Barring any late-minute setbacks, Drew Doughty is expected to be in the Kings’ lineup tomorrow night against Phoenix, and the team will announce — perhaps not until tomorrow morning — that Slava Voynov will be assigned to Manchester of the AHL. Voynov practiced with the Kings today in case Doughty had any problems, but he didn’t.
As predicted, today was called a “maintenance day” for Simon Gagne, who is expected to play tomorrow. The Kings are expected to go with the same forward lines, and with Jonathan Quick in goal. Terry Murray did not commit to a starter for Sunday’s game at Colorado. More notes and quotes to come…
it is the best thing for the team. I am sure he will be back
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@jet,
Disagree. The Kings are better with Voynov than without him. Last night he played with more confidence as the game progressed. He has nothing to prove in the AHL. There’s a danger he won’t continue to improve against poorer competition. This is not a good move by DL and the Kings.
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Alan Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@Crown Royal, I agree with crown royal slava should stay and I think Andrei Loktionov should come up and lewis go down. Sendo down davis and trevor it would make us a better team. In the last few years how many games has davis played in? If you loose him then Oh well he never plays anyhow
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In the Net Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@Alan, Totally disagree with this. Lewis has size and is playing well. I’ve been a Kings fan since they came into the league and I believe Lewis is possibly the best regular fourth-line center they’ve ever had.
NMKingsFan Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Crown Royal, I will leave the judgement up to DL and TM who I am sure was consulted on this, after all–TM actually played in the NHL, was a defenceman and has years of NHL coaching experience. You are of course entitled to your opinion, but my money is on their years of experience and hockey savvy.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@NMKingsFan,
DL never played in the NHL and neither did Scotty Bowman. Who do you think the better coach is TM or Bowman?
KING-C Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@NMKingsFan, Is this the same judgement of playing Bernier when Quick was white hot? Please!
Osaka Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@Crown Royal, It has nothing to do with Voynov proving anything in the AHL, there is not a space for him on the roster at this time.
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Alan Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@Osaka, I would have no problem finding him a space. none at all
kevin from toronto Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@Osaka, Exactly. What are they gonna do, but someone on waivers just so Voynov can play?
Voynov will be here in the future.
In the Net Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Crown Royal, Might have been interesting to send Doughty to Manchester for a “conditioning rehab” game or two like they do in MLB. Doesn’t require waivers and hat would really get his attention. Hmm, maybe should do that with Penner as well…
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tmp32 Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
@jet, We’re a better positional team with Voynov. When Doughty plays he is compelled to be Bobby Orr. When he decides it’s time to join the offense, the entire makeup of the team is sent off kilter. We have players out of position because Drew has joined the frey, then we have to transition back. How many times have we seen where our forwards have to back check in a defensive position because Doughty is in back of the other teams net. Voynov has shown both discipline on defense and offense. The minute that Drew starts taking the offensive initiative, Johnson will do the same, mark my words. The player Johnson has been without Doughty in the lineup will change with Drew in. Don’t let Voynov unpack in Manchester.
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johnpaulsly Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:06 am
@tmp32,
Youre wrong. Simply wrong. When DD, JJ or any dman makes a rush up the Ice, a forward drops back to cover. Its part of this gsystem and the staff had said they encourage dman jumping in or carrying the puck on a rush.
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He could of at least gotten 1 more game after his amazing performance last night . . but what do I know
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EASportsMgt Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@Cutty Sarkn3ss, and what would that have proved? Nothing that isn’t already incipient this kid is NHL ready and can put lions up. But you don’t just sit AMart either.
Personally I think AMart has been affected by all this keep Slava up talk.I think this is a vote of confidence for him and will push I’m to pls his best now. I see a few big games from AMart coming up
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PurpleBlacknGold Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@EASportsMgt, I felt AMart had a solid game last night, but was overshadowed by Voynov’s great night. I have been reading your posts regarding Voynov and I agree. I stated earlier that no one is getting exposed to waivers. Voynov will be back soon enough, either by another injury, or by a move near the deadline that will benefit the team.
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JWR Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@EASportsMgt,
I have seen Martinez seems to lost a bit of focus in his game. He has been pressing at times and afraid to make a mistake. I would expect thats why TM sat him a game and discussed what he needs to work on.
This being the 1st real time Martinez is “hearing footsteps” since joining the NHL.
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5holer Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@EASportsMgt, The word that comes to mind for AMart is TENTATIVE! He has to be aggressive to be right on the ice. He was rushed up here and seems to have lost his edge somewhat. Slava Voynov is simply in a much higher class of hockey talent then AMart or Drewiske or virtually any of our D men. I include the Doughty of today in that analysis as well! Very Bad Move on all fronts to send Slava down! The team is a much lesser squad without him in the line-up. Mark my words and hold me to it, if you must!
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Osaka Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@EASportsMgt, If someone comes up and is playing better why don’t you sit Martinez? That is life in pro sports. You feel like he is owed something? I like the guy, great player, but I think we have a better one coming along here. Martinez is more experienced could be your argument but we both know that isn’t the issue in this case. Voynov is playing more minuets and in bigger situations than Martinez.
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I can’t believe they sent Voynov down, he’s played so well, he is a perfect fit for this team. What did he have to do to stay here in a King uniform, hat trick? I noticed there weren’t any interviews of him anywhere, not here, not postgame, or anywhere else, what’s going on? 2 Goals and no interview…that never happens.
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain, Unless you speak russian, or understand russian, most of this interview wouldnt be translated…..
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TheRussianKing Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain, The kid barely speaks English, its a little difficult to collect a concise interview with him.
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stacy Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@TheRussianKing, I would be happy to provide Russian translator . . . he is even a kings fan
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TheRussianKing Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@stacy, I’m in although I must admit I was born and raised in LA. Both my parents are Russian and made sure I learned how to speak, read, and write the language. My skills should suffice.
Rich Hammond Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
He has very limited English skills, as was prominently noted in last night’s game-recap story.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@Rich Hammond, I worry about a kid who has lived in North America for the last few years and still can’t speak the language.
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5holer Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@Rich Hammond, Perhaps you, or anyone else in this post, can give me any cogent credible reason why Slava’s demotion is either good for the team and/or good for Slava’s hockey development? Let it be said that it is not a prerequisite that one speak English to play this game, lest we dismiss out of hand all the great Europeans to excel in this league over a number of decades ongoing! I would have no worries whatsoever about his level of English skills, as it is incongruous when applied to his exceptional hockey skills and instincts! I will wonder aloud how the retention of ‘messers’ Martinez and Drewiske as the 6th and 7th D-men advantages this club over the retention of Slava! You needn’t even attempt a reply to that rhetorical question, because the answer is blatantly obvious….it DOES NOT ADVANTAGE THIS CLUB ONE IOTA! In fact, it is an outrageous disservice to the team to send out its top PP Point man (Best in countless years!!) when the PP finally is resembling an NHL PP with his point play! What in God’s name will it do to help the young man to be in the AHL? Again do not answer that, as I have that answer with no effort…It won’t do him any good at all, and it may harm him if he attempts to analyze (in Russian even!) what he may have done wrong causing his demotion. I am calling out this Management Team for their acute lack of hockey acumen!! I am disgusted and this team will pay a price for the tomfoolery of this demotion! The PP will not be efficient with the unready DD replacing Slava. Slava will be a Norris candidate if given the chance, and much sooner then Mr Doughty IMO, but not humble!
It is so trying to continue to support such non-sense! Someone wake up behind the bench and upstairs before you throw away another year of promise!! This is a critical error like so many similar ones committed for 45 years and counting!!
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NMKingsFan Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@5holer, Amazing how well you can evaluate a defenceman after 5 games. As to the Management Team, I know about their credentials and years of NHL experience, can you tell me yours so that we know how you are able to evaluate talent so well?
I would not argue that Voynov looks to be a very good talent and future NHLer, but their are many other considerations. Look at Cliffords game this year, sure he looked great at the beginning too, but the NHL caught up to him by the end of last season. Oscar Moller started out fantastic but dropped off, same with Simmonds who has found his game again in Philly, I am sure the Management Team is only doing what they think is right for this young man and the team–he will be a King, we just need to be a little patient.
Osaka Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@5holer, It is a number game, if the Kings keep him up they loose a player and that could end up biting them and hurting the team in the long run. Otherwise I agree, he is NHL ready and the team is better with him in there.
TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@5holer, Agree 1000%
DesertKing Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain,
“I score, put biskeet in baskeet, it good. I vill be bauk, den I vill brak you” Man, you have to love this guy
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@DesertKing, WHERE ARE MY RUPLES and VODKA!
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DesertKing Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@Lake Forest,
If he keeps playing like he has, he is going to have a lot of ruples but hopefully he goes easy on the vodka.
Weasel Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@Lake Forest,
You can’t have your ruples and drink them too.
Deke'r Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@Lake Forest, Think you found the vodka……it’s “rubles”.
5holer Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain, I pay no credence to the lack of interviews as there must be logistics reasons for not having one with him(language). But to the point you make, there is no credible or viable reason to send him down. He is vital to the PP unit as the one and only credible point man on the team. Can anyone recall Nick Lidstrom in his first years with the Wings? That’s 20+ years ago, I know, but this kid is way ahead of Lidstrom at this stage of his career….No I am not joking, nor am I a delirious Kings Fan full of whimsy! This is the ‘coupe di gran’ of a hockey talent, English or No English who the Hell cares! This was the best player on the ice each night he was in the lineup…and he gets the boot! It wasn’t even close, because no other player is playing at the top of his game so far except Quick! I do not see Slava’s game being at its peak either…there is No Ceiling Visible Yet! Its Nuts as usual around this club! Can anyone smell the Coffee upstairs or behind the bench?
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5holer Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@NMKingsFan, You are far too gracious! It has not been 5 games sir! I have closely watched this young man from day one at Rookies Camp in his draft year a few years back. I have no NHL credentials of course I don’t, or I would not be waging words with you here in this post. I have been apart of hockey since age 3, over a half century ago. I am the 3rd generation of my Canadian family in the sport of hockey. I played D for many years until the disaster of a catastrophic injury killed my hopes at a young age. I went into amateur scouting, then head coaching for about 30 years. I am not a professional, but I will stack up my evaluations of hockey talent against any comers. In short, as you have already stated the obvious about young Voynov, this young man doubtlessly is a premiere talent already at age 21! I do not question the integrity of this fine Management Team in LA, to a man I do not. However, as a matter of opinion(& one of the great reasons I am a Proud American indeed!), I am expressing my complete displeasure with the decision to demote this nugget of a player to all in the decision pipeline here! If you are incapable of allowing my opinion to be voiced here, then so be it, it is your inalienable right to do so. You will agree however, just as you have already intimated to that effect here in this post, that this young Slava Voynov is the real deal! He will adversely effect this club with his absence, particularly in the PP point position, where our need is the greatest! I rest my position with my credentials or lack thereof, not withstanding! Tell me that I am wrong about this phenom? That is my challenge to you, and over time you will come to see his absence will have hurt this team by a measurable amount! Only his presence will alleviate that pain!
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@5holer, You are spot on the money, what I worry about is some guy in the AHL who is a career AHLer jealous of this kid and tries to intentionally hurt him and I’m not suggesting anyone for Manchester being the culprit. Trust me there are those who hate to see anyone get ahead and this sport is such a dog eat dog anyhow.
In the spirit of Halloween……Booo
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RobSD Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@kingszzz,
+1000000
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OT: There was a lot of talk about how Dallas Stars beat writer Mike Heika hasn’t noticed that ANDY Murray no longer coaches the Kings. I sent him an email reminder that Andy Murray coached the Kings ten years ago, and to his credit, he was self-affacing. His response was “Whoops, that shows how old I am.” and “Thanks, Mike.”
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DesertKing Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Based upon the fan support in Dallas, I was surprised he didn’t ask for a job here in LA.
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jet Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@DesertKing, The concession guys in Dallas were really good. They keep going back and forth between both fans.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@jet,
“Yo, yo, get your nacho here, peanut also. Get your soft drink or a beer. Yo, yo how about a popcorn or a chip, get each one here!!!”
Doughty had to get back out there before Slava showed him up to much.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@johnjuan,
Doughty better pick up his game. Imagine how much more bitter all the fans will be if he doesn’t play as well as Voynov did last game while earning 7 times as much.
I was one of the biggest supporters of Doughty, but he really has to stop trying to do much (like splitting 4 D on the first shift of the game) and get back to his simple game with frequent flashes of brilliance.
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johnjuan Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
Ya, I think the Kings played a very dynamic game last night that had been missing since the first game after Doughty went down. They seemed to go for it last night though and Slava didn’t hold them back at all. It will be fun to see if Murray rests different defensemen and brings Voynov into the mix during the season. I am glad DD is back but, a little sorry SV has to go down.
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shrugs … what are gonna do, there was just no other reasonable options
wow, DD gets back in and its a downgrade?
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Andrew: the second coming Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@KC23, Lol thats a good problem to have.
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Thank you VV for the insight on what to expect next year when we go for a return to the stanley cup championship. He played great, but with the other factors (who can pass thru waivers), this had to be done. Curious what other people’s thoughts are.
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ike Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Lake Forest, I’m sure someone is going to suggest once again that JMFJ gets moved to wing and Voynov stays up. And then package penner in a deal with _________ and __________ for Parise.
IMO, looks like Voynov is ready for NHL action but Martinez has show he can do it over an entire season. As you say, Voynov doesn’t have to clear waivers so that makes the choice clear. Looks like he will be a top 4 dman in the future.
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KC23 Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Lake Forest, they’ll be those “knee jerk” reactions wanting TM’s head (when it’s not really his problem, it’s DL’s problem to deal with). Most of the level headed knowledgable fans will understand.
I expect this so called problem to work itself out one way or another over the course of the season. I was taken back by his talent level though. I knew he was good, but didn’t realise he was that good.
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Good idea to rest Gagne and keep him healthy. Voynov will be back.It is a long season, and as we saw last year, our team will end up with one or 2 d-men going down with hopefully only minor injuries during the course of the year and then Voynov will come back. Kind of like Martinez last year. This keeps us poised and ready for a deep run into the play-offs.
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Our top 6 has been set for a while now. Barring a trade or an injury, this is best for Slava. He’s better off playing in the AHL than he is sitting in the pressbox watching the Kings and waiting for his chance.
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TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@DanD, that’s not better, he’s gonna be getting cooked in the minors like schenn was
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Weasel Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain,
Why? Are the minors more dangerous for injuries than the NHL? What causes that?
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DanD Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain, It is better. He needs to be playing in game situations, not just practicing with the kings and sitting in the pressbox. It does him no good in his development as a player, and might kill his confidence. We have the luxury of having an impressive top 6 already, so until a trade is made/injury etc., it’s best for him to be playing hockey in the AHL.
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KingsFan1384 Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@DanD, I read an article about this. They talk about whether it is better for a young player to be sent down for game action in juniors or minors, or to keep them up with the big club. They say if a player is NHL ready it isn’t necessarily better to have them play in the minors or where ever. They state that players who are not challenged tend to pick up bad habits. With that said I don’t see it being any better for him to sit. IN this case your screwed either way.
I dislike this…but saw it coming. It’s the smart move. Still…Sadness. #KeepTheRussianInLA is no more. See ya soon Slava!
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The kid was good, and hes got what it takes to be in the show. But now he will be first call up, and he knows it now. Maybe later in the year we need to trade a d or something, we know that SV will be coming up real soon!
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I wasn’t expecting anything different, but I’m still bummed to hear Slava’s going back to the AHL. He should be very, very proud of himself and I hope he knows he’ll be back in the NHL full-time very, very soon. Now go help the Monarchs win some games!
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I feel bad for Slava! Any other team and he would be playing top minutes every game, hands down. Its a wonderfull thing to have so much depth that we have to send down a player of his calibur. Its the right decision but stings to watch him go!
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They should make a space for Voynov on next years roster and tell him that now so he doesn’t flee to Russia, wish there was a way to keep him with the Kings.
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Dominick Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Brody, He can’t flee anywhere, and won’t when his contract is up because he’ll be full time by then.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
@Dominick, Do you remember a guy named Radulov who was signed to a 3 year contract with the Preds???? So don’t think just because quote “he’ll be full time by then” ain’t cutting it anymore. If a KHL team sees what we got to see, there could be a “Huge” bundle of cash waved at this kid and he could tell the Kings Nyet and be gone.
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Outstanding job while you were here Slava! 1rst year ever where I wasn’t worried if we have an injury to any of our top 6 D. Keep working hard, and look forward to the next time you get the call.
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Hickey who??
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Sebastian Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@Weasel, haha, still hard to believe he was picked 4th overall in 2007 and still has not played a game in the NHL. then again Wayne Simmonds was picked 61st that same year and he turned out to be a great player who gave the Kings an excellent return. still very disappointing for Hickey
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neil Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@Sebastian, Simmonds is NOT a great player..a good player but not great…
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YoBro Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@neil, Ahh, TRUTH ! I’ve referred to him as ‘serviceable’, nothing more. And it seems to upset people for some reason. But I say, with MR here, Wayne who?
Go Kings
Andrew: the second coming Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@Weasel, Hickey is 22, It is widely known that Dman come into thier own arond 24-27 not everyone is Doughty. Trust me he will be a good puck moving dman in this league.
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Forgive me if I’m wrong, but i do recall a player years ago (Currie)?, who scored a hat trick(against the Hawks i believe), after being called up from the minors. he was then sent back down.
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I was really hoping to see Voynov play on Sunday… oh well, its best for the team. See ya soon, Slava.
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This kid proved how good he really is and he will be back. It’s a shame, but Martinez and Drewiske play the other side and more stay at home style. But, he is gonna tear up the AHL now for sure. Great work, Slava, More props to Lombardi. Long time Kings fan here, and we have NEVER had these kinds of problems. I am a Lombardi believer. Assuming everyone stays healthy (unlikely with this bunch), I am already dreaming about the trade deadline additions. I need meds.
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Slava Voynov, lousy in english but fluent in Score-goalian! Stay healthy and hope to see ya soon buddy –Spasiba!!
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Just remember Slava…”All good things come to those who wait”…..look at DD!
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Pumped to see the team back with Doughty. Slava is good, Doughty is great…
See ya later this year Slava!
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I asked my boss for a maintenance day and he pretended he didn’t know what that was. What’s up with that?
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Deke'r Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
@bringbackbutchgoring, Think I’ll use that next time I call in…..”Hey boss I won’t be in today , taking a maintenance day.”
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Let’s think about the situation for next year. I still think we have a slight issue and will have to switch some things around in order to get him in there. Mitchell, Greene and Scuderi have to stay, that’s where the stability will come from and what gives Doughty, Johnson and AMart the room to pinch or roll into the play more frequently. So DD2 would have to go. But now you have to train someone to switch sides in order for Slava to be on the right, since he slid right into Doughty’s spot. Not a bad thing but just another little situation that would have to be addressed during the summer. Slava is the real deal, no doubt about it. I look at our Defense and just smile…now we just have to get our scoring going.
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Dumb move. Just plain dumb. Hope they change their minds.
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FM3 Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@nickcypress, Not dumb, very smart. Gives them the flexibility to give him playing time without losing someone. He will get his shot and be NHL for the rest of his career.
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I think Westgarth should be in this game tomorrow if they dress BIZ. Westgarth and Clifford have been playing good together lately and Westie had one heck of a game against the Yotes last time.
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So let me understand this TM, last Saturday you decide that JB will start on Tuesday even though JQ has a shutout streak AND a two-day break in between HOME GAMES, yet this weekend, in a back-to-back situation, you can’t commit to who will be starting on Sunday, when the choice seems so obvious, really???
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puck73 Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@bmova, Gee, do you think TM got his butt toasted by the press all over Canada for that debacle on Tuesday? You know he did !
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An open comment on the prowess of this newly assembled hockey club at this stage of its team bonding process…and it is indeed early without a doubt, so I would cage my comments accordingly. As I have observed so far, this team has yet to give anyone 60 minutes of solid hockey in any game. At this point they have been unable to produce a single solid full 20 minutes of quality hockey to date. Although I have not seen any “passengers” on the ice to date, I have not seen what I expected to see so far. The benefit of the doubt has to be given to this group in view of all the changes up front and due to the little added nuances installed by TM to his system. These things take many repetitions to become rote without thinking on the ice. It is dangerous to have to think first on the ice before executing, by then the play is by you and you are lost out there. My instincts tell me this group is not quite up to speed on their collective confidence overall as a group. Individually they look fine to a man, but hockey is not an individual’s game at all. Improvement has been exceptional on the PP units with motion and fast puck movement being the cause of its successes, with the lack of it causing its failures. The PK is exceptional because of the skill levels of the units. GTing has already paid dividends with the stealing of a few games already by Quick. 5 on 5 is still a work in progress, as there seems to be some resistance with some forwards to go offensive when called for. The old habit of maintaining the defensive side of the puck at all times makes for less offensive explosiveness as we have seen to date. Net presence has been spotty at best with too many forwards staying on the perimeter rather than mucking it up in the crease & slot areas. Its great to outman the puck on the low wall, but you have to have an outlet to pass to for scoring ops. They are not always there when a chance develops. The D seems to be more defensive as well, staying off the O zone pressure at the blueline and keeping a defensive position instead. You gotta jump when its there to keep pressure, and to help out the F1 & F2 in their forecheck positions or they are caught deep. This has happened a lot so far. Neutral zone play has been spotty as well, with one game solid the next out to lunch. This is all about zonal responsibilities, picking up the transition checks before speed develops against you. When the forecheck is broken down, the transitional winger(F3)has got to pick up his checking coverage, along with the back end, to slow up the opponents attack for the forecheckers to catch up to their backchecks from behind in transition. This part of the game is slowly coming around, but there are some old habits to break with some guys. The D zone has been overall very good in coverages, but the 2-1-2 forecheck scheme against us has hurt us quite abit with puck turnovers and lost puck possession. Lastly, my observation league wide is there is a transitional approach going on with adjusting to the new target hitting rules in place. It seems many players do not get what adjustments they need to make to their checking game, so they are pulling back from their checks too often when it isn’t involved with head targeting or blind siding. This will work itself out over time, but the days of reckless checks are seemingly over. I hope it stays that way for safety and health reasons after the adjustment or “feeling out” period is over.
So Far a B- to a C+ for this club, but with the caveat that improving is in the works day by day and game by game in the jelling process ongoing.
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Harty Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 8:51 am
@5holer, too long of blog
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Oh well, it was just a theory. Look out Scranton Penguins, here comes the Flying V!
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wavesinair Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
oops!
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wavesinair Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Somehow messed that up… ok, take 2…
Bummed to see him go, but I guess it was the obvious choice. Look out Scranton Penguins, here comes the Flying V! Go Monarchs.
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Andrew: the second coming Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@wavesinair, owenpoexbnprbo hahaha.
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Voynov is on a 2 way contract. Everyone else would have to clear waivers before they can be sent down……& then we’ll lose them to another team!!!!!
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zulov Reply:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@Garret Stephen, Name any of those players that have shown they are worth keeping over having another potential Doghty/Johnson?
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Prediction: Slava and Andrei never stick in the NHL unless they get traded.
DL and TM don’t like Russian players or the way they learned to play hockey.
Not cause they hate Russians or anything, its just no their brand of hockey.
They don’t value skillful creative play – they don’t know how to coach it – admitedly from TM himself.
They just value the guys who have big heart and a “compete” attitude – which is all fine and good.
And only if they possess those qualities in the extreme OR they are ALL STARS, they will always pass on them.
I garauntee that Pavel Datsuyk would never make it through the LA Kings farm system.
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Tough break. I wouldnt want him sitting in place of drewiske since slava could get rusty. He needs to play. its just a shame that he has to do it down on the farm. Almost makes me wonder if DL is regretting giving into DD’s salary demands. Voynov
seems to being filling that role very nicely and at a fraction of the price. I know DD is a world class talent but unless he’s playing his best game, rushing the puck up ice, going coast to coast, he’s not any better offensively than voynov.
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We shoulda let DD go and saved some $. He is over rated. Voynav is more stay home and not such a show boat.
signed
SV
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Trade Doughty. If only we could put him in stasis until Jack gets back to -20 and Slava stops performing. Right now, Dwho? hasn’t been that good. He’s been fine, but not great. Slava sure proved himself, and Johnson is the King’s second best player right now.
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I get the idea that Slava had to go down at this time because of his options, but I don’t agree with the idea that he would have to sit in the press box all of the time if he stayed up in the NHL. Has anyone heard of the concept of “giving players a day off” every now and then? Or couldn’t there be a rotation where a Martinez and VV alternated every other game? Or allow a game off every now and then for the older or somewhat dinged up DMen on the team? That would propbably allow a VV to play two out of every three games while up here, instead of this absurd idea that he would HAVE to sit up in the press box all the time. THAT is Davis Drewiskie’s job.
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This is WRONG! DD should be sent down or traded. Slava has earned the right to be here, figure out a rotation, where 2-3 D-Men sit on a rotating basis (Martinez, Mitchell, Voynov)…
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