GDT: 2021-22 season WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS GAME 1 LA Kings vs Edmonton Oilers @7:00pm 5/2/22

[Sol]

Dude, check the scoreboard...we won. Have a couple beers, stop crying.

I’m happy we did and a big part of why we won was because Kopitar was out there for 25 minutes my concern is that we might not see this version of Kopitar every game because of his age and time on ice. I’m very happy we won one game but I’m also concerned more of how the Kings win this series. In strategy you don’t look at the present , you also look to see what might happen in the future, I think it’s not a good strategy for the remainder of this series to work Kopitar to death because we won’t likely see this version of him with this much ice time. Unless he’s fine then that’s a different story. But I think a lot of people including me have seen icetime seriously hamper him when he’s played too much.

Draisaitl and McDavid have a bunch of years on Kopitar. They’re in their prime, Kopitar is in the twilight of his career. Todd has to recognize that but I think he’d rather run them into the ground than give other players a chance while keeping Kopitars play at a high level by reducing his icetime.

If you’ve ever played sports then you should know how different you play when you’re exhausted. It was night and day for me. I’d be arguably the best player on the field, and when I was exhausted I was pretty bad in my opinion. Your coordination and ability just plummets. And you start dogging it when you have possession because you’re looking to either get rid of the puck or ball or whatever so you can catch your breath.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

I’m happy we did and a big part of why we won was because Kopitar was out there for 25 minutes my concern is that we might not see this version of Kopitar every game because of his age and time on ice. I’m very happy we won one game but I’m also concerned more of how the Kings win this series. In strategy you don’t look at the present , you also look to see what might happen in the future, I think it’s not a good strategy for the remainder of this series to work Kopitar to death because we won’t likely see this version of him with this much ice time. Unless he’s fine then that’s a different story. But I think a lot of people including me have seen icetime seriously hamper him when he’s played too much.

Draisaitl and McDavid have a bunch of years on Kopitar. They’re in their prime, Kopitar is in the twilight of his career. Todd has to recognize that but I think he’d rather run them into the ground than give other players a chance while keeping Kopitars play at a high level by reducing his icetime.

If you’ve ever played sports then you should know how different you play when you’re exhausted. It was night and day for me. I’d be arguably the best player on the field, and when I was exhausted I was pretty bad in my opinion. Your coordination and ability just plummets.

As soon as I get TM's balls out of my mouth, I will relay your concerns to him...I'm sure it will be a real revelation for him.

 

[Telos]

It's tough, I don't see how to avoid it, I think TMac has to rely heavily on Kopitar and Danault and ride them for dear life to the finish line. Lizotte was skating his ass off, but Edmonton is waiting for him or Byfield to be on the ice and are trying to get McDavid out there ASAP to exploit them. The mismatch is very real. Our bottom 6 fairs alright against theirs, but man are they in trouble fast if we aren't able to get the change off...

 

[Sol]

As soon as I get TM's balls out of my mouth, I will relay your concerns to him...I'm sure it will be a real revelation for him.

It probably will be a revelation for you but I don’t think you have any plans of stopping any time soon

 

[KingsFan7824]

He’s 35 playing a ton of minutes. Kopitar has shown a lot of signs of wear this season. Those who aren’t throating Todd at every corner see it. Tilt your head up a bit and you can see while Kopitar was great he was already gassed the third period. No one said Kopitar played bad but you can’t keep deploying him like that. Just read what others are saying about his ice time. Just because it worked doesn’t mean it’s the right solution. It’s temporary. And when Kopitar is worn out then what?

Kopitar did look great no doubting that. Either he really dragged ass for the playoffs or the rest before game one really helped him. I don’t remember Kopitar ever being the type of player to take games off so if he’s doing that now then that’s new and understandable.

If TM is terrified to put anyone else out there against the twins other than AK and PD, then they're going to get a bunch of time, especially in Edm. You do what ya gotta do in the moment, live to fight another day, and worry about whatever else when you're done. If you can get out to a 2 or 3 game lead, maybe you don't have to worry as much. It's a sprint to 4 wins every rd.

 

[Sol]

It's tough, I don't see how to avoid it, I think TMac has to rely heavily on Kopitar and Danault and ride them for dear life to the finish line. Lizotte was skating his ass off, but Edmonton is waiting for him or Byfield to be on the ice and are trying to get McDavid out there ASAP to exploit them. The mismatch is very real. Our bottom 6 fairs alright against theirs, but man are they in trouble fast if we aren't able to get the change off...

I’d be okay if this situation was unique to the series but he’s been doing this through out the regular season.

 

[Cheech89]

It probably will be a revelation for you but I don’t think you have any plans of stopping any time soon

What an awful joke. Lol. Original post was self-deprecating and funny, this as a follow up is terrible. smh

Post automatically merged: May 3, 2022

I’m happy we did and a big part of why we won was because Kopitar was out there for 25 minutes my concern is that we might not see this version of Kopitar every game because of his age and time on ice. I’m very happy we won one game but I’m also concerned more of how the Kings win this series. In strategy you don’t look at the present , you also look to see what might happen in the future, I think it’s not a good strategy for the remainder of this series to work Kopitar to death because we won’t likely see this version of him with this much ice time. Unless he’s fine then that’s a different story. But I think a lot of people including me have seen icetime seriously hamper him when he’s played too much.

Draisaitl and McDavid have a bunch of years on Kopitar. They’re in their prime, Kopitar is in the twilight of his career. Todd has to recognize that but I think he’d rather run them into the ground than give other players a chance while keeping Kopitars play at a high level by reducing his icetime.

If you’ve ever played sports then you should know how different you play when you’re exhausted. It was night and day for me. I’d be arguably the best player on the field, and when I was exhausted I was pretty bad in my opinion. Your coordination and ability just plummets. And you start dogging it when you have possession because you’re looking to either get rid of the puck or ball or whatever so you can catch your breath.

I thought Kopi had a great game, tired or not. He shut it down 5 on 5, took the body all game and created some chances.
It’s the playoffs, he’ll have all summer to recover. Play him and let the kids watch, learn, and replicate when they get their chance. I agree with most here that Ice
Time will look different when Arvy gets back and on home Ice.

 

[shuchukfan]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that the Kings weren't making it easy for Smith to play the puck last night. I'm pretty sure that what contributed to that huge giveaway in the 3rd because you just know he was itching to show off and make a play.

 

[KingsFan7824]

I’m happy we did and a big part of why we won was because Kopitar was out there for 25 minutes my concern is that we might not see this version of Kopitar every game because of his age and time on ice. I’m very happy we won one game but I’m also concerned more of how the Kings win this series. In strategy you don’t look at the present , you also look to see what might happen in the future, I think it’s not a good strategy for the remainder of this series to work Kopitar to death because we won’t likely see this version of him with this much ice time. Unless he’s fine then that’s a different story. But I think a lot of people including me have seen icetime seriously hamper him when he’s played too much.

Draisaitl and McDavid have a bunch of years on Kopitar. They’re in their prime, Kopitar is in the twilight of his career. Todd has to recognize that but I think he’d rather run them into the ground than give other players a chance while keeping Kopitars play at a high level by reducing his icetime.

If you’ve ever played sports then you should know how different you play when you’re exhausted. It was night and day for me. I’d be arguably the best player on the field, and when I was exhausted I was pretty bad in my opinion. Your coordination and ability just plummets. And you start dogging it when you have possession because you’re looking to either get rid of the puck or ball or whatever so you can catch your breath.

You don't have time for strategy. The playoffs are game to game. I figured his ice time would be cut with Danault during the season, but it wasn't, and looks like it isn't going to be in the playoffs. Probably even at home. That's how it's going to go. No fan reaction is going to change it. Grab a beer and see how it goes.

 

[Sol]

You don't have time for strategy. The playoffs are game to game. I figured his ice time would be cut with Danault during the season, but it wasn't, and looks like it isn't going to be in the playoffs. Probably even at home. That's how it's going to go. No fan reaction is going to change it. Grab a beer and see how it goes.

You absolutely have time for strategy…

 

[KingsFan7824]

You absolutely have time for strategy…

No, you have 7 games to win 4. During the season, yes. Who knows why Kopitar has to play every damn minute. During the playoffs, you need to win the next game. 6 games from now, you cross that bridge when you get there. The playoffs are a marathon, but you're not guaranteed any more than 4 games. Sweep a team and you get a week off.

 

[BigKing]

You absolutely have time for strategy…

There aren't any other centers to roll out there so this is going to be the way it is.

We're past worrying about Kopitar's minutes now: the time to worry about that was during the regular season so he'd be fresher at this point.

The Kings got 99 points this year with a +3 goal differential and 11 loser points. It was mostly skin of their teeth type shit and it's going to be the same now: playing Byfield or Lizotte more--and especially on the road--isn't going to get it done.

The key is the same as it was going in: play their 5 on 5 game and don't take too many penalties. Get great goaltending from Quick while staying out of the box and the Kings have a shot. There is a reason why they are underdogs. They have to ride 11/24 in to the ground and it might be too much for Kopitar. We're going to find out.

I will say this about riding Kopitar: that's a guy that gets a lot more leeway with the officials when it comes to having penalties called on him. Drai just forgets how to skate around Byfield and the rookie is going to the box. Kopitar was on guys like a cheap suit last night and it's okay because he's Selke Kopitar. Danault has the same thing going on for him as well. Pretty important when staying off the PK is more important for the Kings than most other teams.

 

[KINGS17]

It's tough, I don't see how to avoid it, I think TMac has to rely heavily on Kopitar and Danault and ride them for dear life to the finish line. Lizotte was skating his ass off, but Edmonton is waiting for him or Byfield to be on the ice and are trying to get McDavid out there ASAP to exploit them. The mismatch is very real. Our bottom 6 fairs alright against theirs, but man are they in trouble fast if we aren't able to get the change off...

I understand with the Kings in the playoffs for the first time in a long while everyone wants to win, but is that really the purpose of these playoffs?

They need to play Byfield more to get him some experience in these type of situations. These are the kind of games that can accelerate the progress of a kid on the learning curve quite a bit. Same goes for Kaliyev. These guys need to play.

 

[KingsHockey24]

I convinced my boss to give me tomorrow off if I came in early on Friday to see him.

EZ Win.

Lets make it 2-0 shall we?

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

I understand with the Kings in the playoffs for the first time in a long while everyone wants to win, but is that really the purpose of these playoffs?

Is winning really the purpose of the playoffs?? Is this the f***ing Twilight Zone or what....

 

[Master Yoda]

I understand with the Kings in the playoffs for the first time in a long while everyone wants to win, but is that really the purpose of these playoffs?

They need to play Byfield more to get him some experience in these type of situations. These are the kind of games that can accelerate the progress of a kid on the learning curve quite a bit. Same goes for Kaliyev. These guys need to play.

The purpose is to win.
But if they can't/don't play these guys, that would mean Kopitar would be playing 22+ minutes every night. That's not sustainable, and if they do that they're not winning more than 1 round anyways.
That's not to say that a deep run is expected, but eventually the kids have to play more than 5 minutes.

 

[Fishhead]

I understand with the Kings in the playoffs for the first time in a long while everyone wants to win, but is that really the purpose of these playoffs?

They need to play Byfield more to get him some experience in these type of situations. These are the kind of games that can accelerate the progress of a kid on the learning curve quite a bit. Same goes for Kaliyev. These guys need to play.

I get this. But I also get that getting creamed against a poor matchup doesn't do a player any good. Byfield and Kaliyev were overmatched last night, even though they looked OK at times. They were bleeding shots and high danger chances against in limited time.

I'm hoping situations arise at home where they can get some better time and matchups. I also think Vilardi and Kupari outplayed both of them down the stretch, and I hope they get at least a game in too. Rotating some of the young guys in and out isn't going to have a huge effect with the minutes they are getting, so get them that experience.

All that little stuff aside, I think we know that ultimately winning a round is huge financially and that's what's going to count after this dry spell.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I get 'why' on the playing time last night but it needs to be ever-increasing. I don't care if you get last change, 5 minutes is a sign of bad coaching/in-game adjustments, not sheltering. Thats an inability to escape matchups. Even if you stack their minutes--which isn't an accurate assessment becasue both were on the ice at the same time for extended periods on special teams especially--mcdavid and draisaitl only played 44 minutes. That's 16 minutes to find time for a bottom six.

Both Byfield and Kaliyev--as well as Spence--looked better and better as the game went along. They had MAJOR jitters in the first, but I'd also argue they learned a lot and got up to speed pretty quickly. Kaliyev in particular looked completely in control late in the game. Those depth matchups will be important. So sure, take care the first two games, but use them heavily at home.

I also wouldn't say they 'got creamed', the percentages look bad because they got such little ice time. Hell a couple more shots for Byfield and hes suddenly the team advanced stats leader by percentages. Would anyone let me call him dominant if that were the case? of course not they'd be slamming the tiny sample size rightfully.

But more than all that like I said earlier, easiest way to increaes their icetime and soften Kopitar's load is to start PP2 instead of giving them the scraps of the last 20 seconds.

 

[Peter James Bond III]

It's tough, I don't see how to avoid it, I think TMac has to rely heavily on Kopitar and Danault and ride them for dear life to the finish line. Lizotte was skating his ass off, but Edmonton is waiting for him or Byfield to be on the ice and are trying to get McDavid out there ASAP to exploit them. The mismatch is very real. Our bottom 6 fairs alright against theirs, but man are they in trouble fast if we aren't able to get the change off...

The only young forward that could cover McD or Drai would be Kupari....especially if you told him that was your assignment, period. And for him to play physical. He's at his best, when he plays physical. Plus, he's a great penalty killer. He and Danault had 2, 2 on 1's the last game of the year on the PK.
Could have him cover Kane, if you don't want to give him McD or Drai and can certainly use him on the PK.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Oh man, havne't seen a straight up shadow since the 90s, that would be epic hahaha

I have no issues with putting Kupari in and using him in checking and on the PK.

I think the lineup was totally screwed up by Arvidsson's absence.

 

[KingsFan7824]

I understand with the Kings in the playoffs for the first time in a long while everyone wants to win, but is that really the purpose of these playoffs?

They need to play Byfield more to get him some experience in these type of situations. These are the kind of games that can accelerate the progress of a kid on the learning curve quite a bit. Same goes for Kaliyev. These guys need to play.

The realistic expectation as a fan with this team shouldn't be the Cup, but you can't be asking if the purpose of these playoffs is to win or not. Of course it is. I can't imagine there's anyone on the roster that would trade a Cup this year for minutes in the 1st rd. And every guy is playing for the Cup.

This experience/minutes/development/when you're supposed to win and when you're not pseudo-management stuff is way out of hand if there's any questions of whether or not a team in the playoffs should be doing all it can to win right now.

Say the Kings somehow win the whole thing. For fun. Even if Byfield becomes a consistent 90pt C, this year could be the only time he gets to the Final in his whole career.

For the guys on this team right now, yes, this is about winning, at any cost. Current health, future development, whatever. You think Danault is in that locker room giving any single damn about the 24-25 season? You're out of your mind.

 

[johnjm22]

Throughout his career, Iafallo has been a top notch defensive forward.

In theory, once Arvidsson comes back, moving AI down to Byfield's wing should allow that line to get more TOI by making it more defensively reliable.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

The realistic expectation as a fan with this team shouldn't be the Cup, but you can't be asking if the purpose of these playoffs is to win or not. Of course it is. I can't imagine there's anyone on the roster that would trade a Cup this year for minutes in the 1st rd. And every guy is playing for the Cup.

This experience/minutes/development/when you're supposed to win and when you're not pseudo-management stuff is way out of hand if there's any questions of whether or not a team in the playoffs should be doing all it can to win right now.

Say the Kings somehow win the whole thing. For fun. Even if Byfield becomes a consistent 90pt C, this year could be the only time he gets to the Final in his whole career.

For the guys on this team right now, yes, this is about winning, at any cost. Current health, future development, whatever. You think Danault is in that locker room giving any single damn about the 24-25 season? You're out of your mind.

I just don't understand why people see it as this crazy all or nothing proposition, though. If Byfield playing more than 5 minutes and Lemieux playing more than 3 minutes means we lose by whatever crystal ball you're using, then put someone else in the lineup. Play 11-7. Change Kupari out. Who cares. The complaint is having tools at your disposal and misusing them time after time. I've posted easy enough solutions above.

The macro-complaint, of course, is always kicking the can down the road by saying 'the kids aren't ready.' So we aren't going to play them midseason when were out of the playoff race. We can't play them now when we're heating up. We can't play them now because we need every point. We can't play them now because we're in the playoffs. At what point do you just need to have some confidence and creative coaching to squeeze a few more minutes out of your depth and a few fewer minutes out of your top six? We were in charge of the game at 5v5, and it was pretty easy to see a shift pattern develop even from the comfort of my couch.

So sure, we won game 1, probably gassed the top sixers on both teams a bit--later in the series when depth is important you only hope that the single digit minutes you've given your depth are enough to sharpen them for the challenge. And then of course at that point you just pray the self fulfilling prophecy of "see? told you the kids aren't ready" isn't true because you didn't play them all season so of course they're not f***ing prepared.

 

[johnjm22]

Call me crazy, but the Kings should consider moving Grundstrom or Kaliyev to the 2nd line, and move Iafallo and Arvidsson to Byfield's wings.

Surrounding QB with two vets creates a third line that should be able take up more TOI.

Whoever plays with Danault/Moore seems to excel, and these two guys can makeup for whatever defensive shortcomings Grundy or Kaliyev have.

Arvidsson can intermittently take shifts on the 2nd and 1st line so he still gets his ice time.

Re-unite Lemieux and Lizotte on the 4th line. The two were great together this year.

AA-Kopitar-Kempe
Moore-Danault-Grundstrom/Kaliyev
Iafallo-Byfield-Arvidsson
Lemieux-Lizotte-Brown

 

[KINGS17]

The realistic expectation as a fan with this team shouldn't be the Cup, but you can't be asking if the purpose of these playoffs is to win or not. Of course it is. I can't imagine there's anyone on the roster that would trade a Cup this year for minutes in the 1st rd. And every guy is playing for the Cup.

This experience/minutes/development/when you're supposed to win and when you're not pseudo-management stuff is way out of hand if there's any questions of whether or not a team in the playoffs should be doing all it can to win right now.

Say the Kings somehow win the whole thing. For fun. Even if Byfield becomes a consistent 90pt C, this year could be the only time he gets to the Final in his whole career.

For the guys on this team right now, yes, this is about winning, at any cost. Current health, future development, whatever. You think Danault is in that locker room giving any single damn about the 24-25 season? You're out of your mind.

How they win is more important at this time.