Kings' uninspired performance led to Terry Murray's dismissal
On a fine summer day in 2008, shortly after Terry Murray was appointed the 22nd coach in the Kings' rocky history, he predicted the course of the team's latest rebuilding process.
"You're going to have to go through a lot," he said. "A lot of pain. Hard nights, long nights, pain."
Kings may be preparing to fire Terry MurrayKings executives are poised to dismiss Coach Terry Murray this week, hoping to halt a string of disappointing performances and revive an offense that has produced a league-low 2.24 goals per game despite a beefed-up payroll that puts the team near the salary-cap limit for the first time.
People familiar with the situation but not authorized to comment publicly said a candidate has not been found to replace Murray, who took over before the 2008-09 season. Murray installed a solid defensive foundation but has not been able to take the team to the next level and capitalize on resources enhanced by the off-season additions of skilled forwards Mike Richards and Simon Gagne.
Kings shrinking back from expectationsHow fine is the line between making the playoffs and not?
What is the line that separates the expectation that goals will go in, that good things will happen, from simple relief that they do?
Those are the questions the Kings ponder as this most curious, most crucial of seasons unfolds for them.
Could the Kings and Devils be looking to swing a huge trade?The Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils are believed to have engaged in recent trade discussions, prompting each team to dispatch its scouting staff to watch the other club.
It has been widely reported that the Devils have an interest in Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier, however sources close to the Kings told TFP the team is not interested in moving him, at this point, barring a substantial offer.
Kings won't blink in salary stalemate with DoughtyTim Leiweke, president of the Kings’ parent company, AEG, said Monday he supports General Manager Dean Lombardi’s stance in negotiations with unsigned defenseman Drew Doughty and emphasized Lombardi’s offer of an average $6.8 million annually is based solely on allocating dollars to improve the team and maintaining a strong nucleus that will allow the Kings to compete for the Stanley Cup for years to come.
Kings' Dean Lombardi says he won't trade rights to Drew DoughtyKings General Manager Dean Lombardi said Tuesday he won't trade the rights to restricted free-agent defenseman Drew Doughty even though they've been unable to agree on a new contract.
"There's no way," Lombardi said when asked about trading Doughty to break the stalemate.
Kings, Doughty still at impasseWith physicals done and training camp underway, the focus everywhere this week turns to the ice with the NHL's exhibition season starting. Well, almost everywhere.
Each day the Drew Doughty contract situation remains unresolved, it becomes a bigger problem for the Los Angeles Kings and overshadows the rebuilt roster headlined by the additions of Mike Richards and Simon Gagne.
Kings playing a risky game with DoughtyThe complex and dangerous game the Los Angeles Kings are playing with Drew Doughty could wind up impacting their franchise for the rest of this decade.
They are, in essence, screwing around with their own future and the pettiness of general manager Dean Lombardi — threatening to penalize Doughty for every day he remains unsigned — borders on the juvenile.
Kings still at odds with Drew Doughty over new contractDefenseman Drew Doughty was not expected to report to the Kings' El Segundo training facility Friday for the first day of training camp, clouding the start of the season for a team that had finally assembled the scoring power, depth and maturity to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Doughty, a restricted free agent, was home in Canada late Thursday while his agent, Don Meehan, and the Kings remained at odds over a new contract. Meehan said he had received communication from the Kings on Wednesday and replied Thursday after talking to Doughty.
