alt="LA Kings Insider with Rich Hammond" />Getting back to the Open Forum answers, before the start of practice… Here’s the sixth set.
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Ben asked: I am wondering what TM thinks the chances are of Quick getting burned-out? He’s been AWESOME and I would hate to see that happen.
Answer: It’s safe to say that if Murray thought there was a risk in Quick getting burned out, he wouldn’t be starting as many games as he is. At every turn, Quick has said he enjoys playing a lot, and he seems to thrive on it. Is there a chance that it will catch up to him later in the season? Sure, but that’s something that’s quite hard to predict.
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gas man asked: In regards to a big trade, I hear multiple opinions and information from you, the fans and Kings Management. Just wondering what the players themselves think. Do they feel like they need to change anything? I tend to doubt it, but what do you know?
Answer: I’m certain of two things. One, players do have opinions as to whether or not changes need to be made. Two, players will never, ever make such declarations public (or even private) to reporters. To do so would be a potential disaster for a locker room. Players are smarter than that.
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Andy asked: Tim Leiweke was the main proponent behind instituting the salary cap to end the lockout and he then declared that the Kings would now be able to compete on an even footing financially with every team in the league. Has AEG given the green light to Lombardi to pry open the company wallet and allow him to spend money on Kovalchuk or other free agents? Or was the salary cap talk just more hot air, laughable ignorance and broken dreams from AEG’s master salesman?
Answer: I believe that the Kings, at the moment, are approximately $3 million below the salary-cap ceiling, by Lombardi’s design in order to be available to take on salary during the season if needed. The days of free spending — something AEG never did anyway — are over. Given the constraints of the cap, the wallet is about as open as it can get, and it will stay open as long as there are young players needing extensions.
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JWR asked: Have any of the players or coaches shared any good stories from this years Tip-A-King?
Answer: I haven’t really heard anything, no.
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YeahWhatever asked: Are the boys all going to Canada to cheer on their teammates over the break?
Answer: Not that I know of. I’m relatively sure that they’ll be home resting and spending time with family, etc.
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john_oc asked: Rich, whats the deal with bob miller not doing canada broadcasts? Is there some sort of contract deal?
Answer: I’m really getting more mileage out of this post than I expected.
http://lakingsinsider.com/?p=2390
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kings fan in dallas asked: Hey RICH ! We all know the owners are quiet… to say the least. But has dean or anyone heard from them on how the team is doing? Are they as proud as we are? Any feed back coming from him? I would think they would be on the phone…or meeting with dean saying that the improvement is there good job…maybe a pat on the back for Dean and Terry
Answer: Given everything I know about Phil Anschutz, I’d have to say it’s not in his character to be that type of rah-rah guy. My understanding is that Anschutz attends quite a few games but, true to his nature, prefers to be quiet and behind the scenes. For better or worse, that’s always been the case. To my knowledge, he hasn’t been in the locker room, etc., this season.
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Joey Drillings asked: Are the Kings organization in love with Simmonds as much as the fans are? Why are the Kings not bringing up Elkins or Holloway for Parse and Segal (press box last game)? All things being equal, do the Kings see Bernier or Quick as the number one goalie in 2010-2011?
Answers: 1) Probably not quite to the same extent, but they like him. 2) Ivanans, not Parse, was a healthy scratch in New Jersey, and Ivanans and Segal were healthy scratches only because of the back-to-back games and Murray’s desire to roll four lines on a more conistent basis and not worry so much about a “physical” fourth line. 3) If Quick continues the way he’s going right now, he won’t be unseated.
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Surly Jacob (JDM) asked: 1. I’m curious about the players living arrangements, both at home and on the road. Who lives with who, or by themselves? Who bunks with who on the road (I believe these pairings are consistent, right)? 2. Also, was Dean on the entire recent road trip with the team, or did he show up partway through? 3. Is there a growing buzz around the team about the Olympics, or are they keeping that off the table for the most part? 4. Finally, do you think Simmonds’ fight against Mark Stuart on Saturday had anything to do with Ivanans coming out of the lineup against the Devils? Do you think that as players like Simmonds step up more in those situations, Murray will feel less and less like he needs Raitis to keep things in check?
Answers: 1) Well, obviously the married players live with their families. Single guys either have their own place or, in a couple instances, live together. I know Doughty and Simmonds have a place together, and there are a couple guys living in Stoll’s house but I can’t remember who exactly. There are regular roommates on the road, but it’s hard to go through all of them off the top of my head. If you’re wondering about someone in particular, I can find out. 2) Lombardi was on the entire trip. 3) For the most part, it only comes up when reporters from the other city ask about it. It doesn’t seem to be a big topic of discussion right now. 4) The way Murray described it, he scratched Ivanans and Segal because he wanted to roll four lines more consistently, and putting in Purcell and Harrold gave him more versatility on that. I didn’t get any indication, at all, that there was any message being sent to Ivanans. And no, given what Murray has consistently said for two seasons, I don’t anticipate him going away from having a “heavyweight” in the lineup regularly.
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Surly Jacob (JDM) asked: Almost forgot the most important question Rich! Are you a beer or wine guy, if either? If so, what’s you favorite?
Answer: Either or, really. Probably prefer beer, but I’m slowly learning about wine from Jim Fox.
Maybe I am crazy, but I am not sure that Kovalchuk is a great fit for the Kings. He doesn’t play defense, takes a lot of shots, etc. Plus, as you have mentioned he is a free agent after the season. I know you have reported that an offer and counter-offer has been made. Are we to take this as a sign that the organization has already made up its mind to go after Kovalchuk and that they feel this is someone who fits in with the Kings style of play? Also, to what degree do you think the trade rumblings is a PR move by the Kings. We know from the Hossa negoitations, Lombardi is not going to overpay no matter what. I suspect that the Kovalchuck trade negotiations are going to get outof hand pretty soon if, as is reported the Blackhawks get in it. Is this just Lombardi doing his due diligence and leaking it to let Kings’ fans know they are trying to do something?
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Hey Rich have you seen this article in the newspaper? http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers3-2010feb03,0,7204181.column
and whats your input on it. To me its very offensive.
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Purcell and Richardson live with Stolly. It was in the Matt Greene Christmas Special on KingsVision with Stoll’s velvet pants/jacket (Don’t remember which) that Richie wanted to buy him.
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Thanks for the answers Rich! Any info for us about the time off/practice schedule during the Olympics break?
And to repeat what I said about the Simers column, you all who dont read him regularly are taking this WAAAAY too much to heart; he disses pretty much everyone. It’s his way of poking fun at people who take sports too seriously, especially athletes who are grumps even tho they get paid millions to play a game. A better suggestion would be to ask him to go interview Greener or Simmer or Quickie and see how refreshing hockey players are!
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Whats up Kenny!!!!
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Wow, that is offensive. Appearantly hockey in LA ranks below horse racing and the Clippers. He didn’t even bother to stay for the entire game.
Simers should stick to writing about baseball. It would seem his slow mind can only comprehend a slow game.
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Referring of course to the article Kenny posted
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Wow, articles like that from Simers make me appreciate even more what you do Rich. On the other side, his ignorance on what’s going on with the Kings still speaks about how under the radar this team is. Apparently it’s not only the east coast media that knows little about the Kings. Maybe Simers needs to interview you or Helene Elliot, that is, if you don’t decline…
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Hey Rich. It seems to me that there are a lot of play stoppages because of glass issues during Kings games at Staples. I’ve been to many other NHL arenas, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem in any of those arenas. Is it my imagination? It seems that we have at least one stoppage every other game. (I think there were 2 stoppages last night. One at the end of the period.) Can you check with someone at Staples about this? Thanks!
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People may not want to believe me but it might suprise people to know that TJ Simers actually likes hockey… he won’t tell anyone that publicly though… not until the Kings are successful anyway haha!! His job is to write a satirical column… he always hammers the Dodgers, Angels, Clippers, Lakers, UCLA and USC… The Kings actually getting mentioned by TJ is a good thing, that means that hockey is once again relevent here in LA. People have to “get” TJ to not be offended. I won a contest a couple years ago to have dinner with Luc Robitaille, it was a contest done by the Kings and AM570… Don Martin, the GM of AM570 was also at the dinner. We talked about TJ because at the time, he was doing the local morning show with his daughter and Fred Roggin. I liked TJ but did not know at the time that he actually liked hockey. Martin told me he grew up watching hockey but since moving out west and mainly covering football, he doesn’t spend as much time on it anymore. All this to say… You may learn to like TJ or you may not but trust me, its a good thing he is talking about hockey, negative comments or not!!!
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I live in San Jose so I don’t spend a lot of time in the LA Times. I read that article as parody.
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I know 2 guys live wth stoll, i think it’s richardson and someone else, damnnnn, who is itttt?
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Anyone know where T.J. Simmers gets his bagles in the morning? I promise to post any results on youtube.
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WHOA!
I’m … stunned.
I’m at a loss to find a reason for a newspaper to allow someone to totally slap an entire fan base in the face like that.
It would almost be excusable if the Kings hadn’t been dominating like they have … but even then… wow.
Unreal.
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You guys give TJ Simers too much credit, who gives a flying **** what this douche has to say? Not to mention, we’re talking about the LA Times who we all know is notorious for not covering hockey. Move on with your lives people, there are plenty of articles and people in the world who are recognizing this team and giving them the credit they deserve.
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Hey Rich! You rock! 1)If the Kings make the playoffs, who would be the Kings MVP? 2)Do you think Quick or Kopitar will be considered for MVP on a league standpoint?
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The Simers article was satire, but poorly executed and ill-timed. I don’t care for that type of “journalism(?)” myself but I understand it is the way he is paid to write. Let’s just say, in terms of journalistic ability and function, this guy is the Teddy Purcell to Hammond’s Drew Doughty.
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Let em say whatever they want to say. When finally Kings bring the cup to LA, we will criticize and expose them for how unfair they have been. Until then we should collect those BSs for the exposure.
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Very sad
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/Hockey-referee-dies-after-being-hit-by-puck-020310
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-> kennynakomoto: I agree with you about that article… what a douche! It’s hard to get a feel from the crowd too, when you’re sitting in the corerate hand out section w/people who’re more so making a PR appearance than coming to support… different story up in the die-hards. I cannot stand those people…
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Dan, MVP will most likely be the ovehckins crosby’s and possible Marleau. But for THIS team it could be a handful of guys there all playing great as a team, but Quick since he’s kept us in games to be able to win..
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Rich both RDS, Darren Dreger and Bob Mckenzie are reporting Waddell told Kovy he will be traded soon, any updates? RDS said rangers and bruins are frontrunners.
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Waddell just had a meeting with Kovy ttelling him he’s going to be dealt.. the race is on, will Dean pull the trigger? We all know he’s a great GM but he’s never been known to really be able to acquire the big name.. Does it mean trading Simmonds? If it’s a signed Kovalchuk, than I’m ok with it, a rental Kovy, no way..
Voynov is probably on his way out too, they have no confidence in him or else he’d be getting called up instead of Martinez
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http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308800 Here’s a ling to the tsn story on it
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the kovy saga looks to end perhaps within the next 24hrs…maybe quicker…
at least, that’s what tsn.ca is reporting…
one way or another…whether we are ACTUALLY the last team standing with him at the end…i’ll be glad this will be over…
as fas as tj is concerned…:
he’s not…and neither should you be if you don’t like his flavor…he’s hit or miss, in my book…and, this time, he succeeded in goading peeps not familiar with his style and/or tactics…
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This had to mean Kovy will be traded as a rental and he’ll most likely be free game July 1st. I don’t think there has been any mention of Waddell opening up the ability for any teams to speak with Kovy’s agent yet. I would think a sign & trade deal would make Kovy worth more, no?
Wonder what the hell Waddell is doing.
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Everyone needs to leave a large pile of steaming, uhm, comment for that total jacka&& (TJ) Sim. Totally unappreciated by us loyal fans. We need to be the enforcer and slap this cheap shot artist (Chris Pronger anyone?).
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Rich,
I’ve been reading all your answers and I really appreciate that you are taking the time to do this.
Here’s one for an Open Forum VII, if you do one:
In this digital age, is there some way you can find out if there will there ever be a way to get old Kings games on DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, etc. By “old,” I mean Miracle on Manchester old. I would buy that whole series if it were available.
Thanks.
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fyi…
sometimes you see the “real” (?) tj simmers on tony reali’s show, around the horn…
he’s just as contrarian on that show, but does sometimes show his “true” feelings…
there’s a fine line between being clever or stupid…(!)
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gscamp, by doing that you are playing right into Simers’ cheeto-dusted hands. The way to hurt him is to bash him on other sites without driving extra traffic to his article.
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Thank goodness this whole Kovi madness is coming to an end. I’d love to have him here, but I’m worried about the price. I think aside from us, CHI has the best chance. They to free up some serious cap space after signing Toews, Kane, and Keith. I could see Sharp and Seabrook going to ATL. Also I don’t see Waddell shipping Kovi inside his conference.
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there’s a fine line between being clever or stupid…(!)
Well done variable!! I can always count on you to come thru with the goods when need be. I read the article and it p’d me off. Btw, am back in ny so I saw the game last night and thought the team (in the black jerseys) looked fab. Wow. I was impressed.
Also echo your sentiments wrt the Kovi saga. I’ll be glad when it’s over too. Strangely I’m not sure I want him in LA. Actually part of me does, But the chemistry on this team seems so finely tuned, that while I’m not sure they can win a Cup as currently structured, if I were DL I’d really want to be careful…. veeery careful with my decision making.
Bye for now.
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Rich, do you know when tickets will go on sale for the draft in LA this summer?
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Not to take anything away from Richardson…but the thought of Kovi on a line with Kopi and Simmer or Smyth gives me goosebumps. :) Still not sure the price would be worth it though.
We could have a KoviKopia ;)
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Hey Rich
You still there???
Is something going down??
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Personally I wouldn’t be astonished to see him go to Philly. I think they’re trying to go for a Cup now. Also to Boston wouldn’t totally surprise me either. Any other team (especially Chic which would seem reckless on their part to me unless they are very clever) would be a bit of a surprise.
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Did anybody else develop a little man crush on Segal last night?
He had a couple plays in the first that were just outstanding. Chasing in deep he created a chance with pressure on the fore-check. That’s just not something you see every shift. Solid effort, even though he was out-matched by Prust in the second.
What a great game against NYR – bring on Anaheim.
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This was my letter to Simers and I sent a copy to Helene Elliott. I got a response from Helene, but of course not from Simers:
To T.J. Simers:
After the Kings won their 7th game in a row, I decided to see if for once, just once maybe the Kings could be the front page of the Sports Section. Instead I came across your article, I figured maybe the LA Times is finally giving some respect to the LA Kings and someone beside Helene Elliott is doing an article about them.
If there is one person in this newspaper I respect whether she is being critical or supportive, it’s Helene Elliott. She isn’t always kind to the Kings, but she is doing honest reporting. While I understand you are just a
columnist, your article; and pardon my French, is the reason I *BLEEPing* rarely read this paper anymore.
Exactly who is the intended audience by your remarks- ” I’m sorry, I really am, and that doesn’t even begin to make amends for what I’m about to do to you. You deserve better…”
You know LA isn’t just a sports city about the Lakers, USC, UCLA, Dodgers, and the Clippers. There are also Kings fans here.
The direction this paper has gone with the Kings, I learn more about what is going on with the Team by going to ESPN, TSN, Fox Sports, The Hockey News, USA Today, The LA Daily News, and LA Kings Insider. Every time I tell
myself not to waste time going to the LA Times after the Kings win or for that matter lose, because it will be the same as always- the Kings buried even under I could care less Oklahoma football.
Just when it is more crucial than ever to retain readers from going off to other sources to get their news and opinions, you sure are doing your best to drive them away even faster. I know that with opinion columns not
everyone will agree with what a writer has to say, but to just go off on a team and fan base that you yourself said you know nothing about is just disrespectful and classless.
I guess you do come across as a ” bitter lonely man who writes in his underwear.” as someone describe you to me on the Kings Insider Blog.
Maybe this paper will wake up one day and realize how many people they have pushed away to other sources to get their news about their home team. Living in Seattle I thought this would be my primary source, but I was wrong
and that is sad.
Anthony Mohr
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Were all the players on ice for practice this morning? According to TSN Wadell has told Kovi that he will be traded. Mixed feelings if LA is in the mix…not too sure the Kings need him????
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308800
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If Kovi is traded today Atlanta HAS to get something substantial for him cause they are just 1 point out of a playoff spot. And I do NOT want the Kings to give up anything substantial for a rental. Just say NO!
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Nice job 757…
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number 6-
I just remember it being passe to trade a player like Kovi inside your own conference. The idea being you’d hate to see him again in the first couple playoff rounds, or even worse, have the team you traded him to beat you out for a playoff spot. Of course Waddell is going to take the best deal he can get, but history seems to suggest Kovi wont end up in the East.
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Many, many, many Kings fans it seems, or fans in general, don’t “get” TJ Simers. As others here have stated, he writes to get a rise out of readership, “splashing the water” to get people to talk about him and send him mail. There are other writers/media people doing the same thing, that’s how they make a living. Kinda like any marketing, good or bad, being good marketing sometimes. TJ makes comments to emotionally affect people, who send him mail and therefore justify his job. If no one comments/sends mail, whatever, his “readership” goes down and he is out of a job. It’s how journalism 101 works.
If you write and get no comments, no “waves”, then why would someone pay you to write???
Smelling burnt Duck on the BBQ Thursday nite……PRICELESS!!!
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Great letter Seattle757. I hope he gets a flood of mail from Kings fans!
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lilGaryShuchuk – I agree with you about Segal. He was really working hard, skating fast, and hitting people. I really liked the energy with Segal and Moller on that line. They seem to do a really good job of keeping some pressure on. Moller gets bounced around a lot, but the kid hangs in there and goes after it despite his diminutive size. Segal is starting to look somewhat similar to how Simmonds looked last year. He might not have the same athleticism as Simmonds, but his motor is comparable. Coming in and just working hard every shift and every game.
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It may be a little late for a question but I’ll ask anyway.
Fox is a darn good student of the game. His ability to fit seemly inconsequential decisions by players within a system of play is outstanding.
How much input (if any) does the coaching staff take from Mill and Fox? And, if input is accepted have they been consulted between periods?
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What I fear is to get Kovy in a Kings uni, we have to give up a Johnson or Simmonds for a short term rental only. I have to trust, and do, DL to do what’s best for this team, because he’s done a fantastic job so far, here in LA and San Jose both.
Appaprently Waddell told Kovy today he’s “officially” gonna get traded, within hours or days, as reported on NHL Network Power Play. Kovy turned down Atlanta’s last/best offer, and Waddell wants a ton of return for him. Scary what the cost could be.
Dean Lombardi getting it right again………PRICELESS!!!
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Yeah OC -
I’m not sure how much time they spent together in Manchester but they seem to get each other solid looks betwn the circles. Both ways too, I’ve seen OM makes little chip passes that at least get me outta my chair for a second.
It’s great to see these young 4th liners playing so hard. I guess thats how it should be, I’m just not used to it
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Oh you guys are getting trolled by Simers. He bags on everyone – that’s his schtick. He likes to puncture the egos of oh-so-serious sports fans. Taking him seriously is playing right into his hands. Ignore him or laugh along with him. Writing angry comments is just grist for his “These people live among you” columns which he writes from time to time (basically prints your angry comments and makes fun of them).
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Rich, one more question in case there’s another round. Also, my apologies if this has been asked before. But I was curious which Kings are the most interested in conditioning/weightlifting. Obviously all the players go through conditioning, but I’m sure some of them must be bigger gym rats than others. Is anyone known for throwing around a ton of weight in the gym? Unlike other sports, it can be a little tough to tell a player’s physique under all those pads etc.
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I’m curious, I cant recall hearing about trades recently involving money as well as/in place of players. Is it not allowed anymore? Ignoring the fact that their fans would riot, could Atlanta just sell Kovi to another team for let’s say $3 million (they’d also save another $2 million or so on his salary for the rest of the season) and then use that money to sign UFAs in the summer without killing their bottom line? They are going to lose him anyways.
Teams with cap space for Kovi’s remaining salary this season could then add him without giving up talent. Okay, they could throw in one or two of their own UFAs to let Atlanta have players to finish out the season.
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Columbus Blue Jackets fire Ken Hitchcock today. No huge surprise here, I thought, but still doesn’t it smack of “panic”.
Having Terry Murray as our coach instead of Mark Crawford………….PRICELESS!!!
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That article by Simers would have been justified if the Kings were truly playing as if they were the Clippers or the Edmonton Oilers, but he isn’t criticizing the play of the team, he is going after the fans. To put it mildly, it is offensive. If the paper actually gave the Kings exposure and actually covered it other than just one reporter, I would have maybe just ignored it, but to me that article is exactly how I feel the coverage of the team is- disgusting. if you are going to put down the fan base and the city’s team, then do it when they deserve it.
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KennyNakamoto! Its me…Beachgrower79 from ESPN! How are you brother!
Am i the only person who cant get off the internet, constantly refreshing pages like ESPN and TSN and HockeyBuzz for trades or possible trades?
Im tired of it…lets make whatever trades already so i know who will be on my playoff team.
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Contreras,
No you aren’t the only one. I know 99.9% of the rumors are completely pointless and wrong, but I can’t stop myself. Moth to the flame I guess. Kovi, Whitney, no one, I don’t care any more, I just want to see playoffs!
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Rich, can the players leave the hotel when they are on a road trip?
Which players tend to go out the most
Is there a curfew
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That article by TJ is a joke. That guy is a joke. I worked for FSN for a while and I saw him get ripped by just about every head coach in the area. The Kings are incredible this year, and the fans will come around.
Still, the loudest sporting event I have ever been to was the Kings/Wings Game 4 in which they overcame a 3-0 deficit with about 7 to go in the game. Incredible. Keep it up boys.
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The talks for Kovalchuk are interesting in the fact that we are in a playoff race and looking to get better. We have gotten better with the team that has grown and played together for several years now, good drafts, and some good free agents. But it is this team that is winning the games….These players…. I wouldnt trade Wayne, Jack, or Oscar plus prospects and draft picks for a rental player….. Kovalchuk is not a two way player…. Frolov is a Selke winner compared to Kovalchuk defensive skills. He will put pucks in the net, but will he fit the system? And I dont want to see the deepth we have now built up over several hard years given to get a player who wants more money than any other player in the league and we dont know if we can sign him…. I would much rather have a Rick Nash type player or older version of….. Than take a chance for one shot this year…. I want several Stanley Cups not just one shot at it…. I’ve been there and done that(see 92-93)… We have a shot at Greatness we just need to pick out a few pieces to improve.
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It seems like a lot of people don’t get TJ at all. I think he rocks and he’s more than often funnier than hell.
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hahhahahahahaha whats up sebastian!!!!!!!! championship game next monday (inside thing)!!!!!!! GO KINGS GO
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Do you think the Kings will re-sign Sean O’Donnell?
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