Darryl Sutter made his most significant line changes as Kings coach today, when he flipped some players on the first and second lines. Justin Williams moves from second-line right wing to first-line right wing. Dustin Brown stays on the first line but moves from right wing to left wing. Mike Richards moves from first-line left wing to second-line center. Jarret Stoll stay on the second line but moves from center to right wing. It’s nothing that hasn’t happened before — Brown and Stoll have played their respective “new’’ positions in the past — but it’s a product of Sutter trying to squeeze some offense out of this group, which is coming dangerously close to averaging fewer than two goals per game (2.02).
SUTTER: “Keep mixing and matching those guys. The kids, the one line, has been pretty good for us, so we’ll keep working with it. We’ll try the other way, with Mike back to his natural position. Stolly has played wing. Willy has been playing really good. Hopefully he can give Kopi a little boost there.’’
And, in Sutter’s opinion, is Kopitar, who leads the Kings in points (36) but has only 11 goals — including one in his last 21 games — in need of such a boost?
SUTTER: “Well, the media always does everything based off numbers, right? From a numbers standpoint, he’s probably fine, but I think there’s other parts of his game that he can be better at, that can help us.’’
No
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yetiman_oc Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
@CB14, i agree. it scares me that he keeps saying the lotki line is playing good. how many goals do they have among the 3 of them? a grand total of THREE! half way through the season! yeah, lets just keep rolling those guys out there and maybe something will change.
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dahack11 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@yetiman_oc, But they are playing pretty well & all have speed, which we lack. Besides, your comment makes it sound as if they’ve been playing together for more than the 3-4 games that they have been.
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yetiman_oc Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@dahack11, 1 goal in those games and 3 total for them this entire season -period, no matter who they are playing with. kings need players who can score some goals. how many goals did they collectively score last year? 14
jofa6000 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@yetiman_oc, yeah but how many goals does the team have?
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kings king Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
@yetiman_oc, You’ve gotta realize the Terry Murray era is still just ending. Loktionov, Richardson and Lewis are all guys who Murray regularly benched or demoted or made excuses for why they aren’t where they should be. Murray played the “young and inexperienced” line until it couldn’t get him out of trouble any more. Bottom line, no one has been scoring but who’s playing better? Stoll’s line or Lokti’s? I can tell you the kids have better puck retrieval and FORECHECKING. That’s right this is the only line to really sustain pressure in the offensive zone. While we need scorers, we also need to shake of the Murray rust. With the exception of Stoll and Johnson every player has made huge strides since Sutter has been here. “Lewis’ stick hasn’t caught up to his feet” is BS and Sutter showed that. This is a good team, maybe one scorer and one premiere grinder away from making a solid cup run.
If you want to worry about something, worry about why the organization hasn’t accepted a philosophy change. We have the components to put any system in place here, and we’re still the suffocating defensive team.
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DEH Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@kings king, the first line is the problem now, they aren’t producing! You have a bunch of players who know how to score goals, who have scored goals, and who have scored goals under this system! The top 6 or better yet top 3 fell apart once we traded Ryan Smyth for an injured 4th liner and to add to that we had no real plan of replacing him. Lost our best two wingers this off season, picked up a risky old winger in Gagne, and have no depth in our system at the wing. Kopi needs to go back to scoring goals instead of trying to set things up, as Sutter said after the game “curl and shoot,” soot it in the corners not the chest!!
DEH Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
@yetiman_oc, they rode pine the majority of the games under TM. That line is responsible for 1/3 of the kings goals since they have been together… just saying.
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fusion898 Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 7:19 am
@yetiman_oc, But how many goals against does that line have? maybe one…funny thing with this team right now is that our star players, star lines, arent converting as much as they should be. The third and fourth lines are getting goals and they are keeping goals out and they are just playing well….especially with the forecheck and keeping the puck in our offensive zone
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centericeman Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 9:28 am
@yetiman_oc, They need a scorer on that line, what am I saying, we need a scorer on every line!! But from what I see Loki is an exceptional passer and finds the open man with amazing frequency! The problem is that if he finds Lewis or Richards he is finding guys that are mainly plumbers, good ones, but they are not scorers!!
If Lokti had a scorer on his line, like he did in the minors, that guy would get some really nice opportunities!!
Ya, I know the same old lament but to say that this line isn’t effective I think that isn’t correct. They have speed, something we are lacking, and they are on the puck.
Oh, for a scorer or two!!
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tmp32 Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@yetiman_oc, This cracks me up. Now Sutter is going to mix and match this band of third and fourth liners to try and find a combo that Murray didn’t use. Please. Murray tried every combo except the ones using the Zamboni driver. Someone needs to Po Panda the new coach. There is no secret ingredient. This is the talent level of this group. Ranford is boggled? He was here last year. He was here two years ago. This squad works hard, but they aren’t equipped to compete at any higher a level than what they have been. The trading deadline is coming. Can anyone envision the 35 year old we are going to get this year. Which Calgary or Philadelphia or San Jose cast off will we get this year. man. if you are as pissed as I am, please join in and let Hammond relay to who ever will listen your discontent.
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jonsey Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
@CB14, Short answer: “No” ; Dean Lombardi answer “…”
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linny Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 11:28 pm
@CB14, such a simple wordehich simply fits perfectly to answer the question
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tmp32 Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
@CB14, This cracks me up. Now Sutter is going to mix and match this band of third and fourth liners to try and find a combo that Murray didn’t use. Please. Murray tried every combo except the ones using the Zamboni driver. Someone needs to Po Panda the new coach. There is no secret ingredient. This is the talent level of this group. Ranford is boggled? He was here last year. He was here two years ago. This squad works hard, but they aren’t equipped to compete at any higher a level than what they have been. The trading deadline is coming. Can anyone envision the 35 year old we are going to get this year. Which Calgary or Philadelphia or San Jose cast off will we get this year. man. if you are as pissed as I am, please join in and let Hammond relay to who ever will listen your discontent.
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All I ask of Kopi is that he look around a bit more before deciding what to do with the puck. He is a far-too capable of a player to end up along the boards in just about every play.
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Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@jess, Agreed, he needs to stay off the boards and worry a bit less on D too, he is way out of rythm from his normal game play.
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centericeman Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 9:34 am
@jess, They push him there because he is one of our few threats on offense. They are ready for him when he comes on the ice.
When the gang isn’t scoring it makes it much harder for the guys that are considered you top threat.
That will only get worse when it comes playoff time, that is if we make the playoffs!!
I think any NHL level team can take away one guy, or even a line in any given game if they are focused enough….see Columbus game!
But to say that Kopitar is pressing is to say that the Amazon transports a little water!!
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With Gagne out, these are the correct lines and as they should be in my opinion. It has balance and speed. Now, we just need finish.
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Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
@Bobby Scribe, I’m with you. These are what I would project. Still question Stoll being on right wing, but he’s a veteran player, and should be able to adjust.
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
@Dominick,
If modern science was able to make Stollie about 3″ tall and then he was placed no more than 6″ from the net, he should be able to knock the water bottle off the top of the net every time!
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Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
@jess, Missing the net has become epidemic on this team, but the main virus carrier has been Stoll. By all accounts, if he got them on net more, some would of went in accidentally by now.
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
@Dominick,
After observing this repetitive problem, I can’t imagine why coaching wouldn’t put repeat offenders on a solid diet or old school target practice with plates, hub caps hanging in the net day-in and day-out until the chronic issue has subsided.
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KingMe20 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
@jess,
I would also limit them to wrist shots.
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@Dominick, If Stoll is anything better than useless on RW it’ll be an improvement.
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Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@KC23, So effing true!
joe Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
@Bobby Scribe, were do you see speed on this team . watch the leafs than talk about speed
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Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@joe, Florida’s speed was quite impressive too (as was Edmonton’s when we played them early this season). Fun games to watch for sure.
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Switch Brown & Penner!
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Ashykon Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@outsider, Agreed
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FdoFmFull Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@outsider, Yep!
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lineup shift won’t matter until the players start playing with some passion and intensity. they all seem to be looking around at each other. best players need to step up and be the best players. thats no happening . . . no help from other lines so that kopi and richards seem to start pressing . . . at least kopi is no doubt . . . just go play. defense is stout and goaltending off the charts . . . should be in first in the pacific and behind other division leaders in conference standings. if only our offensive players would be having an “average” year thats where we would be . . . man I miss simmonds and zeus!!
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
@rt16,
I completely agree. This team has a serious motivation problem right now. People who say the Kings suck don’t seem to remember that we just beat the Hawks and the Nucks with hard work, puck possesion, aggressive neutral ice play with an agressive forecheck. Everything seems to be there, it’s about summoning the will every game to finish. There is no excuse for what happened against Columbus.
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Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
@jess, I don’t entirely agree, They have the passion and intensity, Or rather since TM’s pink slip and DS coming in it has improved. But you can tell, the lack of scoring has shaken their confidence, they are over playing and over thinking. Its time to go back to basics.
I see far too many times when there is a pass (TM’s system) to a guy with one guy pressuring him, passing to another guy with two men on him, I dont see a lot of juke and shoot(TM’s system). Brown has made a couple of neat plays, but only shot straight at the goalie, same for Kopi.(effing TM’s system)
Granted we dont have a Gretz or Nicholls anymore (for juke and shoot or take a pass as a shot not bobble it), but geez, quit looking for a pass and drive that mother pucker home! it wants to go home, the pucks packs are packed and waiting for its flight, but Brown, Kopi and Richards all for got to give the puck a ride or call a cab (other lines)
I am getting really aggravated and don’t care who gets benched, traded, injured, waived, calls in sick, shats his pants, or sleeps in JUST to get things going. The loss to the BJ’s has enraged me beyond all belief. We always, freaking always beat teams we should not ie Hawks, Nucks Bruins etc only to lose to the bottom of the league dwellers.
it is just plain unacceptable.
(off the soapbox and handing to the next commenter)
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
@Mars,
Well said Chap
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
@Mars, I’m feeling the same. I mean the loss to the jackets was not good, but it’s not a doomsday thing. This team is still fully capable of making a playoff run. It’s the cumlative issue of no scoring game after game that makes me start to doubt if we have the right guys to be able to score regularly. Right now, I don’t care if they put Bernier in at winger, or lose 7-6 as long as we start scoring some goals. Losing 1-0 SUCKS! Winning 1-0 in a shootout doesn’t make me feel good either. Because relying on a shootout to get a point will get you a seat in front of the TV watching the playoff instead of being in them.
mcsorleyfan Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 8:58 pm
@Mars, and the Quacks lit them up 7 times tonight…
Cy Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
@rt16, I thought Brownie jumped in for a few games there and really carried the team on his back with game winners (one in the shootout). I wish a few other guys would bring that, although in Kopi’s defense, one of the reasons he’s so damn good is his poise and unflappability.
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Cy Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
@rt16, I thought Brownie jumped in for a few games there and really carried the team on his back with game winners (one in the shootout). I wish a few other guys would bring that, although in Kopi’s defense, one of the reasons he’s so damn good is his poise and unflappability.
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been there …..done that…… next….
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just everyone keep cycling the slot and look to get the pass in there. We were starting to do so well with redirects from the slot area. Seems like we stopped trying that. It actually gave me a little hope.
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Dominick Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
@crashin’ da net, I think the last game, the Kings played a dummied down version to simplify things. I did like the cycling towards the slot better, and hope it continues.
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Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@Dominick, Maybe that is how Richards got his concussion, watching the passes, whipping his head back and forth, maybe he wasn’t used to that from Philly to now playing with the Kings. /sarcasm
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King Richards is much more effective centering a line than playing on Kopi’s line. When he is on Kopi’s line the total is less than the sum of the parts. MR seem to be a impediment when on Kopi’s line. Yet when centering the second line he is our most creative player.
The team certainly has the ability as shown by the Blackhawks and Nucks victories. However, I’ve never a seen a team that can play so badly against inferior opponents. It frustrating.
Looking for a much better effort Monday against the Caps.
Go kings, go!!
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
@Bingram,
Kopi never even bothers to take a second look to notice MR is waiting in the slot.
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Uh oh, TM Part Dieux?
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CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
@DesertKing, Yup
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DEH Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
@DesertKing, except DS keeps the lines together for more than 1 game.
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Sutter,
Just don’t make the line changes the only adjustments you make to go up against different systems. My biggest criticism of TM is that, that was all he did, and when it didn’t work, he would just change alignment again, but never change where ever the system was being stopped. Follow it up with proper adjustments to the style they play, and they’ll be fine.
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@Dominick,
Key word: Style.
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Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
@jess, No its all “Shot mentality” “Net Presence” “Compete” “Kompon” “Expect a lot from Penner” “I liked the effort in the X period” “We didn’t get a lot of traffic at the net” “we had, the 5-on-3. Those are missed opportunities, obviously. That’s unfortunate, that we didn’t score on it” and all the other TM dribble going on again.
We had a splash of hope with Stevens and DS, but I dont think anything short of 5 goal games will shake our feelings and thoughts after losing to the BJ’s and being shut out at that too.
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:07 pm
@Mars,
I think that there is still a strong sense of pride at stake here. The Kings have shown they can, and usually do elevate their game against the upper half. I expect to see that again with the CAPS tomorrow night. And hopefully the Columbus experience, is a lesson learned from here forward.
it should read:
25-10-28
23-11-14
MR is the man
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AZ King Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@FRO,
Does it really matter?
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FRO Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@AZ King, nope
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here is my lines….Brown…Kopi….Williams
Frolov…Stoll…Simmonds
Moulson….Zeus…Purcell
Lewis…….Moeller..Boyle
This was just three years ago….without trading/signing any free agents..Quick is still your goalie…..now tell me…has DL change this team for the better in the last 3 years??? Also you had O’Sullivan on this team. All young players(except zeus)with great upside….Now we are dealing with Hunter,Frasor,Moreau(since waived)ETC…
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
@neil, am glad that the Kings dont have Frolov….Very very happy.
Those guys get over already.
What is gone is gone time to move on..
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neil Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
@KingsFanFTW, except we are moving backwards….
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AZ King Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
@neil,
You’ve said this many time before, and I simply don’t understand it.
KingsFanFTW Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@neil, okay we took a backstep so what get over it…Frolov was a puck hogger didnt like sharing,Moulson i didnt even know who the hell he was when he was with the Kings and same with Purcell
Zues yea it sucks to lose him and same with Simmonds….But u got Richards thats good enough …So get over already we dont care..
All i care for this team to succeed but right now they are not ..But in time Richards will come in use…
For right now lets just hope they make the playoffs..Take a step backwards u cant win a Cup if u dont win a series plain and simple.
flex Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:54 pm
@KingsFanFTW, If you try simple analyze you would see that scoring problem “roots”are starting with Frolov departure…Like him or not he was regular 25-32 goal scorer.Poni,Sturm,Penner..Gane ….failure.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
@flex, u Should try to analyze what the real problem is that he not he…So i dont have to care about if he a 40 50 60 70 100 scorer or not ..The real fact he not here ..Its plain and simple what is gone is gone and never coming back…
I never like him and never will with the real facts or not.That just me..But i am telling everyone the truth that people that no longer in this team is no longer a King…What is gone is gone.
Gagne injured try to score goals when u are injured…
am sorry but thats a bit sad by any Kings fan to call any hockey players failures when they already made a successful career in their lifetime..
Penner won a Cup in 07 and had score 30 goals in his career.I guess that a failure
Gagne score 40 goals in his career twice so i guess he a failure…Besides cant score when ur injured now…I guess he a failure because he hurt and out.
We all know they are not scoring..U think they like not scoring no they are trying to score goals…Not just one person that not scoring its the whole team if u replace a player for someone shouldn’t effect the whole team .If one player makes a team then there something wrong with that picture…
Why cant anyone see this real problem..They lack the confidence to score goals..Not because we traded or didnt sing players its because they dont know how to find how to beat any goalies.
neil Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@neil, Also our defense would be the same except for Mitchell/Scuds.We also had Richardson,Lotki,Cliffy and Scheen to bring up…I also believe these players would fit under the cap..Just 3 years ago……
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
@neil,
Navigation into the future cannot be fixed with a rear-view mirror. Me thinks this team has a serious on-ice leadership problem right now amongst other things. MR has tried to be that guy, but he can only do so much. Hopefully we can build on what we have, and DL will sharpen his pencil and bring in another inspiring player with leadership qualities.
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neil Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
@jess, our history also tells us how to go forward..We had more talent,more assets just 3 years ago….We have never traded and/or drafted a forward who exceeded expectations…..Our fa signings are all low risks/high rewards(Gagne,Moreau,Hunter)Its like DL is trying harder to get lucky then anything else.Either you are getting better or you are getting worse….which one are the Kings…
Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:07 pm
@jess, I agree, I NEVER look in the rear view when driving, UNLESS I am backing up.
I cannot control someone tailgating me, driving in my blind spot.
Same thing looking into the past players, its done and gone eff it.
Same with the guys looking back to pass or see who is there, JUST SHOOT IT JERKWAD! LINE UP YOUR SHOT!
Rear views should be banned just to make a point and teach a lesson to all!
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
@neil,
With all do respect, you may as well be talking fantasy league right now. It is non-applicable. Like I said and I’ve had this talk with my CFO’s many times, you can’t navigate the future with a rear-view mirror.
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AZ King Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@neil,
What exactly do you want to see? You’ve been harping on this same point now since last night. Are we a better team? Depends on how you want to qualify it. You keep talking about playoffs. That playoffs is the only way to judge team success. How many times did we make the playoffs with Moulson, Boyle, Purcell, Moeller, O’Sullivan. etc in the line up?
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neil Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
@AZ King, Thats the problem…the goal is not the playoffs(atleast I hope not)DL has us now where we are just trying to make the playoffs….We were on the verge of a really good team team 3 years ago and now????? We are not a better team then last year or even the year before….We gave the Nucks a battle two years ago…now this site woild be happy if we scored a PP goal and/or 3 goals in a game….The reality is ….we not that good or deep….Quick is our savoir and defense. DL didnt even draft Quick….
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AZ King Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@neil,
This season is an anomaly. It happens every so often. Look at the Hawks last year. They went through a similar thing, not with the goal scoring, but by all accounts they had an off year last year. I think wanting to tear the whole team apart, trade Quick, and start over from scratch is flat out ridiculous. Like I told you last night, you can’t make decisions based on emotion.
We SHOULD be a better team than last year. We upgraded the #2 center from Stoll to Richards, Stoll should have been able to replace Zus. Clifford should have been able to replace Simmonds. Gagne is an upgrade over Smyth. Parse should have been available to play LW. Richardson, Lewis, JJ, and DD should all have been better this year. I don’t have any problems with the moves that DL has made. It’s always a gamble when you make a trade. Hunter and Moraeu were available for next to nothing, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from either of them, so it’s hard for me to be disappointed in their performance.
It’s a bad year, plain and simple. Even with all that we are still in a position to make the playoffs.
neil Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
@AZ King, Iam trying to be positive(really!!!) but then I look at our team and I see the names that Iam rooting for…..Its NOT going to win a cup this year so why not start looking at next year….esp if DL denst make major trade or is willing to change the PP coach…If you failed at your job as much as the Kings failed on the PP …you would be looking for a new job…
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AZ King Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@neil,
We as fans have the luxury of looking ahead to next season. I would be disappointed to see Kings management doing that. That implies that they have given up on this season and that to me is more unacceptable than anything that has happened this season.
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
@neil, You can talk all about players that were given or sent away all you want, the fact is that all teams have players like that who have played better elsewhere then when they were with your team. I will bite however and say what I think about the players you mentioned and whether or not they would make a difference.
Moulson – Would he get the minutes played with the Kings that he does in NY to get the stats that he gets since he left?
Purcell – His stats are down this year and is on pace to get lower goals and points totals based on last year.
Boyle – The one year looks like a fluke. He is back to his own self this year and will not get anywhere near to last years totals.
Frolov – Nobody in the NHL wanted him and he isn’t exactly lighting it up in Russia.
Moeller & Holloway – Big mistake to leave North America. They would be in the NHL right now had they stayed.
O’Sullivan – Do I really have to comment on him?
I don’t see the Kings problems being any different if the Kings had those players you mentioned. I don’t know why they have had a major power outage. On paper they should be obtaining a goals for avg of at least 2.5. I have never seen a team wide slump from top to bottom like this. I can’t explain it and I doubt DL can either, which is why there haven’t been many changes yet. He is hoping that they will snap out of it, plus the back that it hasn’t made us fall out of the playoff picture that bad. We are only 1 pt out of 8th and 4 pts out of 3rd. Hopefully they will start to score while the defense/goaltending remains the same. While we may be worse offensively with Sutter, we are better defensively.
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SDGolfer Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
@Jeff, Thank You. If those guys would’ve produced while they were here, they might still be here.
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Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:57 pm
@SDGolfer, Nonetheless… I think the Kings have a hole from the moves in this past off-season. Gagne is good, but not even near the player he once was (and he may not be back this season). We miss Zeus way more than Lombardi could have ever guessed. He screwed around and lost him by not making him an offer. His presence on this team (great teammate) and how well he played in front of the net and in the face-off circle made him a bargain for what San Jose paid him.
neil Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@Jeff, thanks to all for helping me down from the cliff….its hard to read all these posts and think that I actually(and writers and other fans)thought we had a real chance at the cup/division….Maybe we need to hear from DL…he always makes me feel better.
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Yes, Brown on the leftwing. I like them, but I would rather see:
Penner/Kopitar/Williams
Brown/Richards/Stoll
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outsider Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
@Scootty, +1
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KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
@Scootty, Not me. I think DS has it right.
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Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@KC23, Wish we had someone other than penner for our 1st line choice in your scenario.
Someone burn his pancakes so they are black like pucks.
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Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
@Mars, Good one.
Trade Penner, Stoll and Voynov for Bobby Ryan
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@Mark, Not Voynov, aint gonna happen.
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AZ King Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@Mark,
You really think Murray is going to take Penner and Stoll for Ryan? He wants to improve his team.
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kings king Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@AZ King, Actually taking Penner would give them that SC winning line again. Also Stoll is exactly what they need. They wouldn’t take Voynov though, they need more of a Johnson type defender. As of right now Westgarth would improve their team.
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CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@Mark, Penner and Stoll have absolutely no trade value whatsoever.
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Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
@CB14, Ain’t that the truth? Just to get someone to take them you’d have to toss in Quick or Bernier I’d imagine.
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flex Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
@Mark, Voinov alone is much better than Ryan !!! Remember this
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Have to give up something to get a wing who can score
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@Mark, I would trade JJ before Voynov, any day of the week.
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CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
@jess, And I would trade DD before VV and JJ.
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
@CB14,
I don’t know CB, DD skates like the wind with incredible stick handling. HE just needs to be focused better with coaching. JJ on the other hand… Not impressed. What it his current + / – ??
CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
@jess, I’m not saying JJ and VV are better than DD, just that I don’t see Drew living up to his contract. That’s a huge contract both in length and cap hit for someone we’re HOPING will improve. After 1 and a half seasons of disappointing play, I worry that he’ll ever get back to where he was 2 years ago. Plus we could get alot more for Drew than we could for JJ or VV.
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@CB14,
Well said. I have had a problem with Drew’s contract from day one. Believe me it’s bothersome and possibly disruptive to the comradery of the team as a whole. With that said, out of the two, the greatest value is clearly in Voynov IMHO.
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
@CB14, I don’t have a problem with DD’s contract. It is what it is. Did he deserve it? Possibly not. But it is what the rules of the CBA say and that is what needs to be changed in the next CBA. Dean said this after the lockout, that the 2nd contract is going to cause problems. As for trading DD or Johnson I would hate for the Kings to do so. It would be like the Kings teams of the past trading young defenseman for veteran offensive help. It didn’t work then and I don’t think it will work now. Remember JJ is just entering his prime and DD is only 22. I would not trade eithr one or would I trade Bernier, at least until we find out what happens to Quick. This team doesn’t need to trade for star offensive players to help with there offensive woes. They can make some smaller trades using there plethora of prospects for offensive help. If a trade for a star presents itself and we don’t have to give up a lot then do it. Or wait to get that star via free agency.
CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
@Jeff, I’m not saying we should consider trading DD because he’s not worth his contract right now, I’m worried that he’ll never be worth a 7 million dollar cap hit. It’s not like he’s improved at all since his 2nd year, in fact it’s the opposite, he’s regressed. And I’m not saying trade him for someone like Iginla, I’m talking about someone like Rick Nash in the prime of their careers. I’m also not saying trade him right now, just that if you’re going to trade one of them, I’d choose DD because you would get more in return for him compared to the other 2 guys.
Jeff Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:49 pm
@CB14, I think the opposite about Drew. I think we were spoiled by how he played his first 2 yrs, especially in the Olympics. I feel he is going through the normal pains that a top defenseman goes through, before they get to the tops of their game. The problem lies in the rules of his contract and the CBA. I don’t think he is worth 7 million NOW either, just like I didn’t think Kopitar was worth 6.8 at the time he signed. However it is what it is, until the next CBA and hopefully it will be changed. It is my opinion that Doughty/Johnson is going to be our version of the Ducks Neidermyer/Pronger, but it will take a few years for them to get to that level. I don’t think we need to make drastic changes to change the offensive woes we have had. We got Penner/Stoll in the last year of their contract, plus a number of prospects to obtain middle of the road offensive players to raise our offense. We don’t need to bring in a Nash or a Parise or someone like that at this time. I don’t think that really will change us much, especially with what we might have to give up to get them. I rather go after guys like a Ruutu, Whitney to name a couple.
Duckbasher Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
@CB14, + 10
flex Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@CB14, ..when your forward start to score at list 2.5 goal a game ,DD would look and play like 7m man.
Canadian King Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 6:24 am
@CB14, good thing your not the gm of the Kings then, JJ is easily the first one I would trade. People keep saying DD is having a bad year, but still looks twice as good as mr minus out there.
We need a philosophy change. We have the personnel to put any system in place here and we’re still the suffocating defensive team.
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CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@kings king, Yup
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Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
@CB14, we need 5 O’s out there to score. On the PP we should slap Kompon in the face on the Flex Cam, then put all our O’s out. If that doesnt work. then Kick Kompon in the mouth during the kiss cam and put all 5 D’s out on the PP.
Either way we need to waive penalties or hurt Kompon.
Next coaches hired should be based on performance. They only get paid if the PP goes in our favor.
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Personally, I really feel that Richards and Gagne do not like this team and fake their concussions just to get away for a bit.
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CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
@DoscactiKid, Wow, just wow.
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:16 pm
@DoscactiKid,
What other things do you see which simply don’t exist. Just curious.
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DoscactiKid Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
@jess, Penners back pain and harassment from the fans.
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jess Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
@DoscactiKid,
Well, I have to congratulate you on perhaps, some of the most wild speculation I’ve ever seen on this site.
Kings x Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
@DoscactiKid, I wish the fans would boo kampon and he would leave the building
SDGolfer Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
@DoscactiKid, I LOVE the internet.
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AZ King Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@DoscactiKid,
ROFL………..Oh wait you were serious…..
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Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:16 pm
@DoscactiKid, Naw I said eralier, its from watching all our passing and not shooting. too much back and forth, it wasnt a hit, its the passing. Tennis fans are used to it.
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flex Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@DoscactiKid, does Kopi likes this team ?…
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soyokaze Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 10:14 pm
@DoscactiKid, Please quit being a troll.
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Glad to see that someone finally noticed that Kopi plays well with Williams. Not sure why it took so long for the coaching staff to recognize that.
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JJ + Bernier for Carter. Remember we still have Zatkoff, who I believe was just made an AHL all-star. Also I get the feeling Richards isn’t exactly ready to “go to war” with this team, maybe he’s still adjusting I dunno. Having his best friend back next to him would probably help turn this team around. Regardless this winger talk should be the big picture right now. We never got past the Kovalchuck deal, we still need a winger and this year we have $15 million coming off our cap. This would be the year that Dean shows if he’s serious or not. We have our two premiere centers and now we need to score. This team plays great defense, our bottom lines can check like hell. So we need our top six winning games for us.
Either that or embrace a philosophy change. I don’t see much else getting us out of this slump. I’m a little more patient with Sutter coming in, but it’s clear there’s a void in LA.
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FRO Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
@kings king, Jeff Carter is a perfect fit.
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DEH Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@kings king, Carter would be a nice fit, but I don’t see Bernier going anywhere until there’s more certainty in the Quick contract situation. I think there is a reason why both contracts are set to expire the same year. JJ + (Zatkoff or draft picks) would be sufficient for landing Carter.
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Canadian King Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 6:33 am
@DEH, No that wouldn’t be sufficient, clb gave up Couturier, Voracek, and a third to land Carter so they are going to want to get at least that back and JJ is not consistant enough. It would have to be JJ, Lokti and a pick (3rd or 4th).
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DEH Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
@Canadian King, Carter isn’t really producing. No way would a team give what they gave to get Carter nor would/should they expect to break even on such a trade.
Deirdre Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
@kings king, Carter is not a perfect fit and you don’t want jeff ‘shoots high and wide’ Carter on this team. they don’t need another center and he doesn’t like wing, protested playing but last year had no choice, lavvy laid the law down.
Where you see 35 goals, there should be 50. he’s very lazy, he takes shift and games off, is awful in the neutral zone and never uses his body and size. He’s not be a good playoff performer.
And as long as DL IS GM he won’t make that mistake.
Richards is far far better off without Carter. He’ll be able to grow and mature as a player and is already doing that in his short few months here.
This team needs a skilled winger, not a one dimensional center.
This is a sample of just how much Carter wasn’t liked in Philly…Who will you miss more Richards or Carter. Mike got 95% of the vote.
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=931695
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Can the Kings find Hockey’s version of Tim Tebow? The guy played great today winning his first playoff game. Now if only the Kings could find a player like him.
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The Islanders are going nowhere this year and Moulson has a few years left on his current contract. The kid is affordable and fill the void on our roster, wingers. Why don’t we try trading for him instead of a guy who cost 6.5 mil plus? I hear a lot of trade for Iginla or trade for Parise on this blog, but Moulson is a 30 goal scorer who hasn’t reached his prime, has family (the Quicks) in LA, and carries a cap hit just over 3 mil. To me a trade to bring Moulson back makes a heck of a lot more sense than trading for Iginla or Parise who are on teams that still have a shot (slim as it may be) of making the playoffs and carry a much heavier cap hit.
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Canadian King Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 6:38 am
@DEH, Please tell me why the Isls would trade a young 30 goal scorer with an awesome cap hit? and has chemistry with their super star Tavares. Do you know what we would have to give up to land him? ALOT, and there is no way DL would admit his mistake and bring him back when he let him go for nothing. Moulson is gone now move on.
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DEH Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@Canadian King, The same reason why any team would trade their star player when they are out of contention. You act like we didn’t give up a lot for Penner or Richards. You act like we wouldn’t need to give up a lot for any other player worth acquiring in a trade. DL has given up a lot in the past for player, including players he had involvement in before. Are you saying it has to be a dumb trade for DL to give a lot?
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..”they” would complain about the speed..like some did with Luck..of course Molson is not same..but..yeh ,why not.I am sure he would be much better than penner…Poni ,Sturm..
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As suggested before the recent coaching change that although Murph would be replaced and probably soon the need for new leadership in the lockeroom was a higher priority. And since that change our Kings have certainly made a noticable improvement in both focus and effort. I remember somewhere I heard it mentioned when Dustin was named Captain that we wanted to keep the lockeroom intact while we continued to develop our core. In both instances they served their purpose. Do not get me wrong we need Dustin Brown’s agressive forechecking, monstrous hits and relentless energy. I still proudly wear his number 23 jersey. It is not just about respect. It is about skill! It is about effort! It is about heart! We now need “a bigger voice in the room” someone to hold everyone accountable, every shift, every challenge and every night/day! That leader is Mike Richards! It is painfully obvious seeing the need for a top 6 forward or two! The challenge Dean faces is how much he is willing to give up. The current contract with Quick notwithstanding I would still inlude Bernier as potential trade fodder for the ultimate winger Parise/Zetterberg or Hossa but not for second tier players that appear to be available in Semin/Nash/Getzlaf or Ryan. It could take a multiteam multiplayer transaction to do it. We certainly have other assets to help make it happen. Lets do it. If we cannot do the top tier acquisition we still need the 30 plus scorer in multiples. Also living in the Dallas area I see the Stars quite often. They have this stud defenseman named Niklas Grossman. He is young yet poised, physical yet with good hands. He is reportedly available due to an expiring contract. The Stars are also looking for offense but he sure would give us more beef and the back end. Just a couple of thoughts.
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alot of panic, relax……….kings will make the post season, no problem.
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jonsey Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:45 pm
@Harty, Not like this they won’t. They need someone to step it up. They’re down right horrible at trying to do the one thing that they’re supposed to do to win games SCORE MORE THAN THE OTHER TEAM SCORES.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 9:00 am
@jonsey, What is “this?” 14 points in nine games under this coach? Like “this” they will.
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Man! Is it Christmas? Everybody has got their shopping lists out, and their picking all the best players from every team, and everyone is rationalizing how they are all coming to the Kings via the Kings unwanted garbage.
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jonsey Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 7:48 pm
@Dominick, I really don’t think the Kings need to trade. Now if someone good gets injured like Brown or Kopitar or Johnson -then the Kings need to trade for someone who can score. First on my list:Ryan Malone. YEah he’s over-paid, but he’ll sit his huge body in front of the other team’s net and maybe we’ll get a few goals. Besides, Tampa Bay is performing poorly.
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It’s time for the other shoe to drop…
No more Mister Nice Guy…
Off with the kit gloves…
Darryl Sutter – you’ve tried to encourage and to advise, you’ve shown that being proactive rather than reactive, and being engaged and passionate allowed this bunch to elevate their game against Chicago and Vancouver.
However, this “Jackell and Hyde” team always reverts to their “kickback” style.
It’s time to go to the whip!
You need to give the C to Richards, JJ, or Greene.
You need to get in people’s faces and remind them that intensity and passion are required elements to this beautiful game, especially at this level!
No more Mr. Nice Guy!
GkG!
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Canadian King Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 6:47 am
@FdoFmFull, well first off Richards doesn’t want the C, especially after what happened in Philly, and JJ you must be kidding right? that is by far the worst choice for a captain I have EVER heard. Greene on the other hand would be a good choice. Personally I don’t mind Brown, there are a few things that bug me about him as captain, but he’s not bad.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 8:55 am
@Canadian King, To the point, Brown brings every bit as much as he did when he became captain. I don’t think you take it away from him. That said, Greene or Kopitar would be fine with the C, otherwise. JJ? Can’t imagine why.
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How many of you would like to see JJ and Bernier go to Tampa for St. Louis? I’m almost positive the cap works out and we still got Green, Scuds, Mitchell, and DD on the back end. I would love to see us develop A-mart and VV so we could sign them to JJ like contracts in a few seasons. Imagine Brown-Kopi-St.Louis as a first line, I bet you they would put a few in the net together.
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soyokaze Reply:
January 8th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
@kings_own_co, Umm… No. You’re willing to give up a young defenseman that is still only 24 years old and a potential #1 goaltender for a 36 year old winger? I get that Martin St. Louis will score some goals, but he’s not what the team needs. You only give up that much if you need that little extra to get you over the hump to being a true contender for the Cup. As much as I love the Kings, I seriously do not think they are anywhere close to becoming one of those elite teams like SJ, DET, PIT, BOS.
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Justin Williams seems to be playing with more urgency and emotion these past few games. This is what the rest of the team needs! Plus the Lotki line also appears hungry. The teams skill WILL show come playoffs due to adrenaline and emotion. Course they have to get there first.
Brown needs to get out of the screener position or get better at it, but his type of play is better along the boards getting the puck to center.
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In order to score they have to play open games . Defense oriented games will not give us a lot of goals.Kings has a solid goalkeeper.Defense is OK.Offense must choose quality shots. When they have 30 shots only 4 or 5 shots are quality ones.If you have 10 to 15 quality shots the score will be different.DL must trade some players soon.Assistant coaches must be totally different than we have now.I Think moral is down with some players.DS must bench some players for only to remind them that they have the responsibility to score.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 8:50 am
@Sam T., The problem is, they can get maybe ten or fifteen prime chances and still miss the net. Maybe it didn’t happen last game, but it has been happening.
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From the look on his face, I feel that Kopi (who I think actually works his ass off every shift) in a dysfunctional offense, is getting frustrated and pissed off…but you cant mouth off on camera or earshot of anyone who would publish such a thing.
Is Doughty doing is useless crosscheck drills??
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