Murray says Voynov will play Tuesday - did he tip his hand?

Slava Voynov of LA Kings (photo: M. Zampelli)

Given the words and actions of LA Kings coach Terry Murray over the last few weeks, it at least appears like forward Scott Parse may be hanging on by a thread.

The team needs to get the roster down to 21 skaters by Friday, meaning one more cut is required.

Thus, either Parse, Davis Drewiske or rookie Slava Voynov won't be around for the season opener.

During a press conference earlier today in Germany, Murray may have tipped his hand when he shared the following:

"Voynov will play in the (final pre-season) game tomorrow...he's had a great training camp for us. He's coming off an All-Star year in the American Hockey League. His game has grown tremendously over the three years that I've been watching him in the training camps. Right now, he's on the threshold - he's knocking right on the door, can he make the National Hockey League and the LA Kings? He's been a fun player to watch. He's similar in his game to Drew Doughty - he's a 'puck skill' guy, he's got great vision on the ice, he's a second/third option player, he can find those guys and make really good plays. So, it's going to be another good look at him tomorrow night."

Previously in camp, Murray had said he'd be open to starting the season with eight defensemen. Thus, the option is there for Drewiske and Voynov to occupy those final two roster spots.

Voynov is also expected to debut his new #26 jersey in the game, after wearing #76 so far this preseason. Originally selected by the Kings in the second round of the 2008 NHL Draft, he entered training camp ranked by MayorsManor as the second best defensive prospect in the Kings organization and sixth overall (see the full list here).

Early tomorrow morning we'll have a special preview of the Kings pre-season game against the Hamburg Freezers.

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POLL: What should the LA Kings do with Scott Parse?

Last night in Colorado, Kings forward Scott Parse recorded his first point of the pre-season.

However, just a few days ago, coach Terry Murray said he wasn't necessarily looking for goals or assists out of the 27-year old winger right now. Instead, he wanted to see his feet moving - something Murray claimed has been lacking.

While a dozen or so players have been fighting for one of the few roster spots available on the Kings team this season, Murray practically gave Parse a job heading into camp - even saying he planned for him to be part of the line-up during every pre-season game, in an effort to let him get back into game shape after missing most of last season.

As of Monday, Parse had yet to 'grab the opporuntiy' according to Murray, which led to a subsequent sit down meeting and him being scratched from Tuesday's game in Kansas City.

With guys like Ethan Moreau, Brad Richarson, Trevor Lewis, Andrei Loktionov and others all pushing for a spot on the Kings third and fourth lines, time may be running out for Parse.

Or is it?

If you were in charge of the Kings, what would you do...



Poll closes Friday at 3pm PST.

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LA Kings forward Brad Richardson - the human avalanche

LA Kings Brad Richardson (photo: C. Ikiri)

The old 'put me in coach' saying could possibly be modified for Brad Richardson. 'Plug me in' coach may be more appropriate for the versatile forward.

Last season he played just about every position among the Kings four offensive lines, including a few stints on the top line with center Anze Kopitar.

Given his choice, Richardson says he'd rather be in the middle.

"I like center - that’s my natural position. But, it's pretty tough on this team to be a center - unless someone’s injured, like last year," said the Kings utility man. "I'm comfortable on the right side, left side — the wing positions don't matter to me, it's just a side. Any forward position is fine with me."

When he plays in Colorado though, like the Kings are tonight - he simply looks for quality minutes.

Hockey players have long been known for performing well against their former teams and Richardson is no exception. Originally selected by the Avs in the fifth round of the 2003 NHL Draft, he was traded to the Kings in 2008 for a second round pick. Since changing jerseys, he's scored five goals in nine games against the Avs. In 171 other games for the Kings, played outside of Colorado, he's scored 13 goals (a conversion rate of 8%).

Further, in 244 total games played outside of Denver, Richardson has 27 NHL goals (a conversion rate of 11%). Conversely, in his 72 games at the Pepsi Center, he's found the back of the net 10 times (14%).

In two pre-season games this month, he's been on the move again.

Clarifying the goalie situation - from LA to KC to Europe

It's true - the same glass of water can be seen as half full or half empty, depending on your perspective.

With the latest round of roster cuts at LA Kings camp, one goaltender is headed to New Hampshire and another one will soon be packing for a trip to Europe.

On the surface, it may not seem like Martin Jones got the better end of the deal. However, he's now in Manchester preparing to be the starting goalie for the Monarchs.

Sure, Jeff Zatkoff will be joining the Kings on their trip to Germany and Sweden next week. However, it's highly unlikely he'll even dress for either of the two games being played.

Following the announcement of Jones being assigned back to the AHL, coach Terry Murray shared these thoughts on the young goaltender...

"Jonesy's played very well. He has a really good year in Manchester last year. It looks like he has the right demeanor, the right attitude and the right make-up to be a very good goaltender. His numbers coming from junior (WHL) right through last year in Manchester identify him to be a pretty good goaltender down the road. So, it's very important that all these young guys just continue to play (referring to Jones, Tyler Toffoli and Brandon Kozun, who were all cut from camp on Sunday). They're now in a more important role. They're going to play in critical games, critical minutes and critical situations. It's learning how to handle those situations. That's where you take the next step."

Over the weekend, Zatkoff spoke at length about his time in camp this year, his relationship with Bernier and even about the possibility of being the 'extra' goalie when the Kings head overseas. You can read his interview here.

Yesterday, Murray offered camp evaluations for the other top prospects just released - Kozun and Toffoli.

Later tonight, the Kings will play the Pittsburgh Penguins at the sold out Sprint Center in Kansas City. Jonathan Bernier is scheduled to be in net for LA, with Zatkoff backing him up. Jonathan Quick will start tomorrow in Colorado versus the Avalanche.

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Kings coach Murray - 'Kozun needs to work on his game'

File this one under the peaks and valleys of life.

Just ten days ago, Brandon Kozun was the talk of training camp in Los Angeles. Today, he's headed back to Manchester, New Hampshire to play in the AHL.

He was the breakout star of the two-game Rookie Tournament against the Phoenix Coyotes - scoring a pair of goals in the first game and setting up all three goals in the second one.

It was a performance that he proudly followed up with by stating 'I kind of put the ball in their court,'

Readers of MayorsManor liked what they saw - voting him 'most impressive' in both games. And Kings coach Terry Murray agreed.

Kozun, a sixth round pick in 2009, then played nearly 13 minutes in the team's first preseason game - generating zero points and one shot on goal.

After practice yesterday, Murray spoke about the decision to include Kozun in the most recent round of (training camp) roster cuts...

"He has the speed, he has the quickness. Obviously, he can score some goals. But, he needs to go and work on his game," explained Murray. "He needs to go back down to Manchester, where there's more time - there's a lot more to the game than what I just talked about. Those are the areas that are going to take some time and are going to take some attention in order for him to nail that part of it down."

So, Kozun will play right wing for the Monarchs this season. Who will be his center? That remains to be determined, as Andrei Loktionov remains in camp with the Kings. His short-term fate should be determined in the next few days. Stay tuned.

Kozun is currently ranked fourth on the Kings top ten prospects list. To view the full MayorsManor rankings click here.

Murray also spoke about another highly rated Kings prospect yesterday, Tyler Toffoli. For the coach's evaluation of his camp performance click here.

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LA Kings coach Murray evaluates Tyler Toffoli's 2011 camp

Tyler Toffoli at Kings camp (photo: C. Ikiri)

Coming into Rookie Camp the headline was clear - Tyler Toffoli vs. Brandon Kozun, which prospect would make the biggest impact?

Kozun fired the first shot, being the star of the two-game Rookie Tournament against the visiting Phoenix Coyotes. Days later, Toffoli responded by scoring a goal and assisting on another one during the Kings first pre-season game.

Now, considering they both were cut from camp on Sunday, we're probably left without a definitive answer.

It was announced last night that Toffoli would be heading back to his junior team, the Ottawa 67's, to defend his OHL scoring title.

Kings coach Terry Murray didn't get a chance to meet with the talented right winger before he headed back to Canada. However, he did share a few thoughts after practice earlier today...

"He was one of the better players on the ice (during the Kings pre-season game in Phoenix last Wednesday). He played tremendous hockey," Murray stated. "He was looking like a real pro, right from the very first day of rookie camp, through the rookie camp and on into the main camp. He's never missed a beat. His play making, his attitude about taking pucks to the net and playing in the hard areas are tremendous. I think he's going to be a real top pro."

Scott Parse thinks it's all between his ears, Murray unsure

Scott Parse of LA Kings (photo: M. Zampelli)

Against the Ducks last night, Kings coach Terry Murray wasn't happy with the way Scott Parse was moving - or not moving - out on the ice.

When his post-game press conference included comments like 'There’s not much happening on either side of the puck for him right now' and 'His plays and decisions with the puck are not real good,' things didn't sound well for the 27-year old forward - who GM Dean Lombardi once said he hoped turned into a Kris Versteeg type player.

Today after practice, Parse said Murray hadn't shared his feelings with him - yet.

"He hasn't talked to me yet, but he's right. I have to skate better and play with more energy," Parse said.

"Nope, I'm good," was the reaction when I then asked if maybe he was still nursing some nagging injuries.

So, is it all between the ears then? "Yep," was what he quickly said.

Knowing that camp started with upwards of ten players vying for spots on the Kings third and fourth lines doesn't seem to be placing any additional pressure on him though.

"It's not about that. It's about going out there and playing," Parse explained. "I have to do my job and just play. Don't think - have fun and play."

About ten minutes later, down the hall from the Kings locker room at their training facility, Murray acknowledged he has tried to be patient and understanding with a player coming off major surgery.

LA Kings Roster Cuts - details on who was shipped out

Boy how times have changed.

Gone are the days when the Los Angeles Kings were simply looking for warm bodies to round out their roster.

Since April 2006, GM Dean Lombardi and his staff have worked tirelessly to stock the farm system, while simultaneously finding the proper mix of veteran leadership and talented youth at the NHL level.

While the playoffs may still be more than six months away, today's roster cuts continue to show just how deep their main roster is.

Prized prospects are no longer forced to learn on the job, while playing in a league of men. They're being sent back to their respective junior and AHL clubs to further their development.

Earlier in the week, the Kings 65-man training cup roster was trimmed by 11, as eight invitees and three prospects left LA. Coach Terry Murray talked in-depth about the big names from that group - Jordan Weal, Michael Schumacher and Christopher Gibson - in an interview here.

Today, camp came to an end for nine more players.  Here's the list:

FORWARDS

Andy Andreoff – 6-foot-1 center, drafted in 2011, third round - played 66 games for Oshawa (OHL) last season, scoring 33 goals and was impressive at the Kings' July Development Camp - his most recent MayorsManor interview is linked here

Ray Kaunisto — 6-foot-3 left wing, signed as a free agent in 2010, following his college career at Northern Michigan - played 57 games for Manchester last season - one of the best (and most respected) chirpers among the prospects - recently gave an epic interview on MayorsManor, where he provided his 'bucket list' - check it out here

Brandon Kozun — 5-foot-8 forward, drafted in 2009, sixth round - has proclaimed he's 'ready for the NHL' - played 73 games for Manchester last season (23 goals, 25 assists) - frequent guest on MayorsManor, including his partial follow-up to Kaunisto's bucket list, linked here

LA Kings will take extra goalie to Europe - Jones or Zatkoff?

Martin Jones vs. Jeff Zatkoff

Which defensive prospect could potentially take Drew Doughty's spot in the Kings starting line-up on opening night isn't the only question coach Terry Murray is wrestling with as he prepares for the team's departure overseas.

Per NHL rules, teams opening in Europe are allowed to take an extra goaltender with them.

Just what he needs - more goalie drama.

Already bombarded with weekly questions about the 'Jonathan battle' - Quick versus Bernier - now he'll get to deal with 'the third goalie' inquires for the next week or so.

Although Murray has yet to reveal who will be going, this much is clear - it's expected to be one of the two goalies from Manchester, either Martin Jones or Jeff Zatkoff.

For now, Zatkoff says he's trying to put it out of his mind.

"I think we all knew the situation going in, Beriner and Quick are great goalies. Both could be number one in this league. I'm just trying to make the most of my opportunity when I'm out on the ice and prove that not only can I play here, but that I can win at this level too."

He also says he finally has his head clear, after letting the impressive start to Jones' rookie season get between his ears for a few months.

"I think I got caught up with everything that was going on earlier in the year (referring to Jones' strong play in net) and I wasn't playing to the best of my capability. As the year progressed, I was able to overcome that and play more of my game. My numbers the last third of the year, that's the way I'm capable of playing."

Top prospects talk disappointment of not playing tonight

Yesterday afternoon, Los Angeles Kings coach Terry Murray announced he was going with a more veteran line-up tonight vs. the Anaheim Ducks - with Andrei Loktionov as the lone prospect included in the group of forwards.

After talking a look at prospects Brandon Kozun, Tyler Toffoli and others vs. the Phoenix Coyotes, they'll sit out tonight's contest.

Here's some reaction from a few of the Kings prospects on that decision and their experience from Wednesday...

Toffoli - "I always want to play. But, I just have to work hard every day. It's their decision...I think I've done well so far. I've done everything that they've wanted me to do - work hard, get myself into better conditioning...and I thought I played well in the game (vs. Phoenix)."

Kozun - "We played against basically (the Coyotes) entire roster, they weren't missing many guys. So, that was fun. I went to Phoenix trying to do my best and, honestly, I think played a pretty good game. The biggest thing I took away from it is I know I can play against those guys. I know I can have success against them and now I just have to wait for my opportunity."

Ray Kaunisto - "It's a little (disappointing), but I was kind of expecting that - they want to get their regular line-up in and get some games under their belt before the regular season starts. So, you kind of have to expect that."

Over on defense, Nic Deslauriers had slightly different expectations...

"I was waiting to play a game," he shared. "Now, I'll just keep proving myself and preparing myself for what's next. That's the main point. For sure, I thought I maybe had a chance to play with the two games (on Wednesday). But, I'll get over it and think about Manchester now."

Two of the other defensive prospects getting the bulk of attention so far, Thomas Hickey and Slava Voynov, will both patrol the blueline again, as they did on Wednesday at Staples Center.

The longer Drew Doughty isn't signed - and if he plans on joining the team in Europe, he needs to be in camp by Friday at the latest - the more likely one of those two will be in the starting line-up on opening night.

Coach Murray evaluated the play of both in an interview here.

The full line-up for tonight is as follows:

Date Night with your Los Angeles Kings

What started as an innocent conversation with Kings prospect Jake Muzzin quickly spawned an idea for an article.

Life as an NHL prospect probably isn't as glamorous as it may seem at times. Over the last two weeks, guys from all across North America have been housed out of a hotel in El Segundo, CA (which, for those of you reading this article out of state, let's just say - it's not Hollywood).

By day, they've been been working hard on and off the ice, under the tutelage of head coach Terry Murray and his entire staff. By night, well - they're starting to go a little stir crazy in their 20x20 rooms.

During out little chat, Muzzin encouraged me to go see 'Moneyball.' He says it very good, especially the work by Brad Pitt. On the other hand, he strongly does not recommend 'Drive,' saying it was too slow.

After practice today, Ray Kaunisto was already looking ahead - revealing he plans on taking Brandon Kozun out for 'date night' later this evening.

To get some varied perspectives from around the room, here are comments from a few of the other Kings prospects...

Tyler Toffoli - "We saw 'Contagion,' I wouldn't recommend it. It was really slow." (Jordan Nolan started laughing in the background and shaking his head side to side. He didn't approve of the flick either.)

Alec Martinez hopes to have money left over for new sticks

Martinez and Dean Lombardi (photo: C. Ikiri)

Earlier in the week, we had Kyle Clifford on to talk about his new equipment endorsement with Bauer - 'head to toe Bauer' as The Colonel said.

Meanwhile, although defenseman Alec Martinez may have signed a contract extension with the Kings this summer, he hasn't landed a stick deal yet. Nor does he even know which one prefers at this point...

"I'm still in the process of trying out a few different sticks," the 24-year old explained. "I have a couple Bauer sticks coming in the mail. I tried a couple before, but the curve was a little too big. Right now I like the Easton's, but I'm willing to give Bauer a shot. I used them in college and liked them a lot. I haven't used them in a couple of years, but I'll try 'em out."

Speaking of his college days - last month, he went back to his old stomping grounds in Miami, Ohio to help out for a few days.

"I was there skating for a week in August - they had a little pro camp for all the alum that are playing pro now. We were there working hard, but it's also nice because you get to see guys you don't get to see too regularly during the season. It's a good time, getting to (hang out) with some of your buddies and getting to know some of the newcomers in the program. Overall, it looks like their program is going in the right direction and hopefully they can have a great year."

Mike Richards moves from Philly teacher to LA student

Richards at Kings camp (photo: M. Zampelli)

In some news that went a little under the radar this summer, the Kings traded away Wayne Simmonds and two other assets for former Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards.

A few days later, his former left wing, Simon Gagne, signed a free agent contract to join him in Los Angeles.

After spending the summer fishing and answering questions about his time on the East Coast, things started to return to a little bit of normalcy for the 26-year old forward when camp opened last week.

"Testing days are always the tough part of camp," Richards began. "You just want to get back on the ice and play some hockey. It went well though, that's why you work out in the off-season - to prove that you've come to camp in shape."

In the days that have followed, Richards has started to some similarities to previous camps in Philadelphia - with one notable exception.

"It's pretty similar - a lot of ice-time, a lot of teaching. I think with the new players we have here, or anytime new players join any team, you want to come out of training camp knowing what to expect and knowing what you need to do when you hit the (regular season)," Richards explained.

"For me, this is just different because I'm the one learning it, instead of trying to help other people do it."

Willie Mitchell on injuries, ice time and preseason chaos

Willie Mitchell at Kings camp (photo: CIKIRI)

As you're about to read from Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell, things can be a bit unpredictable at this time of year.

So true.

For the team's practice session this morning, coach Terry Murray has (at least for now) abandoned the two groups he used yesterday. Today he put the NHL players in their own unit, with one noticeable addition - prospect Slava Voyunov was been paired with Mitchell, Drew Doughty's usual partner.

Yesterday, after his on-ice workout, Mitchell seemed to be a little slower than usual.

"Just some wear and tear on the groins this time of the year," said Mitchell. "We're doing a lot of skating and in the first game I played quite a bit, so I just have a bit of tightness in the groin. I'm just making sure it doesn't become an issue."

His 24+ minutes of playing time on Wednesday in Phoenix was just a few seconds behind Alec Martinez for tops on the team. That wasn't necessarily the plan going into the game, it's just how things developed.

"With the line-up the Coyotes dressed - they dressed a pretty full line-up, I think they had about 16 regulars out there - at this time of year, organizations want to see their (prospects) a little bit, to see what they can do. But, they also want to stay in a hockey game. So, I think the 'D' who has been around a little bit, we maybe played more they wanted us to because of that. But, it's a good thing. It gets you going and right now the only way to get ready for the season is playing games. It doesn't matter what you do here on the ice here with skating - it's about getting into game situations and making reads. So, I enjoyed it."

And with the first round of roster cuts already made and more expected in the next 48 hours, things are starting to settle down - which is something Mitchell appreciates.

Rich Clune - 'Not a lot of guys here will win the scoring title'

Clune at Kings training camp (photo: CIKIRI)

Take the following players on NHL contracts: Trevor Lewis, Ethan Moreau, Scott Parse, Brad Richardson, Jarret Stoll, Kevin Westgarth...add in prospects Brandon Kozun, Andrei Loktionov and Tyler Toffoli...then top it off with Trent Hunter, who is in camp on a tryout deal...what do you have?

Ten players vying for six spots total on the Kings third and fourth lines for the upcoming season.

Now, add Rich Clune to that list.

"Sure, the odds are against me. Bring it on, I don’t care. I’m not going to quit and go to Europe. This is what you play for, right?"

It was an interesting opening comment from Clune, not only because it showed pure raw-emotion towards what he's up against, but also nearly picked up right where we left off the last time we spoke.

Back in July, Clune visited MayorsManor, during a time period when several Kings prospects were in the midst of leaving their AHL affiliate in Manchester and signing contracts over in Europe - something he had attributed to a disastrous combination of "the mighty dollar...a bit of an ego thing...and maybe a little frustration."

All valid points, but things Clune said he's willing to overlook for the time being.

When you're speaking with the 24-year old left wing, you usually have to separate the sarcasm from the truth, and this time was no different.

"I don't think I'd like the food over there anyway," he said.

Putting that aside, he's taking a different approach to the difficult road many must travel to reach the NHL.

High / Low with Terry Murray... on players cut from roster

Schumacher in rookie game (photo: CIKIRI)

Just before game time last night, the Kings released the names of 11 players who had been cut from their list of 60+ players in camp.

Eight of them were camp invitees and the other three were former LA draft picks - Christopher Gibson, Michael Schumacher and Jordan Weal.

Interestingly, the latter group will be heading to three different junior hockey leagues - Gibson to the QMJHL, Schumacher the OHL and Weal goes back to Regina in the WHL.

After the first round of practice today, I asked coach Terry Murray for some highs and lows that each experienced in camp this month.

The normally positive, or at least even-keeled, Murray actually had some pointed criticism of Gibson. Apparently, the five goals he gave up in the third period last week vs. a team of Phoenix Coyotes prospects left a lasting impression...

Murray on Gibson - "Clearly (after) the game that he played, he has a lot of improvement that's needed. First of all, he has to be able to handle his emotions. You're going to be put under the spotlight as a pro player. So, get used to it kid. You have to find a way to get into a game where all your management and coaches are fans are watching and have high expectations of a second round pick. So, you have to get through that and then you take it from there. Working on your game never goes away. He left here with a lot of information from our goalie staff and they'll follow up with him in junior and keep pushing his game along."

Stoll on Clifford - 'Confidence is a scary thing sometimes'

Last year, Kyle Clifford was 19 years old when he came to the Kings' training camp. Only one year removed from being drafted by the team in the second round of the 2009 draft, he had yet to play a single professional game, let alone in the NHL.

Still, the year prior, then-assistant coach Mark Hardy called him the MVP of the 2009 Rookie Camp - that was ahead of several other top prospects, including Brayden Schenn and Brandon Kozun. Thus, he's been receiving praise from members of the Los Angeles organization for quite some time now.

In 76 regular season games last year, he had 14 points (seven goals, seven assists). Then, during the Kings first round playoff series with the San Jose Sharks, Clifford turned into a nearly point-a-game player, posting five points (including three goals) in six games.

With the reshuffling of the Kings bottom six this year, he'll most likely be playing with new linemates this season. Currently, he's on the left side of a line centered by Jarret Stoll - who had the following to say about playing with the rugged forward...

"He now realizes now he's counted on to make plays and carry the puck - not just dump it in and get on the forecheck. Obviously, that's there too and he can play that style of game. But, if he has that room, if he has that ice, we saw in the playoffs last year that he can carry that puck through the neutral-zone - he has a lot of speed, he's obviously strong on the puck, he has a great shot too. So, he brings a lot to the table. It's just a matter of keeping that confidence high, like he had at the end of last year and roll with it. Confidence is a scary thing sometimes when you have it - and try to keep it."

More quotes from camp coming up throughout the day, follow along on twitter and facebook at the links below.

Be sure to leave a comment below too!

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Post-game notes (2 of 2): Coyotes at Kings 9/21/2011

Earlier we posted the recap from game one of the Kings - Coyotes split-squad game over in Arizona.

Here are ten post-game notes from the second contest, this one was in downtown Los Angeles...

* Slava Voynov looked strong throughout the game. He scored the Kings only goal in regulation (a power play marker at 5:53 of the second).

* Voynov had five shots, trailing only Dustin Brown and the Coyotes Patrick O'Sullivan (six) for most in the game.

* Coach Terry Murray on the play of Voynov - "I thought Voynov had a very good game. He’s got great awareness on the ice, with or without the puck. I wish he would sometimes shoot the puck a little bit more at times, but he has great composure."

* Jack Johnson played a whopping 32 minutes in the game. Voynov and Rob Scuderi had the second most on the team, around 24 minutes.

* Kyle Clifford led all LA players with 11 penalty minutes, including five minutes for fighting Ryan Hollweg in the second period. The Colonel lost the scrap.

Jarret Stoll will have a different view of tonight's game

Things are coming into focus for Jarret Stoll

A few weeks after the Kings acquired 26-year old center Mike Richards, Jarret Stoll stopped by MayorsManor and let it be known - he's not feeling like a guy who's been kicked to the curb by his apparent move to the third line this season.

"I'd be very, very selfish to say that," Stoll said at the time. "I consider myself a guy who will play any role, any situation in order for us to win and to be a good teammate. I think we need that depth up the middle to win and we have it between the pipes and on defense. I think we just needed it down the middle a little more. Adding him just brings us that instantly. So, I'm happy to play anywhere, as long as we win, have fun and get into the playoffs."

Fast forward a few months and Stoll is talking much bigger than just making the playoffs now.

"Going into every training camp, your goal is to make the playoffs, no matter what,” said the 2002 second round draft pick. "But this year, we feel that just making the playoffs isn’t enough. Losing in the first round or even the second round, that’s not enough this year."

Like most of the other players in the locker room, Stoll has been feeling the increased expectations hovering above the team's training center over the last week or so.

"We have to have a good, solid season. Making the playoffs is tough, it’s not easy," explained Stoll. "We want to set a goal of having home ice (advantage) in the first round. And lets start talking about the Stanley Cup, start mentioning it. I know it's a long ways away. But, if you’re not talking about it, if you're not thinking about it, then you're a far ways away from it."

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."