As noted earlier, in practice today, Terry Murray went back to a line-combination setup quite close to the one he used late in training camp (it got disrupted a bit because of Dustin Penner’s injury). Will those lines — with Penner moving up alongside Mike Richards and Dustin Brown — be used in tomorrow’s game against San Jose? Murray said maybe.
MURRAY: “I made the change out there for the practice today. Scotty Parse, I think, has played well on the left side with Richards. But the look that I wanted to see here was something that I put down on paper, going back through the summer time, and that’s Penner up as one of your top-six forwards. That’s where he has always had success, and that’s where I think the success is to be had with us. We haven’t seen the goals. We have not seen a lot of scoring chances. That’s probably the primary look that I’ve gone back through in the last few games. So we’ll see how that shakes out tomorrow. That’s my reasoning.’’
As they say what is the definition of insanity??
Play him on the first line Terry, maybe he’ll score some goals!
Or maybe he’ll get you fired as you have no clue what you are doing!
[Reply]
Case Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
@Golfnut,
It makes so much sense, that it will never happen. I’m with you when it concerns Murray. The more I watch him destroy what could be so great, the madder I get. WAKE UP DEAN!!
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@Golfnut, People who post the same things, every time, everyday, on every thread. Insanity.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Osaka, I’m insane.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@CB14, Hahaha tell me something I don’t know
CB14 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
@Osaka, TM’s offensive system doesn’t work.
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@CB14,
Geez, and I want you to coach! What does that make me!
Never mind! I know what it makes me!
CB14 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@Kingsfanone, Terry Murray has caused me to be temporarily insane. As soon as he’s gone I’ll be fine.
PP Anybody? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@CB14, Good one
Cruiznblue Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@CB14,
Me too. I actually want TM to come out and say something like “we’ve been working on unique way to adapt our need to increase scoring to our system…were making changes and developing different ways of attacking so it is not so telegraphed”….not just “don’t think and just shoot the puck!!”
That means the Kings third line does not look very impressive.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@BluLiner, I was thinking I really like the look of that third line. What don’t you like about it?
[Reply]
prosmar Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@Osaka, Parse on the right wing. He allways plays better on the left wing.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@prosmar, He has looked better on the left but he only played a handful of games this year. At first he was still getting his confidence back from the hip surgery so he didn’t have any jump and was a little hesitant, I don’t think he would have played well on either side. In the last 2 years combined he has played a combined 12 games so it isn’t like he spent much time anywhere. RW has more offensive opportunities so it should help increase his scoring chances. Definitely worth another look.
KC23 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 4:16 am
@BluLiner, As long as Stoll is centering that line, it won’t look impressive no matter what you do.
[Reply]
Yeah parse looks good, scoring goals and keeping the puck in the offensive zone, but coach has this vision of the way things SHOULD be with worthless Penner upfront.
Un. Real.
[Reply]
i stil see we still going to struggle and lose another
[Reply]
Move Clifford and Martinez to Manchester, put Hunter on the fourth line and bring back Slava. I think that would help the offense.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Eric Olsen, I am beginnig to wonder about Clifford as well. It is very possible that he is still too young to play consistent minutes in the NHL, we will see what happens.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@puck73, I was glad Clifford was moved up to the third line to get more minuets, thought he was playing well and they need his big body going to the net when Stoll and Parse have the puck.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@Osaka,
and in fact the Kings need more players than just Brown and Greene who play with a bit of gumption to their games… and Clifford at his best does that.
KC23 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 4:17 am
@Osaka, Not a bad thought.
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@Jake, Agree with you Jake.
[Reply]
Eggplant Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 1:16 am
@Eric Olsen, Martinez would have to clear waivers… Guess if he would or not.
[Reply]
Put Parse on the right side? Just go away Terry, please. I just cant take this insanity anymore. Dean, where the hell are you ?
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@puck73, lost to another world that where Terry put him LOL
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@puck73,
In Dean you TRUST puck! LOL. Perhaps Dean is really busy right now researching other coaching canditates.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@wavesinair, Dean has been extremely quiet since DD signed. I’m just sayin.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Dominick, I saw that Dom and thought it was very strange. I wonder if TL had him handle something a way he didn’t want to. TL went public and a few days later a contract was signed. Did Dean not agree with that contract or a way the situation was handled?
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@Dominick, Talking about DD’s contract.
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@puck73, It is worth another shot at Parse on the RW. If he can play there it gives us a good look.
[Reply]
Andrew: the second coming Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@puck73, Sigh puck.. we have already been over this.. He will never learn.
[Reply]
TYLER Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@puck73, this post is my thoughts exactly
[Reply]
C’mon Penner! Get it going please. I would hate to see you fall flat on your face after working so hard this summer.
Scribe actually had a good idea on his site. Try watching some game footage of Holmstrom, and model your game like that. We could use a front net presence like that. Just try to beat Brownie there before he takes the shot because he’s in all alone again.
Defensive play is fine, and the outlet passes coming out of the zone are good. The offensive zone is where your not clicking. Handling the puck in tight quarters has been a problem because with your size, you should be holding on to the puck better. Let Brown, and Richards worry about puck recovery, and just get open for a shot with your stick down.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@Dominick, Aside from the blind pass inside Pitts blue line that the Penguins took the other way and the Kings were forced to take a penalty on Penner looked OK. Nothing stood out either way. Got to get that guy going!
I have to say Dominick I appreciate that fact that you are reasonable and much more fair out of all the people who don’t agree with Terry Murray or his system. Thank you.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@Osaka, Like me?
[Reply]
Andrew: the second coming Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@Dominick, Man I am right there with you hoping something just clicks and he goes crazy.
[Reply]
OldKingsFan Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 9:24 am
@Dominick, Please don’t pick on the Fat Kid. Bulllying is frowned upon. Penner is working out he lost 10 pounds. He must have found it because he is as slow as ever.
[Reply]
“That’s my reasoning.”
There is nothing, I repeat, nothing reasonable about this. As just line change on a typical post-game day, yes. But after the statements by TM, there’s just no reasoning here whatsoever.
If that was the 2nd line he had on paper BEFORE the season started, then it should have been the 2nd line for a good stretch to see how it went. You know, give them time to gel and not make the players have to rebuild their chemistry.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
@wavesinair, Frustrated?
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@wavesinair,
“That’s my reasoning.”
Also kind of sounds like TM is starting to feel the heat, because he feels a need to defend every little micro-managed decision he makes.
[Reply]
Shaky arguments by TM! I don’t believe in any Penner’s offensive production anymore and I’m always afraid of his several turnovers in nearly every game. If TM insists not to bench him than put him on the 4th line. If TM really wants to shake up the lines again I would like to see those combos:
Gagne – Kopi – Williams
Parse – Rchards – Richardson
Clifford – Lewis – Brown
Penner – Stoll – Moreau
[Reply]
vegasking Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@outsider, Sure, why not
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@outsider, Id also like to see that 2nd line given a try. Let Parse be 3rd man high and let the other two go into the corners and try to make plays to him if possible.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@outsider,
Will we ever get to see Gagne-Richards-Williams under the TM regime?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@Scot,
Would you like TM to do something that he says he’ll do?
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@outsider, Richardson is not a top 6 forward he almost never scores any goals.
[Reply]
I have always liked Stoll, but he is really frustrating me this year. He is a center entirely devoid of playmaking skills. He cannot stickhandle as well as my mother (who, at 83, is good for her age but hardly NHL material), and he is the definition of a dump and chaser. I realize that he has other skills, but are they really enough to make up for a complete lack of offensive production? Loktionov, Loktionov, Loktionov. It’s time.
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@rick, Has Stoll ever played wing? Maybe he could play on the right side and brink Lokti up. I’m willing to waive Moreau if necessary.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@bbb7,
I like that idea.. We just don’t win a lot of faceoffs, & Stoll is our best faceoff guy.
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@Scot, No reason he cant take the faceoffs even playing wing.
Scot Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@bbb7,
Also true. But do YOU see TM thinking outside the box anytime soon?? Or doing anything non-traditional for that matter?
Scot Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@bbb7,
I’d waive Moreau in a heartbeat. I just don’t think he adds much. Put Hunter in there.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
@Scot,
I haven’t noticed either of them much in the games I’ve seen on television. But I’m a bit disappointed in these ‘veteran pickups’ DL has made the last few years. Not talking about high profile FA’s like Gagne. Talkin Poni, Moreau, and there were one or two others a few years ago.
Penner clearly standing out for making poor passes in the neutral zone from what I hear.
Who takes responsibility for all of that. It’s very disappointing.
Puckn-A Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 7:15 am
@Scot, I believe you are thinking of Nagy, Preissing, & Halpern.
Is it just me, or is anyone else annoyed that the only approach TM uses to fix issues with game play is to change lines?
[Reply]
vegasking Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@Case, Yes I’m deeply disturbed with TM’s just mix and match method
[Reply]
Good. Just leave it alone for a while and see what they can do.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@LA_1968,
Not gonna happen.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@Kingsfanone,
[Reply]
Rich, open forum time, does TM know that 80% of Kings fans want him gone? That’s an honest question.
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@Scot, All 10-15 of you Lol.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 4:22 am
@Bkrs-Bud, We’re selling out every game. Sold out all, but a handful last season.
[Reply]
I’m sorry but I feel like this is smoke and mirrors, TM knows that people are questioning the scoring so points at DP instead of the system. Juggling lines may be a band aid to a gaping problem called the system. Yes, I’m with the way our defense has evolved but our boys know how to play D now and don’t need to be handcuffed by a system loaded with defensive fall-back’s and fail-safe. Our D-system pulls directly away from our offensive potential.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@TheRussianKing, Very true. Sadly, it would take this losing streak to reach monumental proportions for TM to get the axe though. Even if we win some games, 1-0, or 2-1 in OT, that will be enough to save his hide, even though it will still show his offensive schemes are non existent.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
@PP Anybody?,
There’s some truth to that. It would have to take a streak of monumental proportions to force a firing. TM’s system at times has been left exposed, but for 3 years has never been the complete failure that we’ve seen in the past with Crawford, or Andy Murray (although Murray wasn’t completely bad at system, just how he micro-managed players, and left them exposed to being singled out, and hit). Becuase his system has never completely failed, he has never completely forced DL’s hand.
I would stand 100% behind him if he would ever find a way to improve manufactered, and creative goal production, but he has never been able to bring that to this team. Before it was a question of does he have the weapons he needs to compete, but those questions have been answered this season. With his system, defense is awsome, but I think that next step in this teams evolution is to be able to score at will to go along with that defense, and at the moment, I just don’t see it ever happening.
[Reply]
Sorry folks, I think we are stuck with Penner for the rest of the season. He had the entire off-season to get his act together and actually lost 18 pounds. When we started to play, he looked hesitant. He has shown some ability to make some good plays, but he has not been able to string together any consistent good effort. We continue to see a lack of desire, effort or hustle. He is in a contract year and doesn’t appear to care. I can’t imagine another team wanting him in a trade unless it is for some very low draft picks. The only positive is that at the end of the season, his $4.25 cap hit goes away. It is very sad, because someone with his skill could make all the difference in the world. We know he can do it, because he really lit it up the first 4-5 games he was with us. I don’t blame DL, he was doing his best to make us better.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@DesertKing,
Maybe Penner doesn’t lack desire. Has anyone thought about he’s just confused in this system?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Kingsfanone,
His body language tells you it is a lack of desire rather than confusion. He shouldn’t be confused following his time last season, meetings during the summer, training camp, and now 12 games into the season. None of us are confused
[Reply]
vegasking Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@DesertKing, Agree. It seems like he just doesn’t like to play hockey anymore
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@DesertKing,
You should see my face when Murray says something, cuz I’m confused!
King-C Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@DesertKing, Or maybe he just Doesn’t like to play hockey in this system. Maybe he is sick of this BS he hears from Mr. yakadoodle (TM) night in night out like the rest of us. If you watch the guys you can tell they have no trust / respect for TM.
KC23 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 4:23 am
@DesertKing, Penner is playing better than Stoll. Why does Stoll always get a pass from everyone?
[Reply]
Murray is addicted to saying he’s going to do one thing then doing another. Either he’s going bats or he’s pulling some kind of fake-out with the media.
[Reply]
vegasking Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Or, he just doesn’t know what he is doing
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Quisp has proffered the idea since last year that TM does give mixed messages to the players. And interestingly it’s something I just happened to really notice myself only this week. That I find frustrating.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 4:24 am
@number 6, Parcell said he couldn’t figure TM out either.
[Reply]
Parse on the right is going to do nothing! TM ha offically ran out of ideas so he is starting over.
[Reply]
I’m going to throw up…
[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Yeah just threw up a little…
[Reply]
Yeah TM here are some ideas when the ones you just threw out backfire / don’t work. Let’s really shake things up. Lets have our best players play D. I’m thinking Kopi and Richards is a good defensive pairing. Then you can play DD and Scuds on the first line…..The possibilities are endless. All kinds of combinations. Maybe Quick can play on the third line and DP can play goal. Any of those moves would make just as much sense as the pile of crap line changes he makes…
[Reply]
I have zero faith in TMs ability to lead this team after reading this today. He absolutely has no clue. At the best Penner should be in the press box.
[Reply]
I have no issue with the idea of Penner being a top-six forward in theory. That’s what he was brought in to be. But given his 3 (?) goals in 38 games? If that’s indicative of a top-six forward then the Kings are in trouble. I’d expect more than that in half a season from a third line forward. Recall that Simmer’s avg was 15 goals a year (so 7 and 1/2 per 38 games) and Zues depending on the year was probably about the same or even more.
[Reply]
My wife asked me, “why the big huff?” AFter reading this, my blood pressure suddenly rose. I would rather a better skater work with Richards and Brown. Since I’m not a hockey coach, I don’t understand the logic. If this doesn’t work, we might need a new skipper to drive this ship.
[Reply]
the San Jose sharks for a reminder that we don’t do the Interference on Jonathan Quick lets take a look from Pittsburgh Penguins did is they make a Interference on Jonathan Quick if the San Jose was doing the same thing with the Penguins the San Jose sharks players will be suspended if they make the Interference on Jonathan Quick if the San Jose sharks players will make the arguing call will be a double suspended
[Reply]
jack aubrey Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
@Adam M, Wow. That’s an impressive piece of prose. I read it 3 times through. Still don’t understand. But, maybe I agree!
[Reply]
meekie103 Reply:
November 6th, 2011 at 11:22 pm
@jack aubrey, LOL, im still trying to figure this out too!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 4:25 am
@Adam M, say what?
[Reply]
winger23 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 8:56 am
@KC23, I think Adam M is really TM since no one understands…..
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@Adam M, I hear ya! I’ve been trying to say the same thing all season.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Adam M, I took some Latin classes back in college and I remember part of the translation process was first translating into English, and then conjugating all the verbs to see who was doing what, and lastly, rearranging everything until it made some sense…I’ll try that with this one too and get back to you…
[Reply]
Penner, at 4.25m is the most overpaid player in the league. Reminds me of Wade Redden — and we all saw what NY did with that disaster of a situation.
Penner doesn’t appear to care and lacks skill, which is a deadly combination. He makes me regret tossing Frolov because I’d much rather see him out there at half the price. Wow. I just admitted preference for Frolov. That says a lot!
I’d rather see a promising Monarch bust his tail out there (Clune?) over Penner.
It’s two weeks notice time for him… His last two weeks as an NHL player.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 4:26 am
@Bobs big boy, He’s playing better than Stoll.
[Reply]
if murray is going to use logic he should have penner with kopi and gagne with richards.. if anyone gets penner on the board it will be kopi.. also richards and gagne have a history and that could spark the second line.. its not always best to put the top 3 on the #1 line..
[Reply]
Penner doesn’t have it, too slow, no anticipation. The game has passed him by and if TM doens’t wake up soon he will be gone.
[Reply]