How rough are things going for Dustin Penner this season? He had a multi-point game…for about 48 hours. Penner initially recorded two assists in Tuesday’s victory over Nashville, but an NHL review showed that he never actually touched the puck on the first one, so that assist was given to Willie Mitchell. That means Penner still has only two points — both assists — in 14 games, and every couple days, it seems, Terry Murray is asked for something of a “status update’’ on Penner, given that he’s a $4.25-million player and a vocal point of a so-far-toothless offensive attack. Penner has one shot on goal in his last two games.
MURRAY: “We’re going back over the past three of four games and talking about his work, and that’s good, but now we need to add to that. At the end of the day, not only he, but the line, needs to give us some production now. So, it takes three for that to happen — it takes five for that to happen — but we need a little bit more. Good, but…’’
Question: A lot of guys would be in that category right now, right?
MURRAY: “`Absolutely, but the way it’s built right now, with your top two lines, they’re put together with skill players, players who have experience in the game, and that’s part of their job description. We’re going to need some of those goals here, as quickly as possible.’’
Meh…at least the one “assist” was a shot.
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…and after reading Murray’s comments…it’s fairly obvious he feels his seat is getting warm….
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tmp32 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, It should be. The Coach is the guy who sets the tone, and if your tone is “we’ll have to see if we can get him going…” then you might as well pack your bags too, because they aren’t going to cut Penner. TM has to know that if histeam loses and he’s got a two point in 17 games guy on his top line, that’s his call. And you didn’t sign Penner to play on your 3rd and 4th lines, he’s no grindr. Hell. I’d take it if he was a grinder, but he can’t generate enough energy to grind, mabe fold, or mince, but not grind. Welcome back Lokitonov.
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Come on Pennerlicious, you can do it!
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the hockey don Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 9:40 am
@One87Money, wtf? Pennerlicious? This blog has taken a turn for the worse…lol
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One87Money Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@the hockey don, My wife wants him to have that nickname, though the other night when he was missing a tooth, she wasn’t too impressed.
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jonsey Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@One87Money, Pennetrator!
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in case you had not noticed, the game today is about speed and using that to create time and space. Penner is SLLOOOOOOWWWW! it’s pretty simple really.
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It requires a suspension of reality to believe that Penner is suddenly going to break out and produce the way management expected him to when the Kings traded for him. This is a failed trade, plain and simple. Time to move on to Plan B – whatever that is…
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the hockey don Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 9:42 am
@rick, time to move to plan “c” as in c ya later…
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number 6 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@the hockey don,
Rick’s comments were right. But dude, you polished it off with pizzazz.
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VBunker72 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:00 am
@rick, Unfortunately, just like the Dan NoClue signing of the Crawford days, there is no plan B. The Kings will eat this contract just like they ate NoClue’s salary. Other than DL, who is going to take this guy @ 4.25 mil?
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DesertKing Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@VBunker72,
At least it is only for the rest of this season. We still need to hope that he improves because that would be good for the team.
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Devilmachine Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@VBunker72, I swear Clitier had something over on Crawford. Either he was getting a ridiculous deal or he was releasing the pictures!
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von swine Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@rick, since Westy aint getting any ice time in the near future I feel they should appoint Penner to goon status, Lord knows he’s big enough. and so what if he gets hurt, he’s getting hurt anyways. if he starts mugging people at least that’s some form of entertainment for our 4 & a 1/4 we’re payin him. just sayin since he’s pretty much at the top of PIMs on the team already.
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RobSD Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@von swine,
Penner’s career is over. This was the biggest contract year of his life. With his age and history, it was now or never. He will be lucky if he gets picked up for a 1 year 1 million next season.
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trade the lemon… again a great player doesn’t fit the system.
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ddc Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@dv8er,
no one will eat that big contract for that little return… we’re just boned at this point til his contract is up at the end of the season… right now he’s on pace for 10 assists all season, which breaks down to just under a half million per assist… sad…
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“as quickly as possible” in other words…..so everyone will stop asking about how bad the offense is…..
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Toothless Attack…heh. I now picture us gnawing our way to the cup. Get the Fixodent, Penner!
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Big game tonight…..if we win….we can say that we have won 2 of the last 3 and we have turned it around…if we lose…..the heat remains…..
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number 6 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@neil
You’re right this is a big game. If they can’t pull this one out at home…….. oh boy.
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number 6 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@number 6,
Maybe someone can just text me here in ny if they lose so I’ll know not to go onto the blog tonight.
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neil Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@number 6, Chicken!!!!! LOL!!!
How many good players have to come to LA only to stink up the joint before someone realizes its the system and not the players? How many players have to be traded away for “not producing” only to be productive scorers for their next team? It’s the system, not the players. It’s scary to think how good Kopi would be in a better system. It’s obvious he’s excelling despite the system through skill.
It’s time to change the coaching and the system. It’s predictable and it’s not built to allow skilled players to play with skill, it’s built to allow blue liners to fire bucks and skilled players to get rebounds.
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pnm Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Undertakr, Spot on!
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bhpdx Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@Undertakr, agree 100%. Unless your a superstarike AZ….there is no way you thrive in this system wit
h absolutely no adjustment to your foe.
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puck73 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Undertakr, I agree. The system has been terrible. That being said, you can see TM has changed it the last 2 games because they are actually looking like a regular team with scoring chances. We will see if it keeps up.
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crashin'da net Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@puck73, agreed. Thet hv changed it up a bit. Players now need to learn how to capitalize on this nsew offensive freedom.
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Devilmachine Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@Undertakr, TM is a good system coach for less than talented teams that set up a good defensive system with a good goalie. I can’t imagine playing an 82 game schedule with this kind of monotony!!! These guys will start losing interest. We already had this with Andy Murray!!
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i wanted to believe that he was gonna be able to produce this year. i really did. i heard about his awesome training and conditioning over the summer. but he has shown to be a major bust of a trade. everyone sees it but TM and DL dont wanna admit it. i hope he turns it around to prove everyone wrong but i dont see it happening.
he has to know his hockey future depends on how he plays this year. no one is gonna want to sign him after whats gone on so far.
its sad to think that cant motivate him enough to play well.
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pnm Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@matty muls, I tend to disagree. A coach worth his salt out there, with a system which plays to Penner’s strengths, would be willing to snatch him up no problem. As someone earlier correctly stated: how many times have we seen players struggle in the Kings system, only to move on and have success? I suspect that will be the case for Penner as well. And if memory serves, I don’t even think Penner is playing in a role he is used to right now…
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matty muls Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@pnm,
that is true… but like frolov he has struggled in more than one system and coach.
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RLane420 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@matty muls, He wasnt this bad with the Oil or the Ducks. His sucking has come to a whole new level with the Kings. The real problem is TM expects every player to be an 2 way player, yet he wont or cant be a 2 way coach. If you dont play 2 way you go back to the minors or are traded. When are we going to send TM down to the minors to develop his game? Give him a talk and send him down to work on his offensive coaching. Like we have seen him do to players so many times. When is the last time a really offensive minded player made this team? Moeller, purcell, Moulson, Boyle, Loktionov, Shenn. The list goes on and on. We have not had a real offensive player make this team under TM. Yes you do need a good defense but when was the last time a team with the #1 D and the #30 O has won a cup?
Jeff Reply:
November 13th, 2011 at 7:08 am
@matty muls,
Exactly, although TM is an average coach at best. Penner has no work rate at all, he cruises, has no speed, no stick skills, refuses to hit anyone.
Please revert to my last post. In short, It is the average fan who pays from his average salary, takes his average family to high priced events. If the club, coaches, and owner don’t get their acts together it will be an average season.
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DesertKing Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@kinginsaltlake,
Very well said.
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pnm Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@kinginsaltlake, Very well stated average post.
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The worst part about Penner IMO is he’s going to another team next season or possibly this season and he will start doing good again for whoever that team is. Why do we always get these guys that are actually good but suck when they play for us? I hope he’ll prove me wrong.
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Undertakr Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@5 4 Fighting, It’s simple, our system stifles offensive creativity.
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In the Net Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@5 4 Fighting, That’s why they should trade him to a 4th or 5th place team in any of the divisions except Pacific or Northwest (although…Penner to Calgary for Stajan?). Take a high draft choice and a keg of beer for him.
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puck73 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@5 4 Fighting, Terry Murray has to take responsibility for that. And here is something else…if the Kings miss the playoffs and Murray is the coach the entire season, Lombardi will be responsible, not Murray.
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5 4 Fighting Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@puck73, But this problem has always bugged the Kings even before TM and DL. Anson Carter, Mark Parrish are 2 that come to mind right away. While these guys did better before and after their stint in LA the sucked whil here. Luckily they were rentals not whole year signings like Penner.
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PurpleBlacknGold Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@5 4 Fighting, Add Straka to that list too…
The problem with this team right now is there is no forward on the team that can execute a pass,
with the exception of Kopitar and willaims, every pass attempt is into the skates or the puck is
bouncing and skips over the reciever’s stick. Out of sync all season!
Call up Loktionov, he will show how it’s done.
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MANNY!!! MANNY!!! oh wait.. wrong sport
Not sure about this game even if it is the Wild. I’m guessing either Setoguchi or Heatley is going to score on us.. If they lose, it just adds more fuel to the fire. Win, ehhh… No one is going to believe they turned it around because it’s just one game. Until we see a major winning streak then that may just get our attention that the Kings can be a “Contender” again. My 2 cents.. GO KINGS GO!!! GO PACQUIAO!!
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pnm Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@tacomakingsfan, I’ll be DVR’ing tonight’s game… I’ll be out having “tacos”! LOL
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@pnm,
Make sure you have some cervezas with them tacos buddy!!
yup I have Center Ice on my phone… Gonna watch the game before the main event!!
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On Sportsnet, the panel was saying how Mike Richards so far has been a bust. I couldn’t disagree more. Yeah his goals have been down, but the team hasn’t been scoring. I think Richards has been one of the best players consistently for the Kings. They also said he is taking a lot of heat for not scoring more goals… Couldn’t be more wrong (at least in my eyes)
Big game tonight boys! Let’s get back on track!
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DesertKing Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@kevin from toronto,
Well, I guess I can delete Sportsnet from my list of sites to visit since they obviously don’t know what they are talking about. Ricahrds makes everyone around him better. He already has 3 goals and 9 assists this season (I believe) which is very good imho. I love watching this guy play since he is always hustling, maing really smart plays and drawing penalties.
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RLane420 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:30 am
@DesertKing, His points are very good for a team that cant put the puck in the net.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@kevin from toronto, Yeah, that’s silliness. He’s been great. He’s also got a hand tied behind his back (Penner).
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puck73 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@kevin from toronto, If Terry Murray keeps the system wide open like he has the last 2 games, Richards will be gettin plenty of points. If Murray reverts back to 1990′s hockey, Richards will stink, and so will the Kings.
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KC23 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@kevin from toronto, My take as well. I’ve been nothing but impressed with Richard’s play. The trouble with that line is clearly Brown and Penner in my eyes. I’m actually more disappointed in Brown than I am in Penner. First year I ever saw him play soft.
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Rich, I would like to send this your way, how much do players give feed back to coaches to allow them play their individual talents? Or simply does Coach Murray and his staff require the players play the system? We have some talented offensive players but our defense first does not translate to a strong offense. Anyways, would love to see Penner get the 800 lb. gorilla off his back.
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In the Net Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@ice is nice, I’m not Rich, but three names answer your question: Matt Moulson, Teddy Purcell, and Brian Boyle.
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Jason4Kings Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@ice is nice,
I think TM probably expects guys like Kopi, Richards, Doughty, to use their instincts when they see an opening, even if it means going against the systemic grain. They are the ones with the skill, and the ability/drive to get back in a play if things go bad. Penner hasn’t proven he can take over like that, with this team, and hasn’t yet shown the heart to take ownership of mistakes. It’s no coincidence to me when Doughty gets a goal after taking a stupid penalty that costs the team. Not saying that makes it okay, but I do think Doughty knows exactly what he needs to do, even when he makes a youthful/emotional mistake. I’ll I’m trying to say is I think it goes without saying that if you’re gonna buck the system, you better make it count. I think that’s the balance between system and “compete” that TM is looking for. Just my opinion.
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ice is nice Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@Jason4Kings, great perspective, shouldn’t Penner be used more in front of the net and in the corners during a PP with his size?
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He was an undrafted player. His success with the Ducks had a lot to do with whom he was playing at the time. There’s a strong belief that too much was expected of him subsequently and that now he is incapable now of delivering what the Kings had hoped he would. I hope that he can prove wrong those who have this opinion of him, but right now there is little evidence to support optimism.
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I guarantee that if DP was traded he would magically revert back to a 30-goal guy wherever he ends up. That’s how it always works.
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Penner scratched tonight?
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matty muls Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@Kings win, Ducks lose,
please please please
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I would love if the Kings brought back Frolov and had him on a line with Stoll and Penner. Would be a great 3rd line! I know it’s impossible to happen, but it would be great!
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puck73 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@kevin from toronto, Great puck possesion guy for sure, and Simmonds wasnt the same player without him. Also, until we got Richards, our powerplay stunk without him as well.
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vicarious Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@kevin from toronto, Fro is coming off a serious knee injury. Those usually take more than a year to get over. I agree the Kings cld use Frolov but better they try and sign him for next season. Like Puck 73 said, Fro did relatively well (at least by producing points) playing on the checking line with Handzus and Simmonds. After Fro left the kings, that Zeus/Simmer/and whomever had real problems scoring.
They cld use Fro next year and some younger bottom six players. 30+ year old Mareau and Hunter put in the effort but IMO they are both stop gaps. Doesn’t seem the King’s prospect pipeline has too many NHL level skilled wingers at this point.
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g smith86 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@kevin from toronto, Frolov! Frolov! ( as in playoffs!) That guy was non existent for long stretches when he was with the Kings then what…he went to the Rangers or something and didn’t do much until he got hurt… and is he even in the league anymore? Maybe another casualty of TM s system. As far as Penner goes Im sure we could find somebody to trade him to. The ducks would take him in a heart beat. I dont know if the Kings would want to deal with their crosstown rival…but if the deal is sweet enough then why not. He is a big guy playing like a little, finess type forward. I see this guy always at the red line boards stopped like hes fricken Gretzky waiting for a pass or something. Then he will take a pass and immediately get rid of the puck with some soft, tricky little pass that never works. His turnovers are blatant and not a result of the system but of a player struggling to make plays. I ask everyone…from what we have seen from Penner so far as a King, should he be in the line up? Should he even be on the team? For my money its time to wash our hands and move on. Trade him and get a draft choice or two or maybe a player with some speed that we so desperately need. As far as Stoll, I feel he like most of the other players, will come around. The time is now. We need all hands on deck… Lets go kings
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Devilmachine Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@kevin from toronto, Frolov played one good game in his whole Kings career. The one where his brother and father came to watch at Staples and he dominated. NO MOTIVATION to play hard every game, let alone every shift!! FRO LOSS is horrible!!
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Poki already has 3 goals for the Cans with the kings 5!!!!!!!!!!????? Maybe you are the problem Mr TM… Not saying DP can improve?
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puck73 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Sammuch, We know Sam, trust me, we all know its TM system.
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told you this guy isn’t the answer, said it prior to the trade, during the trade and everyday since the trade.
He cannot hold onto points but he sure squeezes his $4m contract well enough……..give some back if you feel guilty Penner.
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puck73 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@Harty, Penner didnt just suddenly forget how to score goals, TM and his 1990′s system are what is strangling our skill. Kopitar is the only guy that is doing anything. can you imagine if Kopi played for Washington, Pittsburgh, or Chicago how many points this guy might put up?
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Scot Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@puck73,
Thought about that too. Even though Kopi puts up 80+ points a year here, he is without a question a 100-point a year player. He would be a 40-goal, 80 assist player on another team, in another system.
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Harty Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@puck73, I agree with you there puck…geez if he was in Tampa with Stamkos, St. Louis and Lacaverier can you imagine…..150 points
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cut our losses and get rid of this joke. god hes so soft it makes me sick raking in over 4 mil this season for absolutely no production and no heart. this team better get it together quickly and start scoring some goals otherwise they will be in the cellar very soon and i will lose years off my life watching this pathetic brand of hockey.
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puck73 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@Weekes22, Direct your anger at Murray where it belongs. Let me ask you this, where would the Kings be the last 2 seasons without Jon Quick? Like me, I think you know the answer. We as fans would be pissed and Murray would be fired.
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g smith86 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@puck73, Agreed! Thats exactly what wouldve happened
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You guys all talk about Penner like he is the only one that can’t score. The whole team can’t score! Besides Kopi with 20 points, Williams and Richards have 12 points, Brown has 10, Gagne has 9, and then our best defenseman each have 8 points. After that, the offensive production from the rest of the forwards really falls off. Yes, Penner is making a lot of cash this year and not playing up to what he should be, but he is NOT the total problem. I’m hoping that tonight will be a turnaround for the team and the offense will start clicking. One can only hope…Go Kings!!!
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Harty Reply:
November 13th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@Iceage35, you can only make that assumption when you compare apples to apples…..how can you possibly ever compare a 3rd or 4th liner due to ice time alone let alone PP time.
Top 6 forwards are playing in all situations and the rest are not, you should only compare top 6 to bottom 6 forwards as this is far more comparable.
Yes Kopi, Williams, Richards, Gagne, Brown is leading the way, why opportunity and its the role of top 6.
Penner is not a top 6 guy, so if the kings management want to make him successful put penner on the 4th line and leave him there. We would have the only $4m guy in the league on the 4th line. Can you beleive we paid this amount for this guy, Edmonton likely has some oil fields for us to buy as well in the desert?
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You can’t “will” a bad player into being a good player.
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On a more positive note, the King’s new advertising slogan–the time is now–is still a true statement.
I feared and still think we left the re-build process too soon. Fro, Boyle, Moulson, Purcell, Holloway, Simmonds, Schenn all gone. Richards is a stud but this group wld be an upgrade on the bottom six anyway. My general opinion is the Kings still have too many vets from other organizations on their squad in this fifth year of a rebuild.
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g smith86 Reply:
November 12th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@vicarious, thats classic! However, Ill take Richards for Simmonds anyday..nothing against Simmonds. He was a hard worker for the Kings and I liked him. As fas as some of those other names on that list…yea..wouldnt mind havin Teddy back as well as Moulson. But those guys are happy now playing in less rigid systems…and as for the Kings and as you so eloquently wrote, The rebuild continues
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Trade this bum for a bag of pucks.
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Wait a minute. This assist where Penner did not touch the puck. Is this the same assist that Penner took credit for and used as basis for his own conclusion that he had come out of his slump? So he sucks, and he’s a liar?
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I think I just threw up. You mean we aren’t going to have Penner for a game? The Kings might as well pack it in.
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what’s the common denominator with all these players everyone mentions that go elsewhere and succeed? Especially guys like Moulson, Purcell, and Penner when he was in Edmonton/Cluckville? They played a lot of minutes. A lot!! Especially Penner in Edmonton and Moulson. They are going to score more if they are playing 25 a night cause no one else is. Yeah, the system is stifling and kills creativity, as well.
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Was DP a $4M “Jonah”? Look at the score tonight and how the team is playing together.
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joe Reply:
November 13th, 2011 at 7:34 am
@JC, the year dustin penner had 32 goal . mat Quin was this coach. dustin was asked what does mat tell you ?dustin said we don’t talk much. he told me to go and play hockey your team is over coach for him
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I don’t care what anyone says Penner is not the biggest problem we have(well maybe literally size wise,lol) Penner is stepping it up big time. I think he has a lot of potential. Murray makes stupid changes in the lineups.Murray is not coaching the kings to there full potential. Also for the record…WE paid that much for Penner! He’s not that dumb. He just gets paid by square footage,lol. Either way I think the toothless wonder is incredibly sexy..I hope he never gets it replaced.Quick,Richards,D.Brown,Moreau,Kopi,Doughty,Clifford,Greene,Johnson,Scuderi,Voynov,Westgarth, are the ones kickin ass! Go Kings Go!!!! The time is now,go boys! Go Penner!
Ms Roller
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