When the Kings determined that Simon Gagne wouldn’t play in tonight’s exhibition game, who did they turn to as a replacement? Brad Richardson, of course. Nothing new there. During his three years with the Kings, Richardson has basically filled every position possible, from first-line center to fourth-line winger and everything in between. Entering training camp, Richardson would seem to be in line for a spot on the third or fourth line — he’s been practicing with Trevor Lewis and Kevin Westgarth, mostly — but everyone knows that in a pinch, Richardson is the default fill-in player for almost any situation…
RICHARDSON: “That’s the role I’ve had the last couple years. If it’s the first, second, third, fourth line, I’ve been able to fill in on any of those lines. I guess that’s nice to have in your back pocket. It makes you a valuable asset to have. I’m just excited to go out there and play again. It’s been a while. I think everybody is fired up to get back out there and have some action again.”
Question: How do you approach this camp? There’s quite a bit of depth here, and veteran guys. What are your expectations?
RICHARDSON: “Well, I came in the same way I do every year, just trying to come in in the best shape I can. You’re trying to make a good impression. Even though you’ve been in the league, you’re trying to show them that you can be a really effective player and that you can keep progressing as a player. That’s the key, not to stay where you are but to try to get better in certain areas. That’s what I’m working toward. I’ve been on the first line, so that’s the goal I guess, is to keep playing at a high level.”
Question: In that playoff series, you and your line were a big part of the success that the team did have. Were you able to draw on that in the summer and take some confidence from it?
RICHARDSON: “For sure. That was good. i thought our line played really good in that series. It was a tough loss, obviously, but personally it was a chance for me, when Kopi got hurt, to step up and play my natural position — which is center — and I really felt comfortable playing that again. I think I got a chance to show the coaching staff and all the people here that I can play an effective role with those kind of minutes. That’s just something that gives them, when someone gets hurt again, they can throw me in there and be confident that I can get the job done. It definitely helped, confidence-wise, to show myself that I can play at that level.”
Question: You got the contract done this summer, a two-year deal. Did you want to have that extra security there?
RICHARDSON: “It’s definitely nice. I love playing here. I love this city and I’ve kind of grown with all the guys here for the last few years. We’re really tight in here and it’s a lot of fun. I would have been unrestricted at the end of this year, but I’m really happy here and it’s nice to have that security, being around what’s familiar and what you really like.”
Richie has always been one of my favorites due to his huslte.
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Weasel Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@Howe 9,
Agreed, he reminds a little of Derek Armstrong, but he’s a step or two ahead of Armstrong now I guess…..
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Richards to Richardson, back to Richards…
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Deadmarsh Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@WAKingsFan, Poor Bob Miller.
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Gizmo Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@Deadmarsh,
+1. It’s a really good thing they don’t have Brad Richards as well.
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NB KingsFan Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@Gizmo, Can we PLEASE put this joke to bed already?!
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@Gizmo, yeah….considerng he is having groin issues at the moment
Love B-Rad!!!!!
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yes, but how would he do in goal?
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Stats1 Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@tornado12, I hope we never need to find out!
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Off topic: I’m 2-0 with the Kings on NHL 12. Game winning goals by Parse and Gagne. Richards leads the team with 3 points. Hopefully a sign of things to come.
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tornado12 Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@AZ King, I love the game, but on my PS3 it keeps freezing either when trying to advance the calander and simulate the games (was trying to get to game 3 vs NJ, i was 2-0 as well, penner on FIRE) or when loading a saved season…anyone else run into that problem? its getting frustrating, any ideas? help?
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Dominick Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@tornado12,
Are you still under warranty? Call 1-877-psr-fix-1 to get a quote. There might be some cheaper ways to go, but that would be a starter point because they specialize in repairs to game systems.
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tornado12 Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@Dominick, so its my system? BALLS..never had a problem with any other games…thx Dom
Dominick Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@tornado12,
If you don’t have any freeze ups with other games then I would try taking the game back, and getting a new NHL 12. If you get a new one, and it freezes in the same place, then yes, it’s definately your system.
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tornado12 Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Dominick, thx again Dom, ill try that first.
AZ King Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@tornado12,
I have a Xbox, but I agree with Dominick. Hopefully all you need is a new disc.
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KindSIr Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@tornado12, Even if you get a new copy and it still freezes, that doesn’t necessarily mean your system is busted. It can also just be a corrupted save file.
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KC23 Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 8:23 pm
@tornado12, It’s not your system. My NHL 12 hangs too … it’s a buggy game, but still a lot of fun.
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is richardson the new harrold?
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Marc Nathan Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@jkking, uh… NO!
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Dominick Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@Marc Nathan,
Maybe he was jkking.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@Dominick,
Oh, snap!
Hey, Rich, or anyone…
do we know who took Richardson’s spot in the “AT PHOENIX” lineup? Vey? Weal? …
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Token Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@Marc Nathan, Yeah, I posted the info in that thread. Some invitee kid, Paddock, Pollock or similar. Go dig the announcement thread.
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Rich,
Matsuda had interviewed Lewis in an article about being switched to playing Right wing this season. Any word on if the Kings will use Richardson as the center on that 4rth line, or someone like Lokti?
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Token Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@Dominick, Depends entirely on what Lokti does this week. Murray was impressed with his conditioning and test scores.
I would argue that Lewis to RW has more impact on Hunter, not on Lokti.
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Dominick Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@Token,
I agree. Hunter could be the new Richardson though, if Lokti is sent down, and Richardson takes that center position. Then we can switch out Westy for Hunter every once in a while, and Lokti can get some seasoning as a right winger down in Manch to give us some depth on the right side as well.
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Mr. Reliable. If he would just sign a long term contract, i’d consider getting a Richardson jersey!
In unrelated news, I’ve been watching the Leafs/Flyers game… Schenn is creating opp-or-tun-it-ies!
Just sayin…
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tornado12 Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@kevin from toronto, Im sure watching Richards tonight will make us all feel much better about that trade!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@tornado12,
Bingo!
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Dominick Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@kevin from toronto,
It’s unanimus so far with Philly bloggers. They’re gonna love that Kid. Glad to see he’s gonna have a good home in Philly. Glad our compensation was Richards though, because anything less would of hurt.
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Token Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@Dominick, Amen!
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Duckbasher Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 5:20 pm
@Dominick, – um, losing Shenn still hurts if you ask me.
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Richardson plays some big minutes for this team. You know what you’ll get once he takes the ice.
He’s a nice piece to have when you need to to fill a spot the guy is a great team player all around.
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AZ King Reply:
September 21st, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@KOHO,
Plus he’s clutch against the Avs
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KOHO Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@AZ King,
You gotta love that! Richardson seems to be the odd man out but he finds a niche and keeps on keeping on.
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I remember arguing about Richardson last year with Quisp (I would say debate but with Quisp and myself it goes beyond that) and then Quisp projecting Richardson as an expendable, average 4th line depth guy that would have to fight for a spot in camp, be lucky to make the team and even then would inevitably lose out to Lokti, or Lewis, or Parse, or some other prospect flavor-of-the-month. Meanwhile, Richardson becomes a vital piece of the regular season puzzle at ervry single position and then shines brightest in the playoffs with increased minutes and tougher matchups. Richardson 1, Quisp 0.
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I love Richie the Original, but I just don’t see room for him on this team when everyone’s healthy since Murray insists on playing Parse and Westgarth. Richardson has earned his spot much more than either of those guys have. But whatever. Hopefully he finds his way into the lineup more often than not.
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So happy to have a guy like this who can not only step in but step in with confidence. Keep up that speed Richie you play big when you play fast!
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