For the past month or two I've been wanting to write a series of posts about the projected production of certain Kings. With a week before the season starts I figure now is the best time to get these posts up. RudyKelly over at Battle of California has done a series of posts with previews of certain players, including his personal favorite, Brian Willsie. So head on over there for a quick refresher of what the Kings have to offer this season. Read on further to find out what I think will happen.
This series will start with my current favorite Kings player, Alexander Frolov.
Quick side note: my friend was in Vegas for Frozen Fury and walked by Frolo while she was wearing her Kings jersey. She said he gave her a slight smile as he walked past but she was too flustered to say or do anything. The next time I see her I'll definitely give her a stern talking to because not getting an autograph or photo is just blasphemy!
In his preview of Frolov, RudyKelly noted that while many fans, myself included, are quick to yell at Fro for not shooting enough, RK appreciates that he doesn't shoot like Avery and takes his time and looks for the quality opportunities. I do agree with RK, but Frolov should be a 40-goal scorer and the only way for him to get there is to take more shots or have better accuracy. However Fro does it, he better get those 40 goals this season. The 2007-2008 season will be his fifth season in the NHL, all with the Kings, and every season there's been an improvement in his points production. With a better team, at least on paper, being on the ice this season there's no reason why he shouldn't have a career season.
Last season, Fro played in all 82 games (let's hope he can stay healthy again) and had 35 goals, 36 assists, 71 points, but was a -8. I'm not even going to guess which line he'll play on and with whom because last season Crow had the lines all switched around. With Handzus, Nagy, and Calder in the mix, I still think Fro will be on the first or second line maybe with Handzus or Kopitar at center.
While I was content with Frolov's production last season, I was shocked that Cammy surpassed him in points. DL and Co. seemed to be on his back last season about putting up better numbers and I'm sure that will be the case this season. With the added pressure of needing to be one of the best, if not the best, on the team and with younger guys coming up every season, Fro has a lot to prove this season. However, he never seems to look like he's under a lot of pressure because he always seems so relaxed. I love watching him play because he's always smiling whenever the team does well. He rarely has a big, ostentatious goal celebration, but he always has that boyish smile on his face. The improved Kings roster will only help Frolov become one of the leaders of this group.
My prediction for Frolov's Projected Production: 44-36-80
2 comments:
If Michal Handzus is your top line center, mail in the season.
If he sees anywhere near 20 minutes of ice time a game, there is something seriously wrong. Are the Kings that shallow depth wise at C? I would think Kopitar and Cammalleri would center the top two lines, with Frolov and Nagy occupying two wing slots, and damn, LA has no RW threat at ALL.
In other news, just in case you didn't see this...The Los Angeles Kings goaltender Dan Cloutier cleared waivers on Saturday with the Kings intention of sending him to Manchester of the AHL.
Hmmm...I guess I always forget that Cammy is a center. With that said, I expect Handzie to be the third line center, Kopi on the first and Cammy on the second. But what do I know? Anything can happen and it usually does with the Kings. Oh, and believe me, I am well aware of Cloutier being in Manchester. I didn't think any team would actually pick him up so hopefully he makes good use of his time in the AHL.
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