Simon Gagne’s day off the ice yesterday, it turns out, was more than a “maintenance day.” Gagne won’t play tonight, because of an injury that Terry Murray did not disclose. Trent Hunter will replace Gagne, who is considered day to day, and the Kings’ forwards are expected to skate as follows…
Penner-Kopitar-Williams
Parse-Richards-Brown
Richardson-Stoll-Hunter
Clifford-Lewis-Moreau
Drew Doughty will be back in the lineup, as expected, with Slava Voynov headed to Manchester. More notes and quotes to come…
Good move to put Penner on the first line with Kopitar and Williams. They had some good chemistry last year. A bul of Penner’s points came when he was playing on that line.
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puck73 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Bonvivant1, I disagree. But right now, they dont have much of a choice with Gagne out so this will have to do.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@puck73, I went back to Penner’s time with them early on last year and watched a couple of games before the season started. IMHO there was some chemistry there … all be it, short lived because of injuries.
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Token Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@KC23, I have a theory on that.
Kopi and Williams hold on to the puck in the O zone much longer than Richards & Brown. (KnW & RnB for short)
Kopi often does the cruise behind the net power move and Williams just stick handles on the boards.
RnB are buzzbomb over the blue line, quick move, quick pass, shot, and out.
When Penner has a chance to catch up to the play and set up either low or between the # marks, he is good for goals. Playing on the KnW line gives him that opportunity.
When Penner plays the RnB line, he just on the wrong side of the blue line when the action goes down and gets stuck backchecking and playing like a shutdown guy.
For this season, I see him on 1st or 3rd LW, and he will do fine.
Its all about playing Penner in places he can have success. He most definitely does not fit the “interchangeable parts” theory TM loves so much. This is more about TM learning how to play Penner correctly.
Crown Royal Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@Token,
Good take on Penner and the lines. In the exhibition season when Penner was with Kopi he seemed to go away and wide of the net at times which seemed to confuse Kopi. I don’t know why Penner was doing that but you’re correct in saying he’s much more effective down low with possesion type players.
RobSD Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Bonvivant1,
Disagree big time but no other choices. I don’t understand everyone that thinks penner is a top line guy. Slow as can be, hands of stone and not a good skater
Someone said he reminded them of Big Matt JOhnson. Haha. So true.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@RobSD, Penner was a top line guy with both the Ducks and Oilers and had some success with both.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
@RobSD, Rob, I agree with you somewhat on Penners foot speed being slow, but the other night he was busting back on the back check pretty well and seemed much faster then usual. It’ll be interesting to see which Penner shows up tonight.
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Tommy Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Bonvivant1, Hunter needs to pack his bags or something. id rather see westgarth on the 4th line and move up lewis to the third. I feel lewis could produce for than hunter can.
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It’s almost as if DD has something to prove after watching Voynov tear it up. I hope Gagne is back soon and doesnt become injury prone like recent years because he has been playing really good hockey.
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2hitnik Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@408kingsfan, I agree with your comments 100%.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@408kingsfan, Every player has something to prove every time they step on the ice.
You too Stoll.
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@408kingsfan,
No, Doughty has nothing to prove, Martinez on the other hand has a whole hell of a lot to prove.
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Pesus Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@kovalking96,
I can think of 7 million reasons why Doughty has something to prove. Throw in the fact that his replacement has been better and alot cheaper. Doughty has alot to prove.
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Mark Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@Pesus, Here,here!
bmova Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@Pesus, Don’t forget that a season is 82 games + playoffs. How confident/certain are you that VV can maintain the high level he showed this past week for another 6-8 months?
And so it begins with an injured Gagne. Surprised?
Get well soon.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@Eric,
Totally expected. Hopefully it isn’t serious and they’re just keeping him out as a precaution. I just hope he’s able to go come playoff time.
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CabbagesAndKings Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
@Eric, I don’t think anyone expects Gagne to play more then 65-75 games. Which I think everyone is fine with — as long as he shows up in the playoffs (as he has done his whole career).
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don’t know all but the kings are still sleeping this season in imo.
yes we are winning and gathering much needed points, but if you think about it we are not playing consistent and we are exposed at times.
I guess I just figured we would be more powerful offensively this year with all these million dollar players………
I expect more from Penner, Williams, Gagne, and Richards, they have been doing fine however for the money and the especially the hype they should be blowing the doors off other teams.
we are in good position to always strike and win however just not the fire power I thought we would have on paper.
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SplattDaddy Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@Harty, I do agree, although I still beleive patience will pay-off. They are still “trying” to build that chemistry we all know is coming. It’s still early……30 games in and I think we start to see what this team is truly about, IMHO
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Harty Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@SplattDaddy, my only comment to chemistry they better find it soon or TM will be changing lines like we all change underwear, daily…….
that is frustrating when that starts to happen, and DL when this does fire him……..enough of under performing offensive talents, let them play
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Harty, I agree. Quick is, by far, the primary reason for our good start.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Harty,
Of the four you mentioned, the only one I’m disappointed with is Penner, which is like being disappointed with the child who always screws up.
Richards…totally blown away by just how good he is. Way above my expectations.
Gagne…so solid, already with 3 goals and 4 assists. Can’t ask for any more.
JW…solid as well. Having a great start.
So overall, my expectations have been exceeded.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@wavesinair, We have some super players this year, but the one guy who has really stood out for me any how has been Justin Williams. When he came back early from the injury to the shoulder he was the one guy lighting the fire for us and he’s still doing it this season. What great pickups DL made with Williams, Mitchell, Richards and Gagne.
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Jeff Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@Harty, I knew with the long travel schedule that we might struggle somewhat the first month of the season or so. Turns out it is the offense that has struggled, except for the PP. It hasn’t helped with Penner’s injuries and Parse being ineffective. The only reason we are winning is Quick, our defense and the PP. As we get into November this will change and our offense will become better.
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@Harty, I can see your thoughts on Penner but seriously you are way off with your assessment of Williams, Gagne and Richards. Richards has a point per game, Williams is at 8 in 9 games and Gagne right behind with 7 in 9 games. Are you expecting all of them to be at 120 points or something? IMO, Im thrilled with all three of those guys games right now.
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jmsalsa Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@Coast2Coast KINGS Fan, I’ll just sign my name to this in agreement.
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Voynov being sent down should have a topic of its own. I am going to.riot..
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Harty Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:27 am
@kingsation8, he did play very well and didn’t look out of place, however which big contract or proven past performance do you ditch??
He has to wait and that has to killing him, think about it 2 goals, 1 assist and back he goes……….are you kidding there is D people in the nhl that won’t get 3 points in 80 games………what crazy management moves at times
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Harty, He shold have taking Drewiski’s spot. After his second point TM should have made the call to send Drewiski down. And if anything put Martinez on the hot seat.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@kingsation8,
Occupy Manchester?
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DesertKing Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@wavesinair,
Occupy Hammond. Pop a tent on his front lawn and bring in the porta-potty.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@DesertKing, It’s all Hammonds fault …….LOL
Jeff Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@kingsation8, The problem is he is the only one you can send down without waivers factoring in. We lost a couple players last season due to this, I doubt Dean wanted that to happen here. Martinez deserves a chance with his good season last year and with Whisky you have to keep him, as there is really nobody else to come in if one of Mitchell, Scuderi and Greene get hurt. He is our only physical defensive defenseman able to come in. Muzzin isn’t ready and Voynov is not that type of player. If Whisky is sent down you risk losing him and then having to go outside the organization to replace him.
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Ouch.
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Parse should be on the first line, Penner should stay on the 3rd line. The only game he looked half way decent was last game on the 3rd. Just one man’s opinion, of course my opinions are always gospel, lol.
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puck73 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Happy Lappy, I feel the same way.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@Happy Lappy, I disagree. Penner has already proven that he has zero chemistry with Richards and Brown. Parse right out of the gate has done better than Penner has after several games.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@KC23,
I think that Parse would excell with Kopi, maybe more than with Richards. Nevertheless, Penner with Richards and Brown has not clicked. TM needs to try Penner with Kopi.
I will not be surprised to see Penner get his first goal tonight.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@Happy Lappy,
If I’m not mistaken, Kopi and Penner had some pretty good chemistry last year. I think this is the right move.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@wavesinair,
Yup, I agree too.
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Happy Lappy Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@wavesinair, Penner had chemistry with someone? Was that how he scored all those goals last year? At least with Parse there’s a chance to score, look for Parse to replace Penner on the first line after the 1st period.
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Jeff Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@Happy Lappy, Penner had chemistry with Kopi and Williams last season. It all went to pot after Kopi and Williams went down to injury. I hope they can get back to how they were last season. Penner has been up and down this season, with injuries been a part of the reason for being down. He has played well at times.
CB14 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@wavesinair, Agree.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@Happy Lappy,
I think that TM wants to change as little as possible. If Parse goes up to Kopi’s line, then what do you do with Richard’s line? Put Penner back? No. Put Moreau up there?
This way only two lines arte disrupted rather than three or four.
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@Happy Lappy, Parse should be on he second with Richardson moving up to first. Still not sure what Parse has done to get a top line spot but TM seems to be in love with him for some reason.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@kovalking96,
After reading the majority of yesterday’s posts there is a pretty good case made for Parse playing on the first two lines, including some statistical analasys. If one reads what Murray has to add it is clear that the Kings managenent and coaches believe that he has top-six talent. Parse has been injured since last year’s camp (2010). His injuries have been 90% of what has held him back from being a successful top-six forward.
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@Michael J.,
Did you read any of TM’s comments about Parse during the preseason? All he did was say how not ready he looks and he needs to do something or he wont be playing. The only good thing I heard him say was well that game was a little better. Parse being the Kings 13th forward was a big shock to a lot of people. And inhis last game ya he scored but hell Penner or Westgarth could have scored that goal, and he got 2 or 3 penalties which led to a goal. I have not seen much from him, but i know he looked good a couple years ago, but he is not that player anymore.
Michael J. Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@kovalking96,
Please read the following:
MURRAY: “(Parse) played very well for the 60 minutes. I thought his composure with the puck, his playmaking ability, everything that we’ve seen in the past and what’s probably been missing in the early part of the season for me, he showed it to me last night. That’s a real good sign, a positive. He’s another player who gives us an ability to score, which he did last night. Overall, I was very excited about what I saw in his effort.
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/10/28/parse-penner-staying-put-for-now/
Kings x Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@Happy Lappy, He may be there mid way through the first
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I literally cannot believe the kid is going to Manchester. Tell me this isn’t a Beachball mentality with the coach and management. I mean, are they watching the same things we are?
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@lowegirl, So what would you do … exactly? Yeah, you would keep Voynov, but now you got to do something with DD2 or Martinez. So, what is it? You realise that the only thing you can do is give them away on waivers, right?
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wavesinair Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@KC23,
I’m pretty sure you can trade players in the NHL too…yeah, I think so.
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TradedForADraftPick Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:53 am
@wavesinair,
It’s better to have the depth and keep A-mart and Slava both around for next year
KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@wavesinair, Takes two teams to make a trade so we have no way of knowing if that hasn’t already been explored.
jess Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@KC23, rotate VV and Martinez for awhile then send down (minors) the lesser of two?
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Poorman Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@jess, Then put Drewiske on waivers. Get on with it. Save them for next year? You’ve got to be kidding! This teams entire history is “next year”. Unbelievable. You really think Drewiske is that good? This team has D men in the minors who are more than capable.
kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@KC23,
And what as DD2 done to even still be in a Kings jersey? Martinez has not been playing that good. If anything Voynov should be taking DD2 spot while he gets put on the bus, and i highly doubt he gets picked up on waivers.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@kovalking96, DD2 hasn’t been bad at all. When he has played he’s been decent. It’s called debth, insurance whatever you want to call it. It is idiotic to give away that level of talent without getting something back in return. I bet DL is exploring that as we speak. Meanwhile VV spends a little time in the AHL big deal.
kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@kovalking96,
Not been bad ya your right, but has he done better then Voynov? HELL NO
Jeff Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@kovalking96, What happens if one of Mitchell, Scuderi or Greene get hurt. You really think Voynov can replace either of them and play the same way? That is why DD2 is still here because he is the only one that can do it at this time.
FdoFmFull Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
@KC23, The next most logical move was to send Hunter to Manchester, at the risk of losing him on waivers (big deal!), move DD2 to wing, if needed.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
@lowegirl, Back in the day he wouldn’t even have gotten a bus ticket up, at least we now really know what a great package we will get when he gets called back up.
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DD has some big shoes to fill.
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@King Doughnuts,
No he does not. Again if anything Martinez is on the hot seat, and Drewiski should have been on the bus.
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Pesus Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@kovalking96,
Mitchell is a free agent next season, (I think) Slava moves right in. Or we make a trade later when other teams are desperate for a D-man. No reaseon to give someone away on waivers. Its the right move. Slava is NHL ready. He’ll be back soon.
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King Doughnuts Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Pesus, There are a lot of people that don’t understand waiver rules, and just want the “now” satisfaction of having VV up here.
As far as DD, he does have some big shoes to fill… $7 million worth!
As far as I’m concern having one good year and two mediocre isn’t worth it.
FdoFmFull Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@kovalking96, Just exactly why is Martinez on the hot seat? What’s he done wrong? If you analyze his development, he’s likely exceeding expectations. Geez, chill! Glad you’re the GM!
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Bummer about Gagne – hopefully it’s minor.
I think moving Penner to the top line is going to get him going.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@Dave, It better.
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TradedForADraftPick Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@Dave,
Penner started preseason in that spot and did well before he got injured. Came back on the second line and just hasn’t had the same chemistry with Richards and Brown despite what seems to be some solid effort. Hope he does well.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@TradedForADraftPick, Good take. Exactly how I’ve seen it.
This might be a blessing in disguise. Penner does real well with Kopitar and Williams … Gagne comes back to improve the Richards line … now that could be a big win win.
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Pesus Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@TradedForADraftPick,
I dont understand why he was put with Richards and Brown in the 1st place. We know Gagne and Richards play well together. Maybe TM forgot.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Pesus, It happened because Penner was hurt the first couple of games so Gagne moved up to the first line and Richardson moved to MR-Brown line. First line got VERY hot and TM didn’t want to mess up the mo jo. It did make sense imho.
Was Gagne injury prone prior to coming to the King’s? I hope this isn’t indicative of things to come with him as he really is a positive force on the ice.
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@jess,
Not sure if your question is serious, but ya he has not played a full season in I think 5 years.
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jess Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@kovalking96, that is what I thought. HE is too good to get hurt so often -what a drag.
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@jess, That was the biggest question mark on if the kings should pick him up. Great player when in the line up, but that is WHEN he is in the line up.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@jess, Maybe he just needs a few maintenance days to recharge the battery.
So typical Kings loser thought process developed over their entire history. Voynov gets two goals and an assist and is sent down. that guy should be in the NHL lineup everyday. Just another awful decision. Did Murray and Lombardo have a brain freeze. Almost as good as last year sending Lokti down after the Kings were on a 10 game winning streak. I can’t wait for all of you blogsters to spin this one. Of course you will. Just remember through all your “We had to do this because of waivers” etc. these facts. No advancement to the second round of the playoffs in more than a decade. No Stanley Cups ever. Nuff said.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Poorman, yea i agre on Lokti but Voynov u got Martinez JJ Doughty we all know he not going to boot Doughty and Jack Johnson so Martinez got to be it but then why would u trade Martinez he was good last year so what he not scoring yet but he going to so why would u give rid or waste Martinez talent.If u trade Martinez then what we can get that can be useful? maybe a draft pick but he end up biting us in the but.
I dont like Seeing Voynov get sent down but i have to agree he the only person that can sent down without going through a wavier line and he sure not going to kick out of a stay at home defense player either.
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jess Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Poorman, sounds like it might be cold and snowy in nyc maybe you should fix yourself a hot chocolate?
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Poorman, Where I do agree, I doubt Voynov is the missing piece to get them to the next round. I do think he should be in the line up over Martinez and if anything be taking Drewiskis spot.
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Poorman Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@kovalking96, Agreed, and I’m in L.A. now for a visit and a gig I did Thursday. Maybe that’s the problem. But seriously Jess, Voynov is awesome. Drewiske should be waived. To me, it’s all about now. The team has a real chance to win, and how does it affect the rest of the team when this kid is sent down after basically winning the Dallas game. Think about that.
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jess Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Poorman, I think the points folks are bringing up about switchig Drewiske vs. VV are totally valid if it’s possible. Last thing we need is for VV to get banged up in the minors the way lokti did.
KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@Poorman, I’d be surprised if Voynov is not in the line up for more than a couple of weeks. Something is gonna go down to make it happen. I do agree he is way too good not to be in the line up for long.
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CB14 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@KC23, If that is the case, then I’m ok with the move, but that’s a big if. VV is playing so well that he got you to change your opinion on VV vs AM. That’s sayin something.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@CB14, I wouldn’t say so much “changed my mind” because pre-season doesn’t mean squat to me. Means next to zero.
If you haven’t proven it in regular games, you haven’t proven it … at least that is my take. Voynov now has proven it. Not just by his play, but by what I’m hearing from the other vets on the team as well as the coach.
He’s a game changer in my mind. Voynov will win you some games, where as Martinez will keep you in games.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@CB14, Doughty and VV are the only R/H shots the Kings would have on the D, everyone else is L/H. You know Johnson, DD, Scuds, Martinez aren’t availabe and probably Greene and Mitchell, so that leaves DD2. There are grumblings in Boston today but it is about the lack of scoring on the PP.
CB14 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Poorman, I agree completly!
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Pesus Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@Poorman,
Are you really blaming DL for not winning a cup for the last 40 years? I think he has done a great job loading our roster.
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@Pesus, Anybody tells you that DL isn’t the best thing that ever happened to this organization, doesn’t know the history of this organization.
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Kings x Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@Poorman, Better to have a kid play even in MA Hester than to watch from the box like DD2. That is a hockey rule
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Poorman Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@Kings x, A kid with two goals and an assist in one game as a DMan? The only box he should be sitting in is the penalty box when he gets one. I would put Martinez in the box and waive Drewiske. Voynov should have stayed in the lineup. You think one player change won’t make a difference? I disagree. As usual, we’ll wait and see what happens.
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Where is all this DD needs to be scared talk coming from? I anything it should be Martinez who is scared, and Drewiski should be REALLY scared. And Penner should not be on the first line what so ever. He isn’t capable of all that ice time, the third line fits him perfect. Lies should be
Richardson/Kopitar/Williams
Parse/Richards/Brown
Penner/Stoll/Moreau
Clifford/Lewis/Hunter
I think those would best suit the Kings for tonights game. take out Parse move back Richardson and insert Gagne i the top line and those should be the lines for the season. Just my opinion of course.
[Reply]
kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@kovalking96,
*lines
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Michael J. Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@kovalking96,
Did you watch Thursday’s game? Did you miss the speed, flow, space and creativity from the Richards, Brown and Parse line? I believe that line combined for seven points, by far the best output of the year.
I love Brad Richardson, but he has no place on the first two lines other than as a replacement for an injured player. His grit and hustle are great, but he is not a point producer as is required for a top-six player. I am glad that he is on the Kings, and would love for him to prove me wrong by turning into a 20 goal scorer, but until he does he is best fit for third line duties.
[Reply]
kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@Michael J.,
I did watch Thursdays game, I thought Voynov, Brown and Richards were amazing. Parse had a goal but did nothing excpet get penalties plus anyone player would have scored that give me goal, even Richardson. Richardson has and can play on the top 2 lines and can produce. he is a much more capable player then Parse and Richardson has proven to stay in a line up while Parse has not.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@kovalking96,
Repeat after me” Parse has been injured. Parse has been injured. Parse has been injured…
Although Parse did get three penalties (of which one was a horrible call) they were all called during puck battles, which is not a terrible thing.
Brown and Richards were amazing, in part, due to the space created by Parse’s skating. His (Parse) passing was very good allowing his linemates to skate through the neutraal zone with speed and create space in the offensive zone.
And yes, anyone could have scored that goal. But, it was Parse who forced the turnover as Dallas tried to clear the zone by knocking the puck out of the air with his stick. He then passed to Brown and made a bee-line to the net. Not just anyone does all of that. Parse did. Richardson has not.
Happy Lappy Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@kovalking96, you are forgetting one thing, Parse got in the position to score, he has way more skill with the puck than Penner. Whatever has gone down with Parse’s injury and slow start this year will all be forgotten when he gets some good ice time with good linemates. Penner has been on the top three line all year and has produced nothing.
Jeff Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@kovalking96, If you watch the goal that Parse scored, it was Parse that kept the puck from going the other way. He then passed it to Brown and high tailed it to the front of the net where Richards found him. So it was Parse that started the whole play.
KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@Michael J., I agree. Brad is a great forechecker, but he just can’t finish.
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Doesn’t matter what line you put Penner on, his lethargic play will not produce points. Brad Richardson is half his size and does a better job on the boards. Capt Canada was a much better goalie screen. I still feel like Penner is pouting out there, not happy about being traded from Edmonton.
As for Voynov, there’s a lot more to NHL defense than points people. He a DD play the same type of defense, and you can’t just put 6 of the same type of guy out there all the time. Scuderi and Mitchell don’t score but they sure do lock it down in Quick’s end.
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kovalking96 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@Cy, agreed but Voynov could take Martinez spot.
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Not a good move by TM. I would put Parse with Kopi & Willy, Richie with Rick & Browny and Pens with Stoll & Moreau. Cliffy, Lewis & Hunter or even Westy should stay on the 4th line…
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Bummer. I thought the Kings really rolled out four solid lines against Dallas. Hope Penner can finally pot one and Hunter brings his A game for the third line.
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ugh !!!! They need to flip-flop Richardson and Penner. Penner just slows those guys down and Kopitars line could benefit from Richardsons speed and hustle.
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That should really be the last chance for Penner to remain a top 6 forward as a King!!!
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@outsider, It probably is.
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First Doughty, now Gags, whos next?
Always key players getting hurt on the Kings.
Recover quick Gags.
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Pesus Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@KiNGS 4 LiFE,
Thats why depth is so important. Better now than later.
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Posted yesterday that I thought Gagne had an injured wrist, but maybe it’s a strained groin/hammy. He looked sluggish getting to loose pucks just waiting to be tapped into a wide open net at last home game, and would’ve definitely buried those if he were in the same health as the start of season.
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For all those in disbelief on VV getting sent down to Manchester: It gets worse, much worse going forward.
See, there is this thing called a Salary Cap, and right now we have spent most of that cap space on the current roster.
Guys like Martinez, Whiskey, VV, Muzzin etc. are the future, not because they are better or stronger than the veteran D we now have, but because they are cheaper.
See, these things tend to happen when you spend $11.5M on a couple D guys, those other $3M+ guys seem a bit pricy on a team that can’t score 5 on 5.
So, you can’t trade your prospects because next year you gotta shed some of those middle of the pack veterans ‘cuz there ain’t no mo’ money in the coffers.
What you end up doing is stacking the odds that some of your cheaper guys may actually work out as NHL players and keep your team in contention.
Just you wait for Cliffy to get sent down! Its gonna sting!
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CB14 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Token, I disagree. The Kings have no RFA’s due raises of any significant increase. Our key UFA’s are Mitchell, Penner, and Stoll. The Kings could keep those 3 guys at their same cap hit next year and still be ok with the salary cap. Now I know that won’t happen, just saying that it could.
I don’t see Penner and Stoll being brought back at their current production rate. I do see Mitchell being brought back at a similar price, or possibly a little higher, 4 mil is my guess. I see DL going hard after Zach Parise this off-season. I know you’re probably thinking, we don’t have any cap room for him, but we do. Penner and Stoll make a combined 7.825 million in cap number. Lokti could replace Stoll, and that would leave 7 million for Parise. A perfect fit if you will. If Lokti isn’t ready, or healthy, Richardson or Lewis could handle the #3 center spot. Also if needed, they could either let Mitchell leave via free agency or trade Greene and fill that spot with either VV, Hickey, Muzzin Drewiskie, ect.
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Pesus Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@CB14,
Thats how I see it. If Mitchell wants a big raise he’s gone. If he wants to contend for a cup he stays.
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Kings x Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@Pesus, Yep
FdoFmFull Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@CB14, Good post! I see even Greene being moved as well. People like Martinez are not “in the hot seat”. Granted, if Mitchell gets re-upped, and Greene is moved, there’s the potential to go forward with a DCorps made up of 2 stay-at-home and 4 “offensive” DMen. This is feasible as long as these 4 continue developing their defensive skills, as JJ and DD have lately. Fancy that!
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True, but there really aren’t that many overpriced guys besides Penner on King’s roster, plus salary cap should go up 3 million next year and the Kings appear to have a long line of prospects at both defense and offense. I would think the Kings are in better shape than most.
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I think we should put Who on the first line, What on the second line and I Don’t Know on the third line. After that flip-flop the backside front runners. And create more mass confusion. I already miss Gagne,
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Happy Lappy Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@DesertKing, hey! ABBOTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Andrew: the second coming Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@DesertKing, as do i, as do i.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@DesertKing,
THE SKY IS FALLING!!!! HELP!!!
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Andrew: the second coming Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@tacomakingsfan, No Tacos for you sir.
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hope gagne is back soon, the guy is huge for us… hope penner and parse have a good game..
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this is brutal. happened a lot to us last year as well… one guy back in and another immediately back out. would love to see everyone together. GKG! lets win another tonight
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Gosh! I had a feeling he had an injury. Get well soon Simon!
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I think a package deal of Penner , Alec Martinez, and a 2nrd round pick for Milan Michalek or Andre Kotsitsyn would solve our 1st or 2nd line LW issue and would allow for Voynov to play with the big club. I think the Sens would bite since they are in rebuilding mode. Montreal is looking for a puck moving D-man according to recent rumors.
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Pesus Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Puckn-A,
No need to move anybody now, DL will wait for teams to get desperate at the deadline
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KC23 Reply:
October 29th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Puckn-A, Bunch of teams need Martinez. NJ is another one, but they need a center worse. TB needs one. Chicago is another team that need him, but that’s too close to home for my taste.
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Gagne
<3 Don't do this too me ;'(
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Is Gagne made out of glass?
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