Russian update

Thanks for the update on Loktionov. I saw Windsor last week and he wasn't in the lineup that night. But, at least he'll be learning how to win since they're the top team in the OHL right now.

If he were sent to juniors in January, could he be called back up to Manchester? Could he be called up to the Kings from the Wildcats if we had injuries and needed him to slot in for 5 or so games? I like the idea of him tearing up juniors, since he is so young, but I also would like to see him ge 3-5 games with the big boys this season.

Voynov arrived back with Manchester today, having spent a few days in Russia for some kind of family thing. He's leading the Monarchs d in points and +/- (second only to Dravecky on the team as a whole in +/-). The article you linked to says the rationale would be to have Voynov "run wild" in juniors, "really get his confidence flying" (I'm quoting from memory so I might be off by a word or two). I've never really heard of doing that with a player who was succeeding at the level he's playing at already. Isn't Voynov's confidence "flying" now, playing pro hockey at 18?

It is possible that Manchester wants get get playing time for more of its players and Voinov can still play in juniors, but this is probably just a rumor.

That is cool of the Kings to release him for the World Juniors too though.

Loktionov was doing really well, and I was bummed to see that he got hurt. If he is healthy and does not play for Russia in the World Juniors, he'll get tons of ice time in Windsor, seeing as how their line-up has several elite junior players who will play for Team Canada this year.

Experience leading a team as one of the best players is a bit different than playing as a boy among men (even if you are one of the best players there too). So the juniors stint might be fun: changing both culture and competition. Its fun from time to time to play against lesser players. And as something different, its still a learning experience for a young player.

On a social level, it might be nice for the 18 year old kid just to have a chance to hang out with some kids near his age rather than young adults like at Manchester. (see, the Brown article above) Or maybe not if Moncton plays six sean avery juniors.

From the article posted above, seems Moncton wants Voynov to play for them.

On HF someone posted Voynov's Father had passed away, which is why he went back to Russia for a time.

If he were released for the World Juniors, wouldn't that imply that he has been sent to Juniors?

If so, could they even bring him back up without an emergency?

Just a theory.

PRMan- the World Juniors he'd be going to is an international tournament, independent of canadian juniors. A kid could be in the NHL and still play, if his team would release him. So no, it doesn't imply he has been sent to juniors.

BTW- even though he's only 18 this would Voynov's THIRD stint on Russia's Under-20 squad.

Voynov has nothing to prove or gain in juniors. I can't see a good reason to send someone of his caliber to juniors at this point. Personally, i think it's more likely he gets a short call-up rather than being sent to juniors.

He'll be challenging for a spot this fall.

I thought someone else would write what my thought on this is. When Jack Johnson comes back to the Kings lineup they will need to move a player down. Making the unlikely, IMO, assumption that the player isn't picked up on waivers that means there needs to be a spot open in Manchester. This option gives them the opening they might need.

24diving- Assuming the Kings don't decide to keep 8 D on the roster, Harrold can be sent down without having to clear waivers. Also, Manchester can send a player to Reading if they need to clear up a roster spot. Given that Voynov has been probably the best D in Manchester, moving someone like Werner or Kidd, to the ECHL would seem more the more likely option to clear a roster spot.

World Juniors makes sense. I think it is wishful thinking on Moncton's part that Voynov heads back to them. Confidence is one thing but it is more important that he learn to play amongst men. The fact that he is already handling it so well, sending him to play amongst boys would only hinder his development. Besides, as someone else pointed out already, isn't being one of the best players ion an AHL team enough for your confidence levels already ?

Great article about Kings at NBCsports.com
Go to NBCsports.com and type in " Kings aiming for a rise to Royalty"

No posts yet on the game this afternoon, so I'll start here...

Nice 1st period. Once again, Kopitar scores on the powerplay from, yep, you guessed it, Brown and Patio. The Iceberg looks very sharp.

The Kings scored on the #2 penalty killer unit in the NHL and also killed a penalty against the #2 power play unit in the NHL.

Here are the lines:

This grouping started the first and second period.
Frolov (24) Handzus (26) Simmonds (17)
Quincey (27) Doughty (8)

Then...

O’Sullivan (12) Kopitar (11) Purcell (54)
Calder (19) Stoll (28) Brown (23)
Ivanans (41) Moller (9) Zeiler (13)

O’Donnell (6) Greene (2)
Gauthier (21) Harrold (5)

Where's Rich.
What's up with no posts.

Team looks really good through 2 periods. Lots of intensity and they are consistently driving to the net. Ersberg is very solid, quick to pounce on loose pucks and controlling his rebounds. Only one really nervous moment at the end of a PK in the 2nd, other than that the Kings have mostly controlled the play, even though it's only 1-0. Not dominated, but we are playing our game more than theirs.

44 shots against a good team. Most of the year. We gave up a power play goal but added an empty netter by frolov to close it out. Simmonds almost got skewered when the opposing player's stick came up and through the helmet strap and got stuck there. Never seen it happen before.