Some notes from yesterday’s game…
– The Kings had their three-game winning streak ended with a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday afternoon at Staples Center.
– The Kings had allowed three or fewer goals in five consecutive games, and had won four of those games.
– The Kings are 3-7-3 this season when they scored two or fewer goals, compared to 7-0-0 when they score at least three goals.
– The Kings fell to 5-4-1 at Staples Center, 8-2-2 when scoring the first goal, 0-6-1 when trailing after the second period and 6-4-2 when being outshot.
– The Kings were outshot 38-24, including 17-7 in the second period. The Kings had recorded at least 30 shots on goal in six consecutive games and at least 36 shots on goal in three consecutive games.
– The Kings went 0-for-5 on the power play and 3-for-5 on the penalty kill. The Kings had scored at least one power-play goal in six consecutive games.
– Jonathan Quick had his personal three-game winning streak end, as he stopped 34 of 38 shots.
– Mike Richards scored the Kings’ only goal, a first-period shorthanded goal. Richards became the first Kings player since Ziggy Palffy in 2001 to score shorthanded goals in consecutive games. Of Richards’ 141 career NHL goals, 25 have been shorthanded goals. That ties him for 33rd all-time in NHL history. Richards is now second on the Kings in goals (eight) and points (16). Richards has six goals in his last six games.
– Anze Kopitar failed to score on a penalty shot in the second period, his first career penalty-shot attempt. The Kings are now 15-for-48 all-time in penalty shots.
– Anze Kopitar recorded a team-high six shots on goal. Colin Fraser and Brad Richardson were each credited with a game-high four hits and Willie Mitchell was credited with a team-high two blocked shots.
– Drew Doughty played a team-high 24 minutes, 46 seconds, followed by Jack Johnson, at 23:47. Anze Kopitar led all Kings forwards in ice time, at 20:36, followed by Mike Richards, at 20:19.
Wow, 0-6-1 when trailing after 2. Thats not good.
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Hipcheck Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:49 am
@Pesus, not surprising though. When has TM ever been able to change a momentum swing?
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rule change suggestion….A team has a choice of PP or penalty shot.In that situation yesterday the Kings couldve used the two minutes to change the momento of the game.I see that the pct of goals are higher on Penalty shots then PP but sometimes having two minutes can give the team some energy. I know scoring on the PS would give the team a lift but looked what happened after we scored on the shorty..
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jonsey Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@neil, That would make things interesting since usually the goalie wins on penalty shots, but the PP% is even lower than the PS% so I don’t see who would go for it? I also think in the SO the Kings should shoot second since Quick is so good and the shooters are so not.
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NOT IMPRESSED Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@neil, I like the idea, but should only go in effect with less than 2 minutes left in the game.
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Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@neil,
I like it to but think the kings would of oppted for the penalty shot. Kopitar career shootout % is higher than our powerplay %
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Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@Pesus,
Oops sorry you mentioned that, didnt read your full post
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Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@neil,
I like the idea. But I wouldn’t have wanted us to choose a PP over a Penalty Shot. Our PP is not as good as it seems, 7th in the league or whatever. We have scored on 5-on-3′s to inflate our percentage, but what seems like is happening this year is the same thing that happened last year. When we get a PP, it almost automatically changes the momentum for the opposite! Once we don’t score on it, the other team takes the momentum.
Besides, why would you choose a Power Play that has Ethan Moreau on it?
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Waterndirt Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@neil, Creative suggestion however the game has too many “rules” already. If we would have scored we probably wouldn’t be talking about this topic right now. Just my 2 cents.
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LA_1968 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@neil, The success rate of a penalty shot is probably 10% higher than a power play.
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jonsey Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@LA_1968, That is the point I was trying to make; you just made it more effectively.
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Catcherman Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 6:13 am
@neil, A goal on that penalty shot would have given the Kings just as much, or more, energy than awarding them a PP. Your point is moot.
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Dustin Brown is the most overrated player in the league. I can’t take it anymore. The slurping needs to stop. I know there are 5 to 10% of you out there who are not brain washed and see him as the 3rd liner that he is. We must band together and unite as one!
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Tony Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@KingVern, Totally agree! I’ve been saying it for years. And this year he’s not even hitting like he use to. So not sure what his value is!
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Seano Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:07 am
@Tony, 28 goals and plus 17 rating last year and you say he was the most overrated in the league? Do you also think we have the best coach that money can buy?
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@KingVern, @ShotOnGoal to the courtesy phone, pageing @ShotOnGoal to the white courtesy phone.
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Paul G Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@KingVern, agree completely…in a year or two our RW depth should be Wiliiams/Toffoli for Tope 6 and Brown on the 3rd and Lewis 4th
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Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@KingVern,
I like Brown like most of us, but like you believe he is a good 3 liner average 2nd liner who has trouble finishing. I know Im gonna get killed for this but I think he should be replaced on the PP by Penner, then brown can go to the 2nd PP unit and replace Moreu, dont ask me what moreu has done to deserve PP time. (i know I spelled his name wrong, he’s not worth looking up)
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ValleyKingsFan Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@KingVern, I absolutely agree. Its insane that he gets as much credit as he does. I get that he is the kind of player that leaves it all on the ice. He gives it his all and grinds. Great. He has so little hockey IQ that its insane. He almost never realizes the amount of time and space that he has. He is rarely in the right place at the right time. He misses one timers that are free goals. It really is a shame because if a guy with his skill had any decent hockey sense…well you’d have Parise.
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Cruiznblue Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@KingVern,
I agree…way overrated
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Jadedtool Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@KingVern, Do not agree. Remember last season when Kopi went in a long slump and many fans bagged on him to no end? Granted, Brown isn’t as physical as he always has been, for whatever reason, but I believe he will snap out of the funk and get back on track. He put in a handful of superior efforts in games recently. I believe he has not been spectacular this season on a consistent basis. NONE of the players have. But to call for him to be demoted to the third or fourth line is damn drastic. What about Williams? Should he be demoted as well? Please fellow Kings fans, have a little more patience with our players. They ALL deserve our support, even Penner. (well, maybe not Penner but the rest of them anyway)
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ValleyKingsFan Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Jadedtool, As far as none of our players being consistently spectacular, that’s incorrect. Kopitar has been an absolute monster on the ice the entire season. The same can be said of Mike Richards. On the power play, I’d also even go as far to say that Voynov has been spectacular in the few games that he has player. Brown has NEVER been a spectacular player. He has skills. There is not doubt about that. He can check, he has a shot, he’s not a bad stickhandler. The issue is his hockey IQ. He needs to borrow some from Mike Richards because Brown is just not that smart of a hockey player. By the way, Kopitar’s slump last season was 1 assist per game. Hell of a slump – I wish Brown could slump like that.
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Jadedtool Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@ValleyKingsFan, I have to agree Kopi is a monster this year, Richards too, but MR came on a late with goals and points. As far as Brown, he only has 3 less points than Richards. With 4g and 9a, I honestly don’t see any less production from any of Brown,s season stats. If you’re comparing Brown,s offense with Kopi and Richards, well I don’t know why. He has never been in their league as far as offense. But he DOES produce. His game is his physicality, which, like I said, has dropped off. But if he is still putting up numbers, I don’t see him as a third liner. I do miss his hits every game. I honestly don’t know what happened there. If he can find his game from the last several years, we would be a lot happier.
Jadedtool Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
@ValleyKingsFan, No, Kopitar went 20 games and scored 1 goal. THAT is the slump I was talking about, not average point production.
Johnathon Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@KingVern, i completely agree, granted he is a good hockey player, but he tries to hard and do things that he can’t do. He is more of a grinder maybe a power forward but he doesn’t deserve to be in the second line. He should give up his spot and let the younger players a chance to show what they are capable of with Mike Richards as their center
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Jadedtool Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@Johnathon, Brown has 13 points, same as Gagne. Does Gagne belong on the third line?
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Jadedtool Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Jadedtool, I for one want Brown hitting again. But if his offense hasn’t changed but his physical game has, as long as he’s producing, I have a hard time throwing him under the bus. Do I want the Dustin Brown from last year? HELL YES!! But I’m not gonna start bashing the guy if he’s still giving it 100% on the ice and putting up points as well. If he stops producing, then we have a problem. And yes, his hockey IQ isn’t the highest, but hopefully that changes from playing with MR.
Johnathon Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@Jadedtool, Gagne is a new addition versus Brown has been with the Kings his whole career, again i said he is a skilled player but he his passing skills need major improvement, and so does his puck control i don’t see him as a top 6 forward unless he is always screening the goalie and getting those deflections and rebounds while he practices hes aim, passing, puck control
PP Anybody? Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@Jadedtool, Sometimes it’s just not about the numbers. The issue is that some of us see that if Brown had true top 6 HOCKEY SENSE, he would be a very good player. He has the work ethic, the power, some decent wheels and has a pretty good skill set. It’s just that he doesn’t read plays developing on the ice very well. He seems a step behind in his ability to make real good decisions out there on when and where to take shots, create something, or just what to do when he has a scoring chance.
I like Dustin Brown, but I would have to agree that he basically pans out to being a very GOOD 3rd liner.
Waterndirt Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@KingVern, don’t get me started. I agree 100%. I like DB and he has a spot on this team, but it’s not as the capitan and definitely not on the first line. I like the original DB, aka “ODB”. I’m no longer scared for the opposing team like I used to be…. He used to wreck shop!!! That’s what he needs to be doing! Go Kings!
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Osaka Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@Waterndirt, He plays on the second line not the first. He leads all Kings forwards in hits. He is tied with Gagne in points, he is 2 points behind Williams who IS the first line RW.
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Osaka Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@KingVern, How is he the most overrated player? Who raves about him? Actually he is one of the most underrated players in the league. The guys quietly puts up solid numbers year in and year out. Last four year goal totals are 28, 24,24, and 33. Those are solid numbers for a guy who plays hard and throws as many checks as he does. Who are you comparing him to? Lucic? Hasn’t put up the numbers Brown has. Brown is not a natural goal scorer if that is what you are expecting, he is a grinder. What player in the league plays his style better? Not many.
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Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@Osaka,
I agree with your view of Brown. I think Brown gets us fans a little frustrated because he’ll show some skill then completely miss a wide-open tap in, then shoot a pass at someone. Miss a wide open player who with a nice pass would have a scoring chance. I think the rule change with hits to the head has messed with Browns game. Fox brought it up early in the year but Brown denied the changes affected his play, but I dont believe him.
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Osaka Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
@Pesus, That is a good point about the rule changes.
PurpleBlacknGold Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
@Osaka, Yes, this. Because Brown doesn’t have the flashy finish goals, and attempts moves that are a bit above his grinding skill level, people are quick to get down on him. But you hit it on the head, he gets it done and puts up solid numbers every year. Last year when Kopi went down, he was consistently one of our best players in my opinion…
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LA_1968 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
@Osaka, Yeah, 28 goals last year was damn good. In fact he hasn’t had an off year in goals like you quantified. He’s also a character guy. He is also a steal on cap hit. Brown will get his numbers this year but others won’t.
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Osaka Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
@Osaka, I just checked and Brown is 25th in the league in hits, he still brings it, out of the 26 guys tied or ahead of him in hits only Evander Kane has more points and by more points I mean ONE point. Guys like Getzlaf, Neil, Morrow….. Brown has more points. Out of the top 50 players with the most hits in the league 3 players have more points. Kane and Chara have one more point and Lucic has TWO more points. If you want to compare Brown people compare him to players who play his game.
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USHA#17 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 7:54 am
@KingVern,
Your being too nit picky. Sure Brown is not perfect but he does score 20+ goals/year…which is very good in this league. Often those are key goals. And, he is a gritty player. Do you think every player can be a Brett Hull?
In addition to the Kings there are 29 other teams that would welcome Dustin Brown.
IMO the real problem is that right now the Team Sucks. They fold against good teams. They may be the best team in the league that sucks, but they suck.
No style, no identity, at least four players in constant fear of their jobs and a pampered prima dona who can’t find the motivation to get in shape for a contract year
What happened to Lombardi? Wasn’t he running things for awhile?
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Leaking like a sieve.
A very atypical performance by the Kings yesterday. Detroit cut through the neutral zone with ease all game long, with virtually no resistance. That made the game very easy for them. I didn’t see this addressed in any of TM’s comments.
On another note, despite the poor performance, I really enjoyed attending the game in the LAKingsInsider suite. It was great to meet several of the other passionate, hard core Kings fans here on the blog. It was a reminder that despite the differences of opinion we often have, we all actually want the same thing, success and a Cup for our Kings.
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USHA#17 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 7:57 am
@ForumFan,
Hard to find passion when one mistake may cost a player his position and having a good game may mean a player sits for the next game.
The Kings have most of the pieces but appear to be falling apart.
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I think the Kings need to put Gagne with Richards.Also move Lotki to the 4th line(please dont tell me he is a top 6 yet)as a center.Rotate Moreau,Hunter,Lewis and Westy until someone steps up and grabs the position.Spread out the offense thru the 4 lines.Even though the first line has been great…..it has only given us 10 wins in twenty games.Gagne and Richards have already proven they can play together.
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kingkrazy Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@neil, Then who will play with Kopi? I think he plays a lot better with a player like Gagne on his line.
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Kingstane9 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@kingkrazy, Hunter or Penner – KOPI – Brown or (Willy) Richardson, I think its worth a try. Have to see the line of Gagne-MR-Williams at work eventually, I think, but probably not yet.
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Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@neil,
Heres my crazy anti TM reason why we’ll never see Gagne and Richards together:
Gagne and Richards have played well together in the past. If TM puts them together and they dont produce it would be obvious that the system is at fault. Something to think about, Im not sure I believe it fully but you have to wonder why these 2 havent played together yet. I know our top line has played well and that probably has more to do with it than my crazy theory.
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It’s just another bump in the long road to the cup. Carry on Kings fans.
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@KFII, Concur
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Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@KFII,
True, but TM wont get us to the end of the road
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Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@KFII,
Again, ignorance is bliss.
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AZ King Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@Scot,
I guess it’s just easier to give up when things get tough…
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Gagne..Richards..Richardson
Cliffy…Kopi…Brown
Moreau/Hunter Stoll…Williams
Lewis/Westy/…Lotki….Lewis/Westy
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jonsey Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@neil, Why does everyone think Richardson is so good. He’s barely a 4th liner right now. The guy doesn’t hit, score, shoot, or assist. He’s not going to be a game changer. Not now. Not ever.
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Shuchuck Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@neil, Kopi on the 2nd line with Clifford & Brown? no way, jose.
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Cruiznblue Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@neil,
Lol
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eod12 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@neil, Yes, let’s put someone who has yet to score a goal this season on the first line while putting a guy who has scored 1 goal on the second line.
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neil Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@eod12, trying to spread the talent….seeing if it would jump starts some of the players who are not scoring…I didnt say it was a great idea…..just an idea!!!!
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Donald Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@neil, I like it…got to have a mix on each line.
chip Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
@neil, Proposing wild line changes on a message board are kind of like going to a open mike night at a comedy club and doing Seinfeld lost sock jokes. Tired, overdone, and just wrong.
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DannyBizzler Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 2:46 am
@neil, worse line choices ever.
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for those questioning why be down on the coach after winning three in a row till yesterday….Since the new found offense this was the first game against a quality team.The Ducks are playing bad and has injury problems.I was excited to see how we would do against Det.Well you know the answers….I hate to use excuses but Penner and Parse has hurt more then we realize.Penner was getting his game together and Parse is better then any of our bottom 6. With that said….now its up to DL to use our excess on Defense to make a move and help the bottom six out….
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@neil, Who would you rather trade for? Long term solutions like Kessel,Nash, or Parise, or maybe a short term solution where you wouldnt have to give up a ton of depth like Elias, a guy who has experience, won cups, and can still contribute at a high level?
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neil Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@puck73, Fine tune the bottom six……
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number 6 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@neil,
Neil, his hands are pretty tied at the moment. Personally I would be very hesitant (if I were the gm) to make a move given that they already have several players they have to scratch every single game.
Late last season Everyone in the press (hockey press, not just in LA) said the Kings Have to make a move b4 the deadline. They did. It hasn’t worked out as you’ve most certainly noticed.
Again…. if it were me, I’d want to be dang sure of what the problem is before I start making more moves. I’m still not convinced it’s as simple as improving the bottom six. Stoll (yes, I know he played w better players last yr) as noted had 20 last year. Cliffy had 7 I believe and ripped it up in the playoffs. So who would figure that with 40 games total between the two they’d have…. 2 goals total?
As someone mentioned on this blog, this isn’t a video game where you just shift things around and see what happens. He’s (DL) done it now twice. Penner (terrible trade) and RIchards (trade you’ve gotta make for sure) and the team looks suspiciously like last year…. only last year they were beating good teams. This year – other than Philly in OT, they aren’t at all.
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Just a message of thanks from me to Rich and all the wonderful people I met at the Suite event yesterday. Other than the Kings loss, I had a fantastic time meeting a lot of you bloggers. It’s great to finally put some of the faces to the names. A special thanks goes out to puck73 for taking the time and expense to take me to the event. Thanks buddy. Hope to see you bloggers at the next event.
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Yesterday was awful. Unacceptable. At some point, you have to run out of patience with the DL and TM combo. 5 years of no playoffs series wins. Add that on to the previous 5 years. 2002 was the last playoff series win. It’s so obvious the chemistry is not right. You want stability in an organization, but not inability to correct problems. That’s the Kings’ biggest problem.
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@Poorman, Not a word from you after the Kings swept the Ducks, not one effin word! And yet you have the audacity to come here after a game where they hit 2 posts, and missed a penalty shot and ask for Lombardi’s head again.
Dont take this personaly, but I think you just hate DL so much, that anytime the Kings lose you see it as an opportunity to destroy the guy. Oh, BTW, dont cry to me about Lombardi, I dont want to hear it anymore, you either acknowledge the Kings clean sweep of the Ducks or go find another team to root for.
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CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@puck73, I respect your opinion, but praising the Kings for sweeping the Ducks is kind of ridiculous. The ducks suck. They’re the 2nd to worst team in the West, and 4th worst team in the NHL. I don’t expect the Kings to win every game, but they should beat the ducks easily, which they didn’t. In fact they blew 3rd period leads in both games. I don’t think they deserve much praise for that.
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@CB14, Disagree. The fact is, the Ducks have more finishers on their team in Perry, Selanne, Ryan, and Getzlaf then almost any team in the league. They may be dinged with Blake and Visnovsky out, but they are still dangerous none the less.
CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@puck73, You’re right, they are dangerous, but they still are playing crappy this year. That’s all I was trying to say.
KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@CB14, ur wrong nah just messing with u but they been playing crappy lately so u have a point but still i dont blame DL for any of this i could blame TM but the new system went back to the old system yesterday game sooo we need a head coach that means his new style,,Just dont get who the guy
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@CB14,
I agree with you.
Quack lack of depth is telling, isn’t it?
Gustavo Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@puck73,
Nobody wants DL’s head on a platter more passionately than Mr. Meehan, Doughty’s agent.
Every time I see posting calling for DL or TM’s firings, I think someone is paying someone else to post in here and incite the herd of sheep that follows blindly.
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DesertKing Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@Gustavo,
Baaaa! Baaaaa! Baaaa! Can someone pleeeeeeeeease direct me to the Cup since I can’t seeeeee?
Poorman Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@puck73, Garbage. I want results not excuses as a King’s fan. The Duck’s wins were great, but to
Follow it up with the Detroit Fiasco was a downer.
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408kingsfan Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Poorman, Its never easy to lose to the Redwings but your analyses of the team,coaching,and management are way off. Maybe stick to playing Echo and the Bunnymen on the radio, your pretty decent at that
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@408kingsfan,
I believe he hinted recently his National radio show deal fell thru, as he said he’s looking for a new gig. Should that be true, it may explain more about him than his radio personna.
He posted like he’d not be posting here before his leaving for NY, but he returned just as always, and just as intermittently as before.
I’m just sayin.
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jess Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Me thinks @poorman needs a three story tall, triple gear reduction solar powered self-pummeling machine with a giant steel toed boot, so he can climb the tower, strap himself in and push the button instead of posting on here
Poorman Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Kingsfanone, Show me results Kings. Is there anything wrong with winning? Defending losing year after year doesn’t work with me.
Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
@Poorman,
You’re right. This whole approach of “patience” from DL works for a certain amount of time, but you can also be patient to a fault! I think that’s what we’re seeing. We are being toooooo patient now when it’s time to sack up & make some changes.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Scot,
I know I’m a bit of a broken record here, but please tell me… What changes?
And, please tell me who the Kings are being too patient with.
Thanks
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Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Michael J.,
Yeah, just a bit on the broken record.. And I feel like a broken record every time I have to explain my opinions to you. It’s clear we don’t agree, and no matter what I say, you aren’t going to agree with, so what’s the point?
Why shouldn’t we make changes? It’s not working. That’s all that needs to be said.
We have failed to meet expectations the past the last 2 years, & so far this year. If the goal was to make it to round 1 of the playoffs and then lose the past 2 years, OK, we met them, but that wasn’t the goal. And this year, with a better team, it seems like we’ve regressed in a lot of areas! It’s flat out time for a coaching change. Look at teams like Tampa Bay, Dallas, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Minnesota, Florida, New Jersey, and I could list a few more. They’ve gotten rid of the old school coaches, and brought in young, new voices who have taken their teams to unexpected heights! That’s what this team needs to do.
Too patient with the coach.
And the coach is being too patient with some of the players. Clifford needs to be in Manchester. Gagne needs to be playing with Richards, or at least experimented with. Moreau needs to be just flat out let go. He has no business taking up a roster spot over some of the guys who should be up here from Manchester. Also, too patient with Voynov/Martinez. Voynov should have been in the lineup in place of Martinez at the start of the season. There’s really no argument against that. Just listen to what Jim Fox says, if you don’t agree with me.
This organization is not fixing acute problems, and they need to start acting, rather than waiting.
Michael J. Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@Scot,
“Why shouldn’t we make changes? It’s not working. That’s all that needs to be said.” I wholeheartedly disagree. A good managenent will only make changes to, what he thinks will, improve the team.
I’m not sure whose “expectations for the last two years” the Kings did not meet? Players? Fans? Managements’? They met mine. Yes, taking San Jose to game six including two overtime losses without Kopi met my expectations. Yes, those teams did change coaches, but they are different teams with different coaches, different overall plans, etc. Surprisingly, therer are times when I do think that a new coach would benefit the Kings.
I also have considered whether Clifford should be in LA or Manchester. I think he really benefited playing alongside Zeus last year. Moreau is a tough call. If the Kings released him would that help or hurt their chances to land a “big fish” in the future? Near the end of camp I declare that Voynov was going to make the club. I guess I was wrong. Nevertheless, I do understand and support the Kings’ decision not to expose Martinez to the waiver wire. SOmehow, DL has to figure out how to keep him up…
I’m not sure about whether or not the organization is fixing acute problems, but I do believe that they are correcting many of the chronic problems that have plagued the team for decades.
Poorman Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@Scot, Thank you Scot.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@Poorman,
With that perception of reality its no wonder that you’re “Poorman” and not “Richman”.
Get real dude:
1) The Kings were in first place in the West yesterday morning.
2) They had to go to Europe which took a lot out of them. Heck, it took someone three weeks to show up here after traveling to New York.
3) The Kings have four new forwards that are finally adjusting to the system.
4) Oh yah, they lost to Detroit. Last time I checked Detroit had a pretty good habit of winning hockey games.
Maybe you do need to find another team…
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@Michael J.,
1) The Kings have played 2 or 3 more games than all the other teams.
2) Excuse. This is the pro’s, you don’t make excuses anymore at this level.
3) Adjusting to the system? Apparently after 2 full seasons, Ryan Smyth never adjusted to this system, because look at the season he’s having in Edmonton now.
4) Another excuse. Detroit has lost to St. Louis, Calgary, Minnesota (twice), and COLUMBUS. They lost to Columbus 4-1. “Detroit has a good habit of beating teams” is terrible reasoning on your part.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@Michael J.,
I guess ignorance really is bliss.
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@Scot, sounds like you need a new team.instead of calling other posters ignorant for giving their opinions.
Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Yeah, that means I need a new team, because I don’t agree with another fan. Good logic.
Poorman Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Michael J., Excuses, excuses, excuses.
[Reply]
Poorman Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@Poorman, Scot, you and I are on the same page. What a fresh thought. We’d like to see the Kings win after 5 years of Lombardi’s patience approach. Some of these bloggers think you should be patient forever I guess. For those of you knocking me, how much longer are we to be patient? Please council me. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. I bet it was real cozy in Rich’s suite yesterday with the team’s dismal performance.
Cortex949 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@Poorman, I’m home from the hospital until further notice and I just have to chime in here. I would like you or scot to please explain to me what sort of season would satisfy you so far this season? We are not the best team in the NHL, yet it seems if anything less than perfection is displayed by us in any game under any circumstances you want everyone fired. It seems like unless we had an undefeated record this season you would have some reason to point out why we need to fire our coach. It blows my mind.
People really seem to forget that there is another team playing against us. Another team with players on hot streaks, goalies that are playing lights out, or rookies having a great first year. Our team, and our coach are not the only factors that determine the outcome of a game. You think when quick had 3 shutouts that the fans of those 3 teams started freaking out saying “we can’t score, we need to make a trade!! We need a new system!!”. From our perspective quick was playing amazing and from theirs it may have been different.
Do I think we are prefect? No not at all. We have a bunch of new players and apparently a slightly tweaked system. To expect everything to be flawless and us to never lose is ignorant. I honestly feel that given our personell and opponents we are a little behind where I expected but hey, last I checked there are a ton of teams that would gladly switch records so far with us.
So again I ask you, where do you think we should be right now? What record would have you not calling for everyone to be fired?
And ps. Please dont forget that only one team wins the cup each year and nobody really picks us as a hands down favorite.
CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@Cortex949, I know I’m not Poorman or Scot, but I’m gonna chime in anyway since I’m on their side in this discussion. I would like to see an improvement from last year’s team. We have better players, yet the results and stats say we’ve regressed. This team was expected by many people to be a top 4 team in the Western Conference, and I’m not talking about the fans on this blog. They haven’t performed up to expectations in the 1/4 of the season they’ve played. Their point percentage is 18th in the league, 9th in the West, and 4th in the Pacific. Point percentage is the way to determine standings due to the fact that teams have played uneven amount of games compared to each other.
Their 5 on 5 offense has failed to improve even with a more talented roster. Bad 5 on 5 offense is nothing new to this team under Terry Murray’s system. They are currently dead last in 5 on 5 goal scoring. That is a major problem that judging by recent history, will fail to significantly improve. That’s why so many of us are calling for a New Head Coach.
No one expects this team to win every game. They want to see improvement from last years team. We haven’t seen it yet.
Last year’s stats compared to this year’s stats:
Goals per game: 25th ; 24th
Goals Against per game: 7th ; 7th
5 on 5 Goals scored: 17th ; 30th
5 on 5 Goals Against: 10th : 7th
Penalty Kill: 4th ; 16th
Power Play: 21st ; 9th
Standing: 7th ; 9th
The only improvement from last year has been the Power Play, which can be attributed to having more talented offensive players. In every other major statistical category the Kings have been about the same as last years team, or have regressed majorly. The Kings should be improving, not regressing. I hope that helps explain why some of us feel the way we do.
Poorman Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
@Poorman, CB14 Well said. Scot Well said. There is no feeling of greatness coming from this team. There should be. The lackluster Wings performance says a lot. So many of you Bloggers are terrified of change with the Kings. I’m sure it won’t happen this season, and I’ve said it shouldn’t as well. I would be happy with one playoff series win. If they don’t achieve that, send both DL and TM packing. Enough. I also said during last year’s playoffs when they wouldn’t give a hot Bernier even 1 start when it was obvious Quick was fragile that there was no guarantee the Kings would make the playoffs this year. And here we are, 9th place. So many excuses from bloggers. I say, who won and who lost?
Cortex949 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
@Cb14. Not sure if this will post in the correct order cuz there wasnt a reply link below your post. Thank you for supplying actual statistical info to back up a point of view. More people should do this. Regarding your stats I feel that they are lower in some categories due to two facts; MANY new players in key positions who are playing with other players who are underperforming, and a change of the system that TM has implemented for so many years. I still feel confident that we will finish top 4 in the west. And I do not feel that we are playing near our potential at the moment. I really just can’t stand the people who feel that a solution to these drop offs in production is to fire the coach. I feel that is more likely to have a negative effect than magically provide the scoring we need by lifting these offensive handcuffs TM is apparently putting everyone in. Also I don’t know if the NHL head coach store at the mall has anyone left in stock worth considering.
Now that being said, if we fail to make the post season or just sneak in in 8th and lose to a better team I do feel an offseason coaching change is needed. But I dont think we should make those decisions after one loss in an otherwise decent start to the season.
Poorman Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@Poorman, Cortex949 I’m glad you’re out of the hospital. As to a mid season coaching change, two words: Dan Bylsma. I just can’t emphasize enough how positive it would be to get fresh leadership with the Kings. 9th place with the roster upgrades and extra played games is a huge warning sign. I hope I’m wrong, but unfortunately, it will probably play out the way we don’t want.
I hope rain’s gonna stop for the campionship game between Galaxy and Dynamo this evening. I believe some players as well as Jim and Bob will be in attendance.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@goldielocks,
Slim chance of that.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@goldielocks,
And Slim has raingear and an umbrella.
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:58 am
@Kingsfanone,
I have rain gear but no umbrella..
But I tend to melt when it rains..
[Reply]
What happened to Stoll and Cliffy? Cliff is 19 so I’ll give him a pass. But if Kopitar can keep up his faceoff numbers what good is Stoll? …besides shootouts
[Reply]
Penner Kope Brown
Gagne Richards Williams
It with work
[Reply]
Penner Kope Brown
Gagne Richards Williams
It will work
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@Subby,
Deja Vu?
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@Subby, Gotta disagree. Penner hasnt shown enough chemistry IMO with Kopi, he is too slow.
Also, why werent you in the suite with the rest of us yesterday? I said hello to you between periods on the bottom level but I dont think you recongnized me.
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
@puck73, no I did (:I don’t have any money for suites
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Subby, yea and i been saying Clifford Fraser Richardson that will work. for a bottom line..
Moreau Stoll Lewi/Hunter…That line never work but hey if we get two solid line and plus a 4th line for base on energy line with all players that will be passion about and trying to do what they do best might just might put number on the board.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Subby,
And we missed you at the Hammond Suite Event yesterday.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Subby, Calls for the return of penner so soon? Ugh.
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Cruiznblue Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@Subby,
I believe this was tried last year an it didn’t work. Browns effort is spotty and penner has been invisible.
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Subby Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@Cruiznblue, I know all signs say this is crazy but I strongly believe it would work.
[Reply]
Still early. Not surprising with some key new faces.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@KC23,
Exactly. Some of these guys here would have released John Elway after starting his career 3-7 as a starter. My Christmas wish for so many contributors is for Santa Clause to bring them some patience. So many obviously don’t have any, or very much, of it.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Michael J., You’re right, I’m out of patience with this head coaches offensive system. 3+ years of crappy 5 on 5 scoring will do that to you. As of right now the Kings are DEAD LAST in 5 on 5 goals per game. DEAD LAST is pathetic for a team with this much offensive talent. I had this discussion with you earlier this season and I believe IIRC you said give him 1/4 of a season, which is 20.5 games. They’ve played 20 so far. How many more games are you going to give him this time?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@CB14,
I said that it should take the Kings around 20 games to figure it out. The last I looked the Kings have won three out of four games and lost to the best and most consistent team in professional sports over the past 20 years. Before yesterday the Kings scored 13 goals in their last 3 games, that’s 4.33 per game.
The big issue seems to be scoring from the bottom two lines. I guess the Kings miss Simmonds and Handzus more than expected. Being DEAD LAST in 5 on 5 scoring is a drag. But, don’t you think that the players might have something to do with it too. Clifford has 1 goal. Richardson has none. Lewis has none. Does Moreau have any (honest question)?
Maybe our favorite team is not as good as we all think they are. Maybe they are better than we think they are? Richardson has proven himself to be nothing more than a fourth-liner. I really hoped that Cliffy and Lewis would have three or four each by now.
As far as patience goes, I believe that some on this blog have no idea what the word means and are acting like juveniles screaming for people to be fired after just 20 games. Your statement about lousy scoring has its merit. Nevertheless, I think we need to remember that the Kings really stunk just three years ago and are improving consistently year after year. Murray’s “system” over the past few years was in place because the Kings did not have very much talent up front. I believe, had they played a run and gun style they would have lost by two or three goals almost every night.
Yes, its upsetting to lose, but remember the Red Wings are good at hockey. Don’t lose heart. The Kings will make the playoffs and they will win at least one series.
#1faninVegas Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@CB14,
Dead last, Im looking and I dont see us dead last anymore on 5v5 scoring. Where are you seeing this? NHL.com on 5v5f/a scoring says we are 18th overall. Nowhere do I see Kings DEAD LAST.
CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@Michael J., Moreau has 0 goals this year. If it were just a handfull of players who have failed to produce, I would absolutely blame them, but it’s not. It’s the whole team outside of Kopi, Gagne, and Richards. Also about your point that this system was needed the last 3 years or they would’ve been blown out most games due to a lack of talent, you’re absolutely right, but now that they have the talent, a different system is needed. This team has plenty of offensive talent and doesn’t need to rely on winning every game 2-1.
It wasn’t just us fans on the blog who expected big things out of this team. DL, TM, the Kings players, and even the Hockey experts expected this team to be a top 4 team and legitimatelly challenge for the Cup. Some of those experts even picked the Kings to win the Cup. Were they all wrong? I don’t think they were.
Also, one of my main reasons for lacking patience with TM’s system is that it was bad last year, bad 2 years ago, horrible 3 years ago, and has gotten much worse this year even with more talent. Everyone said the lack of talent was the reason why it was bad the last few years, you can’t say that this year. I’m tired of the excuses.
CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Vegas, I hope this link works. If not, click on Goals For, then click on 5 on 5, you’ll see the Kings 28th, yet they’ve played in more games then the 2 teams below them. If you divide the number of 5 on 5 goals divided by the number of games each of the bottom 3 teams have played and scored, you’ll see the Kings score the fewest amount of 5 on 5 goals per game in the entire league.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?fetchKey=20122ALLSAAAll&sort=goals5On5&viewName=goalsFor
Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@Michael J.,
Elway 3-7? If my math is correct thats 10 games. TM has had close to 200 games, still cant score. So if Elaways sucked as bad as we do after 200 games your damn right I would get rid of him.
[Reply]
Haven’t seen much difference from last year although DL did get some talented players. Could it be the “system”?????Beating the Ducks cannot be an endorsement…they are that bad and the first win was a shootout. Okay, DL, there has now been 20..10 and 10. Do we get a change??? If so, I pray Stevens and Kompon also go. There is too much talent on this team for such a mediocre showing I want to see spectacular hockey when I make the 40 mile drive to Staples at 10 mph on the freeway
[Reply]
Robitaille / Kopitar / Williams
Gagne / Gretzky / Kurri
Nicholls / Richards / Sandstrom
Shuchuck / Shuchuck / Shuchuck
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@Shuchuck, Where is the punching bag Warren Rychel?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@Shuchuck,
You forgot the greatest King of all… # 18.
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Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@Shuchuck,
That line-up would be in the bottom of the pack in 5 on 5 scoring with TM
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KC23 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@Shuchuck, No Lappy? Seriously?
[Reply]
Deadmarsh Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@Shuchuck, Where’s Deader?!!
[Reply]
I know this is off-topic, but it is official that Sidney Crosby will return Monday. I wish him the best in his career and hope it doesn’t end pre-maturely. Good to have you back, Sid-the-Kid!!!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@#1faninVegas, Totally agree. Having Crosby out is bad for business. When you consider what is going on currently with the NBA, having a guy like Sid front and center, esprcially when the NHL is not on espn is very, very important.
[Reply]
#1faninVegas Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@puck73,
New update: Dan Bylsma plans to play Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis as wings with Sidney Crosby
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@#1faninVegas, Am I the only one who thinks that mabye it’s not the wisest decision to have him play his first game of the year against the Islanders? Didn’t they get in a couple of brawls last year, and the Islanders called up soom goons for last years game?
[Reply]
Brig33 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
@CB14, they already played the Isles this season and there weren’t any major problems. Most of the players that were involved in the stuff aren’t on either team anymore. I’m excited to see Sid again, glad the Kings already played them lol. Also, it’s funny they cancelled the Bruins v Habs game to show the Pens v Isles, just shows how important Sid is for the league.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@Brig33, Thanks for the update. Hope he stays healthy the rest of the way, well, at least up until we play them in the Finals. LOL Although they’ve proven they can win without him.
Kings lose and you expect to read the usual…fire TM! Fire DL! PP sucks…fire Kompon, etc.
And now, one for the ages…one of the few consistent Kings players over the last 5+ seasons, D.Brown is only a third line player! Did I miss something? What team have you been watching over the these last 5+ years?
Could Brown be a better fit playing on the third line…maybe if you’re as deep as the Wings, but the Kings are not, so when you find 2 RW’s that are more consistent and play better than he does and can guarantee you 25+ goals per season…I will be very happy. When we have a team that is so good, Brown can only be a 3rd line player…that’s a team I would love to see. Until then, lets stick to the facts and players we do have.
The Kings did not bring their “A” game yesterday. A couple of players did, one of them being the aforementioned D. Brown. You can’t win in this league, especially against the Wings and other elite teams unless you bring it every night…and that can’t just be Kopi, Brown and Richards.
I agree the bottom 6 + Penner have underperformed to say the least. I do think its time for TM to sit a few of these guys and possibly bring up a few players from Manchester who are hungrier and I dare say, are more talented.
I just don’t see how you can blame this loss on anyone other than the 20 players that suited up yesterday!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, I have been trying to tell people that we hit 2 posts, missed a penalty shot, and missed a couple other close ones. Did we play our best game? No. But they have been playing a very entertaining brand of hockey since the Vancouver game and as a fan thats all I can ask for right now.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
Sorry Barry, but you are all wrong. You see, these are the Los Angeles Kings, who are supposed to win every game by a three goal margin. If they do beat Anaheim, it is only because Anaheim sucks. If they lose to Detroit, its only because the Kings (or the coaches, or certain players) suck, not because Detroit is any good at hockey. If they were, it wouldn’t matter-the Kings should still win all their games.
Taking it a step further, the coaches and management are all idiots. C’mon didn’t you see Jamie Kompon miss that penalty shot yesterday? What were you watching? As for the defense, well now that Murray has heeded to the advice of blog contributors, we can clearly see that he is now only focusing on offense, which is why Detroit was able to score four goals yesterday. As for Dean Lombardi… What an idiot… If he had traded Simmonds and Schenn for a good player, that player would have scored two short handed goals during that first period penalty kill, not just one.
I don’t want to hear anything about patience. Doesn’t anyone understand that replacing players in just like replacing car parts. All you have to do is plug them in and they should instantly perform at 100% of their potential, because that’s how it works on NHL 11.
I demand a cup!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@Michael J., Rack this guy! Huge call of the day! Do you want soup, or do you want the cotton?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@puck73,
I’ll take the Farmboy Funwear in XL!
Barry's Mullet Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Michael J., Awesome…please cut and paste this post after every Kings loss. Oh, and by the way…the Kings will lose more games this season!
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@Michael J.,
So your happy with the way this team continues to underachieve year after year?
Alot of smart hockey minds believe we have a roster that can compete for a cup, yet we are .500 after 20 games.
And please dont say we are in a scoring slump. 200 games is not a slump.
If this continues we wont make the playoffs, then do you get rid of TM?
But you say we need to be patient. How much longer would you give TM?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 7:59 am
@Pesus,
Nope, not totally happy, but I can live with where the Kings are today. I knew the Europe thing was going to cost the Kings two to four points, and it has. It may sound like an excuse, but the truth is that all that travel takes its toll. I do not remember anybody claiming that the Kings underachieved two years ago. Last season they were right on pace to finish about fourth in the confereence when Williams and Kopitar went out injured. If you think last season’s end results were an underachievement, then we will have to disagree.
The last time I looked they didn’t give out Stanley Cups based on where teams were 20 games into a season. I expected the Kinhgs to be about two points ahead of where they are right now at this point, so i’m not all that worried.
As for the “200 game scoring slump”, I think that is not a valid argument. The Kings are presently in a scoring slump, but I don’t think the rosters of seasons past can be described this way.
If the Kings don’t make the playoffs management will get rid of TM. If they don’t win a series they should get rid of TM. If the Kings find themselves in 8th place by the beginning of the New Year they should consider replacing him.
Since there are so many variables involved it is hard to say how much slack to give Terry Murray. Doughty, Penner, Parse, Williams, Clifford, Stoll, Lewis, Richardson and Moreau have all underperformed. All but Moreau did better under the same “system” so we can’t really blame their lack of production on Terry Murray. The players have much more to do with the present standings than the coaches do.
PP Anybody? Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@Michael J., Florida retooled their entire line up this offseason. They added castoff 3rd liners from other teams, traded away one of their leading scorers in Booth, and lost their starting goaltender in the offseason. Whole new team, whole new identity.
Most hockey experts thought that Florida would probably finish around the bottom of the eastern conference this year. But if you look today, they are FIRST in their division over the Capitals, they are 9th in Goals For, and AT THE SAME TIME 9th in Goals Against. They also have A NEW COACH.
Seems that “just needing time to gel” doesn’t matter in their case. Seems more like a coach who is getting THE MOST out of what he has, which is A LOT LESS than what Murray has at his disposal. That is one of the reasons why people around here have less patience than you seem to have.
I see a team here that is having the exact same lack of balance as it has had in all years under Terry Murray. Perfectly good defensive club, not a good offensive club. The parts change and the results are the same. You could add Crosby, Datsyuk, Ovechkin, the Sedins, or any other talented forward to this club, and Murray would still have them play a defensive-only game. It’s just not in his make up, and that’s just not good enough for a true contender of a team. You need BOTH defense and offense.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:15 am
@PP Anybody?,
Since i really don’t know much about Kevin Deneen as a coach (he was a very good player) nor much about Peter DeBoer I really can’t comment much about that situation. I do think that Tallon did make some wholesale changes, much like Lombardi did in recent years. It makes me wonder if the Florida Panthers blog contributors were screaming for a coach like Terry Murray twenty games into last season…
I would want to wait a little while before passing judgment on Florida, look at how Dallas has dropped back after their torrid start.
I expect the Kings to pick up their scoring significantly. And I expect that it should happen soon. My thought is that since most of the players who are not producing are the same guys who did better last yeas with the same coach, how can the same coach be blamed for their lack of production?
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@Michael J.,
Now THAT’S what it says in the fine print for the Bandwagon pledge!
Nice post, Michael J., and as said above, that needs to be cut and pasted after every Kings loss!
Rack this guy!
[Reply]
Hadley Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
@Michael J., Excellent post
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, I concur completely. The Kings went flat once the Wings tied the game on the PP after Ricky’s SH goal. The offence was stagnant at best & the all around team effort was poor. When the Kings bring it, we can beat any team in the league. We just have to get better at giving a full team effort every game & this team will be fine. It’s a long season & nobody is running away with anything at this point. I would rather struggle in the 1st half of the season then the 2nd half. If the Kings gel & find consistancy in their game & team effort, we can make a run. We still have plenty of hockey left to play.
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@King Alex,
Nice post, but what has this team done under TM that makes you believe we can turn it around? 5 on 5 scoring has been down right pathetic since he has been coach. Please reply cuz I want to believe too.
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 12:56 am
@Pesus, first off, I believe blame goes on the players. They are the ones who are not giving consistant effort on a game by game basis. This team is searching for an identity & it has not found it. I do not believe TM has 2 systems & the players are floating between them. It’s the players who are not breaking out of the defensive end. It’s the players not making or receiving clean passes. It’s the players who are standing around not moving their feet on the PP. There were some pretty big changes in personell in the off season & I believe TM deserves the chance to see what he and this team can accomplish this season. If we miss the playoffs or get in & are 1 & done, you can bet TM’s head will roll. We had a decent season last year & had 2 prolonged losing streaks but yet we made the playoffs & gave the Sharks a pretty good run without Kopi. All I am saying is we are still right there within the division & conference. & we are not even 1/2 way through the season. I ripped on TM my fair share on this blog but from what I see, TM only wears the skates in practice. The players need to find their identity & play hard & give it all for each other & the team.
King Alex Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 1:07 am
@Pesus, I think TM should be more forceful & hold players accountable for sloppy play & lack of effort. Bench them for a game, cut their shift time. I believe TM’s biggest flaw is he treats these men like kids too much. Call the players out & let them know when they make stupid decisions, take stupid penalties & show lack of effort. I believe if TM did this, it would make our team better.
I just did a little research myself on where the Kings are. Granted we are lacking on 5v5 play, but how can 90% of you want a change in the organization (TM, DL, etc). The Kings as of right now are 8th in the league in points. That is four points to tie league leading Chicago and Minnesota for 1st place in the entire league. That is two wins away. It dont matter if the Kings win 1-0 or 7-6, as long as we get the points. I dont think anyone expected us to be this close to leading the league in points. As far as I am concerned, the Kings and the organization is right where they need to be. Changing things up could cause more harm than good. We didnt play very well last night, and I wasnt happy about it, but still every team has their games like we did. I see games where Vancouver gets beat by 5+ goals, even Pitts, and Chicago, and Detroit, and San Jose, etc. We all go through it. That is why we have an 82 game season. If this was football and we played 16 games, Id say yes… it is time to talk about something different in personnel.
However, please support your team. I have to agree with someone from last night. I heard the Detroit fans on TV louder than Kings fans. If I was the Kings, I wouldnt blame them for sucking, because the fans were sucking in supporting them as well. This isn’t WWE where superstars, such as the Miz, thrives on being booed and hated. We are fans and need to support them loud as Kings fans should. GO KINGS GO!!
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@#1faninVegas, This is Dustin Browns mom, isnt it?
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CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@#1faninVegas, You can’t go by the amount of points because they’ve played more games then most of the other teams. You have to look at the points percentage to determine just how good the Kings are. They are currently 19th in the NHL, 10th in the West, and 4th in the Pacific. Not too good now is it?
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#1faninVegas Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@CB14,
That is beside the point. Points percentage doesn’t give you the presidents trophy. We are 20 games in and at the 40 game mark, see where we are at. Overall, we are doing good.
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neil Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@#1faninVegas, we are not doing good…we are doing avg.!!! 20 games…10 wins…one more goal then the opposition for the year.That spells avg.!!!!!
Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@#1faninVegas,
That is not beside the point at all. You cannot go by total points at any point of the season until all teams have played 82 games. Give the other team a chance to catch up to the amount of games we’ve played, and you WILL see us slide down in the standings.
PP Anybody? Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@#1faninVegas, It IS the point. They don’t give the President’s trophy to a team that gets to play 85 games, thus having more points, DO THEY? By the way, they are closer to 9th place in the West and out of the playoffs(1 point) than they are to leading the league.
Just an interesting observation. Caps having all sorts of problems and AO has gone four games w/o a point!! Fans getting restless. Whereas, my one doubt re this season was Kopi, and my one somewhat positive feeling was seeing Lewis and Clifford shine in the playoffs, they would pick it up, whereas Kopi might struggle to be the player he was last year. Wrong on both counts. In fact, who would have predicted this. Kopi Isn’t as good as he was last year. He’s better. He’s all world. And Lewis and Clifford. Well one goal between the two in roughly ….. what 30 games between them….
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number 6 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@number 6,
So I suppose my point was that the Caps don’t have their best player producing, but some of the lesser ones are. We have our best producing in spades, but the lesser ones at least offensively not at all. And in the case of someone like Clifford, I wonder if complacency has already set in. He’s had what, one fight this year?
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#1faninVegas Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@number 6,
I agree with the fight. Way the Kings were playing against the Wings, would have been refreshing to see Cliffy drop the gloves. Maybe having Westgarth play, isnt such a BAD IDEA after all.
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neil Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@#1faninVegas, I think having Westy might help…..when he was in earlier this year it seemed to help the 4th line…maybe not in scoring but just playing with a attitude….The only thing holding back this team is the bottom six..If the Coach and GM can fix that then we should go on a run…
#1faninVegas Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@neil,
The problem is thou, that I think as far as Westy is concerned, Kings organization is listening to the fans, and the majority dont want Westy playing.
Ezra Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@#1faninVegas, Westgarth has more points per game than Lewis, Richardson, Penner, Moreau, and Clifford. Maybe he should be on the 3rd line…
Harty Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@number 6, Kyle been’s told not to fight as often……
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@number 6, Refreshing
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@neil, A variation of that rule exists in a game called floorball, which is basically hockey without the ice, played with a ball instead of a puck. In it, if a penalty shot is called and the player fails to score, his team is awarded a 2 minute powerplay. Google “floorball” if you want to…
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How many of you who claim coaching is not responsible for how a team plays have ever played competitive team sports?
The coaching staff is everything. If a coach cannot get their team to compete every night, they shouldn’t be coaching. I have played many different sports from Pee Wee to the college level and the COACH sets the tone for how a team plays. TM needs to go. I don’t want to post too long of a message but I welcome the debate. I have been calling for his dismissal for two years now; even after victories. P.S. Brown IS overrated.
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Stuart Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:35 am
@Daren,
He is isn’t he. Would you put DB in a package for a top 6 RW?
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I’d love to see Penner+Martinez and a 3rd round pick for Jeff Carter. The guy can play the wing and really make our top 6 airtight solid. Then Voynov holds down Martinez’s spot and we have no more issues there. It won’t solve our bottom 6 forwards but at least we won’t have Richie as our go to guy for 2nd line grinding. Also when Stolls gone JC or Lokti become viable options to center the 3rd line. We have a lot of guys to dangle in the 3rd and 4th lines that are decent trade pieces. Ultimately these suggestions are just band aids for our gaping problem called the system. Scorers can’t score in our system, if Kopitar were on any other team he would’ve been considered an elite long ago, we’re lucky he’s so good that he can score under the tight constraints of the system.
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Osaka Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@TheRussianKing, I think Jeff Carter is a cancer. He got himself and Mike traded out of Philly and now he has about worn out his welcome in Columbus? Stay away from that guy.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Osaka,
Agreed. Good call on Carter.
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Gustavo Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@TheRussianKing,
I wouldn’t want Jeff Carter in the locker room, even if he came free.
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Jimmyo777 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@TheRussianKing, I agree 100% if the Blue Jackets would go for it…I followed Carter throughout his entire Junior & Pro career, and he is a pure goal scoer with one of the best shots in he league…As an LA King, I believe jeff would score about 40 goals per, especially if he were to play with Richards and/or Gagne. Definitely not a cancer like someone suggested – but a big asset to any team…
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Same ol Kings cant play tough for any strech!
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I like Rick Nash…….lets give Bernier, Doughty to Nashville for him
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Osaka Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Harty, Nash is on Columbus.
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DanD Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@Harty, so dumb on so many levels.
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Hadley Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
@DanD, good post
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Just got home from one of the better weekends I think I’ve ever had. Everyone I met was so generous, kind, and just plain good people. It was a thrill meeting you all.
I think the purpose of the suite events is to give fans the exact feeling I had.
When I began browsing this site a few years ago, I never thought I would go out to meet you guys (by myself). If anything, I would travel with some friends and possibly meet up with some of you. To be perfectly honest, I’m glad none of my friends from home went out with me and I got to know some of you on a more personal level.
@wavesinair, @variable, @Kingsfanone, @token, @kc23, @little rhody, @on the fly, @kopi bryant (Lupe!), @dominick – it was a pleasure meeting all of you and had a great weekend with you (Daimon!!!!) I’m really sorry if I’m forgetting anyone.
Then there is @Puck73. The man, the myth, the legend himself! Puck (Mike) is one of the most generous guys I’ve ever met and certainly made me feel welcome and at home on the other side of the continent. I was a little hesitant at first heading out there all by myself. He made sure I was comfortable and taken care of. I am certain I wouldn’t have had the amount of fun I had and wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see many of the things I did, without his help.
No matter how many times in my life I go back to California, this is one trip (for many reasons) I will NEVER forget. I’ve been a Kings fan since 1993 and it was my first home game. On Saturday, the boys played terrible. -Not Terry Murray’s fault. It’s not like he told them to stand still in the neutral zone or in the offensive zone on the PP. A couple posts and a penalty shot, and who knows what the score could have been. Give Detroit a lot of credit though, they played better.
Seeing the Kings win IN Anaheim on Thursday was worth the trip itself. They played great! They took 4 points out of the home and home!
Again, thank you to all who came out on Thursday, FRIDAY, and of course Saturday. I’m sure we’ll do it again. Let me know if any of you come to Toronto for a trip. Kings are here December 19th. I can’t see anyone coming though since it’s so close to Christmas.
If you come in the summer, let me know and I will show you a good time.
On that note, I don’t feel it’s necessary to keep the name ‘kevin from toronto’ anymore. Most of you know who I am and where I’m from. My fantasy hockey name has been for years, California Royalty. Which will be my new Insider name.
It was a pleasure meeting you guys (and girls) and I had an unbelievable time! Thanks to Rich who put on this wonderful event. We tried to show you the love during your interview from the suite! (Anyone have a link to that video?) You’re a great guy and an even better journalist.
Another big week for the boys coming up!
As always – Go Kings Go!
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Osaka Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@kevin from toronto, Glad you had a great time! Like you I have to watch the Kings from afar now but you made me remember my first Kings home game, Jan 1979. My family just moved to California from Philly……..
Good job guys, showing our friend from North of the border the Kingdom.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
@kevin from toronto,
Hey, you got your picture taken with Luc friggin’ Robitaille too, don’t forget!
Yeah, puck73 does the Cruise Director pretty good, doesn’t he?
Great to meet you, and as for your “dream weekend”, couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy! I am richer for meeting you and it was an honor for me! Glad you made it home and thank you as well!
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DesertKing Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@kevin from toronto,
It was great to meet you while you were here. California Royalty is a great new name.
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LittleRhody Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@kevin from toronto, Kevin (or should I call you Anze Kopiar? lol),
It was great to meet you (and the other insiders who I hadn’t met yet, Dominick, KC23, Kopi Bryant) at Diamon on Fri. Danielle and I certainly had a lot of fun although I was wondering if all of that fire had burned my eyebrows off.
Gotta say thanks to Puck73 myself for setting the meeting up and inviting us. It’s always a good time hanging out him.
I’m glad you got the chance to meet Luc. We can thank Danielle for that one, as she spotted him while on a beer run. And yes, “Salty” (KingsfaninSaltLake) my beer was a little low during the Hammond/O’Neal interview. Your post was the inspiration for the above mentioned beer run, so I guess a certain amoutn of thanks goes to you as well.
I’m glad you had a great time and I hope someday to make it back to that side of the continent and maybe we’ll be able to get together for a few beers.
Glad you had a safe trip home. Go Kings Go!!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
@LittleRhody,
Ah, so Danielle was the scout who spotted Luc! Nice job there!
And great to see you two again! My brother had a great time shooting pucks on Staples ice so he can brag to his co-workers on Monday! I hope you two did as well!
Nice job Danielle for Kevin, he’ll never forget meeting Luc!
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LittleRhody Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@Kingsfanone, Yeah, pretty impressive for a relatively new fan (3 yrs or so), if you ask me. The only time I think she’s ever seen him was at the suite game last year.
Shooting pucks was most definateky fun. You guys should see Puck73 shoot. He rifled the first one off the glass, doing his best Stoll impression, lol but then went top right corner on his last two.
It was nice seeing you and Phil again and I look forward to getting together somewhere down here in OC to watch a game together.
Kopi Bryant Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@kevin from toronto, It was very nice to meet you Kevin. So glad you had a great time in LA. If me and Lupe head out there next year I will give you a holler.
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KC23 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@kevin from toronto,
Was great meeting up with you for dinner. That was a ton of fun. This is one amazing blog site.
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LomitaKingsFan Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
@kevin from toronto, Glad that you made it out. Sucks about the loss but the experience of shooting pucks on Staples Center ice and meeting Luc Robitaille makes up for it
Hope you can make it to more games in the future!
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OnTheFly Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@kevin from toronto, @California Royalty and one teppan chef that thinks your Anze Kopiar
Was a blast to meet you. Pratice your teppan grilled mini rice ball throws and catchs for the next time your out here. LOL When the Kings win the Cup, I’ll look you up there when I go to the Hockey HOF.
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wavesinair Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
@kevin from toronto,
Excellent stuff Kevin! Back to Toronto from LA safely…glad it was all worth it despite the loss on Sat. That makes 2 insiders fron Canada to make it down this year already! You and vankingsfan. Huge thanks to puck for being the catalyst. Job well done again. Great to see u all. Next time it’s a must win.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:13 am
@wavesinair,
Taking a cue from you, when we took a small group photo before going in, I gave puck73 his “bunny ears.” Forgot to tell you Sat, as I couldn’t help carrying on the tradition you started!
I hope that pic shows up someplace.
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wavesinair Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:22 am
@Kingsfanone,
Sweet! I’ll have to get a hold of those and post them.
#1faninVegas Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 1:10 am
@kevin from toronto,
Its funny, I take credit from Puck for starting all of this mess. It is me that has broken the ice. It is me, who has initiated this contact. It is me, that has a voice of reason. (not to toot my own horn or anything) However, I am going to have to agree. Puck is a tremendous guy, and he has taken me to two Frozen Furys’ now. I will never forget. I met Luc Robitaille here too this year. What a guy. He will do anything for the fan. I am happy he is still part of our wonderful organization. Now, back to Puck… Puck is one of the greatest person I have ever met. His heart is so pure, and it truly shows that there are people in this world that help the less fortunate. Puck is one of those I believe would be good for make a wish foundation, because he helps grants wishes to us less fortunate fans. He is even trying to get me to come to LA to see a home game, but right now, I am just unable too. I feel that one day I will be treated as you when I finally can go to LA. Due to this blog that Rich Hammond does so well, Puck and myself became very good friends and I wont trade that for anything. I love his girlfriend as well, she is such a great person to be around and adds too the equation a bit. Both of them have been tremendous to me at FFs’ and they spoil me rotten when they do come into Vegas, and I wish I could repay them back, but knowing they put a smile on my face is payment enough to Puck and his girl. I am glad you went on this alone and got to know the true Puck. If you came with friends, there wouldnt have been time to explore the finer points of LA. I was in LA once and that was when the Kings were still in the GWF and it was a graduation gift to me from my grandparents back in 99. I havent been back sense. Puck introduced me to people as well, at Frozen Fury this year. Meeting KC23 and Desert King, and even 408Kingsfan was great. I enjoyed meeting all of them, and I know you did too. Even thou, Puck is strong willed and sometimes crosses that line and needs to be checked back into reality, his heart is just so pure that it subtracts that. Im sure everyone can agree, that Puck is the man, and deserves some kind of an award in the fan taking care of less fortunate fans department. Glad you had a good time, and Thank you Puck for continuing to do what you do best.
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TYLER Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:59 am
@kevin from toronto, ahhh you forgot me but its all good! was great to meet you and watch the Kings beat the Ducks @ Honda Center. glad you had a good time in CA
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To..Terry..all our player did-support plays-stay involved-checking role….all in your system.SO..Coach Mike Babcock fined the way to beat our system …offense start with 1)QUICK on passing 2)QUICK on shoting ___they don’t even allow you to have TIME to react.KINGS played right into their game.YOU GOT TO WATCH WHOLE GAME..see how Detoit Red Wings played__A+passing Coach..ONLY way to beat D.R.W.in the playoff is..–learn the QUICKNESS,to be like play like them. GKG
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kevin from toronto Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@john shaw, what?
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@john shaw, Quisp and I were just having a conversation about this, I am glad you brought it up first.
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jess Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@john shaw,
A profound revelation…
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Stuart Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:40 am
@jess, now THAT was Confusius, right there! Or Jim Handy.
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Off topic – watching Wings-Ducks on Center Ice and light out again at the Honda Center . . . this time in the middle of the period.
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List the bottom 6 players as to the importance of their roles in order of highest to lowest…in other words most valuable to least valuable according to the type of game they bring.
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Lights Out…Lights Out…Lights Out in Anaheim……….
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@neil, Michael Schenker, is that you?
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neil Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@puck73, good job.I was wondering if anyone would get that…..
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@neil,
Seems to be a deeper problem in Anaslime! I too was watching the game and suddenly the broadcast went down. I forgot about the light problem during the Kings visit.
Must be those Cinderella rats chewing cables!
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Brig33 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@neil, Samueli not paying those electric bills lol. I guess it’s hard to pay bills when no fans show up to the games
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u know what nobody on Brown case why is that?
Brown hasnt proven he anything.He with Richards for crying out loud!! What more does he needs??
Browns always falls or fails each time he has time to score so why we soo happy with Brown and on Penner Case? Penner is hurt and Brown not So why we soo focus on Penner case When Brown doesnt really do anything.
He doesnt score he doesnt check anymore he not a good at being front of the net so what is he for there for looks?
I like Brown i see what he able to do but what happen to him??
So everyone should be on his case not a Injured player like Penner or Martinez…
the Buttom 6 they just dont got it in there to be great..
I miss Handzus should of trade Stoll and kept Handzus..
yea Handzus was slow,but he was very effect on a shutdown line and a PK guy..
Stoll well lets just say he not going to be even close to be a good 2 way player like Handzus or Kopi or Richards are….
Handzus may not win faces all the times but he was still good at it at times.
Stoll not scoring at all and i dont even think he get to 15 at all this year.i say about 8 if he gets lucky…So why we kept him for?For Shootouts well Handzus was good at Shootout too why we didnt keep him for?We didnt grow out of him we actually need him not Stoll..
So this team i have to say will not win a Stanley Cup this year.They may look like they will on paper but they wont because the results are coming clear then ever.We lost something that we didnt even know into it was missing
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Stuart Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:41 am
@KingsFanFTW, ummm, I’ve been known to be on Brown’s case…ask Shot.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 11:45 am
@Stuart, yea i seen ur post but other always saying penner and he hurt…So i dont think he score at all while hurt..Brown not and he supposed to the Kings Captain he not good as he was when he didnt have the C on his Jersey
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XM radio NHL show this morning reviewed the progress of all teams at the quarter mark for the regular season and the Kings were roasted. They were described as one of the most talented rosters and yet have under-achieved. Said that if the team is barely in the playoff by half way point that DL will need to drop his patience and let Murray go. Said a survey of NHL players ranked TM one of the “easiest” to play for–great for a young rebuilding team but not for the current team with Cup aspirations
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CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@Southbayphil, Nice to hear there’s more than just a few of us here that are thinking that.
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
@Southbayphil, I was initially all in favor of letting TM go. However, since the Vancouver game this team is clearly playing a better brand of offensive hockey. That being said, if Dean feels that parting ways with TM is best then so be it, but as of right now I am starting to like what I am seeing.
Could we use a dynamic top 6 winger, a more productive 3rd line center, and maybe a faster stay at home guy then Greene? Sure. But our problems are small compared to alot of teams currently. Keep the faith fellow Kings fans, and I hope some of you insiders throw some watch parties in the near future. If you do….count me in !
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Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@puck73,
As far as that goes, I live in Long Beach. I’d be down to get together with anyone for a watch party, but does anyone live anywhere near where I live? I don’t mind driving either, I go to a lot of the games. I just don’t think I can afford one of those suite events, & plus there’s a few people on here that might roundhouse kick me off the balcony if they ever met me in person. Lol.
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FiG17 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@Scot,
Yeah, I definitely would.
KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@Scot, If that happens then u can sing i believe i can fly
puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@Scot, mikebrnstn@gmail.com……welcome to the insiders connection.
bonvivant1 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:04 am
@Scot, Is there an ECHL team playing at the Long Beach Arena? We used to live downtown. We had season tickets to the ice dogs when they were in the IHL. Those days are long gone.
Scot Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 11:23 am
@bonvivant1,
I don’t think so anymore. I went to a few ice dogs games, but it seemed like I was the only person in the arena at times so I wasn’t surprised they went under.
kinginsaltlake Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@puck73, Ok Puck I’ll hold you to that. I’m having a watch party to any and all Kings fans here in Salt Lake. Come one come all!!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@kinginsaltlake,
Nice return of service!
Goring 19 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 12:07 am
@kinginsaltlake, the closest I ever get to Salt Lake City is Cedar City in the Southwest corner of Utah. Beautiful state BTW
- ViC - Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
@Southbayphil, Thank you for this. I am sure the experts have a better chance of being correct.
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Wow, we are Family!!! This blog site has really got that down home feeling. There’s so many of us from all over the world who meet up here to share our opinions and thoughts. I’m with Puck on this one. Read this clearly… 2 shots off the post, 1 missed penalty shot, couple of bad bounces, a team who had just dropped 2 games. All this other crap that has been posted needs to stop. It does make for some good reading, but we must try and get along. Nice to hear from Cortex, dude hope your OK and many blessing towards you and your family. This is the week we should be thankful, today I am thankful to the many of you I have gotten to know. Guys like, on the fly, who goes to games for the love of the game. A guy who’s hockey IQ is far beyond mine, shots on goal! I feel sick that I haven’t been able to show much of my own kindness by missing opportunities of showing up at more games. I wanted to meet many of you while I was in LA last month, but missed out because of the folks I went to the game with. All they wanted to do was drink and chase women. Now that’s OK, but hell I was trying to watch a hockey game. All I’m really trying to say is Thanks to ALL INSIDERS who post on this site, Even the Black Sheep…Poorman. I like the guy. He has a right to feel the way he feels and from my seat he is still a Kings fan. I would love to watch a game with that guy. Well time to get back to this 0-0 soccer game. Go Galaxy. damn they almost scored, off sides! Called back!
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Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
@kinginsaltlake,
Sheesh, I just read your post after I posted mine below. I should have just responded to this one, since you had already kind of brought up the same topic.
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We had a bad game and Detroit had a great game. Yes, our scoring is in the toilet. I am not sure that we need a head coaching change. We may just need to upgrade the assistant coach who coordinates our offense and PP. We need to maintain some consistency and balance. How you find that I don’t know, but I do know that Pittsburgh had the same problems, made a coaching change, and got a Cup. St. Louis experienced these problems earlier this season, made a coaching change and improved (not much). It seems like we (the fans, the players, management, the media) are all waiting, waiting for something to happen. What is that something? I mentioned it earlier. Consistency on offense. You use offense to win the games you should, and defense to win the games that are tight. We will ge there Kings fans, we just need to keep the faith. GKG!!
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rogiesbackup Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@DesertKing, St. Louis is in a honeymoon right now, with Hitchcock. The first year of something new is always exciting. Maybe it’ll happen to Ryan Smyth too back in the Oilers.
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I’d like to try my best to post a *mature* post since a lot of times, I tend to spout off immaturely because of how much I disagree with another fan’s opinion.
Let’s get this straight – At the end of the day, I have nothing against anybody on here personally. We all want the same thing, & that’s to see the Kings win, & see them win the Stanley Cup. I want that as much as every one of you. If we were hanging out together at a suite event, or watching the game together in my living room, or even your living room, we would both get excited & frustrated at the same times, & we would both cheer & high-five eachother when the Kings score.
Some of us (me) tend to get overly-frustrated when we lose & angrily post about the changes we want to see. Others are more discretionary, & sit back & read & post when they feel it’s necessary. Just because people disagree with me sometimes, doesn’t mean that I’m wrong, & by the same token, just because I vehemently disagree with you, doesn’t mean that you’re wrong. I sometimes need to be reminded of that. We all are entitled to our opinions. We all want to see the Kings win, & some of us just have different ideas on how that will happen. But, at the end of the day, I feel we should all approach this like we’re a family, though sometimes dysfunctional, who all want the same thing, & let’s not forget that! Sometimes this site turns into Civil War II, & that’s just silly.
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puck73 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
@Scot, Look at the bright side, at least you havent got moderated…..yet
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Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
@puck73,
I would hope that never happens, I don’t ever mean any harm. Besides, I need this outlet to vent my frustrations, my roommates get tired of hearing about it! Lol
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
@Scot, I think it great we have a place to go to release our emotions. Mixed emotions are part of being a Kings fan. We have a good team folks, we need to lower our expectations and let the pieces fall were they may. I sit here this Sunday evening wondering what NFL team best describes our Kings team. Were not thr Bills, nor Vikings, not the Rams or the Raiders, Cowboys hell no, 49ers no way. We are like the Chargers, well maybe, we seem to suffer due to coaching. Hmmmm maybe were like the, OK are you ready for it, maybe were like … The Browns. Yes the Browns. Every now and then we come along and put up some type of fight that we think it maybe possible to win a championship, only to be let down time and time again. Like the Browns we have talent and a solid front office. We seem not to be able to put our history behind us and move forward. Maybe were more like the Seahawks, because if you go back far enough even the Browns won a title back in the 50′s. Seahawks made the Super Bowl once Lost just as we did back in 93. I don’t know any of you guys got any idea what NFL team would best discribe our Kings? Just a thought while sitting here bored at home.
Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
@kinginsaltlake,
I definitely wouldn’t compare us to the Browns. They are kind of the laughing stock of the league every year, I would say the Florida Panthers are like the Browns. I think you hit the nail on the head with the Chargers. They have had good players in place for several years now, but haven’t had the right coach. But they have gotten past the 1st Round of the Playoffs a few times this decade, whereas the Kings have not.
CB14 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@Scot, Feel free to include me in the people who get overly frustrated when we lose group. And to what puck73 said, you don’t want that, trust me, it sucks.
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Scot Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
@CB14,
I was thinking of you, just didn’t want to say it
Haha I like you man, your posts are funny, you’re passionate.
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Stuart Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:44 am
@CB14, I think I might be on that list here and there… all is good! Rich is a forgiving one, luckily.
A lot of love on the site, nice change of pace! Must be the season…hockey season that is!
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puck73 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:51 am
@Stuart, You might have been spared, and I am glad. Unfotunately, your arch rival wasnt. He was wished into the cornfield by Billy Mumy.
#1faninVegas Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@CB14,
Yes it does, because some people fail to see reality.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 5:21 am
@Scot,
Nice post man!
and now back to our regulary scheduled programming
Are you out of your freaken mind???? LOL
GO KINGS!
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Michael J. Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:19 am
@Scot,
Keep posting your thoughts, opinions, etc. Differing opinions are what makes this thing work.
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it was nice to see Anschutz present his cup to the Galaxy’s Donovan. Maybe next June he can present the Stanley cup to the Kings!
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DesertKing Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@Steve W,
Maybe if we got the NHL to take Lord Stanley’s name off the Cup and change to the Anshutz Cup then we might win one and actually see our owner at Staples? Maybe Rich could get him to stop by the Insider’s Suite on the 19th and we can say “hello.”
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brig33 Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@DesertKing, Our “owner” doesn’t care about the team. It’s obvious they’re only trying to win now so the NFL will let them have a team. They let the Kings bottom dwell for years, if that guy touches the cup I will vomit. He has no right to touch that amazing trophy.
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Stuart Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:45 am
@brig33, Reverend! x2
kinginsaltlake Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
@Steve W, That was the Owner of the Kings. NO way!!! Dude needs a hair cut. I heard that Super cuts has a deal going for 10 bucks.
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It’s amazing how crazy fans get over one lose.. It’s hockey not everything is going to go our way. Not saying we couldn’t do better because lord knows we could. Just that people call for heads to roll so fast it’s amazing.
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#1faninVegas Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 2:35 am
@Andrew: the second coming,
Amen
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Just a thought this morning for those looking to dump Murray.
Who are we getting and how long are we giving him?
The thought dawned on me this morning while reading Matthew (i’m a tool) Barry’s rant and his usual “Fire TM” rhetoric..
The next time he has a solution to the problem will be the 1st time.
What’s sad is I recall the days of professional writers (Rich) writing columns …now, as Barry’s shown us, any dog can write a blog!
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Kings Fan South Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 6:00 am
@nykingfan, I will take Bruce Boudreau if he becomes available. TM is a good coach for the young kids, however, the system must be opened up and the “learning” segment is over. We have the firepower to do just that and in today’s league it is needed. Congrads LA Galaxy on their title. Oh what I would pay to see the same in June at Staples. GKG!
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nykingfan Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 6:40 am
@Kings Fan South,
I disagree with that move. What kind of hell would Boudreau be going through here if he was sitting Kopi and playing him 15-17 min a night? that’s what he’s done with Ovechkin. That’s probably the reason he’s going to get fired in Washington.
Boudreau used to have a wide open system but changed last year to a tighter, defensive system becuse the wide open play wasn’t working!…is that what you want here..than why make a change?
To me that smells of desperation and making a change for change sakes.
This is my whole point behind the silliness of changing the coach. We can all throw names out there, but who’s to say that a change in coaching will go over well with the locker room? The team hasn’t played up to its potential, but they haven’t been terrible..just inconsistant. Now we’re going to ask the players to learn a whole new system in the middle of a season?
To make a change this early in the season, you would think the team would have to have tuned out the coach…that’s no the case. Everything you read and hear, the players like and respect Murray. Nobody seems to have an issue with him as far as the players go.
If after the season we continue to under-achieve, then you make a change, but don’t become desperate to change anything and everything simply because we’ve been inconsistant thru the first 20 games.
This is not just for you, but everyone here on the blog. Think it over and see if it makes sense before you just say get rid of him!
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Sebastian Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:13 am
@nykingfan, Bruce Arena knows how to win Championships….why not get him?
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nykingfan Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:56 am
@Sebastian,
who?
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rumpa#19 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@nykingfan, The experts on XM have TM& BB on the same list of great teaching coaches that may not be abel to take a team to the next level when built for a cup. I disagree , but I also think our youth learning needs is still a big factor this year.
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Hey, at least the Galaxy won the title. “sigh”
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As I have previously posted, 20 games in should give us a measuring rod as to how this team will perform.Right now, we have a serious identity crisis.Are we a scoring team? checking team?grinders?fighters?Seems we put an all round effort maybe 1 in 5 games.On the bottom I would put scoring team.Our 5×5 is miserable.No one seems to have the answer.We are not a shut down team as we were last year. Our PK is down, yet our PP has greatly improved.The magic question is how to improve the 5×5. We have quite a few creator but very few finishers.Can’t blame it on the “feeling out process” with all the new faces. We had 20 games already to figure that out.We are not a come from behind team either. what are we “0″ for when trailing after 2?What’s our record when trailing by 2 goals?
can’t blame this on the coaching. TM has opened things up and still we can’t score with consistancy.
Perhaps TM should just post on the chalk board K.I.S.S…(Keep It Simple Stupid)I think the biggest problem is they are playing more with what’s between their shoulders and not with the ability that got them there in the first place.Too much thinking and not enough reaction.I don’t feel changes are needed, just some alterations. First, I do like the idea of bring JJ to a forward position. Great skating ability and great hands (hence, the game winning OT goal earlier in the season from MR.You “must” keep AL and SV up. They give us the best opportunity to score goals, which is something we seriously lack on a consistant basis.Play with some fire in their bellies.Get chippy, get in some scraps.Right now, they are not a team that others really fear right now.Lastly, our stars need to bring their “A”game each night.
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KFII Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:00 am
@wideleft, You can never play with too much heart. The not enough brains part, yes, that could be part of it. I know they have the skill to get it done every game.
Discipline (the brain part) and Confidence in their game, that is what it will take to get more consistancy from this team.
If it takes a team meeting before everygame, to get everyone on the same page, committed and fired up for a win, that’s what they need to do.
I remember reading a post game interview from Scuds on the night of TM’s 1000th game coached. It spoke of the teams communication prior to that game. It made me wonder if that meant they don’t do it all the time.
There is nothing wrong with TM or the system we are playing at this time.
There is nothing wrong with any of our current players.
It’s the digging down and giving it their all, the commitment, (More Heart) each and every minute that they are on the ice. That is what is needed. That’s what will make the difference IMHO. That and the Kings believing in thenselves.
Never forget the heart!
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Happy Lappy Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:55 am
@KFII, I agree, in my many, many, past years of watching the Kings, the thing that drew me to this sport and the Kings, was the great heart and hustle by players with less talent than most teams in the league. I watch the current team and wonder where the hunger and drive has gone. Nary a season went by in years past that I can recall, have so many overpaid, underachievers, skated on our ice. It’s so frustrating to watch, a heartless group of Latte drinking, caviar eating, greedy self-centered players, don the King’s jersey. This is not addressed to Kopi, Richards, Quick, or a few others we see working every night, but to the rest, you should be ashamed of yourselves. The hardworking people who watch and admire your talents should get more for their hard earned paycheck spent on tickets. Show some character, guts, and quit making excuses, this is the greatest sport in the world, act like you are proud to be among those very select few who get to this level, even with your long, guaranteed contracts.
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I did some research and look at what I found about a year ago from some other team’s blogs on 11/13/2010.
Chicagoblackhawksinsider.com: “We stink! Fire the coach! We need a coach like Terry Murray. LA only gives up 2 goals a game and they are atop the conference. We are a game below .500.”
Pittsburghpenguinsinsider.com: “Fire Bylsma! We’ve played 18 games and only have 19 points. We need a coach like LA has, they have played only 15 ganes and have 24 points!”
Colombusbluejacketsinsider.com: “Woo Hoo!! We’re 9-6-0! Playoffs here we come! All we need is to add a center like Jeff Carter to play with Nash and we win the cup!”
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wavesinair Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:45 am
@Michael J.,
It’s nice to see other fans are as delusional as us!
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puck73 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:48 am
@Michael J., Good job Mike. I think that pretty much wraps it up.
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nykingfan Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 8:57 am
@Michael J.,
great research!!!!!
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Michael J. Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:10 am
@nykingfan,
Yes, I did my “research” at the University of East Anglia
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kingkrazy Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:13 am
@Michael J., That’s really interesting to see. Now I think I will go look more on other team’s insider websites too. hahahaha
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Michael J. Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:15 am
@kingkrazy,
I hope you noticed the sarcasm font.
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kingkrazy Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:39 am
@Michael J., hahahhahahha yeah I know. That just made me want to look at the real websites.
Sebastian Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:19 am
@Michael J., WAIT A MInute….those arent real websites!
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wavesinair Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:21 am
@Sebastian,
LOL. Just catching on?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:42 am
@Michael J.,
What………nothing from InsiderQuack.com? Or maybe they vacated the website just like Ponda Center?
Do I smell roast Duck again?
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Michael J. Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:44 am
@Kingsfanone,
Oops, I forgot to go to Heyword.com… I think we can all figure out what was on that blog.
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in order to be one of the best teams in the western conference were going to need one more top 6 winger ,rick nash would fit in here very nice …..im tired of being avg…the patience is over we need to have some balls and put this team over the hump….we have excess defense to trade for nash..and that piece would take care of the scoring problem………stoll,greene,martinez for nash……..and a draft pick if needed……….you have to give something to get where you want to be period..this group now is good enough to make the playoffs…thats it…..stanley cup not going to happen ….untill we get another front line scorer………….oh and last but not least FIRE MURRAY PERIOD……..HE CANT TAKE US TO THE NEXT LEVEL……FIND MIKE KEENAN AND WE WILL GET THERE…………………GOODNITE NOW
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nykingfan Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:02 am
@kingfisher,
You seriously think Stoll/Greene/Martinez and pick will get you Nash?
Please pass what you’re smoking!
Try Voynov/Loktionov/keep going…They’ll want a King’s ransom for a guy under contract long term.
That just makes your “Fire TM” point seem just as silly!
He can’t take us to the next level…what level is that? If it’s getting to the Stanley Cup, he’s been there before.
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Sebastian Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:08 am
@kingfisher, “Find Mike Keenan”…is he missing? i hope hes ok. Mike Keenan has not coached in 2 years, and since winning the Cup in 94 (17 years ago) has only been past the first round of the playoffs once (and lost) and only made 4 playoff appearances.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:14 am
@kingfisher,
For Nash??? Try Brown, Johnson, Voynov and a pick… nevermind, they’d want Kopitar.
Keenan? Woody Keenan? There’s a reason why the likes of Mike Keenan and Mike Ditka are no longer coaching…
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Alex Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:33 am
@Michael J., How about Bernier,JJ Stall,Martinez and Parse
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Michael J. Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:43 am
@Alex,
They don’t want Parse-he’s in the last year of his contract and is hurt.
Also, the Kings cant lose Martinez and Johnson; that would leave then with 2, 7, 8, 26, 33 & 44 without a capable 7th defenseman. One could argue for Hickey to move up, but he needs another year in Manchester.
Plus, this trade might help the Kings this year, but won’t help them out in the big picture which is to contend for the cup every year for the next ten years.
I also believe that there is trading JJ after his accomidating negotiations last year would be akin to a kick in the crotch and would send the wrong message to all other present or potential future players.
puck73 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:45 am
@kingfisher, Dont worry man, @Kinger and @poorman are on board with you. Your not just some lone babe in the woods, you got friends !
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Alex Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 10:08 am
@puck73, I would rather bring back Muzin. Our D is very soft. They not physical enough. We have way to many puck movers. What i want is a stay at home guy who can finish his check instead of seeing how our D-man riding alone the guy with the puck.
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puck73 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 10:14 am
@Alex, Muzzin had an injury during training camp and has been slowed down by it. He is not ready, where on the other side of the spectrum you can see that Voynov clearly is, we just need to find room for him without taking a hit on depth.
Alex Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@Alex, I know about the injury, but he is being doing ok with Manchester. We do have a good core of young D-man in the system. Hope Voynov here to stay. But i do think we need to be a lot more physical on our back end. Nobody hits. Ones in a blue moon our D produces a solid hit, other than that it’s way to soft. Would love to have somebody like Braydon Coburn from Philadelphia.
20 games in and we still not impressing anybody. Need some changes. Go back to the old school: Kopi at center with Brown and Penner. And if Kopi can’t make Penner play than we can sit Penner down. Think Kopi and the way he play might start penner up. Richards with Gagner and Williams. Recall couple of kids from Manchester like Nolan and Vey to play wings with LOktionov. You know they will give 200% every night just to prove they belong. And put Richardson, Clifford and Hunter on the fourth. Rest of them need to sit and think. Just a thought???????
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puck73 Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 9:49 am
@Alex, Penner and Stoll need to start justifying the combined 7 million they are making or one or both maybe gone shortly.
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Alex Reply:
November 21st, 2011 at 10:01 am
@puck73, Agree!!!!!
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