Quotes from the Capitals locker room after 5-2 loss in LA

Only a few players in the NHL are as synonymous with their teams as Alex Ovechkin is with the Washington Capitals. It's nearly impossible to think of one without the other.

He's played the LA Kings just seven times in his career though, winning the first two meetings and now having dropped five straight - after last night's lopsided 5-2 loss.

When the dust settled, here's what they were saying in the Caps locker room...

Ovechkin on the overall game - "I don’t think it’s all about me; it’s all about us. We wanted to have a good start and we had a good start. Two mistakes cost us almost the whole game—Wideman lost a guy in our zone and he got a goal and Laich lost a puck. I’m not calling out only these two guys, I had mistakes in our zone and everybody had mistakes in our zone and that cost us the game."

Ovechkin on his team's performance - "I think we had a pretty good start. We had emotion and we scored the first goal. After that we just stopped playing and my line had a couple of chances. Including that, we didn’t do anything in the offensive zone and I think there was communication in the neutral zone and we started playing in the defensive zone."

Trent Hunter on his first goal and the postgame meeting

Trent Hunter played a total of 13:02 in the Kings 4-2 loss to the Wild tonight. He also recorded four hits and three shots on goal.

But, the most important stat related to Hunter was in the goal column. He scored his 100th NHL goal and first as a King - after going 0-15 this season.

"It's definitely nice to get that monkey off my back," said Hunter. "It's been a long gap and a long year. But, it was nice to see that one go in and now hopefully I can keep things rolling."

After the game it took several minutes longer than usual for the Kings dressing room to open for the media. What was being said?

"We were talking about what we need to do and how we need to play these games. As players, we know we need to be better. We're going to regroup and be ready for Saturday."

More to come.

[UPDATE - Murray talks postgame meeting and the hit on Kopitar here...Kopitar talks fustrations and goals here...and Brown talks his hit totals tonight and seeing Kopitar on the ice here]

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Clifford cements his role on fourth line, others on the clock

Kyle Clifford is still 20 years old.

That's an important point to remember. Yet, sometimes, a hard fact to keep in mind. People have been calling him things like 'a kid trapped in a man's body' for the last few years. While true, some were expecting more from The Colonel coming into the season - especially after his coming out party during last year's playoff series with San Jose.

He's played in all 27 games this season and has three points to show for it (one goal, two assists). In his 27th game last year, he picked up his second goal and fifth point. So, he's not that far behind.

However, back the post season, he put up five points in six games - including tying for the team lead with three goals.

Still, while nobody probably expected him to be a top-six forward this year, does he belong on the fourth line?

"Well, that's actually where he should be, is on the fourth line, in reality" said coach Terry Murray after practice today. "That's where he played last year. He showed great signs in the playoffs last year, had some nice success. You'd like to think he could make a step up to third line and he will be there someday - that would be his position down the road. But, again, second year, it's not easy. His work ethic, his attitude, his try is tremendous. He loves the team. He works hard for the team and wants to win every night. But, there's a process that you need to go through and he's in the middle of it right now."

POLL: What's the right roster move for the LA Kings?

As reported yesterday, Dustin Penner is set to return to the Kings line-up this Thursday. In order for that to happen though, the team needs to make a roster move to create a slot for him.

If you were the Kings GM, which of the following moves would you make?

To answer the question properly, first assume a few things... Penner isn't getting traded and/or waived, Bobby Ryan isn't moving across town to Staples Center and all other trades are temporarily off the table. Thus, one of the options below is what 'you' and your Kings management team are trying to reach consensus on.

For those unfamiliar with the finer points of the decision, some players can be sent to Manchester without a problem (i.e. usually younger players, with fewer games played in the NHL - like Andrei Loktionov). Others, usually more experienced players, would first have to be placed on 'waivers,' allowing another NHL team to claim them - which would also free up cap space for the Kings. If the waived player isn't taken by any other team, he can then be assigned to Manchester.

Weighing all options, which one is the right move?




Poll closes at noon on Tuesday or when the final decision is announced by the team.

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RELATED ARTICLES:

Trevor Lewis talks about being on the outside looking in - ans shares a tidbit on Mike Richards

Coach Murray and Ethan Moreau on his recent penalties

And Now You're Caught Up - the quick roundup of all the Kings news over Thanksgiving weekend

Clifford getting help from Stoll, now he's ready to roll

Evaluating coach Murray's new line combinations - includes quotes from Loktionov

Ducks at Kings Freeway Faceoff - pregame primer

Tonight will be game number 103 between the Kings and Ducks.

Last year, Anaheim took the season series four games to two.

Through 17 games played by each team, the scales are titled towards the Kings - they have more wins (8 to 6), points (19 to 15), have scored more goals per game (2.41 to a league low 2.00), given up fewer goals per game (2.24 to 2.82), have a better power play (20.3% conversion to 13.6) and have won a greater percentage of faceoffs (51.9% to 46.6%).

What does all of that mean? Not much. The Ducks come in having won the last three games played between the two clubs, including the last two in Los Angeles.

Don't expect a heavyweight fight tonight either. George Parros is out recovering from eye surgery. Kevin Westgarth will be a healthy scratch.  (If you want to read a great story about Parros and a Chewbacca suit when he was a Kings prospect playing in Manchester, click here.)

Over the summer, Mike Richards was on MayorsManor talking about his relationship with Corey Perry (here) - which followed up Bobby Ryan talking about his friendship with several Kings players (here) the previous off season.

Still, don't expect a love fest out on the ice. The tension has been growing between these two teams over the last few years.

What I've learned so far... by Kings forward Trent Hunter

Trent Hunter of the Kings (photo: M. Zampelli)

Of the 459 NHL games Trent Hunter had already played coming into this season, only six of them were against the Kings. So, to say there isn't a lot of familiarity there would be an understatement.

Earlier today we kicked off a special series where some of the new Kings can share their initial observations about particular teammates.

Ethan Moreau got things going in the first article and now we turn to Hunter, another veteran forward. Here's what he's learned about a few of the guys so far...

On Anze Kopitar - "I hadn't really had a chance to see him play much before. But, he's definitely one of the elite players in this league. He makes plays - you think he's going to go somewhere with the puck and he completely does something else that you don't even realize was there. He creates so much out there it's amazing."

On Drew Doughty - "Young guy, lots of energy and he likes to have fun. He's one of those guys who's fun to watch on the ice."

High / Low points from LA Kings opening games in Europe

For those unfamiliar with the High/Low segment here on MayorsManor, it's a pretty simple format where we look at three highs and three lows from a game, somebody's career, a team etc.

In the past, special guests who have shared their own High/Low thoughts on various topics include Jim Fox, Rob Blake, Luc Robitaille, Marcel Dionne, Ethan Moreau and many others.

Throughout this season we'll take a look at the performance of the Kings in individual games and/or using small segments of the schedule. First up, a review of the first two games played this season over in Europe...

HIGHS

- Anze Kopitar: He scored the first goal of the season on Friday and added two more on Saturday. For anybody questioning how last season's injury may slow him down to start the season, the answer has been given. He flew back to the U.S. with four points (three goals, one assist) and lead the forwards in minutes played both nights.

- Moreau: Singed in late August to bring some veteran leadership and extra grit to the third and fourth lines, Moreau delivered in both games. He had the second most hits on the team in the season opener, with four (only training Matt Greene's five hits) and was tied for the team lead in the same category on Saturday.

- The power play:  Last season the Kings finished with a dismal conversion of rate of 16.1% with the man advantage. After two games, they're up to 25% on the young season.

NHL Premiere: LA v Buffalo pre-game notes, quotes and first goal contest

Good morning. It's time to grab some coffee and enjoy some hockey, all the way from Berlin, Germany. Here's your pre-game primer - featuring notes and quotes from several members of the Kings, as they prepare to face the Buffalo Sabres for the only time this season. Details for today's 'first goal contest' are also listed at the end of this article.

- Two line-up changes from yesterday, as coach Terry Murray will go with Jonathan Bernier in net (as expected). On November 19th last season, Bernier faced the Sabres in Buffalo and gave up four goals on 36 shots. The Kings lost that game 4-2.

- Murray's other change is replacing Trent Hunter with Kevin Westgarth among the forwards. This pushes Ethan Moreau up to the third line with Scott Parse and Jarret Stoll, while Westgarth will fill the right wing spot on the fourth line with Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis.

- East Coast Bias: In 21 career games, Mike Richards has 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists). Simon Gagne has 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 33 games and Justin Williams has five goals and 10 assists (15 points) in his 26 games vs Buffalo.

- Parse Watch Continues: Due to Dustin Penner's 'lower body' injury (believed to be a sore groin), Parse remains at left wing on the third line. In the season opener on Friday, Parse had 16 shifts for 10:59 of total ice time. He also took two shots on goal and had zero points.

- Morning Math with Jack: After one game, Jack Johnson has an even plus-minus rating. He was on the ice for the final three goals of the game - when Marian Gaborik scored (to put the Rangers up 2-1), when Mike Richards tied it late in the third period and - obviously - when he scored the game winning goal in overtime.

LA Kings at Ducks: pre-game notes, line-up, Doughty, more

The game in Anaheim is starting in less than hour.

Last Sunday at Staples Center, the Kings lost to the Ducks 3-1. LA's lone goal came from Andrei Loktionov, who was sent to Manchester (AHL) earlier this afternoon. You can read the post-game notes and quotes from that contest here.  Coach Terry Murray wasn't happy with the performance of Scott Parse that night - pause the thought for a moment though.

Here are a few other Kings-Ducks articles that have appeared on MayorsManor previously. These should get you warmed up and ready to go:

Mike Richards on Corey Perry and not doing stupid things

LA Kings players on favorite moments in Anaheim

Kings prospect Ray Kaunisto calls Ducks fan 'a lost cause'

In the plans:  LA Kings vs Anaheim Ducks outdoor game

Kings-Ducks:  The first time it mattered this much

Tonight's projected line-up for the Kings is as follows:

Simon Gagne - Anze Kopitar - Scott Parse
Dustin Penner - Mike Richards - Dustin Brown
Kyle Clifford - Jarret Stoll - Ethan Moreau
Brad Richardson - Trevor Lewis - Trent Hunter
[update: Dustin Penner was a late scratch, replaced by Dwight King]

Willie Mitchell - Slava Voynov
Rob Scuderi - Thomas Hickey
Davis Drewiske - Matt Greene

Jonathan Bernier - Jeff Zatkoff

This may very well be the final shot for Parse, especially considering the Kings just signed Trent Hunter to a one-year deal earlier today.

Parse was on MayorsManor recently, claiming the ineffectiveness he's displayed in camp is a 'problem between his ears' - read that article here.

Hunter was also on MayorsManor recently, talking about his knee and playing with skilled guys like Kopitar and Penner (linked here).

The game starts at 6pm PST, you can listen live via the KTLK website.

As for Drew Doughty, he's been signed to a new eight-year contract (detailed here) and is not expected to play his first game until the Kings get over to Europe - more on that later this weekend.

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Kings-Pens: post-game notes and (quick) video highlights

Jarret Stoll scored in the shootout again.

That may be the highlight of last night, as the Kings lost 3-2 to the Penguins in front of a sold out crowd of more than 17,000 in Kansas City.

For the number crunchers, here are some key stats from the game...

* Dustin Brown and Alec Martinez led the Kings with three shots on goal. Richard Park and Ben Lovejoy led the Penguins with five shots each.

* Trent Hunter was a minus-2. He was actually on the ice for three of the four goals scored in the game. However, the Kings second goal was scored on the power play, so it didn't count towards his plus-minus.

* The shots on goal for the two teams were polar opposites. The Kings declined from 10 shots in the first period, to six and then just three shots in the third. Meanwhile, the Penguins increased their shots from nine in the first period, to 12, to 15 in the third. Pittsburgh also out-shot LA 5-2 in the overtime.

* In the shootout, Kings coach Terry Murray went with (in order): Jack Johnson, Mike Richards, Jarret Stoll, Brown, Justin Williams, Dustin Penner, Hunter and Trevor Lewis. Only Stoll scored. While, the Penguins picked up shootout goals from Evgeni Malkin and Matt Niskanen.

* Total ice time numbers are not available for this game.

There are several fan-filmed highlights floating around - however, here's a clip from the local KC news...

Coach Murray helps close the loop on Brad Richardson

Richardson while training (photo: K. Spatz)

The list of names competing for a spot on the bottom two lines of this year's LA Kings squad was already quite packed in mid-August.

With Jarret Stoll, Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis and Kevin Westgarth taking up four of the six roles, that was probably going to make for a fun training camp battle between prospects Tyler Toffoli and Brandon Kozun, to see if they could crack the NHL line-up.

Then, the Kings went out and signed Ethan Moreau in late August.

If that wasn't enough, just days before camp opened, they invited veteran right wing Trent Hunter in on a try-out contract.

Is Brad Richardson slowly being squeezed out?

"No, not at all," coach Terry Murray said when asked last night. "I thought he had a real good playoff year. He really started to show his speed on a consistent basis. He scored some goals and the line was very good for us. He's come into camp with more confidence because of (that experience). When you see some of the stuff he's doing in the offensive part of the game - on drills we're running, he's holding onto the puck a little bit longer, he's using his quickness, that next-step to break it by a defenseman and getting pucks to the net."

As noted in yesterday's article about Kozun and the huge points he put up in junior hockey, Murray was careful to explain how it can take time for those sorts of skills to translate to the NHL level.

Kopitar, Penner and Hunter on the LA Kings new top-line

Somebody should send Justin Williams a thank you card.

His 'flu-like symptoms' have been a blessing in disguise today.

During the Kings first on-ice sessions today, the focus instantly changed from 'Where's Drew Doughty?' to 'Hey, who is that #47 playing on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Penner?'

It was right wing Trent Hunter, a camp invitee - meaning he's here on a tryout basis.

Following the two-plus hour workout, coach Terry Murray said part of the reason for putting Hunter in Williams spot today was a reward for yesterday. It also had to do with the fact that Murray plans on 'giving Hunter every opportunity to make the team this year.' Although, Murray also acknowledged it will be tough for that to happen - given the roster depth already.

That decision is more than a week away though. For now, the three linemates had some thoughts about their temporary union...

Kopitar on playing with Hunter for the first time - "It was good. Obviously, he's been int he league for a long time and he knows what he's doing. It's too bad that Willy is a little sick right now, but hopefully we'll get him back soon as we can."

Hunter on playing on the top line - "It's fun playing with players of that calibre...If I had any questions, I'd ask them. They were both good about talking to me. Regardless of who you're playing with, you have to communicate with them on the ice."

Hunter on conversations with the Kings about his chances of making the team this season - "They were upfront and honest, right from the start. Nothing changed from one conversation to the next. It was always the same thing. So, I knew what I was coming to. They were very honest me. I realize I have to come in and play hard to win a spot here."

Kings Training Camp 2011: the 'all injured players' quotes

It was a long, long day at the rink for day one of the Kings 2011 Training Camp.

There is just way too much info to get though tonight. However, knowing that people want to read some quotes, I'm going to post some guerrilla style threads. These wont have the normal MayorsManor polish and presentation. Just straight up quote-fests.

First up, here's a collection of quotes from and about players coming off injuries - including Anze Kopitar, Justin Williams, Scott Parse and Trent Hunter.

Coach Terry Murray - "Kopitar is 100%, as far as recovery. He's looking really good. He's skating, he's strong, he's enthusiastic. He wanted to get going even before I ended the video session actually. He said to me, 'It's been a long time since I've played.' So, I was real happy with what I saw."

Murray on Parse - "Scotty Parse had the hip surgery at the early part of (last) year. He's skating well and looks real good...He's a player that I was hoping for a big year from last year on the offensive part of things. That's clearly what he brings to us. A nice touch around the net, he's very creative below the hash marks in the offensive zone and it was unfortunate for the injury. But, he has put in a hard summer and a lot of work. I'm going to watch very closely and probably play him in every one of the exhibition games. Then, we'll see how things move along."

More from coach Murray - "Trent Hunter is here on a (tryout contract), coming off a very serious injury. He hurt himself about the middle of November last year. It didn't respond to therapy, so he had the operation. After being bought out by New Jersey, it was a great opportunity for us to bring in a veteran player and give ourselves the depth that's good to have in training camp...He's an experienced, veteran guy and hopefully he gets some good looks here. I'm going to play him in some exhibition games. If his game is on track, maybe he cracks the line-up here."

Hunter on his knee - "It feels really good. I worked hard over the summer to get it back to where it needs to be. It feels strong and I don't even notice out there. So, I'm excited to be back on the ice, that's for sure...I've had two or three physicals over the last couple of months, they've all seen the same thing - that it's healthy and good. I'm ready to go."

Williams on his shoulder - "It's been over four months now. So, there's no issue at all. There's no hesitation, the shoulder is fine and I feel good...I've been through enough injuries that I'm able to bounce back and get myself mentality ready to play hockey. Pre-season will be important for me, like it will be for a lot of guys."

Next up will be some quotes on Dustin Penner and the overall conditioning of the current Kings roster.

The Mayor
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LA Kings main training camp full roster and schedule

Quick note on the Kings roster for the main training camp, which kicks off Friday with off-ice testing, then on-ice activity beginning this Saturday...

The roster basically includes all of the Kings players under contract at the NHL level, the guys in camp this week for Rookie Camp and three additional invitees:

Trent Hunter
RW, 6-foot-3, 210 lbs, played 17 games for the NY Islanders last season

Shaun Heshka
D, 6-foot-1, 208 lbs, with Salzburg EC in Austria last season

Ray Macias
D, 6-foot-1, 198 lbs, Lake Erie AHL and two games with the Colorado Avalanche

Saturday schedule: