On Jonathan Bernier:
“Bernie was solid…There were no rebounds, no great second opportunities, which is what we need our goaltender to do.”
On Bernier not seeing much action through stretches of the game:
“That’s pretty much when St. Louis and L.A. are on their games, that’s how they play…You’d rather be talking about that than saying ‘there were 40 shots against us.’”
On whether Monday’s game was a step in the right direction:
“We thought we played really well yesterday, so it wasn’t a step backwards yesterday for us. It’s tough in a short season when you don’t get points…We talked about it after the game. We were good [versus Detroit]. We were better. We were fine right away. We could’ve come here and played last night again.”
On the change in lines “rejuvenating” the offense:
“No, I don’t think it was the change in lines. I think moving Jeff to the middle has given us some more speed and taken minutes away from a couple of our other centermen that really haven’t played very well. That was the biggest reason for moving. It wasn’t ‘changing lines’. Carter’s been our best player, and trying to get him more open ice was the biggest thinking on my part there.”
On Dustin Penner’s performance:
“He was fine. You know what? He’s got to protect pucks, and when he’s on his game and he’s conditioned to do that, it’s hard to do, right? You have to be a well-conditioned athlete, and it’s something that’s taken about three weeks to do, and hopefully he can build on the performance tonight, too, because he did it for – there were extended periods of time where he did it for 10, 12 seconds, and that’s hard to do.”
Again, Sutter’s best coaching effort as a King. The players focus and effort were at the top, and that is tough on back to backs w/travel
[Reply]
PENNER looked good. Gagne? eh.
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:57 pm
@Shuchuk, Many of the top 6 have been “eh,” but once they get going it’s going to be scary once again for the opposition.
[Reply]
Southbayphil Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:35 pm
@Shuchuk, Simon is over the hill. Other than the fact he’s a likeable vet, I don’t see why he’s getting so much ice time. Follow him during the course of a game–he doesn’t skate very well, doesn’t control or pass the puck very well and his shot is slow and inaccurate. If he can’t play offense, he doesn’t deserve a roster space because his defense is spotty at best. Play our youngsters more, who have more energy and physicality.
[Reply]
Anjin Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 5:48 am
@Southbayphil, Gagne actually made a couple of really good back checking plays that broke up St Louis’ momentum trying to enter the zone.
He still has speed and I think his game will come back to him but we’ll see.
[Reply]
brian spain Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 9:28 am
@Shuchuk, Gagne made two great defensive plays to stop Grade a scoring chances. The ice is 200 feet, not just the offensive zone. Pay attention to the whole game.
[Reply]
Goedecke Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 10:24 am
@brian spain,
Agreed
[Reply]
i knew these lines by the mad genius would work …. he even listened to my suggestion yesterday and substituted penner for richardson or frasier on the 4th line .
thats a good 4th line stoll lewis penner … that can score once every blue moon but also keep the tempo moving right along ……………. the lines are now perfectly balanced ……… total 4 line attack now that richards is a third line center and stoll the fourth ……. dont change a thing darryl …… this is the perfect line combos …….. dont change a thing …. let penner play on the 4th line ….. hes more capable of producing a goal or assist on a nightly basis than richardson or frasier ……….. love it love it love it ……. keep it this way darryl dont change a thing
martinez out i guess .. so muzzin will be back …. oh well , time for these kids to start improving quickly and earning their paycheck ………. ellerby looked better than i thought he would tonight … so yea , i guess im an idiot …….. wouldnt be the first time i goofed up if he ends up working out …. i hope he keeps playing more confidently , like he did tonight
since the kings will probably be shaky defensively with all these injuries this season , im wondering if bernier might be a better fit in goal because of his stay at home style , i still think quick is the way better goalie , but quick is more suited for a great defense because he is so aggressive …… but anyways , its just a thought … because i know quickie will be back in there soon enough ……………… i just wish hed back up a foot or two and not leave the net so exposed for easy tap ins , especially with our inexperienced defensemen right now
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:07 pm
@phil sykes,
sutter watched you on oprah?
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:09 pm
@jess, dont get it . im slow
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:13 pm
@phil sykes, oh, a lot of my friends in here have referred to you as Dr. Phil. You said sutter listened to yesterday, so figured he watched oprah.
Kings20 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
@phil sykes, Maybe one change…. Antony Stewart for Lewis. I think Stewart has a better game that Lewis plus it will add more size to that line.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
@Kings20, possibly ……but at least lewis is a defensive beast with speed , if nothing else …………. why change a thing right now ……… these last 2 games weve finally started playing real hockey with these line combos …… please keep them this way darryl permanently ………… i wouldnt mind having a look see at stewart however …… but lewis does outwork and outspeed and outdefense most players so we might lose something there …………….. i say i like what we have cliking right now …. dont change a thing
[Reply]
That was somewhat of a pointed comment regarding Goaltenders. Conn Smyth be damned!!
[Reply]
MickSorley Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:44 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, haha.. yep. “What have you done for me lately.” As it should be.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:47 pm
@hootmyblowyfish, If you’re “a couple of our other centermen” you may not be feeling so great about yourself right about now, either..
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:50 pm
@Duncanz, Who might he be referring to with that comment?
[Reply]
LB Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:04 pm
@CB14, Fraser, Stoll and even Richards
Anjin Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 5:53 am
@CB14, mostly Richards I would say. When he’s brought in to be a co-#1 center who could be interchangeable with Kopitar then disappears for games there’s a problem.
Even when Kopitar has an off game he still has 10 times as many touches as Richards on a good night.
CB14 Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, I saw Stoll’s goal. Good for him. To answer your question on the game thread, no, it’s not good enough for me. It’s going to take more than one goal to change my opinion of his play. But it was a nice start in the right direction.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:56 pm
@CB14,
I actually now believe that you are in fact………Wait for it……….@Jeff_R
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
@CB14,
I went looking for you after that goal and noticed that you disappeared off the thread for a couple of hours. I actually thought you went off to sulk in the bathroom.
BTW…. Stoll has more goals than half the team and as many as MR.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:11 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, Nope, I went out to dinner before the start of the 2nd period and didn’t get home until the game was over. Feel free to check the comments, or should I say lack of comments, from the start of the second period onward.
I man up when i’m wrong on things. Last season I bashed Westy hard the 2 hours prior to a game he was playing in saying he was worthless and that he didn’t belong on the ice, sure enough he goes out there and scores a goal in that nights game, I had to eat some crow on that one.
If Stoll can produce offensively the rest of the season, i’ll gladly say that I was completely wrong in my opinion of him.
P.S. Stoll actually has MORE goals than Mike Richards, 2 to 1. Not that that’s much of an accomplishment considering how bad MR has played this season. (Which i’ve also complained about)
hmmmm interesting thoughts.
I wonder what is going behind the scene
[Reply]
Go Pens! My little darkhorse. Heh he.
[Reply]
DiggerRocket Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 10:09 am
@Dominick, It’s hard not to route for the guy… cracked me up with the “Zdeno’ comment.
[Reply]
Goedecke Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 10:27 am
@Dominick,
How are the Penguins a dark horse team?
Haha they have like four all stars on their team
[Reply]
Fire Quick and Richards. Free Penner and Bernier. Sutter is not “fair” as so endorsed. This is TM favoritism redux and will be proven when Quick starts next game.
[Reply]
MmmmYummy Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
@MmmmYummy, Silly system will not allow fake html codes – so let’s try this:
[/end rant]
[Reply]
I’d like to see these lines:
Gagne – Kopitar – Brown
Clifford – Carter – Williams
King – Richards – Toffoli
Penner – Stoll – Lewis
I know Nolan provides a lot of energy and grit, but I think Richards needs someone who can put the bisquit in the basket on his line. Otherwise, it’s a waste of a good play maker. That line would have guy who can crash the net lookin’ for dirty goals (King) and a sniper (Toffoli) and a play maker (Richards).
[Reply]
Justin Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:01 pm
@Justin, all those lines can have the potential to be scoring threats, and all could be solid defensively, as well. Maybe not one true defensive “shutdown” line, bt good balance. And if we were to get up a couple goals, maybe then we could mid-game shuffle a little bet, creating our typical “shutdown” line. On paper, atleast, it looks like we could roll four solid lines. And depending on which one(s) are having the strongest game, at the moment, roll those lines a little more in that particular game.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:04 pm
@Justin, toffoli has sniped nothing at the nhl level … im excited about him too …… but nolan creates space for richards and goes to the net … i like the new 4 line attack crash bang style ……. no fancy plays ………. throw it at the goalies feet and crash the net for rebounds and the kaos that will ensue .. its the only way to beat goaltenders these days … because all of them are so good when they know where the release point is coming from – just fall to your kness and block it with the logo
……… crash bang – create kaos at his feet with rebounds and deflections – everybody crash the net and crash – i llike our new style – the mad genius darryl sutter is at work ……. i mean why change now justin …. we are rolling right now
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:12 pm
@phil sykes, like jim fox says – the new nhl – shoot not to score …….. but for rebounds and ensuing kaos
[Reply]
MmmmYummy Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:36 pm
@phil sykes, Like Jim Fox says “shot mentality.” ick
Duncanz Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:39 pm
@phil sykes,
[simpering] I love how you spell Kaos, Max !
Justin Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:14 pm
@phil sykes, maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m just too anxious to see Toffoli. But I dunno if one victory counts as “rolling.” And I don’t think the same line needs a playmaker with TWO “crash bangers” and no skill on the wings. I’m just itching to see Toffoli get atleast his cup of coffee this season lol
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:21 pm
@Justin, no rolling two games since the line changes … we kicked detroits butt
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:43 pm
@Justin, duncanz .. as u have no doubt already seen … im always filled with typos ………. its cuz im typing so fast it creats chaos in my brain …. and i dont care to go back and correct it
Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:30 am
no @psykesy ……. you’re so interesting typos are filled with you ……. but no problem dude ………… I was just trying to get a cheap get smart joke in there ……….. try listening to soft music ………… might save the lives of a few …….. pitiful endangered …………dots
KC23 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:06 am
@Justin, We can’t get a forward from Manchester unless a forward goes on IR. Otherwise we either have to send our scratch d-man to manchester and have no d-man back up … not gonna happen or Nolan for example would have to clear waviers … also not gonna happen.
Only other way to make it happen is to trade one of our forwards for someone that has a two way contract, draft picks or both and that hurts our depth at forward this year.
Least that is the way I see it.
[Reply]
hiway39 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 8:51 am
@Justin,
i still have issues with carter at center. he’s not looking to distribute the puck at all, and i think he’s better off on the wing where he doesn’t have to be defensively as responsible either.
and there has to be room for jordan nolan in the bottom 6. he’s effective at what he does, grit and sandpaper.
[Reply]
Kings20 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@Justin, maybe Toffoli for Nolan and Nolan for Gagner
[Reply]
If Doughty got 7 million, how much will VV be worth if he keeps up his play? IMO he’s been our best player this short season, with Carter and Clifford right behind him.
Who starts on Friday? My initial opinion was to ride Bernier to give Quick rest, but with the next game not until Friday, Quick should get a decent amount of rest. I’m fine with whomever Sutter chooses, but I think I’d give Bernier another shot on Friday.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:28 pm
@CB14, doughty still the best in the league at possesion for a defensement , once he gets it … hes got it and hes off ………. doughty great defensively in my opinion as well …………… voynov playing great keep it up buddy …….. one area i do believe voynov is better is he appears to be a much better finese player offensively than doughty
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:46 pm
@phil sykes,
Actually, Voynov is that hybrid combination everyone wants.
A smart, solid defenseman – with soft hands.
Yeah he can bang a shot from the point, but that pass to Crater was just artful.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:49 pm
@IceGuy,
I know. He waited for that guy’s leg to lift a little more before the pass. Totally intentional! That’s Sweet!
paige Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:51 am
@IceGuy, I am such a big fan of V’s play this season. He’s smart and relentless and aggressive. Voynov and Clifford are great this season – they both have determination in common.
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:37 pm
@CB14, and a better point shot guy … but i kinda put that in the offensive finese part , but yea just in case you were wondering … slavas shooting is way more accurate than doughty …….. again to me thats part of finese
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:40 pm
@phil sykes, slava appears just to have a better offensive touch and feel than doughty ……………. not that doughty is bad or anything … he has his momments …. but slava is a pretty consistent shooter and playmaker
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:08 am
@CB14, Knowing DS, he’ll give it to Quick unless Quick has a health problem that they aren’t talking about.
[Reply]
hiway39 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 9:11 am
@CB14,
I’m glad we cut the cord with JJ to give Voynov the slot. He may lack the measurables in size but he’s far more capable and slots in perfect as a top 4 D and first PP unit if need be.
Still pissed the Carter trade cost us the #1 pick this year, which is looking like a phenomenal pick for Columbus.
[Reply]
trytodethroneus Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
@hiway39,
Are you saying that the KINGS are not going to make the playoffs?
If they do, the pick would be no lower than 17th……….not so phenomenal.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 2:19 pm
@trytodethroneus, 15th …. do the math son
phil sykes Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
@hiway39, why deano would just draft another hickey or teubert anyway ….. frobert ?
[Reply]
what happened to martinez? i missed the first period and cant seem to find anything about it
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:26 pm
@ashykins, Per la times placed on ir and Campbell recalled from AHL. Doesn’t sound good “upper body injury”. I didn’t see what happened….
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:31 pm
@tornado12,
They’ve already made that determination and moved on it? It’s got to be bad.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:56 pm
@tornado12, The last time you see him is at 3:40 of the 1st Period where he gets checked up against the glass by Polak as he dumps the puck into the zone.
Didn’t look like anything out of the ordinary and Polak certainly didn’t try to put him through the glass or anything.
Wonder if it’s an arm or a wrist or something.
[Reply]
Ashykon Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 1:17 am
@Duncanz, we are getting no love on the blue line
Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 1:45 am
@Ashykon, Even the flies are laughing at us going down!
I have no clue what happened to A Mart. I missed it completely. ????Anyone???
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:17 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, upper body injury .. status unknown ………patrick oneill didnt seem to like martinezs body language when he asked him “how are you doing ” ….. it dosernt look promising …… but we will see
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:25 pm
@phil sykes,
What play was it on?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:25 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, I just went back and watched the first 5 minutes of the game. With 16:20 left AM shot the puck into the offensive zone and was then checked to the boards by Roman Polak. He then left the ice immediately afterwards and didn’t return. I’m sure that hit is what caused his injury because he had just come on the ice with approx 16:35 left on the clock. The hit appeared to take place on AM’s right side. Possibly shoulder or chest. It also looked like Polak’s elbow came through towards the end of the hit and might have hit AM in the head. My guess would be either a right shoulder, right elbow, or head injury. But i’m no doctor.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:28 pm
@CB14,
Unbelievable!! I feel good about Ellerby after today. Looks like Jake is sticking around after all. I’m going to watch the replay on fox at Midnight. Thanks.
[Reply]
Now what? They (dl, DS) did what they had to, to get everyone’s attention. I think u have to let bernier have the next one n since no back-to-back for 3 games if he wins he should keep playing. Increases trade value at very least (not saying they should do anything yet). But how would quick handle it? I think ok…n he’ll play 2nd in, next back-to-back at very least if vernier keeps it going. Penner looked very good IMO n should stick for awhile
[Reply]
DrA Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:10 pm
@linny, @yetiman_oc, If Quick needs a rest because of his back he should inform the coach. I know he is so tough he will not (he won the cup in pain). I am just saying. He had a disc plus cyst and got cleared just 11 games ago. I had 2 surgeries like that and I know he needs rest especially “back to back” but I guess he will never admit it. He said he does not feel pain when he plays. Amazing.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:17 am
@linny, Only if Quick is hurt, otherwise I think it would be unwise to leave your best goal tender out for that lenght of time.
[Reply]
Kings are like a lifted four banger toyota on 44″ tires. -Takes a while to get a-rollin.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 6:24 am
@jess, you know you’re a redneck when …
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@Token, haha -when you make shine and sell it for hair tonic?
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I have been saying on different sites for a while now and nobody listens That we need to have Kopitar-Carter-Richards as 1a-1b-1c centers with Stoll as the fourth.. we have the wingers to compliment them. What other team can match that depth down the middle?
Also I say start Bernier again. I liked Ellerby alot tonight. Slava Voynov is just a freakin beast, and I can’t wait until Drew Doughty starts putting up points. This team is killing it in Corsi and Fenwick. The bounces will start going our way and we’ll start putting it in the back of the net like tonight. If Bernier gets the chance to start again and or Quick plays up to his potential, will see a run like you wouldn’t believe.
[Reply]
Good night Kingdom, finally a complete game and something we can build on.I’m gonna try and go to the game on Friday but if not I’ll be right back here with ya’ll, play nice everybody.
[Reply]
We played that game with 5 Defense Men?!?!
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:50 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, yea and back to back ……… i dont ever want to hear the back to back excuse again ……. we played with 5 defensemen on back to back nights and soudly beat a very good team ive never liked the excuse for the 30 something years ive been around …… i felt it held no water and was a copout because over my 30 years i have teams win on the second night of a back to back thousands of times it would seem ……. so shut up about it already excuse makers … mostly the media
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:51 pm
@phil sykes,
Sorry I asked.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:00 am
@kissmyblarneystones, i drected noting of that at you …. chill
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:55 am
@kissmyblarneystones,
Haha……you gotta be careful with Dr. Phil on the prowl.
IceGuy Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:51 pm
@kissmyblarneystones,
That’s true. Not only down one D-man. But DD2 scores and Ellerby the rookie seemed much improved over Sunday’s effort. Tonight looked like the TEAM EFFORT victories we were clicking off in the playoffs. Keep this up boys and we’ll be fine. But keep it up – don’t back away from this kind of energy and determination.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:54 pm
@IceGuy,
I have to say, when we’re on, we’re ON!!! St. Louis looked exactly like the team we played in the 2nd round. The fans must hate us there.
[Reply]
There is a bright side to having to play 5 Defensemen. Keaton got over 20 minutes of ice time playing next to Drew Doubty as well as others, on a good hockey team. Elleby gotta be lovin life right now.
Man if we caught Elleby right when he was ready to mature, we hit the jack pot. Loktionov who didn’t do squat to a very serviceable left shot yount d-man. Good stuff.
[Reply]
Just watched Stoll’s goal over and over. Penner and Voynov were amazing on that play and both had most to do with that goal. Yoynov’s read of Penner skating hard towards the Voynov’s position and then that awesome pass by Voynov right on Stoll’s stick. Kudos to Penner for stripping the puck in the first place and pressing the attack.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:58 am
@KC23, Yes, and the best of all, what great positioning and fantastic Stamkos-!ike release by JS.
Like you say, the other guys did their supporting parts real well but Stollicoaster topped of the play with his own brand of special sauce!
I’m making the nomination right now; Stolly for the Bill Masterson, ‘-/13!!
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 1:18 am
@Duncanzthejoker, ha-ha…Stoll took another silly penalty, which could have cost us dearly,
and which killed our power play…just glad Carter is there to take up the slack…
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 1:53 am
@Real 7 x 4, All the more reason to get him the Masterson, which (through my own non-award winning research) is for perseverance, dedication to hockey and er, something else …
great game from Bernier; I’d like to see him get another start Friday…
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 2:30 am
@Real Grateful 7, How about we get him started on a Heineken and some nice tater skins – in the press box!
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 8:53 am
@Duncanzdump, gee, I take it you don’t agree…
[Reply]
I’m still trying to figure out why we signed Quick to a 10 year extension after having only 1 good season? Bernier is a much better goalie with a much better style. Quick plays so low he is practically laying on the ice. I was at the game in Detoit on Sunday with my Bernier jersey on, its a shame that he probably won’t be a King next year.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 2:39 am
@Kinger, He was alright.
I’ve got to say though, I’ve only been following the Kings less than a year and before tonight I’d never heard of him!
[Reply]
JD Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 5:37 am
@Kinger, how dare you question Quick on this blog!!!
[Reply]
Canadian King Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 8:41 am
@Kinger, I agree about the ten year contract. NO goalie deserves a ten year contract, didn’t DL learn from Luongos situation. Lundqvist didn’t even get a ten year contract and he is the best, most consistent goalie in the world. Quick is great but has only had ONE spectacular year and two mediocre years. Don’t get me wrong I like Quick, just hate his contract length.
Also we need to ride the hot goalie, Bernier better start on Friday.
[Reply]
luuc Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 9:51 am
@Kinger,
IDK if I am just feeding the troll here, but did you miss Quick’s 39 and 35 win seasons before last year? Quick was not a one hit wonder. His first full year he was great but choked in the playoffs. His second he was great, and stood on his head in the playoffs, but the team choked. The third he was a Vezina finalist and a Conn Smythe winner. Not sure I am following your 1 good year theory.
[Reply]
let’s streak!
CBJ will be no pushover, but if we* continue playing “in the zone” we’ll* be okay….
*KINGS
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 2:24 am
@Ray Stevens 7, Could we play in the neutral zone?
It’s less claustrophobic in there!
[Reply]
Let’s not salt away the Cup yet. We had a solid game against a team in total disarray–weak goaltending, running around. We couldn’t have caught them at a better time. That said, we were solid and WE FINISHED! That was the difference in the game. All that frantic energy expended on Sunday and we lost. Yes, Jimmy Howard was great, but good finishers would have beaten him more than twice on those 47 shots. To me, the key is getting the puck to guys like Carter, who can finish in scoring situations, not to guys like King, Nolan, Clifford and Lewis, who have trouble. We have certainly looked better the past two games but it has to be sustained against tougher opponents than the reeling Blues, so I will wait and see before getting overly excited.
That said, I don’t like Richards between King and Nolan. It makes no sense to me that a center who is so highly thought of offensively that the coach has him on the #1 power play, is relegated to the third line between two non-finishers. We’re wasting Richards. The guy can score if we stick with him and put him with a finisher or two who can convert his passes.
Another thing, Sutter had to give a lukewarm, backhanded compliment to Penner, basically saying that he’s finally getting into shape. Always something negative to say to the press about his players. Tell me, Darryl, if Penner being out of shape is the reason for his poor performance, what’s the reason behind yours?
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 8:45 am
@Russ Dynda, Sutter doesn’t gush. Just doesn’t. His remarks about Pens were positive in Sutter speak.
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DS explains that he was not just changing lines to “shake things up”, he had a purpose. Get Carter, our best player so far, more ice time and room. So much for the TM all over again comments.
I said yesterday that I don’t think Penner fits on the 4th line, but that maybe DS is thinking the speed of Lewis & Stoll would cover for Penner. Guess that was the idea, after hearing Penner’s comments that he couldn’t help get dragged along by those guys. Whodathunkit? Only the Zen Farmer himself.
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Neil Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 8:20 am
@Kenny44, glad to hear that….I wish more coaches would explain their thinking or lack of….Love that part of sports…
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Any news on Mitchell? I’m surprised no one is pressing with questions on what’s up with him. The last I heard he was cleared by the doctors a couple weeks ago and it was up to him to say when he’s ready. Anyone?
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@Anjin, I remember I liked it when Gagne and Kopi played together before he got injured last season. Haven’t seen that same chemistry yet. Gagne has a good scoring ability but I just haven’t seen it this season yet.
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