To follow up on the question of where Dustin Penner might play when he returns to the lineup, it’s worth taking a look at last night’s new line combinations and thinking about what worked. Dustin Brown played well on left wing, Simon Gagne and Mike Richards combined for a goal and Kyle Clifford was more active than he has been in the recent past, with a series of good hits. The Kings still only scored two goals — albeit against a San Jose team that hasn’t allowed many goals of late — but did record 33 shots on goal and showed a more aggressive attitude in the offensive zone. Today, I asked Terry Murray for his evaluation of the new-look lines, and what stood out last night…
MURRAY: “There were a couple things. First of all, the first two periods of our game, I really liked the attitude and the energy that everybody brought. Stolly on the right wing, I thought he looked good, he looked comfortable. He was a big part of that line, getting pucks in and getting on the forecheck with his speed. I thought Hunter played very well again on the right side. Getting an opportunity to play with a top center iceman like Kopi, he responded the right way. And our line with Fraser and Westie and Moreau were a very big part of the game, not only because they got the first goal, but they were keeping the game on the right side of things, getting it deep and were very physical and had a great presence in the game overall.’’
at this point, for a team that’s struggling to find consistent momentum, it would be prudent to ride this line up out until it doesn’t produce before making wholesale changes…if tm has learned anything from this season, let’s hope that the “riding the hot hand(s)’ philosophy becomes his primary mantra of reasoning…
[Reply]
MB Kings Fan Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@variable, I wonder if Quick would have had 4 shutouts and we would not have tailspun if that were the case.
Well… live and learn…let’s hope!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
@MB Kings Fan,
My thoughts exactly.
If only.
[Reply]
He expected the same effort in the third, I guess. At some point, SJ had to respond to be outplayed for most of the game…and they did in the third period…and I felt that the Kings did a good job keeping them out of the danger areas for most of that period. You knew SJ was going to be pinching and pushing for a goal
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@g smith86,
I think the Kings (only saw the third period) did an ‘alright’ job in the third period. Certainly not a good job. It did seem like the ice was a bit tilted, and when undisciplined penalties are taken, that lessens the ‘good’ in good job as I see it. However they got the win and that’s the most important thing. Right now they need confidence so hopefully that helps.
[Reply]
dahack11 Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@g smith86, For my money….we’ve had WAY too many poor 3rd periods where we get a lead & sit on it. Cost us in Dallas & almost in SEVERAL other games.
Plus, anyone besides me notice that it looks like Kopitar is going into his annual slump???
[Reply]
MB Kings Fan Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@dahack11, That can happen when you take Gagne and Williams off your line…and add Hunter.
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 12:34 am
@MB Kings Fan, And Brown.
Lake Forest Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@dahack11, per my previous post, what is our record when leading after 2 periods? How can we complain?
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@Lake Forest,
Yeah… I have to check myself when I complain because that stat is amazing.
Lake Forest Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@RobDS, I feel the same way. Would love more intensity and more offense, but with our record we can’t really improve that much
tornado12 Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@g smith86, agreed. However, I would like to see the Kings take advantage of those leads late in games more by trying make them pay for activating their dmen from the points. For example, try to chip the puck to an open area behind the rushing dman while the off wing or centerman leaves the zone with speed to get to the puck first or try to slow it down and make good short breakout passes to catch the other team pinching and get some looks going the other way. its all easier said than done of course, but the elite teams do that well. they take advantage of the lack of neutral zone coverage and get outnumbered attacks with speed the other way to hopefully get some breathing room on the scoreboard.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@tornado12, Yeah we will get there…They were just not in position to take that chance in that period…Rather they keep their defensive responsibilities in check and if they get the opportunity take it…It will come..with Kopi and Richards on our team… those chances will definitely come
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
@tornado12,
I agree. I’ve been complaining lately that late in games, when the Kings have the lead, teams are pinching thier D in, and pressing for offense, but not 1 single outnumbered attack going the other way. It seems that with teams looking to activate, the Kings would have more opportunities to catch them, but they seem to fall farther back into a defensive shell.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@Dominick,
Which may be why the other team’s onslaught lasts the entire 3rd period. Kings don’t get outnumbered attacks to get them to hesitate, thereby changing the momentum the other way.
Kings keep backing up and allowing it moreso.
Eggplant Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
@g smith86, I think the Sharks pushed the most right at the beginning of the third. It was expected, and the Kings responded well. The puck stayed in the Kings’ end, sure, but they kept it along the boards. The Sharks didn’t really get a quality chance in the first 10 minutes of the third. Then the momentum started shifting towards a more balanced game. Then the Kings let it go again with stupid penalties, but managed to kill them off and Quick handled the rest. Not a stellar 3rd period, but it worked. I really hate watching them go into a shell when leading after 2, though.
[Reply]
Finally! TM listened to me – putting Gagne with Richards! Thank you. Now if only the Kings would just waive Frolov 2.0 – I mean Penner. Also, will TM ever STOP having guys dump the puck on an already lackluster power play? Puck possession wins games.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@K9Jeeper,
it’s looking like we are heading towards a frolov situation again…i made the remark on a previous thread, too…
but in penner’s case, more like frolov 0.5….at least, at this point…
[Reply]
K9Jeeper Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@variable, LOL, touche~
[Reply]
I’m still not seeing what TM is seeing in Hunter, but the rest seemed reasonably accurate. That was the first decent game Williams has had in about 5 games.
Don’t know what more to say about Richards. Seems like Richards never takes a game off and never makes glaring mistakes. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but he is easily my favorite King. I love Kopitar, but Kopitar doesn’t have that burning desire to beat the other team into submission like Richards seems to have. Even from the stands you can just feel the competitive vibes Richards gives off to everyone around him. You can also tell he is just loving NOT being the captain.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@KC23, I thougth KOPI had one of his most physical games last night.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@KC23,
I want to be clear that I’m seeing good things in this team. However, seeing Hunter as a first line forward also makes it clear that there are areas of the lineup that could be stronger. If you look at Detroit, SJ, Vanc, Pitt, Philly, Wash, NYR, Boston, Toronto (thats a fair number of teams) there is no way you’d see Hunter playing on a first line.
Yes, Penner was injured, but even so…..
[Reply]
K9Jeeper Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@KC23, I still say that Matt Greene should wear the “C”
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@KC23, Exactly. Hunter takes a stupid penalty on the Power Play and TM praises him? What the heck? Bench him and put in Richardson.
[Reply]
JWR Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@KC23,
I agree, I have not seen anything from Hunter at all.
I almost expected to see him waived when Penner comes back if Loktionov can hang in at centering the 3rd line but it seems TM must see something I’m not.
[Reply]
ta Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
@KC23, Agree 100% Richards is amazing, a true leader and a WINNER!
[Reply]
mcsorleyfan Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@KC23, Agreed. Love Richards, but Hunter?? Not getting it… Reminds me of a coach I had who would rather start a scrub that would work til his heart broke (regardless of skill or results) because it was less painful than watching an inordinately talented player out there slacking. But I don’t see a star player riding pine for slkacking, altho I hope to when he returns from IR…
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 1:01 am
@KC23, Richards is the only top 6 player on the team that has been good consistently.
[Reply]
Like to see how we do with the same lines. Excited about it.
Let’s admit we are probably not happy with the intensity that we have had in the 3rd periods when were ahead. However, our record of how we play when we are leading going into the third is FINE BY ME.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@Lake Forest, You make a good point. We can gnash our teeth all we want when they give up a goal or two in the third period, don’t shoot, etc., etc. The fact is, when they take a lead into the third, they own the scoreboard. That’s pretty objective take, really.
Nonetheless, they should get a bump in the ribs when the loaf in the 3rd. No sense letting them develop bad habits.
[Reply]
Strangely enough I thought the weakest part of the King’s play last night was the blue-liners. There were a number of times when SJ’s forecheck really disrupted the breakout. DD’s giveaway under pressure in the late 3rd was a good example.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@Weasel, …don’t think it’s all that strange….seen it before…
[Reply]
just in case you missed it, Here is the link for NHL Live with Mike Richards
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=2
[Reply]
I don’t understand why it took Murray so long to figure out that Westgarth should be in the lineup every game? Also, glad Murray realizes that Lewis is simply a waste. I hope he never dresses for the Kings again…
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@Eric, Westgarth was never a shu in for the line up….EVER! I will say though that his game has improved drasticly and i find myself cheering the guy for good play alot more often than not.He has for sure made a case for himself to be a regular (thats saying alot considering i was one calling for his release to the unemployment line). The 4th line right now is showing some serious promise and i think Fraser has alot to do with that and is a catalyst for the other guys and is the best make wait player we have picked up in a long time. As far as Lewis goes I disagree…I have a soft spot for guys who bring it 200% every night. He hasnt come through on the points side of things but he is a good PK’er good two way forward and would be an asset for any team IMO.
[Reply]
Speaking of new, -battle of the new coaches St. Louis vs. Caps.
[Reply]
TM didn’t even mention Brownie. He’s gonna put Brownie back on the right.
[Reply]
MB Kings Fan Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, He said he was happy with Brownie on the right. I agree.. it let’s him pull off all of those crazy power moves.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@MB Kings Fan, TM said that? I still don’t see it. He obviously looked like a power forward on the left, though. I don’t see how he doesn’t at least try that for a while.
[Reply]
Hockey & Rocky Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, It talked about it in the post game last night
“You go back through his days in the Olympics in Vancouver, you go back to Team USA games in the World Championships, and he plays left wing. He’s comfortable, he liked it, he made a great play on the goal, on the disallowed goal.”
I agree… let’s keep him there so he can pull off some sick moves and throw some cold shoulders at the opposing D-men.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Ah…okay, so he did, but not in the above quote. I get it. Since you quoted him, I do remember him saying it (the Olympics bit.)
no question the 3rd line got better, but you wasting kopitar’s talent having him with brown and hunter, neither one of them can finish. Still don’t understang how they can put hunter on the powerplay.
[Reply]
Steve Jensen Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@fifth line,
Hunter has no business being on the powerplay, or on the first line for that matter.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@fifth line, Would you be surprised if I told you Brown has produced more points with Kopi then any player we’ve ever had in our line up, and that Brown lead the team in goals last season, and Kopi assisted on most of them?
[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@fifth line, Brown finishes 25-30 times a year. That ain’t nothin. Thing is he doesn’t look as pretty doing it as some might want (although he has moments). He also finishes hits all season long. He works hard, and he’s a very good hockey player. You think Kopi dislikes playing with Brown? I doubt it.
[Reply]
Did anyone think that Colin Fraser would be better fit with the Kings than Hunter and Moreau. Not me, especially after all the Smyth controversy and bum foot. But I sure love the way he hits people and moves to the net. It seems every shift #24 is catching my eye (and in a good way).
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@BluLiner, He’s responsible both ways…I would say he hasn’t given me sore eyes yet
[Reply]
Resedakingsfan Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@BluLiner, I have no complaints about Fraser. I actually thought he’d be the weak link, and I’m glad he proved me wrong.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@BluLiner, he’s been killing penalties….also…!!!!!
[Reply]
neil Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@BluLiner, cant give DL credit on that one….he was nt DL’s first choice…
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@BluLiner, I fess up … I didn’t even think he’d ever get on the ice for the Kings. Very pleasant surprise.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 9:19 am
@BluLiner, Agree whole heartedly! Im really glad that everything worked out the way it did and we got Fraser. The guys sense of humor is right up there with Greener as well.
[Reply]
TM did mention that he liked the line combos and that’s why i am convinced he is going to Replace Hunter with Penner…the only other move is Stoll back to center with Penner and Lokti goes back down to the AHL
[Reply]
I told @nykingsfan yesterday here that I was worried that the Kings players had possibly shut out Murray and maybe stopped playing for him. I used as evidence their slow starts, especially lately, losing late leads, and taking bad penalties at bad times. Well, the players proved me wrong, at least for last night. I am anxious to see what they do from here until Dec 10th. I use that date as that will be the last game at home, against Western Conf foes, before starting an East Coast roadie. I am truly hoping that the team finds a consistent winning way from now until then, and get some momentum to take them through the rest of December. I liked very much what I saw from this team last night. I know there are still a lot of negative posts, even after a strong game, against a pretty hot team, and a serious division rival at that. I’m not concerned that SJ hit posts, and Quick saved the game, and Moreau’s goal was soft, and etc etc. What I am concerned with is that this team competed for 60 very strong minutes, did not let bad penalties, and bad calls (Stoll’s penalty and the non-goal) affect their play. This my fellow Kings fans IS a sign of a solid veteran team that will not let some adversity cause them to tailspin. And really, this is all I ask of this team, and I would think that its what the coaching staff and DL expect and hope for from this team. There is enough talent on this team to compete each night against any team in the NHL, its just a matter of the coaches making the right decisions, and the players doing whatever is necessary to get the job done. Yes we can say that Hunter doesn’t belong on the 1st line, DD is not earning his money, Moreau is old and slow, and so on and so on. But, this IS the roster right now, so we need to deal with it, the players need to deal with it, and the coaches need to deal with it. If the team deals with it and puts oput the effort, I think good things will happen….they have, we’ve seen it! It just has to happen consistently. Is this a perfect team? Of course not, But, name me the perfect NHL team right now?
I am going to predict a 10-3-2 December. I predicted a 9-3-1 November here and that obviously didn’t happen. I never expected them to have as bad a month as they did, but look, they are still very much in the thick of things, and I think that just proves how tight this conference is and will be all season. This is still a very solid hockey team and its still early in the season. Cup aren’t won in december either BTW….Okay that’s enough positiveness for here for now, don’t want to overdose anyone…..
[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Shotongoal, Well said, Lastnights game was a bigger win and better performance than most people think. That Sharks team was throwing everything at us and not letting up yet we were able to contain them and come away with 2pts. That was a pretty large dose of positiveness though
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
@Shotongoal,
Nice post. Thanks. If the Kings win Thursday they will be only 2 points behind Pittsburgh and maybe 1 point out of the Western Conference lead. Things aren’t so bad after all…
[Reply]
kinginsaltlake Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
@Shotongoal, Good to finally hear from you. Way to put it to paper.
[Reply]
I’m glad TM is finally playing Richards and Gagne on the same line. I’ve been waiting for this all season since they played together in Philly. With Richards’ goal last night, it looks like they still have that chemistry.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
November 29th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
@Resedakingsfan, …dig it….now through JW in there and let ‘em roll…
[Reply]
Do they have to make a roster move to activate Penner? If so, see ya Lokti. If it is just sitting someone, probably Hunter.
[Reply]
Kopi..What a drop-off play—need more player to join-in behind…GKG.
[Reply]
Sorry, off-topic, but I was wondering if anyone knows if there’s a list out yet of impending RFA’s and UFA’s in the summer and where I could find it. Thanks.
[Reply]
Despite the current “success” of the new lines, I’m not a fan for the simple reason that Kopitar has been saddled with the dead weight of Hunter and the semi-dead weight of Brown. 3 points without a point for Kopitar now – that’s not a formula for success for this team in any way, shape or form.
[Reply]