March 4 morning skate quotes: Darryl Sutter

On Alec Martinez’s conditioning level as he prepares to re-enter the lineup:
“He’s fine. We tried to push him the last two or three days with getting a little bit more game situation stuff.”

On how Martinez’s entrance affects defensive pairings:
“We’ll leave the four guys together and put Marty with Keaton.”

On Keaton Ellerby’s play:
“He’s been fine. You know what? It’s sort of exactly what I talked about when we got him. He’s a big kid that’s mobile. So it was just the next part of all the execution things…He came in and he probably played on adrenaline. He played really good the first three games, and then we went on the Chicago-Edmonton-Calgary, and he struggled. Since then, he’s been better again. He’s a boy. He’s a young guy, and that’s kind of why, quite honest, when we put Marty back in, Marty’s a young guy too that’s a teen-minute guy. It’s very simple. He was playing too many minutes early. He’s better off in your third pair. Drewiske is our second-oldest defenseman, and we need him to play like our second oldest defenseman, not our second youngest.”

On the power play in the Vancouver game:
“We’ve been good on the power play, not [just] good things last game. We’ve been good on it, quite honest. Talking about Nashville, the one goal we scored against Nashville was a power play goal.”

On whether back-to-back games at home are any different from road back-to-backs:
“Not really. It’s the schedule part of it. What is it, six games in nine games? So it’s really not ‘at home’ as much as you’re just trying to manage energy and manage preparation with the guys, and then it becomes their responsibility to play them.”

On today’s optional morning skate and whether there will even be a morning skate tomorrow:
“I think we’ll probably be in the same thing all week. Some guys want to. You can’t say ‘none’. Some guys want a handful of minutes. Some guys want to try skates, sticks, gloves, all those things. You’ve got to get them here, so it’s not so much on-ice. Even yesterday, we had some guys out there for 15 minutes, some guys out for 30.”

101 Comments

  1. goldielocks says:

    Doughty – Muzzin, Voynov – Scuderi, Ellerby – Martinez are probably better pairing at the moment. In a month, they may not be the best pairing though.

    [Reply]

    KingsGRT Reply:

    @goldielocks, what’re you thinking it will change to? Doughty-Mart Voynov-Scud and Ellerby-Muzz?

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @KingsGRT,

    If we don’t trade for the right handed D-man, I think Doughty – Ellerby, Voynov – Scuderi, Martinez – Muzzin seem to be a right choice. But again, not at the moment. Ellerby needs more time to suck in.

    [Reply]

    KingsGRT Reply:

    @goldielocks, Hmmmmm i get what you are thinking but i think ellerby might be closer to a year or two off from being capable of that.

    goldielocks Reply:

    @KingsGRT,

    Those pairing are based on TOI, Doughty – Ellerby(25 mins or more), Voynov – Scuderi(around 20 mins), Martinez – Muzzin(around 12 mins). I think DL has high expectation on Ellerby to fit the western conferense type of defense. We’ll see.

    Kings20 Reply:

    @goldielocks, I am not a big fan of DD2…… But DD2+5 defensively and Scuderi-2. You dare to think???

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Kings20,

    Scuderi also wasn’t good but who was good enough in the last one? Scuderi isn’t a fast skater or the most skilled guy but his decision making is always spot on, and that’s what the coach wants to see in a veteran D-man. The Kings will resign him for 2 years or possibly more. Mark my words. He’s too valuable to our defense system.

    [Reply]

    brian spain Reply:

    @goldielocks, I wish Scuderi didn’t pass up throwing the puck to the net, he almost never throw it toward the net, when he has a lane and time, he almost always holds onto it then dumps it down into the corner, very frustrating, if you have a lane and time, throwing the puck at the net never is a bad idea.

  2. Russ Dynda says:

    So now he badmouths Drewiske to the media. Wasn’t benching him enough?

    [Reply]

    King Alex Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, He is a big boy and I’m pretty sure he can take it. Especially how he played in Vancouver.

    [Reply]

    Robyn Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, IMHO, don’t think the intention was to bad mouth him. DS approaches things.as “facts.” DD2 was not playing at the level DS thinks he should be playing at and to Sutter, that’s just a “fact.”

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @Robyn, “Drewiske is our second-oldest defenseman, and we need him to play like our second oldest defenseman, not our second youngest.”

    Brutal, but true. Drewiske has the talent. He lacks the heart to go 100%. That’s why he’s out.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @PRMan, I don’t know if lacks the heart so much as the pure experience. He’s been a scratch for a while now and I don’t know if he ever played enough games in a row to play with confidence. However, he’s played almost 20 games this season so “inexperience” should not be an excuse anymore.

    KJ Reply:

    @Robyn, I agree completely Robyn. I think he is simply stating facts as he sees them. Yeah, it’s hard to hear, and you feel bad for the guy, but 98% of the comments Sutter makes about the players aren’t secrets. Fans and media know when players aren’t doing well, so he’s not saying anything we don’t already know, he just answering their questions.

    [Reply]

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Russ Dynda,

    Now you’re baiting me. I like it!

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, Wasn’t that bad. He WAS garbage in Vancouver.

    [Reply]

    Russ Dynda Reply:

    @xeropoint, I have no problem with Sutter expressing his views to his player. It’s just a lousy approach to make humiliating statements in public.

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, It may seem a little abrasive but there’s no way the players don’t hear it first. As long as everyone is subject to the same accountability, I could care less if they get crucified in the press conference.

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, I have no problem with people’s opinions here. I choose to read or ignore them, as should anyone here. But your redundancy on ripping Sutter constantly really takes away any good point you might actually make. You’re certainly not the only one that posts on this blog that does that (See opinions on Quick, Stoll, Brown, etc) but it just gets tired. Again, that’s just my opinion. I really do like what Jon Rosen is doing here, and there are some people who post that I enjoy reading, but I do get tired of “one trick” ponies!

    [Reply]

    Russ Dynda Reply:

    @Shotongoal, If you don’t like what I post then you don’t have to read it. I’m not offended.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, so being the expert on why Sutter isn’t a good coach, what’s your idea for a fix? I mean I’ve only followed this team since ’69 and I’m certainly no expert, but I’ve seen a lot of bad to horrible coaches stand behind the Kings’ bench. I gave Terry Murray his props early on in his tenure and understand that he brought things to this team that were sorely needed but never thought the Kings would be a serious contender as long as he was the coach. I thought Andy Murray brought some good things too, but that wore out very quickly. Bob Pulford has always been my favorite Kings coach but couldn’t get them far in the playoffs for an assortment of reasons.

    So I will give you this chance to actually make a recommendation on how things could/should be better for the Kings and why that doesn’t include Sutter as the coach. I mean I’m sure you have some idea on this and you’re NOT just complaining to complain.

    Russ Dynda Reply:

    @Shotongoal, I’ve already done that twice on here. I guess you missed it. I’ll do it again when the situation asks for it.

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, I’ve always felt that criticism of players should be done JUST in private as well. But you and I both need to take a few things into account:

    1. The media WILL ask questions like “how is so and so playing in your opinion” and if they’re not playing like they are capable if then that us the answer.

    2. These players are making hundreds of thousands or millions and need to be able to respond to a little criticism in the press.

    3. Players are different. Some will lose confidence when something negative is said about them. Others will respond by working harder.

    4. There is often a fine line between criticizing a player and simply not “sugar coating” how he is doing.

    5. And most importantly TM believed as you and I do and this team did not perform to expectations under him. DS holds players accountable. If you aren’t putting the effort in, you don’t play.

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @iPhone that I am about to smash into pieces, “are capable OF then that IS the answer”.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @HockeyPhone, 8)

    Russ Dynda Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, I have no problem with him taking ice time away from players who “aren’t putting the effort in.” Just don’t humiliate them in public with wisecracks.

    I keep hearing Sutter being iconized here in comparison to Terry Murray. I personally felt that Murray was not cut out to be a head coach. He was a rigid systems guy who was horrible behind the bench during games. That said, look at the numbers comparing him to Sutter. In his three full seasons with the Kings he went from 79 to 101 to 98 points. We got in the playoffs the last two seasons, losing in the first round both years, the second with Kopitar. If you look at our season last year, Sutter coached 49 games and the team earned 61 points. If you prorate that over the entire season we would have ended up with 102 points. That’s barely better than Murray’s performance. Yes, Sutter was at the reins during the miracle run of 17 games but I didn’t see him doing anything special during that run. I think the players suddenly found the spirit inside and together and prevailed. Sutter had few decisions to make. Everything fell into place during that run. So I don’t believe Sutter’s holding players accountable in the manner he does has a positive effect. I think he’s going to destroy the morale of this team with his bullying.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, I won’t bug you anymore or detract you from your “mission” but I’m sorry, you keep bringing up this 17 game thing for the playoffs and I have no idea what that means, I do know that the Kings played 20 games in the playoffs and finished 16-4…so please enlighten me on the whole “17″ thing. Also, you keep on talking about the players finding some magic formula to make that run in the playoffs and that it had nothing to do with the coaching. That’s like saying Secretariat wins the Triple Crown without a jockey! Say what you want about Sutter but I’m going to call you out when you say something that is just so ridiculous!

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, I think you’re overstating it. Sutter’s reputation for being a devisive, hard-ass is overblown. He’s a good coach and the results speak for themselves. If you’re saying anyone could have stepped behind the bench and won it all in that situation, it’s debatable at best and biased speculation, at worst.

    trytodethroneus Reply:

    @Russ Dynda,

    You win the pissing contest.
    Find something else to gripe about.

    Since you dislike Sutter as the coach, why waste your time watching the KINGS?
    At least until they change coaches.
    Maybe that coach won’t “hit the lottery”, and will coach the team
    to your satisfaction

    brian spain Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, Russ, Coach Sutter was teaching the young players on the bench with Direction during the regular season last year. I watched all the games, he would talk to the players and pat them on the back after talking with them, like he was saying what he wanted, then letting them know, you can do this, When the players just blow a coverage and the puck ends up in our net, he is going to get pissed just like every coach in the league does. The Kings defense is brutal for the most part this year, several blown coverages. The goalie is only as good as his team allows him to be, they have to tie up sticks and keep forwards from tapping in rebounds. The defense not doing there job is the reason the Kings have lost the games they have. These Hockey players are tough kids. If they can’t handle being called out then they are in the wrong profession.

    Helvetica Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, I don’t think making a statement about where his game should be is “bad mouthing”.

    [Reply]

    Russ Dynda Reply:

    @Helvetica, As regards to the 17 game referral, we did play 20 games, but lost two of the last three and were given the final game when the Jersey player made a stupid hit off of which we scored 3 goals on the ensuing power play. In the 17 game span we went up 3-0 in all four series, started on the road in all four series, and swept two of them. To me, that was the greatest playoff run in the history of the sport. For that span of games we were on another plane. For the rest of Sutter’s time here we have played like a marginal playoff team. Your using the metaphor about Secretariat is silly in that during much of his Triple Crown run, particularly the Belmont, I could have won riding him as long as I didn’t fall from the saddle, and I don’t know how to ride. And honestly, during our 17 game run, I could have won as the Kings’ coach just rolling four lines like a robot, which is all Sutter did. The players carried him.

    Virtually all I hear here is people worshipping Sutter. I think a dissenting view is justified. Also, all I hear here is knocking of players. How about a little loyalty to them? Stop looking at me as picking on Sutter. Look at me as someone who is standing up for the players, which few of you are doing.

    Once again, I absolutely agree that our defense this year has been subpar, mainly due to our injuries. And I have no problem with a coach “calling out” a player, as long as it isn’t in public. That’s plain disrespect and bullying. There’s no place for bullying anywhere in our society.

    Finally, why should someone stop watching the team he is devoted to because he thinks the coach is mediocre. I must admit, sometimes I have to cover my eyes when I watch what he does, but I’m still loyal to the team.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @Russ Dynda, YAAAAAAAAWWWWNNNNNNNNN!

  3. King Alex says:

    Need to beat the Preds tonight boys. We need to become a dominate home team and it starts again tonight.I’m calling Doughty for his first goal tonight & it will be the game winner! Richards will pot one too.

    [Reply]

    NOW IMPRESSED Reply:

    @King Alex, I like you prediction, realiztic. DesertKing thinks Fraser will get a hat trick and Ravens thinks Elerby will get a hat trick! WTF?

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @NOW IMPRESSED, hey, we can all dream can’t we?

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @NOW IMPRESSED,

    I also think the sun will come up in the west tomorrow. @Duncecanz convinced me it could happen.

    [Reply]

    NOW IMPRESSED Reply:

    @DesertKing, LOL! Hope you’re right…about Frazer, not the sun.

    DesertKing Reply:

    @NOW IMPRESSED

    The odds are good since the one idea is from @Duncecanz.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DessertKing,, Ahm a-tellin ya, pardner, ah lives aht here in th’ west, an’ th’ sun comes up EVER DAGNABIT DAY raht where ah lives!

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Duncecanz

    The people in Japan, Land of The Rising Sun But No Hockey, would argue that point, but I’m supporting you because you are a Kings fan!

  4. Lake Forest says:

    Oh no he din’t (say that about DD2)

    [Reply]

    King Alex Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Oh yes he did!!!

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    As a veteran D-man, he has to make better decision with the puck. But as DS pointed out, he looked like a confused rookie on the ice and the Nucks were all over him. To me, this is like a final blow to him. I won’t be surprised if he’s traded.

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @goldielocks, We’ll see when Mitchell or Greene gets close…

    [Reply]

    Kings20 Reply:

    @PRMan, And I hope this will be the end of Scuderi. Scuds was really lost again the nucks. Like I posted before he is got to slow, not physical at all, actually never was and opposition players skating circle around him. One plus to Scuds, he does block a shot once in the while. Looking up his stats…minus defenseman.

    KC23 Reply:

    @goldielocks, Yep, DD2 is gone in my eyes.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @goldielocks, yeah, I was a little surprised to see him so indecisive in a one-on-one situation, which led to the 3rd goal I believe it was. Maybe scratching him will get him to make decisions with the puck period, bad or good (preferably good)

    [Reply]

  5. Jeff says:

    Bernier or Quick tonight?

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @Jeff, I dont think there is a right or wrong answer with this as we play the blues tomorrow and Bernier was good against them.

    Bernier has been good against Nashville. Neither are high scoring teams. so it’s not a big deal.

    I THINK bernier will play against Dallas though.

    [Reply]

  6. King Alex says:

    Play the percentages tonight coach & give Bernier the start.

    [Reply]

    Forum Gold Reply:

    @King Alex, He is starting. GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

  7. DesertKing says:

    Datstuk trying to be Diaper Man Junior.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @DesertKing, yeah… I noticed that in the Chicago game. Seriously, what’s with these diaper guys??

    [Reply]

  8. gailweb says:

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

    neil Reply:

    @gailweb, iam surprise some of our bloggers don’t blast you for your post…..lol gkg!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @neil,

    She forgot to add “AGAIN!!” ;)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    Actually, this is the very incarnation of ‘@neiling’ !
    Moderation in order?

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @neil,

    Ha!

    [Reply]

  9. KC23 says:

    News on Frozen Fury in October … Double down in Vegas baby … TWO games

    Friday NY Rangers, Saturday Col Avs.

    I’m ALL IN!!!

    [Reply]

    Bradapiller Reply:

    @KC23, Best news of the day for sure!

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @KC23,

    After the Kings win their 2nd cup this June they will commemorate it with two FF games! I love it.

    [Reply]

    Forum Gold Reply:

    @Michael J., Talk about a hangover!!! GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @KC23, Can you link me? Never been. But always have wanted to go.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @KC23,

    I’m in, but my son will be in college so I will have to meet up with some other Insiders. I wonder if any of them would be going? I was gonna ride my motorcycle wearing my Kings jersey. Any others think that would be good? Riding into Vegas, all wearing Kings colors?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DessertKing, Doughtlaws? Penndidos? Ells’ Angels?

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Duncanz, DS (pronounced “deez”) Hogs? Payneful Inflictions?

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Duncanz,@DesertKing, Look out for the Son’s of Ellerby!

  10. Kings1234 says:

    I don’t get the ripping Drewiske for inexperience when Sutter played him all of TWO games last year after he took over.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Kings1234, he’s played 19 games so far this season. As a professional, he is expected to know what the coaching staff want from him and he should have more confidence handling the puck. Muzz may have played a few games last season but he’s improving more consistently than DD2. He’s making better decisions and looking more confident than DD2 at the moment

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @Kings1234, how’d he rip him? All he said is that he expects him to play like the 2nd oldest (experienced) and not like the 2nd youngest (inexperienced). Doesn’t matter how many games he played, if he isn’t fitting the role he’s expected to than he’s under-performing.

    [Reply]

    Forum Gold Reply:

    @Shotongoal, This short season is putting added pressure on everybody to perform at a high level in every game. Missing the playoffs can not happen. GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

    brian spain Reply:

    @Forum Gold, I dont understand the shortened season comments. It doesn’t matter how many games you play in a season, your are supposed to be ready to play every night, If the Kings are ready to play the Kings system from the drop of the puck and they play that way for 60 minutes none of these negative things would be happening. Like if every King was in shape when the season started, they would be doing what the Ducks and Hawks are doing. they just were not ready to go. Missing Mitchell and Greene doesn’t help. Boo-hoo, sack up and lets go. They won 7 of 8. So missing Mitchell and Greene is just an excuse. Play the right way and you win, if you don’t you lose. pretty simple if you ask this fan.

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Kings1234,

    Not inexperience – maturity. DD2 has played all of our games this season and he still seems to lack composure in key situations (e.g., icing the puck when he has time to make a play, backing away from attacking players when he’s got back check support, coming in half heartedly to hold the O zone or make a hit). After playing more games than the other guys and being the oldest, he should be doing better in this area.

    [Reply]

  11. vplaza says:

    If Bernier starts and does well, does he get the next start?

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @vplaza, it’s a back to back, so probably not

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @shiny,

    But…this ain’t baseball… :)

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @vplaza, wait, are you sure? :-)

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @vplaza, I think Quick plays tomorrow and whoever plays better tonight or tomorrow starts Thur.

    [Reply]

    Munchrat Reply:

    @vplaza, I think Bernie gets the start tonight. Quick is fighting the puck. At least that’s how I read DS.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Munchrat, “Do you think Quick is fighting the puck?” “Yes I do.” “What can he do to get better?” “Stop fighting the puck.”

    Gold.

    [Reply]

  12. neil says:

    DD2 Good enough for our pk yet he is not one of our top 6 defensemen…..

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @neil, I think he’s decent for PK because he’s a big body. But heaven forbid the other team has a breakaway, forget it. He’s been good in the past but the Vancouver game, he (but not he alone) stank up the ice. I was happy to see Muzzin and Ellerby at least make decisions.

    Come to think of it, even though DD8 has a poor rating, I think he’s one of our better 2-way players, which is probably why he’s usually out there for PK.

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @neil,

    So, is this the cell phone version of you or the computer version?

    Still confused…

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Michael J.,

    Dr. Evil Syndrome – a mental condition requiring a miniature version of one’s self for the purpose of living a a second life that is in direct contrast to the originator’s actual life.

    [Reply]

    BluLiner Reply:

    @DesertKing, Jekyl/Hyde Syndrome also – One ackowledges the existence of the other, but the other does not. A very subtle case here, but likely to escalate into a very serious mental disturbance needed excessive medication to balance properly.

    DesertKing Reply:

    @BluLiner

    Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I presume?

    neil Reply:

    @Michael J., cell phone !!! Iam the same two people

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @neil,

    At work we call that 300.14 Dissociative Identity Disorder ;)

    Duncanz Reply:

    @neiling, paging dr phil!

  13. Michael J. says:

    I think Sutter’s remarks concerning Drewiske were tough, but I wouldn’t go as far as saying they were over-the-top. Davis is 28 years old and needs to play with the composure of a 28 year old. That’s all he was saying.

    [Reply]

  14. Pumpernicholl says:

    13 games in 22 days coming up, starting with tonight. That’s a heavy-duty schedule.

    [Reply]

    tornado12 Reply:

    @Pumpernicholl, between them and the Lakers, i will have plently of ammo to tune out the wife with!

    [Reply]

  15. nykingsfan says:

    People are really that upset because the coach doesn’t feel he’s played like an experienced D’man?
    I’m sure glad the players have thicker skins than some of the posters on here.
    He has looked tentative at times and you can’t use the fact that he didn’t play much last year. He’s played most of the games this year. There’s no time to ease guys in. He’s been with the Kings long enough and should have played better..in the coach’s opinion.

    Kings need to come out and take the play tonight to Nashville.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @nykingsfan,

    In DS I trust. DD2 will figure it out with DS’s help.

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @nykingsfan, This.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @nykingsfan, he wasn’t the 7th D-man last year for no reason, and I really think he’s played too much this year and really is a perfect fit for the 7th D-man position. That’s taking nothing from him, it’s just his best-suited role. I’d much rather see Muzzin and Ellerby in the lineup on a regular basis and Drewiske used to compliment the top 6 if/when needed.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Shotongoal, what kinds of things do you expect him to say to them? ;-) (sorry, couldn’t help myself)

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @shiny, I’d answer your question but I don’t understand it. I have nothing against how Sutter is using his D-men or that he makes the comments he makes. Maybe that answers it, but not sure…..

    shiny Reply:

    @shiny, er sorry. I was commenting on the subtle spelling difference between compliment (which is a verb and a noun and means to say nice things / is a nice thing said about a person, place or thing) and complEment, which is a noun meaning to go with.

    Sorry, bad joke. Not trying to make fun of you or anything. Sometimes I can’t help myself, majored in English at school

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @shiny, oh okay yeah I get what you’re saying now.

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