Kings Article: NHL.com Kings' Season Preview

[Ziggy Stardust]

Kings not satisfied, hungry for second Cup
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=679487&navid=nhl:topheads

"We didn't play up to our potential and we made it the Western Conference Final," Brown said. "I don't think that's a surprise, but in a roundabout way it's a positive out of a negative. We were one of the final four teams and I don't think we played anywhere near to our potential."

What does that mean for this season? How does it help the Kings to know they didn't play up to their high standards and lost?

"They can expect the best out of themselves," Lombardi said. "They can critique themselves. Whether it's individually or collectively, the ability to critique yourself is critical if you're going to be where you want to be. They went home and they weren't happy. That shows you some growth, and when they leave and they're ticked off you're hoping that lends itself to coming back hungry."

Based on their expectations, it had better.

"We've reached the level of winning the Stanley Cup, being in back-to-back Western Conference Finals, so going forward it's not going to be acceptable to lose in the playoffs," Brown said. "That's a high expectation, but that's the expectation that the players have, the group of guys in here now. We know what we're capable of doing."

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[Ziggy Stardust]

Kings' questions include Kopitar, Frattin
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=679418&navid=nhl:topheads

"Frattin is clearly the main guy that we wanted in that trade with Toronto," Lombardi said. "He's got a great release, a knack for finding scoring areas. You look at his numbers in college, what he did in the minors and the short stint when he was in Toronto, he's got some things that are hard to teach. He needs more structure. He's got to become more dependable in his own end. I was a little concerned about our lack of speed and he certainly adds to our team speed."

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Mitchell's health X-factor for Kings
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=679424&navid=nhl:topheads

The Kings were unable to re-sign defenseman Rob Scuderi, who left last month for a four-year, $13 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but that won't be a setback if Mitchell returns. In case he doesn't, Lombardi signed Jeff Schultz, a player he said he thinks can have a career resurrection in Los Angeles. By re-signing Jake Muzzin, Alec Martinez and Keaton Ellerby, he gave the Kings nine defensemen with a one-way contract.

However, Mitchell's return would change the dynamic of the crowded blue line, erase the sting of losing Scuderi, and would force Lombardi to make a hard decision or two, because keeping nine defensemen on the NHL roster is not ideal.

It's a problem Lombardi wants to have.

"I guess we're deep, particularly if Willie is healthy; but to me they're like good pitchers, I don't think you can have enough of them," Lombardi said. "I'll deal with this a whole lot better than I would with a shortage. It's a good problem to have."

Kings players are with Lombardi in thinking Mitchell is as valuable to the team as any of its stars.

Captain Dustin Brown said the Kings particularly missed Mitchell in the conference final against the Chicago Blackhawks, a team that thrives off the rush and was able to dominate possession time for long periods against the Kings because of it.

"[Mitchell] has very good reads in those odd-man situations. He always makes the right play," Brown told NHL.com. "Now he's doing all the things to get healthy, and now it's just a matter of getting back to where he needs to be to be on the ice with us. It's kind of a wait-and-see with him, but you talk to him and he sounds upbeat and positive about the situation in getting back to playing with us."

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Lineup stability continues for Kings
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=679531&navid=nhl:topheads

Carcillo might be a surprise on the second line and will face plenty of competition for that spot. Toffoli played there at times during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and prospects Tanner Pearson and Linden Vey could push for a place on the second line.

Inserting Carcillo and Frattin in the top nine (along with keeping Toffoli) leaves quite a scrum for the fourth line. Lewis is probably the safest bet to play every night, but any of those five would be a regular on most clubs.

A healthy Mitchell not only would give the Kings one of the top defense corps in the West, it would give them nine NHL defensemen on a one-way contract. Schultz and Keaton Ellerby could be subject to waivers and being sent to the American Hockey League if everyone is healthy. The Kings would have decide if they want to carry 14 forwards or eight defensemen; Toffoli is the only player projected to be on the roster who wouldn't need to clear waivers to be sent down.

Quick was great again in the playoffs and will try to earn the No. 1 job for the United States at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. Scrivens could prove to be a nice, cheap addition with a better defensive team in front of him. Martin Jones, a restricted free agent, is one of the better young No. 3s in the League.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Toffoli, Vey top prospect pipeline for Kings
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=679419&navid=nhl:topheads

Toffoli is the most NHL-ready of all of Los Angeles' prospects. He showed his offensive upside in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs with six points in 12 games. He also had five points in 10 regular-season games. In addition, Toffoli led the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League with 28 goals in 58 games.

Lombardi said Toffoli could switch positions, and he would be eager to do it if it means playing left wing on a line with Richards and Carter. However, if he makes the team out of training camp, don't be surprised if he starts further down in the lineup and works his way up.

"I always heard the story of Ron Caron talking about Doug Gilmour, how he broke in as a checking forward and lo and behold he became a star in the League, a complete player," Lombardi told NHL.com. "That's the way in an ideal world that you would break in your young players."

Vey led the Monarchs with 67 points (22 goals and 45 assists) in 74 games last season. He had two goals in four Calder Cup Playoff games. It was an improvement on the 43 points, including 19 goals, which he had in 74 games as an AHL rookie in 2011-12.

He's an all-zone performer who plays power play and penalty kill, and centers Manchester's top line.

"The kid who is going to be knocking at the door here is Linden Vey," Lombardi said. "He's a really smart player. Like a lot of kids, his challenge will be to become trustworthy defensively. He's right there with Toffoli knocking on the door. He's done what you expect in terms of becoming a top player in the minors and is ready to challenge for a job up here."

 

[deeshamrock]

I can't believe some of the comments after that article. I get that if you're not a Kings fan, you might not be aware of all they offer because you don't watch them enough. But for some to say they'll never win again, or they had their one run in 2012 is idiotic and insulting. Although I did get a good laugh when someone commented that the Kings wouldn'tmake the playoffs and the 1st reply under that was "I am surprised you have access to the Internet from your cave'

They still have the heart and guts of what it takes to be a champion and consistent threat- great goaltending, great defense and terrific top 6 forward group and almost unmatched center depth and strength. That they have their 7 core players in those critical areas locked up for under 40 M is great going forward. Add the young talent in Manchester ready to come up next year and beyond to slide into available forward spots makes it a bright future for years.

That 18% on the poll voted the Kings won't even make the playoffs says a whole lot about how either dumb or envious some nearsighted fans are.

 

[KBA4life]

I can't believe some of the comments after that article. I get that if you're not a Kings fan, you might not be aware of all they offer because you don't watch them enough. But for some to say they'll never win again, or they had their one run in 2012 is idiotic and insulting. Although I did get a good laugh when someone commented that the Kings wouldn'tmake the playoffs and the 1st reply under that was "I am surprised you have access to the Internet from your cave'

They still have the heart and guts of what it takes to be a champion and consistent threat- great goaltending, great defense and terrific top 6 forward group and almost unmatched center depth and strength. That they have their 7 core players in those critical areas locked up for under 40 M is great going forward. Add the young talent in Manchester ready to come up next year and beyond to slide into available forward spots makes it a bright future for years.

That 18% on the poll voted the Kings won't even make the playoffs says a whole lot about how either dumb or envious some nearsighted fans are.

Seriously. Do people in Vancouver and Calgary have nothing better to do than **** on articles from objective sources during the summer? Christ, our little brothers to the north need to live a little. I had to chime in on the comment stem with a few immature cheap shots of my own.

 

[etherialone]

I actually enjoy it when people say idiotic things about us. It makes the offseason even more fun when you get to go back and point out how wrong they were and in many cases doing so in person.

I had the luxury of asking "Panger" if he had any answer for how the "one hit wonder" Kings not only made it back to the WCF's but also gave the Hawks fits until we lost out and he said "that's why the playoffs are so great".

Of course I said something to the effect of "way to dodge the question there" and he then tried to deny it. Lucky for me another broadcaster was in earshot and said "come on, you know you said it" and then everyone laughed. The look on Pangs face was priceless.

Keep on badmouthing the Kings publicly, no matter where or when it is always fun to go back and point out how wrong most people are when it comes to how great a team we have.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

I actually enjoy it when people say idiotic things about us. It makes the offseason even more fun when you get to go back and point out how wrong they were and in many cases doing so in person.

I had the luxury of asking "Panger" if he any answer for the "one hit wonder" Kings not only made it back to the WCF's but also gave the Hawks fits until we lost out and he said "that's why the playoffs are so great".

Of course I said something to the effect of "way to dodge the question there" and he then tried to deny it. Lucky for me another broadcaster was in earshot and said "come on, you know you said it" and then everyone laughed. The look on Pangs face was priceless.

Keep on badmouthing the Kings publicly, no matter where or when it is always fun to go back and point out how wrong most people are when it comes to how great a team we have.

LMao well done tg I'm happy to hear that someone is taking them king hateing annoucers down a notch or two. Keep up the good work

 

[etherialone]

Did I see that they had DC as our 2nd line LW?

Holy beans that would be a huge stretch. I mean I like Dan's game more than most even but he isn't close to being a 2nd line LW. Wow.

 

[KBA4life]

Did I see that they had DC as our 2nd line LW?

Holy beans that would be a huge stretch. I mean I like Dan's game more than most even but he isn't close to being a 2nd line LW. Wow.

Probably just going for the obligatory former Flyer connection. I'd like to think Clifford has a better shot at 2LW than Carcillo

 

[kingsfan]

I'd like to think Luc Robitaille has a better shot at 2LW than Carcillo.

 

[Ron*]

I can't believe some of the comments after that article. I get that if you're not a Kings fan, you might not be aware of all they offer because you don't watch them enough. But for some to say they'll never win again, or they had their one run in 2012 is idiotic and insulting. Although I did get a good laugh when someone commented that the Kings wouldn'tmake the playoffs and the 1st reply under that was "I am surprised you have access to the Internet from your cave'

They still have the heart and guts of what it takes to be a champion and consistent threat- great goaltending, great defense and terrific top 6 forward group and almost unmatched center depth and strength. That they have their 7 core players in those critical areas locked up for under 40 M is great going forward. Add the young talent in Manchester ready to come up next year and beyond to slide into available forward spots makes it a bright future for years.

That 18% on the poll voted the Kings won't even make the playoffs says a whole lot about how either dumb or envious some nearsighted fans are.

Most of those comments are from Neanderthals and homers and kids. So I don't bother much reading the comments. Was kind of surprised Dan Rosen in the video didn't go farther than "this is a playoff team." Well, duh.

 

[Ron*]

As a long-time Kings fan, it really is refreshing to hear the team talked about in the same vein as the 1980s 49ers rather than the Chicago Cubs (anytime).

And still, kind of hard to believe. Maybe after they win that 2nd cup I can really start to appreciate what they have accomplished. I mean, even now, it is hard to believe we won in 2012!

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Believe it or not, Carcillo did start the season in Chicago's top six rotation before he got hurt. Not saying he is a top six forward but other coaches in the past have put him in that role.

 

[deeshamrock]

Believe it or not, Carcillo did start the season in Chicago's top six rotation before he got hurt. Not saying he is a top six forward but other coaches in the past have put him in that role.

He's not a top 6 player and unless the Kings have a bad luck run where they lose most of the other LW's to injury , illness or war, he shouldn't be anywhere near the top 6.

I'm sure part of that might have been him coming off a season and a half playing wth MR. But he wasn't used on a regular basis as a Hawk there, only when the coach felt it was called for

This from NBC Chicago on Carcillo
Carcillo’s usage by head coach Joel Quenneville mirrored that of youngster Brandon Bollig. Whenever he felt that the Hawks needed to bump up their physicality level, or if he was wanting a change of pace on one of the top two lines, Quenneville would insert Carcillo into the lineup, especially early in the season.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

He's not a top 6 player and unless the Kings have a bad luck run where they lose most of the other LW's to injury , illness or war, he shouldn't be anywhere near the top 6.

I'm sure part of that might have been him coming off a season and a half playing wth MR. But he wasn't used on a regular basis as a Hawk there, only when the coach felt it was called for

This from NBC Chicago on Carcillo
Carcillo’s usage by head coach Joel Quenneville mirrored that of youngster Brandon Bollig. Whenever he felt that the Hawks needed to bump up their physicality level, or if he was wanting a change of pace on one of the top two lines, Quenneville would insert Carcillo into the lineup, especially early in the season.

Oh I agree with everything said here, I just think that he's someone like Avery, Cooke or Torres who is more than just a reckless pest and can contribute occasionally. Not expecting big numbers from him, but he can be more productive than other bottom line players.

He can serve a purpose too with his ability to get under the opponent's skin. Sometimes I think the Kings' tough guys are a bit too honest and need someone who can be more abrasive and get in the faces of opponents. Carcillo will certainly do that.

I realize there are some fans who hate seeing a lineup with a guy like Clifford, or dare I mention him, Dwight King, penciled into a top six role, but after seeing the success the Hawks had with Bickell in a top six role, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Kings try to do the same with Clifford.

As of this time, I do not believe Clifford or King are viable top six options, but given the fact that they may slowly ease Toffoli in to that role, or if they desire a lineup where their offense is spread through three lines, it could be something this coaching staff may consider.

Similar to Clifford, Bickell was also a 2nd round pick and was a bit of a late bloomer, finding his offensive game in his overage year in the OHL. He didn't produce mind blowing numbers in the AHL, but he posted respectable numbers, and earned a full time role in the 2010-11 season at the age of 24. He posted 17 goals and 37 points that year in 78 games. The following year he struggled and only netted 9 goals and 24 points in 71 games. He bounced back this season by producing similar numbers in 48 games with 9 goals and 23 points and had a monster performance in the playoffs with 9 goals and 17 points in 23 games.

I don't think anyone was calling Bickell a top six forward prior to the start of this season. In fact, he started the season on a checking line with Andrew Shaw and Viktor Stalberg. So he's a prime example of a player growing his game as he matures and gains years of experience in the pros, and mind you, this guy spent three seasons in the AHL after completing four seasons in the OHL. He was in his mid-late 20s when he hit his stride.

Now look at Clifford who is only 22! Scored 7 goals as a 19 year old rookie, followed it up with 5 goals his sophomore year where he looked stagnant, and in his third season he matched his career high of 7 goals and 14 points in a 48 game season. And he spent three seasons in the OHL with a brief stop in the minors. He was rushed to the NHL, but he is slowly progressing and can still become a better player. There is plenty of potential and room for growth for Clifford and I think he will prove that in the long run. I'm not sold on him as a legitimate top six option at LW, but I think he can be more than just a tough winger who gets fourth line minutes.

 

[Jason Lewis]

Toffoli, Vey top prospect pipeline for Kings
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=679419&navid=nhl:topheads

I thought Rosen really did a good job on here. Did his research. I do like his rating of Dowd the more it has sat with me. He was a big piece last season for St. Cloud State. Big year coming up.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=53188