The Los Angeles Kings addressed many needs at the trade deadline. Those changes are immediately effective as the players acquired are proving their worth. One player, Zack MacEwen is supplying the Kings with a much needed physical presence.
Kings MacEwen fits perfectly in the lineup
The Kings lacked a big, physical presence at the forward position and in the lineup. Forward Brendan Lemieux, who provided some physical play, was shipped to the Philadelphia Flyers for MacEwen. The difference? MacEwen is bigger and has the willingness to drop the gloves more often than Lemieux. Not only can MacEwen play that role on a regular shift, he can also be a presence on the power play, using his big frame in front of the goaltender.
MacEwen is not going to come into the Los Angeles Kings dressing room and provide a lot of offense. He never had and never will because that is not his role. His job is to play a physical role, stick up for his teammates, and turn the tide if things get out of hand. MacEwen hits like a truck and is willing to back up his chirps. MacEwen can play any bottom six-role and fit in nicely.
This season, MAcEwen has four goals and five assists in 49 games along with 54 penalty minutes. With the Los Angeles Kings, MacEwen has played only three games , recorded a 50% faceoff winning percentage, one block, seven hits, an average TOI of eight minutes, and three shots. The more he gets in the lineup, the more he gets comfortable and he can play his game, bettering his overall play. MacEwen can play either right wing or c enter, giving himself flexibility to play more minutes. MacEwen can win board battles, cycle the puck well inside the offensive zone, and open up space for the more skilled players in the Los Angels Kings lineup.
(photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley) (photo: dailynews.com; Andrew Knoll)
