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Loktionov 2-6-13

The Kings have mutually parted ways with their 5th round selection from the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. This, for a 5th round selection in this summer’s 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Andrei Loktionov requested a trade last week, Dean Lombardi cooperated.

It all comes full circle.

The Kings’ Russian prospect has been traded to the New Jersey Devils, who the Kings defeated in last season’s Stanley Cup Finals series. Loktionov, who played 39 regular season games and made two playoff appearances with the Kings last season, was nixed from the list of players and personnel to have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup after last season’s success.

So, all you have to remember of Andrei Loktionov‘s time in a Kings uniform, is a player that fell victim to a roster too heavy in depth to provide the 22 year-old native of Voskresensk, Russia a true opportunity to blossom at the NHL level.

Now there’s a positive way to say goodbye.

Loktionov spent stints of three seasons in a Kings uniform, but skated most with the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs. There was just no room for him here. The Kings are healthily and heavily platooned at Andrei Loktionov‘s position, with Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, and Jarret Stoll locking up the centerman positions on the first three lines for years to come.

And you already know Loktionov has no business being a fourth-liner.

It’s not so much that Andrei Loktionov couldn’t fit in at his natural center position, but he wasn’t valuable enough working elsewhere. Terry Murray experiemented with Loktionov at the wing position during the 2010-2011 campaign, but results were unsatisfactory.

And that really spelled Loktionov’s fate with the Kings, or at least foreshadowed it. Another problem with his fit in this organization was that the Kings have a number of versatile forwards who could be used in different roles/positions that were clearly a better option than Loktionov.

A lot of it had to do with size, and as it ultimately comes to; production.

Andrei Loktionov played a total of 59 regular season games with the Kings over the course of three years, and two in the postseason last spring. In that time, the young Russian potted seven goals and seven assists for 14 points.

May I compare him to a lesser Ryan Smyth? Loktionov never queued a red-light from more than three feet outside of the crease in his time with the Kings.

If you see Andrei Loktionov, you’ll find him inside – regardless of the uniform.

Long Island strut

Phoenix on the Boards

Andrei on his toes

Follow up in Columbus

Capitals-izing

Crowning Beantown

Everyone remembers their first

You’d be wrong not to acknowledge the most awkward interview ever.

The kid was probably sh*t scared of Daryl Evans’ suspenders

Andrei Loktionov has spent the entire season in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs. After starting the season as one of Manchester’s top scorers during the NHL lockout, he’s simmered down and currently has 22 points for seven goals and 15 assists through 37 games.

He’s seen his last days in New Hampshire, but not in the AHL. Loktionov has been assigned to the Albany Devils through the trade, the New Jersey DevilsAHL affiliate.

Adios, Andrei

Loktionov 9-25-12 2

The Kings are in Tennessee Thursday night for a date with the Nashville Predators.

Episode 178 KingsCast TV: What’s the deal with Mike Richards? – HERE
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Doughty 1-30-13

The look now turns to Nashville. And as of late, the looks have been good.

Kind of like that girl in the green shirt.

The Kings, after trudging slow to start the season with an 0-3-0 record, have pulled off two consecutive wins, the latest coming in sensational fashion. Staples Center donned it’s ice surface again Monday night, and presented quite a show.

It came via Voynov. Vyacheslav Voynov arguably has one of the best pass-to-shot one-time releases for an NHL defenseman. Like a boomerang.

What will 43 seconds do for you?

VV for W

Andrei wants out?

Loktionov 1-30-13

Russian the process: While one of the two Kings’ Russian prodigies continues to prosper in a Kings uniform, the other is struggling to utilize his skills at the NHL level. Andrei Loktionov, who is buried beneath a very heavy depth chart at the Centerman position in the Kings’ organization, remains with the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs.

Loktionov has reportedly requested a trade, and it would be hard to blame the 22-year old native of Voskresensk, Russia for doing so.

He’s looking up at a group of proven names that includes Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, and Jarret Stoll – all of whom are under contracts for many years to come. And it’s pretty obvious that Loktionov has no business in a fourth-line role.

His options are pretty much zeroed-out at this point, even if you consider a transfer to a wing position – which Terry Murray experimented with early last season, and that failed to resonate into anything useful.

Loktionov is having a stellar season in Manchester, however. Through 35 games this season, the young forward has posted seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points. If he’s ever able to graduate from the AHL level and make it as a full-time NHL forward, chances are it won’t be with the Kings.

Alas, Andrei Loktionov has spoken an honest word in his request for a trade.

Roster Rumbles

Penner 1-31-13

Take a Seat: After dressing in the Kings’ first two games of the season, Dustin Penner has been a healthy scratch at Darryl Sutter‘s discretion – sitting out the previous three contests, and will likely do the same tonight against the Nashville Predators.

The Kings’ aging forward has struggled to maintain pace on the ice. His size and strength is a wonder, but slowing down can become a rather quick process for a player with a build and stature such as Penner’s.

The fourth line for the Kings is all but locked up, with Kyle Clifford, Colin Fraser, and Jordan Nolan securing their spots for the meantime with their aggressive and abrasive play. This would mean finding room for Penner somewhere on the Kings’ top-three line scheme.

I don’t see that happening anytime soon, the same goes with his return to the lineup.

Willie-Nilly

The return of Willie Mitchell will continue to be put on hold. The Kings’ stay-at-home defenseman will miss his sixth game of the season while attempting to reach 100% health after minor knee surgery, in which recovery has taken much longer than initially thought.

Darryl Sutter has shown subtle signs of impatience in waiting for Mitchell to return, leaning on the defenseman’s perceived medical clearance – which has become yet another gray area.

Mitchell, who injured himself in his rehab process from surgery, has only been cleared to practice. He’s been skating lightly at Toyota Sports Center, but has dedicated more time to off-ice training and recovery.

Considering Mitchell’s age, and the vital importance he holds down the stretch of this shortened season, his return is nothing that should be rushed. For Willie Mitchell and the Kings, staying out of the lineup for now is an intelligent move.

Don’t be the Victim

It’s the Nashville Predators tonight at Staples Center in the Kings sixth contest of the season. This is a beleaguered team. Nashville has started with a lowly 1-2-3 record, and is coming off a 4-0 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale, Arizona.

Pekka Rinne, who led all NHL goaltenders in regular season wins last season with 43, has yet to pick up a win in his first five starts for the Predators.

Speaking of goaltending…

Don’t be shocked to see backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier in net for the Kings tonight. It is, after all, the Nashville Predators – a team which Bernier has been prone to get the call against in recent seasons. If Darryl Sutter is looking for a good time to shimmy Bernier into the mix for a game, that time is tonight.

Setting the bar against Nashville

Bar-down and beautiful.

Puck drops downtown Thursday night against the Nashville Predators at 7:30PM PST.

Episode 177: L.A Kings Raise the Banner – HERE
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Show me you love me. Put my name on it.

Andrei Loktionov has the longest name on the Kings’ Stanley Cup-winning roster.

A whopping 15 letters if you can count; And his name, they’re counting that out.

The seasoned prospect out of Voskresensk, Russia, who has played in three separate stints with the Kings, contributed moderately to this year’s franchise accomplishment, skating in 39 regular season games, along with two appearances in the playoffs.

The harsh decision to leave Loktionov out of the 52 (now 53) Stanley Cup trophy name engravement list had nothing to do with his lengthy name, or the number of games he played. Loktionov was a mere two games short of the NHL‘s minimum requirement of regular season games played (41) to guarantee a spot for his name on the Stanley Cup.

Two other skaters who fell short of the 41 game requirement, however, were given the honor of having their names etched onto the Stanley Cup trophy.

Kevin Westgarth appeared in just 25 regular season games, 14 less than Loktionov, and his name graces the Cup. Davis Drewiske only dressed in nine regular season games for the Kings, 30 less than Loktionov, and has his name etched onto the trophy as well.

The reasoning for this, which Rich Hammond hinted at, is most likely due to Westgarth and Drewiske’s strong and positive presence off the ice, in the locker room. This is something I could definitely see and believe.

Apparently, the Kings had the opportunity to petition to the NHL to have Loktionov’s name inscribed. Hammond broke the news that the Kings didn’t even make an attempt to do so.

They write checks

Corporate Perks: The other issue here, and the one that seems to be the most bothersome to many fans including myself, are the list of non-player names to be included in the Kings’ newly etched spot on the Stanley Cup trophy.

Fourteen names from ownership, five names from coaching staff, six names from the scouting department, and four names from the training staff were included. That’s 29 total names, roster players aside, yet there’s no room for Andrei Loktionov.

The group of names dedicated to ownership is usually the most disgusting list to grace the Stanley Cup trophy. Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs did his best to make a mockery of the Bruins’ engravings last season, including his three children on the list.

That’s horrible. There’s no place for that, especially when players are kicked to the side.

We’re not at the dinner table, here. Separate family from work, and do so with respect.

Kings’ owner Philip Anschutz, who just put the team up for sale along with his entire AEG Enterprise, didn’t go as far as Jeremy Jacobs, but he did include his wife, Nancy Anschutz, to the Kings engravings this year.

The sport of hockey exemplifies teamwork to the utmost degree, it builds camaraderie rarely seen or experienced elsewhere. Every player matters, and every player must have a selfless side if they plan on being a successful pro hockey player.

Andrei Loktionov dedicated more time, effort, and struggle to play with this club than 39 regular season game appearances can begin to justify. And he did so away from his natural position, call it a double whammy.

That’s why this is so bothersome; and without hesitation, I can strongly express my distaste for Nancy Anschutz‘s name gracing the Stanley Cup ahead of Andrei Loktionov.

I’ll stop there.

Put it in writing, won’t you

The full list of names, via Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: HERE

Andrei the — but wait

Other Omissions: Three players and a former coach have also been negated from Stanley Cup trophy engravement.

Trent Hunter: Put on waivers and sent to the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs on February 17, Hunter played in just 38 games with the Kings, putting up two goals and five assists for seven points.

Ethan Moreau: Put on waivers by the Kings on December 9, but Moreau instead decided to end his pro hockey career. Moreau played in 28 games for the Kings, potting a goal and three assists.

Scott Parse: Parse, still struggling with a hip injury, played in just nine games for the Kings this season. His final contest of the season came on November 8. He totaled two goals in his quick appearance.

Terry Murray: The former coach, who led the Kings through 275 games and two playoff appearances over four seasons, is another controversial name that was axed. Murray was fired on December 12th.

Andrei Loktionov: Is not good at interviews. This is wonderfully uncomfortable. (Below)

Lokt and Loaded

Contrary to recent reports that claimed Andrei Loktionov was to head home to Russia and sign with a Kontinental Hockey League club during the NHL lockout, the Kings’ young forward prospect reported to Manchester, New Hampshire on Friday.

Loktionov, for now at least, will spend his NHL lockout playing with the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs.

Nobody said life was fair. For Andrei Loktionov, the hockey world has hit the kid with some humbling circumstances, just after he played a role in achieving the sport’s most glorious goal.

It’s politics, and it’s the life of pro hockey.

Season 3 Highlight Trio – HERE, HERE, and HERE
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Back after a lengthy Stanley Cup hangover hiatus, it’s KingsCast! Here with a compilation of the best Top 5/Top 10 lists from Season 3 of the smash hit hockey video show (2011-2012). Relive the ups and downs of the Los Angeles Kings championship season through comedic commentary on hockey fans, coaches, players, cities and opposing NHL teams.

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I haven’t coached in this many seasons! *referring to finger count* LOL!

The uneventful John Stevens era uneventfully reaches its end

Time for Another: To no surprise, Darryl Sutter has been the guy tabbed to coach the Kings by Dean Lombardi, and will make his debut behind Los Angeles’ bench Thursday night. The picking is a bit odd, seeing as Sutter hasn’t coached since the 2005-06 season with the Calgary Flames. However, Dean Lombardi is familiar with Sutter, hiring him to coach the San Jose Sharks as Sharks’ GM. Lombardi hired Darryl Sutter just one season into his Sharks tenure (1997) , and kept him aboard for more than five seasons.

There was success when these two worked together, the Sharks making the playoffs in all full seasons with Darryl Sutter behind the bench, winning the Pacific Division in 2002. The farthest the Sharks would get under Sutter is to the Western Conference Semi-Finals (’00,’02), losing in the first-round on three other occasions. Sutter compiled a respectable record of 193-167-61–14 until he was dismissed just 24 games into San Jose’s ’02-’03 campaign.

The Calgary Flames would snag Sutter almost immediately in effort to turn around their ’02-’03 disaster, but the Flames were already too deep to have any shot at success that season. Despite finishing dead last (5th) on the Northwest Division, Sutter went over .500 in his first 46 games to close the year. He would then lead that same club to the Stanley Cup Finals a year later. Sutter remained with the Flames throughout the NHL lockout, but cut ties after an early first-round postseason exit in 2006.

Six years later, it’s Los Angeles.

Welcome!

Fresh Start: The firing of Terry Murray has made the past week quite dreary in Kings country, such as their play. However, definite signs of life showed themselves Monday night in Toronto, fresh off of a team meeting organized by Matt Greene after Saturday’s 8-2 debacle in Detroit. Since Murray’s dismissal, John Stevens led the Kings to a 2-2 record on their four-game road trip. Stevens won’t get to fill that role at Staples Center, as Darryl Sutter is expected to make his debut Thursday night.

If Sutter is going to harp on any specifics in his first few days in Los Angeles, it’s got to revolve around this offense, which just continues it’s unthinkable path of mediocrity and failure.

 - In Monday night’s victory, the Kings set a new franchise record: 12 consecutive games without topping the 2-goal mark in regulation or OT – 12 straight games.

 - In Monday night’s victory, the Kings scored their first powerplay goal in 7 contests. Before this, they had executed on just 2 of their last 36 opportunities.

 - Shot totals haven’t been the problem, the Kings have amassed the 40-shot mark in four of their last six contests. In those four 40+ shot games, the Kings have recorded a total of just six goals.

 - Thursday night’s date with the Anaheim Ducks isnt just Darryl Sutter‘s coaching debut, but the one-month anniversary of Anze Kopitar‘s last goal.

Wake ‘em up, Sutt!


Key Return

Heads Up: Well, at least he’s been skating, but Mike Richards is still donning the red ‘safety sweater’ in practice. There’s still no official timetable for his return, but he’s not yet cleared for contact. Even though the Kings’ scoring woes have dated back much further than Richards’ absence, he was undoubtedly the most prominent forward for this team in November.

Richards made way to the IR while he was hot, reeling off 9 goals and an assist in 11 games before going down via Sean Bergenheim‘s questionable hit on December 1st. The Kings have been miserable without Mike Richards in the lineup, scoring just 12 goals total as a team in the 8 games since Richards suffered his head injury.

To realize how effective Richards’ output was, the Kings scored 15 goals as a team in the 8 games before his injury. Still brutal, but Richards had 7 of those 15 goals, which spotlights the misery the Kings’ offense has been all year long, even with Richards in the lineup.

It’s obviously important for Richards to be cleared for action sooner than later, but also important that he’s a part of a new coach’s early presence, important that Darryl Sutter and Mike Richards can click.

The week’s specific – Pacific

Pacific for Three: You look for the ideal time for the Kings to seriously turn things around, and the debut of a new head coach along with the start of a 3-game Pacific Division swing should be more than enough motivation.

No one’s breaking away in the standings quite yet, except Anaheim – and in the wrong fashion. The Anaheim Ducks will be the first date for the Kings in this Pacific trio, a club struggling mightily to rebound from early season struggles with the hire of Bruce Boudreau. Anaheim is a lowly 3-6-1 in their previous 10, with not much optimism stemming from any aspect of their club.

However, two clubs that are just above the Kings in the Pacific Division – the San Jose Sharks and Phoenix Coyotes (tied at 37 points, Kings at 34) are vital opponents for the Kings to find success against, and with regulation victories. The Kings have seen both the Coyotes and Sharks twice thus far, 1-0-1 vs. Pheonix and 1-1 vs. San Jose.

With the Kings-Coyotes unbalanced schedule this season, this will be the last date at Jobing.com Arena for the Division rivals this campaign. This is always interesting to note, because this could be the last game for the Kings in Glendale, Arizona… ever.

Oh man. This guy

Things looked up – up North

Showing a Pulse: The Kings impressed in Toronto. When I say impressed, I mean they showed glimpses of not being shitty. Defense rebounded from their collapse in Detroit, puck movement in the offensive and neutral zones has noticeably improved, and they finally made due on the powerplay, which was way overdue.

It’s three straight within the Pacific Division, against an Anaheim club that surely should be beat, and two other clubs that need to be beat. That’s if Dean Lombardi‘s plans rejuvenate themselves into what they’ve been mirrored to be for the last seven months. Go Kings

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 134 HERE
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KingsCast remembers the coaching tenure of Terry Murray with the Los Angeles Kings. An exclusive compilation of memorable moments from Tip A King, Hockey Fest and Interview footage throughout the years.

The Los Angeles Kings have hit (close to) rock bottom since the last show. Terry Murray has been fired, the Kings still can’t score and we’re in the market for a new coach that can bring on the goal-scoring fury…right? Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period joins us and brings the knowledge on Coach Murray, future Coach Sutter, Dean Lombardi and more LA Kings hockey talk. Listen to The Fourth Period Radio on Saturdays 4-7PM EST on Sirius 207, XM 92 NHL Home Ice.

This episode is sponsored by Barry’s Tickets. Click the link and enter the discount code “kingscast25″ to receive a 10% discount.
Music by The Graveyard Bandits.

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Terry Murray ousted as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings

It had all gone bad

“I think it had to happen,” one Kings player who requested anonymity told me via text message. “We were dead.” – Pierre LeBrun

Terry couldn’t Carry: As much as I’ve harped on the need for the Kings to dismiss Terry Murray from duties as head coach, you never want to see this become an ultimatum for a club 29 games into an 82 game campaign. Dean Lombardi was flirting with a deadline to salvage the season, making the move at the latest point he possibly could have to counter the mess the Kings have produced thus far, and turn things around with a new voice behind the bench. I would have liked to see this action from Lombardi two weeks earlier, which especially had me frustrated with LA’s hockey media who sugarcoated Murray’s final weeks in extremely frustrating ways.

If this was happening in a major NHL city (IE: Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Detroit) complete mayhem would’ve abused TV networks, Radio stations, and the Interweb dating back to mid-November. This dragged on far too long.

The hype to cut ties with Murray didn’t really grow wings until this past week, and it had to come from the fans, bloggers were the only sources to express any distaste with the state of the team. You’ve got to understand the other side before taking shots, you’ve got to understand the point of view coming from the sources who talk to Terry Murray on a daily basis. Even with that, however, his explanations started to delve deeper into statistics, something that has been somewhat of a scapegoat for the Kings struggles this year.

Murray did a wonderful job developing a young Kings core for three seasons, and that’s been a positive attribute on his NHL coaching resume. When you’re working with a young, unproven group like Murray did for those three years, expectations aren’t going to spotlight your output. But with the moves made over the summer, and the Kings working with a roster that has come close to maximizing the team’s cap space for the first time in years, failure like this is simply unacceptable. Best of luck to you, Terry. Thank you for the good work you did in Los Angeles.

Right-hand man

John Stevens will head the Kings bench on an interim basis

Terry 2.0: Stevens, who preaches strategy and has a similar history just like Murray will be the momentary head coach for the Kings. Since he was not promoted in concrete fashion upon Murray’s dismissal, you can count out his chances of heading this bench for an extended period of time. And so, you can’t guarantee he’s safe to hold his position if a new coach hits Dean Lombardi‘s interest radar. Assistant coaches don’t feel the threat until a new voice gains strength with the club’s front office, that’s when they’re open to make co-worker requests. Whoever is chosen upon still heeds a question mark as to who fits alongside them for the job.

Who will it be?: That’s the intriguing part, and don’t expect the search to last longer than the Kings’ upcoming four-game roady. I’m hearing notions from a fellow KingsCast administrator that Tony Granato‘s name has been thrown around the inside circle, a guy who’s got the reputation of lighting locker room fires and winning – even if the tenure was rather short.

Initially hired as an assistant coach, Granato was promoted (much like John Stevens) 31 games into the Colorado Avalanche‘ 2002-2003 season, we’re a mere 29 into the season this time around. Under Granato, Colorado finished the campaign’s 51 remaining games with a 32-11-8 record, claiming a Division title. The Kings are close to meeting that mark, with 53 games remaining on the year’s slate. Granato went on to lead Colorado to a 40-22-20 season in 2003-2004, but was fired to due postseason failure. The Avalanche took another shot with Granato after canning Joel Quenneville in 2008, but the second dance just never pans out. His second stint heading Colorado should be irrelevant when considering him for the Kings.

If it isn’t Granato, I wouldn’t get caught up in big names available on the market, there isn’t much to pick from anyway. I’m not on the Randy Carlyle wagon, I’m just not. What’s appealing about Granato is his short-term NHL head coaching experience, which is why I’m interested in the Kings approaching unknown names impressing in the AHL or Collegiate (NCAA) level. I’m taking a dive to say this publicly, much like the risk Dean Lombardi and Co. would be facing to actually do so. I’m not here to pick and choose, it will most certainly be an interesting week.

Jackets on the plate

Two and Out: Columbus isn’t even a slight guarantee at this point, with the Kings struggling mightily to amount more than one goal a game. The differential isn’t terrible, standing at -2, but the lack of production from a refurbished offense that has more talent and veteran occupancy since their rebuild overhaul in 2008-2009 is disturbing. Not to mention, their lack to score early in games, especially being the team to score first. Here’s some quick bullets regarding offensive struggles…which indirectly uncover how crucial Kings goaltending has been.

- In 29 games played so far, the Kings have managed to score more than 2 goals in only 8 of those contests. The Kings are 8-0-0 when this happens.

- The Kings have been unable to eclipse the 2-goal mark in the last 8 games, scoring just 13 goals in a 3-5-1 stretch.

- If the Kings don’t score early, they don’t win. They’ve been trailing to start a 3rd period in 12 contests, and have lost them all. They’ve allowed the first goal in 14 of 29 games, and have won just 3 of those.

This just about sums it up

Wingin’ it: In the first installment of life after Terry Murray, the Kings will head way to TD Garden for a date with the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. This will be the first of a four-game road trip, the Kings carrying baggage of four consecutive losses to New England. John Stevens is taking quite an intriguing approach tonight, where all players that have traveled will take the ice tonight for pregame warmups. Only after will Stevens finalize his roster for the night. However, don’t expect to see any drastic changes coming from Stevens, and expect hometown boy Jonathan Quick to be a lock in the crease.

Stevens’ laid back approach tonight could help this roster find themselves, get away from the textbook-play that has plagued their output all season, and rebuild a bit of their shattered confidence.

Because, well, you know, the Kings just have not been able to produce any type of effective shot mentality.

The Kings are reportedly in talks with Darryl Sutter. Please, please look at all options, Deano. This would not be the ideal solution.

Looks like Terry Murray with a bitter beer face

Tune into KingsCast’s Episode 133 HERE
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Frozen RoyaltyWe’re fans of Gann’s writing here at KingsCast but I really don’t understand how a coach whose team that is the bottom of the league in scoring after more than a quarter of the season shouldn’t be ultimately responsible. But that’s just us. Take a read. It’s a good counter-point.

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO, CA — After all but one other player had disappeared from the main dressing room area to shower and change clothes, Los Angeles Kings right wing and team captain Dustin Brown sat dejectedly in his locker, slouched down, probably brooding about his team’s performance, or lack thereof, in a 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on December 10, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

This is not a first for Brown, who has been seen doing the exact same thing in seasons past.

But this time, something was different.

Indeed, Brown sat there, unmoving, with the same dejected, disgusted look on his face, for considerably longer than the times I have seen him do that over the past few seasons since he was named as the Kings’ captain.

Sensing that leaving him alone in his thoughts was the wise and appropriate thing to do, especially since the media had already spoken with him, I do not know what was going through his mind. As such, I can only speculate. But an educated guess is that he has had enough of his team not playing the way they are supposed to.

Contrary to popular belief, the Kings’ problems on the ice boil down to execution, as detailed in an earlier story here on Frozen Royalty. In fact, what may not be evident to many is that their problems often start 200 feet from their opponent’s net.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

When the top team in the NHL comes to town and is known for playing a tight defensive game, do you really expect the Los Angeles Kings to drop five goals on them? Of course not. In this episode we talk about the Kings play of late, mention the games against the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild as well as give our reasons why Terry Murray will not be fired. Do you think the Kings will replace coach Murray?

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