***Seattle Kraken vs. LA Kings GDT 3/26/22 7:30pm on BSW***

This is unfathomable to process. I don't mean that you're wrong, it's just such a weird thought because he's been such a bright spot in this surprising season and there's so much to like there.

Bernstein said he's calling it the "Durzi trade" now, not the "Muzzin trade" anymore. Going to be an interesting summer for sure, for the first time in a while.
Yes, he's been a lifesaver in the absence of so many regulars, he's got a lot of offensive ability and a great attitude, but he's not very good defensively. His gap control is the worst on the team (see goal tonight on which he completely screwed the pooch) and he frequently gets lost in defensive zone coverage. His strength is in the offensive zone, he has good vision and offensive instincts and he's a good passer, but he doesn't have a big shot, which means the defense can lay off him because they don't have to respect his shot. That lack of a hard shot from the point really downgrades his ability as a power play QB as well. Spence is still learning but he is better in his own zone for the most part and he's got a better shot with at least equal vision and passing ability. They're very, very similar players but Spence has the better toolbox at a younger age.
 
Well that was fun. We continue our collision course to the playoffs. Really tired of Lizzo taking a pounding each game. Painful. But seems it's his game. Got my alt jersey turned in for customization. Tough call but I am going with the baby giraf... err Byfield! Cya all Monday.
 
I love all the speculation on positions. I?m just happy nobody on LGK is the GM, including myself.
 
I just took a look at the upcoming schedule. After Seattle, the Kings start the playoffs.
 
Yay for Spence! I heard I was on the pregame show. I'm famous now, lol

Saw you on the big screen as well. I was up there too when the Kings scored the first goal. 309, cameraman was right there...was wearing my burger king jersey.
 
5 of 6 point on the homestand, gotta get the next 2 on Monday before what will likely be a very tough road trip.
 
What happens to Edler ?

Day off to ease his transition back to full health: https://lakingsinsider.com/2022/03/26/3-26-preview-bjornfot-to-play-lineups-defensive-alignment-spences-game-growth-bounce-back/

"Not included in tonight?s projected six is veteran defenseman Alex Edler, but he?s not considered to be just a healthy scratch. Edler?s return felt sudden in some ways, and in some ways it was. He never got that extended run of team practices, because the team didn?t have many during the time he was trying to reintegrate himself into the lineup, following two broken bones in his leg.

That, McLellan said, is why he won?t play tonight. He was admirable in his time since getting back into the lineup, but he was never truly at 100 percent back. McLellan called today?s decision an opportunity to get more time during practice settings to work towards that, with the renewed health of Bjornfot and the comfort level of younger blueliners like Moverare and Spence a contributing facto."

Edler worked after regular practice on both Friday and Saturday morning along with Drew, although Edler's drills were significantly more intensive than Drew's. Maybe just needs to get those lower leg muscles stronger, because it was a lot of edge-work skating (like reversing behind the net, fast stops, things that require the lower leg strength)

Drew was carrying a stick but not using it. I saw him take one shot on Saturday morning and it was very weak and then it seemed like his arm was hurting after it (it's his right arm that is messed up)

(I was personally viewing both practice on Friday and Saturday, this isn't just hearsay!)
 
I think Durzi isn't going to be around much longer. Spence is a very similar type of player but better and younger. Then you have Doughty, Clarke, and Faber on the right side. There's just no place for Durzi.

You’re probably right but still people are going to crap themselves when it happens. I guess it depends on what we get back for him.

I’ve been really impressed with our D men this season. They’re not superstars & they don’t play well every game. But the fact that every defenseman on our opening night roster has been out, many for significant time, meant that other guys had to step up. And whether it’s young guys like Durzi & Spence showing they could make it in this league, or Olli Maatta who went from being a healthy scratch & a fan whipping boy to being a +20, they’ve really come through.

Speaking of +/- I think it’s hilarious that in the Oilers 9-5 loss to the Flames, Leon Draisaitl got a hat trick but was still a -4.
 
I just took a look at the upcoming schedule. After Seattle, the Kings start the playoffs.

Very tough 6 games there. Gotta beat SEA Mon. then I?m happy enough if they split the EDM games and beat WPG
to go 2-4. Can?t expect wins against CAL or MNN.

After that win 5 of the last 9 (8 of which are winnable) and they?re at 97 points and how sweet would that be?
 
Edler worked after regular practice on both Friday and Saturday morning along with Drew, although Edler's drills were significantly more intensive than Drew's. Maybe just needs to get those lower leg muscles stronger, because it was a lot of edge-work skating (like reversing behind the net, fast stops, things that require the lower leg strength)

Drew was carrying a stick but not using it. I saw him take one shot on Saturday morning and it was very weak and then it seemed like his arm was hurting after it (it's his right arm that is messed up)

(I was personally viewing both practice on Friday and Saturday, this isn't just hearsay!)


Re: Drew
Could it be a shoulder?
 
I?m already having to distance myself a bit from some of these kids knowing they can?t all stick. I trust Blake to choose wisely in his trade choices.

Anyone remember Cale Clague?
 
A mini WTS

?That?s a hell of a team over there,? Seattle coach Dave Hakstol said. ?They?re a big, heavy team. They?re hard to play against. They don?t allow any inside ice very easily, so you?ve got to work for your possession, and I thought we did that. I thought we worked our butts off for most of this hockey game. I want to go back and look at it, but I felt like we gave up too much off the rush.?

?They check hard, and there?s not a lot of room,? Geekie said of the Kings. ?They?ve got some good veteran players and a good system.?

?It was certain things in my game back in October that I wasn?t doing very well, and I think specifically it was the defense, and I think I?ve improved on that," Vilardi said. "It was nice to score, for sure. I feel like my defensive game?s improved, but at the same time, I do want to contribute offensively.?

?It?s called progress," McLellan said. "We?re moving forward, so there is satisfaction in that, but it doesn?t end. We?ve still got to grow and move the needle forward. I kept hearing the term ?meaningful games' later in the year. ? We're (getting) that right now, and it?s a great thing for our team. This is the playoffs for us, and we?ve shown signs of growth during it, and it?s going to have to continue for whatever we have left.?
 
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