Some notes from last night’s game…
– The Kings broke their two-goal-or-fewer skid as they beat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-3 on Monday night at Staples Center.
– The Kings had scored two or fewer regulation goals in 14 consecutive games, a franchise-worst run.
– The Kings are 9-0-0 this season when they score at least three goals (including a third goal for a shootout victory). The Kings have scored four or more goals in six of their 36 games this season.
– The Kings improved to 2-0-1 under Darryl Sutter and 4-1-1 in their last six games.
– The Kings improved to 9-8-1 at Staples Center, 12-2-3 when scoring the first goal and 5-0-0 when leading after the first period.
– The Kings outshot the Coyotes 35-29, including 15-7 in the first period. The Kings have averaged 36.1 shots on goal per game in their last 10 games. Every Kings skater except Colin Fraser and Kevin Westgarth recorded at least one shot on goal.
– The Kings went 0-for-3 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. The Kings have killed 16 consecutive penalties and 63 of their last 66 penalties.
– Jonathan Quick stopped 26 of 29 shots in goal.
– Dustin Brown had the game-winning goal, his ninth of the season. Brown now has five game-winning goals this season, a team high. Brown has four goals and one assist in his last five games.
– Rob Scuderi had one goal, for his first goal and fourth point of the season. The goal was Scuderi’s first since Feb. 5 of last season, a span of 65 games. Scuderi’s single-season career high is two goals, set last season.
– Brad Richardson had one goal, his second goal and third point of the season.
– Willie Mitchell had one goal, his second goal and seventh point of the season.
– Anze Kopitar had two assists, to extend his team-high totals to 24 assists and 34 points. Kopitar has at least one assist in four consecutive games and has nine assists in his last 10 games.
– Drew Doughty had one assist, his 12th assist and 14th point of the season. Doughty has at least one assist in four consecutive games, which ties a career-best.
– Slava Voynov had one assist, his fourth assist and eighth point of the season.
– Dustin Penner had one assist, his sixth assist and eighth point of the season.
– Jack Johnson had one assist, his eighth assist and 13th point of the season.
– Justin Williams had one assist, his 16th assist and 21st point of the season.
– Dustin Brown, Mike Richards and Brad Richardson each recorded a game-high four shots on goal. Brown, Colin Fraser, Matt Greene and Richardson each were credited with a team-high four hits. Willie Mitchell and Rob Scuderi each were credited with a team-high two blocked shots.
– Drew Doughty led all Kings in ice time, at 25 minutes, 15 seconds, followed by Rob Scuderi, at 22:48. Anze Kopitar led all Kings forwards in ice time, at 21:18, followed by Dustin Brown, at 21:02.
– The Kings won 25 of 48 faceoffs (52 percent). Jarret Stoll won 12 of 18 draws (67 percent). Anze Kopitar won 7 of 14 draws (50 percent). Mike Richards won 1 of 8 draws (13 percent).
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/canes-goalie-cam-ward-scores-bizarre-empty-net-goal/article2284223/
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petemagoop Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@petemagoop, don’t know if this has been posted or not
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Its a little early to tell just how great a coach Sutter will be for the Kings, but compared to TM, he is the 2nd coming of Einstein.
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408kingsfan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@puck73, Comparing Volkswagons to Ferrarri’s he he he
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tornado12 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@408kingsfan, new avatar…nice
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408kingsfan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@tornado12, Rogie! shouldn’t you be working? lol
Lake Forest Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:45 am
@puck73, I respect your posts, but how many complaints are we going to hear about TM?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:52 am
@Lake Forest, Think of it as a salute to a better coach, and improved situation, a new mood.
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puck73 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:55 am
@Lake Forest, For awhile Bro. I am still pissed that TM never accepted responsibility when things went bad. It was always the players that messed up, it was never any of his caching decisions that affected the team. I think the benching of Jon Quick when he had 3 shutouts in a row, and had 2 days to rest was one of the worst coaching decisions I have ever seen any Kings coach do. Only the aarogance of Barry Melrose in 93-94 and 94-95 ranks higher on my list of bad coaching.
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Lake Forest Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@puck73, i respect your honesty! haha. No worries, I shouldn’t care anyway
GKG
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@puck73, That, and, just all we heard after TM’s firing was what a stupid mistake it was. So far it’s not looking like a mistake. It’s looking like the right move. It’s almost unreal how different the overall behavior of the team is since then. They went from a little better under Stevens to noticeably motivated under Sutter. Maybe it’s temporary, and if that proves to be the case, it should be noted too. For now, however, it appears to be the right move.
All that said, we’ll know it’s the right move if there are permanent changes in behavior, and other signs of growth, which stagnated at some time in the last 18 months.
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@puck73, I know it’s only a few games but Sutter is making me realize how many things Murray was either doing wrong or not doing at all. If it wasn’t for Sutter, I’d have forgotten all about TM by now, but the way Sutter is “coaching” instead of just lording over the back of the bench, kind of makes me want to boo Murray too. When was the last time you saw Murray coaching players indiviidually during a game between their shifts? Ever? If this is what being in touch with your team is all about, Murray had lost touch a long, long time ago and Sutter is completely in touch with his guys.
johnjuan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@puck73, How about Lombardi blaming the Team! What a baby.
USHA#17 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@puck73,
A little hard on the eye however…but he put together some speedy parings last night…a nice change.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@USHA#17, If the road to the Stanley Cup involves 1000 views of bitter beer face, I’m willing to consider bitter beer face the new chic.
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SDGolfer Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@puck73, Now your’e just trolling.
RULES FOR BLOG COMMENTING:
Posts that continually express the same singular opinion will be deleted.
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pr0cess Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@SDGolfer, Looks like there is a new sheriff in town!… /s
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SDGolfer Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
@pr0cess, nope, just tired of reading the same crap over and over again
from the same few people
neil Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
I@SDGolfer, iam here for puck73……tm…..boooooooooooooooo……mine is based on spending money on a boring team and playing moreau and hunter over richardson and lewis….
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SDGolfer Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@neil, Im not. you make a point once, after that its trolling.
nobody is forcing you to follow the kings.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
@SDGolfer, So, this is the first time you’ve noticed such an offense?
Believe me, there have been many other views and topics. I, for one, like free expression, even when I don’t agree, because it counts for even more when I disagree.
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neil Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Have I ever said that I didnt like Moreau or Hunter???Some of us just forget that we have made any comments…sometimes some fall asleep at the keys and send repeated messages….
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
I’m sorry. I don’t know what prompted the question.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
Oh…just reread once more…never mind.
Kings are playing better, but we probably would not have scored more than two goals with any other goaltender playing besides LaBarbara. The Kings’ fortunes have turned for the better just like other teams’ fortunes turned for the better a few years ago when we had LaBarbara in net. Maybe this’ll break the ice for us and continue.
I remember a Kings-Rangers game I went to back then where the Kings played their hearts out yet lost because of soft goals LaBarbara let in. He made my friend, a Rangers fan, very happy.
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jayrew Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@King John, Michal Roszival scored in OT on a LOOOOONG slapper. Thanks for bringing this up, i was livid that night many years ago.
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I like the hands-on approach DS is having on the players. I think the team will bond together in a way that will drive it toward success.
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QUICKsilver Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@King John, that’s the most visible change. He let’s the players know what he’s thinking.
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I was at last night’s game. And I’m sorry to say the Kings did NOT impress me.
This is not a serious playoff contender. They are lacking something.
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KingsGuy Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@dahack11, Really? I was there too. I thought they played a great 40 minutes. Some nice cross ice passes and driving to the net.
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Scot Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@dahack11,
Totally agree.
Richards is trying to carry this team on his back but he can’t. He needs more help.
We won because of some of the poorest goaltending I’ve ever seen.
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Scot Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:48 am
I’ll say this, we played better than we have been.. But there IS something missing, as you say, and I think it’s an overall “hockey sense” throughout the lineup.. And confidence seems to be lacking on top of that.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Scot, They’ve had a horrible first half of the season and gotten a coach fired. They are lacking confidence and swagger as well they should be. But every game its getting better and better and I think before it’s all said and done, this team will make some noise.
BigMikeonD Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@dahack11, Apparently you were not watching the same game I was watching. There were times when they struggled to get it out of their zone but the forecheck was ferocious. They contained the offensive zone for what seemed like minutes in that game. Bob Miller even commented they did a line change and contained the zone. They aren’t scoring yet as they can but what ever wrinkles and motivation Sutter is putting in is working.
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QUICKsilver Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@BigMikeonD, there’s no question they still have a ways to go, but it’s the best puck movement I’ve seen from the team since the first week of the season. It’s nice to finally see cycling. They would look like they were on the power play while at even strength.
They power play is still embarrassing though.
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purple and gold Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
@BigMikeonD, I have to agree with dahack11 A lot of the passes through the neutral zone were just plain sloppy, and to many passes across the middle in our own zone that became dangerous turnovers. In the offensive zone we had good digs out off the corner but most of the cycling was around the boards and across at the point not enough movement through and around the circles/slot. The team looks better but that only because by comparison to the rest of the season where we couldn’t keep the puck for more than 2 passes.
They are headed in the right direction there just not there yet.
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Neil Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:49 am
@dahack11, What is it they are lacking? they are fresh on a new coach. They played Pretty well last night, my only complaint is in the second Phoenix took over for a while and the Kings let them. But all and all they seemed to play well. They scored 4 goals. Doesn’t matter how but 4 times the puck was in the back of the net. If they can be known as a 3 or 4 goal per game team, They will be highly feared in the playoffs(considering they make them). One thing this team needs is to stay off their Heels right after a goal. They settle down and get scored on so often just after they have scored. the intensity gets burried with the puck when they score sometimes
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USHA#17 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@Neil,
I think the point is that this a lot of hoopla for having beat a team like Phoenix.
The good news is that of the balance of the games only 16, starting with Chicago, are against teams that I consider to be extremely good to “elite” level. Its amazing but the way the Pacific seems to have their skate laces tied together LA may slip into either 8th or 4th.
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DesertKing Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@USHA#17,
Good point about the remaining schedule.
KC23 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@dahack11, I tend to agree, but it is a long ways till the playoffs and a lot can and probably will happen, between now and then.
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dahack11 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@dahack11, It looks like more than a few posters agree w/ me & those that don’t….that’s cool. You can disagree.
But to get excited over 40 minutes vs. 60 minutes is part of the problem. Good teams (i.e. serious playoff teams) play 60 every night.
Plus, I notice two things ALL season…..are stick to stick passing, & decisions on some passes are just not quality enough & frequently pretty bad….
Secondly, & most importantly in my book….since I played & been a serious “watcher” of hockey 30 years ago, I’m amazed that no announcer ever says what I notice during games, & that is, “watch the teams that win the most BATTLES for pucks”, & you’ll see the team the generally wins. And this entire year, about the only game i REALLY noticed the Kings WINNING the battles for loose pucks was in Sutter’s first game.
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dahack11 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@dahack11, in other words, whereas in past years you heard teams mention the Kings as being tough to play against….this year they aren’t. Outside of a few (Richards, Fraser, Scud) the Kings are a very “SOFT” team….
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Seems A Good Fellow Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@dahack11, I think the only thing we are lacking is the capability to finish! 2 on 1′s, 3 on 2′ s are not fun to watch. I truly believe the players are playing with the heart and desire needed to win consistently! I honestly believe we have the skill needed to score goals consistently! We have the defense and goaltending to keep every game close (except a Red Wing game every now and then)! Kopitar played a hell of a game last night and I think all four lines have been playing great since the coaching change. Once we start finishing I think this team is capable and will go on a huge run, similar to what the Bruins are doing now.
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Gagne, liles, and weber are out with concussions… What’s going on this season?
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JWR Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@Ashykon,
I truly think that we are seeing more due to closer examinations being given to the players as well as the players understanding the seriousness of them.
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Pesus Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Ashykon,
I feel the league is gonna have to do something major to try and stop these head injuries. Its getting bad. Does anyone know if the minors have this problem or the Russian league?
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KingsFanintheD Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
@Pesus, Some od the helmets today, particularly the Reeboks, offer little protection against head injuries. Cascade, a maker of lacrosse helmets, supposedly has a new helmet that offers greater protection. It will be difficult to get players to change because of endorsement deals.
Also, I think the big, hard shoulder pads contribute to bigger hits. Let’s go back to the Brendan Shanahan style and you’ll see a difference.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
@Ashykon, The game is getting faster because of the post-lockout rule changes, and faster means higher-impact collisions. It’s a serious problem.
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USHA#17 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Also larger bodied players coupled with overly thick padding which allows reckless contact.
Reduce the padding and injuries will decrease.
What I like about the new rules is we are starting to see smaller players succeed (5-9, 5-10 185# range). The next option is change to an international rink size.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@USHA#17, I think making the rink larger will increase the speed.
Jose Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@USHA#17,i don’t think this will happen because they will have to get rid of seats to do this.
Dan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, It’s the eliminating of the interference, the obstruction and holding up that leads to bigger and harder impact on the player getting hit. This wasn’t happening as often when the center line was in play. Built up speed is the culprit. More fun to watch, but more dangerous for the players…
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@Dan, Yup, the clutching and grabbing that went away post-lockout was initially replaced by teams “taking the man” a lot more, but of course, players have learned how to create speed now that they’re not being held up and now that the lanes aren’t being actively plugged. Ultimately, it may be necessary to figure out how to reduce the speed without bringing back the clutching and grabbing.
I’m not opposed to bringing back the two-line pass, even though I wasn’t a fan of it. I guess you’d have to see some stats to see how much that’s had to do with the injuries. I’m also wondering if maybe the area around the boards might be marked blue, kinda like the wide out-of-bounds markers in football, to help the players see when they’re in an area where someone is more often injured.
Things are looking up under Sutter’s command. Obviously it’s only three games in but so far so good. We need goals from Kopi and Williams consistantly to get our offense back on track. You will never hear me say we need goals from Penner because he is just taking up space for now I guess. I would love to get his salary off the books before the trade deadline for obvious reaons.
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tornado12 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@408kingsfan, you have officially fallen off the wagon. may i suggest a sponser? work the program man, it will pay off!
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408kingsfan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:40 am
@tornado12, oh you caught me!! just a little relapse please don’t judge me!!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@408kingsfan, I wish people wouldn’t continue to pick on Penner. He was one of the team’s hardest working players when times looked bad. If he goes a couple weeks from now and hasn’t picked it up, maybe there’s a gripe, but it’s not like he’s in the dregs…look at Gagne and Williams, for example. I have a lot of hope for both of them, but right now, they’re really hurting the team.
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DesertKing Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
He is playing better, but he won’t be resigned for next year. Like 408 said, he is just taking up space until a trade or end of the season, then we free up his $4.25 mil and go after someone else. DL took a chance with him and DP let him down, now he is just playing to try and convince someone he is still worth signing for next year.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@DesertKing, How about if we resigned him at around 2 million? He won’t get 4 million from anybody and likely will not get a multi year deal either. I say if we could get him for 2, 1 year at a time, it’s win-win, especially if he can find his scoring touch again.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@DesertKing, I don’t think anyone knows that. If he lights it up in the playoffs, all bets are off, and there’s also the potential that he takes much lower pay.
40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, True story.
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USHA#17 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@408kingsfan,
Hey, hey, hey … After many posts saying Penner would be a good fit after the trade I became perhaps the biggest Penner detractor on this blog.
Now, I am happy to say, Penner is playing great.
That soft pass to Mitchell along the boards was perfect. And, Penner played a major role setting up an earlier goal. He’s been one of the better players for the past two and half weeks.
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408kingsfan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@USHA#17, I am basing my opinion on goals scored. Thats why I called out Kopi and Williams as well.
What’s the frequency, Kenneth? pointed out that if Penners play picks up in the next couple of weeks……… how long have we been saying that?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@408kingsfan, Well, since it has picked up over the last few weeks, I’d say there’s not much reason to doubt the possibility of continued progress….
The good:
Didnt need Quick to bail us out like most of our wins.
4 goals
Many scoring chances
DD has been great in the offensive zone
Kopi has been a beast of late (still needs someone to help set him up for a change)
Puck possesion was good, not much dumping from the top lines.
The bad:
DD has been terrible in his own end.
JJ, if your gonna take a penalty, take a penalty. Torres is not Lindros
PP, although it had some better movement.
Overall a good game. Keep the puck in th offensive zone and good things will happen. Those near misses will start to go in, I feel it.
What a great confidence booster a win against chi will be. Last time they skated circles around us.
Go Kings!
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Dominick Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
@Pesus, On JJ (I know I defend him more than I should) I’d just like to say that he was practically wearing the guys jersey, but the guy got off a good shot. Had JJ known the guy could even get that shot off, I’m sure JJ would of mugged him and took his wallet. It was the right play by JJ, and just a desperation move by the other player that works probably 1 out of 10 times, and all you can do is force him to make the perfect play, and let the gods figure it out.
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Pesus Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@Dominick,
Maybe I should watch the play again because my seats are on the other end of the ice, I just couldnt believe a guy could pick a corner like that with a guy all over him. Torres of all people. Ok Dom u got JJ off the hook. I’ll chalk it up as a great play by Torres.
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KC23 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@Dominick, I don’t defend JJ very often (ever?), but have to agree that JJ just about hog tied the guy, but the guy made an incredible perfect shot.
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Anyone notice Kopi and Fraser gellin in the third? Fraser looked happy to play with Kopi and IMO his best shift of the night was helping the breakout on the Brownie goal.
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DY Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@Kings Fan Vancouver, WA, I think anyone would be happy to skate with Kopi! Good to see another Kings fan in WA! I’m in Puyallup!
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Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
@DY, Nice. I rode through Puyallup last summer on the Harley. Rode the 165 to Mt. Rainier. Ever go to Kings at ‘Nuck games?
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What are the new line combos going to be?
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@KingsGuy, Tough call. Any ideas for filling in for Gags?
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outsider Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@40YearKingsFan,
Brown-Kopi-Williams
Richardson-Richards-Lewis
Penner-Stoll-Hunter
Clifford-Fraser-Westgarth
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KingsGuy Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@40YearKingsFan, Is Gags supposed to be out for a while? I heard concussion – Sucks.
Gives someone a shot on #1 line to see what they can do.
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Scot Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@40YearKingsFan,
Zach Parise!
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@Scot, You win! Let’s get him!
It’s dumbfounding that this team has lead at the end of the first period just five times at home this season. Shocking.
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The recipe for winning doenst seem that hard…..score 3 goals a game……one a petiod….or one in one petiod and two in another….or 3 all in one period…..or ……..
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DesertKing Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@neil,
ok, I give up, what comes after the last “or”?
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Dominick Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@DesertKing, 1 each period.
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neil Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
A@Dominick, already said….one a period
neil Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@DesertKing, two in regulation……one in overtime
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Dominick Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@neil, 2 in the 3rd, 1 in the shoot out. lol
Yesterday couldnt have gone much better for the club – they got to face LaBarbera, and the five teams immediately above them in the standings (I’m counting SJ here) all lost. Bring on more Boxing Days!
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USHA#17 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@bbb7,
Would be great if they could face LaBarbara every night..Like the Globe Trotters and the Generals…
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Just the fact that that Sutter coaches with a feel for the game, makes adjustments, and rewards players that are playing a good game with 1st unit powerplay time shows me that this coach uses common sense. This is not someone who has a “system” and if you dont fit it, you sit, get traded, or sent back to Manchester.
TM, well..you know, fill in the blank fellow insiders..
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@puck73, Nine out of ten players prefer to play for a coach who has a pulse and adapts to the world around him.
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DesertKing Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@puck73,
I’ll help you out- “BOOOOOOOOOO” – from @Puck73, 12/27/11. GKG!!
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@puck73, Booooooooooo!
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Any other Manitoba Kings fans going to be at the game on the 29th? Hopefully I’m not going to be the only one in Winnipeg Arena to see my first Kings game. Hopefully they can bring it because the place is going to be a madhouse. GKG!
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petemagoop Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@RJC76, plenty from Kenora I imagine – I know of a suite full for sure
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RJC76 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@petemagoop, Hoping to see a few Kings jerseys out. I’ll be cheering from up in 328. Being from Mb I want to see the Jets do well…just not on this night.
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johnjuan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@RJC76, NICE!
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gmo Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@RJC76,
im trying to see if i can go….im in edmonton so it would be quite the drive…..and yes winterpeg is a MADHOUSE
GO KINGS GO
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Like these line combos … and that they have been together for longer than half a game. I like having Richardson on the first line and Lewis on the second.
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TSN is reporting that Gagne is out with a concussion…
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jason Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@Brian, looking at the roster, if gagne is out, Sutter doesnt have much to work with and it may be time to grab a winger
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-Jason Labarbera was the King’s MVP last night.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, It’s about time we made a bad goalie look bad.
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He has looked awful so that must be why. Let him recoup and and start putting up some numbers for us. What is with Williams though?
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Kings hitting and forechecking= WINS, simple, Brown has picked it up, Williams, though not scoring, is forechecking like a man possessed. I hope they keep it going in Chicago and Lose-a-peg.
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Memo to those who weren’t impressed with last night’s win..
The artistry is something that we should have seen over the first 30+ games…from here on out it’s all about the points and nothing else. Things need to improve, but the end result is the 2 points. We’re going to be in a battle the rest of the way to make the playoffs..
They played a solid 40 minutes of hockey. We’d all like to see a full 60 min effort, but the bounce back in the 3rd showed attitude.
Way too many odd man rushes for my stomach, but that’s when you need your goalie to come up big. JQ may have let in a couple of them, but he came up with a couple of huge saves in the 3rd.
They did what was necessary against a division opponent that was ahead of them in the standings…take all of the points and leave nothing for them.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@nykingfan, Well said.
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Scot Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@nykingfan,
Cheers!
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puck73 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@nykingfan, Too many odd rushes for your liking? Guess what? Now that we are going to be playing a better brand of offensive hockey, that will happen more often then before. You are right though, Quick will have to be even better now that he will be seeing more quality chances against. That being said, with the exception of maybe Tim Thomas, there is no one I would rather have in there protecting a tie or a lead then Jon Quick.
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nykingfan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@puck73,
I’m not sure if it’s a better brand…we’ll know by the end of the year.
Think about having a shootout with a team like Detroit…We struggle to bury our chances. Do you think the Wings wouldn’t bury theirs?
I agree about JQ..I trust him completely to get the job done when the game is on the line.
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petemagoop Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
@nykingfan, I imagine they got a ear full between the 2nd and 3rd
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Dominick Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
@nykingfan, The Yotes are a fast team. Their footspeed doesn’t kill you as much as their system and speed through the puck. Tippets’ a good coach, and even with TM in there they would have got those breakaways. Only problem with TM would of been, the Kings wouldn’t be pressing for offense, and would of spent the whole game defending. Quick did come up huge on some of those fast breaks. Hopefully the Kings can clean it up before they play Chicago.
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Is there any information on Gagne’s condition? We can’t afford to lose a decent winger. And we need a really good one ADDED to this team. Defense and goaltending are good. Energy and grit are rebounding.
And Kings always need more speed, so a good, speedy wing would be nice.
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According to TSN, Gagne has been diagnosed with a concussion and will be out indefinitely. Looks like Loktionov will get another chance to produce.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@He Shoots, He Scores, Did anybody see the hit or what caused Gagne’s concussion? I saw Richards take a puck in the ear and i was amazed he came back! My God, that looked so painful after the replay I went and took some tylenol.
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KingsGuy Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@40YearKingsFan, Lotki needs to stay in Manchester or be traded. He has skill, but doesnt seem to jell with this team.
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outsider Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@KingsGuy, +1
Dominick Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@KingsGuy, Are you gonna say that about every rookie? Lokti hasn’t even figured it out yet, and played more than 1/2 his time here out of position. The Kings have to use their young players as call ups to help get them to that next step. Every team in the league does it, and Lokti has plenty of upside compared to many other prospects in the league. Just give him some time. He’s extremely young, and it will take a few years, but these call ups will provide valuable experience for his development.
Osaka Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@KingsGuy, I think Oscar Moller was better than Lokti and he is in Europe, I think Lokti is a career Minor leaguer.
KC23 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@He Shoots, He Scores, I think Loktionov got his chance. Time to see Cliche, King, Vey or Nolan.
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Osaka Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@KC23, I want to see Nolan.
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If Gags is going to be out for any length of time I don’t support Loktionov being brought up to play LW. He is out of position there and has not responded well to playing the wing, and quite frankly he hasn’t responded well playing anywhere this year. I might give him another shot at centering a line, but in this situation I think it’s time to take a look at one of the wingers in Manchester, or depending on the severity of Gags’ injury, maybe Deano needs to make a deal.
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Cup B4 I Die Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@40YearKingsFan,
Was just talking with my brother about who’d be a good callup from Manchester. Doesn’t look like a deep group. I know it’s a tired topic to throw out trade proposals, but this may be a time to look at shipping off one of our AHL goalies+hickey for some winger help. Bernier to Tampa? They need a goalie as bad as we need a scoring winger. Not sure who’d we get in return though.
Purcell back? Just kidding.
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neil Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
D@Cup B4 I Die, lots of depth to replace gagne……what?…all defensemen? oh bleep……does that mean moreau comjng back?
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, That’s kind of what I was thinking. If Gagne’s going to be out for an undetermined length, Dean’s hand might be forced earlier than he had planned. If it were me I’d rather make a deal and add one new player than screw around with the line combinations for another month or two. We don’t have that kind of time anymore if the idea is to win now. We’re going to have to make a roster move that will send a D man to Manchester now anyway, so maybe we make a deal?
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Kenny44 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, Tampa also desperately needs blue line depth.
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Dominick Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@40YearKingsFan, If Gagne’s out for any length of time, Lokti will not be his replacement permanently.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@Dominick, Does that mean Hunter, someone else from Manchester, or does that mean we make a deal?
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Dominick Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@40YearKingsFan,
Sutter has had some pretty good results with moving Richardson, and Lewis around to spread out speed, and depth. Probably see one of those 2 move into that spot, and Sutter will give it some time. If that doesn’t work, and Gagne is out for the season, then make a trade. Lokti won’t be there permanently in any case.
KC23 Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Dominick, I want to see Cliche.
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If Gagne’s injury forces a deal, I am all for it. We have Drewiske and Martinez scratched. Both are legitimate NHL defensemen (Martinez, perhaps a top 4 some day). We’ve got depth in Manchester to replace them (Muzzin and Hickey, at least). I would trade either in a minute – packaged with Bernier or JJ – to get a top end winger on a team which has exactly none of them. May not be a deal anyone will take us up on, but our talent at wing is decidedly second rate in my humble view, and is the single most significant issue holding this team back.
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Westy looked a bit out of place last night on the ice. He needs to beat somebody up.
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