Frolov in Murray’s doghouse

27-year old forward Alexander Frolov has one goal and four assists in eight games this season, but it’s not enough to earn the two-time 30-goal scorer playing time. He’s a healthy scratch for the next game against Dallas and head coach Terry Murray seems to be steaming.

“I haven’t been happy with Fro’s game for several games,” Murray told the L.A. Kings’ Insider. “The game the other night is the straw that broke the camel’s back, in my opinion. The turnovers, the careless play… It has to be better, and you have to come out with that high level of intensity, with smart work, hard work, and you’ve got to love the game. You’ve got to love the game in order to be a player. The talent is there, but it always is the work that brings out talent. And I need more.”

Murray was asked if he discussed his issues with Frolov.

“There’s nothing coming back,” Murray said. “That’s the 10th meeting along those lines, and nothing ever comes back. So, I don’t know.”

Murray said his issues with really caring and loving the game have been issues during Frolov’s entire seven-year career with the Kings.

“(I’m) not the first coach, not the first GM and not the first in line in any one of those categories or teammate,” Murray continued. “It’s got to get better. You’ve got to buy into the team. That’s the only way. If we’re going to change our culture… That was a big issue last year, with me coming in here, in my meetings with players at the start of the year. We’re changing the culture, we’re changing style, philosophy, system, and we need total buy-in. That’s the only way you can become a good hockey club.”