Bob McKenzie of TSN, Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period magazine, Bobby Ryan of the Ottawa Senators, and Shawn Campbell of Montreal Canadiens radio all joined this week’s Two Man Advantage show on NHL Network Radio with Jonathan Davis to talk about the status of the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks, and several key points to be focused on heading into the playoffs.
You can give the episode a listen using the player below or download any of our audio files for free on the MayorsManor iTunes page located here.
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Only listened to the Bernstein segment so far. Bernstein seemed to be portraying the Sutter lock out partly as a prank. I’m not really buying that. DL or DB didn’t go with that immediately upon addressing what happened. Lombardi’s “lawyer speak” prefaced his remarks as the report being inaccurate then went on to verify that it happened. Why not say instead, “Yes, it happened then clarify?” Trying a little too hard to sway the jury, me thinks.
I agree with Dennis that Sekera needs to be signed. He’s really smart with the puck and is a legit top-four D-man.
All the factors mentioned in the Kings not making the playoffs are relevant. Yes, the Voynov thing, the fatigue factor, Pearson’s injury, etc. Well, the Blackhawks are tired too and every team has injures. The real problem is the Kings weren’t good enough to make the playoffs.
The defense had too many parts that didn’t fit together. After Carter and Kopi the centers weren’t good enough. The penalty killing was much poorer this season and that was a killer. The league is much tougher because the cap is working to take that slight edge of depth away from the top teams.
DL needs to get Sekera signed, bring Forbort up playing regularly with the big club. Get rid of Stoll so that stubborn Sutter is FORCED to integrate the younger players into the lineup. Every NHL team needs the unpredictability and youthful energy of at least two impactful new players in the team every season in order to stay near the top of the pack. Think King-Nolan in 2012 toward the end of the year. Think Toffoli and Pearson last season toward the end of the year. This year McNabb was pretty good but Shore was brought too late and didn’t do quite enough. Andreoff didn’t get much of chance despite Stoll and Richard’s decline in effectiveness. There is much depth and talent in the Kings organization. The teams most damaged by the cap are the ones who don’t develop enough home grown talent. The Kings don’t have that problem. DL better get more of that talent to L.A. and force Sutter to use it or the Kings will not move forward with the dynasty he envisions.