But why put together two terrible defensive players, especially on a team that even when rolling has trouble putting in goals. Sutter and Lombardi preach defense, those two were just to bad defensively to keep sending them out there. Sutter briefly tried it again in Columbus, they scored a goal but were on the ice for 2 more ES goals against.
Carter is the Kings best winger, Kopitar is the Kings best center who also happens to be an elite defensive center who can mask some of JC's shortcomings.
If Richards is a 3rd line center without Carter then it is time to either trade or buyout this summer. Richards should be able to form a competent 2nd line with Brown and Williams.