-The players weren’t exactly ready to admit it, but last night was an example of the Kings battling the schedule nearly as much as they were battling the Phoenix Coyotes. It’s nothing new to have to play back-to-backs with travel in the NHL; as Keaton Ellerby said, “It’s all part of the gig.” It was actually interesting that the players dismissed the schedule as a hindrance, while Darryl Sutter opined “They were a fresh team, we were a tired team. Simple.” In this compacted season – during a stretch in which L.A. plays 17 games over 30 days – a team that traveled the night before and did not hold a morning skate will be at a greater disadvantage than usual against a physical divisional rival that had a two-day break in the schedule. It wasn’t particularly surprising that the Coyotes had the jump early in this game as they looked to take advantage of the Kings’ road legs on the second night of a back-to-back. “You gotta take advantage of it,” Phoenix Head Coach Dave Tippett told reporters last night. The Kings had a poor performance. The Kings are also 9-3-0 in their last 12 games. Park and ride.
-I received questions on Twitter and the blog last night about the use of Jonathan Quick for the second consecutive game. Though it’s still a very small sample size, when the Kings have started the same goalie on back-to-back nights (Jonathan Bernier vs Nashville and St. Louis on March 4-5; Jonathan Quick vs Calgary and Phoenix on March 11-12), in the second game of the back-to-back that goalie has allowed eight goals on 37 shots. I interpret the choice to start Quick on consecutive nights as this: 1) Darryl Sutter has traditionally banked heavily on one goaltender throughout the year in the belief that in the grand scheme of the season, it will best serve that goaltender and the team when the playoffs arrive. 2) Quick has battled inconsistency this season, and the most effective way of reducing it is for him to play his way out of it. 3) Quick has his name on the Conn Smythe Trophy, and though the team didn’t play on back-to-back nights during last year’s playoff run, he has shown the ability to properly prepare himself to play at an extraordinary high level, even when extensive travel is factored in. I am led to believe there are those on this blog who may challenge that line of thinking, and I’ll thank them in advance for sharing thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
-Over the past two weeks I’ve really been impressed with Mike Richards’ play. He has points in 11 of 15 games, and as Dustin Brown said last night, “Everyone talks about how hot Carts is, and a big part of that is Rick getting him the puck.” With Richards, it’s not always about the points, but his positioning and his awareness through 200 feet of the ice. During a backcheck early in the first period, he was able to position himself in the proper space to hinder the Phoenix defensemen’s ability to advance the puck up the ice while simultaneously extending his stick and his arms to cover the passing lanes. He never touched the puck, yet he created a turnover when the Phoenix player chipped the puck off the boards and into a comfortable position for the L.A. defense to handle it. That play without the puck is an example of Richards being the type of player that helps teams win playoff series. Richards also had a power play goal for a Kings unit that has four goals in its last seven opportunities, spanning three games.
Quick hasn’t been playing well, especially in 1st periods. Time to start Bernier versus San Jose. Give him the San Jose games.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 11:42 am
@cup4kings, i’d be fine with that, hopefully it doesnt backfire
[Reply]
PB FRANK Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 11:52 am
@cup4kings,
THEY ARE A TIRED TEAM. THURSDAY NIGHT SHOULD BE A DIFFERENT STORY. THEY WERE TOO SLOW AGAINST A TEAM THAT THEY USUALLY KEEP UP WITH. hITTING WASN’T THERE EITHER.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
@PB FRANK, QUIT YELLING
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@shiny, He’s trying to wake the bloggers up who are quite obviously too tired to be in peak form….
Hockey and Rocky Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
@shiny, Hahah…I was thinking the EXACT same thing.
Hockey and Rocky Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
@shiny, Hahah…I was thinking the EXACT same thing.
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@PB FRANK, Whoa. Turn that caps lock off, dude. It’s perceived as shouting. Or at least do what I do and ONLY use it to EMPHASIZE certain WORDS.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
@HockeyNerd,
You’re one to talk.
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
@HockeyNerd, I said “perceived as shouting”. If I use all caps (which I don’t do on an ENTIRE post) I am damn well aware that it is perceived as shouting. I do that from time to time for the benefit of certain bloggers that I shall not name who seem to have a great deal of trouble with basic reading comprehension skills.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Blah, Blah, Blah……….zzzzzzzzzzzz…………
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
@HockeyNerd, That was very insightful.
Bradapiller Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
@PB FRANK, I DONT KNOW WHAT WERE YELLING ABOUT!!
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
@PB FRANK, hey, do you do fedex commercials
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:16 pm
@PB FRANK, go to about 38 seconds mark
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@Lake Forest, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOAnoi7NpKI
Neil Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
@PB FRANK, I have trouble hearing(loud Rock Music growing up) and I still could hear Frank !!!!
[Reply]
Naturallawyer Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
@PB FRANK, you sound like announcer Emrick. No need to shout for routine stuff…
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
@PB FRANK, you should have spoken to the team between periods one and two last night
[Reply]
Jim Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
@jet, LOUD NOISES
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
@cup4kings, Quick has been considerably better than the so-called defense, particularly in the last five games or so he’s played. That said, he shouldn’t have started last night, but Bernier would have been shelled too.
[Reply]
freezerflatten Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
@cup4kings, if they were so tired, why didnt they start a rested goalie?
[Reply]
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2013/03/30-thoughts-getzlaf-contract-may-impact-perry.html
Courtesy of Elliotte Friedman, which some of you may have already seen:
“How important is health? The Canucks lead the NHL with 12 players appearing in every game. Second is a tie between the Kings, Bruins and Penguins (11). Those four teams are a combined 58-26-11. (Chicago led that category until last week.) Worst attendance? Five players from Colorado and Buffalo have appeared in all their team’s games. Six for Columbus, Florida and the Rangers. Their combined record is 49-58-19.”
“One more: Chicago and Los Angeles have used the fewest number of players, with 23. Pittsburgh and Montreal are next at 24. Combined: 69-23-9. A ridiculous 11 teams have already dressed 30 or more. The leaders (with 31) are Calgary, Carolina, Florida and New Jersey. Record: 42-41-16. Could be worse. (Thanks to Stan Nieradka for the numbers.)”
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 11:55 am
@Shakes, I fear that’s all about to change.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@Shakes, The NHL has made this season a reality series, the last team standing. At least we have a big team.
[Reply]
Good points all. I really like Richards’ play, but there are times he looks like he’s half dead out there. I don’t understand playing Quick at all, and I am a huge fan of his. None of the goals were his fault really, but that’s when you play your backup, on back to backs!
[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@Hutch, I agree. If you don’t play the back-up goalie on one game of back-to-back games then when do you play him? And on top of that, Bernier could be a starter on most of the teams out there, it’s not like he’s a real bad back-up goalie, he’s actally one of the best.
No reason to start Quick on both nights, especially when Sutter himself said that the schedule will win you some games and lose you some games.
[Reply]
Dooms Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@Hutch, 1st and 5th goal are stoppable and I only say that because Quick did it all last year. He kept the Kings in games with timely stops and just hasn’t been happening this year. He looks like he is trying to hard and not reacting to the play in front of him.
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:59 pm
@Dooms,
I could be wrong but I feel like he has been caught WAY out of position on a lot of goals compared to last season..
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:19 pm
@Hutch, Yup. 100%
[Reply]
JD Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 4:37 pm
@Hutch, I ask again, has quick ever given up a goal, that was his fault. You quick worshipers crack me up…..ALWAYS AN EXCUSE. If it was bernier that got lit up last night, you’d all be crying about it, and claiming quick would have had stopped them all. The reality is quick is very a average goalie right now, and I don’t think he’ll get any better this year , give him some rest, let his back heal. we’re gonna have him 10 more years
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 6:18 pm
@JD, “YOU QUICK WORSHIPERS”
“Personal attacks against other blog commenters, and/or blatant attempts to antagonize other commenters, are not tolerated.”
[Reply]
JD Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 7:08 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, that was a response to @hutch, Do you feel your a quick worshiper???
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
@JD, I read it and recognized it for the repeat offense that it is. You’ve been kind enough to whine about repeat offenses, so it seemed only appropriate to reciprocate.
JD Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, wonder how many goals won’t be quicks fault tomorrow
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
@JD, There’s no way to know until some troll pulls a few mindless comments out of his posterior. I’m sure you’re primed and ready.
JD Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 8:19 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, saw that coming a mile away. If someone dosn’t agree with you, or the majority of the bloggers, they must be a TROLL.
JD Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, the bottom line is quick is not playing well, your endless excuses won’t change that
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 8:24 pm
I’m done. You can stop when you grow up.
I agree with Daryl, they looke tired. Calgary ran them ragged in the last period. Coyotes are mainly fighters- take them out in LA. Give our guys some rest after we beat the Sharks and bury them next week. Move on. It’s not like we won’t win the cup again- relax- we own it.
Cheers!
[Reply]
1) Darryl Sutter has traditionally banked heavily on one goaltender throughout the year in the belief that in the grand scheme of the season, it will best serve that goaltender and the team when the playoffs arrive.
- Except that he hasn’t done that this year.
2) Quick has battled inconsistency this season, and the most effective way of reducing it is for him to play his way out of it.
- How does he play out of inconsistency when he’s been consistent of late?
3) Quick has his name on the Conn Smythe Trophy, and though the team didn’t play on back-to-back nights during last year’s playoff run, he has shown the ability to properly prepare himself to play at an extraordinary high level, even when extensive travel is factored in.
- Except that he hasn’t shown that this year.
It’s certainly easy to jump on a coach after a loss like last night, but I do see a pattern of saying one thing and doing another developing. As a fan, that can get old really, uh, fast shall we say. It’s hardly a huge concern at the moment but that type of decision making is something to keep an eye on as this team gets further into the heavily dense forest of a compact schedule. Stop staring up at the trees coach.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Quick has been consistently inconsistent!
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), we’ll never know what went into his decision but has anyone considered maybe Quick had to convince Sutter to let him play?
And can you give examples of the coach’s pattern developing?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:37 pm
@shiny,
Insisting on riding one goalie, as (1) above alludes to, yet not doing it this year. Says the Kings need to be tough at home, and they have, then says he couldn’t care less. He’s a contrarian to be sure, but it’s pretty ridiculous at times.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), WRT to the hot goalie, didn’t at least one situation present as a b2B therefore he wanted to split them? And wouldn’t playing Quick last night be an indication that he’s riding the “hot” goalie? Or maybe he’s given up on that (he hasn’t said it in a wholw
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), damn it, I need an edit button! My fingers got too far ahead of me (using a smartphone on here isn’t easy). Anyways…
He hasn’t mentioned the hot goalie in a while and just before the Calgary mini-series at home, he.said Quick has to.get his swagger back so maybe he changed his mind.
As far as the home stand thing goes, yeah he’s contradictory there. There’s probably a logic that none of us get because we don’t know him personally and Sutter isn’t a man to explain his meanings to anyone, let alone the media.LOL
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:53 pm
@shiny, That’s the point. He’s all over the place. And it’s not about riding a hot goalie, it’s about sticking with one guy. That’s his mantra. He’s changed it for the ‘hot guy’ philosophy at times but then doesn’t. Regardless, unless Quick has 3 straigh shutouts, you put Bernier in on a B2B. That’s the time to do it, especially this year.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Agree. Probably wouldn’t have mattered in the outcome but at least Bernier would have stayed sharp and Quick gotten some rest.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:21 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I’ll buy that.
JD Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
@shiny, or maybe the kings organization has invested so much in quick, they would look real bad if quick lost his job before his extension even starts. I believe their going to keep running quick out there, no matter how he plays, and pray that he gets it together …… I also think he has a confidence problem right now
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
Or maybe Sutter knows a bit more about NHL hockey than we do.
Naw. that couldn’t be it!
[Reply]
DirtyDog Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 7:08 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Is there any possibility that Quick is battling with any back issues? Coming off of back surgery would seem to have some effect.
[Reply]
Had Quick stood on his head last night and gotten us the win — and it’s not like he’s never single handedly win games for us we had no business winning — everyone would be posting how much of a genius DS was for giving him the back to back starts.
Nothing like some Monday morning quarterbacking on this blog.
I would have used Bernier, Toffoli, AND Richardson last night. But it wouldn’t have mattered. At least 15 players would have had to play both nights in any case. And last night they were way too tired to be at their best. That’s just a fact.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
@HockeyNerd, “Nothing like some Monday morning quarterbacking on this blog.I would have used Bernier, Toffoli, AND Richardson last night”
Hypocritcal (of others) quote of the day.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@Lake Forest, Guilty. But I did say it wouldn’t have mattered.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@HockeyNerd, I know, just giving you a hard time!!!!!!
goldielocks Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@Lake Forest,
If they don’t play or work hard, they don’t play. Marty was benched because he made mistake in the result of lack of hard working or playing. Following this DS’s method, there are some players considered to be less effective, not workingor playing hard enough who should be replaced or damoted at least. I’d nominate King, Fraser, Drewiske based on their poor performances last night. So Toffoli, Richardson, and Martinez seem logical choice to me. I take it as not a panicking move but rational one if it happens. We’ll see.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@goldielocks, Marty was taken out becasue he was beaten one on one. Sutter says, “Noone in the NHL gets beat one on one”. Voynov was beaten to the goal by Doan, and Doan scored. Therefore, voynov will be sitting tomorrow.
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@HockeyNerd, I love the ensuing chaos and panic after a loss. People freak out and the Kings win again and all goes back to normal LOL
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:35 pm
@shiny, There are 2 things that DO have me very concerned and haven’t changed:
1. Injuries to Mitchell and Greene
2. Quick’s play
What people here do need to realize is that there are no easy answers for those. DS and DL are pretty smart guys, if they can’t solve a problem that easily the bloggers won’t either. The bottom line with #1 is Quick isn’t going to regain his form from the bench. The bottom line with #2 is you have to give up something to get something (a defenseman or 2 that are decent replacements).
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
@HockeyNerd,
As great as the young guys on the blue line are playing, there’s no replacing a Willie Mitchell no matter how you slice it. Quick will be fine. I see no reason why he can’t continue his high level of play unless for some reason he doesn’t want to. I think he’s fine physically though, but I’m sure it’s still something he’s recovering from. Part of the natural healing process I’m afraid.
As for the hive mind not knowing more than the GM or coach, generally I agree. However, there are times when the collective really has it right and the GM doesn’t see it. Terry Murray last year is a perfect example. Lombardi finally came around but it was clear to the hive he needed to go for quite some time. Of course, it all worked out better than anyone (including the Kings Borg Mind or the GM) could have ever predicted, so at the end of the day, a lot of this stuff is simply impossible to predict.
Kings x Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
@HockeyNerd, with an improvement in d fence. Ie acquisition of a stay at home d man, quicks play will improve. He also needs to play through the funk he is in.
Biggest priority is addressing defensive needs. Ellerby is not the solution
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
@HockeyNerd,
This ain’t football. I did call a loss prior to last night’s game though.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Only true (ignorant) Kings fans think we are going to win every game. You should be ashamed!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
@Lake Forest, I’ve been wearing a brown bag on my head all day. People threw rocks at me at the toyota sports center. It’s rough.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:22 pm
@HockeyNerd, Monday Morning quaterbacking…unless you came out before the game and said it was a mistake.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Just like you and I did. Ironically, mine was in a comment to @HockeyNerd.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
@CB14, +1
Sometimes Sutter’s honesty is not needed, but in this case it is nice to hear that 3 in 4 w/travel has an impact.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@jet, the players will deny it – and I respect them for that- but it IS a factor in this case. Not only is it B2B but travel was involved and these guys are spent. Flames tried to shove them into the boards on Monday to get the win. It happens. That’s why Kings got taken advantage of- and that’s what was necessary for Coyotes to win.
Park and ride, boys and girls. It’s going to get crazy
[Reply]
congratulations to my Catholic friends, it sounds like this guy has the goods to help the church.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@jet, Does the pope score in the woods?
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), not sure, but anyone who reaches their peak at 76 has my support.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
@jet, Quit Pontifficating!
[Reply]
Park and Rotate !!!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
@Neil, Sit and spin!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), stand and deliver
[Reply]
This is way better than stupid movies or relity shows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC56l1sMPuM&feature=youtu.be
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:13 pm
@goldielocks, love these! Tim’s final words at the end of the video gave me chills.
Is it just me or does DL have shifty eyes? He must be a hell of a poker player LOL
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
@shiny,
No. It’s not just you.
[Reply]
ItsAKingThing Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
@goldielocks, Brought it all back again. Thanks for sharing the link goldielocks. Some insightful stuff.
[Reply]
I’m not even going to do the grading now for last night…..too much time has elapsed.
However I’m surprised with all the bloggers that say change out the line up now that we lost a single game.
Are you kidding me…….
Be very careful how you handle TT. He cannot play a 4th line role. That’s crazy to think he would be matched up against the other teams big physical line.
Do you wnat him injured right away? Really…..think about this choice or suggestion. He needs to play on line one or two, its all about offense for him, you cannot ask him to play on the 3rd line our checking line of other teams top lines, that is not his strength he’s a goal scorer, period.
So who do you take out for TT to replace on the 1st or 2nd line. Right no one right now, even Penner is playing very good right now.
As far as Richardson his days as an NHL player is coming to an end.
He will only be put in if a signifcant injury occurs.
Really sit back and look at what your asking, put TT into the line……where?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
@harty, Taking out Penner or even Williams in one back to back game is reasonable to me. I don’t see DS doing that though.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@HockeyNerd, Or a 3rd or 4th line player could sit, Penner or Williams take his spot and presto! Room for TT.
[Reply]
harty Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@HockeyNerd, this season is very short and in the end every game will matter, so you take out a professional proven NHL player for a top prospect in TT?
Com’on really this is your thinking…….
Wow I cannot believe the hype this kid is drawing, people’s curosity could be easy broken if he comes in the wrong situation and has a terrible time of it. And if we were ever going to trade him, imagine how quickly his stock goes down.
Amazing how some will just throw thier wish list out like Christmas. This is serious our current position in the standings. We have won 8 of our last 11 games and many want changes.
DS/DL don’t change a thing, go back out and win.
Get the kid a chance under only right situation.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
@harty, What is the “right situation”? And why bring him up if he isn’t going to do anything but sit? Again, I’m not suggesting he REPLACE anyone in the lineup. Nobody is asking hom to be a savior for a team that ISN’T Having trouble scoring goals. Using him against a weaker opponent and / or a situation where we have back to backs (or a lage number of games in a short spam of time) is reasonable. You give a player some rest and get to see how he does. He’s going to have to make his debut sometime.
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:21 pm
@harty, I wanna see him in because I’m curious what he could do. He needs a good second line like Carter’s where two people can dish him the puck (or rather, that’s my speculation based on what he was able to achieve in Manchester) but as you indicated, there’s not really any space for him in the top 6.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Richardson on the 4th line but he’s not a goal scorer naturally, more.of a grinder type. But hey, I’m not the coach so my opinion doesn’t mean anything
[Reply]
harty Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
@shiny, unfortunately shiny your curiosity isn’t going to get him into a game…..its only under the right situation will TT play.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:46 pm
@harty, How is anybody supposed to know how he does unless and until we put him in the lineup to see how he does? I agree with you, our #1 goal (for that matter #2 thru #10 goals) is to MAKE the playoffs. We have a brutal schedule with lots of games in a short period of time. Players will NEED to rest. THAT’S why you put him in the lineup. That’s just my opinion of course, DS may think differently and he knows than I do obviously.
Mars Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:47 pm
@harty, Agree, and also glad he didnt play against phx.
I believe he would have just been a target.
Though they were too busy chaing after Brown.
Brown had a pretty good game, Kopie too, they had some good looks. Bounces just didnt go our way.
I cannot see how he is going to crack the lineup at all.
I think it was an incase MR was hurt. Well so much for that.
Now its just a wait and watch for him.
[Reply]
@PA, agreed. There will never be any way to replace those 2 guys. They’re invaluable to this organization not only for their skill and experience, but there’s a lot of little things, too. With Greener, it’s his leadership that’s sorely missed. His ability to make.decisions with the puck or a one-on-one situation is huge to the Kings’ defense, especially in PK.
But, there’s also personality things http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtj7MwrjUbI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I think that his sense of humor is probably the most missed thing on the team. The video is.a.good.example
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:05 pm
@shiny, damn, that was a response to Paul A. And Hockey Nerd above.
Please, JR, we need an edit button!! Paul has one on his site….
[Reply]
Here comes suspention for Perry.
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=219545&lang=en&cmpid=nhl-twt
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
@goldielocks, I would hope so. Not just cause I hate the guy, but that was a dirty hit.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:14 pm
@Lake Forest, I don’t think he was trying to be dirty. I think it was just a really poorly timed hit
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
@shiny, a blind side hit with shoulder to head is a cheap shot. any nhl player could open up their shoulders with the given time frame. he was going for maximum damage, and I love hitting as much as the next guy.
jet Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
@goldielocks, looks just like the hit Malkin put on Simmonds, I forgot, penguins don’t suspend.
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Mars Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
@jet, Yup and yup.
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fsd1 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:31 pm
@goldielocks, says 4 game suspension
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Mars Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
@goldielocks,
Jumped (Left both feet) to target the head.
Wild guy was going from crouched to standing.
That was a deliberate headshot.
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Let’s all just remember this is a team sport and there was not one person responsible for last nights loss. I, too, would have thought Bernier would have been in net but some people are making it seem like Quick was the reason for the loss by how much focus they are putting on it. In my opinion, we still would have lost the game with Bernier in net. The first 3 goals were solid goals and the team, as a whole, did not come to play. Period.
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jet Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:25 pm
@LT21, Our defence was mentally spent. While DS thinks Scuds play was the worse, I believe VV getting beat from the corner to the blue by a 235 pounder is a joke. Then, there is Ellerby’s present for Torres. How about DD hitting nothing but belly button from 18 feet straight out. We lost becasue the D was not mentally sharp. Sutter calls out Scuds to provide cover for the new5, but it was across the board. I did not see Marty turn the puck over last night.
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fsd1 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
@jet, marty didnt play
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LT21 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@fsd1, I think that was the point.
Michael J. Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
@jet,
Yup, that belly blaster was the Kings’ best chance to sneak out with a point.
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No line up changes needed DS, just kick the dam garbage can and tell these guys to bring it all 60!! This mailing it in for 2 periods and then waking up right before the 3rd period after we are already behind is not going to cut it this year…
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Mars Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@King Cobra, yup. Agree. Especially with the lock the garbage can.
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@Everyone, I think we all agree whatever 2 of DD2, Ellerby and Muzzin you pick they are not Greene and Mitchell. If you were DL who would you be willing to give up to get someone better? Or do you just wait it out and hope one or both come back or we can make due with what we have? I’d really like everyone’s opinion.
And another question: if you’re DS what do you do about the goaltending? How often do you play each and at what point if any do you consider making Bernier a #1?
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@HockeyNerd, we are 4th in the standings right? You know what, we had a couple of bad games, which is expected. No trade needed. Though I guess that is said with hope that we get those guys back before play offs. If we are talking about whether this team can play play off hockey I am hesitant to think we can at this point.
Too much hype in reference to #1 and #2. Whoever is playing better that’s who I play. Quick earned his contract 5 fold, we shouldnt expect the amazing thing year after year. Bernier is not playing bad. Switch it up a little.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@Lake Forest, OK. Maybe I shouldn’t even be THINKING this but lets suppose Quick just never gets back into form and Bernier ends up playing more and more games.
Now the playoffs come.
Bernier or Quick?
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LT21 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@HockeyNerd, Oh gosh like there isn’t enough opinions about goalies on this blog already that we need to re-open that can of worms? My vote is Quick remains #1 and is our long-term goalie. Bernier should get more looks though this season and should be playing one of the games in a back-to-back. Quick needs more dedicated practice time to get back up to his “Quick-ness”. He went from surgery, to rehab, to the season. No real practice on his craft. I have confidence that this off season will be much better for him and by next season he will be the Quick we all remember. This is all just my opinion.
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harty Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:46 pm
@LT21, trade Bernier and be done with it as I’m sure both JQ and JB are sick of the situation also…….
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xeropoint Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
@HockeyNerd, I don’t think anything major needs to be done. Obviously, anytime you have a chance to improve your roster, you do it. Just not “at all costs” or to just try and “win now”. At best, I think we will be looking at a rental; most likely a veteran stay-at-home on an expiring deal. IMHO, Muzzin would be the best moveable asset, as far as roster players are concerned (sell high!).
Quick and Bernier are both good tenders. I don’t have an issue with either of them in net. I think it’s more about the blueline at this point.
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@HockeyNerd, If Quick plays badly or Bernier plays well everyone posts Bernier should be #1. When Quick plays a good game that talk stops. It may be unsuccessful of me but the idea here is for everyone to think this through calmly and rationally and get an opinion based on that, not emotional irrational nonsense that comes from an uncharacteristic poor performance by either of them.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
@HockeyNerd, Of course for at least 3 bloggers I know of including one who posted that Quick gave up PLENTY of bad goals in the STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS there really WAS no point in asking the question….
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LT21 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
@HockeyNerd, Oh good old phil. That was just laughable.
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shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
@HockeyNerd, you and your silly rationality. Why do you have to go and be all logical like that?
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LT21 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@HockeyNerd, That’s just not going to happen here. Especially after a loss. People panic and start to place blame.
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shiny Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
@LT21, it’s honestly a natural thing to do. Not saying we SHOULD do it,only that it’s natural to do it
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LT21 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
@shiny, Totally agree. It’s human nature
Lake Forest Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
@HockeyNerd, one of the worst things TM did was pull quick after 3 consecutive shut outs.
JB played for the second time in a row against nashville, which wasnt a back to back.
Play the hot goalie. if the “#1″ isn’t playing well, then play #2. if #2 isnt playing well, put in #1.
It’s not rocket science. I think JQ and JB are great goalies. I think JQ is the better goalie, but I also think JB needs to be in net because JQ isnt playing well.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
@HockeyPhone, Now working on the possibility that either or both will not be ready by crunch time this season, you either hope that a steady probable ‘rental’ pops up at trade deadline time or you take the gargantuan risk that the young corps can come along in time to make a stand in the playoffs, then after the season, depending on the progress of 2 & 33, you look to beef up then.
Personally, as much as I appreciate the amazing development of all of the young newts who have been thrown in at the deep end of the, errr moat, I would have reservations about telling you we are solid and experienced enough on the backend to go into a gritty, desperate, crashbang, 7 game series against___________ [name your favorite opponent].
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Duncanz Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
* @HockeyPhone, That should have been in reply to your post above this, sorry.
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This blog is crazy and I love it
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LT21 Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 2:19 pm
@shiny, It’s a slightly dysfunctional family… but what family isn’t?
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Neil Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 2:47 pm
@LT21, Addam Fam ???
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Duncanz Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 2:54 pm
@shinny, I blog to differ …
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Quick’s been giving up more on rebounds than Kim Kardashian. I wouldn’t be surprised if Quick is going to have Kanye West’s baby too.
In previous years I was always nervous when Quick played the puck, now it’s about anytime there is a shot. So now, not only are puck handling and soft goals a problem but rebounds are too. It does seem to me that the new defense is doing a better job of clearing rebounds – that they are figuring out playing with Quick = must clear rebounds.
I’m not a goalie analyst but if something is wrong with Quick as has been speculated then he isn’t going to play his way out of that. Maybe the speculation is just that and Quick will get it worked out.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
@MmmmYummy, Just HAD to spout that nonsense again. Teams ALWAYS have to keep the slot clear and clear rebounds–not just when the backup goaltender is in the net.
The big inconsistency is with the defensive play, and we saw them do it to Bernier, too, though they’re usually more responsible in front of the backup.
As for the first period last night, it would have been 6-0 in the first period if Quick hadn’t been on his game. How long is a goaltender supposed to play lights out when the rest of the team is wandering around like they’re carrying cocktails in their hands? It’s not like Quick was perfect–in fact, the goal that spoiled his SHUTOUT the night before was as much his fault as anyones, as it went five-hole even though he didn’t have to change position on it. He stumbled out of the gate, but he HAS gotten it worked out. Now the team in front of him has to do THEIR part.
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Duncanz Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I have a question that crosses my mind whenever it’s asserted that the Kings defense plays irresponsibly (my word – semantical) in front of Quick.
Just why would they do this??
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
@Duncanz, That’s a fair question. They feel likely more comfortable in front of the starter than they do the backup, so they’re less likely to be as concerned about it. That said, they’ve lapsed really badly a couple games in front of him, too. Look at the games when one got pulled and the other went in–they were both taking pretty wicked shots, and let some (one, in one case) in.
MmmmYummy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Not sure if it matters, but I think my point was that teams need to play different in front of different goalies to maximize their chances of success/wins. Some goalies are better at certain things than others. Quick is known for being superb down low for instance. JB has looked impressive with rebounds.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 6:28 pm
@MmmmYummy, Yes and no.
Bernier has looked better with the rebounds than at other times. Bernier’s real talent is always being in the right position, which makes it look like he hardly ever even moves. His weaknesses are in close-up traffic and in particular, between/under the pads.
With Quick, his athleticism and ability to cover the ice surface in front of his net are huge. He handles close-up traffic very well, and has been known to gamble competently with the poke check. He challenges shooters outstandingly 1-on-1. His weakness is above his shoulders at an angle, and wondering from the net and/or playing the puck. Occasionally, he’ll find himself out of position on a long shot where he cannot see the puck released, where a goaltender who relies more on positioning may make the save by default.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Both have struggled this season, and both are improving, both ahead of the improvements in defense, which have been, combined, good enough to beat teams that are probably not playoff teams, but not good enough to beat teams that are likely to win their divisions or challenge for them. This is especially apparent, as Sutter has pointed out, on the road, where he has less opportunity to protect the younger defensemen from being victimized because he doesn’t get the last change on the road.
YoBro Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
@MmmmYummy, OK Ken, I understand that you defend JQ at the drop of a puck, but to consistently throw the D corps under the bus ain’t cool. JQ has NOT been sharp yet this season. Period. It may be hard for you to believe that the goalie who HELPED bring The Cup home isn’t up to snuff, but it’s true. In his last 5 games, there’ve been three 5-2 losses- Van, Dal, Pho. Lately it seems as if ANY grade A scoring chance is in the net. Our goalie has GOT TO make a tough save now & again. I can’t recall one game this yr where Quick’s play was a determining factor in a win. He’s just been there, and his #’s bear that out.
Shockingly, I noticed on the last 2 games’ telecasts, when they show the starting goalie and their season stats, they’d show Quick’s # of starts, W-L record, and GAA. No longer have they shown the save %.! Why? They always have before. Is it a case of the Emperor has no clothes?
Now I ain’t saying that Bernier’s the cat’s pajamas or nothin’, but the dude hasn’t lost a start yet this year(thanks to the furious comeback vs STL) and this team NEEDS wins. And I am growing tired of Quick’s collection of defense lawyers blaming everything under the sun but their clients own shortcomings.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 11:27 pm
@YoBro,
I’m not calling out anyone in specific (actually, I did acknowledge in another thread that Scuds is not quite playing as he has.) So I’m not throwing anyone under the bus. Generally teams lose as teams, unless someone just totally brain-farts a whole game, which is something Quick did a couple times early. So, I reject “to consistently throw the D corps under the bus ain’t cool.” What they aren’t is Willie Mitchell. Who is?
According to people who know a lot more than both of us, Quick has, indeed played some sharp games this season. I reject the idea that I’m hallucinating just because we disagree. You’ll see that when it comes to Quick and disagreements between me and others here, it’s when someone calls out Quick as the reason the game was lost, or some other hyperbole. I respond very quickly to hyperbole, because it shows willful ignorance of the complexity of any situation. The fact is, when a goaltender cannot see the puck come off the stick, that goaltender cannot stop the puck unless he’s already in perfect position. Neither goaltender is getting an opportunity to see the puck consistently with this very young defensive corps. That doesn’t mean they’re stupid, or lack talent. It means they’re not where Mitchell and Greene are.
WRT seeing the puck, there’s another issue that hasn’t been addressed. Bernier relies on positioning more than Quick, which means he’s going to perform better when he can’t see the puck (it’ll bounce off a goaltender that’s in position, even if he doesn’t see it.) Maybe Bernier should start for that reason–at least it’s reasoning, rather than “Quick sucks right now,” which is both false and unhelpful.
BTW, I’ve said repeatedly, he’s not where he was in the playoffs. Who is?
If you can’t recall him being a factor in a win, look at the games at the end of February again. Repeated 96% save percentages sound like a factor to me. I haven’t noticed any missing save percentages on the TV graphics. I always keep the last game on my DVR to review assertions such as this, and you’re right, there were no save percentages listed for Quick or Smith, though they indicated Quick had stopped 22 of 24 the night before, and incidentally when I was looking at that, I heard Jim Fox say that Sutter says Quick has been sharp lately (before the last game.) During the first period, there were repeated references to how “sharp” he looked, and how many great saves he was making. So, I’d suggest you disagree with people who know more about it than both of us do.
Maybe Jon Rosen can ask for you why the Fox Sports crew is conspiring to hide Jon Quick’s numbers.
Bernier has lost a start and has been shelled twice. Those were the two games each of them got pulled in.
If you’re getting tired of Quick’s “defense lawyers” (see the TOS) maybe you should stop reading this blog and its comments. I, for one, have repeatedly indicated that Quick isn’t what he was in the playoffs, but he’s not the sole problem (or even the first problem) in any of this team’s losses, at least since the first ten games of the season.
I’m sorry if you disagree with my opinion. You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to agree with it. You don’t have to be nasty about it.
YoBro Reply:
March 14th, 2013 at 5:10 pm
@MmmmYummy, @WTFK Easy there fella, I don’t believe I’m being nasty, solely because I point out things you refuse to acknowledge or aren’t aware of. I do not believe that I know more than any other fan, and will admit to knowing considerably less than a great many on this blog, however, I am a HUGE Kings fan, and have been since ’82, so that, I believe, entitles me to voice my opinion here, regardless if you disagree with me.
That and the relief loss against the Sucks are the only blemishes on him thus far. He has been winning, for whatever reason, and that is good for the Kings and pleases me.
I do not intend to abide by your ludicrous suggestion that I stop participating here at LAKings Insider. It’s not YOUR blog.
Fact: JQ has not played well yet this season, and I, for one, am not inclined to give him a pass. Perhaps he’s still injured, has personal issues,lost his focus, or whatever. I am a Kings fan first & foremost and just want to see us win.
Fact: Bernier HAS NOT lost a start yet this year. After he was pulled against STL, the Kings rallied for a tremendous win.
I’m not sure if DS has been pleased with JQ’s performance of late, as I said, three 5-2 losses, with several questionable goals allowed. We all know that DS rides his goalies HARD- (see Kipper & Nabby) but he wouldn’t be throwing Bernier out there if he was brimming with confidence in Quick. He, like me, has winning as his 1st priority, so maybe he’s scratching his head more than you and I combined.
Bottom line, I do disagree with your opinion, I neither like nor dislike it, but will defend to the death your right to it. If lively debate is disconcerting to you, then I’m sorry. Would you have us all agree on all points, all the time?? Boring.
Go Kings
Duncanz Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
@MmmmYummy, It’s an inarguable fact that there are more rebounds this season – and not in JB’s games.
That fact and the number of less than Grade ‘A’ goals going in is obviously the result of a reduction in sharpness.
He’s just not picking up the flight of the puck like he was last season.
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BluLiner Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
@Duncanz, Who wrote this, I don’t recognize this person.
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Lets worry about solidifying a playoff position first. It is to tight in the west. We need to play the guys that give us the biggest chance to win now.
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