On a side note, I’ll be joining Dave Sheldon of CKNW Vancouver to discuss the NHL’s proposed realignment at roughly 9:15 pm this evening. Click here to listen in.
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and there ya have it…would have loved to see it work out here, but it didn’t…hope he can find it in Philly…Goodluck, SG
[Reply]
@JonRosen
Please put in a word for contraction from fans of good hockey, and strenuously object to any talk of expansion. The lockout may not have killed the NHL, but diluting the product like they did in the 90′s may just do it.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 8:58 pm
@Kenny44, that is a great point!…living in OC I have attended a few Ducks games (i am not proud of it, but when someone hands you a free ticket…what the heck) the first Duck game I went to was in their expansion year…I saw them play against Florida…yep, another expansion team…there were 17 thousand people sitting on their hands by the 3rd period…you could hear the refs talking from the cheap seats
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 10:16 pm
@g smith86,
I saw a few of those myself. In fact, I was at the first sporting event at the Pond – a pro roller hockey game. Marty McSorley was there to drop the puck and the crowd went wild chanting Marty! Marty! Marty!
Yeah, there was obviously a market here, but the price of so many years of bad hockey was too high. If the owners are serious about expansion, they have to get serious about opening their rosters to stock the new organizations. I don’t believe that they will ever do that, and I don’t believe that there are 150 additional hockey players out there that should be pros stocking two new teams. I do believe that the Miami and PHX markets aren’t working. Axe them, bring Toronto back to the West, and you’ve balanced your re-alignment and added depth throughout the league.
[Reply]
Munchrat Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 7:52 am
@Kenny44, And whatever happens, do NOT make the heinous error of putting a franchise in Seattle.
Seattle will be a repeat of Phoenix.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:23 am
@Munchrat,
Before the Coyotes, Phoenix had the Roadrunners… and they had the best attendance of any minor league team in the US for quite a few years. I think most of their issues are related to being hit so hard by the economic downturn. I wouldn’t count them out just yet.
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:35 am
@Kenny44,
Pretty sure the cap will prevent the situation you speak of with an expansion team being bad for years and years. All teams are required to spend within the same limits = parity.
[Reply]
Verno Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:56 am
@Belexes,
If anything it’s time to subtract 2 teams. When 10 teams are the support/backbone of the league, it’s obviously not that strong and talent is already diluted with 30 teams. Expansion will be the death of this league.
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@Belexes,
What you’re describing is just a form of subsidized salary inflation, because the owners won’t allow an open players market. Paying marginal players more simply to reach minimum salary goal does not avoid the talent dilution problem. I’m not worried solely about two bad new teams in the league. I’m worried about them PLUS all the teams in the middle that now have a dimished talent pool in their organization. Talent dilution will lead to a race to the bottom in terms of style of play. Remember the clutch and grab and neutral zone trap of the 90′s – you’ll either have something like that or a lot of penalty-marred, one-sided games for a long time.
[Reply]
DE Dressing down!!!
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
@neil,
The dude is stacked!!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 10:37 pm
@neil, Still rocking some wicked Chicago pinstripes though, even on his day off!
[Reply]
These are hard decisions that management has to make…a lot of us in here like to play GM…it’s easy to do when you are just living in the hypothetical realm…But, when you live in the real world, like DL and DS, and you actually trade guys away for future prospects, it’s got to be hard not to get emotional…to stay detached from any human connection…I do believe Simon Gagne will be in a better place for him in Philly, but it still can’t be an easy resolution for everyone invlolved…
I will state this…this management team has made some very tough decisions over the past year and a half…and they have all turned out to be the right decisions…from terminating TM through todays trade, they have definitely got the teams best interests at stake
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 3:47 am
@g smith86, Great post! There have been a lot of moves the past year and each move had its critics. The management team has an outstanding record.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 8:57 am
@Osaka, *current management team lol
[Reply]
I like what @TSNBobMcKenzie said:
“LAK have quality depth with kids Tyler Toffoli-Tanner Pearson-Linden Vey playing as a line Manchester (AHL). Deal also opens up cap”
“Scouting report on Simon Gagne: As healthy as he’s been in long time, still miles on the tread but not suited to play Darryl Sutter hockey.”
PS I don’t tweet. I only have McKenzie on my phone in case of trades.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
@LA_1968, I think that puts it more elegantly than most here have; myself included.
He wasnt a bad guy, just not a proper fit anymore.
I myself didn’t like his health issues, so I cannot say I am sad, glad he is going “home” and will be used, it didn’t seem like a trade for nothing, he was sought after.
Best o luck, unless we meet at the SCF.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:19 pm
@LA_1968, Great info, thanx for that.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 3:50 am
@LA_1968, Dean said he doesn’t make this move unless he thought he had guys in Manchester capable of filling in if there were an injury.
Oh, I follow McKenzie also.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:11 am
@LA_1968, Heck with McKenzie, what did Craig Butt(hole)on say? He’s the real GM expert, isn’t he?
… runs for cover …
INCOMING!
[Reply]
In the Dean Lombardi conference call, he made a point out of saying that they wanted to send Gagne to a place he liked because he chose to come to the Kings. Just making sure potential UFA’s notice that. He believes in and promotes the sweater.
[Reply]
g smith86 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:06 pm
@LA_1968, good…that is a smart GM we have
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
@g smith86,
He ain’t no Craig Pants-Fastener.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:16 pm
@DesertKing, Had to name em Button, to dumb to work a snap, zipper and Velcro.
DesertKing Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:22 pm
@Mars
LOL!
jess Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:29 pm
@Mars, /\/\Sweet/\/\
Gustavo Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:36 pm
@DesertKing,
Speaking of zippers, it reminds me of a bad joke.
Q: Why do Greeks and Scots wear skirts?….A: Because sheep can hear zippers a mile away
luc20rules Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:37 pm
@DesertKing, I like to go with the phonetic/discriptive Craig Butt-on. As he is always talking out of his a___ole.
DesertKing Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
@Gustavo
Pants-Fastener does look Greek…..
luc20rules Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:35 pm
@LA_1968, Good point, I was thinking that is why Gagne was put into the SCF series game 3. Rewarding yes a guy that worked hard to get back from injury, but also marketing that UFAs that choose the Kings will be rewarded.
[Reply]
blahblah Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:38 pm
@LA_1968,
Although I agree with you, unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Jack Johnson. He negotiated his own contract, without hassle, and as a thank you, got booted to Columbus. I know he likes being a leader and all in Columbus…but still, it’s Columbus.
[Reply]
Wilmonde Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:55 pm
@blahblah,
At the same time, Johnson was an irresponsible player in both the TM and DS systems. Johnson clearly preferred the offensive aspect of the game, and he got moved to a team where he will make up the young core that leadership (if it’s smart) will build around, allowing him to play the style he likes. I honestly think the move will be good for Johnson in the long run as long as his ownership wants to put an entertaining product on the ice.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:58 pm
@blahblah, DL has been quoted as saying he hated trading JJ a character guy, but it was what was clearly best for the team as a whole and its the business end.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:42 pm
@LA_1968, Solid post, /\/\This/\/\
[Reply]
Also during practices is when the staff could see that Gagne didnt fit….or wasnt the same player as before
[Reply]
Sorry to post again so fast but I’m going to bed and had to share the fact that the Sharks announcers are doing the game tomorrow night. They just bragged it on the COL@SJ telecast. Oh yaaay
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:10 pm
@LA_1968,
Great…..
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
@LA_1968, What? You hand it off to some hacks instead of the MANY MANY AWARD WINNING team?
I hope one of em chokes on his own spit.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
@Mars,As has been stated more times than I can remember…Bob and Jim can’t do any broadcast that is NOT on Fox Sports either West or Prime Ticket. Their contracts do not allow them to.
[Reply]
bradapiller Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
@LA_1968, at least they hate the red wings too
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
@LA_1968, How long is their Mic, do you think they can play the puck from the booth?
[Reply]
jet Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 10:56 pm
@luc20rules, that should be a 2 minute booth minor
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 11:03 pm
@luc20rules, that was pretty (c)low(e) ..
[Reply]
wes Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 11:29 pm
@LA_1968, the Sharks broadcasters get way too much hate from Kings’ fans. Randy Hahn’s always been outstanding. Used to enjoy hearing him play-by-play the San Diego Soccers on TV and radio back in the early 80s, worked for the Kings for a while before taking the Sharks gig. He’s a solid professional. Drew Remenda is good too. Wry wise cracks, good sense of humor. Astute analyst. It can be entertaining when Hahn and Remenda disagree with each other and sometimes fire a few tasty little barbs back and forth. They both handle it well. Do not be so ridiculous as to paint these guys with the same broad brush you apply to the Ducks broadcasters. Nothing against Bod Miller and Jim Fox, but if someone else is to be calling the game on TV, I’m totally on board with Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda. Looking forward to it, actually.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 6:07 am
@wes, Maybe that’s it. I was an LA Aztecs fan too. Personally, I like my play-by-play guys more neutral when the puck is in play. I mean their job is to describe what’s going on. Bob Miller, Chick Hearn, Vin Scully… are just as complimentary and hard on both teams. Compare when the Sharks score to when the opponent hits the net. Hahn’s voice is good though. But yeah, I’ll take Remenda over Hayward any day.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 3:14 am
@LA_1968, ugh, better than the ducks announcers, but not by much.
[Reply]
mash-ola Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
@KC23, I mean, really… who gives a rat’s a$$ who calls the game? Be happy that it’s televised, right? If you have issues with the announcers, turn down your volume and try calling the game yourself (saying exactly what you want and exactly how you want it to be called, or just watch something else. Simple as that. I think “Modern Family” is new tonite…
It makes me laugh to see how fired up people get about announcers. The action is on the ice, and not in the pressbox. For national broadcasts, each team’s fans ALWAYS that the announcers are biased toward the other team. Go to any other team’s blogs and they’ll tell you the same thing about Bob/Jim and Nick/Daryl (ie That they’re Kings homers). It is what it is, right?
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
@KC23, ….as far as I’m concerned if it ain’t Bob & Foxy they’re ( o Y o )…
[Reply]
Off topic: Now that there is no more Nopitar.. Let’s hope Drew Droughty doesn’t stick long either..
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:14 am
@MickSorley, I have to admit, that Nopitar stuff p1ssed me off a bit.
[Reply]
mash-ola Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
@MickSorley, Who is this Drew Doughty person you speak of?
[Reply]
Way off topic:
A couple of things that stood out for me killing time on CapGeek:
I’m happy for Drewiske that he’s getting a chance to show what he can do playing everyday, cause he’s been nothing but a good teammate (as far as I’ve heard) while being a victim of numbers most of the past few seasons and he’s a UFA at the end of the year. Might just give him a chance to get a decent payday in a 2-3 year contract somewhere.
There’s no surprise that the islanders and Phoenix 9with their much publicized financial woes) are in the bottom 5 as far as payroll for the season but it IS surprising that St Louis has the lowest payroll in the league (not including bonuses). The Blues management seem to get a lot for their bucks. They are going to have 13 roster players become FAs at the end of this year so they’re gonna have to scramble some. The Kings are currently 16th in payroll.
For a team that isnt great defensively, the Flyers have five defensemen making $3.5 million a season or more (not even including the injured Pronger). And a goalie making almost $6 mil. Money can’t buy happiness I guess.
In looking at the top6 salaries for forwards and defense on each team, the teams with the highest Top6 forwards are Pittsburgh, Chicago, Tampa Bay, San Jose and NY Rangers. The first three teams are in the top four in GF average; NY and SJ are in the bottom eight and not getting their money’s worth. The Kings are 19th in Top6 forwards salaries.
The Top6 Defensemen salary leaders are Vancouver, Philadelphia (even leaving out Pronger) San Jose, Tampa Bay and Florida. Those last two surprised me. Florida is dead last in GAA, Tampa Bay is 25th, Philly is 24th. Vancouver is 10th, SJ is 5th so at least they have something to show for their money. The Kings are 16th in Top6 D salaries.
The teams with the highest ratio of Top6 O/ Top6 D salaries are NY Rangers, St Louis, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Minnesota. with a combined record of 49-36-7. The lowest ratio (more D heavy in their Top6s) are Columbus, Florida, Ottawa, Philadelphia and Phoenix – combined records: 40-45-13… for what that’s worth.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:28 pm
@bbb7,
soooooo,
-you’re saaaying there’s a chance???
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 9:55 pm
@bbb7, The salary cap is to prevent teams from buying championships like the Yankees try to do each year(Well next year Dodgers). That is why DL smartly started with the draft and maintaining the young core of skilled players the Kings had. You look at St Louis they have a few veterans that get average salaries, but the core is very young they have built thru the draft as well. I have often mention St. Louis as perhaps our biggest future rival in the next 6 or so years. Vanc, NYR, Phi, SJ, etc have just tried to patch holes with high priced veterans and have often traded high picks or prospects to do it. It is the depth the Kings & St Louis have built that will make them strong for a several years, and the cut in the NHL Salary Cap will make those teams even weaker and teams that have done it thru the draft in even stronger position with many more options.
[Reply]
Wilmonde Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 10:00 pm
@bbb7,
I know Florida had to spend a lot of money to get to the cap floor last year. They likely overpaid for some average free agents just to get to the floor, thus in flating their numbers. Florida depends heavily on the draft for their talent.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 10:15 pm
@bbb7, I would argue the fact that those teams (players) you mention have excellent agents.
[Reply]
We’re looking to go right back into fifth place in the Pacific tonight. At least until tomorrow night, eh?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 3:18 am
@Anaheim Kings Fan, Games in hand is a wonderful thing.
[Reply]
mash-ola Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
@Anaheim Kings Fan, Too bad it’s just the ‘lowly’ Detroit Redwings standing in the way, right? Don’t look ahead… Hopefully the team is focused tonite. It will be a very tough game, trust me.
[Reply]
Off topic but what the hell is going on in Vancouver? When did they start sucking so badly? I mean losing to Red Wings (ok, I get it, they’re a decent team) and then losing to freaking Phoenix?? Phoenix is at best a mediocre team with decent talent (of course in my unbiased opinion, I’m going to say that their talent is nowhere near the Kings
) and the Canucks have a long history of being a very good team – especially with the pride of the team, the Sedin Twins (because apparently they come as a package).
And on a random note, the Red Wings should be mighty confident coming in tomorrow off an 8-3 blowout of the Canucks but they lost the game before the CBJ.
What the h-e-double-hockey-sticks is going on this league?? I’m so confused!
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 11:25 pm
@Robyn,
No training camps, limited practices, and the same teams playing each other in rapid succession – recipe for chaos
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 1:32 am
@Robyn, phoenix is a very good team … made conference finals last year in case u have forgotten …. excellent team
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 1:34 am
@phil sykes, 3-2 game until the empty netter was scored . very typical game
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 5:43 am
@phil sykes, This ain’t last years Phoenix team. They’ll be lucky to make the playoffs.
[Reply]
mash-ola Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@phil sykes, Dave Tippett manages to get the best out of what he has to work with. And yes, the Coyotes may not seem like a good team, but they are.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 1:37 am
@Robyn, plus bieksa is injured … for the canucks … dude is a stud
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 3:24 am
@Robyn, Vancouver’s defense is barely avergae and their offense is barely above average. They are just another team in a very weak division. They’ll be ready for us though, they have some time off. I think we’re in their head though. I like our chances.
[Reply]
mash-ola Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 12:53 pm
@Robyn, There are a lot of reasons the Canucks aren’t dominating the way they were predicted to: Short training camp like every other team; injuries to Kessler and Booth to start the season (see A.Kopitar); but to me, it’s the goalie controversy. Annointed as the #1 heading into the season, Corey Schneider has been playing anything but… Lou has been terrific (less the Sunday massacre to Detroit). Management has had to swallow their tongues and rotate Schneider and Lou based on Vignault’s hunches. The Ginger twins don’t seem to be up to speed yet either. Bottom line, they’re still playing well, just not at an elite level. They’ll be around in April, though, I’m pretty certain.
[Reply]
Gagne’s yesterday’s news. Nobody commenting on Rosen’s link to the realignment discussion?
Anyway, it was nicely done. I’d been following the Kings for a few pretty tough years when the Kings had a great run at a divisional rival in 1974/75. The storied bleu, blanc et rouge. Old Norris Division. Not a rivalry that lasted very long, but the Kings challenged the Canadiens for the division right down to the last week or so of the season that year. Nowadays, the Canadiens play at Staples once every 2-3 years. Fans in Boston or Philadelphia see guys like Quick, Kopitar, Brown once every few years. This has to have something to do with so much of the NHL’s tight little Eastern enclave being nearly oblivious to hockey in the Mountain and especially Pacific Time Zone. No realignment will be perfect, but so long as the schedule becomes more balanced, whatever happens is almost bound to be an improvement for fans everywhere.
[Reply]
Anaheim Kings Fan Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at 11:59 pm
@wes, Speaking of the realignment, where would you put the odds of them going back to the four old division names that had some character and a historical link to the game rather than the bland “Pacific,” “Central,” etc.? I’m going to go ahead and put it right about a zero percent chance. Good old Bettman…
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 1:06 am
@Anaheim Kings Fan, I know my Uncle Gary pretty well after 16 years and I highly doubt he would consider a retrogressive move such as that.
I can tell you for a fact, he is only too aware that there are way too many Adams, Smythes (not to mention Campbells) playing the game nowadays and simple fans, especially obviously Southern California ones, might get confused, and there is now a nice little trophy to keep Jimmy Norris’ name alive.
I’ll ask again but I really don’t ever see him buckling …… unless it’s to tighten the belts of those greedy, short-sighted players and their de facto rogue representatives.
If there’s one thing I know about my Uncle Gary, wherever he goes he always needs a good belt!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 1:57 am
@Anaheim Kings Fan, Bettman will likely replace the Conference with the names of his stanch supporters in the owners pool. The Northeast the Leonsis Division, Southeast the Jacobs Division, Pacific the Samueli Division, and Central the Leipold Division. I suppose he will have to name some trophies after a couple of other owners to rally support to have a full year lockout in 8 years. It only takes 7 to deadlock the owners vote.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 3:27 am
@Anaheim Kings Fan, hated the old names myself (do not like the “good ole boys” club of old hockey which completely ignored the west). Much rather it be geographically meaningful.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 4:01 am
@KC23, So you hate the Norris, Conn Smythe, Hart….. trophy names too? What about Lord Stanley?
That’s what makes these trophies so great.
Put LA in the Stanley Conference.
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 5:32 am
@KC23, Other than the Stanley Cup, yeah I don’t like those names. I’ve watching hockey for over 40 years and I still have to stop and think which is which. People new to hockey have no clue what the Norris trophy is for or Con Smythe that is just not wise for a sport that has always struggled for a larger sports fan following.
wes Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 7:56 am
@KC23, my view on this is similar. it’s a fallacy to suggest any inherent superiority to things past, just because they are/were prior. leave those designations in the past, they were never carved in stone, they had not stood since time immemorial. i prefer geography-oriented division/conference names. there’s a simple logic to it (although logic is not highly regarded these days). in the same vein, i’d rather see the team in the clean, tasteful black and white uniforms than the throw backs. there’s a place for everything (expanding a bit on Pauli’s exclusion principle) and it seems the place for the past is the past. — which is why the Kings need to win the Cup AGAIN.
LA_1968 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 6:29 am
@wes,
The proposed realignment’s best feature is that every team will play in every building, every year. I take your point on that to heart. The NBA has had that since I was a kid. if not forever. When the schedule would come out I would skip right down to see when the Celtic were coming to the Forum.
At the same time, I don’t like baseball’s inter-league play. But hockey never had that so this partial thing they do is just cheesy.
Especially in hockey, the West is so overlooked. Bringing out the hyped, and sometimes classic eastern teams will get us not so “privileged” hockey cities more in the loop. Better for the league.
Lastly, why doesn’t Detroit just change their time-zone to central? It is hockey town. Seriously though, what they really want is to play the eastern time zone teams. It’s not so much the time.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 6:54 am
@LA_1968, Amen about every team coming to town every year. My favorite aspect of the realignment as well.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:48 am
@KC23, second that!
Coach Sutter put on his jammies and we’re back in 10th place again.
7 Points behind the Ducks. Not that bad considering our start. There’s no reason the Kings goal this year should not be to win the division.
Big game tonight.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 6:56 am
@LA_1968, I agree. Long shot to catch the Ducks, but they’ve been aweful lucky so far heath wise. Doubt that will last and they have no depth.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 7:08 am
@KC23, Winning division titles is as common as a solar eclipse for Kings eeeh?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 7:09 am
@LA_1968, completely untrue, solar eclipses are much more common. :p
Shakes Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 8:14 am
@LA_1968,
So if you actually sort the conference by points per game (to control for some teams playing more than others, the Kings actually look pretty good at their current pace (but it’s close), we’d be in 5th place:
Chicago 1.842
Anaheim 1.588
Vancouver 1.263
St. Louis 1.222
LA 1.176
San Jose 1.167
Nashville 1.150
Minnesota 1.111
Phoenix 1.105
Detroit 1.105
Dallas 1.100
Calgary 1.000
Edmonton 1.000
Colorado 0.944
Columbus 0.650
[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 8:45 am
@Shakes, Good stats. Or from sprotsclubstats.com the precent each team has of making the playoffs, which takes GF / GA into account:
Chicago 100%
Anaheim 98.4%
Vancouver 85.7%
KINGS 76.3%
St. Louis 69.3%
San Jose 66.4%
Phoenix 58.9%
Nashvile 56.3
Detroit 50.3%
Dallas 45.9%
Minnesota 39.0%
Calgary 19.6%
Edmonton 18.6%
Colorado 14.9%
Columbus 0.3%
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:29 am
@Shakes, Right man. I don’t know why they don’t just add that column to the standings page.
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New topic, from Adrian Dater with Sports Illustrated:
Anze Kopitar was a beast in Saturday’s easy 4-1 victory over Colorado. It’s still amazing how little fanfare he gets for being the best player on a Stanley Cup-winning team,. For my money, he’s the best power forward in the game. He can just rub players right off the puck, then make sick-sauce passes and shots. Ask a lot of GMs who’d they’d pick first to start a team, and Kopitar comes up fairly often.
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LA_1968 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:34 am
@NOW IMPRESSED,
Oh I see. That’s from yesterday’s SI Power Ranking.
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Read comments on the past few posts about Darryl Sutter bending over backwards to get Gagne into the Final, and I just want to say something that hasn’t been mentioned: No active player has scored more goals against Martin Brodeur than Simon Gagne. I think the thinking was that Gagne’s presence would give Brodeur something else to worry about, and his speed would give New Jersey trouble (I seem to remember him getting a couple of breaks, but not scoring in Game Four).
In other words, I don’t think that was a move to do Gagne a favor. I think it was a calculated risk based on his history against Brodeur, and they won the Cup, so I don’t think anyone can say it didn’t work.
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Shakes Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 7:55 am
@KingMe20, that’s a pretty neat stat that i never heard anywhere before – furthermore if you’re DS who’s already seen firsthand what it feels like to lose a Cup final, i don’t think yo’ure making player moves based on assuming you have the series in the bag (and play Gagne just for the sake of him getting a chance), you play the guys that you think give you the best chance to win
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:07 am
@KingMe20,
Great stat. Never knew that. The idea that Gags would be inserted into such a monumental situation for any other reason than the coach thought it would help them win is nonsense and this tidbit is a perfect example why that’s the case.
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Lake Forest Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:34 am
@KingMe20, and I thought it was because of his beautiful smile *sigh*
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this is a pretty neat way of looking at things
http://www.icethetics.info/blog/2013/2/25/nhl-modifies-realignment-proposal.html
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Gagne is all class but he was a luxury here and doesn’t really fit into Sutter’s system. If Penner works hard, he is the right guy and his game has been much better the last 5 games or so.
With Toffoli, Vey, Pearson, Kozun and Weal, the Kings have some good young forwards in the system. DL gets some more cap space in case someone comes available, he adds another pick and he finds a place for Gagne to play that he should be comfortable.
We are so fortunate to have such a top notch GM.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:11 am
@Dave,
I still maintain that the whole idea that Gagne ‘just’ doesn’t fit into the system is silly. TM’s system was even more restrictive and DL signed him anyway knowing full well his ‘game is defined’ as he said yesterday.
There is a REASON he didn’t fit in to it and that’s because he CHOSE not to. He’s a skilled veteran who knows very well how to adapt and he didn’t on purpose, not because he ‘just’ couldn’t. And that, in and of itself, can develop into an issue (or maybe was already), which is why I believe he sent him packing now.
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Duckbasher Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:46 am
@Paul Armbruster – Gagne plays a softer more finese game. Always has, always will. He has never been one to play in the dirty areas. Does he have skill? Yes. But, does he play with anywhere near the intensity of say… Justin Williams? NO! In my opinion (for what that’s worth), he’s an older version of a players like Loktionov & Moller. Do they have skill? For sure. But we see where those guys are now… and it’s not playing for the LA Kings.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@Duckbasher, I like “meat and potatoes” kind of a team too lkke we had in the 70′s prior to the Dionne days when we won by defense and a solid athletic Goaltender in Vachon and a stand-up stay at home back-up in Gary Edwards, like jonathon Bernier. We had tough forwards too that stuck up to the teammates in Dan Maloney, like Jordan Nolan, and we had a shifty talented goal scorer in Butch Goring like Justin Williams. This team reminds me a lot like that mid 70′s Kings, but as a team you need diversity. You need guys that can go to dirty areas, guys who can move the puck, and guys who are finesse players.
I respect DS, but I don’t like the fact that he’s too “black and white.” In life as people always try to make things simple, unfortunately, there’s always colors in between the “blacks and whites.”
How can your potential goal scorer(gagne) break out of his slump if you just keep benching him and putting a third or fourth liner on top 6!??! Gretzky doesn’t score for 4-5 games and so in DS’s world you bench him or make him a FOURTH LINER??!! He’s NOT MADE for the fourth line!!!! You CAN’T make somebody like Lewis or even Clifford to be Kopitar, Crosby, Couture, stampkos and vice versa, but this is what DS is doing. Rewards and punishment coaching system doesn’t jive well with me…it’s a NEGATIVE way to coach. Surely shows the team lack of patience(which is needed on the ice), and sends too much pressure on players to perform, therefor “gripping the stick” too hard.
Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 9:47 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), do you think it was lack of effort on Gangne’s part or do you think Gagne really struggled to adapt to this system?
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rogiesbackup Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:15 am
@Shiny, No, I think it boils down to the fact that DS “coaching system” doesn’t allow for a player to get out of their funk. It’s a “message” kind of a coaching system. Bench him if he doesn’t score, put a fourth liner on top line if her performs well…
How would YOU feel if the coach benched you after JUST the FIRST game of the SEASON with no pre-season workout/games??
What message did he send Gagne after that first game???!!!
KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:04 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I believe Gagne didn’t fit in well for the same reason Purcel didn’t. Our style of game isn’t for every kind of hockey player. The Gagne’s, Purcels and Loktionovs of the world just will never fit. The Richards, Browns, Williams and Lewises of the world seem to thrive on this style.
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Mars Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:15 am
@KC23, agree wholeheartedly!
Also that is why we need scuds longer, we need the vet experience and mentoring to continue.
While scuds will never go down as a great well known household name,
What he brings to the team is invaluable.
We don’t HAVE to have him, but longer would be great.
And my personal opinion, brown, Kopi, DD and quick, must retire kings
Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:42 am
@Mars, I would love to see those 4 wear a Kings jersey for the rest of their careers. But as DS said, it’s rare for anyone to stay with the same team they “grew up” with (for lack of a better expression)
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:05 am
@KC23, So you’ve seen Taffoli, Vey, and Pearson they are in fact DS’s kind of a player?? Play hard and grity or are they a more finesse kind off a player??
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@Dave, We’ll keep an eye to see if Taffoli, Tpearson, and Vey gets into the dirty areas or are they going to be a “finesse” type of player that doesn’t “belong” in the Kings organization.
I hope you’re right and like you said “IF” penner works hard….that’s a risky thing to say too due to his pass history of working “hard.” I hope so.
Bloggers here are just soooooo “cut-throaty,” grass is greener on the other side, change this change that, fire him, trade him…but DON’T fix the problem just REPLACE it!!
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He looked done with the Kings
Yeah the concussion was a major contributor but he went 17 games prior to the concussion without scoring a goal and if memory serves me, he looked terrible during that streak.
Maybe playing in the east will help, but I doubt it.
Brilliant job as usual by DL.
If you look over the Kings roster, you really can’t find a player who would be considered “overpaid”.
Go thru any other roster in the nhl and find how many teams can say the same thing?
The amnesty buyout concludes after the season. The kings will be sitting that one out.
Best GM in the NHL
Go Kings!!
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Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:05 am
@Nykingfan, there are many on this blog that several payers are overpaid (e.g.: DD) but based on a post someone had last night from Cap Geek, Kings are pretty much right in the middle of the pack with salaries.
I definitely agree that every single guy is worth the money with the way they’re playing. Yeah, they had a slow start but they’re starting to catch fire now, unlike Sharks and Preds.
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KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:06 am
@Nykingfan, Totally agree. We have 7mil in cap space and no pressing needs to address.
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Speaking of slow starts, if you’re a fan of the Stars, you’ve got to be on a worse emotional roller coaster than us Kings fans. They have a lot of talent on the team but I mean, 22 points in 20 games is definitely not the start they were looking for.
It’s funny how up and down every team (except a few) is in the points and wins/losses. I know it’s always like this, but in the shortened season it feels worse than usual
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KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:26 am
@Shiny, yeah, but to be fair that team will only get better with time. Teams with new super stars seem to always struggle the first year (see: the history of the NY Rangers).
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Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:35 am
@KC23, I caught highlights of their OT vs. Blue Jackets and I was genuinely shocked at how poorly Bobrovsky played it. For the GWG, he was square to the guy that was standing, literally, right in front of his crease but didn’t bother trying to block the whole net. The guy easily went around him and put the puck in the back of the net. I was like, wow, that was poorly played…
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Poor Blues. Now McDonald is going on IR. No problem, next game for them … oh, never mind … Hawks.
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Looks like Bernier gets the call fot tonight.
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KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:27 am
@goldielocks, source?
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KOHO Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:32 am
That’s cool if he does start cuz we need to get this guy looking like a stone cold number one goalie so we can get max value when we do trade him.
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Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:38 am
@KOHO, don’t know why everybody wants to trade him. We have no NHL ready backup at the moment. Even if we waited til the off season, still the same problem exists for next year
Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:49 am
@KOHO, I get what you’re saying, and if I were in Bernie’s position, I wouldn’t wanna play second fiddle either. My only thing is, who’s going to be willing to part with their goalie?
KOHO Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:07 am
Bernier has been projected as a number one since he was drafted it just didn’t work out that way in LA but there are still a bunch of teams looking for that goalie that could carry them deep into the playoffs.
As far as the Kings getting a solid back-up there are plenty of guys that would love to fill that void on a SC champion roster. Or the Kings may find that one of the guys in Manchester has paid his dues and is ready to make the jump. We have an incredible developmental system and a great GM so I have no fear we’ll be able to find that guy who can back-up Quick.
LA_1968 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:37 am
@KC23, Maybe from the morning skate? But that’s not over yet I don’t think.
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KOHO Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:44 am
I don’t really want to part with him but Bernier wants to be a number one goalie in this league and I respect that. Since the Kings just signed Quick for 10 years there really is no room for Bernier to thrive in LA. They may not move him until the summer as an insurance policy for Quick since its a short season but the Kings will move him it’s just a matter of time.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:41 am
@goldielocks,
Quick working with Richardson, Campbell and Martinez. Yes, all signs point to JB in net tonight.
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Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:43 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), that’s surprising given that JQ is the better goalie
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KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:52 am
@Shiny, I think DS is looking long term. March is a killer schedule and to put Quick into a mode that is more like a regular season number of games in a month(as opposed to the lock out shorten season with games packed tightly together).
Plus the benefit a lot more NHL experience for Bernier when we shop Bernier after the season for draft picks or whatever else DL feels we need.
Bernier has a history of getting much better with more work. Don’t be surprised when he starts looking nearly as good as Quick in the next month.
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:54 am
@Shiny, This is actually inresponse to your repy to KOHO where you said:
“don’t know why everybody wants to trade him. We have no NHL ready backup at the moment. Even if we waited til the off season, still the same problem exists for next year.”
We would love to keep Bernier, except he has asked to be traded and wants to be a number 1 goalie. His contract is up at the end of this year, so even if DL offers him a great contract he probably won’t sign it. In part of the trade (for a LW or defenceman) the Kings could get a decent back up goalie.
Robyn Pennington Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:02 am
@KC23, makes sense. Quick does need more than a day or two of rest to be able.to perform his best and Bernie is a.very good goalie who gets better with more playing time, just like everyone else
Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:18 am
@NOW IMPRESSED, someone posted there will be lots of UFA goalies this summer. If that’s true, then I wonder how a Bernie trade will fare…
Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:44 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), is Marty allowed to practice with the team conditionally? (i.e.: no contact allowed, but can otherwise practice with them)
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:07 am
@Shiny, Sure. Guys wear ‘no contact’ jerseys all the time when coming back from injury. He hasn’t participated in a full practice yet but I imagine it will be happening soon. He’s still not taking hard shots so that seems to be the main issue. He is skating is strong.
goldielocks Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:47 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I was kinda hoping he gets call tonight, considering Quick may be a better option against Vancouver.
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vplaza Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:45 am
@goldielocks,
Somewhere, a lonely former LA DJ is smiling.
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KC23 Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:53 am
@vplaza, poorman was always right about Bernier, but he was terribly wrong about Quick.
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nykingsfan Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:05 am
@KC23,
That’s so true!
Shotongoal Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:12 am
@KC23, yep! Dude you are short and to the point and dead on today!
vplaza Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@KC23,
He was right about Bernier being a very good goaltender. He was wrong in thinking that he should be the #1 for the Kings and that Quick should be gone.
Hope the boys are getting ready for tonight cannot wait until I am in my seat at Staples later today
Go Kings Go!
Remember to the net and just shoot and shoot and more shoot!
Go Kings Go!
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Robyn Pennington Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:54 am
@gailweb,
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Robyn Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:54 am
Robyn eb, where you sitting?
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Robyn Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 10:59 am
I could really use that edit button about now…
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Holy GEEZ, an accurate article on the Kings from the East coast …. DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, YESSSS !!!
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=657686&navid=nhl:topheads
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Shiny Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:20 am
@KC23, they must not have asked Pants Fastener his opinion. Wise
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