Willie Mitchell’s return likely means that Brad Richardson will go on injured reserve, retroactive to Friday. Richardson is scheduled to be evaluated by doctors today in Los Angeles.
The Kings will go with a second line of Ryan Smyth, Jarret Stoll and Oscar Moller, and a fourth line of Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis and John Zeiler, leaving Davis Drewiske, Peter Harrold and Kevin Westgarth as the healthy scratches. Jonathan Quick will start in goal.
Terry Murray said Marco Sturm might join the Kings tomorrow in St. Louis if he is medically cleared. Sturm’s evaluation isn’t even scheduled to start until 10 a.m. Pacific time, so don’t expect any word soon. Sturm will wear No. 10 with the Kings. More notes and quotes to come…
We usually rise to the level or ourcompetition. I have a feeling the team will do great tonight and give us a win. The road usually brings teams together and forces coaches to reevaluate things, so hopefully a certain PP coach will find something to fix our PP. Having WM and Poni back should help also. GKG!!
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Wow!!! Sturmie & Mitchell = Big Boost for whole team to get things rolling again.
Go Kings Go!!!
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Sturm- So he took Schenn’s number?
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mrbob25 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:01 am
@J-Ro,
Seems like a slap in the face, doesn’t it?
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Brian Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:03 am
@mrbob25, hardly…Schenn didn’t earn his spot on the roster so have at it Sturm.
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KC23 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:38 am
@Brian, Agreed. Schenn hasn’t done squat. Sturm is a hardened vet.
Tom Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:04 am
@mrbob25,
Not really. Schenn is back in juniors and Sturm will most likely sign as a UFA somewhere else next season so if Schenn makes the team next year he can get his no. 10 back.
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mrbob25 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:07 am
@Tom @Brian,
All good points.
Mugsy Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:51 am
@Tom, Luc had to get his number back once or twice when he came back to the Kings in his many returns. It happens all the time. Whoever wants the number bad enough will do whatever it takes to get it. If Sturm is with the Kings next year and Schenn is as well, one of them will wear a different number than they did previously. I’m sure Schenn has worn many different number in all his years of hockey, so to get it swithched is no biggie. Also, to echo what others have stated, Schenn has earned his spot with his Juniors team (Wheat Kings I think…). He hasn’t earned it here. The dust will settle and he’ll play again with or without the #10. Life goes on.
And to everyone who thinks the sky is falling, it ain’t. This is hockey. This is very, very competitive hockey. The Ducks are ahead of the Kings because they have played 6 more games. The dust will settle in the standings as well. If the Kings make it to the playoffs, that’s awesome. If they don’t, are you still going to be a fan? I will.
John Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:08 am
@J-Ro,
Yep, that’s WAY messed up! Schenn is the one with a big future in this orgnazation, not Sturm. Oh well.
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Matt George Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@John,
Like it or not … Schenn is still a rookie.
He’s lucky Sturm doesn’t have him lace his skates.
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LA67 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:48 am
@Matt George,
Agree…..Schenn needs to earn it.
Mickey Keenan Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:47 am
@John, Who cares… Sturm is UFA and Schenn will not be joining the Kings this year… worry about it next year if the Kings re-sign Sturm.
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backchecker Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
@John, excellent point however it is a layaway plan they dont hold numbers LOL
However you are correct Schenn is the future and Sturm is another on of DL’S dead sharks
Can anyone please tell me how many dead sharks Dl has brought since 2006
Thanks you
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:03 am
@J-Ro, @ all the others above,
All great points.
Don’t forget that there is special significance to the number 10 in hockey. It implies you are the main main offensively, the big scorer…
Who will actually EARN that number? Still to be determined, yes?
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Shotongoal Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I really don’t know why so many are obsessing about what number whomever wears. I care about having a quality team and competing for the Cup. Maybe that’s the p[roblem with this “hockeytown”, too many people worrying about things that don’t matter. I bet Wing fans, Pens fans, etc don’t worry about what number some player is going to wear…IMHO
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@Shotongoal,
Wrong.
Goon Squad Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Never heard that about the number 10 in 30 years of watching hockey. If anything, the numbers 9 and 16 have that type of connotation. Interestingly enough Sturm was wearing 16 in Boston, can’t get that one in LA!
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Kings have 10 wins & 3 losses when Willie Mitchell is in the line up.
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:17 am
@Jay GoLAKings, Willie and Poni have made the Kings that tough to beat and when they were missing you could see just how valuble they were. Hope fully Sturm will add some offense if he is cleared, and hopefully that pinhead Kompon can start scheming better during games with the Power Play.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:36 am
@puck73, Never really expected Poni to be a big contributor, so I’m pleased in that regard.
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KC23 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:39 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Definate upgrade from Froloaf.
puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, For sure, Poni is so much better defensively and on the penalty kill then Frolov that it is laughable.
Sancho Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:58 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, +1
crashin' da net Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:01 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, agreed. Likek the way Poni is contributing. A better defense is as good as a better offense, kind, sorta,… just praying Marco give our Ofense that much needed spark, especially on the PPP.
really really like this line up….can’t wait to see that 4th line create some havoc
moller with at least a point tonight…..first assist on a Stoll goal
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:07 am
@launch, I would LOVE to see Moller tickel the twine… screw the assist, I want to see a Stamkoslike one timer on the PP from the Hash marks
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launch Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:21 am
@VanKingsFan, I didn’t want to get greedy…I figured if only ask for a point it may be a goal or an assist.
he certainly is capable of the sniper type goal…
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KC23 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:40 am
@launch, Moller is no rookie, he played in a ton of games last year.
Sturm – Kopitar – Williams
Smyth – Stoll – Brown
Poni – Zues – Simmonds
Clifford – Lewis – Westy/Zeiler
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outsider Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:15 am
@VanKingsFan, maybe you’re right, but first I would like to see:
Smyth – Kopitar – Williams
Sturm – Stoll – Brown
Poni – Zues – Simmonds
Clifford – Lewis – Westy/Zeiler
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mark4kings Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:20 am
@outsider, I like either scenario.
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Jay GoLAKings Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@VanKingsFan, how about this?
Sturm – Kopitar – Brown
Smyth – Stoll – Williams
Poni – Zues – Simmonds
Clifford – Lewis – Westy/Zeiler
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outsider Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:26 am
@Jay GoLAKings, I think that Kopi and Williams MUST stay together!!!
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:27 am
@outsider, Agreed, I think they are our two best forwards and they are helping each other.
Jay GoLAKings Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:51 am
@outsider,
We all know the numbers from are best line (2nd line Smyth – Stoll – Williams) are great and I know that will continue. I agree that Williams will help Kopi but overall this will help the team in the scoring department. Sturmie might work out great with Kopi who knows until you try?
Barry's Mullet Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:27 am
@VanKingsFan, I like those lines with one exception…switch Brown and Williams. Williams can hold onto the puck and Brown simply can’t. Stoll can’t and Smyth can’t, so you are basically putting 2 finishers on the second line with no play maker. Without Williams on the second line…that line simply doesn’t work.
We have a team full of grinders and one play maker, that’s why TM has been reluctant to break up the second line. Now if Sturm can add something new to the first line, that will take some of the pressure off the second line which has been carrying the bulk of the play 5 on 5.
I was picking on Simmer being MIA all season up until the last few games…but Zeus has been MIA just about every game. I don’t get it, he’s a RFA after this season?
And what happens when Richie comes back?
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crashin' da net Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:05 am
@Barry’s Mullet, Offensively yea (well he does work the boards and creates screens very well) but defensively he has been the backbone of our PK unit.
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Dazed N Confused Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:42 am
@crashin’ da net, I couldn’t agree with you more. Zeus is the one breaking up passes, blocking shots, and he never gives up on a play. I believe he is a great fit and he will score some points too.
Barry's Mullet Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
@crashin’ da net, Don’t get me wrong, the guy is amazing defensively and is a big part of our PK. BUT…he scored 20 goals and 40 points LY which is one of the reasons why we had such a great season. The game is all about secondary scoring and with the rest of the team struggling, yes you need a defensive minded player like Zeus, but he just seems to be a shell of himself from last season.
If he drops down to 10 goals and 25 points in the last year of his contract playing with a Simmer who should be getting better and Poni who is just as good if not better overall than Frolov, something’s not right?
Mitch is great news, once again unless Oscar picks it up not sure why him?? Keep your head up Oscar I would hate to think Brad Stuart would hit him as hard as he hit Clifford last game, that could be nasty and unhealthy for Oscar. Lets see if he gets into the corners tonight and fish’es the puck out for Smyth or Stoll.
Speed game coming for sure, Sturm will be awesome and wondering what the lineup will look like with him in there for line changes and when Richie comes back. (finally some good choices rather than a bandaid effect)
GKG
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:37 am
@Harty, If I didnt know better, I would swear you are using pine tar because your takes recently have been round trippers !
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Harty Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:07 am
@puck73, George Brett pine tar, Kirk Gibson chaw, and Rick Monday’s long hit, remember when against the Expos in the shorten season to claim the pennant
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How effective is Sturm really going to be this year? Didn’t he had major ACL/MCL surgery in May. Didn’t it take both Zeus and JWill a full season to get back to form?
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:20 am
@EncinoMan, Good question..the suspense is killing me !
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@EncinoMan, I think bottom line, he will be more effective than Oscar Moller/Loktionov/Elkins/Cliche/Zeiler or whoever else might get called up from Manch.
And we didn’t give up anything, so I am behind Dean on this move.
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:43 am
@VanKingsFan, Agreed. If he can play, this guy has experience and can put the puck in the net. If not, Dean is going to have to re-tool the top scoring line beacuse with the exception of Kopitar, we really dont have anyone that scares the other team offensively this season.
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backchecker Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
@VanKingsFan, Yeah Right we did not give up anything LOL
Let me know when the deal is done at end of season Ever hear of Future Consierations
I am betting a low of 4rth round to a high of 2nd or even someone in the minors
after the season You have no idea nor do I
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Rich Hammond Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
The Kings are giving up nothing for Sturm. That’s a fact.
backchecker Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
@backchecker, NOTHING AS IN NOTHNG WHAT DOES FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS MEAN
You even reported in your interview with DL It is predicated on
how well Sturm does this year Hence something
Rich please explain what you mean NOTHING that is totally
contradictory
Rich Hammond Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
It’s a situation a bit like this. If Sturm scores 200 goals this season and the Kings win the Stanley Cup, Boston gets a seventh-round pick. Thus, the Boston GM said it’s nothing. It’s nothing. We can move on. Quickly.
KC23 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:42 am
@EncinoMan, The real question is … can he be better than what we’ve got. Scoring wise, that shouldn’t be all that hard to do.
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Why trade for a guy who’s hurt and won’t make an impact right away?
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:25 am
@Scaught, Because Richie and Parse are hurt and we dont give up anything for him. And if he is still hurt he wont pass the physical and thus, no trade.
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theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:25 am
@Scaught,
Because DL is not a risk taker. He got the wimpy Sturm for nothing.
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:55 am
@theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves, maybe Tony Twist is available.
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bmova Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
@puck73, I think Sid Crosby is also available. Maybe we could get him too!!!
backchecker Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
@theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves,
WONDERFULLY PUT !!!! HATS OFF INDEED
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KC23 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:44 am
@Scaught, Because he was free except for a 2.3 mil cap hit. That is an unbelievable bargin and well worth a try.
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:47 am
@KC23, Dont think you could even find a better deal at Wal MART.
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MARTY Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@KC23, WHO CARES ABOUT THE CAP HIT, EVERY TEAM SHOULD CARE ABOUT SCORING FROM THE FORWARDS AND DEFENSE FROM THE DEFENSEMAN AND GOALTENDING FROM THE GOAL TENDERS. THE KINGS DO NOT HAVE PURE GOAL SCORER TO GET TO LOOSE PUCKS OR CONTROL THE PLAY IN THE OFFENSIVE ZONE. MARCO STURM IS JUST ANOTHER FREDDIE MODIN, THE TEAM IS FULL OF THIRD AND FORTH LINE PLAYERS.DL IS THE REAL WIMP.
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Shotongoal Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:39 am
@MARTY, I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, but I think the problem lies with ownership not willing to spend the money. The GM can only do what he is authorized to do and spend. Think about it…..
backchecker Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@MARTY, I have been saying that all year Agree 100 pct and whos fault is that do you think ??
Michael J. Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
@MARTY, I think New Jersey and Boston care about cap hits.
I’m glad TM elected to go with Zeiler over a D-man at forward. Although I would like to see Westgarth, at least Zeiler will provide some grit and lots of energy. I likes
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:37 am
@theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves, What a shock you want to see Westgarth
I hope you were watching the last game for Clifford’s bought.. what a champion! Wayne Simmonds Part Deux
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theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:33 am
@VanKingsFan,
Yeah, Clifford has so much potential. Potential future power forward. Love the guy
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KC23 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves, I like Zeiler’s game. We have too many of his type on the team, but he still is pretty darn good.
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 10:50 am
@KC23, The Kings are loaded with 3rd and 4th line guys, defensemen, and Goalies. Thats good, but now we need to buld the top 2 scoring lines and then this organization will be one of the best in the NHL…We are getting closer @kc23 !
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theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:34 am
@KC23,
Yes and no. The kings don’t have many third/fourth liners. However, they don’t have an energy type that can get under the opposition’s skin. That’s where Zeiler comes in.
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theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:35 am
@theKingsNeedTogettoughanddropthegloves,
I mean the Kings DO have many third/fourth liners.
Sturm was an incredibly smart gamble and we gain off Bostons cap issues for sure
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Sancho Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:00 am
@408kingsfan, Gamble is the correct word. I hope it works out.
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Lanny McDonald's 'Stache Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
@Sancho,
And what exactly do we stand to lose if it doesn’t work out? I’m serious. Please tell me what the Kings are risking by getting Marco Sturm for nothing.
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:02 am
@408kingsfan, Boston fans, players, and management didnt seem thrilled with this move but it looks like they had no choice. Hopefully we can reap some nore rewards when New Jersey has to give some guys away which shouldnt be too much longer. We could use someone like Elias, or Langenbrunner at least for this season !
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:08 am
@408kingsfan,
Gamble is only about cap space, and that is not to be minimized or ignored, but clearly defined.
ACL-MCL surgery is not to be considered a trifle. BOS obviously didn’t think Sturm’s quickness will return. The Kings need his quickness as well as his soft hands. Sturm a step slow may seem like JW last year in the playoffs. The fact that he is still not ready worries me quite a bit, for this season.
The assumption should be Sturm will not be in full game shape until season’s end, if at all this season.
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fsd1 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, I dont think Boston wanted to get rid of him, strictly a cap issue i think
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
@fsd1,
I’m calling it a gamble because Kings’ cap space is lost, for the player…
If Sturm never is ready to play this year, the player was obtained for nothing but the lost cap space may influence other things that could have been done.
side note did anyone see “OV” last night? He hasn’t scored in forever and he got into a fight, got tagged there and then took a D shot off the leg from one of his own players and then quit, just like in the world juniors he walked away from the bench and quit…….
Don’t know about this guy?? Sid and Stamko’s are leaving him in the dust in scoring.
bye, bye OV
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@Harty,
He’ll be back.
The camera’s spotlight is on him from now until Jan 1…
Don’t underestimate the power of the Dark Side for these narcissists–Attention will drive the Great 8 to be great. The camera is on both Ovie and Crosby for that NHL special on HBO…
On the other hand, frustrate him and you see Ovie take himself out of the game. Seems like the playoffs will be his ultimate undoing, unless he learns to clear the nonsense out of his head.
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@Harty, Good thing Kompon is not his Power play coach or for sure he would be sent down and then get bitched out by Ron Hextall !
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
@Harty, Yep, and Kovalchoke out earns him for doing absolutely nothing! The guy with the worst +- in the league is out-earning OV; that must hurt!!
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PONI and MITCHELL are more important than i ever thought. last game proved PONI is betterupgrade than FRO, it wasnt an even fill in. PONI delivered a Hit against Minnesota that was the “Hit of the Game” at staples on saturday, Fro if you combined all of his hits over his career wouldnt be able to know a guy of his feet and 6 feet into the boards like poni did against the Wild.
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puck73 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:14 am
@jordan, Concur.
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Belexes Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
@jordan,
It was the hit of the season.
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tornado12 Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
@Belexes, JJ had a pretty good hit earlier as well.
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Good stuff Rich but when can we expect a Sturm interview? I’m interested to hear how he’s feeling and how he thinks he can help the Kings
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