Mike Richards has yet to have a real “highlight’’ moment with the Kings, but the number of small, intelligent plays he makes is astoundingly high. Richards has essentially single-handedly boosted the Kings’ power play, as he has the first assist on four power-play goals this season — including Dustin Brown’s goal last night — and Richards is a key penalty-killer as well.
MURRAY: “He’s given us real good balance down the middle, there’s no question. With two guys who are No. 1 center icemen, it really means a lot to be able to come back with that second line now. It forces other teams to make a decision. He’s a great player, in the sense that he sees the ice and makes plays. You look at the play that he made on the power-play goal. A strong, strong move to take it to the net. So he brings a lot, and then at the end of the game you see he’s out on the ice protecting the lead. So I’m going to rely on him a lot.’’
This guy is awesome! So happy he is a King!
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GO KINGS GO!!!!
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Richards and Brown will work well and put up good enough numbers/results, more so as they get used to each other. Will Penner be a working part of this picture? He’s showing signs of a stepped up game, but he still looks better in the first period than in the second, and better in the second than in the third. Perhaps there are still fitness issues there? If he can continue to raise his game, the Kings are among the League’s elite (maybe they are anyway, but if that 6th piece of the top six can play the part . . .)
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@wes, I didn’t notice any of those issues. Are you sure your not letting a prejudgement cloud how your seeing his play?
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CB14 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@Dominick, Westy sucked last night too.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@wes, I did’nt see that, but he has a sore knee. Give it a chance to come together he played less games so far.
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dahack11 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 11:21 pm
@wes, I thought last nights game was Penner’s best so far as a King, for what that’s worth, & he didn’t record a point.
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Anjin Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:02 am
@wes, if Mike Richards really is the player he looks to be so far then he will help Penner produce in the long run.
He seems like a player who makes the people around him better which should be great news for Brownie and Penner.
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Alex Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:14 am
@Anjin, Hope so. I like Penner and we all know that he can produce. They need to find that chemistry.
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Alex Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:12 am
@wes, Yeah, would like to see a lot more production from second line. Hope that getting to know each other will not take too long. If they wont be able to jell together all other teams will have to do shut down the first line. Lets pick it up a little you guys on the second line.
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Richards was the perfect acquisition – he takes pressure off of Kopi, he allows Stoll to play the role he should be playing, he makes the power play better, he gives the Kings two legit scoring lines, he’s a fantastic on the penalty kill and he just knows how to win.
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goldielocks Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@Dave,
Dang, man … leave some for me to say something.
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Osaka Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@Dave, He plays such a responsible two way game and plays with so much heart but it is on the PP that his high skill really shows. Watching Richards and Kopi on the PP together is great hockey.
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The Gondor Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 7:36 am
@Osaka, In the off-season, what we really needed most was a player that could improve our power play. As much as Schenner and Simmie lovers hated to see them go, the acquisition of MR was the best move by any team in the league during the off-season. A healthy Gagne ain’t bad either.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:28 pm
@Dave, exactly right. He’s also a leader in the locker room.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@Dominick, Also a xlnt leader on the ice, good as they get.
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 7:39 pm
@rumpa#19, Agreed. Watch him before a face off and during stoppages. He is always talking. Pointing to where players should be. Telling them what he sees. Outstanding addition to our club. As Jim said last…Richards will make it his mission to get Penner going. I think Penners game has been good. This line is going to get going and when it does look the flock out. Great days we are living boys. GKG!
“Mike Richards has yet to have a real “highlight’’ moment with the Kings…” Scoring wise maybe but what about that hit on Voracheck?
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BKinLV Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 8:50 am
@Hat trick, yeah i thought that was a silly thing to say as well… you don’t need a highlight moment if you play a highlight game…
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Lars P. Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@BKinLV,
or the pass to JJ to beat the Flyers in OT. That’s a good highlight
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In the St. Louis game, the Kings were starting out slow — then Richards comes on the ice and skates hard and plays intensely and his play seemed to spark the whole rest of the team. They all picked it up. He is a leader, by example and a damn good one. Welcome to LA MR. Richards.
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Richards is a hockey player. He just does all the little things and does them right.
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His assist to set up Brown’s goal was pretty dang special. Maybe it’s not a highlight moment in the traditional sense, but I’d happily argue for that play’s inclusion in a highlight reel.
I also think his goal v. NYR could qualify as a highlight moment.
I recognize I’m nitpicking here, but I really just wanna re-emphasize what a tremendous hockey player he is, how fortunate we are to have him; and, if none of those plays I previously mentioned qualify as highlight moments, I CAN’T WAIT FOR THOSE!!!
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Shakes Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@Doughtty99,
I think his assist to JMFJ in Philly was really remarkable for a few 3 reasons, one obvious, one personal, and one character telling
1) Obvious – well, it won the game for us
2) Personal – having disgruntled Flyers fans storm out in silence meant I was able to make it back to my car in one piece
3) Character – If you were the former captain of a team, signed a long-term contract, got traded, and then returned back for a game and basically got booed the entire game, you’d want to win the game. Add to the fact that the game only went to OT because you took a penalty at the end of the game that led to a PK goal… you’d really want to win. And what was telling to me is that Richards/Rick had a chance to take a slap shot at the top of the point in OT to have a chance to be the hero and make amends, but instead he decided to make the right play and give a terrific feed to Jack. Having the presense of mind to always make the right team play versus satisfying any personal aspiration says a lot about his character.
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Branzilla Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:33 pm
@Shakes, You win 1 free internet. Redeemable at any computer.
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I can think of 2 highlight right off the bat. Guy is awesome.
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The trade for “Ricky” Richards was the best thing DL did for this team to date. After so masterfully rebuilding our roster with talent, he was able to move a gritty player in Simmonds and a rookie in Schenn for a true team leader who makes everyone else on the ice that much better. Thank you to DL & Uncle Phil for opening the wallet and making us a true cup contender. Can’t wait for tomorrow night as it’s my 1st game to attend this year. May the Hockey Gods bless every one of our Kings this season & many more to come!!!
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CB14 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@King Alex, Remember all the people questioning the trade at the time. Where are they now?
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Deke'r Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@CB14, Real quiet….as they should be.
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Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:56 pm
@Deke’r, Waiting till Schenn starts playing regularly in the NHL.
DougS Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@Deke’r,
I think that we will look back on this trade in 10 years and reckon that both teams benefitted. I was astounded that Holmgren was willing to trade both Richards and Carter, but it looks like Philly has some good young forwards ready to step up, in addition to Schenn, Simmonds and Voracek. They should be okay.
In return, the Kings got a really exceptional catalyst in Richards who will help them win big right now. It’s all a matter of timing.
Deke'r Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:42 pm
@Dominick,@DougS No question Schenn WILL be a top NHL player and Simmers’ is coming into his own but Richards’ has been there and done that, in his prime, exceptional abilities and leadership by example as well as knowledge of the game…man I could go on, but we needed to take the step now not in three years. Being a closet Flyers fan I saw Richards play many times and was all for the trade, and don’t get me started on Gags! The Kings are going to dominate for years to come. GKG!
Bleedblueking Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@Deke’r, waiting till schenn becomes the next great one
1 thing that really impresses me out of all the things that Richards brings, is his ability to control the flow of the Power Play. The coaches have made significant changes, and the players have been practicing it since Camp started, but his ability to read the ice, force the PK to back off, and his confidence with his decision making, makes everything just run so smooth out there.
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Just watch him ( Mike R) on the ice—he is always TALKING to other players ….in what appears to be calm– encouraging– teaching manner !!!!!
This is becoming powerful.
And we dont see what happens behind the scenes. But Im sure it is more of the same.
I consider M R and Williams and Kopi as have high intelligence. But it is MR that is becoming the influential leader.
So excited for our team…..
Tomorrow I’m predicting a win, with Penner scoring and Kopi getting at least another point. Im not going to jinx Quikie but he is going to be great.
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goldielocks Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@hip- check,
Thanks for not jinxing. But seriously, MR was kinda observing the team for a first couple games, and then he started talking to teammates. He figured out where his leadership is needed and he’s so far doing excellent job.
To be honest I didn’t know much about him during his days in Phily but since I can see his game everytime. I’ve been stunned by how good the hockey player he is.
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having Rich we need an edit function
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We’ve got Richards for what 9 or 10 more years? Unbelievable!!! So glad we didn’t get the other Richards. So glad we didn’t get Kovalchuk. We have Kopi, Williams, JMFJ, and Doughty for many more years as well. We have a farm system full of more talent than we have room for. All we need to do now is lock up Quick to a long-term contract, and we will be scary good for the rest of this decade. For that reason I think, no matter how good he does, this will be Penner’s last year with us. I just hope we can manage to re-sign Mitchell, and still have enough to sign Quick. Lombardi will get it done somehow.
I would like to ask everyone in the Insider community to not get so worked up when we lose a game. We will lose games. We will have losing streaks, and there will be times when calls don’t go our way. This is the best Kings team I have seen since I’ve been a fan (only since 1999, so not like some of you long-timers), and I am going to savor every moment of every game. The cup is coming. Maybe not this year, but very soon, and more than one and done. Enjoy the ride everybody.
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Gross Misconduct Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:51 pm
@LAPD Line, Well said
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soyokaze Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@LAPD Line, +1 on the non-bitching after bad games. But I guess some people just need to vent somewhere.
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ive never seen a player be able to go after his own MOUTHGUARD while still being able to follow the play and effective all in the same shift. If that doesnt tell you about his awareness, then nothing does…
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goldielocks Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:55 pm
@tornado12,
I wonder what’s gonna happen if the puck hits the mouthguard and goes in. MR gets the goal or MR gets assist and the mouthguard gets the goal?
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goldielocks Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:00 pm
@goldielocks,
Actually, that can be too many men on the ice (remember Bob’s comment abut the guy on the rafter in Joe Louis Arena? That was hilarious).
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K.M. Cost Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@goldielocks,
Haha, laughed just thinkin’ about it. That was priceless.
tornado12 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@goldielocks, Its his goal obviously…lol. Also, goalies tend to spit alot around the crease…
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408kingsfan Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@tornado12, I thought that play Richards made last night shorthanded to dive and clear the puck all while feeding Lewis for a breakaway was pretty amazing.
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tornado12 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:38 pm
@408kingsfan, My Philly friend says he is always making plays like that and we should learn to expect it from him…
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What I like about Richards is that he would put his own Mother through the boards if it helped get a win, which is exactly the kind of intensity and drive that this team needed….
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petemagoop Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:32 pm
@Gross Misconduct, he wouldn’t hurt Irene
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Wait till he gets 5 more games with his mates. Been watching him for years, very rare instinctual player.
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DougS Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:26 pm
@rumpa#19,
I’m looking forward to it, believe me.
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Forum gold Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@rumpa#19, He controls the ice like #99 used to. Best trade in a longtime for us. GO KINGS GO!!!
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KC23 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@Forum gold, I was thinking that he reminded me of 99 just the other night. The way he looks so calm when all heck is breaking loose around the King’s net. Never panics and sees the ice so well.
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Forum Gold Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:50 am
@KC23, Exactly, he just plays smart. No doubt in my mind we acquired the “Right Richards”. Great job DL. GO KINGS GO!!!
jet Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:04 am
@fourm gold, hey brad is shooting 7%
I love what I see from Richards. The Kings overall too. attacking with the D men, pressuring the puck and playing puck possession, its like we have a knew system now that we have some skill and speed.
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It’s great to watch him now that he doesn’t have all that negativity from Philly to deal with, i.e. the media and Pronger. He looks the way he did during the Olympics and the Stanley Cup run in 2010. He’s obviously happy in L.A. and I’m sure he’s happier today if he heard that Laviolette changed all 4 lines in practice in Philly after 1 loss and also had them bag skating. We’ll see how long it is before they stop responding.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 7:52 am
@Katie, well prongers a jack-ha-ha anyways, its a proven fact, and his gap-tooth
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jet Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:45 am
@Katie, great post, how about uping the frequency?
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Glad he’s on our team. All those plays where you think “we should try this sometimes” or “we should have done that”, well he makes those plays. Offensively, defensively, intangibles…he brings it all. When our second and third lines develop an identity, we’ll be pretty good. Not sure how good Brownie is defensively which is why I don’t like him and Penner on the same line, but an offensive 2nd line is okay if they have potency which they have not shown…but we’ll see. Penner just doesn’t seem to be able to get to his spots on the ice where he can be dangerous, or when he does the puck is already going the other way. At least he’s shown some aggressiveness so far.
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I want him put up goals soon. Not saying he not doing anything at all. He just deserves them on his stats.
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What a player we got. I can’t wait for the game tonight.
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Richards is everything I hoped he’d be and more. Its a little strange seeing someone play like this without a letter on their jersey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pec4psK406g&list=PL1CEB8D05890A5464&index=2
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