The Kings have sought permission from the Calgary Flames to speak with Darryl Sutter as Terry Murray’s replacement, a source said this morning. Sutter left his role as Calgary’s general manager last December but remains under contract with the Flames. There’s no indication as to when Sutter might take over. John Stevens will coach tonight’s game at Boston, with Jamie Kompon as his assistant coach. Kings general manager hired Sutter as his coach in San Jose in 1997.
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NOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
[Reply]
2hitnik Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:00 am
@teach, Sorry @teach – I’m replying on yours just to be sure my thoughts are read… Did Glen Sather or Barry Melrose ask Wayne Gretzky to dump and chase? Yeah- I get we don’t have Wayne Gretzky on the team, but ask yourself “why get rid of the puck to go wear yourself out trying to get it back?”. And I’m talking apples to oranges, it Wayne’s day the defense wasn’t lined up 4 across the blue-line, but how frustrated are you seeing the puck get dumped in, the opponents D recover, outlet and then it’s just going the wrong way again. It also seems that opposing teams have figured out the Kings system. It seems they have someone in all the places the Kings go with the puck. We entered the year with so much to look forward to, mediocrity wasn’t on the list.
[Reply]
pitty Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:17 am
@2hitnik, Well the players themselves including Kopi have said they have not been able to carry the puck in the zone, so either it’s a lack of confidence or lack of skill. I really don’t believe the coach’s first choice was to dump and chase but if your players can’t skate the puck in the zone what other choice is there.
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@pitty, It’s a lack of foot speed. This happens when the players have to think about the coach’s system too much.
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:39 am
@2hitnik,
That is exactly what I had been harping on all season. Opposing teams’ game film time must have taken 2 minutes to break down on how to defend against the Kings.
1) Stand up at the blue line, wait for the dump and beat them to the puck – start the
puck the other way.
2) Meet the Kings at the halfway boards or the points, the puck will be there more than
any other place in the attacking zone.
3) Have the defense play a box and 1 since there will be no more than one King in the
slot and the shots will come from the furthest or oddest angles.
4) Don’t worry about getting gassed, because the Kings do a lot of stationary offense,
so the defending players won’t have to do a lot of chasing in the defending zone.
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@miracle.on.manchester, Exactly.
Weasel Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@2hitnik,
The season isn’t over yet.
[Reply]
Bingram Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@2hitnik,
For me the most frustrating aspect of the Kings under TM was; a King’s player has a take away in the neutral zone and the first thing they are required to do is pass the puck back to the D-men in our own zone, thereby letting the opponent to pen us in our own zone. If you intercept a pass or have a take away why not attack the opponents net before they can set up and defend?
Thank you TM for teaching our Kings about defense. But its now time to put points on the board.
Go Kings, go.
[Reply]
gralx Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:21 am
@teach, I stand by my call yesterday for MIKUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:36 am
@teach,
I also echo the NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Please no retread coach!
[Reply]
E-Dog Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:18 am
@Dan H.,
I think this hire makes sense for this team. DL know this is his last dance. Whoever the next coach is, if they fail, DL is gone to. So it makes sense he goes with the Devil he knows rather then the Devil he doesn’t know. There’s no sure things in the league. Hiring a new youthful coach (AHL/OHL) doesn’t mean success. For every one young successful coach that has made that transition from the minors to the NHL, there have been 10 that have failed. Plus I don’t think we have the necessary skill for that kind of hockey. We are one of the slowest teams in the league. I’ll tell you what, Darryl Sutter will hold everyone accountable. He will challenge players when they aren’t playing good. In fact don’t be surprised to see a benching of someone like Drew Doughty. Drew makes a mistake now, he’s gonna hear it. You take a stupid penalty, no more TM blank stare look. You’re gonna get an earful from Darryl. I remember he benched Patrick Marleau in the middle of his Ironman Streak of consecutive games played up in San Jose because of bad play!!!!! If he is hired, you will see accountability from the players going forward.
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@E-Dog, We’re one of the slowest teams in the league when we play Moreau and Hunter instead of Lewis and Richardson. That’s a coach’s decision all season.
spidey35 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@Dan H., My thoughts exactly!!!!!!!!!!
Please don’t do it Dean
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:44 am
spidey35, Look at the coaches that were hired this year to teams that fired a coach, St Loius hires a retread and they take off, Washington, Carolina hire new upcoming coaches and they not so much. It is probably best that Dean bring someone in with Nhl experience at this time. Darryl Sutter has done pretty well as a coach in his career. I believe he will get this team going, hold the players accountable and bring on a good brand of hockey. I don’t believe he will shackle this team offensively and be more defensive oriented. I mean he was a forward who scored 40 goals once, so I think he knows a little bit about offense. While I would rather have one of the two coaches I mentioned in another thread, I think that Sutter would be best in thiss case.
spidey35 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@spidey35, @JEFF….Read the post below by PP and you will know my reason for not wanting this guy to coach the kings. My choice would have been Hitchcock, but the Blues got him first. I do not have another choice to offer up, but I know I don’t want Sutter.
Matt George Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@teach,
UNREAL
just … wow
UN FREAKAN BELEIVABLE
DOES DEAN LOMBARDI EVER HIRE PEOPLE HE DOESN’T ALREADY KNOW PERSONALLY?!?!?!
[Reply]
uclaemt Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@teach, As much as everyone would like to see that big name coach hired by the Kings it’s not going to happen. 1st there isn’t one out there. 2nd why would any coach wanna come to a team with players that refuse to give 100% every night? Regardless of how team felt about TM, they failed each other and the fans with the effort they’ve been putting out. I can’t blame a system that has worked for 2 seasons (most wins in franchise history over any 2 year period, tied franchise records for wins in a season). These players and their attitudes are pathetic & what they’ve shown me is that regardless of how skilled they are (at least on paper) they do not have the maturity yet to go anywhere. Until they mature and dedicate themselves no coach in the world will get the results the fans expect.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@teach, DL, are you trying to get yourself fired, too? Do you remember you also had to fire Sutter last time do to your underachieving Sharks?
[Reply]
Crownme87 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@teach,
NOOOOOO PLEASE NOOOO!!
[Reply]
jacky boy Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@teach, I still say we go after the assistant from Chicago… That is the perfect system for the talent we have… Mobile defensemen and a group of talented forwards (kopi, richards, brown, gagne, williams). We need puck control offense like Chicago and Detroit and not dump and chase. Before we didnt have the talent for such an offense but now we do.
[Reply]
xhockeywriter Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@teach, I went with undecided on the question above. Sutter has been a good coach, but so has Murray. I think I’d rather give somebody new a chance, but I’m not making the decision, so will just keep pulling for the Kings to get it together, which doesn’t seem likely under Stevens. I know Sue Carpenter, the former Kings PR director, would be rooting for Grace Sutter (the Sutter mother) to get the job. Sue always made Grace the coach of her fantasy hockey team back in the ’70s and ’80s, figuring if she could raise that many talented hockey players she’d probably be a pretty fair coach. And Sue and Grace would always exchange Christmas cards.
[Reply]
Jake1000 Reply:
December 14th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@teach, NO TO SUTTER……..DL, pls. don’t hire this guy. He’s no good for this team.
[Reply]
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/43529-Campbell-Darryl-Sutter-would-be-poor-choice-to-replace-Terry-Murray.html
[Reply]
pitty Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@petemagoop, Thanks good read
[Reply]
King John Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@petemagoop, Wow!
I think I don’t want to watch anymore after reading that….
I’ve got better things to do than watch even more defensive suffocating uninspired hockey….
Go for someone new and younger in the mold of a Bylsma, Yeo, Gulutzan, etc who can create some excitement, please!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@King John, Preach on King John.
Maybe we do need to replace DL too now. Same system coming in.
Word of advice, the system is broken, please fix (replace) it with one that works.
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:29 am
@petemagoop,
What is up with DL’s obsesion with coachs that nobody else wants? TM was out of coaching for 6 years, Sutter has been out since 2005. If DL brings in Sutter it better be his last move.
[Reply]
Bill M. Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@Pesus, Doesn’t matter who he brings in. Whoever it is, DL is gone if they don’t have the kings making a deep run by next year.
[Reply]
MM Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@petemagoop, Thanks for the link. This stat from the article was surely an eye opener: “Perhaps before the Kings give Sutter his first NHL coaching job in five years, they should consider he has coached three teams during his NHL tenure for a total of nine full seasons and two partial ones. In those nine full seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Sharks and Calgary Flames, his teams finished in the top half of the league in NHL scoring exactly once, when his Sharks finished fourth in the league in goals scored in 2001-02. In the other eight seasons, his team finished an average of 20th in offensive production. (That includes one season when the league was comprised of just 24 teams, two when it was 26th, one when it was 27 and one when it was 28.)”
Sutter is not exactly an offensive maestro…
[Reply]
No Not Sutter. Caryle would be good or my wish would be Stevnes til the end of the season and then Dave Tippet
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@Roger, Guess what folks its not up to the fans, everyone wanted Murray gone so I like the phrase don’t wish for things you don’t want as they will come true someday.
Sutter, or Gordie Howe its not our decison, move on.
[Reply]
Well. So much for fan polls and short sighted, myopic, fanatical thinking. There goes the neighborhood.
[Reply]
Damn it nooooooooo
[Reply]
here we go again……Like I said..Its DL’s system and he will find a coach to play it…
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@neil,
DL, how many cups did you win in SJ with Sutter?
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@Pesus, After reading a lot more on Sutter last night, I am bummed they are heading this route, but given that its DL I get it now. After taking the time to do a lot more research, I am REALLY bummed out. I was hoping to see some major changes in the style of play. I want to claw my eyeballs out seeing the dump and chase.
Sorry but the dump and chase is not a pro level of playing. I did not mind seeing that from the Ice Dogs and Gulls though.
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@Mars,
This move can be summed up just like we play. low risk, low reward. Play it safe and hope for the best.
Jason4Kings Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@Pesus… You’re exactly right. Lombardi may need to go next. Hope i’m wrong.
Cammi Granato for Kings Head Coach!
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@cjms, “Dustin, when you missed that breakaway, how did it make you feel?”
[Reply]
Classic case of “Careful what you wish for, it just might come true?”
Seems to be that way for many of you already.
[Reply]
Mike Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:24 am
@wavesinair, couldnt have said it better myself!!
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@wavesinair, Isn’t Sutter just sort of an angry Terry Murray? I can’t remember anything about his coaching but every highlight I’ve seen of him always stemmed from his being pissed off either at his players, the other team, the refs, etc. Will this guy give us the same style of play with the same results but just be angry with his postgame comments instead of confused like Murray?
[Reply]
Luke M Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@40YearKingsFan, Terry Murray doesn’t compare to Sutter when it comes to demanding the most from his players. Dustin Penner will not be skating recreationally if Sutter is coaching.
I’m not convinced this is the best move, but for anyone who thinks Sutter isn’t an upgrade on Murray, they are mistaken. Sutter was an excellent coach, but a terrible GM. I’d give him a chance to show what he can do with this team before deciding his potential hiring is a mistake.
The 2004 Flames didn’t have a roster to get to the finals, but they did. It was hard work, creativity and they scored goals. Nobody thinks we need a little of that in LA?
[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:51 am
@Luke M, with all due respect, Penner has not been a liability lately
Jake1000 Reply:
December 14th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@Luke M, Before I hire Sutter, I’ll take a gamble in hiring Mike Keenan..atleast he won the Cup for the Rangers.
Donald_S Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:28 am
@wavesinair,
Let me sum this up in one word. Dang.
[Reply]
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@wavesinair, Yes sir beware what you ask for,you might just get it.It looks like D.L. is going to blow this thing up before he leaves.
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@Bkrs-Bud, Weren’t Lombardi and Sutter run out of San Jose together?
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@wavesinair, Perfect – thank you!
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@wavesinair, Well, my wish was for Murray to be let go, and someone with half an offensive mind to come in. So, looks like my wish didn’t come true.
[Reply]
What about Kopi’s dad?
[Reply]
please no!
[Reply]
Noooooooooooooo ! No no no. 1 step forward 19 steps back.
[Reply]
Lombardi! You can scout personnel and players that you have not worked with before right? You know you can do that, right? Just checking… Because it seems like it is all Flyers or Sharks all the time. Sutter is another pre-lockout coach, doesn’t have a strong history of offense, and will also utilize a system of the 90′s. Rich is right, if all the players buy in and play their hearts out, any system can work, but these systems have long since been diffused and countered and in the open game that we have today can be limiting on our creative options. If I hear a “puck to the net mentality” I am going to lose it.
[Reply]
Dean is pissed at the players. Maybe they get what they deserve. It’ll be a decent short term fix.
[Reply]
rick knickle Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:30 am
@Christian, darryl sutter is never short term unfortunately
[Reply]
i believe Sutter will whip them into shape….he’s a well respected x-player and coach so let’s just see what he can do…..it’s all good and I for one am very excited.
[Reply]
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 8:54 am
@tellmeY, I’d rather have Mike Keenan then Sutter.
[Reply]
Jake1000 Reply:
December 14th, 2011 at 10:48 am
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, I agree ! Mike Keenan fist..No to Sutter.
[Reply]
Why Sutter? I don’t get it… He’s the biggest name out there? That’s the only thing I can think of. hahaha Sutter’s head is already being called for and he’s not even a part of the team! Fire Sutter!
[Reply]
Bad, bad, bad idea. Can Dean ever do anything that isn’t a retread? Talk about an Old Boys network. Everything points to Sutter being a defensive minded coach, why on earth would we want that. Be creative Dean!
[Reply]
Raunq12 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:00 am
@Krusher,
I agree 100%.
I hope Dean does the right thing and doesn’t hire this guy.
[Reply]
I was just about to post on the last thread, that it might be time to back away from the negativity and see where this move takes us…that was last thread. This development does not look promising, though.
[Reply]
I am ok with Sutter as the interim through his year, it can;t get much worse, but am pushing for the youthful option from the poll at coach.
[Reply]
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 8:57 am
@The Grice Boys (formerly Barrie G), Well since he’s an “ol boy” of DL’s, DL will sign him to 3 years right off the bat and probably 3.5Mil per.
[Reply]
Branzilla Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:20 am
@The Grice Boys (formerly Barrie G), That’s the thing, though. He wouldn’t be an interim. We currently have one of those. Any hire DL makes is a permanent hire that will most likely be for longer than 40-something games.
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:59 am
@The Grice Boys (formerly Barrie G), I would tend to agree. If we must sign him at all, sign him only for the balance of the season and see if he’s got any chemistry with this team. Weren’t he and Deano run out of San Jose together?
[Reply]
I know Sutter DOENST SEEM PREETTY. But it might just be what we need now. Torterella is not a fun coach to play for either, but we are just at the stage where we need to get our players to perform. A coach constantly on them to work and never let up might do them well.
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@Michael_DD8, No, Sutter’s not pretty. I might add, he’s downright diturbing to look at. Like an old person with their dentures out.
[Reply]
I like this comment below Ken Cambell article: “The Kings need to be very smart right now. I agree they can’t afford a so-so coach. (…) They can’t afford to bore the loyal fans they have with more low scoring games. Get an exciting Coach. It’s LA, everything is entertainment out there anyway.”
[Reply]
MassKings Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 8:50 am
@NamidaEurope, Amen!! It’s going to be Sutter…stop kidding yourselves. If so, DL is risking his job on this hire.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@MassKings, I agree if Sutter doesnt work, this will be the end of DL.
But I swear if I keep seeing the dump and chase I will be an jerk here on the forums. I have ZERO tolerance for it anymore.
[Reply]
@petemagoop, delete the above,I won’t be offended
[Reply]
here are my thoughts on the bird’s nest…
http://deepinsidethekings.com/2011/12/my-preemptive-strike-in-the-aftermath-of-terry-murrays-dismissal/
enjoy…(!)
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:05 am
@variable, hahaha that picture of Sutter is amazing. Big Bird!
Great article too.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@California Royalty,
thanks, k-man…(!)
i’m not very optimistic that sutter is gonna be any different…
…and that’s putting it mildly…
[Reply]
there streaming the kings morning skate on NHL.com
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 8:49 am
@Michael_DD8, cool…thanks for heads up
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 8:51 am
@Sebastian, i just realized that watching kings games is boring enough, not sure why i am watching them practice. i just wish there was a mic on stevens there as he addressed the group at center ice.
[Reply]
seriously, this is a BAD idea. No SUTTER brothers…NONE
[Reply]
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dean needs to think outside of his comfort zone.
[Reply]
What a joke. Ownership better stop this crap. We fire TM to hire…uhhh, TM?
[Reply]
LAK1ngs Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:40 am
@Gary, I hated the way management used to interfere with the team operations, but someone in management please interfere!
[Reply]
jeez people….this team is hardly a disaster. The team needs motivation and competititive edge…let’s see what happens. We are only 3 points out of 1st place in the pacific division for goodness sake.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:23 am
@tellmeY, doesnt work! Ive tried to point that fact out plenty of times the last couple days but it falls on deaf eyes unfortunatly. tellmeY….tellmeY
[Reply]
DL has to know that this is his final shot. If he puts his faith in Sutter and it doesn’t pay off, he has to know that he’ll follow Sutter out the door. That being the case, I’ll trust him on this one, but I remain skeptical.
[Reply]
Sutter just feels too much like TM2. Heck, why not go after Mike Keenan? Or get Jacques Lamaire to come back again? Sheesh! Step out of the box, DL! Look for that youthful enthusiasm that can infuse some fire into this squad and make them WANT to win! I don’t think this team needs someone who’s uptight (like Carlyle or Sutter) or pissed off (like Boudreau would have been), they need a guy in the Danny Bylsma mode, which is why I think Granato needs to be on the short list. And his ties to LA and the black and silver era are pretty strong!
[Reply]
Gary Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 8:50 am
@5-hole, Tey should be interviewing Granato and Bob Boughner. Sutter shouldn’t evn be a option. Maybe, fire Lombardi and bring in Rychel and Boughner. Lombardi is looking to be nothing more then a glorified scout.
[Reply]
If DL hires Sutter it will be his last hire. Is DL going to make the players use wooden sticks again.
[Reply]
T Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@T, Who is this imposter?
[Reply]
It’s gotta be a young and modern coach…Sutter is too pre-lockout, as people are saying. Look at Tampa and Minnesota…young coaches with innovative ideas. That, D Sutter is not. He’ll yell at them and they win a couple games, but in the long term? I can’t see it working out.
Let’s all wait another 40+ years for the Cup to come to LA.
[Reply]
Well I guess DL is looking to get fired too. If you’re going to ask permission to talk to someone, why not Tony Granato? Was McTavish an option?…I guess not, let’s go with Sutter then, goodbye season!!
[Reply]
Everyone settle. Keep in mind that this team is built for playoff hockey, tough D and timely scoring, not 3.5 goals per game. As Melrose said yesterday… “they need a coach that will kick over some trash cans” and get these playing with some fire.
May work, may not, but the players will have a foot up their back sides for the next 53 games ( and hopefully more ), so it should at least be more interesting to watch than the sleepy-time of the last month.
I’d prefer to see a younger, new-style coach, too, but this could work.
Go Kings!
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@McCheese, So, is Sutter and the Kings prepared to bring him in as a stop-gap? Do you rally think Sutter will not demand at least a 2-year contract? And if that’s the requirement to sign him, will DL be willing to fire Sutter in order to bring in someone that does more than “kick some ass” in the locker room? (Don’t underestimate the money this franchise is already on the hook to pay to people that no longer show up to work everyday!).
The issue with this hire is not whether Sutter can salvage the season – he likely can. The issue is that the team is going to be stuck with Sutter post 2011-12 and he’s not the right type of coach longer term for a young, talented team in today’s post lock-out era!
Another way to say it: I’m okay w/Sutter as long as it’s only for the rest of this season. But really, what’s the likelihood?
JMO.
[Reply]
I am really in favor of giving Stevens a shot for a road and home stand. He’s been to the conference finals, which may be more of a real run than Darryl has had.
[Reply]
Deader2818 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Yellow Pants,,
Getting to game 7 of the finals isnt a real run
[Reply]
Yellow Pants, Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@Deader2818, Really? How would it compare to the last two first round exits?
[Reply]
No more retreads FFS!
If this is true, I look forward to DL getting fired after this season.
Really hope a GM with enough vision to get the franchise over the hump of mediocrity is hired next.
[Reply]
I hated Tiger before he was a King. I wonder…???… probably no…
[Reply]
Hey, Dean!
Enough with the retreads!
Try something new. It might work out for you better! Ever think about that?
[Reply]
Nooooooooo. This must be a joke – hmm not April 1 yet.
[Reply]
Dean Lombardi just signed his own resignation slip. What a joke.
[Reply]
flex Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@aegwillnotwinthecup, He did not sign anything yet,but He might..who knows .One thing he needs to understand..he needs calm down and then make a dicasion.all those emotional state dicasion are wrong…but again the right question with Kings is not who is missing ,but what is missing.Maybe Darrys old blood would be fresh enough with Kings.There is nothing wrong with difensive system if you got a strong ,”iron”real system. Like NJ ,when they won the cup.But the best system is well balance system and I think we have that team ,who can play that balanced system….like Boston
[Reply]
Bring back Terry Murray. LOL.
[Reply]
Start the countdown clock on DL if Sutter is hired. Also start the clock on players looking to leave LA. Forget signing any FA’s in the offseason. Didn’t see many guys wanting to play for CAL in his last stint there. Dean apparently didn’t learn anything the last go around in SJ.
[Reply]
I think I could better handle this situation of the bad play and Murray firing if I had something to look at as a distraction, please bring back Heidi Androl to help me cope…
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DL will be fired at the end of the season anyway.
Looks like the Kings will be starting over again next year.
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Kluka68 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@dean, If we won’t pass 2nd round, you probably right. 5 years plan should be executed well. I think everyone will be calling for DL head if we won’t make post season.
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This isn’t about installing some dynamic offensive system – that’s not the short term fix for a talented bunch. This is about bringing in someone to shake this group of underachievers up right now. Developing a whole new game plan on offense is something that would be a long term goal. This would be one of the best moves possible. They need someone to light a fire, not to teach players where to stand.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@TJM, No doubt.
The question is the length of the commitment to Sutter. Will DL forego the “…developing a whole new game plan on offense…” beyond this season, particularly if Sutter insists on a 2-3 year contract? I doubt he’s willing to come here for 3-5 months as strictly a stop-gap!
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TJM Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@FdoFmFull, but in 3-5 months, if he moves this team in the right direction, and they win hockey games like they should – why would we NEED to develop a new game plan? The defensive mindset is absolutely one way to win, anyone who refutes that doesn’t get it. The problem on offense was that they just were lethargic. If Sutter fixes that, I just don’t see the need to make any changes to the X/O’s.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@TJM, Well. if you put your X’s along the boards, instead of the slot, then you still won’t have any O. Sometimes it just is about a new game plan. Anyone who refutes that just doesn’t get it.
The Kings need scoring and we have another defensive coach as a canditate? Give me a break..
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NO NO NO NO NO NO NO GOD NO JEEZ!
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So DL had a short list of coaches, noone told me that it’s just one name on his list. If DL brings Sutter it will probably will work for a while like it did with TM, but then Sutter and DL will be fired.
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TM PART DEUX????? really? again? Well, I guess we’ll all have to see how this will pan out as well. If he does become the new Kings coach and they get worse then look for DL to be fired too. Oh well, the life of a Kings fan.
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Can anyone else see Hextall as our GM? Ya know…if DL is on thin ice….
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Bummer about Sutter – i don’t like the hire if that’s where DL goes. sadly, i think this is going to be DL’s undoing. hopefully i’m wrong.
and evidently there is another “Dave” on here now – that should be fun.
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wow TM 2.0 really? WTF….
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so close to giving up on the kings and turning off the television. can’t believe that there going after Sutter especially given his “awesome” job in Calgary. Well i’m just about over it hope they figure out whats wrong soon. Wake up Kings Wake up
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Dean you are next. What a joke you have become. Why don’t you for once in your Hockey life hirer someone who isn’t a past friend or past player. Step out of the box and do something creative.This time next year you will be out of work.
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Enough with the good ole boy network.
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Ohhh Bubba Noooo
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Jack Aubrey Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@Raunq12, Like the Gump reference.
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on december 1 2002 DL fired darryl sutter and used the same words as he said yesterday…it is an agonizing decision to make….now if DS will be the next coach then DL will be on a very short leash…please DL not DS….get some young blood that is up for the challenge….
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Provided Sutter is hired to play out the end of the season and then hiring Tippett; Im ok with it. If its a long term 3 year deal-Im not Ok with it. We have a golden opportunity to get Tippett at the end of the year; this is one of the few times Im content to tread water towards reaching the goal of bringing in one of the NHLs best coaches.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Hipcheck, Bingo!
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The problem with old coaches (TM/DS) is that they believe their systems works and players must make it work or there is something wrong with them. Older coaches (like people) who do not adjust very well are usually left behind.
Younger coaches figure out what strengths the team has and creates a philosophy to better maximize the talents at hand. Adaptability is probably their biggest asset.
TM’s failure was to not recognize what he had in terms of offense because he was too tied into the defensive system and therefore missed out on an opportunity to grow with the team. If TM only had devised a gameplan that was less constrictive in terms of puck movement, then he would still be here.
Older coaches also tend to have the “my way or the highway” approach while younger coaches tend to gravitate towards any means necessary to garner success. This approach may explain why younger coaches are more experimental while older coaches tend to stick to what they know, even if the game around them has evolved or changed.
In closing, a younger generation coach is what this team needs and not a retread from the days of pre-lockout hockey.
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LAK1ngs Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:43 am
@miracle.on.manchester, 100% correct
Old school is to drill and punish. That management style is ineffective.
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FdoFmFull Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@miracle.on.manchester, Generally agree. As “broad brush strokes” go.
I believe it goes deeper than that. I believe that adapting to your players strenghts take more thought, creativity and effort than running the same ole, same ole, “my road or the highway”. I believe it goes beyond the coaches age. By default, we associate the rigid coaching approach to older coaches because, well, new coaches have no past experience/ history. Unfortunately, stubburness, rigidity, intractability can come in all shapes and sizes (as well as age).
Cheers!
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:26 am
@miracle.on.manchester, Exactly. And what happens if Sutter comes in with the same unsuccessful game plan and this team flounders? Do we then have a fire sale, where half the team gets traded away because they didn’t perform under this system? Than do we see Loktionov, Richardson, Stoll, Penner, Lewis, etc. all move on to become successful on other teams? Or do we see DL get himself fired?
I was on the fence about DL before, but this just seems like it will be the death of him as far as the Kings organization is concerned if this move fails. I was really hoping DL would think outside of the box on this one. Doesn’t seem like he will.
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For the last couple of days, even BEFORE Terry Murray’s demise, I have been saying that the LA Kings do not have an identity. Yes, I admit, it’s a broken record, but true nonetheless. We have a past, certainly, but right now, at this moment, the choice you make for a new Coach can and will define the Kings of the future.
Do me a favor, Dean. Drive up to Griffith Observatory. Look around you. Over to your left is downtown Los Angeles. Down below you is Hollywood. Off to your right is Century City and the Pacific Ocean. Maybe you can see the jets lined up on final approach to land at LAX. And over your right shoulder is a huge, world famous sign staked into a mountainside.
This is Los Angeles. Not Philly West. You bring in Sutter, and you’re recreating your own past by making us San Jose South, and we all know how that turned out. Be very careful not to give in to your own comfort zone, Mr. Lombardi.
You had to fire Murray. You didn’t like it. He was your old friend. You let your players know that in no uncertain terms I imagine. Fine. That’s done. Now it’s time for you to step up. You probably don’t enjoy being forced into the limelight like this, but here you are. You took this GM job to establish the LA Kings as a viable, long term, winning organization. A noble goal. Now, you have the apparent unwanted opportunity to find the right Coach for the mix of players that you have brought to Los Angeles. Don’t look back, you can never look back. This is your moment, Dean.
This is the City.
Los Angeles, California.
It’s got a hockey team named the Kings.
They need a Coach. The right Coach to lead them into the future.
I’m Dean Lombardi.
I’m their General Manager.
Dummm – dah – dumm – dumm.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:37 am
@IceGuy,
Very well said Ice. You could easily look back and say, “I told you so” if all goes as it appears it is. I find it fascinating few people realized Sutter was at the top of the list and now that they do, he’s the worst choice possible… seemingly even worse than Keenan.
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King John Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:01 am
@IceGuy, I know, the excitement is being sucked right out before we even start fresh. We need someone different. I’d even be excited about a respectable Randy Carlyle DL doesn’t want to try someone too young and fresh.
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No more bbf’s from former jobs. The team need new blood, not retreads. Sutter, Stevens, Morris are all the same..they are fungible(look it up,folks). No more defense first coaches. The guys already know that system and how it has stifled offense. There are many good coaches out there..someone under 50, please
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December 13, 2011 at 7:20 am
I believe that so much of what I am seeing posted here about firing Murray misses the point. You can divide coaching into two major aspects: systems/teaching/practice coaching and bench coaching. Horse racing is the only sport I can think of where these two aspects are divided between two different people. The trainer prepares the horse and the jockey guides the horse through the race. In hockey the coach is responsible for both. If we look at Trrry Murray, we see a coach who was effectuve, to a degree, at the first aspect of coaching. He was able to instill a system and was able to teach the younger players. I say “to a degree” because he did not seem to be able to address the problems faced by veteran players when they were underachieving. Still, I would say he was reasonably effective in the first aspect of coaching. But in the bench coaching aspect he appeared to be completely inept. He seemed unable to address game situations effectively, either through strategy, or through steering the team through its emotional ups and downs. His choices of lines and defense pairings during game situations were suspect. He appeared to leave much of the game tactics in the hands of his subordinates. While behind the bench he almost looked like a statue. One doesn’t have to be a yeller and screamer to motivate players. But they need to show some range of emotions. They have to show the players that subpar effort is unacceptable. They have to show your players definitively what you expect and will tolerate. Murray did not appear to be capable of doing that. You can’t go to the next level in this league with a jockey who can’t steer his team effectively through game situations. Most games are too close; the talent level too equal. Murray showed himself very useful, but in the areas that qualify him as an assistant coach, not head coach.
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i hope stevens stays, kompon leaves… Isnt Kompon responsible for the offense? does anyone have the stats since hes been here.. i remember one good year of powerplay… how has he slid under the radar this long?
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hmmm… somebody stole my name…
yes, the Kings need offense…but more than anything right now they need EMOTION
we need to be out there showing the other teams we are gonna smash them and take no prisoners…
we need to be aggressive and the goals will come
but I am in agreement with most…don’t really want Sutter. I want someone young who will build the fire they need
and whose system is not already known by every other coach
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Oh gawd not Sutter. BRING BACK MURRAY!
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Look at it this way. If anything, this probably is DL’s last major decision. If by some miracle, Sutter turns this around, then the season is not lost and DL looks like a genius.
But if, as many here are afraid of, Sutter simply continues the downward spiral, DL is gone at year’s end, granting many what they wish for. Of course, that means a season is lost, but the way this group of players was playing, I’m not sure it matters who is behind the bench this year.
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Please someone tell me what the hell DL is thinking? look what he turned the Flames into, a laughing stock of the league. Why can’t DL get with the times and hire a new generational coach, like a Bylsma. Get permission to interview Boughner already.
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As with drugs, JUST SAY NO!!!!!!!!!!!!
BORING hockey 101, that’s Darryl Sutter. We’ll go from limited offense, to NO offense. The Sutter’s/Hitchcock’s/LeMaire’s of the world should be put out to pasture, the TRAP almost killed the NHL.
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Way to look backward instead of forward, DL.
It’ll be the end of you.
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This should be no surprise, we have a GM that truly believes that Defense comes first. So obviously, this is a logical choice. Basically, Sutter is a TM that actually yells at his players.
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I don’t know if hiring DS would be such a bad thing. hear me out guys. Defense wins cups. We have great players who already know a defense first system. I feel most of the mediocrity we have witnessed so far this year was due to a lack of motivation and just going through the motions by the players. Bring in someone who is somewhat of a headcase, someone who could go off at any given moment and let them light a fire under peoples asses. This team will perform a lot better. If they don’t achieve whatever set goal, then bring in a new coach at the end of the year with a new system. Changing systems in mid-season would be hard and would ensure failure.
Just my .02
GKG
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tellmeY Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 9:52 am
@King-C, you should stop making so much sense and fire Darrel before he is hired like all the other know it all’s on this blog….ridiculous.
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west coast ram Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@King-C, please prove your point that defense wins cups in the new NHL. That may have been true before but that is not the trend currently, we are just behind the curve.
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fsd1 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@west coast ram, boston bruins. nuff said
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@fsd1, Ummm, just so you know, Boston was actually the 5th BEST OFFENSIVE team in the league last year (http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?season=20102011&gameType=2&viewName=goalsFor). They scored a lot and played a lot in the offensive zone, which limited other teams chances cause they didn’t have the puck as much. So offense had just as much a part of it. Just a fact.
Jeff Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@west coast ram, Look at the teams that have won the cup over the last five years or so. Basically it has been the teams with better defense and goaltending and with just enough offense to win. Teams like the Bruins, Ducks. You don’t need to be an offensive powerhouse to win it all.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@Jeff, Well, Boston had the 5th best offense in the league when they won, and Anaheim had the 9th best with a 3.1 goals for average when they won (http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?season=20062007&gameType=2&viewName=goalsFor). Both teams were top 10 in offense. the Kings defense only system has them DEAD LAST. In summary, if you are a top 10 offensive team, your chances are of winning a Cup are much, much better than one that is the worst offensive team in the league.
Also, you can go through the stats http://www.nhl.com/ice/teamstats.htm?season=20112012&gameType=2&viewName=goalsFor and look up each year yourself if you wanna actually see that most of the Cup winners in the last 10 years have been in the top 5 in scoring, and all in the top 10 except for NJ in 2003 who finished 14th in scoring, which is still in the top half.
Defense doesn’t win championships. It’s a fallacy. It’s a BALANCE of offense and defense. One will only get you a trip to the golf course in April.
How about Barry Melrose coming back to coach ?
Coached here, done that.
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All I know is this maybe DL biggest choice he has made as GM this could be what leads to his fireing if he doesnt get it right. Choose wisely DL the job you save may just be your own.
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Great, DL’s replacement is about to arrive. Back to the basement, all of us…single line please.
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Darryl Sutter is the worst possible coach might as well keep Stevens all year and wait for someone like Tibbitt.
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flex Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@Vince, ..do you mean dalay lama from tibet? (lol)or Dave Tippet
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Dear Mr. Lewicki & Mr. Anschutz,
Thank you for encouraging *cough* forcing *cough* Mr. Lombardi to find a new coach for the Kings. But your further encouragement is needed to ensure Mr. Lombardi does not return to his woopie after what must have been a very uncomfortable couple days for him. The players seem tuned out and this fan sure is. Fresh meat is needed. Please stop this Sutter business before it is started. Your enlightened corporate leadership is required. “Encourage” Mr. Lombardi to look outside his own comfort zone and perhaps seek help for his addictions/compulsions to old Sharks and Flyers [and occasional Oiler]. Perhaps foolishly, I believe Mr. Lombardi can be reformed but it will take patience on all of our parts.
Thank you,
A Loyal Kings Fan
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If Sutter is hired the season is over and we can only wait for DL to be fired at the end of the year. Just proves that a tiger never changes his strips. DL learned nothing from his firing in SJ.
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Puckindnet Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@west coast ram, it is obvious he has not learned. Look at the Doughty signing.
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No. Fail. So bad, I’m not even going to entertain a fancy response. This move has ‘Desperation’ written all over it.
Dean, for the love of this team, STOP!
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MacTavish please.
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Whoever will be Murray’s replacement, I certainly hope he doesn’t tolerate Mr. Doughty’s immature penalties at the worst possible time by cross checking someone in the back in almost every game. King’s management… if by an act of God that you ever hear this…show some LEADERSHIP.
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Has anybody checked out the butt tattoo on this Sutter guy?
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Good Riddance Dean. Sutter will cost you your job. Sutter = TM. Why dont you take a look around and stop hiring everyone that you are budies with… it’s gotten you no where.
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DEan… HIRE JIM FOX
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If DL hires Darryl, he will be the next guy out. This year I was considering buying season tickets. So glad I didnt, sad to say if they hire Darryl it will be the last Kings game I watch until Dean is fired. Probably wont take long either,no one wants to watch boring hockey.
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DEAN CAN YOU HEAR ME? HIRE JIM FOX.
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So many of you guys put me down for so long when I said both TM and DL had to go. How many times have I said that DL has picked two wrong coaches already; how many more picks should he get? And here he goes again. He’s Mr. Predictable. Darryl Sutter is hideous. Horrible! I’d be a better choice than Sutter. Fire DL please. TM is not the only problem. It’s this retread GM. I also don’t like hearing how he lit into the players. I hope AEG lit into DL real good, and put him on the clock. Six years is enough. Bye.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@Poorman,
Didn’t AEG hire DL? Where’s their culpability in your mind?
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Poorman Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@wavesinair, Good point dude.
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MmmmYummy Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:36 am
@Poorman, I feel your pain. They are hyper-critical of anything that questions their faith and the story they were sold of the promise land by DL. I’m just glad the TM thing is finally over and soon the DL thing will likely be too.
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This action devines the word cronyism.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cronyism
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Captain Material Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:27 am
@Duckbasher,
Saying Sutter isn’t qualified to be a head coach is ridiculous. Like him as a good fit for this team or not, your statement is completely off base.
If you don’t like the choice, that’s great, but there’s no need for the over the top mischaracterization.
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“There’s no indication as to when Sutter might take over.”
Should that read “..when or if…”, or are you saying this is a done deal just waiting to be made official at some point?
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Eric K Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@Captain Material, My thoughts too. It sounds about 99% done from that quote.
… Rich, if I’m reading too much into this like us readers so often do, just let me know =)
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Jason4Kings Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@Captain Material, Sounds like it’s done to me.
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How is this DL fault? seriously? We have proven players in JJ, DD, Quick, Gagne, Kopitar, Brown, Richards, Penner, ect. It is up to the players and the coaching staff. DL not the one playing. He providing to the team of cap space, and players. We have great hockey players. It’s about the players being ready to play and win. Coaching change needed to be done because TM kept repeating himself and the players did not believe in him anymore. DL has done nothing wrong. Our team has not been this strong with players in years. Who we have is because of DL. Its a business. Its hard get players to LA.
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rubo17 Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@Downsy89,
Yes, you’re right in notion that we have an assembly of good players. However, the frustration here isn’t the compilation of players DL has put together. It’s the possibility of him making a poor choice hiring the wrong coach. Most here feel that we shouldn’t hire a coach of similar style to Murray. Catching on?
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Here’s a crazy thought, why don’t we let the guy coach a couple of games before casting judgement.
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Deep within an archeological pit, somewhere in central Alberta, Dinosaur enthusiast (and some say dinosaur himself,) Dean Lombardi digs up the rare pre-historic Darryl Sutter who was fired by the flames, the most boring team in the the UNIVERSE and was the coach of the laughing stock Sharks of whom we strive to be like. Have fun watching the modern Oilers skate circles around us the next 70 years in our new conference kids!
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LGK Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 10:43 am
@KingVern, well said
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JTW Reply:
December 13th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@KingVern,
Darryl Sutter coached the Flames for only two years, one of which lead the flames to the stanley cup finals. Before he went to Calgary the Flames had not made the playoffs in 7 years.
And let me know when the Oilers start skating circles around anyone. They’e been talking about it for the past 4 years. Fact is, no one cares if they are exciting and young if they never make the playoffs. As far as I’m concerned, first round draft picks are wasted when they go there.
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Matias Nordstrom anyone??….
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Can’t believe that everybody’s bitching about the new coach when we don’t even have a permanent coach in place yet! I doubt DL can hire a coach out of juniors in the middle of the season, so it’ll have to be a retread.
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I think I have found a positive way to look at all this. If Sutter turns the season around, I will be a happy fan. If he doesn’t, DL goes (which I have been in favor of for some time). Either way, I’m happy. There, I did it. It’s gonna be a good day….
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Now that we got TM out of the picture – let’s start a FIRE DL train. Who’s onboard?
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hopefully sutter will turn down dean, we can hope.
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I really think Sutter would be a great help to the team. These guys need to hear it when they are not playing to their full potential and or making mistakes.
I remember the Kings with Gretzky, Sandstrom, Granato, Luke, McSorley. THESE GUYS TOOK PRIDE IN THEIR GAMES AND PLAYED EVERY SINGLE NIGHT!!!!!
I see alot of guys on the gravy train now!Dowdy is a prime example. After his big contract, he now cruises around the ice making mistake after mistake. I was not for signing him at that price either. That’s too much money in my opinion.
But hey, I am just a fan. But when I decide they are making a solid effort, I will start going to games again.
When I go to work every day, everyone expects 100% out of me, and I give it!
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I don’t know who should be the coach. The guys are pretty good but when u talk attitude
Look on twitter for holdoutdrew I don’t know if it really is drew but if it is then it would expain his
Way of playing this year.
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