Recap Shmeecap - Some Quick Bullets
by Quisp on Oct 12, 2010 10:49 PM PDT
in Game Recaps
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Print- When you don't score at all until the end of the third period of every game, it causes self-loathing in the fan-base. At least when you score in the first minute of the game, even if you never score again, the fans don't have to stagger around hating themselves and you for two hours.
- People taking penalties -- you kept Loktionov off the ice for most of the first period. Thanks for nothing.
- Richardson -- last game it was that weak back-check; tonight, it was that -- okay, I don't know what to call it -- confusion in the neutral zone. Benefit of the doubt is still in play, but just barely. Redeemed slightly by a nice back-check in the third that for all I know saved the game.
- Smyth/Kopitar/Williams reunited for a shift or two and looked great. The rest of the game, and especially in the third, Smyth/Stoll/Williams looked great and won the game singlehandedly. Common denominator: Smyth/xx/Williams.
- Stoll had an excellent game, too. Kopitar, uh, not so much. I don't have a theory, but I will note the urge to fast-forward through his shifts. Even when my favorite Kings prospect is promoted to his line.
- As I pointed out last year with Teddy Purcell (when he was promoted to Kopitar's line) and the year before that with Matt Moulson (when he was promoted to Kopitar's line), Kopitar is supposed to jump-start them; they shouldn't be having to jump-start Kopitar. Maybe "jump-start" is the wrong verb.
- No, I'm not anti-Kopitar. In fact, he (or in fact, his face) is my current go-to example of walking courage, when this needs illustrating to any six-year olds who might be crying because they can feel the seams in their socks or whatever other tragedy. I say, Consider the example of Kopitar. The guy got his mouth ripped off and took a half-hour off to get about twenty stitches before going back into the game.
- Over three games -- with the single exception of the Brown goal in game 2 -- I would say Kopitar and Brown look lost. So does Simmonds.
- May I suggest (not now, but in a couple of weeks, if this persists) Loktionov/Kopitar/Simmonds, Ponikarovsky/Handzus/Brown?
- Yes, Brown is hitting people. But so far the hits aren't causing anything good to happen. For instance, loose pucks that lead to goals.
- Four out of the five goals scored by the Kings have been the result of the elbow grease of the MVP for the first 1/27th of the season, Justin Williams.
- (JJ + toe-drag)/(one-goal-lead)(3rd period)=bad.
- Two years ago, when Doughty was impressing everyone with his poise and skill, I made a comment to the effect of, "and you can't tell now, because he's still a teenager, but he has a mean streak and loves to hit." We're starting to see that now.
- Muzzin is getting more confident. But Drewiske isn't quite totally sucking. I wonder who stick when Greene returns. The advantage has to go to Drewiske since Muzzin can safely be re-assigned to Manchester. But Muzzin still has a couple of weeks to blow people away.
- I think it's good that Schenn's epic battle with bouncing pucks and goal posts has reached epic proportions. It's just so ridiculous it's impossible to take seriously. Also:
- Consider the fact that Schenn has played well enough to have (no exaggeration) six or seven goals in three games. Which would be enough to lead the league in scoring, wouldn't it? He's not going back to Brandon.
- Westgarth. Checks like he went to the Raitis Ivanans Finishing School.
- Smyth, Stoll and Williams all look like they should have cigars hanging from the sides of their mouths. They need a cigar-themed nickname. Stogies. The Cubans. I don't know. Stoll and Williams especially, they look like Lombardi got them out of a Dick Tracy comic.
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Kopitar just needs to get away from Brown
Far far away
"I still love my ex-wife, but only when we're not talking"
Oh, I can't resist
Did I not say the following in yesterday’s “New Lines” comment thread:
Speaking of forward pairs, perhaps the 2nd line pair that Murray is looking for is really Smyth-Williams? Perhaps it will turn out that they are the key to each others’ success, rather than either of them with Kopitar? Just a thought.
I am now available for tarot card readings, palm readings, phrenology and other forms of prognostication.
"Prepare your bladder for imminent release!" — Invader Zim
Its hard to tell why Brown is on the 1st line.
Most of the lower six (except Schenn) looked lost in the neutral zone.
Poni seems fine on the PK but slow the rest of the time. Has he completed more then two offense zone passes this season?
Kopitar had someone on him constantly. Good coverage by Atl
Muzzin stays. Clearly
Notice how many Kings players bounced off their checks tonight?
Are Teemu Selanne and Melanie Griffith Twins?
I gotta say, I don’t hate Brown on the 1st line. But it feels like all the 1st line (and all Kings lines until the 3rd period of this game) can do is cycle until they lose the puck. Cycle like mad, cycle all day, then take a shot from the boards and have to skate back 200 ft. I really haven’t seen a good clean shot from a good scoring area yet, even on the shots the Kings scored on.
The good news is the D has been solid. But Drewiske’s decision making needs work. He had a few bad passes and a bad pinch. If it were possible, I’d take Muzzin over him when Greener’s back.
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by Great Ice-Pectations on Oct 13, 2010 1:05 AM PDT reply actions
My thoughts on the game
1) Williams is awesome
2) Schenn is going absolutely nowhere and will get his goals soon enough when he gets a couple bounces his way.
3) Have all the Kings forgotten how to hit the net when they shoot? It seemed like there were a ton of shots wide of the net especially in the first two periods. Has Stoll been giving everyone else shooting tips???
4) Westgarth actually seems better than Ivannas, he looks faster. Still doesn’t really do much for me but if we have to ice an enforcer I think he’s a step up because he is not so ridiculously slow.
5) Our goaltending is going to be awesome this year. And so is the penalty killing. The PP you can’t really judge in this game since both PP’s were very short.
6) Loktionov didn’t really do much to impress me, but he didn’t seem to have a lot of time with the puck.
I think Kopi should get some time with Williams and Smyth, he has good chemistry with them and he and Brown haven’t looked really great so far. I feel like Muzzin has outplayed Drewiske so far(although both were horrible on the goal) and should have the edge to stay once Greene returns except for as you say the waiver exception and experience factors.
All in all though a good win and pretty solid start to the season even with some offensive concerns. Our defense and goaltending will give us a chance pretty much every game even if we don’t score much.
I think Kopi should get some time with Williams and Smyth,
This is not such a bad idea when you consider that your other top line would end up being Loki/Stoll/Brown. Nice blend of good skating, shooting and checking on both of those lines.
Taylor Morgan: "My abortion was botched!"
Teemu Selanne: "Wow. That sounds awesome."
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 13, 2010 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Matt Duchene had the same problem last year.
I dont know how many posts and close calls he had before he got his first against Detroit in his eighth game.
My Thoughts
Kopitar does indeed look a little lost out there, and I don’t think Brown is doing anything for him. Given how the played together tonight, I think against Vancouver you reunite Smyth, Kopitar and Williams, move Lotki and Brown back to play with Stoll. Lotki didn’t impress me last night, but didn’t really get a chance.
Poni-Handzus-Simmonds looked a little better tonight, but still have a way to go. Is it just me or did Simmonds look much better when he was playing with Richardson and Schenn?
He looked a little better tonight, but I still don’t think we need Westgarth out there when we have Clifford in the press box.
Kings have got to avoid the stupid penalties – Johnson closing his hand on the puck and Scuderi panicing and throwing the puck over the glass (so unlike him) are the best examples from last night. They kill whatever small momentum they get, despite the fact that the PK has looked great this season so far.
I love the fact that Doughty has the ability to step up in other areas of the game. He isn’t generating a lot with his shots (the other teams seem intent to take away his shooting lanes) so he steps up with BIG hits. We need more people to do what he did and draw a penalty like he did with Kane.
Muzzin looks a little better than Drewiskie so far this season, but has yet to blow him out of the water like he needs to if he wants to stay when Greene is back.
Whether its because he is more well rested, another year older and more confident, or because Bernier is nipping at his heels, Quick has looked great in his two games so far. Can’t fault him for either goal he has let in. If he continues to play this way, it will make it hard for Bernier to take away his job, like some thought he would do.
Overall, the Kings need to shoot the puck more, and cycle it less. And when they do shoot, they need to hit the net. Whoever said it above was right – the Kings seemed to miss the net more often than they hit it.
by Hoolie on Oct 13, 2010 6:47 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree completely with all points...
Line combos especially. Murray often tips his hand on new lines by trying them briefly in the third period, and I am hoping this is the case in the Atlanta game. He tried Kopi with Smyth and Williams, he tried Simmonds on the Richardson/Schenn line. I like that idea, and those combos sparked a quick two goals. Schenn looks ready enough that even if he were to falter, he could just take a diminished role on the big club. This even fits my ideal of a Line 1, Line 2a and Line 2b, and Line 3. Line 3 is checking, 1 is scoring, 2a is 2/3 focus on scoring and 2b is 2/3 focus on checking, both lines capable of either in road match-ups. Call them Line 1 and Line 4 in traditional thinking, call them Line 1 and Line 2b in my terms.
If he uses those lines next game, that puts Zus and Poni on line 3, and Brown and Stoll on line 2a, leaving Lokti, Clifford, Westgarth, Parse (long term), and Lewis fighting for two game spots and one press box spot. Even if he uses different combos, you still have these same guys fighting for those three spots, anyway. We can call them LW2a, LW2b and PB1.
That looks like this:
Smyth-Kopi-Williams (#1)
LW2b-Stoll-Brown (#2a)
Richardson-Schenn-Simmonds (#2b)
Poni-Zus-RW3 (#3)
Parse would have to be a favorite since he was tabbed for LW2a, added to Murray’s idea that a player does not lose his spot to injury (which in my Murray-to-English dictionary translates to “he doesn’t unless he does”). Parse can go on either of lines 2a, 2b or 3; Quisp has often said he is gritty enough, although I question his defensive mind-set from seeing many lateral passes on rushes late in close games. If he plays checking line, the least likely but possible, he would be RW3. So, Parse is either LW2a, LW2b or RW3. Anyway, Parse is in, leaving one active and one press box spot each. That looks like:
Smyth-Kopi-Williams (#1)
Parse-Stoll-Brown (#2a)
Richardson-Schenn-Simmonds (#2b)
Poni-Zus-RW3 (#3) or:
Smyth-Kopi-Williams (#1)
LW2a-Stoll-Brown (#2a)
Parse-Richardson/Schenn-Simmonds (#2b)
Poni-Zus-RW3 (#3) or:
Smyth-Kopi-Williams (#1)
LW2a-Stoll-Brown (#2a)
Richardson-Schenn-Simmonds (#2b)
Poni-Zus-Parse (#3)
Here is where it gets complicated, because Richardson is versatile enough to play center and wing, so he could flip with Schenn at C2b, or with Stoll at C2a. Line 2b would be the same except Schenn would be a winger, but Line 2a would have Richardson with Brown and LW2a, putting Stoll with Simmonds and Parse in a more defensive role.
Smyth-Kopi-Williams (#1)
Richardson/Schenn- Schenn/Richardson-Brown (#2a)
Parse-Stoll -Simmonds (#2b)
Poni-Zus-RW3 (#3)
Clifford and Westgarth would appear to be fighting (tee hee) for the same spot, I guess Clifford has the edge in that he is younger but youth can be forgiven in the enforcer role, and he seems to skate better and have better skills than Westgarth, while Westgarth is the better pure fighter. So, Clifford is likely in, on RW3, in games that his services are required.
That leaves Lokti and Lewis, with one spot remaining. That spot at RW3 depends on opponent, RW3 being open if we don’t need to waste a spot on an enforcer type, or with whomever falters among Richardson, Parse and Schenn on lines 2a and 2b. Lokti would be the more likely 2a, Lewis would be the more likely 2b, and if RW3 was open then you could put Parse on RW3 and have either Lewis or Lokti at 2a, the edge going to Lokti. If it is betwen Lokti and Lewis, I think Lewis loses, because in games that a spot would be open, that spot is more likely to be in a low-minutes offensive role.
So, against a Calgary, or Atlanta, or Detroit, teams that want to skate and that we would need to be able to skate with, it looks like:
Smyth-Kopi-Williams (#1)
Lokti/Parse-Stoll-Brown (#2a)
Richardson-Schenn-Simmonds (#2b)
Poni-Zus-Parse/Clifford (#3)
And against teams that we want to shut down like Vancouver, or are goon-filled like Philadelphia, it looks like:
Smyth-Kopi-Williams (#1)
Parse-Stoll-Brown (#2a)
Richardson-Schenn- Simmonds/Clifford (#2b)
Poni-Zus-Clifford/Simmonds (#3)
As far as the defensive future, the choice between Drewiske and Muzzin is somewhat of a false choice, in a way, because what really matters is who is going to match with Greene when he comes back. Greene is a stay-at-homer, making Muzzin seem obvious if determined by role, but Drewiske would be risked at waivers. As well, Drewiske looked more, to me, like a passer than a containment guy, when he was playing well early last year. Maybe Drewiske is not the "heavy" down-low guy Murray wants him to be, but if he could be the decent outlet passer to complement Greene’s stay-at-hominess, Drewiske would be okay for a 3rd pairing d-man with decent two-way skills. Muzzin has not overwhelmed, but he is so young and it is very early to judge. I guess Murray has to choose between (1) better defensive capability with decent-to-good checking skills in Drewiske, and (2) better potential offensive capability and potential youthful mistakes defensively in Muzzin. With Harrold in the mix to backstop the rookie, I think you go to Muzzin and hope Drewiske clears waivers.
End Corporate Personhood.
Is this the Reader’s Digest version?
Taylor Morgan: "My abortion was botched!"
Teemu Selanne: "Wow. That sounds awesome."
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 13, 2010 8:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Speaking of digestion, has anyone had a chance to watch The Human Centipede yet?
Taylor Morgan: "My abortion was botched!"
Teemu Selanne: "Wow. That sounds awesome."
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 13, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
J Williams has been an absolute workhorse. I agree that he and Smyth look good together and pairing them up with Kopitar again should “jumpstart” Kopitar’s production. Looks like Kopitar has been running around trying to play more responsibly in the neutral zone and mopping up any pucks that come his way rather than generate any scoring chances on his own. Smyth and Williams have generally been attacking the net and that, coupled with Kopitar’s great two way play, should generate more scoring on the top line IMO.
Stoll had an excellent game, too. Kopitar, uh, not so much. I don’t have a theory, but I will note the urge to fast-forward through his shifts. Even when my favorite Kings prospect is promoted to his line.
I thought Kopitar played great last night. He had to adjust to Loki by getting into the corners and he did a great job keeping the play alive. Not to mention he set up the first goal with a nice pass to Williams.
I may be irrational.
But.
When Kopitar is playing well he has the puck and he controls the shift, the problem then being that he sometimes just dominates without shooting. Thus, Loktionov. However, Loktionov on Kopitar’s wing doesn’t do any good if they’re always in a defensive, forechecking, reactive mode. To annoy you, I am attempted to write “modality.”
Modality.
Wait till this year.
Despite what I said about Simmonds above
ie. that he played better with Richardson and Schenn than with his regular line, I’d still leave Poni-Handzus-Simmonds alone for now, because I think over the course of the season, the Kings need that line to be good. Perhaps it’s just because I am not a fan of having an enforcer who is just an enforcer, but I do think Westgarth should sit for a while. For one thing, Schenn is buzzing around the net every shift he’s NOT playing with Westgarth. For another, I don’t think Westgarth has even done a very good job of being the enforcer. No fights, only a few hits, and he doesn’t seem to be getting under the other team’s skin. And do the Kings really need an enforcer? This is hardly a team of shrinking violets – they’re almost all capable of taking care of themselves.
I agree with the Bullets
Every. Single. One.
“insert tasty quote here” – some crazy philosopher dude
It's true, we're doing a lot of things poorly right now, but...
We’re still finding ways to win. Last night couldve easily been 4/5-0 (if the puck doesn’t jump Schenner’s stick and Dusty’s rebound or DD’s rocket past the oblivious Mason go in off the post).
They’ve got a lot to figure out before they can be considered a top team, but I’m really encouraged by our goaltending and our fight and effort in the 3rd periods so far. This team definitely believes they should win every night and doesn’t get down when the puck isnt bouncing their way.
Unlike the PP, 5-on-5, and shooting accuracy, that belief is a quality TM can’t work on in practice. It’s refreshing to know they have that, b/c when those other things do start to click, we’re gonna be a really good team.
by Doughty99 on Oct 13, 2010 11:22 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
A few bits...
Johnson needs to calm down. He’s playing like he needs to arrive at elite defenseman status NOW. No rush Jack!
He seems to be pushing things offensively. I smile everytime pulls a spin-o-rama and wonder where he learned that behavior from. The toe drag is typical stuff from him lately. He has plenty of skill but he needs to be discriminatory like Drew is and not rush it. With his defensive game still suspect, it is even more important for him to play wisely.
I agree with kopitar. He seems off but I can’t place it. Perhaps neither can he. Maybe he’s enduring last years mid season slump a bit early. I’m not worried with him though because a better fit linemate-wise is bound to happen and the old Kopitar should show up.
by kiosku2 on Oct 13, 2010 12:36 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
You guys do realize Kopitar has set up 2 of the 4 real goals we’ve scored this season, right?
by RudyKelly on Oct 13, 2010 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
It also seems to me that Kopitar has been pretty solid defensively, from what I’ve seen. He’s minding his Ps and Qs in the defensive end, which deserves some props.
Also, am I the only one who noticed Ponikarovsky harassing on the forecheck last night? He used his size and knocked the puck away at least a couple of times when Atlanta was trying to clear. Unfortunately, it was either a 1-man forecheck or he was just covering for a line change, so it didn’t generate opportunities as such. But if he keeps it up, it will generate chances somewhere along the line.
"Prepare your bladder for imminent release!" — Invader Zim
First of all:
(1) You’re totally right. For my part in this, I am being entirely irrational.
(2) None of the lines are clicking yet, although the second line came through last night, so that’s a step in the right direction.
(3) Four goals in three games is not enough, and when you look at such things, you start at the top. You wouldn’t say, “scoring is down and we must look first to Michal Handzus.”
Really, my overall feeling is that the Kings have not played very well in these three games, and I take that to be great news, because 4 points out of 6 is excellent for not playing your “A” game. And, as we have noted before, it is a hallmark of great teams that you routinely grind out wins that maybe don’t look so good in real time.
(and I hate not scoring until the last couple of minutes of a game.)
Wait till this year.
(3) Four goals in three games is not enough, and when you look at such things, you start at the top. You wouldn’t say, "scoring is down and we must look first to Michal Handzus."
Very true, but then you look and say, “Hey, Kopitar hasn’t played poorly, it must be someone else,” and then you look at Brown and Richardson and Ponikarovsky and Simmonds and Handzus and you kill yourself because they haven’t done anything offensively so far.
I admit salary has something to do with my expectations.
In my world, everyone would have the same low-base salary and everything else would be performance based. You know, like tips.
Wait till this year.
From the Ex Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc files, and speaking of CBGB, he pointed out that Lubo Visnovski played several years with the Kings and the Kings were donkey crap. Then he was traded to Edmonton and they were donkey crap. Then he was traded to the Ducks and … . Your assignment for today, discuss what we might conclude from this.
Dancing Boy Barry is Hooked on Feces?
Taylor Morgan: "My abortion was botched!"
Teemu Selanne: "Wow. That sounds awesome."
by DodgerBlueBalls on Oct 13, 2010 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
don't trade for him
Wait till this year.
by Quisp on Oct 13, 2010 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
No one wants cookies?
For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.
by Nut on Oct 13, 2010 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Was at the game last night.
Observations:
1. Met up with some friends who saw the scoreboard for the first time and they were just as impressed as I was when I saw it during the two pre-season games. Not sure if it was me but the PA volume seemed kind of low. The crowd was loud during introductions but certainly not as loud as during the playoffs so I’m not sure why it was difficult to hear David Courtney at times.
2. Like Quisp, I’m a big Loktionov fan. Kinda pissed to see so many penalties (the call on Handzus was atrocious; he was the one who go interfered with first), giving Loktionov little time in the first period. Nor did the Kings get any significant PP time, which is where I think Loktionov can be especially effective. Overall, he didn’t play poorly nor did he play great. He looked lost on a few plays (I remember one where it seemed like he was passing down low to Kopi, who had been going off for a change) but he also made some nice breakout and neutral zone passes that made me feel that he possesses a great feel and sense for the game.
3. Quick was outstanding again. He looked confident and secure it net the whole night. Atlanta’s only goal was not his fault and all and he basically shut the door towards the end of the third when Atlanta was desperately trying to tie it up. I don’t even recall seeing him mishandle the puck either and he was usually good for one or two adventures each game last season.
4. Stoll was the best player on the ice who wasn’t wearing a goalie mask. The faceoff numbers weren’t great but he won some cleanly again and I counted a handful of key wins on the PK. He was a catalyst for that second line, the Kings best line of the night. And even though he needed the other team’s help to get a shot on goal, I’m glad he got one to go in. Great effort all-around.
5. I didn’t realize how effective Mitchell can be from an offensive standpoint. Last year, I’d been accustomed to seeing Greene, Scuderi, and O’Donnell simply dump the puck in everytime the play came to the point. Mitchell did a great job of either getting a shot through or making a pass to a teammate.
6. Schenn needs to stay beyond the nine games. Sure, he might have made a few mistakes but the effort and more importantly the ability is there. With each passing game, I realize more and more why Brian Burke had that look after Lombardi drafted him.
7. Simmonds played more minutes and had a better game compared to Calgary. I’d actually like to see him and Schenn play on a line together.
no one totally clicking yet but what is concerning
is JJ and DD don’t seem to be getting Grade A shots off from the point. Defensively they’ve been ok so I can live with it. Although JJ had that turnover in Calgary. Have teams keyed on them so much that they just can’t get shots through? Doughty had better chances last night like that fake from the point where he was able to get guy down and then walk into slot for a wrist shot. Handzus was only guy in front of net and Mason was able to glove it.
It’s a nice sign the team is finding ways to win and when they go down it’s not by a lot of goals so not like they have to dig out of a big hole.
I agree Schenn is staying put. I’ve been pleasantly surprise at how responsible he is and confidence/poise w/ puck. Ponikarovsky looked good last night. Forced some turnovers.
Agree that teams seem to be keying in on Doughty and Johnson.
Mitchell is getting quite a few shots through though, probably the result of so much focus being put on Doughty.
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