About John HovenJohn Hoven is a member of the of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and co-hosts Kings of the Podcast. He is also the founder and editor of MayorsManor.com, which has been named Best Sports Blog in Los Angeles by LA Weekly and Hockey Blog of the Year by Yahoo Sports. Click "ABOUT OUR TEAM" above for a full bio.
Wayne Simmonds on Penner and Greasy Goals
Wayne Simmonds was perhaps one of the happiest guys on the LA Kings early last week. Not only had the team acquired a big left wing in Dustin Penner, but coach Terry Murray announced he would start Penner on a line with Simmonds and Anze Kopitar.
While Simmonds had seen top line minutes a few times throughout the season, more often than not, it was in a ‘fill-in’ role. This was an outright declaration of his spot on that line.
Yet, if one thing has been a constant this year on the team, it’s been change – as in line changes. Just two periods after being named to the line, he was replaced by Justin Williams.
Still – Simmonds had a first hand look at Penner as a linemate and has had about a week to get to know him better…
MM: It’s been a few games now, what have you seen from Dustin Penner so far?
WS: He’s a great player. He’s really good with the puck in tight. He has really good in tight hands, as you can tell. What you guys don’t see in the (dressing) room is he’s a great guy in the room. He’s already meshed really well with all the guys. He’s funny, everyone likes him and he’s fit perfectly into our team. So, it’s been great so far having him here.
MM: Besides the old ‘we need two points’ line, what are you thinking going into the upcoming games on the road?
WS: Well, we need two points (laughing). We’re playing well defensively lately. We just need to get pucks in the net. I think we need to keep driving the net more. We need to get more dirty goals, like the one Penner scored (vs. Vancouver). He got a greasy goal there and I think the majority of goals from here on out are going to be like that. You’re not going to get your bang-bang plays or anything like that really. You’re going to have to work for it. So, I think we have to be more determined around the net.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Simmonds and Westgarth on Nashville’s Shane O’Brien
10 Tidbits on Wayne Simmonds
Dustin Penner Comments on PennerMania
Two Minutes In The Box… with Wayne Simmonds
Coach Murray on What He Wants From Dustin Penner
Recent Articles
Kings Of the Podcast: Ep. Q7 with Gabriel Vilardi
After bringing on several guests from Kings management and NHL roster, we now turn our attention to LA’s top prospect – joining us this time around is Gabe Vilardi.
Our most recent Prospect Rankings are here for your reference:
LA Kings 2020 Prospect Rankings: The Top Three Players
We should also share some background on one of the […]
NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Playoff Predictions and Confidence Rating
Follow @mayorNHL
Enjoy a free replay of this week’s Mayor’s Minutes on NHL Network Radio, where John Hoven joined host Jim ‘Boomer’ Gordon to make predictions on all eight Playoff Qualification series. And for added fun, they put a confidence rating on each prediction.
They look at all eight playoff / play-in matchups:
Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Nashville […]
Kings Of the Podcast: Ep. Q6 with Mike Futa
Because we appreciate all the support from our listeners — both new and the longtime supporters — we’re back with another all new Kings of the Podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by former LA Kings executive Mike Futa. It’s one of the longest interviews we’ve ever done, so in the words of Bruce Buffer… […]
Major News Items
2020 NHL Draft Preview: Quinton Byfield, OHL Forward
One of Dean Lombardi’s most impactful picks came in the form of Drew Doughty at second overall. Twelve years later, the Kings would benefit if the lottery provided the same courtesy. According to Tankathon, Los … [Read More...]
More Prospect News