Dancing in the Reign: Justin Williams’ Resurgance is Key Amidst a Disappointing Off-Season
Expectations haven’t been met, injuries have haunted him, Justin Williams is entering a season which is both huge for the Kings offensive success and his NHL future, as he is slated to become an Unrestricted Free Agent next season. Williams has more on his shoulders heading into the 2010-2011 season with the lack of off-season activity from the Kings front office. Chances are, Williams will be provided another shot to skate alongside Ryan Smyth and Anze Kopitar on the first line. Williams was a huge part of this trio’s success early last season, tallying 24 points in 33 games. However, after being struck by the injury bug, an obstacle he has been hit with more often than not, Williams struggled in his comeback to the lineup. Williams only played three games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Vancouver Canucks, and had little to no impact when in uniform. This was no surprise, as he provided little help to the offense in his return late in the regular season, recording a lowly 2 goals and 3 assists in 16 contests. When healthy, which hasn’t been the case most of his career, Justin Williams has produced numbers that fit the bill of a premier forward. Justin Williams was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on March 6th of 2009 in part of a three-team deal that has amounted to inconsistency with health and point production that have damaged his reputation in Los Angeles.
Early Success: It’s unfortunate that most of my frustration toward Williams, and I’m sure with many others, is his history to being prone to injury. Williams hasn’t had too much luck escaping bad breaks, but survived to find glory in Carolina. Williams found himself on top of the 2005-2006 NHL season, netting the final goal in the clinching game of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, putting the nails in the coffin to the Edmonton Oilers, who had finally regained hope for the Cup for the first time since the late 1980′s. Williams was a force when healthy, playing complete 82 game seasons from 2005-2007. In two seasons at full force, Williams recorded 143 points, eclipsing the 30 goal mark in both seasons. He had labeled himself as a reliable first-line winger; And more importantly, on a team that won the Stanley Cup. In 2009, the Kings acquired Justin Williams for Patrick O’Sullivan and the Calgary Flames 2nd round 2010 Entry Draft Selection.
Career in Los Angeles: Dean Lombardi snagged the veteran winger, coming off of two productive seasons, and a third hampered by injury, in March of the 2008-2009 season. Williams resume had him noted as a forward who had success under his belt, and more importantly, a Stanley Cup. In an agreement that cost the Kings Patrick O’Sullivan, who had expressed frustration with the Kings, hopes and expectations were high for Williams as the Kings made their first serious push for post-season play in seven years. When healthy, Williams proved himself as a valuable asset to playoff-caliber rosters. Unfortunately, injuries have followed Justin to Los Angeles.
The Justin Wiliams Factor: There’s no question, especially with the lack of additions this summer, that Williams health and production will be a major factor in the Kings success this season. Williams never seemed to regain confidence after sitting out three months with a broken leg last season. The big question is how Williams’ off-season conditioning and training camp factor into his comeback. He proved to work well with Smyth and Kopitar, but his consistency in that department is the biggest worry. At only 28 years old, Williams still has the opportunity to rejuvenate his career. Whether he is able to do so this season is one of the biggest question marks the Kings face this season. Proven to be the most consistent line-mate with #11 and #94, a healthy, productive season is key.
