alt="LA Kings Insider with Rich Hammond" />The Kings’ injury updates are not good.
Ryan Smyth will not play tomorrow night and will be out “longer than that, for sure,” according to Terry Murray. Smyth, still officially listed with an upper-body injury, is scheduled to see a team doctor tomorrow for an evaluation. Hopefully we’ll know more after that.
Murray said Rob Scuderi came to the practice facility for treatment this morning but also will not play tomorrow. Murray said he is “progressing, but not ready.”
In Smyth’s absense, Alexander Frolov becomes the first-line left wing, alongside Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. Murray said he had not yet decided who would skate on Michal Handzus’ left wing.
God dammit… See ya after the olympic break, Ryan
[Reply]
Well here you go Frolov lovers, your wish has come true. Frolov on the top line. Now we’ll see if he can actually produce while he’s up there, or will he drag the other two down to his level. I think this stint on the top line will go a long way in deciding if DL re-signs him or not.
[Reply]
I don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that we’ll see richardson playing alongside Zues and Simmonds… Unless a call up is made.
[Reply]
tantrum, you said it… Fro, this is your chance!
[Reply]
Well, this not a good news but what can we do? All other teams have the same problems. Someone else should step up and it might be Frolov. This is a chance for him to show what he can do, playing on 1-st line. Then we will see for sure what his is worth. But not just him. The whole team should play better hockey and show the character. I also expect more from Brown and Williams. For now, they are not playing like 30 goal scorers but they could and should! More pressure on goaltending, for sure. Quick is a good goalie but once again in Florida he bended too low and got a goal over his shoulder.(I thiught Ranford worked with him on that).He should play better as well if Kings wants to stay in playoff run.
[Reply]
Teddy might be an option as well but I think John is right, will probably be Richardson on that left wing.
[Reply]
Fro wants a contract? Now is the time to earn it.
For all those who said he should play with the top line or more skilled players, here’s your damn chance at the expense of Smyth. Not digging this, Hope you guys are actually right here because if Fro doesn’t perform, his new contract is 1/2 what he’ll want.
[Reply]
Tantrum4 Other 2? JW is a waste on that top line. Not a scorer. We need to get a scorer somewhere somehow
[Reply]
This is just because I’m trying to cheer up a bit. Marc Nathan mentioned new theme songs and I thought of one funeral dirge type song I like. I tried to find it on YouTube and it wasn’t there, so I decided to post it myself (Which I had never done.). Had to use a pic, and the one of Kopi-Williams-Smyth together was the one I chose.
Then I discovered ‘Annotations’. My ridiculous humor got the best of me and this is what happened.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhAxeFRcPXM
Feel free to flame….it was fun to make!
[Reply]
unfortunately, injuries are part of the game…
losing smytty really is going to be tough…
frolov has a chance now to perform for all the right reasons…
so whatever has happened in the past can be quickly forgotten about if frolov steps up and becomes the beast he can be…
kopi and fro have had success together before, albeit, for a limited time…so there’s some reason to be optimistic…
i really see jw benefiting a lot from fro’s addition…i hope this works…this is so crucial for so many reasons for the kings and for fro…
let’s hope smytty gets back sooner than later…
use the force, fro…!
[Reply]
Lets see Loktionov.
[Reply]
I love it. A 30+ goal-scorer and his dragged through the mud like he’s Purcell.
Epic failure of a Kings fan for even thinking he’s not worth his weight in gold.
[Reply]
I’m going to go out and buy a Fro wig for tomorrow night’s game.
Nothing more to be said other than I agree with all who say this is Fro’s chance.
“Lett Gooo FRO!”
[Reply]
@cynic
“why doesn’t rich hammond return my phone calls” ROFL
[Reply]
“The Fro is STRONG with this one.”
[Reply]
He may be a 30 guy, but most of them don’t have to be benched to motivate them.
[Reply]
Fro’s my favorite player (in case you didnt notice by the name) and I’m looking forward to seeing him on the top line. But like most of you said, here’s his chance to prove his worth. None of Brown, Williams, and Fro (all 30 goal guys) have lived up to their goal scoring potential. Hopefully this sparks something in them and makes them step up, because the team needs their secondary scoring now more than at any point earlier in the season. Suprisingly, Jarret Stoll has been on fire, so hopefully he can keep it up to help keep things going with Smythe.
That said, Smythe has been a little quiet on the goal scoring front, but his presense is just so important even strength and powerplay. I’m almost more concerned about the team replacing his front of net mindset than I am about his goals.
[Reply]
just for the record…
we are about 20+ games into it…
smyth has been our second best player up until this point…i imagine rich will have a forthcoming poll at the quarter mark…but at the risk of being somewhat pre-emptive, since smytty’s injury will overlap somewhere towards the middle of the year, i just wanted to say how great he has been so far..not only as a scorer, but how he has helped kopi elevate his game and has clearly been a supportive influence in winning games we would have lost in previous seasons…
my top three kings up to this point have been…:
1. kopi – he might be an hart candidate if he keeps this up…
2. smyth – he has been everything as advertised and more…the impact of his loss will depend on frolov and the rest of the team providing more offense consistently…but he being hurt doesn’t help…
3. simmonds – he has quickly becoming my favorite king…this guy is our superhero…look, he might not possess elite level skill across-the-board…but he definitely brings an elite “can-do” attitude across the board…and has delivered in every aspect he has been asked to…we all love simmer…and i’m soooo anxious to see what his future holds for him w/this team…you gotta figure, he has assistant captain written on his jersey sooner than later…
[Reply]
The straw that stirs the Kings drink is on the sidelines. Also the other significant pick up as stated by Murray and DL. Now what Coach? You have the same team as last year (28th Place) plus Randy Jones. Time to start earning the Coach of the Year points. You watch, I can see purcell moving to the 2nd line now when Richardson deserves another promotion. He has played great of recent. Maybe Ivanans will take Smyth place.
[Reply]
Why did I write Smythe? Twice even…My mistake.
[Reply]
Rich, will injured players, such as Ryan Smyth and Alec Martinez be at Meet the Players? I was disappointed not to see Smyth at Hockeyfest and was hoping to see him at MTP. Thanks.
[Reply]
Now we truly get to see what Mr. Frolov is, someone we can depend on or just another body on the ice…….
[Reply]
well here is your chance Frodo do good and big contract do bad and we will see can some one please translate
this is your opportunity in Russian please.
[Reply]
And what’s gonna be the excuse or excuses this time if he doesn’t produce goals!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
When’s Clune coming back? Westgarth mentioned him with high praise on his own blog.
How could he fill a gap?
[Reply]
Never fails. Right when we start saying how lucky we are that we have no injuries, wham!
I still think Fro’s fate is sealed. This move is only a showcase.
[Reply]
I am sorry Smyth is hurt but…
Very excited to see Fro on the top line!
Hope this ends up being a positive for Murray. (and us)
Maybe he will have a better idea of how to juggle lines once Smyth is back.
Lets go Fro!
[Reply]
May the Force be with Fro, sucks that Smyth is injured, but I hope Fro makes the best of it.
[Reply]
PakiFro,
Smyth is an injured left winger for the Los Angeles Kings, whereas Smythe was an NHL division that the LA Kings could win one time between 1981 and 1993…
[Reply]
Hey Rich! There is a backslash on the top left hand corner of your page. Just wanted you to know. I always think it’s an eyelash on my monitor… =)
[Reply]
I agree. PakiFro is a stoopid name.
[Reply]
The last time Fro looked like a true #1 stud was back with Conroy and Demitra. That line dominated for about the first 20-25 games before injuries derailed us
[Reply]
You mess up Fro, you’ve got to go…
[Reply]
Anybody have a timeframe on how long Smyth will be out?
[Reply]
Thanks DB. I corrected myself earlier.
[Reply]
Nice one Cynic!
[Reply]
Here is a video of the play that most likely hurt Smyth, along with a little discussion on what his injury could be: http://lakingsnews.com/2009/11/17/video-ryan-smyth-injured/
[Reply]
lets go Fro, lets go KINGS!!!!
[Reply]
Good stuff Cynic!
Lets get the injury’s out early. We’ll be fine. I like Richardson on Zues’ line. He has earned the right to participate and contribute to this line.
Fro, my friend, lets see what you got. This is your time to shine. There will be no more excuses. We wish you success. I personally don’t think he’ll have an impact on our first line, but I really wish him the best and hope he succeeds.
[Reply]
Chalk me up as one who doesn’t think Frolov will live up to his potential, but…I hope I’m wrong!
It still won’t shut up the Fro lovers as they will always find an excuse; Kopi isn’t playing up to par either, Williams isn’t any good, the gatorade was warm, he needs a new stick but Kings management hates him so they won’t buy him one, Murray’s not playing him on the PP (he should be fired), Frolov’s out of shape because he played too long on the second line, etc.
This is definitely his time to shine! Hopefully, he has seen what Kopi has done and will want to compete at a higher level. Let’s see.
[Reply]
Rich I want to thank you for the injury ipdates the Kings will have to step up now and I mean NOW
[Reply]
sigh well let hope he gets back soon real soon.. i have a feeling we might have some issues with him out..
[Reply]
What…..#12 all time Kings points scorer not good enough? PUULEEESE! No worries! GO KINGS!
[Reply]
Fro never skore gols to Kings like …. GO FROLOV .We love YOU.
[Reply]
Someone on this site said it was a ‘teeth’ issue…
Looking at the video, it’s difficult to see how the mouth could’ve been injured there. If it’s a mandible fracture, that could take awhile to heal. If it’s missing/fractured teeth, they can be played through.’
Biggest fear with a mandible fracture is the concurrent weight loss from not eating solid food.
Hmmmmm.
[Reply]
I am hoping more than anything else Fro plays to his potential and he scores some goals. My concern of course is will he be like Smyth and play all 200 feet of the ice and do some good back checking and help out on defense. This will very much determine if Fro gets his contract extension or is traded.
[Reply]
We all talk about Fro stepping up here.
Gotta call out the Captain on this one. Brownie, we need you to step up your game and score a few goals… Will ya, Pal?
Then, we gotta get more from Parse and Purcell. Both of you see what Moulson’s been getting done, right? D-Day, boys. Time of need.
We’ll be fine. Don’t underestimate the power of the Staples Crowniacs, getting behind the boys!
[Reply]
Rich
Thanks for all the updates…now give us the bad news, how long does TM really think Smyth will be out for…we can take it!
[Reply]
I like Frolov as much as anyone else does, but again what happens when he doesn’t produce on this line…..
[Reply]
Smyths a man…if he has a broken jaw he can play. In 1984? Nicholls played with his mouth wired shut and drinking nothing but milk shakes with an occasional slice of Pizza blended in….he lost something like 20lbs but played the rest of the season….true story!
[Reply]
Smyth looks like his cheek landed on his hand. Wonder if that is the issue. Other than that, it didn’t look too bad.
That was my first attempt at a YouTube vid. Pretty fun. A little time consuming, but totally fun. Thanks for watching!
I would also like to see “The worst player in the NHL”, Brad Richardson get a promotion for all his efforts. maybe the reason he hasn’t scored is because he’s not playing with gifted players. LOL ;-)
[Reply]
Cynic Coulndn’t agree with you more about Rihardson. But noone stillhas answered my question about Frolov, now that he’s on the first line what happens when he isn’t productive?
[Reply]
BAKO…
completely agree about brownie…
he needs to do more oooo-ffensively…
[Reply]
Injuries were bound to happen. I thought something didn’t look right when it happened, but he came back on the ice. Tough break.
Time for guys to step up and continue the strong play. They’re supposed to have depth for these situations.
Also makes Quick become even more important. The scoring may drop somewhat. goaltending could be key.
Get well quick Smytty.
[Reply]
Finally!!! Frolov on the top line! Murray and Lombardi finally removed the blinders from their eyes and used their brains!
[Reply]
If the Kings are not going to bring anyone up from Manchester, Purcell is the best option at providing some scoring on the third line. Richardson tries as hard as anyone, but he just doesn’t have a scoring touch. Richardson reminds me a lot of Guilano except, Guilano can stay on his skates for a lot longer than Richardson.
[Reply]
The third line will have a hard time scoring period if a defensive forward (Handzus) continues to center the line.
[Reply]
I’m guessing it will be:
Frolov/Kopitar/Williams
Parse/Stoll/Brown
Purcell/Handzus/Simmonds
Ivanans/Richardson/Harrold
with PP units of
Frolov/Kopitar/Williams (Johnson/Jones)
Parse-Purcell/Handzus/Brown (Doughty/Stoll)
[Reply]
Some how this team never seems to fail me with it’s poor luck. Don’t worry the sky isn’t falling because it already did 16 years ago. Will this team ever have good luck is my question?
[Reply]
And the first line is gonna have trouble scoring without a left winger (Frolov)…..
[Reply]
Frolov is a high scoring left winger who is a scorer and not a checker!
[Reply]
I can’t wait to go to Frolov’s favorite Russian Restaurant when I am in Los Angeles next weekend.
[Reply]
AGAIN, what happens when he isn’t the high scoring left winger you say he is? (ACCOUNTABILITY IS EVERYTHING)
That means playing 60 minutes and 200 feet of ice every shift.
[Reply]
This is a great chance for FRO to shut-up many of the critics—-By having a strong, and at times dominant, stretch right now, when we need it most.
We are fortunate to have a player of his ability to put in Smyth’s place, although Fro’s success is still
no certainty.
That Parse kid looks like he could break out & score a couple any minute now. If Frolov stumbles, I’d
try Parse next.
It’s nice to have some decent choices at a time like this. Hopefully SOMEbody will come thru for us and keep our good stretch going.
[Reply]
Sergei, I agree with you completely.
For the contributors that suggest, “With these injuries theese are now last years Kings”, I say, absolutly not.
Some of us have been watching a maturing process. This is just an early test. All teams will have significant injuries during the year (we are the Kings, we know).
It time for the team to dig deep, work hard and be who they can become.
Lets go Kings, shoot down the Flyers.
Huryy up and get will, Smytty and Scuds.
Go Kings Go!!
[Reply]
Hey P90,
What happens when he does?
Will you go troll around on the Ducks blog and spare us your pathetic taunts!
[Reply]
So i guess no one’s getting called up eh? I was hoping rich clune would be up here by now
[Reply]
Clune should be called up and Purcell sent down. I don’t understand, DL and TM both were raving about Clune, and DL supposedly admires tough players, so why isn’t Clune getting the call?
[Reply]
I think it’s inevitable that Fro will be traded this season. If he produces on the top line, that only increases his market value. I’d love to see DL re-sign him, but I doubt it will happen.
[Reply]
I hope Fro does well on the first line, but I’m very skeptical, not because Fro isn’t talented, we all know he is, it’s a style difference…Smyth hangs out around the front of the net giving Kopi and Williams room on the wings, whereas, Fro is a perimeter guy. Smyth tends to do a lot of give and goes with Kopi, Fro is a puck possession guy…if this works, it will give us another offensive look, but I think it it is going to fail, because the Kings need that guy in front of the net, which they didn’t have last year and our offense sucked…I would have put Brown or Handzus on that line, maybe not as talented, but will play the front of the net.
It is somewhat unfair to Fro, because like many have said here, it will be judged in regards to signing Fro or trading him. I think Fro would do best on a line with Brown and some other playmaker, which I don’t think we have.
[Reply]
Paging Oscar Moller… Paging Mr. Moller… Please report to Staples Center. Tre Kronor!
[Reply]
Just remember, in 1993 we lost Gretzky until January and ended up in the Cup finals. As I recall, Gretzky was something of an impact player for our team and we flourished under that adversity. All is not yet lost, and also all does not necessarily depend on Frolov.
@Dellanooch-manty good points in assessing, but my conclusion is not as dire. Frolov needs to be recognized for what he is, and he needs players whose styles complement his as well.
[Reply]
And by the way, I do not see Frolov as the slacker so many of you seem to. The guy has a slow stride turnover, but his effort is there. Nobody dominates in the corners like he does, does that not count for effort? He is the best forechecker, and that takes effort, too.
As far as Purcell, he has “progressed” into a rotating 4th liner. Is this guy married to the owner’s daughter or is he the mayor’s son or what? I am all for bringing young player’s along in a limited role, but this guy has been played every on possible line and has never been better than mediocre.
[Reply]
You gotta believe-check out this article about Gretzky’s injury and the 1993 Kings…
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1137563/index.htm
When he came back we had gone winless in 8 and it was January 18, and then they lost the first two games with Gretz. Although the Kings’ started 19-7-2, they struggled badly after that and then got the Great One as an addition to their team.
Sometimes injuries can kill ya, but if you are gonna become championship caliber these moments of adversity turn into player and team building opportunities.
[Reply]
I understand Terry Murray’s thinking about Frolov playing on the top line. Funny to think that this guy was a healthy scratch not long ago. Frolov is going to have to use his size and strength effectively or this new trio will be nothing more than ordinary. What this injury does do is put more pressure on the Stoll line to produce.
Better this injury happens now and not in March.
[Reply]
Regarding Rocknroll80’s comment about getting scoring from the 3rd line
You’re not going to find someone to “replace” Smyth…it’s more important than ever to get back to the tighht defense we played last year. Let the goal scorers do their thing, but the 3rd line needs to be a checking line.
[Reply]
Don`t panic! We proved we can win last year without dos ssis.Just pressure the puck.Forcheck,Forcheck,Forcheck.
Go Kings,We will tonite.See you all tonite.
[Reply]
RocknRoll80s
There was no place for Frolov on the first line prior to Smyth’s injury. With the chemistry and points put up by both Kopi and Smyth, TM was definitely using his brain by not having Frolov on the first line.
[Reply]
I don’t get all the love for Richardson. He is a hard worker and nothing more. He has no points and is a -7, no one off that line has any points except for Harrold. Does that warrant being up higher than 4th line? He is what he is, better off dressing Purcell.
[Reply]
We have two players that deserve a chance in chester that have been playing great, molls and loktionov should get a look!
[Reply]
Enough about purcell he’s not the guy
[Reply]
But i agree with alot of you guys, now that fro has his chance its a nolose situation really, he plays poorly give someone else the chance up there, if he plays well his stock will rise helping his trade bait status
[Reply]
I would have said put Simmonds back up. But from the looks of things, you want to keep people familiar with that side of the lines into those positions. So Fro going into Smyth’s slot is a logical response. I think we might have a bit of trouble scoring though. What we actually need in Smyth’s slot is a big body that can’t really be moved from in front of the net. I think that all 9 of Smyth’s goals have traveled a total of about 23 feet. We will be missing those kinds of goals for a bit. Fro is a bit of a more finese goal scorer trying to pick that right spot, not the gritty grind it out with 3 guys on your back and put home a short rebound. The trick will be to find someone like that.
I think Nick (Nickson) and Daryl (Evans) said it best. Kopitar is free to float around and score from anywhere, cause Smyth is there to harass the Goalie and put in the short rebound or redirect, while Kopi can just shoot it at will from anywhere. Where as with out Smyth, Kopi is usually screening and doesn’t get much of an opportunity to do what he does best, shoot the puck and set up guys for great goals like Stoll’s in FLA.
This will be a good test for the next few games to see if the Kings can generate the kind of offense we have had so far with Smyth, without him in the line up.
GO KINGS!! and GOOD LUCK!!
[Reply]
Johnjuan I’ll be the first person to admit that I’m wrong, I don’t dislike or hate Frolov. I like everybody else here want to see him succeed, But I also want it done on a nightly basis, not occaisonally… Also I don’t troll around using pathtetic taunts, I’ve been a Kings fan since before Gretky, and watch enough hockey as well as played to know when a player “just isn’t bringing it” every night. Ive only seen that from Frolov occaisonly. And the Ducks comment I won’t even go there.
[Reply]
Personally , I’d like to see Parse on the top line. His type of play mimics that of Smyth in both intensity and commitment to defense. Parse is vastly underated. Besides, Fro, Hanz, and Brown seem to be gelling, so dont break up that line.
[Reply]
purcell had his chance…
Moller/Zeus/Simmonds
[Reply]