Rookie game postgame reaction

There was no shortage of action in El Segundo tonight, as the Phoenix Coyotes rookies beat the Kings 8-7 at Toyota Sports Center. The Kings took a 6-3 lead into the third period but allowed five consecutive goals.

Among the standouts were Brandon Kozun and Andy Andreoff, who each had two goals. Kozus also had an assist and Andreoff got in a fight. The Kings also got goals from Jordan Weal, Robert Czarnik and Ray Kaunisto. Jake Muzzin and Michael Schumacher each had two assists. Martin Jones played the first two periods in goal and stopped 28 of 31 shots. Chris Gibson played the third period and stopped 8 of 13. Nicolas Deslauriers also drew strong reviews for his game. Muzzin was the team captain for the game, with Kozun and Jordan Nolan as alternate captains. Here are some postgame quotes from Kozun and Muzzin, followed by a boxscore from the game.

BRANDON KOZUN
(on the third-period collapse…)
KOZUN: “I don’t think it was fatigue. I think it was just a lapse of focus. That can never happen. Honestly, there were a lot of nervous guys in that dressing room, and maybe that had a little to do with it as well, but it’s unacceptable. They don’t accept that, as the L.A. Kings, and we’re going to try to erase that and make sure it never happens again.”

(on him feeling more comfortable, heading into his third training camp…)
KOZUN: “Being a guy who has been here a couple times, and knows what it’s like, you try to help the younger guys out, the guys who have only been here once or never. You try to tell them what it’s going to be like, but at the end of the day it’s a whole different ballgame, especially on the ice.”

(on playing a game in the Kings’ uniform…)
KOZUN: “It’s an honor to put that uniform on, because this organization is so prestigious. It definitely is an honor, especially being from California as well.”

—–

JAKE MUZZIN
(on the game…)
MUZZIN: “We did a lot of good things in that game. When they scored, we bounced back and capitalized, but we’ve just got to stay with it for the full 60 minutes. Forty minutes doesn’t count, and it showed in the third period there. We also got into some penalty trouble and they capitalized on the power play. There were just small mental errors that we’ve got to take out of our game, and I think that game will be ours.”

(on whether he knew in advance that he had been named captain…)
MUZZIN: “No one told me about it. It was a last-minute decision, I think, before the game.”

(on what being team captain means to him…)
MUZZIN: “It’s an honor. When you’re named the captain of a team, it’s always an honor to lead. I just wish I could have led a little better and we could have won that game.”

(on being more comfortable in this camp, based on past experience…)
MUZZIN: “Being comfortable, and maybe not as nervous as some guys coming in, new faces coming in. Maybe they’re a little nervous about what’s going to happen. So just being a little more comfortable out there, and seeing some familiar faces around me, with Mark (Morris) and Pelly [Scott Pellerin] behind the bench, I played for them last year so I kind of know what they’re looking for.”

—–

COYOTES 8, KINGS 7
COYOTES 2-1-5–8
KINGS 3-3-1–7

FIRST PERIOD
SCORING
PHX: Bloodoff (Long), 1:11; LA: Kozun (Vey, Muzzin), 8:51 (PP); LA: Andreoff (Muzzin 2, Schumacher), 11:04; PHX: Lessio (Summers), 17:20 (PP): LA: Weal (Kaunisto, Toffoli), 17:37.
PENALTIES
LA: Carnevale (slashing), 3:17; LA: bench (too many men), 6:12; PHX: Kessy (tripping), 8:23; LA: Andreoff (fighting), 11:09; PHX: Ruopp (fighting), 11:09; LA: Deslauriers (fighting), 13:21; PHX: Dziurzynski (fighting), 13:21; LA: Zahn (interference), 15:36; LA: Kantor (holding), 19:45.

SECOND PERIOD
SCORING
LA: Czarnik (unassisted), 1:03 (SH); LA: Andreoff 2 (Schumacher 2, Mignardi), 7:17; PHX: Bloodoff 2 (Long 2), 10:10 (SH); LA: Kozun 2 (Deslauriers), 11:36 (PP).
PENALTIES
LA: Muzzin (fighting), 3:41; LA: Muzzin (boarding), 3:41; PHX: Kessy (fighting), 3:41; PHX: Kessy (instigator), 3:41; PHX: Kessy (10-minute misconduct), 3:41; PHX: Brodeur (tripping), 9:40; LA: Kaunisto (roughing), 10:28; PHX: Goncharov (cross-checking), 10:28; LA: Andreoff (unsportsmanlike conduct), 10:45; PHX: Hextall (unsportsmanlike conduct), 10:45); PHX: Visentin (tripping), 11:28; LA: Mignardi (high-sticking), 13:56; PHX: Bloodoff (holding), 14:16; LA: Kaunisto (high-sticking), 15:34.

THIRD PERIOD
SCORING
PHX: Dziurzynski (Stone), 0:18; PHX: Miele (Summers 2), 6:41 (PP); PHX: Shinnimin (Long 3, Cheverie), 7:20 (PP); PHX: Hextall (Dziurzynski), 10:07; PHX: Hextall 2 (Miele), 13:59 (PP): LA: Kaunisto (Kozun), 19:57.
PENALTIES
LA: Deslauriers (tripping), 5:12; LA: Andreoff (tripping), 6:41; LA: Kantor (boarding), 12:45; LA: Toffoli (holding the stick), 15:14; PHX: Brodeur (interference), 17:39.

GOALIES
LA: Jones (28-31); Gibson (8-13); PHX: Visentin (29-35); Cheverie (9-10).

69 Comments

  1. Kingrichard says:

    good game

    [Reply]

  2. Kingrichard says:

    saw kopi he looks ready

    [Reply]

    Kingstane9 Reply:

    @Kingrichard, nice to hear that, was he at the TSC watching the game?

    [Reply]

    Bluecoconuts Reply:

    @Kingstane9, yeah he was. I thought I saw Stoll there next to TM at one point, but I’m not 100% sure.

    [Reply]

    Kingstane9 Reply:

    @Bluecoconuts, nice!

  3. Kingrichard says:

    gibson a little unsettled

    [Reply]

  4. CB14 says:

    On the third-period collapse? “They don’t accept that, as the L.A. Kings, and we’re going to try to erase that and make sure it never happens again.” I’ve heard that before.

    [Reply]

    PaulHB Reply:

    @CB14, A Kings team blows a big lead? Why does that sound familiar?

    [Reply]

    Chris Reply:

    @PaulHB, BLASPHEMY!

    [Reply]

  5. Gary says:

    Methinks it is time to trade Scuderi (don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of his) and get some value for him and save some money/cap space. Muzzin is ready, so is Voynov. We have built our cup team, but still need to think about the future.

    [Reply]

    Subby Reply:

    @Gary, Built a cup team with Scud being apart of it.

    [Reply]

    Zeley Reply:

    @Subby,
    Do I hear an AMEN!

    [Reply]

    Kasey9 Reply:

    @Gary, You would trade Scud?? Greene should go before Scud…. I like Greene as much as any Kings fan but playing wise i think you would be crazy to get rid of Scud before Greene rookies or not

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Kasey9, Agreed, and I’m a big Greene fan as well.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Kasey9, Totally agree with you. Scuderi and Mitchell are 2 of the best d-men in all of hockey, we wont win anything without those 2.

    [Reply]

    Duckbasher Reply:

    @puck73 – I’d let Doughty go before Scuds or Mitchell if you’re wanting to save cap space. Kings need both of them to win.

    CB14 Reply:

    @Gary, We have plenty of cap space this year. If anything we could trade him next off-season if we re-sign Mitchell, although I don’t like the idea of trading Scuds. I too would like to see either Muzzin or Voynov with the Kings this year, but neither of them are top 4 guys, yet. Also Greene and Martinez aren’t top 4 guys either. That’s your problem with trading Scuds.

    [Reply]

    danglebagel Reply:

    @CB14, Give Marty 2 years, he’ll be top 4 material. Just way too much hockey sense to be 3rd pairing, although I do like the 3-3 split.

    [Reply]

    uknojata Reply:

    @CB14, solid take, your 100% correct. I think the most we can expect this year is Muzzin hanging around as a 7th d-man. Its not DL’s style to deal a guy like Scuds to give a youngster a spot, He values his vets and never seems to be in a rush as far as prospects are concerned. But at some point you gotta either make room for the kids, or cash them in for a roster upgrade or picks. This summer we saw how tempting Europe can be for high value prospects.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Gary,

    Keep Scuds. He does his job so well, you don’t even know he is doing it. It isn’t coincidental that our last two seasons have been a couple of the best defensive seasons the Kings have ever had and they happened right after Scuds came to us.

    [Reply]

  6. hipcheck says:

    Gotta agree with Gary that Muzzin is ready-but it doesnt mean you trade Scuds or Greene. As for Voynov-they say he is ready but Ill reserve judgement until I actually see him play. If there is a bright side to a doughty holdout- all of the so called ready Dmen will get their shots.

    [Reply]

  7. Harry says:

    If DL told Meehan that Doughty will NOT get paid more than Kopi, what happens when another team offers him 7.5+mil/yr offer-sheet? Let him Walk? We don’t want another Rob Blake do we?
    Now if that’s the case…He doesn’t deserve to stay here, everyone will boo him…

    He should watch what Weaver from Angels did with his agent…

    My prediction is that Dewey will sign by Friday 6M/year for 7-9 years, or 5M for 5 years.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Harry, You match it, and then look to trade him. The draft picks won’t help us this year, or likely next year either so we don’t want those.

    DL has already offered a 9 year deal for 6.8 million a year that DD didn’t accept, so I doubt he’ll accept 6M a year for 9 years.

    [Reply]

    Harry Reply:

    @CB14, We shall see how it all plays out in the next few days. None of us really know what’s exactly on his mind…The only thing we know is that he will become a millionaire shortly!

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Harry, True. BTW, is that Kings toilet paper in your pic?

    Melissa Reply:

    @CB14 Looks like Mighty Sucks TP to me.

    Subby Reply:

    @Harry, I can’t believe he is doing this over 200k

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Subby, I’ll let Dominick take this one off. The problem isn’t with the amount, it’s the length. Funny, my girlfriend has the same problem with me. ;)

    My height that is! Get your mind out of the gutter people. I’m 6’3″, she’s 5’2″.

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @Subby, tends to make the story seem inaccurate

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @Harry,

    DD is a poison pill as long as he keeps Meehan as his agent and advisor. All die hard DD fans (including my 24 yr old son) need to stop burying their heads in the sand. If there was someone interested in presenting an offer sheet, it would have been done already.

    If someone offers one at 7.0 or 7.5M or whatever, DL can and probably will match it. He can always say his hand was forced and did not have many options, unhappy as it may make him blah blah blah…

    Personally, I would rather DL get the first round picks (4 of them, right?) and bait Nashville to give up Webber right away. The one year Webber signed is a clear indication both he and the Preds are not expecting him back after next year. DL can afford his one year salary and what better motivation for Webber to stay longer than going deep into the playoffs or even winning it all?

    As for DD..best wishes, wherever you go. Just GO. Watch the Kings you say you grew up loving raise the cup without you.

    No single player is better, more deserving or more important than the team itself.

    [Reply]

  8. lime says:

    I got stuck in class for the game so I missed the live stream. Rich do you know if KV will upload that bad boy? Also did anyone happen to catch the fights on camera, I’d love to see those on youtube?

    [Reply]

  9. Bama Kings says:

    Hey, we have 3 spots left for the LA KIngs Insider Fantasy Hockey League (unofficial). Though it would be fun for Hammond to join in!

    Anyway, there are 17 team signed up and 20 spots open.

    Going to be a great time, but the draft is this weekend. So if you want in, jump in.

    Email me: garrett@microfitgroup.com

    [Reply]

    Bama Kings Reply:

    @Bama Kings, Take it back about Hammond. Too much inside baseball happening :)

    [Reply]

  10. puck73 says:

    Was at the scrimmage tonite, great to see alot of the fellow insiders out there as well! To me, Jake Muzzin is a man among boys, he is NHL ready IMO. Deslauriers showed me what he always shows, great decision making at game speed, and physical play when needed. That being said, the kid will play in Manchester this season under the watchfull eye of Mark Morris which will be great for his development.
    To me, the biggest surprise for me was Tyler Toffoli. I knew the kid had a nose for the net, but what I didnt know was that he plays a responsible 2 way game as well! Several times tonite he came back and backchecked, and poked a couple of pucks away so you know Terry Murrray was smiling. Brandon Kozun really shows alot of speed and great hockey IQ on the offensive side of the puck, but I still think he needs a little work on the backcheck. Also, Andy Andreoff has been a pleasant surprise to everybody. shows good speed, can score goals, and is willing to pay the price and stick up for his teammates as well.
    Anyway, just some observations, see some of you on Saturday !

    [Reply]

    mcdangles Reply:

    @puck73, well said. I agree with you on all. Was hoping to see a little more flash-finesse from Toffoli around the net, 10-15 perimeter that he has done so well with the 67′s

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @puck73, Enjoyed talking with you on the phone after the game on your thoughts about how it went out there tonight. The Kings are lucky to have the support from fans like you.

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @puck73, I was surprised with the hands on Czarnik too…

    I think fatigue played into the 3rd period collapse… I felt for Gibson. He came in at a bad time. I hope it doesn’t hurt his confidence…

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Stuart, Czarnik seems to get better every camp, but like alot of players we have now, we only have so much room. Thats why I have said this a number of times….If you make the 23 man roster nowadays with the Kings, you earned it. The cream will rise to the top and some of these players will leave camp disapointed. Thats what happens when you have depth !

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @puck73, for sure, these are problems worth having! :)

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @puck73, good to meet you and saltlake last night. I have to share your observations on Toffoli and Deslauriers. Kozun is all over the place with his energy and speed, but definitely not close to being ready….yet. I love Andreoff, did at the rookie camp and last night. My prediction before the game was a Howe hat trick for him, he just missed the assist!! I will be there today, you? If not, then I will some of you boys (and girls) on Saturday.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Shotongoal, I wont be there, but I will be there on saturday. You have my number so call between periods today and give me some observations.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @puck73, will do…See you Saturday.

  11. CB14 says:

    LA: bench (too many men), Some things never change. ;)

    [Reply]

    jet Reply:

    @CB14, It has been almost 50 years since the Kings have had too many men. Enjoy the depth my friend.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @jet, concur

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @jet, I meant as a Penalty. Remember how many of those we had last year? Too Many (men). I should have clarified that by putting “Penalties” in there. My Bad :(

    [Reply]

  12. NealyBoy says:

    I saw Luc, DL, and Hextall! Pretty cool! Fun game to watch. Those boys seemed to give it their best. Lots of pretty good fights, too. I like Jones. Gibson… thumbs down. If anyone saw me, I was the loner with the SMYTH jersey…

    [Reply]

  13. vandalsfan says:

    looks like hextall’s boy is a chip off the old block….what a chirper!

    [Reply]

  14. Dominick says:

    The shots in the 3rd were down a little for both teams so I don’t see it as a total breakdown, but 5 goals on 13 shots hurts everytime I bend over.

    [Reply]

  15. losingsand says:

    i also want to say that Czarnik had a great game playing on the 4th line… top speed all game with great hands.. That shorty he scored was all hustle.. Dude was flying

    [Reply]

  16. nykingfan says:

    I didn’t see the game, but thanks to everyone for giving insight into the game and the players.

    I guess this was one game Gibson would like to quickly forget.

    as for tyhe DD situation…I still remain positive that this will be resolved when camp opens.
    It sounds like they’re haggling over $200k…$6.8mil-$7mil per season.
    If somehow $200k leads to a holdout then shame on everyone involved.

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @nykingfan, Deal will get done today or tomorrow. Bank on it.

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @KC23,
    I think you’re right…
    I can’t see how such a small amount could lead to a holdout….but you never know when greed comes into play.
    I find it strange that the 2 biggest RFA’s not signed (DD and Schenn) are both represented by Meehan.
    Is he the new Donald Fehr(agent)?

    [Reply]

    Sancho Reply:

    @KC23, Ok, I’m banking on it! It didn’t happen yesterday. So that means it’s happening TODAY! you said bank on it. Well, I’m on my way to the bank!

    [Reply]

    Cry Baby Reply:

    @Sancho, I have changed my opinion. Two weeks ago I thought this was a done deal before camp. Now, I see this a pissing match that will be extended into the season…who will budge first? Precedent is sort of set with Myers signing for 5.5 at 7 years (picked one place after Teubert). I hope the kings stand firm.

    puck73 Reply:

    @nykingfan, It was 18 year old Gibson’s first time vs grown men and he froze like a Deer in the headlights. If this was an NHL game, he would have been sent down the next morning so the Kid wouldnt lose his confidence. Last time I saw a Kings goalie look that bad is when washed up Dan Cloutier was here. Anyway NYK, Muzzin is ready, he mastered the AHL level last season with a plus 22 and played in all situations. Watching his composure last night in his own zone showed me that he has nothing more to prove at that level. Deslauriers is coming on strong as well, but there is no rush, lets see how the kid plays this season with men in Manchester. Hey, and dont forget to shoot me an email sometime this season so I can put you on the phone with Rich and some of the other bloggers on this site at frozenfury or a Hammond event, mikebrnstn@gmail.com

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @puck73,

    I sent it to you bro

    I can see how the kid would be nervous. I’m glad it happened in a rookie game. I’m sure he’ll bounce back from it, but that’s not the comparison he was looking for…Cloutier! lol

    I like Muzzin last year for the brief time he was up.
    Injuries are always a part of hockey so guys like Muzzin/Voynov need to be ready if/when the call comes. barring a trade or a holdout, I don’t see any room to start the season for these guys, but you never know.
    I just think people are being dillusional when they think that Voynov can step into DD’s place seamlessly. You’d be asking a rookie to play 25+ min a night..PP/PK/regular shift and crunch time.
    It just doesn’t work that way.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @nykingfan, Hey man, I guess 2 guys we didnt mention are Hickey and Drewiske. I think Drewiske has shown that he can play at this level and he certainly has a leg up on the competition because he is older and has more experience. as far as hickey goes, he has been an assistant captain, or captain on every level of competetive hockey he has ever played at which shows you what his peers and his coaches think of him. Plus this kid is a great skater, has excellent hockey IQ, and finally was healthy last season and put up a plus 9 at Manchester playing top 4 minutes so you cant count this kid out either……great problems on defense to have huh ? lol

  17. DesertKing says:

    Trade DD to Edmonton for Tambellini and their next 6 draft picks. Then trade Tambellini to the KHL for a Lithuanian strength coach. We get rid of the DD issue, save on cap space, banish Tambellini to Siberia, fill our vacant strength coach position and ensure that we have future players to develop. Or, just sign DD and lets go get the Cup!! GKG!!

    [Reply]

  18. kinginsaltlake says:

    Good Morning peeps… As I was walking out of the Toyota center last night I had a little chat with Rob Blake. After meeting all the celebrity’s, Puck, Ice guy, Kobe, Wheels, Shots on Goal, Rich,etc… Meeting Blake was no big deal. He agreed Gibson as nervous in goal and that had a lot to do with us blowing the game, plus some mental breakdowns, but all in all it was a fun night. We also talked a little about Drew. Rob Blake really likes Drew and truly believes that the Kings will get it done. “He’s a very talented kid we need to keep him” It sounds simple but it’s true. We will get it done. It was great meeting all the people during my stay here. I have a couple of days of work to finish up and I’ll be heading back to Salt Lake. I leave on Saturday but before I leave I’m going to stop by the Toyota Center to catch Opening Camp. See you there or in Vegas. Gotta go now.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake,

    Safe trip home :)

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake, Good to finally put a face to the name, see you on Saturday.

    [Reply]

    Shotongoal Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake, good meeting you and puck last night, and hope to see you on Saturday….

    [Reply]

    OnTheFly Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake,

    Safe drive home, See you in Las Vegas.

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @kinginsaltlake,
    First off – good to meet you last night! Sat with puck73 and we had good back and forth about the kids all night. It was great fun.
    Second, nice reporting there on the Blake exclusive interview.
    Third – ahh the 3rd Period.
    For young Master Gibson: hang in there kid, you’ll be fine. He was in way over his head, but that’s how you learn sometimes. I noticed at one point when there was a break in the game, Gibson skated to the bench. Both Muzzin and Jones came over to him with words of encouragement and some pats on the shoulder. Good teammates.
    After one of the goals, the puck ended up sitting right in front of the crease. Gibson had his back against the crossbar, but didn’t touch the puck, and never looked at it. I wonder what he was thinking. But NOT touching it was a good sign.

    Impressions: Muzzin looked like a man among kids. I think he’s ready for a shot. Nice touch having him wear the “C”. Surprise of the night? Andy Anderoff. He did well and might be making a case for this year’s “Outta Nowhere” rookie looking to make the team – you know, like we all knew Clifford and Martinez would play such a big roll last year. Right.

    Taffoli looked very good to me. Great stick work, especially on the backcheck. That’s how you make up for size on D! Knows where to be on the ice, and will go to the net in a heartbeat. At one point in the 3rd, Czarnik sent a slapper from the right point, and I looked at the goal, only to see this black blur flying across the crease. Taffoli I think, about 3′ in the air – ie right in front of the goalie’s face. Wow. Taffoli I believe.

    Vey is getting there. Nolan is a big kid and stands up when challenged.

    And then there’s Deslauriers. He looks like Greener’s young nephew or something. I’m thinking one more year at Manchester (or less) and he’s knockin’ on Uncle Matt’s door for a job. Good size, speed and hands. Very impressed with this young man. Which then leads to the thought; if he’s this good, what do Hickey and Voynov look like? We shall soon see.

    On a personal note: brought my twin daughters with me to the game. Sat front row at the blue line. During warm ups, there were an unusually large number of of young Kings hanging around the glass at the Blue Line. Geez, what’s a father to do?

    Finally – it was great you enjoy hockey again!

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @IceGuy, Some of the best analysis on the scrimmage last night that I have heard…great read, and totally concur.

    [Reply]

  19. Stuart says:

    Was at TSC last night and let me say those boys are BIG… Schumacher, Nolan, and Czarnik caught my eye. It was nice to be so close to the action. Very physical stuff on the ice too. It seemed to me that our boys seemed a little winded in the 3rd. Gibson would’ve been better served getting his one period in, in the 1st when the boys were fresh and flying around. I’m sure as a goalie, you need to be pretty sure of yourself, but I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Gibber after letting in the first 3. I thought Jones would’ve been better served to come in after the 1st and thus take the barage in the 3rd (my feeling is that he’s got a better mental toughness than Gibson by sheer experience). But otherwise, some good play, some bad play but a lot of entertainment for sure!

    [Reply]

  20. Cup B4 I Die says:

    I blame Modry and Frolov.

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @Cup B4 I Die,
    but not Mikus!

    [Reply]

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