Brian Boyle got sent to Manchester of the AHL today. He has played in 14 games for the Kings this season, with one goal, zero assists, a minus-7 rating and 12 penalty minutes. Boyle’s problem, in the eyes of the coaches, is the same thing that drew criticism from the previous coaching staff: a perceived inability to play a consistent two-way game. Boyle’s season has been a series of fits and starts, and the Kings felt it was time to make a move, particularly with John Zeiler returning from his three-game suspension. Here’s what Terry Murray said about Boyle and his play this season…

MURRAY: “We need a lot more from him, yeah. He needs to go play and find the kind of game that is going to be there day in and day out in the National Hockey League. He had some good games, but obviously we need to be more consistent in the performance. We had a couple conversations here in the last two or three days. We watched video together. We watched some of his games, the last three games he played, and critiqued it. Then we spoke again this morning. In my mind, he has a very good idea and understanding of where I am with him and what he needs to give a big push to in his game when he’s playing in Manchester.

“The thing we know happens when a player goes down, he’s going to play in all situations. He’s going to be able to put his points up on the board, but I wanted to keep his focus on the areas of his game that I’m talking about with him. I reminded him of that, that even though you’re going to be able to do things playing in the American Hockey League, it’s very important that you keep this part of the game in your mind, that this is what I need to see the next time you come play for us.”