Notes and quotes from the locker room
I'm not going to say Crawford was shouting in the post-game press conference but he was definitely a few decibels louder than usual. Check out the video on the Kings site if you can. It should be amusing.
Crawford was frustrated that a few mistakes, like the breakaway in the first period and the too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty that led the the 5-on-3 and the second goal, cost the Kings this game.
``If there’s one thing I am disappointed about it’s that we haven’t gotten through our thick skulls yet that it’s a very fine line between winning and losing in the national hockey league,’’ Crawford said. ``There’s no doubt we were better than this team tonight. Where we failed is we didn’t do absolutely everything that we could to win the game. That’s what we're going to have to be committed to do. This team will be a very good club when it learns it has to put out absolutely every ounce of preparation, every ounce of energy, every ounce of difference-making that they can muster up. And when we get that, we're going to change these frustrating losses -- and they're frustrating for everybody, especially our fan base -- into very energetic and satisfying wins. Right now we are not at the top of our game in that one crucial category, which is most crucial of all -- difference making and wanting make difference. That game was there for us tonight no matter how good their goalie was -- and he was great. We made a few mistakes, things where if you take that attitude where every shift can be the difference in the game, you're not going to make those mistakes. Maybe it takes frustrating losses like these to get it through everyone's head.''
Crawford answered one more harmless question and then cut the interview short and walked away after two questions. Really, though, you only need one question with Crow, and it can be about anything. Ask him what he thought of the national anthem and he'll go off on a long tangent with everything he wants to say about the game.
With the loss, the Kings fall into sole possession of the worst record in the league. Washington and Phoenix both won, pulling two points ahead of the Kings. Dustin Brown said the players notice the team's place in the standings.
``I think it bothers everyone in here,’’ Brown said. ``We have a better team than what we’re playing as. It’s a matter of the people in this room to start playing to their potential and eliminating those little mistakes. This is not the first time where we’ve made one or two mistakes and it’s cost us the game.’’
The Kings outshot Minnesota 36-24 but were a season-worst 0-for-8 on the power play.
Alexander Frolov played 15:57 and had two shots. He said the lack of practice time made it difficult for him but that the groin felt OK.
``It’s always hard to get back when you’re out for almost a month,’’ Frolov said. ``It’s going to affect your game a little bit. I had a couple good chances tonight. The groin is a little sore but I think it’s going to be fine.’’
I think I know why the players aren't listening to Crawford anymore. It's a fashion thing.
Everyone knows you don't double stripe (pin-striped jacket with striped shirt.) But Crawford tonight was triple-striped! Striped tie!
Duh. I wouldn't even listen to God hovering over me in bed if he were dressed like that.
Sully!!!! _ucking crossbar,
Another 1/2 an inch and we would have played an extra period.
Unfortunately, this team plays better on even strength than on the power play.
All in all, the team showed alot of character and heart. They kept on fighting back and played hard to the end.
I give them credit for their persistence.
Hell, I even thought Crawford did a descent job. Never thought I'd admit to that.
Can someone link that video on the kings site over. I want to hear what else Crawford was shouting about.
I thought it was a solid effort tonight, not enough for the win, but Josh Harding was very good for Minnesota.
Good to see Fro back tonight. Here's hoping he and Cammy can start producing. That would take alot of pressure off Kopi's line.
I have a good(?) feeling we're going to win some games this week. I know it hurts our chances in getting Stamkos in '08, but we'll lose the lottery anyway. It's a deep draft though, right?
Anthony........YOU ARE AN IDIOT. This team has hovered around the top 10 in the league on the power play. Sure they had a bad game, but as whole they have done well. You always come on here and spout out nonsense. Get your facts straight and pay attention. The team may suck, but raggin on on of the few things they do well is retarded..
Don't make me put a G haad on you.
{anthony said:
"Can someone link that video on the kings site over. I want to hear what else Crawford was shouting about."}
Here ...
http://kings.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=9173&catid=334
It's like futility, the interview...
Meh... The Kings are supposed to lose to teams like Minnesota, because the Wild are well coached, have above average goaltending, and Marian Gaborik.
All in all they did everything they could to try to win the game, including having most of their legit forwards play on the power plays, of which there were many.
It's OK. Washington and Phoenix won. Now, all I have to do is turn my monitor upside down when checking the overall league standings, and ... THE KINGS ARE IN FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!!!!
tomorrow is my bday so they will win
Best Crawford interview ever. The man is pissed.
We are in the midst of a 5 game losing streak. Does anyone think we will beat Colo and Detroit this week? In fact if you look at the schedule we may not win again this year. The boys need more heart!
Marc Nathan, what are you talking about? The Kings rule........last place! No one can even come close to our specialty.............losing.
Crawford should look in the mirror. It's bad enough to change lines every shift, but he's having players change positions frequently too. How are these guys supposed to develop any chemistry or understand what their role on a line is?
Mike:
Yesterday was my b-day and I said the same thing
Overall the Kings didn't look bad. The other goalie got hot and had some great saves.
Too many penalties which hasn't been this teams issue this year and the one breakdown on the breakaway give up.
I know and admit the PP is in the top 10 in the league but they're trying for the pretty down low goal when we have guys like lubo, blake, and Johnson who have great shots that could get us some of the old ugly rebound goals. I'd like to see them line up off wing and get some one timers from the point more, but I can't complain overall looking at stats.