Kings coach Darryl Sutter usually provides some great quotes during his post-game pressers. Last night wasn't one of them. Following his team's disappointing loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, few Sutterisms were offered up. Basically, he's looking for a better effort and a more focused game from just about everybody except goalie Jonathan Bernier. Take a listen...
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Showing posts with label Sutter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sutter. Show all posts
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Sutter, Clifford and Nolan on fighting, being physical
Fighting is down in the NHL about 20-25%, according to recent statements by Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Scoring for the LA Kings has been, well until recently, down significantly since last year too.
For Kyle Clifford, it's been a bit of mixed bag in those two areas. True, his fighting majors are down - he had 18 last season and with only seven so far this year, he should come in significantly below that number.
Yet. on the offensive side of things, he's actually not that far behind his pace of a year ago - which is rather shocking considering (a) the Kings offense as a whole is down and (b) he's been used in a different role, especially since the hiring of Darryl Sutter.
With 10 points already in the books, and 16 games to go, he'll likely come close to the 14 points he tallied last year.
Playing along side Colin Fraser and Jordan Nolan of late may be freeing him to do concentrate on other things too, rather than just be a physical presence on the ice.
"Yeah, it definitely takes that kinda pressure off," said Clifford. "We have guys that have done that all year though. You look at Greener, even Brownie - he stepped up and dropped the mitts (vs. Shane Doan, here). So, it's always nice to have that extra piece here with Nolan, and Kinger can grab 'em too. I've seen him fight. He's a pretty good fighter. It's always nice having the extra physical bodies."
Cam Jannsesn - then of the Blues, now with the Devils - came on MayorsManor last season and talked about using websites like HockeyFights.com to scout opponents, including Clifford and Kevin Westgarth. However, not every player puts as much thought into things ahead of time.
"I try not to analyze it too much," Nolan explained. "I don't like to square up with guys or tap them on the shins and fight. I like to fight in the heat of the moment and the battle, when you're into the game. Those are your best fights."
Scoring for the LA Kings has been, well until recently, down significantly since last year too.
For Kyle Clifford, it's been a bit of mixed bag in those two areas. True, his fighting majors are down - he had 18 last season and with only seven so far this year, he should come in significantly below that number.
Yet. on the offensive side of things, he's actually not that far behind his pace of a year ago - which is rather shocking considering (a) the Kings offense as a whole is down and (b) he's been used in a different role, especially since the hiring of Darryl Sutter.
With 10 points already in the books, and 16 games to go, he'll likely come close to the 14 points he tallied last year.
Playing along side Colin Fraser and Jordan Nolan of late may be freeing him to do concentrate on other things too, rather than just be a physical presence on the ice.
"Yeah, it definitely takes that kinda pressure off," said Clifford. "We have guys that have done that all year though. You look at Greener, even Brownie - he stepped up and dropped the mitts (vs. Shane Doan, here). So, it's always nice to have that extra piece here with Nolan, and Kinger can grab 'em too. I've seen him fight. He's a pretty good fighter. It's always nice having the extra physical bodies."
Cam Jannsesn - then of the Blues, now with the Devils - came on MayorsManor last season and talked about using websites like HockeyFights.com to scout opponents, including Clifford and Kevin Westgarth. However, not every player puts as much thought into things ahead of time.
"I try not to analyze it too much," Nolan explained. "I don't like to square up with guys or tap them on the shins and fight. I like to fight in the heat of the moment and the battle, when you're into the game. Those are your best fights."
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Exclusive: Kopitar responds to criticism, facing crossroads
Although he's about to complete his sixth full season in the NHL, it's an important fact to remember.
Drafted in the first round by the Kings in 2005 - and signed to a long-term, big money contract after only two years of pro hockey in North America - pressure and expectations come with the territory.
Yet recently, there's been extra heat heaved in Kopitar's direction. First, coach Darryl Sutter called him out last month, saying he wants his big center to be a 'more determined and purposed player.' Then, in an exclusive interview on MayorsManor just last week, Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne - he of 731 goals scored in the NHL - claimed LA's points leader needed 'a wake-up call.'
"Could it be better? Absolutely," replied Kopitar when I asked for his response to the criticisms and a personal evaluation of his game at the moment.
"I always take pride in being better everyday and working on things. Yeah, I do feel I can put a little more into my game. It hasn't been (recently) where it's been at times (in the past). I know I can dominate games and lead the team by example, definitely. It's just a matter of doing it every night. That's a challenge for me."
Yes, consistency has been a big part of the issue.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Does Kopitar even know his left wing? Does it matter?
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| Anze Kopitar (photo: D. Sheehan) |
Even if there was some initial success, all experiments ended the same - with said player being returned to a more 'natural' role.
LA's omnipresent lack of scoring led to a line shuffling today, which netted rookie Jordan Nolan - with all of four NHL career games and a former seventh round draft pick - as Kopitar's new left wing.
"I saw him a little in training camp," said Kopitar, when asked how familiar he even was with Nolan. "If I'm not mistaken, we were on the same team that went to Phoenix for the pre-season game (during a split-squad series with the Coyotes). So, I knew the guy a little bit."
Nope, Nolan didn't make that trip. He stayed behind and played in the game at Staples Center. Fortunately for the 22-year old newbie, he's made a little more of a distinct impression over the last 10 days.
"(Nolan's) been really good for us since he was called up," Kopitar remarked. "He's had some strong games and he scored a goal too. So, all he needs to do is continue doing what he's been doing. Willie (Justin Williams) and I need to pick it up."
That's exactly what Darryl Sutter is looking for. As reported earlier today, the Kings coach has heard enough about team - he wants to hear more about what Kopitar and Dustin Brown are going to do individually.
Will the real Darryl Sutter please stand up?
...or is that what just happened?
When the LA Kings were first rumored to be interested in hiring Darryl Sutter as the coach to replace Terry Murray, many scoffed at the idea. He was labeled a yeller, bombastic, hard-nosed, fiery, volatile, abrasive and several other less than flattering adjectives.
Then, at the team's press conference to announce his hiring, Dean Lombardi warned anybody who would listen - don't believe what you hear, Sutter is more than just a screamer.
The GM appeared to know exactly what he was talking about, as the new coach was as personable as can be for the first two months. Players would gush when talking about him and TV cameras often caught him giving words of encouragement to individuals on the bench during games.
"Kopitar and Brown (need) to get going. Neither one has done much for six weeks," Sutter said, when kicking off his post-practice press conference today. "These guys talk too much about the team. They should talk more about themselves, what they bring to the table."
And with that, the gloves were off.
Murray had rarely, if ever, criticized his players while leading the Kings. Sure, there was the occasional poke at somebody like Alexei Ponikarovsky. Yet, he never called out his star players.
Sutter? It appears he's seen enough.
Following Saturday night's 1-0 loss - the team's second in a row - he spoke with the players and then went to an adjacent room to meet with media. As he walked in with a lozenge in his mouth, the real surprise may have been that he wasn't on crutches after injuring his foot while firmly putting it up the...well, you get the idea.
"Kopi and Brownie have been stale, from my standpoint, for a little while together," he continued this morning. “(Kopitar) has to bring more energy and more purpose when he has the puck. It’s not that he’s playing poorly. If you didn’t look at him as a high-end offensive player, he’s playing well enough in the three zones, But, when he’s got the puck in the offensive zone, he’s got to be a lot more determined, purposed player when he has it in the offensive zone. He does a really good job of getting there with it and helping everybody else get there, but he’s got to do a better job once he has it there, because he’s capable."
When the LA Kings were first rumored to be interested in hiring Darryl Sutter as the coach to replace Terry Murray, many scoffed at the idea. He was labeled a yeller, bombastic, hard-nosed, fiery, volatile, abrasive and several other less than flattering adjectives.
Then, at the team's press conference to announce his hiring, Dean Lombardi warned anybody who would listen - don't believe what you hear, Sutter is more than just a screamer.
The GM appeared to know exactly what he was talking about, as the new coach was as personable as can be for the first two months. Players would gush when talking about him and TV cameras often caught him giving words of encouragement to individuals on the bench during games.
"Kopitar and Brown (need) to get going. Neither one has done much for six weeks," Sutter said, when kicking off his post-practice press conference today. "These guys talk too much about the team. They should talk more about themselves, what they bring to the table."
And with that, the gloves were off.
Murray had rarely, if ever, criticized his players while leading the Kings. Sure, there was the occasional poke at somebody like Alexei Ponikarovsky. Yet, he never called out his star players.
Sutter? It appears he's seen enough.
Following Saturday night's 1-0 loss - the team's second in a row - he spoke with the players and then went to an adjacent room to meet with media. As he walked in with a lozenge in his mouth, the real surprise may have been that he wasn't on crutches after injuring his foot while firmly putting it up the...well, you get the idea.
"Kopi and Brownie have been stale, from my standpoint, for a little while together," he continued this morning. “(Kopitar) has to bring more energy and more purpose when he has the puck. It’s not that he’s playing poorly. If you didn’t look at him as a high-end offensive player, he’s playing well enough in the three zones, But, when he’s got the puck in the offensive zone, he’s got to be a lot more determined, purposed player when he has it in the offensive zone. He does a really good job of getting there with it and helping everybody else get there, but he’s got to do a better job once he has it there, because he’s capable."
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sutter, Brown and just about everybody at a loss for words
For the second straight game the Kings lost 1-0. With Jonathan Quick in net, it's almost like rinse and repeat. He's playing stellar in net and the team in front of him just can't seem to find a way to bang a few pucks in down at the other end of the ice.
After dropping a crucial game to Calgary, that saw the Kings fall to ninth in the Western Conference standings, LA's coach and captain didn't have much to say or any new answers...
Coach Darryl Sutter:
On losing back-to-back 1-0 games at home - "I don’t think I’ve ever done that, maybe in a playoff series, but not regular season."
On how the Kings can improve - "Keep it simple, get shots and traffic...I think we really have to bear down on the opportunities that we get. You don’t get a lot of opportunities. We don’t give a lot, so you have to bear down on the ones you get."
On any possible trades the Kings may make - "First off, I wouldn’t do that, and secondly, that wouldn’t be something to talk about in the media."
Dustin Brown:
After dropping a crucial game to Calgary, that saw the Kings fall to ninth in the Western Conference standings, LA's coach and captain didn't have much to say or any new answers...
Coach Darryl Sutter:
On losing back-to-back 1-0 games at home - "I don’t think I’ve ever done that, maybe in a playoff series, but not regular season."
On how the Kings can improve - "Keep it simple, get shots and traffic...I think we really have to bear down on the opportunities that we get. You don’t get a lot of opportunities. We don’t give a lot, so you have to bear down on the ones you get."
On any possible trades the Kings may make - "First off, I wouldn’t do that, and secondly, that wouldn’t be something to talk about in the media."
Dustin Brown:
Quotes from the Flames locker room after 1-0 win in LA
In a 1-0 game, it wasn't that surprising when the goaltenders were selected as the top two stars, with Calgary's Mikka Kiprusoff receiving number one and LA's Jonathan Quick getting second. The third star went to Mike Cammalleri, who scored the lone goal of the game. It was his fifth goal in 14 games since returning to the Flames in a trade with Montreal.
After the game, here's what was being said back in the Flames locker room...
Captain Jarome Iginla:
On his goalie's performance - "He’s played as good as I’ve seen him play in his career and that’s counting the Vezina year. All year he’s been outstanding, it’s amazing. He’s having the best year that I can remember. He’s enjoying it too, though."
On moving into eighth place in the Western Conference - "It’s a big step for us. We look at it as ‘if it didn’t go our way tonight, we could be four points out again by two teams and had kind of been getting close and getting close.’ To finally get there is a big step for us. We believe that we are going in the right direction. We’ve played some tough games and tough teams, different style games, road games, and we’ve been chipping away and stuff. It feels good. It’s been a long time; I don’t think we’ve been in a playoff spot all year."
Forward Tom Kostopoulos:
After the game, here's what was being said back in the Flames locker room...
Captain Jarome Iginla:
On his goalie's performance - "He’s played as good as I’ve seen him play in his career and that’s counting the Vezina year. All year he’s been outstanding, it’s amazing. He’s having the best year that I can remember. He’s enjoying it too, though."
On moving into eighth place in the Western Conference - "It’s a big step for us. We look at it as ‘if it didn’t go our way tonight, we could be four points out again by two teams and had kind of been getting close and getting close.’ To finally get there is a big step for us. We believe that we are going in the right direction. We’ve played some tough games and tough teams, different style games, road games, and we’ve been chipping away and stuff. It feels good. It’s been a long time; I don’t think we’ve been in a playoff spot all year."
Forward Tom Kostopoulos:
Friday, February 17, 2012
LA shutout by PHX - game recap using only Sutterisms
If there's one thing we've come to expect from the Darryl Sutter era in Los Angeles, it's entertaining - and occasionally confusing - press conferences. As usual, he didn't disappoint last night, even if there weren't any more Merle Haggard references.
For you super busy people, here's the game in a nutshell using only his popular three-word Sutterisms:
- first goal big
- they're no different
- not more physical
- probably counting fights
- missed the net
- that's your problem
- lot of traffic
If you prefer to savor Sutter's full quotes in their entirety, enjoy...
On the overall game - "I’ve said it 100 times, just rewind it. This league is about having the lead and scoring the first goal. It’s a big difference in the game. They’re no different than anyone else when they have the lead."
For you super busy people, here's the game in a nutshell using only his popular three-word Sutterisms:
- first goal big
- they're no different
- not more physical
- probably counting fights
- missed the net
- that's your problem
- lot of traffic
If you prefer to savor Sutter's full quotes in their entirety, enjoy...
On the overall game - "I’ve said it 100 times, just rewind it. This league is about having the lead and scoring the first goal. It’s a big difference in the game. They’re no different than anyone else when they have the lead."
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Darryl Sutter on why the Kings didn't call up Kozun
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| Kozun in training camp (photo: Ikiri) |
After last year, his first as a pro - where he finished eighth among AHL rookies in scoring (23 goals, 25 assists) and tied for third in the league with six game winning goals - he's among the Manchester Monarchs most productive players again this season.
When the Kings called up Dwight King and Jordan Nolan last week, Kozun's numbers were better than Nolan's and on par with King's. Yet, he didn't get the nod. Given his noted creativity and speed, something the Kings offense has been lacking at times, it was at least curious. So, I asked coach Darryl Sutter about it after practice today...
"You have a be a really dynamic player to play in the NHL when you're a little player. You have to be really dynamic," Sutter said of the 5-foot-8 right wing. "Those two kids who came in here now, they’re big guys who can skate. That’s what they are, right? When you’re a little guy, you better be really dynamic. How many of them are there? The only one who's (not a star) that I can think of off the top of my head - and he was a dynamic player at the American League level - is the little guy playing in Montreal, David Desharnais (5-foot-7). I saw him in the American League and I thought, 'He’s going to play,' because he was dynamic. You can't just be in and out. It’s a tough league to play in. The average weight of a defenseman in this league is 220, and they’re as fast as any players you have on your team. So, you have to be a pretty special player if you’re 40 or 50 or 60 pounds lighter than that."
Even so, King still had praise for his frequent linemate in Manchester.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
AUDIO: LA Kings coach Darryl Sutter after 4-2 win vs Stars
After the LA Kings big 4-2 win in Dallas today, coach Darryl Sutter had plenty to say - and even offered up several new three-word Sutterisms. For example, when talking about recent call-ups Jordan Nolan and Dwight King he said 'Suck it up' and 'They were fresh.' Take a listen...
Still to come, post-game locker room audio with Nolan and Justin Williams.
The Mayor
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Still to come, post-game locker room audio with Nolan and Justin Williams.
The Mayor
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
VIDEO: Darryl Sutter post-game presser vs. NYI
Coach Darryl Sutter spoke with the media following the Kings 2-1 overtime loss to the Islanders today. The highlight of the pseudo presser had to be 'Would you like more scoring?' Yes, somebody asked this to the coach of the NHL's lowest scoring team.
Here's what he had to say...
Click here for Dustin Brown's post-game comments and here for goalie Jonathan Quick.
The Mayor
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Here's what he had to say...
Click here for Dustin Brown's post-game comments and here for goalie Jonathan Quick.
The Mayor
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Tuesday, February 7, 2012
LA def TB 3-1, post-game audio from coach Darryl Sutter
In his post-game conversation with the media in Tampa Bay, Kings coach Darryl Sutter discussed the importance of getting the first goal, having a young hockey team, the play of Jonathan Quick and more. Take a listen...
The two best three-word Sutterism of the night may have been 'broken stick goal' (in reference to Steven Stamkos scoring the Lightning's lone goal) and 'just move on' (regarding last Saturday's tough loss in Carolina).
The Mayor
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The two best three-word Sutterism of the night may have been 'broken stick goal' (in reference to Steven Stamkos scoring the Lightning's lone goal) and 'just move on' (regarding last Saturday's tough loss in Carolina).
The Mayor
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Monday, January 30, 2012
LA Kings fans provide Top 10 high points from Sutter Era
Over the last month we've heard from the LA Kings players - and it's pretty clear, they all love Darryl Sutter so far. He's been engaging, supportive and highly motivational to the guys in the locker room and from behind the bench.
Now, we'll use David Letterman's Top Ten List format and combine it with the popular #fillintheblank hashtag idea from twitter to share the answers received from Kings fans when we recently asked them to complete this sentence - 'The best thing that's happened since Darryl Sutter took over the LA Kings is __________.'
10) ...the Kopitar-Brown-Williams line was finally back together.
9) ...I don't feel so bad about my suits.
8) ...the double peace sign exit.
7) ...we get to see more of Kyle Clifford's potential.
6) ...Drew Doughty giving Jarret Stoll the love tap goal celebration
Now, we'll use David Letterman's Top Ten List format and combine it with the popular #fillintheblank hashtag idea from twitter to share the answers received from Kings fans when we recently asked them to complete this sentence - 'The best thing that's happened since Darryl Sutter took over the LA Kings is __________.'
10) ...the Kopitar-Brown-Williams line was finally back together.
9) ...I don't feel so bad about my suits.
8) ...the double peace sign exit.
7) ...we get to see more of Kyle Clifford's potential.
6) ...Drew Doughty giving Jarret Stoll the love tap goal celebration
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Coach Sutter's presser vs Sens: full comments vs Sutterisms
Below are full comments from coach Darryl Sutter's post game press conference following the Kings 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. See if you can pull out a few of his popular three-word Sutterisms...
On the balanced effort from the team - "We got lots from... probably half of our shots came from our defense. The power play scored a big goal in the second, and a penalty-shot goal."
On the killer instinct in the second period - "I thought, emotionally, our second period was a strong period. That’s all I was trying to get, was to emotionally draw something out of them tonight."
On Justin Williams eight-game point streak - "Their line wasn't as effective tonight. I don't know if Kopi and Brownie even had shots on goal. So, I don't think if they were nearly as effective tonight."
On the balanced effort from the team - "We got lots from... probably half of our shots came from our defense. The power play scored a big goal in the second, and a penalty-shot goal."
On the killer instinct in the second period - "I thought, emotionally, our second period was a strong period. That’s all I was trying to get, was to emotionally draw something out of them tonight."
On Justin Williams eight-game point streak - "Their line wasn't as effective tonight. I don't know if Kopi and Brownie even had shots on goal. So, I don't think if they were nearly as effective tonight."
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Kings locker room - frustration abounds after 3-1 home loss
The Kings had a chance to move into first place in the Pacific Division with a win last night. However, it wasn't meant to be. In front of the 24th straight home sellout, LA lost nearly every statistical category - including hits, shots, faceoffs and goals. After the 3-1 Colorado win, here's what they were saying back in the Kings locker room...
Captain Dustin Brown:
On the overall game - "It’s hard to get shots when you don’t have everyone playing the right way. It’s going to take 20 guys; tonight I don’t think we had 20. It’s hard to say [how many guys were playing the right way] right after a game. I’m sure it will be clear on video, but we need more. Tonight we had some good lines, but you need four lines if you want to win games in this league, bottom line."
On the cycle shifts - "Last game I scored a goal in the cycle and tonight Kopi scored a goal. Just commenting on my line, I thought we had a lot of good cycle shifts and some good opportunities throwing the puck in their zone. We got one goal; we could have had a couple more. If you look at our good games over the year, our third and fourth lines are having cycle shifts for an extended period of time and, like I said, it’s hard to comment on whole game."
Justin Williams:
Captain Dustin Brown:
On the overall game - "It’s hard to get shots when you don’t have everyone playing the right way. It’s going to take 20 guys; tonight I don’t think we had 20. It’s hard to say [how many guys were playing the right way] right after a game. I’m sure it will be clear on video, but we need more. Tonight we had some good lines, but you need four lines if you want to win games in this league, bottom line."
On the cycle shifts - "Last game I scored a goal in the cycle and tonight Kopi scored a goal. Just commenting on my line, I thought we had a lot of good cycle shifts and some good opportunities throwing the puck in their zone. We got one goal; we could have had a couple more. If you look at our good games over the year, our third and fourth lines are having cycle shifts for an extended period of time and, like I said, it’s hard to comment on whole game."
Justin Williams:
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sutter's 3-word summation of the Avs - 'They're still great'
As the Kings and Avalanche enter tonight, both teams have played 48 games. The somewhat surprising statistic is that Colorado has actually won more of them, 25 to LA's 23. Most people were expecting the Kings to contend for the Pacific Division crown this year, while Avs coach Joe Sacco was rumored to be on the hot seat just last month.
Both teams are taking an average of 31 shots per game. Yet, like just about every team in the league, they're scoring more goals than the Kings, 124 to 106.
Colorado visited LA earlier this month, and - surprise - the game was tied after three periods. In fact, nine of the 15 games played since Darryl Sutter took over behind the bench have needed more than 60 minutes.
"We've played them twice (this season)," said Sutter. "Once when I wasn't here, we lost up there 3-2. Then, we lost here in the shootout. If you break it down...shots for and against, well, we've out shot them 2-1 and haven't beat them yet. So, it's about finishing opportunities. You have to handle their skill. They're still a great - it goes back to Sakic and Forsberg, it's still in their system, the triangle and the way they play in the offensive zone. This group carries that on for them. Those kids are quick. You have to be able to defend really well against them or they're going to...they're a quick team."
Goalie Jonathan Quick has been in net for both losses to the Avalanche this season, a rather odd stat considering he entered the year with a 7-0-0 record and two shutouts against them.
On the positive side, LA is 4-0-2 at home against Colorado since October 2008. So, tonight gives them a chance to pick up at least a point in seven straight against them at Staples Center.
One definite change from the other two contests this season will be the addition of Peter Mueller (a teammate of Jack Johnson's back at the US National Development Program) to the Avs line-up. He recently returned after missing all of the 2010-11 season and the first 40 games this year.
Full rosters and line combinations for both teams will be posted later today.
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Both teams are taking an average of 31 shots per game. Yet, like just about every team in the league, they're scoring more goals than the Kings, 124 to 106.
Colorado visited LA earlier this month, and - surprise - the game was tied after three periods. In fact, nine of the 15 games played since Darryl Sutter took over behind the bench have needed more than 60 minutes.
"We've played them twice (this season)," said Sutter. "Once when I wasn't here, we lost up there 3-2. Then, we lost here in the shootout. If you break it down...shots for and against, well, we've out shot them 2-1 and haven't beat them yet. So, it's about finishing opportunities. You have to handle their skill. They're still a great - it goes back to Sakic and Forsberg, it's still in their system, the triangle and the way they play in the offensive zone. This group carries that on for them. Those kids are quick. You have to be able to defend really well against them or they're going to...they're a quick team."
Goalie Jonathan Quick has been in net for both losses to the Avalanche this season, a rather odd stat considering he entered the year with a 7-0-0 record and two shutouts against them.
On the positive side, LA is 4-0-2 at home against Colorado since October 2008. So, tonight gives them a chance to pick up at least a point in seven straight against them at Staples Center.
One definite change from the other two contests this season will be the addition of Peter Mueller (a teammate of Jack Johnson's back at the US National Development Program) to the Avs line-up. He recently returned after missing all of the 2010-11 season and the first 40 games this year.
Full rosters and line combinations for both teams will be posted later today.
The Mayor
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Trevor Lewis hopes they can 'find the back of the net soon'
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| Trevor Lewis (photo: D. Sheehan) |
The former first round draft pick has been playing primarily with Brad Richardson and Andrei Loktionov, and after practice yesterday Sutter said it was Lewis who was 'carrying the line' of late. Rather high praise for a guy who's only scored one goal this season.
Yet, it's more than just his offensive production that Sutter is looking at to evaluate Lewis' all around game. One recent positive was his career-high six hits vs the Flames on Thursday.
"I was trying to get in on the forecheck," said Lewis. "I think that's kind of the key to our line - to turn pucks over and grind 'em down low. I was first most of the time (on Thursday), so I had more hits."
On any improvement in his overall game over the last five games or so, Lewis was quick to point to his teammates.
"I think it's a credit to my line. We're playing well. As you play well, I think your confidence goes a little higher and you start to carry the puck a little bit more and make more plays. I just need to keep going and hopefully our line can find the back of the net pretty soon."
Does part of that confidence come from playing with the same two guys on a regular basis?
"Definitely. You're playing with them all the time and in practice. I think we've been together for...well, I don't even know how many games now. But, it's nice to know where they're going to be and what their tendencies are."
Sutter may have summed it up best though. After praising the line for 'doing a lot of good things and working hard,' he cut right to the chase - "Our third line has got to start scoring some goals for us. You do the math. How many goals does the third line have?"
Well, in the six games they've been together, that would be one.
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Friday, January 20, 2012
LA Kings coach Sutter opens up on his plans for Bernier
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| Bernier at practice (photo: David Sheehan) |
So, what does all this mean for Bernier? After all, by this time last year, Bernier had already made 13 starts.
After practice today, coach Darryl Sutter was asked if there's been any message to Bernier, in terms of staying prepared?
"That's his job," said Sutter. "We have one season that's done on Monday or Tuesday (referring to the upcoming break in the NHL schedule for the All Star Game). Then, another one starts a week after that. That's the only way I look at it. I'm not about anything other than getting the max out of everybody. If the players have to stay ready and sharp in practice, that's going to be there problem, not mine. He's been fine though, he's been awesome. What more do you want? Obviously he probably wants to play more. But, it's about winning games right now. We're in a playoff battle. When he goes in, he better look at like it's game seven."
Do you have a rough plan for the goalie rotation?
"I think everybody that has an ace does that or tries to. But, very seldom does that hold. Especially in a year where our team gets a seven day break. So, that's what you have to try and manage. Quite honestly, we have 32 games left after the break and we have six back to backs and a lot of road games. So, you have to think that he's going to play more than he did in the first 50 (games)."
Last year, Bernier had a 5-8 record at this point and in five of those games he gave up four or more goals. In a previous interview, Bernier told us that it took him the first half of the season to feel comfortable in Los Angeles (interview here). One would have to agree with his assessment too, considering he posted a 6-0-3 record after the All Star break, including three shutouts.
Can he do it again?
The Mayor
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Sunday, January 15, 2012
VIDEO: Inside the Kings locker room after 2-1 loss in EDM
Here's some video from inside the Kings locker room after their 2-1 overtime loss to the Oilers in Edmonton tonight. As you'll see, a shirtless Drew Doughty called the team 'brutal' for the first two periods, Rob Scuderi said there was a 'lack of preparation' to start the game (a common theme the last few games) and Darryl Sutter even chimed in with a few thoughts as well. Take a look...
Last night's post game comments from Sutter included the epic 'park and ride' blast when talking about the emotional win in Calgary (full comments here). Sadly, two of his better quotes tonight didn't make the video.
On the Kings leaving Edmonton with one point instead of two, the coach offered a new Sutterism - 'We didn’t lose' (...adding, "We got three out of four. That’s for you guys [reporters] to be negative about, not me."). Later, when talking about this game vs. the Kings 3-0 loss earlier in the season to the Oilers, Sutter broke loose again, with - "I didn’t see the last time (the Kings) played Edmonton...I didn’t have tickets for that (last) game. Didn’t see it."
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Last night's post game comments from Sutter included the epic 'park and ride' blast when talking about the emotional win in Calgary (full comments here). Sadly, two of his better quotes tonight didn't make the video.
On the Kings leaving Edmonton with one point instead of two, the coach offered a new Sutterism - 'We didn’t lose' (...adding, "We got three out of four. That’s for you guys [reporters] to be negative about, not me."). Later, when talking about this game vs. the Kings 3-0 loss earlier in the season to the Oilers, Sutter broke loose again, with - "I didn’t see the last time (the Kings) played Edmonton...I didn’t have tickets for that (last) game. Didn’t see it."
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Saturday, January 14, 2012
VIDEO: LA Kings coach Darry Sutter after 4-1 win in Calgary
LA Kings coach Darryl Sutter puts together some great press conferences. Tonight was no different. After the Kings picked up just their second win in Calgary in 12 tries, he addressed the media and dropped in some new Sutterisms - like, 'It's a struggle' (when talking about the Kings playing with a lead), 'Hot at home' (when describing the Flames recent play) and the crown jewel was 'Park and ride' (on if he had any emotion tied to tonight's game or victory).
Watch it all unfold...
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
Watch it all unfold...
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
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