Terry Murray’s postgame thoughts…
(on Slava Voynov’s game…)
MURRAY: “I thought Voynov had a very good game. He’s got great awareness on the ice, with and without the puck. He wants to make plays. I wish he would sometimes shoot the puck a little bit more, at times, but he’s got great composure. He came up on all of the attacks. He’s hungry to be a part of the offensive game. I think on the checking part of the game, without the puck, he was also pretty good. So overall, for me, I was just actually talking about that in the office. He played good for me.’’
(on Thomas Hickey’s game…) MURRAY: “Hickey wasn’t bad. He was more physical than any other time I’ve ever seen him. And it’s been a while since I’ve really seen him play a game. Faster, getting the puck off his stick a little faster than what he did in the past. I remember the first year I was here, with an exhibition game, he would try to fake three, four, five guys. Now he’s moving it faster and playing more with a purpose.’’
(on the exhibition opener…)
MURRAY: “I was real pleased with a lot of things that happened in this game. Certainly the start of the game, the first period, was what we wanted. We talked about coming out and doing the right things in the first half of the game, and I liked it. We did it. Overall, lots of chances, not able to finish. Lots of shooting opportunities. We’re trying to be a little too fine, still at times, but the compete, the quickness, the speed, the conditioning factor was all real positive.’’
(on whether he’s preparing for defensemen to possibly take Doughty’s spot…)
MURRAY: “Quite honestly, I’m not looking at it that way. I’m trying to prepare all of these guys as if they’re going to be here at the start of the year. That’s everybody that’s in camp still. We want to make them into NHL players and we’re working towards that to happen as quickly as possible. Voynov’s game, just to speak of him, he’s coming off an All-Star season in the American Hockey League. He’s got a tremendous amount of confidence and skill and poise, as we talked about. Does he have a step on other people, because of what he added to his resume last year? Probably so. I thought Muzzin was struggling here tonight. I need him to be better. He’s got games under his belt as an NHL player, at the start of the year last year, and I’m going to ask him to be a better player tomorrow.’’
Voynov needs to be given a chance this year. He looks like he’s ready for the big boys.
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CB14 Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@Sakrates, Agreed!
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Anjin Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:04 am
@Sakrates, assuming Doughty comes back where does he fit, the 7th D man?
We are so deep at that position already with guys like Martinez, Muzzin, Voynov, Drewiski and possibly Hickey all fighting for 1 spot (assuming Drew plays)
I think it’s a great place to be as long as some of these guys can be content playing another season in Manchester because I really don’t see both Greene and Mitchell being here next year.
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Anjin Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:06 am
@Anjin, Clarification “assuming Doughty comes back where does he(Voynov)fit, the 7th D man?”
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CT King Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:08 am
@Anjin, My thoughts on Defense:
LA: Doughty, Johnson, Mitchell, Greene, Scuderi, Martinez, Drewiske
Manchester: Voynov, Hickey, Muzzin, Mullen, Campbell, Kolomatis, Deslauriers
If Doughty is not signed then Voynov goes up. One of the camp guys them comes to Manchester (Roach, Heshka, Miller, Cajkovski). I think there really is only a battle for a part time spot in Manchester in this group.
Kings x Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:10 am
@Sakrates, Concur, he sniffs pucks out and will be looking to add the O in defense
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I agree w/ Murray about Jake…
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Pylon Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 5:24 am
@The Royal Family LA,
Struggled? Perhaps a bit harsh – fingered as part of the culprit on that early goal – a full AHL line with what sounded like a botched change ( Drewiskie late — where was Hickey) – will have to wait for the highlight. That and getting drilled from behind. VV is offensive D which everyone loves – JM looking after things and moving the puck well out of his end etc… a luxury to be stocked with solid D and complain about some of them. And the “veteran comment” – VV, TH have more AHL games and seasons – good grief.
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Sebastian Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:53 am
@The Royal Family LA, Muzzin appeared to be afraid to take a hit to make a play even before the Phx goal. On the play of the goal he was the first one getting to the puck but he seemed so worried about getting hit, he went in too soft into the boards and let the forechecker take the puck without much body contact. you could tell he was frustrated with himself, he knew he screwed up. he seemed to be feeling more comfortable after that mistake, Murray put him out a lot after that and then he got rocked. This, i did not like, there was no response on the ice from i believe brown and richards who were out there. no response to the hit physically, and no response on the score sheet with the 5 min pp. this was the most frustrating part of the game for me…and the phantom goalie interference call.
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I like TM, but he contradicts himself by saying he isnt preparing for life without Mr Doughty and then that he is preparing those in camp like they are going to be here to start the year. then he talks about Voynov. That says alot to me without him saying it. Come on Mr Doughty, look how awesome we are without you…imagine if you were there too…WOW!
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RLane420 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:15 am
@tornado12, He said all players not just D. As he should prepare every player as if they are going to be here for the season, or else what is the point of training camp. I dont think anybody believes Slava is going to replace Doughty, but DD #44 on the other hand, should be worried.As should Lewis as well because Lokti is looking much stronger, and more prepared this year.
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tornado12 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:16 am
@RLane420,lewis had 2 assists last night and by all accounts had a very strong game. He is also a valuable PK’er and can also move over to wing if needed so I dont think Lokti threatends him directly. I think Parse should be worried because apparently had weak game and he is the most likely not to make the cut if Lokti steps in and makes the 23 man roster.
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tuan jim Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:21 pm
@tornado12,
But Loki really functions best at center. Parse on the wing — though which wing is open to discussion.
Also, even though his injuries ruined his last season and probably caused him to tank in the playoffs, Parse is essentially a fire plug. He’s physically much tougher than Loki — who is a breakable mouse. A highly talented mouse, but a mouse nevertheless.
Kings x Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:11 am
@RLane420, yes, concur….DD44 = peter harold press box seat
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Wow, I liked what Voynov brought tonite, he is good!
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I like that Murray is just preparing whats there. DD shouldn’t even be an issue for his preperation till DD gets here. He’s got to concentrate on what he has now, and I agree with him fully on Voynov. During the game I was yelling at the screen to shoot, and even posted for it. The kid has some good speed though. Hickey had a good game. Muzz I agree with him also. He is the veteran amongst the young’ns. He needs to be better and stand out above the others.
All the NHL regulars looked confident, but Richards didn’t spend as much time with the puck as Richardson, and I was a little disappointed (exhibition, I know). Richards looked like he’s fighting for a job though, and hunter was a pleasant surprise (wish he got more ice time to see what he’s got).
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Dominick Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Should read “Richardson” looks like he’s fighting for a job.
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Also, Lokti kicked butt tonight.
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RLane420 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:19 am
@Dominick, Yes the kid looked real good. Much bigger and stronger on the puck.
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jdm77 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:58 am
@Dominick,
I was very impressed with Lokti. He had so much confidence and seemed to really want the puck. His stickhandling is amazing and the Kings haven’t had a stickhandler like that in a while.
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Stephen Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:10 am
@jdm77, Pavel Datsyuk Jr seems to want to stay with the big club!
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Kings x Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:12 am
@Dominick, let’s bring the Russians back to the team in Lotki and Voy….solidness
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I thought Parse couldn’t do anything right tonight unfortunately. Hunter also looked a little out of place. I know what he was capable of before but from what I saw tonight, he’s not really cut out to make our Kings roster. Lotki on the other hand was phenomenal tonight, that kid put on a lot of muscle and showed it. From the rookie side of things, a lot of these guys showed flashes of talent and brilliance but most of them lacked finish. Overall, I am stoked for this season.
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RLane420 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:21 am
@TheRussianKing, As for Parse I agree he didnt look good, but he hasnt played in pretty much an entire season. Hopefully he can shake off the rust and soon.
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Darrell Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@RLane420, If that was 100% for Parse then he better be prepared to start in Manch.
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Neil Ellis Shafton Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@TheRussianKing, Hunter with the Islanders was one their best penalty killers and was among the league leaders in hits. Hunter looked rusty, but he is big, and given his past with the Islanders, he could be a big body to plant himself in front of the net, and captilize on rebounds. His size and his physical style of play could make him a good defensive forward who can wear down the opponent.
I don’t think he will make the final roster and he probably be released for another team to sign him if needed.
I think the Kings will keep Loktionov for the begging of the regular season to see how he plays. The only problem with Loktionov is not being flexible. There are too many centers, so with Stoll and Lewis being 3rd and 4th line centers it makes it very hard to place him somewhere.
Parse might feel great, but he didn’t really show any of the skill that had Lombardi claiming he is a top 6 forward.
If you have to choose a puck moving defenseman, Voynov is a much better choice than Hickey. The comment about Voynov not shooting enough, means he has been given the green light to fire at will. The incident when he had the puck, and was in he middle of winding up, but then saw Brown open, caused him to attempt a slap pass, but it was blocked by the goalie. That is just something he needs to become better at with his decisons. Voynov showed his speed going forward and backwards, along with some good defensive plays, in front of the net and behind the net. He’s not a physical defenseman, but his display of not just being and offensive defenseman was very impressive which is why Murray was very happy with his showing last night.
The Kings have some tough decisions coming up! Lombardi and Murray will be very busy figuring who stays and who gets sent down, or back to their junior teams.
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Just got home from the game at Staples. For the first time I wish I had seats were the Kings defend twice, instead.
I wanted to see the defense in advance of life without you know who.
VOYNOY: Played big, joined the attack multiple times and did not get hang out to dry out of position when the puck bounced the other way. Scored a smart rebound goal and kept working the rest of the game.I hope he stays.
Muzzin: SOLID!! Great timing backcheking and Made some a la Magic Johnson passes up the middle that Clifford wasted, if Kopi, Richards or Penner had been the recipients, they’d have been goals.
Jack “MF” Johnson: Someone must have told him “go out there and show DD you can also BE the offense. Counted at least 6 times where he sliced and diced 3-4 opponents before running out of real estate without an angle to shoot or a teammate to pass.
Hickey: Mehhh.
Nolan: Flatfooted most of the time he got involved
Jones: Monster saves late in the third and in overtime.
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TheRussianKing Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:13 am
@Gustavo, JMFJ was a boss in going coast to coast tonight. His conditioning is really on and he just knows how to hustle.
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:19 am
@Gustavo,
Were you watching the same Jones and Muzzin I was? Jones was average and looked nervous, and Muzzin was flat out BAD, I couldn’t believe he saw as much ice time as he did.
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Chaz Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:52 am
@Gustavo, Sorry man, you and I saw a different Muzzin. You probably also thought Parse played well…?
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thelexsters Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:58 am
@Chaz, lol burn!!!
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Gustavo Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:08 am
@Chaz,
I liked Muzzin’s sharp passes up the middle. I thought he played with poise and good timing several times on one on one situations.
I agree Parse did not do well. As much as I root for the guy, I don’t think he’s threatening anyone’s job this year. Perhaps a year in Manchester could help him?
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regulate Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:52 am
@Gustavo,
Voynov played well. It’s clear he can play on offense, (just more shot mentality). Hickey also played well, a couple of miscues with the puck, and had a goal called back. The Phoenix goal was on Muzzin completely (Murray backed this up commenting that Jake needs to be better). Muzzin did’nt do himself any favors last night. Loki looks great, just where do you fit him in? He has to play center to be effective. Hunter did not inspire. Brown was terrific. Richards opens up the ice for everyone because he keeps his feet moving. Parse was rusty, but he has not played for a year, so he gets some slack. Cliche, Meckler and Kaunisto were not inspiring. Johnson may have done some rushes, but he kept trying to go down the right side, followed by weak cross ice backhand passes that got picked off every time. Not a good tactic in this league. Nolan’s stick handling will keep him out of the NHL, despite his size. I thought Jones did fine, and his save in the last minute saved the game. Richardson was very active, but lacks the vision to find the open player. Stoll was dominant in the face off circle.
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Sebastian Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:57 am
@Gustavo, absolutely agree with Jack, he was great carrying the puck up the ice.
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Looking at the solid D prospects, the anxiety over the potential absence of Doughty is starting to fade. Getting Doughty back is simply a plus from an already good situation.
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Gustavo Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:11 am
@TurboLaserDavey,
Agree 100%!
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Nolan looked lost at times. I don’t think he is going to be around much longer.
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To DD: TM’s comments were meant for your ears. Accept what was offered (more than you’re worth) or ride the pine…..
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saw some of the 3rd and py perspoective:
-Lokti played “big”
-Voynov looked good
-Parse was ineffective
-Jones looked good
-Muzzin looked bad
-Scuds looked good as always
Didn’t see much of the others
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Kings x Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:14 am
@crashin’ da net, agreed….
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I’d like to see these lines
Penner-kopi-williams
gags-richards-brown
Cliff-stoll-richardson
Lewis-lokti-wesgarth/Ethan
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Neil Ellis Shafton Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@thelexsters, Lewis is a better fit on the 4th line, and Moreau is better than Westgarth unless TM feels he needs his big enforcer.
Toffoli might play 9 games before the Kings make a decision to keep him up or send him back to the 67′s.
Loktionov is kind of the 4th man out. He is too skilled to be put on a 3rd line or a 4th line. Kopitar/Richards/Stoll/Lewis will probably be the 4 centers to start this season and if Loktionov can’t be flexible in terms of being moved to a wing, it will be hard for him to earn a spot at center.
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@TurboLaserDavey,
You realize this is killing Doughty right? And if it’s not, I don’t want him back. Don’t you think they are playing this up in the media for DD a bit? Saying Voynov is sitting in drews Locker room spot and everything?
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KingsGuy Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:35 am
@RobSD, Meehan is probly telling him “don’t worry kid” this is how the game is played… They’ll pay up and you will be in the locker room soon enough.
Or I could just be way wrong and DD doesn’t give a lick.
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I’m hoping these will be the final lines for this season, a team which will be impossible to beat.
1) Penner, Kopitar, Williams
2) Gagne. Richards, Brown
3) Richardson, Stoll, Hunter
4) Clifford, Loktinov, Lewis
spares, Moreau, Westgarth, parse
1) Doughty, Mitchell
2) Johnson, Scuderi
3) Greene, Vyoynov
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TheRussianKing Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:15 am
@roachie007, I like Voynov, but I don’t feel Martinez gave any reason to lose his spot. He earned it last season. I would have him ready if Martinez doesn’t pan out or Martinez will become the new Peter Harrold of the team.
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GO VOYNOV AND LOKTINOV!!!
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Kings x Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:19 am
@BlueandGold, that’s the bottom line…DD44 is in trouble
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BlueandGold Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 11:54 am
@Kings x, what is wrong with Davis Drewiski?
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the only thing I could add about everyone’s reviews is that Hunter made 3 poor turnover passes…needs to be smarter with the puck.
Lotki – good
Voy – real good
Parse – why was he ever considered top 6?
Lewis – nice Offensive contribution
Jones – not a Bernier or a Quick, but a huge game changing save…doesn’t have the speed or the quickness of JQ or JB, but he is a much bigger goalie…plays way bigger in net
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I didn’t see the game but is it safe to say Hickey still looks like a long shot to make the team?
I always thought DL reached too far when we drafted him but we were so bad back then I guess any player looked good at the time.
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puck73 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:47 am
@KOHO, I was at the game and Hickey is getting better before our eyes. His biggest problem has been injuries. This kid has better hockey IQ then JJ, all he needs ia a little more seasoning at Manchester and he will be NHL ready.
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KOHO Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@puck73,
I hope he can make the jump so we can get a return on that #4 pick..if not this season then hopefully next either by playing or trading him.
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Neil Ellis Shafton Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@KOHO, It would be a big black eye for Lombardi, since he drafted Hickey and Teubert in the 1st round. Teubert is gone and Hickey probably too thrilled if he goes back to Manchester.
The next year, Stamkos went 1st and Doughty went 2nd. This really impacted Lombardi due to his drafting Hickey and Teubert.
Lombardi seems to always get good value out of his 2nd round picks.
I am lazy but did Kozun play in PHX last night?
KOHO Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@Newil Ellis Shafton,
I looked around but didn’t see anything about Kozun. He’s another good blue chipper for the future!
Got some criticism here for the coach. I don’t like how he says or words things like this. “I wish he would sometimes shoot the puck a little bit more, at times, but he’s got great composure.” To me, if I were a very young rookie trying to break into the NHL that seems a little vague to me like “So he wants me to shoot more in general or in those situations?” Or “So my composure during those times when I didn’t shoot the puck not so good then?”
I think these young kids, because they’re so nervous and new to the whole thing, is to be very direct with them and to put it out there where it’s basically black and white. So with Voynov, if I were coach, I’d rather put it like “Voynov needs to shoot when the opportunity is given him. He needs to take initiative when the opportunity is there and shoot the puck on net. I don’t want him hesitating. If the opportunity presents itself and the lane opens up, I want him shooting the puck on net.”
Maybe that’s what happened to Teddy Purcell. I think he stated that he felt a little confused as to what was expected of him with those vague statements. To a vet I think they know what he’s referring to but to a very young rookie trying to make break into the NHL, they need their hand held somewhat.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
September 23rd, 2011 at 8:05 am
@Hat trick, good point, i’d certainly appreciate the clarity in times like that
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Voynov playing well is great news – he can take Doughty’s spot as long as he holds out and DL has more bargaining power. I still think DL should look at moving Martinez if Voynov is ready. Martinez is cheap, established and can play top-4 somewhere. Better that than risk Voynov going to KHL.
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