After practice today, Justin Williams declared himself ready to go for the start of the first round against San Jose. Williams, who missed the final nine regular-season games with a dislocated shoulder, gave Terry Murray the thumbs-up after today’s practice. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to determine exactly who Williams’ linemates will be, and who will come out of the lineup to make room for Williams, but for now, here’s what Williams and Murray said about Williams’ return…
WILLIAMS: “I’m as comfortable as I will ever be. I’m confident that I’m going to make an impact, and I don’t want to sit on the sidelines any more.”
Question: You knew you were medically cleared, but what was it like trying to prepare yourself mentally to come back?
WILLIAMS: “Everyone plays with injuries at this time of the year. Mine seems to be public knowledge, I guess. Nobody is 100 percent right now. They’ve got guys on their team that are banged up, too. I seem to have a little experience coming back from injuries. I haven’t been out for very long, and I’m confident I can be fine with it, so I’m going to go.”
Question: Was this the goal you had established, to come back for the start of the playoffs?
WILLIAMS: “I think I met that, yeah.”
Question: Was there any extra pressure, with Kopitar being out of the lineup?
WILLIAMS: “No, it had nothing to do with Kopitar being out, and whatnot. Even if he was playing, I’d be doing the same thing. I’m an important part of this team offensively, so if I feel I can help the team, I’m going to tell the coach I can play.”
And here are Murray’s thoughts regarding Williams’ return…
MURRAY: “He wanted to go, and that’s great news. We met yesterday, after the practice, and that was really our first conversation about, `How are you doing? Are you thinking about getting into the lineup? Are you thinking about playing? How are you doing emotionally, more importantly than anything else,’ because I know that he has physically been cleared by our team doctors. So that’s the hurdle that you always have to go through, as an injured player. He said, at that time, that he wanted to get through today’s practice, and give me some feedback on how that went, right away. I jumped in on that and said, `It has to be tomorrow.’ I don’t want to wait until the morning skate. You know your body, and you’ll know after the practice tomorrow.”
Question: Do you know where he might play?
MURRAY: “I don’t. I don’t know yet. This all just happened. That was the one thing, again, that we talked about yesterday. I would like to get him on a line in practice, so if you could let me know ahead of time, I could certainly make that arrangement very easily and quickly. But that’s OK. We’ll find a place.”
Question: What do you think he will be able to contribute, coming back?
MURRAY: “That was the conversation we had yesterday. It was important for him to understand my view on this thing too, that he is ready to commit and play the right way, the way he has been playing all season long. With the puck-possession game, he does some real good things below the hash marks with his little dangles that he can do, and create some scoring chances on his own, playing with linemates and making good plays. So it was important that he have that as a solid decision in his own mind, that he can do this stuff. So, knowing now that he’s ready to get going, he will have an impact in the sense that he’s an offensive player who can hold on to pucks in the offensive zone. He can play our game, the cycle game, and we take a lot of pride in that area of the offensive part of the game. He’s going to add to it, because of his creativity.”
Great attitude!
Welcome back JW!
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Shakes Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@Munchrat,
He’s a stud.
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puckpoker Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@Shakes, KINGS FANS, it’s killing me, but I won’t get to see JW in Game 3. I have two sweet seats in section 117. Close enough to see Greene smash Heatley’s face into the glass. $160 per. That’s face value. Reply to this post and I will hook you up.
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Put him with Handzus and Penner. Shift Moller to the 4th line, maybe his speed with Lewis can create some chances.
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kennynakamoto Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@sstephen17, thats a great idea
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Mark Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@sstephen17, I hope so, I truly do, because if Westgarth is seen on the ice during a playoff game, I am going to freak out!
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sstephen17 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@Mark, Agree. I mean, if he’s playing 3-5 minutes in key regular season games, how much time is he really going to get in a playoff game?
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mash-ola Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@sstephen17, Why not go with the line that was hot early in the regular season???
Smyth – Stoll – Williams
Penner – Lewis – Brown
Ponikarovsky – Handzus – Simmonds
Clifford – Richardson – Moller
GO KINGS GO!!!!
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number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@mash-ola,
I had thought of that too. At least it’s two decent lines.
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hockeykingsguy Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@mash-ola, I just love how all you armchair GMs in here would love to break up one of our best lines as of late.. Clifford-Richardson-Simmonds. Why change that??
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ziggyfan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@mash-ola, Love the line combo. Lewis should be centering second line with Brown.
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kingCow Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
@mash-ola,
Pretty good lines, but maybe switch Richie and Lewis?? I think that that may this would be better for the second line, as Richie has a bit better offensive prowess than Lewis. Although, it leaves the fourth line very inexperienced, but I think it would be worth the risk to get some extra goals.
I don’t know…just a thought.
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red49er Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@kingCow, extra goals?
Mike McGriff Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
I like those lines but switch Clifford w? Poni
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Larouche Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@mash-ola, I like this line-up! Penner and Moller don’t seem well matched. Penner may do better with more physical linemates. As for Moller, speed needs speed…creates space. He needs space.
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hockeykingsguy Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@sstephen17, Penner needs to be separate from Moller and Zues. Everyone complains of how Penner has played, yet look at his line mates. Zues is old and Slow and Moller, well Moller has never done anything in the NHL. Penner spends more time back checking after Moller is bumped off the Puck. Penner needs Fast skilled players around him. I still think our best option at Center for Penner is Stoll and then you put Williams on the right side. That line could be our only chance for a consistant scoring line. If Williams isn’t able to play up to his potential due to the injury, swap him with Brown..
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Maybe the Geezer Line is reunited!
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jet Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@Kings Fan Vancouver,WA, reunited and it feels so good
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the_guv Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@Kings Fan Vancouver,WA, Hope so
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great attitude for sure!! JW is a trooper!!
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This is huge!!!
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I am hoping for a much better outcome from this injury than the broken ankle/leg last season. His playoff performance was so subpar that he ended up with less and less ice time. But how can you be anything but pleased with this outcome. For an offensively challenged team to get their No. 2 scorer back just in time for the playoffs is a big deal psychologically for the team, and if he can actually generate some numbers it will be a big deal on the ice too.
I would like to see a line of Willy, Stoll, and Smyth.
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Penner-Stoll-Williams
Smyth-Handzus-Brown
Clifford-Richardson-Simmonds
Ponikarovsky-Lewis-Moller
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408KingsFan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Steve Jensen, This combo makes the most sense good job
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Munchrat Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Steve Jensen, Smyth and Zus together = no speed at all. They can’t play on the same line.
Swap Penner and Smyth on those lines and it will work much better.
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hockeykingsguy Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@Munchrat, So restrict Penner because Smyth is old and slow? Yeah that’s good thinking and it hasn’t been working so far. I rather have the Penner-Stoll-Williams line scoring, than what you said with no scoring. Zues is defensivly responsible and Brown has speed.. Smyth will be fine there.
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HeyChief Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@Steve Jensen, I like the chemistry that Lewis has had with both Brown & Smyth. I would put Handzus on the line with Poni & Moller.
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KingzzFan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@HeyChief,
Agreed…
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hockeykingsguy Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Steve Jensen, Someone in here has their head on straight. Good lines and they look the best…
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Let’s not forget how important it will be just having Williams back out there on the PP. (Insert negative PP comments now…) But having Williams on the Power Play is better than NOT having Williams on the Power Play.
It also has to be a positive mental boost to all the players that one of their soldiers is coming back to battle with them. Takes a little pressure off guys like Brown and Smyth, and should be an overall positive. I have more hope today than I did the last day of the regular season, that’s for sure. We CAN win this, we are better defensively than San Jose.
The big key, though, is scoring on our PP chances. After 3 games last year against Vancouver, we were ahead 2-1, while scoring SEVEN PP goals in those games. Think maybe that was why we were ahead 2-1 at that point?
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danlikespez Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@Scot, good point. Special teams will be deciding factor.
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Penner – Stoll – Brown
Smyth – Lewis – Williams
Clifford – Zues – Simmonds
Poni- Richie – Westie/Moller
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Niko Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@danlikespez, Close to what I was thinking
Penner – Stoll – Williams
Smyth – Lewis – Brown
Poni – Zeus – Simmer
Clifford – Richie – Moller
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CheezyPoofs Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Niko, Westgarth should be riding pine until Frozen Fury.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@CheezyPoofs, lol
danlikespez Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@CheezyPoofs, lol
number 6 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
@Niko,
That’s not a bad combo either. First two lines you have at least a minimum of skill and someone who can score a goal.
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RobSD Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@danlikespez,
I think Lewis needs another shot at top 6. I think he should center Penner and Williams.
switch stoll and lewis… then the smyth, stoll, brown line could spark like earlier in the year.
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Lets Go Kings
Welcome back JW
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A little experience with injuries?
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Glad to hear he’s back, even if just for the morale and competitive spirit of the team and the fans.
I don’t expect him to be the savior and score every time he’s on the ice (although that would be great!). But if he has declared himself good to go, then I expect nothing less than playoff-intense hockey. And from his character, I think he’ll give it his all…
Opening night of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs… I’m so excited… I just can’t hide it!
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@mash-ola, yup if he scores every time on the Ice than go Williams but as long as he with the Team and try his best am glad he back
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The whistles go WOOOOOOO! This news is pleasing to me.
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Pretty sad when you’re counting on the guy with the little dangle to be the team’s saviour. Sorry I couldn’t resist.
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Central Coast King Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@some fan, It’s not the “dangle” it’s what you can do with it. LOL. GKG
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Penner-Stoll-Williams
Smyth-Zus-Brown
Clifford-Richie-Simmonds
Poni-Lewis-Moller
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Somebody on another post proposed that Williams should be put on a line with Clifford and Westgarth. W’ll call it the “Don’t you think about touch JW line”. Let Williams center (yes I know he’s a RW) it for a shift or two then put him back on wing with Smyth and Stoll.
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Deadmarsh Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Hesperia STH, I wouldn’t want JW taking faceoffs.
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Hesperia STH Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@Deadmarsh, let Westgarth do it then. He can just fall down and whip it to williams with his hair.
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Elohist28 Reply:
April 14th, 2011 at 12:02 am
@Hesperia STH, that was friggin hilarious.
This is so exciting and it makes my day for sure! I agree with Scot above, that I have more hope today than I did…Let’s go boys…prove them all wrong since they all think SJ is going to take this in 5!!!! GKG!!
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“I’m an important part of this team offensively, so if I feel I can help the team, I’m going to tell the coach I can play”
I can feel him bending down to put the team on his shoulders. This could be epic. I certainly hope it will be. It’s a great opportunity for him to lead offensively.
Thanks JW for working so hard to get back for the playoffs!
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Cynic Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@Cynic, Forgot to mention…
I still think Lewis should get his shot centering Penner and Williams on the first line. He did such a GREAT job with Brown just a few games ago and was dropped down for no real apparent reason. Maybe Rich could get an answer to the question: “Why was Lewis put back on the 4th line when he was doing so well with Brown?”. Any potential answer was/is not obvious to me.
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KC23 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@Cynic, I agree 100%. Would love to see Lewis with Penner and JW.
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NMKingsFan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Cynic,
I’ve been wondering the same thing, Lewis seemed much more productive than Handzus in the top six. I love Zues but he’s a defensive forward at this stage in his career, he has no speed.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Cynic, That was my first thought. I think Penner-Lewis-Williams will not only give Williams a chance to work into it, but it might also get Penner going.
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jet Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Cynic, Lewis still has gaps in his defensive responsibilities which are exploited by top lines.
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Cynic Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@jet, Are you sure you’re not thinking of Jack Johnson?
…I kid, I kid….well, not really.
Lewis has been more responsible defensively than most of the team during the 2nd half of the season IMHO.
Since DL’s rebuilding plan doesn’t include depth yet…I guess Williams at 80% is the best we can do. Good plan Deano. See you guys on the golf course at the end of the month.
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408KingsFan Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Bob Smith, Sharks Fan?
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tornado12 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@408KingsFan, he said he was only 15…with age comes temperance. Either that or Anthony part deux?
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Stuart Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@tornado12, careful, I made reference to his age, and that entry was swiped from the record… He made it publicly known, not me.
Bob Smith Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
@tornado12, I asked my English teacher why you chose temperance and he said he is not sure what you are trying to say. I think the lack of ANY offensive talent in Manchester is squarely on DL.
tornado12 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
@tornado12, temperance- moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.
Bob Smith Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@408KingsFan, I have been a Kings fan all my life. I am just frustrated that we haven’t won the cup and this rebuilding plan stinks IMO. Look how many injuries other teams have had and they brings playe from the minors who actually can play. We get Moller, King and that other guy I can’t even think of his name. 1 goal – big deal. Penguins were worse than Kings and they managed a rebuild, went to the finals, won the cup and still tied for the point lead in their division without their two top players and many more top forwards out at the same time.
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jet Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@Bob Smith, Just curious, how long do you think it takes teh average 18 year old to develop into an NHL player? When DL came in are prospect pool was 26th according to Hockey Future and now we are 3rd even though we have pulled up a number of players teh past few years.
Look, a rebuild is a rebuild, it is not let’s rebuild for a couple of years and then try to buy our way to the top. Here is what we have with DL:
One of the top draft scout teams in the business
One of the best teaching/training young players experience in the business
One of the best AHL teams in the business (and it is built with real prospects, not some 29 year old want to bes)
One of teh best strength training programs in the business
A team exploding with character, no more me and a lot more we
One of the top coaches in the business (199 points in 2 seasons in the toughest division in all of hockey)
Is DL perfect? Heck no, but he does more things right than anyone in the business.
I await your response my friend.
Bob Smith Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
@Jet
Teams that were as bad or worse than the Kings 6 years ago:
Penguins – SC Finals, SC Champs, Div Champ, Tied for Div lead in Points
Blackhawks – SC Champs
Flyers – SC Finals, Div Champ
Great coach? There must be 5-6 coaches with as many or more with the teams that finished in the 6 places ahead of the Kings the past two years. And when it counts most he is 0-1. I predict 0-2 by the end of April.
Yaay Williams! Go score some goals!!! Go Kings!
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After the Kings win this series, will Parse be ready for round two?
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I love this guy!
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I can’t wait for the Kings to prove all the “experts” wrong. I truly believe that the Kings will give the Sharks all they can handle. The addition of Williams only solidifies my beliefs.
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Go Williams!
Parse Handzus Williams (See what they can do with 15 minutes each)
Penner Lewis Brown (Lewis & Brown together with more than 15 minutes a game)
Smyth Stoll Simmonds (Best third line we could create with more than 13 minutes a game)
Ponikarovsky Richardson Moller (Energy line with 10 minutes vs. Westy’s 4 minutes)
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Mike W Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@jonsey, I like those lines and would love to see them try this for at least a game, that is whenever Parse is ready to come back
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HeyChief Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
@jonsey, What, no Clifford?
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Roy Hobbs lives!
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F-it… if the man says he can play, I guess he can play.
Is it Thursday yet?
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Stuart, nope not yet
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Anyone know if they are having a watch party for the first game tomorrow?
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Somebody needs to tell Phoenix that they’re moving come seasons end. They are already up 1-0.
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I don’t know about all of you but I’m using this series as a evaluation for coach Murray. EVERYONE has picked the Sharks to win this series. If the Kings play hard, and take it to seven or somehow wins it than I will be convinced Murray is a long-term coach of this team. If the Kings get smoked out of HP Pavilion and go quietly into the night, we may have to figure out if Terry is the right guy. I like Terry and hope he succeeds but I’m a bit skeptical at times.
There should be tons of bulletin board material for the Kings. I live in the Bay area and most Shark fans and commentators do not expect the Kings to give the Sharks a big test. The Sharks TV announcer gave the Kings credit and said it will be a hard series, but most of the radio guys are thinking about who they will play in round one. On a national level, I can’t find anyone from NHL network, Versus, ESPN,or USA Today who has picked the Kings.
Glad to see Williams in the lineup. it’s us against the hockey world folks.
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Blacked out for the playoffs boys… Thanks a lot TV
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There are years when the playoffs seem like a pleasure ride, like a surprise trip to hockey Disneyland. Happy to be included, a smile on my face and a thrill in my heart…
For whatever reason, perhaps the injuries to JW and Kopi, I do not have that feeling this season. I feel like the Russian patriots fighting in Stalingrad during WWII. Backs to the Volga river, nowhere to go, win here or die gripping my dirty rifle, hunger gnawing at my belly with hate in my heart…
I do not want this season to end here…
–GO KINGS!
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tornado12 Reply:
April 13th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, cheer up my friend, winter is coming and we can outlast them! then in spring, when they are weak, we will attack and drive them from the motherland…oh wait, it is spring!
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go kings go
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Not sure if anybody else has already posted this… but my line suggestions:
Penner/Zus/Brown (looked pretty good together vs ducks)
Smyth/Stoll/Williams (early season magic?)
Clifford/Richardson/Simmonds (our best line the last few games)
Poni/Lewis/Moller (at least they’re fast!)
Westgarth to sit for the playoffs.
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This is what a professional hockey player looks like!
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That-a-boy JW! This guy is a freakin’ Marine!
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Bring back DEADMARSH & ALLISON
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Way to go JW
No way a hockey player’s sitting out after the doctor says ok…
Make an impact!
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I love it, Everyone is banged up right now, mine was just more public. Everyone playes hurt this time of the year. There is a fricking Warrior… Your not going in to battle without me… Lets go boyzz… Follow meeeee…..
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@Harty,
First, turn your caps lock off.
Second, tell me who should fill in for him on 1st line LW position? Poni and his 6 goals this year aren’t gonna cut it, at least Penner has proven capable of putting the puck in the net. Put him with Lewis and Brown and see what happens.
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J.W. ” You are Mr. Incredible ” and it”s my honor to fight with you.Now take your solid “will power” and send “Little NEMO” back to the depths of the big blue sea. YEEEAAAH!!!!!!
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Smyth – Stoll – Williams
Penner – Lewis – Brown
Clifford – Richardson – Simmonds
Ponikarovsky – Handzus – Moller
The Stoll line played together, knows each other and has been productive. Lewis played well with Brown, his speed would work well with Brown and maybe they can motivate Penner to want to advance in the playoffs. Clifford works well with Simmonds and Richardson’s speed and energy go hand and hand w/them. Put lazy Poni and Handzus with Moller, maybe they can do something. Can even trade off Garth w/ Moller occasionally.
KINGS CAN DO IT!!!
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