Elvis must love playing hockey in Nashville

Trevor Lewis and Music City, they just seem to go hand-in-hand.

Nicknamed Elvis, due to both guys sharing the same birthday (January 8th), Lewis made a rare appearance on the score sheet Tuesday night.

Entering the game vs. Nashville, he had only three points on the season (two goals and one assist). But, after assisting on Matt Greene's goal and adding one of his own, he nearly doubled his totals.

Also, by scoring the fifth goal in a 5-4 victory for LA, Lewis was officially credited with the game-winning goal - his first such marker of the season. Last year, Lewis picked up his first ever NHL game-winning goal in...you guessed it...Nashville as well.

Here's video of last night's goal, set up by some aggressive play from Anze Kopitar:

Just prior to leaving for the road trip, Jeff Carter had some positive comments about the 25-year old former number one draft pick.  When asked which of his new teammates has caught his eye in the first week, he said - "I think (Lewis) doesn’t get much credit, but he does a lot of dirty work for the team. He’s out killing penalties, and I think on that line with Stolly and Pens, he gets in, he wins battles and stuff like that. He’s been a good player."

In the first few weeks following Darryl Sutter joining the Kings as coach, he too had some thoughts about Lewis' game and what he brings to the team.  Those statements and other related articles can be found below.

The Mayor
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Coach Sutter offers early reviews of Lewis and Loktionov

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Lewis hopes they can 'find the back of the net soon'

Summer 2011: Lewis ready to make some noise at center or wing

Lewis responds to benching and Murray's comments

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Even with half the numbers, Stoll is twice the man of most

Stoll gives a fan a souvenir (photo: M. Zampelli)

It's one of the many cliches in sports, 'Player X is in a contract year, so expect him to put up big numbers this season.'

For Jarret Stoll, the saying couldn't be further from the truth.

With five goals on the season - and only 17 games left on the schedule - he's on pace to add one, maybe two more. Since becoming a full-time player in 2003-04, he's scored 20 or more goals twice and has scored at least 16 goals in each of the last three seasons.

Much of that drop off can be attributed to being used as a third line center now, due to the Kings off-season acquisition of Mike Richards.

Yet, if you go all the way back to July - soon after the deal happened - he said he didn't care where the Kings played him.

"I consider myself a guy who will play any role, any situation in order for us to win and to be a good teammate," Stoll said in a MayorsManor interview last summer. "I'm happy to play anywhere, as long as we win, have fun and get into the playoffs."

Even so, there's a very good chance his season totals will end up right around half of the 45 points he's averaged over the last two seasons.

10 Tidbits on Jeff Carter - Welcome to the LA Kings

Jeff Carter, LA debut (photo: M. Zampelli)

The trade winds aren't the only weather related activity surrounding the LA Kings these days, as there was a flood of information on Jeff Carter to dig up and get to the bottom of this weekend. Here are 10 Tidbits on LA's new forward, using a hodgepodge of notes and quotes...

- He was drafted in the first round of the OHL and NHL drafts. His dad was also taken in the OHL draft - between Mike Gartner and Dino Ciccarelli in 1976 (both are in the Hall of Fame). At just 5-foot-8, Jim Carter played one season for the Oshawa Generals and gave up hockey. By the way, Jeff's listed at 6-foot-4.

- Carter on why he chose jersey #77: "I wore seven all the way up until I got to Philly. Seven is obviously retired there (Bill Barber). So, I was given 17. I've worn 77 a few times here and there. So, I thought I'd switch it up for a bit...I asked for it. Darren (Granger), the equipment guy, said he had to ask a few people. Then, he came back and said it was alright. I told him I'd wear 17 if it as going to be a problem though."

- Represented Canada twice at the World Junior Championships. In 2004 he had Richards as a teammate (when the U.S. beat Canada for the goal medal) and Colin Fraser was with him in 2005. Carter was named a first team all-star at both tournaments.

Kings locker room tense due to trade rumors, per Doughty

Drew Doughty (photo by: D. Sheehan)

The final story on the LA Kings' season has yet to be written. Several chapters are already completed though, including the season opening trip to Europe, Mike Richards hot streak in November and the firing of Terry Murray in December.

So far, 2012 has seen a reoccurring problem from the past two years somehow become even worse - they just can't seem to generate goals.

"We feel bad because we know we have the talent in here to score," explained Drew Doughty. "We have the team that should put way more pucks in the net. We're not doing the job."

For as frustrating as that's been for the organization and fans alike, to show just how close they are to being one of the top teams in the league, think about this - 18 of Jonathan Quick’s 26 losses have been by one goal, including 10 of his last 12.

Averaging just a half-a-goal more per game would make a HUGE difference. Winning just a third of those games (eight of the 26 to be more specific) would give them 81 points and have LA sitting second in the Western Conference.

Like several players on the team, Doughty acknowledged there was pressure in the air in the weeks leading to the coaching change. Then, it left like a breeze through an open window in the early part of the Sutter Era. Yet, things have become tense once again according to the 22-year old defenseman.

The Wizard plays the ultimate game of 'Where's Whitney?'

Where's Whitney...going? (photo: D. Sheehan)

This season, #WheresWhitney has become a popular hashtag on twitter among Coyotes fans, as they keep an eye on popular winger Ray Whitney. With the trade deadline approaching though, it's getting harder and harder to figure out where he just might be next.

"I haven't been rumored to go to some of the teams at the bottom of the league yet, like Edmonton." he said, when asked if there was a team out there he hasn't seen his name attached to. "It's been like that the last couple of years now - including my last season in Carolina and then with the rumors again this year."

Talks have cooled of late though, as the Coyotes have gone 5-0-1 in their last six games and enter tonight in the eighth playoff spot.

"Certainly if we would have kept going the way we were going, spiraling, it probably would have happened by now or the talks would have been even more. But, us being in a playoff spot changes that. As long as we're in it by the deadline, it will make things a little more interesting. in terms of what they're going to do. If somebody gives (Coyotes management) a good deal, you still have to think about life beyond this year. If there's a right deal, I'm sure they would do it."

Uprooting and moving his family was a major concern the last time he entered the trade deadline as a pending free agent (2010). And while his wife and three children are still a high priority, if he changes teams again, he has a plan this time around - at least for the short term.

"They'll stay in Phoenix, regardless of what happens, and that would be the tough part. If I do get traded, right to the end would be the best time to do it, on the last day. That would minimize the amount of time I have to be away. It would be hard on my wife and kids, but they also realize there's a looming lockout next year. If there is one, that would probably be the end of my career. So, I realize this could be the last chance for me to go get one."

Nicknamed the Wizard, for the amazing things he can do on the ice, Whitney says he'll eventually end up living back in Carolina once his playing days are over. But, he's far from being ready to become a homebody just yet.

In fact, Whitney would be so perfect for LA, it's probably too good to be true. He plays left wing - the position they need the most help with. His 16 goals so far this season would place him second on the Kings, one behind Anze Kopitar. And his 51 points would have him leading the team.

Oh, and how's this - what was he doing last night?

"I (met) my good friend Justin Williams and his beautiful wife for dinner in Manhattan Beach to shoot the bull a little bit and reminisce about the old days."

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves with a Whitney and Williams reunion though, there's still a game to be played tonight.

"It's a 'muck fest' when the two teams get together," he joked. "We're both defensive oriented teams. However, we realize they have the potential to be a big offensive team. For some reason, it just hasn't clicked this year."

No, it hasn't. But, a scoring left wing sure would go a long way towards solving some of the Kings' problems.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Coyotes coach Dave Tippett on memories in LA, Doan vs. Brown, etc.

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Dustin Brown on playing the Blues, plus tonight's tix contest

Beginning tonight in St. Louis, the Kings will play 14 of their next 18 games on the road. And the first one out of the chute won't be easy for LA, as the Blues have only lost three games on home ice this season. However, one of those came to the Kings in a 3-2 contest back in November.

Prior to heading out of town, here's what Dustin Brown had to say about the team's annual Grammy trip...

"The one game that stands out is that very first one. St. Louis has probably been one of the hottest teams since their coaching change. So, I think going in there, on the road, with the way they're playing, it's going to be a big test for us."

Here's a look at how several of the Kings have performed against the Blues in the past...

Anze Kopitar - 9 goals in 22 games

Brown - 13 goals in 27 games

Justin Williams - one goal in 17 games

Dustin Penner - eight goals in 20 games
Mike Richards - two goals in six games

Jarret Stoll - six goals in 27 games

Drew Doughty -  one goal in 13 games

Jack Johnson - no goals in 15 games

If you'd like to participate in the the MayorsManor First Goal Contest tonight, we'll be giving away a free pair of tickets to the next home game (2/16 vs. the Phoenix Coyotes). It's easy to play, simply leave a comment below with the LA player you think will score first vs. the Blues...or reply to the facebook / twitter updates that will be posted around 5:00pm. All correct answers will be pooled together and one random winner will be awarded the tickets. Good luck!

The Mayor
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POLL: Who was the Kings Player of the Month for January?

With the All-Star break now behind us, it's time to look ahead towards February - when the Kings return to the ice tomorrow night vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, before we do, let's first open up the polls to determine who was the Kings Player of the Month for January.

Overall, the Kings went 5-2-4 in 11 games last month, including a 3-2-3 record at home and 2-0-1 on the road. As for individual stats, try these brain teasers out to get the juices flowing...

- Which King led the team in shots on goal? No, he wasn't a center. Justin Williams paced the team with 39 SOG, eight more than Koptiar.

- Which player on the second line had the most goals - Dustin Penner, Mike Richards or Jarret Stoll? None, or all, depending on how you look at it. They each had one goal. Penner led the way with 21 shots (and played one fewer game than his linemates).

- Kyle Clifford had the second most penalty minutes in January (30). Who had the most? Richards with 31. And who was third? Drew Doughty with 20. Not what you want to see from two of your best players.

OK, enough is enough. How about some nominees for the Kings' January Player of the Month...

Dustin Brown - tied for the team goal lead (4) and produced the most hits (41) in January

Drew Doughty - led all defensemen with six assists and was a team best plus-7

Jack Johnson - most goals by a defensemen (3) and only one back from the team lead, led all d-men in shots (26), had only four penalty minutes and a plus-1 rating

Anze Kopitar - tied for the team goal lead (4) and was second in points (9)

Jonathan Quick - started ten of the team's 11 games, posting a 4-2-4 record with one shutout and five games where he only gave up one goal - giving him a goals-against average well under 2.00

Justin Williams - Led the team in assists (7), points (10), power play goals (3) and shots (39), was also tied for second in goals (3), just one back of Brown and Kopitar




Poll closes Wednesday 2/1 at 5pm PST.

The Mayor
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2012 AHL All-Star Game - notes on Zatkoff, Hickey, Stevens

The 2012 edition of the AHL All-Star game concluded tonight, with the Western squad defeating the guys from the East 8-7 in a shootout. Kings prospects Jeff Zatkoff and Thomas Hickey represented the Manchester Monarchs on the East team.

Zatkoff played the second period in net, facing 20 shots and surrendering there goals.

Hickey, who leads the Monarchs in plus/minus with a plus-14 rating, recorded zero points and took one shot in the game.

Kyle Palmieri, the Ducks first round selection at the 2009 NHL Draft, also picked up a goal for the Eastern Conference all stars.  He's split time between Syracuse (AHL) and Anaheim this season.

Andy Miele, last year's Hobey Baker Award winner (given to the top player in college hockey) - and a name Kings fans may remember from his stellar performance during Rookie Camp games in LA - had a goal, an assist and was plus-2. The Phoenix Coyotes signed him as a free agent last summer our of Miami (Ohio) University, the same school attended by Zatkoff and Kings defenseman Alec Martinez.

Prior to the game, the AHL held their annual Hall of Fame luncheon. Among the four honorees was Kings assistant coach John Stevens. He is one of only 16 men to win an AHL championship both as a player and as a head coach, having patrolled the blueline in over 800 games as a defenseman and later guided the Philadelphia Phantoms to the Calder Cup in 2004-05 after his playing days were over.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Interview with Jeff Zatkoff - making life on the edge work

Interview with Thomas Hickey - the Kings former #1 draft pick opens up

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NHL12 All-Star Game Results: Westgarth vs The Mayor

Earlier today we posted the results of the NHL 12 simulations using the All Star teams selected by Dustin Penner and Jack Johnson. If you missed it, Team Johnson defeated Team Mayor 8-5. In the other contest, the Pennermaniacs went down in overtime, 5-4.

Now, we have the results of the third and final game using the rosters put together from the mock draft with LA Kings tough guy Kevin Westgarth. Here's how things went down...

Westy's Warriors				Hoven's Hitters
Jonathan Toews		F		Alex Ovechkin
Pavel Datsyuk		F		Phil Kessel
Steven Stamkos		F		Claude Giroux
Shea Weber		D		Dion Phaneuf
Brian Campbell		D		Keith Yandle
Brian Elliott		G		Tim Thomas

Stats from NHL 12 game simulation:

Period	1	2	3	Total
Westy’s Warriors	2	1	2	5
Hoven’s Hitters	1	3	3	7

Scoring Summary

Quotes from Senators locker room following 4-1 loss to LA

Although the Senators arrived in LA coming off a loss to the Ducks on Saturday, they hadn't dropped back to back games in regulation since early November. On the flip side though, they had only beaten the Kings once in LA and that was more than a decade ago.

Oh, and you want another stat? LA is one of only two NHL cities where their leading point producer, Jason Spezza, had never potted a goal (St. Louis being the other). His night didn't get off to a nice start either, he was hit by an errant puck during pre-game warm-ups and left the ice bleeding.

After 20 minutes of action, Ottawa was down 1-0 and it only got worse from there. They lost the faceoff battle (53 to 47%), were out shot (34-28) and managed a lone goal, while the Kings posted four. Their only 'victory' on the stats sheet would be the 34-24 comparison in hits.

Following the game, here's what they were saying back in the Sens locker room...

Coach Paul MacLean:

On the overall game - "I thought [the physical aspect] of the game was fine. Obviously the score wasn’t very good and I thought that they did a better job of getting to our net than we did getting to their net. We had some opportunities in there as well but they got the big win tonight."

On the penalty shot - "I thought it was a big part of the hockey game. We get the benefit of replay and it shouldn’t have been a penalty shot. We get the benefit of replay one and two and three times. I’m not sure if it’s reviewable in Toronto on that kind of a call, but that’s just the way it is. I think having video means to get it right, so if it’s not right, it should be [reviewed]. That’s why you should have video, to me."

LA Kings stats vs Senators and ticket contest details

In the last meeting between the Kings and Senators (on November 22, 2010), Anze Kopitar opened the scoring 10 minutes into the first period. LA eventually lost that game 3-2. It stands as Kopitar's only goal vs Ottawa in four career games. How have some of his teammates fared?

Dustin Brown - no goals in six games

Justin Williams - five goals in 27 games

Dustin Penner - three goals in six games

Mike Richards - 12 goals in 21 games

Jarret Stoll - no goals in five games

Drew Doughty - one goal in three games

Dustin Brown on his hit total tonight, seeing Kopitar on the ice

Kings captain Dustin Brown had a season high 12 hits tonight vs. the Wild, to go along with five shots on goal.

After the game, he shared the following...

On his 12 hits in the game - "We need more intensity in our game and part of that is physical, I guess. But, I don't look at the stat sheets. The opportunities were there. Everyone is questioning my hit totals this year - whether it's the rules, and maybe that's part of it. But, I'm not going to run out of (my) way to get hits. Tonight the hits were there. Some nights there's not a lot of opportunity out there the way the game is played nowadays."

On seeing Anze Kopitar laying on the ice - "It's always scary when you see a player go down, regardless of if he's your best player. When you see a teammate go into the boards like that you just hope for the best. We have to find a way to capitalize when we have a five minute power play, or three-and-a-half minutes, whatever it was."

On the overall game - "They got a quick early goal and I turned the puck over on the second one. I just couldn’t make a strong play and then it was in our net and it was 2-0. It’s a tough team to play against when you are down 2-0. I don’t know exactly what happened on the first but I couldn’t make that play on the second. Look at our shot pool: in 40-whatever shots we got two goals. We have to find ways to score goals. I give Hackett credit, he made some pretty big saves."

On the improvements need - "We have to get around the net more. I thought tonight was better than it has been in the past. We have to just get to the net and find ways to get pucks through. We have to be stronger in front of the net, we have a couple guys that are there consistently but we need more guys going. That’s going to help us score goals."

Brown came on MayorsManor the other day and explained why his hit totals are down 24% for the season (link here)

More to come.

Comments from Trent Hunter and Anze Kopitar are already up on the homepage...and coach Murray's remarks from his postgame presser can be found here.

The Mayor
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Murray says Kings have confidence and are in 'good shape'

Earlier today we posted the first batch of comments from coach Terry Murray's post-practice media scrum.  So far, we've looked at very specific areas - the play of Kyle Clifford and his system, which hasn't produced many goals of late. Now, Murray goes a little higher level.

First up, an overall summary of the season as a whole...

"We're in pretty good shape," said the Kings coach. "We made a lot of changes over the year. We brought in new players, veteran players. It takes them time. We were hoping that Scott Parse would come in and really contribute to the team. That broke down, he's out and done, probably for the year. Penner is starting to get going. He's gone through a lot here, through the summertime and getting himself to the level of play that we want. He had a couple of injuries right from the start, with the groin injuries, then he broke his hand. So, there's a lot of that happening. Doughty comes in late, after the training camp and misses the early part. So, there's been a lot of things. Overall, the team has come through with an incredible amount of confidence. We're in pretty good shape."

As Murray is prone to do, he went on to back up some of his statements...

Breaking down the lack of scoring with Kings coach Murray

The LA Kings haven't been scoring enough goals to win hockey games on a consistent basis and everybody's talking about, including coach Terry Murray.

Following practice today, he not only answered questions, he also had some facts to share...

Question: Is the parity in the league - and the fact a lot of teams play the same system - part of the reason for the lack of scoring?

TM: Pre-lockout (2003-04), the number one scoring team in the NHL scored 262 goals (Ottawa). Last season, the top scoring team in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks, put up 262 goals (note: it was actually 258 last year). So, it hasn't changed much. The thing that has changed now though is the neutral zone play is much tighter. We saw it last night with Anaheim and we're seeing it, basically, with every team in the league. Everybody's pulling back to their own blueline. It's a very tight structure now in the middle of the ice. It is difficult to have a possession entry. Organized attacks, you can get organized, but there comes a time when you're being fronted - now, you just have to go get pucks in deep and you have to go recover them. So, it's hard and it's hard for everybody in the league right now.

Question: Has there been any change in the system that has led him to believe the offensive numbers would go down?

Dustin Brown explains why his hit totals are down 24%

Dustin Brown, LA Kings (photo: M. Zampelli)

Over the last few years, there are certain things you can count on when watching an LA Kings game. Such as - Anze Kopitar will pick up a point, Jarret Stoll will win a bunch of faceoffs, Matt Greene will block some shots...and Dustin Brown will deliver a few crushing hits to the opposition.

Yet, if the latter seems to be with less frequency this season, well - it has been.

Last year Brown finished with 300 hits, up from 287 the year prior. Through 26 games played this season, his 72 hits have him on pace for a total of 227, down 24%.

When asked about the decline, Brown doesn't see it as him responding to the league-wide crack down...

"Definitely (the league) is looking at it more closely. But, I don't think it's changing my game," said the Kings captain. "I think what's happening is our system is starting to get more detailed. There are opportunities to get hits. But, you don't want to run out of your way to get hits. We're starting to learn our system a little bit better. On the forecheck, if I'm F1, I can get my hits. If I'm F2 or F3, I have to make some reads. Again, hitting, I try to be as physical as possible. I think it provides a spark for this team. However, I think there are definitely instances where maybe I pull back, not from a standpoint of the league rules or whatever. But, just from trying to stay in a better position on the defensive side of the puck and really focusing on doing all of the things right - as opposed to making the big hit and maybe taking myself out of the play."

As a point of reference, last Thursday he had six hits against Florida (his season best) and then five hits on Saturday vs. Montreal. He played on the top line in both games.

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.

Moreau - 'You can't give the referee an option on that play'

Moreau, LA Kings practice (photo: D. Sheehan)

Grit, sandpaper, character...

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:

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.

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.

Westgarth goes from 'stewing in his juices' into the line-up

Westgarth remains positive (photo: M. Zampelli)

By all accounts, Kevin Westgarth had a great summer. He married his longtime girlfriend and signed a two-year contract extension with the Kings.

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.