Having arrived in Boston yesterday, the Kings will practice at TD North Garden today at 12:30 p.m. local time. As of now, there is zero indication that any coaching change is on the horizon today, but no doubt that will remain a topic of conversation, reports and rumors as long as the Kings struggle. Per road-trip plan, Dean Lombardi and Ron Hextall are to arrive later today.
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Interesting that you bring up the coaching change topic Rich. If I’m not mistaken, I believe this is the first time you’ve mentioned it in this blog. It apparently is going to happen, or you wouldn’t have said anything.
[Reply]
Sean Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:02 am
@Poorman,
I agree with you…Hopefully Rich knows something that we dont.
[Reply]
ponch0v Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:09 am
@Poorman, Probably just a response to the LA Times article.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:11 am
@ponch0v,
Yeah but Rich doesn’t report rumors. There have been a lot or articles over the years the Rich doesn’t put on here because there’s not basis to them.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:17 am
@AZ King,
“The Rich”… is that like The Donald? Or The Borg? Or…?
AZ King Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:20 am
@AZ King,
LOL
should be “The Hammer”
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:20 am
@wavesinair
Dude, you are the man! The Borg? Outstanding. We will have Locutus coaching next week – “You will submit and be assimilated, resistance is futile.”
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:34 am
@wavesinair,
Is there a “The” Borg?
I remember them as Borg, a collective. At least they were when I was assimilated. Commander Riker rescued me.
Nonetheless, nice reference tho! But when Locutus takes over coaching duties, will we have 1 coach or an entire race?
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:03 am
LOL. Yeah, us humans only call them THE Borg. Actually though, I do believe they referenced themselves as ‘the’ a number of times. Yeah, I’m a trekie.
At least if Locutus takes over as coach the team will play as ONE…whether they like or not!
“We are Kings. Lower your sticks and surrender your goal. We will add your talent and system to our own. Your team will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.” -Terry Murray…oh I mean Locutus…wait, is there a difference?
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:12 am
@wavesinair
“Kopitar, human species, you will be assimilated, you will play defense and be known as “1 of 5.”
King-C Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:33 am
@AZ King, BAHAHAHAHA….TM is the borg! The expressionless, cold affect. 1 of 5…. classic! lol
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@AZ King, @Waves,
The Borg were spawned from cells taken off a stolen glass that touched Juraj Mikus’ lips…
There could only be One Most Interesting Hockey Player in the World.
Never get full value from a copy…
bmova Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@ponch0v, Just read the article. Looks a lot like a combination of all the comments on this blog!
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Ryan oliver Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:11 am
@Poorman, He is probably just responding to the hundred or so private messages he has gotten in regards to Helene Elliots article. Bob Mckenzie of TSN does it all the time
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Rich Hammond Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:16 am
Precisely. Others’ reporting can stand on its own. Does not require my judgement.
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:49 am
@Rich Hammond,
Rich, I would assume from reading Helene’s article that DL and Hexi don’t usually travel with the team. Is this correct?
Rich Hammond Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:49 am
Nope. One, if not both, is almost always on the road.
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:37 am
@Poorman,
It’s all just rumors if/until anything happens.
The Lakers trade over the weekend, same deal. Just rumors.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:26 am
@Kingsfanone,
What?
The Lakers trade was a rumor? LOL. No, it actually happened…then didn’t.
Time to breakout the tried and true Princess Bride quote:
“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” -Inigo Montoya
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@wavesinair,
Classic!
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:38 am
@wavesinair,
I love that movie!
Yes, you are correct. It actually was a deal that was vetoed by the evil Emperor and his Council of cronies.
Telos Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:50 am
@Poorman, They wouldn’t tell Rich unless he was already fired. I doubt they would tell him anything at this point. Rich is just responding to the fact that this is the first time an accredited news source has mentioned that the Kings are interested in a coaching change. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what is coming, but until the show falls there is nothing to be said really, especially from Hammond’s position.
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KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:39 am
@Telos, Well said.
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I’d bet they will let him shoot for his 500th win and then possibly let him go. Either way, Murray’s time might be coming to an end. I admire Murray for what he did to turn this team around. He made us into a respectable team over the last four years, but a change is needed.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:09 am
@oldthunder,
THIS^^^
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Jason4kings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:21 am
@oldthunder,
As a fan, if I felt like the last couple weeks or so the good of the team has been hijacked by TM’s possible 500th win I’d be very angry. You’re not doing that are you Dean? (rhetorical question)
[Reply]
trytodethroneus Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:36 am
@Jason4kings,
Didn’t he do something like that to get Quick 40 wins? (not sure)
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@trytodethroneus, What would DL have to do with that? The head coach decides which goaltender plays.
mrbrett7 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:21 am
@oldthunder, Very well put.
I remember thinking when he was hired that he wasn’t going to take this team to the promised land but he would make this team competative. Actually teach them how to play hockey at this level (cough cough, Marc Crawford, cough cough).
But, a change is absolutely needed, no doubt. No clue who with though.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:14 am
@mrbrett7, Are you still on moderation?
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:57 am
@puck73, Yup…and I still have no idea why I am.
Rich Hammond Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:50 am
Then I’m guessing you deleted, without reading, the last email which explained why, in clear detail. I would see no other reason behind your confusion.
SDKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:34 am
@oldthunder,
+1. Exactly. Time to move on..
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I don’t know what change needs to be made , but there sure needs to be one !!! I’m glad I’m not in charge, no wonder Dean works so many hours in a day ! Good luck Dean , please fix our team !!!
[Reply]
RussD Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:21 am
@PUCKBOY25, Yeah Dean, please fix our team by resigning. It was you who broke it with your poor selections of coaches and personnel.
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But who is next??? Any idea?
[Reply]
HOSO Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Marc Crawford
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Donald_S Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@Ziggy,
I’m betting on Craig Mactavish. He’s got Stanley Cup experience as a player, cup final as a coach, and is out of the whole ‘Philly West’ loop (though the Kings have strong ties to Edmonton too). Importantly, he’s available as a minor league coach in Chicago. He’s a motivator, not a teacher, which is where the Kings need to go now.
Unless at 78 Scotty Bowman wants to coach again
.
[Reply]
kings4queens Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@Ziggy,
If DL is smart, he will have Mark Morris and his assistant (from the Monarchs) step in for the interim, rather than John Stevens. Yes, they teach the same system down in Manchester, but Morris has been a coach for over 25 years and has always had alot of success with his players. Plus, he’s coached half of the players on the team before and they all seem to have performed much better offensively under his direction than under TM. Morris came on board in the AHL when Marc Crawford was coach so he isn’t a Murray clone.
[Reply]
Since Rich doesn’t report rumors this whole situation just got a lot more interesting. Should be an interesting week ahead.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:19 am
@AZ King,
It got interesting as soon as the LA Times REPORTED it. Reports are not rumors.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:22 am
@wavesinair,
Point taken.
[Reply]
I wonder if Dean reads the comments from disgruntled Kings fans, or are we just talking to ourselves? I know he’s only been with us for a few years, but if he doesn’t get what a “critical moment” this is (as Fox-y says), then I think he needs to be shown the door as well.
Those of us who faithfully follow this team have waited SO long for a legitimate Cup contender, and with the talent on this team, our current record is beyond unacceptable! Yes, it’s just a game. Yes, there are greater tragedies in life…. But what an absolute waste of a season if this team continues on its current track.
The players have to man up. It’s not just TM’s fault. But you have to assume that, with the talent on this team, it really is a problem of motivation. I usually defend coaches and hate treating them as sacrifical lambs for a team that just isn’t getting it done. This time, I think it’s different.
[Reply]
gralx Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:19 am
@Tony in Denver, Not so sure that DL reads the blog. But, Leiweke and Anshutz might
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@Tony in Denver, Good post and I agree. The money has been spent and the moves have been made for this team to contend NOW. Either Terry Murray is the wrong guy or our lineup isn’t as good as it was cracked up to be. Since everyone who does that stuff for a living picked the Kings to be among the best in the west, I still think the roster is solid. Lombardi has a huge decision ahead that will put him at risk. Getting rid of Murray is a no-brainer, but whoever he replaces him with has to succeed and succeed quickly or the shake up may continue.
[Reply]
snbrdsummit Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@Tony in Denver,
I read continuously from people who think this is a motivation problem. While motivation and morale do decrease with a number of losses, it doesn’t explain the lack of offensive strategy that we have. It also doesn’t explain the strategic fumbles that have been committed in playoffs for the past two years. Plain and simple, we’ve been outcoached.
A good coach utilizes the talent hes got and finds ways to expose weaknesses on the teams he plays against. Each night we employ the same offensive strategy… Dump and chase. His analysis after every game is either “The puck didn’t bounce our way” or “We were unmotivated” or “We didn’t have a shooting mentality”. There are fundamental problems with our play that aren’t getting fixed. Shooting is not one of them… Getting quality shots on goal IS. Sound offensive strategy will open better shooting opportunities on net by unbalancing opposing defenses.
On mixing up the lines: This is the most bungled of all rationale with Terry Murray. A good coach may recognize that his team is not firing because of a lack of chemistry and may change the lines. But to do it as many times as TM has is beyond any semblance of logic. As coach, it’s your job to know your players and to match up complimentary player traits. Sticking three players who are not natural scorers is going to result in a dead line. If you play that line while down by a goal or tied in the waning minutes of the game, you probably won’t score and you probably will give the other team a chance to be on the offensive the entire duration of that line. Playing line change Yahtzee has killed any natural chemistry between players. They don’t know who they will be playing with from one week to the next.
I could go on for days, but the point I’m making is that coaches are the macro-strategists for teams. It’s their job to execute a plan that will allow individual players to gel into cohesive units that make up a TEAM. Without it, even the best players will never live up to their potential, because everytime they go down the ice, they are flying alone and just praying that someone will be there to pass to when they get pinned.
Dean,
Give us a new coach with a plan and vision that matched what you sold us on. Someone that can execute sound offensive strategy and can expose other teams weaknesses. Don’t get us a “name”. Find us someone that doesn’t need the best players to make the best team. Find us the next Dan Bylsma.
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Honestly, Dan Bylsma has really “good” players that play alot of heart! This Pens team goes far beyond Crosby! Bruins too have many players who play with heart. I think this team has a lot of “finishers” but absolutely NO play makers saved Kopi and Richards.
This team needed/needs a play maker NOT a new coach!!
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
You got to have a “start” before you can “finish.” Why Kings can’t score!!
The rumor is even getting traction on local talk radio. The more I see that picture of Rich standing behind the bench on the opening page of the webiste, the more I get to thinking about Rich as a head coach. I mean, just think of all the incredible knowledge he has gained from the 100+ “coaches” who post on his blog? If TM goes and they don’t select Rich (I mean, even his suit looks good in that picture and he even has his “coach face” going on), my bet is someone from the AHL with some fresh passion and fresh ideas.
[Reply]
gralx Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:19 am
@DesertKing, Let’s not get silly…. Mikus for coach!
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DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:21 am
@gralx,
Talk about silly! Mikus for Commissioner!!!
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I think Rich may be referring to the LA Times article and/or the article available at NHL.com: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=605998
I think Murray has done a great job of getting the team to where it is today, but I think this is as far as he’s going to take the Kings. It’s time for a change and an offensive approach to the game. I don’t know of any coaches available, but Murray needs to go!
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:25 am
@JD87,
I think everyone would agree that Murray has done a great job of getting us where were we are today. Unfortunately where we are today is not good.
[Reply]
Jason4kings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:33 am
@JD87,
Where the team is today is getting near the bottom of the conference. Everyone acts like losing two playoff rounds is some huge deal. I know, we were out for a long time and I suffered along with everyone, but to be at all satisfied with where we are under TM is to continue to accept mediocrity. I know he’s a nice guy, and has had a productive hockey life, you don’t have to feel that bad for him. And the people saying its a bummer to do it around Christmas is hilarious. You know that he has money and a contract, right? Plus, there are a million hockey jobs available for Murray when he’s done here.
[Reply]
JD87 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Jason4kings,
Just to clarify, what I meant by “where he got us today” is the fact that we’ve gotten into the playoffs for 2 consecutive seasons. I am in no way a fan of where the team is now and I believe a coaching change is imminent.
In other words, I completely agree with what you’re saying.
[Reply]
Jason4Kings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:56 am
@JD87, Yeah, i’m with you. I guess i was speaking generally more than responding directly to you.
Perro Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@JD87, I thnk he did a good job two seasons ago, and should hacve been let go at the end of last year but the kopitar injury allowed him to scapecaot.
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uknojata Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@Perro, agree.
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I found it interesting that BOTH Helene Elliott and Lisa Dillman appeared on the byline of the L.A. Times article. Their wording (“People familiar with the situation but not authorized to comment publicly…” points to the existence of multiple sources, apparently within the organization.
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DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:23 am
@Ron Reynolds,
She must be referring to @Puck73, @CB14, @wavesinair, etc. as those familiar with the situation but not authorized to comment.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:24 am
@DesertKing,
No comment.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:43 am
@wavesinair,
Outstanding!
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:49 am
@wavesinair,
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:44 am
@DesertKing, I can’t neither deny or confirm that comment.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:23 am
@Ron Reynolds,
It certainly is implied. “Not authorized” says it all.
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Jason4kings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:40 am
@Ron Reynolds,
This has been rumored for a while, people talk around the press room, etc. Lombardi, Hextall, these guys don’t live in a bubble. You can probably bet Rich knows alot more than he writes here too, but he’s a reporter, he waits until there is news to report. I think the fact that he references the rumor at all in his post is a bonus to us, he knows we all see that stuff and acknowledges it, good for him.
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:45 am
You’re very astute, sir!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:55 am
@Rich Hammond,
Nice to see The Hammer (or is it just Hammer, like Borg) got that gps installed in his crystal ball.
LA_1968 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:34 am
@Rich Hammond, This leaks but no replacement located. Could this be a shakeup tactic to motivate the team? Or have they asked potential coaches and been declined? I doubt it would have gotten out if they didn’t pick up the phone and try.
LA_1968 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Rich Hammond, Oh I think I get it now. “People familiar with the situation but not authorized to comment publicly”. = RH?
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:11 am
@Jason4kings,
Irrespective of whether or not it turns out to be true, it’s not a rumor. It’s a report in a major newspaper by a highly experienced journalist. Call it what you will but just because it’s not reported here doesn’t make it a rumor. And vice versa.
[Reply]
Jason4kings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:31 am
@wavesinair, I understand. I’m not going to bat over the difference between rumor and report. It is all speculation until Dean pulls the trigger obviously, but I believe the “report”. I have no argument.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:09 am
IMHO, any “report” without a publicly available source is a rumor.
Seriously now…who’s available that would be likely to get the max out of this group of players?
[Reply]
DrewStopCrossChecking Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:35 am
@Ron Reynolds, Bring back Mark Hardy.
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KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@DrewStopCrossChecking, You never know.
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Canadian King Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@Ron Reynolds, Bob Boughner from Windsor would be an awesome choice. Actually surprised he is not a head coach yet in the nhl.
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DL is a smart man and he sees the same thing as do all of us….
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Jason4kings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:42 am
@neil, Maybe.
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GRETZ!!!
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Jason4kings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:42 am
@David, I would begin the fire DL chant if that happened.
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AZ King Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:14 am
@David,
No, not as a coach. He did a horrible job when he was behind the Coyotes bench.
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silk Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:14 am
@David, Yeah, he did such a great job with the Coyotes under his tenure. He was the “greatest” on ice, but not to stellar behind the bench.
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David Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@silk, No, he didn’t. But the team needs a kick in the pants, and his name alone might be enough. Also fans love him (at least the fans I know). He also didn’t have the best team to work with. I know it’s not an excuse because Tippett came in a year later and did great things…regardless I stand by my original comment.
GRETZ!!!
[Reply]
Jack Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@David, I say ask Marcel Dionne to come coach…
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@David,
No on Wayne. Similar to when Magic coached the Lakers. Great players do not always make great coaches.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:36 am
@DesertKing,
Very true. On the other hand, I wouldn’t rule it out. Maybe Wayne has learned something from that experience and wants to be better. Who knows. One thing is certain, he is a winner.
Personally, if he could do it and had the drive and determination, I couldn’t ask for a better ending that to see him coach the Kings to their first Cup.
It would be…well…magical.
[Reply]
Roger Rabbit Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:42 am
@wavesinair, I would gladly take Wayne as at a minimum an Interim Coach while they find a long term solution. I don’t think that wayne has any interest in the job ling term, but i bet he would step in while we are in a pinch and would bring both coaching and passion to the locker room in the short term which is exactly what we need now.
RR
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:42 am
@wavesinair,
“We’re going to the damn Finals!” – Luc Robitaille
Kaiser Soze Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@wavesinair, The problem with the Great One as coach is, how do you teach greatness? It’d be like Chinaman talking to me in Chinese, wondering why I don’t understand him.
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:46 am
@David, Oh God no.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@KC23, I’ll never understand this fascination with hiring Gretz as a coach, with the results of the previous Gretzky coaching tenure available for all to see.
[Reply]
Mickey Keenan Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@David, No… remember when PHX was an OK team until Gretz left, and then Tippet came in. and all of sudden, they are winning more games, then they should. We never should have let Tippet leave. That was our mistake.
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Steve W Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@David, Not as a head coach, but how about him as an assistant?
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I’m convinced that if we lose to Boston, TM will be gone. If they win, he’ll hang on longer to see if the team can turn it around on this road trip.The fact that DL and RH made the trip says it all right there.Pre-planned trip?
[Reply]
wideleft Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:41 am
@wideleft, Just caught my mis-read…sorry Rich “per road trip plan” I’m guessing Hexstall will be the interum coach.
[Reply]
Simarosa Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:12 am
@wideleft,
Well since Hextall was in Manchester for yesterday’s game, he doesn’t have far to drive.
[Reply]
silk Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:18 am
@wideleft, Don’t worry about winning against Boston. With our game strategy-taught by TM and executed by our team…we have about a 10% chance of winning. That’s the problem. For gods sake…get it over with DL…let TM go.
[Reply]
MassKings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:38 am
@wideleft,
Don’t worry…the Bruins are hot right now and when they snuff the Kings 3-1 or 4-0, things may happen
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They need to fire the entire coaching staff. If they ONLY fire Murray then it’s pretty pointless. It will just be more of the same.
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silk Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:18 am
@DrewStopCrossChecking, Absolutely.
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Sebastian Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@DrewStopCrossChecking, I would not mind Stevens staying on, but Murray and Kompon gotta go
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Kings Fan South Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:24 am
@DrewStopCrossChecking, Fire them all! It’s called accountability.
[Reply]
King-C Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@DrewStopCrossChecking, Love the name….I loled
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letswinthecup2012 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:43 am
@King-C,
+1 great name
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The Batman Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:14 am
@DrewStopCrossChecking, Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure the head coach has freedom to appoint his own assistants to help with whatever part of the game he wants them to?
[Reply]
DrewStopCrossChecking Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@The Batman, I believe so, but if the Kings decide to keep one of the current coaching staff as interim coach then they are just going to play the same old system for the rest of the year. They need to hire someone new now. This current system needs to die, and die as soon as possible!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@The Batman,
Well of course a coach can appoint any assistant coach he wants, his own regime as it were.
What, you been in a cave or something?
[Reply]
Whatever you’re doing DL, please do it soon. I don’t want to have the impending ax hanging over the team for a week or two. Already did that with DD all summer, and I have work to do! Can’t be sitting on this blog all dog gone day waiting for the news. We all have bosses and I don’t want to be on TM watch this week ( and I don’t want to wind up like TM ).
[Reply]
Jason4kings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:43 am
@McCheese, Amen to that, good post.
[Reply]
DL’s job should also be on the line……he brought us Hunter,Moreau and Frasor.Also Cliffy,Lewis and Richardson.The Kings need to find out if those 6 players are useless or did TM hold them back.If a new coach comes in and those players(minus Moreau)still cant produce points..then DL should get fired.This is year 6 of the rebuild and by now your bottom 6 should give you something….
[Reply]
MassKings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:40 am
@neil,
I agree..DL’s high draft picks have been Doughty, Hickey, Teubert (gone), Shenn (gone) and not much else. Getting Richards was a big coup, but the drafting and development? Remember Cammilerri?
[Reply]
I don’t really care about the change at this point unless it doesn’t happen. That being said, this is a huge road trip and we need win some hockey games. Quick typically plays very strong against Thomas, so if they both are in goal I am expect our team to come in and get a W.
[Reply]
David Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:49 am
@David, *expecting
[Reply]
letswinthecup2012 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@David,
i wish i could expect a W David..
[Reply]
Hey Dean…how about hiring MIKE KEENAN. He will shake things up a bit. If “Iron Mike” can’t get these guys moving, then nothing will.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:12 am
@oldkingsfan,
Please no, anyone but him.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:15 am
@AZ King,
I have to agree. I can’t stand constant yellers. It’s like the total opposite of Terry Murray.
One word: Overcompensate
[Reply]
Perro Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@oldkingsfan, Gawd no, I have been posting that Mactavish is the man I want. What does everyone else think.
Look what he did for the oilers, and they definately did not have the talen we have.
[Reply]
Canadian King Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:51 am
@Perro, How about Bob Boughner, he has done amazing things in Windsor, plus he is a new generation coach, with new ideas and philosophy. I also say NO to MK.
[Reply]
Timmy tim tim Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:49 am
@Perro, Tony Granato! already has been a legend in a kings jersey. I bet he’s learned a lot being a part of the Pittsburgh organization and that team is very offensively sound with or without crosby and I feel like Kopitar and Malkin have very similar playing styles. Also it shouldnt be hard to pull an assistant coach away from a team to come out here where he already has established a name for himself and he’s falling into stacked team.
[Reply]
Already planning for summer. Ordered opening day tickets for the Angels. Definitely anticipating some scoring by the home team.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:58 am
@DesertKing,
I’m leaning on going also. Gonna be sick at the Big A!
[Reply]
He Shoots, He Scores Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:01 am
@Kingsfanone,
Let’s hope that team can deal with expectations!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:09 am
@He Shoots, He Scores,
I think the problem the Kings have with expectations goes directly to leadership. If you have strong leadership, expectations can be handled better. Weaker leadership tends to allow these kinds of situations to spiral out of control.
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:11 am
@He Shoots, He Scores,
Oh, as for the Angels? Their coach/manager has already been there. No problem!
McCheese Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@DesertKing, Maybe Scioscia could take over? Sure it would get a bit busy in the spring when both teams are playing, but nobody really cares about how the baseball teams are doing until July anyway, right?
I bet our production would go up…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:26 am
@McCheese,
My only worry there would be Scioscia teaching JQ to throw out the skater at the red line and Penner how to drive it out of the rink.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:40 am
@DesertKing,
Although we live in OC ,we’re die hard Dodgers fans. After the mega signing by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this past week, we more than ever not going to root for the Angels.
I cannot, in good conscience, see ourselves chanting: POOOO HOOOLESSSS!!
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:51 am
@DesertKing,
I never understand how a Kings fan could also be an Angels fan, because the Angels are the Ducks of baseball. Ducks fans should be Angels fans, and Kings fans should be Dodgers fans!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@Scot,
One word -Dodgers – been to several games, just couldn’t get into them as a team or an organization. Kings fans should not be Dodgers fans, just like King’s fans should not be Rams or Chargers fans. The Angels are still an LA market team and are actually the only true home-grwon LA baseball team. The Dodgers came from Brooklyn while the Angels were created and started here. Thus my following question – how come you are not a fan of the actual baseball team that is 100% from LA? Of course, does it matter? Root for whoever you want, just don’t be a bandwagoner! GKG!!!
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@DesertKing,
Doesn’t really make any difference to me, I’m a Cubs fan! I always just wondered, because my roommate is also a Kings/Angels fan, & I always give him crap for it. However, he jumped on the Angels bandwagon in 2002 when they won the World Series & has never looked back.
PP Anybody? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@DesertKing, Well, if you actually live in Los Angeles, and not orange county, you kinda have to be a Dodgers fan. OC is not LA, and most people that live in either area will stand by that. I admire the Angels organization nowadays, and must say the Dodgers are in complete turmoil, but I will always be a Dodgers fan. The Angels are not LA.
16,005 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:27 am
@Scot,
It happens… some of us Kings fans from OC did not jump ship in 1993… so we are Kings and Angels fans.
[Reply]
King John Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:48 am
@Scot, It helped when they changed their name to the Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim—for legal purposes), otherwise I just couldn’t follow the Anaheim Angels/Ducks. I live in the San Fernando Valley and don’t want to follow “Anaheim”, but I’ll follow the Los Angeles Angels at times. And it looks like good times are coming again. We have two L.A. market teams in baseball, like New York and Chicago, which have the same city name.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:53 am
@Scot, One answer. Mike Scioscia. One of my all time favorite Dodgers and he beat the hated Giants in the Series which included my all time hated player “Bonds” and broke their heart in the process. That is why I like the Angles and the Kings. Still like the Dodgers also though.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:00 am
@KC23,
Good call. I can’t stand the Angels but I have major respect for Scioscia. Best manager in baseball right now, in my opinion.
Normal for Lombardi and Hextall to accompany a road trip? Feel for Murray – good guy and deserves credit for the initial development of the team, but must not be great to have all of this negative attention on your head. Obviously it’s good that this has come to a head and seemingly just a matter of time before a change, but I hope they’re focusing now on the solution and not so much the problem. If not Murray, then who? I like the mentality of Dineen in Florida – have a set of high expectations for structure and effort in the defensive end, but allow the players complete freedom on the attack.
[Reply]
They need a coach that can bring out their killer instinct. They are to passive and boring to watch. I get sick to my stomach every game
[Reply]
King4life Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:03 am
@King4life, What about bringing back Melrose? I know he blew it on his last coaching stint but he has history with the Kings and a good track record! And also that killer instinct I was talking about.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:19 am
@King4life, NO. like Murray, he likes muckers and plumbers.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:19 am
@King4life, Melrose is a bonafide fruit loop….
[Reply]
Perro Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@King4life, be better then Keenan
[Reply]
jason Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:34 am
@Perro, keenan is crazy but he gets results
deadcatbounce Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@King4life, Are you talking about Melrose’s good track record after the Kings lucked out and got into the SC finals in 1993? Please go back and look at
what he did to the team during that year and beyond. So many teams thought so highly of his good track record that he’s had exactly one coaching offer
from an NHL team since that time, and that one only lasted a month. Who knows, though. Maybe he would have made Stamkos into the best grinder in the league by now. If you’re an owner and you want a coach who’s going to get into power struggles with the GM because he thinks that he
can do the GM’s job better, then Melrose is your guy.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:15 am
@King4life,
Well, if anyone can bust out some “killer instinct,” that would be Hextall. I think he would be a great interim.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:56 am
@DesertKing, It would be interesting. Not to many X goalies as coach.
[Reply]
Ike Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:59 am
@King4life, These coaching prospects/suggestions are depressing. It’s like we won’t getting a new coach we will be getting a new public enemy number 1.
[Reply]
Even though we dont know if Hammond is sharing something he might know, or if it was in reference to an article, he did say Dean Lombardi and Ron Hextall would arrive in Boston shortly. Is something is going on, or is DL just visiting his home state of Massachusetts??? You think us fans made enough noise for a change?
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:20 am
@Bean32, I dont think us fans have one iota to do about mgmt decisions, not one bit.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@Bean32,
There’s no question Dean listens to season ticket holders concerns, which are probably at a fever pitch right now.
But more than anything…and as it should be…any change is a result of losing.
High hopes + roster upgrade + last in league in scoring + 4 game losing streak + sub .500 at home = coach fired in any sport.
[Reply]
Kings Fan South Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:25 am
@wavesinair, You are absolutely correct.
[Reply]
Kings Fan South Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:25 am
@wavesinair, You are absolutely correct.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@Kings Fan South,
Hang on, I gotta change my glasses……I’m seeing double.
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Bean32,
No, he’s not listening to the fans. He’s not blind either, so don’t think he’s not seeing what everyone is seeing.
[Reply]
P90X Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:38 am
@Bean32, Yeah I’m sure that’s what it is. I’m sure that’s what Dean Lombardi bases all his important hockey decisions on. What every Einstein on this site thinks they know. Because he knows they know so much more than about hockey operations and what not…….
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@Bean32, He doesn’t have to watch what we have to say, that is predictable to whatever happens on the ice.
The players dictate a coaching move and they spoke volumes against Dallas. Dallas played terrible. That is the worst game I’ve seen by a King’s opponet that beat us in years. The King’s core players looked like they were sending a message loud and clear.
Makes me wonder about Richards injury.
[Reply]
I say Tony Granato or Jeff Daniels (AHL Coach for Charlotte Checkers). Those would just be 2 cadidates I would be interested in. Just my two cents. I do believe that the change will be announced before the Bruins game.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Kings Fan South, Tony Granato sounds good. He’s done a lot with the Penguins. Very gritty guy when he was a player. Lot of heart.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@Kings Fan South, I would say that is a top choice. Definately one of my all time favorite Kings.
[Reply]
Even though we dont know if Hammond is sharing something he might know, or if it was in reference to an article, he did say Dean Lombardi and Ron Hextall would arrive in Boston shortly. Is something is going on, or is DL just visiting his home state of Massachusetts???
[Reply]
TYLER Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:06 am
@Bean32, you can say that again
[Reply]
Hire Wayne Gretzky…………In the recent issue of SI he said he would love to get back into the NHL but would only do it if it’s the right fit. Just a thought………..
[Reply]
Perro Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:30 am
@StankBloat, last month he said both on NHL and sportsnet that he is enjoyiong being away from the game.
I don’t think it would happen.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:31 am
@StankBloat,
No.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@StankBloat, I’d rather they keep TM. The Great one was an excellent player, but coaching isn’t his thing.
[Reply]
I understand Harold Snepsts is available.
[Reply]
MassKings Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:42 am
@Ron Reynolds,
Yes! HAAAA—ROLD! Love it!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:45 am
@Ron Reynolds, Yah, I heard that. I also heard that Tiger Williams, Tony Twist, and Dave Schultz are canidates as well. LMAO
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:50 am
@Ron Reynolds,
I keep telling you – Charlie Brown or Wiley from BC. Both are very expereinced with underachievers.
[Reply]
Whenever the GM goes on a road trip, the coaches/players will think chages are a’comin… Remember when Old Joe McGrath (Strother Martin) went on that infamous Charletown Chiefs Roadie??
[Reply]
EMELIO ESTEVES!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:46 am
@Lake Forest,
Cmon………please!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:47 am
@Lake Forest,
May as well just get his brother, cuz he knows “Winning!”
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@Kingsfanone,
Dang, beat me to it
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@Kingsfanone,
Ohhh, that was GOOD!
Charlie = Stanley
Do it Deano!
On his new job: “It’s perfect. It’s awesome. Every day is just filled with just wins. All we do is put wins in the record books. We win so radically in our underwear before our first cup of coffee, it’s scary. People say it’s lonely at the top, but I sure like the view.” – Charlie Sheen, LA Kings Coach
On the hiring: “There’s a new sheriff in town. And he has an army of assassins.”
On joining the organization: “I am on a drug. It’s called the LA Kings.”
On playing the Ducks: “Look what I’m dealing with, man, I’m dealing with fools and trolls.”
I could go on all day…
On his new coaching style: “I’m an F-18, bro. I am battle-tested bayonets.”
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:03 am
@wavesinair,
That’s too good!!!
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:23 am
@wavesinair,
He would definitely bring some slump-busters to the party. Not sure any of the Kings would be able to pass a drug test after shaking his hand
Sebastian Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@Lake Forest, Kings fly together?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:03 am
@Sebastian, We’ll trade goldberg FOR PARISE!
[Reply]
I’ve posted this before and I’ll post it again now: Terry Murray should’ve been fired at the end of last season after the debacle that was Game 3 of the San Jose series. The man is incapable of recognizing when his team is losing control of the psychological advantage in a game and playoff series. His post-game comments that night to the effect of not thinking the Kings had lost control of the game of because SJ’s goals didn’t come quickly enough in his mind gave away his tunnelvision and delusion. His Kings tenure has been on Death Row in my book since then.
[Reply]
Whoever replaces TM needs to be a motivator and in the “new breed” or progressive coaches. Look at the young and innovative coaches in Tampa, Minnesota, Florida. The hockey part of the organization needs to get into the flow of the modern game.
[Reply]
I don’t get why people keep saying Wayne Gretzky should be considered for the gig if Murray gets the axe. People don’t remember how bad the coyotes were under his guidance. They missed the playoffs every season, then . .they hire Tippett and now are overachievers. People say Carlyle, but don’t forget he is a defensive minded coach as well. My friend who’s a season ticket holder for the ducks said that Carlyle does make in game adjustments and demands a hard nosed style of play. the ducks this season simply tuned out Carlyle.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Soyokaze, THANK YOU. Wish the stars would align right so the Kings could get Tippett.
[Reply]
sad that this is what it’s come to.
I hope the rumors are wrong, but we’re not playing very well, so that’s the usual next step.
In the end it’s the players fault..no matter who the new coach may be, if the players don’t do a better job, we’re not winning anything
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:55 am
@nykingfan,
You may be right, but that doesn’t mean a coaching change seems extremely necessary at this point.
Craig Button on NHL on the Fly last night was talking about the Rangers, & said quote, “John Tortorella has this team playing very well right now.” And that’s the truth.. When a team is playing well, the coach DOES get the credit. It may not be mentioned often enough, but it’s how it is.
If Button were talking about the Kings, he would say, “Terry Murray has this team playing very poorly right now.” It’s just the way it is. The players may not be playing well, but responsibility ultimately falls on the coach to make the players play well.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@Scot,
Makes you wonder though.
The Rangers are extrememly hot, but things usually have a way of cooling down…
Just one time I’d love for a commentator to say..”hey, I told you all a while ago what a great job the coach was doing, but now he sucks” lol
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@Scot, Yup, and it goes up the ladder from there. My watch says it’s approaching coach time.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@nykingfan, I’m pretty loyal and hate change for change sake. However, it does seem like TM has tried everything he knows to get things turned around. Benching and demoting key players won’t fly. Look at the Caps and Ducks coaches after they tried that.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@nykingfan, I’ve felt as you have along the way, but the King’s players totally quit on TM this past home stand. They are going through the motions and nothing else. Doesn’t matter what we think of TM, it only matters what the players thing and they’ve made their case loud and clear.
I think the players turned on TM after not playing Quick with 3 shutouts in a row.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@nykingfan,
Players, soldiers, employees -whatever, it’s always the same. They all need to be lead. Just like in WWII General Patton took an assembly of divisions (men) who were thought to be complete losers and underacheivers, and organized them into a fighting force that whipped german ass all the way to bastogne. It’s the leadership that we have problem with, not the players. Players are fine.
With your “no matter what, it’s the players fault” kind of approach, you may as well fill up the refrigerator first and then unplug it and the yell at your food for going bad. Ridiculous!!
[Reply]
Ron Hextall seems like a very interesting name to me…….but what do I know, just WIN god darn it, WIN!
[Reply]
TYLER Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@Louis Zypher, AMEN
[Reply]
Interesting thought guys…..here I go….
Do the players, who I’m sure are aware of the situation – I mean come on, they read the newspapers too, play poorly to secure TM’s dismissal? Something in my gut tells me YES>
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:01 am
@John,
Any player who did that should be released immediately.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:08 am
@John,
I would never hope any professional athelete would ever intentionally do something like “lay down” to get a coach fired.
That is beyond not right!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@Kingsfanone, Pete Rose…though not the same situation.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@Lake Forest,
I’ll bet you!
deadcatbounce Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@Kingsfanone, Unless you go by “Magic”.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@John, All you had to do was watch that Dallas game. IMHO the players were screaming at the top of their lungs to get rid of TM.
[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@John, I’m not sure at this point they’re capable of playing good
[Reply]
If the LATimes article is true IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!!!
[Reply]
The NHL.com is stating the LA Times thru its sources is reporting TM will be fired this week do to poor performance. John Stevens will be interun coach to a new coach is found.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:10 am
@gene, No that is not what they are REPORTING. May fire and stevens may be asked does not confirm anything.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:11 am
@gene,
It was posted online at 9:55 pm last nite.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@gene,
I heard Wayne Gretzky is going to be traded to the Blues.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@wavesinair,
How can you look that far into the future when he hasn’t even been drafted yet?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:25 am
@Scot,
Saskatoon Times reported that a pregnant Mrs. Gretzky just scored a hattie!
neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:36 am
@Scot, or born yet….
Shakes Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@wavesinair,
Denver has Tebow.
We’ll have Roman Vopat.
It’s Roman Vopat Time
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@Shakes, Well, there IS this guy Laperriere….
DrewStopCrossChecking Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@gene, From what I hear, Murray is a pretty easy coach to play for. If anything they would want to do well for him to keep him around so they can continue their laid back environment and push over coach.
[Reply]
King John Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@gene, Sometimes you should read what other people post, especially before posting a “new” announcement.
[Reply]
TYLER Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@King John, i learned that lesson last night…
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@King John,
A very unforgiving crowd in this room!
[Reply]
I know I don’t post here often but I do read almost every article. If Murray is fired today, tomorrow or even in the near future lets not be those fans who celebrate the sacking of a coach. It’s not classy and, frankly, beneath you. Let’s wish Murray good luck in his next gig and look forward to the team getting back on track and winning the cup.
Remember Murray helped shape the Kings and helped get them to two straight play-offs appearances. And to be fair I’ve also called for Murray to be fired. I think, at this time, the players are tuning him and a change needs to be made. But I do appreciate what he has done for the franchise and for my enjoyment of hockey. Just my two cents.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:10 am
@Colorado Kings Fan,
Well said.
I’ll scrap my plans to throw a massive party at my place if/when it happens.
Seriously though, good post.
[Reply]
DrewStopCrossChecking Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@Colorado Kings Fan,
I take no joy in someone getting fired, I just want the Kings to succeed. Murray is just the wrong person for the job at this point in the progression of the team. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do for the good of the team.
My focus is solely on the Kings and what’s best for the team. Firing Murray is the right move,
[Reply]
McCheese Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@Colorado Kings Fan, well said +1
I will not forget the opening playoff win against Vancouver 2 years ago. Staples had never been so buzzing for hockey as it was that night. I can still feel the explosion when DD scored that first goal. Holy cow that was fun. TM helped bring that here after a pretty long history of futility.
Regardless of the complaints and bashing, much kudos to TM, but we need a cup and this aint getting it done. Thanks and best of luck, but let’s keep moving forward.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@McCheese,
We were there that playoff game also. It was so electric in that building! It was just crazy! Being out of the playoffs for a long, long time will do that, but the playoffs are adifferent animal tho!
[Reply]
dean Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@Colorado Kings Fan, I think you should party with us !
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@Colorado Kings Fan,
Bottom line is the success of this hockey club, period. It is sad that Murray might have to be let go, only because he could not ultimately take this team where it wants to go. You know, that large silver chalice thingie.
Murray did bring this club much success, and who’s to say tomorrow is the beginning of a long winning streak and all of this fire Murray talk goes away. It could happen!
[Reply]
King-C Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:27 am
@Colorado Kings Fan, I have been one of the biggest critics of TM and called for his firing early on. Having said that, I totally agree with you. As kings fans we need to show our class and be respectful of a man who did a great job with this team when it was in it’s infancy. What has happened this year is unfortunate but I’m sure he did his best. Nobody likes to lose. Wish him well and move on. We’ll be fine, if not this year then next year.
GKG
[Reply]
Ron Reynolds Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@Colorado Kings Fan, Fine post…and I most definitely agree. Terry Murray has shepherded the Kings to new-found respectability, and has been a class act. And for all we know, he may continue on with the Kings. Someone, however, must be able to effectively put a halt to what is emerging as a crisis of confidence.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@Colorado Kings Fan, I’ll definatley take no joy in it whatsoever.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@Colorado Kings Fan, Clearly, TM had a role to play, and he played it well. He just doesn’t seem to fit the role the Kings need to fit now. It’s disappointing, but necessary, I think. I feel any satisfaction, unless it’s satisfaction in once again attempting to move forward, as they had to when Crawford was coach.
[Reply]
snbrdsummit Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@Colorado Kings Fan,
Anyone who has paid any attemtion to me (and I’m nobody special) knows that I’ve been a critic of Murray since Randy Jones. I am ambivalent to the event. This is a business decision and not personal. I’m sure that Terry is a great guy and deserving of some amount of respect and dignity for giving his time to a team.
Personally, he deserves not to be trampled for his firing. I agree wholeheartedly.
[Reply]
I would say you might be right, but the players have to worry that if they play poorly they will secure their own dismissal…..Dogging it to get a coach fired is pretty dangerous business for professional athletes.
[Reply]
Here is a look at Wednesday la times sports page. ” Kings fire Murray after kings lose again in Boston”
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I too like what Murray has brought, which is defense first. Younger players I’m sure he’s helped too, but we have more veterans now, so I feel a good mix of our defensive play and some NEW ideas as far as offense goes will be what this group of KINGS needs. I’m sure we’ll be stronger for this rough patch, and guys have to start hitting, grinding ya know, KINGS hockey!!
Go KINGS Go!!!
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Two words: Andy Murray
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HOSO Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:20 am
I like that
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vancitykingsfan Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@Kaiser Soze, Fire Murrey and Stevens. Bring in Bernie Nicholls, and #99. That would sure shake up the team.
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John Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@Kaiser Soze, Didn’t he coach them once before or am I getting him confused with someone else?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:24 am
@John,
He did. Slow talker, very deep voice. You know.
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DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:40 am
@Kingsfanone,
Henry Kissinger?
Kaiser Soze Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:49 am
@Kingsfanone, he sure knew when to call a time out though. The one problem I had with him was the way we seemed to have so many injuries towards the end of the season. Its like he (or the team) was jinxed or something.
King John Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@Kaiser Soze, Not Andy Murray; they always slide at the end of a season, and for some reason his methods bring about a ton of injuries.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@King John, THIS
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variable Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:56 am
@Kaiser Soze,
andy murray was absolutely excellent at knowing when to call a time out…he might have been the best i’ve ever seen in that area…
but i don’t think he’s even a consideration…
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deadcatbounce Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Kaiser Soze,Andy Murray? Ah, yes, I miss pulling the goalie with 18:00 left in the third and you’re down, 4-1.
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If Ron Hextall takes over interim duties till a new coach is found, rest assured our offense problems will disappear overnight.
Ron will teach Quick & Bernier to score from their own crease..:)
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Murray had no qualms about taking over for Crawford when he was unceremoniously let go. DL at the time thought his team needed to learn how to play the game right, well that teacher has run it’s course now we need someone who can get them over the hump.
Murray is too old school to change his philosophy and todays player can’t get behind the old NHL. The league went through a major change when the lockout occured and we’re still behind the curve trying to catch up. Get with the times Kings we should be leaders in the new NHL but we just can’t seem to get it right.
We need a progressive thinking coach, I’m sure management will find that guy before it’s too late.
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theres a lot of talk about murray but don’t forget kompon. pretty sure hes the offensive and PP guy…
tim thomas enjoy your shutout tomorrow night… sorry to whoever plays in goal for kings
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I have to disagree who have said the TM has done a good job..really??? Have we over performed any of the years he was the coach? Has any player really excelled unexpectedly under TM? Has any player regressed under TM??? Has the team regressed??? We are in the 12th place in year 6 of the rebuild….If you look at this as sales…everyone (staff) would be fired….Sales are the same as when TM and DL took over …and we lost top salesman in Purcell,Moulson,ETC>>>>> The Kings are a mess..reality…..we are in 12 th place with no depth in the foreward position……We are trying to win with Hunter,Moreau,Frasor,Lewis,Cliffy Richardson and Westy as part of this team…6 years to get to this???
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gene Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:31 am
@neil, Wow awesome statement. Agree 100%
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gene Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@gene, DL should be held accountable for this mess as well. He should never have given DD $7,000,000 unless ownership made him do it.
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Phillip Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:59 am
@gene, Agreed, and I do think ownership did forced that deal.
Cynic Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:46 am
@neil, Whoa, Whoa, WHOA!
Dude, really? YES Terry Murray has done a FINE job of teaching our prospects and stars DEFENSE! Reagrdless of what he HASN’T taught them (See: OFFENSE), he STILL deserves credit for what he HAS done for this organ-eye-zation.
His job coming in was well-known and that was to TEACH this team of kids and prospects a defensive system FIRST so we could have a chance of eventually layering an offense on top of that and become a DOMINATE team. We ALL knew TErry Murray would hit that wall sooner or later, and this season the wall showed up. It’s been all about ‘Can Terry Murray get over that wall and teach an OFFENSIVE scheme that FITS over this Defensive one’. The answer has been pretty obvious, but TM has EARNED that right to try. We have one of the most tightly knit and solid defenses in the NHL. We’ve NEVER had this before in the 32 years I’ve been a fan. I don’t look at this situation wiht short sided vision and neither should you. It’s totally unfair.
I’ve been pissed at Terry Murray’s recent decisions (and some past ones) for sure, but that does NOT mean I don’t respect what he HAS done!
You can’t look at this as ‘Sales’. Apples to Oranges. If you did that, the decisions based on that would bring us back to the years right after Gretzky, when all his decisions dictated to the GM at the time involved this exact type of thinking and cost us YEARS of development through crappy trades that got us ultimately NOTHING! A trip to the finals which collectively broke everyone’s hearts and cost us almost 10 YEARS of any type of success.
Don’t forget where this team has been Neil. I understand the passionate response and need for action, but to say TM has not done anything positive is a serious short sided thought.
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neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:59 am
@Cynic, Mitchell and Scuds were already really good on defense….DD8 started out good on defense and has regressed….This year Quick has saved our defense from looking worse..Without Quick last year we wouldnt even have made the playoffs…If doing a good job is leaving the team in the same position(out of the playoffs)as when you took the job..then ypu are right…
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neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@neil, Also TM’s coaching caused us to lose Frolov..Moulson…Purcell…etc….
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@neil,
As @puck73 and I agree on, I think DD8 really misses Sean O’Donnell more than anyone. OD really taught DD8 a lot, and his influence since leaving has become apparent, I believe.
You goota remember, DD8 just turned 22 yrs old. Pretty young in anyone’s book. Think he needs a role model like that again.
snbrdsummit Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@neil,
I have to say that I agree with Neil on this.
Defensively, we’ve advanced thanks to the introduction of Quick, Doughty, Scuderi, and Williams. We’ve also cut loose some of our biggest defensive mistakes in Modry, Jones, Harrold and LaBarbera (whom I remind you was terrible after leaving the Kings also). I can make a pretty good timeline of events on the successes of our defense using player acquisitions and firings.
In Murray’s first season, we went from being a top 8 defense to being in the bottom half of the league in GAA. Every year we start better than we finish. Pair this with the fact that ZERO players have played to their potential since being acquired by the Kings and you start to see a trend.
Many people want to give Murray credit for something (it’s our good nature). But I honestly can’t find anything to give him credit for. All I see are bungled coaching decisions without any sense of strategic purpose.
john stevens would be a logical choice if he is not relieved of his duties, as well…
the one guy i think who is being considered is michel therrien…the former ahl defenseman and ex-canadien and penguin coach…i think he’s a scout for the wild right now…
just a hunch…
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:39 am
@variable,
Nice thought! I would like that choice also.
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neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:42 am
@Kingsfanone, This is why I find it hard to answer the question.what if TM is fired..who takes over??? Iam sure there are qualified people that we dont even think about or know about…..That is why DL gets paid the big bucks!!!!
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variable Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:50 am
@Kingsfanone,
he was able to get the highly offensive-skilled penguin players to play a two-way game…and he had very good success for a while before he got axed, which i thought was premature at the time…
they call him the “bulldog”…and that’s what this team could use – some bark AND bite…(!)
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@variable,
Exactly! Not a bad choice at all. The question is, is he available, and more importantly, TM ain’t fired just yet.
Cynic Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@variable, I think Therrien would be an interesting choice. I was thinking of an equally intriguing choice in Ted Nolan. With his son in the pipeline, that would be even more interesting. Nolan got a lot out of his players/grinders in Buffalo and went to the semis his first year. Hard nosed guy and would mkae this team accountable for any lulls in their game.
A weird sidenote to this, but if his son were to make the team (was a late cut this year), I see an advantage in communication there between coaches and players. When the coach’s son son the team, players could just walk up to Jordan if they had a problem with the coach and ask ‘Hey, am I missing something?’. I think that connection could only be a benefit. Not super important, just a benefit.
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variable Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@Cynic,
i’ve always been fond of nolan, but i seriously think he’s entrenched in the east coast if he ever comes back to the nhl…
i think he’s currently coaching the latvian national team…and that’s pretty far out of the country – and the nhl…
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@variable, @Kingsfanone,
My question is:
Why start the replacement rumor? It doesn’t help the situation at all. If the Kings blister BOS by 5-6 to 1, do you keep TM?
Pull the trigger, or keep your mouths shut!
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variable Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
B…
it has to be done before dec. 19 if they plan on doing it before year’s end…
CYNIC had an interesting take on it here…:
http://deepinsidethekings.com/2011/12/article-schmarticle-read-between-the-lines-people/
btw…i’m also a contributing writer there, too…
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Read on another site that TM might be done with KINGS this week
Go Kings Go
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Look beyond the article. There’s a lot to think about. I wrote about it in my post on DITK:
Here’s the start:
“Everyone is focusing in on the article and not on what’s happening. Let’s reassess the situation here:
Helene Elliot wrote an article that basically implies sources that the Kings are looking to fire Terry Murray. OK, as Waves mentioned, this is not a RUMOR, but REPORTING which as Rich Hammond said, can stand on its own. Bold move by a veteran reporter to put her reputation on the line with an article such as this and seeing as how she is a vet of the sport of journalism, I don’t see her making this report without something pretty concrete, right?………..
Read the rest HERE: http://deepinsidethekings.com/
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variable Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@Cynic,
very interesting take…
i also find it hard to believe that dl would make a change just before the holiday…the first of the year would seem more logical…
but you never know and yr theory isn’t out of left field either…
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LA_1968 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:53 am
@Cynic, I know that neither Rich nor Helene would say this without basis as they have to face the man daily. Not saying that low class press wouldn’t do it but these two are not of that quality. Helene wouldn’t be doing her job if she heard that information and didn’t break the story. The Times pays her for that service.
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Mark Hardy. Nuff said.
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I don’t see a change on the road. If a change comes and I think it will if we bomb on the road it will happen when we get back for the next home game.
I hope it does happen soon.
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KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@Maury, I would say just the opposite. It will happen on the road and early.
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If the Kings are classy maybe they can give TM a job in the front office…..scouting??? Help with the defense??? If he is close to DL(as reported)maybe there is a job in the organization for him..
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Cynic Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@neil, I don’t think TM would do it, but I would LOVE to see him just coach the PK & Defense. I’m sure the Kings are classy enough, I’m just not sure TM would feel comfortable after 3+ years as the head coach about the demotion. I do like the idea though.
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KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@neil, I could see him as an excellent scout.
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A coaching change will not necessarily turn things around. It’s up to the players. Having played competitive hockey back in the heyday I remember my coaches put in a system and it was up to us to implement the system. That said we had leadership from certain players and if we did not buy into the system we sat.
There is a problem with on ice leadership. I’m not knocking DB but it starts with him. He’s a great player but lacks the panache to motivate players. What we are lacking right now are timely goals- we don’t need to score in bunches but we need to score goals at “critical” times during games. IF this happens we will win games by one or two goals. We’ve lost several one goal games because we can not convert on the power play and score when needed. We are not a score at will team. We will never be a score at will team but have have offensive talent capable of putting the puck in the net irrespective of what goalie we are facing.
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jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@bonvivant1,
There is both. I agree about Dustin Brown, but it starts with the coach, and if the players aren’t buying into what the coach is saying, then in professional sports the coach has to go.
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Like it or not, professional sports has become the consummate “what have you done lately” business. Terry Murray did a respectable job in bringing the Kings to this point, but he is clearly not the right coach for the moment and roster. His Sphinx-like expression no matter what happens on the ice is wholly inappropriate for a team (and, let’s face it, a sport) that thrives on emotion and momentum. His constant reshuffling of the lines hurts much more than it helps, and his slavish devotion to his system has stunted the development of the team’s offensive potential.
The question then becomes who should replace him behind the bench. Do we want to accept a retread with similar old-school sensibilities? Do we believe that John Stevens would make a quantum difference in the team’s performance? Or do we want someone younger, hungry, and enthusiastic who will not only help the players reach their significant potential but will also inject some emotion and heat into the locker room and on the ice. I’m not sure who that might be–the Tony Granato suggestion is intriguing–but Dean Lombardi needs to figure it out as soon as possible.
Even though we are only about one-third of the way through the schedule, this is a critical point in the season. If the Kings are going to make the playoffs in the very crowded Western Conference, they need to go a run very quickly. The only way to do that is to get the new coach in place now and hope that the players react positively from day one. The season is not lost…yet. But if Lombardi waits, this might go down as one of the most underachieving teams in NHL history.
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IceGujavascript:void(0)y Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@AJ,
I, for one, would not like a re-tread.
If you approach it from the aspect of this new coach leading the team into the future, then he damn well better be young enough, hungry enough and enthusiastic enough to actually make it to and thru the future.
We live in LA – let’s have a Hollywood story. Young guy out of nowhere, but really talented, gets his shot at the bog show and succeeds!
PS: If the Kings hire any former player even close to a coaching job, I think it should be Lappy. Special Assistant to get the most out of Kyle Clifford.
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IceGuy Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@IceGujavascript:void(0)y,
Whoa! Where did that handle come from!?
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There is one guy that can turn this team around,and his name is Marty McSorley. As a player no one had more intensity. Knows the game. I think that he would be a great motivator for young players. And the vets would respect him.
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Does the NHL Holiday roster freeze from 12/19-12/27 have anything in it regarding firing / hiring management?
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off topic –
crosby reported to still have post-concussion symptoms…out indefinitely…
gosh…this is not looking like it’s heading for a happy ending either…
very, very concerning to hear…
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@variable,
On a side note, Deadmarsh still looking for his car.
Sorry bout that, but seriously, concussion issues are very serious. I would’ve loved to see Allison, Palffy and Deadmarsh rip thru the NHL like they would have done! I sincerely wish that line could’ve stayed together longer!
They would’ve been soooo magical!
Be well Adam, I still hear the ringing in my ears from your winner against the Wings! That literally brought the house down!
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variable Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@Kingsfanone,
i consider the line of allison, deadder and palffy one of my favorite combos of all-time…
and, like yrself and countless others, i felt we all got cheated by the ugly wrath of injuries unfortunately laid upon them…when they were all healthy, it was the best nhl line at that time…and their inspired play was a beautiful thing to watch…
yes, they were magical…(!)
gosh…i’ve been waiting for the second-coming of adam deadmarsh (who was the second-coming of cam neely…imo..) since the tragic ending to his career…
we all got cheated – we really did…
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@variable,
You are so right! We got cheated! My favorite combo, and why I still wear my Palffy jersey.
That line could’ve been a legend!
KOHO Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@variable,
WOW! That’s horrible.
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ADAM DEADMARSH!
Can he coach?! Who doesn’t love that guy!?
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I wonder why there “is no interest in Randy Carlyle” according to the article. He’s a really great coach.
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KC23 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@Bugarín, I think Carlyle is an excellent coach as well, but he needs the horses. The Ducks didn’t have them, they have no depth.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@KC23,
Exactly!
The loss of Jason Blake and Lubo REALLY exposed their lack of depth, and they still haven;t recovered. If they didn’t beat the Kings they’d still be looking for their first win under Boudreau!
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I always felt that the trades the team made were a mistake. especially getting rid of Handzus and Simmons/ The destruction of chemistry is a terrible thing, especially with young players. When Doughty held out, it probably felt like no one is immune to player movement. I thought even thought they struggled, they had that imtangible chemistry that is nowhere near. They were battlers, winners of war on the boards…What was the use of trading for Richards if the system hampers scorers anyway??
Smyth even has 12 goals with Edmonton.
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Ted Nolan
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mcdangles Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@petemagoop, I agree, thank you!
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@AK47, Why the capital letters?
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