There needs to be a phrase coined for this, because it happens every season. Brad Richardson starts out on a lower line, then makes a rapid ascent. This year, he has done it even before the start of the season. Richardson started training camp as the fourth-line left winger. He moved up to third-line right winger after some ineffective play by Scott Parse. Now he’s up to the second-line left-wing spot, replacing Simon Gagne, who moves up to the first line to replace the injured Dustin Penner. The Richardson Rise, in Terry Murray’s eyes, is a product of Richardson’s strong training camp and preseason, and Richardson is scheduled to play Friday on a line with center Mike Richards and right winger Dustin Brown.
MURRAY: “His camp has been real good, right from the first day. He’s just coming off the playoffs from last year, when I thought he really started to show some signs of breaking through. He’s got great speed and the line was very effective against San Jose. I think there’s a lot of follow-up, confidence starting to show. He’s a player who put a lot of numbers up in juniors. Sometimes with players, it takes a little bit of time. He’s starting to feel it. It’s starting to come. He has more of a shot mentality. He’s more comfortable in tight situations with the puck on his stick. He’s always been a player who can create separation with his speed. I just hope that he continues to go forward from here. It’s a great opportunity for him, to move into a second-line situation right now, and that’s what it’s all about when you have some depth and balance. Good teams have that depth, to be able to move players to different positions, and this is one of those situations.’’
Like it… He earned it!
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ToughD Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@KingsGuy, good for richardson. He has earned it and hope he continues to impress!
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@KingsGuy, I agree! He certainly showed some serious heart in the playoffs. Could be a breakout year for him.
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tmp32 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@Brownkingsfan, Players have break out years when they are 22 not 92. If our hopes are being pinned on Brad Richardson, if he is one of our top 6, we’ve got serious problems… again. Heart and attitude are swell on the fourth line. We need Snipers on our top three lines, not good locker room guys.
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Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@tmp32, Agree with you here, everyone is just a little too excited about Richardson. I like him, he is useful, but don’t expect too much from him. He is a role player. Don’t confuse hustle and heart with skill.
Helvetica Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@tmp32, Be fair man. Nobody is pinning their hopes on Brad Richardson. It’s a temporary move until Penner is healthy. The options are him or Parse… and we can both read the last 4 threads worth of comments debating that issue.
Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@Helvetica, I would put Richardson in over Parse at this point, Richardson has deserved it and Parse doesn’t look ready. But if we are talking about offense production Parse has a lot more upside. Even if Parse was playing better this look of Richards, Richardson, and Brown interest me. I like the hustle, heart, and grit each can bring. This line could be very tough to play against.
CL Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@tmp32, Actually, only 4 forwards on the active roster are younger than Richardson. He’s also a year and a half younger than Matt Moulson, who had a breakout year two years ago, so I certainly wouldn’t say it’s impossible. I wouldn’t expect high-scoring from him, but the energy he brings sure doesn’t hurt.
Helvetica Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@Osaka, I agree, Parse probably does have the higher upside, but he has yet to show it and Richie has been playing well. I said it in at least one prior thread, if i were coach, i’d be hedging my bets on Richie purely based on the effort he’s shown in the preseason (continued from last years playoffs). People have made good arguments either way, but from my perspective, the guy playing well get sthe nod over the guy who MIGHT eventually be the better fit (if he had played much in the past two years and was demonstrating it in the preseason, which he hasnt).
On an aside, Richie or Parse isn’t the only guy on the line. It’s possible Parse may have the better scoring touch, but i suspect Richie will actually create more opportunity for Richards and Brown.
ToughD Reply:
October 7th, 2011 at 1:33 am
@tmp32, not many teams if any had all top 6 forwards potting 20+ goals. I feel the same way about richardson as I do about parse when it comes to giving them a decent shot, they both have paid their dues and are entering their prime years. I believe parse has the better offensive potential but obviously coach trusts richardson more. Anyways, if we aren’t winning I think we can count on seeing the “Parse Rise”. Normally teams with depth would just plug another player/prospect into penner’s spot, but maybe this is just due to so many new faces rather than an indicator of our lack of depth.
chewy Reply:
October 7th, 2011 at 9:09 am
@tmp32, Good lord. whats with all the negativity….I’m truly convinced some of you will never be happy with the moves the Kings make…..we have at least on paper right now, the best Kings team since Gretzky and you could probable make the argument it might even be better.
Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@KingsGuy, I like the move and I like Richardson, love his versatility and hustle. He can definitely fill in on any of the 4 line, if only on a short term basis. He just can’t play in the top 6 for extended periods of time, he just gets in over his head. His problem is expectation get too high for his skill. He plays great with lots of heart and hustle but when you expect him to be a finisher it will leave you a little disappointed. He just doesn’t have the hands.
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Player-X Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Osaka, actually, that is what it sounds like Murray is expectingv him to improve on, hisz hands. Talking about his numbers in junior refers to his finishing there, and maybe now in the NHL.
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Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@Player-X, Right, but this Richardson rise happens every year followed by the Richardson fall. When Terry can deliver a 140 pt. season for the Kings Brad will score 40 goals. Brad scored 41 goals in his 4th year in the OHL, prior to that he scored a high of 27 so he never put up big numbers until he was an overage junior. It is what it is, Brad is a role player.
Player-X Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@Player-X, I am not looking for forty goals from him, and yes he is a role player, but the difference is he fills the role of about 5 or 6 role players. If you want to look at him only from a 20 goal scorer, above or below, it’s unfair. Lotsa guys scoring 15 goals are getting fill appreciation foor it, and if Richardson does that in addition to his other values, it would be great. I gtuess I just don’t think calling it the Richardson fall is fair, the guy fills in everywhere, and can even fill in short time on a top line. Nobod expects him to be a top scorer, but I would still rather have him than a Cheechoo, or some other streaky scorere, like a Ccaammaallerriiii.
Interesting comments. Richardson getting hints of staying up top if he earns it.
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yea Clifford-Richardsom-Use to be a Kings player Simmonds was a great line……………Poor poor Simmonds..
But that line was kicking the Sharks butts into game 6 when they turn to ghost :/
Richardson is a great player like this guy hope he can make it happen
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Richardson LOL
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Good luck Richie, you deserve it!
“The Battle of Attrichardson”
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Richardson is cool I guess
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B-Rad B-Rad B-Rad!!!!!
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man if this guy developes that finishing touch like he had in the minors…. then watch out. Hope he finally breaks through on the scoring
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VanKingsFan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@Rudedogg, I think if he stays with Stoll most of the year he could put up 15G and 40Pts … but I think that is his max. Like an Eric Belanger. Sometimes showed hints of more, but never “Broke out” offensively.
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TM finally sees the light.
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Chances simmer drops the gloves tonight? Its weird seeing him in a flyers jersey
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wavesinair Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@kingsfaninsb, I have a feeling I’m going to start hating him after he plays the Kings.
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variable Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
@kingsfaninsb, @wavesinair,
i thought of the same thing today re: simmer…i was battling with myself…i mean, once or twice a regular season i have to go against him…that’s the way i usually handle players around the league that i like and root for regularly – as long as they are not playing the kings…
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Richi is one of the guys that hustles EVERY TIME he hits the ice! I love this guy!
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@NoDoughty, NoDoughty!
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I see the Kings are flying Sandstrom in for the game. He and fellow Swede Nordstrom will be the Kings guest along with Bernie. All 3 also played for the Ranger, by the way.
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PRMan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@Osaka, Very cool.
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Hat trick Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@Osaka, really?! Wow haven’t heard those names in a while. Was wondering about Matty but Tomas wow cup run team I think.
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FM3 Reply:
October 7th, 2011 at 8:54 am
@Hat trick, Yeppers, Sandstrom, Granato, Gretz, Hrudey, McSorley, Luuuuc, Kurri, etc. Have a Tomas used gamer that I got from the LA Team store they had out in Orange County. Just a small knob at the end, a couple of inches worth of tape on the blade and thats it. We got Sandstrom and Granato in the trade that sent Bernie Nichols to NY.
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I guess it’s a good thing Brad Richards didn’t bite on the Kobe Bryant video, otherwise it could be Richards-Richards-Richardson on opening night
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Player-X Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, hey that was funny, last June. Now, not szo much, after 10,000 times it is OLD
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Sounds funny. Like, “hey I gave her the old Richardson rise the other night”
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Glad to see so many fellow Kingsfans recognize. Just remember that it’s an 82 game season, and Richardson isn’t gonna keep it up all 82 games. I don’t wanna hear how Richardson sucks, and contributes nothing 30 games in, becuase he will hit some valleys along with some of those peeks.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@Dominick, There you go, being the voice of reason again…lol
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wavesinair Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@Dominick, Richardson sucks. He hasn’t scored a single point yet this year. (hehe)
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Deke'r Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@Dominick, …fat chance…
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Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@Dominick, I won’t say he sucks, but I will say he has no hands. Just have to know what you get from him and not expect too much. I am predicting a career high of 15 goals this year.
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Dominick, Captain Bring me down
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variable Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
@Dominick,
DOM…
if we have learned anything from the past with tm is the fact that nobody on the kings has ever been on the same line for a whole season, let alone, half a season…heck, in many cases, not even the same period…with the probable exception of kopi…although i remember him too being moved around a bit when he went through that goal drought…
most coaches today handle the lines by feel and game-time performance which is always a fluid situation, unless yr in a shootout, of course…
but in all honesty, i think the better coaches have a blueprint in hand and are ready to adapt due to the aforementioned and any adjustments the opponent makes…ultimately, the onus still remains on each player on each line…if everybody does their job, the coach is less likely to change things up…
but i know you know this already…(!)
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LittleRhody Reply:
October 7th, 2011 at 12:58 am
@variable, Well… Kopitar has been on his line for a whole season. lol
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Richardson played very well in pre-season. He looks more comfortable out there and the game just coming to him. He will make a impact at any position they put him at.
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I thought that Parse was getting another top 6 look… Wonderiung where he ends up now? Warming pine?
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I dont get the surprise, he scored 19 or 20 goals with the avs as a rookie……
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Stagger Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@Ryan,
Top goal year: 14 in 06-07. 2nd year in league with Co.
Top points: 27 with Kings in 09-10
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3704/career;_ylt=Aty7jKwl9WW8fVBHBXFviNNivLYF
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Ryan Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@Stagger, ok I was off, 14 still, its obvious in the right situation dude can score goals. Lets get em tomorrow.
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Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@Ryan, Not in the NHL
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Off Topic
Watching the Bruins raise their banner. Can’t wait ’til that’s us!!
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Hat trick Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
@Stagger, It’s definitely Long overdue and hopefully it’s in the very near future. Shoulda happened in 93 against those dirty habs!
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I love watching Richardson flying around the ice. Like a fly you can’t catch up to. He creates energy and a buzz. Brown is effective when he hits, Richardson is effective when he speeds around creating confusion. Very fun to watch.
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dcaps55 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@Adamic39, Hmmm, I actually like the idea of Clifford – Richardson – Brown as a line. I think they could put up points and keep offensive zone pressure each shift…
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Anybody reading into tue fact that Lombardi has been silent since the Doughty signing? Maybe Leiweke went over Dean’s head? Lombardi’s pissed at Leiweke??
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Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@Eric, I was wondering what was up with that too.
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vplaza Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Eric,
I’m not sure I’d read too much into that. TL did his job and there really isn’t anything for him to say. It’s now up to the team and the coaches to make it happen. The GM doesn’t need to be talking much about anything at this point, I think.
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A buddy of mine has always noticed a problem with Richardson’s play.. He’s not good at “lifting” or shooting high in tight situations. He always seems to shoot the puck right into the goalies pads. I thought at first it was just a bad break.. Then I noticed it happens everytime. I always find myself yelling during the game “LIFT IT!!!” when he has the puck.. His last goal against the freezers was a miracle in my book! Keep your eye on that guys.
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Kings prospects should take note. Shoot the puck every time you’re in the offensive zone, and TM will love you! You don’t need skill, just shoot the puck every time it hits your stick. Terry Murray would’ve loved to have Nelson Emerson on his team, all he did was shoot. I hated that guy.
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Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@CB14, That is why Europeans have a hard time cracking our lineup, they look to pass first not shot first. Hahaha sometimes even I have a hard time defending TM or his decisions.
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CB14 Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@Osaka, That explains it. I miss Lokti.
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I can’t wait to see the second line out there.. ONE DAY AWAY! i missed Kings hockey since 17 seconds after pre-season ended.
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Osaka Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Mikey, I like the hustle and grit the 2nd line looks like it can have.
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Mikey Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@Osaka, Richardson- Richards: Good luck Bob Miller!
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He’s not going to be a regular agitator, but I like it when he brings the feistyness. See, vs. Teemu Selanne last April.
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I call it the Peter Principle. But with the way TM shuffles lines together, it doesn’t mean anything.
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Hope it works our for Richardson on the second line. Maybe when Penner returns he can be put on the third line.
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This is why you re-sign guys like Richie. You’re gonna have injuries (wait til Williams and Gagne have problems) and Richie has done a good job the past two seasons as a filler. Of course he’s not your ideal top six forward, but he’ll do for the time being..
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yup. I’ll say it again – Richardson and Lewis – the future is here.
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I wonder if u give Clifford a good center if I’ll see Hartnell/Lucic juniour
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I’m Happy for him, I met him at LAX last year and he was the coolest cat ever
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i’m just very thankful that that’s what “the richardson rise” refers to…
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I agree with Murray here. Richardson and his line during the playoffs was, in my opinion, one of the most effective in terms of energy/pressure. I really hope he rises to the occasion and surprises us all this year with some numbers.
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@KingsGuy, The house of the rising Richard-son.
GKG!
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Congrats Richardson!
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I believe that Brad Richardson proved in the playoffs that he can be a top-6 forward, and he deserves that chance. I have no idea why a lot of people constantly reiterate that he’s a fourth-liner. He’s got elite level skating, and we’ve seen flashes of great playmaking from him. The fourth-line is a waste of his talents – if you don’t believe me, just watch highlights from the last two playoff years.
And BTW, he does have good hands, he just has played with skill-players for an extended period. Put him up there for 20 games and see what happens.
Sincerely,
Cletus
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nice read
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