Speculation: 2021-22 LA Kings News, Rumors, Roster Thread Part VI

[Raccoon Jesus]

The fourth line is not one of the best lines night after night. It's totally depressing to see the complete degeneration of this board with dishonest posts like this one.

They're productive, they control possession, they provide a visible energy and spark, and the advanced stats favor them bigtime.

For the season:

• Brendan Lemieux is a 57.5% CF% (6.68 rel, 2nd best amongst forwards), 72% GF% (23.89% rel, best on the team by a significant amount) in 11 min time on ice a game. He's scored 7 goals in 22 games, a 26 goal pace. And brings toughness and a spark.

• Blake Lizotte is a 51.39 CF% (2.56rel), 62% GF% (11.27 rel) in about 12 min a game. He's got 3 goals and 8 points in 27 games, about a 25 point pace, and is a PK option as well. And of course he brings puck pursuit in spades.

• Arthur Kaliyev is a 53% CF%, 54% GF% in about 12.5 min a game. He's got 6 goals in 31 games, about a 16 G pace, and he's a PP option. And of course he brings the threat of instant offense/goals from anywhere.

Please, let me know where I'm being dishonest and why it's depressing you. What am I missing?

 

[HookKing]

They're productive, they control possession, they provide a visible energy and spark, and the advanced stats favor them bigtime.

For the season:

• Brendan Lemieux is a 57.5% CF% (6.68 rel, 2nd best amongst forwards), 72% GF% (23.89% rel, best on the team by a significant amount) in 11 min time on ice a game. He's scored 7 goals in 22 games, a 26 goal pace. And brings toughness and a spark.

• Blake Lizotte is a 51.39 CF% (2.56rel), 62% GF% (11.27 rel) in about 12 min a game. He's got 3 goals and 8 points in 27 games, about a 25 point pace, and is a PK option as well. And of course he brings puck pursuit in spades.

• Arthur Kaliyev is a 53% CF%, 54% GF% in about 12.5 min a game. He's got 6 goals in 31 games, about a 16 G pace, and he's a PP option. And of course he brings the threat of instant offense/goals from anywhere.

Please, let me know where I'm being dishonest and why it's depressing you. What am I missing?

Uh, because you can't count? That ain't the fourth line.

 

[tny760]

that lemieux gf% is actually really gaudy when you look at the company he's in, as far as players with similar or higher games played

not my favorite stat in the world but it ain't imaginary

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Uh, because you can't count? That ain't the fourth line.

So you're up in a huff because you're being pedantic about the line colloquially known very well on this board, on the telecasts, and elsewhere as 'the fourth line.' That's making this place dishonest and degenerate?

Happy New Year. I've got nothing else for ya.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

that lemieux gf% is actually really gaudy when you look at the company he's in, as far as players with similar or higher games played

not my favorite stat in the world but it ain't imaginary

That's actual GF mind you, not expected goals for. You can't ask for much more than your depth to absolutely slaughter their matchups and they've done that.

We've got a 1st line anchored by Kopitar and a 2nd line anchored by Danault. Those two are going to be flanked by Iafallo, Kempe, Arvidsson, and probably unfortunately brown.

We've got a "4th" line (or 3rd for our friend above) that seems to be locked as Lemeiux, Lizotte, Kaliyev.

The 3rd line is totally up for grabs for a huge number of guys right now and that seems to be the kind of thing that will really need to solidify towards the end of this homestand and throughout January. Who is going to step up, and who is gonna get traded/waived/reassigned? Definitely worth watching, especially as Byfield returns to health/condition.

 

[Jason Squirties]

So you're up in a huff because you're being pedantic about the line colloquially known very well on this board, on the telecasts, and elsewhere as 'the fourth line.' That's making this place dishonest and degenerate?

Happy New Year. I've got nothing else for ya.

This is complete degeneration of semantics IMO and continues the depression of this board.

 

[KingsFan7824]

The top PP unit should be...

Arvidsson, Kaliyev, Turcotte, Kupari, Durzi.

Put Arvidsson in the net front spot, Turcotte in the bumper, Kaliyev and Kupari on the wings and Durzi at the point.

Ok, but when this doesn't happen this year, please don't get upset. This is the same as a dream of your husband having an affair, and then being pissed at the real life man for it.

guy can eat minutes and has offensive ability. at the worst, he can dish it off to one of his teammates. exceptional twf. i still think he should be scratched for a few games once turcotte comes around and is able to spell him. give kopi a break. let him sit in the press box and see what he's playing for. get him around the brass. kind of revive his career.

Again, with more fantasy. We still talk about Kopitar and Doughty being traded. We're talking about some crazy new PP unit. Now healthy scratching Kopitar to give him a break. None of any of that is going to happen.

 

[KingsFan7824]

The Kings are surprisingly close to the Oilers in the standings.

 

[TruKingFan]

The Kings are surprisingly close to the Oilers in the standings.

How is that even possible when the Kings are just a bunch of washed up vets with a coach who hates and won't play rookie All Stars and management that doesnt know how to pick and develop top 10 picks? Heck the Oilers have two hockey gods on their team! Perhaps the Kings just got lucky? But I heard they're also cursed? Grrrrrr...they better play like the shit team they are again soon.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

How is that even possible when the Kings are just a bunch of washed up vets with a coach who hates and won't play rookie All Stars and management that doesnt know how to pick and develop top 10 picks? Heck the Oilers have two hockey gods on their team! Perhaps the Kings just got lucky? But I heard they're also cursed? Grrrrrr...they better play like the shit team they are again soon.

Amen, brother!

I guess my prediction of the Kings being 6-7 games under .500 by Jan 1st was a little off...I'm sure they weill get there soon if they don't start giving the kids big time minutes.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

The better news is the Kings are coming out of injuries and illness and trending up while some other previously hot and healthy teams are trending down, so if they can figure out this homestand, they'll be solidly in a playoff spot to lose going forward.

 

[KingsFan7824]

How is that even possible when the Kings are just a bunch of washed up vets with a coach who hates and won't play rookie All Stars and management that doesnt know how to pick and develop top 10 picks? Heck the Oilers have two hockey gods on their team! Perhaps the Kings just got lucky? But I heard they're also cursed? Grrrrrr...they better play like the shit team they are again soon.

I get the frustration, because it's not the young guys doing this. At least the young young guys. Same old, same old. Except on defense, although that's not all young guys. Roy and Wolanin aren't exactly young, but they are fairly inexperienced. Roy we sort of like, but Wolanin is just a guy. 4 guys with less than 100 GP, and 5 with the equivalent of 2 seasons or less. And the team is 9th overall in GA. However, Petersen has been bad, and it's soon to be 36 year old Quick leading the way. Although Pertersen isn't the youngest guy either. Then of course the whole Clague controversy.

On top of that, many don't like Robitaille or Blake, at least in the jobs that they have, and if the team does make the playoffs, even if it's just for 5 games, that buys the two of them more time, which also buys TM more time. And Emerson, and Johnson, and O'Donnell, and Murray, and whoever else was boys with Blake back in the day.

If Byfield had the team in the position they're currently in, we'd feel better. But because it's Kopitar, again, and other guys close to 30, it's meh. Unless they do make the playoffs, and Kaliyev has 6 goals in 7 games. Then making the playoffs and going out in the 1st rd would be somewhat worth it. But if Arvidsson has 4 goals in a 5 game series loss, it won't be very exciting.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Uh, because you can't count? That ain't the fourth line.

Why dude? Why are you such an organ?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I get the frustration, because it's not the young guys doing this. At least the young young guys. Same old, same old. Except on defense, although that's not all young guys. Roy and Wolanin aren't exactly young, but they are fairly inexperienced. Roy we sort of like, but Wolanin is just a guy. 4 guys with less than 100 GP, and 5 with the equivalent of 2 seasons or less. And the team is 9th overall in GA. However, Petersen has been bad, and it's soon to be 36 year old Quick leading the way. Although Pertersen isn't the youngest guy either. Then of course the whole Clague controversy.

On top of that, many don't like Robitaille or Blake, at least in the jobs that they have, and if the team does make the playoffs, even if it's just for 5 games, that buys the two of them more time, which also buys TM more time. And Emerson, and Johnson, and O'Donnell, and Murray, and whoever else was boys with Blake back in the day.

If Byfield had the team in the position they're currently in, we'd feel better. But because it's Kopitar, again, and other guys close to 30, it's meh. Unless they do make the playoffs, and Kaliyev has 6 goals in 7 games. Then making the playoffs and going out in the 1st rd would be somewhat worth it. But if Arvidsson has 4 goals in a 5 game series loss, it won't be very exciting.

To be as simplistic as the posts you're responding to--

I'd strongly feel that if we make the playoffs and the only kid that is still on the team doing anything is Kaliyev on the 4th line, it's very likely not "worth it", as it's smoke-and-mirrors success driven by the last career gasps of veterans rather than any evidence that the rebuild is working.

Like sure the auxillary parts are there in mid-20s guys and you could make the case that it'll be good for the growth of Anderson/Bjornfot but the correlation between posters making the above comments and posters that constantly rag on Anderson/Bjornfot is nearly a 100% concentric Venn diagram.

Would it be fun to watch, sure, and there's always the outside chance of doing some damage with legends on the team, but as far as purpose, lol no.

Edit: also, keep in mind there's Brown and AA coming back with Andersson as a scratch too so odds are better they'll run with a forward roster whose youngest player is a 24 YO Lizotte while still pushing Turcotte off PP1 in Ontario so if you don't think playing/development time is a legitimate criticism I don't know what else to tell you.

 

[King'sPawn]

How is that even possible when the Kings are just a bunch of washed up vets with a coach who hates and won't play rookie All Stars and management that doesnt know how to pick and develop top 10 picks? Heck the Oilers have two hockey gods on their team! Perhaps the Kings just got lucky? But I heard they're also cursed? Grrrrrr...they better play like the shit team they are again soon.

The Oilers are a poorly run franchise. That's how they're close.

As far as the sarcastic accusation of any critic hoping they play like shit, I politely suggest backing off before you (understandably) have nasty responses thrown your way. There are valid short and long-term concerns about the direction of the Kings. And people would like to see them addressed because they want to see the Kings succeed.

If you think the Kings are perfectly run (I'm only pointing this out because you snarkily pointed out - and mischaracterized - every criticism levied against the org), then we'll disagree. But screw off to you or anyone who treat critics like we're rooting against the Kings.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

The Oilers are a poorly run franchise. That's how they're close.

As far as the sarcastic accusation of any critic hoping they play like shit, I politely suggest backing off before you (understandably) have nasty responses thrown your way. There are valid short and long-term concerns about the direction of the Kings. And people would like to see them addressed because they want to see the Kings succeed.

If you think the Kings are perfectly run (I'm only pointing this out because you snarkily pointed out - and mischaracterized - every criticism levied against the org), then we'll disagree. But screw off to you or anyone who treat critics like we're rooting against the Kings.

Is there such thing as a perfectly run organization in pro sports?

 

[Schmooley]

Is there such thing as a perfectly run organization in pro sports?

Going by the main boards the red wings fans think they are. Forgot how annoying they were since theyve been bad for so many years.

 

[TruKingFan]

To be as simplistic as the posts you're responding to--

I'd strongly feel that if we make the playoffs and the only kid that is still on the team doing anything is Kaliyev on the 4th line, it's very likely not "worth it", as it's smoke-and-mirrors success driven by the last career gasps of veterans rather than any evidence that the rebuild is working.

Like sure the auxillary parts are there in mid-20s guys and you could make the case that it'll be good for the growth of Anderson/Bjornfot but the correlation between posters making the above comments and posters that constantly rag on Anderson/Bjornfot is nearly a 100% concentric Venn diagram.

Would it be fun to watch, sure, and there's always the outside chance of doing some damage with legends on the team, but as far as purpose, lol no.

Edit: also, keep in mind there's Brown and AA coming back with Andersson as a scratch too so odds are better they'll run with a forward roster whose youngest player is a 24 YO Lizotte while still pushing Turcotte off PP1 in Ontario so if you don't think playing/development time is a legitimate criticism I don't know what else to tell you.

So it’s not worth it for the likes of Kempe, and AI to be back in the playoffs and the likes of Moore, Bjornfort, Mikey A., Roy, et. al. to get taste of the playoffs even if results in a 1st rd exit? I bet you none of these players would agree with you and your learned minions.

The roster will eventually turnover - it doesn’t mean you have to suck all the time while you’re doing it.

 

[kilowatt]

Uh, because you can't count? That ain't the fourth line.

Oh, I guess you know better than Blake Lizotte then.

“For us, defensively, we’ve been taking care of the defensive zone first,” [Lizotte] said. “As a fourth line, obviously you want to score goals, but ultimately we’re out there to provide energy and chip in with offense when we can. I think, for us, it’s staying simple and that’s been a key for us. When we play simple and get pucks back, we play well. When we try to play fancy and make plays that are a little bit out of our skillset, things go bad. I think keeping it simple for us has been huge.”

This quote is from yesterday.

1/1 Preview: No Changes Expected + Vitals, Lizotte & Line, McLellan on Wolanin, Mexico City Camp - LA Kings Insider

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

So it’s not worth it for the likes of Kempe, and AI to be back in the playoffs and the likes of Moore, Bjornfort, Mikey A., Roy, et. al. to get taste of the playoffs even if results in a 1st rd exit? I bet you none of these players would agree with you and your learned minions.

The roster will eventually turnover - it doesn’t mean you have to suck all the time while you’re doing it.

It's better than nothing, but it's not better than getting the kids that will actually be taking over more playing time. Riding a 30-year-old top-six into the first round isn't a 'rebuild.' Putting your prospective 40-goal scorer on the 4RW isn't a 'retool.' It's playing the same team that got wiped in the 2018 playoffs with just a little more depth.

Kempe's 25 and I expect him to be a leader and a good player when Turcotte and Byfield are flying around but him playing 6 playoff games this year isn't worth giving Turcotte 2 shifts a period.

I know that's way too much nuance though, sorry, I forgot, "duh Kings bad."

Getting pretty f***ing sick of binary-thinking posters thinking those of us with legitimate gripes want the Kings to suck. It's not clever, it's just getting yawn-worthy.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Funny enough was just about to post this when I got sidetracked by the 'lol you're just a negative nancy' tripe.

Angeles Analysis - Bouncing Back - LA Kings Insider

Really good optimistic look at things so far, including the last stretch, which probably feels weird since it was so broken up between the covid break and road trips.

We already also saw that the Kings have had one of the hardest schedules in the NHL so far and have handled that well, especially lately. I also remember Jim last night mentioning that since that ugly start they're like 8 games over .500. Between that and getting guys back and healthy, while other teams are just now hitting some of the skids, we hold our own fate--will be interesting to see how the rest of this homestand goes because they could leave home sitting pretty.

 

[King'sPawn]

Is there such thing as a perfectly run organization in pro sports?

I don't think so. But I don't know why people vehemently pretend like there's nothing wrong or that criticisms aren't warranted.

 

[Schmooley]

So it’s not worth it for the likes of Kempe, and AI to be back in the playoffs and the likes of Moore, Bjornfort, Mikey A., Roy, et. al. to get taste of the playoffs even if results in a 1st rd exit? I bet you none of these players would agree with you and your learned minions.

The roster will eventually turnover - it doesn’t mean you have to suck all the time while you’re doing it.

Of course it would be good for those guys. We were sold a rebuild and still spent time and money on a tanking team. Now the course changes. At this point they may as well have kept Muzzin, Martinez, Toffolli and Carter. Many of us agree on the rebuild but disagree on a lot of other things. Calling people minions of another forum poster as you fondle tmac management and brown is just hilarious.

 

[TruKingFan]

It's better than nothing, but it's not better than getting the kids that will actually be taking over more playing time. Riding a 30-year-old top-six into the first round isn't a 'rebuild.' Putting your prospective 40-goal scorer on the 4RW isn't a 'retool.' It's playing the same team that got wiped in the 2018 playoffs with just a little more depth.

Kempe's 25 and I expect him to be a leader and a good player when Turcotte and Byfield are flying around but him playing 6 playoff games this year isn't worth giving Turcotte 2 shifts a period.

I know that's way too much nuance though, sorry, I forgot, "duh Kings bad."

Getting pretty f***ing sick of binary-thinking posters thinking those of us with legitimate gripes want the Kings to suck. It's not clever, it's just getting yawn-worthy.

You don’t think that when the likes of Byfield, Turcotte, Kaliyev etc are ready for bigger roles that the coaching staff (TMac or not) or management (BLuc or not) will not give it to them? The idea that the time is NOW and the hell with winning games as long as they play is also disingenuous. You may not want the Kings to suck but you don’t think winning is very important either.

Yawn worthy is the constant griping about ice time when the team has a winning record - at least so far this season.

 

[TruKingFan]

Of course it would be good for those guys. We were sold a rebuild and still spent time and money on a tanking team. Now the course changes. At this point they may as well have kept Muzzin, Martinez, Toffolli and Carter. Many of us agree on the rebuild but disagree on a lot of other things. Calling people minions of another forum poster as you fondle tmac management and brown is just hilarious.

you don’t like being called a minion but you spit out drivel like “fondling tmac management and brown” is just rich. Unfortunately, the team is winning in spite of the your whining about all them and the “legends” insane ice times makes you wanna puke, right?