Kyle Clifford certainly got in his work today. Clifford was on the ice for the entire morning skate, then stayed out for about a half-hour of conditioning skating with healthy scratches Davis Drewiske and Peter Harrold. By all indications, Clifford isn’t suffering from any type of concussion symptoms, which is the most important thing, and could be ready to return to full-team practice tomorrow with an eye toward playing Thursday. Here’s what Clifford said today about his return to the ice…
CLIFFORD: “I’m not having any problems. I guess it was just kind of a precaution, to make sure I heal up OK. From the first day, nothing was too out of sorts.”
Question: It must have been a little scary for a while there, though?
CLIFFORD: “No. It has happened before. That’s just the way I fight. I’m a brawler, so I’m always exposed. That’s the way it’s going to go sometimes. I’m not really a defensive fighter, so fighting the bigger guys, I’m going to be exposed sometimes. It’s not the first time.”
And here’s what Terry Murray said today about getting Clifford back…
MURRAY: “He progressed really good after yesterday. He had a hard bike ride and felt really good. The key today is going to be, how is going to feel two or three hours from now? He’s going to get some hard work, and then we’ll see where that falls. He will see our doctor again tonight and then maybe be ready for a full practice tomorrow.”
Not having any problems? I thought a previous report said the “headaches have stopped.”
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fiveholio Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
I’m guessing he means nothing out of the ordinary when you get coldcocked. Getting hit like that is going to give you headaches, bvut it’s good there isn’t anything else right now.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@fiveholio, I guess the reason I brought it up was the thing about concussions, etc., etc. Headaches are a symptom. It’s great that they went away, but….
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CameronAC Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, headaches are going to be a symptom anytime your head gets hit by something. the good thing is they stopped, if they had been prolonged, i would have worried about a concussion
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
In this case, I’m sure ‘Not having problems’ = Not having headaches. Any post-concussion protocol would need that to be true.
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As nails, tuff as nails!
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Ryan Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@Jamesonafterawin, Even his interviews come off as a tough guy. I love everything about this kid, lock him into a long deal Dean!
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smoKING gun Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 3:24 pm
@Jamesonafterawin,
Like your moniker, Jameson before, during and after a win. An 18 year old when the the Kings win the cup, if your talking whiskey that is.
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Love this kid! go Cliffy!
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Dear Kyle, learn how to pick your spots and don’t be stupid about it.
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loskingpride Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@deadcatbounce, Dear Westgarth, stop telling Clifford to fight for you, then fight the smaller guy.
That is all.
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tantrum4 Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:18 pm
@loskingpride,
The smaller guy? Westgarth fought Cam Jansens (and beat him), who is one of the premier tough guys in the league. Think before you type.
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Raitis Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@tantrum4,
Jannssen has actually had a pretty bad year fighting this year IMO
Last year > This year for him. Has gotten beaten quite a lot
Belexes Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@tantrum4,
BamBam is a buzzsaw, just ask Brad May. There are alot of legit tough guys around the league that give him plenty of room.
Dan H. Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@tantrum4,
LOL. yeah they go hit players like Doughty while “bam bam” sits on the bench watching the game and then doesn’t fight them when he gets on the ice.
Bob Smith Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@tantrum4, Reaves is an inch taller and 10lbs heavier than Janssen. Why don’t you check your facts first.
“…with an EYE toward playing Thursday.” Ouch. Slap a porterhouse on that pun, Rich. LOL.
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Your a bad man Cliffy. Much respect.
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“with an eye toward playing Thursday” lol
Poor guy that’s a nasty bruise
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couple of things here concern me.
hes had this before? Not surprising, but if anything has been shown as sequela of concussion syndromes, it is that repeated blows to the head have a cumalitive effect down the line. Then he goes on to say hes not a defensive fighter. Well, he better learn to be or he will have a short career and his life beyond hockey will be affected. I hope someone sits down with him and makes him aware of these facts and teaches him some defensive fighting techniques. Being tough is one thing, but being smart about your future is another.
That being said, Im glad he is feeling better. You are one of my favorites KC!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@tornado12, I was thinking the same stuff. Guess I got side tracked by the “not having any problems” comment, in contrast to the “no more headaches” reports that came before.
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jayhay Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@tornado12, i also agree about the picking your spots, but i also see him doing this to establish himself. i think at the end of the day, this rookie year, maybe even next year, will be the most he fights. power forwards tend to start their careers in this manner, then drop them on a need-to-drop basis the further along in their careers they get. 5-6 years from now, i would wager Cliffy is getting maybe 7-8 fighting majors/year, and 10 years down the road, its closer to 3-4 fights a year. not discounting the fighting at all though, very tough and dangerous way to make a living.
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well u know what the saying is “if it doesn’t kill u it will make u stronger” i think that how it goes LOL
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RobSD Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 4:31 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
What about paralysis?
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Just don’t pull a Laperriere (although I love the guy) and lie about symptoms.
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OK everybody, time to put in your orders for #13 sweaters. The “Brawler” is a keeper.
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speaking of head injuries, i just got a look at the elbow by Matt Cooke against the Rangers and something needs to be done with this guy. He is the epitome of a repeat offender and he has no place in professional Hockey IMO, and neither does Gillies! the league or there respected teams need to get it together and can these guys! First time, your bad! second or third or fourth its the league and the organizations at fault here to let guys like this continue to suit up and be a serious threat to the well being of other players.
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launch Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, maybe he should talk with Sir Mario…
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tornado12 Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@launch, there is quite a bit of irony there no?
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@tornado12, Yep
Dan H. Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Rest of regular season and first round of playoffs he’s suspended for.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Dan H.,
I think the NHL finally got it somewhat right, though all of the playoffs would have been better. The guy is a joke
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@FKA PakiFro, tell me about it! even though the suspension was lengthier than most (deseved) what happens next time when the guy turns someone into a vegetasble? I just think enough is enough! These guys are employed by the NHL and if i did something multiple times i would loose my job and that doesnt even include seriously injuring anyone. I realize this is a tough sport and injuries will happen (accidently) but its just beyond rediculous with this guy.
gene Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, NHL just gave him a suspension for the rest of the year and the first round of the play offs. Even the Pittsburg media went off on Cooke as well as the coach and GM.
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Clifford drama done…..he’ll be back on Thursday
one tough SOB
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I hope Clifford reads this…
Clifford.. you a tough SOB and from a real hockey fight fan… Don’t change a damn thing… Your in the running for Rookie fighter of the year on hockeyfights.com and one of the sites favorites… You play the game the way it should be.. Keep it up…
From a long time Clifford supporter..
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God this kid makes me proud. I can’t believe he’s not even legal to buy a beer yet! Keep it up Cliffy you’ve defintely doled out your share of whoopens!
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pr0cess Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@Hat trick, he can drink in canada
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tornado12 Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@Hat trick, in canada he is
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That’s why we need Westy in the li……wait a minute!….He was in the line up. lol
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dropkickfan Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@Dominick, And westie did his job against Bam Bam.. quite well…. He also tried to get Reaves to go in the 3rd, but Reaves wouldn’t
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Dominick Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@dropkickfan,
Absolutely gotta give him credit there. I do think justifying him in the line up because he deters anything is a moot point though. I don’t believe he should be in the line up just for fighting match ups. I think it’s how he’s currently being used that hurts the Kings.
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it’s obvious that clifford knows that his ability to drop the gloves helped get him to the NHL…as fans we need to remember that this kid just turned 20. as much as I like to see him beat the snot out of the other team, we should all hope that this kid learns how to protect himself a little better. like DL or TM said, this guy could be a king for 15+ years…but only if he limits the times he gets KTFO.
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RobSD Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@M.T. Net,
I think you’re dreaming a little. How many players play on the same team for 15 plus years? Not even Wayne.
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BobKnob Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 7:58 pm
@RobSD,
Jarome Iginla is pretty close.
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Westy went with Bam Bam and also wanted to go with Reaves. But Reaves turned him down. Get off Westies case.
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Just maybe Clifford should concider a good self defense course during the off season.
http://www.tigercrane.net/hunggar.html
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Love to watch young Clifford fight but I hope he decides to fight smarter, with some defense. Glad his injury wasn’t as bad as I feared when he got rocked and went down. KC is a tough customer, no doubt. Fun to watch.
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All good Kyle, I like the name “Brawler” for you.
Again anyone going to the game tonight and see’s Cliffy let him know Harty says hi and I’m looking forward to watching him on Thursday…….
He is one tough kid, most of us with 20 year olds have them in 1st or 2nd year college, not playing in the NHL and surviving with the tough guys….
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Schlgsgrl Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@Harty, Hi Harty, I sent Kyle a text and told him you said hi and look forward to seeing him skate on Thursday! I am too! He is doing great. I just hope he doesn’t fight for a while. Give that eye a rest!
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Harty Reply:
March 22nd, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Schlgsgrl, thanks, appreciate it…lets beat San Jose
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Cliffy in a way reminds me of a guy we had in our system few years back who if I am not mistaken was named Flynn.All I remember is that he got his head handed to him in one fight and never heard of him again. Now, he never had the overall skill and skating as Cliffy, but I am just worried if Clifford does not adopt some sort of defensive fighting technique, he might have his careier cut short as well. I hope that’s not the case, because I truly love the grit on this kid.
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If the whole team played like Clifford, they would be favorites to win the cup. This team needs his toughness. Lately they have been playing like a bunch of wimps. I have been a fan of the Kings since 67/68. I have never seen a Kings team that have been so intimidated physically by the opposition like this one.
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dropkickfan Reply:
March 21st, 2011 at 7:33 pm
@Jim Martin, Bingo!
Good Post
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Kids’s like an old school player..Tough as nails!
He’ll give a lot more than he’ll get.
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who interviewd Clifford it must have been scary for a moment that is a very dumb question must of been a softie
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