Jim Fox joined NHL Live yesterday afternoon to talk about trade rumors, Drew Doughty covering Steven Stamkos, the Kings lack of goals, an improving power play, aggressive defenseman, Dustin Penner, the recent clock controversy, etc.
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Showing posts with label power play. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power play. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
VIDEO: Coach Darryl Sutter's presser after 1-0 loss to CBJ
Coach Darryl Sutter suffered his first regulation loss since stepping behind the Kings' bench a few weeks ago, with a record of 5-1-3 after today's 1-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Sadly, his post-game presser was not filled with as many of his three-word answers as we've come to expect - little things of beauty, which are quickly becoming popular around these parts.
The best one today was 'Keep Bangin' Away' (when talking about what to do with the power play). Slightly re-phrasing one of his answers though, we could have 'Big Boy Goals' (on what's needed). Finally, it's a little too long to qualify as a three word answer - but, 'What Do Ya Do?' was another solid response.
Take a look (and listen) at what he had to say when asked about the power play, Dustin Penner's injury that popped up just before the game, the play of Jonathan Quick and much more...
Is Jack Johnson now nicknamed 'Johnny'...hmmm, I didn't get the memo.
The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:
Picture of the Year 2010 - Darryl Sutter ends his first press conference with double peace signs
Coach Sutter offers early reviews on Trevor Lewis and Andrei Loktionov
Just what are Sutter and Doughty talking about on the bench? They explain.
Dustin Penner says Sutter wants 'Mud with the Makeup'
Sadly, his post-game presser was not filled with as many of his three-word answers as we've come to expect - little things of beauty, which are quickly becoming popular around these parts.
The best one today was 'Keep Bangin' Away' (when talking about what to do with the power play). Slightly re-phrasing one of his answers though, we could have 'Big Boy Goals' (on what's needed). Finally, it's a little too long to qualify as a three word answer - but, 'What Do Ya Do?' was another solid response.
Take a look (and listen) at what he had to say when asked about the power play, Dustin Penner's injury that popped up just before the game, the play of Jonathan Quick and much more...
Is Jack Johnson now nicknamed 'Johnny'...hmmm, I didn't get the memo.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Picture of the Year 2010 - Darryl Sutter ends his first press conference with double peace signs
Coach Sutter offers early reviews on Trevor Lewis and Andrei Loktionov
Just what are Sutter and Doughty talking about on the bench? They explain.
Dustin Penner says Sutter wants 'Mud with the Makeup'
Kopitar praises Quick, Brown talks power play after 1-0 loss
For the first time in the Darryl Sutter era, the Kings lost a game in regulation on Saturday. It probably wasn't that surprising, for the last few seasons the Kings have rarely shown up for afternoon games.
For the third game in a row LA failed to score more than one goal - and, in fact, didn't have any goals. It was the second time they've been shut out in their last five games and fifth time this season. The chances were there for the Kings, who out shot the Blue Jackets 31-18 and spent more than ten minutes on the power play - against the NHL's 29th ranked penalty kill.
Dustin Brown finished the game with six hits and Anze Kopitar was credited with six shots on goal, both were high water marks among the LA players. Afterwards, they spoke about what went down...
Brown on the Kings' power plays (which included a 5-on-3 and a 6-on-4) - "We have to find a way to score goals. That has kind of been the problem for us all year. If I had the answer, we wouldn't be talking about it. We have to figure out a way to get a goal. You can look at that last power play - we had a four-minute power play to start the period and other opportunities. Our PK has been doing a good job and our 5-on-5. If we score a goal on the power play, it’s a different game."
Brown on new strategies for the ailing power play - "We're working on it. But, it doesn’t really make a difference. We have to find ways to score goals. He [Jackets goalie Curtis Sanford] made some pretty good saves on the power play. But bottom line is you just have to find a way to score goals on power plays."
For the third game in a row LA failed to score more than one goal - and, in fact, didn't have any goals. It was the second time they've been shut out in their last five games and fifth time this season. The chances were there for the Kings, who out shot the Blue Jackets 31-18 and spent more than ten minutes on the power play - against the NHL's 29th ranked penalty kill.
Dustin Brown finished the game with six hits and Anze Kopitar was credited with six shots on goal, both were high water marks among the LA players. Afterwards, they spoke about what went down...
Brown on the Kings' power plays (which included a 5-on-3 and a 6-on-4) - "We have to find a way to score goals. That has kind of been the problem for us all year. If I had the answer, we wouldn't be talking about it. We have to figure out a way to get a goal. You can look at that last power play - we had a four-minute power play to start the period and other opportunities. Our PK has been doing a good job and our 5-on-5. If we score a goal on the power play, it’s a different game."
Brown on new strategies for the ailing power play - "We're working on it. But, it doesn’t really make a difference. We have to find ways to score goals. He [Jackets goalie Curtis Sanford] made some pretty good saves on the power play. But bottom line is you just have to find a way to score goals on power plays."
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Bernie Nicholls on LA Kings, interest in coaching and love for Sutter
There was a surprise guest at LA Kings practice today.
When all was said and done, the full picture surrounding Bernie Nicholls' appearance was still a bit cloudy. However, in his own words, it was 22-below back in Ontario yesterday, so he couldn't get here fast enough.
When asked how long he'll be here, he offered a simple, "I have no idea."
For just about every other question - including his possible interest in helping coach the Kings - he provided a much more detailed answer, working the small crowd of media like the seasoned vet that he is. It was a mixture of stories, laughter and opinions.
Nicholls was all smiles and looked fit as a fiddle after spending an hour on the ice with the team. Here's a full transcript of the conversation that ensued afterwards...
On coming out to LA - "I talked to Darryl a little bit when he got hired. I always like being out and being with the guys. He just asked me if I wanted to come, kinda help out and talk to the guys, just be around to see what we could do."
Impressions on what he's seen from afar and then up close today - "I think the team is playing really well. I've played for Darryl twice, so I know what he's all about. Seeing the guys earlier in the season, it's a different team (now). I think they've always worked hard, they've always played great defense. But, for a skilled team, it's sad to say this - but, they were terrible to watch. They may get 15 shots in a game and you're going, 'Wow. They have too much skill and too much offense to do that.' I think Darryl has allowed them to create offense. Darryl's mentality has always been the same - work hard, no matter what aspect of the game. And Darryl, he was an offensive player. He understands how to create offense. He's allowing players to do that. You can see the big difference. They're always going to be able to play good defense and their goaltenders are great. Now, if you can get them to create an offense - and eventually goals will come from it - then, it's going to make them that much better."
When all was said and done, the full picture surrounding Bernie Nicholls' appearance was still a bit cloudy. However, in his own words, it was 22-below back in Ontario yesterday, so he couldn't get here fast enough.
When asked how long he'll be here, he offered a simple, "I have no idea."
For just about every other question - including his possible interest in helping coach the Kings - he provided a much more detailed answer, working the small crowd of media like the seasoned vet that he is. It was a mixture of stories, laughter and opinions.
Nicholls was all smiles and looked fit as a fiddle after spending an hour on the ice with the team. Here's a full transcript of the conversation that ensued afterwards...
On coming out to LA - "I talked to Darryl a little bit when he got hired. I always like being out and being with the guys. He just asked me if I wanted to come, kinda help out and talk to the guys, just be around to see what we could do."
Impressions on what he's seen from afar and then up close today - "I think the team is playing really well. I've played for Darryl twice, so I know what he's all about. Seeing the guys earlier in the season, it's a different team (now). I think they've always worked hard, they've always played great defense. But, for a skilled team, it's sad to say this - but, they were terrible to watch. They may get 15 shots in a game and you're going, 'Wow. They have too much skill and too much offense to do that.' I think Darryl has allowed them to create offense. Darryl's mentality has always been the same - work hard, no matter what aspect of the game. And Darryl, he was an offensive player. He understands how to create offense. He's allowing players to do that. You can see the big difference. They're always going to be able to play good defense and their goaltenders are great. Now, if you can get them to create an offense - and eventually goals will come from it - then, it's going to make them that much better."
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Quotes from the Ducks locker room after 3-2 loss to LA
Although it's tough to call a game in December a big win, tonight was about as big of a win as the Kings have had all season. They wanted to start off the Darryl Sutter era with a win and they did just that, downing the Ducks 3-2 in a shootout.
Anaheim hasn't won on the road since October and after the game, both coach Bruce Boudreau and captain Ryan Getzlaf seemed to be looking for moral victories in tonight's loss...
Boudreau on the overall game - "I thought for sure when we got that power play in the overtime that it was going to happen. It didn’t. Then they got it and I thought ‘uh-oh, this is what usually happens’ and then when we killed that off I thought ‘I don’t care, we are going to win it in the shootout.’ I mean, the shootout is a crapshoot—anything can happen with it. Overall, I hate to keep saying it, but I thought we played pretty solid. The difference between winning and losing is sometimes just the attitude and believing that you are going to win or believing you are going to lose."
Boudreau on the Ducks power play - "The play we drew it up there was the first one and it was a near miss. What I couldn’t understand is why they didn’t go back and try it again because they play was open and it was there and you have options off it but I’ll talk to the guys and we’ll see the day after Christmas."
Anaheim hasn't won on the road since October and after the game, both coach Bruce Boudreau and captain Ryan Getzlaf seemed to be looking for moral victories in tonight's loss...
Boudreau on the overall game - "I thought for sure when we got that power play in the overtime that it was going to happen. It didn’t. Then they got it and I thought ‘uh-oh, this is what usually happens’ and then when we killed that off I thought ‘I don’t care, we are going to win it in the shootout.’ I mean, the shootout is a crapshoot—anything can happen with it. Overall, I hate to keep saying it, but I thought we played pretty solid. The difference between winning and losing is sometimes just the attitude and believing that you are going to win or believing you are going to lose."
Boudreau on the Ducks power play - "The play we drew it up there was the first one and it was a near miss. What I couldn’t understand is why they didn’t go back and try it again because they play was open and it was there and you have options off it but I’ll talk to the guys and we’ll see the day after Christmas."
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Dustin Brown - 'We need more desperation and more intensity'
Following the Kings 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Sunday, the Kings fourth loss in a row, team captain Dustin Brown shared the following...
On the overall game - "We have to be more desperate right now, we have to be more desperate the rest of the year. We aren’t playing with enough intensity or enough desperation. We are a good team and now we are not playing like one. We need more desperation and more intensity and that starts with individuals. We can’t do it alone, I don’t mean that, but you have to get yourself ready as a player on this team. Right now we don’t have enough guys having that desperation that we need. Look around us. I think we have what it takes in this room regardless who is in or out of the lineup. It’s up to the guys in here. This is our team."
On the penalties taken by the Kings - "I don’t know what the penalties were. I know we took a couple of high-stickings. There are going to be penalties in the game, but I think we need to limit our penalties in the offensive zone; those are needless penalties and I think we took quite a few of those tonight."
Post game comments from coach Terry Murray's presser can be read here.
The Mayor
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On the overall game - "We have to be more desperate right now, we have to be more desperate the rest of the year. We aren’t playing with enough intensity or enough desperation. We are a good team and now we are not playing like one. We need more desperation and more intensity and that starts with individuals. We can’t do it alone, I don’t mean that, but you have to get yourself ready as a player on this team. Right now we don’t have enough guys having that desperation that we need. Look around us. I think we have what it takes in this room regardless who is in or out of the lineup. It’s up to the guys in here. This is our team."
On the penalties taken by the Kings - "I don’t know what the penalties were. I know we took a couple of high-stickings. There are going to be penalties in the game, but I think we need to limit our penalties in the offensive zone; those are needless penalties and I think we took quite a few of those tonight."
Post game comments from coach Terry Murray's presser can be read here.
The Mayor
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Coach Terry Murray - 'The power play let us down' vs Dallas
Another game, another loss and still no sign of some offense.
Following their fourth loss in a row - and the final game of a sustained stretch of games at home - Kings coach Terry Murray had this to say at his post-game presser...
On the Kings' lack of scoring - "It’s very tough. We’re losing games because of the lack of scoring. We’re looking at one-goal games every night. I really liked the opportunities we had in the third period to give ourselves a chance to tie the game up. That’s kind of been the story of our offense here in the last while. The guys are working, we killed off a lot of good penalties, it was a great effort on that part of it. The power play let us down though. We’re just not getting anything generated on the power play. Five-on-five, I liked their play. There was lots of work, a lot of compete, and lots of scoring chances. We had to get a short-handed goal to get us going but we have to find a way to finish on those golden opportunities."
On finishing the game - "It’s getting pucks back to the net a little bit faster. Sometimes when loose pucks rebound, if you try to make one move that’s going to pull the puck to your forehand or stickhandle, it’s already too late. You just have to continue to put pucks back to the net. I thought on the luck that [Brad] Richardson had there in the third period, if he had just thrown it right back immediately he would have caught the goalie out of position."
Following their fourth loss in a row - and the final game of a sustained stretch of games at home - Kings coach Terry Murray had this to say at his post-game presser...
On the Kings' lack of scoring - "It’s very tough. We’re losing games because of the lack of scoring. We’re looking at one-goal games every night. I really liked the opportunities we had in the third period to give ourselves a chance to tie the game up. That’s kind of been the story of our offense here in the last while. The guys are working, we killed off a lot of good penalties, it was a great effort on that part of it. The power play let us down though. We’re just not getting anything generated on the power play. Five-on-five, I liked their play. There was lots of work, a lot of compete, and lots of scoring chances. We had to get a short-handed goal to get us going but we have to find a way to finish on those golden opportunities."
On finishing the game - "It’s getting pucks back to the net a little bit faster. Sometimes when loose pucks rebound, if you try to make one move that’s going to pull the puck to your forehand or stickhandle, it’s already too late. You just have to continue to put pucks back to the net. I thought on the luck that [Brad] Richardson had there in the third period, if he had just thrown it right back immediately he would have caught the goalie out of position."
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Quotes from Vancouver locker room after 3-2 win over LA
The Vancouver Canucks defeated the LA Kings 3-2 in front of a sellout crowd at Staples Center.
Here are some quotes from the visiting team locker room following the game...
COACH ALAIN VIGNEAULT:
On the overall game - "Tonight, the way the game unfolded with us getting an early five-minute power play and then following it up with an undisciplined penalty on Ryan Kesler we were able to make them pay. Getting off to a real good start, we had some real good chances and had some real solid chances in the second. Their goalie made some saves and made for an interesting last minute."
On the power play - "For us, our Ds have always been a big part of our attack whether it be 5-on-5 or 5-on-4. The importance of them jumping up in the play and they have an opportunity to get their shot through that’s very important. Tonight our guys played a solid game against a very good hockey team."
DEFENSEMAN AARON ROME:
Here are some quotes from the visiting team locker room following the game...
COACH ALAIN VIGNEAULT:
On the overall game - "Tonight, the way the game unfolded with us getting an early five-minute power play and then following it up with an undisciplined penalty on Ryan Kesler we were able to make them pay. Getting off to a real good start, we had some real good chances and had some real solid chances in the second. Their goalie made some saves and made for an interesting last minute."
On the power play - "For us, our Ds have always been a big part of our attack whether it be 5-on-5 or 5-on-4. The importance of them jumping up in the play and they have an opportunity to get their shot through that’s very important. Tonight our guys played a solid game against a very good hockey team."
DEFENSEMAN AARON ROME:
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Coach Murray on Kyle Clifford - 'It's just the way it unfolded'
Jarret Stoll and Kyle Clifford had some weird - um, chemistry - last night.
They were both on the ice to start the game and Stoll took an interference penalty 25 seconds in, forcing Clifford to sit and watch while the Kings killed off the Nashville power play.
Coach Terry Murray put the same line out to start the second period and 20 seconds later Stoll was whistled for tripping, again putting Clifford on the bench while the Kings penalty killing unit went to work.
All total, the Kings had five penalties in the first two periods and Clifford was on the ice for three of them. Even being one winger down for most of the game (Scott Parse left injured halfway through the first period), Clifford played less than two and half minutes in the final period.
Was something wrong?
They were both on the ice to start the game and Stoll took an interference penalty 25 seconds in, forcing Clifford to sit and watch while the Kings killed off the Nashville power play.
Coach Terry Murray put the same line out to start the second period and 20 seconds later Stoll was whistled for tripping, again putting Clifford on the bench while the Kings penalty killing unit went to work.
All total, the Kings had five penalties in the first two periods and Clifford was on the ice for three of them. Even being one winger down for most of the game (Scott Parse left injured halfway through the first period), Clifford played less than two and half minutes in the final period.
Was something wrong?
Murray concerned about Bernier, but he 'sucked it up'
Jonathan Bernier has played twice as many games against the Nashville Predators as he has versus any other NHL team - including starting all four games between the Kings and Predators last season, posting a 3-1-0 record with a 2.25 goals-against average.
This season, Bernier was off to another slow start, losing the only two games coach Terry Murray had put him in for. But, not anymore.
Bernier picked up his first win of the season last night, giving up three goals - including a power play goal - yet, holding on for a 4-3 victory.
After the game, Murray evaluated his performance...
"I was a little concerned at the start of the game, we had a two-nothing lead and the next thing you know it's (tied) two-two. I would have liked to seen something (from him) on that second shot, the second goal that the scored, on the short side [note: that was the power play goal from Craig Smith]. But, I looked at it again on the replay and it was a heck of a shot. So, I really think he sucked it up after that and he made some big stops as they started to give it a push."
Bernier stopped 27 of the 30 shots he faced and lowered his season total to 3.37 goals against. He'll most likely be back to the sidelines for the next few games - with his probable next start coming in about a week when the Kings play a home-and-home series, on back-to-back nights, versus the Anaheim Ducks.
If you missed Dustin Penner's post-game comments, click here now to read thoughts from the big left wing following his best game as a King.
Also, quotes from the Predators locker room - including thoughts from Smith, coach Barry Trotz and more - can be found here.
The Mayor
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This season, Bernier was off to another slow start, losing the only two games coach Terry Murray had put him in for. But, not anymore.
Bernier picked up his first win of the season last night, giving up three goals - including a power play goal - yet, holding on for a 4-3 victory.
After the game, Murray evaluated his performance...
"I was a little concerned at the start of the game, we had a two-nothing lead and the next thing you know it's (tied) two-two. I would have liked to seen something (from him) on that second shot, the second goal that the scored, on the short side [note: that was the power play goal from Craig Smith]. But, I looked at it again on the replay and it was a heck of a shot. So, I really think he sucked it up after that and he made some big stops as they started to give it a push."
Bernier stopped 27 of the 30 shots he faced and lowered his season total to 3.37 goals against. He'll most likely be back to the sidelines for the next few games - with his probable next start coming in about a week when the Kings play a home-and-home series, on back-to-back nights, versus the Anaheim Ducks.
If you missed Dustin Penner's post-game comments, click here now to read thoughts from the big left wing following his best game as a King.
Also, quotes from the Predators locker room - including thoughts from Smith, coach Barry Trotz and more - can be found here.
The Mayor
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
LA Kings at New Jersey Devils - three things to watch for
The two clubs last met on October 30, 2010 in LA and the Kings were victorious 3-1, led by goals from Justin Williams and Jarret Stoll.
Here are three things to watch for on each side of the puck when things get going a little later this afternoon...
New Jersey Devils:
- The four-minute man returns: Cam Janssen was originally drafted by the Devils in 2002. However, he spent the last three-plus seasons with his hometown St. Louis Blues. This summer, he signed a free agent contract to return to New Jersey. Tonight he'll make his season debut. In his MayorsManor interview last season he talked about scouting Kyle Clifford prior to playing the Kings. So, what's in store there?
- Power play: New Jersey has converted on just 10% of their chances with the man advantage this season (one goal in 10 tries). Granted, they've only played two games. However, that's not too far off their 14% conversion rate last year, which was third worst in the league.
- Harrold Watch 2011: If you circled this game on your calendar in the hopes of seeing former Kings defenseman Peter Harrold, you'll probably be sad to hear he won't be in the line-up. Or even in the building for that matter. He's now in Albany, with the Devils AHL farm team.
LOS ANGELES KINGS:
Friday, October 7, 2011
LA Kings def Rangers in OT, post-game notes and video
Many of the areas the Kings were hoping to improve over the summer were on display front and center in today's 3-2 overtime win against the Rangers.
Jack Johnson scored a power play goal with about a minute left in the extra session and then was mobbed by his teammates, in a scene that looked more like a playoff game winner than the first game of the season.
Anze Kopitar showed no signs of the injury he suffered last season, picking up the first goal of the game and assisting on the one that tied things up with about five minutes left to play in regulation.
Here are a few post-game notes, followed by the video highlights:
- Overall, LA now sits at 44-62-19 against New York and they won't see them again this season - unless they were to meet in the Stanley Cup Finals.
- Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is now 2-3-1 when playing the Kings and his counterpart, Jonathan Quick, is a perfect 2-0 against Broadway's Blueshirts.
- Richards vs. Richards lived up to the hype. Brad Richards played 18 minutes for the Rangers, went 9-for-11 in at faceoff dot and assisted on Marian Gaborik's third period goal. Mike Richards scored for the Kings and set up Johnson's game winner in 20-plus minutes ice time.
Jack Johnson scored a power play goal with about a minute left in the extra session and then was mobbed by his teammates, in a scene that looked more like a playoff game winner than the first game of the season.
Anze Kopitar showed no signs of the injury he suffered last season, picking up the first goal of the game and assisting on the one that tied things up with about five minutes left to play in regulation.
Here are a few post-game notes, followed by the video highlights:
- Overall, LA now sits at 44-62-19 against New York and they won't see them again this season - unless they were to meet in the Stanley Cup Finals.
- Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is now 2-3-1 when playing the Kings and his counterpart, Jonathan Quick, is a perfect 2-0 against Broadway's Blueshirts.
- Richards vs. Richards lived up to the hype. Brad Richards played 18 minutes for the Rangers, went 9-for-11 in at faceoff dot and assisted on Marian Gaborik's third period goal. Mike Richards scored for the Kings and set up Johnson's game winner in 20-plus minutes ice time.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Mike Richards has ideas to help the LA Kings power play
Call it a follow-up piece to several discussions with Murray and GM Dean Lombardi about what changes need to take place to improve last season's dismal 16.1% conversion rate.
With the coaching staff remaining the same, the most common answers this summer have been to change the structure and/or personnel. And with the additions of Simon Gagne and Mike Richards, there's no arguing the personnel side has received a major upgrade.
Although Murray said he wasn't sure where he was going to play Richards yet, I still wanted to know where the new Kings centerman felt most comfortable, considering he played multiple positions with the man-advantage over the last few seasons in Philadelphia...
"I actually feel comfortable in both spots," said Richards. "I played the half-wall in junior and my first couple of years in the NHL. Then, we had a lot of success when I was on the point with Danny Briere working the half-wall too. So, I feel comfortable in both spots. It's just something that we have to get on the same page with and make sure (we know) where everybody is on the ice. It's not going to click right away. It takes time to learn how to play with somebody. But, I think if we have the right tools in place, it can be a good thing."
When it comes to increasing the Kings conversion percentage, Richards has a simple philosophy - "It's about knowing where your teammates are on the ice and moving as a group of one."
Two years ago the Kings came to training camp with t-shirts on that read 'The only reason we're here.' It was an attempt to have a unified message about the team's desire to make the playoffs. And it worked. LA returned to the NHL's post-season for the first time in nearly a decade.
Perhaps they can now borrow from their new teammate and order some 'Move as a group of one' shirts before camp opens in September.
It certainly can't make the power play any worse.
The Mayor
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Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Kings coach Murray discusses next season's power play
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| Coach Murray during drills (photo: K. Spatz) |
As many Kings fans recall, Murray and his coaching staff came under heavy fire last season for the lack of success the team had with the man advantage during the regular season - a paltry 16.1% conversion rate, ranked 21 out of 30 teams. Then, somewhat miraculously, they found their groove in the playoffs, converting nearly 21% of the time.
Still, 'Fire Jamie Kompon' was something lighting up message boards and social media sites once the season ended.
Murray deflected some of the heat during his end-of-season wrap up meeting with the media, saying Kompon wasn't responsible for the power play.
And GM Dean Lombardi somewhat confused the issue earlier that same day when he said "Ask me about it again in a week," while being questioned about the coaching staff's approach to the power play.
At a meeting with season ticket holders about a month prior though, Lombardi said there were many things wrong with the power play - "We need to gain the zone more with possession, battle in front of net and the team is short on skill." Later, he was more direct on one of those points - "(You need) really skilled players to become unpredictable on the power play and we're a little short there."
So, with the 'personnel' piece of the equation receiving significant upgrades over the last few weeks, it now begs the question - Where does the system and structure go from here?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Kings Roundtable Discussion on Power Play and Prospects
Part two of the recent roundtable discussion on the Los Angeles Kings is now available.
The conversation continues with Dennis Bernstein of The 4th Period, Jon Moncrief of the Examiner, Dave Joseph of ESPN and several others.
The group was pulled together by the guys over at KingsCast and in this segment we talk in-depth about Jamie Kompon, the power play, Brayden Schenn, Andrei Loktionov and other prospects looking to make the jump.
If you missed the first segment of this roundtable, click here.
More videos will be released in the days ahead.
The Mayor
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The conversation continues with Dennis Bernstein of The 4th Period, Jon Moncrief of the Examiner, Dave Joseph of ESPN and several others.
The group was pulled together by the guys over at KingsCast and in this segment we talk in-depth about Jamie Kompon, the power play, Brayden Schenn, Andrei Loktionov and other prospects looking to make the jump.
If you missed the first segment of this roundtable, click here.
More videos will be released in the days ahead.
The Mayor
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Friday, April 29, 2011
LA Kings center Anze Kopitar - What if? And what's next?
I'm not so sure March 26, 2011 will have the same staying power over time. But, for now, it's the date that Kings players, fans and management can't erase from their minds.
When Anze Kopitar went down with an injury that afternoon it instantly created numerous 'what if' scenarios.
Perhaps, if he hadn't damaged his leg, we'd be talking about the second round today, instead of next season.
Thus, rightfully so, GM Dean Lombardi and coach Terry Murray brought him up several times during our recent de-brief meetings...
Lombardi on Kopitar's defensive improvement - "Over his first couple of years in the league...he was free-wheeling and it looked great on offense, but he was not a great defensive player. I think, this year, he became one of the best defensive players in the league. You've got a guy here now that has has already done the Yzerman, Sakic transformation. It usually took those guys until 25, 26 (years old) before they figured out how to be a complete player. This kid has done it at an early age. I think that's huge, particularly when you’re dealing with big bodies like San Jose down low. But that’s the irony of it. We all looked at it and thought missing his offense (would be an issue in the series), but we end up missing his defense."
They also missed his compete level - "I remember, during the season, the way he (Kopitar) competed with one-goal leads, the way he played at the ends of some games. It said, 'We're going to win this game.' You could just see where this guy said, 'We will not lose this game.' So, that stride is huge."
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
GM Dean Lombardi on the LA Kings' poor power play
So - Kings GM Dean Lombardi says he likes the 'calmness' coach Terry Murray brings to the team and thinks he still has room to grow - just like the players (full article and quotes here).
But, what about the team's poor power play?
Well, he talks coaching, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty and more...
Lombardi - "I think they recognize that (it wasn't as good as last year). That's the first thing, to realize 'Hey, it was so good two years ago...' Ask me about it again in a week."
Hmmm. He then went on to say...
"One of the things, and this is not singling out the player - because I've already said that I think he's (Kopitar) become one of the most complete players in the game. But, the irony of it is like, I think they have the focus on - I think if you ask the coaches for the biggest areas of improvement is getting our best player - Kopitar, our number one scorer - in situations where he can produce. Because if you look at it, his numbers five-on-five are amongst the tops in the league. His power play, compared to the top guys in the league - for him, five goals - was way down. If he has the average number of power play goals as the other top guys, he'd be one of the top scorers in the league."
What about his inconsistency?
"I agree. But, like I said, he's becoming one of the complete players. Has he become a winner yet? No. But, he's certainly evolving towards it when I see a player make the adjustment to play like he does in his own end. That means he cares and that's the first step. To me, he's clearly learned that it's about team.
But, what about the team's poor power play?
Well, he talks coaching, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty and more...
Lombardi - "I think they recognize that (it wasn't as good as last year). That's the first thing, to realize 'Hey, it was so good two years ago...' Ask me about it again in a week."
Hmmm. He then went on to say...
"One of the things, and this is not singling out the player - because I've already said that I think he's (Kopitar) become one of the most complete players in the game. But, the irony of it is like, I think they have the focus on - I think if you ask the coaches for the biggest areas of improvement is getting our best player - Kopitar, our number one scorer - in situations where he can produce. Because if you look at it, his numbers five-on-five are amongst the tops in the league. His power play, compared to the top guys in the league - for him, five goals - was way down. If he has the average number of power play goals as the other top guys, he'd be one of the top scorers in the league."
What about his inconsistency?
"I agree. But, like I said, he's becoming one of the complete players. Has he become a winner yet? No. But, he's certainly evolving towards it when I see a player make the adjustment to play like he does in his own end. That means he cares and that's the first step. To me, he's clearly learned that it's about team.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Los Angeles Kings Players are Quick to Praise
After a variety of reasons were given for his poor play down the stretch last year, including fatigue, Quick has looked nothing short of incredible so far this post season. Outside of the first minute of game one, he's been as sharp as anybody could possibly hope for.
And his teammates have been quick to praise him...
Alexei Ponikarovsky - "He's come up big with huge saves at key times of the game. He's a great goalie. We're trying to block some shots for him, to make his life a little bit easier. But, he's playing great."
Rob Scuderi - "He's not surprising anyone in here (the locker room). He's been a great goaltender for us all season. We don't expect anything less. He's going to have to be our best player in the playoffs if we're going to have a chance to win some games and possibly win a round or two, and hopefully more. He has not disappointed."
Jarret Stoll - "He's just so steady and so calm. With his positional play he's just been in the right spot. You don't see him over committing. He doesn't have to work too hard in there it seems like. Obviously, he is working hard, but you don't notice him trying to do too much. He's just there. He's covering rebounds. He's battling for pucks that he can't see. He's making those big saves too when he has to."
Brad Richardson - "He was obviously great last game, with the shutout. But, in the first game he made some huge saves to keep that game close. He's our number one goalie for a reason. He's just played awesome. In my opinion, he's one of the top three goaltenders in the league. So, he's great to have back there. We have a lot of confidence in him."
Quick will be back in net again tonight for game three at Staples Center.
The Mayor
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photo courtesy of www.sharkspage.com
Monday, April 18, 2011
Ryan Smyth Looking for Help From Seventh Attacker
Although that gives him the advantage of experience, each new series brings its own story lines, challenges and surprises.
After practice today, he spoke about a few of the elements surrounding the first two games in San Jose and looked ahead to tomorrow night's game three...
MM: You picked up an assist on Drew Doughty's power play goal Saturday night. Has there been any reason for the power play to have suddenly taken off after so many struggles during the regular season?
RS: We're getting pucks to the net and we're getting them trough. Obviously, we're getting bodies there too, so that helps. I think good puck movement and good player movement helps all of that, for sure.
MM: Thoughts on the play of Jonathan Quick so far...
RS: He's been spectacular in the series so far and given us a chance to win on a nightly basis. I think goaltending is huge in the playoffs and he's rising to the occasion. It's great to see too.
MM: Can you share anything you said to some of the kids - like Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis, etc. - entering that first game there in San Jose?
Friday, April 15, 2011
Kings-Sharks Game One: High / Low with Jim Fox
Like last year during the Kings round one playoff series with Vancouver, LA's award winning commentator is back again today for some more post-season analysis.
Here's what he had to say this morning about the Kings 3-2 overtime loss to the Sharks last night in San Jose...
LOWS
* Just three shots on goal in the first period - it happened a few times in the regular season too, not the way you want to start a playoff series
* Defensive zone coverage on the first goal against - a few things broke down, but the biggest issue was leaving the 'home plate' area with the opening right down the middle of the ice
* Repeating one of the themes from game one last season vs. Vancouver - winning the special teams battle, getting as many saves by Jonathan Quick as they did (42) and still losing the game
HIGHS
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