There’s an interesting storyline revolving around two brothers sharing the stage of a championship setting – and no, I’m not here to pile on yet another angle to the Harbaugh-centric Super Bowl. Former LA Kings Insider Rich Hammond takes a look at Rob and Scott Niedermayer within the framework of the terrific 2003 Stanley Cup Final, which marked the first time two brothers faced each other in the Final since 1946. I know there aren’t many Ducks fans here (is there even one?), but this is a good read.
OC Register – Brother battle nothing new for Niedermayers
Anaheim Ducks beat writer Eric Stephens has a game recap that focuses on Nick Bonino, who opened the season skating with Bobby Ryan and Teemu Selanne before finding a nice groove with Emerson Etem and Devante Smith-Pelly on the fourth line last night in recording his first career hat trick. There are also game photos here, though they feature an awful lot of black, metallic gold and orange.
OC Register – Self-promotion fits Ducks’ Bonino to a three
Mark Whicker of the Register has more angles from the game, including the Bruce Boudreau quote I used last night, which included the phrase “fans that hate each other”. In the traditionally close-to-the-vest allusions towards opposing teams by professional coaches and athletes, it’s great to hear such pointed choices of words – something that Boudreau has never shied away from. Whicker was also at Kings practices earlier this week and asked Darryl Sutter about the art of shot blocking, which provided the springboard for yesterday morning’s “Block party” post. For that, I give him a stick tap. His game story is below.
OC Register – Lockout fades as Ducks, Kings and their fans lock in
Jen Neale of Anaheim Calling has your SB Nation recap, which also calls to attention to Jarret Stoll’s second period hit on Cam Fowler.
Anaheim Calling – Hatty for Bonino in Ducks 7-4 win over Kings, lose Fowler indefinitely
Actually the last story posted by Jen Neale is a fairly entertaining read. Jen does not shy away from calling out the Ducks’ mistakes which led to Kings goals. It’s still fairly biased towards the Ducks, but that’s expected
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:15 am
@Robyn, She’s certainly a warts-and-all style writer (e.g. spells DD2 ‘Drewski’ like you would ‘brewski’) but is very colorful and engaging one, that said.
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you can analize all you want…but it must be really hard to get the same intensity going as last season.There is a reason teams havent repeated in 15 years.The Kings were rolling on all cylinders at the end of last season…It was a once in a lifetime run. 8th seed…only 4 loses in the playoffs..etc..etc…Without training camp and the shorten season I wouldnt be surprise if the Kings dont make the play offs…But the future is bright and the hunger and intensity will return..I just dont see it this season…
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Robyn Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 9:06 am
@Neil, I honestly think it’s the lack of leadership. Brown was missing for the first 5 games and he’s our Cap. Without El Capo, the team looked lost and disinterested. Secondly, our A and one of our best defense guys is on IR with a herniated disc in his back. So we have no leadership on offense or defense and it shows.
You’re probably right about them not making the playoffs this year, which is hugely disappointing. They are such a friggin talented team when they can put things together. But the shortened season seems to have shortened their attention spans and short circuited their ability to play good hockey in either zone.
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Neil Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 9:15 am
@Robyn, the forecheck that we saw in the playoffs is missing…For the Kings ..its game #7…(remember Brown’s quote from last year?) for the Ducks…its a game against the defending champs….Next up game # 8 for the Kings…for Columbus… a game against the Stanley Cup champs…see where Iam going??
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Deke'r Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 9:51 am
@Neil, …..true….it’s vitually impossible to repeat a “Cinderella” season tho many here think it’s expected……
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Goring 19 Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:04 am
@Deke’r, I don’t expect a Cinderella season but I at least expect them to play like the Champs they are/were.
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gailweb Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@Neil, Agree
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Also..when Brown scored..he didnt even seem excited…
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Stuart Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 10:21 am
@Neil, he was still in shock that it ended up on net… he was having a “how did that happen” moment…
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No hearing is scheduled for Stoll’s hit on Fowler.
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Deke'r Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 9:54 am
@goldielocks, …maybe Toronto thinks the KIngs are embarassed enough…..
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Lot’s of negative ned’s (and nancy’s) running around the blog the last few games. I have to say, and I think Sutter has been teaching the players this with his interesting in-game decisions (Doughty shooting before Kopitar in the shootout): Last year won’t win a hockey game this year.
The only people who get to gloat and act like last season still means anything are the fans. We are the ones who are privileged with reminding Anaheim fans that their team didn’t even score their cup winning goal. We’re the ones who get to ask Duck fans where their 16-4 championship run is?
Let’s remember that us fans get to have fun with hockey regardless of a win or a loss. ICase in point, Doughty nailed the Finnish Flash. That was EPIC! How many players would have the balls to nail Selanne on open ice? Think about how impactful that is going to be for Doughty as a player.
Let’s have more fun. Go Kings Go!
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puck73 Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:19 am
@aKinginVancouver, Good post. Also, agree about Doughtys hit on Selanne. Alot of guys are afraid to hit a legend out of respect. The fact is, this game is not for the feint of heart, if you are playing, and you are in a position to be hit cleanly, then you should checked.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:46 am
@aKinginVancouver,
Amen, Brother!!
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letswinthecup2012 Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:00 pm
@aKinginVancouver, Yeah, when Selanne returned the hit on Drew, you could see Drew smile from ear to ear.. He loved it. The Kings need to get out there and have more fun, they look like they’re forcing it. Nice work Drew!!
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There’s also a great sports brothers column at Grantland, written by none other than Ken Dryden.
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There’s also a great sports brothers column at Grantland, written by none other than Ken Dryden.
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So far ONLY power-play units on the ice at practice.
First unit [11 – 23 – 10 – 77 – 8]
Second unit [28 – 12 – 14 – 26 - 6]
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 10:20 am
, That was about a half hour power-play work. Other skaters just now making their way towards the ice.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 10:30 am
Looks like Richardson might be back on the fourth line center. King back up on the third line. Gagne on the left wing second line. Penner you ask? Fifth line with Bodnarchuk!!!
Lines 3, 4 and 5
74 – 28 – 22
13 – 15 – 71
25 – 24 – 47
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neil Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 10:41 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I think that DS is in panic mode…Line changes..every game…and during the game…..Quick (no pun intended) change with the goalie( goals were not all his fault…doenst Quick deserve more time in this game?)The constant last season was how DS had the same lines and same scratches….He is over coaching this year so far…
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Deke'r Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:05 am
@neil, …..or still evaluating players adaptabilities……
Goring 19 Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:07 am
@neil, I wouldn’t say panic mode, maybe pissed off mode.
neil Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:12 am
@neil, as far off as saying “pissed off mode”…DS started with the first game as far as doing these changes….
Michael J. Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:21 am
@neil,
Maybe @Deker is right. We all know Penner adapts well to sitting on the bench. Maybe he’s looking long-term at Gagne and whether or not he has a place on the roster. penner is a known comodity, Gagne is not.
Michael J. Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:06 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Yes, demote Penner last night’s loss was his fault.
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neil Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:08 am
@Michael J., Penner played OK as far as I could see…..didnt get lots of ice time…So much for DS running 4 lines out there.Everything that DS did last year…he is doing different this season…..
Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:46 am
@neil, The returning of the SC winning unit in full (sans injuries) aside, conditions are quite different from last season, at least different from the halcyonic playoff run.
With the team largely yet to rediscover their form, had DS stood pat and refused to shuffle things up it would be much more unsatisfactory.
What you see happening now is just a functional response to many players, and consequently their traditional lines, not meeting expectations from 2012.
You can’t just be constant and roll your same 4 lines and expect that everything will slot back into place becausexwhen results aren’t coming it all just gets stale and hopelessness sets in.
Perhaps we are seeing the disadvantage of not having made personnel changes after the Cup.
Perhaps when Willie M comes back the balance gets close to being restored.
Maybe Manchester comes into play and a trade or two are made.
This season’s row is looking like it’s going to be a long one to hoe.
Gonna have to change up a few of the tools or the way they’re used to see what’s going to work.
Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:50 am
@neil Ha ha, look out below!
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:55 am
@Duncanz,
I agree. Not only are you a Cunning Linguist, but you appear to have your finger on this teams pulse and remedies as well.
Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:19 pm
@kissmytacobell, Oh, no … the ‘x’ on the end of ‘because’ was simply a typing error.
@HockeyPhone and @DessertKing would both be sympathetic to my autoautocorrect problems.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:25 pm
Duncanz,
Slightly paranoid, are we? I’m beginning to feel sorry I ever posted that Grammar lesson last year.
Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@kissmyblarseybones, .. probably just my sligoual insecurity showing..
goldielocks Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:34 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Gagne was skating well. He deserves 2nd line LW. Muzzin, Martinez, and Voynov were schooled last night. Bodnarchuk should be tested instead of those three. Call up Toffoli coz our RWs had no spark. And trade for a veteran D ASAP. Oh, and I think entire 4th line should be canned since they managed -3. Those guys can play against any lines was clearly overrated and overstated.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:54 am
@goldielocks,
Speculation but there may be something wrong with Fraser with only 1:52 of ice time last night and a -3. The looked way off. That very well could account for Richardson’s move to the 4th.
neil Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@goldielocks, to duncanz and others….DS started the shuffling early. I would not have a problem with the changes but it started the first game…To me..Thats panic not coaching….
Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:31 pm
Or he recognized even before the first faceoff that the players didn’t come into camp in tip-top shape.
As @waves mentions about Fraz, it looks as if the Kings were more banged up than we expected.
And as Mr @blarneystones offers, you can never underestimate DS’s HSQ (hockey savant quotient).
We’re good with Dean & Darryl and we’ll be really fine with Matt & Mitchell, although we may have to devise clever improvisations in the meantime.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:23 am
Lombardi looking on intently.
http://twitter.com/KingsNewsDaily/status/298146887175909376/photo/1
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:48 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Every picture tells a story.
A giant of a man dwarfed beneath an even more gigantic burden of expectation …
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@Duncanz, Really nice commentary there buddy. Nailed it.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:36 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I actually noticed Penner on the ice last night, a lot! I would consider that an improvement.
Due to the level of separation, I think that the only play off spots available at this stage are Nos.6 thru 8. If you look at the top 5 teams in the conference, they all belong there. If you look at the bottom 8 teams, they all belong there except for us.
I have firm confidence in DS. We are at a disadvantage due to the fact that we have what no one else has, and it is tough facing what we have never faced before, which is a real desire to beat us. Last years at this stage we were also rans in the league. Not this year, and it shows. The boys are going to have to learn how to overcome that and the last thing you want is for our guys to get comfortable. Changing lines and mixing it up is all part of the process in keeping us focused.
I said it earlier this year; Darryl Sutter is a better coach than we give him credit for, and this year will prove it. It will be ugly, but we are going to get there, For Sure.
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Kngsfan8391 Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:04 pm
@kissmyblarneystones,
I have to disagree. You talk about level of seperation. I disagree that you think 6th-8th is only spot. we are 7 GAMES into a 48 game season with ALL games in conference. These standing will get alot of change every day with games since we all play eachother. And also just because Sharks started hot doesnt mean in 2-3 games they loss it or an injury affects them like we have. I have faith in the kings. This is EXACTLY how we started last year. I think Last night was the biggest wake-up call and first time Players straight up said they got there asses kicked. we are 3 pints out of 5th place with that team playing 1 more game already. The standing now and even at 15 games mean nothing. What matters i what it looks like on April 27th. Remember we didnt even make playoffs till OUR LAST GAME. NO one is safe
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:06 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, As I was opining above in virtual real time, I’m inclined to agree with a lot of what you say, but I think what the Kings achieve or otherwise this season is all in their heads rather than in their opponents’.
As we have seen and has been said by others, notably @Kenny44, other teams are regulary controlling the tempo of games to suit their own styles and the Kings are allowing them to do so.
Save for an impressive Blackhawks on opening day, the Kings shouldn’t have been overpowered by any of those teams they’ve lost to and it has been more about them falling short than their being overwhelmed by opponents desperate to beat the Champions.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:09 pm
@Duncanz,
I think we’re too young to be Defending Stanley Cup Champions.
Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:41 pm
@kissmybabysteppers, With integral 29 and 35 y.o. dmen out, last night I think this factor was exposed.
We’ve been covering a few more serious wounds than we thought and the bandaid unpeeled a little bit in the Pond.
…..nice hands, Kunitz….
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:52 am
@Deke’r, He’s had kind of a spotty season so far, but today he is feeding off Malkin/Crosby beautifully.
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no coincidence when Fowler went down, so did our chances to win the game
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Nice job aKinginVancouver! Sometimes we are waiting for the bottom to fall because no one is going to hold you accountable when things turn around. Too busy saying how we’ve stood by this team through thick, and thin times. I like Erics articles at The OC Register which along with a few knowlegable Ducks fans is the only reason I stopped picking on them (that and I helped chase @backcheck out of there. The guy was a major douche even to his fellow ducks fans. Pure gold).
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:37 pm
@NomdeDuck, Trollsy..
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Come on guys and girls,7 games into the season and 41 games left and you think the Kings are out of the playoffs already.Not only will they make the playoffs,the will win the cup again..I love reading your posts every day and for that,thank you.GO KINGS GO..
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I think I saw Jake Muzzin’s jock on the team bus…..Thats where Nick Bonino left it !
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Deke'r Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:57 am
@puck73, ….learning curve….
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Muzzin= not nhl ready.. Please replace the kid.. It’s hurting him and us…
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neil Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@Icecrown, Hickey !!!!! That was a joke !!!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:03 pm
Easy to say in hindsight though, @neil
And I assume you mean the eventuality of waiving him and not the choice to draft him.
DL had attended several Monarchs games during the lockout and likely got a pretty good idea during that time who was going to work out in the long run and who wasn’t.
It’s a pity in some ways that Hickey could never get his call-up with the depth and erstwhile good health the Kings’ D corps has enjoyed and juggling your NHL and your two-way contracts never works out for everyone.
Oftentimes timing is a bitch and for TH his time to step up just didn’t quite arrive in time.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:40 pm
That, plus on size and output he probably wasn’t going to fit the bill.
I don’t know if Bernier will see many more starts. Not saying he was at fault, just noticing Sutters preference of riding a number one all season coupled with the poor kid getting shelled last night. Again, not blaming him but a COUPLE of big stops might have improved his odds of getting more games. Still reserving judgement for 3 more games
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tornado12 Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:06 pm
@xeropoint, What’s with Berniers mask? Guess he thought he would have been traded by now!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:07 pm
@xeropoint, Wow, you have the Kings on a strict timeline.
Woe betide them if they were to dare to let you down.
What would the fallout be, I wonder?
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xeropoint Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:42 pm
@Duncanz, I’m not all fire and brimstone but I just figure a quarter of the season is a reasonable enough point for me to have an idea of where the Kings stand. Although… I AM a Kings fan. I know how to call down the thunder!
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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 10:41 pm
@xeropoint, Defensive breakdowns all over our DZone….made our MVP and his backup look like fools! Having said that, I have to say bernier or Smith might be the next goalies who can score an empty netter aka Hextall. Bernier handles the puck real well, but Quickie is so much more of the athlete.
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Any vid of doughtys big hit last night?
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Deke'r Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@Subby, ….not sure…but found one that shows Stoll tuggin on Fowlers sweater just before the slam….lined him up?….thought for sure Toronto would have used it…..
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Also, does anyone know of any pure “butterfly” goalies, aside from Bernier? I can’t think of any and it seems to be going the way of a “stand up” style. To the best of my knowledge, everyone is a hybrid now.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@xeropoint, Luuuu ?
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The loss was due to lack of defensive play. We need at least one more wide bodied veteran defenseman.
Give Bernier more PT so his trade value rises.
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Your KND practice look-in video of the day…enjoy! @kingsnewsdaily
http://youtu.be/5SfG08a3rSo
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Haven’t the slightest idea why the video repeats without sound. Odd. Investigating.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Fixed video: http://youtu.be/0cvqIG09gGQ
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Everyone, especially me, is expecting this team to perform like the Stanley Cup Champions that they are.
Not only did the lockout make a huge difference, so did no 2 week training camp, not to mention no preseason games.
Then losing 2 leaders in the locker room, and on the ice, in Mitchell and then Greene.
This has certainly led to what we are seeing on the ice. I’ve not even mentioned Quick’s back surgery. Of course Sutter is juggling everything, including lines. Not to mention there’s a new assistant coach also.
This certainly IS NOT the same team that won the Stanley Cup. They are also, what, the 5th youngest team in the NHL?
Yes. It’s a very short season. But I’m willing to give them a little slack here. Remember. They have already won the Stanley Cup.
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neil Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 12:54 pm
@Kingsfanone, agree…That is why I hate the shorten season….you have to account for players out of shape….no practice time…no time to have a slump….I know all teams have the same problems but if your team has more out of shape players then another its going to hurt you….Worse case if we dont make the playoffs..the future does look great. I would bring up Toffoli sooner then later
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:55 pm
@Kingsfanone, I’m with you all the way on this. I think it’ll take some time for them to get back on track. The only problem is they don’t have a lot of time! I just hope they make the playoffs. Otherwise, last season will be considered a fluke.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:04 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I don’t think anyone can say outright that last season was a fluke. 3-0 leads in all 4 series, 16-4 overall winning the Cup. At the very worst, I’d call that ordained!
You are correct in that time is very short. Let’s go boys!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@Paul Armbruster (QuirksNewsYearly.com),
I think that last year was a fluke.
But why can’t this year be a happenstance and next year be equally as serendipitous?
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The Kings are back to being the old Kings of past all you new people will either stick or leave for me its 26 years and counting so I say
Go Kings Go!
Nothing any of us fans can do but hang in there as usual.
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Munchrat Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:58 pm
@gailweb, +1
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Kingsfanone Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:08 pm
@gailweb, +1
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This Kings fans is called adversity. It’s all up to the players on the ice to rise or fall at this point. Nothing is won the 1st week of February. Only time will tell if this group can rise above this seasons adversity.
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Jon
Why no Sutter’s quotes after an embarrassment like last night.
I’m going to chalk that up as lesson learned…if I try and judge it in any other way, I’ll be moderated.
Penner and Richards have to do better. If they have any professional pride, they would.
Fras needs to view a few games from the press box. How is it possible that the 4th line would be a -3 halfway thru the 1st (if memory serves me correct) he along with Muzzin were schooled all night. it’s hard to make judgements on young kids, but if this is the play we’ll be seeing, we’re not going anywhere.
Bernier? Just being fair, he sucked! but got absolutely no help from his mates.
I this doesn’t wake them up, the season’s gonna be a long one.
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Forum Gold Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:50 pm
@Nykingfan, And a short one. GO KINGS GO!!!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 1:51 pm
@Nykingfan,
@reallisa: Sutter : “I hate myself for pulling goalies. I do. It bothers me. It’s always taken as a criticism.”
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:02 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
And this unpublished follow-up:
” … But he aint no Kipper back there, that’s for sure.”
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JonRosen Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@Nykingfan, I didn’t include Sutter’s quotes, because I wanted to make sure I had Boudreau’s quotes on Stoll’s hit on Fowler after the game. While Boudreau was speaking, Sutter held a brief conference, and I caught the tail end of it. When I received the post-game quote sheet, I didn’t feel that Sutter’s quotes necessitated a separate post. There were good quotes from DS at practice today, which I will post later this evening.
The post-game quotes I received from the Ducks:
Darryl Sutter
“Everyone’s got to play on the right side of the puck in this league. If you play on the wrong side of the puck you’re going to lose.”
On the goalie switch in the first period:
“No one changes goalies, but it was 2-0 five minutes into the game. You have to do something.”
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Nykingfan Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:51 pm
@JonRosen,
Gotcha
Thanks Jon
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JonRosen Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:52 pm
@Nykingfan, No problem! DS quotes from practice today will go live at 7:15 pm.
Looking forward to all your future posts.
No for some Chips, dips, wings and Guinness.
Being from LA, I would never root for anything that resides in San Francisco.
Go Ravens!!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 2:26 pm
@kissmybrownystooges,
Ravens, the ‘Misteak on Cheasapeake’ …
Go Gold Rush Girls!
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okay ive read all your reasons ….. and i dont think anybody is hitting on the main reason for this …. ive said it before ……. now listen people ………….. its all kopitars knee ……………… in a game reminicent of the 80s last night – so wide open …. why was kopi absoulutely invisible – like he has been all season ……… im telling everybody – this team flows thru a healthy kopi – if hes not we have no chance – and right now hes not and i doubt he will be for the rest of the season – so we are screwed
sure the mitch – greene issues hurt us , but nothing like kopis knee . other than that stationary one touch pass to brown on the first pp goal – kopi was absoultely invisible – how do explain that on a night like last night ……. the dudes knee does not allow him to play at his world class level – with the bulky brace and its undoubted soreness , and kopis unwillingness to dynamic cuts etc…. hes not healthy people , not even close , and we are screwed
oh , u did see him one other play where he cut in on the goalie at a sharp angle and then just gave up and let the puck so he wouldnt reinjure the knee even worse
…….. hes playing a watered down version of his usual game – where he just makes very careful and delibrate turns and stops etc……….. to be world class it needs to be spontaneous – like kopi did against elliot in game 2 vs st louis ………… because of his knee he has to think about stopping sharply or cuytting sharply instead of just instictively doing it
…………and thats the difference between an average player and a world class player ……… right now because of his knee , he is the average player …… and that just kills thsi team , because everything flows thru him ………….. a healthy kopi makes everybody better than they are , and right now hes not healthy , so therefore everone around him sucks , not just his linemates , but the flow of confidense from the whole team ………… just my two cents
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 5:09 pm
@phil sykes, Lets look at some numbers:
Kopitar has 2 goals. Nothing to brag about but Richards has ZERO.
Kopitar is a -1. Again, not good, but Dustin Brown despite having a team leading 3 goals is a whopping MINUS 6.
Quick had a .946 save percentage in last years playoffs and a goals against less than 1.5. This was in the PLAYOFFS mind you. Right now his save percentage is under .900 and his GAA is 2.72.
We’ve got way more serious issues than Kopitar right now.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 5:27 pm
@phil sykes, It’d be a pity if this were true and the craft doesn’t fly without Kopi piloting because when Crosby was in the sanitarium the Penguins always seemed to be able to pull together and move ahead.
There’s apparently not a shortage of ‘C’ and ‘A’ eligible guys on this squad so why would a less than 100% Kopi have to undermine things?
Nevertheless, after 2 anonymous games in a row it’s beginning to look as if your theory holds at least a few ounces here.
Maybe the psychological wellbeing of the team depends way too much on #11.
Real and lasting impact from your Richies, Penns, Stollies and Gagnes would alleviate this issue but it sure hasn’t happened as of yet.
We’ll know more in a week.
It’s going to be an interesting and telling road trip.
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phil sykes Reply:
February 3rd, 2013 at 11:38 pm
@Duncanz, it has nothing to do with character – like c and a guys as u mentioned – it has everything to do with the kings are not a skilled team …. so if u take out our only skilled guy that scares other teams , then your left with nothing ….. just a bunch of great character guys who dont have enough skill to score goals consistently ….. and thusly , in turn , it affect our entire teams confidense to score goals , and they begin to pout ….. pout as in , their bad body language
sure we have defense issue right now because of injury – but thats nothing compared to this anemic offense while kopi is playing like a third liner because of his knee – thats the main issue
and if they score 6 goals in columbus and 4 in nashville , people dont think see phil were fine offensively …… — thats just happenstance and the ebb and flow of a hockey season where some nights the bounces are with you
im telling everybody , with kopi playing injured the kings will consistently over time not score and will probably finish in the bottom three in goals scored — it was the same last year , yes with a healthy kopitar , but the carter trade and minor league callups energized everybody and our confidense soared with kopi leading the way – and the team should pick right up and score like they did in the playoffs – which was pretty consistently – but now kopi decided to play in europe and got hurt – and so now the house of cards begins to crumble
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If what you are saying is correct, why did it take the Carter trade to snap the team out of their malaise. Anze accounted for %15.6 of our point total last year with 66% of those points coming after the Carter trade. Nothing clicked until after Carter’s arrival, and it was Quick who was the deciding factor in out fortunes last year.
A healthy Anze definitely helps, But I would stop short of hanging the teams hope on just him.
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