It’s fair to say that Mike Richards has found a comfort zone with the Kings. Richards had only two goals in his first 14 games with the Kings, but now has nine goals in his last 10 games, for a team-leading total of 11 goals. Of course, no player can maintain that torrid scoring pace, but it is an indication that Richards is feeling more comfortable with his teammates after coming over from the Philadelphia Flyers during the summer. Richards got a goal Monday in his first game back on a line with former Flyers teammate and linemate Simon Gagne. Richards has scored at least one goal in eight of his last 10 games.
RICHARDS: “It happens throughout the year. Some games you can’t find it. Sometimes you feel like you’re playing with a golf ball and sometimes it feels like you’re shooting at a soccer net. There’s ups and downs to a season. You’re not going to go a whole season with getting bounces and having luck. You’ve got to battle through those bad times and try to take advantage of the good times.’’
Question: It had been a while since you played with Gagne, but did it feel like the chemistry picked right up again?
RICHARDS: “Yeah, I think so. You could tell, even in practice, that we were reading off of each other and knowing where each other are. In the game the other day, we had a lot of scoring chances, so it’s nice to play with a guy who I’ve had some chemistry with and some success with in the past. I think we’ve still got that chemistry, and we just have to feed off it.’’
Question: At this point, almost two months into the season, are you at the point now where you feel comfortable being on the ice when any of your teammates?
RICHARDS: “It’s just a lot easier now. Before, it was kind of a feeling-out process, getting to know the guys. Now, you know everyone’s personalities, their game, their style, and you know where everyone is on the ice, pretty much. You can always get better, playing with somebody, but at the same time, it’s comfortable.’’
Richards = best warrior spirit / will to win on the team, with the talent back it up.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
@jess, I can’t believe any team would let a guy like him get away. I hope he spends the remainder of his career here and hoists the cup for us.
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Silk Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@Duckbasher, Richards is the best all around player on the Kings and one of the best in the NHL. He is the primary reason that we have shown any improvement on the PP. if the Kings had a good coach that would teach our other players to think about positioning and feeding the puck to their teammates (like Richards), we would be the top team in the NHL.
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This guy is a stud. Thanks, DL, for bringing him here. He definitely brings the team up a notch or two.
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I hope they stay together,we can get that extra goal we keep needing for the win
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I love me some Mike Richards!
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The Third Vopat Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@John,
Yep, Me too!! Total Bromance going on here…nuff said. I think I’ve said too much.
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RobSD Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@The Third Vopat,
Man crush for sure. Haha.
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KindSir Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@The Third Vopat, Same : O
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FM3 Reply:
December 1st, 2011 at 10:13 am
@The Third Vopat, Agreed. Took my mom to a few games recently so she could watch Kopi (her fav). At the end of the game on Monday, she was saying “I LOVE RICHARDS!!! That guy is amazing, never quits”. Guess mom has a good eye for talent eh
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Richards has hockey in his DNA. Thank God he is a King and will be for a long time!
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I think he’s become a very popular guy with the Kings. And while certain Flyer fans on blogs said they didn’t give a toss that he left, there were others who clearly had huge respect for the guy and were certain he’d bring to LA exactly what we’re seeing. He is a seriously good hockey player.
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jess Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@number 6,
Those top shelf laser shots from down on one knee always bring a tear to my one good eye
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Raunq12 Reply:
December 1st, 2011 at 9:41 am
@number 6,
I’ve been reading on comment sections around NHL.com, and many Flyers fans are becoming Kings fans now
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Wow this guy is better than I expected what a playmaker. I can’t help but wonder how good a team this would have been with both Mike and Brad though. Somehow I thinkthat plus Kopitar would have made the Kings almost unbeatable.
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Harry Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@Weasel,
Well, if you watch NYR play, and the LAK, you will see the difference between both Richards. I am glad we got Mike, and not Brad.
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KC23 Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@Harry, Actually, we still would of had Mike Richards, but not Gagne if Brad took took the King’s offer.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
@Harry, Amen to that! We scored the real deal. NY is second guessing I’m sure.
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Lime Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
@Weasel, I guess Anaheim isn’t keeping quiet that they want to move Bobby Ryan. I wanted to see B. Richards in a Kings sweater as well but I’d be more than happy to acquire Bobby Ryan.
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Nick Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@Lime, Ducks won’t trade Ryan to the Kings.
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There still is another big player that DL is going to bring into the picture. The question is who and when?
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His work ethic is impressive…He has been strongest on the PK…and gives the other team pause when coming into the nuetral zone…he always seems to be in the right place defensively…now I’m thinking i’m glad we didn’t get Brad because it left the door open to get Mike
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Räikkönen Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@g smith86,
True! While Brad Richards would have been nice too, MIKE RICHARDS fits even better with the players, organization philosophy, coaching staff etc. Just a territic player all-around.
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LA_1968 Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@g smith86, His presence definitely slows the opposition on the back end of the power play. I just don’t want to see less experienced guys trying those breakaways. For a while they were all trying to copy MR.
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Lake Forest Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@g smith86, we got Mike then went after Brad……Not signing brad gave us Gagne.
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g smith86 Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@Lake Forest, sorry wasn’t aware of that chronology
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Lake Forest Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
@g smith86, no apologies, just thought i would add that. The only reason I know is I was dissappointed at the time we lost simmer. I was over that pretty quickly! lol
Kopi and Richards as 1-2 definitely make us one of the most feared teams in the league offensively. not a lot of teams have the defense to stand up to two #1 lines…i just wish our offense was more consistent like it could be. we’ve got all the pieces to be one of the highest scoring teams in the league. unfortunately it just isn’t working that way…yet
richards is giving us some hope at least.
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FIRE TM……oh, i mean, yeah richards is awesome.
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g smith86 Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
@Lake Forest, hey…I know it was a joke, but just curious…who would be your choice as head coach to replace TM?
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Lake Forest Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@g smith86, If you haven’t noticed I bleed sarcasm. In all seriousness I do not, would not want, TM replaced or fire mid-season. If he was fired, I really couldn’t tell you who I would want coming over here (don’t know enough about the contenders to even make the right suggestion).
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g smith86 Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@Lake Forest, I know…and new you were being sarcastic…was just curious because I don’t have a clue either( as far as who to hire if there was a firing)
Cry Baby Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@Lake Forest, I am not in the fire TM camp…Buuuutttt…if that were to happen I say this for the 707th time here TEDDY NOLAN!
The best part about Richards is that even if he is not putting up points he is making things happen.
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If only we form some sort of Super Philly line to increase scoring…
Gange-Richards-Williams?
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Penner, Martinez, Hickey for B. Ryan!!!! And how about DD2? They need defensive help.
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MB Kings Fan Reply:
December 1st, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@RobSD, I would make that trade today.
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When the trade for Richards was made I worried about it. I hadn’t seen him play much, there were rumors swirling around about off ice stuff, and I thought the Kings may have given up too much. Just shows how wrong you can be. Mike Richards has been a huge addition to the team. His hockey smarts, leadership, work ethic, and scoring touch (including short handed) are terrific. It now seems all the more surprising that Philadelphia were willing to trade him.
I miss Simmons, and Schenn may turn out to be a hockey stud in future years, but MR is the real deal now.
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g smith86 Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
@ForumFan, Yea…right now that may be the best trade in the NHL this year for the Kings
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@ForumFan, I think being here on the west coast, there’s a lot of guys that we’ve never seen. Trent Hunter being one. I can tell you from my days in NY that he had some serious mojo when he came into the league. Granted he’s getting older, but giving him some time on that first line while Penner is out will do a lot for his confidence. I have to give Murray some kudos for doing it. DL is such a calculating GM. He must have knew that Hunter was a bargain basement player who still has some gas in his tank. I don’t think he’s 1st line material but if he can gain some confidence back and play like I’ve seen him play he might be a real asset on that 3rd or 4th line. I feel that evertime Mike Richards is on the ice, we have a chance to score. By far our best player (besides quick) so far this season. Great moves DL. Now in regards to Moreau…
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In the defensive system I almost feel Richards is our 1 and Kopitar is our 2. Richards knows how to capitalize on the counter attack. That’s his game. The Gagne/Richards chemistry is pretty apparent and if Brown stays consistent that’s our most dangerous line. I’m not sure Penner will play out to be what we need. We need a Chris Kunitz like player, someone who is paid to finish but can play around the net as well. As far as his dynamic and where he could be, Kopitar needs someone to free wheel with him and get to the dangerous areas on the ice, which we still don’t have. Kopitar is a 35-40 goal score on a good offensive team, but he’s still a pass first guy. All the NHL analysts are questioning when he is going to be a 100 point player, but I feel Dean needs to make a few more moves to get the most out of his players.
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g smith86 Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@kings king, we are one winger/sniper away from Kopi s ascension…we maybe already have that sniper…someone has to step up! I like Brown with Kopi…and a Sandstrom type right wing would be awesome…Thomas is like 55 now so I doubt he’s gonna make a come back, but one can dream
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kings king Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@g smith86, I feel we might be two wingers away. Gagne-Richards-Brown is a great line and they should stay together in my opinion. Williams is still greatly valued here but he hasn’t shown the play he was showing last year. He was dynamic with Stoll and Smyth, he was great within 10 feet of the net, but he hasn’t gone there once this year. Penner I really feel is playing Poni this year. I don’t expect him to be dynamic. The more I think about it the more I feel we need two new 1st line wingers. If we have Gagne-Richards-Brown as our 2nd line our first line has to be better than that. And I think we have the personnel and desirable prospects to trade for two great players, but I’m not sure who. It showed bringing in new PROVEN players this year brought something to the table on and off the ice in LA. I know Iginla doesn’t want a trade, but someone like him who gets it done physically and puts the puck in the net would be great, as would a left wing scorer, maybe a right handed shot. I hate to say it, but a certain Russian would have been the perfect fit. No one has scored more goals since 2001, big strong and physical. Just grinds my gears, maybe another Russian will find his way here. I’m all but convinced Williams is too small for this clubs 1st line.
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Kingstane9 Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@g smith86, no no. Brown and Kopi? That doesn’t work…hehehe. They’re ok, always have been.
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I love this guy, a TRUE hockey player. If the knowledge he possesses can influence the others, no team can stop us. Also I’d like to add I think Williams played with Gagne in Philly as well, maybe if we add him to the Richards/Gagne line Williams can get going.
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Great posts guys! I just hope they don’t trade Bernier for another offensive weapon. I think I’m the lone voice that realies just how good this guy is going to be. Better than Quick if given the chance in my opinion and Quick is really good.
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Lake Forest Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@Poorman, I agree with not trading Bernier, I truly believe he is a great goalie! Better than JQ, I think we will just ahve to agree to diasagree.
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Duckbasher Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@Lake Forest, Isn’t it great to have two franchise type of goalies? I could care less which one starts. I think both are as GREAT!
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Niko Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@Poorman, Seeing as how DL built this team goaltending out, trading Bernier would likely be the last player he moves. No way do I see him going anywhere unless it’s for a Parise type player signed to a multi-year contract. Also, I doubt his trade value is as high as everyone here thinks it is, with his limited number of starts and all. It’s safe to say Quick has exceeded anyone’s expectations, which has undoubtedly halted Bernier’s rise to #1. With the amount of work Quick is getting though, I believe Bernier will get his chance in the second half of the season, so Quick will be ready for a deep run.
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Vman77 Reply:
December 1st, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Poorman, Here here you are not alone sir, Bernie is the future of the Kings. If TM actually plays the hot hand like he said he was, you’d be seeing how good Bernie is. You can ask Jim Fox who said qoute, “If Murray plays the hot hand look for Quick to start the season, but Bernier to finish the season.”
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His value to any team he plays for (having had the pleasure of all 6 years in Philly) is hard to measure. He uess high Hockey IQ and equal parts inspiration/despiration and perspriation to get his points. He’s physical and will drop the gloves if required. From 2007 thru last year (from Hockey Prospectus and The Copper and Blue who measure ice time/meatrics for shutdown players, how many shots on goal the top lines get on them and goals allowed vs. how many they get) he was ranked 4th in the league and tops in the Eastern Conference. He is that good. I’ve seen him win games without scoring a point, just by his defensive work. He can shut down a top line and allow (in kings case, Kopi’s line,) the other top line to have more freedom.
The most admirable thing about him is his heart, it’s unmatched. You wont’ find a player who will so openly bleed for his team. He hates losing more than he likes winning, it eats away at him . He’s generous to a fault, which is why I think he did’t get as many goals the first 13 games or so, too much pasing to wingers who couldn’t put it home. So he started shooting more.
He’s a helluva leader, always has been since he was a kid, it come natural to him. You can already see that with the Kings, how much of a leader he’s become.
You want to see how much heart this guy has? How much he really hurts for his team?
This video is just after the Hawks beat the Flyers and Mike, as the Captain and leader, had to watch another team skate around his home rink with that cup. Watch his reaction when he’s asked, ‘How much did this hurt’ and he says ‘Alot’ He’s close to tears and barely holding the back. You can see that in his eye swhen he finally composes himself to answer. Also, just afte rthis Ellioot Friedman (CBC) spoke with him and he blamed himself for the loss, saying ‘they had four lines going, we only had three’ due to his line not socring and said that would be something he would be thinking about all summmer
He clearly loves being a King and is thriving now. You’ll see in the playoffs how much of a breat he is (when he’s not hurt or sick, last year busted wrist all year/pneumonia down over 10 lbs in playoffs) , he elevates his game to a whole other level…total predator.
Enjoy him, you don’t want to feel the pain of the void when he’s gone.
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Deirdre Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Oooppss…forgot the link
http://www.flyersfancentral.com/2010/06/mike-richards-post-game-6-interview-june-9/
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Deirdre Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@Deirdre,You’ll see in the playoffs how much of a breat he is…should read ‘beast’…sorry about that. Just know that he turns into a shark in blood infested water.
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kings king Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
@Deirdre, Just hope he likes LA as much as we like having him here!
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Deirdre Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@kings king, You know I think that could be one of the reasons he is really comfortable as a King. I know most of the fans weren’t too aware of all of what he brings to a game ,because you’ve not seen him alot. You have to watch all he does, even without the puck to appreciate how valuable he is and how hard he works. But it didn’t take long for the fans to begin the love affair with him. And I’m sure he feels that…and I’ve read it on just about every blog . And for my broken Flyer heart- that was huge. That he is /will be cherished as a King. He’s in a great place here, a much much much healthier locker room and team he really has been accxepted into. You add the fans who’ve showered him and it definatly has helped him accerate his growth rate.
Between what he’s said in interviews (how much he loves LA) and how easy a fit he’s become, almost as if he was always a King, very litte of the awkward settling in, I think he cleary loves it and that another reason he’s playing so well . He wants to win…badly.
In comparison, Simon Gagne said in an interview late summer that he never got comforable in Tampa…I guess for us it’s easy to speculate thata guy should just show up , meet the new team and play. But apparently there is a lot more involved. Gagne also said this is the happiest he’s ever been in his hockey career and it shows as well.
Hoping both of them stay healthy all year and help lead this team to the Finals
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kindsir Reply:
December 1st, 2011 at 4:51 am
@Deirdre, it seems he has that Kobe/Jordan competitive drive/killer instinct without the A-hole personality
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The “big trade” Kings fans waited for over two off-seasons was probably the best trade I’ve seen the Kings make in a long, long time. Mikey is the real deal, and whatever problems the Kings are having this season, they are not named Mike Richards!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Oh, and for what it’s worth, I think Gagne will prove to be a great trade as well.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
November 30th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, You mean Gagne will prove to be a great signing?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 1st, 2011 at 9:30 am
@Bkrs-Bud, Yes, thank you.
Yeah, its kinda mind blowing that Philly would let him go…
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zulov Reply:
December 1st, 2011 at 12:07 am
@zulov, I mean Richards
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Anything you read about the reasons he was shipped out of PHilly are exaggerations at best, pure BS at worst. A couple photos of the guy show up on face book or wherever, suddenly every pass that isn’t on the tape is b/c he’s hung over. Someday Holmgren will disclose what this was all about, but it surely was not about making the Flyers any better this year or in the foreseeable future. No offense to Schenn faithful, but the Flyers have no patience for prospects. Holmgren will trade him, mark my words.
As best as I can tell, Pronger couldn’t come to Philly and simply be an aging, experienced player, shut up and play d. And the Flyers didn’t have the guts to tell him to shut up. Pronger will end up on the shelf for most of this season…very inspiring leadership.
Go Kings.
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