Enjoy a free replay of this week’s Mayor’s Minutes on NHL Network Radio. John Hoven joined host Jim ‘Boomer’ Gordon to touch on all the latest happenings in the Western Conference. Among the highlights were observations on Mike Richards’ return to the NHL, Jarret Stoll’s progress, a surging Anze Kopitar, what might be plaguing the Anaheim Ducks lately, the Phoenix Coyotes future, why Winnipeg’s Paul Maurice is a legitimate contender for Coach of the Year, are the Colorado Avalanche in as much trouble as the numbers might suggest – and even though Max Talbot was traded to Boston, he’s still missing in action (zero goals in 11 games with the B’s).
You can give today’s segment a listen using the player below or download any of our audio files for free on the MayorsManor iTunes page located here.
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John,
Some good points made about MR, the Ducks, etc.
I agree Richards did look better, at least, with the puck but didn’t look very good without it upon his return to the Kings. His puck pursuit is underwhelming and when arriving at the puck a bit tardy, he is not the aggressor he was at one time. He reminds me of Brayden Schenn when the Kings first brought him up to the big club. If he had time to be in position to make a play or check he was fine but struggled unless he had his feet set before the play in question began. In Schenn’s case he was a half step behind skating-wise and lacked strength at the point of physical confrontation. MR is a man where Schenn was more of a kid still lacking full adult strength. In MR’s case, his physical conditioning must still be lacking-it’s not just lung capacity and sustainability but also strength and some speed that comes from being in top condition.
The Ducks have a great deal of talent on the blue line but like the Kings have not yet found the chemistry necessary to be consistent. If the Kings meet the Ducks in the playoffs I still maintain negating Kessler is a major key to victory. TP or DB should go head- to- head with him if TP is well. Either one of those guys would drive Kessler crazy and throw the entire Ducks lineup off balance. The problem with throwing DB out against Kessler is DB’s rep with the officials. He would likely get called for too many penalties while TP can simply skate and muscle with Kessler effectively. Faceoffs could be an issue but DB is not that bad as evidenced by him taking draws currently on the second power play unit. It would be more about tying up Kessler on the draws anyway not letting him win them cleanly. TP has good puck skills, good speed, and is very strong on his skates. He would make it tough for Kessler to get anything done.