Kings-Sharks postgame notes

And of course Matt Moulson had two goals to lead New York tonight.

Well, if you want to get technical, Cammy had a goal tonight as well...

Twas a great game to listen to, though I'm very tired today. Brownie scoring at the end there kept me up for an extra 45 minutes... not that I'm complaining. Who needs sleep when players are working hard and scoring in the dying seconds of a game.

Hope to get some reports from anyone watching live. It felt like I was listening to a playoff game at times. Great stuff!

decent game, not nearly as good as Tuesday's. My first visit to Citizen's arena, really liked it. I was literally in very top row, still felt very close to the action. Thought there was a clear drop off with our 5th & sixth defensemen. Mullen in particular was brutal, can't see him playing even at AHL level. Clifford on other hand, impresses me greatly. Very strong, plays like a veteran, constantly competing, great use of his body for puck possession. Thought Quick played well also.

waves,

Doesn't Matty Moulson always rip it up in the pre-season and once the season starts, he just dies down. If I remember correctly, Moulson had an amazing pre-season with us last year, and then once the regular season, he had like 1 goal in the first 14 games, or something like that. He's a pre-season performer but that's pretty much it

I'm bummed I missed this game, but I will be a Staples tomorrow night! Any idea what the roster will be?

Listened to the whole game on internet radio. Seemed like about 6 to 7 Kings stood out, the rest nothing said. Like they were not even in the game. The Kings 1st period was good, but 2nd and 3rd period were lack luster untill the final minute when Brown scored.

The Kings need fire power fast, they just do not have the offensive talent that other teams do through the draft, our players are well rounded, but no fire power. I hope the Kings do not struggle scoring goals again this season.

Hey Coach Murray!, "Yah think you can have the team actually practice for shoot out goals from now on?" Maybe you can figure out who is the top 3, and have them ready everytime there is a shoot out eh?

The Future Kings GM Hath Spoken

I was at the game. I thought the Kings carried the play for most of the game as they had good pressure in the offensive zone for a lot of the game. They seemed to be able to pressure the puck on the back check very nicely.

Jack Johnson looked good in the first two periods as he seemed vary confident with possession of the puck. His bout at the end of the second period seemed a little lopsided and not in his favor. I could be wrong as I was on that side of the ice and was obstructed a bit. In the third period he whiffed the puck twice in a row on shots from the point and the crowd around me wanted to kill him. He bounced back with some solid play late in the game by hampering the Sharks from scoring into a wide open net. Jack and Drew seem like they will be the guys that get put out there when the important minutes are needed.

Purcell looked good early in the game. He seemed to have some jump. I did not notice him as much as the game went on though.

Simmonds. What can you say that has not been said already. This guy is a beast and has an engine in him that just does not quit. This was my first time seeing him live and I could not stop watching him and how he battles non-stop. He reminds of Dave Taylor a bit.

I am sure Quicker would love to have the regulation goal back. He looked to have just got caught cheating off his post. I was updating twitter at the time so I missed it live :-)

Schenn and Clifford did not quite stand out for me a lot but I think the future will be bright with these two. Clifford had a pretty good scrap in the game that while watching live looked like he lost but on the replay the Sharks dude did not land his punches. It was a heated scrap for sure.

Jimmy Neutron looked fast at times. I was really looking forward to watching him and at times he was exciting. A little small but he looks like a great pick up.

All in all it was a fun game to watch.

-Dave

What about Loktionov? Has anyone watched him throughout the pre-season? I keep seeing stats on this guy and hear things about him.

Any chance he cracks the line-up this season? It sounds is though this guy could surpise us this season.

I was at the game as well. I agree with all of the recap from Macdup. As far as Loktionov, he appeared to be getting a lot of important minutes. He did not stand out a bunch, but he seemed quick to the puck. He is a little small out there, kind of reminds me of Moller. I doubt he cracks the lineup, at least this year, maybe a midseason callup. The goal by Quick was not a good one, he seemed out of position. But he played well other than that, not a lot of testing for him as the Kings seemed to control the puck for a majority of the game.

Keep an eye on 19-year-old center Andrei Loktionov, a fifth-round pick in 2008 whose stock rose as he helped lead Windsor to the Memorial Cup championship last season. He followed that with a strong performance in the Kings’ summer development camp and enhanced his status Sunday with displays of skill and consistently tenacious efforts. No wonder, really: he is being mentored by Igor Larionov, the great Russian center. Larionov knows Loktionov’s father from their common hometown, Voskresensk and Loktionov has spent time at Larionov’s California home. ”We are talking about game, how I play,” Loktionov said in his rapidly improving English. “It’s different. Not like Russia. He helped me all the time. . . . He watch me and then we talk what I’m doing right, what I’m doing not right.”

There isn’t much he’s not doing right.

Murray said he saw a little bit of Larionov in Loktionov, and that’s quite a compliment. ”Puck skills, confidence with the puck, making plays, attacking, an attitude, again, that fierce competitive look in his eyes. It’s there,” Murray said. “Wow. What a comparable.” He sees a new determination in Loktionov’s game and pointed out a moment on the ice Sunday to support his point. ”The one drill we did in the second session here where he had the puck in the far end and the job is to take the puck off him. Two guys were on him,” Murray said. “He didn’t want to give it up. ‘That’s my puck and you’re not having it,’ kind of attitude. That’s sheer determination. ”The year in junior has been wonderful for him. Confidence. He’s got a little bit of strut in his stride. You can see the focus, the determination in his eyes. I really am impressed by, I don’t want to say the wrong stuff here, but I’m very impressed in what he’s shown from the development camp all the way through till today.” For him to make the Kings this season would be a big leap. ”I can play in Windsor, but I want to play [for the] L.A. Kings. I want to stay here,” he said.

Murray is giving him every chance to do that. ”We’re going to play him in lots of exhibition games, and we’ll get a good look at him,” Murray said. “Last year I didn’t play him except maybe one [game], later. This year I plan on getting him in there.”

-Helene Elliott

Ersberg...I haven't seen him play this preseason, but, it's my belief, that if he's on the team, we're in trouble.

He needs to be in Manchester for a good year, as does Hickey, no matter how good they are playing. You simply just cannot rush these guys.

Well, I should temper that by saying, simply cannot rush them unless they are so damn good, they give you no other choice.

Sounds very reminiscent of last season... coming back late in the game only to completely choke in the SO, and against SJs backup. Hope this won;t be a trend!

At least Brownies goal got me jumping around the house!

i was there and everyone looked bad. the only players on the sharks were setoguchi and vlasic. brown fro everyone was at half speed it was one of the most boring games ive ever been to. the only person who looked good was quick. loktionov i thought looked horrible and i wasnt impressed with him much at staples either. the funny thing was the whole upper bowl was full and all the lower bowl seats were empty kinda funny.

Hey Kings Fan Since 72, it's a pre-season game. Murray wants to get a look at the youngsters and rightfully so.

Pre-season folks...pre-season. No need to freak out!

Loktionov is probably too young to make it this year, but people are certainly noticing him (see Murray's comments). The full pre-season narrative hasn't emerged yet, but Murray keeps talking about Loktionov, Purcell, a little Clune here and there, Clifford, some praise for Bernier, Andrew Campbell last night. He's been mum on Teubert (which I think tips the scale in favor of Campbell for now). I haven't heard him say anything about Hickey, but I might have missed it. Obviously, Murray sun the praises of JJ, but he's not a prospect anymore.

I really think TM has the first line (Smyth/Kopitar/Williams) and the third line (Frolov/Handzus/Simmonds) more or less set in his mind, and is trying to figure out the second and fourth lines.

2nd line candidates: Stoll, Brown, Moller, Purcell, Loktionov, Lewis. Brown is a lock. Loktionov will likely be the odd man out regardless (just because of his physical immaturity). Stoll is the big question mark. I'm betting he won't be ready. Or at least he'll be ready but Murray will put him on the fourth line.

Right now, if I had to bet, I would say the opening night will look like this:

Smyth/Kopitar/Williams
Purcell/Moller/Brown
Frolov/Handzus/Simmonds
Clune/Stoll/Lewis
(Westgarth/Harrold)

Doughty/SOD
Johnson/Scuderi
Drewiske/Greene

Quick
Ersberg

My question is, does Clifford have a prayer? If I'm being reasonable, I say no, but I'm hearing his name a lot. Clune/Stoll/Clifford might be something, if Clifford is up to it. He's probably two years away though, I'm assuming. I mean, how many times can 18 year olds surprise you in camp?

Thanks for the great recap, macdup. I totally agree with you about Simmonds. He plays with the energy of a kid and the intelligence of a veteran.

I don't see the scoring upside that others on this blog have predicted, but I don't think he needs to score to be a very effective player for years to come.

AK, being that he earned a spot on our top line to start the season last year, I'd say you hit the nail on the head.

Love that lineup quisp.

However, I wouldn't count out Segal. I'd say he might be a great guy to have on the 4th line. He's big, good skater, played in the NHL before and seems like a bad ass. Plus it's now or never, so he's motivated.

Also, if Stoll starts the season, he'll center the Brown line. I doubt TM will put him on the 4th line. I'd say the Brown line or he sits. So that leaves...

Purcell/Stoll/Brown
Clune/Moller/Segal

or maybe

Purcell/Moller/Brown
Ivanans/Harold/Segal

Quick gold

same as what Petey said.
He used Loktionov/Purcell/Schenn/Lewis during the shootout....This is what exhibition games are all about. He's just giving the young guys a chance.
Who really cares whether we lose in shootout? They don't start counting the points until 10/3...

Just thought I'd give my recap of the game for those who weren't there. It was certainly a game that only a hockey enthousiats could enjoy for the first 2/3rds. My family was bored out of their minds. It was a good chance to get a look at the kids playing within their system, and I must say I was somewhat impressed. The team, in my opinion, dominated the first period. Shakey goal let in by Quick, but as a whole very good period for the kings. The PK looked really good, and with how many penalties they took I was able to get a pretty good look at it. Great job of getting in the lanes, really forced SJ to take bad shots. As for standouts, I will say I slightly disagree with a previous poster, I thought Clifford actually stood out to me. Not enough to make the team this year, but next certainly seems possible. Schenn wasn't spectacular, but hes not really supposed to be. He made some smart plays, was out there in some clutch moments taking face offs. Should turn into a VERY solid two way center. As for Lokitinov, it was my first time seeing him, and I thought he looked good. Great vision, seems to understand the game, not afraid to get dirty. However, don't see him making the team this year, at least not to start. He needs a little more experience and needs to bulk up a bit, but seeing him and Frolov paired together certainly made me smile. Johnson did look good as mentioned before, but needs to work on that one-timer. Lewis was unimpressive to me, but it was only one game.

All in all, I think it was a good game. You could see the pieces fitting together well, PK looked awesome, PP was ok, they move the puck well, but still seem afraid to shoot the puck, but I could chalk that up to lack of chemistry amongst some of the youngsters. Quick made some amazing saves later in the game, and the team showed heart with the comeback. And certainly a plus to get to watch the game in Ontario :)

Thanks as always Quisp. Agree re: Lokti. From what I saw of Teubert the other night, I think he's a year away from challenging for a spot on the NHL roster, which may be why TM's been quiet about him.
I'd put Clifford in the same category--has an upside but not ready yet.
If your picks for 6 defensemen are on target (and Drewiske is the only possible one where TM could disagree) I see Hickey as a call-up in the event of injury, otherwise he waits till next year.
I expect we'll see your first or third lines as the ones starting each game depending on matchups and whether we're home or away.
Key to second line will be Purcell. If he brings intensity and aggressiveness he showed earlier this week to every game, he'll make a huge difference both even strength and on PP. I don't see him pulling a Boyle and being hopelessly inconsistent though. I think (sure as heck hope) he gets it this year.
Still not completely sold on Clune. As much as some here may disagree, Harrold may see a fair amount of playing time early on with a fourth line. His years as a defenseman give him an edge as far as responsibility in our end, and TM may want to use that skill set especially at the start of the season.

I was at the game and personally thought that as it got going, and especially in the third, the Clifford-Schenn-Lewis line was the best to watch. All three were battling hard, and Schenn drew like four or five penalties. He didn't give up and he showed no fear. The same could be said of Clifford, who unlike Ivanans, was able to get into a fight without having the additional 2 min. penalty for instigating tacked on.

I went last night, and I was not as impressed with what i saw as some of you are... but I am a realistic fan who enjoys the game and I am not locked into the Kings Kool-aid drinking philosophy.

I thought Campbell looked, honestly, as out of place as anyone on the ice. I thought Quick looked somewhat shaky (YES, he only let in one, but there is a comfort level you can see in good to great goalies and he didnt look to possess it last night). Schenn is the ONLY prospect I saw that really impressed me with his jump and talent.

I only recognized a handful of the Sharks on the ice, so the iced mostly prospects as well... but I thought we were supposed to have the best prosepcts in the NHL and they sure didnt live up to that. I, personally, expected ALOT more jump out of guys like Lewis and Clich who should be trying to impress... they didnt. Only IMO of course.

We will see... but it sure appeared to me that most of the propsects for LA are just that, and are in need of much more seasoning at the AHL/ECHL or perhaps even Jr. levels. I arrived at that game PUMPED to see this deep stable of talent we have ammassed and thinking we were set for this year and beyond... and left with a sore feeling that we still need a bunch of work.

Hammer away, Kool aid types, but that is what these eyes saw last night.

PS: Fro needs to hustle more... or move on to another team or KHL or something... but the lack of effort last night by him makes me see him as just another lazy russian.

My Opinion,

I was at both games this week and training camp twice.
I might get crucified for saying some things, but try and hear me out.

Tuesday night the kings scored 3 out of 4 goals because Ryan Smyth was a huge presence in front of the net on 3 of the 4 goals. Last night we looked like the kings of last year, no real offensive threat whatsoever. If Smyth can teach a couple of the guys on other lines to do what he does we will be ok.

Simmonds and Moller, I love both these guys, but I dont see the same fire in them that I saw last pre-season. Simmonds was decent, but wasn't really chirping and fighting like he was last year. Why should that change??? Moller had 3 shots last night, but I thought he looked somewhat non-existent... Where does Moller really fit??? I like him but I think his spot isn't a sure bet and he needs a better showing.

Schenn, Clifford, Lewis....... Murray rolled this line with a minute left in regulation down by a goal... I was very impressed by these guys in both games, especially for their age.

Lokti - looks great, he is a playmaker for sure, however he gets bumped off the puck pretty easily and took a few hits last night, needs a lil more strength..... He will play in the NHL, just not this year, well maybe as a call up he will.

JMFJ didnt look as good as he did on tuesday, especially defensively, but he looks more confident and will be an offensive threat.... JMFJ got his MF'ing ass kicked.... needs to learn how to fight if he wants to keep the MF.

Quick stood on his head, especially late down a man 2x in ot.

Wild card:
I wouldnt be shocked to see Clifford make the team as a 4th line guy. I doubt it, but wouldnt be surprised. He is tough but can actually skate and play as well

nykingfan:
I know it was meaningless, just tired of losing SO's. Happy that we even got to OT really! In one of last years shootouts vs SJ didn't we get into something ridiculous like 9 shooters? That's absurd! Here's hoping our top 6 can get the job done this year!

!!!The key to the season is not the first line, or the second line. All the success rides on the shoulders of the players commanding the third line. To completely dissolve a teams first line, is to render your opponent to secondary scoring, which defensively should be the game plan of every team. For example, our third line-FROLOV/ZEUS/SIMMONDS-if this is in fact a line that can shut down a Getzlaf line, a thornton line, a Doan/Lombardi line, then you have to look at the match up of our first line to their checking line, or our first line to their 2nd line, and our 2nd line to what would essentially be our mismatch-advantage. Our 3rd line is quite possibly the best in the division-honestley, check the rosters-so in order to create mismatches, the shear talent of our third line is invaluable. Team that with the fact its very likely you'll see either Doughty/Scuderi or JJ/Greene with this line, and you can see the point I'm trying to make. Our success this season could very well be the third lines ability to go against the other teams top line...as Murray's style dictated last year with that line-up of Fro/Zeus/and the all powerful Simmonds

Sure it didn't matter that our first line was in the lineup.

Darko...best post you have ever written.

Wavesinair...

Moulson is an AHL Mountie--Small town Sheriff not quite good enough for the Big Town Big Time

Wavesinair...

Moulson is an AHL Mountie--Small town Sheriff not quite good enough for the Big Town Big Time

mrbrett7,
does that mean all my other ones have sucked:)

mrbrett7--Ditto about Darko's post.

Depth of lines/matchups wins hockey games, night after night...

Just another reason to keep Fro, because without him our top lines fall out of balance, other teams can adjust against our third line without getting top line players exhausted by third period crunch time. See how Detroit's season was decided in the last 5:00 minutes of two game 7's, one where they had the edge (Quacks), one after age and the injuries took their toll (Pens).

Last year, the Kings lost many a game because the matchups took their toll so that by game's end, no matter how well they played early on, the key guys were exhausted and we would get beat.

Not this year--just watch!