It’s been a difficult, but rather productive, last couple weeks for Anze Kopitar, who has three goals and four assists in his last five games. During the span, Kopitar has taken a handful of big hits but has stayed on the ice for all but the second half of the third period against Dallas, and for a practice on Monday. Kopitar was given a mandatory day off from practice by the coaching staff.
KOPITAR: “It was great. It’s one of those things where you get those days, and different players get them. Even when the team was skating, I was doing a little workout, so it wasn’t completely a `laying in my bed’ day. I felt pretty good last night, and I thought it was a good move by the coaches to let me have that day.’’
In general, coach Darryl Sutter is making more of an effort to keep Kopitar fresh. Under Terry Murray, Kopitar played at least 20 minutes in 27 of 29 games this season. So far, under Sutter, Kopitar has been under 20 minutes in six of 14 games. That’s not a dissatisfaction with Kopitar’s game. Sutter has been trimming Kopitar’s penalty-kill minutes in an attempt to keep him fresher for 5-on-5 play.
KOPITAR: “I’ve been still killing penalties, but he did talk to me about getting a short shift in. He doesn’t want to sit me on the bench for two full minutes, because it’s kind of tough to get going again. But he did specifically mention that I have to make sure I don’t get caught out there. I’ve been killing (penalties) with Brownie for the last little while. He just emphasized that, on every clear that we get, even if it’s (after) 15 seconds or 20 seconds, we’re going to get off the ice. Darryl has been going with our line right after the penalty kill, pretty consistently, so I definitely want to stay fresh.’’
I like the player focused emphasis. A system is good but isn’t everything.
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@JackKent Cooke, Exactly, plus I like the fact that the players have to prove themselves in the first ten minutes of every game in order to dictate their ice time. No more taking the first ten minutes of a game off to get settled in.
[Reply]
ScarredSince93 Reply:
January 19th, 2012 at 9:32 am
@BringbackButchGoring,
Really think that has been a key point as of late… Those who show up to play… play and rightfully so. Bout time, we get these guys competing against each other again. Nothing better than having a little competition among the players on the team to make sure they keep improving as individuals.
[Reply]
I like how Sutter comes in as coach and gets it. Yet TM never got it. Sutter just knows how to delegate minutes correctly to get more out of players. TM could never get anything from his
system. Sutter reads players well, and finds out what each individual needs Except DD. DD
seems to be bugn Sutter. DD didn’t play most of the 3rd period and for good reason. I cannot
wait until Sutter finally gets fed up with Penner, Stoll and DD. All three are not playing
up to their capabilities. Yah Penner scored, big deal.(luck) The Kings need to make a move asap,
and keep this momentum going. Sutter has been the difference in every way. I hope Jamie
Tampon gets fired and Bernie Nicholls takes over as assistant coach on the PP. It way over
due. DL please do not make a stupid trade, make a smart trade for once to help the team.
[Reply]
JackKent Cooke Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real),
How do you really feel?
[Reply]
kab Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), “Drew Doughty led the Kings in ice time, with an even 27 minutes, followed by Anze Kopitar, at 24:20.”
Im pretty sure drew got his mins
[Reply]
kab Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@kab, also drew shut down the top line for the most part and penners goal was far from luck
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), Yeah, DD must be in Sutter’s doghouse; he only played 27 minutes last night with the most challenging job of marking Sedin. Sutter must really dislike him Bahahahahahaha. Frankly, anyone that criticizes any of the defensemen is sort of dopey since none of them are allowing goals. All of them would be plus 15 this year (ok perhaps not JJ) if the forwards were performing at their career norms. DD only 21, geez he’s allowed to make some mistakes…
[Reply]
King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), Dude you need to back off, your bashing Drew rhetoric will get you in big trouble around here. It is believed in some circles that Drew is now playing the way we expect him to. You do remember when you were 22. And 7 mil to boot. Yes give the Kid a break.
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Well my point is nobody had a fantastic first half but everybody seems to have gotten a little honeymoon period the last ten games or so except for DD. I thought DD played well last night against the most elite line in hockey but still gets crap. He signed a contract at market value and 7 million a year five six seven years from now, he just might be a steal.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Not bashing the guy, but a steal????
Of course in 5 years, you can cook my crow and I’ll eat it, but a steal is not how I would characterize that contract.
Again, I’ll be the first to knock the guy if he isn’t playing well, but he has been playing well so I am happy. VAN is a touch team to defend and he did it well.
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Thinking the salary cap will be 20 million higher in five years so 7 million for a 27 year old DD probably be a pretty good deal. Everybody is fixated on that extra 200K and not realizing how good he actually is…aren’t you still eating crow on the Sutter hiring?
Lake Forest Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Negative – My post from 12/14/11
I’ll give Sutter a chance and hope he can be a great mid-term coach. All I know is from what I read on here about him, and I take ALL the complaints with a grain of salt. (by grain I mean a brick)
Particularly, most in here wouldn’t be happy unless we won every game or at least would have something to complain about.
but again if I am being negative, I always hope I am wrong and that particular player/situation turns to a positive!!!
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@Lake Forest, My apologies. I wrote several posts before DS started about what a great hire he was as his teams always play a tough gritty style and had my head handed to me in response. I think I may have confused you with someone else…
Lake Forest Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, I say a lot of dumb things, so it’s ok! no need for an apology!
MmmmYummy Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Big trouble huh? Who are the enforcers around here gonna gonna call? Drew’s mom? Seriously dude, people should be able to say [informed or not so much] what they want without the hall monitors getting their panties in a bunch.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), …..a coach who actually coaches…how refreshing…
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real),
Did you actually watch the game last night? DD was all over the ice, and actually led a rush in OT. And like the others said, he played 27 minutes.
DD, like every other player on the team, has turned his season around under Sutter. He’s putting up consistent points, he making good offensive plays, and he shut down both Ovechkin and Sedins.
As for Penner’s “lucky” goal. When was the last time you deflected a puck out of midair past a goalie? Anyone how has the ability to that would know it takes skill not luck.
Finally this group is playing the best hockey they have all year, and they’re only getting better. Now you want to disrupt their chemistry my making a trade and bringing in someone new. Yeah that’s a brilliant idea.
[Reply]
Poorman Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), In my opinion, Doughty is playing out of this world good! The guy’s a freakin’ stud on the ice. Sutter is using him huge minutes. But I have a favor to ask dude, can you get me some of those good drugs you’re on. I need them, so I won’t have to dwell on the fact that I’m jobless in New York.
[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
@Poorman, Did the Big Apple chew you up Poorman? It’s been known to do that. It’s been nice and warm in California and I’m sure Kroq’s hiring
[Reply]
Poorman Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
@408kingsfan, chewing me up like a piece of used gum. But I’m hanging in there. Applying for everything. KROQ should be hiring. Their ratings are in the toilet. If they hired me back, it’d be a big move. About to go running here. It’s a very comfortable 28 and clear. BTW, I heard it’s going to be pouring rain Friday, Sat., Sun. Enjoy!
tornado12 Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), troll
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 7:45 pm
@Kings Fan Since72 (real), Interesting take on all of that. A little off but interesting. DD is playing better. Stoll is playing better and everyone knows Penner is much better. Each of those players are a big reason we are so happy with Sutter. I’m going to side with Sutter here.
[Reply]
Kopi is fine. Actually the last few games I’ve been quite surprised at how hard Kopi has been playing. He’s been handing out some punishment to opposing players. What a shock!! Kopi really wants to win. He has the ability to be a top player, but he always has gone into slumps, thus giving him a bad rap. Kopi is still a young player. He’s beginning to come into his own. By playoff time he should be right on target to be an MVP type player. Never question this kids heart. He plays “D” very well and given the right players around him… awesome to watch. There’s a reason why Richards seems to be slacking. He’s playing with Penner for the love of God. When Richards was on Kopi’s line, he was much better. Kopi, Richards, Brown should be our top line as far as I’m concerned. But I’m not the coach. Trusting in Sutter has made life a bit easier. If only we could cut down on the shootout loses, things would be perfect. I like the fact that we are only 6 points out of being tops. Just think it wasn’t that long ago our season seemed lost in space. Life as a Kings fan I guess. Gotta Love it Baby!!!
[Reply]
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/01/18/flames-brent-sutter-kings-darryl-sutter-reconciled-but-still-not-warm-and-fuzzy/
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
January 19th, 2012 at 8:25 am
@petemagoop, It’s interesting. I totally understand it. It’s not about them hating each other. It’s about Darryl Sutter’s pride. I’ve been in his shoes–not in hockey, but in my profession.
[Reply]
DS is a very smart coach. Everyone on the team is playing better. He is really managing the roster very well. All 4 lines have an identity now, chemistry, and the ability to keep it in the O zone. That relieves a lot of pressure of the D and the top six.
Great progress. Keep it up KINGS!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@zulov, everyone but Stoll.
[Reply]
bmova Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@zulov, It’s amazing what happens when you’re playing with the same linemates for than 2 or 3 shifts!
[Reply]
KOPITAR is a BEAST! LETS GO KINGS!!! the reason Brownie wears a helmet during warm-ups is probably because he is a pretty clumsy skater!!
[Reply]
JWR Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
@seanster48,
Well last year the only player who went without a helmet during warmups was Smyth. I guess it’s just a fad but I do know that the NHL did put in a rule that one must have on their helmets during the shootouts.
Having on a helmet while on the ice seems like common sense to protect against an accident, but then how many times have you read about someone getting killed in a traffic accident because they refused to wear their seatbelts.
[Reply]
It is a refreshing move. As is roiling 4 lines, everyone is more productive, fresher and more focused, its one of my top five Favs of Sutter.
(He others in no particular order; the lucky brown suit. Actually coching and interacting with the players (during games too), moving players around keeping things fresh.
Yeah there is more, but I am a believer.
8-1-5 baby! Plus 5 outta 6 on the last road trip.
I am getting pumped up!
[Reply]
Deep stuff you never imagined thinking about (laughing at self):
@Edmonton: Shawn Horcoff to Taylor Hall. All alone at the far post. Plink. Head for the parking lot, folks. Looked like child’s play. Kinda like hockey’s equivalent of the back-door-slam-dunk (not a basketball guy, so I hope that made sense?).
@Vancouver: Jannik Hansen to David Booth. All alone at the far post. Plink. Looked like child’s play. Hmmm.
Horcoff to Hall was prettier because Horcoff just threw it blindly to the danger zone. It was pure ‘child’s play’ offense. If you played this game as a kid, you know it. It probably even came ‘naturally’. When not carrying the puck, look for every opportunity to “go dangerous” in the O end. Jump into that high-percentage piece of open ice when it shouts “here I am– pick me, pick me!” Of course great D will take most of it away most of the time. But often enough, that “easy” goal _will_ happen, if you’re willing to _let_ it happen by heeding the invitation of the danger zone.
When you _are_ the puck carrier, one option, particularly when outnumbered on the puck (think Horcoff to Hall: if 2 or 3 guys are checking you, one of your mates _should_ have an opening to ‘get dangerous’), is often to just put the biscuit in the most obviously dangerous place. Just do it. Count on a teammate wanting to be dangerous. They’ve got eyes/brains/skates. That kind of pressure should be part of their job description. That was Horcoff to Hall. You have to admit that was a gorgeous goal, exactly _because_ it looked so startlingly EASY.
It’s been documented that this LAK team has languished due simply to an all-time MEASLY, PALTRY shooting percentage (the worst team shooting percentage in recorded NHL history). While several things have fed into that (i.e., Kopitar with an open lane to the goal, perfectly nails the physical/geometric center of the goal tender!), one huge factor has been poor offensive puck support. The most obvious way to support the puck is to (1) create / look for / head for passing lanes, BUT (2) it’s often effective for attackers (both with and without the puck) to simply take it to the danger zone and see what develops (i.e., Horcoff to Hall).
Some people fuss that too many bad-angle and low-percentage shots are taken. Others rightly answer “100% of the time you _don’t_ shoot, you _won’t_ score.” But by extension, you’ll never score those startlingly easy / high percentage goals if you’re never jumping into those “pick me, pick me” pieces of ice from which those goals are scored. The team that doesn’t go sniffin’ around the danger zone is going to have a hard time scoring “easy” goals.
Instead they’ll have a team shooting percentage of 0.025, or whatever embarrassing number it’s been for the LAK.
[Reply]
I honestly can’t complain about the Kings anymore.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@Poorman, That’s a GREAT thing my friend!!!
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
@Poorman, WOW dude, glad to see you coming around. just remember we arent going to win them all!
[Reply]
yetiman_oc Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 8:46 pm
@Poorman, Things are looking brighter but I really think the coach should reconsider his heavy workload plans for JQ. JB is more than capable backup and this is a team game and it takes all 23 players to win the SC.
[Reply]
12:12 LAK Mike Richards : Fighting (maj) – 5 min
12:12 LAK Mike Richards served by Trent Hunter : Instigator – face shield – 2 min
12:12 LAK Mike Richards served by Trent Hunter : Unsportsmanlike conduct – 2 min
12:12 LAK Mike Richards : Game misconduct – 0 min
the above was from the Dallas game – I just watched Bourque (MTL) get into a scrap with a WSH player, Bourque has a shield the other guy didn’t – no helmets were removed – why did they each get 5 minutes only?
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@petemagoop, …..different ref…..
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@petemagoop,
You only get the unsportsmanlike conduct if you instigate the fight, which is what the refs said Richards did. I didn’t see the Bourgue fight, but if he wasn’t given an instigator than there is no additional penalty.
[Reply]
Dave's a Killer Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@petemagoop,
The Unsport was given for being the instigator while wearing the shield. Fighting majors alone due not warrant extra minutes
[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
@Dave’s a Killer, ok – i thought,wrongly i guess, that you get a misconduct fo fighting with a visor – i guess it’s the instigating part they don’t like
[Reply]
petemagoop Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
@petemagoop, fo fighting?? = for fighting –> LOL
g smith86 Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
@petemagoop, how ’bout ‘foo fighters’
Resedakingsfan Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
@petemagoop, they don’t play for the Kings.
[Reply]
Raunq12 Reply:
January 19th, 2012 at 9:58 am
@petemagoop,
Because LaRue and O’Halleran are schmucks
[Reply]
Quit the bitching and enjoy the winning and look forward to the growth and improvement that is in store for this team
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
@Kings x, +1
[Reply]
Go Kings Go. Need another W tomorrow! Stay sharp.
[Reply]
It`s funny how well the kings are playing since DS has come in. You can tell he has the respect of his players and he has respect for his team. Icetime is earned and not given. We roll 4 lines and players are really starting to step it up.This will pay dividends come playoff time. DD is looking better every game. JJ is looking better too. Plus I love it when we beat the canucks
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
January 18th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
@Joemv8, amen to that! Still would like to see this team get physically tougher, however, I do believe they are one of the more mentally tough teams in the league, especially after going through the first part oif the season and not scoring and having to grind for every point…If the Kings continue to build on this current momentum, the failures of the early season and the lessons learned from those disappointments could make this team a nightmare for anyone who faces them come playoff time…
What doesn’t kill ya makes you stronger
[Reply]