As another month without hockey approaches, I thought it would be great timing to update you on all things Kings. There are three Kings playing over in Europe (Anze Kopitar, Alec Martinez, and Jonathan Bernier), and four Kings playing in the AHL for the Manchester Monarchs (Dwight King, Jordan Nolan, Andrei Loktionov, and Slava Voynov).
May 13, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Dwight King (74) scores on Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) as defenseman Michal Rozsival (32) and center Mike Richards (10) look on during the second period of game one of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE
So let’s get the ball rolling with the Monarchs! I myself am a little bit confused how Dwight King has been able to sign with the Monarchs, but from my research it seems that with no CBA there is a grey area the Kings have entered and taken a chance allowing King to play for the Monarchs. In my opinion no matter the repercussions from this decision it’s important to develop a young player like King and better to have him in your system than tied up with a contract in Europe. King has played in 2 games with the Monarchs and had 2 assists with the team thus far. Another plus is a King and Nolan reunion. The 2 rookies were both called up on February 10th 2012, making their debut against the New York Islanders on February 11th (Kings 2011-2012 season debut, and Nolans NHL debut), tallying their first points the following night against the Dallas Stars. The duo are virtually inseparable, roommates on the road, at home and in Manchester. Great to see the dynamic duo together during this Lockout. Nolan has only played in 1 game with the Monarchs and did not record a point.
Despite the unfortunate news that his name was not engraved on the Stanley Cup despite playing a role in the Kings’ run to the Cup, Andrei Loktionov’s putting up great numbers with the Monarchs. Playing in all 6 of their games he has 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points. The 22 year old center is definitely worthy to be playing in the NHL, and because of the lockout he is able to stay sharp and just might be able to break into the King’s line up. Last but certainly not least is Slava Voynov the young rookie defensemen had a great breakout season with the King’s and would definitely be on the blue line for them if this lockout was not still going. Voynov has played in all 6 games and has 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points, 2nd among Monarchs defensemen. The Monarchs are currently 5-1 and ranked first in the Atlantic Division. The Monarchs next game is at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 3rd vs the Scranton Penguins.
Mar 17, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) during the game against the Nashville Predators at the Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Predators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
Now let’s head over the pond to get an update on the King’s playing overseas. Anze Kopitar is as we know playing in Sweden for Mora IK and is leading the team in points with 16, 5 goals and 11 assists. Check out the Mora IK website for more information and stay updated on Kopitar throughout the season. Alec Martinez is playing in Finland for HC TPS of the SM-liiga. To the best of my knowledge Martinez has 1 goal in 9 games. Check out the HC TPS site and stay up to date with Martinez. Lastly, Kings back-up tender Jonathan Bernier is playing in the German 2nd Division for Heilbronn Falken. To the best of my knowledge Bernier has played in 5 games, I will keep you updated on his progress, in the mean time check out the Heilbronn Falken website.
That concludes this weeks edition of all things King’s, check in next week for more updates on players and keep an eye out for continued lockout updates.