Thread: Bench Richards.

Originally Posted by aaron

That's what finally convinced you?

Convinced me of what?

That he shouldn't be benched.
You hadn't chimed in previously.

He can get a hat-trick and beat the turd out of Shea Weber on Thursday, and I still stand by my opinion... He should have been ready to start the season on Jan 19.
A 5.75 mill cap hit player in a leadership role shouldn't have his game "coming around" at game 8 of a 48 game season. I love the guy just as much as Mondo or anyone else, but at the same time I still hold him to a certain standard due to the money he makes and the leadership role.

Originally Posted by anjae11eden

He can get a hat-trick and beat the turd out of Shea Weber on Thursday, and I still stand by my opinion... He should have been ready to start the season on Jan 19.
A 5.75 mill cap hit player in a leadership role shouldn't have his game "coming around" at game 8 of a 48 game season. I love the guy just as much as Mondo or anyone else, but at the same time I still hold him to a certain standard due to the money he makes and the leadership role.

I think a lot of players believed the entire season was going to be blown off. It seemed there were many vets throughout the league who didn't play during the strike and then weren't ready to go with no training camp this year.

I think the problem is that many around these parts saw Richards' offensive production from 2007-2010 and were expecting 30 goals and 65-80 points a year... but forgot to factor in the ever-so-slight difference in playing styles of the Flyers and Kings (not to mention line-mate quality).

His 75-80 point days may not be returning, but he'll continue to be plenty useful in a number of ways; especially come the postseason.

Originally Posted by USCKingsFan31

I think the problem is that many around these parts saw Richards' offensive production from 2007-2010 and were expecting 30 goals and 65-80 points a year... but forgot to factor in the ever-so-slight difference in playing styles of the Flyers and Kings (not to mention line-mate quality).

His 75-80 point days may not be returning, but he'll continue to be plenty useful in a number of ways; especially come the postseason.

Couldn't agree more. Richards can't be the "Giroux" on the kings. He has to take a backseat to the rest of the talent. Richards is basically the co-captain for the Kings. His leadership shouldn't be taken for granted.

I always love this video because it's done well and it's the transition from Philly to LA.

Also, this what I expected when we traded for him and it made me have certain expectations.

(HD) Mike Richards, Welcome To The Kingdom - YouTube

Those expectations have been met.

Can Richards continue to improve this year and also be a force into the future? That is unknown.

I can't remember the last time Brown was on Richard's line. Sutter should move Carter up to Kopi's line and Brown down to the 2nd line just for one game to see what happens.

Originally Posted by Mr.Hockey 2.0

I can't remember the last time Brown was on Richard's line. Sutter should move Carter up to Kopi's line and Brown down to the 2nd line just for one game to see what happens.

I remember a game early last season when Richards set up Brown 4 times at the goal mouth and Brown missed all four chances. After the last miss, Richards looked like he was ready to drop the gloves with Brown. So, no, that combination does not work.