Earlier today we posted the first batch of comments from coach Terry Murray's post-practice media scrum. So far, we've looked at very specific areas - the play of Kyle Clifford and his system, which hasn't produced many goals of late. Now, Murray goes a little higher level.
First up, an overall summary of the season as a whole...
"We're in pretty good shape," said the Kings coach. "We made a lot of changes over the year. We brought in new players, veteran players. It takes them time. We were hoping that Scott Parse would come in and really contribute to the team. That broke down, he's out and done, probably for the year. Penner is starting to get going. He's gone through a lot here, through the summertime and getting himself to the level of play that we want. He had a couple of injuries right from the start, with the groin injuries, then he broke his hand. So, there's a lot of that happening. Doughty comes in late, after the training camp and misses the early part. So, there's been a lot of things. Overall, the team has come through with an incredible amount of confidence. We're in pretty good shape."
As Murray is prone to do, he went on to back up some of his statements...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Clifford cements his role on fourth line, others on the clock
Kyle Clifford is still 20 years old.
That's an important point to remember. Yet, sometimes, a hard fact to keep in mind. People have been calling him things like 'a kid trapped in a man's body' for the last few years. While true, some were expecting more from The Colonel coming into the season - especially after his coming out party during last year's playoff series with San Jose.
He's played in all 27 games this season and has three points to show for it (one goal, two assists). In his 27th game last year, he picked up his second goal and fifth point. So, he's not that far behind.
However, back the post season, he put up five points in six games - including tying for the team lead with three goals.
Still, while nobody probably expected him to be a top-six forward this year, does he belong on the fourth line?
"Well, that's actually where he should be, is on the fourth line, in reality" said coach Terry Murray after practice today. "That's where he played last year. He showed great signs in the playoffs last year, had some nice success. You'd like to think he could make a step up to third line and he will be there someday - that would be his position down the road. But, again, second year, it's not easy. His work ethic, his attitude, his try is tremendous. He loves the team. He works hard for the team and wants to win every night. But, there's a process that you need to go through and he's in the middle of it right now."
That's an important point to remember. Yet, sometimes, a hard fact to keep in mind. People have been calling him things like 'a kid trapped in a man's body' for the last few years. While true, some were expecting more from The Colonel coming into the season - especially after his coming out party during last year's playoff series with San Jose.
He's played in all 27 games this season and has three points to show for it (one goal, two assists). In his 27th game last year, he picked up his second goal and fifth point. So, he's not that far behind.
However, back the post season, he put up five points in six games - including tying for the team lead with three goals.
Still, while nobody probably expected him to be a top-six forward this year, does he belong on the fourth line?
"Well, that's actually where he should be, is on the fourth line, in reality" said coach Terry Murray after practice today. "That's where he played last year. He showed great signs in the playoffs last year, had some nice success. You'd like to think he could make a step up to third line and he will be there someday - that would be his position down the road. But, again, second year, it's not easy. His work ethic, his attitude, his try is tremendous. He loves the team. He works hard for the team and wants to win every night. But, there's a process that you need to go through and he's in the middle of it right now."
Dr. Terry Murray with the latest updates from the infirmary
Besides the fact that many guys IN the line-up haven't been producing at their normal levels, the Kings also have several players OUT of the line-up lately.
Following practice today, coach Murray provided updates on the four players who all seem to be just days away from returning...
On Justin Williams (hand injury suffered last night) - "It's more of a therapy day, rehab day...it is (related to being hit on the hand last night in Anaheim)...I do expect it [him to be in the line up tomorrow]. I don't know that for absolute. He'll get treatment today, come in tomorrow and give us a feel as to how he’s doing.
On Mike Richards (on IR following hit last Thursday) - "Progressing. That's all I can say. That’s all I know, actually. He’s in every day, riding the bike, getting more acclimated, getting exercise and a feel for his own self...usually the players see doctors on game night. So, I'm sure they'll have another conversation tomorrow."
On Willie Mitchell (sore groin suffered last Thursday) - "Full practice, looks really good, skated and participated in all the drills, looked comfortable. I’ll have a conversation with him here after, to see where he’s at for tomorrow...I think after Willie goes through the practice here today, it's going to be more important to see how he is in the morning, rather than this afternoon. We'll make a decision after the morning skate."
On Alec Martinez (on IR following Minnesota game on 11/12) - "Pretty close to getting going. He’s been out there the last few days in practice, doing everything and feeling pretty comfortable. So, it’s just a matter of getting everybody in here tomorrow and seeing how they’re doing."
Asked if there was a possibility both Mitchell and Martinez would be in the line-up tomorrow, Murray said, "I don't think so. One of the two, it's a good possibility."
Last hour, Murray talked at length about the Kings' lack of scoring (link).
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Following practice today, coach Murray provided updates on the four players who all seem to be just days away from returning...
On Justin Williams (hand injury suffered last night) - "It's more of a therapy day, rehab day...it is (related to being hit on the hand last night in Anaheim)...I do expect it [him to be in the line up tomorrow]. I don't know that for absolute. He'll get treatment today, come in tomorrow and give us a feel as to how he’s doing.
On Mike Richards (on IR following hit last Thursday) - "Progressing. That's all I can say. That’s all I know, actually. He’s in every day, riding the bike, getting more acclimated, getting exercise and a feel for his own self...usually the players see doctors on game night. So, I'm sure they'll have another conversation tomorrow."
On Willie Mitchell (sore groin suffered last Thursday) - "Full practice, looks really good, skated and participated in all the drills, looked comfortable. I’ll have a conversation with him here after, to see where he’s at for tomorrow...I think after Willie goes through the practice here today, it's going to be more important to see how he is in the morning, rather than this afternoon. We'll make a decision after the morning skate."
On Alec Martinez (on IR following Minnesota game on 11/12) - "Pretty close to getting going. He’s been out there the last few days in practice, doing everything and feeling pretty comfortable. So, it’s just a matter of getting everybody in here tomorrow and seeing how they’re doing."
Asked if there was a possibility both Mitchell and Martinez would be in the line-up tomorrow, Murray said, "I don't think so. One of the two, it's a good possibility."
Last hour, Murray talked at length about the Kings' lack of scoring (link).
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Xbox hurting Dustin Penner, but Mike Richards may be helping
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Breaking down the lack of scoring with Kings coach Murray
The LA Kings haven't been scoring enough goals to win hockey games on a consistent basis and everybody's talking about, including coach Terry Murray.
Following practice today, he not only answered questions, he also had some facts to share...
Question: Is the parity in the league - and the fact a lot of teams play the same system - part of the reason for the lack of scoring?
TM: Pre-lockout (2003-04), the number one scoring team in the NHL scored 262 goals (Ottawa). Last season, the top scoring team in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks, put up 262 goals (note: it was actually 258 last year). So, it hasn't changed much. The thing that has changed now though is the neutral zone play is much tighter. We saw it last night with Anaheim and we're seeing it, basically, with every team in the league. Everybody's pulling back to their own blueline. It's a very tight structure now in the middle of the ice. It is difficult to have a possession entry. Organized attacks, you can get organized, but there comes a time when you're being fronted - now, you just have to go get pucks in deep and you have to go recover them. So, it's hard and it's hard for everybody in the league right now.
Question: Has there been any change in the system that has led him to believe the offensive numbers would go down?
Following practice today, he not only answered questions, he also had some facts to share...
Question: Is the parity in the league - and the fact a lot of teams play the same system - part of the reason for the lack of scoring?
TM: Pre-lockout (2003-04), the number one scoring team in the NHL scored 262 goals (Ottawa). Last season, the top scoring team in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks, put up 262 goals (note: it was actually 258 last year). So, it hasn't changed much. The thing that has changed now though is the neutral zone play is much tighter. We saw it last night with Anaheim and we're seeing it, basically, with every team in the league. Everybody's pulling back to their own blueline. It's a very tight structure now in the middle of the ice. It is difficult to have a possession entry. Organized attacks, you can get organized, but there comes a time when you're being fronted - now, you just have to go get pucks in deep and you have to go recover them. So, it's hard and it's hard for everybody in the league right now.
Question: Has there been any change in the system that has led him to believe the offensive numbers would go down?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Kings at Ducks pregame primer - will it be number 1 or 500?
Tonight is the third game of the six-game series between the Kings and Ducks.
Since they met up for a pair of games last month, Anaheim fired their former coach (Randy Carlyle) and replaced him with Bruce Boudreau - who had previously coached the Washington Capitals.
A few years prior, Boudreau worked for the Kings and coached their minor league affiliate in Manchester. His final season there, he had a team featuring Dustin Brown, George Parros and Mike Cammalleri. They won 51 games during the regular season and lost in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth straight year. That was the end of Boureau in Manch.
While in Washington, Boudreau faced the Kings four times and lost every one of them.
He's also yet to win behind the bench in Anaheim, dropping his first two games.
So, tonight he'll be seeking his first win with the Ducks and his first win vs. the Kings.
On the other bench, LA coach Terry Murray is looking for his 500th win as an NHL coach.
Since they met up for a pair of games last month, Anaheim fired their former coach (Randy Carlyle) and replaced him with Bruce Boudreau - who had previously coached the Washington Capitals.
A few years prior, Boudreau worked for the Kings and coached their minor league affiliate in Manchester. His final season there, he had a team featuring Dustin Brown, George Parros and Mike Cammalleri. They won 51 games during the regular season and lost in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth straight year. That was the end of Boureau in Manch.
While in Washington, Boudreau faced the Kings four times and lost every one of them.
He's also yet to win behind the bench in Anaheim, dropping his first two games.
So, tonight he'll be seeking his first win with the Ducks and his first win vs. the Kings.
On the other bench, LA coach Terry Murray is looking for his 500th win as an NHL coach.
Stoll is looking for 'more than one or two goals' vs Anaheim
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| Stoll vs. the Ducks (photo: M. Zampelli) |
Coming into the season, the Kings needed Stoll to become the team's new third line center, dropping down a line to make room for newly-acquired Mike Richards. Then, a few weeks ago, he was moved to right wing in an attempt to improve LA's anemic offensive output. Now, for the last four periods, he's been back as the second line center, due to an injury suffered by Richards (coming on a hit by Sean Bergenheim) in the second period of last Thursday's game with Florida.
Tonight, the Kings will travel to Anaheim and play in a building Stoll seems to enjoy playing in, picking up 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 16 career games. He also has recorded more shots on goal there (41 total) than in any other road city.
LA will have a new obstacle though, Bruce Boudreau will be behind the bench for Anaheim. Since being hired last week, the Ducks have gone 0-2 for their new leader. Yet, they scored three goals in both losses - a feat the Kings haven't accomplished in two weeks.
"They're all tough games and (this) one will be too. They will be a highly incented group to play hard and play smart for him and get a win for him," said Stoll, while referencing the Ducks new head coach. "We have to bring our game. We have to pick up our game. Our number one focus is probably scoring and putting the puck in the back of the net, getting more than one or two goals."
If that's going to happen, his line will most likely need to contribute.
Stoll has only one goal in his last 21 games and his right wing, Trent Hunter, has yet to score a goal this season. Meanwhile, Dustin Brown will be looking to continue his recent strong play at left wing.
Game time is 7pm.
Also, please note that all shirts in the MayorsManor store are on sale for 50% OFF until midnight tonight. The offer code is given down below.
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Dustin Brown explains why his hit totals are down 24%
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| Dustin Brown, LA Kings (photo: M. Zampelli) |
Yet, if the latter seems to be with less frequency this season, well - it has been.
Last year Brown finished with 300 hits, up from 287 the year prior. Through 26 games played this season, his 72 hits have him on pace for a total of 227, down 24%.
When asked about the decline, Brown doesn't see it as him responding to the league-wide crack down...
"Definitely (the league) is looking at it more closely. But, I don't think it's changing my game," said the Kings captain. "I think what's happening is our system is starting to get more detailed. There are opportunities to get hits. But, you don't want to run out of your way to get hits. We're starting to learn our system a little bit better. On the forecheck, if I'm F1, I can get my hits. If I'm F2 or F3, I have to make some reads. Again, hitting, I try to be as physical as possible. I think it provides a spark for this team. However, I think there are definitely instances where maybe I pull back, not from a standpoint of the league rules or whatever. But, just from trying to stay in a better position on the defensive side of the puck and really focusing on doing all of the things right - as opposed to making the big hit and maybe taking myself out of the play."
As a point of reference, last Thursday he had six hits against Florida (his season best) and then five hits on Saturday vs. Montreal. He played on the top line in both games.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Four LA Kings prospects make preliminary WJC rosters
For now, here's the big news of the day...
Team Finland and the USA have submitted their preliminary rosters for the upcoming World Junior Championships (Canada's was released last week).
This is the top tournament in the world for the 'under-20' aged hockey players and many of the games will be televised in the U.S. on the NHL Network.
Four LA Kings prospects have made the lists...
USA - Derek Forbort, defenseman, University of North Dakota, first round selection 2010 NHL Draft
USA - Kevin Gravel, defenseman, St. Cloud St. University, fifth round selection 2010 NHL Draft
Finland - Christopher Gibson, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL), second round selection 2011 NHL Draft
Canada - Tyler Toffoli, Ottawa 67's (OHL), second round selection 2010 NHL Draft
For Team USA, a total roster of 30 players was announced. They will hold a pre-tourney camp from December 17-23 and their final 22-player roster will be known December 22.
Meanwhile, Canada put out a roster of 41 players, who will start their camp this Saturday in Calgary. Toffoli, who was the leading goal scorer in all of junior hockey last year, was a surprise omission from last year's team and he'll be looking to make sure the same thing doesn't happen again.
POLL: LA Kings Player of the Month - November 2011
Time for some more house cleaning. Sure, this poll should have gone up on Thursday morning. Life happens. And yes, this poll is for the month of November. So, it does not take into account anything that occurred Thursday night vs. Florida or Saturday afternoon vs. Montreal.
Here we go...
First, a look back at the team as a whole. In the month of November, the Kings were 6-5-2, a little worse off than their 6-3-2 record in October. Their 28 points were second best in the division (behind Dallas, 29) and placed them sixth in the Western Conference. LA is also 6-1-2 vs. Pacific division opponents.
The power play, which had been converting at 23.1% in October, had fallen to 17.4% at the end of the NHL's second month. On the penalty kill, things had dropped a few points as well, going from 86.1% down to 84.4%.
Individually, here are your nominations for Player of the Month, November 2011:
{listed in alphabetical order)
Simon Gagne - four goals, four assists
Anze Kopitar - four goals, six assists, still leads the team in points
Jonathan Quick - 4-5-2 record, .924 save percentage, one shutout
Mike Richards - nine goals, one assist, moved into team goal scoring lead
Slava Voynov - one goal, one assist, 10 shots on goal in seven games since being called up
Who gets your vote?
Vote now, poll ends Wednesday morning at 11am PST.
For the record, last month's winner was Jonathan Quick. He captured 63% of the votes, the most ever in one of our 'Player of the Month' polls. Full results are available here.
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LA Kings player of the month - November 2010
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Here we go...
First, a look back at the team as a whole. In the month of November, the Kings were 6-5-2, a little worse off than their 6-3-2 record in October. Their 28 points were second best in the division (behind Dallas, 29) and placed them sixth in the Western Conference. LA is also 6-1-2 vs. Pacific division opponents.
The power play, which had been converting at 23.1% in October, had fallen to 17.4% at the end of the NHL's second month. On the penalty kill, things had dropped a few points as well, going from 86.1% down to 84.4%.
Individually, here are your nominations for Player of the Month, November 2011:
{listed in alphabetical order)
Simon Gagne - four goals, four assists
Anze Kopitar - four goals, six assists, still leads the team in points
Jonathan Quick - 4-5-2 record, .924 save percentage, one shutout
Mike Richards - nine goals, one assist, moved into team goal scoring lead
Slava Voynov - one goal, one assist, 10 shots on goal in seven games since being called up
Who gets your vote?
Vote now, poll ends Wednesday morning at 11am PST.
For the record, last month's winner was Jonathan Quick. He captured 63% of the votes, the most ever in one of our 'Player of the Month' polls. Full results are available here.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
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RELATED ARTICLES:
LA Kings player of the month - November 2010
Simon Gagne on LA's loss to Montreal - 'We kind of shut down'
What I've learned so far... by Mike Richards
Warming up the leftovers with Clifford, Greene, Westgarth
Below are comments from Kevin Westgarth and Matt Greene after the physical game vs Florida on Thursday - plus, Kyle Clifford following Saturday's contest with Montreal.
Westgarth on the surprising amount of rough play in the Kings-Panthers game - "There was a bit of frustration on both of the teams. Then, when their player takes a bit of a run at one of our better players, it pisses everybody off. It was great to come out with the win. We weren't as good as we should be tonight and it's pretty awesome that we came out with the win. It's great to see some of the snarl out of the boys. I think it should be quite a game when we get back over there in Florida."
NOTE: The Kings will play the Panthers in Florida on Thursday, February 9. Also, to see the hit Sean Bergenheim put on Mike Richards, click here.
Westgarth on watching much of the Kings roster get involved in the physical aspect of the game - "I love seeing the boys take care of each other. That's why I'm here. But, that's the whole mentality. If everybody has each other's back, then we can all play that much more confident and that much better. Sometimes I grit my teeth a little too much maybe and just want to do something to deal with it. But, I think the guys did a great job of stepping up, being real physical, and going right back after them. Hockey teams, and especially our team, have memories. We'll keep this one close to our chest."
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