2024-25 Season Thread

[Kings4OT]

Ok, I dont know about any of that "expected" stuff and colors so maybe Im mis interpreting the #'s there and maybe someone can show me why Buster is better. But ones I found interesting:

Goals 111 - 47
Assists. 206 - 85
Hits. 496 - 182 Really dude? Wtf
Takeaway. 184 - 104 cmon now
Giveaway. 280 - 112 yes!
GA Dzone. 94 - 36. Another yes!
PIM. 122 - 114 meh
Penalty drawn. 313 - 110 holy shit, Tim gave his team + 80PP! Buster up to +4 with his 3 last game


Back to Buster. Ok he has 19g finally.
1 - EN
1 - being closest to Seider who put in own net
3 - total gimmes I can recall where an outstanding pass was made to him for open net
3 - OT

So almost 1/2 his goals arent whst I consider "good". Yes they count and if he was a consistent scorer or had 30 I would ignore these mostly as they do happen for everyone these are just ones I remember...but if its half your stat sheet as a 2OA 6million dollar man....im looking close at you.

Over half his A are secondary. Sure some are legit even the secondaries but damn dude thats over half his production being meh. I do agree he is helpful zipping around all over looking like the anti PLG but many times its as useful as coasting around.

Im skeptical you can just get a Timmah via trade or UFA but im convinced you can get a similar Buster and cheaper.

I stand by my "draft best available T5 at least" you can easily trade a Timmah for exactly what you need. Instead of waiting 8 years for it to hopefully arrive.

I do this on my phone, sucks and is hard to search and really see....so if im incorrect please elaborate!

 

[Kings4OT]

Stars beating up the Oilers...that helps

 

[xis]

Ok, I dont know about any of that "expected" stuff and colors so maybe Im mis interpreting the #'s there and maybe someone can show me why Buster is better. But ones I found interesting:

Goals 111 - 47
Assists. 206 - 85
Hits. 496 - 182 Really dude? Wtf
Takeaway. 184 - 104 cmon now
Giveaway. 280 - 112 yes!
GA Dzone. 94 - 36. Another yes!
PIM. 122 - 114 meh
Penalty drawn. 313 - 110 holy shit, Tim gave his team + 80PP! Buster up to +4 with his 3 last game


Back to Buster. Ok he has 19g finally.
1 - EN
1 - being closest to Seider who put in own net
3 - total gimmes I can recall where an outstanding pass was made to him for open net
3 - OT

So almost 1/2 his goals arent whst I consider "good". Yes they count and if he was a consistent scorer or had 30 I would ignore these mostly as they do happen for everyone these are just ones I remember...but if its half your stat sheet as a 2OA 6million dollar man....im looking close at you.

Over half his A are secondary. Sure some are legit even the secondaries but damn dude thats over half his production being meh. I do agree he is helpful zipping around all over looking like the anti PLG but many times its as useful as coasting around.

Im skeptical you can just get a Timmah via trade or UFA but im convinced you can get a similar Buster and cheaper.

I stand by my "draft best available T5 at least" you can easily trade a Timmah for exactly what you need. Instead of waiting 8 years for it to hopefully arrive.

I do this on my phone, sucks and is hard to search and really see....so if im incorrect please elaborate!

I guess 1st of all I should clarify that I respect your opinion about the topic and we understand that I'm not out to change your mind or perspective.

I also agree that at $6 million a year you should produce at a more consistent rate. In the past I've stated that Byfield had a medical issue that the team needed to address. Not so much injury issues but medical issues where he was sick. This isn't an excuse but it was why I, myself have shown more patients with him. I feel like this year that was addressed and is NOT an "excuse" so that goes out the window. He is however, for some reason a slow developer and I can't be sure if that 100% his issue or if the team player development department is the issues. Based on other players that have gone through the system, then left to forge a decent career elsewhere, my finger points to the team not developing their prospects more properly. The player of course has to take on some blame and I do feel Byfield especially has a slower learning curve.

Moreover I can even be convinced that drafting the best player available is the correct thing to do and I don't question one bit that Tim was "more NHL ready" at the draft. I'm with Puck on this btw and would have gone with Jake Sanderson also over Q or Tim.

Now, having said all that......

When it comes the discussion of Byfield vs Stutzle and why I say you can trade for or sign in the UFA market a Stutzle is this.
An example would be Arvidsson or Fiala vs Dubois or Danault. Arvidsson was acquired for second round picks in 2021 and 2022. Fiala was acquired for Faber and a 1st (#19 over all Liam Öhgren?) Yes faber turned out fantastic but from everything we heard he wasn't going to sign here anyway but the Kings got a dynamic forward much like Stutzle in a trade.

On the other hand when the team needed a solid 2nd line center they handed out a 6 year 5.5avv to Danault. A center who's previous high mare for goals was a whopping 5 goals. Then you had the Dubois. Yes it was a mismanagement by the entire org. with Dubois but lets face it that dude is a dud and tho he's having a good year this year what they gave up for him was way too much. Dubois will go on to suck the next 3 years anyway, book it.

I closing I'll say that I honestly don't give two shits about Byfield to be fair. I cheer for the team, not the player. It's just in 2019 when the Kings went to the draft table they needed a 2c that can hopefully develop in to the 1c that can take over for Kopitar. In my opinion and unfortunately their player development staff sucks at their job and they haven't given the kid the tools to do that. He's got the skill and the talent just needs to put them together. Finally, finally the fact that dude was a 2OA pick is creating an issue where our expectations influence our disappointment. We have given ourselves much higher expectations for a 2OA pick vs a 29th overall pick.

I don't know if at 53 I've become one of the older statesmen of the group here or if it's because Ox and I share a birth month but I'm starting to see what he was talking about back in the day when he preached patients.

Anyway, That's my rant on the topic.

PS Miss you Ox, I know you'd have my back ;-)

 

[Kings4OT]

Unfortunately im a little older than you, so maybe im past the patience part and more concerned with time passing by quickly. I think they paid dunno to help get to the floor and convince him to come to LA...but I dont quite remember except think wtf, i dontbthink I was upset at getting him but ya...5.5 was a crazy number...much like PLG at 8.

A lot of the pushback from me is from the Byfield knob gobbling about anything he does (that isnt from Kingsfans here). Even when another player is the catalyst for the "good" play its nothing but how it wouldnt have happened unless Byfield wasnt on the bench and drinking his Gatorade left handed....yes, I know ridiculous, but thats what some of the pumping sounds like even from Foxxy who is usually really fair and realistic for a TV guy. When he does make a good play it gets even worse and im more like duh hes making 6+ mil and a 2OA he should do that every night.

Vilardi was supposed to be the heir-apparent but it took 3 season to get 1 season worth of games in, then hi breakout season he missed 1/3 of it. I totally agree Kings need was a Kopi replacement the wasted 6? Picks trying to get 1 and even if Buster gets "good" im not sure hes a C so thats still an issue....which led to PLG and that stupidity, but even then...his horrible season is almost as good as a Byfield breakout season and even tho hes only a few years oldrr he has 4? Better production years than Buster as well.

Like you im not trying to convince you, I just like to chat Kings....everyone will have their own perspective but we all do cheer for the team vs the player for the most part.

I do agree Ox would be on your side...but he was wrong once or twice himself

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Good stuff, will dive in deeper today. In the meantime, Tortorella fired as Flyers coach.

Flyers fire Tortorella, eye next rebuilding steps

The Flyers have fired coach John Tortorella as the team spiraled toward missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season and one of the worst records in the Eastern Conference.

www.espn.com

Color me shocked, he seems to always maximize a roster but wears his welcome out shortly after.

 

[Kings4OT]

Good stuff, will dive in deeper today. In the meantime, Tortorella fired as Flyers coach.

Flyers fire Tortorella, eye next rebuilding steps

The Flyers have fired coach John Tortorella as the team spiraled toward missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season and one of the worst records in the Eastern Conference.

www.espn.com

Color me shocked, he seems to always maximize a roster but wears his welcome out shortly after.

Ya, im not positive but young players always seem to hate the way he tries to hold them accountable....hes a big meanie

 

[xis]

Unfortunately im a little older than you, so maybe im past the patience part and more concerned with time passing by quickly. I think they paid dunno to help get to the floor and convince him to come to LA...but I dont quite remember except think wtf, i dontbthink I was upset at getting him but ya...5.5 was a crazy number...much like PLG at 8.

A lot of the pushback from me is from the Byfield knob gobbling about anything he does (that isnt from Kingsfans here). Even when another player is the catalyst for the "good" play its nothing but how it wouldnt have happened unless Byfield wasnt on the bench and drinking his Gatorade left handed....yes, I know ridiculous, but thats what some of the pumping sounds like even from Foxxy who is usually really fair and realistic for a TV guy. When he does make a good play it gets even worse and im more like duh hes making 6+ mil and a 2OA he should do that every night.

Vilardi was supposed to be the heir-apparent but it took 3 season to get 1 season worth of games in, then hi breakout season he missed 1/3 of it. I totally agree Kings need was a Kopi replacement the wasted 6? Picks trying to get 1 and even if Buster gets "good" im not sure hes a C so thats still an issue....which led to PLG and that stupidity, but even then...his horrible season is almost as good as a Byfield breakout season and even tho hes only a few years oldrr he has 4? Better production years than Buster as well.

Like you im not trying to convince you, I just like to chat Kings....everyone will have their own perspective but we all do cheer for the team vs the player for the most part.

I do agree Ox would be on your side...but he was wrong once or twice himself

Love it. Good stuff old man! I read daily but don't always get the chance or have the energy to post. Plus 99.9% of what's being said I agree with and wouldn't add much to the conversation anyway. I do appreciate the banter tho. You guys following the team more fun. I would hate to be part of the other community.

 

[Kings4OT]

Love it. Good stuff old man! I read daily but don't always get the chance or have the energy to post. Plus 99.9% of what's being said I agree with and wouldn't add much to the conversation anyway. I do appreciate the banter tho. You guys following the team more fun. I would hate to be part of the other community.

Exactly...I am fortunate wife has her own TV and I can watch the Kings and comment....also my job now allows for me to read and post as well. I really dont movie or tv so i look here a lot .

I am suprised more of you dont tell me to STFU getting tired of me posting the same stuff 18 different ways lol. Im not much of a scholar

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

I feel plenty old, but you guys make me feel young. Turning 40 end of this year. Just playing. Nice to have other people who follow the Kings, for better or worse. I am pretty into movies and shows though as well. Really depends, but I have watched a ton of stuff.

For what it's worth, I would have liked Stutzle at the time because it felt like maybe an answer to the eternal search for Kopitar's winger and he was more NHL-ready, but I was okay with the pick of Byfield, and knew it would be a longer term deal. He has taken steps, but he's on the same Kings development timeline we've seen a ton, and he'll probably arrive in full around 2030.

I am really trying not to get excited about this team, but they seem to have a little swagger they haven't really had in awhile. Doughty back, their top 4 D seem really solid. I'll try to find the chart, but Kings have 4 different pairs that rank in the top ten for goals expected (Spence is on 3 of them, because he's had so many different partners, but it speaks to his development at least). Kuemper been steady. Consistent and balanced scoring. Even had a 2 power play goal game. But tonight feels like one of those games where we really get to see what is up. Kings on the road against a red-hot and top tier favorite. Edmonton are resting McDavid and Draisaitl still since they are clearly banged up. Assumed they are more than okay playing LA again, even if they have to start on the road this time. Vancouver and Calgary are not that far behind them, but I'd assume they are relatively safe in their playoff spot with about 10-11 games to go.

 

[Fox4Kings]

Turning 43 this year, ouch. I think anyone that has been around these boards since ESPN is all old by now. I think if we all agreed on everything the board would be pretty boring. I love the dissection and being able to see things from another perspective. Yet still you guys are wrong on Byfield...

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Dude I turned 50 on Feb 19. When we all started out on the ESPN boards I was around 24/25.

We have all been together a long ass time, I love how we all have our own opinions, add valuable dialogue, share our personal lives (I almost feel like you guys have seen my 4 crumb snatchers grow up - bunch of derelict uncles), debate, etc.

Go look on this platform, we have the most active board of anyone. I still go to the Anaheim board and make a random trolling comment but there is no activity anywhere else. For us to be here, 25 some years later, speaks volumes about dedication and loyalty to the Kings. Well done. I appreciate every one of you and your thoughts. We won't always agree but it's nice to banter.

That said, Buster blows. Suck it Foxy!

=)~~

 

[PuckinUgly57]

And Crosby does it, he got his 80th point last night with a goal. He can only play a max of 80 games because he missed two in February so the minimum he will finish with is 80 points in 80 games and breaks Gretzky's record of 19 consecutive PPG seasons with his 20th consecutive PPG season.

I remember I couldn't stand him when he broke into the league but what a career he's had. Dude is hitting 80 points at 38 or whatever.

 

[histkng23]

And Crosby does it, he got his 80th point last night with a goal. He can only play a max of 80 games because he missed two in February so the minimum he will finish with is 80 points in 80 games and breaks Gretzky's record of 19 consecutive PPG seasons with his 20th consecutive PPG season.

I remember I couldn't stand him when he broke into the league but what a career he's had. Dude is hitting 80 points at 38 or whatever.

Got to give it to him...I'm more on the "Not liking" someone train more because I hate the way the media knob-polishes certain athletes from the moment they enter their leagues - Crosby early on also seemed to be using the "Mario" playbook of crying like a bitch at everything, but he's definitely matured and become a player you can only tip your cap to. Great career...

 

[histkng23]

Another "This Date In History" clip...

JMFJ gets launched in his 1st (or 2nd - can't remember specifically) game as a Kings player......was the epitome of what type of player he was, and was Exhibit "A" of why he wasn't going to amount to anything spectacular...

Kingstorian on Instagram: "On March 29, 2007, @LAKings defenseman Jack Johnson went head over heels in his NHL debut at STAPLES Center against the Vancouver Canucks. #LAKings #GoKingsGo"

11 likes, 1 comments - kingstorian on March 29, 2025: "On March 29, 2007, @LAKings defenseman Jack Johnson went head over heels in his NHL debut at STAPLES Center against the Vancouver Canucks. #LAKings #GoKingsGo".

www.instagram.com

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Another "This Date In History" clip...

JMFJ gets launched in his 1st (or 2nd - can't remember specifically) game as a Kings player......was the epitome of what type of player he was, and was Exhibit "A" of why he wasn't going to amount to anything spectacular...

Kingstorian on Instagram: "On March 29, 2007, @LAKings defenseman Jack Johnson went head over heels in his NHL debut at STAPLES Center against the Vancouver Canucks. #LAKings #GoKingsGo"

11 likes, 1 comments - kingstorian on March 29, 2025: "On March 29, 2007, @LAKings defenseman Jack Johnson went head over heels in his NHL debut at STAPLES Center against the Vancouver Canucks. #LAKings #GoKingsGo".

www.instagram.com

I think it was his NHL debut after Michigan got wiped out in the Frozen Four. Aaron Miller was wearing #3 still so he took #33.

Bulis, man he didn't buy the head bobbing fakes or anything and gave him his welcome to the NHL moment.

First two years I was patient with him, by year three I knew this guy was not going to be a good defenseman. Dumbo makes the trade to get Carter and slot Voynov in as RD2 and the rest is history.

I do feel bad his family wiped him out, his own parents. That's messed up so I'm glad teams have given him a chance to earn some of that money back.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Got to give it to him...I'm more on the "Not liking" someone train more because I hate the way the media knob-polishes certain athletes from the moment they enter their leagues - Crosby early on also seemed to be using the "Mario" playbook of crying like a bitch at everything, but he's definitely matured and become a player you can only tip your cap to. Great career...

Thus all my Buster rips.

Taking a shit? Piece on Buster. Eating a taco? Piece on Buster. Chopping onions? Piece on Buster. Paying a bill? Piece on Buster. Enough already.

It's really easy to dislike a player when they bombard you with irrelevant fluff constantly.

 

[Kings4OT]

Thus all my Buster rips.

Taking a shit? Piece on Buster. Eating a taco? Piece on Buster. Chopping onions? Piece on Buster. Paying a bill? Piece on Buster. Enough already.

It's really easy to dislike a player when they bombard you with irrelevant fluff constantly.

Now they said Buster is just like Matthews

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Now they said Buster is just like Matthews

Just saw that, had to laugh. This guy doesn't have 60 career goals let alone 60 in a season.