The Kings’ second and third lines get another shakeup tonight, as Jarret Stoll centers Kyle Clifford and Trent Hunter while Colin Fraser centers Ethan Moreau and Trevor Lewis. That leaves Brad Richardson and Kevin Westgarth as the healthy scratches, and while that’s not particularly new in terms of Westgarth, it will be the first time this season that Richardson is not in the lineup. Terry Murray talked this morning about his decision…
MURRAY: “Quite simply, we’re looking to get some scoring going here, get some depth. Hunter is a guy who, historically, has provided some scoring in the league. He’s got a heavy shot. He can give us second and third opportunities just by getting the puck on net with that heavy shot of his. We hope that we can recover some of those loose pucks and that good things will happen.’’
But why Richardson? He has zero goals and one assist in 15 games, certainly comparable — numbers-wise — to Lewis (zero points) and Moreau (one point), although they bring different things to the game…
MURRAY: “You have to make a decision on who goes in, and how you’re going to give these new players an opportunity to play in the game. So, it does come down to some numbers. There are other reasons that fall in place. I’m looking, again, for the offensive part of the game to get picked up, and Hunter is a player who has put numbers up, in his game, in the NHL. Brad, right now, is not finding the back of the net. It’s been quite a few games since he has scored. He’s bringing everything else that we want. He’s intense, he’s enthusiastic, he brings pressure to the puck, he recovers pucks. He’s giving us good penalty-killing. So there’s a lot of things that I like about Brad Richardson’s game to date, and the time that he’s been here. It’s just the need for some offense right now, some 5-on-5 scoring is critical, and we’ve got to get that depth in the scoring and not rely on the Kopitar line consistently.’’
Hmm… “time that he’s been here” ??? So maybe he’s being traded?
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Carey Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@Duckbasher, or maybe he has only been on the Kings for a couple seasons, and that equates to “the time that he’s been here”…?
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cjms Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Duckbasher, Good God that would be a mistake.
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Eric Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@cjms, Not so sure about that.
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16,005 Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Duckbasher,
Maybe he is being shopped… maybe he isn’t. Got to give something of value to get value… he would get us more than DP on the trade market, but not enough alone. So, who else would be packaged in this hypothetical trade???
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LA_1968 Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@Duckbasher, Yeah I had the same reaction to that sentence by TM.
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KC23 Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@Duckbasher, You’re on the right track, but the players being shopped are typically not the one’s sitting.
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markisonfire Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@Duckbasher, our best lines as of right now look like this:
Gagne – Kopitar – Williams
Richardson – Richards – Brown
Penner – Stoll – Lewis
Clifford – Moreau – Hunter
I’m not sure why Murray wants to sit Richardson and I think it would be a giant mistake trading him.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@markisonfire, – It was more the wording than anything else. Sometimes a person will let something slip without meaning to and that just seemed a bit odd. I like Richie a lot. So I wasn’t wishing anything.
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looking forward to seeing what they can bring. Don’t agree at all with Richardson being a healthy scratch over Lewis..but we’ll see how it goes…positive thoughts..positive thoughts..GO KINGS GO!
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KC23 Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@IwantTheCup, I think TM is putting out the personal DL is shopping with for a trade.
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IMO TM should sit Moreau and play Richardson. Last thing the Kings need tonight is for him to take another penalty and give the Sedins and Kesler a power play…
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Räikkönen Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@McFame,
I prefer Richy too. At the same time, it was obvious Kings lacked physical presence heading into the season, which is exactly why Lombardi signed him. The penalties are irritating, but Moreau seems like the only guy hitting out there. Just needs better judgment on the ice.
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et219 Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@McFame,
“Last thing the Kings need tonight is for him to take another penalty and give the Sedins and Kesler a power play…”
By that regard Stoll should be benched as well. He’s been way to sloppy and undisciplined lately.
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McFame Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@et219,
I thought Stoll bounced back pretty well on Tuesday. His game will come around and he’s finally found his perfect role as a 3rd line center who will still put up 40 pts.
Overall, I just think Richie > Moreau…
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RobBordson Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@McFame, +1
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@McFame, i 100% agree on this
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Makes sense. Bottom six isn’t producing as much. Give Hunter a good opportunity, he’s only played 5 games this season. Surprised Hunter scored 25 goals a few years back, in fact he has two 20 goal seasons in his career.
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So the question, as I interpret it, was: Why not put Richardson on the 4th line in place of either Lewis or Brando?
Answer? None.
If I read between between the lines, this is a classic dog-house move. Make Richie sit and think. That is the “other reasons that fall in place” reason.
…and yes, Brando. I hate typing his name and I don’t know what else to call him besides the Doctor or some other stupid reference to that horrific movie.
What’s Brando’s nickname anyway? Anyone?
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Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@wavesinair, Marlin.
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Stuart Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@Dominick, Wayans?
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wavesinair Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@Dominick,
LOL. Marlon actually. Stella!?!?
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Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@wavesinair, I was thinking stinky fish. lol
variable Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@wavesinair,
thoreau…
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wavesinair Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@variable,
Ugh! Even harder to type!
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Paul G Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@wavesinair, the answer is that Richardson has hit is prime but its just not good enough
Lewis can be better if u let him develop
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wavesinair Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@Paul G,
If you look at Lewis’ stats-trajectory, he isn’t going to achieve anywhere close to the same results as what Richardson has achieved. There’s nothing to indicate he can or will be better.
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Whatever works. This IS going to work? right Murray
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New TM buzz phrase: “heavy shot.”
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Helvetica Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@jess, i thought it was “good compete”
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jess Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@Helvetica, Heh! I didn’t know about that one.
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Datacloud Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@jess, It’s better than Foxy’s new filler phrase “Sort things out”. When things aren’t going well he says it about 20 times a game and it grinds on me.
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jess Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Datacloud,
I know he has been saying that alot so I can only surmise he has been baffled by so many issues, he actually had to create a default phrase that paints the full spectrum of his perplexity with a broad brush.
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colo king fan Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@jess,
That could possibly be the most well worded comment I’ve ever read on the internet.
Bluecoconuts Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Datacloud, I just like the “Great look here guys” after every replay.
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colo king fan Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@jess,
He didn’t really need another one. There’s more rhetoric & cliches in a single TM interview than in an entire presidential debate.
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jess Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@colo king fan, -Ala Good Fellows: “Haha -YOU really ARE a FUNNY GUY HAhaha!
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colo king fan Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@jess,
I just had a hilarious “vision” of TM as president.
On the economy: “well I really think that the tax structure needs to be re-tooled to ensure the compete of markets..”
On gun control: “you know I really don’t want to hinder this nations ‘shot mentality’ by controlling the amount of guns…”
On healthcare: “well vice president kompon and I have decided to distribute vitamins to people en masse as a defensive measure, that way we dont have to approach the sick with an offensive strategy. We’ve also decided to replace standard hypodermic needles with thick ones to provide a more ‘heavy shot’ for patients seeking immunization…”
variable Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@jess,
lol…
the gun control line deserves props…(!)
jess Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@colo kng fan, NICE!
Very interesting article that Columbus should trade Rick Nash from THN. If any truth to the story DL should be all over this.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/42873-Proteau-Rick-Nash-best-served-by-move-out-of-Columbus.html
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Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@Kings Fan South,
The only way Columbus would do that is if the Kings give up a roster player that is playing well now. JJ, and Williams plus a couple of picks for Nash, or Gagne, Bernier and Voynov plus a 1rst rounder. They are not going to give up their franchise cornerstone unless they can bolster their line up significantly, and it won’t be cheap.
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Kings Fan South Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@Dominick, I see Nash play a lot on this coast and the guy is a stud. He is a fantastic player and times are getting challenging in Columbus. I would take him in a heartbeat even for a couple of our roster players. How about JB and BR plus a first rounder. Columbus needs a goalie. Just thoughts.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@Kings Fan South, Not enough. It would cost more around what Dominick was suggesting.
Marc Nathan Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@Kings Fan South, Columbus needs more than a goalie, but you’re on to something… a good package of players COULD pry Nash from CBJ.
Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@Kings Fan South, There is no way that is enough. You would have to pick a couple of players that are building blocks and can help them now. Williams, and Brown, or Gagne, and DD. We couldn’t get Richards without giving up something significant (Schenn and Simmonds), and Nash is a higher profile player than Richards. We couldn’t offer Columbus an offer for Nash for anyone who is currently struggling like Penner, or Stoll.
JD Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@Dominick, how about Quick being the center of the trade, trade him while his value is still high, at least columbus wont have to worry about him tanking in the playoffs
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Dave Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Kings Fan South, Nash is a guy I would consider trading Bernier for. Bernier, Martinez + 1st sounds good to me.
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Dave Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Dave, just realized that wouldn’t work because of salary. Bernier, Stoll, Martinez + 1st for Nash + Sanford.
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Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Dave, You guys are crazy if yoou think a back up goalie, and a 3rd pairing defenseman with some draft picks is enough to land Nash.
Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
@Dave, It would have to be some cornerstones from our end like Brown and DD, or JJ and Quick.
Dave Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Dominick – i don’t think it would take that much. Bernier is not just a back up goalie and everyone knows that. Martinez would be top-4 for them and Stoll would play a big role as well plus they get the #1 and cap flexibility.
it took a lot less than that for NJ to land Kovalchuk.
Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@Dave, That was at the trade deadline, and Kovalschmuck was a rental for 3 months, not a signed player with years left on his current deal.
Dave Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@Dominick – yes, but his contract is $7M/year which makes him tougher to trade. i think the opinion around the league of Bernier is very, very good. people see him as a future #1 and i think he would bring a lot of value. Martinez is a top-4 d-man on most teams and both players are very young and under cheap contracts. so they could keep those two guys for quite some time.
there would have to be a third player in the deal that carries a decent salary and i would think Stoll would be that guy. that paves the way for Loktionov to come up, he would help CLM for this year and then would free up that $3.5M for next year.
if you add a #1 pick to it i think you are there.
it’s a lot better than what they gave up for Carter. Bernier/Martinez/Stoll/1st is far better than Voracek/1st/3rd.
Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@Dave, Kingsfans think Bernier is a #1, but their GM would have to view him that way too. IMO Bernier/Martinez/Stoll would not turn their season around, and Nash is the only reason they even sell any tickets. They would need a player that is going to bring fans in, and that they can market to fans as a reason to believe they made the right choice.
Dave Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@Dominick – you may be right, but from what i’ve read from hockey people it’s pretty unanimous that Bernier is a #1 in waiting.
i don’t think Columbus is turning their season around whether they keep Nash or not.
i’d rather go after Iginla personally. I thought Nash’s cap hit was $7 but it’s actually at $7.8M. i don’t think he’ll ever play to that contract again and i’m not sure he has ever played to it. that’s crosby/malkin money.
i think DL may be able to pry Iginla out of Calgary w/o giving up Bernier. we’ll see.
Stuart Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Kings Fan South, Nash might be the type of player to put us over the top… I would McNall our future to get him today!
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colo king fan Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@Stuart,
“McNall our future”
EPIC funny. Seriously. I’m stealing the hell out of that.
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Stuart Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@Kings Fan South, I would consider packaging DB, JB, picks (plural) and even one of our young offensive ranch hands at MAN for 6-7 years of Big Nashty!!
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variable Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@Kings Fan South,
funny thing about proteau’s take…:
i understand what he’s trying to say, but have issues with the writing angle he decided to take…
he spends the first three paragraphs laying the ground work on the premise of a player demanding a trade request…
then, at paragraph four, he drops this…:
“Now, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Nash hasn’t made any noise whatsoever about wanting out of Ohio and the Jackets are far from being mathematically eliminated from the 2012 playoffs – his team isn’t altogether bereft of talent.”
whaaaaaaaa……?????
proteau knows hockey and i’m not gonna beat him up over this propagandist approach…however, he should have considered a rewrite to better promote his opinion that it’s time for the star to ask for a trade…
i just found that a very odd way to present his opinion based on the fact that nash is…and has always been,,,a model player on/off the ice for them…i know later in the article proteau says as much as that…
but why even try to link something to him that’s not applicable and somewhat implies that that’s the direction nash “has to be nearing that point” of…?
why not ask him first and then go forth with this premise…?
just a thought…
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Jason4Kings Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@Kings Fan South,
Nash is so not gonna be on the Kings anytime soon. I hear Nash the most and Parise second. Better chance with Parise, but even that is a longshot.
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Osaka Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@Kings Fan South, I would trade DD for Nash.
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JD Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@Osaka, hopefully DL wont
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Osaka Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@JD, I would be OK with it. If we have to pay someone 7 mil I would rather it be Nash, more bang for the buck. I am not saying Voynov is as good as DD but he is a capable replacement.
TM is trying to strengthen the offense, lets give him a chance.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@Onetimer1966, I’d buy that for a dollar!
Frankly, that’s enough reason for me to back off.
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Classic move for TM. Each guy will take their turns sitting in the bottom 6 till he’s made his rounds, and found his whipping boy. Don’t change the system, change the players in it.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@Dominick, Apparently it’s not the system, or at least so I’ve heard, so it must be the players I guess.
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Spidey35 Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@PP Anybody?, I guess this time it’s Richardson. What a joke……….and that’s after he said that he does everything we want except put the puck in the net. Uhhh, what? In that case you should be benching half of your team..
Get rid of Murray now!!!!!!!!
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Wau, hard to believe!! I would rather put Richie on the 2nd line than in the press box … He is much better than Moreau, Hunter, Clifford, on any position they would play …
Yes and I agree that the time has come for our coach to go… Tic tac tic tac…
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Forum Gold Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@outsider, Agree 100%. By the way you may want to have your clock looked at. GO KINGS GO!!!
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JD Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@outsider, i agree, but i think were stuck with him all year…. the guy does love the grinders
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idk, guys…
no big deal to me…makes sense to try and give someone else a chance since richie hasn’t laden us with offensive riches of late…
good player, but richie has problems finishing…
i really don’t see this as a controversial move by any means…
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wavesinair Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@variable,
And yet you’ve managed to make your comment more controversial than sitting Richie sitting. You contrarian you! LOL.
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variable Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@wavesinair,
i’m entering the bloggers protection program…
oh, wait…
i guess that’s redundant…
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Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@variable, It really isn’t a big deal. If little Richie sits a game, it’s just a game. Lewis sat 1. Hunters sat quite a few. So has Westy. I’ve just got preferences is all.
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variable Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@Dominick,
all of us have…eh, um…preferences/tendencies…(!)…
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Somehow I feel like Tm is going to go back to overloading three forwards onto the boards for puck recovery and send no one to the slot again against Vancouver, with this line up. I sure hope not.
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Hope we see that chemistry between Brown and Richards again, -man that goal MR scored down on one knee was a thing of beauty!
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Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@jess, ala Micheal Cammalleri.
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jess Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Dominick, Si
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@jess, yea it was..If they can keep on doing it will be amazing!!
Come on Second and First line get the scoring on and beat those Canucks
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jess Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@KingsFanFTW, -YES! I really LOVE to HATE the Nucks!
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um, TM, you are missing the point. It shouldn’t be about Hunter vs. Richardson, it should be about Richardson vs. Moreau. Moreau isn’t finding the back of the net either. And he’s taking bad penalties. And Richardson is killing penalties, and provides speed, and can play all over the ice if something happens to someone else.
you put him in the top-6 when someone else isn’t going and you wouldn’t dream of putting Moreau up there.
sadly, i think this is TM’s attempt to motivate Richardson. if you put the guy on the 4th line he isn’t going to score much.
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Dave, I think Moreau gets the call because he’s good on the PK…. If he’s not the one in the box.
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Dave Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@Bluecoconuts, Richardson is just as good on the PK so that can’t be the reason.
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spidey35 Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@Dave, Being a big Richardson fan, that was well said.
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If we had the 1st over all pick couple years ago instead of the 2nd overall…. we would have stamkos and Voynov in the back end.
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Dominick Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@downsy89, Kings have never had the 1rst overall, ever.
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downsy89 Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@Dominick, no…if we gotten the 1st overall instead of the 2nd.
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JD Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@downsy89, and after a few years of murrays system, stamkos would be a 20 goals scoring disappointment
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Everyone needs to BUILD A BRIDGE AND GET OVER IT! It’s just one game TM is scratching
Brad. Geez! So much negativity in here lately. No wonder why things arent going well
for the Kings.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@KiNGS 4 LiFE, As if what fans are typing on a web site generally had any bearing on the Kings’ play.
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soo u sit out ur die hard working player for a Penalty lover Moreau,that already has gotten a fined…Nice thinking TM why not put Quick center and make Penner as goalie ..that even more of a great idea.
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jess Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
Bob Miller: “Huge save by Penner! –Oh and we have a breakaway and… GOAL by Quick.” “See that Jimbo he knocked Luongo’s water bottle off the cross bar and then proceeded to drink it.”
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
@jess, LMAO
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colo king fan Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@KingsFanFTW, \
if there’s one thing Penner is good at, its making sure pucks don’t wind up in the net.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@colo king fan, lol yea that why he fits prefect as a goalie
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Sometimes I just don’t get the logic…
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Forum Gold Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@Whodawat, Welcome to LA KINGS hockey. GO KINGS GO!!!
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jess Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Forum Gold, LOL
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colo king fan Reply:
November 10th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@Whodawat,
Don’t worry, neither do the rest of us.
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Richardson is a guy who, historically, has provided some scoring in the league.
Just sayin’
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OK Hunter and Fraser, its time to role out those heavey shots, make TM proud. GO KINGS
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Line change? line change? wow, when did TM ever so something like that? Isn’t that his interpretation of “Adjustment?” Sorry, I’m getting kinda bitter
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Okay, so let me get this straight.. Penner can’t score for crap, and we play him more, and give him ample opportunity to score in which he has ONE game where he gets two assists and he gets to celebrate that his “slump” is over.. (all that because of ONE game with TWO assists).. yet Brad hasn’t been producing.. so we bench him cause he simply isn’t putting them in the back of the net.. WTH is the logic???
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I like that moreau is staying in. He is the grittiest guy on our team. Grit kills the Canucks
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