Tying up some of the loose ends on the questions, before starting on some extensive player evaluations…
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Pesus asked: Do you know if DL or TM or any players read this blog?
Answer: I honestly have no idea.
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egold44 asked: It seems like the Kings are turning a corner depth-wise where their healthy scratches aren’t realistically fighting for playing time as much as serving as utility guys during injury stretches and practices, especially on defense. Since it’s better to play a guy in the minors than have him sit in an NHL press box, how will DL approach what appears to be a new phase? What’s your sense of how comfortable Kings management is with carrying a player like Drewiske who is scratched half the season, as opposed to letting him play in Manchester? (Harrold seems to be more of a utility guy with less upside from further development in the AHL, but his contract is now up.) If it were a perfect world with a healthy roster and the assumption that new free agent signings won’t be healthy scratches, who do you project the Kings will carry on their roster as “regular” scratches next season? Do you go out and spend the CBA minimum on certain vets that will most likely be healthy scratches, or carry and scratch younger players at the risk of them not developing as much as they might in the AHL?
Answer: Well, there’s no perfect answer here. No player wants to be a healthy scratch and, in truth, it’s not good for the player or the team to have any particular player parked for a long period of time. You look at Peter Harrold, who didn’t get into a game after Feb. 28. At some point, it almost becomes a Catch-22. When it gets to April, you’re hesitant to put that guy in the lineup because it’s been so long since he’s seen NHL action. Yet, the only way he’s going to see action is if you put him in. Ideally, you’re in a situation where your healthy scratches rotate into the lineup on a semi-regular basis, but the Kings, particularly on defense, stayed very healthy in the second half of the year and were happy with the six defensemen they had. Now, to answer your question going forward, if you must have players who sit for stretches, you’re correct in saying that you don’t want kids sitting out. Brayden Schenn and Andrei Loktionov were grade-A examples this season. They were much better served by playing every night at a lower level. Now, a guy like Davis Drewiske will be 27 in the fall. He’s not going to improve much by going to the AHL. Same for Harrold. I hesitate to use the word “ideal,” because it’s not idea, but the lesser-of-all-evils idea would be to have that type of versatile, slightly-older player who is also mature enough to handle sitting out for long stretches. To their credit, both Drewiske and Harrold had the perfect attitude for the role. It’s delicate, no question.
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Synergy asked: What sort of roster changes do you imagine we may see next season? Trades, rookies making the team, free agents acquired or lost.
Answer: I’m really not trying to be flippant, but you’re asking me to predict the future, and I don’t have the slightest idea. As I said in response to one of the first questions, Dean Lombardi doesn’t even know right now, and if he doesn’t know, I sure don’t. I would guess that only mild changes would take place, with at most one or two outside additions.
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LB asked: Rich, what is your best guess – will Bernier be moved this summer if the right offer(legit top 6 forward) comes along?
Answer: Honestly, you can take the name “Bernier” out of there and replace it with anyone. A GM, if he’s doing his job properly, does not look at players emotionally. He evaluates his options, in terms of trades, and if he believes trading a player will make the team better, both in the short term and long term, he will do it. I understand that you’re looking for a definitive answer, and I understand why, but there is no definitive answer. It’s a cliche, and not a particularly good one, but remember, Wayne Gretzky got traded (twice, in fact).
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LBlocal asked: Hammer, Summer plans… Any vacations on the horizon?? ‘S.L.O. Town’ doesn’t really cut it, eh?
Answer: Nothing big. Maybe a couple trips to visit friends. SLO is perfect for two weeks. Just enough time to get my annual fix, then it’s back to the big city.
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deadcatbounce asked: Rich, hope there’s still time for another question. In a recent post after the Kings were eliminated, you wrote, “I’ll be heading over to El Segundo shortly for the start of the Kings’ postseason interview sessions. Every player comes in for an “exit meeting” with coaches and management, and after those meetings some players are made available to the media for an interview to discuss the season.” Does this imply that only certain players are authorized to speak to the press and, if this is the case, why?
Answer: I’m sure you didn’t intend it to sound this way, but your question kind of makes the situation sound more sinister than reality. It’s not a matter of “authorization.” Players’ exit meetings with coaches and management can drag on for a few days. Some guys come in at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, some come in at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Typically, a team will try to set up a time for media during which a chunk of the roster is expected to be around at the same time. As it turns out this year, none of the players were around — except for Kyle Clifford, I believe — on the day we talked to Lombardi and Murray. I could request to talk to any of them at any time right now, but after 6 1/2 months, there’s not a lot left to discuss, and last year’s exit-interview interviews weren’t exactly scintillating.
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Pobo asked: Do you keep up with Matthew Kredell at all? If so, how’s he doing?
Answer: I traded notes with Matt at the start of the season, and he seemed to be doing well, so that was good to hear.
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Irish Pat asked: 1.) In an earlier question from Dominick you replied that you wouldn’t write a book as it would be uninteresting. No Royal Ascent? Your loyal readers would embrace it as would hockey fans around the world… 2.) Any chance for a possible Jim Fox Q&A this summer? Looking back it’s one of my favorite features… 3.) I’m sure you love what you do, however I’m curious if you’ve ever been bummed that you had to miss out on an event because of your job. As an example, the Coachella Music Festival or in the future, perhaps a Cubs playoff game (don’t worry, I knocked on wood for you)?
Answers: 1) Good catch! Although I did say, “Not at this point,” so “Royal Ascent” is still a future possibility. 2) Jim has given us a lot of his time in previous summers and he’s been very gracious to do it. I understand that he’s going to be doing some traveling this summer, so perhaps we can do a similar Q&A with a Kings personality. 3) Sure, it happens quite often, actually. But I’m certainly not going to complain about it. The summer affords a lot of freedom, and the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.
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Dan asked: In your opinion, do you see Clifford as a Darren McCarty type? One who has the ability to put in 5-15 goals potentially but also protect the team at the same time (assuming he learns to keep his hands up to protect himself)?
Answer: I hadn’t thought of that specific comparison, but that’s not bad! Actually, I think he might have a bit more scoring potential than McCarty. Long term, Clifford probably fits nicely into a third-line role, and if he’s on a line with two other guys who can move and crash the net, I don’t think 15 goals is out of reach for him at all.
I see more of a Hartnell type player for Cliffy,,but all comparisons so far sound great compared to what we expected before the start of the season
[Reply]
Nic Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@Ravens, I am thinking/hoping Lucic.
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Scot Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@Nic,
That might be a little bit of a stretch, Lucic potted 30 this season, and has a pretty significant size advantage over Clifford. Although, on consistency, I’ll take Clifford in a heartbeat. We know what we are going to get from Kyle every game.. Lucic, I believe, has not scored a goal yet in this year’s playoffs, and has been known for inconsistency.
I like the McCarty comparison.
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mcsorleyfan Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@Ravens, hopefully, without the teething issues of Hartnell…
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Ravens Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@mcsorleyfan, and minus the Ginger Kid aspect
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Ravens Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@mcsorleyfan, Hartnell Bites Letang video…aww the nastalgia http://www.faniq.com/blog/Video-Scott-Hartnell-Bites-Kris-Letangs-Finger-During-Flyers-Vs-Penguins-Game-Blog-30374
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henry Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@Ravens, off topic but, ace and mark can rest in peace. now that he’s dead!
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CheezyPoofs Reply:
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:58 am
@henry, ^this!
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WARNING- This site is a Non FDA approved and HIGHLY addictive word substance. Use only under the strict supervision of Rich Hammonds, prolonged use could result in a neglected significant other, missed time at work, and a false sence of importance or delusions of actually being the upper managment of the Los Angeles Kings
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Kings Fan Vancouver,WA Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@Ravens, Awesome post!!! Thanks for sharing that.
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Virgil Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@Ravens, LIKE!!!!
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Dominick Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@Ravens,
Consult your local physician to find out if lakingsinsider is right for you, and take only as directed. Insider……The right choice for a new hockey generation. lol
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Ravens Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@Dominick, Ha
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Kingsfanone Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
@Dominick, @Ravens
Both of you guys are killing me! Great stuff!
(and not far from the truth too!)
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:50 am
@Ravens, My ROFLCHOPTER goes Shush shush shush XD
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Hey Rich? Is there a way you could make this site a little more iPad friendly? I would love to see the clips you post instead of having to go to kings vision. Thanks Rich and have a great summer!
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Bodoe Reply:
May 2nd, 2011 at 8:51 am
@Kings Fan Vancouver,WA, There was like a one week windows sometime this season or last (cant remember which) that had a mobile version of the website. Worked great on my iPhone. I would love to see that again.
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Hey, which teams have a skilled winger , but are near the salary cap and have a greater need of a #1 goaltender who is still cheap for another year?
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Ravens Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@Ravens, Of coarse I’m speaking of Bernnie not quicky
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Ravens Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@Ravens, I hate answering my own quetions but it looks Like Philly will be the first in line to offer up a talented winger for Bernie
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Scot Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
@Ravens,
Interesting..
I wouldn’t trade Bernier for Hartnell straight up. I would want a little more, maybe a high draft pick. I would trade Bernier for Carter. I doubt Philly would do that, though. I would love Giroux, but he may be the most untouchable Flyer. Briere (no, contract too big).
James Van Riemsdyk is a STRONG POSSIBILITY.
I could see a Bernier for JVR deal happening.
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CB14 Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
@Scot, I was thinking the exact same thing. JVR for JB straight up. A great trade for both teams.
Ravens Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
@Scot, Ok now we have to root for Philly’s goal tenders to keep doing what they’ve been doing….Nothing
YoBro Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@Scot, I’d rather keep Bernier and deal Quick.
Tomb Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:37 pm
@Ravens, I don’t think Bernier has a lot of value at the moment. He needs more games and experience to prove his worth as the number one guy. All you can get for him is another young prospect which is not necessarily a bad thing.
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In comparing Clifford with McCarty keep in mind McCarty went to Sweden the summer before the Wings won the cup the first time. He worked for several days one on one with Tomas Storm, who is a famous developmental coach then at Hammarby in Sweden (later owned by AEG). Nick Lindstrom was there the first day as kind of a host just to supply moral support (he didn’t need the work). I watched Storm work with McCarty and actually make him better. You may remember McCarty scored the winning goal the next season in the finals on a beautiful move he learned at Hammarby. I talked to both Lindstrom and McCarty both (not together) and I could see the pain in McCarty eyes when we talked about how the Wings had just been beaten in the finals. Lindstrom was more quietly confident and it was clear he figured they would win it the next season which they did.
The following summer, after winning the cup, McCarty further proved his dedication by returning to Sweden and going to training camp with an elite series team in northen Sweden. LaPointe, Pusher, and other Redwings also came to Sweden to work with Storm and later the Wings started bringing Storm to Michigan in the summers to work with their prospects in the organization.
Clifford has the potential to be good player. In comparing him with McCarty it will be interesting to see if he has that same kind of dedication.
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Dominick Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
@Crown Royal,
Really great story. Reading the story of Boyle working with a figure skating coach, and seeing the improvement to his game this season, I wouldn’t mind seeing what kind of work out plans some Kings players might have this summer, and some of the unconventional paths, or extra training they might go though during the summer to get ready for next season.
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Crown Royal Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:06 am
@Dominick,
Yeah, I saw the Boyle video that you’re making reference to and he did improve. However, I’m conviced NHL players working with figure skating or power skating coaches are being taught the wrong technique.
My son grew up in Sweden playing youth hockey in the elite developmental clubs like Hammarby. When he was nine I took him to meet Ola Olson who was the top hockey skating coach in the country at that time. Ola later made the skating video which the Swedish Hockey Federation endorsed for the youth hockey coaches to use. Ola worked with my son several times a year and my son, Alex, become one of the best skaters in his age group in the Stockholm area. He became an outstanding player with a bright hockey future. Injuries eventually took their toll and he quit playing for two years. Later he started playing Bandy or “Hockey Ball” as it’s sometimes called in Russia. It’s a sport similar to hockey but played with a ball on larger ice surface. There are professional leagues in Europe. It is very popular in Russia in Sweden. He is now a professional player in Europe.
Bandy is more of a skating game than hockey and the tempo in the Russian Elite Series is faster than the NHL. My son continued to work on his skating and spent 3 months working daily with the Russian Olympic speed skating coach. Proper speed skating technique is identical to correct hockey skating technique except without using a stick. This is the kind of training NHL players should be doing.
Last week AOL filmed a video of Alex in Minnesota skating, stick handling, and shooting using bandy equipment and the video should be available this week. If you’re interested I will post the link for you to see. His skating technique for playing hockey is perfect. I saw part of the video yesterday but it’s still being edited. I understand the BBC is possibly interested in interviewing him with the video as well. I should have the link availabe next week sometime. I will post it under one of Rich’s other topics hopefully on Thursday or Friday. Let me know if you want to see it.
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Dominick Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Crown Royal,
Would love to see it. I’m always looking for ways to comunicate skating technics, and reading books on skating drills and stuff. I am more of an x’s znd o’s guy, and have never been that great a skater myself. I’ve never been exposed to proffessional Hockey Ball and will spend sometime this summer looking it up. Thanks.
Scot Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@Dominick,
Dom, do you play? If so, where?
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Dominick Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 8:23 pm
@Scot,
Lower back injury L4, L5 vertabrae has forced me to hang’em up 5 years ago. I try to get out and skate every once in a while in Alliso near my home, but now I just help out coaching youths in my sparetime. I have guys that still play in rec leagues that I work out with and work on their defensive games, but I’m getting to old and out of shape to compete. Even for fun.
Scot Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@Crown Royal,
I also enjoyed reading your stories. Are you in Europe or the US?
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Crown Royal Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Scot,
I’m in American living in the U.S. I lived in Sweden for a long time some years ago.
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Crown Royal Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Dominick,
O.K. I’ll try to post the link to the Skating-Bandy video next Thursday or Friday if it’s available. I’ll mark it to your attention.
Dang it man. I just got back from Vegas and completly missed the open forum Q and A. Shoulda brought my laptop with me. Can’t wait to read all the Questions and Answers.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
@CB14,
So, you’re saying you took a gamble twice, and didn’t win either? LOL
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
April 30th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
@Kingsfanone, I actually fared pretty well in Vegas. I love army guys, not only because they protect our country, but also because they aren’t good poker players! There were 4 of them at a table I was at and needless to say they didn’t fair very well.
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Thank you for all the work that you do. If you are still answering questions, I was interested in your thoughts as to whether you think the NHL is serious about addressing head injuries. USA Hockey had no problem adopting a rule that states:”(a) A minor penalty, major penalty or a major plus game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be assessed to any player who intentionally or recklessly contacts a player in the head, including with the stick or by an illegal body check. (b) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by head contact (see Glossary).” I cannot understand why the NHL just doesn’t go to a “strict liability” rule and get rid of the head hits.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@HawKings, While I agree with you, I believe the wording is too subjective. AS a matter of fact FIFA took the word ‘intentionally” out of the law book in 1999 becasue how is the referee supose to judge what a players intentions are? The main issue would be the player recieving the hit and his part in putting his head in the laed of an oncoming hit. Obviously, the Malkin hit on Simmons, the hit of DDs chin early this season, and the neck-breaker on Pacman are clearly no fault of the recieving player and should face stiff punishment. But hits where the hitee is streatched out to get to a puck, or a player ducks his head into a check, or a check that starts on the shoulder and rides off into the head cannot carry the same consequences. otherwise this will take a way hits altogether. I think the Kings really backed off the hitting after Stoll picked up the game suspension and that made a difference in the mental ownership of the play. I actually agreed with the suspension since it appeared the elbow was above paralell with his own shoulder when the elbow contacted teh head. But this affected the rest of the team as they did not know where the line was being drawn, without a suspension on Smyth hit.
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Regarding doing a Q & A with a Kings personality over the summer, I have an idea. I doubt there’s much chance of it but maybe you could get an interview with Kings owner Philip Anschutz? I know he’s not actually at Staples very often but maybe a phone interview? I’m sure Kings fans would love to hear his thoughts about the team and it’s future.
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 9:04 am
Well, he hasn’t done an interview with anyone, about anything, since 1974 — and not because people haven’t asked — so I have to think that’s probably not going to happen.
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PaulHB Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 9:08 am
@Rich Hammond, Talk about reclusive!
I didn’t know it had been that long. Was worth a shot. It would be cool to hear AEG’s view of the Kings if it’s at all possible. Maybe not from Anschutz but someone other then Dean Lombardi, Terry Murray, and Luc. Maybe someone above Dean?
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 9:12 am
Thinking about options, for sure. Maybe we’ll have a poll!
Geoff Reply:
May 2nd, 2011 at 11:10 pm
@PaulHB, I seem to remember one last year with Leiwecke
jet Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@Rich Hammond, But, you are Rich Hammond
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Kingsfanone Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@jet,
He is THE Rich Hammond. LOL
Rich diesn’t know if players and coaches reading this blog???!!! I’m sorry Rich but that’s is BS. I’m 100% sure you know. But my guess only few of them (if any!) read this blog. Why? Because they don’t care what we think. No matter what we say here, nothing going to change. Example? How many years we fans asking to fire Kompon. Is he fired? NO. Although anyone who even little bit understands hockey understands that out powerplay is one of the worst in NHL. But who cares? We still filling up Staples center, we still watch our team on TV. They all getting their millions and everybody in Kings organizations are happy. They promised us that this season will be better that last one. Was it? No…Will new season be better. I hope so, but I really doubt. Why? because no one cares. This is just a business for them. Out of playoff in a 1st round. O.K. More time to play golf. Right?! Do you think they upset. I don’t think so. They still going to ger their fat paychecks. That’s why they don’t read this blog. They don’t have to, because like DD said-”first of all we play for ourselves and then for fans”. And as long Kings players would play for themselves first, nothing would change and just making playoffs would be a “great achivement” for many year to come….
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 9:02 am
Thanks for calling me a liar. Appreciate that. But I still don’t know, and that’s a fact regardless of what you believe.
[Reply]
Mike.V. Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Rich Hammond, Sorry Rich. I did not mean to offend you. If I did, I appologies…But it’s hard to believe that you never asked any players or coaches (or DL) if they read your blog (or heard from them), since you spending so much time with them … So, can you please ask them. Yes, I understand, the main purpose of comments from fans in this blog is to “vent out”. But it’s really important (at least for me, but I’m sure for many fans too) to know if players, coaches and management (at least sometimes) reads this blog to know what fans think about them. And if they do, please ask them if they “listen” what fans said, or they just-”blah-blah-blah, whatever you say..” Thank you!
[Reply]
PaulHB Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 9:49 am
@Mike.V., I wouldn’t say it’s important to me (or I doubt most fans) to know if the Kings read this blog. But I do think they need to understand how the fans feel about the team no matter how they gather that information. And I think that for the most part they do understand. Whether that comes from reading this blog or whatever I don’t care.
scott343 Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 9:34 am
@Mike.V., Wow, someone needs anger management classes. Hey, it’s a businesses not just a hockey team. They are doing pretty good if you ask me. Do they make mistakes, sure. I’m sure most Kings care about thier fans. Who wouldn’t care about someone who is cheering you on and wearing a jersey with your name on it? Kings players should think about themselves first. If they got injured or when they retire, Kings fans aren’t going to support them. They need to watch out for themselves and families first and Kings org. and fans next. Now I’m not saying to to stay loyal to a team for alittle less money, but if King could get a lot more money to play somewhere else I wouldn’t hold it against them.
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jet Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@Mike.V., my sister-in-law’s cousin missed her Prozac one day and said the same thing you just said. We were able to get the prescripition re-newed and everything is ok now. Good luck Mike.
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MIKE.V. Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 1:44 pm
@jet …. Was it you who gave Prozak to most of the Kings players? Because they played like they on some kind of medication.
..But if serious, tell me, where I’m wrong? It’s easy to accuse someone without any explanation….
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These people are killing me with all the Questions about Bernier moving up and getting a chance at number one. Are you kidding me? Did you even watch the Kings games this season or are you just a Bernier family member? Sure, the kids good but Quick is our number one goalie and I would argue one of the top five in NHL with only a couple of years in. Give him a couple more years and people would be begging for him. Use him as trade bait…fool! I would like to know who in here would give up Quick? Here’s a question/request Rich can we please not allow cussing and stupid questions. Rich, I’ve got to give you props for even answering some of these questions.
[Reply]
garry Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:42 am
@scott343, Right on! Quick will be our #1 period. Plus we have a great young goalie in Manchester who I believe is ready to move in as Quicker’s back-up. Would any of you on this board not trade Bernier(who is great!)instead of him sitting on the bench, Not fair to him or the team.
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jet Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@scott343, Hey, I would consider trading Quick. I want JVR, Carter and 3 firsts.
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 7:20 pm
I just hope that Quick & Hextall aren’t on the same plane (together) headed back to Philly… But IF it means… JVR, JCarter and 3#1′s… DO THE DEAL, DEANO!!!!
gKg!
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
May 8th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@LBlocal, I’m just getting around to reading all these “words of wisdom” so I say, let’s do it, if that was to happen we’d have a bigger flood stage here then what they’re having in Memphis right now. Why you ask, because JQ would be skating around holding The Cup over his head, all Philly needs is a goaltender. Careful what you wish for, because sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the otherside.
YoBro Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@scott343, I would trade Quick in a heartbeat. Sure, he’s better than his immediate predecessors, but hasn’t proven himself to be any more than serviceable IMHO. His collapses of concentration down the stretch and in the playoffs the past 2 yrs unfortunately have me pulling for “next”. Whomever that may be.
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Rich, I seem to recall that Gretzky was first traded from Indianapolis Racers (WHA) – where he played just 8 games – to Edmonton at age 17. Racers needed to move his contract, and thrown into trade was goalie Eddie Mio. Gretzky & Mio actually didn’t know if they would takes a plane headed for Winnipeg or Edmonton. Last minute call told them to go to Oilers.
With others NHL trades to Kings (1988) & Blues (1996)…3 times traded as a pro.
That would make a GREAT trivia question at a bar some night: Name Gretzky’s 3 pro trades.
Other great trivia q: Name the last WHA player to play in the NHL? I know the answer. Anyone else?
[Reply]
Crash Davis Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:48 am
…also part of the trade to Oilers was left wing Peter Driscoll.
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Crown Royal Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:49 am
@Crash Davis,
Would it be Gordie Howe?
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Crash Davis Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:52 am
@Crown Royal, No. Good guess.
Think of someone very young playing in WHA. He would later retire in 2005 after 25 seasons. Famous player.
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Crown Royal Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 10:56 am
@Crash Davis,
Has to be Mark Messier.
laikaloco Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@Crash Davis,
Now your trivia ? is, which WHA team did Messier play for?
Crash Davis Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Messier is correct.
He played for TWO WHA teams – Indianapolis Racers & Cincinnati Stingers.
YoBro Reply:
May 1st, 2011 at 6:52 pm
@Crash Davis, How’s aboot Ron Francis?
[Reply]
Maybe it is too late for questions, but I have another one. Maybe some other in here can answer this.
The question is a follow up question to my previous one, regarding the Kings center situation.
You answered me and said that you think it is a great possibillity that Kings will keep both Stoll and Handzus (reduced salary), because Schenn and/or Loktionov has not yet proved that they can play in NHL.
That is ofcourse true, but how till they ever prove that they can play if they dont get the chance? How will they get the chanse if we are stocked at center? Do Murray simply bench either Handzus or Stoll and says that “now I am going to give Schenn a couple of games as a 2nd line center”? Or do Schenn/Lokti serve as 4th line centers? In my opinion that is not giving them a chanse..
Thoughts on this everyone? Rich?
[Reply]
MacSwede Reply:
May 2nd, 2011 at 4:39 am
@MacSwede, WILL not TILL
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Crown Royal Reply:
May 2nd, 2011 at 10:47 am
@MacSwede,
I hope the Kings do not re-sign Handzus but if they do, TM will say he can move Handzus over to left wing if Schenn or Lokti grab one of the center spots. I’m sure he (TM) will want Handzus back and ask DL to re-sign him. TM loves Handzus and Greene. They fit into his slow down, trash the other team’s game.
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luc20rules Reply:
May 3rd, 2011 at 7:50 pm
@MacSwede, Your right about Schenn & Loki(even more so) need top 6 play. I believe Schenn is physical enough to play 3rd line. There should be more speed/skill on the 3rd line next year example Clifford-Schenn-Simmonds/Stoll/Zues(Stoll can play RW and Zues can play any Forward spot.)
I also must post how can Jaraj Mikus win the Hart Trophy if we never have him on the Kings regular season roster? Long live the Mikus!
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