Speculation: Fire Rob Blake Blow it Up Offseason Thread (update: Robitaille, Blake and Hiller stay)

[SettlementRichie10]

I blame a stale and passive locker room with ZERO leadership or on-ice accountability FAR more than a neutral zone trap that is just a variation of what most teams are using.

I totally get that, and agree, but my argument is that “the system” is easy for fans to focus on as emblematic of the team’s overall listlessness.

 

[Schmooley]

His best year was his rookie season, he never got better. He had plenty of time to work on his game, yet didn't. He's been waived twice and is in the Florida system now, played 1 game since being claimed.

What other first round players from the 2019 draft have been spit out for no return? None? Especially smaller dmen need more time.
If you are a contender and a guy cant cut it right away sure rush him then bounce him up and down or get value back before you completely tank his value.
They have pissed away a lot of assets for nothing. And that guy was saying they dont trade futures and first rounders.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

What other first round players from the 2019 draft have been spit out for no return? None? Especially smaller dmen need more time.
If you are a contender and a guy cant cut it right away sure rush him then bounce him up and down or get value back before you completely tank his value.
They have pissed away a lot of assets for nothing. And that guy was saying they dont trade futures and first rounders.

That's NOT what I was saying, try again.

 

[deaderhead28]

Boy the crying is off the hook in here. GO KINGS and Go Hiller.

 

[The Butcher]

Boy the crying is off the hook in here. GO KINGS and Go Hiller.

If you've got some good news I'm all ears.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

From 18:00 to 18:50 was the first time RB had some real emotion in a presser and shows that he knows the reality(this is not like the last 2 years..WAY WAY different than the last 2 years) and urgency (this starts today) of where the team is at....and all of that is from the top down, honestly. The front office, coaching, (would add the scouting and dev team) and the players...and the room; I would go as far as the leadership in the room.

18:38 "we've got to get uncomfortable with our group..it starts with ,me, with Jim, right down to our players"

This made me even wonder if they would consider making Captaincy change....Kopitar is the true epitome of the model player to emulate,
but part of his makeup is chill, passive energy...yet 100% on ice consistent pro with the effort and work ethic and habits...but, perhaps they need fire in the room and a Captain that makes teammates have fear, in that you had better give 100% every shift, or you're gonna hear from me...'dude, look into my eyes and tell me you're giving 100%, or we're gonna give you a blanket party' type of leader. Kopi is not that....since this truly is his 'getting ready to take less of of role and pass the torch, with his 10 mil going to 7 mil...I say instead of him being C as well, maybe this is the time to make the change. It would not be an insult...even less than when Brown gave up the C to Kopi...I still don't understand that....Can someone elaborate how (if ever) the Brown to Kopi C handing over really was stated as to why that happened? but, Kopi giving the C now makes some sense, as his role should diminish and new leaders step up...Mikey? Perhaps. I'd say why not Drew? If I was a player, I'd hate to have Drew confronting me....I'd crap my pants...but be able to face Mikey and look him in the eyes and man up. I like the idea of giving the C to a younger, emerging leader...but who? QB is not that guy...yet.

I am okay with Hiller, but wish it was 1 or 2 years. I get that no one signs 1 year deals. I would have made it 2 and make the 3rd the reach milestiones bonus...I mean, how could Hiller really have clout to get 3?

My other favorite: 25:40 "you've got the 3 highest paid forwards Kopitar, Dubois and Fiala and it's odd you can't get Kopitar with Fiala or Dubois with Fiala and you've got Fiala playing with Lizotte and Lewis...I don't think that was the idea when he was brought in" ZINGGGGG!!! (who asked this?)
Hiller's answer..."I mean, yeah, we're going to look at everything and where they fit with other things (defensive structure?) we're talking about". (notice Blake was staring down at his water bottle, the entire time)

So, my takeways since Blake said it starts today (with ME...) and this time is WAY WAY different than the last 2 years...and getting uncomfortable and it starts with him, Jim and the players...(I also think everyone as well, but not mentioned - scouting, dev team) That there will be changes and not just a status quo Summer of letting go of some - Liz, Lewis, Grundstrom, Roy, Arvidsson...for starters...and the promotion of Turcotte, Thomas and Clarke and only signing / trading for a goalie. Way, way different and a sense of 'shtt, we REALLY are not good enough to win a playoff round', dictates bigger changes than we may beileve. Like captaincy change...perhaps a trade that is a bit shocking...like Moore or Danault dealt. Kempe would be a shocker, as the best 5.5 million dollar player in the league. Maybe they do trade PLD. I just don't see them signing a goalie like Brossoit, Stolarz, Lankinen and signing a Lewis upgrade UFA and that's all.....I think they may be trying to do something bigger....and it may be a top LHD or impact winger. Maybe they try and do cap moves, to somehow get a Guentzel or Reinhart.

I am a little encouraged there is some fire and 'uncomfortable feelings'...lol. Now, DO UNCOMFORTABLE THINGS. Good ones, that are differnce makers.

 

[All The Kings Men]

Surely you can see how and why fans connect a historically uninspired and passive system with the general lethargy around the organization, right?

Like, yeah, the 1-3-1 itself is way down the list of problems, but it’s rather emblematic of the team’s overall lack of direction, don’t you think?

Do you not see how the lack of a "desire to win" is inherently tied to a passive system, which is the very definition of playing not to lose? It starts with how the team plays. You can't just tell the players to want things extra hard. That's not how it works.

Blake can talk about players not going to the front of the net all he wants. He's not wrong. But the primary concern of the players is hustling back into a shell. The players themselves said this at the exit interviews.

I see how other people come to that conclusion

I don't personally think it works that way.

I don't want to spend a bunch of time defending my position as I frequently see these types of debates continuing on this website.

I'll simply say... Phil Danault's exit media comments were more in tune with my thinking and they echo the sentiments put forward today.

If someone wants to believe that passive strategies lead to passive attitudes then that's between you and your god. I don't think that's how it works.

I've seen some criticisms of what was said today and all I can say to those criticisms is that today was a "talking day". There was no game played there were no players on the ice. All that can be judged is what was said and how it was said and given the reactions to the LAST "talking day" I think you have to say that this "talking day" should be viewed as an improvement over the last, based on the criticisms that saw and may or may not agree with.

 

[All The Kings Men]

My other favorite: 25:40 "you've got the 3 highest paid players Kopitar, Dubois and Fiala and it's odd you can't get Kopitar with Fiala or Dubois with Fiala and you've got Fiala playing with Lizotte and Lewis...I don't think that was the idea when he was brought in" ZINGGGGG!!! (who asked this?)

That question was asked by Jonathan Davis (host of Ice Cap on NHL Radio)

 

[deaderhead28]

If you've got some good news I'm all ears.

Kids are being promoted as many asked. Style of play is being changed and a new assist is being hired. New season and we'll see if Hiller and the front office get their sh** together or Blake is gone like many here are signing up for which would be a win win if the team fails again. I for one won't be hoping for the team or Hiller to fail.
Go Kings Go!

 

[Surf Nutz]

From 18:00 to 18:50 was the first time RB had some real emotion in a presser and shows that he knows the reality(this is not like the last 2 years..WAY WAY different than the last 2 years) and urgency (this starts today) of where the team is at....and all of that is from the top down, honestly. The front office, coaching, (would add the scouting and dev team) and the players...and the room; I would go as far as the leadership in the room.

18:38 "we've got to get uncomfortable with our group..it starts with ,me, with Jim, right down to our players"

This made me even wonder if they would consider making Captaincy change....Kopitar is the true epitome of the model player to emulate,
but part of his makeup is chill, passive energy...yet 100% on ice consistent pro with the effort and work ethic and habits...but, perhaps they need fire in the room and a Captain that makes teammates have fear, in that you had better give 100% every shift, or you're gonna hear from me...'dude, look into my eyes and tell me you're giving 100%, or we're gonna give you a blanket party' type of leader. Kopi is not that....sonce this truly is his 'getting ready to take less of o role and pass the torch, with his 10 mil going to 7 mil...I say instead of him being C as well, maybe this is the time to make the change. It would not be an insult...even less than when Brown gave up the C to Kopi...I still don't understand that....Can someone elaborate how (if ever) the Brown to Kopi C handing over really was stated as to why that happened? but, Kopi giving the C now, makes some sense, as his role should diminish and new leaders step up...Mikey? Perhaps. I'd say why not Drew? If I was a player, I'd hate to have Drew confronting me....I'd crap my pants...and be able to face Mikey and look him in the eyes and man up. I like the idea of giving the C to a younger, emerging leader...but who? QB is not that guy...yet.

I am okay with Hiller, but wish it was 1 or 2 years. I get that no one signs 1 year deals. I would have made it 2 and make the 3rd the reach milestiones bonus...I mean, how could Hiller really have clout to get 3?

My other favorite: 25:40 "you've got the 3 highest paid players Kopitar, Dubois and Fiala and it's odd you can't get Kopitar with Fiala or Dubois with Fiala and you've got Fiala playing with Lizotte and Lewis...I don't think that was the idea when he was brought in" ZINGGGGG!!! (who asked this?)
Hiller's answer..."I mean, yeah, we're going to look at everything and where they fit with other things (defensive structure?) we're talking about". (notice Blake was staring down at his water bottle, the entire time)

So, my takeways since Blake said it starts today (with ME...) and this time is WAY WAY different than the last 2 years...and getting uncomfortable and it starts with him, Jim and the players...(I also think everyone as well, but not mentioned - scouting, dev team) That there will be changes and not just a status quo Summer of letting go of some - Liz, Lewis, Grundstrom, Roy, Arvidsson...for starters...and the promotion of Turcotte, Thomas and Clarke and only signing / trading for a goalie. Way, way different and a sense of 'shtt, we REALLY are not good enough to win a playoff round', dictates bigger changes than we may beileve. Like captaincy change...perhaps a trade that is a bit shocking...like Moore or Danault dealt. Kempe would be a shocker, as the best 5.5 million dollar player in the league. Maybe they do trade PLD. I just don't see them signing a goalie like Brossoit, Stolarz, Lankinen and signing a Lewis upgrade UFA...I think they may be trying to do something bigger....and it may be a top LHD or impact winger. Maybe they try and do cap moves, to somehow get a Guentzel or Reinhart.

I am a little encouraged there is some fire and 'uncomfortable feelings'...lol. Now, DO UNCOMFORTABLE THINGS. Good ones, that are differnce makers.

Been saying it since Suter and DL were perp walked off campus.

Hand DOughtfire the C, we need that fire!

Completely wasted resource.

I would let Lizotte , Grundstrom and Roy go and sign Arvidsson.

The Kings record was much improved when Arv returned and everybody knows we can't afford Roy

Blake needs to acquire some big bodies for the 4th line.

However this could be problematic for the PK, so Lizotte Lewis or Grundstrom could be coming back.


Since TMAC was passed on by Toronto, Blake couldn't afford anyone but Hiller.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

If someone wants to believe that passive strategies lead to passive attitudes then that's between you and your god. I don't think that's how it works.

You have this backwards.

 

[All The Kings Men]

You have this backwards.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this.

I THINK you mean that a passive (defensive) organizational focus leads players to focus on defense on the ice at the expense of offense.

yes?

 

[The Butcher]

Kids are being promoted as many asked. Style of play is being changed and a new assist is being hired. New season and we'll see if Hiller and the front office get their sh** together or Blake is gone like many here are signing up for which would be a win win if the team fails again. I for one won't be hoping for the team or Hiller to fail.
Go Kings Go!

I can't ever bring myself to do it either but I do think some of the wallowing is justified.

 

[Telos]

For some perspective on ownership, everyone should watch this interview with Dean starting around the 36:45 mark.

Around the 41min mark Lombardi talks about Anchutz calling him in for an annual meeting in Vegas where he would go over a check list with Dean about things he had said.

There's also a nice tidbit in there about Kovalchuk/Leiweke.

Makes me miss Lombardi. He cared and put so much into it. Definitely made moves and decisions that deserved criticism but at least he had focus on the goal and plan that he laid out and a drive to develop a path to achieve it while making sure everyone had what they needed to do so.

 

[FeartheFur]

Yes

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Here’s that desire to win bit from the press conference. A different tone from the usual stuff we’ve been hearing.

Who the f*** was that guy

this was that debate scene from Old School when will ferrell blacked out

 

[Peter James Bond II]

That question was asked by Jonathan Davis (host of Ice Cap on NHL Radio)

Thanks! At least you could hear the questions this time, Look forward to your 5 AM show. Easy for me, being that I'm in Phuket, Thailand atm and will be 7 PM.

 

[David Lunch]

Nope.

These one word reply’s bring me back to the LGK/Naysay days

 

[David Lunch]

For some perspective on ownership, everyone should watch this interview with Dean starting around the 36:45 mark.

Around the 41min mark Lombardi talks about Anchutz calling him in for an annual meeting in Vegas where he would go over a check list with Dean about things he had said.

There's also a nice tidbit in there about Kovalchuk/Leiweke.

I miss Dean so much…

 

[SettlementRichie10]

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this.

I THINK you mean that a passive (defensive) organizational focus leads players to focus on defense on the ice at the expense of offense.

yes?

I mean the organization is passive and directionless at its core.

This results in passive, uninspiring hockey.

The fans begin to negatively associate and scapegoat the team’s style of play with the general passivity and mediocrity of the franchise.

So like others, including you, have said: the 1-3-1 is not singularly to blame for the Kings crappy hockey. But it’s sort of thematically representative of the organization’s overall listlessness and lack of progress.

The 1-3-1 is an objectively “passive” system. But a better team with better management and better leaders could execute the same system in a much more exciting and productive way.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Kings sign Kaleb Lawrence to entry level deal.

 

[Statto]

I see how other people come to that conclusion

I don't personally think it works that way.

I don't want to spend a bunch of time defending my position as I frequently see these types of debates continuing on this website.

I'll simply say... Phil Danault's exit media comments were more in tune with my thinking and they echo the sentiments put forward today.

If someone wants to believe that passive strategies lead to passive attitudes then that's between you and your god. I don't think that's how it works.

I've seen some criticisms of what was said today and all I can say to those criticisms is that today was a "talking day". There was no game played there were no players on the ice. All that can be judged is what was said and how it was said and given the reactions to the LAST "talking day" I think you have to say that this "talking day" should be viewed as an improvement over the last, based on the criticisms that saw and may or may not agree with.

From 18:00 to 18:50 was the first time RB had some real emotion in a presser and shows that he knows the reality(this is not like the last 2 years..WAY WAY different than the last 2 years) and urgency (this starts today) of where the team is at....and all of that is from the top down, honestly. The front office, coaching, (would add the scouting and dev team) and the players...and the room; I would go as far as the leadership in the room.

18:38 "we've got to get uncomfortable with our group..it starts with ,me, with Jim, right down to our players"

This made me even wonder if they would consider making Captaincy change....Kopitar is the true epitome of the model player to emulate,
but part of his makeup is chill, passive energy...yet 100% on ice consistent pro with the effort and work ethic and habits...but, perhaps they need fire in the room and a Captain that makes teammates have fear, in that you had better give 100% every shift, or you're gonna hear from me...'dude, look into my eyes and tell me you're giving 100%, or we're gonna give you a blanket party' type of leader. Kopi is not that....since this truly is his 'getting ready to take less of of role and pass the torch, with his 10 mil going to 7 mil...I say instead of him being C as well, maybe this is the time to make the change. It would not be an insult...even less than when Brown gave up the C to Kopi...I still don't understand that....Can someone elaborate how (if ever) the Brown to Kopi C handing over really was stated as to why that happened? but, Kopi giving the C now makes some sense, as his role should diminish and new leaders step up...Mikey? Perhaps. I'd say why not Drew? If I was a player, I'd hate to have Drew confronting me....I'd crap my pants...but be able to face Mikey and look him in the eyes and man up. I like the idea of giving the C to a younger, emerging leader...but who? QB is not that guy...yet.

I am okay with Hiller, but wish it was 1 or 2 years. I get that no one signs 1 year deals. I would have made it 2 and make the 3rd the reach milestiones bonus...I mean, how could Hiller really have clout to get 3?

My other favorite: 25:40 "you've got the 3 highest paid forwards Kopitar, Dubois and Fiala and it's odd you can't get Kopitar with Fiala or Dubois with Fiala and you've got Fiala playing with Lizotte and Lewis...I don't think that was the idea when he was brought in" ZINGGGGG!!! (who asked this?)
Hiller's answer..."I mean, yeah, we're going to look at everything and where they fit with other things (defensive structure?) we're talking about". (notice Blake was staring down at his water bottle, the entire time)

So, my takeways since Blake said it starts today (with ME...) and this time is WAY WAY different than the last 2 years...and getting uncomfortable and it starts with him, Jim and the players...(I also think everyone as well, but not mentioned - scouting, dev team) That there will be changes and not just a status quo Summer of letting go of some - Liz, Lewis, Grundstrom, Roy, Arvidsson...for starters...and the promotion of Turcotte, Thomas and Clarke and only signing / trading for a goalie. Way, way different and a sense of 'shtt, we REALLY are not good enough to win a playoff round', dictates bigger changes than we may beileve. Like captaincy change...perhaps a trade that is a bit shocking...like Moore or Danault dealt. Kempe would be a shocker, as the best 5.5 million dollar player in the league. Maybe they do trade PLD. I just don't see them signing a goalie like Brossoit, Stolarz, Lankinen and signing a Lewis upgrade UFA and that's all.....I think they may be trying to do something bigger....and it may be a top LHD or impact winger. Maybe they try and do cap moves, to somehow get a Guentzel or Reinhart.

I am a little encouraged there is some fire and 'uncomfortable feelings'...lol. Now, DO UNCOMFORTABLE THINGS. Good ones, that are differnce makers.

Good posts.

My biggest takeaway was the tone change which was important. I think they meant it which is a very good thing. If it was just for show (I don’t think it was, but some will) then, at the very least, it shows they are no longer tone deaf to the anger in the fan base, which is also a good thing.

Does that fix everything? Of course not. However, given it’s too early to demonstrate anything it was a good presser based on my realistic expectations of what any franchise would be saying at this point in time, given how we got to where we are.

Hiller I’m happy to see what he can do. Blake I still want gone and I’m relieved that Luc wasn’t wheeled out onto the stage.

 

[johnjm22]

Here’s that desire to win bit from the press conference. A different tone from the usual stuff we’ve been hearing.

PLD is the antithesis of everything Blake said in that clip.

 

[All The Kings Men]

I mean the organization is passive and directionless at its core.

This results in passive, uninspiring hockey.

The fans begin to negatively associate and scapegoat the team’s style of play with the general passivity and mediocrity of the franchise.

So like others, including you, have said: the 1-3-1 is not singularly to blame for the Kings crappy hockey. But it’s sort of thematically representative of the organization’s overall listlessness and lack of progress.

The 1-3-1 is an objectively “passive” system. But a better team with better management and better leaders could execute the same system in a much more exciting and productive way.

I appreciate the clarification.

 

[DryIslandBartender]

I see how other people come to that conclusion

I don't personally think it works that way.

I don't want to spend a bunch of time defending my position as I frequently see these types of debates continuing on this website.

I'll simply say... Phil Danault's exit media comments were more in tune with my thinking and they echo the sentiments put forward today.

If someone wants to believe that passive strategies lead to passive attitudes then that's between you and your god. I don't think that's how it works.

I've seen some criticisms of what was said today and all I can say to those criticisms is that today was a "talking day". There was no game played there were no players on the ice. All that can be judged is what was said and how it was said and given the reactions to the LAST "talking day" I think you have to say that this "talking day" should be viewed as an improvement over the last, based on the criticisms that saw and may or may not agree with.

It’s just lip service at the moment and while there was no game today, “talking day” is under scrutiny because we have been witnessing the team get worse in the playoffs over 3 seasons. That’s the reality and this current regime in charge isn’t living in reality based on their comments.

There’s no real coherent plan, they don’t have answer right now. Blake’s uncomfortable speech, was very much performative as I’m sure the PR team notified management of the last disaster and told Luc to sit this one out.

Bottom line is, it’s very obvious there’s a huge disconnect between what we’re seeing and what the Kings management sees. “We’re right there” is very delusional, we’re one bounce away from being swept. It’s been 8 years now and they can’t figure out an identity to run with, it shows in their drafting, free agents, development etc.