The Kings’ two young Russians, forward Andrei Loktionov and defenseman Slava Voynov, will get a chance to shine tonight, with Loktionov playing left wing on the second line and Voynov in a high-profile pairing with Willie Mitchell. I asked Terry Murray about the possibility of both players being a part of the power-play unit as well. It’s more natural of Voynov, given that he’s replacing Alec Martinez, a regular on the second power-play unit, but is it also possible that Loktionov will get power-play time as well?
MURRAY: “Absolutely. It’s very possible. Voynov, for sure, will be on the power play. When we look at situations where we call players up, a guy like Martinez is a power-play player and we need to replace him whenever there’s an injury. (Voynov) will definitely fit on the power play. Loktionov, I’ll be looking to see him out on the power play at times also.”
Both players are young and trying to show that they belong at the NHL level. The motivation is obvious, so Murray said he doesn’t feel the need to say anything pointed to either player about taking advantage of an opportunity.
MURRAY: “No, I’m not going to motivate them. It’s just me telling you guys right now, and they can read it in the (media). This is an opportunity for them to show us what they can do. They’re up because of I.R., but they’re not kids. They’ve been pros now for a couple years, so it’s an opportunity to show the organization where their game is at, and how they’re going to fit in and impress us and force us to do something, force us to think about them. It’s a great opportunity for them. … Pro players have to motivate themselves, absolutely. That’s your job, as a player, is to get yourself ready to play hockey. It’s an 82-game season, it’s a grind out there and if there’s any need for anybody to go kick your butt, to get you going, you’ve got some problems.”
Why is it so hard to play Voynov fool time if he is better for kings then someone else?
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fsd1 Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@Onetimer1966, contracts
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Dominick Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Onetimer1966, Based on a whole 5 games played?
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DanD Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@Dominick, Agreed. You can’t justify him belonging on the team based on 5 games played.
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Lake Forest Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@DanD, I had a big lunch and my stomach feels fool.
Kingsfanone Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@Lake Forest,
I had a bigger lunch than you so I’m an even bigger fool.
TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@DanD, you cant send him down to the minors after playing well for 5 games either, based on your own logic.
KC23 Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
@Onetimer1966, Waiver exempt Vs non-exempt. Simple as that.
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DanD Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain, Voynov was replacing DD in the lineup. He was there to serve his purpose, his purpose was served, DD came back from injury, Voynov back down to the minors. What else are the Kings gonna do there?
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jess Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@Onetimer1966,
My friend had a job at the circus which was definitely a fool time job.
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and with that boys, Вы должны нарушить уток!….
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DesertKing Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@variable,
Damn, I knew I should have studied Klingon in school, then I would know what that says
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Mel Powell Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@DesertKing, Hey, in Klingon it translates to Qaplah! Scary, huh?
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anaheimBob Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@variable, That is too funny! (очень хорошо) Good sentiments for today and tomorrow.
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Dominick Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@variable, I suspect the Ducks are going to beat themselves.
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Stonewall Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@variable, Just curious, how do you type in Cyrillic?
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variable Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@Stonewall,
utilizing a english-to-russian translation site and the ability to cut/paste is all one needs today to appear smarter than they actually are…i’m guilty as charged…(!)
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@variable, Finally, someone who speaks the truth. PROCEED KLINGONS! (That means GO Kings GO in Klingon).
TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@variable, it means BEAT THE DUCK !!!
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zulov Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@TheAcaciaStrain, Actually, the literal translation of the russian up top is:
“You should interfere with Ducks” – lol
Those auto-translaters are lame. Let’s hope Lokti and Slava are more effective than minor penalties for interference.
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TheAcaciaStrain Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@zulov, bahahaha
One way of looking at this situation is that the Kings are giving these kids a chance to shine. Another view is that these kids are giving the Kings a chance to shine.
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anaheimBob Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@JackKent Cooke, Let’s hope for both (Duck Season!)
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@anaheimBob,
Excellent Kings diplomacy.
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Good luck tonight boys, because the natives are restless, and if you guys don’t get a hat trick each, your both going down as disappointments. lol
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Dominick, I’ll be happy with a gordie howe hat trick from either.
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Hey Rich,
Off topic, but with the goaltending struggle going on in Toronto, what do you think the chances are of the Kings shopping Bernier to the Leafs?
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bmova Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@Mike D., And what are the Leafs going to give us in return???
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Harty Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@bmova, how about Schenn or Kadri with draft pick
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deedub Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@Mike D., better yer, how about offering Bernier to the Bluejackets for maybe someone called Nash. Never say never!!
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Victoryov!
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Another LAKingsInsider Suite Info Update
If you haven’t already received my email or gone to my website to download the waiver form, please do so as soon as you can. All participants who will be going down to the ice will need to have the signed waiver form to turn in.
http://www.easportsmanagement.com/events
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Lake Forest Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@EASportsMgt, Someone have a beer in my name!
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ForumFan Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@EASportsMgt,
is this a genuine link? There are 4 of us going and I haven’t heard from anyone else about this
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LomitaKingsFan Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@ForumFan, Yup, thats genuine
Frank mentioned in his email that he lost some of the contacts so its possible that the email may not have got out to you.
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anaheimBob Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
@LomitaKingsFan, I didn’t get the email either, but I certainly plan to take advantage of this event, I can hardly wait!
EASportsMgt Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@ForumFan, @anaheimBob I apologize. I upgraded my computer to Windows 7 and lost a lot of emails and contacts. So I’ve been posting updates on here for those who haven’t gotten my emails so that everyone can be kept in the loop. The correct link is:
http://www.easportsmanagement.com/Events.html
All the info needed is on there.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@EASportsMgt,
I got a email after notifying Frank, so I’m set to go. Lots of info on there including schedule times to meet, where to meet, etc. Frank has it all worked out here! Great job!
We sit in sec 108 row 7 and lately have been seeing Martinez’s face planted a number of times into the glass. Poor guy is getting hammered unfortunately into the boards too many times a game. He’s the only King’s d-man you see that happening to on a regular basis. Even Voynov doesn’t get hit. It’s too bad as he was just starting to contribute very well on the offensive side. I knew it was only a matter of time before he got hurt so c’mon Alec you gotta toughen up a bit.
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Link didnt work for me. What time should we be there and where should we go?
Thanks Frank!!!
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I got to where the info is. HEre is the link: http://www.easportsmanagement.com/Events.html
THANKS AGAIN FRANK!
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Excited for Voynov! The young russian put in 3 solid years of work down in Manchester and is finally getting rewarded.
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Dominick Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
@Räikkönen, Actually Voynov, and Lokti weren’t eligable to meet the age requirements till last season for the AHL, and Voynov has only put in 2, and been hurt for both of them.
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Räikkönen Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@Dominick,
They have been eligible since they were 18 years old. Voynov and Loktionov weren’t part of the CHL/NHL agreement because they were drafted out of Europe.
Voynov has played 3 healthy years in the AHL, check out the stats:
2008-09 Regular Season Manchester Monarchs 61gp 8g 15a 23pts
2009-10 Regular Season Manchester Monarchs 79gp 10g 19a 29pts
2010-11 Regular Season Manchester Monarchs 76gp 15g 36a 51pts
2011-12 Regular Season Manchester Monarchs 8gp 2g 1a 3pts
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Dominick Reply:
November 17th, 2011 at 8:30 am
@Räikkönen, Your right. Voynov did play 3 years. I keep forgetting he’s the same age as DD.
Forum67 Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@Dominick,
Dom, I seem to find myself asking you a time related question again. How many games of NHL experience would Voynov have to obtain before you would give him the same level of support you give Coach Murray and Drew Doughty?
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Dominick Reply:
November 17th, 2011 at 8:32 am
@Forum67, Obviously a ridiculas post. Anybody who knows me, knows I challenge TM at every turn because I disagree with his coaching philosophies.
And the answer to your question is…………………………..More than 5 games.
Forum67 Reply:
November 17th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@Dominick,
Dom, it was not my intention to tick you off nor to post something ridiculous. Also, consider it my mistake if I took some of your posts when some on this blog, myself included, took the position that the Kings would benefit from a coaching change, as being in opposition to a coaching change. At least at this point in time. The one thing I agree with totally in your reply to me is, it’s true, I don’t know you.
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Dominick Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@Räikkönen, oppps! meant the season before.
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“It’s an 82-game season, it’s a grind out there and if there’s any need for anybody to go kick your butt, to get you going, you’ve got some problems.”
Yeah and a four million dollar contract….
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Bill M. Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@bringbackbutchgoring, I thought that too…
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matty muls Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@Bill M.,
TM is 100% talking about penner in that sentence
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@bringbackbutchgoring, Is it just me that thinks Penner can’t wait to be waived? And if the Kings hand does end up being forced to do something with him, will any team in the NHL even pick him up at half his salary? If not, then the Kings are on the hook for him for the full amount (which will keep us from adding much at the trade deadline if needed).
After watching him struggling to even skate a full shift I’m thinking he may have something wrong with him physically (cardio vascular issues). I know… probably nothing to it, but he’s too young to not even be able to skate a full shift.
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Lake Forest Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@Duckbasher, He’s just a big dude that (in the past) has been planted in front of the nets to score his goals.
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I fix myself a Stoli martini extra dry, shaken not stirred. I raise the glass in a toast. SLAVA!
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wavesinair Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@HeyChief,
Yes please. Dirty w/ 3 olives & 2 goals.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@wavesinair, How ’bout he punches Getzlaf in the mouth just for good measures?
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matty muls Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@Duckbasher,
dont punch getzlaughedat in the mouth cause it will cause his toupet to fall off
hahahahahahahahahah
Dominick Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@HeyChief, James Bond wants his drink back.
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we need to change the lines for LA Kings that how about this like Loktinov Voynov and Williams or Lewis Loktinov and Voynov so what which is good
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AZ King Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Adam M,
I’m confused…Are you talking about using Voynov as a forward????
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matty muls Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@AZ King,
i thought i missed a hidden joke there somewhere. cant figure out what he meant
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Deke'r Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@matty muls, He musta been hittin @HeyChiefs martinis!
Hey Murray, just curious if Penner is a professional? How does he motivate himself?
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I’m sorry folks, I’ve been pounding away on the Penner situation from the start when he first got here………
Now I’m going to make one statement, Loktinov is too small, I realize the game is changing to protect the little men however physically it hasn’t, and this will be quickly notice as long as he stays up.
*I wish him well but he’s not a St. Louis, Fluery or anyother small guy with that lasting talent and toughness*
I think Fraser is the real deal and he is the steal in the Penner trade now, let him play TM, he has guts, heart and ability.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
@Harty, Fraser was our consolation in the Smyth deal.
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Harty Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@Duckbasher, Appears to be real good for the Kings, key ingredients all around him.
toughness, speed, desire, heart, guts, team player, good fan player
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AZ King Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Harty,
Fraser wasn’t part of the Penner trade…
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Interesting that Loki comes up from the AHL and will see time on the powerplay while Richie, who carried the team in the playoffs last year is a healthy scratch who has never been given a chance on the power play. What’s with TM, maybe he’s worried that Richie will outshine some of the overpaid underproducers if he really gives him a fair chance at a consistent position on a consistent line.
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I love Richie. I kinda agree that its tough to be a consistent scorer when your coach changes your line mates every other game – but he has zero goals so far this year…
To me though, the real under-achievers on the team right now are in this order:
Penner
Hunter
Stoll
Clifford
Maurau
Lewis
Richardson
Brown (although he had a great game last time)
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The LA Kings should change the 1st line and the 4th line because we have 2 Rookies just called up like
1st Gagne Kopitar Loktinov
2nd Fraser Voynov Richards
3rd Brown Clifford Lewis
4th Westgarth Williams Stoll so how about the lines
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zulov Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@Adam M, LOL. Now I know you are kidding.
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Deke'r Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Adam M, ….dude…..
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santamariaking Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@Adam M,
Fraser Voynov Richards ? what you smokin ?
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Northern Fan Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 6:29 pm
@santamariaking, Makes as much sense as some of TM’s line combinations. But don’t be fooled, Voynov/Loki shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that hard work and effort will land them a spot on this team. Big salary and little effort will guarantee you a top six position.
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santamariaking Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
@Northern Fan,
Agreed, but since when is Voynov a 2nd line forward. Maybe he meant Lokti