Top line reunited

When Justin Williams returned from his broken leg this month, Terry Murray immediately reunited the Smyth-Kopitar-Williams line, and it didn’t really work. Now, after a few games apart, the line is back together…

MURRAY: “We’re getting into the last few games of the season, and it’s time to see it come together. They’re two veteran players on the wings, and this is their time of the year. This is why you add veteran players to your lineup, to step up and make a difference in the game. They’ve had, obviously, some great success together this year, and I took them apart a few games ago because of not working hard for each other. I didn’t think the line, in general, was on top of their game. Not enough desperation, and I’m hoping now that the time apart has brought that work ethic out. I think it has, and I’ll give it another run.

“This is what I want, absolutely. This was a premier line in the game at the start of the year, and unfortunate things happened. That’s the way it goes in hockey, and now it’s time to elevate games. Again, the veterans need to really step up with that intensity and that tenacity that is expected at this time of the year. This is the opportunity.”