Simon Gagne was kept off the score sheet last night, and had his four-game point streak snapped, but so far, Gagne has justified the two-year, $7-million contract he signed with the Kings in July. Gagne is a two-time 40-goal scorer who has missed at least 19 games due to injuries in three of the past four seasons. Terry Murray knows what Gagne can do, as Murray was an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Flyers during both of Gagne’s 40-goal seasons…
MURRAY: “There’s no surprises from Gagne’s game. He’s a very complete player. When things are going the right way, through his hard work and focus and execution, his game is a world-class game. Whether you’re looking at play without the puck, which is the reason why, as you go back through his early years, that he was making Team Canada in the Olympics, it was because of his intelligence and staying above the puck and making good decisions. When I saw him play a bunch of years ago with Peter Forsberg, one of the premier centermen who ever played the game, and the way they developed the chemistry and the finish that they showed, the goals that were scored were spectacular, at critical times. So none of his game surprises me. It’s what I expect, it’s what we need and I think he’s getting very close to the kind of player that I remember him as.’’
all signs point to him having a big season…
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:14 pm
@variable, Sometimes I worry about fandom taking over, but Gagne has gave me no reason to doubt him yet.
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I thought it was a steal to get him for what we paid both in years and amount, and he’s earned every penny of it so far.
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variable Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@CB14
he’s fitting in perfectly…if he continues to play at this level, this team can go places…
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CB14 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@variable, The first words you said are key. It looks like he’s played here the last 4 years, not 4 weeks. I thought he was going to play with Richards, but he’s looked so great with Kopi and Williams that I hope it stays that way.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:17 pm
@CB14, I like that look also. Murray will tinker eventually, and when he does, I hope he puts the 3 from Philly together, and Penner-Kopi-Brown together.
KC23 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:20 pm
@CB14, Yeah, he was a steal. Incredible bargin and I think he’s really going to enjoy these next comple of years.
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Dominick Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:35 am
@KC23, Now that you mention it. I keep forgetting we have this guy for 2 years. If he stays healthy I know I’m sure gonna enjoy the next couple of years.
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Wait till late November when this team gets a few games under their belts. I think we haven’t seen anything yet. I’ll be there Tuesday against New Jersey. Kolvachuck who!
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Next thing we know, Murray might actually smile.
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tornado12 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:32 pm
@JackKent Cooke, or start making jokes. Like maybe in his between period interviews…
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Roger Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:15 am
@JackKent Cooke, ha ha good one !
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Stay healthy Gagne! and give us 35 goals.
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goldielocks Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@408kingsfan,
No! 40!!!
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Kings 4 Life Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@408kingsfan, 40/40
40 goals & 40 assists
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jet Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:57 pm
@Kings 4 Life,
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jet Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:58 pm
@408kingsfan, 50 goals and 50 assists, no pressure
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Branzilla Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:30 pm
@jet, You’re being WAY too conservative. I’m thinking 82/82. That should be easy.
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***OFF TOPIC ALERT***
Not Good for DirecTV subscribers (Like Me)
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/if_you_catch_your_hockey_on_directv/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Guess the computer is going to get more use than normal after November 1st. I’ll be telling DirecTv I want a discount if they pull Fox Sports.
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neil Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:57 pm
@Cynic, i posted this yesterday…. I will give up direct tv…
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Kings 4 Life Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@neil, I dont think it will happen, Time warner threatend the same thing last year
and never happend.
Good luck.
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Cynic Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:57 pm
@neil, Didn’t see it. Sorry. I’ve been with them too long to give it up. I’ll just work them for more discounts like I do every year.
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@Cynic, I moved to DirecTV when we moved to Lake forest at the beginning of the year. WAY better than Time Warner Cable (and a lot cheaper too). My annual contract is coming up in January, so I will happily move my business to another provider if I can’t get the game on DirecTV. I find it hard to believe that this will actually happen. Like KINGS 4 LIFE said, TWC threatened the same thing and they were able to negotiate it out. I only watch Kings Games, Comedy Central and NHL Network, oh and all the kid cartoon channels for my girls.
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Nightman Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 3:41 am
@Cynic, This happened last year on Dishnetwork and they pulled fox sports channel for the 1st two weeks of the season but eventually they came to an agreement, the same will probably happen to direct tv as well. In the mean time there are a dozen places online to watch the nhl for free.
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Stupid San Jose scored in the final minute versus the Devils to get a point…. and Zeus just scored in the shootout in a bizarre goal. and they just stole it in the shootout…
BOOOO
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:44 pm
@Shakes, felt the same way about the wild the other night.
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Really happy to see a true sniper on Kopi’s wing finally!
Not only does Gagne play all aspects of the game, but he’s a serious upgrade in speed and positioning for the 1st line. Nice that he and Williams have played together well in a previous life too!
This line production will only improve as their chemistry gets better, but also, as the second line gets a chance to gel, it will create occasions when they’ll create matchup problems for the opposition, which will lead to even better production.
Nice to have you aboard Misieur Gagne!
gKg!
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Chris Adkins Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 11:43 am
@FdoFmFull, It’s monsieur. Just for next time buds. Take it as the truth from a canadian kings die hard fan. Kings are looking good and don’t you just drool over the infinite line combinations with instant chemistry possibilities with Richards gagne and williams in the fold?! Add kopes and browner in there and Penner ‘magellan’ in a groove (it’ll happen – just needs to rush the net & get the garbage goals) with them & or Richardson or Clifford it’s gonna be mind boggling for teams to try to keep up. GKG!
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Was that a total of 19 games over three seasons or 19 in each of three seasons?
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Branzilla Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:30 pm
@USHA#17, 19 each.
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The 2nd goal in the home opener was just SICK!!!
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Gags isn’t quite as flashy as Ziggy, but he sure is just as smooth and relaxed when he has the puck
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“Peter Forsberg once told me that Simon Gagne is the purest shooter he has ever been able to play with.”
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sure, he is an offensive weapon, but he is playing very good on the D side. So, winning is his most important stat.
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Gagne was an awesome signing by the Kings and i think he has helped uus alot and he has been there too the cup before and i say he will get about 25 goals this yr.good veteran and good too see him reunited with Mike Richards.so far lookin good and go Kings!
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I have to say I’m very happy about this acquisition. Great to see him playing along side Anze and Willy. A deft winger. The guy can flat out make plays.
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