Repeating history

They half to start putting the puck in the net... Kopitar has to stop sitting on his wallet and wake up.

Somehow I knew this debate would surface...Personally, no, I don't see them in the same circumstance as last year. Mainly due to the difference in where the weaknesses lie. Last year, with defense being an issue, and the locker room enviornment being less welcoming to the new guys, my impression was that their downfall was due to the lack of discipline. It's a commitment to the coach's system that leads to consistency. This year will be different (how much different, I don't know), simply because the new coaching staff stresses structure so much. It will pay off. Maybe not next week or next month. But it will pay off with the players implementing the defense first mantality. Once the season hits the playoff push teams will play much more defensive hockey...the Kings will be well practiced at that syle of play by then. I expect a late season push, much like the Caps had last year. Playoffs? NO. but close.

Oh and Ersberg is not Lbarb. That alone fixes much of the problem.

I still believe this years team is better than last years. Somwhere close to 500 is where the KINGS will be all season.

6 weeks? I think Murray is taking things one game at a time and I believe that's the right strategy. Don't look too far ahead, and don't focus too heavily on past games.

The Kings are on an entirely different track relative to previous seasons. I'm not concerned that they'll crash and burn for 17 out of the next 21 games, but the games will get harder.

The Kings will not repeat that slide They are a much better team this year. More exciting, better defense & much better teamwork. How many games have we lost by one goal this year? This is no way the same team as last year. This years team is much better.

We'll continue to see plenty of ups and downs this season, but last season was one long downward spiral from late November onward. Our one highlight last year was a ten-minute stretch against Dallas.

I don't think we'll see the same thing this season, mainly because a team that plays well defensively is competitive almost every night. Also, we've jettisoned some of the more selfish players from last season. Finally, if we do start to see a long downward trend I would expect Lombardi to be much more proactive than he was last season. We'll probably see more guys shuttling to and from Manchester if we hit the skids.

Rich, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Truth is that no one here can really know. Anyone that claims "this" is different than last years start or any of the other decent starts in the last 42 years is kidding themselves. Each year it's something different .. "Deader is finally healthy" or "The team is really responding to Andy Murray" or "Storr is ready" or "Blake is such a great mentor" or "O'Sullivan had 83 goals in 21 games in the minors". It's always something.

I doubt this team will fold as quick or hard as last years team, but to make anything of a sub-.500 record, many games at home 17 games into the season is just buying into the Kinginess.

Consider this. We have more points than 6 teams. That puts us in 24th place.

Clearly this is a different team than last year's. We may end up taking a different route to 71 points and the second pick in the draft, but I doubt it. I don't see our offensive issues dragging on all year. We will start scoring eventually; we have too much talent not to. But can we sustain our stunning defensive trends? That'll be the key. I don't think we'll be able to keep up the 24 shots per game or the 86% penalty kill, but we won't slip close to the 32 shots and 78% PK of last season. I am certain that will lead to an improvement in the standings. Playoffs? Probably not. But this is just the beginning of a very good era for this team.

This team will follow history if they keep Sully in the doghouse and Calder on the top line!

I think the season will be much the same as it has so far. Some wins to keep us hopeful. Losses that make us wonder about our forwards we were so excited about. But above all not the dismal play of last season.
We are almost there but we really need Kopi, Brown, Frolov and O'Sullivan to be better.

Hey Rich,
Is there any chance of you getting Terry Murray to draw up and explain his zone teachings that you mention early in training camp? The one that he used spray paint on the ice?

I think we have all been impressed with the defense this season and those of us that are coach's might want to see if we can teach this to our players.

Thanks for

This team is on the upswing for sure. So much young talent and no more "Willsies". If Murray will stick with Iceberg, we will surprise a lot of people (with the exception of Buccigross) and vie for the final playoff spot in the West.

Rich,

My mantra for this season has been "Enjoy the suckage". This is based in large part to the infusion of youth into the lineup (three rookies added to the young core group of players from the last two seasons) that will not only continue to develop, but, at the same time, endure heartbreaking, one-goal losses. These heartbreaking losses, such as the other night versus Nashville, are going to continue throughout the season. Not because this is a wholly unskilled team, but more so because they are a young team that will be prone to mistakes at important times in the game and because the veterans around them are part of the makeshift balance of the roster that consists of lower skilled players. The youth of this team IS WHERE IT'S AT. Until the time where all of the younger players mature a little bit more (one to two more seasons), this team will more than likely suffer more losses than wins.

Now, will they "repeat history"? I don't believe 4-16-1 is in this team's future, but more so around .500; probably along the lines of 7-9-5. Their indentity is already showing as a "Defense First" team and, in the long run, Terry Murray's defensive philosophy will help players like Frolov, Moller and Kopitar round out their game.

I am brimming with hope this season so I tend to think they will do better this time around. However, there is that nagging sensation of familiarity (20 years of the same thing will do that) that makes me think "oh no...here we go again." For now though, I'm drinking the kool-aid. There are 19 games in the next six weeks. I say they go 10-7-2. That will give them 39 points in 36 games. If they can do that again in the second half, they'll have around 88 points. Maybe if they really start to mesh, and with JMFJ's triumphant return, who knows, they might challenge for a playoff spot!

Like I said, I'm drinking the kool-aid!

the kings will finish the month 1-4. if they finished 2-3, i think that would be asking a lot.

December will ride on how the kings play against the blue jackets and phx (6 of 15 are against them).

Then there is the consecutive games against the wild, sharks, rangers, sabres, and red wings.

Any way you look at it, it doesn't bode well for the kings. But I hope they prove me wrong and at least play .500 hockey.

I would anticipate that the Kings continue to play a hard working, defense first type game. I can only hope that the Kopitar line starts scoring more (how does he whiff on that pass from Frolov?), and that the team learns how to win some of these close games.

I would anticipate no roster moves of significance. Maybe Purcell or Moulson come up at some point. I would love to see JLB moved, and Quick or Bernier in LA as backups, but understand the importance of their minor league development.

I think Preissing might leave at some point though, maybe a deadline deal.

I don't see this team sliding like last year's team did. They have made too many improvements to do that. Last year's group fell apart for a lot of reasons. This year's group has lot of reasons to work hard together. How surprising is it that two Quincey and Doughty are worlds better this year than Blake and Lubo were last year?

I see Doughty playing 25+ minutes a night, and more importantly, learn more about the pro game and develop into a very good NHL defenseman.

I hope that Stoll stops screwing up with the puck. Either shoot it, or pass it.

I don't fear any such slide, because a good majority of our season so far included the poor play of Jason Labarbera.

As long as Ersberg gives up 2 goals per night, this team should do better than last year's team.

Now if we could just get O'Sullivan onto the Kopitar/Brown line...

I would say generally things are headed in the right direction. Team defense is good and everyone has bought into system and work ethic to limit shots and also get lots of shots on the other team's goal.

Glaring weakness is still goaltending. We have two guys that on their best days give the team a 50/50 chance to win. Neither though can take over a game and dominate or steal a win. That 2nd goal Ersberg let in was a back breaker right when we needed the big save. Not a totally unforgiveable goal but just one that a premiere goalie would stop.

And yeah that slide could be coming. We play some good teams coming up. Since the goaltending isn't going to change we need guys like Kopi and Sullivan to catch on fire and score more goals.

17-15-5 (39 pts)

That's 10-7-3 between now and the end of December. I actually think the 15 games after that will be the make or break segment of the season, culminating in the road trip that swings through Montreal, Ottawa and I forget who else. The reason I think that is I don't see Purcell, Lewis, Clune and Quickier getting their shots until around Xmas, and that's assuming they do their "homework" and earn their call-ups.

To answer your question, of course I fear a meltdown, as does every sports fan in every situation. But I don't think you can predict those things (those Andy Murray team meltdowns that came at the ends of two consecutive years were especially annoying and horrible). I think the fear of the meltdown is irrational in most cases, unless you're a Red Sox or Cubs fan (or a Michigan football fan playing OSU circa 1973).

Rationally, though, I think a meltdown is unlikely, as long as Murray keeps the kids playing the system. In order to succeed at that, Murray needs to get the offense going sooner rather than later, and that means getting the bugs out of his system between now and Xmas. That's twenty games to end the Calder experiment and find someone to play on the first line, twenty games to make a decision on Labarbera, twenty games for Calder, Armstrong, Richardson, Zeiler and Ivanans (also Harrold and Gauthier) to make their case(s), before Clune, Lewis, Purcell and one of them goalies are ready, followed soon after by the return of Jack Johnson.

There's really two divergent paths this season can take, and we'll see which path we're on in the next month:

1) Murray never gets the offense going, the Kings lose a lot of one goal games, Calder sticks around the whole year, LaBarbera keeps getting chances, reinforcements are not forthcoming from Manchester and the Kings are out of playoff contention before the trade deadline.

2) Murray gets the offense going. Purcell and Lewis play great in Manchester and are called up before the All-Star break. Calder is waived or traded. Bernier or Quick is called up before the All-Star break. LaBarbera is waived or traded. Johnson returns after the All-Star break. Gauthier, Preissing or Harrold are out of a job (I'm guessing Gauthier, but Preissing is more attractive to other teams -- I think -- so he might get traded, sparing Gauthier). Clune is called up, Zeiler is sent down, and Ivanans is scratched more often.

Brown/Kopitar/POS
Frolov/Stoll/Moller
Lewis/Boyle/Purcell
Clune/Handzus/Simmonds

I am not opposed to Murray's experimentation/tinkering, but I think he's got too many experiments going simultaneously. I don't mind Harrold on the wing, or even POS with Boyle, or Ivanans in a not-merely-an-enforcer role, or Frolov on a checking line, or or or and and and... But I think all of these at the same time runs the risk of losing the kids' focus. He needs to reach some conclusions about these experiments and move on from them, unless of course he can't because, for example, POS isn't doing what is asked of him (and so CAN'T be put back on the number one line) or because the kids in Manchester aren't ready to be called up; in which case, the irrationally-feared meltdown becomes much more likely.

Fortunately, Lewis is playing well, Clune is about to start skating, Purcell is picking it up, and so it's likely those guys will get their call-up. Which is good because, the more we see first line Calder, wing Harrold and starter LaBarbera, the more disappointing this season will be.

Four games above .500 and in the playoff hunt; JMJ is back and the Kings are becoming increasingly a team that other teams do not want to play.

the trajectories appear to be different. last year, the goaltending situation went from bad to worse. this year it went from bad to better. the kids have grown up a great deal, and we are actually outplaying a lot of the opponents we are losing close games to (chalk it up to inexperience). our team is more defense oriented, which will help us through the dry spells a little better. the last 7 games with our REAL goalie, we are 4-2-1, and we just need our offense to come around. if TM finally decides to move o'sullivan to the first line, at least on power plays, that would probably help a lot.

I highly doubt they will go 4-16-1 in the next 21 games.

probably hover around .500 is my bet.

They are playing way to well to lose that many games.

Despite the point total, big differences between last years team and now. For one, out of those 7 losses, I would say the Kings could have easily won 5 of those. In other words, they out-played the other team...and LaBarbara was even in net for those. All that tells me is that if they continue to play this way, the wins/points will come. Ersberg has played better than LaBarbara, and that is all we need right now to get points....he lets the occasional 'bad' goal in...but not 1-2 a night like Barbs. The offense will come, Murray will figure it out...he'll eventually figure out that getting one line to score is better than having none. Whether that means putting O'SULL on that line or someone else, we will see. I have faith in Murray, I just don't think he's been around this team long enough to know what works...unlike the rest of us who've been analyzing this team in and out for years.

Hell even when we lose, I still keep pinching myself in disbelief that we actually have a player like Doughty.

YAWN! ... so much for not having expectations this season. Now we're worrying about the next 16 games? Can't you line up an interview or something? How about a story on why no-one can put the puck in the net?

I think and hope it will be a little better this year. It seems the Kings are jumping on loose pucks better than last year and overall competing at a higher level. Players, do you think the Kings are "on" the puck more this year? I think they have a ways to go positionally and speed wise, but the Nashville game was very fast - trouble was they were gassed the next day. They're big and young, let's see if they can play to their strengths.

Well there are some corrections that need to be made, that much is clear. The Kings just aren't scoring enough goals.

If Murray realizes this and changes his system in the offensive zone, and focuses on PP, then the Kings can do very well indeed, and even fight for a playoff spot.

I also think he has to seriously reconsider his lines. I'm no coach, but to me it seems obvious that some players on the team are not allowed to play to their potential because of linemates that simply aren't able to follow their lead. I also think some line matchups have been questionable, stuff like having Simmonds and Ivanans on during the last minute of the game, or using Calder on the powerplay.

So to sum things up; I think Murray is the one who has to get his act together. The players play well enough imo, but they have to be allowed to do what they do best, and that's not necessarily dump and chase EVERY time for all of them...

Our defense has been solid and our goaltending is much improved. Now it's about putting the puck in the back of the net. I think the slide continues unless Terry Murray puts together a couple solid lines of offense. I have a suggestion...how about Kopitar, Brown, and O'Sullivan? I think this could work. Oh wait, it already did work!!

Couple of reasons why I dont think the kings may repeat last year disastrous run. The goaltending is more sound. Defesively they are much better than last year and if they can figure out the offesive side of their game, I think they can be a force to be recond with in the NHL.

Roger

I think the Kings are in rebuilding mode, and will continue that for the rest of the year. They shouldn't be considered a playoff team, but my expectations before the season were not to make the playoffs, but just have the youth of the team continue to grow and gain experience. I'm hoping that they continue to work hard, even thought they may not see the results in the scorecard.
They played well against Nashville, but obviously had dead legs against Anaheim, who were definitely beatable. Another wonderful job by the schedule maker who has the Kings playing twice in less that 24 hours, then gives them 4 days off until Washington on Thursday.....

Anyone else watching Versus
They were talkin about the best coach in the west. One picked SJ the other guy picked Terry Murrray of the KIngs

It's all seems to eerily feel similar Rich. Last year the season started promisingly then their December tailspin took them out of getting even a sniff of the playoffs.

I would hate to see that happen again so I hope someone in the staff gives TM a little reminder. (especially Jamie Kompon who was there for that debacle) I think after 17 games, the novelty is wearing off and reality is setting in. The better teams are starting to hit their stride and are settling into the season. Whereas teams like the Kings are having their shortcomings exposed. (Youth and inexperience being one of them)

Statistically I think the team is much better than last season but inconsistency has been the one monkey in the Kings' backs for so long. And that's whether they have a young team or not.

I say finish what was started and stay with the plan. Right now the team is holding it's own defensively but needs some offensive punch. Kopitar's slump is an indication that something might be amiss. TM really needs to look at their offensive scheme and do some tweaking fast.

The will be better this year, you can tell the different. As long as they play good, I am fine because I have not expected them to go into playoff yet, but they have been playing good hockey this year except some games, I think the worst one was playing against Vancouver. Anyway, keep Ersberg in the goal, and we'll be good.

Last night, can you tell how tired they were in the 3rd period?

We'll go 16-4-1 & be at 49 points

Last year the Kings seemingly needed 4 or 5 goals a game to win. This year we can win with 3. So I'd take this year over last year any day.

I think for being basically .500 with our top line being ice cold is pretty fortunate. Last year the top line started out hot and it just wasn't sustainable.

As much as we can talk about POS being on the first line or not, the point is that Kopi and Brownie are good enough to score on their own. POS's line positioning shouldn't be the reason that we have no offense.

Furthermore while the guys looked tired on Sunday, I thought Kopi was all over the ice on Sat even though he had nothing to show for it. (Maybe he's getting a bit winded from trying to do too much?)That doesn't show up in the stats but his game is more versatile now.

The Kings shots-on-goal totals are fine but if you watch the game they're not high quality chances. I can't believe I'm saying this but maybe it would be better once in a while to make the extra pass instead of settling for 20 foot wristers. I think you just have a lot of forwards who are adjusting to playing a total game and it's taking a little bit to get used to.

In the long run it could be good. This year the Kings are finding ways to win versus having to be perfect (last year). That being said our powerplay has just sucked ass the last 2-3 games.

Why can't I read the comments on this post, Rich?

Of course I fear a slide. It's difficult not to be afraid with how anemic the offense has been. They cannot manufacture goals. Murray wanted to balance the scoring and he did. None of the lines are getting it done with regularity. There doesn't appear to be an easy way out, either, because we have only 1 offensive-defenseman.

1 goal in two games.
2 goals in the last 8 periods of hockey, both rather ugly.
3 of 20 on the power play over the last 3 or 4 games.
The Scoring Chances against (if I knew where to find that stat) have got to be up over the last 2 weeks going back to the St. Louis game.
Shutout TWICE in a row by Anaheim.

I see a similar slide as possible, but I don't anticipate it. However, I didn't last year either...

I feel like this team will be more of a roller coaster.

Looking at the next 21 games in the schedule, I think we could go closer to .500. Maybe 7-8-6. I foresee many OT losses.

Honestly in many ways we seem similar to the Ducks of the first few years after the lockout. Just like they did we have very good defense, low team goals and shots against, but trouble scoring goals. Maybe I'm just hopeful, but if the team can take most games to OT, even if they lose the majority of them, that could be the most likely difference between this team finishing significantly better than last year.

The reason is that this team competes more than last years team. Even though we have scoring woes, they seem more like mental blockages and purely due to the lack of experience and some missing cohesiveness. Some think its bad line combos or poor individual performances but I think that's more of a chicken and egg argument to an extent.

The point being that we seem to lose this year because of massaging in the fabric of the team that hasn't taken place yet as opposed to last year when we consistently lost because players were flat out absent from games too often and overall it was clear the effort wasn't there.

TM might not make all the best decisions but there is no question that the team as a whole is playing for him and for eachother. The leadership is there that was sorely missing last year. Over the course of the season I think this will translate into more games we can fight from behind in and squeeze out a point. If we can do it enough, that alone could propel us to at least the black hole finish, which would be awesome for a season so many expected to be abysmal.

As much as I hate the Ducks, and have trouble finding it in my soul to give them credit for anything, even their Cup, I will never forget that several seasons ago we finished piss poor in the standings while the Ducks pushed their way into the playoffs with only one or two more wins than the Kings. There was something like a 15-20 point gap, but only 2-3 wins separated us.

Spirit will be the difference maker this season. For now the teams seem similar, but from my view this years team is a completely different and better animal to lasts year's.

Oh yeah... let's not forget the Iceberg is actually capable of stealing a few games... he'll definately be making a little bit of a difference in the point column granted he plays the lions share from here on out... crossing my fingers.

just my two (or three) cents...

GO KINSG GO

I think Scott Burnside of ESPN sums it up the best....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3707695

I know this is off the topic but...I cant wait to see the new thrid Jersey. All it says on the site is KINGS back in black on Nov, 22 2008. I hope that they dont go back to the semi old school chevy crest. How do you all feel about it. Back in Black means bring back the
gangster cash, You know how all the old school gangsters use to rock Kings gear...That and that the GW forum was in INGELWOOOOOOD. Word up my Kings gangstas,I am just chillin at the crib, with my boo, drinkin a 40 dog, hahahha Man I liked the all purple,When my fat ass wears it I look like Barney the dinasoure hahhaha later gang......

I think the team is going to stay on the same course they're at. The defensive system seems to be working very well and that's what's keeping this team afloat right now. The team is awfully stingy in giving up good scoring chances and has become (dare I say) a little boring to watch at times because of it. However the team is worlds better than the wider open style they played last year! And that makes the games much more interesting.

I think down the stretch the team will be able to score a little better than they are now, but I really think the playoffs are going to be a long shot unless something miraculous happens.

Also, as much I like Ersberg (probably the best goalie the team has had in a few years) he's gotta stop letting those soft goals in!!!

Before the team is ready to hand the reigns over to Bernier I think I've found a suitable replacement. Check this out:

http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=210461&title=black-ice

(please tell me this is not what the new 3rd jerseys will look like).

There's one big difference between this years team and and last years team. THE COACH.

This years coach does a much better job at identifying problems with the way the team is playing and making the proper adjustments. Crawford just juggled lines during the game w/o any rhyme or reason.

Murry and Harpo do their work during practice and have been better able to get the team to believe in themselves instead shut them out.

Rich,
I dont expect you to name names but have you ever ask any of the players if they read what is writen on your site from us the fans,I would love to know if TM or any players read what we all write.
Also have you seen the new 3rd Jersey, if so what do you think? Or is it possible to see what the players think about the new shirt? and post to us?

is anyone else not able to see any comments?

I don't see a similar slide with the team this year. They have so much going for them then last. Only problem I'm seeing is with Scoring, but I think that will straighten out, once the tema gets more familiar with this D minded approach.

I think the team is headed in a much better direction. Goaltending is better with either goalie. Defense gives up far less shots and much improved on PK. Over the next 6 weeks, probably one game off .500 either way, and then improving a bit the rest of the year, especially with the addition of JJ and the forwards settling into their lines.

I suspect the team can hover about .450 to .500, tho given that 12 of the final 15 games on the schedule are on the road, being near .500 entering that stretch almost guarantees they wont make the playoffs. But keep learning, developing, and save that cap money to make a serious bid for a late-20s superstar scorer next summer or next season...

On the serious note, You all need to chill out.. last week everyone here was like getting ready for the parade. We are better then last year, We have better goal tending, We gave a little Offense to get that D.
I want Kopi to come around but as I have said about 20 times before I REALLY want to see Boyle get his rear in gear and USE HIS SIZE and not play like a lil girl.
He is like Raitis Ivanans but he can play the game.
So sit back and get a beer and learn to enjoy 500 hockey until DL heads out and gets a little help on the O side of the puck. He has the money just has to give up a few of the Calders,Harolds,Simmions, and as much as I hate to say it the Boyles. The man can play the game if you cant see it. He is prolly a better player then 3/4 of the team just needs to grow a set.

Anonymous said:
Well there are some corrections that need to be made, that much is clear. The Kings just aren't scoring enough goals.
If Murray realizes this and changes his system in the offensive zone, and focuses on PP, then the Kings can do very well indeed, and even fight for a playoff spot.
I also think he has to seriously reconsider his lines. I'm no coach, but to me it seems obvious that some players on the team are not allowed to play to their potential because of linemates that simply aren't able to follow their lead. I also think some line matchups have been questionable, stuff like having Simmonds and Ivanans on during the last minute of the game, or using Calder on the powerplay.
So to sum things up; I think Murray is the one who has to get his act together. The players play well enough imo, but they have to be allowed to do what they do best, and that's not necessarily dump and chase EVERY time for all of them...
---------------------------------------
We'd like to back this for best comment on this topic.
Runner up to Kingsfan4ever.
Both are realistic and straight to the point.
Thank you gentlemen.
Huzzah.

"2) Murray gets the offense going. Purcell and Lewis play great in Manchester and are called up before the All-Star break."

Why would Murray call up Purcell and Lewis if the offense is clicking without them?
Gauthier and Harrold gone because they're not good enough? Aren't they a part of the strong defensive effort?
There seems to be little understanding of what a handicap the Kings defensemen are to the offensive struggles. Kopitar, Brown, Frolov, and O'Sullivan are the same players they were last year. The new faces are on the blue line. Who amongst our defensemen besides Doughty can do anything but blast shots goalward? There's no movement or involvement by anyone but Doughty when it comes to creating scoring opportunities. These guys are rock-solid defensive defensemen, but that's it. Can't the critics understand that this is the reason we are fairly solid in our own end but in the other, we're like a virgin on his first shag. It's remarkable.

Put Harrold back on defense, already. He's got no future as a forward. Preissing is not getting it done and needs to sit again. Harrold, if you remember Terry Murray, has been involved in goals by getting his shots on target and doing what an offensive-defenseman is supposed to.
I don't cotton to the Calder is awful stuff. I think he should be grinding like hell on a fourth line with Stoll and Simmonds. We need a grind line that can actually score some goals and pin the other team in their end chasing for stretches.
Stoll definitely needs to be played on the Power Play. Why isn't this happening?
We've got 4 quality forwards that any team in the league would be jubilant to have. All 4 should be on the top 2 lines regardless of form. Players have bad stretches, all of them. Frolov and O'Sullivan should be playing together and I think Boyle would be a great center for them.
Handzus could likely do well with some speed like Richardson and some backup like Ivanans/Armstrong/Purcell?
That leaves Moller up with Kopitar and Brown.

Let's repeat history in a positive way, Golden Uniforms:

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q124/cdnuniguy/Jerseys/kingssi75.jpg

I love this uniform theme and wishwishwish we'd go back.

What the heck is going on with Kopitar? He's not doing much with the puck, and we've seen him whiff on two passes that definitely would've been goals, already. Perhaps Crawford's system afforded him more chances? I'm not sure. There's no reason for the aforementioned whiffs.

Simply put:
If you continue to use calder on the power play instead of o'sullivan....then you deserve to lose every game

I don't see that happening with this team at all. Will they have a winning record in the next 20 games? Certainly not. But I clearly see a difference in last years team and this one.

Check this out boys I think it looks clean and sharp, and I actually really like it.
http://www.icethetics.info/blog/2008/11/18/kings-third-jersey-leaked.html

Everyone seems to agree that this is a totally different team. But I think the results will probably be the same with TM still undecided on who is the starting goalie and which combos to use on the lines. The loses will be a lot more of 2-1 instead of 5-3 like last year.

I think the comparison with last season is not valid. The kids are playing better, and while there have been some egregious errors -- letting that Predator (was it Erat?) make that backdoor play on the defenseman (Doughty???) for the winning goal last week was particularly bad -- it's all part of the growing process.

I'd much rather watch this team than last season's, mostly because with Ersberg in net, I don't get quite as nervous as with LaBarbera. And I was one of Babs' biggest boosters last season. Sometimes things just don't work out.

But Doughty's a monster, Simmonds looks strong and Oscar Moller, OMG, he looks like the second coming of Joe Sakic (Sorry, I live in Denver, and that's high praise out here!).

I think the Kings miss the playoffs this season just because the West is so brutal. But then again, they play two fewer games against each team in their division because of the new "play every team" schedule, so maybe they'll sneak in. A little taste of the playoffs would be good experience for everyone.

Sakic's first season 23 goals and 39 assists. I don't know if Moller's all that, but I'd love it if he is. To me he's more Hemskyish or Theron Fleurish.
Gotta love Lil Oscar.

Butthole Surfers:

Why would Murray call up Purcell and Lewis if the offense is clicking without them?

Murray doesn't call people up. As far as your question goes, it's true in a limited sense that if the entire Kings team is playing flawlessly and we're winning every game 4-1 then players on the so-called bubble would have nothing to fear from Purcell or Lewis (or Clune) getting a chance. However, there are many scenarios in which the offense "clicks" and there's still room for call-ups. One would be the Brown/Kopitar/POS are reunited and play well, forming a great one-two punch with Frolov/Stoll/Moller. In that context (offense clicking and all), you've still got x/Handzus/Simmonds and x/Boyle/x to deal with. And I would rather see

Clune/Handzus/Simmonds
Lewis/Boyle/Purcell

than

Calder/Handzus/Simmonds
Ivanans/Boyle/Armstrong (or whatever)

if Purcell, Lewis and Clune are ready.

That's just one example.

"Gauthier and Harrold gone because they're not good enough? Aren't they a part of the strong defensive effort?"

When Jack Johnson comes back, someone's going to lose his spot. Who? Not Greene, Doughty, SOD or Quincey. That leaves Preissing, Gauthier or Harrold. Of course they are part of the strong defensive effort. I don't especially care if Preissing gets his act together, or if he's traded, or if Gauthier gets his act together, or is traded or waived, or if Harrold is sent down. I would rather Preissing become consistent and play like a veteran. But the point is, Jack Johnson returning is a good thing.

"There seems to be little understanding of what a handicap the Kings defensemen are to the offensive struggles."

Johnson coming back will help.

"We've got 4 quality forwards that any team in the league would be jubilant to have. All 4 should be on the top 2 lines regardless of form. Frolov and O'Sullivan should be playing together and I think Boyle would be a great center for them. Handzus could likely do well with some speed like Richardson and some backup like Ivanans/Armstrong/Purcell? That leaves Moller up with Kopitar and Brown."

You have cut Stoll and Calder:

Brown/Kopitar/Moller
POS/Boyle/Frolov
Richardson/Handzus/Simmonds
Ivanans/Armstrong/Purcell

I think, actually, your line-up is pretty great, except I would un-scratch Stoll and put him on a fourth line with Lewis and Purcell. Richardson, I hope, is given a chance now. In six weeks or so, maybe he loses his spot to Clune or Lewis. But he should be given more rope.

Quisp,

You're telling me Murray's not the reason Moulson is back in Mank?

I wasn't scratching Stoll or Calder, they're my grind line with Simmonds. I've posted my lineups under today's thread.
My opinions on the defense are spot on. Greene is overpaid and only fairly good at his one-dimensional skill. I'd keep Gauthier over Greene. He's a better body checker and he drops gloves when he should. Greene's being protected by the team-defense and Preissing is mailing it in. Two defensemen that cost almost 6 mil a year and they're not very good. Festerling would be welcome over either one of these guys. Harrold isn't even getting to play defense. He's the only one besides doughty with offense skills. Think back to some of the goals we've scored and a few are from Harrold shooting from the back and rebounds getting jammed. Harrold, Doughty, and Stoll should be the point men on the PP. They're not getting played and we're not scoring. I don't know why a professional coach doesn't see this.

Butthole Surfer (btw, thanks for getting that band in my head for the rest of the day!)

Agree with you on Preissing -- unfortunately, I think he was the product of a great system before he came to the Kings. He just gets pushed around by anyone of any size.

Gotta disagree with you on Greene, though. I think the Kings have lacked a solid, stay-at-home defenseman since Aaron Miller was here. Although I've always loved a step-up D-man like Lubo, I think you start with solid defense to give such guys the security to know they can step up. I think Greene does that. I will agree he's overpaid, but who isn't in today's NHL?

Would like to see Harrold get some more regular shifts on the blue line. Hate it when they try to make d-men into "fourth-line" forwards.

Gotta disagree with you on Greene, though. I think the Kings have lacked a solid, stay-at-home defenseman since Aaron Miller was here. Although I've always loved a step-up D-man like Lubo, I think you start with solid defense to give such guys the security to know they can step up. I think Greene does that. I will agree he's overpaid, but who isn't in today's NHL?

Over on the Battle of California site I've worked out a Greene/Preissing for Penner trade. I'm moving the lines around and making it:

Frolov-Kopitar-Penner
O'Sullivan-Boyle-Brown

for my top 2 lines. I'm also acquiring Kyle Mclaren because he can do whatever Greene is doing. I disagree with your take on Greene. I think he's looking ok because he's in a defensive system, but he's a pretty weak defender, and that's his job. Gauthier is a better body check man and the only thing he does wrong is sometimes make foolish passes, but those can be dealt with.
Aaron Miller was ok at first but I think the injuries hurt his game because he was a liability more than a stay at home defenseman. Greene reminds me of him in that way. Get's beaten with speed, get's caught out of position throwing checks, can't clear the puck unless it's "icing."
The Kings have plenty of stay-at-home defensive talent right now with O'die, Quincey, Gauthier, in my opinion.
The struggles on offense are because of the lack of skill at the back, and the lack of movement in the offensive zone. Our defensemen, outside of doughty and harrold, are not part of the action in the attacking end.

oops. the italics didn't work Toma.

if the kings could get penner for greene and preissing, I'll pack his bags. But doubtful.

Really? I would've thought that trade would get slammed by many. I like it though. Penner is about to get tarred and feathered in Edmonton from what I hear. Penner's got great hands for a big man and in front of net, with Fro and Kop, would benefit greatly. Plus, that line would be huge. They're not bangers, but if they learn to use their size to protect the puck and create room, that line could be a handful for any team in the league. And imagining Boyle centering O'Sullivan and Brown makes my mouth water. Penner and Frolov would be the old men at 26. And the rest of the lines
Moller Handzus Richardson
Calder Stoll Simmonds

are rock solid defensively and able to score.
and the best part is Zeiler never gets called up again.

Butthole:

But do you think Penner's contract would get in the way? Four million per year for him seems to set the bar awfully, awfully high for Kopi, Brown, etc.

If Penner could do well the contract would be justified. Plus, the team gains 2 mil of cap space if Greene(3) and Preissing(2.75) are moved, if my memory serves me right.

Lombardi would probably never do it though.

The Kings are better this year, period, injuries will be the only way they finish worse than last year and the slide will not happen, I tend to agree with the .500 theory...we're still young and learning to play together, yes the offense has struggled, but we're teaching a team defense that was clueless in that area last year...baby steps.

As for the ones critical of Ersberg, so what if he let in a softy, he has lost three games in this seven game stretch in which he has a goals against average of 1.66, that should be good enough for a win...meanwhile, the Kings have a Goal For Average of 0.33, he can't "steal" games when his team averages less than a goal a game. Stick with the Swede, he's solid...the offense will show up and we'll start piling on the wins.

Boyle - Yes he's big and using his size is great, but the last two games he used his sklls and showed good speed and hands for a big guy, people need to lay off the whole checking aspect and let him play his game.

No on Penner, not a solution for this team...and Butthole Surfer is right to an extent on Preissing and Greene, but the fact they can play so well in this defensive system is being overlooked, considering we're the seventh best defense and equal to that on penalty kill, I won't mess with the D.