There have been a couple questions about Ryan Smyth’s status, after he injured his ankle in May while preparing to play for Canada at the World Championships. Smyth, by all accounts, is healthy and ready to go for training cam. As part of this interview before the draft, Smyth left little doubt about his status, and presumably he’s ready to go and ready to reunite with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams on the Kings’ first line…
—–
LAKings.com: And finally, you suffered an injury recently at the World Championships this summer. Can you talk about that and what that means to the upcoming season?
Ryan Smyth: I played in an exhibition game and in a tournament game. I rolled my ankle in practice the next day near the post while going to the net. There are no side effects or pain for the long term. It healed up great and if we were playing today, I would be playing.
This makes my day
[Reply]
Justin Williams? Who is that? He is still on the Kings?
[Reply]
Dr.Gonzo Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:41 am
@Sancho,
unfortunately yes, this tool bag is still on our roster… This guys inconsistancy and magnetism towards injuries scares the he’ll out of me everytime he’s on the ice. He better EARN the right to play on said first line with Kopi and Smyth.
[Reply]
Leatherface Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:55 am
@Dr.Gonzo, Did you really just call him a “tool bag” ? Grow up.
[Reply]
Victor Fuentez Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:02 am
@Dr.Gonzo,
or what? Kopi will break his other leg?
[Reply]
Slapshot Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:28 am
@Dr.Gonzo, To say Justin Williams is tool bag is far from the truth IMO. If you are making this decision based off of watching him play on TV, I may understand that. But every game I went to last season I made sure to pay attention to his play, and he is absolutely doing all the right things. As far as injury prone of course that is his issue, but he really is a solid hard working Hockey player. If he stays healthy (fingers crossed) he will produce.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:10 pm
@Slapshot,
Exactly, most of the game takes place off screen. William was great last season until he went down.
People may have had a better opinion of Williams, just remembering the good times, had he sat out the rest of last season. But sitting isn’t his makeup. You couldn’t want a harder worker.
As for injuries, so far, so good. Only Greene and Smyth injured this summer. Snark, Snark.
8ball Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@slapshot:
i’m no authority but i tend to agree.
puck73 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:24 am
@Dr.Gonzo, On your assessment that JW needs to earn his spot on the 1st line..totally concur. Do I think he is a 1st line player? No..I think eventually he will be a 2nd or 3rd line guy as the Kings get deeper as an organization. On your statement that he is a “Toolbag”..DO NOT CONCUR ! NO, the only “Toolbags” that I am aware of are…Barry Melrose, Daryl Sydor, Bruce Mcnall, and of course Kovalspank and Grossman !
[Reply]
Cristobal Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@puck73,
Do you know these people personnally?
Sydor has a couple of Cups on his shelf, McNall singlehandedly changed the NHL into a modern BIG sport and still is loved by Gretz Robitaille and many more, and Melrose came as close to winning a cup as TM ever has.
And, well, Kovalchuk isn’t any different than Smyth, now is he?
Otherwise, Smyth would still be in Edmonton.
Your billionaire hero Anschutz was a big missing name on a recent list of American wealth in philanthropy.
If the oil baron manages to actually turn a profit from the Kings, I’m sure he’ll be looking to sell.
If you know all these characters personnally, however, you’re entitled to the statement.
Cheers.
McDonalds Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:44 pm
@puck73,
Hey i like Barry!
David Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@Dr.Gonzo, I’m having a hard time figuring out if you’re being sarcastic or not…
[Reply]
SDKing Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:03 pm
@Cristobal,
Really? Does it matter is he knows them personally? Why take it so personally? Do you them personally?
Even though Sydor has a couple trophies doesn’t take away his toolness and if you can’t see past the hardware(no pun intended) then well my friend, you can join along.
Barry- I know him personally from watching ESPN and he is a d-bag. He sold out the NHL (actually fired) and then crawls back to his espn gig which he does alone…
(i don’t count barnby). And he is lame to watch.
Kovi and his agent should take a long walk off a short plank. period.
Bruce- i don’t know enough about.
I don’t know these people but i am entitled to say whatever i want to say.
cheers.
USHA#17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@David,
Bruce? You can put financial fraud and antiquities theft to his credit.
That type of fraud doesn’t taste so good now and for the people who lost money it didn’t taste so good then.
And Williams may not be a 1st line player but he has done a darn fine job of filling that slot while the club is being constructed. Playing above his level, maybe. Elevating his play to a new level having been given the chance, perhaps.
Christian T Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@Dr.Gonzo,
TOOLBAG??? HE BETTER EARN THE RIGHT?????
I think most will discount the TOOLBAG part of your comment so no need to go there. But I will take on the earning the right phrase. He already earned that right with his performance last season! He would have been there later if he was 100%. Did you not watch that line???? Injuries, well just bad luck and I don’t need to go there. TOOLBAG kinda bothers me…Are you Anthony?
[Reply]
Dr.Gonzo Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
@Christian T,
No, I am not this Anthony u speak of… And yes, I watched every single game last season as I always do. IMO Williams just hasn’t earned a constant respect from me since we signed him. The first quarter of the season was awesome for the Kopi and Smyth… And yes Williams was part of that line but would hardly say he was a phenomenal 1/3. A blind 3 yr old would have put up good numbers bein on that line. Even Foxy was sayin how Williams was more or less the lucky counterpart on this line… Do u not remember that?? People can say how wrong I am about Williams here all they want. He’s just not my kinda player and certainly not first line material.
Kwaz Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:15 pm
@Dr.Gonzo,
At least JW hasn’t been getting the same nagging injury. At the beginning of last season he seemed to mesh real well Kopi and Smitty. Getting ones leg broken seems, at least to me, like bad luck, so lets hope that he comes back in the same shape as he was at the beginning of last year and the top 3 have the same chemistry that they had to start off the 09-10 season.
[Reply]
Gord Laplante Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:05 am
@Sancho, Did you want Sully back?
[Reply]
Is it October yet?
[Reply]
Rich!!! You woke up early today:)
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Good to hear. Having Smyth for 75-80 games would go a long way towards having a strong season, and a potential Cup run. Who knows where we would’ve finished last year if he hadn’t been injured.
Man, I am so PUMPED for this season already!!! (Meanwhile, Devils fans are still sweating bullets over Kovalchuk HAHAHA)
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:30 am
@Kevin Y, let ‘em sweat. lol It seems odd though, that Kovi had an 85 point season last year and Kopi had an 81 point season, but Kovi “demands” like, 80 million more than what Kopi makes? What is that? Break a leg, Devil fans haha
[Reply]
launch Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:12 pm
@Goring 19,
good point “butch”….i’ll bet that Kopi has an even bigger season this year.
go kings go
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:04 pm
@Kevin Y,
They’ll be leaving more bricks on their seats as they watch that defensive game they so dearly love go down the toilet.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:01 pm
@USHA#17, lol
[Reply]
SMYTH = <3
[Reply]
Bring on October!
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@Goring 19,
Hey, not so fast, there’s still a lot of living to do in September!
[Reply]
Hey Rich: on another subject, XM Radio Home Ice will do an hour broadcast on the Kings with Jim Fox today. Any chance this report can be saved on your website or the Kings website for those of us who miss the radio broadcast?
[Reply]
Well the “web version” popped up again so I hope this posts.
Smyth healthy is a good thing. Williams isn’t the problem and his injury last season had nothing to do with previous ones. He was toppled on and his leg fell. It could have happened to Simmonds and nobody would have said a word.
Williams healthy will bring 25-35 this year and hopefully help with the 5-5 scoring. Beyond that we still are are looking for someone to step into that second line LW role. I hope it’s a guy like Schenn or Moller but I guess we’ll see starting in a couple of weeks.
[Reply]
Bonvivant1 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:27 pm
@Dan H.,
Moller is a center. We have more centers in the minors. If Moller could make a transition to wing which is improbable because of his size, that would increase his value to the team. He has the skill and size of a Versteeg but not the toughness yet.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:43 am
@Bonvivant1, Other way around my friend. Moller yes was drafted as a center, and played center coming up through juniors and such, BUT, has not played a game at center in Manchester nor with the Kings.
He is a LW.
[Reply]
Rich, on the subject of injury updates. What’s the status of Westgarths injury?
[Reply]
When this top line is clicking they will dominate.
If Smyth and Williams can manage to stay healthy we hold the BEST line in the NHL
[Reply]
is there any word of any other moves out there for the Kings??
[Reply]
Smyth/Kopitar/JW
Parse/Schenn/Brown
Poni/Zues/Simmonds
Clifford/Moller/Richardson
Doughty/Mitchell
JJ/Scuderi
Drewiske(Greene)/Martinez
Quick
Bernier
Stoll gets traded. EE gets traded.
Remember, Richie and Simmonds can play on almost any line. And Schenn and Moller will make the team. Scuderi is paired with JJ because he is more mobile than Mitchell. And for those of you who say Parse isn’t 2nd line material, just watch, he’s gonna shock the hell out of us!
[Reply]
Who Knows? Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:15 am
@Deadmarsh, Is it possible that EE gets loaned to another team like Huet? Why would we trade our best fsceoff man. I don’t think we want Kopi taking the faceoff with a minute left in a tie game, unless he really improved.
[Reply]
Deadmarsh Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:24 am
@Who Knows?, sorry, I’d rather have Zues. Stoll is too expensive for 2nd line center duties. His shot is extremely innaccurate. He is not a “banger and crasher” by any means so he is unfit for the 3rd line. I like his speed and faceoff ability but he seems to be the most expendible right now. As far as EE goes, DL and TM said we will not carry 3 goaltenders. EE is just a throw in on a trade.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:17 pm
@Deadmarsh, Stoll does usually make the top 10 list in hits per season. And he can defend pretty well.
src Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:20 am
@Deadmarsh,
I believe Schenn makes it or goes back to jr. Too young for AHL. So, I would say he is a shoe in for the 4th line center job with potential to bounce Stoll-time will tell.
And….His cap hit wont be 3+ mil. He has a cap friendly bonus structure. Meaning he wont achieve the goals unless he shocks the world. So, assuming cap hit of 1-1.2mil.
[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:56 am
@src, Schenn’s cap hit is $900,000. I think he’ll make the team.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED,Schenn’s salary is 900K if he stays in the NHL. Bonuses are 2.1 mill. Cap hit is 3.14 mill. Bonuses count to the cap.
roadtripper Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:30 am
@Deadmarsh, I’m thinking Jake Muzzin will grab a spot over Martinez, and possibly over DD2 as well… And I have yet to see enough consistency out of Parse to give him a spot over Stoll…
I like Mitchell paired with DD. He should discourage people taking runs at Drew more than Scuds would…
[Reply]
Deadmarsh Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:42 am
@roadtripper, Muzzin would be more than ok with me. I just think Martinez has an edge since he made it out of camp already and has a few games with the big club.
As far as Parse, when TM starts giving him more than 6 mins of ice time, you’ll see that “consistency”. Remember, he had the best goals per 60 of anyone on the team.
[Reply]
USHA@17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
@Deadmarsh,
I an fairly keen on Scheen but have been somewhat tempered by, among other things, his speed.
I think he is the most likely prospect (on offense) to make the squad this year but my guess is 3rd line, not 2nd.
Now Parse, given the chance, may just make it on the second line. He had a better season then a lot of his teammates who got more ice time and he played better then he looked.
Had he been used differently who knows what Parse might have done.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:08 pm
@Deadmarsh, Better hope Stolli isn’t traded or you’ll win NO faceoffs.
[Reply]
raunq12 Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:19 am
@Deadmarsh,
I agree, Parse is gonna be hungry this season
[Reply]
Rich, great stuff as usual because I read about the Kings here all the time. But I just wonder what you have against Jon Moncrief?
A few months ago he wrote a terrific piece on Examiner about you that it sounds like you sat down for. But until someone told me about it, I didn’t know about it because you never once promoted it on this site. I think a lot of your other fellow followers like me would like to have read that story.
But Jon also hosts a radio show, with Charles Smith, and they spoke to TM a few weeks ago. They asked TM about Smyth, and he said this:
“Ryan Smyth is doing fine, I spoke with by phone about 2 weeks ago, everything is moving forward really good. The injury is healed, the ankle is not an issue at all. He’s back out doing his program and is in constant touch with our strength and conditioning coach and getting himself ready to come back and have a really good start to the year. That again is what we feel we need and those guys meaning Smyth and Kopitar and Dustin Brown, our core guys, they need to really step up right away to get a good start to the year, and as we saw last year that gives you a cushion when things get a little tough during the middle part of the year with the travel and the fatigue of the season or whatever it might be its nice to have that great start and have something to fall back on so you can re-energize yourself for the second half.”
Just find it odd that Moncrief and Smith are here in LA and cover the Kings in a way that is not like Matt Barry who simply rants and raves and deals in rumors, and they interview him and get no play from you yet an Edmonton radio station that interviews DL does – what gives? Makes you seem petty Rich, and we know that you aren’t. Moncrief and Smith seem like good guys, so what gives?
[Reply]
Anyone else hear that Jones signed with the Lightning.
[Reply]
Chad Smith Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:16 am
@Who Knows?,
Last week
[Reply]
DBB Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:33 am
@Who Knows?,
That’s old news. It occured on the same day as Mitchell signing with the Kings.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=331644
[Reply]
crashin' da net Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@Who Knows?, yes. he did. saw it several dadys ago.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:50 pm
@Who Knows?,
Too bad he didn’t sign on with a Pacific Division Team.
Too bad, until this it looked Tampa was having a better offseason then most. I suppose next they’ll grab O’Sullivan while they have the chance!
[Reply]
enough about JW, Smyth, Mitchell, what is the status of Doughty’s contract extension?
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@txkingsfan,
He wants $99.9M over 14.9 years.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@txkingsfan,
I am hearing that a long term contract for Doughty and Stamkos along with others is being held up until the Kovy contract structure is determined. So it’s another reason to blame it on Kovi.
[Reply]
USHA#17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 4:59 pm
@Christian T,
If IK is worth all that money then Im worth at least $500K. And here is why:
I would work within the system
I would place the interests of the teams first
I would stay on the bench the entire season.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:22 pm
@USHA#17, uhh, so would a stick
USHA#17 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 10:24 pm
@USHA#17, Exactly, as Dirty Harry says, “a man has got know his limitations”
luc20rules Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:47 pm
@Christian T, Bettman’s Crusade against circumvention of the salary cap continues. Read this link of how Savard’s lawyer is probably wearing Depends these days.
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/bruins/post/_/id/1974/savard-lawyer-threatens-lawsuit
[Reply]
kings fan in temecula Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:06 am
@luc20rules, what a mess this all turned out to be just for one guys bloated ego!! :O
Ryan Smyth will be fine even with two broken ankle, he will still skate. Remember when he used to play at the Oilers, he took a puck on the face and spat 4 or so chicklets and still skated for 4 minutes before the end of the period. He have a big heart and I know this guy is tough. I’m glad we have this players in our rosters, no pre-madonna crap…
[Reply]
goes to eleven Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:51 am
@Air_King,
The Kings had some decent teams pre-madonna. Triple Crown line, Gretzky era, etc.
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
@goes to eleven,
Madonna had already released all of her best work before Gretz got here.
Triple crown you might have something though.
[Reply]
Air_King Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
@goes to eleven, Yeah you’re right but, I’m talking about this year’s hockey 2010-2011. I think that’s why the Kings did not win the Lord’s Stanley Cup during the Great One’s era.
[Reply]
TVA333 Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
@goes to eleven, I got your joke
lol
[Reply]
stagger Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:32 pm
@Air_King,
That damn Madonna screwed everything up. Life was much simpler pre-madonna.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 5:57 pm
@stagger, I am happier post-madonna. Alot of girls suddenly became virgins.
[Reply]
The Sharks picked up Niemi for one year at 2 mil. So now they have him along with Nittymaki. Do you think they’re scared their blueline is weak?
[Reply]
Gabby Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@tuan jim,
They should be scared; their blueline IS weak. And, really, their goaltending is average at best. Maybe they plan on playing 2 goalies and 1 D?
[Reply]
Guys, You are underating Stoll. He does all the little things that bring success. Whether he plays center or wing doesn’t matter. He will play. The Kings are better with him. The jury is still out on Parse. He has potential to be really good and should get that chance.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:43 pm
@King Solomon,
I agree with you but most fans believe that if a trade has to happen our best player that we should and would be willing to trade is Stoll. I am happy with him unless he is on the point shooting wide.
[Reply]
Dr.Gonzo Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:38 pm
@Christian T,
Lol, im glad someone else pointed this out. I love Stoli but I can’t remember how many times I was screamin’ at the telly when he was on the PP point blasting puck after puck waay wide!! Drove me berserk!.. Hence one of the few reasons I wanted Kovi. That’s a man who belongs on the PP point… But screw him, glad that didn’t work out.
[Reply]
I am not talking about Kovalchuck, however I want to reference the NY Post Story about the League supposedly issuing an ultimatum on the Kovalchuck contract. Forget about Kovalchuck for a second here and we should discuss the implications of what this would have for other teams.
First this is the first time I have heard of a sports league using it’s power to basically amend the CBA while it’s still active to deal with a problem they left open in the first place. They knew that the language would leave open a loophole and now that they have been presented with such contracts, they want to make changes to the CBA.
If you haven’t read the report, it basically says that the League will grandfather all those long term contracts if the Union accepts two conditions.
1. that all contracts with players reaching the age of 40 will only have the cap hit calculate with the years prior to the 4oth Bday.
2. That all contracts over 5 years, will use a different calculation whereby the highest grossing years will have a great weight.
In terms of the Kings, that changes things a bit for a player like Doughty, who may see a long term deal and will the cap hit will have to be calculated differently using that 2nd rule the League proposed.
What are your guys’ thoughts on this. And again don’t jump on me for bringing up Kovi, I am bringing up rules that my have implications for future negotiations with Kings.
[Reply]
Cristobal Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
@EASportsMgt,
My assessment is that Bettman and the NHL owners are bad for the game. The Cap is the problem here.
The olympics are proof that what hockey fans want are compelling games played by clubs that have a familial atmosphere. Where the clubs are free to strive to be uniquely managed in an open competition.
The NHL with the Cap and it’s awful leadership becomes less interesting and less compelling every year.
On one hand you have lawyers and businessmen, on the other you have a bunch of jocks whose expertise lies in physical realms,not mental. The players are at a disadvantage and the league violating or altering the CBA is like a grownup taking candy from a baby.
In the end, the NHL continues to get worse.
Cheers.
[Reply]
K9Jeeper Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
@Cristobal, Who voted Bettman in charge? How long is his maximum reign? Can he be voted out and replaced?
[Reply]
vicarious Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:45 pm
@EASportsMgt,
Better for the player’s through their union and the owners to work out a deal on a new rule. Its common for judges, or an arbitrator in this case, to decide some dispute the parties forgot to resolve in advance. Its also normal for the parties to then accept, or argue about, the decision. IM essentially worthless O, players are usually done playing by age 40 and using that age as a stop gap seems a fair solution to both sides to fix a loophole in the current NHL CBO. Obviously the league thinks a 40 year age cut off works to fix the loophole; curious to hear what the players think. Probably takes the players a bit longer to figure out a position as they’ve a lot more folk to consult than the owners have.
[Reply]
Christian T Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
@EASportsMgt,
I am good with that loop hole being fixed. If it’s done now instead of later it might help us avoid another work stoppage. A contract should be founded in reality. Circumventing the CAP will screw the players and the league in the long run.
@cristobal
The CAP must stay to keep this league viable. Sorry if some GM’s can’t handle the rules that is why they have someone focusing on just CAP structure on each team.
[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
@EASportsMgt,
TSN reported a few hours ago that the NY Post story was false.
[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:23 am
@Gary Livingston, since the lockout nhl hockey has been getting better and better. Allowing a few teams to spend without restraint only hurts the nhl and teams that have frugal owners (hint, hint).
[Reply]
King John Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
@EASportsMgt,
I like the idea of an avg cap hit being calculated up to the age of 40 for contracts over 5 years. Then they recalculate it after age 40. That seems fair.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=5528523
[Reply]
Justin Williams on the first line?….Really?
[Reply]
Chad Smith Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@Kevin from Toronto,
I sure hope so. Did you forget the insane pace that line had to start the last season?
[Reply]
@anybody:first-rounder for brent burns.wouldn’t that
be cool.
[Reply]
I’m still laughing at “pre-Madonna”
I like Moller but I don’t think he’s bulked up enough to make it in the NHL. Perhaps Loktionov can though.
[Reply]
Brent Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 4:29 pm
@Kenny, I have to admit, I was cracking up over this as well. So were my officemates.
[Reply]
VanKingsFan Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:14 am
@Kenny, Its amazing with all of the smaller players succeeding in the NHL today that everyone feels Moller is too small. Moller is huge compared to some guys already in the NHL. The size isnt his issue, he is just figuring it all out still.
If Williams gets hurt or struggles, Moller is my first pick to play that top line RW. He has a dynamite shot and him and Kopi could be Forsberg/Hejduk (first comparison that came to mind)
[Reply]
Old Man Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:40 am
@VanKingsFan, I agree with you 100% on Moller, He`s got the quickness,the shot, and most of all the heart,would love to see him have a great year.
[Reply]
I dont realy care about williams. I agree he is for some strange reason a compliment to r.s and kopi but even though i dont care doesnt meenvhe didnt do a good job. Those three kicked ass and took names until j.w got hurt. So all in all i was happy with willy i think he fills a role of suport. Im more concerned with d.d if the kings let this kid go ohhhh %$#@. But d.l is so good at barganing and nagotiating so im at eeeeez sarcasm very deep in horse shit. I bettrr strap on the 6 foot boots. I just hope and pray to the gods of nhl.
[Reply]
kings fan in temecula Reply:
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:03 pm
@irish lak, yeeeah, he’s alright when the situation works for him but thats not very often, he just seems so so average, doesnt really jump out at the puck like someone on that line should…dunno..maybe i’m not seeing straight
[Reply]
I agree with irish lak keep d d we need him and GO KINGS GO I LOVE YOU GUYS CANT WAIT TO SEE U THIS SEASON
[Reply]
Go kings go
[Reply]
I just hope we kick the ducks ass
[Reply]
Sorry i hope we kick the ducks butt mot !@@
[Reply]
F kovi i n.j is sweating bullets
[Reply]
Thank you rich for all your hard work. I realy apreciate it. We all do. Have a good night and relax because you didnt on va.ca.
[Reply]
Rich, how about a Scuderi interview on his first year as a king and how he likes it down here!
[Reply]
I agree with Irish LAK; thanks Rich, you are awesome. Best in sports at what you do. Keep up the good work. Just a thought, can you test DL mind and see if he has any options (I.E. trades) up his sleeve without him giving names out of course.
[Reply]
What is the status of Westgarths injury?
[Reply]
Thinking about the Division race although history would say SJ can’t be ignored. I believe its between the Kings and Coyotes this season. Although the yotes lost some D they did add Ray Whitney, and I was upset they were able to recently resign Stepinak he was on fire the few games he played in Phx.
As for SJ Nabokov >>> Nittimaki.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:39 am
@luc20rules,
I think we’ll see a big drop off with SJ this year. The defense and goal tending still not all that great. Not thinking the yots will be a problem, but I thought that last year too. I think the Kings have a shot at the division crown.
The conference is another story. I think the road to the cup will go through Vancouver. As much as it pains me to say it, they are my pick to win the cup. I actually thought they would last year too, but Mitchel getting hurt ruined that. Chicago is gonna flop IMHO. Detroit is going to be 2nd in the conference imho.
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Kevin Y Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:45 am
@luc20rules,
Agreed… Having Niemi will certainly help, but their defense is still more than vulnerable. Without Blake, they basically have Boyle, Vlasic, and I guess Huskins and Murray. I think our D is better, our goaltending offsets, and their offense is better.
Really, I think the battle between LA and SJ is a toss-up. It’s SJ’s to lose, and LA and PHX’s to take.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:06 am
@Kevin Y, Agreed; although I will go on the record as saying the Kings have more Depth at Forward.
San Jose is a two line team in terms of offense; I especially think the loss of Malholtra will be felt pretty heavily.
SJ has good D though; Dougy Murrey is their version of Matty Norstrom, and Huskins is solid
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Kevin Y` Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@VanKingsFan,
Good points… I think Malhotra moving on will hurt SJ, but about your two-line team comment… of course, those top 6 guys are Heatley, Marleau, Thornton, Pavelski, Setoguchi, and Clowe… you’d be hard-pressed to find any other team who has a stronger top 6.
It’ll be tough this year… but it’ll be exciting. Gotta say, there has probably never meen this much excitement around these parts for an upcoming LA Kings hockey season. Expectations should be high this year. I’m not saying we’re Cup favorites, but I think we can be expected to at least contend and compete.
I have been around the league as long as the Kings. Heck,I may have even been at the expansion draft. Just as a comment here, all that time we have had some winners, slackers, prospects that made it (even though a lot of times with another team), and prospects that didn’t.
All that time, I have stood behind any player wearing a Kings jersey, hoped like the devil he did well, and I probably have his name on one of my jerseys or hats.
My only point is my devotion to whatever management puts on the ice each year. I think DL has done a heck of a job in building. Not saying some players don’t deserve criticism but never hatred.
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king’s fans
push DL to out-of-character first-rounder for good
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THANKS RICH!! I appreciate your response to mt question. Here’s another one that could spark some interest. Is there any way you could get an interview with Justin Williams to update his current health sitoation and how he sees his role with the Kings? There are a lot of people bashing him on this site, somewhat unfairly, as he busted his butt to get back and play from a HORRIBLE accident. Instead of cutting the guy some slack for trying to help his team reach the playoffs for the 1st time in many. many years, he was ripped for his poor play. Now, there were times that he played bad but I think his heart and determination deserve another opportunity. It also must have hurt his confidence to be a healthy scratch in the playoffs. I’m sure true Kings fans would like to hear how he plans on gearing up for this season, what his goals are in terms of production and how he is coming along. Go Kings!!!
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I’m starting to get the itch. I just spent the last couple hours pouring over all of the old posts on Inside the Kings (yes, the old one). It was interesting to see all the old posts and everything. Has it really been two years since Rinkside and Tom Feuer?
I’m dying for some season previews or something!
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Sancho Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:59 am
@Matt R,
I hear you, I tend to loath the summertime. I am really excited for the NHL season to start! September is the most difficult month for me. So close, yet so far away.
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8ball Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:17 am
@Sancho
my sentiments exactly. good riddance to
quicksand kovalchuk.what a mess. that sort of
deal isn’t even good for the player.
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Joe Dirt Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:52 am
@Matt R,
Go on the hfboards. There is all kinds of active discussions about the team there.
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Kevin Y Reply:
September 4th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
@Matt R,
Ew… how could you dare remind us of Stinkside?
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Bill Guerin to Kings, maybe? I didnt see that coming. I’d be down for that.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/449730-nhl-buzz-ilya-kovalchuk-decision-day-20
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VanKingsFan Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:39 am
@Schoeny, Straight crazy talk, and I think it would be a bad idea.
Where does he fit in?
RW
Brown
Williams
Simmonds
Moller
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Sebastian Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
@VanKingsFan,
But it sounds like a done deal!
“Bill Guerin is in talks with several teams. It is believed the LA Kings are among them”
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Can you believe POS is a UFA? Yeah, I can.
Glad we picked up Williams and I hope we have an injury free year from him.
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Pat Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@BluLiner,
From what i seen in NHL. He got trade to Phoenix.
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Otto Ped Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
@Pat, And then Phoenix bought out him out
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BluLiner Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 5:06 pm
@Pat,
Phoenix released him and it looks like he is still a free agent.
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