As always, the“open forum” is generating some great questions, so please feel free to keep asking them. I’ll tackle the first set of questions and answers here. Thanks again…
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josh e. asked: “If the Kings made it into the playoffs, which team do you think the Kings would fare best against and worst against? Pretty much every team has a chance at any position as of now in the playoffs, so this question is very open. In my opinion, I think the Kings would play well against Calgary or Phoenix but not well against Vancouver and Nashville…”
Answer: Good question. Wow, a series against Calgary would really be something, based on the three games that have been played so far. I agree with you that Vancouver is a team the Kings would not want to see, and I don’t think you want to face a team like Chicago or Detroit either. The West is so deep that there wouldn’t be any easy matchups, but the Kings have played good games against Phoenix, Dallas and Edmonton so far. I just have a weird feeling that a Kings-Flames first-round series could be possible.
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khanon asked: “Do you know if TM is still unhappy with Drewiski’s play? I heard from a source, not sure if hes reliable though, that TM wants Drewiski to drop the gloves once in a while, although he hasn’t transmitted that message to Drewiski. Did you hear about this?”
Answer: To the extent that Murray has been unhappy with Drewiske’s play, it’s been about Drewiske’s tendency to play a “contain” game rather than being more aggressive. Drewiske’s (big) body type should allow him to play a harder game. I would be shocked if a) a coach wanted a player to play a certain way and didn’t tell him and b) if Murray wanted Drewiske to fight. I have a hard time believing any coach would want to see any of his six defensemen regularly out of the game for five minutes at a time. It doesn’t regularly happen, with the exception of a Carkner in Ottawa, who comes to mind.
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Crownme87 asked: “I saw how Minnesota lost most of their equipment to a fire and it got me thinking. How do the Kings travel with their equipment when they’re on the road? More specifically how does the team get the bags from the airport to the next arena. Do they rent trailers or buses for that?”
Answer: I think it’s pretty standard for every road team. The truck — which I assume, as you noted, is rented — meets the plane at the airport and the equipment guys/trainers move all the gear to the next arena/facility. They work long hours and don’t get the recognition that they deserve.
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Ryan oliver asked: “Rich, why did you leave the Hockey NEws? If Quick keeps up his play and also keeps playing this much over this year and next, does Bernier become trade bait for next year? Or do you keep him in the minors playing slot of minutes.”
Answer: 1) Actually, I didn’t choose to leave The Hockey News. They basically informed me that I was done, I’m assuming because I’m now a team employee. That’s fine, and they found a good replacement, but it’s a shame because I could give them much better stuff now than I ever could before. 2) I definitely wouldn’t count on that right now. First, even though he’s doing quite well right now, Jonathan Quick has still not made it through a full season as a No. 1 NHL goalie. Second, even if he does do that this season, and shows he should be the No. 1 guy next season, I still think the Kings bring up Bernier, let him back up Quick, and let Zatkoff get the big games in Manchester. Then, you see what you’ve got, from all three, and make a choice on what to do. There are some factors that could change that, most notably how Quick fares for the rest of this season.
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John_oc asked: “Is there any way we can get some video of the boys practicing, on a regular basis? Maybe even a helmet cam for quick, mic up a different guy each time. I think practice is when the boys are smiling and communicating a little more. It would make ‘em more human to be in that close to their routine and would connect to their fans on a personal level. Also when when our hurt guys are skatin with the red shirt, we can get a feel of how close they are to ready without probing his condition every day. You guys can post the videos online, it doesnt have to be televised. I have more ideas for this, but is this even feasable?”
Answer: Helmet cams and mics in practice? No, I don’t ever see that happening, really. Coaches, GMs and players will tell you that practice is for work, not entertainment, and frankly I agree. I will say, though, that we’re working on the possibility of doing some live elements from practice. Still in the planning stages, but there are some cool ideas being kicked around.
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Pobo asked: “Is the delay on the audio the same length as it is on the video? It’s just that sometimes the play by play seems seamless to what’s happening on the ice.”
Answer: We’re talking TV video vs. TV audio, right? In that case, yes, it’s the same. If it seems as though the audio is right on top of the action, then I think you’re paying a nice compliment to Bob Miller and Jim Fox!
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Vahe asked: “What ever happened to the Kings pre-game show? Break the ice (Kings Live) was a pretty good pre-game show. They should bring it back with you and Heidi hosting.”
Answer: Hasn’t the word already had enough of me on TV? Thanks for the endorsement though! I believe all of the “Live” pregame shows got canned, not just the Kings’ show, but I’m not 100 percent on that. Maybe I can get a great answer from a Fox spokesperson! (Or not)
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Gabby asked: “Are you noticing a different atmosphere “in the room” now that the Kings are winning on a consistent basis? Is there a feeling of “let’s enjoy this while we can” or do you sense confidence in the team that shows they expect to win? I hope that your reply will include something about the playoffs being an expectation for the team…a “when we make the playoffs” rather than an “if” conversation. Does that make sense? Thanks for all your hard work!”
Answer: Yes, I do understand what you’re getting at. It’s a hard distinction to draw though, because it’s not as though the team expected to lose before. When I go into the locker room after a loss this season, it’s the same scene/feeling as after a loss before. Losses are losses. Players hate them, whether they’re in first place or 15th place. The difference, I would say, is that the players’ expectations for themselves have changed. When you hear Drew Doughty mention contending for the Stanley Cup — as he did after the Calgary game — that’s something you never would have heard before.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy asked: “I’d like to make a formal request for an interview of Helene Elliot… 2) Many fans have the superstition that their presence at a game jinxes the team. For you, Rich: Have you any hockey superstitions, or are you purely scientific in your reasoning and above such nonsense. For example, I like to wear the same jersey to a game over and over again if there is a winning streak. Stupid, I know, but fans are often superstitious.”
Answers: 1) Honestly, I’m not sure if I feel really comfortable with that. Helene is a colleague, not someone I cover, and while it’s not unprecedented for a writer to interview another writer — believe me, I know — I don’t think asking her about her opinion of the Kings is something I want to do. Your take is that her reporting is negative. I would retort by saying, the franchise hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002. If you’re an objective reporter, there’s not a lot of reason for sunshine there. I don’t want to speak for Helene, but I think I’m safe in saying that she tries (as I do) to present an accurate, realistic picture of what’s happening with the team at the moment. Perhaps she might be a good subject for a Mike Kalinowski podcast, as her story is a fascinating one. 2) I’m not really clear what you mean by “hockey superstitions.” If you clarify, I’ll certainly be glad to answer. If you mean superstitions that have to do with my job, I can’t really think of any offhand. I probably do things regularly that I don’t even recognize, you know?
What are the very wounded (hickey and Loktoinov) doing and how are they doing? Are they around the Monarchs or rehabbing\healing elsewhere? Has any NHL fanchise won both the NHL and AHL championships in the same year? (I agree with your comments about Ms. Eliot and would also point out that HE’s latest stories on the Kings have been full of praise and distinctions between this year’s team and many of those of the last decade)
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I do not have a question here, I wanted to share this. I wrote it this morning, but it was inspired by the Kings in the Calgary game. I wish to present it as a gift and as tribute to a very gallant team. If you feel it is appropriate, Rich, I would appreciate it being forwarded somehow to the team. (Hopefully the line breaks and punctuation survive formatting)
Kings Credo
We are Kings from Los Angeles, we’re strong and we’re brave
We’re gallant, and valiant, fair triumph we crave
We’ve Coach and we’ve Captain, we’re practiced and planned
Yet each man is a leader; ‘tis Victory commands
As a team we will gather at clarion’s call
As so sayeth one, then so sayeth us all
With passion as armor, resolve as our shield
We’ll battle as team, on this we’ll not yield
We’ll repel their attack even if some of us fall,
For we rule by committee, they must face us all
Should Fortune in stripes wrongly whistle us down
We’ll raise up our drawbridge defending the crown
When late in the game with our castle at siege
We’ll lay down our bodies defending our liege
We’ll face every challenge defending our land
This ice is our kingdom; here proudly we stand
Whether jousting at center or fighting down low
Our dynasty endures, and can’t be overthrown
With snipers and shooters and artill’ry from the point
Our one challenge will be which 3 stars to anoint
We claim as our realm where we skate, there we win
Our homeland’s inside us, our strength is within
With hearts on our sleeves, full commitment in play
By save and by volley, we will carry the day
With scoring and checking, with wisdom and flair
We’ll honor those before us, for we are their heirs
Our banner, our statement, we’ll hang from the rafters
As guidance and example for those who’ll come after
Our moment is nigh; this great chance here and now
So we rally as one, and as one we avow:
With eminence established, well-earned, we’ll drink up
The sweet wine of victory from Lord Stanley’s Cup
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Hey Rich great job! keep up the good work! i’d like to know if the kings are doing anything to try and grab attention off the ice? like in regards of media,merchandise and just promoting the team in general. Having the team name out there in the general public. I think its kind of sad that you walk around and have the lakers,dogers and college football in your face but nothing on the kings. I mean we do exist and we have a darn good team. If Kopi was playing in the east or certain teams in the west it would be Kopi everything and anything. I live in the east coast and no attention what so ever about the kings. though their merchandise is visible. Ive also visited California and it was very sad that Kings merchandise was just about invisible. Is the NHL itself part to blame for this?
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Player X,
Are the Kings part of the military?
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Who’s this Jacob Muzzin kid with a lopsided amount of assists to goals? Is he trying to challenge Juraj Mikus??
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excited to read/hear about the muzzin signing. good size and looks like he can score. also, surfing thru TSN, reading some good snipits on martin jones. can we just overwhelm ATL already and get Kovalchuk. since we’ve been a “major move” away from the begining of last year, i’ve had my eye on him. sometimes it seems more realistic than other times, but i think it says somethings definately possible when stan fischler (who works ranger games, and co-hosts nhl live once, twice a week) said a player agent told him last week when ATL was in NY that “LA should and could make a deal with all their prospects they have” (or something along those lines). if he does sign w/ ATL, i will be a little choked up, but relieved we can move forward. i just want to know how it is resolved.
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Right on Rich. that actually makes sense now that i think about it. Its just that, Ive seen actual games where they mic up a player, so i didnt think it was that far fetched of an idea. thanks for everything again bud.
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Hey Rich thanks for doing the open forums on top of all your incredible work i think i speak for everyone when i say that you do an amazing job and love all the news and everything, your the kings mvp! I had two quesstions but can only remember one.. it might of been asked already but i notice through the the last few games even though the kings were winning the majority and got in first place they werent satisfied with that. players like justin williams and john quick and matt green are all saying there happy about the win but they need to play better and cant keep playing the way they are. in my opionion i love that atitude! is there a sense in the locker room from the whole team of that atitude and how does the team feel about all the close games and recent wins after giving up 2 goal leads and such. also i thought of another question has frolovs atitude changed as of late now that the kings are winning? lately in games hes shooting the puck a lot more and playing a lot better then in the beginning of the season. thanks rich!
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Hockey experts always talk about Edmonton having the best ice in the league. How does the Staples Center compare (not well I’m assuming housing the Lakers and Clippers)? What are some other arenas in the Western Conference that have “good ice”? Does the NHL have a representative who’s responsible for regulating ice quality?
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KK-
I liken that even mere thought of ANYONE being a ‘Challenge’ to Juraj Mikus to HERESY!
I can only shudder to think what Juraj Mikus thinks of it…
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I listen to alot of games on the radio, and think it would be great if Nick would let us hear the national anthem(s) before each game, like some other broadcasters do. I enjoy that and always miss it when listening to the Kings game.
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Player-X,
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….*sigh* nevermind.
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RE: superstitions…
When I was a kid my Dad had North Star season seats. Right up until we moved out here to So Cal I never saw the NS lose in person. I remember when I was 9 right before we moved out here, my Dad gave me a choice of games, the Kings or the Pens. The Kings with the Triple crown line, were pretty good and the Pens were horible. I asked my friends who I should see and they said the Pens because you don’t want to see them lose to the Kings. I went to the Kings game because the NS were going to beat the Pens anyway and I wanted to do my part by helping them beat the Kings. They did.
My streak continued for a while when I became a Kings fan in the early 80′s. Although not perfect like when I was a kid they won much more often when I saw them in person.
Now it seams that every time I see them, they lose. It’s gotten to the point that when I turn on the TV I see the other team score, I get frustrated, turn the TV off and then read on this site that they ended up winning the game. Needless to say I’m not watching much hockey but I’m followling closely on this blog.
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“Maybe I can get a canned auto-email answer from a ‘Fox spokesperson’! (Or not)”
FTFY
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I would disagree with you about the writer in question Rich. I realize I haven’t read her as much as many othes around here have and I realize writers are often respectful of other writers, but for what type of reporter she is supposed to be I think there is far less reporting facts from her and more spinning from her own opinion. I realize there is opinion to some degree in any reporters writing. But I never got that sense reading your work whether it seemed positive or negative towards the team. Your work always seemed to be writer what you see, where her and others seem to be more of negativity is what sells papers, so lets focus on it. I stopped reading her stuff awhile back because to me it just reminded more of the stuff you see from Simers and the like.
One thing I will also say, the Kings knew what they were doing in hiring you. I have not seen a change in your writing except that you are even more informed than before and we get even better info. Too bad the Hockey News didn’t see that. Although can’[t say much for them anyway. I am lucky if I ever even get my issue in the mail. I may get one out of three I am supposed to get. Horrible… So can’t expect them to make the right choice in keeping you on when they can’t even get their mag out to people on a consistent basis.
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