Crawford spoke a little on the Kings prospects in the tournament …

“Bernier got a shutout in his first game against the host country and obviously was the star of the game, so Im sure everyone is pleased about that, not the least of which is our fans. The one thing that we do have is a good group of prospects that are coming. A lot are at Manchester and many of them are at the elite junior level throughout the world. We also have Oscar Moller playing for the Swedes and hes had a great season at major juniors and is getting an opportunity, the second time hes gone to represent his country, and is doing extremely well. We all like Oscar. We think Oscar is going to be a sure-fire NHL player. The other two players, Hickey the first rounder, playing defense for Canada, and the surprise for everyone throughout hockey has been wayne simmonds. He was picked in second round last year and is playing in a role (with Canada) where I can see him playing for us one day. Hes a robust, strong guy on the forecheck. Hes got a bit of a power game. Hes probably got that prototypical third line, kill penalties, be conscious and that great skater that seems to be so necessary in todays game. Todays game has taken a turn to speed and he definitely has that.”

Dean Lombardi has been in the Czech Republic watching the games.

“Im sure thats what hes over there evaluating, and also evaluating the prospects on every team,” Crawford said. “Because, when the trades do happen, it seems people will trade prospects. So you want to have a great book on the prospects that other people have. And this world juniors tournament is the best because you see every teams best prospects play against every other teams best prospects with national pride also in the balance. So its a great evaluation tool. Plus theres some undrafted players that I’m sure the crack scouts on the L.A. Kings are scouring.”