Below, you’ll find Terry Murray’s response to my question about Alexander Frolov, and the best way to utilize Frolov’s game. Frolov’s most consistent line this season has been with Michal Handzus and Wayne Simmonds, and Frolov had scored a team-high 16 goals. Now, Frolov swaps centers and skates with Anze Kopitar, which should give Frolov and the Kings a different look. Here are Murray’s thoughts about Frolov and his game…

—–

Question: Having watched Frolov up close for a few months now, have you developed a sense for what type of linemates work best with him, or what his best role would be?

MURRAY: “I was asked a question at the beginning of the season about Fro and his offensive production, his goal scoring. `Are you concerned about it?’ I don’t remember exactly how the question was asked, but my answer was, `I want him to become a checker.’ When he ends up playing with Handzus and Simmonds, I like the line. I think that they complement each other, they work hard for each other, they have big bodies that match up against the top lines on the opponent’s team and, as a result, we’re also seeing good scoring chances. Frolov has put some numbers up on the goal-production side. He leads our team in that. So I like that part of his game. We need it to be there every night. It’s a very important line to play on, and match up against the top lines. To bring that effort and that compete level every night, that’s what I’m trying to push, and certainly Fro is one of the veteran guys that needs to lead the way in that area. He, I hope, understands the importance of his example as a veteran player, to show that attitude game in and game out, and every day in practice.”