I don’t really mean that. But some Kings fans are really close to this. I hope to God that he does well because it looks like nothing short of a miracle on ice will be enough for a few Kings fans. Andrei Loktionov (Lokti, for short) has been called up due to Dustin Penner being put on Injured Reserve due to a broken knuckle I believe.
Lokti – Forward – 21 yrs old – born in Russia
Lokti practiced this morning in Penner’s place at LW on the second line with Richards and Brown. This is interesting to me as when he was up last season for a few games, Coach Murray tried him in many positions but he really excelled at Center. He did not do great at the wing positions. So I guess we will see how this works.
I do believe he belongs in the top 6 and it will only make him a better all around player if he can play wing as well. But no matter how much we love him and how well he does, this is just a short stint in the NHL until Penner gets back. Just like Voynov, we have to accept the fact that they will go back down to the AHL. Their jobs right now are to be available to us when we need them and then to go back down and get all the practice and playing time they can get to move up next season. Well, I believe next season. Depends on who resigns, who leaves, trades, etc.
What number will Lokti wear? Gagne has 12 now. I believe that Lokti wore 48 before so maybe he will wear it again tonight.
In the mean time, I’m happy to have him up playing on the top two lines. I see real skill in this kid and previous interviews with him show that he is very willing to do whatever he can to play in the NHL.
Side note – Alec Martinez is hurt and no one is sure if he will be playing on Wednesday vs the Ducks. If not, we could see Voynov come up as well. Invasion of the AHL? Love it!
Go! Kings! Go!
tracykingslover
November 14, 2011
Hear that Voynov is being called up from Monarchs. Wow, should be interesting. Nothing for sure yet, but if Alec M is hurt, Voynov will be the one called up for sure. I’m going to love to see this!
MaryAReed
November 14, 2011
This is from the L.A. Kings twitter about 4 p.m. yesterday:
@LA Kings
Slava Voynov en route to LA… say.ly/RgVZJb
say.ly/RgVZJb
Hockeyjockey
November 15, 2011
I Love Latte..my nickname for him cause he is
smoooth….
Last season he was sent down ( before he came back up and was injured) and one of the reasons given was he was a center and they wanted him playing that position. Really cannot try to figure out the thinking..can lead to a headache.
I will say these grumbling fans fo this every year. They cannot wait for the season to start ..then within a month all the birching /whining/ and complaining
starts. I think we all need therapy
GO KINGS GO!!!
tracykingslover
November 15, 2011
You know it! We wait and wait and then it starts and we are crying all over the place. LOL, I think its because we are so used to not doing well over the years that we really need to stop and pinch ourselves.
I know we are middle of the league right now, but I’m sure we are coming into our own soon.