In the earlier post, Dean Lombardi talked about expecting to score, essentially about expecting good things to happen on the ice. Is that where the Kings are, mentally, right now? It would be tough to make that argument, after a six-game stretch in which they have scored two or fewer goals. That led to a question, put to Anze Kopitar today, about the team’s attitude. Given the lack of scoring, is there frustration?
KOPITAR: “I’d be lying if I said there was no frustration in the room. Everybody would like to score more goals. Frustrated with where we are right now, I don’t think that’s the case if you look at the standings. I don’t even know where we are, eighth I think, so we’re still in playoff position. I don’t think we have even come close to playing our best hockey, so we’re still in good shape but we’ve got to turn it around. But it can get frustrating. Sometimes, for the guys, it’s almost better if you lose 5-4 than 2-1 or 1-0, because you have the sense that you did something out on the ice, that you did score a goal. But if we score four goals or five goals, I think we will be in pretty good shape, especially because we don’t give up a whole lot of goals. You’ve got a guy named Jon Quick who is pretty solid back there. So if we do get our offense going, I definitely like our chances.’’
This is the time, if it hasn’t happened already, when Dean Lombardi takes each player behind closed doors and asks them what their opinion is of what is wrong with the scoring. Voila! All of a sudden he has opinions to move forward with.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@Winsomemore, I definitely agree that DL needs to get in and start getting feedback from everyone involved with this team. If the players actually do feel that there are issues with coaching, then DL needs to know this, so he can decide whether he feels the issues can be worked out or not.
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Lake Forest Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
@Winsomemore, takes each player behind closed doors? What is this a Soap Opera?
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Harty Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
@Winsomemore, I told everyone two weeks ago Kopi was frustrated……..you can see it in his play.
Gagne isn’t the guy for Kopi, he needs the Brown’s and Williams of the world.
Get Gagne with Richards and Kopi with Brown, then fill in the blanks.
We are a good team just needs some tweaking
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SpencerMaze Reply:
December 8th, 2011 at 1:04 am
@Harty, “We are a good team just needs some tweaking”….dude, of all the conjecture and speculation I’ve read during the past 3 months, this simple sentence makes the most sense
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Translation: “Defense, Shmeefence. Open up the system and let us play for Mikus sake. Even if that means losing 5-4, then so be it. At least we’re scoring and I’ll put my money on Quick bailing us out enough to win far more games than we lose.”
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xeropoint Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
@wavesinair, That’s kinda how I read it and recent other player interviews have lended credibility to this.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@xeropoint, @wavesinair,
I’m kinda waiting for some player to mutter under his breath, “Damn the torpedoes! I’m going in!”
I see someone taking the puck & going to the net with that old Ovechkin kind of flair (pre ‘Roids? http://www.wtop.com/?nid=503&sid=2661120)
If someone finally does, breaking out of the system to take over a game, I DARE Terry sit him or take him off the ice…
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xeropoint Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, In fairness, the first goal, with Kopitar driving the net (do that more Anze) was a good example of this.
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@xeropoint,
Exactly.
Too many times there is no second or third player on the rush to finish with the rebound.
Hard to coach, players have to know each other well enough to anticipate when the correct time to move in is…
That’s my frustration with DD this season, always a step late…
Just watched Ovie go from one side of the blue line, behind the net to the other side, reverse course and shoot… He scores, then 15 sec later the Caps score again…
That is what needs to happen with the Kings.
I think it is that close to happening.
Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
@xeropoint, If what you read is correct that is why we are losing, the players and the coach aren’t on the same page. I am not saying which side is correct, just that they aren’t 100% on the same page.
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pesus Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
@Osaka,
we finally agree! somethings wrong here. looks like TM will get the chance to fix it. I hope he does. Its not about being right, its about winning. if we can do that and compete against the better half of the league then I will be the 1st one to say TM can stay.
WTF Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@Osaka, It is not about the stats, it is about how you play the game. Read the news in Minn, talk to fans ( I played with a lot of guys who live there) they are not sitting back and hoping they can win 1 nothing. They are getting more aggressive. Their whole midset change dform sitting back to attacking.
Do some research besides looking at NHL.com stats.
Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
@WTF, DUDE! Minnesota is the 3rd best defensive team in the league and they 25th in offense. You can talk to all the friends you want in Minnesota, they play a defensive system. They didn’t open up their offense. Either your trying to blow smoke or your “friends” have blow some smoke your way. Toronto is a team that has opened their offense up, not Minnesota. Clutterbuck is in a 5 way tie for goal scoring lead on the teams.
No, I’ve seen enough of their games, the juggernaut doesn’t require all that much study. They have balance. They get contributions from 3 lines in scoring and solid D. 5 guys with 8 goals and 2 guys with 5 goals is a balanced attack. That goes great in low scoring defensive games.
puddle Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@wavesinair, That is exactly how I interpreted it as well.
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Paul G Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@wavesinair, Completely agreed and that’s why Murray must go…his system would of been good for hockey about a decade ago but not now….let’s wake up to the modern game!
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@Paul G, Isn’t Minnesota winning playing the same style? I am not saying your right or wrong but Minnesota is 25th in the league goals scored per game, aren’t they winning playing a defensive system? It is a fact they don’t score a lot of goals.
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g smith86 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
@Osaka, Their team is buying in, our team is not…results will do that for a team
wavesinair Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@Osaka,
Right. That was my translation, but the numbers bear out with the Wild. The suck in offense and win in spite of it. I think its leadership and/or lack of identity. It comes from the top down and DL lets Murray implement a STYLE. The system is very possibly fine. It’s the players heads that need refining.
I wish he would’ve said “when we get our offense going” rather than “if”.
I’m worried that this is not the low point of the season yet. Will things get worse?
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Look at the wild, they had a defensive system for years and just hung around. This year they opened it up and are one of the top teams in the whole league. At some point you have to stop playing like a team full of scrubs that can’t allow a single mistake or you won’t win.
The system = Fail
Attitude = fail
There is a reason guys who have 0 offensive upside here have potential somewhere else, our whole team is looking to leave the zone when the other team has the puck, such a passive system. The PP has no movement… fail, fail…
Move TM to the defensive coach, let Jamie go and get a new coach that runs the O and the PP.
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xeropoint Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@WTF, “..our whole team is looking to leave the zone when the other team has the puck..”
Well, I actually think it’s the opposite. The Kings hang around so deep in thier zone, due somewhat to the Centers having all the defensive responsibility down low, while the wingers support breakouts almost exclusively on the boards. When the Kings do recover a puck in thier zone, they’re all flat-footed.
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WTF Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
@xeropoint, True, but they never attack the net, or chase down players. They are caught in a brain freeze, do I go after him, or get ready to leave the zone, so they stand in the middle. There is no aggression, no desire for the puck so start stop mentality. It is either stand there or skate past the play.
We need a skating coach or something, it is sad.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
@xeropoint, I’m guessing he was referring to the Kings scrambling back and leaving the offensive zone after turning over the puck, instead of pressuring to see if they can possibly keep it in. That was my take at least, cause I definitely see that from game to game.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
WTF beat me to it
Brig33 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@WTF, Yep mike yeo just took everything he learned in Pittsburgh as an assist coach and uses it with the Wild. They score, and have good defense, and great goaltending. There’s a reason they’re first in the league, good coaching.
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@Brig33, Really? They are 25th in the league in goals for per game.
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DEH Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
@WTF, Stevens and Kompon are also defensive minded coaches. I agree, we need a true offensive mind to come into the system to balance things out. We have 3 defensive minded coaches on our coaching staff and wonder why we can’t score. When you’re so called PP coach is a defensive minded coach you have problems. Let’s give credit where it’s due, our coaches know how to run a defense, but they don’t know S#$% about running an offense. This is made obvious when the offensive game plan is shoot an pray. Heck, let Luc run the offence for a few months or… the rest of the season.
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@WTF, Do you realize you just made up that post and it is incorrect? AND people agree with you!!!!!!
Minn is 25th in the league in goals per game.
Last year they were 26th in goals per game.
Two years ago they were 20th goals per game.
When and where did the open up the offense? They win because they play a defensive system.
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@Osaka, Don’t let these people around here get to you.
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
@kinginsaltlake, I know there is something wrong and I am all for accountability, but not lets start making things up. Hahahaha. I would love the Kings to be a team that scores tons of goals every game, but Minnesota wins by playing defense. That is a fact. I am not going to change a fact to support my agenda.
I just don’t think people bother to check the facts before making a statement. It is assumed that Minnesota is scoring a lot because they are first in the NHL.
wavesinair Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@WTF,
Dude. The Wild’s offense is almost as abysmal as the Kings. Read the stats.
http://deepinsidethekings.com/2011/12/shock-theres-nothing-wrong-with-the-kings-lack-of-scoring/
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@wavesinair, I know I know, I was reading your blog earlier. I agree with what your saying.
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g smith86 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@WTF, what do you mean “opened it up”? the Wild are like 25th in goals for…they only open it up when they are trailing which has not been happening lately for them
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“You’ve got a guy back there like Jon Quick”…ouch if you’re Bernier reading that.
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it seems like Kopitar is ok with being mediocre. I don’t like the sound of that.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@Marbles, I didn’t get that at all. Sounds like he knows the offensive game plan is in Murray’s hands, not his, but isn’t pointing fingers. I think he’d love to see things opened up, but it doesn’t sound like he’s very sure it will. Can’t say I blame him.
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pesus Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
@PP Anybody?,
i agree with your take.
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Marbles Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
@PP Anybody?,
I disagree and here’s why:
Kopitar said, “Frustrated with where we are right now, I don’t think that’s the case if you look at the standings. I don’t even know where we are, eighth I think, so we’re still in playoff position.”
He basically said he’s not frustrated that they’re currently in 8th. He needs to change his attitude and say he is frustrated because he should want to be the best and be at the top of the standings. I don’t see any motivation from him at all and it seems he’s fine with being in 8th right now. He’s one of the leaders of this team and he should start acting like they want to be the best.
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dd5 Reply:
December 8th, 2011 at 6:01 am
@Marbles, you’re over-analyzing the text, really. He didn’t say he’s not frustrated with being 8th; rather, this implies simply that the players are focusing on one game at a tame, not looking at the standings and calculating what to do, or how much effort to put in. You focus on the game, not the standings. If anything, this shows he’s trying to do 100% all the time, irregardless of the standings.
The guys know what they want, it’s a matter of putting it together. I’m not saying that the replies they give provide no insight into their attitude, but it’s really blown out of proportion by the fans a lot of the time. It’s a hockey interview, not a handbook on quantum mechanics, so lighten up.
Yeah, except if Murray is moved to defense coach, they will be nailed to the red line and not allowed further. With today’s NHL, you always need a d-man to join in the attack.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@Mik3ysfv, They already are.
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What we are missing is some fire. Down to the Canucks and Ducks and made games of them both. What is missing is a thunderous check or good fight to really get the team going. This is where we miss Simmonds,the well picked fight, the hard check. This has not been replaced; Clifford step it up dude.
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Shane Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@krash324, Clifford is fighting the demon of Ryan Reaves (sp?) from that KO he suffered from last season. Red dog has not been the same since.
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Harty Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@Shane, not as much as he has been told not to engage……………..believe it, they honestly hold the reins at times…for the two extra minutes sometimes westie or cliffie should just rag doll the guy.
I would like to see a re-match of Reaves and Clifford…….although Reaves is a big guy I watch St. Louis the other night vs. Detroit and he is huge actually, perhaps more westie’s size…..
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The kings system is kind of like the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer… when Laurence Fishburne gets frustrated with the system that Josh learned and said.. you’re playing not to lose, instead of playing to win. That’s how the kings are playing right now. They are playing not to lose, so they are thinking that way, ALL defensively minded… worrying about any little mistake. Instead of playing to win… keeping a sound defensive unit but focusing more on WINNING and scoring.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@Allen Slev, That’s been Murray’s philosophy since he’s been here. It’s great to take young team that loses a lot, and help them keep from losing so much, but not so good for a good team looking to win it all.
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“so we’re still in good shape but we’ve got to turn it around.”
wait….what?
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g smith86 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@jmsalsa, He gave the credit to JQ and he was pointing out that they haven’t played no where near their best hockey and yet they are still in eigth place or whatever…In other words, it could be much worse given those facts
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jmsalsa Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
@g smith86,
if you are in “good shape” there should be no need to “turn it around”
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g smith86 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@jmsalsa, He’s a player with the coach standing right next to him…ofcourse, he is going to try to be positive
puddle Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
@jmsalsa, “Good shape” I think meant they haven’t completely blown it in the standings despite not playing up to their potential. They’re still in the running there in 8th, but he’s acknowledging that this does not meet expectations.
Anze said…”if you lose 5-4 it’s almost better than losing 2-1 or 1-0 because you have a feeling you did something on the ice, that you did score (a goal)” Sounds to me like he would rather score then play defense all game long
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
@g smith86, Maybe that attitude is why we are losing.
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g smith86 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@Osaka, Really Osaka…you are going to acuse the Kings best defensive forward of not playing defense? Really!!? or is your point that if the Kings are up 1-0 that they will lose according to that quote because it’s more fun to score goals?
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
@g smith86, Put down the pipe, I didn’t accuse anyone of anything. You said yourself “Sounds to me like he would rather score then play defense all game long”, sounds to me our #1 center and the coach might be in different places. If they aren’t 100% in the same place it could be a problem, hence “Maybe that attitude is why we are losing.”
g smith86 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
@Osaka, That’s infuriating! You can acuse other guys of not playing hard, but Kopi busts his butt on the backcheck…he has got to be leading the team in causing turnovers and he is one of the most gifted offensive players in the league…Pick on me…not Kopi
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@g smith86, Dude get it together. I love Kopi and is a great players but anyone on the team can be criticized. He is not without fault. How many points has he put up the last 10 games? This is a team game so no one guy is above the team. People criticize the coach, the GM, the other players, why is Kopi off limits? He had a little disappearing act in his production last year and the year before as well. Until he can produce at a consistent level he won’t be considered an an elite player by anyone except King’s fans. I never said he didn’t plany defense so don’t put words in my mouth. I said “maybe”, meaning COULD it be possible, that the players and the coaches have a different idea of how the game should be played. I never said either side was right. I am saying this is the first time I am sensing maybe the players aren’t totally sold on the system. If that is the case “maybe” Murray is losing the room. Maybe that attitude is why we are losing= players might want to play a different style. I don’t know where and why you would read so much into that. Still, I don’t feel sorry for Kopi for playing both ends of the ice, that is how the game should be played.
g smith86 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
@Osaka, Did you ever consider that maybe his lack of production is due to the fact that he is playing the “team game” and the “system”? It’s like my work when I think they expect me to be in two places at once…and I am like, “how am I supposed to do that”?
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Osaka Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
@g smith86, Kopi goes through long slumps, he has done it his who career. If it was the system that keeps him from scoring then he wouldn’t have success, that is not the case he was on fire the first month or so of the season. He did the same thing the previous 2 seasons, then he more than cooled, he went into a long slump. I call it a slump because he comes out of it and plays great again. Not just scoring but dominating all over the ice. I can’t believe it is fatigue or him getting worn out because he always will finish the season strong.
Yes I agree he could score more goals and have more points in another system, I never argued that point. I think that is obvious and a given, but even in this system on this team how he plays he could be a 90-100 point guy without a doubt. If he was playing on Chicago or even Toronto now with its run and gun offense Kopi could rack up 115 Pts.IMO. Hell Kessels is on pace for 102 with no real center.
what drives me nuts is seeing the kings start a break out, have some speed…and dump/chip it in and chase it.
then you see the other team pick it up, come back, and get in over the line with speed and the kings are on their heels collapsing to the net.
what?
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g smith86 Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
@Newf, because the Kings spend 2/3 of the game defending. They have no energy left for the forecheck
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@PP Anybody?, hahaha! Too true!!.
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What happened to the days of the best player on the team cherry picking at his own blue line looking for the break away pass out of the zone. I miss those days
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So what’s next? Do we continue to sit back and wait for something to happen or do we rally around the team,’ system and coach? Obviously our concerns are being voiced to those who make the decisions. Occupy Staples Center. This is down right fan populism. You’ve got to love it.
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Well, obviously the players would like a little more offense; otherwise playing the game becomes a bit of a drag. Forwards lose the gleam in their eye :-J
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King John Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
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Score guys…but play the system////be more creative, but play the system////bring a shot mentality, but play the system////don’t be afraid to crash the net , but don’t get caught back on an outnumbered attack…play the system////… and exactly what is this system? Seems to me that the opposition out chances us every night. The opponent spends on average way more time with the puck then the Kings and on some nights resembles a shooting galery and JQ s the target…well let’s hope he’s the target and not the net
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Hmm… Kopi stating that it feels better to lose 5-4 than losing 2-1, AND that they have John Quick back there tells me that he thinks the coach should loosen up and let them play more offense. I’m sensing a lot of players are walking softly but I’m hearing what their saying. Too much defense is quelching their offensive potential. Bottom line… the system is the problem. This is going to get interesting real soon. I smell a coaching change.
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I got my BA in English, and would routinely write 10-page papers about 10-line poems, but even at my best I couldn’t compete with you lot and the way you read mountains into the pithy quotes from players and coaches.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
December 8th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Choralone, It is amazing the insight some people think they have lol.
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I say bring in Carlyle.
Post-lockout Stanley Cup Championship Coach!
Relative balance between defense and offense, well-organized plan for each game, in-game tactical adjustments, fire-in-the-belly, wears his heart on his sleeve, able to inspire players to achieve their best.
What’s there not to like?
Let him come back from vacation and he’ll be roaring to go!
JMHO.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
December 8th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@FdoFmFull, Oh and one more thing:
Poetic justice – Boudreaux ex-King employee now a Duck; Carlyle the inverse!
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FdoFmFull Reply:
December 8th, 2011 at 10:17 am
@FdoFmFull, Unintended (positive) consequence: fuel the local rivalry!
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Problem: You’ve got a guy named Terry Murray who is not solid at all on the bench.
Solution: Farewell Party for Terry Murray
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