Terry Murray’s decision to put Andrei Loktionov on the second line and keep the first and third lines intact — at least in practice today — presents an interesting five-players-for-three-spots scenario for the fourth line. The Kings have a center (Colin Fraser) a right winger (Kevin Westgarth), a veteran who can play either wing (Ethan Moreau) and two guys who can comfortably play any of the three positions (Trevor Lewis and Brad Richardson). It’s tough to predict how this will shake out. Moreau is a veteran and a lineup regular. Fraser has made a strong impression in his two games. Westgarth is likely to be scratched unless Murray feels the need for a “heavyweight” presence. That leaves Lewis and Richardson. Here’s what Murray said today about the fourth line in general, followed by some specific thoughts on Richardson, Fraser and Lewis. Finally, a poll. Who do you think should be on the fourth line? Select your three top choices…
MURRAY: “We’re starting to get a line on that fourth line. It’s getting more of an identity, an identity that I like, with that grit and playing the hard game. With Fraser in the middle and Moreau on the left side, and I’ve got Westie and can move some people around in that situation, I really believe that they’re a line that can give the team a lot of contagious energy. They can set a tone. They can go out and have a shift in the offensive zone, and everybody else can come back and feed off of that. I think that adrenaline is going to start to be there on a consistent basis.”
(on Brad Richardson…)
MURRAY: “He’s a versatile player, and it’s great to have that. Now he’s been able to play on the right side. He’s a player we look to on the special teams, penalty killing. I’ve moved him up, as you know, last year with Kopitar for a while, with Wayne Simmonds on the right and it was a high-energy line that worked very hard and had good success. He’s a real good utility infielder for me to move around like that. I think Brad brings a pretty good resume on the offensive part of the game, the scoring side, and I’d like to see him break through. The hard work that he puts into the game, on the ice in practice, on the ice during the games, he deserves a better break than what he’s gotten so far on the production side.”
(on Colin Fraser…)
MURRAY: “That’s who he is, what you saw in the last couple games. He’s going to be a player that is going to play a very determined, a very high-compete game. He’s a competitor in the sense that he’s going to battle and be in your face. He’s going to go to the blue paint and he’s going to try to create a little havoc every time he’s on the ice. That’s nice adrenaline to see, and I think it’s a very contagious kind of an attitude that can filter through everybody.”
(on Trevor Lewis…)
MURRAY: “Lewis has played the wing the last three games, so that might be a place that he’s going to end up staying. I think his role is pretty well defined, in that he’s got some speed and he has good composure with the puck. He can carry it out of difficult times in your own end. He brings a good attitude on the penalty-kill side of the game. So he has the ability to move around, and he has more experience at it than what we might think. He played there a lot during his time in Manchester two years ago. So this is a very easy adjustment for him.”
Richardson on LW, Fraser at Center, and Lewis at RW. Without Parros, Westy isn’t needed.
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ddc Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@CB14,
agreed
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jess Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@CB14, I voted the same. (other) is beating westy though.
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prosmar Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
@CB14, I agree too. I didn’t like Moreau the last couple of games. Too many stupid penalties.
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DesertKing Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
@prosmar,
Same here.
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Goring 19 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@CB14, agreed, that’s how I picked em too.
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RobSD Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@CB14,
Exactly what I was thinking as soon as I read it.
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@CB14, That’s how I voted without looking at any results or comments. Surprised Fraser is the only one over 1000 votes! Wow!
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where clifford???
I would like to see Clifford/Fraser/Richardson
Westy not needed
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ChiTownKingsFan Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Clifford is on the 3rd line.
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How are there 50 votes? I’m no math wiz, but last time I checked 3 does not go into 50.
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jess Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@CB14, sort of, 16.66666666666667
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CB14 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@jess, You got me there.
Should’ve said evenly.
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ChiTownKingsFan Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
@CB14, 16.66666666666667 is an even number.
DBking Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@CB14, every vote counts as one? Takes 3 players to make one vote?
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wavesinair Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 8:12 am
@DBking,
Yes. And yes, CB is certainly not a math wiz or logician.
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The beauty of depth, a definition:
You don’t hesitate to put a player on IR and commit to their minimum 7 day absence because you can call up a player that is equal or better to replace them.
That is what is needed to win a cup.
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Scot Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
@Token,
I like that.
Here’s my question, (and not to you in particular).. If you have a better option available, shouldn’t that better option be playing in the first place? I’ve seen lots of comments saying that Lokti & Voynov will be better than the 2 players who went down (Penner & Martinez).. If that’s the case, shouldn’t THEY be the ones playing??
In most organizations, I’d say 95% of them, when a regular on the NHL roster goes down, the player called up to replace them is usually adequate, but not quite as good. What’s the deal here?
I understand more with Loktionov’s case. (A top 6 forward, with no top 6 spots available at the NHL level) But Voynov’s is puzzling. I think I can speak for a lot of people on here in saying he’s a better overall option than Martinez. I guess we will find out in the next few games.
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CB14 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@Scot, You can’t send Martinez or DD2 down without exposing them to waivers, and they would’ve been lost for nothing in return. You can send VV down without the risk of losing him, that’s the main reason VV went down. Another option would be to try and trade either AM or DD2. The problem with that is all the other teams know the Kings have an extra NHL d-man, and are stacked in the pipeline, and would lowball them in any trade offer. Also, what might they get in return for AM straight up? A draft pick or 2. That wouldn’t help the Kings right now. DL would rather keep the depth he has built up, then lose it for half of what it’s worth and get nothing in return that helps the current team. He knows he’s got 2 great trade chips in his stack, a young goalie (JB) and a young offensively talented d-man (AM or VV), and he’ll use them when/if necessary for a missing piece. Sort of like how he used 2 trade chips to acquire MR.
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Scot Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
@CB14,
I totally understand that. I understand that Voynov is Waiver-exempt & Martinez is not. But who is the more valuable player? It’s Voynov. When you have a better player in the minors, you make room for that player. I thought he earned a spot during his cup of coffee this year. I guess that’s just my opinion. I understand not wanting to give away Martinez, but he’s not a top 4 defenseman in the NHL, & I feel like he could be replaced. I feel like if you have a Voynov in your system, he needs to be playing at any expense.
KingOfRedlands Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 1:05 am
@CB14, But this isn’t the Kings year yet. Lombardi is still waiting for the team to show that they are ready to win. So in his eyes, why take the risk in losing some players for the immediate short gain when he can hold onto everyone and wait. There is also no rush to get Voynov up. Use him as a injury replacement and send him up and down as needed. Then next year in the off season make some tough decisions but right now, stay the course. Hockey is one of those sports where depth is extremely important. The reason why Lombardi is so good is because he isn’t looking at winning one stanley cup. He is building a dynasty and right now that means keeping Voynov down when all are healthy.
Naturallawyer Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
@Scot, that’s how we got Kyle Quincey off waivers for free and flipped him for Ryan Smyth (who was serviceable in his time here). The Red Wings got nothing for Quincey and the Kings got a steal.
The Red Wings bit the bullet and lost a good player on waivers. Sometimes you have to make moves to keep your assets so you can ultimately get something for them rather than losing them for nothing. DL is probably trying to work the assets to maximize value rather than losing them for nothing.
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Scot Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
@Naturallawyer,
I agree with that. I guess I’m arguing for argument’s sake. Yes, the Kings got Quincey for nothing. But the Red Wings were essentially cutting their losses. They had Jonathan Ericsson ready for the NHL & didn’t need Quincey anymore. The Kings stole him, but the Red Wings could care less how successful he became because they didn’t need him anymore, & they were probably happy for him! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. We have a guy who is ready to make an impact in the NHL in Voynov. I’m not saying Martinez is trash, but hey, I’d let him go to another organization & try my luck with Voynov. Losing Quincey didn’t hurt the Red Wings, just as losing Martinez wouldn’t hurt the Kings.
Scot Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
@Naturallawyer,
You know what else is sad? When we stole Quincey & flipped him for Ryan Smyth, it essentially got flipped back against us when we had to give away Smyth for Fraser. We lost all we’d gained! Lol. However, Fraser may end up being a diamond in the rough, & wouldn’t that be awesome!
Puckn-A Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 12:17 am
@Naturallawyer, Fraser 3rd line center after we deal Stoll at the deadline. That guy wants the job and will get it.
Bkrs-Bud Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:51 am
@Scot, If he is not significantly better than A.M. then he needs to be used for depth in case of injury.
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Scot Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 11:53 am
@Bkrs-Bud,
I’ll buy that. I guess I’m just not as patient as DL! (What man in the world is?)
The only thing I’m crossing my fingers for is that Voynov doesn’t get frustrated & either bolt to Russia, or demand a trade, & he has the power to do both. That would kind of backfire in our face.
Anyone else feel that we no longer need KW on this team at all? Clifford is more than capable of being a heavyweight when needed, plus he is a better all-around player than KW.
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CB14 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@pnm, I’ve felt that way the whole time he’s been here. Although he has proven himself to be a capable NHL player. I personally don’t see the need for an enforcer, but that’s just me. Trust me when I say you’ll see quite a few responses that disagree with you.
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CB14 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
And just after I wrote this I see “other” is doing better than Westy, 3 to 2. LOL
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jess Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@CB14, I’ve seen “other” drop the gloves and throw pretty hard on a few occasions lol
gmo Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@pnm,
agree with you
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408kingsfan Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
@pnm, A heavy weight like Westgarth is a needed component. He can change the tempo and attitude of a game without you even knowing it.
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GHS kings fan Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
@408kingsfan, Yeah if only Westgarth wasn’t garbage at fighting… Yes a heavyweight is useful but westgarth isn’t. Feel free to offer an instance but I really can’t think of a specific time westgarth stepped up and even looked like a real NHL enforcer. He’s kind of a joke of a tough guy.
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Michael J. Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
@pnm,
No. Cliffy 6’2″ 208 would get his face smashed in by John Scott 6’8″ 270, Parros 6’5, 230, McIntire 6’5 250, etc.
No way.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
@Michael J., So you’re saying Clifford would do just as good against those guys as Westy did. I agree. LOL. Actually Clifford handled Parros better than Westy did IIRC.
In all seriousness, I don’t want Clifford fighting those guys either, I just don’t understand the mindset that you have to fight those guys. The only times Westy plays is because the other team has a Heavyweight too. If the Kings didn’t have a Heavyweight, I think you’d see at least 50% of the opposing teams not dress their fighter against us. Sort of like against Detroit the opposing team’s rarely dress their heavyweight because they know Detroit doesn’t have one. Just my opinion though.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 2:02 am
@CB14, noteworthy point
Dominick Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
@pnm, 4rth line has been playing well lately. Even with Westy on that line, that line has been solid. Westy hasn’t been imposing his will physically, but his play has not been an area of concern. The 4rth line has provided exactly what they were meant too provide, and there’s no reason to demote him for any reason right now.
He’s not a liability, or provided any lackluster play. He’s earned the right to be here.
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KC23 Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 8:51 am
@Dominick, Agreed. I can’t help but wonder just how good he could become with some consistent ice time.
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justmyopinion Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Dominick, Agree. The thing I don’t understand is the distain for him. He isn’t a skill player and that’s not the role he plays on the team. The role he does play he does just fine. As KC23 said, with more ice time he would improve and add more to the team. After practice while ago he was shooting pucks into the net while Clifford missed most of his.
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Token Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 6:16 am
@pnm, No.
Westy is one of the most improved Players on the roster.
When he was asked to be more than an enforcer last season, he delivered.
He removed stupid penalties from his game, improved his skating and conditioning and can now put on legitimate on-ice hits on people.
Westy has skils, passes well, good hockey sense and vision. Unlike most enforcers in the league, there is more than just knuckles on Westy.
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I voted Moreau-Fraser-Richardson as a gritty 4th line that would get under opponents skin. They are playing the sucks after all, so I just want to see hard hitting and sustained offensive zone play from this line. I wouldn’t mind seeing Fraser center Lewis and Richie though, that line would be more of a scoring threat, but looks a little soft.
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Exospeed Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
@Niko, I voted the same.
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Eggplant Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 6:33 am
@Niko, I voted the same. I liked Fraser in his first game, I’ve always been a big Richardson fan and Moreau hits hard. If I had to swap, it would be Moreau for Lewis, but then we would, indeed, lack size.
Actually, I’d replace Hunter on the 3rd line with either Richardson or Lewis and the other one would take the 4th line RW position.
Westgarth has become totally obsolete. We have Clifford, Moreau… Even Richards is willing to drop the gloves if need be. And Westy brings nothing to the game that someone else couldn’t do better.
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sit Westie,, Parros is out anyways so Heavyweight threat from “THE SUcks”…
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Off topic. Just read that the Quacks got Hagman off of waivers from Calgary.
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408kingsfan Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
@Steve W, What happened to Hagman anyway? He used to put up some serious numbers.
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Goring 19 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@408kingsfan, yeah, when he was with the Stars he did a number on us once or twice. (uh-oh)
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With that poll it kinda looks like us Kings fans like what we saw in Fraser the last two games, somebody was glad they were traded to the Kings
, but you can’t please everybody huh gang. Not mentioning any names but two come to my mind.
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Colin Fraser has impressed me. Usually I would wait, but I was kinda pullin for him to start with, since the whole Tembelweenie thing went down. I figured it would take a few weeks to get him going, but he’s stepped right in, and hasn’t looked out of place one single bit. If anything he’s improved that 4rth line even more.
That 4rth line as a whole has been really good for the last 3 weeks, no matter who’s on it. Even Westy has played well on it (and usually he’s the one dragging it down). Wouldn’t mind seeing the scoring pick up a bit, but they’re providing energy, and solid numbers on forchecking. They haven’t been a liability defensively, and could turn the corner real soon.
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Kings Fan South Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 5:47 am
@Dominick, Good point. He has looked strong. Now let’s see what AL and VV bring to the table. This is what we all asked for. GKG!
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one thing about toughguys/enforcers is that they need to have some sort of ‘rhythm’ or else they get rusty and wailed on whenever they try and get back into some tilts, (see Westie/McGratten pre-season). granted there’s no room or real need for Westy here on the Kings right now, so if the guy dont get some fight time soon even guys not as good or big as McGratten are going to be hurting him pretty badly. so lets send Westy back to Manchester and eat the 300k for a grinder to be there so he at least can stay salty. otherwise just release/trade/waive the guy. the Kings dont seem to care about games getting rough so just free up some cap space for equipment/pucks and let him try and catch on w/a team that actually skates their HW. I like Westy, but free the guy if you’re not gonna play him. Westgarth FTW/Go Kings.
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KFII Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 6:28 am
@von swine, I like Westy too. Your post makes me wonder if Westy would rather be with the Kings on the bench for the most part, or sent down to Manchester where he would probably play more often. His pay check woulod be the same. I’m always hoping Westy will score when he’s used in the lineup.
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von swine Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@KFII, Im a fan of ugly, grinder hockey w/scrums and facewashing goin on after whistles so I say make the 4th line Moreau/Fraser/Westy and let em get out there and muck it up. at least those penalties are fun to watch unlike the ones that Parse/DD/Greene keep taking. those ones are just lazy.
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Moreau-Fraser-Lewis
I like the sandpaper Moreau and Fraser bring. Lewis is responsible and an asset on the PK if needed. Richardson has not had the greatest start, and is not as responisble on the D side.
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wes Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
@JB, that’s the ticket I voted
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Off topic but I was just watching the live streaming of Twilight saga ‘Breaking Dawn’ premiere. It seems it took the place really close to Steples center, and I saw a big banner of LA Kings and LA kings ads on the monitor screens. Knowing lots of people were watching this event, I was happy that LA Kings made some impression.
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DesertKing Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@goldielocks,
I guess the audio portion didn’t pick up the Kings fans chanting “Ywilight Sucks” outside Staples after the game on Saturday night. The Canucks fans thought it was the “Occupy” encampment.
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DesertKing Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@DesertKing,
“Twilight”
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LittleRhody Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
@DesertKing, While I agree with your assesment of Twilight, apparently Quick and few others don’t agree, lol. From Jonathan Quicks Twitter account:
JonathanQuick32 Jonathan Quick
Heading to the #twilightbreakingdawnpremiere with @KWesty19 @MRichie18 @DustinBrown23 #lewey #Dewey #jobern @b_ryan9
5 hours ago
So I figure, Lewey and dewey are Lewis and Doughty, jobren is Bernier, but are they really going to the movies with Bobby Ryan, two days before we play them in a back to back?!?!
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DesertKing Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@LittleRhody,
Its a sign of the apocalypse.
RobSD Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@LittleRhody,
That is a joke right? Please tell me you’re joking. That’s a joke right? Seriously? Ah, man.
Datacloud Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
@LittleRhody, This is a film premiere, not going to the movies. The title of the film doesn’t mean much. It’s about being seen and socializing. It’s not like they’re jumping into the Range Rover and driving to the Cinemark 12.
goldielocks Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
@LittleRhody,
Did I just spot Doughty behind the interview with one of actresses?
http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/twilight-breaking-dawn-part-1.html
…. at 30:59 or was that Jack Black?
LittleRhody Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 1:02 am
@RobSD, I wish I were joking..
At least Westy claimed on his twitter that his wife was making him go.
goldielocks Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
@DesertKing,
Hehe, I know Kings fans are so much cooler.
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Picked Richardson lewis Fraser. Speed and tenacity. I think that’s what get the other players amped.
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I have to admit I’m enjoying seeing all the Fraser converts.
“I really believe that they’re a line that can give the team a lot of contagious energy. They can set a tone. They can go out and have a shift in the offensive zone, and everybody else can come back and feed off of that. I think that adrenaline is going to start to be there on a consistent basis.”
He wouldn’t say it, but this entire line of thinking IMO is centered, well, around the new C4 center…Frazzz
And I wholeheartedly agree that this line can, as we saw in the last game, be a catalyst of sorts. It’s the same concept as ‘you’re only as strong as your weakest link’ so that with a strong 4th line of super gritty, effective and consistent vets, it will somehow allow the other lines to flourish.
This development may be currently overshadowed by the Russian invasion and injuries, but I suspect when we look back at this season next summer, we will look to this moment — the finding of a 4th line identity — as a turning point that pushed the Kings into the 2nd round.
All hail the Frazz!
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DesertKing Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
@wavesinair,
I don’t know much about Fraser as a player and I fully expected him to be simply cut as a salary cap reduction when we obtained him. He was injured and his future was definitely in question. But he fought back, got treatment, rehabbed, practiced, attended all of the team events, kept a positive attitude, and when he hit the ice, he was ready. He wasn’t just ready, you can see that this guy is leaving it all on the ice and giving 110%. Basically, he is the stereotypical hockey player working his hardest to keep his spot on the team.
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FiG17 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@wavesinair,
I don’t know if I like the word “convert.” I’ll admit to “bandwagoner,” though. lol I never had anything against Fraser as I assumed he had no control over the trade. I’m glad it has so far worked out in our favor, I’m liking him, and I like that we’re finally starting to see a stable fourth line. I feel like we played a different fourth line every night. It’ll be nice to get some consistency.
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FiG17 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
@FiG17,
“Bandwagoner” isn’t quite the word I wanted either. I’m having a mental lapse. What I meant to say was that my opinion hasn’t changed, because it wasn’t negative in the first place. I’ve only just been “enlightened.” That’ll do.
[Reply]
GKG Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@FiG17, I had the chance to meet Mr. Fraser and Mr. Hunter with my kids after the Dallas game on October 22. We welcomed them both to LA and chatted with them briefly, got autographs and pics, etc. These were two very nice, humble and focused young men, both of whom clearly want to be here, to work hard and contribute, and were more than willing (even happy) to do some fan development duties. Those of you who don’t understand character in the Dean Lombardi sense would do well to meet these two gentlemen and spend five minutes with them. I’m glad I did. Sure, the Kopi’s and Doughty’s get the attention, but these guys are real professionals and definately deserve recognition as such.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 7:24 am
@wavesinair,
As puck73 and I talked on the phone last nite, I told him “where the hell did this guy come from, and am I glad we got him!” Hey, I’m not the only one to be pleasantly surprised, but I’ll admit I overlooked Frazz!
Wow! You are correct in that other teams gotta watch for this line, and in so doing our other lines may flourish. It’s all good!
Nice to welcome Frazz, huh Terry? “I’ll pass it along.”
[Reply]
Anybody hear the trade rumors of Penner & Bernier for Parise and a 2nd rnd pick?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
@SimiKingsFan, Yeah, in my head after I took the blue pill.
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DesertKing Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@CB14,
Uh oh, I took the green one
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DesertKing Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 7:55 am
@DesertKing,
The green one is working man! Occupy Staples on Wednesday and Anaheim on Thursday. Trade Penner back to Edmonton for Hall and that Nugent-Hoskins kid. Sign Parise for $1 million. I’m hungry!! Lets get some nachos and redesign TM’s lines for the next 20 games.
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 7:27 am
@CB14,
Uh, I thought it was the red pill.
Gulp!
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puck73 Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@CB14, That is so funny CB, nice blast!
[Reply]
cjms Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
@SimiKingsFan,
Why on earth would the Devils even consider that?
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DBking Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@cjms, So they could have the heir apparent to Brodeur. Why they would consider Penner is a mystery to me.
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Cry Baby Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
@DBking, Did anyone hear that the Kings are in talks with the Blue Jackets…we are looking at Rick Nash for Penner and the Kings 1st round picks for the next 18 years.
Bill M. Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 12:41 am
@DBking, Iginla. Calgary is coming apart at the seams and Feaster is going to have to rebuild. Iginla is one of the few guys they have they will demand top picks/prospects. Feaster will almost certainly HAVE to move him this year, and will probably do it out of respect as well, trying to move him to a team that could contend. And with Iginla the Kings would definitely contend.
Gagne-Kopi-Williams
Iginla-Richards-Brown
Clifford-Stoll-Hunter
Moreau-Fraser-Richardson
Forget checking lines. Speed and Puck Possesion. Nobody will miss the checking lines because with those lines they’ll spend most of their time in the O-zone, possessing the puck and dictating tempo.
I like the Fraser Richardson moreau line, they could bring some sorely missing energy. Seems anyone who finishes their check these days is considered an aggitator. I think.Fraser and moreau play a clean hard game, used to be if you rubbed guy out he wouldn’t turn his back.to try to draw the penaltyu
[Reply]
We haven’t really needed Westgarth, and if we drop Hunter, Lewis or Richardson could play on the 3rd line.
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I liked the Moreau-Fraser-Lewis line….I think the Kings may keep that group together. With Loktionov in now I think Richardson probably sits.
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UglyinLA Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 5:26 am
@Nick,
Based on their impact last Saturday, I would agree that TM would keep this line intact. I think his other option is moving Richardson to the 3rd line in place of Hunter who has somehow slipped under the radar screen.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:00 am
@UglyinLA, Hunter is a far greater threat to score than Richardson. Richardson just can’t seem to hit the net to save his life.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@KC23,
He hit Harding right on the elbow Saturdaay night. That was a much more difficult target than the empty net he was staring at
Two games in and Fraser has made more impact than Penner has in who knows how long.
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Bill M. Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 12:42 am
@Who Knows?, If by “impact” you mean more hits, points, and goals, then, well…yes!
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Moreau & Fraser seems to have good chemistry, but Moreau needs to be on our 3rd line.
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4th line: Clifford-Fraser-Moreau
3rd Line: Richardson-Stoll-Lewis
If the 4th line is about adrenaline and checking, move Clifford there. That’s his game. Richardson and Lewis have an offensive upside, so pair them up with Stoll on the 3rd line.
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I think it’s a line that will change as the season goes on.
Whoever’s playing well stays in. If their play slips, they sit.
Pretty simple!
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Looks like the Kings will have a new look come tomorrow. Everybody get ready cuzzzzzzz the Russians are coming!
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Good article by Helene in today’s LA Times. She is dead on that these next two games are huge for the success of the Kings or Ducks. Now I wish she we would allow me to follow her again on Twitter. She blocked me several months ago because she didn’t understand my comment. Come on Kings. Let’s GO Boys!
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-1115-elliott-nhl-20111115,0,149314.column
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KC23 Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:06 am
@Kings Fan South, Up until about a year or so ago I didn’t pay much attention to Helen’s work. She really has stepped up her game going after some of the more interesting issues regarding the Kings. I thought she worked hard on the Smyth trade and the DD contract stuff.
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John Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:22 am
@Kings Fan South, The article mentions that both GMs say their head coach’s jobs are secure. Did anyone else find that interesting, given the Kings’ slow start?
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Chop, Frazz and Richie got my vote.
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Anyone see the Lucic/ Ryan Miller incident and the fact that Milan didn’t get a suspension. I watched the video clip of that at least 20 times and all I can say is that if a goalie comes out 30 feet from his circle to a player with his head down trying to get a puck, i think they have to expect to get hit….after all, the irony that the goalie is not protected when he’s the one lunging out in full padding is sorta funny. I know Miller got a concussion, and that i don’t like, but i actually don’t think Lucic didn’t do anything wrong… his arms actually come out AFTER he is in contact with the goalie. All he does is brace himself for the impact with his shoulder… which is a pretty normal human reaction. While I would never like to see Quick or Bernier hit like that, I think Shanahan got it right.
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Cry Baby Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 7:09 am
@Shakes, No Buffalo player got involved with Lucic, that’s the concerning part to me. Kopi takes a hard hit and Gange jumps in. That is how a team works. The guys need to have each other’s back. There has been a lot of talk about Bufs lack of response.
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wavesinair Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 7:25 am
@Cry Baby,
Hockey’s (in part) about having a guy’s back after a DIRTY hit, not a hard check. Clean, hard hits are ‘enforced’ way too much in today’s game.
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Cry Baby Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 7:32 am
@wavesinair, Whoever threw the check attempted to punch Kopitar in the head…good response by Gagne.
Ryan Miller is the goalie…if that were Quick I guarantee there would have been a response by someone. The hit by Lucic was very questionable and I would have expected some sort of response.
I do agree that every clean, hard check does not need to be followed by a fight. But anytime a goalie receives a concussion from an open ice hit…I think the team should go to battle.
wavesinair Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 8:09 am
I actually agree that both those hits deserved a response, particularly the Miller hit. Knocking the goalie on his butt almost always deserves a decisive counteraction.
Staubitz didn’t try to punch Kopi in the head. That’s just silly and Jim Fox is wrong and shouldn’t say with any kind of certainty that Staubitz was targeting the head. If he was, he’d be suspended, regardless of contact. It’s so obvious Staubitz was falling and just trying to get leverage.
Gagne’s response was for the attempted run at Kopi, who looked vulnerable in that position, especially as Kopi ducked and fell. But after the replay, you can see it was a clean hit…and not much of a hit at all…and certainly no punch thrown.
KC23 Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@wavesinair, I agree about the clean hit responses these days, but a goalie is the one guy on the ice it didn’t matter, even in the old days. You do anything to the goalie and you’re gonna pay no matter what.
McCheese Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:10 am
@Cry Baby, regardless of whether it was a dirty hit or not, anytime your goalie gets run over like that, you have to respond. I know that Lucic is a big boy and all, but the nearest Sabre should have dropped his gloves and started swinging.
Weak sauce from Buffalo if you ask me.
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Shakes Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@Cry Baby,
Yeah i think Lucic actually said that if someone had done what he did (whether legally or not) versus his own Boston goalie, they would’ve fought them – and that makes sense to me.
Whether a player legally hits your goalie or not, i think a goaltender is a sacred symbol of the team. if you allow him to get touched or abused it’s indicative of the cohesion of your team.
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FiG17 Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 7:58 am
@Shakes,
Did you also see Ryan miller’s post game interview? He deflects a question about the game and says he “stuck around only to say what a piece of (dirty word) Lucic is.” I understand his sentiments but I thought that was kind of in poor taste and a bit immature, really.
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Cry Baby Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 8:08 am
@FiG17, I sort of thought the same thing…a little whinny.
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KC23 Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:14 am
@FiG17, Reminded me of Luongo’s whiney stuff during the finals last year.
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albertakingsfan Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:06 am
@Shakes, Id like to see him try that with all 225 pounds of quick ready for him, quickers would stop him dead in his tracks!
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Gustavo Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@Shakes,
I also watched the tape multiple times and was watching the game when it happened.
Miller kept playing and making sharp saves immediately after Lucic hit him. Concussion my hairy you know what!! It wasn’t until someone was pushed into the goal wiping him out that he was pulled out of the game.
I think the Sabres intentionally and wrongly blamed the hit from Lucic for the concussion Miller sustained, when in reality (if there was ever a real concussion) it must have happened on the second play, not the hit by Lucic.
The rules, as they are today (right or wrong) do not allow contact with the goalie. There was a penalty on the play. Period. We can debate all we want whether Lucic should have gotten a major, instead of the 2 minutes minor. But the call stayed where it belonged. On the ice.
In my not so humble opinion, Shanahan got it right. No suspension was warranted. He also called the Sabres’ bluff on the concussion claim, and later on the moronic comments made by the Sabres coach when he said “It’s open season on goalies”. What an idiot!!
These teams play again tomorrow, Wednesday. I hope it doesn’t turn into another Penguins / Inlanders war like last season.
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Gustavo Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:33 am
@Shakes,
We should not worry about Quick’s response if something like that happened to him. I remember last season JQ jumped on the dude (Raffi Torres?) that speared Doughty in the stomach and had to be separated. What a way to stick up for his team mate!!
This team already has developed the glue to stick for one another. not like the Sabres who just got put together this summer.
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I didnt know we beat Vancouver
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AnNnycxu6FRArUIzFg4WI7B7vLYF?slug=ap-kingsmoves
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KC23 Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@Lake Forest, Another pretender hockey writer. (rolls eyes).
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meanwhile, in all of this brouhaha, Trent Hunter has a full time job? Since when? Since WHY? No upside.
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wavesinair Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 9:30 am
@Marc Nathan,
He’s a proven scorer in this league. Averages a goal every 5.6 games in his career. He’s a no risk, high reward player with a very good amount of upside. Once again, a player coming off injury often doesn’t find his game right away. Give him more time and see if he can find his game. If he does, the Kings will be better for it IMO.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@wavesinair, he had two good years at a time when the Isles were so bad he was getting an inordinate amount of ice time. Cut that in half and watch his production dip even further. Just saying that by January, he may be an afterthought at best.
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anonandonanon Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Marc Nathan, this is how I feel about Richardson. Good guy but he couldn’t bury a bone. lewis- moreau-the fraze, whoever wherever.
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swap richie with Hunter on the 3rd line depending on whom we play………4th line frazzz,Moreau,lewis———–cut penner
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If Fraser keeps this play of his up, switch 4th line with 3rd line.
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Put Richardson on the 3rd line with stoll and cliffy instead of hunter. Then the 4th could be moreau Fraser lewis.
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