GDT: 2022-23 season game 53 LA Kings vs Carolina Hurricanes @4:00pm 1/31/23

[LAKings88]

I hate that the narrative about last night's loss turned into the comeback. If they had won talk of the Kings would have been different in media. Deserved what they get I guess.

 

[bland]

So how has Fiala actually made this team "better"?

If anything its been problematic. Forget what they gave up to get him for a second and look at the reality of what has transpired since that acquisition.

A team that overachieved last year while coming out of the asset collection phase of a rebuild suddenly thought it was better than it was and spent the first quarter of the season playing like they thought they were the Harlem Globetrotters. The defensive approach that allowed them to prosper into the playoffs last year went out the window and they finished second best in a whole lot of races to score goals.

There is nothing wrong with Fiala, he is an outstanding player who is still improving. The issue is that for two years in a row the veteran acquisitions have artificially sped up the timeline for expected results. This team isn't ready to contend yet. Too many square pegs trying to figure out if they would be better as parrallegrams or rhombuses.

They don't need Chychrun, a goalie or a Gavrikov. They aren't going to win a round. Not ready to lock it down, not ready to hold leads. But the skill on display from the new guys and the last embers of the fading vets is making folks think that maybe it is time to start parting with top picks and prospects to "get in and see what happens".

People need to understand that a full rebuild is actually a luxury. It only comes around every couple of decades. Enjoy the process, don't worry about losing to the Canes or dropping in points percentage as long as the kids keep working their way into the league.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Imagine how you'll feel when you discover he also threw in Kaliyev.

And he throws in Fiala too! Lolz!!!!

 

[LAKings88]

So how has Fiala actually made this team "better"?

If anything its been problematic. Forget what they gave up to get him for a second and look at the reality of what has transpired since that acquisition.

A team that overachieved last year while coming out of the asset collection phase of a rebuild suddenly thought it was better than it was and spent the first quarter of the season playing like they thought they were the Harlem Globetrotters. The defensive approach that allowed them to prosper into the playoffs last year went out the window and they finished second best in a whole lot of races to score goals.

There is nothing wrong with Fiala, he is an outstanding player who is still improving. The issue is that for two years in a row the veteran acquisitions have artificially sped up the timeline for expected results. This team isn't ready to contend yet. Too many square pegs trying to figure out if they would be better as parrallegrams or rhombuses.

They don't need Chychrun, a goalie or a Gavrikov. They aren't going to win a round. Not ready to lock it down, not ready to hold leads. But the skill on display from the new guys and the last embers of the fading vets is making folks think that maybe it is time to start parting with top picks and prospects to "get in and see what happens".

People need to understand that a full rebuild is actually a luxury. It only comes around every couple of decades. Enjoy the process, don't worry about losing to the Canes or dropping in points percentage as long as the kids keep working their way into the league.

I agree to a point but there is also no guarantee those kids will amount to anything. Or not anything for another five years. It's a balance. Build something that last but also be in the moment. Whether they drop a few points after the break is something we will see, they are still in the pack and are a good team in spite of the adversity they have faced. they have been without a whole line too not just goaltending. You gotta play the games. I'm starting to think you take enjoyment in every game. Not only when it really matters in the playoffs.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

So how has Fiala actually made this team "better"?

Last season, the team was #20th overall in GF. This season, so far, they are in the top ten. Fiala leads the team in points.

Did you want Fiala to play goal as well?

 

[DoktorJeep]

If you look up high floor, low ceiling in the dictionary, you see a picture of the Kings #2 in the division and -10 in goal differential.

 

[Bandit]

as long as the kids keep working their way into the league.

And here's the problem...

 

[YAYSAY]

So how has Fiala actually made this team "better"?

If anything its been problematic. Forget what they gave up to get him for a second and look at the reality of what has transpired since that acquisition.

A team that overachieved last year while coming out of the asset collection phase of a rebuild suddenly thought it was better than it was and spent the first quarter of the season playing like they thought they were the Harlem Globetrotters. The defensive approach that allowed them to prosper into the playoffs last year went out the window and they finished second best in a whole lot of races to score goals.

There is nothing wrong with Fiala, he is an outstanding player who is still improving. The issue is that for two years in a row the veteran acquisitions have artificially sped up the timeline for expected results. This team isn't ready to contend yet. Too many square pegs trying to figure out if they would be better as parrallegrams or rhombuses.

They don't need Chychrun, a goalie or a Gavrikov. They aren't going to win a round. Not ready to lock it down, not ready to hold leads. But the skill on display from the new guys and the last embers of the fading vets is making folks think that maybe it is time to start parting with top picks and prospects to "get in and see what happens".

People need to understand that a full rebuild is actually a luxury. It only comes around every couple of decades. Enjoy the process, don't worry about losing to the Canes or dropping in points percentage as long as the kids keep working their way into the league.

Fiala has absolutely made the team better in certain aspects. Our offense has taken a step forward and is one of the best in the league. Our defense has taken a step backward from last season but even last season they weren't one of the best in the league and the Fiala trade didn't really impact that as Faber wasn't gonna play this season anyway. Eventually you have to trade potential assets for actual assets, and Blake made arguably one of the best trade and signs in the past few years. I can't even really fault the kids usage much in terms of the forwards, not perfect but much better than last season.
Fiala is doing his job, it's up to Blake to do his and improve the D and goaltending.

 

[onlyalad]

Kings are in 1st and 4th at the same time. Pacific is crazy

 

[ScoreZeGoals]

The Fiala trade was a good move, period. Blake ignoring other glaring issues on the roster doesn't mean Fiala's playmaking wasn't also needed

 

[Bandit]

The Fiala trade was a good move, period. Blake ignoring other glaring issues on the roster doesn't mean Fiala's playmaking wasn't also needed

Maybe.

Say the Kings don't get Fiala. Byfield or Vilardi starts the year on the top line instead of being buried in shittsville with Blake Lizotte and Carl Grundstrom. Is that better of rthe team in the long term? Quite possibly.

I'm not gonna lie, Fiala has been fun to watch, but I'm not convinced the Kings wouldn't be better off in the long run without him.

 

[mysterman2]

I'm not gonna lie, Fiala has been fun to watch, but I'm not convinced the Kings wouldn't be better off in the long run without him.

Fiala looks to me like a guy who will always be able to generate no matter who he plays with- at his age not sure how they are better without him. bird in the hand...

 

[KINGS17]

Some do....quite often....no one is saying last night was a "good" look......I'm just saying the team played well enough to hang and should have beaten a Carolina team one of the best in the league....if that's not a good thing, tell me what is please

Q: What is a good thing when leading after two periods?
A: Winning the game in regulation.

This is a laser guided, results oriented business, not horseshoes.

Horseshoes is for teams who don't claim to be contenders. The Kings are the epitome of a black hole organizaton. In today's NHL there are only three places you want to be:

1. Contending
2. Young and on your way up.
3. Tearing it apart and rebuilding.

The one you don't want to see is treading water.

 

[Surf Nutz]

Here's the difference, I know that this problem is not an LA King problem, it's a PRO SPORTS problem........here's what I also know, I DON'T HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION I NEED AT HAND, TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION OF WHY OR WHY NOT CERTAIN DECISIONS ARE MADE.

Having said that, I agree, Bjornfoot should be playing, I disagree that Walker should not, he's been fine, Durzi is a dynamic player, everyone gushes over Fialia (rightfully so) Durzi is in the same damn mold....so do you take that player out of the game? No...you find a way to play him, they did that, he's been fine, has he had brain farts, absolutely, show me a player in the league that hasn't.

I would rather play Lemieux than Fagemo right now, Fagemo needs more seasoning, I think Turcotte is going to be just fine, and if that means centering the 4th line, off and on, so be it....he's played pretty damn well in that role and there is nothing wrong with him getting his legs under him in a non pressure role like this...

I think when everyone gets healthy you are gonna see moves being made, but the teams depth right now, is at an all time high, when you are missing 3 top six players, and don't miss a beat, that's a good thing, but that's also why there is a supposed logjam on D, imagine, this scenario, Doughty, Andersson, Durzi, Roy, Edler, Walker.....with Bjornfoot and Spence in the minors.....because we want to make room, we trade Walker, Durzi....Bjornfoot, Spence comes up....and Andersson, Roy, and Doughy all go down with 2-3-4 month injuries.....what then? Why in the f*** would you create LESS depth anywhere.....when you don't have to....at all....

The choir thinks it is like badminton, injuries are rare and unlikely. They need to stop playing chess because injuries occur way more than they know, some major, some minor , some reported some hidden.

It’s going to suck big time when Blake chooses to trade Spence instead of Durzi, Roy, or Walker.

He won't trade Spence unless there is a very significant return.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Maybe.

Say the Kings don't get Fiala. Byfield or Vilardi starts the year on the top line instead of being buried in shittsville with Blake Lizotte and Carl Grundstrom. Is that better of rthe team in the long term? Quite possibly.

I'm not gonna lie, Fiala has been fun to watch, but I'm not convinced the Kings wouldn't be better off in the long run without him.

Your golden boy Byfield cost us the game last night by flipping the puck in the stands. He should be demoted to 4th line for that.

 

[AbsentMojo]

So how has Fiala actually made this team "better"?

I thumbs up your post, but I disagree with this starting premise somewhat...Locking in a guy this age, this good is a win regardless how it impacts this years wins and losses. He's just starting to peak. Blake has over built the forwards at the expense of the D and G - so its a work in progress which is acceptable IF he's treating this as a rebuild - which he is not. So I agree if you are trying to contend THIS year, Fiala did not move the needle at all (since other needs were not addressed). The roster is in no condition to contend 4 rounds. 3rd string goalie with nothing better to back him up - thats like going into a knife fight with a pea shooter.. just that alone should shift the focus to development more than contend.

 

[Surf Nutz]

So how has Fiala actually made this team "better"?

If anything its been problematic. Forget what they gave up to get him for a second and look at the reality of what has transpired since that acquisition.

A team that overachieved last year while coming out of the asset collection phase of a rebuild suddenly thought it was better than it was and spent the first quarter of the season playing like they thought they were the Harlem Globetrotters. The defensive approach that allowed them to prosper into the playoffs last year went out the window and they finished second best in a whole lot of races to score goals.

There is nothing wrong with Fiala, he is an outstanding player who is still improving. The issue is that for two years in a row the veteran acquisitions have artificially sped up the timeline for expected results. This team isn't ready to contend yet. Too many square pegs trying to figure out if they would be better as parrallegrams or rhombuses.

They don't need Chychrun, a goalie or a Gavrikov. They aren't going to win a round. Not ready to lock it down, not ready to hold leads. But the skill on display from the new guys and the last embers of the fading vets is making folks think that maybe it is time to start parting with top picks and prospects to "get in and see what happens".

People need to understand that a full rebuild is actually a luxury. It only comes around every couple of decades. Enjoy the process, don't worry about losing to the Canes or dropping in points percentage as long as the kids keep working their way into the league.

Sure the Kings put the pedal to the metal to see what the motor can do.
Now they are pumping the breaks and driving in a controlled manner.
They need a new pad on the left side and the emergency brakes replaced.
Then they will be in the race!
Players like Fiala being let go at that age are the added horsepower that is practically never is availible.
You make that move to get and lock him up every. single. time.
The takes on here are way too critical of Pit Boss Rob Blake.
He is building a potential winner methodically.
Guys on here think injuries don't occur and there is no learning curve for young players.
It is ridiculous!
Ladies, gentlemen and transsexuals, our top two goaltenders played like ECHLers and we lost four forwards in the last month and a half.
You bring kids into a winning team , a building team, a team that is making the playoffs for the best integration possible.
You error on the side of caution when breaking new players into the league so you don't ruin them like the Edmoantown Spolilers has done so many times.
I back the Kings to keep improving into a contender as long as Goaltending gets a rebuild.
If you wanna see a truly bad performance look at your 401 k and what you invested in this season.

 

[bland]

I thumbs up your post, but I disagree with this starting premise somewhat...Locking in a guy this age, this good is a win regardless how it impacts this years wins and losses. He's just starting to peak. Blake has over built the forwards at the expense of the D and G - so its a work in progress which is acceptable IF he's treating this as a rebuild - which he is not. So I agree if you are trying to contend THIS year, Fiala did not move the needle at all (since other needs were not addressed). The roster is in no condition to contend 4 rounds. 3rd string goalie with nothing better to back him up - thats like going into a knife fight with a pea shooter.. just that alone should shift the focus to development more than contend.

Point is that Fiala's particular needle didn't need to be moved at all. There is PLENTY of untapped offense here - too much even - that they need to gauge - every stinking year there is top talent available and making that move too early is changing the perspective of the players that need time to grow into their roles.

Its a half step out of the rebuild and a half step into contention. Was the team really ready for either?

This is a big picture issue, doesn't surprise me that the usual suspects who can't see much don't get it.

Its like throwing a bone with one bite of meat on it to the vets. Are they being considered or just patronized? They aren't going anywhere any time soon with this roster alignment and need way too much to get over the next hump.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Point is that Fiala's particular needle didn't need to be moved at all. There is PLENTY of untapped offense here - too much even - that they need to gauge - every stinking year there is top talent available and making that move too early is changing the perspective of the players that need time to grow into their roles.

Its a half step out of the rebuild and a half step into contention. Was the team really ready for either?

This is a big picture issue, doesn't surprise me that the usual suspects who can't see much don't get it.

Its like throwing a bone with one bite of meat on it to the vets. Are they being considered or just patronized? They aren't going anywhere any time soon with this roster alignment and need way too much to get over the next hump.

Yes 100% -I made a similar post awhile ago regarding the vision is schizo.. half contend/half rebuild which most likely nets you a mess in the end.. and I do think Blake is trying to please too many people, Cup-vets, Coach, Fans and Players.. no way to please them all and succeed building a team.. but I dont think many GMs would concede this year as rebuild after getting to the 1st round last year.. so I agree with your other point regarding the focus/expectations might be wrong and impeded more development. Still - its not a disaster until value is lost .. Fiala is a fine asset if you move another forward like Iafallo or RV for D.. and use JQ money for a goalie. You can be OK in the end.

 

[Statto]

Here's the difference, I know that this problem is not an LA King problem, it's a PRO SPORTS problem........here's what I also know, I DON'T HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION I NEED AT HAND, TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION OF WHY OR WHY NOT CERTAIN DECISIONS ARE MADE.

Having said that, I agree, Bjornfoot should be playing, I disagree that Walker should not, he's been fine, Durzi is a dynamic player, everyone gushes over Fialia (rightfully so) Durzi is in the same damn mold....so do you take that player out of the game? No...you find a way to play him, they did that, he's been fine, has he had brain farts, absolutely, show me a player in the league that hasn't.

I would rather play Lemieux than Fagemo right now, Fagemo needs more seasoning, I think Turcotte is going to be just fine, and if that means centering the 4th line, off and on, so be it....he's played pretty damn well in that role and there is nothing wrong with him getting his legs under him in a non pressure role like this...

I think when everyone gets healthy you are gonna see moves being made, but the teams depth right now, is at an all time high, when you are missing 3 top six players, and don't miss a beat, that's a good thing, but that's also why there is a supposed logjam on D, imagine, this scenario, Doughty, Andersson, Durzi, Roy, Edler, Walker.....with Bjornfoot and Spence in the minors.....because we want to make room, we trade Walker, Durzi....Bjornfoot, Spence comes up....and Andersson, Roy, and Doughy all go down with 2-3-4 month injuries.....what then? Why in the f*** would you create LESS depth anywhere.....when you don't have to....at all....

I don’t disagree massively given where we are now. I would liked to have seen it handled differently earlier in the season but it’s done now.

Fagemo? Yep won’t argue on that one (I completely acknowledge the lack of info also). Turcotte I just want playing to acclimatise him, I don’t mind the role at this point. Obviously we have three roster forwards to come back. Assuming everyone is fit Fagemo goes down and they then need to send someone else down at a minimum. With Grundstrom also sitting as a healthy scratch. Given roles I’m think AK may at least do a conditioning assignment to delay the decision if needed.


I think JAD deserves to play, so it could end up choosing between two of Lemieux, Grundstrom, Turcotte or Kupari on the roster and at that point you surely waive Lemieux. I’d certainly not send Turcotte and Kupari (or AK) down just to keep Lemieux. As once everyone is fit it the only other way I see it playing out (I’ve not written it down, so may be miscounting a spot). Grundstrom is surely the more valuable asset and is much more likely to be claimed so he’s one of the two healthy scratches. I’d then keep Turcotte up over Kupari. I’m confusing myself a little pp

Walker I‘d sit because it balances the lineup and I’m far from convinced he better than TB anyway. . Durzi whilst I don’t think he’s the answer long term I wouldn’t expect him to be moved at this point, perhaps in the summer. I’m no fan but I acknowledge the improvement and I’m open to my view changing.

So I‘m expecting Spence to stay in the AHL unless there is injury. I’m certainly not advocating removing depth. Just reorganising the roster deployment, with Lemieux the only one I’d definitely waive depending on when guys come back. He’s not getting claimed anyway.

 

[Surf Nutz]

Point is that Fiala's particular needle didn't need to be moved at all. There is PLENTY of untapped offense here - too much even - that they need to gauge - every stinking year there is top talent available and making that move too early is changing the perspective of the players that need time to grow into their roles.

Its a half step out of the rebuild and a half step into contention. Was the team really ready for either?

This is a big picture issue, doesn't surprise me that the usual suspects who can't see much don't get it.

Its like throwing a bone with one bite of meat on it to the vets. Are they being considered or just patronized? They aren't going anywhere any time soon with this roster alignment and need way too much to get over the next hump.

Everyone agrees that we needed more offense.
How many times was getting a scoring winger mentioned last season
There is no one, no untapped offense here that could come anywhere near the level of Fiala.
He is the best pure offensive player on the team since Palffy as many have noted.
His snipe last night was faster than the camera could even pick up without frame by frame slow motion.
Rebuild are just that, a building process, not a snap of the fingers.
You pick up the best available for the role you have in mind, also Danault as an example, when they are there.
When guys have a weak case they have to resort to bagging on the other poster.
If your posts have a deeply true merit they will stand on there own.
You can call out peoples posts without implying they are somehow deeply deficient.
Most of your posts are so critical I wonder if you are actually a fan or another division team.

 

[Statto]

Imagine how you'll feel when you discover he also threw in Kaliyev.

That may have to happen because anyone willing to trade a LD, that is a difference making for us, is going to want assets back that will make a difference to them. Clarke won’t get traded but Spence might and whilst I’m not saying I’d want to do that, we may have to. It’s the same if we are trading for a goalie in the offseason, it may take someone like Kaliyev to get the right one. The players we want to ditch won’t get us big pieces, we will be giving away players that will hurt us to lose. The likes of Walker will go for late picks or be throw ins. We need to get expectations right on this.

 

[Herby]

I still think the Fiala trade was great, and I was probably the first one on the Faber train. I think he will step right in to an NHL role as soon as this season as he is one of the best defensive stoppers I have ever seen at the NCAA level. But you need to be able to score goals to compete in the NHL, and the Kings only had two first line forwards, and one of them is 35 years old. RHD was an area of strength, and really who knows the real truth on whether Faber would have signed with the Kings or not. He was certainly going back to the Gophers, no matter what, so would have been no use to the Kings this season, and there was the risk he was just going to play all 4 years and open up his options after his senior year. Faber probably preferred staying in school rather than playing in the AHL, and if the Kings couldn't find room for Clarke they probably wouldn't have for Faber.

Most of your posts are so critical I wonder if you are actually a fan or another division team.

Can we stop this nonsense? It's pathetic and embarrassing. He has been on this forum for 2 decades, you have been around for months.

You can disagree with Bland without questioning his fandom. No one is spending time on this forum pretending to be a fan of the team.

 

[Statto]

So how has Fiala actually made this team "better"?

If anything its been problematic. Forget what they gave up to get him for a second and look at the reality of what has transpired since that acquisition.

A team that overachieved last year while coming out of the asset collection phase of a rebuild suddenly thought it was better than it was and spent the first quarter of the season playing like they thought they were the Harlem Globetrotters. The defensive approach that allowed them to prosper into the playoffs last year went out the window and they finished second best in a whole lot of races to score goals.

There is nothing wrong with Fiala, he is an outstanding player who is still improving. The issue is that for two years in a row the veteran acquisitions have artificially sped up the timeline for expected results. This team isn't ready to contend yet. Too many square pegs trying to figure out if they would be better as parrallegrams or rhombuses.

They don't need Chychrun, a goalie or a Gavrikov. They aren't going to win a round. Not ready to lock it down, not ready to hold leads. But the skill on display from the new guys and the last embers of the fading vets is making folks think that maybe it is time to start parting with top picks and prospects to "get in and see what happens".

People need to understand that a full rebuild is actually a luxury. It only comes around every couple of decades. Enjoy the process, don't worry about losing to the Canes or dropping in points percentage as long as the kids keep working their way into the league.

I think Fiala is the wrong player for this argument. Maybe the resigning of Moore and/or not trading away one of Iafallo or Arvidsson is the better one. The moment the deal for Fiala was available Blake was obligated to take it, it’s a steal in terms of value and his age fits perfectly.

Personally I think they must trade away a veteran winger before the end of the summer, perhaps 2 depending on how players develop. It wouldn’t shock me if one goes before the TDL.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Q: What is a good thing when leading after two periods?
A: Winning the game in regulation.

This is a laser guided, results oriented business, not horseshoes.

Horseshoes is for teams who don't claim to be contenders. The Kings are the epitome of a black hole organizaton. In today's NHL there are only three places you want to be:

1. Contending
2. Young and on your way up.
3. Tearing it apart and rebuilding.

The one you don't want to see is treading water.

Absolutely, tell me how many times the Kings blew a 2 or 3 goal lead......in the 3rd? I can wait....