Here’s the media conference call Dean Lombardi held today, after the firing of Terry Murray…
Question: What is your timeline on hiring a full-time coach, and are you looking at John Stevens to fill that role?
LOMBARDI: “There’s no timeline right now. We’re looking at all our options.’’
Question: Can you talk about how hard it was to fire Terry?
LOMBARDI: “I don’t think words can ever describe how hard something like this is. You’re talking about, first off, a really good man. As far as a coach, if you look at what he’s done for us, he really stabilized this franchise, pointed it in the right direction. He taught these players a lot. When they look back, they’re going to realize they learned a lot from him. The team got younger and got better under him. He did a lot for this franchise.’’
Question: Can you describe what your message was to the players?
LOMBARDI: “It’s simple. It’s sounds cliche-ish, but it’s true. The message is, they’re accountable. Unfortunately, the coach has to pay the price, but make no mistake, they’re the ones who are accountable for this.’’
Question: In terms of John maybe being able to coax more offense out of this lineup, have you had a chance to even talk to John about how he moves forward?
LOMBARDI: “Not in much detail. Obviously in these things, the most important thing before talking (to the media) was trying to handle it professionally with Murphy, and secondly deal with the players. We’ll talk to Johnny later today and tomorrow.’’
Question: What was the final straw, or was there one final straw that led you to decide this had to be done now?
LOMBARDI: “It doesn’t hit you like a ton of bricks. I think it’s something that kind of builds up. We hadn’t been playing up to the expectations of this team. The last homestand was kind of like the end of it, but you’re constantly evaluating everything, whether it’s coaches or players or how they’re responding. So I don’t think you can say it’s one glaring moment. It just kind of builds up.’’
Question: When did you make up your mind, and when did you notify Terry?
LOMBARDI: “I think it’s probably safe to say that we reached the point where we had to make this decision yesterday. I flew out early this morning and went right to Murph’s room, so it was around 4 o’clock.’’
Question: Does this have something to do with the fact that some of your younger players, Doughty and such, have been underperforming this year? Do you think that was a coaching thing, and that they need to hear a different voice?
LOMBARDI: “Obviously, you’re thinking that’s part of the solution, but in the end it still comes down to the player getting his focus and being the best he can be. With young players today, this is the challenge. But I don’t think it’s just the young players. I think it’s been right across the board. So I’m not just pinning some of the performance of the younger players, in getting to the next level. They are trying to reach their potential, and there are always stumbling blocks along the road to reaching their utmost. But then you have players with a specific m.o. who have had a cetain level of success in this league. Players who are establishing themselves are going to have certain ups and downs, but they should have an idea of where they’ve been in the past. I don’t think we have any guys who you would consider old, or on the down side. So it’s collective. You just highlighted the young players, but I think the young player presents a different challenge for the coach today, in terms of getting to them. It’s so difficult, with all the things they have, to get to where they need to be, and it’s a process. I’ve been through this before. I saw it with Marleau, Stuart and Nabokov, but it’s collectively across the board here. You can’t just say it’s the young players. The Stolls, the Williams, the Greenes, the Browns, certainly have to look at themselves as much as the young players.’’
Question: After St. Louis made its change, it completely turned things around for them. Do you think, with the group you have, that such a turnaround is possible?
LOMBARDI: “I think it’s possible, but in the end it comes down to the players. I don’t think you’re going to do this unless you think you’re going to get some improvement. Sometimes it has an impact, like in that case. There’s different degrees. I think every situation is different, though, in terms of the impact of the new coach, in terms of the fit at that point of the franchise. And every franchise, don’t forget, has different levels of expectations. This team came in with a very high level of expectation, so that puts a different perspective in your room, particularly when you’ve got younger players leading that group. So it’s unique here, in the sense that you have the youngest core in the league and you’re counting on these young players. But again, these established players have to step up here. To answer your question, I think every situation is unique, but why else, in any sport, would you make this change unless you’re hoping for improvement?’’
Question: Over the years, you’ve spoken very highly of Darryl Sutter. Is he someone you would reach out to?
LOMBARDI: “Like I said, there’s no timeline and we’re looking at all our options. Right now, I think that’s as far as I can comment.’’
Question: How do you go about this? Do you have a short list in mind, or do you look at one specific individual?
LOMBARDI: “I think it’s fair to say, when you’re in this situation, it’s a very short list. When you’re with your team, right in the middle of the fray, I think you have a decent idea of what your team (needs) to get jump-started. So, the list is pretty short.’’
Question: Looking at the changes in Washington in Anaheim, the former coaches said they had tried everything, even strayed from their usual approach. Can you talk about Terry’s approach? Did he try everything?
LOMBARDI: “I can tell you one thing for sure. This was one of the hardest-working coaches that I’ve ever been exposed to, in terms of his commitment to the game and always searching for ways to get better. The other thing, too, is, even last year, we had some sketchy periods there, as we certainly have had this year, but this year the expectations are even higher, so it gets dicier. He never quit, and that’s not his nature. I’m sure, like every coach, he gets frustrated, but his work ethic and his focus never changed. Having to meet with him today, these are never pleasant but this one was particularly hard, given the man he is and knowing how hard he tried. Even seeing him today, I had to talk to him while he was at work, and that’s just Murph. Like I said, in terms of him trying everything, within this time frame he never stopped trying.’’
Question: Can you elaborate on what his reaction was when you told him?
LOMBARDI: “It wasn’t easy for both of us. I have such respect for the man. If this was just a business relationship — we always use this cliche that, `This is business,’ but this was more than business. This goes beyond that. It’s always difficult, even if you’re using the business approach. There’s a very good man here, and nobody likes to be the bearer of this type of news.’’
Question: Recently, Terry has talked about being happy with the team’s effort. Did you see it that way?
LOMBARDI: “He’s in the line of fire there. You never see exactly what your coach sees, but for the most part, I think it’s safe to say that with the expectations this year, it becomes more result-orientated. I guess, again, this goes back to (a previous) question. Every situation is different, and the challenge for a coach, as well as players, when you have expectations it’s driven more to results. It’s harder, at times, to look for those victories within losses. That’s just the state of the franchise right now. You could look for more of those things three years ago, but we’re trying to push to the next level. And it isn’t easy. It’s a lot easier playing with the house’s money. So I think, to answer your question, you’re never going to see things exactly (the same) but I do think we’re at the stage of the franchise where you’re going to be judged on wins and losses and playoff rounds. And that’s where you strive to be. It’s a lot easier when there’s no expectations, and with every win you can get a parade. We’re not there right now, so it comes down to wins and losses.’’
I thought I had a crappy day.
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Branzilla Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@Jamesonafterawin, Yeah haha, I know what you mean. Suddenly, finals don’t seem too horrible anymore. But then again, I don’t have a job either.
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thedash Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@Branzilla,
Word.
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TYLER Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@Branzilla, i feel ya..
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Daniel Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Jamesonafterawin, Don’t worry. Murray still gets paid for another year. Plus I;m sure he’s comfortable.
I just feel bad that he never got his 500th win.
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RTD16 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@Daniel, Do the Kings still have to pay him if he gets picked up by another team?
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Daniel Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@RTD16, Great question. My guess is unless there is anything in the contract stating otherwise, he would be getting paid by 2 teams. I’m trying to find if Bruce B. will be getting 2 paychecks.
2hitnik Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@RTD16, My understanding is that he gets paid the difference between his old contract and new. So if he’s making $2M now and his new team pays him $1M then LA has to pay $1M. This goes for Boodreau too. The Ducks are paying him some, but Washington is still paying the balance.
jonsey Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@Jamesonafterawin, Yeah poor Rich actually had to type all of that!
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O-Dawg Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@Jamesonafterawin, I heard that Deano consulted with Chuck and he asked “What would Chuck do?” and Chuck looked at him and gave him the Thumbs down. I didn’t think Terry would be the coach to would get us to the cup. His decisions were confusing at times. I could go and on with examples but I won’t bore you. With that said, I’m still buying 5 tickets to a Jan game tonight and I’m still getting season tixs next year. Go Kings!
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Gustavo Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@O-Dawg,
Chuck Norris?
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O-Dawg Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@Gustavo, Yes!
Waterndirt Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@Jamesonafterawin, R Lee, is this you?
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i’m still on board with DL. i think he’ll make the right decision. i think in the end the players were tired of TM’s system and the shackles he put on the offensive players. probably the only guy in the room that is sad today is Jonathan Quick.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@Dave,
DL is as big a supporter of TM’s system as anyone. Why Quick?
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Branzilla Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@wavesinair, Presumably we will have a less defensive-minded coach. I think that’s where he was going with that.
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CB14 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@wavesinair, Mabye because the defense first mentality might be tweaked a little? That’s the only thing I can come up with.
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Dave Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@wavesinair, i think DL was a proponent of TM’s system when the team had less offensive talent. i think DL knew this day was coming.
my point with Quick is that it’s unlikely the Kings will hire as defensive-minded a coach.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@Dave,
Ahh, I get it. Thanks.
The other side of it is he’ll get more goal support, so he’s happy.
But I don’t think DL will hire anyone any less defensive minded than TM.
Dave Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@wavesinair
yes, of course. it was kind of a joke – Quick’s GAA may go up but of course he’s more concerned about wins.
i actually hope DL does bring in someone a little less defensive minded. the team understands how to play defense now. as long as Stevens is around there will be an emphasis on defense, but DL knows in order to win in this league you need to score goals, especially 5 on 5. all of the Cup winners since the lockout were big-time 5 on 5 goal scoring teams. TM would rather a 2-1 game than a 4-3 game and that was his problem. if the Kings got down (look at their record) they didn’t have any way to catch up because they didn’t know how to generate offense.
there is enough talent offensively that this team should be a very good 5 on 5 team. and with two fantastic two-way centers at the top there is no reason the team shouldn’t continue to be defensively responsible.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@waves,
Yeah, let’s just say he’ll be fine winning games 5-3, if he gets a ring. He’d probably settle with 5-4, for that ring, actually.
neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@Dave, DL wants this defensive system..its also played in the minors…DL needs to change his thinking also….
Bob Bobson Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@Dave, May be oversimplifying things but teams like Boston (maybe more due to goaltending) Detroit and even the Rangers allow fewer goals per game but score more. I don’t think we have to sacrifice defense to generate offense.
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Dave,
Quick probably didn’t care too much for the pressure of having to win every game for the team because they were only scoring two goals either. Also, TM pulled him out of his winning streak remember?
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Paul G Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@Dave, i think Quickie is happy! he can add some Ws to his stats now
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@Dave, I don’t necessarily see “happy” around the room tonight. I see hope, and responsibility…and just maybe, some fire.
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Chucker Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@Dave, Quick always played better when he faced a lot of shots…which is partly why I didn’t understand TM’s offensive strategy, or lack thereof, about players always having to be back defensively and not taking chances. Quick is even great at breakaways…even though I don’t want him to face a lot of breakaways, but I’d be confident in him if they happened to occur more often because the Kings were positioned in the offensive zone more to score. I really hope the next coach is offensive minded.
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DL brings up an important subject, as much as I would have liked to have seen TM fired a year ago, I respect the job he did. He brought this team back to repectability, and deserve alot of credit for that. Like it or not, but this team is in a better place now then before he was hired. Thank You Terry for your time here.
I’m glad Dean Lombardi saw what everyone else besides TM saw, that this team’s performance and effort were well below par. Now give Tony Granato a call, and Jamie Kompon a pink slip, and call it a night.
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jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@CB14,
Kompon will definitely be on his way out when the new coaching package comes in. Granato eh?
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letswinthecup2012 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@CB14,
like the idea of granato as coach, the more i hear
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neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@CB14, This team is not in a better place now then 5 yeears ago…Being out of the playoffs is not a better place to be. Players regressing is not good…We are going backwards….
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CB14 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@neil, I said before TM got here, which was 4 years ago, the 07-08 season. In that season the Kings finished tied for last in the NHL with Tampa Bay. Currently the Kings are tied for 20th overall. So YES, this team is in a better place now, then before he was hired.
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neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@CB14, to me..being out of the playoffs is being out of the playoffs. Actually I heard a General Manager(in Basketball) say that its better to be bad instead of avg. …his reason..you get a better draft pick….In other words if you are not going to make the playoffs you might as well finish last and get a better draft pick…
Andrew: The second coming Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@CB14, Dale Hawerchuk!
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VBunker72 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@CB14, Not sure why Granato keeps surfacing. He was head cheese with the Av’s and produced zilch. Sutter has the gritty style this team lacks but IMO his old school style may not be the best fit in today’s NHL. I could be way off on this but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see the recently fired Quacks bench boss get a call. He has taken a developing team like the Kings to a cup. Not a Quacks fan, just say’n I wouldn’t be surprised.
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Terry was a good coach and a great mentor for a young team. The Kings, however, have matured a lot over the past couple seasons and they need a different approach and mentality to take it to the next level. Kudos to Lombardi for making a tough, but correct decision at this point in the season.
Go Kings!
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JackKentCooke Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@Brody,
Really doubt that this was DL’s decision. A week ago he was adamant that he did not want the Kings to sacrifice one iota of what they had achieved defensively in search of more offense.
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Thanks Terry. You did good for the team.
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Glad they finally decided to pull the plug, did t faster than i thought they would too, its been a good ride TM but i was looking foward to this, hopefully things change for the better
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It’ll be interesting to see if Stevens opens up the offense with a stronger forecheck and more fluid system, and whether the defense suffers by it. The team definitely has more talent than their record shows…
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It’s nice to know how hard the coach was working even until the last minute. Now, if only the players could/would work that hard. It’s their fault Terry Murray got fired. It’s their stupid penalities that put them behind the 8-ball recently, unfortunately when players stop working it’s always the coaches fault, but I bet we all could name at least 10 players who need a better work ethic.
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Thank you for your dedication to the team Terry. Sorry it didn’t work out with you but us Kings fans wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Go Kings! Lets turn this thing around boys.
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Christian T Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@andy, Good way to put it. I wanted TM to be let go but I think we will all appreciate what he has done for the Kings in the next few years. Some people just are not meant to hold the Cup. It’s a sad fact of life.
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DL did the right thing for the franchise, It would have been nice to see TM get his 500th win but we don’t have time for that now.
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Dean is right, Terry did a ton for this club. It wasn’t that long ago that I remember just dying for them to make the playoffs and never really feeling like the Kings would ever be considered a playoff regular like the New Jerseys or the Vancouvers or god help the Ducks. But over Terry’s 4 years its expected that this team should be a staple of playoff hockey for a good while to come.
It’s nice to see Dean being really classy about a tough situation, it was time for a change. So I guess we’ll just have to wait and see who ends up steering the ship and hope that whomever that ends up being can help our amply talented boys find the back of the net.
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While I do think this is the best thing for the team I do feel for DL and how hard this must be. TM is a hard working coach and does seem like an honest and decent man. I wish him well elsewhere.
I also respect DL’s concept of loyalty.
We’ll look forward now…
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Timeline seems weird. Why today, why not yesterday or after the game on Saturday? Seems like they should have either told him before flying to Boston or given him some time on the road to work things out. I’m probably reading too much into it but…
Good move by Lombardi, and nice of him to fly to Boston to deliver it personally. And thanks for all the hard work Murray. It’s unfortunate but I think it’s what needed to be done.
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New Staff! New Captian! Brown Needs to HIT AGAIN! New System!, FIRE KOMPON~!
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wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
CHIEF HEAD ROLLER ^^^
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Chris Bond Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@wavesinair, Brownie was so good last year, the system has made him less effective. When guys have to look for him so they dont get trucked it makes space period!
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CCM Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@Chris Bond, Browns problem is not the system..it’s the Shan-a-hammer. Afraid to get suspended over a hard hit. So he is trying to make up for it other ways. But if he does not play a physical game..he has a hard time getting into it. IMHO.
Neal Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
@Chris Bond, Brownie is fine… I think even better when Richards is in the line-up… who is a natural and more vocal leader. I am very frustrated with the NHL and the hitting police. I think Shanahan is doing his best, and the players want protection… but the bottom line is, keep your head up, stop turning your back on players when you are near the boards… and let your bruiser punish the other guy who has taken liberties or cheap shots.
Bringbackbutchgoring Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Chris Bond, yeah Brown is like only 7th in the league in hits. The guy is a real slacker. Why is everything always Brown’s fault, why don’t you say that about certain other forwards that don’t hit anybody
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@Bringbackbutchgoring, Well, for him that is slacking!
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I could see what Terry meant when he said he was happy. Past couple of games we were at the offensive zone a lot and taking more chances.
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Yesssss!!!
I don’t think Stevens will be long term and hopefully DL lines up a head coach quickly but we did what had to be done.
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I sure hope this helps the Kings. Since the list is a short one, it shouldn’t take long for a decision. Maybe only one game under Stevens?
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I think almost every Kings fan would agree that Terry did a tremendous job getting us at least back to the point of respectability. We made the playoffs a few years, brought our GAA way down and didn’t look like a team of strung out speed freaks in the defensive zone.
So for that, I’m thankful for his time here.
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I’ll say just two things. If they bring in someone as dour as Daryl Sutter….. lookout. The guys said that on nhl home ice. Living in ny I used to see him on the Devils broadcasts. Wow. That is Not what the Kings need. I can tell you that.
Finally, I hope not everyone is waiting for the bottom six forwards to bust loose and start scoring in bunches, cause I’m not all that convinced that the bottom six have that in them. I’d love to be proven wrong. But let’s face it; who out of Kyle Clifford, Fraser, Lewis, Richardson (maybe a bit more), Hunter have shown a propensity for filling the net?
Again, I’d love to be surprised.
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Dave Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@number 6, i don’t think there needs to be a ton more scoring from the bottom 6 – maybe the third line but not the 4th. the majority needs to come from the top-6 and Doughty.
the guys that need to produce a lot more than they have are Williams, Brown, Stoll and Doughty. others need to pick it up as well, but those four are the biggest key in the offensive struggles in my opinion. Penner would have been on that list but he has really picked up his game now that he is healthy.
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neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@number 6, thats why I think DL is on the edge.After 6 years of rebuild and redoing the minors…we dont have a decent bottom 6..That falls on DL….
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Andrew: The second coming Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@neil, Richie-Stoll-Hunter. Cliffy- Fraser- Lewis. Is a very soild bottom 6 they arent producing thou.
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Royal Throne Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Why worry about the bottom six, most just aren’t big scorers. It’s the top six that’s the problem–they’re scoring zip….Williams, Brown, even Kopitar’s in a goal slump though he always plays hard…Richards in injured…Gagne’s been silent. DL needed to add another scorer before the season started not thrown money at Doughty. That’s done us a lot of good.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@number 6, Yeah, as much as I wanted Murray gone, I don’t wanna see Sutter take his place. I’d much rather see someone from the OHL or WHL given a crack at livening up the Kings. I know DL loves him some defensive philosophy, but this team is in dire need of an expanded approach to the game. The last thing it needs is a guy with a whip telling them to just grind harder.
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If anyone thought I was BSing about Dean’s loyalty to his people, this transcript should take care of that. DL is the kind of boss you want to work for. I’d go the extra mile for a boss like that and it seems like Terry did.
I STILL don’t believe DL wanted to fire TM until later and that the pressure came from somewhere else to make a move NOW. Why send the coach on the trip just to fire him before the first game?!?!
Answer that question, and I’ll back off my belief. I don’t have an answer.
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tellmeY Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@Cynic, Like I said…never a good time to fire anyone. Might have felt worse after that last game. I would think a few things needed to be put into place beforehand. But at least Dean and TM are friends and had that private crappy moment alone. Before you know it Dean will be having a beer with Terry and talking about defense…
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xeropoint Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@Cynic, He does live a stones throw from Boston (Maine, I think) so there’s that… I tend to agree with your sentiment, though. AEG ain’t shelling out the big bucks for 12th place.
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neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@xeropoint, iam tired of spending big bucks at Staples to watch….
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MmmmYummy Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
@neil, My working theory is that if more people bought from the secondary market ticket prices would better reflect the team’s performance. Of course the season/corporate ticket holders that leave their seats empty throw a wrench in that too. Empty seats at “sold out” games kind of drives me batty. It would be cool if secondary ticket prices were tracked and visualized for teams. I don’t know how teams formulate their pricing – that would be and interesting marketing lesson.
LBlocal Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@Cynic, It’s a ‘CYA’ situation within the good ole boys club, and one too many of’em, GOT PI$$ED! Nothing more, nothing less.
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KingsFan34 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@Cynic, I’d bet that Lieweke has been on the phone to DL every couple of days lately saying “Now will you fire him? How about now?”
This smacks of direct pressure from AEG.
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LAK1ngs Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@KingsFan34, This smacks of Terry Murray’s crappy perimeter system.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@Cynic, I’m pretty sure Uncle Tim had something more to do with the signing of Doughty, and something tells me he may have had a word in about today’s happenings too.
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In reality, a coach’s message has a relatively short shelf life. There is the time where the coach begins with nothing and builds…during that time the message is bought into and acted upon by all the players in unison and it shows on the ice and in the room. Then there is a natural levelling off (last two years)…during that latter part of that levelling off, the players, not all at the same time, begin to have doubts…the veterans start to think they know better than the coach, and then the young players start to get the vibe from the experienced ones and you end up where we are now. A change becomes the only choice.
Had we gotten out of round one last year….then made the addtions we made in the off season, Murray would have bought more time and avoided the levelling off…we just didn;t quite make it.
I remember being in New Orleans during the series against SJ, with my son, searching for a place to see the games. It was like thunder striking when we gave up that big lead and lost the game.
Sorry Terry…your shelf life ran out. Hopefully for all of us who have watched the growth and now the slide, I just hope a change takes place quickly and we can start the climb again.
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Hit Him!!! Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@40yearfan, have you been in a locker room where this has happened?
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40yearfan Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@Hit Him!!!, I assume your comment was sarcastic. No I haven’t been in a room to see this happening. I have only been close to this team since 1969. Personal friends with several KIngs of that era, as well as a former GM. Didn’t think I needed a resume before posting my OPINION on a blog.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@40yearfan, I still look back at those long losing streaks, and say it started there. He never seemed to have any answers, and he never did something drastic like going through the room in a round robin and benching every player in turn, according to who’s been benched and who needs it most (something I thought he should have tried.)
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neil Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I agree.TM had no answers last year for two big losing streaks…He is a good teacher..We need a coach….
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King John Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@40yearfan, I think Ryan Smyth had already sensed it and wanted something better that he remembered from the past.
[Reply]
It’s too bad terry murray couldn’t adjust the system to creates more offense or motivate this team. I do almost feel bad. But I am excited for the next chapter, and I hope that we pull through this. I do have reservations about daryl sutter though.
[Reply]
And I feel very badly for Terry Murray. I don’t doubt Dean at all that he gave everything he had. It’s easy to mock him, but there was really great sincerity in his relationship to hockey and the way he sees things. You don’t get to 500 wins (almost) in the nhl if you don’t have something pretty substantial to offer.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@number 6, Not to be too glib, but I’m wondering how many more games the Kings would have lost to get to 500. I’m sure there’s some team out there in worse shape, but the Kings have done their part recently to right other teams’ listing ships.
[Reply]
So are we gonna see another line change before tomorrows game?maybe some players getting scratched that were not supposed to play
[Reply]
Terry Murray fired? Check!
Next? Jamie Kompon
Also, make Richie (the good one) Captain!
[Reply]
Andrew: The second coming Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@Paul G, Richards has stated hundreds of times since he got here he does not want to be a cap he just wants to play hockey.
[Reply]
I thank Tm for bringing a winning attitude back to the Kings. I would of loved to see him lead this club to a Cup, but it just didn’t happen. Sometimes we don’t know why things turn out the way things do. We accept it and move on. Terry is a teacher. He taught our club some valuable lessons. Hopefully the guys take with them what they have learned and continue to play hard, tough, defense. I guess we’ll miss Terry in somethings, but when it comes to scoring he just didn’t get it done. Good Bye Coach Murray. Blessing to you and your family.
[Reply]
I wonder who’s out of the dog house now, and who’ll be headed in?
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@King Homer, Well, among others, I’d expect Dewey really knows that offseason tit-for-tat his agent talked him into really was serious business. It’ll be the second such situation (with the same frigging agent, even) on DL’s resume. If this hurts DL, he’ll be as much a victim of his own success, if anything, for bagging Richards and Gagne in the offseason, and giving everyone a lot of hope going into the season. I can still remember the twinkle in Jim Fox’s eye when he looked right at me in Vegas and said “We’ve got a great team.” Frankly, I think we do. We just hit a hell of a detour, is all.
[Reply]
King Homer Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Success in any team sport is such an ephemeral business — a bounce or a shot three inches different and the boys win a couple of those games at home; making it all happen all at once — the right players, the right system, the right coach — is a big calling…DL has a record as good as just about anyone, so all I can do is hope that the sun shines and the stars line up…
I think Drewiske gets a closer look with a new coach, and Richardson gets to stretch his legs a bit. I’d be a bit worried if my name was Stoll, Penner, Williams, or even Brownie tho…
[Reply]
We are lucky to have Dean….this was not an easy thing to do even tho it probably needed it. Players need to be accountable sometimes…Are they ever anymore? Annoying.
[Reply]
Based on DL’s comments, Murray was totally a sacrificial lamb to motivate the players. Unfortunately, this type of move rarely works.
It sounds to me like Brown and Greene are about to lose their captainhood. I totally agree with giving the C to Richards. But Greene and Kopitar should keep the As.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@Steve, I think it be wrong to give Richards the captaincy at this time. He hasn’t been here long enough. Before we go on thinking about stuff as captaincy, let’s see if the firing will shake them up enough to play like we know they can.
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Kings x Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
@Jeff, keep the pressure off of Richards and let him do his thing. He doesn’t need a letter to lead a team
[Reply]
Kevco Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@Kings x, Agree 100 %.
Jeff Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
@Kings x, I agree with this.
g smith86 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
@Steve, Sometime captains get traded…it wouldn’t surprise me…just sayin
[Reply]
I think DL ripped on Brown and Greene publically in preparation for a change. C to Mitchell and A to Richards, or visa-versa.
No predictions on the new coach for me but hope it’s not sutter. Hopefully he’s a bit of a hard ass, ofensively minded and has the will to win. The rest of the staff like Kompon should be replaced with the new coaching package or the whole point of cleaning house is moot.
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@jess, For the love of all that is holy, PLEASE no Sutter! I’ve been a big supporter of Lombardi, but if he goes with that turd, I want HIM gone, too.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@xeropoint,Why do you think Sutter is the wrong choice? Is it is Coaching jobs in the past or are you basing it on his job as GM?
[Reply]
Bringbackbutchgoring Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@jess, Zero chance Brown will be replaced as captain. DL was just mentioning that this is on the Stoll’s, Brown’s Greene’s and Kopi’s as much as the younger guys. The whole team needs to be accountable. Curious to see what the 3rd and 4th lines will be. I’d bet Lewis and Richardson will start for the foreseeable future.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@Bringbackbutchgoring,
Zero eh? Ok.. -Mind if I hold you to that one??
[Reply]
Bringbackbutchgoring Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@jess, I think Brown has been performing closer to his skill set than probably most players on the team. I think shaking up the captaincy is just going to create problems with the players that aren’t necessary or wanted at this time and is not going to solve anything. But to be safe, I’ll go ahead and modify to close to zero lol
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@Brinbackbutchgoring,
Well, many of my friends in here who know more about the game than I do would tend to agree with you. So I know I’m the black sheep on this one. Just intuition. But my reasoning is fairly simple, if you shake up management, might as well be thorough about it and leadership has been a problem on the ice as well as behind the bench. I’m a fan of Brown’s game bigtime, I love his play but do not think he is an effective captain.
wavesinair Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@Bringbackbutchgoring,
If the players are accountable for the firing of Murray, then no player is more accountable than Brown as Captain.
This is a watershed moment for Brown in this organization. If it’s on the players and he couldn’t get them to listen, then you better believe he might not be Captain for much longer, let alone a King.
I certainly hope he doesn’t get traded, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I think he would have no problem with a demotion and, unlike you, I think it will help the team.
[Reply]
Steve Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
@jess, Remember that, in San Jose, they took Captain away from Marleau, and he played much better afterward. By the way, I had it:
C – Richards
A – Greene
A – Kopitar
But I like the idea of making Mitchell a captain. Maybe take out Kopi. I think Greene is a natural leader and respected by the other players.
[Reply]
Silk Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
@Steve, Green is our worst defender. He’s better than last year but makes poor decisions on a regular basis. At least he’s staying out of the penalty box most games…unlike last year!
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:01 am
@Silk, I’m in complete agreement. Thanks for pointing that out. Greene is constantly caught out of position and usually turns the puck over as soon as he gets his stick on it. Things a stay at home defenseman can’t do, but for some reason everyone gives Greene a pass.
Thanks Terry.
[Reply]
Dear Phoenix, your coach is crap,please fire Tippet right away!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@Pucktheducks, LOLz–nice try. Maybe it’s time to lean on Phoenix’s owner–the NHL.
[Reply]
Roger Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
@Pucktheducks, No Doubt
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this blog is funny…not anyone has really endorsed any “new” coach here. I guess we all see how hard it is to find quallity coaches in this sport….or at least make the players happy with whose coaching them…**sigh** perhaps we should let the players pick the coach! Then if the coach fails…the players get fired….
[Reply]
MmmmYummy Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@tellmeY, Good idea. Actually, some form of say from the players in who their coach is could create better buy in from players. Of course all the players are not going to agree on the same coach but there might be a creative way to use this tactic. Hard to make 20+ anything happy. The alternate system of “Hey, you get paid the big bucks – so shut up and do your job” is kind of antiquated.
[Reply]
Pierre LeBrun tweet: Kings player who doesn’t want to be identified, via text regarding Murray firing “I think it had to happen. We were dead”
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@GerLAmag, If true, VERY telling.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@GerLAmag, I saw that before he said it. That’s how the team was dragging.
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DL needs to call scottie bowman right now, we need a coach who is recognized, a coach with his name on the cup.
[Reply]
brian Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@Lukedad21, I think we need like herb Brooke
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brian Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@brian, nvm
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NMKingsFan Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@Lukedad21, There’s a coach available with his name on the Cup, Crawford!
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Did anyone else just see craig button on nhl on the fly just passionately call out DL saying that a gm should not go and blame a team for the firing of their coach. That DL he should of taken responsibility?
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xeropoint Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
@Hit Him!!!, Craig Button. That’s all you needed to say. Lol. Or actually you could have said “grain of salt.”
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goldielocks Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Hit Him!!!,
He seems overly emotional about this matter. Is there any reason behind it?
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@goldielocks, Honestly, TM failing is an extension of DL failing. What I mean is, DL really believes in this same defensive philosophy. I truly think Dean felt that TM’s system and ways were the right way, and to see it fail with these players says something else. I’m sure right now he is mad at the players for not making it work somehow.
Hopefully, DL can take this all in and make the right call moving forward, and doesn’t just bring in the same messenger in a different suit. If that’s the case, then maybe we’ll be seeing what ultimately led to Lombardi falling from grace in San Jose, too.
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johnjuan Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Hit Him!!!, I agree, DL having a tantrum because of his own failings.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@johnjuan, I love how all these east coat experts seem to know so much about the Kings and the West Coast teams. Most likely they are asleep when they are playing.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
@Hit Him!!!,
That is why this guy is a talking head and not a GM. What else could DL do? -I mean he slipped a black hood over Moreau and smuggled him out of LA in an unmarked van, has brought this team tremendous talent. Now he is acting like a GM (doing his job) and making changes (difficult as they may be) to hopefully still save the season.
The new head coach will be a huge decision, and will truly set the pace for not just the immediate future, but also Lombardi’s tenure as GM of the Los Angeles Kings. Really hope he takes his time with this one…
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@jess, Button is probably hoping that the Kings fire DL and hire him. Seems he seems to know so much about being a GM and building a team.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Jeff, exactly
snbrdsummit Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@jess,
Maybe I’m giving DL too much credit, but I think he’s been looking for a while. Seems to me like a smart cookie who doesn’t show his cards until the right time. Did anyone really expect Mike Richards to be a King?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@snbrdsummit, No I think what you are saying is observant and well written.
alphatronic Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@snbrdsummit, I hope this is true, but if it were the case, they wouldnt have to go to a interim…
Hit Him!!! Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@Hit Him!!!, He also keep saying that the kings are Not as talented or as deep as people thought originally. He thinks the changes need to come from within the team and not the coaching or management.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
@Hit Him!!!, Your screen name…might have something to do with the sudden “lack of talent” the Kings have, if there’s any truth to it. The league has probably seen a more profound change over the last season than it did during the lockout, and guys who are used to “taking the body” seem afraid to even check anyone any more. I’m not saying any of this is right or wrong, but it is what it is, and this team was built to “take the body.”
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, …doesn’t seem to bother Boston…
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Haven’t seen Boston a lot…can only go by what I see and hear.
Shane-O Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@Hit Him!!!, Craig Buttons runs his mouth and nothing interesting ever comes out. We’vc seen his pompous act before when he was bashing DL for the Red Berenson comments and when DL called out Mike Murphy after his bad goal review. His self-righteousness is as appealing as his hair.
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
@Hit Him!!!, You mean the former GM of Calgary and Dallas? lol
[Reply]
@gene, shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
[Reply]
@gene, nice bullhorn! -on sale @ target??
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petemagoop Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@jess, we’ve been left dangling
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jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@petemagoop, LOL -help!!
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Very tough day as a Kings fan
I thank a good man for doing everything he could to make us a better team from the day he took over.
He brought class and developed a winning attitude/tradition for this organization.
Thank you coach for everything you did here.
Loyal Kings fan!
go Kings!
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@nykingfan, We’ve disagreed about present issues, but the Kings are certainly better for having him as a coach from the time he was hired through at least the beginning of last season, and as much I’ve criticized his seeming inconsistency, he’s obviously a man of integrity.
[Reply]
Ted Nolan
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Cry Baby Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
@petemagoop, This is my man for coach…he is a great coach and deserves another chance in the NHL.
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@gene, now you can yell all you want… in the cornfield
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Thanks Dean for pointing out the players have to look at themselves in the mirror.
thats what i have been asking. these guys are supposed to be professionals, do they really need a coach constantly telling you you need to perform to your potential?
Unfortunatly TM did have to take the fall, but its definetly the players to have to turn this ship around.
[Reply]
Silk Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@SDGolfer, they are pros because they are extremely talented and gifted. The problem is that they still need proper direction and that’s what a great coach does…
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SDGolfer Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
@Silk, I never said anything about direction, I said they need to bring their best every night. If they need a coach to tell them that, I don’t want them on my team
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So, who are the top 5 coaches without the job right now?
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Bringbackbutchgoring Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@NamidaEurope, Jacques Lemaire number 1
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dMan Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@Bringbackbutchgoring, where do you guys come up with things? yes, bitch and moan about offense and a stifling defense first system, so the answer of course is to fire the coach and hire a defensive minded coach in his place. Brilliant!
[Reply]
Daniel Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@dMan, In all fairness, Lemaire opened up New Jersey’s offense a lot. Look at Kovi before and after their change. The problem is, Lemaire doesn’t want to coach anymore so it doesn’t make a difference anyways.
Bringbackbutchgoring Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@dMan, Yeah don’t hire a proven winner genius. Who do you think strikes more fear in our opponents: Sutter, Stevens or Lemaire? I don’t care how we win, just that we win
Bringbackbutchgoring Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@dMan, Plus the question was who are the top five coaches without a job right now….pls name 5 better than Lemaire.
Ah yes, now that Murray is gone, all is well, right?
Haters will be haters and will hang their hate on the next easy target; Kompon, Stevens, next coach, a player, whatever is easiest.
Don’t expect too much to change. The problem was partially the coach. Lombardi, as usual, was brutally honest.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@dMan, Some may be unduly happy, but for many of us, there is, once again, hope.
[Reply]
We are not that young of a team..Kopi,Brown,Penner,Gagne,Williams,Richards,Moreau,Hunter,Stoll,Mitchell,Greene, Scuds, all have been in the league long enough…blaming the problems on youth is a cop out.You are always going to have young players on a team but we are not that young of a team….I call B.S.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
@neil, I am personally kinda tired of that line myself. Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, and other teams have won the Cup with plenty of youth on their rosters. They didn’t win just because of “maturity”. They won because they played an all around game, attacking on offense, and hustling back for defense.
This Kings team has a well rounded roster. It underachieved, cause it played a one dimensional system and the players had outgrown their coach who couldn’t come up with anything more than “shoot more, and play harder” as an offensive scheme.
If DL can find the right guy for this team, then it will more than likely become the team we all hoped it could. If he doesn’t, well then I guess we’re in for another 5 year plan.
[Reply]
Just read a rumor. Dean… If you are reading, I approve!
http://www.thepensblog.com/tpb/dec2011/rumor-tony-granato-could-leave-pittsburgh-for-la-kings.html
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@snbrdsummit,
I’ll take Granato over Sutter anyday!
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@jess, I’d rather have Bylsma.
[Reply]
Andrew: The second coming Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Man who wouldn’t right now.
Deke'r Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, ….so would Pittsburg…
I’m guessing Stevens will open up the game in hopes of making a play for the full time job. Unless he is drastically different then Murray and winning, he has no hopes of sticking around.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@CabbagesAndKings, I sincerely doubt that Stevens is going to be the head coach for long. The only way he can get the job is to win the Cup. I don’t even think he will last long, as DL will find TM’s true replacement sooner rather then later. I like that he will take a little time though.
[Reply]
After reading this article, I hope its not Sutter. Sounds like more of the same…
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/news/2002/12/01/sharks_sutter_ap/
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@Bean32, The reason why the Sharks got off to a slow start that year and Sutter ended up taking the fall, with Lombardi doing so also later on, was because the Sharks got new owners and had slashed the budget, meaning Nabokov et all held out. It is not the same situation here.
[Reply]
Thank you TM. As a long time fan, I sincerely appreicate all you did for this franchise and our group of core players. I wish you nothing but success in the future (unless of course, you are coaching against the Kings). I tap my stick on the ice for you.
[Reply]
Dean didn’t have one bad thing to say about TM, but…. Dean did put Ethan Moreau on waivers who TM played in every game right? Was Ethan ever a scratch? There were some difference of opinions.
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jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@Osaka, I think it’s more like a parent taking away a book of matches from a child.
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xeropoint Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@jess, HAHAHA
[Reply]
My guess is Tony Granato. I think he would relate well to the players
[Reply]
Did I start the whole Granato rumor yesterday?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@Osaka,
You just may have! Not too bad maybe?
[Reply]
I’m with Craig Button of NHL network. Hey Dean, maybe they’re just not that good and poorly built for today’s NHL. The thought of DL ripping Trent Hunter and Brad Richardson and Dustin Brown and Justin Williams who would all be 3rd liners on an elite team, shows something about the kind of guy he is.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@KingVern, Dustin Brown scored 28 goals last year to lead the Kings in goals. He is not a third liner.
Justin Williams scored 22 goals last year, and had over 30 in each of the previous 2 years in which he was healthy enough to play the whole year. He is not a third liner.
[Reply]
KingVern Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@CB14, Dustin Brown is the definition of a 3rd liner. He hits, he hustles, and can score goals. His low hockey IQ is a liability in the top six and I know a lot of you agree with me. As for Justin Williams he’s healthy now….soooo TM’s fault?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@KingVern, You really need to take a look around the league at the kind of numbers the elite teams best players are putting up. The top 6 highest scoring teams last year were, in order, Vancouver, Detroit, Philly, Chicago, Boston, and San Jose.
The elite Boston Bruins team last year had 1 player with more goals than DB.
The elite Detroit Red Wings team last year had 0 players with more goals than DB.
The elite Chicago Blackhawks team last year had 2 players with more goals than DB.
The elite Philadelphia Flyers team last year had 2 players with more goals than DB.
The elite San Jose Sharks team last year had 2 players with more goals than DB.
The elite Vancouver Canucks team last year had 2 players with more goals than DB.
So on every other elite team Dustin Brown would be, at minimum, the third highest scoring player, yet on the Kings he should be consider the 7th best player? Um, NO.
JD Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@KingVern,
CB14, finally, someone who shows facts. If some of these posters would check the stats for this team, they would see that Brown is fifth in scoring with a plus 2 +/- and 88 hits. Kopi is first in scoring with a -4 +/- and 19 hits. It’s easy to see that the Brown haters won’t be happy until he’s gone just as TM is. Believe me, Brownie would make many a team very happy especially come playoff time.
KingVern Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@JD Fifth in scoring on the team that’s last in the NHL in scoring is nothing to be proud of.
KingVern Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@CB14, those are all well built teams with depth . You’re hung up on goals and proving my point about the way the team is built. It’s not about one guys goals, it’s about all players playing the role that best fits them. Would Brown be in the top 6 on any of those teams? I doubt it.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 8:35 am
@KingVern, gotta go with the king on this one… low hockey IQ? shows in his passing and puck management, but what do I know? The only important stat is his goals over the last 5 years… I wish he’d make the players around him better but I guess we need to be happy that he led the team in goals. Someone has to lead the team in goals, might as well insist that that player is the best we got and move on…ugh
DesertKing Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
@KingVern,
There is a reason why Craig “Un”Button is on NHL On The Fly aka “The No Kings Channel” – no one wants him in their organization since he is an idiot.
[Reply]
KingVern Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@DesertKing, Idiot’s can be right from time to time and he has great hair.
[Reply]
Sutter hasn’t coached since ’05/06. Not sure about that…
[Reply]
time to release our midgets, and start signing guys over six feet who can skate, bring back simmonds!
[Reply]
BARRY MELROSE!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@ddc,
1.) No
2.) Nine
3.) Chall’e holmes
4.) Fugettaboutit
[Reply]
jlium Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
@jess, I like you do not want Barry as coach but he is the only one to take the Kings to the finals and they had no business being there,
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 8:32 am
@jess, 3) sounds too French to be believed… LOL
[Reply]
Al MacInnis!
[Reply]
Interesting to here Melroe’s take on the Kings’ problems to score and/or win: not the system or style of play, not the talent, but the players’ effort in LA. Thinks they needs a motivational coach or ass kicking coach.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@Osaka, there was a not so distant time when our work ethic was all we had. teams didn’t want to play us becasuse we were hard to play against becasue we out worked them. What happened to that?
[Reply]
Terry Murray didnt look like he communicate with the team and always looking at his shoulder but doesnt say a word !
[Reply]
DL – Well Murph, I guess you know why I am here?
TM – Because you live here?
DL – No
TM – You got free tickets to tomorro’s game?
DL – Noo
TM – You had a craving for clam chowder?
DL – Nooo
TM – You are giving me my Christmas present early?
DL – Noooo
TM – You are leaving the Kings and going to work for the Bruins?
DL – Nooooo
TM – I give up, why are you here?
DL – You’re fired.
TM – Nooooooooooooo
[Reply]
Andrew: The second coming Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@DesertKing, LOL way to make light of the situation.
[Reply]
What the Kings need is AN IDENTITY!
Basically we’re the team that ripped Gretzky from Canada, and cheated in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Okay, now what?
Stevens has to know he has no chance at remaining Head Coach. He’s hoping to keep a spot working with the defense. Kompon, start working on that resume.
Lombardi is at his Waterloo. Hire someone fast, and maybe the wrong guy and we do this all over again this summer – or – stick with Stevens for the year, replace Kompon ASAP, and ride out the year as best we can, and bring in the next Coach the day after we’re done for the year. He rightfully dumped a can of crap in the locker room.
I would prefer no re-treads, thank you.
Tippet’s contract is up at the end of the year at Phoenix. Wait for him?
Granato? That would be a decision the Pens would have to make (allowing him to leave), but I have no problem with that at all.
Young Up and Comer? No problem with that either.
Whoever it ends up being, they have to have a vision of what the Kings will be.
We need an identity!
Roundy Crown wasn’t good for us. Pointy Crown didn’t work. The Chevy Lowrider Logo? Not so much. The Shield? Nope. Home Plate LA? Let’s not even go there.
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Everybody’s concerned about the timing of firing TM after his flight back east. How about the timing for Stevens. It’s all yours, John, now go get them Bruins!
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Deke'r Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
@Kenny44, LOL!…yeah, I’ll bet that made his sphincter pucker…
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@jess, Yes I’m with Craig Button. In all aspects of life. I want to be just like him. I got a perm to have hair exactly like his.
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jess Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@KingVern,
Haha! I think the Hammer set his clam chowder spoon down to delete my post but I laughed whilst writing it! Glad you too have a sense of humor about it
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Great job Rich. Has to be a long day for you after the travel day.
Thank You,
QuicksDaMan
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This team is not that good. Changing the Coach will not cause the Kings to make the playoffs.Management has overrated the players. We are too slow and lack offensive skill. Lombardi needs to go.
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LicoriceBiscuit Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@rmartin1951,
Wait a minute, “This team is not that good,” this is obviously your opinion. 51 games remaining in the season will assess the truth.
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Silk Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@rmartin1951, Totally disagree. We have the players that can do very well under the right coach. Quick is one of the finest goalies in the NHL. Berneir isn’t that bad either. D is solid and we have some great offensive talent. Guidance is what is lacking. Time will tell.
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We all wish the best for Terry Murray as a person and as a coach, but like everyone said he’s pushed this team as far as they can go. Of course for us KINGS fans, that’s NOT FAR ENOUGH. We don’t HAVE a cup, but us KINGS fans deserve to be around to finally see our team hoist the cup for LA and all the years of dedication, money, sleep or lack of, and most of all Passion for our team.
Best of luck to TM, I’m sure he’ll be fine, and I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hope this LA KINGS team can put any crap aside now, and just WORK HARD EVERY SINGLE GAME!
It’s all on them now
GO KINGS GO!
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I think the Kings and fans can/should be appreciative for what TM brought to the team. Lombardi is right to celebrate those good qualities. But its been clear [at least in my mind] that it was time to move on for at least a year now. The fact that Lombardi seemed frozen by his loyalty at the expense of the team is not a strength but a fatal flaw in what is ultimately a business. Sometimes the worst thing a leader can do is let a teammate [or worse a friend] flail themselves into ‘failure.’ As a leader it can be hard to watch that happen and still have the perspective to take necessary action. For TM’s sake an earlier and more graceful exit could have been arranged.
Whatever, I’d just like to see DL take a more insightful look into the sitch and hopefully take on more “accountability” for the circumstances. And, for DL to be more contrite to the fans that are the financial support of the team. With that said, nobody’s perfect. Onward and upward hopefully.
As some others have pointed out it seems [to me] that the players might not have been buying 110% into the TM “system.” In some respects, yes that’s on the players. Let’s hope a new coach can be found that everyone can buy into.
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5holer Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@MmmmYummy, Yes and No! Hockey is fraternity largely league wide! It is not yet like so many other Pro Sports, thankfully IMO! There is still much personalism (to coin a word here) in the management ranks of hockey, though it is disappearing in the player ranks I believe. GM’s hire by personal relationships mainly and by resume content inclusively as I see it. It is a comfort thing and a respect thing, which is something fading away from the player ranks today with all the lawyers in high places and all the business acumen assuaged today in the NHL on its players. Yes it is indeed in the final analysis a business after all, however it is a dedication required career for players and coaches and management alike. The ownerships are not necessarily associated with this personal connection aspect, thus it is impersonalising (another new word) our sport largely and exponentially. Too bad for that! It is a small fraternity in hockey, so it is slim pickings when it comes to interning new blood in coaching at this level. This is not an exact science in any aspect of it. Many top CEO’s selected in mainstreet America are certainly not overwhelming successes in their own rights. Such is the case in selecting coaches, GMs and the rosters of players under contracts. The human element does intrusively get in the way of exacting out your working plans. You throw enough crud against the wall and you hope much of it sticks in the right places. No one can be faulted for their efforts or their intentions here, but much can be held at the players court for results or lack thereof. As far as players buying in, it is a case of which guys buy in first and then the rest will follow that lead. Most of these players bought in 4 years ago when TM arrived with his plan. Others have come and gone, while Lombardi tried to reach higher on the scale with his acquisitions. Lost in all of it, as is always the case, is the human element as applied with no available litmus test to pre-check it first. Some individuals from other organizations just do not fit right in very easily or quickly! The proof is in the pudding here today with no science or clinical trial to led your way through it! When you make that jump you cannot change course in mid leap! What’s done is done and its time to move ahead. Yes and No, but who knows where you are going until you get there if you ever do get there!
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MmmmYummy Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
@5holer, Fraternities are good and bad and the smaller the more magnified some of those aspects become. I think though careful planning an organization’s culture can be built and protected without relying on the the old mans network for guidance. But that takes planning, insight, dedication and will from an especially enlightened leadership – not likely something native to the hockey brotherhood where the passion for the game is the well feeding the dedication to the business. “Loyalty” – supposedly a “manly” trait – is good and bad, but without the necessary checks can create havoc. I think it is easier to “know where you are going” when the rules have been carefully defined and accountability to defined metrics is enforced/incentivized rather than relying on handshakes and intangibles. Conversely, good corporate leadership is a very rare thing. Hockey from top to bottom could really benefit from incentivizing performance. Banks were doing that only in the short term and that did not work out so well so obviously short and long term considerations have to be incorporated.
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This is not solely a problem with Murray. Lombardi was a fired in Philly and isn’t much better here. Why do teams continue to hire folks who couldn’t make things work at their previous job. Ok, they one a stanley cup but at what cost did that come. They both need to go and let Luc be the next GM and maybe ring in somebody from Detroit to manage. They seem to be able to be the most consistent franchise ever.
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Silk Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
@Wicho, DL set up a very successful team in San Jose before he left and they are still a powerhouse…so what are you talking about?
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!
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Without a doubt DL shouldn’t feel insulated from blame here and he should be very mindful on his next choice of whom will be the next coach, as his position is in serious question IMHO.
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Lombardi said it better than anyone could say it. This is an excellent man and was an excellent coach that was let go today. As I have been saying in my posts all along, and as Lombardi so eloquently says it here…it is a player problem here…a leadership problem and a focus problem. The mix is not right here up front. The young nucleus cannot reach the new tenured group of replacement players acquired recently. The new guys won’t reach out just yet either! Something has to change within the entire player ranks or the next sacrificial lamb of a coach will come and go the same way! The tinkering with the team identity is the killer here IMHO! A misfit group of misaligned styles up front just hasn’t meshed at all…they may be leaving that at Lombardi’s doorstep soon! No notes under the door from Andy Murray, just a red card under the GM’s door might be next, especially if the players don’t hear that trumpet playing in the background quickly enough! The early play-off exits were certainly telling in retrospect! My My how quickly it turns to crud!
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Time to get our house in order and our players in sync. Wonder who is doing most of the talking in the dressing room today.
Also, for all those folks who said defense wins cups and I kept harking “not when you can’t score 5on5 or on the power play”……. This team has been squeaking by on wins by one goal for a long time and now they are losing those one goal games. It wo’;t take much to right the ship. We just need some more balance and not defense always first. Sometimes your best defense is you offense. No offense and you defense gets worn out and breaks.
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Count lowegirl in with the crown who thanks Terry Murray for his contributions to the Kings. It’s unfortunate that the Coach has to be fired when it’s the players who are not performing, but clearly he took them as far as they were willing to go with him. I wish him nothing but the best, certainly.
So much in sports is psychological. I hope that this change makes some kind of wave in the players’ brains and they get out there and kick some boo-tay. There’s so much talent, underapaid talent, WAY overpaid talent (I’m talking to you, Doughty), but at the end of the day these guys are professional hockey players and they best start playing like it.
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lowegirl Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
@lowegirl,
I better trim my fingernails. That was ripe with typos.
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Maybe Phil Jackson can learn the sport quickly.
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Rich!! thank you!!
TM!! got your signature on my jersey. Am going to retire it now and frame it. You’ll always be my favorite coach!!
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The internet has ruined hockey. It’s almost unbearable to listen (re: read) everyone’s opinions. Seriously. It was much better when we got the Hockey News once a week, and there’d be an occasional phone-in radio program. It’s out of hand. Twitter, LGK, HF, Rich Hammond, Insiders, Outsiders, all filled with know-it-all 14 year olds who think they understand what’s going on in the player’s heads, in the coaches heads and in the GM’s head… and then you go to the game and hear these idiots yelling “SHOOT IT” when there’s no friggin’ lane.
Video killed the radio star. The internet has killed everything else
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tellmeY Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@Marc Nathan, Amen….you are sooooo right.
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No-god help us if it’s Sutter.
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I’m sorry guys but this sucks, huge. TM is a great coach. He took the hit for a grossly underachieving team, tragically like he should. He’s a class act. He’s one of the greatest coaches to have coached in the NHL (16th overall in wins). With DL’s help he turned the Kings around and made them something we hadn’t seen in years, a playoff team.
The expectations were very high this year and, anyone could see this coming a mile away including, I’d imagine TM. It’s too bad the players let him down the way they did. One example, when you pay someone 7mil to play like a Norris finalist and they play like the 7 dollar man, it says something for both the individuals and the team. These guys just couldn’t get a fire lit and, as I’m certain everyone will agree, when Richards, the only player who seemed to be leading the team both on and off the ice got hurt, the wheels came off.
The Kings have had two Murray’s as coaches. I truly liked them both. I am sorry this day happened. The season has been a disaster so far but it isn’t unsalvageable. However, if the PLAYERS don’t turn this around, DL will be next to go along with many of our underachievers and the Kings will once again be staring into the abyss of another long, painful rebuild.
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I have never heard such overly direct negative commentary, as recently done by Craig Button from “NHL on the Fly”, regarding the firing of TM and the Kings organization. I realize that I am a bias Kings fan, but his commentary was an out and out attack on our team. He described us as basically an overhyped organization that in its current state, will never attain anything close to the Stanley Cup and that our players are no more than 4th and 3rd liners on other teams. His negative commentary did appear to be solely directed towards Dean Lombardi and his repeated failures as a GM, here and in San Jose. It tended to be almost a hatred towards him more-so, than a dislike. His commentary appears to come more from a disgruntled Kings fan of over 30 plus years, and who is again dissapointed by this organization’s lack of achievement. Anyway, listening to him and his sidekick (Chase)almost appeared as if he was telling Kings fans that we were all led astray by this organizations hype of the team, and that our rebuilding has left us with inept players and numerous holes in this teams structure. And further, that it was all caused by Lombardi. I Know that he said alot of other things, but it really does not matter, ’cause you know what? as much complaining and ranting as we do, most will stand behind their team. And….If Terry Murray is the coach that most say he is (and I believe) then, he will soon again be employed, if so desired. So…let us see what the future has to give this team. Go Kings…and oh yeah…Buttons, go suck an egg!!!!
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