POST-GAME ANALYSIS

Grade: 121

Didn’t plan on scouting Anton Forsberg, in this contest – but, when Darcy Kuemper left late in the first period, I wanted to see how Forsberg (considered by many as a 1A, not a Backup) would handle the situation. And boy, oh boy… he over delivered! LA drew two penalties, 5-on-3 disadvantage for 1:36. During that span, Forsberg faced eight SOG, stopping all of them. According to Kings’ broadcaster, John Kelly, six-of-those-eight SOG were Grade A chances. Gave up a goal with 0:26 left in regulation – deserved a shutout. No blemishes on my score card. – Keith Fries

Grade: 94

I listed Jacob Moverare’s Smile Test high for two reasons. One, his confidence is noticeable. Two, his no look passes – and how many he executes per game with limited TOI – are incredible! On top of his no look passing, Moverare had a skilled, fake drop pass. Hard, accurate slap shot! Defensively sound. – Keith Fries

Grade: 103

So many notes, on Liam Greentree, where do I begin? Ok… In short, Greentree came to play. Scored a Goal just minutes into the game, later ringing one off the cross bar. Strong on puck… At one point, he came down the boards on his off-wing, dropped his shoulder, leaned into the opposition, and drove to the crease for a nice stuff in attempt. Did a spin-o-rama (or variation of) three times. Had spurts of noteworthy acceleration. LW 5-on-5, RW PP – saw time on both PP1 and PP2. Greentree drew a Goaltender Interference penalty which would normally impact a player’s Discipline scouting grade. However, it looked like Greentree got pushed there, stretched out his leg, and the netminder flopped around like a fish (apropos for being a steelhead). Best game I’ve seen Greentree play to date. – Keith Fries

Grade: 81

I wouldn’t categorize Taylor Ward as a “fast” skater – but never seems out of the play. His stride gains speed like he’s manually shifting a car. …That sort of: pause, change gear, and go motion. Excellent board battle. – Keith Fries

Grade: 91

One of the notes I made for Liam Greentree – trying to define his characteristics – is that he’s a, “90s/Old School Scorer.” By that I mean: he’s physical and can score; not simply the latter. Greentree has very good strength on the puck, especially while heavily defended. Nice no look passes. Not afraid to shoot – has heavy, accurate wrist and clap shots – shots just as effective on his strong side as his off-wing. After a couple scrums/fights broke out, Greentree was seen talking to the referees; assuming the “Captain” role. Greentree’s edges look noticeably good; acceleration and speed could use some improvement. – Keith Fries

Brzustewicz, Henry

Strength(s): Shot Blocking, Passing

Weakness(es): Faceoffs

Fiala, Kevin

Strength(s): Passing, Wrist Shot Accuracy, Wrist Shot Power, Net-Front Presence, Acceleration, Footwork, Speed

Weakness(es): Shot Blocking, Checking, Fighting

Forsberg, Anton

Strength(s): N/A

Weakness(es): N/A

Greentree, Liam

Strength(s): Stick Checking, Passing, Puck Control, Wrist Shot Power, Strength 

Weakness(es): Faceoffs, Shot Blocking

Kopitar, Anze

Strength(s): Awareness, Faceoffs, Wrist Shot Power, Net-Front Presence, Strength, Discipline, Poise, Acceleration

Weakness(es): Deking, Fighting

Moverare, Jacob

Strength(s): Stick Checking, Passing, Board/Corner Play, Discipline 

Weakness(es): Faceoffs, Deking, Fighting

Turcotte, Alex

Strength(s): Faceoffs, Passing, Puck Control, Discipline, Poise, Acceleration, Footwork, Speed

Weakness(es): Shot Blocking, Deking, Slap Shot Accuracy, Slap Shot Power, Fighting