Was there a little gamesmanship in Toronto this morning? The Leafs had the practice ice first this morning, and when they left, the Zamboni came out to resurface. The driver stopped though, and came off the ice before the job was even half finished.
Why? Because Leafs coach Ron Wilson does his daily media session next to the rink, and apparently the noise from the Zamboni is too loud. So as the Kings filed onto the ice, they had to stand around and wait for Wilson to finish, so that the Zamboni could then come back out.
More than a little peeved, the Kings banged their sticks on the ice and glass in order to create as much noise as possible. Finally, Wilson finished, the Zamboni returned and Kings practice started after a 15-minute delay. Only in Canada, eh?
Thats my boys!!!!
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Haha classic
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Would have loved to be there to see that. Great stuff Rich.
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Cheap tactics. Hopefully it will backfire on him when the pissed off Kings bury the Leafs tomorrow night.
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hahahaa thats awesome they deserved to what a self centered….
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Nice
way to go Kings!
How low class to not allow the opposing team to practice because you need to conduct an interview in quiet…next to the ice.
I hope we spank them good tomorrow night.
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Tomorrow Wilson finish faster .
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This is exactly why I read this blog. We’d never hear about this kind of stuff without Rich.
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Great stuff. Thank you DL for hiring Rich so we fans get the information to understand how homer they are in Canada. The Leafs will pay tonight with 2 points.
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oh, that wacky ronnie wilson…!
what will he think of next…?
is he gonna take away their shower towels until his players have used them…?
will he hide each kings player’s room alarm clocks so that they miss the start time…?
maybe he could get in touch with potsie and ralph and think of other schemes so that the leafs lose 6-2 instead of 6-1…
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that is the best story ive heard in a while.
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oops “tomorrow”
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Can’t imagine this was the first time…any confirmation other teams have gone through this? And if so, did any other teams react like ours did! Who started banging away first???? My guess is Greene.
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That’s awesome, wtg guys.
I can’t stand the Spleafs.
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Ha Ha! That is freakin’ hilarious. I can’t wait to see some of the interview to hear the noise!
This is retarded though. What possibly could Ron be saying besides “Yeah, we know we suck”.
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classic, love it!!
does anybody know of a viewing party in the inland empire or in orange county. me and the kid wanna check it out, but dont have the center ice.
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Maybe a little ruffling of the feathers orchestrated by Burke for taking Schenn???
Nice to hear our boys are a little more than feisty about this stuff. I wouldn’t be surprised if Greener was the first to play drums on the ice or glass to get that party started.
It is times like these that I want to buy you a damn video recorder so you can capture moments like these to post for us here Rich.
Shall we take up a donation before the game on the 11th at the Insider suite?!?!
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Hahaha…loving it. Thanks for the great anecdote, Rich. This is why this blog is a cut above the rest.
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The Maple Leaf’s need every advantage they can get right now.
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Classic!
Banging the sticks sounds like something Reggie Dunlop would orchestrate. Love it.
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Cynic: Seems to me like that should be an LA Kings cost not an us cost (video cam)
My bet is it was Simmer who banged first, back in his hometown!
I wouldnt blame Burke or Wilson, the Toronto Media basically runs things
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Almost forgot (For you Van)
Currently Playing: Wintersun – Winter Madness.
If you don’t have this CD Van, get me an address and I’ll send you a copy. Pure geinus Nordic Progressive Death Metal. Click my name to go to the business website and send me an e-mail through the contact page.
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Irish Pat: Love the Dunlop name drop. Totally feels like it would be a deleted scene too
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Van- That’s just me not caring who the heck pays for it. I just want it done.
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Aren’t there league rules about practice start times? I know that’s why the starting time for that game in Phoenix Dec. 26 was changed.
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Those po widdle wams have wost their way…
Waaa, waaa, waaa!
Po Mr. Wiwson, he doesn’t know WHAT to do!
HeHeHeHeHeHe!
Nothing like a good stick banging to get everyone awake in the morning!
It’s amazing how much press a game between those unknown L.A. Kings and “The greatest team ever to play hockey in Canada” can get. Even the SiriusXM Home Ice guys are talking about the game, one day in advance! Think this game will be a little rough and ready, eh?
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Rich -
That kind of stuff happens in the States too. I’m suprised you guys have never heard of this type of thing before. Happens all the time actually…
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wow what kind of operation are the leaf’s running.
are they in a shack or practicing at Pickwick in burbank.
Wilson has nothing important to say. good job kings
hey toronto get a new facility. this is the NhL not high school hockey.
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Shall we call this one, ‘ZamboniGate?’
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A little more fuel to the fire-luv it. Hope it pissed the boys off a little.
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I have people over in SF to watch games if people need a place in the future.
Tonight we are going to the Cheiftain. They sponsor one of my teams = cheap booze.
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badgoaltending: as Rich will attest to, it is probably the nicest facility in the league (outside of Montreal)
Cynic: 10:06 long lol. I love it. I was at the Motley Crue concert last night too so I was pretty tired and hung this morning. Just like hair of the dog this song is bringin me right back!
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Rich:
Thanks!
-bow… bow again-
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Rich, I thought you said it was a nice practice facility? I guess it’s not that nice if they left off the oh-so-important interview room… Would have loved to see video of that, lol…
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wilson is a contrarian…
for years, when he was first starting out, he was praised for his unique (i hate that word…sorry!) coaching style…
but recently, i get the feeling he goes against the grain just be different, which becomes a feeble attempt to get a rise from anyone…players, fans, and media…
and now he’s “leading” canada’s favorite jv team with his silly distractions and his wild machinations…
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vankings–
well thanks for the info about toronto having a great facility.
that would’ve justified Terry walking up to Wilson during the media session and PimP SLappin that dude.
GO KINGS
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Awesome! Good for the Kings to play the game right back!
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Van-
You and I need to talk.
You sure you can’t make it down for the Insider Suite on the 11th? Start walking now.
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That’s funny. Shades of 93. I remember when Melrose and the Leaf’s coach were going at it. My favorite part is when Melrose puffed out his cheeks and said have another donut.
Then when the Leaf’s came to LA King’s fans sent a ton of donutes to the Leaf’s coaches hotel room. Funny stuff.
Of coarse the best part was the media north of the boarder made a comment about Gretzy looked so old that he looked like he had a piano on his back when skating. Followed by Gretzy schooling the Leaf’s and getting us into the finals.
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Just finished jury duty and I needed a little pick me up. Love my boys!
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Cynic: I sent ya an email.
Problem is Feb. 11 is the day before the opening ceremonies!! And this man is an official Olympic volunteer, so no dice on the Suite game
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and let’s include espn insider’s rumor page as eklund’s closest competitor…
here’s this little gem…:
Leafs eying Kings’ Johnson?
8:05AM ET
Toronto Maple Leafs
“This one’s unlikely, but Leafs GM Brian Burke reportedly contacted the Kings about D Jack Johnson. Given that the Kings are trying to make a Cup run — and the Leafs don’t have players to give in return — it’s hard to believe this one, that’s the report from HockeyLeaks.com.
It’s especially hard to believe because the Leafs have hinted they’d be cautious with any trades near the March 3 deadline because Burke feels GMs make most of their mistakes during that time.
But Johnson has been unhappy with the Kings for money reason — he netted just $1.45 million as a restricted free agent — to Burke might’ve just been fishing for a bargain.
However, with little shot of winning the title this year, the Leafs may stand pay and try to sign Ilya Kovalchuk in the offseason. There was much buzz this week that the Leafs were in Kovy’s sights for free agency.”
ehhh…what the heck…we’ll publish it anyway…
gosh, i’m just an edward r. murrow boy living in a tmz/harvey levin world…
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Why anyone would want JJ is beyond me. I’d trade him for a used Accord with a salvage title.
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@jayhay I’m in norco so if you find a place I’d love to have that option.
@ rich : love your work thanks, maybe you can post a link to the interview.
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Hey V:
What would it cost to get Ray Whitney, from Carolina?
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I usually give the opposition the benefit of the doubt in stories like these.
But it occurred to me (and probly rich) that … if the zamboni was too loud … how the hell do they do interviews during the game? and right after?
That’s why I believe it was a cheap tactic and the boys are awesome for not buying into it.
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@Van
You going to the games. I and a few friends will be there the 20th to 25 for hockey. We should see if anyone else is going to do a meet up out there.
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Lol love it, we must bury these guys tomorrow.
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Matt, I am certainly not the correct person to answer this but this happened in their practice facility, not in the game arena, so that probably explains part of it, but certainly still a cheap trick.
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Only in Canada Eh?……funny it happened in the only Canadian city with a NHL team that has an American coach and an American GM….coincidence?????
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B…
well…
whitney is making $3.55 mil this season…
the carolina players have already purchased their coachella tix, since they won’t be anywhere near the ice come mid-april…
i would say at least a draft pick or two or some manchester boys…
he’s definitely a pure rental for us…makes more sense to consider if we continue to trend like we are…i’ve always liked whitty…so i think it all depends on how we continue to progress…
yr thoughts, B…?
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Just a reminder
LA Kings Insider Suite, seats are running out
http://www.easportsmanagement.com/Events.html
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Well, it didn’t work when the Red Wings sent a fan into the rafters to confuse people–so the Zamboni Gambit won’t work, either. Just a theory.
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i would still vote for putting jmfj up on a wing, seeing how that goes. if harrold can do it, and he’s more than serviceable on the back end anyway.
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JayHay & Norco-
Live in Corona. Going to the Insider Suite game. If either of you are going, you are welcome to carpool with me on the 11th. If you are intersted, click on my name and from the website, send me an e-mail in the contact section.
If you find a watch party in the IE, I’d like to hear about it too. Otherwise I’ll be watching the game in that ‘Other’ way.
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it’s amazing how every thread becomes a trade rumor thread. There are other places for those topics IMHO. The reason I come here is to avoid the inane posts found on other sites.
Nice read, Rich! Thank a lot…
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V–
First off, have to admit this is the idea of Boomer on Home Ice. Not specific to the Kings, but in general as a good rental this year at the deadline.
I started thinking about it. Whitney is a tough nosed left winger, quiet, effective. A DL kind of player. You confirmed what I thought the price would be, cheap enough. But he would immediately make this team better, again by example, and even if he were a rental he’d help get the Kings into the playoffs, this year, when it counts.
It wouldn’t be impossible to sign him as a UFA after the season, but even if the Kings didn’t he’d be a great value player down the stretch. He’s been there before, too.
Whitney feels right, a better bet for the Kings in the short term than Kovi.
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VanKingsFan
How was the Crue show?
I used to see them all the time back in the day. I saw them at MSG when they did the comeback with Vince. Mick wasn’t looking very good! I think they had him propped up on stage because he couldn’t movee.
They were still awesome though.
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Wilson prob. popped the kings beach ball 2.
Lets kick some leaf ass tom.
Go kings go!
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BAKO… I left you a small thread at bottom of the Doughty article
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SANCHO…
i don’t think it’s intentional…
this is a community discussion and the topics and posts always seem to drift off-topic…
but we don’t have a general discussion thread/room…and why segregate kings fans from one another…(?)
if you read what is being said…mostly between BAKO & myself…we are not insisting upon anything or complaining for that matter…
but trade rumors and discussions…no matter how realistic they are or turn out to be…will always be a topic of interest…it just is, for obvious reasons…
it would be one thing to obsess or constantly reference the same ol’, same ol’…but i think most of us here like to partake in all things hockey and all things kings related…
no matter how ridiculous some stories, rumors, etc. seem to get, it never ceases to amaze me that a reputable on-line sports site, like espn is -”the worldwide leader in sports” – as they are wont to say…
will start off it’s rumor blurb with…
“This one’s unlikely…”
and then continue to pump out investigative journalistic phrase like…”it’s hard to believe this one”…and “It’s especially hard to believe because…”
so, again, my point is that blogging has blurred the lines of factual information…
how quickly does a blurb like that one…imho irresponsibly published by espn…become spun by the peeps who do these things and supplant the truth…?
well, it’s as potent (rumor) as it’s followers want it to be…
the mere posting on my part is to point out that there are other more respected sites and bureaus out there that also feed fuel to the fire…
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number 6:
Thanks for the thought! It’s sad about NJ, but then again, what does that say about NYI, either? They are, after all, a playoff contender (no matter what anyone thinks about their talent level)…
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This story reminds me of when the Boston Celtics used to turn the hot water off in the Lakers room showers back in the 80′s, back when LA was kicking their ass for world championships.
I hope the Kings beat their ass!!
KC 23, the Leafs would want him because they have been trying to get rid of Kaberle (and his salary)for along time now. At the draft last year, Burke had said that he was in talks about a trade for Kaberle “with a western team who is sure to be in the lottery next year.” He must have been talking about the Kings; then he got punked because the Kings took Schenn!!
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Yeah Vankingsfan, how was the show?
We go to Montreal every Superbowl weekend. It’s the biggest hockey weekend of the year as there are two afternoon games (saw the Kings last year). This year it’s Pittsburgh on Saturday and Boston on Sunday. Both great games. Just when you think the weekend couldn’t get any better, the Crue announce the Canadian tour and are playing Montreal on Friday of the weekend we’re in town. Needless to say we got online and got us some of the best seats in the house.
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Mark 1:
Funny about that team “with a western team who is sure to be in the lottery next year.” Even taking it in context of last year before the draft, it wouldn’t have been the Kings, IMHO. I think it would’ve been the Oilers. Bad at the end of last year, a certain lack of direction, a need for defencemen… Just a feeling.
Burke certainly was P!$$#) when the Kings didn’t trade to give him Schenn. I just think it was another Western team…
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Motley Crue Show: Not the best I have seen them, but it was still the Crue, and they still tore the place apart!
Mick Mars actually looked half alive for once. Nikki Sixx looks hearty and healthy and clean which was excellent news (for those of you who have read ‘Heroin Diaries)
WTF: I am volunteering at UBC during the games. All the women’s hockey is there, Sledge hockey, not sure what else. But other than that my office shuts down so I will have a good deal of time off. Did you actually get mens hockey tix???
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B…
i remember how we allll commented and loved burke’s reaction on here re: the draft of schenn…that was a great blog moment…!
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V:
Actually, I think Burkey misses hating us 6-8 times a year! It deprives him a chance to look like he belongs in the Roger Rabbit sequel as the epitome of anger. The only thing missing was the rotation of his head. He has the steam and the eyes down perfectly…
Definitely one of Deano’s finest hours.
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MARK 1…
the thing i remember most about the 80′s celts/lakes mind-games/cheap tactics was when we used to go the garden, they would turn the heat waaaaaay up….
i remember tommy “i’m not biased” heinsohn always pointing out that the temp at the garden exceeded 95 degrees…and that was purposely done to “sweat out” showtime…
well…it worked only once in three attempts, so…i think we handled it ok…:)
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One of the things that you miss so much as an adult, is getting to play like boys and camaraderie felt as group. Playing water polo as a teenager, my buddies and I would try and bean the opposing teams’ fans and coaches if they walked behind our goal in warm ups. Good Fun!
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BCCG
Yeah, it is impossible to tell but I know that he was desperately trying to trade up a spot or two for Schenn and I can’t remember who else was in that mix.
He made that statement right as the dealing was happening on the floor and I was most surprised that he would say that about any team he was talking to for a deal; it was very disrespectful, which they say is his style!!
What was more messed up, is when they selected Kadre. Burke and Kadre were sitting there with the interviewer guy on TV (on what was supposed to be Kadre’s biggest day of his life) and the interviewer says something to the effect of “this must be a very dissapointing first pick for the Leafs.”
At least to his credit, Burke said something to the effect of “we have full faith in Nazem Kadre and we are happy to have him as a Leaf.”
That whole situation was weird!
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Dont usually do this, but its Kadri
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Will Hutchison:
Water Polo…
And people think you can actually SEE what happens underwater!
My theory is that the sport of Water Polo is a recruiting tool for the S&M set…
…I would’ve loved to try and catch one of your shots, just for sh!ts and giggles… Probably would’ve ended up in the water, though.
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Variable
Tommy “let me wear my Celtics uniform while I do the broadcast” Heinson!!
That is too funny; we beat their ass!!
If you ever get the chance, look back at the old footage of Worthy taking McHale to the net and dunking in his face. Maybe we can give that footage to Kopitar and explain, “this is what we want in LA on the ice as well!!”
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Kadri, I got it.
It IS important when it comes to people’s names.
Thanks!
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Ahhh yes, the memories. The ‘Stomp On the Cigar’ days! Happy Days…
When do the Maple Leafs revisit Staples next?
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As gratifying and hilarious as this story already is… I wish Greener would’ve mounted the zamboni and finished resurfacing the ice while belting “god bless america” at the top of his lungs… thanks for the smiles Rich… keep ‘em comin! X
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Evans and Miller now on Home Ice!
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That sounded almost like a Scotty Bowman story Bob would tell.
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Bako: Knowing Bettman the next visit to Staples is probably set for 2023 perhaps??
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To be quite honest. From what I watched in the World Juniors I’d gladly let Burke have Schenn if he gave me Kadri. I thought Kadri was great.
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The JJ MichiGate controversy is on…
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KC23, the Leafs’ coach was a good sport. Reports said he personally gave out the donuts to the poor.
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Here’s a link to todays event…
http://mapleleafs.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp
The problem here is that you have to listen to a ridiculously boring interview to hear the Kings make noise. Wilson calls out OD for the noise making.
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Jumping Shrimp:
They are both great prospects, I think it is more in terms of what type of player do you want. Brayden Schenn will be the next Trevor Linden, Chris Drury, Mike Peca, Patrice Bergeron type of defensive forward with good offensive upside as well (50 or 60 points a year or so).
And I think Kadri is just pure offense and skilled plays, like a Plekanec, Elias, Ribiero type of guy. Probably get you mroe points per year on average but more one dimensional
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variable…..that last part of the leafs making a run at kovalchuck is totally bogus and a laugher. I wanna know what site u get that from so I can laugh for more. kovalchuck flat out said no Canadian teams cuz he likes being under the radar. and where is a hockey player most likely to be under the radar? here in la with out boys. package deal with jj for kovalchuck. the lakers have Kobe and we can have our kovi
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JON…
if you go back and re-read my post, espn via something called hockeyleaks.com…
’nuff said…(!)
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TJS
Kadri is a good one! I do not follow the juniors but I understand he has struggled a little bit this year.
One thing is for sure, if the Leafs had picked Schenn, he would be playing form them with the big club and I bet his play would be similar to MD in Colorado; they strike me as being similar players.
I watched Kadri in the preseason and I really thought they would bring him up.
I often wonder if it is better to just have the talented players come up and mature here: look at Crosby, Stamkos, Tavares, MD in Colorado (I am now afraid of mispelling names!), Kane & Toews and even the other Kane in ATL etc.
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Jon: Who needs Kovi when we have [Insert Entire Kings Roster Here]?
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Which vid on the Leafs’ site is that? I can’t seem to find it.
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Van- there is always room for improvement,plus frolov is in his final year. so we would be getting an upgrade and a replacement at the same time. but its up to DL
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WTFK: Go on the left and click under the “The Coach” section. Then pick todays date… i think … im still only a minute in
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i want to hear Bob’s (too many men on the ice penalty)take on the situation!!!!!!!
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save urself the time its all the way at the end
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Yeah, found it, thanks…you hear it around two minutes in, then a big [smack!] around 2:20.
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Then it gets pretty “deliberate sounding” around 5 minutes in.
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That was priceless!! They just get louder and louder until he cant ignore it anymore lol. OD! What a champion
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hahaaaa!
i just heard it … awesome stuff!
hope this doesn’t give the Leafs a reason to actually “play” tomorrow night.
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I’m thinking there must be another episode coming at tomorrow’s morning skate.
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That was hysterical! My guess is the guys could hear him droning on and on and on and were protesting how boring he was more than waiting on the Zamboni.
Would have loves to see our guys faces…
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low class, glad the guys did wt they did.
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Rich – you got a little play on Toronto AM640 this afternoon. They read your post and said they are trying to follow up on the story. They addressed it by poking fun at LA saying that LA doesn’t have these problems because they only have one person covering the Kings. I hope the Kings realize that they’re being disrespected and bring it hard tomorrow.
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Terry Murray will be interviewed on Leafs lunch tomorrow AM640 Toronto.
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Funny… I hope someone links to it! Thing is, as loud as the O’Donnell/Kings stick-banging sounded on the video, it was five times as loud in person. So I’m fairly confident that the sound of a Zamboni — which basically sounds like an SUV driving through rain — wouldn’t even show up on their precious video.
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@ Van
Yeah I got tickets to 5 games on the 20th to the 25th. Pretty jazzed. I went ot a lot of games in Salt lake also. Saw the belerus game when they beat sweden
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“So I’m fairly confident that the sound of a Zamboni…wouldn’t even show up on their precious video.”
If the Toronto facility has acoustics anything like the El Segundo facility, the idea the Zamboni would interrupt an interview is ridiculous. The sound of a single puck hitting the boards is 20 times louder than any sound the Zamboni makes, let alone what OD did.
At practice, when a player hits his stick against the glass, it sends shockwaves through my entire body…and that’s AFTER I’ve had my coffee.
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http://mapleleafs.nhl.tv/team/consol…d=800&id=58295
Right around the 4:50 mark you can hear the Kings in the backround making noise.
Best Quote of the interview:
Wilson: “That’s Sean O’Donnell… is that his head his banging against the glass?”
Reporter: “Yeah, pretending its yours!”
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I guess then we’d have to call you ShockWavesinair…..
Up top! ….Anyone?
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Telos:
They took it off site…
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Telos…you get five bonus points if you know who that reporter was. (Unfortunately, the points are not redeemable)
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Rich,
Gladys Kravitz for the Win!!
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you can view interview on leafs.com click on video then coaches
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Glad my crack fits?
Who is that?
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hahaha. I just watched the interview and you can hear them banging on the glass
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Well I guess when you’ve got one the crappiest teams in the nhl I guess you try to get it any way you can. Figures he was a former ducks coach. Cmon ronnie think mr. ducksworth would be proud of that???
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Not suprising, Ron Wilson is a former Duck’s Coach,
didn’t have class then, hasn’t gained any since! Then again maybe he really needs quiet to concentrate to come up with good excuses as to why the Leafs suck.
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