Four weeks from today, the NHL regular season will be over, and at this point there’s absolutely no way to predict how the Western Conference playoff race will turn out. Right now, Phoenix is in seventh place with 78 points (69 games played), followed by Colorado (76 points, 70 games), San Jose (75 points, 67 games), Calgary (74 points, 68 games) and the Kings (74 points, 68 games). Things are so silly in the West that if the Kings were to beat Chicago tonight, and Calgary was to earn one or zero points tonight against Minnesota, the Kings would move from 11th to eighth. The Kings’ problem is the logjam. If even two of the four teams they’re battling with go on a nice streak, the Kings are going to be in trouble. They’re inconsistent right now and have a tough finish to the season.
The always interesting website sportsclubstats.com currently gives the Kings a 30.2-percent chance of making the playoffs, but that can swing dramatically based on the results of a handful of games. The site also predicts that if the Kings finish with 93 points, they will have an 85.1-percent chance of making the playoffs. With 92 points, the percentage falls to 69.8. A 93-point season for the Kings projects to a 9-4-1 finish. Here is the Kings’ remaining schedule. Can you find nine wins here?
at Chicago
vs. Detroit
at Anaheim
vs. Nashville
vs. San Jose
vs. St. Louis
vs. Boston
at Vancouver
at Calgary
at Edmonton
at Minnesota
vs. Edmonton
vs. San Jose
at San Jose
But Harry, what if they’d have shot you in the face?
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vinny Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 10:40 am
@Chris, lmao!
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letswinthecup2012 Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:01 am
@Chris, That’s a risk we were willing to take…
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LBlocal Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:12 am
@Chris, All we need to do is show a little class, a little sophistication, and we’re in like a dirty shirt.
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#unclewillyson Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:37 am
@Chris, Big Gulps huh? .. Welp See ya Later.
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The Griffster Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
@Chris, got room for two on this hog!
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Nope.
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emb3 Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
@Bluecoconuts, Kings will go 11-1-2 and win the division by 1 pt over SJ.
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King$ Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
@Bluecoconuts,
I said the same thing as Rich last week….anyone still taking my 100-1?
Just saying.
Hope I’m wrong but it’s looking grim.
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More than anything, I want the Kings to make the playoffs. But I just don’t see 9 wins there. I see 6 or 7. To get 9, Quick will need to stand on his head a few games and shut some teams out.
Needing this kind of play down the stretch spells early elimination in the playoffs. I wish it weren’t so, that’s for sure.
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m.r.morris Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
@Chris, I see 7 /14 but i see the kings getting 2 extra points with SO losses. I actually see them getting 16 of 28 points and they will need 22 points to move into 8th. I just hope i am wrong and they squeak in but at this point the teams terrible play for half of the year is sending them on an early vacation.
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The key is Sanjose 3 games..
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Duncanz Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:10 am
@lakingbob(chi), One of the many, many keys we are needing at the moment.
The thing is, with everybody starting to leap over them, San Jose is becoming a non-factor!
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FiG17 Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:15 am
@Duncanz,
san jose has games in hand over everyone… they’re not a non-factor… at least not yet. I think Phoenix is the team, if any, that people will really start leap frogging. Although, if San Jose keeps playing the way they are… those games in hand might mean nothing.
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Bill M. Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
@FiG17, Check again. SJ burned their games in hand. They are in nearly as much trouble as the kings.
m.r.morris Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
@lakingbob(chi), i see the kings winning 2 games but losing in a shoot out for the 3rd game and the SO loss will keep them out with a tie in points with San Jose. if they don’t produce 22 points out of the 28 possible points the kings are going on an early vacation.
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1. at Chicago
2. at Anaheim
3. vs. Nashville
4. vs. San Jose
5. vs. St. Louis
6. at Vancouver
7. at Calgary
8. at Minnesota
9. vs San Jose
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jess Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@bmova,
Model airplane glue.
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There could be 10 or more wins there depending upon who shows up wearing Kings jerseys. AND, the final 6 look like a great place to really make a statement.
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If we are winning any games late in the 3rd period, take out DD and put Green, or Mitchell in there to say with his man and be a defensman!
Doughty just makes it so clear, that he’s not the player we thought we had 3 years ago.
Go KINGS Go!
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Goring 19 Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:02 am
@FabKings, I just have this strange feeling that in the future, when Doughty grows up and matures and is wise to what the other teams are trying to do to prevent him from using his abilities and talent, that he will finally understand what he needs to do to become that Norris Trophy Candidate again.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:14 am
@Goring 19, Just wait ’til Lidstrom retires!
Oh yeah, I forgot about Erik Karlsson..
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9 wins, nope.
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IF the Kings dont make the playoffs, in four weeks the players will be kicking themselves and angry for letting it slip away.
Kick yourselves NOW!
Get angry NOW!
Dont HOPE things work out, MAKE THEM work out!
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 10:59 am
@bbb7, thats a tall order lol
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:02 am
@bbb7, You’re absolutely right. And they have to start today.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@bbb7, I’ve tried to kick myself. It’s quite hard … you have to be a ballerina … which seems kind of counter-intuitive … oh well ..
GKG !!!
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:11 pm
@bbb7, If the Kings don’t make the playoffs all they have to do is look themselves in the mirror and feel really disappointed and owe Quick a lot, as he did his job by keeping the opponents to 1 goal 10 times and not winning.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
@Jeff_R, If we even got 5 of those W’s it changes everything.
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m.r.morris Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
@bbb7, The kings have shown that they have the ability finally score some goals, if they had not had a couple of minor mistakes with the puck they would have won against Detroit, but as long as they continue to slip up they wont get the necessary 22 points they will need to go to the playoffs and it will be an early vacation for the team.
What sutter should be telling them is that they are going to be practicing everyday until the finals are over so its better to go to the cup and win it than have to skate everyday and sweat for no reason.
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Watching Pitt-Boston. Great game. How come Eastern teams play their best on w/e afternoon game and we struggle the way we do? Pittsburgh, with or without Crosby, is an insanely good team. How can you have their roster and be under the cap?
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Duncanz Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:17 am
@40YearKingsFan, Their lower paid players bring it, also.
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Kings x Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
@40YearKingsFan, Because the kings always have excuses
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oooouch, but it could happen
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Wedneday only 7 more.Go Kings.
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Never will happen. I only see maybe 4 winnable games at the most. Remember we are also a horrible home team. Watch the top teams play. Like on TV now, Boston and Pittsburgh. We have no where near the intensity of the leagues top teams. Sad but true.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
@Kingsfansouth, The Kings actually have abetter record at home then on the road as of now.
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Unfortunately, no.
9-4-1 finish is very unlikely.
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Key 3 (words):
not gonna happen
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Kings x Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
@MmmmYummy, Four more
Never gonna get it
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I just threw up in my mouth
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Well, at any rate… at least they’re not playing with much expectations anymore, right?
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Considering Detroit pulled a rabbit out of their hat and we beat ourselves more than they beat us, I think the next 4 are winnable and the final 6 are definitely games we could win. It really just depends on whether this team can play their best hockey when they need it the most.
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tory17 Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@40YearKingsFan,
we are taking about the kings right ?
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We are not going win 2 games unless the following changes……..
-consistent goaltending from here home
-more consistent play from Richards, Carter, Kopi, Brown, Williams, Doughty, Stoll, Penner
-a better winger for Richards and Carter (the big slug cannot do this role)
-better behind our blueline (Doughty, Greene, Martinez) and centers down low to support
-play who’s going, not what you pay them
-support from the 7th player, THE FANS
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Mucker Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:59 am
@Harty, You are 100% spot on!
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And Sutter needs to make up his mind on the line combos that he’ll go with to make this run. Now is not the time for benchings, experiments, and panic coaching. Give the boys a legit gameplan, roll the productive lines, and get them to believe in themselves. The time for experimentation is over.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 11:46 am
@40YearKingsFan,
That time passed many moons ago, me thinks.
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The Kings end of the game breakdowns will do them in. I don’t see the Kings getting nine wins in the games that they have left. They looked like a beaten team who is hanging on by a thread for a chance to go to the playoffs. At this point they have not played like a playoff team and the current standings reflect this. To whose who want to stay positive about this don’t have high expectations from this Kings team because they will disappoint you like they have to me time after time during this season.
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it all depends on if the boys show up and WANT IT.
i see anywhere from 7 to 10 wins
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At most I see three wins.
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I can see us winning 9 or 10 games out of that list. If you take it game by game here is my thinking of how it will go.
Chicago (W)
Detroit (L)
Ducks (W)
Nashville (W)
San Jose (W)
St Louis (L)
Boston (W)
Vancouver (L)
Calgary (W)
Edmonton (W)
Minnesota (W)
Edmonton (W)
San Jose (W)
San Jose (L)
So that is what I think will happen. 10-4. for 94 points. I also think we are capable of winning those games I put down as L’s. I think we will win anywhere from 8-12. The last 6 games look to be the easiest of the 14 and they usually win those games against those teams. So if they win those 6, then all they would have to do is win 3-4 of the first 8 games.
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
@Jeff_R, Agree on everything but I’d think they’d show up and win the homer against Detroit and beating Boston will be tough but doable. Those are the type of games we seem to do the best in.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
@40YearKingsFan, I was thuinking of putting Detroit in the W column but most people here would think I am crazier then they already think I am
. Boston is interesting as they are struggling a lot this past month and they lost their backup. Could Turco be the Starting Goalie against us?
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number 6 Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
@Jeff_R,
Your optimism is quite something Jeff. Not a criticism, but maybe wishful thinking? At the end of the season you have them winning Five games straight? and six out of seven?
They have barely even played .500 hockey all year. And the longest winning streak is 3.
So not sure what you base all of that on, but good luck to ya lad.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
@number 6, I am basing it on there last 7 games. Had they not bungled the Detroit game it would of been 4 wins out of 5. Also the quality of those teams at the end is lower and the Kings have done well in the past against them. Maybe it is wishful thinking but I have seen stranger things happen before and why not end that streak now, wouldn’t the best time to have a long winning streak be at the end? Of course I am really sick right now and it might be my head that is causing my fateful optimism.
.
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number 6 Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@Jeff_R,
Hope you feel better man. Get well soon.
neil Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@Jeff_R, I see beating Detroit…..
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If the Kings win tonight they will either be in 8th or 9th, depending on what happens with Calgary against the Wild. GO WILD!!!!!
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“The site also predicts that if the Kings finish with 93 points, they will have an 85.1-percent chance of making the playoffs.”
I think the Kings will be lucky to finish with 83 points.
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Jeff Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
@Anjin, the way these guys are playing, you got that right.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
@Anjin, So you are saying they will only win 4 games and get a point in OT? When have they not gotten less then 10 points in any 14 game stretch with Sutter as coach? That is not going to happen. The Kings also have a winning record against playoff teams, as they play there best against them and most of the 14 games are against playoff teams. They also usually play well against the Wild and Oilers and 3 of the games are against them.
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Jeff Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
@Jeff_R, this team looks lost. There’s no fire or intensity. You can put down on paper whatever you want as far as how they “should” do. The bottom line is that this team is lost. I really hope you are right but I think that you are deceiving yourself. There’s an intangible that’s missing with this team (in the category of “heart”) and that isn’t going to be something that they will be ble to change in the last 14 games of the season.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
@Jeff, I politey disagree with this.
Here is another question … can you find 5 losses in there? I sure can.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
@KC23, The only teams that I can see giving us trouble are Detroit, St Louis and Nashville. The others the Kings have done well against in the past. The Boston game is interesting as they have been struggling a lot down the stretch. It would also be funny if Turco is the starting Goalie.
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Jeff Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
@Jeff_R, I can see EVERY team in that list giving us trouble. Did you see how these guys folded their tents against Columbus? This group doesn’t have it. They are gutless and play w/o heart or passion. Much as I hope that I’m wrong (because I love the NHL playoffs), I think that this group is going to finish up just ahead of the Ducks in 12th or 13th.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
@Jeff, What in the recent past has given you this idea? The last 7 games they got 8 points and that is going to continue even further. If the Kings miss the playoffs they will be in 9th and missed it by a point or 2. However they are going to make the playoffs. Nice to see you having faith in your team. We are in a lot better shape then the Sharks are.
Dominick Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@Jeff,
Not trying to take issue with you (because I enjoy your posts very much, but I do take issue with the word “gutless”. Even teams who don’t make the playoffs, but are fighting as hard as possible aren’t gutless. The Kings might be down at the moment, but it’s times like these when they pick themselves up again, and dust themselves off, that guys like me remember.
I personally don’t take issues with how the team is built, or the effort on the ice. I take issue with how their being used, and developed. Even an AHL’er can be effective with a smart game plan. Just being a hockey player at this level takes guts.
Duncanz Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
@Dominick, Did you realize that commemt was by @Jeff, not @Jeff_R.
I do enjoy reading @Jeff_R’s rosy posts very much – even tho’ he’s crazier than he already thinks he is!
Dominick Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@Duncanz,
That explains a lot. It didn’t sound like something he would say. I just thought he posted twice, but I never got to the second one because I got side tracked by the “gutless” comment. My bad Jeff_R.
Dominick Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@Duncanz,
That explains a lot. It didn’t sound like something he would say. I just thought he posted twice, but I never got to the second one because I got side tracked by the “gutless” comment. My bad Jeff_R.
Dominick Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Rich,
I’m doing something wrong here. Ever since I moved to Long beach, whenever I post, I get the cannot post the same comment twice thing, and every once in a while it does post my comments twice. Is it my settings, or some kinda bug?
Rich Hammond Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Wish I could help, but this is the first I’ve heard of this issue, and there’s no setting on the blog side that would explain it. Perhaps others can weigh in if they’ve had similar issues. Might need to clear your browser cache…something like that.
Duncanz Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
@Dominick, Take the catamaran to Catalina.
The Wi Fi’s a lot better over there!
Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
@Duncanz, @Dominick, Thanks guys, love you too:). Although you might be right. I am either crazy as a loon or smart as a whip. We will see.
They rode Brown’s hot streak to go on a nice little run a few games back. Now someone else needs to put the team on his back for the next several games.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@BringBackKingston, Offensively they are fine. They just need to shore up the defense and not make too many mistakes, especially near the end of games. Not many teams can do what Detroit did to us, so there is that. Quick needs to shore up his game a little also. We can’t afford too many softies from him like in the last Nashville game. We need him to get back to the aggressive Quick he was earlier this season. However I don’t see it as Quick is unraveling like he did the last couple of years.
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Jeff Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@Jeff_R, “Offensively they are fine”??? What team are you watching? They have a couple of games where they manage to score more than a goal and you are now ready to declare that they have no offensive issues? Boy, I wish I could look at the world through those rose colored glasses that you have!
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
@Jeff, In there last 7 games they have scored 22 goals. So yes I have been watching. This corresponds to the addition of Carter and Voynov. Offensively they are much better. I see no reason for this not to continue in the final 14 games.
It’s really offensive that the Kings do not have an O coach. Why, why, wh??????
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40YearKingsFan Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
@poe, A huge oversight when we hired Sutter. If Sutter didn’t know enough yet about what he was getting in to, Dean should have made it conditional that Sutter bring in an Offense/Power Play coach. I really can’t believe that didnt happen.
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This team has no guts, heart, or balls. It would truly take a miracle for this bunch to be able to pull out 9 wins from that schedule. It would require a toughness that they haven’t been able to exhibit all season. 9 wins? Extremely unlikely with this group of underachievers. Anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding himself/herself. Considering the BS that Lombardi shoveled last Summer about how this was the team we have been waiting for and the “pride, passion, power” crapola, it’s pathetic. This organization reminds me of a structure that looks good on the outside- it has a nice paint job, it’s shiny, and it is pleasing to the eye. The problem is that when you strip off the thin veneer, you see that it’s rotten underneath and there’s no substance.
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mcdangles Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@Jeff, here, here, I totally agree with you on this Jeff. Sounds like a GM , Lombardi, saving his own job by powder coating what has no substance before it hits the ice, but puts it into the minds of the fans that it is there before the season even started
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Jeff Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
@mcdangles, Lombardi has done an ok job up to a point. The Kings are certainly better than they were when he took over. Having said that, he has made a bunch of mistakes. His ability to judge talent is suspect and that translates into some questionable draft choices. It’s time for Lombardi to go. He couldn’t get SJ to the point of being an elite team and he doesn’t seem capable to doing that here either.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
@Jeff, Yes Dean has done a good job and he is still doing so. All GM’s moves aren’t going to work out. They do make mistakes as they are human. The fact that you say Dean couldn’t do it in San Jose is wrong. Why don’t you go read up exactly why he was fired from San Jose and then get back to me. I am sick of trying to explain it. Most of what Dean has done has worked out and he has always fixed the mistakes he has made one way or another. The team is on course to becoming a perennial contender for years to come. Just because it might not happen this year doesn’t mean he did a bad job. All teams have to go through times like this before they become a team that succeeds year after year. Detroit did it. Chicago did it. Pittsburgh did it. Even the Rangers have done it and now they are on top of the NHL.
Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
@Jeff, I like to see how many people felt looking on paper and not by what Management or slogans said, that this team would struggle like it has at the start of the season. I doubt that there is one person on this blog who thought that. Even with there struggles they have a shot as the whole Pacific Division has struggled this year.
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Jeff Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
@Jeff_R, you know what, I’m sick and tired of all the excuses. I have been an avid fan of this team since 1968 and, aside from a small handful of seasons, there has always been some reason why they have had no success. It’s funny how other organizations that came into the league at the same time as the Kings or later seem to have been able to find a way to be successful. The Flyers, the Stars, the Canucks, the Islanders, the Flames, the Oilers, etc. The Kings have made it past the second round of the playoffs once in more than 40 years. ONCE!!!! Doesn’t that make you angry? It makes me angry. I’ve invested thousands of dollars in supporting this franchise and it’s same story year after year. They can never quite put it all together. There’s always some roadblock.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
@Jeff, Actually they have made it more then once, the 2nd round. They made the finals in 93, in 2001 they made it to the 2nd round (after going on a major run kinda like what we will do this year). They also made the 2nd round a few times in the 80s…Remember the Miracle on Manchester? As for why they haven’t done well in the past like those teams you mentioned…It is because we had lousy Management and not until Dean took over have we had a successful 3 year period like we will have the last 2 years and this year.
Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
@Jeff, Oh sorry I read that wrong about getting past the 2nd round. Anyway my reasoning below that as to why they haven’t remains the same.
40YearKingsFan Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
@Jeff_R, I, and I think most everybody, thought this team would be among the best in the western conference. I didn’t think we were necessarily better than Van, Chi, or Det, but I thought we were better than the rest. Excepting St Lou (didn’t see that coming) I still think we’re better than the rest and should be able to compete with the best but we certainly haven’t proven it.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@40YearKingsFan, There is still 14 games to do so. As long as you make the playoffs anything can happen after that. It doesn’t matter how you get there just as long as you do. As for nobody knowing about the struggles we have had, that is true. I also think that nobody could of predicted the whole Pacific Division would struggle mightily as it has. Still it only matters where you finish not the path of how you got there.
PP Anybody? Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
@Jeff_R, You can go back through the posts archives to the end of last season, and up to the start of this season, and many of us here thought this team was still in trouble. The scoring issues should’ve been dealt with during the offseason. The coaching change should’ve been dealt with in the offseason. Changing the building of this team from a purely defensively built team, to a balanced team, should’ve started waaaay farther back. The evidence has been around for the last couple years, and some of us were afraid that what is happening now, would probably wind up happening. Even still, I still hope they make the playoffs, but I’m not holding my breath. All the things I’ve wanted to see happen, have taken way to long, or still haven’t happened, so I think I’ll be waiting another year.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
@PP Anybody?, I doubt anybody could of ever predicted that we would be so futile scoring wise. Even with the troubles offensively you mention us having, it was thought that with our defense and goaltending it would mask it and it has somewhat. The problem is that we had a team wide slump, futility. I expected us to be middle of the pack in goals for, like around 15-20. I never expected us to be dead last like we were and I am sure nobody had an inkling that would happen either.
dodgervern Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
@PP Anybody?, You have it exactly right in my opinion.Why does it take so long to actually get some scoring help as lack of scoring has been painfully obvious.Last year the big trade was for Penner and since he wasn’t a scoring machine we faded in playoffs.This year its for Carter and we waited way too long to make a move.Think about the points that were frittered away in all the 1-0 and 2-1 games we lost.So Dean blames the players for not producing a miracle for him.We might be building for the future but ALL the other teams get better as we do.I think for this year a good 1st period fight might help shake the lethargy,if no action maybe making it a team thing to score first in every game from here on out would help the focus.We can do it-go kings ,go!
Choralone Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@Jeff, Andy Murray once said that he never questioned a player’s heart, because they would never have made it to the NHL in the first place if they didn’t have a ton of heart. If it’s good enough for Andy, it’s good enough for me.
It’s fine to say the Kings underachieved. It’s fine to say they have issues. It’s fine to say they suck. But to say the players have no guts, heart, or balls is kinda dumb.
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starts with a win today
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Duncanz Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
@funking,
funking A!
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You can’t make the playoffs blowing leads with a little over 4 minutes to play. That being said,if we sweep the Sharks there’s hope.
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On a different note: Was doing some math, funny that the players that the Kings traded for have been a non-factor, for what the Kings reasons for trading or the signings they did over the summer, to that of the players that they traded away. Smyth has 19 goals for the Oilers, Simmons has 22 goals for the Flyers, Johnson has 2 goals for the Jackets. Is it me or does this look like it actually went the opposite way and the other teams benefited. Hope the Kings wake up and actually give the rookie and drafted players (Toffoli, Andreoff), more than just training camp, play them in pre-season games, and see how they compete at the pro level of the NHL. This team lacks character and I hope they find it come next season…
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If you break up the last 14 games in 7 game increments it shows the Kings have a chance. In the last 7 games the Kings went 4-3 for 8 points. They should of been 5-2 for 10 points if not for the Detroit game, but that is over and done with. The Kings to make the playoffs they would be good to go 5-2 in the final 2 7 game increments which would give them 20 points and a total of 94. No matter what some of you thunk, this is definitely doable. The first 7 games are tougher then the last 7.
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mcdangles Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:40 pm
@Jeff_R, reality is, the other teams ahead of the Kings in the division, they are also winning so it keeps the margin at a consistent GAP leaving the Kings out of a playoff spot. And mind, you, even if they did grab the final 8th spot, they will not have the gas left in them to make it by the team they play against in the 1st round. They have been beaten the last 2 seasons in the 1st round, and they had a better nucleus coming off the season than they have this season
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
@mcdangles, San Jose and Phoenix aren’t winning. The only team in the Pacific on a hot streak now is Dallas and will that continue? Especially when they still have games against Phoenix and San Jose. As for grabbing the 8th spot or wherever they finish in the top 8, it is only 14 games so they shouldn’t get all that tired out, especially seeing that they are the 2nd youngest team in the NHL. Not like it was in 2001 when they were a lot further out and went on a month and a quarter hot streak.
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Rich Hammond,
Could you ask the team physicians on whether there could be residual problems with a concussion where a player (Mike Richards) is physically cleared to play but there is an aftereffect where he’s not quite himself in judgments and hockey sense. I’m wondering whether there are lingering symptoms since his concussion… which account for his dramatic change in making plays and scoring. Thanks.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
I appreciate your question, but there’s not even the slightest chance that a team physician will discuss a player’s medical treatment, particularly in terms of being fit to play. That’s a matter of medical ethics that goes way beyond pro sports. If a player wants to talk about it, he can, and in this case Richards has said he’s fine. That’s all there is to go on.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
@Rich Hammond,
My doctor says I’m fine after a heart attack in 2009, but you can ask anyone and they’ll tell you, I’m pretty much just plain nuts!
And I’m not violating any HIIPA (or whatever the initials are) guidelines by releasing that information about myself!
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Dominick Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@Kingsfanone, My doctor says my heart is gonna fail soon because the Kings broke it a month ago.
wavesinair Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
@Kingsfanone,
My doctor confirms both of your diagnosis.
We are very capable of winning them all. I expect them to lose nearly all. There in lies the rub.
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Bad week to stop sniffing glue.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
@jess,
Just means no sticktoitiveness!
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Trade Borwn, hahahah It worked last time he got the hat trick. Sad to say boys and girls we are done. We dont have any heart. Drew is not worth the $$$ we dropped on him. And this team has 0 heart. Richards has not had a good year. He has one goal in from Xmas to now? Simmer and Bradon have 22? I am the biggest Kings fan ever but we will not make to the cut this year and we dont deserve to go to the show. Sad…. But on paper we KICK ASS!
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@Chris Bond, Look who Simmer and Schenn have played with and the look at who Richards has played with all season. Then you can see why it is the way it is.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
@Jeff_R, Simmonds and Schenn have played 3rd and 4th line duties a lot of the time in Philly.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@PP Anybody?, Yea but Simmonds is also getting PP time.
Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@PP Anybody?, And so is Schenn. between the two of them 12 of there goals have come on the PP.
Duncanz Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
@Jeff_R, That would not necessarily be MY answer …
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
@Duncanz, I could write a whole Megilla about why it is but that was the first thing that came to my sick crazy mind.
.
A Dumb and Dumber reference in the heading? Classic! Hopefully the boys realize how important this game is and continue to crash the net hard today against the hawks. I’d like to see Kopi ease up a bit on playing it safe by keeping the puck along the boards/ half wall every time when entering the offensive zone, and continue to aggressively take the puck into that center slot, creating open ice for the wingers. If he’s able to do that, it will allow the D to pinch up and get in on the play. Another thing that I’ve noticed all year, and more specifically the last game, is that the forwards posted up in front of the net need to start anticipating rebounds off shots that are taken from the perimeter. Often times, the forwards handcuff themselves by getting caught in too deep. I’d like to see one forward go to the net to get a tip off of a shot from the perimeter and have the other forward be a trailer off the far post ready to clean up any rebounds kicked out to the far side. I never see the Kings anticipate and execute that kind of play, like other teams are able to do. Anyways, let’s hope we can get out of Chi-town with 2 pts tonight. Go Kings!
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I would like to believe but I can’t. Right now the kings have zero confidence. As I have stated before, this does not play to win. The players and coach tend to play a “don’t lose” game. They don’t seem to have grit necessary to compete on regular basis. They don’t play as a team or for each other. Some step up but not a regular basis. Maybe they are two young? Funny how players kind of slide when their contracts are done. I will still cheer the kings but I don’t see it happening this year.
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There is always a chance…. here is the problem, we really don’t control our own destiny any longer. I have never watched so many out of area hockey games hoping that certain teams lose — that’s when you know you have a problem.
GO KINGS GO!!!!!
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Nope
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I’d like to be an optimist…but I think the Kings lost their playoff chances with the past two losses. That Detroit loss put the nail in the coffin. I see maybe 6 or 7 victories…Maybe if other teams lose more than expected, the Kings will squeak by. And even if they do, they’ll lose in the first round. Same old thing! 45 years of waiting!
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Kings x Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
@joan fondell, 7-4-3
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9 wins? I’ll guess 5, who’s in?
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Well hopefully Deano will finally get the boot. If he’s on another year another disappointing season for all Kings fans once again.
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
@Hat trick, First off the season isn’t over with so you can’t say it is disappointing until it done. Then I can’t believe you are calling the 2 seasons prior to this one disappointing.
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Stuart Reply:
May 30th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@Hat trick, this is a classic post for the capsule!!!
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What’s our record with sutter again?
Something like 15-11-12? Not much better than TM
And we are going to go 10-4?
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Jeff_R Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@Kings x, A lot of those 12 ot loses were because we couldn’t score. That is not the case now so some of those OT loses now can turn into W’s.
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OI! Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@Jeff_R,
A lot of those 12 OT loses were also because the Kings played good defense. That is not the case now so some of those OT loses can turn in regulation loses…
Plus the shoot out team sucks this season.
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Well maybe we can ruin a few other teams seasons..
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Only need 8 wins, 91 points to get in.
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4 Points tonight & Tues. things change dramatically… and Division win still in sight. (unbelievably)
3 Points tonight & Tues.means 3 vs. SJ decides Kings golfing plans. (would need 5 of 6 pts. vs SJ)
2 Points or less tonight & Tues. Kings finish with 90pts or less. (would need way too much help)
No pressure or anything but a regulation loss tonight just about seals the deal for SJ or Phoenix.
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562kevin Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@Kman, I agree. These next two are HUGE! They need to pull their heads out defensively.
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Bring back the purple jerseys that we beat the wings with in the playoffs a couple years back! Maybe that will bring some magic back. GO KINGS!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
@562kevin,
That’s not gonna happen. Those jerseys are gone for this season. Already been decided and done.
I am in complete agreement with you tho, as I prefer them also.
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562kevin Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@Kingsfanone, Yeah well that just sucks. Those jerseys were so much better! Anyways big game tonight, we got to get that win!
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Lets take it one game at a time, and win tonight!!
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Does not look good but just maybe! If we do not make the playoffs at least that should mean DL is gone. If not, the ownership really does not give a damn about the team, and it is just a means to an end. If you really look at his draft record and other acquisitions he obviously has no business being a GM for any team and needs to go back to scouting (for Philly).
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I’ve found 6 of those 9 wins.
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We’ve got eight of ten, four to play!
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Kings win, Ducks lose Reply:
April 4th, 2012 at 5:36 am
@Kings win, Ducks lose, 9-2-1 with two to play!
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Half way to the cup, and I want to look back to this defining moment post by Rich… It’s been a long strange trip! Eight wins to glory!!
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elijah Reply:
May 30th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
@Kings win, Ducks lose, 4 wins to glory now.
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IT’S STANLEY CUP FINAL DAY, EVERYBODY!!!
LOL, Anyone else read down this far?
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Eric K Reply:
May 30th, 2012 at 11:58 am
@Duncanz, You bet. I hear if we win four out of the next seven, we have a 100% chance of getting a pretty big trophy.
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gralx Reply:
May 30th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@Duncanz, I’m here
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5 1/2 hours until Faceoff, I’m so jazzed! Epic night in store for all of us
Nearly there!
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Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
July 6th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, Well, we waited 5 more days, but it was worth it! Game six, one of the great nights of my life! Los Angeles Kings, Stanley Cup Champions
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