Coaching changes in Los Angeles are certainly nothing new for Dustin Brown. Brown was a second-year pro when Andy Murray got fired near the end of the 2005-06 season, and an established player when Marc Crawford got fired two years later. Now, it’s Terry Murray, as Brown prepares to play for his fifth coach in his eighth NHL season (with likely a sixth coach on the way). After practice today, Brown talked about the coaching change and the necessary direction of the team…
BROWN: “I’ve been through this before. It’s not an easy thing to go through. It’s really hard to kind of put into words how you feel, as a group of guys in here, when something like this happens. I think the best thing we can do, as players, is come together and work through it. It’s part of being a professional athlete, going through days like this. It’s up to the players in here to come together and step up and play. We’ve got two points that we need tonight. It’s definitely not a normal situation, but that should be our focus going in. We’ve got two points, and we need them.’’
Question: Were you surprised by the move?
BROWN: “To some extent, yeah. We know we’ve been struggling. We know the situation at hand. I think guys were probably a little surprised with the timing, I guess, but management felt they needed to make the decision they did. The players, we knew we needed to be better and that something was going to change if we didn’t get better. It happened pretty quick.’’
Question: Do you think drastic changes are needed here?
BROWN: “Regardless of how we play the game, I think it’s more about our attitude, honestly. The difference, the parity, especially in the West, the teams are so close. It’s more about the type of attitude we bring to the game. We have to have a better, more hungry attitude. We weren’t a hungry team. We’ve got to get back to getting on the puck and having that attitude, that swagger. You look at the top teams in the league, they all have an attitude. Minnesota is probably a good example of that. I don’t think, if you looked on paper, they are the best team in the league, but right now they’re playing with attitude. We, as a team, as a group of players, have to find that team attitude.’’
SUTTER IS HORRIBLE!!
[Reply]
Jason4kings Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Devilmachine, For some reason this cracked me up, thanks.
[Reply]
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@Jason4kings, Sorry, ha. Just so scared of Sloth becoming out coach! I just posted it on the first blog I saw! Ha
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Devilmachine, Maybe???? But they are gonna get that attitude very quickly. Other teams are going to hate us soon. KFC and Westgarth are going to loose the shackles and show the rest of the team attitude. This might just work? Most teams go from a nice coach to a punk. Or a punk to a “good” guy. I’m also pretty sure that Sutter will teach DD how to play D without the cross checks again. Penner works better under a coach that is demanding. AND!!!!!! Nobody is going to be allowed to hit Kopi, Richards or Doughty without looking over their shoulder. And JMFJ might just go crazy.
Have faith friends! Or drink some of this here Kool-aid.
[Reply]
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@Christian T, I hope your right.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@Devilmachine,
I know, I mean why even bother letting him get behind the bench. Let’s condemn the guy before he even has a chance to do anything. That’s your LA Kings fans for you.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@AZ King, Haha. I wanted a new coach and we got one so I am happy. And I don’t like Sutter in the past but he will hold the players accountable. Something that a good guy like Murray has trouble doing.
[Reply]
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@AZ King, Thats having 3 good friends I play hockey with who are die hards and hate him! You play? Probably not. Check out mayors manor on his record as a flames coach and how he lost his mind.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:56 am
@Devilmachine,
Wow, you don’t know anything about me, so how about you don’t make assumptions. Yeah I play, for about 30 years, plus refing and coaching.
Didn’t mean to question the collective hockey IQ of you and your 3 “die hard” good friends. Thanks for setting me straight…..
mcsorleyfan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Devilmachine, yeah, most of the regular commentors on here play, have played, coach, ref, etc… I know it’s “so Cal, but we didn’t all grow up here, either.
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Devilmachine, I’m not a Sutter fan, but I think his attitude might help us in the short term. I hope it does?
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Devilmachine, I appologize, just a little stressed about this one, but you made the first assumption by stating “That’s your LA Kings fans for you” comment. You don’t know me either, I’ve been playing in LA and have been a die hard Kings fan since about ’83 when i was 12. I consider myself pretty knowledble but I just don’t like another fossil who looks like Sloth from the Goonies as our new coach. We need new young blood. These guys need to have some fun. It’s a long season and Andy/terry Murray style is brutal for long term.
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Devilmachine, Plus you can’t hire a coach for one game. It’s not like a trial and error thing.
LAK27 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Devilmachine, what do his looks have to do with anything?
EJ Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@AZ King, problem is Sutter will likely want a contract through the 2014 season. His track record and old-school philosophy is a non-starter in my book.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@EJ,
All I’m saying is maybe, just maybe, we should let him actually coach a Kings game before pulling out the pitchforks and torches.
uclaemt Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@Devilmachine, As a die hard fan please offer a few names of coaches that will 1) Play a system that will make you happy 2) Maintain this strong defensive mentality of this team which is needed to win in the playoffs 3) has the experience to take a team deep into the playoffs.
I don’t think that coach exists & like DB said the problem is attitude of the players. They don’t want to play every night. Someone in that room is a cancer and until DL figures it out and removes them no coach will be able to help this team.
[Reply]
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@uclaemt, I think it’s not that there is a cancer, it’s like when Andy was here. Overachieved with what he had but the system and hard work eventually wear on the players both physically and mentally. I’d love to see what Granato could offer, if Pit will allow him to interview. I just see what could be with this team and we are on the edge here and I hope we keep climbing and not crash and burn. Saw on MM dale Hawerchuck.
[Reply]
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Devilmachine, As far as how he looks. Ha ha he just always had that look behind the bench in Calgary and I would talk trash to my “3 die hard Flames fans” friends. Now that would come back to haunt me! Ugh!
Rich, did you type this up while on the radio? One man army, i tell ya!
[Reply]
“We, as a team, as a group of players, have to find that team attitude” – evidently they’re still looking for the attitude… the losses aint over folks.
[Reply]
Helvetica Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@Stuart, Exactly.
It’s also my firm belief that the decision to fire Murray was not DL’s to make. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brown moved this season if they don’t turn things around quick.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@Stuart,
And its only going to get worse if we have to watch
sutter’s ugly mug while games fritter away.
[Reply]
I can’t wait til Sutter bag skates Brown every time he dives.
[Reply]
Dustin – what are you going to do as Captain to make this team ‘hungry’ and having ‘the attitude’ and ‘swagger’?
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@kozak, All Dustin has to do is lay some people out. Lead by example not give crazy speech’s. He is closer to a Norstrom than a screamer. Let him do his thing. Matt Greene can smack the troops around.
[Reply]
RLane420 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Christian T, he doesnt need to smack players or scream but he needs to speak up and be captain.
[Reply]
uclaemt Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@RLane420, Not all captains are verbal in your face type guys, Norstrom wasn’t & Gretzky certainly wasn’t. Lead by example is all you can ask of him & based on DL comment that he among other players need to look at themselves in the mirror it’s clear that DB needs to start with himself before any other guy in the room
deadcatbounce Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@Christian T, Green will have to verbally smack his teammates because he’s too slow to actually catch up to any of them.
[Reply]
silk Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@deadcatbounce, Then Green will do some stupid crosscheck from behind.
RLane420 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@kozak, exactly a big part of this falls on Brown. He is the capt. and needs to speak up. Take charge Brownie and have a team meeting with players only and get that attitude.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@RLane420, I still don’t think he needs to be different from the person he is. He needs to play hard. He like many players has not been trying out there. He should lead the team in hits like he always does. That’s how he speaks up. I’m not saying he is blameless because he is noticeably absent. But he leads by example not words. Besides no one is going to listen to him anyway until he walks the walk. Then he can speak.
[Reply]
kozak Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@Christian T, and all – I wasn’t implying that Dustin had to give a ‘win one for the Gipper speech’. I want to see something positive from our Captain; whether it be hitting everything that moves, scoring some goals, camping out in front of the net, etc etc.
He needs to be the leader on the ice. He hasn’t been this year.
Let me add a ray of hope… despite how awful the team has been playing, the Kings are still only THREE points out of first in the Pacific Division… so turn the page and get a W tonight!
[Reply]
JC Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:35 am
@bbb7, +1 season aint over! we have like what 50+ games to go? lets be positive people. they’ll get it going. i rather have them get this slump out early and go blazing hot in the playoffs.
[Reply]
SDGolfer Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@bbb7, i agree, with all the ridiculous expectations put on this team during the pre-season, and the fans drinking the kool-aid, its kinda fun to keep up with the meltdown by the fans.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@SDGolfer, _
The Kings have been selling out the Staples center even with all the losing and boring hockey. So the hype has worked well to this point. I’m still in. You?
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
@bbb7, Good point. Crazy to think we’re really not in that bad of shape. You read all this and you’d figure we’re in dead last in the conference 20 points out of a playoff spot.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@bbb7, not sure how you accomplished it but i have been saying that for a week now( we are 3 points out). How ever you did it at least people are starting to realize it!
[Reply]
Soft team is cracking LOL
You’d think these players can elevate their game when it was time. Boy, did they fail the test.
Whip them into shape, Sutter!
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@Räikkönen,
[Reply]
Just go play your hearts out!!
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@mcsorleyfan,
exactly. Now’s the time to show what kind of character this team has.
[Reply]
At least he didn’t say their “compete” level isn’t up to par. Or their dot to board play is wilting. Maybe something has changed since yesterday!
[Reply]
just watched John Garrett on Sportsnet (Canada) – when asked what the problem was with the Kings, one of the things he mentioned was ‘Richards really hasn’t panned out like the Kings expected’ -> tried to e-mail them and ask him what the **** he was talking about but couldn’t find an address – got me all wound up the dork
[Reply]
Mikefromearth Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@petemagoop, You know, I’ve heard this several times. Not sure where they’re getting this idea, as I think most of us think Ricky was a fantastic acquisition.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Mikefromearth,
Yah, look what happened as soon as Richards went out–free fall! His absence created a vacuum that sucked! That guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about….
[Reply]
RLane420 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@petemagoop, I really cant believe when I here this either. I wonder if these so called professionals even watch the games. Richards has been one of our best players all season, even when he was trying to get a feel for this team , he was very good.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@RLane420, I don’t think they watch the Kings play much if at all. A couple of the NHL Network guys yesterday even thought the Kings were using Richards being out as their excuse. Never heard that one before.
[Reply]
Mikefromearth Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@LA_1968,
Nope, even with all the craziness, I have heard exactly 0 people blame it on Mike.
Hmmm, echoes of Terry Murray “Attitude” C’mon Brown, come up with something origional of your own.
[Reply]
I hate to say this but I think stripping Dustin of the C is the next thing to happen if things don’t get turned around. He was given the C rather than earning the C. With the makeup of this team I see it as an awkward fit to have him be the guy everyone turns to when the going gets tough.
[Reply]
RLane420 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@DBking, you may be right. I love Brown and the fire he plays with but this team may need a voice in the locker room. We will see in the next few games what this team is made of.
[Reply]
Bean32 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@DBking, I’d think they’d trade him before stripping the C
[Reply]
KOHO Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@DBking,
I agree, never liked when DL appointed him captain..it’s not his makeup. Not a knock against him just some guys are cut from a different cloth.
Richards is our leader.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@KOHO, Richards doesn’t want the C. He hated it in Philly. Let him come back and score.
[Reply]
the hockey don Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@DBking, Westie for Captain!
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@the hockey don, Yep… captain of the press box.
[Reply]
Whodawat Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@DBking, I wouldn’t be sad if he got traded
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@Whodawat, I would be sad if he got traded. Good player with a good contract. All he has to do is hit again and the rest of his game will come back. Sutters gonna love Brown
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@DBking, He was not given the C. He was one of the hardest working Kings at the time. And remember how the crowd and team got fired up by his checking. A couple things that have been noticeably gone this year are his hits. KFC and Westgarths aggression and those pesky goals. Let’s see if they come back before we talk about him losing the C.
[Reply]
Whodawat Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Christian T, You’re right. I miss that Dustin Brown. I dunno whose wearing #23 now, but I don’t like him.
[Reply]
gralx Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@DBking, I think the negativity is very heavy in here right now. We got what most of us were yelling for. Let the dust settle before blowing up the rest of the team.
I happen to disagree with all of the dumping on DB above. When he was named captain it was because of his physical play and being the leader of the youngsters. He played with fire and threw his body around with reckless abandon. His hitting numbers have been in decline over the last couple of years. Westgarth has fought once or twice this year. And, Clifford can’t score or get in a fight.I honestly think that the fire was doused for all 3 of them before the season started. With TM now gone, those 3 need to do what those 3 do best, get physical.
[Reply]
I happen to agree with Brown about the “attitude” on this team. I mentioned in an earlier post how I was getting tired of seeing the players smiling and being chummy with each other as they are losing games. Winning teams have winning attitudes and they have their game faces on every night. Not that I want teams to have no personality at all, but save it for AFTER a game in which you WIN!, not DURING a game in which you are LOSING. Pay attention to other winning teams around the league – you won’t see them smiling and laughing with each other during a game. You’ll see them strategizing and making things happen for each other. THAT is the attitude we need on the Kings. Just my own observation…
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@pnm, I really hate the way that Willy chums it up with the opponents too. This is not a church function, it’s a war of hockey players. Get with it guys.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@pnm, I agree. I also disliked TM’s lack of emotion, I cannot take credit for this analogy, someone else here said it and it made me laugh, but TM behind the bench was like a Inidan statue at a cigar store.
And that about sums it up.
Now someone just needs to make a TM quote generator to hand to sutter.
[Reply]
I’ve sent my e-mail to Tim Leiweke, have you?
It was kinda long, and if I say long, you KNOW it was long.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Cynic,
Cynic, how does one go about getting the email address?
[Reply]
rick Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Cynic, What’s his email address?
[Reply]
TeamJMFJ Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@rick, look on @Cynic’s post on the last thread..
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@Cynic, Actually, Golfnut posted his direct E-mail’s before my option. I sent mine to his AEG address. Here’s his post with the email addresses: http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/12/13/more-on-sutters-potential-hiring/#comment-955259
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@Cynic, Would DL think it was long? That’s the real acid test. :p
[Reply]
When the vast majority was calling for Terry Murray’s head, I don’t know if they thought who might take over. I heard a lot of “anyone but Murray”. Now, without TM our team has a chance to really go in the toilet.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@LA_1968, team also has a chance to be very good. nobody knows what is going to happen. all i know is a change was needed. at least to wake up the players.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Sebastian, I hear ya. It would have been hard to wait any longer. I guess I’m worried is all.
[Reply]
Just stick with Stevens for now if you have to DL but TAKE YOUR TIME to find the right coach please. Good things come to those who wait…
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@jess,
Jess, sadly it sounds very much like a done deal.
Had DL not been so dam- rigid about building only from the back on out, we might actually have a few forwards beyond Anze and Kopi who could score a goal or two.
It’s funny. When I say a goal or two, it sounds so much like an expression… but to think that it’s a Reality. How many have yet to score two?
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@jess and anyone else out there who will listen
The NY Rangers have managed to find at least three new young dynamic forwards who are creative and scoring…… all the while quietly building a good defense to boot, even though Mark Stall is out w concussion symptoms.
So that to me would indicate that you don’t Just have to concentrate on d for the first 3/4 yrs of drafting. Not that it was only that. But lets face it. How many forwards were drafted w first round picks since 2006?
That’s the quiz. If you guessed ONE, you win.
[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@number 6,
Stamkos?
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@number 6,
Can’t be true…
I seem to remember Matt Duchene, as well…
Duckbasher Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@jess, I liked his comment about tonight’s game NOT being about X’s and O’s.
[Reply]
Take the letters from all the players, and make them earn them again, you want the C fight Westi For it, or something like that!
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@Fernando, Problem with that is that Bernier or for that matter, even Lokti could probably take Westgarth.
[Reply]
This team needs someone to scream and yell. Someone that holds the players accountable, and kick some a$$. Sutter will do that.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@AZ King, Let’s hope because it looks like that’s who we got.
[Reply]
Here’s a bit of devils’ advocate for those of you about to jump out a window… let me know what you think.
In Defense of Dean & Darryl
As the townsfolk gather in the square to light their torches before marching down Figueroa Street to the GM’s office, they need to be reminded of a few things: Click here to continue reading…»
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@wavesinair, You know, that was a nice post, lots of fans here wanted Tm to get/show some emotion, if Sutter is TM with emotion it might just work out fine.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@wavesinair,
Lol. Man I’m starting to get dizzy these days going back & forth between this site & your site to read variable’s & Cynic’s & your posts! But it’s worth the dizziness.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@wavesinair, That was perfect. But it will fall on deaf ears. We Kings fans have been pessimistic for far too many years to have for more than a week or two. I’m with Dean. If the move fails than we do something else. I was willing to lose Murray but I’m not willing to lose all that we have been waiting for the last few years.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@wavesinair,
Interesting take, but I didn’t like the Sharks operation then, and I won’t like it here now.
[Reply]
Has anyone entertained giving The C to Richards straight up and giving Brown another A for a total of 3 A’s? It’s not unheard of. My bet is Richards will take over and there will be more player accountability straight up. This will take some pressure off of Brown and let him concentrate on his game more. Just a thought. It will take some getting used to, but what the heck? I agree we need to find a great coach as well. Take you time Dean sometimes things surface naturally.
[Reply]
Whodawat Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@Bowtie SilverBlack, I remember when Richards did his press conference after being traded and someone asked him about the Captaincy in LA. He of course said no, he’s not looking for it at all, Browns doing a great job, etc…
At the time, I thought it was a stupid question to ask Richards. Now, I wish he had said, “Damn right! That C is mine”
[Reply]
Here is the letter I emailed to Leiweke:
Dear Sir and fellow Kings fan,
Please tell Lombardi to take his time on this hire. Keep Stevens in there as long as you have to but please don’t rush this hire!
This is an opportunity to keep options open, and give every possibility careful consideration. Even if it means we wait until the end of this season.
The Kings need a truly unique coaching philosophy with an emphasis on offensive and a fresh perspective. Look at Sutter’s record! This is not an upgrade from Terry Murray and has a strong chance of landing the team right back into the same boat.
Leave Stevens in and wait for the right opportunity. It’s common sense.
Good things come to those who wait.
Respectfully, Jess
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@jess,
Isn’t it funny how we are all telling DEAN LOMBARDI to be more patient? Isn’t this normally the most patient man in the world, to a fault even, sometimes? Kind of ironic, & out of character, for DL to have such a knee-jerk hire!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@Scot, It does not compute..
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@jess,
This was his reply:
It’s unfortunate we find ourselves in this position, Terry was a good man but we had no choice. I cannot and won’t dictate to Dean. He needs to make this choice. I do agree that we need someone that is more emotional and driven. But the final choice is Dean’s. I appreciate the fact that like me, your mad and passionate.
Hang in there with us.
TJL
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@jess, Thanks for getting back to us Insider’s TIM!
We’ll hope for the best..
[Reply]
So if you HAD to pick… Murray or Sutter?
[Reply]
btw who do you think is going to get the boot next??
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Subby,
Brown.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@Scot, not a chance
[Reply]
I can’t believe we are considering a retread from 2006. My gosh, half the team wasn’t even in the NHL in 2006. DL, patience please. Take your time. Look at your options. Seek youth with energy fresh perspectives.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@DesertKing, A youthful coach isn’t going to work here at this time. They will just tune him out. They need a jerk and Sutter is quite capable of that. Let’s, as a group of loyal fans stop complaining and meet back here in 1 month. If we suck at that time I’ll grab a soapbox and yell right with you.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Christian T,
Whether we agreeor not on “youth,” come on, a retread from 2006? The game has completely changed from then. If he is so good, why has no one tendered him an offer with all of the vacancies that have come up? That is my main concern. TM was an active coach and it was obvioous that the game had passed him by. I can’t imagine trying to get back into this profession after being away for 5 years.
[Reply]
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@DesertKing, EXACTLY!!!
**OFF-TOPIC TIME OUT**
Scott Norton just posted this on twitter. 10 year old hockey brawl in Kazakastan.
http://www.barstoolsports.com/boston/super-page/10-year-old-hockey-brawl-in-kazakhstan/
Really? The parents cheering in the background afterwards is awkward.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Cynic, LOL!!
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@Cynic,
Kazakhstan is the greatest country in the world
All other countries are run by little girls
Kazakhstan is number-one exporter of potassium…and 10 year old hockey fights.
[Reply]
Devilmachine Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@wavesinair, LMAO!!! Gypsy tears!!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Cynic,
OK, let me preface by saying this first: I think that kids fighting is all out wrong. Those parents should be ashamed of themselves cheering their kids to fight.
But, I was impressed how quickly the kids all bounced right up after they were knocked down or pummeled to the ground. Had it been the Sedins when they were nine or ten I’m pretty sure at least one of them would still be laying on that same sheet of ice.
[Reply]
In the event that Sutter does end up as the Kings next Coach, I’m sad to observe the following:
Staring yesterday, this is Dean Lombardi’s team. Not Murray’s. Not Stevens’. Not even Sutter’s. What we’ve seen on the ice this year is a direct product of Lombardi’s desires. Murray had his marching orders , he just couldn’t communicate them effectively to the troops. I’m starting to believe that Murray died “the good soldier” rather than the bad coach.
Why does Lombardi bring in Hunter & Moreau? To accomplish what exactly? And then, to everyone’s confusion, Moreau plays almost all the games to the detriment of Richardson and Lewis – players who need development in games, not the Press Box. Why was Hunter on the PP unit at all? And even if the use of those two were in fact Murray’s choices, and they weren’t working, why was the GM silent? Why silent on pulling Quick on his shutout run? Why silent when yet another homestand spins down the toilet in front of a Staples booing crowd? Why else does the GM stand in the room and tell his team they’re the ones accountable for Murray’s firing? And if Sutter arrives, it’s TM with a much louder and more “colorful” bullhorn.
The only answer I can come up with is that the product and style of play we’ve seen is what Lombardi wants. And if that’s true, then we’re in even more trouble than changing coaches mid-season.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@IceGuy, Hunter and Moreau would have been good moves on a team where are top players can score. Now Hunter in the lineup every night and even on the PP, that was all Murray. If Stoll, Williams and Penner all scored 2 more goals each we’d probably be in 1st. But don’t take my word for it. All those that are in the know around the NHL are nothing but impressed with what DL has made this franchise. NHL12 even makes a comment about it. That’s like God speaking directly to us.
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@IceGuy, I beg to differ; this has been Lombardi’s team from the beginning; he picked Crawford and Murray, he’s put this team together – the good and the bad, but mostly good.
[Reply]
Strange. I don’t get a feeling that he’s that pissed at well…anything; the firing, the direction, the uncertainty, the way his team is playing. It’s all rather ho-hum.
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@dMan, should be *not* that pissed…
[Reply]
…Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@KOHO, Richards doesn’t want the C. He hated it in Philly. Let him come back and score.
…
That’s 100% not true. ANd it had nothing to do with him scoring. He’s avered 28 goals a year cine he got the C.
I live in Philly and have been a Flyers fan for over 35 years an dRichards liked being captain until the day he was traded. The media didn’t like him captain, the players, the ones whose opinions actually count, Liked and respected him in that role (This courtesy of hearing them speak about him in thar role and from long time beat rerporter Chuck Gormley (Burlington cnty courier (Chucks pucks) may 25, 2011 when asked about how the players felt about Richards, all them endorsed him the leader role, on and off the record)
Mike Richards, as you’ve seen in only two months, is a terrific leader who by his own merit, onm amnd off the ice, earns the respct of his teammates. He was a very good Capatin and the locker room issues arrived with Chris ‘Massive Ego’ Pronger, who caused a rift.
He’s worn a C proudly every where’ he’s played. And if given the opporutnity, he’d wear it well as King too. It’s a role he enjoys, as it comes naturally to him.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@Deirdre, He’s got my vote..
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@Deirdre, Don’t get me wrong. I love Mike Richards and knew I would the minute he was traded. But you don’t strip the C without it screwing many other things up. I promise you that Richards is the same leader in the Kings locker room that he was in Philly. Maybe even more so because Pronger is a piece of… The Kings has many leaders and they all don’t have C’s or A’s. All the leaders just decided that Murray was not good for them. Give it a month. If Brown is still playing as bad as he now we’ll revisit this. Deal?
[Reply]
OK, I’m sorry but Rich had to be thinking B.S. when listening to this.First, it’s evident that neither he or his team is sorry for TM being fired, based on what i read above…which is fine. He doesn’t mention the system that has failed them, but their attitude and lack of hunger? Dustin, when was the attitude going to change? 10 points out of the playoffs with 2 weeks to go? When were you going to get hungry? When you have surpassed Columbus as cellar dwellers? As a captain of the team and voice for the team, at least man up and be honest.Just say the team tuned him out and a change was needed. Otherwise, give the “C” to someone who will. You have too many intelligent fans who know better than that.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@wideleft, Certainly you cant be saying you know how rich felt right? and is that left field your talking about?
[Reply]
wideleft Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@fsd1, Absolutely not…but anyone with a right field…excuse me, mind can see B.S. when they read it. At least Scuds manned up…that says alot about him.
[Reply]
Ask any successful GM, CEO, business man, they will tell you the same thing. If you want to get ahead, win big or be the top dog you have to be willing to crack some skulls, and make some bold moves.
Now lets go back a few years when chi and LA were considered the up and coming teams in the west. Remember? Chi started making bold moves and kinda put all there eggs in one basket. LA stayed the course and remained patient. Most of us agreed it was the right thing to do. (myself included).
Present day: Chi has won a cup and again are one of the better teams in the west. The Kings? Still patient and now going backwards.
I put alot of blame on TM and I was ok with the job DL was doing but to continue to play it safe and sit on our hands is not gonna get it done. If Sutter fails DL might be done, and deservingly so.
[Reply]
i think its time for a new captain too… Richards, Mitchelle, even wouldnt mind fraser.. these guys bring emotion every game and have been around.. brown seems like hes lost motivation, probably worn out from all this
[Reply]
Dustin, why didn’t you crack the wip two months ago??? You are one big excuse. Let Scuds be Captain.
[Reply]
Dustin needs to play like he did after his “kick in goal” was disallowed. He was so pissed!! He is timid because the rules around the NHL are a bit construed and even though he won’t say it, he has to be thinking that any hit he gives could turn into a penalty.
[Reply]