JORDAN NOLAN
This season: 26 games, 2 goals, 2 assists, plus-2 rating.
The good: With the exception of front-office guru Jack Ferreira, nobody saw this coming. Nolan exceeded expectations in training camp, and reports on him from Manchester were positive, but when the Kings called him up in February, it seemed as though Nolan was only up for a cup of coffee. Except, he didn’t leave. Nolan started in a second-line role but settled nicely into a fourth-line role and looked totally comfortable. Nolan features bulk but also has a good skating stride. He plays very much like a coach’s son — with intelligence — and he can do some damage when he hits and when he drops the gloves.
The bad: Nolan has a sharp wrist shot and has already showed the ability to bury pucks when he has space in the slot, but it doesn’t seem that he will ever be a player who is going to create a lot for himself offensively. That said, if Nolan can continue to fill a fourth-line role, can remain in a rhythm during games even when he gets limited minutes and doesn’t regress in his sophomore season, there aren’t many negatives here. Like any player who fills this role, Nolan needs to be mindful of the proper times to get involved in physical stuff, and can’t become a negative by taking bad penalties.
Going forward: Nolan isn’t quite as physically imposing as Kevin Westgarth, and isn’t quite as skilled all-around as Kyle Clifford, but he does combine Clifford’s fearlessness with Westgarth’s willingness to protect teammates. That’s not a bad combination at all, particularly since, as noted earlier, Nolan can also move his feet well and bury some scoring chances. Nolan had a nice run with the Kings this season, but expectations were low. His challenge now will be to show that he can do it for a full season. If so, there’s no reason why he can’t continue to hold down the fourth-line right-wing spot on an every-game basis.
A rookie who exceeded expectations.
Helped the team win the Cup.
Got his name on the Cup.
Gonna get a ring for winning the Cup.
Buries his scoring chances.
Stands up for his teammates without any hesitation.
“A” for me.
What he lacks will come. If it doesn’t, he’ll be a perennial 4th liner.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:56 am
@Gustavo, To the point and well put. I give Jordy an A as well!
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USHA#17 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:59 pm
@Gustavo,
I think your approach to grading is the right way…how well a player played his position, the nature of penalties taken, the roll assigned and met (or exceeded) expectations.
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luc20rules Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@Gustavo, +1
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Harty Reply:
July 19th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
@Gustavo, Clifford is far better………better skater (Nolan cannot turn tight nor pivot), Clifford is tougher and can move pucks out of his own end and into the opposition’s end better.
CLIFFORD HANDS DOWN………………..
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off topic anyone see kompon hired by blackhawks?
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3Bcrown Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 10:39 am
@3Bcrown, oh and nolan gets a ‘b’.
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Krusher Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 10:59 am
@3Bcrown, And here I was, thinking that the Hawks would be in the playoffs this year. Oh well.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
@3Bcrown, Oh oh!
This is all DL’s fault.
Should have traded him to an Eastern Conf club before his contract ran out and he was able to walk!
Chalk up 4 losses in ’12/13 already.
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Interesting. I think Nolan is more skilled than Clifford and has the potential to be the better player. That being said, I don’t see one as a replacement for the other. Somewhere down the road, it’d be nice to have both in the lineup.
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Harty Reply:
July 19th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
@Whodawat, oh your wrong, IMO…….Kyle is far more talented and everyone forgets the beautiful goals he socred against Chicago in his first year and the goal last year against Renne in Nashville.
Short memories for sure……..Clifford exceeds Nolan easily and this could be proven if you asked around the league who would draw more interest in a trade and or who would bring more back to the Kings in a trade.
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I knew this kid was going to be an NHL player when @ta, @Michael J, and myself saw him at training camp last September, I just didnt think it would be this season. Major credit to Jack Ferriera and Daryl Sutter for realizing this kid might make an impact right now.
Going forward, the scary part is, this kid still has alot of growing to do. If he holds down a roster spot, I fully expect him to be at least 3% better like Dean Lombardi says. He has everything, size, toughness, solid skater, and hands. No reason not to think he will get better.
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Michael J. Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 10:51 am
@puck73,
I remember thinking “who is that BIG kid?” as he towered over the gropu on the ice.
Funny how after spending so much time talking with Kozun’s dad we (or I) thought it was Brandon who would be called up…
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Michael J. Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 10:54 am
@puck73,
“No reason not to think he will get better” can apply to:
Nolan
King
Lewis
Clifford
Voynov
Martinez
Doughty
Kopi
Quick
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Steven H Brown Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
@Michael J., Hard to see how Quick gets better, but if he maintains his level of play, and they score more for him in years to come, like they did in the playoffs, then the results should be better. Quick was the best goalie in the league last year, Lundqvist won the Vezina, because he had been a finalist before and the Rangers finished 1st in the East, while the Kings finished 8th in the West. Not a whole lot of separation between them during the regular season, but in the playoffs, when JQ finally got some offensive help 16-4 including 2 OT wins in NJ against Brodeur vs 10-10 for HL including 3 straight losses to Marty.
Nolan most definitely has room to improve, and I think way more than 3% is possible. Yes expectations were low, when he was called up, but if you are going to keep even a 4th line spot on a stanley Cup champion, then, you had better up your game. when they first were recalled, it was hard to tell a difference between Nolan and King, and I get that goal scoring can be streaky, and you can have a nice run even as a secondary scoring threat like King had in the Phoenix series, we haven’t seen that yet from Nolan, and if he wants to stay in the NHL and do it with the Kings he needs to have a spurt or 2 this next season, where he buries 3 or 4 goals in a 5 game stretch, at some point, rather than 1 in 20 like he had in the playoffs. I gave him a B.
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Michael J. Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@Steven H Brown
Frankly, I can’t imagine him getting better either. that being said, if he is the competitor that DL says, and based upon his improvement over each of the past three seasons I don’t see why he won’t be determined to make himself better.
Who’s this year’s Scott Thomas (read: the guy who had a sentimental impact in the playoffs but didn’t cut it the next year)? Which player are we not supposed to marry ourselves to? I’m pleasantly surprised by the impact some guys (King, Nolan, Lewis, Richardson, Martinez) had, but none of those guys are core players and are very much in competition for their jobs. Something’s gotta give because they can’t all stay around if Gagne is healthy and Deano brings in another winger (Doan).
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Mike Onusic Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@FKA PakiFro, King is here to stay
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Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
@Mike Onusic, Add AMart to that list..
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Rich,I think you have downplayed Jordan’s abilities as a passer. For a guy in his role, he does seem to see the ice well and is able to help the play along by passing.
With that said, Nolan is fine in his 4th line role. But he may be the first guy to lose his job to someone in the AHL. I hope not, but the onus is on Jordan to get stronger and to find a way to get better.
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I like JoNo’s game. I really liked that he wasn’t afraid to make plays, to try to get scoring chances. A lot of players in a 4th line role like that would be so hesitant to do anything except dump the puck and chase, but 71 showed a lot of confidence carrying the puck, making smart, crisp passes most of the time or getting a quality shot on goal. Keep it up kid.
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DiggerRocket Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:09 pm
@K.M. Cost, I agree, I though he showed flashes of sweet dangles that a top 6 guy would make. Give this kid a few season and I think he will be well beyond a 4th line guy.
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C+ will need to continue to improve to stick around. Lot of talent looking to take his job
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I am having a hard time giving anyone less than an A on a team that won the Stanley Cup…
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lakingsphan0427 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 10:55 am
@Steve S., I agree with you Steve with the exception of Stolly..He takes too many dumb penalties..
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Gary Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
@Steve S., right!?!
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“No! You don’t pinch in for ANY puck. You’re too young. Once it gets across the blue line, you turn tail and skate back towards your own net like your life my depended on it and collapse around it like a folding assistant coach. You’re first and foremost a defenseman, right? Where do we get you people? Dismissed!! Next group of defensemen, please!”
= [thinks] Why do they keep sending me 3 at a time and why do I have to do all Johhny’s work for him. This wouldn’t happen in Chicago. Oh well. =
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Solid B especially for a rookie. I expect B+ this year and doubt he will be beat out
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With the emergence of this guy and King, Clifford will most likely be with another team a few years down the road.
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:24 am
@Purple Reign, Totally disagree. Some are in a love affair with these young players, and it’s understandable after winning the Cup but you can’t dismiss Clifford’s potential skill level because he had a subpar 2nd season. Players like King and Nolan will now deal with what Clifford did going into this past season. The guys 20 years old and Lombardi is not going to give up on him in a year or two. Competition is good and there should be plenty on this team for roster spots in the coming seasons and I’m not counting out Clifford just because some players showed some spark in the playoffs. Clifford did the same the season before against SJ. Memories get short when things are going so well!!
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Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:41 am
@Shotongoal, Ayr affair?
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:48 am
@Duncanz, Nope just know talent when I know it and I’m not blinded by a two month playoff stretch. Very happy with that stretch mind you, but keeping it real just the same!
Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@Shotongoal,
Interesting ‘cos I’m in the quite-suitably-impressed-with-Jordy-Nolan camp, myself.
Tell you what, though! Whoever stays and whoever goes, I couldn’t be happier and more disappointed for each of them, respectively.
But then, I’m just an old fashioned two-timin’ gal ..
Shotongoal Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@Duncanz, I don’t see either going as long as they progress in their abilities. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nolan as the 4th line center when Fraser’s contract is up or if his health should falter again. Or, even the 3rd line center spot when Stoll’s new contract expires. Clifford fits in as the 4th line LW if he’s back to 100% and not having the sophomore struggle in his 3rd season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these two as line mates in 2-3 years. Certainly I see no reason why either one will be sent packing unless it’s in a trade that makes the Kings better than they already are.
Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
@Shotongoal,
Fair enough about them both staying.
This is really going to be a big year for Kyle Cliffy to make his stand. Could be pivotal.
Interesting you see Jordy N as a (future) center.
What gives rise to this because I was not aware he had played the position?
Did he have a few goes at it in the minors?
Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Ah, well done!
I now see he was originally listed as a “center”. I did not know that.
And the “F” troll strikes again! Ha ha! Haters gonna hate!
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egmorris Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:00 am
@Andros,
yeah who are these people haha
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I guess we don’t have to worry much about the Blackhawks PP next season, lol
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=638088
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Michael J. Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:03 am
@Gustavo,
Yes, now Kayne, Sharp, Keith, Toews, Hossa, Stallberg, & Seabrook will all forget everything they have been taught until now and learn at the feet of JK to stand in place for two minutes.
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Donald_S Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:06 am
@Gustavo,
Be careful. If the Blackhawks have a top 5 PP next year, you guys are lining yourselves up for a whole crow meal. I would just want to wish Kompon well. Obviously they think he has something to contribute or he wouldn’t have been hired. Quenneville is a pretty fine coach, and no fool. He knows a lot more about hockey than any of us backseat drivers.
It’s funny to me that everyone in the forums will give any Kings player an ‘A’, even though some clearly don’t deserve it, but not the coaching staff.
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:29 am
@Donald_S, I don’t agree with all the A’s myself, but there is no denying that Kompon needed to be let go! I don’t care what he does and I certainly don’t wish him success with CHI because that could threaten the Kings’ season. Kompon’s not my relative or friend so I have no reason whatsoever to see him succeed. He was brutal in his coaching position with the Kings and probably had no business being in the capacity that he was. Farewell Jamie may we never see you again! To harsh?
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Gustavo Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@Shotongoal,
Harsh is good. Harsh to all the LAK opponents, I say!!…and off with their power play.
poe Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
@Shotongoal, Does this mean the Hawks are going to be plaing roller hocke..JK’s specialty?
Gustavo Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
@Donald_S,
Be careful?????..Why????
The only reason Kompon got his old job back is because coach Q must think highly of him during his tenure as a Hawk assistant…or his has something on Q, like many claimed he did on coach Murray. Nepotism runs rampant, perhaps?
I do not owe this guy anything but a ‘good riddance’ thought. Soon after DS took over the reins, JK was relieved of duties. “Off to the video room you go, Jamie. Leave the PP to us professional coaches. Bernie, please come out of hiding and help us a little, will ya?”.
Cannot think on one single positive thing this guy brought to the LAK power play during his time here. Was it partially coach Murray’s fault? Perhaps. Still ‘good riddance’. I only hope he does the same thing to Chicago as he did to us.
So no, I do not have to be careful.
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@Rich Hammond,
Sorry Rich but Nolan has MORE puck skill than Clifford. Nothing against Kyle but Nolan has better hands. He could play center if necessary and Nolan is the most underated player (potentially) in the Kings organization. He may get stuck in a bottom line type role and never develop his abilites to the max but he could be a really good power forward if he gets the chance and if luck is with him.
Yes, he does have a good skating stride but like Penner has terrible problems with turns. He needs to get lower on his turns and keep his upper body more still when turning and ideally learn to turn effectively with one skate on the ice and the other in the air behind him like a speed skater. His turns would be tighter and more effective. He’s had this turning problem for two years since I first saw him and either D.Evans doesn’t know how to fix it or Nolan hasn’t practiced it enough.
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iansez Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:46 am
@Crown Royal, Yeah agreed. I noticed Nolan making some nice creative plays, stuff I’ve never seen Clifford do. Definitely feel there is more potential there offensively than he’s being given credit for, it’s probably just that as a coaches son he’s be taught to “prioritize” his play, focusing on positioning and other aspects first..
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Crown Royal Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:56 am
@iansez,
True and I’m sure he’s been told to keep it simple when he got up to the big club. Also he hasn’t been playing on a regular basis with skilled players so far in the NHL.
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I really like how the Kings’ support players are all so young. Jordan should have the opportunity to furthed develop his game this upcoming season.
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Michael J. Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:27 am
@Michael J.,
further not furthed…
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I know it’s coming, but I’m going to be shocked if there is any real content on “The Bad:” segment of Jonathan Quick.
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2012 Champs Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@LosAngelesKing, Puck handling
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neil Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:22 am
@LosAngelesKing, has trouble with long shots during the play offs…..has bad language during celebtations?
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Michael J. Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:25 am
@neil,
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:45 am
@neil,
Leaves the top of the net open!
How many pundits said that one?
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viceless Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:59 pm
@neil, should not leave the crease to handle the puck, ever?
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@LosAngelesKing, That’s an easy one actually, puck handling skills……. I’ll take him just the way he is though!
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FiG17 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:54 am
@LosAngelesKing,
Puck handling and the occasional really… really bad goal. (The one in Phoenix comes to mind).
But that’s hardly enough to grade him any less than the A+ he deserves.
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bbb7 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@LosAngelesKing, Not a good interview?
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Gustavo Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
@LosAngelesKing,
J. Quick – The Bad:
He needs to needs to stay from microphones and media people after he wins his next Stanley Cup. At least until he sobers up completely.
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Gustavo Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
@Gustavo,
*Stay away*
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When he’s not sipping coffee from Jack Ferreira’s percolator, this guy has a lot of good things going for him.
Except for that he apparently;
> is never going to get that extraneous wrist shot going and score another goal in the NHL
> picks the wrong times to get involved physically
> consequently takes millions of bad penalties
> has half the skill of a big red dog
> can’t carry Westy’s fight strap
> is headlong on a collision course with the patently inevitable ‘sophomore slump’
> will never get off the 4th line and might go back down when the cup of coffee is finished
> has a dad who hasn’t had an NHL job in three centuries
” A ” !
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Gary Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@Duncanz, nice
A-, cause everyone has room for improvement
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Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
@Gary, True.
Perhaps I was a little too kneejerk in my reaction to @RH’s glow(er)ing review.
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Who has more upside ….nolan or cliffy
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KC23 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:35 am
@neil, Way too early to tell. They could both go south or both become very stong.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@neil, I know that one!
The kid from Ontario.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@neil, Jordy by a mile…………….
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i’m not sure there’s even a purpose in carrying westgarth on the roster if you have nolan, king and clifford. they all suit more than one purpose.
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bbb7 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@hiway39, Agree
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B
Both he and Kings gave a huge shot in the arm to this team after getting the call and continued throughout the playoffs.
I like the fact that he plays fearless and also has some skill, especially for a guy drafted in 7th rd, but he needs to cut out the bad offensive zone penalties. They were noticeable. You don’t want to take away his agressiveness, but he also has to learn to play with smarts.
I like Nolan and hope he continues to improve. Does Nolan take the place of Clifford in the lineup? The 4th line is Fraser and the wingers are a combination of Nolan/Clifford/Gagne/Westy…I don’t see Westy getting any significant playing time,and if Gags is healthy, he’ll be in the lineup somewhere…Should be a fun battle in training camp.
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I can’t decide what to do with all our 4th line wingers. One thing that is nice is there are plenty of choices, depth is always good at any position! C+
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Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:54 am
@magnum69, We need to put out a 5th line.
Some of these defenseman are just not putting out in the scoring stakes!
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* Trying desperarately to remain On Topic, but if you remove the As & Ns, Jordy is (there they are ->) an anagam of Jon Lord.
RIP Jon Lord!
… anyone seen @PurpleRocks around lately?
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Hickey, Legein, Meckler, and Muzzin sign one year deals per Helene.
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Hey NOLAN! Next year when we win the Cup again, if you’re out on the ice, get the damn puck!
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Hard to complain about anyone taking bad penalties,
Considering the PK, just sayin. Came up, did what was
asked of him and then some. A
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Who are these LARRY’S giving these players F’s????? what because Nolan didnt score 100 goals in one season??? WHAT A BUNCH OF LARRY’S
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HockeyNerd Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
@dave, It’s just trolls. Calm down, or otherwise when we get to the letter Q you are really going to lose it….
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dave Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
@HockeyNerd, I’m 100% calm! Just find it lame that people come on a Kings site when either they are not Kings fans or they are Kings fans that don’t know a puck from a basketball
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I grade based on expectations. What were Nolan’s expectations? Well to fill in a few games if there were injuries. But what actually happened is he got called up as “a let’s see what happens experiment”. He stuck on the roster and played EVERY GAME in the playoffs even when Clifford (and later Richardson) sat.
An A from me.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@HockeyNerd,
An A ????
How are we possibly going to mark in perspective when we get to the Qs???
Some of these grades are driving me craaaazy!!!!
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HockeyNerd Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@Duncanz, The bright side: look for the grade that is not an A when we get to the Q’s and we will have found @poorman….
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Go Kings Go!
B+
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I gave Nolan a B, but considering the expectations for him, he was an A. he clearly didn’t stick on the 2nd line and ended up on the 4th line, but he was great in that role and i’d love to see him get 10 minutes a night on that 4th line.
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Saw his first Pro game with Ontario, and the kid continues to impress. Nothing but upside here…a true ALL AROUND player! B+
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Harty Reply:
July 19th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
@Reign Mafia, I’ve watched him since his minor hockey days in St. Catherines Ontario as he is a relative.
If Jordan is a B+ Clifford is a solid A, much more talented.
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Didn’t say this at the time, but Nolan was the guy that stepped up in game 1 of the finals and showed New Jersey the Kings were not going to be bullied. For that alone he gets an A.
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