-Of the Sharks’ four tallies last night, three had much to say about the momentum of the game: Brent Burns’ first period goal that negated a heavy Kings scoring chance discrepancy, Matt Irwin’s power play goal that made it 2-0, and the two-on-zero finish by Logan Couture 27 seconds into the third period, which put the Sharks back up by three and stunted L.A.’s comeback attempt. On the other end of the ice, Antti Niemi was outstanding in denying Los Angeles early life by stopping all 16 shots during a first period in which some NHL goalies would have let one or two in. Opportunism would have served the Kings well on the road against a divisional rival in a building they have traditionally found little success in, and Niemi’s spotless first period (including dual saves on an excellent Dustin Brown, on a Jarret Stoll one-timer and on Anze Kopitar from close range) allowed Brent Burns to cash in on a loose puck in the slot during a 20-minute stretch in which San Jose was out-chanced and didn’t see an overwhelming amount of zone time.
-A pivotal play in this game was Jake Muzzin’s engagement of Andrew Desjardins after the latter’s clean, shoulder-to-shoulder hit on Colin Fraser behind the Kings net. Fraser supported his teammate sticking up for him – as would any other player in that locker room when speaking to the media – but I’d have been interested to hear the post-game reactions by the coaching staff. That’s likely a discussion that will wait for today’s practice. Regardless of one’s stance in a situation where a player accrues an instigator (or, in this case, an additional instigating with a visor minor), the team is still tasked with killing off the ensuing power play(s), an undertaking Los Angeles was unsuccessful at on both ends of Muzzin’s minors. While the team’s power play has been a revelation recently – maybe the best power play rhythm since the LA-Vancouver series in 2010? – the penalty killing has allowed six goals in the last 17 shorthanded situations. The Kings are 2-3 over that five-game stretch.
-Los Angeles road success, where have you gone? After a 10-1 playoff record away from Staples Center last spring, the Kings have come back down to earth with a 5-8-1 road record in 2012-13. The two away records obviously contain vastly different sets of circumstances and are hardly comparable, but a general recipe towards road success is receiving quality goaltending, winning special teams battles, keeping things “simple” and getting the game’s first goal, and L.A. hasn’t graded consistently well in those areas over its three-game road losing streak. I spoke with Drew Doughty about this at yesterday’s morning skate. “Going into other teams’ rinks, we want to be a team that no one looks forward to playing when we come into town,” Doughty said. “We want to be hard on the forecheck. We want to take the crowd out of the game. We want to try and get up a few goals in that first period, because when the crowd’s not behind you, and you even get booed by your own crowd, that just takes all the energy and momentum away from you.” The Kings’ forechecking was awfully good on in the first period, and until Burns scored on one of six San Jose shots (against L.A.’s 16), that road method was being demonstrated. Momentum wore teal last night.
-The defensive statistics that were all so kind to the Kings a year ago are now falling out of favor. Goals per game have risen from 2.07 (ranking: 2nd) to 2.62 (13th). Penalty killing has fallen from 87.0 (4th) to 80.2 (18th). Save percentage has seen a sharp drop, falling from .924 (4th) to .893 (24th). More on these topics from practice, which begins at noon at the Toyota Sports Center.
Last nights grades –
-Quick F- (simply playing Horrible! what have you done for me this year?)
-Bernier A
-Doughty F- (the grossly overpaid regression project continues!)
-Voynov B
-Ellerby C-
-Scurderi C-
-Muzzin F (showing promise,but recent hyper-spazmodic penalty ways has cost us games!)
-Martinez D+
-Kopitar B+
-Williams C+
-Brown A
-Stoll C-
-Lewis D
-Richards C-
-Carter C+ (Take over buddy, we need you!)
-Penner C+
-King C- (Finally wakes up and does something!)
-Fraser D+
-Clifford C
-Nolan D-
-Sutter D- (For not playing Bernier more!)
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:56 am
@King Cobra,
Penner did not play last 5:40 or so.
[Reply]
Dooms Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:59 am
@King Cobra, Wow…teams go through stretchs of ups and downs. Lets not get all crazy and start getting angry. However, you’re right about Quick really struggling to find his game, Doughty is making a lot of money and not playing to his potential (at times) and Sutter is not making good decisions as far as the line-up goes. DS is always saying the schedule is challenging and this team is clearly tired. He needs to use Toffoli, Richardson, Drewiske and Bernier more this month. The schedule is so brutal.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:05 am
@Dooms, Just brutal honesty. You don’t agree that DD is way over paid and regressing? Don’t think Quick is playing horrible? Muzzin not taking to many bad penalties??
Yes, I love this team so much I do get angry when we lose. It is an affliction I have suffered with for many decades….
[Reply]
Dooms Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
@King Cobra, Yes I do think Quick is playing awful and needs to get on track quick, but i think a lot has to do with the players in front of him too. The D is really young and small. Not have the big stay at home defenders like Mitchell and Greene is clearly showing in GA/G.
Doughty is not playing to his potential, but I really do believe his contract expresses what he has done and is capable of doing (i.e. Norris finalist year, olympics and 2012 SC playoffs). I don’t think he is regressing, instead I think he is taking his licks and learning how to be the guy.
Muzzin is rookie and it comes with the territory. He’ll learn and continue to get better.
I’ve loved this team so much for decades, too, but I’m not going to flip out when they have bad strectchs and call out all our players becuase they’ve lost two in a row.
Debra Turull Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:29 am
@King Cobra, I agree with you. I am so tired of seeing Quick swim around on the ice. That style might have worked last year, but the other teams have figured it out and know where to put the puck. JB is a better style for now and needs to play more especially with this gruelling back to back schdule. I don’t know why DS won’t play him more? Afraid of injuring his trade option? Afraid of him becoming too valuable to trade? Personality conflict? The kings are so capable of playing a better game (like the team that finally showed up in the 3rd period).
[Reply]
TimZim Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
@Debra Turull, To be completely honest, Quick is better than Bernier. We all know this. He just hasn’t found his game yet this year. He’s had his moments of the brilliance we all have come to expect from him, but he just hasn’t hit that stride yet. I’m just as frustrated as the next guy with Quick’s play, but you have to hand it to a coach who sticks to HIS plan based on what HE sees (and he sees more of Quick/Bernier than we do) and not on what the peanut gallery cries for. I trust DS to make the right decisions when they need to be made and I’m certain that Quick will sit once it becomes apparent that this just isn’t his year. Until then, Quick will be #1 and Bernier will be #2.
[Reply]
LAK1ngs Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:14 pm
@TimZim, No, we don’t all agree Quick is better than Bernier. He had a good run last year, and that has earned him the #1 moniker. Bernier is a better fundamental goaltender, Quick more athletic. I have to believe Quick’s back is not 100%. Sutter has Bernier there and is just flatly refusing to let him play. If I were making the decision, I would make JB the #1 until Quick proves he is 100%.
Deke'r Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:31 pm
@TimZim, ….not sure about that…think Quick is being Quick…it’s just that without our “tough” stay at home D-men the opposition is getting better looks….Quick has almost always given up an “easy” goal a game….just mho….
debra turull Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
@TimZim, TimZim I am not saying that JB is better than JQ. It’s just that the league has figured out his style and he is not playing to his ability like last year. Maybe it is his back, we will never know, but DS need to play JB more and give him a chance. I’m hoping Quick will come around as “those who rest on their laurels, find themselves sitting on a thorn bush.”
Kurt Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@King Cobra, I have to give Williams an A. He was the main factor in two of our three goals last night; he hustled and was relentless in the offensive zone. Voynoz played strong, and personally, I think Muzzin has played well ever since getting his NHL-legs after his first couple of starts.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@Kurt, You are right on Williams, but a B+ at best. He had some give aways. Muzzin is playing great, but he needs to reduce the costly penalties big time.
Voynov has been a god send.
We will get them at home Sat.
[Reply]
harty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:44 am
@King Cobra, hey King are you wanting to take over the grading for each game from myself. I’m okay with that….
some actually say I’m too soft on the players.
Players/Bloggers may need some new refreshing ice critic management.
I agree with your comments for sure…..
Enjoy KC…..
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:52 am
@harty, No, keep doing what you do. I just wanted to give another view on grades. I think more than one of us has done this in the past.
Thanks for your comment and style.
[Reply]
harty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:37 pm
@King Cobra, thanks King…..enjoy your Friday blog soon as we play Saturday night….
pb frank Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:25 pm
@King Cobra,
Last night’s biggest problem was Quick. Don’t blame guys that are busting their butt out there. Rebounds and soft goals were the main difference last night. Doughty is trying to do too much but once the monkey is off his back he will improve. Green and Mitch would really help now.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 10:10 am
@pb frank, Just Win and it will all be good….
[Reply]
Kings20 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 10:22 am
@King Cobra, An now here is talk that Kings interested in trading Bernier to Calgary for old Iginla and a pick. I hope that’s never happens.
[Reply]
The PK has suffered mightily with the loss of Mitchell and Greene. Unfortunate because now the PP is playing much better than last year.
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:56 am
@vplaza, 100% correct. No one wants to clear the crease. GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@Forum Gold,
Someone needs to wake these guys up. Who’s coaching the PK? Kompon’s evil twin?
[Reply]
krash324 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:25 pm
@vplaza, your best pk player is the goalie. Quick was that last year, this year the worst. It is not all about Mitchell and Greene. Your goalie has to give you a chance to win every night and steel some games for you. Time to give Bernier that chance, if he takes it, then it is what it is
[Reply]
I think a trade is coming! Just my opinion
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:51 am
@Lake Forest, Who do you think we should trade???
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:02 am
@King Cobra, if I had a brain I would be a GM, but I don’t so I am not, so not even going to say I know because I don’t.
There are many things to take into consideration and it’s too much for me to speculate.
[Reply]
KINGSFANSINCE1969 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:06 pm
@King Cobra, I AM NOT THE GM SO I CAN MAKE ANY TRADE I WANT,THE KINGS NEED A TOUGH D-MAN WHO CAN SKATE THE PUCK OUT OF OUR END, AND A PUCK HANDLING FORWARD OR CENTER. WE NEED TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO SCORE INSTEAD OF JUST PASSING THE PUCK, YOU SHOOT AND SKATE TO THE PUCK TO SCORE. TRADE BAIT DD, LEWIS, A-MART, STOLL AND SCUDS.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:53 am
@Lake Forest,
JQ for JB.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:54 am
@Lake Forest, Unfortunately so do I. We need a veteran D man badley.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:01 am
@puck73, It’s not for the short term fix either.
Greene and WM contracts are up after the 13/14 season
EVERYONE ELSE is either UFA or RFA after this season.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:01 am
@Lake Forest,
Hearing the name but no more than speculation at this point.
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
@Lake Forest, Numerous sources say we are going after Iggy, JB for Iggy and a pick but we need a stay at home D man.
[Reply]
Ashykon Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@LVKINGS88, iginla isn’t that necessary. Where does he fit in in the top 6? If anything we need more veteran leadership on the backend because this young d might be getting by in the regular season but come playoffs I think it will be figured out quickly in a series and taken huge advantage of. Teams who we are definitely going to see in the playoffs know how to beat it (sharks, Phoenix, stars, Blackhawks, Canucks)
[Reply]
Kings20 Reply:
March 16th, 2013 at 10:26 am
@LVKINGS88, That will be horrible. We do not need 36 year Iginla. Toffoli should be your new winger and they should make room for him.
[Reply]
Doughty looking more like Jack Johnson last night than anybody named Norris. I remember the good old days when Doughty wasn’t the number 3 d-man. Except in salary, that is.
Forget goose eggs, you know what’s another name for a zero on a scoreboard, a scoreboard counting, let’s say, goals?
Doughnuts.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:57 am
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint,
The problem is DD now looks like he’s struggling on both ends of the ice. He was doing semi-ok on the defensive end, but in the last two games, he seems to have regressed.
[Reply]
PlayerXatHoldThePoint Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:58 am
@vplaza, Agreed v, I thought last night he was playing Rover, looking for a goal, playing selfish.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:09 am
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint,
Not sure if it’s the pressure he might be feeling from Muzzin showing he can play or if he misses playing with a good stay at home defenseman to help him out, but something is not right with his game.
And to repeat what’s been said, something is not right with Quick’s game either. He is so inconsistent this year.
shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:50 am
@vplaza, I know it’s late enough in the season now that DD should be used to playing SAH defense, but sometimes he really struggles with it. He’s been doing so well lately but I think he’s getting frustrated that he’s not scoring. I think there’s a lot of pressure for him to score with his big, fat contract. I also think he might be worried about the pressure. He has to teach a rookie how to play defense at an NHL level, watch said rookie get the glory (he’s an egotistical 23 year old kid, they all have egos) and he has to worry about filling those huge skates of Mitchell and Greene along with the fact that he’s expected to be a very, very good 2-way defenseman who can score.
Some of that pressure might be unconsciously his game. So far this season he’s been very steady at the blue line (so what if he has a few mistakes, it happens with everybody at any age and in every game) and he had a bad night last night
KingMe20 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint,
Martinez was doing his fair share of rovering last night, too. I really didn’t like his game last night. He’s a decent player, but he doesn’t seem to be able to handle the pressure of suddenly having to compete for his spot. He also misses Matt Greene badly as a partner.
mash-ola Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:01 pm
@PlayerXatHoldThePoint, Enough with the double-pump fake shot, Donuts! It makes you look foolish and scared to shoot… Just let’er rip and you’d be surprised how many of them find the net… It’s hockey, not basketball!
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
@mash-ola, doughty seems to get his shot blocked more than anyone else…i dont have data to back it up, but just seems that way
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
@tornado12, His release is just too darmed slow. Add that to his constant double pump and heck… my grandma could lay down and block his shots. If you want to see how to score… just watch Jeff Carter (for that matter, Mike Cammalleri too). The puck stays on the stick for a nano-second. SHOOT THE PUCK!
Kings played well less the goaltending…quick makes a couple of those saves and the discussion here is about #6 and how well the kings played….
[Reply]
cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:05 am
@neil,
The problem is Quick isn’t making those saves….in any game. .891 Save% is inexusable. Down right one of the worst in the league as a matter of fact.
[Reply]
pb frank Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
@cup4kings,
That is the Biggest Problem.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
@cup4kings, Berniers maybe should be playing more, but then again if the D falls apart the way the Kings D has it won’t matter. Was Bernier at fault for the .625 performance vs the Blues? No it was the D playing horrible and allowing guys roaming free in scoring areas to deflect shot/passes into empty portions of the net. The D has to play better. At least half of the goals scored against the Kings this year no Goalie would be able to stop. A goalie needs to concentrate on the shooter, the D has to take away the back door pass from getting across the slot.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:10 am
@neil,
Quick has maybe had a handful of games where we can honestly say that he made the saves that he needed to make. Other than those handful of games, he has been average at best, and atrocious at worst.
[Reply]
King John Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:12 am
@neil, Agreed.
I’m okay with Muzzin standing up for Fraser. Last year we would’ve killed off the two penalties. If Quick blanked the Sharks in the 1st and Niemi allowed one in, the whole game would’ve gone differently. Our D and goaltending has got to improve. But we know that without Mitchell and Greene, there’s a learning curve with some of the young D. If Ellerby can play more like Matt Greene, Scuderi and Doughty reduce their gaffs, and Martinez amps up, we may have a chance. I’d rather see that happen than a trade for a stay-at-home (esp if Greene or Mitchell will be back this season), but are the Kings willing to wait…?
[Reply]
Debra Turull Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@King John, I agree! It’s terrible to lose, but the Muzzinator had to stick for a bad hit to the head. I hope it gets reviewed.
[Reply]
Ashykon Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
@Debra Turull, that was more clean than windex
Sam Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:40 am
@King John, Doughty is in a place where he is being asked to do a lot more. I think his game has been as good as can be expected. This year of leading the defense will do wonders for his future.
[Reply]
Kings almost can’t afford to trade Bernier at this point. Who’s in the wings for the Kings backup net minder spot? Jones? With the way Quick is playing I wouldn’t feel comfortable at all trading Bernier this year. He’s still an RFA and we can look at that this summer. Unless Quick gets his sheet together, don’t trade Bernier, please.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:51 am
@cup4kings, it is entirely possible that if Bernier gets traded for say a vet. defenseman, that DL makes sure to at least get a capable back up goalie in return also. Not saying that sounds ideal, but is definitely a possible move at this point.
[Reply]
cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:53 am
@PP Anybody?, Good point. I can’t see Sutter having faith in a rookie backup heading into the playoffs.
[Reply]
Puckhandler Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:13 pm
@cup4kings, Exactly. Quick’s been a huge concern this season. Not sure if it’s the off-season surgery, the lockout, or the huge contract, but he’s a different goalie than the one we all adored last year. We need to keep the talented and consist Bernie until Quick shapes up.
[Reply]
Rumor mill has Iginla and draft pick for JB
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:12 am
@jgomez, why? we dont have a scoring issue.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:13 am
@fsd1,
The Kings do have a scoring issue…the other teams scoring on them more than they do.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:13 am
@vplaza, and how will iginla help that?
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:22 am
@vplaza,
Sarcasm was lost in the translation, apparently.
Duckbasher Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
@vplaza, Excellent response. It doesn’t matter if you win 7-6 or 1-0 as long as you outscore the opponent. I’d take Iginla on my team ANYDAY. With salary cap issues considered (of course).
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:12 am
@jgomez,
The way JQ is playing, do the Kings even think about a deal involving JB?
[Reply]
pb frank Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:29 pm
@vplaza,
They would have to throw in Kipper or NO DEAL!
[Reply]
krash324 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@jgomez, why trade for a rental? We need Bernier more than offense. At this point Quick for Iggy would make more sense
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@jgomez, no way DL pulls that trigger
[Reply]
Its Toffoli Time! Kings need scoring help!
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:22 am
@KingsOfKomedy,
No they don’t. They need defensive/goal tending help.
[Reply]
OCKingGirl Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, +1
[Reply]
Did Willie Mitchell elope?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:29 am
@California Royalty, yes, His Name is now Willie Mitchell-Greene….
It all makes sense now!
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:05 pm
@Lake Forest, Haha ahhhh I thought I saw Willie in Europe with a curly blonde…
[Reply]
Hutch Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:03 pm
@California Royalty, He might not even be in North America
Re Bernier; sign him now or lose him now, those are the best options for us. Each day that passes, means less value for us. JQ is still young with loads of potential for growth and a seasoned back up with years of experience might do wonders for him. I know he has Ranford coaching him, but a mentor on the ice can only do good things for him.
[Reply]
cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:27 am
@kissmyblarneystones,
I disagree about Bernier losing value. He’s an RFA and teams might go a little crazy for a potential #1 goalie in the off season and heading into the draft. With the salary cap going down next year, Bernier’s potential contract is valuable. And if we trade Bernier now, who’s our backup? I agree Quick will eventually break out of this funk, but I don’t think the Kings can afford trading Bernier this year. Kings might just need Bernier to make a run in the playoffs while Quick shakes off the rust.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@cup4kings,
What Quick did last year was nothing short of historic and I don’t think it ever dawned on him what he was doing until after the fact. I think what is happening now is no surprise, but at least now we all know what the potential is. I’m not good with losing JB, but JQ is the devil we know. I say stick with him and sign someone who would be willing to share his experiences with JQ. Bar injury, he’s our goalie for the next 5 to 10 years.
Whatever the optimum time for us to unload JB is, I’m ok with it.
[Reply]
cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@kissmyblarneystones,
I agree. When we signed Quick to that contract, he’s our goalie for years to come. And I’m OK with that. This season is almost unfair….back surgery, short season, lofty expectations, Mitchell/Greene injuries, rookie defenseman, etc. With a full training camp and the Kings getting healthy, I think Quick gets back to his old self. It’s just this year that’s scaring me. Not sure the Kings could afford trading Bernier right now. Luckily JB is an RFA and the Kings have options. They can wait for the best offer. I agree with you, Bernier will be traded at some point….and the Kings should get a good return whenever that is.
California Royalty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, If anything, the Kings are gaining value with Bernier’s strong play. Someone will make an offer for Bernier and it won’t be until the off season, probably draft day.
If anyone is expecting Bernier to be dealt on or before the trade deadline, is going to be disappointed.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
@California Royalty, agree, but I think it will ba an offer sheet
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:12 pm
@jet, Fine by me. The offer sheet would warrant a first round pick coming to the Kings at least. Probably a first and a second.
Plus, since that rule was adopted, I think there have been like 3 offer sheets sent out – including Ryan O’Reilly.
JD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 5:47 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, no way Bernier resigns, he should have been starting weeks ago, but has to sit and watch quick struggle game after game. Quick is still the franchise goalie, and everybody knows it. Let him sign an offer sheet this offseason, and take the draft pick. Kings totally botched this, he could of had Cory Schneider value, if they would have played him a little more the last couple of years. On the other had riding Quick every game for years did payoff, we have the cup, so I guess that was the right move… Now it’s time to pay the price
[Reply]
Just wondering – how do you all feel about a Bernier for Iginla trade? I just don’t see it happening, especially with Quick’s recent struggles. It also doesn’t seem to fit Lombardi’s motto of “get younger, get better”, especially seeing as he’s already traded away a few of our younger guys (Schenn, Simmonds, for example) for veteran forwards.
Can anyone convince me otherwise?
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:23 am
@Alexb20,
I hope it doesn’t happen. With Quick playing poorly, you need Bernier to try and make the playoffs.
[Reply]
cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:30 am
@vplaza, 100% agree. Kings aren’t having trouble scoring right now and they have Toffoli sitting there. Calgary would need to throw in their #1 pick and Iginla for Bernier to make it tempting in my eyes, and Calgary won’t do that. If the Kings trade Bernier this year, it should be for a shut down defensive d-man if anything.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:32 am
@Alexb20,
That rumor is not coming from legit insiders but people like … you know who.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:54 am
@goldielocks, Pierre Lebrun…they have a video on TSN right now discussing it. Lebrun is the one saying Iggy for Bernier and a draft pick and Mckenzie is right next to him. It would mean more to me if Mckenzie was the one sounding off about it but I say it never happens.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Yeah, they discuss the possibility or their thoughts always in that panel. I’m sure he’s assuming if we get Iggy it would cost something like that. I think getting home stay veterran D is our priority, and then assess the cap situation to see if we can make a next move, possibly for top 6 forward.
Sam Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:38 am
@Alexb20, That would be a whole lot more than an aging Iggy is worth. I would think a couple 2-4th round picks would be more commiserate with the value over time.
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@Alexb20, Love Iginla, but no thanks. You’re giving away years of a bright future for maybe 2 of mediocrity. Hate to admit it, but Iginla old and slow
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bbb7 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@Alexb20, NO! Not ever. Doesnt address any problems at all.
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To me, the season is now boiling down to the fact that we are playing without Mitchell, Greene, AMart, DD, and JQ. AMart is in the lineup but he’s a shadow of his prior self. DD is also playing, but he’s even more of a ghost of DD’s past than AMart is of his past.
And JQ is definitely not JQ of last year. His save % is simply horrible and has not given his team the chance to win games like he did last year when he almost singlehandedly kept the team in the hunt.
Interestingly, the Kings are the best in the league at SOG allowed. One would think that if the save % was decent, we’d stand a good chance of winning more games. The D may be limiting shots, but the shots that are going through are good quality shots as opposed to tougher shots for the shooter.
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KingMe20 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
@vplaza,
Martinez may miss Greene more than Quick does.
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Bloggers grades:
Puck73: A+ for reminding us how to avoid the problem
WTFK, Jess: A+ for going to sleep last night
HockeyNerd: D for contributing to the problem 2 nights ago even though his posts were 100% factual
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harty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
@HockeyNerd, amen HockeyNerd….what was that all about…..crazed people at crazy times of the night
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Trade rumors – @DesertKing from the LA Insidsrs to the Anaheim Pluckers for @WebFeet.
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Forum Gold Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:03 pm
@DesertKing, Not without at least a #2, unconditional. GO KINGS GO!!!
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
@DesertKing, with or without 1st round nachos?
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DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@Lake Forest,
I am saved! A true deal breaker!
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Forum Gold Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
@DesertKing, Sometimes the BEST trades are the ones that never happen. GO KINGS GO!!!
The hit on Frasier was most certainly not a clean hit. The major point of contact was shoulder-to-head based on the replay I saw. There is purpose in trying to “catch a guy with their head down” and its not to hit them cleanly. The refs should have called that play differently. Putting that aside, Quick has to have at least one of those two goals if not both.
It seems Sutter knew what he was talking about when he made comments about being able to “hide” defense personnel at home. The Kings 3rd defense pairing has not been consistently getting pucks up and out of the zone. Muzzin looks less spectacular and even Scuderi seems to be chasing the puck.
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jet Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
@Sam, I agree that it was shoulder to head, but believe the body hit body at the exact same time. therefore, the force was not isolated to one spot, and less likely to cause a consussion.
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I know everyone is going to say “Harty its only because your from the same home town” but…….Cliffy is 9th in the league in hits.
I maintain he still can score 15+ goals in a full season, but for Kyle to keep his status in good standing he must execute on the following……….
-hard forecheck
-hit leader on team and in NHL
-reduce giveaway or glaring mistakes
-cycle pucks in the O zone
-become a good solid penalty killer
-become a solid rugged winger that most teams desire
……Cliffy can do all these items and he will prove that over time I believe. He does need more TOI to accomplish all facets.
Hey with that NHL 9th place ranking in hits he does that with less TOI then anyone on our team and most in the NHL.
Not bad, he’s proving his worth I believe big time………..
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Harvey Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 11:54 am
@harty, Sutter has to loosen the leash on him and tighten it on others, yes, give him ice time and look out!
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jet Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:33 pm
@harty, I agree, he is putting a mark on the game and his play in the d-zone is decent.
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harty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
@jet, it just seems (and I watch his lines and plays ah too closely) that when he gets a chance someone either does not dump it into the O zone or they cannot get it out of our end……..
Cliffy will get his chance in this league, far more than the contribution we are seeing today from him……I just want it to be with the Kings.
Light it up boys and start a long winning streak. That will change the mode, tone and dressing room chatter for sure.
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trytodethroneus Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@harty,
He sure isn’t shy about taking the puck to the net
Sam Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@harty, Maybe I am watching a different player? Clifford brings a grade-A effort but he cannot keep up with top lines in the defensive zone. If he is out on the ice with the Sedins or Zetterburg or Dats, he will get lit-up. That’s not a knock on him, those guys light up the best NHLers. Its just to say Clifford is not in the same league and therefore cannot get the ice time.
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harty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@Sam, your right he has some things to work on for sure, but he doesn’t get the chances others get at all…..like Dwight King, really the guy struggles to skate, need I say more.
He doesn’t hit and skates around like he is a Gretzky type player, with his game and size he should be hitting everything in sight.
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Kenny44 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
@harty,
Exactly right. I wish King had Cliffy’s attitude. DK only seems to assert himself physically when there’s a clear scoring chance directly in front of him.
JD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 5:30 pm
@harty, I love Clifford. When they traded simmonds, I thought Clifford could easily step into his spot, probably be even better, but he dosn’t seem to be progressing as fast as I thought he would. He’s still young, and after taking a step back last years, has improved this year, maybe expecting to much to soon, give him a little more time, and I think he has a good chance to get there
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chris kontos needed, a legend…..hehe
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Alec Martinez is a top 4 D-man, use him Mr Sutter.
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Wow how things changed here on teh blog
a year ago we couldn’t score a goal, but were playing tight D. It gave us a chance to win, but we needed scoring. Many on the blog were tired of seeing 2-1 games win or lose.
Now a year later these same people are tired of us playing 5-4 games and playing poor defensively.
I find it humerous only because I knew this would eventually happen. It doesn’t help that Mitchell and Greene are out, but how or why should that have anything to do with the forwards failure to get back to help out?
Last note..does anyone else get the feeling that Penner is heading towards getting some more press box time? last couple of games he’s been completely ineffective both offnsively and defensively.
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SLG1013 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
@nykingfan, Hard to say about Penner. I thought that Carter/Richards/Penner-Clifford were pretty ineffective against both Phoenix and SJ. The fact that Sutter moved Clifford up with Carter/Richards indicates to me that he wasn’t happy with Penner, so you might be right about him sitting for a game or two…
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harty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
@SLG1013, really, Cliffy doesn’t get near the chances some of the big dollar guys get to along the way. One mistake and he sits the whole game, multiple people are making simular or worst mistakes and they go right back out there.
Doughty if he played on my minor hockey team last night after the giveaway and he was the last man with the puck he would sit till the “cows came home”.
Really its all about big name, big money and playing for the crowd, don’t ever forget this is the entertainment buisness and all of that hype sells seats and marketing along with TV revenue.
Cliffy deserves more and Richardson and Toffilo deserve a chance to prove what they can do also…….I especially feel bad for Brad Richardson, what has he done, “nothing” because he hasn’t had a chance to do anything.
We need to give others bigger opportunities and stop allowing so called “regualrs” get away with stupid, silly mistakes. There cannot be two sets of rules out there.
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SLG1013 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
@harty, My point was more about Carter/Richards being ineffective the last two games, regardless of who the third player on the line was, so that singling out Penner as being ineffective is not necessarily fair. Having thought about it more, I don’t think I’d sit Penner. I believe the lines need consistency to develop “2nd nature” familiarity.
puck73 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
@nykingfan, You are right about people on this site, me included. I was tired of boring Terry Murray hockey and having JQ have to come up big every night. I do think the Kings will make a trade to bring in a veteran d man like Regehr for a 2nd round pick or something.
As far as Penner is concerned, He is doing alot of other things recently that have been helping linemates. that being said, he is a top 6 guy and he will have to start scoring some goals at some point because you gotta figure that Toffoli will probably get at least 1 game at The NHL level and Sutter will put him on different lines during the game to see if the kid has chemistry with certain players.
Hopefully, for Penners sake, Toffoli doesnt click with Richards and Carter..lol
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jet Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
@nykingfan, I believe I am one of the advocates of TM’s defensive system. I known we one the cup last season because we had the talent and two, we had a great defensive base. I have said this entire season that we need to return to the ‘home plate’ mind set at least until we get the big boys back. We no longer have the muscle to win the blue battles, or the experience to understand where our seams are dynamically.
Our problem is not our goalies it is the number of shots from the middle of the ice. Not only did we give up 4 goals but also 4 posts.
Most posters do not agree and wither believe a goalie can save shots from the slot all night or think that playing defence is boring, but with our current talent it is a choice between boring or winning. Take your choice.
I do not think we should trade, but I believe DL will if there is not an update of big willie by the end of the month. Either way, the path to win is our forwards commiment to helping our the youngens on the back end.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
@nykingfan, Thing is, the poor defensive play isn’t because of taking offensive chances. There aren’t any issues with the growth of our offense. The kings still play safely in the offensive zone, just more aggressive.
The problems are just rookie mistakes in the D zone, where guys are just missing assignments or getting out of position. These problems aren’t caused by a sudden change in philosophy, and because we are now some careless run and gun team. It’s simply inexperience on the back end, and Quick isn’t bailing them out like we are used to.
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neil Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@PP Anybody?, problem is both…defense and goalie
…
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PP Anybody? Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
@neil, that is what I said.
Nykingfan Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
@PP Anybody?,
It’s not only the young kids on D it’s also the forwards doing a poor job defensively in all 3 zones
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Does anyone think we should trade Martinez (or possibly Muzzin) to Buffalo for Regehr? It’s a bit of a risk, considering that Regehr is a UFA after this season (but only 32 years old), and both Martinez and Muzzin are young with tons of potential. I haven’t seen Regehr since he was traded from Calgary to Buffalo, but he was a stud stay at home defenseman in Calgary. I suspect Sutter would know quite a bit about Regehr…
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shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@SLG1013, Robert at JFTC did an article about it. Based on Regehr’s #s (he actually brings his team’s play down), the Kings should stay far, far away from RR
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SLG1013 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
@shiny, I read that article and it’s possible that RR has lost a step or it could just be a bad fit in Buffalo…
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shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@SLG1013, I suppose it’s possible. On the other hand, he could just be at the end of his career…
SLG1013 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
@SLG1013, Well, actually I read the article on McSorley’s Stick and not the one on JFTC. After just reading that, he does make a pretty compelling case to stay away from Regehr… I do like his suggestion that the Kings go after Sekera…
cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@SLG1013,
Can we give them Drewiske instead?
I wouldn’t trade AMart or Muzzin for a potential rental of Regehr. His best years are behind him, and he was a -12 last year on a decent Sabres team. Maybe Campbell and/or one of many draft picks this summer if anything.
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As poorly as Quick is playing this season, I’m just grateful we don’t have LA East’s goalie
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cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:20 pm
@shiny, Amen…..but you know what’s sad? He has a slightly better Save% than Quick. Oy vay Quicker.
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shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
@cup4kings, ouch.. someone tell him he’s worse than Space Case Bryz and he’ll fix his.problems
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trytodethroneus Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:36 pm
@cup4kings,
Because phila gives up more shots
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Interesting. The practice at noon, there are some key players missing so is DS …
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harty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
@goldielocks, who’s missing and where is DS???
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goldielocks Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
@harty,
Kopi, Brown, Carter, Richards, Stoll … don’t know … maybe they all in Sutter’s barn?
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jet Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@goldielocks, all the leaders, interesting. I can’t see a coaching change. i wonder if there is a player situation
neil Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
@harty, watching video?
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neil Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
@neil, looking for quick’s game?
Robbie Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@goldielocks, DS is watching tapes of Bernier and deciding whether to go all in on him and risk the wrath of Lombardi or keep playing Quick and treat the rest of the season as valuable playing experience for the kids.
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IF Mitchell and Greene are done for the season (and considering the time for either one to start practicing and get some games in so they would be able to help before the season ends is rapidly disappearing), I’m warming to the idea of making a rent-a-stay-at-home-UFA trade if one can be gotten cheaply enough. Problem is thats unlikely, and in NO WAY do I want to see next season and the following sold out just to fix this one for 2 months. So… I would consider trading DD2 and a high pick for a decent rental, or (if anyone hasnt been watching the Kings closely enough and would go for it) Penner and a lower pick. IF anyone wants to trade JB, consider if he got an offer sheet in the summer and we didnt match, it would almost for sure be in the $3million range, which I believe still gets a 1st and 3rd round pick. Even still, a trade for him had BETTER involve a decent backup coming our way AND a good stay-at-home D who is still young enough to have never played against Luc. We’ll even throw in AM and a pick if we can get a top 4 guy.. cause who knows if Greene or Mitchell will EVER come back as good as they were.
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SLG1013 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
@bbb7, To get a 1st and 3rd, the AAV of the offer sheet would need to be greater than 3.365M and less than 5.05M. The bracket below this is one 2nd round pick… Not sure if JB will be worth 3.4M next season…
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jet Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:01 pm
@SLG1013, he would be worth it, because there would be no loss of current assets. I would think he might get 5 for 18 and still the Kings might sign and trade.
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SLG1013 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
@jet, Sure, but those 1st and 3rd round picks in next years draft are pretty valuable. As well, if the Kings match an offer sheet, they can’t trade him for a calendar year from the signing (at least that was the rule in the previous CBA, not sure if it’s changed in the new one).
KingMe20 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:13 pm
@SLG1013,
I think that rule is still part of he CBA. When the Avs matched the offer to O’Reilly, I seem to remember someone (might have been Darren Dreger) mentioning that the soonest Colorado could trade him might not be until the summer of 2014 because the trade deadline in 2014 won’t be as late this year’s will be.
No need to panic but the goalie situation MUST be adjusted. One is playing good, one bad. Even out the duties and stop being a hard head. I understand what he did last season and love him for it. But don’t bite of your nose to spite your face.
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shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
@RobSD, LOL I love that expression. And it’s very relevant here
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Cesar A Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
@RobSD, the defense must improve in order for the goaltending issue to be resolved. The goaltender cannot make saves and cover times at the same time. Kings defense has been horrible in the last two games which explains their two losses!
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Sam Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@RobSD, Berns got lit-up pretty well on the second of a back-to-back against St. Louis. I would agree with Cesar, its more about the “D” than the goaltending. Quick does need to be better but the blame does not solely lay with him.
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YoBro Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
@Sam, I wouldn’t call a deflection off his D-man and two deflections being “lit up”.
Go Kings
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LT21 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:07 pm
@RobSD, I agree with the saying but also have my own spin on that. I think a lot of Kings fan are in a panic right now about the goalie situation but I am choosing to look at the long term and go “Once Quick has a proper summer training program and it has been a full year since his surgery he will be much better.” This takes nothing from what Bernier has done. He has been great. But I don’t think we (meaning DL) should feel the need to panic and rush to stop the bleeding and make rash decisions based upon the first have of a shortened, compacted season when it is probably just a short term problem. I have faith that Quick will get his stride back and, yeah, that may not be until next season. But looking long term I am much more willing to hold onto him and trading Bernier AFTER this season in order to get a good prospect or strong Dman in return. So the “Don’t bite off your nose to spite your face” saying I think owns true in that we shouldn’t have this knee jerk reaction of “sign Bernier to take over for Quick or risk all future seasons” mentality. Just my opinion.
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goaliemom Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:22 pm
couldn’t agree more……….
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JD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:18 pm
@LT21, a pro quick post, from you?
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YoBro Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:52 pm
@JD, Surprise!
LT21 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
@JD, If having loyalty to a player that did great things for the organization less than a year ago is something to mock then I feel ashamed to be associated with those fans. I am as much pro-Quick as it seems like as many people on here are anti-Quick. The guy couldn’t sneeze right for some people. So excuse me for having faith in one of the core players who brought us the cup. Did I defend how he played last night? No. Do I think he will bounce back to his normal form and has earned the right to remain #1 for the foreseeable future? Yes. Sue me.
We been playing good….just need to fix the goaltending issue by playing Bernier and keep teaching tthte kids to get better…
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Fans – a tough loss for sure — you play the first period just like you drew it up but come out on the wrong side. As for the 2 goals related to Muzz’s penalties – one a softy – the other legit – PK has to be better and there is such a thing as a good penalty. You make it sound like Muzz will get dressed down for it. I doubt it. Check the player sheets people – he saw a teammate down in a heap and immediately took the opposing player to task. That player he fought was a former Junior hockey teammate that he played with for years. That says something to his current team and management and it’s a very positive statement.
He’s a rookie — he’s playing well at times and making mistakes at times but its a work in progress folks. Just ask his partner about mistakes – they can bite ya!
peace
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Quick needs to get his confidence back he is our goalie for the future and the sooner he gets mentally right he will be back to his old form. Right now though he is not making any big saves needed in the games we are losing. So Sutter should play both goalies and ride Bernier if he is hot, but behind tbe scenes Sutter needs to get JQ back to his old form so he definitely needs to play.
Props for Muzzin sticking up for a teammate it was right thing to do especially how fast game is if I wss on rink look like a cheap shot to the head. Sticking up for teammates goes a long way behind the scenes in building chemistry, trust, and working hard for teammates.
Doughty is a beast. Yes he has made some costly turnover mistakes, his roll is different without Greene or Mitchell. He hits, he csrries the puck, maked some insane defensive plays if you play hockey you should especially appreciate what he brings
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Apparently today’s practice was optional… not positive that’s a good thing, but what do I know…
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vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:01 pm
@shiny,
Apparently, stopping pucks was also optional last night for Quick.
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jet Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
@shiny, for the coach also?
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I didn’t have an issue with what Muzzin did either.
IF anyone recalls that game against TB when Artuykin took a cheapshot against one of the Kings..I belive it was DD and nobody did a damn thing to him afterwards. The team was completely and rightfully dressed down by Murray and Lombardi.
What Muzzin did was without a doubt the correct thing. You always stick up for a temmate. you’ll make up the 2 points later n down the line, but if he does nothing, you end up with a fractured locker room which can’t be reapired as easily.
I also think the league needs to review the instigator penalty and the assessment whern a player has a shield on. they talk about how everyone should wear a shield, but by doing so, the league plans to punish you in a different way.
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shiny Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
@nykingfan, I don’t understand the visor penalty. I suppose you have an “advantage” of protecting your face but honestly, if the visor is making that much difference, then there are bigger issues at stake.
Maybe it should be changed to instigating with a helmet because the helmet is more likely to cause damage than a visor
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wobsse6 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@shiny, If the NHL wants players to wear the visor, then they need to stop giving additional penalties for wearing one.
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Cunning Plan Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
@nykingfan,
if you have a visor on but take it off before you fight you still get a penalty is an instigator
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puck73 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
@nykingfan, Muzzin standing up for a teammate was a good thing. However, Muzzin should be awrae of the rule about the visor. He should have thrown off his helmet and took care of business. Instead he left it on, and it cost the team BIG TIME.
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Cry Baby Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
@puck73, Cliffy was also on his way in. Muz should have let Cliffs do it and the guy who made the would not have skated away unscathed. Cliffs had no visor.
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harty Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@Cry Baby, Cliffy wanted to step up but Muzzin wouldn’t back off….
Nykingfan Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 5:17 pm
@puck73,
That’s a lot to ask during the heat of the moment.
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jet Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
@nykingfan, Agree with Muzzin going at it and in a purely instinctual way. A secondary benefit is that our defence shows some fight. We are playing a few little guys and other teams are taking advantage. Big willie puts up the hands a couple of times a year and Greener has enough strength that he can suggest he will put them up and other will respect that.
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Its been downhill since Martinez came back…just saying
Bernier deserves more time, its clear quick isnt in form. I find it interesting how well we react when we change goalies (see St. Louis game)
What did you guys think of the Muzzin penalty? Do you accept him standing up for teammate? Do you blame him because it was a clean hit? Do you blame fraser for having his head down? Blame the pk? Blame no one and just accept it?
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puck73 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
@kings714, In my book, The Desjardins hit on Frasier was clean. I find it interesting in todays NHL that players will drop the gloves even on a clean hit. The reason I bring this up is because during his time here with The Kings, Rob Blake you to knock the wind out of people all the time with Hip Checks and Butt checks and opposing players didnt feel the need to drop the gloves.
This may also have to do with the declining role of the enforcer as well…my 2 cents.
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cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
@puck73,
That hit on Frazer was borderline though, split second, between a cheap shot and a legal hit. To Muzzin’s credit, you don’t get time to think about if that was a clean hit. Hip checks are a different story. Most players can clearly see that hit before reacting.
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puck73 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@cup4kings, Love the fact that Muzzin stood up for a guy like Frasier, it was the right thing to do. That being said, he, and his coaches have to be aware of the visor rule as well, those penalties proved costly to a team that currently has a very young defense and a goalie who is nowhere near form compared to last season.
cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:41 pm
@puck73
Agreed….visor rule was definitely something he should have taken into account. I doubt he makes that same mistake again unless it’s a clear cheap shot.
kings714 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:57 pm
@cup4kings, completely agree on visor, we need to sit down with our guys and tell them how to avoid it
kings714 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:56 pm
@puck73, yea was definitely clean, and i don’t think a clean hit needs retaliation. That said, i can’t fault a guy for standing up for his teammate
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
@kings714, There are a lot of things going on with this team,most of it is mental,look at JQ,there is some very mental things going on with him,I posted this last night.JQ is probably playing tentative,maybe he’s not completely healed, maybe it’s the pressure of his contract or with trying to live up to the SC,maybe he can’t get his head around the fact that he does not have MG and WM helping him out,we are a different team that’s for sure.I think that AMart being hit in the face with a puck and having metal plates in his face,plus going down with an upper body injury last week is affecting him.Something needs to be done and soon.
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Would the Kings ever trade Quick? I know this may spark a lot of debate, but you know what they say….buy low, sell high. The Kings could get a ransom for Quick, and they have Bernier to step in and take over the goalie spot. Somewhat comparable to trading Jack Johnson for Carter and having Voynov fill his role? Just a thought. By no means am I for this but the thought has crossed my mind. Would be interested to hear thoughts on it.
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DBking Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
@cup4kings, I’m not completely opposed
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@cup4kings, Well one of the problems with that is Jones is not playing very great at Manch so a decent goalie would have to come back in the trade. We don’t have a VV type of goalie. Quick would fetch a top D a top 6 forward and a decent back up goalie,don’t see that out there.
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cup4kings Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
@LVKINGS88, Agreed, would need a capable backup goalie coming to the Kings in such a trade.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:57 pm
@cup4kings, I’m not so sure about the latter part of that. Bernier has yet to prove he can handle the bulk of the games at the NHL level. Mark my words, Quick will rebound and when he does look for a streak like Chicago (or last years playoffs).
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YoBro Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@HockeyNerd, Bernier has never been afforded the chance to prove whether he can or can’t handle more work. I would rather it was US who answered that question than another team. (If, of course, he proves he CAN handle it). I would hope that Quick COULD rebound, and return to form. But nobody, nobody, can answer that based on this yrs body of work.
Go Kings
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Mars Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
@cup4kings, I get the thought logic there, but say no.
We are looking at a lockout season so any other year we would only be 1/4 into it. (not by date of course, just games played)
It’s a lockout season, give it your best and dont over-react, go for the long haul.
With off season training and an actual camp….Y’Konw. Next year, why flip the eff out now?
I am by no means calling this season a wash, just saying look at the big long term piicture.
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JD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
@cup4kings, I don’t agree at all, quick is probably untradeable, playing terrible, with his contract, if we could just dump him on somebody, we should do it in a minute
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JD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
@JD, don’t agree about quick bringing back a ransom, I agree about possibly trading quick… If we can find a taker
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LT21 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
@JD, Wow. Fairweather much? Thank goodness you don’t run the team.
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JD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:00 pm
@LT21, nothing fair weather about it, I’ve never been a real quick fan, but he did have a career season last year, so I give him credit for that. For whatever reason the powers that be on the kings don’t seem to like bernier, and he was never given a fair chance, they rushed him when he was what 19, then never gave him a fair chance after that, as bad as quick is now playing, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him still get 90% of the starts the rest of the season. I do agree that coming off back surgery gives him an excuse this season, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him have labarbra stats again next season …. Then there will be no excuses
Make that sub labrarbra stats, it’s also real funny that when he has a good game, it’s all about quick being great, but when he can’t stop a beachball it all about the defense, so who is responsible for quicks game, the d or quick himself
JD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 10:02 pm
@LT21, and thank goodness none of us runs the team
Calm down, you win you lose
Go Kings Go!
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LT21 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
@gailweb, Yeah but on this site it is historically “You win: Yay we are amazing! You lose: Trade Quick” So happy none of us are in charge of running the team.
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I heard a rumored trade on the radio today. Don’t know if there is anything to it, or just someone’s uninformed, idle thought. The trade would bring Iginla to L.A. for Bernier. I would not do that in a million years. Bernier could well be our best goalie and he’s young. You don’t see him running around out of position all the time leaving the net wide open. Iginla is old. The team’s struggles right now are centered on defense, not offense. Hopefully when Mitchell and Greene return we will see a reduction in opponent’s forwards walking out alone right in front of our goalie. As a long time Kings’ fan and one who would like to see the team win more Cups, I hope the rumored trade is nothing more than a baseless rumor.
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puck73 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@john, Wow, where did you hear this rumor? This is really interesting, this is the first Ive heard of it.
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fsd1 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
@puck73, lmao
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@puck73, It was discussed on TSN with Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKensie. But they were thinking Calgary would also need to add a draft pick. Nothing less than a 1st round pick would make that deal worth while.
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paige Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
@john, Puck Dadday has it… frankly the whole idea has me scratching my head. suddnely LA can score and is filled with experienced cup winners. why buy a scorere who has never won the cup when now the problem is a holey defense? http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/los-angeles-kings-really-jarome-iginla-201840862–nhl.html;_ylt=Aj5hY.8t3xuUzAFDoUioT1WRbcp_;_ylu=X3oDMTE4NWRia245BG1pdANCbG9ncyBJbmRleARwb3MDMQRzZWMDTWVkaWFCbG9nSW5kZXg-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpMm9iMzh1BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANibG9nBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3
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DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
@john,
Toffoli for Bernier. Oh, um, wait, er, uuuuuuuh, nevermind…….
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neil Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
@DesertKing, they need to bring up Hickey..
he was a first round pick after all
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
@john, I would actually LOVE to have Iginla here. Someone who has not won a cup may be just the spark we need. Iginla would look very good playing with the likes of Brown and Kopitar.
The problem, like you say is that we have more important needs right now.
I also do not trade Bernier until Quick starts playing better.
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:39 pm
@HockeyNerd, Agree,he has more goals than a lot of our players,but I would not give JB up,not until JQ figures it out.
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JQ is not going anywhere. Yes, he is not playing like the JQ of last season. He had a significant operation on his back. He didn’t play any hockey of even practice for 7 months. That is 7 months witbout seeing a puck or skaters in front of him. Then he gets 4to days of practice and the season starts. JQ will not be the JQ of last season u.til next seaso. The loss of WM and Greene compounds the problems with his recovery. He isn’t going anywhere because DL thinks 4-5 years down the road,
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puck73 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:54 pm
@DesertKing, Found some great Nachos at Famous Daves BBQ in Santa Ana. I had it with pulled/shredded chicken and maple flavored beans….very good!
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DesertKing Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
@puck73,
I really hate you
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
@puck73, They got a Famous Dave’s in Santa Ana? wow,I used eat there when I lived in Vegas,their Devils Spit sauce kicks azz.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:21 pm
@puck73,
Went to a Famous Daves down near Oceanside while visiting the son’s In-Law’s, and it was great!
Damn. Should’ve ordered nachos! First time there. It was worth it!
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vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Hey yeah, that’s in Vista. Good ribs!
Lake Forest Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
@DesertKing, Agree. Even though I think a trade is coming, it’s not involving Quick. Quick’s had a rough start, but he’s 20 games in. He needs to step it up.
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neil Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
@Lake Forest, fix the defense….the goalie problem will fix itself…
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Mars Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
@neil, @Neil, @NEIL, @NeIl, @nEiL, @NE1L,
I agree.
Not happy with aMart the past few.
Not sure what to make of Ellerby
Muzz had a bad game, but hopefuly recovers.
Need to keep the skates moving. When they coast or stop, bad things happen.
Kingsfanone Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:24 pm
@neil, Mars,
Agree. Problem is defense first.
NamidaEurope Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:01 pm
@DesertKing, Couldn’t agree more. Love our Q factor and I’m still more thankful to him than critic of him. Actually I like JB as well and I like to see him against sharks on Saturday.
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Waiting to pay a ticket and blogging……love the blog!!!
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Michael J. Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@neil,
I’m not going to ask.
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Ravens Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@neil, was the ticket for blogging while driving?
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Mars Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:36 pm
@neil, P’ing in public again?
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
@neil, be sure to use your real name Neil and not your fake name neil
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Kingsfanone Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:25 pm
@Lake Forest,
You mean @neil.
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Is there any way the Kings can afford Iginla and Kipper this year? Maybe the deal is for both of these guys…
Bernier + Penner + … never mind…
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if the rumored deal with Bernie for Iggy also included Cory Sarich I could maybe see it
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What would we be saying if Mitchell and Greene were playing………
Ah we won again, this is boring…..we need to loose a few to put more fire under these guys.
Oh ya, the Hawks have lost two now they won’t catch us….
Just imagine how that would play out fellow bloggers……..
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krash324 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:54 pm
@harty, Quick would still have a poor save percentage. It is what it is. I believe he will snap out of it, but that may be next year only. We have to ride the hot goalie. All 3 goals that went in against Bernier last time were on deflections, never can blame the goalie on those. If and when Bernier goes cold, then to Quick. Another way for Quick is to steal a game when he gets a chance. Maybe sitting will do him more good than playing right now. He has lost confidence in himself and I would venture to say that rubs off on the team. Ever think that is why the defense plays better when Bernier is in? It is not only about our injuries on D.
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Michael J. Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:55 pm
@harty,
My best guess is that the Kings are somewhere around 4-6 points below where they would be if those two were involved in half the games.
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So we are retiring my favorite jersey on Tuesday. Sad to see it go, but at least I have mine that I can wear over, over, over again! The purple and black jersey with crown crest is a kick ass lookin jersey and I enjoyed seeing it again on the boys last Tues.
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Mars Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:46 pm
@DaveinSD, Good ol forum blue and gold. Looks so awesome! I love my Dionne jersey and will wear it every third game I can. I like to rotate my jerseys for games.
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DaveinSD Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
@Mars, Nice! I don’t have the old forum blue & gold, my oldest is a Robitaille Black Chevy jersey from the ’93 Cup run. Its a good jersey, but pretty beat up. To me, the purple looks good on the Kings, they should wear them every game.
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I haven’t read all of the comments since last nights game, so I apologize if this has been said.
First, I do believe that Quick will ultimately be the right goaltender for the Kings but I was at the game last night. I was down by the glass durring warm ups and when Quick finished one of his turns in the net and skated by us, ir appeared that he was wincing in pain.
Is it from his surgery, some other injury, or simply a mistaken assesment of what we saw? I don’t know but I know this:
Last year, I felt confident every time a shot was taken at our net with JQ there. So far this year, it is exactly the opposite.
Play Bernier for a while and hopefully string some more wins together and sort this out in the off season.
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Had lunch @ New York Deli in Torrance, feeling much better now.
Tomorrow we will be on, I think it was a good ol fashion butt kicking we needed.
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LAKMiles Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
@Mars, Where is that one located? Have you ever eaten at Scardino’s restaurant on Anza in Torrance. One of my top 3 favorite Italian restaurants…the chicken cacciatore is amazing. If you ever feel like going out to a nice Italian dinner in that area I highly recommend it.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
@LAKMiles, There is actually 2 New York Deli’s in Torrance that are only a couple blocks away from each other. Both are on Sepulveda Blvd, East of Crenshaw, just shy of Arlington. Scardino’s is actually on Torrance Blvd just West of Anza. Im a Torrance Local born and raised and have been to these places many times…only reason im being technical about it. Im a fan of both!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
@Mars,
How’d you like it? We’ve seen it.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:53 pm
@Kingsfanone, Great Sandwiches! typical Deli though…nothing to spactacular
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Maybe it’s just me but I do not see the “value” of having Penner on the roster. He makes a lot of money and he does very little. Has a big body but doesn’t often use it to his advantage. He’s soft around the puck and has lead hands. I just don’t see why he is on this team. Yeah, I know that he scored a couple of timely goals in the playoffs last year but he’s fairly useless. If I’m Dean Lombardi, I’m not entering into another contract with this guy for next season. Let him go elsewhere. We can find a better way to spend $3 – $4 million.
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LAKMiles Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
@Jeff, I hate to ever play GM but at this point there are a couple players I see as expendable…first Stoll he would have some value in a trade and he does very little except on the PK… he doesnt make plays and he hit his old snipe shot the other night but hes about 1-30. D King o wow D King I was almost sad he scored last night because I really want him out of the lineup he looks like the guy we called up 2 seasons ago just skates his big self around and get tied up on the boards. The last one is a player Ive always like but I think is the only one who is expendable and has some value having won the cup…thats A-Mart like I said I liked him since his first game with the Kings In Montreal where he scored a goal. I like him alot but I think we need to put together a package for a top four D-man and put it Toffoli…..thats my 3 cents and my first time playing GM tell me how u guys feel.
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Jeff Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
@LAKMiles, I don’t think Stoll or King being moved would be a bad thing. Martinez I think has some puck moving skills. The one guy that really bothers me is Penner. He is a complete underachiever. Has a big body but plays real soft. In fact, his hands are just about the only things that aren’t soft!
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rick Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:20 pm
@Jeff, Agreed. The guy doesn’t even belong in the NHL any more, let alone on the defending Cup champions.
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Not on the Quick is playing horrible bandwagon. The first one was a bad deflection that led to a wide open net. The second was an awesome shot. The third was a 2 on 0 break. The problem is he is not out of his mind, but he is still not letting in many “bad goals”. Bernier gave up 4 just a few games ago and was pulled. It is a defensive problem, not a goaltending problem. We are missing are two toughest and strongest defensemen in Greene and Mitchell. Teams have more control in our zone this year and we are having trouble getting the puck out. We need the D to step up.
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vplaza Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:07 pm
@iekingfan71,
Every goaltender will have a bad break on a goal or a goal that would have been nearly impossible to stop. But you don’t have to look very hard in the games this year to see many goals that he’s given up that you scratch your head as to how those got in.
If you’re going to give Quick the benefit of the doubt on last night’s goals, you need to do the same with Bernier in his last start since all the goals that went in were of the same variety.
The bottom line for Quick is that his Save % is down. If DS calls this out during interviews, that the Save % needs to improve, there’s truth to this. And it points to Quick not playing well.
The Kings are doing an excellent job of limiting shots on goal, so you would hope that your goaltender can keep a decent Save % to take advantage of the limited shots that you’re giving up.
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
@iekingfan71, The three goals that JB gave up as you said were redirected goals,very hard to defend,JQ came in and gave up the fourth.JQ had two goals against the Yotes that were JQ stoppable saves,he didn’t.Last night the first goal was crap defense,the second was crap goal by JQ,it was not an out numbered attack,the shot was a bad angle from just inside the top of the face-off circle,JQ was deep inside his crease and playing too low.Both goalie’s have had the same defense but look at their GA wins and save percentages, there is only one excuse,JQ has problems whether they be mental/physical or both. JQ did a fantastic job for us,no doubt,he is the future and we all love this guy but people need to pull their heads out of their collective culo’s and admit the fact there is something going on with him. I doubt Mitchell or Greene come back to make any difference,they’ve been gone too long,JQ needs to work things out and JB needs to play, I do not think any goalie should play b2b though,that has not worked for us. DS needs to get this D fence up to par,we don’t have any room for anymore loses.
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My money is on Bernier. The last loss he had were mostly tip in goals
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wobsse6 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:21 pm
@KingsOfKomedy, not to be nit-picky, but his last loss was last night
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wobsse6 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
@wobsse6, And I think the game you are referring to was against St.Louis which we eventually came back and won after Bernier was replaced….but to your point, Bernier’s last unsuccessful outing all the goals were deflections.
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 4:01 pm
@wobsse6, Yeah that sucks about JB getting the loss,true about him getting pulled and yes three deflected goals but he also was playing a b2b game,I would not played him b2b nor would I do the same for JQ,neither b2b have worked for us, and remember JQ gave up the fourth goal in that game.
Deke'r Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 5:05 pm
@wobsse6, ….why would the goalie coming in when the team is behind get the loss…..should be JQs’ loss…..
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wobsse6 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 5:35 pm
@Deke’r, totally agree, should be like baseball (I know, hockey is not baseball), but should be quicks loss unless Kings tie it up, then it would be bernier’s. Current rule is whoever lets in the game winning goal is the loser. Bernier let in the 4th goal.
@LVKINGS88, your points are right on. Playing b2b games for a goalie is driving me crazy. I don’t care if it shouldn’t matter, look at the results.
My final take on the Muzzin fight/penalty.
So, if we take away the two goals that the Sharts got on the resulting PPs from Muzzin’s fight, the Kings probably win 3-2? Damn, not sure taking a loss is worth him trying to get some ice cred with his teammates.
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wobsse6 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 5:37 pm
@vplaza, see Sean O’Donnell, 98 playoffs against St. Louis. 3 goals against on his 5 minute penalty after sticking up for Storr when Courtnal cheap shot him.
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Mr_higgins Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:28 pm
@vplaza, would a…could a…should a….if Quick stopped the floater and didn’t over commit on the first goal and DD didn’t cough up a 2 on 0 to start the 3rd and Neimi didn’t play like the undead in the first they should have won 6 0 … come on…Of all the sports, hockey is the most “team” oriented… Muzz didn’t stand up…scrum ends…Sharks tee off on the team the rest of the way and grinds them into a loss…
the next day looms gentlemen…no need to re cast the line up in advance…
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If you say you are going to stay with the hot goalie, then stay with the hot goalie.
I don’t care if Quick got a raise and won the Conn Smythe and was a major reason the Kings won the cup last season.
That was last season, and this season is halfway over and without Greene/Mitchell back on defense, its shown.
Bernier won 3 in a row and then Sutter put Quick back in net, not sure why.
Murray did the very same thing last season when Quick had 3 shutouts in a row, and then decided to play Bernier. Even Nick Nixon was scratching his head.
By now its clear both goalies are missing Greene and Mitchell, so is the PK, but Ellerby and Muzzin, Drewiske combined aren’t Mitchell or Greene.
Doughty still has a lot of learning to do. I wasn’t sold on his defensive play when everyone was calling him the next Norris contender. Maybe its too much right now for him to have to try to compensate for the last of both defensive play and his offensive contributions. Right now let Voynov be the guy to put up the points, and let Doughty be the guy who is shelling out the hits.
Penner has been a waste of a former 1st round pick in Teubert, a 1st and a 2nd. I don’t know what became of the guy who had 20+ goals consistently with EDM, but he has not shown any of those offensive statistics since he came in the trade.
King hasn’t really done a heck of a lot of scoring, even if he has put a few in the net lately, its still not enough.
Time to start looking around at who could be available like Doug Murray since Lombardi drafted him, he’s a player who is a UFA and is a guy who will clear the front of the net, but the trading within the division right now with both teams in a playoff position probably not going to happen, so where to next?
Regher former Flame familiar with Sutter
Smid probably a lot would have to be offered, but EDM needs defense so he’s probably going to re-sign with them at some point.
Dean is supposed to have a green light for spending, but that spending doesn’t always include money and its a very lean market right now if the Kings are going to make a move.
These next games with SJ/PHX are 4 point games for the Kings and could put some distance between the Kings and the Sharks and Coyotes, which can at the least give them more time to maneuver if they can take advantage.
If they don’t get points out of each of these next games, and its a defensive issue, then Lombardi is going to have to do something.
I don’t see Bernier going anywhere until after the season.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
@Neil Shafton, Wow that’s a lot to digest. Can’t argue with a lot of that but wish a lot of what you said were as simple as you make it sound. If we end up defending that shiny silver thingie I GUARANTEE you it will be Quick and not Bernier in net. Quick will not improve his play from the bench. Yes I would start Bernier Saturday but Quick to me is STILL #1.
Penner has been hugely a disappointment but Teubert hasn’t exactly been that important to the Oilers either. Penner scored some HUGE goals in the playoffs and for that reason alone I’d make the trade again.
VV concentrating on the points and DD on the defense is pretty much exactly what we are already doing.
And you seem to be frustrated that we haven’t obtained a Stay at Home. Understand that you have to give up something to get something and it isn’t that easy. Bernier is probably the best asset we have that DL would be WILLING to trade and you and everyone keep harping (quite correctly I might add) that that shouldn’t happen until Quick had gotten back into form.
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LT21 Reply:
March 15th, 2013 at 8:55 pm
@Neil Shafton, Bernier winning 3 in a row and Quick getting 3 shutouts in a row isn’t quite the “very same thing” but I see the point you are trying to make. The difference is their “rank” in the eyes of Sutter. Sutter is known to pick his favorite goalie and stick with him. For him, that is Quick. Therefore, in Sutter’s eyes, it doesn’t matter what the backup does, the #1 will still play. However, sitting the #1 after 3 straight shutouts is more of a head scratcher.
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