From: kim@guppy.uucp (Isaac Kim)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Subject: Kings look pathetic in exhibition game.
Date: 3 Oct 1992 06:58:22 GMT
Organization: UC San Diego
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: guppy.ucsd.edu

The L.A. Kings just looked absolutely pathetic last night 
against the Vancouver Canucks in an exhibition game at the 
Great Western Forum.  The sad thing is that the Kings played
all of their regulars (except Dave Taylor) and were severely
outplayed by a Canucks team who were without regulars Pavel
Bure, Jim Sandlak and Greg Adams.

The final score was 6-2, but it should have been much higher 
since the Canucks seemed to be goofing around on the power play most 
of the third period.

The LA forward lines were: Kurri (center), Sandstrom and Granato
                           Lang (center), Robitaille and Hiller
                           Millen (center), Donnelly, and ??
                           McIntyre (center) McSorley, and ??

The only bright note for the LA Kings was the play of forward
Warren Rychel.  He seemed to be the only King that was consistently
skating hard (probably since he is on the bubble to make the team).
Kurri looked very slow out there at center. To be fair, Sandstrom 
and Blake did look alittle rusty. I believe this was their 
first real game since offseason shoulder surgery.  
New player observations: 
Jim Hiller is not the second coming of Rick Tocchet (as the local media 
has played him up to be).  
Center Robert Lang looked like he is nothing special.
Alexei Zhitnik looked OK out there.  Since the Kings are really hurting
for defenseman, he might get alot of ice time this year.

The Kings defense looked very small.  It was kind of funny watching
Sydor, Coffey, Huddy, and Zhitnik trying to deal with Linden, 
Momesso, Valk and Odjick both in front of the King's net and in
the corners.
           
Hrudey played the whole game for the Kings and just got shelled.
Kirk McLean also played the whole game as was not tested that often.

Canucks that really had a good game were Linden (of course), 
Robert Kron, Garry Valk, and Jyrki Lumme.  Petr Nedved seems to
be getting better, but still need to put on a few pounds.  He gets
knocked off the puck too often.

Even though it is very early for new King's head coach Barry Melrose,
it looks like he hasn't made much of a difference.  The Kings
today look just like the Kings of old.  They can't get the puck 
out of their own zone, and they do not seem to work very hard in 
the corners.

Last night was one of the few times I have seen Marty McSorley use
his head in a game.  He was given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct
for "head butting" Gino Odjick during an altercation in the third period.
He is such as idiot.

With less than a week to go before the start of the regular season, 
the Kings have a lot to work on.  I really believe that for the Kings 
to make the playoffs this season, there is going to have to be a major 
personnel change because their present line up has much to be desired.

Maybe its time to trade Robitaille??

Prediction for the Smythe this year:

1. Vancouver - very big team that is also very fast and highly skilled.
               What more do you need ?  Kirk McLean will shine this year.

2. Winnipeg - the surprise of the Smythe this year.  New comers Zhamnov
              and Selanne will have good seasons with Steen and Olczyk.
              Phil Housley will finish a close second to Leetch in the
              Norris voting

3. Calgary - New coach Dave King will make a big difference this year.
             Gary Roberts will have another great season (with a little
             help from Sergei) and Theoren Fleury will have a better season.  
             Still a question is Joe Nieuwendyk's knee?

4. Edmonton - Bernie Nichols will surprising good season.  Dave Manson will
              continue to make the Smith trade look very good.  Hopefully 
              they won't overuse Ranford, because he seemed to run out 
              of gas in the playoffs last year

5. Los Angeles (see above)

6. San Jose - will give LA a run for their money.


Isaac (kim@bull.ucsd.edu)