Hit the ground running

The Kings’ two teenagers, 19-year-olds Kyle Clifford and Brayden Schenn, figure to hit the ground running. They’re playing fourth-line roles, next to fellow rookie Kevin Westgarth, but with the Kings facing games on back-to-back nights to start the season, the fourth line figures to get a bit more playing time than usual. There might be a bit more comfort level for Schenn, given that his NHL debut took place last season in Vancouver, but Terry Murray said he talked with both Clifford and Schenn this week about what he expects from them…

MURRAY: “Both players have played huge minutes in their junior careers, as important players, important roles, and now it changes. The understanding of that is important. They need to just play the minutes that they’re going to get, and play them as well as possible, and continue to stay with the great work ethic, on the ice, off the ice. Never begrudge your time in the trenches. It’s your opportunity to become more important players down the road, and you have to be prepared whenever that chance is there.”

Clifford and Schenn are both in a bit of a tenuous position. They are the two players on the Kings’ roster who can still be sent back to their junior teams — before their 10th NHL games — so it will be important for both to make early good impressions. Murray said he’s not taking the 10-game limit into account when coaching Clifford and Schenn at the start of the season…

MURRAY: “As the coach, I’m taking the approach that they’re here, they’re on the team. They deserved to be here, through their good play in the training camp. That’s the way I will continue to approach it, and play them. I’m talking to them about other things, not only the on-ice stuff but the importance of nutrition and rehydration, so you’re as strong and ready to go in January and February as you are today. I’m taking the approach that they’re a part of this hockey club.”