Terry Murray seemed to be keeping his options open on defense today in practice, as the defensemen were frequently rotating partners in practice drills. Yesterday, Murray committed to a top pairing of Drew Doughty and Rob Scuderi, and today he leaned toward pairing Jack Johnson with Matt Greene — the blog poll wins again! — and Davis Drewiske with Jake Muzzin. It fits with Murray’s model of having one puck-mover with one stay-at-home guy, although that means classifying Muzzin as a puck-mover.
MURRAY: “They played pretty well together before, Greener and Jack. That’s probably the way we’ll lead. I don’t want to say definitely, but that’s probably the way we will go.”
That means Peter Harrold would be a healthy scratch, but Murray today once again referenced Harrold’s “utility” ability. Asked if the Kings might promote a forward to take Alexei Ponikarovsky’s lineup spot in the short term, Murray said he felt comfortable and noted that Harrold can also play forward, as he did last season.
Okay, now it makes a little more sense to me about moving Scuds back with DD. Didn’t realise JJ and Greene played together that much. I guess much more than DD and Greene have ever played together.
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Very intelligent decison by coach Murray
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I would like to see the Kings find a way to work Martinez and his speed into the lineup. He seems to be playing a more mature game at Manchester and his offensive punch could be a welcome addition to the power play as well.
I know it does not seem feasible now as someone would have to be subtracted but he might be an interesting option later in the season in the event of defensive injuries. He is probably the best skating Kings defenseman in the system.
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puck73 Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
@Crown Royal, No one questions wether Martinez can skate. Come to think of it, Hickey can skate as well but the bottom line is..if Martinez was better then Muzzin, Drewiske, or Harrold, trust me..he would be here in a snap!
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Crown Royal Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
@puck73,
Not so sure about that. Muzzin has played well and has proven he belongs here if given the opportunity to play.
Martinez seems to have improved. Leading Manchester in plus/minus, has ten points in thirteen games which is impressive for a defenseman and is an assistant captain.
Defensemen can take a while to mature. We’ve been spoiled in L.A. with Doughty, JJ, and Jake playing here at a young age but many D-Men take longer. Willie Mitchell, for example, was 24 before making it in the bigs.
I understand Muzzin coming up instead. I would make the same move but Martinez may just be coming into his own. It’s difficult to ignore his skating ability. I like Hickey too not so much for his skating which I don’t think is as good as Martinez but for other things he brings to the dance.
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puck73 Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
@Crown Royal, Well reasoned take..see ya tomorrow night?
Putting Harry on the 3rd line with Simmer and Zeus sounds pretty good to me.
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I’m down to see DD and DD2 on the ice together, that could be one young awesome pair.
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Muzzin puck mover…no way…Muzzin is the stay home, Drewiske is the puck moving defenseman. He has a knack for taking off out of no where before realizing he is in the offensive zone and doesn’t know what to do with the puck so he turns it over…Drewiske = puck mover, Muzzin = stay at home.
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USHA#17 Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@Erik4Kings,
DD2 does move and skate the puck on occasion just not very well and has perhaps the softest shot on the squad. Through he is much improved as a defensive player since the first five games.
The biggest difference is DD2 rarely looks up to make long outlet passes whereas Muzzin gets looks and makes good outlet passes.
DD2 will carry the puck into the zone and do nothing, Muzzin moves up, stops at the blue line and rarely does much more.
I feel DD2 is playing at his best ability currently. I think Muzzin will improve, especially in the offensive zone and has the better shot from the point.
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ToughD Reply:
November 11th, 2010 at 12:59 am
@Erik4Kings, No way. DD2 is the defensive dman, so I guess that leaves Muzz as the offensive? dman. DD2 is playing solid D. As far as puck-moving, for now close but I give the nod to Muzz. Haven’t noticed much offensively from either, but I mostly watch as a fan, not concentrating on individuals.
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Puck 73,
Unfortunately I will not be in L.A. tomorrow. Really wanted to be there to meet the King’s Loyalists. (Makes us sound like Tories, or something).
Sorry I won’t get to meet you and some of the others. I think you are one of the more intelligent of the faithful, often posting good comments. Will try to make it next time.
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puck73 Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
@Crown Royal, Look forward to it. When you say “Tories” I am guessing you might be from England?
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Crown Royal Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
@puck73,
No, despite my moniker as a Canadian blend I am an American. My reference to “Tories” was about those supporting the English Crown prior to, and during the American Revoultion. It seemed fitting for those who now support the L.A. King’s Crown.
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puck73 Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
@Crown Royal, Ok, cool. Well I hope we see you at future events that Frank and Rich put together…Cheers!
I don’t follow Manchester all that much, but it did seem to me in the few games Martinez has played here that he seems awful small, especially for a defenseman. How big is he?
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Harrold probably doesn’t like it much, but he probably fully understands that his two-way abilities make him highly valued, and it could be what keeps him around for quite some time.
Sounds odd, but I can’t currently think of anyone I’d rather have sitting in the stands with a suit on.
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