Mike Richards’ postgame thoughts…
(on a possible hangover from the Phoenix game…)
RICHARDS: “It’s just about not getting it done. Everyone should know, in this league, that one game doesn’t carry over to the next. Every day is a new day. The effort that we came out with tonight, there’s no excuse. We’re fighting for a playoff spot and everything is on the line, and we came out flat. It’s our fault. It’s not getting ready for the game and being prepared, and that’s disappointing.’’
(on a full-team disappointment…)
RICHARDS: “It’s right across the board, right from me to the last guy on the roster. It’s tough to swallow, just not being ready for a game like this.’’
(on needing to play better in the last quarter of the season…)
RICHARDS: “Exactly. We’ve got to straighten things out here and play the way that we’re capable of playing. Now is the point of the season where every team starts stepping up and starts playing better, and we’ve got to match that and get better ourselves. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be one of the hardest things we’ve got to do. We’ve got to get on a roll and start playing better and start taking steps forward instead of taking steps behind. It’s going to come for us if we want to do it.’’
where have I heard this before… I SWEAR this sounds so familiar…?
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@jeffreyryan, Why do people harp on what the players say? What do you expect them to say?
[Reply]
jeffreyryan Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@Jeff_R, I dont care about what they say… same thing night after night gets REALLY old. Actions speak louder then words my friend.
[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:18 am
@jeffreyryan,
Maybe it’s because reporters ASK THE SAME QUESTION over and over. And over?
Media: “Why’d you lose?”
Player: “We weren’t good enough.”
Media: “What happened tonight?”
Player: “We weren’t good enough.”
Media: “How was this any different then the last game/win/loss?”
Player: “We weren’t good enough.”
See how that works?
OneTimer Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 am
@jeffreyryan,
And if actions speak louder than words (which I agree with) … then maybe there shouldn’t be as many, or ANY post-game interviews – since … ya know … spoken words are not “actions”.
wannabeking Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@Jeff_R, really there is nothing more they can say along with mutter from sutter.
[Reply]
KINGCANADA87 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@Jeff_R, So true.
[Reply]
OneTimer Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:14 am
@Jeff_R,
Agree 100%.
[Reply]
Sean Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
@jeffreyryan, yeah really, what are you expecting to hear? Its not like what he’s saying isn’t true, or doesn’t add up. Its repetetive, because their crap playing is repetetive. If you’re looking for what you wanna hear, I suggest dredging on a Politicians Insider. This is hockey man, cmon lol.
[Reply]
jeffreyryan Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:25 pm
@Sean, Right, because im the only here who is frustrated.
[Reply]
adanac Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@jeffreyryan, Yah! It starts with heart. And AIG, do not lay this one on DL or DS. We have a good team(overpaid)and I’m sure when we start next season. the stats for the those gone will still be as gruesome.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:42 pm
@jeffreyryan, its an interview. Do you expect him to act it out?
[Reply]
Don’t hold back start calling people out!
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@Mars, Like that would really help…..That is a coaches job not a player and I doubt Mike would ever do that publicly.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@Jeff_R, Something to stir the pot, Start some competition, feud, fight, anything to show they have some emotion and drive. Need to shake things up.
Maybe calling people out is bad, say how we failed protecting Quick and our D is falling apart, anything to get some hot blood going, the cool laid back blood isnt working.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:27 pm
@Mars, I’m sure that is what is going on behind closed doors. As much as you and I would like them to it publicly I just don’t think that would ever happen. With as perfect it seems to be in the locker room, team getting along and all. I just don’t think they do that to there friends. It could put a rift inside the locker room….
pesus Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@Jeff_R,
Then call out the coaches, or the system, something, somebody. Break something, throw some sticks, water bottles, gloves, helmets, fist fight each other, wrestle with the coach. Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@pesus, and @ Jeff_R,
I know they wont do it publicly, but after the lackluster games, not just this one, I want to know there drive and fight is there.
I want some attitude, some confidence. Even if we lose, I want to see them play their hearts out. I think the lack of effort is what is frustrating at times. I guess it would be better to say, give me a FULL 60 mins, not 20 or 40.
And I would love to see them wrestle with DS or anyone else, that would be hilarious.
The Puck Stops Here Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@Mars, He pointed the finger at himself. Each guy should step up and take responsibility. That’s what Rick did here. I respect that. Guys who call out team mates aren’t leading by example, that’s called looking for a scape goat.
[Reply]
Boy he really sounds like a captain.
[Reply]
Blueliner Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
@zulov, agree. I love Brown but Richards is our captain next season.
[Reply]
KingsGuy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:09 am
@Blueliner, Yup!
[Reply]
jofa6000 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@zulov, yes he does… i think brown would play better without the C on his chest.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
@zulov,
1rst off, Richards doesn’t want to be Captain. The most appealing thing about coming to LA was that he could just be a player again.
2nd, if you think sewing a “C” on Richards chest will somehow transform this teams fortunes then your mistaken. Richards is doing all he can, and the “C” wouldn’t suddenly empower him to do more. Certainly no one on the team will think he’s suddenly more improtant than he already is.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:48 pm
@Dominick, Don’t you think it would at least take the weight of the world off from Brownie’s shoulders though?
That alone would bring about a transformation to some noticeable degree, imo..
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 7:42 am
@Dominick,
Dominick I am not sure what you base saying he does not want to be captain on?? I think he would love it. Being away from Philly and the unfair scrutiny there is what he is glad to be away from.
He is a much more natural leader for this team. Brownie just has never been right for the job, it is just the kind of person he is or is not should I say.
I don’t this change would change the world, but it is a start…
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:00 am
@Dominick, I will say this much, he needs a letter on his chest so that he can at least get a conversation going with the refs… after watching the NHL36, A few things were made very clear…
1) as I said above, MR needs a letter
2) AK is beyond recall wrt to his confidence, and last night was thee worst game of his career!!! could not hold onto a puck to save his life, turnover after turnover, listless play. He has negative confidence, if that’s possible, and needs to sit a game for his own good!!
3) MR misses being recognized. Maybe he doesn’t miss PHI but he misses hockey being important to people… He might have said all those things when he was aquired (don’t want the C, enjoy just being a player again, enjoy being lowkey, etc) but that was a bunch of BS!
4) there is no pressure to perform in LA like there is in almost every other hockey market and thus we get players who just go through the motions, play out the string, collect their checks, and enjoy living in the best town, the biggest town, the least stressful hockey town in all the league…
and the game last night??? ha
[Reply]
teqsdad Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:06 am
@Stuart, Maybe the team we see now is the real team. We all have had high hopes for a long long time, but think about this teams “under performance” persona. More often then not it seems this who they really are. Look at Penner. If ever there was a guy God smiled on and provided with the size, skillset, and potential it’s him. Is he not a perfect example of this this team as a whole? Awesome sometimes, totally inept most of the time. I hate to say this stuff but I’m beginning to realize this team is built to dissappoint. BR is an fantastic teammate but he is only one guy. We need 3-4 more like him to have a chance.
zulov Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 3:45 pm
@Stuart, I agree. No one is gonna recognize these guys on the street, let alone tell them they suck. There is no pressure in LA to be a great hockey club.
The management will provide pressure, but the fans keep coming and paying crazy ticket prices cause it’s just a wealthy town, with great weather, and no reason not to go see a hockey game.
The players are pampered by how laid back LA is, and they just enjoy being a pro athlete with millions of dollars.
There is no Pride, Passion or Power.
They need an extraordinary coach to get them to perform or care as much as the Red Wings do.
Ugh – what a mess
[Reply]
Over it all!!! Sell the farm. My life would be soooo much better without the kings in it. PLEASE…….someone talk me off the ledge!
[Reply]
This team needs a shot mentality and a front net presence. They really need to work on their compete level and their dot to boards game
[Reply]
Sean Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
@Kings x, Thanks, Kings x. Finally some one with something constructive to say (instead of GOD I’M DONE WITH THIS TEAM) and something that finally makes sense. Gimme a highfive.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
@Sean, I think the shot mentality is there however the net presence isn’t. The one goal they scored tonight they had net presence but not the rest of the night or before that. I don’t know why they won’t go there.
[Reply]
Let everyone play the position they want to play. At least they can have fun and since Quick will not resign with a team like this maybe Brown can play goalie. I figure he can’t put the puck in the net maybe he can do the same in our goal?
[Reply]
The Kings roster just isn’t good enough. We have been through at least 3 coaches in the Lombardi era, and the ’5 year plan’ is going to look seriously flawed without a reasonable playoff run. At this moment in time we are heading backwards again and may not even make the playoffs.
Too many of the ‘elite’ Kings players just don’t bring it every night, or even on a consistent basis (Kopitar?). A big trade right now will only give more of the future away again for another short term fix. Sorry to be so down as I know many other Kings fans still don’t see the sky as falling, given that we are still in a playoff spot. To those who think that way I would just ask one question…
How close are the Kings to actually winning the Cup?
[Reply]
Blueliner Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
@ForumFan, Closer than you think. DL and DS have done their job, it’s up to the players. We have the talent, the goaltender, and the system. We need the leaders on the team to lead and find ways to win games (see the Coyotes). This team does not BELIEVE they can score nor BELIEVE they can win. I know it sounds cliche but it’s true. It’s a mind set, the parts are there. It’s the mindset thats not. Once we have the feel of what it’s like to score and be successful this team will build of it and have confidence. This team has yet to have a single line with any kind of chemistry at any point this season and we are still swapping players around like crazy. Sorry to say it may be too late this season. DL has done a great job getting the talent here it’s up to the players now. It can all change very quickly if the players get the confidence.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
@Blueliner, Finally someone with some sense about what is going on. That is why I have been harping the trade deadline and bringing in of new players, scorers and finishers. Once the new guys start scoring it can help the others and the confidence will raise to a high point and this team will take off.
[Reply]
tellmeY Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@Blueliner, agreed all the way. DL built a great team..hard to tell what is wrong.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
@tellmeY, He pieced together a decent team, a few bad picks for sure, but that happens. We are too stacked on D and down the middle, need wingers and a real goal scorer. Close but not quite. Need someone who can finish this up. I am not sure (barring a trade to save us at the deadline) that he will be given another season to get it going.
zulov Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@tellmeY, I think its Karma. He let too many good players go. Had no loyalty to Fro, Zeus, Simmonds.
And he is been ok with the defensive style of play that has slowly sucked all memory of scoring goals from the players.
They have zero confidence cause scoring goals in bunches is something they experienced in another lifetime.
Adam Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@Blueliner, couldn’t have said any of those words any better my friend. Glad I am not the only one that sees it this way. Hoping the players can instill some confidence within and, like you said, believe that they can win games because if everyone is on point then damn we are one team to watch out for. Too bad we have seen that maybe a handful of times at most this season, if that.
[Reply]
jbyoungman Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:17 pm
@Blueliner, Don’t hold your breath on that last if, no other teams are going to wait for the Kings to get it together, I think everyone wants to play them right about now!
[Reply]
The Kings lack talent.Forwards are not highly skilled and not very tough. We need to rebuild and do not make a desperate move at the trade deadline that will only worsen the situation. The team was seriously weakened by losing Simmonds,Handzus and Smyth. Poni has done better than the players that have replaced him. We are smaller,slower, and weaker than last year. Kopi worse player since broken leg. Doughty has not improved since rookie year. Major hype for a marginal team.
[Reply]
ForumFan Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@rmartin1951,
Couldn’t agree more. The Kings team, top to bottom, is just not Cup winning material. We have too many average players that just can’t score, and guys that get big salaries that don’t play like they do.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
@ForumFan, I don’t believe that. Defensively and Goaltending we are strong. We are also strong up the middle. What we are missing are a couple Wingers that can score/finish. That can be found at the trade deadline.
[Reply]
Sean Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@Jeff_R, Jeff, I’m buying your next beer. Although I think Doughty could take a hike and I wouldn’t miss him, the rest of the D is solid and strong (including Quick). We are deep on great centers, we need wingmen.
ForumFan Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@Jeff_R,
I hope you are right. But if we don’t make the playoffs then what?
Mars Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
@Jeff_R, Agree with ya Jeff.
Now that my mood id normalizing, its been a rough year.
Failure to live up to the hype, a few dead wood pieces will be washed back out to sea with the off-season and we will have a chance to get some good players and hopefully some new management too.
Rough year.. Richards moving and adjusting, concussion. Stoll out of his spot, out of aim. Penner, well I dont get that at all, Kopi, not sure there either, Brown, off and on.
TM gone, DS in, Moreau and Hunter gone, DL blaming the team, Slow boring system. Quick saving our asses. Lack of scoring, DD holding out. Its been an insane year. More crazy activity and unexplained stuff going on than ever. Crazy back to backs, starting off in another country. Losing to the BJ’s and then Beating the Caps and Sens? We are just all over the twilight zone board.
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@Sean, Thanks. However I don’t drink, but a coke would work
. However your take on Doughty I don’t agree with. I think it would be a huge mistake to trade him and you will see in the next couple years why. Most all defenseman don’t obtain their ceiling until 25, so in a couple of years he will be a monster. Just look at Duncan Keith with Chicago. I think the fact that he was so awesome his first 2 years have made people weary these last 2 years.
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:40 pm
@ForumFan, I don’t go there because I feel we will make the playoffs. I’m pretty confident of this, but this has been the strangest season I have ever seen so who knows. I do think that we will be better next season regardless. Going into this season I felt we would make it to the 2nd round or so and not until next season would we win the cup.
Mars Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
@Jeff_R, Agree, but if DL cannot get them by the TDL I think he will be gone too.
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:47 pm
@Mars, I agree this has been a very strange year with all that has happened. However I think the Mike Richards trade is going to bear fruit now. The reason why we got him was because of this part of the year. The guy excels in the stretch run and playoffs. Did you see him tonight the guy was a beast, our best player. This trade deadline will bring in 1-3 scorers and Kopi and Richards will take off. The Penner experiment failed big time and Penner is one of the biggest mysteries I will ever know in the game in hockey. To have a season like this in a contract year the only thing I can think of is he doesn’t want a career anymore. He got his money and that is it for him and he doesn’t care one iota. If that is true it is very sad. Of course he could just be a guy who doesn’t care and will go some place else and score. I think his real problem is he wants to stand there why everybody does the work and he ends up with the credit.
Blueliner Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:33 pm
@ForumFan, Could not disagree more. We have the talent. The talent isnt playing with purpose.
[Reply]
FormFan Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
@Blueliner,
We have the talent? Which players on our third and fourth lines would make the Detroit or Vancouver roster? Is Kopi a first line center equal to the other top tier centers in the league? If so, why does he disappear for long stretches of games?
We have a good defensive core and good goalies. If we didn’t we would be already be out of the playoffs. I asked in an earlier comment but how close are the Kings to a Cup winning team? How do we get from where we are now to actually seeing the Cup in the trophy cabinet?
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:51 pm
@ForumFan, That doesn’t matter anymore as most likely except for maybe Lewis and of course Clifford none of them will be here next year. Next season we will have a bunch of young guys on our third and 4th lines. Guys like Toffoli, Kozun, Vey, Kitsyn and of course Nolan and King. Lokti will be our 3rd line center and he will have actual wingers that can put the puck in the net. Right now he is our most creative player yet his linemates don’t go into the scoring areas to collect his passes and put them into the net.
Blueliner Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:54 pm
@Blueliner, We become a cup contender when this team with the CURRENT players grow some balls and play to their abilities. It’s called character. That’s what those 3rd and 4th lines in van and Detroit have, character. If you don’t think kopi is a first line center then I can’t help you.
And for all this quality playing, AEG wants another 23% for my seats next year. Guess again.
RR
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:46 pm
@Roger Rabbit, Yeah, prices need to come down. Getting stupid high lately. I had to go to less games this year than ever. There were even less deals than last year too!
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:03 am
@Roger Rabbit, amazingly, 40% of Ducks season seat holders will see a price reduction… LOL and their team scores goals, just can’t fill the seats.
[Reply]
While some of it is on the players, a lot of it is obviously the Dean Lombardi All-D Theory, transmitted down through geezer coaches like TM and DS.
Why else does everyone shine as soon as they leave? Kings should be sellers at this point. And part of what they should sell is the Lombardi gang.
[Reply]
I wouldn’t be surprised if Richards asks to be traded to blue jackets
[Reply]
Eric Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@Soureen, Lol. Good one
[Reply]
Soureen Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@Eric, At least they don’t play like zombies
[Reply]
Kopi plays the system better than anyone. The system sucks and we have a system hangover trying to get offense. Kopi rocks he has to get over what has been drilled into him the last few years.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@KingsHky, System hangover. I think that nails it. I cannot explain the D break down the past two games though.
[Reply]
The real problem is Doughty. Trade him
[Reply]
pesus Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@Soureen,
Our D would still be solid and would free up 7 mil for what we really need, a superstar sniper to play with Kopi.
[Reply]
Sean Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@Soureen, I’m with you there. He makes more than Shea Weber. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?! They should have bumped his pretty butt off the wagon when he didn’t show up for training camp. He’s deadweight with random moments of *decent* play. I will never understand how that kid perpetually rides “Norris Trophy finalist” like he does.
[Reply]
Soureen Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@Sean, Doughty makes 7mil our heart and soul guy brown makes 3.4 mil. Serious problem
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:54 pm
@Sean, Shea Webber will be making a boatload by Oct when the season starts, probably more then Drew. He is also older then Drew, who is only 22.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:57 pm
@Sean, Why don’t you go look up Shea’s stats when he was 22. I am sure they were comparable to what Drew is getting now. Shea also didn’t start with a team at the age of 18.
[Reply]
JD Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 1:26 am
@Jeff_R, Some people just love to hate, have to ignore them
King Cobra Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 7:49 am
@Jeff_R,
To JD
I don’t love it, but I hate one stupid turn over after another night in and night out in our end.
The time is next season.
[Reply]
We need to send a message to the ownership by not showing up to the games… There must be empty seats before they get the picture
[Reply]
Someone Tell Terry Murray that its not funny and ask him to quit laughing.
[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@Fernando,
That is funny
[Reply]
Adam Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
@Fernando, TM probably wants to tell DS, “I told you so.”
[Reply]
zulov Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@Fernando, LOL. I would actually like to sit there, eat some crow, and have a laugh with TM. Then spit out the crow, slap TM and tell him its still all his fault.
[Reply]
Richards very much speaks like an east coast forward who is used to being in the playoffs… Unfortunately for us fans and for him that he is not used to being in this position.
It’s about time our real Captain steps up or steps out. He hust doesn’t seem to elevate his game or be able to encourage others to do so when needed.
I would prefer for Dean to go first..I actually think he is going to trade Brown and Kopi and I actually agree… I would keep Kopi if he played wing on my team… Not as a Center.
Unfortunately, everyone is tense and essentially the reason for this is due to our GM. That is the actual epicenter of our success and or failure.
Now it appears as failure. Lombardi knows this and will either succeed or fail based on this year.
Afterall, he has had 5 years.
[Reply]
rmartin1951 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:55 pm
@Ryan, Lombardi is overrated as Gm. Poor draft choices like Hickey. Dumping Smyth and Frolov
for no return. Purcell,Boyle, Moulson are all superior to what we have. Dave Taylor had better draft picks.
Teubert was a waste and the trade for Richards will prove to be to the benefit of the Flyers. I hope he does
screw the team up even worse than he has already by another bad trade as he made for Penner.
[Reply]
zulov Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 4:30 pm
@rmartin1951, So far, the Richards trade is already proving to benefit the Flyers.
[Reply]
Players talk about what they talk about. Dont read things into it, and dont expect more. Players are not or should not blast others on the team. Stop blasting the team, just stop watching. And to be honest why do you really care that much? Youre not on the team, or have a stake in the team. Just watch it for what it is as ENTERTAINMENT, thinking that they are doing this to you, or taking it to a point of personal depression is INSANE. I admit that the team should be playing better, but these things happen. just relax and move forward.
[Reply]
zulov Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 4:33 pm
@Chewy, Dude, part of the entertainment is taking it too seriously – lol.
Don’t worry, no one on this blog is going to jump of a building or go postal. After all, this is LA.
[Reply]
Man this is so frustrating. I live and die with this team.
It sucks being 6 feet under.
[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:31 pm
@Snoop dogg,
Hang in there! The Kings will surprise one day when all the high priced contracts and egos bail out.
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@Snoop dogg,
That’s no schizzle..
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:51 pm
@Snoop dogg, I know it’s like part of a core of my inner happiness is in turmoil. Good thing for detachment
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 7:55 am
@Snoop dogg,
Maybe we should start a support group for this ailment we suffer
Those of us who love so much and take our team WAY to serious should probably pull back a little at this point or we will end up on Prozac.
[Reply]
“The effort that we came out with tonight, there’s no excuse. We’re fighting for a playoff spot and everything is on the line, and we came out flat. It’s our fault. It’s not getting ready for the game and being prepared, and that’s disappointing.’’
Sorry but, how, as professionals, is it possible that you guys came out flat? Especially knowing that with a win you move 6 points up on the Avs!!!
[Reply]
This team is a bunch of hoboes in search of the big rock candy mountain (The Cup), and it’s always over the next ridge (next year). We fans are affected by permanent wanderlust and will never reach that destination.
[Reply]
The only problem with picking up Carter is he is yet another center. Why do we play so many players out of position?
[Reply]
Blueliner Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@King Alex, Lack of chemistry and desperation.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@King Alex, Pominville, stafford, moen
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:59 pm
@King Alex, If they score goals who cares what position they play.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 7:57 am
@King Alex, I am all for it. He can play the wing with is best friend Richards and we can start scoring some goals. If we go for Carter we can keep Bernier.
[Reply]
Jimmyo777 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:25 am
@King Alex, Carter almost always played RW until he went to the CBJ…He’s a natural winger – not a center. Trust me.
[Reply]
Clifford needs to take a couple games off. he’s been killing us out there. and kopitar…is he sick or injured or in some other way crippled that we don’t know about? my gosh he has sucked lately.
[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
@red49er,
The guys being payed to score need to take a few games off first
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:55 pm
@408kingsfan, clifford is scoring, just for the wrong side
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@red49er, Yea I am Poistive Kopi is badly beaten up…most players are at this point of the season and when you consider the KIND of minutes and the AMOUNT of minutes he plays every game, it has to at some point take its toll on him…Not to mention coming off a broken leg last year…He will be a much better player next season…I think he has been very good this year…even though a lot of posts in here state “trade him” or “he’s in his usual slump”…The guy gives it all he has…every game, it’s just sometimes he doesn’t have a lot left to give
[Reply]
jack Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:56 pm
@g smith86, I agree…the poor guy is getting killed by our coaches,,,too much D, too much penalty kill. Its no wonder they look slow and tired…some guys are just overworked. And its not only minutes, its distance covered…Kopi absolutely plays every inch of the ice….he goes to the puck, never sits and waits for play to come to him.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:01 am
@red49er, Clifford is WORTHLESS. Does not score goals, no longer fights, helps the other team score goals. I am so over the guy!
I love Kopitar, but what the hell is going on??? The guy can’t bury a break away, can’t buy a shoot out goal! Blows the coverage on Tuesday night. Is he jaded now? Or is he hurt??
[Reply]
Kopi..winger, center…no matter,,he is spending all his time along the boards..
[Reply]
one goal in 25 games for Richards…well if its not the system then Richards stinks…
[Reply]
Nick Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:51 pm
@neil, I honestly don’t know why he is so highly rated on this blog site, he is not that good plain and simple, evidence shows that in every game we watch.
[Reply]
rmartin1951 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:00 pm
@Nick, Richards was a bad trade. He is a decent second line center but cannot carry a team. He is worse since the concussion. The system is not preventing the players from scoring. The Kings had 33 shots and one goal. The players are below average for NHL skill and speed to be considered a top tier team. Quick is only true top tier
player on the team.
[Reply]
Mudfish4 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:51 pm
@Nick, If anyone can’t see how good Mike Richards is, even this season, then it’s time to take up a new sport my friends. His hockey IQ is one of the best in the league. He’s one of the best playmakers in the league while still being strong defensively. He does so many little things out there to make plays that only 2% of the guys in the league can make…if anyone doesn’t see that, I feel for you. Take up golf.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:02 pm
@neil, It is a number of reasons. Playing a new system, chemistry with new teammates, concussion, playing with Stoll and Penner. Since Stoll and Penner stopped playing with him he has been one of our best players, including tonight I thought he was our best.
[Reply]
Nick Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:06 pm
@Jeff_R, His teammates suck that is true but if he were as good as people rate him on this blog he should still score a few goals, his teammates don’t control his stick when he lines up on goal!
[Reply]
big_T Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:18 pm
@Nick, He’s more of a playmaker though, than a shooter. If his linemates can’t finish, he’s not picking up the points he normally would. If you look around the league, most of the top point scorers have at least one other linemate that can set them up or finish. Richards didn’t really have either of them for a while, except for the start of the season when he scored all those goals, and then he had Penner and Stoll put on his line. With King and Nolan, I thought he’s been getting great looks and creating good chances. Goals were going to come soon for them; it’s not his fault Sutter decided to swap up the lines again, but Brown was looking good with him too.
I still think he can play better, but he is not overhyped in the least; he can and will be as good as advertised, and I thought he’s been picking it up already. Just because his name doesn’t always appear on the scoresheets, it doesn’t mean he’s not contributing.
our new captain?
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:04 am
@Dave, YES
[Reply]
I feel like there is some form of sabotage taking place in here…there are a lot of posts from unfamiliars tonight stating some pretty crazy things…I don’t know who you are, but you don’t seem like fans of the Kings…you just seem to want to stir up the pot…you are either SJ fans or Nuck fans…if so, state who you are for and be honest and don’t mess with this great blog we have here…
Thanks again, Rich H…the best blog in the business
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:59 pm
@g smith86, we lose a few and are pissed about it and you cry conspiracy. give me a break, almost as bad as the people who truly believe the league asked the officials to lean towards the ‘yotes when making a call. Right now we just suck and are going backwards while 3 or 4 teams are stepping on and then over our beaten and dysfunctional team.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:05 pm
@red49er, It’s not about being frustrated…We are all frustrated…I have ripped practically everyone and everything to do with this years Kings out of frustration…It’s just that some comments don’t seem born out of frustration from a passionate fan…it seems more jovial and insincere
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 am
@g smith86, if it jovial and insincere then i would sincerely like to poke those people with a very sharp stick. not much lower than reveling in other people’s misery.
Is it too late to get all the time I have wasted watching this team this year back?
[Reply]
So glad i dont pay for nbcsports just to watch these QUEENS. DL would be insane if he traded Kopi. We need to keep him and Richards.. need help on the wings for sure. Rumor out there has us being interested in Pominville and Stafford. Might be interesting… Pominville can play first line left wing while Stafford and jump in on the second line. Go hard at Parise in the summer, that is the snipper we need.. NOT Nash. Parise = heart and winning. Imagine the line:
Parise-Kopi-Willie
Pomi-Richie-Brown
Stafford-Loki-Nolan
Clifford-Lewis-King
Hey looks good on paper doesnt it.. but then again this years team looked good on paper also. Hmmm.. boy oh boy.. what to do.. GO QUEENS!! AIM FOR THE TANK!!! GET THE NUMBER 1 PICK!!! Get some consolation for sucking year after year.
[Reply]
this is great. my tickets are upped $1200 next year, and $700 last year.a sucker no longer
[Reply]
johnny mangos Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:50 am
@ziggy99, brutal. FSN does a great job broadcasting the games though….
[Reply]
the ‘Richards walks on water’ refrain is a bit hackneyed. the idea that ripping the C from Brown and pasting it on Richards could amount to anything positive in the win column or the standings or the team Weltanschauung or the team psyche is, well . . . [can I say 'misguided' without getting axed?]
don’t even need to check the stats to know that Brown leads the team in game winning goals, game deciding shootout goals, hits, and penalties drawn (LAK to PP). and that’s not leading, eh?
Brown has been the only captains some guys on the roster have ever had in the NHL, he’s led the team in goals 2 of the last 4 years, and it may turn out that way this year too.
i presume the ‘Richards walks on water’ set could give me a putative “reason” the C should go to Richards, but the “reasons” can amount to nothing but special pleading begging for real evidence.
[Reply]
Just looks like the team doesn’t trust each other anymore. They have lost faith in one another and it shows.
[Reply]
Anyone who watched MR on NHL 36 knows that Mike needs to be our new captain. He may not want it given what he had to deal with in Philly, but he has to accept it. A true leader leader in the locker room and on the ice. Sorry DB but you just don’t have what it takes to wear the C. Some are born to lead, others are born to follow.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:10 am
@Croz, I love Brownie but +1 me
[Reply]
No doubt Richards should be wearing the C…Being the type of person he is, he would never come out and say anything derrogatory against any of his team-mates,, but he would again be proud to be named as a Captain. He is a born leader as I’ve watched him since he played Midget hockey in Northwestern Ontario..Leaders are born, not made, and Richards leads by example…If Brownie wanted to help the Kings, he should reliquish the C and hand it over to a true Leader – Richards…
[Reply]
wes Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:48 am
@Jimmyo777, No. Brown leads the team in game-winning goals, also leads the team in game-deciding shootout, also leads the team in hits (second in the league, i believe), also leads the team in penalties drawn (putting his team on the PP), is second on the team in goals (would be leading the team in goals scored had not ‘the situation room’ wrongly disallowed 2 that he scored), has led the team in goals scored 2 of the last 4 years and way well make that 3 of the last 5.
And that’s not leading?
Evoking a “born leader” is a feeble thing to set against the facts.
And if you think the LAK just need a Tony Robbins or a Jimmy Swaggart to ‘preach it’ better, you may as well know that’s hardly Mike Richards.
[Reply]
wes Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:50 am
@wes, in that first sentence
[Reply]
wes Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 12:08 pm
@wes, yeah, that little addendum didn’t make sense, part of it is missing. anyway, might have added that Brown leads the team in plus-minus too.
Croz Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@wes, Weak argument. If leadership were about the numbers than Kopi or Quicky should wear the C. No, leadership is an intangible. Leadership is an attitude, a state of mind. A presence. Leadership is that certain thing that is often hard to describe but you know it when it’s there. It’s like what Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart said about pornography. “I cannot define it, but I know it when I see it.” Well I (and many many others) see it in Mike Richards.
[Reply]
Well Richards might be a better leader but where has he been on the score sheet. He has been the biggest disappointment this season by far. He was suppose to take the Kings to the promised land. All he’s going to do is get Lombardi fired, though part of that is Deano’s on fault!
[Reply]
Croz Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:37 pm
@andy, I agree his numbers are not what we all expected to see out of him. However, I tend to chalk that up to the turmoil his trade to LA caused both physically and emotionally. He truly thought he was a flyer for life and the trade was a complete shocker. Combine that with the fact that he came to a d-first team and the decline in his numbers was predictable if not disappointing. I fully expect him to have a solid ’12-’13 season.
[Reply]
Croz Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:40 pm
@andy, Oh, and let’s not forget his had average wingers all season
[Reply]