Sweating it out

A couple hours before Thursday’s game, word floated through the press room that Sean O’Donnell might not be able to play because of flu-like symptoms. O’Donnell, though, recovered enough to play, and play a lot. O’Donnell was on the ice for more than eight minutes in the first period — thanks in part to two Columbus power plays — and, along with the other defensemen, had to pick up some slack when Jack Johnson left with his arm injury in the second period.

O’DONNELL: “Sweat it out, right? I just woke up from my nap — I felt fine during the day — but I woke up from my nap and just felt a little off, a little lightheaded, a little queasy. I talked to Kinger [trainer Chris Kingsley] about it and gave a head’s up to Terry (Murray), to bring Jonesy [Randy Jones] down just in case, but I felt fine.”’

Murray did have Jones participate in the pregame warmup, along with O’Donnell, but when it was determined that O’Donnell could play, Jones was made a healthy scratch.

MURRAY: “He got checked out by the Columbus doctor here. It was just a little lightheaded-ness. Whether it was a touch of the flu — he thought, at the start — or whatever, I don’t know, but he came to the rink and was feeling much better. He got through the warmup and got the thumbs up. So he was right back in there.”

O’Donnell also enjoyed some good-natured ribbing after it was pointed out to him that defensive partner Matt Greene had tied him in goals this season, with two…

O’DONNELL: “Tied in goals, but I think I’m three or four points ahead of him, so it’s done. A four-point lead is insurmountable, with only 30 games left, near 30. The game is done.”

O’Donnell relayed his message a couple locker stalls over, to Greene, who conceded defeat. “Not a chance,” Greene said. “I need a preseason and a full playoffs.”

20 Comments

  1. variable says:

    oh…i like how those boys are thinking…!

    fun stuff…

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  2. Todd M. says:

    great stuff Hammy!!! lol

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  3. nykingfan says:

    Don’t forget about the goal that went in off OD.
    He still should get credit for it..even if it went in his own net!

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  4. VanKingsFan says:

    haha good stuff

    OD was a beast last night too. I never thought that someone being so positionally sound would look so sexy

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  5. Lurkingfan says:

    That settles it…

    I can never be an NHL player or even team staff. My name just does not sound good when changing it up with an ‘er or ‘Y or ‘I to any part of it.

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  6. BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

    O’Donnell…?
    No Y or I there.

    LURKINGFAN: It’s all good! How ’bout an ‘O’?

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  7. Joey Drillings says:

    O’Donnell=Odey

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  8. Joey Drillings says:

    Or is it Odie

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  9. taz42 says:

    Rich,
    Be sure to tell Sean that there are some of us long time fans who will never forget that game long ago against the Blues when he went to bat for Storr. He’s that kind of a person, always has been, always will be. I’d love to see him become a defensive coach within the Kings org. one day.

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  10. badGoltending says:

    would you O.D for Odie?

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  11. Shane-O says:

    @ badgoltending **cricket noise** :)

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  12. Dominick says:

    Not sure why some fans think he’s not cutting it.The guys a warrior,and an incredible mentor.I hope he can get some rest soon.We’ll need him down the stretch.

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  13. PurpleBlacknGold says:

    Love to hear the joking and banter between the players. This kind of info gives us a little better feel for the type of guys they really are.

    “A four point lead is insurmountable….The game is done.” Classic. Great stuff Rich.

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  14. VanKingsFan says:

    IMO he doesnt need a rest… he even played amazingly with the flu. Sounds pretty energized to me

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  15. Dominick says:

    I might be a wuss,but when i’m sick I can’t get out of bed.Hope OD gets some rest regardless of how bad we need him,wether in between games or a day off.

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  16. LosAngelesKing says:

    Well Greene guess what this means……catch him during the postseason run.

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  17. fancy says:

    I’d sure rather have OD as a mentor for the young Dmen than Blake the selfish. He is a team player!!

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  18. Belexes says:

    Love seeing Greene and OD on the ice together…old school hockey.

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  19. nykingfan says:

    remember earlier in the year when TM benched him. It was assumed he needed a rest, but I remember he was pissed off. Since then, I don’t think he’s missed a game.
    There’s a reason that guy’s won a cup. Hopefully he leads us to one.

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  20. RoyalPain says:

    “…woke up from my nap.”

    [Reply]

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