If someone had said, 24 hours ago, that the Kings would blow a three-goal first-period lead and lose a game, an understandable reaction would have been, “The Kings scored three goals?’’ Well yes, four in fact, but they still lost. Jonathan Quick wasn’t sharp, the Kings took undisciplined penalties and their penalty kill — a team strength for years — suffered a shocking collapse against a Phoenix team that entered the game with the worst power-play percentage in the NHL. It was the first time in the regular season, since Oct. 5, 2005, that the Kings led by three goals and lost a game, as Dallas rallied for a 5-4 win. That was the 2005-06 season opener, and the Kings actually led 4-0 after the first period and lost in regulation. Even more remarkable, Jeremy Roenick scored two of his whopping nine goals as a King. The Kings got one point last night, and actually moved into eighth place in the Western Conference, but the game was a massive missed opportunity. What was the key aspect of the Kings’ 5-4 shootout loss to the Phoenix Coyotes? I present three options at the link below, and you can vote for your choice as well…
—–
For those who enjoy the traditional game recap, it can be found by clicking here.
You know the saying..”What doenst kill you will make you stronger”…well Iam very strong right now!!!!!
[Reply]
39scars Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:54 am
@neil, So the key three are
Mitchell
Stoll
Dd2
They are now available
[Reply]
Actually, the Kings blew a 4-0 lead in game 3 of the playoffs last year against San Jose.
We endes up losing the game in OT, which was the turning point in the series as we
Would have gone up 2-1 in the series.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:28 am
@k-dog,
So while TM called it a ‘learning experience’, they clearly didn’t learn well enough. It’s not like they’re firmly in 4th place overall in the west and can afford to lose a point that they had in their grasp and give two to their competition.
Also, anyone remember how two years ago they used to come from behind all the time? They have hardly come from behind at all this year.
[Reply]
spidey35 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:02 am
@number 6, I was just telling my wife Sunday about how the Kings use to come from behind all the time. Now if we fall behind, I don’t have that confidence in the team to come back and win.
[Reply]
JAYC Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:31 am
@spidey35, aww those where the days.
colo king fan Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:30 am
@number 6,
So many jokes… so, sooooo many jokes. But I’m gonna take the high road and just agree with you guys. They never come back anymore it seems.. lack of firepower doesn’t help.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:32 am
@number 6, When was the last time the Kings had a 3-0 lead like that, especially after the first period? You can’t learn from something that hasn’t really happened before. Saying it happened in the playoffs is one thing, but all regular season this year they haven’t been up like that before. Not giving it as an excuse, just it isn’t surprising that they let up. I also think it was rotten to call a 5 minute major on Clifford after the fact. No referee raised there arm and it wasn’t until they looked at the replay on the scoreboard that they called the penalty.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:39 am
@Jeff_R,
Here is a link to the Coyotes broadcast of Clifford’s hit on Brule.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/kings-kyle-clifford-faces-shanahammer-check-head-gilbert-144922164.html
Of interest:
Head Ref Denis LaRue (14) is the “back” ref. He watches the hit right in front of him and calls nothing.
Linesman Jonny Murray (95) is standing at the near boards watching as Clifford hits Brule, recovers the puck and sends it back into the Coyotes zone.
*** However, at :39 into the clip, you can see Linesman Murray (95) actually TURN AWAY from looking at Clifford. HE NEVER SAW THE HIT! ***
Linesman Mark Wheeler (56) is across the ice near the benches at the Blue LIne, signaling “on sides” as now “front” Ref LaRue watches the puck skim into the Coyotes O-zone. No whistle or raised arm to indicate a penalty. Referee Eric Furlatt (27) is in the Kings O-Zone about even with the far side Dot, skating backwards and not signaling a penalty after Clifford’s hit.
7 seconds after Clifford hits Brule, and 3 seconds after Clifford as dumped the puck back into the Coyotes Zone, Yandle “goes after” Clifford as Linesman Murray (95) is trying to grab Yandle. 1 second later, Torres skates in from 10‘ away and throws a left hook at Clifford, who is now being held by BOTH Yandle and Linesman Murray.
11 seconds after the hit, Referee Eric Furlatt (27) shows up at the pile of players on the ice. His first gesture is to signal that Yandle gets a penalty. He then waves Yandle to get up, then taps Yandle on the shoulder.
At his point, the only visible indication of ANY penalty is Furlatt’s gestures to Yandle while Clifford still lies on the ice covered by Linesman Murray.
During first replay, Coyote broadcaster states “I would say that’s a dirty elbow there.” Watching the second SLO-MO replay, the same announcer changes his impression of the play, saying, “Oh, just a shoulder. That was a shoulder.”
At :55 of the clip, we see Referees Furlatt and LaRue talking at the scorer’s table.
At 1:27 of the clip, we see Referee LaRue explaining the roughing call to Brown while Furlatt talks with Linesman Wheeler.
At 1:41 of the clip, we see the on ice Officials conferring at the scorers table.
Sometime before 2:03 of the clip, the “4 on 4 for 2 minutes” is up on the board.
Sometime between 1:27 and 2:27 LaRue calls a Major Penalty that wasn’t there.
At 2:27, as Clifford is about to enter the Penalty Box to serve his 2 minute minor for roughing when he is signaled out of the game by Ref LaRue.
So here’s the question. In the minute between telling Brown it was roughing and LaRue tossing Clifford out of the game, did the Officials watch the replays on the area scoreboard? Have we just seen the first use of “instant replay” by the NHL to make a penalty call? If that’s true, then Campbell either needs to shut down the Toronto War Room or suspend Denis LaRue.
This really IS a classic case of, “Are you going to believe your own eyes, or what I tell you?”
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:28 am
@Iceguy, No matter what the NHL is saying the referees have been horrible this year and it needs a total revamp.
SDGolfer Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:42 am
@k-dog, He was talking about and mentioned the regular season.
It was the first time in the regular season, since Oct. 5, 2005, that the Kings led by three goals and lost a game, as Dallas rallied for a 5-4 win. That was the 2005-06 season opener, and the Kings actually led 4-0 after the first period and lost in regulation
[Reply]
K-Dog Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:49 am
@SDGolfer, I know it was in reference to the regular season…it doesnt hurt any less….
[Reply]
Im so confused….Kings finally score goals, but forget how to play D…UHHHH!!!!
[Reply]
Deadendcruiser Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:39 am
@Lead Feet, They scored 4 goals……what more do you want! (sarcasm)
[Reply]
That loss still haunts me, like “El Macho Grande!”
[Reply]
Tyler Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:44 am
@k-dog, That explains your drinking problem. You should’ve seen what happened to George Zip.
[Reply]
Daren Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:16 am
@Tyler, I’m sorry I don’t do impressions my training is in psychology.
[Reply]
K-Dog Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:44 am
@Daren, “Bro was on, didn’t trip, the pilots was laid to the bone!”
Jody Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 2:22 pm
@k-dog, San Jose Game 3 still haunts me. We had the series if we had won that game.
[Reply]
By the way, can someone please clarify as I didn’t see the game. Was the Clifford penalty for the hit on Brule or was it for an altercation afterwards with Yandle.
That isn’t at all clear….. not that it changes anything.
Also, one more factor…. Clifford as I understand had just come out of the box for an ill timed tripping penalty. And then he plays on the edge again with four minutes left in a game they’re leading by one goal? There seem to be too many guys on this team who simply don’t play very smart.
I remember after the famous loss from ahead in the playoffs last year, that Scuderi said the team lacked maturity….. evidently.
[Reply]
The Batman Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:33 am
@number 6, someone said in a previous post that he was assessed the match penalty in the scrum afterwards, not the hit to brule, which honestly doesn’t make sense to me but ok
[Reply]
KingsGuy Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:43 am
@The Batman, Another blown call by the refs to give Yotes an edge…
[Reply]
King-C Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:40 am
@number 6, I think at this point the NHL/Refs will say anything to cover up a bad game changing call. Having said that it was really stupid of Cliffy to even hit that guy. You have a one goal lead with 4 minutes to go. Play solid D and don’t take penalties.
Seems like this team just has trouble putting things together. One of these days they’ll get it. I just hope we make the playoffs this year.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:58 am
@King-C,
I just this minute saw it on puckdaddy.
Here was a comment someone left under the video: ‘Just a completely unnecessary hit. Headshot or not, why make that hit?’
That’s it. I mean, Clifford as I pointed out above had Just come out of the box. You’ve gotta be Way smarter than that. Clifford is the type of player DL loves, but he at least at this point in time isn’t smart.
He’s clearly not connecting up two things; A) just out of the box already and B) the game situation.
So for Brown or anyone else on the team to complain about the call is irrelevant. He shouldn’t even have put his team in that situation to begin with. That’s one more reason why the team continues to struggle.
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:21 am
@number 6,
sorry but that hit was fine, and id be ok with him doing it a hundred times more.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:16 am
@number 6, You don’t “turn off” when playing hockey, or it gets even more dangerous.
RobSD Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:24 am
@number 6,
Clifford should be benched. The Kings could have played better but he lost them the game. He made them spend 7 of the last 8 on the PK. Inexcusable. That hit was not questionable in my opinion, it was extremely late and the player had no idea he was there. It’s arguable whether his shoulder was to the head.
I stopped watching after they tied it up. I knew what was coming.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:37 am
@RobSD, I admit that the hit was untimely but Clifford is a young player in his 2nd year and he will learn this as he matures. However if anything it should of been a 2 minute minor. You can’t call a penalty, especially a 5 minute match one, based on replay of the scoreboard. I am sorry but no penalty was called after the hit. It was completely after the fact and probably called by looking at the scoreboard and seeing that Brule was somewhat injured. I have seen worse not called and to call this in as important a game as this was, was totally uncalled for.
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:15 am
@RobSD,
the hit was literally 2 seconds after he got rid of it, which seems to happen all the time, only most guys will turn to take the hit off their shoulders, or are moving and just get rubbed out. not sure that qualifies as extremely late, just hope he’s not gonna get banned for that..the head butt however is another story..which i didnt even see
[Reply]
LB Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:52 am
@vinny,
If one of the tough guys on Phoenix hit a smaller guy like Loktionov in the same way, this blog would be blowing up with calls for a suspension.
Cliffy get tossed for intent to injure. When Yandle comes over and starts the scrum, whats his intention?
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:00 am
@Pesus,
His intention was to back up his teammate. That’s smart. The hit wasn’t. You have to know the game situation and you have to realize that you’ve already put your team a man down just two mins earlier and they had to kill that off.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:39 am
@number 6, Yes it wasn’t a smart thing to do and Clifford, in his 2nd year, will learn that. He is still maturing. But when no referee raises there arm to call a penalty no penalty should be called. You can’t backtrack and call one after the fact. This was bogus. What are they going to do next, instant replay for penalties now?
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:13 am
@Jeff_R,
Jeff, see my breakdown of the whole video sequence above.
And I agree with you 100%.
LaRue tossed Clifford for a penalty that wasn’t there, much less called.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:18 am
@number 6, the same thing happened in the previous game between these two teams, only the hit then WAS dirty…and…oh yeah…the Kings got the short end both times. Imagine that!
[Reply]
I’m a Kings fan and will always be one. I had very high hopes for this year but it looks like another medicore year in Kings history. Most of the boys have under performed except Quick. DL built this team, it’s failing and he has failed. It’s time for DL to go. This is the same old DL that was in SJ. AEG is putting out the money, and in turn passing the cost along to us (higher prices for tickets, see the LA Times). My feeling is that if the guys don’t want to work to get better then call up some kids that do. Nolan and King sure look like they want to be here. How many times do we have to see bonehead penalties, and players (who making a lot of money) out of position that cost goals.
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:25 am
@D745,
Mediocre? They are worse than mediocre.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:44 am
@RobSD, Season isn’t over with yet. Why not wait to analyze it after April 7th and if we are in the playoffs after that. If this team went on to win the Stanley Cup what would you all say then?
[Reply]
IMSum1 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:01 am
@Jeff_R, I would say “Holy crap! A monkey just flew out of my butt!!”
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:24 am
@IMSum1, That is freakin hilarious.
I still don’t think there was anything wrong with the hit. None of the refs were going to call anything until Phoenix started the scrum. And riddle me this, doesn’t the NHL still own the Coyotes? I’m sure they’d love to see them win the division. Not that I believe there’s a conspiracy or anything…
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:24 am
@Kaiser Soze,
haha yeppp..
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:46 am
@Kaiser Soze, This is entirely correct. The call would not have been made had there not been a scrum and they had not all gotten together and looked at the replay on the scoreboard. Conspiracy by Bettman and the NHL to try and get them to win the division and stay in Phoenix? Not sure I go that far but still food for thought.
[Reply]
Yes, our PK and shoot out let us down last night, but I lay 70% of the loss on Kyle Clifford. The guy played stupid and careless and it led to two goals.
In a game that important he pulls a head butt in a scrum and gets a 5 min major instead of taking one for the team. Looked like one of the Manchester B grade guys!
Lame!!!
[Reply]
Kaiser Soze Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:59 am
@King Cobra, So what was the major for? The hit or a head-butt during the scrum? Because I didn’t see that, or even hear about it.
[Reply]
Roger Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:02 am
@King Cobra, We had a 3 goal lead
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:48 am
@Roger, Just face it, it is better to have a game like this now then at the end of the season and it costs us a playoff spot or positioning. Or even in the playoffs.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:20 am
@King Cobra, I can’t even give you half credit for that. The penalty kill was the biggest issue, by far. I still haven’t seen the head butt, but things happen in scrums.
[Reply]
Quick had a shakey game…
I would go as far as Clifford costing us this game…
Quick, he always finds a way to bounce back – I am sure we will see him in goal again tonight. For the fact DS rides him like a dead horse. Also, I think “showcasing Bernier” could go the wrong way if he has an off game and could possibly cost us a trade.
As for Clifford, I believe the hit was clean, however, as I have read a few articles, people are calling for Shanny to suspend him. Either way, Clifford is young and I am sure is not very happy with himself. He will bounce back… Can’t say I am not a little perturbed with him right now though…
At least we finally scored some fricken goals. My heart was racing all game. Our two top offensive lines looked solid. “offensively”
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:03 am
@KingsGuy,
I just saw it on puckdaddy in slow mo and while not 100% conclusive, it sure as heck was not a ‘normal clean’ hit. He definitely gets his elbow up. Everyone is saying Brule shouldn’t be admiring his pass…… and he shouldn’t. But at the same time, if Clifford just takes the body….. that being everything from below the neck on down, the Kings probably win the game.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:22 am
@number 6, Even the Phoenix guys concluded by saying there was no elbow. It was a shoulder to the chest, and as usual, the shoulder rides upward. Note that his head doesn’t snap back, so it wasn’t even a hit to the head–may have brushed his face…the biggest blow was probably when he hit the boards, which is what happens when you don’t keep your head up and you get hit between the numbers.
[Reply]
Trade Quick
[Reply]
Steevogt Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:02 am
@GG, Why trade the only great player they have right now? I would say Quick is the only untouchable at this moment.
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:27 am
@Steevogt,
sarcasm maybe? or the sell high theory
[Reply]
jason Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:10 am
@GG, i actually agree… i trust bernier will get the job done and we could get some top notch fw for him. also the salary cap. Quick will cost a lot next year. Bernier will not..
While i dont think bernier is anywhere as good as quick, i do think he will get the job done and i would rather see a more offensive team
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:22 am
@GG, Y?
[Reply]
All 3, it wasn’t just cliffy and it wasnt just quick and it wasnt just the PK break down.
I would say the majority of it was definitely cliffy though STUPID rookie mistake AGAIN to cost us a game (that’s two games for cliffy now).
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:01 am
@Lake Forest,
Yep. The players need to be WAY smarter. Doughty still has issues w decision making and so does Clifford.
And rookie mistakes are for rookies, less for 2nd year players, and way less for 4th year players.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:23 am
@Lake Forest, It was primarily atrocious defense, including on the kill.
[Reply]
The three keys were clearly: 1. Kopitar day dreaming about a trade rumor while his man goes back door for a slam dunk. He also lollygagged in OT and watched his guy slide down the slot. Worst game of the year for Kopi, maybe his career. 2. Clifford’s stupid parade to the box and then the locker room. 3. Quick’s stupid haymaker trying to use his stick more than he should. More often than not he misses and it’s in the net.
At least the game was entertaining. better than the mind numbing 0-1′s of last week.
[Reply]
On Cliffy’s hit.
http://eye-on-hockey.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/27694626/34944963
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:25 am
@goldielocks, People keep saying he hit him from behind. He hit him between the numbers. The point of that is that there’s no chance Brule didn’t see him coming. He simply didn’t think he was going to be hit. His mistake.
[Reply]
The CURSE continues!!!!!!!!!!!! SOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:38 am
@kenny, is that sob, like in crying because the Kings can’t do anything right? Or S.O.B. as in sonuva…?
[Reply]
As seen elsewhere, according to the official box score, Clifford was assessed a match penalty drawn by YANDLE, not BRULE. Hits to the head do not require a MATCH penalty but a head butt is an automatic match penalty. Since Clifford was given a match penalty one could logically assume that it was for the head butt. I also believe that a match penalty carries an automatic suspension but I am not sure about NHL rules.
[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:33 am
@Dave’s a Killer, Cliffy suspended indefinitely by NHL.
[Reply]
Fire Stevens!!!
[Reply]
Last nights loss just echos the problems with this team right now. Star players are frustrated and have stopped playing, look at Kopi, Brown, and Quick not to mention all the dumb penalties from JJ, Greene which led to goals. I have been advocating recently for a trade for either Carter or Nash or both if were really lucky, with the thoughts that a few snipers could propel us into legite cup contenders. After last nights debacle i’m not so sure, our star players aren’t playing good enough on a consistent basis. My biggest fear however is that Quick, who was terrible last night, is starting to burn out. Now before you lash out at me, remember that this is the time of year that Quick starts to do this, and he has done it every year he has been with us. If Bernier doesn’t start tonight, then Sutter has lost his mind. It’s obvious after last night that Quick needs the break and if we truly are shopping Bernier, lets showcase him a little first. This is the time of year when Bernier is usually at his best.
[Reply]
Anyone who badmouths Quick needs a spanking. Doughty had some major boners last night, beside the goal he scored, it was almost a shame to watch that kid skate for LA. Quick had a bad night and the PK failed, but we had 4 on the board so maybe the offense is looking up. And quite honestly, I thought Stoll skated real well, along with the two new kids. Nolan had a huge hit and was physical, good to see him getting a little more comfy.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:27 am
@Sean, I’m of two minds on this. First, I agree that putting it on Quick is really weak. Secondly, though, when Quick plays well, he often benefits from great defense. Last night the defensive play sucked, and Quick wasn’t his best. It is what it is–a bad game, by a team that’s not getting it done.
[Reply]
TSN says that San Jose is pushing for Nash and the Stanley Cup.
[Reply]
Sean Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:44 am
@King John, as much as I like Nash and would love to see him in a Kings uniform, I don’t think he’s coming to LA. I don’t buy too much into trade rumors, but if I did, Bernier and JJ would be on the block. I don’t think JJ should go, and Nash himself only has 19 (20?)goals on the season. I really want Nash, but I don’t think its gonna happen.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:52 am
@King John, How is SJ going to trade for Nash? They have injury problems on defense and are not going to trade just forwards to get Nash. 1 forward not more then that. They need help on defense, especially if Murray is going to be out any length of time.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:28 am
@King John, My bet is he doesn’t get traded AT ALL by the deadline, and certainly not San Jose.
[Reply]
Rich,
you forget they blew a 3 goal lead against San Jose in the playoffs less than a year ago. The key is a switch in goal tonight. I’ve said it all season. Bernier will be the starter entering the playoffs if the Kings ride him and don’t trade him. You can’t continue to not give a chance to a more than capable backup when your starting goalie is 1-4 in his previous 5 games, and has a history of fading in stretch runs. I say give Bernier the start tonight, and if he wins, ride him. If not, return to Quick.
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:45 am
I didn’t forget. It says regular season.
[Reply]
Poorman Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:50 am
@Rich Hammond, Gotcha, Sorry. I just want to see them win. It’s got to be horrible from your position. I’m just a fan, and feel the team’s pain.
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:52 am
No worries, and I just appreciate that most people can comment and debate civilly. That’s most important to me.
Sean Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:46 am
@Poorman, it should be noted that Quick is only 1-4 in the past 5 because his team mates can’t produce goals. it is not Quicks fault the kings are losing. If the offense could have put up just 2 goals in most games, we would be far FAR ahead of where we’re at. Quick is the only thing keeping us even near a playoff spot.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:54 am
@Sean, 2 of those 4 losses he gave up only 1 goal. What more is he suppose to do? His GAA is under 2, unless it went over after last night. Still the guy is playing out of this world. He had one off night, but even still he made some amazing saves and kept Phoenix from winning in regulation.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:55 am
@Jeff_R, Whoops I meant that for Poorman not you Sean.
vplaza Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:02 am
@Poorman,
Like others have pointed out, you’ve conveniently omitted that Quick had allowed just 1 goal each in the two prior losses to last night. He did not lose those games. His teammates lost those games by not scoring any goals in support.
Did Quick play poorly last night? I would say that he did. But you’re trying to make your argument to put Bernier in so biased by ignoring the fact that Quick has played spectacularly well in spite of those prior losses.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:04 am
@Poorman,
Quick had 1 bad game. The 2 previous games he let 1 in in each of those games, and the Kings scored a whole 0 goals. Every goalie has given up 4 in a game before, and it doesn’t mean anything in the over all big picture.
I know you have an agenda, but jumping on Quick for any little thing you can is like grasping for straws. Berniers given up 3 or more plenty of times, and it wouldn’t be fair to label his play based soley on when he does.
I do agree that if Bernier wins, we should ride him because he does need to play, but Quick is not faltering down the stretch, the team in front of him is.
Last night, Quck only had 2 of those goals that were stoppable. Both we’re on missed poke checks. 1 during the game, and 1 in the shootout. Considering that 93% of the time he is stopping the puck (3rd in the league), he should get the benifit of the doubt every once in a while when he gets burned, and yet, for all his heroics, you guys turn on him the second it doesn’t go your way.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:30 am
@Poorman, This comes up–oh–EVERY TIME you comment. Don’t hold your breath. Bernier is not replacing Quick at any point this season, unless Quick is injured, or gets pulled in the middle of a game, and that will be for that game. As with every season, next season will be a new season and we’ll see about THAT, THEN.
[Reply]
To sum up last night. Quick and Clifford lost that game for us. Worst game I’ve ever seen Clifford play. I think he needs to watch tonights game from the locker room. Completely unacceptable.
I would also play Bernier. It’s back to back and Quick looked tired out there.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:32 am
@KC23, You seem to have forgotten about all the bad defensive play. Exactly what attributes of tired did you see? I saw a guy who over-pursued the puck. That’s not a feature of tired.
[Reply]
Finally the moment we have all been waiting for, San Jose goes 1-4-1 for once and the kings play Phoenix, Calgary, and Phoenix again, the chance for the kings to FINALLY get that number 3 spot in the west and hold onto it for the rest of the season and claim that all so elusive home ice advantage in the playoffs!
Instead they are in 8th place and with the tough schedule ahead and the lack of skill on the team will probably not get an opportunity to pass San Jose again. What a frustrating last year it has been, hopefully DL makes no trades and waits for the UFAs this summer so he doesn’t hurt the teams future that we have all waited so long for them to build. I think we would be better off with our first round pick instead of penner, he is useless, and I am a huge mike Richards fan but 2 years down the road when the kings still haven’t won the cup we will all be wishing we had Simmer and Schenn back on the team cuz they are both gonna be alot better than mike Richards.
The kings peaked when they were up 2-1 to the Canucks in their first playoff series in over 8 years. Now they are just gonna keep finishing in the middle of the pack and never get a 1st overall pick or franchise player to turn them into cup champions.
Either way will always cheer for them and keep my hopes up…go kings go!!!
[Reply]
I think Cliffy’s hit was fine. It was delivered within a reasonable amount of time after the pass was made and the principle point of contact was not the head. Simple fact was Brule was watching how nice his pass was (ala Paul Kariya) instead of bracing for a hit. Good clean hit. Unfortunate he got hurt on the play. Regardless of the call on the ice, I don’t expect any suspension.
Kinda funny though if you watch the LA feed and then watch the PHX feed…two very different perspectives by the commentators.
Just a side note, didn’t Carter get 3 goals last night?? Hmmmm…
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:33 am
@Mudfish4, Smells like a player who plays when there’s something in it for him. I’ll be glad if he does not move to LA.
[Reply]
I seriously think quick can’t handle high scoring games? Idk what else to come up with. We finally score and we can’t play d and quick let in some soft goals that he would normally stop. Now is this what it’s going to be like if we have a wide open system 5-4 losses? I know we can score we’ve done it.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:34 am
@JAYC, Think about it from his perspective. The Kings play tight defense. You get used to a certain rhythm of the game. Then they “forget” defense for a night. How do you think he’s going to respond. No, I think if they didn’t play such tight defense, he’d get used to that. You can’t just change your game in one night, though.
[Reply]
All those fire DL posts need to step back and look at the situation with a level head and without emotion. This is something I found written by a Devils fan and it is the most clear headed level without emotion response about DL I have seen. Sometimes you have to look outside the box for answers. Here it is……
Lombardi comes from the Lou Lamoriello school of thought, he will not just make a trade for the sake of making a trade. He will NOT trade young assets unless it’s the right return (like Richards and Penner who at the time most Kings fans wanted). The problem as most Kings fans should know it’s not with the GM but with the players. Before this season started the Kings were right up there as one of the teams that should contend for the cup. The players are not performing to the level they are capable of. Now he could trade players who are underperforming but you will never get back the equal value of that player so this is why he doesn’t make a trade. He tried to bring in Kovy a year ago but was out-bidded because he was “smart” and didn’t want to ruin his cap structure on one player knowing he has a lot of younger players that need to be resigned. He just needs his players to start playing to their level and the Kings will be right up there with the Detroits and Vancouvers. Lombardi knows what he’s doing, the players need to start knowing what they need to do.
This is how the situation is. This is why I believe DL will be here next season. This team is better then they are playing. The trade deadline will show that out.
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:34 am
@Jeff_R,
and what do you think? just wondering cuz you seemed to have some doubts about this teams ability to go anywhere with kopi..personally i think this is fair, and hope that he’s not fired. our forwards can be better, and i think they will be. plus he’s got some forward prospects coming soon enough, and itd be too bad if he wasnt here for that.
[Reply]
vinny Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:43 am
@vinny,
my bad, looks like the answer was there at the bottom, duh,,haha..but just to be clear carter or kopi for you?
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:47 am
@vinny, I love Kopi and I hope like everybody he reaches the level we all want him to get and to do so in a Kings uniform. I never actively said to trade him. Was just putting it out there more as a what if. As a realist I think Kopi stays. Dustin Brown is a totally different story especially with the news that the Kings are active in getting Pomminville and Stafford from Buffalo. If I had a choice I would choose Kopi over Carter. However I think getting Carter by trade would be a good thing. I wouldn’t trade Kopi for just Carter. I only had him going in a Carter AND Nash deal.
vinny Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:01 am
@Jeff_R,
i remember, didnt mean to make it sound like kopi for carter straight up. Good to know either way. as for brown, i hope he stays..the good physical play, the 25ish goals he’s capable of..its just been a challenging season for em all..hope he stays for hopefully a better season next year
Jeff_R Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:31 am
@vinny, I also would like Brown to stay. The scoring futility is something that nobody could of ever thought could happen. How many time have you seen scoring futility from top to bottom before? 1 or 2 guys I could understand but 20 guys?
The hit by Clifford was arguably a borderline high, late hit. Not sure about a 5 minute match major penalty, but I can live with it. The big problem I have is in the prior game with Phoenix Hanzel delivered a high hit to the head of Richards who did not have the puck at all and NOTHING was called. Later in the period, Torres delivered a high, very late hit on Fraser and NOTHING was called. Then to have Clifford receive a 5 minute major for his hit is very inconsistent and is the problem I have.
[Reply]
Clifford had no reason to hit Brule, especially as hard as he did. Maybe just bump him and keep on the puck,but Clifford wind’s up to hit him as hard as he can. Stupid play, I thought it was really late, the penalty calls were a little iffy but it was just a dumb play all around. The kings should have switched back to Defense mode after the 1st period and played their “normal” game.
Also, if you think about it, did the kings really score 4 goals. Doughty and William’s goals were great goals, but Lotki’s goal was pretty lucky (bad goalie more than great shot) and brown’s goal was a lucky tip and I saw an angle on the NHL network where it definitely looked high (they didn’t show the angle on FSW)
Anyways, great that they can score, but giving up a lead like that is ridiculous
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:23 am
@kopitaristheman,
The only reason Clifford might have had to hit Brule was to knock down an opponent, then recover the puck, and shoot it back into the Coyotes zone.
Which, if you watch the replays, is EXACTLY what he did.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:35 am
@IceGuy, Somebody gets it!
[Reply]
All I can say is I’m glad I turned off the game after the second goal by the Yotes…I just had a bad feeling…
[Reply]
In my opinion smith was way worse than quick but smiths team played with heart and will and won the game…. after how many games quick has got points for kings… i didnt think quick was bad and he has some great saves, but he wasnt as solid as usual, but neither was the D
[Reply]
Honestly the game was lost because the Kings backed off. Not going to win games if you only apply pressure for one period.
[Reply]
Jack Johnson will win the Norris Trophy Next Year! either that or the Blue Jackets win the CUP. The old LA Curse
[Reply]