Practice quotes: Darryl Sutter on skill retention

There were 10 Kings skating at the Sharks’ practice rink just south of downtown San Jose on Wednesday afternoon: Jonathan Bernier, Keaton Ellerby, Kyle Clifford, Brad Richardson, Colin Fraser, Alec Martinez, Davis Drewiske, Jordan Nolan, Tyler Toffoli and Dwight King.

On the ice was a good mix of youth, players who hadn’t suited up in Tuesday’s loss to Phoenix, Colin Fraser and Davis Drewiske. As the skate concluded, Darryl Sutter shared his thoughts on why those particular players were on the ice for practice.

Sutter, on why some players remained at the hotel while the 10 players listed above skated:
“Guys who played too many minutes, and kids who don’t play enough minutes. Other than Fras, it’s a bunch of guys that need significant skill development. What happens – very simple, that’s when they’re not practicing. It’s like you guys. You had a bad first game, too, right? [points to broadcasters and members of the media] Didn’t practice all summer. Very same. But you understand what I’m saying? These guys are the very same. You guys take two months off, you’re not as sharp, either. These guys take two or three days off, their skill sets, the little things, eh? Skate, shoot, pass – all those things drop off. Same as me, right? I used to be able to write with both hands. Now I can’t write with my left hand anymore because I don’t practice it. It’s true. It’s very simple. They’re kids. Every night you look at it – youngest team, youngest team, youngest team, so you rely on energy and repetition and trying to pull that out of your players.”