Thursday skate update « LA Kings Insider

Thursday skate update

Posted by Rich Hammond on 9 February 2012, 9:30 am

No changes are expected for the Kings tonight in Florida, as Jonathan Quick was the first goalie off the ice and Davis Drewiske, Slava Voynov and Kevin Westgarth were the extra skaters. We’ll have to see if there is any carry-over from the teams’ Dec. 1 meeting in Los Angeles, when Mike Richards suffered a concussion after a hit from Sean Bergenheim, but that seems like a very, very long time ago. More notes and quotes to come…

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97 Comments

gene says:

February 9, 2012 at 9:33 am

The kings are not known for sticking up for one another. Maybe that is why Richards does not play like he did at Phili.

[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:20 am
@gene, Yes, let’s fight after every hit. Thay should help. Good hit/bad hit?!?! Who cares, this isn’t hockey

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mckinggolf Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:56 am
@Lake Forest, They don’t have to fight after every hit, but they should stick up for each other.

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pitty Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:09 am
@Lake Forest, That was a bad hit in fact it was two bad hits. And yes it is Hockey just not the new Betman hockey

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KingsGuy Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:03 am
@gene, I don’t know if I agree with that comment… Especially when it comes to our goaltenders.

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JWRocks! Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:24 am
@gene, “Not known for sticking up for each other”? according to who? it’s really irritating seeing people make thier own opinions sound as if it’s an established fact througout the NHL!
I’m confident we can find plenty of video evidence to disprove your theory.

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KingsFan79 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:32 am
@JWRocks!, you know, i actually have to agree with this. What I don’t like most about our boys is that they don’t play a physical game, let alone stick up for each other. Can you name players other than RIchards and Cliffy (and Westy and, formerly, Simmer) who actually brawl to make a point? Look, I’ve been an honest Kings fan for 30+ years and there have been some great players in our franchise who have shown they are ‘men of their words’ when they stick up for someone else and duke the crap out of an opposing player. With our team now, unfortunately, there aren’t many players that would. I get it, let’s not take a stupid penalty, but when push comes to shove and a team is potentially eliminating your key player from the lineup or an entire season, I’m gloves off, bud.

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gene Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
@KingsFan79, agree 100%
deadcatbounce says:

February 9, 2012 at 9:37 am

The Kings need to worry more about getting two points than they do about settling scores.

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wavesinair Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:39 am
@deadcatbounce,

This almost sounds like a Yogi Berra quote.

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DesertKing Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:52 am
@wavesinair,

This is baseball isn’t it?

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John Roy Morgan Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@DesertKing, Who’s on first? :-X

What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@wavesinair, Would have been even better if it was “more about SCORING two points than about settling scores.” A little prosaic license.

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Stuart says:

February 9, 2012 at 9:38 am

I would gladly take a 2:00 roughing (I’m sure our PK would kill it) to see a little blood on Burgertime’s face…

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Cruiznblue Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:42 am
@Stuart,

Agreed. Time for Brown to step up and put him in his place. I think if DB gets involve physically it will send a message to the rest of the team.

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tantrum4 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:49 am
@Cruiznblue,

Brown? He’s not much of a fighter. I don’t think a very good message would get sent.

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Cruiznblue Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:14 am
@tantrum4,

He doesnt have to fight him to send a message. He needs get on the ice the same time as Bergenheim to lay him out…he is more than capable of doing that.

Eric Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:52 am
@Cruiznblue,

You realize you’re talking about Dustin Brown, right? He’s not that kind of player/leader/captain

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Cruiznblue Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:12 am
@Eric,

I know he isn’t…but he needs to be. I dont expect him to go out and start fighting everyone…but just has to get more in your face at times.

KC23 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
@Cruiznblue, Not gonna happen. It is really my one and only beef with Brown. He never sticks up for his line mates. He has a lot of other fantastic attributes, but not that one.

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Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:44 am
@Stuart,

I think at this point, its not about killing the PK, but in fact needing that 2 mins trying to tie the game at 1-1.

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wavesinair Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:50 am
@Stuart,

Calling for blood, eh?

That’s not hockey. That’s just violence.

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Stuart Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:55 am
@wavesinair, true. but once they get that little piece of housecleaning taken care of, they can play some serious hockey!

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deadcatbounce Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:26 am
@Stuart, You must have applauded Mr. Bertuzzi’s hit on Mr. Moore, then.

Stuart Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@deadcatbounce, for fear of offending I’ll save that discussion for another time although I wouldn’t go so far as saying “applauded”…

deadcatbounce Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:59 am
@wavesinair, Some people see vengeance as the answer for everything. Sad commentary on humankind, isn’t it?

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Stuart Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:05 am
@deadcatbounce, sadder commentary on humankind when someone takes an incident in a hockey GAME and makes grand sweeping generalizations about humankind… please, stop the aggrandizement and see it for what it is…bad blood between teams and a quasi-sanctioned “vengeance” that’s been a part of this game for decades.

Dilapidus Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:17 am
@deadcatbounce,

Dead on Mr. Cat. And Stuart.. the generalization fits perfectly. Calling for someone to get hurt is completely unacceptable. I am with DesertKing below. Hit him clean and in my opinion hit him every possible chance you get.

If I wanted to see ridiculous scripted pseudo fights, I’d watch Wrestling.

What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@wavesinair, Not to mention there aren’t any 2-minute blood penalties.

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Michael J. Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:52 am
@Stuart,

I don’t want to see blood, but wouldn’t it be nice if the captain did step up in a way for his player?

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DesertKing Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:54 am
@Michael J.,

Nice hip check into the Florida bench, completely clean, no interference, no penalty, no injury and message sent to both BurgerTime and the entire Panthers team..

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Michael_DD8 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:56 am
@Michael J.,

As i understand Brown is trying to be a leader, and starting by us ‘needing’ him and not taking a longer penalty needed where he is in the box useless. However, i think Dustin Brown should be good for a COUPLE fighting infractions in a season. Not every game, not every other game, but when he knows its necessary, which there have been a few times, would be nice to see him drop them.

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Michael J. Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:00 am
@Michael_DD8,

I’m not calling for anything illegal. Neverthelsee, it would be nice to see the Dustin Brown of days gone by re-appear.

Like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEGZPx3eA_g&feature=related

RedBear Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:10 am
@Michael J., I think a nice 3-0 victory would say everything.

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pautna Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:16 am
@RedBear, Snap!

Michael J. Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:51 am
@RedBear,

Scoreboard is the best redemption indeed.

LA_1968 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:57 am
@Stuart, I remember the game, hit on Richards, and the coach’s lame comments afterwords, but was this same game when in the postgame Moreau said the refs told him “you guys have had a few chances to ‘get him’” and the guy wouldn’t fight (Bergenheim I presume)?

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Stuart Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:02 am
@LA_1968, none other… I’m not sanctioning anyone Bert-Uzzi on him, but there comes a time when and if a player who deserves to dance but refuses, is FORCED to… whether or not burgertime turtles, ala dirt-Claude Lemieux, that’s up to him, in which case a full on donnybrook should ensue. Yes, 2 points are on the line, and 2 points are big in the grand view, but in a micro-way, putting a hurt on burgertime is worth WAY more to the locker room than it does to the standings… but what do I know? Not a damn thing!

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FKA PakiFro Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@Stuart,

I think some solid hits would do the same. Not injuring the guy or anything, but certainly leave him wondering if he should really go after that loose puck. If the hits lead to more bad blood, then the scrappers will step up. I do think Westgarth should play, but moreseo becasue he’s a far better player than Trent Hunter has been for the Kings.

Belexes Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:07 am
@Stuart,

Your view is mine as well. A short term message can have long term implications.

LA_1968 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:10 am
@Stuart, I see Brown hitting everything in sight, more than normal, until at least it happens to be Bergenheim. Greener too. Basically the Kings will plan an extra physical game. Fights may or may not breakout depending on what FLA wants to do. Everyone said that hit on MR was clean but to me he lined his should up with MR’s head. I guess the Kings would plan on more of the same “clean” hits tonight.

Stuart Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:28 am
@FKA PakiFro, I would love nothing more than to see burgertime alligator-arm a few plays along the boards after a couple of “clean” pastings…

deadcatbounce Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:33 am
@Stuart, Completely agree with your last observation!

purple and gold Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:39 am
@Stuart, I’d love to see the gloves drop with the first faceoff puck drop, Like in the rangers game the other night. Send a message to the league and the all the players on the kings that this team is a unit that sticks up for it selves and its players. The message and the unity that it would bring could pull this team closer together something I think these boys still need. A little more chemistry could increase the lamp lighting.

Devilmachine Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:51 am
@Stuart, Exactly!

deadcatbounce Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:31 am
@Stuart, A roughing penalty involving blood would probably result in a double minor, and you know what the Kings PK has been like lately, don’t you? Oh well, as long as we draw some blood…

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Stuart Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:35 am
@deadcatbounce, a comment was already deleted, so I’ll leave this discussion alone…we’ll just see how the game plays out.

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variable Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:42 am
@Stuart,

nothing like the fighting/revenge element of hockey and tonight’s game to spark a…eh, um…”friendly” fire of emotional opinions about how the kings should approach it…

i hope they just win the game…if they win the undercard, as well, then that’s a good thing, i guess…but as long as it’s within the rules…

no suspensions and no injuries, please…(!)

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Stuart Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:55 am
@variable, amen brother!

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ILLEGALSTICK33 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:33 am
@Stuart, You guys all crack me up. This is the Kings were talking about. Not the Broad Street bullies. I can remeber many games in recent history where pay back was in order and nothing happened. If something happens I will be shocked. Westy not in the team would be stupid. Why is he on the roster if your not going to dress him tonight? For fighting reasons only. Thats his job. No wait…. Lets let one of our other guys like Williams Kopi Brown or Richards Get into a scrap and break a hand or something. Thats the Kings way.

I remember when Ivanadis was our infrorcer and he was on the IR for a long stretch. We did nothing to replace him. Cammalleri got into a scrap sticking up for someone and got hurt. We have a group of tough players and there will be times when they need to step up but tonight is for WESTY!!! or Clifford…they can handle it. We need or top guys to fill the net.

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deadcatbounce Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
@Stuart, Bench-clearing brawls were a part of the game for decades until the NHL had the good sense to ban it.

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Cruiznblue says:

February 9, 2012 at 9:40 am

Let’s get a win streak going! GKG!

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Gustavo says:

February 9, 2012 at 9:47 am

Make sure the game is in the bag…then settle scores.

And heck NO, Rich, it was not that long ago. The faithful fans still remember as if it was yesterday. I’m sure the entire team is also painfully aware what it cost us to have MR down with a concussion, not knowing how long he’d be out.

I cost unmeasurable amounts of stress and concern by all about MR’s health, goal production, points, position in the standings, etc etc etc. So a little (or a lot) of retribution is in order.

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Gustavo Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 9:47 am
@Gustavo,

It, not I

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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:16 am
@Gustavo, Agreed let the game develope. Win or lose payback towards the end.

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purple and gold Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:42 am
@Gustavo, payback at the end of the game just looks bad if your ahead you’re rubbing it in and if you’re behind it looks desperate. Get it out of the way at the beginning and then just play hockey.

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King-C says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:03 am

I’d like to see some payback too but doubt we’ll see it. We are just not that type of team. That kind of action requires heart, which is missing from our team this year. DB has become a softy and the rest of the team follows their captain. I’d be happy with two points and no injuries to our players.

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fsd1 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:08 am
@King-C, DB a softie? Invalidates any statement you made above.

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Belexes says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:04 am

You want to stop these concussions? Reduce the effectiveness of these stormtrooper shoulder pads, and rescind the instigator rule. Guys like Bergenheim, Cooke, Rinaldo, Downey, etc. will get the message.

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purple and gold Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@Belexes, I couldn’t agree more.

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TeamJMFJ Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:48 am
@Belexes, in Cookes defense…he has only 20 PIMS this year, no fights, no suspensions etc. Hes cleaned up his game.

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Michael J. Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:55 am
@Belexes,

I totally agree with you about the “armour” that these guys are wearing these days. Reduce the ammount of plastic or whatever they are made of and injuries will decrease.

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Devilmachine Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
@Michael J., I remember coming into hockey from a football background in the early ’80′s and joked that I was going to bring my football pads and wear those to play. Well, guess what? Take a look at all these 6’3″ 185 lbs kids with their small heads and giant pads and there you go!

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Kenny44 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
@Belexes, Exactly right, on both points. One more thing has had an impact – the crack down on high sticks. Watch some old school games and you’ll notice that guys about to take a hit usually would get their sticks and elbows up as a deterrent and to protect their heads. And you didn’t see as many guys running right through people at full speed, as a result.

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Steve C says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:07 am

Hopefully someone checks Begenheim with a clean hit. Also I hope every line chips in a goal each.

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Belexes Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:19 am
@Steve C,

“Clean,” as in Clean-your-clock hit!

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Steve C Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:23 am
@Belexes, Agreed

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rogiesbackup says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:19 am

Any hits to the head whether accidental or not should impose a penalty just like the high sticking rule. If the league is serious about lowering widespread concussions.

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Lake Forest says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:22 am

Can we call him BoogerTime?

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tornado12 Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:33 am
@Lake Forest, I am partial to Boogerslime

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nickdoh says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:42 am

Very, very long time ago? NAH! It feels like only yesterday. They don’t play often so the memories stay. I’d expect a couple scuffles in this one. Sad to see Westgarth a scratch.

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rogiesbackup says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:46 am

******************************OT*******************************

I would like to see NHL goalies have a “third mask” where they go retro and play with the old style mask they wore in the seventies. Curious to see what style/paint scheme Quick or Lundquist would choose and I would love to see Quick making one of his awesome saves with a classic mask.

Many of you don’t know what it feels like to see a goalie in person with one of those classic masks. When I saw Bernie Parent, Gary Edwards, and Ed Giacomin at the Fabulous Forum it really looked like a robot out there on the ice…..WAS SOOOOOOOOO COOOOL!!!!

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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 10:48 am
Oh, I forgot. They would ONLY use this in a pre-season game!!

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Kingsfan602 says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:48 am

U guys remember when MR stood up when kopi got hit and went into the boards? I feel ya ppl need to step up for there teammates even if it will cost them a penalty. For example cliffy in last game stood up for amart and green? Got the only roughing call then the hockey gods shined thru the light and scuds set him up perfectly right out of the pbox and cliffy scored a beauty! Not saying this wil always happen but i know if u stick up for friends and teammates ur bond becomes closer.

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McFame says:

February 9, 2012 at 10:54 am

The only reason I can still see AMart in the line-up is DL is hoping he picks up his game to make that trading chip more valueable. He was awful in TB!

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DEH Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
@McFame, that and he want to bring JJ with Mitchell.

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DaveinSD says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:03 am

in retaliation to the Bergenheim hit to the head, I would like to see gloves dropped at the opening faceoff, but I see that Westgarth is not going to suit up, so much for that idea!

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jonsey says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:03 am

Brown used to fight. Didn’t he? When was his last fight? I think Kopitar has more fights in the last 3 years!

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kenny Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:50 am
@jonsey, I think Browns last fight was when they played the Dallas Stars years ago and he hit Marty Turco in the boards

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JackKentCooke says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:25 am

I am not advocating this, of course, but more effective revenge can be administered by taking out one of their skill players or goalie.

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petemagoop Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 11:32 am
@JackKentCooke, I’d rather have a six one win and Bergenheim gets a **** kicken

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KingSurfer says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:29 am

“long long time ago” my ass. We’re talking about 2 months here Rich, not 2 years…

Behead Bergenheim!

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petemagoop says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:30 am

anyone watch the B’s and the Sabres last night?

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Canadian King says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:32 am

“Kick his ass C-Bass”

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Nickcypress says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:37 am

Brown should not be captain. Poor excuse for one so far.

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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:40 am

+++OFF-TOPIC POST+++

Ken Hitchcock explains the St. Louis winning system:

http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/14532/st-louis-blues-fully-reloaded

It’s all good, but ends with this nugget:

“Defensive speed wins
“The fastest teams now play fast defensively, not offensively. They overwhelm you with their work on D, and they hang on to the puck on offense. To win, you need defensive speed and offensive patience.””

–Get more size at the deadline, DL!

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PP Anybody? Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, and here is where it COMPLETELY differs from the Kings approach:

“Positions don’t matter. Once we force the turnover, we cease to be position players. The guy closest to the puck is 1, the next is 2, then 3 and 4 — whether they’re forwards or defensemen. It’s risky because the D can get caught up ice. But when it works, we can create odd-man rushes from turnovers.”

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BayAreaKingsFan says:

February 9, 2012 at 11:54 am

Hockey players have brains like elephants, no one’s forgotten. If you’ve watched hockey long enough, things like this can carry over as long as a season for these guys to right the wrongs of a game a year ago. I’m just curious to see if it’s going to be Bergenheim that answers the bell for Florida and which of the Kings does as well.

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deadcatbounce Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
@BayAreaKingsFan, Yes, I agree. Some of them even have memories like elephants.

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BayAreaKingsFan Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
@deadcatbounce, damn!! Touche…..

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deadcatbounce Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@BayAreaKingsFan, I couldn’t resist.
McSorleyfan says:

February 9, 2012 at 12:27 pm

Burgertime needs a reminder. The game may have been played 2 months ago, but has Mike Richards been the same since his return? Every game we still live with the results of that hit. I am not advocating Brown dropping his gloves anymore than I would advocate Greene dropping them. I have seen both men drop the mitts, and neither are very good at it. At least its been a while since anyone nominated Greene for enforcer…
Hockey is violent, but not all violence is hockey. When 10 guys with sticks skate in a confined area and collisions occur, this is violent. For it to be considered ho key, however, there must be accountability and responsibility imposed, by refs if possible, and by peers when plan A fails. The rest of the league is watching to see if we are letting bygones be bygones. I’m not suggesting burger be well done, but he needs some time over the coals.

[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
@McSorleyfan, I would tend to agree with your assessment.

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KC23 says:

February 9, 2012 at 2:39 pm

I’m gonna call it here … the person who gives the payback for Richards tonight …

Greene.

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petemagoop Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
@KC23, Richards,guaranteed

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McSorleyfan Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
@KC23, Funny thing, you’re probably right. Generally speaking, when Greene’s glvoes hit the ice his arse is soon to follow. His first punch frequently throws him off balance. That being said, he is willing to give it hell, and may well try if Cliffy doesn’t beat him to it, or Richards, for that matter. I still don’t like the idea of Richards risking his dome in its current state.

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DEH Reply:
February 9th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@KC23, Penner, to prove his worth.

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