Tonight will be the first match-up of the year between the Kings and Blackhawks. Last season, Chicago took all four games in the series, pushing their win streak over Los Angeles to six straight and they're 9-0-1 in the last 10 meetings overall.
Last hour we looked at some fun facts leading into tonight's game - including notes on Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Sean O'Donnell, Daniel Carcillo and more (link).
Now, three of the Kings' starting defensemen weigh in with some thoughts...
Drew Doughty - "We know how good they are. We know all their skilled players and what they're all about. It's going to be a tough task for us. We need to come out with a win. We can't be satisfied with only getting three out of four points every time. We need to be winning every game if we can against teams like Chicago, and we have San Jose right after that. There are two huge games for us and we really need to win both of them."
Jack Johnson - "They're still a great team, they still have their top players there and they're some of the top players in the league. Kane, Toews, Hossa, Sharp - those are great players. They're going to be a tough team to play, for sure. I feel like every time we talk about the next team, we're going to say 'they're a tough team.' But, that's just the way it is now. That's the NHL wants it. The margin for error is so small, a bounce here or there can determine a hockey game."
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Kings vs Blackhawks pregame primer - a few fun facts
Before we get into the fun of hearing from a trio of Kings defensemen regarding tonight's match-up with the Blackhawks, let's first run through a few quick notes and stats...
- For Simon Gagne and Mike Richards, today's game may be a little more personal than it is for other members of the Kings. It was the Blackhawks who beat their then-team, the Flyers, in overtime for the Stanley Cup back in 2010.
- During the regular season, Richards has only played Chicago five times in his career, posting two points (both goals). He was also clocked a few times during a fight with Troy Brouwer in one of those game back in 2008 (video). However, Brouwer has moved on to Washington this season, so any thought of a rematch will have to wait until the Capitals visit LA in January.
- Also, don't expect Blackhawks' pest Daniel Carcillo and Richards, his old pal from Philly, to have too many beefs on the ice - they're friends off of it. Now, Kyle Clifford on the other hand...
- And speaking of fights, it looks like Kevin Westgarth won't be getting another dance with John Scott tonight. Almost one year ago to the day, these two squared off in a battle at Staples Center that saw Westgarth leave the ice in a bloody mess (video). Then, they met up again the following month and things only went slightly better (video). Scott is expected to be a healthy scratch tonight, while Westgarth will be playing in his third straight game.
- For Simon Gagne and Mike Richards, today's game may be a little more personal than it is for other members of the Kings. It was the Blackhawks who beat their then-team, the Flyers, in overtime for the Stanley Cup back in 2010.
- During the regular season, Richards has only played Chicago five times in his career, posting two points (both goals). He was also clocked a few times during a fight with Troy Brouwer in one of those game back in 2008 (video). However, Brouwer has moved on to Washington this season, so any thought of a rematch will have to wait until the Capitals visit LA in January.
- Also, don't expect Blackhawks' pest Daniel Carcillo and Richards, his old pal from Philly, to have too many beefs on the ice - they're friends off of it. Now, Kyle Clifford on the other hand...
- And speaking of fights, it looks like Kevin Westgarth won't be getting another dance with John Scott tonight. Almost one year ago to the day, these two squared off in a battle at Staples Center that saw Westgarth leave the ice in a bloody mess (video). Then, they met up again the following month and things only went slightly better (video). Scott is expected to be a healthy scratch tonight, while Westgarth will be playing in his third straight game.
NHRA champ Tony Schumacher talks Blackhawks, Kings
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| Tony Schumacher (photo: NHRA) |
Yes, he's a seven-time World Champion. Yet, perhaps his defining sports moment was in 2006. Entering the final race of the season he and his U.S. Army sponsored crew needed to do just about everything to overtake the points leader - including win the race and set a new elapsed time record. In one of the most unlikely scenarios, it all came down to what's now known as 'The Run' - where he made one pass down the track to win the race, set the record and capture the championship.
Sudden death if there ever was one.
Away from the drag strip, his passion is simple to understand.
"I love hockey," said Schumacher during a recent conversation. "I grew up playing hockey with the St. John's Military Academy. If I'm not racing, and people ask me what kind of sports I'm watching, I'm watching guys on ice knock each other over and scoring goals. It's amazing what the sport has done since the rule changes a few years ago - it is so fast, so good. It's mind boggling, how a man can put on a pair of skates and be that good at anything."
When the Kings and Blackhawks battle on the ice tonight, you can bet 'The Sarge' will be watching.
"I live in Chicago, so I'm obviously a Blackhawks fan," Schumacher shared. "But, the only other jersey I have hanging there is an LA Kings jersey, signed about four or five years ago by the whole team."
Originally from Southern California, Schumacher still marvels that hockey has become so popular on the west coast.
Is Dustin Penner planning a heel turn?
On January 23, 1984 Hulk Hogan won the WWF Championship in Madison Square Garden and he was riding high as the top babyface in the business for the better part of the next decade. Then, in 1994, he signed with rival WCW, based in Atlanta, GA. Two years later, after the fans had already begun to boo him, Hogan turned heel and formed the New Wold Order - more commonly known as the NWO.
In June 2007, Dustin Penner won the Stanley Cup. He was the toast of the town and the Oilers agreed - signing him to a big money, five-year contract to get him to jump ship and come play in Edmonton. Late last February he was traded to LA and PennerMania took off. Kings fans couldn't get enough of the team's new left wing.
When his production dried up late in the year though, some fans started to grumble. Throughout the summer he trained, ate his vitamins and said his prayers - and it looked like a new-and-improved #25 was about to emerge. However, injuries have slowed him down so far this season and the once small group of hardcore fans that had turned against him seem to be adding new members at an alarming rate.
Then, this...
During a casual conversation with Penner after practice yesterday, something interesting happened...
Willie Mitchell on the new defensive pairings
The Kings have only played 22 games so far this season, yet defenseman Willie Mitchell is already on his third different partner. Twice he's been teamed with Slava Voynov for a stretch of games - once when his regular partner, Drew Doughty, was injured and then more recently when the Russian blueliner was called up to replaced an injured Alec Martinez. Then, a few days ago, Voynov was put with Matt Greene. Rather than team Doughty back up with Mitchell, he moved on to Rob Scuderi - leaving Jack Johnson as Mitchell's new partner.
"We've all played a lot with each other. But, it's different, it's an adjustment," said Mitchell, when asked about the recent changes. "I feel pretty comfortable with Voynov and Doughty. Most people can see that I've played pretty well with both those guys. Now, I'm kind of starting to roll with Jack. We played together last year for a little bit. But, I was playing on the right side, in an area I really wasn't comfortable with. To be honest, I was battling a couple injuries, so I wasn't at the top of my game, so to speak.
"I think the idea was to have a guy out there who was pretty responsible on the defensive side of things, get out there with Jack and hopefully compliment his offensive side of the game and settle things down. So, I think it's been a little better than what we were last year, as a pairing. That said, we have to continue to try and get better as a unit. It's our job to go out there and play, coaches put together what they put together for their rhymes or reasons. For the most part, we've all kind of played with each other. So, it just takes a few different reads, as far as - Jack, obviously plays on his off-side, so you have to be aware of certain situations with that."
"We've all played a lot with each other. But, it's different, it's an adjustment," said Mitchell, when asked about the recent changes. "I feel pretty comfortable with Voynov and Doughty. Most people can see that I've played pretty well with both those guys. Now, I'm kind of starting to roll with Jack. We played together last year for a little bit. But, I was playing on the right side, in an area I really wasn't comfortable with. To be honest, I was battling a couple injuries, so I wasn't at the top of my game, so to speak.
"I think the idea was to have a guy out there who was pretty responsible on the defensive side of things, get out there with Jack and hopefully compliment his offensive side of the game and settle things down. So, I think it's been a little better than what we were last year, as a pairing. That said, we have to continue to try and get better as a unit. It's our job to go out there and play, coaches put together what they put together for their rhymes or reasons. For the most part, we've all kind of played with each other. So, it just takes a few different reads, as far as - Jack, obviously plays on his off-side, so you have to be aware of certain situations with that."
Friday, November 25, 2011
Doughty thinks the Kings weren't lined up the proper way
As described in the article posted last hour...with time quickly expiring in the third period Wednesday, Ethan Moreau was in the penalty box, with the Kings and Stars lined up for a faceoff just outside LA's blueline.
Drew Doughty, who wasn't on the ice at the time of the draw and subsequent goal, said Dallas' formation isn't really that uncommon.
"Teams do that all the time if they need that goal late. They'll line up a guy wide and then try to win the draw laterally, and hope for the best. It worked out perfectly (for them). At the same time, I don't think we lined up the proper way too. I think we probably should have had a couple guys in the middle and taken care of the middle first - rather than give up a 2-on-1 that quickly. So, it was a tough way for them to tie it up, that's for sure."
On Steve Ott being the one to get the game-winner in overtime...
"He's a good player. He's a little rat, so it sucks that he scored the goal," quipped Doughty. "But, same thing on that goal - a 2-on-1 should never happen. We tried to track back and kind of get the play. But, you know, it was a bad bounce. We can't be letting teams back into the game like that. We didn't have a good game to begin with and we were up two-nothing. There's no way we should have let them get three goals."
On Jack Johnson's big hit on Mike Ribeiro just seconds before 'the rat' scored...
Drew Doughty, who wasn't on the ice at the time of the draw and subsequent goal, said Dallas' formation isn't really that uncommon.
"Teams do that all the time if they need that goal late. They'll line up a guy wide and then try to win the draw laterally, and hope for the best. It worked out perfectly (for them). At the same time, I don't think we lined up the proper way too. I think we probably should have had a couple guys in the middle and taken care of the middle first - rather than give up a 2-on-1 that quickly. So, it was a tough way for them to tie it up, that's for sure."
On Steve Ott being the one to get the game-winner in overtime...
"He's a good player. He's a little rat, so it sucks that he scored the goal," quipped Doughty. "But, same thing on that goal - a 2-on-1 should never happen. We tried to track back and kind of get the play. But, you know, it was a bad bounce. We can't be letting teams back into the game like that. We didn't have a good game to begin with and we were up two-nothing. There's no way we should have let them get three goals."
On Jack Johnson's big hit on Mike Ribeiro just seconds before 'the rat' scored...
Mike Richards on 'that play' in Dallas and postgame mood
"I kinda had an idea what they wanted to do," said the 26-year old center. "But, that makes it a lot tougher when it's six-on-four. There's not a whole lot you can do, I guess. I just missed what I was trying to do on the faceoff. The puck turned over pretty quick and it got caught up in (Willie Mitchell's midsection), just a comedy of errors. They made a good play. But, you don't see that very often. The stars have to align from them to do that."
Coming back home, what was the mood - happy about getting three out of the four points or upset about losing in overtime?
"I think you're disappointed when you lose, especially in that manner. But, you can't dwell on something like that. You have to be encouraged by what we did on the road trip and get ready for tomorrow's match."
If you missed Moreau and coach Murray sharing their opinions on the slashing penalty that led to the above situation, click here to read the article posted earlier today on MayorsManor.
Up next, Doughty talks about the draw, the goal and how the Kings prepared for the situation.
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Kings coach Murray not a fan of Moreau slashing 'his buddy'
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| LA's coach Murray (photo: D. Sheehan) |
Terry Murray was still a little hot under the under collar when asked about it today, more than 36 hours later.
"He took a horseshit penalty, that's ridiculous," began the Kings coach. "You can't take a slashing penalty with two minutes left in the game, a veteran player. Just come out and run over that guy. You don't slash. I don't like those penalties."
He wasn't done though. Murray was just getting warmed up.
"Ones in the crease, the scrums, where you're grabbing a hold of a guy, giving him a facewash once and a while or cross checking a guy, whatever - I don't mind those, we'll kill those off. Those are hard penalties. It's a part of the game and it's a part of our team that we want to (continue with). But, penalties have to be timed, you have to have awareness, you have to know how the flow of the game is going. When you get into the latter part of the game, you have to move your feet and keep your sticks in - no slashing, no hooking. Don't bring the referee into the game. Unfortunately, we've had some situations this year where we've brought the referee in a little bit too often."
Moreau has played in all 22 of the Kings games this season. Will his 'mistake' cost him a spot in the line-up tomorrow vs. Chicago?
Moreau - 'You can't give the referee an option on that play'
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| Moreau, LA Kings practice (photo: D. Sheehan) |
Those are just a few of the words that were used to describe winger Ethan Moreau when he signed a free agent contract with the Kings late this past summer.
The veteran forward was thought to be somebody who could come in, be a physical presence, chip in a few goals from time to time and help mentor some of the Kings younger players. After all, the former first round pick served as the captain in Edmonton, an assistant captain last season in Columbus and has been to the Stanley Cup Finals.
To date, he's played in every Kings game this season - recording zero goals and three assists. Among the skaters on the team who have played in all 22 games, the only one to see less total-ice-time than Moreau has been Kyle Clifford.
However, even with those limited minutes, he's fourth in hits (44) - and perhaps more disturbing though - he's third on the team in penalty minutes (20) and tops among players who don't have at least one fighting major to boost their totals.
His slashing penalty with less than three minutes to go in the game Wednesday night is what ultimately led to the Stars' tying the game.
After practice today, he spoke a little about the play:
LA Kings coach Terry Murray talks Johnson's hit on Ribeiro
Following up on the last post, here's what Kings coach Terry Murray had to say about the hit Jack Johnson put on Mike Ribeiro just seconds before Steve Ott scored the game winning goal the other night...
"Could there be another time and another place? Maybe. If you slow the video down...you see a four-on-two coming. Kopi had fallen down and Loktionov is too deep - he should have been higher, he should have been at the depth of Kopitar. He probably would have been able to break the play up. I don't want to take that away from (Johnson's) game though. I like the fact that he's playing with that type of an attitude against better players on the opposition. There's a time and a place for everything. Could he have pulled it back a little bit and read the situation of four-on-two, (and thought) 'I can't do it right now'? Maybe. But, it happened."
Would you rather he take out Ribeiro in that situation and then take your chances with Steve Ott at the other end of the ice?
"Could there be another time and another place? Maybe. If you slow the video down...you see a four-on-two coming. Kopi had fallen down and Loktionov is too deep - he should have been higher, he should have been at the depth of Kopitar. He probably would have been able to break the play up. I don't want to take that away from (Johnson's) game though. I like the fact that he's playing with that type of an attitude against better players on the opposition. There's a time and a place for everything. Could he have pulled it back a little bit and read the situation of four-on-two, (and thought) 'I can't do it right now'? Maybe. But, it happened."
Would you rather he take out Ribeiro in that situation and then take your chances with Steve Ott at the other end of the ice?
Kings' Jack Johnson explains the hit on Stars' Mike Ribeiro
In fact, in took Ribeiro several seconds to get up and get off the ice under his own power. However, his coach proclaimed him 'just fine' after the game and yesterday he was reported to be completely normal, without any signs of a concussion.
If you're the Kings, you would assume they'd rather take their chances with Ott at the other end than Ribeiro - who has 41 points in 42 career games vs. the Kings.
After practice today I asked Johnson if there were any smaller, less noticeable things going on between he and Ribeiro throughout the game.
"No, that was something that just happened," said the Kings defenseman. "He caught a pass in the middle of the ice and I didn't really expect him to cut back into me. It was more of, I was just going to pressure him. When he cut right into me, I figured 'Why not?' and it just ended up that way. But, there was no intention of going after him or anything. That was just the way it played out.
It had to feel good though to lay such a solid hit on a guy who's caused lots of problems for the Kings in the past though, right?
"Well, he's a tricky guy," quipped Johnson. "He's not an easy guy to hit. I think he surprised me just as much as I surprised him. I didn't expect him to do that (cut into me). He's a smart player and he's aware of everything around him. So, he's not an easy guy to hit and I'm sure he'll be trouble for us again.
Up next, comments from coach Terry Murray on the hit and ensuing goal.
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RELATED ARTICLES:
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Coach Murray 'pushing and pulling' Jack Johnson
Thursday, November 24, 2011
LA Kings players on the teammate they're most thankful for
Throughout the U.S. today, people are supposed to be spending time with friends and family, celebrating the things they're thankful for.
Inside the Kings locker room, here's what a few of the players had to say when asked which teammate they were most thankful for this year - and why...
Drew Doughty - "Greener (Matt Greene) because my first year here he kind of took me under his wing, let me move in with him. I lived with him that whole first year. Then, ever since, he's always helped me with any little thing I need."
Kevin Westgarth - "I'd say Rob Scuderi because you can always depend on him."
Alec Martinez - "Mike Richards. Coming in here, I can't imagine it's very easy getting used to a new system and playing with new guys. But, obviously, he's done really well. He's scored some big goals for us. He also does a lot of things that go unnoticed too - maybe not by us, but maybe they're kinda easy to lose track of during a fast paced game. So, I'd definitely say Mike Richards. He's a great player, but he's a good guy in the locker room too."
Inside the Kings locker room, here's what a few of the players had to say when asked which teammate they were most thankful for this year - and why...
Drew Doughty - "Greener (Matt Greene) because my first year here he kind of took me under his wing, let me move in with him. I lived with him that whole first year. Then, ever since, he's always helped me with any little thing I need."
Kevin Westgarth - "I'd say Rob Scuderi because you can always depend on him."
Alec Martinez - "Mike Richards. Coming in here, I can't imagine it's very easy getting used to a new system and playing with new guys. But, obviously, he's done really well. He's scored some big goals for us. He also does a lot of things that go unnoticed too - maybe not by us, but maybe they're kinda easy to lose track of during a fast paced game. So, I'd definitely say Mike Richards. He's a great player, but he's a good guy in the locker room too."
Guest Author: A Very Zebra Thanksgiving
On rare occasion, we've featured a guest author here on MayorsManor. Today, we present a special Thanksgiving day piece by Scott Coffman. For the last few years he's been part of The Fourth Period Radio show and in between booking guests, he contributes articles to their magazine as well.
With the holidays right around the corner and today being (American) Thanksgiving, it’s time to give credit to those who have one of the hardest jobs in the NHL. No, it’s not Sidney Crosby’s concussion specialists, but the referees and linesman that keep control of every game and who are some of the most under-appreciated people in all of hockey.
We have to give thanks to referee Kelly Sutherland. His first NHL game was actually in Los Angeles on December 19, 2000. Since then, he's become one of the league’s top officials, as evidenced by being only one of three guys selected to officiate the last two Stanley Cup Finals - along with Dan O’Halloran and Stephen Walkom. Sutherland gained some notoriety last year during his appearances in HBO’s 24/7 Penguins vs Capitals series. In this video clip (warning, NSFW language), he's shown taking the time to explain a call to Penguins’ defenseman Brooks Orpik. While not every player may agree with the decisions made on the ice, strengthening communication goes a long way towards mutual understanding and developing a good player-referee relationship. It's also been announced that Sutherland will be wearing a microphone for tomorrow's nationally televised 'Thanksgiving Showdown' between Detroit and Boston.
With the holidays right around the corner and today being (American) Thanksgiving, it’s time to give credit to those who have one of the hardest jobs in the NHL. No, it’s not Sidney Crosby’s concussion specialists, but the referees and linesman that keep control of every game and who are some of the most under-appreciated people in all of hockey.
We have to give thanks to referee Kelly Sutherland. His first NHL game was actually in Los Angeles on December 19, 2000. Since then, he's become one of the league’s top officials, as evidenced by being only one of three guys selected to officiate the last two Stanley Cup Finals - along with Dan O’Halloran and Stephen Walkom. Sutherland gained some notoriety last year during his appearances in HBO’s 24/7 Penguins vs Capitals series. In this video clip (warning, NSFW language), he's shown taking the time to explain a call to Penguins’ defenseman Brooks Orpik. While not every player may agree with the decisions made on the ice, strengthening communication goes a long way towards mutual understanding and developing a good player-referee relationship. It's also been announced that Sutherland will be wearing a microphone for tomorrow's nationally televised 'Thanksgiving Showdown' between Detroit and Boston.
10 Tidbits on the Kings come from ahead loss in Dallas
It's time to close the book on what was a more than disappointing game for the Kings last night in Dallas. Leading 2-1 with less than three minutes to go, Ethan Moreau took a slashing penalty. Near the end of his time in the box, Jamie Benn scored to even things up. Then, Steve Ott scored the game winner in overtime. Here are 10 other tidbits from the contest...
- Mike Richards put the Kings on the board first. He's now scored in five straight, has six goals in the last five games and eight goals in the last eight games.
- From NHL.com: "L.A. made it 2-0 just 36 seconds later when Kevin Westgarth blistered a wrister from 50 feet to the right of Lehtonen for his first goal of the season at 5:29." It was game number 73 for Westgarth in the NHL.
- Just prior to the game-winning goal by Ott, Jack Johnson absolutely leveled Mike Ribeiro at the other end of the ice. Expect a receipt on that one when the Stars visit LA on December 10.
- Both franchises joined the league as part of the Second Six expansion in 1967. The win by the Stars was their 100th regular season victory over the Kings. The only team they have more wins against is the Detroit Red Wings (101).
- The crown jersey (aka the 'alternate' jersey) is now 2-2 on the year. It will see action next on December 8th. However, the two road games this week were the only times it will be worn away from Staples Center this season.
- Mike Richards put the Kings on the board first. He's now scored in five straight, has six goals in the last five games and eight goals in the last eight games.
- From NHL.com: "L.A. made it 2-0 just 36 seconds later when Kevin Westgarth blistered a wrister from 50 feet to the right of Lehtonen for his first goal of the season at 5:29." It was game number 73 for Westgarth in the NHL.
- Just prior to the game-winning goal by Ott, Jack Johnson absolutely leveled Mike Ribeiro at the other end of the ice. Expect a receipt on that one when the Stars visit LA on December 10.
- Both franchises joined the league as part of the Second Six expansion in 1967. The win by the Stars was their 100th regular season victory over the Kings. The only team they have more wins against is the Detroit Red Wings (101).
- The crown jersey (aka the 'alternate' jersey) is now 2-2 on the year. It will see action next on December 8th. However, the two road games this week were the only times it will be worn away from Staples Center this season.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Audio: Terry Murray's postgame presser after 3-2 loss
During Terry Murray's postgame presser in Dallas tonight he talked about Mike Richards, Jonathan Quick, Steve Ott and more. Take a listen...
Even with the loss, the Kings return home with three of the possible four points on the road trip and have gone 5-2-1 in their last eight games.
Prior to facing the Stars, Jarret Stoll and Drew Doughty shared thoughts about the match-up in articles here and here.
More notes up later.
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Even with the loss, the Kings return home with three of the possible four points on the road trip and have gone 5-2-1 in their last eight games.
Prior to facing the Stars, Jarret Stoll and Drew Doughty shared thoughts about the match-up in articles here and here.
More notes up later.
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Stoll on the Stars, skill, stats and snapping them back
Last hour we heard from Drew Doughty, who shared some thoughts about the Kings match-up tonight with the Dallas Stars.
Now, we turn to some comments from Jarret Stoll...
"We know they're a good team," said LA's third line center. "They have a lot of skill and a lot of guys that can hurt you. You have to be on the right side of the puck, you can't be in a track meet against a team like that. They have some skilled guys who can do some damage on the rush. So, it all comes down to managing the puck, being on the right side of the puck and thinking the game, being smart. Offensively, I think when we do those type of things, we're getting chances because of that - we're in their zone because of that, we're on the forecheck because of that and we're getting pucks back."
One weapon the Stars will be without tonight is their captain, Brenden Morrow. He'll miss the game with an upper body injury.
Now, we turn to some comments from Jarret Stoll...
"We know they're a good team," said LA's third line center. "They have a lot of skill and a lot of guys that can hurt you. You have to be on the right side of the puck, you can't be in a track meet against a team like that. They have some skilled guys who can do some damage on the rush. So, it all comes down to managing the puck, being on the right side of the puck and thinking the game, being smart. Offensively, I think when we do those type of things, we're getting chances because of that - we're in their zone because of that, we're on the forecheck because of that and we're getting pucks back."
One weapon the Stars will be without tonight is their captain, Brenden Morrow. He'll miss the game with an upper body injury.
Drew Doughty not worried about playing hungry Stars team
Kings defenseman Drew Doughty comes into tonight's game $2,500 lighter in the wallet - while some complain that isn't much for a guy who signed a $56-million contract a few months ago, it is the maximum allowable under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
LA will be facing what should be an angry Dallas team. Not only are the a division rival, the Kings have already beat them twice this season and the Stars had lost five straight before managing a 4-1 win on Monday night over the Oilers.
Prior to leaving for the trip, Doughty talked about the dangers of playing a team as hungry as the Stars...
"I wouldn't say it worries you. But, at the same time, when we go in there, we have to be expecting their best. They're going to come out hard in the first period. They need a win, so they're going to do everything they can - they're going to be blocking shots, they're going to be doing it all. That should also make us a little more hungry when they're coming hard at us. That will just make us push back harder and make us play a better game."
LA will be facing what should be an angry Dallas team. Not only are the a division rival, the Kings have already beat them twice this season and the Stars had lost five straight before managing a 4-1 win on Monday night over the Oilers.
Prior to leaving for the trip, Doughty talked about the dangers of playing a team as hungry as the Stars...
"I wouldn't say it worries you. But, at the same time, when we go in there, we have to be expecting their best. They're going to come out hard in the first period. They need a win, so they're going to do everything they can - they're going to be blocking shots, they're going to be doing it all. That should also make us a little more hungry when they're coming hard at us. That will just make us push back harder and make us play a better game."
VIDEO: Roenick breaks down Doughty's hit on Oshie
Earlier today, the National Hockey League let it be known that Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will not be suspended for his hit on the Blues' TJ Oshie in the final seconds of last night's game.
As a first time offender, the $2,500 fine levied against him was pretty much as expected.
In the clip below, Jeremy Roenick and Pierre McGuire show they play and then discuss why it was such a dangerous hit.
To see more video of the incident, here's the VERSUS feed in full (link).
Yesterday, Doughty talked about not being sure what's wrong with him this season in an article posted here.
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As a first time offender, the $2,500 fine levied against him was pretty much as expected.
In the clip below, Jeremy Roenick and Pierre McGuire show they play and then discuss why it was such a dangerous hit.
To see more video of the incident, here's the VERSUS feed in full (link).
For more from Roenick, here's his MayorsManor interview last season, where we preview the Kings-Coyotes game and here is his preview of Canada-USA at the World Junior Championship.
Yesterday, Doughty talked about not being sure what's wrong with him this season in an article posted here.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Westgarth goes from 'stewing in his juices' into the line-up
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| Westgarth remains positive (photo: M. Zampelli) |
Things haven't been so good since though.
Coming off a season where he played 56 games, roughly two-thirds of the regular season games, he's only seen action in six of the team's first 20 games.
"It's frustrating," said Westgarth, when asked about his role basically being cut in half so far. "It just gives me opportunity to work hard and just try to improve in practice and just be ready to roll when I get the call and to take advantage of opportunities that are given."
The time is now, as coach Terry Murray will insert him into the line-up as the fourth line right wing tonight in St. Louis. He's faced the Blues four times previously and has been credited with a total of eight hits in those games, second only to his stats against the Dallas Stars.
Westgarth has only one scrap in those four games, it came last March vs. the much smaller Cam Janssen - who had previously come on MayorsManor and talked about using videos on HockeyFights.com to scout Westgarth and Kyle Clifford. It didn't help much that night and Janssen has since moved on to New Jersey.
Last week, Westgarth would have normally been an automatic start in the Kings back-to-back games with the Anaheim Ducks - however, they're resident tough guy, George Parros, is out of the line-up recovering from eye surgery.
Still, Westgarth says he didn't like being on the sidelines for those games.
Doughty wishes he 'had an exact reason' for what's wrong
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| Drew Doughty - LA Kings (photo: M. Zampelli) |
It was something acknowledged over the weekend, when coach Terry Murray spoke about Drew Doughty not giving the team what they need offensively so far this season. However, he wasn't sure why the points have been slow to come.
And time appears to be a concern, when looking at Murray's comment - "Now, we're 20 games in...it's important that we find the answer and get him going."
Just prior to the Kings leaving for St. Louis, I asked Doughty if maybe he could explain his lack of point production...
"I don't really have a reason for it," said the 21-year old defenseman. I feel like I'm creating chances. I hit the post last game. I'm getting chances, I'm getting shots on net. I feel like I'm making some good plays to set up other guys, as well. Sometimes, it's just about getting those bounces. I had those five points in three games and it just seemed like I was making a breakout pass or the guys were doing the job to get the puck in. So, it kinda goes in spurts. I wish it didn't. I wish I had an exact reason why I'm not getting more points. I know I'm definitely going to try and jump in the play a little more and help try to create some more offensive chances."
Again, back to the comments by Murray, he thought there was 'a little bit of the hangover there from missing all of the training camp.'
Does Doughty agree?
Monday, November 21, 2011
Alec Martinez talks injury recovery and Slava Voynov
Alec Martinez is slowly recover from injuries he sustained against the Minnesota Wild nearly 10 days ago. However, the 24-year old defenseman did leave LA with the team today, as they began a two-game road trip with a flight to St. Louis for tomorrow's game against the Blues.
Following practice today, he shared the following comments...
"I'm feeling better every day," said Martinez, when asked how things are coming along. "I know it's a cliche. But, it really is true. I've just been getting in here and doing my exercises, trying to strengthen the area. I've been getting on the ice for about four or five days now. So, the legs feel good. I just have to keep getting better."
Slava Voynov, who was recalled from Manchester to fill the spot opened up when Martinez was placed on IR, has been paired with Willie Mitchell (where he played last month in place of Drew Doughty).
"I'm happy for him," said Martinez, when asked what he thought about Voynov getting a 'higher' pairing, rather than just taking his role as the sixth defenseman.
"The coaches want to do whatever gives the team the best shot to win a game. If that's what they see fit, that's fine. I'm just focusing on getting better now and I'm happy for Slava. He's playing well and he's my buddy. Good for him and hopefully we can win a few more games."
Is there any estimate on when he might return to the line-up?
Following practice today, he shared the following comments...
"I'm feeling better every day," said Martinez, when asked how things are coming along. "I know it's a cliche. But, it really is true. I've just been getting in here and doing my exercises, trying to strengthen the area. I've been getting on the ice for about four or five days now. So, the legs feel good. I just have to keep getting better."
Slava Voynov, who was recalled from Manchester to fill the spot opened up when Martinez was placed on IR, has been paired with Willie Mitchell (where he played last month in place of Drew Doughty).
"I'm happy for him," said Martinez, when asked what he thought about Voynov getting a 'higher' pairing, rather than just taking his role as the sixth defenseman.
"The coaches want to do whatever gives the team the best shot to win a game. If that's what they see fit, that's fine. I'm just focusing on getting better now and I'm happy for Slava. He's playing well and he's my buddy. Good for him and hopefully we can win a few more games."
Is there any estimate on when he might return to the line-up?
Mike Richards on his latest left wings - Stoll and Loktionov
Earlier today we heard from Kings coach Terry Murray and center Jarret Stoll about the line shuffling that took place during the third period on Saturday afternoon.
Now we check in with Mike Richards, who saw his left wings swapped out...
Richards on Andrei Loktionov - "He's a smart player. I think he's going to get better as he gets more comfortable. It's not an easy situation for him to come into - two division rival games and then against Detroit. So, I think time is going to be valuable for him, just to get his feet wet, more comfortable on the ice and then build his confidence. But, right now he's playing well, has a lot of good vision on the ice and works hard. So, hopefully he can just keep getting better."
Richards on the move that put Stoll on his left wing - "It's tough. Stollie and I are both centermen. So, I think we have a lot off of reading off of each other. Even though you're on the ice, you read off of each other anyway. It's just, you have set positions and in the third period you're just looking for offense and you're pushing a little bit more."
Still to come, notes from our talk with Loktionov following practice today.
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RELATED ARTICLES:
Mike Richards on the return of Sidney Crosby to the NHL
Stoll and Murray talk center vs. left wing, plus possible changes
Murray on Doughty - 'It's important that we find the answer'
Now we check in with Mike Richards, who saw his left wings swapped out...
Richards on Andrei Loktionov - "He's a smart player. I think he's going to get better as he gets more comfortable. It's not an easy situation for him to come into - two division rival games and then against Detroit. So, I think time is going to be valuable for him, just to get his feet wet, more comfortable on the ice and then build his confidence. But, right now he's playing well, has a lot of good vision on the ice and works hard. So, hopefully he can just keep getting better."
Richards on the move that put Stoll on his left wing - "It's tough. Stollie and I are both centermen. So, I think we have a lot off of reading off of each other. Even though you're on the ice, you read off of each other anyway. It's just, you have set positions and in the third period you're just looking for offense and you're pushing a little bit more."
Still to come, notes from our talk with Loktionov following practice today.
The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:
Mike Richards on the return of Sidney Crosby to the NHL
Stoll and Murray talk center vs. left wing, plus possible changes
Murray on Doughty - 'It's important that we find the answer'
Stoll and Murray talk center vs left wing, possible changes
During his post game presser on Saturday, LA coach Terry Murray said he wouldn't be sticking with the third period line combinations he used against Detroit - which featured Andrei Loktionov as the third line center and moving Jarret Stoll to the second line left wing.
However, after practice today, he seemed to soften his stance just a bit...
On the thought of Loktionov at center - "I've thought about it a lot. Before we got him back up here, that was part of the thought process - where am I going to play him, is it going to be left wing? I felt good about him on the left side and I still do."
On where Loktionov will play versus St. Louis - "I'll leave that line the way it is (the second line), with him on the left side, for the game tomorrow. I know I have an option. I know I can make some moves there and he would be one of those players who I could move to a different position if I feel I need to."
On playing Stoll at center or left wing - "He prefers to be in the middle of the ice. But, sometimes you have to make those kind of changes and we'll see where this all goes. Loktionov might be fine on the left wing and we'll just leave him there. I don't want to put any doubt in anybody's head here, as to what I might do."
However, after practice today, he seemed to soften his stance just a bit...
On the thought of Loktionov at center - "I've thought about it a lot. Before we got him back up here, that was part of the thought process - where am I going to play him, is it going to be left wing? I felt good about him on the left side and I still do."
On where Loktionov will play versus St. Louis - "I'll leave that line the way it is (the second line), with him on the left side, for the game tomorrow. I know I have an option. I know I can make some moves there and he would be one of those players who I could move to a different position if I feel I need to."
On playing Stoll at center or left wing - "He prefers to be in the middle of the ice. But, sometimes you have to make those kind of changes and we'll see where this all goes. Loktionov might be fine on the left wing and we'll just leave him there. I don't want to put any doubt in anybody's head here, as to what I might do."
Mike Richards on the return of Sidney Crosby to the NHL
Just one game behind were the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Somebody else can look up how many of those 40 games featured Sidney Crosby - although it's safe to assume a lot of them, as they both came into the NHL the same year (2005-06).
Richards missed Crosby when the Penguins were in LA a few weeks ago, as the 24-year old captain was still on the shelf with concussion like symptoms.
As you've probably heard by now, Crosby returns tonight after a ten month layoff.
After practice today, Richards talked about what #87's return means...
"It's great for the league," said Richards. "It's like Kobe or LeBron being out for the NBA or kind of like Peyton Manning being out for the NFL. You want your best players on the ice, to not only build the game but to put on a showcase. He's obviously the best in the game, so it will be nice to have him back on the ice."
Several of the Penguins players appeared on MayorsManor earlier this month and shared some humorous thoughts on several of their teammates. For your convenience, those articles are linked below.
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RELATED ARTICLES:
What I've learned so far this season...by Kris Letang
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What I've learned so far this season...by James Neal
What I've learned so far this season...by Steve Sullivan
/What I've learned so far... by Mike Richards - includes a warning for Dustin Penner
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Coach Murray on shots - 'That's how you score you goals'
If you thought the Kings looked like a different team against Detroit than the group who played Anaheim and Minnesota in the previous three games, Murray would agree with you.
"That was the one thing that maybe disappointed me as much as anything in the game, is that we were not skating anywhere near the way we skated in the last three games."
He also shared some thoughts on what it's going to take to get some secondary scoring out of the Kings, as they can't only rely on Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards and Simon Gagne - the trio have accounted for roughly half of the team's total goal production.
"I'm encouraging the shots," said Murray. "We've been putting better numbers up at the end of the day - shot attempts, shots on net. When you watch a team like Detroit, they're the number one team in the NHL for shots on goal, average per game. They're at about 34.6 shots per game, on average. And you can see why they're a good hockey club. That's been their mentality throughout the last 15 years. That's how you score goals."
And win games apparently. Last season, five of the NHL's six division winners finished in the top seven for average shots taken per game.
Currently, the Kings are 19th in the league, averaging 29.3 shots on goal.
Given the lack of production coming from the blue line, are some of the Kings defenseman tentative to get shots off?
"That was the one thing that maybe disappointed me as much as anything in the game, is that we were not skating anywhere near the way we skated in the last three games."
He also shared some thoughts on what it's going to take to get some secondary scoring out of the Kings, as they can't only rely on Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards and Simon Gagne - the trio have accounted for roughly half of the team's total goal production.
"I'm encouraging the shots," said Murray. "We've been putting better numbers up at the end of the day - shot attempts, shots on net. When you watch a team like Detroit, they're the number one team in the NHL for shots on goal, average per game. They're at about 34.6 shots per game, on average. And you can see why they're a good hockey club. That's been their mentality throughout the last 15 years. That's how you score goals."
And win games apparently. Last season, five of the NHL's six division winners finished in the top seven for average shots taken per game.
Currently, the Kings are 19th in the league, averaging 29.3 shots on goal.
Given the lack of production coming from the blue line, are some of the Kings defenseman tentative to get shots off?
Murray on Doughty - 'It's important that we find the answer'
Last season, Drew Doughty scored one goal over the final 20 regular season games.
And he hasn't exactly lit up the scoreboard so far this year, recording only two goals through the first 20 games of the new campaign.
Just a few weeks ago, coach Terry Murray talked about being patient with his young defenseman, thinking perhaps he was pressing a bit after missing training camp.
Now, he's ready for more.
"I want him to get going," said Murray. "I want him to give us more on the back end. I think the pair, as they are today (Doughty and Jack Johnson), should be a pair that can really take on a lot of that responsibility - puck possession, creating opportunities for themselves and the line they're on the ice with. I just think there is still a little bit of the hangover there from missing all of the training camp. Now, we're 20 games in...it's important that we find the answer and get him going. (We need) him to start getting pucks through, keep it simple, don't push things - take a step back a little bit at times, getting the puck to a do a lot of the work for you. And I believe things will turn around with that."
Then again, in one of those weird statistical things that make you scratch your head - the Kings are 1-4 in games where Doughty has a point this season.
However, from January 1st through the end of last season, the Kings went 12-3 when Doughty recorded a point in a game. That's more like what you would expect.
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RELATED ARTICLES:
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Coach Terry Murray pushing and pulling Jack Johnson
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And he hasn't exactly lit up the scoreboard so far this year, recording only two goals through the first 20 games of the new campaign.
Just a few weeks ago, coach Terry Murray talked about being patient with his young defenseman, thinking perhaps he was pressing a bit after missing training camp.
Now, he's ready for more.
"I want him to get going," said Murray. "I want him to give us more on the back end. I think the pair, as they are today (Doughty and Jack Johnson), should be a pair that can really take on a lot of that responsibility - puck possession, creating opportunities for themselves and the line they're on the ice with. I just think there is still a little bit of the hangover there from missing all of the training camp. Now, we're 20 games in...it's important that we find the answer and get him going. (We need) him to start getting pucks through, keep it simple, don't push things - take a step back a little bit at times, getting the puck to a do a lot of the work for you. And I believe things will turn around with that."
Then again, in one of those weird statistical things that make you scratch your head - the Kings are 1-4 in games where Doughty has a point this season.
However, from January 1st through the end of last season, the Kings went 12-3 when Doughty recorded a point in a game. That's more like what you would expect.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Doughty on his most annoying teammate
Coach Terry Murray pushing and pulling Jack Johnson
Doughty, Voynov and Murray on the Kings puzzling blueline
Murray wouldn't mind less from Doughty
LA Kings Halloween Party 2011 - player pictures and stories
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Loktionov to center, Stoll to wing - only temporary moves
Sunday was a day off for the Kings.
It also gave coach Terry Murray a chance to wash out the blender, dry it off and return it to the shelf from which he removed it on Saturday afternoon.
With the Kings struggling to generate offense against the Red Wings, he moved some of his players around - namely swapping Andrei Loktionov (who had been the second line left wing) with Jarret Stoll, the third line center.
However, when the team takes the ice for practice tomorrow morning, things will return to how they were prior to the third period of yesterday's 4-1 loss.
"You’re just trying to change things up, to get the offense going at that time," said Murray of the temporary changes. "We moved Loktionov to the middle, Stoll (to the wing) and Brad Richardson goes up - I'm looking for some speed to the puck, maybe, on the forecheck, to just give Kopi and Gags an opportunity to recover some pucks. Williams goes to Loktionov. I’m looking to try and find some balance in the scoring with that change. It’s not something I’m going to stay with. Lokti will go back to the left wing. I think he's played fine on the left side. But at that time, when it is 3-1, you’re trying to find something that's good."
The Mayor
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It also gave coach Terry Murray a chance to wash out the blender, dry it off and return it to the shelf from which he removed it on Saturday afternoon.
With the Kings struggling to generate offense against the Red Wings, he moved some of his players around - namely swapping Andrei Loktionov (who had been the second line left wing) with Jarret Stoll, the third line center.
However, when the team takes the ice for practice tomorrow morning, things will return to how they were prior to the third period of yesterday's 4-1 loss.
"You’re just trying to change things up, to get the offense going at that time," said Murray of the temporary changes. "We moved Loktionov to the middle, Stoll (to the wing) and Brad Richardson goes up - I'm looking for some speed to the puck, maybe, on the forecheck, to just give Kopi and Gags an opportunity to recover some pucks. Williams goes to Loktionov. I’m looking to try and find some balance in the scoring with that change. It’s not something I’m going to stay with. Lokti will go back to the left wing. I think he's played fine on the left side. But at that time, when it is 3-1, you’re trying to find something that's good."
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