Andrei Loktinov is back with the Kings, in a high-profile role. He will be the first-line left winger tonight, alongside Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, and Terry Murray indicated that Loktionov will get power-play time as well. Loktionov made the Kings’ roster coming out of training camp and had one goal and one assist in seven games — he was a healthy scratch in four other games — before he was assigned to Manchester of the AHL on Nov. 2. With the Monarchs, Loktionov was the only player on a point-per-game pace, with 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists) in 31 games. He also missed some time recently, as he had to return to Russia after the death of his father, but in his three games after his return, Loktionov had two goals and two assists. After today’s morning skate, Murray talked about his decision to put Loktionov on the first line.
MURRAY: “We gave that a look in the early part of the year. He’s a very high-skilled player that, I think, can create a lot of 5-on-5 (chances). He’s got great composure with the puck, and he’s going to add to the power play, with his abilities there to show the composure, settle it down, maybe open some ice up with that composure when pressured. Settle it, make good plays. We’re hoping we can get some good results on the power play with him there. … We’re not looking for him to be the answer, and have the whole weight on his shoulders. We just want him to be a good player. He was a good player at the start of the year for us. He wasn’t quite ready. He went back down to Manchester and kept working on his game. He was one of the better players — maybe the best player — down there. He was one of the better players in the league. So his game is starting to come together as a pro, and we want him to be a good player. That’s all. Don’t shoulder any other responsibilities in that area.”
Loktionov is a natural center and, frankly, looked far more comfortable at center than at wing early in the season, but the current opening is for a winger, and Loktionov is happy to fill it.
LOKTIONOV: “I have played left wing only 10 games in my life, probably, so it’s tough to say [what he learned from playing wing earlier]. Everything is different. … But I don’t care. I just want to play and be here.”
He’s also happy with the upgrade in weather. There’s a high of 28 degrees in Manchester today, compared to 74 degrees in Los Angeles.
LOKTIONOV: “It’s a little bit hot [laughs]. In Manchester, there’s so much snow and we cannot drive cars. It was so bad. Yesterday, we go — with Slava [Viatcheslav Voynov] — to lunch, and we had to push his car. Some people helped us.”
Let’s hope this time works out better than the first for him. Good luck!
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Yesterday, we go — with Slava [Viatcheslav Voynov] — to lunch, and we had to push his car. Some people helped us.”
Too darn funny. I suppose there is a difference between the AHL and the NHL.
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Mel Powell Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@jet, Yep, up here in the NHL you’d have to get out and help the driver push the limo.
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Howe 9 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@Mel Powell,
Hah, funny but not really true. I could see that with baseball players. But hockey players are the most down to earth guys in sports. I could see Richardson & Clifford pushing his car down El Segundo Blvd. to the Toyota Sports Center.
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newf Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@jet, hell when i lived in St. Johns and the Leafs had their farm team there, I used to live across the street from Felix Potvin. I used to have to go help him shovel his driveway so he could get to practice on time.
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If he can help us right now we’ll send him a limo to go to lunch. lol
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Good Luck, Kid!
Keep your head up!
Can’t wait for tonight’s game!
Go Kings Go!!!
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I would like to see Lotki creating some space for Kopi on the pp, or vice versa. Could be very interesting to watch tonight.
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King o' Philly Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@happylappy, i’m with ya there!
it’s hard not to have high expectations, after the recent revolving-door mess @ LW. but we gotta remember his youth and he’s accustomed to playing at center…
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TM “We’re hoping we can get some good results on the power play with him there. … We’re not looking for him to be the answer,” but if he doesn’t score on his first two shifts he’ll be send to the 4th line and if he doesn’t score there he’ll be benched..
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KC23 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@Golfnut303, … and if he scores and does well we’ll change the line ups anyway. :/
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1st line….man the desperation is obvious
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King o' Philly Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@Darren,
less desperate look than putting Poni up there, imho! that guy is 3rd liner AT BEST.
at least lokti looks to be a real goal-scorer in the NHL someday.
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KC23 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@Darren, Been obious since November.
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and he’s playing as a LW and he’s a natural center.
why don’t they just put JJ on the Left wing and give it a try??
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@Golfnut303, If TM tried that and you think he’s taking a lot of heat NOW……..
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Mike L Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Golfnut303,
Its too late to put JJ on Wing. He’s starting to get his overall game as a defensemen is coming out.
Would be a mistake to do it
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Daniel Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Golfnut303, Guess some guys don’t get sarcasm.
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I picture Lokti standing in front of the hotel with a sweater, and a jacket on, and a lady walking her dog will be staring at him while she walks by.
When he goes back, he’ll step off the plane wearing shorts and a T, and a lady will be staring as she’s passing by in a sled with dogs pulling it.
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happylappy Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Dominick, lol, plaid shorts no doubt.
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This is stupid. A rookie in the first line. Come on DL get rid of this loser coach. Only thing he can do is change the lines.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@Jamer, News flash: Not going to happen.
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Jamer Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@HockeyNerd, Never say never as it relates to coaching. I only hope that it happens sooner rather than later. DL stated, on NHL Live, he is not considering a coaching change or player personnel changes. Another stupid thing to say. Something has got to happen to shake up this latent talent. Bench, send back to AHl or a trade-please DL or you will be golfing in April again.
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fsd1 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@Jamer, not only won’t happen jamer, tired of hearing you say it.
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Jamer Reply:
January 21st, 2011 at 8:17 am
@fsd1, then plan on not being in the playoffs again.
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Any one watch the CHL skill stuff of nhl.com Also Tomas Jurco is crazy!! should become a king lol
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I hope it works, but it hasn’t in the past. Lokti didn’t show anything when he was here, what makes this any different? What’s next? We start all over again and go with the Line combos when Lokti was sent down?
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Purple Ghost Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@kylecliffordfan, Young players improve over time (e.g. Clifford).
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kylecliffordfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@Purple Ghost, Clifford starting playing better in the same ammount of games Lokti had with the Kings. Plus Clifford was responsible in his own end.
I wouldn’t compare Clifford to lokti. Clifford has an NHL body and is fit for the league. Clifford has also proven he can compete and play here.
I want to see Lokti prove that, I hope he does.
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vplaza Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@kylecliffordfan,
I will agree that Clifford has the body and fitness to be in the league. I also think that he’s responsible in his own end.
But, at this stage of his career, it’s obvious that his offensive skills need some serious development. He can be strong on the puck and he can perform the cycle somewhat effectively. But to me, he doesn’t seem to have the passing or finishing skills that would make him a really good player.
He’s obviously a rookie, so he can develop those things. He needs to step up in those areas to be a really valuble asset to the team. Otherwise, he’ll be a good checker/grinder, fighter, and not much else.
Just MHO.
CupRun2011 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@kylecliffordfan, Nothing else was working…not even the “blast from the past” with Smyth-Kopi-Williams.
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KC23 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@kylecliffordfan, Young players can change in a hurry. The difference between Martinez now and last year is unbelievable.
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kylecliffordfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@KC23, Yeah, but I am not sure if it is his game or more he phsyical make up. I think Lokti needs to learn how to use his skill and smaller frame in this bigger faster game. He seemed to shy away from the puck a lot and wasn’t willing to take a hit to make a play. You can’t do that in the NHL. Plus 8 goals in Manchester isn’t that impressive. i expected him to have more.
But I am pulling for him.. Heck i am pulling for the whole team, we need to win both these games against the Yotes. Pressure is on the Kings.
I know other teams were interested Lokti, so maybe he would show he can play in the big game and we can get something really good for him in a trade?
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Dan H. Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@kylecliffordfan,
I love Clifford but he’s not the offensive threat to be that Lokti is. Clifford is the prototypical checking forward and does a great job. He hasn’t even been as evident in this fall as everyone else. The team as a whole is losing every battle to loose pucks and there’s no fire.
This isn’t a coach problem…but a player problem
Rene Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@kylecliffordfan, the powerplay was clicking a lot better when he was on it. watch him play and you will be a fan of this guy. he makes a lot of subtle smart plays.
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kylecliffordfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@Rene, I have watched him play. I couldn’t stand watching him at the start of this season. No way will I be a fan, until he cstarts showing me that he will not shy away from a hit to make a play. He also needs to tighten up defensively before I am sold. What did he do? one goal off his boot?
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Osaka Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@kylecliffordfan, I hope I am wrong, I just don’t see Lokti as an NHL player.
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kylecliffordfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@Osaka, I hate to say it, but I agree. maybe we can get something for him? Iggy? Penner? someone really to play with Kopi.
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vplaza Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@kylecliffordfan,
Just curious. Why would another team trade for someone who isn’t an NHL player? That doesn’t seem to make sense.
Osaka Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@kylecliffordfan, If the Kings don’t think he is an NHL player I don’t think there is much trade value there. Same goes for Hickey. The prospect with trade value is Schenn, there lies the problem with trades, you have to give up something to get something.
Michael_DD8 Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@kylecliffordfan,
i havent seen you in foever kylecliffordman, its too funny i see you now that lokti gets the call!! Just on time to bash him in huh? hahah
neil Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
@kylecliffordfan, Lotki is much more of a prospect then Clifford
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kylecliffordfan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@Michael_DD8,
No most of my post are screened and deleted. Don’t normally come on here, because it’s not a great place to debate or post your opinions. There are better sites for that.
I was right once before when Lokti was sent down and I will be right again. Guy can’t protect the puck and is too small. Oh wait, he really lit the lamp when he was here and when in the ahl? LOLOLOL
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Osaka Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@neil, ? Clifford isn’t a prospect, he is a regular on the team. Lokti has more offensive potential, a greater offensive upside, but less of a chance to be on the team 3 years from now. He is a wildcard. I hope to God I am wrong but I don’t see Lokti amounting to much. I hope to post on here very soon I was wrong!
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State of the Blog Word Cloud…
http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/3012819/State_of_the_Blog,_01-20-2011
Neutral, from what I can tell…
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I wish he would wear the number 4. #fourLoko
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Honest question: Do the other teams in the NHL make this many line combination changes?
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Harty Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@MadMatt, no definitely not
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I wasn’t sure he got enough of a chance the first time around, so maybe this is good. I certainly hope that it isn’t too little too late. As Rich pointed out, these next two games can pretty much spell out how the season will turn out. Win them and they’re sort of back into it. Lose them and it may well be season’s over.
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I hope I am wrong, but I just can’t get excited about Loktionov. I havn’t seen anything from him at all when he was up. He is small and wasn’t every effective. I saw more from Moller in the few games he played. Moller played bigger, stronger, battled, went into traffic areas….
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If you look at the entire season of the Kings and be honest, no bull these are the players that have stayed consistent, not the best player just played with effort every night during the games……….
-Kopitar
-Martinez
-Clifford
-Williams
-Lewis
-Scuderi
-Smyth
-Harrod
………now the players that have had most swings in consistency………..
-Doughty
-Johnson
-Simmonds
-Greene
-Brown
-Handzus
-Richardson
-Mitchell
-Quick
-Bernier
……and those that just don’t or cannot get going at all…….
-Stoll
-Ponikarvoski
-Westgarth
-King
…….and those unproven yet…….
-Lotkionov
-Moeller
A bit of a recap from my arm chair in the TV room.
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Пойдите забивают гол сегодня вечером, ребенок!
(go score a goal tonight, kid!)
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@IceGuy, is that Russian?
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Da.
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What would you take if the over under was 10 shifts on the first line before he gets moved
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well im really excited he is coming up and playing…just hope TM gives him a good opportunity..like let him play with kopi and bronw for an entire game. and not only one game but a couple of games so then can build some chemestry…i hope TM doesnt f%^#%^$%^ it up and starts to move him around today or next few game
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jason Reply:
January 20th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
@gmo, yea i hope lokti scores 5 goals so murray keeps him on the line for at least 3 months.. I just saw simmons and doughty joking around before the game.. they need to focus.. I say simmons and brown go nuts tonight
mark my words
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watch tonight… The guys who play good under pressure will shine.. Quick, Simmons, stoll, brown will all play good.. Watch, i promise… Only thing is they wont play like that every night.. When they do they will win… I also hope half the kings starters get injured so kozun, moller, lokti can all stay and give kings a chance to go far lol… I bet right now Murray is wishing they kept schenn.. Stoll, Handzus have been iffy.. Lewis has been good..Just a matter of time before he scores more.. I wonder how he would do with more skill on his line
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