Notes and quotes from the locker room
The Kings played decent in the second period and pretty well in the third but the game was already over after they allowed three goals in a first period in which they only managed four shots.
LaBarbera took the blame for the first period. You probably won't read this quote in any story, but he even said the team probably would have won the game if he didn't play like (excrement) in the first period.
Here's his printable quote: ``The first period, I just felt like I was on my heels. It's a big difference between practice and getting in games. I was on my heels and it cost us. They scored three goals I probably could have had. To let your team get behind like that is tough. I wanted to come in with a good start. I thought I played well the rest of the game but the first period was the game.''
But, if you saw the game, you know it wasn't all LaBarbera's fault. Visnovsky hung him out to dry on the second goal and Blake kicked in the third one. LaBarbera actually was named the second star of the game for his 37 saves.
After all that talk of finishing checks against Smyth and paying him some extra attention, the Kings basically did nothing to make him pay the price for injuring LaBarbera on Dec. 1. Cammalleri pinned him in a semi-headlock against the boards for a few extra seconds after the first period and had some words with him. He had his stick knocked away a few times and took a couple light elbows, but he wasn't even knocked down hard. There was no real retaliation.
When I asked Crawford about Smyth, he completely dodged the question. Here's what LaBarbera had to say: ``He’s pretty savvy. He’s been around a long time and he’s good at avoiding those kinds of confrontations. We got a couple shots in there but nothing too huge. The biggest thing is you can't run out of positon to make a hit on him or get a penalty and put your team down. It happened. It might have been a dirty hit, but I’d rather not try to kill a penalty than have guys try to run around and get back on him.
I happen to be the (victim) and don’t want guys running around trying do somrthing bad or get the team in trouble.''
The Kings had been putting together fuller games lately, getting away from their habit of only playing 40 minutes, but this was a regression.
``In spurts, we’ve been good but for whatever reason we can’t seem to get 60 min together and it's costing us games and taking us further and further down the standings,'' LaBarbera said. ``I don't know what it is. We need to figure something out.''
The Kings are now three points behind the next-worst team in the NHL and four points behind in the Western Conference.
``I think at this point, desperate is the word everyone in this room should be thinking about,'' Patrick O'Sullivan said. ``We talked about it before tonight and went out and gave up a three-goal cushion. I don't know what the answer is. It's getting to the point where it needs to turn around or we're going to be in some serious trouble.''
Oh, and here's what Crawford had to say about the game. I jusk asked for his thoughts on the game this time and let him say what he was already going to anyway.
``We had a terrible start. Adversity is a big enemy of ours right now. We look inexperienced at handling our adversity.
``We wanted to give LaBarbera a night not too difficult but tonight we gave up far too many chances. I thought we were better in second and made a game of it in the third but we still can't start like that and get away with it in this league.
``At times like these, you can point fingers and be really divisive and divide the group, but one thing I will say is these guys are sticking together and trying to work a way through it. We are struggling right now, there is no doubt about that.
``I thought either Jason or Rob Blake were our best players tonight and there weren't a lot of other players who played to the level they needed to. It's great to have him (Jason) back. I think, if nothing else, it should solidify our group knowing he's going to get saves.
``We didn't like the effort tonight, make no mistake about that. The effort wasn't good enough. It's hard to put a finger on it but it's very apparent tonight that when we got an early penalty and then they score on the power play, you could almost see our guys on their heels, and the game is difficult to play when you're taking a defensive stance all time.''
I don't quite follow why Smyth needed retaliation. Hockey is a rough sport and sometimes people get hurt.
Sure, it was unfortunate that Smyth landed on top of LaBarbera, but you guys are carrying on as if Smyth is a dirty player.
Get over it.
I just hope we can get a good ending here for the season.
Sandman.......he broke is friggen stick in his gut. He didn't just fall down. It broke at the shaft not at the blade. How often do you see that without it being a slash or a slapshot ?
Jason Labarbera need not shoulder the blame himself for the poor first period. The TEAM was flat out HORRID. It bothers me to know they will get paid for that performance. I didn't see one King player win ONE race to a puck in that 1st period. Just a horrid lack of effort. Way to go set a tone guys!
The standings are not lying. This team is the easiest in the NHL to come get a win against. They DESERVE to be where they are in the standings. It's not bad luck.
You know it's a truly sad season when we start getting excited that the team is now playing 43 minutes rather than the usual 40.
The more you watch the Kings the more you realize that the pool of talent they have is being forced to try and play a system they are simply not capable of playing. That is one stubborn coach, whose ego is so massive that he fails to build a system around his players rather than force-feeding them his.
Is it all Crawford's fault? Certainly not.
The Kings can't put together a consistent effort on a nightly basis, and as professional athletes, they have to be considered about as substandard in the effort department as any lowly franchise in recent memory.
Sadly, you can't fire the coach AND the players.
I don't pretend to have the solution to our woes, but I have been a fan long enough to expect poor efforts and dismal failure to be included in the typical fan's description of Los Angeles Kings hockey.
Yet I continue to watch.
What is wrong with me?
It's really concerning to see LaBarbara putting all the blame on his shoulders for the Kings poor play. That line of thinking will can make him lose confidence and play badly. Overall, I thought he looked pretty sharp and made a lot of really nice saves.
I know a lot of people want to fire Crawford and Lombardi but who would replace them ? I guess Dave Lewis could become the head coach but his two previous stints weren't exactly successes. Pat Quinn is available but he didn't really build Toronto into a powerhouse team.
The only good ending I can see to this season is to get the #1 overall pick.
On a bright note, it was nice to see Blake on the PP accept and take a one timer from the point and getting a tip in front.
Granted it was a give and go and wasn't the coaches playbook but I've been screaming at my TV all season about the point men being on the off wing.
That used to be the bread and butter for the PP...would be nice if they tossed it in more.
What can you say that hasnt' been said? Awful first period. Labs should have had one but it wasn't his fault he was left out to dry. Reminds one of the amount of pucks that Kelly Hrudey used to see on a nightly basis.
We're about at the halfway point of the season and we're seeeing no imporvement from this team at all.
Since it's getting old repeating the same things over and over, anyone up for some mid season grades?
Here's mine:
Kopitar A
Brown A
LaBarbara B+
Cammy B
Sully C+
Handzus C+
Calder C+
Zeiler C
Frolov C
Johnson C
Ivanans C
Blake D
Stuart D
Modry D
Preissing D
Nagy D
Lubo F
Willsie F
Thornton F
Army F
Aubin F
Gauthier, Giuliano, Moulson, Quick, Dallman Incompletes
Crawford F
DL F
the DL grade is for the product he has put out on the ice. The jury is still out on the prospects and draft picks stockpiled.
Most of these guys could have and probably should have gotten F's but just trying to keep it fair.
I agree with Sandman. If Smyth had a rep as a dirty player, it would be different, but he doesn't. It was an unfortunate accident, magnified by the fact that there is no adequate backup for LaBarbera.
At this point, I have to admit that there is something seriously wrong with the way these players are responding to the coaches. There is enough talent on this team to be quite a bit higher in the standings. I'm not saying they are a playoff team, but they are far better than worst in the league.
nykingfan,
What has Thornton done or not done to deserve an "F" grade? Why are so many down on this guy?
Seems to me he's done what has been expected of him. He's skated hard and played an energy game. You didn't think he'd have 30 goals this year did you? Thornton's the least of the King's worries. How about the guy's that get paid the big bucks that aren't showing up with any consistency? Lubo's half-hearted effort to make a play for that puck on the 2nd goal, sums up his play this season. Same could be said for Blake this year. To think they are on an all-star ballot is a joke, and takes away any credibility the All-star game might have had.
Modry a "D"? Thats crazytown. Better regrade that paper.
Like I said, you could give almost all of them F's including Modry. the only reason I gave him a D was for his +4. Nobody on this team skates to the bench faster when there's a scoring chance against the Kings then Modry.
He also jumps over the boards just as goals are going in for the Kings.
Does anyone else notice that lubo will just not shoot? Even when its right there in his face, I know its allways shoot shoot, but really shoot anyone please. I could not believe there was only 4 shots in the 1st. I live here in New Mexico now for about 10 years and i hate losing to the Avs cause people in albuquerque love them. And back to lubo he just seems lost
What irks me:
1. By now, every player on this team must've watched tape of previous games and seen their lack of heart and non-effort. Look at yourselves in the mirror, boys, and tighten your chinstraps. Hit somebody for gosh sakes!
2. Ryan Smyth would've been toast if I am the coach of this team. If Crawford can't get his message across by now, or is not trying to get the correct message across to these young guys, it is time for a replacement. If he is trying to deliver a message and the boys are not listening, get a new voice in there. Something's wrong with the chemistry.
3. Pull off a gaul darn trade already! Nothing shakes the cobwebs in a non-performing bunch such as this one as a trade where players have to say goodbye to a buddy and watch a teammate uproot his family and kids, and move off to Buffalo or someplace "nice" like that. Hello, Mr. Lombardi, are you awake at these games, and paying attention? Or has the constant losing put you to sleep, too? If DL refuses to shake things up, then my earlier suspicion that the Kings are "playing for the No. 1 pick in the next draft" is correct. Why else would you charge nice, decent folks like us $80 or more to watch this kind of horse (@!&#!+% every night!
4. Hey guys, let's shoot the puck, eh? You can NOT score a goal unless you SHOOT the puck at the NET! Is that clear enough? Attack the net! Attack the net! Attack the net! I think Avs goalie Budaj might've ordered a coke and a hot dog during one stoppage in play last night!
5. Attention Kings management: Be honest with the fans. Please don't tell us the playoffs are still within reach, when anybody with half-a-brain already realizes the playoffs are not going to happen this season. Give us something for being loyal already - 2-for-1 ticket offers, free autograph sessions with the players, $1 hot dog nights ... something to reward us for putting up with the inferior product put out on the ice again and again and again ... I'm glad I gave up my season tickets 3 years ago!
6. For you "newer" fans who preach patience, listen to oldtimers like me who have watched this franchise from Day 1 back in 1967: In hockey, patience means "we're still not sure how to get to where we want to go." This Kings team is actually a pretty good hockey club that needs a few pieces here or there, including a coach who can motivate his players. So being that close to, yet so far away from, actually being a "contender" is frustrating after having watched L.A. Kings hockey religiously over the past 40+plus years. It doesn't take too much to swing the team in the right direction. The inactivity and reluctance on the part of management is what will lose loyal fans like me eventually. I live in Orange County and hate the Ducks, But at least you've got to give them credit that they go out and get talent and make trades - they are not afraid to pull the trigger and make themselves better. So far, all I've seen of my Kings is a good young bunch that needs a proven leader to point the way.
GO KINGS GO!
What irks me:
1. By now, every player on this team must've watched tape of previous games and seen their lack of heart and non-effort. Look at yourselves in the mirror, boys, and tighten your chinstraps. Hit somebody for gosh sakes!
2. Ryan Smyth would've been toast if I am the coach of this team. If Crawford can't get his message across by now, or is not trying to get the correct message across to these young guys, it is time for a replacement. If he is trying to deliver a message and the boys are not listening, get a new voice in there. Something's wrong with the chemistry.
3. Pull off a gaul darn trade already! Nothing shakes the cobwebs in a non-performing bunch such as this one as a trade where players have to say goodbye to a buddy and watch a teammate uproot his family and kids, and move off to Buffalo or someplace "nice" like that. Hello, Mr. Lombardi, are you awake at these games, and paying attention? Or has the constant losing put you to sleep, too? If DL refuses to shake things up, then my earlier suspicion that the Kings are "playing for the No. 1 pick in the next draft" is correct. Why else would you charge nice, decent folks like us $80 or more to watch this kind of horse (@!&#!+% every night!
4. Hey guys, let's shoot the puck, eh? You can NOT score a goal unless you SHOOT the puck at the NET! Is that clear enough? Attack the net! Attack the net! Attack the net! I think Avs goalie Budaj might've ordered a coke and a hot dog during one stoppage in play last night!
5. Attention Kings management: Be honest with the fans. Please don't tell us the playoffs are still within reach, when anybody with half-a-brain already realizes the playoffs are not going to happen this season. Give us something for being loyal already - 2-for-1 ticket offers, free autograph sessions with the players, $1 hot dog nights ... something to reward us for putting up with the inferior product put out on the ice again and again and again ... I'm glad I gave up my season tickets 3 years ago!
6. For you "newer" fans who preach patience, listen to oldtimers like me who have watched this franchise from Day 1 back in 1967: In hockey, patience means "we're still not sure how to get to where we want to go." This Kings team is actually a pretty good hockey club that needs a few pieces here or there, including a coach who can motivate his players. So being that close to, yet so far away from, actually being a "contender" is frustrating after having watched L.A. Kings hockey religiously over the past 40+plus years. It doesn't take too much to swing the team in the right direction. The inactivity and reluctance on the part of management is what will lose loyal fans like me eventually. I live in Orange County and hate the Ducks, But at least you've got to give them credit that they go out and get talent and make trades - they are not afraid to pull the trigger and make themselves better. So far, all I've seen of my Kings is a good young bunch that needs a proven leader to point the way.
GO KINGS GO!
Third period comebacks only obscure the real problems on the ice. Watch a replay of the game, and tell me if you see the same glaring problems: (1) most every time a King has the puck on the boards, two or more Avs converged, and no King provided support (the converse was almost never the case--the Avs supported the puck and the Kings didn't outnumber anyone on the boards); (2) passing in the offensive zone was predictable, to the point that Avs players were sitting in passing lanes, correctly anticipating where passes would be made; (3) the penalty kill invariably uses the passive box, allowing the Avs to enter the zone with speed and position (keeping the puck on the perimeter isn't helping when the perimeter keeps collapsing to just above the circles); (4) King passes didn't hit the tape (exception: Johnson) on breakouts.
Bright spots--Labs after the first period, Calder's grit, Handzus' increasing return to form, Blake finally shooting one-timers, and Fro/Kopi/Cammi/Brown playing like they care (as they do every day).
Unsolicited suggestion for Crow--for at least part of next practice, screw drills, forget the damned "system" and let your players skate and improvise until their tongues hang out--they might actually remember why they loved playing this game as a kid and carry some of that enthusiasm onto the ice at the start. Heck, it can't mess things up more than they are right now.
If we were the Ducks, and Smyth ad injured Giguere, do you think Pronger and May and Moen and O'd and Parros would have simply let him off the hook the way the Kings did?
This is a heartless, gutless, puke of a team.
I can no longer support this crud.
the kings are in a rebuilding mode. too many times in the past when they would miss the
play offs, they would also miss any chance at an elite pick.
i just saying, if your rebuildind then your main concern maybe should be rebuilding, not just winning.
Interesting grades NY Fan. I would include Cammaleri in the A category, though. That line has been excellent and you can't argue with the production of MC. For me, O'Sullivan also deserves higher marks considering his greatly improved hustle and penalty killing skills. Other than The K-C-B line, to me O'Sullivan frequently looks like the only guy trying hard on the team despite the score and miserable position in the standings. There is a really cool quality to LaBarbera. I think he can be a star goaltender in the NHL (watch, he'll get traded and be the next Patrick Roy!) So, I hope the Kings hang with him. In my opinion, despite mostly total breakdowns defensively, he has shined. But, it's sad to look at your list and realize that most of those grades are deserved. Terrible. The team just sucks.
Unless, DL can trade some of the expensive weight he signed in "Plan B" (which has to be considered a complete disaster) and does some astute draft picking, I think we are in for more of the same. It will be interesting at the trade deadline to see who, if anyone, is interested in these underachievers DL signed.
At this stage, I would rather see some of the kids from Manchester like Purcell, Boyle et al on the Kings. It can't get much worse.
For some reason, this season has been even more disappointing than any other for me. It just is such a poor quality product we are given to watch, and I agree with the comments on Crawford.
Ex-Sportswriter-
I feel your pain, but I have to say when they spent the money on the deadmarsh-palffy-allison guys, we had a great team on paper. The management had done everything right and unfortunately injuries killed any chance we had.
You've seen enough GM's make trades giving our youth for older vets to make the playoff run and get wiped out only to have old players that are gone in a couple of years.
We do have a great core of young talent now, and more coming up. We may need some vets to step up, but we need consistency from what we have before that would do any good.
Coming out flat and playing from behind most of your games is a losing strategy but the third is consistently the best period for this team.
It's 1:38 PM, the day after the Kings lose another one.
The Kings are last in the standings.
Crawford is still the Kings' coach.
Nothing is going to change with the Kings until we get an owner who loves hockey and has respect for fans that spend their hard-earned money expecting a better product to be seen on the ice. We need an owner that shares our passion for the game rather than building his own personal monuments throughout the world for financial gain and notoriety. As long as the fans keep going to the games, we keep feeding the machine. Maybe if we sold Beckem,Kobe, and Blake , we could afford one championship sports team in L.A.
After being a Kings fan for over 30 years I seen lots of disappointments. Maybe AEG and company do not care if the Kings are winners or not. Maybe the Kings are just a tax write-off. Come on, the Kings fans are loyal and we deserve a much better effort from the ownership and management of the organization.
Mike Erwin I agree with you on just about everything you said. the grades are subjective, but I thought the C+ guys have been good players,especially Sully but we are in dead last so thats why I backed off the grades a little there.
Barbs has kept us in most games and we saw what it was like when he was out. I think next year with the tandem of Barbs and Bernier the Kings will have top notch goaltending on just about every night.
I think by the 2nd half DL needs to brng up some kids to get them some experience. Similar to what he did with JJ last year. It would also make watching them a little more bearable on those February nights when we'll have absolutely nothing to play for.