It’s that time of the week. Let’s clear out the notebook and start off fresh.
Here’s a random collection of thoughts we hadn’t published yet…
Alex Iafallo on a different player scoring first for the Kings in every game thus far this season
It’s good to see everybody chipping in. I feel like everybody’s prepared enough and going through the right routines, and I feel like everybody has been paying attention to what other teams have to offer. Everybody is chipping in and doing their jobs, so it’s good to see.
On the importance of getting at least two points in every series and the team being off to a better start than last season
It’s definitely very encouraging to get a better start. Keep climbing the ladder which is good to see. I feel like that gives us confidence going forward to each game. You keep winning games, you keep feeling good. All the boys are feeling good about this and that’s what you want to see. Going forward, I think it’s gonna be good for us.
On the addition of Adrian Kempe to the top line
A lot of speed, it has been fun playing with him. I can always chip to him on the wall and. He’s a fast guy and he beats all his defenders. It’s been fun playing with him and not looking forward to the next.
On what he appreciates most about Anze Kopitar’s game that often gets overlooked
I think mostly in the defensive zone, just the way it carries himself. He’s always an option, he’s always supporting our defenseman, supporting me, sporting the other winger. Offensively support as well, he’s always got the puck in, he’s always an option and he’s always open.
Rasmus Kupari on playing with Tyler Madden and Arthur Kaliyev on the top line for Ontario
Obviously, there’s been a long break between our games, over a year for me and also like eight months for other guys. It’s been a lot of fun to play with that line, they’re really skilled guys. We’ve had some success, as well, so that’s nice.
On if having two snipers out there with him on the powerplay helps his confidence with the man advantage
We haven’t scored any power play goals yet. I think that’s one important thing we have to improve. There have been a few chances for me and for other guys, we just have to keep working on that.
On how he’s feeling overall, coming back from the knee surgery he had about a year ago
I feel really good. I feel like I’m 100% ready and my leg feels really good. Like I said, it’s been a lot of fun to play and get some games in.
On communicating with new coach John Wroblewski and building a relationship with him
I really like him and his style of playing hockey. He likes an offensive style game, and I like that type of game. I’m also getting minutes out there – PP, PK, a lot of face-offs. I think that’s been really important for me.
On the idea of playing with Sammy Fagemo, which was the plan earlier in camp
He’s a really good player, kind of a sniper-style. He can score, and we actually practiced together a couple weeks ago before he was called up to the taxi squad. I liked playing with him. Lately, I’ve been with Madden and Kaliyev, and I also like playing with them, as well. It really doesn’t matter. I’m just happy to play out there and get some games.
On where he’s looking to improve his game after completing the five-game exhibition schedule
I’m playing as a centerman, so I’m trying to focus on especially the d-zone. I know I have the skills to make plays and play offense, but that’s been big thing for me, to try and focus on that. And just try to enjoy the games. It’s been great, a lot of fun.
Cole Hults on how he’s feeling, having played three preseason games coming off of surgery in the offseason
I feel good. Every game I’m just kind of building my confidence up and adapting, finding out what role I’m going to be in here. Overall, it seems to be coming together. I’m just getting that confidence back, but my body is feeling good so I can’t ask for more.
On trying to find a spot on a team with eight or nine defenseman right now
There are a lot of good D here and as a rookie coming in, I’m just kind of trying to earn my way and pave my way. It’s about learning from those older guys. We just signed [Cameron Gaunce]. He actually played with my brother in Syracuse and he told me he’s a good guy to learn from. I’m just kind of watching those guys and learning how to be a pro, so it’s been good. As far as getting in the lineup, I just wait for my chance and my opportunity. I’m just taking it as it comes.
On transitioning from the pace of play at Penn State to the AHL
Honestly, after the first game it was kind of just a big relief, I didn’t really know what to expect. My brother played a little bit of pro in the AHL, so I had asked him questions about it. I didn’t try to think about it too much. It’s just about getting comfortable again. After the surgery, I was off the ice for about six months. Just getting my footing and the timing of the game has been coming together here.
On trying to build a relationship with Wrobo
It’s been more of a group environment so far. Chris Hajt and I have been doing some video and that’s been a big help, just some more system stuff. I’ve been working mainly with Chris doing video. With Wtobo, we’re both from Wisconsin, so we’ll talk, but it’s been more group work than anything.
Arthur Kaliyev on his first day of practicing with the Kings, after being called up to the taxi squad
I just went out there and tried to work my hardest and tried to do my thing. I always try to do my best.
On keeping up with the Kings games so far this season
Oh yeah, I’ve been watching a ton of the games. I’m trying to see how they play, the systems and stuff.
On the transition from junior hockey to a the five AHL preseason games
It’s been a bit more physical, faster. Every game I got better, got more used to the game pace. So I think I did pretty well the past couple games, kept getting better every single game.
On if playing with Ontario for a few weeks helped him prepare for practicing with the Kings, in terms of terminology and systems
Of course. It’s been easier because I’ve been practicing with the pro guys on the Ontario team, so it’s been pretty helpful.
On the stick he uses
I just have a big knob. I use a couple strips on my blade. I use just a basic CCM stick, but a special tape job that I do. I use a 95 flex because I don’t like it that whippy. I like it more stiff, so it doesn’t break every slap shot I take.
On being linemates with Tyler Madden in the five Reign exhibition games and playing for Wrobo
I think Madden is a really great player. He seemed to score a couple goals every game. He’s a skilled, offensive player with a good IQ. And he always looks for me out there, so it’s been really fun playing with him. Wrobo has been a really great coach. He’s well prepared, systems-wise. He’s been a really good coach and he’s been pushing us to get better every single game. He likes offense and has a lot of details in our D zone coverage. He’s doing a really good job so far.
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Could Kupari be the next Vilardi? I’m guessing we see him “fully, fully” recovered next season.
I just hope VILARDI can be the next Vilardi.