Before last Saturday’s game at Philadelphia, the Kings made a subtle change. The third line, with center Jarret Stoll and wingers Ethan Moreau and Brad Richardson, remained intact, but the wingers swapped spots, with Moreau going to left wing and Richardson going to right wing. The move was more about Moreau than it was about Richardson, who regularly plays any of the three forward positions. Signed as a free agent this summer, Moreau told the Kings he would play either wing, but he’s a natural left winger. After three games on the right side, the move was made and the dividends seem obvious. Moreau played well against the Flyers and looked even stronger in Tuesday’s victory over St. Louis.
Moreau, who turned 36 last month, has yet to record a point in five games but he’s been a responsible two-way player and a big part of the Kings’ penalty-kill unit early in the season. I talked to Moreau today about his move back to the left side, and asked whether it was fair to say that, overall, he’s feeling more comfortable with every game…
MOREAU: “Yeah, that’s fair to say. It’s a bit of an adjustment, just with the way that we play here. The system is perfect for me. On the right side, I was a little hesitant but I started to get the hang of that, and now I’m back on the left where I’m comfortable. If I have to go back on the right, I felt like it was coming at the right time. The team is playing well. Everything is good right now.’’
Question: Moving back to the left side, during that Philadelphia game, how much did that help?
MOREAU: “I started to play better during that game. The way I play, if you have any hesitation, you’re a second slow on the forecheck and less physical, but I felt really good the last three games. Offensively, it will come, it will get better, and it’s been fun so far.’’
Question: I’m sure you know, already, what an emphasis the coaches place on penalty killing. How have you been able to adapt to the system early on?
MOREAU: “There’s some little nuances that you have to get used to, that are a little bit different on every team. It took a couple games but I feel way more comfortable now. Penalty killing is a lot like forechecking. You have to be instinctual. You can’t have any hesitation in your game. That was the case early. In the first couple games, I was still trying to read plays and read the systems, but now, it’s what I’ve done for my whole career and it kind of comes naturally.’’
Terry Murray also, in an unrelated line of questioning, pointed out Moreau as having a strong game against the Blues…
MURRAY: “I thought Moreau’s game was good last night, probably his best game as an L.A. King. He was big, he was strong, he was physical. He went to the net and did a lot of good things in the overall view, in the overall evaluation of the game, the way I’m looking at it. I liked what I saw. He’s better as a left winger than he is as a right winger. I’m starting to see that, although he will probably deny that. [laughs] I think his game is better on that side.’’
Geez… we should try out Richie on D too to see how that works.
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Qmungous Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
@cjms, switch him with jack!
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Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
@Qmungous, They actually do during the power play.
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luuc Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 8:31 am
@Dominick,
Wrong Richie….that would be “Ricky” or “Rick”
Keep up the good work Ethan, but I’m still waiting for you to lay someone out.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
We DESPERATELY need a line that can cycle really good to tire out the opposition’s defense while our scoring line gets rested; it’s a long season. We lost that grinding line completely by loosing simmonds, Zues, and Ponny. Something about them had a good chemistry.
To win cups you need a grinding line. We’ve got to figure out with our personal who to “make” as a grinding line.
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Michael_DD8 Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 12:39 am
@rogiesbackup,
I thought Ethan Moreau actually stood out the most out of any king that night besides Gagne maybe. Even though everyone i thought played well. Including Brownie who played very strong.
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BlueStang Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@Michael_DD8, I agree
Terry Murray, “He’s better as a left winger than he is as a right winger.” You would think that TM would learn that you shouldn’t make players who have been playing a specific position for a long time change their positions. Especially when they are veterans like Willie Mitchell last year, and Ethan Moreau this year. Also Scott Parse had the same problem in pre-season this year. I know we’re weak on the right side, but come on TM, wise up. It’s much easier for younger players like BR and JJ to change sides than it is for vets who’ve played on one side the majority of their career.
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@CB14, I think you need to experiment a little. We WERE very weak on the left side last season. Still early.
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@Lake Forest, I think you meant right side.
I understand experimenting in pre-season with a guy like Moreau who’s guaranteed a spot on the roster, but it was so clear that Scott Parse wasn’t working out on the right side that I wondered if TM had it out for him by not playing him in his natural position. When he put him back to his natural position his play was noticiably better.
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DanD Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
@CB14, No, we were weak on the left side last year. Brown & Williams are natural right wingers. Natural meaning, right handed shot on the right wing and vice versa with the lefty It makes a big difference in the breakout because you break out on your forehand rather than the backhand.
CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
@DanD, You’re right, bad memory.
Helvetica Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
@CB14, In fairness, we are 5 games into the season. You have to give it a little time to see if the experiment works first before you scrap it. He offered to play RW. It didn’t work out. It’s not like were nearing the all star break or anything.
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
@Helvetica, Ok, mabye the Moreau thing isn’t a big deal, but you can’t say the same thing about Parse. He was forced into playing on his wrong side and he struggled because of it. Now he’s in the press box most nights because of it. Lets see what he has to say about it.
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Helvetica Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 10:19 am
@CB14, While I agree with you on the Parse issue, i never felt like he had much of a shot anyways. If he really was showing promise, i think the team would have found a spot for him already. It’s my belief that, after basically 2 years of IR, he was much further away from a spot on this team than a simple move to the other wing. But again, i agree with you that they probably should have moved him back much sooner.
I’m not sure i really care enough about Parse though for it to matter.
BlueStang Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 7:59 am
@CB14, Ya gotta try different combos, you only have so many players to fill the positions. Terry did find it though. You have to give him credit. And look at his record.
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I think Murray should be experimenting with players like Ethan, especially early on like this. As the season goes on he has to know what he can ask of his players and what he should expect from them if he needs to change what side they are playing on.
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I wasn’t too keen on Moreau at first. In fact I couldn’t stand him wearing #17 but I must say he is certainly winning me over.
His defensive board play was good against Philly and remarkable against St Louis. I was amazed at how quickly and effortlessly Moreau brings pucks off the boards and outlets to open players.
His quick outlets allowed Richardson to gain the neutral and offensive zones with speed and was a big part of the great game Richardson put in….
PS Richardson’s play has been excellent.
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Kenny44 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
@USHA#17, Concur with all. It’s probably going to like that all season with Moreau. At 36, we’ll see glimpses of his prime, a majority of solid games, and some games where he just vaporizes. A good character guy role player to buy time and teach Clifford a thing or two.
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Again, like the day we signed him. He adds leadership and grit. Great guy too. Very happy with how he has been playing. Not dissappointed in the lack of points, some of our best players lack points, but sure do put in a lot of effort for the guys who are putting up the points. GKG
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We’ll wake up tomorrow to TM sucks for changing lines. TM sucks for trying to put a player in a position that might be better for the team. TM sucks for putting Ethan in his doghouse for not letting him play on the first line. TM sucks because he cannot relate to experienced players. We have lost one game and that came on a back to back with travel, yet there will be hate.
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DesertKing Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
@jet,
Is it after midnight? TM sucks (just kidding, couldn’t refuse the challenge)
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brian spain Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
@jet, actually, the Kings have lost two games. They lost to Buffalo and new jersey. nice counting.
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jet Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
@brian spain, Thanks, it is a good thing I did not go into accounting. Do you need help with your taxes?
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
@jet,
Only if he actually changes lines, which judging by practice likely won’t happen.
How is it better for the team if we have a player playing out of position on a line with someone who plays equally as well in any position?
Why would TM play EM on the 1st line? That would not be smart.
You’ve got it backwards, TM cannot relate to younger players.
The Kings have lost 2 games, one in regulation, and one in the shootout.
The team they were playing in the regulation loss also was in a back to back scenario, and also had to travel to a different city, yet the Kings should get a free pass? Um, NO.
One more thing with regards to TM. TM always stresses a “shot mentality”, yet the Kings had their lowest shot total of the season in last nights game which was also the game the Kings scored the most goals on the season.
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Kenny44 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
@CB14, Oh just imagine the score if we shot even more! 1 lucky rebound is worth 5 tape to tape passes. (end sarcasm) I truly enjoyed the Kings’ confidence and creativity with the puck last night. There’s a time to bury your head and hammer the puck, but that’s not every time you cross the blue line. Some have been critical of DB for doing this. Maybe he’s trying to be a good captain and set the example that his coach wants. TM’s history suggests that his teams plateau as good teams. Nothing wrong with that, but it will be interesting to see if TM has grown as a coach and can help this team achieve greatness.
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@Kenny44, Very good comments. Hopefully TM proves he can be the Coach to lead this team to the promise land.
jet Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
@CB14, Well, Brown to Stoll for the second goal in the last game.
A line is three players and you do not necessarily know what the best combo may be until you try. Although, I can see where EM would be a good fit on the left.
injuries
TM is actually in the zone when he is teaching the prospects. There is not a better coach in the league at teaching the youth.
Ok, technically correct. I do not consider getting a point as losing.
no free pass, but it still is what it is, play, travel, play.
But, when you’re ahead by a few goals, there is no urgency to take shots. Usually, a long cycle will get you home. Also, when you have one of the best power plays in the league, the pressure to get any shot goes down.
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
@jet, I thought Brown just stayed out a little longer than Richards did, and Stoll came on for him, but I’m not 100% sure. My theory is, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Like how people want Gagne to play with Richards. I don’t get that. Why mess with something that’s working? That would be my problem IF he did that, which he hasn’t done, so I’m not complaining.
I will agree that TM is a good coach at teaching the young guys, he just won’t play the one’s who aren’t great defensively. That’s been my problem with TM and young players. He limits their offense too much IMO. Look what happened to Lokti last year. He played good on the long road trip that the Kings played well on, then got sent down to Manchester.
You make some good points about the shots, I’m just basing my opinion off of Murray’s postgame quotes, “There was a little bit better shot mentality in the game”. Not when you compare it to the other games TM.
I guess I’m just a glass half empty kind of guy, especially when the Kings have such high expectations this year. Just making the playoffs won’t cut it this time, and the Kings need to play in the playoffs like they played last night, not like they played the first 4 games. Even though they won 2 of those games, that kind of performance won’t get it done come playoff time.
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@jet, If we go undefeated for the next 10 games, then fire everyone! Trade at least 21 of the players, and lay off the Iceboys.
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Kenny44 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@Dominick, You lost me at the Ice Boys. They play a heavy game and give 60 minutes of shot mentality with that t-shirt cannon, not to mention their net presence with those snow shovels. TM could get a team to play .500 with Quick, our current D, Westgarth and 11 Ice Boys.
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Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
@Kenny44, But if we keep the Ice boys, we have to get rid of the Ice girls. We can only have one or the other. It’s like having 2 #1 goalies.
Kenny44 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
@Dominick Go with the hot hand? (not that there’s anything wrong with that)
Gee, sounds familiar. OK for Ethan Moreau but not for Scott Parse? Parse played well when he was on the left side for that one game too. I think Moreau is just more of a defensive player, which Murray likes, which is why Scott is sitting, BUT TM says we need more offense, which Scott Parse can bring.
It’s just kind of telling to me regarding TM’s comfort level with systems.
That, and Moreau is a vet too. I get that. I think TM had to learn to take a few risks if he wants the cake and the ability to eat it too. We’ve got the talent & depth to make it more of a calculated one. Maybe as the season rolls along…
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
@Cynic, With regards to Parse, that’s what I’m sayin. Look out for the hate from the TM lovers. God forbid we complain the next night after a win. If the Kings miss the playoffs, yet win the last game, we’re not allowed to complain until next season.
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neil Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
@CB14, wrt Murray…one good game this year so far…St. Louis was missing one of their best player and was playing their 3rd game in 4 nights….Most of us get too high after a win and too crazy after a loss…The key is if we keep improving and not going backwards at anytime like last year( 2 bad losing streaks)…It all depends on how you look at things..we only have one win in regulation all season so lets see what happens…
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
@neil, I don’t think you know my opinion on TM, it’s similar to yours. The last line was all sarcasm on my part. I was saying how some people don’t like it if we complain the night after a win, which I did earlier on this post. I agree with you that the Kings have played 1 good game, and like you said it was against a tired team missing one of their best players. I’m not sold on TM, and I’m also not going to forget the previous 4 games after just 1 great game. Put some games together like last night, and then I won’t question anything about the Kings.
jet Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@neil, well, TM has averaged 100 points the past two seasons, and has the team on track for 110 points this season. All of this despite the fact we play in the toughest division in the NHL.
Timere Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 7:09 am
@neil, I don’t think it is a bad start against the Blues. There was a game last season where we were darn near playing the AHL farm team and still lost.
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 12:56 am
@CB14, I am not a T.M. lover,But you complain on here everyday about something T.M. related we get it already you don’t like T.M. News flash D.L. likes T.M. alot i wonder who’s opinion matter’s more?
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This, more than anything, highlights the value of Richardson. His versatility, speed, great attitude and competitiveness are critical for a Stanley Cup winner.
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Kenny44 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
@Bones, That’s right. He’s a forechecking demon. He’s not big but he’s relentless on the wall. And he was a scratch most of last year in favor of Westgarth.
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Rich,
Just wanted to say thanks for the fantastic all-around coverage you provide. Keep up the great work!
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Moreau was kind of invisible for the first 3 games. The last 2 games, there has been a noticable difference. With guys being able to play multiple positions, the depth gets tricky when you start filling spots.
Looking at our forwards our depth is deeper than any team in the league. Right now we have with everybody healthy, enough guys around to fill any position in case of injury.
8 left wingers
Penner, Gagne, Parse, Lewis, Clifford, Moreau, Hunter and Richardson.
5 Centers
Kopi, Richards, Stoll, Lewis, Richardson.
7 right wingers
Williams, Brown, Lewis, Richardson, Hunter, Westgarth, and Moreau.
3 healthy sratches
Hunter, Parse, and Westgarth.
With only 4 positions available at every position, and 2 healthy scratches every game, that means no matter what position you move guys around to, someones going to be out of position.
Certain players can’t be moved. This is absolutely true with the top 6. So the bottom 6 have to be shuffled around with players out of position. Since we need some guys who can fill the top 6 incase of injury, some of those bottom 6 players, and the scratches have to be shuffeled around.
This is the depth at every single position on the active roster. We also have Manchester where we can pilfer if we need it, but only if the depth here fails us (which hasn’t happened yet).
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Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Should be 8 right wingers because Parse has been playing right.
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
@Dominick, But he shouldn’t be.
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Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
@CB14, LOL.
Duckbasher Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 8:40 am
@CB14, – If the Kings want anything for him (at all) when they trade Parse they need to let him play left-wing because he’s actually a decent left winger (when healthy). It’s pretty obvious that TM has no love for Parse. I don’t see him in the picture much longer. Just a feeling.
CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
@Dominick, Who was out of position last night? I thought all the players were in their best positions and the lines looked great.
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Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
@CB14, That was how the lines should be. Having Hunter and Westy doesn’t change much. Parse in the line up changes things, but the Kings need to get him playing, or he’ll never get his timing back. Unfortunately the only spots are the Right side right now on the bottom 6. He should be on the left, but that means Moreau is on the right.
Or you can scratch Parse, but that means when injuries take over he’s not going to be ready. Everybody is crying for Lokti, but Lokti can only play Center efficiently at this level. We’re so deep at center that it’s not even funny.
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CB14 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
@Dominick, Glad to see we both like the same, best, lines. Yeah, Parse changes things. Mabye rest Penner and Gagne every so often so that we can get Parse into a game every once in awhile.
Calling up Lokti isn’t a problem, he plays 4th line Center and move Lewis to Right Wing. Problem solved.
That gets Lokti up, gives us an additional RW so that Westy never sees the light of day, and gives our bottom 6 some great scoring potential.
Clifford – Stoll – Lewis
Parse – Lokti – Richardson
Extras; Moreau and Hunter
Moreau plays for Parse when playing a bigger and more physical team, or every night if Parse struggles. Hunter probably gets sent to Manchester because TM loves Westy, although I would keep Hunter and get rid of Westy.
Dominick Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
@CB14,
Those lines make sense. I think unless Hunter fails DL will keep him here, and only call Lokti up if 1 of the big 4 at center gets hurt. Lewis had talked about playing right wing more this season (during the summer with Gann Matsuda), and I think it’s because Richardson could end up replacing him, and give Lewis more scoring opportunity with Stoll.
Clifford has not seized the moment either to take hold of that 3rd line position, and TM even stated that he wanted to back off on moving Clifford there right now. Moreau right now is starting to look stronger, and stronger being on the left, and that creates a dilema for what to do with Clifford, and Parse.
If Moreau grabs that left side, either Parse, or Clifford gets benched. Parse is the insurance policy in case Gagne, or Penner gets injured long term, so Parse not playing does us no good. Clifford can’t work his way into the 3rd line if he doesn’t play either, and none of them are completely effective on the right.
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Does the L.A. Times really know it’s Drew’s shoulder that’s injured, or are they just guessing? I never heard what specific body part it was.
“The lead-in to the Kings’ Staples Center opener had centered more upon injury-related questions. Defenseman Drew Doughty is out because of an injured right shoulder, suffered in the early stages of the Kings’ victory at Philadelphia on Saturday.”
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kings-blues-20111019,0,7099585.story
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Kenny44 Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
@CB14, Makes sense, given TM’s comments about rehab and strengthening. You don’t need to strengthen ribs etc.
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Stuart Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 8:00 am
@CB14, I called it
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GregDM Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@CB14, There was a camera on Doughty on the bench just after the hit. You could see him working the right shoulder around a little and grimmacing. I am pretty sure it’s some kind of shoulder strain/sprain.
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Ethan had a good game.. its just a matter of time until Stoll, Richardson, and Moreau start producing big points! I would also like to see Brown, Richards, and PENNER put the same amount of points as Kopi, Williams, Gagne!
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In unrelated news… THIS is the reason the NHL has been sending teams to play in Europe the last couple years ( i know a lot of people were upset about the travel for the Kings)…
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=596700
“The National Hockey League (NHL) and Modern Times Group (MTG) today announced the signing of a multi-year deal giving the Scandinavian broadcaster the rights to telecast every NHL game live via television, mobile and broadband throughout the Nordic region, including Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway.”
This is going to generate a ton of money for the league. Good job NHL.
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Stuart Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 8:00 am
@Sebastian, is MTG owned by AEG?
just kidding Phil-lovers.
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I wish Murray could also see that Scott Parse is ONLY a left wing.
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nykingfan Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 8:41 am
@Duckbasher,
There is a difference between the two.
Parse is a kid trying to make a club. he has no NHL pedigree. Moreau has played in this league for a long time and while he’ll try anything, he has played his entire career on the left side. It’s mroe of a comfor thing for a veteran.
When you’re a kid, you play goal and excel at it if that’s what the club wants you to do.
He’s young enough to be able to adapt to the opposite wing. Again, it’s about trying to impress the coaching staff.
A better comparison would be Parse and Richardson.
Ritchie didn’t come up as a guy who could play all 3 forward positions, but he realized if he wants to play in this league, he better make himself into a type of utility player…bring some value to the team. As Parse was, Ritchie was an offensive player coming from Colorado..He’s adapted to what the Kings need. that’s why he plays every night.
the same would go for Parse. Make yourself valuable like Ritchie has and there will be a place for him. Unfortuanely for Parse, he’s a one dimensional (offensive) player who would fit well into a top 6 role only. Thee’s no room for him there right now.
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Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@nykingfan, Scott Parse is no kid, he’s 27 yrs old
Mike Richards is 26!
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nykingfan Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,
kid as in how many yeaars in NHL.
Kopi’s still a kid (age-wise)…do we consider him as a kid or a veteran?
same with Richards…just talking about NHL experience in this case.
Michael J. Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 8:49 am
@nykingfan,
Gotta disagree…
Parse is a goal scorer who plays best on his off-wing. He needs to play to his strengths, which is having his stick toward the middle of the ice rather than along the boards. Whereas Richardson’s strengths include hard work, hustle, speed and a little grit which he can tap into from any of the three forward positions – if Parse is to play to his strengths he needs to be on the left side.
It has nothing to do with youth, it has to do with each players specific skillset and what he can contribute to the club.
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nykingfan Reply:
October 20th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Michael J.,
Absolutely disagree..(that’s the fun of this whole thing)
I know the team sees him as a top 6 forwards, but he’s never been a “goal scorer” as a pro.
In 08/09 @ Manchester he scored 15 goals in 70 games. That doesn’t qualify as a goal scorer. He scored 11 with the Kings in 59 games the following year.
The guy’s a marginal NHL player at this point. My feeling is the Kings see him as a top 6 forward because of his skill and nothing more, but that skillset isn’t enough to earn him a top 6 role on a top contender like the Kings. Unless a top 6 forward goes down, he has no value to the team because he’s not a checking winger. Basically he’s not Ritchie. Ritchie was a goal scorer in juniors and in the AHL. His 1st full seeason in COL 14 goals in 73 games. Similar numbers to Parse, but he made himself into more. that’s why he plays and not Parse.