Jason Lewis: Could Kopitar and Gaborik Be the Next Big Thing for LA?

Deadmarsh/Alison/Palffy was a line that comes to mind where it was the full line as insanely good. Too bad we never got to see the full season of that though as they were off to a killer start.

I really like Gaborik on the team and still can't believe it when I hear his name called continually now in a Kings uni. I wanted him back when he was up for UFA and signed with NY because of the extra years.

Kopitar definitely needed a true skilled player that compliments him and Gaborik definitely is him. I feel the Kings have one of the best top 6 lines in the NHL now. Sure you have the Pens, but they also have 2 of the best centers in the World.

I hope the Kings do everything to keep him and that he wants to stay. Only thing that worries me is what his salary is now and if he is expecting around the same. I have said before, but I think Brown needs a change of scenery and that money could be used in retaining Gaborik and maybe also getting another top 4 d-man as Greene, Mitchell and even RR are in question even though RR has another year left.

Good post though and agree 110%!

A short list of famous lines and you take The Fly Line over the Legion of Doom? For shame.

A short list of famous lines and you take The Fly Line over the Legion of Doom? For shame.
- jmatchett383

Too many to name them all!

Edited*

Gretzky.

I dunno, I haven't posted in a Kings thread for a while. Him and pretty much anyone

Gretzky.

I dunno, I haven't posted in a Kings thread for a while. Him and pretty much anyone
- ChetManly

I call that the, "Ovechkin theory"

Put any upright mammal with Ovechkin and he is bound to get some points.

Jason Lewis: Could Kopitar and Gaborik Be the Next Big Thing for LA?
- Jason_Lewis

The potential is definitely there, but considering the big physical game that LA plays, it's just a question of time before Gaborik is inevitably broken again.

Considering Gabby's injury history I'm doubtful that Kopitar and Gaborik's potential together is ever fully realized... And that's even if Gabby resigns with the Kings.

I call that the, "Ovechkin theory"

Put any upright mammal with Ovechkin and he is bound to get some points.
- Jason_Lewis

*cough* kunitz *cough*

The potential is definitely there, but considering the big physical game that LA plays, it's just a question of time before Gaborik is inevitably broken again.

Considering Gabby's injury history I'm doubtful that Kopitar and Gaborik's potential together is ever fully realized... And that's even if Gabby resigns with the Kings.
- As_I_See_It

Don't say these things.

*cough* kunitz *cough*
- cryptical77

They play off each other in my opinion. It's not easy to keep up with Crosby and Kunitz does okay.

You could basically say the same about Kurri at parts of his career. Would he have been as good if he wasn't with Gretzky? I think so. Kunitz is similar. Obviously not to the same degree as Gretzky/Kurri but you see what I mean. Kurri had some 100+ point seasons in the 80's but I always wonder what those would be compared to todays game.

They play off each other in my opinion. It's not easy to keep up with Crosby and Kunitz does okay.

You could basically say the same about Kurri at parts of his career. Would he have been as good if he wasn't with Gretzky? I think so. Kunitz is similar. Obviously not to the same degree as Gretzky/Kurri but you see what I mean. Kurri had some 100+ point seasons in the 80's but I always wonder what those would be compared to todays game.
- Jason_Lewis

Could be, but Kurri was still putting up points in EDM after Gretzky left. 102 and 93 pts before joining LA. I probably wouldn't have such a problem with Kunitz except for the fact he'll always be a #@!& duck.

would you trade brown to sign gaborik tho?
it may come down to that very question

Gaborik is past his prime, but he will still increase goal scoring LAs anemic offense.

Kopitar is a monster. He one of those guys that makes anyone around him good. Doesn't matter is Gabby or anyone else

Gaborik is past his prime, but he will still increase goal scoring LAs anemic offense.

Kopitar is a monster. He one of those guys that makes anyone around him good. Doesn't matter is Gabby or anyone else
- SJFreez19

He produced 41 goals a couple years ago. Out of his prime due to age is argumentative. Marleau is still doing quite well and he is older than Gaborik. Kopitar has played with A LOT of wingers, and all most all of them failed. So it actually does matter a lot who plays with him.

Jason Lewis: Could Kopitar and Gaborik Be the Next Big Thing for LA?
- Jason_Lewis

you're talking about gaborik right? kopitar is a monster. gaborik is a bit of a nightmare.

Read the headline and thought"they're bring sponsored by Samsung? "

Jason Lewis: Could Kopitar and Gaborik Be the Next Big Thing for LA?
- Jason_Lewis

Nice blog.

Good blog

you're talking about gaborik right? kopitar is a monster. gaborik is a bit of a nightmare.
- therealagent

Not when he's healthy.

That's a nice hypothesis Jason. I think I learned something here. Now show us how the cap will fit Gabby in and I'm sold. Don't get me wrong, I'd be pissed if the Kings can fit Gabby in. But that would be interesting.

what is ....NO

would you trade brown to sign gaborik tho?
it may come down to that very question
- nightmare3020

Disagree entirely.
Given it has been a small sample size I don't think Williams has played very well on this line and its a style of play thing. As Jason eluded Brown and Kopitar ran wild together in 2012. Brown for all of his deficiencies also excels at the heavy play that contrasts Williams style.

Long short I would much rather see Brown on this line if it is going to be a long term thing over Williams. The problem then becomes Williams is not playing over Carter. The Pearson Stoll Toffoli line has been very fun to watch. These kids make Stoll look fast again. Watching Stoll interviewed about playing with Pearson and Toffoli was awesome, he was grinning from ear to ear.

Having too many top 6 players is a nice problem to have. Now if anyone could finally stick as a partner with Doughty I will be happy.

Disagree entirely.
.
- QuicksEnnormous

i was speaking in terms of salary cap
id rather have brown on my team than gaborik for many reasons

i was speaking in terms of salary cap
id rather have brown on my team than gaborik for many reasons
- nightmare3020

I don't see both of Mitchell and Greene coming back, one maybe but not both. That coupled with a supposed rise in the cap around 4mm means it would still be a tight fit even with Gaborik taking a discount from his current cap hit. I guess it all depends if management thinks Muzzin is due another shot at top pair with Doughty or we have to spend over the summer.

But Lombardi's not the kind to make that deal without crunching ALL the numbers, so I find it likely Gaborik is signed without touching Brown.

Disagree entirely.
Given it has been a small sample size I don't think Williams has played very well on this line and its a style of play thing. As Jason eluded Brown and Kopitar ran wild together in 2012. Brown for all of his deficiencies also excels at the heavy play that contrasts Williams style.

Long short I would much rather see Brown on this line if it is going to be a long term thing over Williams. The problem then becomes Williams is not playing over Carter. The Pearson Stoll Toffoli line has been very fun to watch. These kids make Stoll look fast again. Watching Stoll interviewed about playing with Pearson and Toffoli was awesome, he was grinning from ear to ear.

Having too many top 6 players is a nice problem to have. Now if anyone could finally stick as a partner with Doughty I will be happy.
- QuicksEnnormous

NO WAY do I want DBrown anywhere near that duo. He's a black hole where puck possession goes to die. I think King would be better suited to play with them than Brown. Remember when King was playing with Kopi? He was playing a puck possession game and looking to pass (and could actually put a pass on a stick, let alone on the tape). Maybe one of the kids grows up and plays with them, but NOT DUSTIN BROWN. Mr Granite hands should stick to the 3rd line.