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About This Page: This is a discussion on LA Kings Talk within the LetsGoKings.com forums, at Los Angeles Kings Hockey Fan Forum. Commodore and Jason Smith.
yep, nuff said there. looks like we may possibly be a mirror for how the pens got malkin and crosby. (different caliber players most likely, but similar situation) but i dont think we'll keep both of em though. Trade down picks, or direct trade is what will happen.
I don't see our defense really improving until the defensive system is improved. That blame falls on Marc Crawford. I would still love to see a change in coaches this offseason, but I do not think it will happen. Lombardi's last interview on Loose Cannons alluded several times to DL wanting to see Crawford and the team grow together.
I don't see our defense really improving until the defensive system is improved. That blame falls on Marc Crawford. I would still love to see a change in coaches this offseason, but I do not think it will happen. Lombardi's last interview on Loose Cannons alluded several times to DL wanting to see Crawford and the team grow together.
I'm just not sold.
I heard Bill Clement on XM radio last month, after the Kings played in Philly, talking about how the Kings were playing a defensive system, he said he drew it on the telestrator how the Kings had men back clogging the middle and said "if Marc Crawford is drinking the trap kool-aid, then it is totally widespread". I think Crawford has tried to tighten up the style, and assistants like Lewis are trying to also. I think they are to blame also. But, time after time I see Kings chasing behind players who are beating them to the front of the net, and the Kings are out of position and not tieing up the stick. Coaching, yes. But, players are not making plays, also.
My solution is to fire Crawford. Other teams in the NHL have less than what we have and we are DEAD last in the league! I don't see on paper how a team like Minnesota makes it, but they do because they have superior coaching. Once we have good coaching, then the players will fall in line. That seems to be the way it works in the league. Its just too damn frustrating when successful teams that (on paper) have less or equal to the talent we have, and we tank...
For those other teams, the drop off from line 1 too 2 (or 3,4) is not as large as the Kings have. The Kings also are lacking in a stud D man.
The Kings have a young core of talent but after that, they are horrible. The other teams have players that can cover until the 1 line gets ready again. The kings don't.
The Kings are also very very soft. Being tough helps equalize the talent disparity.
* More balanced schedule (more chances to grab wins from the teams in the East).
* The young core will have another solid year together of building.
* Another top draft pick who may be able to come in and join the core.
* Blake's $6 million a year off the books.
* Some of the "character" guys won't be around taking up space in the rehab room.
Not in our favor:
* Still in one of the strongest divisions in the league, with the rest of the conference pretty damn good, too.
* The young core still doesn't have the complete reins of the team (name Brown or Kopi the captain. Signal the shift in the team).
* Dean will still want to have some middling, middle-age character guys around to help the kids.
* A goaltending situation that isn't going to improve itself in the off-season.
* Blake likely back for another season.
Looking at those (and I'm sure there are more), the best we can probably HOPE for next year is a 9, 10 finish in the conference.
DFENS
