plays better, and is more productive, the point totals show it. when I have watched Penner out there with Kopi, Penner seems lost.
I will give TM this, it least he has Parse on the left side this time, WHERE HE BELONGS !
jason az Reply:
October 7th, 2011 at 3:01 am
@Crown Royal, So i guess we should fire TM and get who Crawford best thing he did for the king is get us the chance to get DD
I agree lets start a campain bring back crawford and his hair please bring back Crawford
RenoRick Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:37 am
@Crown Royal, wow what a joke. I think it is obvious that TM doesn’t have a clue how to use personnel and or get the best out of his players. Everything is based on the system! The same system he has be preaching for 20+ years. The same system every other team understands and can defend against. Let hear it for old time hockey!
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:51 am
@RenoRick,
Seems to be getting them in the playoffs. Had they had kopi they would have advanced to the second round. I think you need to pay more attention to the kings because you don’t seem to know much.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:07 am
@kovalking96,
What leads you to believe that RenoRick doesn’t know much? Tm’s passive defensive system, if played correctly, ensures a certain amount of success. It also insures that many players won’t develop. It limits the other team and also limits your own team. It works best when you have inferior players playing against better players as it takes the speed and creativy out of the game. It also, on the other hand, prevents your players from being creative.
TM doesn’t how to use his players and can’t adjust when other teams are beating the Kings while the game is on going. Reno’s comments seem more relevent than your own.
kovalking96 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:49 am
@Crown Royal,
Parse is not a top 6 forward. Nothing in his career has showed that, Hell he has barely even shown he should be in the nhl. Same with Moller. Loki should be in the line up, he can and has played wing.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:08 am
@kovalking96,
Lokti is not an NHL winger. He’s a much better center who is outstanding on the PP as a puck mover.
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puddle Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@kovalking96, This post is just flat out wrong all the way around. Parse has shown great promise in limited minutes and Loktionov cannot play wing, as we witnessed last season.
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BringBackKingston Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@Crown Royal, if DL felt that TM was destroying the young players he drafted or were in the pipeline, TM would have been long gone.
BTW, TM didn’t destroy Kopi, he only made him better.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@BringBackKingston,
Kopi was already established offensively before TM arrived. He had confidence in his own game. Others who were not already established in that way have not fared so well. Have they?
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mark1178 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@BringBackKingston, Agreed. TM has a defensive system that will affect how a gifted offensive player will play towards the offensive end. Kopi was already an established offensive threat, TM made him into a more complete player, even though he was already a complete player when he came into the league.
Some other players just don’t transition as well to becoming a two way player, aka frolov.
Offense will come naturally if you let it, so TM, let it, please!
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Richardson worked his butt off getting ready for this, he deserves it imho. I’m very interested to see Richardson playing with some top skill guys.
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bobknob Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:42 am
@KC23,
me too. I think he deserves some recognition.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@KC23,
Richardson is a player who can fit in almost anywhere. He’s not a consistent top six forward and will never be that on a good team. He’s one of my favorite Kings and is valuable. He’s more versatile than Parse who can only play as a top six left winger and be effective. That’s why Parse belongs there in the top six or just as a fill in as a top six player.
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KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@Crown Royal, You make a good strong argument, but I like to seeing a player who clearly has worked harder than Parse get rewarded with a shot with the big boys. That line up can and probably will change quickly so I don’t think it’s anything to get too worked up about.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:42 am
@KC23,
I don’t agree that Richardson has worked harder than Parse. Richardson is a different kind of player who is more of a checker than someone gifted offensively.
I don’t know if Parse will play well or not this season but he has a lot of talent and is a better fit on the top two lines (left side).
look the season hasnt even started yet and some of you are bashing TM> cmon, please relax. if penner was healthy he’d be on the top line right? relax guys…. geez….
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OneTimer Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:54 am
@Yuri,
Amen.
One can only hope.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:56 am
@Yuri,
Healthy and putting forth some effort.
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LetsDoThis Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:01 am
@Yuri, No Kidding!! You would think that the Kings finished in the bottom half the last two seasons and didnt have two of the best seasons ever strung together in franchise history. He may line change like a mofo but something he is doing is getting this team points. Lets wait and see if he cant get us to the next level before he call for his head.
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mark1178 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@LetsDoThis, personally I like when he changes his lines often, gives the other team something to figure out. That all depends though on how the players handle working with someone else every few nights in a row.
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Groin injury for Pens??
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KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Kramsteezy, yep
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Just a thought… how about we wait until they lose a game before we freak out about the lines?
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All I can say about the 2nd line is poor Bob Miller
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Dave Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:49 am
@murf, was gonna say the same thing
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trytodethroneus Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:06 am
@murf,
Bob won’t have to do the rangers game with richards (ny) richards )KINGS) and Richardson , it’s on versus
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Review…TM complained about chemistry on the lines(after just a few games) so he changed lines…..He complained about Parse not playing well(out of position)so he puts him on the first line where he played really well(at his regular position)so now what does the coach do?? Change the lines again the day before the first game…..
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puck73 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:20 am
@neil, Parse makes Kopitar and Williams play better. Again, its not that Parse is dominant, but the line as a whole plays better when Parse is on it, thats the bottom line isnt it?
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Happy Lappy Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@puck73, hey puck, I see your back at it, how you doin’?
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KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:31 am
@puck73, Its a good argument, but I’m still liking the decision by TM because quite frankly Brad was the 2nd best player in pre-season. Parse was far from it.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@puck73,
That’s true. I only saw Penner and Kopi together once in the preseason. Kopi had no more idea where Penner was going or what he was going to do next than I did. Parse sees the ice well and can move the puck. Kopi and JW are also good puck movers. It makes sense to use Parse with those two for the present.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:42 am
@puck73,
From what I saw on Tuesday that line of 11, 14 & 21 seemed to be the Kings’ most effective. I understand that having Kopi on the line will more than likely cause it to be the most effective, but I don’t get moving Richardson up. My thought is that Murray believes that playing top line minutes is more than Parse can physically handle right now.
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dMan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:34 am
@neil, Penner’s injury night have something to do with line changes.
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neil Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:38 am
@dMan, agree but Parse played on the first line(last game)why change that now????
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Thought for the day.
With the NBA shut down for the next month or longer I wonder how much better the ice will be? It won’t be covered up every day, only on concerts.
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Happy Lappy Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:30 am
@Big Rob in Dallas, also, ESPN might be forced to cover it!
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Apparently TM sees something in Parse that we don’t. I have to tip my hat to him for showing loyalty to Parse and his hard work to get back to 100% physically. If he doesn’t work out, it at least sends a message to others that working hard does not go unnoticed.
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KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:32 am
@Happy Lappy, Outstanding point.
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Pasadena Hockey Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:45 am
@Happy Lappy, I agree with your comment regarding TM and the loyalty he is showing. I hope Parse does well. Last year the organization was quoted as saying that Parse was the best youg prospect we have. It is surprising to me that he was/is on the bubble. Then again, it is the NHL and people on this board have constantly repeated he hasn’t looked that good.
My big complaint with Terry Murray is that he prefers big guys. I understand the physical advantage but I think he gives it too much consideration.
I felt the players gave it their all last year and management did so-so. If we are going to grasp for the cup then they need to also bring their A game. So far so good but we’ll see.
I am excited for the season.
Go Kings,
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I’m not worried about the Rangers…with Mark Staal out indefinitely, their defense is swiss cheese. The season has no even started and they’re already calling up AHL players to plug holes.
Kopi and Richards lines are going to have a goal fest tomorrow.
GO KINGS GO!
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KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@Gustavo, One would think, we’ll see. Rangers goalie can sometimes win a game for them all by himself, but I like our chances. Buffalo, is a whole nother kettle of worms though and they’ll be much tougher than the stRangers.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@Gustavo,
I worry about everybody until we show we can win consistently. We should have destroyed St. Louis last year but they had our number in every game.
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How can the Kings possibly lose with all the “knowledgable coaches” in this crowd. I feel slighted because for years my season seats were right behind the bench and never once in all that time did the coach turn around and ask me what the hell I thought. I finally gave up trying to get his attention and decided to just sit back and be a supportive fan and root for the Kings with whomever was skating for us at the time.
However, if TM wants my advice I remain available for contact by phone, and although I have retired and moved away I no longer sit behind the bench– but I remain a loyal King fan.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:00 am
@Old Codger,
Oh, to see what you have seen, that would have been incredible (sincerely). On a side note, I, like Old Codger, am willing to offer my services in exchange for nachos (thus indicating the skill and knowledge level of my services).
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jason az Reply:
October 7th, 2011 at 4:52 am
@DesertKing,
hey where all coaches from are couch really easy
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I feel bad for Clifford.
It’s Clifford vs Prust and Rupp.
TM is making a big mistake not playing Westgarth. Save this soft lineup for Buff.
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puddle Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@hockeykingsguy, All Clifford has to do is say no to the staged fight. Takes 2 to tango. He’ll be fine.
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Gagne Kopitar Brown . . . KGB-line looks good to me
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I thought Fraser was hurt? Is Wetgarth still hurt too?
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mash-ola Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@hockeykingsguy, I dunno, but it looks like a killer line to me! I say we suit them up and start them as the #1 line when they get back to L.A.!
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How can TM not play Westy againest the Angers. Poor Clifford. The Angers are dressing Brust and Rupp. Wake up TM.
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what was the starting lineup last year for the first game?
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KC23 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@Jordan,
RW: Williams, Simmonds, Brown, Westgarth
LW: Symth, Poni, Clifford, Schenn
C: Kopitar, Stoll, Zues, Richarson
D: DD – Mitchell, JJ – Scudes, Muzzin – DD2
Quick in goal
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Poor Penner. Works his keister off all summer then gets one of those injuries which make it hard to play.
He’s a pro so I’m sure he put in and is putting in honest effort (last year too I thought but the results were not there). Still, I wonder if in the back of his mind he still feels affection for his first team and dislikes playing for their rivals.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@vicarious,
Hardly. Remember, he left the sunny OC for the ice cold of Edmonton.
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@Crown Royal,
I remember when boyle was drafted out of high school, he had commented something about not wanting to play “out west”. He is where he is now because it was a do or die situation with the rangers. If he had that commitment back then, he would still be here.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@trytodethroneus,
Maybe. Bigger players also sometimes take longer to develop.
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IDK.
I’m happy for Richardson because his camp has been epic. Looks REALLY good and he’s finally getting some recognition for it from TM. It’s kind of tough not to put a guy like Gagne up with Kopi and Williams, but Parse is a top 6 guy or bust in my opinion. To put him on a checking line is almost waiting for something bad to happen. His defense has improved, yes, but if SP’s strength is his offense, why is he on that 3rd line?
I think Stoll & Hunter would benefit MUCH more from a guy like Gagne who is ultra responsible defensively and has the offensive skill to make them a bit of a threat as a scoring line than to put a more 1 dimentional player like Parse there. Kopi & Williams are solid enough defensively to cover Parse’s shortcomings here.
I hope Gagne/Parse is PENCILED in on TM’s sheet. As Token mentioned, he likes to change things up. I wouldn;t be surprised to see a change by the 10 minute mark first period.
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@Cynic, My take is that maybe TM is trying to spread out the offense and give SP a chance to bring some to the 3rd line.
Also, the 3rd line’s minutes will not be as much as the top 2 and therefore SP will not need to exert himself in his comeback.
Either way, I am happy to see TM put SP on the LW and hopefully he can demonstrate why it is better that he plays his natural position.
As for the being the shutdown line, all 3 players on that line offer various ways of playing defense and maybe the Kings can capture magic in a bottle.
Plus, the 4th line will be pretty adept at being the real shutdown line.
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Why is Parse on the 3rd line and Clifford on the 4th? That’s weird
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Are you guys forgetting how weak Parse looked in the preseason? He may be a projected top 6 winger, but until he gets his feet moving and is putting in the effort, he’s not helping anybody by being on the first line. I’m not syaing he’s cut out for shut down line duties, but it’s certainly feasible for TM to ask him to fcous on hustle and defensive responsibility first, seeing as how he mentioned last week that all he was looking for out of the guy was effort. Take the offensive pressure off and let the guy find his game.
And clearly, seeing the team practice with some different line combinations is reason for TM’s head. We’re talking about practice here…
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puck73 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@Helvetica, Bill Walton once said about chemistry..”Its the ability of 5 to think as 1″. And in Hockey, its 3 to think as 1. With Scott Parse, he needs to play on the left wing to be effective, that has been shown over and the past 2 seasons. Also, in 5 games with Kopi and Williams, he had 5 points and was a plus 5. LOOK, I am not saying that Parse is Zack Parise, HE’S NOT! No one is saying that, but he allows Koipitar and Williams to be more productive, and the line as a whole functions better.
Here is another example of Chemistry. Palffy, Deadmarsh, and Allison. NOW anyone who knows anything about hockey knows that Adam Deadmarsh didnt have the skill that Ziggy Palffy or Jason Allison had. Deadmarsh was a solid forward with good intangibles, but didnt have their skill set. HOWEVER, when he was put on that line, both Palffy and Allison maximized their production because for whatever reason, the chemistry was right….3 guys thinking as 1.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@puck73,
Excellent post!
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Michael J. Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@puck73,
You need to be back on moderation… Way too much sensability to your posts…
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Michael J.,
That’s funny!
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@puck73,
Hey, I have Bill Walton’s autograph, does that count? My sister-in-law used to work with Bill’s wife, so I got a bonus gift!
BTW back to the topic, nice post!
[Reply]
McCheese Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@Kingsfanone, I watched the Walton’s as a kid and I get bills all the time in the mail… I’m almost there, too!
wavesinair Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@puck73,
Exactly. It’s like oxygen and 2 covalent hydrogen atoms. You put those together and there’s some serious chemistry! So fluid, they’re like water. I wish TM would put ‘em on the top line.
[Reply]
Helvetica Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@puck73, Sounds to me like you’re saying that Parse or Richardson could be just as effective on that first line depending on how they interact with the other 2 forwards. Here’s what we know. Parse has shown to be effective in the past, but recently has looked sluggish and ineffective. Richardson on the other hand, has been very fast and shown great hustle in the preseason. So who do you reward/bet on to make the other 2 forwards better? The guy who looks lost and needs some time to regain his form, or the guy that is busting ass?
I don’t think Parse is a lost cause, but if the guy isn’t back to form yet, i think a 3rd or even 4th line role would be better suited for him until he gets back in shape. If im hedging my bets on who will contribute more on one of those top 2 lines, i’m going with the guy who is showing hustle and smart play…
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@Helvetica, I will say it again. TM has been playing Parse on the right wing in the exhibition season, and what has been the result? He sucked, and he was frustrated at practice, BIG SURPRISE ! NOW, fast forward to the game vs the Hamburg Freezers on Tuesday. TM puts Parse back with Kopi and Williams and what Happens? Kopi has 2 goals, and Parse chips in with a helper…AGAIN…3 guys thinking as 1.
armchairkingsfan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Helvetica, I watched Parse play twice this preseason and he never lacked hustle live. He was taking the body and trying to make plays. He just isn’t a RW and isn’t at all comfortable in that spot hence the “lost” look. I mentioned it myself that he looked lost at RW. @Puck73 hit the nail on the head that Parse has a chemistry with Kopi and Willie. His skill set (whatever level it may be at) frees up space. He can see the ice well and can make plays from his off-wing. Though you do make a point about his conditioning and that will become more apparent now that he appears to be a regular due to Penner’s injury.
wavesinair Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 11:12 am
Also remember what TM said. He doesn’t have his first step back yet. That is a major factor.
Helvetica Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@Helvetica, To Puck’s comment, you may be right. Moving him back to LW may be the answer, but to your point about Kopi scoring goals and having a great game against the Freezers (because Parse was on his LW), he’s had a great preseason across the board.
Bottom line, i want our team to win games. You think were better off with Parse taking either that LW1 or LW2 spot, and i’m of the opinion that he hasn’t quite earned it yet. Of course i’d be happy to be proven otherwise after this first game.
McCheese Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@Helvetica, and that pass that Parse made on Kopi’s goal was sweet!
kevin from toronto Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@Helvetica, Everyone just ask yourself. Can you guys really see Parse scoring 25+ goals or registering 30+ assists?
Not a chance. And that’s what you need from a first line winger. Not a 20 point/season player.
He’s been in the NHL for 2 years – statistically. He basically missed all of last year. His best season in the AHL, he didn’t even score 40 points.
I just don’t see where all this hype is coming from. He’s small and gets knocked around like Loktionov and he’s not even that good.
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At the Ducks game last week, Richardson was absolutely a stand out and I am all for him moving up.
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puck73 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Slapshot, To me, Kopitar, Lewis, and Richardson were the most impressive forwards in the exhibition games, just my opinion.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@puck73,
I agree one hundred percent. It’s interesting that all three are good skaters. Brown is a good skater but didn’t seem “with it” in the exhibition games.
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I hope these aren’t the lines for tomorrow… let the line shufflin’ begin!
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Oh yes Richardson…good move TM hope you keep him there.
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WOW!! We haven’t even played ONE game and people are already bashing TM!! Hey Crown Royal, since I have to assume that you have NEVER played, coached or been in the locker room of a single NHL game, why don’t you wait at least a couple of games to see how things play out before you go on a rant, who knows you might be WRONG!! Remember, it is DL, TM and their staffs that put the Kings in this Stanley Cup run, try giving them the benefit of doubt after all not only have they earned it but they are the PROFESSIONALS!! Go Kings and give Crown Royal some Kool-Aid he needs it!!
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Play2Win,
TM has been coaching this team for awhile so it’s pretty obvious what he can and can’t do, don’t you think? By the way, how many Stanley Cups has TM won as a coach, exactly? (In thirteen seasons as an NHL head coach).
I’m more impressed with DL but how many Cups has he won as a GM? Did DL play in the NHL? Don’t think so either. This is not a knock on DL who I think has done a pretty good job. Just responding to your post.
P.S. I’ve been drinking Kings Kool-Aid for over thirty years.
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I believe that Brad Richardson proved in the playoffs that he can be a top-6 forward, and he deserves that chance. I have no idea why a lot of people constantly reiterate that he’s a fourth-liner. He’s got elite level skating, and we’ve seen flashes of great playmaking from him. The fourth-line is a waste of his talents – if you don’t believe me, just watch highlights from the last two playoff years.
Thank you for your time,
Cletus
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