More Crawford quotes
On theory that playing on the Kings, with their defensive problems, would chip away at Bernier's confidence: ``I think that's the concern they've got. He's a quality person. He's shown the ability to play and play well. He showed the ability to bounce back from goals and anything else that can be construed as a mistake. You got to like the physical makeup he's got; you love the mental makeup he has. And it's going to carry him a long way. What we're saying is it's just not right now. Now is not the time for him to be here. For his long-term development, that's the decision that's been made.''
On Bernier's reaction to the news: ``He's disappointed. That shows you the quality of person he is. He wanted to make a difference here and he wanted to continue to get the opportunity to make a difference. We're not going to give him that opportunity. We're going to concentrate on his development.''
``Obviously, we're concerned about the mindset he's got. As we told him this morning, `You're a great goaltender. Act like a great goaltender and believe this is a short-term setback for you.' He's going to progress at the right level and maybe the right speed.''
On possibility of Bernier coming back up this season: ``I think the rule's is that, in an emergency situation, you can bring up anyone under contract. But, for all intents and purposes, he's going to complete his junior year. Hopefully he'll have a great junior year, maybe play for the Canadian national team at the world juniors tournament, and at the end of the year they could bring him up here or at our farm club level.''
Here is to looking forward to a great season as him with as a goalie in 2010. I should get my season tickets now.
Flyers put Jesse Boulerice on waivers. I say pick him up, we need alot more grit. What do you guys and gals think?
great... it sounds like the coaching/management have given up on the team too...
and we thought it was going to be a better season than last year... ha.
commence the youth movement...
at least there would be effort and heart on the ice.
at least i can stomach that as opposed to what we're rolling over the boards now.
Sorry Tito, but 2010 sounds about right. And SANE long-suffering Kings fans will say that that is about the time we will be able to actually be a legit playoff team. My opinion is that the kings don't need Bernier to be just a solid NHL goalie, but a FRANCHISE level goalie, and if he doesn't pan out, you might have to add another 3 years to the time line barring any prudent trades. Way too much impatience around here. We are not that close but not many fans like to hear it. Let's wait and see what Lombardi has to say.
The only word I can think of at this point is unacceptable. The number of bad goals Bernier has let in can be counted on one hand in as many games. This kid belongs in the NHL and he has proven it.
The players have been struggling and the organization has failed them. It is about time for DL to act and now. if Crawford doesn't do a 180 this week, DL needs to take over and get something done in a positive direction or else this season could very well be their last.
of course bernier belongs in the NHL. we all know that. this is not the right time though, considering the porous D he's playing behind.
and crawford wants bernier to believe it's a "short-term setback"? JB, it's not a setback. it's a chance for you to play more, learn more, and not get burned by your D for multiple goals a night. can't wait to see you in '08 or '09.
I don't think DL should make any moves unless he's given "an offer he can't refuse."
This team sucks. Anyone who hadn't been drinking the LA Kings Koolaid would have seen that going into the season. So this losing streak shouldn't have come as a suprise. Nor should it have a come as a surprise that management didn't want to ruin what could be our franchise goalie by keeping him up w/ this group of losers.
One year of juniors won't kill him. What it will do is protect him from the shelling he would get every night behind this "swiss cheese defense."
now all thats left is crawford has to put Osullivan on the first line with Kopitar and Brown.
Actually I am hoping that Crawford keeps his dirty mits off of O'Sullivan. Yes, he deserves top 6 time but he will be much more valuable in 3 years when it really counts if he is a solid all around player who knows the ins and outs of his responsibilities on the defensive side of the puck. Oh, and we will need several more like him.
``Obviously, we're concerned about the mindset he's got. As we told him this morning, `You're a great goaltender. Act like a great goaltender and believe this is a short-term setback for you.' He's going to progress at the right level and maybe the right speed.''
Look how well this BS worked for LaBarbara!!!! Did he get any better????
What in the living HELL are you people doing to MY TEAM?!?!?!?!DO I need to play the opposite game or something?:
"I like Crawford! He's the best coach in the league!"
OK.....N O W you can fire him...
!@#$%!@#$%^@#$%^@#$%^#$%^&!!!!!!!!!
"Act like a great goaltender and believe this is a short-term setback for you."
Anyone find this kinda upsetting? Shouldn't they be telling him that this isn't a setback at all, but rather a result of the structure of entry-level contract?
Annonymous, I'm pulling for O'Sullivan as much as you are.
He is offensively gifted and has a potential to be a point per game player.
But if things go the way they are, in 2 or 3 years, he'll be putting up big numbers for another team.
This coach is obsessed with with keeping on the 3 & 4 lines. When his contract expires after this season, he'll have many options available with other teams.
And that's unfortunate.
I mean which prospect would want to play for Crawford.
Would any of you.