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Los Angeles Kings Blogger •
So far so good - October has been very very good to the Kings but I'm not quite writing a check for my playoff tickets just yet. If they can stop blowing 3-4 goal leads and learn to finish off opponents, then the playoff talk can commence.
Anze Kopitar has finally found a mate in Ryan Smyth but I also remember when Mike Cammalleri had 10 goals through the first 10 games and then teams shut him down to the tune of 2 goals in the next 15 games... so I'm going into November with my caution flag.
The defense has been decent and certainly have allowed Jonathan Quick to be in every game (they haven't been blown out... yet) but the penalty kill has been less than stellar this season. Otherwise, the Kings are looking at one or two losses.
The power play has looked good if not inconsistent. Secondary scoring still remains a question mark, but hopefully with the emergence of Scott Parse and the resurrection of Alexander Frolov, that may be more promising in the coming months.
(Knock on wood) there haven't been any significant injuries so far save for a bout with the flu or that dreaded "lower body injury" (i.e. groin), and the addition of Randy Jones should give the defense a better cushion. Manchester has Oscar Moller, Trevor Lewis and Andrei Loktionov waiting in the wings.
It's certainly been a good month at Staples center as they haven't lost in regulation since opening night. Only 5 home games in November. Here's to a 9-1-1 start at home :)
ANZE KOPITAR
Last season when Kopitar cashed his paychecks on the 1st and 15th, they were a relatively nice $58,846. This season when he cashed his check on October 1st and 15th, it was $461,538 each. Is it coincidence that Kopitar has an extra step in his game? Save for a hit post in the Vancouver game and not putting the Sharks away in their shootout, Kopitar has adhered to Dean Lombardi’s request and has certainly “been better”. It certainly helps to have Ryan Smyth on his line and for the first month of the season, they’ve combined for 36 points.
RYAN SMYTH
Last season it took Smyth until December 5th to nail down his 15th point (26 games), this season, he’s accomplished that feat in 11. I’m not sure if Captain California is taking speed or drinking from the fountain of youth, because the usually slow footed Smyth looks faster than ever. For a 33 year old with mileage, Smyth looks invigorated.
JUSTIN WILLIAMS
Last season, coming back from a wrist injury, Williams played 12 games scoring only 1 goal (on the pp) and 3 assists. With the off season to heal and a healthy start, the speed and determination that was not seen in those 12 games has been on prominent display. However, after battling the flu for a few games Justin inevitably went down with the dreaded “lower body injury”. The Kings are going to need the always smiling Williams if they are to make the playoffs, let alone go far and he’s been given ample opportunity playing on the revamped Kopitar/Smyth line. Coach Murray stated that a player doesn’t lose his job to injury, but have fans and coaches alike been impressed with Wayne Simmonds playing on the top line enough to send Williams to the 2nd line?
ALEXANDER FROLOV
Since Alex was benched on October 19th, the message was clearly received and he’s been on a tear. 3 goals and 4 assists in 5 games. There’s even rumblings of a contract extension instead of the usual trade talks. But can Alex sustain this type of play for an entire season? Will he be one of those players that steps it up come playoff time? Say what you want about being on the 2nd or 3rd line, when he wants to play, he’s one of the best in the game.
DUSTIN BROWN
Dustin got off to a slow start, taking 7 games to score his first goal. Since that time, he’s tallied 3 goals and 6 assists. He’s still among the league leaders in hits with 51 (3rd) and seems perfectly suited for 2nd line duties. But if he’s going to match or surpass his 33 goals from two seasons ago, Brown is going to have to be better than he has been.
MICHAL HANDZUS
3rd in the league in shooting percentage at 33.3% with 5 goals on only 15 shots, so he’s making them count. Three of his five goals have been game winners as well, which just shows how important he has been for the Kings this season. However, he was one of the top faceoff men in the league last season who has fallen off the map. He’s had no consistent linemates recently which would account for his measly two assists which were both scored in the second game of the season (12 games ago). If the Kings are going to contend at all, his linemates are going to have to finish what he’s started.
WAYNE SIMMONDS
Everybody loves Wayne. Players, coaches, fans. He works hard and was rewarded with top line play when Justin Williams went down with an injury. Wayne stepped right in scoring two goals and a helper and continuing to play solid hockey. I still prefer him on the Handzus line and he’s only had one fight this season. Only 21 years old and making his mark.
JARRET STOLL
Last season Stoll finished 7th in the league with a 57.2 faceoff percentage. This season he might as well put out an Amber Alert. 57th at 48.7%. Despite his arthritic condition, Jarret seems to be benefiting from playing with newly brought up Scott Parse. 3 goals and 2 assists since his arrival.
TEDDY PURCELL
Probably the most disappointing of the bunch. He started the season on the 2nd line and had a winning goal against San Jose, but playing on the 2nd line and netting 0 goals in 11 games will quickly get you demoted to the 4th line, which is where he winds up in November. If it wasn’t for the unspectacular play of Trevor Lewis, he might be in Manchester. After all the griping Dean Lombardi did this off season, Purcell hasn’t made an impression and probably wont be around by the end of the season unless he starts to put together some consistencey… which won’t be easy to do playing with Richardson and Ivanans.
BRAD RICHARDSON
Brad has actually been having a decent season. He’s been skating like the wind, battling for pucks, and trying anything possible to score. He hasn’t. 0 goals, 0 assists on the 4th line. Granted, having a defenseman playing on your wing and Raitis Ivanans, you’re neither going to get dished the puck or be able to dish it to someone who can finish so I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe paired with Purcell, they can muster up something… anything…
PETER HARROLD
I understand he’s the “utility infielder”. I understand he plays hard. I really like the guy. But reality is, why is Peter Harrold on the ice? If he’s been replaced by David Drewiske, is he just skating on the 4th line as an insurance policy in case a d-man is hurt or in the box? Good strategy I guess, and at least he has one assist this year. I’m just not sure where he fits.
RAITIS IVANAS
I still don’t understand why Ivanans dresses when the other teams’ sluggo doesn’t Is it because the Kings don’t have ENOUGH of a deterrent in Green and O’Donnell? Did Richard Clune really throw a wrench into the plans when he went down to injury… again. I love when Ivanans fights but he’s has had TWO fights this season. TWO. Why is he on the ice? I actually saw him on the power play vs Vancouver trying to plant himself in front of the net. Can someone explain Terry Murray’s obsession with this guy.
SCOTT PARSE
Three words. He can stay.
DREW DOUGHTY
Its certainly hard to find fault with a sophomore who has 12 points so far, even though 8 have come on the pp, and one was a game winner, and maybe I’m just being nit-picky, but does it look like Doughty isn’t playing as well as he did last year defensively? Have teams just figured him out? Are players strong arming him? Again, maybe its just me and at 19 years old I expect the world from him, but I think the Kings are asking way too much.
MATT GREENE
He’s been as solid as ever for a guy who skates like Robitaille. 3rd in the league in blocked shots with 36. He has the heart of a lion that’s for certain and is one of the best “team” players I have ever seen. He’s still Norstrom light to me, and he’s been averaging a perfect 16 minutes a night. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, the Kings will be just fine. Without him, they’re in trouble and that bothers me.
DAVIS DREWISKE
How the heck is Davis Drewiske a +8? He doesn’t seem all that impressive on the ice, but there’s something very Rob Scuderi-like when he’s out there. You don’t notice he’s there but he plays a sound positional game and what he lacks in brawn he makes up for with brains. He’s certainly less of a defensive liability than say Modry or Holland or any number of pylons that have passed through the Kings system in the last decade. He’s been solid.
ROB SCUDERI
Everything as advertised and more. I haven’t really seen the “blocked shots” per-se, but he does everything that’s been asked and get this… he’s only taken TWO minor penalties this season and NONE in the past 9. He’s been an excellent addition to the club.
JACK JOHNSON
He certainly looks a lot happier out there, but has Jack Johnson really been “better”? – For a player that was looked upon to add more offense, one goal (12 games ago) and three assists playing 23 minutes a night (vs the 20 minutes last season) ain’t gonna cut it. Defensively he seems better position wise, but he’s a team worst -6… again. I think Kings fans are all looking for JMFJ to “step it up” a bit.
SEAN O’DONNELL
Who doesn’t love O’D? He sticks up for his mates, he’s the old warrior. Did you know he hasn’t missed a game in nearly 3 years? At 38 years old? This guy is all heart and soul and still playing 18 minutes a night. Love the guy.
JONATHAN QUICK
I’m still not sold on the guy. His save percentage is sub-par and I can only imagine what the Kings record would be if they had signed Anderson and not Colorado. He’s the #1, the go-to guy and may wind up playing 70 games this season. That’s a lot to ask for a 23 year old with just 60 games under his belt. In reality, his only bad game was vs Columbus but if he’s going to be the elite goaltender, the save percentage needs to be a whole lot better.
ERIK ERSBERG
You play one bad game… Wow do I feel sorry for this guy. Doesn’t even get to play on back-to-backs, or 3rd game in 4 nights. Have they just lost faith in him? Is he biding his time until Jon Bernier is ready to come up? All he’s ever done is what has been asked of him, but this is a league of results and Erik only has one win in his last 10 games. It’s just a matter of time. He’s been a good kid.
TERRY MURRAY
How does a team go from 7th in penalty kill to near the bottom? WITH The addition of Rob Scuderi? How does a team go from tops in faceoff percentage to dead last? Murray finally has some actual talent to work with this season but so far (knock on wood) everyone’s been healthy and the Kings did just miss their best October start ever, so I won’t complain too much. Last season the Kings never lost more than 4 in a row. Problem was, they never won more than 4 in a row either. This is certainly the season which will test what he has been preaching to his young team and so far its been working. He’s been honest, fair, has scratched one of his best players, and may be on the cusp of expecting the team to win, instead of hoping they will. Plus, I love interviewing him. He’s always great to the press ☺
TICKETS, VIDEOS & HOCKEYWOOD
lakings.com
TWIT FOR UP TO THE MINUTE KINGS INFO
hockeybuzzbarry
KINGS FANS TALK ABOUT HOW WE'RE IN FIRST PLACE
letsgokings.com
kingsunderground.com
READ JON MONCRIEF
http://www.examiner.com/x-2690-Los-Angeles-Kings-Examiner
BLOG WORLD
lakingsnews.com
frozenroyalty.net
lakingsinsider.com
socaljoecal.com <--- Kings trainer writes a mean blog!
Anze Kopitar has finally found a mate in Ryan Smyth but I also remember when Mike Cammalleri had 10 goals through the first 10 games and then teams shut him down to the tune of 2 goals in the next 15 games... so I'm going into November with my caution flag.
The defense has been decent and certainly have allowed Jonathan Quick to be in every game (they haven't been blown out... yet) but the penalty kill has been less than stellar this season. Otherwise, the Kings are looking at one or two losses.
The power play has looked good if not inconsistent. Secondary scoring still remains a question mark, but hopefully with the emergence of Scott Parse and the resurrection of Alexander Frolov, that may be more promising in the coming months.
(Knock on wood) there haven't been any significant injuries so far save for a bout with the flu or that dreaded "lower body injury" (i.e. groin), and the addition of Randy Jones should give the defense a better cushion. Manchester has Oscar Moller, Trevor Lewis and Andrei Loktionov waiting in the wings.
It's certainly been a good month at Staples center as they haven't lost in regulation since opening night. Only 5 home games in November. Here's to a 9-1-1 start at home :)
ANZE KOPITAR
Last season when Kopitar cashed his paychecks on the 1st and 15th, they were a relatively nice $58,846. This season when he cashed his check on October 1st and 15th, it was $461,538 each. Is it coincidence that Kopitar has an extra step in his game? Save for a hit post in the Vancouver game and not putting the Sharks away in their shootout, Kopitar has adhered to Dean Lombardi’s request and has certainly “been better”. It certainly helps to have Ryan Smyth on his line and for the first month of the season, they’ve combined for 36 points.
RYAN SMYTH
Last season it took Smyth until December 5th to nail down his 15th point (26 games), this season, he’s accomplished that feat in 11. I’m not sure if Captain California is taking speed or drinking from the fountain of youth, because the usually slow footed Smyth looks faster than ever. For a 33 year old with mileage, Smyth looks invigorated.
JUSTIN WILLIAMS
Last season, coming back from a wrist injury, Williams played 12 games scoring only 1 goal (on the pp) and 3 assists. With the off season to heal and a healthy start, the speed and determination that was not seen in those 12 games has been on prominent display. However, after battling the flu for a few games Justin inevitably went down with the dreaded “lower body injury”. The Kings are going to need the always smiling Williams if they are to make the playoffs, let alone go far and he’s been given ample opportunity playing on the revamped Kopitar/Smyth line. Coach Murray stated that a player doesn’t lose his job to injury, but have fans and coaches alike been impressed with Wayne Simmonds playing on the top line enough to send Williams to the 2nd line?
ALEXANDER FROLOV
Since Alex was benched on October 19th, the message was clearly received and he’s been on a tear. 3 goals and 4 assists in 5 games. There’s even rumblings of a contract extension instead of the usual trade talks. But can Alex sustain this type of play for an entire season? Will he be one of those players that steps it up come playoff time? Say what you want about being on the 2nd or 3rd line, when he wants to play, he’s one of the best in the game.
DUSTIN BROWN
Dustin got off to a slow start, taking 7 games to score his first goal. Since that time, he’s tallied 3 goals and 6 assists. He’s still among the league leaders in hits with 51 (3rd) and seems perfectly suited for 2nd line duties. But if he’s going to match or surpass his 33 goals from two seasons ago, Brown is going to have to be better than he has been.
MICHAL HANDZUS
3rd in the league in shooting percentage at 33.3% with 5 goals on only 15 shots, so he’s making them count. Three of his five goals have been game winners as well, which just shows how important he has been for the Kings this season. However, he was one of the top faceoff men in the league last season who has fallen off the map. He’s had no consistent linemates recently which would account for his measly two assists which were both scored in the second game of the season (12 games ago). If the Kings are going to contend at all, his linemates are going to have to finish what he’s started.
WAYNE SIMMONDS
Everybody loves Wayne. Players, coaches, fans. He works hard and was rewarded with top line play when Justin Williams went down with an injury. Wayne stepped right in scoring two goals and a helper and continuing to play solid hockey. I still prefer him on the Handzus line and he’s only had one fight this season. Only 21 years old and making his mark.
JARRET STOLL
Last season Stoll finished 7th in the league with a 57.2 faceoff percentage. This season he might as well put out an Amber Alert. 57th at 48.7%. Despite his arthritic condition, Jarret seems to be benefiting from playing with newly brought up Scott Parse. 3 goals and 2 assists since his arrival.
TEDDY PURCELL
Probably the most disappointing of the bunch. He started the season on the 2nd line and had a winning goal against San Jose, but playing on the 2nd line and netting 0 goals in 11 games will quickly get you demoted to the 4th line, which is where he winds up in November. If it wasn’t for the unspectacular play of Trevor Lewis, he might be in Manchester. After all the griping Dean Lombardi did this off season, Purcell hasn’t made an impression and probably wont be around by the end of the season unless he starts to put together some consistencey… which won’t be easy to do playing with Richardson and Ivanans.
BRAD RICHARDSON
Brad has actually been having a decent season. He’s been skating like the wind, battling for pucks, and trying anything possible to score. He hasn’t. 0 goals, 0 assists on the 4th line. Granted, having a defenseman playing on your wing and Raitis Ivanans, you’re neither going to get dished the puck or be able to dish it to someone who can finish so I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe paired with Purcell, they can muster up something… anything…
PETER HARROLD
I understand he’s the “utility infielder”. I understand he plays hard. I really like the guy. But reality is, why is Peter Harrold on the ice? If he’s been replaced by David Drewiske, is he just skating on the 4th line as an insurance policy in case a d-man is hurt or in the box? Good strategy I guess, and at least he has one assist this year. I’m just not sure where he fits.
RAITIS IVANAS
I still don’t understand why Ivanans dresses when the other teams’ sluggo doesn’t Is it because the Kings don’t have ENOUGH of a deterrent in Green and O’Donnell? Did Richard Clune really throw a wrench into the plans when he went down to injury… again. I love when Ivanans fights but he’s has had TWO fights this season. TWO. Why is he on the ice? I actually saw him on the power play vs Vancouver trying to plant himself in front of the net. Can someone explain Terry Murray’s obsession with this guy.
SCOTT PARSE
Three words. He can stay.
DREW DOUGHTY
Its certainly hard to find fault with a sophomore who has 12 points so far, even though 8 have come on the pp, and one was a game winner, and maybe I’m just being nit-picky, but does it look like Doughty isn’t playing as well as he did last year defensively? Have teams just figured him out? Are players strong arming him? Again, maybe its just me and at 19 years old I expect the world from him, but I think the Kings are asking way too much.
MATT GREENE
He’s been as solid as ever for a guy who skates like Robitaille. 3rd in the league in blocked shots with 36. He has the heart of a lion that’s for certain and is one of the best “team” players I have ever seen. He’s still Norstrom light to me, and he’s been averaging a perfect 16 minutes a night. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, the Kings will be just fine. Without him, they’re in trouble and that bothers me.
DAVIS DREWISKE
How the heck is Davis Drewiske a +8? He doesn’t seem all that impressive on the ice, but there’s something very Rob Scuderi-like when he’s out there. You don’t notice he’s there but he plays a sound positional game and what he lacks in brawn he makes up for with brains. He’s certainly less of a defensive liability than say Modry or Holland or any number of pylons that have passed through the Kings system in the last decade. He’s been solid.
ROB SCUDERI
Everything as advertised and more. I haven’t really seen the “blocked shots” per-se, but he does everything that’s been asked and get this… he’s only taken TWO minor penalties this season and NONE in the past 9. He’s been an excellent addition to the club.
JACK JOHNSON
He certainly looks a lot happier out there, but has Jack Johnson really been “better”? – For a player that was looked upon to add more offense, one goal (12 games ago) and three assists playing 23 minutes a night (vs the 20 minutes last season) ain’t gonna cut it. Defensively he seems better position wise, but he’s a team worst -6… again. I think Kings fans are all looking for JMFJ to “step it up” a bit.
SEAN O’DONNELL
Who doesn’t love O’D? He sticks up for his mates, he’s the old warrior. Did you know he hasn’t missed a game in nearly 3 years? At 38 years old? This guy is all heart and soul and still playing 18 minutes a night. Love the guy.
JONATHAN QUICK
I’m still not sold on the guy. His save percentage is sub-par and I can only imagine what the Kings record would be if they had signed Anderson and not Colorado. He’s the #1, the go-to guy and may wind up playing 70 games this season. That’s a lot to ask for a 23 year old with just 60 games under his belt. In reality, his only bad game was vs Columbus but if he’s going to be the elite goaltender, the save percentage needs to be a whole lot better.
ERIK ERSBERG
You play one bad game… Wow do I feel sorry for this guy. Doesn’t even get to play on back-to-backs, or 3rd game in 4 nights. Have they just lost faith in him? Is he biding his time until Jon Bernier is ready to come up? All he’s ever done is what has been asked of him, but this is a league of results and Erik only has one win in his last 10 games. It’s just a matter of time. He’s been a good kid.
TERRY MURRAY
How does a team go from 7th in penalty kill to near the bottom? WITH The addition of Rob Scuderi? How does a team go from tops in faceoff percentage to dead last? Murray finally has some actual talent to work with this season but so far (knock on wood) everyone’s been healthy and the Kings did just miss their best October start ever, so I won’t complain too much. Last season the Kings never lost more than 4 in a row. Problem was, they never won more than 4 in a row either. This is certainly the season which will test what he has been preaching to his young team and so far its been working. He’s been honest, fair, has scratched one of his best players, and may be on the cusp of expecting the team to win, instead of hoping they will. Plus, I love interviewing him. He’s always great to the press ☺
TICKETS, VIDEOS & HOCKEYWOOD
lakings.com
TWIT FOR UP TO THE MINUTE KINGS INFO
hockeybuzzbarry
KINGS FANS TALK ABOUT HOW WE'RE IN FIRST PLACE
letsgokings.com
kingsunderground.com
READ JON MONCRIEF
http://www.examiner.com/x-2690-Los-Angeles-Kings-Examiner
BLOG WORLD
lakingsnews.com
frozenroyalty.net
lakingsinsider.com
socaljoecal.com <--- Kings trainer writes a mean blog!
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