I don’t know what opportunities he wasn’t getting in LA. He was one of the top forwards for even strength & power play time on ice. He also was at the bottom for penalty kill time on ice but I don’t think he gives a crap about that. I was actually thinking before the trade was made that if I were the Kings I would give him all the ice time in the world & put him on the top line, the 1st PP, and on PK too. And then just sink or swim with him leading the team. I don’t know if that would’ve been successful so I’m glad we dealt him when we did & aren’t under that contract & the NMC.
Anyway he’s not successful in Washington because they gave him opportunities. He’s successful because there’s absolutely no pressure on him, even with his $8 million contract. As long as Ovie’s there he doesn’t have to be the guy. Wait until Ovie leaves & we’ll see if he can lead this team. In fact we’ll see if that honeymoon isn’t over by the end of this season.