Nothing new for Richardson

Maybe it will work better this time… Last season, Teddy Purcell was the first Kings player to start at least one game on each of the four lines. It didn’t turn out so well, as Purcell got traded to Tampa Bay at the deadline. Tonight, Brad Richardson becomes the inaugural member of the “Four Lines” club when he starts on the third line with center Michal Handzus and right winger Wayne Simmonds. There shouldn’t be much of a transition, because Richardson has basically played with everyone on the team during his three seasons with the Kings, and in the past Richardson has seemed to have particular chemistry with Simmonds. Still, Terry Murray said he wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a bit of an adjustment period for Richardson, who replaces Alexei Ponikarovsky (broken finger).

MURRAY: “I think the adjustment, it would probably take a little bit of time. I never went through it as a player, to different positions like that, so you probably have to take some time reflecting on it, sure. I think it will come back quickly. They have played together in the past, so I think it will fall into place pretty fast.”

15 Comments

  1. 8ball says:

    anybody there? i hate walking point.

    [Reply]

  2. Kevco says:

    Simmonds and Richardson should be exciting to see playing together. Lots of energy and toughness.

    [Reply]

    Deke'r Reply:

    @Kevco, And with the mighty Zues centering should be fun as well…..

    [Reply]

  3. rontheking says:

    i may be going out on a limb here…but i do think it will work better for richardson than it did for purcell.

    although i suppose you could look at it a different way, and say it worked out for purcell as well but in a different city.

    doubtful they would trade a guy like richie any time soon.

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  4. launch says:

    you have to love a guy like Richie…the man just plays hockey. No BS just production.

    Every Stanley Cup winner has a player like the Kings BR.

    he even shows up in the playoffs…

    [Reply]

    Harty Reply:

    @launch, I want the big guys to really lead the way nightly, Kopi, Brownie, Smyth, Zeus…..these guys are the difference makers

    GKG

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    launch Reply:

    @Harty,
    how can DD not be one of our “big guys”???

    my point was about the value of a utility type player on the roster….I do not disagree that our top players need to “lead the way”

    just trying to show proper respect to Richie

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    the dude from the southeast Reply:

    @launch, ok i agree with your big guys, but what about DD JJ and surprisingly JW and JS?

    Deke'r Reply:

    @launch, Not to worry….anyone who’s participated in competitive sports respects Richie! GO KINGS!

  5. 8ball says:

    you guys are all right-on as far as i know. which
    ain’t much.

    [Reply]

  6. 8ball says:

    i’ll catch hell for bringing this up but… looks
    like joisey’s already had enough of you-know-who.
    don’t fall for it deano.

    [Reply]

    8ball Reply:

    @8ball,
    broken finger ain’t worth 100 million for a
    fill-in.

    [Reply]

  7. McDonalds says:

    and a great first shift for the third line…no surprise there

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  8. McDonalds says:

    GREAT work down low boys!

    [Reply]

  9. JKA says:

    OK, time to come clean….DL had it right in giving up a 2nd for Richardson a few years ago, which elicted screams from Kings fans (myself include) then and even more after his bad first season…..without Richardson to fill in effectively where needed, we’d be looking at Zeiler and Harrold playing regular shifts…..that’s no way to chase a Cup

    [Reply]

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