Jonathan Bernier gets the start in goal tonight. Willie Mitchell will return to the lineup, in place of Alec Martinez, and otherwise the Kings will skate the way they practiced yesterday. Mike Richards did not skate today but did have an off-ice workout. Richards said he would not accompany the team tomorrow for the start of the road trip, but might fly in at some point during the four-game trip. More notes and quotes to come…
LATEST NEWS- Kings Playoff Quiz – 2013 May 19, 2013
- WATCH: LA vs SJS Game 3 - Game Previews May 18, 2013
- Live Chat - Western Conference Semifinal: Game Three May 18, 2013
- Playoff Game Notes: Kings vs. Sharks: Game 3 May 18, 2013
- The Royal Half Preview: Kings vs. Sharks: Game 3 May 18, 2013
- Kings To Give Away Coolhaus Ice Cream; Road To Repeat Bus Back In Action May 18, 2013
- Loud and Proud May 17, 2013
- WATCH: LAK vs SJS Game 2 - Post Game Interviews May 17, 2013
- WATCH: LAK vs SJS Game 2 - Game Highlights May 17, 2013
- WATCH: LA vs SJS Game 2 - Game Previews May 16, 2013
RULES FOR BLOG COMMENTING
- No profanity, slurs or other offensive language. Replacing letters with symbols does not turn expletives into non-expletives.
- Personal attacks against other blog commenters, and/or blatant attempts to antagonize other commenters, are not tolerated. Respectful disagreement is encouraged. Posts that continually express the same singular opinion will be deleted.
- Comments that incite political, religious or similar debates will be deleted.
- Please do not discuss, or post links to, websites that illegally stream NHL games.
- Posting under multiple user names is not allowed. Do not type in all caps. All violations are subject to comment deletion and/or banning of commenters, per the discretion of the blog administrator.
SOCIAL MEDIA
LA Kings Insider LA Kings Official
Poor goalies, they have to carry this team without any goal support. Big game for Bernier, it’s usually QUICK that plays the division games.
[Reply]
That’s huge for Voynov.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@AZ King, Yep. He has officially taken AM job.
[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@AZ King,
I was going to crap bricks if they sent voynov back down
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@Cruiznblue, that must hurt!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@tornado12,
He’s trying to bring his “heavy” game!
I’m glad TM did this. It’s not fair to Martinez because his injury gave VV the chance. But at the same time you have to go with the better player. Right move.
[Reply]
Rob Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@LA_1968, I agree, although if having the best current player on the ice is a factor, I would rather see Doughnut ride the pine for a game or two. He ain’t the best young defenseman on the team right now IMO… just the highest paid.
[Reply]
OldKingsFan Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
@Rob, Please don’t bring that up it p!$$@ me off The has turned into a slug. Hopefully he will pull his head out of his
[Reply]
Glad to see JB in there.. time to press the ‘reset’ button and begin the season over at the 29 game point.
One thing that the Kings management has to consider with the way the team is playing is losing a large portion of their fan base to boredom. Altho we railed against the team here last season at times, I never saw so many comments by die-hard hockey fans that they were BORED with the Kings as this season.. and I’m among that group. Watching games from other markets (I was especially impressed with the fan enthusiasm at the Winnipeg arena last night); the games are actually FUN to watch, and I have no rooting interest! The management has to think long and hard if they want to continue with icing a team and/or a system that puts the fans to sleep. With the NBA back and football playoffs looming they need to turn the excitement back on somehow! THE TIME IS NOW!
GKG!
[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@bbb7,
You’re so right. It’s impossible for me not to watch the games, but i haven’t been going to Staples for that very reason.
[Reply]
Ryanoliver Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@bbb7, i am one of those people. I actually like TM and believe that when the players play 60 minute hockey they are hard to beat. ThEy play a system that is playoff hockey and a system that grinds the opponent down and will win you playoff rounds. The problem is they let off the gas at times and you can’t do that. Now, are the players tuning out the coach? I don’t see it. If the were, they wouldn’t be playing hard at all. But the big reason for my complaints are that it is incredibly boring hockey to watch. I am a diehard fan watching on center ice for 15 years. I watch the first period, become extremely bored and then just fast forward through the remaining game, stopping to see the odd goal the Kings can muster. If they were winning, I would probably watch the whole thing. If they were scoring I would watch the whole thing. So, should they fire TM? I dont know. If they do, chances are very high DL will just promote Stevens because Dean has a love for anything Flyers and in my opinion that won’t do anything. But something has to change because if a lifelong Hardcore Kings fan is becoming bored and uninterested in Kings games, then the casual fan will disappear for sure
[Reply]
lowegirl Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
@Ryanoliver,
I have to agree. I always DVR the game now and watch the first few minutes and then sometimes just fast forward to any goals scored. It’s just really THAT boring now. I barely look up from Words With Friends when the game is on.
Expectations, while once so high, are shot to hell. Very disappointing. I’m in the “fire the coach” ring. Even if it’s just sending a message, something has to be done because I feel like the players are bored too.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@lowegirl,
You didn’t throw in the Words with Friends, did you?
Funny! OMG, tell me its not true!
lowegirl Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@lowegirl,
Yo Kingsfanone – I will readily admit that I had never heard of it and am not really a phone gamer type (with the exception of a lengthy affair with Angry Birds) but when I heard the Alec Baldwin story about how he wouldn’t shut off his game on the airplane, I had to know what the heck was so great that he wouldn’t shut his phone off. I got it, tried it, and it’s kinda fun. Those people should be sending him a fruit basket, fo shiz. I bet lots of people did what I did.
Perhaps I need to get out more. Hmmm.
Jack Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
I am bored of them as well..I listen but visit other web sites or other games. Its sad really. My wife follows them once in awhile and even she sees a difference.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@bbb7, I am NEVER bored watching my Kings!
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@fsd1, same here, if nothing actions on the ice i’m still critiquing every aspect, I’d imagine it’s the thrill people get from keeping score at baseball games…does anyone even do that anymore?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@bbb7, I get your point, but I don’t see a fan base issue what so ever atm. You want to see fan base issues take a look at the stands in Phoenix and Dallas. We are a long ways away from that.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@bbb7, I totally agree. It all really comes down to the fact that sports are just ENTERTAINMENT. Nothing more, nothing less. The idea is to have something for fans to enjoy. One could argue that winning is entertaining, but honestly, the Kings aren’t playing an entertaining brand of hockey whether they win OR lose. They are completely flat and not exciting. There are sooo few moments during games this season where they even give you the slightest hope that they will actually score or do anything exciting. They are obviously not going to dazzle anyone with pretty, creative scoring chances, and (as Brown pointed out a while back) guys aren’t going for the big hits cause they are afraid of getting out of defensive position. Top it all off, no one is fighting either.
So, if you can’t score, can’t hit, or have a good tussle just to bring the crowd to their feet, what are we left with? Terry Murray’s brand of hockey. I am a fan of the TEAM, and always will be, but I am definitely not a fan of the product as it is currently put together. I agree that this is NO WAY to market a sport and gain new fans. Ultimately, an ownership group should want to make sure they are entertaining their fans, and seek ways to make sure that is happening.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@PP Anybody?, Entertaining for fans is something the Kings did a lot of in the Gretzky era…and to a certain extent when they first moved into Staples and had Palfy and Deadmarsh and the like…it never translated into too many Playoff series wins…cup run in 93 at that’s it…not necessarily disagreeing with a lot of what you have to say…just the fact that entertaining hockey doesn’t translate into cups…some teams win ugly and if winning is entertaining then there it is…if this team plays it game, that is exactly how it will be…an ugly win
also, I think the hitting is down because of Commandant Shanahan and the brutal enforcement of boardings and hits involving the head…Brown I believe has already been suspended once…so now he’s on Shannys radar
[Reply]
Jason4kings Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@g smith86, Yeah, but your example of the more exciting teams not winning cups only works if the Kings are playing boring but great, which they are not. Just being boring wins nothing.
PP Anybody? Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@g smith86, Well, I would like to add though that you could make an argument for “entertaining hockey” for being winning hockey. I find Boston’s, Chicago’s, Detroit’s, and Pittsburgh’s brand of hockey to be much more entertaining, and they happen to also win playing that way. I’d also venture to say that more people would give those teams a better chance at winning it all, and would say that they enjoy watching that brand of hockey better too.
I know some people make a loose connection between our good defensive numbers, and say a team like Boston(who puts up good defensive numbers as well), but system wise, the Kings don’t play the same game or have the same approach.
Also, I honestly think that the 93 team was an incredible team, and played a great brand of hockey. I would argue that if just one element was changed, that is if Roy played for the Kings, and Hrudey played for Montreal, then the Kings would’ve swept everyone in the playoffs and been Cup champions. Sometimes it’s about systems, and sometimes it’s about individual players. In this case, I just think it’s a boring system and not a Cup winning one. Just my take.
Yea think Voynov has shown he is top 6 d for sure. Other than JJ he is highest scoring dman. I like a-mart a lot but can’t argue with keeping him out. Hope Bernie. An break up this losing skid. On a side note I am watching habs and Devils. Devils really do get most out of thier personnel. Even though they are down thier grind game is very nice, first man pressure seccond guy right no top to support, third man read…. Have less skill than us but for all you people wondering about system watch this game. Devils always have 1 high forward looking for stretch pass, allows real quick release of pressure, and transition to offense quickly… Whatch how low our forwards are tonight strangles our offense.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Kings4life, agree…Kopi at least four or five times a game will have to circle down to the goal line to get the “outlet” pass from the d men…by that time the other team has set their defense accordingly
[Reply]
Good to know Rich is human, after all, and also makes typos..:)
Mile Richards?
[Reply]
here’s another spitball to throw at the wall…
primal scream > team repression…
if management is pining for that 1970’s nhl mental toughness in today’s kings locker room, why not utilize one of that decade’s most popular psychological healing techniques…?
seriously…
would it really be such a bad thing at this point if someone…anyone…associated with the kings were to pull a howard beale…?
i think not…
shout…shout…let it all out…(!)
[Reply]
We will eventually win a game and I hope that it will be a turning point for this team(mentally for sure I think the road trip will be good for the team also…..
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@neil,
we tend to play better on the road than we do at home…
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@neil,
I was thinking that too. The road trip will hopefully bring the team together a bit more. Everyone’s been calling for a players only meeting, and I think this will bring ample opportunity for multiple players only meetings.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@FiG17, next 10 games are brutal…it could decide the season.That is why I hate when I hear…that its early……Those winnable(esp at home) games that we lost are going to costs us at the end.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@neil,
I’m sure TM is looking to get away from all the booing he is getting at home these days.
[Reply]
I”m watching the same afternoon game. Sure is a lot of players that would look good in Kings colors. Thinking back on this season I sit and wonder if we have hit our bottom yet. This team will at some point realize that enough is enough. The season still has a long way to go and we still have plenty of time to get back on track. Mitchell is our glue that keeps us together, good to see him back. Dallas won’t be so lucky tonight. The bounces and luck has got to start turning towards our favor. Key word tonight…Risk. Be willing to lay it on the line, allowing to room for average to slip in. Taking our game to a different level is all in the risk level were willing to take. Playing to not lose is much different then playing to win. Risk going to the front of the net. Risk rushing forward. Risk not listening to your coach, Risk using your heart, not your head.
[Reply]
Looking forward to watching some more paint dry tonight!
GKG!
[Reply]
Howard Beale.. Great name drop. Can he coach?
gKg!
[Reply]
listening to the players from both teams during the intermissions of the montreal vs new jersey game…and they say the same things our players say, too…
“keep it simple”…”drive to the net”…”get shots on goal”…”play our game”…
it’s all cliches, all the time, all around the league…
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@variable, I think every NHL player is required to watch the “cliches” scene from Bull Durham before their first NHL game.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@variable,
Only NHLPA approved cliches are allowed during TV interviews
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
@variable, I almost never listen to player interviews. They’re all horrible and have zero substance. Coaches aren’t much better. GM’s aren’t to bad though.
[Reply]
Been sort of a different team with Richards out of the lineup. Hope he’s back soon.
[Reply]
Well since it’s the holidays, Terry has a chance to turn it around until Christmas. And the Kings can give a nice Hanukkah gift by kicking some … tonight
[Reply]
This Team Cant Score…
Should Be DD-Mitchell, JJ-Voynov, Scuderi-Martiez. Maybe not the pairings, but the personnel. We need every puck mover.
[Reply]
i hope bernier steps up big tonight… i was hoping that quick would get the start after that bad game the other night, cause i had a feeling he was going to follow it up with lights out goaltending (that’s what top notch NHL goalies do after bad games… it could have been a real defining moment (to mgmt, fans, team, and critics) for “our guy” if he had the chance to start), but i understand the feeling of wanting to get bernie more games… in the end though, it’s not about bernie or quick, it’s about putting the damn puck in the net… PLEASE GUYS, PULL IT TOGETHER!!!!
GO KINGS GO!!!!
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@ddc, I felt Quick has had 2 somewhat shakey performances in a row…If i were TM I would have rested him the other night…he seems to be feeling the pressure of having to be perfect
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@g smith86,
That I agree with 100%.
[Reply]
I hate benching Quick, what a terrible message to send to him after his first bad game all year. why such a short leash?
Let’s go Bernie and lets get a division win tonight. GKG!
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@SVIK, cmon man…it’s pretty obvious Quick could use a rest…JB needs some starts anyway
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@SVIK, What kind of message does it send to Bernier and the rest of the team when Quick plays poorly and you still don’t play Bernier? I’m a huge Quick fan, but Bernier should be getting this start imho.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@SVIK, wasn’t his first bad game, and he’s played the last three where he’s been good but not shutout OUTSTANDING, so it’s time to see if JB can get a win, give <2 and if for whatever reason the boys score 4, I'm sure JB will play the following game too… the time is now
[Reply]
Hopefully kopitar gets run into the boards again .. I mean if that’s what it takes for him to dominate a game like he did against minn then I’m for it
[Reply]
TM’s still coach?
Wish harder people.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@Sdgolfer, How’s Maderas?…I relly want to play that course
[Reply]
SDGolfer Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 3:32 am
@g smith86, i played it even when they sanded the greens, it was still great.
Had 3 birdies. but a few drives in the trees, its really tight.
[Reply]