-Roughly half of the chicken scratch I jotted down last night dealt with the Kings’ ability to get sticks and bodies in shooting and passing lanes, or Jarret Stoll. Often, it was a combination of the two. An accurate representation of Los Angeles’ penalty killing success came during Calgary’s extended power play time early in the third when Stoll blocked a shot with his skate, hobbled to the bench, and returned on his next shift to dive and poke a loose puck out of the zone. If you were watching at home or in the arena or listening along, you remember the plays. They were easy plays to remember. Stoll’s faceoff percentage is a team-best 54.9% (amongst those who have taken more than one faceoff), he has eight more blocked shots than any other forward, he ranks second on the team in the somewhat nebulous statistic of “hits” and he leads all forwards in shorthanded time on ice. On paper, that sounds like an ideal third line center. There have been concerns over the amount of penalties he takes. Stoll’s nine minor penalties are the most amongst forwards, and he was dinged for five minors during a three-game stretch against Vancouver, Nashville and St. Louis. I welcome this conversation – and I understand it is easy to say this the morning after one of his stronger performances of the season – but I’m willing to live with the occasional-to-semi-frequent minor penalty as a trade-off for the committed, physical, gritty defensive efforts you get from the character, veteran leader. Please share your comments below if you disagree.
-How about the confidence and assertiveness inherent in Jake Muzzin’s game right now? With the Kings leading by one, he picked the right time to hold his position along the boards on the attacking blueline, where he offered Roman Cervenka a more subtle head fake to the one he showed Saku Koivu of the Ducks prior to his power play goal on February 25. Cervenka bit on the play before Muzzin advanced towards the tops of the circles and found a wide open Stoll, whose glove-side snipe served as the game-winner. The play began when Muzzin disrupted a Flames advance through the neutral zone before chipping the puck deep to set the play up. Muzzin, who ranks third in rookie defensive scoring with 10 points and is tied for seventh overall amongst defensemen with a plus-11 rating, has shown improvement in the decisions to pick his spots. Look for a feature on Muzzin tomorrow on LAKings.com.
-Darryl Sutter has previously referred to Alec Martinez as a “teen-minute player”, and the 25-year-old didn’t reach the “teen-minute” mark for the second time since returning from an upper-body injury, logging a defensive team-low 12:08 of ice time. Though he blocked three shots, he gave Mikael Backlund a cushion and was beaten one-on-one by the center for Calgary’s only goal. With the statuses of Matt Greene and Willie Mitchell still up in the air, the Kings – like just about every NHL team – will be kicking the tires on some stay-at-home types prior to the April 3 trading deadline. How would Martinez’s status be impacted? Might he potentially be a fairly valuable piece of that hypothetical trade?
Oh god, here comes the trade babble.
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:24 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Rabble Rabble Rabble
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:25 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Toffoli to whoever has Babble, Babble to Tampa for Stamkos, Stamkos to the new expansion team Baghdad Boomers for Luongo who they got in the expansion draft, Luongo back to Tampa so the Boomers can get Babble, who they will then nickname “The Tower.”
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:31 am
@DesertKing, Dowd for Stamkos a first and a second.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:37 am
@DesertKing, I can only hope babble is worth it.
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DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:39 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
The Boomers couldn’t get that player named Power, and the nickname the “The Tower” will only work with so many players
Belexes Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
From what I’ve seen, Babble plays a gritty game and goes to the dangerous areas.
IceGuy Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Is it time to break out the “Cap Space” jersey again?
I agree I guess about Stoll, but here’s my one comment/rebuttal – Some of his penalties are needless and simply dumb and most of the time selfish penalties.
I can understand taking a penalty when needed, but I can remember 3 off the top of my head that were just not needed.
Penalties I am ok with, dumb penalties that are unnecesary, I am not ok with.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:26 am
@Lake Forest,
I think alot of his penalties are because he is trying too hard to be physical, but hey, at least he is trying.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@DesertKing, Look, he is also one of the smallest guys out there. So, other teams will go after him over and over, because he won’t kick their butt (can I say butt?). therefore, he will ocasionally go over the edge. I have no problem with an occasional bad penalty.
[Reply]
richie Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:44 am
@jet, Stoll is actually a fairly decent sized guy, if you want to see an under-sized center out there, look not further than richards but he doesn’t take nearly the same amount of dumb or needless penalties that stoll does. i don’t think size really comes into the equation, it’s decision making. that being said, I like to refer to him as Stoll the Mole, kinda hides out for a while but when you need him he pops out of nowhere and gives you something huge. see: Series clincher vs Canucks Rd. 1, as well as last night.
jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:59 am
@richie, Richards is smaller, but he will also retaliate with his fists. Stoll is a decent size, but on this team he is one of the small forwards.
Since you mentioned the playoffs, he had only one ‘bad’ penalty in the 20 games.
Lake Forest Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
@jet, Playoffs he had 9 penalties. I can’t remember what they were, but 9 penalties in 20 games…
I’m not saying all this to bag on the guy, I like Stoll and respect him and just think he CAN do better!
jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:19 pm
@lakeforrest, if my memory serves me, then the only bad one was in the first or second game against the Nucks. The other had purpose. But, most players suck it up in May.
Lake Forest Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@DesertKing, understood, but we know you do not need to take dumb penalties to prove yourself
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@Lake Forest,
I don’t know that he is exactly trying to take penalties out there. I’ll give him a bit of grace on the faceoff violation the other night. Long-time habits are hard to break.
Lake Forest Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:54 am
@Michael J,
I was trying to research his 9 penalties to see what they were, but i cant find them (and obviously can’t put any time into it at work).
Michael J. Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
@Lake Forest,
I would normally think that this would buy Stollie some grace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JxArJ4pTJM
Lake Forest Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:19 pm
@Michael J, oh he has grace forever. Not saying he is a bad player. Not saying he doesn’t bring it every game. But if we are talking about things he can do better (cause he is capable of it), then it would be dumb penalties….
Would i take him out of the game? Nah. but the question was asked.
krash324 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
@Lake Forest, agree. But consider Browns mysterious disappearances in the physical game like last night. Still brings it every shift, every game. He plays on the edge. He is on my team any day of the week
[Reply]
krash324 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
@Lake Forest, agree. But consider Browns mysterious disappearances in the physical game like last night. Still brings it every shift, every game. He plays on the edge. He is on my team any day of the week
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
@krash324, Never better said: Stoll brings it every shift, every game. He plays on the edge. He is on my team any day of the week.
[Reply]
Press Box Scratch Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@Lake Forest, I agree with Lake Forest, total props to Stoll for important role on 3rd line, FO’s, & PK. Fact is he takes some lazy penalities at times several years into the new rules re holding or use of stick (J Williams did this too until this year). Pointing out all the good doesn’t mean much unless you can be real about the areas of improvement.
Thing about Stoll is he has a very good shot and we tried for a couple years to incorporate it on the PP, but he bacically was buzzing every forward’s head going high & wide with every shot. He’s definitely focused on glove high, which is a great scoring attribute IF it’s on net. His mysterious removal from the Shoot Out rotation (way back when the Kings made it to OT …) was odd, he was easy to scout (glove high) but I think he was above 80% one year.
Glad to have him manning the 3rd line.
[Reply]
I’ve been surprised at how tenuous Martinez is out there. He always has played with that ‘swagger’ taking a shot on goal from anywhere and mixing it up in the defensive zone. You wonder if he has one of those ‘surgery after the season is over’ injuries that his is just nursing along. I think there is a pretty good chance we’ll see Whiskey tonight.
_________________________________________________________
Today is 59th day since the end of the lockout I’ve spent zero on the NHL.
[Reply]
ten for instigating Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
@Donald_S, just by clicking on this site and watching games at home you are providing revenue for the Kings/NHL. Just saying.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
@ten for instigating, At least your screen name has truth in advertising.
FWIW, I’m not one of “those” guys, myself, but I don’t think you can blame anyone for watching the games, reading news, or responding to blogs. It’s not quite the same as buying tickets, or even Center Ice (which I did.) At worst, they’re hypocrites if they said they wouldn’t (do something specific that they’re doing now.)
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, either your are boycotting or not…its half -a..! Its a pick and choose protest.rating on T.V. goes up…the rates go up…so you are giving money to the NHL…Maybe not black and white but its still helping the bottom line…
PRMan Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I pay the same for TV whether I watch hockey or not. It costs me nothing. I haven’t paid for a game or merchandise or anything since the beginning of the lockout and until we reach 34 games (the same number they missed), I’m not paying anything.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’m not boycotting at all…just to make it clear. Never claimed I would, either. For those who are, I’d say a good place to draw the line is spending any money.
Donald_S Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
@ten for instigating,
How can watching a game at home provide revenue to the Kings? I’m watching on Fox, not paying for Center Ice. And it’s an opportunity for me to find out which sponsors to avoid.
_____________________________________
Today is 59th day since the end of the lockout I’ve spent zero on the NHL.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
@Donald_S, Advertising costs are determined by the ratings..the higher the ratings..more the Kings can charge..
PRMan Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
@Donald_S, It’s a sunk cost. They’re not determining how much they pay based on a per-game basis. They already determined it when they signed the contract with Fox.
Mars Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
@Donald_S, Same here.
My tickets have been free ones too (two games)
Luckily the Kings schwag hasnt been stellar since the lockout.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:50 pm
@Donald_S, I’d argue not that you’re providing revenue (although are you not buying products from the sponsors either?) but that your boycott will not accomplish anything. But you must do what you feel is right of course.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 6:44 pm
@HockeyNerd, I’d argue that boycotting won’t accomplish anything regardless of how total.
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Martinez is just in a funk right now. He’ll work his way out of it. He is a good player. It would be unwise to trade him.
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vplaza Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:45 am
@Stoneknite,
He is definitely not playing like the AMart we know.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
@Stoneknite, He’s coming off an injury as well as having to adjust to a rolodex of defensive partners.
Last season it was basically him and Greener.
It would seem a waste to trade a developing young puck mover with a ton of upside.
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Kings x Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
@Duncanz, he’s had enough time to adjust and get to game shape. His confidence is not the same
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Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
@Kings x, Perhaps.
What would you do with him right now and for the future?
Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Wait! That’s TWO injuries!
Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
@Kings x, Players do have slumps..even Kopi has had a string of games where he didnt play well.. Amart is young and is a very good defensemen…He actually played well last night except for that one play…DS is pushing him..DS knows that Amart can/will get better…
KC23 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
@Stoneknite, I agree. I think DS has been pretty hard on the guy. I was disappointed on DS’s remarks after the game. Last thing Amart needed was to be thrown under the bus like that.
[Reply]
stoll is the perfect 3ed line center, maybe other than cost. Players who play a physical game will get penalities. Also, the reffing is inconsistent game to game.
Muzzin is playing better in his own end, most inportantly.
All of the new5 are playing well. Marty was stuck on the ice for a double, because the puck left the zone, but did not get far enough down ice for him to get off. Any Dman would get beat at that point, even Puck 73.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@jet,
You are right about A-Mart being out there too long. It was a very long, tough shift – before the puck was not moved deep enough for him to get off the ice. I hardly blame him for that goal-Calgary has guys that are good at hockey too – maybe better than Puck73.
[Reply]
I purposely stay out of debates about Stoll, who has been a strong 3rd line center for the reasons JR has outlined. I think the criticism of Stoll on the board is typically overblown.
I chalk it up to some people always needing a pet scapegoat to criticize, no matter how good things are going.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@Pumpernicholl, I agree..I alwas thought that Stoll was underrated…does a little bit of everything and well…..
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@Pumpernicholl, I purposely join and start debates about Stoll and I can say, I’m on the same page as you. Is he the perfect, most ideal 3rd line center imaginable? No. Is he a very good 3rd line center on a championship team, who does a lot of things well? Abso-freaking-lutely.
[Reply]
I think Drewiske goes before Martinez does. Probably Ellerby too…
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jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@LB, the centers are covering for Ellerby. fox showed one play where little willie went to the goal line to give him an option, but there were times when Kopi and Richards would skate behind the net to make a five foot pass availabe. I think this is needed at this point, but it does take away a counter.
Ellerby is starting to look better, at least in his own end. When he pinches, he just tries to push the puck back to a corner rather than put it to a place we can recover. That is just confidence and usually takes a year to get. He is doing well given his starting point.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@jet, how come muzzin as a rookie does not have that problem in 24 games?
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
@Kings x,
Because Muzz got schooled in Manchester where D First is drilled into your head.
Ellerby, like I’ve said before, came from the East, where defense (much like traffic laws in New York City) is a mere suggestion for behavior.
I would thing the KINGS will have to do something on the defense.. We got to many players when GREENE and MITCHELL come back. Figure keepers for sure would be GREENE,MITCHELL,DOUGHTY,VOYNOV,MUZZIN,and ???…
[Reply]
Datacloud Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@lakingbob(chi), Scuderi maybe?
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@lakingbob(chi), and Scuderi, Martinez, and ?
[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@lakingbob(chi), When Greene and Mitchell come back the Kings will have one too many defencemen. But until then, they are lacking one. And if Greene and Mitchell are done for the year, it needs to be addressed now.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
@lakingbob(chi), Greene, scuderi, mitchell, voynov, muzzin, doughty….martinez, ellerby or DD2 in a trade. BTW those top 6 d men are SICK!
[Reply]
DaveinSD Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:48 pm
@Kings x, I cannot see Mitchell or Greene coming back this year and even if they do, it will be late in the season and they will not be in game shape! I would keep them benched or maybe a few games here and there. But to me, our D-men playing now earn the right to keep playing right into the playoffs.
[Reply]
Halfway through the season already.
MVPs: Jeff Carter, Anze Kopitar, Daryl Sutter’s interviews
LVPs: Dan Moriarty, Willie Mitchell, Dave Joseph
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:37 am
@Tyler,
Could you squeeze VV into the MVP’s? He has really stepped up this year.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@DesertKing, what Muzzlezilla? He’s improved significantly since his road apples game in Anaheim
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:53 am
@DesertKing, and DD for being a rock on the blue line. He may have a donut but he’s been superb at the blue line. Leveling the likes of Datsyuk and Beauchemin at timely (and pivotal) moments during the game. And his ability to take away the passing lane and superior hand-eye coordination last night (take note Voynov: when you try to bat the puck out of the air, make sure it’s AWAY from the net) earn him an MVP spot, right?
[Reply]
Tyler Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@shiny, You’re absolutely right. DD definitely deserves to be there too. He makes the other defensemen so much better.
Michael J. Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:41 am
@Tyler,
You forgot Patrick “I know less about hockey than Heide” and “No Dustin I will not eat ‘Grapes’ on the set ” O’Neil for LVP.
Good TV guy – terrible hockey guy.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:46 am
@Michael J., but the enthusiasm is genuine
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:49 am
@jet,
So enthusiastic he’s giddy.
Kings x Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:27 pm
@Michael J., at least PON doesn’t get DUIs after the game
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
@Tyler, Moriarty doesn’t do it for me either. I don’t understand why Willie Mitchell has to get called out. Don’t know who Dave Joseph is.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:48 pm
…and that could be bad news for Dave Joseph.
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dmoney Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Moriarty belongs on the Ducks broadcast with that super cheesy delivery and drummed up enthusiasm. Bob and Jim (and Jon Rosen for that matter), for my taste, display the right amount of homer-ism and professional distance. Unfortunately for Dan, you can’t ‘unlearn’ creepy.
Poor Dave Joseph – just doesn’t have the pipes for the job. He gets so excited his voice cracks every time he tries to announce the three stars. But he’s trying …
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 6:46 pm
@dmoney, Okay, so Dave Joseph is the new public address guy. This I hadn’t yet learned.
OCKingGirl Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
@Tyler, LVP: Ellerby. Agree about Moriarity. He is creepy.
[Reply]
I have been watching Stoll’s game with more attention over the past year. And yes, the guy takes some untimely penalties. What I have noticed is his play without the puck in the neutral zone. The guy always takes the right angles and pushes the puck carrier over to the boards – there is no stat for play without the puck (Corwick? Fensi?) which is a key ingredient to his game and one that would be sorely missed should @CB14 have his wish that Stoll leave the country to follow some supermodel to Tahiti or Fiji.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:40 am
@Michael J.,
What do I need to do to get on @CB14′s bad wish list?
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
@DesertKing, LOL. Me dos.
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Belexes Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:40 am
@Michael J.,
Actually the supermodels from Tahiti and Fiji come to LA to meet Stoll….
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@Belexes,
But eventually they will go home.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:44 am
@Michael J.,
Bring in the next shift…..
jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:48 am
@Michael J., even God takes one day off
Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:19 pm
@Michael J., Had you ever wondered …
1. Why JS was so keen to re-sign in Hockeywood?
2. How many bedrooms there are in his recently built dream house in the South Bay?
LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
@Belexes, I can tell you, there are no super models from Fiji,Fiji is made up of Indians ( India) and Maori, there are no cute Maori.
[Reply]
jordan Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:03 pm
@Michael J., i agree 100%, Strollsy is a lot like Williams in the sense that he is outstanding with and without the puck
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Several of his penalties are in the offensive zone. 200 feet from his own net, this is not from hustle, it’s from not skating and reaching with your stick, if he takes a penalty to prevent a scoring chance, that is easier to swallow.
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
@Brian spain, He certainly has brain farts. Lots of them. To say that they’re caused from a lack of hustle… I disagree. One thing Stoll has in spades is hustle.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@xeropoint, +1
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PP Anybody? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@xeropoint, Agreed. It’s usually his over enthusiasm on the forechecking that gets him in trouble. It’s frustrating at times, granted, but far from lazy.
[Reply]
I’ve always liked Stoll. Dumb penalties and all. I could certainly live without those, but his total contribution to the team is invaluable.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@vplaza,
I think he is a good presence in the locker room. During warm-ups on Saturday, I was watching him interact with the other players. Everyone who stood next to him during stretching or a drill had a smile on their face while talking to him. Carter and Stoll were really having a good laugh about something, so I would say that is one of the positive intangibles that he brings to the team.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:48 am
@DesertKing, plus he has a Stanley Cup ring..
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@Neil,
There is always that! Fraser has 2!
vplaza Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@Neil, Pens has two as well.
Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
And Williams
vplaza Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:50 am
@DesertKing,
Yep. Again, we all want to see the dumb penalties go away. We would all like to see shankapotamous wide right go away. But sometimes you gotta take the bad with the good.
[Reply]
LB Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:03 pm
@vplaza, As a 3rd line center he fits perfectly and you expect penalties from a physical checking line center. As a top 2 center or a power play player he’s just not good enough, but now that he’s in the righ role, he’s excelling.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@LB, zactly.
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It’s inevitable. the bottom line is why would you pull the trigger on a deal? Who are Kings going to get in return and at what cost? We have the luxury of being able to platoon DD2 and AMart. And while neither are a legitimate replacement for Mitchell or Greene, few teams have the ability to swap quality blue-liners on the fly like Sutter does.
That being said the one “frozen moment” from last night that flashes through my mind was what appeared to be the remains of a lonely Kings jockstrap spinning on the ice while AMart vainly tried to chase down a loose Flames forward. And based on coach’s comments apparently I wasn’t the only one who noticed it.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:51 am
@puckmucker, Marty’s thighs were shot, not his fault.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 11:55 am
@jet,
It was a good play by the flames who took advantage of a poor clearing attempt. But he could have tried to tie up the stick or taken the body a bit stronger. But it would have been tough after a long shift like that.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
@jet, …and Quick should have had the save anyway. He didn’t have to move side-to-side on it, and it went tweeners.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Whaaaaa??? Has @What’s the frequency, Kenneth? been BODYSNATCHED????
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 6:47 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, It was some trolly person’s claim that I never thought Quick let one by.
I’m one of those people concerned about Stoll’s penalties. It’s that a number of them fall into the stupid type of penalties. Like a cheap, retaliation slash. Putting the team short handled for silly, sloppy reasons is just bad hockey.
While I’m pleased at Stoll’s oveall play (last night’s roof shot for example), you just can’t keep putting the team down a man and not have it cost the team eventually.
[Reply]
Stoll’s an “energy” player on a team of bangers. I can just hear opponents thinking, “@#&$!…you mean we’ve got to put up with this, too?!?!”
The guy’s aggressive with the stick, especially in the neutral zone where he’s hiding in plain sight. He’s going to keep getting tagged. That’s his game. If he puts a couple more in the net, this discussion goes away. (I think it should go away, regardless.)
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
@Ron Reynolds, Niiiiice !
[Reply]
To answer JR’s question regarding moving A-Mart for a D-man I look at it two ways.
First, the Kings can repeat thier formerly chronic habit of trading a young promising player for a veteran who is in the last year or two of his career – see Larry Murphy.
Second, they could package A-Mart and another asset for a veteran stay-at-home guy. Then the question is what will another team want? One of the Kings’ few remaining draft picks? Clifford? King? Vey?
I don’t think DL will trade Pearson or Vey. The Kings then might have to move another young defenseman. But who would DL trade away?
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@Michael J., If we trade Penner, then I would like to see DL bring Holloway back. he is the dominate player on a dominate in team a good lake. He has good size and plays on both ends.
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Kings x Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
@jet, I never would have wanted to keep penner last year or this year, but that’s why I am glad I am not the GM because I am so glad he is on our team. 5 games is a row with a point, what?
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Kings x Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
@Kings x, he is the claude Lemieux on our team. He brings it in the playoffs!
you know what…….I’ve pretty much figured out that regardless of what people type on this site DS and DL will do as they please without influence. As they will suffer personally if they mess up.
As far as predicting who’s playing, who’s being traded, who’s hurt or whatever the fact anyone is typing, it still remains that the team will win/loose or do whatever with a player without blogging detail.
But holy cow its nice to say what you want at anytime to many and share your personal views with other hockey people and those excited about the Kings.
Kings win tonight by 3 bottom line…….
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
@harty, +1
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Michael J. Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@harty,
Deal!
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jet Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
@harty, Kings win tonight by 3 bottom line…….
Pessimist
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Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:21 pm
@harty, Wait… I dont have any say in what DL and DS does??? Man that changes everything….I need a new career….Not even a little say??? wow…what a rude awakening…
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Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
@King Salt of Lake Charles, is that you??
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Every team can live without stupid penalties. I feel like they’re just part of the game. And the interference penalty is a weird one because if you’re over for a count (i.e. 1 Mississippi) too long, some refs call it. Others wait a little longer. Yeah Stoll.occasionally takes.bone headed penalties, but I feel like all NHL players do
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Stoll is one of my favorite players. I love the energy that he brings every night. He taks some real head-scratching penalties, but he makes up for it with the little things that he does every shift.
His work on the PK is phenominal. He’ll do anything and everything to either get in front of a shot or get the puck out of the zone as he did last night.
I was thrilled DL brought him back and while the salary may have been a little high for a 3rd line, PK type… on a Stanley Cup championship team, he’s exactly what’s necessary to win.
His scoring slumps are legendary at this point, but the intangibles that he brings outweights his faults..by a lot!
He’s the offensive equivalent of Scuderi on D. What they do may not show up in the boxs scores, but if you win, it’s most likely that they had a huge hand in the victory.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@nykingfan, An integral ‘piece’ ..
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xeropoint Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:20 pm
@nykingfan, Well played. Couldn’t have said it better (And I tried) myself.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
@nykingfan, Stoll, Brownie and Greener have fought an awful long time on less-than-stellar Kings teams to be a part of this stellar Kings team. I’m happy to see them continue to contribute to it.
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Mars Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@nykingfan, Agree, but I am gonna rip on him for the High and Wide shots.
He seems like a good sport, plus I doubt he reads here anyways.
But I agree, there are all the invisible plays and intangibles.
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Awesome! Got on the exercise bike, turned on the TV and what do I see and hear in the NHL Network? Bob and Jim calling last nights game. Aaaaaaah, heaven…….
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Michael J. Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@DesertKing,
Like
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Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:16 pm
@DessertKing, Well spokin’
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
@DesertKing, it’s not blacked out for you?
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DesertKing Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:51 pm
@Lake Forest,
I’m special. Thats what my mom told me.
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I understand Doughty’s new role playing a more stay-at-home game, but I had to laugh last night. He can’t even buy an empty-netter.
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Marty's Knuckles Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@Marty’s Knuckles, Poor guy!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@Marty’s Knuckles, I was feeling pretty bad for him at the time.
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vplaza Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:21 pm
@Marty’s Knuckles, Trade the bum!
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shiny Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
@Marty’s Knuckles, I don’t remember very well (I was half asleep when I watched the replay) but I think.someone passed the puck to Brownie who quickly shot it in the empty net. I think he was closer than DD
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Stoll needs to clean up the offensive zone penalties. I can live with the defensive penalties but the penalties when we have the puck drive me crazy. I prefer Stoll not being on the point in the PP as well. If he would ditch the 12 to 6 windup and use his snapshot/wrister more often, his accuracy will improve greatly as we all saw last night. As far as Marti, IMO he might be just a little gun shy since taking that slapper off his face during the lockout. As far as prospects go, you can’t keep them all so I would be willing to listen to offer for Marti as I feel Doughty, Voynov & Muzilla are untouchable at this time. I left off Greene & Mitchell intentionally as they are who we would be trying to replace due to their respective injuries.
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KC23 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
@King Alex, That’s the weird thing about Stoll. He usually doesn’t take defensive penalties and Stoll is great neutral zone and defensive zone back checker. His offensive zone penalties just look like his frustration at not being a very good forechecker.
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Stoll does his job well. He is versatile and our best face off man. Yeah he shoots wide and high and takes dumb penalties, but those are things you can improve upon. It’s not like we are trying to turn weatgarth into a sniper or speed skater.
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Good question. I was thinking about that earlier. It’ easy for the amateur GMs to want to get rid of a Stoll-type guy, because he doesn’t always show up so much on the stat sheet, but you can bet the stat sheet will change drastically if he’s out for ten games.
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Has anyone heard how Forbert is doing at UND? Shouldn’t he be making the jump to AHL soon if he’s seen as a good prospect? Or has he not panned out as planned at UND?
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It was nice to run into @Dominick, @Jeff R, @Duncanz and many more last night! Unexpected but very happy I did!
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Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
It was a @Subbylime experience, as always!
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Subby Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
@Duncanz, no fights this time;p
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Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@Duncanz, Subline !!! great band..
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Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
@Subby, and me !!! remember PEACE !!! love the hair..iam in the biz..punky colors???
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*OT Canucks put in their ‘backup’ goaltender tonight @ the JJet propelled Blue Jackets.
At your own peril, Canucks, at your own peril ….
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WRT to Amart…sometimes you need to give the other player some credit..if a King player made that move it would be considered a great move…I understand that Amart couldve and shouldve played it differently but every time a great play is made doenst mean a bad play was also commited…
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I think Greener really protected Marty. I hope he gets back in the lineup soon.
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All I can say is Stoll must be the nicest, easiest to like guy in the world. Every media guy that comes in contact with him turns a blind eye to his bone head penalties that come from poor forechecking. Not to mention his terrible PP skills. Then talks about faceoffs like it’s more important than anything else in the game.
That being said, Stoll had a great game last night and a great playoffs last year and that counts for something. He has also kept his plus/minus in check despite King not helping much.
Value is an issue with Stoll. For what we pay him we should be getting a more production at both ends of the ice.
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shiny Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
@KC23, he’s been pretty good so far at both ends this season. I really like him on PK because he’s good at blocking shots and taking away lanes. Offensively, he’s good at making holes (along with a few bone headed mistakes)
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…..could not agree more Jon…Stolls worth is not just measured in points as many who only understand scoring cannot see….
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Stoll’s play wins playoff series.
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I’m willing to live with the occasional-to-semi-frequent minor penalty as a trade-off for the committed, physical, gritty defensive efforts you get from the character, veteran leader.
I agree.
But damn, can he just shoot on net?
I am sick of hearing Bob say Stoll’s shot high and wide, wide, high, into the corner, into the crowd, out of the arena. Went into space. Riccoeted back to the arena off the hubble telescope.
He’s great, dont get me wrong, but dayum.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@Mars, Ha ha, I’ve often thought when Stollicoaster shoots the puck doesn’t have eyes, it has a space helmet!
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I don’t think Toffoli is as good as a player as some people making him out to be. We will see about this.
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Mars Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@Cesar A, He sucks, trade the bum, cannot even crack into the lineup!
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Neil Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
@Cesar A, Until he can prove that he is a NHL player ..he just a prospect…right??? How many cant miss players have we seen in all sports…When I saw him at practice earlier in a scrimage ..he didnt stand out..I know about the Luc’s comparision but still needs to show it at the NHL level…Even Yellowhorn is scoring in the minors…
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vplaza Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
@Cesar A, He’s just a flash in the pan. Leading the minor leagues in scoring is nothing. Anyone can do that. (End sarcasm)
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KC23 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
@Cesar A, Why? He has not failed at any level so far. Not that many junior players go straight into the AHL and hold their own let alone become 2nd in the AHL in scoring and become an all star in their rookie year.
You could certainly prove to be right, but there is zero evidence so far to support it.
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tornado12 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:46 pm
@Cesar A, care to elaborate as to why you feel this way?
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Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Actually, @Cesar A might be justified in stating this.
Reading the blog blowing up on Sunday like the Graf Zeppelin it was amazing to observe how much high flying hyperbole was being engineered for a freshly called up 21 year old with a gaga-going girlfriend!
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Stoll could play on my team anytime period!
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Does anyone remember during the playoffs, someone banked the puck off the boards into the empty net? I.can’t remember who did it or what team they were playing. If I recall correctly, it was an away game. I wanna say it was Penner or Strollsy
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
@shiny, penner, st louis game 2 i think??
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KC23 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:46 pm
@Lake Forest, Pretty sure it was game 1. Game two we had that big 4-0 lead in the first and never gave it up (therefore they wouldn’t of pulled the goalie). Game 1 Greene’s shorty gave us the 2-1 lead which led to the Blues pulling the goalie.
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
@KC23, Let’s try to focus on the positives OK? 2/3 isn’t bad
KC23 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
@Lake Forest, … and yes it was Penner, game 1 vs the blues … I think
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tornado12 Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
@shiny, it was pens, i think vs VAN, but not sure which game exactly
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Shoot_The_Puck! Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@shiny, Penner game 1 vs st. louis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoWDfG4EkD8
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shiny Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 1:59 pm
@Shoot_The_Puck!, thank you to everyone lol
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I don’t understand the disdain stoll often gets in the comments here, i agree with you jon he embodies a 3rd line center and a kings player. He plays hard, gives up his body for the team, checks, wins faceoffs, kills penalties and he has a nice shot. Keep it up jarret!
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Here’s a point to ponder:
How often actually does DS’s face screw up exasperatedly when Stolly takes one of his trademark ‘nasty’ penalties … ?
Just askin’..
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goldielocks Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 2:07 pm
@Duncanz,
I’m pretty sure Sutter isn’t good at poker game.
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Before the game last night, the Kings point production from defense men is 7th in the league. It’s a good thing that we are getting balanced scoring right now. Keep going, boys.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@goldielocks, According to you LESS THAN 24 HOURS AGO our problem was we WEREN’T getting balanced scoring.
Make up your mind.
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goldielocks Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Jim Fox used those exact words 1 min in last night’s broadcast, describing the game 2 days ago. That means we need more of it. That’s the opinion from the experts which is nothing to do with my mind. Balanced scoring is generally important because if you only have 2 lines producing, it’s easy to defend but if you have production from 3 lines or more, it’s more difficult to defend. I think everybody else knows it. Ask around.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
@goldielocks, If I want to know what Jim Fix thinks then I will listen to Jim Fox. I am here because I want to know what bloggers think, and believe it or not, that includes you as well. If you are consistent in your views your opinion will be taken seriously both by me and others. If all you can do is quote other people than not so much. That is strictly advice which you are free to ignore or not as you choose.
goldielocks Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 3:02 pm
@HockeyNerd,
I was using example that Jim Fox had the same opinion as I do (Remenber I said we need more balanced scoring before the game? Or you have short termed memory?). I don’t take everything he says because I have my own opinion over many matters. I advice you should listen to expert’s opinion from time to time. Educate yourself so more people may listen to your opinion. Good luck.
Wow, lots of comments today.
I could live with Stoll’s penalties IF they were necessary. They are not. You can be physical and a good defensive player without taking bad penalties in the OFFENSIVE zone. Anyone remember Butch Goring. He literally had to be shown where the penalty box even was, yet he was a great defensive center.
Amart? Muzzin may have moved over him on the depth chart now, even were everyone healthy. I like him but yeah I’d move him for the right player(s).
Trades? To me a couple of things are obvious: DL has to be looking to get another defensemen. Muzzin and Ellerby have done better than expected but that is not the point. Greene and Mitchell will be out who knows how much longer and their toughness in front of the net MUST be replaced.
Given that there is another obvious fact we all forget here from time to time: YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP SOMETHING TO GET SOMETHING. Penner alone is not going to get the defenseman we need. Bernier has no value to anyone not needing a Goalie. Richardson adds little to a package. Fraser and King aren’t going to make anybody excited. No, we don’t trade Kopitar, Brown, or Doughty. But DL has no doubt thought through who he is WILLING to let go of for the right deal. In my mind that might include Amart, Williams, Stoll, Muzzin, Pearson, Vey or Bernier. I don’t want to see ANY of them go. But unless Mitchell and / or Greene is a LOT closer to returning than we think it may need to be done.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 12th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
@HockeyPhone, One factor other teams will take into account when trading for a player is the very one the Kings HAVE taken into account when acquiring the likes of Williams, Penns and Fraz.
And that would be that almost every single player in the Kings squad has won a Stanley Cup!
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/\ /\ /\ The gloves are off again as two of the Insider’s most thuggish enforcers, @HockeyPhone & @Goldiestalks once again skate into the same area of the virtual ice and cataclysmically clash in a ‘he said, she said’ battle to the very end (of the thread).
Someone grab the gauze and the cut-closing goop, this could get messy !
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Stoll played very good last night, so it’s tough to bag on him the next day, but Jon asked for it, so here you go.
Stoll is all that Jon says he is. He’s physical, a good skater, very good at penalty killing, and he’s also very good in the faceoff circle. All are important things that a Championship team needs. But the Kings have other players with those skills. The Kings are 2nd in the NHL in hits per game, Stoll contributes to that, but the Kings would still be a top 5 hitting team without him. Same goes with faceoffs, Kings are 6th, Stoll is our best, but Carter is only 0.1% behind Stoll, and Kopi is only 0.4% behind Stoll. The Kings also have alot of good penalty killing forwards.
Stoll takes stupid needless offensive zone penalties. I don’t buy the excuse that because he plays so physical, penalties are bound to happen. Last season Dustin Brown had 125 more hits than Stoll did, but Stoll had 6 more minor penalties.
He doesn’t make the players around him better offensively. He’s got a great wrist shot, but his playmaking ability is well below average. That could be overlooked if he wasn’t getting paid to score goals, and help his teammates score goals, but he is. It could also be overlooked if he had the typical 3rd liners role of facing the opposing teams top lines, but he’s not facing the other teams best players. Among all Kings forwards, he’s faced the opposing teams worst players. It stands to reason that if you’re facing the opponents worst players, then you should be able to generate more offense than Stoll has.
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Stoll is clutch. that’s it: he’s ready and able to do what it takes to win.
His effort on the penalty kill inspires his teammates to cover him when Stoll is the one in the box. Stoll is glue.
Stoll is malleable like gold, but worth more.
Stoll is a right-handed faceoff wizard, and if you don’t understand the rarity of that combination, check this out:
Stoll is 19th in the league. Of the 18 above him, only 5 are right handed.
A penalty now and then? When the best teams score goals at 1 in 4 power plays or so, Stoll taking 4 dumb penalties equals maybe 1 goal. Meanwhile, he kills off enough to more than make up for it.
Stoll is clutch, and Stoll is glue.
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