The latest attempt to pair Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson on defense lasted three games, and now it’s finished. A handful of times over the past couple seasons, Terry Murray has hoped this pairing would last, in 5-on-5 situations, but it has yet to find long-term success. At the start of last night’s game, Doughty paired with Rob Scuderi while Johnson paired with Willie Mitchell, and the Kings will stay with that look tonight, along with Slava Voynov paired with Matt Greene (more on that below).
MURRAY: “It wasn’t working with Jack and Dewey. That’s the bottom line. That’s why we go away from it again. I thought there was a point now, where, they’ve been together in the past and we could bring them back together again. It should work. They were very excited about playing together, when we talked to them. Right now, the maturity level is not where it needs to be in order to get the job done. So we’ll have to wait a little longer. Maybe we’ll eventually get to it again, but that’s the reason we go away from it.’’
The other big change was moving Voynov from the right side to the left. It’s not a stretch to call it a tryout. If Voynov plays well on the left side, there’s a very good chance that he will stay with the Kings, even after Alec Martinez returns from injury. Exactly whose spot Voynov would take remains to be seen, but in his first game on the left, Voynov earned solid reviews.
MURRAY: “To me, it worked out very well, specifically with Voynov making the change over to the left side. His reads, his acceptance of going to the left side, first of all, he showed a lot of maturity in doing it and he handled the play extremely well. He did not get himself in any tough situations because of being over there. He just moved on and played his game, and I was happy to see that. All three pairs played well. They were assertive, they were pretty aggressive, they closed fast and moved the puck out of our D zone at the right time. So we’ll stay with it again.’’
I couldn’t decide which was harder to watch. Twilight Breaking Dawn or the Dougthy/Johsnon pairing at even strength
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Whodawat,
I can’t believe you admitted to that (the first part). You must be either a really good significant other or parent
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@DesertKing,
Or he’s really young and was trolling the theater? ;D
[Reply]
Perro Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@Kingsfanone, or he was making a remark of how boring they are together. His opion not mine.
Whodawat Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@Perro, watching that disaster on the ice evoked physical pain… kinda like hearing my wife ask me why don’t I have abs like Jacob.
If anyone actually approved of that pairing and liked what they saw… well, you’d probably also enjoy Twilight.
[Reply]
So if the experiment is over why not go back to the regular pairings with Mitchell-DD and Scuds-JJ? What was wrong with those?
[Reply]
mooney Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@Lappy, maybe Murray forgot that those were the pairings previously?
[Reply]
Zeley Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@Lappy,
I suspect Kings brass is looking for a way to keep Voynov with the parent club for the rest of the year.
[Reply]
prosmar Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@Zeley, Voynov-Green is the third pair either way…
[Reply]
Helvetica Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:08 pm
@Lappy, Well there was a comment about the “maturity level” and it not being there for DD and JJ. Maybe they are trying to find a way to mix things up and help these guys grow, while still playing with a veteran presence. Sometimes, guys get stuck in a rut and they stop maturing and elevating their game. Mixing up the pairings gives these guys a fresh look and a new guy to play with, without the fear factor of them both playing together.
[Reply]
I agree with TM’s decision. DD and JJ are still too young to playing together except on the powerplay, IMO.
[Reply]
Gokings Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@puck73, Agreed! Mitchell grounds Doughty and skuds is steady for JJ. Pp is enough time togeather for those two
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@puck73, Voynov is better than DD and JJ on the PP at this point in time imho. Quicker, more accurate shots, passes and pinch reads.
[Reply]
Hutch Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@KC23, Agreed.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@Hutch, – Makes me wonder if we actually still need JJ and DD.
g smith86 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@KC23, At this point Voynov has looked good. I will give you that, but DD was a sensation when he came up and with that comes a lot of scrutiny. DD has had a bullseye on his sweater almost from day one. Voynov is flying under the radar for now. Let’s see how Voynov deals with the pressure once the league catches on to him
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@puck73,
They have not even looked good together on the PP IMO.
[Reply]
Resedakingsfan Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@puck73, I completely agree with you. That JJ/DD pairing scared me. Glad TM is done with this experiment for now.
[Reply]
@Lappy, Yea I know what?? Come on Terry LOL he’s just messing with us now
[Reply]
I think hitting is part of the game! DD did nothing wrong period! Please… But I know if it happen the other way around and other team did this to us, we be furious… I’m tried of all this BS about hitting! If it’s the head I agree… Everything else should be legal…
I THINK A LOT PLAYERS ARE FAKING JUST TO DRAW THE PELENTY! Then the equipment they use from the shoulder down is to prevent injury, they can block shots but when they get hit they all act like babies…
[Reply]
KopiSTAR Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Sammuch, dare you to take a 100mph slap shot with equipment and see what happens
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@KopiSTAR,
I have… Right where it hurts!
My logic is if the puck can hurt you worse then any check or hitting! You misunderstood what I said, puck hits you and they’re no effects most of the time, but the simplest check or hit they fall like babies, trying to draw plenty, misconduct, suspension & a fine! Sissy hockey, for man sport!
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@Sammuch,
I strongly disagree. Ocassionally you have a “dive” but these guys are warriors. They cross check extremely hard. The angle Oshie was going into the boards and the timing of the hit were what made it a dangerous play.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@Sammuch, Perhaps you missed the part where it was a cross-check with two seconds left in the game.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@Sammuch, agree to some extent, but they should know by now not to hit a guy in the numbers when he is by the boards…DD new better and at least he wasn’t suspended. I think he can afford the fine now too
[Reply]
zulov Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@Sammuch, Its still a pretty tough sport without having someone cross check you in the back sending you tumbling face first into the boards…
Good call on the penalty, and given where DD’s play has been – OUT OF CONTROL – the fine was too small.
It should send a message to hin though that he has been noticed for dirty play and maybe he’ll play a more positional game rather than the chasing he has been doing. (and chasing badly might I say)…
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@zulov,
Please… Yes crosscheck plenty! But to give fines for a crosscheck will just cause checking game to disappear from the game and we end up playing golf!
Players shouldn’t have to worry about ever check they do, plenty or no plenty that they have to worry to being fined!
What DD was dumb, agree, but all this ticky tackey fines is BS!
[Reply]
Replay of last nites game on NHL Network 12pm-2pm pacific time. On right now.
[Reply]
You could pair Doughty with Bobby Orr in his prime & it still would work because Doughty has been awful this season. Last season wasn’t good for the first half either.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@Dave, I think aweful is a bit strong, but not as far off as 7 mil would lead one to imagine.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@KC23, Agree, awful is way too harsh. But mediocre I can agree with.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Dave, Totally disagree…He’s been more physical this year and he is clearing the front of the net, like he did last night, better than ever. I get it, your expectations are high but understand that DD is one of the guys the other team is keying on every game. I honestly believe that within the next five years barring serious injury he will win a Norris Trophy. On nights when he puts it all together he is a force. He just needs to do it more consistently
[Reply]
zulov Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@g smith86, Well I totally disagree. Maybe its his conditioning level, maybe its mental. I don’t see the consistency defensively, and every one of his moves on offense is predictable and slow. With enough preaseure you can send him head down and out of control and force a turn over.
Because of his initial speed in 09-10 defenders would back up and give up space. He had some brilliant plays that year, no doubt. But once you know his moves, I don’t think his game is complex enough to change things up. IMHO.
[Reply]
My pairings….Voynov and Mitchell, Scuderi and Doughty, and Johnson and Greene.
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@puck73, I agree
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@puck73,
It would appear TM is over those pairings.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@puck73,
I like those too. Question – what do we do when Martinez comes back? Oh, never mind, he’s being traded.
[Reply]
Andrew: the second coming Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@DesertKing, Noo we would probally wave DD2.
[Reply]
jayhay Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@Andrew: the second coming, then who would the defensive scratch be most nights? i dont want to see AM’s or VV’s fate become that? i still think this is very much unresolved. curious to see what kind, if any, DL is getting for AM right now.
g smith86 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@DesertKing, Yea, you watch…Detroit will pick him up and he will become the next Lidstrom
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@puck73, Funny how things turn out. Now when thinking of pairings you almost have to find a place to hide DD instead of show case him.
[Reply]
DLB Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@KC23, What? It’s JJ who needs the most help. They had Voynov play tough minutes over him.
Doughty, Voynov, Mitchell are all better at the top pairing.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@DLB, Dunno, every time something bad happened last night there was number 8. Looked at the goals against though and actually Gagne was on the wrong side of the puck for both of them.
RobSD Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@DLB,
DD is the new JJ. Seems to be making some very bad decisions lately, probably trying to prove something. He has been saved by goaltending and his D partner most of the time of the big gaffes.
I think TM IS GETTING IT! I hope…
[Reply]
They say that the definition of insanity (Or is it stupidity?) is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
[Reply]
Voynov and Mitchell
[Reply]
Good decision by TM. The way Detroit sliced and diced us through the neutral zone indicated that the pairings weren’t working defensively and the lack of any scoring (which is why they were paired, to specifically increase scoring) wasn’t working either. Get these 2 points in Dallas tonight and get back on track.
By the way, we need to teach all of our forwards to shot off of one knee, since it works so well for Richards. That is amazing to watch him dothat.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@DesertKing, well- we didn[‘t resign Cami
[Reply]
I don’t care who is out there with Mitchell, as long as he reminds Mitchy to cover his man. Way too many open shots on net thanks to his roving and forgetting to recover.
[Reply]
Did he really say that our $7 million dollars per year defenseman and our All Star in the making defenseman do not have the “maturity” to play together?
[Reply]
KingsGuy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@rick, I found that quite funny myself… DD better start getting his game on point. I am tired of waiting and listening to peoples excuses. He can skate, he has the “talent”…
I would like to see a more “take charge” east west mentality from this kid.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@rick, I read that DD didn’t have the maturity and JJ just isn’t good enough at the “stay at home” aspect of the game to make up for it.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@rick, remember, we paid for “potential”… potential maturity along with all the other “potential”…
[Reply]
Our $7,000,000.00/year defenseman is $2,500.00 lighter in the wallet.
No suspension, most likely due to no history.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Munchrat, Burrows would beg to differ.
[Reply]
Personally, I wouldn’t mind a tryout of Voynov/Johnson, just because I think magic might happen. You could try it with Drew too, but I think it would be better and safer with JJ.
As long as Voynov stays at this point, it won’t matter to me. Not only does he deserve to be here, but he’s playing like one of our better and seasoned defensemen.
[Reply]
outsider Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Cynic, Agreed. Pairings should be:
Mitchel – DD
JJ – VV
Scuds – Greene
[Reply]
fuzzerson Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@outsider, Frankly I was a little disappointed in the Scuds – Greene pairing.
[Reply]
Brig33 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:56 pm
@Cynic, I’d like to see that too. At least for a game or two, and if it turns out to be terrible oh well. I think Voynov is pretty responsible defensively and JJ has definitely improved. That could be a grat duo.
[Reply]
Brig33 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@Cynic, Also it would work better than JJ and DD because JJ would be the “veteran” guy, so he would carry the puck more. With DD it seems like both those guys don’t know who’s doing what. It would be more defined roles.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Cynic, I agree. I’m now beginning to wonder why he didn’t make the team out of training camp this season.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@Cynic,
Fearing repeating myself, but Martinez should be groomed to take Greene’s spot.
[Reply]
“Right now, the maturity level is not where it needs to be in order to get the job done.”
That seems to apply more generally than implied.
[Reply]
What happens now though, aside from pairings. VV is way too good to go back to AHL, when he’s up, the Kings win. Trade Martinez? For what? Trade VV and Bernier for a sniper? Penguins got Neal for Goligoski.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@Hutch, Nash for DP, AM, JB? Two holes filled for them and Penns walk after the season anyway.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@Stuart,
I actually kind of like that. Having AM and JB in Columbus wouldn’t hurt us since we play them once or twice a year and there is a glut of pretty good back-up goalies on the market for low cap hits, not too mention the goalie prospects at Manchester. Hate to lose either player, but to get someone like Nash would be completely worth it.
[Reply]
Perro Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:48 pm
@DesertKing, no way columbus does that.
bmova Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@Stuart, That’s almost what I said, but I figured CBJ would want another forward so I had Lokti in there over AM.
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@Hutch,
No way you trade VV. AM and JB would work for a sniper. VV right now looks like he is going to far surpass DD’s abilities.
Time will tell.
[Reply]
fuzzerson Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Hutch, Neal… another “dry island” type player
[Reply]
Voynov with Greene is okay. Fastest defenseman with the slowest, but I don’t get why you would have JJ and DD switch their usual partners?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@KC23,
Two word reason.
Terry Murray.
[Reply]
Yes go u TM used ur Brain u seen how ugly Doughty and JJ are together….
[Reply]
How good is Voynov to switch sides and not skip a beat? This kid has got talent.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@KC23, He’s for sure playing like he belongs here. Seems to me to be doing just about everything like it’s supposed to be done.
[Reply]
Everyone saying Johnson is more responsible — look into who he’s faced while these pairings are being shuffled. Even when Doughty is out he’s been kept at second pairing competition, and is one of the worst Kings in terms of possession numbers. There’s a reason why he’s been a minus player over the years.
I know people are upset about contracts, but Doughty is still a legit (proven) top pairing guy. JJ isn’t yet.
[Reply]
outsider Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@DLB, regarding DD & a legit (proven) top pairing guy… agreed, but only when he is playing with Mitchel…
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@outsider, The only person I’ve seen DD get the better of this season is DL.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@KC23, …ouch…LOL!
DLB Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@KC23, Jokes are easy. If you want to support an argument that JJ is better, I’m all ears.
DLB Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@outsider, He’s been so paired with Scuderi, paired with O’Donnell — paired with anyone but JJ.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:06 pm
@DLB, really? Both hasnt been great i give u that..
But by far this year so far JJ is doing alot better
Doughty well he not..He Not even close to what he was in his rookie year once again he a let down of hope.
Doughty has great skill and still young and of course he turn it around but he hasnt prove anything yet.
If u look at his stat u see in the Minus with JJ.
[Reply]
This is my D Pairs
Mitchell – Doughty
Scuderi – JJ
Voynov – Greene
Reason why he taking Martinez spot doesn’t have to be all screwed up each pairs..
[Reply]
I love Voynov’s play. Great puck movement, great speed, responsible. I am still looking for Doughty to return to form, but I don’t think he’s in the right mindset at the moment.
[Reply]
Question for TM: beside all world players like kopi and Richards, what pairings or lines have worked?
[Reply]
Anyone else read this as , ” Exactly whose spot Voynov would take remains to be Green,” instead of seen. It made sense in my mind when I read it
[Reply]
why not do an AM & DP trade for Carter, we would have half of the Philly finals squad!they are basically PLUG N PLAY!
[Reply]
Johnson’s plus minus is much much better this year but still one of the worst on the team. I’m curious to see if TM tries a Doughty Voynov combo on the power play. Jim Fox commented one game that Voynov had been the most effective PP defenseman, even better than Doughty at least for that game. IMO the Doughty Johnson PP pairing has not looked so great this year.
I don’t see why Doughty is doing poorly given the circumstances. Doughty missed training camp, had an injury, and IMO his game has been picking up. He’s a great player but even the great ones need some games to shake off their rust. I don’t think he’ll match his best offensive numbers this year (I think the other teams know him and make sure to play Doughty tight) but I reckon he’ll continue to improve as he picks up the game speed and end up with another solid year. Barring injury or suspension.
Also IMO, Drewiske is the fellow likely to get sent down to manchester if Voynov makes the team, probably Martinez would stay as the backup over Drewiske.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@vicarious, Drewiske is another player that would have to clear waivers before being sent down…Thats why he hasnt been sent down already
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@vicarious, IMO Drewiske has been a healthy scratch for way too long to be just a back-up
[Reply]
A lot of DD criticism.. I don’t see it. It’s as we’re watching different games. He’s great in my opinion. Forget about the contract for Pete’s sake.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 23rd, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@Pili, So, you’re saying, it wasn’t a cross-check? You’re saying it wasn’t with two seconds left? You’re saying the guy hit hit didn’t get (insert word) up on the boards? These are not what you expect from someone who’s supposed to aspire to…say…LIDSTROM’S level.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 5:41 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, No, Kenneth I was referring to his play overall, not the crosscheck.
[Reply]
Pili, he’s 60th in scoring among defensemen and a minus 2. Compare that to the other $7 million man of the off season. Weber leads the whole league in +/- and is top 10 in scoring among defensemen. Yes, defense is just not about scoring, but you don’t pay $7 mill for a guy who can clear the front of your net. The Kings have too many of those guys already.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 6:30 am
@Donald_S, Granted he’s has a very slow start points wise, but his puck carrying creates chances as the defense adjusts and and heavy shot creates second chances. At midseason I may be proved to be dead wrong, but I’ll take Drew at the point over anyone.
[Reply]