GDT: 2021-22 season game 11 LA Kings vs New Jersey Devils @7:30pm 11/5/21

[King'sPawn]

Whilst I get we all wish Kempe would score more the stuff he does well is always overlooked by everyone. He’s part of a monster play driving line, has been forechecking brilliantly and plays a big part in setting the tone and tempo. Then some of the plays, like the pass to Edler on the point midway through the 2nd just get overlooked completely. If Danault had made that play everyone would be getting over excited and looking for tissues.

I guess it’s a year of him and Brown being the guys everyone rags on (I was about to say ‘whipping boys’, but it just occurred to me where that phrase comes from ). I’m not absolving him of his deficiencies but he brings plenty to the party and is producing the results.

I’m fine with Arty being eased in. Him scoring doesn’t mean he’s being misused, as I’ve said before it seems to me that he’s being used correctly. His responsibility should be increased gradually over time and this is definitely the season to do that.

As for AA, I still don’t get it in terms of where he fits because with everyone fit he should be playing. The depth argument doesn’t make hold up to me simply because they are so stacked in Ontario we can easily deal with an injury crisis. I guess it’s not the end of the world, my biggest issue with it is the cap implications.

Nobody has ignored Kempe's qualities. People (including myself) are understandably puzzled at:
- Kaliyev being removed from the top line after half a period of playing well enough
- Kempe being removed from the second line where he, Iafallo, and Danault were playing very well
- Kempe made the same blunders multiple times. The turnover that led to Bratt's goal and the no-look pass behind the net on the powerplay to neutralize their own breakout
- the frequent penalties, never of which fall into the "necessary" category

These all point to a very low hockey IQ and discipline.

He has good speed, puck talent, and grit. I like things he does bring. But an undisciplined, low IQ player on the top line leads to more penalties against and more mish-mashing of lines. If Kopitar is still out there killing penalties, he'll either be run into the ground with minutes or have to be thrown on other lines after PKs.

I have always commended players, particularly developing ones, to play their game and make mistakes to learn. It's why I have no problem with Anderson getting walked by Tarasenko. But Kempe is not showing the capacity to learn from those mistakes.

I like Kempe, just not on the top line.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

In those 7 games, Alex, Adrian, Anze, and Arthur are the top 4 scorers. Andreas is 2nd in pts/game.

Old man just can't turn as quickly as he used to. He gets going in a straight line, and if anything gets in the way, so be it.

I thought that hit on Mercer was a perfect response, intentional or not, to Kaliyev and then Lizzotte getting detonated by big hits. Little out of character from Kopitar but nice to see.

It was Mercer who was being a grade A douche behind the refs in front of Blackwood to Kopi and Brown a few times. I'm pretty sure it was a little bit of all of the above.

 

[Statto]

- Kempe being removed from the second line where he, Iafallo, and Danault were playing very well

I don’t disagree with that or where he should fundamentally fit in the lineup. However all through the GDT he gets picked apart unlike anyone else. There is problem a genuine problem with Arvidsson out as they obviously feel Kaliyev isn’t ready for those minutes so someone has to play up in the lineup.

If they don’t think AK is ready to play on the top line they are right to put someone else there. They clearly though Andersson would be the answer but obviously he’s now out also. At that point Kempe is arguably the next man up.

 

[tny760]

I don’t disagree with that or where he should fundamentally fit in the lineup. However all through the GDT he gets picked apart unlike anyone else. There is problem a genuine problem with Arvidsson out as they obviously feel Kaliyev isn’t ready for those minutes so someone has to play up in the lineup.

If they don’t think AK is ready to play on the top line they are right to put someone else there. They clearly though Andersson would be the answer but obviously he’s now out also. At that point Kempe is arguably the next man up.

am i supposed to sit here silently and go "yes sir" every time tmac makes a move?

he committed an egregiously dumb double minor 10 minutes into the game and was rewarded with a promotion and extensive PP minutes even when it was bombing out.. that's really weird. kaliyev didn't even have a chance to show anything before getting buried, then doesn't see a PP minute until he rips one in a few seconds off the draw

 

[Jason Squirties]

Seriously though, I almost want to pick up a Lemieux jersey. Guy is single handedly changing the identity of this team.

I didn't see the game last night but I gotta chime in here as I was highly doubtful and probably vocal about the thought of one guy changing the gutless vibe of this locker room but something must have happened. Whatever it is, I hope it keeps up. Night and day from the first 5 games after the opener.

 

[FSL KINGS]

Nobody has ignored Kempe's qualities. People (including myself) are understandably puzzled at:
- Kaliyev being removed from the top line after half a period of playing well enough
- Kempe being removed from the second line where he, Iafallo, and Danault were playing very well
- Kempe made the same blunders multiple times. The turnover that led to Bratt's goal and the no-look pass behind the net on the powerplay to neutralize their own breakout
- the frequent penalties, never of which fall into the "necessary" category

These all point to a very low hockey IQ and discipline.

He has good speed, puck talent, and grit. I like things he does bring. But an undisciplined, low IQ player on the top line leads to more penalties against and more mish-mashing of lines. If Kopitar is still out there killing penalties, he'll either be run into the ground with minutes or have to be thrown on other lines after PKs.

I have always commended players, particularly developing ones, to play their game and make mistakes to learn. It's why I have no problem with Anderson getting walked by Tarasenko. But Kempe is not showing the capacity to learn from those mistakes.

I like Kempe, just not on the top line.

I'll explain it to you. Kaliyev can't carry old man Kopi & old man Brown. The "top line" was stuck in the D zone with Kaliyev. Moving Kempe off the real top line of 19-24-9 was done to get Kopi's line out of the Dzone. Hopefully we'll get a player that can help Kopi's line out so Kempe can go back to the real top line.

Kempe's drop pass for a goal: that play works with Danault & Iafallo. With Kopitar being in a different timezone the play didn't work well. Switch player from a line with 24 & 19 to 11 & 23 in game will lead to mistakes. Also Brown's inability to pass the puck & slow down the attack caused that situation.

Adrian The Hook Kempe is the most physically intimidating guy in our lineup. Other teams fear his "accidental" stick fouls.

Kempe & Kaliyev have been the offense for the last 2 games. Some people may need to find more effective ways of coping with Kempe.

Team also needs to practice man down play.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

am i supposed to sit here silently and go "yes sir" every time tmac makes a move?

he committed an egregiously dumb double minor 10 minutes into the game and was rewarded with a promotion and extensive PP minutes even when it was bombing out.. that's really weird. kaliyev didn't even have a chance to show anything before getting buried, then doesn't see a PP minute until he rips one in a few seconds off the draw

Amen. Like I've said over the streak, TM has still made some egregiously bad decisions behind the bench, and with frequency. They're winning in spite of him frankly. I also look to the AA playing in the last minutes move. It's the guy's literal first game of the year and less than 10 minutes with the new guy, and watch what happens as Danault tries to give him directions and AA's lost ass spins in circles. No team on earth uses Athanasiou as a last minute stopper, never mind in his first game of the year with new personnel.

I'll explain it to you. Kaliyev can't carry old man Kopi & old man Brown. The "top line" was stuck in the D zone with Kaliyev. Moving Kempe off the real top line of 19-24-9 was done to get Kopi's line out of the Dzone. Hopefully we'll get a player that can help Kopi's line out so Kempe can go back to the real top line.

Kempe's drop pass for a goal: that play works with Danault & Iafallo. With Kopitar being in a different timezone the play didn't work well. Switch player from a line with 24 & 19 to 11 & 23 in game will lead to mistakes. Also Brown's inability to pass the puck & slow down the attack caused that situation.

Adrian The Hook Kempe is the most physically intimidating guy in our lineup. Other teams fear his "accidental" stick fouls.

Kempe & Kaliyev have been the offense for the last 2 games. Some people may need to find more effective ways of coping with Kempe.

Team also needs to practice man down play.

That's it, finally figured out who kempe is!

 

[Ray Martyniuk]

Imagine Kopitar started throwing out hits like that regularly. Daddy Kopitar certainly has the frame to destroy people.

That was glorious to see of Kopi

 

[Ray Martyniuk]

4 games in 6 nights in canada next, RIP

We can do it!!!

 

[Ray Martyniuk]

Not sure why people are praising Bucci/Cohn/Ferraro. They were all very amateur sounding.

I think Ray Ferraro is great...he's a great colour commentator and no one sizes things up like the former 100 plus goal scoring Junior phenom and very good (898 pt) NHLer as him!!!

 

[Ray Martyniuk]

I have yet to watch a Kings broadcast this season. I maybe caught ~10 games last season and it would piss my wife off because Faust was so bad at calling the game.

I want to commit a homicide after listening to "Andre"
(Big Mouth)Faust for 2 minutes!!!

 

[King'sPawn]

I'll explain it to you. Kaliyev can't carry old man Kopi & old man Brown. The "top line" was stuck in the D zone with Kaliyev. Moving Kempe off the real top line of 19-24-9 was done to get Kopi's line out of the Dzone. Hopefully we'll get a player that can help Kopi's line out so Kempe can go back to the real top line.

Kempe's drop pass for a goal: that play works with Danault & Iafallo. With Kopitar being in a different timezone the play didn't work well. Switch player from a line with 24 & 19 to 11 & 23 in game will lead to mistakes. Also Brown's inability to pass the puck & slow down the attack caused that situation.

Adrian The Hook Kempe is the most physically intimidating guy in our lineup. Other teams fear his "accidental" stick fouls.

Kempe & Kaliyev have been the offense for the last 2 games. Some people may need to find more effective ways of coping with Kempe.

Team also needs to practice man down play.

Just to check... this is parody/sarcasm, right? The biggest clue is the suggestion that Kempe can carry a line.

 

[Statto]

am i supposed to sit here silently and go "yes sir" every time tmac makes a move?

No and I’m not sure where I said you should go “yes sir”. I’m just giving my take on the decisions. I’m giving a view on why I think Kempe gets moved up and I have no issue debating that, especially as I’ll be wrong more often than I’m right. I don’t agree with every decision TMac makes (of course not as AA even dressing is a problem for me) but there is very much a vein of the good stuff we are seeing is despite the Coach. I look at how Kaliyev and Kupari are playing and ultimately think they are being handled well even if we want to see more than we are getting in terms of ice time. Both seem to be in a great spot in terms of their development curve.

I’m also voicing how I don’t like it when players (in this case Kempe) get picked apart in an unbalanced way. I didn’t like it when it was Lewis, Clifford or anyone really when the good gets ignored and the bad gets magnified. Everyone is entitled to post what they want though, it’s a forum, but I’ll always try to give a balanced view even if I know at times that I’ll be wrong.

Despite his flaws Kempe has been a big part in his line driving play and has been excellent on the forecheck. On balance I think we are better off with him than without him, currently.

 

[driller1]

No and I’m not sure where I said you should go “yes sir”. I’m just giving my take on the decisions. I’m giving a view on why I think Kempe gets moved up and I have no issue debating that, especially as I’ll be wrong more often than I’m right. I don’t agree with every decision TMac makes (of course not as AA even dressing is a problem for me) but there is very much a vein of the good stuff we are seeing is despite the Coach. I look at how Kaliyev and Kupari are playing and ultimately think they are being handled well even if we want to see more than we are getting in terms of ice time. Both seem to be in a great spot in terms of their development curve.

I’m also voicing how I don’t like it when players (in this case Kempe) get picked apart in an unbalanced way. I didn’t like it when it was Lewis, Clifford or anyone really when the good gets ignored and the bad gets magnified. Everyone is entitled to post what they want though, it’s a forum, but I’ll always try to give a balanced view even if I know at times that I’ll be wrong.

Despite his flaws Kempe has been a big part in his line driving play and has been excellent on the forecheck. On balance I think we are better off with him than without him, currently.

I agree with this post 100%.

Think it also gets applied to guys like Lizotte. Dude is fine for his role. Don’t understand all the complaining about him. We won the Cup with Colin freakin Fraser for crying out loud. We will neither win nor lose solely because of Lizotte.

 

[Schmooley]

I agree with this post 100%.

Think it also gets applied to guys like Lizotte. Dude is fine for his role. Don’t understand all the complaining about him. We won the Cup with Colin freakin Fraser for crying out loud. We will neither win nor lose solely because of Lizotte.

Lizotte is fine in his role but the Kings have better players than him in the system. Vilardi, JAD, Turcotte, Tkachev and Fagemo are all players with more upside that are more or less ready. Once Byfield and Arvi are back in thatll push out a couple players and he will probably be one of them. I dont see how you could hate Lizotte and hes a coaches dream but lets get real here. He eats minutes to take pressure off the top lines and just puts pucks on the walls to grind and try to draw penalties. There is no reason to put a sniper like Kaliyev with him.

 

[BringTheReign]

It's only a penalty shot if he committed an infraction on a clear-cut breakaway.

Subban:
- hit the puck carrier
- led with his forearm
- didn't hit high or trip (hit him in the hip)
- didn't blindside him
- didn't push Iafallo into his goalie (Petersen)

What penalty did he commit?

Agreed, was honestly surprised it wasn’t called as a knee-jerk reaction, but it was a good non-call.

 

[KingsFan7824]

I don’t disagree with that or where he should fundamentally fit in the lineup. However all through the GDT he gets picked apart unlike anyone else. There is problem a genuine problem with Arvidsson out as they obviously feel Kaliyev isn’t ready for those minutes so someone has to play up in the lineup.

If they don’t think AK is ready to play on the top line they are right to put someone else there. They clearly though Andersson would be the answer but obviously he’s now out also. At that point Kempe is arguably the next man up.

AK should replace AK to play next to AK.

 

[Bandit]

I agree with this post 100%.

Think it also gets applied to guys like Lizotte. Dude is fine for his role. Don’t understand all the complaining about him. We won the Cup with Colin freakin Fraser for crying out loud. We will neither win nor lose solely because of Lizotte.

Lizotte is fine for his role if you have a place on the team for one dimensional players, which good teams don’t. He forechecks hard, but it’s useless because he can’t hit, protect the puck, pass it, score or even fight. Kempe has a better face off percentage. So if you can find a guy that can skate hard on the forecheck and do literally anything else, you’ve found a better player than Lizotte. Which by the way Fraser was, and why he was a multi Stanley cup champion and Lizotte is a scrub on a bad team.

 

[HookKing]

So TM needs to be fired because of the poor start to the season but now after righting the ship with vital pieces still missing he should still be fired because they're winning in spite of him!
Some of you guys are hilarious.

 

[Ghetty Green]

So TM needs to be fired because of the poor start to the season but now after righting the ship with vital pieces still missing he should still be fired because they're winning in spite of him!
Some of you guys are hilarious.

The Lombardi haters had to move on so I guess it's TMs turn now

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

So TM needs to be fired because of the poor start to the season but now after righting the ship with vital pieces still missing he should still be fired because they're winning in spite of him!
Some of you guys are hilarious.

Quote the posts where it says that, quick

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Going back to the Lemieux play---I love it even more in hindsight. He was looking for a dance partner long before that play and the Devils wouldn't oblige and just kept being chippy little bitches hiding behind refs. I appreciate that he let them know they couldn't get away with that all night.

He's proven so far to have an excellent feel for the temperature of a game and when to turn it on so I liked him going a bit screwloose there. Obviously he cant do that every night or teams will just exploit that, but he's chosen good times and places to make his stand so far, and right after Subban taking a run at the only King he could handle was a good time. That's a lose-the-battle win-the-war move. The emotion in the lineup with him in it is night and day.

 

[johnjm22]

I consider TM to be a completely average coach.

His handling of the young players seems completely reasonable; he's slowly working them in. That's how it is. The only exception being if a young player is a phenom.

If you hate TM and want him gone, you should be careful what you wish for. There's plenty of coaches that would give the young players LESS leash than they're getting now.

 

[Docgonzo]

It was Mercer who was being a grade A douche behind the refs in front of Blackwood to Kopi and Brown a few times. I'm pretty sure it was a little bit of all of the above.

At one point after the puck was frozen Mercer gave Kopitar a shot, and Kopitar actually lost his normal cool and started a scrum while shoving Mercer. I 100% believe that hit on Mercer was intentional on Kopitar.

 

[lumbergh]

AK should replace AK to play next to AK.

AK should play with AK and AK to form the AK line.