Secondary scoring is important, yes, as is goaltending, defense and special teams, but it’s no secret that what fueled the Kings’ strong start this season was the top line, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that what fueled the top line was the play of Ryan Smyth. In the four games that Smyth went down with his “upper-body injury,” the Kings are 1-3. Anze Kopitar, Justin Williams and Smyth’s two replacements, Alexander Frolov and Teddy Purcell, have totaled one goal for the top line in those four games.
Given what Terry Murray said last night, it doesn’t appear that Purcell is going to last much longer on the first line. So let’s go back to the poll question from just a week or so ago. Who should replace Smyth? I have included most forwards, but remember that in voting for players such as Dustin Brown and Wayne Simmonds, you might be putting guys in much less comfortable positions. But it’s your vote!
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