Helene Elliott of the LA Times recaps Monday’s practice in the absence of Darryl Sutter, who was tending to family responsibilities. She raises the issue of Drew Doughty’s lack of scoring. “There’s no question we need our defense to contribute offensively,” assistant coach John Stevens said. Slava Voynov has been terrific on the back end with two goals, six points and a team-best plus six; three other defensemen on the active roster – Rob Scuderi, Jake Muzzin and Davis Drewiske – have one goal apiece.
Kings put in a lot of work even with Darryl Sutter away
Elliott Teaford of the Daily News caught up with Cam Fowler, who says there’s no ill will towards Jarret Stoll for the un-penalized hit along the boards on February 2 that left the young defenseman with a concussion and out of the lineup since the incident. “I mean, Jarret Stoll, he’s obviously not that type of player,” Fowler said.
Ducks’ Cam Fowler absolves Kings’ Jarret Stoll of blame
John Hoven at Mayor’s Manor caught up with Mattias Norstrom, who revealed that he had woken up every morning in Sweden “at 3:30 or 4:00 in the morning” to watch the Kings’ playoff run last year. Ian Laperriere also checks in.
Mattias Norstrom and Ian Laperriere talk Kings winning the Cup
Niesy at Jewels from the Crown identifies the points needed for the Kings to make the playoffs. “I’d really feel safer with 57 points or more,” she says.
35 games left: What the Kings need to make the playoffs
Matt Brigidi of SB Nation takes a look at Jerry Buss’ ownership of the Kings.
Jerry Buss dies: Remembering his time as Los Angeles Kings owner
Please help flood this article w/ LA Kings support. Let’s let the Oilers know we are coming for Yakupov & a W!
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=416347
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Mars Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:44 am
@KingHal, haha, they seem worried about headhunting.
As far as I know, the kings haven’t done that.
That said, I hope Brown wakes up and does start his hard physical game again.
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harty Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:19 am
@Mars, checked out ESPN NHL stats and hitting leader for the Kings is Clifford with 43 hits. He is 15th in the NHL and leader is Ott in Buffalo with 63 hits.
Brownie used to be right at the top every year……..is Dustin thinking his role is different now on the team??
We need leadership and that starts by doing what you do best to ensure the team has success. Brownie start laying the body on the opposition on the forecheck. Cliffy may support DB with this facet again of his game.
Watch and see situation, Brownie do as Cliffy does………
Leave the rest to Kopi, if he gets space it can only lead to goals……….
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Michael J. Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@harty,
I think that Brownie, like Kopitar, is a bit dinged.
Kenny44 Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@Michael J
Someone else mentioned this before, but I wonder if Doan’s judo flip and slam to the ice injured Brown. I was in pain for months in my ribs and back after a fall like that, and it wasn’t an NHL power forward that got me.
Mars Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@harty, & @Kenny
I think DS has kinda spooked the guys into a non physical game, by means of shipping Westy out. They have been softer, almost like they are trying to play a finesse game. BTW its not working.
I wondered if Brown was injured, but he doesnt seem timid, rather he is just doing other things, but he needs to get back on his A game, doing what he does best.
I love MR, but Brown needs to get into gear, he has been low key, he is the C and needs to step it up. MR has been getting in faces which I like, but Brown hasnt been using the body, not batteling the boards much. These two (or Cliffy too) can be lethal like that.
Brown playing hard really gets the whole team charged. I dont know if he notices that, one good hit at the beginning of each period will change the whole teams energy level.
Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
@Mars, I agree, the whole team really comes to life anc their opponents don’t stand a chance.
Wish we could ask Brown why he’s been playing soft this season.
PP Anybody? Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@harty, personally, I thought the Chicago game was telling. Mike Richards seemed to be the one that clearly upped his game in the 3rd period, becoming more physical, and amping up the rest of the guys. Really wish our captain was the one doing those things.
Kenny44 Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
@Mars,
Respectfully, Westy has nothing to do with it. Sideshow fights between the designated goons don’t give anybody else comfort. Doan would have never had to answer to Westy. Can you imagine the process? Please relent, dear Mr. Doan, or Sir Westgarth will politely challenge Sir Bisonnette to a duel upon the next dropping of the puck. Please
Did you notice that the Kings were most physical in the playoffs, when Westy never got a sniff of the ice?
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Jon, you’re doing a great job. Thanks for all the links!
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Hello, you have reached the voicemail box for Dean Lombardi, general manager of the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings hockey club. Sorry I can’t come to the phone right now, but please leave a message or follow the prompts. If you are a bandwaggoner fan seeking to trade in your new Kings tickets for Ducks tickets, please press “1″ so you can be connected to the Sales Office. They will be happy to take your seats and give them to one of the hundreds of people on our waiting list. I am sure you can get good seats at the Ducks games since they have hundreds of seats available. If you are a team looking to make a trade, please press “2″ and leave your offer. I have some under performing veterans who could probably use a change of scenery and might help you but don’t appear to be able to help us. Draft picks would be welcome. If this is Gary Bettman, please press “3″ to get a rundown of Jon Rosen’s latest work. He’s doing pretty good but he is showing a slight streak of truthfulness that we like but you may not appreciate. If this is Dr. Buss, yes, once the Kings won the Cup, you were able to go to your final rest in peace, but could you please answer me one question, how in the heck are you calling me? Also, could you please let Ace, Mark and David know that we are still thinking of them? If this is Phil from the Hockey Hall of Fame, yes, we miss you too and hope to hang with you again this summer. If this is @Dominick from the La Kings Insider, please press “4″ and tell what the problem is with our power play? I have been waiting for that idiot @DesertKing to tell me but he can’t blame Kompon anymore and I ain’t sending him no nachos. If this is the Munters HVAC company, yes, I will talk to Rosen about the lack of coverage. Everyone else, please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I finish my new master player plan. Go Kings GO!
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PurpleRocks Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:13 am
@DesertKing,
These are great and they never get old!! Thanks for the smiles and keep’em coming!!
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neil Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:23 am
@DesertKing, press 5 ….if YOU want to change the lines…and your suggestion?…..P.S. At the beginning you need to remind callers that they need to listen to ALL possibilities cause some options have changed….
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DesertKing Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:39 am
@neil,
LOL! Will do, thanks!
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luc20rules Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:39 pm
@DesertKing, Nice, but don’t NARC out Rosen he is doing well.
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Maybe Matty would come out of retirement.
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GO KINGS GO!!!!
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So what are the odds that Hayturd has the same sentiments toward Stoll that Fowler has?
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DesertKing Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:02 am
@Michael J.,
Hayturd sentiments:
1. I hope the Ducks make the playoffs so I can brag that I predicted it.
2. I hope the Ducks don’t make the playoffs, so I can get my NBC job which pays more than the Ducks.
3. I hope my hair doesn’t get messed up.
4. Always follow my first rule of broadcasting – If you don’t know what you are talking about, just blame the other team for cheating or the refs for blowing the call.
5. I did not suck when I was a hockey player. I was the best but am too modest to say so.
6. I do not suck as a commentator. I am the best and everyone hears it every other night.
7. If the Kings win the Cup again, I am going to have to find a way to “take out” Jim Fox and get his job.
8. If it ain’t about me and how great I am, it sucks.
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On the right side of this blog….under latest news….A interview with Dr. Jerry Buss…Feb. 18th 2013….. …………
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The Kings are basically a .500 team after playing nine of thirteen on the road. At that points per game pace, they’re essentially a bubble team. Considering the heavy home schedule coming up, they have a legitimate chance at jumping into the 5-8 spots if they take care of business at home, where they have played pretty well (except for the opener).
Hopefully they can get the 4 points out of Alberta tonight and tomorrow and put themselves in a good spot heading into 8 of 9 at home and 16 straight in the pacific time zone. Fingers crossed.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:56 am
@FKA PakiFro,
Great post!
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:37 am
@FKA PakiFro,
That’s how I see it
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Off topic, but I noticed that Loktionov played his first game for New Jersey yesterday. Played 9 minutes at center, with no points. Based on minutes plyaed, looks like he was the 4th line center for them.
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harty Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:03 am
@LB, and the devils lost 2-1 to a very much injured Ottawa squad…….
Lotki helped out big time I guess, but who did look good was Ponikorovski
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Michael J. Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:40 am
@harty,
Only Marty could lose a game 2-1 and still get the #1 star of the game.
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Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
@Michael J., to be fair, the man is a living legend. He’s played some 1100 games in his entire NHL career and has the craziest moves. Forget the hockey game, the man is a show all on his own.
pr0cess Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:41 am
@harty, All ex kings look good when there with other teams…
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Michael J. Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:45 am
@pr0cess,
I actually heard the announcer say “Loktionov wins the board battle”. Might be the first time I’ve heard those words uttered in the same sentence.
Harrison Merkin Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:53 am
@pr0cess, All ex kings play with above average line mates when they’re shipped off to the east.
neil Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:41 am
@harty, Always liked Poni’s game….another player not suited for our system…
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Duncanz Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:43 am
@LB, He should’ve had an assist in that game but Elias missed a great chance right out in front after a perfect feed from Lokti from bebind the net.
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Michael J. Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:49 am
@Duncanz,
I suspect he’ll fare a bit better in the East. I always liked him and wish him well.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:49 am
@Duncanz,
That’s because Elias was trying to figure out how to steal the goalie’s water bottle.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:01 pm
@DessertKing, I heard it accidentally found it’s own way into his gear bag but is expected to magically reappear in Ottawa in a few weeks in a Fedex package marked ‘Property of the Senators’.
Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@Duncanz, he shoots, he scores. I like it
We really need these next three Wins. Phoenix is 3 games and 3 wins ahead of us, sitting at 6th in the division. Nice way of looking at it when we have the fewest games played in the west but we have to get the W’s to make it true.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 11:51 am
@Bradapiller, good point and something I always point out when people talk about games in hand….games in hand mean absolutly squat if you dont win them.
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With the exception of #33′s absence, one of the biggest problems the champs are facing is the lack of production from Gagne and Penner ( 0 goals). Newsflash! Thats not gonna get it done IMO, especially from 2 vets who have been 30 and 40 goal scorers in the past.
This time, we cant use the excuse that..Oh, TM’s system takes away from goal scoring productivity. The fact is, Sutters sytem has a much more aggresive forecheck, and much better scoring opportunities.
Time for Penner and Gagne to start chipping in, and take some of the pressure off our centers or hit the highway.
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tornado12 Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
@puck73, in all fairness to Penner, he has either been scratched or placed in a checking role (save the first couple games of the season when he was playing with carter and richards). Gagne is another story though and should be putting up some points, but then again he is on the downside of his career so…..
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Michael J. Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:03 pm
@tornado12,
Agreed that Penner needs to play with skaters on par with his skill and creativity in order to be successful.
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Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@Michael J., I missed the Chicago game (and haven’t been able to bring myself to watch it listening to NBC’s announcers) but I’m seeing a lot of improvement from Penner recently. If he could just break through, I think we’ll see his game really take off.
I won’t miss Gags tonight, don’t think he’s been producing much lately.
Michael J. Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
@puck73,
According to Jim Fox and @Helenenothelen #12 is scratched tonight.
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rick Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@Michael J., Good. His tank is on empty. A once very good player, and seemingly a good guy – but no longer productive. We need to move on.
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Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@Michael J., looks like scratches are Gags, Richardson and Campbell.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:20 pm
@Michael J., Quicker vs Khabibulin (his 2nd start of –/13) and Theo Peckham recalled from the AHL.
Should be an interesting evening.
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PurpleRocks Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
@Michael J., The prior two games he was scratched we lost – I don’t think he is the biggest problem we have.
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Michael J. Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 1:31 pm
@PurpleRocks,
Not the biggest problem in the least. I would rate biggest problems thus far:
1) 33
2) 2
3) 11
4) 23
5) 10
6) 32
But you can’t scratch those who are not on IR.
jess Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
@puck73,
I agree puck but don’t you think it’s time for our Team Captain to step out into the light and start leading the charge by initiating some big hits and lifting team spirit. I’m hardly the first on here to say this.
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Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:33 pm
@jess, I have no idea why, but when DB goes out and starts making big hits, the entire team seems to wake up and start playing like they mean it.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@puck73, I think losing our D is also effecting the way we play in our offensive zone. Last year in the playoffs, Mitchell, Greener, and A-Mart had the confidence to stand up at the offensive blue line and make sure to keep that puck in so our guys could continue to cycle and wear other teams down. This year, as soon as the puck comes sliding up the boards to the blue line, the D is backing all the way out to the neutral zone, cause they are afraid of getting beat. Without that confidence, there’s no way to sustain pressure and the puck is spending to much time in our zone. Softer guys like Gags and Penner aren’t going to keep the puck in down low on battles all their own, so they are getting exposed more than most. They need that blue liner to hold it in more than anyone, or it’s one and done.
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55-57 points? Or 20-12-3 at the minimum. That’s a daunting task for the team, such as it is. Will it congeal fast enough to make a run like that?
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Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
@xeropoint, Guess we’ll have to wait and see. A heavy stretch of home games should help but it’s up to the guys to fight for the big, shiny trophy at the end of the season.
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What time does tonight’s game start? Is Edmonton ahead of us in time zones?
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xeropoint Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
@Robyn, 7pm start. I think Edmonton is mountain time…
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King Alex Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@Robyn, 7:00PM Pacific start time tonight.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:19 pm
@Robyn, 7:00PM Pacific time
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Duncanz Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
@Robyn, 7:00PM Pacific Time.
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Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Thank you all. I must figure out a way to set my DVR while I’m at work so I can obsess over every detail later
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Im very interested in what Deano’s mind set is right about now…Its still too early but if things dont pick up here in the next 10 games or so than I see a major shakeup coming. We have everything needed to pull off a blockbuster and I cant help but think that one is being prep-ed in the case we remain in the basement of the NHL. I have no idea as to who, or what, or when, as Im not savy enough to even try and put together a hypothetical package…but rest assured something will go down if we dont sart to win and win often.
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King Alex Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I wouldn’t be too sure about any big moves this year with the shortened season, no training camp and an overall lack of practice time. If we are out of it, we can simply let players walk as their contracts are up (Penner & Gagne, etc). I do not see Deano trading any of our cup winning nucleus as that would seem to be a panic move and Deano seldom makes panic moves.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 1:01 pm
@King Alex, just seems to me that Dean might have alittle more pressure from up top this year after the intwerviews they did with Liewike…the Kings Brass I dont think will put up with a mediocrity and may force his hand one way or another…this is all my speculation of course and most of the time im wrong…time will tell i guess
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
@King Alex, I’d like to see them take a run at Filppula as a UFA and a stay at home defensemen or two. DD2 Pens and Gags are off the books for sure in my opinion. Filppula would look awful good on Kopis left no? I wouldn’t expect anything via trade save for a salary dump for picks though.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
As long as all 30 teams are in the race, therr won’t be a big trade. You may be right if some teams go on some losing streaks and fall out of contention in the next 103 games.
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DesertKing Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:33 pm
@DesertKing,
“10 games”
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Robyn Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@DesertKing, I was wondering where you were getting your math