When a coach talks to a player on the ice, during practice, it can mean one of two things. It’s either a scolding or encouragement, and in the case of Terry Murray and Jack Johnson today, it was the latter. For a third consecutive day, the Kings spent significant practice time working on special teams — the power play is now ranked 25th in the NHL in efficiency — and Murray said he wanted to reinforce what he saw Johnson doing in drills.
MURRAY: “I think he’s playing very well there. I like what he’s doing with moving his feet, when he gets the puck on his stick, to change the angle of attack, to just change the angle for the PK in that lane, to now be a shooter, with shot mentality, but also you’re still a passer. Sometimes you get back there and you’re standing still, making plays. Then you’re only a playmaker. But that other option, of being a shooter, with his great shot, I just wanted to reinforce it. I love the way he’s moving his feet and opining up some ice for himself.”
It was pointed out to Murray that both Johnson and Drew Doughty, with one goal each — in a combined 44 games — are trying to catch rookie Alec Martinez, who has two goals in five games.
“Any time, boys,” Murray said with a hearty laugh. “Take over, any time you would like.”
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