What I am seeing is the Kings getting bypassed by other teams in the speed/skill area. This team looks worse than last year's to me. And, as we all know, there isn't enough cap space to do anything dramatic to change things.
Game 1: Lost Angeles Kings 1 @ Those Guys 2
- Thread starter kingsholygrail
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What I am seeing is the Kings getting bypassed by other teams in the speed/skill area. This team looks worse than last year's to me. And, as we all know, there isn't enough cap space to do anything dramatic to change things.
kilowatt
the vibes are not immaculate
- Jan 1, 2009
- 18,722
- 21,831
We need to remember two very important things: First, one-third of our top-six did not play in tonight's game. The Kings are a very different (and much more dangerous) team with Pearson and Gaborik in the lineup. Second, the Kings only gave up a power play goal and an extremely lucky bounce. The sky is not falling, we won't be in lottery contention, we likely make the playoffs.
There were some bright spots. Forbort looked great. Very steady. He had one miscue in the third period, but the Sharks are a fast team and a lot of our defenders got burned. Clifford and Lewis had some extra pep in their step. It's too bad that they, along with Nolan, can't bury their chances. I hope that the Kings bring up and play some faster rookies like Kempe and Dowd, because the team could really use their speed and energy. Devin Setoguchi looked pretty good, and I hope he gets better as the season progresses and he gets his game back.
But there are still big problems. It pains me to say it, but Dustin Brown and Matt Greene look all but finished. Greene was a step behind the play all night, and Brown is literally an offensive black hole. I don't see how the Kings can roster an effective lineup with $8 million tied up between these two anchors.
The Kings need to do a better job of cycling and controlling the puck. The Kings are not a flashy team. Their entire game plan is "hold on to the puck, wait for the other team to get tired, and capitalize on mistakes". That doesn't happen when you have guys like David Schlemko forcing turnovers as Dwight King streaks down the wing, and again when Justin Braun does the same thing to Jeff Carter. Get the puck in deep, maintain possession, and start changing for fresh legs while the other team is stuck on the ice. It's the most basic strategy in the book, and it worked in the past because the Kings were bigger, stronger, and in better shape. Now we have guys like Purcell and Setoguchi - no offense to them - who just don't have the physicality needed to play this style. Then there's the Dustin Brown thing again, who just can't seem to hang on to the puck no matter what he does. You can add Dwight King, Jordan Nolan, Trevor Lewis, and Andy Andreoff (who had a pretty good game) to the list of can't-hold-onto-the-puck-ers, too.
Then there's our defense. Doughty was trying to do too much, Muzzin didn't look like he was trying to do quite enough, Forbort had a solid game, Greene was a step behind, and holy hell was the Martinez-McNabb pairing terrible. I want McNabb to do well so badly, and he's just awful every time the puck's near him. He has a strange combination of zero sense of urgency, yet zero calmness. And Martinez - where was he? Have we just been overrating him since the last cup run? He really wasn't great last season, either...
This season is going to come down to injuries. We don't have the depth to sustain losing someone like Kopitar, Carter, Doughty, or Quick long-term. Our secondary support is marginal at best, so losing any of our top-six is brutal (as we could see tonight without Pearson or Gaborik). We can replace our bottom-six and possibly our bottom-two defensemen, but anything else and this team is in a lot of trouble.
Right now, it looks like the Kings are one gust of wind from the whole house of cards falling down. If we get lucky, we can make some noise this season. If we get unlucky, it's going to be a long year. I hope the management and coaching staff aren't afraid to make changes when necessary.
There were some bright spots. Forbort looked great. Very steady. He had one miscue in the third period, but the Sharks are a fast team and a lot of our defenders got burned. Clifford and Lewis had some extra pep in their step. It's too bad that they, along with Nolan, can't bury their chances. I hope that the Kings bring up and play some faster rookies like Kempe and Dowd, because the team could really use their speed and energy. Devin Setoguchi looked pretty good, and I hope he gets better as the season progresses and he gets his game back.
But there are still big problems. It pains me to say it, but Dustin Brown and Matt Greene look all but finished. Greene was a step behind the play all night, and Brown is literally an offensive black hole. I don't see how the Kings can roster an effective lineup with $8 million tied up between these two anchors.
The Kings need to do a better job of cycling and controlling the puck. The Kings are not a flashy team. Their entire game plan is "hold on to the puck, wait for the other team to get tired, and capitalize on mistakes". That doesn't happen when you have guys like David Schlemko forcing turnovers as Dwight King streaks down the wing, and again when Justin Braun does the same thing to Jeff Carter. Get the puck in deep, maintain possession, and start changing for fresh legs while the other team is stuck on the ice. It's the most basic strategy in the book, and it worked in the past because the Kings were bigger, stronger, and in better shape. Now we have guys like Purcell and Setoguchi - no offense to them - who just don't have the physicality needed to play this style. Then there's the Dustin Brown thing again, who just can't seem to hang on to the puck no matter what he does. You can add Dwight King, Jordan Nolan, Trevor Lewis, and Andy Andreoff (who had a pretty good game) to the list of can't-hold-onto-the-puck-ers, too.
Then there's our defense. Doughty was trying to do too much, Muzzin didn't look like he was trying to do quite enough, Forbort had a solid game, Greene was a step behind, and holy hell was the Martinez-McNabb pairing terrible. I want McNabb to do well so badly, and he's just awful every time the puck's near him. He has a strange combination of zero sense of urgency, yet zero calmness. And Martinez - where was he? Have we just been overrating him since the last cup run? He really wasn't great last season, either...
This season is going to come down to injuries. We don't have the depth to sustain losing someone like Kopitar, Carter, Doughty, or Quick long-term. Our secondary support is marginal at best, so losing any of our top-six is brutal (as we could see tonight without Pearson or Gaborik). We can replace our bottom-six and possibly our bottom-two defensemen, but anything else and this team is in a lot of trouble.
Right now, it looks like the Kings are one gust of wind from the whole house of cards falling down. If we get lucky, we can make some noise this season. If we get unlucky, it's going to be a long year. I hope the management and coaching staff aren't afraid to make changes when necessary.
deeshamrock
Registered User
That's a big 'if', esp if the 'for awhile' DL noted on Quick means that he isn't content with Zatkoff /Budaj as his goalie tandem. The Kings can't afford to lose ground this early in the season in a division where they need to finish no farther than 3 to make the playoffs.
So if that MRI tomorrow indicates , gulp, surgery for Quick, DL might pull the trigger on a trade to get a goalie.
But hopefully the MRI gives better results but doesn't bode well with DL already putting the 'for awhile' out there.
And there is no 'easy mode' in the NHL playoffs...even with Quick.
damacles1156
Registered User
- Feb 5, 2010
- 21,668
- 1,318
You guys think the hockey is bad now....
Start trading roster players. Yikes. Come on guys, you know better.
Start trading roster players. Yikes. Come on guys, you know better.
johnjm22
Pseudo Intellectual
- Aug 2, 2005
- 21,489
- 18,958
I think the Kings are going to be similar to what the Red Wings have been for the past 7 years. As a fan, I can't say I find that scenario particularly enticing.
That said, you never know. You can still get hot at the right time and make a run any given year.
KingTrouty
Allons!
Fair enough, Omni, I'm in rabid mode. You're a great poster. My bad if I came across as a ****.
I want to come across as a ****, but not to you and our awesome posters.
Where the **** is Herby and Alabama man??
Lol, I'm gonna get banned.
damacles1156
Registered User
- Feb 5, 2010
- 21,668
- 1,318
That's possible.
You have to admit though, that AEG would probably fire Lombardi if he tore the roster down with Kopitar/Doughty at their current state.
To get any cap space free and value back, someone like Muzzin/Carter/A-Mart/Toffoli have to be traded, or all of them. Or Kopitar himself.
It might be a lose/lose.
KingTrouty
Allons!
Yes, John. Exactly
Also, you never know because we have a Jedi running the org. Let him rebuild this team.
A lot of you obviously only follow hockey. We have a stud, a bonafide stud as a GM. They are as hard to find as a Crosby, Matthews, McDavid, Doughty, Karlsson et al... perhaps more rare.
You don't let them go. You see what they do, you give them time.
ETA -- John, I used to live in Barstow when I was stationed at Fort Irwin
johnjm22
Pseudo Intellectual
- Aug 2, 2005
- 21,489
- 18,958
KingTrouty
Allons!
KingTrouty
Allons!
Ziggy Stardust
Master Debater
KingTrouty
Allons!
Damn, I missed that. And I watched all of Storr.
Wait, is that a dig at me John lol
Kingsfan1
Registered User
Yes. They can start with what they have right now. Kempe, Gravel , Ladue and next year Brodzinski and Amadio. While they start drafting more skill instead of Schmalls and other plugs .
Carter should never be traded . He will continue to be a threat and one of our most skilled and fast guys on the team . He will perform at high levels into his late 30s like others have . I think Carter should be on this team til the end with his contract and we add to our team. We are going to need Carter for the runs in the future .
Martinez can be expendable with Forbort and Gravel and Ladue and Clague , Cernak , Lintu in the system.
KingTrouty
Allons!
I'm a certified Dean fanboy. You're damn skippy. I'll lay the heat off you John because we have a mutual connection to my old unit/base.
But if that's a dig, that's the last one you get before you awaken the beast,
But if that's a dig, that's the last one you get before you awaken the beast,
KingTrouty
Allons!
No he absolutely isn't. Not until your aforementioned prove themselves. And even if they do, it may make them expendable, as opposed to AMart. (Not Gravel. I heart Gravel.)
Steve Zissou
I'll order you a red cap and a Speedo.
I'm tired of being tired of Dwight King and Matt Greene.
I thought Dowd had a good showing in pre-season while Shore didn't even have one; surprised to see him in the lineup tonight.
I thought Dowd had a good showing in pre-season while Shore didn't even have one; surprised to see him in the lineup tonight.
WHOneedsSOX
Registered User
- Mar 1, 2015
- 5,470
- 3,085
If you're rebuilding, IF, you start with those two since they have the highest value. 10 contending teams would gut their farms for either of those two guys.
KingTrouty
Allons!
Hockey is back, boys. We lost our first game. Such is life as a Kings fan. Let's hope and pray Quickie isn't too badly hurt.
We get some of our guys back in due time. It's a long season, we have no idea yet how it will play out.
On to this Friday and a young, hungry Flyers team.
We get some of our guys back in due time. It's a long season, we have no idea yet how it will play out.
On to this Friday and a young, hungry Flyers team.
Kingsfan1
Registered User
Agreed. I wouldnt trade Martinez either rather just retool on the fly. Change the system now play more offensive and start changing drafting philosphy.
Kempe-Kopitar-Gaborik
Pearson-Carter-Toffoli
Brown-Dowd-Seto
Mersch-Lewis-Purcell
Id rather go with a lineup like this . Starts with Dowd and Kempe and on defense trade Mcnabb play Gravel and Ladue as well instead of Greene and Mcnabb.
KingTrouty
Allons!
Agreed. I wouldnt trade Martinez either rather just retool on the fly. Change the system now play more offensive and start changing drafting philosphy.
Kempe-Kopitar-Gaborik
Pearson-Carter-Toffoli
Brown-Dowd-Seto
Mersch-Lewis-Purcell
Id rather go with a lineup like this . Starts with Dowd and Kempe and on defense trade Mcnabb play Gravel and Ladue as well instead of Greene and Mcnabb.
Looks nice, KF1, but we need to see Kempe perform in regular season action before making him a 1Winger. Ideally, he starts on the third line, but our third line leaves a lot to be desired. So it could present a chance for him to shine or get swallowed up.
But agreed, mang, we need him. And fast.
Pearson will have an amazing season, as an aside.
kingsfan28
Its A Kingspiracy !
Oh it coming, just wait for it, it's coming. Those two will see 1st line duty, [especially King] at least 5-8 games this season. As for King, what the hell happened to him? He's now the pre-Sutter player we all saw at training camps and wondered why he's out on the ice.
kingsfan28
Its A Kingspiracy !
Ziggy Stardust
Master Debater
Remember when the Kings had the ability to move the puck and connect with passes? Seems like so long ago...
Philly should be an interesting home opener as they'll be without Brayden Schenn and Radko Gudas. Giroux, Simmonds and Gostisbehere will probably make the cement footed Kings give chase however.
Philly should be an interesting home opener as they'll be without Brayden Schenn and Radko Gudas. Giroux, Simmonds and Gostisbehere will probably make the cement footed Kings give chase however.
This really isn't that bad. This year is more of a development year. Maybe they make the playoffs, maybe they don't. The goal is to give the young guys time to build experience and improve.
There doesn't need to be a tank as most of the difficult pieces are already assembled. There probably isn't going to be a drastic change in strategy because that would require a massive overhaul on the roster, which further complicates getting the team back to where it needs to be.
Kopitar/Gaborik
Carter/Toffoli
Pearson/?????
Muzzin/Doughty
????/?????
Offense: They need 3 lines.... can be a good scoring pair with a physical grinder that doesn't destroy offense too much. Currently they need a slightly better 3C. Carter/Kopitar will be taking the harder matches so really they need someone with speed that can mesh well with Pearson or another wing. The team is going to see if Kempe or Amadio turn into this player. Worst case neither one works and they trade for a vet 3C.
Defense. Muzzin/Doughty.... got that first pair. Now they need to sort out who's going to step up. I'm not worried about Greene. His contract is up soon and probably won't be around by the time the Kings are making another push. That leaves sorting out the second pair. The 3rd pair isn't much of an issues as I'm 100% sure they will be able to fill that with the guys they have. That leaves finding out who is capable of stepping up in the next year or 2 as a 2nd pair D.
The last window has close. A new window will be opening as guys develop in the next year or 2. Once guys have developed and a clearer picture of what the team needs, trades can be made to fill the remaining holes. This isn't the end of the world.
Edit: Brown's contract isn't even that much of an issue. He's slightly over paid. If the Kings get a couple of young guys to break out and make the team on cheap contracts it will offset the over payment on Brown's contract.
This year is more of a development year. Maybe they make the playoffs, maybe they don't. The goal is to give the young guys time to build experience and improve. There doesn't need to be a tank as most of the difficult pieces are already assembled. There probably isn't going to be a drastic change in strategy because that would require a massive overhaul on the roster, which further complicates getting the team back to where it needs to be.
Kopitar/Gaborik
Carter/Toffoli
Pearson/?????
Muzzin/Doughty
????/?????
Offense: They need 3 lines.... can be a good scoring pair with a physical grinder that doesn't destroy offense too much. Currently they need a slightly better 3C. Carter/Kopitar will be taking the harder matches so really they need someone with speed that can mesh well with Pearson or another wing. The team is going to see if Kempe or Amadio turn into this player. Worst case neither one works and they trade for a vet 3C.
Defense. Muzzin/Doughty.... got that first pair. Now they need to sort out who's going to step up. I'm not worried about Greene. His contract is up soon and probably won't be around by the time the Kings are making another push. That leaves sorting out the second pair. The 3rd pair isn't much of an issues as I'm 100% sure they will be able to fill that with the guys they have. That leaves finding out who is capable of stepping up in the next year or 2 as a 2nd pair D.
The last window has close. A new window will be opening as guys develop in the next year or 2. Once guys have developed and a clearer picture of what the team needs, trades can be made to fill the remaining holes. This isn't the end of the world.
Edit: Brown's contract isn't even that much of an issue. He's slightly over paid. If the Kings get a couple of young guys to break out and make the team on cheap contracts it will offset the over payment on Brown's contract.
