He taught the team a solid defensive base to pull from, something that they will always have. I appreciate him for that. Getting Kopitar to buy into playing the entire surface will be with him for his entire career.
Preliminary warning, appreciation means that if you have something bad to say, don't say it. Say it in the other topic.
I'm very appreciative of him guiding this team into the playoffs during the 09-10 season when I wasn't sure this team had what it took to get there. Thankful for that because seeing the team in those playoffs was something we all needed.
Terry Murray was the opposite of Crawford and what the Kings needed at the time, particularly the core like Kopitar who grew into one of the best 2-way centers in the league.
But what he had to teach is exhausted. It's unfortunate it had to end like this for him rather than at the end of a season.
He turned them into the best defensive Kings team there has ever been. One reason we never have goalies at the top of the league is because our defense was so atrocious. He elevated our back end and goalies to where it is a strength and not a laughable weakness. Thanks TM for giving us a solid base to go forward with.
Thanks also, for the candid interviews. TM was always available and willing to give extensive interviews, more than any coach we've had in a long time. He obviously put a ton of time into this team.
I was a terry supporter all the way up until this year. He did some great things for this team. Taught the team how to play some D, taught Kopi to be a top notch 2 way center, and he got this team into the playoffs for the first time in a long time. He may not be going out in a blaze of glory, but i still thank him for what he has done for this team.
Behind all the negative comments I have said about him, he turned some of our favorite players into top players. They will always have that. Terry isn't a bad coach, he just fits better with a team who needs an identity. Hopefully he will get another shot with an NHL club. I wish nothing but the best for him.
It sucks it had to happen around the holidays. But, it's all business at the end of the day. Good luck, Muray.
Just remember the last season with Crawford here.. The Kings could never hold on to a lead, literally no lead was safe, the defensive system were to stand still like a pylon and put your stick on the ice in some lame attempt to hinder cross-ice passes. Murray took control and made a god damn Selke caliber center out of Kopitar who was well below average defensively. He wasn't afraid to play the kids, at least in comparison to Crawford who constantly played only the vets in critical situations, and showed a world of confidence in our core group of players.
The PK has consistently been great and he was, for better or worse, always patient and never panicked. Making the playoffs in 09 was an huge success story and Murray deserves all the credit in the world for making it happen.
One of the things I always appreciated most about Terry Murray has been his professionalism. I think he really helped class up the Kings' image in front of hockey fans worldwide.
Dear TM,
Loved what you brought when you came. Loved the way you taught us to be a team, to work together, stand up for each other, to play the game right.
Thanks for everything.
(On the other hand, I have to say, I knew the end was coming when I beat you at air hockey last year. )
In all my years as a kings fan i never thought i would see this team this defensive for this i thank you. I hope u get another nhl job somewhere. You were a good thing for this club in the long run your efforts with getting kopitar and some others to play two way hockey won't be forgotten by me. I wish you nothing but the best.
He was a great fit coming in after MC. I think alot of the negativity is that we, as Kings fans, aren't used to being able to win games 2-1, so we can't handle a 2-1 loss with level heads.
Certainly taking alot less flack up here cheering for the Kings since Murray was hired than prior to.
I have been critical like everyone else. I also knew he was the right guy, at the right time. He helped built and guided many guys to the point they are at today. Giving them a strong foundation to draw from and be successful. Thanks Terry
He taught us defense and got us to the playoffs two seasons in the row. I'll always be thankful for that. I can see him being good for a team like the Blue Jackets by helping them take that next step.
Thanks TM, you did wonders for Kopi's 2 way game, got this team to the playoffs after a what, 7 year drought? Helped DD and JJ become better defensmen... Best of luck.
He's a very smart guy, knows hockey inside and out and has great knowledge of the game. He will land another job with a team that needs molding, maybe Colombus if they don't it all the way around. He's got a good pedigreeand a good reputation. He's a classy guy, he'll move on.
And the Kings current crop of young players, have greatly benefited from what he taught them from their first days as Kings.
But it was time to move on...
Thank you TM for all you have done. Though I would like to express that our offensive play this year is not entirely your fault, you have done a great job teaching this team how to play defense. Don't worry I sure you will be hired real soon.
I thought he did a good job compared to who we've had in the past, much better actually. Easier to fire a coach than to trade for the 'right' players. I have no doubt he'll coach again. It sure will be interesting to see how the team plays during this road trip. He taught them to play good D, hope they don't abandon that.
I remember when TM was brought in and it was perfect timing. They needed a coach that could teach a very young team defense, and he had a great approach with loads of patience. He is such a calm, professional guy. I wish him all the best!
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