Mike RIchards’ postgame thoughts…
(on not holding a third-period lead…)
RICHARDS: “We should have confidence playing with the lead, especially in the third period. I made a couple mistakes that I don’t usually make, and the pucks ended up in our net. It’s frustrating, to say the least. It’s something that we have to learn from and work through. We don’t have time to dwell on it now. We have to learn from it and correct it and move on and look forward to Sunday.’’
(on his recent play…)
RICHARDS: “It’s frustration with everything. Not scoring, and I put a big emphasis on keeping the puck out of the net. To make uncharacteristic plays like that, it’s… I’m a leader in the dressing room, and to make plays like that, like I said, there’s not time to dwell on it. We have to move on and get ready for Sunday.’’
(on trying to get back on track…)
RICHARDS: “You can’t take a step back. You have to move forward. As tough as it is, we just have to show some character in this dressing room, in terms of what we can do and how we’re going to move forward and hopefully get better.’’
Richards you’re Way Overrated. No wonder Philly didn’t want you anymore.
[Reply]
Anjin Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
@Hat trick, the entire team is overrated but I can’t blame Richards. You could have Stamkos, Crosby, Malkin, Lidstrom, the Sedin’s, Weber, Suter, Thomas, Nash, etc and they would all be ruined players after 1 season with this crappy no heart team.
I’ll still watch every single game but it will be in fast forward on my DVR because these overpaid losers don’t deserve my time.
[Reply]
Hat trick Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@Anjin, I would say everyone, with the exception of Quick, Kopi, Brown and formerly JJ, has taken DL and AEG to the cleaners while they laugh all the way to the bank in their nice fancy cars. Doughty at $7mil/season? How much is that per month shall we do the math? The guy’s not worth 1/2 that.
Richards? What a dud. And then Pancakes…talk about an MVP nominee. Must be nice pocketing all that money while being a complete bust in the process. Ounce of guilt or shame…nah these guys are pros.
[Reply]
Anjin Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@Hat trick, it also doesn’t help that our goaltenders have started sucking as well.
Maybe DS liked what TM did with Quick 2 years ago and burned him out by playing him too much.
Unless something miraculous happens we’re done for the year.
Sol Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
I have to agree. I became a passionate backer of the Kings when Smyth came down. I learned the love of hockey living for a year in Vancouver, and Captain Canada was a hero in that country as the Oilers remarkably took the 8th seed to Game 7 of the Cup Finals.
I suppose in sports, its always nice to love the underdogs. And maybe that is why we all love the Kings. But take a good hard look at the franchise.
I will admit i do not know the history well, but the last 3 years have got to be some of the most promising Kings squads to hit the ice in 4 plus decades of existence. I am hopeful at times, but it is horribly painful to meet and see, for instance, a sweet short haired 60 or 70 something lady in a nice group at staples, who is moaning and groaning, shaking her head. It is tedious to see… She has been dealing with this mediocre crap for 20 years of games.
It is insightful that people post on here that any great players would be dragged down by this club. Its true in the same way that having our best guys in the lineup of a proud NHL franchise would lead to something far greater. Maybe we cannot even blame these guys for tearing our hearts out. Perhaps it is the weight of the past dragging down any potential future in this club.
When i lived in Van, I became a die hard nucklehead. (I suppose you can imagine my odd feelings when we the teams faced off for the Kings first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. But i was worn out by Canucks by then, and I saw this bright future in LA. By the the second period of Game 3, I was 12 rows from Roberto chanting Luuoonngooo with everyone else. What a traitor I am. But you know what: these franchises share similar pains. Both have been around nearly the same amount of years with nothing to show for it. The Canucks problem is that they are wwaayyy too proud for a club that has never hoisted the Chalice whose name graces a large beautiful park minutes from the ice.
Despite myself, last year, I got drawn in once thy trounced the Sharks, and again found myself woefully rooting for a club that would lose in the Finals. Every year with this S. I mean, after living in Canada, I felt a strong passion for Canadian clubs, and I was rooting hard for the Senators in ’07. Now I find myself pissed that I couldn’t simply revel in the glory of the first ever Cali, the first ever west coast Cup winning team. I didn’t hate the ducks as a kings fan, because i wasn’t one yet. But how stupid it was that so many Canadians specifically abhorred Anaheim. I mean, how ignorant and plain dumb.. think about it: it was the Canadian boys that lifted that trophy. Without them, it would not be possible. Every year same deal. Both the Bruins and Van had 17 Canadian born players on their squads.
And damn, if winning games 1 and 2 and then losing game 7 by a 4-0 doesn’t prove that a team will NEVER win the Cup, I don’t know what does. Sadly for him, my dad was infected by my original passion and follows Van passionately, despite never visiting that city. I have been telling him for quite awhile to give it up, that they will never win it all. And I put that aside last June, and was thrilled to see a potential Cup victory coming. Now I just wish i had stayed true to my conviction and reveled in the Bruins, because I believe Vancouver will NEVER win it. I remember seeing a sign in the crowd at one of the Finals games that read “Every True Canadian Loves the Bruins” or something close to that. Again, loving the Game, but not being a true historian of it, I would only guess that comes from great Canadian boys donning that sweater.
Now, did i believe that the Kings could win a Cup? I don’t know. Vancouver is cursed for sure. But maybe something similar is true for LA. Maybe the inception of the club itself (as i know is true for the Nucks) did not please the Hockey Gods. I know in my heart that Van cannot win. Maybe LA can overcome.
Not sure, but all i know is that hating the Ducks makes no sense. At most, LA should be jealous. It took us nearly four decades to win nada and it took Anaheim under 2 to win it All.
Lets be direct: chances do not come often in this league. So many teams, so much parity. The standings for the NHL are WAY more compelling than for the NBA for example. What do the Kings lack? Killer instinct. They rarely get blood in the water, but when they do they have to cherish and revel in that, and never let go, go for the kill, now now now. Push up ice, never look back. Rack em up!
So much potential. But potential to what? To erase so much misery?
I’ve never been a player on the ice. I can only imagine the strength necessary and the excitement derived from playing in an NHL contest. So I am woe to judge. But that giveaway by Mike Richards… what was going on there? passing that back for what reason? Looks to me, the amateur fan, that that was a moment to chip it out of the zone, make the Wings regroup.
I say this: the Kings need to redefine themselves. I have felt and thought this at a lot of games. Shed the weight of history, of mistakes past, of teams that did little to leave an impact. Maybe if these boys, whom have made us so excited for a change the last few seasons, maybe if they could start over. A new beginning. A new club, a brand new sheet of ice to make history on. Too much is on their shoulders. Too much loss to bear the burden of. Fans in Vancouver should realize that their greatest moments are not only what they celebrate, but all they will have, i.e. pushing it to Game 7 in 1994. The high water mark will never exceed accomplishments of Division Titles, Presidents trophies, or almost making it, and laying an enormous egg in Game 7 on home ice.
What will become of the Kings? I don’t know. But I do know there are many more than me, many who have been faithful for years, that might be getting tired of saying next year is our time.
[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 10:41 pm
@Sol,
This was fun to read and so very Canadian in the phrasings. haha. Good stuff.
Stuart Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
@Sol, mice words. killer instince is key which is why I strongly feel that only playoff experience can harden these guys into winners. And worse then even the broken ankle last year was the fact that AK missed on another round of playoff pressure and experience and joy and relief and confidence… put the franchise back a year in its development oh well. AK needs the killer instict more than anyone, anywhere. He is playing so sheepishly its ssickening. Yes he’s still racking up assists and the random goal here and there, but he should be dominating EVERY TIME he’s given a shift by DS…
I love Kopi and would never consider trading him as I would others on the team, but enough is enough.
king o' philly Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
@Sol,
“It took us nearly four decades to win nada and it took Anaheim under 2 to win it All.”
13 by my count, but the point is well taken.
sad tough loss.
cursed? maybe. more likely just lame. so much talent, so little heart; although tonight it wasn’t lack of heart, so much as lack of much aforementioned “killer instinct”, i.e. heart.
rogiesbackup Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 1:16 am
@Sol, Can’t really compare the Ducks winning the cup vs the Kings not being able to. Prior to the late eighties the playing field was really not very equal. I mean there were times in the mid-late seventies when two points was assured when playing teams like the Red Wings. I gave up hockey probably in the mid 1990′s and totally shut it down completely when I see all these expansion teams winning the cup. I mean it seemed ridiculous that a team like the Hurricanes and YES the ducks would win the cup. I mean they’ve been around a short while, so how can they afford star players so quickly. The realization that hockey is business turned me off.
With the Ducks it’s obvious, they’re a part of Disney who charges families a lot of money to go to their theme parks. I’d have to agree the Kings for several years now lack that killer instinct on a REGULAR BASIS. We’ve seen flashes of it and it’s awesome. I feel with a generally young team this team NEEDS a young, but CREATIVE coach. DS seems too much of a close-minded coach. This is the problem when you hire someone you “know.”
Duncanz Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 3:11 am
@rogiesbackup, The Ducks franchise actually changed ownership in 2005 and is now owned by Henry Samueli.
You’re right about them getting a pretty good boost from Disney though, even though they were only created as a convenient spin-off of a throwaway kiddies movie!
puckbob Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
@Sol, I’m a little slow….could you run that by me one more time?
petemagoop Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@Hat trick, if it wasn’t for Richards play in the first half, these guys would be chasing Columbus
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Hat trick Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 1:12 am
@petemagoop, Disagree…if it wasn’t for Quick’s play in the first half the team would be chasing Columbus.
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King Cobra Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 7:55 am
@petemagoop, I agree, but it is getting harder and harder to defend this guy.
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Brian spain Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:20 am
@petemagoop, Rogfiesbackup. The ducks won the cup with an owner who has more money than Disney. Samueli is the owner of Broadcom…henis a multiple billionaire. And a fan of his team. The kings owners are not fans. They don’t ever go to the games. They are a company after money. They bought thenkings so the could build lanlive. The only reason the kings have been to europentwice is they own the steamed over there. Why did they play an exhibition game in Kansas city…they own the arena.
[Reply]
Jose Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:10 pm
@Hat trick, Made up my mind…I’m not renewing my Kings Ticket Package..Horrible product for a high price! Not worth it.
[Reply]
Sol Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:45 am
I’m so torn as to whether to renew guys, guess I need help deciding. almost 25% raise across the board is that right?
Kind of feel not good about offering this here, but I may not be able to make many games next season anyhow. Just thought of keeping it to holds on to a low rate and I have heard that being a longer term holder Lincreases your benefits. Soo, long story short, if anyone is seeking out a single upstairs seat…i may be selling..with the increase its still about 15 a game I think. This season in fact I was working most game nights. Went afew times, sent a buddy too, and sold quite a few on ticket exchange.
BTW, anyone reading this by chance, have any tales to relate about their ability to sell or not sell via ticket exchange. I believe that even tho some of mine sell for profit, some 4 loss, many not at all even if looowww price, that this last season when I barely got to go that I almost broke even but maybe not. i don’t know I can’t decide if I should cut loose and start over down the line.
Haven’t the Kings learned not to increase prices since tom leykis famously stepped away from years of royalty loyalty. He argued: why should they increase prices for an unimproved product. I recall he was also riled along with other holders that year about a crazy sale thrmk ekings had that we will probably never see anything like again. They sold every available seat up or down for 11 bucks a game. I was so irate when I missed the internet flags about that. But these long terms paying $180 were suddenly the idiots surrounded by 11 dollar winners.
Can they do this increase again simply because LA has lots off people and many moneys and so they don’t mind losing longtime faithfuls for new money?
thanks also for my big post not being too much, at least so far to anyone. Time to start a website. And sorry for typos. That always sucks.
[Reply]
Adam Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
@Hat trick, Really? Wow, glad to know you’re a hockey expert. I am no expert myself, but Richards is NOT overrated. Every player has their slumps, this whole team has had one. He’s only human, he can’t be a machine and score goals on command.
[Reply]
Hat trick Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 1:10 am
@Adam, Sure you are you just don’t know it yet.
Here’s his stats thus far http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470617&season=20112012&view=log
The last game he scored a goal? Jan 14 against Calgary. 24 games back. A slump? That’s one heck of a slump for a “Star” player wouldn’t you think?
So why would a team like Philly trade away their captain and “star” player if he was such a stud, warrior, whatever you want to call him? Was it really to sign Bryzgalov? If he was such an integral part of the team couldn’t they have found a way to keep him around?
I think Deano was patting himself on the back telling himself how much of a genius he was in getting a guy like Richards to LA. His numbers are almost identical to his rookie seasons. As a player who is regarded so highly he sure isn’t playing like one. Maybe he asked DL several times prior to the trade deadline to trade him away? Maybe he doesn’t wanna be here kinda like Carter not wanting to be in Columbus?
Well like he said in his NHL 36 spot, if it’s not going in he’s not working hard enough. Well he’s been slacking off for the past 24 games because nothing’s gone in for him.
“He’s only human, he can’t be a machine and score goals on command.”
I never said he could but as a “star” player he needs to come up big at the most crucial times. Otherwise he’s not really a star player wouldn’t you agree?
[Reply]
Brian spain Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:24 am
@Hat trick, If he clears the zone instead of going back with the puck, kings win. Simple hockey…get it out of the zone. Kyle Clifford needs to get in Richards ear…Kyle knows after not getting thenpuck out and costing the kings a goal against two games straight a month ago
Kingstane9 Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 2:14 am
@Hat trick, and ego-centric as well it seems: I’m a leader, wha? Maybe a leader of a contest who scores less than two goals in 24 games or so.
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Uh…..well…it’s over anyway….nevermind…Good night people
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no prob Mike! You & Jeff get to hit the Manhatten Beach bars early this offseason!!!!
Party on dude!!
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YOU SUCK! Any Questions?
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masterhans Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
@OldKingsFan, mike richards is a PROVEN WINNER at every level he’s ever played at. can you say the same of brown or kopi? no. the fact is penner missed his assignment on the back pass to scuds, and quick has to prevent the game-winner’s pass from going through the crease, period. do i think MR had a good game? no but to say he sucks shows your lack of knowledge of the game. by the way, how’s schenn doing again? if you told me we could have mike richards AND jeff carter for JJ, simmonds, schenn and 2 picks, name 1 GM in the world who wouldn’t take that. get a grip, the problem with this team is a lack of an identity. from the GM to the coach, we need a change in philosophy, and believe me this summer, it will happen. and mike richards will be the focus of that new identity.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
@masterhans, Totally agreed. This team seemed like it gave up on Lombardi awhile ago. I think, quite frankly, that they are just tired of the whole philosophy behind this team right now. I think after these few years, and having even declining results while following it, they just don’t seem to have a lot of hope or fun left in their game. I mean, overall, you have to wanna come to play every night, right? But I don’t see that. I see a team programmed and going through the motions. It’s not even about hard work, cause I think they do that for the most part. It’s just that they don’t seem to really believe that the work will pay off. I really think that this team just needs a new approach come this offseason, from the top down. Something to give these guys some hope.
[Reply]
funking Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
@PP Anybody?,
WHAT ABOUT PLAYING FOR THEIR FANS!!!!
do we not deserve their best every night for paying their salaries…?????
PP Anybody? Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
@funking, honestly, I’d love to think we were important, but I kinda think it really boils down to every player enjoying what’s best for them, and I don’t think that current management has a game plan for winning in this league, which isn’t good for these players, which translates on to the ice. Just what I’m seeing.
Duncanz Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
@masterhans, Not before he gets his own identity back, mh, with all due respect..
[Reply]
OldKingsFan Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@masterhans, Oh, And what’s your question: Richards has how many goals? Yes he is lighting the lamp. Read my first post. He is not the player he WAS in philly.
[Reply]
JD Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 1:27 am
@OldKingsFan, How many times does this have to happen, guys like moulson and purcell are below average players, they get traded and become legitimate top 6 forwards. Penner and Richards come here as top line players, and in no time their below average players, it’s not the players, it’s the kings organization, and by organization I mean DL, the time as come for new blood in the front office, and a completely new coaching staff, until those changes are made this team will continue to underperform, and good luck getting a top level free agent to sign here, this is the team where skill players go to die
gralx Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 6:51 am
@masterhans, Uh…… 24 games without a goal. TWENTY-FOUR! Yeah, he sucks.
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w/only 5-6 ‘talented’ guys on this team you can only get so far..pull the plug and get some more draft pics,..we’re gonna need em w/all of these MAMMOTH contracts we got hangin around…
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Honestly, the quotes are so lame…not that they should be publicly bummed out and cry…but to read these company lines…whats the point?
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Really, Mike? This many years into your career and you’re making mistakes you need to learn from?
This team is a joke. Two losses, in the playoff stretch, against one of the worst team in the NHL, and a team missing arguably five of it’s top six or seven players. How about showing some pride and actually showing up for a change? No excuses anymore. The fact of the matter is that these guys just aren’t very good.
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Though you suck at the moment. There is no denying that youll always be a class act Mile. Now get off ur butt and make us proid
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luc20rules Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
@Kissmyblarneystones, I am not sure I want to be proid. It sounds painful.
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tory17 Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@luc20rules,
lol ouch
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
@luc20rules, Especially if it’s in the gooch
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Kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
@Kenny44,
How would you like to get Proided in the Gooch?
Kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@luc20rules, fat fingers + small keys = ……..
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
@Kissmyblarneystones, Don’t worry about it. Clearly just a proidean slip..
Cruiznblue Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
@Kissmyblarneystones,
proid’s does not sound like a good thing!
I agree…MR will come around eventually and be a fan favorite here.
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Kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
@Cruiznblue, its good to laugh. Thznk you all.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 3:23 am
@Kissmyblarneystones, Your fingerz are the fattezt!
king o' philly Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 11:35 pm
@Kissmyblarneystones,
i’ve always been a huge fan of ol’ Mile Richards
[Reply]
Good answers from Mike…
Kudos, facing the music…
It must’ve been tough…
(eat your heart out, @SLIM)
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
@Duncanz,
I’ve not gone any where…
I’m in bondage right now…
Just not gonna contribute to insanity…
I get it..Just don’t subscribe to it..
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
@SLIM, Cheers, bud
Thought you’d left so…
Insolently appropriated your mantle….
A deep apology is owed….
[Reply]
Cruiznblue Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@Duncanz,
Am..
I…
Missing…
Something…?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@Cruiznblue,
Only my perfect
Nutritionally challenged l
Haikus, Phillistine!
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He’s so overrated. Philly robbed us of Simmonds and Schenn. Simmonds already has more points than Richards this season..
[Reply]
Hat trick Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
@Bob, You forgot one other major fact…they’re pretty much in for the playoffs. Kinda makes one wonder how much more stupid a GM like ours can get. Good job Deano…maybe you can try and catch a place on that El Cid softball team there champ.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:35 am
@Hat trick,
I’m telling you… there’s a rotten apple in there somewhere. And yes… one rotten apple does spoil the whole bunch. Deano… identify the rotten apple and get rid of it. Then this team will find it’s chemistry.
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You cant win with 2 lines. We accept that Scuderi has no offense and no shot,but can we accept he was a -4 tonight?
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KingMe20 Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
@TheZamboniMechanic2,
Not pinning this on him. Richards shouldn’t have passed to him in his own end when he was covered. Richards made the wrong play, and to his credit, he admitted it above.
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vinny Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
@KingMe20, true, but scuds shouldnt leave the front of the net to go after a guy in the corner
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KingMe20 Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
@vinny,
That’s actually the correct play. Doughty was in front of the net when the puck is on the boards in Scuderi’s end. There was no reason for Richards to go backwards. If he didn’t have a forward pass, he should have chipped it out off the glass.
ta Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:10 pm
@TheZamboniMechanic2, that happens when your paired with DD and Richards is on the ice with you. He’s not the same player that started the year here, I thought he is supposed to be a veteran and a leader. Yet his play is uninspirining and making costly mistakes like a rookie would make. Scuds wasn’t the reason for this bad loss
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losingsand Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
sucderi should not be getting as many minutes as he does.
for a defenseman that’s good at ONE thing (good stick), he shouldn’t be getting those minutes.
never been a fan of this signing especially at that price..
i dont know why scuds is always getting a free pass around here.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:27 pm
@TheZamboniMechanic2, What a surprise? Does anybody think Scuderi is a top notch defenseman? Give me a break
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Duncanz Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:58 pm
@TiredOfIt, Lol, you came back, were there creepies under the bed?
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All these players need to stop with the ‘hopefully’s', ‘we’ll see what happens’, and ‘need to be better’. Where’s the, ‘we will be better’? It’s the same old cliches every time they lose. They should be absolutely embarrassed over that pathetic display. Scuderi, Doughty & Richards were god awful. The worst I’ve seen them in a Kings uniform.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
@scootty, … a rose by any other name..
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Mike is a very good player, yes he has made some mistakes and is human. go figure……..
When he catches fire you want to be on his wagon as it will be on fire and moving quick…….
Go Richie Go
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luc20rules Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
@Harty, I agree, but am concerned that the poor play has lasted for so long after his concussion injury. I wonder if a game or 2 off the ice may help him re-focus, or get him angry and play with more fire and urgency.
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Harty Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
@luc20rules, concussions are odd injuries in todays game……….
how do you know if your return is too early or you could have come back sooner…..
really these guys are the best in the world and they have leave the leave alone, zero head shots simular to minor hockey, which is…….
-accidental contact is 2 minutes
-intentional contact is 4 minutes
-aggressive contact is 4 minutes, 10 minutes misconduct and game +1 game 1st offense and then the penalty grows each time
really these guys are that good that they can be told ZERO contact with the head.
Bettman is a basketball administrator not a hockey president, if so he would put in two items….
-head shot penalties
-no touch icing
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Harty Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
@Harty, now there’s what a couple of quick beers will do to your spelling and grammer??
line should read…..”these guys are the best in the world and they have to leave the head alone, zero head shots simular to minor hockey, which is”……..
sorry gang
luc20rules Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:36 pm
@Harty, What I was saying is I agree that MR is a good to great player, but he has not returned to be the pre-injury player he was. I also agree that concussion injuries are very difficult to diagnose, his skating is fine, but his shot just does have the accuracy of preinjury MR. There maybe a lingering psychological thing in play where he is rushing things, and it is throwing everything off. That is why I suggested a game or 2 off to refocus, but I doubt it would be enough. It may be until next year that we see the real MR again on the ice.
Hat trick Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
@Harty, You mean “if” right? When’s the last time he actually put the puck in the net? He’s an overrated loser and it’s no wonder why now Philly let him go.
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Scuderi -4, doughty -3
Richardson 0 shots, Lewis 0 shots
They are playing so badly, they would have to improve to suck
No excuse to lose this game
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Just imagine if MR never got a concussion. I bet money he would be doing great this season.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@tacomakingsfan, Does it really take all your coordination away like this though?
I’ve never seen this before..
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
@Duncanz,
Maybe not all his coordination but his fear of getting hurt is going to increase. When things like that happen you hesitate more which may lead to all those turnovers and inability to score. I do however believe that next year he will pan out better unlike Penner. That guy is just a lost cause.
[Reply]
Brian spain Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:54 am
@Duncanz, Duncanz, I had a head on car accident in 2003, I suffered a concussion, I had headachesnfor six month and hadna fuzzy head for a year, I think some guys come back quicker with no lingeringnaffects, look at the best player in the game Crosby, he has been out almost a year and a half, when he was hit on Jan. First of 2011, it didn’t look bad at all. I think gagne and Richards are affected more by these concussions than other guys like Dustin Brown can skate into a moving truck and it doesnt affect him in the least.
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King Cobra Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 7:59 am
@tacomakingsfan, 100% correct
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It comes down to a team that passes the puck to the open man in the slot or down low vs. a team that shoots the puck from the point and HOPES that it doesn’t hit the six guys in front of the net or the goalie. What system do you prefer? And I’m once again tired of Bob and Jim throwing out the number of shots on goal. Let’s count the QUALITY shots on goal !!!!
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TheZamboniMechanic2 Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
@gary, Perfect observation.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
@gary, Hmmmm, is this a trick question? What if we had a bunch of All-Stars that tried to shoot the puck from the point and hoped that it doesn’t hit the six guys in front of the net or the goalie? Wouldn’t that work? Nah, that still wouldn’t work.
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Quick should not be getting a pass, as he sucked tonight as well. Since the all star break he hasn’t been all that good. Doughty sucks and he picked Deano’s pocket ( as well as the fans) big time. That fat overrated POS needs to spend some time next to Miller and Fox.
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neil Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
@BJ,Didnt make that “BIG” save that we needed tonight….
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Puckstopper27 Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
@BJ, I agree. Since Johnson was dealt, he has 2 goals and 2 assists and is a plus 2 in 6 games. Doughty in the same stretch has 1 point and is a minus 4. The Kings traded the wrong D-man.
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Stuart Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@Puckstopper27, funny,I remember asking who would pick up JJ’s minueses… looks like we’ve exposed the fraud…
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Cruiznblue Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@BJ,
Did you watch the game? I dont think any goalie would have saved a few of them.
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:43 am
@Cruiznblue,
The opposing teams know to shoot high on Quick. And it’s working with regularity lately. I’m noticing that he’s “swimming” in the crease lately. Which needs to be gotten under control ASAP.
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masterhans Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:31 pm
@BJ, dewey is a gifted player at 22. in my opinion the most gifted on the team. all those who say he’s not, why would babcock use he and weber as canada’s best pair in the best played tournament ever? because babcock is a moron? no, because at 22, dewey is in the top three defensemen in the world. and when he’s 27, 7 mil will be a bargain for him genius. maybe hammond should screen this site for ducks fans and idiots!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 3:33 am
@masterhans, Ducks fans? Hey dude, you’re the one who’s talking about dewey.
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:48 am
@masterhans,
I HATE the ducks… but that doesn’t mean that I think Drew Doughty will ever be worth $7m a year.
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JD Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@masterhans, If rich did that, there would’t be much to read
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freezer flatten Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@BJ, detroit only got 15 shots on goal. quick gave up 4 goals on 15 shots. thats 11 goals in 3 games. he seems to be giving up 1 more goal than we score. go figure. if he is in the tank, were done.
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:50 am
@freezer flatten,
Trade him and Doughty for Jack Johnson.
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Way to go Dean!! Let’s get more players with heart, grit and no skill on our team.. Us Kings fans are gonna need a support group soon. 45 years plus of failures. Keep’em coming!! We always got the Lakers to fall back. They always seem to make the playoffs. Wonder how the Raptor’s fans feel…
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Whether Richards is going through a funk or isn’t 100% healthy…in the long run he will be a fan favorite. I think he played awful tonight…but time to move one and get over it people.
Doughty had an awful game too…
Richardson brought in for speed?…that was a waste of a line-up spot…he was invisible all night and rarely showed any speed. Please put Nolan back!
Cant really blame Quick for most of those goals.
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Harty Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
@Cruiznblue, I’ve played this game for over 50 years now at all levels except professional, minor, junior, senior and everyone is to blame in a loss, the goalie as well. He has $5,000 worth of gear, stop the puck.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 3:38 am
@Harty, How many levels are left below those four?
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Kingstane9 Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 2:27 am
@Cruiznblue, …in the long run he will be a fan favorite. Why are so sure about it? Are you planning on trading away Kopitar and Quick? Kopi will simply outscore him every year. Mark my words.
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You ladies really need to relax . Lol you sound insane . Richards is a beast any team would love to have him . This year simply isn’t that’s good . We need to kick some scrubs off this team and beef up the lines with some scoring in the off season
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beanie Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@Brian, Lappy says he’s ‘on the short list of five players he’d have to have” if he were running a team. Richards is a warrior. He’s just having a bad stretch.
http://www.mayorsmanor.com/2012/03/flyers-ian-laperriere-on-newest-king.html
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Hat trick Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 1:17 am
@beanie, Bad stretch? I’d say. 24 games since his last goal. Wow sounds like the warrior got his legs cut off.
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bbb7 Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
@Brian, I dont think anyone thinks the Richards we’re seeing is the real Richards; we saw the real player before his concussion. But if something is wrong, he shouldnt be dragging the team down. Play him if you must, but not in game-on-the-line situations. Not until he looks closer to 100%.
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paige Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 2:33 am
@Brian, “you ladies” really? you went there? It was insult enough just watching this game – don’t compound it.
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That’s a tough pill you’re asking us to swallow, Mikey.
You’d better start getting your act together, this isn’t what er bargained for.
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So much for the playoffs…
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pnm Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
@PP, For the love of God, may they NOT make the playoffs. It’ll be too embarrassing and a complete and utter disappointment.
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What can u say? Simmons and schenn have over 30 goals. A heartbreaking loss and a devastating defensive breakdown.
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rt16 Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
@Carol Vadnais, you are dead right about missing simmer anyway . . . his presence down low is a place where the kings are oh so dismal and weak. columbus was disappointing and tonight was . . . well the kings. when, if ever, will this team find any heart and fight? doughty beat down low beat by helm? thats sad.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
@rt16, Simmonds on the Kings would’ve =8 goals this season, Richards still on the Flyers =24 goals this season. I hated to see Simmer go, but mostly because I knew he’d thrive somewhere else.
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:56 am
@rt16,
There’s no doubt… trading Schenn and Simmonds (plus a pick) for Richards was a FAIL. Don’t get me wrong because I think Richards will find his game. But he will never find his game to the point of equaling the value of Simmonds, Schenn and that pick. NEVER EVER.
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poe Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
@Carol Vadnais, Bottom line is that theY are playing for a team that allows them to play hockey.JJ said it, too. The Kings defense first has stifled all its players..and to top it all off, KOMPON IS THE OFFENSE COACH AND pp COACH. wHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU! I doubt we will see an stellar play from DD.. he got his big bucks and will continue to get same regardless of his goofs in every darn game. His immaturity is stinking up therice!
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The next time the Kings win all will be right with the world.
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pnm Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@Goring 19, Not in my world, because I this team all too well.
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pnm Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:34 pm
@pnm, I *know* this team all too well.
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This is why I’m not paying the $1200 (24%) increase in my season seats.
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Mike, its time for you to have a seat in the press box. Same for the 7 million dollar man.
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Carol Vadnais Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
@Ryan,
Doughty has clearly disappointed and got beat twice tonight / so overpaid
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Both DD and MR need to sit in the press box next game. They don’t seem to want to play and everyone else is covering for them. Put some people in that have some pride. These two don’t.
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All you haters gonnna hate but Mike Richards has been amazing 1 bad game and everyone bafs him his helped this club already there were lots of players who were worse then him and it keeps happening and yes Doughty is one of them for sure!! Keep your chin up Mike real fans are here to support you, I still got lots of hope and super proud of you =)
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bbb7 Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 11:18 pm
@Richie_Fan10, I think mostly everyone here likes Richards.. but come on, ONE bad game? He’s been missing in action for the past 20 games. He’s just ‘off’.
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Richie_Fan10 Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 7:03 am
Its a team sport so if he had a rough patch others can step up but doesn’t seem like it they r just low in confidence and just plaid dead but last nights game should have been won I agree! @bbb7,
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Richard’s play on the tying goal was bad, but he’s had bad hands and made bad decisions since he returned. Earlier in the game when he had an open shot from the point on the PP and fanned on the puck was indicative of his problems and there’s something going on there we wont know about till after the season. That said, his play hasnt justified him being out there in critical situations late in the game.
DD’s problem is, simply, that he thinks he’s better than he really is and so takes risks, jumps out of position, and when he gets hit hard, spends the next 30 seconds chasing the guy to ‘get even’ instead of playing his position. His maturity level in his play is awful. The skill is there, he needs to learn how much and not think it’s always more than enough.
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 9:03 am
@bbb7, If I were Lombardi, I’d really be questioning my abilities. Doughty’s best playing days are obviously behind him. And I’m beginning to wonder if Richard’s might also be.
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Wow, a guy has a bad game and all of a sudden he’s the antichrist. Some of you would shoot your mom for putting a dent in your car.
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Stuart Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
@salami, it would be one thing if it was A bad game, but it’s been quite a string.
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beanie Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@salami, well said
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 9:05 am
@beanie,
I think Richard’s is not completely over his injury. He just looks tentative out there.
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beanie Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
@Duckbasher, I agree and I think that in turn has effected his confidence. Plus he’s had different line mates every five or so games to help kick start the others. Its become a vicious cycle almost.
MR needs to be honest with the staff and just come out with what’s ailing him. He also needs to sit a game, regardless of his health. Put JC at center between Nolan and King.
Also, sit DD a game or two, and put Drewiske in. when is enough, enough??? I say it was yesterday, but it’s now today and things need to happen!!!
I can understand they’re top line scoring two goals, but the other 2???
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The Puck Stops Here Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@Stuart, I thought Drew had some great plays tonight. Don’t see why he needs to sit.
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Stuart Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 9:20 pm
@The Puck Stops Here, I thought he was on the wrong side of a lot of wings tonight…
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Dave Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 10:16 pm
@The Puck Stops Here, Doughty was terrible – directly responsible for 2 Wings goals.
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Kingstane9 Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 2:31 am
@Dave, and it could have been even more goals on his accounts.
King Cobra Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:09 am
@The Puck Stops Here, Your joking right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Sit in box and feel much shame…
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Don’t worry. After April 7, you’ll have all the time you want to dwell on it. No playoffs for the Kings this season.
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This has been going on a looooong time. I’ve tried to give MR the better of the doubt. But tonight was the end of the line. MR is out of my book. No more. He’s no better than a bucket of skum if he can’t be honest about what his problems[s] are or just fix the problem[s]. One of the two. But to lead on the fans who’s money goes to his dog food is classless. If his dog could understand hockey he would be disappointed in him.
Hopefully an extra long summer on the beach will help MR understand how lucky he is to be here and help him get honest with himself about his play and future. Kings fans would be happy to have the real MR back and embrace his return.
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This is exacty why I developed the strategy of selecting a team from the east to be a fan of also many years ago. I know the kings will continually break my heart an send me on an emotional rollercoaster ultimately ending in disappointment every year. Tampa bay is my team from the east. Let’s go bolts. I can’t root for the kings anymore since they have been eliminated from playoff contention
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Can we get Wayne and Brayden back?
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Duncanz Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 3:54 am
@Dave, We need Wayne and Grayson right now!
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This was mental problem.Too much respect to the team missing 4.5 #1 players…We miss Andy Murrey,who knew how to preper his team aganst Detroit aganst colorado/forsberg…There was total panic on the icy,shaky legs,shaky hands ,shaky plays…I think we done this year.Dl faied BIG.For Sutter this are only young Kids who needs babysitting(???)..MR needs some rest.He is not the same player he used to be.Also JQ is shaky last 3-4 weeks.All those prizes worked aganst him. #1 problem is confidance level…I lost my trust to this team.
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I love how people harp on and on about schenn and simmer. We could trade MR back for them and guess what? Simmonds would have about 12 goals and schenn probably about 5
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beanie Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 6:16 pm
@kindsir, indeed. people forget they are playing on a different team in a different conference.
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I’m still mad as hell at Sean Bergenheim. MF cost us a quality center.
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Stuart Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 11:16 pm
@Mikey J., lol too true and the saddest part was that nobody on the team went after him for it. Not even the next time, sign of a an immature room? someone else mentioned killer instict or lack thereof… He did cost a center and a season. lol
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Mikey J. Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
@Stuart, When it happened the Panther blogs were saying it was retaliation for brutal Richards hits with the Flyers, which we have not seen anything close to with his stint with the Kings. Sure hope he gets back on track. Not holding my breath though. The Kings need to be more like an East Coast team as far as fighting. And I’m not talking about “Down Goes Fraser!”
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Cruiznblue Reply:
March 9th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
@Mikey J.,
Even if that hit isn’t affecting his health right now…it sure seemed to have started a trend for MR.
I was dissapointed that game when no one drilled Bergenheim…he should have been in pain after that game.
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King Cobra Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 8:12 am
@Mikey J., I agree with you and ALL THE ABOVE POSTS!!!!! I want my favorite player back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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beanie Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@Mikey J., What you said.
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I haven’t read any of the above posts…so forgive me if this was already mentioned, but…MR has been atrocious…he has not played near how he was playing earlier in the season and before the concussion…Poor passes to no one, fumbling the puck consistently, poor shots and shot selection and turning the puck over with regularity…
He has got a little more pep in his step since his buddy JC came to town, but still is not producing or even exuding any confidence at all to the rest of the team…bottom line…he has been a bust…but you can say that for the rest of the team as well…nobody is onboard for 60 minutes…EVER! Effort comes in spurts and is never sustained throughout the course of the game…
Take tonights’ sorry effort…It was like the Wings were just trying to play D allnight and if it was close in the third…then they would open it up and go for the victory…That was their plan…and low and behold…It Worked!
JQ looked below average at best tonight…that’s 3 starts in a row where he has looked this way
The thing is…the Kings had ‘em tonight…they could have crushed Detroit, but they couldn’t see it for themselves…we all watched them pretty much control Detroit like Lionel Ritchie, but the Kings fall apart when it matters and give the Wings 2 points and go wanting…
Why do I even bother caring at this point…the fat lady is about to crune
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The city does not have to worry about a riot
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Gail Weber Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 1:04 am
@markmanila, How true right on funny thanks
But ease up people they hockey players
are humans too
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Oops. I forgot my rule to only read Rich’s articles and skip the comments after a loss. My bad – I won’t make that mistake for awhile. Toodles!
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stop drinkomg
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Duncanz Reply:
March 10th, 2012 at 4:01 am
@5 Points, someone should, lol
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It’s Not Richards fault.
You can’t just blame the new guy. He really doesn’t need to prove anything with his list of accomplishments. He’s an excellent player but it takes more than one person to lose a game. There is definite heart missing on the team and you can tell when you watch, which must be frustrating for guys like Mike that are full of passion for the game. The Kings are too soft, and I blame La La Land.
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our problem is that we have too many players in the early stages of their contract extensions. 5-7mil would change your effort level too. its unfortunate, but i honestly think (not being emotional here) we shouldve traded doughtys rights. it would have given this franchise an identity. kind if like simmonds/smyth/handzus. dudes gave us an identity. now we are back to the late 90′s where we just chased the big names that didnt come up thru our organization.
we are set back a decade with the contracts we inherited. same ole same ole
sorry for the iphone choppiness.
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One point less and the Kings draft Stamkos, oh well. Doughty will be a hall of famed, he needs to learn and learn quickly. He is 22 years old how many of the guys in here werengreat at there jobs when they were 22?
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I’ve never seen so many crybabies in my entire life. Did you guys all go to the Matthew Barry school of whining? Yeesh.
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