GDT: 2021-22 season game 73 LA Kings vs Edmonton Oilers @7:30pm 4/7/22

[Herby]

God bless the replacements but it's apparent they're all finally out of gas fighting adversity. There's nothing left in the tank for anyone. Bless their efforts keeping us afloat for what, two months of the worst injuries since 2006? ANd it makes me upset sure but not really mad AT them given what they've been through, but I think this team has given us all they had left to give. I expect a soft descent out of the playoffs going 3-6 or something and missing out by 2-3 points.

Like I get the complaints about Durzi but the guy was playing 26-28 minutes a night in the Drew Doughty role, that had to catch up eventually. Can't wait to see him in an 18-20 minute capacity next year and you know that dude is going to LIVE in the gym this summer, he's hungry, and I hope he's contagious.

Danault no goals in 8 games, that was another thing that was going to eventually stop happening and not surprisingly, no one has picked up the slack.

I still think they are going to get in because they just have so many easy games, but I expect to be dropped in 5 or 6 in the first round. This team desperately needs to add offensive talent that can help score more goals (especially on the PP).

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Danault no goals in 8 games, that was another thing that was going to eventually stop happening and not surprisingly, no one has picked up the slack.

I still think they are going to get in because they just have so many easy games, but I expect to be dropped in 5 or 6 in the first round. This team desperately needs to add offensive talent that can help score more goals (especially on the PP).

It's already eerily reminiscent of the early 2010s Kings, before they started moving some raw possession for actual production. Don't get me wrong, I love having a buzzsawing forechecking team, but like @KINGS17 says, this is now the hard part--identifying what the core of that is and beginning to move assets around to get more production without giving up much possession and defensively. The biggest difference between this team and those imo is goalie isn't stealing 1 in 3 games, heh.

I'd say the good news there is identifying Moore, Arvidsson, Danault bodes well for future acquisitions, those are the 'identity' guys Blake has sought out and while I'm not sold on the org identifying and developing/handling elite offense at least we'll have the assets to 'buy' it if needed and I appreciate the morph into a team that can be a pain in the ass to play against (when healthy)

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

It's already eerily reminiscent of the early 2010s Kings, before they started moving some raw possession for actual production. Don't get me wrong, I love having a buzzsawing forechecking team, but like @KINGS17 says, this is now the hard part--identifying what the core of that is and beginning to move assets around to get more production without giving up much possession and defensively. The biggest difference between this team and those imo is goalie isn't stealing 1 in 3 games, heh.

I'd say the good news there is identifying Moore, Arvidsson, Danault bodes well for future acquisitions, those are the 'identity' guys Blake has sought out and while I'm not sold on the org identifying and developing/handling elite offense at least we'll have the assets to 'buy' it if needed and I appreciate the morph into a team that can be a pain in the ass to play against (when healthy)

Agreed.....big big question for you.......

Kempe......cash in on a career year and move him, replace him with a UFA or Kaliyev etc,

Or do we believe after 5 years now, he is this version?

 

[BigKing]

Agreed.....big big question for you.......

Kempe......cash in on a career year and move him, replace him with a UFA or Kaliyev etc,

Or do we believe after 5 years now, he is this version?

He probably isn't a 30 goal guy year-in-and-year-out since he is riding a 14.6% shooting percentage but he's going to pot 20 if he keeps shooting as much as he is this season.

28% of both his total career shots on goal and shot attempts have come in the 70 games of his current season. These 70 games account for only 18% of his career games played.

You, more than anyone, will also like to know that he has already eclipsed his previous season high hit total.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

He probably isn't a 30 goal guy year-in-and-year-out since he is riding a 14.6% shooting percentage but he's going to pot 20 if he keeps shooting as much as he is this season.

28% of both his total career shots on goal and shot attempts have come in the 70 games of his current season. These 70 games account for only 18% of his career games played.

You, more than anyone, will also like to know that he has already eclipsed his previous season high hit total.

Yep, I think he's 20-30.....but if we can move him because I'm not sure paying 5.5-6m whatever his cap hit is...if it's much lower it changes things.....but a 5.5-6m cap hit for a 20 goal scorer who is a tweener on a 2nd-3rd line.....not sure that's best....and I love Kempe's game.....just saying

 

[Sol]

I think Durzi is having a problem that rare players like him have. Trying to do too much with the big role he’s been given. Being loved by fans. All of this is new To him. I’m sure he will get better since she shows that he’s a capable player, but yes he does look bad of late

 

[Sol]

It's already eerily reminiscent of the early 2010s Kings, before they started moving some raw possession for actual production. Don't get me wrong, I love having a buzzsawing forechecking team, but like @KINGS17 says, this is now the hard part--identifying what the core of that is and beginning to move assets around to get more production without giving up much possession and defensively. The biggest difference between this team and those imo is goalie isn't stealing 1 in 3 games, heh.

I'd say the good news there is identifying Moore, Arvidsson, Danault bodes well for future acquisitions, those are the 'identity' guys Blake has sought out and while I'm not sold on the org identifying and developing/handling elite offense at least we'll have the assets to 'buy' it if needed and I appreciate the morph into a team that can be a pain in the ass to play against (when healthy)

That’s why it’s massive that the Kings land Forsberg. Give him what he wants. This organization shows no ability whatsoever to develop forwards

 

[kingsfan28]

TMac needs to change his definition of productive, to the actual, real defeinition and consider going over stats,, in which he does not believe in. Stats do not lie.

Neither do everyone else's eyes! It's so glaring what need to be done, but hey, not to the coach.

 

[kingsfan28]

I’m fully expecting them to get manhandled again Minnesota and possibly adding one injury to the list as well.

They don't match up with Minn well at all. They've had problem with them for years, it will be a damn miracle if we get any points out of that game. And its a day game too.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

They don't match up with Minn well at all. They've had problem with them for years, it will be a damn miracle if we get any points out of that game. And its a day game too.

That means certain win because hockey

 

[BringTheReign]

From The Athletic's weekly power rankings: "Over the last few months, they’ve generated 2.67 expected goals-per-60, but have only scored 1.59 per 60."

Ooof.

 

[bland]

Anyone's limitations are going to be on full display in 28 minutes of icetime.

I'm on the same page as you re his good and bad volatility but I'm also trying not to Derek Armstrong him out of town, it's not his fault he's a sudden NHL #1D.

Thing is, he isn't "exposed" due to the ice time, he isn't making mistakes because he is over extended. He is just on the ice more often to make the same mistakes he made with less time. 26 minutes of that is too much for a team to endure and the record of late shows it.

I love the dude's attitude, but the recent embellishments have been a real negative.

 

[Bandit]

Thing is, he isn't "exposed" due to the ice time, he isn't making mistakes because he is over extended. He is just on the ice more often to make the same mistakes he made with less time. 26 minutes of that is too much for a team to endure and the record of late shows it.

I love the dude's attitude, but the recent embellishments have been a real negative.

I dunno man. Durzi is far from perfect but it seems like you’re putting in an awful lot of energy to throw shade at a rookie that’s being asked to play like a #1 D on an alleged playoff team. Of course he’s going to have warts. Even Doughty wasn’t thrown into the fire like this.

 

[kings11]

I would trade Durzi for 2nd or 3rd round pick ASAP (if some team wants him).

You cannot help player with really slow feet.

Spence is so much better player

I would package him with Iafallo

 

[tws24]

That’s why it’s massive that the Kings land Forsberg. Give him what he wants. This organization shows no ability whatsoever to develop forwards

We struggle to develop but we also suppress offense out of developed forwards...
I feel it is more of a structural issue. We've seen forwards that have left and have gone on to produce elsewhere over the years. It's conceivable that these players that have gone on to produce on other teams may have been more than what they were offensively because they spent their formative years in the Kings organization. But many of those players are at least defensively responsible. We develop certain type of players and those tend not to be the creative offensive players but rather 2-way hard nosed players who play a more conservative game.

The concern I have with bringing in a high profile player through FA is that we may be paying an amount that ties to their historical production but we wouldn't get that out of him. Players like Danault , who was utilized as a solid 5v5 defensive player, fit perfectly within the system and you can get the value out of him. We brought in Arvidsson who was a bit of a buy low player that has the puck hound mentality that the Kings like. So, I'm not certain that we have the setup to bring in a Forsberg and have them shine (at the level we pay).

I think our current strength is in our depth and will likely continue to be that way. That requires cap too especially with guys on ELCs so just because we have space now, doesn't mean we should use it. With that said, our offense is sad. The production from our forwards is poor but our production from our defense is pretty bad too. The saving grace is that we have some offensive minded D trickling in.

We should be upgrading where we can to get more offense but we should probably be careful of the value per cap dollar. Just as ideas of what we could do, I've always found that we use our top offensive players in the most difficult defensive roles. Minute management for offensive players to exert themselves offensively should be cared for. We have solid defensive players that don't play as much (Lizotte et al) that can take those roles. I don't see us doing it at this point for a guy like Kopitar but the hopes is that he is moved down the lineup in the coming years anyways by the likes of Byfield and hopefully we don't subject Byfield to that same deployment. For the static and conservative PP, we need more creativity and risk taking. I see Kopitar looking for the cross seam and electing not to make it because he's probably programmed to think it's a risky move at this point but we only end up passing it to the top, shooting and having the rebound cleared. Doesn't make for a dangerous opportunity and not much better than having a cross seam pass intercepted. The second unit is much better but could use a better entry (maybe have Kempe join them). We need more out of our defense too. Durzi and Spence have been good despite some young D lapses and hopefully Clarke can come in within the next couple years and further boost. Anderson and Bjornfot are responsible but would like to get some more O out of them or bring in someone that provides it too.

 

[kings11]

I think Durzi is having a problem that rare players like him have. Trying to do too much with the big role he’s been given. Being loved by fans. All of this is new To him. I’m sure he will get better since she shows that he’s a capable player, but yes he does look bad of late

I say nay, I actually thought that might be the case but the more you watch him the more obvious it becomes…
He’s confident, reckless and feisty so he seems wonderful in minimum minutes…
However, the higher his usage the clearer his flaws become.. his IQ is average, his defense is below-average to poor, and he’s slow..
Most troubling though is his lack of spatial awareness and inability to diagnose plays quickly… hence he gets caught around the net far too often holding the puck..
that’s the difference between Durzi and Spence…
Some might say I’m nitpicking but the truth is we’ve been placing blame on other players but him.. His mishaps have caused players to spend too much time hemmed up in our own end and we give up goals..

 

[SherVaughn30]

Pre draft most scouts had him as a 65 to 70 point guy that would play a good two way game.

Right now I see glimpses of skill but I do not see the drive or hunger.

Wish the best for the kid and need him to play every shift like he played two back to back third period shifts last night. Take puck and use size and speed to drive it down ice and create chances.

Hoping a little seasoning and twenty pounds helps him thrive.

Byfield needs to shoot the puck more. He has a deceptive shot, but I haven't seen him shoot the puck enough.

 

[tny760]

Byfield needs to shoot the puck more. He has a deceptive shot, but I haven't seen him shoot the puck enough.

that one grade A he had the other night in the slot really surprised me, got off his stick hard and it was ticketed top corner, solid save

wish he could get it off more often, seems like he has trouble finding the space himself

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I say nay, I actually thought that might be the case but the more you watch him the more obvious it becomes…
He’s confident, reckless and feisty so he seems wonderful in minimum minutes…
However, the higher his usage the clearer his flaws become.. his IQ is average, his defense is below-average to poor, and he’s slow..
Most troubling though is his lack of spatial awareness and inability to diagnose plays quickly… hence he gets caught around the net far too often holding the puck..
that’s the difference between Durzi and Spence…
Some might say I’m nitpicking but the truth is we’ve been placing blame on other players but him.. He’s mishaps cause players to spend too much time hemmed up in our own end and we give up goals..

I guess my point earlier here wasn't that this is wrong, it's just that there literally aren't any other options, so it's a little wrong to keep speedbagging Durzi for not being a #1 dman because I don't think anyone is under the delusion that he is. There aren't better options. You could argue spence maybe, but even then. The issue on defense isn't really team construction or anything we can control, it's a major rash of injuries resulting in us playing more d-men than anyone in the NHL.

 

[kings11]

I guess my point earlier here wasn't that this is wrong, it's just that there literally aren't any other options, so it's a little wrong to keep speedbagging Durzi for not being a #1 dman because I don't think anyone is under the delusion that he is. There aren't better options. You could argue spence maybe, but even then. The issue on defense isn't really team construction or anything we can control, it's a major rash of injuries resulting in us playing more d-men than anyone in the NHL.

Without a doubt, it suck ass for the kid because he brings it everyday right..
regardless of the criticism I give Durzi and other kids, I know they’ve stepped up the best they can..
as a fan, I can’t help but feel overly optimistic about our future because for as much shit as we’ve all talk about how the FO has developed the kids… those little f***ers have come up huge!

 

[Statto]

I dunno man. Durzi is far from perfect but it seems like you’re putting in an awful lot of energy to throw shade at a rookie that’s being asked to play like a #1 D on an alleged playoff team. Of course he’s going to have warts. Even Doughty wasn’t thrown into the fire like this.

For me with Durzi it isn’t that I don’t think he can fill the role as a powerplay specialist #6 guy on a team in the league , it’s that I see him getting caught up in the numbers game and we have better options. If he’s was doing this 12 months ago I’d want him extended but given it’s looking like it may be between him and Spence starting on the bottom pair with everyone fit then Spence is the better player. The only reason to play him over Spence is his grit and attitude but that’s a team issue they need a solution for. Fast forward to next season I don’t think he fits in the top 6 D and that before even we even consider Clarke, Faber and the hopefully traded Walker.

I love his heart, I’m sure he will improve a little more but I think this off-season is probably a sell high moment. Given his intangibles I really want to be wrong.

 

[Statto]

Yep, I think he's 20-30.....but if we can move him because I'm not sure paying 5.5-6m whatever his cap hit is...if it's much lower it changes things.....but a 5.5-6m cap hit for a 20 goal scorer who is a tweener on a 2nd-3rd line.....not sure that's best....and I love Kempe's game.....just saying

I take your point and I’m a Kempe fan. I’d trade Iafallo first if possible but we’d only get a decent return if he finds a little form in the run in. As you say it will ultimately come down to what money he wants.

I sort of agree with you in terms of his shooting %, shot totals etc as they are normally good indicators that indicate likely regression back to the norm. However it’s not as if he’s doing the same things he’s always done and things are just going his way this season. He definitely evolved his game, is driving play more and is no longer deferring to anyone on the ice. He’s become a leader on the team, imposing himself on games and it’s why I think there’s a good chance that his elevated play is sustainable. What they do here is a very important decision to get right.

EDITED: For some reason since moving to the new forum text prediction, auto correct and even manual editing keeps causing all sorts of ‘typing errors’ for me. Anyone else?

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I take your point and I’m a Kempe fan. I’d trade Iafallo first if possible but we’d only get a decent return if he finds a little form in the run in. As just say it will ultimately come down to what money he wants.

I sort of agree with you in terms of his shooting %, shot totals etc as they are normally goof indicators that indicate likely regression back to the norm. However it’s not as if he’s doing the same things he’s always done and things are just going his way this season. He definitely evolved his game, is driving play more and is no longer deferring to anyone on the ice. He’s become a leader on the team, imposing himself on games and it’s why I think there’s a good chance that his elevated play is sustainable. What they do here is a very important decision to get right.

Yep, agree with that for sure

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

For me with Durzi it isn’t that I don’t think he can fill the role as a powerplay specialist #6 guy on a team in the league , it’s that I see him getting caught up in the numbers game and we have better options. If he’s was doing this 12 months ago I’d want him extended but given it’s looking like it may be between him and Spence starting on the bottom pair with everyone fit then Spence is the better player. The only reason to play him over Spence is his grit and attitude but that’s a team issue they need a solution for. Fast forward to next season I don’t think he fits in the top 6 D and that before even we even consider Clarke, Faber and the hopefully traded Walker.

I love his heart, I’m sure he will improve a little more but I think this off-season is probably a sell high moment. Given his intangibles I really want to be wrong.

This is all reasonable. I just disagree on the timing I think.

1. Who replaces Durzi? Spence? I'm high on the Spence train--but he still has development inc. What's the rush? He's a barely 21 first year pro--and while he's visibly playing the part (and stats back it out, he's stout defensively--I'm feeling really good about the Spurgeon comp at this point, maybe more!), why not let him develop a little bit more offensively? If he comes to the NHL he's suddenly PP2 and down the lineup and I think he's got more to give as a PP1/top pairing guy. Let him simmer one more year in the AHL. we know he's inbound.

2. I hate to give up on a guy with this much team spirit and intangibles when we've been looking for absolutely ever for that kind of heart. Think of the clutch moments he's already had.

3. This is a rookie with all sorts of flaws in his game suddenly thrust into the DREW DOUGHTY role that NO ONE can handle but guys like Makar--maybe it results in a 'trade high,' I personally think it's an absolutely amazing learning experience that will find him much, MUCH more effective as a #3, #5 than he's getting credit for. When an opponent isn't scouting him to attack him 28 minutes a game, and he can be sheltered by Drew et. al. instead of paired with other mediocre d-men, the guy could be a monster.

4. He has a dynamism to his game that makes the PP absolutely lethal--even when it's not producing it's causing havok and keeping momentum. I think that's one thing he's better at than Spence--Spence has it too but he's a little more shy about it than Durzi (personality, not nerves I think) and frankly plays a little simpler on the PP--not a bad thing in general but for our anemic PP having a cocky driver like Durzi is huge.

5. Re: the prospects, I think this forum is making a lot of 'straight-to-nhl' assumptions that I think could be a mistake. Personally, I kind of agree on Clarke, he's special and I think he's going to force some hands, but Faber straight to NHL would be a mistake, like spence, let him carve up his craft. And Walker/Roy will likely move left so there's space as depth before a trade.

I guess in short I think it's a mistake to hurrytrade one of these guys in the offseason JUST BECAUSE many of them exist. We saw this season that depth is a good problem and that opportunity exists. The right move has to come along. I'm not saying you're suggesting a panic trade, but a lot of people are acting like we HAVE to make a move NOW and I think trading for pennies on the dollar just because you CAN doesn't mean you should.

 

[Lt Dan]