Having these key players out of the lineup for a period of time has really helped me come to some conclusions about Kings players:
1. Anderson - So glad we locked him up long-term. He is a critical piece to this blueline and definitely Captain material. Did you guys see pregame how Lizotte and others were messing with him? The team, coaches and fans love this guy. Totally different team with him out of the lineup. He covers up so many mistakes.
2. Kempe - I've spoken to a few people who think this guy is expendable. I disagree. He is the best goal scorer on the team and has elevated himself to be accountable to the team and defense. Currently sits at +22 for the team lead. Key piece.
3. Fiala - This guy is one of the most critical pieces to the teams in terms of that dynamic element/creativity. He's just so shifty/strong on his skates and can really execute those cross-seam passes. Powerplay just gets so stagnant without him.
4. Vilardi - Last year I wouldn't have said this, but he has been so clutch with his scoring this year. He has the ability to be in close (stick handle in a phone booth), redirect shots and just score some really amazing goals. Also a key part of our ability to roll 2 strong powerplay units.
5. Gavrikov - I had no idea this is the kind of player we were getting after watching him for the past few weeks. Just goes to show how rough the Columbus team is right now. He always seems to be in the right spot, can play tough and boy did I not expect how offensively gifted he is.
6. Korpisalo - Outside of that one crap game, he has been exactly what this team has needed. Lump Copley in here too, but this guy seems like he can fit the bill for us in terms of what we need. For the $, I like this tandem a lot. Losing Quick really stung us all, but the success of these two has really meant a lot down the stretch.
7. Durzi - Still a lot of mixed feelings. I love his intensity/energy/offensive instincts, but I think the team suffers more with his defensive play. He seems to have picked this up more lately. If he's a 3rd pairing guy and you find him the right LHD, then maybe you give him a shot. I still think you trade him and bring up Clarke next year. Not sure if Bjornfot is the answer on LHD, but you gotta feel pretty good if you're rolling Anderson/Gavrikov.
8. Byfield - I think a lot of us are wondering if he keeps taking more steps forward into the next couple of years. You can see the potential and it just feels like once he really figures out how to sustain this over the course of a season, a couple key goals will really do a ton for his confidence.
9. Kopitar - Washed? Not hardly. Guy is so durable/consistent and plays the right way. It's amazing how much more effective he is when Fiala/Vilardi are playing. There are so many scoring threats and the coaching staff has made him more of a shooter this year. Love it.
For the offseason:
Goal #1 has got to be to figure out how to sign Gavrikov and Korpisalo. If Blake can somehow manage to figure out a way to make a trade or free up some salary, even better. Walker does not appear to have a spot on this team. I would be surprised if Edler plays another year.
You gotta like this team's chances to make another deep Stanley run here. It's tough when you have the likes of Colorado/Edmonton/Boston that you are competing against, but we have a pretty solid core when healthy.
