Bernie Nicholls’ presence on the ice today in practice, as a special guest/consultant, was a surprise, and it remains to be seen how long it will last. Nicholls and the team had a bit of a different take on how this relationship came about. The Kings essentially presented it as though Nicholls happened to be in town, so Darryl Sutter asked him to join practice for a couple days. Nicholls said Sutter asked him to come to Los Angeles — Nicholls lives in the Toronto area — and help out the team. We’ll see how it evolves. Nicholls did something similar when Sutter coached in San Jose, and it didn’t turn into anything permanent, but Nicholls sounded as though he would be keeping his options open. Nicholls didn’t really join in any drills today. He skated around and talked to players individually and in small groups.
Nicholls certainly has the on-ice credentials to be a credible voice. For those who didn’t catch it earlier, I did a feature on Nicholls in advance of his “Legends Night,’’ which can be found by clicking here. Nicholls had 475 goals in 1,127 NHL games — including 152 power-play goals — and he’s an affable guy in general. Here’s what Sutter said today about bringing in Nicholls, followed by Nicholls’ thoughts…
SUTTER: “He’s a good resource to have, you know? We’re still trying to find our way, to contribute more individually, offensively. I coached him in Chicago and San Jose and I obviously know what he can offer. He’s in town and available, so it’s nice to have that. We have Nelson Emerson available and in town here. When he’s available and not on the road, he can help us. It’s good to have.’’
Question: Will he be around for a few days?
SUTTER: “Yeah, I’d like him to watch a couple games. He knows some of the young guys. He can help them a little bit.’’
Question: Do you plan on bringing in other past players?
SUTTER: “It’s awesome to have those guys that you’re comfortable with and that know the game. Why not? Why not use that resource when you have it? … It’s not about having the blinders on. It’s about using everything you can.’’
And here are Nicholls’ thoughts…
Question: What was the nature of you coming out here? How did it come about?
NICHOLLS: “I had talked to Darryl a little bit when he got hired. I’ve always liked being out and being with the guys. He just asked if I wanted to come out and maybe kind of help out, just talk to the guys and just be around and see what we could do.’’
Question: How long are you going to be here?
NICHOLLS: “I have no idea.’’
Question: Indefinitely?
NICHOLLS: “Sure. [smiles]’’
Question: What were your impressions from afar, and then watching close up?
NICHOLLS: “I think the team is playing really well. I played for Darryl twice, so I know what he’s all about. Seeing the guys earlier in the season, it’s a different team. They’ve always worked hard. They’ve always played great defense, but for a skilled team, it’s sad to say but they were terrible to watch. They may get 15 shots in a game and you’re going, `Wow.’ They’ve got too much skill and too much offense to do that. I think Darryl has allowed them to create offense. Darryl’s mentality has always been the same: `Work hard,’ no matter what aspect of the game. Darryl, he was a decent offensive player, but he understands how to create offense, and he’s allowing the players to do that. You can see the big difference. They’re always going to be able to play good defense. Their goaltenders are great. Now, if you can get them creating offense — and eventually goals will come from it — it’s going to make them that much better.’’
Question: What was your message today?
NICHOLLS: “Darryl just wanted me to talk to the guys, individually or just talk to them, encourage them or, if I have any input, give it to them. For the most part, I think they’re playing great. If I can say anything to help them or create something, I’d be more than happy to do that.’’
Question: Do you know where you’re going to be watching the games?
NICHOLLS: “No. Probably watching somewhere around, or down underneath. I did this with Darryl before, in San Jose, when he coached there. When I retired, I just stayed on and helped out, did anything and watched the game, went in and talked to the guys between periods. If I saw something or had any kind of an input, I would give it to them.’’
Question: What about maybe contributing on the power play?
NICHOLLS: “They went, I don’t know what it was, 1-for-25 or something, but you know what, it’s so close. They could have easily scored 10 goals. Sometimes you’re just snake-bitten in that department. Maybe you just try something different, or anything. I knew, when Darryl came on board, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I would see the third or fourth line on the power play. It was, I think, the third game when the fourth line was out there. And that’s all right. It’s just hard work. You’ve got to outwork the opponents. Yeah, you can have some ideas about what to do. If he wants that from me, I’ll be more than happy to put in my two cents and I will talk to guys about certain things that I think can help them. But it is a fine line between scoring and not scoring. It’s tough when they’re 27th or 28th (on the power play), but with the talent they’ve got, they could very easily be better than that.’’
Question: Is coaching something you would like to do eventually, or are you happy just consulting?
NICHOLLS: “I love consulting. Coming in and working with these guys, doing whatever it is, I really enjoy that part. Being involved, player-wise and stuff like that, it’s really good. On the blackboard, on the video and stuff, I don’t know if I like that that much. The other guys do a real good job. If I can just be kind of hands-on, player-wise, that way, I like that part.’’
Assistant coach, Bernie Nicholls…has a nice ring to it. Not that it shall happen but…
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Raunq12 Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
@Bobby Scribe,
Yeah I like the sound of that
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mash-ola Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 5:02 pm
@Bobby Scribe, Gotta love Bernie “Five-Cents”!
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
@Bobby Scribe, Do I hear the title of Pwr Ply coach in the distant rumblings or is that Thunder Sutter calling in the “Elite” troops cause someone with knowledge of how to work a power play is needed. …………………Real bad.
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come back and play to get those 25 you need for 500.
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PRMan Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@Newf, He doesn’t want to play 10 more seasons…
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Duckbasher Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@PRMan, – Yea, with the way the Kings score goals it would take him at least that long.
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luc20rules Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@Newf, What I would love to see is Luc take a PP practice with this team. I think he was the best ever at just finding the open spots on the ice between the faceoff circles. Sometimes cutting to the crease from any angle and sometimes just backing away to the open spot. I think Stoll could do alot of that in the PP as an F3 especially if Richards and Voynov play the point.
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Shrugs … hey what can it hurt?
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Your knowledge of the game is greatly appreciated Mr. Nicholls.
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I hope he taught them how he scored a goal off his own back. That was one of the funniest goals I’ve ever seen.
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Everyone has their theories on this team so far this year, but I think we can all agree that this team was broken. I have my own theories on that but I won’t bore anyone now with them. Bringing in Sutter was the start of fixing things. Obviously, from the teams play and record since he took over its working. But, this team didn’t get broken overnight and it won’t get fixed overnight. I think they’re going in the right direction though, and I expect them to be on track by the end of this month. I have preached this since the beginning of training camp and it usually falls on deaf ears here, but the Cup is not won in December or January, just as it isn’t won in Sept, Oct and well you guys get the point! I do not expect any blockbuster trades (sorry NHL 12 fans) and I don’t even really expect Kompon will be gone during the rest of this season, but I do expect this team to get better with the personnel they now have. Be patient and remember how you felt and what you wrote about this team in training camp. His season is far from over and this roster is far from needing a major overhaul.
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USHA#17 Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
@Shotongoal,
Broken or players under utilized?
Next they can bring in Frank St. Marseille…he had a pretty good wrist shot on the power play.
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Dominick Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
@Shotongoal, Awsome post, and I have simalar feelings. The summer was the key, and we all believed we finally had the right team. I do believe we didn’t have the right system though, and with the right system we could be Cup bound. I feel good about the way the new coach is addressing the issues with the system, and still feel the same about the team we have.
By the way your thoughts wouldn’t be considered boring. If anything, spouting off all the time about it (like I do) might be more boring.
Talking with Puck before Murray was let go, all I can say is your prediction was better than mine. I honestly didn’t think DL would do it, and seeing how he lit up the players afterwards, it looks like he didn’t want to.
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
@Shotongoal, +1
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tornado12 Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
@Shotongoal, far too logical a post. -1
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variable Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
@Shotongoal,
i agree with a lot of what yr saying – nice post…(!)
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Osaka Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
@Shotongoal, All true, but we still have some huge holes on this team. At the trade deadline last season and during the summer the winger issue was addressed but it remains our biggest concern. It is more of an issue now than it has been in the last 2-3 seasons. I like the way the team is playing and see room for improvement so yes we can get better. But without addressing the winger issue the Kings are not at the level of the big boys.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
@Shotongoal, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple of those “broken wheels” getting replaced by trade deadline or maybe sooner.
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i like that Sutter is willing to try different things and not be so single minded and rigid. He seems to be thinking ‘outside the box’ compared to what I am familiar with the Kings!
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Dominick Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
@tornado12, refreshing!
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Resedakingsfan Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@tornado12, agreed. I really like the open minded approach of DS. He seems willing to take any approach that will help his players become better, while TM seemed satisfied to leave things as they were.
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variable Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
@tornado12,
outside-the-box always is a good place to be – when either on the ice or in the practice arena…
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Lombardi’s SF Covert Operations:
1.) Smuggle Moreau out of L.A. in the middle of the night in a blacked-out van with tinted windows.
2.) Take King’s Force One to Boston and terminate under-performing head coach.
3.) Sneak Bernie in the back door as PP Coaching Assistant as though it’s bizz as usual (no-big).
Haha! Love it!
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USHA#17 Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
@jess,
Maybe Bernie is there to coach Jamie.
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Dominick Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
@USHA#17, Ha ha ha.
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Mars Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
@jess, Who knew DL has a dastardly streak hidden inside him.
Makes you wonder whats next……
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I respect Sutter for going out and tapping in on all the recources he has to try and get this team/power play scoring some goals. It is a sign of a good coach to admit the weaknesses of his team and not let his ego get in the way by not seeking help. Goodwork Sutter, loving what you have done so far.
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That would be awesome if the kings start having some of their old alumni come in here in there to help out. That how you really create tradition the new learning from the old on how special it is not only to be a hockey player but a kings player.
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ehdx3 Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
@Justin, I couldn’t agree more, it’s about time to create some tradition here
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Mars Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:33 pm
@ehdx3, I have been daydreaming out it today.
See Dionne, Gretsky, Robitaille and Nicholls talking to the guys on the bench would be STELLAR!
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:54 pm
@Mars, Did you ever see Murray put his arm around any of the guys either when they did something really good or screwed up……… didn’t think so and neither did I.
Nice vote of no confidence for Mr. Kompon. But if I am the coach and trying to create offense, then you need to look no further then Bernie’s credentials. Those of Mr. Kompon are somewhat less inspiring.
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RLane420 Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
@Skebo, Ya you have to know how to score goals to teach how to score goals.
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Kings x Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 5:36 pm
@RLane420, Or have actually played professionally
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Mars Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
@RLane420, Those who dont know teach, didnt you know…
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In a post-game radio interview on Legends Night Nichols commented on the Kings scoring problems. I don’t remember his exact words, but his opinion was that they were too reluctant to abandon their defensive structure to create sufficient offensive opportunities.
Rich’s articles have been really superb in recent days. Is it just my imagination or has anyone else noticed a bit more of an independent tone. A nice development IMO.
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luuc Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@JackKent Cooke,
IMO Rich has always been willing to give his opinion, or provide a slight hint of “something is up”, without risking his journalistic integrity (i.e. commenting on rumors or abusing someone’s trust). While I’m sure there are certain areas the organization may ask him to avoid, I have yet to feel like there has been a topic or issue that Rich has held out on, or been unwilling to provide his own opinion when asked, and i’ve been around since the old days of the previous site.
Great job as always Rich!
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@luuc,
Thanks for sharing your insight.
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Mars Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
@JackKent Cooke, Agreed. I think the upswing has him more happy and ready to report, well maybe more positive, maybe it is jus tour own feelings and seeing things a bit happier now.
It was the best of times, it was the Best-est of times….
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:49 pm
@luuc, How about when they let Murray go, you telling me Rich had no clue?? Not!
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Rich Hammond Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:56 pm
No, I didn’t. And honestly, this has been one of the most fascinating experiences of my life, to experience how some people are absolutely convinced they’re being lied to (by me) about my job and my role, with absolutely zero evidence. It doesn’t bother me, because I know the truth, but the cynicism and false self-assurance is just fascinating.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, Rich, I don’t believe I said that you lied, I just find it hard to believe that when a person has a job with almost a totally open door at anytime, that they wouldn’t know things that are transpiring with the club that the rest of us who do not have that position like yours would like to know. I am surprised that you didn’t have an inkling of what was going to go down, so DL must really play all his cards very close to the vest. If you think that I was saying you were lying, which I wasn’t, then please accept my sincere apologizes. I never thought you were lying to anyone, I just felt being as close as you are (which to me is the next thing to being the PR guy for the club) you may have known and I understand also it was your place to keep quiet about anything that happens inside the four walls.
Rich Hammond Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Your sentiment is appreciated, and you shouldn’t feel the need to apologize, as I don’t believe you were being malicious, but I believe, in general, you have a misconception about my job. Other than travel time, I have no more built-in access than any other reporter. I don’t work in the Kings’ offices. So to say I have “almost a totally open door at any time” would not be accurate. But again, I appreciate your sentiments.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 11:01 pm
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, Rich, I have been under the misconception of the open door, I personally thought that you were given that privlege because of the job you were picked to do for them, Thanks for clearing it up for me. Wasn’t that a great game tonight against Phoenix?
Rich Hammond Reply:
January 5th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
It certainly was one of the more interesting ones!
crashin'da net Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
@JackKent Cooke, that’s what I’ve been advocating for awhile also: I’ll gladly give up 1 goal per game to get 2 or 3 more per game.
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It’s great to have Bernie back in the fold, if only temporarily. He always seemed to be having fun either on the ice or off the ice.
Just don’t let our forwards watch any clips of Bernie leaving the offensive zone on a backcheck. He used to take the widest, laziest turns when transitioning from offense to defense.
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Dominick Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@Jon G, Back in the days when cherry pickin was alive and well. Benrie used to drive me crazy, but the goals could bring you out of your seat. The games different now, but scoring for some guys was as natural as parking a car.
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Deke'r Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
@Dominick, 0….so how do you teach “natural”?…
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Dominick Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
@Deke’r, Find balance, and let them do what they do. Don’t make them play defensive all the time, and get them off the boards. lol
Mars Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:37 pm
@Deke’r, Blood donations!
Marcel Dionne is there also
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SUTTER: “He’s a good resource to have, you know? We’re still trying to find our way, to contribute more individually, offensively. I coached him in Chicago and San Jose and I obviously know what he can offer”. It’s perfect, Bernie’s never played with a goalie and none of the kings have ever played with a line that could score 70 goals in an NHL season.
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NICHOLLS: “They may get 15 shots in a game and you’re going, `Wow.’ They’ve got too much skill and too much offense to do that.”
The Kings are not bad at all with shots in a game, they rank 10th in the NHL at 31.2 shots per game. It’s the 2.1 Goals Per Game which makes me say ‘Wow’, dead last in the league.
Create trafic in front to block the goalie from seeing the puck & be there to get any rebounds, like the 2 goals the Kings scored in Chicago.
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Sam Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@Jay GoLAKings, That’s a recent thing. They had a bunch of games in a row where they got 40+ shots. But prior to that, Bernie is right, the shot total was quite low too many nights.
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Here’s hoping Bernie can bring some life back to a moribund offense and an even deader PP. Without a viable PP a cup run is just a dream. These next 40 are mucho importante
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ok…
well…that sort of gives us an idea of what’s going on – we have to take it at face value, hoping no one is pulling any of their punches…
i think sutter is making good of his resources – much to my surprise…it’s not often an old-school coach reinvents himself and how things are done off the ice by implementing the help of others…
the more and more i see the “NEW” darryl sutter…aka dr. freddy venkman…i buy in to his revamped approach to the game…
i hope it lasts, because we are still in the honeymoon phase of his regime…
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Never realized Bernie was so close to being a 500 goal scorer.
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There are quite a few “consultants” the Kings can bring in to help their scoring woes, how about rotating Nicholls, Gretzky, Dionne and Luc throughout the season as goal scoring consultants? During their European trip, Kurri, Sandstrom and Palffy should’ve been used
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Another great Sutter move. Bernie ‘Freakin’ Nicholls teaching the power play; brilliant! This team is going to have a good run this year.
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Bringing in Nicholls is not an indictment of Kompon, but then again it is. Constant problems with, and questions about, the power play that he diagrams. Being the only person booed by the fans during opening-day introductions. I wonder what he’s really thinking.
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Bernie Nicholls soon to be replacing the pathetic Jamie Kompon.
Do it DEANO!!!
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5holer Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
@Brown23, Enough with the chemistry churning! Let these guys settle in abit! Importing outside help is the best approach for an emotionally traumatized group like this! Quiet it down some, we are still in a hospital zone emotionally! Broke the fever, stopped the chills, coughing is quieting down, now its feed them the protein packs and build up the mental fortitude…the rest will come from within as soon as they believe in themselves offensively! The flames have been put out already, so keep the hoses on the truck! Fire for another day perhaps?
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Best news of the day, week, and year so far! Boiny is the right choice for goal talk with the boys. He is an upbeat guy naturally. Players will respond to his savy and encouragement. Already have responded per the comments published on this post. No reflection on any of the coaching staff, just a wise move to inspire the snake bitten group of forwards here. This group is in a transitional period in mid season, so soft talk is best remedy. Darryl Sutter is a class act IMHO! Good medicine all around so far. There is alot of Hope left for this season, if they see it as a group! The real LAKs of 2011-2012 may just be starting to stand up right now. Liking what I am seeing with much more to come I am certain.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 4th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
@5holer, Should our Kings make the playoffs this season, DL better hand out one heckuva bonus to you know who and his initials are Darryl Sutter.
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I’d also like to see the great one out there to try and help these guys. Him and Bernie are close friends and he’s only about 30 miles away. DO IT!
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Hopefully Bernie is our PP “consultant”.
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Sign him!
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Also “available, in town” and frequently seen lurking around Toyota Sports Center: Luc Robitaille, Rob Blake, Glen Murray, Chris Chelios, Val Bure. Interesting that Sutter asked Bernie to fly in from Toronto.
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