Postgame quotes from Anze Kopitar who, with three assists, now leads the NHL in scoring with 19 points, two ahead of Alexander Ovechkin, who had one assist tonight…
(on his game thoughts…)
KOPITAR: “I thought the first period was kind of in between. We had some chances and they had some chances. They scored that goal, and it was a good power play. They moved it around pretty quick and we got caught running around a little bit too. They bear down, and they have some great players. In the second, I thought we beared down a little more, especially on our power play. We got two goals on the PP that were huge. On the third one, Parse made a great play and then the fourth line, Simmer made the strong move in front of the net. The fifth one was the empty-netter. I thought that after the first period, we played better than we did the first.’’
(on closing out the third period after Thursday’s letdown…)
KOPITAR: “Yeah, absolutely (it was big). That’s what you want to see, almost. We get the lead, 4-2, and then we got scored on but we were able to hold them back. We got after them and had a lot of offensive-zone time. We didn’t give up a whole lot. The last shift, of course, they’re going to throw everything at you, but Quickie stood on his head for us too, and it was good to see.’’
(on Simmonds’ play on the top line…)
KOPITAR: “In my case, when I first got here, I wanted to do the best I could every night. Simmer got the chance and so far he’s proving that he wants to play with me and Smitty. That’s what Terry, and everyone else, were looking for, for somebody to step up like that, and Simmer’s doing a fantastic job.’’
Alex who?
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I think Simmer should STAY on the Top line all season long. He battles and creates opportunities. He never gives up, hustle hustle hustle…While Willams does not come close to that level of energy and play.
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WWAMD, I have to agree with you there but I’m a little biased since Simmers my fvorite player. I think it would be best for both lines cause Williams style of play would help the stoll line greatly.
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I like the idea of “swivelling” the 2 guys (switching lines) after Williams gets back. But not TOO soon
after Williams gets back.
I like seeing Simmonds with Kopi. A lot.
People are starting to appreciate Wayne’s exceptional hockey sense. Playing on the same line with Smyth will be an inspiration for him too, taking into consideration Simmond’s “sponge-like” learning abilities.
Smith should be effective with Handzus
& Frolov (or Brown?) for awhile at least.
Now, with the possible addition of Parse (who I expect to outplay Purcell now), we are deeper at FW than we ever might have thought we’d be at this point.
And Manchester won with their 3rd-straight
shutout tonight, 3-0.
This season is really getting to be fun.
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Sorry,
“Smith…” above should read: “JWilliams should be
effective with Handzus…”
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Even though Anze leads the NHL in scoring, he is a very unselfish player on and off the ice….that is much appreciated by all..
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Yup, Real7, they have to coax Anze to take it to the net himself. The results when he does can be truly mesmerizing. Since he spent so much time on defense last year, we didn’t see much of that, but now we’re seeing the complete player, and it’s truly awesome! Let’s say it paid off.
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