Justin Williams’ injury, Scott Parse’s promotion and Wayne Simmonds’ emergence have changed the dynamics of the Kings considerably, and it has had a trickle-down impact on Teddy Purcell, who switched lines and also switched positions, from left wing to his natural right wing. It’s a subtle change, but Purcell talked today about switching sides of the ice…
PURCELL: “I grew up, most of my life, playing right wing, but I played some left wing down in Manchester, and started off up here on left wing too. There’s advantages and disadvantages of both, but I feel comfortable playing both. I’m happy to play wherever they put me.”
(on what the major differences are…)
PURCELL: “Just like the control breakout. Your patterns are a little different. Just stuff off the set faceoffs that are just a little different than the left side, getting pucks off the boards in your own zone and battling. They can be major things, but it becomes kind of basic once you have played both and you kind of know where to be. It’s not like going from wing to center. It’s not a huge change.”
It will be interesting to see what happens when Williams returns, particularly since Terry Murray indicated today that Williams will go back to the first line. It seems highly unlikely that the Parse-Stoll-Purcell line will stay intact, but here’s what Purcell said today about his current line…
PURCELL: “We like to get in on the forecheck and create loose pucks. The last couple games, we’ve had some pretty good offensive-zone time, cycling and reading off each other and getting some chances. Stolly had big goals there in the last couple games, so it’s good to contribute and help find that secondary scoring that we’re looking for. Hopefully we can keep it going with two big games against two tough teams. That’s what we’re looking forward to.”
What do you think should happen when Williams returns, assuming the first line will return to being Smyth-Kopitar-Williams. Who goes the fourth line? Who gets scratched? If he has another strong game tomorrow, it will be hard to justify taking Parse out of the lineup. Purcell has no goals and two assists in his last nine games. What do you think?
I REALLY want to keep Simmonds on the first line, but Terry knows best, right?
Smyth-Kopi-Williams
Frolov-Zeus-Brown
Purcell-Stoll-Simmonds
Ivanans-Richardson-Parse
Scratch: Lewis (needs to seriously step up, Purcell too)
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id go with the hot stick. which would be parse! im not a fan of purcell and he got plenty of chances to prove but failed. send him down.
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Parse is certainly earning himself a spot in the lineup. I hope the intensity lasts, but you never know. If the intensity drops, he’s gone as quick as he got here.
I think Teddy’s played decent, but he’s a goal scorer who’s not scoring goals. I’m not sure if he translates well to the 4th line. I think it would come down to Purcell or Harrold, and you have to go with the versatility of Harrold. I think Richardson’s play has been good enough to stay in that 4th line role with Ivanans and Harrold. Teddy needs to make people take notice of his play. Let’s hope he gets himself on a roll this week to make the call as difficult as possible.
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Right wing shift
Smyth-Kopi-Williams
Frolov-Zeus-Brown
Parse-Stoll-Simmonds
Lewis (Ivanans) – Richardson – Purcell (Harrold)
I want Simmonds in the 1st line and Williams in the 3rd as previously stated. Since TM doesn’t want that, this is my alternative thought on lines. That 4th line could do damage if those wings would pick up their games to meet Richardson.
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Rich,
Why was Purcell demoted to the 4th line against Phoenix during the third period and why didn’t he take any shifts in the third period against Columbus?
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I intended to ask Murray about Purcell’s third-period absence, and it completely slipped my mind. I goofed! Look for that answer tomorrow… As for the Phoenix game, I wouldn’t read too much into what happens in the third period. Guys move around a lot. Ivanans even gets minutes with Kopitar periodically. It is, as you might be alluding to, instructive to see who plays with who, as it’s an indication as to who coaches trust late in games.
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In regards to the Kopitar article, I remember at the time of the draft that the point was made that he had fallen lower than expected when the Kings chose him. Do you remember where he had been predicted to be selected? Were there any other reasons other than geography? He did have exposure in the Swedish leagues after all and I had read the Red Wings had considered him the top European prospect for that year but figured he wouldn’t be available at the 19th pick.
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I really would hate to see Teddy be sent down, but he certainly does have to do something to make himself noticed again. Ever since he had a bout of the flu, he just hasn’t been the same. I do know he’ll kick into gear again but it may be too late with the hard work coming from others on the team.
The ball is in his court.
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I don’t really see what Purcell brings that Parse or someone else from Manchester couldn’t bring. In my opinion, he is a waste of a roster spot. I agree with demoting the guy till he warrants being called up again. Lewis also needs to go as soon as Clune comes back.
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Hey rich, any indication of williams actual injury?, he’s had issues with his knee in the past, even surgery, hope he can stay healthy for the most part this year! he’s got wheels and has decent hands which suit kopy and smitty well.
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Actually JMILLER i agree clune is a superpest we need since averys left we need a personality, and yah parse seems like he can take purcells spot right now, purcells one dimension is being a scorer and its not really happening.
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Rich, if Purcell is sent to Manchester goes he have to pass through waivers?
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No one will get sent down, Williams will be injured again too soon to allow that.
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Parse stays and unless Purcell does something drastic I think he sees Manchester uniforms again.
I think Williams goes back to the top line. No reason to change that. THey were hot.
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Purcell doesn’t have to clear waivers yet. Not until his 80th NHL game. But before you all banish him to Manchester, consider these numbers:
http://wp.me/stucv-2565
As for what happens when Williams comes back (whenever that will be), I would go with
Smyth/Kopitar/Simmonds
Parse/Stoll/Williams
Frolov/Handzus/Brown
Purcell/Richardson/Harrold (Ivanans)
If TM wants to throw Williams back onto the first unit, swap him and Simmonds. I don’t think he’s going to bust up the Parse/Stoll combo, since it’s the first player Stoll has had real chemistry with in two years. My two cents.
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I agree with quisp.. i would prefer williams to start with the stoll line.
Smyth/Kopitar/Simmonds
Parse/Stoll/Williams
Frolov/Handzus/Brown
(Ivanans) Harrold/Richardson/Purcell
If simmer does slip up and start to play bad, then you switch simmer and williams.
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Well I think its pretty much unanimous, Trevor Lewis is as good as gone.
I too think Quisp is right on, it would be so hard to break up Kopi, Smyth, and Simmer when they’re on such a roll. The first line was doing great when Williams got hurt, and thats true, but I think that was more Smyth and Kopi carrying that line. We know how much ice Smyth opens up for Kopi, and Simmer can be that kind of force on that line as well, that just gives Kopi so much more time and space to work with. Smyth and Simmer are there to feed off those great chances. Williams is better at creating his own offense, when healthy of course, and Stoll and Parse have already showed some pretty nice chemistry with each other, so why not put a speedy skill guy with them to keep them going. This team wants secondary scoring right, what better than having three solid lines that can score on any shift? Thats how they have been playing lately, so why throw that off?
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Parse does seem to have chemistry with Stoll. Has Purcell really shown chemistry with anyone?
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Purcell is not fourth line material. That’s not a spot for someone who has some goal scoring skills (or so we are told) but not much else. Bye bye Teddy.
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I feel bad for Lewis right now because he does have skill, is a good two-way player, he’s fast, but he’s not really “getting it done” right now. Maybe that makes him this year’s Purcell. That’s fine. He’s still young. Purcell, as I said, I think is doing better than many believe. He does have two game winning goals, I think. Though not much lately. Keep in mind that he can play both wings and TM likes that versatility. And the numbers show that he’s playing solid D. So I’m betting he stays.
(obviously, he’ll be sent down now)
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easy guys easy Parse has three points in three games lets not go crazy for the guy just yet
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Speedy, I don’t think anyone here is nominating him for rookie of the year or anything. Just saying he and Stoll have played well together, and since secondary scoring is a must, there is no need to break that up just yet if at all this year.
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1) Hurry up and trade Fro for a D-man before he starts slumping again (and/or Deano & Murph ruin his confidence again).
2) Insert Willie for Purcell and Purcell for Fro (to maintain LW/RW preferences).
3) Done.
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SS420
I agree getting Stoll going is huge I just dont agree with sending Purcell down. We ! this blog and it seems the kings have this idea that we cant have rookies on the fourth line with limited minutes.. we have the idea that its not great for there development. I dont agree I think 7- 10 minutes and the experience of being up with the big club can only help them. MM time is great but the NHL game is much faster and everyone needs time to adjust..
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Those of us who remember the days when Andy Murray was coaching will remember all the man games lost. I personally like to see a little depth in the organization in the event of an injury or two (as we see now with Williams.) The players we’re bringing up can hit the ground running.
We are also in a good position with all these young players to send them to Manchester without having to clear waivers first. I don’t see any urgency in making a trade, especially since the big prize might be available in a few months. How many teams will have the Kings’ depth to trade for Kovalchuk if he suddenly becomes available in Atlanta? I say hold the assets and wait.
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It really is too bad our tough man didn’t have more skill or players like Parse and Purcell couldn’t fill that roll. I understand that is rare, but while Teddy hasn’t had huge numbers, I have liked what he has brought to the games. He certainly looks better than he did last year. Parse definitely has played well though so it would be hard to drop him. Kinda would be nice to have Ivanans scratched, but understand TM prefers him in the lineup for obvious reasons.
Either way if the team keeps playing like they are this move they have to make isn’t going to make or break the team and if it does, then there are more important issues to worry about.
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The Parse-Stoll-Purcell line has been great the last two games. Hopefully, they keep it up in San Jose.
I don’t understand why everyone is jumping on the Purcell whipping boy bandwagon. He might be gripping the stick a little too tightly, but he has not been a liability out on the ice, and obviously the coaching staff like his skills on the half boards on the PP. He only has two less points than Simmonds, yet you’d think by reading the comments around here that Simmonds is in the top ten in the league or something. Purcell may not be physical, but he has more hits than Smyth or Handzus just as many as O’Donnell. He may not be a defensive wonder, but he is +2 and is tied for third on the team in takeaways. Stop the panic machine. It’s very unlikely they are going to pay him $600K to play in the AHL, which is has already proven he can be dominate.
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Have to agree with Regulate on the fact that Simmonds is being made out to be the second coming of Gretzky and he’s only got two more points than Purcell. All this while playing on the top line for the last number of games. Even before the promotion, Simmonds has spent far more time on the ice than Purcell. I’m not quite up on my numbers like Quisp (that was awesome by the way) but I’m pretty sure Teddy is ahead of Simmonds if you based his points against his time on the ice.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not dumping on Simmonds. He’s actually one of my favorite Kings and has been playing great on the first line. I just thnk Regulate has made some very good points in his previous post.
I also agree with Quisp (especially after reading his numbers) that Purcell is doing far more than people beleive. Defensively, he’s improved leaps and bounds since last year. Lets not forget the fact that Teddy’s been playing with the flu for the last little while. That can’t be easy at the NHL level.
I’m also interested in knowing what Purcell did to warrant getting benched in the last game. Maybe I’m missing something but I also thought he played well in the first two periods.
Inquiring minds want to know Rich. See what you can come up with.
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Williams deserves to get his spot back based on his performance prior to his injury. That being said, he needs to produce like he did before. If the injury slows him down then TM has to put Simmonds back on that line until Williams gets his mo back.
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Regulate
You can’t compare Simmonds game to Purcell’s game.
Pucell needs to score to be effective. Simmer gives you energy and strong defensive play.
I don’t think he’s played poorly either, but he has to score goals.
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Purcell is supposed to be a sniper but he’s missed more empty nets than I can remember so far this season. I truly hope he becomes a sniper but he’s not doing anything up here and he’s had top line and PP minutes to do it.
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I have never experienced a bunch of posters that change their opinion on people more so than the group here. Is this blog full of women, it appears so… lol
Prior to Simmonds (surprise) promotion he was a constant whipping boy and he pots a goal or two and gets a few apples and now he is the man.
Some of you people here are like the wind outside. Blowing south one day and then west the next.
As regulate stated he(Purcell) is actually not doing that bad statistically and lokoing wise on the ice…
Is there any consistency here in opinion or is it depending on which way the wind blows today???
(I am referring here to Purcell, Quick Frolov, terry murray, jack Johson, Doughty – have an opinion folks and go with it until it is actually necessary to change it)
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I’m not quite sure I’d label Purcell a sniper. I’d leave those tags for Heatley, Ovechkin and Carter. With Purcells vision and passing I’d label him more of a playmaker.
Also, he’s hardly getting top line minutes. He’s currently 9th amongst forwards in ATOI. He’s only been playing 12:37 a game.
Although Simmonds is playing well on the first line and there’s no reason to move him until Williams comes back, I’d be curious to know how Purcell would have faired on that line had he been given the oppurtunity.
Something tells me his numbers would be a lot higher.
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JT. When has Simmonds been the whipping the boy? He is always getting praise here.
I certainly don’t deny that an awful lot of stupid comments get posted but I have never read anything negative about Simmers.
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Thanks JT I hope the wind settles down
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JT
Stupid comments come with the territory, but Simmonds has always been praised for his hjustle and energy. The only question was how high is ceiling is as a goal scorer.
As far as opinions go…if you have an opinion and you realize that your opinion of someone is incorrect, what’s the problem with changing your opinion?
Some people here are ridiculous in how they perceive the coach/GM. It’s obvious how much better this team has gotten over the last couple of years, but certain people refuse to change their opinions of them.
That makes no sense at all.
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JT has hit the nail right on the head. For some reason a lot (not all) posters feel the need to have a whipping boy at all times. Since I’ve been following Rich’s Blogs I’ve seen it all. Nobody has walked away unscathed. Brown, Doughty and even Kopitar (last season) got a pretty good going over at some point.
After the pre-season and first couple of games Purcell was the saviour. The missing piece that the Kings were looking for. Playoffs all the way now that we have Purcell. 10 games later and a number (once again, not all)of people are claiming he needs to be back in Manchester as he doesn’t have what it takes to make it in the NHL.
Another memorable flip flop was Moeller last year. Last year he was the golden boy (well one of the golden boys with Simmonds)and now he’s not big enough to play at this level.
Frolov anybody?
The latest….Parse. After two games Purcell has to go because of his chemistry with Stoll. It’s only a matter of time before he has an off game and the “Parse back to Manchester” thread is started.
Here’s an idea. How about a few positive vibes? I don’t know about you guys but when was the last time things looked this good? First in the division, second in the conference and tied for second in wins throughout the whole league. The leagues leading point getter is playing on the Kings. Looks pretty good from where I sit. Will it last? Who knows? Maybe, maybe not. All I know is, I’m going to enjoy the ride while it lasts.
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I don’t think it’s at all about Purcell’s two games. He got bumped down because of the balance of the season’s performance. I think less is expected now that he’s on the “third” line.
Parse has come up and made some great plays and had impact.
I don’t think Purcell “sucks” but there are only so many slots and he’s not an impact player right now. Someone has to go when Williams gets back and putting Purcell on the 4th line isn’t what would help him grow as a player and play maker.
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One thought about Frolov…
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with bashing him for his poor play and then praising him for the way he’s played since he came back.
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line.
Smyth/Kopitar/Simmonds
Frolov/Handzus/Williams
Parse/Stoll/Brown
Harrold/Richardson/Purcell
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NYKINGFAN
I’ll certainly agree with you in that case. Frolov is a prime example of the only time I feel dumping on an NHL hockey player is warranted.
The way I look at it is…
I’ve played hockey my whole life and I’m not even close to being in the same league as the Kings worst player. The worst guy in the NHL is still an awesome hockey player.
Who am I to knock thses guys ability to play hockey?
One thing I can dump on a guy for is lack of effort. Having Frolov’s god given ability and cherry picking which nights you want to show up warrants a good slagging from time to time.
This goes for Purcell as well. With the skill this guy has, the sky’s the limit if he decides he wants to bring it every night.
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Symth Kopistar Simmonds
Frolov Handzus Brown
Parse Stoll Williams
Ivanans Richardson Harrold
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What’s in a name? The way it is shaping up (so far) is looking for chemistry on each line. What I’ve noticed since Simmer has been on the “1st” line is that he likes to carry the puck into the zone. So does Kopi. The defense has had no choice but to back off the blueline facing that speed – thus more room for Kopi and Smyth to work on the rush. Brown also likes to carry it in. So Williams return is not so much about “1st” line position, but finding his spot for a balanced line. Really, we’re happily facing the reality of 3 well balanced offensive lines, and a 4th for mucking around and hitting. Simmer seems to be most effective when playing with a strong center. Fro & Zeus work well as do Parse and Stoll. So it comes down to the RW position on each line. Find the Chemistry and ride it hard. Just sayin’ …
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The team is finally playing the level of hockey that we have all been praying for and still people want to make changes.
Isn’t it nice to see when a player goes down with an injury we finally have players than can fill the spot without missing a beat. The Kings finally have depth. If the team can remain healthy we will eventually see players who would normally be on the 2nd and 3rd lines playing on the 4th, aka Detroit. This is exactly where we want to be and speaks volumes on how far the team has come.
Williams makes the first line even better than with Simmonds. He has more experience, composure and his passing is that much better. In a few years Simmers will be ready for top line minutes.
Frolov…enough said! DL, sign him before its too late!
Purcell…move to the fourth line when Williams comes back. Its not ideal but he deserves a long look before we blow another young prospect out that goes on to score 30+ goals with another team.
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I kinda like Johnny’s lines.
But…I was away, and didn’t get to see the last 3 games, so I’m flying blind here.
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Jumping Shrimp
Exactly man. When you’ve played competitive hockey on what we think is a high level, it makes you appreciate the skill that the worst player on the team has.
The best guy on the teams I played on was at best a ECHL 3rd line type player….maybe!
People don’t realize that a guy like Ivanans has 10 times more skill than anyone we’ve ever played with in our lives..and he’s the guy who “sucks”. But there’s no excuse and no reason we can’t talk about a guy for lack of effort or lack of concentration.
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Jumping Shrimp,
Two thumbs up for your posts, as well as nykingsfan.
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Shrimp and NY,
If you don’t know what it’s like to be an NHL player what makes you think you can tell if a player is giving his best?
Frolov and Purcell have hockey IQ even Murray can’t fathom. It’s more difficult to create than it is to destroy(i.e. – create offense/destroy offense).
People who criticize the players baffle me. Especially when the few elite players we’ve had were given no support in terms of talent for so long.
Face it. All this team has needed for the last few years was one ingredient to make it all work–not Calder, not Cloutier, not Preissing, not Williams.
Just Smyth next to the talent we’ve had all along.
And that just makes us respectable again.
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Trade Purcell and Richardson for Matt Moulson, trade Williams for Patrick O’Sullivan and trade Ivanans for future considerations.
My lines are as follows:
Smyth, Kopitar, Simmonds
Frolov, O’Sullivan, Moulson
Lewis, Stoll, Parse
Clune, Handzus, Westgarth
Scratch: Harrold (We must open a spot on defense for him! He is too solid of a defensemen to not play everyday on defense!)
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oh yeah, Patty O is really burning up the ice up there in Edmonton: 2 goals, 5 assists. Even Lubo has better numbers than him. Plus Patty O is still a defensive liability. Get over it. Williams is a better offensive AND defensive player.
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thrrocketc.
besides which:
POS — not a center
Moulson — not a RW
Parse — not a RW
Westgarth — not an NHL player
Clune — okay, I’ll give you that one.
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Cristobal
I’ve seen enough hockey and when my suspicions are confirmed by the coach, it makes me think I’m on to something.
When a player has the puck along the boards in his own zone with room to chip it out and chooses instead to throw a blind pass thru the middle that gets picked off…Is that due to a lack of concentration or lack of effort to get the puck along the boards and out?
As far as hockey IQ…explain how you know Purcell/Frolov have a high hockey IQ or higher than the coach? What is this based on?
No argument from me that this team needed Smythe, but this team is also benefiting from the experience gained by guys like Brown/Kopitar/Doughty/JJ..etc. Without those guys playing at a higher level than they had before, Smythe alone would not help us.
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I just can’t understand all this whining over Patrick O’Sullivan. It’s a done deal!!
I liked him while he was with the Kings, but he was not going to be a core player. I may be wrong, but I don’t see much of a difference between the ceilings of both players. They both have decent offensive skills. I see the trade so far as a wash.
Down the line, O’Sullivan will also command a larger contract, and I don’t see him as a #1 forward on a cup contender.
Life will be so much better if you just take a look at what we have now: An exciting team that appears ready to move on to a playoff contender. The past is the past and the players we have are doing a pretty decent job right now. When Williams comes back, it will be a welcome addition to a hot offensive team.
Bottom line: Just get over it and move on!
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Hard to tell if a player has a high hockey IQ, whatever that is, or if he’s just got an excessive amount of skill. How high is Gretzky’s HIQ? Why are marginal NHL players excellent coaches? Do glasses make you smarter?
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Patrick O’Sullivan never was given the opportunity to succeed in Los Angeles. The Kings orgainization continually used him as wing. Patrick O’Sullivan’s natural position is center not left wing. When you take someone off their natural position and you put them in an another postion you hinder their success.
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Quisp, did you see Moulson play right wing with the Kings two years ago? Remember he played right wing on a line with O’Sullivan and Frolov.
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Quisp, Westgarth is a NHL player. Did you see him play last year with the Kings? Remember the fight he got into with Darcy Hordichuk? He is ten times the player and fighter that Raitis Ivanans is. I understand that he does need more ice time. As a matter of fact, the forth line needs to play at least ten minutes a game. Like most players, give him time to shine and he will.
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Quisp, my mistake about Parse. I viewed him as playing right wing on his current line. If he is a natural right wing, keep him there. I wonder if he can play left wing. I would not advocate moving him from right to left wing at this point. He is having success right where he is. I do agree that Purcell needs to move back to his natural position. In case you did not see an earlier post of mine, when you take someone off their natural position and put them at another position you damage their success unless they can play that new position as good as their previous one.
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Wakeup, the Oilers are doing the same thing to Patrick O’Sullivan that the Kings orginization did. That is, they are not playing him in his natural postion (center) which in effect is damaging and hindering his success in the National Hockey League.
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Last but not least, Patrick O’Sullivan is a natural second line center in the National Hockey League.
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Cristobal
You don’t need to have an NHL background to know when a player is giving it their all or not.
I’m actually going to cut the kid some slack on this one. Believe it or not, all this hard work along the boards and digging pucks out of the corners is a whole new concept to guys like Purcell. This is the first time he’s ever had to do anything like this.
Guys like Purcell have always been by far the best player on any team they’ve ever played on. He’s probably never even had to break a sweat and he still racked up 200 points a season.
Teddy reaches ther NHL and for the first time there are a bunch of guys here who are just as smart and just as skilled. So now he’s got to learn the overall game.
And don’t worry, he’s doing it. Like I said in a previous post, his defensive game has grown leaps and bounds since last year. Combine that with the point production he’s capable of and Bob’s your uncle.
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quisp, NY, Shrimp.
Hockey IQ is knowing what’s going to happen before it does. It DOES breakdown if the rest of the guys on the ice don’t have that IQ or the talent/skill to make it work.
Frolov and Boyle were both criticized last season for loafing, but they are very large bodies and just because they look slow doesn’t mean they aren’t performing. I’d contrast their supposed lack of effort with those of Zeiler and Armstrong; two players who tend to play at high speed. If you watch what happens, you can see that for all their movement (effort) they will play themselves out of position and they give up goals. Boyle’s play, especially, was wrongly criticized and it was proven because even when he tried to be the crusher they asked him to, he got dealt for a 3rd.
If you can remember mentally many of Boyle’s minus points (goals against) he was paired with the least skilled and lowest IQ players on the team (4th linemates and worst defensive pairings).
This is the reason I question Murray’s hockey IQ and his ability to get the best out of his players.
I think that Gretzky has a tremendous hockey IQ as a player, but often a great player will not understand why average NHLers cannot duplicate the skills he possessed. The reason I think Larionov could be a great coach is that he was great wherever he played and he made those he played with better by elevating their hockey IQ.
Finally, I think Larionov’s motivational methods must be high. I don’t know that for sure (although I know of a few examples of him doing it outside of the NHL) but I don’t recognize great motivational methods in Murray. I could be wrong, I can’t get inside of the players heads. But in the first Dallas game, we were literally on the ropes as a team. The confidence was almost completely gone. One could argue that Murrays benching of Frolov spurred the players to dig deep, but I tend to believe that (via Rich’s reports) the players found it in themselves.
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