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LA Kings Blue Liner Slava Voynov Shines Offensively, But Is Still Learning To Play In His Own End

March 17, 2012 by 4 Comments

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov has shined
offensively, but is still developing his defensive game.
Photo: David Sheehan

EL SEGUNDO, CA — Since he scored two goals, including the game-winner, in just his sixth National Hockey League game, a 5-2 victory for the Los Angeles Kings at Dallas on October 27, 2011, rookie defenseman Slava Voynov has shown that he is no longer just an NHL prospect. Rather, he has proven to be ready for the rigors of the NHL right now.

Voynov has since made the journey between the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League (Kings’ primary minor league affiliate) and the Kings three times this season. But after the February 23 trade that sent defenseman Jack Johnson, along with a conditional first round draft pick, to the Columbus Blue Jackets, in exchange for forward Jeff Carter, Voynov figures to be in the NHL to stay, securing a spot on the Kings’ blue line. Read more of this post

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Los Angeles Kings Defenseman Alec Martinez Quietly Getting The Job Done, Especially On Power Play

March 16, 2012 by 1 Comment

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez has gone from
frequent healthy scratch to being a fixture on the blue line.
Photo: David Sheehan

EL SEGUNDO, CA — Since he was acquired by the Los Angeles Kings on February 24, 2012, forward Jeff Carter has had the desired impact, scoring five goals and adding two assists for seven points in nine games (through games played on March 15, 2012).

His presence also gives the Kings two dangerous lines for opposing teams to deal with, something they have lacked for what seems like an eternity. This has opened up space for center Anze Kopitar, who has four goals and five assists for nine points in the last eight games.

The Kings’ power play, which was ranked near the bottom of the National Hockey League rankings for most of the season, has improved to 17th, with a 16.5% rating, again, much of that attributed to Carter’s presence. Read more of this post

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LA Kings React To Carter-Johnson Trade; Wait For Possible Other Skate To Drop

February 25, 2012 by 2 Comments

LA Kings newly-acquired forward Jeff Carter, shown here with the Columbus Blue Jackets after recording a hat trick during a 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks on February 21, 2012, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
Photo courtesy: Los Angeles Kings

EL SEGUNDO, CA — The morning after the blockbuster deal that sent defenseman Jack Johnson, along with a conditional first round draft pick, to the Columbus Blue Jackets, in exchange for forward Jeff Carter, both determination and a bit of shock seemed to be apparent in the Los Angeles Kings dressing room following their practice on Friday.

With their horrendous play of late, a deal to shake things up seemed inevitable.

“I think we all thought something was going to happen,” said defenseman Drew Doughty. “We didn’t know who, or what, or anything like that. You never want to see anyone go, but it’s part of the business.”

“With the way we’ve been scoring goals, there was that possibility,” said right wing and team captain Dustin Brown. “There was the thought that we needed more goal scoring help. We’ve been stumbling lately, so that puts the pressure on a little bit.” Read more of this post

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