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| Jack Johnson – LA Kings (photo: M. Zampelli) |
Who knew that Mike Richards would become so heavily linked to the Kings defensemen in the early days of his tenure with the Los Angeles Kings.
In the deal that brought him to the Western Conference, Drew Doughty‘s best friend (Wayne Simmonds) was included in the package traded to the Flyers.
Then, during training camp, Willie Mitchell admitted to forming a bro-mance with the 26-year old center. And more recently, Richards has connected with Jack Johnson on two game-winning goals in overtime.
Any attention thrown Johnson’s way for those two goals – including teammate Kevin Westgarth tweeting that he’s becoming the new Mr. Overtime – has quickly been turned back the other way.
“Well, they were set up by two plays by a great player,” said Johnson after practice on Monday. “I just tried to get lost back there and move around. (On a power play) you out number them. So, someone is bound to be open. I just tried to get lost and Mike Richards made two great plays to me.”
Johnson was also trying to connecting with Richards on a more personal level while the team was on the road the last few weeks.
“I just got to know him a little bit more as a person,” said Johnson. “He’s a very easy going guy and his personality is something I’m getting to learn a little more about. I’ve always known he’s a patient player, sees the ice well and is an all around great player. So, hockey wise, we didn’t learn too much new about him – because we already knew. On his personality though – he’s a real laid back, easy going guy, easy to get along with and he likes having fun.”
Johnson extended that train of thought even further when talking about the process of also getting to know Simon Gagne better…
“He’s a smooth player, smart, has a great shot. He’s the same way though – I feel like all the new guys we brought in are easy going, easy to get along with and they like to have fun out on the ice – which is great. With such a long season, you want to play with guys who want to have fun. So, they’ve been easy to get along with.”
Two overtime goals in four games, sounds pretty fun right there.
After practice yesterday, coach Terry Murray spoke about what he’s doing to push Johnson along and some of his expectations for the season ahead. That article is linked below, along with a few other related posts.
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