Will a pairing with Mike Richards be the answer to getting Dustin Penner’s offense going? It wasn’t the first time around, before Penner got moved into a third-line role with center Jarret Stoll, but the hope — could it be called re-hope? — is that Richards’ puck-handling and playmaking skills will be more beneficial to Penner as a finisher and help get him set up for scoring chances. Terry Murray was asked about this theory, the idea that Richards could take an active role in getting Penner going.
MURRAY: “Most important for a hockey player, I think, is to be responsible for your own game, get yourself going and bring that game that you have to bring every night in order to be a successful player. Some guys can take on a little bit more responsibility. One thing with Kopitar and with Richards, they really want to have the puck on their stick. I think that’s important, to have somebody who can transport the puck through the middle of the ice on a pretty consistent basis. And I saw Stolly do it last night, but Richards and Kopi have a very special talent for being able to transport the puck, and both are good playmakers. I feel that the lack of scoring opportunities right now is kind of the concern I have.’’
If not, just change the lines up next game. We know how it goes.
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No…nobody is the answer…that’s a lot of pressure to put on people. Here is an idea…how about we hold Penned accountable for himself. After all he’s a big boy…
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OldKingsFan Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@the hockey don, come on no fat jokes. Yes he is a BIG Boy. I can see him slamming down a couple skyscraper dogs between periods. With a large soft drink.
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Onetimer1966 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@the hockey don, CORRECT
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No.
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LA_1968 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@16,005, Has anyone (else) figured out what your nickname means?
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tkecanuck341 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@LA_1968, I know what it means. Old School GWF for you right there.
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LA_1968 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@tkecanuck341,
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@tkecanuck341, It’ll always be The Fabulous Forum, in my memories.
wavesinair Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@LA_1968,
With your name, it doesn’t surprise me that you know! It was the capacity of the forum for a hockey game… 16,005 souls
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LA_1968 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@wavesinair, When I was 17 we could walkup and buy tickets at the window for $5 with the student discount. Another great thing was they didn’t check id at all for beer sales.
The Third Vopat Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@wavesinair,
What I miss the most about the forum was tailgating. Crushing beer cans into hockeypucks and a drunk buddy being te goalie. Good times. Still have my armrest from that last game against the Ducks. And Parking didn’t cost as much as a ticket.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@LA_1968, I thought it was obvious, but apparently it isn’t.
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Dominick Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@16,005, Yes.
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Forum Gold Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@Dominick, Season seat holder, section 9 row L, during the 70′s until Jerrry Buss made our seats Senate Seats. When it was “16,005″ it was so cool. GO KINGS GO!!!
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variable Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@16,005,
i can still remember bob miller and chicky baby rattle off that attendance number like it was yesterday…when i was a kid, i always used to get happy when they announced that the game was a sell-out at the forum, especially if you were a kings fan…magic & showtime could have sold-out the rose bowl back then…but it wasn’t until gretzky landed here that a kings game was routinely seen at stadium capacity…
i’m still glad bob hasn’t hung them up yet…but, boy, i sure miss chick…those were good days…(!)
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Garry Galley Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@variable, I thought 16.005 was the % effort that Penner gives on each shift
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If Penner doesn’t perform and give it a 110%, I have a feeling that MR will let him know about it. Also, nothing I can point to specifically, but it seems that the other players are not passing the puck to Penner unless they absolutely have to. Anyone else noticed that?
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jess Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@DesertKing, I’ve noticed it and no wonder, he coughs it up like a hot potato
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Cruiznblue Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@DesertKing,
Yeah usually the passes he gets in the neutral zone are from the D who are just trying to get it deep so they can get a line change…cause he never attacks with the puck from the neutral zone when he gets it. He will just deflect the puck into the offensive zone and then head to the bench.
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steve Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@DesertKing, Might as well be on the penalty kill down a man
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wavesinair Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@DesertKing,
I believe there’s more to this line combo than simply “Richards’ puck-handling and playmaking skills will be more beneficial to Penner as a finisher and help get him set up for scoring chances.”
You have the Captain of the team and a former Captain who are fierce competitors as your linemates. I have to believe that MR and Brown will have some sort of positive effect on Penner that is equally mental and emotional as it is simply getting him the puck in a scoring position.
I say let these two leaders lead Penner to 30 goals starting right now. Leave them together on that line and build him up. Or, if he fails to respond, grind his butt until he flat out quits and skulks away to the KHL.
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KingMe20 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@wavesinair,
Exactly what I think. He has the tools to be succesful. At times, we’ve seen flashes of his ability: quick hands, good stickhandling, and he’s a better passer than I thought he was. What we haven’t seen is a real effort to get a lot of shots. I think he had four a couple of games ago, but no more than that.
There are times when it seems like he’s ready to go, and there are times when he can’t wait for his shift to end, and I think a lot of that has to do with him worrying too much about Murray’s defense-first system. Why was he successful in Edmonton and Anaheim? Because they kept the game simple for him, and just let him be himself, or at the very least, don’t try to make him into anything other than what he is.
I don’t dislike Penner as a person, and like I said before, I won’t bash a guy too much who’s trying. I think a lot of people pick on Penner just because it’s easy to do, and there’s a built-in problem with big, lumbering players that they often don’t seem to be going full out even when they are. But I don’t agree with people who think he’s worthless, I just think we haven’t seen him be successful yet because he’s being asked to play a role that isn’t his style.
Maybe I’m overly patient, but I’m willing to give him until the trade deadline to see what happens.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@DesertKing, I wouldn’t blame them after watching him pass it from the slot to the boards last game.
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who will be the answer for Richards? Brown never passes the puck back to anyone…and well..Penner is Penner. poor richards got all excited about reuniting with Gagne but he gets stuck with Penner.
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penner seems to always play like he’s hurt, he brings nothing to the table and is getting knocked off the puck more often then not…TM perhaps penner being a healthy scratch for a COUPLE games cant hurt us for sure..it can only help….at this point i prefer to have westy in the line up.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@michael, I’d rather have my grandma in the line-up than Westgarth. Can’t score, can’t hit, can’t skate.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@Duckbasher, Oh… and for sure… Can’t fight.
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How about a change in coach?
Pittsburgh and Chicago did it to win Cups
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insert Charlie Brown parent talk sound bit “whhaaaa wahhh wahhh wahhhhaaaaa”
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Stuart Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@KC23, “oh, what’s that you say? In order for this to even have a shot, MR would have to be the one bringing the puck up and setting up rather than DB who just loves to get a premature blast off at the goalies chest just to say he recorded a SOG?”
I love how Chuck would always get that out of the whaa whaaa wha whaaaaaaaaa!!!
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DesertKing Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@KC23,
If I recall, that was how the teacher sounded also, which explains Penner’s reaction to TM.
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Stuart Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@DesertKing, LOL it was all adults…
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I’m too tired to complain about Penner right now…but if anyone can knock some sense into him it would be Richards. I just hope putting Penner on Richards line to “baby sit” him doesn’t have an ill effect on Richards.
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Trolls everywhere on these message boards. Penner is capable of scoring 30g’s a year but he seems disinterested. Healthy scratch for a game or 2 might give him the kick in the butt he needs but as a loyal Kings fan, i’m not about to give up on him. I am also impressed with all of the people on this board that would make a better coach than TM & better GM than DL. Go submit your resume, maybe a mediocre career business analyst turned coach will be just what this team needs to score goals!
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fsd1 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@DanD, your troll comment is spot on.
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Kaiser Soze Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@DanD, I’m more sub-par than mediocre, but where do I send my resume? LOL – I agree with you about Penner. Watching the game against the Pens, Penner made a nice move to the net and the fans got pretty excited. It’s like we all want him to break out and score and be a great Kings player, but he just won’t. Is it him, is it the system, is Jupiter out of alignment with Mars?? Here’s to hoping he’ll get his first (of many) tonight.
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Cruiznblue Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@DanD,
I bet you everyone here would love Penner if he seemed like he wanted to play everynight and was being productive in some way or another. And DL isn’t the problem…has done a fine job with the team (even with his trade for Penner, if Penner did what he was expected to do coming to this team…which was nothing unreasonable).
So by fans being upset that TM will not scratch Penner for a few games because he seems “disinterested”…we are out of line for being upset? Going to see games are not cheap…and the last thing I want to do is pay to see “disinterested” players who have proven nothing over the season…only to get another chance to play the next night and do the same thing.
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wavesinair Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@DanD,
Trolls are fans of opposing teams coming in and flaming the Kings, etc. Not fans simply criticizing a player. There are very few trolls on this blog…yes, blog…not message boards.
And it’s very rare for a fan on here to actually claim they could do better than TM or DL. Criticism of the coach or GM does not equal “that fan believes they could do better.” Two entirely different things.
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16,005 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@DanD,
His disinterest starts at home… his wife showed up to the Oilers game wearing blue and orange… it was either intentional or just a freudian slip.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@DanD, Jamie Kompon, the Kings NHL assistant coach, and Power Play scheme extraordinaire, played a grand total of 59 games in the ECHL. No NHL experience. So, getting to be a coach in the NHL is not as hard of a gig to get as one might think, and maybe some people on here might just be qualified.
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Since Penner can’t seem to keep the puck on his stick, maybe Richards should start passing to his face.
It might knock some sense into him, and besides, there is probably a higher percentage of the puck going in off Penners’ face than off his stick…
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Stuart Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@Bill M., LOL and at least we would be able to see if Penns has any type of reflexes…
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spunkythebeagle Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Stuart, TY…I needed that during lunch lol…
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It’s not fair to burden Richards(or anybody else with Penner), whatever line he’s on, he just brings that line down. Honestly, what is wrong with that guy? Penner’s a big guy, but he never even checks anybody, I don’t get it. I really thought this year he would tear it up knowing he’s playing for a contract. As this point, I don’t think changing lines or ANYTHING is going to motivate him to play. Too bad we gave up so much for him, what a waste.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@Steevogt, I predict Penner will be out of hockey next year.
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Richards will make it possible for Penner to get going. But if when Richards turns to center the puck into the blue paint and Penner is out of position the team will suffer. Penner has gotta be there. I hope he will be this time.
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Well………..When Penner first started playing with Richards, he had a nagging knee injury. He played for a while till the swelling went down, then got moved to Stolls line once he was healthy. Maybe this TM’s way of realizing that now that he’s healthy he can take on the 2nd line minutes again.
C’mon Penner! We need you to produce buddy. The natives are not only restless, but their shooting arrows at you.
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LA_1968 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@Dominick, He does seem better than at first. I’m sure being out some time early, then banging his knee, didn’t help. He should be up on conditioning now from those two things, and be pretty healthy. To me, this is his first clean slate. My worry is that I just never see him looking dangerous. He did rifle one just wide from the slot against the Oilers and then there was that nice move to the net last game. If he doesn’t score the fine, but let’s see some scoring opportunities at least.
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Dominick Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@LA_1968, I agree. The occasional brainfart is fine with me, but chances are what ultimately will tell the tale. He’s been pretty good defensively, but now it’s about what he’s got offensively.
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goldielocks Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Dominick,
We need Penner getting back on track. He needs to be threat to opposing team cause I believe that would affect team’s overall success. Only players who can help him out on the ice level are Kopi and Richards so I support this move. Let’s hope he’ll score 1 or 2 tonight.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@goldielocks, Maybe this is exactly what Pens needs to get going again? We can only hope. If he doesn’t get things going… he’ll have to learn to live on less money next season.
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Interesting take on the Kings…
On NHL The Point, called out as “average” by Boomer/ 28 GF, 28 GA in 13 games…
Only scoring >2 goals in 1 game of 13, none in the last 8…
Only 6 players have more than 3 points, at 13 games!
Pens fans @ the last home game were in the thousands… Loud with goals scored by the Pens…
Personally, I think the team needs one more scoring forward, but WDIK? (What do I know?)
I see lots of puck control without finding the back of the net, & when they score the goals are beautiful…
Penner seemed to move his feet more last game…
If this is a bad patch, this team is going to be good, THIS season, without much trading…
If this is a good patch, Mr. Murray may be next on the Coach Chopping Block…
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Dominick Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I’m taking the bad patch scenario. No way is this the best we got yet, and I think Europe is to blame. Some teams took months to recover, and 1/2 the teams that have gone fired their coaches midseason. We’ll recover, and everyone will see the real Kings emerge.
By the way………I thought “WDIK” meant “you swing to the west”.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Interesting…you just nailed it…the few goals we seem to be scoring are beautiful goals. THAT’S THE PROBLEM!
This team needs to score the dirty goals..guys in front of the net hacking away at rebounds..standing in front of the goalie and willing to take the abuse to stand there.
Defensemen not getting the pucks thru to the net.
All of the things necessary to score in the NHL today.
The beautiful goals are highlight reel goals, but not a winning team’s type of goal.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@nykingfan,
I think good teams need both kinds of goals, and for a healthy percentage in each case…
My mind always comes back to the Red Wings, and so many Kings slaughters I hate to specify, but…
I remember a 0-6 loss 3-4 years ago to the Wings where the Kings would rarely even touch the puck, and if they did in the DET end it would result in some weak rush 1 against 3 and a turnover. Shots were rare and non-threatening. The DET goals were about 3-3 beautiful tic-tac-toe passing tip-ins versus greasy throw-it-to-the-net, bounce off 3 players & go in, goalie with no chance at all.
The thing was, there were so many get the puck/wheel out of the zone/hit the blue line with speed 3 on 2 or 2 on 1 chances for the Wings that there was no hope of winning the game, EVER. The final score was moot; it was total domination.
Currently, the Kings seem to look like the Red Wings more than the Red Wings victims. They move out of their zone effectively, look dangerous at mid-ice, and often get good offensive zone rushes. I tend to think this is a scoring drought rather than evidence of a poor team. I wonder about the overall scheme, though… Could a different offensive-minded coach get it done? Perhaps…
I think that Terry Murray is running out of time.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I don’t see this “Kings look like the Red Wings” look you speak of. I don’t see them moving out of their zone effectively, look danerous at mid-ice, or often get good offensive zone rushes. For the most part, they look lethargic, prodding, predictable, and ineffective outside of their defensive zone.
If you’re referring to the few time that Kopi’s line has had in a couple games here and there, then I’d agree with you that there are some glimpses of the potential. I would also agree that the talent level is actually here, and would probably be able to play a Red Wings style of game, under an offensive-minded coach.
Roger Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
@nykingfan, yep GRITTY goals
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I don’t see why we have to follow this penner character around with a forklift to get his arse in gear all the time, it’s getting ridiculouls at this point.
Heck what if we put Voynov in his spot -he’s a great two way player.
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spunkythebeagle Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@jess, we at least know the kid can skate. That alone would put pressure on the D.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@jess,
I think we would get Mark Andre Cliche, & sit/trade/waive Scott Parse, first…
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this is what i see about Penner………HE NEEDS TO SCORE there am done
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The problem with penned is he is just a lazy player who is lacking HEART he just never seems to really try hard or care for that matter
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10 words for Penner that will turn his season around:
First 4:
Go To The Net
Next 3:
Use Your Size
2 more:
Create Havoc
Last 1:
Rebounds
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Gagne – Kopitar – Brown
Penner – Richards – Williams
Parse – Loktionov – Richardson
Clifford – Stoll – Moreau
And here’s why.
1. We have three types of forwards: The Shooter/Finisher (Gagne/Williams), The Big Body/Net Presence (Brown/Penner) and the Quaterback (Kopitar/Richards). Each line should be made up of one of each player – to compliment each other, obviously.
2. If anyone is going to get Penner going – I believe it’s going to be Richards. He’s a leader, a motivator. I know they didn’t play great together at the beginning of the season, but I believe it’s because Penner and Brown weren’t playing well together, since players of the same feather don’t mix well. Also, Richards was still too new to call Penner out. I think Richards is comfortable enough now to take responsibility for Penner.
3. We want our third line to be a scoring line and Loktionov is a goal scorer. There is no reason he shouldn’t be in the line-up when he is able to provide exactly what the team is lacking.
4. Our fourth line becomes our shut down line. The coaches need to decide if Moreau or Hunter wins that 4th Line RW role, and waive the other.
Lewis and Westgarth scratched.
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tkecanuck341 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@CabbagesAndKings, I don’t think Stoll is a very good shut-down player. You either need to have him as the 3rd-line center or scratch him. Lewis > Stoll in that role. Next season Stoll is a UFA, and I see Loktionov winning the 3rd line role and Stoll signing elsewhere.
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CabbagesAndKings Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@tkecanuck341, I agree about Loktionov replacing Stoll next season. As far as Stoll vs Lewis, I’ll leave that as a coaches choice, but it’s the same basic principle. I happen to think Stoll is a better all around player then Lewis, but I’m fine with Lewis in the roll also.
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ten for instigating Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@CabbagesAndKings, I like it. Stoll’s years are numbered, May as well bring Loki in now. I’d even consider trading Stoll if you can get something for him and put lewis in as the 4th line center.
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CabbagesAndKings Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@ten for instigating, Yup. Penner + Stoll for a top two left wing would sure look nice right about now.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@CabbagesAndKings, I doubt we could get that for Penner as it is. Without him scoring AT ALL, who would want his salary?
Roger Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@CabbagesAndKings, Where are you going to put Loktionov? He is a center now a winger.
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I was hoping DL would fire TM and hirer Ken Hitchcock, but St Louis got to him first. The kings need a coach that lets his players know play hard or dont play. Hitchcock is a coach that doesnt put up with any BS.
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lakingsphan0427 Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@gene, I agree with you and that would been a good move..
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#1faninVegas Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@gene,
Problem with Ken Hitchcock is after awhile, the players hate him. Id rather have Terry Murray, and players who are willing to come here, than players who want to leave here because they hate a coach.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@gene, Kings just need a coach who understands there are two parts to the game; defense AND scoring. I don’t think there is any motivational problem on this team. I think most everyone on this team wants to win. What I do see, is players who realize that no matter how hard they try, they won’t be able to score goals under this current coach’s system. Therefore, it’s more of a defeated mindset setting in, rather than just laziness.
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All summer we read how Penner was really working out and getting in shape. Getting in shape for what? From his play this season (I know its only beenn 13 games) it does not seem he was working on his hockey game. We have several talented players at Manchester who would give anything to show what they can do. Penner is not a good fit for the LA Kings at this time.
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Dominick Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@Fireplug, Well, he only played 11 of those games, and was recovering from a knee injury for about 5 or 6 of those. The others he was put on Stolls line…..so we’ll see what we got tonight now that he’s back on the 2nd line, and healthy.
Not promising anything, just trying to stay positive.
For now.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@Dominick, I agree, let him play some top line minutes and see if it helps. But there has to be a point where we cut our losses (one way or another) if he isn’t contributing. Sometimes a player just isn’t a good fit no matter what he or the organization tries to make them a good fit.
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I really like that voynov for penner idea
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I would of rather have Ponikarovsky than Penner in our line up both big boys but at least Poni wants to score goals..
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
@lakingsphan0427, Poni went from a 20 goal scorer to a 5 goal scorer with the Kings. And you’re bummed on Penner for not being able to score?
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To date I have a lot more problem with Stoll’s play than Penner’s. Why he gets a pass from everyone I’ll never understand.
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CabbagesAndKings Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@KC23, I’m guessing he gets passes because he has the speed to create space for himself. Some players are good at getting open — some aren’t.
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Stuart Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@CabbagesAndKings, I think KC23 meant a “pass” as in avoids everyone ire and scrutiny…maybe.
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CabbagesAndKings Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@Stuart, Ah, right on.
“I feel that the lack of scoring opportunities right now is kind of the concern I have”
Is it me or does TM sound like a fortune telling hippie?
Can there be a less confident, commited sentence uttered from a professional coach?
“I feel..” “is kind of the concern I have…”
If TM spoke like this on the ice when he was a player he would have been eaten alive by his opponents… come on TM – grow a pair.
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Personally, I think Penner has lost a step in the last year or so and his best days are behind him. I’d rather have a hungry minor league forward(Loktionov) in the lineup than Dustin right now. It’s just not working. He sticks out on the ice in a negative way. Anyone can see it.
I know it’s only November and all the traveling and Doughty not being 100 percent have hurt, but I haven’t been impressed by this team yet. I think Jonathan Quick is making us look better than we are right now. Don’t want to be a downer, but I’ve never shut off a Kings game off in years, but the games vs. Edmonton and the Devils were unwatchable. Not a good trait to have this early in season. The talent is there, but I’m not sure we’re magically going to start scoring 5 on 5. Hopefully, playing the Sharks will motivate the team tonight.
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Dominick Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@hockeysureshot, Hopefully your trip pays off. Have fun and enjoy the game tonight. Props for supporting the boys.
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hockeysureshot Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Dominick, Thanks man! I hope to see you at a game one of these days!
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I don’t know what to make of Penner anymore.
There’s no way he could have won a cup playing with the lack of intensity that he’s showing.
what is wrong with this guy? I hope that it’s just my perception that he doesn’t give a damn, but it’s hard to come up with any other conclusion.
1 assist on the season is worse than putrid..heck with the amount of ice time he gets, the odds are that a puck or 2 will graze your skate to give you a couple of points.
The Kings are in a bind with him. It’s hard to bench a guy you’ve counted on to be a top 6 forward especially when you really don’t have a top 6 replacement.
I like Ritchie and to a lesser degree Parse, but neither of them are true top 6 forwards that a cup contending team can count on.
[Reply]
hockeysureshot Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@nykingfan, Well said. Your comments are always well thought out. I’ll let Penner hear it in warmups tonight. I just think he lost a step and in this league you can go from a 30 goal scorer to a 15 goal scorer pretty quickly. My question is that we have an abundance of young defensemen that can’t fit on the roster. Sooner or later Hickey,Forbort and especially Voynov should be up here.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@hockeysureshot,
Thanks..I appreciate the kind words.
Please..one loud one for me!
at this point, I’d take 15 and do a jigg!
I agree about the depth that we had and what thaey could bring us, but we still have another issue. How much cap room do we have to make a move for a top 6 forward?
If we’re going to trade some of our valuable assets, I’d like it to be an established top 6 guy, but I don’t know how much room we have for that type of guy (cap-wise) and if he comes with a multi year contact still left, can we fit him in future years?
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penner Answers
A). Different Line
B). Manchester
C). Quit Hockey
I am leaning towards B & C, but will wait until November is over to make those comments.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Lake Forest, Well… TM is trying A right now… so let’s hope we don’t have to move to step B or C. Maybe healthy scratch should be option A-1 ?
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Deke'r Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@Lake Forest, ….November over allready??
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and what about Toffoli? Almost everybody praised him in offseason, that he is strong on the puck, he is great scorer (and that’s true – so far in Ottawa 16 games, 16 goals) and so on… Why not use his skills. At least try him. There is only one bad point – he is right winger, not the left we need.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@kinginprague, He is 19 years old, so he is in the OHL playing for his junior team. He cannot be called up and tried out this year due to his age, as per the agreement between Canadian Junior leagues and the NHL.
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kinginprague Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@PP Anybody?, thanks for info. That’s pity, anyway!
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@kinginprague, Well next year, he will be 20 years old, and will be available to play for Manchester, and would be able to be called up if he doesn’t make the Kings out of training camp.
How bout we trade Penner and get Simmers back!!!
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Roger Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@Jdavison, I wish
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I go to sjsu and am attending the game tonight! Can’t wait to see the boys live and give them goodluck like always! It’s also crazy how many people support the sharks up here. Most of them are bandwagoners though, no one really knows anything about the sharks. It still makes me wish the kings had a bunch of bandwagon fans that new nothing about hockey, also I feel like the kings have more fans up here than in la just like roaming around. So many people say go kings when I wear my hat or shirt
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Will Richards be the answer for Penner?
lol no…. He’s still a Duck. He’ll always be a Duck. He managed to cost us a 1st round pick and hurt us on the ice for all these games and more to come ALL IN ONE! His nice little getting reacquainted with SoCal works great for him because when he’s a free agent this offseason, he’ll promptly re-sign with the Ducks. Guarantee he puts up 25 goals next year in Anaheim you watch. Do yourself a favor and get used to booing him now.
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I just dropped Penner from my fantasy team so that should get him going.
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LicoriceBiscuit Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Dave, lol. That happened to me couple years ago, (not with DP.)
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Why dont we just send him down and bring someone up that will give an effort???? Penner is horrible and a waste of space on the ice….Please bench him.
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Terry Murray is in love with Dustin penner and for whatever reason he insists on playing him, penner has no hockey i.q. ,He is slow doesn’t skate well , doesnt know how to use that big stupid goofy body of his, I mean this guy has no business playing hockey in the NHL, dean Lombardi needs to trade him to Florida or Winnipeg and just get whatever we can for him ( which won’t be much ).
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I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that it’s pretty safe bet that it won’t matter what line mates he has all year, he probably isn’t going to get his scoring going. This won’t be just because he is “soft, out of shape, doesn’t care, sucks” or whatever other reasons given each day. It will be because he just doesn’t fit in this current brand of defensive only minded structure the Kings play in.
I’m also gonna go out on a limb and say it’s a pretty safe bet that even if DL managed to trade Penner away, or brought up Lokti/anyone, that any player that takes his spot will also fail to perform their scoring duties. Although I’m sure they’ll learn how to play great D.
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penner’s gonna be the kind of player that leaves here and scores heaps of points for some other team. we’ll see i guess
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The players are all playing not to make mistakes defensively and it’s hurting everyone that is not on the PP. It’s tough to skate around when you think every shift you take may be your last because you missed a dot to board assignment or your compete level wasn’t as high as TM thinks it should be, etc.
There is a lot of season left, I just hope TM can see outside the box he has these guys playing in because they can’t seem to get out of this funk.
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Penner needs to be the answer for Penner.
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joe Reply:
November 7th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@Capt Jam, the year dustin penner 32 year . dustin was asked what does mat Quin tell you? three words . go and play hockey. your team is over coach
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