Finding the right mix; Cultivating potential

Ryan A

Registered User
Oct 25, 2018
2
1
My perspective on the current state and going forward

LA’s third period against Toronto saw Alex Iafallo and Adrian Kempe playing together on the top unit, centred by Anze Kopitar. Displaying some bite to their play and attacking the offensive zone with tenacity, that third period adjustment wasn’t just about switching it up during a bad game, but highlighting a potential combo that could be deployed in every game thereafter. That new unit was designed in an attempt to capture the vision of the team.

The coaching change is an opportunity to start the team fresh, to play to its strengths while addressing its faults. The last cup winning Kings team was deeply talented, strong and physical that prevailed over their competition. While most of the core players have remained intact, they lack the refinement and edge that was part of the foundation of those playoff runs. It is no surprise considering the team is getting older and are coming from a different style of play.

Enter Willie Desjardins and Marco Sturm. Brought on to provide a new voice and a chance to address some of the team’s shortcomings.

Quick question: Where do you think is the best place to play Kempe & Iafallo 1. on a line with Kopitar 2. playing with Tyler Toffoli

The second option essentially changes the complexion of the entire team as it forms depth and experience in Carl Hagelin, Jeff Carter and Dustin Brown. An opportunity presents itself on right-wing for a veteran in Trevor Lewis or rookies Matt Luff or Sheldon Rempal, the latter being more in line with the aims of giving the youth a larger opportunity, to complete a trio that includes leading scorer Ilya Kovalchuk, and Anze Kopitar. One of the tasks of the new coaching staff is working to adapt to a faster era in the NHL and finding the balance that better reflects the organization’s new philosophy. Operations can be enhanced with changes, the Kings can be more dynamic with immense potential, and inch closer to realizing their expectations that opened the season. Ultimately, everyone on the organization works together to overcome any obstacles and adversity. For the challenge of surviving the season, the most stable unit is a group of people all contributing their unique talents to work towards the same goal.
 
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KINGS17

Smartest in the Room
Apr 6, 2006
32,320
11,113
If the Kings want to slot Kempe and Iafallo correctly and develop a 3rd line energy unit which could play together for several years, I would bring Amadio back and have him center those two players.
 
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KINGS17

Smartest in the Room
Apr 6, 2006
32,320
11,113
Kempe - Amadio - Iafallo ...
Yup, since the rest of this season is an experiment, I would like to see if those three can develop some chemistry and play the right way together against other teams 1st and 2nd lines.

Doesn't matter what the rest of the team is doing. A young line like that is what I would like to see and have them develop some pride in what they are doing.
 

kings11

Registered User
Sep 29, 2011
6,209
4,016
Las Vegas
Yup, since the rest of this season is an experiment, I would like to see if those three can develop some chemistry and play the right way together against other teams 1st and 2nd lines.

Doesn't matter what the rest of the team is doing. A young line like that is what I would like to see and have them develop some pride in what they are doing.
This is were trading away vets helps two fold..
1- it nets us assets, picks and players
2- it gives 3/4 of a season for guys like Amadio, Iafallo, Kempe and maybe even Brinkley and Clague to show their stuff
 
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Ryan A

Registered User
Oct 25, 2018
2
1
A follow up now that the road trip concluded

Touting much needed lineup switches after a few losses during a critical homestand, coach Desjardins elected to maintain the same alignment heading into the 3-game road trip. The most notable adjustments have come on the ice as the groundwork is implemented for their style of play and approach, and the tactics that will build from it.

Failure is a sign that you’re not at your best yet. If you are receptive to its lessons, it will teach you everything you need to bounce back and succeed. The test is in not only how the team responds, but also how they address and dispatch their competition, so getting through this road trip was another trial. As the team shores up their overall play, they look to increase their offensive output. Systems, structures, regardless of what the coaches choose, the team is made up of extremely talented and versatile players, creating a number of options that can be swapped and shifted on the fly to create combos with huge promise.
One hallmark of the Kings is every single player’s commitment to persevere. These players are winners. Strolling into Chicago’s barn, a raucous crowd in Nashville going up against the league’s best, and making the final stop in St. Louis, showed the Kings exhibiting their diligence in every game. Claiming victory in two out of three games on the road trip is intensely satisfying. But there’s also many more challenges to come.
 

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