The Kings have scored 1 or fewer goals in 23 games this season.
- That is essentially a ¼ of all our games that we are just throwing out the window.
- Since the Kings have played 58 games, the 23 games that they have scored 1 or less goals in so far this season is 40% .
- 6 goals in the last 11 games
Jonathan Quick has allowed only 1 goal 10 times this season and still lost.
- That is 20% of all his games (50) have been lost when he has only let in one goal.
- Quick has lost 26 games this season and the Kings have scored 29 goals during that time.
- Quick’s contract is up at the end of the season (please don’t leave us!)
The Kings were shut out for the 8th time this season
- Kings were shut out 6 times last season
- The Kings scoreless streak is now at 120 minutes, 3 seconds
Why am I so mean to put these stats up and make us look at them? Because whether we like it or not, we are in serious trouble this season. We have moved into the 9th place and are now outside looking in. the Kings have dropped to a 39.4% chance of making the playoffs as of noon pst today.
We need to score. We need to trade for a scorer. I really don’t think Rick Nash wants to come to LA as the rumor talks have been heating up on Nash to Rangers or Flyers. Dennis Bernstein from the Fourth Period states on his twitter this morning that the Kings have expanded their offer for Nash to Jonathan Bernier, Jack Johnson, Andrei Loktionov and one or more draft picks. I call this bull you –know-what. If that was tossed to Columbus, Nash would be in a King’s jersey right now. Also, we all know that DL really doesn’t want to trade JJ. Of course just when you think you know something it turns out completely wrong.
I’ve stated before I’d rather have Jeff Carter than Nash on the Kings. Mostly just salary as we have to be honest and say out loud that one player a difference does not make! Tons of rumors of Carter to Toronto. I hope that DL is in on the talks at least. If we cannot get either Nash or Carter this week, then the Kings will wait for offseason and barring a miracle, we will be out of the playoffs. We also could turn to a selling team instead of a buying team if DL can’t get a player by the 27th. Have to wait and see. Exciting isn’t it?
Don’t get sad:
Get mad!
It’s up to the players now. They can have the crappiest coach in the world, the stupidest GM ever hired and a non-existant owner but it all comes down to one thing: The players. Bring it guys. I have faith.
Go Kings Go!
Miguel Rodriguez
February 20, 2012
I don’t disagree that a trade needs to be made. But I have to caution everyone that a trade we make (even if it’s Rick Nash) may not solve our problems this year. On paper, there is no reason that the team as it exists should be experiencing the kind of scoring troubles they are facing. I personally have never a seen a team of this caliber be so snake bitten in any season ever. There is at much psychologically at work here as their is systematically and strategically.
Something is rotten in Denmark. I don’t think it’s the individual players or even the system (other teams play the same system and have much better results). I don’t get the sense that this is a locker room problem or a coaching problem (the guys seem to like each other very much and to respect Coach Sutter equally as much). I don’t know what is going on but something is just so far off that it’s unbelievable.
This team should be studied by science. I mean that. We should have a team of psychologists, kinesiologists, and freaking chaos theoreticians. There has to be something at work here that can be studied and understood and added to the greater body of sports knowledge.
In any case, this is all by way of saying that any trade we make has to be looked at as improving the team long-term. We may not be able to save this year or Dean Lombardi’s job. But we may be able to make us actually live up to the hype next year.
We also have to be very careful about how high we run up the cap. Jonathan Quick’s contract is up after next season. And you can bet that he’s going to be asking for a substantial raise. One that he absolutely deserves. Pekka Rine got $7M for 7 years. I don’t think it would be out of line for Quick to ask for at least that much. And of course, all this assumes that he even wants to stay in LA after his contract is up. With his skill level and the complete lack of goal support he receives, I wouldn’t blame him at all if he wanted to leave. Also, he’s an east-coaster at heart and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted to be closer to his family. And of course there is the fact that hockey media is east-coast biased. I don’t think of Quick as a guy who craves the spotlight, but he would certainly be a ton more well-known if he were playing for an east coast team.
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
On Quick: He seems to be very ‘brotherly” with the other players ie sticks up for them, doesn’t get mad at them, etc. So I really want to think that he will not want to leave here at the end of his contract. Remmber, he is great this year, but only this year. He was really good last year and ok the year before. So we don’t have that long standing stats to back him up. I’d give him the 6-7 mil for 7 yr for sure to keep him. But I don’t think he will leave quite yet. Maybe he will take a 3 yr or even 2 yr contract if he wants to keep his optons open. But hey, who really knows? Maybe his wife wants the kids to grow up with snow.
On the studied by science: LOL!!! the chaos theoreticians cracks me up. I think we can all agree we sounded so much better than we actaully are and I think we can agree that NO KNOWS WHY WE SUCK!
Its horrible.
I’d be willing to trade almost everyone at this point to mix it up. I dont think anyone is really safe. Maybe Kopi, Brown and DD. Thats about it.
Miguel Rodriguez
February 20, 2012
Quick definitely seems very brotherly with his teammates. I think that’s just the kind of guy he is. But I don’t know how much longer he’s going to want to stick around if no one will support him offensively. It’s terrible to have him go game after game of only giving up one goal, only to have that one goal be the deciding goal. He deserves better. I only hope that he doesn’t go looking elsewhere for better.
As to who is safe and who isn’t, right now I would not put Brown in the “safe” column. Unlikely to be traded but not “safe”. Kopi, DD, and Quick are realistically safe. Williams, Mitchell, and Scuderi are also on the “unlikely” list. Everyone else is fair game, IMO.
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
I’ve been asking myself how would I feel if they got rid of Brown, or Kopi or DD, Quick, etc. Well, first off I’d probably cry, lol, followed by alot of cussing. But really? I’m a hockey lover and I’ll always be a Kings lover and over the years, the players will come and go. So I’d hate it for awhile, they get right back up in my seat and cheer.
Its just emotional as it happens. Yikes! Brown gone? oh, I’d be soooooo upset!!!!!!!!!! i love him. I really do. I know others have probs with him but my son played for years, my hubby coached for years, I’ve even played on a co-ed team. I’m no way near someone who knows everything, but I do know that you always need someone like Brown on your team. And when the coaches pick, a give-it-all player is coveted as much as the highest scorer. Just like a true asst man.
Miguel Rodriguez
February 20, 2012
Yah, despite my misgivings about his leadership this season, I would be pretty upset if Brown were traded. I don’t think it’s very likely. According to rumor, Columbus did ask for Brown as part of a trade package for Nash but were told “no way”. But of course, who knows where we’re at now with the season starting to slip away from us. I still think it’s unlikely though. By all accounts, Columbus’ asking price for Nash is going down, not up. And other than Nash, there are no other forwards on the market that would merit Brown as part of a trade. So, I think it’s highly unlikely that he’s traded but not impossible.
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
I think nothing will happen, lol. Columbus could wait until after season to deal him. There will be more teams looking to make moves for the new season
hockeyjockey
February 20, 2012
I am hitting reply to reply to particular comments.. why oh why does the computer fight with me.. first was to Miguel.. this one to Tracy..
Kopi safe.. Quick safe.. Doughty safe..
Sure wish I could be a trasnformer and get some inside scoop that only the ones in the
inner circle know.. just to understand the whys of things..Like why would JMFJ be traded when he just got a 7 year deal a year ago? makes it seem like anyone is tradable and
then the idea of a ‘Team’ goes right out the window..
Forgot to ask this .. end of game Saturday night.. players stayed on bench.. I thought I heard David Courtney saying “shirts off thier backs”.. was that correct? last time using
vintage for the season? If so,, poor poor guys having to stay out there.. you know that
was the last place they wanted to be! My ex said they did not want to go in and hear
Daryl yelling.. but I say no….
GO KINGS GO!!!
Miguel Rodriguez
February 20, 2012
JJ is trade-bait because he’s a high profile player with a lot of perceived value. The Kings are very deep defensively. Behind Johnson we have Voynov, Martinez, Muzzin, & Hickey. So, in terms of trading currency, defense is what we have to offer. Now, as the saying goes, “you have to spend money to make money”. If you want to a top-tier forward like Nash, you’re going to have to spend a top-tier “whatever you have to offer”. For Nash, you pretty much have to spend a couple of top-tier “whatevers”. In our case that’s going to be Johnson + Bernier + Loktionov + a high draft pick.
As for Johnson’s contract, well I hate to say it but he made himself pretty tradeable by signing it. It’s certainly admirable the way he went about it, but the fact is that he negotiated himself into a very reasonable cap hit. That makes him even more desirable to teams like Columbus that want to open up cap space in the future. It sucks but that’s the downside of taking a discount. I’m sure he thought, as did we all, that we would be doing MUCH better this year and that his taking a low cap hit would benefit the team much more than it has.
It sucks. It totally sucks. But that’s the ugly business side of sports.
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
Yes, they gave their jerseys away after the game. Gee, that must have been fun. I know I was pretty pissed after the game. They should have at least given everyone 15 minutes to calm down. lol
hockeyjockey
February 20, 2012
ahhh.. again I say poor things..
see this one will post in correct spot as I am replying to email received.. when on the blog site it just does as it pleases.. ahhh
GO KINGS GO !!!
hockeyjockey
February 20, 2012
I totally think our guys are phychologically stressed out of thier minds by now!
How could anyone not be.. they are only human after all. and young! People tend to forget that ..constantly. We had such high hopes for this season.. imagine their hopes.. and now?
They have to be devistated at what is going on.
I will kept my positive energy focused on Quicker and him being resigned this summer..
He does like our team.. sure hope his wife likes it here.. as he is VERY family oriented.
He absolutely deserves a Big contract if anyone does.. JJ got his.. Doughts got his.. they better offer/give to Quick or I will be the bitterest Fan in LA..
GO KINGS GO!!!
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
Its true they are young and I think they were saying they haven’t had this happen to them before. Heck, Sutter said he had NEVER seen it happen before! Thats why I think its up to them now. They have to want to make a change. Sutter called out Kopi and Brown publicly today. Can’t hide from that! I hope it doesn’t backfire.
I think if we traded for Nash, JJ would definitely go the other way.
Miguel Rodriguez
February 20, 2012
Current odds are 50-50 that Columbus waits until off-season to move Nash. Wouldn’t shock me at all if they stand pat. I think Carter gets moved for sure though. And I would think LA is front-runner there.
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
I’m good with that. I know his contract is a beast, but I think he just needs a good place to be and he will do well. Where else but LA for the misfits?
hockeyjockey
February 20, 2012
OK..You made me smile at that!!!
misfits.. shoot.. let’s not get that label..
I think it would makes sense to wait as well til season over.. for Nash ..
seems it would be easier to leave that way..
GO KINGS GO!!!
hockeyjockey
February 20, 2012
Ahh Tracy here we go… Rick Nash to either team you listed equals nightmare.. they are both so loaded as is.. If you were him.. yep would want to go to either …if he really does want to be moved.. to help his team salary wise..or for himself to get a chance to win the Cup before it is too late.. I may be better with this next year when I join and learn to play in the fantasy league, but I do not think my dislike for Trading will change..
Since I am trying to catch up here and at S&S and you may know a stat shortcut.. what is
the stat on the league goals per game this year? It seems to me that all teams for the most part are scoring less….not like us of course.. and what about blocke shots? Isn’t that happening more as well? I think it is a new trend in how the game is played.
Ok.. time to read some comments
GO KINGS GO!!!
Miguel Rodriguez
February 20, 2012
Currently the Kings sit dead last in the NHL with 2.03 goals per game. GPG is certainly down overall in the league but the Kings numbers are just nightmarish. The only thing saving us is another fun stat, our Goals Against per Game average is also 2.03. That’s the 3rd least goals per game in the entire league. Which is great, but you can’t win without scoring.
As for blocked shots, I don’t have those numbers at hand. But I do know that blocked shots are increasingly seen as important in the modern game. But other teams have found ways to score despite the increase in blocked shots. The Kings need to do so as well. And that comes right down to creativity in the offensive zone. In that vein, adding a creative scoring winger like Nash or Carter could only help us.
Trades are tough. It sucks to see players that you’ve invested in emotionally get moved somewhere else. Even worse when they thrive in their new location. But the goal of any team needs to be the championship. And if it takes moving players to do so, it has to be done. It’s okay be sad or angry that a player was moved, but no stone can be left unturned while the championship remains unwon.
As for specific trade rumors: Today’s rumors are that Philly & San Jose are out on Nash. LA is inching toward the #1 spot in that race with NYR only limited by their reluctance to put Stepan into the pot. Also, Nash received a rousing chant of “we don’t want you” this weekend in New York. So uh, yah…there’s that. By all accounts, Jeff Carter is being looked at as the consolation prize by LA.
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
I was on this site today, I had to go look for it. Its called rotoworld. It has great stats on it. I’ll explore more later, but it looks like a fun place to go.
KingsOfLA
February 20, 2012
Undoubtably we’re in for a wild and crazy ride this week. First off let’s just hope we can collect some points along the way! Now onto the main trade rumors… Nash is a stud who can score, who should be ridiculous on a line with Kopi (I’d probably put Cliffy on the right side and hope his physical play could open up even more space for the other two. That would leave a good 2nd line in Williams/Richards/Brown, assuming we still have all those pieces after the trade(s). I’m not crazy about the Nash-money, but you’re gonna end up near the cap anyway, so why not get him while you can. In all honesty I’ll take Nash’s contract over Carter’s 10-years remaining. Other than perhaps Richard’s influence, and the very real possibility of not getting Nash, I’m surprised the Kings are seriously looking at Carter when it’s well known he’s a bit of a cancer in the locker-room, supposedly a BIG DL no-no! But what does DL have to lose? If it works he looks good. If it doesn’t, he’s not gonna be around to deal with it anyway.
But here’s my main thought on our scoring woes… I think it’s quite obvious the biggest issue is something that we had last year but don’t this season… a front of the net pest. DL got rid of Smyth and Simmonds and didn’t replace that missing piece. Nowadays with goalies being so good and collapsing defenses you HAVE to have a force in that goalies face, and we definitely do not! Therefore a Nash/Kopi combo might get you that extra goal or two to steal a few of those close games and get us back in the playoffs, but they’re not gonna do enough without the other missing pieces to help complete this puzzle. The other thing that stands out to me is the lack of any consistent pressure and MULTIPLE scoring chances. It seems we make a half-assed rush up the ice, take a shot or two wide, and if we do hit the net we never seem to get the rebounds, then over to the bench for a rest. Where’s the intensity and pressure in the offensive zone. This is a VERY different team right now than we had to start the season. It seems we’re completely lost out there and have very little, if any, confidence. No matter what happens the rest of this season, I hope the entire coaching staff is gone at years end. We need a serious change of attitude and atmosphere from the top down. If we don’t get it right VERY soon, then you can say goodbye to Quick, Kopi, etc, and it’ll be the same old same old… a few good pieces but never enough at the same time. Then it won’t matter if we have Nash, Carter or Gretzky.
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
“Nash is a stud who can score, who should be ridiculous on a line with Kopi (I’d probably put Cliffy on the right side and hope his physical play could open up even more space for the other two.”
– You know, I really like that scenario. Cliffy could very well be the powerplayer
“Other than perhaps Richard’s influence, and the very real possibility of not getting Nash, I’m surprised the Kings are seriously looking at Carter when it’s well known he’s a bit of a cancer in the locker-room, supposedly a BIG DL no-no! But what does DL have to lose? If it works he looks good. If it doesn’t, he’s not gonna be around to deal with it anyway.”
– I have to say, I think that bad rep came alot from management placating the fans in Philly. At least I’d like to hope that. Richards has been great for us – would’t he be down on someone who was such a locker cancer?
“But here’s my main thought on our scoring woes… I think it’s quite obvious the biggest issue is something that we had last year but don’t this season… a front of the net pest.”
– thats why we got Penner. He should have planted his big butt in the crease every night. I think its more than just that piece missing. Smitty was reaaaaaallly good at that. Wish he could bottle it and sell it.
“It seems we make a half-assed rush up the ice, take a shot or two wide, and if we do hit the net we never seem to get the rebounds, then over to the bench for a rest. Where’s the intensity and pressure in the offensive zone. This is a VERY different team right now than we had to start the season. It seems we’re completely lost out there and have very little, if any, confidence. No matter what happens the rest of this season, I hope the entire coaching staff is gone at years end. We need a serious change of attitude and atmosphere from the top down. If we don’t get it right VERY soon, then you can say goodbye to Quick, Kopi, etc, and it’ll be the same old same old… a few good pieces but never enough at the same time. Then it won’t matter if we have Nash, Carter or Gretzky.
– we only play like that when we play a team like the Capitols or such. why is that? These guys can be that but are not every night! I think they are not choosing to suck. I think they are stuck in a defensive system that sucks the offensive life out of them! How to fix it? I just do not know.
hockeyjockey
February 20, 2012
I understand the Want of the Cup.. and I am a true Los Angeles King fan.. I am not
.. I have since then not to
even a navive Los Angelian9San Diego) but they are my team..even with my Father being from New York.. but I will never ever not be emotional or destroyed when we lose one of
our guys.. esp if he is an important part of the team and we have had him a while.. and he is
a good guy.. when Cami went at first I went ahhhh.. then I learned he was not so well liked and a selfish type of guy.. it seems to have proved out somewhat.. When Luc was traded I went crazy and actually boycotted Hockey for a time.. yes I did
cares quite so much.. but that just isn’t me..
Last year it was the Nighttrain.. not one of my all time favorites but I stilled loved his spirit and
all out effort.. but I knew he was going where he would shine.. I knew he fit with Philly..
Hanzeus… ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.. NIGHTMARE.. he may not have started with us.. but I fully embrased and apprecited him.. that could make me cry here..
Brownie .. that will KILL me.. I LOVE him to death.. but in a respective way.. Love his family..
Love his wife being a first love and all the charity work they do.. So no.. he just cannot go..
Plus he is a Team Player if ever there was one.. He does not even need defending..
GO KINGS GO!!!
tracykingslover
February 20, 2012
See, Hockeyjockey, this is why hockey fans are the best fans in the world. We love our guys, stand by them, fight for them and when they leave we ove our new guys. No other fans are as emotional as we are.
hockeyjockey
February 20, 2012
Oh. forgot.. Kopi and Brown called out today.. well I was watching Kopi especially.. )when games start to do what once again happened on Sat.. I will find someone to focus on rather then follow the puck.. just to see.. and he was Not strong on a lot of the plays..not knowing
what is going on.. I always wonder.. is he sick.. have the flu.. that is where my mind goes..
so when you said that Tracy I was not suprised..
King-good point on the pest at the net… Zeus did that as well.. and even if they are not the
ones scoring the goals.. they do the screening and redirecting of the puck for the second
chances.. I see what you see of us not putting out full on intensity.. I said previously like we are not in good enough condition which at this time of year is impossible.. but it looks that way.
And yes I think their confidence is gone.. how could it not be..agian young and vunerable
guys.. more fragile then people realize..
GO KINGS GO!!!
The Recipe Seeker
February 20, 2012
Wow! I am totally blown away by the compassion, knowledge and insight all you people have for this team called LA KINGS. I am also amazed by the love/hate relationship we all have for the players. The management, well, not so much. I cannot comment on the stats and history you all share for the team but I will tell you this… I have watched (yes and lestened, before television) hockey for over 50 years and never, even in Montreal seen such dedication to a team. You should all be proud of yourselves and find a way to communicate this to the players. When I go on to other blogs, it seems its more about the bloggers than the Kings. Keep posting, posting, posting and make it reach the people who matter, THE PLAYERS.
GO KINGS
hockeyjockey
February 20, 2012
Thank you for that..Tracy, is it time for a card to our Boys? Maybe you could put some of our thoughts on a note/ letter to them or to Luc for him to pass on?
GO KINGS GO!!!
tracykingslover
February 21, 2012
I dont know. What do you say? Sorry you are doing so horrible? J/k. I’m thinking they might not want to hear about it. Let’s see how the next few games go.
Or maybe they need a pick me up now? hmmm. I’m going to mull this over
hockeyjockey
February 21, 2012
I know..pros and cons..But encouragement is always good..
GO KINGS GO!!!
tracykingslover
February 21, 2012
Oh, there are hockey fans like us for every team. I just dont’ think they had a forum like the internet to talk about it before. You had the boys, or the families talk during the games, etc, but it wasn’t as widespread and easy to connect. They’ve always been nutty fans! Just now you notice it more. lol