Do you know who leads the Kings in assists?

What a gem this guy was/is, and i want to say sorry for some of my earlier posts, I took 3 vicodin and wasn't myself. I promise to act educated from here on out and some bitter ex-player that had no talent.

Not for long.
If TM is smart enough to keep Kopi and Sully together indefinetely, they'll blow by Quincey in about a week.
Again, I stress - if TM is smart enough and he doesn't get an itch in his pants to start Calder again.

Talk about a startling stat! Quincey is one of 3 amazing surprises this season. I have to believe Detroit, as good as they are, underestimated his ability. They must be kicking themselves right about now.

Great to hear! I just looked at the stats he's 14th overall for defensemen and 4 points ahead of lubo. His mention of Stoll and the solid play on D by Greene is only making me feel better and better about that trade.

Oh yes, I added Quincey to my fantasy team not too long ago and he has been paying off big time! Never thought I'd see the day where I drop Kopitar off my team in exchange for a previously un-known n00b named Quincey.

What a blessing in Disguise was the JJ injury. If not for the injury who knows if the Kings would have put in the claim for him. Now what a defense we will have in the future:

Doughty
Johnson
Quincey
Hickey
Teubert
Voinov
Martinez

Looks like the Kings finally will draft a offensive player with their 1st pick

Quincey has the same number of assists as Rob Blake, who's been tirelessly applauded for his scoring this season on a stacked SJ team. Quincey matches him in assists on the Western Conferences lowest scoring Kings! I love snagging players from Detroit, they're system is soooo damn good, you can see it in Quincey's game. Same with Ellis, which is why I was sad to see him go. I hope throughout the year Quincey can parlay some of what he learned from the Detroit greats onto Doughty.

"Hey Doughts, you know what Lidstrom does in that situation?"

Yeah, please and thank you Mr. Quincey. =)

Don't forget to thank the salary cap. Pre-lockout, the Wings would have just hung on to a guy like this for years.

wait Jill...... I already broke this "story" in the comment section earlier :-) nice try on that scoop! (kidding)

but yeah you're right, he is 1st. thanks for your quotes on this

btw, any way we can get Ellis back? I was wondering this the other day in-between games. he's such a good PK'er, if we had no other use for him that's fine with me

JDM - I agree. I was hesitant to praise Quincey TOO highly, but I think playing with and around Lidstrom has given him the ability to be a better player.
We've seen two specific uses of Lidstromesque devices by Kyle:
a - he'll shoot hard and wide getting the puck to the front of the net with bounces off the end boards.
b - The soft-shot to the front of the net looking for deflections and rebounds.

Forget DOughty, he's smart, teach that to O'D, Greene, and Gauthier. I'd love to see the scoring spread.

Too bad we let Ellis slip away. I wonder if that's something we should be a little critical about with Lombardi. Why'd he let that asset get away? Ellis was strong for us at a bad time last year.

While I'm also upset we lost Ellis EAT, I can't really blame DL. No real room on the roster and he was outperformed by Simmonds and Moller. Army had to stay because of the leadership, so DL had to hope he wouldn't get snagged on waivers, and he was. I would think (and agree with) that DL, while valuing Ellis, didn't value him so much as to not give the youngs kids who proved themselves a chance out of camp a shot in favor of Ellis. Apparently he tried to get him back with the confusing fiasco a few weeks back. It probably came down to Richardson versus Ellis, and DL gave up a 2nd for Richardson and nothing for Ellis, so he probably didn't want to lose a guy for nothing that he gave up a 2nd for. Richardson would probably have gotten picked up on waivers as well.

Ellis will probably be a journeyman AHLer/fringe NHLer, maybe we can pick him up somewhere down the line, or sign him when his contract runs out.

I have a question about Kyle's status. Since he has only played 13 games in the NHL before this season and never more than 6 in one season, shouldn't that qualify him as a rookie? I was under the impression that a player was a rookie until they had played forty games in a single season. Isn't that why Jamie Storr was able to make the all-rookie team in consecutive seasons?

I know he plays like a veteran already so maybe that is why no one has taken note of how few games he has actually played.

It seems to me that if he is a rookie, he should be getting serious consideration as rookie of the year because in all honesty he has been even better than Doughty, who has himself been very good!

JDM - Good points, all. I didn't mean really critical, but saying try and figure out a way to keep an asset in the system. Agreed on Moller Simmonds, although if we're conceding the season they could have used their minor-league time to gain size (simmonds) and Zeiler would never get claimed. Richardson seems to have been a wasted move in more ways than one, though I like his style and maybe he'll help out more down the line. He's still young too.
I like the style of player Lombardi is bringing in. I have to say that. I've been really critical, but the guys he seems to like are well rounded. Taylor had some real good draft picks, but with many of his guys its all or nothing. He seems to have taken risks on guys like Fro, Boyle, kopitar, Cammy. Some worked while others like Biron and Tambellini or Anshakov were only hopeful guesses that the guys would develop into a impact guy. Once some of those picks failed in one area they were useless.
I really like Moller and Simmonds. Simmonds especially is so intriguing because you know at some point he's going to start to fill out and if this kid ever hits 22O, look out. He's got great hands and is a workhorse.
I've never seen Lewis or Hickey yet, so i'm still skeptical, but given the look of some of DL's guys, I'm getting hopeful that they're solid players as well.
Teubert is who I really need to see, though.

re Quincey's rookie status:

He's not a rookie because he played 6 games for the Wings last year and 19 the year before. If you play 6 or more games in any two consecutive seasons prior to the current season, you are no longer a rookie (the more commonly cited limit is 25 games in any one season; also you have to be younger than 26). If he had only played 5 games last year, he would be a rookie.

Eat etc., re Ellis:

I agree with the assessment that DL had to choose between Ellis and Richardson, and he wouldn't have had to make this choice if Moller and Simmonds hadn't been so far ahead of schedule. I can't really blame DL for not foreseeing something that nobody else foresaw and even I with my eternally rosy outlook (and love of Moller) couldn't have dream possible this year.

Now, if he knew Boyle wasn't going to work out in the early part of this season, maybe he could have sent him to Manchester (since he doesn't have to clear waivers) and held onto Ellis that way. But can you imagine the furor that would have arisen (here, for example) when the team cut Boyle but kept Ellis and, the player who would have probably been the de facto center of the fourth line, Armstrong? I wouldn't even have to visit this site. I could just open my window and hear the screaming.

EAT - I too am by far the most excited about Tuebert (now that Doughty is full time with the Kings).

Quisp, let's you and me (and anyone else who suggested it) take a moment and revel in our foresight. We've been screaming for Kopi and Brown to be broken up and look what happens. I know several people will say "But Kopi and Brown were on the ice for a few of the goals!", no matter, those were on the PP, and not playing together even strength I bet makes them all more fiery when they do get paired up for the PP. It also drives each one of them to dominate their respective lines. I felt like many of the games they were looking to each other to take control, and Brown, being Captain and the energetic guy he is, usually tried to step up and do that. However I felt like that was hurting Kopi's game a bit. Not the greatest attribute and one he will fix in the coming years, but clearly, as we saw last night, Kopitar thrives on being the go-to guy on his line.

I'm curious Quisp, since you've got great Moller love going on, what did you think of his placement on the 4th line?

I'm quietly becoming a big Stoll fan. I wondered how he'd react to coming to LA, but all signs are positive with Jarrett. Greene is good for now but I could see him getting traded considering we've got D in the pipe and I don't think he's consistently real good.
Stoll is always working and hasn't had a "bad" game that I can remember anyone noticing.
I wish it hadn't cost Lubo to get these two, but Stoll especially I think is a great addition. Plus, Mrs. Stoll is a class act and is another asset to our community. Good to have them here.

I really like Greene. I think he is our best warrior, and a Matty in the making. I hope we keep him to the end of that contract.

Stoll is a great addition as well. His first couple of games weren't BAAAAD, but they were really not good. I remember several bad decisions he made with the puck around our own net. Not trying to put him down, but in the sake of fairness thought I'd mention it. Since those first 2 or 3 games he's been awesome.

His hit on Smid from the Oiler game is #2 on NHL.com hits of the week!

JDM - don't dislike greene, but think he's only been fantastic a few times. I think with the guys coming (teubert, hickey, jj) that he could be a good trade asset in a year or so. If he starts to look more consistently incredible, great, keep him. But if there's a good trade down the line, I could live with letting go, especially because I think we need an elite offensive defenseman before we really hit our stride. Who knows, maybe we've already got offensive-d in the system in the form of Hickey.

BTW - do you think O'd is smarting from that Souray blast he took on the foot? I suspect he may be a little gimpy.

JDM, re Moller and 4th line:

Initially, I was disappointed. Thought about it. Decided I could see what Murray was going for (balance, but also seeing what's possible with Ivanans). Then I thought about the fact that Moller will see weaker defenders playing there; if you're the other team, trying to defend against the Kings, you have to focus on the Frolov line and the Kopitar line. Then, if you're the other team, you have to worry about that friggin' Brown line. And you've totally forgotten about Oscar Moller. Who will then have his way with you.

It would be nice if he had some better linemates, obviously. But they did pretty well last night. As I have said, I'm waiting for Lewis and Clune (Boyle, Moulson?), and even Azevedo. But for now, I get it. Richardson would be interesting with Moller, too.

The other thing that's happening, I think, is that TM is trying to get Simmonds going.

I guess what I'm saying is, I don't think Moller is getting demoted. Also, as I said elsewhere, he's getting twice as many minutes as his linemates (PP time, etc.), so it appears to be a matter of Murray attempting to use Moller in every situation imaginable.

TSN names top 50 rookies ... Doughty doesn't make top 8.

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=259425

Quisp, I knew I can always count on you for some sanity!

I have to agree. I think Moller is forced to be THE guy on that line, which will only help his game down the road. If we boil him down, even though he has severely untapped offensive potential and a nose for the net, his style of play is essential like an energy/checker. I like your point about playing against weaker players as well. We didn't see him get crunched along the boards at the blue line so much last night, did we? I kind of like him there... for a while. In 2 years he's a top sixer to stay.

About the PP as well, I'm not sure exactly how many, but I'm pretty dang sure most of his goals, if not his assists as well, have come on the PP and NOT even strength. So really, having him there may just be the balance Murray's been looking for.

EAT- forgot about the Souray shot, but that would explain some things. He has definately tailed off as of late. He's a little slower, and not always making the best decision with the puck. Remember last night when Ersberg played the puck behind the net a little far, and OD totally hesitated though he could have been right there in a battle with the Blues player who picked up the puck. That play turned into one or two good chances for the Blues. I'm glad his ice time has been reduced. He's great and stable, but better suited to play against 2nd lines, not stars and superstars.

If we do call up Lewis, Clune, and the others you mentioned, how would the team make room for them?

Thanks Quisp, that answers my question. According to ESPN.com though, Quincey had played 6 games in consecutive season, not 19. Wikipedia and NHL.com both agree with ESPN so I'm gonna go with them on this. 6 is a ridiculously low number to take away rookie status. Clearly a guy who has played 13 games in the league is a rookie.

Mike, Drew Doughty was #6 on TSN's rookie list, which is clearly in the top 8.

JDM - If I may, I'd first say that we must keep in mind that St. Louis is just what the doctor ordered for the blues the Kings have been in for the past 2 weeks, but Moller on the 4th line may have been a great move by TM.
Wee Oscar is a much quicker player than Boyle. I think it speaks to having a balance on that line that Moller is a much better fit with two players who are, with all due respect, playing with a handicap. Moller is very smart, very quick and has a well rounded game. Boyle is smart, but is slower to adapt. I think he may be a student of the game, whereas Moller is a natural.
The main difference is Moller's speed of foot and of thought.
I think this line may struggle against better opposition, but if Murray's going to continue to send out Ivan and Zeils together, this may be the best center for that line. The only other one I could see working the way Moller did is Stoll as he's also quick in both areas.
So, I know it may handcuff Wee Oscar a bit, but for that line to deserve ice-time maybe Moller is THE guy.
Personally, I'd still like to see Ivan slotted in elsewhere and in spot-duty; preferring to see some grind line and a grouping like Moller, Boyle, Calder, or some such situation where we have our top AHL guys come up and stay.
I've changed on Zeiler and give him the credit of his efforts. If he can be a pest, we might want to play him with some scorers, but I don't think he's really good enough to be an effective pest - but we all know his work ethic.

EAT- Good points about Boyle vs. Moller as student and natural. I have to agree there. Moller doesn't need to think too often, he's a great reactionary player, that's why he's always buzzing around the puck.

Regarding Ivan, if he plays like he did last night, I love him there. He adds size to Zeilers unceasing determination. Bring on the cold shoulders Ivan! If Ivan continues to play the sissy game he's mostly been playing, then I'd toss Richardson and Army on that line, interchanging depending on who is hot and cold. I like Zeiler on the team.

One thing I've noticed about Zeiler, you don't see him playing in his own zone too much. He can spend an entire shift keeping the puck low in the offensive zone, without ever touching the puck! He just hassles the hell out of guys, and is definately a lot classier than Avery. If he had ANY scoring prowess (of which he has absolutely zero), he'd be our next Lappy.

I like Moller at #13 on that list too! Waaaay ahead of Turris/Okposo/Oshie/STAMKOS! Hooray for Oscar! Doughty deserves to be above Mason and Vertseeg IMO. Berglund and Brassard are the only two I'd argue are better rookies maaaaaybe. If Drew picks up offensively, he shoots to the top of that list.

afx114 - the Kings actually put in a claim for Quincey before they knew the severity of Johnsons injury.

2009 is right around the corner. so where do we go from here? where are the glaring holes that you see? and how do we make some serious noise in the NHL?

when looking at all these great surprises this year, it has me thinking we're a lot closer to being a playoff team then I would have imagined at the start of the season. with that said, I'd have to say we are also that much closer to being a top ten nhl team. crazy, i know, but really not that far off.

think about it: if we add/develop 2 more elite forwards and 2 more elite defensemen we are easily a playoff team. if we continue to allow our young players to gain the necessary experience needed to succeed at a high level, we will be a perennial playoff team for years. if we, and this is the catch, are able to acquire/develop an elite goalie, we will be a top ten team and a cup contender. getting that great goalie is so critical to the equation. but looking at it now, it's really doesn't seem that far off.

my assesment doesn't lessen the pain of past wasted years, but if this keeps progressing the way it is right now, the Los Angeles Kings will be the talk of the NHL over the next decade and, given all the above comes together, we will be champions too.

JDM said: “Moller doesn't need to think too often, he's a great reactionary player, that's why he's always buzzing around the puck.”

Just a wording thing here, but for me, being a “reactive” player has a bit of a negative connotation. I like to think of Moller as an “anticipatory” player. And all the great ones naturally anticipate what is going to happen. So for me, Moller is always thinking ahead, not reacting. If you’re just reacting, you’re already behind the play. Doughty’s the same way. As is Kopitar, Brown, and Patio. We have an incredibly talented core.

Nice distinction wavesinair. I must have to take back my term and use yours instead.

And yes, yes we do.

Garrett, re Quincey:

Last year Q played 6 games. The previous year he played 6 regular season games and 13 playoff games, totaling 19 (I believe playoff games count, but maybe they don't). Either way, he's no longer a rookie, because he played 6 or more games in two consecutive previous seasons. It's silly, of course, since he basically has played as few games as humanly possible to NOT be a rookie this year. Basically, he NEVER had a rookie season.

On the other hand, he sure is playing like a veteran.

Belated answer to Anthony's question:

The question was, if Lewis, Clune (etc.) get called up, how does DL make room for them?

Very carefully.

Clune is a swap for Zeiler, although I believe Zeiler is, as of right now, no longer waiver-exempt.

Lewis and the others (Moulson, Boyle, Azevedo, and for that matter Voynov and Martinez) probably would not get called up unless someone went on the IR. If everyone remains healthy and DL still wanted to bring someone up, let's say Lewis for example...

POS/Kopitar/Purcell
Frolov/Handzus/Simmonds
Calder/Stoll/Brown
Lewis/Moller/Richardson

which leaves Armstrong, Zeiler-Clune and Ivanans on the outside looking in. If Calder craps out, I would waive him and send him down to be this year's Klemm. healthy and Calder hasn't crapped out means sending down someone who is waiver-exempt (Moller, Simmonds, Purcell -- none of which I want to imagine sending down) or risk losing someone through waivers (Armstrong, Richardson, Ivanans). I don't think it's a good idea to waive Army, he's too useful. He's like a Swiss Army (ha!) Knife. Richardson needs to be given his shot, and I don't think DL is about to give up on him. Ivanans, I don't know...I'm willing to let Murray continue his experiment. Maybe he'll find something in Ivanans and he'll be worth keeping. But at some point, it's fish or cut bait, and it will be time to try something else. Around the All Star break maybe?

So, the short answer (!) to your question, Anthony, is that the most likely scenario is that someone goes on the IR and there's room. Then there's the "Calder sucks" option, which could happen, though he's obviously playing well right now and the new line -- Calder/Stoll/Brown -- has a ring to it, and clearly Murray is going to want to keep them together after the last game. Then there's the waive Ivanans option, which I don't really think they'll do, but it could happen.

One other option -- the flipside of the "Calder sucks" option -- becomes more likely the better Calder plays. He gets traded at the deadline. Then there might be room, depending on what comes back to the Kings in the trade. If it's picks, then there's room for someone to move up. The same thing applies to JLB. The better he plays, the more likely he's going to get traded at the deadline (since he's a UFA next summer, as is Calder, as is Gauthier). And that would make room for Bernier or Quick to be called up. And if Gauthier catches fire between now and the trade deadline, he might even be the more attractive d man compared to Preissing.

I used Lewis as an example, but obviously the math is the same with Azevedo, Boyle, Moulson, etc..

With the D (re Voynov or Martinez), I think there would have to be an inj**y. Someone is already going to get bumped when Johnson returns (I'm guessing Preissing is traded; although Harrold is still waiver-exempt for another, uh, seven games).

I bet Harrold gets sent down right before he loses exemption to make room for Johnson. By my understanding, he's got 11 games left before he loses wiaver exemption (at 70 games played based on his age at his initial contract) which should allow the Kings to keep him up until close to the all-star break if they sit him a couple of games. Also since he's not subject to re-entry waivers, they can bring him back up later if someone is injured or traded.