On what has influenced the power play improvement:
“I think the big thing is just the work that we’ve done on it. We’ve run through at least twice a week in practice where everyone’s going to be or what kind of plays we need to have. When you have that – I know where Drew’s going to be 90% of the time. I know where Kopi’s going to be and so on. So I think having that awareness on the ice obviously helps out a lot. You don’t always have to look and think of where people are going to be. You can think and then take a quick peek more so than seeing where everyone is. [Davis Payne] has done a good job of showing us what they’re going to do before the game, and what’s going to work. Even though we haven’t scored in some games, I still think we’ve had some opportunities to score [and] some good looks.”
On what percentage of the power play is instinct and feel versus actual set plays:
“I’d say 98% instinct, 2% set plays. I think you have positions, soft positions that you’re going to be. The rest is filling holes, finding open ice and seeing shots, seeing passes. At the end of the day, it’s just executing your passes and your shots and your break-ins and stuff like that. You look at the best power plays in the league, they have guys that have been there together the longest. When you have that, obviously, it helps.”
On the team’s improvement in entering the attacking zone with the puck:
“That’s what Payner does for us, is show us…and tell us what’s going to work, and if we go through that first one and don’t have success, we’ll talk about it after the first intermission and see what they’re going to do again or see what they’re doing differently, and what we can do differently. Sometimes it’s just minor routes [where] Jeff goes to the middle instead of staying wide, or I go to the middle…it’s just minor things usually, but it does help.”
On what has caused the dip in faceoff success this season:
“I think playing on the road as many games as we have is something that affects faceoffs in a major way, to be honest with you. It’s not an excuse – it is something that affects faceoffs. I know I like to put my stick down last on faceoffs, and to be honest, you can cheat a little bit more when you’re at home because you do have that last move. It definitely plays a factor on it. I know for me when Jeff was on my line, he’s taking it strong side. I’m taking it my strong side. So when you’re always on your strong side, that helps. When we went away from that a little bit – you go through five games without even taking a forehand faceoff – and now all of a sudden you’re thrown in there and have to take a couple of them. I think just getting into a groove and playing on the road, I think that’s probably the biggest thing.”
On chemistry with Jeff Carter, and his interchangeability between center and wing:
“For us, I think it affects the puck possession. I guess, when you’re taking faceoffs on your strong side every time, you’re going to win more so than not. Over the past couple months this year and last year, minus the time that we spent apart, we’ve talked a lot about where we’re going to be on the ice and…try to get [him] at center ice. When he’s playing wing, we have to try to get him at the center of the ice with more speed. Whether this interchanges for me to go to wing – but just try to keep our speed up – I think is the biggest thing, and get him the puck in the middle of the ice is something that we obviously want to try to do as much as possible, because he has success at that.”
Rick, I’m going to be scrutinizing your F/O numbers on home ice from now on!
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:05 pm
@xeropoint, Be the ball Rick.
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KingMe20 Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@Harrison Merkin,
Banananananananananananananananananananana.
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
@KingMe20,
Isn’t that Hanananananananananananananananananana, or is that a six million dollar man reference?
Harrison Merkin Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
@KingMe20, Don’t be obsessed with your desires Danny. The Zen philosopher Basha once wrote, ‘A flute with no holes, is not a flute. A donut with no hole, is a Danish.’ He was a funny guy.
Duncanz Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
@Harrison Merkin, This is awesome and reminds me of something his mentor, the Zen Farmer Sutta’, once said (shortly beforehand) to wit, ‘A prairie with bulls is a cattle ranch. A desert with dogs is a Coyote pack’.
He was not quite as funny as his protege.
How many more years of this….? Don’t get me wrong. I love MR’s game. Problem is we’re not seeing it. Wether it’s conditioning or focus or the apparent lack of interest, the fans and the organization deserve better. We’ve won the cup so mission accomplished I guess but, I don’t think I can handle watching those cute little flip passes to an area that you hope is filled by a King for much longer. This guy used to create his own space and was tenacious on the puck whether it was on his stick or someone else’s. I want that MR back. PS Dropping the gloves to get mauled by a bigger dude isn’t doing you or the team any good. It’s cute and all but, counterproductive. Please come back. The Kings and the league miss you.
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xeropoint Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@Harrison Merkin, It’s slowly getting there. I know stats don’t tell the whole story and all that jazz but he IS tied with Kopitar for the team lead in scoring.
I don’t really care to see him get beat like a red headed step child either, but tell me the last time El Capitan stood up for a teammate?
Those cute passes are a result of “hoping” instead of making it happen, as you alluded to. I think we will see those tail off as his game returns to form.
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masterhans Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:22 pm
@Harrison Merkin, unfortunately this isn’t the eastern conference. scoring is much more difficult and to see him drop the gloves without regard to his size disadvantage, proves he will do anything to contribute to the teams success. also, he was the best player on the ice yesterday, so here’s to seeing much more of that. and hopefully, brownie, kopi and willi can use that inspiration to pick they’re games up to match ritchie’s. if they can we will be just fine.
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
@masterhans, This isn’t the Eastern Conference? We’re not losing games 1-0. Dropping his gloves without regard to his size has taken us out of two power play opportunities this short season. I’m all for standing up for your teammates and yes it’s admirable but, getting thumped while taking an instigator plus 5 and a 10 minute misconduct isn’t good business. I don’t care how you slice it. We’ve got guys that can handle that situation and make more of an impact by actually landing a few flesh patties. Take their number and pass it along. If I run a guy and all I have to worry about is MR, am I going to think twice the next time the opportunity presents itself?Let me repeat. I love MR’s game. Yesterday he scored two goals however those goals weren’t a result of his improved play or effort. It’s coming. I agree with there but, someone needs to step all the way up and lead this thing. He used to be that guy and he needs to be again. By no means am I pinning the slow start on Richards alone. Plenty of Kings are not pulling their weight so far. Brown needs some time with Stoll and Nolan in my opinion. Hit everything that moves for a few shifts and see what shakes loose. Kopi needs to lean in and take over like we all know he can. I love my Kings but, the Koolaid needs some refreshing. GKG
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Deirdre Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 3:09 pm
@Harrison Merkin, Dropping his gloves to defend a teammate is neither ‘cute’ or ‘counterproductive’ It’s a large part of what has made him an outstanding leader from his OHL days forward. He’ll NEVER Skate away in that sitauion, if he does, he’s not much of a teammate. And the fact that he does it withouth question or hesitation is part of what makes him a great teammate and why it’s valued so highly by the guys on the bench with him. They know he’ll always have their back and for that, that’s the guy they’ll go to war for. It inspries them, and I’ve seen it happen on the PHantoms and Flyers in his years there. It absolutely nothing to do with winning the fight, it is all abmout sticking up for a fallen teammate and it’s what a leader does. IF you don’t understand why the guys on the team love that abou thim ,respect the hell out of him for it and work harder for him, then you don’t understand hockey.
And he was the best player on the ice for the Kings yesterday and his game was improved in every area in all 3 zones. If you only saw the 2 goals (which were the result of improvied play) then you missed alot.
The only thing wrong with him this year is that he came to camp out of shape, whichi his coach already spoke about and acted on. He’s a impact player in a lot of ways that will enver hit a score sheet.
masterhans Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 3:26 pm
@Harrison Merkin, my point about the east was many players around the league and especially on the kings that have come from the east see a serious drop in point production while going west to east seems to be the opposite. examples just from the kings, purcell, moulson boyle simmonds all score at a much higher rate there. and carter and richards have seen a reduction i believe due to the better structured defenses here in the west. thats all i meant
Harrison Merkin Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
@Deirdre, You are absolutely correct about all the things Mike did to get here and earn the respect of every player he’s played for and every coach he’s played under. That tenacity you remember watching in his OHL days and as a Flyer are exactly what earned him his status in this league and what made trading for him the right thing to do. As for questioning my knowledge of the game or the value of a teammates willingness to sell out for the good of the team, save that for Surly and Scribe. I’ve been a fan and played the game for blah blah blah…..point is that the player you remember hasn’t shown up yet and if it’s due to conditioning or what have you then in my opinion he deserves the same criticism we unloaded on Penner or Doughty for the same offense. In furtherance, that inspirational leader that we all know he’s been [and can be] should damn well of stayed in shape and been ready to lead this team back to the finals. To be clear. I am a fan of all that he brings. It’s because of his past that I expect more. I’m not bashing to bash and I know it’s coming. Can we all have that beer and hug this thing out now?
Harrison Merkin Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
@masterhans, Wasn’t trying to be disrespectful of your assessment. I think the trend you’ve outlined may have more to do with the fact that the Kings tend to get players from the East who are trending down while giving up players who are trending up. There is a certainly a difference in play and stats back that up but, the west is loaded with prolific scorers who seem to find away around the stingy defensive zone play. We’re not getting beat by the system or style played here, rather we’re getting beat for lack of effort and intensity. Everyone save for Clifford and perhaps Carter is skating like they have The Stanley Cup strapped to their backs. We’ll work it out. Of that I have no doubt but, we all know what this roster did not too long ago and we’ve seen glimpses of it this season. Like the quote says: “It was too much fun not to do again” GKG!
ChummyButtons Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
@Harrison Merkin, AMEN brother! Good to see someone who knows hockey call out the lackluster performance of this dude. Guy is cashing in on 5million + a year and per his coach doesn’t bother to show up in shape. He looks lethargic and disinterested out there. Maybe if we ask nice we can have Simmonds and Schenn back?
Side note….Doughty isn’t a 7 million dollar defenseman.
side side note…..I’d ship Penner off for a short stack and a cold cup of coffee.
side side side note…..I’d ship Gagne off for a jockstrap worn by Chuck Huddy circa 1992.
ChummyLove
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Why doesn’t anyone ask the uncomfortable questions?
Does it always have to be so damn politically correct?
Why doesn’t Brown hit opponents to disrupt their play and momentum?
Why are Carter and Clifford the only ones able to finish in front of the net?
Why is Gagne still getting first line ice time when his production is not even worth 4th line minutes?
What is being done to help the young D men get up to speed so they can fill in MG & WM shoes?
Why are DL and DS reluctant to call up Toffoli to replace Gagne and Penner? He could not do worse than those two are doing right now.
“…And for those of you who think you’ve got no practice tomorrow. 6 AM, bag skate, pussies! I wanna see every single one of you work your @*&^#ing asses off until you puke your guts out! This is not #$%^&ing Baseball! Do you wanna make the playoffs or not?…” (Ronnie Hortense – Halifax Highlanders Coach – Goon movie)
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Mars Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
@Gustavo, Agree with everything except Taffoli, He will wither and die if brought up now. Let him build more confidence and get his AHL stripes/dues in.
I love Brown, but he has been near invisible this year. He needs to get back on the hit squad.
I have seen him take too many hits and get thrown around. Someone wake him up.
MR and DD need to channel that anger better. Dumb penalties and actions.
Cliffy has progressed very well, that is the only thing I can see why Brown may be not hitting, setting an example, well message sent. Now get back to your game.
If Brown needs motivation the charities are not seeing the money, and need your hits!
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Michael J. Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
@Gustavo,
I remember someone mentioning that Brownies had two huge bags of ice on his shoulder after the last Edmonton game. He could be dinged, as I believe Kopi is.
I also like your idea of asking the hard questions.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
@Gustavo, I couldn’t agree more with your quote there. That’s exactly the attitude the Kings had from ’99-06 when the players were ground down to a fine powder and it sure didn’t hurt the skeleton crew that were left standing! Darryl Sutter should get his backside up to Western Michigan University for a day and see what it’s done for the 8 remaining players they have in their program!
Yours Sincerely, @puck73, A.Murray Memorial Suite, Staples Ctr, Los Angeles, California.
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Robyn Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 3:11 pm
@Gustavo, I wish someone could ask Brown what it’s going to take for him to get angry and start hitting again. Checking is perfectly legal in the NHL but he looks timid out there to me. Can anyone remember the last time he even hit someone?
Look, if it comes down to making him angry, I’ll gladly stand up and be a thorn in his side until our captain comes back.
Love the quote, someone tell it to the Kings.
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Deirdre Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
@Robyn, On Brown’s physical play, somebody on the HB boards posted his stats from last year after 13 games ane this year and they are nearly identical, and the Hits are identical at 28. So maybe he’s just a slow starter, although 13 games last year was early Nov not Feb. But it looks like he just has to work his way up to it?
Stats:
G A Pts +/- PIM PPG Hits Bks SOG
12-13 13 Game Total 3 3 6 -7 10 3 28 3 44
12-13 13 Game Avg 0.23 0.23 0.46 -0.54 0.77 0.23 2.15 0.23 3.38
11-12 13 Game Total 3 6 9 -1 10 2 28 5 35
11-12 13 Game Avg 0.23 0.46 0.69 -0.08 0.77 0.15 2.15 0.38 2.69
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phil sykes Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
@Robyn, peeps u cant play physical hitting all the time during the reg season . u have to pick your spots because your body wont last ….. saving your body for the postseason hopefully – where then brown can be a bowling ball every night since there is a light at the end of the tunnel …. as far as time off is concerned
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Long-time listener, first time caller.
This lineup has been confusing me all year. Why Penner, Gagne, and King would be playing solid minutes in a Sunday night beer league, much less playing consistently for the defending Stanley Cup Champions is absolutely mind blowing. No one would want these guys at this point. Get rid of them, please.
I like guys that work hard. Clifford, Richardson, Lewis. I’d like to see Toffoli in the lineup. Our problem is we have absolutely no one on the left side. Someone is going to have to step out of their comfort zone. A righty is going to have to play the left side.
Brown – Kopitar – Williams
Clifford – Richards – Carter
Richardson – Toffoli – Lewis
Nolan – Stoll – Weal (at this point, why not?)
We need to trade for a left winger with speed and a shot. Vegas kid Jason Zucker anyone?
As far as slow starts go, lets put Clifford – Lewis – Brown on a line to start a game and run people over. Why not, right?
Something’s got to give. Get rid of the dead weight, take a chance on a young guy or two, make a trade for a left winger, wake up Quick, play defense, etc.
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Regarding faceoffs, he’s at 46.9 at home, 44.2 on the road. So even if ALL of the Kings games were at home, he’d still be crappy in the faceoff circle. Nice excuse though Ricker.
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What’s wrong with you people voicing so many negative comments. The majority of you sound like a bunch of whinny grade school kids – perhaps some of you are !!!!!
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soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 18th, 2013 at 6:18 pm
@jimmyo777, People are just upset and frustrated because the talent on the team is there, but it doesn’t seem like it’s coming out.
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JD Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 2:41 am
@soo-do-nihm, no, it’s the same small group whining an crying every day
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