GDT: Game 37: Kings vs. San Jose | Saturday December 31, 2016 7:30 p.m. PST

[theMajor]

And if he is playing true a torn ligament, he wouldn't be the first player to do that. It's just that in that area for a center, that is a spot that is hacked a lot on factoffs and in puck play so even with a brace, that would not be a good thing. But as has been pointed out, his best work is defending and killing PK, defensive zone faceoffs and such. COuld be that the Kings are accepting the fact the injury is hampering other areas.

Ive been thinking about this a lot lately and its probably true. who else do we have to replace Kopitar? dude does everything at an elite level but it seems he cant buy a goal these days. Kopitar playing at 70ish percent is better than any other center on the Kings save Carter. the Kings are already down Quick, they cant afford to sit Kopitar otherwise the season is done.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Ive been thinking about this a lot lately and its probably true. who else do we have to replace Kopitar? dude does everything at an elite level but it seems he cant buy a goal these days. Kopitar playing at 70ish percent is better than any other center on the Kings save Carter. the Kings are already down Quick, they cant afford to sit Kopitar otherwise the season is done.

I agree. In most ways, you can't replace him--but it also means you have to understand and live with his production and relative weakness with puck protection, and that's just not happening around here, it's a bunch of 'lol 14 million for what?'

 

[KingsFan7824]

Put it this way.

Kopitar since coming back from Injury: 17GP 1G 7A 8P -3.

I would have rather had Kopitar sit out those 17 games, and get 100% healthy.

Before the injury: 15GP, 2G, 6A, 8pts, +1.

 

[Trolfoli]

Man that was a good game. Used offensive pressure to put the Sharks back on their fins. Half way through the game Sharks are forced to change things up and start taking the body which plays into the Kings game plan, then they lose their **** and their former captain won't even stand up to Forbort when he gets called out. Thornton should be forced to shave. He's a disgrace to everyone with a manly beard.

Kings have been playing well despite the recent couple of losses, low scoring games and a couple goals of bad penalties. Not singling anyone out.... you know who you are. As I was saying this team is looking really good. The offense is fine. They can get contributions from any number of guys up front. Sure it might be hard sledding with King/Lewis/Brown in and around the top 6 at times, but this team can make it work. Budaj's playing great and Quick will hopefully not be too rusty coming back. The only issue is the defense. They're looking good but just going to need more experience. I'm loving the influx of guys on D that can make a pass. As we saw last night having 2 guys on a pairing that can make plays and move the puck up ice speeds up the transition not having to go D to D and it caused problems for the Sharks last night. First play in particular when Forbort made a play and got the puck up ice instead of going D to D and screwing around in their own zone.

Props to Sutter for having them push the speed of the game and attack, not just sitting back on defense. He got a long way out of his comfort zone last night I'm sure.


Kopitar: Who cares... he's injured, had crap line mates... Kings are in the hunt for the playoff still and don't have Quick. He's still capable of shutting down any line in hockey. There are only a few centers that can play as a number 1 that have the ability to shut down the top lines of all the other teams. It's a pretty short list and it isn't an accident that most on that list have won a cup in the last few years. Having Kopitar allows the Kings to roll with Dowd at the 3C position, not needing a Stoll type shutdown D because that's what Kopitar is doing. It's also not like he hasn't been getting some good chances recently so I don't understand what the *****ing is about... not getting some bounces? Who cares. Moar Defense!!!!

I feel pretty good about this team right now.

 

[theMajor]

I agree. In most ways, you can't replace him--but it also means you have to understand and live with his production and relative weakness with puck protection, and that's just not happening around here, it's a bunch of 'lol 14 million for what?'

we've been incredibly lucky as fans that Kopitar has been such a reliable workhorse throughout his career. he hasnt missed many games and has played through some ****. this season is weird expectation-wise with the C and his new contract and all, I guess it only makes sense that he'd get injured and have a production dip on top of the newly added pressure. the hockey gods havent shown the Kings org much love since the 2nd cup

 

[member 88115]

Im happy Sutter had the balls to play McNabb and Gravel together. Our transition game look a lot better and allowed for a better offensive pressure. Our slow guys don't look slow, when they get a chance to get some speed.

 

[driller1]

Im happy Sutter had the balls to play McNabb and Gravel together. Our transition game look a lot better and allowed for a better offensive pressure. Our slow guys don't look slow, when they get a chance to get some speed.

I remember Sutter saying something to the effect of "I'd take those 6 guys for the next decade" when asked about Forbort and Gravel, but ultimately commenting on the relative youth of the 6 players who are currently seeing ice time.

 

[bob77]

I remember Sutter saying something to the effect of "I'd take those 6 guys for the next decade" when asked about Forbort and Gravel, but ultimately commenting on the relative youth of the 6 players who are currently seeing ice time.

Because of the unique circumstances, DS has all 8 D here now. Perhaps what we are seeing is closer to what he might have liked to try out of camp, with even LaDue around as well. I'm still not convinced that DS has ever truly liked McNabb's game. He certainly is not one of his pets.

 

[KingPuckChoo]

so any news on Thornton? hearing? suspension?

 

[onlyalad]

so any news on Thornton? hearing? suspension?

For cheap shor at Brown? Medal
Slash on Forbort? No blood no foul

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

For cheap shor at Brown? Medal
Slash on Forbort? No blood no foul

I was told that Brown had it coming for years of dirty play and that the slash on Forbort is a love tap that happens every game

Keeping that in my pocket for next time a game escalates Tuesday?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Schlemko out with an upper body injury now.

Those damn dirty Kings at it again

 

[Bandit]

I agree. In most ways, you can't replace him--but it also means you have to understand and live with his production and relative weakness with puck protection, and that's just not happening around here, it's a bunch of 'lol 14 million for what?'

Or you sit him until he's actually healthy. If this current version of Kopitar is what we're stuck with for the rest of the season we'll be lucky to win a single playoff game (if we even make it).

 

[deeshamrock]

Man that was a good game. Used offensive pressure to put the Sharks back on their fins. Half way through the game Sharks are forced to change things up and start taking the body which plays into the Kings game plan, then they lose their **** and their former captain won't even stand up to Forbort when he gets called out. Thornton should be forced to shave. He's a disgrace to everyone with a manly beard.

Kings have been playing well despite the recent couple of losses, low scoring games and a couple goals of bad penalties. Not singling anyone out.... you know who you are. As I was saying this team is looking really good. The offense is fine. They can get contributions from any number of guys up front. Sure it might be hard sledding with King/Lewis/Brown in and around the top 6 at times, but this team can make it work. Budaj's playing great and Quick will hopefully not be too rusty coming back. The only issue is the defense. They're looking good but just going to need more experience. I'm loving the influx of guys on D that can make a pass. As we saw last night having 2 guys on a pairing that can make plays and move the puck up ice speeds up the transition not having to go D to D and it caused problems for the Sharks last night. First play in particular when Forbort made a play and got the puck up ice instead of going D to D and screwing around in their own zone.

Props to Sutter for having them push the speed of the game and attack, not just sitting back on defense. He got a long way out of his comfort zone last night I'm sure.


Kopitar: Who cares... he's injured, had crap line mates... Kings are in the hunt for the playoff still and don't have Quick. He's still capable of shutting down any line in hockey. There are only a few centers that can play as a number 1 that have the ability to shut down the top lines of all the other teams. It's a pretty short list and it isn't an accident that most on that list have won a cup in the last few years. Having Kopitar allows the Kings to roll with Dowd at the 3C position, not needing a Stoll type shutdown D because that's what Kopitar is doing. It's also not like he hasn't been getting some good chances recently so I don't understand what the *****ing is about... not getting some bounces? Who cares. Moar Defense!!!!

I feel pretty good about this team right now.

Offense is fine? I guess that depends on your definition of 'fine'. THey are 25th in the NHL in scoring at 2.4 GPG, which is barely above the 2.4 they give up. Defense is ranked 6th, the defense is fine. It's the offense that is skating on quicksand most nights.
The offense , or lack of it, should be a concern, the only reason they are in a wildcard spot is because of Carter , Budaj and the defense. And that they are lucky to be in a weak division with some teams in the Central that struggled so far. You can't count on that to continue.
Carter and Budaj are the only players that have been consistent and be depended on, during most games. Approaching mid season, scoring is a concern as well it should be. I don't think DL is pulling the trigger, he knows the boundaries for the team and I think will play the hands he's been dealt. Not only did the rental trades not work out, but the Teddy Purcell and Latta were questionable moves. Seto was fine, nothing lost on a 20 pt role player but he hasn't done anything to warrant a contract beyond this one. And Mersch is 24 and should have been given a shot this year. I'd rather have him getting minutes and playing reg shifts and growing his game.

I don't feel as good about the team as you do, I'd feel better if they were playing better , getting critical goals from players not named Carter, who they better hope doesn't get hurt.

They played a very good game vs the Sharks, who were terrible most of the night. I don't expect that tomorrow, I expect the Sharks to show up. Redwings are struggling, that should be a W for the Kings but the WIld are really playing well right now and that will be a tough game, they are the 2nd best defensive team in the NHL and that's where a team like the Kings who struggle to score will have a problem.

 

[Trolfoli]

Offense is fine? I guess that depends on your definition of 'fine'. THey are 25th in the NHL in scoring at 2.4 GPG, which is barely above the 2.4 they give up. Defense is ranked 6th, the defense is fine. It's the offense that is skating on quicksand most nights.
The offense , or lack of it, should be a concern, the only reason they are in a wildcard spot is because of Carter , Budaj and the defense. And that they are lucky to be in a weak division with some teams in the Central that struggled so far. You can't count on that to continue.
Carter and Budaj are the only players that have been consistent and be depended on, during most games. Approaching mid season, scoring is a concern as well it should be. I don't think DL is pulling the trigger, he knows the boundaries for the team and I think will play the hands he's been dealt. Not only did the rental trades not work out, but the Teddy Purcell and Latta were questionable moves. Seto was fine, nothing lost on a 20 pt role player but he hasn't done anything to warrant a contract beyond this one. And Mersch is 24 and should have been given a shot this year. I'd rather have him getting minutes and playing reg shifts and growing his game.

I don't feel as good about the team as you do, I'd feel better if they were playing better , getting critical goals from players not named Carter, who they better hope doesn't get hurt.

They played a very good game vs the Sharks, who were terrible most of the night. I don't expect that tomorrow, I expect the Sharks to show up. Redwings are struggling, that should be a W for the Kings but the WIld are really playing well right now and that will be a tough game, they are the 2nd best defensive team in the NHL and that's where a team like the Kings who struggle to score will have a problem.

Offense is fine. Kings won the cup one year being 29th in offense (Buff was tanking) for most of the year and finished 26 or so. People thought last year was going to be the new normal with an offense around the 15th ranked or so. Just got to learn to appreciate it.

Purcell & Lata were questionable moves? Really? Lombardi picked up some place holders so he could ice an "NHL" roster if other players didn't step up. Who cares that those guys aren't on the team. That wasn't the point of signing one guy at pretty much the league min and the other guy at 1.6M. They're fillers and not meant to actually help for a cup.

Defense needs time. That's not going to be fixed by the playoffs. They need more reps and more experience. Still don't have that 2nd pair RHD. Muzzin is Muffining.

Defense raked 6th.... with the Kings style they need to be the 1 or 2 defense in the league to have a shot. That's the way it is. Plus the style leads to fewer chances for both the Kings an opponents. That means the offense will suffer and the defense will benefit. Remember when the Kings were money at winning 1-0 games. Kings are not on that level right now despite having the 6th ranked defense. It's not just Budaj preventing that.

The Wild Card spot doesn't matter. It would be nice for the rookies to get some playoff experience; it would be nice to get a higher draft pick. A cup is a real long shot this year.

You're freaking out way too much.