Tuesday (non-)practice update « LA Kings Insider

Tuesday (non-)practice update

Posted by Rich Hammond on 28 December 2010, 12:30 pm

Terry Murray said Alexei Ponikarovsky, who missed last night’s game, will attempt to participate in tomorrow’s morning skate and might be able to play against Phoenix. The Kings didn’t practice today, opting for a team meeting instead, but Ponikarovsky went to the practice rink for treatment today. Jonathan Quick will get the start in goal against the Coyotes. Willie Mitchell, back in Los Angeles receiving, has been cleared to start skating, but Murray had not yet received word as to whether Mitchell got on the ice today. More notes and quotes to come, including a look at Dustin Brown, some of the Kings’ top defensemen from last night and Murray’s memories of a previous “Air Mail” pass and goal…

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67 Comments

NOW IMPRESSED says:

December 28, 2010 at 12:36 pm

Does anyone know what Alexei Ponikarovsky and Willie Mitchell’s injuries were?

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josh e. Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED,

willie mitchel’s was a knee…not sure about poni…probably groin

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@josh e., If so, Poni will probably either be really conservative for a long time or re-injur. Let’s hope it’s not much and they’re already treating it conservatively.

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DB6 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I was at the game right by the bench and saw him favoring a foot coming off a shift . Im not a doctor but im assuming its an ankle or something he took a puck to. If its not broken its probably a bone bruise. (which is why its day to day)
AZ King says:

December 28, 2010 at 12:38 pm

Good news about Poni and Mitchell. Hopefully we can have both those guys back by the time we play SJ again.

Weather forecast is calling for a chance, albeit a very small one, of snow tomorrow and Thursday in Phoenix.

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jl20 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
@AZ King, are yo going to the game

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AZ King Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
@jl20,

No. I’m flying in tomorrow night, but it’ll be too late for the game.

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jl20 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
@AZ King, are in the valley and are there more of us out here

mrbrett7 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@AZ King, Wow…snow in Pheonix? I guess that makes sense…supposed to be below zero here in Denver Thursday night and snowing.

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AZ King Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@mrbrett7,

I’m actually in Denver right now. Been flying in and out of here for the last couple of days. Hard to imagine it getting that cold. It’s been great here for the last few days.

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mrbrett7 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
@AZ King, Yeah it has…too bad I’m stuck inside working. I’d rather be up in the mountains taking advantage of this!

ABQ King Transplant Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
@AZ King, My son and I are fliying in for the game from Albuquerque. Any idea where the morning skate is located…is it open to fans?

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Rich Hammond Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
At Jobing.com Arena, but not typically open to public, per arena security.

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ABQ King Transplant Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
@Rich Hammond, Thanks for the info

AZ King Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@ABQ King Transplant,

If I’m not mistaken it’s usually at the Ice Den in Scottsdale.

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AZ King Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@AZ King,

Nevermind, thanks Rich.

kylecliffordfan Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
@AZ King, There is no chance of snow in the phoenix area tomorrow. Just 70% chance of rain. Snow maybe in the high country but not in the Valley.

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kylecliffordfan Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
@AZ King, Are you a pilot? Who do you fly for…

If you don’t want to say, what equipment are you on?

I am typed in the CL-65, Be-400, MU-300, and ERJ-135

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AZ King Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
@kylecliffordfan,

I am. I fly for Shuttle America, which is part of Republic Airways. We do regional flying for United and Delta in the Embrear 170/175.

I’m rated in the DHC-8, EMB135/140/145, and EMB170/190.

Do you fly coporate? Just taking a guess based on your ratings.

mcsorleyfan Reply:
December 29th, 2010 at 3:27 am
@kylecliffordfan, Cessna 172 Skyhawk!

kylecliffordfan Reply:
December 29th, 2010 at 5:50 am
@kylecliffordfan, I started out at Mesa Airlines on the Beech-1900 and then the CRJ.. Then I was hired at NetJets and was furloughed. Currently I am hired at a corporate shuttle flying PAX on an ERJ.
Dominick says:

December 28, 2010 at 12:39 pm

Sure hope Poni’s O.K. The 4rth line really needs him. Westgarth is alright, and can use the playing time, but can’t sustain the forcheck with Richie and Lewis. Whenever that line was halted, it was usually because Westy couldn’t sustain the pressure. I’m not knocking him, just think it’s alot to ask for with his skill set. Poni ties it all together.

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DesertKing Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
@Dominick,

One positive about Westy is he stands his ground. When Richardson went down just prior to passing it to Lewis for the first goal, you will see Westy jumping in against the two guppies and tying them up so Lewis could recover and make the pass. When the Kings play as a team, they win and even the little things count when you play against the top level teams.

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Dominick Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@DesertKing,
That was my exact take on that play also.

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kylecliffordfan Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
@Dominick, I thought the 4th line played better last night than they did against the Ducks. They did score a goal last night.

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Dominick Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
@kylecliffordfan,
Everybody played better. I watched the replay and tracked the puck when that line was out, and where the forcheck usually broke down was when Westy was in a position to make a play, and it got by, or was ahead of him. I’m not complaining, because he can’t improve if he doesn’t play, and he has the heart to compete. Just sayin I can’t wait till Poni is back in.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

December 28, 2010 at 12:40 pm

So it looks like Bernier will be between the pipes against Philly.

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AZ King Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

Kind of makes me nervous, but that would fall in line with TM’s goaltending philosophy. Bernier seems to be finding his game lately though. If he does play against Philly that might be the game he needs to finally put everyone’s minds at ease.

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SplattDaddy Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Really thought they should have Bernie in for the Phx Dogs and Quicker in at Philly….but then again WTH do I know ?

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kevin Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
@SplattDaddy, I would play quick against the divisonal opponent if we loose to philly its not as bad as loosing to the yotes at least thats how I look at it

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DesertKing Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@kevin,

I agree. Philly will also be a good test for Bernier.

What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@kevin, That is Murray’s stated philosophy, at least, and it makes some sense.

USHA#17 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
@kevin,

Put me in the line with those who feel that its more important to beat the Coyotes and deny them division points then it is to (maybe) beat Philly.

mrbrett7 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
@SplattDaddy, The 2 points against Pheonix are MUCH more important than 2 points against Philly.

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SplattDaddy Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
@mrbrett7, …Understood and agreed

What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Not to be argumentative, but to state it definitively: the two points are the same, to my knowledge, but depriving Phoenix of them is a higher priority than depriving Philly of them.
SplattDaddy says:

December 28, 2010 at 12:43 pm

This is the “coach” part of me.
“Boys this is the type of game you need to bring each and every night and if you do you will never be disappointed. It’s better to have lost a contest playing your best, than to have lost knowing you didn’t bring your best. Don’t allow these DAMNED POWERFUL victories get to your head. Stay humble…the hockey Worlds still has no respect for the Kings….none. Go out and continue to earn that respect. Now…let’s go out and punish the Desert Dogs Wednesday night…do not let up”.

That being said….Daaaaaaaamn what a great game…. = )

BTW…Richie doesn’t get clear without Westie creating the separation.

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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
@SplattDaddy, Yeah, Phoenix and Anaheim play tonight. That should be something. The Kings need to get the jump again, this time on Phoenix, so they never get their legs under them. Almost as importantly, I hope they have enough gas in the tank after coming home to take on Philly. It’d be way too easy for them to get home and relax. To me, it screams out to be one of those “hotel games” where a sharp coach and GM would put them in a hotel downtown on returning from Phoenix, instead of sending them home.

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slovenian fan Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
agree 100 % on hotel in LA and then new year eve.

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SplattDaddy Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Good call on the Hotel…I like it. Listening DL ?

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Dominick Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
@SplattDaddy,
That goal by Richie was a good example of a big guy making room for the little guy. The player that leveled Richie got tied up with westy and lost Richie when he got up and drove the net.

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Dominick Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Oops! meant goal by Lewis.

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Belexes Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
@Dominick,

We knew what you meant, and agree with you. The Kings still rolled 4 effective lines with Westy in the lineup, and he played more than a small part in the success.

mrbrett7 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
@Dominick, Well, let’s be fair…Westy came in and cross checked McGinn in the face…that’s one way to create space.

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Dominick Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@mrbrett7, I was half expecting a fight, till Lewis scored. I was disappointed and pleasantly surprised all at the same time.

SplattDaddy Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
@mrbrett7, “I didn’t hit you in the mug, I was just high-fiving your face”…..LOL

mrbrett7 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
@mrbrett7, @ all the rest of you…not that I was complaning about it.

I wonder what Richardson’s face really looked like…he had to go from OUCH to, hey, what’s this? The puck? How did I get this back so easily?
kevin says:

December 28, 2010 at 12:46 pm

I hope when Mitchell comes back they pair him with Martinez and scratch Drewiskie I think that would give us a great pairing Martinez has earned a spot of Drewisky and Harrold in my opinon

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mrbrett7 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
@kevin, I would imagine that would be the plan. Although I would bet that Mitchell would get paird with Scuderi, and Greene would get paird with Martinez.

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kevin Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
@mrbrett7, Ya thats what I think happens but I say why mess with a good thing. It reminds me of my uncle. He says “if it aint broke fix it till it is” ha ha I just like the pairings scuds and greene are a great defensive pairing.

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Sammuch Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
@kevin, I agree, he was drafted way behind Hickey in the same year. Well if hickey does not work out, Alec looks pretty good to take his place that draft year

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USHA#17 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
@Sammuch,

Hickey wasn’t ready. Martinez is already an excellent, dependable core player that any club would love to have. This kid has great hockey sense, will take a check to make a play, rarely makes mistakes and loves to hit opponents.

Shoot there is enough confidence in Martinez that Murray is willing to pair him with Drewiske.

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xeropoint Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
@USHA#17, Not to mention the absolute WHEELS this kid has- to go along with all the other important stuff you mentioned.
Sammuch says:

December 28, 2010 at 1:58 pm

Kings are showing the NHL teams we are no longer puch overs! :-//

Wow, this might be the 1st year ever all 3 Cali teams might make the playoff. How great is that for expanding hockey fan base in Cali.

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mrbrett7 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
@Sammuch, It would be even better if they played one another in the playoffs in a 7 game war.

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Sammuch Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@mrbrett7, Yes I agree

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Matthew Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
@Sammuch, No way the Ducks make the playoffs and the ONLY reason they’re remotely in the picture is because they have played 5-6 more games than anyone else except Chicago. On top of that, their backup is a siv and thus, Hiller will get worn down by the end of the season and they’ll fade further and further out of the race. What’s even better news, the Pond will be empty thanks to the fickle Ducks fans, revenue drops and they’ll lose even more money this year than last!!! Although Forbes reported far less, their owner claimed a $10 million loss last season… forget about free agency and improving the team and instead let’s talk about sending them to Winnipeg! Ok so I dream.

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Sammuch Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
@Matthew, I know we are all diehard fans. Let’s not forget how great it is for Cali hockey to see the Kings, Sharks & ducks do for Cali Hockey & rivary of excitement these teams create to hate eachother! I personally love it!

I am tried to see all these other sports takeover these sports-bar & always have to ask for them to put the Hockey game on. If any team leaves the State it will be a sad day for Hockey in Cali.

I think NHL should add a team in San deigo & Sacramento, that would be great for Caliafroina Hockey.

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USHA#17 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
@Sammuch,

Bring back the Seals…Seriously, think about what that would do for Western Travel. Four teams in California. Move Dallas to Oakland and rename them the Seals.

Dominick Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
@Sammuch,
I wouldn’t want too many teams in Cali. New York has 3, plus a few other teams that are only a stones throw away, but they have the weather to support the culture there.

I do share your enthusiasm for a playoff show down though. That alone would be a boost to hockey in Cali. The Kings winning the cup wouldn’t be so bad either. It would actually give relivance to the casual fan, and strengthen the rivalries.

Nitrohockey Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
@Matthew, Looking at it mathematically, if all the other division teams play .500 hockey the rest of the way, the ducks are out. Those bad games early on killed them. Everyone else will catch and overtake them.

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Sammuch Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
@Nitrohockey, I agree with your math.

But we would love to see the Kings kick the ducks ass in the playoffs. All these years and we still have not met in the playoffs. I want to go duck hunting,Bang Bang

KC23 Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
@Nitrohockey, Agreed. You can’t win consistantly with only one line no matter how good it is.
KingsFanFTW says:

December 28, 2010 at 2:18 pm

I hope Mitchell and Poni are going to be okay and come back soon and stay healthy for once not to be mean but how can u rejoin then get injuryed its unhear of but then it happen so it most and bad things happen just wish we have our full team back together but i hope they are alright

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Bonvivant1 says:

December 28, 2010 at 2:35 pm

I’m here in phoenix. Looking for an extra ticket though. All my buddies with season tickets won’t give them up. Could be the hottest ticket in town this week. Arrghh!!!! Forgot to mention all the BCS bowl games. NOT.

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Dude says:

December 28, 2010 at 2:51 pm

I’d go with Bernie! Save quick for philly

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kevin Reply:
December 28th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
@Dude, the division points are more inmoptant play quick vs pho bern vs phil

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