Pull The Cord
It's almost time to pull the cord. If I were running things, this current version of the Los Angeles Kings would have until about January to right itself. If it doesn't, the carnage could an should be ubiquitous.
This last week was a bit of an eye opener. When we beat the sickly ducks, I wasn't displeased, but my enthusiasm was tempered as I looked forward to some real tests. After playing three serious contenders, we now know that if this team plays its absolute best, they are capable of competing, but still likely to loose. If they play like they did last night, they are an embarrassment. I have little faith that things will change much.
Since I began writing this, Pearson is now gone. I don't think he will be the last player to leave. Doughty, Kopitar, Brown, and Quick need to decide whether or not they are willing to wait out the rebuild, which could mean frustration during the last chunk of their prime years. If they aren't willing to rebuild, the team will need to have a complete fire sale with those four being the star attractions. I predict that Brown stays, but if I were the others, I might be tempted to finish my career with a contender.
The reality in LA is that if you don't win, no one will show up, regardless of what your payroll is. So, if the Kings are going to loose, they may as well do it while developing new, young, cheap talent. They also ought to consider a rebate for season ticket holders. If I were fortunate enough to be one, I would be a bit ticked off right now.
My optimistic side is desperately attempting to find something good in the local hockey realm. About the closest I can get, is that there is some great youth hockey in both LA, and Orange Counties, and ASU is nationally ranked for the first time ever. The NHL side of things is pretty darn bleak these days.
This last week was a bit of an eye opener. When we beat the sickly ducks, I wasn't displeased, but my enthusiasm was tempered as I looked forward to some real tests. After playing three serious contenders, we now know that if this team plays its absolute best, they are capable of competing, but still likely to loose. If they play like they did last night, they are an embarrassment. I have little faith that things will change much.
Since I began writing this, Pearson is now gone. I don't think he will be the last player to leave. Doughty, Kopitar, Brown, and Quick need to decide whether or not they are willing to wait out the rebuild, which could mean frustration during the last chunk of their prime years. If they aren't willing to rebuild, the team will need to have a complete fire sale with those four being the star attractions. I predict that Brown stays, but if I were the others, I might be tempted to finish my career with a contender.
The reality in LA is that if you don't win, no one will show up, regardless of what your payroll is. So, if the Kings are going to loose, they may as well do it while developing new, young, cheap talent. They also ought to consider a rebate for season ticket holders. If I were fortunate enough to be one, I would be a bit ticked off right now.
My optimistic side is desperately attempting to find something good in the local hockey realm. About the closest I can get, is that there is some great youth hockey in both LA, and Orange Counties, and ASU is nationally ranked for the first time ever. The NHL side of things is pretty darn bleak these days.
Comments
Post a Comment