Here’s my LAKings.com recap of tonight’s two exhibition games. Thanks for reading…
Kings split exhibition games against Coyotes
The Kings are scheduled to resume training camp tomorrow with a goalie session from 10-10:40 a.m., followed by regular practice starting at 11 a.m.
Get some sleep Rich, I’ll bet you’re beat. It’s not often you have to cover 2 Kings games at the same time.
Also, Thanks to the Kings for broadcasting the game on the web. I feel sorry for those of you out of the area who weren’t able to watch the game online, and personally I think it’s kind of stupid that you were omitted, but I’m sure it’s due to some stupid broadcasting rule that the NHL has.
Kind of like how those of us in LA missed the last 20 seconds of the Raider game over the weekend, all so we could watch 3 minutes of commercials before the Chargers game. I’m not even a Raiders fan, but I would much rather watch the last 20 seconds of a close game over the first 20 minutes of another game. Sorry for the rant.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:27 am
@CB14, I couldn’t watch the game or listen to it on the radio, I couldn’t listen on the web because I am out of the country. Just like DD’s contract this broadcast rights BS is all about the money.
NHL Center Ice on the web is my only source of hockey.
[Reply]
kinginsaltlake Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:05 am
@Osaka, Thanks for hanging in there. We need fans like you
[Reply]
Token Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:53 am
@Osaka, There’s gotta be a Linux box running a proxy out there somewhere so you can get at least the audio feed from KTLK.
I’m going to research this for you.
[Reply]
Stu Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:19 am
@Token, Check out IHeartRadio… I was switching between the PHX radio feed and the LAK radio feed for both games here in Denver (no KingsVision for us).
i like Nolan”s game tonight….
[Reply]
taylorskings Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:03 am
@neil,
Agreed, he was very visible. I first started paying attention a few nights ago watching the rookie stream. he is a big body, and seems to be able to “knife” into areas where the puck is. Hope he continues to develop, for coming seasons.
[Reply]
I thought Nolan got caught flatfooted every time he got involved and out of position afterwards.
[Reply]
Rich,
There only seems to be 1 set of box scores right now for the game in Pheonix. Is there box scores for the game at Staples or did I miss it?
[Reply]
oc kings fan Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:23 am
@Dominick,
Checkout http://tsn.ca/nhl/scores/
[Reply]
after puking my lunch all over the orange county register this afternoon, as they dedicated a whole page to the anaheim “sux’, I was so stoked to watch the Stream tonight! Last year I think they just did an open mic fixed view video stream, or another staffer called the game Kalinowski, but it was great to hear nick and daryl, and see a few replays, bring on the full monty with bob and jim, and nick and daryl when im stuck in my car!
p.s.
If anyone has frozen fury tix, the can no longer use due to their new allegiance and love of the ducks please hit me up.
[Reply]
LAPD line Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 6:08 am
@taylorskings, Is that crickets I hear??
[Reply]
RabidZiggy Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:08 pm
@taylorskings, I have two extra tickets I’m looking to unload, Sec 107, Row FF, Seats 8-7. $100 for the pair. Just shoot me an email (rabidziggy@gmail.com) or a tweet (@rabidziggy)
[Reply]
Wow! Did Jack Johnson really play 32+ minutes tonight?!
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:16 am
@Eldoret,
That’s huge considering he averaged 23 minutes time on ice per game last season. It’s still preseason, but that’s a lot of minutes on the ice.
[Reply]
Was able to enjoy tonights game at staples thanks to Howe 9. It was a nice battle for the “first” game. A few thoughts on the night:
Hickey looked the most ready out of himself Muzzin and Voynov. Composed with and without the puck and not afraid to take the body.
Voynov had his moments such as crashing the net to score the kings’ pp goal, but he had too many moments where he looked hesitant and didn’t make a play.
Muzzin was almost invisible except when he was playing soft with the body in his own end. His hesitancy to take the body directly. resulted in the PHX goal.
Nolan looked like he didn’t want to skate north-south when he had the puck. He constantly pushed towards the boards before attempting to enter the zone.
Richards makes things look so easy out there. He was in on all the little and big plays, as he put the puck on net with brown in front and voynov crashing.
The PP was as frustrating as last season, but there is hope! In speaking of richards and how well he sees the ice, he was directing players and working to dictate the flow of movement. I can only imagine how strong it would look if it had been the #1 unit on the ice.
Clifford looked like he was getting picked on by the ref, as he cut 3 runs to the box before his 3rd period scrap, the first of which was a BS goalie interference call that negated a PP goal in the 1st. Otherwise he was almost the same KFC from last season.
Johnson also had his moments, but looked more in control. He still needs to play smarter in the corners and along the boards near the circles, always his weaknesses. He was strong with the puck and decisive, which is one big thing always expected of him.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:26 am
@ArmChairKingsFan, Like the take on Muzzin. Dead on. Unacceptable and the reason TM was pissed at him.
Cliffy had a tough noght, but what I was happy about was that he didn’t stop playing his game. No fear. I think he was getting picked on a bit. That interference call was absolutely ridiculous.
Voynov was just afraid to shoot. He made the plays, got in fantastic positions and then just froze. Maybe he was afraid to show up people? The coaches had to be riding him about shooting the puck. Other than that, he really impressed me. You can fix the shoot mentality rather easy.
Nolan, you have to admit, showed some SERIOUS skill with that drive to the net. The LAST thing I expected from him for sure! He pulls that off and he is the darling of the boards today if he doesn’t lose that last forehand to backhand move. I wanted to see that finish SO bad! I wish it was recorded. If you can find a recording of that move, play it slow and watch the hands. It was REAL pretty.
Hickey was solid, just not what I was expecting from him. Voynov was more what I expected from Hickey.
Good assessments man!
[Reply]
OK here goes:
Voynov – He’s gonna take Drewiskie’s spot. When Drew comes back, I think DD2 will be waived to be sent to Manch or traded. Too many D-men and Voynov absolutely outperforms Drewiskie. Confident, joins the rush AND gets back. I agree with TM that he needs to shoot more. He missed 3 solid shot opportunities because he wanted to pass. That should change quick. He really impressed me tonight.
Richards – Wow. Boy has this team been missing that true poise at center on the 2nd line. 1st shift, MR took the puck to the slot with 3 guys around him. Absolutely NO panic, toe drag and nice SOG. Thing of beauty. All night he just exuded control. I can only imagine how he’ll play with Simon’. But…….
Richardson – I believe was the catalyst for the Richie-Richards-Brown line tonight. 5 or 6 different times he came in on a forecheck and scraped out pucks for MR & DB to support and create opportunities. I honestly feel that Richardson could stay there. That line was NAILS! With Parse not doing well, a 3rd line of Gagne-Stoll-Hunter might happen.Probably not, but Brad looked REAL good with these 2 tonight.
Brown – Real solid.
Nolan – This is my pick for the guy who makes the team NEXT year. He showed me serious skill on that breakaway. Great hands to get around that defender and have a shot at net from that angle. He was a little flatfooted, but there were more than a few more flatfooted than him who should not have been. I hope he dominates in Manchester and they give him a chance on the 3rd line. I think that’s his destiny.
Clifford – Too many penalties. Played real hard. We have so much talent this year I could see him put on the 4th line and still doing damage. A 4th line of Clifford – Lewis – Richardson could be given 10-12 minutes a night and be VERY effective.
Loktionov – Man, where do you PUT this guy?!?! SO talented but we’re SO stacked at center! Jarret Stoll, the writing is on the wall bud. Love ya, but I think you’re under the microscope now. Tough call coming up.
Johnson – Much Improved. Many times I expected him to turn a puck over in the D-zone, he made the right play and advanced the puck to a forward. Playing a little more patient. Up a notch in his aggressiveness. Gonna be a good year for him I think. I call a +10 or more for his +/- this season.
Drewiskie – I think we won’t see too much more of him because of Slava. Looked slow and behind the play many times. Nice guy, but he’s gettin’ squeezed out I think.
Parse – Man, totally bummed. This guy has TONS of talent and he played like a dead fish tonight. Looked gassed and behind all night. His shootout attempt was extremely weak. We better see a different Parse next game or he may be done. He seems to be an enigma and we all know what happened to the last one we had (Fro). Not looking good.
Muzzin – He looked weak at times, out of position. I noticed the same thing at the rookie games as well. He had good moments, but equal bad ones. Voynov will beat him out if this continues.
Stoll – Look over your shoulder man, Jimmy Neutron (Lokti) is coming up fast. Didn’t really stand out tonight like I had hoped he would.
Trent Hunter – Why do I feel this is a 2 way deal waiting to happen? He played pretty decent tonight, but I almost feel like he’s a replacement for John Zeiler, which we obviously don’t need. I don’t see him accepting a 2 way deal because of his experience. We have Ethan Moreau and plenty of decent kids who deserve the spot more than Trent right now. Parse may not make it, but spots will be taken. I think Trent will end up on another team, but only because this one is full. Again, he played well.
Kaunisto – Did OK for the few minutes he got. Manch.
Cliche – Did not do OK for the minutes he got. Probably done.
Meckler – Just OK. Probably done also.
Goalies were solid. Quick was a little messy, but it’s preseason. Jones looked real good.
It’s late, that’s all I got. GREAT game! Really enjoyed the coverage (Rich, please thank the organ-eye-zation and tell them to make this modus operandi for pre-season games. Awesome Job!). MAN this team is STACKED! Haven’t been this excited for a season to start in a LONG time.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:57 am
@Cynic, WHOOPS! Forgot…
Hickey – Really composed. I don’t think he commanded attention like Voynov did tonight, but he did play well. I don’t think he’ll make it this year. The team will ask him to have one healthy season in Manch and lead that team to a Championship. He could be a call-up. He and Muzzin are most likely gonna be called to lead Manch to a title. Next year, if he stays healthy, could be his year. I just think it’s Voynov’s time right now and there’s not a lot of room in the current d-corps.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:00 am
@Cynic, AGAIN (It’s late) Correction inder Richardson.
I meant Gagne – Stoll – MOREAU (Not Hunter).
Man, I’m tired.
[Reply]
ArmChairKingsFan Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:04 am
@Cynic,
Mostly i agree with you. Though I was more impressed with Hickey than Voynov. As for Kaunisto, I’ve seen him be so much more during his college days and in the rookie camps I’m disappointed that he was almost invisible. Also, second the Parse sentiment though he looked great in practice leading up to tonight.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:08 am
@ArmChairKingsFan, Also more impressed with Hickey’s hockey sense which is clearly better than Voynov’s. Voynov has more raw talent, but its not ready for prime time. Tonight his raw talent looks good because he’s facing one of the worst teams in the league developement group. Put Voynov’s talent up agsint the Thortons and Keslers of the world and suddenly he won’t stand out like he did last night where Hickey will be solid and in position.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:13 am
@ArmChairKingsFan, Kaunisto looked better than his linemates. That gives him a fighting chance to make an impact in Manchester since his linemates are longtime vets of Manch.(Cliche, Meckler)
The reason I say Voynov looked better was because he was more aggressive. He didn’t look afraid to make mistakes. He tried to sieze the moment. Hickey was solid, but we drafted him thinking he’d be the next or close to Scott Neidermayer. SN takes command of the game. Our SN is not with us right now which is what Hickey is supposed to show he can replace and it’s just not there yet IMO. Voynov seems to have the same attitude as Doughty. ‘Yeah, I’ll make mistakes, but I’m going to go for it every time’. Joining the play with Richards & Brown on a rush towards the end of the game is just one example.
I believe DL is resigned to bring up Hickey very slowly. I think they want him to lead Manch to a championship and I think he will. That would get him on the big squad and make him more comfortable. He’s 22 now. We may not see him until he’s 24 or 25. Just my belief. Been wrong before.
I also think Voynov would get schooled against the Keslers and Thorntons, but it would only be a few times. He learns quick. I thought he adapted to play really well last night as the game went on. To me, he seemed to get better, not worse or stagnant as the night progressed.
[Reply]
LB Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:31 am
@Cynic,
Agreed with your analysis. Voynov is the closest to Doughty in terms of mentality. Hickey totally plays it safe…
regulate Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:06 am
@Cynic,
“Johnson – Much Improved. Many times I expected him to turn a puck over in the D-zone, he made the right play and advanced the puck to a forward. Playing a little more patient. Up a notch in his aggressiveness. Gonna be a good year for him I think. I call a +10 or more for his +/- this season.”
Much improved? Over what? I guess you missed all those weak backhand passes that were picked off as he tried to rush up the ice on his weak side. That is a the makings of a disaster in a regular NHL game. He did fine, and it’s just the first warmup, but nothing to gush about.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:26 am
@regulate,
You mentioned that before, and I disagree. JJ played more than 1/2 the game, and more times than not he took the puck all the way from 1 end to the other, or made the safe play. The plays you speak of are going to get picked off because he’s out there 32 minutes, and sometimes the puck is going to get turned over. It’s a forgone conclusion that the other team will get the puck, for at least 1/2 of the game, and JJ was out there for more than 1/2 of it. JJ was awsome, and even managed to not be a minus (since to some that’s all that counts).
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:03 am
@Dominick,
Totally agree. IMHO, he was solid and seemed more confident (if that’s even noticeable) in what he was doing on the ice. He’ll still make some mistakes (like everyone does), but I do think that he will improve that much maligned +/- stat that so many people zero in on.
Cynic Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:18 am
@regulate, EVERYONE has weak backhand passes when they have forecheck pressure. The difference was in his poise and movement. He didn’t panic when pressured. I could see him looking up and around more to see where his ‘Out’ options were before passing. His awareness was better. There were 3 or 4 times last night where JJ was in the corner with the puck with pressure coming and I got that feeling of ‘Here’s where he turns it over again’. Every time he surprised me by taking his time and making the right play to relieve pressure.
I’m gushing over the little things because with JJ, those things mean a lot.
[Reply]
KingsFan in OC Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:50 am
@Cynic, Gotta agree with you about Richardson. In terms of hustle and energy, the dude was in mid-season form. Just all over the place. I obviously have not seen Gagne yet, but I also think Richie could stay on that second line. That line could be physical and very talented. I could see lots of match up problems for opposing teams.
Also, if we have the Kopitar line, no way that game is even close. Looking forward to seeing how a full squad does against the Quacks on Sunday.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:29 am
@KingsFan in OC, I’m tellin ya, Richardson MUST be in the lineup every night or TM is NUTS! He is our best forechecker hands down! If I could take Parse’s hands and put them on Richardson, we’d have our RW for Kopitar. Williams is stellar, but BR is so fast that Willie could play with Gagne and Richards and REALLY give us the top 6 from hell!
Such an interesting Pre-Season…
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:06 am
@Cynic,
Thanks for the well-thought review of the players from last night. This team does look very good from top to bottom. Lots of talent, veterans and youngsters. The first two lines are going to be tough to play against and the third line isn’t that far behind.
I also like Stoll, but Lokti is making a believer out of me. And Voynov/Hickey? Nice to have options on the defense if you-know-who doesn’t play this year. They’re not nearly the same as you-know-who, but they’ve got skills.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:57 am
@vplaza, Sure, but really, I just talk to much. So jacked for the season it’s crazy!
Lokti is making a believer out of me too and he looks bigger now than last season. Stoll is good, but I agree with someone else’s assessment that he was playing the boards all night, attacking from the outside. Maybe he was paying tribute to Patrick O’Sullivan? Notice he did the same thing last night, but that’s normal for him. Anyway, Lokti was driving to the net down the middle. He looked confident and he and Voynov on the PP looked like they were having fun.
I think Stoll’s time is limited. Lokti is becoming too good to send down anymore.
[Reply]
Good to see Bernier get the win, only a matter of time until he becomes our starting goaltender this season. You will see Jones be his backup eventually, probably next year when Quick gets traded. Jones is a very solid in control goalie, he also played for Team Canada at the world juniors. Gotta love those Canadian goaltenders !!!
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:52 am
@Kinger,
I feel like Quick is the girl you marry, and Bernier is the girl next door… no matter how solid, stable, and amazing your wife is, people always think things would be better with the girl next door. Maybe they would. Maybe they wouldn’t, but the wife always gets 2nd consideration…
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:05 am
@Shakes, It’s like the difference between Ginger, or Mary Ann.
[Reply]
KingsFan in OC Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:51 am
@Dominick, Thanks for ruining that image for me!
james wilson Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:56 am
@Kinger, quick will not be traded. he will be the number 1 goalie for a long time.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:11 am
@Kinger, I see no reason to replace Quick as #1 at this time. None. Doesn’t take anything away from Bernier excellence and he is, but no point in making that change what so ever.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:36 am
@KC23,
Or try to determine which 1 is better during the pre-season. Let those things work themselves out naturally. Why we would even give Quick away if Bernier becomes the #1 does the Kings no good (sorry Kinger). He makes a back ups salary just like Bernier. We could keep both and still pay less than most teams pay for 1 goalie. I would keep both no matter who was #1.
[Reply]
Richards is a very fun player to watch. He adds a whole new dimension to this team.
Voynov seems to have excellent offensive instincts, though he did frustratingly pass up a couple of good chances to shoot. All in all looks like he has the makings of a dynamic NHL defenseman.
I’m now convinced Hickey is going to make a solid if not excellent NHL player. Nice poise and the hockey sense to repeatedly and effectively make the smart play. His only glaring flaw was once losing focus and failing to keep the puck in on a power play that seemed to cost the Kings valuable momentum.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:52 am
@billanthony, I agree with this post. I was there last night and that is what I saw as well.
[Reply]
Quick will be traded?
[Reply]
Nice to hear some of my Manchester Monarchs favorites are doing well in camp this year. I live in CT and get to see the Monarchs about 15-20 times each season. Last year was a great year for the Monarchs and this one is looking to be even better. Could we be looking at a Stanley Cup/Calder Cup double? Given the depth in the organization it’s not impossible.
My thoughts on the rosters:
Goalies: Quick and Bernier are an incredible combination in LA. There has been enough discussion on how this will turn out but it sure is nice having two #1 goalies in the system. Zatkoff and Jones are solid in Manchester but both are still very streaky. Jones was unbeatable last year for about 2-3 months but after the All-Star game he couldn’t save anything. That timed well with Zatkoff because he was awful for the first month or two and was very hot while Jonesy was cold. I look for Mark Morris to play the hot hand in Manchester this year like Murray will do in LA. I think Jones has the greater upside but Zatkoff is a great kid and I hope he gets a shot.
Defense: Assuming DD gets signed and that Drewiske makes the team there aren’t any open spots in LA for Defensemen. Manchester has one open spot with 6 guys returning from last season. That spot will go to Deslauriers. Voynov is the most NHL ready of the Manchester group but Hickey is not far behind. Your preference will probably be based on what you are looking for. Voynov is an offensive defenseman. Hickey was more of a stay at home guy here last year. Mullen is solid but not ready yet. I love Andrew Campbell but think he’s a career AHL guy. Maybe someday he gets a shot but it will probably be somewhere else. Kolomatis and Muzzin round out the Manchester D corps.
Forwards: Loktionov is ready for prime time. But he can’t stay healthy. Unlucky or injury prone? I think he will bounce between LA and Manchester again this year and eventually stick in LA like Martinez last season assuming he stays healthy. I’ve been assuming that Fraser is not ready to start the season but will be retained when healthy. Loktionov could fill that role at the start of the season but I wonder if Tyler Toffoli might be a guy they keep in LA for 10 games before returning him to Juniors? That might time out well with Fraser’s return and would allow Loktionov to play in Manchester and prove he is healthy. None of the other forwards in Manchester are what I would consider NHL ready. Nolan has upside. Kozun is closest but there are attitude issues that need to be addressed. He will pout in Manchester this year. King and Kaunisto are possibles down the road. I’d like to see Azevedo get a shot one day but think he will be a career AHL guy as well. Clune, Chiche, Justin Johnson, Meckler are all coming to Manchester. There are three open spots in Manchester which may go to Czarnik, Vey and Andreoff. Might Hunter or Mignardi come to Manchester? There’s one open spot until Fraser is healthy assuming Toffoli does not stick in LA.
Will be a great year in LA and Manchester. Got my tickets to opening night and look forward to seeing the boys again.
By the way, Mark Morris is an incredible human being. Love him in Manchester.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 10:00 am
@CT King, Great assessment. Thanks for this. I think Andreoff would do wonders in Manch. I hope he makes the roster. Loved him in the Rookie Camp.
[Reply]
CT King Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@CT King, J.D. Watt just signed in Manchester so there goes that empty spot. All are now taken so if somebody else wants to make the team they have to put somebody else in Ontario.
[Reply]
Just looking over some notes from last nights games. Let us not forget Penner’s game winner. Penner’s going to have a much better time of things this year. Hopefully.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:14 am
@kinginsaltlake, Didn’t see or hear the play. Could of been an outstanding clutch goal or he happened to be last guy to touch the puck before the other team put it in their own goal for all I know. Anyone at the game and see the play?
[Reply]
What do we need to do to get Kings vision involved with all the exhibition games? Loved the stream last night, complete with instant replays, and a color commentator to go along with the announcer. Multiple camara angles. It was awsome! You’d figure in Hollywood that would be common place, but it’s not. The rest of the nation might not know about Kings hockey during the exhibition season, but for those of us who love the Kings, the streams were wonderful. Keep up the good work (whoever made it all happen) and hopefully the Kings continue to do it more in the future.
Shouldn’t shy away from the fact that it probably wasn’t free for the Kings either, and I didn’t see any commercials trying to sell me stuff to help pay for it, so, thank you AEG also.
[Reply]
KFII Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:16 am
@Dominick, I was so bummed when I realized I had missed the game. Now I find out I couldn’t have watched it any way since I’m out of state. Was there an audio stream available to all? That’s what I had planned on tuning in for..but forgot. It’s great to know at least the local Kings fans got to see the game. Great job Kings!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:41 am
@KFII, It was a split game with a radio feed on the game in Pheonix, so you could of enjoyed the game out there also. The live stream was on this site (Kingsvision), but I don’t know if it is restricted to Cali, or not. It was a great time, and the first real action we’ve had all summer. The rookie games were cool, but this was cooler.
[Reply]
kinginsaltlake Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@KFII, Hey there my Idaho friend, I listened to the game via the internet, but didn’t get the live feed. Oh Well something, is better than nothing.
[Reply]
I was unable to watch because of black-out restrictions, but it sounds like Richards had a good game. LA has a top notch player in Richards – I predict he’s your teams MVP come next May.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:33 am
@petemagoop, I saw the game and he was all I expected. He’s got that 6th hockey sense that sees the play a second or so before it happens. He sets up passing seams with excellent stick work and position not unlike Williams. Brown (and us fans) are going to be the big winners in the Gagne/Richards sweepstakes. Brown looked in mid season form to me. Very agreesive with power forward moves north and south to the net. That line is gonna be real scarey. Richarson looked good in place of Gagne because of his speed and agreesive forecheck, but Gagne is a finisher and will clean up on both Richard’s and Brown’s rebounds.
With Penner stepping up to the plate now weighing 242 (from 260 last year) with more mussle mass with a healthy Kopitar and Williams. Yikes!!!! Show me a top 6 on another team that would dominate our top 6. You can find another line better that both, but not two of them on the same team. Vancouver certainly can match our top 6, but our bottom 6 is likely to be better. We also have a deeper defensive group than Vancouver (assume you know who wakes up and smells the cup). Goalie is too close to call, but I like ours better.
I’m starting to think that SJ will have a difficult time against us, but it sucks they got Zues who knows us so well.
[Reply]
I know he played in Phoenix, but any word on how Kopi looked?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:35 am
@nykingfan, I’m thinking he had something to do with Penner’s game winner, but would love to hear how it went.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@KC23, Im thinking Labarbera had a LOT to do with Penner’s game winner too.
[Reply]
DL, thank you for getting Mke Richards. This guy is smart and provides instant energy and offense. He also appears to be rather fearless about going to the net, which is something we have been missing the past couple of years withthe exception of Brown. After watching last nights game, I am really looking forward to watching play ona line with Brown and Gagne.
[Reply]
I was at the game last night and 1st want to say that it was great watching the game with these cast of characters, @Kopi Bryant, @armchairkingsfan, and @shotongoal. Anyway, Voynov and Hickey played solid last night. Voynov pinching in on a pp and scoring in front for a defensemen while Brown was battling in front was impressive. Hickey also had a 55 foot slapshot pp goal that was taken away on a bogus interference call on Trent Hunter, Hunter NEVER TOUCHED THE GOALIE ! NOT EVEN CLOSE ! Mike Richards is going to pay immediate dividends for the Kings in so many areas of the game, great hockey IQ. Kyle Clifford was a pinhead last night, he played like the child he still is. JJ carried the puck as good as I have ever seen him but he still makes me nervous in his own zone the way he casually goes about his business. Jake Muzzin was pithy rubbish last night and TM definately noted that in the press conference.
Anyway, cant wait for sunday, see some of you out there, and on monday night at Nicks.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:22 am
@puck73, Also wanna comment on one other guy, Loktionov. He really bulked up in the off season, he backchecked better then I have ever seen, and very good puck possession. If this kid continues to play this well during the exhibition season then it may be very difficult for Terry Murray and Dean Lombardi to say no.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:42 am
@puck73, Agree about Loktionov. I’ve been saying he has to go back down this year because of numbers, but his talent is unmistakable. IMHO, he is clearly already as good and perhaps better than Richardson and Lewis. He is a better stick handler than Stoll without question and now getting to the point he’s as good on the boards.
I just don’t see how you could not keep Loktionov. He’s that good, but who sits as a result?
Nice problems we got eh?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:46 am
@puck73, I agree. He seemed to be very strong on the puck which is something you and I had the pleasure of discussing all summer. He looks good, I just hope that same level will be there 5 games from now. He had a good game last night though.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:52 am
@puck73,
I agree that Clifford was not very good. In fact, wasn’t he the one called for the goalie interference on Hickey’s goal? Seemed like he was in the box for a stretch of time in every period.
Lokti and Voynov looked impressive for sure.
Ya just had to get a dig in on JJ, didn’t ya? The guy had a pretty good game, even duly noted by his coach.
[Reply]
KingsFan in OC Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:56 am
@puck73, Can you give any more details about the event at Nick’s on MOnday? I definitely want to be there and I know some other OC fans were asking about it in another thread.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:43 am
@KingsFan in OC, Thanx for the interest. It is just a get together on monday night starting at 7 and going til at least 9:30 so take your time getting there. It is located at 2300 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa at the corner of Harbor and wilson in the Home Depot shopping center. I put this together for people to meet and a little sendoff before frozenfury. The food is Sicilian New York stlye, the pizza might have the best tomato sauce ever, you will like it. So far I know of at least 10 people that have confirmed and thats not including you and some others that have expressed interest.
It is my hope that others will throw get togethers this season at bars, restraunts, or houses. This is going to be a great season and I am looking forward to meeting alot of you this season all over locations in So.Cal.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@puck73,
I think the interference call was on Clifford that nullified the goal…and I agree, it was one of those phantom calls. Another bad call was the one game misconduct for boarding against Phoenix. Even Dustin Brown was shown smirking and shaking his head about it.
[Reply]
Was at Staples for the game last night.
Based on last night’s game only – Voynov > Hickey > Muzzin. But all three will have NHL careers, so there’s plenty of depth. Also Voynov has by far the most confidence of the 3 to jump up into the play.
Jack Johnson was buzzing all over the place, even pulled off the Doughty spinorama inside his own D zone move!
Richards surprised me in terms of quickness, this guy seems to be everywhere at once! Looking forward to watching him all season.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 9:48 am
@LB, Jack Johnson has the talent, I would just like to see him quicker in his own zone and make better decisions there. Hopefully that will come with experience. I try to remind myself that Rob Scuderi didnt make the NHL until he was 26, yet when you look at the way Rob composes himself you wood think he was a natural,
[Reply]
I understand that Murray wanted to see what the rookies could do, but why didnt he use richards 4Th?!
[Reply]