GDT: 2020-21 season LA Kings vs Colorado Avalanche @7:00pm 1/19/21

[KingTech]

i don't care if you land that hit or not, the next time someone comes across the blue line looking to go east-west, they're thinking twice

how many times does the deterrent effect need to prove itself true before people see it?

how many times are people not going to acknowledge he is not a top 6 defense man and should only play in games when there is a physical game expected. Having him play 12 mins means his mins need to go to Anderson and Matta I believe this is a bad idea The fresher we keep the two the better they will be able to play in the last period when we need them the most.

 

[Ray Martyniuk]

Glad u said almost . Other then MacDermid I think we should lineup like this

AA Kopitar Carter
Iafallo Virlardi Brown
Kempe Anderson Wagner
Moore Lizotte Gunderson

Bjornfot Doughty
Matta Roy
Anderson Walker

Do you mean Anderson-Dolan and Grundstrom or Lias Andersson and Grundstrom?

 

[tny760]

how many times are people not going to acknowledge he is not a top 6 defense man and should only play in games when there is a physical game expected. Having him play 12 mins means his mins need to go to Anderson and Matta I believe this is a bad idea The fresher we keep the two the better they will be able to play in the last period when we need them the most.

"top 6 defenseman" is such horse shit. is he a 7D on a playoff team? absolutely. this team is going to lose a lot and the kids need protection. that role being vacant on the team means he has to play. who's gonna fight or even face wash someone? wagner? no one else even has the slightest inkling of those attributes on this team

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

In any case, here's to hoping that guys literally fight for jobs tonight, would be nice to see Tonka or Andersson really raise the emotional stakes and pound the slot for their jobs, which raises the emotional temperature in-game as well as the roster spot stakes for everyone else. THAT is sorely needed right now.

 

[Ray Martyniuk]

how many times are people not going to acknowledge he is not a top 6 defense man and should only play in games when there is a physical game expected. Having him play 12 mins means his mins need to go to Anderson and Matta I believe this is a bad idea The fresher we keep the two the better they will be able to play in the last period when we need them the most.

MacDermid is a placeholder for certain! I like his size and how he will stick up for teammates but physicality in the NHL has almost gone the way of the Dodo bird!

 

[kilowatt]

Well no one also commented when he lined up Fiala for a huge hip check and Fiala went around him like he was standing still. MacDermid is not a regular playing defenseman on a playoff team imo. Play him against duck sharks vegas maybe coyates but not the avs ffs

On the one hand, I agree that MacDermid likely isn't fast or skilled enough to put serious pressure on a speedy team like Colorado. But on the other hand, I'm not sure that throwing guys like Clague and Bjornfot into the fire against them is a good idea either. I like MacDermid — he brings what he brings, no questions asked — but I certainly hope that we get to the point where we only play him against big bruiser teams. But we still have a lot of questions to answer on defense. Actually, we still have every question to answer on defense. Can Doughty play better with fewer minutes? Is Maatta a top-four defenseman? Can Roy and Walker continue to improve? Can Anderson handle a full season? What is Clague? When will Bjornfot be ready? We don't really have a single sure thing on our defense right now.

I know it's only two games into the season, but it's nice to see Amadio and Luff swapped for Andersson and Grundstrom because we already know what the former two bring, and it's honestly not that much. We know that Amadio is a serviceable fourth-line player. What we'd like to see is whether or not Grundstrom and Andersson can be more than serviceable fourth-line players. But we'll never know if these milquetoast players like Amadio and Luff keep getting ice time. Why is Amadio getting power play time? It just doesn't make sense to me, he's got more power play time than Vilardi, Carter, and Athanasiou, and has played zero short-handed minutes. I don't think it's a good thing that our top penalty killers are Kopitar, Iafallo, Carter, Kempe, and Vilardi. Let's have our third and fourth liners kill penalties and free up our top lines to play offense. Lizotte and Moore getting penalty kill time is perfect. We need guys like Andersson and Grundstrom to do that as well. In 2011-12, the Kings had one of the best penalty-killing units since the '05 lockout. Kopitar led the way, sure, and Richards and Brown played a lot of PK as well, but look at some of the other guys with a lot of minutes: Jarret Stoll, Trevor Lewis, Colin Fraser, Brad Richardson. I really hope we can find some defensive-minded players in our bottom six that can start killing penalties and taking some pressure off the top guys on our team.

 

[KingTech]

Were the Kings a playoff team Game 1 this season? They aren't a f***ing playoff team this year no matter how many people on here want to think they are. I'm on the record that McD is most likely not playing regular minutes once this team is a playoff contender, although he could be like a Deryk Engelland.

What I saw from MacD on Fiala last game was the former trying to line him up for a huge open ice hit, something that none of these other soft ass Kings bring to the table.

I feel the Kings play better when physically engaged in a game. Problem is that they don't initiate that themselves and seem comfortable with just getting through the game so they won't be physically engaged unless the other team does something. I like the idea of MacD initiating that by taking big runs at the other team's best players.

I have no issue with everyone wanting to see the prospects play: I want to see them play as well. It's just most likely not going to happen on a regular basis until later in the season.

I think your giving up points by playing him. The left side of our defense is our weak spot in the lineup. Having one that plays 13 mins a game is hurting more then helping. I am not against him playing per say I am against him playing against teams with skill and avs have the most skill of any team we will play this year. As i have stated several times play him against duck sharks vegas and maybe coyotes but for god shakes not the avs blues or wild.

Bjornfot played games in the world jrs and most likely closer to a game shape that is needed. MacDermid come off not playing or practicing for at least a week or so for practicing and 10 months of no hockey Hes not ready to play imo . He should be in scrimmages for a while before getting in

 

[kingsboy11]

Looks like Cole won't be playing tonight

 

[KingTech]

Do you mean Anderson-Dolan and Grundstrom or Lias Andersson and Grundstrom?

Lias Sorry i can see why your confused to many andersons in our system

 

[KingTech]

On the one hand, I agree that MacDermid likely isn't fast or skilled enough to put serious pressure on a speedy team like Colorado. But on the other hand, I'm not sure that throwing guys like Clague and Bjornfot into the fire against them is a good idea either. I like MacDermid — he brings what he brings, no questions asked — but I certainly hope that we get to the point where we only play him against big bruiser teams. But we still have a lot of questions to answer on defense. Actually, we still have every question to answer on defense. Can Doughty play better with fewer minutes? Is Maatta a top-four defenseman? Can Roy and Walker continue to improve? Can Anderson handle a full season? What is Clague? When will Bjornfot be ready? We don't really have a single sure thing on our defense right now.

I know it's only two games into the season, but it's nice to see Amadio and Luff swapped for Andersson and Grundstrom because we already know what the former two bring, and it's honestly not that much. We know that Amadio is a serviceable fourth-line player. What we'd like to see is whether or not Grundstrom and Andersson can be more than serviceable fourth-line players. But we'll never know if these milquetoast players like Amadio and Luff keep getting ice time. Why is Amadio getting power play time? It just doesn't make sense to me, he's got more power play time than Vilardi, Carter, and Athanasiou, and has played zero short-handed minutes. I don't think it's a good thing that our top penalty killers are Kopitar, Iafallo, Carter, Kempe, and Vilardi. Let's have our third and fourth liners kill penalties and free up our top lines to play offense. Lizotte and Moore getting penalty kill time is perfect. We need guys like Andersson and Grundstrom to do that as well. In 2011-12, the Kings had one of the best penalty-killing units since the '05 lockout. Kopitar led the way, sure, and Richards and Brown played a lot of PK as well, but look at some of the other guys with a lot of minutes: Jarret Stoll, Trevor Lewis, Colin Fraser, Brad Richardson. I really hope we can find some defensive-minded players in our bottom six that can start killing penalties and taking some pressure off the top guys on our team.

The only way your going to find out what we have is to play the peoples your asking questions about.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Looks like Cole won't be playing tonight

Wild are really loading up, they're a C away from being a MUCH better team than they're given credit for.

I know it was gross to lose the way we did but getting 2 points against them is a success to start imo.

 

[YP44]

funny the avs are using their bus to take Cole to Anaheim and pick up Patryn so they avoid quarantine

 

[Docgonzo]

I think Lizotte is between AA and Carter because he’s the only center we have right now that can keep up with them. Kopitar and Vilardi aren’t burners, and Carter and AA seem to play better on the rush that cycling. Ironically seems like the pair Byfield needs to center.

 

[Steve Zissou]

Big hits are cool, but always good to see players stand up for each other.

(Sam Bennett took a run at Doughty right before this)

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I think Lizotte is between AA and Carter because he’s the only center we have right now that can keep up with them. Kopitar and Vilardi aren’t burners, and Carter and AA seem to play better on the rush that cycling. Ironically seems like the pair Byfield needs to center.

I also think it's a little bit of spreading the wealth. Having a "third" line with Vilardi on it means we aren't loading up the top two. And as much as Lizotte is miscast in that role, he's responsible and energetic enough to at least masquerade for now.

 

[Matt13]

funny the avs are using their bus to take Cole to Anaheim and pick up Patryn so they avoid quarantine

Funny, the bus to Anaheim will be quiet and somber while the bus back will have loud music and jaegerbombs. Exactly the opposite of all bus trips.

 

[Lt Dan]

Funny, the bus to Anaheim will be quiet and somber while the bus back will have loud music and jaegerbombs. Exactly the opposite of all bus trips.

you had me at jaegerbombs

 

[BigKing]

I think your giving up points by playing him. The left side of our defense is our weak spot in the lineup. Having one that plays 13 mins a game is hurting more then helping. I am not against him playing per say I am against him playing against teams with skill and avs have the most skill of any team we will play this year. As i have stated several times play him against duck sharks vegas and maybe coyotes but for god shakes not the avs blues or wild.

Bjornfot played games in the world jrs and most likely closer to a game shape that is needed. MacDermid come off not playing or practicing for at least a week or so for practicing and 10 months of no hockey Hes not ready to play imo . He should be in scrimmages for a while before getting in

How about I blow your effing mind. Not even just your mind but MacDermid haters and fans alike:

Kurtis MacDermid:

Career games played: 91

Kings record with MacDermid Playing:

2017-18: 18-13-3
2018-19: 6-3-2
2019-20: 23-18-4 (!!!)
2020-21: 0-0-1

Total: 47-34-10

Go ahead and remove the "good" 2018 season and just use the garbage years:

Total: 29-21-7

Look at those numbers!!! I knew it would be good but I did not expect it to be this gaudy. What is the Kings overall record those last three seasons? Damn near worst team in the league. I might get looked at like a knuckle dragger because I like fighters and physical hockey but my argument that he play over do-nothings like Fantenberg, Phaneuf and Ryan is rock solid.

Now is Bjornfot "better" than him? He better be. You have to accept, however, that Management is perfectly fine with sheltering these guys until they get some more AHL time under their belts this season. In regards to simply looking at MacDermid, you and others have to get past what "better" at hockey means. Those three guys I listed are technically better players than MacDermid but they still suck and will make just as many mistakes while not providing the physical element that MacDermid does.

This isn't just me saying it: the quotes are out there that the team wants him in the lineup. Look at that f***ing record and tell me I'm wrong. The guy also crushes the weight room and training more than anyone on the team. He is an example that the young guys will want to follow as he apparently does everything right off the ice and built himself in to an NHL player: even if it is bottom pairing on a bad team.

 

[KingTech]

How about I blow your effing mind. Not even just your mind but MacDermid haters and fans alike:

Kurtis MacDermid:

Career games played: 91

Kings record with MacDermid Playing:

2017-18: 18-13-3
2018-19: 6-3-2
2019-20: 23-18-4 (!!!)
2020-21: 0-0-1

Total: 47-34-10

Go ahead and remove the "good" 2018 season and just use the garbage years:

Total: 29-21-7

Look at those numbers!!! I knew it would be good but I did not expect it to be this gaudy. What is the Kings overall record those last three seasons? Damn near worst team in the league. I might get looked at like a knuckle dragger because I like fighters and physical hockey but my argument that he play over do-nothings like Fantenberg, Phaneuf and Ryan is rock solid.

Now is Bjornfot "better" than him? He better be. You have to accept, however, that Management is perfectly fine with sheltering these guys until they get some more AHL time under their belts this season. In regards to simply looking at MacDermid, you and others have to get past what "better" at hockey means. Those three guys I listed are technically better players than MacDermid but they still suck and will make just as many mistakes while not providing the physical element that MacDermid does.

This isn't just me saying it: the quotes are out there that the team wants him in the lineup. Look at that f***ing record and tell me I'm wrong. The guy also crushes the weight room and training more than anyone on the team. He is an example that the young guys will want to follow as he apparently does everything right off the ice and built himself in to an NHL player: even if it is bottom pairing on a bad team.

Again read what i'm posting I said play him against teams that are physical I am pretty sure you break down that "record" you will find we are winning against the teams that have a physical side to them. I have posted several times to play him then not against teams with skill So quit trying to make it seem like i don't like him and want him gone I don't. I only want him playing against physical teams.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

On the one hand, I agree that MacDermid likely isn't fast or skilled enough to put serious pressure on a speedy team like Colorado. But on the other hand, I'm not sure that throwing guys like Clague and Bjornfot into the fire against them is a good idea either. I like MacDermid — he brings what he brings, no questions asked — but I certainly hope that we get to the point where we only play him against big bruiser teams. But we still have a lot of questions to answer on defense. Actually, we still have every question to answer on defense. Can Doughty play better with fewer minutes? Is Maatta a top-four defenseman? Can Roy and Walker continue to improve? Can Anderson handle a full season? What is Clague? When will Bjornfot be ready? We don't really have a single sure thing on our defense right now.

I know it's only two games into the season, but it's nice to see Amadio and Luff swapped for Andersson and Grundstrom because we already know what the former two bring, and it's honestly not that much. We know that Amadio is a serviceable fourth-line player. What we'd like to see is whether or not Grundstrom and Andersson can be more than serviceable fourth-line players. But we'll never know if these milquetoast players like Amadio and Luff keep getting ice time. Why is Amadio getting power play time? It just doesn't make sense to me, he's got more power play time than Vilardi, Carter, and Athanasiou, and has played zero short-handed minutes. I don't think it's a good thing that our top penalty killers are Kopitar, Iafallo, Carter, Kempe, and Vilardi. Let's have our third and fourth liners kill penalties and free up our top lines to play offense. Lizotte and Moore getting penalty kill time is perfect. We need guys like Andersson and Grundstrom to do that as well. In 2011-12, the Kings had one of the best penalty-killing units since the '05 lockout. Kopitar led the way, sure, and Richards and Brown played a lot of PK as well, but look at some of the other guys with a lot of minutes: Jarret Stoll, Trevor Lewis, Colin Fraser, Brad Richardson. I really hope we can find some defensive-minded players in our bottom six that can start killing penalties and taking some pressure off the top guys on our team.

I think your giving up points by playing him. The left side of our defense is our weak spot in the lineup. Having one that plays 13 mins a game is hurting more then helping. I am not against him playing per say I am against him playing against teams with skill and avs have the most skill of any team we will play this year. As i have stated several times play him against duck sharks vegas and maybe coyotes but for god shakes not the avs blues or wild.

Bjornfot played games in the world jrs and most likely closer to a game shape that is needed. MacDermid come off not playing or practicing for at least a week or so for practicing and 10 months of no hockey Hes not ready to play imo . He should be in scrimmages for a while before getting in

I think you guys both have great points. It does beg the question though--who are the big bruiser teams we're speaking of here? Almost all of the 'big' teams have that skill element that could caution one against using MacD, as well. I think if you're too cautious about who he's playing, he plays no one.

I DO think the Avs are a good example of generally who not to play him against, though, fwiw.

 

[KingTech]

I think you guys both have great points. It does beg the question though--who are the big bruiser teams we're speaking of here? Almost all of the 'big' teams have that skill element that could caution one against using MacD, as well. I think if you're too cautious about who he's playing, he plays no one.
I DO think the Avs are a good example of generally who not to play him against, though, fwiw.

Ducks, Sharks, Vegas, and coyotes are the teams I would play him against. Its not so much the big teams. It is more teams we play against with some snarl

 

[yankeeking]

Come on Big King no facts just the usual BS sky is falling stuff after two games played after 2 weeks instead of 6 week training camp and after 9 months of no game level activities. Who is TM suppose to play and lean on with the short camp and only scrimmages to be on the PP and Pk , if we still are playing the hell out of AKabd DD a all season then start bitching , he stayed with the guys who finished strong last season , one they deserved it and if the guy hits it cleanly quick probably makes the save he was clearly in position but it trickled off the blade and knuckled into the net, bad luck just like a 150 ft shot into a empty net hits the post , and Big Mac has improved every year and has the balls to stand up for all. , the #7 dean is no more the problem than the fourth line guys , it sucks we lost like that but it happens especially to rebuilding older teams

 

[BigKing]

Again read what i'm posting I said play him against teams that are physical I am pretty sure you break down that "record" you will find we are winning against the teams that have a physical side to them. I have posted several times to play him then not against teams with skill So quit trying to make it seem like i don't like him and want him gone I don't. I only want him playing against physical teams.

It does go to what Racoon says about "who are the physical teams?". I mean, you're simply listing normal division rivals like those games are still fiery. Arizona? I haven't thought about that being a tough game for years. Hell, games against the Ducks have been very lackluster the past couple of seasons. Who am I supposed to be afraid of on San Jose?

My point is that it doesn't matter who they are playing: the team plays softer and weaker than pretty much every team in the league. They play with a little more balls when MacD is in the lineup which is important when you have a team that needs to play with more of an edge since it can't rely on pure skill. If they get housed by Colorado tonight, it won't be because Clague wasn't in.

I think that you're theory of "only against tough teams" is flawed as he has been a better option against all teams over his playing career v. what else the Kings could throw out there. You wanting Bjornfot in instead is a different wrinkle since you aren't saying to play Joakim Ryan instead of him. I don't have any issue with that on the surface, it's just that it most likely isn't happening. Management is perfectly happy to see this team be mediocre-to-sub-mediocre and then start giving some prospects some minutes after the TDL. They aren't going to come out and say they are losing on purpose but their true goal for this season is to get another high pick, see growth from the youth already on the roster and hopefully good seasons in the AHL and good showings during coffee cup opportunities for the younger prospects.

 

[kings11]

I think Lizotte is between AA and Carter because he’s the only center we have right now that can keep up with them. Kopitar and Vilardi aren’t burners, and Carter and AA seem to play better on the rush that cycling. Ironically seems like the pair Byfield needs to center.

Not True... I'd be more than willing to give Kempe another shot at C

AA - Kempe - Carter

 

[KingTech]

It does go to what Racoon says about "who are the physical teams?". I mean, you're simply listing normal division rivals like those games are still fiery. Arizona? I haven't thought about that being a tough game for years. Hell, games against the Ducks have been very lackluster the past couple of seasons. Who am I supposed to be afraid of on San Jose?

My point is that it doesn't matter who they are playing: the team plays softer and weaker than pretty much every team in the league. They play with a little more balls when MacD is in the lineup which is important when you have a team that needs to play with more of an edge since it can't rely on pure skill. If they get housed by Colorado tonight, it won't be because Clague wasn't in.

I think that you're theory of "only against tough teams" is flawed as he has been a better option against all teams over his playing career v. what else the Kings could throw out there. You wanting Bjornfot in instead is a different wrinkle since you aren't saying to play Joakim Ryan instead of him. I don't have any issue with that on the surface, it's just that it most likely isn't happening. Management is perfectly happy to see this team be mediocre-to-sub-mediocre and then start giving some prospects some minutes after the TDL. They aren't going to come out and say they are losing on purpose but their true goal for this season is to get another high pick, see growth from the youth already on the roster and hopefully good seasons in the AHL and good showings during coffee cup opportunities for the younger prospects.

First off never once said anything about ryan ever even if he would have been a better choice. This is about fielding the best team possible against skilled teams like the avs.

My point is exactly who hes playing against We need more speed and skill against teams like avs blues etc.

Now what management Blake and MacCellan have both stated publicly that there goal this is the playoffs not a bottom 5 pick. So unless they are not saying the truth your wrong on what management is thinking. Do u really think this team is bottom 5 when u look at what the other teams in the league have to play against We have alot of easier games then teams like hawks sens devils sabres red wings etc. I think at worse we finish bottom 10 and at best we get in the playoffs. State the record of who the wins are against and i ll show u the reason of why i would have him in the lineup or out.