Don’t look now, but the Kings have one of the top five power plays in the NHL right now. Entering tonight’s games, the Kings are tied for fourth with a 26.1-percent success rate on the power play (Colorado leads at 29.2 percent). It’s still very early, and it’s worth noting that two of the Kings’ six power-play goals have come via the unconventional 4-on-3 advantage, but Terry Murray said he’s pleased with what he’s seeing on the 5-on-4 attack as well…
MURRAY: “Overall, yeah, 5-on-4 has been pretty good. There’s been some good momentum built off power plays, and that’s something that we were lacking last year. We were constantly going back and playing stops and starts between the goal line and the offensive blue line. This year, we’re getting more time, a better attitude with possession plays. We’re getting some good looks in those 5-on-4 situations. To me, that’s a real positive and we’ll just keep pushing on it.’’
Hmm, seems like the Richards trade seems to be panning out. Who would have thunk it?
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@The Third Vopat, DL.
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@The Third Vopat, Everyone who watches hockey….(coming from a simmer fan)
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King Alex Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@Lake Forest, You said it all right there & I am still a fan of Simmer & Schenn.
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Token Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 5:45 am
@King Alex, Simmonds has played off the hook in Philly. He is all over the place in a good way out there on the ice. Speaks wonders on how good Kings are as a development system.
Schenn … Not so much. Still a boy trying to play a man’s game. Looked exactly like he did last year with the Kings; out of place in the one game he skated. He needs a couple more years before he develops man strength.
jet Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@The Third Vopat, Rich could have scored on most of his passes (assists). The game is so slow for him, it is fun too watch.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:50 pm
@The Third Vopat, Wow could it be that it was the players we had on the PP, and not Kompon? It may have just been too easy to force the puck away from Kopi, but now they need to stop Richards as well. That just taxes the 4 defenders way to much and something has to give. Both Kopi & Richards are so good passing and/or shooting they are forcing gapping holes in the PK, so other players have space=time to make a move/shot/fake a shot and shoot/or pass to give a teammate an open net opportunity. Lets not forget Gagne must be respected, and Brown is tough will screen the Goalie and put away the trash in the crease.
Go Kings, Go!
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Bill M. Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:44 am
@The Third Vopat, Take a long look at the alternative. I think DL made the right choices:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20122ALLSASAll&sort=giveaways&viewName=rtssPlayerStats
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jet Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:57 am
@Bill M., good stat, but also look at the hustle numbers, zero hits, zero blk shots, and the ratio 13/4 is -3, which can indicate the unwillingness to try to get teh puck back after losing it. The easiest time to steal a puck is right after it hsas been taken from you, so he is not hustling. Of course, hockey is not only about hustle, but when you are a good player who skates throughh a game, your teammates notice.
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SHHHHH!
(don’t jinx it.)
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10 threads in 1 day? Thanks Rich for all the extra work today.
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“it’s worth noting that two of the Kings’ six power-play goals have come via the unconventional 4-on-3 advantage”
They also had a 5-3, so that’s bascially half of the PP goals potted in a situation that heavily favors the team on the PP.
I don’t think Kompon is any type of miracle worker, yet…
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USHA#17 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Whodawat,
Way too early to tell. A couple of those power plays last night were awful. But one thing different was Penner standing in the crease.
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Darrell Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 12:52 am
@Whodawat, Well, that’s the point, isn’t it? Last year we SUCKED on the 5-3s.. The fact we’re actually scoring on them now is a good sign. Let’s hope it continues.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 12:55 am
@Whodawat, Well Coyotes game that was the first 5 on 4 PPG soooo its kinda working when Richards and Kopi work together int he right time
So i say thats progress If only they dont need to count on Richard all the time…
The PP system is just to plain i think its time to drop the dead wieght and get a new upgrade but maybe we are too early to say after all last year we all remembering and blinding out the new look of it
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Flow has really improved. Entrance into the zone has improved also. Breakouts have been more effective. Eventually a teams gonna really study how to stop it, but with the players we have out there, it looks very confident, and there seems to be enough room for players to adjust, and use their creativity with Kopi floating, and Richards rotating from side to side.
Brown and JJ seem to be the guys down low who are benefiting the most. They seem to be getting some open looks because of the PK being drawn out of position to cover Kopi, and Richards.
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We are starting to make cross seam passes that get the pk guys moving out of position. This never happend last year. All we had was the predictable point shot. So I definitley see an improvement.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@408kingsfan,
Exactly right. Last season there was no lateral movement from the 1/2 boards to down low. No plays to the crease, no onetimers from the slot, no plays from behind the net to out front, and no backdoor plays. I remember driving everybody crazy becuase I would scream for it at least 10 times a week. Noticeable difference so far. Even just attempting those plays would be an improvement, but I’m glad it’s panning out so far, so we don’t have to endure seeing it scrapped. I believe it will succeed where it didn’t last season.
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:27 pm
@408kingsfan, Agreed. The use of the slot seems to be more in play than just firing away from the blue line. I believe MR has a lot to do with this and they style he brings with him.
It is quite obvious that MR is looking to make the pass almost into the crease to get (insert name here) a good close shot on goal. One of his passes in the StL game almost seemed like a no-look pass a la Magic Johnson.
And, I was right there along with many who complained last season about all the passing to the points and along the boards. It was becoming obvious how teams would stop the Kings’ PP – just stand in the slot and allow the Kings to pass around it. Now, MR forces the issues by making crisp passes into and through the slot thus opening more lanes for higher-percentage shots on goal.
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I guess I’ll be in the downtown area tomorrow night. I’m going to do all I can to get to see the Kings. The dude I came out here with and my customer want to go downtown to drink and party, they are not Kings fans, so they can care less if they get in or not. I’ll be looking for a single ticket, no worries on my part. I’m used to going to games alone. I think it’s better, I can really watch the game. When people who don’t like hockey go they just drink and act like they know what’s going on. I prefer they stay at the ESPN zone and do whatever. We will be taking the train{Metro} so if they get to drunk I’ll just leave them and take the train home. I should of came out here by my self, but people will be people. I don’t want to miss the Kings. I don’t get out here much so I’ve got to get to this game. Hope to see some of my insider friends tomorrow.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:56 pm
@kinginsaltlake,
Enjoy the game. Dallas is playing really well so this will be a good early test for the club.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@kinginsaltlake, If you can, get a hold of puck. He’s got my number. I’ll be home tomorrow night, but wouldn’t mind saying hi while your down here. Good luck getting into the game.
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King Alex Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:11 pm
@kinginsaltlake, You can pick up a single ticket on Stubhub. I’ll be there with my bro tomorrow in section 317, row 7 on the aisle. Lights out for the Stars tomorrow!!!!!
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LittleRhody Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:12 pm
@kinginsaltlake, Hey man, Danille and I will be there tomorrow. We should be there pretty early (5:30ish) so even if you can’t get a ticket, we can still have a beer or several. (and if you can finish your second chili dog again, I’ll take it… again, lol)
Hope to see you (and everyone else) tomorrow.
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Keep it up Kings!!!
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Imagine what we could do with a GOOD pp coach? Just being a smart alec. Don’t mind me…lol
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@mcsorleyfan, Speaking of “mind”, how’s your noggin?
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@Dominick, excellent! Catch me around 205 row 5, seats 1&2! I still have to sit on an aisle so I don’t fall into peoples’ laps…
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OCKingsFan Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@mcsorleyfan,
Marty – you’re exactly 2 rows in back of us – we have 205, row 3, seats 1&2. I won’t be there Saturday but I will be there Tuesday to boo Kovi!
Will be there in a DD sweater! Look for me around 205.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@OCKingsFan, I’ve only got Saturdays this year; I have other committments some weeknights. This isn’t Marty, btw… just another Mc about the same size.
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I’m having dump n chase withdrawals….
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:53 pm
@Lake Forest,
Now THAT is funny!
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jet Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:14 pm
@Lake Forest, do you flush before the chase or after?
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Hadley Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 12:58 am
@Lake Forest, the master of the Dump ‘n’ Chase was Mark Hardy. In fact, throughout most of his career, when he got to the red line at the Forum, he would just Dump and no one would Chase. I miss those days.
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Forum Gold Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:56 am
@Lake Forest, Interesting interview with #99 yesterday. He was asked if he could change one rule what would it be. He stated that on a power play you would have to carry the puck from your end into the attacking zone. No dump and chase. GO KINGS GO!!!
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jet Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:01 am
@Forum Gold, better yet play 4v4 or go to the bigger surface. Players are no longer 5″6′, 150 pounds any more and some people could sleep on the new goalie pads.
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Maybe this is the right time to ask for that Kompon interview?
Sorry, couldn’t resist. LOL!
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@Cynic, Rich should wait till there is a lull in productivity so that Kingsfans won’t get confused.
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Andrew: the second coming Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:02 pm
@Cynic, Rich- So what is new with the system this year?
Kompon- Mike Richards took my job.
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Movement is the difference so far, not just settling for point shots. Good things happen when u try to get the puck to the front of the net, who would of thought?
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It’s the year fou us for a great PP. We stunk it up last season but we were much better the year before. Let’s kick the you know what out of the twinkle twinkle little stars tomorrow. There is no way they play this good all season. Tomorrow night is as good as any time to start their losing streak. Go Kings Go!!!!!!!!!!!
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Will Kompon be the next head coach hired in the league? 7th in the league 2 seasons ago, first in the playoffs the psat two years, and now 4th in the league. So, he averaged being in the top quartile during the season the past 3 years and averaged being the best in the playoffs. That is a hot property.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@jet, Enough with logic and stats, maybe GMs will just read the blog and think he is an idiot, thats never had a creative thought.
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Tickets to the game tomorrow. Hoping to see quick break the goaless streak!
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Sorry to be off-topic, but watching the Stars/ducks game tonight there is a banner at the bottom of the screen saying that DirecTV might drop all the Fox channels (including FSW, Prime Ticket, FX, etc.) on November 1st. The banner said to visit http://www.keepmynets.com/
Could just be a dumb negotiating ploy and one of them will blink before November 1st (where have we seen that happen before?), but still, if DirecTV takes away Bob Miller and the Kings games…
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@Naturallawyer,
Don’t bet on it. Could happen, but we don’t have Foxsports West 2 in Oceanside, because none of the providers out here could get Fox to drop their demand for more money. Now you can’t even get Prime Ticket games anywhere out here because their blacked out. Even if you pay for Center Ice, or your provider has Versus, If it’s simultaneously broadcasted on FoxSports 2, I can’t get it, or even stream it on the computer.
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Kevin hoard Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 8:33 am
@Naturallawyer, It happened with Dishnetwork a couple years ago, i had to switch to directtv to get kings games, I hope I don’t have to switch back again.
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I have chosen my name thanks Shakes and everyone else! Hope everyone has had a great Friday can’t wait for the game tomorrow.
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Is a bone rattling hit, a fight and an assist now called a Westy? I hope to see a couple more this season.
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King Alex Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@jet, I don’t know if it is but it should be from now on!
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@jet, If Westy has a fight, a hit, and plays 6 minutes without having a goal scored against him, That’s a “Westgarth Hat Trick”.
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jet Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:35 am
@Dominick, I understand your enthusiasm, but I cannot see letting a hat go for that.
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Dominick Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:22 am
@jet, Knowing Westy’s play though, that is a good game for him. Maybe a point by itself would be a hat trick for Westy since it’s only gonna happen 7 times a year, and that’s being generous.
Dallas 3 – Ducks 1
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I see lots of movement and not only looks for shooting lanes but looks for re-direct lanes from outside the crease. That’s what I was asking for as that is what the elite teams were doing. We have the manpower to do it and we’re beginning to do it. I am so happy that clearly we are not playing a 100% shots on net PP slop game. Anyone else notice those cross-crease passes now??!! But don’t stop there, we don’t only have these two tactics, we also have a third – and that’s our boys having the confidence and skill to just free-wheel it out there!! Having fun! Yes, very excited about this year’s prospects.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@crashin’da net, Noticed Richards and Kopi are really moving, and Kopi is never in the same spot twice. Below the goal line, 1/2 boards, Left side, right side, and even scored from the high slot.
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crashin'da net Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 8:41 am
@Dominick, yeah movement up top (changing wings) and also down low. Always seems like we have some one either passing thru or sitting for a little bit in that sof area in the slot. I like it and hope thay continue to build on it.
And Penner looked a little bit better last game but let’s not forget – we didn’t sign him to stand up for our boys and fight; we signed him for goals and assists. I’m not overly impressed with a second assist. He’s still well short of the mark. Keep improving Penner. We know you can. Do not let KC or Greener have more goals than you.
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Dominick Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:30 am
@crashin’da net,
1 thing I noticed in the few games Penner has played is that he’s making really good outlet passes once the Center comes down below the puck to recieve a pass and carry it out of the zone safely. He’s protecting the puck well, and covering his lanes north and south. He’s also creating timely turnovers with his reach, and doing a good job of sweeping the puck away once an opposing players in front of him with the puck. Brown, and Richards are excellent players, and it’s not gonna take too long for him to get going offensively.
Not related to this item, but I must admit general disappointment with the new game score reporting format. Impossible to follow, non-consecutive, almost backwards flow. Please revert to the old method or if one thread, recap chronologically from beginning to end. Thanks.
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Fire Jamie Kompon!!!
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jet Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:37 am
@SVIK, bandwagoner
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Dominick Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:32 am
@SVIK, That was soooo last week. lol
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PP Anybody? Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@SVIK, I’d still fire Kompon. Seems to me that the change has more to do with what Richards decides he wants to do or sees on the ice, rather than any scheme change on the part of Kompon. Either way though, as long as it keeps working, I’ll take it.
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Can’t wait to be at the game tomorrow sitting in section 214, row 7, and looking forward to seeing MR and Gange play.
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Richards factor.
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Is it weird that I get all giddy when I think of the kings and the possibilities for this season, its like I know what love is now
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In other news last night,
The Sharks outshot New Jersey 41-19. Hedberg had a monster game and only gave up 3 in regulation. Elias had a PP goal, and Parise scored a shorty. Hitting was low very low (especially for the sharks who usually average more).
The Ducks outshot Dallas 36-19. Dallas scored early at the 13 second mark, and cruised 2 nothing most of the game (which probably explains the high number of shots, because they sat back the whole game). Hitting was heavy, and Dallas besides being heavily outshot also blocked 17 shots. Scoring first is crucial against these guys.
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