Before the Kings’ Jan. 9 game against Washington, Darryl Sutter made wholesale line changes. Here’s the good news: In the six games since, the Kings have averaged 2.83 goals (not including the third goal in the 3-2 shootout win over Vancouver) and the top-line players — Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams — have scored a combined total of nine goals. The bad news? There hasn’t been much balance. In that span, the second-line players have scored three goals, the third-line players have scored one (Trevor Lewis) and the fourth-line players have scored one (Kyle Clifford).
The Penner-Richards-Stoll line has been used regularly as the Kings’ top defensive-matchup line, so Darryl Sutter cuts them a little slack, publicly, in terms of offensive production. The Richardson-Loktionov-Lewis line? Different story. Asked specifically about Loktionov’s game last night, Sutter said, matter-of-factly, “Three or four scoring opportunities, and no goals.’’
SUTTER: “Our third line has got to start scoring some goals for us. You do the math. How many goals does the third line have? They’re doing a lot of good things, working hard and giving us a lot of energy and doing good things. We want them to be better at faceoffs and we want them to do better finishing. Trevor is, right now, carrying that line. The other two guys can play better for us.’’
Question: What about the Richards line?
SUTTER: “They did a good job against Jarome (Iginla) and (Michael) Cammalleri and whoever was with them, and that’s pretty much how we’ve used (the line). We did a good job. (Richards’) last four games have probably been his best games since I’ve been here.’’
Maybe I haven’t been paying attentin to his D because I’ve been scrutinzing his offensive production, but if coach says MR’s played his best in the last 4 I’ll have to take him at his word…
pass the kool-aid please.
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CB14 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 2:55 pm
@Stuart, In fairness to DS he said, “since I’ve been here”. Sutter hasn’t seen a pre-concussion Richards.
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Stuart Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
@CB14, truth
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Christian T Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:36 pm
@CB14, I think DS would tell you that Richards O has nothing to do with his concussion. If Penner or Stoll can be consistent than MR will score. It’s just a matter of time.
I too will take a cup of that kool aid
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Alex Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:21 am
@Christian T, Stoll does not belong there.
Hopefully more guys start finding the back of the net real soon.
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This is the first time I’m not seeing what Sutter is seeing….
On that third line, i’ve thought Loktionov was the best player.
I’ve also thought the last 4 games or so have been Richard’s worst as a King.
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stilts19 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
@Whodawat, I think that Lokti “appears” to be doing good. As in, “he’s making stick handle moves on guys’, “he’s hustling”… I agree BUT, as far as I know, he has ZERO GOALS. Nothing. Naught. That’s not good enough. Potential isn’t enough. I’m pretty sure that there HAS to be at least ONE guy in Manchester who could score a couple of goals for us on the 3rd line. Lokti better start to bury the biscuit or I cannot see him with the big club at the end stretch of this season. He’ll be back in MCH…
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Christian T Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
@Whodawat, Sutter is simply saying that a player like Lokti is not considered good until his line puts up points.
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Alex Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:24 am
@Christian T, Well than somebody give Lokti. the players that can score. He can not do it by him self. Richardson and Lewis??????????????????
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KingMe20 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:26 am
@Alex,
Lewis and Richardson have both scored goals while playing as his wings. He’s gotta pick up his game as well.
marty la king 1969 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 2:19 pm
@Whodawat, I see what you see (maybe its the tv)
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I like our team, a whole bunch. But I still think Loktionov is too small and this line in general has not enough toughness, they don’t need a goon they just need some grit.
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Dominick Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
@Harty,
As a classic energy line, that line is developing quite well. Their possession against opponents is really coming along (not trying to sound like TM). Can’t say the finish will ever be there, but that line can be matched up against any opposing teams bottom 3 lines, go out there, and keep the puck alive in the offensive zone. Quite amazing that they’ve done everything asked of them, but score.
I can see why Sutter has kept them together when he’s tinkered with the other 3 lines. In some ways, they’ve exceeded expectations, but the bottom line is, THEY NEED TO SCORE.
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Stuart Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
@Dominick, big time! but, and it’s a robust one, if Lokti keeps making the soft cute 2 foot pass to a player that is 4 feet away which almost always ends up in a TO, I’d be willing to bet he gets a seat in the presser soon…unless they magically start putting the biscuit in the basket. I’m sure DS has talked to him about those.
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SLIM Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@Stuart,
Don’t agree..
Try start looking at all the passes he does make..
He will score before he’s in the presser…
Don;t give up on this kid..
You will be praising him soon enough…
And…Posting the same thing time after time will
get you banished before he is sat..JMO..
g smith86 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:09 am
@Harty, I think it is a complement that Sutter is actually calling Lokti out…Lokti should see this as a sign of respect and only take from Sutters’ comments that of a coach that understands his talents and expects him to be a pro and produce…Sutter isn’t treating him like a rookie. He is treating him like an NHL er who needs to pick up his game
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First time I find myself in a slight disagreement with Sutter – first, Richardson has a goal, and I believe that happened the first or second game that line was together.
I don’t know what he means when he says Lewis is carrying that line – I think they all have been equally good at creating opportunities and not scoring.
Yeah, if they can put it in the net soon, it would make everyone happy, but their O-zone play, energy and puck possession is pretty good.
Last night, no one put it in the net really, but I think that line had the most opportunities that they created themselves.
Lokti also looked really good carrying he puck and dishing off at the right time.
I think he is really creative and would do better with some top 6 forwards on his line.
That, said – DS has given them all ample opportunity – if they are gonna prove they are true NHLers they gotta start scoring.
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g smith86 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:12 am
@zulov, Sutter trying to shake up his feathers a bit…It’s the first bit of negative re-inforcement we have seen from DS…Let’s see if Lokti responds with evenv betterv play and better results…hopefully it doesn’t go the other way
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marty la king 1969 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 2:25 pm
@zulov, they will score only after they are traded. (Moulson pursell boyle)
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Craig Swanson Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@zulov, the stripper I had last night has energy too. But she didn’t score any goals for the Kings, therefore is just as useless.
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Doesn’t anybody realistically expect a line of Richardson-Loktionov-Lewis to score goals? I sure as hell didn’t and still don’t. I’d rather have Clune and Moreau than Loktionov and Lewis. At least they will stand up for teammates and themselves, and bring a little bite to the game…
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Eric Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
@Eric,
*Does
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
@Eric,
The line has speed, and eventhough they don’t finish, they’ve hemmed the other team in the zone, burning clock and opposition energy. Richardson seems to find his touch in the playoffs, so we know he CAN score…just have no idea with they don’t. If their hands catch up to their feet, thats a line to be reckoned with.
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g smith86 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:19 am
@FKA PakiFro, yea…good points on your post…The way to bring havic onto your opponent is to make sure they can’t predict what you can do…the speed of that line, regardless if they produce points, is effective throughout the game because they back the d men off at the line and they make the other team play a lot of defense…this has an accumalative affect on the opposition…I like having lines that don’t play the exact same way…think about the 93 Kings team…4 lines with seemingly four different identities
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King John Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@Eric, NO thanks to having Clune or Moreau. That was our problem earlier in the year: we had too many grinders in the line-up and Moreau was a constant penalty taker. I like the speed of the third line and they’re getting better with chances. Give it some more time. At least right now we’re not playing potential young star Loktionov like Moulson and Purcell under TM.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
@Eric,
-Yes-
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quisp Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@Eric,
I expect them to score goals. And, as far as Clune and Moreau instead of Loktionov and Lewis, we don’t need two fourth lines.
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This kind of statement from Sutter is exactly like what TM would do, call out the young guys but not the vets. I don’t agree with Sutter doing that. If you’re going to call out one line for not producing, you better call the other one’s out too. Especially when the other one makes a lot more money. Richards, Penner, and Stoll have a combined cap hit of 13.6 million. Lokti, Richardson, and Lewis have a combined cap hit of 2.7 million. The vets were counted on to provide scoring from the second line, the young guys were counted on to provide energy from the 3rd and 4th lines. How can you call out guys who are playing poorly, but not the vets who are playing the same way and were expected to do much much more? Plus the young guys don’t get any PP time while the vets do. To me it comes down to expectations. If you’re paid more you’re expected to play better, that’s why not too many people complain about a bad game from VV, but all hell breaks loose when DD has a bad game. IMO They should be held to those higher expectations, not given a pass.
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puck73 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@CB14, You know what your problem is? You make too much sense.
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CB14 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
@puck73, Hehe. How about this then. Why don’t we trade Stoll and Penner for Parise? New Jersey is going to lose Parise in the off-season anyway so mabye they would make this trade. Do it DL.
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Helvetica Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
@CB14, Yeah but… line 1 is producing. Line 2 has some goals (we’d like more) and they regularly draw the toughest assignments. Rich also made a point that Sutter is cutting them some slack “publicly”. And he’s talking specifically about the 3rd line here. Nobody can argue they shouldn’t be converting these chances they’ve been getting, because they really have gotten some golden opportunities to score and haven’t.
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neil Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
@Helvetica, the third line should be the 4th line and the third line needs help..Cliffy has potential but Frasor and Hunter dont score either.We really have two 4th lines…Thats a DS problem…..Like they said on Center Ice today…the team is good on defense and goaltending but lacks everything else and after 5 years that its not getting better. 7th or 8th place every year….No scoring every year(including under the new coach)no killer insticts..playing to get into OT….DS has done a good job but reality..the Kings were suppose to be a contender in year 5 and we play “not to lose” still….
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King John Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@neil, No, we used to have two 4th lines (grinders). Now we have a speedy 3rd line which reminds me of Belanger years ago on the 3rd line. The team looks and feels different right now and things are gelling. However, Calgary played real tough last night and the goalie was great. You can see that the players are pumped and playing hard under DS.
KING-C Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
@neil, Cliffy should be on the third line and I’d send Richardson to the fourth line. That would bring a bit more balance to the third and fourth lines. I would not touch the defense. they have been solid. Don’t mess with what’s not broken.
Helvetica Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@neil, Personally, i think Fraser and Hunter have played beyond expectations. Considering their pay scale position down on the 4th line, i’d give them at least a B grade. That line is mostly there to bring lots and lots of hustle and energy. Hit guys. Draw penalties. Don’t mess up on D. Try and score a few goals. There have been whole periods where they have looked like the best line on the team. Most nights they perform admirably and i wouldn’t get rid of any of them at this point unless they are part of a larger package bringing something valuable back. I think, of the 3, certainly clifford has the most potential to provide more offense (although Hunter has a decent resume and is coming off a major injury).
As far as fault go, i’m thinking you mean DL not DS? Lombardi puts the team together, Sutter just coaches it. So if you are complaining about the pieces, then you look at Lombardi. But again, for the cost of the 4th line, i think it’s pretty good. I think if you want more scoring, there are more rational and obvious places to get it. For instance, line 3. They have had plenty of chances lately to put the puck in the net lately and haven’t converted. I think with a bit more time together and the confidence that DS has been showing in ALL of the players, it’s only a matter of time.
As far as DL failing to get the right pieces, we are in clear need of a legit, bonafide, no doubt-about-it 1st line winger. Brown and Willie have been great, but i doubt anybody in their right mind thought they’d still be seeing those two on the top line at this point in the rebuild.
g smith86 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:24 am
@neil, you tend to be so “glass half empty”…just the other day you were giddy after the win against the Nucks…I hope thwe Kings make the Playoffs,…after that I hope they have home ice advantage, but I just want them to have a shot in the playoffs…I really think that this year, nobody wants to face the Kings in a seven game series
CB14 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@Helvetica, Sorry for not clarifying, I’ve got no problems with the #1 line, just the second line. Mabye Sutter is ripping them privately, but if you’re going to call out 1 line publicly, why not call out the other? It’s not like they are emotionally fragile or anything like that. I agree that the Lokti line should be converting those chances that they’re getting, but so should the Richards line.
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Helvetica Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@CB14, I like to think that, there was a specific question asked about the 3rd line (and in fact it seemed like the reply was lead with a question specifically about Lokti) and this was Sutter’s response, rather than a general “what do you want out of the team” type question. To which Sutter’s reply is spot on. They need more goals. I don’t disagree that the 2nd line should get a pass, i just feel like we’re missing some of the context to his comments here. The discussion wasn’t about line 2, Rich just posted some numbers for comparison. Thats all.
Stuart Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
@CB14, add to that, VV has looked a little caught in the headlights…the honeymoon sure is over for him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see AM play some games coming up after the break.
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CB14 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
@Stuart, Agreed. I can’t see them keeping AM in the press box the rest of the year. Not saying VV should be sent down, but AM has proven himself a line-up regular as well.
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KC23 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@CB14, I’ll never understand why Stoll gets a pass. He has done zip.
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MK Ultra Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@KC23,
Faceoffs.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
@MK Ultra,
Reminds of Joel Otto when he was with Philly. Not much else there if i recall.
Stuart Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@FKA, at least Otto was one tough hombre.
purple and gold Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
@KC23, zip offensively but he made some pretty clutch defensive plays last night and on the road trip.
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Jose Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
@KC23, stoll’s only value is faceoffs.
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I actually liked the way the third line played last game. They’re exciting to watch.
Honestly, more exciting than the 2nd line
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Ashykon Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@@spencerlakings, I really like how exciting they are
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zulov Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
@@spencerlakings, I agree. Whenever Stoll has the puck I cringe. I know he is gonna dump it.
Whenever Penner has the buck I foresee a no look pass to the opposing D-men.
And when poor Richards has the puck, its hold on, look for help, none is there, force a pass, go the other way.
Thats what they looked like last night at least. 3rd line actually looked sharper then most of the lines last night.
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KingMe20 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:42 am
@zulov,
Actually, of the three of them, I think Penner’s been the best player on that line the last few games. He’s finally using his size to his advantage, and getting good opportunities. I just wish he’d been able to bull his way over Kipprusoff’s arm for the winner in OT.
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i was just thinking how good this line has been… they have been good defensively too.. i would expect them to get really good with time but the stoll richards penner line should be putting up more points now
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Finish, finish, finish!
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I think his point is the third line is getting the best chances but aren’t taking advantage of them. The first line is finishing when given chances, the second line has been used defensively so they haven’t gotten any chances.
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If we dont win one or two series this year then its back to the drawing board(with a new G.M.) You have a top goalie at a great cap hit…You have two veteran defensemen also at a good price..Your third and 4th lines are also within the budget.What happens when Quick’s salary goes up and you need to replace Stoll,Mitchell,Gagne,Penner, and Parse.You wont have the money to replace those players.We have a top 4(Kopi,Richards,Brown and Williams) and after that?? For next year??? Seems like another rebuild…with less money.Either we should be sellers or buyers yet it seems like we are neither…I was hoping that the third and 4th line would score with the new coach yet its not happening and doenst look like it will…We need to dominate teams like Calagary(without their leading scorer)and Columbus.We could easily go either way with this team..we need to trade Benier and a Defensemen now and go for it THIS year..Not next year..Iam tired of always waiting..waiting for what??? To see how much Quick is going to cost??Then you are NOT playing to win this year..you are waiting to try and win NEXT year..so if thats the case …trade your UFA for a good 4th liner..
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KingMe20 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:43 am
@neil,
If Willie Mitchell is willing to take a slight pay cut, I bring him back in a heartbeat.
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MR’s ability to be a play maker is not being used to it’s capacity.
I would move lewis up and Stoll down.
If the net was the size of the St. Louis Arch, Stoll would be a sniper!
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Lewis deserves to be on Richards right wing.
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Mongo88 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
@KC23, I agree with you and send Stoll to Buf for Boyes.
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I must be at a different game than some of you. I see Loktianov as weak on passing, and weak on puck posession.Maybe he is better at center than as winger, but I do not think he is NHL calibre.I sit down low and see what the guys on the ice see.
Also, to those idiots who bang on the glass, cease and desist. It is annoying!!!
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Press Box Scratch Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
@poe, I agree, I’d absolutely like to be a Loktianov supporter, but I don’t see an above average element in any part of his game. Yes, it looks as if he can stick handle well, but does it EVER result in anything from himself or his line ? It’s also clear that he is very much “pass first” and far from being a finisher of any type. And offense is why he’s in the league, it’s not D, physical play, PK, face-off’s, etc. Love to have him shove this all in my face by bagging a few soon … look around the league, young players can and do score.
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@poe, i think the people who bang on the glass are less annoying then the people who stand up when the puck is in their area. waving at the camera’s.
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My wish list to improve the 3rd line?
Loktionov + 4th round pick
for
Tuomo Ruutu
Brown – Kopitar – Williams
Penner – Richards – Ruutu
Richardson – Stoll – Lewis
Clifford – Fraser – Hunter/Westie
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Mongo88 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
@VanKingsFan, Thats not bad at all! How about Westie for Parros too!
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Difference in approach from TM to DS:
Was: Change the lines constantly trying to get scoring…
Is: Better start scoring, Boys. I’m not letting you off the hook by being young. There is a door here… You wanna go?
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Sutter wants more from Lokti’s Line… I want more from Penner and Stoll. Is any womder that Richards looks bad out there. Penner needs to go down to the third line, Richardson moving up to the second. I know many of you feel that Penner has been playing better, Really! Really 3 goals. A lot of you jump down Drew’s neck for being over paid, but what about the 4 mil that Penner gets. rite this down… I want to beat Penner up. 6’4 and never do you see him hammering anyone. Get rid of Penner and get Richards going!!!
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Osaka Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Last game Penner had 5 hits, Brown and Lewis lead the team with 6. The game before Penner had a goal and 8 hits (best for both teams). Both games Lokti had 0 goals, 0 assist, 0 blocked shots, and 0 hits. Oh and Lokti was 0 for 2 on the face-off last night and 0 for 3 the game before.
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Osaka Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@Osaka, Penner had a chance to win the game in overtime, Lokti doesn’t create any type of scoring chance for himself.
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jason Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:58 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, i agree
Penner has no excuse and we could have a way better player for his price. Lokti is a play maker and he would have had more points if richie and lewis were finishing.. Its just a matter of time.. this is a young exciting line.. Penner rich and stoll is a useless line… they should be putting up way more goals
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The question isn’t whether the third line needs to improve their scoring, the question is how.
In basketball, if a shooter is missing his shots he can stay after practice and shoot for hours to hone his skills like Larry Bird used to do. I never hear about how hockey players improve their skill set. Surely something can and should be done beyond just saying they need to find the back of the net.
Is the rink open after practice for guys wanting to improve? Is Bernie available after hours? Is there a shooting school for hockey players like a football kickers camp? If not, let’s start one.
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I think the world of Mike Richards, but he was horrid last night. What is DS talking about?
In terms of the third line, I find them incredibly frustrating to watch. Lots of hockey speed, guts, hustle, determination, etc, BUT not a lick of true scoring among the 3 of them. Loktionov occasionally shows some sweet moves and clever passes, but at this point in his career he has no idea how to score a goal. Richardson is what he is – a guy you want on your team for hustle, but you cannot count on him to put points on the board on any kind of consistent basis. Lewis is a mini Stoll to me – lots of hockey skills, but scoring ain’t one of them. The numbers speak volumes – this group of 3 is fun to watch but woefully lacking in terms of providing the kind of secondary scoring that a team like the Kings – which is not overflowing with snipers even on its top lines – desperately needs. I have no idea what the solution is, since the current roster does not have any better options in my view. DL, get to work!!!
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I think we all need to practice just a bit more patience. Yes, playing not to loose sucks, but the Kings are not playing that way at all. They are playing to win – their scoring is still not there on a consistent basis.
3rd line has been very consistent in creating opportunities, and I believe has opened the door for the top six to score more. I am really struggling to understand why DS is calling them and especially Lokti and Richie like this.
So far, DS has been very protective of his players. Its a little disturbing – hope he has a plan.
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I think 3rd line has been still affected by … well, old system. Like just shoot the puck and shot mentality thing. What DS wants them to do is, to be patient with the puck, to play lil more creative, to be available themselves in the open space, etc. I don’t think they are aiming at the specific place on the net when they shoot. They always shoot right into goalie’s crest or the pad. Not only them but all of our players are lacking a finishing touch. I can imagine how “shot mentality” is still haunting them. It may take sometime to fix it.
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When Lockti gets a pass across the crease his stick is too high…his stick is never on the ice when a puck comes wizzin by him….STICK ON THE ICE PLEASE!!
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I agree with Rick…lots of hustle and effort, but none of them are true finishers. I was kind of baffled why DS chose Lewis in one of the recent shootouts. I have watched Loktionov closely the last several games and his skills are admirable. He can skate, play both sides of the puck, make some nice plays, sees the ice well and can backcheck. His MAIN problem is, (and really his only problem I see)
is he does not get himself onto scoring positions. There were about 5 times he could have got himself into scoring position and he chose to hang around near battles, looking to get a loose puck. He did this, even if Richardson or Lewis had the puck…he stayed near them and didn’t go near the net. He seems to be the first one out of the offensive zone, to make sure that he takes care of his defensive responsibilities. He will always be defensively responsible, but he’s got to get hungry to shoot and score. He showed a few times he could shoot the puck, but from the perimeter. I think if they were to have Bernie Nichols work with him and EMPHATICALLY MAKE HIM think he’s a capable goal scoring machine, and be hungry to get into scoring areas and that one of his jobs is to bury pucks, he can get there. He has a lot going for him…he even finishes in the top 5 on the team in conditioning….no way we give up on him yet. As for the line…it would be ideal to have a vet as one of the 3. Not Hunter! He can’t skate a lick.
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zulov Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:54 pm
@BlackBiscuit, Lokti is 5’10″ 180lbs. Thats not some one who would do well in front of the net in the NHL. He has been hurt before by physical play, and might be a little tentative about battling big NHL D-men. His strength is quickness, stripping the puck, nifty passes and vision.
He can make plays but he is not a drive to the net guy. I think its ok to have a center like that on your team. We have plenty of drive to the net guys.
I wouldn’t mind the following line adjustment just to see if a gritty player on the 3rd line would add anything:
Brown – Kopi – Willie
Pens – Richards – Lewis
Richardson – Lokti – Cliff
Fraser – Stoll – Hunter
To me, Stoll on the 2nd line is the least happening thing on the team.
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Alex Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:26 am
@zulov, I would give Clifford a shot with the second line not Lewis. Clifford been playing good hockey lately.
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Harty Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 7:49 am
@Alex, here it is like it or not……….
-the main roll of a center in this league is down low in your own end supporting the D, Lotki is too small and doesn’t win the 50/50 battles enough……sorry he has skill, speed but not for this league as the F are too big for him to handle
-through the neutral zone he is fine, creative, speedy and passes well
-then in the offensive zone watch the number of times he is pushed off the puck……you cannot have this in the NHL, he has to be bigger or tougher
@rick, well stated…I too believe there are no easy solutions to what ails this team…Needs are obvious, but aquiring those needs are not…DL has his work cut out for him
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meant to state that aquiring those needs are not that easy
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One could take from the last game that the Kings still haven’t addressed the real problem…they are now playing with emotion and urgency, something we weren’t seeing under TM, but still are having a hard time putting the puck in the net…One could make the arguement that it wasn’t the coaches fault at all. For that matter, not even the players fault…it’s not the system they are playing either…One could say, it is just a matter of not having the right pieces to the puzzle…to many chiefs(centers) and not enough Indians(snipers)…it is time to manufacture some sort of trade to get a legitmate shot onto this team…there is not one guy on the Kings besides maybe Voynov who scares the other team…and certainly the oppositions’goalies are feeling at ease
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Hi Zulov, that is very true about Loktionov’s size and that he will never be a net crasher. Many prolific goal scorers do not crash the net. Nicholls and Gretzky scored a ton of goals when together and neither of them were net crashers. Lokti is not getting into the slot and other scoring areas. These are areas in which you do not have to out muscle big defensemen. I hope Nicholls can work with him on this issue. It didn’t help that Gagne is now out and we are spread more thin. I was hoping for much more from Penner; being that he is in a contract year and apparently got in great shape over the Summer. Who would have thought that beyond Kopi, Richards, Brown and Williams, those will be the only 20+ goal scorers.
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I think Loktionov is playing the best out of the three with Richardson next. Lewis is going into the corners but rarely looks for his mates around the net. In a perfect world I’d have Lewis as the 4th line centre and Moller/Vey/Kozun/Toffoli as the 3rd line RW. Lewis has good wheels that’s for sure he just needs to work on blasting that puck and passing it!
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Bottom line? I think the Kings have the worst 3rd and 4th lines, as far as productivity, in the NHL.
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