NEWARK, N.J. - Justin Williams has found the perfect hiding spot for a man who relishes his space on the ice and privacy off it.
The first line.
What an ideal location to play hide-and-seek during the Stanley Cup Finals. Even a day after the Los Angeles Kings forward set up linemate and center Anze Kopitar in overtime with a sensational no-look backhand pass to give the Kings a 2-1 win in Game 1 against New Jersey, there wasn't a huge clamor for more time with Williams on Thursday.
Odd but interesting. Williams was not only the Kings' second-leading scorer during the regular season but also is approachable and insightful in terms of breaking down the game.
"He goes unnoticed," said Kings captain Dustin Brown, his other linemate. "He kind of likes it that way. I think it also helps him on the ice. Kopi draws the most attention of anybody on our team."
Brown then had the line of the day, speaking about himself.
"And maybe I draw some attention," he said. "Maybe not a threat-to-score standpoint. But I-want-to-kill-you standpoint."
Kings president and general manager Dean Lombardi acquired Williams in 2009 from the Hurricanes in a three-way deal with the Oilers and Carolina. It was not merely for the former Flyer's obvious offensive abilities but also his leadership qualities. Williams was with the Hurricanes when they won the Cup in 2006.
"It's kind of funny, Willie is Willie. You're right, now that I think about it," Lombardi said, referring to the lack of recognition.
"His experience is invaluable. It takes on another dimension that goes beyond his play. When he was available - it wasn't only him as a player and knowing him - it was knowing he had a ring on his finger.
"That kind of stuff that you are really counting on now - to calm things down when you have a young team with a lot of nerves."
The Kings are 9-0 on the road in the playoffs, and Game 2 of the Finals is in Newark on Saturday. Williams has eight points in his last nine games, six of them assists, including the standout pass that set up Kopitar's breakaway.
The Rangers said forward Marian Gaborik will have shoulder surgery Wednesday to repair a torn labrum. He is expected to miss five to six months.
Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said goalie Tim Thomas was considering taking next season off for family reasons. Chiarelli said Thomas was "worn out."
Boston signed forward Daniel Paille to a three-year contract worth almost $4 million. It also gave a two-year deal to forward Chris Bourque, the son of Bruins Hall of Famer Ray Bourque.
This article contains information from the Associated Press.
