Good afternoon from Toyota Sports Center, where the Kings have wrapped up practice one day after most of the team had stayed off the ice.
Lines were grouped by color-coding:
White: Lucic-Kopitar-Gaborik
Blue: Pearson-Andreoff-Toffoli
Gold: Brown-Shore-King
Green: Clifford-Lewis-Mersch
Purple: O’Neill-Weal-Nolan
Defensive pairings: McNabb-Martinez, Forbort-Doughty, Schultz-Ehrhoff, LoVerde-McBain
Notes:
-Matt Greene, Jake Muzzin and Jeff Carter were absent from the practice. I’m told by hockey operations that Carter’s absence is “more maintenance than anything.” It’s a long season; there should be a low level of concern. Muzzin took the ice with Damir Sharipzyanov after practice and told reporters he’d be ready for opening night – more on that later – while Greene did not take the ice.
-The practice included a healthy amount of line rushes to get the feet moving before the team worked on breakouts, odd-man rushes and transition drills. There were also five-on-five in-zone drills that contained battle elements.
-More to come today, including a look at Drew Doughty’s growth into more of a leadership role with the club. Darryl Sutter quotes and a Muzzin update are coming soon. Also, for those interested, Friday’s practice at Toyota Sports Center is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
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