Player evaluation: Boyle

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BRIAN BOYLE

This season: 8 games, 4 goals, 1 assist, plus-4 rating.

Positives: It’s hard to argue with the raw numbers. Four goals in eight games is nothing to sneeze at, and Boyle showed, at least in a limited tryout, that he has the skill to play at the NHL level. His size should make him a valuable asset going forward, particularly at the center position.

Negatives: His demotion back to Manchester came as something of a surprise, and came with a vague, somewhat mysterious explanation about him needing to develop better habits and learn how to play on a winning team. After his eight-game stint in February, Boyle never returned to the Kings.

Looking ahead: Sometimes it’s hard to figure what the Kings are doing with Boyle. They make him a defenseman, then they switch him back to center. They bring him up from Manchester, then they send him back after he scores four goals in eight games. Fortunately, Boyle seems to be a bright guy with a good attitude. He needs to use his size and be a more physical presence, but it’s very easy to see him having a future with the Kings, as soon as next season.

Contract situation: Signed through 2008-09 (cap number of $835,000 next season).

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Boyle/Pietrangelo updates

Word out of Manchester is that Brian Boyle is scheduled for a MRI today to determine the extent of his knee injury. Don Fulton also wanted to pass along word that while he’s attempting to set up an interview with OHL prospect Alex Pietrangelo, he learned that Pietrangelo has contracted a case of mononucleosis and is out for the rest of the playoffs. Don still thinks he can get an interview done next week. I also have Q&As with Tyler Myers and Colby Robak ready to go in the next day or two.

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Brian Boyle interview

Don Fulton tracked down Brian Boyle in Manchester and got an exclusive interview. He also talked to Teddy Purcell, so I’ll have that up later, along with a report from today’s morning skate.

The stories about skating in Southern California are great. I learned to skate at the tiny little rink inside the mall in Palos Verdes. It’s not even full-size, but it sure felt like it. The mall has changed, almost completely, but the little rink is still there.

Here’s Boyle…
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