It’s been, quite literally, an up-and-down season for Michal Handzus. He started the season in his customary spot as the Kings’ third-line center, but then made a drop to the fourth line in late January and early February. After seven games, Handzus moved back to the third line, then recently moved up to the second line when he swapped spots with Jarret Stoll. Now, with Anze Kopitar out, Handzus inherits the first-line center spot. Handzus is capable of playing 20 minutes per game — he’s averaging 17 minutes this season — and his defensive credentials are impeccable, but the question is whether Handzus can take a step forward on offense. A regular 20-goal scorer, Handzus has 11 goals in 75 games this season. Now he will play in a high-profile role with wingers Dustin Penner and Oscar Moller. Handzus talked about his new role and the need for improvement, throughout the lineup, in order to make up for Kopitar’s absence…
HANDZUS: “That’s why we have 23 guys on the team. Obviously it hurts, because he’s our best player, but everybody goes through injuries, so it’s not only about one guy. Everybody has got to step up a little bit higher. Some guys are going to take a little more responsibility, but it’s more about the team. It’s just the way it is. We cannot go back and we cannot look back. We just look forward. We’re going to make up for it and it’s going to make us a better team, for sure.”
Question: You’re in a different role now, but do you try to change your game at all going forward?
HANDZUS: “Not really. I’ll try to play my game. Everybody has got to step up, me too. Everybody has got to do a little bit more, and that’s just the way it is. I don’t want to change too much. I’m not going to play like Kopi, that’s for sure, so I’ve got to play my game and hope to do a little bit more. … I still feel that I can be a good offensive player. It’s up to me to show it a little bit more often than I have this year. That’s what I’m going to focus on a little bit more.”
Zus should do well on line 1… But I still miss Kopi.
Do you think that anyone will be wearing Kopi’s “A” tonight, and if so then who?
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Paul G Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@Mike W, Drew
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wonton28 Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@Mike W, Zus wore the “A” when Greener was out early this season. So I’m sure he will wear it now.
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Mike W Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@wonton28, good stuff, I wouldn’t mind seeing Zus or DD wearing it
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I hope the extra minutes dont wear him down. This is why having a balanced lineup so we can roll 4 lines is so important now more than ever. KW has to keep up and not be riding the pine in the 3rd period with other players double shifting. I hope TM is right by putting KW in the lineup.
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KingsFan562 Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@tornado12, Great point about KW. I hope he has the legs to do more minutes
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He is the “X” factor!!! Go Kings!
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wavesinair Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@C leb,
More like the “Z” factor.
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good luck Zeus, if it doesnt work out why not give Oscar a chance at center?
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Paul G Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@Sebastian, Lewis instead
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He seems to be skating better lately, and hopefully that just isn’t an illusion given Zeus bring paired with Smyth last week. But if he can be the feeder on that line, and own the slot and the corners, then it could work. Penner has more pressure on him, than Zeus does.
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this time on the 1st line is HUGE for Zues. Hes on a contract year and will be a UFA in a few months…He needs to step up and play the best hockey he can right now, to prove hes still got something left in the tank…
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Paul G Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@lafan13, too late for that
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I think Zeus will do fine handling the top line role at center.
He’s such a smart, veteran player. If you’re asking Lewis to fill the top line, that would be one hell of a stretch to ask a rookie that, but Zeus has been around the block a few times and can handle pretty much everything.
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DesertKing Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@nykingfan,
You said it perfectly. Additionally, Zeus seems to tailor his game to the needs of the team. When you need that low-key passer, he does it. When you need some scoring , he does it. When we need him to the leader, he does it. He is willing to sacrifice parts of his game for the betterment of the team, He will take on this new role, make it his, and make it work. Plus this being a contract year for him helps with incentive.
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@nykingfan, Before the end of tonight’s game, Stoll and Zues will have traded places.
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Call me crazy, but do we have 3 #2 NHL lines???!!! obviously Penner is a Top 3 forward but GMs talk about “top 6″ forwards.. geez; i think we have 7 arguably 8 top wingers? eh?
Stoll- Poni Simmonds
Penner Zeus (moller, not so much,yet but world class skill;please become a Datsyuk like player)
Brown Smyth Lewis-(his game is rising to a Super solid #3 possibly #2 if he is allowed to create offensively)
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I still believe the extra minutes will hurt this team in the long run more than help, but their isn’t a bigger time for Zues to make his presence known than now. Good luck tonight Zues, and give’em hell.
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John Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:05 am
@Dominick,
Yep – which makes Westgarth in the line-up even more peculiar!
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look at it this way…..its a contract year for Zues and you gotta know in his head he is thinking this is my last chance to get a good contract to end his career.
I think we will see a much better Zues from here on out. GKG!
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hockeysureshot Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@shorthanded, I totally agree on the fact that he is a FREE AGENT next year. He’s a proud veteran and I’m sure the potential contract is extra motivation. I think he’ll do the job and step up. I’m more concerned about Trevor Lewis playing more minutes and if Poni and Simmonds will pick up their games.
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Paul G Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@hockeysureshot, Dude he’s clearly not getting resigned and will probably remain a free agent and retire
Or go to Detroit for a dirt cheap contract
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fsd1 Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Paul G, you have sources saying he wont get resigned?
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@Paul G, I think Zues will re-sign with the Kings! I think he takes a reduced deal that makes sense with regards to signing others (JJ and JW) and remains a King to go for a cup run. I think he knows that he will not get a great contract anywhere he goes and is already established here and the veteran presence,his defensive skills, the possibility of a 20 goal scorer makes him a valuable asset and one i believe we should keep around. With all the seemingly raw talent we have coming up at center, having Zues around to help mold these guys and teach them the X’s and O’s is invaluable IMO as well. And you cant tell me that a fourth line centered by Zues doesnt sound awesome!
Paul G Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@Paul G, to fsd1… Yes and the plan is to either do Kopitar Loktionov Stoll Lewis (in that order) or Kopitar Stoll Schenn Lewis (still ordered)
It all depends on Loktionovs recovery and if he gains 10 pounds….if not then Schenn will replace him….if so, Schenn is off to Manchester for 1 season until Stoll’s contract comes up and replaces him
Either way it’ll be Kopitar, Loktionov, Schenn, Lewis in 2 years
Lets see if all the talk adds up, tonight will be the test of things to come, we can all say how important these 2 points are, but we all know what happens if we start losing now….
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On a side note Smyth get the #1 goal of the week.
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Zeus- in case you forgot: Its your contract year. Activate Beast Mode. Please.
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As i stated many times in the past zues is my hero,now more than ever he will step up , cant wait to show off my zues jersey.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
@frazier king, He is one of my favorites as well. even though his offensive #’s have slipped a little this guy brings alot to this team and beside Kopi he is our best Defensive forward. Plus the guy is known as Zues! nough said!
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frazier king Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Its good to see zues has a few fans in a sea off mostly zues haters,he will turn a few heads now.
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Paul G Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@frazier king, We Zus haters WANT him to turn heads and WANT him to step up….but we all know what will happen
Their wouldn’t be “Zues Haters” if Loktionov, Schenn, Lewis and Stoll didn’t exist
I keep trying to stay positive about all of this..but then it scares me at the same time because Kopi is such a force on the team, and there’s just no replacing him. Obviously I know everyone is going to have to pick up their game..but stats show when Kopi scores a goal, the Kings usually win. I really hope we can all put together like the Pens have w/o their key players. GKG!
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Zues got dropped to the fourth line after the Toronto game because he was playing 16 to 18 minutes a night and was starting to drop off. his play was managed to about 14 minutes and his play picked back up shortly after that, and he returned to his regular 15 minutes a night. That also coincided with the end of that nasty losing streak, and he’s been steady ever since. Now were giving him 20? Am I the only one who see’s the flaw here? because it sure feels like it.
I’m not hating on Zues, just concerned about what the extra minutes will do to his over all effectiveness. I know he’ll be great right off the bat, because 1 or 2 games won’t hurt, but for the rest of the season and the playoffs? I just don’t know.
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GkingsG99 Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:42 am
@Dominick, I agree with what you’re saying but i think he’ll be alright. Zues always shows up at moments like these and during playoffs… or they could just throw a Slovakia jersey on him and watch him fly.
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tornado12 Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@Dominick, No you are not alone at all. That was my point above, but you articulated it much better and backed it up with facts. Hopefully zues was just pacing himself earlier in the long season and now he just puts it all out there and finds the legs to keep it going. Not to belabor the point, but makes me questions the KW move. Im guessing its just for tonight because EDM is out of the running and will dress their heavy. We hopefully see Harrold against VAN as they still are playing for #1 overall and dont really have a heavy (that I am aware of).
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Dominick Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@tornado12, I agree on the KW move too, and also hope to see Harrold in Vancouver.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
@Dominick, all points and facts considered – Zues steps it up and shows why we call him Zues! mark my words, the guy will impress! I have more faith in Mr Handzues in pressure or important situations than most.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@Dominick, you’re not alone. Its not as if, since Kopi’s down, the Hockey Gods suddenly give Zeus added stamina. Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.
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Obviously Zeus has to pick it up a bit, but let’s look at all the talent we have and the huge potential. Penner needs to dig in and make an impact rather than just showing up to the game. Brownie is a great leader and will lead by example and push the team forward. It’s a great chance for guys like Stoll, Poni and Simmonds to take on the challenge and show what they have got. All year long we have been able to play 4 lines because the talent is deep. Now everybody moves up a spot, what a great opportunity, they all should be pumped and ready to go to the next level. Pittsburg has been able to get through the same situation, and we’ve got a better defensive team than they do. This is a great chance for the Kings to show the league that they are for real!
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I think that Zeus can do the job…he’s got a shot, he plays on the PP, PK and is our #1 in shoot-outs. Now he’s playing with a couple of top 6 wingers. I don’t have any issues with that!
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GkingsG99 Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@CupRun2011, Stoll is the stud in shootouts, maybe Zues second.
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Dominick Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@GkingsG99, Agreed. Stoll is pretty close to being the best in the league this year in shoot outs.
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CupRun2011 Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@GkingsG99, Completely agree re: Stoll…8 out of 9 – he’s money in the SO, but Zeus still shoots first…
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frazier king Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@GkingsG99, agreed,stolls shot is deadly as jim fox said they no where he is shooting and they still cant stop it!!!!
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Handzus exudes the kind of attitude that I wish everyone in the Kings organization from the front office to the announcers to the fans would embrace: focus on what’s ahead rather than an arbitrarily set total to hit 8th place. Habitually looking behind you is begging to get left behind.
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I hate to bring this up on a post that isn’t directly Kopitar related..
But can someone please shed some light on the long-term threat to Kopitar’s career with the injury he sustained? I know he’s ‘supposed to make a full recovery’ per the Kings statement. But does anyone here have any personal experience or high quality knowledge of this type of injury and what the effect are long term in terms of a hockey career, where obviously a lot of stress goes on the ankle area? I’m pretty worried about this… Thanks.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@DBking, I think its a case to case basis as with any serious injury. look at Ray Emery! the guy had the same thing that ended Bo Jackson’s career’s and Emery makes a full comeback and up until last night had a perfect record. Just depends. As long as it is treated correctly and not pushed i think Kopi’s career is still in tact and as bright as ever.
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It will be interesting to see what Zus will do tonight. I think what worries me the most is how slow both he and Penner are. I hope they are able to get back quickly enough on D and I hope they will be able to keep up with Oscar.
Hopefully experience and smarts will make up for a lack of speed.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Stagger, not sure how anyone can question Zues’s D responsibilities or back check? it basicly second to none (except for maybe Kopi)! I think it was DL who said it but the lack of speed was addressed a little earlier in the season and it was said (not qouting anything as i cant remeber the exact words) that no one is faster than the puck. So as long as your reads are correct and you manage the puck well, experience and smarts WILL make up for lack of speed.
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In no way is Zus a #1 center at this point. I agree with the posts above that worry about his being able to play a solid 20 minutes a game; I dont see that at this point.
I think the Kings have three #3 lines now, and we need a good balanced 4th line to spell the top three, so playing Westgarth is a mistake. We need the top 3 lines to get 15min each, the 4th line 10 or so (and then assorted PP/PK time for some); it’s going to have to be spread among all 4 lines.
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Mike W Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@bbb7, I agree, Zus probably isn’t a #1 center at this point in his career, but he once was and thats why we have him there. He has the experience and skills to be up there, he just needs to show it. Who else could reallllly fill that role better than Zus? The only person I can think of is Stoll, but at this point, DL likes Stoll where he is.
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