Slava Voynov made his NHL debut last night and had a plus-2 rating in 19 minutes, 48 seconds, of ice time. How did he do? His defensive partner, Willie Mitchell, and coach Terry Murray shared their thoughts on Voynov’s debut…
MITCHELL: “I thought he was excellent, pretty composed, moved the puck really well for his first NHL game. I was asking him earlier in the day, and I said, `Oh, your first NHL game, will your family watch?’ He said, `Oh, I don’t know.’ And I knew when he said that, he was going to be fine, because it just tells you how calm he is. Slava is a really good player. His day, obviously, is going to come in the NHL. Obviously we had an injury to get him in the lineup, but it’s only a matter of time before he plays full-time and does well. He moves the puck well. Pretty agile. I kind of heard, before he came here, that the defensive side of his game was his knock, but I played with him in preseason and I really enjoyed playing with him.
“I felt like he had pretty good reads out there. He was an easy guy to read off of. Last night was the same. I liked his game and he’s only going to get better as he gets more comfortable and stuff like that. He’s a guy who wants to improve every day, too. You can tell that, you can see that. He’s always asking me, `What’s this? What’s this? What’s that?’ He seems really respectful of the game and guys who play the game, and those are the guys you want to see succeed, guys like that.
“He’s Russian, but last night I made a play behind the net, and I was probably going to move the puck and I heard him yell, `Mitchy, Mitchy, time.’ I said, `Hey, that’s when you know you’ve got a good player. A Russian is yelling English at you,’ telling me that I had time. You don’t see that a lot out there. The fact that he talks out on the ice, that’s huge for a defenseman. It’s the guy without the puck, a lot of times, who makes the play for the guy with the puck, letting him know he’s got time or whatever. When you’ve got a guy doing that, it helps you out. He’s going to keep improving and it’s going to be fun.’’
Question: And I’m sure it helps him having you as a partner, a veteran presence…
MITCHELL: “That’s my job. I know why I’m with him. I was fortunate enough to be able to get some ice time with him in the preseason, because of Dewey’s contract situation. That’s probably been pretty nice, for me and for himself and for the coaching staff, to be able to slide us right back together because we had some consistency in the preseason. They played me with him in every game I think, except one, and that kind of allows both of us to transition a little bit easier. When you’re playing with a younger player, you’re a little bit more cautious, you’re trying to help him out and be aware of everything on the ice but, at the same time, he’s played enough hockey and he’s a good enough hockey player that I kind of trust him out there to make the right plays. That made it really easy.’’
And here are Murray’s thoughts…
MURRAY: “He did a very good job, especially with the puck. There’s work to be done, no question about that. There are some reads that we will bring some attention to, on the checking part of the game in the D zone, but overall the marks are pretty good.’’
I was talking with variable earlier today and I basically said I think we’ve seen the last of Whiskey once Doughty gets back. Normally I would say Dean will be patient as usual and send SV back down, but for some reason I think he stays. Voynov might not have made the team out of camp, but I think we’ll look back at the end of the year and say he was this year’s Clifford/Simmonds.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@wavesinair, I don’t think that will happen. We will send Slava down after his few starts this month with a fat paycheck and frequent flyer card.
If any of Scuds, Mitchell or Green miss any games, DD2 is the man going in.
If it’s JJ, DD or Martinez on the mend, then its Slava back to LA.
[Reply]
thailure Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@wavesinair, I don’t think that will be the case. It doesn’t make sense for Voynov to be the 7th defenseman, sitting more often than not. At this point he isn’t a top 6 defenseman and once Doughty returns I see Voynov heading back to Manchester.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@thailure,
Yeah, I’m with you guys re: the logic of it. And like I said, normally it’s a no brainer for DL to send him down. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Martinez and Voynov split a lot of games this year in that 6th man spot. As for one of the stay at homes going down, it really a matter of picking your poison. Sure there’s flexibility with Voynov, however, when a kid has arrived concessions are made. It seems to me he’s arrived.
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@wavesinair, I agree, here here…
Sammuch Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@wavesinair, I agree, here here…
RobSD Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@wavesinair,
No of course they wouldn’t. I’m just talking out my ars. I’m merely saying he is a top 6 guy. There might not be room for him but he is definitely a top 6 guy. I like Greene but his skills are not very good.
RobSD Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@thailure,
Not a top 6 at this point? Seriously? He played 20 minutes and was out on all the PP’s. I saw him take the body nicely and if I could choose between him, Greene and Whiskey, I would choose him without missing a beat.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@RobSD, Greene, and Whiskey serve a different purpose on the ice. The only places they don’t are fantasy leagues, and video games.
thailure Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@RobSD, You seriously think that they would send down Greene? I agree Voynov is better than Drewiske but what do the Kings gain with Voynov as the 7th defenseman, only 6 dress? Do you cut Drewiske and sit Greene? I don’t see Voynov getting a full time shot without a trade, injury, or terrible play by a top 6 d-man. Next year will be full time Voynov with Mitchell gone.
AZ King Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@thailure,
Voynov won’t replace Mitchell. They’re are completely different kinds of players. The Kings need to resign Mitchell. He is a massive part of our defense, just look at our record when he’s out of the line up.
BlueStang Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@RobSD, I don’t think so. Green has the big checking body. It’s not a good trade off yet, in my opinion.
KC23 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@wavesinair, Not going to happen unless there continues to be injury issues with the Kings starters. No one is playing badly enough on defense to bring up a rookie on merit and if they did it would send all the wrong messages to the active players.
Just not gonna happen.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@KC23,
I don’t think any GM looks at these decisions based on “not playing badly enough.” They are constantly thinking, “how can I make this team better?” And if Voyonv is playing better than whoever, he will likely play.
I remember people saying the same thing about Clifford last year in camp. “No way he’ll make it but man he’s going to be good.” Yet here he is, a King. Same exact thing with Simmonds.
And I don’t know what you mean re: wrong messages. That’s just silly IMO. Each and every one of these guys has gone through that process. There is no message other than the GM is trying to make the team better. And that is exactly what they want.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens, but I really don’t think it’s nearly as far fetched as you guys believe.
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@wavesinair, – Great post. My feelings exactly. He has nothing to gain or learn in Manchester. This team is better with him as a part of it than him playing in Manchester. He is a KING now and I want him on our team… plain and simple.
It’s a long season and even if Slava is rotated in periodically (every 3rd game?) as our 7th defender… he gets familiar with being on this team, the system, his teammates and our city. Unfortunately, we can almost be assured that our D will take some lumps and miss some games. And he’ll be even more ready. GO KINGS GO!
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@wavesinair,
I think the Kings will be tempmted, but logically the Kings will send him down. Voynov could replace any defenseman in the line up for a few games for sure, but over a 10 game spurt? Not so sure the Kings would risk Voynov covering Greene, Scuds, or Mitchell that long.
Also if Voynov gets hurt, then you start depleting Manchester by calling up Hickey, which leaves Muzzin as the next guy on the depth chart. Muzzin gets injured in Manchester, and before you know it, Manchester is starting to feel the pinch.
If he stayed I would be surprised, but not shocked. I just don’t see the Kings making a crucial move like that right now. Voynov can still get more games as the season moves along, and we’ll still have the depth in case of injury.
luc20rules Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@wavesinair, I agree its not fetched, but both Martinez and DD2 would be exposed to waivers if sent down. I would think if they like Voynov that much, DL will actually make a trade for a pick or another prospect. Before risking exposing one of those guys to waivers. I think Martinez may be worth a 2 or early 3 and DD2 would draw a 3 to 5 depending on which GM(team need) you talking about.
WVKING Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@wavesinair, The Kings will not make any changes to the starting D, at this time. We would lose our biggest asset by doing so. The depth the kings have this season by utilizing Voynov and Hickey as call ups as needed is critical. Unless we suffer a long term injury, they will bounce back and forth until the rosters expand near playoff time. Then we will get an idea of what will take place next season.
jet Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@wavesinair, but if big willy gets hurt we would be in big trouble come playoff time. I dont think DL will take that chance.
[Reply]
quisp Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@wavesinair,
I think its likely vv will go back and forth this year but its possible he could take Martinez s place. Lombardi would want to move drewiske though. He won’t waive him I don’t think.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
@wavesinair, This is the same argument everyone had after the preseason, and Voynov still went down, much to people’s chagrin. The reality of the business side of things remains the same. Unless DL can find a trade package to get something useful back for Drewiske, there is almost no chance he will risk sending him down through waivers and losing him for nothing. Voynov will almost certainly be returned to Manchester. Until a trade goes through, or a contract expires, Voynov will not be simply taking someone’s spot. His future is bright, we will just have to wait a little longer to enjoy it.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
@PP Anybody?,
“Unless DL can find a trade package to get something useful back for Drewiske, there is almost no chance he will risk sending him down through waivers and losing him for nothing.”
Agreed that this is the conventional wisdom. Makes sense in pretty much every way from a business stand point. However, this is the crux of the issue for me. It could become a situation where DL feels like the team would be better off with SV in the lineup. I get the sense that this is exactly what DL might do if he can’t make a deal. Seems unlikely to waive DD2, however he has been lingering for a while now so I’m thinking the stars are aligning against him.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@wavesinair,
With 3 stay at homes coming up for contracts, were bound to lose 2. Plenty of room for VV, and Whiskey in the next 2 years. I say DL holds on to them both if he can. DL will have to make some moves somewhere, but not this early in the season. Voynov’s impact right now in the line up is not enough to force DL’s hand right now.
In the next 3 years though, DL will have to make a decision on 11 defenseman for 5 spots. The only 2 spots you can bank on in the next 3 years are DD, and JJ’s.
wavesinair Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
@dom,
You’re probably right. Again, it makes sense that it will go down like this. The main question is exactly what you indicated: Is Voynov’s impact in the lineup enough to force DL’s hand? You say ‘not enough’ I say ‘it might just be.’
Was not too happy to see Drew wave to the crowd with his left hand. It was clear he wasn’t moving that right arm at all =/
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@Kevin Ebel,
Uh, how does the fact Drew waved with his left arm = his right arm can’t be raised? By that logic, Westy can’t move his left arm because he waved with his right, Parse can’t move his left arm also, Fraser needs surgery on his right arm because he waved with his left and Whiskey’s right arm is broken because he also waved with his left. My god, we have an arm epidemic on our hands!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@wavesinair,
Hey, I waved at you with my right ARM, what can you tell me about my left?
(oh, I guess I’m right handed, so……..)
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@wavesinair,
“An ARM epidemic on our HANDS!” cute!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@Kevin Ebel, DD moved his right foot the wrong way too. Parse squinted when the crowd clapped, which was a clear message that his neck is bothering him, and Westy bowed his head.
Just messin with ya. I’m sure he’ll be fine. 7 to 10 days was diagnosed before the 3rd period even started. They couldn’t of X-rayed it that quick, which means it had nothing to do with any dislocations, or bone related injuries. They also released that the injury wasn’t a head injury, which rules out concussion. Since they didn’t X-ray, I’m guessing it’s not neck either.
It was definately something that they just looked at and said “a week to week and a 1/2″ without waiting for a follow up from a doctor.
[Reply]
Funny WM refers to the talk on the ice, I think it was in the 3rd, VV was coming around the back of our net and the STL forechecker was coming and I heard WM holler “reverse” (ice-level mic picked it up in case anyone was wondering how I heard it at home) and like nothing VV backhanded it out the other end and the threat was extinguished… good communication!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@Stuart, You mean your not the 6 million dollar woman?
[Reply]
the hockey don Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@Dominick, nope that would be DS the 7 million dollar woman. Lol
[Reply]
the hockey don Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@the hockey don, I meant DD
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@the hockey don, DD is the Sasquatch.
Doughty and Mitchell is fine
Voynov and Scuderi will be great
Johnson and…Greene? Not so good…trade Greene if anything
I know everyone loves him, he’s an alternate captain and a great lockeroom guy
But he has no offence…he’s supposidly tough and defensive but he has too many lapses and isn’t even a good fighter
do u really want a $3M dollar sixth Dman?
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Paul G,
Okay first off Greene’s job isn’t to provide offense so I couldn’t care less if he doesn’t score a goal all season. As far as “supposedly” being tough, go back and watch the video of him blocking a shot with his face and staying on the ice afterwards, and then tell me he’s not tough. Better yet go tell him that to his face and let me know how it goes.
He does lack speed and agility, so when he gets caught out of position it’s tough for him to get back it time. However he very rarely gets caught out of position. The Flyers game was a bad one for him, but he has a lot more good nights than he has bad nights.
Finally, why does he need to be a good fighter? Didn’t realize that was a requirement for a d-man in the NHL.
[Reply]
the hockey don Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@AZ King, I agree and he had some solid hits last night
[Reply]
Eggplant Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 1:12 am
@AZ King, Well said.
Even the leadership that he provides in the locker room is huge. I really don’t see why anyone would want to get rid of a guy like that. Although we just acquired Mike Richards who is already showing signs that he’s going to be a leader. Just wonder what trading Greene would do to the locker room atmosphere… And we don’t really have a replacement for him on the ice either.
[Reply]
SV, WAY TO GO MAN! I hope you showed DD to show up for camp next time!
I had a feeling DD was going to get hurt and still be behind the 8 ball in his conditioning, so far he’s not worth the potintal 7mil cap!
Potato chip boy better relize we can win games without him, but not Kopi! Kopi is the franchise player & DD is not even close to his Kopi worth…
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@Sammuch,
Kopi’s the man! There isn’t another player in the league I’d rather have…he’s just getting better and better. And he’s the best Slovenian hockey player ever, at least in my mind….
[Reply]
Klong Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@rontheking,
Saying that he is the only Slovenian hockey player ever, was this tongue in cheek?
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@Sammuch,
How does what happened to Doughty have anything to do with his conditioning? He came after missing camp, and doesn’t look out of place at all.
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@AZ King, Not a dang thing.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@AZ King, I agree with you guys. Funny that Voynov played well, but didn’t stick out in a game where we scored 5 goals, and yet a guy who even his teammates consider the best D-man on the team gets no love from the fans. He’s not even making 7 million till Kopi’s contract is up. That’s just his Cap hit.
[Reply]
Sammuch Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
@AZ King, There is a history in the NHL, where players miss training camp are easily pron to getting hurt!
Not against DD, BUT till he needs plays like he’s the 7 mil dollar man cap, which Kopi is already!!!
DD Wants the super star money which he isn’t yet, is why some us fans want him to earn his super star salary 7mil cap now & not wait for potential worth a year or two later…
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@Sammuch,
DD is not making 7 million right now. Kopi wasn’t worth his 6.8 million dollar cap hit at the time he signed it, because 6.8 was reserved for elite scorers. Kopi became more than that since, and is worth more than 6.8 now. 7 mill is not what DD is worth right now, but he will become more than that in a few years, and justify that 7 million dollar cap hit eventually.
If your pissed about that extra cap hit then sorry. Right now he’s earning what the Kings are actually paying him.
rick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
@Sammuch, Give the guy a break. The season is 5 games old. His contract is 8 years long. Perhaps it is a tad too early to be making judgments?
Sammuch Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 2:28 am
@Sammuch,
Dominick, I understand what you are saying. I do like DD and belive and hope he is what we hopefully he be a great super star.
StamKos got over 7 for he has been getting better ever year and is already considered a super star by most NHL pros. No one has said DD is Now. The Pros all say he might be… and I think he will be too, but now that he’s at 7 mil cap like the super stars he better show he can play like he did in year 2. I think Kings and fans deserve the best from him and we all know he can do it. If Stamkos can get better in his frist 3 years, there is no reason he can too! Even though he plays the D.
Raitis gets waived by Calgary….DL sign him as an enforcer to protect your kids! He’s the same liability as Westgarth.
[Reply]
rontheking Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@niidan,
I don’t know…I think Westgarth is younger and has a lot less miles (punches) on his odometer (face)….
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@rontheking, Westy has taken a lot of punches in a very short time. For that matter, so has Clifford. If I’m the Kings mgmt… I tell them both to try to avoid fighting because no one likes to see their teammates get pummeled.
[Reply]
niidan Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@rontheking, Raitis is a better insurance policy…less minutes..certainly more feared..
[Reply]
Bill M. Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@niidan, Huh? why?
[Reply]
Dean Lombardi flying rcoach all over Russian to hell and back to the US in Summer 07 and Spring/Winter 08 is why were able to have Slava Voynov. Not sure the fans realize everything this guy does to mine talent. He isnt always perfect, but he will outwork anyone, and that makes a difference.
[Reply]
TYLER Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@harglebargle, AMEN. “In Dean We Trust”
[Reply]
My husband and I have been so impressed with SV already! He was on it in pre-season! I am so excited about this season! I really think this could be our year. And I like the catch phrase the Kings are using…The time is now!!! Perfect!!! GO KINGS!
[Reply]
I was impressed with Voyo. i can’t wait to see him develop! Great read by Martinez in the second period as well. Great read!
[Reply]
All I can take from this article is “Mitchy, Mitchty Time”
Just say it over and over in your head with a heavy Asian accent, and imagine a loud gong after saying it.
MITCHY MITCHY TIME!!!…..GOOOOONNNG! now picture the camera zooming into a girl throwing up the peace sign, and the back drop it is some epileptic trippy colour changing effect!
Mitchy Mitchy time!!!
[Reply]
Went to the game last night and me and my dad were talking about how smart Voynov played. I wasn’t expecting a lot, but he made some great defensive plays. He looked good, I think he’s still hesitant to jump in on offensive plays, but one time I did see him sneaking around looking for a one time shot. He can definitely create space for himself. Still miss Doughty, Slava doesn’t OWN a play like he can, but I see the potential there for sure.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@brig33,
Once he gets comfortable in the bigs, I think VV will open more eyes. The coach and his defensive partner are really high on him for a reason.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@brig33, Very accurite read. DD carries the play more. VV will get better (no doubt in my mind), but comparing a beginner to the best 21 year old defenseman in the league is a stretch right now. Funny how their both the same age, but everybody ignores that VV is just starting out in the NHL, and DD has established himself for years already.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@Dominick,
DVD (drew voynov doughty?)
[Reply]
His play with the big club will wet Voynov’s appetite and remind him that it won’t be long before he has a permanent place in L.A. (Doesn’t need to go to Europe)
Every time I watch Kopi play reminds me why he deserves to be the highest paid player in L.A.
[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
@BlueStang,
True that
[Reply]
Beyond loving reading good things about Voynov, I love reading just about anything that comes from Mitchell. The guy seems to actually stop, think about what he’s commenting on, and then gives a thorough and thoughtful response filled with information and examples of what he’s speaking to. A lot of times in response to discussion of how a player did in their first game you get the answer that fans have come to know by heart. Essentially something along the lines of “Oh, you know, he played really great out there for his first game. He’s a young guy and he’s going to be really good.” Which while that’s basically what Mitchell said, he gave specific examples and instances of how and why Voynov played well, which is a much more interesting read.
[Reply]
Great work by Slava in game 1. Let him play a few games before everybody starts trading away pieces to make room for him in LA. I watch about 20 Manchester games each year and 2-3 games last year he just simply disappeared. Hopefully he has grown out of that but I’d like to see him do it a few times in the NHL before trading depth. He can ride the LA/Manchester express for 2-3 months and if he forces Dean’s then we have a chip to trade mid season. Nice position to be in.
[Reply]