GDT: Los Angeles Kings 5, Ottawa Senators 3 (Final)

[KINGS17]

Said it before and I'll say it again.. Sitting Kopitar allows opponents the luxury of not having to deal with him in a game plan. This opens up their options for handling the rest of the Kings lineup.

A sub-par Kopitar still gives the Kings an advantage. Not as much as an optimal Kopitar, but better than no Kopitar.

Over the long haul, sure. Short term while on this eastern swing, I wouldn't mind seeing Shore take his place for a game or two. Sometimes it helps to watch, whether that be from a motivational, health, or even confidence factor.

Some folks are saying that Kopitar looks emotionally exhausted. I don't know about that, but the way he is playing leads me to think a little break wouldn't by a bad thing.

 

[KINGS17]

And made a lazy play on the Stone shorthanded goal. There was a handful of other ones as well.

Yeah, Doughty is another one that needs his ice time cut. Especially on the power play.

 

[kingsholygrail]

Over the long haul, sure. Short term while on this eastern swing, I wouldn't mind seeing Shore take his place for a game or two. Sometimes it helps to watch, whether that be from a motivational, health, or even confidence factor.

Some folks are saying that Kopitar looks emotionally exhausted. I don't know about that, but the way he is playing leads me to think a little break wouldn't by a bad thing.

What has Shore done to earn Kopitar's spot? lol He had a shot to crack the roster already and didn't do it. He'll get another opportunity but sitting Kopitar to get it is ludicrous. We're not rebuilding. We're trying to win another championship.

 

[Buddy The Elf]

On what planet does Darryl Sutter sit Kopitar to play a guy who has never played a game in the NHL before? I'm having flashbacks to 2009.

Vincent Lecavalier was a healthy scratch for the first time ever in his career last week. This is a guy who was bought out from a contract a year and half ago. A guy whose stats have been consistently trending downward since his career highs about 8 years ago.

I highly doubt Kopitar is going to be a healthy scratch any time soon nor do I think he should be. He isn't a detriment to the team. Sure, we all expect more from him (I'm sure he does too) but the idea that a minor leaguer is going to replace him in the line up is pretty ridiculous.

This board is funny right now. Just about the whole team is on pace for career lows (or close to). It really is hard to single someone out when just about every key player (except Quick) is struggling to put points up.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Doughty shouldn't even be on the powerplay.

 

[damacles1156]

I think the Kings options are limited with the PP, Voynov is not in the lineup.

So Doughty most likely will remain on the power play.