Kings Come Up Short Despite Late Push Against Golden Knights
Despite a thrilling third period, the Los Angeles Kings were unable to finish the job as they fall 3-2 in overtime to the Vegas Golden Knights in hard fought matchup between two divisional foes.
Video Transcript
Do you think it's time for the Kings to start leaning on Clark a little more as the top puck-moving defenseman on the team, give him more reps on the top power play unit.
Even though Drew Doughty is healthy?
I 100% agree that Clark needs to be utilized a little bit more, at least.
Um, you know, before Doughty's injury, there were games where he would only get, Like, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, which is, you know, in my mind.
Not really what you want.
Like, he's a young player.
But he's proven to be effective at this level.
Um, great puck skills.
You know, he's a decent skater.
He's still a young player.
Obviously, he's going to make mistakes, but, you know, if you look... We just talked about Seneca; he's even younger, and, um, Just look at how effective he is when he's provided the opportunity to be effective.
Um, you know, Mike, I don't know how you feel about Doughty at this age.
But, you know, he's still a very solid player.
I don't know if he'll make the Olympics.
Year, but, you know, at the age of 35, I don't mind him playing a second pairing role.
Um, or if you want to divide, you know, first and second pairing time, and then give the third pairing a little less.
Uh, it is a bit of a challenge when you look at The defensive depth that the Kings have.
It's not, you know, doesn't blow you out of the water, but there aren't really defensemen where like, "Oh, I feel kind of iffy about this guy, or this guy."
It, It's pretty solid all the way around, so it is hard to move around players.
Clark, that's a full runway.
But I do agree he needs a little more.
Time, and he's proven to be, you know, like I said.
Effective at this level, a true difference-maker for the Kings.
Mike, do you agree?
Well, if I were Jim Hiller, I'd make sure I'd play Doughty and Clarke, and put Cody Ceci up in the press box.
Because, uh, I, I, till, till my dying day, I don't understand that signing, as well as the Dumoulin signing.
I mean, I'll be the cynic here.
They leaned heavily on Brandt Clark when Doughty was hurt last year, and he played very well.
Then when Doughty came back, you know, Doughty is a Hall of Famer.
He's won a couple of Stanley Cups.
There's a respect there.
I completely understand why he would take his mantle back.
But in this instance, I almost get...
I get the cynical feeling here that Clarke is not being played as much when Doughty is in lineup because Clark is in the final year of his ELC.
And they don't want to pay him big money on a second contract.
Now, maybe that's just being conspiratorial, but the way they've handled him would make me lean toward that.
And there's been talk, I mean, Even before Doughty got hurt, uh, you know, they were looking to trade Brandt Clarke.
And if I were a general manager for some other teams, I'd say, "Sign me up."
A right-shot defenseman who's 22 years old.
Was hit with his offensive skills?
Sign me up!
Those are not easy players to find.
But, I understand them going back to Doughty out of the respect factor.
But they should start to lean on Clark a lot more.
