After practice today, Terry Murray said that his lineup for Saturday’s game in Las Vegas would be veteran-heavy, including the Smyth-Kopitar-Brown, Richardson-Stoll-Williams and Ponikarovsky-Handzus-Simmonds lines, plus Drew Doughty, Willie Mitchell, Rob Scuderi, Jack Johnson and, in goal, Jonathan Quick. The fourth line is still to be determined, and Murray indicated that he would go with a third defense pair of Jake Muzzin and Peter Harrold.
Murray wouldn’t say who his goaltender(s) would be for Sunday’s game at Anaheim, although he might have tipped his hand a bit when he said that there might be an opportunity for Erik Ersberg to play half the game. That might indicate that he has already decided to play Jonathan Bernier for at least half the game, given that it’s highly doubtful that Quick would play in back-to-back games in that situation.
Scott Parse is still off the ice, and Murray said it is doubtful that Parse would play this weekend.
That does it; Parse is losing his chance due to injury it seems… I would think that Richie gets starting 2nd line LW spot to begin with and if he falters than Parse jumps in.
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jet Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
@VanKingsFan, Richie is in the training room after prectice saying, let me stretch that grion out for you Parsee.
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Kingluddy Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
@jet, Any idea what jerseys the Kings will be wearing in Vegas, hope they bring out the ALL BLACKS
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jet Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
@Kingluddy, Good question. I hope they save home plate for the Devils
seriously need to start figuring out plan B for LW2. looks like Richie, but i think thats a band-aid
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Westgarth should be on that 4th line as he broke the jaw of one of the Avs. Also really want to get a look at Schenn in person. But that’s just my selfish thinking. Love the line up so far. Can’t wait till Sat. Everyone traveling out here, have a safe trip.
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I haven’t heard anything in a while about Harrold getting forward minutes any longer. I get the feeling that Richardson is going to take most of the minutes that Harrold was getting the last few years.
Also, if Parse goes on IR I would rather call up Moller or try Loktionov at LW 2 and keep Richie at the bottom six where his game is better suited. The 2nd line needs a scorer at LW.
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54FIGHTING Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
@Joel,
Harrold’s time in LA is quickly coming to an end.
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If Parse stays hurt I’m thinking Lokti and Schenn make the team. That would be nice.
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Muzzin and no hockey at?
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Howe 9 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
@jake,
What?
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Is it any highlights from Ducks game on internet?
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Shoot, I was hoping to see Bernier and Hickey Saturday.
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Oz Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
@Tami, me too! More so Bernier for me…
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Hickey hasn’t played well at all. IMO he is headed back to AHL, and rightfully so. Muzzin has played pretty well on the other hand. I think that Loktionov has outplayed Schenn and would love to see him stick around this year. I find it kind of sad that Parse is being suggested for the second line when he is healthy. I’d love to see Poni play a higher line too..to me he seems like he has had very strong games.
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Kingsfan99 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
@kororr,
“If Hickey hasn’t played well at all”, he wouldn’t be around this far in training camp. He would have been cut awhile ago.
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nykingfan Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@kororr,
TM disagrees with you about Hickey.
He’s praised both Hickey and Muzzin. that’s why both are still here fighting for that spot.
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kororr Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@nykingfan, @kingsfan99
alright fellas, let me re-phrase…Hickey hasn’t played as well as Muzzin. Hope that sits a little better.
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USHA#17 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
@kororr,
Out played by a nose perhaps. The difference IMO? I Mizzen size out weights Hickey’s stick. More so with JJ and DD on the team. We can use more beef on the Blue Line.
With Parse sidelined, the 2nd line left winger spot up for grabs, and the New Jersey Devils several million bucks over the salary cap, why not take a shot at trading for Jamie Langenbrunner. He’s only got 1-year left on his 2.8 million cap-hit contract, and is reportedly the player that the Devils are looking to dump to get under the cap. Since they wouldn’t be able to take much back in terms of salary, he could be had on the cheap, probably in exchange for a prospect or a 2nd to 3rd round 2011 draft pick.
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TKEcanuck341 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
….and since there’s only 1-year left on his contract, it wouldn’t prevent us from being able to lock up our key RFA’s like JMFJ or Dewey. If he works out, DL could negotiate a new contract with him next July that fits with our salary structure.
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DougS Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@TKEcanuck341,
I wouldn’t mind having Langenbrunner at that price. But given that the Kings seem to have more promising young forwards than they can keep on the big league roster, I would rather run through them first before I traded for someone. If none of them are suitable/ready, then you make a trade. So a trade near or at the deadline maybe, but not now.
I realize that NJ will have to trade someone now to get under the cap, so that probably rules out Langenbrunner. But I think that acquiring a veteran now would send the wrong message to the young ‘uns. Loktionov, Schenn and Clifford have all made serious cases for themselves as being ready for prime time. If you pass them over for someone outside the organization, I think that says to them, “You can work your butts off to prove that you belong, and it won’t matter. We still won’t trust you.” That’s not the message I think the Kings should send them.
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TKEcanuck341 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
@DougS,
I agree that Loktionov, Schenn, and Clifford have all progressed very quickly and are ready for prime-time hockey. However, I don’t think any of them are ready to jump into a top-six role.
Scott Parse is the only example of someone who I think has enough professional experience (Manchester and LA) to be given an opportunity to play on the first two lines, although it is still yet to be seen whether or not he’s going to be the next Teddy Purcell. I think bringing in someone like Langenbrunner who only has one-year left on his contract says to the players that “We respect your development enough to not dump you into a role that you’re not ready for.” I don’t think it’s inappropriate to give yourself some depth on a team that has a shortage of natural wingers, in case of injuries (Schenn, Loktionov, Moller, and Lewis are all centers).
As previously discussed, I think Schenn will get his 9 games and get sent back to his junior team and Loktionov will split the season between LA on the 4th line and Manchester on the first line with Oscar Moller. He will have an opportunity to jump up and fill spots when Justin Williams inevitably gets hurt again this season.
I think Clifford makes the team as a regular on the 4th line. I think Clifford is a career 3rd/4th liner and don’t see him ever cracking a top-six position.
Once they’ve been given another year to mature, I think that Loktionov, Schenn, and Clifford all make the team next year, as neither Williams nor Ponikarovsky will probably be resigned.
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YoBro Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
@DougS, Agree with your astute assessment. Your post reeks of logic and a winning philosophy the Kings would do well to stick with.
Go Kings
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OK King fans you wanted to see it, and now here it is!! The recent fight at Staples between Brayden Schenn vs Luca Sbisa!! Enjoy!! P.S. You might need to sign up for hockeyfights.com I’m not sure but it’s free
http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/97039
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He is not a LEFT WINGER!!!
Please think about these things before posting people.
As far as having a true 4th line center, well…
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nykingfan Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968,
who?
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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@nykingfan,
Langenbrunner.
Sorry, I just posted without responding to the message I intended.
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TKEcanuck341 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968, He played left wing when he started his career for the Dallas Stars and earned himself a Calder nomination.
“[Langenbrunner]did not become a regular with the Dallas Stars until the 1996–97 season when he played 76 games and scored 39 points playing on the left wing. He was a candidate for the Calder Memorial Trophy which is given annually to the NHL’s Rookie of the year.”
It’s not unheard of for a winger to be asked to switch sides for the good of the team. Dustin Brown played on the LW for a while after O’Sullivan was traded.
TKEcanuck341 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Here’s a prime example about a player switching wings. Kovalchuk moves to RW.
http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/09/devils_move_kovalchuk_to_right.html
Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
@TKEcanuck341
If thats the case, then it’s all the more reason to use one of OUR players in that spot, not him.
One of the reasons why people say things like “put Kopi on the fourth line left wing, or put JJ on the first line right wing spot, or put Quick on the first pairing with Scuderi” is because, as much as I hate to say it, Kings fans have been used to ghetto hockey up till’ last year.
You want to put Langenbrunner on the second line left wing? Fine, what do we give up for that.
You want to make him a fourth line center? O.K…let’s talk.
I’m getting tired of, “Well, Loktionov has lit it up in camp and probably deserves to make the team, but because Schenn can’t go back to Manchester he should stick.” No, he shouldn’t. What message does it send if a player shows up to camp in the shape of his life, clearly distinguishes himself in terms of physicality, work ethic, and scoring touch, and loses a spot to an inferior player because of arbitrary rules? A pretty poor one, if you ask me. People seem to worry about stunting Schenn’s development, but what about stunting Loktionov’s? If the kid’s ready for the NHL, he’s ready. Don’t halt the momentum he has clearly established for himself.
Related question: Because Parse has missed most of camp, is it possible to send him to Manchester on a brief conditioning assignment once the season starts, thereby avoiding waivers?
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Pumpernicholl Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
@Jordan, Agree with you 100% on the Loktionov – Schenn issue. Well said.
As for Parse, I believe he can go to Manchester for conditioning, bypassing waivers but only after coming off of IR. Which would mean he would need to be placed on IR in the first place, to start the season, and stay on the injured list for at least a week into the season. Someone please correct me if I am mistaken on that.
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griddle Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@Jordan, I agree 100%.
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Not sure if this has been posted yet. Willie Mitchell had an interview with the Sporting News in which he talks about his concussion issues.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2010-09-29/willie-mitchell-can-relate-to-savard-laperriere-problems
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Paul From Oxnard Reply:
September 30th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I also wrote a bit about this story on my blog.
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My bags are packed for Frozen Fury. I look forward to it every year. Gamble,watch a Kings game, and rage in Vegas for the weekend. It just doesnt get any better.
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