Richardson keeps it moving on the ice

Given his versatility and usually strong skating and forechecking ability, Brad Richardson had become a lineup regular for the Kings last season and this season, but the Kings happened to start winning when Richardson left the lineup, and Terry Murray decided to roll with the same forwards for a while. Given another chance, last night against the Rangers, Richardson got solid reviews, and made a very nice play along the boards to get the puck to Matt Greene, who scored a third-period goal. Today, as noted, Richardson moved into a first-line left-wing role, and after practice, he talked about what he’s been working on…

RICHARDSON: “I talked to Terry recently, and he wanted me to carry the puck more, using my speed. Those are things that I tried to key on last night, and in practice and in watching some of the games I’ve sat out for, is trying to do those things. Last night, I was trying to get open every time I could, and get the puck and skate with it. He’s looking for me — kind of like he’s looking with Stolly — to carry the puck more and be able to create plays with speed and create separation.”

Question: Is it a sense of, when you get back into the lineup, you want to impress as much as possible?

RICHARDSON: “Any time that you’re in the lineup, you want it to be noticed that you’re playing well. It doesn’t matter if you’re in or out. I obviously wasn’t happy about being out of the lineup. Everybody wants to play. I know I can look in the mirror and know I haven’t played my best in certain games, but hopefully I can turn that around.”