By most standards — including statistics and subjective viewing — Andrei Loktionov had his most confident, aggressive game last night. Loktionov scored a third-period goal, had three shots on goal — his highest total of the season — and, in general, seemed more confident on the puck and more aggressive away from it. Loktionov has also been rewarded, by Terry Murray, with time on the first power-play unit, and got praise from his coach for his effort against Boston…
MURRAY: “Loktionov, he’s going to settle in, the more he plays in those big situations. He likes the challenge. He’s a competitive player. You’re playing in a position that you haven’t played a lot of, and you’re playing with new linemates, so there’s an adjustment period, but I sure like his aggressive attitude. He’s going after pucks, he’s recovering pucks and staying with that kind of a mindset, which is very important. He’s not hesitant. He’s either right of top of it, or maybe gets caught going the wrong way but I sure like the attitude of, `I’ve got to go do this. This is what I normally do in my look for this read.’ And he stays with it, and it’s starting to fall in place for him.”
If Loktionov continues to play well, he might make things very difficult for the Kings. Marco Sturm is on injured reserve with knee tendinitis, but isn’t expected to be out long-term. The Kings no longer have a spare roster spot, and the regular healthy scratches have been Davis Drewiske, Peter Harrold and either Kevin Westgarth or Alexei Ponikarovsky, so if the Kings wanted to keep Loktionov, they would have waiver-exposure issues anywhere they turned. Of course, that’s getting a little ahead of ourselves, but today, I asked Murray if he had any thoughts about keeping Loktionov with the Kings in the long term.
MURRAY: “We’ll talk that out down the line. I don’t know exactly where Sturm is today (with his recovery) or how soon we’re looking at him coming back into the lineup. There’s a lot of progress with him. Clearly we have to send somebody down when he comes back, so that will be an organization decision. You’re locked into a couple looks only, when you have to make that decision.”
Does anyone know the correct RSS feed now? Mine stopped updating on Sunday. I see there are some 50 Google Reader subscribers so others must be having the same issue. It shows the last update, but doesn’t publish the stories…
[Reply]
Token Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 6:54 am
@Tony, It has been broken since the crash a few weeks back.
Even when it worked before it ran an hour late or somesuch. Even then it only gave a snippet of the story, not the whole thing.
I hope they fix the whole site soon and bring back the mobile version as well.
[Reply]
2hitnik Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 11:31 am
@Token, Not having the mobile site keeps me away…
[Reply]
- ViC - Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@Tony,
Sorry for noob question but what is RSS feed ?
[Reply]
Tony Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 7:30 pm
@- ViC -, Real Simple Syndication (I believe), a google search could probably answer that but I’m too lazy to look it up on my phone.
really would love to have RSS back up!!!
[Reply]
Keep it up guy. You’ve given the team a nice lift when they needed it. I’m proud of the team, they have been playing well for the last five games, fighting the whole way. The last two games have shown that it has paid off. Keep’er going guys…SKIN THE SHARKS!!!!
[Reply]
I love Lokti.
Got to talk to the guy a few times as he came out for a few social drinks with the team (Windsor Spitfires) last year. He’s such a nice guy, really shy, and can’t really hold a convo because of the language barrier. It’s great to see him succeed, however, is it just me, or is he not really impressive? Maybe I’m just harder on him cause I know what he can do and what he is doing. And I’m a huge fan of the kid and want the best for him.
See….his biggest fault in the OHL when I watched him, was that he’d easily get hurt. I feel when he plays in the NHL he quickly gets rid of the puck to avoid getting hit. He’s got so much skill and dangles and I feel when he finally gets 100% comfortable he will really shine as a King. I feel like this early praise of him is a little premature and I expect more from Jimmy Neutron! BTW please continue the tradition and call him Jimmy! LOL!
Also side note. I always felt that Lokti was a better player than Taylor Hall. That’s my opinion though.
[Reply]
Jstin Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@MiniKing, You are correct MiniKing. From what I’ve seen as well he does seem easily hurt…. but at 5-10, 180lbs playing this sport you are bound to. I think at this point so early on in his career quickly getting rid of the puck is more about survival…
In time, hopefully he bulks up. I do believe in the next few season he should turn into a fine second line player.
[Reply]
TheRussianKing Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@MiniKing, I’d say he’s holding his own on the ice right now. He’s very composed and fundamentally in the right place at the right time. If we have to send someone back down i’d let it be Westgarth because whether he gets grabbed off waivers or not, no one would really care and honestly i dont think anyone really wants him.
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@TheRussianKing, Its not that we dont “want him” , his job is just being done by yonger and more offensively tallented kids. Westy is a great guy, and to be fair to him he should be put on waivers to get a chance @ a full time roster spot somewhere else. I wouldnt feel threatened as LA about losing westy, apparently clifford and westy box every day after practice so we should be well prepared for facing westy on another team.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
@TheRussianKing,
I agree completely. The kings need more skill in the lineup, and with Clifford playing every game Westgarth is not really needed except rarely…contrast that with the possibility of having another high skill, possession player like Lokti….
Bottom line: The Kings need scoring and players who can make other players around them better. That’s not Westgarth.
[Reply]
Unamailer Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@rontheking, You guys hit it right on the head. The enforcer in the NHL is an endangered species, unless they have skills (which is few and far between). The Kings need skill players, not unskilled goons. Sorry Westy, but the game has passed you bye. This team has Clifford and Simmonds, and they can both play, as well as fight. That’s enough. Keep Lokti, jettison Westgarth.
Dominick Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
@Unamailer,
I know I’m probably in the minority, but Westy is a rookie. Don’t let his performance so far this season, lead you to the conclusion that a guy like him can’t be helpful. I agree the Kings need talent more than an enforcer right now (something that he seriously lacks), but he could contribute better if he understood how to do his job correctly. It’s not about fighting, It’s about hitting hard, causing havoc, taking on players who could cause injuries, and taking players off the ice who pose a physical threat. Westy hasn’t been good at any of those things, which leaves him with nothing but inefficient playing skills.
He might figure it out, he might not. If the Kings had someone in the line up who could do those things, he’d be worth his weight in gold.
Even though Lokti did not get on the score sheet on our lone power play goal, his boxing out the defender play was key to Smyth scoring the goal as Smyth would not have had the extra time for the extra whacks! I think Lokti should have been the 3rd star!
[Reply]
2hitnik Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 11:39 am
@Coach, Didn’t Lokti have the 2nd goal Monday?
[Reply]
Sako Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@2hitnik, yes he did, but coach is just referring to the first goal
[Reply]
There’s really no point in NOT trading Harrold since TM never uses him. For Peter’s sake I’d like to see him get to play somewhere. If you bring him back in the playoffs he’ll be like a player adjusting to the pace coming back from injury.
Drewiske and Harrold could be attractive to a team in rebuild.
I’d love to get Okposo, but realistically Fisher, steve Bernier, and Tuomo Ruttu would be nice additions (one of them, of course).
Could Alfredsson be a target?
I know Harry and Drewiske aren’t going to fetch big names by themselves, but it must be going through DL’s mind packaging some of our excess.
[Reply]
Cristobal Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@Cristobal,
Of course, we could become sellers by the deadline, too.
[Reply]
therocknroll80s Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@Cristobal, I love Peter Harrold! That guy is a solid top four defensemen!
[Reply]
Mongo88 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@Cristobal, I couldn’t agree with you more. I said it yesterday the Kings have out grown Harrold. He was great soldier for TM. But the pool is deep and Peter isn’t in future plans.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
@Cristobal, Yes please…to all. I’ll take your answers off the air.
I would think Alfie would be a perfect fit as a 2nd line center on this team. It would allow the Kings to not rush any of the kids, meanwhile, give us something we desperately need. A real 2nd line center.
I do like Stoll and/or Handzus, but neither are a 2nd line center. That’s a hole on this team that can be filled via trade.
Yes, it may cost a prospect we don’t want to give up, but at this point in time, we have the ability to part with some, and still be just fine.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 7:40 am
@Cristobal, It would be a mistake to trade away Harrold. He competently fills a forward or defenseman’s role on a short-term basis. I think it’s better to take a chance on sending Westgarth or Wiskie down–most likely Westgarth. He’s the guy who turns out to be in Clifford’s shadow.
[Reply]
OFF TOPIC:
anyone remember jake muzzin?
I really liked that kid, he wasnt that bad and was good in the d-zone
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Bfarm, yes he was good, but never really stood out as much as martinez has
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
@lafan13, Martinez didn’t exactly stand out last year either…Muzzin will be fine.
[Reply]
Seabass Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@Bfarm, I believe he’s injured
[Reply]
Bruce Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@Seabass,
FYI – Muzzin returned to Manchester’s lineup this past weekend.
[Reply]
When the time comes, send Westgarth down. I don’t think it’s a hard decision.
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
@Kostamojen,
He wouldn’t clear waivers, so you’d just be giving him away.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
@Quisp, You say that like it’s a bad thing …
[Reply]
Mongo88 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@Quisp, I’m glad to see you post. I haven’t seen you on here in awhile.
[Reply]
king lopez Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
@Quisp, And…..?
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@king lopez,
I’d rather get a pick for him if possible.
tornado12 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@Quisp, I disagree. What other team wants an enforcer only, who doesnt bring much hockey skills or even hitting? You say that as if its fact! Nobody knows if he would or wouldn’t. In my opinion, its worth the risk if it keeps a good player on your roster and increases your chance of winning.
[Reply]
Riofan Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
@tornado12,
Since we are disagreeing I disagree that other teams wouldn’t find Westgarth attractive and a bargain at his salary. We lost Parros to waivers and Colorado turned him into a 2nd round pick a month later (guess no one else put a claim). You can thank Burke for that! Clifford is about Brown’s size, you don’t want him dropping the gloves with the heavies.
Quisp Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@tornado12,
I’m just saying he’s not waiver-exempt. I assume he wouldn’t clear. But then, I didn’t think Clune would clear either, and I was wrong about that. However, I didn’t think Westgarth should have been on the team to begin with.
The other waiver/roster issue is coming in March, when Parse returns. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bunch of little deals in the next month, but no big one.
uknojata Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
@tornado12, personally I’d like to see westy drop the gloves more often. However, I see the value in having somebody in that role, who can take on just about anybody in the league and most importantly NOT take a bunch of stupid penalties. Remember Ivanans? It wouldn’t be right to put all that responsibility on young Mr. Clifford’s shoulders.
Token Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 7:08 am
@tornado12, @Quisp,
Waiver and roster rules change at noon on Feb 28th, post trade freeze.
Parse will just return to the roster at that point and no one needs to be sent down.
Besides, anyone picked up off waivers after the trade deadline can’t skate until the next season, so it is very rare for any claims to be made after the trade deadline.
Quisp Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@token
Funny, yes, I was just going to post this. There is no roster limit after 2/28. Maybe Sturm will be out that long?
“Besides, anyone picked up off waivers after the trade deadline can’t skate until the next season, so it is very rare for any claims to be made after the trade deadline.”
Yeah, I read this a couple of years ago, but I am not convinced it’s true. The CBA says the waiver period continues until the end of the season. Every time this comes up I ask to be shown where in the CBA it says that players claimed off waivers after the trade deadline can’t play, and I never get an answer.
KC23 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@Quisp, “He wouldn’t clear waivers, so you’d just be giving him away.”
That works for me. Basically we’d be trading Loktionov for Westgarth.
Yep, I’m good with that.
[Reply]
Michael_J Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@KC23, Not really… The Kings already have Lokti. It would be a net loss to the organization.
KC23 Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 2:18 am
@KC23, I don’t consider him to have any net worth.
leo of pico Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@KC23, their is no team that would take westgarth what does that guy have to offer to any team
As for “down the road”, I have to think the Kings would be quietly shopping 44DD. A good young d-man with NHL experience would be very helpful to some clubs. Sturm and Poni are on one year deals, Harry is too versatile, and TM loves Westie. While none of them would clear waivers, 44DD would bring the most return, IMO.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 8:33 am
@edwood2, Harold is a UFA. DD44 has a couple more years on a steal of a contract.
Harold gas done what he was supposed to do, and he did it well. I hope he finds a starter role somewhere because he deserves it and he just won’t get it with the Kings.
DD44 had his chance to impress, but other than short spurts of good play, he failed to become that physical bruiser defenseman the Kings wanted. Too bad. His situation is worsened by th fact that the kids that will likely replace him are just as affordable, waiver exempt, and have more upside.
I would be surprised if either player is with the club for the cup run.
[Reply]
Move Westy… I really don’t see how they can ship Jimmy (Lotki) off. If we are in indeed going after the post season. Westy brings nothing to the table. Ship him off…
[Reply]
Lotki was up at the beginning and the Kings were 12 and 3 …….Moeller was up and had 3 points and the Kings were 2 and 0 ……..Lotki was back up…..Kings are 2 and 1 …….I see a pattern..He will be sent down and the Kings will go in a losing streak….
[Reply]
therocknroll80s Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
@neil, I hate to say it but you can say that again.
[Reply]
If Smyth wasnt in his way, he would have scored the first goal as well
[Reply]
klepto Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@Seabass, that darn Smyth guy again…when is he ever going to stop hanging around the front of the net?
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
@klepto, hopefully never, hes one of the elites at cleaning up the trash… Hes pretty darn useless anywhere else besides infront or behind of the net ….
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
@lafan13, A common misconception. Smyth is very underrated along the boards.
Lotki is something special! He is a keeper for sure! Think about what he could do playing his natual postion, center.
[Reply]
Lotki is a stud on wheels. He’s a mover; the pass he made up ice to Brownie from his own end, cross ice, right on Brownie’s stick as he entered the B’s zone and made the whole crowd grown was pure skill. He’s got great hands, great vision of the ice and a great shot. He’s not that small either; he’s filling out his jersey, faster than Oscar I’m afraid. I see a tremendous future with Lotki, he’s going to be a great King for years to come.
For those who are talking about exposing Westie to waivers, I’d reconsider. Unfortunately, there are too many teams out there who would like to put the slam on some of our kids. I just cringe every time someone runs at Dewey, Kopi, etc. Having a guy around like that who can be an enforcer really helps. Granted, he’s taking up a roster spot which I’m not wild about and he’s been a healthy scratch most of the season. But when the Kings go up against a team that is only interested in physically hurting our players, he’s good to have around.
[Reply]
lafan13 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
@Moondoggie, Im sorry, but Clifford, simonds, and green will keep our kids safe. Keep in mind to truely keep them safe, he would have to be on the ice @ the same time to retaliate on a hit like that…. and god knows we dont want westy and kopitar on the same line…
[Reply]
Choralone Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@lafan13, To be fair, Green is an excellent hitter but a pretty terrible fighter, no matter how game he is.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
@lafan13, That is totally incorrect. He doesn’t need to even take a shift and our star players have respect from the other team. You don’t understand the whole concept of an enforcer. The other teams knows he is on the bench and that keeps them from taking liberties. Have you noticed Westy doesn’t scap a whole lot? Other tough guys respect him and want no part of it. Also the Kings have been losing so other teams don’t want to fight in fear momentum may change by Westy beating their man. His value to the Kings is not in scoring points. Now can Clifford take his place? Maybe, let’s see. Let him prove to us he can do it but with Westy there for insurrance. If he continues to hold his own then next year we won’t require Westy’s services, but for now I don’t want a rookie (light heavy weight) protecting the team. Dude you are sadly mistaken if you think Greener and Simmonds could police the ice.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@Moondoggie, That Westy argument as sailed. I was one of those saying the same thing, but he lack of talent is just too expensive a price.
[Reply]
Cristobal Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
@KC23,
Check this out
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Bourne-Blog-When-it-comes-to-intimidation-it-s;_ylt=Arq26SCr.dHJBsMkFqEfni57vLYF?urn=nhl-312277
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 2:25 am
@Cristobal, Wow, great article. Spot on.
Love this kid…
Love this kid…
LOVE-THIS-KID!
Cannot imagine what the management is going to have to go through when Sturm comes back…
Kinda makes me wish Loki Never went to manch and the Sturm deal never happened.. But what do I know.
[Reply]
Sako Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@Tylervonallen
Do you love him as much as Fox loves Clifford’s washboard abs?
[Reply]
I’ve been watching Lotki closely since he has come back up this time. I can see his skill set for sure but his size has got to be an issue. He appears easier to knock off the puck than O’Sullivan was. I belive that this has been complaint with Moller as well. Personally I would really like to see Moller on the wing with Brown and Kopi but I don’t think its going to happen.
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@gsanderson1,
Yeah, and if Loktionov were taller he would have gone in the first round. There are many forwards in the NHL who are Loktionov’s size or smaller.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
@Quisp, But they don’t look so small or play so small. At 5’5″ Nathan Gerbe plays bigger.
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@Osaka,
I disagree, though.
Seriously send Westgarth down for some skating
[Reply]
Westgarth makes Ivavans look like Fabio
[Reply]
Chip Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
@Steve S., Out standing on his deck?
[Reply]
It really pisses me off when Bob Miller pronounces his name “loke” – tionov instead of “lock” – tionov. Seriously Bob, I intent on this guy being a King for a very long time and I’ll be muting the games if you keep doing this..
[Reply]
6 Sino Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@DBking,
Go ahead and mute the games: Unless Loktionov takes a page from Robert Lang, Andrei will be known “Loke”-tionov.
Bob originally was saying it as “lock”, but asked for the proper pronunciation (when he was up earlier in the season).
[Reply]
kinger Reply:
January 25th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
@DBking, At the beginning of the season, Bob Miller said that was how it was suppose to be pronounced.
[Reply]
launch Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 8:49 am
@DBking,
shame on you for bad mouthing Mr Miller….
you have to understand that Bob asks the players how they want their names pronounced, if you disagree with the way that is going down then take it up with the player.
are you new?
[Reply]
LW Anybody? Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 9:47 am
@launch, Well, you guys need to understand how you pronounce russian names, and it isn’t the way Mr. Miller is doing so. I still love Bob though, he’s been absolutely top notch his career.
[Reply]
rcinsc Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@DBking,
Andre was asked earlier in the year what the proper pronunciation of his name is. His reply was basically “I don’t care, but the proper pronunciation is Loke-tianov”.
[Reply]
Considering how well Zucarello is working out in NY, DL should really take a look at attempting to acquire Roman Wick who played so well for Switz. in the Olympics.
Some of our excess defenders could easily do it.
[Reply]
kinginsaltlake Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 7:15 am
@Cristobal, I remember that guy. He was awesome
[Reply]
I new Lok should have been brought up! I still do not like the Strum at 33 and it will take 6 months before he’s any good! We still have another russian on the D waiting to be called up and Hickey is looking good for next season. Hell call up Moller again, this guy is ready to make an impact too and get rid of Poki.
[Reply]
Dean should be working the phone trying to trade Poni. When Sturm comes back both he & Loktionov have out played Poni. Hell even if you can’t get a draft pick for Poni losing him on waivers wouldn’t hurt since he’s a UFA this summer.
[Reply]
I’m excited about Lokti. He seems to have great instincts and has good hands as well. Maybe Westy can catch on somewhere that he would get some ice time. I agree with emphasizing skill & checking ability over the enforcer role .
[Reply]
Glad that Lokti is having success in LA, he has been a very exciting player to watch in Manchester.
Rich – wonder if you could do a poll as to who’s going to be the odd player out when Sturm returns.
[Reply]
Paul G Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@Simarosa, make a poll and everyone vote Kevin Westgarth!
[Reply]
FINALLY!! This is the type of blog I like reading. No talk of how bad TM is or that DL should be fired, everyone here is complaining that our kids are too good to be in Manchester and the guys on our current roster are players other teams want. What a change in culture as not that long ago we could have placed half our team and they ALL would have cleared waivers! Great job Deano its going to be interesting to see what happens with DD2 Harrold Westy Lotki Parse Moller Voynov Hickey Schenn Muzzin etc. Damn!! I LOVE THAT KOOL AID and my KINGS!!
[Reply]
Lokti is a piece of the puzzle DM needs to hold on to, we saw that against the Bruins. I’m on the fence though when it comes to Westgarth, I would hate to see the ‘enforcer’ role drop on Clifford, he has too much upside compared to Westgarth. But I agree with ‘Dave’ Poni could be given a ticket out and it would not be a significant impact to the team.
[Reply]
Kopi and Lokti looks good together.
[Reply]
can you fix the rss feed for the articles please?
[Reply]