Ducks Clinch a Playoff Spot and ESPN's Insider Suggests Crawford May Be Gone Soon

[CarlaMuller]

I easily admit I so didn’t want the Ducks to clinch their playoff spot on the Kings’ watch. What self respecting Kings’ fan wasn’t holding their collective breath when Frolov nearly scored as time ran out…. Only in Anaheim would there be a goaltending duel and the #2 star went to the guy who scored half his goals (4 total) against the Kings this year. Go figure…

The line matching Carlyle is known for was also on full display. As expected, the Ducks’ shut down line of Moen, Neidermayer and Pahllson spent the night taking on Brown, Kopitar and O’Sullivan. It may have seemed like advantage Ducks but Kopitar won the first four face-offs against Pahllson. The problem is Kopitar then went 3-10 for the night. Definitely advantage Ducks.

Brown spent the game not shooting at all until the third period where he finally took 3, not hitting any opponent officially and his most memorable moment was the exchange at the end of the second against Bertuzzi. Can others now please join me in telling Brown that hitting is his game and his best offensive year stemmed from that. Go back to what brought you Brown, now.

Ersberg and Hiller put on a clinic. They just did. Hiller robbed Frolov as seconds ran out. Ersberg robbed the Ducks in the second with a potential game changing save out of nowhere which was followed by help from his teammates, Klemm’s skate and Kopitar’s taking the puck out of danger from literally the inside of the net. Really. Good stuff all around.

I cannot speak for Hiller; but Ersberg no doubt found extra inspiration from the fact that his parents are here from Sweden to watch him in person. As much as I dislike Brian Hayward’s commentary, even he had to spend five seconds not bashing the Kings when he saw Ersberg play up close and personal. I thought other press bashed the Kings, but that was nothing compared to Hayward. He should consider at least pretending to know something positive about the Ducks’ opponents. Most of us find him biased, but he could hide it a little more than the display he put on Wednesday.

It was only fitting the game ended in one of the longest shoot-outs the Kings have been in this season. The Ducks ultimately won it, but at least Crawford put O’Sullivan in the top three shooters considering prior to last night, he was 4 for 4 on in the NHL’s skill competition. When teams question their goaltending, you have to really appreciate the art of scouting when it turns out the #3 guy on the Ducks’ depth chart at the start of this year and the Kings #4 guy are this capable at this level.

The results from last night notwithstanding, as the season ends too soon for the Kings, here comes an article from ESPN that puts the heat on Crawford. ESPN’s Scott Burnside, suggests that perhaps Lombardi will go in a different direction despite the team’s better play since Christmas. It is impossible to know if he is going for drama or if there is some basis in reality. Here is his Kings’ take:

“You have to wonder if GM Dean Lombardi is going to look at his dead-last Los Angeles Kings and decide he needs someone other than Marc Crawford behind the bench to take the youthful, talented squad to the playoffs despite their improved play of late.

. . . . If Crawford goes in Los Angeles, Lombardi will be looking for someone who can be a teacher to his young squad. Mike Sullivan, now an assistant in Tampa, probably didn't get a fair shake in Boston during his only head coaching gig, but he's highly regarded.”

Crawford on the hot seat?

As the Kings prepare for the Coyotes tonight, do fans want another guy behind the bench next season? Speaking solely for myself, taking into account the growth by the team’s younger players, I would like to see what he does next year with consistent NHL goaltending rather than change personnel now. If Ted Nolan is on the market, a rumor provided by Burnside (Nolan and the 15 year man DiPietro are clashing – the latest Islanders’ scuttlebutt), he would be an interesting choice….

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Carla Muller

Carla.hockeygal@att.net

[gescom]

i'd be very surprised if Lombardi fired Crow's Feet at any time before the end of next season.

[CarlaMuller]

Originally Posted by gescom

i'd be very surprised if Lombardi fired Crow's Feet at any time before the end of next season.

I too think Burnside is off as to this off-season. I could see Lombardi cutting the cord if the Kings have another December like this season's ugliness. Giving Crawford all of next season, I am not convinced Crawford's life line is that long. We'll see...

[OrangePuck]

Originally Posted by CarlaMuller

It may have seemed like advantage Ducks but Kopitar won the first four face-offs against Pahllson. The problem is Kopitar then went 3-10 for the night. Definitely advantage Ducks.

Huh?

I cannot speak for Hiller; but Ersberg no doubt found extra inspiration from the fact that his parents are here from Sweden to watch him in person. As much as I dislike Brian Hayward’s commentary, even he had to spend five seconds not bashing the Kings when he saw Ersberg play up close and personal. I thought other press bashed the Kings, but that was nothing compared to Hayward. He should consider at least pretending to know something positive about the Ducks’ opponents. Most of us find him biased, but he could hide it a little more than the display he put on Wednesday.

Ironically last night I saw more Kings fans surprised at how complimentary Hayward was of Ersberg and the Kings than after any other Kings/Ducks game I've seen over the last 13 years.

[ianmonsta]

I don't think the best thing for a team in a rebuilding stage is to change head coaches. It definetely wont show the stability that alot of the top teir FA's look for. Plus i think the young stars blossom really well under Crow.

[Maverick]

I don't think Crawford is going anywhere until deep into next season. I think his King career will depend very much on his performance this next season, but for now I believe DL considers Crawford's job secure.

[Die Radio Die]

Originally Posted by OrangePuck

Huh?

Yeah.

Faceoff Comparison

Kopitar went 7-17 overall or 41%, and when you see that you think not good BUT he went 5-7 in the offensive zone. Taking 4 of 6 offensive zone draws away from Pahlsson. Most of Kopitar's face off losses came in the Neutral Zone( 2-8 ) and he also went 0-2 in the defensive zone.

While 7-17 isn't great, he more than held is own against Pahlsson while taking draws in the offensive zone.

[The Natural]

Yeah. The last time ESPN suggested anything about the Kings, it involved Sheldon Souray and Chris Drury BOTH guarantees to go to LA.

[CarlaMuller]

Originally Posted by Die Radio Die

Most of Kopitar's face off losses came in the Neutral Zone( 2-8 ) and he also went 0-2 in the defensive zone.

While 7-17 isn't great, he more than held is own against Pahlsson while taking draws in the offensive zone.

Kopitar's offense isn't an issue. His defensive play and his ability to win a face-off is. There is a huge difference in the +/- between Frolov and Kopitar but there point totals are close. To be the #1 center/builder of a team, defensive play is huge. I get it is only Kopitar's second year playing. I believe that for him to reach his potential, he has to be as effective on both sides of the ice.

[Exodus1045]

Originally Posted by Die Radio Die

Yeah.

Faceoff Comparison

Kopitar went 7-17 overall or 41%, and when you see that you think not good BUT he went 5-7 in the offensive zone. Taking 4 of 6 offensive zone draws away from Pahlsson. Most of Kopitar's face off losses came in the Neutral Zone( 2-8 ) and he also went 0-2 in the defensive zone.

While 7-17 isn't great, he more than held is own against Pahlsson while taking draws in the offensive zone.

exactly. and to think they used crosby in the commercial, shouda been kopitar with a LGKer in the crowd.




LETS GO KINGS....which car is for stamkos

:pimpride8l r:

:pimpride8l r::m0rphin e:

:pimpride8l r:



which one is selane