Mike Richards IV: Started From The Bottom, Still Here *MOD WARNING Post #194*
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He was still dangerous short-handed; him and Pearson (and of course Toffoli). I miss seeing that in particular.
Sacha Baron Corbin
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- Jan 19, 2011
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Richards, at any point in this season or any season as a King, was and is STILL better than Stoll. Stolls usefulness is heavily dependent on his ability to win faceoffs and kill PK's...hes been slipping in both of those areas, most notably the PK (not to mention he has a penchant for taking bonehead penalties as well). I hope Deaner brings back Richards in the playoffs
KINGS17
Smartest in the Room
- Apr 6, 2006
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Stoll is more responsible in his own zone than Richards. That is why he is playing for the Kings, and Richards is in the AHL.
Watch Shore's game closely. He is almost always on the right side of the puck, and he doesn't lose his check in front of his own net, which seemed to be happening with Richards almost every other game.
Barring an injury the Kings are going with the centers that are currently on the roster. Stoll may be a black hole on offense, but he is more physical than Richards is a plus player 5-on-5, is better at faceoffs, and a better PKer than Richards. Richards wasn't even being used on the PK much when he was sent down.
I look for Dean to move Richards out one way or another this off season, as well as try to acquire a veteran #3 center, so Shore can continue his development on the 4th line.
AlphaBravo
Registered User
I generally agree with this assessment. However, I am not sure if Sutter will go with Shore during the playoffs because of his preference to play veterans. That said, Richards is in Sutter's doghouse, so I am not sure he will sub him in because of that.
kingsfan
President of the Todd McLellan fan club by default
Depends on what you call a significant asset but New Jersey gave a 1st to San Jose to take Vladimir Malakhov in 2006.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=3339
Was a purely cap move, Malakhov never played for San Jose but Lou had signed him to a multi-year deal and he was over 35 so it didn't matter, he was on the salary cap. Fahey played 13 games with NJ, Korolyuk was in Europe and never returned after the trade.
It is rare but on occassion big assets do get added into trades, would not shock me to see a significant asset get included with Richards if he is dealt.
Richards with 1.5M retained + 3rd round pick for Backlund
not a vet but a damn good 3rd line centre. I believe Sutter drafted him, and Calgary could use a vet like Richards.
Backlund will be an RFA and will likely cost around $3M so will replace Stoll's salary
KINGS17
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I think IF, and man it's a big IF, Voynov is reinstated, that Dean will have an opportunity to move an NHL defenseman for a #3 center. Maybe someone takes a chance on Richards in the summer, but the length of his deal is a killer.
If Toronto can trade Clarkson for Horton, a guy who's career is probably over. Then hopefully the Kings do that kind of deal to get Richards contract off the books. The Kings need money to sign a 3rd line center.
Haven't read the whole thread, seems like drama took place... but I would trust Richards over Shore for sure in the playoffs
Reclamation Project
Cut It All Right In Two
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That deal was an anomaly. It'll go down as one of the most creative trades ever. Not comparable.
No way. That fourth line is clicking (it should be moved up to the third). Why would you want to **** with that chemistry?
so we should bring back penner and sit nolan then too?
have to get the experience some how. Sutter will get him prepared
Tanner Pearson had one playoff game under his belt in 2013 when he played in 24 playoff games last season and ended up with 12 points. You can't get playoff experience by sitting on the bench. I would go with the fourth line as presently constituted.
kingsfan
President of the Todd McLellan fan club by default
Interesting analogy as Pearson was benched the first two games for Nolan and it was only until being down in the series that Sutter put Pearson in.
It's about depth scoring. With the Kings defense this year (not playing at a Jennings level) they will need depth scoring if they're going to be successful in the playoffs.... Currently there isn't a whole hell of a lot. Stoll's line is just bad at this point. The 4th chips in on occasion... Clifford/Nolan have 8 combined goals in 104 games played... that's about 1 goal every 13 games...
Splitting up the Clifford/Shore/Nolan line.. this is going to happen. When Pearson comes back, where does he get slotted in? Well it doesn't matter because anywhere you slot Pearson in bumps guys around and will require one of Clifford/Shore/Nolan coming out of the line up, unless there is another injury.
Richards coming back for the playoffs.... Personally I don't have any faith in Sutter being able to figure out how to get something out of Richards. Of course there is the off chance that Sutter realizes at some point he is going to need more scoring and pulls off something like he did with Pearson and Toffoli last year after jerking those 2 around for the whole season. I'm not holding my breath...
thats all well and good, but do you honestly think Sutter is going to ride Shore as the fourth line center in the playoffs? he hasnt shown enough during his 18ish games played to solidify himself as the 4th line center, at least not from what I've seen. I would be shocked if Richards isnt called up.
KINGS17
Smartest in the Room
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I expect Sutter will do what he always does. He will evaluate players and matchups in-game and in-series, and make adjustments accordingly.
I haven't seen a Kings' playoff series yet where Sutter wasn't the better coach.
Shore is playing better between Nolan and Clifford than Richards' did.
Stoll has the size and the physical play to contribute in the playoffs. Richards' does not.
Stoll has the size and the physical play to contribute in the playoffs. Richards' does not.
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