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Mike Richards: One of the NHL’s top shorthanded threats

Mike Richards

Los Angeles Kings center Mike Richards pumps his fist in celebration after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Bret Hartman)

AP

Throughout his NHL career, Mike Richards has been one of the most lethal scoring threats on the penalty kill. That much is clear in the fact that he has almost as many shorthanded goals (25) as he does power-play goals (37) in his 473 NHL games. (He’s had a shortie in two straight games, by the way.)

So what makes him so good at being the predator when he should be the penalty-killing prey? If this video is any indication, it’s all about having the right mixture of speed, hockey IQ* and finishing ability. Ultimately it will be overshadowed by the fact the Detroit Red Wings pounded the Los Angeles Kings 4-1, though.

* - He took advantage of Jiri Hudler, which provides another example of the dangers of putting a forward on the point.