Here’s my LAKings.com game recap for tonight, with stats, video and pictures included. Thanks for reading…
The Kings will not be on the ice tomorrow and are scheduled to return to practice Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo.
Welcome back to LA Rich. Every one is mad at TM, Penner, and Doughty. Oh well, such is life in this here jungle !
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 1:57 am
@puck73, Not everyone.
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Eggplant Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 3:06 am
@puck73, I still don’t understand what Doughty has done wrong so far… Sure he was a bit rusty in his first game back but c’mon, he played well.
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Pesus Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:51 am
@Eggplant,
I think he has been just ok, but when you want to be the highest paid player on the team you better play like the best player. So far he’s been out played by a rookie that got sent down.
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Thanks Rich! You hit on some great points.
“For a second consecutive game — and for the ninth time in 11 games this season — the Kings failed to score three goals in regulation.” Not acceptable on a team with this much talent, I didn’t even know it was that bad.
“Quick, bad-bounce goal aside, wasn’t at his sharpest in the second of back-to-back games.” Who would’ve thunk it?
“In training camp last month, Murray and management stressed the importance of improving scoring. With the exception of five-goal outbursts against St. Louis and Dallas, it hasn’t happened” That’s what I’m sayin.
“Murray often stresses the term “shot mentality,’’ the desire for his players to get pucks to the net, from all angles and situations, in order to create scoring chances, and of late the Kings have followed up. The Kings recorded a season-high 39 shots on goal on Saturday in Phoenix, but lost 3-2 in overtime. Through two periods Sunday, the Kings were outshooting the Avalanche 26-9. What did the Kings have to show for it? Not much.” Exactly!
Lets hope things change for the better, and soon.
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puck73 Reply:
October 30th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
@CB14, The addition of Gagne and Voynov I believe would have made the difference tonite. Bold statement I know, but thats what I believe.
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CB14 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 12:19 am
@puck73, I agree. Voynov is a difference maker, and Gagne is a finisher, which Kopi needs, especially on nights like tonight and last night when JW doesn’t play well.
The Voynov situation is interesting to me. I agree with you that he’s a difference maker and should be in the line-up over Martinez. The problem I see is where? I believe Dean Lombardi would be hesitant to call up VV without a spot for him where he fits in well. The logical choice is to sit Martinez and play VV and MG together, but that presents some potential problems. He and Greene are both right handed shots, and as far as I know have never played the left side. Could those 2 co-exist? I’m not sure, it’s possible. As we all know, certain pairs don’t mesh very well, JJ and MG are one example. If VV couldn’t play with MG then where does he play?
The next logical choice to me would be with WM since they have a good history together so far this season. That would force JJ and DD to play together because as we’ve already established, JJ and MG can’t play together. JJ and DD playing together makes some sense because they are the teams top d-men, minute wise. Can they play together? Possibly. JJ has improved defensively, and DD has always been pretty solid in his own end. That pairing brings up another potential problem though, who plays against the other teams top line? Especially if it’s big top line. JJ and DD aren’t exactly big physical d-men, i’m not saying they’re small, just that they’re not big. WM and RS are IMO our best d-men to match up against other teams top lines, but they play on different lines in this scenario. I don’t believe we would want a rookie, VV, going up against other teams top lines, so that rules out VV and WM.
So that leaves RS and MG. Now both are defensive defenseman and are very capable in their own end. One problem though would be Matt Greene’s lack of quickness. I wouldn’t want him matched up against another teams top lines. The other problem would be that we would be having our bottom 2 d-men, minute wise, facing the other teams top line. That doesn’t exactly make sense. They would be out there much more often and that means our other d-men would see less time.
I’m not even going to discuss a JJ and VV scenario because that’s as unlikely to happen as me being named the next L.A. Kings Head Coach. So now you can see why I’m not expecting to see anyone traded or moved to make room for VV unless DL knows there’s a good fit for him in the line-up.
P.S. If VV and MG can play well together, disregard the whole entire previous comment.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:14 am
@CB14,
Voynov played the left side until he came to North America.
I believe, as many on this site know, that Greene should be gone. If the Kings dressed seven d-men I would have zero problem with Greene out killing penaltys as long as he isn’t playing five on five. I see nothing wrong in double shifting one of the forwards from the top three lines or even using one of the seven d-men as an extra winger in certain situations.
TM doesn’t like seven d-men as he thinks it messes up the rotation. If Voynov were back here playing as he should be it gives the Kings another offensive weapon and steady defender which can’t be a bad thing.
Stuart Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:36 am
@CB14, I actually thought MG looked the quickest he’s looked in years… He got back on quite a few plays where I had thought he was going to get beat on the foot-speed. I thought he played very well last night.
I’m leary about playing JJ and DD together as a regular pairing. I think JJ would shrink his play and defer everything to DD…IMO
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 1:59 am
@puck73, Don’t forget westy no westy no wins.
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Eggplant Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 3:07 am
@puck73, The question remains: Who will Voynov replace? And don’t say Doughty.
Gagne sure is missed.
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@ puck73
DL and TM will not put Voynov back in the lineup until/or Johnson
Martinez or Doughty become injured or sick.
Even I’d Voynov would have scored 2 goals each time he played, they would still send him back
because DL doesn’t want to expose anybody on waivers.
Too bad …………..
I wish r
They would look @ their record with Voynov in the lineup bs without him.
Answer is clear, but management refuses to understand this.
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puck73 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 12:08 am
@Mark B, Concur. Voynov is the real deal, and he makes a difference to both Manchester and the L.A Kings.
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nykingfan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 5:11 am
@Mark B,
I loved the way VV played when he was in there. No question he has a bright future in the NHL
but lets hold off a little going by the records of players when they’re playing. It is, without querstion, the most idiotic stat I’ve ever heard.
How many ghames did he play?
Have you seen our record with and without Westy? Does that mean he’s the reason we win?
Nobody will disagree with you on how good Voynov looked, but the record argument is silly.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:58 am
@nykingfan, Why do people keep calling Slava Voynov “VV” … ? I don’t get it.
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Crown Royal Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:05 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Slava is a nickname in Russian. His initials are actually VV. Vyacheslav Voynov.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:38 am
Ah…Figured it must have been something like that.
I give you the interesting stats.
I combined SOG(Shots on Goal) and MS(Missed Shots).
With the game the Kings outshot opponent – 1-4(win-lose).
With the game the Kings being outshot by opponent – 5-1(win-lose).
How do you explain ‘Shot Mentality’ is effective from those data, TM?
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CB14 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 12:21 am
@goldielocks, Crickets, Crickets.
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Mikey Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 12:27 am
@goldielocks, We had higher shots and less goals because the opposing team would collapse the D and make it harder for us to pick up the rebounds. so we shoot from the outside many many times and get no scraps.
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goldielocks Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 12:36 am
@Mikey,
Here are other interesting stats.
I combined BS(Blocked Shot) and A/B(Attempt to Block).
Amazingly, Kings and opponents had the exactly the same number in every single game they played so far.
So I think defensively the Kings are doing much of the same.
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People, relax. This was the third away game in four days. That’s insanity of a schedule. You can’t win all 82 games and while the season is young you have to give the team the time to find the offensive spark. But while outstanding offense wins games outstanding defense wins titles. Just look at Capitals and ‘nucks.
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Osaka Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 6:43 am
@FromSwedenWithLove, What are you doing here with common sense?
Nice post, agree 100%.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:12 am
@FromSwedenWithLove, Thank you +1
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It looks like Voynov & Gagne are missing…
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Kings fans of the world unite…and pray that Penner and Drew Doughty break each other’s legs during the next practice and will both be out for the next six months…
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Osaka Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 6:45 am
@longsufferingkingsfan, I think you need our prays.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:01 am
@longsufferingkingsfan,
Desperate times call for desperate measures??? Yikes not so fast. We are at what game 11?
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fsd1 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:13 am
@longsufferingkingsfan, not sure why you are allowed to say stuff like that…..i agree with osaka
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TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:42 am
@longsufferingkingsfan, Agree
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AZ King Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:06 am
@TheAcaciaStrain,
Really. You call yourselves Kings fans, and you wish 2 of our players have debilitating injuries, all so you can have Voynov back? I’m sorry that’s horrible. I wouldn’t't wish that on anyone.
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On a positive note, Parse is looking good with Brown and Richards. Needs to get a handle on those penalties though. Bets the heck out of Penner.
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Kevin Ebel Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:26 am
@KC23, Parse leading all Kings with 25% S%! I’m telling you, LA better find a place for this guy or he will go somewhere else and put 20 – 30 G per season somewhere else. The guy is always in position to score.
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KC23 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:59 am
@Kevin Ebel, It’s amazing how good Parse looks in Penner’s place. He looks to be the perfect fit for that line. Once we get Gagne back on the first line we’ll be very very tough to beat.
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Not the worst road trip, but certainly not what the Kings were looking for.
No question in my mind we outplayed the Avs for 3 periods. Special teams and lucky bounces were the difference last night.
We had a ton of shots but not enough were getting to the net. Opportunities were there for rebounds all night but if you don’t hit the net, it doesn’t help.
I think DD is about ready to go off on a roll and carry us for a bit. He looked a lot better in the 3rd than he’s looked so far.
One player I think I’ve seen enough of is Trent Hunter. There’s just not enough there to justify a spot in the lineup. His offensive game looks weak.
Edmonton’s another test in this tough Western Conference. They have a lot of speed similar to Colorado. Should be an interesting game.
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1 lucky bounce, yes. As far as special teams go, the Kings did score 2 powerplay goals, and Quick got beat on wrap around shorty. I dont think the Kings played bad at all, but they still could have used the hockey IQ of Voynov, and the finishing threat of Gagne last night, wouldnt of hurt thats for sure.
And finally my question to you, who would you rather have, Kopitar and Richards, or Trottier and Merrick ? lol
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puck73 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 7:05 am
@puck73, This is for @nyKingfan
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nykingfan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 7:14 am
@puck73,
VV would have looke good, but who would go?
Tough call because Trottier was better than both.
I think both Kopi and Richards are better than Merrick, but they have cups and we don’t. that’s the great equalizer.
I’ll still take Kopi/Richards!
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puck73 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 7:34 am
@nykingfan, Thanx. I almost forgot about Goring. Many former Islander players felt that he was the guy that put the organization over the top with his 2 way play and hustle.
It figers, a former King.
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nykingfan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:23 am
@puck73,
yeah the Goring trade was a steal for te Ilsanders. It was that trade and the play of Ken Morrow after the olympics that fueled the Islanders run to the cup.
We end up with Dave Lewis and who was the other guy?
No matter, it was larceny!
Who was the GM then…McGuire or McMaster the disaster?
Crown Royal Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@nykingfan,
McMaster came way later during the Gretzky era. He replaced Nick Beverly. Gretzky and Beverly didn’t see eye to eye on things so it was Wayne who suggested McMaster to McNall. That’s how he got the job. (he had been a Kings scout and before that an OHL GM.
trytodethroneus Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:55 am
@nykingfan,
Bob Bourne, ouch!!
Larry Murphy for ken houston and brian engblom. ouch,ouch!!!
I could go on……………………
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nykingfan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@trytodethroneus,
we got Bobby Bourne in that trade for Goring?
Crown Royal Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@trytodethroneus,
It wasn’t Bob Bourne. It was Goring for Lewis and Billy Harris.
The Kings are about 10 games into a season that had a difficult beginning after starting in Europe. They are trying to incorporate Richards, Gagne, Moreau, Hunter, Penner, Parse into the system. Additionally, Stoll etal are in new roles. Still, the Kings outplayed both Phoenix and Colorado in the last two games. Sometimes you don’t win even though you played well enough.
This team is showing flashes of being scary good. It will take 25-30 games before things settle and we see where they are. For now, I will take this start. Could have been better, could have been worse.
Some of you here seem intent on finding the negatives at every opportunity. There is way too much to be positive about at this point. To each their own, I guess.
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OC Hip Check Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:37 am
@scvking, Amen brother
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3 days off until the next game. Time for a JB start to rest JQ
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KingsFan1384 Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:33 am
@DesertKing, Yea I didn’t understand why if TM was getting JB game ready why he didnt play him for one of the back to backs. makes no sense to me.
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9 games out of 11…..that is where my concern is.Someone had a stat on a earlier post that shows that teams that wins the Cup…usually are in the top offensive categories….
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:24 am
@neil,
Pretty much.. This is NOT our year.. The system won’t allow our offense to take chances. It is predictable and stagnant. A blind person can read our plays.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:32 am
@tacomakingsfan,
Maybe we need to be a little more opportunistic, but that would require more aggression on offense.
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nykingfan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:50 am
@neil,
Boston won the cup lat year because of Thomas and the Bruins D.
Defense wins championships!
The system is not what’s holding back the offensive flow. The players aren’t executing as they should be.
Getting pucks to the net and having bodies in front is how you score in the NHL.
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Pesus Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:04 am
@nykingfan,
Dont let TM fool you, bos was 2nd in the east last year in goals per game at 2.96, only behind phili’s 3.12
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 10:26 am
@nykingfan,
Let’s put this way. If you can’t outscore your opponent how in the world do you win? Defense can only get you so far but if your D allows 2 goals… now what? Are you still going to think Defense wins championships? Of course not. You know what really wins championships? It’s finding that balance between Defense and Offense.
Players are also to blame too.. But as far as executing??? Really? I am tired of them holding back worrying about if they mess up they’re going to be in the dog house. You can plainly see it.
Our 5 on 5 is so atrocious… I don’t know where to begin. Point shot after point shot hoping for a deflection or lucky bounce. What kind of strategy is that? Hey don’t get me wrong.. TM is a good coach.. If he wasn’t then he wouldn’t be in the NHL. But there comes a time to change your system or at least tweak it. That’s my 2 cents.
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They need to think hard about whether Murray is the right coach, anymore. The team did not look prepared to play a team they should’ve beaten with ease (even on a back to back. Too often, this team plays back on its heels and gives away points. Murray is not getting the most out of his players. And if it was solely his call to start Bernier after JQ’s 3 shutouts, that should be the last straw for killing off the momentum yet again.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:54 am
@Scaught, With ease? The Avs have been playing good hockey. I also don’t think a coaching decision should be “the last straw.” Failure to produce wins with this lineup would be more like it.
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Scaught Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:17 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, The Avs were winless in their last three home games, had lost 5 straight against Kings teams that weren’t as good as this one, and only had 16 shots on goal. Yes, with ease. Turnovers killed. An offense with this much talent should be able to score more than a couple goals against the Avs. Murray has enough games on his record to point to and say they should’ve won. Half the time, it looks like he’s napping behind the bench. To me, Barry Trotz sets the standard. Murray is nowhere close to having his teams prepared the same way as him.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 9:42 am
Winless in their last three home games, as Kings fans know, doesn’t mean they weren’t playing well. Those “five straight” weren’t this season. They did only have 16 shots on goal, and I was at the game…yet, with ease? This is the NHL, not Atlantic City. People supposedly prepare to win, and they play on ice, not roulette tables. Ease? No. That’s just as insulting as the Avs fans believing they played a good game. They played better in the games they lost. In short, should’ve won is fair. “With ease” is an insult, and that’s my point.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 11:11 am
With ease means exactly what it says. It’s not a complicated word. It’s okay if you didn’t MEAN it. You could say that.
Scaught Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 10:00 am
@Scaught, With EASE.
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The Kings have three days to get focused, and a month of mostly home games and trolling around the west when they do leave home. As far as I’m concerned, they BETTER burn up the competition in that time, or we’re looking at a team that doesn’t learn, doesn’t adapt, and doesn’t compete to the level of their ability.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:43 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Wasn’t last November a bad month for us? Roll off a bunch of wins and we are right back on track, but the competition on this home stand is going to to be tough.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:51 am
@DesertKing, It was a streaky month…started out strong and ended in a rut. This isn’t that team, though. This is a team that has “all the tools.” They need to be playing like it, consistently. I was very patient during the time they had excuses. That time is up. It’s fair to say they have an opportunity this month, with so much time together in practice and at home, to address any little issues that must be addressed, and it’s fair to expect them to perform.
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Scaught Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 10:10 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, “BETTER burn up the competition in that time, or we’re looking at a team that doesn’t learn, doesn’t adapt, and doesn’t compete to the level of their ability.” But what if the teams they face play well? You’re insulting the opposition
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 11:13 am
PS: Do you know how petty that retaliation looked?
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Did any of you actually watch the last two games? The kings dominated both games and should have one. That had one terrible bounce in both games that directly lost them points. Everyone is quick to say this team is playing bad after a loss, when you clearly didn’t watch the games. Kings deserved to win both games of the back to back, but this is the NHL and deserving to win games doesn’t mean you will actually pull them out in the end. There is luck involved.
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*won
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