Leaner, meaner LaBarbera

That's encouraging. I wish the season would start already. I have patience for the direction of the franchise but when it comes to waiting for the season to start I'm like a 5 year old. Thank God for this site though.

Rich you are a god among men you keep up the great work

Bernier will be #1 and will deserve it. Bab's would have to change his whole style of goaltending to beat out Bernier and its too late in his career to do that. He'll sit at #2.

Frolov taken up residence at TSC. Sounds like captain (or at least alternate captain) material to me.

Frolov would be the best (alternate) captain in the NHL, much like he's the best "stripper" in the NHL.

Frolov shouldn't be a captain. How can the team take him seriously when he shows up in his sweaters?!?!?!?

;)

;)

Glad to hear Frolov and Brown are working so hard.

Hopefully Labs has shown real improvement in his conditioning. We were all very excited about him after his stellar year in the AHL too...

Chief,

I think Bernier will likely beat out every, but where does that leave Ersberg? As much as I want Bernier to kick butt in camp and earn the #1, and I certainly don't want him to earn the #1 and NOT get it, it would be best for him to spend a full season of pro competition in the AHL before being thrown to the wolves. I'm sure he could handle it, but ultimately it just has to be best for him to get a year of seasoning. That said, hopefully Ersberg goes lights out in camp; I'd love to see him steal the #1 and play 50+ games. Labs can have ~30... about the same number he seems to play even when he's the #1.

Irish Pat - right there with ya, throwing a fit in the sandbox...

Ahh, like I said, Labs knows what's at stake and he's gonna come hard. Under the circumstances, I think it's a safe bet that he starts.

Regardless of what happens with Labarbera this season, I think he'll be done with his contract. He could always show miraculous improvement, but what are the realistic chances of that? Remember that this guy languished in the NYR system when they had a black hole with their goaltending.

JDM,
I hope all of the goalies are sharp at training camp. Having to choose from 3 NHL caliber goalies is a great problem to have. I do agree that Bernier may be best served with a year in Manchester, but it sure is great to see what could and what will happen. Also, it's great knowing that there are others in the sandbox like you and I that just want the season to kick off already. Cheers!

I might be the only one here that hopes Labarbera has a great camp and earns the number 1 spot. We have seen flashes of brilliance from him, and when he goes on a streak, he can flat out win games. The only problems with him were his rebound control and his endurance. Hopefully with the weight loss, he has taken care of the endurance part.

Bernier had a 3 goals against average in the playoffs for Manchester and was sitting in the Championships a few months ago.

Ersberg is the reason the Kings don't have Stamkos. How can anyone support not giving the job to Ersberg, with LaBarbara as the #2?

Fro and Brown at TSC, huh?

Well, Frolov is coming off that surgery. And Brown's going to need to add a little bit of strength if he's gonna be carrying around the C all season.

Cloutier is also training at TSC. Is there anyway the Kings can get a court order for him to train somewhere else and not pollute our ice?

Gentleman, you are seeing the product of your beloved Kings going in the right direction. Do you all see whats happening here? The upgrade of talent is creating competition. La Barb knows he has to work his butt off to compete with the new talent pool. I wish more people would operate like my man, Pete Carrol. Every day, every practice is open competition. Nobody is guaranteed a starting position, you have to earn it week by week. In the next few years every position will be like this if we continue to find talent. I'm excited. I don't care who the goalie is as long as he earns the right to be there.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Murray institute a system like Carrol's, in a way. He mentioned in his interview that players can be sent down and called up as easily, and that it was something he had to adjust to, slightly indicating he didn't like that. Based on that, I expect to see him having no trouble benching say as an example Moulson in favor of Zeiler if Moulson is lazy at the morning skate or something. Just an example, but you're right, competition and enforcement of effort winning spots is the ultimate 'accoutability'

Duckhunter,
I couldn't agree more with your post. The competition in training camp is just going to get better and better each year.

In my opinion, Bernier is basically already the #1, but with the defense that will be in front of him, you do NOT put him on the ice in the NHL until that is upgraded. Bernier spends time in Manchester until just after Christmas when he then gets the call.

We all want to see him here, and now, but I think we all need to have the patience knowing we just aren't going anywhere this season.

Now, can this team do something to prove me wrong? I'd like nothing more than that!

mrbrett,
I couldn't agree more with YOUR post. Putting Bernier behind this defense is overtly reckless.

Duckhunter: Pete Carroll's your man? uh oh, this Bruin has a problem. =D

otherwise, i completely agree. i am so ready for October.

We can hope, and I do, that the Kings will surprise this season, but with the loss of so much veteran leadership on the back end I think it's going to be a struggle for these kids. A lot of people on here rip Blake for his poor performance over the past couple of years, and I certainly won't dispute that his on-the-ice performance left a lot to be desired, but Jack Johnson did credit him and Modry by name as teammates who helped him through his rookie season. Now that they're gone, not to mention Lubo, all the Kings have in the way of a vet is Preissing, and I'm not sure he's the one you want leading a green bunch of kids. Matt Greene isn't exactly a grizzled veteran himself and he could just be one more cleaning of the clock away from being irrelevant, and Denis Gauthier is, well, Denis Gauthier, a guy who's maybe a sixth or seventh defenseman on a good club. I took one of Rich's interview segments with Terry Murray as suggesting that a trade could be in the works to secure a veteran with leadership qualities before the season begins, and if it's a guy to help on the blue line I don't think this could be a bad thing and hope it happens.

Sadly, though, barring a miracle, I don't see "Kings" and "playoff race" being mentioned in the same sentence after Christmas.

JDM and others,
I forgot about Ersberg and I agree he'll make things interesting for the job. And I agree in theory to put Bernier in Man. for awhile because of the D but based on that, Doughty and Tuebert should go to Man. too. Throwing them to the "wolves" like playing against half of Detroit has or going against Getz, J.Thornton, etc. at 18 yrs old will crush thier confidence just like it would Bernier.
Labs will have to sponge up shots like the other two to be #1. I'm excited to see how it goes and Thanks Rich for all you do for us.

We should bring back Potvin.

Chief-

Doughty and Teubert won't be eligible for Manchester this season because they still have junior eligibility. They'll play for the Kings or be returned to Juniors.

As for the goaltender debate, I think AHL stats are misleading. Two seasons ago, most fans wanted JLB called up because he had continued with very good stats in the AHL as he had his entire career. We didn't see Ersberg until late in the season last year because most of the goaltenders including Quick and Taylor were putting up better numbers than Ersberg. That being said, I hope Bernier is lights out because I still have no confidence in LaBarbara or Ersberg but I'm not getting my hopes up.

yestical - While everything you say is technically valid, I think your overlooking that veteran leadership for a young defenseman doesn't have to come from a defenseman. A guy like Handsuz can help anyone in terms of vet leadership. That said I'd like a vet blue-liner too... hedican... hedican... hedican...

Sorry, little hiccup there. Oh yeah and there's this guy named Brett with no contract.

Chief, good point about Doughty and Tuebert. I have no doubts really that Tuebert will be back in Regina this season... but there's the problem, neither can play in Manchester yet. So, thrown to the wolves, or supposedly in Doughty's case, go back and be bored for a year in Guelph. I think the other important difference between rookie goalies and dmen is that a goalie is on the ice for 60 minutes. Doughty, if he's bottom pairing where he belongs, will only play ~15 minutes a game. Which is where the vet yestical pines for comes in, someone else who can eat up some big minutes. Also, Doughty should in no way be shutting down defenders top lines his first season in the NHL. Murray can match up rookie defenseman, you can't match up a goalie. But you are right, it's best for young defenseman to play in the AHL for a year or two. I do think that Doughty's an exeption though.

for those of you unfamiliar with the goalie position, a "leaner" goalie is a good thing especially for Labs and his problem with rebounds. Much of the problem with rebounds is that the goalie is unable to quickly get his pads to the correct angle as he shifts from one post to another. This is why flexibility is so important for goalies - they must be able to move, shift and adjust to meet the quick passes and cover the crease with speed and accuracy. A leaner goalie allows him to move his legs quicker and position them more securely. This is why most coaches prefer tall, lean goalies. This is not to say that guys like Belfour or Brodeur or even smaller guys like Feur or Richter are not effective. These guys have raw talent and the ability to make spectacular plays. However, if you are not a goalie with this level of ability, it is better to be leaner to be able to move quicker and position your pads more securely in order to angle them to not only direct rebounds (e.g. to the corners) but also prevent them as well (e.g. cause pucks to drop at the goalie's skates). So those doubting Labs problem ..this is good for many reasons.

JDM, I agree with you about Handzus. I've always admired him as a player and hope that last year was just an aberration rather than a decline in his skills. I wonder if we're thinking of the same Hedican? I think Brett has lost his wheels a bit. Whoever it is, let's pray it's not going to be Brian Mccabe!

I dunno i just feel like we need to bring Mario Gosselin. The Goose is what this team needs...

But seriously I forgot how Barb's contract works. If he's sent to the minors is he stuck there again (like 2yrs ago?) where he has to clear the waiver wire first before he gets called back up. I'm totally blanking but in that case he basically will stay with the big club...and maybe what you do is have Bernier start in Manchester for the first 20 games and then bring him up one-third of the way through?

The other thought of course is whether Barbs can be a part of a valuable package to get a D-man since we have a ton of goalies in the system (whether they can play or not is a different question)

Rich,

Thanks for listing other teams local newspaper blogs. It is gives me a perverse thrill (and a low-level, universal, Bettman-centric sadness) to see entries titled "Who are Ducks’ biggest rivals?" stocked with a whopping 5 comments.

Kings fans rule.

yestical - Hedican is definately a year, two tops from retirement, and on the ince is not half the defenseman he used to be. But now I'm confused, because you credited Blake's usefullness regardless of his poor performance. I'm not suggesting Hedican as a stud defenseman, but literally to fill out the middle or bottom pairing and be exactly what Blake and Modry were to Johnson, a role model. It would be nice to have a dman who could contribute a great deal and have a big impact on winning games... but lets face it, unless we want to trade away one of our 'core' our yet-to-be-seen-how-they-develop prospects, we aren't landing anyone like that. Schneider maybe, but again, like your issue with McCabe, I don't want to give up anything for these guys this season; except draft picks, trade 2010 draft picks! Hedican, Carney, Markov and company cost nothing but the cost of a Solomon to draw up a contract. They may not be able to contribute a ton on the ice, but they can do so in the locker room and on the bench.

I overlooked the Junior/AHL fact. Good point. I geuss I'm basing the fact that we still dont have much of a D but I assume that shpuld change by the start of the season. Doughty shouldnt go back to Juniors, I agree but still not sure how ready he is. I hope to heck he is cuz he will see some "wolves" if stays.

Eric K, no worries. Don't know if you follow football, but your new coach Neuheisel is going to make you happy. He's been dinked a few times for violations, but he's one hell of a coach. In a couple years, you guys will be really competitive.

JDM, In my experience, it's best to have leaders on both sides. A lot of times you have individual drills and practices that concentrate on specifics,so the offensive and defensive guys are separated, therefore, you need leaders for both the offense and defense. I also believe they need some def. leadership, however that may come.

I have a hard time seeing Handzus as a leader. Just or unjust, I lost a lot of respect for him last year when Pronger pummeled him. It's not the fact he got pummeled, it's the fact he didn't even stand up for himself. He coward to the ice with no intent on protecting himself. If he doesn't stand up for himself, how is he going to stand up for the team? Huge leadership flaw in my opinion.

I agree with you JDM, don't see the Kings sending Doughty to Jrs. It would be a wasted year to send him down with the kids. And if he can't play for Manchester, I see him making the roster. How they use him is obviously the key.

I really haven't followed Carolina very closely, so I honestly can't comment on Hedican's leadership qualities. Come to think of it, was he even with Carolina last year? I know he was in the southeast division, but it was such a sad-sack division.

As for making a trade for somebody significant, I can see giving up a couple of prospects for a guy with a decent track record. You're not going to get someone for nothing, after all. Schneider wouldn't be a bad guy to have. Anaheim needs to get rid of salary and he's on the last year of his contract, so it wouldn't be a long-term investment for the Kings if that were the case.

Everybody, enjoy your weekend!

"Ersberg is the reason the Kings don't have Stamkos. How can anyone support not giving the job to Ersberg, with LaBarbara as the #2?"

Gosh, I don't know, maybe because we haven't yet seen them play and fight for spots in camp for the coming season?

If Ersberg gets pasted over and Lab or Bernier or whoever get the job, it isn't because someone got shafted or wronged or whatever. It's going to be becasue whoever gets the job earned it in camp.

I'm all for supporting whoever earns the job in camp getting it and for avoiding second guessing the decisions that haven't even been made yet. :)

I have a feeling that Bernier is heading to Manchester unless he posts 10 consecutive shutouts at the beginning of this season... Lombardi really really doesn't want to play him and with Labs and Ersberg heading into camp I think he wants Bernier to earn more experience under the NHL. I think when Lab's contract expires this season or until he is traded, Bernier will sit in Manchester unless injury occurs.

This is encouraging news to hear. I agree that a leaner Labarara will REALLY help his goaltending b/c his movement will be better.

However, I am even more pleased to hear that Frolov and Brown have been training in SoCal. To me, that means they are committed to the LA area, to improving themselves and to the Kings in general by wanting to be around while there is upheaval in the coaching staff.

I like the fact labarbera lost some weight and more importantly is in a contract year. I really hope we do not rush bernier and shatter his confidence, cause lets be honest our defensemen is awful right now. Saw a rumor on a pittsburgh website about the kings persuing Sydor.

I hope that rumor about Sydor is true. He's had a more-than-respectable career -- even won a couple of cups -- after being chased out of LA so many years ago.

I believe he was captain of his junior team, so hopefully he has some pretty good leadership skills.

I know this is not the place for this but I just want to say how stoked I am that we are finally getting ICE GIRLS.....GO KINGS

The Kings are yet another team to cave and get cheerleaders? Call me a traditionalist, but I hate that. This is the stuff that the disney jerks started years ago, and hockey doesn't need it. If you want cheerleaders, go to a Laker game or a college football game.

I've been wondering the last couple of years if maybe Labarbera's weak point, and cause of poor play and injuries, was his conditioning. He seemed to play well in strtches, wear out after a while and then need to take some time off to recover. I know that's not a detailed analysis but it did 'seem' that way to me. I hope he kicks butt this year, along with Ersberg, and Bernier can start the season in Manchester.

I hope the new leaner,meaner Jason, equals fewer fat juicy rebounds for the other team to sink their teeth into.

triplcrown said:

You're right, 28 KINGS.

Leaving FAT rebounds is LaBarbera's Achilles heal.

His positioning & use of his big body to stop shots,
I think, is good.

His strength & handling of close-in traffic is pretty good too, IMO.

But those dang rebounds he has given up (in the recent past) are a big vulnerability.

If you added good *rebound control* to his game, he'd
be a very solid NHL goalie.

If he can just improve in that 1 important area, it could be a huge step forward for him.

for the team's sake, i hope jason is faster, sharper and better. no one could question his committment, but his physical body was not where it should of been. if he does come to camp leaner, it will greatly improve his game. if he can move better, he will be in position to make the routine saves look routine and not flop around. this will also stop the real juicy rebounds as was stated above. he has the ability to be our #1. he knows it. he also knows this is his last shot. last year of a contract - all eyes will be on him. not just the kings eyes, but the leagues as well. good luck jason.

as for ice girls................. i think i'm going to puke. didn't they have 5 or 6 what looked like 10 year old girls hit the ice late last year? it was awkward and painful to watch them try to push the "ice garbage can" around the rink. naturallawyer was right on, if you want cheerleaders go to a college sporting event or the over-priced lakers. leave hockey alone. i can deal with bailey becuase he is named after our fallen pro scout and gives grief to that loser from westside rentals that pollutes staples center and dances like a friggen' idiot. the losing has been tough enough the past few years. at least keep the hockey legitimate. the ice girls are a joke. i know a lot of you dislike many of the moves from aeg recently, but for me, this by far is the worst. i'd like to take the ice girls and the kings crew and put them onto a canoe, drop them into the l.a. river (after a rain storm)and float them out to sea.

go kings ... serious hockey!

i see no way Bernier starts this year. there's just no good reason to call him up for a team with a terrible defense and a weak chance of making the playoffs. let him thrive in Manchester with Quick (and/or Taylor?), while Babs and Ersberg keep his seat warm.

Duckhunter: agreed, but UCLA's offense is terrible at the moment. you have nothing to worry about... for now! (as you can see, my Kings fan's optimism carries over to other sports.)

txkingsfan: great post, i didn't think of that part of it too much. a more sponge-like goalie would certainly be useful behind the D we've got now.

jediknight329: Rental Man appears at Pauley Pavilion frequently too. i'd love nothing more than to send Dustin Brown after him and crush him into the boards.

Ice girls is the last thing this team needs to be concerned about. I hope someone like Robitaille nips it in the bud and ends it. Just about the dumbest thing to be introduced into hockey... It trivializes the game... Put more interesting entertainment on the monitors or add an additions projection show on the ice in between intermissions... I don't mind shovelers just stop making them scrawny pathetic girls who don't know what they are doing in skin tight pants... I don't care if there is a guy or girl doing it, just make sure they can do the job correctly.

I believe in Jason. If the Kings can play a much more efficient defense and help him with the little things, such as eliminate the rebounds, then I am confident that Babs will put up respectable stats as a full-time NHL goalie.

I hope he at least gets those rebounds under some kind of control...or else his days as a possible starter will come to an end... He's still a good backup...

i hope so he was 245lbs 22% body fat not good i wish him well next year

So LaBarbera, Frolov, and Brown are working out hard in the offseason - aren't they just doing what they are supposed to do if they want to be successful?

This is starting to sound like one of those self-esteem programs...

No fan of the ice girls!

Looks like the best unrestricted free agent defensemen left are Nolan Pratt or Patrice Brisebois. These two arent great by any means but we need some veteran leadership right? One of these guys would be a decent 5th or 6th d man for us.

I stopped by TSC today to see if Fro and Brownie were out there, but they weren't. Does anyone know what days/times these guys are practicing?