It’s a Sunday morning practice in El Segundo, with a couple tweaks to the line combinations…
Brown-Kopitar-Williams
Penner-Richards-Stoll
Richardson-Loktionov-Lewis
Clifford-Fraser-Hunter-Westgarth
So, as you can see, Dustin Penner is back today (no pun intended). He was gingerly stretching a bit, early in practice, but he also took a couple friendly bumps into the boards so things seem OK. Slava Voynov is once again a full participant in practice. More updates to come…
Brown and JJ for a sniper. Sorry Brown has to go the man is good off the ice, but plays like a pewwee league hockey player.
[Reply]
SEALS 70-76 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
@Steve, huh?
[Reply]
SEALS 70-76 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
@Steve, Kings fans need to grow up. Their strong defense wasn’t built over night and a lethal power play won’t be either. Be patient. This man Sutter knows what he’s doing. He and his buddy Bernie Nicholls will sort out their offense soon enough. By the time playoffs roll around these young Kings will be a dangerous opponent. In the meantime, relax and back off!
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
@SEALS 70-76, We had a lethal pp two years ago. What happened?
[Reply]
thank god, brown is back on left wing
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:12 am
@The Batman, I know huh? It only took 3 years. Too bad it will take a few more games for him to get used to it full time, and we’ll probably have to hear how he has no heart for a few games.
[Reply]
The Batman Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:18 am
@Dominick, right? i wonder how he got there, he musta been on DS’s ear whispering “c’mon man, i can do it, terry never let me play there”
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:24 am
@Dominick,
So are you saying that a switch to the left side is going to turn him back into the 30-35 goal scorer he is capable of being? I hope so, but I doubt it.
I wouldn’t say DB himself has no heart. It’s obvious that he does. I don’t see the team as a whole following his example however. This makes me question his leadership abilities.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:31 am
@Stagger, He leads our team in game winning goals, and is top 5 in hitting for not only the team, but the entire league. How is his leadership capabilties in question switching to the left?
Stagger Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:47 am
@Stagger,
Switching to the left is not the issue with leadership. The teams lack of intensity is.
All due respect to you Dom but I don’t see leading this team in ANY offensive category as being impressive.
As far as hits go, Greener is up there too and it is impressive that both are there. However, our play WITHOUT the puck is not the issue. We are fine, as long as we’re not in possession of the puck.
There are 39 other RW alone that have more points than Brown. I realize scoring is not the only thing a captain should be doing for their team, but THIS team needs a leader that can show them the way out of the worst scoring slump I’ve ever seen in 30 years of being a Kings fan.
This leader can be Brownie. He just needs to do what we all know he is capable of doing. Right now he, and the rest of the team, are not.
vicarious Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:53 am
@Stagger, Blame the GM who put together this team with too few forwards who are proven scorers. In the top six, we needed Gagne to stay healthy and score. A lot of assets were given up for a rental in Penner who has not produced. Dean’s provided us with zero top six scorers in his five years at the helm of a rebuild while giving up on Frolov and Cammalleri, both proven top six scorers.
The top six is an issue but our bottom are worse. All of them are low career average goal scorers–and that includes Hunter who did most of his scoring early in his career. Five years into a rebuild and only Clifford, Lewis and Westgarth came through the King’s draft. Of those, only Lewis might be projected to score and he hasn’t. None of them are players any NHL team should reply upon as goal scorers. Lost, Boyle, Moulson and Purcell.
Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
@Stagger, Those 39 others wouldn’t be ahead of Brown if they were playing for the Kings this season. That’s kind of my point. On the team, he is the leader.
In Namm during the late 60′s, and early 70′s, there were a lot of brave military men who faught for the strongest military in the world, but the guys running the show ignored their men being slaughtered and ran things their way regardless of consequenes.
Players play the system their told to play, and if their being beaten, you shouldn’t just say the players are at fault. If it’s 1 or 2 players, then it’s execution. When it’s 25 then it’s system.
brian spain Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
@Dominick, I have been saying for weeks”why isn’t Brown on left wing” they will score 5 goals tomorrow night, Brown scores, Kopi scores and Richards scores> two d-men score. brown is electric on the left wing. Can’t wait. Stoll needs to play and skate harder. He also needs to keep is stick off the opposing players, he slashes all day long.
[Reply]
Niko Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:24 am
@The Batman, And Richards back at center! Really didn’t like him and Kopi together. Although Penner and Stoll aren’t the best line-mates, hope DL has something in the works
[Reply]
Eggplant Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:52 am
@Niko, Yeah, Richards must hate his life right now. It was obvious that there was no chemistry between him and Kopi. And now that he gets the call back to center position, who does he end up with for linemates? Penner and Stoll. Gotta be frustrating making things happen when there’s no-one who can finish…
What I do like about this lineup is that Sutter kept Richie-Lokti-Lewis together. I love watching that line tear it up in the offensive zone. Brown-Kopi-Williams? Sounds good on paper, let’s hope they can make it work.
Honestly, with the way things have been going, our top-2 lines look like they’ve been thrown together just to see if switching things up can get these guys out of their slumps and playing NHL hockey again. I hope it works. If it does we may be a contender again. There’s nothing to lose, so, good call.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
@Eggplant, What I don’t get is why they don’t try Penner with Kopi and Willie. When we first got him that line did real well, in the short sample as Kopi and Willie got injured. Still wouldn’t it be nice to see if that line could work again? I think Brownie on the Richards left wing could work real well, possibly better then him and kopi. This team has the defense and goaltending to be the best team in the west. With our lack of scoring we are close to the top, bringing the scoring up a little from 2.0 to 2.3 could send us toi the top of the west. We would be there now if we were middle of the pack scoring, 2.5 goals a game.
dahack11 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
@The Batman, very close to the lines i mentioned yesterday.
Glad Richards is back at center where he belongs….
[Reply]
I like the new lines! Maybe only switch Brown & Penner.
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:23 am
@outsider, This!
Brown is killing both the 1st line and the 1st PP unit.
He’s so bipolar. The way he played a few games back – using speed to open up space, crashing the net, and drawing penalties. Occasionally scoring a goal and taking the body.
In other words, keeping it simple.
Yesterday, he may as well have worn CBJ underwear because he oftentimes aided the opponent. In the first period alone, I counted 3 possessions that he sabotaged, rendering the shift a waste. Granted this is a good 3rd liner miscast on the 1st liner.
On the PP, unless he learns to do the “Tomas Holmstrom” in front of the goalie, it’s mostly a waste of time. His butt has to eclipse the goalie’s vision until the puck is on it’s way.
Though not my first choice, I agree that Penner is the better choice on Kopitar’s LW.
[Reply]
outsider Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@FdoFmFull, exactly! Very well said!
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:34 am
@FdoFmFull, I’d like to at least see Penner take Brown’s place on the 1st unit power play. Penner is twice as big as Dustin and could block out the sun, yet he is never given time on the first unit. Plus, he has better hands and better offensive instincts than Brown. Couldn’t hurt our inept PP anymore by trying it for once.
[Reply]
brian spain Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
@PP Anybody?, I agree, big body with good hands. The goalie yesterday pushed Brown from behind and Brown moved to the side. If the goalie is poking at you that means your in his way… that is the whole point of being there. to distract the goalie.
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@FdoFmFull, Yes, it’s easy to take a game where DB played poorly (as well as everybody else) but still had six hits and pretend he always plays poorly. DB has 5 game winning goals and ten goals total and best plus/minus on team. Makes perfect sense we want the lump Penner with his two goal total playing 1st line instead. Anyone with any hockey sense could tell you that Brown Kopi Williams would be the best 1st line combination we can put together right now..
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Seemed to work before Willimas and Kopi were hurt last season. Why not give it another try?
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
@Duckbasher, That’s what everybody thinks yet Penner had almost no goals and no points the last 20 games of last season. He only started off strong with the Kings the first two weeks he was with them then disappeared the rest of the season…
MindGeyser Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
@FdoFmFull, “Granted this is a good 3rd liner miscast on the 1st liner.”
Strongly disagree. What’s your criteria for a first liner?
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
@MindGeyser, My criteria for a 1st line winger is one who first and foremost has good hockey IQ. That is, he has instincts that give him and his line the ability to take as many high-quality, high-percentage shots on goal. Brown was unfortunately brainwashed by TM to put the puck on goal as soon as possible, rather than making a play that results in either a better shot, a chance at a rebound, or deception by passing and forcing the opposition out of position.
If he also happens to have gobs of skill, well that just makes that player a better candidate to become a true 1st line winger.
On a scale of 1-100, 100 being the best, Mike Richards is ~ 90-95 amd Brown is 50-55 on the IQ meter. IMO.
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
@FdoFmFull, I don’t think Brown is big enough (at least his butt isn’t) to really be an effective vision blocker. Ever noticed what a big butt Ryan Smyth had? Now that guy could block a goalies vision better than J-lo with that big butt of his.
[Reply]
Come to think of it, things seem to start disintegrating when Penner joined the team…Coincidence?
[Reply]
DEH Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 10:48 am
@dMan, we’ll find out next year when we don’t resign him!
[Reply]
justmyopinion Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 10:50 am
@dMan, He didn’t play yesterday and they did so much better, right? They really had a great winning streak when he was on IR too. Blaming him is not the answer.
[Reply]
adanac Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:12 am
@dMan, With his size he should be playing like a Tod Bertuzzi and not Oscar Moeller. Where have all the Gordie Howes gone?
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@adanac, Good one.
[Reply]
Get a feeling Penner had a hangover or 24 hour flu??? Back quickly…………Brown back on left side..YES!!!! Richards back at center….YES!!!! Lotki at center ..YES!!!! As always the lines look good on paper/computer…..
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
@neil, I’m beginning to think that Lokti needs to be centring a line down in Manchester. He really needs to start assisting or lighting the lamp some in order to keep his roster spot. I watch him play a lot and it seems to me that he’s too tenative in regards to shooting. He seems to always be looking to pass when he could put the puck on net. Hopefully in time he will get his confidence and the flood gate will open for him (and us). Wouldn’t it be great if everyone would break out at the same time? ANd we go from worst scoring to highest scoring? Hey… I can always hope can’t I?
[Reply]
Next update should read, “Bernie Nicholls stays as forwards and pp coach and Jamie Kompon joins Terry Murray in the unemployment line.”
[Reply]
kevco Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:13 am
@DEH, Jamie Kompon hired as new Sharks forwards and PP coach sounds better.
[Reply]
Those lines are good, keep Brown on the LW and Richards at C for a while and let them work. And glad VV is back- put him on the #1 PP and dump JJ back to #2.
Now, less line tweaking and more system tweaking. Play an up-tempo counter game from minute 1! This team must make the most back passes in the history of the modern NHL and even when they have a chance to counter swiftly someone decides to circle back in the D zone and regroup… which of course lets the other team set up their D and makes penetrating much harder. The fact they couldnt even muster any sustained attack against the Jackets, who pretty much are defined by blowing leads lately, is awful.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:39 am
@bbb7, The back passing drives me crazy. Good teams always keep the puck moving AWAY from their own goal. The Kings have an insatiable thirst for bringing it back into their own zone.
[Reply]
brian spain Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@PP Anybody?, Yesterday the crowd was quiet and green skated from the red line back into his own zone and I screamed “go the other way” my whole section #117 was cracking up, they do like to REGROUP, also drives me nuts. And when they alway go back to the point the othet team knows its coming, they need to be less predictable.
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:40 am
@bbb7, Concur!
The Kings actually regressed yesterday. Where was the quickness and up-tempo style that they showed against Chicago and Vancouver? How about the quick outlets DS instilled in the first 5-6 games?
I think playing better teams that play up-tempo brings out the best in the Kings. Once they swept away the cobwebs against Chicago, who were kept off the scoreboard early in the game by Quick, they kept up well. Against Vancouver, they got it going from the get-go.
For some odd reason, they seem to be falling back to old habits here lately and they need a wakeup call!
Has the coaching change “shock” worn off?
Is what we’re seeing now the team’s “steady state” or are they in transition and just somewhat tentative?
Is there an overarching need for a significant roster shakeup to alter the team’s personality?
Does Sutter add some spice, take off the mask, and go to the whip?
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
@FdoFmFull, This is the way it seems the Kings have played the last 4 years. They get up for when the competition is tough, but they seem to regress and play down to the bad teams. They are really Bi-Polar in this respect. I am hoping that Sutter can end this way of playing and play every game as if it clinches a playoff spot.
[Reply]
Like these lines as well. Now relax boys and have fun! Stop gripping the stick so tight and just play… And score!
[Reply]
KFII Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:21 am
@sd, I know. And it sounds so easy. Their confidence is shot. They need to find a way to shake this off and start scoring like we know they can.
[Reply]
How about scratching Williams and his stupid penalties a game and see if he can get refocused.
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:07 am
@Golfnut,
Yes! This ^
How do they feel that moving Williams and his punch you in the back of the head when you’re down, penalty-ridden, miss the net game desrves to be put on the top line? He should be scratched the next game.
Oh wait, who else do we have to put there? No one. This team is a mess. I don’t care that we are 5-1-3 under Sutter. When the Kings have the puck, to a man they look like they don’t know what to do with it.
Thank God for Quick. We would be looking up at Columbus if we had ANY goalie (except maybe Rogie) from the Kings past in net this year.
[Reply]
rt16 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:21 am
@Stagger, you are unfortunately right . . . go around the horn and take your pick. everybody is underachieving in a year where they did not need to overachieve . . . all the guys had to do is deliver the expected offensively since the d and quickie are playing well enough. Question is why??? the system?? tmurray?? i don’t think either . . . i think its in the room and the culture. somebody has to rile these boys into reaching back and finding some more intensity and desperation to their game. gosh where would we be without quickie . . . bottom line is our better offensive players are not playing very well at all. and is personally think we very much miss the grit and net presence of simmer and zeus . . .
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:42 am
@Stagger, Williams, like it or not, still has the best skill set out of everyone available to put on right wing. All that is happening is that he is getting extremely frustrated within the Kings inept offensive system. He’s still a good player, and most suited for the first line.
[Reply]
zulov Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:46 am
@Stagger, The best player with the puck in the last few games is Lokti. His line is the most capable looking line, at least as far as keeping possession goes. And he always sends a wicked pass at some point or another that surprises everyone.
I foresee him going to another team next year and being very productive.
[Reply]
TripleNickel Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:10 am
@Golfnut, Areed, Williams seems to be in another place right now. No focus what so ever.
[Reply]
TripleNickel Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:12 am
@TripleNickel, Agreed. Sorry for the mis spell.
[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:11 am
@Golfnut, he can share popcorn with Kopi
[Reply]
bickleton Wigglesworth III Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
@Golfnut,
totally agree with scratching Williams. The Kings need him and they need him to be aggressive but for much of the season has been playing on the wrong side of the line. He needs a wake-up call that he’s hurting his team more often than he’s helping them.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
@Golfnut, Taking bad penalties is not good. At least he is showing emotion like he gives a damn
[Reply]
Too bad Scott Parse didnt stay healthy, I think he would have thrived under Sutters more wide open system.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:13 am
@puck73, Agreed.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:22 am
@puck73,
Agree.
But he didn’t.
And 2 guys couldn’t wait for Murray to leave, so they left for Europe. Now, the only important item is, simply, what the heck do you do with this pathetic offense.
I can ask for a lot, cuz I’m not getting paid a lot to do their jobs. I’m not from Missouri, but SHOW ME!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@Kingsfanone, Tough situation for sure. Dean Lombardi let TM hang around too long before he canned him. Tell ya what, if this team doesnt make the playoffs, I think Leiweike will can Lombardi’s ass after the season ends.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:32 am
@puck73,
Puck73, not pulling punches..
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:39 am
@puck73,
Agree on all counts.
I’m still almost at a loss for words after yesterdays game. Glad we didn’t go to that game. Id have to be like @neil and go to work.
Stagger Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:51 am
@puck73,
Without a doubt Puck. I think even if the Kings squeak into the playoffs, but lose in the first round again, he’s a goner.
I’ve been extremely supportive of DL in the past. He’s done some great things for this organization, but I think his time may be done.
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:45 am
@puck73, Meh. I think everyone’s dreaming on the whole Parse thing. I never really thought he brought much more than Richardson or Lewis. Also, Sutter has a long way to go before I would call this a more wide open system.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:55 pm
@PP Anybody?, I agree with you. We will never know
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@Kings x, I agree. Parse may be a retired NHL’r.
Browns most productive year offensively was with him playing on Kopi’s left wing, opposite Cammalleri. Brown had stated in the past that he didn’t like the left, but he’s always been more productive offensively when he’s been there. I like this move, and think it’s been long over due.
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:28 am
@Dominick,
They had him over there earlier this season. He looked better at first, then same old, same old.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:39 am
@Stagger, The entire team was same old, saame old.
Everybody thinks 1 individual effort is going to break through, but it isn’t going to take just 1 guy, and it isn’t just 1 guys faut. If the team is failing in every area, then you can’t look at individual efforts unless you want to dissect 25 different failures, and attribute 25 different reasons, for 25 different players.
That is why I’m not on board with thinkig 1 superstar is going to solve the Kings scoring woes. It’s a bigger problem than any 1 player on the team. It’s all of them playing 1 system that doesn’t work offensively.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:44 am
@Dominick,
I think you are correct, Dom.
So this ain’t gonna be easy is what you say.
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
@Dominick, You are correct. This isn’t a coaching problem or a system problem. Even the horrible teams with so called lousy coaches and systems score goals. This is a player issue and whether or not is is just a coincidence that every one is struggling or maybe we have the wrong players outside of Kopi and Richards. I’ve never seen a team so inept at scoring before, it is unbelievable. On Paper we should at least be scoring upwards of 2.5+ goals a game. There is no reason for us to be last in scoring. I don’t think changing coaches or systems is going to change things. It is going to have to be through trades and Waivers and then FA in the offseason. Hopefully they can get going before we need to resort to that. We aren’t asking for the Kings to become an offensive dynamo. Just score 2-4 goals a game. The defense and Quick/Bernier will take care of the rest and we will be tops in the West, which is where we’d be now if we had any offensive ouput.
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@Dominick, The problem is we’re missing a big body (Zeus, Smyth, Simmer, Poni?) in front of the net. We’re getting plenty of shots. Regularly out shooting the opponents. So what that tells me is the goalies are seeing those shots more then they did last season. There’s no way that all of our players could just magically ALL slump. Get some bodies in front and the puck will start going in the net. If DL can’t see this, then we need to put his ass in front of the net (with no paddingt).
Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
@Duckbasher,
If that was the problem then why when those guys were on the team, could we not score 5 on 5? We haven’t even been middle of the pack for years, and that was a key problem DL identified when Murray took over, and a key problem DL identified for when we slumped a few years back and couldn’t hold the lead in the Western conference.
All 4 of those guys were on the team, and we still couldn’t make top 15 in scoring last season.
Who knew??? To get away from stress(Kings) I go to work……
[Reply]
rt16 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@neil, yeah no what you mean . . . how much worse can i have it being a kings and cubs fan? need to check into the asylum!!
[Reply]
This team really just needs to develop a style. Maybe SHLEMKO should re-design all the jerseys.
[Reply]
I have said this before and got reemed by some posters on here but I think a huge reason this team can’t score was because DL was way too focused on drafting defensemen. He overlooked great players to gamble on “character” guys (Hickey, Tuebert, Forbort). He even gave up assets to get Tuebert & Forbort earlier. His giant ego, and the underachievment of players who were drafted for their “valued” character vs talent/skill has lead to this imo.
[Reply]
FdoFmFull Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:49 am
@Puckn-A, Actually, DL is way ahead of the league. In the future when “character” gets rated higher, the Kings will be undisputed Stanley Cup Champs! Sarcasm/ off.
You’re absolutely right Puck-A, between too many DMen, goalies, and character guys, he created a systemic imbalance of talent in this organIzation!
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:59 am
@Puckn-A, I’ve had long rants in the past where I argued that building from the defense up was the wrong way to go. I argued that most winning teams use their high draft picks to attain superstar scoring forwards(i.e. Chicago, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, etc.), then build their back end. It’s truth. Name a franchise who has one a Cup in the last decade because they built their team around a superstar defenseman?(and just so you know, Chicago drafted Duncan Keith in the 2nd round at number 54, and used their first round on Anton Babchuk, so they weren’t planning on Keith being a Norris type franchise player).
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
@PP Anybody?,
Boston, Stanley Cup Champions.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
@Gustavo, Chara- drafted by the Islanders. Corvo- drafted by the Kings. Ference- drafted by Pittsburgh. Seidenberg- drafted by the Flyers. Boychuk- drafted by the Avs. McQuaid- drafted by Columbus. Not ONE D MAN on their team was drafted and honed by Boston, yet they managed to create a solid team. My point was that Lombardi has wasted his time drafting defensemen instead of forwards, and you just proved my point that it is completely unnecessary.
Stagger Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
@PP Anybody?,
The Ducks were built around Neidermayer/Pronger
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@Stagger, Neither Pronger or Neidermeyer were drafted by the Ducks. Perry, Getzlaf, and Ryan were. Once again, team built around offensive draft picks, and ACQUIRED D-men.
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
@Stagger, To further illustrate, Getzlaf and Perry were chosen in the 2003 draft, and Neidermeyer was acquired in 2005. Pronger was then aquired in 2007, after a 2006 western conference finals appearance where Getzlaf and Perry were hitting their stride. Hence, build with offensive picks, flush out the D afterwards. Argument still stands. DL is wrong in his philosophy.
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
@Puckn-A, This team was a defensive mess before DL took over and even a couple of years into DL’s reign, when he decided to rip it apart and start from scratch. The face is we have never been so talented in the defensive and goaltending categories in our history until Dean. We are at or near the top in those 2 categories now. Yes the offense has lagged behind, but I believe it will balance out once the draft picks start coming in (Tiffoli, Kozun, Kitsyn, Weal, etc.) Teubert only looks like a mistake basically because of the fact we could of picked Myers and would be better off now had we in hindsight. The fact is defense wins championships, but you also need to score some too. So we are 2/3rds there.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@Jeff, I’m not holding my breath on many of the offensive prospects that DL has picked up. Kozun, Weal, Azevedo, and might as well throw in Lokti and Moller, are all too small and are no Marty St. Louises or Danny Brieres. Kitsyn will probably never play in North America. The only players I think will have a chance at helping the offense down the line are Toffoli and maybe Vey, but they are years off still. The fact is defense doesn’t win chamionships without offense to back it up.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
@PP Anybody?, Kitsyn came to North America to play. The only reason he went back to Russia was because he had a contract. I believe it is for 1 yr, so he will come over next season. I do feel had he stayed here and not had the contract he be playing now in the NHL. Lokti is one that is looking good, he just needs a little more time. He would be better off at Manchester right now. The others you don’t know about until they get here.
Things to do Insiders…Go to the history of Kings trades(on Kings website) and grade DL’s trades. This is up thru 2010…..9 good trades…..8 bad trades…..22 trades that its either too early to judge or was just trading picks for picks. Now insiders…go do your work and let me know your numbers!!!! It only takes a few minutes Now to look for FA’s signings…
[Reply]
It doesnt really matter how sutter switches the lines around, the way i look at it we have two all star centers in kopitar and richards and they both have nobody to pass to. I like brown hes a hard working tough nosed guy but hes not a natural goal scorer hes more of a gritty around the net scorer. Williams is an absolute bum the guy takes horrible penalties and has no accuracy on his shots, penner is a joke and doesnt even belong on an nhl roster, jarret stoll can win faceoffs but cant score a goal, and the rest of our wingers wouldnt even play on the fourth line of good teams.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:43 am
@Weekes22, Our 4rth line is better than everybody gives them credit for. Definately getting our monnies worth, and they are doing their jobs.
[Reply]
CabbagesAndKings Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:53 am
@Dominick, The fourth line seems to be the only line I end up happy with at the end of every game. They have great zone time — a good amount of low quality scoring chances with pretty good net presence. They don’t give up goals and they have been playing great pk minutes.
If only we could get our third line (over)achieving a bit more.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@CabbagesAndKings,
Absolutely love whoever is on our 4rth line, and their function on this team has been a breath of fresh air from previous 4rth lines for years..
The 3rd hasn’t been together long, and are inexperienced. Time is what will heal that (maybe). Against Columbus they had some great scoring chances, and Richardsons puck recovery is off the charts statistically, but finnish is desperately needed right now, which makes them not scoring even more highlighted.
Jarome Inginla…Jarome Inginla…Jarome Inginla. Immediate scoring issue solved, but a deeper problem can only be solved when the GM decides to stop acting like filling the 4th, 5th, and 6th forward slots with Vegas style roulette bets is a good idea. It is not. Idea here, find a speedster with a knack for passing. I don’t care if the guy is 5’9″ and you don’t think he crashes the boards as well as you think a 6’4″ plodder would. Enough already with the plodders who can only make the obvious pass. Creativity…look into it!
[Reply]
@puck73, Glad he’s not pulling punches, so many fans drank the DL Kool-aid, I was done believing in DL after the Frolov scapegoat scandal and when he kept drafting defensemen in the first round.
[Reply]
zulov Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:52 am
@Puckn-A, The Frolov thing was dissapointing to me then, cause Frolov was a very good offensive player – but in hind sight its Puckn infuriating!
[Reply]
When Richards was asked why his assists are down this year, and his goals are up — he replied, “Well, my wings aren’t working like they use to — so I’ve been walking everywhere myself.”
[Reply]
Kings didn’t show no heart
[Reply]
Jarome Inginla!!!!!!Jarome Inginla!!!!!! Help us!!!!!
[Reply]
So, new name for Kopitar from now until he starts scoring:
SLUMPITAR
if he doesn’t score in the next 3 games, I add a D to the end of his name.
And if he doesn’t score in the next 5 games, I change the A to a U.
[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:57 am
@zulov,
Haha very creative
[Reply]
Trade Williams!!!!!Williams sucks!!!!!!!
[Reply]
zulov Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:54 am
@Alex, Who would we get for him? 2 AHL’ers and a 2nd round pick? And then what? We put Clifford the first line?
[Reply]
Alex Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:59 am
@zulov, Sounds good!!!!Williams got to go
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
@Alex, Um… DL resigned him to a very lucrative extension. We have him through 2014/15. So you can give that notion up.
Cruiznblue Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
@Alex,
Williams works his ass off every game…more so than most players. He is more creative with the puck IMO than kopi is. I think trading Williams would be a horrible move…a step backwards.
Trade stoll…trade penner…trade bernier who is rotting on the bench…trade some of our excess D men.
[Reply]
TripleNickel Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@Alex, Who would want him?
[Reply]
Quick should be in the all star game!!!!
[Reply]
We have a minor leauge team right? Why not bring a winger or two up and seeing if they can score. Nobody even talks about this being an option….
[Reply]
MindGeyser Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
@jstin, Because generally rookies don’t score as well as proven vets over time and are more prone to the mistakes they can’t afford?
[Reply]
Well, I wonder what AEG/Liewiekie’s definition of a 5 year plan is?
[Reply]
cfc1905 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
@Puckn-A, 50 years
[Reply]
Trade: Doughty and Williams to the Isles for Moulson and Grabner plus a 1st round pick.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
@zulov, Trade Doughty for an expired bus pass. Use his $7m to sign Parise.
[Reply]
@Jeff, True to an extent but our best D-men have not been the first rounders, we could of had some good forwards in the line-up by now if he would of been smarter in that first round each year. The bottom line is we have regressed and our D first system got lit up in the playoffs when our weekness was exposed.
[Reply]
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
@Puckn-A, Go back and look at those drafts. The best players at the time of our picks were defensive players, plus the fact that we needed that the most. We have picked offensive players in the 2nd and later rounds. Plus the one offensive player picked in the first round by DL got us Mike Richards.
As far as last playoffs our d first system didn’t get lit up, other then the first home game after we took a 4-0 lead. The reason it fell apart was because they stopped playing defensively and allowed the Sharks to do what they wanted to tie the game. 3 of the Sharks wins came in OT with the other game being a 6-3 win. I guess San Jose played bad defensively when the Kings won game 2 4-0.
[Reply]
Finally J-wills is back with Kopi. Williams can create more offense than half this team alone. The only reason hes taking penalties is because hes working his butt off!
- My opinion
[Reply]
Agree
[Reply]
I see the negative Nancy’s are out in full force today. No surprise there.
[Reply]
@Jeff, In my opinion 19 goals against in 6 games = Lit up.
[Reply]
Give me a phone call if Penner ever scores a goal.
[Reply]
src Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 3:08 am
@Royal Throne,
Send your phone number by old fashioned ponny express to Norway. The timing should be about right.
[Reply]
we need a lines changed for the LA Kings again that why is Dustin Brown doing in the 1st line because sometimes that Dustin Brown did not pass the puck well enough and why is Justin Williams doing the 1st line with Brown and Kopitar so the new lines is
1 Richards Kopitar Richardson
2 Williams Brown Loktionov
3 Stoll Hunter Fraser
4 Clifford Lewis what do you think about that
[Reply]