Oscar Moller gets his sixth, and biggest, chance to impress at the NHL level. Moller made the Kings’ roster out of training camp in 2008 and played 30 games before suffering a shoulder injury at the World Junior Championships. He returned in February and played 10 games. In 2009-10, Moller played two games in October then returned in December for a stint. This season, Moller played four games in December when Brad Richardson was sidelined by injury, and Moller had one goal and two assists in four games. Now, due to Justin Williams’ shoulder injury, Moller is back, in a high-profile role on the first line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Penner.
Moller, who turned 22 in January, was a second-round pick in 2007, and the “book” on Moller hasn’t changed much since then. He’s still revered for his attitude and tenacity, but questions remain about his strength and his ability to score enough to justify a top-six role. Moller will get the opportunity to prove himself now, as part of the Kings’ playoff push, a situation he immediately addressed with a smile after today’s practice…
MOLLER: “No pressure, right? It’s fun, for sure, playing with two great players. Obviously I’ll try to bring my `A’ game. My compete level has got to be high and I have to do all the things right, starting in our own end, all the way down to their end.”
Question: You’ve been here so often that there’s not much of an adjustment period, right?
MOLLER: “I’m pretty familiar with all the guys around here, the trainers and the coaching staff and everybody. It’s a great organization, I think, and it’s a big push now, with the last nine games that are left, so I just have to make sure I play real well.”
Question: What did you take with you, after your last stint here, when you went back to Manchester?
MOLLER: “Just talking to the coach, after they sent me down, it was just to try to be an offensive threat every time I have the puck on my stick. I really, really tried to work on that, to be a good offensive player but not lack that defensive responsibility. I think the team has been doing really well down in Manchester. I think they’re in first place. It’s been tight, and Portland has a couple games in hand over us, because we played so many games already. So I think we’ve been playing pretty well down in Manchester. It’s been fun.”
Question: Do you see this as an opportunity to prove yourself?
MOLLER: “Absolutely. It’s a very important time of the year for this hockey club. To be able to play with two great players like this, right now, we’ll see how it goes. It’s a great opportunity to prove myself to management here and move forward from there. It will be fun, for sure.”
Terry Murray also intends to put Moller on the power-play unit. Moller has 23 goals and 27 assists in 50 games with the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs this season.
MURRAY: “He’s been here a few times, and he’s gone back down to Manchester every time. One thing about Oscar, his attitude is fantastic. He’s got a great personality. He has worked very hard on his game in Manchester and he’s gotten better. You can see his jump, his strength on the puck, awareness on the ice. His game has improved. So he will fit on the right side tomorrow, with Kopitar and Penner, and he will have a good opportunity to give us a look at his game.”
Question: You’re not going to replace Justin Williams, obviously, but in terms of style of play, is Moller about as close as you can get?
MURRAY: “It probably is. Loktionov’s got a game that’s pretty close to what Williams is, also, but with him being injured and Oscar being a right winger, yeah. I don’t see Manchester. I don’t know how some other guys are playing down there, but having had Oscar here in the past, he’s a puck-skill player, he can fit on different lines, his awareness to the responsibilities in the system are right on, every time. We’re not going to replace Williams. There’s going to be a difference. You’re not going to miss all of Justin Williams, but what the difference is, I’m not sure yet.”
Question: Do you see this as an opportunity for Oscar to prove himself at the NHL level?
MURRAY: “This is a great opportunity for Oscar, and I think he’s very aware of it. We’re coming down to the final games of the season, a critical time, a big push every night. You’ve got to play with a playoff attitude, and he’s going to be on a top line with lots of responsibilities to play 5-on-5 and also get on the special teams. So his time is now. It’s three years in, and this is a time when we will be watching him very closely, as an organization.”
Good Luck Oscar – We’ll miss you in Manchester for sure, but we will be watching you on Center Ice.
[Reply]
Woo Hoo. Light em up Oscar. A small, shifty, RW with a quick stick may be just what the #1 line needs. Here’s to a big impact Thursday.
[Reply]
The Kid will be fine. Great to know that he is up for the challenge. I have always liked this kid. I’d rather see Brown back on the top line, but I’m not coaching the team. It won’t be much of a shock for the kid, like he said he’s been around the big club. He just needs to be ready and know that teams are going to look at him as a weakness, but he has to prove that he is ready for the big time. We don’t have the time to train anybody. You come ready or don’t come at all.
[Reply]
sid the kid Reply:
March 24th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@kinginsaltlake, it’s unfortunate that he has to make his comeback at this time. it’s true you come ready or don’t come at all, but it’s also a bit unfair to throw him to the sharks (literally) in the heat of the playoff race. what if he has the jitters or the nerves? he could be a great player, let’s not judge him by his performance during this turbulent playoff race situation. i’d like to see him back in the lineup in the beginning of the next season to prove himself when it’s a bit more of a low-pressure situation
[Reply]
I can’t wait to see this line in action! Good luck Mole, may the hockey Gods shine down on you!!!
[Reply]
Justin Williams shouldnt be wrried about being replaced….Brad Richardson should be (he is also an RFA)
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@Paul G, Brad Richardson has already been replaced…by Trevor Lewis.
[Reply]
PRMan Reply:
March 24th, 2011 at 5:06 am
@Paul G, Didn’t Williams just sign a long extension?
[Reply]
Rich, Please stop posting interesting articles. I am trying to get some work done. Thank you.
[Reply]
Kingme20 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@Chongo,
Seconded.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Chongo, Rich is a fricken machine. I used to get the LA times every day just hopeing to see one article a week … maybe. This is just like hockey heaven for a guy like me.
[Reply]
Chongo Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:39 pm
@KC23, For a lot of us I think!
[Reply]
mcsorleyfan Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:45 pm
@Chongo, Disagree! I have 10 more days til surgery and Rich’s articles keep me from dwelling on myself! It was at Kings games 2 years ago that I started seeing things weren’t right; now this team’s still a huge part of how I deal with this mess. Go Rich Go!!
[Reply]
Rich, or anybody who is reading this that might know about the Greenroom night. Is there anyway of knowing that your tickets will be at the will call window come game time. I bought my tickets to the event and I’m a little nervous about the will call window. I would hate to travel all the way to LA and the tickets not be there. I tried calling the phone# but no answer. I do have a conformation#, but that’s it. Plaese help a worried Kings fan I don’t want to miss this chance to meet some of us bloggers and watching a Kings game that by the looks of things will mean something come April.
[Reply]
RabidZiggy Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:16 pm
@kinginsaltlake, I’d try calling again…I’ve done will call a bunch of times in the past and the tickets have always been there. As long as you have a confirmation number, the CC you bought the tix with and an ID you should be fine.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@kinginsaltlake,
I’ve picked up tickets at will-call many times, and have never had a problem, not once. All you need is your I.D., tell them how many tickets you have, and then you sign an envelope and they give you the tickets. You’ll get in without any trouble.
[Reply]
kinginsaltlake Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@kinginsaltlake, Now that was cool. The ticket guy from AEG just called me. He said that all the game tickets will be picked up at the will call window at staples on the day of game. You get you seats and a pass to the greenroom where the party starts. It’s going to be a blast, so I hope to see you fans there. I know that the tickets were high priced, but I had been saving all winter for that game. I finally had all the money saved and boom this greenroom thing came up. I just couldn’t of missed the chance to meet some of you bloggers. Most of my Kings friends are peeps that I’ve met posting during this wild season. And Dom when you read this I really hope to see you there, Also Puck73, KC, Waves< shotsongoal, I could go on and on. It is we the fans who keep this Insider Blog going and this season would not of been the same without ALL of the different peeps that post. Some of the stuff is down right funny and some very good, But all of the post are for the most part entertaining and in a world that is going crazy sometimes it's a good thing to have. Thanks to all that have given thier time and have posted their love for the Kings. Oh and get well #14….
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@kinginsaltlake, that’s for the shout out! I will be at the game with my regular tix but will come down and say hi!!! Let us know what Kings jersey, shirt or hat you’ll be wearing.
[Reply]
Cortex949 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@kinginsaltlake, And me… Haha I just got mine. I’m going solo tho. No hot date this time lol
[Reply]
kinginsaltlake Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 pm
@Cortex949, Can’t wait to meet you 949. I’ll be wearing my Kings Hoodie. You won’t miss me 6’4 and 300lb. Bald and always wearing a goatee. C-ya peeps at the game.
I’m bummed for Williams getting hurt again but I’m really excited for Moller. This is his chance to step up and earn a permanent spot on the club. If he comes through and performs for us down this last stretch and into the playoffs there’s no way you could keep him off the roster.
[Reply]
Good luck Oscar !! Let’s pray for something special to occur.
[Reply]
Go out there are play the game Molley. Shoot the puck OFTEN, get it to the net and let the bigs (penns and Kopi) crash for rebounds. Move the puck off the side boards, and take those bad angle shots if there is a lane. hmmmmm power play use that shot some more. Everynight I would love it if your shoulders were sore from shooting so much. Kopi and Penns arent direct offensive threats, youre gunna have to get the puck and make it a dangerous situation by putting it towards the net. Work HARD in the defensive zone. Pucks at our blue line MUST get out, Pucks at thier blue line MUST get in! Demand the puck! Use point men as outlet along the side boards should your lannes to the net be cut off, and try and have fun with it. Dont take it as high pressure, these are the game you want to play in. Who cares about December hockey or Late march hockey for a non-contender. Come out here and make an impression!
GOOD luck man,
PS. I feel better, I did my part to help :O)
[Reply]
lets get a win tomorrow and play hard
No Negative people alot of people like to bring up Blues games just let it go already
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
Just as we get those two points in the bank.
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@Capt Jam,
Ha!
Just as soon as we get those two points in the bank.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:45 pm
@Capt Jam, ok its over they won get it past already bring it up not going to help
How can you not love this kid? I really hope he does well.
[Reply]
I can’t remember pulling for anybody to have as success as I want this guy to have right now. Show um how it’s done Oscar!
[Reply]
Good luck Doogie, seriously. he looks like a younger NPH, i dunno why i think that but it just jumped at me when i saw the pic.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@Newf, except that if Mole’s eyes got any closer together they’d form one and he’d be called Cy…
[Reply]
Capt Jam Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@Newf,
I find it alarming that I know who “NPH “is. Going to lay down now.
[Reply]
DougS Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@Newf,
I wonder if that’s an old pic. I’d hate to think that he shaved his beard. It made him look like a young Viking.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@DougS,
Hopefully his playoff beard from earlier in the season is either intact or destined to make a return..
[Reply]
moller adds nothing, we’re sunk if the others don’t step it up and hit the net.
[Reply]
Good luck Oskar!! Time to shine!
[Reply]
According to his Twitter page he had Martinez pick him up so he could get some food in him. He’ll be well charged up.
I love this kid.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@Dan H.,
Hopefully it was a burger at In N Out.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Dominick,
Yeah the one by LAX would’ve been super convenient
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Dominick,
Where else would he go if he just got in from Manchester? sheesh.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Dominick,
And some animal-style fries and a shake.
[Reply]
KIngbling flava Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@Scot, Or Titos Tacos!!!
Adamic39 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 7:01 pm
@Scot, Mmmmmmmmmmm…..Tito’s…….Mmmmmmmmmmm chips and salsa
Pili Reply:
March 24th, 2011 at 7:04 am
@KIngbling flava, Titos. Wow. Last time I was in L.A. I took the bus from from Santa Monica to go get Tito’s. I almost got some Johnny’s Pastrami to go as well. Great memories of those places.
I just hope SJ gets caught by CAL looking ahead to tomorrow night with the Kings.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Capt Jam,
I’m hoping for San Jose to win tonight.
Obviously, there are arguments both ways, and I can see pulling for Calgary.
But if Calgary gets pushed farther down, it’s one step closer to us clinching a playoff spot.
We are closer to being out of the playoffs than we are to winning the division.
Plus, even if San Jose wins tonight, the Kings winning the division is still possible.
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@Scot,
Though, more than anything, I’m pulling for NO OVERTIME in that game.
[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Scot, yea agree with u all we need is one team to fall out and the Kings will be safe
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@Capt Jam, I’ll be rooting for SJ.
[Reply]
This is the kind of kid you can’t help but pull for. Great skill, great attitude, slightly undersized so a bit of an underdog, great personality and, from what I can tell, a great interview. Let’s hope he’s just plain “great” on the ice as well!
[Reply]
I hope I’m wrong because I want to see the little guy do well, but Kopi and Penner play a heavey game, and Moller plays light and fast. Add to that the lack of NHL experience, and I don’t see him having a huge impact on the 1rst line logging a bunch of minutes. Maybe a game or 2, but once teams start to bare down on him and focus their attention on that line I suspect Simmers or Brown will pick up the extra attention on the 1rst line, and he’ll play 2nd or 4rth line.
Good luck Moller against San Jose and give’em hell.
[Reply]
Kingme20 Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@Dominick,
And that’s different from Williams’ game… how?
I think it’s a good fit. Williams is also a light and fast guy who dangles and controls the puck well away from the boards. I think it’s a good mix to have one of those guys playing with a couple of big bodies.
My concern isn’t Moller so much as it is Ryan Smyth. Smytty”s got to find a way to get on the board. He looked like a sure thing to get past his goal total from last year, now I’m worried he won’t score for the rest of this year. I’m beginning to wonder if he’s got some sort of injury he’s not telling anyone about.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@Kingme20,
Well if you really want to compare, Williams is 6’1″ 196 lbs, Moller is 5’10″ 186lbs. Williams worked his way into a top spot in the NHL, he didn’t start out on the top line like Moller will. Williams has 9 full years in the NHL, Moller has squat.
I thought the differences would be obviouse, but maybe I’m wrong.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:16 pm
@Dominick, Personally I was hoping for Simmers on the 1st line, I’m wary of Oscar skating against the Shawks shut down line. Was really hoping he’d be paired with Richie or Trevor and utilize his speed.
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:35 pm
@Deke’r,
That’s where I would have put him. He already has chemistry with those 2 from playing with them in Manchester. eh, what do I know.
kinginsaltlake Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@Dominick, This is why I’m pulling foe Brown to get back on the top line.
Always love this kid. I would be very upset if he was traded like some rumores indicated but he wasn’t so … I’m so glad he finally gets a chance to prove himself. But no pressure. Just enjoy the game, Oscar boy!
[Reply]
Good luck Oscar! Be the BIG-O! Let’s see you put the biscuit in the basket!
[Reply]
Good luck Oscar, make us proud! Go Kings!!!
[Reply]
Williams and Cliffords injuries are suddenly showing a lack of experienced depth.
Would have been a good move to claim Steve Bernier off waivers from Florida a few weeks back. Actually, it would have been a good idea even without these injuries.
Now, being forced to start Westgarth, we are seeing fatigued top line players and less scoring – 2 goals in 3 games.
TM is in a pickle here. The ship is wobbling.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Cristobal, I threw his name out there but nobody sounded interested. I thought he might have been a good fit for our team too.
[Reply]
kyle Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@Cristobal, ship’s not wobbling. Some fans maybe, but not the ship. As for Bernier, a 14 points in 61 games player adds very little. Doesn’t look like any other team thought he was a good grab off waivers either.
[Reply]
Moller=the new Shuchuk, (we can only hope).
When you’ve got lemons make lemonade.
GKG
[Reply]
I’m all for Moller being called up, but the first line?
Why do the Kings always call up a guy from Manchester and put him with Kopitar? Loktionov, Parse, King, Moulson a few years ago. Then if the guy doesn’t produce in five games he is sent down. What’s wrong with putting Simmonds on the first line and starting Moller out on the third line?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@hockeysureshot, I don’t know that anything is “wrong” with thaz, but traditionally you want to use the third line against the opposition’s top line. Simmonds is needed where he is. Moller is the bigger offensive threat…..
[Reply]
Hey gang,
I’m all for Mole` getting the call but I’d love to see 60 minutes with Penns/Kopi/Brownie. Brown has 18+ goals from Kopi’s right and hasn’t scored since they moved him [I know...a goal or two] At some point Kopi/Brown and a warm body was working and working quite well. Tell me those three bearing down on your defensive pair doesn’t strike at least a little fear. I get that Mole` is similar to Williams in size and speed but there again wouldn’t it make more sense to play him with Stoll and the entity that is currently inhabiting the the body of the veteran formerly known as Smyth to see if we can get them jump started down the stretch. And finally leave Zues/Poni and Simmer on that 3rd line and watch the chemistry to continue to develop. Lastly you have 4th line with speed, grit and toughness. I like it boys. I really do. Rich…give TM a nudge on this one for me.
Penner/Kopi/Brown
Smyth/Stoll/Moller
Poni/Handzus/Simmonds
Clifford/Lewis/Richardson/Westgarth
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@Harrison Merkin,
I like that set up even though I see it shunned by alot of people. That is the exact set up I have been calling for since Penner got here (with the exception of Williams for Moller of course). Why TM chose to start experimenting once Penner got here is what drives me crazy about him. That and waiting so long to fix the power play, But what are you going to do?
[Reply]
I think TM is making a bad move by putting all that pressure on the kid. I hope he is up to the challenge, but this could hurt his developement a lot.
[Reply]
kyle Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@KC23, he’s a top six forward or he’s not an NHL player. He doesn’t fit on a third or fourth line, so any pressure on OM is created by his own physical makeup and his style of play. TM didn’t create those characteristics, and telling a professional what he already knows (see this latest and the past interviews with OM) isn’t putting extra pressure on the kid.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@kyle, So far when he has played with us he’s played on the 4rth line. What all of a sudden disqualifies him from 4rth line duties?
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@KC23,
It would be pressure if he’d never been here before. He’s played 119 NHL games for the Kings. That’s one hundred and nineteen. That’s nothing to sneeze at. All he has to do is play his game and go from there. I don’t think management is expecting miracles.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@wavesinair, Most fans are. If the results come out mixed for a while, their going to turn on him, instead of giving him a chance to develope.
[Reply]
Choralone Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@Dominick, Meh – what are the fans going to do? Terry Murray will do what he thinks best whether or not the message boards get angsty or people in the Staples Center boo – which is ok in my book…
Scot Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@wavesinair,
I didn’t realize he had played that many games up here.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:14 pm
@wavesinair, Also it’s 78 games, spread out over 3 years.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@Dominick, yeah, i screwed that up somehow. 78. still good but not 119.
Scot Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:18 pm
@Dominick,
I wouldn’t have even guessed that many, my gut felt like he’d played 40 or 50 total, but 78 is better than I thought. That’s more than a lot of players EVER play in the NHL, so Oscar isn’t completely inexperienced. I’m looking forward to seeing him play up here again, it sounds like he has gained some confidence in Manchester, from what we’ve heard.
Dominick Reply:
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:44 pm
@Scot,
I am encouraged to have him here finally. Just don’t expect big things to happen all at once. Even if he scores right away, the main reason he was sent back down was because of intesity issues from shift to shift. 40 some odd games then for the next 2 years not so much. He’s replacing a really good player so expect a little drop off. Doesn’t mean he’s playing bad if he doesn’t score that much as long as his play is consistant.
Tall order to come from Manchester and take over for a guy who has been the MVP for the Kings this season.
LET LOOSE THE HOUND OF WAR!
[Reply]
Sorry this is not the guy, too small and Europeans play different then North Americans, hence the reason St. Louis and Biere and Gomez etc can make it and and small Europeans cannot be successful.
They tend to be finess players and they get eaten up in the NHL. Now all will argue with me however this is my opinion and everyone will just have to wait and see. He is too small and not geared for NHL.
But all the Manchester people will be upset but this isn’t the AHL. Hell even Kadri for the Leafs was lighting it up down there, the leagues are different, bottom line.
We will see, not sure who but this isn’t the guy.
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
March 24th, 2011 at 4:30 am
@Harty, I’ll give you another example, Bure from Vancouver years ago, well guess what this guys skill is no where near the Russian Rocket’s.
[Reply]