Here’s what Darryl Sutter had to say following the Kings skate…
On getting a better result tonight: “Collectively we could be better. When you’re trying to integrate different guys in your lineup you got to really concentrate on the details.”
On missing Matt Greene and Willie Mitchell from the lineup: “The most important part about missing those guys is bringing in leadership and who they play with.”
On Mitchell’s status: “You got to go at it every day. He had a little contact in practice yesterday and he will get more as we go through the trip. That’s why I wanted him on the trip, so he can practice with the players. He hasn’t played for seven months so it’s going to take some time.”
On Jake Muzzin: “Big guy who can skate. He’s got the size and skill. It’s more on how he thinks in situations on the ice.”
On Greene’s injury: “He had some trouble in the summer with it. It then acted up again. The diagnosis was a bulging disc this summer and it obviously got worse. I’m not sure if it happened during [Saturday’s] game. He’s a type of guy who tries to play through things all the time…It’s now a herniated disc. Surgery is probably similar to what Jonathan [Quick] had…He’s a huge part of our leadership role. That will be missed.”
Darryl guess what, Gagne has done nothing since his arrival.
You threw him a bone in the Stanley Cup Finals to get his name on the Cup.
But enough is enough, I want everyone to watch his effort next time he plays.
-50/50 pucks he leaves alone
-backcheck is non-exsistent
-no toughness on the boards
….and most importantly if we are paying him big bucks to score
-where the heck is he
This has been a poor spend with Gagne.
No excuses here guys, we ned more from those that claim to be scorers….
Yes only one game and it certainly doesn’t tell the tale, but geez com’on…..
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Duncanz Reply:
January 22nd, 2013 at 1:50 pm
@harty, Can’t agree that his SCF selection was simply to get his name on the Cup. Neither the GM nor the Coach would drop their guard like that.
Gagne worked incredibly hard to get himself into contention last year, as late as it was, and was a wise addition for his experience and the extra dimension he gives.
As for this season, I’m not going to jump the gun and write him off just yet. He showed one or two fine touches against the Hawks and I’d like to see just how much production he can offer after an extended opportunity on a stable, functioning line and fully match fit, along with the co ex Flyers and several others who’ll maybe take a week or two to get up to speed.
Then let’s see if he can break out return to his old level of confidence and effectiveness.
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jess Reply:
January 22nd, 2013 at 2:01 pm
@Duncanz,
I haven’t been very impressed by his play yet. But heck, we’re only game 2 into a new season. I can wait a bit more before I rush to judgement and see how things shake out.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 22nd, 2013 at 2:22 pm
@jess, He’s been a fantastic player before. I’m confident he’s not past it yet.
After all, if IRA eyers like Selanne, Jagr, Kovalev, Whitney and St Louis can still get it done, then why can’t he?
luc20rules Reply:
January 22nd, 2013 at 6:20 pm
@harty, You seem to forget he started last season with 10 goals in about the first 14 or so games, before he went into a slump. He had a golf ball sized tumor removed after SCF last summer from his neck the team doctor felt may have been responsible for his prior PCS diagnosis. He has said he feels better than he has in the last 5 years, so I will evaluate him on this years service( one game may be too soon).
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AHA!
I guess I’m not alone on Gagne, uh?
I do respect SG for what he has acomplished in his career, his knowledge and his experience. But his performance since he arrived does not seem to match the make-up of the team that brought the Cup to LA. His $3,500,000 could buy much needed D.
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Hmmm…maybe all that lifting the Cup over his head finally took its toll on Greene’s back. Bummer.
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I had a microdiscectomy as well during the summer. Was about 3-4 months before I was able to do anything physical (exercise). I am still not 100% and it’s now been 6 months. I’ll be surprised (pleasantly so!) if we see Greener back this season if he ends up under the knife.
Quick had a similar surgery and really I was surprised to see him back so speedily (avoiding the pun).
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good luck Jake!
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9th
sad state
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2nd game great start and some “fans” are upset.. REALLY!!? Just won the cup, same team and did I mention 2nd game. Jeez if only you knew anything about the game and how players WILL get hurt due to not playing (Greene) where guys that were playing in manchester may be less issue to a freak injury. Either way 2nd of 48 games and people are talking about trades. Some of the fans on here just really don’t have a clue about what they are talking about and think it’s a fantasy league. GKG! And for all the fans that are talking so bad about the Kings shut up!
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