Quality outings for McNabb, Andreoff

To elaborate on a note from earlier today, those who I spoke to in hockey operations were impressed with the showings by Brayden McNabb and Andy Andreoff in the most recent preseason games.

There were actually two poke checks McNabb made on Duchene that disrupted developing opportunities that the speedy center was looking to generate. He also started the breakout leading to Jeff Carter’s centering feed that Tyler Toffoli redirected past Reto Berra for the Kings’ only regulation goal in the 2-1 shootout win. Tanner Pearson earned the secondary assist.

Andreoff, too, has strung together a pair of strong efforts thus far on the road trip. He was noticeable in both games, though his confidence in carrying the puck deep into the Sharks’ zone during Tuesday’s 4-1 Kings win in San Jose represented the improvements he has made in adjusting to the NHL’s pace; his poise with the puck on his stick carried over to Thursday’s game as well.

I spoke with both McNabb and Andreoff following the team’s practice in Colorado Springs earlier today.

Brayden McNabb, on whether he’s generated some upward trajectory:
Yeah, I mean I feel like I’m getting more comfortable with each game. There’s still a lot of stuff I’ve got to work on, but I’m just getting comfortable with the systems and everything and I think it’s going well so far.

McNabb, on his one-on-one defending on Matt Duchene:
He’s a quick player, a really quick player, and you’ve got to be moving your feet. I think I did a good job on those couple of rushes with my stick, but it’s something I’ve got to be aware of in this league. They’ve got players like that all the time. So it’s being in position and having a good stick.

McNabb, on looking to unleash his heavy slapshot:
Definitely, that’s been one thing I kind of haven’t been able to do yet in the preseason, but it’s something that’ll come in time, getting more comfortable in the offensive zone. I’m just trying to take care of my own end right now, and go from there.

McNabb, on what he’s continuing to work on:
Just my lines, my angling and stuff like that, and being in the right position. All that goes along with just preparation, and I think I’ll be fine. I’ve got a lot of help with the coaches, so it’ll be good.

Andy Andreoff, on his progression through the preseason:
I felt really good. Once I got used to the pace, I was more comfortable. It helps a lot with a little confidence, and a couple of camps under your belt, obviously. Just being with the guys, practicing with them in the playoffs there, being a blacked ace, it helped a lot. I’m looking forward to seeing what happened.

Andreoff, on his poise with the puck in the San Jose game:
Yeah, I was getting the puck a lot. Our line was connecting out there. I guess that’s why they kept us out there for last night’s game, too. We played pretty well both games, so it was really fun playing with them.

Andreoff, on the Kings’ heavy shot attempt advantage against Colorado:
We’ve been playing the system great, and we’ve been making them turn pucks over pretty well, so hopefully keep doing that and create some more scoring chances.

Andreoff, on the feedback he’s been receiving:
Pretty much just keep my feet moving. If I’m going to play center this year, keep working on faceoffs. That’s key in the D-zone, and easy breakouts. Just making sure you’re winning puck battles down low and being good in the D-zone.

Andreoff, on whether he’s gaining a comfort level on faceoffs:
Yeah, absolutely. It’s a little tough at the start of the season on the faceoffs. You’ve just got to get used to it and you’ll be fine.

Andreoff, on Jordan Weal’s shootout game-winner:
When we played in Manchester, he was always one of the top three guys during the shootouts. That’s his move right there.

Jeff Gross / Getty Images Sport

Rules for Blog Commenting

  • No profanity, slurs or other offensive language. Replacing letters with symbols does not turn expletives into non-expletives.
  • Personal attacks against other blog commenters, and/or blatant attempts to antagonize other comments, are not tolerated. Respectful disagreement is encouraged. Posts that continually express the same singular opinion will be deleted.
  • Comments that incite political, religious or similar debates will be deleted.
  • Please do not discuss, or post links to websites that illegally stream NHL games.
  • Posting under multiple user names is not allowed. Do not type in all caps. All violations are subject to comment deletion and/or banning of commenters, per the discretion of the blog administrator.

Repeated violations of the blog rules will result in site bans, commensurate with the nature and number of offenses.

Please flag any comments that violate the site rules for moderation. For immediate problems regarding problematic posts, please email zdooley@lakings.com.