GDT: 2022-23 season game 16 LA Kings vs Chicago Blackhawks @7:30pm

[Rick Knickleback]

When QB comes back, I wouldn't mind seeing Kupari on wing somewhere in the lineup.

I feel like this is at least part of the answer to the glut once AI comes back.

 

[johnjm22]

I feel like this is at least part of the answer to the glut once AI comes back.

Most likely he'll be sent to Ontario though.

 

[ibleedkings]

When QB comes back, I wouldn't mind seeing Kupari on wing somewhere in the lineup.

Lemiuex wound have to sit which I’m fine with.

 

[YAYSAY]

Lemiuex wound have to sit which I’m fine with.

Yeah I was gonna say sit Lemiuex and move Grundy down.

I'd really like to see Iafallo-Byfield-Vilardi reunited but that would make Kopitar close to worthless. At least there are a lot of parts to move around there--Fiala, Kempe, Iafallo, Vilardi for Kopitar and Byfield. Even Grundstrom may work in there a bit, he's worked well with Byfield in the past.

Maybe something like
Iafallo-Kopitar-Vilardi
Moore-Danault-Arvy
Fiala-Byfield-Kempe

But I feel like Kopitar-Vilardi do need a speedster of some sort to create chaos so that's tough. Hopefully Iafallo comes back as strong as he was to start the season...



Oh no I agree, I think there are some positive signs.

I meant more of the crush the game at even strength but struggle because of special teams results thing.

If you recall last year we were the only non-lottery team that had BOTH PK and PP in the bottom tier. Most teams were at least great at one or the other if not both.

We are currently 19th on the PK so that's better, but near last on the PP again. IF we aren't gonna get the PP going, the PK needs to be near league best again...but that comes down to the team identity.

Hopefully they don't rush Iafallo back, would be a repeat of last year. Started off looking really good, then got hurt and came back before he was fully healed and was not nearly as effective and often a detriment.

 

[Cianide]

I get why you're upset but Vilardi doesn't have the wheels to keep up in 3-3 hockey so I'm with TM on that note

I disagree. Gabe can be dominant in ot.

 

[kilowatt]

Kempe - Kopitar - Vilardi
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson
Fiala - Byfield - Kupari
Iafallo - Lizotte - Kaliyev

When Iafallo and Byfield come back, I don’t see any way to include Kupari and Grundstrom in the lineup together. We’ve got at least 13 guys who deserve playing time, and Lemieux and JAD to boot.

Feel bad for JAD, we’ve just got too many good forwards.

I disagree. Gabe can be dominant in ot.

Durzi plays in OT so the wheels argument is moot

 

[johnjm22]

Hawks should trade us Mrazek for Petersen.

Cal will do a better job helping them with the tank.

 

[The Butcher]

To me, it looked like she was trying to get a bigger piece on her fork, but it wasn't happening. Instead of wasting more air time, she just ate what little she was able to get. Thankfully, with the win in OT, that's all I feel the need to comment on.

She literally took no bite at all then pretended to talk with her mouth full. This is a hill I'm willing to die on, folks.

 

[Sol]

I think strangely enough we need Iafallo back so Kopitar can get his lover-boy back and Gabe the Babe can get some better linemates who are more off the rush creative rather than the slow grind cycle that Kopitar requires

 

[AbsentMojo]

Feel bad for JAD, we’ve just got too many good forwards.

JAD doesnt have a future here. The fwd pipeline is overstocked and he doesnt have enough upside. He needs to be moved for his sake and the teams... maybe could get a 3rd rounder for him?

 

[AbsentMojo]

I think strangely enough we need Iafallo back so Kopitar can get his lover-boy back and Gabe the Babe can get some better linemates who are more off the rush creative rather than the slow grind cycle that Kopitar requires

I agree putting GV back on the 3rd line would be good - and Iafallo gives Kopi someone predictable and hard working.. Then GV could get better matchups and pot more goals working with Fiala and whoever at center.

 

[HookKing]

JAD doesnt have a future here. The fwd pipeline is overstocked and he doesnt have enough upside. He needs to be moved for his sake and the teams... maybe could get a 3rd rounder for him?

No way he's worth a 3rd. If Blake can get anything for him at all he should do it or put him on waivers -- he needs a chance to play somewhere else.

 

[Cianide]

I think strangely enough we need Iafallo back so Kopitar can get his lover-boy back and Gabe the Babe can get some better linemates who are more off the rush creative rather than the slow grind cycle that Kopitar requires

Why do you think Kopitar requires slow grind cycle players? Isn't Kopitar thriving off of vilardi? Agreed, vilardi would benefit from faster players but come on.

 

[johnjm22]

I think this talk of taking Vilardi off Kopitar's wing is insane.

It's WORKING. For both of them. Leave it.

 

[King'sPawn]

I think this talk of taking Vilardi off Kopitar's wing is insane.

It's WORKING. For both of them. Leave it.

Yup. Just in case people are forgetting - Adrian Kempe is second in TOI among all forwards on the Kings. 9 total points. Also second on PIM behind Brendan Lemieux.

There's a problem on the top line. It's last year's evidence that the Kings' developmental plan is JUST FINE.

 

[AbsentMojo]

I think this talk of taking Vilardi off Kopitar's wing is insane.

It's WORKING. For both of them. Leave it.

How is it working? on the 3rd line he had 5g8a in 11 games - with Kopi/Kempe its 2g0a pts in 5 games.

 

[Ollie Weeks]

I think strangely enough we need Iafallo back so Kopitar can get his lover-boy back and Gabe the Babe can get some better linemates who are more off the rush creative rather than the slow grind cycle that Kopitar requires

Disagree, though you are partially correct. Vilardi with his size, reach and hands thrives in the cycle. He, Kopi and Iafallo would be the line every pundit thought Kopi Kempe and Fiala would be.

Kempe is a finisher. He’s not finishing so he’s not contributing. Period. It’s hard to find a spot for him other than where he is. Long term he should be with Danault and Moore after Arvy is moved for cap space. Though it he were the piece that gets us that premium, top shelf LD I could learn to accept it.

Next year

Iafallo Kopi Vilardi
Kempe Danault Moore
Fiala Byfield Kaliyev
Don’t care Lizzotte Grundstrom

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

How is it working? on the 3rd line he had 5g8a in 11 games - with Kopi/Kempe its 2g0a pts in 5 games.

Yah, we all know Gabe is a 100-point player, but only if he doesn’t play with Kopi.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Yah, we all know Gabe is a 100-point player, but only if he doesn’t play with Kopi.

The fun thing is, we have all sorts of metrics that aren't far from that.

The Kopitar effect since the turn of the year is real no matter how much people want to put their heads in the sand.

It's Gabe elevating Kopitar and being dragged down by him, not the other way around. We can't expect him to do 20 minutes of heavy lifting like this all season.

 

[cyclones22]

This guy's better than Faust!

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

The fun thing is, we have all sorts of metrics that aren't far from that.

The Kopitar effect since the turn of the year is real no matter how much people want to put their heads in the sand.

It's Gabe elevating Kopitar and being dragged down by him, not the other way around. We can't expect him to do 20 minutes of heavy lifting like this all season.

View attachment 606729

Poor Vilardi, he’s doomed. Fiala has the last laugh.

Can we now return to our regular scheduled programming of ‘Kings can’t develop shit’?

 

[AbsentMojo]

The fun thing is, we have all sorts of metrics that aren't far from that.

The Kopitar effect since the turn of the year is real no matter how much people want to put their heads in the sand.

It's Gabe elevating Kopitar and being dragged down by him, not the other way around. We can't expect him to do 20 minutes of heavy lifting like this all season.

View attachment 606729

My main point is that Vilardi was having more success on the 3rd line... not that soley Kopi is dragging him down. I do think as you are validating that is partially the story... but what I think at least half the reason is the matchups on 3rd line are easier to play against.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

My main point is that Vilardi was having more success on the 3rd line... not that soley Kopi is dragging him down. I do think as you are validating that is partially the story... but what I think at least half the reason is the matchups on 3rd line are easier to play against.

I don't disagree at all.

I think he's being put in a tough spot, with the toughest matchups, dragging around a vet, all of whom are playing too many minutes. Add the schedule to that.

Same way I feel about Kopitar in that regard, could be much more effective when they aren't trying to make him smoke the whole pack.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Poor Vilardi, he’s doomed. Fiala has the last laugh.

Can we now return to our regular scheduled programming of ‘Kings can’t develop shit’?

No, because you can't handle the evidence without running for the hills, as you've done here.

And without the sarcasm it's not about Vilardi or Kopi are 'doomed' it's about managing their efforts, something that's been a consistent complaint from people who don't lick TM's boots, regardless of the players.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

No, because you can't handle the evidence without running for the hills, as you've done here.

And without the sarcasm it's not about Vilardi or Kopi are 'doomed' it's about managing their efforts, something that's been a consistent complaint from people who don't lick TM's boots, regardless of the players.

All people who are over-qualified to be an NHL coach. GTFO.