Here’s the fourth set of open forum questions and answers. Have the Kings had too many shootout wins?
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jess asked: With our new offensive acquisitions, is it your feeling that we can be a dangerous regulation time team? It was the shootout that got us into the playoffs (thank you quick and stoll) but once in the actual playoffs of course this strength evaporated like rubbing alcohol.
Answer: You’re raising a good point here, in terms of the shootout. The Kings went 10-2 in the shootout last season, which is pretty astounding a little scary when you consider that Dallas finished ninth in the Western Conference and had only three fewer points than the Kings. So, to be certain, there’s some need for improvement there. Is it possible that the Kings could continue to be that good at shootouts? Sure, but you probably don’t want to bet on that. So there’s nothing, in particular, about being a more “dangerous” regulation team. It’s just about being better in all facets of the game, so that the shootout doesn’t come into play as much as it did last season.
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Chris asked: How do you see the goalie situation playing out? There will come a time where they can’t keep both Quick and Bernier and I’d suspect that time is coming soon
Answer: Quick and Bernier are both under control for two more seasons, with a combined cap hit of $3.1 million. That’s strong. But I absolutely agree that there will come a time when one stays and one leaves. I think the Kings would be wise to wait until those contracts play out. What if, hypothetically, Quick asks for a budget-busting contract in the summer of 2013 and someone else signs him as a free agent? At least you still have Bernier there, and most people would feel comfortable with that. Again, unless there’s a knock-your-socks-off trade offer out there, I don’t see the desire or need to trade Bernier.
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Chris asked: 1) How is the recovery of Justin Williams surgery after the season coming along. Same with Loktionov’s. 2) Does it seem like Mike Richards is happy to play here or do you think he is still bummed from being traded. 3) Which players do you feel will have a break out year. 4) Did you get to see the video presentation for Brad Richards and do you know who all was in it? 5) What kind of cheeseburger do you order at 5 guys?
Answers: 1) They’re both doing really well, and should be on track to start training camp just fine. 2) I have no idea. I talked to him, as part of a conference call with a dozen other folks, a couple hours after the trade and that’s been my only direct contact with him. 3) Well, my crystal buzz is a little fuzzy… I think a lot of people are predicting a good year from Penner, because of his motivation, and that seems reasonable to me. 4) No, I have not seen it. 5) Last time, I tried mushrooms. Very good.
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Joel asked: With the Kings appearing to have a bit more skill at forward this year, do you see Murray’s philosophy adjusting at all in terms of rolling out more skill on the 3rd and 4th line this year? Do you see any chance that Voynov or Hickey make the roster this year? In your opinion, who looked the most improved from last year’s development camp?
Answers: 1) I’m trying to think of the best way to answer it. I’m not sure what the change of philosophy would be. Which “skill” players were not on the third or fourth lines last year that should have been? I’m not sure. So I don’t know what the philosophy change would be. Now, the increased skill at forward — assuming people stay healthy — means guys such as Stoll and Richardson can play third-line roles instead of being pushed into higher roles. If that’s what you mean, then yes, I would say so. 2) I’d say there’s a chance that a young player could win that seventh-defenseman spot, yes, but that player would have to be excellent in training camp. 3) Wow, again, the whole evaluation of talent at a prospects camp is dicey. I completely, completely understand why fans want that, because you want to know who is on the horizon, but it’s just not feasible. That’s why these guys are scouted and watched for months and months during the season. To evaluate them in a two-day period, in an unfamiliar environment where the emphasis is on learning, not competing, it’s not really feasible.
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pautna asked: How many movie rolls have you been offered since your ‘Undisputed’ appearance?
Answer: Hold on, let me ask my agent. Well, first let me hire an agent, and then I’ll ask him. And when he stops laughing, I’ll let you know.
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22Sargent asked: You know, Rich, that as soon as you start your vacation the Kings are going to make some big move? Isn’t that how it always works? Hope you have a great time away!
Answer: Yes, precisely. Two of the last three years. I told Lombardi that if he messes up my vacation again, I’m coming for him. So get ready for that Doughty signing in the next two weeks. And thanks for the kind words.
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Mark asked: Who are the favorites to make it out training camp? Holloway, Kozun, Toffoli, someone else?
Answer: More likely, look defense. Where are you going to put the forwards? You’ve already got Penner, Kopitar, Williams, Gagne, Richards, Brown, Clifford, Stoll, Richardson, Lewis, Parse and Westgarth. And if you think Loktionov has the inside track for a spot, then you have room for one spare forward, and they’re not going to bring up a young player just to be a healthy scratch every night. Now, if there were to be some injury, trade, etc., that opened up a spot, I’d lean much more toward a guy like Holloway than Toffoli. Toffoli has potential but needs work. Kozun is heading in the right direction.
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kinder asked: 1. Did any of the prospects you scouted during the reg season get drafted by the Kings? 2. Did Foxy wear “the jacket” last year(didn’t remember seeing it). Could you ask Jim if the jacket will make an appearance this year? 3. Which forward and d-man impressed you the most at the camp and do you know if any of the kids was a surprise to the kings staff? 4. In-N-Out, Tommy’s or 5 Guys?
Answers: 1) No. Only one player that we watched in that game got drafted, and that was David Musil at the start of the second round. Although Alex Roach, who was in that game, was one of the players invited to the Kings’ development camp. 2) Didn’t he wear it to a home game? Or was that the previous year? You guys would know better than I would. I know he didn’t wear it on the road, because it would have blinded me on the bus. 3) Again, I’ll refer back to the previous few times this question was asked above. 4) Yes!
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IceGuy asked: Rich, how do the player rate the ice at Staples? There was a lot of talk during this year’s Cup about the vast difference of ice in Vancouver and in Boston. If there is a general feeling that it needs to be improved – are there any plans to tackle the problem?
Answer: It’s pretty well-known that the ice at Staples isn’t very good, and often is terrible. There are basically two ways to fix this. One, move the arena to a cold-weather climate. Two, schedule fewer events at Staples Center, so that the ice is covered less often. I don’t think anyone wants the first option, and it’s highly doubtful that the second option will come to pass. Other than that, not much can/will change.
With the NBA lockout, the ice should be improved.
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Goring 19, what is this “NBA” you speak of???
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jet Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
@Shotongoal, National B-leagueHockey Association
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Sebastian Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Goring 19, LIKE LIKE LIKE!
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Rich, did you get the sense watching Gibson at the camp that this kid just has “it?” Whatever that “it” is, he just seems to have that “way” about him. I went both days and paid a lot of attention to him. Although, he kind of struggled a bit in Mondays scrimmage he just seems so smooth and athletic. Plus, every article I’ve read or interview I’ve seen him do, he jsut seems so genuine and mature…Really excited about him. The Kings netminder situation is soooo niiiice right now!!!
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Kinger Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@Shotongoal, Bernier is our guy in net and for many years to come. I don’t know why people haven’t figured that out yet? LOL
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SLIM Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
@Kinger,
Completely agree on Bernier..Quick will go before Bernier will..
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In-&-Out, Tommy’s or 5 guys? Yes!
well done Rich! couldnt have answered that any better
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DougS Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
It still puzzles me that people think it’s useful in any way to compare Tommy’s and In-N-Out. For me, it has always been simple: Tommy’s when I feel like chili on my burger, In-N-Out when I don’t. Going to Tommy’s for a burger without chili on it would be heresy.
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McCheese Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
@DougS, Harumph!
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YuriM Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
@DougS, Amen brother…
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@DougS, Agreed!
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KC23 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@DougS, Agree 100%. Wouldn’t want to be without either one.
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Choralone Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Anyone like Umami? I just tried them last week and thought they were pretty darn tasty.
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KindSir Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 1:09 am
@Choralone, I’ve always wanted to try it. Just had 25 degrees in Huntington today though, and I must say it’s quite good. Bad thing about Umami though is that a friend told me the portion sizes were very small. Is this true?
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Choralone Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 1:39 am
@KindSir, It’s not a huge burger, but I was satisfied with the portions.
tornado12 Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 3:36 am
@BrokeKingsFan, I tried 5 guys up here in San jose and i dont see what the hubbub is all about…in-n-out is way better
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Rick, do you know if the Kings are going to keep the crown at center ice? Or are they going to use the new logo (the shield) for center ice?
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B-MEL Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
@Who Knows?, Who’s this Rick your refer too?
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Who Knows? Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@B-MEL, Whoops.. brain fart. Sorry Rich!
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Scot Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Who Knows?,
That’s a really good question.
My guess would be that we see the new “home plate” logo at Center Ice. Seems like it’s taking over.
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LAPD Line Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@Scot, Thought I saw a post from someone earlier that the change has already been made…
Hate the home plate, by the way…
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@LAPD Line, When I went online for “Select a Seat” the center ice was the homeplate logo, if that means anything I have no idea.
jet Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
@Who Knows?, http://kings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=69536
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KindSir Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 1:10 am
@Who Knows?, So not digging the home plate
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Rich, in regards to mulletgate, can you explain what is expected of a team that trades a player away and what is expected of the team that receives said player in regards to medical issues? Specifically, should the Kings have inspected Fraser before completing the trade, or do teams normally rely on the sender’s team’s medical staff for approval?
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hey rich dont know if this question will get answered but here goes. as far as bottom six goes, i really feel kozun will make it this year, will richardson play the 3rd line this year? will loktionov have a spot? obviously there’s a bunch of different options, but i was wondering what you thought of the bottom six forwards and maybe what lines you yourself would like to see.
im feeling:
clifford-stoll-kozun
lewis-richardson-toffoli
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Sebastian Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@jonjon, Parse, Loktionov and Westgarth all have had some NHL experience and lots of AHL experience. They are a little ahead of Kozun and a LOT ahead of Toffoli. These 2 kids are not needed this season, it is much to their benefit to continue their development in the AHL or jrs in Toffolis case.
Besides, weather you like it or not, as long as Murray is coach…Westgarth will play in the majority of the games this season. take that to the bank.
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jonjon Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Sebastian, i feel Kozun has more playmaking ability and if any small player is going to work on this team its him. Toffoli, had basically a goal and an assist every game and i believe not sure, he would have to go back to major juniors, so he either starts in manchester or goes the same way schenn does down to major juniors.
if you saw.. we let schenn play what five games? left him to major junior, he averaged what 2 points a game down there? philly puts him in their camp scrimmage he has 3 goals and an assist. i think this guy was clearly ready and clearly a threat. love we got richards, so sad this guy wasnt a regular last year.
i dont want to leave someone out because they “arent ready” or dont have the resume other players have, they have to sink or swim sooner or later, we’re holding our prospects back too long and i really dont feel adding a rookie or two is going to all the sudden bring us down, i see more reward that risk. dont count the kids out.
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Rich, no offense, but could you start your vacation today? It is like Christmas (“the sooner you go to bed, the sooner Christmas will be here”). The sooner you go on vacation, the sooner we will either sign DD or sign another RW free agent, or both! Whatever you plan for your vacation, please enjoy your time as we are very lucky to have you and this site to enrich our King lives.
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“Last time, I tried mushrooms. Very good.”
Taken out of context, that’s funny.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@puddle,
I thought so also, & yes, I DID take it out of context!
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Kenny44 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
@puddle, How bout “my crystal buzz is fuzzy”? Rich is having quite the summer!
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Forum Questions:
Rich,
It seems that a many folks in the Kings organeyezation call the South Bay area home (during the NHL season anyway). Are you living large in that neighborhood as well?
Where are you vacationing this summer? If you hit up Chi-Town to see my Cubbies, I highly recommend checking out a game from the Wrigley roof tops. Most spots include all you can eat and drink with $ of admission.
Cheers!
M
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Here is an article to hopefully help some bring some peace of mind to those who are worried that there is some real threat about DD not signing). http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=569445&navid=mod-rr-headlines
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DesertKing Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@KC23,
That was a good read. The info on Pronger made me wonder if Philly got him from Edmonton
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Dominick Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@KC23,
Good article. I wish I could talk some sense into some about DD, but I guess worry is a natural aspect of being a sportsfan. I feel pretty relaxed when it comes to DD getting signed, because I know there is no logical reason anyteam would make any ridiculas offers to DD (or Stamkos for that matter). DD will be a King.
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Burton Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 2:51 am
@Dominick, Dd will sign after Shea weber signs. His agent is just waiting on that deal to go thru so he and doughty and the kings have a guildline on how doughtys deal should look
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Rich, why are the Atlanta newspapers and blogs still listed with the other NHL team media sites? shouldn’t they be replaced with Winnipeg media sites
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Any thoughts or suggestions as to which former Kings will be honored this upcoming season?
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Hey Rich,
Regarding the Doughty negotiations, could bonuses based on conditioning be part of the discussion or would that be taken as an insult? I remember Dean making an issue out of it before he was drafted.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
No performance-related bonuses are allowed in any contracts, after entry-level.
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Dominick Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@Now Lookiehere,
I think the insult would come from even suggesting it. DD’s conditioning was down a little last summer because of over work. No reason to believe that will ever be an issue again moving forward. I think everybody knows what’s at stake and DD will be fresh for camp from here on out.
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Hi Rich thanks for keeping up and letting us be updated about the kings
Im just curious what do the players do when they are not playing games? I mean people work like 8 hour days with their regular work but hockey players work in a very different way. Do they only practice for example 4h a day and then are free? What i wanna know is how is their “regular work day”?
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jet Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
@chris, Dont forget the 4 hour flight before teh game, checking into a hotel, pregame skate, team meal, ride to areana, warmups, game, post game interviews (seeming like 45 seconds after a win, 45 minutes after a lose) bus to the airport, flight to next city. is this regular?
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“You’ve already got Penner, Kopitar, Williams, Gagne, Richards, Brown, Clifford, Stoll, Richardson, Lewis, Parse and Westgarth. And if you think Loktionov has the inside track for a spot, then you have room for one spare forward, and they’re not going to bring up a young player just to be a healthy scratch every night”
Do you really see Westgarth as an every day player? I admit he wasn’t terrible during the playoffs, but I just feel we have much better options for a fourth line winger. I know others will disagree, but I dont see a need for an enforcer every game. How do you feel about the role of enforcer when we could just as easily roll 4 strong 2-way lines.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@LAPD Line, Westy will be a mainstay as long as TM is our coach. Its on record that im not the biggest westy fan but he showed alot of improvment by the end of last season and with the improved skill we have on our team we will get more scoring punch out of the top 3 lines and Westy’s roll can remain limited (just how i want it if he is going to be in there) I agree with you in wanting to roll 4 solid 2 way lines but TM is old school and will only do that when HE feels necessary. Westy plays at least 50 games this season……..garaunteed my friend!
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LAPD Line Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I would prefer around 20 games for him, but I think you are probably closer at 50. I’m really hoping for less than half.
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KC23 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@LAPD Line, I’m hoping he’ll continue to improve and we’ll be wanting him more instead of less, but I am the eternal optimist.
I think there is something that can be done about the ice quality. If I remember correctly, the ice at the Forum was considered “very good” and I think it was because of the water softener that was installed. Does anyone else remember that?
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KC23 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@NOT IMPRESSED, I remember it as the Forum ice was horrible.
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Kenny44 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
@KC23, Yes, it certainly was horrible. Soft and wet is good for some things, but not ice.
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Hooray for Trevor Lewis!
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puddle Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@Matt R, “Like”
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KH Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@Matt R, 2 year deal but does anyone know how much money is involved?
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DougS Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@KH,
At $750k/year, I have a feeling he’ll provide good value for the money.
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KC23 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@Matt R, I have a special place in my heart for Lewis as I think the defensive aspect of the NHL is the most difficult to be good at. He’s done it already at a very young age. Now if he can wieve some more offense into his game and improve on his face offs he’ll be a great 3rd line center.
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eddie the jet Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@KC23, being a decent penalty killer does not make one a good defensive player, his +/- is one of the worst on the team. granted he did improve as the season went on.
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tacos! Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@eddie the jet, I don’t understand why people always immediately point to Lewis’ +/- as being some significant stat that defines him (not being critical of you in particular eddie, I’ve seen this many times now)
If your going to look at stats, you have to look at the situational stuff too. Lewis played 4th line/ penalty kill. Essentially this means that he really didn’t see a whole lot of 5v5 time on the ice and PK was a significant amount of his playing time %wise. I think its fairly obvious that it would be VERY difficult to have a solid +/- when your always killing penalties! The best of the best PK units in the league will get scored on inevitably. And in this situation… the kings ARE one of the best in the league.
I don’t think the +/- for Lewis is that big of a deal… just my two cents.
Rich,
I miss the half-hour pregame program that the LA Kings had on Fox Sports West before each televised game. Certainly the off season moves by the Kings will increase fan viewership, any chance that pregame program will return? Thanks!
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KC23 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Jeff O, +1
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Dominick Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Jeff O,
I complained about that exact same thing throughout the season.
Another thing I wish the Kings would bring back is showing the players while the National Anthem is being played. It gave viewers a chance to get a good look at the players before the game started, and gave you a sense of honor in those moments. Kind of a calm before the storm.
As near as I can tell, the Kings are the only team that chooses to play commercials during those broadcasts. Kind of lame to see the marketers get their way there, and try to sell us something when we should be getting pumped for the game. I’d rather add 20 seconds to each major commercial break, and show the players during the Anthem.
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vindogla Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@Dominick,
Absolutely. It is the call to begin the game.
Instead they come back from ads and they’re about to drop the puck. They should restore the honor part of the game.
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Who came up with the name mulletgate? That is friggin hilarious. Hey Rich, thanks for answering my question.
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Kenny44 Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
@jess, Rich did. But I’ll take credit for suggesting that Smyth wanted out of LA because the Kings goofed on his hair by wearing mullet wigs for pre game warmups. Hockey demands our reverence, it’s not some Hoolywood Blvd sideshow!
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Rich,
How does player compensation work in the playoffs? Do they get paid extra per round? Per game? Or do they “only” make whatever their yearly contract states?
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