Dave,
Please give me an honest Kings evaluation when you get some time. Specifically, please provide an update on Simmonds, goalies and Brayden Schenn.
Honest Evaluation:
The Kings will be very good this year, and have the potential to be great if the young players take the next step. I think they are being slightly overrated by some of these media pundits, considering I'd like to see them prove they can win in the playoffs before sending them to the Western Conference Championship and beyond. But this is a very deep and very good team.
Smyth / Kopitar / Brown -----> Excellent first line, Kopitar is a stud that makes those around him better, Smyth and Brown will grind out plenty of goals
Richardson / Stoll / Williams -----> A bit shout talentwise compared to most teams' second lines, but we run this line out less often than our "third". All three guys work hard and should chip in.
Ponikarovsky / Handzus / Simmonds ----> One of the best third lines in hockey. Handzus has emerged as one of the game's top defensive centers, Simmonds has a never ending motor and skates/hits very well, and Poni should make a great addition to this line as a solid two way player as well.
Clifford / Schenn / Westgarth ----> Nice mix of talent and toughness. Yet to be seen what kids will stick in the lineup and which will be sent down, but word is that Clifford may stick in the agitator role opposite Westgarth, who is more of a pure fighter. Clifford is supposed to have a motor similar to Simmonds. Schenn may end up getting sent down and become a full time player next year, but we'll see how he does in these first 9 games. Trevor Lewis and Andrei Loktionov may also push for playing time on the 4th line. Scott Parse is penciled in on the second wing and someone will be sent down to make room for him.
Doughty / Mitchell ----> One shut down guy, one electric two-way dman. Should be an amazing pair that gets 30 mins a night.
Johnson / Scuderi----> Another mix of shut down / two-way. Looks great on paper.
Muzzin / Drewiskie ----> Muzzin beat out all other Kings prospects, was OHL's leading scoring defenseman. Drewiskie and Harrold will hold the fort down until Greene returns. Hickey waiting in the wings if Muzzin falters. Should be an adequate pairing for now and a great one when Greene gets back.
Quick/Bernier ---> Many Kings fans believe this will be Bernier's spot by the end of the year. Quick shows flashes of genius, but also looks terrible at times. Bernier appears to be much more poised and positionally sound. It's Quick's job for now, but if he falters Bernier will step in.
Worth noting that not only are the Kings deep, but they also have cap space if they want to add a sniper at the deadline. Should be a fun year.
