Terry Murray’s postgame thoughts…
(on the game…)
MURRAY: “That was a good game out there. With the number of power plays they had in the first period, we did a great job on the penalty kill. I know we gave up one, but the attitude was tremendous, to get in those lanes and block shots and just to really dig in. Then we carried through in the second period. The pace of the game picked up. The compete level got real heavy. Our dot-to-board game was as good as it’s been all year long, in my opinion, and I liked that. It’s the way we have to play. Unfortunately, that tying goal they got at the end, but it’s a strong play by them. Overall, I was really happy with our compete.’’
(on getting two goals after the home scoreless streak…)
MURRAY: “And then to get the third, and not allowed. It was a high stick, though. They’re good goals. They’re the kind of goals that are in a good hockey game. The puck is in transition, there’s lots of battle, lots of compete. It was a real, good solid hockey game here tonight. Those are the kinds of goals that you’re looking for. Your top guys step up and make plays. They score. Same for them. They got a couple big plays from their top guys. So I think everybody went away pretty happy tonight.’’
(on not getting enough scoring beyond the Kopitar line…)
MURRAY: “Sure. That’s been addressed many, many times in our talks with (the media). Five-on-five scoring is something that we’ve got to get to the next level. I think we’ve got the people in place to do that. We just have to start to get it done. We’ve got some depth. We’ve got three lines that are built, right now, to be able to give us some scoring. We’ve got back-end guys, with Doughty, with Johnson, with Martinez, that can shoot the puck, get up into the play. That has to evolve. That has to come along faster. But I have a little bit of concern. We’re now into the season, into November, and we haven’t got that start that we wanted, on the scoring side.’’
(on Drew Doughty perhaps not being at his usual level…)
MURRAY: “I think a lot has to do…I’ve seen this so many times, over the years, with players who, for whatever reason, miss the training camp. There’s some lag time here, to get the rust off, to get the cobwebs out, to get going into that high-level game that was out there tonight.’’
(on not falling into a roller-coaster-type season…)
MURRAY: “We’ve got to keep our eye on that, absolutely. We have a nice month of November here. We know that. We’ve talked about it in meetings. There’s some games in front of us here at home, and we have to be ready to play and get that start to the season, like we talked about, get a good start until Christmas and take a look at where we are. That’s an opportunity right now. We have to be heads up and take advantage of it.’’
Don’t put Brown on the 1st unit Powerplay, or the shootout. I would think the 4 open nets he missed would’ve maybe lent a hand in that direction, but I guess not.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:59 pm
@Nyck, Appears something is not clicking with Brown so far this season. He doesn’t seem as sharp mentally like his usual self. Don’t know what’s going on with him.
November/December always gives Kings a hard time.
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jonsey Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:46 am
@rogiesbackup, and March April May June and Sometimes January but almost never February, except for the last couple of years.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:13 am
@Nyck, I think there’s 1-2 forward spots open for either Lotki, Vey, Taffoli to fight for.
I’d like to see the Kings use fresh talent like the Oilers and the Isles before they get stale down in AHL. Why not use them ASAP and let them learn during game like Nugent-hopkins?
Other then Richards and Gagne, why would they look elsewhere for talent when they have quiet a few in Manchester???
Quick is awesome but he needs a rest!! Been a frustrating two weeks for him.
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Kyle Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:06 am
@Nyck,
“Overall, I was really happy with our compete.” WHAT? Murray, news flash: YOU GUYS LOST!!! Thats not good enough. Especially for the fans! GET RID OF HIM!!!
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Michael J. Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:04 am
@Kyle,
Do you really think Murray cares about whether the fans think the team’s effort was good enough? He shouldn’t.
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colo king fan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:15 am
@Michael J., he should, we pay his salary.
Peter90210 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:32 am
@Kyle, Yeah, lets fire the coach and start all over with a new system. Then we can go through a couple more years of disappointment while we sort through players who can’t make the transition.
Get Real!
Last night was probably the second best game we’ve played this season. The intensity was there. Even Penner acquitted himself for the first time this year. Sometimes you don’t get the breaks, but if the team continues to put forth the effort we had last night, we’ll be deep into the playoffs.
As for Brown…. something is off. But he has these mini slumps every season. He’ll find himself soon enough.
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Gary Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:03 am
@Peter90210, Sounds good to me. The coach has served his purpose it’s time to bring someone in to get us to the next level. TM can be what Del Harris was to the Lakers.
Kyle Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@Peter90210,
The players are big boys. They know how to play hockey. If Murray would let them free, they will play better. The second best game they’ve played this season. THEY LOST!!! They scored 2 goals! Thats 3 in the last 4 games! Its not fun to watch a team lose night after night with such talent on the ice.
PP Anybody? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Peter90210, You do realize that a couple years ago, the Penguins fired their coach after a slow start, then hired Dan Bylsma, who led them to the Stanley Cup that same season? No couple more years of disappointment there.
Southbayphil Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
@Peter90210,
I agree that we need a different offensive system, either by bringing in an offensive coordinator or an entirely different coach.
I am well aware of TM’s coaching philosophy, having seen him play and study under Fred Shero’s system in Philly. It emphasized total defensive responsibility everywhere on the ice, including the offensive zone. But it is outdated in the current newer, faster NHL, particularly with the more athletic goalies in the game.
You see the Kings always hesitant to create and shoot in the offensive zone because they are taught to first be sure
no one is caught up ice, be clear where their defensive responsibilities are and not to shoot until they are set up in the zone and a screen is established in front. The theory is that this limits damaging turnovers and increases scoring chances. But it is too slow developing and all it does is allow the defense and goalie to adjust to limit scoring chances.
TM may have raised the level of compete and teamwork but now it’s time for someone else to help take the Kings to the next level.
KingsGuy Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@Nyck, I would have liked to see Penner out there…
I know people have given up on this guy and I have been honest about his recent play. Although, I am still pulling for him.
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Well I’m glad you still have concern for the 5 on 5 scoring TM. This man has great resolve. He’s shown this same concern for 5 years now. Let the play the way they did in the 2nd period & you will score more knucklehead!!!!
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CB14 Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
@King Alex, For the record, it’s only been 3+ years. Not that it matters though.
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CB14 Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
Whoops, didn’t see your post lower on this page.
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
@King Alex,
They need to have some concerns over the fact they can’t score with a 5-3 PP that is almost a full 2 minutes.
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Gary Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@Bluecoconuts, That cant score 5 on 3 if they don’t shoot the puck. They look good out there passing the puck around though.
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brian spain Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:13 am
@King Alex, I saw many times last night when the Kings had control of the puck in the offensive zone and only 2 men were battling, because the third forward was out by the blue line between the d-men. Thats why they don’t score 5 on 5. its the third guy high system. brutal.
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RLane420 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:35 am
@brian spain, Bingo
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“everybody went away pretty happy tonight” Really??? Are my fellow Kings fans happy?? Iam not…..
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King Alex Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@neil, quickie was so happy he broke his stick on the goal post!!!
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KING-C Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@neil, Yeah, I had to read that line twice. WTF? Is he happy? Is he happy with one point? Man I’m not happy and at the game tonight I can tell you I didn’t see anyone happy leaving Staples. Happy? Really?
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RLane420 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@KING-C, I saw lots of happy people leaving Staples. They were in Pits jerseys.
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pesus Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
@neil,
well 2 goals is better than none,
but 2 goals wont get it done,
NOT HAPPY!
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Anjin Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@pesus, honestly without Kopitar we probably would have been shutout.
The guy is our entire offense right now.
We need to see the Clifford, Lewis and Richardson that we saw against San Jose in the playoffs last season.
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RLane420 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@Anjin, Has Cliffy played regularly this season? I havnt noticed him very much.
Eggplant Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:31 am
@neil, I was happy.
If you compare this game to the one against the Oilers (which was maybe the most frustrating one for me to watch this season) it was a great game tonight! I’d like to see them finish a bit better when they do get clear-cut scoring chances. So far only Kopi’s been able to play confidently ’til the end and score the goals that he has to score. Seeing tonight that it is still possible to score goals, maybe the other guys will pick it up and get more confident.
Really looking forward to the Battle of California!
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Kyle Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:09 am
@neil,
Im not happy. If this kind of stuff keeps happening, the Kings will lose fans.
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lvkingaholic Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:00 am
@Kyle, i’ve been a fan since 76……….. i’ve made a promise to myself that i won’t kick the bucket till they hoist the cup. this season is far from over. thick or thin for some of us. i can’t wait for the next puck to drop, could be the game they decide to gel and and show us what they are capable of……… just my opinion in this crazy land of la kings hockey……….. gkg
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PumperNicholl Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@lvkingaholic, I will join you in the hospital….just keep me on life support until we win the cup! However, I dont think my insurance company would be happy with that advance directive!!
Third Losing streak in just more then a year now going on……..
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
@neil, They did the same thing last year when Quick was removed to let Bernier play.
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Sorry it’s only been 3 years. My bad or maybe an omen of 2 more years of this??????
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What sorry fall asleep did he say anything important?
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puck73 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 1:25 am
@KingsFanFTW, Even you have lost faith in TM,I can tell.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 1:37 am
@puck73, LOL well he a good Coach i really liked him
but we got Gagne 40 twice in his career could be at average of 20 each season,Richards can score about 20 each season,Penner can score 20 goals each season.So i cant see any excuses about us not scoring.
the only person that really scoring is Kopi.Kopi got use to the system and for Gagne only reason he scoring is because Kopitar or Williams and thats good news tho.
I just dont see how TM system working in the offense…If Richards struggling to score goals and Penner still not scoring after he train the crap load is off season i just dont see how TM can keep his job.
He a great coach i really think he a great coach but i lost faith in him and the PP coach. Maybe am over thinking of it.I just dont know why this team still having the problem scoring.
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Question I would ask…What happened between the end of the second period and the end of the game….from playing really well and getting shots(13) to only 5 shots between the third and OV ????
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neil Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@neil, OT not OV !!!!
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Kyle Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@neil,
YEAH!
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@neil, They had to cut down on the odd man rushes against, of which Terry Murray was not happy with.
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Fuggettaboutit…”It’s Not about the Money guys that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you all this Time!!!” At this point I’d rather be playing Voynov than DD. Remember this bit?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZVQWeKsv2Q&feature=related
Must be nice making $7mil/season and looking like a college rookie.
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jonsey Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@Hat trick, We were winning with Voynov. Enough said.
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Regarding Murray’s comments in the 3rd paragraph, That’s what I been saying. Glad our Coach finally admits that the talent isn’t the problem, what does that leave as the problem? You guys know.
“So I think everybody went away pretty happy tonight.” Hello, you play to WIN the game, you lost the game. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
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jess Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
@CB14, here here! goodnight CB:)
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jess Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
@jess, *hear hear (tired)
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CB14 Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
@jess, Goodnight jess
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neil Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
@CB14, sounds like what some parents say to their kids after a pee wee game…..Everyones happy….I dont know who won…No one was keeping score….
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CB14 Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
@neil, LOL. So true, so true.
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With all of the concerns being spouted about (including from yours truly), I must say that we do have one of the best defensive teams in the league. Not to mention solid goaltending. Whenever we go on the PK, I don’t tend to worry about it. It’s when we go on the PP that sometimes I wish we could decline the penalty like in football. But then I remember how we are 5-on-5 and suddenly I’m at a loss.
With solid goaltending, a good defensive core and forwards who know how to get back and help, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of what we saw in the second period tonight. Obviously trying to be responsible, but going for it more than we have been. Seeing Mitchell (I think it was him) down behind the O-goal tonight to keep that cycle going was awesome! Players were moving all over the place and causing confusion for their defense. What’s wrong with more of THAT? Let’s get everyone moving and involved! Constant movement (not just the puck, but players as well) is so hard to defend against.
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KING-C Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@pnm, Maybe play the whole game shorthanded? LOL
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Not happy with the loss…..so many chances to put the game away, poor choices in the shootout, lack of confidence, AND WOULD SOMEBODY PLEASE WAKE UP AND GET RID OF PENNER!!!!!
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pnm Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:01 am
@Kingsfanforlife, We have a player named Penner?
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ddc Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:01 am
@Kingsfanforlife,
he’s a joke out there at this point… no, seriously, a joke… the entire section i sit in makes penner jokes every time he steps on the ice… it’s getting so bad i almost feel bad for the guy… like the catcher in baseball who can’t throw the ball back to the pitcher… tragic…
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jlium Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:05 am
@Kingsfanforlife, It was all TM’s fault and he needs to be fired. He missed at least 4 open nets and took all those dumb penalties. Then you have to consider all the careless neutral zone turn overs he made. But what really was the final blow was missing that penalty shot. Great game TM.
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RLane420 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@jlium, With the talent this team has we shouldnt be in a 3 year scoring slump.
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i would so welcome a coaching change in l.a. TM’s system is like a prison for these talented players. dave tippett, mike babcock or john tortorella whould be a great fit.
bernier should get more starts after tonight cz quck is not sharp, lets in bad goals and has no puck playing ability.
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The Batman Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:38 am
@jofa6000, All of those coaches currently have a team..and what about quick? I think he had some bad mishandled tonite but so far this season he is doing pretty well. Looked pretty sharp to me but I guess 31 saves and 3rd star isn’t good enough anymore
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IceGuy Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 7:47 am
@The Batman,
Jon Quick has something new I’ve seen the last couple of games – ATTITUDE. last game, when he got cross checked in his own goal crease as the puck trickled by, he was up and PO’d in a flash, right in the Ref’s face. He’s starting to view the blue paint as his “house” and he’s none too pleased when someone violates it. Last night, Quick cleared the puck and a Penguin still jabbed his stick into Quick’s gut. Quick simply stayed on his belly and clamped the stick under his arm. Holding the stick? You bet. Doing his part, or even more? You bet. Breaking his stick after the shootout – he didn’t look “pretty happy” to me. Sorry, Coach.
If this attitude keeps up, I’m thinking we’re going to start seeing some Tim Thomas whacks to the back of offending layers legs soon. Which is fine by me. It seems that the light has gone on in his head that his “enforcer” is not taking care of business vis-a-vis protecting the goalie. Quickie’s gonna protect himself, and it’s starting to show.
Kevin Westgarth played 4 shifts and 2:10 minutes last night, and as far as I can determine, did nothing to further the Kings chances of winning the game. I’ll bet he’s “pretty happy” with the outcome of the game, just like his Coach.
Unlike Murray, I’m pretty sure Quick and Lewis are not “pretty happy” about the Penguins game.
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colo king fan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:19 am
@IceGuy, After the first paragraph I was going to make a Tim Thomas comparison, but you did it for me. I know a lot of guys think TT is a dirty player, but to me that’s just good goaltending. Remember Patrick Roy? That guy would lay you flat if you spent too much time around his crease and that’s what a goaltender should do in that situation. Quick is really becoming a tremendous, Vezina caliber goalie.
puck73 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 1:29 am
@jofa6000, The Kings wouldnt have even made the playoffs the last 2 seasons without Quick. When Kopitar went down, it was a huge blow, and Quick willed us into the playoffs.
As far as Bernier goes, he doesnt have the mental makeup that Quick has, he is still a child.
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lvkingaholic Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:04 am
@jofa6000, i know this is going out on a shaky limb…… but what about doug houda from boston………. seems like the bylsma type. not a great player, but those are the ones that seem to make the better coaches….. just my insanity escaping for the moment………lol
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RLane420 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@jofa6000, Trade Penner for Tippet?
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Lol why are so many people FREAKING OUT? Yea we lost, but we played a pretty good game. I’m bummed too but stop demanding heads to roll.
You play enough good games like tonight and wins will start to come…
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HemetKingsFan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:07 am
@McDonalds, I had a Mc Rib today. It was just OK. How do you feel about that?
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colo king fan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:20 am
@HemetKingsFan, McRib.. just okay? LIAR!!! LOL
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CB14 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:24 am
@McDonalds, We’re freaking out because we still can’t score goals, especially 5 on 5 off the cycle. We’re tied for 3rd worst in Goals Per Game, and tonight’s game didn’t help. Plus both of our goals tonight weren’t due to the offensive system that we use, they we’re due to turnovers created by Matt Greene that created odd man situations. This team has the talent to be in the top 10 in goals per game, yet we’re not even remotely close. Plus this team has struggled to score 5 on 5 goals for many years now, it’s nothing new. 27th in 5 on 5 goals scored won’t cut it, especially with the talent this team has.
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Pesus Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:37 am
@CB14,
Thats why Im freaking out too
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Kevco Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:30 am
@CB14, Yea, what you said. Thanks, I don’t need to add anymore.
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OldKingsFan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:31 am
@McDonalds, Can I get fries with that? This team SUCKS right now. I don’t have an answer an neither does this coaching staff SAD to say.
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I’ll pass that along.
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Good “dot to boards” play? I’ve been ranting for days now to change it to “dot to dot”. LOL
I did think the play was better tonight from the Kings.
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CB14 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:15 am
@Dominick, I agree that they played better tonight, but they were still lacking scoring chances generated from the cycle. On their best cycle, the one that Penner started and Mitchell pinched down low to keep it going when Penner changed, they controlled the puck the entire shift yet everything was along the boards. They went low to high, and high to low, but Pitt just said ok go right ahead, and kept them to the outside the entire time. That needs to change if they intend to start winning some games.
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Dominick Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:45 pm
@CB14,
I agree. The second goal was exactly what I would like to see more of. I even commented on it after the game. Kopi, and Williams, moving laterally, Kopi passing against the flow laterally to Gagne, and the coalie out of position to make the save. All this happening “between the dots” with proper puck support.
Wish it happened like that even 40% of the time in the zone. If it did, I gaurentee we’d score more.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@CB14, Yeah, I think TM misses the part about the “cycle” where one player actually cycles out in FRONT of the net. That is what a cycle is. What he has them doing can’t really be called one.
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Every time we play the east coast teams, Richards plays like the Richard in philly. Not saying his overall play is poor, (it’s great) but …just saying
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Eggplant Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:38 am
@Harry, He hasn’t taken any penalties so far… But he has drawn some.
So…
What’s the problem here?
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I forgot, what does Doughty do that Voynov can’t do?
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Dominick Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:16 am
@Howe9, What has Voynov done the last 3 years that DD hasn’t?
Surprising that they’re both the same age, huh?
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Forum67 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:35 am
@Dominick,
Dom, I do have to give you the loyalty points as well as kudos for not being a member of the sky is falling club (which I am currently filling out my application for). You have steadfastly stood by TM and Doughty. And being a Kings fan I’d love to see your steadfastness rewarded.
That being said, I am curious. How poorly, and for how much longer, would we have to be offensively challenged under TM’s system before even you said enough is enough with TM?
Given Doughty’s experience at the NHL level I would certainly like to believe he is a better d-man (at this particular time at least) than Voynov. And I certainly don’t advocate getting rid of Doughty (at least not at this particular time). But I would think that even you would allow that Doughty has not been the same defenseman he was when he was a Norris Trophy finalist.
And the hockey is a business and Doughty is right for getting the most money he can while he can argument notwithstanding, his holdout and play subsequent to signing his contract has been less than awe inspiring. Unquestionably Doughty will continue to be a “good” d-man, but I think what most of us were hoping for was a CONSISTENTLY outstanding d-man. And I know that’s what we thought Lombardi was paying Doughty the big bucks for.
But as has been said repeatedly on this blog (but can only be said for another 15 games at the most) it’s still early in the season, so we’ll just have to wait and see what develops.
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Dominick Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:44 am
@Forum67, I voice my opinions on TM very loudly. I do not blindly follow, and challenge his coaching philosophies all the tim.
As far as DD vs VV? Talk to me when VV has played more than 5 games. Seriously, How can anybody make that kind of comparison responsibly, and call themselves a knowlegable fan. I respectfully do not mean to imply that no one hear is knowlegable, but I am certainly meking the case that people are making judgements emotionally, and not rationally.
Just becuase the team is struggling doesn’t mean automatically pick the best player and start bashing him. There are legitimate reasons why DD still needs some time. Wether you agree with him missing camp, or not, it is an issue now that has to work itself out. Wether you think it is his fault or not he got injured, he missed some time, and it will take some time to work his way back.
Those are reasons that have to work their way out over time. How anyone can look at an AHL player, and make the determination that he is better, over all, simply because at the moment that players struggling, is being a little shortsighted. When I see foolish things like 7 million dollars means we should ignore those issues, and treat him with impunity, I speak my mind. No one on any team should be treated that way, and if the Kings made choices like that, I would not be a fan.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
Dominick Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 9:59 am
@Forum67, I used the wrong word “Impunity”. I was going to say I don’t think he has “impunity”, and mixed up my original wording. I meant “ignorance”.
Pesus Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:39 am
@Howe9,
Steal 7 million
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colo king fan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:21 am
@Pesus, stop stealing my snarky comments!! damn you Pesus!!!
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Patrick O’Neal (FSW) thinks this was Mike Richards “best game” as a King? Patrick O’Neal is still a poor hockey pundit. Doughty and Moreau had bad games, but if this loss is on one LAK, it’s on Richards. Break it down:
First look at an open net with Fleury out of position to play the shot—Richards rang it off the crossbar. Tough luck, but it happens.
Second look at an open net with Fleury out of position to play the shot—Richards wiffs. Ouch! Strike 2.
Third, well, that would be the penalty shot on which Fleury didn’t even have to play Richards’ shot, perhaps couldn’t have reached it, since it was nearly a meter high and wide.
MR goes anything better than 0-3, and LAK wins in regulation.
When the game is there for the taking, and you don’t take it–repeatedly–good chance you lose.
Now wouldn’t it be funny if a gaggle of anxious gurus who’ve never laced ‘m up, never taken a stick to the face, never had their legs taken out from under them, together cranked out, say 600, “submit comment” blurts blaming Dustin Brown (who had another strong game) or Jonathan Quick (who had another strong game) or Dustin Penner (neither here nor there, but not the reason the Kings lost this game), or insisting the grass is greener on the [insert Voynov, Loktionov, Clark Kentov, Captain Americov, or whoever strikes one's fussy fancy] side of the fence? Hmmm. Actually that kind of thing does sound somewhat familiar. . .
LAK has lost 4 in a row, but was the better team in all but the Edmonton game. In recent outcomes have been disappointing, yes; but fussing that players need to be traded (or cut?!) and that the team needs more rookies, is silly!
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CB14 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:28 am
@wes, Penner had the pass to no one that created Malkin’s breakaway, which Mitchell got a penalty on, then Moreau got a penalty while killing the PP, then Scuderi also got a penalty while on the PK, and then Pittsburgh scored. Penner started the ball rolling on that one, if he doesn’t, the Kings win in regulation. I’m just sayin.
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King Alex Reply:
November 5th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
@wes, You are forgetting the NJ game. I guess you like being a .500 team? Some of us fans expect more. Can’t blame us for that.
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colo king fan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:28 am
@wes,
thats a lot of “if’s”
IF the other players generated breakaways short-handed, then Richard’s doesn’t matter as much. Fact is, he made a real nice play short-handed and simply didn’t finish.
IF Dustin Penner doesn’t make stupid passes or, you know, scores A goal sometime, maybe that takes some of the load off the rest of the guys.
IF Terry Murray’s system actually generated offense maybe we wouldn’t need to worry about one goal games like this all the time.
To single out Mike Richards for a couple of missed opportunities and a post is absurd to me (no disrespect, it just is). It’s like blaming the refs for a bad call that costs you a game you were barely in to begin with. Score some goals and you don’t have to worry about a single bad break or bad play burning you.
And Drew Doughty wasn’t that bad tonight, in fact he was one of the King’s better players in the third period. My only beef with his play so far is that it isn’t translating into offensive numbers, but I think the “system” has a lot to do with the lack of offense from the blue line this year. How many goals does JJ have even strength? Martinez? The only d-man who has had any offensive success thus far is Slava and he got sent down (hmm, ironic).
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efam Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 9:04 am
@wes, I don’t know if I would cal it Richards best game, but it was damn good! How did he even get that penalty shot? By reading the play well and skating in alone. And what about when he skated the puck down the ice during another PK and held it against the boards killing time? I’m sorry, but I think he has been one of the better players so far this season. He always seems to make smart plays defensively and offensively. He reminds a bit of Handzus: not all of his contributions are the type that show up on the scoresheet.
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efam Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 9:06 am
@efam, I should have proofread before hitting send. What I meant to say was, he got the penalty shot by doing a great job on the PK and forcing the Penguins to take a penalty on him.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@wes, Just cause Richards missed a couple of opportunities doesn’t mean he played a terrible game. This whole team is tight right now, and clutching their sticks a little too tightly. The guy’s a proven scorer, and is just trying to fit in this stifling system like everyone else. As for his overall play, Richards is a BEAST. The guy has an overdrive level of heart. He switches into that gear and makes great defensive plays, which is all Murray seems to care about using him for. So, yes he did have a very good game. If TM ever loosened up on these guys, and altered his system so these guys had the freedom to actually score, he’d probably bury all those chances like he had tonight.
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I dont think Murray will be the coach in a months time unless Lombardi wants to hang it up too. This team has to change the system to activate the D and I dont think TM has the clue. What a drag, I thought the first few games showed the new look Kings but it turns out Murrays coaching hadn’t chopped em off at the knees yet.
Will the fun ever Start!
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The kings played better in the second and third because terry Murray stopped crippling the players with his stupid schemes, they actually looked free out there that’s why they created so many opportunities , maybe terry Murray and his system are the problem maybe it’s time to call Gretzky and see if he can bring the cup to Los Angeles like he always wanted to. Oh and Dustin penner still sucks!!!!!!
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puck73 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 1:32 am
@Mcsorley’stick93, Gretzky was not a good coach, and gave bad advice to Mcnall who pissed away our draft picks like they were water.
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David#10fan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 6:09 am
@Mcsorley’stick93, Tho doesn’t it sound like such an awesome fairy tale to have Gretzky come in and sparkle his magic hockey dust and will us to the finals? Sounds like a mighty ducks movie with an LAK twist. Never ganna happen, but props on the movie idea
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Mcsorley'stick93 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@David#10fan, No douche in 4 years in the league his teams averaged 4 goals per game the kings average 1.5 . His offense was free flowing and players like Richards and kopitar would benefit from it , try educating yourself before you post , our defense is great but our offense is playing an old outdated system there is no creativity gretzky would open up the offense. Don’t bother replying I spent 6 years in the whl so I understand hockey a little better than you.
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what Murray no Penner in the shootout, you weren’t told to use him?? Com’on we have paid 4m a year for him let him shoot.
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KingMe20 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 7:49 am
@Harty,
I was actually thinking that would be one way to perhaps boost his confidence would be to get him out there for one of those… then again, he’d probably pass it to someone who isn’t there.
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efam Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 9:07 am
@Harty, In all seriousness, I wish JJ had been out there for one of the penalty shots.
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Harty Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@efam, I like JJ and his chances, I agree…….
I just cannot stand Penner, I think he is terrible and not good for the kings but I don’t want to really say what I’m thinking as Rich would cut me off for sure.
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Ah yes, those 5 stupid first period minor penalties, Mike Richards missed penalty shot, Doughty’s struggles, the waved off goal – all Murray’s fault.
Folks, sure it’s frustrating but keep some perspective.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:11 am
@dMan,
Maybe it was Kompon’s fault?
All kidding aside, are you saying that the 20 players from each team actually have something to do with the outcome of the game?
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wes Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@dMan, thank you for the sobriety/ sanity/ maturity, dMan. But speaking the truth can make you most unpopular in these threads!
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Another loss Monday coming up=5 in a row.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:26 am
@Poorman, They shouldn’t travel to S.J. They should forfeit, and prepare for their next home loss instead.
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Poorman Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I was one of the few who felt trading Schenn and Simmonds was an awful move. So much young offensive talent ruined by a stiff antiquated system. I’m not into Penner bashing. The whole team is struggling in this system. Both Lombardo and Murray are to blame.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@Poorman, Richards has plenty of offensive talent, he’s just being used as a shut down defender by Murray. If you think Schenn or Simmonds would be any more offensive threats under Murray, well then I think you’re stretching your imagination.
Did anybody else notice that Scott Parse had NO speed last night? He was skating without bending his knees.
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Overall, I was really happy with our compete.’’
Will someone please tell Murray this is not a sentence? The way he uses “compete” is not the right tense, and he uses that word in every effing interview. (I know, effing isn’t a word either!)
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@Brownkingsfan, THANK YOU! I’ve thought about that at least a dozen times.
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colo king fan Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:31 am
@Brownkingsfan, ALWAYS bugs me. ALWAYS.
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If you want to get Penner going put him on the first power play. Brown has no hands in front. He missed multiple chances in the front of the net. If Penner has anything it is good hands so let him hang out in front of the net and knock in a few and get him some confidence.
I like Brown as a player but he does not belong in front of the net on the power play. That is the one place where this team misses Ryan Smyth. Penner should be the option there on the top unit.
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Harty Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@Dave, who cares if Penner gets going, open the door and let him leave LA
He is aweful just aweful……what a waste of 4 million, hope everyone is happy with the $51k spend last night as we are paying him $51,000+ per game
Ha, ha………soooooooooo bad
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YoBro Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@Dave, I agree 100%. If it’s not too early for a X-mas list, I would wish for DB to open a box of hands under his tree! Dude has been doing everything BUT finish. He’s actually started hitting again lately, which IS his game. But if he could get a stick on some of those sweet feeds of late, our team scoring would improve. We’ve nothing to lose by putting Pens there, we know he’s got hands, he just takes forever to get places. On the PP he can camp out and make some noise.
Go Kings
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Penner has not the heart to play the front. Dave are you the guy I met from SD? Last year in the greenroom?
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1-5 since TM pulled Quick from his 3 game shut out streak……………
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hipcheck Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 10:41 am
@jimrad, But whose counting?
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Get rid of the highstick goal rule. It is so complicated and difficult to rule and subjective. They probably got it right, but what is the point of it?
If it is to keep guys from swinging at people’s heads, there is still no hitting people in the head with your stick rule.
For that matter, get rid of the kick in or glove in rule. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a gloved in puck.
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You got a guy like Westgarth wasting a roster spot. He had two minutes of ice time against Pittsburgh. That sucks, when you can have Nolan or Loki in that spot. Its time to go with the youngsters. This team needs speed, kids that can go 60 minutes every night. Move Clifford up to the first or second lines. He makes things happen when he is on the ice. Its time for Murray to take a hike. There is a reason why this team is not living up to its potencial. Its got to be the coaching staff.
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Harty Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@Jim Martin, right in fact the lines could be…….
-Gagne, Kopi, Richards
-Clifford, Lotki, Brown
-Nolan, Lewis, Williams
-Moreau, Stoll, Richardson
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Still waiting on news of Voynov….. Tick tock…
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With SJ, Nashville, and Canucks on the horizon anything less then 1-1-1 should see TM fired and quite frankly even with those numbers wouldnt mind seeing a coaching change. Way to much offensive firepower on our team to see bogged down in a system that screams 1996.
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All this talk about our offensive talent and frankly ITS NOT VISIBLE. Kopi is it. I want to blame TM and his system for it, but its not his fault entirely – Lombardo is just not that smart –
I think its equally his fault. Philly is smart. They gave up a guy who is destined to become a 3rd line player later in his career, for a potential top 6 winger with equal grit and defensive ability and someone who has the chance of putting up Crosby numbers in 2 – 3 years.
The Kings get someone who in his prime will garaunty you 20 goals.
Doesn’t mean I don’t like Richards – he is probably the Kings second best forward right now.
I have never seen stoll more useless, and I never thought he was that useful in the first place.
Penner is a disaster out there – TM has got him so scared that he looks like a tryout rookie…
The idea of us having a 3rd line threat is an absolute joke.
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