Friday skate update

– First, a quick correction to the previous post. Tonight’s defense pairs will be Mitchell-Voynov, Scuderi-Hickey and Drewiske-Greene.

– Terry Murray said that Drew Doughty will not play in tomorrow’s game in Las Vegas but that Doughty might play in Tuesday’s exhibition game in Hamburg.

– Murray said that the Kings will make more roster cuts today and that only the 24-man roster will go to Europe.

– Kevin Westgarth has been cleared to play, but Jake Muzzin is still having some headaches and didn’t practice. More from the skate to come…

96 Comments

  1. Jgomez says:

    Is tonight’s game being streamed?

    [Reply]

    lafan13 Reply:

    @Jgomez, on the radio!!!

    [Reply]

    Al Reply:

    @lafan13, it is so unfair we deserve to watch games as everybody else wathching their HOME team !

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @Jgomez, the trend has been the Kings (Kings Vision) only stream the games played at staples this off-season. I would be surprised to see any streams the rest of the preseason.

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @Jgomez, Actually, European preseason games have been streamed in the past, so we’ll see.

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @PRMan, I’d watch it in German, even… Let’s go Kings Vision!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @PRMan,

    Jawohl!!!

  2. LB says:

    Rich, was there any review by the NHL of the hit on Muzzin? So many suspensions this preseason, but nothing for that hit.

    [Reply]

    Eric Reply:

    @LB, I am guessing the lack of video will make it difficult to enforce any kind of punishment.

    [Reply]

    jlhamon Reply:

    @LB, I’d like to know the answer to this question, too! I’ve looked but can’t find anything about if they even reviewed it.

    [Reply]

  3. Sammuch says:

    These next 2 years DD better show me his stuff, we have 2 to 3 years to win this now, because of his greedy a_ _.

    If we don’t we have one guy to blame??? This team will not be the same in the 3rd year.

    I will be all over you DD and make sure you earn ever dollar that a 22 year old should do at your price. Stamkos earn his, now you earn yours and shut it and play like a super star not just a star…

    [Reply]

    tantrum4 Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    You make zero sense. Why do we only have 2-3 years to win? Why is it Doughty’s fault if we don’t? I don’t understand why people even both to cheer for a team with this type of attitude. Must be miserable all the time.

    [Reply]

    tantrum4 Reply:

    @tantrum4,

    *bother

    [Reply]

    Sammuch Reply:

    @tantrum4, look at the cap and you will see we could be the Hawks 3 years from now!

    I dont care as long as we win this cup in 3 years or less…

    [Reply]

    DLB Reply:

    @Sammuch, I’ve looked at the cap and I don’t see it, sorry.

    Tons of money coming off the books next year; lots of prospects ready for a spot, replacing veterans.

    Sammuch Reply:

    @Sammuch, Here is your goal, for the cash you make!

    22 goals 43 assists = 65pts, win the best D award

    your +/- is over 20+

    [Reply]

    ta Reply:

    @Sammuch, Great post totally agree.
    Both of our great goalies contracts will be up.
    vet’s like Gagne and Mitchell, and Stoll will be aging or not re-signed, as well as vet roll players like Moreau and Hunter. Our time is now!! We need a cup in the next 2 yrs.

    [Reply]

    AZ King Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    I don’t know how you figure 3 years when so much of out core is locked up long term, and there is still a bunch of talent in Manchester. I’m sure that DD is really worried now that you’ve called him out though. When we win the Cup maybe they should put your name on it instead of his. Thanks for all that you do.

    [Reply]

    Sammuch Reply:

    @AZ King,

    I’ll share it with him, I don’t mind DD & SM :-)

    [Reply]

    AZ King Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    haha, very generous of you.

    Sammuch Reply:

    @AZ King,

    thanks… lets hope we make it to the finals I say Kings and Caps is my 2 cents. and if we win cup should say, DD,SM & AZ

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    If DD would have signed right away for the $6.8 mil offered, would you say the same thing about his greed?
    $200k per year does not make or break a franchise..even in the cap era.

    [Reply]

    Sammuch Reply:

    @nykingfan,

    Not the money, is he super star and will he be or is he just a star??? Camball was with hawks D and never pan out at his 7 mil and now is with FLA

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @Sammuch,
    but the $$ was what you talked about in your post.

    DLB Reply:

    @Sammuch, Campbell was a second pairing defenseman. Doughty has been top pairing for three years, at a younger age.

    vplaza Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    I’m in the group of people who were a little disappointed that it took $7M to sign DD, but I don’t believe that it limits the window of opportunity for the Kings to 3 years to win the Cup. There is currently too much talent locked up in long term deals to think that, barring major injuries.

    With who they have signed and for how much, it seems to me that they are geared to compete for more than just the next three years. They will need to make some important decisions when JB and JQ are up for free agency, but I don’t believe it’s three and out.

    [Reply]

    Sammuch Reply:

    @vplaza, I hope you righ! but the young talant we have will soon enter the waiver market and this team is set for the next 2 years…. I hope we can keep some of the young guys to make up for the loss… Now we are talking will they be as good as what we have now! Time will tell and i rather you be right and me be wrong, that all.

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    These are obviously just my opinions, but I have faith in the ownership/management that they can get it done. I honestly don’t believe they would have paid DD that money if they felt that it would have severely hampered their ability to continue to field a strong team beyond three years.

    So, yes, I’m hoping I’m right in believing in the DL and TL that they know what they’re doing.

    Sammuch Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    here here I agree…

    Sammuch Reply:

    @Sammuch,

    DLB, SO are you saying that these young kids have experance to replace some of these Young Vets to win us the cup?

    Gagne and Mitchell, and Stoll will be aging or not re-signed, as well as vet roll players like Moreau, Scuderi and Alec all these guys contracts will be up at the end of year 2.

    JQ & JB contracts are up too! show me any of these young guys and replace all these guys. All im saying this is the best team to win us the cup in the next 2 years and if DD does not pan-out we have a problem getting Vets with the Kids.

    th

    [Reply]

  4. Donald_S says:

    With Muzzin and Fraser injured, they just need to send down or release 4 players (in the very short term) if my math is right. King, Campbell, probably Hickey and one other. Hunter may not have quite made the squad.

    [Reply]

    loskingpride Reply:

    @Donald_S, I think TM likes Hunter too much to let him go in my opinion.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @loskingpride, I agree. I can totally see a shutdown line of Lewis at center with Moreau on the left and Hunter on the right. To me, this is the kind of line that could be so crucial come playoff time.

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @loskingpride,
    Then Murray needs to step up and choose: Hunter or Westgarth. You can’t use both.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Donald_S,

    Uhhh, yeah:

    http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/kings_sign_trent_hunter/

    [Reply]

    Donald_S Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    So much for my Karnak impression. So someone else must go.

    [Reply]

  5. J-Ro says:

    Awww man I was hoping to see Drew back in action for Frozen Fury….
    But it’ll be cool to see Voynov or Hickey as I haven’t seen them play live yet.

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @J-Ro,
    I was listening to Jim Fox on xm hockey channel..he thinks there’s a pretty good chance you might see DD play tomorrow night.
    I wouldn’t think so, but nothing wrong with getting your hopes up for it.

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @nykingfan,

    Oh sh**
    I completely missed the part of what TM said. dumbass award!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @nykingfan,

    Don’t sweat it. I think he might still play since TM has been known to change his mind once or twice in the past ;)

    KingsFanFTW Reply:

    @nykingfan, Congratulation on ur award :) LOL JK JK

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @KingsFanFTW,
    LOL :)

  6. Cynic says:

    The cuts must be coming after the game. I would expect Hickey to be sent back to Manch with Campbell allowing to roll 8 D for Europe. Then I think Drewiskie is moved and Zatkoff is sent back to Manch and either Parse is waived/sent down or Hunter is released.

    I think that would put us at 23. I wish they’d give Parse a shot on the LW.

    [Reply]

    KingsFanFTW Reply:

    @Cynic, Zack will go back down after the Europe trip

    [Reply]

  7. RRRR says:

    Hunter= 1way, 1year, $600, done deal.

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @RRRR, link?

    [Reply]

    RRRR Reply:

    @Cynic, cant find any link. I don’t need one.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Cynic,

    http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/kings_sign_trent_hunter/

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, THERE it is. Thanks Bako (And Sebastian). I remember Token mentioning he was waiver exempt. But if it’s a one way deal, how does that give us flexibility? If we want to send him to Manch, how does that work on a one way deal with waiver exemption? Can’t say I’ve seen this before.

    Sebastian Reply:

    @RRRR, http://kings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=590587

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @RRRR, Fantastic!

    Waiver exempt as well so lots of flexibility.

    I can see a cup run in NHL and AHL this year.

    Now that would be something else.

    [Reply]

  8. hockeynerd says:

    King is in for Penner tonight.

    [Reply]

    Daniel Reply:

    @hockeynerd, I sure hope not. Where did you get this info? I’m going to the game tonight and was hoping to see Penner play

    [Reply]

    hockeynerd Reply:

    @Daniel, I am sure there will be an updated line up shortly, i was hoping to see penner play too! I my source is pretty iron clad.

    [Reply]

  9. KingsFanFTW says:

    I just dont like the line up most teams have the lines up set already but we dont.

    We had it against the Ducks and lost but that was only one game

    [Reply]

  10. Cynic says:

    Campbell on waivers per Bob McKenzie of TSN Twitter:

    TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
    Waivers today: Daugavins, OTT; A Campbell,L.A; Desbiens, CGY; Kennedy, FLA; Maroon, ANA; Sloan, NSH; Festerling, WPG; Machacek, WPG.
    44 minutes ago

    [Reply]

    Crown Royal Reply:

    @Cynic,

    Hope he clears and the Kings keep him. He has potential.

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Crown Royal, Man I hope he clears. He is a late bloomer, but that is ok for a defensemen. This kid has put alot of work in Manchester so it would be ashamed to lose him. That being said, if he gets claimed you definately have to wish him good luck.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Crown Royal,

    He’ll clear…

    [Reply]

  11. Telos says:

    Hey Rich,
    Any particular reason why Williams is not in the lineup other than just giving youngsters and Hunter another shot?

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @Telos, he’ll be in the lineup tomorrow, its more important since its basically a home game for the kings in vegas. he doesnt need to play back to back games.

    [Reply]

  12. Kingsfanone says:

    NHL Live 2pm guest includes Luc Robitaille.

    Wonder what they’ll talk about? LOL

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Kingsfanone,

    Luc scheduled for 2:20pm NHL Live

    [Reply]

  13. wavesinair says:

    “Jake Muzzin is still having some headaches and didn’t practice.”

    He was skating today with the group…

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @wavesinair,
    Are they working on the PP still?

    Also I saw your buddy chris on your site earlier, can’t wait to decipher his comments. Loved the pictures.

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:

    @Dominick, LOL. Is that his name? That is a helluva rant.

    I didn’t see PP work today but I got there late so they may have earlier. It was funny listening to Ranford give offensive advice to Lokti.

    New post with video and pics soon…

    [Reply]

  14. outsider says:

    Off topic: Did I miss something or DL really didn’t say anything about DD signing until now?

    [Reply]

    Cry Baby Reply:

    @outsider, The moment DD agreed DL fell into a deep slumber and is still not awake!

    [Reply]

  15. kings king says:

    I hope Dewey gets at least 1 exhibition game under his belt so he can get a feel for the NHL game again before the season starts.

    [Reply]

  16. Kris says:

    heard we just signed Hunter to a one year deal

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @Kris, If thats true that is great. His veteran leadership and experience are welcome here!

    [Reply]

  17. Todd says:

    Waive Drewiske and keep Voynov up.

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @Todd, whats the point of that? Voinov would sit most of the year….or who’s spot would he take? makes more sense to put him back in manchester and bring him up next season.

    [Reply]

    Dominick Reply:

    @Todd,
    And if Greene gets injured, who takes his place?

    [Reply]

    Todd Reply:

    @Dominick,

    I’m getting tired of Greene. He takes bad penalties a lot and he doesn’t have the offensive threat. Voynov shoots a lot and can create more scoring chances. I’m just worried about Voynov going to the KHL. The Kings don’t want to lose one of their top prospects in the minors. If he is ok about playing another year in manchester that’s great but this guy can be a huge asset for the Kings in the future and they should make sure they keep him around.

    [Reply]

  18. puck73 says:

    @Dominick, I asked for a good answer, not a great one filled with common sense and experience. GEEESH, you are killing me with logic !

    [Reply]

  19. Telos says:

    Hunter is signed. So long Parse…

    [Reply]

    downsy89 Reply:

    @Telos,
    I heard we have too. I think Rich so busy he has not posted it yet. I say 750,000 one year. Bye bye Parse to your 900,000 traded to the NYI for 6th round pick.

    [Reply]

  20. Barry's Mullet says:

    The Kings haven’t fielded a roster like this in 20 years….maybe never with this much talent. Where do you play these young studs down in Manchester once they are ready?

    I see zero room at forward for the foreseeable future with a lineup like this….

    Gagne-Kopitar-Williams
    Penner-Richards-Brown
    Clifford-Stoll-Moreau
    Richardson-Lewis-Hunter

    Parse / Westy

    You need the veterans like Moreau, Gagne and Hunter’s if you are going to compete for the SC. If Stoll can repeat last years performance he will almost certainly be locked up for another 3 or 4 years. Lewis will continue to improve…where does Lokti play?

    You need defensive dmen like Scuderi, Mitchell and Greene to compliment your offensive guys. DD, JJ are locked up forever…can a Voynov or Martinez replace a Scuderi or Mitchell? We’ll see, but I don’t think so. As I see it, its Voynov and Martinez are battling it out for the last D spot and baring injuries, those waiting in the wings in Manchester will be waiting a very long time. Like I said, great problem to have.

    Scuderi-Doughty
    Mitchell-Johnson
    Martinez-Greene

    Voynov-Drewiske

    [Reply]

    downsy89 Reply:

    @Barry’s Mullet,
    Stoll wont be locked up for another 3 to 4 years unless he takes less money. Think of Quick and Berneir. Who ever ends up as our number one goalie will be making 3-4 million depends on the years. Jones will be a back up in the next couple of years.

    [Reply]

    vplaza Reply:

    @Barry’s Mullet,

    Unfortunately, I think that even if Stoll has a good year, he is relegated to making less with the Kings given that Lokti is waiting in the wings. The Kings would be hard pressed to commit the same annual cap hit to him when they may be able to get similar productivity from a younger, cheaper talent.

    I like Stoll a lot and may bag on him for seeming to shoot wide most of the time. But his value to the team is pretty high. I just don’t think that when his contract is up, he has a lot of options other than taking a pay cut to stay with the team.

    [Reply]

    Barry's Mullet Reply:

    @vplaza, Replacing a defensive forward who is typically in the top 10 in face offs with a offensively gifted rookie like Lokti make no sense. You’re third line is typically your checking line…Lokti is not a checking forward and never will be. If Lewis continues to improve I can see him taking Stolls spot..but he has shown zero offensive ability.

    [Reply]

  21. DesertKing says:

    Hello, you have reached the voicemail for Dean Lombardi, general mamager of the soon-to-be Stanley Cup champions Los Angeles Kings. I can’t take your call right now since I am in Las Vegas for a stamp collecting convention. Please follow the prompts: If this is Don Meehan, please dial “1″ and you will be connected to Tambellini. Please do to him what you just did to me since he deserves it more. If this is Drew, welcome back and the bottled water in the fridge is no longer free since you can afford to pay for it. If this is Slava’s agent, hang in there, I see a great future for him. If this is Kopi, thank you, there is a reason you have an “A” on your chest. If this is Brad Richards, no, we don’t need you and no, you can’t leave the Rangers and sign with us now. If this is one of you Insider people, yes, I am aware that I have $2.35 million left to spend and no, I am not giving it to Rich. Goodbye and see at Frozen Fury.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Epic!

    [Reply]

    puck73 Reply:

    @DesertKing, Very good post and see you and you family at the game tomorrow.

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Hahaha! Outstanding!

    (Are you sure Rich doesn’t get the $2.35 Million?)

    [Reply]

    Cynic Reply:

    @DesertKing, NICE! but Rich will get that 2+ Million in free Diet Coke. Smart. No taxes. The can redemption will be a bonus as well.

    [Reply]

  22. Slapshot says:

    HAAAA I could not take it……… Just bought tixs- Kings Shoot twice end,,,,waaaahhhhooo!

    [Reply]

  23. PAR-KING_053 says:

    Any chance the Ducks might be streaming tonight’s game? Of course I’d put the audio on mute. (Ahlers and Hazy suck!) As for carrying 8 D for Europe, I’m taking a SWAG and saying both Voynov and Hickey go, but Drewiske stays home. Just a gut feeling.

    [Reply]

    Slapshot Reply:

    @PAR-KING_053, I was just checking their site for the stream info and it does not look like they are streaming video, just audio.

    [Reply]

  24. Token says:

    @Dominick, And a reminder that Scuds didn’t play a single NHL game till he was 26 and wasn’t a starter until he was 28.

    Look at him now! One of the most consistent and durable players in the NHL.

    Don’t be writing off no one. All our kids will get their chance with the big club if they are smart enough to persist at their goals.

    [Reply]

  25. wavesinair says:

    Here’s some video and photos from this morning’s skate…

    http://deepinsidethekings.com/2011/09/kings-pre-game-skate-at-tsc-hd/

    48 — Andrei Loktionov
    14 — Justin Williams
    19 — Kevin Westgarth
    24 — Colin Fraser
    3 — Jack Johnson
    27 — Alec Martinez
    81 — Andrew Campbell
    6 — Jake Muzzin
    Jonathan Quick
    Jeff Zatkoff
    Bill Ranford

    [Reply]

  26. Dominick says:

    @ForumFan, That is an option, but Whiskey can sit 20 games and still be effective.

    [Reply]

  27. NB KingsFan says:

    @Dominick, Scuderi trade rumors keep rearing their head here and there, but I’m wondering why we’d trade him rather than Greene. Yes, Scuderi costs us $500K more (~$3.4) and one year less on his contract remaining (2 vs. 3), but he’s a much much better defensive defense man. Yes, I understand Greene wears the A and is a vocal leader in the locker room, but he takes a lot of dumb penalties and not great with his break out passes. Also, if we’re bringing Voynov up then wouldn’t it be better to keep the veteran leadership back on the blue line with him, Johnson and Doughty?

    [Reply]

  28. jet says:

    @Dominick, dont forget the 19 year old that went to US team camp

    [Reply]

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