Teddy Purcell and Matt Moulson have little in common, but could the thought of the latter be impacting the former? Moulson had six goals in 29 games with the Kings, over two seasons — including a stint as a first-line winger at the start of last season — before he signed with the New York Islanders this summer. Now, Moulson has 11 goals in 26 games.
Moulson acknowledged earlier this season that he entered with a different approach and mindset. What does that have to do with Teddy Purcell? Probably nothing, except that Purcell is starting to be considered something like a Moulson-like underachiever. Could it be that the Kings have Moulson in mind when they continue to give Purcell top-six and power-play minutes, even though he hasn’t scored a goal in his last 21 games? Terry Murray was asked that question this morning…
MURRAY: “No, I haven’t thought that way about it. I want to see him succeed. I want to put him in positions where he’s in an offensive situation and is going to have some opportunities to score. We keep putting him out on the power play because we know that creativity and vision on the ice is there. He has a grade A skill level in that part of the game.
“I think sometimes his confidence level starts to drop down a bit. We’re seeing some pucks fumbled, and not holding on and sucking guys in and making them come to him and finding the open player, on the power play in particular. It’s not quite the way it has been in the past, but we want to stay with him right now and give him the opportunity to work his way through it.”
Yes; I still believe Moulson’s LA ghost is a factor. But like TM said, Purcell getting a lot of looks is mainly because he has the talent to succeed at the NHL top level… Personaly, I am not ready to write him off (either) and think the 2nd line is a good call for him, tonight.
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yeah, purcel is just a young complimentary player …. he is not this teams problem
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I feel for Teddy. We as fans put a tremendous amount of pressure on the players. He’s an amazing player and some fail to see that his overall performance (minus scoring) improved once he was put back on the 1st line. But now that he’s been put back on the 2nd I’m expecting to see that he’ll do less with his confidence shaken.
I sincerely hope I’m wrong. I’m a big fan of Purcell’s.
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Anon, yes we fans do put pressure on the players….. but A) they aren’t playing in Toronto or Montreal. THATS PRESSURE! B) They’re getting paid millions of dollars to deal with that pressure. If you can’t swing in in LA I don’t know where it would be easier…. maybe Columbus or Nashville?
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I don’t think Moulson is as skilled as Purcell and that is what is so disappointing about Purcell, he needs to spend more time in Manchester and get that different attitude when he comes back. I say don’t give up on him yet.
Moulson–time will tell but I think he will come back down to earth, he’s been getting a ton of ice time and power play time because of the team he plays for.
Winger for Tavares doesn’t hurt either.
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number 6, my point is that I would feel low too if I were letting that many people down. Nevermind the money, I’d have a “f*** I’m blowing this opportunity” attitude too.
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Lombardi should market Purcell as the second-coming of Moulson and trade him to the Islanders for a tidy little sum.
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I don’t know what TM means when he says he’s patient with players. He put Ted back on the 1st line for 2 friggin games for pete’s sake.
Boyle, Moulson and Purcell should have all played on the same line together much like Getzlaff, Perry and Penner. Instead the kings play their top prospects at the 4th and 3rd line with non skilled players. Of course they’re going to fail.
Yeah, they’ve played SOME games on skilled lines but not nearly enough imo.
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The minors exist in order to develop players. Its way past the time that Purcell takes a flight east and lives up to his potential as a career AHl’er.
Personally I have no regrets about Moulson. He played like garbage, therefore he wasn’t offered a contract. He averages over 17 mins on the Island. After his lackluster past, why would we be prepared to give him that kind of ice time?
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Purcell IS a big problem. He’s taking up valuable ice time that so many other players would cash in on. This has become a team that’s lacking in scoring and playing pretty good goaltending. Its weaknes is that not everyone who’s been given a chance is making the best of it. Simmonds and Parse, for example, have worked very hard to make every minute they get count, and Simmonds is like a new player for it. He’s really opened up his game. Purcell appears to have set his fate already, but if not, soon.
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I’m not sure right now Purcell is taking up “valuable” ice time. Who else would currently get top 6 ice time?
If Loki wasn’t out maybe different or if Kings felt Moller was ready as top 6 winger or Manchester could spare him with all their bodies out. Maybe Moller does come up if Teddy keeps sliding and Teddy goes back to Narchs?. Guess the call is who will benefit most from top 6 minutes(development)and put up numbers (contribute to team). TM most think TP is a better bet then OM overall …..for now. Guess if numbers don’t come then Moller’s development may take priority?
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Purcell is hurting the team. Someone who plays to his ability (whatever that ability is) should be getting his time. Scott Parse doesn’t have the game Purcell has, but he’s bringing it. Simmonds is brining it like no other. Browne’s working his ass off, even if it’s not showing up on the scoreboard. Even Segal is bringing it.
Who’s not? Purcell. Yeah. I’m calling him out. At least Fro is trying to change his game to fit in.
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Purcell is a lost cause. He doesn’t have the tenacity in him to be a good power forward. It seems to me that he is afraid of the physical part of the game. He needs to get in a couple of fights, it might tend to relax him. There is no shame in having a black eye. CMON TEDDY GET SOME GUTS.
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