Lombardi, on optimism
Here's some more of the stuff from Lombardi from last week. We spent some time talking about what went wrong, but these are some of the things he thinks went right. In particular, three players:
``I think Johnson, in some cases, exceeded my expectations for a young defenseman. I've broken in a lot of young defensemen and it's a very difficult position for a young player. I think he adapted very well. It's clear he has to work on some things and get better. The way he performed, for a young defenseman, he's only going to get better. You're never sure about a guy coming out of college in a difficult position with expectations. It was better than i expected.
``The emergence of O'sullivan was a pleasant surprise. The way he's grown up, not only on the ice but off the ice. The way he has learned to conduct himself from the summer on, maturing, i think has been incredible, from where he was 24 months ago. I've talked to him about how there's still another level for him. If he can make half the improvements he's made over the last 12 months, he's going to be a great player.
``The emergence of Dustin Brown. A lot of people limited this guy to thinking he would be in a third-line role. He can be a top-level player if he continues to improve. I think he's a guy who's going to emerge, not only as a good player but as a leader.''
Lombardi also had this to say about Kopitar:
``I've seen too many players, after their rookie year, forget they haven't made it. I haven't seen that with him and that's encouraging. Those are the things, for us, that when we're building, are key.''
Thanks!
Have to agree with Lombardi's assessment of these players. Johnson, despite not contributing much offensively, was better than I expected in his rookie season. I think way too many fans expected way too much of him.
O'Sullivan...what a great story he is. He was a totally one-dimensional player when he first arrived and look at how he put his nose to the grindstone and worked on improving his play without the puck and his defensive play. Talk about a player who has earned the praise he's getting...he just may be the most improved player the Kings have from last season. He is almost a totally different player and Lombardi is right in that he can reach another level. I've talked with him many times this season and given the determination I get from him, I have no doubt that he can reach it.
Brown...I've written for a couple of seasons now that he needed to get the offensive side of his game going in order to be more than the third-line checking forward he was, and now he's done it. What a big improvement. This guy can probably be a 40-goal scorer if he wants to be. He just needs to turn it up another notch. Not sure if he can, but it'll be fun to watch.
Kopitar...I'm sure Rich will confirm this...the guy has his head on straight. Plain and simple. Much improved numbers over his rookie season and yet he's the same person who we met last season. Still very, very humble, personable, etc. He was certainly raised very well by his parents and I've mentioned to a few of my colleagues, I think having worked in his mother's restaurant for a lot of years, he learned how to work/interact with all kinds of people, which helps him greatly. I believe it has helped keep him grounded and down to Earth.
Nice to hear what went right this season. We're all so focused on the problems and luck (i.e. losing the 1st pick) that we forget the positives the team or certain players had this year. Hats off to Brownie, Sully, JJ and Kopi! They made a painful year fun at times.
These three players are imporant and will represent the core the team is attempting to build around.
I don't know where this team would be without Brown. Any sort of grit they possess comes from his style of play and leadership. With the need to be even more physical on the puck and in front of the net, without Brown's tenacity they'd probably be the wimpiest team in the league (only 954 penalty minutes this season.)
Let's hope Anze maintains that good head on his shoulders and becomes our version of Stevie Y. It'll be a test once he becomes firmly ensconced in the elite echelon of the NHL, which I already believe is a foregone conclusion.
These are the kinds of character players he's been going on about. No Demitra moping around and no ego maniacs like Roenick. Good to see the organization trying to build a team instead of renting players.
These four players are the only ones that show up to a game and give 100%.
The other players don't do that. They only give 100% went it suits them. Especially Lubo-cookie and Lord Cammi.
I wish I could be "firmly ensconced in the elite echelon" of anything...
Nice word usage "40 Years of Losing"!
Frolov had a great second half of the season..........seemed to me like every time he had the puck he'd keep it alive long enough for someone to get a shot on goal. Looks like he's back on track after the surgery, I hope his play continues into next year.
Yea, I have to give it up some to Frolov too. The last 1/2 of the season he really seemed to be back to himself. It was amazing watching him keep the puck away from others sometimes. Give him better linemates and he'll be ok.
I have to agree with Neva. I thought Frolov played very well from the mid point on. He made Ivanans a goal scoring machine!! We know his groin was injured all year and was able to produce despite being 2nd team. He averaged .943 PPG vs Kopi's .939. I also think he is better than Kopi on the PP when it comes to setting people up. I always wondered why they were not out together on the PP? I just thought they had to spread out the talent.
The question I always had on the PP is why they had the D men on their regular wings instead of off wing for the one timer, and why did Cammy replace Sully on the top line on the PP when Sully had earned that time?
Must agree on all the Frolov statements... hes is a very very valuable talent and an very very underhyped and underrated player... i pray for his health to stay good... hope his groin is healed and stays in good shape next season... i'd really like to see him play with Boyle next season... perhaps a frolov, cammy, boyle line... posession play maker with 2 guys who can finish (atleast cammy can when he wants to,,, and boyle would take alot of the attention in the slot or front of the net)