Lombardi Speak: A Translation

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Below, you’ll find my attempted translation of today’s interview with Kings general manager Dean Lombardi by Rich Hammond. Cutting through the thicket known as the “Language of Lombardi” can be very difficult, if not impossible at times so please forgive me if I got lost….

QUESTION: “What is the appropriate level of concern right now?”

DL TRANSLATION: High. I want to see results now. If I don’t, I’ll make a change.

QUESTION: “Is there anything that can or needs to be done, from a coaching, system, strategy standpoint, to improve the offense, to open things up?”

DL TRANSLATION: Terry Murray is a great defensive coach but he’s still learning how to adapt to today’s NHL. I’ll mention rule changes and the red line as a way softening the blow, but in the end, if Terry can’t find a way, he’ll have to go. Everyone knows the rules apply to all teams and the Kings are still at the bottom, so it’s not about the rules, it’s about how you deal with and adapt to them.

QUESTION: “Are you concerned at all that things might be getting off-page?”

DL TRANSLATION: Everyone on the team still wants to believe in the system and that Terry Murray will figure out a game plan that will work. If I continue to see good effort by the players but the results continue to elude the team, then I’ll be prepared to say the players no longer have confidence in the coach. I’d hate to do it, but it will be done.

QUESTION: Re: Penner “Are you seeing things that give you hope there?”

DL TRANSLATION: I regret the trade. I make a mistake. But now? Yes, I’m hoping he comes through for us. But it’s just blind hope. Clearly I underestimated just how soft, lazy and dumb this guy is.