Interview with Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi (part I)

Here’s part one of my interview with Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi

Addressing the size and physical play of new Kings defenseman Keaton Ellerby: “It doesn’t hurt when you look at the guys we’re missing, it’s nice. It’s not just about their size, but about the way they play. Certainly, some guys are more physical than others. Having another physical D-man in the lineup, it’s just a nice mix for our group.”

Talking about the Kings’ blue-line depth: “It’s part of a season. In a shortened season it becomes magnified. If we don’t pick up our play as a team it’s not going to matter anyway. It’s not just because of some of the guys we’ve had are down (because of injuries). That doesn’t help, but, as a group, we’ve started to play better recently, so it’s a sign of good things to come.”

Looking at the improved play of defenseman Slava Voynov: “I think he’s probably been our most consistent and best D-man our whole season. I think playing for four months (in Europe during the NHL lockout) certainly helps. He kind of stepped in. He’s been in that game-shape and that game-conditioning, but that aside, he’s making unbelievable decisions, smart plays with the puck when he doesn’t have a play. He’s creative and tries to use his talents when he does have time.”

More on Voynov: “He’s got a lot of talent. He’s got that offensive vision. He knows how to step into the play and when to do it. He’s joining from behind. He’s not forcing the play. He’s not carrying the puck up himself. He’s not forcing bad offensive plays. He just joins the play on the rush. He makes nice plays on the break-out. He joins the rush and he’s been getting rewarded.”

Speaking about the Kings’ victory Monday over St. Louis as a blueprint for future success: “I think in Detroit we actually played better. I felt we deserved the two points. Sometimes it doesn’t happen. But it was a huge step in the right direction for our group of guys in trying to play the right way … and playing with some desperation and some passion. I thought those two games in a row, considering they were back to back, was a step in the right direction.”

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