Will this be Davis Drewiske’s chance to finish the season strong? Last season, Drewiske returned from injury in early January but appeared in only four games after Jan. 4. This season, Drewiske has been healthy, but he has also been a healthy scratch from 19 consecutive games. Drewiske’s removal from the lineup coincided with Willie Mitchell’s return from injury in early January, the health of the Kings’ other defensemen and the solid play of rookie Alec Martinez. This week, though, the Kings look to make a change, and Drewiske will return to the lineup tonight in place of Martinez. After today’s morning skate, Murray talked about the move, and explained that Drewiske wasn’t being punished for a lack of effort…
MURRAY: “His game was OK, yeah, but I think there’s so much more there. I see a different hockey player today, after going through an extended time here out of the lineup, with all the extra work but on the skill part of his game. He looks much better, to me, when I see him in the practices. On the other side of it, as a young player, with the decision to put him back in, with (Alec Martinez) it was that attitude of, `This is my opportunity to really go out and go after it.’ Then he gets there and takes a step backward. Two forward and one back. He’s going to break through. He’s got the potential to be a very good player in this league, but right now, there have been several games where he’s not at the level he needs to be at, so with the two of them, one working and looking really good, and the other player who is not quite on top of it, it’s a decision that needed to be made.”
DD2 played great at the beginning of the year. Hopefully he displays that same form and helps us beat the Sucks tonight.
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Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@DesertKing, I second that.
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I dont really see Marty getting exposed out there, If anything its his size and build that make it harder for him in the NHL but he’s still a solid two way defense-man. This seems like a showcase in disguise either to take Marty out of the line-up while there’s a trade revolving him pending (To avoid injury) or to showcase DD2 and give him some spotlight to justify his skill and style for another possible trade. Or I’m just in a trade-psychosis where no matter what I see I translate it into trade potential.
Go Kings Go!!!!
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RobSD Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@TheRussianKing,
I completely agree. I think AM has been solid. Maybe he was a little more balls to the wall when he first got brought up, but I think he has been one of our best D men. Am I off base here?
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brian Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:55 pm
@TheRussianKing, have to agree
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No offense to DD2, but I hope not. I just dont see the offensive upside from him as I do with AM. He is a good insurance policy though if someone goes down. I dont see a high trade value in him either so dont see him moving soon. He will eventually have to move on to get serious playing time in the NHL. I guess the real question is, have we seen the best out of him and what is his ceiling? I havent seen the same potential in him as some of the younger guys, like muzzin for example. Time will tell, but I dont really see a long term future for him with the Kings.
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TheRussianKing Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@tornado12, His trade value is that he plays a strong fundamental D game and his salary is so low, that a lot of teams could use him as a 3rd pair defense-men. Cheap contracts attached to solid players are great for this time of the year. He’s really not all that bad, he wont amaze you with his offensive abilities but he keeps his head down and does his job. I dont doubt for a second that he doesn’t give 100% every time he’s on the ice. But IMHO I do think AM is a better D because of what he contributes.
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rontheking Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@TheRussianKing,
For all the points raised in previous posts DD2 does seem expendable here and useful elsewhere. I have no doubt that he is being showcased…whether or not a viable trade comes out of it is something else entirely…somebody or somebodies would probably have to accompany him in his departure to swing something big….
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tornado12 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@TheRussianKing, I agree that 3rd pairing solid stay at home Dman is his MO. I just dont see that fetching any return on the current market, unless involved in a package deal. No doubt he gives his all as should every single NHL player, but that just isnt good enough to succeed in the NHL, you need talent too.
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He’ll stay put, just not in a Kings sweater. Go get that 4th or 5th round draft pick that you covet Deano. Then we can draft another defenseman in June.
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IMHO, Martinez has gotten the classic TM “time out”. Now go to your room and no fruit cup for you Alex. Just a little reminder to a young player that unless you do what your told and do it every night, you are expendable.
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puck73 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@KC23, And people wonder why I dislike Terry Murray as a head coach so much…soooo many frustrating reasons, and stated so many times. Hey Kc, why dont you explain some of the reasons why we question TM’s motivation, and coaching decisions…I am burned out ! lol
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Osaka Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@puck73, Every team in the league sits players. Copetition for a position is good not bad.
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Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:41 pm
@Osaka, Amen. TM should sit some of the veterans who have not been on their A+ game at this important stretch of the season. Everyone should be concerned about their job.
wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@KC23, I really don’t see the problem with letting 2 young guys battle it out. 1 spot, 3 guys. It’s done on every team in the league and has nothing to do with a doghouse. Look at it like this, if he never took out Whiskey, then everyone would be saying Martinez is being punished and not given a chance. I’m not sure how you can’t see it’s a no win situation as a coach and a win-win for us fans. We’re blessed.
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tornado12 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@wavesinair, I dont see these two players in direct competition with eachother. I think they bring two completely different skill sets. One is a stay at home dman and the other is a more skilled puck moving dman. At least, I dont think its the ideal competition there.
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Osaka Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@tornado12, The fact they have a different style makes no difference, they are in competition for the spot in the lineup.
wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:45 pm
^^^^^
tornado12 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@Osaka, My point was a subtle one, but I guess you didnt get it. We can agree to disagree then!
Would like to see DD2 put a Duck into the glass tonight.
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rontheking Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@KingsGuy,
I second that emotion!
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Nice. Fancy way of saying the trade deadline is coming up and I need teams to remember that he is available…
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tornado12 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@Gene-O, I dont buy that arguement. The goal of the coach (and GM) should be to dress the team that gives the best chance of winning every single game. even more so in this tight playoff race! You dont just throw games away simply to ‘showcase’ a player. It doesnt make sense. He is in today because TM believes he gives the Ks the best chance to win tonight!
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Gene-O Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@tornado12, Well, I suppose I would agree with that if AM were getting exposed as the coach says. But I just don’t see it. TM can’t very well come out and say that management needs to look for scoring and we are deep on defense and need to showcase our players. AM can skate circles around DD2. He may not be as big or physical, but I can’t see how anyone could argue that DD2 instead of AM gives the team the best chance of winning, tonight or any other night.
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tornado12 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@Gene-O, I am not arguing that point at all. I didnt think AM was playing bad, but Im not the coach. That 3rd D pairing has no offense in it. On seciond thought, maybe AM has become expendable because of the offensive powerhouse that MG has morphed into!
Player-X Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@Gene-O, I think you just said it, Drewiske is more physical, and the Ducks have line matching advantage.
The problem with the Kings are too many players expose themselves to the Coach……
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On a more positive note – Who’s going to be at Ponda Center tonight? I hope to see a bunch of Kings fans there tonight. I hope we can get loud and rowdy and walk out of there with a nice “W”. I am ready! Has been too long since I have seen hockey live. Going for my buddy’s birthday. Group of all Kings fans!!! I think there is like 10 of us going!
GO KINGS GO!!! DESTROY THE QUACKS!!! OFFENSE GETS GOING TONIGHT!!!
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@KingsFan in OC, I think TheRussianKing said he was going…
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KingsFan in OC Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@wavesinair, God I hope its not just the two of us…
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Hockey101 Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@KingsFan in OC, No way. The Pond will be filled with Kings fans. I can’t make it tonight but I rarely miss a Kings game in OC.
This is not a situation of advertisement for a trade at all. It’s funny to see the progression of this blog and the thought process of the posters since the Daily News switch. During the years of line-up speculation, posters have brought up this idea that DL influences which player is in the line-up based on trade negotiations, but have we ever seen this strategy play out??? NO!
Everyone has the right to post, but this idea has been beaten to a pulp for the past years, and I never saw it happen in the past, and I don’t think it is happening now. Can we drop this rhetoric yet?!
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wavesinair Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Puck2DaHead, I think everyone just keeps wishing Lombardi would get better at making trades…
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Player-X Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@wavesinair, Lombardi doesn’t pull trigger on trades, players don’t pull trigger on shots. Roy Rogers doesn’t ride Trigger anymore, either. What can ya do…
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Shotongoal Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@Puck2DaHead, I couldn’t agree with you more on this. Why the hell would the Kings be “showcasing” at this point of the season when they’re battling for a playoff spot. Makes no sense but some here just love to play this out. Besides what team needs Drewiske showcased? He hasn’t played in ages, was not valuable when he did play. Sadly enough, the reason I think he’s in the lineup tonight is that TM actually likes him! He’s just the kinds guy TM admires. I’m actually surprised he hasn’t played more! I think he’s sooo bad that even TM had to keep him out of the lineup. But, the fact that the Kings have given up 3+ goal games lately is freakin TM out and Martinez is his scapegoat, along with Lokti. C’mon folks why would some team be interested in “Whiskey” (God I hate some of these nicknames!), the Kings scrubs are not another teams gold! Sorry, I’m not trying to be mean here, I’m just a little tired of reality NOT being important here sometimes. Sorry for the rant Rich, just a lttle frustrating sometimes!!!
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I hope DD2 comes out fired up and banging bodies, I sure noticed a big difference in Richie’s first game back. I feel that that’s what TM is expecting. Before Willie came back DD2 was playing more physical.
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GIVE THOSE DUCKS A WHIPPIN’!!!!!!
Lets give Emery a chance to play in an NHL game again!
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All you kings fans and Rich. While you are at the game tonite if you are look up in the press boxes and see if you see any GM’s or scouts from other teams. That will tell you something. Go Kings. KW hit someboy, make all your haters go away.
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Anybody think we should take a chance on Zherdev and claim him off waivers from Philly? This seems like a low risk, high reward move. He is a high skill guy who could look good playing with Kopi. There are questions about his work ethic and dedication, but maybe this is worth a gamble. If it doesn’t work out then no biggie since he only signed for this year.
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HappyLappy Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@EternalOptimist, I don’t think it could hurt at this point, we could put Poni on waivers since TM doesn’t feel the need to put him in a big game against our rival in a very physical game (assume it will be).
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Teddy Purcell lit the lamp for TB against Yotes, hope he gets a hat trick!
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Rainman Reply:
February 24th, 2011 at 8:43 am
@HappyLappy, From your mouth to Teddy’s ears.
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Good luck tonight Whiskey. Have fun out there.
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Every team in the league sits players, this is not some strange practice unique to the Kings. We are talking about Drewiske and Martinez being swapped here, hardly worth an afterthough.
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Dominick Reply:
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@Osaka,
Agreed. It seems as though swapping out a #6 and #7 defenseman is so crucial that the Kings existance hangs in the balance.
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I like Drewiske and Martinez. I hope they both make the club next year. Sorry Mitchell.
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Kings coaching staff must have seen something that could improve the team. Kings play a team game which is defence first. I would think about putting AM, Peter, and Mussin in the line up. Have JJ and Drew play upfornt. Drew can be the LW Kings are looking for such a long time. Both are young can learn still.
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