Before long, the Kings will have played six games under three head coaches. Terry Murray coached last Saturday at home before he was fired Monday. Interim coach John Stevens has handled this four-game road trip and, when the Kings get home, newly hired Darryl Sutter will be behind the bench Thursday against Anaheim. It’s been an exhausting, whirlwind week, and one can only imagine how it has impacted the players. General manager Dean Lombardi met with players twice this week in an attempt to keep them updated and calm their minds, but no doubt, their phones have been buzzing regularly, with friends and family either providing or asking for information. After practice today, I asked Drew Doughty about the distraction level of this week, and he also shared his opinion on whether the coaching change could be a positive for the slumping Kings.
DOUGHTY: “I definitely think that, in a way, it’s effected some guys more than others. Me personally, it doesn’t effect me. I’m just out there to play, and playing for the team. John has been doing a great job as the coach. All that other stuff, I’m not one to read all the media. I don’t ever pay attention to that kind of thing. I just kind of find out things through the guys talking about it in the room. I think everyone is maybe a little nervous about a new coach coming in. It’s something we’re not used to, but I think it’s a good thing. I think change is what we need. Obviously what we’re doing right now isn’t working, and we can’t just assume that things are going to flip in an instant and we’re going to start winning all our games. We have to do something to change it, and hopefully with a new coach, guys kind of get that nerve-racking feeling again, where they’re playing real hard for each other.’’
Question: Sort of like hitting the reset button?
DOUGHTY: “Exactly. Once you get used to someone, you get more comfortable with them and maybe guys feel like, because they’re so comfortable with the coach, that they can get away with certain things. But now, with a new coach coming in, we have no idea what to expect. We’ll be in check, and everyone is going to play hard because they don’t know what the new coach will do.’’
On a related note, the Calgary Sun had an interesting item today about Sutter, with some quotes from recently hired St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock. Since taking over as an early season replacement, Hitchcock has changed the Blues’ fortunes dramatically. Of Sutter’s prospects for doing the same with the Kings, Hitchcock said, “I can tell you from coaching against him, his teams didn’t take many shifts off and they compete at a high level.” Hitchcock also shared some interesting thoughts about how he has changed as a coach. The story can be read by clicking here.
That Detroit game actually made me sick.
All i want for Christmas is a playoff team.
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neil Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@vegasking, All I want is a team that competes,play heavy and plays the right way!!!!!
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Lime Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@neil, Terry is that you?
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Anjin Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@vegasking, when the team is playing like this the easiest way to cope is 1. DVR the game 2. wait approx 2.5 hours to start watching and 3. Fast forward a lot
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Shaibou Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
@Anjin, That’s the way I watch it,too. Less suffering!
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MindGeyser Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@vegasking, Here’s to hoping the players got sick too. I was never a candidate to play professionally in any sport, but getting your butt kicked in front of no one at all is upsetting, let alone in front of a crowd, on TV. Anyone who isn’t deeply bothered by that thrashing probably needs to go.
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Hitchcock’s words have got me worried. “You have to change the way you deal with players. You have to gently nudge when critiquing.” Hitchcock knows this because he’s been following the league closely. I hope Sutter was watching the league as close as Hitchcock was while on his farm. He hasn’t coached in 5 years, and as the article suggests, had no drive in returning to the game either. I hope Sutter works out.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@CB14, He has only been out of the game for a year. Most likely he needed the year off after what happened in Calgary. I really don’t think he was so bad as GM, but his last season with the UFA’s he brought in was a head scratcher. Trading and getting Jbow and Jokinen were good but who knew they would underperform as much as they have. Also his biggest failing is probably not being able to find a permanent 1st line center to play with Iginla.
However getting back to him Coaching, I think he will be fine. I am sure he understands what will be needed to get these guys going, just like Hitch has. If he can get this team to start playing again to there potential and winning, I am sure all those other details will take care of itself. The biggest thing needed is to get the PP going. That can help counteract the low totals for 5 on 5 scoring. If you look at the last season we were in the top ten in scoring it was helped by our PP. Also the team that finshed 1 slot above us, Philly who made it to the finals they scored less goals then the Kings 5 on 5 but had more PP goals.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@Jeff, One last thing is Darryl wants to win so badly, that that possibly affected some of the choices he made as GM.
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CB14 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@Jeff, I know he had been their GM up until a year ago, but the GM’s don’t communicate daily with the players like the Head Coach does. You also rarely see a GM talking to a player about their on ice mistakes, which is something the HC does very often. Therefore I’m not sure Sutter knows how to deal with these new age players.
Although the lack of accountability was a big reason why I was in favor of letting TM go, I don’t believe you have to bring in a completely different attitude type as the Head Coach. To me the best Head Coaches are neither players coaches, or hard butts, but rather somewhere in between.
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Peter90210 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
@CB14, Give Darryl a chance. He’s a proven success when coaching teams, and once hockey is in your blood, you don’t turn it off just because you leave the coaching realm. He knows what he’s doing, and this team needs a guy who yells and screams and shakes things up. Bottom line, the players like what they do, and none of them want to be traded and uprooted, especially when this team has the potential to go all the way. If DD is right, they’re already feeling the nerves that comes with a new coach, and it that doesn’t energize them, they they don’t belong in the NHL.
All they need now is a ten game winning streak and they’ll be up on top again.
Not sure DD was a happy camper. Missed training camp or not, something’s certainly affected him this year too.
“Once you get used to someone, you get more comfortable with them and maybe guys feel like, because they’re so comfortable with the coach, that they can get away with certain things.” So that a tip off that there’s some slackers? If nobody’s getting mad at you or on your case all the time, why not start cutting corners?
I bet some of the quotes we get from the guys from the last week and into the next month, maybe very telling of what the real problem is in the Kingdom right now.
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Mark Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
@Scarletcat, Based on what ive seen so far, it looks like DD is talking about his own experience. I hope Sutter rides his sorry arse hard and squeezes every penny out of that fat contract.
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MacSwede Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 7:41 am
@Mark, Did you just say Penner is fat?
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Donald_S Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 4:57 am
@Scarletcat,
One thing I like, DD almost always gives cliche ridden responses. This one is not. He wants the change. He certainly needs something to change, and if this gives him a reason to pick up his game, it will be a good thing.
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Mark Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 5:55 am
@Donald_S, 7 mil is not a good reason?
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RobSD Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:44 am
@Scarletcat,
Is it possible DD just isn’t as good as he played that year? He still has a few more years before growing into his salary but for right now he and Penner are by far the most over paid guys in the league.
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insiderr001 Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@Scarletcat, his donut buddy Simmonds is not there, so I bet that has affected hime to some degree
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The golden nugget:
“Maybe guys feel like, because they’re so comfortable with the coach, that they can get away with certain things.”
And there you have it. Lack of accountability.
No system will work without it and maybe, just maybe, being HELD to a higher standard -not it just being expected- will move this team towards its potential…whatever that may be.
Regardless of the style or system coming in, shifts off seem to becoming to an end.
“Everyone is going to play hard because they don’t know what the new coach will do.”
Amen to that. Can I get a holla?
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CB14 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@wavesinair, Holla
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lowegirl Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@wavesinair,
Ya, and that little nugget coming from a guy who makes 7 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR. He should be ashamed of himself. I’d bust ass every night if I was making that kind of money. He is literally free-falling in my respect book.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@lowegirl,
How much should he make in order not to be ashamed of himself? 6? 5? How about 1 million?
…or maybe it has nothing to do with money.
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Jason4kings Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
@wavesinair,
I’d like to start the shaming at one million.
Jason4kings Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
@lowegirl, Drew just isn’t media savvy yet. He doesn’t realize some of these comments make it sound like they weren’t working very hard before. Whether or not that’s true, it’s not something the players should be saying to the press. If some players feel others are coasting then that should be discussed in the room. As far as his money, players are gonna take what they can get, and not feel bad about it, that’s what I would do.
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vegasking Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@wavesinair, holla and amen to that as well
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@wavesinair,
I’ll agree to that also.
Why does it always surprise us “mere mortals” when pro athletes say things like they aren’t motivated? Maybe this one does it because he’s so young? Let’s hope that’s the case.
In any case, I hope Sutter tans some hides here. Maybe that’s what this team really needed for so long, and only had a “nice Daddy” to oversee them?
“There’s a new sheriff in town!” and his name is definitely NOT Reggie Hammond!
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Personally, I think DOugh-boy is acting like a prima-donna! He has one good season, and then he thinks he deserves a big contract because of that. He held out to get that big contract, and what does he have to show for so far……2 goals and 7 assists in 27 games! And he always says nothing affects him, not missing training camp, not the coaching changes. And now he blames TM for the bad record. TM brought this team out of mediority. Now I won’t say his firing is not justified, but who is dough-boy trying to dump the lackluster effort on?!?! YEah a change is needed. How about earn your contract!
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outsider Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@Jeff, trade him straight for Parise….
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In the Net Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
@outsider, Like NJ would even think of trading Parise for Doughty. I wouldn’t. If you were NJ, would you?
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lowegirl Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@Jeff,
Please insert a visual of me jumping up and down, clapping, and screaming “he nailed it!!”
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the hockey don Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
@lowegirl, I can’t seem to get the visual out of my mind…
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@Jeff, Doughty actually had 1 good season, 1 great season and 1 ok season. That great season had him be a Norris finalist. I do believe that at the time Doughty was worth the contract his ended up signing. Although you are paying for potential, it usually does take a defenseman until they are 25 or so, before they become top players.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@Jeff, By the way maybe I should change my name, now that there are two Jeff’s
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TGoldSpud Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@Jeff, Understood, now I am going to be TGoldSpud, seeing that you are here first. Yes, I understand we are definitely paying for potential. But the fact that he held out, blame on the coach, saying nothing affects him, and what we are seeing on the ice right now is very discouraging! I hope you are right. Dear God I hope you are right!
Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@TGoldSpud, Cool name change. Anyway I think that TM’s biggest problem was the accountability issue and entail that led the Kings players to feel they can do whatever they want without any punishment. In the end that killed TM as Kings coach. While that probably worked when these guys were younger and in his first couple of years as coach….I think now that they are at where they are, with all the expectations I think he should of changed tactics and developed the accountability. Now is the time. Unfortunately he didn’t change that fact, so now comes in Sutter who holds all players accountable regardless of who they are or salary level. I feel that TM was the right coach to get the team from the mess they were in to the success they had have so far, but Darryl is needed to get them to the next level.
TGoldSpud Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
@Jeff, THanks, I’ve always used TGoldSPud on the net, didn’t know why I suddenly used Jeff all of a sudden. Anyway, I hope you are right. I have to admit, I have a bias against Sutter because I heard he was not a very good person! But I do hope he can take the Kings to the next level. I guess I agree with DL about the “playing with house money” analogy. SOme coaches does a good job rebuild, but some does a good job contend. I hope I am not being sacrilegious comparing the Kings to the Lakers, but I kind of think TM is Del Harris (who took a crappy Lakers team in the mid 90s and build them into a contender, and can go no more), and I hope Darryl Sutter is Phil Jackson (who took a talented Lakers team to 3 championships in the early 2000s). I sure hope that will be the end result! At least one Cup!
Bama Kings Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
@Jeff, See, I got yelled at non-stop during the summer for these comments. $7m was lunacy and should have been traded. Can you imagine the return we would have gotten before this crap season?
And his comments are so, so telling… The comments were about him, not other guys talking. His game isn’t Lidstroms and made off with a great contract. Kinda reminds you of Penner.
There are Kings, that if they were moved, would break my heart. And there are a lot of players above DD. A LOT!
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SLIM Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@Bama Kings, It’s getting old hearing you spurt off on Doughty
ALL the time….One day you will eat those words..
And I’m stickinrant..g around to see…Didn,t realize you were a hockey
genius…Every pundit has said Doughty is the real thing…
Every team would love to have a DD…..He was a Norris candidate
at a young age and is only going to get better….
But if it makes you feel good…Keep up the non stop
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joan fondell Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@Jeff, Agreed. Its time for all of the Kings, including Doughty to earn their keep. Have some pride for Canada, the US , Slovenia…wherever. Have some pride in what you do….Earn your compensation. Go out and play with your heart and head. Play like it means something to you. Do you really need a parent figure like a coach to brow beat you into playing well? Aren’t you professionals? I love the Kings…and have…for a long time, but give me a break–stop making excuses and play like you have been trained to do. Play like its meaningful. Some guys never have the chance to play…and earn this kind of money….don’t squander the opportunity. I think DL put together a good core of puzzle pieces, but the coach needs to know how and when to use them…and to maximize the assets. That’s the coaches job. For the players, its to play up to the talent they have….and challenge themselves to new heights. Go Kings Go! To a new game in Toronto!
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Kings x Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@Jeff, Pronger 1 goal and 11 assists in 13 games
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@Kings x, Pronger is what 37 years old and injury prone in his later years. Philly giving him that contract they did was a horrible choice, as they can’t even buy him out if he doesn’t play another game.
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TGoldSpud Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
@Kings x, Wait….so I am not sure what you are trying to get at…Are you saying that Pronger only has 12 points too, so we should give DOughty a break? 12 points in 13 games, that’s almost a point a game! Plus, he’s an outspoken leader. Doughty has 9 points in 27 games…that’s 1 point every 3 games….
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Kings x Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
@TGoldSpud, What I’m saying is a really banged up near retirement pronger is putting up twice as much offense in half as many games. I’m making the opposite point. Doughty needs to be held even more accountable as he acts like nothing is wrong and he is playing great when in reality he is me first, overrated and being paid based on potential b/c he new he could leverage the franchise for that type if contract. Make it to camp on time, take your conditioning seriously (gary roberts) and put the interests of the team first.
California Royalty Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 6:19 am
@Jeff, I know! He’s on the first scoring line, so you’d think he’d have more points right?
He should be leading the league in goals and assists!
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@Doughty….. The team and fans need you to change and play like we know you can play. What is it going to take DD? You got your to much money contract, what else do you need to play well? A new coach that might hold you acountable for your under achieving ways? Yah uhuh.
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FRO Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), Yeah. Doughty just looks terrible
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CB14 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), “what else do you need to play well?” A different system.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@CB14, Darryl Sutter
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CB14 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
@Jeff, When I said different system, I meant one that is balanced between offense and defense. Sutter’s system/philosophy, from what I’ve heard and read, is just like TM’s, defense first. I know that comes from DL’s decision to hire these guys, but I don’t think that will work with the players on this team.
Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@Jeff, First off if you watch videos on Youtube of Sutter coached teams you will see that it is nothing like TM. Second just because a system is defense first does not mean it can’t be balanced. The fact is Darryl hasn’t ever coached a team as offensively talented as the Kings. As for ranking of teams 1-30 on goals for if you look at Sutters last year of coaching yes Calgary was 27th in goals for, but there average was 2.63. If the Kings had that average this year they be in first place and that average would be close to the top 10. Also while there offense was 27th in his last season as coach, the PP was 12th.
Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
@CB14, I didn’t realize that the last post was set to myself, meant it to you CB14. Going off the Youtube videos I mentioned, just look how many of the goals (especially on the videos od there cup run) how many of the goals scored are done so close to the net. Whether on a rebound, odd man rush, breakaway, etc. Most all are of that variety. How can you say the system is the same, when the Kings in TM’s system rarely get it to the net and when it does, there are hardly any rebounds given by the goalie or players standing there to get them when there are rebounds.
CB14 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@Jeff, It’s difficult to say a team plays a specific way based off of youtube videos of all the goals they score. The reason being is that most of the goals are scored from close to the net. If you look at Kings goals on youtube you would notice the same thing.
I’m not disputing that I would have loved to have seen the Kings play more in front of the net, but that’s not the only thing. You have to cycle the puck to the middle of the ice so that you can get passes in the prime scoring area close to the net. If you just park a player in front of the net sure you’ll score more goals off rebounds, but that’s exactly what TM’s system was supposed to do, and even that didn’t work well enough when there were guys in front of the net. I’m not interested in perfecting TM’s system, I think this team needs a completely different one.
My main problem with a defense first system is that it keeps the F3 up high above the circles so that they wouldn’t give up outnumbered attacks. When you do that, it only leaves 2 forwards to cycle the puck along the boards and work it back to the point men for a shot. What happens is that then the forwards aren’t close enough to the middle of the ice to be in a position to put in a rebound, or screen the goaltender. That’s why the whole “shot mentality” thing never worked. They were taking low percentage shots, with no one in front of the net to screen the goalie or put in a rebound. Also, they can’t get a cycle going towards the middle of the ice because it doesn’t allow the F3 to come below the circles, thus not allowing a cycle between all 3 forwards. You’re left with 2 players to cycle the puck, and it’s much more difficult to make a pass when the direction the pass is coming from never differs when cycling the puck. When there’s 2 players who can potentially pass to a player, the options of where the pass may be coming from differs emmensely, thus making it more difficult to defend the pass.
One other problem I have with the Sutter hire is that I don’t believe the players Dean Lombardi has assembled are fit to play in his type of system. This problem lies with DL, not the Head Coach. The talent level of these players has gotten better since last year, yet the results have gotten worse. To me that screams of players that don’t fit the system.
They are country clubbing it. Showing up, putting their feet up, eating the food. There is no work anymore. It’s sick
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Never forget this is a buisness not so much a sport. Entertainment buisness for sure.
Big money for big names, effort comes with preformance, recently we are not seeing the Broadway hits…….
I will cautiously make an observation, some care as they have much to care about (future, long term contracts) while others are secure till eternity, they don’t really need either more money or winning right now. Why…..early 20′s making big money and think in thier minds don’t worry if I don’t win the Lord Stanley in LA I’ll be traded someday and win somewhere else.
Obsecured thinking for sure but do any of you make $7 million bucks per year with your whole life ahead of you. Now factor in you are going to make plus more for many years to come. Be real folks, money is the root of most evils and in this case its the root of “effort”.
Then their is the muckers, the plugs, the fillers who are making a modest living for being in the same buisness < million a year. They care most as they have no long term plans with thier money and need to continue down the path of hard work and effort to survive. What's most odd you win the Lord Stanley with a cast of these preformers not the team of multi millionaires. Interesting eh……..
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Sounded more to me as Doughty”s comments were Ass kissing the new Coach. Trying to get in good before he starts.
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Oliver Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
@OnTheFly, Ass kissing won’t work on Sutter. He’s results oriented and values hard work. Doughty needs to do more than kiss ass if he wants to impress his new coach. I suggest some time in the weight room and some smarter play on the ice if he really wants to impress.
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Markisonfire Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@Oliver, I’m scared that these results will land Hunter on the top line again for all of his hard work.
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I’m telling you, DD is going to ride the pin under Sutter if he keeps this crap up. I’m so, so glad Sutter is coming. I really think he is what we need. It isn’t the system, it’s the temperament.
I would have loved Tort’s too.
I’m not against the mellow guys if they are Tippet or Bylsma.
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Jason4kings Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
@Bama Kings,
To be fair, I don’t think we’re seeing a lack of effort from Doughty. I think we’re seeing an unorganized, frustrated team that hopefully a new coach can pull together. Stevens never had a chance, everyone new he was just filling in. If anything Doughty is trying to do too much. He has bad games, but he’s still figuring himself out.
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Just for fun, I got out my crystal ball to see which players will thrive under Sutter. Here is what it said;
Fraser (odd first choice?)
Brown
Clifford
Hunter
Westgarth
Penner
Johnson
Mitchell
We shall see!
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Bama Kings Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@edwood2, Kopi has to be on there and Williams
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Dominick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@edwood2, I think Kopi, and Richards will thrive more than any. Sutter likes to run his offense through designated shooters (like Iginla), and will probably try to get those 2 on different lines being fed the puck more from different angles.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
@Dominick, Yes I believe Richards is a perfect Sutter type and the one missing piece he didn’t have in Calgary. He couldn’t get a #1 center to play with Iginla, in L.A. he will have 2. Which then leads Brown, Penner, Williams and Gagne to be La’s version of Iginla. I believe those guys will thrive for our top 2 lines. Then you add in Clifford, whom I believe will get back to his physical self, which led to his top play. So that right there will be much better offensively, allowing us to raise the goals for. I can already see them starting to do it the Sutter way, as they been going to the net a lot the last few games. SO that will help once Sutter takes over.
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edwood2 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@Dominick, I brought the thing out again, and it said Richards was omitted due to injury. I agree Kopi and Williams should be included.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@edwood2, The way it sounds, Richards might be back when we get home. However I hope he doesn’t come back because of the slump, but that he is perfectly healthy.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
@edwood2, I don’t know about Johnson. Add Stoll, Kopi and Richards. Williams won’t exactly be a cast-off. Neither will Scuds or Greene.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Well that takes care of the rest of the team, so Sutter will go with what is here. I don’t think so, I would say that there’ll be about 3 with new homes after Christmas.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 6:47 am
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, I seriously doubt that. For one, the coach doesn’t move personnel. Second, Sutter will probably start by benching someone key, just to show he can…maybe a first- or second-line winger or a third line center, or a top-four defenseman–just to show he can. Then he’ll probably start giving various individuals rides on the pine in rotation.
I have thoroughly gained a new respect from watching Hitchcock very closely since he took over earlier this season. His comments are very wise in that article, and his attitude from past teams does seem to have adjusted to the game today, and his success so far in turning his teams fortunes around seems to be more of not only superb coaching, but the right attitude for the right situation..
“Players are tougher and more demanding on themselves, and if you’re tough on them, it’s like piling on.
“During the game, things haven’t changed, but it’s the off-days you have to change.
“By the time I get into the rink the next day, they’ve already seen themselves on video.
“The off-time used to be about rest and relaxing, but now it’s review, review, review.”
I can’t even count how many times in the last 2 seasons I wished instead of days off to rest, the team would at least do video sessions. Especially on optional skates during game days. It at least gets their heads into the upcoming game while their bodies rest, and it mentally reinforces any system adjustments that might have to be made on the fly.
Terry Murrays’ biggest weakness is that he couldn’t adjust, even when it was apparent that the other team had the Kings figured out. Video sessions on off days would of helped. So would of adjusting during games, but that’s old news now..
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SDGolfer Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
@Dominick, I find it hard to believe that there was NO video reviews on times other than practice days. unless you have some inside information as to what goes on inside practice or in the offices of TSC, if so,I would (as probably others) love to hear it.
To Rich, maybe you could shed some insight, on this subject, because I cannot believe that TM is the only NHL coach that doesn’t use video to coach, or someone on the coaching staff doesn’t use video during games.
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Dominick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
@SDGolfer, It’s been well documented on the days that TM mentioned optional skates, and days off, that I called for video sessions. Maybe your noot reading when TM announced them, but Rich always reported their practice status, and still does.
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DEH Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@Dominick, here’s an idea, hire an actual pp/offense coach, heck name Richard as an interim until he’s healthy enough to play, and move Kompon to where he belongs, strength/conditioning and video coordinator. Have him run the video reviews with the team on “off” days.
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Dominick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@DEH, LOL. I would agree to that, but I have no idea how qualified Richards is to coach the boys. He might get the guys scoring, and DL will trade him.
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DEH Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@Dominick, hope DL doesn’t trade Richards…
petemagoop Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@Dominick, and if you get a shut out in net for Hitchcock you ALWAYS start the next game – just saying
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Kenny44 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
@Dominick, Hitchcock has had success in various circumstances as a coach including, of course, winning the Cup. His versatility has been the key to his success. One trick coaching ponies usually don’t win the Cup. Long playoff series tend to expose them.
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After spending the past couple days watching other teams around the league play, I can tell we lost our drive and intensity big time! I hope Sutter can get these guys going again
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:38 pm
@408kingsfan, I thought they looked flat, most nights, from the start of the season. I was worried until they started winning a few games. It looks like a lot of that was great goaltending (which I think I’ve said, as have others.)
[Reply]
Just wanted to mention also that when the season started, fans disagreed with my posting of records by teams that started out in Europe. 7 out of the last 14 teams that went Europe before this season, had fired their coaches by Febuasy. 50% was my count, and 9 of those teams struggled badly to start those seasons.
Are there still any out there who still want to defend Europe as a great idea, and that it didn’t set the tone for the season? Seems like the Kings ended up right where I said they would……and I started that prediction back in July.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@Dominick, Umm the last two years the Stanley Cup winner has started there season in Europe. While yes they seem to get off to slow starts, they seem to rectify it fast enough to still make the playoffs. In other words it can go either way.
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Dominick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@Jeff, By my count with the Kings, and Ducks firing their coaches before Febuary, imy numbers are now at 9 out of the last 18 teams to start in Europe, fired their coaches before Febuary. That’s still 50%.
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Dominick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
@Jeff, Add 2 other teams that waited till those seasons ended to fire their coaches.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
@Dominick, Maybe most of those teams were just bad to begin with, or has in the case of the Kings needed a new voice. Not sure about the Ducks, they got a new voice but haven’t responded to it yet. But anyway I believe they are still going to have games in Europe and those teams that go that are good to begin with, shouldn’t really have much trouble going. Didn’t affect Boston or Chicago.
Dominick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
@Jeff,
There are 30 teams in the league, and on average there are 3 or 4 coaches fired a year. Out of the 18 teams that went to Europe, 9 coaches were fired, and not only do you not find that remarkable, but you try to argue away as if they were crappy to begin with.
Doesn’t change the fact that the Kings are now apart of that list of teams who struggled and fired their coach.
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Dominick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
@Dominick, Ooops, it’s more like 11 out of 18. Guess it’s just a coincidence.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:38 pm
@Dominick, I always thought the Europe trips sucked.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Amen to that, I’ve never figured out why it’s so important to Bettman to play there. There are teams here that the NHL needs to worry about and look after before they start thinking about the Euros.
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Here’s some advice for you Drew. Dont be a selfish overpaid under-achieving jerk. Don’t hold out your team for a few extra bucks when you’re not really worth it. Don’t come into camp or miss camp out of shape. Don’t take stupid penalties. Don’t think you’re better than you are and leverage the franchise based on future potential. If you are going to skate the Puck over the blueline 1 on 4 learn how to create even the slightest of offensive chances. If you are going to shoot the puck you might try doing something other the a full slap shot. Vary your game youre not that good. Quit blaming other people. Do yourself a favor and go to gary Roberts in the offseason and start taking this game seriously as a professional. Quit acting like a dumb kid. I know that one may be hard for you, but try. Hire a life coach or something. Read a book. So when you talk about change, look from within and think about what you can do yourself. Then look outwards. I’m glad nothing bothers you and you are playing and feeling great. BTW drewiske is hot on your tail, you better watch out, you better not cry, I’m telling you why, daryl sutter is coming to town.
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Tyler Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
@Kings x, How do you really feel? Did Doughty take you out for a nice dinner and never call you back? You need to relax a little bit. If you were in Doughty’s position, you would’ve done the exact same thing.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@Tyler, Noooooope
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Kings x Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 12:02 am
@Tyler, Maybe trying to get the most out of my contract but not holding out for an extra 500k/yr. Sound like you did go out on a date with dewie and he banged you and you are goo goo over him.
Tell me is that emotion or a matter of fact?
Kid is skilled, and I wouldn’t want him on any other team. But it’s a fine example of exactly whats wrong with kings nation.
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gmo Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
@Kings x,
“you better watch out, you better not cry, I’m telling you why, daryl sutter is coming to town.”
now that was funny i thought!!!!1
go kings go
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
@Michael_DD8, I also think he was right on, but I can see that DD is your favorite guy so maybe you should lighten up on those who also have an opinion.
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Kings x Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 12:07 am
@Michael_DD8, Couldnt agree with you more on a personal level in terms of trying to do what they do. Name another Dman with his salary and performance level who is paid that much based one very good year solely on potential? Elite bring it every shift every game. Kid is put in the elite group, you going to tell me he is?
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this is for real, no b..s..
the lines as I see them for success…….
-Gagne, Richards, Brown (line #1, speed, heart, ability)
-Clifford, Kopitar, Williams (line #2, toughness, high skill, heady play)
-Penner, Stoll, Richardson (line #3, size, speed, responsible)
-Lewis, Lotkionov, Westgarth (line #4, speed, creativity, enforcer)
……..leave these lines for two games and watch the difference this makes, guarnteed cliffy puts the heart back in Kopi, brown finds his scoring touch with Richie and Gags, Stoll supports Penny in solidifying 3rd line scoring and Westgarth will protect Lotkionov to be himself with creative plays for our strong 4th line.
Before you carve these like the turkey at christmas, really all components are covered and things will happen, then as coach you need to give each player specific responsiblity to execute on these lines, then work with line creativity and finally move onto team dynamics.
Stop playing all the million dollar guys together they are too much alike, we need some grit and muckers per line, look at the other successful teams, mix in the diggers and wealthy and you have the reciept for success……
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@Harty, I like your lines a lot, with one exception. I would reverse Clifford with Penner. The reason being is CLifford is in his 2nd year of play and I think it be much easier for him to get back to playing like he did last season on the third line, without the pressure that a 2nd line would bring. In a couple years after he gets his feet wet more and gains more experience, then you can move him to the 2nd line.
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Harty Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
@Jeff, I won’t disagree but Kopi needs a lift on the ice, my messaging to Cliffie would be hit everything that moves on the ice, make as much room out there for Kopi as necessary.
Also get Cliffie back to taking no prisoners attitude. Everything goes and so it should Kyle…….
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rick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@Harty, If Clifford is a top 6 forward, I am the King of England. Sorry, you are wasting Kopi;s talents playing him with Clifford. You have six guys on this team who can make an argument they belong in the top 6 – Brown, Gagne, Kopitar, Williams, Penner and Richards. How good those 6 are collectively is very much open to question – but there is simply no one else on the roster who should be anything other than a third or fourth liner. That is precisely why I have a real issue with DL’s 5 year rebuild – we STILL have too little offensive talent on this team – and in the entire organization for that matter.
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Harty Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
@rick, Rck as per below, only to charge up Kopi’s batteries on the ice with some grit, you have to admit his linemates currently just go through the motions, he needs some intensity, so put Westie up there just get his competive juices going as Kopi needs the lift.
Oh ya, how are things as the King of England or King of LA??
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rick Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
@Harty, The KIng hereby commands the other Kings to play much better, score some goals, and make us proud!!!
Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
@Harty, I understand your reasoning, but if you go back last season Kopi, Penner and Williams started off real well, until Kopi and WIllie got hurt. One thing I couldn’t understand is why not go back to that line. Even when Penner was healthy they never did.
DEH Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
@Harty, I would want Clifford-Fraser-Westy as a goon line to basically beat the snot out of opposing teams lines. I would also consider trying either kopi at wing with richards or stoll at wing with kopi and brown. Stoll could play sniper and relieve kopi of faceoffs if the opportunity is needed, remember kopi isn’t the best faceoff taker. Basically it will work with Stoll taking the faceoff then circling to the dot and kopi coming back to the middle to take center responsibilities.
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Barry's Mullet Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:45 am
@Harty, Nothing wrong with the lines you put together but that type of thinking doesn’t necessarily translate to chemistry. Chemistry is King. You can put your 3 most talented players together and they can look lost. You can do exactly what you did and mix up the talent with the grind and speed and on paper it looks awesome only to watch them play like a junior club.
The one line in recent memory that jelled was last season in the playoffs.
Clifford – Richie – Simmonds. For whatever reason that line was dangerous. Good balance but more importantly chemistry.
This team is in desperate need of chemistry.
Simmer – Dionne – Taylor
Robatille – Gretzky – Nichols on the PP
Deadmarsh – Allison – Palfy
Just my .02…
Gagne and Richards how obvious…they played together for years in Philly.
Brown and Kopi is another. This team has worked well the last few years…why did TM change this?
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sounds to me like DD is one of the guys that got comfortable with TM and knew TM was never going to bench him or do anything to correct him so he just did whatever he wanted and got away with it. now he knows DARRYL is coming in and knows he doesnt take crap from players and makes them accountable, seems obvious that he is a lil scared adn will be working his arse of…
go kings go
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Lead Feet Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@gmo, You got to be kidding me!
I read this article from Rich about an hour ago, been thinking about it ever since and finally decided to respond to it.
You wrote EXACTLY what I was thinkig! DD almost sounds defensive. Like a little kid who just found out Dad is on his way home and is telling mom all of the bad things his brothers did and then says “I didnt do ANYTHING mom!”
You guys are in so much trouble DD!!! lol
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
@Lead Feet, I don’t really understand the change in Doughty. He played great defensively, was aggressive and physical and offensively he would shoot without abandon. Now he isn’t aggressive, outside of a few rushes, ok defensively takes too many penaltys and is very hesitant before he shoots. His passes also seem to be bad. I really don’t get it and understand he had the mild concussion and injury this year, but I saw some of these negatives before he got hurt. Hopefully with Sutter coming on board he can get DOughty back to his 2nd year Olympic form.
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Lead Feet Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
@Jeff, Maybe with the accountability that Sutter is supposedley bringing to the team all that will turn around again.
Fortunately the Pacific Division has struggled as a whole thus far. The Kings arent so far behind that its to late…in fact clinching the division is quite possible still. Time will tell.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@gmo, A lot of people seem to forget what’s obvious: Since returning from the extended contract dispute, mostly caused by listening to his ‘hole agent, Doughty has been in a panic to show his worth, and has been gripping his stick, trying to be the difference. Coaches will tell you, and have, that you can’t play that way in the NHL; it will backfire. It has backfired.
That’s not at all consistent with the comments I’m reading from people who aren’t in the room with him. Now, it’s possible he’s remembering things from last season and/or seeing it in other players, but as for Dewey, I think he’s been feeling pretty low until the last couple games when Stevens obviously told him to lighten up and let the game come to him–and he’s been playing better since.
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gmo Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
true, again just hope he picks it up along with everyelse….SUTTER will make them work hard and will let them know when they arent
GO KINGS GO
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interesting quotes from the players today. First Mitchell talking about practices being bad, now Doughty talking about players getting too comfortable and playing complacent. don’t know if they’re fed up, or just want to seem like they care so the new coach will be impressed lol. either way it’s better than the same ol quotes we here all the time.
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I see Sutter creating a true goon line out of Clifford-Fraser-Westy. Their job description will be to create hell for the opposing team’s top line, averaging 2 fights a week. We saw a taste of Westy gooning Howard yesterday, more of that is needed.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
@DEH, Hopefully he will get the team more physical as a whole.
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Jason4kings Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
@DEH,
Westy has quietly become a much better player as of late, I think most here would agree. That’s not a bad 4th line, I think we’ve seen it.
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I would like to ask a question from all of you here on this sight that might read this. How does a team like Chicago win a cup, totally dismantle the team the next year, and be a contender for the cup again? We have been building for 46 years and have only been to the finals once, with the greatest player in the history of hockey mankind, of course. Please explain the dynamics of our team always ending up with washed up has-beens, third or forth line “rookies”, or supposed “stars” that as soon as you give them the money they were crying about fold up and assume the fetal position. I hate to mention players names so here are their numbers; 23,13,12,24,47,22,21,28,19,14,44,2,27,33,45 and yes number 8. If you’ll notice there aren’t many jersey numbers left folks. So, we’re supposed to contend for the cup with this? NOT. I hope my ticket rep has thick skin, because he is going to get a lecture he’s never heard before about why a fan of 40+years will NOT be renewing his season tickets next year. I’m TiredOfIt….literally
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
@TiredOfIt, It helps when you got Kane, Towes, Keith and Seabrooke on your team.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
@Jeff, Ok so why dont we ever end up with players like that?
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TiredOfIt Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
@TiredOfIt, And you can’t say Kopitar…he hasn’t done jack for 2 months
Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
@TiredOfIt, Well look where Chicago was before they got there four players I mentioned. They went through a long ass time before they got good, gaining top draft picks many years. The Kings were never good to make the playoffs but not bad enough to get top draft picks. That all changed when Dean took over and made the Kings bad his first 2 years to start with a total rebuild and get top draft picks. We are in year 4 of the total rebuild. It sure took Chicago, Pittsburgh a long time before they got to where we are now, in the 4th year of rebuild.
Michael J. Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@TiredOfIt,
Lets not forget that the Kings were an eyelash away(actually ping pong ball) from drafting Stamkos.
Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@TiredOfIt, Actually that ping pong wouldn’t of mattered, except for Dean’s worst FA pickup Brian Wilsie. 2 years he goes and hardly scores any goals, except for the final game of the season, helping us win a game causing us Stamkos and the year before we ended up with inatead of Turris or Van Riemsdyk. Needless to say I don’t need to say how I really feel about Brian, the player not the person.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
@TiredOfIt, Because it’s the Lose Always Kings
Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@TiredOfIt, As for the Kings team we have the team right now that can win the cup. For some reason they just stop playing and responding to TM and there was no accountability. That will change starting Tuesday. We should see a change starting on Thursday and if not then you will see benchings or scratches, no matter the jersey #.
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Lead Feet Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
@TiredOfIt, Dont forget how long they also suffered before being a cup winner again….48 years….kinda puts it in perspective ya?
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
@Lead Feet, That was the owner/owners wanting it done their way and also there is alot of history dealing with the Hawks back into the late 40′s.
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CB14 Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
@TiredOfIt, While the did lose a bunch of players, they kept the core of the team together. Like Jeff said, Kane, Toews, Keith, Seabrooke, also Sharp and Hossa. Those were their key players and what they did was to trade away the other top forwards and d-men for prospects that are cheaper. Now that they’ve got some time under their belt they’re right back to where they were before, Stanley Cup contenders.
Example: Their #1 line LW Victor Stalberg was acquired in the Kris Versteeg trade.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
@TiredOfIt, Also take a look as to how Chicago won the cup. They paid a bunch of players huge contracts, loads of money to win. Then they got into trouble and had to trade a lot of what made them successful. That is not something that Dean has done. He has done it methodically without hurting our Salary Cap like Chicago did.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@Jeff, Above that should read we ended up with Hickey instead of Turris or Van Riemsdyk, or whoever went 4th.
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Jeff Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@Jeff, Woops I rhink Hickey was 4th. Not at home and on phone at the moment.
gmo Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@Jeff,
i would not mind any gm of ours to pay big salaries even if its for one year as long as we win the cup….once you are the stanley cup champion nothingo else matters you are it ….i for once would like the taste of that for once even if its in a way BOUGHT…………..better bought then being losers forever
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TiredOfIt Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
@Jeff, Thank you Jeff and the rest for your comments, and you’re right, it did take Chicago a long time. I guess I’m just bitter that most of the other teams have gotten there at some point, and have even repeated. Unfortunately I cant think of another team that has fans that have waited longer than us, in hockey. Hell, even those damn Ducks got a cup. Do you know how much that burns? Going to every Kings-Ducks game and even if we win, we have to hear,”well at least we have a cup!”. AAAAAHHHHHHH. When? When will we rejoice? Barring a miracle, not this year….AGAIN! GKG? I guess
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Blade17 Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:52 am
@TiredOfIt,
My theory why Kings have only 1 finals appearance, and that team was willed there by 99. Most NHL players come from small town Canada, or Rust Belt USA. They get here to Hollywood, where the focus is anything but hockey…women,parties,clubs,celebs…unless they are extremely driven & focused, they lose their hockey intensity. Why work your a** off in the gym or on the ice on off days when you can be at the frickin beach in December? Try that in Ontario, Michigan, British Columbia or Massachusetts. I think LA is a very tough place to play HOCKEY because of the massive culture change from what most NHL players come from. I know, the Ducks have a cup in the same environment, but remember they had 3 Hall of Fame level players on that team with leadership, drive & focus (Selanne, Neidermier,Pronger). There is nobody on current Kings approaching that, nor has there been since 99.
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DD is a over payed whiny baby who thinks he is the best D man since Bobby Orr. He needs to grow up and earn his over payed $7,000,000 million dollors. I hope he is the first one Sutter says has to go.
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I just hope we don’t make the Maple Leafs look like stanley cup contenders.
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stillKingly Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
@Crownme87, AMEN
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What you need is training camp…
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Oh…All you DD bashers…
He is leading in the NHL poll
of who is the best offensive-defensive
defenseman in the league…
I guess the rest of the world think he’s great…
Funny …How that is…
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carrie Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@SLIM, On a pure skill level based on the options given, yes, he probably is the best. But the problem is that away from the stats sheet and highlight reel, things don’t always turn out that way. DD is talented, there’s no doubt about that. There’s also been a certain level of… I don’t want to say laziness because I don’t think that’s the problem (as much as it might be the favorite running joke of Kings fans), but perhaps complacency is a better word. And it’s an issue that hasn’t been effecting DD alone.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
@SLIM, Who stuffed the box, I want to know!!!
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Dominick Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 12:11 am
@SLIM, If we were winning 1/2 these guys wouldn’t have anything to say about DD. Since he now makes 6 mill, it’s his fault the Kings suck at scoring, and can’t defend against puck possession teams. If he was superman, none of those things would happen. If he was the Hulk the Kings wouldn’t get out muscled. If he was the Flash, the Kings wouldn’t be so slow. Now that the Kings are losing, he alone isn’t Iron Man for playing over 20 minutes a game in all key situations, he’s Beevis, and at the same time Butthead for not single handedly making us win.
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outsider Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 2:53 am
@SLIM, still chance to get some money back if we trade him….
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I’d say the Kings were a little embarrassed from the thumping they received last night, so hopefully they’ll go into Maple Leaf territory with an attitude.
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Perhaps I’m reading too much into it, but the level of almost ambivalence really gets under my skin. I’m not saying that I think that Doughty or the other guys just don’t care, but the general lack of passionate response that we often see from these guys is a little concerning. I’m not trying to indicate that I think that there’s a certain type of way that people should react in this situation, and I know that when translated to text much emotion can be lost, but for whatever reason there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of urgency in Doughty’s words.
I know that a lot of people will use that statement to say things along the lines of the fact that with Doughty’s contract, he doesn’t need to be all fired up or something. But to me it says that regardless of contract status, age, or ice time, something needs to be done to light a fire under the rears of these guys. It doesn’t fall strictly to coaching, but to me it comes across that there were individuals who didn’t feel the need to excel under TM. That isn’t just a coaching problem. If a player is acting like they won’t be held accountable by a coach, it’s up to his teammates to step up and show him that he will be held accountable by them. And perhaps that’s even more important, because in the long run isn’t being held accountable by the people that you’re letting down, the people who are putting their blood, sweat and tears (figuratively on that last one, or is it only baseball that there’s no crying in?) should be the most important thing out there.
Needless to say, something in our system is currently broken. And until we find out what that is, be it the coach, the system, or the players themselves, it isn’t going to get any better.
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Jason4kings Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
@carrie, Watch them during games, they’re showing frustration. They care. Brown, Stoll, and Doughty are the guys I notice it from the most.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 11:04 pm
@Jason4kings, You could really see it in Quick the other night.
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carrie Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 12:05 am
@Jason4kings, Could be an East vs West thing and that I don’t watch any teams from the West aside from the Kings, but the reaction level of the team is no where near the level of frustration that I’d expect from a team that’s floundering like these guys are right now.
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When JJ first got here, and for awhile after, I thought Jack Johnson was a me first player who could care less about being a King. and I thought Drew Doughty was the embodiment of what a young player should be. it seems now that the tables have turned, and now i feel that Drew Doughty is the prima donna and Jack Johnson is the ideal King. Anyone else noticed this change or feel that this is the case? I am very glad they’re both Kings for a very long time. but since jack johnson signed his contract it seems that he is more grateful than ever to be a King. On the other hand drew doughty has seemed to be come 8 echo pro athletes with no allegiance
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Stupid Phone. I meant it a typical pro athlete with no allegiance. VLingo sux.
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AMEN, CARRIE!!! Where is the aggression??? Where’s the passion??? I love these guys and all, but they show absolutely no emotion when they play. Maybe a new captain is needed as well? I for one believe that being in Los Angeles is half the problem. There’s so much to do here, even when they do get sent packing, the sights and sounds of L. A. can really pick you up. We have so much talent, yet we find ourselves scratching and clawing just to make the playoffs. It’s unacceptable, and I’m getting tired of watching a team that perennially loses. That’s it, I’m convinced, WE NEED A NEW CAPTAIN!!!
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Doughty is great at showing up and playing. On his raw talent alone he can get by (which is actually incredible). In order for him to be at that 7m level he needs to dedicate himself off the ice. Let’s hope Sutter can get that going.
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@seanster48,
Yellings not gonna help. lol
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“Everyone is going to play hard because they don’t know what the new coach will do.”
Sounds like when a new teacher goes into school and the kids don’t misbehave and don’t try to get away with things until they learn the tendencies of the new teacher. Then they push it as far as they can go. Unless… it’s one of those teachers the kids fear to cross.
Could that be Darryl Sutter?
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Dominick Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 12:28 am
@King John, I don’t care if they fear him or not. If he doesn’t change the system, and get his players to trust in that system, he’s doomed to fail. Regardless of wether he’s a hard ass, he’s got to get speed through the nutral zone. The Kings are 1 of the worst nutral zone teams I’ve seen this season. That is why the Kings are always reduced to dump and chase.
He’s also got to get the forecheck off the boards, and into the middle of the ice. It’s not a mystery why the Kings are 30th in offense (well to some people it is, because they believe with better players we can score from the corners, or against the wall). He’s got to get rid of the regroup. Moving the puck forward at all times, and transition off of turnovers are terrible for this team.
The Kings also have to stop just firing the puck on net as soon as they cross the blue line, because no one is set up to take advantage, and the Kings have to chase the puck down to retrieve it. It’s just another form of dump and chase, but with a meaningless shot on goal to pad the stats, and make it look like the Kings had a lot of shots.
In reality if the coaching staff watched the game with a shot tracker like I do, they’d see how many shots were from the outside, and stop it all together.
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Cortex949 Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 1:19 am
@Dominick, I totally agree with the shot count perspective u just brought up. Looking at just the stats for our last few losses you would think we dominated the action for 60 min. Averaging like 40 shots the last few games but not scoring looks different in the stats then it did watching the games. Other than DD2 smoking it high glove side on Howard u aren’t going to score much without traffic and tips or rebounds (yes that was a tongue in cheek jab at DD2)
I look at it like this: you know when u start a relationship with a girl and u are super nice, bring flowers, open doors, dress up all the time, pick up the tab at fancy places? Then a few months in u start to slip a little, put in a little less effort, maybe just get comfortable with the situation? That’s how the kings (only the ones who have been here a few seasons) started to treat TM. Like an old girlfriend. Hahah. When u are in that situation, you know oh shouldn’t be acting that way, they know you shouldn’t be acting that way, it just kinda happened. Well hopefully DS can fire them up, get them excites about this game they play for a living.
It’s very reassuring to look at the standings and even after we has played as bad as we have and lost as many games as we have, we are still only a couple out of first in pacific. And it’s not even the allstar break. We shouod all be thanfull for that
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Wilmonde Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 1:27 am
@Dominick, Do you coach somewhere? Local teen leagues or something similar? I only ask cause you sound like you know what you’re talking about. Maybe you can apply for a position with a minor team, cause you sound like you’d know what to do with a team. Who knows, in a few years, Coach Dominick might be leading the Kings to the Cup. ;P
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Dominick Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 2:43 am
@Wilmonde,
Grew up playing the game. I thought I new it all till I had an oppurtunity to coach some teens for a few years. I never did it as a main source of my livelyhood, but that is when I started reading anything I could get my hands on as far as systems, and how to assess stats, and players, mainly because I didn’t want to fail them. Now it’s just a part of me to research that kind of stuff.
I do spend some time advising friends who do coaching for a living, but I’m more a student of the game than anything else, and always try to learn. I’m nowhere as brilliant at stats as guys like David Johnson, Kukla, the writers at Puck perspectus, or Quisp, but I try.
I might be wrong at times, but I do try to have conviction for what I believe. I guess I’m a fan more than anything else.
snbrdsummit Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 2:55 am
@Dominick,
Usually I see the same old posts from people about how people just need to play harder or that we have a motivation issue. It’s good to see someone who seems to get it.
We’ve not had a system or offensive strategy for a while now. It’s insane to expect that individual efforts on offense that develop without purpose will ever be consistently successful.
Yes, we have terrible shot development. Every shot we take is on a bad angle. The theory about more shots equalling more goals is and always has been flawed. We have 130 more shots on goal than Chicago (whom, incidentally, lead the NHL in total goals). Shot production and “shot mentality” is not our problem. It’s an obvious miss by the coaching staff, because it didn’t just start happening this year.
Our transition game is terrible. There is little to no off-puck movement and I hardly ever see anyone creating space for good passing lanes. We constantly overload one side of the ice in our offensive zone and make it super easy for teams to defend us with only 1 or 2 players. It’s no wonder we get trapped on the boards as much as we do. Even when we win the puck off of the boards, there’s nobody to make a clean pass to because they’ve all overloaded to win the puck.
I’m not in total agreeance with the “moving the puck forward at all times” idea. I think you develop the ability to unbalance defenses by not being one-dimensional on offense. Decoying on transition to get their defense to overload a side and openning the other side doesn’t get accomplished by forward puck movement. Though, it only works if you have a forward mentality and can sell the “decoy”. This may have been what you meant.
It’s not a terribly difficult game. But the players need to understand that each of them has to evolve their game nightly and fix their mis-steps along the way. It’s frustrating to watch them make the same mistakes every game. It’s the coaches job to point out these mistakes and fix them in practice.
Dominick… Who would you have chosen for coach?
Personally, I think Granato or Hynes would have been my top 2 choices.
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Dominick Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 4:02 am
@snbrdsummit,
The puck moving forward is more in the nutral zone. Lately the Kings are trying to move up the ice as a 5 man unit, but as soon as the defense gets cut off, they circle around to lose coverage before passing forward. Problem is that the forwards are now circling back to recieve a pass, and by the time the defense passes up, the reciever is heading towards him, or has stopped all together, and is now flat footed waiting for a pass.
At that point all that player can do is try to recieve the puck, and start skating from a dead stop, or tip the pass into the zone and hope another player has enough speed to retreave the puck in the zone.
I really have enjoyed your post over the last year, or so. You don’t post very often, but have a very good idea of strategies.
I like Dallas Eakins because he’s like a Dan Bylsma type. Young, with a fresh perspective. Randy Carlyle has won a cup, and Anahiems biggest decline so much wasn’t coaching, as much as the fact that after they won the cup, 1/2 their team was RFA’s or UFA’s. They also had Cap problems ever since till just recently.
They have absolutely no depth, and have been held hostage by Scotty (who finally retired), and Teemu for years, as far as really improving the team with freed up capspace. The Kings have no such issues, with plenty of depth. They just need some offense. I have some ideas as far as pure possession type also, but DL’s made up his mind already.
I am not the happiest about Darryl Sutter being hired. I wanted a more offensively creative coach. But unfortunately I am a kings fan for better or worse. Dean Lombardi, by far is the best GM we have ever had. I never want to go back to the days of Sam McMaster. EVER!!!! So I hope Dean Lombardi succeeds with his choice as coach. I don’t believe it will work in the long run.
A lot of you maybe wondering why Some of us sing the praises of dean lombardi. It’s because We’ve been around and seen such a waste management That many of us see dean lombardi as a Godsend. Trust me none of you will ever we want to see Rogie Vachon, Nick beverly
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Mik3ysfv Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 12:41 am
@Mik3ysfv, Stupid phone. Or sam mcmaster as gm like most of us have had to suffer through. most is you really have no idea how good you have it with dean lombardi as Kings gm. Again I’m very upset at the hiring of Darryl Sutter. But I would never ever trade Dean Lombardi And what he’s done for this organization for any other gm. Any long time kings fan should agree with me if they are honest in search their memory. I only hope this hiring doesn’t cost dean lombardi his job
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Damn I hateVLingo. It makes my writing seem like I just learned english.
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Next up on the chopping block: KOMPON! Get rid of him as well, his PP system sucks.
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Sutter is going to give DD A GOOD As_ WHIPPING! I hope…
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 4:06 am
@Sammuch, Whatthe Hell are you doing up at 3 o’clock in the morning. Is the party still going on on Longfellow Ave. Tell Drew that the pump for the Keg needs to get back to MR B’s by 10. And stop at the McDonald’s on Artesia and get me a coffee w/hashbrowns.
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Sammuch Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@kinginsaltlake, LOL
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If anyone has XM radio Daryl Evans will be on Hockey This Morning on XM 92 today. I don’t know what time but it’ll be sometime between now and 8am Pacific.
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 4:08 am
@PaulHB, Hey @paulHB… Does the HB stand for Hermosa or Huntington Beach.
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You guys are all crazy. You base someones skill level on how many points he gets.
Agreed, it would be nice to have him get on the score sheet more like we know he can. But don’t you think he’s trying? He’s the only defenceman trying new things. He carries the puck in the zone and takes it down low. He’s getting his shots through from the point, and if the lanes are closed, he makes a great pass. If he keeps playing the way he has been, he’s going to get a few go in for him. He’s the most hated player on the team (coming from you guys) but he’s working hard every game. Do you remember laying across the goal line the other night sacrificing his body? No one mentions the good things he does, you only explode and flock to the site to blast him for making a minor mistake.
The best thing, all of your bashing is falling on deaf ears as he mentioned he doesn’t read in to the media, and therefore doesn’t read your hate filled comments.
It’s like most of you expect him to be leading the league in goals and assists because of his contract. He’s a defenceman.
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jonsey Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:04 am
@California Royalty, His numbers are bad. Ergo he is bad. He did so much two years ago. Us fans just want to see him do better. He doesn’t have to be the best D-man, but he needs to do more. He just doesn’t take over games like he used to and it is reflected in his, and the team’s, lack of scoring.
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Gustavo Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:07 am
@California Royalty,
Minor mistakes?????
Countless third period penalties that have cost us games, points and frustration with his demeanor and focus.
He makes one ‘minor’ save and all else is forgiven in your eyes?
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:39 am
@California Royalty, I must agree with you friend!!! this kid is 22 years old. Think back to the day we all were 22. He has a lot on his back. Good thing he doesn’t listen to the media or read this blog site.
It’s been said on this blog site and by many others that a defenseman takes years to mature. The guy is still wet behind the ears. He still has growing up to do. He is a risk anyone would take. He may not be one of our leaders yet, but when he comes of age, this kid will be awesome. We want winners now. Back when he had his outstanding year, everybody just took it for granted that he would continue with top numbers. We all had to grow up at sometime. Most of you out there will always hold a resentment towards Drew. ” He gets paid 7 mil. So what!!!
Until Drew starts sharing some of that money with us, it’s none of our business. What a person makes is not our concern. If you don’t think Drew is pulling his weight on the ice ask his team mates, or better yet call Kings Talk and ask Nick. Go to EL Segundo and watch him practice. But coming on this blog site ripping him or anyone else for the contract they sign is just plan ridiculous. But to each their own. Sometimes ripping others makes one hide from their own faults. It makes them feel better while ripping on others. Most of the time they wouldn’t rip on him face to face. Think about it. If Drew walked up to anyone of us just out of the blue. Most of us would be starstruck. The only reason we bash players and coaches is we want our voice heard. That’s why I come on this site so I can hear voices. Yes… I hear voices!!!
I love reading how most of you feel about our team. I guess ribbing, bashing ,and ripping is all part of how we express ourselves. I’ve done it, so I’m speaking of myself also. I mean when Penner was playing at his worst I was all over him. Never had I wanted a player off the team than he. But I read something one of us wrote and it stuck. “Never question a man’s heart unless you know him personally” I don’t know any of the players I’ve had the honor to meet Rich Hammonds at training camp this year. I got to shake Drew’s had in a casino in Vegas. Jim Fox also shook my hand that day. Would I like to meet our players and become friends of course, but with anything in life I’m sure there would be some of them I wouldn’t like. Hell there’s folks around here that rub me wrong. I know for a fact that there’s folks around here I rob wrong. But One thing we all hopefully have and that’s wanting our team to win some hockey games.
Tonight is the biggest game of the year. Why? Because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. if say I should die I surly want to die knowing that the Kings won their latest game. Sorry folks for the log rant, but I’m getting ready to start spring semester at the local collage here in Salt Lake. Grammar and typing skills are area of weakness for me. I’ve been advised to practice more. Being this is where I do most of my typing please bare with me. Kings win tonight and Drew has another good game.
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California Royalty Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:59 am
@kinginsaltlake, Great reply. I wish everyone saw the big picture like you.
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King Cobra Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@kinginsaltlake, Drew Doubty has not earned the right to get paid 7 million dollars per year. His selfishness and greed and his “7 million per year contract” kept him out of training camp. All of this has effected our team in a bad way.
Why on earth would be not talk about it???
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Change? Whatever you want to call it…Doughty hasn’t proven a thing yet. Step it up already, would ya!!!
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“in a way, it’s effected some guys more than others. Me personally, it doesn’t effect me.”
We know, you still play like crap. You’ve been impervious to change lately, maybe take a clue from the other guys might actually be healthy for you.
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 8:47 am
@Jorgen, Yet, another fan ripping a player they do not know on a personal level. It’s OK atleast you didn’t bring up his 7 mil. Talk about his game all you want, but leave his contract out of it. I Like I Like.
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What I want for Christmas – I want my “team” back!
We are not a “team” right now. We don’t play like a “team”. They just seem like a bunch of lost individual players out there not knowing what to do or what the other players are going to do. No confidence, No pride, No passion or urgency for more than 5 minutes at a time in short spurts.
Most all the bloggers in the pre season were all about how deep our team was and how dominate we were going to be. Now we have all the doom and gloom about Sutter before he has even crossed the border. Maybe we should have pulled the trigger earlier and grabbed Ken Hitchcock, this did not happen
The bottom line is none of us know what is going to happen until it happens. We can spray all we want about Kompon and Murray or how Doughty should have never gotten 7 million ( he should not have) or how Lame DL is or what is a better burger In & Out or Five Guys (Five Guys by far).
Let’s try to chill out and let things happen as they will. If you are on this blog you care and live for the Kings like I do. It feels so great when we are winning and we all tune in to NHL on the Fly and hang on to every word of the post game shows. It is so very painful and depressing when we lose and we get that sick feeling in our guts during these slumps.
No matter what happens, I will always love and support the Kings because this is what I (we) do. I will never give up on this “team”
GO KINGS GO!!!!!!!!!!
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 19th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@King Cobra, Great post. See we disagree about something. I feel that Drew’s 7 Mil is none of our concern, you feel the opposite. It’s OK we still love the Kings and I in no way consider you less of a fan. {We both know when his contract is up he would of earned it. Kings will win the CUP and Drew will be on the team.}
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King Cobra Reply:
December 20th, 2011 at 8:41 am
@kinginsaltlake, Thanks – I truly hope I am wrong about Drew. I just think he could have gone below the poverty line and taken say 6 million per year, been in camp, been ready to play and not have caused any distraction and also left a little more money in the pot to pay some other good players that we will need.
If I am wrong, he will play great and the Kings will win and I will be the happiest guy around!!
P.S. the team that played in Toronto last night is my team. Please get back in the game soon Richards, we need you bad!!
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DD is a great player, there’s no doubting that. His first year in the league was amazing! The problem i see with most of the kings players that come up through their system is that they seem to hit a wall, or plateau two years in. Kopitar has reached superstar status, but there are games where I’m waiting for him to take over and he doesn’t. I realize everyone can’t be gretzky, but I see very little aggressive play from most of these players. Doughty could be so much better, and I think that’s what we are all waiting for. That next level. It makes no sense that Manchester does so well yet the kings flounder every year. It’s a problem with the mentality and it needs to be rectified!
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OK here is a crazy thought, with Darryl Sutter coming in does he have an inside track with Jarome Iginla? Did Iginla like Sutter? Could Sutter convince Jarome Iginla to come play for the Kings? Just a thought.
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