Summary of the present and how it bodes for the future
First of all, I have to admit that I don't know too much about the Kings, but what I do know sounds promising. In the beginning of the season when I started to follow the team (mainly because of Kopitar), I thought that if they continued to build right, the Kings could become a team like San Jose in a short time. (They also interest me more now since I moved to Cali about a week ago, though I will still root for my Rangers too.)
Now after watching the game yesterday, it could be even as soon as next season. The big difference in the win yesterday was Luongo, and maybe the Canucks being a little bit older as a team and knowing how to keep it together in the final minutes for two points.
Some notes I'd like to make:
*O'Sully seriously has turned a new leaf. The kid at the beginning of the season and the one that's playing now is a huge step forward. I really like his game.
*Tukonen fit right in. Has some nice speed, isn't afraid to hit or take a hit, good size. I just hope that Crawford lets him play a few more minutes next game.
*Brown is a thrill to watch. Bing, Bang, Boom. He hits like a train, isn't afraid to mix it up and get a little dirty and looks like he's finally scoring consistently. Big progress.
*Cammalleri is one stealthy sniper. I love his shot, and even though he's on the small side he still gets it done.
*Kopitar is a JOY. As smooth as butter. This is what he can do as a teenager, imagine him in a few years....WOWZA.
*JJ looks good for a rookie dman getting his first taste of the NHL. He seems a little timid out there but that's just nerves, I bet. He's been solid, though not overwhelmingly breathtaking (but we can't expect every kid to be like Kopitar, so it's ok) . Next year should be a bit more fun for him as he gets used to the speed of the game more and learns when to lay out the hits.
*Piskula(?) He looked good, thought I haven't seen him in too many games. Another dman rookie that looks promising. Do you think he'll be part of the equation for the Kings next year?
Overall, this team has a very bright future. I'm just wondering if any of you thought the Kings would find themselves in cap hell of Penns variety in the future....these guys have to get their big paydays, you know.
With a couple of good signings (like Hannan, Stuart, and Drury for example) the playoffs shouldn't be out of the question for next year. Though I'm wondering if a guy like Drury is a good fit since the forwards are already set, even if they're young. Before I go on further, I have to say....Modry gives me chills. My god that man is bad.
How about the goaltending? Will Lombardi go ahead with the three man routine? I'm thinking Burke won't stick around (maybe even retire) if he's just going to be used for a couple of games. Hopefully Cloutier will get it together for next year. Also what were the Toivonen rumors about a couple of weeks ago? He played a really good game for the broken-down Bruins yesterday, he's still young and it might not be such a bad idea.
Excellent post, outofrange. If you're living in Cali now and are going to be following the Kings (in addition to the Rangers, of course), we'd love to see more of you around here. More posts like these and fewer of the "Rob Blake" thread variety is the goal
I agree with just about everything that you said... except that a UFA top-6 may not be necessary because "the forwards are set." Armstrong shouldn't ever be "set" as a top-6 (if you want to challenge for the playoffs, at least). Someone needs to be brought in, IMO, to relieve him of that responsibility. Drury would be my dream choice (as UFA-age players go). If such a center isn't signed, then Cammalleri or O'Sullivan should shift to center and a winger should be obtained. Either way, one true top-6 player, preferrably quite experienced, is needed, IMO.
Other than that, I agree with everything that you had to say. Thanks again and welcome.
*Piskula(?) He looked good, thought I haven't seen him in too many games. Another dman rookie that looks promising. Do you think he'll be part of the equation for the Kings next year?
Yes. He will be on a back and forth basis, or as the 6th or 7th guy. He's ready or close to it. He has virtually no offensive game (from what I've seen of him in college and here), but that's ok. We're in need of young defensive defensemen.
I can already tell that I'm going to like the guy.
Osprey is correct about the fact that we need a top 6 center/forward to play with our up and coming "kids". Drury or Gomez would fit great here. As reported both have ties to the L.A. area and I do hope we can land one of them. They both are proven winners and play the game with a passion that is needed.
The ship is already headed in the right direction and once we land a legit #1 goalie we will become winners. When we do I cant wait to see us beating on Dallas and Anaheim when they are the ones at the cellar of the pacific division. GO KINGS GO!
Last edited by IlyaAlexanderMalkin: 04-04-2007 at 05:53 PM.
Yes. He will be on a back and forth basis, or as the 6th or 7th guy. He's ready or close to it. He has virtually no offensive game (from what I've seen of him in college and here), but that's ok. We're in need of young defensive defensemen.
I can already tell that I'm going to like the guy.
I like Piskula too. He's a big kid, doesn't hesitate to jump in on the offense, even if it seems like he isn't going to supply any "o" anytime soon. Good things happen when you constantly throw the puck on net....
not a ducks fan, in fact i hate them, but i would like to see both teams meet in the playoffs
Be careful what you wish for. While beating the Ducks could be one of the best moments for some of you in the history of your following the team, losing to them would probably be the most painful moment, behind only losing in the '93 Finals for some of you.
I like Piskula too. He's a big kid, doesn't hesitate to jump in on the offense, even if it seems like he isn't going to supply any "o" anytime soon. Good things happen when you constantly throw the puck on net....
He's a smart guy too. When he makes mistakes, it won't be because he made a bad decision, but rather because he doesn't have the ability that a lot of other guys do (just from what I've seen so far, he will get beat by much faster players). I'm glad that he's getting to show his stuff at the NHL level.
Excellent post, outofrange. If you're living in Cali now and are going to be following the Kings (in addition to the Rangers, of course), we'd love to see more of you around here. More posts like these and fewer of the "Rob Blake" thread variety is the goal
I agree with just about everything that you said... except that a UFA top-6 may not be necessary because "the forwards are set." Armstrong shouldn't ever be "set" as a top-6 (if you want to challenge for the playoffs, at least). Someone needs to be brought in, IMO, to relieve him of that responsibility. Drury would be my dream choice (as UFA-age players go). If such a center isn't signed, then Cammalleri or O'Sullivan should shift to center and a winger should be obtained. Either way, one true top-6 player, preferrably quite experienced, is needed, IMO.
Other than that, I agree with everything that you had to say. Thanks again and welcome.
Thanks so much for the warm welcome. I love following young, rebuilding teams, so the Kings suit me well. The funny thing is that at first when I started following the Kings, I wished that the NYR manag. would follow in kind and call up some of our own young players. I never thought it would happen, but the Rangers are in a mini youth movement of their own, so it's been nice.
Anyway, I also think that Drury will help immensely because as it has been already stated, the guy is extremely clutch and a winner. The kind of guy you want your kids emulating. Even though Armstrong has been playing well in the top lines, you're right, it's still a hole that needs to be filled.
And another thing.... Putting O'Sully on the PK has been short of a miracle move by Crawford. I noticed yesterday how active he is during the kill, it went a long way to boost his confidence to the NHL level.
I also forgot Frolov up there. He's just so steady and solid, even when he's not potting two goals a game. I do think he'll get forty next season though.
not a ducks fan, in fact i hate them, but i would like to see both teams meet in the playoffs
So, um, you guys hate them a lot? During some of the Kings-Ducks games that I've managed to catch, I have felt dislike towards the team but nothing mind-blowing yet. I'm sure it'll come in its own time.
So, um, you guys hate them a lot? During some of the Kings-Ducks games that I've managed to catch, I have felt dislike towards the team but nothing mind-blowing yet. I'm sure it'll come in its own time.
Hate is pretty close to accurate although some of the reasons Kings fan "hate" the Ducks are fairly comical.
As for me, I tolerate them. No hate. No love. Unfortunately, they are the only playoff hockey I will see live this year.
Welcome aboard outofrange. I enjoyed your post. A couple of your comments were quite insightful.
First of all, I have to admit that I don't know too much about the Kings, but what I do know sounds promising. In the beginning of the season when I started to follow the team (mainly because of Kopitar), I thought that if they continued to build right, the Kings could become a team like San Jose in a short time. (They also interest me more now since I moved to Cali about a week ago, though I will still root for my Rangers too.)
With a couple of good signings (like Hannan, Stuart, and Drury for example) the playoffs shouldn't be out of the question for next year. Though I'm wondering if a guy like Drury is a good fit since the forwards are already set, even if they're young. Before I go on further, I have to say....Modry gives me chills. My god that man is bad.
How about the goaltending? Will Lombardi go ahead with the three man routine? I'm thinking Burke won't stick around (maybe even retire) if he's just going to be used for a couple of games. Hopefully Cloutier will get it together for next year. Also what were the Toivonen rumors about a couple of weeks ago? He played a really good game for the broken-down Bruins yesterday, he's still young and it might not be such a bad idea.
Thoughts?
With the trade of Nordstrom and with Blake entering what is likely his final year in the NHL and the need to re-sign Vishnovsky long-term, the Kings really do need to add a veteran Dman to their group. Assuming they can sign Vishnovsky, he and JJ will anchor the offense from the blueline, so they could use someone who is solid on the backend. With the rumours that Souray and Stuart would like to sign in California for family reasons, I would think that Stuart would be the better fit of the two, given that he's better defensively, but Souray has the cannon from the point.
If I'm DL, I'm not sure I'd throw 6 plus million at Drury. I think LA needs more of a grinder type up front to go with the skill they have in their youngsters. LA definately could use some leadership ala, a Shanahan to go with their young kids.
As for the goaltending, I believe they will get Cloutier another year to get it together. Key for LA is to decide who is going to be the backup. It has to be a guy who can run with the ball should Cloutier fail. IMO, I don't think LA can wait for Bernier to be their future goalie. Bernier will play 1 more year in Junior then at least a year in the AHL with Manchester. The earliest he will play will be after JJ has 2 years of exp., Kopitar will have 3, O'Sullivan 2 plus, Brown, Frolov, Cammy will have about 5 years under their belt. Don't think they can play a couple of seasons with a rookie goalie learning on the job. I think they should make a play for Al Montoya from the Rangers. He's got 2 years at Michigan plus 2 years with Hartford in the AHL. He'd be ideal as a backup next season, and would allow him to get 2 years of NHL experience and take the job from Cloutier after his contract runs out. If he performs very well, he could be the new #1 and have Cloutier serve as the backup. That way, the Kings young D and forwards aren't waiting for a goalie to find his game. Montoya would be learning with the rest of them.
As for a fair package for the Rangers to give up Montoya, well, I'm thinking of a package of say O'Sullivan and Bernier, to get the Rangers a scorer and a future goalie, for Montoya and a prospect. Rangers could use an infusion of youth for their scorers as Jagr, Shanahan, Straka, Nylander are in their 30's.
As for a fair package for the Rangers to give up Montoya, well, I'm thinking of a package of say O'Sullivan and Bernier, to get the Rangers a scorer and a future goalie, for Montoya and a prospect. Rangers could use an infusion of youth for their scorers as Jagr, Shanahan, Straka, Nylander are in their 30's.
No thanks. I'm not sold on Montoya at the NHL level. Reminds me a lot of a young Cloutier to be honest.
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I'm not high, but I don't know what day it is.
It may be overpayment, but can LA really afford to wait for Jon Bernier to develop into a #1 goalie.
Look at recent 1st round goalies and where they are now in the NHL career?
Everyone from 2004 is not playing yet.
Flurey is the only one from 2003. Late birthday, and in his 3rd NHL season, behind a potent offense, he'll be in the playoffs. But, I suspect Thererin will have a quick hook if he looks shakey and put Thibault in.
Ward is from 2002. Even spent some time in the AHL last season before coming up huge for the Canes in ther playoffs. This season, as the #1 guy, couldn't backstop the Canes into the playoffs and his stats were not impressive.
Leclaire is from 2001 and he's struggling to be the Jacket's #1 goalie. Has had some injury issues that have held him back.
Dipietro is from 2000. Coming into his own as a #1 goalie.
How fast can anyone expect Bernier to be a solid #1 goalie?
If LA could get Toskala from SJ, that would be amazing, but costly in terms of assets. Appears SJ will run with Nabokov as he's been the healthly one down the stretch. Can't see SJ sending Toskala to a western conference team like they did with Kipper. This season has shown that it's very very tight and you don't want be the team that makes a non-playoff team in the conference a contender.
Will LA pony up big money for Giguere? Would he leave 2 Norris trophy calibre Dmen who are signed for 2 & 3 more seasons, in the Ducks to join the Kings for a bit more money?
Who else is available that could be hands down, the #1 goalie for the Kings?
I'm just not sure LA can really afford to have guys like Johnson, Kopitar, Brown, Frolov, Cammy, etc with a couple to a few years of NHL experience being backstopped by a rookie goalie in Bernier in 2 or 3 years time. LA needs to start making a push to being a regular playoff team no later than the 08-09 season.
I like Piskula too. He's a big kid, doesn't hesitate to jump in on the offense, even if it seems like he isn't going to supply any "o" anytime soon. Good things happen when you constantly throw the puck on net....
I don't see him as big. He looks too fast to be big.
The Kings have Bernier, Quick and Zatkoff in the pipeline. There is absolutely no reason to acquire another unproven young goalie to push them further down the depth chart. *If* Lombardi is going to get a goalie, it'll be a proven veteran who can handle the job for the next 3-5 years, and can mentor whichever of the kids elevates his game the fastest.
Get a proven top-6 forward to either center the 2nd line, or to play on Kopitar's wing. Add in a veteran defenseman, and we're in pretty good shape for next season (goaltending aside).
I don't see him as big. He looks too fast to be big.
I like Piskula also, but next year with Johnson already penciled in, it will be a battle between Joe, Petiot and Harrold for the final spot. You figure Blake, Visnovsky, Johnson, (possibly Miller), a UFA, and then one of those three young kids. They could let Miller walk and give either Petiot or Piskula a shot, but I have a feeling the Kings wont want 3 full-time rookies playing on the backend....
Who else is available that could be hands down, the #1 goalie for the Kings?
You're only looking at this summer's free agent class, but have you had a chance to glance at some of the guys coming out the summer after?
Miikka Kiprusoff
Vesa Toskala
Chris Mason
Cristobal Huet
Olaf Kolzig
Illya Bryzgalov
Joe Thornton
Jarome Iginla
Patrick Marleau
Brian Rolston
Marian Hossa
Markus Naslund
Mats Sundin
Dan Boyle
Dmitri Kalinin
Miikka Kiprusoff
Vesa Toskala
Chris Mason
Cristobal Huet
Olaf Kolzig
Illya Bryzgalov
Joe Thornton
Jarome Iginla
Patrick Marleau
Brian Rolston
Marian Hossa
Markus Naslund
Mats Sundin
Dan Boyle
Dmitri Kalinin
Just throw money at Miikka Kiprusoff, just wads and wads of it... Dont even let him talk just throw more money.
You're only looking at this summer's free agent class, but have you had a chance to glance at some of the guys coming out the summer after?
Miikka Kiprusoff
Vesa Toskala
Chris Mason
Cristobal Huet
Olaf Kolzig
Illya Bryzgalov
Joe Thornton
Jarome Iginla
Patrick Marleau
Brian Rolston
Marian Hossa
Markus Naslund
Mats Sundin
Dan Boyle
Dmitri Kalinin
No way San Jose can retain both Marleau and Thorton. A lot of those guys are old.
Kings will have Blakes 6 mill of the books, which is what it is gonna take to sign most of those guys.
I love following young, rebuilding teams, so the Kings suit me well. The funny thing is that at first when I started following the Kings, I wished that the NYR manag. would follow in kind and call up some of our own young players. I never thought it would happen, but the Rangers are in a mini youth movement of their own, so it's been nice. 
