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LAKingSteve
Lurker
Lucky enough to be there in person, Quickie saved our bacon in OT and the FiaLA goal was pure pandemonium. Loudest I've heard the arena in many years.
***Chicago Blackhawks vs. LA Kings GDT 11/10/22 7:30pm on ESPN+ & Hulu only***
- Thread starter Clif
- Start date
Helvetica
Top Forward
Considering how difficult it seems like it is to find guys to play with Kopi, i'd hope coach never takes him off that line. I realize the optics of having fiala's contract playing on the 3rd line, but as long as they can get that line some min, and keep fiala on PP1, i dont think it's an issue. And having three lines you can actually count on for production would be huge for this team. I do agree though that Fiala might bring just a bit more to that 2nd line, but again, when things are working, it's hard to break up that 2nd line when they are playing well. VA can really get going on that line some times. Nice problems for this team to have.
DryKing
Power Forward
Agreed, Fiala is a player who has shown he can create offense and opportunities regardless of what line he sits on. Ultimately he seems like a fantastic pairing on the 2nd line with Danault, but it's working the way it currently is. VA really is more suited for the 3rd line as he brings a ton of energy and excitement but can't hit the side of a barn with his shot. I find it super frustrating how often he shoots wide of the net after a great pass by one of his line mates only to give the opposing team a break/advantage the opposite way. Between Moore and VA, neither one is able to consistently finish so we really need a player like Fiala on that line in VA's place.
Not to be super gloomy, Moore just keeps improving his overall game and looks fantastic (in every way but scoring goals / finishing) and Danault is slowly creeping his way back to the player we saw last season.
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Statue4Deano
Lurker
This is why I've wanted Fiala slotted next to Byfield since the day he was acquired. I love a lot of what Kupari is bringing on the 3rd line but he's just not a Center. He plays the game like a winger and that's great because we need more skilled wingers with size. Byfield needs the training wheels of a skilled east-west winger like Fiala. The faster the organization unlocks Byfield's potential the faster they become a real contender.
Helvetica
Top Forward
On the other hand, i'd like to see what Fiala could provide on a line with Byfield (if/when he returns) and Iaffalo (who should return in the next few weeks). We know that literally anybody seems to work on the Danault line. So there's always that option, but if we had 3 truly dangerous lines, it would go a long way towards creating mismatches that most teams would struggle to defend effectively.
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sonnyboy11
Lurker
I'd like to see that pairing, too.
Btw, is there a recent update for Byfield? He has been out for quite a while.
Last word from Todd was that he lost a lot of weight during the illness and they were getting him back to game ready. Sounds like it was a doozy.
J
jgs
Lurker
Well TM has given QB great opportunities. QB needs to grab hold of it and run with it. So QB hasn't grabbed the moment and hopefully with time will. I sure hope he isn't a bust.
J
jgs
Lurker
I believe this is year 3 for Gabe and he has arrived. Kings need QB to arrive quicker than that but it is what it is.
Helvetica
Top Forward
he was sick with flu-like symptoms. Apparently lost some decent weight. He was loaned to the Reign and played there last game. I suspect we see him down there for at least a couple weeks while he regains his stamina and ability to play at game speed. I dont have any direct insight on this, but i wouldnt expect him to be down there for a real long time, but probably 2 weeks minimum.
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kingrussell
Lurker
Very happy with Villardi this year. Finally living up to expectations.
