Rumor: 2018-19 Kings News/Rumors/Tidbits

[The Tikkanen]

Clifford isn't deterring anybody from anything. With his recent skirmishes I'd make the argument that NHL players are probably willing to go with Clifford, you land 3 or 4 punches, Clifford falls wildly off balance with a grimace on his face and the lights glaring off his still for some unknown reason not shaved baldish head and then you helicopter "Cliffy" down to the ice with a victory.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Clifford isn't deterring anybody from anything. With his recent skirmishes I'd make the argument that NHL players are probably willing to go with Clifford, you land 3 or 4 punches, Clifford falls wildly off balance with a grimace on his face and the lights glaring off his still for some unknown reason not shaved baldish head and then you helicopter "Cliffy" down to the ice with a victory.

He's definitely not the fighter he use to be; but he doesn't really need to be that guy anymore anyways. He had a 1-1 record this season losing against Ritche when he fell down and then won against that Panther pretty easily.

Also from what I saw last season there were multiple times Clifford wanted to go but the opponent did not.


Clifford wants to fight Wilson despite gash in Wilson's head

Even Tom Wilson turtled because he had a cut on his forehead even though the guy wears a visor.

 

[Sol]

Did we? Kings fans have seen countless collapses over 40 years.

I wasn't totally relaxed until it was 6-1 with around 6 minutes to go.

I was totally comfortable around that point too, but my point is that the Kings were the best team easily in every series so i wasn't worried.

You must of not been following the Kings long before 2012. Any true fan at that point never 'knew they were going to win' until maybe the last couple min of the 3rd period in game 6.

I've been a fan all my life since 93. I've seen them fail numerous times, the way they were playing, I had very little doubt.

Can't believe people still say the Kings didn't face adversity in 2012. Why? Because they led every series 3-0? Don't you have to overcome adversity to deliver that, too?

Their first two series that playoffs were against the teams with the two best records. They had switched coaches in November/December.

I understand liking 2014 over 2012 if that's your thing, but it's funny to think the 2014 team "overcame adversity" when they were expected to deliver by then. They had a cup and conference finals before. In 2012, nobody would have batted an eye if they lost or missed the playoffs altogether.

You're totally downplaying the, 3-0 lead vs 0-3 defecit.


Tell me what's more probable. Winning a 3-0 series. Or winning a 0-3 series.


I loved 2012 win but it felt better for me in 2014 cause it was always close and down to the wire. It just made it more exciting to me.

 

[The Tikkanen]

He's definitely not the fighter he use to be; but he doesn't really need to be that guy anymore anyways. He had a 1-1 record this season losing against Ritche when he fell down and then won against that Panther pretty easily.

Also from what I saw last season there were multiple times Clifford wanted to go but the opponent did not.


Clifford wants to fight Wilson despite gash in Wilson's head

Even Tom Wilson turtled because he had a cut on his forehead even though the guy wears a visor.

Clifford is one of those players where I cringe when he fights cause I really think one big punch received and his career is over. I had the same feeling watching Buchberger fight. There appeared to be no defense, despite being in a lot of fights both players seem to fail to grab the jersey where you're supposed to to not eat clean left or rights and their balance is well below average. I'd be OK with Clifford not fighting anymore and working on his overall game instead. Clifford isn't a deterrent though. That's almost as funny as the poster that said Dwight King played a physical game and the Kings missed him. Let MacDermid wear the heavyweight belt this season for the Kings.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

The 2014 run took years off my life.

 

[Frolov 6'3]

2012 was great because it was the first one but i also have the best memories with 2014. What a run.

 

[King'sPawn]

You're totally downplaying the, 3-0 lead vs 0-3 defecit.


Tell me what's more probable. Winning a 3-0 series. Or winning a 0-3 series.


I loved 2012 win but it felt better for me in 2014 cause it was always close and down to the wire. It just made it more exciting to me.

I think we have similar sentiments but expressed differently. It could just be a misunderstanding.

In many ways, 2012 series were considered anti-climactic, simply because they had taken a commanding lead over each series. There was a lot more pressure and anxiety in 2014. I agree with that.

Usually when I read of people downplaying the Kings 2012 cup win they use the term "adversity" to describe that everything was easy and handed to them. I was just arguing the Kings in 2012, while there was a lot less tension by the end of game 3 in every series, certainly had to overcome a lot of adversity during the course of the regular and postseason.

2012 and 2014 had different kinds of adversity, but they both had to face it. 2014 was just a lot more nail-chewing during the journey.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Clifford is one of those players where I cringe when he fights cause I really think one big punch received and his career is over. I had the same feeling watching Buchberger fight. There appeared to be no defense, despite being in a lot of fights both players seem to fail to grab the jersey where you're supposed to to not eat clean left or rights and their balance is well below average. I'd be OK with Clifford not fighting anymore and working on his overall game instead. Clifford isn't a deterrent though. That's almost as funny as the poster that said Dwight King played a physical game and the Kings missed him. Let MacDermid wear the heavyweight belt this season for the Kings.

Who is, though? In today's era, guys are going to run around now matter what, because they're protected by more gear, the instigator, and an additional official on the ice. Rat hockey rules the roost. Crosby was still getting trucked with Reaves around. Tom Wilson has actually encouraged MORE people to run Caps. There's no more goon protection, it's guys have to take care of themselves and each other, and even a nuke like Ryan Reaves being deployed seems to cause more damage than good. Maybe a guy like Byfuglien keeps people honest because he'll punish you DURING the play too. But those guys that can play and be intimidating are exceedingly rare these days.

Clifford is at least a beloved guy who isn't a f***ing sideshow getting traded from team to team. I wish if anything he were a little bit more dishonest.

Like, how cringey was it watching Matthew Tkachuk kind of half-assedly try to follow "the code" by jumping anyone who could before finally settling with McNabb? Today's game is full of cowards and hacks enabled by the rules and the refs.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

I’ve always hated that 2012 adversity argument.

The Kings couldn’t have asked for a more objectively difficult road in 2012. Eight seed. #1, 2, and 3 seeds in the West as opponents. No home ice advantage. And they dominated everyone.

What more could people want from them? To play the 80s Oilers in the finals?

 

[KingsHockey24]

Clifford is one of those players where I cringe when he fights cause I really think one big punch received and his career is over. I had the same feeling watching Buchberger fight. There appeared to be no defense, despite being in a lot of fights both players seem to fail to grab the jersey where you're supposed to to not eat clean left or rights and their balance is well below average. I'd be OK with Clifford not fighting anymore and working on his overall game instead. Clifford isn't a deterrent though. That's almost as funny as the poster that said Dwight King played a physical game and the Kings missed him. Let MacDermid wear the heavyweight belt this season for the Kings.

In general fighting isn't even a thing anymore; so it's not something to be worried about.

Number of Fighting Majors last season for each player: Jared Boll 2, Jordan Nolan 3, Tanner Glass 3, Ryan Reaves 6, Adam McQuaid 6, Matt Martin 6.

The days of players having 15-30 fighting majors every season is over; who's gonna drop the gloves for the Kings next season is the least of my worries. I'd be perfectly fine if Clifford/MacDermid/whoever only gets into 1-2 scraps again; just play well.

 

[KingsFan7824]

If anyone was ever a deterrent, the history of hockey wouldn't be what it is. There have been far too many brawls and dirty plays, for decades, for enforcers to have policed the ice through intimidation. How many players over time have been literally scared to do something on the ice?

If you like fighting, and it does bring emotion to the game, you like fighting.

 

[Sol]

I think we have similar sentiments but expressed differently. It could just be a misunderstanding.

In many ways, 2012 series were considered anti-climactic, simply because they had taken a commanding lead over each series. There was a lot more pressure and anxiety in 2014. I agree with that.

Usually when I read of people downplaying the Kings 2012 cup win they use the term "adversity" to describe that everything was easy and handed to them. I was just arguing the Kings in 2012, while there was a lot less tension by the end of game 3 in every series, certainly had to overcome a lot of adversity during the course of the regular and postseason.

2012 and 2014 had different kinds of adversity, but they both had to face it. 2014 was just a lot more nail-chewing during the journey.

Just a misunderstanding then cause I agree completely.


2014 was completely packed with drama, challenges, down to the wire moments hence why I was through the roof 2014. Also, the opponents eliminated were much more irritating.

 

[Sol]

Is it weird that it bothers me that someone like Gaudreau doesn't get rocked often? That's what bothers me.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Is it weird that it bothers me that someone like Gaudreau doesn't get rocked often? That's what bothers me.

Him and Datsyuk are two of the most elusive players I can remember. Neither guy has/had particularly elite speed, but their edges and agility are second to none.

 

[redcard]

Clifford's had a lot of concussions. I'd be alright with him not fighting anymore. His snarl is more convincing than his fists anyway.

 

[YP44]

Lombardi path was in total denial of the right path to take. We'd be in worse shape today if Lomardi/Sutter combo were still in charge, much worse. Blake gave the young guys a chance to see what they got, and now has a good feel to what type of team he has to work with going forward.

I agree we would be in worse shape with Lombardi/Sutter, but I am curious if it was only the coach that changed if the young guys would still get the opportunity. Either way I am happy with the path this team is going down.

I like all the small moves Blake does too. His trades for Future considerations. Just shows me he is active even if the return is shit. No point in a guy who is playing bringing down the rest of the group.

 

[Omni Owl]

Is it weird that it bothers me that someone like Gaudreau doesn't get rocked often? That's what bothers me.

He's pretty quick, hard to hit. I do remember a Wild/Flames game where Johnny was hacked to pieces with sticks on his wrist. The Flames ended up complaining to the league if I remember correctly.

 

[The Tikkanen]

Is it weird that it bothers me that someone like Gaudreau doesn't get rocked often? That's what bothers me.

There is a lack of guys like Domi, Probert, Verbeek, Tikkanen, Lemieux, Ciccarelli-guys who could take the body, disrupt games and play hockey at the same time. Now we have Brad Marchand licking guys, Tkachuk, players who clearly deseve to be targeted yet they never are. I think the league is devoid of good welterweights. Some of those pests didn't fight and for good reason but they brought some hate to the game, that's what is missing as weird as that sounds.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

For non subscribers: he's super-high on Kupari, puts Eyssimont higher than most would (#7), and actually includes Prokhorkin and Kubalik. Says we're the most interesting because of those random, scattered pieces. Also very high on Brickley, and seemingly not at all on LaDue, but deferring to scouts on that...one interesting note he picked up there is that even though LaDue was an older prospect, he turned pro "looking like a teenager," so there's some lack of 'adult-strength' development there, which is one of his main problems, yet something that COULD be solved over the next few years imo, and he could be a true late bloomer (not that we have the luxury of waiting for that).

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Pretty much all of the criticism of LaDue is exactly what some are concerned about with him at this level.

Hence the reason why Brickley is looking more and more likely to start the season with the Kings. While LaDue certainly will still be in the mix, I don't think his spot on the roster is guaranteed. It's going to come down to Brickely, LaDue, MacDermid and Fantenberg to pin down two spots.

Pronman also projects that Brickley will be a regular for the Kings next season.

 

[Little Psycho]

For non subscribers: he's super-high on Kupari, puts Eyssimont higher than most would (#7), and actually includes Prokhorkin and Kubalik. Says we're the most interesting because of those random, scattered pieces. Also very high on Brickley, and seemingly not at all on LaDue, but deferring to scouts on that...one interesting note he picked up there is that even though LaDue was an older prospect, he turned pro "looking like a teenager," so there's some lack of 'adult-strength' development there, which is one of his main problems, yet something that COULD be solved over the next few years imo, and he could be a true late bloomer (not that we have the luxury of waiting for that).

Thanks for the breakdown!

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

It's so odd to me that he leaves out Petersen from the top 10 and has Prokhorkin and Kubalik ranked ahead of him. Did Basilik do these rankings?

 

[BigKing]

Brickley showed more pro strength in one game than LaDue ever has.

He needs to get stronger or become an absolute force offensively.

 

[KingsFan7824]

There is a lack of guys like Domi, Probert, Verbeek, Tikkanen, Lemieux, Ciccarelli-guys who could take the body, disrupt games and play hockey at the same time. Now we have Brad Marchand licking guys, Tkachuk, players who clearly deseve to be targeted yet they never are. I think the league is devoid of good welterweights. Some of those pests didn't fight and for good reason but they brought some hate to the game, that's what is missing as weird as that sounds.

There's plenty of guys around today that would create the same type of hate, if they could play the same way those older guys used to play. That's not the league now though, so. Make those old guys 30 again and playing today, and they wouldn't be hated as much either.