Kings postgame quotes

JLB has offically lost his job.

I'm very happy to see the Kings get another much needed win, Ersberg looked good in net once again. I believe part of the blame on that third goal is on Terry Murray. Once again Gauthier is on the ice in a crucial situation late in the game and fails miserably. If only there was somebody in the organization that could convince him to sit Gauthier and actually play his better defensemen in those situations.

That little swedish meatball is really growing on me, he's so steady & consistent. He had little chance to save at least 2 of those goals tonight. Great game for the Kings all around!

Murray said that the most important thing is getting wins, so hopefully Ersberg is going to continue to start.

Gauthier was not at fault on the third goal. It was 6 on 4 and he defended it the same way Greene or O'Donnell would have. Honestly, he's done a pretty decent job on penalty kills.

God, we can only hope Murray continues to start Ersberg over LaBarbera. Labs had a chance to secure the #1 spot and failed to do so. Lets send him to Manchester and bring up Jonathon Quick. Yea, I said it! Quick, not Bernier!

Ersberg, right ahead!

tm christened jlb as the #1 goalie pre-season. politically he had to start him to cement his choice. i think he finally realized that jason just sucks. ersberg is 2-0-1 in his three starts.

again, not patting myself on the back, but i said after the game in vegas that jlb should be waived. ersberg should have been the #1 with quick as the back-up. 5 starts to 1, ersberg to quick. anyway it seems that the situation is finally playing itself out. ersberg will lose games. the kings will lose games and look terrible doing so, but ersberg gives them the best shot to win, period.

we are 5-6-2 and starting to play decent on a more consistent basis. the haters out there and you all know who you are, will find miniscual points to jump on and criticize. its in your blood to complain. but, this team is better than we expected. more competitive and much better defensively. playoffs? probably not. 29th or 30th in the league? probably not.

i like what i'm seeing. my section 329 mates like what their seeing. give these guys a chance. reserve the hideous negative criticism for the end of the year if we tank. then it would be deserved. until then give it (and us) a break.

go kings...

go kings go...good win tonight, a little offense, a little defense, some great saves, and kopi showed up

We did not beat a flat or complacent team tonite.
St Louis came at us hard-Much better & tougher
than the last time.

jediknight329,

I'm with you!

I had a feeling this team would be better than
predicted.
Although it is still early, if the team can keep up this level of energy/intensity in most games, we should do ok.

I doubt we'll be a PO team, but we should leapfrog 10 or so teams this season to get a "lousy" old 11th or 12th or 13th pick in the draft.

That's fine by me.

I am seeing real growth in this team.

I just want it to continue.

Terry Murray is doing the job.
You can see the difference in the team
in our defensive formations--much tighter,
and formed faster, than last season.

We turn around the play (from D to O)
MUCH better than last season.

On top of this visible improvement,
I am confident our offense will continue
to grow & improve.

And if JJ can come back a few weeks early, that will just add to the power of the Kings rise.

I keep thinking of Doughty/JJ
TOGETHER on the PP, and all I can do
is smile.

But 1st things 1st----Dallas on Monday. Ignore their record, they are going to be tough.

Hopefully the boys will come through with another passionate effort like they've been doing lately.

If that happens, we'll be fine.

=========================================================
--Sergei Prozacutov

I echo the Gauthier comment(-6) he should be nowhere near the ice the last minutes of the game. Its obvious hes the odd man out once Jack is back. Hopefully Terry and the rest of the staff finally see that if you want a chance to win Erik should be in goal. Sign him to a new contract (hes a UFA in the offseason) let JLB go if Quick or Bernier later in the season are playing great bring them up to get them ready for next season. Drew for Calder trophy!

bill,

what defenseman you want Murray to play when all the defense on the Kings roster is playing in the game.

This is quite a conundrum.

We really need to secure one of those top picks; that would ensure our elite-level competition for the next several years, at the very least.

So what to do? We are indeed far better than a last-place team (overall), and yet, too inexperienced to make the postseason, in all likelihood. Another pick in the 10-15 range seems likely, and that blows.

It's one of those situations where we need to hopefully go from last-to-first in one season...and we surely would do so, if we can somehow land one of the top two picks. Remember when Detroit was terrible? Ottawa? Quebec? Throughout the history of the NHL, teams have done the same thing. However, the truly Elite have, for the most part, had several years of top-three picks to really galvanize the movement. Our problem is that we've been "unable" to finish low enough, consistently enough, to warrant a last-to-elite rebuild.

So what to do?

I agree completely Jediknight. this team is looking MUCH better than i ever expected. i hope they keep the ball rolling (and keep Ersberg in net).

Ersberg is the bomb. The team plays so much better for him.
Poor Sully, I can see his dismay playing on the 4th line with a D-Man. What does TM have against him.

I'm getting a little RR in Maui with the family. What do I see on the bool bar TV but the Kings! No college football or B-ball Then I realize its in my room too! I'm coming back to this resort every time now.

What could be better? The kings on TV, feet in the sand and a mai tai in the hand.

I agree with jediknight as well. I remember when last season crawford put in ersberg just to see how he'd look. I immediately thought that we had found our goalie of the future. The thing with labs is that he is very inconsistent. You don't know what you're getting from hin. Anyway, I'm heading to tuesday night's game and if ersberg beats dallas, I'm going to buy his jersey because so far, he's been my favorite king.

I wish to God that someone would get FSN to STOP broadcasting these games in the @%*&# rinkside mode. IT SUCKS! The cameras don't get all the angles covered and parts of the play are missed. Plus they move too quickly to try and keep up with the play and I could puke. It was better when I could watch the game with more of a half ice view so I could see the plays unfold. Please Rich, use your connections and pass this along.

JLB will be trade bait at the deadline. Some playoff bound team will want a solid backup. Next season its Ersberg and Bernier.

A little off-topic here, but this is a chance to vote in support of the Kings, or at least to vote against Keyshawn Johnson:
http://www.sportsfanlive.com/web/poll?pollId=6785272

I went to the game last night. There was a fairly decent crowd and I got to avoid the Rinkside mess they're broadcasting. The Team and especially Doughty looked great. We now have two wins in a row, we win one more and it is a winning streak. It has happened before.
It is kind of funny how few comments are posted after the Kings win. Is it an anomaly? Or do most King fans just like to bitch.

Go Kings!

If the Kings keep playing this way, they project to 76 points for the season, which is slightly worse than the 82-88 points I predicted. But I also predicted that they would start slow and finish strong, so maybe they're right on track after all.

Here's how the Kings make the playoffs this year. Let's take the season in 13 game chunks, since we've already played 13 games. In order to make the playoffs, what the Kings need to do is: improve by one point in each 13 game chunk. They've earned 12 points so far this year, just slightly under .500. In the next 13, they need to earn 13 points, then 14, then 15, then 16, and finally 17. At which point there will be four games left in the season, and they will be six points from the playoff threshold. Doable? Obviously.

first 13 games: 12 pts, .461 (12 pts, .461 total)
second 13: 13 pts, .500 (25 pts, .480)
third 13: 14 pts, .538 (39 pts, .500)
fourth 13: 15 pts, .576 (54 pts, .519)
fifth 13: 16 pts, .615 (70 pts, .538)
sixth 13: 17 pts, .653 (87 pts, .557)
last four games: 6 pts, .750 (93 pts, .567)

If you prefer an overview, the Kings need another 81 points over the remaining 69 games. That's a winning %, from now on, of .587.

I would be willing to bet the Kings will improve as the season goes on. I'm equally sure they will not improve in the precisely linear fashion described above. There will be winning streaks and losing streaks. The point is, it doesn't take that much average improvement to get them into the promised land.

If O'Sullivan doesn't play an offensive (top 6) roll he will definately ask for a trade.Presently on the 4th with a rookie and a 7-8th D-man won't cut it.With his skills he should also be on the PP.Ican't think of another 4 million$ player on a 4th line in the league.Look for a trade request within the week.

kings and kings:

There are seven defensemen on the team, which means Murray had from five others to choose from instead of Gauthier. Even if you remove a pair that may have just come off because they were gassed, that still leaves three, all of which are better at handling the puck.

Good Squad:

I'm sure you appreciate the physical play of Gauthier but you can't be serious about him doing a "pretty decent job" on penalty kills. Have you missed the fact he's been on the ice and handled the puck during several of these late game goals the team has given up? Does Detroit ring a bell? How about the Calgary game?

Tweener Songs,

We now have a salary cap. Even if we were to finish poorly and get Tavares, we'd have to eventually dump a good player to be able to fit him in economically. Now, that may end up being worth it, but don't think you can have a team with Tavares, Doughty, Kopitar, O'Sullivan, Frolov, Johnson, Brown, (A good goalie? Whoever that is?), and what looks like some other decent salaries eventually for Hickey, Moller, Teubert, on and on.

Personally, we've had two high draft picks and I don't really care to do so poorly as to get another. The Flyers story last year is a rare one, and besides, they don't look the same this year. I feel better about the team getting to that playoff threshold spot, ninth or tenth, than finishing low and banking on Tavares (or Hedman) to come in and somehow be the missing ingredient to turn this team into a playoff team. They get better as the year progresses and get a decent winger around 11th to 15th and I feel good.

Hell, if Ersberg steals a few games and we somehow make the playoffs I won't even be thinking about Tavares!

Nice win by the boys last night. It was great to see Kopitar and Brown dominate again. I guess I saw the game a little different than most..probably due to f*&%*&% rinkside! LOL
I didn't think the Kings played one of their better games. There were a lot of mistakes made. Way too many dangerous cross ice passes...passes thru the middle in their own zone. I like the fact that Ersberg has been an upgrade over Barbs play, but he will have to play much better if we want to beat some of the better teams. He's given up a couple of weak goals. He's being helped out by some outstanding play by the defense..especially the shot blocking and forwards helping out on the defensive end. The play in our own zone, especially down low, has been the best part of our game so far.

Ok enough negative...It's actually nice to see when you can win some games without playing your best.

I don't know Anthony, Sully has looked pretty good playing with Boyle and Harrold. Harrold has shocked the hell out of me with his consistent play on the wing.
I also don't see Gauthier being the odd man out when JJ comes back. It's way too early, but Preissing's improved play makes him a tradeable commodity.
Gauthier is a serviceable 6th or 7th D'man for this team.

Wasn't able to watch the game last night, but sounds like Ersberg had another good game. He should without a doubt start until they lose, then after they lose, he should start again, and again, and again and again..........:-)

I second the thought of not having another high draft pick. Picking top three stinks, and I for one would rather improve than have another high draft pick. There's to much ability on this squad to finish on the bottom.

Sounds like the defense played well again. TM is doing an outstanding job with this team. I love the defense and the competitiveness he has brought to this team in such a short period of time. To add the that, sounds like Kopi and Brown, might have played their best game. Team defense and some scoring from the top players on a consistent basis would be a dream come true for Kings fans.

I told you,Sully Wants Out. Its reported in Toronto that the Leafs are interested if Sully is,and we know he must be by the way Murray has handled him.Good Luck in T.O.What a shame and what a waste.Newport Sports Sullys' agent will make a statement Monday.

Anthony and Marty,

Do you guys actually watch the games? Sully's body language when he is on th PK unit shows that he relishes that role. that is how he worked his way back into NHL in the past and increased his minutes played.Have you ever considered that he might be a team player and isn't overly concerned about who he plays with and if it helps the team he is on board with it. He did sign for three years. You probably didn't pick up on that since you seem to not be able to see past your own self interest and see the betterment of the team in general is a goal he places more importance than being on the so called 1st line.

He likes it here.

There will not be any trade request forthcoming.

AEG aside.(which is our only real problem) get on board or get out.

Go Kings!

Is TM a genius? Our opponents are having trouble matching up against our lines. Can you imagine trying to send out your 4th line against POS and Boyle? I really thought that it would be at least 30 games before we had any consistency. We have improved from the beginning of the season.

Dallas is giving up over 4 goals a game. It could be an interesting game.

I was at the game last night (no Stinkside View yeah!!!)

The Iceberg continues to impress. Unfortunately he did let in a softy, but the team were largely unfazed and they regrouped pretty quickly. My guess is that they see a goaltender who is working hard to stop every single shot and who gives it his A-level effort, and they're therefore more motivated in front of him.

Sully is mad wild killer dog. He was all over the ice, exploding off the bench, hustling after loose pucks, and busting his arse to get in on the forecheck. It's strange to see him in this role, because last season he was way more of a finisher. He had a little trouble keeping the puck on his stick but I think he's doing exactly what Murray wants him to do. Can't say I'm too thrilled that he isn't getting top-line time to bury more pucks in the net.

I loved that Odie dropped the gloves and defended his teammate. It was a very solid team effort across the board. Even Preissing's goal was superb (it better be for those cruddy turnovers he makes in the defensive zone).

Overall a really fun game! I've even sorta lost my voice from celebrating the 5 GOALS we scored; anytime we get to cream Andy Murray I'm satisfied. More Iceberg please, Coach.

my comments earlier in the week about the Kings having run into some defensive juggernauts in their previous 4-5 games was probably correct... and not surprised these 2 wins in a row. always good to get off the schneid, now onto bigger and better things.

oh yeah have fun breaking back in, JLB

I love Sully's hustle, but jeez he needs to learn to pass. I go back and forth, because I love his drives to the net, but there are definately times where I see a much better pass that could easily be made then Sully trying to deke the world into submission. I wonder if that has anything to do with his demotion.

Also, the idea that 13 games into signing a new contract with essentially a new team, new coach and many new players, that Sully would throw in the towl. He has to know that he can earn his way to the top line. No one on the team is being handed anything (with the exception of Labs, but even that finally stopped), hell, TM even had the balls to 'demote' Kopitar and Brown to the second line in practice.

Sully is such an interesting player. He clearly has world class skills and the potential to be a perennial high scorer in this league. However, everything about his face and body language indicate to me that he is his own worst enemy. I both love and worry about the fact that he has the same expression on his face whether he is scoring a goal, getting up from a hit, rubbing someone out along the boards, punching someone in the face, or skating off the ice, be it after a win or a loss. Like I said, he is such an interesting player/person to observe.

I do get the sense that he is a little peeved about his role, perhaps he's frustrated, thinking he already earned his place after dealing with his demotion to Manchester and scoring explosion the second half of last season. But again, new coach with essentially a new team. His line, while it may be technically the 4th, though I really think its the 3rd judging by playing time (though to be fair I haven't checked the actual stats for this), is producing well. Boyle is scorer, we all know that. Harrold is interesting but is getting much better at RW each game. So it's not like Sully is being paired with Army and Ivanans. That would be a slap in the face. Hopefully TM can help mold Sully into the elite player he has all the talent to become. He's 23, 24? And if at that age he is sulking so much as to demand a trade after being bounced around lines for 13 games, then not only do I not want him on my team, but purely for his sake he will not become as good a player as he could and should be with that kind of attitude.

I believe in Sully. I think ultimately he's got a good head on his shoulders and seems like a smart kid. He's got friends here, and as the team starts to improve, so will his attitude. I believe over the course of the season, the new team first mentality will wear on him, his game will pick up (while he's been all over the place, he's made some somewhat stupid plays... more than the one Foxy harped on last game in the 3rd), once his game picks up and he totally buys in and "digs in" he will get more PP time and more playing time with better players and he will become an increasingly more effective player. I see his role on the team as a character builder, one that will only help him improve, since I think he has only started to touch the depths of his immense skills... but only if he approaches it correctly.

So admittedly, the first game he was on that line he seemed noticeably upset about it, the next game less so, and last night he was thriving with his linemates. I hope/expect for that trend to continue.

Glad to see another win although it never seems easy. I had a bad feeling we were going to blow it. Who on here wants the Kings to try to acquire Havlat from Chicago? We have the cap room and he is a great player who would help.