Going off the grid

You will be missed on this site but I will of course follow you on FB. We really need to figure out a subscription of some sort for your blog so that the Daily News will leave you be...

Always remember to trust and believe in yourself Rich. You've got some serious big league talent! We Kings Fans have been seriously spoiled by your hard work these past few years. THANK YOU!

If Eklund can charge $20 for a "season ticket" there has got to be a way for you to generate some income for this site besides ads.

Nice to see you cleaning up the comment section.

I haven't even bothered reading them in awhile...

Would sure be nice to have good conversation here again.

Good luck, Rich, and just think, you could be in my industry.... corporate jet manufacturer. The whole industry is in an unprecedented tailspin right now through no fault of ours....

Sorry about paycheck Rich. Enjoy the week though.

No question, I would pay for this stuff.

I wholeheartedly support the 'clean up' of the comments section. Maybe some clear codes of conduct can be "Agreed" to and if you break a code three times, buh bye. Banned for a year. Plain and simple. You can start with, 1. No name calling or personal attacks. 2. Hockey talk only, etc... Spell it out. You can always update the agreement as it evolves and you learn.

I really enjoy most of the comments on this blog. I actually look forward to the healthy debates that break out. The opinions are vast, knowledgeable, diverse and mostly informative. However, not the 'tot lot' talk. It's a waste of time and space. The operative word used above by Rich is "adults". Yeah.

Thanks for all of your dedication Rich! We'll follow you wherever you go.

I also want to thank my follow posters for their continued passion, enthusiasm and insights. One day, we'll hoist the cup together! Go Kings Go!

On to FB for now...

This sucks. My employer has blocked Facebook.

Rich I'd definitely put down some cash for this site.

Rich,

You have given Kings fans a phenomenal experience over the last year or two - the time you have spent chasing down stories, dealing with the ninnies here (myself included) and putting your heart into everything you do for the Kings will never be forgotten - don't think it hasn't gone unnoticed - people in the hockey world know all about you and he work you've put it -

Whatever happens, you'll always be part of the Kings family

Matt

Gotta believe with folks having to sign up AND lay down some cash, it may just help many issues being mentioned.

Paying customers seeking exclusive Kings content would be fare less likely to bother with wasteful comments. In the event they break the TOS...they are gone, per Rich.

And Rich...somehow make it your own site, via the Daily News, so that you own it, making yourself (newspaper) fold-proof.

Keep your chin up and enjoy the down time...at least the Kings are on the road.

Rich, seeing your comments really had an affect on me. I've always been aware of how much care you put into this site. Care for me is the operative word. People who put care into their work touch me. It's always been frustrating seeing some people (no aspersions being cast here, just a statement) let their emotions run away from them.

Really it's not that hard to do. We all get frustrated with certain aspects of the team's development because it's seemed to be a never ending process. I've always insisted that Rich does so much here not just for the love of his work but for us. Please people, can't we all do our best to be a little more considerate of his work, and think a bit more carefully and express ideas and emotions in a way that shows respect to his blog. I just think it's the least we can do. We aren't paying with money for a site that well merits it, so how about paying with a little more thought and consideration.

Rich, I`ve said it many times and i will say again, thank you so much for all your hard work and time.I`ve enjoyed this site so much.Yes, i also would pay to keep your site going. Good luck in the future for you and your family. God bless you Rich!

Really hope you get a gig with Fox or the Kings at some point.

Enjoy the time off. Party with the Kings at Manhattan Beach. Watch out for the Puck Bunnie's!!!!!!

See you in a week.

Let's be honest: Most of you won't even plunk down 50 cents to buy a newspaper every day, but you say you will "pay" for online access to Kings chat?

Doubtful ... if you really want to support Rich and company, then subscribe to the Daily News so they won't have to out of business in 2010.

Rich, I realize that many of the brightest minds have tried to monetize internet content sans success. But, I would still like to throw out an idea. That is to put a small (1 inch X 1 inch) pay pal jar at the top of each new thread. If a reader appreciates the content on that thread, then he/she can "tip" the jar. Keep a total in the jar of the total tips to date so that the community can easily see what the best articles ($10 for the Lombardi interviews and 2 cents for the curling schedule, just kidding) are. I also suspect this would keep the name calling of players, management and other posters to a minimum, as few readers would tip the thread.
Full disclosure, I borrowed the idea from my son from a high school economics class project with his permission. He believes the coding would take about 40 hours.
Anyway, I love your content. Can you finish a book in one week? "How to turn around an organization’s losing mind set" or “How Lucky went from a 200th draft pick to the highest scoring left wing of all time? Frequently use the word eh to increase sales by 100,000.

Finally, to the poster in commercial aircraft, good luck. I wish you the best.

Well Rich enjoy the week, but we'll miss you here! I'll check out facebook for sure. Too bad there is a very small majority of the crowd that has made it necessary to make changes, but whatever you need to do you need to do. Thanks so much for the great site, I really enjoy reading all the treads, comments...you have spoiled us Kings fans!!!

I hope the Daily News sees a turn-around and straightens you out. Regardless, see you on facebook and everywhere else. Cheers Rich,

Rich,
Its unfortunate that you're going through this.
Because you don't deserve it.
You've given so much to us fans.
I'll hope for the best.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Rich,

Thank you so much for everything you've put into this site, it's obvious to us fans that it's more than just a paycheck to you and Kings fans are truly blessed to have coverage as thorough as this blog.

If you want to go independent and run your own site, I'll gladly pay/subscribe/donate. There's an Ohio State fan site that I visit called The O-Zone, that might be a good model for running an independent sports journalism website. They make a little bit of cash from ads, but for the most part they run based on users donations. They're not rich by any means, but they make enough to employ a handful of journalists, photographers and IT people.

@ Jet: i think that's a really good idea actually. That way the site is still free to people (it's always good to have more fans) but those who can show their appreciation can drop in a buck or two here or there...making $25/day (which would be incredible) would really add up to a nice little bit over a year...

Also Rich in the way olden days teams used to actually pay for reporters (travel per diem, etc.) to make sure they were in the papers (and perhaps having more favorable things written about the team) ...has the thought ever come through the Kings or the Ducks to help fund reporters to travel with the team. The way I see it, it's a win-win in the current env't. Teams get more coverage than the AP report, and newspapers are able to keep their sports staff

poll on this topic: http://kwisp.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/poll-2-how-much-would-you-pay/?preview=true&preview_id=83&preview_nonce=721a426ff1

rich...

sorry to hear about another paper-appointed exile...

as always...thanks for all you do for us and yr continued efforts in bringing the world of the kings to us posters...or is it posers...not sure...

the art of the competent journalist is a dying pigment being dried by unattributed facts, endless hearsay and the foul muddled voice of the rogue blogger...

in a world where the internet has become the biggest bastion of high school locker voyeurism...(ie: myspace, facebook, etc)...and where twittering trumps self-discovery and promotes instant gratification of one's own voice and importance, i'm somewhat torn...

i guess that there has to be a trade off in quality when the quantity of opinions are permitted on blog sites like this...

and am i guilty of such madness in the mere sense of pining for a structured, intellectual, free-spirited discussion as i participate/promote my own muses at will...? are we all just looking for recognition in our views and feel the need for pacification via a public forum...? does any of this really matter...? again...not sure...

but i think i believe that blogs like this ultimately bring people together...trudging through reckless thoughts, cheap jibes and unwitting banter come with the territory...and trying to get the best of both worlds is a hard wireless connection to bridge...

but for every forked or spiteful tongue that churns out opinion....there's opportunity for insight to break through...

i enjoy yr coverage immensely and...for the most part...much of the opinions of most of the bloggers/posters that frequent this site....

i hope it continues and that the pressures and perils of publishing somehow find remedies and ways to procure the community you have grown for seasons to come...

sometimes it takes a whole lot of "oh, no!" moments to produce one good "oh, yes!"...

it's with great hope and enthusiasm that you will continue to provide us with yr insight, professionalism and reporting....and that opportunities to discover such moments on this site don't cease....

...because many of us can't resist...!

By the way, I still think there needs to be an Inside the Kings drinks meet-up. Maybe as a draft party?

You're the man Rich..

I'm sorry if I ever offended anyone with my comments.

Sorry to hear it, Rich
Have you tried to apply for Ducks organization as their beat writer? Nothing against Dan Wood from OC Register, but your articles are so interesting...
Besides, Ducks is a better team and it would be more challenging to cover them rather than Kings which are missing playoffs season after season.

Shakes, re meet-up:

...or, as I have been laughing to myself everything I think of it, at the Kings 3-day cruise to Mexico. Imagine being trapped at sea with everyone who posts here and, you know, Calder and Ivanans. It would be like a Polanski movie.

AK47 -

I have no memory of being offended. For what that's worth...

Rich, sorry to hear that you are on forced leave. We really appreciate all you do on the blog.

Damn that sucks Rich
I hope everything works out good for you.

Sorry for my previous rant...I didn't mean to piss you off over it.

I agree with many others before. I'd gladly pay a small fee (whether it be subscription or "tip" based) for the content on this site... it is simply the best source of Kings information out there.

I'd also agree to chipping in a few bucks if anyone wanted to organized a "pay Rich some of his missed salary" fund for this week. We might not be able to cover it all, but he's worth more than what he gets paid probably.

Finally, on a total side note (but this is as good a place to comment as any), got to see Colton Teubert play a couple of games in Ontario this weekend. I can tell you now, this kid is going to be a stud. He earned his first ECHL point last night and was the 3rd star of the game (Zatkoff was 2nd star). I was very impressed with him, being able to compare him to the level of talent I've seen out there for the majority of the year. If Teubert continues to develop, we're in for a real treat in a year or two.

Quisp,

I'm just trying to be nice and respectful, but thanks man.

Decker,

You just made my day. Let's all hope that DL actually KEEPS Teubert and doesn't trade him, or let him slip. I expect and hope that Hickey makes the Kings team next season and develops under O'Donnell's wing, sort of the way that Doughty did. Maybe once Sean O'Donnell's playing career is done, he'll look into coaching. I bet he'd succeed at it too.

"Besides, Ducks is a better team and it would be more challenging to cover them rather than Kings which are missing playoffs season after season."

The Ducks are better now, but not for long. I'm afraid you're in for some rough times ahead.

At any rate, Rich, thanks for all that you do on this board, it's most certainly appreciated around here.

P.S. I'd be more than willing to pay for a "premium" membership or any in general.

I'd pay for a subsciption for this site. This is the only place I go to get updates on my beloved Kings.

Thanks Rich!

GO TO FACE BOOK!!! It is better anyways it is all Rich plus we can see who we are talking to...If Rich gives the ok I will post Practice Photos from Dallas on Wednesday and Game Photos on Thursday.....Takes 5 min. to sign up for facebook......

Chris-

A lot of companies filter social networking sites, such as Facebook.

i'm blocked too...

Rich,

Great job on the site. You're hard work is much appreciated.

Sporting news gave you a shout out. Check out the kings blurb #25.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=nhlpowerpollhabsplayoffh&prov=tsn&type=lgns

I didn't watch the Chicago game. Did anyone see/hear about Fro's injury? Or is this one of those "injuries" that aren't really what they claim them to be.

KINGS NOTEBOOK (MARCH 23)
Alexander Frolov expected to miss 7-10 days
Mar 23, 2009, 4:51 PM EDT

Frolov

The Kings, who flew to St. Louis yesterday after suffering a 4-1 loss at Chicago in the third game of a season-long six-game road trip, returned to practice today for 70 minutes at the Ice Zone at the St. Louis Mills, the official practice facility of the St. Louis Blues.

St. Louis took the ice first, skating from 11-12:30, with the Kings practicing from 1-2:30 p.m.

The big news from practice today was that it was disclosed that Alexander Frolov had suffered a lower body injury after a collision in the closing minutes at Chicago on Sunday. Frolov returned home to Los Angeles and is expected to miss 7-10 days.

Frolov leads the Kings with 28 goals and is second on the team with 55 points.

FROLOV OUT; RICHARDSON IN
With Frolov unavailable for the remainder of the Kings six-game road trip (1-2-0), Brad Richardson is expected to return to the Kings lineup on Tuesday vs. St. Louis, playing for the first time since March 5. Richardson has posted 0-4=4 in 26 games for the Kings this season since being acquired from Colorado for a second-round selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft on June 21, 2008.

Richardson is expected to center the Kings third line with Kyle Calder and Wayne Simmonds on the wings. Michal Handzus was promoted to the Kings top line, where he will play with Justin Williams and Anze Kopitar.

Handzus had his three-game goal-scoring streak snapped at Chicago on Sunday, but has posted 6-5=11 over the last 12 games.

Teddy Purcell, who had been skating with Kopitar on the top line, will slide into the second line, playing with Jarret Stoll and Dustin Brown. The fourth line will see Raitis Ivanans, Derek Armstrong and Peter Harrold together, with Oscar Moller and John Zeiler as the Kings scratches. In addition, Kevin Westgarth was assigned to Manchester today.

Click here or check out the Kings lines below.
Handzus - Kopitar - Williams
Purcell - Stoll - Brown
Calder - Richardson - Simmonds
Ivanans - Armstrong - Harrold

THE BACKEND REVAMPED AS WELL
For much of the season Sean O'Donnell has been partnered with rookie Drew Doughty as the Kings top defensive pair. At practice today, Kyle Quincey skated with Doughty. Quincey leads Kings defensmen with 34 assists and 38 points, while Doughty paces the Kings blueliners with six goals, including two in the last three games over which he has posted 2-2=4.

O'Donnell will be paired with Jack Johnson, while Matt Greene and Davis Drewiske will be the Kings third defensive pairing.

The Kings defensive pairings
Quincey - Doughty
O'Donnell - Johnson
Greene - Drewiske

WILLIAMS, DREWISKE UPDATES
Williams was activated from IR on March 20, the same day that Drewiske was recalled from Manchester to replace Denis Gauthier, who had suffered an upper body injury during the Kings 3-2 OT win at Boston on March 19.

In his two games since returning from the IR, Williams has posted two shots on net, with four PIMs while averaging 13:40 TOI and 19 shifts per game.

"Justin Williams is feeling his way and getting his legs underneath him right now," Kings head coach Terry Murray told reporters after Kings practice on Monday. "I have seen him when he is on top of his game and he can be a very effective offensive threat."

The Kings acquired the two-time 30-goal scorer from the Hurricanes in a deadline deal on March 4.

Drewiske, meanwhile, has averaged 14:35 TOI and 18 shifts per game, while collecting two shots and 10 PIMs. He received a 10-minute misconduct at Chicago on Sunday after it was determined by the referees that he had physical contact with a Chicago Blackhawk player on the ice while Drewiske was still on the bench during a skirmish in the second period.

QUICK OR ERSBERG
Terry Murray did not go as far as to indicate whom he planned to start against St. Louis on Tuesday, but had this to say about the play of rookie netminder Jonathan Quick:

"I was happy with the game Quick played against Chicago on Sunday. That was the best I have seen Chicago play all year, especially how they won battles and moved the puck and kept their feet moving."

The Kings trailed, 2-0 before Doughty tallied a goal at 16:54 to cut the deficit in half. The Kings pulled their goaltender with less than two minutes remaining and surrendered two empty-net goals to Patrick Sharp (18:54) and Martin Havlat (19:42) to account for the scoring in the Kings 4-1 loss.

Quick stopped 28-of-30 shots in the loss. He is 17-14-1 with a 2.65 GAA and a .907 SV% on the season.

His 17 wins rank fifth amongst rookie goaltenders in Kings history
(courtesy of Elias Sports Bureau).
GOALTENDER YEAR WINS
Lessard, Mario 1978-79 23
Janecyk, Bob 1984-85 22
Rutledge, Wayne 1967-68 20
Desjardins, Gerry 1968-69 18
Quick, Jonathan 2008-09 17

Quick has never faced the St. Louis Blues.

Ersberg, meanwhile, has posted an 8-10-5 mark during the 2008-09 season, with a 2.58 GAA and a .900 SV%. He has faced St. Louis twice this season, posting two wins while stopping 50-of-55 shots (.909 SV%) with a 2.58 GAA.

The Kings (30-32-10, 70 pts.) trail the Blues (33-30=9, 75 pts.) by five points in the Western Conference standings. St. Louis is just two points back of Nashville for the eighth and final playoff spot, while the Kings trail the Predators by seven points with 10 games remaining.

Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Only day two, and have to admit.. I'm still hitting the refresh button, thinking this 'furlough' is a cruel joke.

No joke about it.. Rich, you deserve more than any of us (collectively) can give.

'Jonesing' for my Rich Hammond Inside Socal fix! And, like many of you, my company restricts FB, but they do thank you for the significant reduction in the number of daily hits to your site.

GO KINGS!

@ Quisp

What would make the cruise even worse would be Army hogging up the ping pong table. Or occasionally bumping into Gauthier to have him knock you over the railings for no reason.

Yeah, I read the news report on Fro, but I'm wondering if there's an alternate meaning to it. He's been under the gun a lot this season. I'm hoping an injury is all it is.

Shakes -

If I knew that was going to happen for sure, I would buy my tickets right now.

I would think that it's a legit injury.
TM hasn't been shy about benching Frolov and stating why he gets benched.

I'm sure it's an injury, but I'm wondering if they're giving him additional time due to his recent setbacks(in their eyes).

So what do you guys think..

Are you hoping for us to drop a bit in the standings to secure a better pick or do you guys want us playing the spoiler role/play the best they can down the stretch?

I'm for a mix, but lean towards the former, especially if we do part ways with Fro. That gives Dean a much better shot at guys like MPS.

Ultimately, I always want us to win, but..

Thoughts?

Ersberg

I want them to win as much as they can down the stretch. A couple of reasons for it:

This team is still learning how to win....they've seen what it takes to play "playoff" type games.
Even though it doesn't look good...we haven't been eliminated..therefore They're still "playoff" hockey games.

We have mostly road games remaining...against some good hockey teams. You can never learn enough about playing and winning on the road...especially this time of year. If somehow we did make the playoffs, we'd be playing the majority of the games on the road. we might as well be comfortable in that situation. Winning brings comfort.

The draft is not an exact science. Example was last season...we all talked about getting the #1 overall to get Stamkos and were p/o when TB kind of laid down at the end.
I don't think there's any doubt that we got the better of the picks (from a Kings perspective)
If we were to lose the games down the stretch...how much further will we move up in the draft and is there much of a difference in the players available at those spots?

I'm gunning for what's the most likely scenario. Of course I'd like to see what you're describing take place, but I'm just looking at it as if we'll probably finish somewhere around the spot we're in now. I'd like them to get a good look at a solid winger, so spot 4-6 would be ideal.

They will play most of these games as if the playoffs are on the line, regardless of where we finish. The experience will happen.

The nature of my post was more for us to determine what would be best for us in the long run, in terms of pick placement.

We won't get 1-3, so forget about Tevares or Hed.

The other motivation to play like it matters is that, well, it matters. NYKingsfan is absolutely right that you learn how to win by trying to win and by winning. But on top of that, consider this:

DL is going to be looking at the big UFAs this summer. We all know how that's gone in the past. The big names didn't want to sign here because, well, we sucked. How will it be any different this summer if we close out the season with ten straight losses and 70 points? Answer: it won't.

On the other hand, if we finish strong and end up just a few points out of the playoffs, say around 85 points, DL will be able to sell the Kings (legitimately) as the team with the brightest future of practically anyone out there.

I would still bring up Lewis and Voynov, play Moller and Purcell, sit Calder, and let them have the experience. Maybe even bring up Bernier for the rest of the year. Maybe he'll pull a Dryden...

"On the other hand, if we finish strong and end up just a few points out of the playoffs, say around 85 points, DL will be able to sell the Kings (legitimately) as the team with the brightest future of practically anyone out there."

That's really where it counts, to be completely straight with you. Selling this team to potential trade targets and/or UFA's is where it's going to matter, as they will be the additions that put us over the top.

Again, the experience will come, whether it's during a point in any given season where they have 20 points, 50, 86, or 100, they'll get it. All they need to do is step on the ice.

If it were a given that the Kings would get a particular pick if they lost one more game, and they weren't in the playoffs, I'd take it. It could be the difference in drafting a future "Hossa", rather than some scub that ends up playing in Manchester for his career.

Needless to say a strong finish also helps AEG sell tickets. I'm sure they'd rather not have a January fire sale again next year.

Sort of went through this same scenario with my "second team", Ottawa, a few weeks back. It looked like they had a very legit chance at ending up with the 2nd worst record... and then somehow a few changes (Clouston, Campoli, Comrie) turned things around drastically.

We have so many pieces in place here... I really think that if DL goes out and gets us one healthy, top sniper (let alone someone elite, like Hossa), we'll be in the playoffs next year.

I like the energy in which the Kings are playing with. It also helps we're playing a team on the same level as us.

Williams is skating and playing with meaning as well. That's good to see. I think when it's said and done, we're going to be happy with him.

I have to get this off my chest....Please Kings, when you have 20 open shots, can you at least put one on net!!Thank you. I feel a little better now. That's one area that frustrates me a little.

Lets go Kings, we can do it.

Well, I guess a 9-0 finish is not out of the question.

It is if we don't find the net :(

poll...if (!!) the kings don't make the playoffs, who will you root for?

http://kwisp.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/159/

I tried to comment on Facebook but it just ended up on my page, not the blog that Rich had set up, so maybe someone can explain that.
Anyway, what I was trying to say was that I read TM's comments in the morning press and found it bothersome. He spoke of how St. L blocked a lot of shots but that so did the Kings (and inferred that they played well) until near the end.
Maybe he hasn't yet figured out that even at 0-0 you don't get a W. You actually have to score at least one goal. Also, 10 shutouts this season. That isn't encouraging for attracting UFA's or anything else for that matter.

I really didn't think they played that poorly...at least until the end...
Both teams were incredible in the 1st period. There were no bad plays by either team. It was one of the most entertaining periods I've seen without a goal being scored.
I thought the PK was outstanding....as for the PP...please someone, anyone get a shot on net.
the only guy that hit the net was JJ. He's got a rocket for a shot.
We're somewhat offensively challenged 5 on 5.
I think given time...Williams will work well with Kopitar. He needs to come back next year and be the old Justin Williams. His play is going to be crucial to the success of this team next year.

Now that we got that loss out of the way..

I really hope the Kings pick 5 or lower. MPS would be a nice addition on the wing, especially if we lose Fro.

Williams looked decent last night. He'll need to adjust to our D first system, which will probably take the rest of the season. He seems to be playing extra careful with those knees. He's not doing a lot of quick stops or sudden lateral moves. It'll probably take him the extra year like Zus did.

Does anyone else think the Kings seem to not have the type of offense that some teams have that can be a threat on almost any possession? They just seem anemic on O. They move around a lot down around the net, but they just don't seem to do a lot of quick/crips passes to score. They have a lot of the same guys as they did last season that scored a lot, and I don't think it's Terry's system that's causing it. What is it?

"poll...if (!!) the kings don't make the playoffs, who will you root for?"

That site is filtered at my work.

New Jersey(my east coast team)

Ersberg, I live in nyc and watch the Devils. It's almost frustrating to watch them on the PP. The way they move the puck around. No deliberation. Fast. Players in constant motion. Then I think of the Kings. Wow. The Kings have got some work to do. If they're like that on the PP (even if they're % isn't that bad) it gives some clue as to why they are last in the league 5-5. It just seems like groundhog day. Oh great, now the Kings will get a top 10 pick, until the next year. What will next year be like? If they don't get their act together against this years non playoff teams when playing at Staples (Toronto, Atlanta, TB, Phoenix) and bubble teams (Edm, Nash, Col)... all teams they struggled against in LA, then absolutely nothing will change. You look at those games and that's a lot of points!
So to answer your question, yes I think they lack creativity and often don't look like scoring. Some games they're scoreless till midway in the 2nd per and I say "well, here we go again". I happen to think the OT win vs Bos where they were scoreless most of the game was the exception rather than the rule.

You guys should check out tsn.ca's top 12 kings prospects

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=272490

They make our kids sound like next year the playoffs are guaranteed. Lets get them all up here for the rest of the year and see em play. We are pretty much eliminated from the playoffs this year. It was a valiant effort this year and I have hopes for next year to break our 7 year playoff drought.

#6/oldthunder-

In reply to both you..

With how you've described us on the PP and even strength play, and with regard to our prospects(the guys that have played this season), how are we going to get it done next season? Most of these guys have played enough this season to at least give a glimpse of what's in store, but it's not getting the job done.

So what is it? Is it, in fact, Terry's system? Are we missing key guys? Are some of our "older, younger" guys not what we thought they'd be(Kop, Fro, Brown, etc)? Was it a fluke last season when guys like Brown scored 30+? Is it the guys below our top scorers(again Kop, Fro, Brown) that are the issue, and not those guys? I.e. secondary scoring. Why can't we beat teams handedly, and at the same time keep the GA around 2-3. It seems like some games we score 5, but we give up 4-6. Some times we'll score 1-2, but give up 3-4. Is this a balancing issue? Do our guys not know how to play a game when it's tight or when it's open ended game, and to reckognize when they need to play a certain way? Is it just bad luck? Combo of it all? Where does this team stand looking back at this season? Who do we add? Who goes? Who do you think will actually want to come here? Is time going to make this current team better? I mean, really? Do we have blinders on? Is this team really that promising?

It seems like the the answers on the tip of my tongue, yet I just can't seem to put my finger on it.

In addition my previous post, ask yourselves this..

When was the last team any sports team(4 major sports) went cheap, and won a championship?

I'm thinking it was the Angels in 2002.

It seems to me we're a "cheap" team. We either overpay, or we pay on par for what we have, which is mediocre. I realize that's a critical comment on my part, but it seems rather realistic to me.

Ersberg
Tampa Bay in baseball last year made it to the WS going cheap...and YOUNG

It could be a combo of everything you said, or it could just be this team wasn't ready to make the playoffs yet. I tend to go that way.
We're the youngest team in hockey and took on the task this year of becoming a solid defensive team instead of a free wheeling offensive team. that's a huge change for any team..let alone a young team.
Look at our defense? Not one guy is over 25 or 26 yrs old...find me another team with a defense that young that improved as much as they have? also find me another group as young and talented as our D'men?
It can't be that guys like Brown/Kopitar...etc aren't talented players. they are..and every team in the NHL would give their left nut to have them.
Everything this team gave us this year is what we were hoping for..obviously a playoff spot was the ultimate goal...but we all wanted to see improvement and see the young kids play and succeed. To some degree that was all accomplished.

Just when you thought this franchise couldn't sink any lower. Ten shutouts! How embarrassing is that? Don't these guys have any pride? Geez, and there's still nine games left to play.

Some heads better roll in the off-season, preferably Anschutz, Lombardi, Murray & Kompon.

King,

So, lets take what you've said, and apply it to either next season or just the future in general. Is this team, with that they have, good enough to get it done?

Columbus, for example, has had a lot of changes, some very young additions, and they are sitting in a playoff spot. I see the Kings being very much the same. What I'm getting at is, do you feel our guys have a higher "ceilings" than what we're seeing? Do you see guys like Johnson, Greene, Quincey actually getting "better"? What about Purcell, who's 24(?), be better in the future? Will this team get better, as whole, together? I realize they're young, but they have the talent and capibility?

It seems like they're trying real, real hard, but they end up coming short, which is why I believe they need some more changes and additional players.

Who would I let go? That's a good question, because I need to sit down and look at direct upgrades per player, per position.

Ersberg. Nice to get your response. First of all, if I had the answers I'd probably work in hockey admin which I don't.
Here are a few random thoughts. Feel free to respond if anything resonates for you. First of all, I remember on one of the hockey programs they were talking about all these great young defensemen that the Isles had drafted amongst which were Zdeno Chara and I can't remember the other two (guys who ended up w big careers). Point being that the Isles gave up on em before they developed. So it does take time. No doubt the Kings have talent. I don't doubt that for a moment.
What I DO think is a problem for the franchise is an overriding vision. Yes DL absolutely has ideas and a great understanding on many levels. But someone like Lou Lamoriello sees a very big picture and forms a real structure for the franchise. They showed that when Brodeur was hurt.

I agree with some posters (even Anthony) that there is this connection to Philly that I don't think is healthy. Heck, even Philly doesn't play like Philly anymore. They have the most 25 goal scorers in the league. They're creative And hungry. For me it brings into question the drafting philosophy of the Kings. Yes it's brilliant to get Drew Doughty, but how have the Wings managed to get superstars repeatedly in the late rounds? If you have to finish low every year to get your stars, you're in big trouble. Maybe once or twice to get a top two or three pick and that's it! For me it's not only a question of filling boxes, but HOW DO THE PLAYERS FIT TOGETHER. That was what Bill Torrey did with the Isles in the 80's. Same with the Devils.
I Always remember reading in the Hockey News before the draft in which Zach Parise and Brownie were taken. One of the scouts (annonymous) said he found Parise to be magical. Well the Kings had THREE first round picks and most certainly could have worked a package with their last two to end up with Parise, or Corey Perry, or Getzlaf. Instead they drafted Jeff Tambellini and Brian Boyle who DT considered a project. When I watch Parise play and think of that draft, I ask myself how I can be surprised to see the team where they are.

I work in a creative business and recognize creativity on many levels. I have to confess that the Kings have me confused. I've seen them play games (even vs. Rangers which they lost) where I didn't even recognize them they looked so good, and then games where everything just seems to come to a standstill literally and figuratively.

I'm not a psychiatrist but I also think there is an issue regarding the culture of losing in the franchise. To me that's one of the only explanations as to why A) they have these 2-1 games where they only score one and then they score 4 but lose 5-4. B) It's back to what I was harping on about as regards a very poor record playing at home against average opposition.

Don't know if any of that helps, but I think these things go w some of the things that you said. Not sure that it's any one thing, and I don't think it is. It's a combination and will take someone with real smarts and dedication to sort it out.
And referring to David's comments, I also don't think it helps having an ownership that could give a toss about their own franchise. Tim Leiweke might be happy if they won, but so what!

6-

Nice post, thanks for some enlightment. Now, with what you've pointed out, especially the Philly comments, I do have to state that I am, in fact, onboard with Dean's ideas/plans. I do feel I have a relative understanding to his scheme of things(for the most part).

With regards to Terry, I'm not so certain I buy into his game. I do feel I have a decent understanding for it. Please don't misunderstand me here; He's worked some magic with what we have in a short amount of time, but his decision making, before and during games, leave me guessing there might be some better options out there for us. And like you said, the "Philly" thing is very unattractive.

Ersberg (and others)

I agree the attack is anemic. In my opinion its because they do the same thing 95% of the time,dump the puck in and try to gain possesion. They are pretty good at it too but the opposing teams D always has time to get in position to defend and the goalie is always square to the puck. Now, the Kings constantly play along the boards under pressure and out manned so most the time they have their back to the goal and rarely have a chance to pass to anyone coming down the middle or far side. (thats assuming anyone ever comes down the middle) THEY DONT USE THEIR DEFENSEMEN ON ATTACK!

Its always 3 players against 4 or 5. The only time D is involved is when the puck comes out to the blue line and the d-man takes a long shot with to few Kings in front.I think JJ and DD could be awesome on attack but their talents are wasted here.

This team (coach) has no imagination.

Ers... you know what? I have read so many comments on this blog regarding the Philly connection and didn't pay it any heed really. But somehow the nature of the question (rhetorical) you posed after my earlier comments really made me think. It is true that they are trying to structure a philosophy that resembles earlier pre lockout Philly. The big problem with that is that it's all happening in the new NHL.
Tell you what, saw an interview during the Rangers game w Tortorella and he commented that they needed to have a more "pressuring" philosophy. Same w Bylsma in Pittsburgh. GRANTED, the pens have way more O flair than the Kings. But there is a Good Reason that while Philly is still feisty, they don't play the way they used to. Briere, Lupul, Carter.
Also, GET THIS (All You Kings Fans Who Read This). Was listening to NHL Live on the radio and they made a comment (facetious) that if the point structure for wins was to change the Kings would change from playing with four defensemen (on the ice, not in the lineup) to three. OUCH! I think that says a lot. Well guys, if it keeps going like this, they will win IF Quick becomes the next Brodeur. Otherwise it may be a season, season and a half with mini improvement (like this year), no playoffs and TM will move on for someone else. I just don't know what to say.
Sorry for repeating myself but 10 shutouts, and an inability to beat average competition on your home ice does not augur well. Maybe it'll change. I sure hope so.
But take this on board: I remember watching Ottawa like 8 years ago and thinking, wow this team is gonna turn into something. The way they skated, the way they were creative... and they did... until this year.
But the Kings did show mini flashes too, but what has been happening since that crucial homestand where they lost all three (Edm Atl etc.) has me really concerned as to where they really are situated for the future.

"Tell you what, saw an interview during the Rangers game w Tortorella and he commented that they needed to have a more "pressuring" philosophy. Same w Bylsma in Pittsburgh..."

That's really bizarre you mentioned those two names, because I was expecting someone to ask me who I would choose if TM wasn't our coach(because of my previos post), and those 2 were guys I was going to mention. Another name I was going to throw out there was Larionov, but he's never been at the helm of a team. Another guy I wouldn't mind seeing is Carbonneau, since he's the main reason behind the Habs' "defense through" skating style.

The Kings aren't pre-lockout Philly; not now, not ever. They may resemble them in some recent cases, and even in some future games, but they AREN'T Philly. We just have too many faces pre-TM that can't and won't adapt to that style of play(100% of the time). The Kings have shown this throughout the season. I like defense. I think the players, coaches, management, and fans like it, too, but this team "naturally" plays a skating style of game. We have a lot of speed up front, and on the backend as well. We don't have guys like Kevin Hatcher. This isn't 1977. We need a coach that fully incorporates speed/quickness with defense and goaltending(think of the Wings/Habs/Caps/Sharks).

I fully believe any of the above mentioned coaches/prospective completely understand that type of hockey and/or the modern NHL. As I've stated in several of my posts in the past, I just don't see TM being more than a "beginners" coach, and the true era of the winning LA Kings will ulitimately fall in the hands of coaches I've mentioned.

Ersberg, re Philly connection: http://kwisp.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/do-the-kings-have-an-unhealthy-attraction-to-philly-castoffs/

That's what happens when I try to write these things some times :-)
I need to clarify for sure. Sorry. What I meant by the Philly reference was not literally the bang em up, bruis'em Flyers of 77. For sure not. I simply meant "aspects" of the Flyers pre lockout. I'm glad you picked up on my comments about Bylsma and Tortorella. You know, I don't have a problem with a team having a philosophy whatever it is. But I think you've sort of pinned something down there when you said that the current style of play doesn't entirely fit the current guys. That's right. I DO think it's fab that Kopi is playing better D and all. But the points I made in earlier comments were for ex regarding Lou Lamoriello... he sees a very broad picture, more so than most GM's and then gets the players who fit to that vision. THEN he molds and shapes the team within that as for specific roles (like John Madden for ex) and goes from there. That honestly isn't a feeling I'm getting from the Kings At This Time. It doesn't mean we won't at some point, but I don't feel it now. Remember the Detroit game in LA (4-0). I just found that a bit sad. The Kings didn't look like they belonged in the same league and I'd like to see that change.

I'm glad to see that "Jill is doing her best to keep everyone informed" at this website!

Pretty odd opening up this website and seeing a big fat blank going down the middle of the screen.

I feel like the Dance Band on the Titanic..."The iceberg's on the starboard side, won't you dance with me."

RIP Daily News.

http://kwisp.wordpress.com/2009/03/25/video-from-the-future-what-will-happen-when-the-kings-win-the-cup/

That's hysterical Quisp! If the Kings ever make the playoffs again, that would probably happen to them on their home ice in Kansas City.

I love the expression on the guy's face after he drops the thing.

Ersberg, in response to your questions: http://kwisp.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/is-this-team-really-that-promising/