Speculation: Another year of this Bluc **** (The 2024-25 season thread)

[Surf Nutz]

PLD to Washington is easily the best trade Blake has ever made or will ever make.

Leaving himself an emergency parachute on the original disaster move was not dumb.

 

[FSL KINGS]

PLD to Washington is easily the best trade Blake has ever made or will ever make.

It's just incompetence.
-Blake shouldn't have made the trade without a plan to fit PL into the team.
-Blake needed to step in between Todd & PL. Both gone. Solid Todd extension before firing.
-The contract was problematic. Not Blake's first rodeo on cap crippling investments into a player that ultimately didn't fit the team.
-Blake dumped an asset for a 5 mill by 3 years contract that had lost the starting job. Got lucky Kuemper rebounded. We'll see how he does in the playoffs.

But wait! There's more! The gowing rate to dump a 5M goalie signed for more than one year is
Walker (injured 2nd, 3rd pair PMRD)
Grans 2nd round pick
2 Million in cap, Provorov
That was Kuemper's value leaving Washington. We have comps.

No faith in Blake.
No faith in Hiller, crap special teams & Burroughs cements that.
No faith in Luc for allowing this to fester, but we're right there.

Team needs a fresh perspective & A GM with some actual experience. An actual GM might not have to lean on Luc for his input.

 

[tny760]

saw this spreadsheet on the main board, scrolled through to see what kings owned those lowlights and wouldn't you know it jimmy fox with a -6

he scored 2 goals the next night on a b2b

Post in thread 'Worst Plus/Minus Ratings In a Single Game?'

Yesterday at 12:27 AM

MINUS_REG

tinyurl.com

• pnep

• 

forgot all about that kopi -6 from the buffalo game

 

[Statto]

Kevin Fiala in that series was a 39% CF%, 38% SCF%, and a 33% xGF%.

Fiala IS AN ISSUE. He has always been an issue in the playoffs across now several teams. It's just now also manifesting in the regular season.

I'm sorry but I'm sick of people burying their heads firmly in their asses about this. It's visible AND it shows up in stats. What more will it take to at least make you guys say "huh, that is bad" rather than "Lol no problems?" Why the hell is the bar for this guy set so low? We need him to be one of our best players, a true positive difference maker, not just 'not bad', especially given they've coddled him every god damn which way to no effect (except a bad PP and ever dwindling even strength play).

I try to give everyone here the benefit of the doubt but it seems some people are hypnotized by his razzle-dazzle and ignore the substance.

I’m not burying my head in any sand. I was just saying that the team record after he came back after injury and clearly not 100% fit (which you were critical of) isn’t the basis of any conclusion. I also don’t think he was the biggest issue in that series… the lack of coaching adjustments was problem #1.

He’s playing poorly this season, I’ve said nothing to the contrary.

 

[Statto]

I think there's a happy medium at play as far as arguments. By focusing on Fiala and providing no other depth in the discussion or posts, it implies that he alone is the reason the Kings lost. Very similarly, people posting he scored 2 points per game in the series suggests he should be absolved. So people try to add context and layers instead of just nodding mindlessly.

Thank you.

I’m happy to say that as a fact (because I used to do it) a pro team won’t analyse stats without all the context. Line mate, injuries they are carrying, matchups, plus (what we definitely don’t know) how they are asked to play. There will be additional factors and data points we are unaware of which all form part of the analysis. So not one person on this board knows better than the team, simply because we don’t have all the information.

It’s one of the reasons I don’t get into a lot of the stats arguments, because I don’t have the spare hours to do it properly…. or all the context I need. I won’t do it if I can’t do it properly, not that I can be all that bothered these days.

However, my general thought are. Fiala is a maverick, X-factor type of player. He does things others can’t and when he’s not forcing it he is definitely an asset. He’s playing very poorly right now and is definitely forcing it. I don’t mind having one of those types on the team but he needs to be better. At his best he is definitely a net asset but he is a long way from that currently. He’s clearly the new whipping boy on here.

 

[BigBrown]

Fiala doesn't have to turn into Nikita Kucherov, I just want him back to playing like his first season with the Kings. He had flaws then too, but he was a difference maker and an impact player offensively. This season has been rough for him.

 

[Statto]

Just to add having someone like Fiala (and Clarke for that matter) will affect how other teams set up. They might tell the D to be more conservative than normal, for example. As soon as that happens it helps even when said player is not on the ice. Given Fiala’s form I doubt he’s causing that to happen much at the moment, but when he’s on I think it’s likely teams make adjustments, even just small ones. I’m not saying it’s going to be adjustments like you’d make when facing the McDavids of this world.

You can’t have players that all play safe/conservative because it’s horrendously easy to play against. So having X-factor players is important. It’s the same with Clarke, he makes thing happen and teams have to allow for that.

I’m not defending the trade/contract as that’s a separate argument. I’m just saying that evaluating his value to the team isn’t a straight forward as looking at a stat line. As I’ve said though it really requires him to actually be playing well which he isn’t.

 

[BaileyFan]

Just to add having someone like Fiala (and Clarke for that matter) will affect how other teams set up. They might tell the D to be more conservative than normal, for example. As soon as that happens it helps even when said player is not on the ice. Given Fiala’s form I doubt he’s causing that to happen much at the moment, but when he’s on I think it’s likely teams make adjustments, even just small ones. I’m not saying it’s going to be adjustments like you’d make when facing the McDavids of this world.

You can’t have players that all play safe/conservative because it’s horrendously easy to play against. So having X-factor players is important. It’s the same with Clarke, he makes thing happen and teams have to allow for that.

I’m not defending the trade/contract as that’s a separate argument. I’m just saying that evaluating his value to the team isn’t a straight forward as looking at a stat line. As I’ve said though it really requires him to actually be playing well which he isn’t.

Are we seriously in “PLD’s mere presence is helping the Kings to win” territory with Fiala now?

 

[King'sPawn]

Are we seriously in “PLD’s mere presence is helping the Kings to win” territory with Fiala now?

Whether or not you like Fiala, Statto has a point. Opposing teams have to respect the skilled players. If they were to leave Fiala alone or let him make easy decisions, he will create dangerous scoring chances. They need to neutralize a skilled person who's not a complex problem solver.

It's like the opposite of Clarke. He finds various ways to escape scary situations (particularly in the opponent's zone). But they clog up the middle more to make sure he keeps the puck on the outside. He doesn't try to force the puck through traffic.

It's also why teams back off from Kopitar on the half boards. They know he's not going to try carrying the puck to the net and close off passing lanes. This is just scouting and execution by professional teams.

 

[funky]

He's 100% having an off year this year.....something isn't clicking, and again, he's still a hair shy of a PPG during his career here, I'm ok with letting him figure it out.

I do agree Kings need to decide sooner/later to keep him or not,

Didn’t they have their first child? Seems that always has an on ice effect

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Just made me think of Kopis hilarious “it’s not coming this way,Carl. You know that.”

 

[Sol]

Are we seriously in “PLD’s mere presence is helping the Kings to win” territory with Fiala now?

I don’t think anyone can deny the fact that Fiala is struggling right now. We’ve seen him light it up before and his game just isn’t clicking right now. I think you’d be lying to yourself if you thought that Fiala didn’t add a dynamic to the team in terms of offensive ability/creativity. He’s shown that he can make incredible passes as well as create space just by his stick handling/agility.

I think people don’t like him because of his high risk high reward type of play style but I do think if you have a player who can play that way then it’s worth while to keep them around for sure. Kings keep trying Fiala because they see his ability. I think some of you guys have gotten too used to seeing Sutter/Murray hockey that seeing his risky playstyle fundamentally blocks you from seeing his ability.

Whether you like it or not the Kings need Fiala. His play style gives the offense a whole different dynamic. The less predictable your offense the more dangerous it is.

Again, he is definitely not playing confidently right now.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

I don’t think anyone can deny the fact that Fiala is struggling right now. We’ve seen him light it up before and his game just isn’t clicking right now. I think you’d be lying to yourself if you thought that Fiala didn’t add a dynamic to the team in terms of offensive ability/creativity. He’s shown that he can make incredible passes as well as create space just by his stick handling/agility.

I think people don’t like him because of his high risk high reward type of play style but I do think if you have a player who can play that way then it’s worth while to keep them around for sure. Kings keep trying Fiala because they see his ability. I think some of you guys have gotten too used to seeing Sutter/Murray hockey that seeing his risky playstyle fundamentally blocks you from seeing his ability.

Whether you like it or not the Kings need Fiala. His play style gives the offense a whole different dynamic. The less predictable your offense the more dangerous it is.

Again, he is definitely not playing confidently right now.

I will say this about Fiala…playing him on the point during the PP is kinda stupid.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

The problem with Fiala is his history says he’s NOT the net asset you guys say he is, especially in the playoffs. He has to prove that wrong, and a lot of people are giving him the benefit of a doubt he has not earned and does not deserve.

I like him. I like his personality. I like that he loves La and is very active in the community and with the team. He doesn’t quit and the team clearly hasn’t given up for him. I want him to be successful here. But until I’m proven wrong you guys are defending a player that does not get exist. Hes a whole lot more Andreas athanasiou and a whole lot less Marian gaborik.

 

[Sol]

I think youre asking too much of him to be a difference maker in the playoffs when the Kings have fundamentally as a team have had no idea on how to play the Oilers. You can make the playoffs argument about every player on the roster.

Kings get absolutely bodied by the Oilers. And again, the Kings were running 1-3-1 in their elimination game, down 2 goals, in the 3rd period.

Fiala should be better in the playoffs but if we’re being honest with context, everyone should, the coaches need to be better. Oilers fans think Byfield is a bum with how invisible he’s been.

The coaching staff has a lot to prove, the entire team has a lot to prove, Fiala included.

 

[AbsentMojo]

The problem with Fiala is his history says he’s NOT the net asset you guys say he is, especially in the playoffs. He has to prove that wrong, and a lot of people are giving him the benefit of a doubt he has not earned and does not deserve.

I like him. I like his personality. I like that he loves La and is very active in the community and with the team. He doesn’t quit and the team clearly hasn’t given up for him. I want him to be successful here. But until I’m proven wrong you guys are defending a player that does not get exist. Hes a whole lot more Andreas athanasiou and a whole lot less Marian gaborik.

Dont you think some of this is their structure that is just not something a guy like Fiala fits into.. Could also explain PLD having more access in a different system. I think Hiller graps this and is trying ot make use Fiala in situations where he can be more creative - ie the PP getting both units.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Dont you think some of this is their structure that is just not something a guy like Fiala fits into.. Could also explain PLD having more access in a different system. I think Hiller graps this and is trying ot make use Fiala in situations where he can be more creative - ie the PP getting both units.

He doesn’t fit into ANY structure. Hes a merc. There’s a reason several teams have been totally comfortable moving him. Yes I think hiller is doing his best to get kev into situations where his freewheeling can be a help but this season he’s a mess everywhere

 

[AbsentMojo]

He doesn’t fit into ANY structure. Hes a merc. There’s a reason several teams have been totally comfortable moving him. Yes I think hiller is doing his best to get kev into situations where his freewheeling can be a help but this season he’s a mess everywhere

I dont know.. PLD is a +10 this season top 1/3 on his team. Last season w Kings -9 second to last on the team. I wouldnt be surprised if Fiala had a similar turnaround in a different system. I dont see PLD and Fiala being that much different.. they are both offense focus w a combo of low IQ and effort (mostly PLD here) in the d-zone.

 

[johnjm22]

I dont know.. PLD is a +10 this season top 1/3 on his team. Last season w Kings -9 second to last on the team. I wouldnt be surprised if Fiala had a similar turnaround in a different system. I dont see PLD and Fiala being that much different.. they are both offense focus w a combo of low IQ and effort (mostly PLD here) in the d-zone.

PLD has had good seasons before.

But he always reverts.

Maybe the trade was enough of a wakeup call to finally mature him, but he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt.

 

[AbsentMojo]

PLD has had good seasons before.

But he always reverts.

Maybe the trade was enough of a wakeup call to finally mature him, but he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt.

Sure could be part of it.. i think my point is there is something about the kings systems that stifles offensive players not just in this regime. I think when they've had decades of defense first systems its in the mind and blood of guys like Kopi and DD... I think Blake was trying to lay on top of that core some pure offfense in Fiala and PLDud and it just doesnt meld.

 

[funky]

I will say this about Fiala…playing him on the point during the PP is kinda stupid.

That is it. He’s obviously a square pig in a round hole out there. I know we cringe when Doughty is on the power place sometime as he likes to drive it into the defending forwards shin pads, but he controls the puck a lot better at the line. Our power-play coaches should be smart enough to know we have an up-and-coming puck mover with pretty elite moves and vision for his age as well as our veteran power play QB coming back. That should give us two power plays with offensive right shot defensemen two man one side of the ice. Start building for that. Kempe seems to do a fine job at the point.

We shouldn’t need Fiala on both power-play nor on the point

I would really like to see Fiala on a power-play with Turcotte and Laf. Both have the speed to play with him in Turk has the skill to handle his hard passes and the talent to figure out what Kevin’s actually doing with the puck in a split second. Almost like a safety cushion for Fiala. I don’t wanna sound rude, but it’s almost like Fiala is too skilled for some of the players he’s been paired with. Need those guys with quick twitch muscles and a brain that’s just as fast to react to what Kevin’s doing out there.

 

[Surf Nutz]

That is it. He’s obviously a square pig in a round hole out there. I know we cringe when Doughty is on the power place sometime as he likes to drive it into the defending forwards shin pads, but he controls the puck a lot better at the line. Our power-play coaches should be smart enough to know we have an up-and-coming puck mover with pretty elite moves and vision for his age as well as our veteran power play QB coming back. That should give us two power plays with offensive right shot defensemen two man one side of the ice. Start building for that. Kempe seems to do a fine job at the point.

We shouldn’t need Fiala on both power-play nor on the point

I would really like to see Fiala on a power-play with Turcotte and Laf. Both have the speed to play with him in Turk has the skill to handle his hard passes and the talent to figure out what Kevin’s actually doing with the puck in a split second. Almost like a safety cushion for Fiala. I don’t wanna sound rude, but it’s almost like Fiala is too skilled for some of the players he’s been paired with. Need those guys with quick twitch muscles and a brain that’s just as fast to react to what Kevin’s doing out there.

 

[Sol]

Why did they move Fiala from the left wall where he was doing pretty good to the right wall?

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

That is it. He’s obviously a square pig in a round hole out there. I know we cringe when Doughty is on the power place sometime as he likes to drive it into the defending forwards shin pads, but he controls the puck a lot better at the line. Our power-play coaches should be smart enough to know we have an up-and-coming puck mover with pretty elite moves and vision for his age as well as our veteran power play QB coming back. That should give us two power plays with offensive right shot defensemen two man one side of the ice. Start building for that. Kempe seems to do a fine job at the point.

We shouldn’t need Fiala on both power-play nor on the point

I would really like to see Fiala on a power-play with Turcotte and Laf. Both have the speed to play with him in Turk has the skill to handle his hard passes and the talent to figure out what Kevin’s actually doing with the puck in a split second. Almost like a safety cushion for Fiala. I don’t wanna sound rude, but it’s almost like Fiala is too skilled for some of the players he’s been paired with. Need those guys with quick twitch muscles and a brain that’s just as fast to react to what Kevin’s doing out there.

Fiala needs to be in the corner on the PP, the low guy, he's deceptive enough to quickly get to the net, he can try and force passes through, etc, when he does that at the blue line, or top of the circles is when we get burned