#LAKings Kings bring New York presence for Vegas preseason game (Daily News)
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The Kings face the Golden Knights in Las Vegas on Friday night, and if they stay with a similar lineup it may mean that New York, New York will have two different meanings on the Strip.
In their victory over Vegas on Thursday in Salt Lake City, the Kings triumphed in large part due to contributions from forwards Brendan Lemieux and Lias Andersson, both of whom were acquired in trades with the New York Rangers over the course of last season.
Lemieux will be counted on to give the Kings a physical edge. Thats especially true given the departure of bellicose defenseman Kurtis MacDermid. In addition to having his teammates backs, Lemieux provides ruggedness that allows him to win puck battles, as he did behind the net Thursday before moving the puck to Austin Strand and heading to the front of the net to score off Strands rebound.
Theres definitely a less-physical aspect of the preseason, but I try to bring my game every time I play, Lemieux told reporters.
Anderssons role last season was less defined. On one hand, he was asked to play a 200-foot game and contribute in a variety of ways. On the other, he wasnt a fixture in the lineup, having spent considerable time in the minor leagues and on the Kings taxi squad.
Andersson, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 draft, was given a fresh start with tempered expectations in Los Angeles. Beginning in late April, he saw more consistent ice time. In May, he strung together a career-best three-game point streak. With a goal in each game he has played this preseason, he has continued to make his case to stick as a regular.
I want to show them every day that I belong here; Im trying to build off how I ended last year, Andersson said earlier in training camp. Im trying to be on the hunt every day and go grab my spot.
Familiar faces missing
Former Kings and current Vegas defensemen Alec Martinez and Brayden McNabb were not in action Thursday. Coach Pete DeBoer told reporters that McNabb skated Friday. He sustained a lower-body injury in Vegas preseason opener.
Martinez also played in the opener against San Jose. He could see action Friday, but an abundance of caution is often shown with veterans. Martinez played last years playoffs, in which he blocked 72 shots, with a broken foot. He signed a three-year contract extension in July.
Tkachev creating intrigue
Vladimir Tkachev, a 25-year-old winger whose career in Edmonton never materialized but who excelled in his native Russia, is another recent addition that has created some buzz.
He had a pair of assists in Thursdays win, keying the rush on Anderssons goal and producing a picturesque pass to set up winger Arthur Kaliyevs late power-play tally.
While Andersson and other young forwards have acknowledged that many players are pursuing a handful of roster spots, Tkachevs one-year contract, age and level of pro experience in a top foreign league were all early indicators he could secure a spot. If he continues to display offensive savvy, he could see not only a roster spot but a prominent role.
Golden Knights honor first responders
The Golden Knights honored first responders Friday, first with a visit to a local fire station and then with a ceremony prior to the puck drop.
Related Articles
The teams arrival in Vegas coincided with the mass shooting that killed 58 people exactly four years ago Friday. Since then, the Golden Knights have been deeply involved with the families of victims as well as the areas first responders, with much of their activity intentionally going unpublicized.
Everyone remembers that day, you know, where you were when that was happening, when we first came to Vegas. It brings up a lot of emotions and a lot of feelings, Vegas winger Reilly Smith said.
https://www.dailynews.com/2021/10/01...reseason-game/
In their victory over Vegas on Thursday in Salt Lake City, the Kings triumphed in large part due to contributions from forwards Brendan Lemieux and Lias Andersson, both of whom were acquired in trades with the New York Rangers over the course of last season.
Lemieux will be counted on to give the Kings a physical edge. Thats especially true given the departure of bellicose defenseman Kurtis MacDermid. In addition to having his teammates backs, Lemieux provides ruggedness that allows him to win puck battles, as he did behind the net Thursday before moving the puck to Austin Strand and heading to the front of the net to score off Strands rebound.
Theres definitely a less-physical aspect of the preseason, but I try to bring my game every time I play, Lemieux told reporters.
Anderssons role last season was less defined. On one hand, he was asked to play a 200-foot game and contribute in a variety of ways. On the other, he wasnt a fixture in the lineup, having spent considerable time in the minor leagues and on the Kings taxi squad.
Andersson, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 draft, was given a fresh start with tempered expectations in Los Angeles. Beginning in late April, he saw more consistent ice time. In May, he strung together a career-best three-game point streak. With a goal in each game he has played this preseason, he has continued to make his case to stick as a regular.
I want to show them every day that I belong here; Im trying to build off how I ended last year, Andersson said earlier in training camp. Im trying to be on the hunt every day and go grab my spot.
Familiar faces missing
Former Kings and current Vegas defensemen Alec Martinez and Brayden McNabb were not in action Thursday. Coach Pete DeBoer told reporters that McNabb skated Friday. He sustained a lower-body injury in Vegas preseason opener.
Martinez also played in the opener against San Jose. He could see action Friday, but an abundance of caution is often shown with veterans. Martinez played last years playoffs, in which he blocked 72 shots, with a broken foot. He signed a three-year contract extension in July.
Tkachev creating intrigue
Vladimir Tkachev, a 25-year-old winger whose career in Edmonton never materialized but who excelled in his native Russia, is another recent addition that has created some buzz.
He had a pair of assists in Thursdays win, keying the rush on Anderssons goal and producing a picturesque pass to set up winger Arthur Kaliyevs late power-play tally.
While Andersson and other young forwards have acknowledged that many players are pursuing a handful of roster spots, Tkachevs one-year contract, age and level of pro experience in a top foreign league were all early indicators he could secure a spot. If he continues to display offensive savvy, he could see not only a roster spot but a prominent role.
Golden Knights honor first responders
The Golden Knights honored first responders Friday, first with a visit to a local fire station and then with a ceremony prior to the puck drop.
Related Articles
- Kings defeat Golden Knights in Utah ‘Frozen Fury’ game
- Kings shake up lineup, top Sharks for 1st preseason win
- Kings’ younger players to be tested as NHL preseason opens
- Kings turn up internal competition in Ontario
- Kings open camp with desired mix of veterans and youth
The teams arrival in Vegas coincided with the mass shooting that killed 58 people exactly four years ago Friday. Since then, the Golden Knights have been deeply involved with the families of victims as well as the areas first responders, with much of their activity intentionally going unpublicized.
Everyone remembers that day, you know, where you were when that was happening, when we first came to Vegas. It brings up a lot of emotions and a lot of feelings, Vegas winger Reilly Smith said.
https://www.dailynews.com/2021/10/01...reseason-game/