The problem with this team in 2 plays from the Calgary game...

[Earl]

#1-Sarich high sticking Handzus and NOBODY did anything other than Armstrong's semi hard check much later
#2-Phaneuf jabbing at Aubin with 20 seconds left and 4/5(excluding Thornton)doing NOTHING about it

I'm not saying I wanted Sarich or Phaneuf to be clubbed over the head but it just goes to show how little respect the Kings get from other teams especially the Phaneuf jab. I mean after he did it he mocked the Kings in front of their own bench and to see 4 out of the 5 Kings do nothing must make Aubin feel real good about his protection. Now, I know Aubin in the scheme of things will be a footnote in Kings history but he's the goalie right now and I can't think that doesn't affect him or Labarbera when the rough stuff goes down. Armstrong did run Sarich later but where was the team toughness when IT HAPPENED? How do you think Handzus feels about nobody coming to his aide. Now, I don't think Sarich meant to do it with evil intent but he did it and basically got no reaction which just gives him more incentive the next game to play even rougher.

I really think these 2 plays tells a great deal on how the Kings feel about each other as it seems to be an every man for himself type of team at this point which is never good. I mean if you did that to Kiprusoff I guarantee you that Keenan would have Godard out the next shift and every Flame that was out there at the time would be in the Kings player's face. I have no idea on how the King players feel about Crawford but I have a feeling that they wouldn't do anything extra or as they say go to war for him like the Flames would do for Keenan or the Ducks would do for Carlyle. What do you think would happen to Phaneuf if he did that to Giguere? The next shift if there were not out there already you'd have Parros,Moen,May,O'Donnell and Pronger out there headhunting and running their goalie. Sadly, this game made me realize this team has no heart or passion which really sucks and untill they show some I'll keep my money thank you very much. I'll still root for them but it's hard to support a team when they show such little regard for one another.

Earl
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[KingBiscuit]

Good post.

Scott Thornton tried to get at Phaneuf. There was only 30 seconds left in the game when that happened. It would have been interesting to see if this incident happened with at least anotther period to play, what would have transpired.

I think the Kings management knows they need more team toughness and some size on the blueline. I think Wayne Simmonds is the type of player they need on the 3rd line - a guy who can play 12-15 minutes and drop the gloves. I realize he will only be a middleweight, but he is the type of guy who will retaliate and stand up for his teammates.

Wayne may be 2 years away however. He turns 20 right before next year's camp. I bet he'll be in the mix, along with Moulson, Brady Murray, Lewis, Tukonen and Boyle for a 3rd or 4th line spot. Maybe Simmonds and Boyle get extra consideration for their willingness to drop the gloves and stand up for the team.

I just hope the Kings draft more players with size and toughness, as well as acquire some toughness in the upcoming trade deadline deals. I hope Dean doesn't just get draft picks at the deadline, but some good young prospects that are close to playing in the NHL - like he did in the Jack Johnson and O'Sullivan deals.

[Earl]

Originally Posted by KingBiscuit

Good post.

Scott Thornton tried to get at Phaneuf. There was only 30 seconds left in the game when that happened. It would have been interesting to see if this incident happened with at least anotther period to play, what would have transpired.

I think the Kings management knows they need more team toughness and some size on the blueline. I think Wayne Simmonds is the type of player they need on the 3rd line - a guy who can play 12-15 minutes and drop the gloves. I realize he will only be a middleweight, but he is the type of guy who will retaliate and stand up for his teammates.
Scott Thornton tried to get at Phaneuf. There was only 30 seconds left in the game when that happened. It would have been interesting to see if this incident happened with at least anotther period to play, what would have transpired.

Wayne may be 2 years away however. He turns 20 right before next year's camp. I bet he'll be in the mix, along with Moulson, Brady Murray, Lewis, Tukonen and Boyle for a 3rd or 4th line spot. Maybe Simmonds and Boyle get extra consideration for their willingness to drop the gloves and stand up for the team.

I just hope the Kings draft more players with size and toughness, as well as acquire some toughness in the upcoming trade deadline deals. I hope Dean doesn't just get draft picks at the deadline, but some good young prospects that are close to playing in the NHL - like he did in the Jack Johnson and O'Sullivan deals.

KB,don't get me wrong as I'm not saying I want the Kings to turn into the Flyers but those 2 plays speak volumes about this team to me. I'm not expecting Frolov or O'Sullivan to neccessarily drop the gloves with Phaneuf but show some backbone and respect for your goalie. That was the most late blatant goalie jab and the only reason an opposing player does it is that he fears little to no reprocussion and that isn't a good way to be looked at.

I like Ivanans and think he's effective for what he is and I do think Simmonds will be good in 2-4 years but what the hell is gonna happen till then? Even the Red Wings who routinely lead the league in fewest fighting majors are feared from a team toughness aspect.

If I were Crawford just to show some life I would have called a timeout and put Ivanans and Thornton out there not to fight but just to push and shove whoever was out there just to show some signal of your not gonna get away wth that on our watch. Give Iginla or Conroy a facewash and see how they like it.

Earl
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[Sleestak]

I REALLY think AEG and/or Crawford have the cuffs on these guys. In the heat of the moment, it is almost impossible NOT to come to the defense of a team mate when things like this happen.

For the Kings to night in and night out NOT retaliate, I think they have been given a mandate to follow: no rough stuff.

It is really the only explanation that makes sense. I played enough hockey to know one thing: If you ****ed with someone on my time, then we would **** with you. It wasn't a conscious choice most of the time, instinct took over and you just made a run or knocked someone down because they did it to your team mate.

These guys aren't soft, and they haven't lost the instinct, I really think they are being told NOT to retaliate.

[MightyMike]

I just saw the replay of this stunt Phaneuf pulled in the dying seconds of this blowout and i'm completely stunned why THE HECK just Thornton went after Phaneuf and not every Kings player on the ice !!!
WTF ?!!?
They just lost the game 6-1 and should be frustrated up to their ears and THIS sh**t doesn't get them started ?
I honestly doesn't understand what's going on with the Kings. Even if they are handcuffed by the management as Sleestak offered as an explanation if something like this happened to me (and i'm of the peaceful nature) in the same situation i'd go after him without thinking a second about it.
Something is seriously wrong with this Kings team........
I'm disgusted by this absolute lack of display of team cohesion.

[CROWN74]

I agree with what everyone else is saying, it's just like when Ryan Smyth fell on top of JLB on all the Kings players stood around watching. I don't care if Smyth meant to do it or not he just injured your goalie and somebody better respond. I tip my hat to Thornton for being the only one on the ice that went after Phaneuf, I know Thornton isn't well liked around LGK but atleast he stands up for his team. Remember Johnson's first game last season when he got laid out with a vicious hip check? Again it was Thornton who came to the defense of Johnson. There is a lot to be said about a player's character and heart and it seems this season there is a lack of both on this Kings team. I'm also shocked at the complete lack of class by Phaneuf to pull this kind of chickens**t stunt in a 6-1 blowout with seconds remaining, I lost respect for him because of it.

[DiehardKingsFan]

Yea, management must not want our players to drop the gloves and play rough. I mean, when Avery was with us after DL and Crow took over he only dropped the gloves once and didn't agitate. Once we traded him to the Rags, he went back to being Avery.

I really ****ing hate this whole "no retalliation" mantra. It pisses me right the **** off. We shouldn't let other teams **** with us like that. I'd like to see our guys bash in the skulls of the players that try to get away with cheap plays.

[Cosmos]

I'll say it again... too many soft euros on this team.

Need more CHL boys on this roster.

[SirJW]

It does make you wonder if Crawford is always looking behind his back (Bertuzzi).

[jonnyPbux]

Looked like Ivanans was trying to go all night but nobody would dance with him.

[MightyMike]

Originally Posted by jonnyPbux

Looked like Ivanans was trying to go all night but nobody would dance with him.

Team toughness is not about one enforcer alone.
Not even close.....