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Justin Williams News & Rumors

Familiar faces for Williams in first return to conference finals
May 15
Raleigh News & Observer
 columnist Luke DeCock
"Before the first game of the Western Conference finals on Sunday, Ray Whitney was interviewed on the ice. After it was over, Justin Williams was interviewed on the bench. Their national TV appearances are as close to sharing a conversation as the two former Carolina Hurricanes will come as they fight it out for a trip to the Stanley Cup finals. One way or another, the Hurricanes will be represented in the finals: Williams with the Los Angeles Kings, who struck first with a 4-2 road win Sunday, or Whitney and Radim Vrbata with the Phoenix Coyotes. Williams and Whitney have the ultimate bond, having won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006, but for the duration of this series, it's"
Line of Dustin Brown-Anze Kopitar-Justin Williams tough to handle
May 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"They won a mere two games in December and ended up using seven goalies during a not-so-memorable Kings season in 2007-08. But one of those goalies — Jason LaBarbera — recognized something special in two of the Kings' young forwards, Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar. They had career breakthrough performances that season, scoring 33 and 32 goals, respectively. "You could see how great they were going to be," said LaBarbera, who is now the Phoenix Coyotes' backup goalie. "They've always been really good players. But they've never been on that pedestal they are on now. They're doing what they're supposed to be doing.""
Justin Williams set to return for Kings
April 15
NHL.com
 
"he Los Angeles Kings expect to get a boost Thursday night with the return of forward Justin Williams for Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal series opener against the San Jose Sharks. The 29-year-old forward finished tied with Dustin Brown as the Kings' second-leading scorer with 57 points despite missing the final nine games with a dislocated right shoulder. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't able to go out and do my best," Williams said Thursday morning. "I'm only at my best when I'm making stuff happen down low. You're going to get hit and you're going to get bounced. It's playoff time and everything is amped up." Williams' return is especially important for a team that lost"
Kings' Justin Williams takes his bumps and Coach Murray expects him to play
April 13
Los Angeles Times
 
"Right wing Justin Williams, out of the Kings' lineup since he dislocated his right shoulder March 21, had no difficulty absorbing bumps from teammate Drew Doughty in practice Tuesday and planned to talk with Coach Terry Murray to discuss his status for the team's playoff opener Thursday at San Jose. "Since contact came in I've felt fine. I battled Dewey a little bit today and felt fine," said Williams, who must wear a restrictive harness. "I told him to play me hard, battle me a little bit, because a lot of my game is shaking off checks and if I'm not comfortable and can't do that, my impact goes down drastically." Williams and Murray said they would reach a decision before the final"
Kings' Justin Williams practices with team, hopes to be ready for playoff opener
April 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"Kings right wing Justin Williams practiced with his teammates Monday, three weeks after he dislocated his right shoulder and exited the lineup, but he wasn't on a regular line during the session at El Segundo. Afterward, he said the shoulder felt good but he hadn't faced much contact and is ready for a full test in hopes he will be able to play in the Kings' playoff opener at San Jose on Thursday. "I'm happy we have another day. I thought we'd start Wednesday," Williams said. "I'll get into some more intense battling this week and we'll go from there. Then coach and I and the training staff will make a decision on whether I can go or not." Williams, whose 57 points tied him with Dustin"
Kings recall Oscar Moller to fill out Justin Williams' spot
March 24
Los Angeles Times
 
"For a player who has gone from minor leaguer to NHL top-liner in the midst of one of the tightest playoff races in league history, Kings forward Oscar Moller looked relaxed after practice Wednesday in El Segundo. But the 22-year-old Swede understands that he is facing one of the toughest challenges of his career — a stretch of nine games that will not only determine whether the Kings make the postseason, but also affect his hopes of becoming an everyday player for the club. "It's a very important time of year for this hockey club," said Moller, who was recalled from Ontario of the ECHL on an emergency basis to take over for injured Justin Williams at right wing. "It's a great opportunity"
Kings lose Justin Williams for three to four weeks
March 23
Los Angeles Times
 
"A playoff road that appeared difficult but doable became tougher for the goal-starved Kings, while the Ducks' precarious hopes took a turn for the better. Tests Tuesday found that right wing Justin Williams, among their most consistent and productive forwards, suffered a dislocated shoulder when he was checked into the boards during the third period of their 2-1 shootout victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday. Williams, the Kings' second-leading scorer with 57 points, chose to try three to four weeks' rehabilitation in hopes of avoiding season-ending surgery. If he can regain 80% of his strength he will be allowed to play while wearing a harness — and risk dislocating it again. It's a"
Kings sign Williams to 4-year extension
February 28
NHL.com
 
"According to TSN, the Los Angeles Kings have re-signed wing Justin Williams to a four-year, $14.6 million contract. Williams, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, has 20 goals, 49 points and a plus-14 rating in 62 games for the Kings this campaign."