Here’s what Dean Lombardi had to say about the importance of Dustin Penner…
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Question: When you talk about improving the offense, how much of a hinge, so to speak, is Dustin Penner? I mean, if you could count on him for 30 goals, that’s a big step toward solving your problem…
LOMBARDI: “It certainly helps.”
Question: But you just don’t know for sure…
LOMBARDI: “No, we don’t know, but in what we’ve seen so far this summer — and I haven’t had him his whole career — but it’s very clear that this is the most committed he’s been in his career. So I give him credit for that. But that said, I would still… Even if we had a crystal ball, and we knew that was going to happen. If you said, `Dean, I guarantee this is going to happen,’ I would still be looking to add to facets of our offense. Now, we certainly anticipate — if he continues the way he’s been going — that he is going to improve and contribute more like he’s capable. We want to solidify our playoff and move to contender status. There’s a difference. I would like to see both things happen. If we can add the right player, and Dustin Penner performs up to his abilities, I think it’s safe to say we would improve to contender status.”
I’m betting Mr. Lombardi is getting ready to pull the trigger on something big. I just feel it.
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Mikey Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, me too. We just need that one missing link on the roster and i think we will be a deep playoff contender. Cliff is gonna come out like a machine, Quick is only getting better and better. Kopi mentioned that he learned a lot while injured during the playoffs.. we’re going to be Epuick.
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Dillix Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@Dan SanDonkey,
oh you poor poor bastard =D
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Pesus Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@Dan SanDonkey,
Im getting that feeling too, he keeps bringing every conversation back to adding a player. Penner’s improvement plus an addition would be great. But I wont hold my breath. I learned my lesson last year.
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Irgids Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@Dan SanDonkey,
I feel like we’ve been saying this as Kings fans for 20 years now……..
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Garrett Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 9:58 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, I am telling you, DD is on the table. And that opens doors.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 8:37 am
@Garrett, lol, can you pass some of that stuff to me? whats this new strain called again? seriously, unless the name coming back is crosby or ovechkin, why would DL trade the cornerstone of the franchise?
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broncokings Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@tornado12, you haven’t heard of the DD’s on the table kush, its really good
lobinho56 Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 8:37 pm
@Garrett,
DD is on the table??? clearly, you’re talking about Drewiske, right?? (um… haha)
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SHOT ON GOAL!!! Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 11:00 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, if he trades any assets it better only be a goalie! hey do you know if we have the rights to GEORDIE WUDRICK who we drafted in 2008? thanks
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I just wonder what is motivating Penner to improve this summer. He goes from a last place team to a team fighting for a top 4 conference finish. He gets placed on the top line with one of the best centers in the game and a really goood right wing. There are 18,000+ fans screaming his name and ready to support him at Staples. His new team makes the play-offs and he has the opportunity to take the team on his back and lead them to the next round. All of this and he is going into the final year of his contract. And what did he do? Poooof, disappeared into the proverbial morass of “Where’s Penner?” If he couldn’t give 100% and play at his best potential level under those circumstances, why is he going to change now? If TM and the coaches can get him to perform, then they need to write a book about how they did it.
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Gabby Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@DesertKing,
Two words:
Contract year.
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number 6 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Gabby,
Eleven words: If you need contract year to work hard then you’re in trouble (sorry that’s twelve).
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DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@number 6,
Close enough
Gabby Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@number 6,
I’m not saying it’s the right attitude to have, but if the fact that it’s a contract year does motivate him, at least it’s something.
Dan SanDonkey Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@Gabby, Yep
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USHA#17 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 7:09 pm
@Gabby,
Two more words:
Winnipeg 2011
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A. Wongsby Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:01 pm
@DesertKing, I could not agree more with your statement- “If TM and the coaches can get him to perform, then they need to write a book about how they did it.” Truer words were never spoken. I’m very interested to see how Penner looks at the end of the summer. HE BETTER BE GOOD.
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Drake Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@DesertKing, I think the problem was that he was in piss-poor shape. Doesn’t matter how motivated you are. That’s what I’m hoping anyway…
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DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@Drake,
I’m with you and wish that were the case also, but I don’t think playing shape had anything to do with it. He was playing first line minutes with Edmonton and you can’t tell me that a multitude of scouts sent by the Kings to see him perform didn’t pick up on him being out of shape. Watching him live at Staples, you could see that he wasn’t motivated and wasn’t putting any effort in. I think his reduced playing time was not due to poor conditioning, rather it was TM’s way of saying “Show me something, but I am not leaving you out there because you are being paid alot.”
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RLane420 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@DesertKing, then you should be a pro scout. Give DL a call and let him know.
DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@RLane420
I will call DL, but only if you promise to team up with me. Between the two of us, we might equal “Very New Rookie Non Pro Possibly Pee Wee Scout” status. I’m just saying that it was obvious to most of the fans at Staples that Penner wasn’t trying. You don’t have to be a pro scout to see that. DL, if you are reading this, I will be happy to attend a multitude of NHL games for a modest salary and travel costs (including a reasonable beer budget)but I need RLane 420 to be able to go also
number 6 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@Drake,
I’m not sure why he has to be in that great a shape. I mean first basemen don’t run that much and they just have to swing for power….. oooops, forgot, he’s a hockey player.
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number 6 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@number 6,
I think this whole Penner thing needed some humor and that was my poor attempt at it.
Josh Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 9:58 pm
@number 6,
I live in Orange County and played Major Junior in Canada once upon a time and I have run into Mr. Penner twice so far this month. With all do respect to the La Kings and to Mr. Penner it is time to cut ties while we can. He is “living the Dream” by the pool in Newport Beach and is doing nothing for himself or the the Kings. He is fat and doesn’t care about winning or performing at all. Dean please dump this guy for someone who will earn their spot in the NHL please…
number 6 Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@Josh
You know, it’s been my experience that more or less…… more or less the dye is pretty much cast by the mid twenties. Unless an individual really lives something dramatic to change them, there isn’t all that much reason to change. So I for one have an issue around everyone saying ‘contract year’.
First of all….. So What! And then what happens with the new 4 year mega contract when you’re gonna get paid no matter what.
When you said he doesn’t care….. I have to believe your perceptions, but I’ve gotta say, having already earned … what…. 12 million dollars or so, what difference does it make if he gets 5 yrs @ 4mil a year or 3 yrs @ 2.5 a year. How does that change his life or lifestyle? I’d be surprised if he was that bothered one way or the other EXCEPT for a sense of personal pride….. because That is what I wasn’t seeing in his play. Yes, everyone has a different style, for sure. But I didn’t see a whole lot of ‘care’ in his play.
fiveholio Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@DesertKing, I’m not a Penner apologist, but there could be issues around learning a new system in the middle of a playoff push, and then losing your center to injury. If he’s still playing like this after camp with the team, hang him. Until then, take a deep breath.
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Choralone Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@fiveholio, I agree with you and Drake (above). “Motiviation” is thrown around a lot when fans don’t know what else to pin things on, good or bad. I think being out of shape and moving to not only a new system, but a very structured one at that, both heavily impacted his performance.
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Irgids Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@Choralone,
I agree with what you’re saying. In defense of the “motivation” argument, the Kings have always been keen on our players with heart. Robitaille is a perfect example. He had an immense amount of talent, add his willingness to win and he was a great player. It was hard to see the desire in Penner’s eyes when he was on the ice.
However, being dropped into this system like he was would be difficult.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Choralone, Were you not watching when he watched his man go right around him and coasted behind him until his man scored a goal? That’s all about effort.
Pesus Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@fiveholio,
I agree with you. Not happy about his performance but not giving up on him yet.
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OneTimer Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 7:39 pm
@Pesus,
For lack of more words … This! ^
We as fans (rabid or otherwise) really truly have no god-damn idea of what’s it’s like to be a professional athlete. So many facets, so many moving parts. It’s really not as easy as throwing on a new sweater and suddenly going 1-2 PPG.
Furthermore… In Dean I Trust.
RLane420 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@fiveholio, if he wasnt motivated why was he doing well the 1st 3 or 4 games then dropped off. Maybe because motivation isnt enough to overcome out of shape. I love all the people who say he doesnt want to be here, I can tell by the way he plays. None of these people have ever been in this situation yet they can just tell.
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408kingsfan Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 6:58 pm
@fiveholio, Just skate fast, hit people, use your size to your advantage. Not too complicated of a system to learn.
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Dillix Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@DesertKing,
well maybe because he was in edmonton all year. he didnt really have a chance to get in better shape. it was already the trade deadline. you cant train all out because you have games to play. i dont think we’re talking about mental effort here, like he should have been motivated mentally but wasnt. i think dean is talking about physical fitness, i mean he is for sure, and if Dustin wasnt already in shape before he got to LAK (which he should have been, i think that is a large part of deans complaint), there wasnt much of an opportunity until now after he got traded. Maybe he could have worked harder from the deadline to the playoffs, but again, they have games then, they dont want to injure themselves before the playoffs, or tire themselves out.
so maybe thats the difference. or maybe its just the contract year thing.
HOPEFULLY, we can hope, its because he realizes what a good opportunity he has in LA to play on Kopitar’s wing and get top line ice time for years to come, and he wants to perform better so that Dean will re-sign him. Hopefully thats it, and hes not just looking to perform well so he can get a payday elsewhere. Luckily, even if he performs better, his reputation for being lazy (except in contract years) should limit some of his options elsewhere.
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gene Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@DesertKing, I agree 150%, get rid of him while you can. He is a waste of a kings uniform. Period
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@gene, Give the guy a chance to fail. Sounded like he was surprised to get traded, couldn’t play with the same line for more than a couple weeks, and had personal issues when he first came to LA. He’s here another year, more if he can produce. This negative atmosphere is bad, and it’s contagious. Have some hope people! GKG!
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gene Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@Brownkingsfan, OK, he is making $4,000,000,000 plus per year. Lacks motivation in Edmonton to stay in shape. Leaves a team not in the play offs and gets to a team that is suppose to get to at least the second round of the play offs. Forgets he is in the playoffs and doesnt up his skill, or motivation for the team and what they are trying to accomplish. Doesn’t hustle, wont hit anyone even at his size and is so bad he is demoted to 4th line. Reminding you he is making $4,000,000,000 plus per year. Give me a break.
CB14 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 7:41 pm
@gene, Only Bill Gates and Warren Buffett make 4 billion a year. LOL
Dilapidus Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 6:31 pm
@DesertKing,
So.. he’s with a cellar rat of a team, not much motivation there no matter how professional you are. His conditioning was iffy to start with. He gets the very surprising call that he’s going to LA. Then he comes to a team that says, “Sorry, you can’t just sit in front of the net all day. You have defensive responsibilities” He hasn’t spent a lot of time on the other side of the red line. in a long while at best (certainly not with the Ducks IIRC). And he comes late in the season, adjusted to a very different set of players.
So he’s got to play lots of defense, expected to grind and support on the boards, not in the best physical condition and by no means perfectly comfortable with the system, players or his role. Who is going to shine in that scenario?
Not excuses, F that, but things that can be fixed. Things that you would expect to be fixed in the offseason and training camp.
This can and very likely will result in an excellent year for Penner and the Kings.
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Dave Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 8:17 pm
@Dilapidus, and why are we saying Penner was in “bad” shape – he just wasn’t in LA Kings shape. he wasn’t asked to play 200 feet in Edmonton. it was the middle of the season – he was in good enough shape to be a good player on a bad team. he was only asked to play offense and that’s what he did.
should he be in better shape? sure. he should be in the best shape possible because he’s a professional athlete getting paid a ton of money. but it’s not like he was “out of shape” in Edmonton because he was doing just fine there.
the kings ask a lot of their forwards so they have to be in better shape than most other teams.
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Marc Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 11:20 pm
@DesertKing,
What I hope motivates him is pride. Maybe there’s a big difference between $1 Million and $4 Million, maybe not I don’t know. But to me either way if you sign on to be an NHL player you want to be the best you can & help your team succeed as much as you can. Maybe it’s naive but that’s how I’d feel in that situation.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 11:20 pm
@DesertKing, Sorry but Penner has never put a team on his back,Did you think we were getting a savior at the deadline last year?
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DesertKing Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 7:30 am
@Bkrs-Bud,
No, just someone who was going to try and put in some effort. Good point reference his history.
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west coast ram Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:56 am
@DesertKing, what is funny about this is that puck heads want everyone to believe that hockey players are different from other professional athletes while Penner and many others only prove that there is no difference based on the sport you play. There will always be players that survive on their natural talent and others that work their butt off to just stay in the league and a rare few that work and have the talent to be part of the games greats.
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broncokings Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@DesertKing,I think he came here to retire in Anaheim
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Yup, use all those chips DL, let’s get er done
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Failure to plan is planning to fail.
That basically sums up his season. He was on a losing team and wasn’t expecting them to improve. The season was all but written off and they were just going through the motions to finish the year off. He was traded and immediately pushed onto the top 6 line of a playoff contender and wasn’t ready. period.
I’m sure he’s looked at hours of video and the stern lectures from TM and DL and he will be ready this year. He’s back home in LA with his family and the move is complete.
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i expect PENNER to have a great season, he has got my support just like every other kings player
GO KINGS GO
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tantrum4 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@gmo,
Me and you are two of a kind my man! I think you’re the only other person I’ve read on any Kings board say this. Most people will call us dumb, sheep, or drinking kool-aid but I don’t care. Once a player puts on a Kings jersey he has my full support and I’ll back him up until the end. Maybe that’s the ex-hockey player in me talking but that’s just the way I am.
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gmo Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@tantrum4
right on tantrum4!!!!!
yes he might have not lived to expectations but you gotta rememeber he was brought in to compliment KOPI AND JW and both of those players went down. now as i said i still expect good things from him this upcoming season but he he doesnt delivere is not like we will be stuck with him as it will be his last year undercontract.
go kings go
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:20 pm
@tantrum4, I’m with you two as well!
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Lilly Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@tantrum4, me too!
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 11:23 pm
@tantrum4, I am with you guys i hope he scores 30-40 goals this coming season.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 8:44 am
@tantrum4, i have been a stout Penner supporter. I was all for getting him even before he was traded. He started off well and lost his linemates and then for whatever reasons (im sure there are more than one) he struggled. I expect him to have a strong season this year!
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I agree that the “Contract Year” is going to be a big motivator. He was paid too much too early and he is not going to want to lose that income. If he doesn’t produce THIS year… his value will plummet. Look at guys like Jonathan CheeChoo who led the NHL in goals..and are now playing in the minors. If Penner is ever going to show up… it’s this year.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@MadMatt,
I love your Cheechoo reference. He made the biggest mistake of continuing to believe his press clippings until it was too late, apparently. Let’s hope Penner got the wake up call in time, for the sake of the Kings but mostly for his sake.
He’s got a Kings jersey on, so I am indebted to support him 100% while he does.
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I’m in wait and see mode with Penner. We’ll see.
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Bkrs-Bud Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 11:25 pm
@KC23, That could apply to several players on the team.
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I don’t care why Penner is working harder than ever – maybe it’s because he is motivated being in L.A. after a bad stretch…maybe it’s because of the contract year…maybe he’s happy living in L.A. again – all i care is that he comes to camp ready to go and plays inspired hockey.
i was not as down on Penner as just about everyone else. i thought he played well with Kopitar before the injury and kind of lost his way with different linemates. very, very rarely does a top-6 guy get traded at the deadline and make an impact down the stretch. the adjustment is huge going from system to system and playing with talented players. plus, EDM had a very different culture and style of play than L.A. did.
all that aside, Penner could have worked harder and he clearly wasn’t in great shape. if he comes to camp in shape and motivated that is good for the Kings.
the best part about this is DL is talking about adding another impact player. i don’t see how he can do that unless he moves Smyth, so i’m thinking he is thinking that can be done. and that is very, very exciting.
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Osaka Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@Dave, Good post.
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I don’t need Penner to just be good…I need to look like his gives a crap. Skate hard. Use your body. Play with some passion. Everything after that, it’s just a bonus.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@PaulCat,
Exactly!!
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It is difficult for me to get the least big excited about a guy who comsistently gave the laziest performances by a professional athlete I have ever witnessed. If he needs a contract year to get motivated, I don’t want him on my team.
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Dominick Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@rick, It took Williams till his contract year to put it all together. Contract year or not, if he’s a force to be reckoned with, you’ll love him. If he isn’t than you haven’t lost anything, because you don’t like him anyway.
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Deadmarsh Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 5:20 pm
@Dominick, DO NOT EVEN compare Penner to JW. JW was coming off major knee surgery. It was never a matter of JW’s will. Penner on the other hand looks like he’s on thorazine.
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rick Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 6:14 pm
@Deadmarsh, You get my vote. Williams and Penner don’t even belong in the same sentence.
USHA#17 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@Deadmarsh,
Williams turned into a leader this year.
DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@rick,
I’m not quite sure he tops Randy Moss when he played for the Raiders, but he is close. He has so much talent it is just difficult to watch him not utilize it.
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“If we can add the right player, and Dustin Penner performs up to his abilities, I think it’s safe to say we would improve to contender status.” DL….
Hmmmmmm really?
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RLane420 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@Jay GoLAKings, So you are saying if Kessler performs and Toronto gets the right player they are a contender?
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I dont think we’ve explored this topic yet…… Say Penner has a great year, say 30-38 goals. Does DL bring him back? And for how much? Most people think his only motivation is contract year. I would hate to give him a big cotract and watch him mope around again, but would hate to see him go if he continues to put up big numbers. Glad Im not a GM
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Ian Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@Pesus, Thats when you sign him to a one year deal. If money is the only motivator, then every year will be a contract year.
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There are alot of contenders in the west as it is, this team needs to make great strides to be at the top.
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look for eric cole fr. carolina and or gagne fr. tampa. that and a trade for jeff carter would be ok by me
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If Penner learns to stop skating in circles that would be an improvement.
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Dominick Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@Kingsblack,
LOL! If he always skates in circles, he’ll never reach the bench.
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lvkingaholic Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@Dominick, thats funny………….
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Penner has everything to lose this year and i see him coming out the gate fighting like a mad man to earn the respect of a city and Org. and the dignity he once had. We all can agree that our system is not the easiest and to be thrown into it and have to learn it so late in the season with everything on the line is a tough task if i do say so myself. He was traded from a team with no expectations to one with serious expectations and that again is a seriously daunting situation to wrap your flaps around. I would have liked to see him do better just like everyone but with the situations he was presented with little time to adjust its just really tough to expect him to shine bright. He will have a full offseason to shape up physically, mentally, and most important work on the systems the Kings emplore. He was not given a enough of a fair shake IMO to deserve all the negative criticism that he has got so far. I think what is precieved to be lacksidasical play is nothing more than poor conditioning and it seems from Deans comments he is working dillagently to correct that. Dustin…….. I got your back buddy and am hoping you show us all why Dean invested in you! GO KINGS!!!!!!!!
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gmo Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
great post
GO KINGS GO!!!!
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I think once Penner goes from the start of training camp on Kopi’s line, it will be a different story than coming in the last few weeks of the season and getting a quick guide to how the Kings system works. I feel confident Dean and TM got the message through to Penner. If I’m wrong, I’ll be the first to admit it. I’m not writing the guy off yet…GKG!
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@Goring 19, i believe so too.Lets hope he does hell of a great job and hopefully Kopi still very effected.hopefully the Ankle doesnt bring him to being a okay player for the year i wont want that to happen
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LOL. Penner will be fine. I hated Zues when he first got here, and now I’d consider him a warrior. I also hated Jeremy Roenick when he….umm……still do.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Dominick, LOL that just mean…u dont put i hate Jeremy Roenick and still do together where the plus plus view on that LOL
always enjoy reading some of ur post
….that just came out of no where LOL
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jet Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@Dominick, hey, we got Holloway for taking him on
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DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 6:07 pm
@Dominick,
LMAO!!
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great news, this could add a major bump to the team.
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Unfortunately, there appears to be no choice but to give Penner another shot. All I can say is he showed nothing in the playoffs that inspired any confidence in me that this guy is going to play at the level the Kings are hoping he can play.
Of course, I’m only a spectator and not privy to what’s going on inside his head, in the dressing room, at home, etc., so there may have been things that caused his God awful play. Maybe those things have been fixed and he’s found a renewed energy and commitment to the game and the Kings will benefit from it.
I just find it hard to buy that. I am expecting him to continue playing like the Tin Man when all is said and done.
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No respect for this guy at all. You’re paid millions to play a freaking game. So it’s basically your job to stay in shape and work on your game. To mail it in like this guy did is disgusting. Many first round draft picks have traded hands and millions of dollars have been paid and he’s content to be fat and out of shape. And now, in a contract year, I’m supposed to be excited that he’s elevated his effort level? NAY I say. If there is effort, it’s selfish and driven by a desire for another contract. Not going to applaud this guy FOR DOING HIS FREAKING JOB for the first time in years.
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Also remember he was having the Whole Off ice problems too. Divorce and a Mistress, always in the News or TMZ, can kind ruin your day.
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The Penner is mightier than the sword……
Which some of you want him to fall on….
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Dominick Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 9:48 pm
@SLIM,
Ha! I hope he makes everybody eat crow. I love rooting for the underdog.
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tornado12 Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 8:49 am
@Dominick, thats why you are a kings fan! lol
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DesertKing Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 9:31 am
@SLIM,
If Penner has a great season, I will fall on 2 swords with a smile on my face!
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IMO, next year’s story line is less likely to be “Penner’s Progress” and most probably will be “Kopitar’s Comeback” or the lack thereof. Kopi’s injury is extremely serious and it is difficult to predict the speed and scope of his recovery. His condition casts a cloud of uncertainty over the King’s prospects for next year.
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number 6 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 8:05 pm
@JackKent Cooke,
Unfortunately, it’s something I’ve thought about on several occasions, and tend to think you well may be correct in your assessment.
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Unrelated topic on Dodgers Hall of Fame Announcer Vin Scully:
“Vin Scully, the greatest baseball announcer of all time has not called a World Series Game on Television since Game 5 of the 1988 World Series when his Dodgers defeated the Mighty A’s. As his career comes closer to an end, I feel that this great man and broadcaster needs to have one more chance to shine when the stage shines the brightest, The World Series. Join me (Matt Falkenbury of The Daily ‘Stache) in this push to have him get one more chance to crown a World Champion in the way it should always be done, with class, dignity and honor, the way he has done it for over 60 years.”
http://www.petitiononline.com/ScullyWS/petition.html
Please sign this petition in Vinnie’s legendary honor.
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Dominick Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 9:36 pm
@Rainman,
I did it. took less than a minute. Too bad Bob Miller will never call a Stanley Cup finals game. Maybe someone could get a petition going for NBC. NBC should have the home team anouncers of whatever team they are covering in the finals, involved with the broadcasts, since they’ve bought out all the rights to those games for a long while. That would drive up fan interest even more to have the anouncers who the fans love still be a part of it.
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Marc Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 11:35 pm
@Rainman,
Forget Vin Scully (as great as he is). We should have one for Bob Miller to call a Stanley Cup winning game.
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Scot Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:25 am
@Marc,
You should be absolutely ashamed of yourself.
Forget Vin Scully? Really?
Bob Miller is great, but Vin Scully is an iconic legend, and one of a kind. Vin Scully, in his 80′s, is sharper and makes less mistakes than Bob Miller does right NOW.
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KC23 Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 2:44 am
@Scot, Hey, no putting Vinny and Bob up against each other. Both are the best in what they do. Psssst … but I agree Vinny is the all time best of any sport.
Sebastian Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:30 am
@Rainman, i think baseball is an absolutely boaring sport to watch on tv. having said that, Vin Scully makes baseball watchable for me. he is pretty amazing at what he does.
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Playing lazy, slow, and sluggish is no excuse for not knowing a system, and all you who believe that to be the reason he sucked need to understand that. He could have still played with a little heart, effort, and determination. I hope he does good this coming year, but in a contract year id expect him too anyways. And that may be the only saving grace we get.
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I did it….I get chills ever time I hear. “IIIIIt’s Time for Dodger baseball”
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Goring 19 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 10:36 pm
@Ravens, how about some of that Farmer John eastern corn fed pork. Shipped fresh, dressed locally….
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neil Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 8:15 am
@Goring 19, “Lets get back to this one”
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HBFan Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@Goring 19, Or “The only eastern corn fed pok slaughtered on the West Coast” that had to be the best slogan of all time
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is it draft yet?…I’m dying for the Kings, can I just go to the MGM Grand now and wait for Frozen Fury? keeping my fingers crossed that we get our first round draft pic back from Edmonton. I’m also thinking there is going to be a suprise announced at the draft. probably not for huge names,, but somebody good that makes sence this time.
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Goring 19 Reply:
June 21st, 2011 at 10:35 pm
@Ravens, sounds like you’re jonesing bud, haha me too. I feel lost without hearing Bob and Jim right about now. Maybe some of that ‘ol Voodoo will come into play Ravens. “One never knows what tomorrow will bring…”
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Ravens Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:15 am
@Goring 19, hey it was good talking to you on the phone durring the Insider Suite game 6 event, hopefully I’ll get a chance to meet you this season
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I hated Penner & what he did, or didn’t do, after we traded for him as much as anyone. That said, we all need to forgive & forget. Let’s give him the summer to prove that he’s committed to the team & to being the best he can be. I f he comes back committed then great, we’ve got a 30 goal scorer. If not, he’ll get our boos with the loudest from me.
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I hope this lack of hustle haunts Penner all summer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWGWJ864NMw
Like most I’m still hopeful, but am convinced that even if he improves to start the season, his old habits and inconsistency will eventually set it. I just don’t understand how do he stopped skating on the back-check in OT in the playoffs to allow Setoguchi that unhindered opportunity. Looks like a lack of effort, which is a much bigger issue than conditioning.
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Dominick Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 1:47 am
@Niko,
He was a little behind, but you could fault Simmers their on that one as well. If you look at who was back, their was 2 defenseman, and Zues. Penner was back checking, and Simmers wasn’t even in the play. Why? because while the Sharks were coming down the ice, Simmers went for a change.
Penner was coasting, and reaching with his stick, but Simmers didn’t comeback at all. I think it was Brown just stepping on the ice, when the goal was scored. I’m not excusing Penner, or blaming Simmers, but that’s what happened.
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Hey Rich,
Lappy’s a Masterton Trophy finalist at the NHL awards ceremony. Could you do an article on him so that we can all wish him well, and maybe reminisce a little about the guy. He seems pretty heartbroken about having his career come to an end, and seems to be in deniel a little that it’s over. He’s probably played his last game in the NHL and I would love to see him go out, with the trophy if at all possible for the sacrifices he’s made over the years for this sport.
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Sebastian Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:33 am
@Dominick, Did you just read this article?
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=369655
I hope he wins the trophy, to hell with Emery. haha.
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Dominick Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Sebastian,
Yea, but I read it in thehockeynews.com . The exact same article is posted there as well. Got me thinking that the insider should say something on the matter since so many of us love him here in LA too.
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I havent seen the whole starwars series, but its very clear that episode one is the most awesome in the whole series…
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Dominick Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:17 am
@Davey,
LOL. episode V made the biggest impact.
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DesertKing Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Davey,
Oh no, here we go….
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:55 am
@Davey, A Disney-like travesty.
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First, I think it’s amazing how bluntly everyone, including Deano, is talking about Penner’s effort, or lack thereof. That’s pretty amazing, and frankly, unusual, for this organization.
Second, I’m glad the news, in this regard, is positive. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt going into this season, and I hope other fans do, too. Nothing would spoil his effort more than booing him for his shortcomings when he’s actually working hard.
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number 6 Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
I tend to think that while every player does have their own personal style, you can’t really fool people and the public can see if someone is working hard or not.
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