When the Kings beat Phoenix 2-0, it was good enough. When they beat Dallas 1-0, it was a strong game by both teams and an outstanding game in goal by Jonathan Quick. After last night’s 3-0 loss to New Jersey, though, the numbers started to look more bleak, in particular the Kings’ total of three goals in three games. Entering tonight’s games, the Kings rank 22nd in the league with an average of 2.12 goals per game. That includes only 11 goals in 5-on-5 situations, a specific area the Kings wanted to improve this season. Today, Terry Murray was asked if that was an area of concern…
MURRAY: “Absolutely. That’s an area of concern when you look at the last three years. Our offensive game is not as good as what we need it to be. It’s been one of the lower stats that we look at, in 5-on-5 play over the years. I think everybody is aware of it. We’ve got to get more of a shot mentality. That is, no question, an area of concern. We look at the average shots on goal, as compared to the rest of the league, and we’re down to 27th, 28th in the league. So that has to improve in order to score. At the same time though, in saying that, I think we’ve had some really good looks. Last night, we had some opportunities, and we’re not finding the back of the net right now. We’ve just got to reinforce it, the good things that are happening, and build on it and I think it will start to turn around.’’
I also talked to Mike Richards to get his thoughts on the offense, particularly the contrast of last night’s game compared to the game against St. Louis, in which the Kings moved the puck so well…
RICHARDS: “We just had our legs (against St. Louis). We had that jump, and obviously you’re a better team when you have that jump. You’re not going to have it every night, and those are the nights that you have to battle through and really try to make plays. Some nights, the game seems easy and other nights it seems like you’ve never put the gear on before. You’ve just got to battle through it a little better, and hopefully you come out on top.’’
Question: The power-play percentage has been good, but you’ve only had a total of two chances in the last two games. Is that just one of those things that evens out?
RICHARDS: “You get more of a flow when you get more power-play attempts. When you get one, like we had last night, it doesn’t really give you time to get set up. Sometimes you’re working on things and trying new things. It’s definitely an advantage when you score on it. We just couldn’t seem to find the puck at all last night, throughout the game, let alone on the power play.’’
Question: Is part of it, though, what you’re talking about? If you move your legs better, you might draw some more penalties?
RICHARDS: “Yeah, maybe. Like I said, some games, the game seems easy and some games it seems hard. It’s unfortunate that it happens, but you play 82 games and it is going to happen. You’ve just got to find a way to battle through it.’’
I like Richards a ton – His overall play has been great. However, I would like to see some more goals from this guy.
What’s he expected for goals this year?
[Reply]
Vallah77 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@KingsGuy, He can get anywhere between 25 to 31, but I think his face offs need to improve not so much his goal scoring. Plus he’s a set up guy through and through so we’ll see more assists then goals.
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kings king Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@KingsGuy, 20-25 good season 25-35 great season and probably around 50-60 points on this kings team. Just my opinion but it seems about right.
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USHA#17 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@KingsGuy,
Murray is hoping his goal production decreases by 35-50% this season as proof positive that once again a talented offensive Kings forward can be turned into a defensive juggernaut.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 8:59 am
@USHA#17,
Yeah, the way TM coaches does he really expect his teams to score a lot of five on five goals?
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USHA#17 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Crown Royal,
Thanks for the repose. I was afraid that I had accidentally commented on one of Hammond’s “problems on the offense” posts from last year.
TM’s answer ‘shot mentality’. My answer ‘John Stevens’.
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Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@goldielocks, John is Terry with a different tie.
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kevinebel Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
@goldielocks, I don’t see the “Shot Mentality” developing until this “system” that TM is always preaching is tweaked.
The players hold onto the puck because they know in today’s NHL there is very little chance of a goal without traffic in front of the net.
There is no traffic in front of the net because the “system” has forwards rolling out from that position to make sure they have their defensive assignments covered.
It becomes self-fulfilling game in / game out at some point someone needs to tell the Emperor, he has no clothes.
LA has the talent up front to score don’t see it happening until something changes though.
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crashin'da net Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@goldielocks, I hear ya. His “shot mentality” is killing us.
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Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
@goldielocks, How about instead of a shot mentality, we go for the “Pass to the open man with a better % shot with more net to shoot at mentality!”
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PRMan Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@Kings win, Ducks lose, Exactly! For years I am wondering why we shoot from the lowest percentage areas on the ice.
2-on-1? Shoot from the goal line after we run out of room on our predictable play.
Even strength? The puck is always along the boards or at the point, and nobody cuts across the zone.
PP? Get it to the point and shoot! Why? That’s a low-percentage play that sometimes turns into a high-percentage one, but not usually.
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Ill give TM credit, at least he backed up his “shot mentality” mantra with some actual statistics.
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neil Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@tornado12, stats dont always tell the truth…..shots from the blue line with no one in front is easy for the goalie.
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tornado12 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@neil, so you are saying the offense is even worse? yikes…
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408kingsfan Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@tornado12, Yeah 28th in the league for shots on goal will put us at 28th in league in the standings. I say figure out how to play kopi 40 minutes per game and we should be good to go.
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@408kingsfan, Actually tied for 21st.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20122ALLSAAALL&sort=avgShotsPerGame&viewName=outshootingOutshotby
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408kingsfan Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
@CB14, Thanks, you really are a walking dictionary.
If TM thought we had quality chances last night then he is not watching the same game I was. 6 shots from Martinez and ZERO from Richards is a problem.Also “shot mentality is just words…Its like in basketball telling your players to shoot more…That doenst work.We need to get QUALITY shots…we need Penner in front of the net….We need a coach to teach a system other then tell players to have a shot mentality….. If this has been a problem for three years then its on the coach not the players….
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number 6 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@neil,
Neil, I actually intentionally didn’t read TM’s quotes as I have an issue w them when they are about the offensive issues regarding the team. Did he actually Say that they had quality chances?
I was watching the NJ telecast and being back east turned it off after two periods. Maybe they had some great stuff happening in the 3rd, otherwise, l don’t remember more than maybe two chances (and I can’t remember what those were). Yes, I think I remember one or two. Most times that won’t win you a game in the NHL.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@neil,
Yeah we definitely need quality shots… Blue line shots to someone’s ankle is not cutting it.
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Niko Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@neil, I remember a couple, but instead of lifting the puck Kopi shot it directly into the goalies leg pad. Lot’s of shots high and wide as well (what’s new?). That was Kopi’s worst game of the season by far, same can be said for everyone else but Bernier.
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Seems like we have heard this before, shot mentality, blah, blah, blah.
The talent gets better but every season is the same.
1. Win a few close games because our goalie stand on his head.
2. Win a shootout
3. Then we lose a few games to sub-par teams.
4. Then the scoring drought kicks in.
5. TM blames a player who’s contract is up at the end of the year.
6. Barely make the playoffs
7. Lose 3 games in overtime because there are no shootouts.
8. Next season improve the roster.
9. Repeat 1-8
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AZ King Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
@pesus,
Alright, guess we better just pack it up this year then. See you all next September…
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Onetimer1966 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@pesus, You making me depressed , but unfortunately you make lots of sense.
I sense “occupy TM ” revolt here.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
@Onetimer1966, i’d be fine with that, its not the players this time around
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pesus Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
@Onetimer1966,
sorry, but this team makes me depressed, TM has done some good things here but I think its clear he has no answer for the lack of scoring even though our roster continues to improve. Its still early, but if the last 2 years have taught us anything is that there will be no change in the offensive scheme.
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408kingsfan Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
@pesus, “this team makes me depressed,” wow one loss and we blasted 5 goals on The Blues a couple games ago. I hope you dont listen to country music it might put you over the edge
PP Anybody? Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@pesus, Spot on there, mate.
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KingsFan1971 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@pesus, you know if you play country music back you get you chick back your dog is alive and your truck starts sounds like a plan. the team will be fine its way to early to panic but just in case get you some country on vinyl!
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KingsFan1971 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@KingsFan1971, backwards sorry spell check
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last year TM changed lines all the time…this year with the offense not clicking at all…he doenst do anything….
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408kingsfan Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
@neil, Maybe he read all the complaints on this blog about swithing up lines too much so he’s trying a different stradegy
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Hey Terry, why do you think that the way to fix the Kings lack of 5 on 5 scoring the past 3+ years is to keep preaching the same thing you’ve been saying for the last 3+ years? I don’t for the life of me understand that.
Terry Murray’s coaching philosophy: If it’s broke, leave it alone. If it isn’t broke, change it.
Also, during the off-season I had numerous discussions with other people on this blog arguing the problem with the Kings lack of scoring. I said it was the system, they said it was the lack of talent and that now that we have the talent, I’ll see improvements. We’ll I don’t see any improvements so far. What gives?
If you’re going to say that 8 games is still too soon to call it, ok, that’s fine, but please give me the amount of games the Kings have to play before we make a decision on talent vs system. I will keep track and we’ll discuss it at the time you say it will be. Thank You.
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tornado12 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@CB14, your arguement does seem to be gaining some evidence, though the sample size is small. Id say 25% into the season would be fair…so thats game 20.5
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@tornado12, I’ll make note, Tornado12 – game 20.5. Ok, gotcha in my book!
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tornado12 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@CB14, OK, but I tend to agree with you, its the sytem not the players so I guess just remind me that we were right or wrong then…
CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@tornado12, Good to know. Will make sure to remind you at that time.
408kingsfan Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@tornado12, I’m going with the 33% cross section 27.333 games
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zulov Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@CB14, Great post – couldn’t agree more. TM is the reason there is no offense.
Dump, chase, blue line, slap shot = hope and pray you hit the net and the gollie doesn’t see it…
No effective neutral zone play – AND every year the Kings get Bigger and SLOWER.
I want to see Edmonton run circles around us -
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Shotongoal Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
@CB14, I’ve never been sold on TM’s “system”, but I also said here when the season started that I thought it would take 1 to 1 1/2 months for this lineup to click together. So I will stick with that. They have the
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Shotongoal Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
@Shotongoal, Stupid new phone! As I was saying, they have the players now to better offensively, now let’s see if TM is an adequate enough coach to lead them!
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PP Anybody? Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@CB14, The problem is, TM’s system is just good enough for us to be a decent team, which leads to the belief that playing low scoring defensive only hockey is good enough to hang on to this guy.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@CB14,
Realize the sport is different, but what would you say if a pitcher is throwing a perfect game, then the manager pulls the pitcher out? Quick has 3 shutouts in a row and what does TM do?
Reasons or excuses are meaningless. Players are professionals? They are human, who don’t have emotions or thoughts?
Is there a pattern going on here? Oh, this is only game 8? Does that matter? It’s only been 3+ years. Does that matter?
Bottom line? Who’s holding back this team? The players? Or the coach? Seriously. Quick has 3 shutouts in a row. And you pull him? Really? On how many days rest? Really? Because you promised the other goalie he was gonna play? Really?
I think I’ve got the picture now. Thanks. Now you’ve really stuck your foot in it.
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@Kingsfanone, Um, I’m not sure if you agreeing with me or disagreeing with me so I’ll try to state my answers so that you understand my position.
I would say the coach made a horrible decision to pull the pitcher.
He pulled the goalie, and recieved plenty of critism from me.
Yes they are professionals.
They have emotions and thought’s, they’re not machines.
There’s been a pattern going on for 3+ years now.
Yes, it is only game 8.
To some people it does, my position on Murray’s system has never changed.
Yes, that’s what my opinion is based off of.
Ok.
Terry Murray is holding back this team.
No.
Yes.
I didn’t pull him.
Yes, really. I’m not the Head Coach.
2 full days of rest, the game was played on the third day.
Yes, really.
Yes.
Yes, really. I don’t understand it either.
Since I answered all of your questions, can you answer one of mine? Are you saying I stuck my foot in it or are you talking about out Head Coach?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@CB14,
Oh I agree with you. And Murray needs a towel.
Sorry for the rant. Blowing off steam. But I totally agree with you!
CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
@CB14, Ok, good to hear. I thought mabye you were asking me the questions instead of TM and I thought mabye you didn’t know my opinion on him. Glad to see we see things the same. It was a good rant. Feel free to blow off more steam like that.
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@CB14,
Thanks! Been bottling it up since last nite for a bit I guess.
I find myself agreeing with you all the time, in fact!
CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@Kingsfanone,
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@CB14, I think maybe “Crow” could take this team back now that they are big boys and have some time under their belts. I’ll bet there is someone out there that could take this team all the way, this season and he would probably bring in his own guys. with the exception of Ranford.
CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@HockeyOnly, It’s possible, but I was never a huge fan of him to begin with. Although he would be a better choice at this stage in the Kings development than Murray is. Murray’s a teacher, Crawford’s a finisher. DL should know that.
CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Still no sign of Player-X and Osaka. Where are ya boys? I need to know how many more games before we can settle this debate.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@CB14, I was told to wait around twenty games before passing judgement, so I’m guessing you’ll have to wait at least the same.
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Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
@PP Anybody?, I’m still trying, but it’s a long way from 1rst in offense.
ta Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 8:44 am
@CB14, Great post!!!
I agree 100% and i’ve been saying the same thing watching him since he’s been here.
it’s a defense system which is fine if you’re an average team without a lot of talent and your trying to keep the game close and win by 1 goal or in a shoot out.
Which is where we were 2 or 3 yrs ago. But now we have more talent and skilled players thanks to DL.
I love Kopi’s game and i feel he is one the best 2-way centers in the game. But could you imagine him in a more balanced system? He could put up 100 points easy.
And what about Richards? He has so much skill and the game looks so much different when the puck is on his stick. And another kid with some great creativy that would open up this offense is Loti but watch he will shine somewhere else.
TM was good enough to get us to the playoffs but I don’t think he’s the coach that will lead us to the CUP!
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KingsFan1384 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@CB14, I believe its if its broke dont fix it if it aint broke fix it till it is
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What about getting Lewis up on the Richards line with his great speed and endurance. Richardson can center for Cliff and Westie and put Penner on the Stoll line.
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AZ King Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@BlueStang,
Lewis hasn’t shown that he can be a consistent enough scorer to be in the top 6. Also do you really want Penner on your shut down line?
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DLB Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
@AZ King, Stoll’s line isn’t the shut down line, for all Murray says it is.
Maybe it can be in the future, it’s up to him.
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BlueStang Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
@AZ King, aaaaaaaaa second thought
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JD Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@BlueStang, cant help but think moeller would help right now, to bad murray didnt treat him better, before the haters start in about him being to small, I dont think a real hockey expert like DL would use his second round choice on a player that was to small to play in this league
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HockeyOnly Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@BlueStang, Westie missed his assignment terribly last night and that was how Zubius scored his 2nd goal. Sorry Westie fans, I like him also because of his heart, but Raitis Ivanans had heart also. Westie is a liability just like he was.
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What we need is a different coach for the offense to change or improve or TM needs to change his system. On paper we are stacked with talented players. Fact is that the coach/system is letting this group down
Go Kings Go
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Actually Terry, the Kings are tied for 21st in the league in shots per game. Washington, the highest scoring team in the league by a large margin is 15th in shots per game. A whopping 3 more shots per game than the Kings.
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tornado12 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@CB14, interesting…so quality not quantity eh? that mantra seems to work in just about every endeavor. whoda thunk it?
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Sydor25 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@CB14, Someone should ask Terry if more shots equals more goals equals wins, then why are the Kings 4-0-1 when being outshot? They are 1-2 when outshooting the other team.
5-on-5 goal scoring ranking by the Kings since Murray: 30th, 18th, 17th and currently 23rd this season.
The past three Stanley Cup Champion rankings: 1st, 2nd and 4th.
It’s not shots that matter, it is 5-on-5 goals. Until Murray can get the Kings into the top 10, they will not be a serious threat to win the cup. Doesn’t matter how much talent Lombardi gets, I don’t think Murray can get the Kings there.
I sure hope I am wrong, but I don’t want another wasted season with Murray. If I was Lombardi, Murray has until Christmas to get the scoring into the top 10.
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@Sydor25, Thank You for doing all that research. You brought up some great points. Excellent post, I agree completely!
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tornado12 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@Sydor25, WOW, excellent post! you just loaded my fodder cannon
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PP Anybody? Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@Sydor25, Wait, now I’m totally confused. I was really under the impression that defense was the only way to win championships. You mean scoring more goals than other teams actually helps win the stanley cup? (Sarcasm off now).
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Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@Sydor25, Becuase 2 of those games Bernier started?
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Sydor25 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@Dominick, but according to Terry Murray, more shots equals more goals and that should equal more wins. Shouldn’t matter who is in net.
Sounds like you disagree with Murray too.
Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
@Sydor25,
I’m definately not on board with shot mentality. As you’ve stated the 5 on 5 is a problem. Simply telling the team to fight through well prepared counter measures instead of making adjustments is wearing thin on me. I did say I’d give him more time this season, but showing improvement is driving me nuts.
It’s like saying the system has nothing to do with it, and it’s all the players fault they can’t fight off double coverage, and sticks in the lane to get the shot through.
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number 6 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@Sydor25,
Sydor, that is very revealing and rather disturbing at the same time.
Not great and something needs to change.
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Does anyone know if Parse is practicing with the team and If he is..on what line??? I still think we have too many non-scorers……Richardson,Westy,Cliffy,Lewis…..Also why was Westy playing in the third period and Clifford on the second line when you are down 3?????
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@neil, Yes he practices on the 5th line with Fraser and Hunter.
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JD Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
@neil, ya parse is the answer
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Shotongoal Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
@neil, And Parse would be considered a scorer? Sorry I just don’t see that, STILL!
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Old Man Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 7:44 pm
@neil, Old man agrees with you on every post,
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Chucker Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 8:45 am
@Old Man, when Parse plays the Kings score…Parse is a career +18. I also would like to see Loktionov in the lineup.
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Again?
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Quoting Rich: ‘ That includes only 11 goals in 5-on-5 situations, a specific area the Kings wanted to improve this season.’
I’ll make a slight adjustment here. It was something they wanted to improve last season as well, and didn’t …. and while aspects of the team look solid for certain, I can’t say that the 5-on-5 play is one of them….. unless you only count keeping the other team off the scoreboard.
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@number 6, Hey 6, how’s it goin? Haven’t seen you around here in awhile.
I’ll add to your comment. Terry Murray wanted to improve 5 on 5 scoring 2 years ago as well as last year, and this year. This is what Rich said at the end of the 09-10 season “Finally, Murray was reminded how, this time last year, he stressed 5-on-5 scoring as the major thing the Kings needed to improve.”
http://lakingsinsider.com/2010/04/29/how-to-improve/
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number 6 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 6:24 am
@CB14,
Hey CB. How are you doin? Good to be in touch. You know, it’s tricky. I’m trying to keep positive and actually enjoy hockey, but there is very clearly (just my opinion, which seems shared by others here) an issue wrt the offensive structure of this team.
I got the NJ telecast from here and was just disheartened watching that particular game. I mean, yes they did beat Dallas, but the only game where there has been offense was vs. the Blues, and the Blues comments after the game were that they played poorly. Presumably most teams won’t play poorly against you. And averaging two goals a game just leaves so little margin for error.
Do the Kings have a good team? Clearly they do. So do the Baltimore Ravens. But to me they are very similar. If the defense doesn’t get it done, they risk having problems.
Thanks for the link. Yep, deja vu.
Be well man.
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Wow guys this is no time to panic. Are there problems? I suppose a tentative yes is in order. But we’re not in a giant hole to start the season and the pieces look pretty good, at least as good as the last two years and much likely significantly better.
And with a goalie as good as Quick who knows how far we can go in the playoffs where the goalie becomes a much bigger factor. Plus getting Doughty back can’t hurt. And Voynov has shown he can step in and we sill have Loktionov and his creativity waiting in the wings.
We didn’t land Kovalchuk a pure offensive guy, so we got Richards a two way guy instead. Right now all I can see that is missing from previous years is the energy and mayhem Simmonds used to bring. Sooner or later someone will establish themselves in that role, maybe Moreau?
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tornado12 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@Weasel, good point, and I hate to keep bringing it up, but it seems when the Kings hit first and establish that game first, then the rest falls into place for them. I havent seen that consistent hitting game yet this year.
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@Weasel, I think the problem I have is that the players have improved but the offensive results haven’t. That’s taking nothing away from our defensive play, it’s been top notch the majority of the year, well, except when Bernier’s in net.
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Loktionov – we need him. Richards is a good player – you can tell, but he is totally obscured by lack of chemistry on his line. Penner and Brown are not creative enough – and when Penner gets creative it leads to a turn over.
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Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
@zulov, Lokti can’t play with Richards unless you put Richards on the wing.
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Chucker Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@Dominick, Lokti and Richards could play together on PKs PPs 4on4s.
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I don’t think we are panicking – we just see the writing on the wall – and it looks so familiar…
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I’m going to be Shot Mentality for Halloween this year.
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@Shakes, ROTFLMFAO Now that was FUNNY!
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goldielocks Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
@CB14,
Where can you buy ‘Shot Mentality’ costume? I want one.
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goldielocks Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@goldielocks,
Oops, the coment above was ment for Shakes.
CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@goldielocks, You can’t, Terry Murray owns every single one of them. LOL
kingszzz Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
@goldielocks, I’m afraid if I go as Bernier, all of my candy will go through my bucket.
BlueStang Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
@goldielocks, All you have to do is go naked!
BlueStang Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
@goldielocks, That was directed at shot mentality costume
goldielocks Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@CB14,
At least TM is good at upsetting people with only two words.
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
@goldielocks,
tornado12 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
@Shakes, yes but can you duplicate the facial expression after a goal is scored against us?
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goldielocks Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@tornado12,
I want that face on my wallpaper.
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Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
@Shakes, I’m going to be a net since we’ll never meet.
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Whodathunkit. Ask TM about offense and he says “Shot mentality.” Maybe time to figure something else out. We’ve been hearing that song for years now. What really gets me is when we are outshooting oponents we lose. When we’re being outshot, we win.
I dunno, how about going from Shot Mentality to Goal Mentality?
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This team will always be bottom 10 in the NHL as long as we play TMs game. Not saying its a bad way to play but just the way it is.
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No Quick = No Win. Not putting all the blame on Bernier. We seem to lose focus when were playing defense all the time. We are not flowing in our two way game. If the offense gets moving our defense lacks and vice verses. Focusing on taking more shots could help, but when you miss get back on defense. In no way is it time to panic. Richards brings a lot to this team, he may be trying to do to much. Normal for a guy who is a leader. Worried about Penner. He just doesn’t seem to play with much passion. It’s like he’s bored with hockey or something. Also Kopi seems to have cooled down a bit. Love the play of Gagne. This dude is 100% professional. Remember folks we are only in the first month of the season. I’m sure we are going to play a few more Lame Games during the season. This Kings club brings an excitement to the Staples Center that has only been reserved for the Lakers and a few cool concerts. It felt so good being at the game on Saturday night. I’m proud to call myself a Kings fan, Win or Lose. Now let’s go out to Dallas and Score some goals. Time for The Road Warriors to kick some butt.
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BlueStang Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
@kinginsaltlake, Yeah, I flew out from Reno for the game Saturday night, it was rockin. What a great game.
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Shoot the puck more and good thing will happen. Translation … let’s get lucky (bounces). You know TM, professionalism is not about getting lucky. It’s never been. Even amateurs get lucky at the same rate as pros. Professionalism is being creative with high execution level. That is why every team wants talented players. Don’t tell me you don’t have enough talent to execute your system. If they can’t, that must be the system even talented players can’t execute. Get it?
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@goldielocks, Great Post!!!
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kingszzz Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
@goldielocks, this was my point weeks ago. Yes, Detroit had a flop recently but their turnover in players is the same as every other team and yet they make it happen EVERY year. Why? Great Coaching/Great System. Period.
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Bama Kings Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 2:47 am
@goldielocks, Look at what Phoenix has been able to do with it’s lack of talent, ownership stability and the prospect of moving states. Yet they stayed competitive. One day they stink – new coach comes in – BOOM!
I thank TM for what he’s done the past few years, putting a system together that let these kids grow and have a shot, but it’s time to move on. It may not happen this year, cause we’ve got the core locked up for the long haul, but if we have a 1st round exit, preceded by a 6 – 8th seed, TM is gone.
He’s coaching far to much with this team. Like another person said, “he fixes what isn’t broke and leaves what is broken.”
This last move with Quick showed that he simply isn’t the guy anymore (TM). Can you imagine if we had Bylsma or Tippet? I may be nuts, but I’d even take Tort’s.
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number 6 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@goldielocks,
Great post.
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I feel bad for Richards. Having Brown and Penner as your wingers must really blow.
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Kenny44 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@Whodawat, Just imagine what Richards must be thinking about the goalie situation. He comes from Philly where they’re putting bartenders in the crease his whole time there, then he comes to the Kings to find JQ getting 3 consecutive shutouts only to get benched after 2 days off. WT . . . .?!
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BlueStang Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
@Whodawat, Yeah, that sucks pulling Quicker, but…Terry Murray made a promise. Wonder what his next promise is going to be???
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Gagne – Kopitar – Williams
Richardson – Richards – Brown
Penner – Stoll – Moreau
Clifford – Lewis – Westgarth
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BlueStang Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@outsider, No ya gotta Moreau back on the left side. He really started to shine when he got back on the left wing.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 10:46 pm
@outsider,
Penner Kopi Williams
Gagne Loktionov Richards(I know)
Clifford Stoll Brown
Moreau Lewis Richardson
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Bama Kings Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 2:49 am
@Jason4Kings, no-way. Leave the top line alone.
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at the bottom of the story reprinted from 2009
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The Devils shot mentality worked too. They only got 23 shots and look what happened there. Getting pucks to the net is important, but only if the shots are dangerous. Instead of telling them to shoot, and get it on net, try attacking from the middle of the ice first. Not the boards. Maybe the shots aren’t getting through because the other team is standing in the lane.
Have the guys doing drills for quick give and go’s with a 1 timer at the end, on net, since they can’t seem to do it in games. Maybe they need to work on it.
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number 6 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 6:11 am
@Dominick,
Yeah Dom. Watched the NJ feed of the game and I couldn’t understand it (don’t ask me what I didn’t understand). Virtually all the play in the o zone seemed to be along the boards, in the corner, and at the blue line. I just never for two periods had the feeling the Kings looked like scoring.
It is exactly as you described it. The Devils on the other hand looked like they had numerous good chances – and managed to put three (or four if you prefer) behind Bernier.
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What’s that you say? They need more of a shot mentality? Well, sheeesh, why didn’t you just say so before? I suspect all scoring woes will cease to continue now.
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Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@PP Anybody?, Don’t you actually need shots to have a mentality?
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this team needs a fire lit. When the Rangers fire Torts, he and his offensive system would be exciting.We have the horses, just need to give them the green light to run
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IceGuy Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
@Funky,
Let’s take a look at Dallas as an example.
They’re less talented this year, yet they lead the Pacific. (not a fluke – our game with them looked like a damn Playoff game!)
So what has changed in Dallas that is getting more results from lesser known talent?
The coach.
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Go Kings Go!
Don’t just shoot to shoot, and when you do shoot put it on Net! Please ..
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imaginaition. stop attacking the same way twice. embarrassing
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Love Richards attitude, such a leader and he hasn’t disappointed at all since he’s arrived. I think when Murray stresses a shot mentality the kings start to just throw it at the net, a lot of the times with no traffic in front. When their play making isn’t working they need to be more poised. Set up in front of the net and then cycle the puck to the point. Make your plays have meaning! One thing Murray absolutely never talks about is speed. Speed through the neutral zone.. Where is it? Counter attack? They need to work offense into the system and not just stress defense. The Bruins weren’t just a great physical defensive team, they had the offense to carry them the rest of the way. I feel the system needs to have offense too, they seem to have more fundamentals for their offense, or personnel. As murray always says, you want to get the puck into their hands… and… …and nothing thats all he says, like the stars are supposed to coach the offense or something. I don’t see too many set plays from the kings and maybe that’s why their 5-on-5 scoring isn’t so great. I heard he adjusted the system to better account for opponents speed, but what about ours? We also have to get our spacing down on the forecheck. Our top two lines are only deadly if they’re cycling the puck down low, there was too much eagerness to their game. Trying to support at the wrong times or not supporting at all, just trying to get open. Gotta work on that boys.
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OK, let me start off I am a life long Kings fan, I have tons of great and positive things to say; we all can and do!
But last night we lacked intensity through most of the game. The chase was not there. But what really got me sighing instead of jumping up and cheering was the the passing instead of shooting in a lot of cases. I am glad to see the teamwork, but it’s ok to take a crack at it too! What really made me roll my eyes though was the dump and chase. Play it in front of the net; keep it in their zone! Take a shot even if the goalie will glove it, heck go for a rebound off a pad, worst case we get a face off.
I also miss the beat em up when we are down too. There were not a lot of hits, Just don’t get too far out of position looking for the hit.
We had a great roll the past few games, its hard to keep up the intensity, an off game is normal, lets just not get down about it and bounce back.
I will be cheering win or loss guys! I just dislike the dump and chase though, keep control, drive hard and fast. GO KINGS GO!
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I’m seeing the same thing already this year. Dejavu if you will. Other teams speeding through the neutral zone with quick, crisp passes while we back off, then proceed to dance circles around us with the cycle with ALL 5 PLAYERS moving without the puck with, again, quick, crisp passing and then, once we’re tired out. GOAL! Our MO. Get barely to the red line (or go backwards) then fire the puck, without discretion, just somewhere into the opposing zone (unless it hits a skate, body, own player) and then watch their D get to the puck and take over. If we get to it first, we’re nudged off it. Attack over. This won’t get it done. Never will.
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TheZamboniMechanic2 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 6:10 am
@kingszzz, great analysis..spot on.
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Winger23 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 6:43 am
@kingszzz,
Actually what pisses me off is they have designed dump ins, where the forwards are STATIONARY at the far blue line just to tip the puck in deep. There’s no speed since everyone is stationary looking to tip it in deep. Also when we break up a play in our own zone, most teams will push the puck up trying to get an out numbered attack. The Kings like to pass the puck back deep to thier own d-men, giving the other team time to get all 5 of their guys back into defensive position.
Horrible horrible system from a horrible coach.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@Winger23, The ragging the puck back constantly into our own end drives me crazy. I watched every Boston game in the playoffs last year. They never once brought the puck back behind their goalie to regroup. As soon as someone gains possession of the puck they immediately would push the puck up on attack. Total transition game. We have none. Sucks.
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ta Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 9:39 am
@kingszzz, spot on!
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It is easy to complain about TM, Penner, Brown, etc., and I do my share of it. Let’s not forget though that we are on pace for about 113 points this year. I got my pet peeves like everyone else (and would start my 3 year old daughter in place of Penner), but the team has actually done very well so far given a brutal travel schedule. Let’s give it some more time, folks.
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Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
@rick,
The travel was brutal. Hopefully the offense evens out. Offense was Murrays biggest criticism to start this season, and the team not scoring is making it harder to support him through it.
And I’m usually the optimistic one.
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All I know about all this shot mentality talk is this… Kopi fired a soft wrist shot from about 40 feet in the game against the Blues. much to his surprise it was in the back of the net. So my opinion is shoot the puck! its a numbers game. Quality over quantity is like saying I better wait to buy a lottery ticket that is just right for me.
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Eric Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
@408kingsfan, The Kings are 1-2-0 when out-shooting an opponent. The Kings are 4-0-1 when being out-shot.
It is a hockey game. As for the numbers, shots don’t count for the win. Goals do.
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408kingsfan Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@Eric, True, however I dont think there’s a coach in the world telling their team to shoot the puck less to win games.
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CB14 Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@408kingsfan, There was nothing soft about that shot. Plus Kopi didn’t have anyone to pass the puck too, and he used the defender to help screen the goalie.
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?hlg=20112012,2,78&fr=false
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Let’s bring Lokti
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Chucker Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 9:00 am
@Hoso, I haven’t been impressed by Lewis so far this season…even though I like him because he looks like a young Gary Oldman. But I think it’s going to be Lokti time after this road trip.
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@Mars,
I agree we need to control the puck more and move without it and play as unit. Will the coach change his ways? NO. I’m done with Murray.
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if you notice kings unlike other teams will have 3 guys on the offensive boards.. all the time.. one thing i noticed with lokti and what murray probably didnt like was he would float in the middle of the ice.. this is where we need at least one guy
for some reason with this system all 3 forwards are on the boards or somewhere other than in the middle
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Dominick Reply:
October 26th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@jason, Lokti floated there because he’s a natural center. The Kings played him as a left winger, and he never quite figured it out there (that part wasn’t all murray. Dean brought him up to boost scoring, and the only position availabe was left wing while Sturm was out). Lokti did play center for 1 game, and was great there, so until a position opens up on the top 2 lines at center, Lokti will stay in Manchester because he can’t play wing. He can’t center the 3rd, or 4rth lines either, because he’s not a grinder type.
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Chucker Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@Dominick, Lokti could play on the 4th line, PPs, and 4on4s.
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rick Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@Dominick, Based on what you are saying, Lokti has no future with the Kings….Kopitar and Richards are going to be the top two centers for many years to come. I think that Lokti is going to make a very good third line center when he gets a bit bigger and learns the defensive side of things better.
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Below is how we scored the goals this season
Slap Shot by Kopitar (vs NYR)
Tip-in by Richsrds (vs NYR)
Wrist Shot by Johnson (vs NYR)
Slap Shot by Kopitar (vs BUF)
Backhand by Kopitar (vs BUF)
Backhand by Gagne (vs NJD)
Snap Shot by Williams (vs PHI)
Wrist Shot by Williams (vs PHI) – on his own rebound.
Tip-in by Johnson (vs PHI)
Wrist Shot by Gagne (vs STL) – hit Stoll’s skate.
Wrist Shot by Stoll (vs STL)
Writ SHot by Brown (vs STL)
Wrist Shot by Koiptar (vs STL) – lon shot and Halak wasn’t ready.
Wrist Shot by Gagne (vs STL)
Wrist Shot by Brown (vs PHX)
Slap Shot by Clifford (vs PHX)
Slap Shot by Johnson (vs DAL) – traffic in front of Raycroft.
only 4/17 goals are the ones TM thinks that happens more often if they throw the puck at the net but clearly not.
They can be creative and make plays like these. Let them play their game. They can win for you.
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Chucker Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 8:57 am
@goldielocks, I don’t think TM will ever admit that he’s wrong…even though he’s wrong most of the time. His stubbornness is very detrimental.
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yes shot mentality is a good thing but its not great when you shoot the puck infront of the goalies chest and not aim for the corners or tweeners. Just my opinion of what i see every game from TM’s offense. They have to be creative and motivated to make great plays.
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Let’s see…we have 1 new player on our 1st line, 2 new players on our 2nd line, 3 new players on our 3rd line. To be honest, I’m surprised we have as good a record as we do. A quarter into last season we only had a good record due to the fact that we gutted out a lot of close games…and that was with little roster turnover. This is a marathon not a sprint and we will be better at the end than at the beginning.
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Canadiens assistant coach got fired.
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Is Marcel Dionne available?
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lets start a count of how many times Terry Murray says we need to shoot more in interviews. That’s 1
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The Kings will never be in the top of the league in scoring with this clown running the team. Tonight is going be a really boring game. I expect the Kings to dump the puck in 99% of the time to stop the neutral zone turnovers, then we are going to watch guys like Brown fling pucks towards the net on bad angles, even if he has a wide open guy in the slot.
If you watch other teams D us, they SIT on our dmen knowing our forwards won’t head for the slot areas, as they are only looking to pass the puck back up high towards to blue line as instructed.
It hasn’t worked for the past 3 years, I don’t know why anyone would think it would start now. This team isn’t going anywhere with the “shot mentality” coach we have now.
Can you imagine the point production of say, Kopi playing on Washington? holy crap….
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Stuart Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 8:08 am
@Winger23, “then we are going to watch guys like Brown fling pucks towards the net on bad angles, even if he has a wide open guy in the slot.” too true!
It would be nice to know how Rick feels about busting his rump into the offensive zone only to see a puck flying into the net (the net over the glass, not the good kind of net) or into the goalies chest. Or what he thinks when he sees DB bringing the puck up the ice?
Tha line is too good to be playing the way they’re playing. They have to be big boys, talk about things, talk about what they want to be happening with their 45 seconds of shift time in order for it to be a successful shift and then revisit their ideas over a tape-session so that they can all see where the break-downs are happening!! It’s time to talk about the large elephant in the room which is DB trying to do too much by himself!
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If we replaced TM, who would yhat be? In my opinion (notice I spell it out) there are only three coaches out there that seems to get the most out of their players: Trotz; Tippet; and Blasma. None of these are available. I guess we have to live on with the Philly conection, i.e. Philings.
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Old Codger Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 6:51 am
@Old Codger, I know connection has two “n’s” but its early in the morning.
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Chucker Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 8:51 am
@Old Codger, Tony Granato!!! or maybe Wayne Gretzky hahaha I bet he would at least put Loktionov in the lineup
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number 6 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@Old Codger,
Try Guy Boucher, Claude Julien, Joel Quenneville, Alain Vigneault and there are certainly more around that escape me at the moment.
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number 6 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@number 6,
also whoever is coaching dallas at the moment, and colorado too
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Good comments and great topic. We are one of the best defensive teams in the league. Defense and goal tending wins championships only if we have an offensive system that compliments it. TM has a good system in place we are just missing the players that can bury the puck in the back of the net. We cannot succeed this season without the finishers and goal scorers. You must shoot to score. I watch some of the eastern teams and they have many young kids “up front” and they are producing points. I’m just suggesting to let loose the rope and open it up a bit. I see DL making a trade for offense on the horizon. Many teams are looking for defensive assets and we have an aboundance of them. We are not broke, just need some fine tuning. Go Kings Go!
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Winger23 Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 7:07 am
@Kings Fan South,
It’s not on the players, it’s the system. Look no further than guys who have left the team recently. Even Simmonds is looking like an offensive stud.
40g scorers come to LA to become 20g scorers, and 20g scorers come to LA to have thier careers die (penner).
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 8:08 am
@Kings Fan South,
DL doesn’t need another player to trade for. Plain and simple.. The system has to be flexible to allow the offense to take chances or the coach needs to go. We have the talent. In fact, last year we had the talent. I believe the players are so wrapped up in playing “THE SYSTEM” that they are afraid to take any chances. Once they make a mistake, they are automatically benched. Many bloggers here think that TM is not the answer and I agree. TM is a great coach where it comes to defense. In offense, not so much. We need someone who can exploit the players strengths and skills rather than inhibit it. My 2 cents.
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Steve MacKenzie Reply:
October 27th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@tacomakingsfan, I completely concur.
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With regard to “shot mentality,” I have to say, I’ve been noticing that the Kings have a recent tendency to win when they’re “outshot” and lose when they “outshoot” their opponents.
There. I said it. I don’t think it’s about putting shots on goal. I think it’s about creating opportunities.
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Right now Lokti is the leading scorer for the Monarchs…3g 8a in 9 games
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Our 5 on 5 scoring will improve if we give Richards different wingers. Penner and Brownie are not getting it done. Penner has what? 1 point and all Brownies points have come on the PP. Give Richards either Gagne or williams and our scoring will improve. Penner and Brownie both have shown they can produce while being centered by Kopi and Rick needs a skilled winger with speed and Penner and Brownie are not those guys. Brown has speed but not much skill and doesnt pick his head up alot of the times to go over his options and Penner is the exact opposite… Has skill with the puck but is too slow to ever get it.
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Oh my god. There is intelligent life in the world of the LA Kings. I just found this blog and the comments are incredible. I have been saying for the past couple of years that TM is not the right coach for this team. And noe that we have one of the deepest teams in the league, I am even more convinced of it. We need a coach that can create a system that gets the most out of this talent. Not one that stifles it.
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Kopitar can’t even get a shootout shot on net
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Its time to release Stoll, Williams, and Gagne
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