Pour yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for this one. Actually, you want want to make that a pot of coffee. Here’s Dean Lombardi’s conference call from tonight, regarding the Jeff Carter trade. It’s quite an event. Make sure you read down to the bottom, to get Lombardi’s thoughts on TMZ…
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Question: How long were you talking to Columbus about Carter?
LOMBARDI: “That’s really hard to say, because you’re talking all the time. I don’t think it’s a question of talking about him. It’s more of an issue of degree. When did it really heat up? Probably, I’d say about a week ago.”
Question: Usually trades, this time of year, are draft picks, rental players. You giving up Jack Johnson, a part of your core, what does that say about where the team is now?
LOMBARDI: “It’s probably fair to say, like you saw us in the summer looking for a top forward, Brad Richards, that we’ve always kind of been in that market. Now, who you can get and how much you have to get up (varies), but I think the only way we can make this deal is because we have some young defensemen coming through the system. Otherwise, with how I feel about the back end, we’re still one of the best teams in the league defensively. We see some things within the system that kind of allowed us to reach out to a player of this caliber, who is still a young player barely in his prime. This isn’t a rental. To me, this isn’t your classic trade-deadline deal, where you’re giving up young players for a rental type situation. This is a good young player for a good young (player). This is a hockey deal.”
Question: The fact that the team has dried up offensively, how much did that have to do with this trade? Making a big move, was it because you didn’t think the offense was just going to discover itself?
LOMBARDI: “That’s a good question. Even in the summer, I always felt we were still a top forward away. … Not having a guy like Parse all year, losing Simon Gagne and essentially not getting much out of Dustin Penner. So our secondary scoring kind of broke down, and our top-end scoring wasn’t able to carry it. Even in our plan in July, in terms of being that contender-type team, we felt we were still a top player, ideally a winger, away. So that’s always there. You’d like to make this deal from where you projected you were. You thought you were short in this area, but you didn’t think you were 30th in the league. I think that’s the frustrating part for all of us, how this has snowballed to, whoa… If we’re 15th or 20th in the league, where I kind of projected offensively, I’m still looking for this deal. But I don’t like the fact that the projection is off, in where we should be starting this deal from. Part of that, again, I think is the way our secondary scoring dried up, which would take the heat off our top guys. That needs to be better. That’s the only troubling thing.
“I certainly see this as part of the plan, as I said, if you look at the things I tried to do in July and what I’ve been trying to do all year. It’s within that framework, but it’s not under the foundation I was expecting. Now, the other thing I’m gauging is that this kind of snowballed on us. I’ve talked to so many hockey people about this. It’s almost psychological now. How much of this is quality of play, speed, skill? It’s been beating us up mentally, and I think that’s part of it, and they’re going to have to fight their way through. It’s not easy for them. As I’ve said, when you’re in the building process, depending on the day we’re one of the top three youngest teams in the league. And they’ve got high expectations, and that’s part of it. So this is something you wanted to add, but you wanted to have a better base here. So, Jeff Carter is not going to come in and be the calvary. We’ve got guys who still have to perform at a higher level, grow into becoming winners, and get some other players back to their identity of doing what they do well. So, I don’t see that as something that was never projected. What wasn’t projected was making this move (as) the 30th scoring team in the league, instead of maybe 15 to 20.”
Question: How much did Richards and Carter actually play together in Philly?
LOMBARDI: “You’ve got all these computer guys who can tell you how much they played together. Trust me, we looked at all that.”
Question: I’m assuming you think Carter can get back to being a 46-goal scorer…
LOMBARDI: “[laughs] Right now, I’d take 20. The one thing about it, it’s not easy to go out on the marketplace and find a guy who has the potential to score 40 goals, who is 27 years old and has a cap number that is very favorable, in terms of me keeping this nucleus together. So, sure there’s been some questions on Jeff in the last year or two, but knowing him well from where we were, having John Stevens, who coached him, and guys who played with him, putting it all together I think this is a good move for us. But again, I wish we were not making it from 30th in the league. I don’t think anyone here thinks — in the room, the coaches — that we should be in that position, and have to make this deal look like desperation, versus adding a piece that we were trying to add before anyway.”
Question: When do you expect Jeff to be here? I assume you expect him to be in the lineup at 5 o’clock on Saturday…
LOMBARDI: “Well, we have to do a lot of physicals here, given the magnitude of this deal. We’re hoping to have it done, but we have to check out everything physically, and Columbus has to do the same. So we’re hoping to (have him play), but we’re not going to cut any corners here, as far as making sure he goes through the x-ray machines.”
Question: Can you talk about Carter’s contract? He’s got 10 (more) years, and how does that fit into your long-term planning?
LOMBARDI: “If any of you guys can figure out the length of contracts that are ideal for players, it’s tough. But like I said, Jeff has proven he is a winner, with the way he has come up, and seeing what he has done with the (AHL) Phantoms, and breaking in with Philly and the World Juniors, so it’s in him. You just always hope, with young people, that they never lose that, despite the fact that everything is secure. That said, it’s just one of the quirks in the system. If that player plays like he’s capable of, and you’ve got an AAV of 5.2 (million) for that caliber of player, that’s very advantageous. So that’s your trade-off. You’ve got a huge risk here, that this player is going to be committed to being the best he can be, despite financial security. That’s the risk, but the pay-off is, you get a heck of a player and you’ve got a 5.2 cap (hit). Like I said, it’s by far the youngest core in the league, and it’s expensive, as you see with Doughty and Kopitar and some of these guys. These type of things allow you the flexibility to keep pieces within the mix, if in fact it all comes together. So that’s the trade-off, trusting the player’s character, that he’s going to earn this thing and not feel secure. In return, you’ve got a very good cap number.”
Question: You’ve got three-and-a-half days left (until the trade deadline). Are you still looking? Are you still in the market?
LOMBARDI: “I don’t think you ever stop doing your job, as far as being in the market. But in terms of looking at everything we have looked at, I think we’re pretty much… Right now, I have absolutely nothing. But you never know. But your definition of `active,’ yes, you’ll still be doing your job. But I have absolutely nothing, but we’ll see.”
Question: Did you talk to the Flyers out Carter last summer, before you talked about Richards?
LOMBARDI: “No, I was totally focused on Mike, because I wanted the strength in the middle (at center).”
Question: Talking about identity, and some of the things the younger guys are going through, does this remind you of any of your experiences in San Jose?
LOMBARDI: “Yes, and Darryl and I have talked about that. This morning, we were here at 6:30 and I said, `OK, it’s very similar to San Jose. Six years, and we improved every year, but everybody forgot that we got younger every year.’ We hit the wall as the young players started taking over. The transition off-track, and it snowballed on them. There were some similarities there, because we had holdouts there as we had a holdout here this year, with young players. So, experience is the best teacher. We were sitting here this morning and we said, `OK, there are some similarities here. It’s an incredibly young team with high expectations, exactly what happened in San Jose.’ The younger it got, the further it was expected to go. That’s exactly what has happened here. That’s good, but these young kids have to learn to deal with expectations. As I’ve always said, when you’re in a building plan, you get old to get young. So you’re old at the beginning, and you slowly whittle it down.
“When (Sutter) looked at it, he said, `I didn’t realize we were this young.’ I said, `Yeah, it kind of went a little faster than we thought.’ But, that said, let’s learn from this and get it back on track. Now we’ve added a guy that’s young, but this isn’t a young, unproven player. It’s funny you bring that up, because that was the first thing Darryl and I talked about. I said, `You didn’t have to go through the holdout here, like we did in San Jose, but…’ What did we learn from it, and how are we going to stop it? That said, it’s one of those intangible, and you never know for sure, but I have a lot more confidence that we’re going to get through this and get the ship back on track. Because they’re good kids and, I’ll tell you what, they care. That’s the one thing Darryl has said consistently here. This is a really good group. They really care. They’re really struggling with finding their own identity and dealing with what it takes to be a winner. That’s why he is here, to guide them through the process.”
Question: I know you have people who know Carter well, with Richards and Stevens. Can you take us through the character issues and why this is a risk worth taking?
LOMBARDI: “I think I’ve got to do what you guys [reporters] do on this one. Don’t you guys always have to protect sources? So I think I’ve probably got to back off there. I think it’s obvious that Johnny Stevens, who coached Jeff, obviously is very familiar with him. So that’s first-hand, behind-the-bench knowledge of a player, which we were fortunate enough to have here. It’s probably safe to say, given that so many people here are tied to Philly, we’re fortunate that we could do some research here, but I don’t think it’s right that I reveal exactly how we go about that.”
Question: Taking out the “how,” can you explain your thinking? Why are you not worried about what was said about him in Philadelphia and Columbus, and that he’s a risk worth taking?
LOMBARDI: “Well, I don’t want to be cryptic here, but it was probably because of the information that we were able to gather. Part of it is my own personal experience, from when I was in Philly, driving to the rink with him when he was with the Phantoms. I’m sorry I can’t go into more (detail). I’ve had a lot of personal contact with him, on a lot of levels, and we’re fortunate to have access to it. Again, some of it is my own first-hand (experience), having been there when he broke in as a pro. Here’s the other thing too, that we’re banking on. When we did the deal in the summer (for Richards), I think I said this to a couple writers at the time. I think a lot of this stuff really got blown out of proportion. Like I told one guy, if somebody had taken pictures of me in college — and I would suggest that, given that most of the people on this call are journalists who went to college — I’d like to know, if they had cameras when you guys went out on Friday or Saturday night, how many of those pictures would have shown up on things? It’s something you do as a 21-year-old. Having even done the research, before we got Mike Richards, I’m going, `Oh well.’
“How many of us are in a position to throw stones? We just never were celebrities enough, to where people wanted to take pictures of us. I do think that, given our culture with TMZ and things, I think stuff can get a little exaggerated. That said, I do think that athletes and professionals all go through a phase like we did in college. You’ve got to grow up and learn from it. They’re no different from anybody else at a young age. Just because they’re great athletes doesn’t mean that, all of a sudden, they’re not human beings. I think we have to recognize that, particularly in today’s day and age, when we give them so much so early, that there’s a growth process here that doesn’t start as soon as you give a kid $50 million. It actually hurts that process. You’re just hoping that these are good people that were brought up the right way and that, just like all of us, when we were at that stage of our lives, we weren’t exactly all choir boys. So I think some of it as exaggerated. Knowing these kids as people, deep down I think they are your classic Canadian boys who will dream of winning the Stanley Cup. That will never leave them. Get some stuff out of your system and get back on track. You’re banking on what’s deeply inside of them, and they can get sidetracked like any young person. That’s my speech on human nature, but I firmly believe it.”
Question: It was reported, with Rick Nash, that you had interest in him. What was your understanding of his level of interest in coming here?
LOMBARDI: “I don’t know. All I know is what you guys printed, quite honestly. Scottie (Howson) never told me whether I was on a list, off a list or whatever. He just approached it like, I guess, any other player. So I don’t know. As far as what Rick Nash wanted, all I knew is from what you guys were writing. I never got that from Scottie.”
Question: Was that ever a realistic possibility, of getting him?
LOMBARDI: “I don’t know. I don’t know. But we’re more than satisfied with Jeff. That’s probably more of a question for Scottie, quite honestly, than me. Once we saw that Jeff was available, for a very (big) price, don’t get me wrong, we were more than comfortable going this route, for a number of reasons.”
Question: Maybe you don’t know the answer to this, but did you sense that you were bidding against another team on Jeff Carter?
LOMBARDI: “I’m thinking that there was probably one or two (teams). I don’t know. I don’t know. Don’t forget, does it really matter? Because this is a player they don’t have to move. So whether or not somebody else is bidding on him is not an issue, if in fact that team does not have to move him, because this is their price. it was very clear to me — I think it’s fair to say that people know Jeff wasn’t thrilled (in Columbus), but it could be like the Cincinnati Bengals guy [Carson Palmer] or whatever — `Hey, we’re not moving you unless we get a fair price.’ And that, I perfectly get. I don’t think, in any way, Columbus could have done a garage sale for this player, if we wanted him now. It’s one thing to be bidding on a player who, it’s not like a free agent, where he has to go somewhere and it’s a bidding war. It’s not like a rental at the trade deadline, where he’s out there and he’s going to go, so you want to get him for the lowest price. This is a player who doesn’t have to go anywhere. So, Columbus sets the price, and if somebody meets it, you get him. If you don’t, you don’t. I know that’s not exactly what Columbus wanted to do, maybe, holding onto him, but they could easily — looking at their situation — have moved him in the summer. So I don’t think I was really concerned about a bidding war, so to speak. I was like, `I get it.’ If I’m (Howson), I’m not moving this guy unless I can get what I think is a fair price, or I’ll try again in the summer. That’s kind of the way I was approaching it.”
Question: Was there a final stumbling block in the deal? It seemed like it took a while to wrap up today…
LOMBARDI: “We have to do a very detailed physical here, and there was a little complication with doctors. Given the gravity of this deal, we have to make sure the physical things are in order.”
Question: Will Voynov come up?
LOMBARDI: “Yes. He played very well for us. The only reason he was in the minors, when we sent him down, it was pure roster size. We wanted to change our mix up front, and bring those two kids up, King and Nolan. So we had to create a roster spot. That was the only reason he went down. He will be coming up here, immediately. He played very well for us, and he’s a great fit for Willie Mitchell, lefty-righty. He’s got a lot to learn, but this is a very good young defenseman. I’m not so sure that, if he hadn’t performed the way he did, despite the fact of how much we would be interested in getting Jeff Carter, I’m not sure I would be this aggressive.”
Question: Will one of your rookie wingers go down?
LOMBARDI: “Yeah, we’ll be making a roster move shortly. He’s coming up and we’ll have to make an adjustment here. I want to see what Darryl wants to do with one guy in particular, but one of the forwards will have to go down, yes.”
If Nash goes to the Sharks, tell me how annoying that BEAT L.A. chant will be then?
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luc20rules Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:12 pm
@Tony in Denver, Lets see how good will the Sharks be without Thorton, Pavelski and a #1 for Nash. Thats pretty much the type of package Columbus is looking for.
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Jody Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
@luc20rules, Don’t think that’s gonna happen.
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Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
@luc20rules, Don’t forget couture
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@luc20rules, Thorton will not be in the deal imho. I don’t think the Sharks are going to get Nash. I don’t think anyone will before this summer.
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McSorleyfan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@KC23, I wholeheartedly agree with that one. Carter moves, Nash stays, I expect. We’ll know soon.
Danny of Pasadena Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:19 pm
@Tony in Denver, this deal stinks. Carter is minus 12. He has under 20 goals and has played in thirty nine games. Rick Nash, yeah. Not for this guy. Hope you love golf dino. What a horrible trade.
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brian spain Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:39 pm
@Danny of Pasadena, Kopi has played in like 60 games and has what 18 goals. He has 15 in 39, thats way more than any guy on this team. He has 2 hat tricks this year.
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scootty Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:49 pm
@Danny of Pasadena, Yeah, 15 goals. Spread that out over an 82 game season and that’s a 31 goal pace. And what is Johnson so far this season in the +/- category? Oh yeah, a team worst -12 on the 3rd best defensive team in the league.
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jacky boy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:57 pm
@scootty, 31 goals and it would be considered a bad season for carter… Tells you what kind of a sniper this kid is
Nolan, King or Penner?
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luc20rules Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:08 pm
@Dilapidus, Trade Penner most likely the only teams interested will be Toronto and Anahiem. We likely can only get a 5 th rounder, but better than having a spot & Cap Space taken by someone that doesn’t fit the system. Judging by the Carter highlights provided Vinny Prospal may not be a bad 37 year old rental for a 4th round pick. Although I would much rather get LW Jussi Jolkinen(faceoffs & shootouts).
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Chasser70 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:14 pm
@Dilapidus,
Send down the Cakes!
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gene Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:48 pm
@Chasser70, Please Hockey gods dont send down the youngsters, get rid of Pancakes.
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Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
@Dilapidus, Nolan goes down… King looks like he wants to stay.
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SLIM Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:50 pm
@Stuart,
I agree…DS called out Nolan in a past thread..
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hockeynerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
@Stuart, Nolan down, King stays up, DS has praised King ALOT
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UglyinLA Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@Dilapidus,
Penner is like today’s housing market. We paid way too much. He is only worth half of what we paid. We cant sell and he is hurting us financially.
I say we “short sell” him. Yes, I realize that it might cost us $2.4M of cap, but that woudl give us $3M that can be used for a short term rental.
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Mars Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@UglyinLA, how would it work if we waived him? Do we take it in the short there too?
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LA_1968 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@Mars, Penner would have to clear waivers. If another team claims him they have to pay his contract and it would count against the cap hit for them. If he does clear waivers he’d still get paid but it wouldn’t count against our cap.
Gustavo Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 7:57 am
@UglyinLA,
ROFLMAFAO!!!!
Great analogy!
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Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:13 pm
@Dilapidus, Send king down. Never know penner may catch fire. Stranger things have happened
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Booga01 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 7:18 am
@Kings x, would love to see it, but I think we’d all be waiting for something that might never happen again.
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Danny of Pasadena Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 8:32 am
@Kings x, I agree. I think the pancake man had more of a chemistry issue…and trust me, Kopi goes off on his own tangent sometimes and personally I dont think any of the kings mesh with him. I say pancakes with carter a.d and richards. Let God sort out the rest. Pancakes came to camp in shape. Doughty did not and it shows. The kings better slve their issues fast or even those duckies will shoot .em down…
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
@Dilapidus, If we’re not going to play Penner we might as well put him on waivers. i doubt that will happen, but it wouldn’t shock me either.
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Steve C Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@KC23, Given that he’s been scratched a lot recently, I think that may happen by the deadline.
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Party boys in la! All the single ladies beware
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luc20rules Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:09 pm
@rob blake is god, I can already see the old SNL Wild and Crazy Guys paridy on the Staples Scoreboard with MR & JC.
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PK Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:55 pm
@rob blake is god, that’s what i don’t get. After watching that NHL36 I realized one thing about MR. He’s is soooo boring and monotone. That dude must have no game (plus he’s canadien). He’s reminds me of that one friend who is super quite and then they have a few drinks and they’re acting Ronnie from jersey shore…. But hey more power to him. Go rage it up with your bro, you’re only young once
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Funny thing is, even after receiving an email from the LA Kings org about the trade, I came to the Insider just to make sure this trade was real.
Hoping this is what the Kings need to make that final push to the playoffs, but not sure only one guy is going to make a huge difference. I bet Richards is jumping up and down to have his best bud around again!
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jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:11 pm
@Adam, We still need another winger, hopefully we will get one in the next 48 hours. But Carter for JJ is an upgrade for the one thing we need badly. Offense.
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Adam Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@jess, I know Deano can play the innocent role, but it doesn’t seem we are in the playing for another deal. Seems like he put all his eggs in one basket and has no idea what else he could do, but you really never know. At least this one move will hopefully set a spark on and off the ice with the Kings and get moving in the right direction.
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jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:19 pm
@Adam,
A “spark” is an excellent way to put it. Well said.
Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@jess, I like stafford
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@Adam, IMHO this is an upgrade to both our offense and defense. Voynov > JJ … easily.
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Gustavo Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 8:03 am
@Adam,
Carter alone would probably lead me to agree with you, but Carter alongside Richards is a complete different story. The can make things happen. I still would have preferred to a trade for Iginla. Oh well…
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In July DL thought he was one top forward awa…well why did you not try and trade then????
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@neil, He tried to get Brad Richards. Plus he felt that he could get by with Parse, Penner and Gagne. They never expected to go as futile as it has. Trades are very hard to make and since the invention of the Salary Cap pretty much happens at trade deadline and off season. There are rarely any mid season trades anymore.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:02 am
@Jeff_R, Yeah, I’d say Parse and Gagne are the real answers…Penner was more of a dream.
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Jorgen Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:38 pm
@neil, for what? He tried to sign Brad Richards, but what else was out there? Columbus thought they had a heck of a team and they were not in the market to move Nash or Carter. What would you do? trade for a trade sake, or hold on?
I know the season went/going to hell in a Sutter basket, but c’mon…
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JackKentCooke Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:51 pm
@neil,
He said his priority was strengthing the middle.
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luc20rules Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
@JackKentCooke, Players that have played Center in the NHL (*AHL less then 10 games at C in NHL) in the NHL.
Kopi, Stoll, Carter, Richards, Richardson, Frasier, Lewis, and *King.
I really feel like I am forgeting someone.
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I’m going to miss JMFJ. Hope Carter helps us out though!
Go Carter, GO KINGS GO!
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Donald_S Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@Lake Forest,
This may be good for Jack. I don’t think he liked playing second fiddle to Drew. He can be the main guy over in Columbus.
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Jody Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:13 pm
@Donald_S, True, Jack will be the top d-man in Columbus, the 15th team in the Western Conference and well out of the playoffs.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:04 am
@Donald_S, Yeah, I was thinking about that earlier too…he joined the Kings before Dewey, and Dewey took the spotlight the season after he arrived, and the two always seemed to come up in the same conversations. I think from a personal game standpoint, it could be good for him, even if it sucks to be in Columbus (tomorrow.)
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I still feel were needing one more top six forward, I’ll hold my breath because if any top six is injured for long term then were right back where we are pre-Carter. Unless Penner has some magic in him.
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OC King Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@ice is nice,
I second that minus your optimism on Penner. (although that is admired)
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DEH Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@ice is nice, just imaging how different things would be if Parse and Gagne were healthy. I think DL was counting on at least one of those two staying healthy when both went down he was effed.
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Lake Forest Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@ice is nice, Gagne is skating. he will be here before playoffs. We will be a force to be reckoned with!
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ewok Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:35 am
@Lake Forest, doubt it. i dont think he will be coming back until next season unfortunately
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:06 am
I’m with DEH & Lake Forest…the hope was that either Parse or Gagne would pan out, and DL got burned on that…and the interesting possibility is still that Gagne could work into the lineup in time to contribute meaningfully.
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LOMBARDI: “I want to see what Darryl wants to do with one guy in particular”
I am guessing that’s Penner?
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@Jgomez323,
Where is that guy who has been insisting that the GM makes personnel decisions without consulting the coach?
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neil Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:25 pm
@JackKent Cooke, a gm and coach will talk daily..I never understood why fans dont understand that….If a coach doenst like a player Iam sure he will ask the GM to move em…This is prove of that…
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:07 am
@neil, Absolutley. The coach really makes the decisions on who plays and who doesn’t and you better believe the GM and coach have a great line of communication. Don’t forget to add Nichols in on that info also. I get the feeling that Bernie just might know how to check a players attitude just by being around them on the ice and chit chat.
Well they wanted a young team and now it seems they are going back to an old one? No wonder why the boys seemed so upset playing the last two games, oh well we will have to wait and see, as its been 24 years of waiting, and still I do not think much for future hopes for a cup in LA, guess that is why it does not rain so much, because they know we do not need a cup to hold our water.
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jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:13 pm
@Gail Weber,
Detroit has a bunch of old guys and boy do they suck!
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mrbrett7 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@Gail Weber, The Kings have gone from the 2nd youngest team in the NHL to either the 2nd youngest team in the NHL, or at worst, the 3rd.
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@Gail Weber,
27 is old?
[Reply]
KingsFletch Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:58 pm
@Gail Weber, Stagger said it best.. 27 is old?? lol I personally feel like a lot of players in this league can be in their prime at 30+, some don’t even get to their prime till they get past 30. But yeah this move changes our average age as a team by maybe.. 100 days or so lol. Oh, smart comment tho
[Reply]
Welcome to LA Anson……..I mean Jeff.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:10 pm
@Dominick, LOL
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
@Dominick,
Usually I like to read your comments, not so much this time.
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:27 pm
@Dominick,
Dom…I know you’re super bummed
losing you’re boy JJ..I get it…
But putting down the other player to do so…
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:31 pm
@Dominick,
was it you who did this over at S & S too.. I hate you so much right now!!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:39 pm
@colo king fan, No, but I’m gonna go there now and join him. lol
[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
@Dominick,
haha…oh come on…it wont be like the Carter era!
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:09 am
@Cruiznblue, You’re right! If this Carter sucks, he stays because he can’t be moved.
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 8:05 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, why couldn’t he be moved? he was moved here.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 11:28 am
@red49er,
Not as a three time trade loser?
Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@Dominick, Difference is The BFF
[Reply]
Mr. Lombardi, if you seriously want your team to win on Saturday, then please say that the “shop is closed” and don’t answer the phone until Tuesday morning. This is a head-game now and your players need to know that both management upstairs and the fans in the stands are behind them.
We can go on a 4 game winning streak just as easy as a four game loser. DL, cut the drama and play hockey. Trades are done — except if IHOP calls for Pencake, then…lol.
We Believe! Hey Kings, we will be there in Section 118 welcoming you home and hoping for the Win!
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
We’ll miss you JMFJ !!! Good luck in Columbus!
[Reply]
All I have to say is Craig button is a moron. He says we don’t have enough good defensemen and that giving up JJ was a mistake for that reason. This guy is high
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:13 pm
@Kings x, yea i dont even listen to the media all they do is hate on the Kings
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:14 pm
@Kings x,
Yup, -getting high on his own supply…
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@Kings x,
I saw that too and thought the same thing, how many teams have the Defencemen we have?
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:21 pm
@Pesus, Craig Button is a moron. Also Marc Crawford. He said that Dustin Brown is a perennial 30 goal scorer. Hasn’t he only scored 30 once?
[Reply]
Kingscup25 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:52 pm
@Kings x, He obviously know very little about the kings..
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
@Kings x, Yeah I heard that. I guess now we know why he is no longer a GM. What a idiot.
[Reply]
Mike in Oregon Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:31 pm
@Kings x, See Poontang’s post above
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 8:15 am
@Kings x,
Craig Button is a premeditated and malicious Kings hater because he thinks crapping on anything DL does is going to get him the job to replace him.
He did the same thing when DL flew to Boston to fire Terry Murray. DL called out the players, then Craig “Dbag” Button called out DL on NHL.com…as if he owned the LA Kings.
Beware of this man and his constant anti DL comments.
[Reply]
tdot king Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:26 pm
@Kings x, yeah I agree 100% I don’t even think this guy watches hockey to come up with an analysis like this. Johnson is better than Carter? Lombardi must have done something to this guy when he was a GM with San Jose and Button was GM in Calgary.
[Reply]
above interview confirms that DL does talk to DS about roster moves(Which forward to send down) and I wish DL had the same attitude about Smyth as he does about Carter WRT not having to be traded…Smyth also didnt have to be traded…..
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:22 pm
@neil, Smyth asked to be traded. Dean didn’t want to do it but he took Ryan at his word that it was for personal reasons.
[Reply]
We are the flyers EXCEPT we actually have a world class goalie
[Reply]
RLane420 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@Ashykon, and no scoring. I would say we are the bizzaro Flyers
[Reply]
krash324 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@Ashykon, Lets win a round+ in the playoffs before we call Quick that.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
@Ashykon,
Funny!
[Reply]
Kevco Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 8:46 am
@Ashykon, we dont have the world class cheesesteak they have. But they dont have tommy’s
[Reply]
“This wasnt your classic trade deadline deal”. this was hope to save my behind deal
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:33 pm
@Pesus,
+1
[Reply]
Craig button on nhl.com states that we got the shaft on this trade and we do not have enough good defensemen in our system to afford trading JJ. What?
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:13 pm
@408kingsfan, that guy has no clue what he talking about
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@408kingsfan, We have talented young d-men in our system, but are any of them ready to play JJ’s 22 minutes a night? I’m not so sure VV is at that level yet.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@CB14,
Voynov is a technically more sound defenseman than JJ IMO. We need offense.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@jess, No question there, but can he matchup as well against more physical forwards like JJ could? I think that gets overlooked alot.
I definately agree with your second sentence, but I’m just not sure trading away our 2nd best offensive defensemen was the wisest way of improving offense.
408kingsfan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:20 pm
@CB14,
I guess we will find out. goal scorers don’t come cheap these days.
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:31 pm
@408kingsfan,
Neither do good Defensemen…
DEH Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:38 pm
@CB14, wasn’t it VV and not JJ who took over DD’s minutes when DD got hurt?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
@DEH, No. VV only played over 20 minutes once in the 5 games Drew was out. JJ meanwhile played over 23 minutes in all but one of those games, with that one game being the 5-0 blowout of St. Louis in which he logged 21:48 of ice time.
TiredOfIt Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 12:57 am
@CB14, Exactly….these people need to wake up…we lost the best all-around defenseman we had…period
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:33 pm
@408kingsfan,
see now this is a reason to move to canada.. easy access to really good hallucinogens! button is a turd.
[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
@408kingsfan,
He is an idiot. Maybe if were were at the bottom of the league in D…I could understand his comments…but we’re one of the best defensive teams in the league.
Dumbass…
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@408kingsfan, yep, talking right out of his arse. Clearly he doesn’t know squat about squat.
[Reply]
Personally, I feel ambivalent about this move. I like both players enough to think it could be a win-win, but with the way this team plays and is managed, I have more fear that it will just be Penner part 2. Until management realizes that they are partly to blame for this over the top defensive mindset, then it won’t matter what scorers are injected into the line up. I can already imagine Carter only scoring 3 goals for the rest of the season if he falls into the Kings style of play.
If the Kings management can actually adapt to having more talent, and less grinders, then this could work out fine. But if they decide they want to see how hard Carter can backcheck and play heavy along the boards, then this will fail. I’ve seen nothing in the last five years that makes me think that things will change though. Plus, Carter has a no-trade clause which kicks in after a year. If this turns into another Penner situation, it will be even harder to unload and fix than Penner.
JJ’s presence will also be missed more than some here think. Voynov does not have the physical traits that JJ has. He does not have nearly the strength. He cannot pinch guys off and hold them, rather he has to play angles more to get himself in front of players if he can. He also won’t be laying out any big hits anytime soon. Don’t get me wrong, I like Voynov, I’m simply stating he doesn’t replace everything that JJ brings to the table, some of which I liked more than what I see in Voynov. I also think JJ was never really used properly here. I can only imagine how our perspectives of his play would change, if he played under a system of a team like Detroit.
Personally, I’d like to see us resign Mitchell, lose Scuderi, and bring back Brad Stuart to replace JJ in the off-season.
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
“Personally, I’d like to see us resign Mitchell, lose Scuderi…”. I agree.
[Reply]
jacky boy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@PP Anybody?, I would agree except that JJs plus minus is absolutely horrible. I actually think we become better defensively without JJ
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 12:59 am
@jacky boy, Heres how it works…most time on the ice? on the ice most when goals are scored…theory of probability
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:12 am
@TiredOfIt, Odd how that doesn’t hurt Dewey.
Soureen Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@PP Anybody?, Well said
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:22 pm
@PP Anybody?, Sign mitchell. Lose scuderi, but we need a solid shut down replacement for scuds
[Reply]
Pumpernicholl Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:41 pm
@PP Anybody?, Mitchell & Scuderi aren’t the problem. Keep them both I say.
[Reply]
Adam Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 12:03 am
@PP Anybody?, Scuds IMO is one of the unsung heroes of this team…he does so many of the small things that in the end matter so much. We need Scuds around, best stay at home Dman on the Kings.
[Reply]
OLD CODGER Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 4:41 am
@PP Anybody?, Actually geting Carter is all in the master plot. Since we are the LA Philings, it stands to reason that we traded Simmer and Schenn. Now we can get them back with good conscience. (LOL)
[Reply]
Am I the only guy worried about the fact that we will now have AM in the line-up on a permanent basis? He hasn’t exactly played well this year. I think VV is talented, but he’s no JJ yet. Also this now puts even more pressure on Doughty since he will have to play against the top lines night in and night out. JJ used to take some of those minutes away from DD, but VV isn’t physically capable of doing that.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:16 pm
@CB14,
Craig Button said basically the same thing, and we all know what a genius he is..
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@jess, Thanks for the compliment.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:53 pm
@CB14,
Hey whether I agree with you or not, always good to see you here and read yer stuff dude!
Bottom line though, Carter’s career numbers are better than Kopitar’s if you can believe it. He hates it in Columbus, so hopefully he comes to Cali sunshine and is happy and productive again.
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:02 pm
@jess, And to you as well. I was just jokin around with ya.
I hope you’re right regarding this trade, i’ve just seen so many forwards come here and fail to live up to expectations while every forward who leaves the Kings exceeds expectations. I really hope that’s not the case this time.
KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
@CB14, That’s a decent question in my mind. I would like to see Hickey myself. The guy is lights out in Manchester this year and look pretty solid in pre-season for the Kings. OTOH, Martinez hasn’t had much ice time to get up to speed. He will likely improve with time on the ice … how much improved we’ll have to wait and see.
[Reply]
KingsFletch Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 12:11 am
@CB14, This was a desperation move for this year, but also a move for the future, you guys gotta realize that. The guy’s signed for the next decade at a nice cap hit per year (hoping he plays like he should) and honestly, Alec Martinez is eventually gonna be a permanent fixture in our lineup (I hope) unless Hickey can supplant him, or we decide to move him also. I’m very intrigued to see just how this trade shakes up the team this year, but also how we grow moving forward… this may be the first real sign that we’re shifting towards an offense first type mentality and hopefully a coaching change in the form of some young blood!!!
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 1:02 am
@CB14, No…you are not the only one…I’m saying this for the tenth time…we lost our best defensive player….JJ was a victim of the system. AM? AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH Mitchell? Scuds? Greene? C’mon people…we had 2…now its one….get it…Thanks CB for the dose of reality this sight needs
[Reply]
@Poonagi,
Prosecution rests.
[Reply]
JackKent Cooke Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:17 pm
@JackKent Cooke,
Take away quote- “addition by subtraction”.
[Reply]
tacomakingsfan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@JackKent Cooke,
man.. you took the words right out of my mouth.. those stats are remarkably sad
[Reply]
JackKentCooke Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:47 pm
@tacomakingsfan,
Makes you wonder how JJ was ever signed for $4-5 mil/yr .
WOW!! Yesterday I posted trade JJ and 2 prospects for Carter and forget Nash!
Its all my fault I did not think DL took me ser…
But time to move on the O area for next year, to me Kings need 30pts with 21 games left to make the playoffs 96pts total. I still dont see it. A little to late, but it would be a bonus if they do.
Good-luck JJ. welcome Carter let you and MR light up that goal light!!!!!
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:35 pm
@Sammuch,
so its you. can you please post Penner for (insert the name of any person, place, or object with a cap hit of less than 500k)??
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 11:20 am
@colo king fan,
I’ll try, I already said put him on waivers, then send him down to Manchester! But why DL does not want to listen to me?
[Reply]
bury Penner in
[Reply]
matt george Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:20 pm
the minors
(although everyone finishing the sentence for me woulda been fun
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:35 pm
@matt george,
Ok I’ll take…
In the ground..
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:18 am
@matt george, Frankly, I think they should, unless there’s some reason they can’t.
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Aunt Jemima.
[Reply]
Choralone Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
@matt george, …center ice.
[Reply]
Boy I hope this works – my first impression is I don’t like it – Carter quit in Columbus for the most part and I don’t care how much you don’t want to be somewhere – a pro athlete should have enough drive to compete every shift – What now that he is here its going to be a new start he is going to ramp it up – I don’t know – and this is another long term deal – I think the team is on the hook for 20 mil per to 3 guys – that’s a lot of scratch for 3 dudes in a cap system – I’m trying to see how he would have helped the last 2 nights absolute disasters – this team quit in Colorado – I don’t care what all the apologists say – they quit – I want this to work -
[Reply]
kidkury Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 8:30 am
@dirtmover, Quit in Columbus? How so. He was unhappy, but 15 goals in 39 games works out to a 31 goal full season. Don’t confuse unhappiness and injury for lack of effort. How many CBJ games did you watch this year? A couple against the Kings like most of us? Let’s see what he can to when he is happy.
[Reply]
DL says: ‘ How much of this is quality of play, speed, skill?’
A lot!! And as he doesn’t seem to like drafting skilled quick forwards, I’d say that thats a part of the problem.
Character is nice, but the total of Fraser, Stoll, Clifford, Moreau and Hunter hasn’t amounted to much on the scoreboard this year. But I’m sure they’re a riot in the dressing room.
[Reply]
Eric Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:52 pm
@number 6, Why leave off Richardson? Lewis?
[Reply]
7milforhickey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@Eric, if you think trever is useless just because he doesnt have a ton of goals then you dont know anything about kockey. the kid flys around the ice and is a monster on the pk. this is his first year not playing with westgarth and clifford. give him some time and hes going to be a 20 goal scorer soon
[Reply]
@Poonagi, Ooh boy … ruthless..
[Reply]
Poonagi Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:21 pm
@Duncanz, numbers don’t lie… and the truth hurts.
[Reply]
colo king fan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@Poonagi,
Numbers can actually lie.. statistics are pretty easy to manipulate if you know what you’re doing… actually you don’t even really have to know what you’re doing – a 1000 level stats intro course from any college should do it. That being said, I don’t disagree with that summation of JJ.. I’ll miss the guy for his character and work ethic but I won’t really miss his perpetual minus rating.
[Reply]
desperate times called for desperate measures for deano – plain and simple…
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:25 pm
@variable,
Desparation aside, it’s a common sense upgrade for what this team needs right now, -unless your Craig Button.
[Reply]
Be careful, Carter is okay…..not Nash material, nor is he as good as friend Richards.
We still need some parts to finish this off even this year to be respectable. We need a run with 15 wins left for us to make it.
Its tight, one guy doesn’t make a NHL contender, yes Carter is one more part, but not the ultimate part.
Be careful, and all this talk of character players, big strong, be careful.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@Harty, We can still make 96 points with 14 wins, but yea, 15 would be nice.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:45 pm
@Dominick, 15-6 would be good. Might even be good to win the division.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@Jeff_R, I doubt the division is even possible. The Kings would have to go 15-4-2 just to reach 98 points. 11 games over .500 the rest of the way. San Jose only needs to go 13-9-1 to reach 98 points. 4 games over .500. They most definately will pass 98 points regardless, while the Kings will be in a dog fight just to break 96 points, and secure a playoff spot..
Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:25 pm
@Harty, Agree. Moen or stafford. Just another scoring forward
[Reply]
I can’t believe the day has finally come where we unloaded Jack Johnson onto someone else. It is like Christmas. Now I just hope Richards’ bff gets him going.
[Reply]
C’mon man! At least admit that the only reason you signed Carter is because he used to play in Philly. If he only played in Columbus like Nash, he would still be a Blue Jacket.
[Reply]
Deano – WE NEED ONE MORE MID-PRICED WINGER!!
[Reply]
Shuchuk Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@crashin’da net, with WHEELS!
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@crashin’da net, 2nd and 3rd that motion!!!
[Reply]
The NHL network tore this apart saying O starts with D and it was a big mistake. Marty McSorley and the guys on the Edmonton intermission said it was a mistake. They questioned Carter, said he was slow and so are Richards and Kopitar so they will never keep up. They also said Dean needs to get out of his comfort zone and get away from Flyers.
It was obvious to everyone, his job rides on this.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:33 pm
@WTF, I have to agree with them. We have trouble scoring, and Dean trades our 2nd highest scoring defenseman.
[Reply]
jacky boy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
@Dominick, for 30-40 goal scorer. He’s on avg to score 31 goals this year and its considered a horrible season. I wonder what is a good season??
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@jacky boy, Has any forward who has come to the Kings in the DL era had a good season?
Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@jacky boy, How come everybody tries to add “average” IF he played a whole season? That’s like saying Gagne would be on pace for 41 points, IF he didn’t have a concussion.
number 6 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@WTF,
Dean goes with what Dean knows. There are so many damned players, scouts, coaches who’ve come thru here. Some pretty good, and others not so much.
Don’t know about his history w the scouts, but I do know the rest. Handzus, J Williams, Gagne, Richards, Jon Stevens, Terry Murray, Jeff Carter, Hunter, Moreau, and I can’t think of who else…. Jeff Halpern. I know I’m leavomg some out. Why not just get brave and go into the slightly more ‘unknown’ for like 5 minutes. It might be scary but the rewards might be extraordinary….. and certainly no worse than this messed up hockey team that you have for the moment.
Guess he couldn’t trade for Owen Nolan or Mike Ricci now? Oh, they retired.
[Reply]
@Poonagi,
dang bro very interesting. thx 4 posting!!
[Reply]
well, if you look past this season, having Richards, Carter, Kopi, Brown, DD, etc (if the finish better than we started), might make the LA Kings a more interesting place for a first rate offensive weapon to join…maybe Carter isnt the last piece of the puzzle…just for now.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:27 pm
@jack, Keep in mind it wont take moving mountains to wrestle the pacific division away from SJ this year especially
[Reply]
JMFJ, i’ll miss you.
LA, hide your women!
[Reply]
crashin'da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:40 pm
@iHEARTbobmiller, you mean that no offense to JJ, right?
[Reply]
Soureen Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@iHEARTbobmiller, Lol, now we have JMFC, but we loose our JMFJ sad day for me
[Reply]
Lost in all this is Dallas’ win in Chicago to bump LA out of 8th. Calgary and PHX are in the last minute of OT. Calgary’s point pushes LA to tenth!
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:50 pm
@bmova, Right now the Kings have to control there destiny. it doesn’t matter what any other team does if the Kings keep on winning. Getting Carter and whatever else will help us do that, regardless of who was or is traded out. Yes Jack was one of our top scorers but that isn’t saying a lot when you are the 30th ranked offensive team.
[Reply]
adamic39 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:22 pm
@Jeff_R, You mean START winning right?
[Reply]
Kevco Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:32 am
@Jeff_R, Keep on winning-when did they start? I know I missed most of the games in the last week but I dont recall reading that they won any.
[Reply]
If Carter “quiting” while in CBUS means scoring like an average 31+ goal per year goal scorer and getting a hat trick, crap! imagine what he just might do being paired up with his buddies in LA and deciding “Let’s light it up boys!” ??!! It’s a gamble. May not work for this year (unless DL pulls another rabbit out of his ugh, erh, hat) but may reap longer term dividends. Despite my better judgement, I have a good feeling about this.
[Reply]
Garbage trade. Last ditch effort to save his job. I liked Jack, and I know he had a horrible +/- but Carter is not going to save this team. Dean Lombardi said he was building from within – YEAH RIGHT. All of the guys we drafted or put time into are gone.
Next out is Brown or Bernier.
Defence is no longer our motto, as hockey is hardly the game the Kings have played this year.
I am guessing Carter has a much better year next year, and I am guessing Johnson has a good finish this year and a terrible year next year and then plays his heart out and becomes much better than he was here.
If you’re going to blow up the team, blow it all up. Johnson is not the reason we are losing, and it isn’t for a lack of Carter either. BROWN BROWN BROWN KOPITAR KOPITAR DOUGHTY
[Reply]
Soureen Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@jonsey, Actually ,it’s DOUGHTY DOUGHTY DOUGHTY is the bad apple. I hate to say it I told everyone the reason brown lost his heart playing here is he does all the work with kopi and doughty makes the bank. Brown 3.4m Doughty 7m ? Doesn’t anyone see the real problem here?
[Reply]
I wonder who would that be? Bye bye 25. So what number Jeff Carter will suit up as a King 7 or 17? Welcome to LA Jeff!
[Reply]
lakingbob(chi) Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:41 pm
@Pat, iSAY 17 Scuds has 7
[Reply]
pat Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@lakingbob(chi), oh yeah i forgot about Scuds.. lol.. damn i’m in the love hate mode with the Kings.. i hope this trade fires them up to win!!!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:35 pm
@Pat, It’ll be 17 for sure. That’s the number he wore in Philly.
[Reply]
Another thing, I’m really tired of hearing about how “young” the Kings are. He’s been using the same line for five years now, and just look how many time he said it in this interview. I’m sorry, but this core has been playing as professionals for several years now. Besides, Youth is not a detriment. Chicago, Pittsburgh, and even the Ducks won their Cups with what DL would consider very young players. I just don’t buy it as some sort of excuse anymore. You can’t just say, oh well, these guys are young, they’ll grow into it, they’ll figure it out. When then? How bout DL grows up and figures out that Jamie Kompon is old enough to have figured it out now and hasn’t. How bout DL figures out that his plan of building a team purely around defense does not seem to be working out as well as he thought, and that maybe he should figure out some changes. How about DL stops giving away his first round picks if he ever intends to develop some scoring talent from within our own organization? Huh? I guess he’s just about given up on that at this point I guess though. Kinda sucks from my perspective. Oh well, I guess all we can do is watch and see where we go from here.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:52 pm
@PP Anybody?, Well it is the truth, we are the 2nd youngest team. Well we were now that we have Carter instead of Johnson that could change.
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johnjuan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@Jeff_R, We are the second youngest because he made us that and had us playing under a coach with no idea how to bring players along let alone teach them a system that allows anyone to score goals (Terry Murray). Nobody ever asks this guy why we don’t have players ripping between the dots where goals are scored.! We play perimeter game after game and nobody asks why? (lately we have begun to change a little with Sutter but not enough) I understand why maybe Rich and Jim Fox can’t because they serve at the pleasure of management but how about some outside journalists nailing these guys to the cross like every other team in the NHL? Vague system comments and 3rd man high nonsense don’t cut it and they never did.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 1:44 am
@Jeff_R, I just did a random search and got results anywhere from 6th to 9th youngest team, so i’m not sure what you’re quoting from, but my point was that even if they are young, it’s an old excuse at this point. They are all experienced pros now for the most part. I also don’t buy that someone like Carter is now entering his prime at 27. Scoring forwards are usually in their prime from 23-27, so I’d say he’s more likely to have his best years behind him at this point. Just law of averages.
I just want to see results. Tired of excuses. Never hear Lombardi ever question himself about his defensive philosophy and whether or not he might think that maybe he is responsible for some of the shortcomings. Johnjuan is absolutely correct about pointing out the failures of the Kings current game structure. I’d like to hear answers on how they plan to help design some offensive structure, rather than here about how the “youngsters” need to “figure it out”. Last I checked, the coaches and GM dictate the style of play a team employs. Also, last I checked every other team has figured out the Kings and how to defend against them. maybe it’s time for the coaches and management to figure out some coaching solutions that don’t involve simply “playing harder and with more passion”. Try designing some actual plays besides fanning out to the boards and digging the puck out for a point shot with traffic, then it won’t matter how young the team is, cause they’ll have something more successful to do.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:23 am
@PP Anybody?, Yup. It’s a complete truth. What I find disturbing is how quickly people are ripping Sutter. I expect him to do what he can in the middle of the season, not to work miracles. If they manage to make the playoffs, I’ll consider Sutter relatively successful, because this team was going nowhere but down. The offseason will be a chance for him to reboot this machine. If that’s unsuccessful, then you can burn it down with my permission.
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KC23 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:58 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Everyone makes mistakes and DS is no exceptions. I like him a lot, but playing Quick on the back to back was clearly not wise. I think he realises that now. My take is that Quick push him to play and DS being relatively new didn’t want to be perceived as doing what TM did with Quick. I’m betting DS doesn’t do the same thing next the that situation arises.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 11:31 am
@KC23, I don’t agree with the back-to-back move either, but Sutter’s got huge respect from me.
DUMB!
JJ was/is a team player, did a cap friendly deal to stay with the Kings. It is indeed a sad day.
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:43 pm
@CCM, I AGREE!
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tomb Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:48 pm
@CCM, Johnson was a defensive liability. Voynov will be an adequate replacement on the power play.
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thrustable Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
@tomb, DD is a defensive liability. And saying Voynov is an adequate replacement is like saying 3 years ago that DD is a Norris type of defenseman.
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tomb Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@thrustable, Doughty consistently plays more minutes every game than Johnson. Why? Both Terry Murray and Darryl Sutter have more faith in him.
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@CCM, To get something good you have to trade something good. We needed scoring in the worst way and Carter is a 30+ goal scorer sniper, including 46 one year. This is a trade tnhat needed to be made and it was a hockey trade not a rental just for this year.
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jacky boy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
@Jeff_R, good point
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:24 am
@CCM, It’s become clear that if you’re a Jack Johnson hater, you love this trade, and if you’re a Jack Johnson worshiper, you hate this trade, whereas if you’re a thinking person, you’re quite likely on the fence.
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goes to eleven Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 8:38 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I like to think of myself as a thinking man, so here goes. I like JJ just fine; I like the contract he signed with no muss, no fuss. I think that says a lot about a guy. So I try to remove myself from the emotional part of it and look strictly at the merits. We have a guy in the minors that is clearly NHL-ready that can fill JJ’s spot without too much lost. And we add a top scorer. The draft pick makes it a bit tougher, but given our current makeup, how can you not like trading JJ for Jeff Carter? Anybody who hates this trade, ask yourself the following question: If you have our lineup (without JJ or JC) and those two were left to finish off the team, who would you choose? If you say you would pick JJ, I say you are either lying or nuts.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 11:33 am
@goes to eleven, Personally, I’m high on the person and down on his play. I was negative on the trade because of the uncertainty of Carter at first, and now I’m on the fence. If Carter “can’t score” after all this, (we know he can, and we know everyone on the team can–practically) it might be time to blow it up.
KC23 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 10:11 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, The reason I don’t like the trade has zero to do with JJ. It is Carter’s contract lenght. I think JJ is way way over rated by many fans here and all the media. When you see JJ game in and game out you see the rather unmistakable holes in his defense. You see why he has been one of the worst minus players in the league.
This trade works well for our immediate future, but 5 years from now? I have a lot of faith in Richards. If Richards likes him there has to be more to Carter than what the Philly and Columbus media would lead us to believe.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 11:35 am
@KC23, Frankly, it’s trading the negatives of Carter for the negatives of JJ that puts me on the fence. I’m hoping the negatives of Carter don’t show themselves here, and the positives do, and it’s infectious. There were a few games early in the season when this team was scary. Of course, they had Gagne, but maybe with Carter…and possibly even with Gagne…but then again, I’m a gullible chump Kings fan.
@Poonagi, Excellent find & thanks for sharing!
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he better play Saturday! We need him not just to win but quash all the naysayers.
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Well the flames lost…
What up with the Yotes lately…
Could it be the coach…
Owned by NHL..
Their players are showing up..
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jacky boy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@SLIM, Phoenix, Calgary, and Dallas are winning because the NHL wants to up their value. The Kings are already selling out and thats why the NHL prefers them to not make the playoffs
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:33 am
@jacky boy, So you are saying the NHL headmasters ontrol the outcome of the games and those they want in the playoffs win and those they don’t want lose?? Evidently you’ve never played the game for real.
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anyone who scores a hat trick against the sharks is ok welcome in LA
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On a different and random note. I know we retained the rights to Oscar Moller if he decides to return to the NHL but what about Bud Holloway? Seems like he is doing well playing in Sweden and had a couple good seasons for the Monarchs. We could use a reasonably priced winger next season who still has a lot of upside.
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@Todd, Read an article that quoted Holloway as looking to join an NHL team asap, but got the impression he wasn’t talking about the Kings. As if he was just waiting for his contract with the Kings to run out to come back. Sounded p1ssed.
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I have to say I LOVE this trade. I was never a JACK fan — he seemed to get beat too often in key situations — his plus minus was always minus — and he was not scoring enough to be of value as an offensive defensemen. It’s a great great trade and I can’t wait to see the Richards/Nolan/Carter line get some goals (Assuming they send King down)
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thrustable Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
@Carol Vadnais, he’s a defensive defensman first off. Second, plus/minus is a little over blown. The better you are regarded, the tougher assignments and PK’s you will have to deal with. Now we are left with one physical guy in Greene and the potential of Voynov….hhhmmmm..more talk of potential, sounds familiar (DD).
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
@thrustable, Totally disagree. He gets beat regularly and in crucial moments. Just don’t trust him. His offensive production used to hide his lack of discipline defensively, but he has tailed off defensively. I’m much happier with Carter and Voynov than Jack — it’s ridiculous to suggest otherwise.
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thrustable Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@Carol Vadnais, rediculous to suggest otherwise? yet somehow most bloggers and NHL insiders call this a bad trade. DD has cost us more than JJ, and JJ is physical and DD needs protection because he’s small.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:27 am
@thrustable, defensive defenseman—pfft! I think the word that’s been used in college contexts is “rover”–nothing like defensive defenseman.
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@Carol Vadnais, Nolan will go down before King. Carter can play RW and probably will. King plays LW and has been playing better than Nolan (going by DS comments). Thing is Nolan and King are clearly better than Richardson, Clifford and Penner. Should be interesting to see what they do.
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Harty Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:10 pm
@KC23, wrong and tough to say but straight up, Clifford is better then Nolan.
Tough to say for me, given my situation but its true
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Duncanz Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 4:07 am
@Harty, Don’t worry Harty. KFC’s role on this team is cut out for him already and he’ll get his chances and won’t be discarded.
Here’s a question for you;
If he were in your living room,what advice, if any, would you give him in view of his play over the last two matches?
KC23 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 10:15 am
@Harty, It would take a while to prove who is better. Definately arguable. Clifford has been a complete bust this year though. Clifford is a turnover machine trying to make the outlet pass from just inside his own blue line. Horrid.
the whole league is saying its a bad move
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:49 pm
@Subby, yea this whole league hates the Kings so whats new
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pr0cess Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:50 pm
@Subby, That is because it is
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Eric Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@Subby, Whe whole league overrates Jack Johnson.
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@Eric, So true. The whole league overrates Jack and also Doughty, who is a shell of the player he was two years ago when he was so great (thinking his play at the Olympics where he was the best defensemen on the ice — now he’s not in the top 15 Dmen in the league)
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:58 pm
@Subby, Kevin Weakes said it was a good trade as did Bob Mckenzie. This is a good trade.
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crashin'da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
@Jeff_R, That Button Character is an idiot. We still have offensive potential on the Dline besides DD. Voynov and AMart have good offensive potential. They just need to continue devloping their defense as well.
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Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:33 pm
@Jeff_R, Weekie said it was a good trade for both right after jerkoff button says it was a colossal mistake for the kings. This trade is split down the middle in terms of opinion. Time will tell
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Cruiznblue Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@Subby,
like the ENTIRE league? Pretty bold statement there…
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Kingscup25 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:09 pm
@Subby, That might be a good thing. At first reaction, I didn’t like this trade. But I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Yes we lose some physical presence but Voynov is a great young defenseman who will just get better with time. We had to address the lack of scoring. We’ll see what happens. DL had to do something.
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Bonvivant1 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@Subby, This is the same league that predicted that LA would be a contender.
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KC23 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 10:17 am
@Bonvivant1, rotflmao … so true. Very well said.
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
@Subby, yeah, they do, but judging by their comments they really aren’t that familiar with Voynov and we have Hickey as well if needed. JJ is so overrated it is amazing. The only thing I’ll really miss is his tuffness. Neither Voynov or Hickey can match that.
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The longer the I mull this trade over the more it pisses me off. I know voynov is good and is very good defensively but I don’t believe he is as physically strong or as fit as jack is. I think this will be one of those things where everyone is gonna look at jack next year and see how well he is doing and then go on the bash the kings management decisions. We have all seen how dominant jack is when he is the #1 guy instead if doughty. Well I guess all we can do is wait and see what happens :/
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@The Batman, they always do that…There nothing we Kings fan can say…just have to hope in pray it works
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
@The Batman, totally disagree. Doughty rarely gets beat like Jack does and when was the last time Johnson came up big offensively? He was overpaid and I was tired of his shtick.
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The Batman Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
@Carol Vadnais, My argument was how well jack has played in the past when doughty was out which kind of makes your point really not disagreeing with mine at all. And to be fair when has anyone really come up big offensively this year? Sad question to ask really
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crashin'da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@Carol Vadnais, agreed, Jack made bad turnovers in our own zone too many times. Plus, Jack gets beat many different ways. DD usually only gets beat when he attempts his hip check on everything or talking too long on shots causing blocks and break outs in other direction. He can fix those two easily. I’m more pissed about the 1st round pick.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:39 am
@Carol Vadnais, How many game winners has Doughty had this season?
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
@The Batman, That is always how it is. Kings are doing badly so loads of people bring up how all the ex kings are doing. It is an Annual tradition. Nothing new. Will happen next year especially if Carter gets off to a slow start.
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Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@The Batman, I do have to agree JJ was a different and better player when DD wasn’t around
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Kings gave up too much, just like they did when they traded for Penner, Richards and Fraser. Report this comment! I hate to see them trade away the draft picks. We gave away a first round pick to get Carter and we traded a first round pick last year to get Penner. It reminds me of the Kings in the 1960′s who would not think twice to get rid of a draft pick. That is part of the reason it took 26 years to get to the Stanley Cup final.
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:53 pm
@tomb, BINGO
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@tomb, That was different then. They traded our young guys for veterans or draft picks for veterans. This trade is a hockey trade and the fact is we traded a 25 year old Jack for a 27 yr old Carter. We are deepest at defenseman and not very deep on Wing. This trade helps out our offense and allows a top prospect defenseman to come in full time. Trading 1st round picks is not a problem when it is a lo first round pick. Detroit just did it for Kyle Quincey. We are loaded in prospects, missing out on a couple is not going to hurt. Especially when said draft pick won’t be around for 3-4 years and Carter is around for 10. Plus how do you say we gave too much up for Fraser? That was a trade Dean was forced to make. He didn’t want to make it. He also was only allowed to trade with one team.
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number 6 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:27 pm
@Jeff_R,
We are deepest at defenseman and not very deep on Wing.
Well I saw a recent interview of Carter and he says that he’s most comfortable at center which is the position he’s played all his life.
I understand he did well on wing last year….. but that wasn’t w Mike Richards. It was w Claude Giroux.
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tomb Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:49 pm
@Jeff_R, with all due respect, our prospects list seems to be getting thin. I heard yesterday that Manchester is having the same problem as the Kings scoring goals. We are at that point now where we can no longer look at the farm team for scoring help. Lets hope some of the Kids in junior hockey can score in the big leagues?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:30 am
@tomb, Don’t know about the others, but Fraser’s a stretch. That ship was sailing with Smyth on it, and everyone knew it, so Lombardi was already screwed.
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I will always be a fan of Jack Johnson the person. The way he negotiated his contract, not using an agent…just loves to play hockey. I hope he has a great career with Columbus.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:42 am
@Cup B4 I Die, One good consellation for Jack with this trade, he’ll be closer to home and that may help take any sting out, if there was any.
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does anyone know the status of jake muzzin? is he still in the ahl? i really liked him a couple years ago and was just wondering what happened to the kid
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@A-tar, He is still in Manchester.
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crashin'da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
@A-tar, needs to bulk up.
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:47 pm
@A-tar, having a terrible year in Manchester.
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dk Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 5:18 am
@KC23, Been watching a few Manchester games – not sure I would agree “terrible year” – trying to find consistency yes but some good stretches for sure — bulk up? Like MMA bulk up — he’s 6’3″ 220 –
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dk Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 5:45 am
@KC23, Not sure what you’re basing the “terrible” on. I’ve watched a few games – he’s trying to find consistency but playing against top lines, does pp, pk, and been paired with rookies. Manch overall is not having a great year — trouble scoring (sound familiar).
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 10:30 am
@dk, Was connecting the dots with what I saw of Muzzin in pre-season and his 2nd worst -14 on the team. You bring up some good points though and you have more time than I have seeing him. I stand corrected.
Hickey must be playing pretty good. A +14 with 19 assists. Not bad.
dk Reply:
February 25th, 2012 at 10:02 am
@dk, Roger KC23 — no problemo — plus minus is a dicey statistic at the best of times — depends on team standing, line up matches, special teams assignments, etc. I’m sure no one likes a minus, but too much focus on it is not productive either — have to view it in the context of the game/season.
Hickey has been playing quality, steady minutes –
Thanks for the response
FLYERS WEST!
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So now that JJ is gone, who is our physical D-men? Greene and…..? (don’t even say DD).
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
@thrustable, Westgarth will play 20 minutes on D a night and keep his 1:00 on O
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The Batman Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
@thrustable, That’s what I’m worried about too….. Greene is very physical and jack always seems to knock whomever he is guarding down and this is never seen by the other defensemen and I think the physical play is Important in making the other teams forwards hesitant in gaining the zione
[Reply]
Kingscup25 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@The Batman, Watch Nick Lidstrom. He is not very physical but so amazing defensively. He is smart. You don’t need to be that physical in today’s game to be a great defenseman.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 1:53 am
@Kingscup25, Yet the Red Wings also have Brad Stuart, who crushes people when he has the chance. Good teams have both types of defensemen.
crashin'da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:18 pm
@thrustable, Greene and Mitchell however technique can outweigh physicality most every time.
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We’ve had a winger problem for forever. Kopitar and Brown for Vanek and Stafford and a first. BLOW THIS TEAM UP.
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
@jonsey, Brown is on the block, but you can’t trade Kopitar. He is the heart and soul of the team and look who he is playing with. You can’t make chicken salad out of chicken sh*t, as LBJ used to say.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 4:22 am
@Carol Vadnais, Quite a sage, was LBJ
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:47 am
@Carol Vadnais, Why do you want to keep a 2nd line center when you could get some players with real talent?? Your Kopi is not and I repeat, not a superstar and diffinitley not clutch when needed.
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Sorry guys…solid trade…if Carter comes here and explodes (which is a little easier to do than in Columbus), it will be great. I thank DL for getting him if i were youz…
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
@tellmeY, are you kidding? HOW is it easier to score more in LA? Nash had 50. WHo on the Kings came close?
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tellmeY Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:03 pm
@jonsey, just sayin he might be a tad more motivated if he’s on a team he wants to be on….not sure he was so excited about Jackets…and the reason he was traded. He’s also back with Richards…which could be a good thing….maybe…who knows…spoiled kids is all I know.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@jonsey, When did Nash score 50 goals? Carter came closer to 50 then Nash has.
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thrustable Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@tellmeY, if if IF he explodes. Every GM in the league can say that about every roster move. IF…
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tellmeY Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@thrustable, well ya I guess…kind of like the woulda shoulda coulda on this blog. Lots of back seat GM’s and coaches. Like i said if i had a dolla for every one of those so called “predictions” i’d be rollin. Anyway….it is what it is. Player play….when they want to. It’s about the roll of the dice and who wants it the most.
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CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:12 pm
@tellmeY, “if Carter comes here and explodes” Could you, or anyone for that matter, please tell me the last forward to come to the Kings and actually improve their scoring numbers? Or heck, even produced numbers similar to what they had previously done? I’ll be waiting.
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jacky boy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@CB14, How many hits does Nick Lidstrom have… I believe he is one of the best dmen ever
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Duncanz Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 4:27 am
@CB14, Maybe it’ll turn out like Selanne going to The Ducks – the 1st time..
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Carter better bring some scoring, or I’ll be pissed. We just gave up a lot of beef for a guy who has 4 hits in his last 10 games, and 8 total in 39 games (and still seperated his witto shoulder). For all the complaining about how the Kings aren’t tough enough, it’s about to get a whole lot tougher with little VV covering JJ’s defensive assignements.
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:00 pm
@Dominick, Maybe Deano isn’t done. Kopitar Gagne SOFTaholics
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Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@jonsey, Kopi isn’t going anywhere.
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crashin'da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@Dominick, you betcha he ain’t
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:49 am
@Dominick, Too bad
CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@Dominick, Also we need to consider that AM isn’t playing nearly as well as he did last year. Now both of them will be in the line-up on a daily basis. The Kings defense will be fine in a few years once these young guys get more experience, but I think they might struggle this year and next.
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The Batman Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
@Dominick, I’m totally with you dude. Jack was my favorite d on this team…. His physicality and his team first attitude with his contract are all plusses for this guy. And I believe he plays amazing when doughty is injured even better than a healthy doughty can play. But that’s the thing is he seemed to only consistently show up and play big when he wasn’t over shadowed by doughty. Sad to see him go.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:13 pm
@Dominick, Let’s wait until Dean is done dealing before we dissect how the team will be.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 10:34 am
@Dominick, If King replaces Richardson … which I think he will … we will have added a lot of what we lost with JJ/Carter situation.
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wow just read that Dustin Brown is in play to be traded.
To be honest, if he is, I won’t feel horrible. I love his grit but truthfully he is really a third liner. He has no business being on the first line for the simple reason that he can’t finish.
but he’s all grit and like Simmonds, a grinder who bears his soul, so we better get something good for him if he goes:
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Reply RetweetedRetweet Delete FavoritedFavorite · Close Open Details
Just to be clear, is LA captain Dustin Brown in play? As in being shopped? Yes, absolutely. But that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to move.
[Reply]
tomb Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:10 pm
@Carol Vadnais, not a big fan of the trade deadline deals. They rarely help any team in the short term, and do an incredible amount of damage to sny long term growth. Smart GM’s will rarely make any big deals at this time of the year. As far as the Kings are concerned, Jeff Carter may help them make the playoffs…barely…more than likely losing in the first round. Is this what the fans call success?
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CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@tomb, No, but it’s what Dean Lombardi might call a job saver.
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tomb Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:18 pm
@CB14, perhaps the current King management will end a terrible trend of replacing GM’s on a regular basis and allow Lombardi to finish his job. Past practice has proven unsuccessful.
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@tomb, Most deadline deals are for rentals. This deal is not a rental and won’t be able to tell who wins for a while. This move was not only intended for this season but also for the future. As for playoffs any team that makes it has a chance to win the cup.
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
@tomb, Ask yourself this: if they don’t make the trade and miss the playoffs, would you be satisfied? We don’t need more draft picks — we need scorers.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:34 am
@Carol Vadnais, Good take. Just because it was made to save Lombardi’s job doesn’t mean that not making the trade wouldn’t have been a disaster. Everybody in the world saw where this team was headed. Regardless of Lombardi’s need to gamble, this could still have been the right move.
tomb Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 5:50 am
@Carol Vadnais, absolutely. In order to build a cup contender sometimes you need to be patient and give your young players a chance to develop even if it means missing the playoffs. Trading away your first round picks is a recipe for future futility. Toronto is a good example.
AZ King Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@Carol Vadnais,
I’ve never understood this point of view on Brown. He has scored 109 goals in the last 4 season (33, 24, 24, 28), that’s an average of 27.25 goals a season. I think he can finish just fine.
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Mars Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@AZ King, Agree. I think he takes a lot of heat, when Kopi went out Brown did step it up, and he doesn’t miss many games at all. He is a guy any team would want, not sure why there are so many haters. I guess he is an easy target being our captain.
http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/player.cgi?2289 to back you up AZ King.
I for one will be pissed if we lose Brown. I dont care what line he is on, if he does or doent have the “C”, he is a US hockey player, great athelete, great teammate, good person and has good value.
http://capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=1005
http://kings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=67750
Plus I want to see us keep someone for their entire career.
[Reply]
tomb Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
@AZ King, Just watched the Vancouver/Detroit game. The Kings have a long way to go before they become an elite team and start competing for the Western Conference title.
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Kingscup25 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@Carol Vadnais, Getting rid of brown right now makes no sense to me. He has skill and is a true power forward. If anything, we need more guys like him. He puts everything out there day in and day out.
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@Kingscup25, I like him I just don’t think he is a top line forward. I’m assuming that is who DL is going to get for him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t make the trade.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:53 am
@Carol Vadnais, And you think Kopitar is…… Duuuuuuude
Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:40 pm
@Kingscup25, He’s great on the 3rd line where he plays his game. 1st line scoring winger no
[Reply]
great trade
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We went after Brad Richards in a big way…
He’s got 18 goals…22 assists…and is a minus player…in 58 games
Carter has 15 goals…10 assists…in 39 games…
We were willing to give Brad 7 million dollars….And a multi-media show..
Just to give some perspective here..
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:05 pm
@SLIM, you really can’t judge Richards for another year or so. Often a player takes awhile to acclimate before he takes off.
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SLIM Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@Carol Vadnais,
Isn’t Carter on a new team also…
I’m judging two player’s both on new teams..
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Mars Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@SLIM, You hit a sore spot with me there. If I am not mistaken, we lost Zues during the BR push too. Man I miss that guy. But on the bright side, its where we are now, and I think we are seeing a good move, I hope this is the upswing we needed. We were so close, and think we would be doing much better if we had Gags and Parse in now too.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@Mars, I wish they had traded Stoll and re-signed Zeus. I think we be a lot better off.
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@Jeff_R, Zeus was so slow…you could tell he was tailing off.
Out with the old…
One persons thoughts:
After 40 years of being a Kings fan I was absolutely angry and frustrated and disappointed. IN the last two weeks I got to a point where I decided to quit watching games, to quit looking here and to quit listening to Sirrus NHL channle on way to work. I could not take the pain.
I decided if we didnt make a strong offensive trade that I would seriously give up on the kings and try and pick a new NHL team.
Seriously. I had this strong feeling and belief.
Now I am more optimisic. Jack was a good player but we needed to do this in my opinion.
…..
Yes there are a lot of question marks. I’ll trust in DL ‘s ability to assess the future of Carter.
A couple years ago when watching Philly I thought wow to get either Carter or Richards would be nice. I envied thier scoring ability.
Carter has a special sniper gift. We need that desperately.
…..
So now Ill hope we can pick up a mid range LW . Im glad we stil have Bernier.
Id be quite happy if we traded Bernier or Brown for Pommiville. Wow what a pickup that would be.
Id be glad to trade any of Penner, Stoll, Lokti, Brown, Richardson, Lewis, Drewiske Hickey or Martinez for the right scoring winger.
Yes I said Brown but that would only be for the caliber of Pommiville etc….
Anyway I will watch games again.
I think we can make the playoffs now.
I just hope for one more winger….The right one could take us very far.
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thrustable Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@hip-check, You’ll trust DL? Isn’t this why we are in the position we are in? Trust his ability to assess the future? Like Penner?
You are just like the rest of us…angry, pissed off, threatening to abandon ship. But just like the rest of us, we are hopeful that one move, one trade, one something will spark us…so we keep watching. But DL’s track record leaves little to trust.
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hip-check Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
@thrustable, Smiles time will tell.
And if all this fails I have choices for the future.
I think we are going to be ok.
We were no ok before today. That is a fact.
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hip-check Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
@hip-check, not
KingsFanFTW Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@thrustable, well we can complaint all we want but not going to change a thing
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@thrustable, First off there will be one or two more trades for another scorer or 2. Second the Penner trade was a good one. It just didn’t work out. This was also a good trade and one I feel will work out. Carter is nothing like Penner and does things no other King player does. Shoots from the slot and goes to the net. Most of DL’s trades has worked out.
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:27 pm
@Jeff_R, i get the point, but most of his trades were horrible. quincey (good pickup) for smyth (6.5 million cap hit) prevented the kings from getting guys whoi could score and they traded him for nothing.
so far, and i love richrds, it hasnt panned out.
gleason and belanger for johnson apparently didnt work out.
demitra (rest his soul) for POS didnt pan out
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:52 pm
@jonsey, I understand where you are coming from, but those trades were done at certain times and have worked out. The Smyth trade worked out as he helped us make the Playoffs his 2 years here and he scored 20 goals both years. POS worked out as he had a really good year and then was traded for Justin Williams who has really worked out. Jack trade also was a good one as the Kings had him for 5 seasons and he played well including helping us to two playoffs and now getting us Carter. Richards was brought in for just this time of year. He plays his best down the stretch and in the playoffs and now that he will be reunited with Carter they will both take off. Sometimes it takes a while for trades to work out while some trades never work out. The Penner trade hasn’t worked out but could still bear fruit depending on how we get rid of him. Not all trades work out but for the most part DL’s trades have. As for the Smyth trade back to Edmonton DL didn’t have a choice where to send him and tried to get something out of nothing. Fraser has been ok. Course all these trades could bear fruit in the playoffs where you might see them as working out.
Mars Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:31 pm
@thrustable, Whoah Whoah, watch that abandon ship talk. I am here for life, whether we end up like Detroit or the Blue Jackets.
Born a Kings fan, Will die a kings fan.
My Dionne, Taylor, Gretsky, Kopi, Zeus and Brown Jerseys (more to come) will be hanging on the walls at my wake. Highlight reels will paint the walls, hits, goals, fights. It will be a wake of all wakes, heck they may even forget me during my wake.
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Mars Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
@Mars, My Robi one too. Damn my closet if stuffed with so many. No wonder my wife is mad at me. HAHA!
krash324 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@hip-check, I am a long time fan as well and this year has been painful as we all, at least most, of us believed we had a team to make a strong push for the cup, not fighting for 8th. I still believe that it was necessary to fire Murray for the spark to win some games which we did. It all boils down to the players. Lets hope a happy Carter and happier Richards provides the spark to get our offense rolling into the playoffs and beyond round 1. If sparks can ignite Penner and Gagne, lookout. Nice to be able to still dream thru this nightmare season.
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crashin'da net Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@hip-check, I’m of the very same status/opinion on both giving up and another trade. I’ve been saying, one mor gritty 20-25 goal scorer. I’d try to keep Richardson, Lewis, and Brown in that order. I think the first two have future potential. I’m thinking Stoll. Lokti, Penner, some Manchester kids, and some picks.
Also, I think ggane suddenly is feeling a little bit better also and is eager to hit the ice!
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:32 pm
@hip-check, Great post. That is what I meant: you need Pommiville or Vanek for Brown.
Kopi
Williams
Richards
Carter
Pommiville
Now THAT’S an offense
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We are also in position to go after Parise this summer.
He is another I covet.
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AZ King Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@hip-check,
I’ll bet you 10/1 odds that Parise is going to be in a Detroit sweater next year. The Wings have publicly said they want him, and I don’t think he would pass up the chance to play close to home.
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hip-check Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@AZ King, We can worry about that this summer I guess.
For now I and I sense most of us want one more strong fast forward that can put the lil puck in ze net.
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@AZ King, they didnt say that. its against the rules, no?
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:23 pm
@AZ King, If he wants to play near home or at home then why wouldn’t he choose the Wild? I think the Kings would be a candidate if we make the playoffs and make some noise in it. Like make the 2nd or 3rd round at least.
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ksy57 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:21 pm
@AZ King, We could have drafted him but went for Brown instead.
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Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:45 pm
@hip-check, Forget parise
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:55 pm
@hip-check, Why in the world would he ever want to come to LA? Big names generally don’t do that. It’s too bad too because if the Kings ever get to be an elite team they are going to get a lot of attention in this town real fast.
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ksy57 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:29 pm
@hip-check, We could have drafted him but went for Brown instead.
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Man can Lombardi talk. He makes everything sound like its falling into place according to plan.
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@helvetica, he looks worried and sad to me
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@jonsey, He just traded Jack I am sure that saddened him some.
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:56 pm
@jonsey, He did have that look of someone who just put their family pet down.
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helvetica Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:13 pm
@jonsey, helooked like a zombie last season when they picked up Penner.
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Should have just traded Doughty for Nash, straight up. Kings have played better when DD was out of the lineup. Team loses focus when he’s in. Sorry to see you go JMFJ
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Anyone realize yet that we have the first 3 Flyer draft picks from 2003?? Carter, Richards and Colin Fraser. Whodathunkit?
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@Dana L, Hahaha
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
@jonsey, Dean worked hard to make up for the mistakes that Al Murray made in that draft. Now what would you think of this…..Carter Richards Brown Parise. What if the kings trade Brown and then sign Parise. How would you feel about that? Carter, Richards, Parise?
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Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:46 pm
@Jeff_R, Too many centers
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:28 pm
@Kings x, Parise and Carter can play Wing also.
SLIM Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@Dana L,
WOW..And weird,,
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Great start, but I don’t think for a moment Lombardi is done.
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@Poonagi,
Dear Poon. Facinating stuff. Thanks for posting.
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Carter will not be our savior..
We still have a team of underachievers…
If Everyone were to step up their play
There would be a better chance of scoring SOME goals…
This either is gonna make DL a genius or Unemployed…
The smallest spark can create a fire..
Let’s hope we get that spark…
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Mars Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@SLIM, I think it will be a spark for Richards, especially if we get Gags back soon too.
I think that spark will ignite the flame in the others and we will start to roll.
I am hoping it happens while we are in reach of the playoffs, time to adjust is my worry right now.
I have not washed my hands of this season yet, but seeing the yotes pass us and catching up to the sharts makes me feel ill.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:01 pm
@SLIM,
Yeah I share the same opinion. Hopefully the spark can create a domino effect and everybody starts going. My biggest concern is that we still don’t have anyone to take the puck to the middle and/ or screen the goalie for deflections.
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Tweet from Bob Mckenzie regarding Dustin Brown…
@TSNBobMcKenzie: LAK will decide based on quality of offers. But given considerable interest from multiple teams, decent chance he moves.
Make a move…time for a true culture change.
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@Cry Baby, Brown is a gustsy player but he can’t finish. You just can’t count on him. He does many other things but maybe you just got turn the team upside down and go with more talent — i.e. Vanek/Pommeville
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Cry Baby Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@Carol Vadnais, I like Pommeville…send over Guastad too!
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gmo Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:47 pm
@Cry Baby,
yes
Jack has to play the avs again tomorrow… poor guy
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jonsey Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:36 pm
@jeffreyryan, hes a competitive guy -if youve ever lost to someone, you want to play them ASAP to get revenge
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Losing Brown and Johnson at once is gonna hurt. I really hope this is a step forward.
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jeffreyryan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
@Subby, I really dont think we are guna lose brown..
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Cry Baby Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:44 pm
@jeffreyryan, I won’t be surprised if he goes…you have got to be excited at what might come back in return!
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:02 pm
@jeffreyryan, I do. I think DL blames Brown for the teams lack of effort just before TM got fired. I was talking with puck73 and I agree with him … I think DL’s boss fired TM, but DL had to do the dirty work.
I personally think it is time for a leadership change on the team. The guy I’d like to see captain … no not Richards … Willie Mitchell. Maybe that might be the thing that gets him to stay.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:40 am
@KC23, So you rip off the “C” and admit that making him captain was a bit of an experiment that didn’t work because he’s not the kind of guy who’s captain, and even then it may have helped his character a bit. You don’t eject your power forward.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:41 am
In short, if that’s what you’re saying, maybe that makes the most sense.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@KC23, Mitchell would make a good captain, I’d take the “A” off of Kopitar and give it to Mitchell for right now.
Kings x Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@Subby, Time for leadership regime change
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KINGS are 10th at the moment
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
@gmo, Well lets see how they do Saturday with Carter (hopefully he can play) and then Monday night. Not sure if we make more trades if they will be available Monday night. Most likely they will be Tuesday Night.
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CB14 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:54 pm
@gmo, We’ve lost 2 spots in the standings since trading for Carter. I thought it was a bad trade, but I didn’t think the fall in the standings would happen so soon.
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IceGuy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@gmo,
That is really the only stat that matters. Kings in 10th place.
It looks like Carter WILL NOT play Saturday vs the BlackHawks.
We could be in 11th or 12th by the time the trade deadline passes and our “new” players are able to contribute.
And speaking of passes. The Ducks are 4 points behind us.
Two things are in play here. Love the trade or not, people cannot help but be wary of Carter. The Penner fiasco is just too fresh and painful.
Second, it might be too late for the Kings.
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:33 pm
@IceGuy, We don’t know yet if he will play or not. The fact is he and Jack will see the doctors tomorrow. Most likely Jack will see it here and Carter in Columbus on the off chance that the deal is voided and Johnson remains a King and Carter a Blue Jacket. However if things go well with the Physicals then Carter will get on a plane Saturday morning and he can then make it for the 5:00 game.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:42 am
@Jeff_R, Boy, if Jack was ever a bent King, he’d sure be a bent King then!
So if Brown is traded who gets the C, I’d say roll with 4 A’s until someone show they deserve the C. Sew an A on Richards and Mitchell’s jersey and go from there.
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jeffreyryan Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
@DEH, He wont be traded! =( all my favorite players will be gone..
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:54 pm
@jeffreyryan, How would you feel with all the new people we win the Cup? I’m pretty sure you will have new favorite players then.
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SVIK Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 9:55 pm
@DEH, Richards
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:03 pm
@DEH, I’d give it to Mitchell and hope to God it helps convince him to stay.
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jacky boy Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:11 pm
@KC23, Captain Richards
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:44 am
@jacky boy, That might just be enough to get him partying with his old bud. I smell disaster. I could imagine worse than giving it to Mitchell. That, or give it to Quick, and let the alternates do all the work on the ice. Maybe he’ll stay then.
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:34 pm
@KC23, If not Richards then Mitchell would be a good choice. However if Brown is traded in the off season, then Sutter will make his choice in training camp or just before.
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DEH Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 8:28 am
@Jeff_R, if you leave it to Sutter he’ll pin the C on his home boy Doughty!
Coming up next on “The Manhattan Beach Shore”…Mike “The Situation” Richards and Jeff “J Wow” Carter go bar hopping…I kid but would love to see a reality series of those guys partying it up!
[Reply]
“someone in particular” has to be Penner. If he is put on waivers tomorrow he could clear cap space by Monday’s trade deadline for a rental. We’re maxed out now. No idea what we could give for a rental.
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gmo Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:01 pm
@LA_1968,
i hope you are right, hope KING or NOLAN dont get sent down. get rid of either PENNER,LEWIS, or RICHARDSON. and try to get another high scoring winger.
GO KINGS GO
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KC23 Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:04 pm
@gmo, Not Lewis. I think Clifford, Penner and Richardson are all expendable.
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Harty Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:17 pm
@KC23, I think Penner, Lotikionov, Drewiski could go first. Trade the youngest player on your team with the most heart and most upside as you look at the statistics.
Everyone is narrow minded if you judge Clifford on the last two games and by the way the game against the Yotes is not is fault. BAD CALL…….
Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:36 pm
@KC23, Clifford is in his 2nd year why would Dean trade him? As for the others I don’t care how they go even Lewis.
We are now in 10th place. =(
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@Lake Forest,
Yep, the slide continues. Only a matter of time before the Quacks passes us.
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vplaza Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@vplaza,
“pass”
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@TSNBobMcKenzie: We’ll talk tomorrow about the “why” of Kings considering a regime/culture change by possibly moving their captain. G’night. #TradeCentre
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KC23 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 10:40 am
@Subby, Yikes … if McKenzie is saying that, Brown is likley going to get moved.
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DL mentioned us! we’re not just peons!
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Lombardi completes Flyers West and Carter and Richards party with the Stanley Cup…(THE HEDGE: This Year or Next)…it all starts with a 3 goal win on saturday! (JUST TO MAKE THIS FUN!) Go KINGS Go!
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The Kings right now should look at this…….
-KING, KOPITAR, WILLIAMS (keep it going)
-CARTER, RICHARDS, NOLAN (size and speed)
-CLIFFORD, LEWIS, BROWN (tough, real tough to play against)
-FRASER, STOLL, RICHARDSON (4th line with speed)
-send Lotikonov down
-sit Penner or put on waivers for the rental
-Westie when needed but the league has changed in two months, no one wants to go or fight
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:37 pm
@Harty, Umm not sure if they will put Penner on waivers or not. Which means one of Nolan or king will go down.
[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:40 pm
@Harty,
Only King or Nolan can be sent down without going through waivers. =/
[Reply]
Simarosa Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 5:49 am
@Gary Livingston,
I’m thinking Nolan will head back to Manch, but Lokti also can be sent down can’t he???
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 1:09 am
@Harty, How about sending down one of the dead weight forwards and keep the kids here. The season is over anyway
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:48 am
@Harty, I’m seeing Brown on Richards’ right wing.
[Reply]
Jimmyo777 Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 9:09 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Probably Brad Richards – not Mike
[Reply]
I bet The MR (the situation) and JC (JWOW) are hitting the bar scene as we speak.
[Reply]
Everybody liked the Penner deal, and it turned out terrible.
Many people don’t like this deal, so that means it will turn out great, right?
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Jeff_R Reply:
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
@Oscar Moller’s Beard, They aren’t comparable. We all liked the Penner deal as it brought in a 20+ goal scorer and even if it didn’t work out he be gone shortly. Well it didn’t work out and he is almost gone. If Carter doesn’t work out then we have him for 10 yrs. Although he isn’t anything like Penner and I see him working out, especially with his best friend Richards. I think the two will thrive together.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 1:08 am
@Jeff_R, And embibe together
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Reunited and it feels so good…… Excited to be back playing with carts
Mike Richards – via twitter.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 1:06 am
@goldielocks, Who buys the first round? Maybe if Richards starts drinking like he used to he’ll finally score…..yes I wrote it, you bet I did.
[Reply]
Phoolish Move Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 6:33 am
@TiredOfIt, like you’d know. Read Lombardi’s comments. Yeah, Richards and Carter are the first hockey players–Flyers–to have fun. This is club who had a bar in their practice facility. I love how people pretend the Flyers are the epitome of honor and dignity and class. They’re not, they treat their players like toilet paper unless they have a PR opportunity (Lappy).
The attention that Richards and Carter got was the result of a neanderthal fan base being introduced to the wonders of the internet, cell phones, twitter and all that. Simmonds is out partying on the town with his lady, not seeing that in the media. Kobe goes to his favorite strip club when he’s in Philly, the media celebrates it like he’s donating playgrounds.
Get a life.
[Reply]
Great questions Rich.
The only other thing I would like to know is DL’s feeling about loyalty, given that one young defenseman wanted to be a King and negotiated his own contract and another didn’t report to camp and is now the highest paid player on the team consequently.
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zulov Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 12:44 am
@ForumFan, I was really hoping to see an answer on that too, but you can’t expect rich to challenge DLs sense of honor this way. Besides, most people would agree that the kings are desperate and the trade had to be made.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:49 am
@ForumFan, I think he addressed those on the KingsVision video.
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Let’s see…..keep all the boat anchor forwards we have that haven’t scored a goal in 20 games and get rid of the best defenseman we had. Makes perfect sense to me…signed rainman
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 24th, 2012 at 2:50 am
@TiredOfIt, You can keep calling him the best defenseman we had, and someone will keep posting the link that shows compelling evidence he was the worst.
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I’ve been up since 3am reading this thread. Of course we all realize what is said here won’t amount to a hill of beans, but it sure is good to vent one’s frustration or express one’s favoritism.
I also have a little room filled with Kings hats, jerseys, dolls, plaques, and pictures dating back to the stone age. My wife refers to it as the KINGdom.
Like others, I’ve seen almost every scenario possible when it comes to our team and so far none of them has brought us the cup. I keep hoping though.
My point? I think most people that participate here are truly fans, some posting from knowledge, others from a true love for this team.I say keep on posting but leave the hatred out of it. Nothing said here is going to influence a trade, a draft pick, or a line change, but it does make for interesting reading. GKG.
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Last night somebody posted a link to a blog that had the Kings’ defensemen ranked in goals for and goals against per minutes played, but now I can’t find it. Anyone know what site that was?
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Bad trade, flat out. They gave up part of the core defence to get another forward, should have been another forward and future 2nd round draft pick. Now they have to worry about their back end once again. Looks like Doughty is on his own back on the blueline. ( To add, a little too late don’t ya think, should have made the trade when the red flags just started to surface, not when you lose that many games in a row) Score one again for the GM and his 5 yr plan
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I am very sad to see JJ go. He had a lot of grit and the ability to irritate the other team and played with heart. That being said, we all know the Kings had to do something offensively. Dead last in scoring with the type of players we have is just not acceptable.
This trade reminds me of two other key defense-men from another era. Darryl Sydor and Alexie Zhitnik.
They were good young players who went on to good careers elsewhere. I wish JJ the best in his future and now look forward to what our KINGS can do going forth. Look at it this way people, this sure beats arguing about 1-0 losses, doesnt it?
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