Sutter explains the future for rookies Nolan and King in LA

Dwight King (photo: Ikiri)

On Friday, February 10 the Kings made a few roster moves, allowing them to call up Jordan Nolan and Dwight King from Manchester (AHL).

Monarchs Director of Hockey Operations Hubie McDonough notified King first and gave him an assignment - please tell Nolan that he's going with you to New York to play the Islanders. Now, that's not normally how things are done, but it was warranted due to a tight schedule. After all, a car was coming to get them and they needed to pack.

Although athletes are known to prank each other, King says he played it straight when informing his roommate he was about to make his NHL debut.

"It's a little different, I guess, for your first time call-up," King explained. "But, I'm pretty nice. You don't want to spoil a moment that like that. So, I just told him the basics."

A six-game call-up last year did little to help prepare King for what he was about to get himself into. For starters, he was thrust onto a line with Mike Richards - who wasn't even with the team last season. And Darryl Sutter was behind the bench, not Terry Murray.

"I met him, or ran into him in the hallway and shook his hand," said King, when describing his brief encounter with Sutter a few weeks prior in Manchester (the coach went back to observe two games during the NHL All-Star break). "One of his brothers, Rich, was the assistant coach on my junior team in Lethbridge.  He didn't really know me though.  So, that was the extent of our little chat."

Since then, King has played nine games for Sutter in LA and scored a pair of goals.

VIDEO: Kings rookie Jordan Nolan gets his first NHL fight

Rookie Jordan Nolan had another memorable game for the Kings last night - not only picking up his second NHL goal, but also introducing himself to the Wild's Marco Scandella...

It was Scandella's first NHL fight as well.  Perhaps he bit off a bit more than he can chew for his inaugural tilt though.

You can check out more of Nolan's handy work from Manchester over on his page at hockeyfights.com.

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VIDEO: Get to know Jordan Nolan - video highights from Manchester

It isn't very often when a 22-year old rookie is the best player on the ice during his first two NHL games. Yet, Jordan Nolan might be able to lay claim to such a statement after his performances in New York and Dallas over the weekend.

A seventh round draft pick by the Kings back at the 2009 NHL Draft, Nolan made quite the impression with his physical play and goal scoring ability.  A 6-foot-3 forward, he's always been a bit of a work-in-progress.  However, it was obvious at training camp in September that he had taken giant steps forward in his development and that solid play extended into his season in Manchester, where he had nine goals and 13 assists - not to mention his 119 penalty minutes - in 40 games played.

The Kings Vision team have pulled together a brief highlight reel, check out what he can do with his stick, as well as his fists...

To see a similar video package on Dwight King, click here.

For the MayorsManor article on Nolan and King being promoted from the AHL, click here.

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AUDIO: Kings' Jordan Nolan on his game winning goal today

Kings' rookie Jordan Nolan had a strong game yesterday vs. the Islanders and was out to impress again today, including picking up his first NHL goal - which stood as the game winner. Back in the locker room, here's what he had to say after the game...



We've already published post-game audio from coach Darryl Sutter, click here to listen.

Also, be sure to check out what Justin Williams had to say - including plenty of praise for Nolan and Dwight King - listen here.

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VIDEO: Kings Dustin Brown on team's 2-1 OT loss to the Isles

Kings captain Dustin Brown was obviously disappointed with his team's performance today vs. the Islanders. After, he spoke with the media - including sharing thoughts on goalie Jonathan Quick and rookie Jordan Nolan.

Post-game thoughts from coach Darryl Sutter and Quick are up on the homepage.

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Checking in with Loktionov - new skates, new attitude

It's only been a few weeks since the Kings coaching change, but some of Darryl Sutter's answers have been real gems. They're often short and seem to write their own headlines.

For example, I recently asked Sutter if he had any comment about the hoopla surrounding rookie Andrei Loktionov playing at center or wing earlier this seasons. And what pearls of wisdom did the coach lay on me?  'I don't care where he plays.'

Of course, Sutter went on to explain that he thinks most of the Kings forwards are talented enough to play multiple positions, yada, yada, yada. All good stuff, sure.  Yet, the simplified version is much more fun.

Loktionov was out of the line-up for Sutter's first three games. However, he's played in five straight games now and like most of the Kings, he seems to be taking to his new coach rather well.

"Oh I like him, he's a good coach," said the 21-year old Russian, with an ear-to-ear smile. "I like his system we play in the offensive zone, the defensive zone. At center, you have to always play down low. You have to always play in the middle. He says in the offensive zone we can send three guys behind the net and keep it a live puck. I like it."

Kings prospect Jeff Zatkoff makes life on the edge work

Just when you think you know the answer to the Kings goaltending depth, leave it to Jeff Zatkoff to change the question.

Originally selected by the team in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft, it was starting to seem like he was slipping a bit in the organization's overall rankings. Obviously, Jonathan's Quick and Bernier have solidified their place with the big club. However, even last year - when he was thought to be the starting goalie as the season started - he saw undrafted rookie Martin Jones steal his job and make it to the AHL All Star Game.

Yet, things are back on track for the 24-year old Michigan native. In the last 48 hours alone, he's been named the AHL Goalie of the Month and to this year's AHL All Star Game.

Although he's sitting on a 10-4-1 record at the moment, the season didn't start out so well. Sure, he went to Europe with the Kings, but upon returning home he was a little rusty.

"The biggest thing for me personally was getting into game action," said Zaktoff "I played, basically, one period during the pre-season. Then, I came in and played that first game vs. Springfield [AHL]. It was kind of like an exhibition game for me, in terms of finding my game. So, my first real game wasn't where it needed to be and I had some things to work on still. As I played more games I got more and more comfortable, especially with the things I was able to work on over the summer. It's all starting to come together form me."

That's a bit of understatement. His 2.04 goals-against average, .935 save percentage and 6-0-1 mark at home say things are going pretty well.

Wild def Kings 4-2, quotes from the Minnesota locker room

Although the Kings out-shot the Wild 44-24 and out-hit them 46-22, they gave up a season-high four goals (for the third time) and that was too much for an offense that's unable to score more than two goals right now. Final score 4-2, and here's what they were saying in the Minnesota locker room after the game...

Coach Mike Yeo on the overall game - "It was nice to have a good start. It was nice not to have to sit here and talk about another attempt or a great job coming from behind and I thought we were sharp right from the get-go. We expected them to have a push. Certainly it was tough losing (Brodziak) tonight and I thought our guys really rose to the challenge."

Yeo on losing Kyle Brodziak - "Obviously it increased a lot of ice time for (Koivu), (Cullen), and for the lines. We started to roll those lines real frequently but also with Cody Almond. I thought not only did he step into that situation and play key minutes for us, but that was a big goal he scored. They had some good momentum going at that time and you could tell that took a lot of life out of them."

Rookie goaltender Matt Hackett on making his first NHL start - "I can’t even explain it. It’s been crazy. Best 72 hours of my life so far. Like I said, we got to keep it going and I’m just living the dream right now. Just got to jump in there and do the best you can. Today I had time to think about the game, usually I have a pre-game map, but I was so excited I didn’t really get to sleep. I was just focusing on what I was supposed to do and I felt like it went pretty well tonight."

Brett Hextall ready to play his first game at Staples Center

Brett Hextall vs. the Kings (photo: CIKIRI)

During the Kings and Coyotes two-game Rookie Camp tournament last week, Brandon Kozun made the biggest impression on the management group and fans in Los Angeles.

Over on the other side, it was pretty hard not to notice Phoenix center Brett Hextall.

Sure, he's the son of Kings executive Ron Hextall. However, like the son of any former NHL player who gets drafted, he's slowly carving his own path and making his own way in the world of hockey.

Selected by the Coyotes in the sixth round of the 2008 NHL Draft, Hextall signed his first pro contract earlier this year and knows he may still have a ways to go to make it the NHL.

Still, how bad does he want to play in the game tonight vs. the Kings at Staples Center?

"Pretty bad," said the younger Hextall during a recent conversation.

He went on to share that getting into one of the split-squad games tonight against the Kings, especially the one in LA, was one of his main goals coming into camp this season. And why wouldn't it be - most boys still want to impress their father, even long after they grow up to be men themselves.

Now 23, he's left college behind and has his sights set on the next phase in his career. However, he did offer up a few scouting related comments on one of his former teammates at the University of North Dakota - Kings 2010 first round pick, Derek Forbort.

Terry Murray's convinced about Loktionov, unsure of Lewis

Back in July, Trevor Lewis stopped by MayorsManor and shared that he's open to just about anything this season. Even though he primarily played center during his rookie season last year, he'll happily move to the wing if that's where coach Terry Murray wants him.

For him, it's all about wanting quality minutes.

That's comforting to head coach Terry Murray, who will be faced with some tough choices here in the next week or so. Along with GM Dean Lombardi, they have, what seems like, 87 players in camp right now competing for spots on the bottom two lines.

One of the names that brings the most uncertainty is Andrei Loktionov.

"I think Loktionov is a center iceman and that's his best position, by far," said Murray at camp this week. "In saying that, I appreciate his work here at the start of last season - he did a pretty good job."

Acknowledging that he may need to move some parts around to make it all work, Murray added - "Trevor Lewis is probably the one player who can move to another position and feel more comfortable."

One possible advantage that Lewis may have at the moment, is Murray say him all year last season and in the playoffs.

"At the end of the day, it's going to be both guys in that position looking to make the hockey club," said Murray. "Trevor Lewis did a great job for us last year. I had him penciled in our (regular season) line-up coming into the training camp. Loktionov has really impressed me over the last two years. He's very creative. He needs to play higher. He needs to be one of those guys who is probably in your top six because of his ability to play with skilled players."

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

Kaunisto during Rookie Camp (photo: CIKIRI)

It's time for the return of the Yooper.

Ray Kaunisto, a 6-foot-4 left wing, played 57 games for Manchester last season, the Kings' AHL affiliate. He had 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) and finished with a minus-6 rating. Not exactly numbers that will shoot him past Brandon Kozun or Tyler Toffoli on the depth chart.

"To be realistic, I'm not a top-two liner," Kaunisto says.

He knows his role and he's sticking to it - "I like to be a defensive forward and I think I'm getting better at that as a pro - after being good at it in college."

With four years at Northern Michigan under his belt, he signed with the Kings as a free agent in March 2010.

Even though the odds may be stacked against him flying to Europe with the Kings to start the season, he's had a straight forward approach to training camp this week.

"How I look at it is, I come to camp and I do what I can," said the 24-year old, who hails from the Upper Peninsula area of Michigan. "I'm going to go out there and play rough, I'm going to hit and try not to turn the puck over. I want to be good in my own zone. I'll try to put in a couple of goals and be there for my teammates. If it doesn't work out here - I hope to make the team here, that's what everyone hopes here - but, I know that may not be the most realistic thing right now. The step after that is, go to the AHL and be a top player there."

Right before camp opened though, he had to ship something back home - his wife. Married over the summer, the Mrs. was in town for a few days.

Preparing for life without Doughty, Kings coach Murray talks Voynov vs Hickey

Voynov, LA Kings rookie (photo: K. Spatz)

Hey, have you heard the news?

Drew Doughty hasn't resigned with the LA Kings yet.

After being bombarded with questions about his former Norris trophy candidate during the opening day of camp, coach Terry Murray is now starting to prepare for the possibility of having to fill his spot on the roster - even if it's only temporary.

LA's three leading candidates would be Jake Muzzin, Thomas Hickey and Slava Voynov.

Given that Murray already saw what Muzzin can do in the NHL during his 11-game stint early last season, much of the attention the last few days has been focused on the other two.

"I'm not too sure how it's all going to play out," Murray said early in camp. "But, the opportunity is there for someone to grab a position if Doughty does not show up here by the end of training camp."

And how likely is it that 'someone' will be Voynov?

"He has a little bit of an edge because he's a right handed shot - but, also because he's a very skilled guy and he plays the power play," Murray explained. "That's one of his strengths - to be able to carry the puck, see the ice and make plays. He has a nice shot, good quickness and, instinctively, he's a skill player. The other part is, he's coming off an all-star year (in Manchester). When you pay your dues in the minors the last couple of years like he has, and his game keeps getting better, he's a player that I'm going to keep a very close eye on."

Don't count Hickey out just yet though. He's been flying around the ice during the first few days of camp and Murray has taken notice.

"That’s a big change from what I saw in year one. His overall body strength is much better (too)."

Speed and strength are just part of Hickey's improvements. Murray also likes what he's doing with the puck.

Prospect Brandon Kozun puts the ball in the Kings court

Sometimes the NHL Draft can be a bit confusing for the casual observer.

Jordan Eberle was drafted in the first round by the Edmonton Oilers back in 2008. The following year, the Kings took Brandon Kozun in the sixth round.

At the end of the 2009-10 season, Kozun had 107 points and beat out Eberle for the WHL scoring title.

Since then, Eberle has played 69 games in the NHL. Meanwhile, Kozun proclaimed 'I'm ready for the NHL' earlier this summer.

At the very least, he'll most likely be playing an NHL pre-season game on Wednesday night against the Phoenix Coyotes.

"I have him penciled in for an exhibition game," said Kings head coach Terry Murray. "I like the way he played (in the Rookie Games last week, ironically against Phoenix). He made some huge plays in the offensive part of the games, setting up the winning goals and scoring goals on the power play himself. That's what he needs to do. He's put up big numbers in junior and we're looking for that to carry over to the pro side of it."

Kozun also believes he put his best foot forward last week.

VIDEO: LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Doughty, rookies

Daryl Evans spoke with Los Angeles Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi earlier today - among the topics: holdout defenseman Drew Doughty and the just completed Rookie Camp. Take a look...

If you'd like to win a pair of lower bowl seats for this coming Wednesday's pre-season game at Staples Center, featuring the Kings vs. the Coyotes, visit www.facebook.com/MayorsManor for all the details.

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POLL: Most impressive King in Rookie Camp game two?

After the Kings-Coyotes first rookie game on Wednesday night, readers of MayorsManor voted Brandon Kozun as the most impressive LA prospect in the game.

He captured 40% of the votes, just enough to beat out Andy Andreoff's 38%.

Yesterday afternoon, the Kings beat the Coyotes 4-3 (game recap here).

If you were at the game or watched it online, who do you think was the most impressive?



Poll closes Saturday at noon.

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LA vs PHX - Thursday's post-game notes and quotes

Kings v Coyotes Thursday (photo: J. Weinberg)

Brandon Kozun can rest a little easier.

Fresh off his rookie season in Manchester last year, he wasn't talking like a player in a meaningless training camp game after Wednesday's 8-7 loss to the Coyotes - where the Kings gave up five goals in the third period.

He was visibly upset and shared his frustrations following the game, calling the loss 'unacceptable.'

While not on the level of a Mark Messier playoff promise - still, though - he all but guaranteed a win on Thursday.  Per the plan, he and his teammates delivered.

Saying the Kings dominated the first period would be an understatement. After barely showing any signs of defensive life for the final 20 minutes of the game prior, they held the Coyotes to only three shots in the opening period of yesterday's game. Then, only gave up eight more in the second. Goalie Martin Jones could have taken a nap in the crease there was such little action in front of him.

Like the night before, Kozun was again front and center for most of the action. He followed-up his two goal performance in the first game by assisting on three of the Kings four goals Thursday - and two of them were things of beauty.

First, he set up Linden Vey to put the Kings up 2-0, after Jordan Weal opened the scoring.

Following the game, Vey said, "It was good to get the win, especially after the way we lost yesterday."

However, he also had some praise for the play of Kozun, saying "I thought Kozy was great in both games." Indeed.

As for the fewer fights and less physical play in game two of the Coyotes-Kings rookie series, Vey said "We were moving the puck better. It's tough to play physical when a team is moving the puck like that."

So, perhaps that's why Jordan Nolan - who's normally known more for his fists than his soft hands - was able to have such an offensively rewarding day. He scored two goals, including the game winner - set up on highlight reel-like passes from Vey and Kozun.

LIVE STREAM: Rookie Camp - Kings v Coyotes (9/15/2011)

Notes and quotes from the Kings 8-7 loss last night to the Phoenix Coyotes can be found here.

Then, at 2pm PST today, the Kings will go for redemption in the second and final game of this series. Thanks to KingsVision we're once again pleased to offer you a live stream of the game.

The stream below will began around 1:45pm PST with a pre-game show, featuring former Kings player, now radio commentator, Daryl Evans.

HINT: I hear there may be a special guest - tune in to see!

At 2pm PST the game will begin.

To get you ready, be sure to check out the MayorsManor top 10 prospect rankings. It will give you a quick update on several of the key players to watch.

You can also check out these other articles to get you ready:

Coach Murray on what he wants out of tonight's game

Full roster breakdowns on today's players - forwards, defensemen and goaltenders

Why Andy Andreoff may be going from camp to Manchester

Like yesterday, I'll be at the game with live notes and interviews - follow along at the links down below to keep up with the action...

POLL: Most impressive LA King in Rookie Camp game one?

This poll is going to be a quick one, as voting will end at 1:30 pm PST today.

If you were at the Rookie Game last night versus Phoenix or watched the game online (right here on MayorsManor!)...who were you most impressed with?

Stats don't always tell the full story of a player's contribution on the ice. However, here are some numbers for your reference:

Andy Andreoff - two goals, plus-2, nine PIM, five shots

Martin Jones - 28 of 31 saves in 40 minutes played

Ray Kaunisto - one goal, one assist, five shots, five hits

Brandon Kozun - two goals, one assist, four shots

Jake Muzzin - two assists, plus-1, seven PIM, one shot, two hits

Michael Schumacher - two assists, plus-3, two hits

If you don't like any of those, feel free to suggest your own...




REMINDER: We'll have a free live stream of the second game between the LA Kings and Phoenix Coyotes right here on MayorsManor, beginning at 1:45 pm PST. Don't miss it!

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LA vs PHX - Wednesday's post-game notes and quotes

Goalie Chirstopher Gibson (photo by: Cikiri)

Rookie game tournament or not, the Kings brass can't be pleased with what they saw on Wednesday night - especially in the third period.

Leading 6-3 after 40 minutes, the Kings came from ahead to lose the game 8-7 after a disastrous final period - where goalie Christopher Gibson gave up five goals.

Brandon Kozun, one of the assistant captains in the game, called the loss "unacceptable" and declared, "We cannot let leads like that get away."

What happened? Well, "there were a lot of nervous guys in that dressing room," Kozun surmised.

Martin Jones started in net for the Kings and stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced in two periods. Coach Mark Morris (of Manchester) elected to put Gibson in for the third - a move he had planned out even prior to the game starting.

Gibson gave up five goals on 13 shots - three of them were with the Coyotes on the power play.

"All those goals weren't one guy's fault," said Kozun. "They were the entire team. I feel bad for Gibby because we put him in a pretty tough spot out there. It's tough, but everyone has to be reliable out there. It's not one guy, it's the whole team."

On the positive side, Kozun had a pair of goals and led all Kings players with three points.

Joining him with a pair of goals was a player who is quickly growing on coach Terry Murray, 2011 draft pick Andy Andreoff.

The 6-foot-1 center was exactly as Murray had advertised during his MayorsManor interview earlier in the week - gritty and a goal scorer.

Andreoff first scored midway through the first period, then just five seconds later got into a scrap off the ensuing faceoff.

After the game he said "I'm just trying to play hard and get used to the experience here at the camp - getting used to the speed and size and toughness here."

LIVE STREAM: Rookie Camp - Kings v Coyotes (9/14/2011)

Thanks to KingsVision we're proud to announce a live stream of tonight's LA Kings vs Phoenix Coyotes rookie game.

The stream below will began around 5:45pm PST with a pre-game show, featuring former Kings player, now radio commentator, Daryl Evans.

At 6pm PST the game will begin.

To get you ready, be sure to check out the MayorsManor top 10 prospect rankings. It will give you a quick update on several of the key players to watch.

You can also check out these other articles to get you ready:

Coach Murray on what he wants out of tonight's game

Full roster breakdowns on today's players - forwards, defensemen and goaltenders

Why Andy Andreoff may be going from camp to Manchester

I'll also be at the game with live notes and interviews - follow along at the links down below...