Drewiske's return

Davis Drewiske will be back in the Kings’ lineup tonight for the first time since he injured his shoulder in a Jan. 4 game against San Jose. Terry Murray often talks about the Ducks’ big bodies, and the Kings’ need for defensemen and the goalie to be ready for a physical game in front of the net. No doubt, Murray hopes that Drewiske, at 6-foot-2, 222 pounds, can help the Kings in that area. Here’s what Drewiske said about his return, followed by Murray’s thoughts…

DREWISKE: “I’m excited to get back in. I’ll just try to do my part. We’ve been on a good roll here, so I just have to keep it simple and take care of our own end, and hopefully we can keep winning.”

Question: You’ve been practicing for a while, but nothing can really duplicate the game situation, right?

DREWISKE: “That’s true. Nothing does duplicate the game situation, but I made it a real point to try to get back on the ice as soon as possible after the injury. I’ve been skating, trying to keep that conditioning up, and keep some of the timing. Game intensity is a little different, a little higher, but I tried to stay as close to that as I thought I could.”

Question: You’re going to be partnered with Jack Johnson. How do you feel the two of you can complement each other’s game?

DREWISKE: “I think I just try to play my game. Be simple, try to be physical in our end and let Jack do his thing. He’s a good all-around player and I’m looking forward to playing with him.”

And Murray’s thoughts…

Question: With Drewiske going in, does that give you a little different look on defense?

MURRAY: “It’s a different look, but he’s been a pretty important player for us, before his injury, and it’s just time to get him going again. He’s working extremely hard in the practices, to get himself ready, and I feel he is there, so it’s a big body against some big players. They’re going to go to the net and hang out there. Whiskey is a big guy, and he’s got to use his bulk and size in those areas of the game.”