Jason Lewis: Kings Offense Comes to Life, Top-20 Prospects List Revealed

Couldn't agree more on Muzzin. He had a very nice play on McGinn in the 3rd to negate a scoring chance and looked much more stable.

It was nice to see Mike Richards actually look like Mike Richards again. He protected the puck well, set up Carter for the tying goal, passes were tape to tape, and less fumbling with the puck.

I was also impressed with Toffoli and his ability to get out of trouble while regrouping. He skated around poised and confident, did not turn the puck over in a couple pressure spots. I knew he had the hands, really good to see the IQ.

Pearson was ok. He got better as the game went on. Same for Jones with some monster saves in the 3rd after maybe 1 or 2 he'd like to have back.

I enjoyed your prospect rankings on HF. I thought Hudson Fasching would be higher on the list but could not be more thrilled to hear the good things stated about Gravel. Best case scenario would you say he is 2 seasons away?

As a whole where would you rank the Kings system vs. that of other NHL teams.

I'd do Clifford, Pearson and a 1st for Markov. And if you want, we will give you Moen to.

I'd do Clifford, Pearson and a 1st for Markov. And if you want, we will give you Moen to.
- soad_live

For a rental? Uuuuuuugh no.

what's LA looking for coming into the deadline. I don't get to see many kings games, but your team looks pretty stacked on paper.

what's LA looking for coming into the deadline. I don't get to see many kings games, but your team looks pretty stacked on paper.
- sensarmy_11

A left side D to play top pairing minutes with Doughty would be fantastic.

If the Kings did trade for a rental, you are one of the few teams that I think have a great chance to retain a rental. Your team is loaded w/talent and has a chance every year, which is promising to a player. Now I don't know you're cap situation, so that would be the only negative.....

You forgot Nick Ebert.

A left side D to play top pairing minutes with Doughty would be fantastic.
- PancakesPenner[/qu

Exactly.

It was nice to see Mike Richards actually look like Mike Richards again. He protected the puck well, set up Carter for the tying goal, passes were tape to tape, and less fumbling with the puck.

- QuicksEnnormous

WHAT??? Richards looked terrible out there!! I picked him up in my fantasy because someone had cut him before the break and I thought the rest would rejuvinate his game...boy was I wrong. He skated like a slug, he lost the puck REPEATEDLY, about the only pass he completed was the one to Carts in front of the net, he was weak on the puck, too. I don't know what happened to him, but it isn't pretty. The only player that looked worse was Dustin Brown, who IMO needs to see a game or three from the presser. He was horrendous! And then Baby8 plays his heart out in the Olympics, and I'm starting to think that literally, because he was lackluster AGAIN for the Kings. That goal by Paren-toe was very much Baby8's fault. What kind of weak stick check was that on a guy coming down broadway right to Jones' crease??? Both he and Brown are our frankin tin-men... if they only had a heart!

IMO the 6 goals (and Martin Jones' play in the 3rd) bailed the Kings out of a game they had no business winning. I was glad to get the 2 points, but I was disgusted with the play from the team. Kopitar is pretty much the ONLY player earning his paycheck right now, with Toffoli at least looking like he wants to stay up.

Lets get Clifford and Muzzin on a train out of here for a player, maybe even throw in Vey, too. He's too small and was puched off the puck everytime he got close enough to sniff at it.

You forgot Nick Ebert.
- HardPuck

Ebert is a super tough call to me right now.

Very naturally gifted player but the guys in front of him, are just having to strong of season. They are also playing above and beyond expectations. LaDue is beating out several other freshman to be an every day starter. Berube is carrying the mail very well for Manchester, and Leslie and Brodzinski are having amazing seasons at younger ages.

I couldn't in good conscience put Ebert over them

[quote=QuicksEnnormous]
It was nice to see Mike Richards actually look like Mike Richards again. He protected the puck well, set up Carter for the tying goal, passes were tape to tape, and less fumbling with the puck.

- Stu17

WHAT??? Richards looked terrible out there!! I picked him up in my fantasy because someone had cut him before the break and I thought the rest would rejuvinate his game...boy was I wrong. He skated like a slug, he lost the puck REPEATEDLY, about the only pass he completed was the one to Carts in front of the net, he was weak on the puck, too. I don't know what happened to him, but it isn't pretty. The only player that looked worse was Dustin Brown, who IMO needs to see a game or three from the presser. He was horrendous! And then Baby8 plays his heart out in the Olympics, and I'm starting to think that literally, because he was lackluster AGAIN for the Kings. That goal by Paren-toe was very much Baby8's fault. What kind of weak stick check was that on a guy coming down broadway right to Jones' crease??? Both he and Brown are our frankin tin-men... if they only had a heart!

IMO the 6 goals (and Martin Jones' play in the 3rd) bailed the Kings out of a game they had no business winning. I was glad to get the 2 points, but I was disgusted with the play from the team. Kopitar is pretty much the ONLY player earning his paycheck right now, with Toffoli at least looking like he wants to stay up.

Lets get Clifford and Muzzin on a train out of here for a player, maybe even throw in Vey, too. He's too small and was puched off the puck everytime he got close enough to sniff at it.

I certainly agree Jones and Kopitar were the Kings best players. Four goals against seems bad but it could have been ten.

WHAT??? Richards looked terrible out there!! I picked him up in my fantasy because someone had cut him before the break and I thought the rest would rejuvinate his game...boy was I wrong. He skated like a slug, he lost the puck REPEATEDLY, about the only pass he completed was the one to Carts in front of the net, he was weak on the puck, too. I don't know what happened to him, but it isn't pretty. The only player that looked worse was Dustin Brown, who IMO needs to see a game or three from the presser. He was horrendous! And then Baby8 plays his heart out in the Olympics, and I'm starting to think that literally, because he was lackluster AGAIN for the Kings. That goal by Paren-toe was very much Baby8's fault. What kind of weak stick check was that on a guy coming down broadway right to Jones' crease??? Both he and Brown are our frankin tin-men... if they only had a heart!

IMO the 6 goals (and Martin Jones' play in the 3rd) bailed the Kings out of a game they had no business winning. I was glad to get the 2 points, but I was disgusted with the play from the team. Kopitar is pretty much the ONLY player earning his paycheck right now, with Toffoli at least looking like he wants to stay up.

Lets get Clifford and Muzzin on a train out of here for a player, maybe even throw in Vey, too. He's too small and was puched off the puck everytime he got close enough to sniff at it.
- Stu17

I dont understand any Kings fan questioning the heart of Doughty and Brown. Seriously? I couldn't disagree more with your assessment of the game.
Was the PK terrible absolutely. Thats what it was though 3 of the 4 goals against came on the PK. 2 of those calls were brutal. Especially the phantom call on Carter.

Richards had a hell of a play on the tying goal and did you watch the powerplay in the 3rd. We don't score the game winning goal without a great play by Richards to gain the zone 1 on 3 and maintain possession.

I have a suggestion for any Kings fan trying to just give away Clifford. Go to Youtube. Type in game highlights from the playoffs any of the last two seasons vs. SJ or STL. Try your hardest to find a game were Clifford doesn't make a huge impact on the forecheck.

A left side D to play top pairing minutes with Doughty would be fantastic.
- PancakesPenner

AMEN

AMEN
- QuicksEnnormous

Who that could be, I don't know. Just spitting out lefty Dmen off the top of my head I can think of Giordano, Staal, McDonagh, Phaneuf... I don't know if any of they would be made available, what they would cost, and if they would even work paired with Doughty. All I know is Doughty needs something more than the revolving door he's got next to him, kind of like Petro in StL has now in JBo.

I dont understand any Kings fan questioning the heart of Doughty and Brown. Seriously? I couldn't disagree more with your assessment of the game.
Was the PK terrible absolutely. Thats what it was though 3 of the 4 goals against came on the PK. 2 of those calls were brutal. Especially the phantom call on Carter.

Richards had a hell of a play on the tying goal and did you watch the powerplay in the 3rd. We don't score the game winning goal without a great play by Richards to gain the zone 1 on 3 and maintain possession.

I have a suggestion for any Kings fan trying to just give away Clifford. Go to Youtube. Type in game highlights from the playoffs any of the last two seasons vs. SJ or STL. Try your hardest to find a game were Clifford doesn't make a huge impact on the forecheck.
- QuicksEnnormous

When I see Doughty playing for the Olympics I see heart. When I see Doughty in a Kings sweater, not so much. He's content to rag the puck up slowly on the PP like it was 5 minute endeavor and not a 2. I actually think there was a wrist shot siting, but only one. And Brown??? If I had a nickel, no, not even a nickel, a HALF PENNY for everytime he put a shot wide/high, I'd quit my day job. I'll give him that pass he got off to Stoll (a tape-to-tape pass by DB is as rare a sighting as sasquatch) but otherwise, the man has done nothing and looks content to continue to do nothing.

And as far as MR goes, one entry into the zone does not make a good night for a forward who just 2-3 seasons ago was considered a heart&soul guy that can do it all... He's slow as molassasses dripping on a cold winters day, his passes end up in more turnovers than completions, his backhand is non-existant, and worst of all, I think he's just depressed about not being "the man" like he was in Philly. Here in LA he's just a center/winger, not a 1st line mainstay.

And Re Cliffy, why go to youtube to look up 2 seasons worth of forecheck in a couple of PO series? Just look at his game, day in day out. He's one fight away from serious concussion issues, he's loathe to pass the puck anytime he gets it on his stick, he's basically DB lite. We can't be content to keep a guy because of his forecheck in the postseason. We have enough forecheck grinders (Stoll, King (who is suprisingly good at the forecheck considering his foot speed), Lewis, Toffoli, Nolan, and the list goes on and on), we need some 2-4 line contribution on the score sheet.

Who that could be, I don't know. Just spitting out lefty Dmen off the top of my head I can think of Giordano, Staal, McDonagh, Phaneuf... I don't know if any of they would be made available, what they would cost, and if they would even work paired with Doughty. All I know is Doughty needs something more than the revolving door he's got next to him, kind of like Petro in StL has now in JBo.
- PancakesPenner

Gio is the only one with the possibility of moving I'd say. Those other three are staples of the backends they play on. Even Phaneuf to an extent.

When I see Doughty playing for the Olympics I see heart. When I see Doughty in a Kings sweater, not so much. He's content to rag the puck up slowly on the PP like it was 5 minute endeavor and not a 2. I actually think there was a wrist shot siting, but only one. And Brown??? If I had a nickel, no, not even a nickel, a HALF PENNY for everytime he put a shot wide/high, I'd quit my day job. I'll give him that pass he got off to Stoll (a tape-to-tape pass by DB is as rare a sighting as sasquatch) but otherwise, the man has done nothing and looks content to continue to do nothing.

And as far as MR goes, one entry into the zone does not make a good night for a forward who just 2-3 seasons ago was considered a heart&soul guy that can do it all... He's slow as molassasses dripping on a cold winters day, his passes end up in more turnovers than completions, his backhand is non-existant, and worst of all, I think he's just depressed about not being "the man" like he was in Philly. Here in LA he's just a center/winger, not a 1st line mainstay.

And Re Cliffy, why go to youtube to look up 2 seasons worth of forecheck in a couple of PO series? Just look at his game, day in day out. He's one fight away from serious concussion issues, he's loathe to pass the puck anytime he gets it on his stick, he's basically DB lite. We can't be content to keep a guy because of his forecheck in the postseason. We have enough forecheck grinders (Stoll, King (who is suprisingly good at the forecheck considering his foot speed), Lewis, Toffoli, Nolan, and the list goes on and on), we need some 2-4 line contribution on the score sheet.
- Stu17

If a good trade were to be had for cliffy thats one thing but Im in no rush to ship him out of town for peanuts. I really don't understand the Doughty haters. Look who he plays with! He's forced to play the defensive role on this team. If he doesn't Greene, Regehr and Mitchell get exposed because they are the slowest players on the team by far.

Why are you worried about what this team does day in and day out. The style of game changes in the playoffs and the Kings, especially players you have questioned have risen their game every year in the playoffs. Richards, Brown, Doughty and Voynov... These guys have the rare ability to elevate their game in big moments. I don't care if we go in as the 3 seed and play SJ in the first round.

Tell me how does sustained excellence in the regular season faired for SJ and Van over the past 10 years. What about the division leading Ducks last year. I love our team as constituted. The holes are apparent top end LW top pairing D for Doughty other than those needs I wouldn't change a thing

Gio is the only one with the possibility of moving I'd say. Those other three are staples of the backends they play on. Even Phaneuf to an extent.
- Jason_Lewis

True. Could Calgary be convinced to send him the Kings way for some combination of youth and picks? Would be nice. As far as the other three, I know it'll never happen, but I can dare to dream.

True. Could Calgary be convinced to send him the Kings way for some combination of youth and picks? Would be nice. As far as the other three, I know it'll never happen, but I can dare to dream.
- PancakesPenner

Gio has a great contract too. Couldn't imagine it would cost less than a roster player a prospect or 2 and a 1st.

If a good trade were to be had for cliffy thats one thing but Im in no rush to ship him out of town for peanuts. I really don't understand the Doughty haters. Look who he plays with! He's forced to play the defensive role on this team. If he doesn't Greene, Regehr and Mitchell get exposed because they are the slowest players on the team by far.

Tell me how does sustained excellence in the regular season faired for SJ and Van over the past 10 years. What about the division leading Ducks last year. I love our team as constituted. The holes are apparent top end LW top pairing D for Doughty other than those needs I wouldn't change a thing
- QuicksEnnormous

I'm not saying put Cliffy on waivers, but if a team wants him in a package, he's gone.

Sustained excellence? I'm not even talking sustained excellence. I'm talking about not being 29th in offense. I'm talking about home ice in the 1st, maybe second round. Let's use your playoff time maching and look back to last year, shall we. Do you see us beating SJ without home ice?

I agree, we are built for the playoffs, but right now, the way the team has been playing, multiple 4-5 game losing streaks, we're not even assured of getting a ticket into the dance. I'm not looking for a presidents trophy, I'm looking for a nice cushion from 9th place. What good is being built for the playoffs if you don't even make it???

And as far as MR goes, one entry into the zone does not make a good night for a forward who just 2-3 seasons ago was considered a heart&soul guy that can do it all... He's slow as molassasses dripping on a cold winters day, his passes end up in more turnovers than completions, his backhand is non-existant, and worst of all, I think he's just depressed about not being "the man" like he was in Philly. Here in LA he's just a center/winger, not a 1st line mainstay.
- Stu17

Toffoli/Richards/Carter would be the first line on over half the teams in the NHL. Lately, Richards hasn't been the exceptional player that he usually is, but he is still one of the most talented players on the team. He'll turn it around down the stretch, I'd bet the farm on it.

Toffoli/Richards/Carter would be the first line on over half the teams in the NHL. Lately, Richards hasn't been the exceptional player that he usually is, but he is still one of the most talented players on the team. He'll turn it around down the stretch, I'd bet the farm on it.
- tkecanuck341

And that's my point. On over half the teams, he might be playing better too. But on the Kings, he's not top line, he's not captain, he's not the go to guy, he's just a top 6 forward centering the 2nd line. He's not even playing with Carter (although they were reunited for some shifts last night) which might even be adding to his depressed play. I don't question his talent, or his mind for the game, but his body is letting him down, maybe even breaking down.
I hope you don't lose your farm because as much as I would love to be wrong, I don't see his production changing from what it is right now. Something is nagging him, physically. Maybe a hip, maybe something in his wrist(s), maybe more than one thing. But he's skating like Paul Coffey towards the end of his career, and he's got no steam on anything backhand.

And that's my point. On over half the teams, he might be playing better too. But on the Kings, he's not top line, he's not captain, he's not the go to guy, he's just a top 6 forward centering the 2nd line. He's not even playing with Carter (although they were reunited for some shifts last night) which might even be adding to his depressed play. I don't question his talent, or his mind for the game, but his body is letting him down, maybe even breaking down.
I hope you don't lose your farm because as much as I would love to be wrong, I don't see his production changing from what it is right now. Something is nagging him, physically. Maybe a hip, maybe something in his wrist(s), maybe more than one thing. But he's skating like Paul Coffey towards the end of his career, and he's got no steam on anything backhand.
- Stu17

I don't remember them playing together regularly in Philly. I remember them both playing center on the top two lines, so I doubt that has too much to do with it. His play has looked off lately, but I think he'll bounce back.

And that's my point. On over half the teams, he might be playing better too. But on the Kings, he's not top line, he's not captain, he's not the go to guy, he's just a top 6 forward centering the 2nd line. He's not even playing with Carter (although they were reunited for some shifts last night) which might even be adding to his depressed play. I don't question his talent, or his mind for the game, but his body is letting him down, maybe even breaking down.
I hope you don't lose your farm because as much as I would love to be wrong, I don't see his production changing from what it is right now. Something is nagging him, physically. Maybe a hip, maybe something in his wrist(s), maybe more than one thing. But he's skating like Paul Coffey towards the end of his career, and he's got no steam on anything backhand.
- Stu17

How do you figure. He has worn an A for at least half the season. Its obvious when Greene leaves he's getting that letter. They weren't reunited for some shifts last night they played the entire game on the same line with Pearson.

I respect the opinion of any fan no disrespect but I just don't agree with the pessimism you seem to have on Richards, Doughty and Brown.