Mike Richards has 14 goals in 45 games this season, a respectable total, but what an odd season it has been for Richards. In an 11-game stretch from early November to early December, Richards had nine goals in 11 games, a torrid pace. Then, Richards suffered a concussion and missed eight games. Upon his return, he scored a goal in each of his first two games, but now has scored just one goal in his last 18 games. That would lead to a fair question: coming off his injury, is Richards feeling OK? He says yes.
RICHARDS: “I feel good out there. That’s what is frustrating. When you’re feeling good on the ice, you think that good things should come from it. It’s frustrating when you work so hard and get nothing from it. It is what it is. Everybody goes through it. It’s something that you just have to fight through.’’
Richards is certainly among the players Darryl Sutter talks about when saying that he needs more from his best players, but Sutter seems encouraged that Richards — while not scoring — has turned in better efforts of late, and Sutter made the valid point that Richards isn’t getting much help from his linemates. Richards’ playmaking skills aren’t going to lead to much if Dustin Penner, Jarret Stoll, etc., don’t finish chances.
SUTTER: “I think he [Richards] played hard in St. Louis, which was a tough game to play in. He played hard, and then the other night (in Carolina) he did a really good job for us. Other than that, I’m not looking too far back. He’s got his work cut out tomorrow, with Vinny (Lecavalier) and (Steven) Stamkos, or whoever he’s against. We know that.
“He’s a real honest player. He shows up 99 percent of the time. If you’re just measuring it with stats, well, his wingers have to got to score. It doesn’t matter where he’s been. He’s been a 20-some goal scorer, and that’s what he’s going to do again. But a lot of his productivity has been in making plays, and it still is. In some situations you say, `Well, he should have shot,’’ but that’s not where he normally shoots. He’s looking to make a play, and he’s making it but he needs guys to finish for him. I said, right from day one, if you look at it on paper, you’ve got to like our centermen. You can critique all you want, but it’s hard not to like those young guys. They’re going to get better, and they’ve got something to offer now.’’
anybody notice this other night – Richards down the wing, looks over, no one to pass to on the far side – his wingers, and this happened twice, skated by the 1st door on the bench and then decide they need to get off the ice before they get to the 2nd door- twice they hung him out to dry when they could have had a replacement joining the rush with Richards
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Freddy O Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@petemagoop, Yup…it’s happened a few times…it’s like some of the other players aren’t paying attention to see if we still have possession and think automatically to change lines…I wonder if they watch films with Sutter…kind of like how the Rangers watch films with their coach (24/7 HBO Films)
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BobKnob Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 5:46 pm
@petemagoop,
They’re making sure he gets the puck in the zone before changing so they don’t get caught with their pants down on a change. STD.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@petemagoop, Kings REALLY need a great puck handler/skater to get offense STARTED. A lot of times they can’t even enter zone. Need guys like ovechkin, kovalchuck, or selanne.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
@rogiesbackup, Those type of players to START the scoring.
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rik8020 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
@petemagoop, Richards has not played well for a while, trade Richards and Johnson for Rick Nash
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It’s too late for Richards, he has drunk too much of the King’s cool-aid…
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
@John Roy Morgan, You saying he needs to get a little Captain in him?
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:01 pm
@Kenny44, Everybody needs a little Captain in em.
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John Roy Morgan Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
@CB14, What can I say?, you found me out!
Shakes Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 6:11 am
@CB14,
the irony is that he was the Captain in philly…
linny Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 5:51 am
@John Roy Morgan, there is nothing wrong with Richards. Get him two capable singers and he’ll light it up!
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SantaMariaKing Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 8:26 am
@linny,
Yeah you know throw Susan Boyle on the left wing and the ghost of Johnny Cash down the right.
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The thing that worries me the most about the Richards-Penner-Stoll line is that they aren’t even getting scoring chances. Although the 3 bottom lines have been struggling to score, at least Fraser and Lokti’s lines have been getting some chances. I can’t remember the last one Richards’ line got. Penner’s goal the other night had nothing to do with the other 2 guys, it was just him getting the puck on a turnover and firing it top shelf.
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KC23 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
@CB14, Agreed. My take is … now occasionally you see Richards put it in that next gear … and then there he is all alone. Penner and Stoll wondering around without a clue.
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zulov Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
@KC23, #worstlineinhockey
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King Cobra Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:18 pm
@KC23, yep…
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BobKnob Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
@CB14,
I wouldn’t call it “Penner getting the puck on a turnover”. I’d call it an excellent read and pokecheck by Penner to cause the turnover.
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Deke'r Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
@BobKnob, …nice….if you’re gonna get on him for what he doesn’t do at least give him his credit when it’s due…….
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@BobKnob, Thanks for the correction. I didn’t remember the play very well I just remember it was the result of 1 player, not the whole line.
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Michael J. Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 8:20 am
@CB14,
If I remember right Stoll was in on the forecheck pressuring, which led to the poke check.
variable Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
@CB14,
the lack of scoring opportunities created by that line is concerning…but, then again, the same can be said for almost every line combo sutter has tried…
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number 6 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
@variable,
Yes, because if 70% of your forwards don’t seem to have a feel around the net, then basically it doesn’t matter where the heck you plug them in. You’re apt to get the same result.
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BobKnob Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:03 pm
@variable,
Except for lines 3 and 4 have been doing a pretty good job of generating chances and keeping possession in the offensive zone, they just can’t finish.
Stoll is just a black hole. Once he touches the puck we might as well pass the puck to their D, get 4 players standing back on our blueline and start over. He can’t stickhandle and he doesn’t have enough speed or the ability to add a gear to blow by anyone, even if they’re pivoting.
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Dominick Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@CB14, Possession wise that line has been bad. They are however covering the other teams top line more than any other line, so offensively, their backs are against the wall more than Loki, or Kopis’ line is. Still no excuse, but I think that is a contributing factor. Truth be told, I hate having 2 former 30 goal scorers on a shut down line, and I think Kopis’ line has proven that they can take those match ups and still score.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 12:06 am
@Dominick, It is obvious that Richards isn’t at 100% and it isn’t helping that Penner and Stoll are having miserable seasons offensively. Now Penner was a good trade when it happened unfortunately it has turned into a failure and Stoll should of been traded and DL should have kept Zeus. Zeus was really effective in getting in front of the net scoring goals on deflections and tip ins, especially on the PP. That is what we are missing. I mean what has Stoll done this year that warrants being a King? He isn’t scoring goals, he isn’t scoring on the shootout. The only thing he is good at is faceoffs, which now we have a 3+ million faceoff artist. The fact that these 2 aren’t scoring and the loss of Gagne and Parse, is the reason why we are last in scoring. Kopi’s line can’t be there every night and basically all the other team has to do is stop them 3, as the others can’t score. Penner and Stoll have to go and 2 guys need to come in that can score, so that Richards can get going again. Then we can have 2 lines going and teams won’t be able to concentrate just on one defensively. Then the 3rd and 4th line can pitch in once in a while.
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Dominick Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 12:38 am
@Jeff_R,
WRT To Penner, Stoll, and Parse, their contracts are up at the end of the season. Also the Kings scoring woes were here long before Gagne went down, or even stopped scoring. Same could be said about Parse who had very limited play.
They do effect our depth, and I agree that is a major concern, but not a reason to base scoring woes as a direct link, since those problems existed while they were playing also, and it made no difference.
We then look at Stoll, and Penner. Major underachievers, but a direct link to the problem? I’d say they have no effect on Brown-Kopi-Williams. Same With Loktis’ line. They do effect each other, but would the scoring problem still exist whether their performing or not?
It would effect the entire teams goal production, and Quick would probably win more. Kopis’ line did go through a career slump, and Loktis’ line still hasn’t scored, so does the problem still exist with just those 2 guys not scoring? I think the problem does.
I think you underestimate the gravity of the problem, and that it goes beyond any of the players. I do think Zues would of made a bigger impact then Stoll, but Zues’ contract was up, and Stolls wasn’t. That would of meant resigning Zues, and trying to make a trade with Stoll. These contracts are staged to expire in layers.
PRMan Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@CB14, Nah, Stoll has missed empty nets on beautiful setups by Richards repeatedly. Sutter’s nailed it. Penner and Stoll just can’t finish sweet passed into wide open empty nets.
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PRMan Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@PRMan, passes
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Isnt that DL’s fault Richards doenst have wringers or is Stoll and Penner doing what the system calls for….too much evidence that Richards is being effected by the same virus as every king that has played underDL/Tm/DS….
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 12:15 am
@neil, While DL did bring in Penner and Stoll it isn’t his fault that they are having miserable seasons. It is his fault if he can’t find a solution to either get them going, or find 2 other guys to take their place that can score. I don’t believe in this nonsense that the System is the reason why these guys aren’t scoring or that DL/TM/DS is the sole reason that they are last offensively. When DL and Sutter were together in San Jose they were pretty good offensively, including there final full season together San Jose finished 4th in goals for with an average of 3.02. So I don’t believe in this nonsense that DL and this so called defense first is the reason. I can’t give an answer as to why they are last, because obviously if it was easily explained they would of fixed it by now. Most likely it is a factor of Stoll and Penner having miserable seasons and Gagne and Parse being lost most of the season due to injury. I also think the loss of Zeus is the biggest loss of the off season.
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Yeah. Like he is going to tell media that he is injured. Still love the way he plays.
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Deirdre Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
@kingsation8, You’re right, he won’t. He’d play with an eye hanging out and say’s I’m okay’.
2008-2009, he played almost the whole year with torn labrums in both shoulders (which he got operated on after the seasson ended) and maintained during the year that ‘i’m fine’
Same last year when he played all year with a busted up left wrist and was asked as the winter went on and goals didn’t come, if there was something wrong ‘ I’m fine’.
LAst spring he got pneumonia at the start of the Buffalo series and dropped a scary amnount of weight (horribly gaunt) and missed a practice , was heard coughing by an out of town reporter who saw him leaving the rink and when other reports asked declared it to be ‘sniffles’
Only after the playoffs were done when doing an interview he was again asked he stated it had been pneumonia
He didn’t miss a shift, did his job (shut down the Vanek Line, holding then to 1 ES goal in 7 gamnes and wa on the ice for 7 Flyer goals, which led the team and only 2 going the other way) He clearly wasn’t himself, out of breath and obviously noticable that something was wrong, which was suspected to be an injury. But nobody thought it was both…
So whatever the upper body injury was, even if it was still bothering him, if he is in pain, he’ll say’ I’m fine’
It’s what Hockey players do…
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MindGeyser Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@Deirdre, It’s what Hockey players do, but I’d much rather him get well than earn stripes in losing efforts he could have helped turn around when healthy.
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MindGeyser Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@Deirdre, It’s what Hockey players do, but I’d much rather him get well than earn stripes in losing efforts he could have helped turn around when healthy.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@Deirdre, It was how he followed it up that interested me, “That’s what is frustrating …”, etc.
He seemed to be emphasizing that there’s no accounting for what’s going on.
Could it be that he’s not hurting at all and it is simply down to a bad offensive drop off?!
I’ve got a lot of belief in Mike and that line seems to do ok DEfensively.
The other end of the ice is a conundrum however..
[Reply]
Deirdre Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
@Duncanz, I think it might be both, he isn’t playing well and needs to pick up his offense, we’ve all seen that. But I konw from watching him these last 6 years how he changes his pace , etc. on ice when he’s playing thru or with something.
He’s looked better the last few games, esp in Carolina, I felt he played better But for a large part of Jan, there was no question someting was wrong. Post concussion? Maybe? Maybe the ‘upper body’ was his neck and it was something that was six week fix?
But I’ve never seen him to this long without putting up points, and it hurts to watch him try to do something with Stoll and Penner on the 2nd PP. That’s just not working.
I still hope that DL gets Kopi a winger and somebody falls off that line to Richards line because I don’t see SToll and Penner getting any better with ihm
He’s too fast for Penner and Stoll doesn’t have a skil set that works.
And Cohesion is not something you can force. This line doesn’t have it…Sutter I guess is hoping that will change. It wont’.
Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:28 pm
@Deirdre, Good stuff.
Yeah you’d have to figure there’s an issue – maybe a combination.
I wish like heck (and like you) that he recovers quickly.
I was thrilled with that trade and won’t look back, but boy, do we need MR 100%, or close to, at this point!!!
big_T Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
@kingsation8, Agree. He played most of last season with an injured wrist without a complaint to the media, so I’ve been thinking something really must not quite be right with him still; I’m hoping he didn’t rush back because the team was losing and with the new coaching change and all, he felt like he had to come back soon.
Probably doesn’t help that his wingers aren’t giving him much support either.
[Reply]
freezer flatten Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
@big_T, thats the kry. he has no help. how many times has he got into the zone and has no one to pass to?
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variable Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 6:25 pm
@kingsation8,
agreed…
the ricker makes no excuses…if he’s suited and plays, he’s gonna say he’s at 100%, even though he might not be…
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I would give anything to have a coach that understood how to use the Defensemen on Offense. Bring back Crawford for christ sakes, we lost with him but we had no goalies in his day. At least the kings could score back then.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
@johnjuan, Too bad you and I are the only ones who seem to feel that way about using the defensemen. I’m guessing we will be stuck till DL ultimately loses his job for failing to understand this also, and maybe we get a GM who does get it.
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
@johnjuan, If one can go back in time, hire TM when the Kings start the Lombardi era, then when the Kings need to get more offensively orientated, hire Crow.
[Reply]
if only Parse and Gagne could stay healthy…
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Kevco Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
@DEH, Parse was full of promise but never had a chance to prove he was worth the pick. I think many of us projected him to be better than he was. Gange, well it was of roll of the dice with his past.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 12:18 am
@Kevco, Didn’t Gagne play most all of last season and anyway anyone that plays is at risk for Concussion. I guess though it is tougher on those that have had them in the past, but even still I’ve seen other teams take chances on injury prone players and they have worked out so it was worth the risk. Plus there really wasn’t anything else left out there better then Gagne.
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I’ll tell you one thing that I think is missing from the stat sheets. Empty netters… Teams are equalizing on us early and not pulling their goalies. Those things add up and they tell a story.
“That doesn’t matter.. we already had the game at that point” I can only remember 2 EN goals this year. That can’t be right.. but each of the top line guys usually gets a couple of those every year. My thinking is that Kings scoring problem is also to large degree a third period problem. IF we go in a lead we lose it early.
I think if you tack on the ‘normal’ level of EN goals, we are seeing a slow year, worrisome but not the sole focus. Of course this is a circular problem, if we had the goals going in, we’d see more freebies.
I think Foxy and Miller got it exactly right talking about how if you don’t score, a single mistake costs you the game. In a 3-2 league, the first to 2 has a strong chance of picking up those empty netters and seeing all their numbers boosted.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
@Dilapidus,
Thank you! I mentioned that a couple of weeks ago
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 12:19 am
@DesertKing, I’ve noticed this in the past but the Kings haven’t really been good at scoring when the Goalie is pulled, so the fact they aren’t doing so this year isn’t a surprise.
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@variable, Richards is GREAT! He needs players!
Sutter should at least throw him a bone and put him on the Power Play with Kopi.
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His talents are being wasted on that line……Richards needs wingers with skills that compliment his game.
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palmspringskingsfan Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@Deadendcruiser,
I agree 100% Richards may be in a slump but he is one of the hardest workers and one of the smartest on the ice.
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I really don’t care what any of them have to say anymore. It’s time to put up or shut up. This is simply the most boring Kings team I’ve ever watched. Even the awful AHL/ journeyman squads in the Post- Gretzky 90′s weren’t this disappointing. At least you knew they were bad. Sure, sure. I know they’re still “in the thick of things” but my faith is waning.
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Kevco Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:34 pm
@xeropoint, Yes, super boring. My trips to staples are way down, if I’m going to be bored at least I want to be able to fall asleep on my couch watching.
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Dominick Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
@xeropoint, Hard not to have your faith rocked when their headed towards being the lowest scoring team in Kings history. Even more shocking is that this isn’t the least most talented line up I’ve ever seen from the Kings. Have to believe it can’t conitinue, but it’s hard to keep the faith.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@Dominick,
“Have to believe it can’t conitinue, but it’s hard to keep the faith.”
I think you’ve stumbled upon next years slogan, Dom.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
@xeropoint, I’ve got one …
= SERIOUS HOCKEY =
jess Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
@xeropoint,
Ditto
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So the game is on national TV tomorrow, better not play like $#!+!!
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Wings not getting it done in PHX tonight.
Heat turning up just below us again.
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Lakers lose, coyotes win, ducks up 2-0 on the flames in the first. What a bad night
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
@KH, kinda want Ducks to win tonight game because they are way down there and the Flames are close to the Kings
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Steve W Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:46 pm
@KH, And the Clippers win. Love it!
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Dominick Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
@Steve W, Ducks winning is a good thing. Calgary is closer to threatening our position than the Ducks, and the Ducks can only lose 5 more games before their out of the race all together.
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KH Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
@Dominick, Still hate seeing the ducks winning regardless. I guess it’s a lose lose either way…
i say…..Clifford – Richards – Lewis or hell either Richardson..Remember the first game of the season Richards got his first goal because of Richardson…
Penner – Stoll – Lokti
Richardson/Lewis – Fraser – westy/Hunter
Got to keep the first line the same Brown – Kopi – Williams…If not keep Kopi with Williams some how Williams and Kopi work very well together.
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An encouraging stat for tomorrow’s game. Tampa Bay is dead last in goals per game at 3.33.
Although the Kings are dead last in goals per game at 2.09. Something’s gotta give, lets hope it’s TB’s defense.
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Dominick Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 7:56 pm
@CB14, Allowed/scored respectively?
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
@Dominick, Ohh, my bad. Dead last in goals per game ALLOWED. Can’t believe I forgot that part.
TB – 3.33 against : 2.84 for
LA – 2.08 against : 2.09 for
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number 6 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
@CB14,
Well, figured it had to be something like that. But the Kings have done a job of making some average goaltenders look like Vezina candidates this year. Good, I hate making posts like this. The problem is…. its actually rather true. I just so wish it wasn’t like this this year.
Good, I can’t imagine what the team and the management must be feeling like. It’s rather hard to imagine that two or three players are just gonna snap out of it and start scoring at a torrid pace, as not one single forward is having even a rather ‘normal’ season…..(except Kopi), never mind an outstanding season. Usually you get like one or two…. but every single forward on the entire team other than Kopi has gone backwards. It’s incredible.
number 6 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@CB14,
I meant, God, I hate…. not ‘good I hate’…. serves me right probably.
and Sutter made the valid point that Richards isn’t getting much help from his linemates
See, I totally disagree with Sutter on this point. It’s not fair to say he isn’t getting much help from his linemates.
It would be more accurate to say he’s had absolutely no help whatsoever from his linemates, though Penner did score a goal a few games a go. So I guess it’s a question of semantics really.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@number 6,
How about we double shift our 1st liners with Richards, er, uh, nevermind, I just remembered our 1st liners are really actually 2nd liners on most other teams.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 12:29 am
@DesertKing, This leads us back to the biggest problem Dean has had since he took over as GM of the Kings. Finding a winger to play with Kopi. When I say winger I mean top 3 guy. Sorry but Brown and Williams aren’t that. They would be great on the 2nd line with Richards and that would help Richards. Penner was hoped to be that guy for Kopi but that has been a bust. Hopefully Dean can find the guy whether it is Parise, Nash, Carter, or whomever.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 7:21 am
@Jeff_R,
Agree!
Sutter: ‘In some situations you say, `Well, he should have shot,’’ but that’s not where he normally shoots. He’s looking to make a play, and he’s making it but he needs guys to finish for him.’
If Richie was with a supermodel, she could make a damning statement on behalf of MR the same way Gisele did today regarding the receivers not catching Tom Brady’s passes last night. It was on the internet.
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Im here in Tampa! can’t sleep can’t wait for tomorrow nights game, for two reasons. One, never been to a Kings game here in Tampa and two, i get to take my four year old to the game and he’s more excited than me! Hopefully the players will be a little more positive towards us fans this time around. Back a couple years ago when the kings won 7-1 against the Panthers (Avery’s last game as a king) the players seemed none to interested in kings fans showing support. The only one that was willing to say anything to us was Army (dereck Armstrong). I asked Sean Avery who was in the hallway coming out for a picture and he stuck out his middle finger… shocking. Anyway been a fan for 24 years and now passing my misery on to my son. I know sometimes we take this game so seriously and we get so emotional about things but when it comes down to it, it’s a game and just to look down at your 4 year olds face when he see’s the ice and the players really is what its all about! after tomorrow it’s on to the Panthers game. I can report on the games if anyone is interested. That should be a great “revenge game” Can’t wait!! Go Kings Go!!
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:39 pm
@flakingsfan, Have fun at the games with your son. Please do report back to us how it went. Avery always was, and still is, a word I can’t write on this blog because it would break the rules.
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flakingsfan Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
@CB14,
Thanks CB, I will. I am interested in seeing how this game will play out. Ive been to some lightning games and theyve always beed real exciting, up tempo games. We play a very boring style game and I actually hope that the Kings get away from their game plan a little and just play. I think we can afford to play a more open style game because we have Quick in the back end. I’ve been trying to think back at all of the players we have aquired over the years and really only a few have worked out. It seems it doeant matter who we get when they come here their game goes to hell. I think only Gretzky, Sandstrom, Granato, Pallfy, Allison and Deadmarsh ( I’m sure a few others) had any success when coming here… It has to be the system. Since the devils starting winning those cups with defense it seems like the kings have always tryed to do the same, now more than ever. I relly believe defense wins cups but we are L.A! home of showtime! Home of stars! but more importantly the entertainment captal of the world! Now go out and entertain! Bring some excitment, creativity or something. Open things up a little and let the players do what they do best. If we never win a cup so be it… but atleast the games will be fun to watch!
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
@flakingsfan, I completly agree with you regarding the Kings scoring problems. Different players, same results.
DesertKing Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:57 pm
@CB14,
I think the word you are looking for to describe Avery is “tool.”
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@DesertKing, That and about 10 other words.
Subby Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@flakingsfan, so jealous! have fun!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
@flakingsfan, What a shame that Avery has such a chip on his shoulder that he probably thought you were trying to wind him up. Could he see your Kings jersey?
Perhaps of you’d been in a dress by Yves Saint Laurent he’d have been interested …
Hope you both enjoy tomorrow and please post us some real-time in-house impressions if you’re able!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
@flakingsfan,
Make sure you try to get Greene’s attention. He is really good with young fans. At HocketFest a couple of years ago, my son tried to get his autograph but security prevented it. Greener told him to meet him at the back door to the media room. We waited about a half hour and Greene showed up just as he said he would. He signed all of my son’s stuff and was very nice. Westy is also pretty fan friendly. Good luck and have fun!
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All of us going back and forth. It’s good knowing that we as a fan base still are looking for answer. Tomorrow will be a big game. If we should happen to lose this blog site will blow up. We have got to get two points. I don’t care how we do it. Just get two points. We still have a chance to make the playoffs. In a 7 game series “D” always wins out. I really feel that if we make the post season we will step up and win some games. Of course I want to say “win it all” because the way I look at it,rather you lose in the regular season, post season, or in the final. You still have lost. So we have to start winning some games and start scoring some goals, continue to play tough “D” Really we do have one of the best “D” teams in hockey. Of course I’m always like this right before a Kings game. I start believing that our next game will be the game that starts a win streak of 7-10 games. What are the most wins in a row this season? What is it like 3. Time to get on a roll…
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KingMe20 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
A winning streak doth soothe the savage blog…
Believe me, I’d much rather be singing their praises than bemoaning their faults, but lately, there been little to praise aside from Quick and Bernier’s games (yes, he let in a bad one the other night, but letting in only two ought to be enough). The loss to St. Louis is at least understandable, but Carolina is not a good team, and we saw yet another case of a let down against a team that’s supposedly inferior. I can’t blame others for being upset because I am too.
That said, I haven’t burned my jerseys, nor given away my tickets. I’m a Kings fan until I leave this world, no matter who’s on the roster, or how poor the results may be. I expect a turnaround tomorrow, and I’ll even predict goals for Kopitar, Brown and Richards. Go Kings!
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 10:26 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
D always wins in 7 game series? I think reality is that skilled teams playing committed hockey in all three zones win. Nuks and Bruins were finalists last year, after all.
D wins when skilled teams get squirrely. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. But I’ll take the skilled team that can play a variety of styles and can lock it down in the playoffs over a lock down team that hopes to get by on that alone. The skilled team has a better chance of capitalizing on opportunities in a low scoring game.
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Penner-Richards-Williams
Brown-Kopitar-Stoll
Clifford-Loktionov-Lewis
Richardson-Fraser-Westgarth/Hunter
Scuderi-Doughty
Mitchell-Johnson
Martinez-Greene
Drewiske-Voynov
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Mars Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
@Subby, Too bad we cant just say eff it and move Richards up with Kopi and Brown, but then we would be repeating history of converting centers to wingers.
I know our 3n4 lines have been doing better with more ice time, but does anyone think less ice time for 1′s n 2′s could be the point of drop off? I am just wondering if having Kopi on the ice less is what has dropped some of his production.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 12:21 am
@Mars, They already tried Richards with Kopi, when Sutter first took over. Since you seem to have forgot about it, shows just how well it went.
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I hate having to root for the Ducks -_-
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Solution for DL. Bring back Ziggy Palffy and put him on the Richards line. That was the last player that I remember the kings had that could make the defense back off. None of our players have that respect.
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Subby Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@Cruiznblue, IVE BEEN SAYING THAT FOR YEARS !
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Mars Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@Cruiznblue, I could dust off my Jersey! It would be nice to wear it again!
Seriously though, Richards is kind of being setup to fail with Penner, Stoll is just having a really bad year, hope he snaps outta it fast. I like Stoll and want him to do great. I wish the best for Penner, but know he cant do it. in 2 or 3 years (when everyone wises up) he will be a Moreau.
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Subby Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 9:28 am
@Mars, I still wear my Palffy All Stars jersey ^_^
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Richards must feel like Carter about now
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Thank You Quacks. It pains me to say that.
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I’m beginning to think that ’93 was actually our best shot.
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Kenny44 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
@Tony in Denver, A curved stick minor? Really?
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PHO wins, ANA beats CAL in a so
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things will be much better once stoll and dustin p get out of those scoring slumps that have hampered them for the last ten months or so. in the mean time, good to see scott gomez is available. he would fit right in…
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bbb7 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 8:05 am
@11 or 3, zing!
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Testing…1,2,3
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Lets get Rick Nash from Columbus. I think they’d take Johnson and Brown. Then let Penner and Stoll go in the offseason and bring in Parise. Imagine Parise/Kopitar/Nash line.
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F U all go kings go. 5-0 kings win tomorrow.
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CB14 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
@Harman, Ahh, the joys of the internet. Have fun in the cornfield.
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puck73 Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:15 pm
@Harman, Your toast.
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Dominick Reply:
February 6th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
@Harman, Lucky Rich is sleepin right now. If he’s not, I’m gonna start using that. LOL
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DesertKing Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 7:23 am
@Harman,
Someone didn’t sleep at a Holiday Inn last night. I really can’t stand Florida University fans
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Michael J. Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 8:48 am
@Harman,
Florida University? Never heard of that.
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I think its funny that we wonder why we don’t score more goals. Of our top 3 lines (top 9 guys) we have 6 natural centers, 2 natural right wings, and 1 natural left wing. I believe this is the fundamental issue…
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I feel for Mike Richards. This is an AWESOME player that brings his “A” game EVERY time. He is a VERY talented player that you can’t ask more from. But when you some sorry wingers that play along the side of him with Richardson, Clifford, Lewis, Penner, Stoll, and etc… there is not going to be very much going on for Richards when they are no decent players along the side of him.
SOME TRADE IDEAS;
Trade PENNER for Brad Boyes of Sabres, so then at-least there is a player who is known as a sniper (I would say).
Then trade Trevor Lewis to Tampa Bay Lightning for Dominic Moore and 2nd or 3rd rnd. pick. He is a great versatile player who could play any three positions, great on face-offs, great skating, great penalty kill specialist, pretty solid two-way game (more than you could say for Richardson or Lewis).
As for Martinez, since LA has already too much on defense with players like; Drewiskie, Martinez (himself), Hickey, Muzzin, and etc… he is DEFinitely expandable. So trade Martinez or Drewiskie to Chicago for a 3nd rnd. pick (if Martinez) 3rd rnd. pick (if wisky).
Move Stoll back to 3rd line center duties where he be key down the stretch of season if Kings make playoffs due to his faceoff greatness and giving Kings three deep down the middle with Richards and Kopitar.
MOST OF ALL before it is TOO LATE, if NOT ALREADY?, but to get RID OF JAMIE KOMPON that TOOL.
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AZ King Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 6:50 am
@Brown23,
Calling Boyes a sniper is a bit if a stretch. Yes he had two really good seasons, but he’s had more sub-par years than good ones. This year is not going well for him, and from what I’ve read, Sabres fans would be happy to be rid of him. Maybe a change of scenery would help, but I’m not sold on him
Moore could be interesting, although I don’t know if he would have the same offensive success outside of Tampa Bay. Again he had a good year last year, but so far that seems to be an anomaly. He’s not going to get anywhere near those numbers this year. He’s also a career minus player, so that seems to shoot holes in the hole “great two-way game” thing. I’m not sure we’re really upgrading anything here. Both Lewis and Richardson can play all 3 forward positions, are great skaters, and are great penalty killers.
I agree about Martinez/Drewiske. All we’re going to probably get for them is a mid-range draft pick, unless they are packaged as part of another trade.
I also agree about Stoll moving back to the 3rd line center. That’s where he should have been all season.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 7:25 am
@AZ King,
And I agree with getting rid of Kompon. I don’t think it is too coincidental that our offensive woes started when he took over the offense and PP coaching duties.
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KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 8:41 am
@Brown23, Good post, although most would argue Stoll at 3rd center doesn’t get you 3 deep at center. It gives you a 3rd line without any promise of the 3rd line doing anything offensively. Talk is that we are deep at center, but as far as I can see with have 2 centers that are worth there salt and the rest have zero offensive capabilities.
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I’m starting to wonder if the Kings doctors and training staff are clearing these guys to play again too soon? Think about it. Richards. Kopitar. Doughty. Mitchell. Penner. Every guy who has suffered an injury that took them out of the lineup for even a small amount of time can’t score when they get back into the games. Maybe they’re not really ready but the team is clearing them to play too quickly?
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Cesar A Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 6:06 am
@PaulHB, Why are you making excuses for the Kings poor offense. Kings players should be professional enough to know if they playing with an existing injury. The Kings offense is very poor at the moment. It is simply as that! I will be very surprised if they even score two goals tonight in Tampa.
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Shakes Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 6:08 am
@PaulHB,
the flip side is that I think a lot of players generally take a little while to get going after being cleared (Crosby and Giroux aside)
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my only moment of concern arose when i started seeing this epic stream of doggie pics on Richard’s twitter feed. the dude loves his dog.
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Something to think about. Last year who were our best forwards for screening the goalie and creating traffic in front of the other teams net?
Zues and Smyth.
Who did we get in return to provide the same talent?
Nada.
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puck73 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 7:01 am
@KC23, There is truth in what you said. But also, many on this site were happy that the guy skating around with the piano on his back (Smyth) and the slower then molasses (Handzus) and their high cap hits were gone. Dean Lombardi heard many of us on this site, and got rid of them.
Now this team has the 2nd line center it needed and their offense still sucks. Sutter and Nicholls have tinkered with Murrays system and at times have gotten better results, but the fact is with the rules the way they are since the 05 lockout, TM’s 1990′s system has to be scrapped completely or it doesnt matter if the Kings bring in Crosby, he will struggle as well.
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KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 8:05 am
@puck73, I was one of those glad to be rid of Smyth’s contract, but at least we were getting something for our money with Smyth. Zues otoh I was not glad to see gone. Would of much rather had Zues than Stoll this year.
Hind sight says otherwise, but Gagne for Smyth looked good, especially considering it was nearly half the cap hit.
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bbb7 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 8:17 am
@KC23, I still dont understand the love with Smyth and Zus. In their day they were great; last year, not so much. Slow and slower. And this season, tho Smyth started well, he’s got 1 goal 3 assists in his last 15 games and all of FOUR goals in his last 31 games since Thanksgiving. He wouldnt help us one bit. Zus has five goals all season in SJ; how would that help us?
I agree with puck72, the problem is we upgraded our talent and – altho we lost Gagne which hurts for sure – the system employed here stifles them. On occasion (like in the first few games after Sutter took over) the Kings for some reason switch into a fast paced, quick counter team and you can SEE the potential is there… but soon they fall back into old habits and it’s MOTSOL (more of the same only less). A fundamental transformation of the offense needs to be made. Oh, and get some 2nd/3rd line guys who can hit the broad side of a barn AND occasionally get a shot into the barn thru a window.
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KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 9:13 am
@bbb7, Fair take, but just about anything looks better than what Stoll and Penner have done for us this year. You point of Smyth’s fall off would be valid (“And this season, tho Smyth started well, he’s got 1 goal 3 assists in his last 15 games and all of FOUR goals in his last 31 games since Thanksgiving.”) except that Penner has 4 goals ALL YEAR.
Zues 5 goals 15 assists
Smyth 16 goals 20 assists
Penner 4 goals 8 assists
Stoll 5 goals 9 assists
Spin it anyway you want, but that is a significant down grade.
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SLG1013 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 10:08 am
@KC23, Yes, it hasn’t worked out as was probably planned, but last year Zues had 12 goals, 18 assists and Stoll had 20 goals and 23 assists, and Stoll was under contract for an additional year. It certainly made sense to me at the time to let Zues walk and have Stoll take his spot as the third line center. Stoll, however, is not the same player this year as last…
bbb7 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 10:51 am
@KC23, I dont deny Stoll and Penner have been awful, but they are not the replacements for Smyth and Zus. They were already here. IF Gagne had stayed somewhat healthy (and yes, that’s a big IF) he likely would have put up numbers similar to his 17-23-40 of the past 2 seasons. Likely better than Smyth would have contributed and at 50% of the cost. As for Zus, we have plenty of guys who can score 8 goals.. okay, not plenty but enough. We need some who can score 15. We DO miss Zus in shootouts, I concede.
Yes Kings made a big mistake letting Zues get away but as long as 1st line scores like everyone else’s third line Kings won’t move past first round if they even make playoffs time for a change. JJ to a winger or to another team drew for a scorer kopi for a scorer yea he leads Kings but 16 freaking goals and half of those on power play
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Gustavo Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 7:22 am
@oneblue1,
I’d not trade Kopi for Stamkos or even a healthy Crosby. Just change the system a little so he has less special teams responsibilities and keep him from playing like a 3rd D-man all game long.
Kopi is a natural offensive monster that gets shackled with defense duties ALL game long.
PLEASE dl, RELEASE THE kRACKEN !!!!
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puck73 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 7:32 am
@Gustavo, One of your best, and most succinct post’s ever IMO.
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OWOW! If anyone can find a decent utube video of the NY Giants plane ride home singing “we got a ring”‘, the player leading the song is wearing a KINGS hat I’m pretty sure it’s LA and not Sacto. I saw it in early morning news channel.
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Lets turn it it around today boys!
GKG
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Looking more and more like we’re going to end up with the worst offense in the history of the franchise. No deals are likely imho. Bright side is that no deal is better than a bad deal (see last years Penner deal).
I have pretty much written this year off as a huge fail on DL’s part. DL went over board on making sure we had a good defense and goal tending, but failed to give us anything better than the absolutely worst offense in our history.
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puck73 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 8:28 am
@KC23, Not having a healthy Gagne and Parse has really hurt. They would have performed better then anything we have currently on wing under Sutter and Nicholls. That being said, this is where we are at currently. Dean has no choice, he has to bring in a winger or 2 to help bolster this offense or you will be right, EPIC FAIL.
This whole thing goes back to Deans philosophy that wingers are easily replaceable compared to the other 3 positions. Well. as Dean is finding out in the post lockout era…He is DEAD WRONG.
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KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 9:42 am
@puck73, One thing that is kinda weird but true. Because the King’s are so healthy at defense coupled with the DL not moving one of our defenseman to get a forward, we are stuck with 2 defenseman as our scratches. Voynov is our only 2 way contract.
Honestly. At this point perhaps Voynov needs to go back to Manchester so we can get a look at some Manchester forwards such as King, Nolan and Cliche. Might as well because it is becoming pretty obvious that we are on the fast track to a 1 and done playoffs assuming we make the playoffs at all.
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Why don’t we try to shuffle the deck. I believe we did not have a plan in place once Gags went down. But if you see it the way I am, Penner is the highest paid LW we have, so play himn with our best center… Kopitar. He also needs speed around him to be effective, i.e Hemsky so pencil in Williams on RW
Keep Richards away from Stoll and Penner, and Keep Stoll and Penner away from eacth other, no use beating a dead horse DS, these guys have no chemistry. Ricahrds needs some speed and skill, pencil in Loktinov and Brown.
Please put Lewis back at center, he is not fit to play wing, can”t use his speed, at center he can see the play and use his speed alot better, there will be more open ice for him.
Demote Stoll to 4th line duties. A veteran line that can play tough in corners.
Penner Kopitar Williams
Loctinov Richards Brown
Clifford Lewis Richardson
Fraser Stoll Hunter
I am not saying that this will generate more goals but if more than one player catches fire, i will be ok with that.
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KC23 Reply:
February 7th, 2012 at 9:46 am
@KingKopitar, Not bad, but not sure Fraser at wing works. I wonder how Clifford Fraser and Lewis would look as a third line. Put Stoll down with Westgarth/Hunter and Richardson.
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