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

[Schmooley]

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?

I root for the Kings to win every game regardless of whos on the ice. That doesnt mean automatically agreeing with everything they are doing. Why is it drivel? Maybe I lied about fondling youre gargling at this point

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

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.

No, we don't--that's exactly the evidence-based criticism.

Oh, the big brain "we're winning so f*** you" argument is coming out again eh

I remember that one from earlier this season, refresh my memory, what happened after

Again, you can only see in binary, so not much to discuss.

When did this place become such a 'don't criticize the Kings OR ELSE' chamber?

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

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.

I don't think anyone is saying that, for instance, I'm not saying anything is wrong, I am saying you have to show some kind of patience when your 18-19-20 years don't automatically play top six minutes, take a breath, people are losing their shit over that,

They are losing their shit that 18-20 years aren't producing, aren't getting ice time, aren't doing this, aren't doing that, shit you got some people saying Clarke should replace Doughty on the PP....I mean, seriously?

 

[Schmooley]

No, we don't--that's exactly the evidence-based criticism.

Oh, the big brain "we're winning so f*** you" argument is coming out again eh

I remember that one from earlier this season, refresh my memory, what happened after

Again, you can only see in binary, so not much to discuss.

When did this place become such a 'don't criticize the Kings OR ELSE' chamber?

I dont know why people think if you criticize the team you arent a real fan.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

No, we don't--that's exactly the evidence-based criticism.

Oh, the big brain "we're winning so f*** you" argument is coming out again eh

I remember that one from earlier this season, refresh my memory, what happened after

Again, you can only see in binary, so not much to discuss.

When did this place become such a 'don't criticize the Kings OR ELSE' chamber?

Here's my question, what or how, do you determine if they are ready for them?

Byfield was going to make the team, bad luck hit, not much you can do about that, but what BIGGER role, do you think Turcotte is ready for, or Kaliyev?

 

[KingTech]

I dont know why people think if you criticize the team you arent a real fan.

Critizing is fine by me but when its all you do that when i have a problem I think you need a balance of positive with the negative. This board is full of doom and gloom posters that never post anything positive and it gets a bit much at times.

 

[Stimpythecat]

can we all stop griping and sniping at each other and band together to piss on the sharks?

I can see the oilers continuing their free fall and the ducks are stumbling. The kings have a realistic chance of passing them both in the standings.

 

[King'sPawn]

I don't think anyone is saying that, for instance, I'm not saying anything is wrong, I am saying you have to show some kind of patience when your 18-19-20 years don't automatically play top six minutes, take a breath, people are losing their shit over that,

They are losing their shit that 18-20 years aren't producing, aren't getting ice time, aren't doing this, aren't doing that, shit you got some people saying Clarke should replace Doughty on the PP....I mean, seriously?

I agree with you - it's too early to put Clarke in the NHL, let alone replacing Doughty on the powerplay next season.

I'm not saying 18-19-20 year-olds have to play top-six minutes automatically. However, I DO think skilled prospects on the NHL roster should at least get ample opportunity in a skilled role. IF they legitimately struggle, then dial back the responsibilities and expectations. If they all flame out, then yes, play the vets more. But you can't say "they're not ready" any more than I can say "they are ready" because the opportunity isn't even there.

What we DO see is a player like Kaliyev, who's a scorer, and who played the top-6 in the AHL, have to adjust to the NHL pace AND play a new type of role and game in a grind line. We watch him play, see he's not lighting the world on fire, and we have to determine whether or not he's ready based on the new role. By the time he's "ready" he'll be well acquainted with playing like a grinder, when the Kings could really use some prospects developing into top-flight forwards.

I am fully understanding and empathetic with the concept of patience. Scouting, watching prospects grow, develop, and the like is a passion of mine (and I probably enjoy it more than the games sometimes). I don't expect the prospect(s) to light the world on fire. But the Kings are in a unique situation with the quality vets they have to both contend for the playoffs and give the prospects more opportunity to grow into their expected roles.

 

[cyclones22]

I guess this place became so starved for any kind of above mediocre play that folks would be so willing to accept what they see currently on the ice as something to celebrate. Because scoreboard baby!? Nevermind the over reliance on aging vets. The terrible power play and just as poor penalty kill. The less than impressive goal differential. This current recipe for success has the makings of John Stevens single playoff year as the King's head coach then the team falling off again. Some of us would like more than that going forward.

 

[Mats26]

can we all stop griping and sniping at each other and band together to piss on the sharks?

I can see the oilers continuing their free fall and the ducks are stumbling. The kings have a realistic chance of passing them both in the standings.

I know right. Ducks lost too. Let's hope for some wins here so we can see some meaningful hockey in the 2nd half.

 

[FSL KINGS]

Oilers needs match up a with what Kings have extra of. G, 3C & RW on the cheap. Holland also likes dinosaurs. (D. Keith) wonder if there's a trade there.

Also wonder about poaching Pettersson in Van. If they don't see him as a 1C going forward, he might look good next to Byfield. JR is running things over there now & has a trade history with Blake.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I agree with you - it's too early to put Clarke in the NHL, let alone replacing Doughty on the powerplay next season.

I'm not saying 18-19-20 year-olds have to play top-six minutes automatically. However, I DO think skilled prospects on the NHL roster should at least get ample opportunity in a skilled role. IF they legitimately struggle, then dial back the responsibilities and expectations. If they all flame out, then yes, play the vets more. But you can't say "they're not ready" any more than I can say "they are ready" because the opportunity isn't even there.

What we DO see is a player like Kaliyev, who's a scorer, and who played the top-6 in the AHL, have to adjust to the NHL pace AND play a new type of role and game in a grind line. We watch him play, see he's not lighting the world on fire, and we have to determine whether or not he's ready based on the new role. By the time he's "ready" he'll be well acquainted with playing like a grinder, when the Kings could really use some prospects developing into top-flight forwards.

I am fully understanding and empathetic with the concept of patience. Scouting, watching prospects grow, develop, and the like is a passion of mine (and I probably enjoy it more than the games sometimes). I don't expect the prospect(s) to light the world on fire. But the Kings are in a unique situation with the quality vets they have to both contend for the playoffs and give the prospects more opportunity to grow into their expected roles.

Kaliyev had holes in his game, that he's actually worked out in the NHL, that in and of itself is rare, I don't know of anyone who thinks he SHOULD be lighting the world on fire, right now, this season etc, this is where the patience comes in, now that he's fixed or fixing...his game, so he's NOT a liability when he's not scoring, let's see what happens after the TDL, an injury etc, the only downside is, the line he is on, is so goddamn effective, do you break them up? Starting after the break with the Vegas game....so 3 games now....that line has 13 minutes, 15-16 and 11-14 min, so can we really consider them 4th line....hell can we consider them grinders?

 

[KINGS17]

can we all stop griping and sniping at each other and band together to piss on the sharks?

I can see the oilers continuing their free fall and the ducks are stumbling. The kings have a realistic chance of passing them both in the standings.

 

[Piston]

The Kings actually have a huge decision coming up. They have a top 5 statistical goaltender who has won two cups and a Conn Smythe. At the same time, there are several teams with legitimate Cup aspirations who lack a true #1 who is proven in the playoffs. Quick's actual salary this year and next is minimal, and the Kings can retain salary against the Cap which is something few teams can do. Given his experience, level of play, the fact he is signed next year and that his cap hit is not debilitating, he could fetch a #1 pick plus a grade A prospect. But, if you trade him, you basically kiss the playoffs goodbye.

I know this may not be popular, but the smart move is to move him to the Avs or Wild - JQ could be a difference maker for them. That would piss Kopitar and Doughty off, but who cares? This would immediately present opportunities for some of our kids and see what they can do. Quick will not be around when and if the Kings are Cup contenders so why keep him. And, Quick may want another Cup before he retires.

 

[King'sPawn]

Kaliyev had holes in his game, that he's actually worked out in the NHL, that in and of itself is rare, I don't know of anyone who thinks he SHOULD be lighting the world on fire, right now, this season etc, this is where the patience comes in, now that he's fixed or fixing...his game, so he's NOT a liability when he's not scoring, let's see what happens after the TDL, an injury etc, the only downside is, the line he is on, is so goddamn effective, do you break them up? Starting after the break with the Vegas game....so 3 games now....that line has 13 minutes, 15-16 and 11-14 min, so can we really consider them 4th line....hell can we consider them grinders?

Every player has holes in their game though. And those holes don't magically get fixed on the bottom-six. Why couldn't he work on his holes playing alongside Iafallo and Danault - more skilled players who could also give him more opportunity to grow?

If he has holes preventing him from being an NHL player, why not keep him in the AHL to work on those holes? I'm not going to lie, that would frustrate me too, but at least they'd be using the development league to develop a player.

I agree that it's tougher now with the line gelling so well. At this point, might as well keep him there. Especially if they keep getting more minutes.

I am not confident the youth will be played more after the deadline. They won't be out of reach of the playoffs, so I expect they'll lean on the vets to make a hard push. Or they'll trade the prospects to try and grab another vet.

 

[Docgonzo]

I have an issue with people blaming Blake for Johnson, Emerson, O’Donnell, Murray etc as him bringing in his friends.

Weren’t all these guys put into their positions by Lombardi? Like I get Blake didn’t fire them and start clean but it’s not like he gave them all their positions.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Kaliyev had holes in his game, that he's actually worked out in the NHL, that in and of itself is rare, I don't know of anyone who thinks he SHOULD be lighting the world on fire, right now, this season etc, this is where the patience comes in, now that he's fixed or fixing...his game, so he's NOT a liability when he's not scoring, let's see what happens after the TDL, an injury etc, the only downside is, the line he is on, is so goddamn effective, do you break them up? Starting after the break with the Vegas game....so 3 games now....that line has 13 minutes, 15-16 and 11-14 min, so can we really consider them 4th line....hell can we consider them grinders?

My kids peewee A team used colors for the lines not numbers.. and whatever line practiced hardest was given more minutes during the next game... also it kept parents from hassling us about whose kid was playing on what line. The Kings are doing this without being explicit about it - it seems.

 

[HookKing]

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

He's just being grateful and humble. The ice times tell a different story.

 

[Mats26]

If the Lizotte line is our 4th line, this is the best 4th line we've had in years.

 

[King'sPawn]

He's just being grateful and humble. The ice times tell a different story.

Or there's a white board with the lines listed.

Or he's been told his role.

But let's look at those ice times.

Of skaters with 20 GP or more, Lemieux has the lowest TOI/GP out of the regulars, getting 11:11 on average. Then Grundstrom, then Kupari, then Lizotte, then Kaliyev.

They literally average 3 of the lowest 5 TOI among the regulars.

This pedantic argument is the dumbest shit. I don't know why I bother.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Every player has holes in their game though. And those holes don't magically get fixed on the bottom-six. Why couldn't he work on his holes playing alongside Iafallo and Danault - more skilled players who could also give him more opportunity to grow?

If he has holes preventing him from being an NHL player, why not keep him in the AHL to work on those holes? I'm not going to lie, that would frustrate me too, but at least they'd be using the development league to develop a player.

I agree that it's tougher now with the line gelling so well. At this point, might as well keep him there. Especially if they keep getting more minutes.

I am not confident the youth will be played more after the deadline. They won't be out of reach of the playoffs, so I expect they'll lean on the vets to make a hard push. Or they'll trade the prospects to try and grab another vet.

Last night is a really good illustration of this whole issue, actually.

Home game vs. a team in a similar spot in the standings so you can control the matchups, and your 'kid line' is showing well--surely this is the perfect situation to even out the ice time, right? Nope, Kopitar near 10 minutes, Turcotte 2.5.

Fine, maybe the 2nd period will be better, since we blew open a 3-1, 4-1 lead. Surely this is the perfect time to give guys a shot, right? Nope, Kopitar at 18 minutes, Turcotte less than 5.

Well, the started coming back in the third period, so should we let the fresh legs gallop and keep up the ID? Nah, we need the vets to lock it down.

There is never a good time to 'work on things' re: development in the NHL. Like you said, if they have to learn and you're not going to let them learn on the job because you're insistent on rolling it like a playoff team rather than even a partial learning environment, put em back in the A. But give him PP1 time FFS.

 

[KINGS17]

The Kings actually have a huge decision coming up. They have a top 5 statistical goaltender who has won two cups and a Conn Smythe. At the same time, there are several teams with legitimate Cup aspirations who lack a true #1 who is proven in the playoffs. Quick's actual salary this year and next is minimal, and the Kings can retain salary against the Cap which is something few teams can do. Given his experience, level of play, the fact he is signed next year and that his cap hit is not debilitating, he could fetch a #1 pick plus a grade A prospect. But, if you trade him, you basically kiss the playoffs goodbye.

I know this may not be popular, but the smart move is to move him to the Avs or Wild - JQ could be a difference maker for them. That would piss Kopitar and Doughty off, but who cares? Thisld immediately present opportunities for some of our kids and see what they can do. Quick will not be around when and if the Kings are Cup contenders so why keep him. And, Quick may want another Cup before he retires.

I would enjoy seeing if Quick is the missing piece for the Avs. I think he is one of the best money-goalies in the last 10 years in the NHL, and he hasn't used any of his Jedi powers for quite some time.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

He's just being grateful and humble. The ice times tell a different story.

Guess you'd better tell the NHL player he's wrong and you're right so we can fix that and move on so you can continue to deliberately miss the point in other ways instead.

 

[HookKing]

Or there's a white board with the lines listed.

Or he's been told his role.

But let's look at those ice times.

Of skaters with 20 GP or more, Lemieux has the lowest TOI/GP out of the regulars, getting 11:11 on average. Then Grundstrom, then Kupari, then Lizotte, then Kaliyev.

They literally average 3 of the lowest 5 TOI among the regulars.

This pedantic argument is the dumbest shit. I don't know why I bother.

We're talking about now not 20 games ago. Good grief.

 

[HookKing]

Guess you'd better tell the NHL player he's wrong and you're right so we can fix that and move on so you can continue to deliberately miss the point in other ways instead.

Please point out all the teams with 4 lines that get more ice time than the 2nd or 3rd lines then.