Over the span of 14 days, a “three-two league” has become a four-three league. As inconsistent as some of the team’s defensive returns have been, the offensive results at the end of the spectrum have been impressive by a greater degree.
In the month of March, the Kings and their opponents have combined for 56 goals in eight games. Los Angeles has outscored its opponents 29-27 over that span.
The power play has catalyzed the offense over the last 10 outings, a stretch in which the man advantage has averaged one goal per game as part of a 10-for-32 stretch since the 5-2 win over Anaheim.
I spoke with Justin Williams today about the team’s offense and the impressive power play output that didn’t show any signs of abating in Thursday night’s loss to San Jose. Williams has nine points – including three multi-point efforts – in eight games this month.
Justin Williams, on the power play chemistry:
“I think we’ve felt each other pretty well on the ice. We know where our outs are, and we’re talking a lot under pressure and turning a lot of pucks over and keeping a lot of pucks in the zone because we’re not letting them have any easy clears. I think Muzz and Slava have done a great job on the back end creating shots and being deceptive, and in turn, things are working. You need to keep at it. You can’t just say ‘Well, power play’s going good, forget about it.’ We’ve got to stick with it.”
Williams, on any constitutional differences between the two power play units:
“I mean, there’s different personnel. We’ve got a couple of different breakouts for each group, too. But for the most part, there’s no secret. It’s a good power play. It’s shots, traffic, puck pursuit and puck recovery. We’re doing those things well. At the same time, we can’t simply rely on our power play and say, ‘Well, you know, our power play will get us one.’ We need to keep at her five-on-five and be more successful in that aspect.”
Williams, on whether Dustin Brown’s game Thursday was his best performance of the season:
“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Brownie that. But as a line, we’re a lot better when we’re not thinking out there, when we’re just reacting. We’re instinctual players, and when we’re acting on that instinct and not thinking so much, that’s when we’re successful. We’re a line that moves and thrives off of having the puck, and we’ve had it lately.”
Despite this surge, the top priority of this team is to reduce the amount of goals it allows. As Brown said after last night’s game, “At the end of the day, our goals against has got to come down. You look at why we were successful last year – we weren’t scoring a lot of goals, but we were winning games one-nothing and two-one. We’ve got to really tighten up our D-zone.”
On the bright side, their PP is working. On the down side, their PK stinks. Why is it that the Kings seem to trade one for the other??
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@shiny, We actually have 1 stay at home guy, a young big guy in Ellerby that probably isn’t sure if he is a stay at home or Offensive Dman. Then 4 young Offensive puck movers that still have some weaknesses in their games. DD2 who hasn’t quite developed as a hybrid type since he has had so few games. Things should change drastically when we get either Mitchell or Greene back, and if we get both back watch out NHL we are favorites to go Back to Back Cup Championships.
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:10 pm
@luc20rules, Yes he’s a stay at home but not very good at it thus far.
[Reply]
Kings20 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 10:37 am
@rogiesbackup, not agree with you. Ellerby actually not that bad. Out f all D that we have he is always plus or even. Don’t understand why some people don’t like him that much. Maybe because he did not play good in Florida. He was never given a chance to play there. Every week he was either in the minors or back with NHL. With the every day job with the same team he is been more than I expected.
Yeah, It’s all about the D. Greener and Mitchel are missed. Our offense will probably go down with those two in the lineup but not as much as our goals against will go down.
A lot of heat on DD but he’s playing a different game this year. He’s been doing a good job. Sometimes his breakouts passes are lazily off, and he can’t quickly hit the net, or doesn’t want to but I’m happy with Doughty.
[Reply]
Anyone going to the game tomorrow?
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:47 pm
@Lake Forest, Meee. You?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
@Lake Forest,
Yep section 114. It would be great yo meet up before the game at the Gretzky.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
@DesertKing, What time will you be there? I’d like to meet you…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
@shiny,
We are thinking about 5:30 at the Gretzky
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:40 pm
@DesertKing, Damn that’s early. I wasn’t planning on getting there til maybe 6:30 or 7 since the game doesn’t start til 7:30
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:52 pm
@shiny,
We like to be there early and watch warm-ups. Might even make a sign a take it down to the San Josuck warm ups. We could meet up after the game too which is always good.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:09 pm
@DesertKing, hm very possible to meet after the game. I was thinking of making a sign but I’m incredibly lazy… Maybe I’ll do it anyways
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:12 pm
@shiny,
Clowe = cheater, liar hypocrite, loser
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
@DesertKing, haha I like it. But I was thinking of something more classy and simple like Kings rule. I’ve taken my dad to a few games and he gets on me for being an obnoxious fan so I’m trying to be less obnoxious.
(By obnoxious, I stand a lot, I scream loudly for my team, I chant loudly that the opposing team sucks – especially the Red Wings – even when the chant is not prompted and I’m always cheering things, “Lewey, Lewey, Lewey” or “Go Kinger” or “COME ON, DOUGHTY!” or some nonsense as that. But I’m very loud lol. And obnoxious)
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:58 pm
@Lake Forest, I’m going.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@Lake Forest, I have friends that are going. I may just invite myself. Seeing how cheap tickets go. We will see.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:13 pm
@Lake Forest, I may have an extra ticket. I have one person I’m waiting on but if I don’t hear by noon tomorrow, give my your email and you can sit with me. But watch out, I’m a psycho
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
@Lake Forest, and just FYI, the last sharks game I went to we were up by 4 and then lost…..
I blame it more on TM never taking a time out, he should of during that play off game
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:40 pm
@Lake Forest,
The playoof game 3to years ago? One of the worst days of my life.
[Reply]
OT: But Bryz actually looking like a solid goaltender in net. And he managed to keep his team in the game. I’m shocked because he’s normally a space case LOL
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:50 pm
@shiny,
Bryz strikes back!
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:00 pm
@goldielocks,
And Lokti goes down …
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
@goldielocks, What happened to Lokti?
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:48 pm
@goldielocks,
He tweaked something and left the game.
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:54 pm
@goldielocks, His shoulder again?
Lots of talk about the Kings trading for Inginla. Bernier seems a little steep of a price for a rental though. I would think a defenseman would be more of a need.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:08 pm
@Osaka, http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/los-angeles-kings-really-jarome-iginla-201840862–nhl.html
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:16 pm
@Osaka, I would LOVE to have Iginla here. He’d look very good with Richards or Kopitar and might be the spark plug that gets this team going a little more. We can always use another scorer of his talents, even at 35, and don’t forget just because he’s a forward doesn’t mean he wouldn’t help defensively.
But if they want Bernier that price is just too high.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:28 pm
@HockeyNerd, I would love to have Iginla (I wanted Doan last summer) but Bernier is a steep price. LA would have to have permission to negotiate an extension prior to a trade. Is that legal?
It is nice to hear the East Coast press refer to Bernier as a future franchise goalie though.
[Reply]
JD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:27 pm
@Osaka, no way you give up Bernier to rent an old nan for 5 weeks, even if that old man is Iginla
tornado12 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
@Osaka, why would the kings need another forward, why would the kings trade a RFA goaltender who is playimg better than your #1, our PP doesnt need help, we need at home dman…nothing makes sense with that trade…i think the rumor was started by calgary zealots because sure makes sense for them…
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
@tornado12, But LA did go after Doan last summer after resigning Penner and Stoll. If Dean REALLY likes a player need isn’t the number one issue. He would move a forward or two for a Dman to make room. But how can you do all that for a rental? Doesn’t make much sense unless Penner is the forward moved. He also will be an UFA.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
@Osaka, I would love to have Iginla on the kings but def not for bernier. Iginla on the second line would be awsome. You have to give to get and I don’t think the kings should waste assets on what’s not needed. The reason DL went after Doan is because he was an UFA and wouldn’t have cost assets!
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:31 pm
@Osaka, Agreed.
JCarson17 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:25 pm
@Osaka, Maybe we can throw Stoll and Pancakes in the mix!!??? No Bernier.. Kipper remains their #1 for a while. But honestly don’t see the trade happening. A Dman is a bigger need.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
@JCarson17, If Calgary trades Jerome they do a rebuild. They don’t want Stoll and another UFA in Penner. Must give up young players, prospects, or draft picks.
[Reply]
JCarson17 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
@Osaka, I know it was more of a joke..I really hope we retain our draft picks this year. In such a deep draft. People are saying as deep as 2003.
number 6 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
@JCarson17,
Doesn’t do the Kings much good as they don’t have a first so they’d best do a damn good job of scouting.
If the Flyers make the playoffs (highly questionable at this point) then the Kings have three 3rd rd picks. The more they can get the more chance of doing a package and moving up. Either that or they’re able to trade Bernier. But quite frankly not sure who really needs goaltending right now other than perhaps Tampa Bay though the goalie they acquired doesn’t seem to be a problem.
St. Louis could maybe use a better more consistent goalie if Halak doesn’t work out but they made that big trade to get him from the Habs. Who else? Can’t think of anyone. Lots of good goalies in the league at this point. Maybe, maybe Toronto but this new guy (Ben someone?) seems to be doing alright.
[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:01 pm
@number 6,
and imo the Kings could do worse than to try and get Bernier signed for another two years. I’m not super trusting of what we’re seeing from Quick at the moment. Hopefully he gets it sorted asap, but if he doesn’t then could be a problem to say the least based on a 10 year contract.
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:04 pm
@number 6, I agree, I would love to resign Bernier. The problem is Bernier wants to be a starter and has let it be known. I don’t see him resigning in LA.
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:15 pm
@JCarson17, #1 pick is already packaged to Columbus for the Carter Trade. They opted to not take pick #30 last year probably because we could only do the same or worse this year. You know as the Stanley Cup Champions we got the last pick of the 1st Round Tanner Pearson.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:47 pm
@Osaka,
Considering the recent history of the Kings bringing veteran forwards (Gagne, Smith) did not really work out, I’m not sure If DL still wants him. He was before for sure though.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
@goldielocks, What didn’t work? We got a couple good years out of Smyth and won the cup with Gagne. Gagne didn’t do anything to help us win it but its hard to argue it was a failure when you win the cup. At least we can say it didn’t hurt the team. Besides, what did anyone ever expect from Gagne? He was a depth player at the time, a temporary plug.
Jerome is in a whole different level from those players though. If the price was right, I believe DL would add him is a second.
[Reply]
crashin'da net Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
@Osaka, Nolan, Stoll, and a pick. Iginla’ hunger for a cup would bring the teams efforts to a whole nuther level.
Gustavo Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:12 pm
@Osaka,
We want the Cup with Gagne????
What did Gagne do to contribute to said Cup?…NOTHING!
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:29 pm
@Osaka, Correct. But his name is on the cup, it didn’t hurt.
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:17 pm
@Osaka, Gagne was a UFA so in reality it cost money, but yielded a 3rd round draft pick.
rogiesbackup Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:02 pm
@Osaka, Umm Gagne was HUGE for us in the beginning of the 2012 season when he was scoring a goal every other game. Those early games DID make a difference especially when we just eeked into the playoff that same season.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
@Osaka, You guys should see Paul’s take on it. He scoffs the idea of bringing in a “waning winger.”
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/the-iginla-to-kings-rumor-that-wont-die/
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
@shiny, I don’t think the rumor is crazy. DL chased after Doan last summer right? That was after Penner and Stoll were resigned. How old is waning Doan?
Gagne was not a quality winger. What did we get for him? Two first?
Kipper is a tad older than Quick.
Calgary may cash in and go with the youth rebuild.
This move doesn’t address the need for a dman, but frees up a forward or two that could be used to address the need for a dman.
I would not like to give up Bernier for a rental, but the idea that DL would acquire Jerome is not ridiculous. That is what concerns me. He is the exactly the character guy DL WOULD go after.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
@Osaka, Maybe, maybe not. I mean, there were rumblings last year that with several free agents on the market, Dean Lombardi offered them generous contracts (like Parise, Suter’s name was thrown around, Doan as you said) but I don’t know how heavily he actually pursued any of them.
With the depth we have in Manch right now and with Toffoli being NHL ready, I don’t think we really need Iginla. I agree with Paul that giving up Bernier for a rental like Iginla would probably be too high of a price to pay and we certainly don’t want to give up any of our draft picks, which is probably what Feaster would want in return for Iginla.
Bernier deserves to be #1 and I can’t see him going to yet another place where he has to compete with the #1 as a backup
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:05 pm
@Osaka, Agree it is too high of a price to pay. Agree we may not need Jerome. The rumor is not crazy and Dean would take Jerome if the price was right. IMO
Kipper is 36 with one more year on his contract. Looks like a perfect place right?
Kings x Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:55 pm
@Osaka, fact is that DL is not going to make any major moves. Add some depth and that is about it. We are playing well enough to make the playoffs. What is known to everyone is our defensive problem. DL went the cheap way ie a guy not getting ice time who was a former high draft in ellerby thinking a new system and town would allow him to prosper. This is the same type of low cost, low gamble as signing a handzus who had low value after a busted up knee. Expect more is anything of the same from DL at the deadline. Greene or mitchell may very well come back in 4 weeks or playoff time.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 2:14 am
@Kings x, Expect more of the same from DL? Like trading for Carter at the deadline? Like trading for Penner at the deadline? I think his reputation is now of a GM willing to pull the trigger on a big deal if he feels like it is the right player. Mike Richards was not a deadline deal, but a big trade nonetheless.
I don’t think he will trade for Jerome, but it is not a fact he won’t make a major deal. If he were to go for a rental though, I see a guy like Robyn Regehr on Buffalo who will be a UFA with a target on his back. When Mitchell and Greene come back is irrelevant at this point. They missed to much hockey to be counted on down the stretch.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 2:42 am
@Osaka, agree ……… with everything u just said right there …. everything
Kings20 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 10:40 am
@Osaka, hope will never happen
[Reply]
question: Since Mitchell was injured during the lockout, are we paying his salary and taking a cap hit for him? What about next year?
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
@OCKingGirl, As far as I know, he had surgery in the off season. He’s an inactive player but I don’t know about his cap hit
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
@OCKingGirl, We pay him and his cap hits counts. If he had surgery before the lockout he was paid during the lockout. Can’t lock out an injured player.
Quick was receiving paychecks the whole time.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
@Osaka, I thought none of the players got paid during the lockout, which was a big incentive for many of them to go play in Europe
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:00 pm
@shiny, Correct, except if they were injured. NHL can’t lockout injured players. JQ was receiving his paycheck.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
@Osaka, Ah that’s what you were saying. Sorry, I was confused. Thanks!
OCKingGirl Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
@Osaka, Thank you.
[Reply]
For Bernier we need a serviceable veteran back-up goalie and some draft picks. And some pucks. And stick tape. And zamboni wheel oil. And an NFL football team. And a hot tub. And the girl in 4E.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:33 pm
@DesertKing, She’d better be very hot if we’re going to be saddled with her
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:16 pm
@DesertKing,
D. Roloson if Bernier leaves.
But I hope DL does not offer more than 3rd round pick for Jerome ‘UFA Rental’ Iginla.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:40 pm
@DesertKing, If I can have the girl in 4E i’ll BUY the rest of it, no problem!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
@HockeyNerd,
[Reply]
Ok, Calgary goes into rebuild mode. We send them Bernier, Toffoli and Penner. They get a young goalie, young forward and a salary dump allowing them to go for another free agent. They send us Kiprusoff and Iginla and a draft pick. We get a veteran back up goalie, we get Iginla to replace Penner on the second line and a little love for the future. Kiprusoff and Iginla both get a chance to win the Cup and we hold onto them for a couple more years until Vey and couple other Mancerians are ready to step in. Of course, then we have to hope that Mitchell and Greene can come back at their former levels of play.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:51 pm
@DesertKing, I don’t think Calgary is going to want to part with their goalie and why would we give up a young prospect who’s NHL ready that we could actually use on our team right now? And why would we get a seasoned #1 to play with us long term? As a rental, sure, but I can’t see it happening past this season
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
@shiny,
I didn’t think it was a good idea, but I’ve seen GM’s make a lot of deals like that which I didn’t think were good ideas either.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:07 pm
@DesertKing, But don’t we have a relatively smart GM? He traded JMFJ to bring up a promising rookie (who is panning out very well in sophomore season, BTW) and get a natural goal scorer to help the team’s offensive woes. He had a 5 year plan that only took 3 years.
Ok, so he’s smart. Let’s just hope he doesn’t make any dumb moves because we may not repeat this season. He’s not one to panic but sometimes it’s awfully tempting to make a big deal when your team is down (although we’re still tied for 5th)
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
@shiny, If Calgary would trade Jerome why wouldn’t they trade Kipper? That is what a rebuild is. Kipper is 36 years old with one more year left on his contract, it makes a lot of sense for them to move him. He is worth more now than he will be next year. Why not get something for him?
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
@Osaka, He’s their star goalie. They pick up their confidence when he plays in net (kinda like our guys with Bernier, except reverse cuz Kipper is a starter). Despite losing 3 games to none to the Kings (c’mon, reigning Champs, of course we’re going to destroy them), they’re actually battling their way back into a playoff spot because of their goalie. It’s highly unlikely, at least IMO, that they’d trade their star goalie now – not when the team is on the verge of a playoff spot. Without Kipper, they don’t make it to playoffs (even with him, at best they’re a bubble team because of the shortened season).
Sutter said that last time Kipper took 2 months off, he led his team to the SCF. So that tells you something about the type of player he is and how valuable he could be to his organization.
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:28 pm
@Osaka, If they trade Jerome they don’t make the playoffs. If they trade Jerome they are doing a rebuild, all veterans will be gone. Yes, they will lose lots of games. That is what a rebuild means.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:31 pm
@Osaka, So now the question is, does Jay Feaster want a shot at the playoffs or does he want to rebuild? Guess we’ll see
neil Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:52 pm
@DesertKing, you don’t trade toffilo..you are not going all in for this season..and with the salary cap toffoli is perfect for the budget
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:59 pm
@neil, Once Penner leaves, we can move someone else over to LW (not sure who, but Lewey is playing dynamite on LW… Of course he’s on the third line. Hmm…), Toffoli can play RW or LW if he’s talented enough to play on his off wing and he’ll fit perfectly under the cap since his cap hit will be well below a mill.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
@DesertKing,
Mancerians? Too much Star Trek!
You mean Mancunians. Right?
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:04 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, I thought he meant Manchurians but then I started thinking about Manchurian candidate and my ADD kicked in and – oh look, something shiny!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:07 pm
@kissmyblarneystones,
Dammit Jim! Those are Mancherians, not “mancerians”! How on God’s green earth did you ever became a starship captain and GM of a NHL team. Before you know it, you and that pointy eared slovenian will expect me to start working on Ducks. Dammit Jim, I’m a docotr, not a veterinarian!
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:13 pm
@DesertKing,
Please pick up the white courtesy phone.
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:29 pm
@KMBS
Dammit KMBS! I’m a blogger, not a telephone operator!
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
@DesertKing,
I gots your 6 brother.
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:08 pm
@DesertKing, It would be great except, Inginla will be an UFA this summer. If there was a way to sign him to an extension before a trade I would do it.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:21 pm
@DesertKing,
NO way, Jose!
Iginla is nothing more than an UFA rental. Unless they (Calgary) does a sign and trade deal to our most convenient specs, he is not worth more that a mid level pick in 2015 or a conditional mid level pic in 2013 or 2014.
At this point, Bernier is worth a lot more than Iginla.
As for Kipper, he is recovering from a knee injury and there is not telling the extent of it or whether they brought him back to soon.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:22 pm
@Gustavo,
+1
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:25 pm
@Gustavo, Don’t discount Kipper. He’s keeping his team’s hopes alive for a playoff spot and we’ve all seen what a determined 8th seed can do in front an even more determined goalie
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
@shiny,
The same was said of Moreau and Hunter last season.
I discount Kipper because of his most recent injury. It scares me. He’s no spring chicken, either.
$5.8 million cap hit for a 36 yr old recently injured back up goalie. No thank you!!
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:34 pm
@shiny, That has been Calgary’s problem the last several years, they have always been hovering around 8th so they don’t blow it all up and rebuild it. They have a $70 mil payroll and aren’t ever a serious contender.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:38 pm
@Osaka, that’s true. They’re an annual bubble team. But Jay Feaster is apparently a notoriously bad GM so…. Who knows what he wants??
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:40 pm
@Gustavo, yeah you have a point there. I mean WM is still not back from his off season knee surgery and he also happens to be 36. For an average guy, they’d be in great shape and could probably live a regular life. But for a pro athlete, it’s gotta be scary hitting the north side of 29
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
@DesertKing, If Calgary threw one of their D like Giordano into the pot we could work something out.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:29 pm
@Osaka, Giordano is a good player. He had a goal tonight. Man, Nash is sucking like crazy lately! Flames won 6-3
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:30 pm
@DesertKing, I can only say that proposed trade is insane. You should get a time machine cause you’d fit right in with the Kings front office circa 1980 – trading young talent/draft picks for almost washed up veterans.
NEVER AGAIN.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
@bbb7,
Playing devil’s advocate is always fun
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:40 pm
@DesertKing, You just like to see people overreact and get their panties in a bunch, don’t you? Oooh you must secretly be @Phil Sykes!
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:45 pm
@shiny
Sometomes I prefer the Mel Brooks Blazing Saddles approach to blogging.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
@DesertKing, OK, I’ve seen the movie but I’m not sure I get what you’re referencing… Sorry, I’m a tad slow tonight
DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:55 pm
@shiny
Mel made the most over-the-top racist movie possible to show the stupidity of racism. By bringing up the most controversial of topics, you generate conversation and interaction that stimulates open thinking and thus the creation of new and better ideas. At least that was what I read in the Daily Globe.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:59 pm
@DesertKing, Ahhh. Well he did the most ridiculous, over-the-top things in most of his movies, which is why I didn’t get the racism angle you were playing at first. But I get it now.
Gotta say, BS was one of his best movies. Of course, I’m very particular to Robin Hood: Men in Tights (tight tights!) as well
Kings x Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:57 pm
@DesertKing, way too much of a move for DL. We are not playing that bad. That would disrupt team chemistry too much
[Reply]
Kings20 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 10:44 am
@DesertKing, So wat you saying we trade Bernier and Toffoli for a couple of old farts?????
[Reply]
Bernier will be gone next season..won’t be able to afford him
..so we will need a back up next season….
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
@neil, No goalie market so he may or may not walk. Gotta see what happens this summer
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:21 pm
@neil,
D Roloson is a good backup.
[Reply]
regulate Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 8:41 am
@neil,
He is a restricted free agent with limited experience. Why do you think we cannot afford to re-sign him? He is making 1.2 this year? Do you think suddenly his salary is going to triple? Not likely. You are overvaluing Bernie’s leverage or lack thereof.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 8:47 am
@regulate, I think someone will give him an offer that will be hard to match….
[Reply]
We need Dl to talk about his boxes..remember..boxes are empty…need to be refilled..
[Reply]
I love the SC moments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXvfRFFcQGg&feature=youtu.be
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:20 pm
@shiny,
Sah-Weet!!!!
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:23 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, That hit is still one of my all time favorite moments of the entire playoff run
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:28 pm
@shiny,
Watching Ginger paw the boards was particularly entertaining.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:30 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, indeed. I love how Fox just describes it as “being run over.” And it really did look like he got hit by a freight train there
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:42 pm
@shiny,
More like being plowed into.
Bernier for Iginla makes no sense whatsoever. Penner for an english muffin and a tin cup sounds much more appealing.
[Reply]
LT21 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:19 pm
@rick, Make it a danish and that is a sweet deal!
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:21 pm
@LT21, Hmm now I want pancakes. You guys are making me hungry even though I already had dinner. I’m glaring at you through my computer screen
[Reply]
LT21 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
@shiny, I can feel the glare…
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:30 pm
@rick, Bernier for Giordano makes more sense to me.
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:43 pm
@Osaka,
Don’t we need a big body more than a puck mover on the back end tho?
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
@Kenny44, Yes, that’s kind of our problem right now. Technically only Scuderi and Ellerby are “Stay at home” defensemen. VV, Muzzin, and DD are all “puck movers.” DD2 is lost in between.
DD’s role has changed, though, to be more of a SAH defenseman in order to back Muzzin up who can be the puck mover. It’s been working out, but it’s not natural for Doughty and I think it’s showing through
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:52 pm
@Kenny44, Exactly. And the puck movers tend to be a dime a dozen. A GOOD stay at home like Mitchell is not and the teams that have them don’t trade them. It’s not going to be easy for DL.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:57 pm
@HockeyNerd, so what you’re saying is, it might not happen this season for a rental SAH guy
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
@Kenny44, True
Kings20 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 10:46 am
@Osaka, Not enough
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:59 pm
@rick, bernier for j bo
[Reply]
Kings20 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 10:51 am
@Kings x, Package DD2 Martinez and Panner or Williams or Stall or Lewis and Fraser To Toronto for Vanek
[Reply]
I’m not sure that ANY trade involving Bernier is a good idea right now. Not unless and until
Quick regains his form. And even when THAT happens we’ll need a backup in return.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
@HockeyNerd, That’s exactly what I’ve been saying all along about people who want to trade Bernier. We have no one to back Quick up in net. The guy does need at some point in the season. He can’t be expected to carry the whole load by himself every season and Jones isn’t ready for NHL level (actually, I heard it’s more like he’s not panning out to be the prospect he was expected to be but that’s just the rumor mill and I don’t know if it’s true or not)
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:09 pm
@shiny, People here just love to dream and trade trade trade! Name might sound good, but grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side.
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:59 pm
@HockeyNerd, fix the d and suddenly quick becomes 75% better
[Reply]
Well, I have been sicker than a dog the last 2 days but still worked both days so we could order our Angels opening day tickets. Time to go to bed, heal up, and get ready for tomorrow night’s game. GKG-AGAIN!!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:29 pm
@DesertKing, Take care hope to see you at the game tomorrow. Sadly, I am still at working right now at home.
[Reply]
Noah Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:35 pm
@DesertKing, always good to know there is another Angels fan out there in the Kingdom!
[Reply]
Bring up Forbert….oh wait isn’t he in Junior High still?
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:50 pm
@ravens, College
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:01 pm
@ravens,
Alex Roach in a couple of years. The 2nd coming of Chris Pronger’s presence with Kevin Bieksa’s fists.
[Reply]
Hey does anyone know if the Kings are wearing their purple/black jerseys tomorrow or does that start on Monday?
[Reply]
Noah Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:34 pm
@shiny, starts on Monday according to the Kings email I received
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:47 pm
@shiny, Yep, email said the sale is Monday & Tuesday. Promo same days.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
@luc20rules, Thank you and Noah, too
[Reply]
Kings x Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 12:00 am
@shiny, those jerseys are unlucky
[Reply]
When thinking of who might be in sell mode really the only team that comes to mind is Florida. Of course much could change in the next 3 weeks to the trade deadline, but most teams are still within 7 pts of the 8th seed. Question that being the case who is on Florida that can help us? Filip Kuba would be my guess 6′ 4″ 225 lbs solid Defensive Dman will eat up about 24 mins/game. Probably won’t cost that much, under contract for next year, but we have 2 buyouts or could maybe trade him if Mitchell & Greene are back and 100%.
I made a similar arguement for Carter before that trade happened(what realistically will happen in the pre-Carter I knew Nash was over valued by Columbus.). I really don’t think DL goes crazy here at most he is looking to package a mid level prospect & 3rd round draft pick. Kuba could likely be had for a 3rd rounder or maybe DD2 & 4th or 5th. Overpaying yes, but that is what happens when only one team is selling. Quite simply its a sellers market.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
@luc20rules, Difference is I want Carter long term. Kuba is a 35 year-old rental at best.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
@luc20rules, If you’re talking about Panthers, DL already chose Ellerby from that team. I doubt he’d go back and say, “hey uhhh things aren’t workin’ out so well with the kid. Can we have Kuba, too?” Just MO, though. We won’t know until news has broken that Kings have OFFICIALLY acquired and/or traded someone
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 1:33 am
@shiny, That really shouldn’t matter. DL got Ellerby as a prospect/gap filler hoping Martinez short term injury, Greene and Mitchell long term would get back. I think now with in the next 18 days must determine if we are willing to risk this season on Mitchell & Greene returning in time for the playoffs.
[Reply]
Kings20 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 11:00 am
@shiny, Actually things are just fine with that kid. Better tha Scuderi
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:23 pm
@luc20rules,
There’s one name floating around … Robyn Regher. he’s a prototypical stay-at-home defenseman with lots of hit and block shot.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:50 pm
@goldielocks, Robert at JFTC analyzed his numbers and it doesn’t look good. His partner (I forgot his name) is actually better than Regehr. I’m assuming you’ve read the article, if not, I apologize.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 12:57 am
@shiny,
Sekera? He’s too young. I thought we need a veteran with solid experience.
Kings x Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 12:02 am
@goldielocks, he was really good with phaneuf. At what cost though? Calgary is on a run and vancouver sucks this year. They think they can win the division
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 12:44 am
@Kings x,
He’s with the Sabres now. He is a former 1st rounder. His cap hit is 4.02 mil with NMC, UFA after the season.
billanthony Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 6:24 am
@goldielocks, I’d offer one of the 3rd Rd picks for Regher. He was a mainstay for Sutter in Cgy. He fills the exact niche the Kings are looking for, and could probably step right into the system and contribute.
[Reply]
If anyone is interested I have 1 seat available for tomorrow, Monday and Thursday. 333 r 2 s4 $40 each. If interested send me an email to kingznut@aol.com
[Reply]
I have been thinking about the Kings young D alot. It may very well be the Kings don’t even have enough coaches to give all the coaching necessary to the 6 young Dmen on the Kings roster (still counting DD2(28) and DD (lots of games but young). We have Bernie Nicholls here to help out the O & PP, why not bring in Mark Hardy or Sean O’Donnell to help consult with the young D or why not both. They both know the system and have a vast amount of NHL player experience to the table.
[Reply]
http://video.tsn.ca/?dl=main/latest/4/0/884948/clip/267
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:22 pm
@Osaka, Love bid D-men College UFA Andrej Sustr 6′ 8″ 225 lbs. With John Stevens, Willie Mitchell, & Matt Greene to coach/mentor this kid lets sign him. We could even promise him a chance to play this year.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:28 pm
@luc20rules, Everyone will be in line for that giant.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:52 pm
@luc20rules, Here is a feature on that kid 2 years ago.
http://youtu.be/–jOSZ4yNrM
I read he had to complete two years of high school in America in one year in order to play college.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 12:19 am
@Osaka, Sounds great for the future. Or I’ll bet the Oilers will give a deal on Petry. I think he’s even worse than last year. Seriously though let’s get in line for the giant youngster. Won’t be ready for a while but I like our chances giving our kids some time to learn and having Greener coming back. I don’t even know what’s wrong with Mitchel.
[Reply]
Phx signs Ekman-Larsson to 6 year contract at 5.5 mil/yr.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:27 pm
@luc20rules, Great deal, that kid is a stud!
[Reply]
Maybe if LA East starts slipping from the playoffs and gets silly trade happy we could pry Nicklas Grossman from them for Martinez and Nolan, for example. They have zero cap room so it would open up $2.3 million for them as well.
I’d rather not give up anything for a 2 month rental.. maybe a 3rd round pick at most but no players. Otherwise, if we must live and die with youth, so be it this year.
[Reply]
wow …. lots of big names floating out there in rumorville ……. gaborik , iginla , kuba , pheneuf vanek , just to name a few ….. its going to be interesting to see what dean does …. he usually does something pretty splashy at the deadline ………. first it was penner , who at the time was considered the best forward available ……… and then last year carter ….. everyone talking about ignila because of sutter connection , but im not sure how good he is anymore …… dont we need defense anyway ……….. i mean yea , id like a forward to replace penner … so im down with that also
2 players intrigue me ……….. not saying i want them necesarily … but i find them intriguing ……… gaborik and phaneuff ……… what happened to phaneuffs career ……….. people thought he was one of the best defensemen in the league like 3 or 4 years ago when he was in calgary …….. now all of a sudden people are acting like hes torontos worst player …. maybe he is , maybe he isnt ….. i have no idea …. but he was big and pounded people , added a few goals ….. what happened to this guys career ? …….
iginla , pheneuf , rhegher have the sutter connection
but anyways onto gaborik ……… people say hes struggling new york and nobody wants 7.5 on the books for him this year and next ….. but who else is there to help him …….. nash and richards are hopelessly overrated so there is nobody else ….. woundnt he be a perfect left wing for richards and carter …….. he was playing injured in last years playoffs , but this year i think hes healthy , and theres only one more year left on his contract after this year …… thats not the end of the world to take a chance on him …… if healthy , i know this for sure , he is really really good on the powerplay ….. maybe 5 on 5 hes a lil invisible ….. but a powerplay specialist is never a bad thing …. wouldnt a line of richards carter and gaborik look great on paper 5 on 5 ………… just saying ………. im not the gm ……… but i just find that player intriging ….. weve needed a left winger for a long time – years … and like sutter has said – carter likes to play with a player with speed …. lol well he fits that bill too ….. penner does not …….. im just saying its intriging …….. not that necessarily i want it to happen …. just intriguing – like pheneuff … maybe take a shot at them ? ….. who knows ….. i think we should go for defense first and foremost though
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 2:32 am
@phil sykes, by the way , isnt it wonderful to see the leafs begining to fall apart again ……….. lol lol lol ….. they are a funny group
[Reply]
http://hockeytraderumors.com/ranking-top-20-rental-players/
Interesting list of the top 20 potential rentals
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 3:00 am
@Osaka, Then believe the asking price for Regehr would be a B level prospect and a 5th round pick.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 3:00 am
@Osaka, They
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 3:55 am
@Osaka, they list mike smith and perry ….. 2 players who are definately going nowhere ………………… so take that for what its worth ……. i responded to you above …. way above when u were talking about mitchell and greener not being ready after a year off …… so dont count on them at all u said … so i agree with what u said …..
having our big stay at home D-men out is making our puck moving and scoring d-men look bad because everyone is out of character and filling roles not ment to be filled, which trickles down to the goalie, only until we get a big stay at home back or through trade will we start to see our old team
[Reply]
regulate Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 8:34 am
@Ravens,
Finally, someone that gets it.
[Reply]
The power play surge has nor coincidentally happened when (1) Voynov began being favored over Doughty and (2) Sutter went to using straight line combos instead of “all-star” units from among 3 lines.
Voynov has gotten more time on the PP, and the PK for that matter, over the last ten games by a mile. The top PP unit is #23,#11,#14,#6,#26, which is just the Kopi line plus Voynov and Muzzin on their usual sides. The 2nd unit is #25,#10,#77,#28,#8, which is the Richards line with Stoll and Doughty.
Sutter used to flip guys on defense, putting them where they can open up for a one-timer, but he dose not do that with Voynov and Muzzin. On the second unit, it is interesting that he has Stoll and Richards, as they are centers that shoot on opposite sides, so together they have both faceoff sides covered, and they also both are known for playing the point, which if they do are then both open for one-timers on opposite sides. That’s why you see an increased focus on Doughty playing the middle of an umbrella formation, ready to feed either guy, while Penner clogs the crease and Carter roves fishing for the catch-and-release shot.
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 9:12 am
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint, Interesting. Thanks for that analysis. Do you think VV is on the first PP unit because he has probably one of the more accurate one-timers on the team? (I mean the kid has a freaking laser shot. I don’t know how often it actually ends up on net, but at least 3 of his goals this season have been super accurate one timers)
[Reply]
Any Insiders meeting at the game tonight, either before or after at the Gretzky?
[Reply]
shiny Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 9:09 am
@DesertKing, I think Bob and Jim are signing autographs from 5-5:30 so I’ll be at Gretzky’s statue around 5:30
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 9:57 am
@shiny,
We will see you there then. maybe I can get my jersey signed.
[Reply]
@phil sykes, Well for one, if you need to replace Panner than we should replace him with Toffoli and let’s see than what can we do in the trade.
[Reply]