WCF Gm#4: KINGS vs. Hawks - 6/6/13 - Kings Go Down 3-1 in the Series

[damacles1156]

Really every time I buzz through the channels on the TV, the place looks half empty.

You're probably right. Like I said F MLB.

It's true since 2001 the Dodgers have never been lower than 11th in AVG attendance.

There is a reason the Dodgers sold for 2 Billion ?

So far this year, the Dodgers are number one in the league for attendance.

 

[Vamos Rafa]

It's not Mandatory, it's just likely. It's how Defenders are developed in really good farm systems.

People were crying Slava spent so much time in the AHL....Well look how that turned out.

College Hockey is not on the level of the AHL. The AHL is a Man's league.

He will spend time there, it will be good for him.

Agree about college not bei g the same as the AHL. We just have a lot of question marks on the left side of our defense especially if Scuds doesn't come back. Regehr's extension is a sign that Michell is done.

 

[KINGS17]

So you thought it was an appropriate time to kid around about trading our franchise center? Just felt like creating a mess for the moderators today?

Some of you need to take a forum break.

26 teams finished worse than the Kings did this season. They're going to be fine.

C'mon man, there's no way the Kings are trading Carter.

 

[Vamos Rafa]

Really every time I buzz through the channels on the TV, the place looks half empty.

You're probably right. Like I said F MLB.

It looks empty because 40k (which is a sell out for a lot of stadiums) looks small in a stadium that has a 56k capacity. Dodger Stadium is just too big to consistently look like a packed house for 81 games. This year, they only draw 50k people when it's a bobble head night.

 

[damacles1156]

It looks empty because 40k (which is a sell out for a lot of stadiums) looks small in a stadium that has a 56k capacity. Dodger Stadium is just too big to consistently look like a packed house for 81 games. This year, they only draw 50k people when it's a bobble head night.

This is 100 correct....It's an ugly baseball stadium. The renovations are fixing some of this.

That's why the new Baseball stadiums(around the league) capacity is around 45k....

The Oakland A's wanted the Fremont stadium to only seat 38k (that was the rumor)

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

True, LA isn't a hockey town. There is no reason for him to s*** on some of the pound-for-pound most passionate fans in the NHL. I have a new reason to root for Toronto to never win a damn thing now.

LA follows winners pure and simple. The Lakers are going to find that out starting next season. I bet Dodger Stadium is half empty these days. I haven't gone to a live baseball game in years. Took my Dad a few times, but when the players struck and cancelled the playoffs and World Series they lost me forever.

I know I will spend my summer on vacation and attending a few concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. MLB can go to hell.

That goes for everyone, really. I don't see any need to apologize for not having as many hockey fans per-capita as other markets when we're living in the entertainment capital of the world. Now questioning the true fans' hearts--that's a dick move.

I think last year spoiled us. People forget that 29 teams lose; one wins. We've outdone, at worst, 26 other teams with expectations and hopes, and we've done it sick, injured, and playing far below what we know is our capability. If that doesn't give you encouragement rather than discouragement, I don't know what to tell you. Now, I hope for another cup, but to expect it is folly. that being said, we won the cup last year and made at least the WCF this year--that's more success than the rest of the league over the last two calendar years. We've exceeded everyone's expectations--now let's just enjoy the ride while we continue to chase the ultimate goal.

Yes, we're one loss away from elimination; but we're also 3 wins away from advancing. Win on Saturday. That's it. Anything can happen. And if it does? Wonderful. If it doesn't? I'm proud of this team that's going to be in surgery and recovery all summer. I promise it will be a lot easier to watch and enjoy if you have that attitude. Enjoy what could be the swan song of last year's cup winner, because we may have a facelift next year.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

C'mon man, there's no way the Kings are trading Carter.

ahahahahaha well played

 

[damacles1156]

That goes for everyone, really. I don't see any need to apologize for not having as many hockey fans per-capita as other markets when we're living in the entertainment capital of the world. Now questioning the true fans' hearts--that's a dick move.

I think last year spoiled us. People forget that 29 teams lose; one wins. We've outdone, at worst, 26 other teams with expectations and hopes, and we've done it sick, injured, and playing far below what we know is our capability. If that doesn't give you encouragement rather than discouragement, I don't know what to tell you. Now, I hope for another cup, but to expect it is folly. that being said, we won the cup last year and made at least the WCF this year--that's more success than the rest of the league over the last two calendar years. We've exceeded everyone's expectations--now let's just enjoy the ride while we continue to chase the ultimate goal.

Yes, we're one loss away from elimination; but we're also 3 wins away from advancing. Win on Saturday. That's it. Anything can happen. And if it does? Wonderful. If it doesn't? I'm proud of this team that's going to be in surgery and recovery all summer. I promise it will be a lot easier to watch and enjoy if you have that attitude. Enjoy what could be the swan song of last year's cup winner, because we may have a facelift next year.

This year has been a lot easier to watch, I made myself the promise last year; if the King won it all , I would not get mad next if they went 0-82.

Well they did way better than that, so I have been calm all year ..

I get upset just like everybody, but then I am over it. Pop in the Cup DVD all is right.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Look at what happened to Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Boston the following season after they won a Cup.

2010 Penguins: Lose in 2nd round to Canadiens in 7 games, after being up 3-2 in series.

2011 Blackhawks: Lose in 1st round to Canucks in 7 games.

2012 Bruins: Lose in 1st round to Capitals in 7 games.


The Kings went further than any of those teams did the year after winning the Stanley Cup. Look at it this way, the Kings got this far with their best players not playing their best hockey. They got to the Final Four without the production of Kopitar and Brown and with a banged up lineup.

I have faith in this team and believe that they could bounce right back up next season and get this far, if not further, in 2014. No need to be melodramatic and no need to be ashamed for what the team accomplished this season. They went as far as Quick, Richards, Carter, and Voynov can take them.

 

[Reclamation Project]

^ Exactly. If our "dip" in production is the WCF I'm pretty damn happy.

 

[yankeeking]

It's true since 2001 the Dodgers have never been lower than 11th in AVG attendance.

There is a reason the Dodgers sold for 2 Billion ?

So far this year, the Dodgers are number one in the league for attendance.

the dodgers have a lot of corp. backing , so the attendance is tickets sold and they have large amount of season seats sold but not always attended, my company has had seats tro dodgers and angels and last year people were turning down tickets to the angels and it would have been that way soon with the dodgers but now they have that incredible kid so interest is back up again, expectations were high when you spend the money they both did but winning keeps them coming

 

[Butch 19]

What if DL picked Boghosian? Doughty was not the clear cut number 2 pick. I remember Boghosian up there with Doughty.

Every pre-draft list I saw (maybe 3 - 5) had Stamkos / Doughty as 1 / 2. No matter, Doughty is the real deal, so give DL credit there.

But to then miss so badly on a #4?? (when many draft pundits had Hickey in the 2nd round) ouch.

 

[deeshamrock]

The Kings went further than any of those teams did the year after winning the Stanley Cup. Look at it this way, the Kings got this far with their best players not playing their best hockey. They got to the Final Four without the production of Kopitar and Brown and with a banged up lineup.

I have faith in this team and believe that they could bounce right back up next season and get this far, if not further, in 2014. No need to be melodramatic and no need to be ashamed for what the team accomplished this season. They went as far as Quick, Richards, Carter, and Voynov can take them.

Well said. It's a rough sport and that condensed schedule made it even harder, no time to rest, practice, etc. Too many times where you're traveling because of 3 games in 4 days.
This team, despite the injuries and setbacks all year, showed nothing but heart, grit, and resilience.
And leadership-lots of that.

DL will make the right adjustments over the summer. They are still one of the youngest teams in the league with a very dynamic and young core. They are put together to win and have shown a never-say-die attitude (and cudos to having that in the core group- and the coach) that you need in the playoffs. Nothing illustrated that better than this year.
No Mitchell-
Green comes back after missing almost a year
Brown, Kopi and most likely Doughty playing hurt
No legit LW for the 2nd line (sorry Sutter- I know ya love King but he's not a top 6'er. )
A hard , tough and hurtin' first round against the Blues which saw a few players get hurt. Another hard 7 games series vs the Sharks
A much more difficult path than the Hawks had to go thru
Lose Richards - huge loss- in game 1

Couldn't be prouder of this team, and esp how much they care for each other. That's huge .

And the Hawks were also down 1-3 and came back , winning shift by shift. Difficult but not impossible, not with Quick.
Maybe he steals game 5 and Richards is cleared after the 7 day protocol and comes back in game 6.

Whatever the finish, hard not to be a proud fan. Go Kings

 

[DryIslandBartender]

So you thought it was an appropriate time to kid around about trading our franchise center? Just felt like creating a mess for the moderators today?

Some of you need to take a forum break.

26 teams finished worse than the Kings did this season. They're going to be fine.

Fans are free to speculate on ways to improve the team. I don't know how that's a mess for moderators.

 

[Fishhead]

^ Exactly. If our "dip" in production is the WCF I'm pretty damn happy.

Absolutely.

If anyone would have told me after that collapse against San Jose that the Kings were going to be playing hockey in June the next two years, I would have had them drug tested. We are in the WCF for the 2nd year in a row, and we aren't a Cinderella - we are playing poorly. Think about that for a second. 2 really good teams couldn't beat us in a series even when we are sucking for the most part.

Not only that, we have a young core and outstanding young players. I remember how upset I used to get at Detroit. How they were already stacked, then they somehow have rookies/2nd year guys that seemingly come out of nowhere to have an impact on the team and make them even stronger. That's us right now folks.

 

[YP44]

Absolutely.

If anyone would have told me after that collapse against San Jose that the Kings were going to be playing hockey in June the next two years, I would have had them drug tested. We are in the WCF for the 2nd year in a row, and we aren't a Cinderella - we are playing poorly. Think about that for a second. 2 really good teams couldn't beat us in a series even when we are sucking for the most part.

Not only that, we have a young core and outstanding young players. I remember how upset I used to get at Detroit. How they were already stacked, then they somehow have rookies/2nd year guys that seemingly come out of nowhere to have an impact on the team and make them even stronger. That's us right now folks.

We are on our way, but I think it is a little soon to call us the next Detroit.

 

[damacles1156]

Every pre-draft list I saw (maybe 3 - 5) had Stamkos / Doughty as 1 / 2. No matter, Doughty is the real deal, so give DL credit there.

But to then miss so badly on a #4?? (when many draft pundits had Hickey in the 2nd round) ouch.

That entire draft was bad for defenders in the top ten picks. I don't recall any scouting agency that had Hickey as a second rounder.

Hickey was projected to go in the 11 to 18 range.

Lets stop acting like Lombardi took a guy that wasn't on anyone's radar in the first round.

McDonagh might be the only guy I would like out of that garbage round(for Defenders).

Shattenkirk and Alzner have never really impressed me.

Also Lombardi more than made up for that pick with Simmer.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

If the Leafs approached the Kings about a potential deal involving Phil Kessel and their 1st (22nd overall) for Dustin Brown and Jonathan Bernier, would you do it?

 

[Butch 19]

That entire draft was bad for defenders in the top ten picks. I don't recall any scouting agency that had Hickey as a second rounder.

Hickey was projected to go in the 11 to 18 range.

Lets stop acting like Lombardi took a guy that wasn't on anyone's radar in the first round.

McDonagh might be the only guy I would like out of that garbage round.

Shattenkirk and Alzner have never really impressed me.

Please. Hickey had an injury history before the draft.

What, the draft was "bad for defenders in the top ten"...?? Take a forward then (or BPA). How would Couture look on this team right about now?

 

[damacles1156]

If the Leafs approached the Kings about a potential deal involving Phil Kessel and their 1st (22nd overall) for Dustin Brown and Jonathan Bernier, would you do it?

Nope.

Kessel is no Brown.

 

[damacles1156]

Please. Hickey had an injury history before the draft.

What, the draft was "bad for defenders in the top ten"...?? Take a forward then (or BPA). How would Couture look on this team right about now?

You are arguing with 20/20 hindsight.....The Draft is is an entire crap shoot. Couture went were he was projected.

Lombardi made up for that pick with Simmer which landed Richards...

The idea is to get two roster players each draft, Lombardi and Chiarelli are the only GM's since 2006 to send more drafted players to the roster every year.

You guys are crying over nothing. The Kings have a deep farm system. The scouts are doing their Jobs better than they have ever done in Kings history.

I use to complain like everyone else, but you have to look at the draft has a whole....

The idea is to hit on two players in any of the rounds...Lets say you missed on every round except the 7th and landed a Dats and Zetterberg....So now that draft is a failure cause the first rounder stunk ?

No it's a huge success, The Kings have found players in every draft since 2006, not many teams can claim that.

 

[Herby]

How has Richards been invisible? He led the team in points before getting a concussion and the PP has been even worse than usual without him. His defensive presence, leadership, and his swagger is severely missed as well. Lumping him in with Kopi and Brown is doing him a big injustice. It's obvious the team is missing him.

Richards was greatly missed on the PP, GREATLY. But there are major consistency issues 5 on 5 from game to game with him. And defensive presence? Come on man, I'm not disputing that he was at one point a great defensive player, and while he is still a good PK'er because of his game sense and smarts, he was a poor defensive player this season for the Kings at even strength. Very poor

The Kings 1-2-3 punch down the middle should be Kopitar-Carter-Richards, with all of them playing on the PP together. That is the best situation with the Kings, everyone is put in a position to succeed.

It would be nice if Doughty discovered that thing called a wrist shot from the point on the PP. Not every shot from the point has to be a blast. That was one thing Johnson was good at from time to time on the PP, just wristing it on net and creating chaos in front of the other team's net.

The Kings PP needs to use Drew in more ways, kind of like SJ used to use Boyle when he was more in his prime. Drew standing at the point firing slap shots and passing one-timers to Voynov (and before that Stoll) is a total waste of his talents. Remember the Kings PP against Vancouver in 2010, they need to watch video of that and get Drew back to playing that way on the PP.

The PP to me has been the most disappointing part of this series, having watched the Hawks all year I'm amazed how much the Kings have just played into their PK style and strengths. Does this team not employ pro scouts, especially to a team that you had to figure we would see sometime in the playoffs. Atleast in the past we could blame the PP issues on having guys like Stoll, Handzus and Smyth on it. This team right now has way to much skill to have such a vanilla PP.

People seriously blaming Sutter for this? Is this the bizarro world?
.

What is your defense for...

1. The awful PP, in particular the predictable style and lack of adjustments?

2. Kyle Clifford's continued promotions to the scoring lines despite not scoring and generally playing like crap?

3. The awful line changes that occur pretty much every other game, last night resulting in a goal?

4. The amount of too many men penalties this playoffs?

5. The refusal to put TT in the lineup, including benching him for Game 6 in favor of Nolan. And Him only finding a spot in the lineup after an unfortunate injury?

Just curious, these seem to be legit gripes, and not people living in bizarro world as you put it.

 

[Herby]

RH63,

Why would I be happy if Stoll were traded? It makes zero sense for the Kings to keep Stoll after years of poor play, only to trade him when he has finally found his game as a King. Unless the Kings were blown away with a trade offer, and I don't find that likely with his contract.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Something else to keep in mind to all the positive thoughts about the other players--Jonathan Quick has played 143 games since the beginning of 2011 and had a back surgery in the middle there. If that guy's not a battler, I don't know who is.

 

[damacles1156]

What is your defense for...

1. The awful PP, in particular the predictable style and lack of adjustments?

2. Kyle Clifford's continued promotions to the scoring lines despite not scoring and generally playing like crap?

3. The awful line changes that occur pretty much every other game, last night resulting in a goal?

4. The amount of too many men penalties this playoffs?

5. The refusal to put TT in the lineup, including benching him for Game 6 in favor of Nolan. And Him only finding a spot in the lineup after an unfortunate injury?

Just curious, these seem to be legit gripes, and not people living in bizarro world as you put it.

1. The Hawks are the best PK in league. At around 96% all year and have given up Three PP goals(in the playoff's) ?

2. When half the roster is dead, I really don't care who plays LW they all suck, That is Lombardi's fault not Sutters.

3. I can count Three bad lines changes in this series, they happen.
The coaches are not calling guys off the ice when scoring chances are developing. That's not how it works use a little common sense.

The Kings didn't get the puck deep, went for a line change and Bam scoring chance...How is that Sutter's fault ? The guy is not on the ice.

4. 7 Defenders will cause some confusion, Also the constant line swaps(Sutter's fault). They are going to happen

5. Should have played TT more, but it happens other coaches have made that mistake as well, shows Sutter is Human.

There is no perfect coach out there, Sutter did well last season, seems to be doing well this season...