Jeff Giuliano has been up with the Kings for 20 games now, which means he must be doing something right. His numbers are nothing to look at. He has one assist and a minus-5. But he’s playing on an energy and/or checking line where offense isn’t expected. The Kings previousy tried Gabe Gauthier in the role and he didn’t pan out because he is more of an offensive player than a grinder like Giuliano.

Here is what Crawford says about Giuliano: “He’s played a little bit of a checking role. Jeff helped us in the PK department and with his skating. Wed like to see him be very trustworthy in the d-zone, be strong positionally and be able to shut people down. Thats the role he will hopefully fulfill. Hes not a big guy but he does have good strength. Hes not here to be an offensive dynamo. He hasn’t been an offensive dynamo at any level. He’s very conscientious and an attention-to-detail type of player.”