OK, getting back to the open forum questions and answers, here is the third set…
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Kings win, Ducks lose: Is Kopitar on target for starting the season on time?
Answer: Yes, he’s been on track for a few weeks now.
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/06/22/lombardi-on-kopitars-recovery/
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frisking asked: Rich, how would you rank the pro sport all-star games?
Answer: Hmm. Tied for last? I’ll go off the board and take MLS. They’re putting together an All-Star team, which is playing English soccer champion Manchester United. The NHL All-Star Game is at least entertaining. The other big ones — baseball, NBA, NFL — just aren’t that attractive. They served a purpose a couple decades ago, when access to games was more limited. In the 80s, seeing Magic, Bird, Jordan, etc., was a big deal. Now, with a dish package, you can flip channels and watch the stars every night. What if the NBA put together its All-Star team and played a team of All-Stars from Europe/Asia?
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Ravens asked: Hi Rich, Has there been any offical word on Kitsyn returning to play next year in the KHL? where you as impressed with Martin Jones as everyone else seemed to be? do you think any of the undrafted invitee’s have a shot? who do you think the Ontario Reign will add this year?
Answer: Hopefully you saw the earlier post about Kitsyn… Martin Jones looked strong, as did Chris Gibson, but again — as I’ll probably say a couple times in answering these questions — attempting to draw conclusions from development camps is dangerous. These things are largely drill-based, and against very inexperienced competition. Show me what these kids look like against NHLers, and I’ll have a better idea. Projecting who will make the Ontario Reign is a couple steps beyond my scope right now. That depends, first of all, on what Manchester’s roster looks like. It’s safe to say there will be few sports available at the NHL level, so Manchester will get the bulk of the young players.
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DaveinSD asked: Hi Rich…I would like to know when the TV schedule will come out for the Kings? Also have there been an ideas thrown around Fox Sports West about a dedicated Kings TV channel?
Answer: Last year, the TV schedule got announced in mid-September, so I would have to assume the timetable is similar this season. And no, I haven’t heard anything about a Kings TV channel.
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Andrew asked: what will it take for LA to be an NHL free agent destination? Anything short of a cup or two? It seems to be creating somewhat of a vicious cycle as far as the franchise is concerned, and placing a huge handicap on the Kings to either have to develop homegrown players or significantly overpay ala Scuderi, Handzus, etc.
Answer: I think you answered your own question, my friend. Winning is the best marketer and winning is the best recruiter. The Kings can’t offer that Original 6 mystique. They can’t offer that “we’re the only show in town” vibe. They can, for the first time in a while, start to sell the team. They can go to a guy like Brad Richards and say, “Look at what we’re building here. We can win.” But being a consistent, proven winner is the only thing that will put the Kings in driver’s seat in terms of wooing these top players. They’ve at least got their foot in the door now, in terms of attracting the attention of these top guys. And it’s not as though Los Angeles is a black hole. They were serious players for Brad Richards. Simon Gagne was happy to come here at a reasonable price. But in order for this to be a coveted team to play for, in terms of those top players, it’s about the winning.
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Tim from the OC asked: Rich… are you planning on attending and summer concerts? If so who? Are you a candy fan? Sour or sweet?
Answer: 1) Hadn’t thought about any summer concerts! Any suggestions? After seeing Mumford & Sons last October, it’s been hard for me to be impressed by anything else. I did see the U2 shows in Anaheim last month, which were quite good. 2) Sweet. Chocolate.
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dave asked: Rich, Could you provide some insight on which players you thought stood out in the rookie camp?
Answer: I’ll combine two of my previous answers, which I think/hope will sufficiently answer your question. Martin Jones looked strong, as did Chris Gibson, but again — as I’ll probably say a couple times in answering these questions — drawing conclusions from development camps is dangerous. These things are drill-based, and against very inexperienced competition. Show me what they look like against NHLers, and I’ll have a better idea. … Picking one from each position, I would pick Jones, Deslauriers and Kozun.
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zdfun asked: Rich, where were you on the signing day? Waiting for calls in your office or following someone during the days?
Answer: Yes, here in my “office,” which is an arm’s length from the kitchen and a slow-pitch softball toss from the bathroom. Seriously though, yes, I was home.
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quisp asked: What happened to anthonyy?
Answer: Oh, sure Quisp, pretend like we don’t all know what you did with him…
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Eric asked: What number will Mike Richards wear since 18 is retired?
Answer: He announced (via Twitter) that he would wear No. 10.
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KHenry14 asked: Rich, what are the odds of one of the kids from juniors or Manchester making the roster this season? TM and DL have a history of giving kids a chance if they earn it (Clifford/Doughty)and there seems to be some kids ready for the NHL next season. Yet the team seems to be set. Which kids might change that?
Answer: As you point out, the roster largely looks set. Now, you always leave open the possibility that a young player, at any position, could be so outstanding in training camp and exhibition games that he essentially “forces” the team to keep him. As you noted, Clifford is a good example, as was Wayne Simmonds in his rookie year. Those things are impossible to predict. In terms of realistic spots that might be open, it would either be a 6/7 defenseman — meaning a young guy would have to beat out Martinez or Drewiske — or that third/fourth line winger spot, which would be open to pretty much anyone. Going into camp, I’d still say the favorite is Loktionov making the team, but that could easily change.
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PK asked: Rich, Do you see the Kings eventually moving Bernier mid-season or sooner? Have there been any rumblings around the office? I’m sure Deano got a few calls this summer on JB? Obviously Quiker is our man and Manchester is stacked once again. Not to mention that Gibson kid, the Kings future in net looks great. Also, What are the internal thoughts of Forbort? Do you see him making the big team? Last season during summer camp I thought Muzzin looked way better than the highly touted Hickey. And Muzz made the team. This camp I thought Forbort looked way better than Muzz. Not to mention he could add a few more lbs. to his massive frame.
Answers: 1) Midseason or sooner? No. I’ve said this before, but again I think it bears repeating. If you’ve been a Kings fan for a while, then you’ve been waiting almost two decades for the goalie woes to end. Now, you’ve got two guys who appear to be quality NHL-caliber goalies, for a total salary-cap hit of approximately $3 million, and you’re thinking about trading one? I know you’re just throwing it out there, and not necessarily endorsing it, but what happens if you trade Bernier tomorrow and Quick hurts his knee on opening day. You ready to make a run for the Cup with Jeff Zatkoff and Martin Jones? All I’m saying is, NHL goalies are too valuable to be tossing them around. If a superb deal were to be there, then sure, maybe, but not just to do it. 2) I would be very surprised if Forbort made the team, after only one season of NCAA hockey (and not a full season at that). He’s improving and, as you said, he still can get better in terms of strength. That’s a good thing. He’s got room to grow and plenty of time in which to do it. But I think it’s believed, fairly universally, that Forbort would be better served by another year in college.
yea u tell them with those crazy trade the goalies idea
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“The Kings can’t offer that Original 6 mystique. They can’t offer that ‘we’re the only show in town’ vibe.”
The first part is obviously true, and the second part is USUALLY true. But what with the NBA probably being locked out next year, the Lakers in decline perhaps for a few years to come, no pro football team, a depressing Dodgers situation, a neutered USC football team, and a horrible UCLA football team, I think the Kings CAN can offer that “we’re the only show in town vibe.”
I get an inkling that this town is about to become hockey-crazy, and it excites the hell out of me.
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Scot Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@puddle,
Agree, completely.
The Kings have a window here to really win over a lot of Southern California sports fans.
And I know God doesn’t interfere with professional sports and competition, but I’m still praying that the NBA stays locked out. Forever would be nice.
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danlikespez Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@puddle, LOL I agree.
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:25 am
@puddle, I wish this were true….I’ve been going to Kings’ games since 1970. As good as they were for a brief period in the mid 70′s they still were not a huge draw. Everybody wanted to “be seen” during the Gretzky era, but as soon as that was over the “fairweathers” left. This past season they drew a sellout crowd almost every game, but other than those that are faithful attendees, the draw just isn’t strong enough for the Kings and/or hockey to take over the sports scene in SoCal. Again, I wish this weren’t the case, but sadly its just a fact. Look at it this way, if the Dodgers and/or Lakers would have made a trade the magnitude of the M.Richards trade, or a FA signing the magnitude of Gagne, or had the on-going contract situation that Doughty represents, or even the trade for Penner last season, those stories would be on the front page of the local sports pages, and top news stories on local TV everyday, for days. And, it just hasn’t or doesn’t happen when it involves the Kings, unfortunately.
The only way I think the Kings take over a bigger portion of the SoCal sports scene is if they win the Cup and battle for it several years afterwards. But you know what? Maybe its a good thing that they are our “little secret”, because could you imagine what we might be paying to see them if they did explode, if you could even get a ticket? I remember how hard it was to score tickets during the Gretz era, and that sucked, because I knew those tickets weren’t going to true hockey/Kings fans. But, I would love to see them and the sport become “The Thing” in SoCal so I could share it with my friends who don’t understand the excitement that the Kings and hockey bring.
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Scot Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@Shotongoal,
That’s a great post.
I do agree, it sucks that the Kings don’t get the coverage, but also, it could be great because the ticket prices WOULD ABSOLUTELY be higher, if the Kings carried the same SoCal “allure” the Dodgers and Lakers have.
But, I really do think this is an opportunity. The Lakers, unless they trade for Dwight Howard before next season, ARE going downhill as quickly as Kobe is. The Dodgers are, well, there are really no words to describe it right now. It’s just ugly. And with no football team here yet, the Kings are primed to make an impact on the town. The reason I think so is because I think the Kings WILL go deep into the playoffs next season, and if that happens, we will see what happened with Anaheim in 2007, but TEN FOLD. The Kings are so much more exciting and interesting than the Ducks EVER will be, it’s just a matter of having success, and it looks like the Kings are finally ready for that.
We aren’t saying the Kings own the town, or the front page of the newspaper. The Lakers, Dodgers, and USC do, we know you are right about that. All we are saying is this might be the best chance the Kings have to REALLY endear and engrain themselves into Southern California.
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@Scot, hey don’t get me wrong, I would love to see it happen too…And you are right, there would be no comparison between the Sucks Cup and if/when the Kings win it!!
jet Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@puddle, You just had to bring up the Bruins dominate position in West Coast football, didnt you? I think we are only 2 or 3 dozen top resruits away from being a .500 team.
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pw Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@puddle, I wish but I doubt it. John Ireland even said on the radio (710AM) they’re not to talk about hockey because the listeners change the channel. All they talk about is Lakers Lakers Lakers sprinkled in with a little McCourt situation. They don’t even talk about the games, just the McCourt situation.
I think most people agree that they wish Kings got more coverage and there was more hype but there is that fraternity type feeling being a Kings fan. It’s like a secret society because its so tight knit. There really isn’t any bandwagon fans, you’re either in or out. That part about it is pretty nice. Everytime I see someone with a kings shirt at the store I can say Go Kings Go and not have to worry about the person not knowing what I am saying.
With that said, I would love to hear kings talk on the radio and tv. I hate to see basketball strike but it could be a nice shot in the arm for Hockey. It can own next Feb – Apr. (Football owns the fall)
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Paul G Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 8:24 am
@puddle, So much for the Clippers….lol
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Wow….Rich getting a little defensive with the Anthonyy question. Smart move to use ‘Classic Deflection’ to pan that off on Q. You’ve been hangin’ around Dean a lot lately?
Maybe we need to have a live chat on the subject? Get it sponsored by In-n-Out & Diet coke, maybe KingsVision can jump in and film, media circus in the offseason. It’d be good for ratings.
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DesertKing Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@Cynic,
Maybe Rich knows more than he is telling… Why is it I get a feeling that when you find Hoffa, you will also find Anthony?
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Shakes Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@Cynic,
Anthony would’ve blamed both the NBA and NHL lockout on “Dumbardi”
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Quisp Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@Cynic,
Rich has never definitively denied that he himself is Anthonyy.
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Dude Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@Quisp,
“was” Anthonyy you mean. I think he’s retired since moving from the old job. I do have to admit missing seeing Anthonyy’s comments consistentely as the first blog post
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puck2dahead Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Quisp, I definitely was thinking conspiracy myself. No matter how hard anyone tries, how did he consistently rank 1 or 2 on the comments board?? Unless he sat on the refresh button every 2 minutes, it’s nearly impossible (or improbable).
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SLIM Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@Quisp,
I got the feeling that he was inferring that YOU were Anthonyy….
Please explain the legend of Antonyy…I saw one of his posts but i”d like your take on him..
If you don’t mind…
Also is M. Richards now the best player on the Kings?
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Scot Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@Cynic,
I hate not being “in” on inside jokes. It just sucks. I want to laugh, but I just don’t know what to laugh at. I don’t even “get” the Juraj Mikus stuff. I know who he is, but I don’t understand all the “Chuck Norris-like” jokes regarding Mikus. And the frustrating part is, I’m guessing nobody will tell me! If anyone even responds to this, they are just going to continue the inside joke without letting me in. Thanks
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Cynic Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Scot, Start here: http://www.insidesocal.com/kings/2009/07/the-legend-of-juraj-mikus.html
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Cynic Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@Scot, Then continue here: http://www.insidesocal.com/kings/2009/07/the-legend-of-juraj-mikus-part.html
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KC23 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:43 am
@Cynic, Thx, I was also out of the loop on the Mikus joke. Now I get it.
Scot Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@Cynic,
Yes, thanks
jet Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@Scot, Anthony was the orginal hater a few years back when Rich worked for the green pages. Quisp always thought it was Rich becasue Anthonyy was often the very first post on most threads. Anthony once said he was an attorney, but his logic was often flawed. so, while our kids were playing Where’s Waldo, we were playing Where’s Anthonyy?
This was one of my favorite anthonyy rants, “I will not be name calling or using any four letter words here. The most I’ll say is that DL seems to be an unstable person and very arrogant.”
http://www.insidesocal.com/kings/2009/03/trade-details-2.html
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DougS Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@jet,
Wasn’t he also the guy who swore that we would rue the day that the Kings got rid of Lauri Tukonen?
USHA#17 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
@jet,
“Fear the TM”
–anthonyy
tornado12 Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 3:22 am
@DougS, among his many nostradamus like predictions, one of my favorites included betting another longtime blogger if POS scored more goals than JW 2 yrs ago he would never blog again…he believed POS was the next coming…his legend continues to grow! RIP Anthony(y)
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@Scot, Anthonyy morfed into Poorman,I always liked how he spelled his name with an extra Y.
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vindogla Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@LVKINGS88, He actually started out as just Anthony but got himself banned and then came back with an extra “Y” after he promised to be good IIRC. He probably made another goof and got his IP address banned for good this time.
We’re better off without him IMO.
I cant believe @PK thought Forbert looked better then Muzzin this camp. The fact is, Forbert still has some growing to do. Muzzin on the other hand was bored, he was just getting some conditioning in. The fact is, he aced the test with a plus 22 down in Manchester, he is ready for the NHL IMO.
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5holer Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@puck73, In typical fashion 73 you are bang on with your assessments of both guys. Muzzin is ahead of the pack in my view on D. Perhaps even ahead of Drewiske as well!? Forbert is still more of a project to be, not mature enough, yet but coming along nicely. The real sleeper is Nic Deslauriers and we have spoken about him in conversations last camp. Nic may have the most upside on D in the system. He has all the tools, hockey IQ and an edge. Hate to use a name like Guy LaPointe too soon, but it isn’t a big stretch in my book. I’d take a closer look at him in training camp myself if I were TM. Well, I am on board with you again as usual.
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DougS Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@puck73,
That’s not surprising; what surprised me is that Muzzin was still considered suitable for prospect camp. He has more NHL experience than all the other guys there combined, and acquitted himself rather well with the Kings. No wonder he was bored. He must have been like a varsity guy humoring the freshman team by doing drills with them.
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I’m on a road trip from Vegas to Phoenix so keep these forum answers coming! Thanks Rich
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Hey Rich, what’s it going to take for the Kings to have a game on NBC’s “game of the week” I mean, I know there’s no east coast bias in the media right? Even Vancouver won the Presidents trophy and I don’t recall seeing them on the game of the week. Do you think the Kings will ever be in the Winter Classic albeit playing at the eastern teams venue.
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puddle Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@Goring 19, If I recall, Bettman answered your last question himself last season in an interview with Heidi, and his answer was, essentially, “Not gonna happen.”
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Goring 19 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@puddle, his answer was not gonna happen about being out here on the west coast, I’m asking what if the Kings were playing at say, Boston or Philly, eastern ad nauseum. Is that possible.
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puddle Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@Goring 19, Ah, I see. Well, I suppose it’s possible but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Perhaps if the Kings get to be a perennial contender, it could happen. But if the NHL invites any team west of the Mississippi and south of the Canadian border, I’d be surprised.
Jonathan Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:04 am
@Goring 19,
The NBC has one interest in mind when they choose which teams play on a Game of the Week. NBC. The following team bring in ratings, and therefore are featured: PIT, NYR, PHI, CHI, WASH, DET, BOS.
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Scot Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:16 am
@Goring 19,
I’m just waiting for Bettman to retire so that the new Commissioner, on his first day on the job, can agree to a TV deal with ESPN so that this magnificent sport can actually get some real exposure. As soon as the ESPN deal expired before the lockout, the NHL got very marketable, but got stuck being broadcast on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN), which has now, at least, become “Versus.” Yikes.
ESPN would do a great job showing more highlights, having more coverage, and literally marketing the sport in their beautiful way, that general sports fans would have no choice but be intrigued. What general sports fans tune into Versus? Nobody watches Bull Riding. People watch Sportscenter, and usually whatever games are on ESPN at night when they are home.
I am not selling this as well as a salesman would, but I do know that getting the NHL back on ESPN would do nothing but improve the experience for the fans, and generate more fans. I miss listening to Gary Thorne in the playoffs, and I bet he misses doing it, too.
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KC23 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:46 am
@Scot, Still upset about ESPN not doing hockey. I’ll never forgive Bettman on his horrible TV contracts, I would call them laughable, but I’m not laughing.
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Joe from Gardena Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@Goring 19, You can’t really call it the “Winter Classic” if it’s in a place that doesn’t have a real winter. Right? A pre-season Kings/Ducks game at Dodger Stadium or Angel Stadium would be kinda neat, though.
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Goring 19 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@Joe from Gardena, that would be great for us out here on the West coast but the NBC honks won’t allow that to happen
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On the Bernier/Quick question, I totally understand your point Rich…but on the other hand, one of them is sitting on the bench most of the season and during the playoffs…If one of them is traded for a high end F or D, you’re getting an everyday player that contributes. I really think that if the Kings feel they’re one player away at the trade deadline, one of the goalies will become trade bait.
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Crown Royal Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:13 am
@LB,
DL won’t move Bernier until he has a very capable backup ready to replace him. It’s too risky. Also,if Penner leaves at the end of this season as a UFA there will be a hole to be filled there. Injuries can later play a major factor in trading Bernier for a top six forward. Will Loktionov blossom as a player sometime this season? There are too many questions and not enough answers for DL to move Bernier before this season ends. The Kings don’t desperately need anything at this moment. DL would move Bernier if he knew it would bring the Cup to L.A. but there would be no such assurance.
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:32 am
@Crown Royal, you might also want to factor in that the Kings originally drafted Bernier to be the “franchise” goalie of the future. He really hasn’t done anything to disprove this possibility. The only thing holding him back is that Quick just took off unexpectedly. So why trade what could be the next Patrick Roy (I know, a bit of a stretch, but still) when both of them are so reasonably priced. I agree that the only way you even consider trading either of them, because I’m not sold on the fact that if one of them did go it would be Bernier, is for that “sure” thing….JMO
[Reply]
Jstirzel Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@LB,
But like rich said if quicker gets hurt and bernier was traded who do we have to play goalie.
Jones? He’s not ready yet
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5holer Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@LB, Not gonna happen unless something stupid is offered and that ain’t likely! Never have enough Goaltending in hockey. Like pitching in Baseball, QBs in Football and the like, gotta keep all you can get of high quality. Often GT is an injury prone position. On the West Coast you have to have two quality guys to get through the schedule and the travel. As we have seen with Quick(even at a very young age), you can run a Goalie down with over use. 70 games are too many in the West especially. No trade of a premium talent in goal is ever advisable in my book. History will show that those traders never come out when moving that kind of GT out for another position player. There are not too many GTs in AHL or elsewhere that can step in and play the NHL game. You have two top quality guys, so you keep them both until you can duplicate one on the farm over time. I take that from the King Clancy & Sam Pollack school of trading/keeping GTs. It works!
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jess Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@LB,
The rotation of both quick and bernie was a winning strategy last season. It created friendly competiton between the two and kept quick fresh.
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Scot Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@LB,
It’s a good problem to have. It’s too bad you can’t have 2 goalies playing at the same time. But I agree with Rich, you just can’t trade one of them right now with what their contracts are at, it’s a total bargain and luxury to have both.
The only way you trade Bernier right now is if it gets you a name like Crosby, or Stamkos, and, in all honesty, the Kings don’t really need either of those two, because Kopitar and Richards are elite NHL centermen. The only way I, and let me repeat, I, would trade Bernier, is if it got us someone like Shea Weber. And I would still have to think long and hard about that because you cannot overestimate the importance of having two NHL quality goalies on your roster. If you trade one, and the other gets hurt…
[Reply]
DougS Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@LB,
Don’t know how long you’ve been a Kings fan, bit I’ve been following this team for 35 years, and the goaltending situation has never been more solid. Yes, Rogie Vachon was completely awesome, but if he had been seriously injured, the Kings would have been sunk. Now, the Kings have redundancy, and we (meaning Lombardi, Murray, and all of us fans) can sleep soundly, knowing that if Quick pulls a groin muscle or pops his knee, Bernier can step in for an extended period of time without any real loss of quality. If you believe (as Lombardi does) that you build a team starting with the defense, a backup of Bernier’s quality is a foundation stone, not a luxury.
It’s also helpful to remember what happened with Quick two seasons ago, when Murray overworked him because he didn’t trust Ersberg to spell him. Quick faded down the stretch and in the playoffs. He held up better last season, because Murray trusted Bernier to play more games, thus giving Quick more rest.
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So much for that vacation Hammer.
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As for the Goalie issue, I see it as the best of all worlds. Two equally talented and competitive guys of similar age. Like the Kenny Dryden and Bunny Larocque problem in the Montreal dynasty years awhile ago. Its a great problem to have, but also presents its own unique set of problems for a coach. #1 guy has to do the bulk of work to get to his zone, but the #1A has to be kept sharp in case of whatever might happen. TM has only one minor flaw in his system to date and it has to do with balancing the GTing IMO. I know it is a “feel thing” on when to rest #1 and play #1A and also a “sense thing” on knowing when either gets into his zone. Playing the hot hand has its issues by way of recognition. TM planned a rotation schedule on several occasions but quickly jumped off that ship for unknown reasons or maybe by gut instincts. In talking to him, I get the idea he is troubled by it to some extent as well. It is a tough call for a coach, perhaps the toughest call of all each season. Not a criticism of TM, just an observation. He’s an excellent coach, teacher and mentor. I’d have played my guts out for him every game.
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jess Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
@5holer,
You are right. Two consecutive years in a row now the moment TM stops the rotation and just goes with JQ only, we start losing. This year he did it about 10 games prior to the first round. Coincidence? Probably not. Hopefully this year he will keep them both hot and guessing right up to the last moment.
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thanks Rich,can you tell what’s going to happen to other King’s restricted free agents
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On the forwards issue, there is a spot or two open in the F9-12 spots IMO. Last years F9-12 were a far cry better then most years past. Timmy Lewis, Clifford, Richie, and even Westy were an improvement over prior years. To get to the next level of contention, some more speed has to be introduced here. F9-12 cannot be improved by the “AHL Crop” we have in place, the older kids in this case. Not Cliche, not Elkins, not Kaunisto, not King, not Clunatic, not Loktionov, and not Holloway, these guys are a wash or even worse by inexperience alone. Lok and Holloway are not the right types for grinder duty. The “kid pros” and those just turning pro are loaded with talent. Most of them are F1-9 types having higher skill levels and high hockey IQs. There are a couple to watch for the spots possibly open….Jordan Nolan, a banger, a hard nosed winger with good IQ and decent hands along the lines of Clifford. He’s probably about a “big step” year away. For one of the others to make the jump, it would take a role change down the depth chart for a one guy penciled into the top 9 list going in. Best shots could be Toffoli(a cannot miss) and Vey, another top talent. Kozun is the sleeper with hands and speed, but maybe a “step year” away defensively. I have a hard time finding a place for Lok this year. He needs to get his physical body to NHL level in the AHL one more full season without injuries to me. Some prototype F9-12 are still on the market. To step up a level we gotta improve at one winger spot in F9-12 in my book. F1-8 are as solid as they have been here in many years! DL may still be busy with more issues than just Dewey and the Tambellini fiasco! My 50 cents worth and then some!
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summer concert: butthole surfers and the melvins sat august 27. sunset junction street fair. sorry rich not the bands you might like but this show will change your life. but, as a replacement for the mumford sons, you could go watch hanson headline on sunday the 28th. HOCKEY NEWS, do we play, and on what date is philly? i’d be willing to bet richards pastes schenn if hes in the nhl at that time.
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Hey Rich thanks for the response. I saw U2 @ the rose bowl. Great concert! Don’t know if u can swing it…and its not really a summer concert but Im going to see the Foo Fighter in Oct @ the place where I fell in love with hockey, the forum!
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