Mike Richards, who has been out of the Kings’ lineup since Dec. 1, when he took a hit to the head from Florida’s Sean Bergenheim, remains in Los Angeles, where he is working out. There’s a chance that Richards might join the team in Detroit or Toronto, to get on the ice for a practice or two, but the Kings aren’t expecting Richards to play in either game, Dean Lombardi said. By all indications, the Kings desperately miss Richards, who has a team-high 11 goals and was a key cog on the power play.
Lombardi said of Richards’ status, “There’s a chance he’s going to join us on this trip, not to play, but everything is going good, in a positive way.’’
Interim coach John Stevens, whose ties with Richards go back to Philadelphia, where Stevens coached him for three-plus seasons, echoed Lombardi in terms of Richards’ status.
STEVENS: “I touched base with Richie yesterday, just to see how he was feeling and how he’s coming along. I thought it was important. Obviously I’ve got a good relationship with him, and I wanted to keep him informed of the mood of the team and what’s going on. … I’m not sure (whether Richards will join the team on the road). I think they’re going to decide that today, with Kinger [trainer Chris Kingsley] talking to him, touch base with him and then make that decision. … That’s a decision that hasn’t been made, but it’s something they’re entertaining now.’’
I wonder if Murray would still be around if Richards never got injured… I think so. Which says a lot about Richards.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@California Royalty,
…as a scorer and maybe more importantly, as a leader.
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Kevin Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@California Royalty,
Haven’t won since he got injured, but we only six goals in those five games. Not sure even Richards can produce enough offense to have saved his job.
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California Royalty Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Kevin, I think so. Maybe not on the score sheet per say, but the other teams would focus on him more. Plus what @wavesinair said, his leadership alone can right the ship.
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Mars Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@California Royalty, Only if Richards could have been winning us games. IMO.
sadly, either the players tuned TM out or he was just not being effective. I partially blame the system and players for not adapting, I blame the coach for the system/lack of change though. So unfortunately, TMs time was coming to an end. It was time for a new voice.
For all the smack I talk about TM, he did to a good job, better than most before him, so to that I say thanks, but he just could not get us to the next Level, we needed someone new for that.
Hopefully that will be the last I speak of it.(TM)
MM Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@Kevin, Mike Richards also has a clear effect on defense as well. Every game he’s either pitching a goal or preventing a goal or both.
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Alan Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@California Royalty, I think NOT it was time for his sorry rear to go. Glad he is gone
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California Royalty Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@Alan, Yeah but let’s say hypothetically, they win 4 of those 5 games, would he have been fired? Probably not.
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pitty Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@California Royalty, Amazing how Murray’s Bad System didn’t seem to effect Richards one bit.
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KC23 Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@pitty, Yep. That old saying … its never as good or as bad as the masses want to tell you.
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Jeff Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@pitty, Murray’s system isn’t/wasn’t a bad one. While it might not make for exciting hockey, it wasn’t bad. When it comes to performing offensively it is a combination of skill and mental. The Kings skill wasn’t the problem. The problem was mental and it showed by all those open nets that the Kings missed, passive play, hesitancy. This isn’t a system failure issue, it is a head and heart failure issue.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@California Royalty,
Should also be noted that Richards is our best face-off center. Team has been lousy in the circle since he was injured, and draw losses have lead to multiple goals the last 5 games.
Losing draws also kills power plays…
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Sounds like promising news.
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what’s the point, stay in LA Mike
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DanD Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
@petemagoop, to practice with the team, obviously.
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brig33 Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@DanD, yep usually it means he’s been cleared to practice (or at least passed any testing he had to take), and he can’t get team practice in LA (as in he can’t get contact, if that’s what he needs to get cleared to play). There’s a whole list of steps that i’m not gonna get into here, but if he’s traveling it’s good news.
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bobknob Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@petemagoop,
his presence could lift the team up.
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Mars Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@bobknob, Agreed, like I said a few posts ago,unless the player is unfit for travel, he should be there.
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Cynic Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@petemagoop, The point is the presence around his teammates. He would not put up with this current line of play. He would say things in the room regarding all of this. This team respects him.
This cannot happen soon enough!
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Darryl Sutter? really? thats the best you can come up with Dean? Looks like the front office will be claened out at seasons end after our first round elimination, if they make it that far. Up next more boring hockey brought to you by the dump and chase…..lame.
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Kevin Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@chuckrocks,
Could you possibly be any more negative?
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fsd1 Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@chuckrocks, there are 29 other teams in the nhl that would appreciate more fans…..
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AZ King Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@chuckrocks,
and what does that have to do with Richards and his recovery. If you going to troll at least do it under the right post.
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Mars Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@AZ King, While Sutter is essentially a loud TM, lets hope a new voice a LOUD voice is what is needed. Also lets hope he has some tricks up his sleeve, I am sure he cannot be so daft to make the same mistakes.
For all the negativity I hear of Sutter, I am going to say give him a chance.
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jess Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@chuckrocks,
Nice post, the verbal equivilant of dump & chase.
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Shakes Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@jess,
…or shot mentality from center ice
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@jess, Nice one.
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Dave's a Killer Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@jess, +1
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KingsGuy Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@chuckrocks, Is this Craig Button? Ha
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SDGolfer Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
@chuckrocks, Hope mike Richards comes back soon. Merry Christmas Scrooge.
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@KingsFan61,
Big freakin’ deal.
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@KingsFan61, haha dork.
I have always felt, unless the player is unfit for travel, they should be with the team for all games and practices. Its just part of being on the team and getting that fat paycheck.
I imagine its good for morale and comradeship. Especially with what is going on, he could get out of touch with the team during these times.
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Dominick Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Mars,
Who is this @Kingsfan61 ?
Ha ha ha! I think you guys just made him up.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@Dominick,
Wished into the cornfield.
Must be pretty crowded in the cornfield. Billy Mumy not to be messed with!
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jess Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Ahhh yes, The Cornfield,
-”Giving ailing individuals the opportunity to throw-up allover themselves in total solitude, one troll at a time…”
If Sutter is hired, I would’nt be surprised to see Richards named captain. I’m not sure he would want that, but I think if he’s not already the leader of the team, he’ll grow into it soon enough
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Mars Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@BkkJoe, I am hoping they do not make changes of the Cs and As this season, I did like what TM said, he could just come out and play again without the pressure of that.
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BkkJoe Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@Mars, Yes, my feelings as well. I also think DB would do better without the pressure of wearing the C.
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Mars Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@BkkJoe, That could be true as well. I dunno where DBs head is at this yeas.
Yeah most dont agree with me but I really miss Zues and Simms.
outsider Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@BkkJoe, I think that our best (and best paid) players should take the full responsibility. How to motivate the rest of the team as well! Give C to Anze and A to Rick & DD.
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Ian Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@outsider, From what I’ve seen this season of Doughty, and equally important this offseason, he is lucky to have the letters on his jersey that spell his name.
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Mars Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@Ian, I still think DD holding out really killed some morale, took too much news from the other guys. That and Penner getting soooo many chances. I know there are some avid Penner fans here, but can we freaking cut that guys loose and get someone good already? (sorry a few good games cannot change my opinion of him, it will take a hat trick and some winning fights, major hits and a angel asking me to forgive him)
outsider Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Ian, if we were ready to sign him for soooo many $$$$$$$, than he should be given responsibility as well! Otherwise it’s better to trade him straight away for Parise and shake the team properly!!!
KC23 Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@BkkJoe, It might happen, but it will be because Brown will be sent packing. I got a feeling from what I heard from DL’s talk to the team Brown is the number one guy on DL’s player’s fault list.
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Stuart Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@KC23, at least then I won’t have anyone to bitch about and me and Shot can be bff’s..
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I look forward to the end of talking about Flyers connections.
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Mars Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@Jason4Kings, Yeah I am sick of some saying Flyers West. Made me SICK!
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Shakes Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@Jason4Kings, unless it refer to winning and scoring lots of goals like the Flyers
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Michael J. Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@Shakes,
… and winning fights???
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TeamJMFJ Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@Michael J., we fight?
KC23 Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@Jason4Kings, Amen. Always hated the Flyers since 69.
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I’m glad Mike is doing better. We could use more good news around here!
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Dominick Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@The Puck Stops Here, Good news for sure.
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“who has a team-high 11 goals and was a key COG on the power play.”
cog = cost of good sold?
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Shakes Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@rubo17,
or it could be an emphasized reference to Cogswell Cogs, the main rival to George Jetson’s boss, Mr. Spacely.
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Stuart Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Shakes, Cogswell that endsell, I always says…
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Deirdre Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@rubo17, Cog as in the gear that makes the machine work.
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No team misses an injured player more than we miss Richards.
Get well soon!!! Come back ready to flood the net!
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This is really good news. Richards is most likely cleared to practice, which means that we might expect to see him back in the lineup in about a week or so.
Tonight’s game is a great opportunity for the Kings to turn this whole thing around. The Kings have nine more games in December. If the kingg play well and gain a mere three points on the field they will be 9th in the conference, only one point out of a playoff spot, and only two points out of the division lead.
If the Kings are nearly as good as we think they are/thought they were, then this will be the low point of the season. The upswing begins tonight in Colombus.
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Zeley Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Michael J.,
As a point of clarification, the Kings need more than 3 points to gain ground on Calgary, Edmonton, Phoenix, San Jose (and ultimately, Dallas) – unless those teams all remain static. I understand what you were trying to say, but your reasoning is flawed. Now if the Kings can win 8 of 9 in December, they would have a realistic chance of overtaking the number 8-11 teams. While I think the Kings can gain ground, it’s going to take a sustained effort over the next 2 months, at a minimum, and probably the rest of the season.
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Michael J. Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@Zeley,
I think you are missing my point…
And, what “reasoning” do you speak of? That if they catch up 3 points on the field that they will be 3 points closer?
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Am I the only one that thinks Steven should stay for the pk and d? Or do you think sutter wil give him the boot?
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Ari Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@luna, Agree 100%
Should keep Stevens for those reasons.
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kingrussell Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@luna, I agree
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Deirdre Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@luna, If Lombardi has the friendship/relationsip with Sutter as indicated, he might convince him that Stevens is good fit. He is a good defense coach an PK…and he is very close to Richards, which is no small factor given Richards is the heart of the team.
I can see Sutter making a change (Kompton) because even Deano feels the offense is lacking. Bring somebody in that has a more dynamic plan and hockey smarts.
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KC23 Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@luna, Also agree, but Coupon should get his walking papers.
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Dominick Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@KC23, I thought he was oficially “tampon”. I must of missed the memo.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@Dominick,
Kompon was never tampon.
He’s never near anything that good. Otherwise the offense wouldn’t be so bad.
Stuart Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@KC23, IMO he should’ve gotten them first, and like 2 years ago!
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Stevens should stay since he brings alot to the table (PK, and D)
Jamie = GTFOH!
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Sad that this team always has to rely on one person. What has happened to our other ” Star” players???
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Deirdre Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@John Roy Morgan, Part of that is that all star players are not leaders and part of it is motivation. Look at the Flyers killing the Caps the other night w/o Giroux or PRonger. (Pronger by the way, as of this afternoon is done for the year. WOuldnt be surprised if he retires ) Lavvy gives great motivational speeches and makes sure each player knows his role. I don’t se TM as that type
Also, Richars, Scuderi and Mitchell are the only players with Killer instincts and that goes a long way in leadership .
If Kopi went down and Richards was playing, this team wouldn’t be 0-5.
He’s such a force on the ice, bench and in hte room that him not being there is hurting them.
I think just having him practice with them will help Alot…for him and the team. He is all about team, always has been back to his junior days.
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Now that Terry’s gone, I guess we can start letting the injured guys hangout with the rest of the guys, huh?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@Dominick,
Wasn’t that Andy?
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