Other than the goalie change, the Kings will make only one other move, with Kevin Westgarth replacing Trent Hunter. Terry Murray said he wasn’t entirely pleased with Hunter’s game last night, which was the primary motivation for the change. As expected, Dustin Penner (lower-body injury) remains out.
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Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
[Reply]
hopefully westgarth took skating lessons in the off season
[Reply]
Westy doesn’t get that pass either…
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Whats wrong with penner?!?!
[Reply]
Buster Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:14 am
@MOSH,
He’s pregnant.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@Buster, Hahaha and you’re the father! :O
[Reply]
Buster Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@Kings Fan In Temecula,
Nah. I just see “lower body injury” and think of the wildest possible thing for it to be.
Bill M. Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@Kings Fan In Temecula, Interesting. Pregnancy = Injury? Some might call it an affliction, but injury?
39scars Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Kings Fan In Temecula, For a male, injury is about right
tothehaters Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@Buster, again
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@MOSH, There’s no check box for a strained duodenum, so they have to list his case as a lower body injury.
[Reply]
MrMister Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@MOSH, he has a pulled ‘taint
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Wow great news for Westy, am troubled by TM’s look at Hunter. Step it up Hunter or you might be in Manchester preeeteeeeey soon.
[Reply]
kovalking96 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@gene,
It makes no sense that h is the one being sent down. He had a great camp, good preseason and 1 game he has one bad game and he is sent down? Makes no sense seeing how Parse was basically on the chopping block all training camp and preseason with TM saying he is looking terrible and needs to step it up. Parse did nothing last night while at least Hunter was trying to make plays and was hitting. Like I sad before,Parse should be that extra forward who goes in and out with Westgarth, not Hunter.
[Reply]
I still like the message it sends. Put up or sit down. I like Westys game lately anyway, it’s been coming along.
[Reply]
KingsFan in OC Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@KC23, It has been a long time since we have had this kind of depth that we can have that luxury. In the past, it has been, “put up or we will just have to continue to suffer with your sorry arse for the remainder of the season.” Now, there are so many guys waiting in the wings, we don’t have to wait for a player to pick it up.
I also have thought Westy’s game is improving. I was very happy with the minutes he played last year in the playoffs. I think he can be effective as long as he doesn’t try to do too much.
[Reply]
39scars Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@KingsFan in OC, If more of those in the wings were on the wings we’d b good
[Reply]
Peter90210 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@KC23, Westy is so overdue for a goal. Don’t be surprised if he knocks one in. He’s really been crashing the net during the preseason. It’s gonna happen……..
Also, Buffalo has got some big guys and we need an enforcer in the mix this game just to keep things honest. Cliffy can’t do it all……
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@KC23, Yea, I really like the way he’s blocking punches with his face.
[Reply]
Go Kings come out firing like you boys did last night.
[Reply]
Sharks get a gimmie for their opener. Against the Yots … pffft.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@KC23, BTW, for you hardcore gamecenter types … Devils play Philly tonight, one game to scout next two Kings opponets.
[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:23 am
@KC23, report back to us tomorrow, or maybe to TM.
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KC23 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Happy Lappy, This is a pretty dam ruff way to start out a season considering the opponets and travel. Sharks get the Ducks twice, St Louis and the Yotes. Three of which are home games.
Scot Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@KC23,
Not necessarily, Niemi & Niittymaki are both hurt for San Jose, so they have their 3rd goalie Thomas Greiss playing. I don’t know why everyone always writes off Phoenix. Same thing happened the last 2 seasons, & Dave Tippett had them making the playoffs both times. Last I checked, he is still their coach. Their goaltending could be weaker this season, but I’m not counting them out at all. Keith Yandle will be a Norris Trophy finalist this season.
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@KC23,
Directv also has a free trial for Center Ice till the 23rd, so all the games show! Me likee! Seriously tho, waaaay too much tv to watch.
[Reply]
lindy ruff’s teams are always…well…ruff…i mean, rough…
kalets, gaustad, mccormick…
although i think it might be a stretch to think that on the second game of the season there’s a need to start yr enforcer, tm is somewhat obligated to put westy in due to how the sabres play…
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@variable, Don’t forget Ehrhoff that was one of Vancouvers best defenseman last year. Gonna be a nasty game today.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:29 am
@KC23,
yep…him too…
how do you get a skill and speed team off their game…?
(yes…i did say speed team in referring to us – feels a lil’ bit weird still, i know)…
you try and take them off their game by getting the dinsdale brothers involved by having them attempt to administer beatings…
the sabres have a nice balance of size, speed and skill, too…
it should be an entertaining game…IF…fatigue doesn’t become a factor…
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@variable,
Back to back jet jag is bound to have an effect.
Player-X Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@variable, but with the fatigue factor equal for both teams, I like Westgarth being in there, maybe his muscle can wear the Sabres down, and the game will be a little slower to start and in the thrid period, too, coming to Westygarth’s level naturally. Now all he has to do is make contact, that’s the big “if”.
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:45 am
@Player-X,
i don’t mind him playing if he is effective…
and like i said, the sabres are a tough team, so it makes sense for tm to address that aspect of their game…
Hunter did look like he forgot to get his skates sharpened yesterday, but, how about a little patience with the guy. I think you put him right back out there to redeem himself, we already know what Westy brings to the party, not much.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@Happy Lappy, Hunter is coming off a pretty tuff injury, perhaps two games in a row might be pushing it a bit for the guy.
[Reply]
Downsy Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:43 am
@KC23, If you say that about hunter what about Parse? He been out longer and parse looked weak yesterday as he gets pushed off the puck so easily but we need his speed today though. Hunter turned the puck over the same way on his back hand but Quick saved his but unlke for Hunter.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@Downsy,
Not sure which game you saw, but Parse played well yesterday. Riches got knocked off the puck more than Parse did.
KC23 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@Downsy, I thought Parse looked pretty good. Definately A LOT better than Hunter, but your point is well taken.
wavesinair Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:18 am
@Downsy,
Parse had an excellent game.
Happy Lappy Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:53 am
@KC23, good point, Westy might be “required” for this game, didn’t know Hunter was still hurting.
[Reply]
dumpnchase Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:46 am
@Happy Lappy, His skating ability has always been like that. When I would watch him play for NYI I always thought he was effective, but had the worst (not prettiest) stride.
[Reply]
kovalking96 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@Happy Lappy,
I agree, if anything besides his 1 turn over I thought he played ok. Still not liking what I am seeing from Parse. Parse should be that guy who goes in and our for wesrgarth not hunter.
[Reply]
Westie scores his first NHL goal today…….
…Off his face. LOL!
Long live Stu Grimson! (Wish I could find video of that)
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:31 am
@Cynic,
you could probably find his video singing the itsy, bitsy spider though…
[Reply]
let’s go Westgarth! gonna be physical today I like to see him in there for 5 to 7 minutes. Let’s get it done, “we’re in the playoff hunt!!”
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Any idea who is going to be in net for Buffalo?
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I think it’s stupid hunter sitting. If he sitting sit jonhnson he did backhand pass which was picked off and great scoring chances on quick. If hunter made mistakes johsnon did too. I know Johnson scored but it’s the same thing of turning the puck over. I know…Johnson great and i wouldn’t take him out of the lineup either just I am never fan of westy, or Ivianas, Parros.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@Downsy, paging Domenick to the white courtesy phone … paging Domenick
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@Downsy,
Yeah, sit the guy who scores the game winning goal. Brilliant.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@Downsy,
come again…???
hmmmm…..
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@Downsy, People don’t have perfect games. Scoring the GWG kinda outweighs one single pass, for almost everyone.
[Reply]
jackj43 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@Downsy, Hello?
[Reply]
Come on boys! Tough game today vs. BUF. They are very good and fast. Let’s win this one and then enjoy the east coast “training camp” before Thursday’s contest. Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Some good games today, PHL-NJD, DET-COL (Forsberg getting his jersey retired), SJS-PHX (Have to say Sharks makes me nervous, they seem way too good for comfort)……
In case some don’t know, NHL Center Ice has their usual free preview so if you have access to it, you can watch every single game for a week or so……
GKG!
[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@Louis Zypher, the freebee ends 0n 10-10. Thanks for the info. on those other games, I’ll be watching, glad to see Forsberg getting his day, one great hockey player.
[Reply]
off-topic…
al davis has passed away…
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@variable, Ding dong the witch is dead!!!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@Stuart,
he had an amazing life…
during his final phase, it was truly unfortunate for him…and for us…that he became more of an icon of parody rather than the sports legend he was …
i’m not a raider fan – never have been…
and i know i was definitely one of those peeps who pounced on him when his management skills and football decisions were obviously in decline…
but i had tremendous respect for the al davis that was a football pioneer…a visionary…a fighter…
we didn’t really get to see the better side of him in public during the last decade or so…but if you go back and read about his contributions to the game and how his peers and contemporaries regarded him as a true forefather of football, yr opinion about the man might change…
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@variable, you’re right, my response was flippant and more based on him the bungling baffoon who still thought he knew what was up for the last 20 years, playing cities and fans against each other in order to squeeze every last dime out of the cities he played in or the cities he teased about moving too. He turned into a stubborn old man and in my eyes will be remembered more for that fascet of his life then the younger Al Davis the owner/pioneer who did a lot of good things for the AFL/NFl…
don’t mind me, but it was time for him to go 10 years ago.
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@Stuart,
no worries, STUART…
he was a huge figure in los angeles…and regardless of his direct connection to hockey or the kings, it’s a relevant topic of discussion on here because of the la sports connection…
i just happened to go to espn at 9:42am…and the story broke around 9:38am…so timing had a lot to do with it, too…
yes – he should have been more of a sideline owner a long time ago…it’s too bad that he didn’t…
[Reply]
spidey35 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@variable, Sad to see he passed away, but I hate the Raiders and glad they left LA
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@spidey35, You can thank the Coliseum commision for the Raiders leaving L.A, and the Rams, AND UCLA. The Coliseum commision…what a joke.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@variable,
Just ___ Baby!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@wavesinair,
jobs, shuttlesworth, jansch and davis…
four icons of their respective industries and/or causes pass away during the same week…
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@variable, …and Ralph Steinman on 9/30.
Bingram Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 11:03 am
@wavesinair;
For Al, that said it all.
Go Kings go!!
[Reply]
I really think that some people formulate an opinion towards a player early and then stop watching. Yes, Westgarth looked out of place on the ice early last season, but he progressed throughout and played solid in the later part of last year. I’m saying he gets a point today…if he gets a goal today I will have to get my stomach pumped…Go Kings Go!!
[Reply]
Bingram Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@KJCHIP30,
Whether he gets a point today or not. Your point is well taken. Westgarth improved during last season and into the playoffs. Let’s give him a chance. Go Westgarth!
Go Kings, go!!
[Reply]
Go Ducks, and take the Clippers with you, lol. Game time, one hr. of rooting against, then 3 hrs. of rooting for da KINGS!!
[Reply]
Clifford-Stoll-Parse
Moreau-Lewis-Westgarth
?????
whats the bottom 6 look like?
[Reply]
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Paul G, Me thinks EM moves up to the 3rd line. SP stays on the left and 4th looks like…
KFC-Lewis-KW.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@Paul G,
That is the bottom 6
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:32 am
@Paul G, parse-stoll-westgarth (parse needs to be LW to be effective)
clifford-lewis-moreau
OR swap moreau and westie (my preference)
[Reply]
Since it is a back-to-back situation, i think TM is just going to take it easy on TH and get KW in when possible. Remember, the Kings have depth! And that is a good thing!
If DP was healthy, SP may also have been a healthy scratch.
And, with KW playing, TM gets to juggle lines again and we all know how addicted he is to line juggling.
[Reply]
I thought hunter looked ok, much better then freaking Parse that’s for sure.
[Reply]
Happy Lappy Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@kovalking96, “all we are saying, is give Parse a chance”
[Reply]
kovalking96 Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@Happy Lappy,
I hate that, he has had so many chances and still can’t seem to cut it. Hunter gets the first game of the season and he gets a healthy scratch? Parse must give good favors or something because he would have been cut already on other NHL teams.
[Reply]
Before the game show called Kings Insider is on . Don’t know if it has anything to do with Rich or this site but might be worth looking into
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@murf, I think it’s the season preview, no?
[Reply]
murf Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@wavesinair, a little different ,the preview show was on right before this one
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I have a feeling the players like Westgarth in the game. It’s always good to have a guy that has your back in any situation. He seems like a real team player, likable and non-complainer and I’ve never seen him not play to his abilities, or take a game off. You can’t say that about too many players
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@bringbackbutchgoring,
Agreed. All positives. Too bad he can’t play hockey.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:41 am
@bringbackbutchgoring,
players are always in favor of having an enforcer on the ice with them, not against them…and, in most cases, a team’s enforcer tends to be one of the best teammates to be around off the ice…
actually, i think what makes the nhl players stand out more so than the players of other leagues is that the overwhelming majority of them are truly decent to exceptional human beings…
[Reply]
With Westgarth’s size, it’s odd how he’s such a bad fighter. He really is good for nothing.
[Reply]
feature about to air on westy and his motor-mouth…
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@variable,
INT: ON THE ICE
WESTY: (to Cliffy) What should we be talking about here? Math? Quantum physics? String theory?
CLIFFY: Math? On the ice?
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@wavesinair,
hehe…
INT: IN THE LOCKER ROOM
CLIFFY: (to Westy) I got yr math! (Cliffy hurls a texas instruments gadget Westy’s direction)
[Reply]
games at 11 right
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Kings got out played badly against Buffalo. For the life of me I still can’t figure out coach Murray. Why the hell does he suit up Westgarth,& Parse they are terrible. Surely we have something better than them on the farm or in juniors or college! In the summer dealings the Kings forgot to address 1 real need area…SPEED! And Mitchell and Scuderi need to be traded to make room for some youngsters!
[Reply]