Dustin Brown’s postgame thoughts…
(on the game…)
BROWN: “We have to be more desperate right now. We have to be more desperate the rest of the year. We aren’t playing with enough intensity or enough desperation. We are a good team and now we are not playing like one. We need more desperation and more intensity, and that starts with individuals. We can’t do it alone…you have to get yourself ready as a player on this team. Right now, we don’t have enough guys having that desperation that we need. Look around us. I think we have what it takes in this room regardless (of) who is in or out of the lineup. It’s up to the guys in here. This is our team.”
(on the first-period penalties…)
BROWN: “I don’t know what the penalties were. I know we took a couple of high-stickings. There are going to be penalties in the game, but I think we need to limit our penalties in the offensive zone. Those are needless penalties and I think we took quite a few of those tonight.”
Bottom line is this system doesn’t work for these players
Somebody at the top – please do the right thing. it’s time for a change
Any change is fine for me at this time. Put Luc back there and tell the players to start having fun. Something has to happen soon or this season will be ……….another normal Kings season. How many Cups have we won – oh yeah none and I still pay 7K for season tickets. I am starting to think this will be my last year as a season ticket holder. 7K/year is too much for me to pay to watch some guy making 7 million – just not worth it.
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variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
@jimrad,
for the 1,000,000th time…
this is an organizational system…
changing the coach only ensures that somebody else will be delivering the message and the type of game that dl wants to play and win with…it could work…it might not…there are no guarantees…
maybe that’s what the team needs…but it seems like a lot more than just that to me…
all winning organizations look from within before they make drastic changes…and once you fire the coach, you’ve played yr trump card…there’s no going back and it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll move forward…
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King-C Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
@variable, I can guarantee it will work. At worst firing TM is addition by subtraction.
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Scott Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 12:46 am
@Kings fans, Calm down. Firing TM will not be the answer. How quickly we forget LA has had 3 of their best seasons under TM.
Rather, listen to the Kings’ captain, he can’t even recognize the problem. The problem isn’t LA isn’t “desperate” enough it’s they aren’t playing disciplined enough. Brown is one of the most guilty Kings of playing too desperate and not playing discipline positioned hockey. Playing desperate isn’t a sustainable way to play the game. Urgency yes. Desperate in December no.
Based on the last 2 games I noticed these 4 Kings problems:
1. They gave up goals early or too quickly after they score
2. Far too many penalties in the offensive zone (I think 6/7 in the last 2 games)
3. Taking themselves out of the play to make a hit (mostly Brown & Johnson)
4. Trying to do too much (Mostly Doughty & Brown)
EX. Watching Kopitar and not moving to make an open passing lane for him.
If LA fans want someone’s head Brown’s captaincy should be stripped before TM being fired. Brown is saying the wrong things in the quotes above. His comments show he isn’t getting his players ready the way a good captain should and nor is he leading by example on the ice.
It’s hard to ask for a coach’s head when the team can’t score. They’ve put about 110 shots on goal in the last 3 games against some pretty good defensive teams and only 5 goals. The philosophy is right; at some point the team has to take accountability. Right now only 2 Kings forwards are playing well Kopitar and Richardson. It’s time for others to step up and score some goals.
Let’s go Kings fans. If there is someone to blame, blame the captain first.
Go Kings Go! I plan to make the drive to Boston for Monday’s game!
jess Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
@variable, If TM started by taking the blame instead of deflecting it every single game the team loses, then I might buy into a little bit more of what you’re saying (and I always respect what you have to say) **disclaimer
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variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
@jess,
i do think he’s having a tough time right now – i don’t think that’s even in question…
his job is on the line and with every loss, he has troubles trying to put a positive spin on the negative…and i agree, sometimes you have to say “it was my fault” even when it might not be, just to deflect the attention away from the team…
but the team has to start winning – period…or it won’t matter what he says or doesn’t say anymore…
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
@jess,
and JESS…i always like talking shop with you…it never matters to me if we agree or not…rather, i just like connecting with other knowledgeable, passionate bloggers like yrself in spirited conversations…
it keeps me inspired with every win…AND…every loss…(emoticon expressing respect and gratitude)…
neil Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
@variable, well maybe DL is not doing his job..I think it was you who mentioned that some of the players are not that good..well isnt that on DL? This is the 5th year of the rebuild and we are going backwards..If its not the coach…its the players..if its the players..its on DL???? Moreau,Hunter,Lewis,Cliffy are all DL’s boys and not doing anything…
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variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@neil,
dl might have overestimated what some of his additions are capable of doing at this point…
that is a very distinct possibility…
i, for one, cannot believe the amount of hatred and ridicule that our coach gets compared to the man upstairs whom is the team architect…
there’s plenty of disappointment to be shared…and one could make a very strong argument that regardless of how talented a gm is, dl made some poor signings – again – and didn’t have elaborate B and C plans once he pulled off the richards deal – which is arguably his greatest move as the kings gm…..
he even admitted this much when he failed to sign kovy…and it seemed like he was the only one whom was really convinced that kovy was seriously interested in joining the kings in ’09-10…as we all found out after the fact, kovy was only interested in giving his wife a free trip to l.a. because she had never been here…
so there are more issues to be dealt with than just our coach…
jstin Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
@neil, remember when we were told before the rebuild that a championship was only years away… This rebuild is not working. Blame the coach, blame the, blame whoever you want but this so called master architect of the rebuild is nowhere near what we all think. I guess this organization is doomed….
King Alex Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
@variable, The messenger needs to be replaced by somebody who has a pulse & shows some fire & emotion & the willingness to hold undiciplined play accountable. TM’s time has run its course & he has lost these players.
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jess Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 12:04 am
@variable,
Thanks man, same here.
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jimrad Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@variable, I agree it’s an organizational system, but right now that’s way too big a change that I just can’t see happening. I would have no problem with it, but I feel that right now is the time to make something of a significant statement, no matter what or who that involves. My preference is TM, but I have not liked him from day one so that is an easy call for me to make. Brown is too young to stand up and say his coach bites even if that is what the feeling is.
I also was 100% against the DD signing which I also think is a contributing factor to this seasons misery. I have posted many times on here that I think DD is damaged goods and his career will be one of the “could have been” types.
This team has much talent and should be doing better, but I don’t see it until the team realizes the chemistry necessary and TM does not help in that area.
Leave Kopitar/Gagne/Williams together. They had it and they will get it back if left to play their game. Heck their line alone will score more than we have been getting lately. Remember the numbers they were putting up earlier in the season. They can still do that.
Watching Minnesota school us the other night I turned to my wife and said “wow, look how they pass without even looking because they know where their linemates are at all times while we seem scattered all over the place out of control”
Sorry but I blame this on the constant shuffling of lines by TM.
I want to win – I want the Cup here, but it won’t happen with TM as coach. Time for him to go first.
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kb Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@variable, Agreed! firing the coach wont solve the prob the boys gotta solve this one!! gotta earn those wins baby!
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Heyyyyy Brooooownnnn…..
yoouuuuuu SUCK!
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I really wonder about the talent, cause the system doesnt make players such poor passers, such inaccurate shooters. NO ONE on the Kings ever executes a good one-timer. NO ONE is ever ready if a cross-ice pass comes to them. NHL teams will only let you have 8-10 good looks per game and if your players are unprepared or lacking skill, it ends up being 4-5.
It’s apparent the ONLY reason the PP was better the beginning of this season was Richards… the rest of the players just do NOT run a dangerous PP.
I dont think it’s as much age (tho JW seems to be showing his some; he’s a step slow and taking too many penalties because of that) as that there’s a huge drop-off in skill after the top 4 or 5. Clifford really needs to be sent back down for a wake-up call.
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KingSurfer Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
@bbb7, it all goes back to the coaches. They tell the players how they want them to execute the PP.
Jamie Kompon sucks just as much as Terry Murray and should’ve been fired years ago.
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OldKingsFan Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 5:00 am
@KingSurfer, My sentiments exactly. Tampon has to go. Look back at our Offensive number over the past 3 years. This guy is clueless. He should go before Murray. i can’t believe Murray has kept him around. He must have some inside info on DL or TM. He isn’t being retained for is “O”ffensive knowledge of the game.
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CB14 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
@bbb7, The Kings have 6 players who have scored 30 goals or more during one season in their career. And another who has scored 20 goals. The talent is there.
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bbb7 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
@CB14, I think Stoll and Gagne are past their prime, maybe Williams as well.. for me that leaves the talented forwards as Kopi, Richards, Penner (if healthy) and Brown (sometimes) ..thats it, for the whole organization. Thats not much offensive talent.
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CB14 Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 12:09 am
@bbb7, Fair enough. But we also, on paper at least, have 2 very good offensive d-men in JJ and DD.
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 3:20 am
@bbb7, This is my feeling as well,and we are depending on young inexperienced D-men to generate offense from the blue line,from the beginning i felt this team was being over hyped. This team is playing as if they want the coach fired,all the penalties,blown assignments,I have a bad feeling this team is going to take a step backwards this year and the coaching staff and some players will be replaced before next season starts.
PP Anybody? Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 12:48 am
@bbb7, Who’s making cross-ice passes though? Anyone? And who is in the slot to take said one-timers? Anyone?
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SpencerMaze Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 12:15 am
@bbb7, I agree with your comments for the most part but I have to disagree regarding NO ONE executing a good one-timer. Richards is very good with the one-time. OK maybe not Jari Kurri good, but jeez who is
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We need discipline… No one’s being held accountable… Except Lewis and Richardson… Both of whom actually play with heart and passion. We need passion. We need players to be able to trust each other again. We need our leaders to step up and call everyone out. We need a coach who can get mad at the right players at the right times and make decisions that the players can trust. This isn’t a team. This is a bunch of individuals slumping in unison. I’m hoping with the last inch of the hope I have left that this trip will help the team come together again. If not, then I don’t know what’s left to do.
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“There are going to be penalties in the game”
There you have it folks, that from the LA Kings Captain. Penalties, aka undisciplined play, is gonna happen. Really? Why?
Way to take charge and set the standard buddy!
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Want a shake up? Package Brown for a scorer. Will wake the boys up and pave the way for Kopitar or Richards to wear C. I know he is a nice guy but don’t think he’s the leader Kings need to win cup.
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Stuart Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@nic, +1
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brown looked like he was to the point of tears when being interviewed on tv…
gosh…
these guys need to pull it together regardless of who’s coaching…
that’s why this is looking like a bigger problem than just tm…
and that’s what’s really scaring me…
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King-C Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
@variable, It is all TM. Imagine working for the biggest tool in the world without any possibility of a change on the horizon. You would be distracted, depressed and crying too.
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jess Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@variable, You might be onto something here.. Has TM taught our boys to cry?
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Cynic Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 8:57 am
@variable, EXACTLY! Thought the same thing.
Do you really think a guy like Dustin Brown has a problem telling you what he thinks about things in everyday life, especially on the ice? So why then would he appear to be so emotionally bottled up about the current situation? I honestly don’t believe it’s an issue with the players because he’d simply approach them privately and hash it out.
I don’t think he has that with Terry Murray, and if he does, he probably doesn’t believe it does any good.
Now I know I’m speculating, but I KNOW that look. I’ve worked for people before as middle management, which is essentially what Dustin is. Your boss is a bonehead, but you gotta put up the front that says otherwise. It makes you feel exactly like Dustin Brown looked last night during his interview.
Just pointing out what I see. These are human beings more than professionals and the pressure will get to them eventually if it gets to be too much.
TM is the problem at this point. He is responsible for the attitude of this team, if not simply for who he puts in charge of it.
Jim Fox said last night that it is time for someone to get mad. I don’t think he meant the fans.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
@Cynic,
I agree with Jim Fox. Maybe they all need to get mad.
The “children” don’t seem to be getting the right guidance? The words coming out of Murray would be worrisome, if you really listen to him. Kinda scary, actually.
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wont be up to lomabardi to fire terry murray ownership will force his hand you can bet
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bbb7 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
@Mark, I never thought TM would be replaced but I can feel it in the air now… this funk has lasted too long.
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King-C Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
@Mark, Then they should fire him too. I hold him responsible for this mess. TM has the mind of a 3 year old. just look at him behind the bench! DL is the one who enabled him. Fire both!
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We have taken a step back even versus last season. Something has to change. Game after game we hear the same comments from the players and coaching staff.
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Well so much for the 5 year plan, I really hope we can get a GM and Head Coach who can get this team to score more than 1-2 goals a game. Last in the league points towards the orginazational system being quite flawed.
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If TM somehow survives this season he has more lives than a cat. This is a question for ant TM supporters out there. What UFA in Gods green earth would sign to play for this man? It will be a past their prime player who we will over pay for. Does anyone in their right mind think Richards would have willingly signed up for this?
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 12:52 am
@King Alex, Yeah, I’m pretty sure that the Kings will not be very high on Parise’s wish list of teams to play for if TM is still at the helm.
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ustin brown said in the post game interview that there are players on the team that are not playing with enough desperation This is the same thing terry murray was quoted as saying to his players in his own press conferece. Is dustin brown just mimicking terry murray? I agree with the comment but come on MR BROWN say something original, or that has more subtance to it. I have listened to other captains from other teams talk to the press and they are more willing to actually speak up about what they think, they act as if they are the captains of their team and speaking out is their role. YOUR THE CAPTAIN OF OUR TEAM BE A FIGURE HEAD AND SPEAK UP. Who exactly do you mean when you say some of us need to play with more desperation. call some people out. I don’t care really, just say something original. I hope at the very least you are speaking up in the locker room. And what do you guys think; is dustin brown playing with desperation? he certainly implied that he was one of the players who is playing with desperation. And with mike richards out of the line up, who do you guys think has taken control of things? I personally think willie mitchell has been putting in some extra effort since mike richards injury, But again I amm curious about your take on who has stepped up that little bit extra since mike richards left?
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Brownie, thats right, you got to quit playing like a bunch of girls.( and thats an insult to girls)
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another tough loss at home, the road trip will help bring it back
dbizz n’ the boys just need to find the scoring groove again but if a coaching change was to happen out of all the aval coaches I dunno.. Crawford? Keenan? MacT ? Hitchcock =/
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OI! Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 7:55 am
@818kingsfan, Gretz!
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Maybe Brownie should hand over the C to someone else. He doesn’t have the leadership capability either on or off the ice. Only one problem, not sure who he would five it to
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Northern Fan Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 7:45 am
@Northern Fan, …give it to
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More desperation = new captain?
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The problem right now is Brown. He is not a Captain who speaks with heart just BS. Start getting mad, name names in a closed door situation. #2 Murry needs to either bench somej people or get fired. Grow some and start taking your million dollor players to task. First one shuld be DD and then Brown.
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To me the most disheartening aspect of the Kings recent scoring woes is the fact that our Head Coach is either unwilling or unable to make any type of drastic adjustments to improve scoring other than simply shuffling the lines a bit. This team needs a breath of fresh air, NOW!
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