Ryan Smyth is back. Well, he’s been back since Dec. 26, but it seemed to me that, for a while, Smyth’s play took a dip after he returned. Terry Murray has often talked about this, the theory that when a player returns from a long-term injury, he enjoys a brief spurt of success, then dips for a while, then returns to pre-injury form. If you look at Smyth’s past five weeks, that’s exactly what happened. He scored four goals in his first seven games, then didn’t record a point for almost two weeks, and now has four goals and three assists in his last eight games, including three goals in his last five games.
I asked Terry Murray today if he had noticed some spike in Smyth’s play of late.
MURRAY: “Absolutely. It’s been really noticeable to me, very noticeable. I would say that, in his last four games — I haven’t really analyzed it — I have noticed a big change in his contribution, through the road trip and again last night. His reads, his comfort, his handling of the puck, his making plays, he’s skating better. It’s just him feeling more involved and feeling more comfortable in his game. Playing with Stoll and Brown right now, it’s a good thing, it’s a good line. They’re three veteran guys who are moving the puck around and doing some good things at both ends of the rink. He has responded very well.”
The way Smitty snapped that shot passed Lundquist left me sounding like the poltergeist girl… HE’S BAaaaaACK!
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Rich, do you think the Smyth for Quincey trade was one of those truely win, win situations? Where do you think both teams would be today if that trade never happened?
I don’t follow Colorado at all, but wonder if they are better or worse off from that trade.
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Smyth is the man!!!
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That second line is a bona fide playoff line. That line is going to give the Kings’ first round opponent nightmares. Brown and Stoll work so well with Smyth.
I love these new line combos.
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Loved the trade for Smitty as soon as I heard it, and it just goes to show DL doesn’t just make moves, he just may know what he’s doing. Smitty improved this team immensely when he came over, and he improved other players also.
Watching Smitty take the pass from Brownie and pop it over Lundquist’s shoulder………….PRICELESS!!!
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Ryans a true professional.We`re very fortunate to have him as King.You can see that in the way he plays,and also in his eyes.I would love to see him win the cup with the Kings!
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Don’t overlook the Devil game. Two of the three goals scored were with Smyth screening the goalie.
Quincey has been just okay. Solid for the future though.
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I played hockey for about 6 years and I can tell you that even at a slow pace to take that exact pass from Brownie and score would be something…. but to take it at the pace those guys play at then quickly make a perfect shot…….. nah….. I don’t think Smitty’s really that good. Just joking! That was amazing.
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>number 6
Agreed, that wasn’t a very tough shot to not only pull off, but also score on at close range and at that speed. He doesn’t even have a chance without the poke steal of OD and Brownie’s excellent pass though!
Smitty raising the CUP as a King………PRICELESS!!!
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kingsfanone…. i agree 100% on loving the smitty trade as soon as i heard it. many phone calls to many friends and family went out that night. been excited about this season ever since!!!
keep up the great play boys!!!!
GO KINGS GO!!!! ITS DUCK SEASON AND PAYBACK TIME!!!!!
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Ducks v. Detroit Game Tonight..who do I root for?
Or can I hope no one scores and the refs decide they each get a loss haha
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I am rooting for the Clucks, hate the wings!
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I feel dirty rooting for the Ducks, but that is the way it is. I hope they beat the crap out of each other as we play them both this week.
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I hate em both haha
If it weren’t for the Schmucks announcers, their games might be bearable. Guess I’ll mute the TV and root for the pond rats.
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Smitty is sick! Best trade the Kings have done in a long time. Great job Lombardi!
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Humm, Kings looking good and playing well early part of the season.
Smyth gets hurt and Kings become average.
Smyth gets healthy and Kings looking again and playing well.
Yep, huge part of the Kings.
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go kings go smyth
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