The seventh set of open forum questions and answers…
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JWR asked: Are you planning to attend Frozen Fury in Vegas on Oct 1st?
Answer: I believe so, but I don’t know what my travel situation is just yet for that time period. The team is scheduled to leave for Europe after that game, so I don’t know what my schedule is going to be like just yet.
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Cricket asked: Parse missed basically all of last season and no one has seen Gagne play yet, but I’m still curious if you have any “gut feelings” or thoughts about these players for the following season. Specifically, do you have an opinion if the team is stronger with Gagne over Smyth? At least on paper? As a fan it’s easy to pencil Clifford in as the 3rd line LW, and it also seems conceivable that Richardson could take Simmonds’ spot as RW. But I would think that Clifford, Lewis, Richardson (and sometimes Westgarth) would be an incredible 4th line. If Parse were to have a good camp and get the 3rd line spot alongside Stoll, then considering who plays the right side the lineup starts to look intensely deep with the real possibility for true, balanced scoring. Any thoughts on Parse vs. Clifford? Richardson as a 4th line player?
Answer: I don’t necessarily have any gut feelings, other than that when Gagne is healthy, he’s proven to be a consistent 30- to 35-goal scorer, and at this point in his career, Smyth is more like a 20- to 25-goal scorer. So I just look at it based on numbers, and if Gagne can stay healthy he should be an upgrade. Big “if,” of course. In terms of the third and fourth lines, I’m not sure it matters that much. Media and fans get caught up in “numbering” lines more than coaches and players do. In the past couple years, the Handzus line had clearly been designated/defined as the third line, the defensive stopper line. Now, with Kopitar and Richards down the middle on the first two lines, the need for that changes a little bit. With the possible exception of Westgarth, all of the players you mention would seem to have the ability to give at least 10 quality minutes of ice time per night, so I’m sure there will be plenty of flexibility there.
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deadcatbounce asked: Rich, thanks for all your hard work on behalf of all us fans. I just wanted to know if you could someday do a Q&A with Nick and/or Daryl because I don’t think you’ve ever done one with either before and it would be nice to hear their thoughts about the team and to learn more about them as individuals. Enjoy your well-deserved vacation. Just as a suggestion while you’re away, you may want to leave us with a few threads that we could post to because when you left last summer things got really crazy and I remember a few threads with over 1,000 posts, which made actually reading them quite unwieldy.
Answer: Good idea on the Q&A. Nick, like Jim Fox, is on a nice vacation right now. Daryl is always around working and does a great job with the KingsVision interviews as well.
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Andrew asked: Any chance there will be an LAKingsInsider iPhone/Android app in the future? Any talks on it?
Question: Haven’t gotten into that discussion yet, because we’re working on revamping some other things, but I think that would be a great idea.
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LB asked: Rich, based on what you’ve seen and heard…what one prospect that wasn’t on the team last year would you predict to make the team in October ?
Answer: I understand the sentiment, but predicting at this point is little more than a guess. It depends almost entirely on how the players look at training camp, so your guess would absolutely be as good as mine. Since I’m following the idea that Loktionov would probably have the best chance, among forwards, to make the roster — and since he played last season — to follow your question I’d pick Voynov.
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King Cobra asked: Do you think the Kings would be a better team now if they would have successfully signed Kovulchuk last summer to the contract we offered him?
Answer: Impossible to say, but if you look at it this way, New Jersey had 103 points in 2009-10, signed Kovalchuk, then went to 81 points. Is he entirely to blame for that? No, of course not, but didn’t most people expect the Devils’ point total to go up, not down, with Kovalchuk?
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Davhalt asked: How do the Kings players and staff view opening the season in Europe again? As far as I know, only the Kings and the Rangers (who will also be over there again this year) are the only teams to go twice in the last five years. I know AEG and their arena deals are part of that reason, but it seems there are quite a few other teams with the same “middle of the pack” name recognition in Europe (ie. not Detroit/Montreal/Boston/Toronto which are highly known)that could have gone instead of the Kings. Any insight in how that is decided?
Answer: The Ducks also went in 2007, so that’s a third team that will have gone twice in five years (at least, as I haven’t checked to see if there are others). I really don’t know how the league picks the teams. This year, I know they had an initial “invited” list of six teams, and after talks/negotiations, two got dropped. AEG’s involvement with those arenas certainly plays into it. As for the players and staff, I really don’t think they care that much. For one, few of them were around in 2007. Also, you’d probably be surprised how adaptable the players and staff are (not just the Kings, actually, but all pro athletes). When you get into that lifestyle, with all that travel, you just kind of go with the flow. The challenge will be more of a physiological one, to make sure the players’ bodies are ready to keep going when the trip ends, and that there’s little lag time.
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LA Kings asked: What is the skinny with Voynov? He had such glowing reports coming over from Russia. He seems to have nice stats down in Manchester but don’t really hear much about him coming up to the Kings. I hear his name mentioned more in trade rumors. Is there something in his game holding him back?
Answer: The “something” that would be holding him back has a few names. They are, in no particular order, Doughty, Johnson, Scuderi, Mitchell, Greene, Martinez and Drewiske. When you have good prospects and they’re not being pushed to the NHL before their time, that’s a good thing. Martinez got the call last November, when the Kings needed a defenseman, and Martinez had been playing well but Voynov also got a bit of a late start to the season because of a shoulder injury. If Martinez had not fared well, it’s no stretch to say that Voynov might have got a shot in the NHL last season, but credit Martinez for holding down that spot. I would suspect that Voynov will be given a long look for a spot at camp. The only question is, do the Kings want a young guy sitting regularly as a healthy scratch? Can they rotate him in? Those are questions to be answered.
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BrokeKingsFan asked: Q: What happens to RFA’s if they do not have a contract signed by the start of the season? whats the options for the team and/or player at that point? Q: What is your take on Winnipeg being back in the NHL? Do you believe that it will make a huge difference in the Confrences/divisions with the re-alignment? Does any team/divison maybe benefit from it?
Answers: 1) Well, they’re essentially holdouts. If they don’t sign a contract with their current team, or sign an offer sheet from another team, then they sit and watch hockey like the rest of us. 2) It seems the NHL is still mulling its options for 2012-13. It could be very minor (shifting one or two teams) or very major (six divisions to four). Nobody is quite certain yet. As for who benefits, I mentioned this in response to a previous question, and while I don’t intend for it to sound like West Coast sour grapes, the East basically benefits in any scenario. When you’ve got that many teams grouped in the same corner of the continent, they’re always going to “win” the travel battle. That’s just geography, and there’s probably not much the NHL can do about that.
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MonarchsFan asked: Hi Rich- I got to quite a few Monarchs games the past couple of years- Andrew Campbell seems to just get better and better and in fact was the Monarchs go to shut down D-man last year. Do you seem him get a shot this year in LA? When coaches/asst coaches are interviewed in Manch they have nothing but positive to say about “Soupy”. Thanks
Answer: Sure, he’s doing fine for his age and experience, but I’d refer you to the answer about Voynov a couple questions up. When you ask if I see him getting a shot in L.A., well, that’s tough because who is he replacing? What the Kings are trying to do is emulate the Detroit Red Wings model, in which veteran players give the team a few good years, move on and are replaced, seamlessly and often internally, by players who have paid their dues within the system, are ready, and haven’t been pushed to the NHL before their time. The Kings aren’t there yet, of course, but that’s what they’re shooting for. Believe me, you’d rather have prospects forced to wait a couple years than have them forced into action before their time.
Bah. Japan ties it up. Clear the crease!!
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Stonewall Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@Stonewall, 2-1 US!
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Steve W Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@Stonewall, 3-2 Japan on penalties!
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Darrell Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@Steve W, That really WAS like watching the Kings play defense..
Stuart Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@Darrell, totally, except the “answer score within 3 minutes” was pushed to 12-13 minutes… ridiculous outcome, but our ladies should’ve finished their chances in the 1st half…
next year, er, 4.
Hey rich, if we can sign Mike Grier for 1.3 Mill, do you think that would be an intelligent pickup for this season?
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Christian T Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@LKG!!, We do not have a spot for Grier. And he is not good enough offensively to make a spot. At this point Lewis and Richardson are faster than Grier. I liked him a few years back but I’d prefer our line the way it is.
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CB14 Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@Christian T, I disagree. Lokti and Parse haven’t proven that they can stay healthy an entire season. Kopi and Williams are coming off of pretty major injuries, and while they will likely be 100% come training camp, there’s always the risk of them re-aggrivating their previous injuries. Also Williams and Gagne haven’t been known to play an entire year. Add in the fact that Westy isn’t an every game type player, or an any game player IMO, I think we could use one more forward. Preferably a R.W. The Kings were at their best when they rolled 4 lines, and with Westy in the line-up, they can’t do that.
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wes Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@CB14, you make good points. among our top 6-8 forwards, Brown alone has been a dependable, ironman-type warhorse, the rest of the guys the Kings will look to are prone to getting dinged if not knocked out. Always something to bear in mind. Also agree with your take on Westgarth. It would be nice to round out a forth line with someone else. Mike Grier is a bit ‘long in the tooth’ but at 1.3 mil i’d be very tempted.
CB14 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
@wes, I’m not sure if Grier is a great fit, he is pretty old as you point out, but I’d be happy with a guy like Antti Miettinen. He’s a R.W., he’s 31 years old, had 16 goals, and 19 assists last year for Minnesota. With 8 of those 16 goals coming on the Power Play. Plus he can play in all situations on the ice, and IMO, would be a good fit alongside Clifford and Stoll on the 3rd line.
One more thing I forgot to mention in the previous post is that TM has previously said that the only way guys like Parse and Lokti play is if they’re in a top 6 roll. That philosophy might have changed since Kopi and Richards are so good defensively we don’t need a 3rd line stopper unit, but it might still be true.
Player-X Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:28 am
@CB14, Agree totally about the Kings needing to roll 4 lines, not just for the micro of in-game but for the season-long macro re excessive travel, etc. But, Murray does like to double-shift the hottest top 6 RW into Westgarth’s spot; a lot of the times it’s Brown, for example. That allows for the 4th line to get meaningful ice time. And, the way Murray “Frankensteins” his line combos, to adjust for PP units and PK units being comprised of players from different lines, distributes ice time in the same way as rolling four lines permanently intact. Grier, to me, would not fit the need for speed; Murray seems to be favoring faster guys for the bottom 6; Lewis, Richardson, Clifford, probably Parse, even Stoll, all these guys have good to very good speed, making his 3 and 4 lines based on quickness and smarts. I would grant you that Grier has the smarts, or should have the smarts having been around so long, but I don’t think anyone would say he would be as good as Handzus, and it would be a Handzus-type role he would have to fill in order to fit in. At 1.3, IMO he is not as good as Richardson at a bottom 6 role, and lacks the versatility Richardson offers, so, because of the price and the lack of speed I am doubtful the Kings would give it a serious look. Better to develop a youngster, too, if there is a spot open offering reduced minutes in a platoon situation.
Adamic39 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
@CB14, I strongly disagree with Wes that Brown alone is an Ironman. IIRC Kopi had the team lead in consecutive games played before he got hurt at the end of the season. He could hardly be called injury prone.
Eric Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
@Christian T,
Agreed. Richardson is a better player than Grier.
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LGK!! Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@Eric, first off, totally failed at my handle! I agree with all you guys that Lewis/Richardson are better/faster players than Grier and he shouldn’t be 3rd line. But what if he takes the 4th line fill-in Westgarth role? I don’t see much to lose
Eric Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@LGK,
No thank you. Westgarth provides an element this team is extremely lacking in, i.e., toughness. I would prefer Brad Winchester over Grier, since he can play on the third line, chip in 10 goals per year, fight, and fill in for Westgarth if Westgarth gets injured or is scratched. They already lost Simmonds…I want more toughness and fighters.
CB14 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
@Eric, No thanks on Winchester. He’s not 3rd line material, he only averaged 10 1/2 minutes a game last year. Plus he’s a LW. Is he going to take Clifford’s spot? I don’t think so. As you said he did score 10 goals last year, but he also only had 6 assists. Clifford had 7 goals and 7 assists with a better +/- as a 19 year old rookie. Yes he did average a minute less than Winchester, but he excelled in the playoffs when it mattered most. He scored 3 goals and had 2 assists while playing 13:17 a game on the Kings most productive line. I realize Winchester can play decent hockey and I’d be happy if he replaced Westy, but not either Clifford, Lewis, or Richardson on the 3rd line.
Regarding the recent discussion of us needing Bigger, Tougher players. I’m all for adding players with toughness and fighting as long as they can play like Simmonds and Clifford, and not like Westgarth. I don’t want someone taking a players spot in the line-up just because they can fight, i’d rather they take the spot because they’re BETTER players. Let the best players play, regardless of wether or not they can fight, or are Big and Tough.
Eric Reply:
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:40 am
@CB14,
Winchester played RW on the Ducks. He would be an excellent compliment to Clifford and Stoll. That line would steamroll the opposition. Then you have Richardson, Lewis, Westgarth on the fourth. Nobody would dare take a run at the Kings top players, but when the do, their will be hell to pay for.
Not only will they be an intimidating team, but extremely fun to watch as well…
But, I understand Lombardi does not and will not go down that route. He seems to be stuck in the middle- he wants a tough team but he doesn’t want it as well. Maybe if Hextall was the GM, we would see this happen.
With that said, I agree somewhat that Winchester is not a great player. That’s why Lombardi needs to go after someone like Clarkson.
USHA#17 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
@LKG!!,
Why would you want to pick up Greer. I liked him in his day but in LA?!? Now?!?
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i love hockey buzz do your self a favor if you havent seen the site the rumors are fun. they make the summer seem shorter
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DougS Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@henry,
You’re now around here, aren;t you?
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DougS Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@DougS,
Ugh. Should have been “You’re new around here, aren’t you?”
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AZ King Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@henry,
huh???
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henry Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@AZ King, i’m not new , but thanks for asking
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henry Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@henry, no offense too anybody . i hope i didnt step on anybodys feet.
KingsFanInPortland Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@henry, Ek is that you? I’ve been going to that site for two years, and not once have I heard someone say they love hockeybuzz…
Larry Braverman Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@henry, It’s an E-5 from me that Hockeybuzz is bad . . . especially anything by Kat Kealy (Stein)
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HeyChief Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@henry, Last time I went to that website (several months ago) I got a nasty virus. Now I’m afraid to go back.
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CB14 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@HeyChief, It’s called Eklunditis. It causes nausia and stupidity, just like it’s namesake!
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DougS Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
@henry,
Didn’t mean to be too mocking, but Rich has a long-standing antipathy to that site, largely because some people like to get worked up about the cynical, pointless rumor-mongering and bring their misdirected enthusiasm here. That’s why I asked if you’re new here.
If you read enough of Rich’s work over a period of time, you will have no doubt as to his opinion about trade rumors that get spread over the Internet in general.
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I suspect that Campbell, Voynov (along with Holloway) are all on a short list of potential call-ups in case of injury. Or if there are no injuries, they may get a ‘cup of coffee’ call-up just to get in a game or two and show what they can do. IIRC, Loktionov got a chance like that two seasons ago.
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Token Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 6:08 am
@DougS, Doubt it. Only Voynov is waiver exempt on your list so for him, sure. The others would need to earn a spot right out of camp.
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I like the fact that we have such a deep defensive corps. I think some of the questions and certainly my own thoughts arise from a concern that these guys may end up “paying their dues” in MAN for longer than they would like – that on many other teams would have room for them sooner rather than later. I wonder how much that enters into a player’s mind? “I could be on the big club with another organization”, or “I don’t mind doing what I’m doing now with the Kings, because I know that I’m gonna get my shot someday with a quality organization with a year-in, year-out culture of winning.” I suppose sometimes I have a propensity to think that one or more of these prospects are going to wish they were somewhere else. Of course, they are Kings’ property for quite a while until they reach UFA status, so it’s not like they can request a trade like a veteran could, or play the market…it’s more of just a mental thing that I’m looking at here. Just some random thoughts, if they make sense, great, if they don’t, well, that’s why I love learning the game of hockey, on and off the ice – always something new to learn.
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jet Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
@Datacloud, The Kings seem to have given 5 rookies/AHL players a chance every year. It also seems that DL is giving as many oppertunities for guys to move if they do not fit our team at the time they are ready. At the end of the day, if you are young we want to be with the team that is going to develop your all around game teh best. The fKings are one of those teams.
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KC23 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 4:43 am
@jet, well said. We are being modeled “deveolopement wise” like Detroit. Detroit keeps their young talent in the AHL for long periods of time before they crack the big team. That being said it seems our defense and goalie development team is a big ahead of our forward development process. We don’t seem to have the same eye for forward talent as we do for defensive/goalie talent.
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Interesting, we usually think about Muzzin, Voynov, Hickey, and Deslauriers when we think about defensive prospects. Funny thing is, Andrew Campbell has been slowly but surely getting better. Plus he is a big defenseman, 6ft 4 I do believe…yet another nice problem to have, too much depth !!
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LB Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@puck73,
And that’s why giving up Teubert for Penner was really not a big deal. I completely disagree when I read how we gave up “so much” for Penner. It was a d prospect who tops out as a number 5 or 6, and who might not even have been our top 5 D prospect, at best he was 5th. I doubt that any other team has more depth at the D position with their prospects.
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Christian T Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@LB, I agree. Teubert had almost no chance of making our team. If Penner plays well then we basically came out way ahead with that trade.
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Osaka Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@LB, Agreed.
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22Sargent Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
@LB, From my perspective, the thing that the Kings gave up in Teubert that I still don’t see replaced is a ‘nastiness’ in their D prospects. Now, whether or not Teubert is able to mature into an NHL caliber defenseman in other areas, only time will tell.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@22Sargent, I felt kind of the same way about Tuebert. I like that he was chippy and had a real edge to his game. I don’t really think we have that nasty, really hard to play against type of D-man left in our system. I hope someone else steps up to be that guy in the future, cause I think that’s the only other thing we could use.
quisp Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@puck73,
Deslauriers is nasty. And fasty.
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Osaka Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
@quisp, I was a little surprised by the video interview with him at developement camp, the guy really looks solid (thick).
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CB14 Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
@Osaka, I hope he’s Big and Tough, as well as thick, otherwise he’s not wanted on this team. LOL
wavesinair Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@Osaka, dare I say a bit lubo-like?
Osaka Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
@quisp, I have to say Deslauriers does intrigue me the most out of all the prospects.
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Quisp Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 8:18 am
@Osaka, @wavesinair
Lubo-like in a way, but faster (I think) and with JJ’s mean streak. Lubo/Johnson lovechild.
I do love this prospect. I think he will spend the year in Manchester, but training camp — Martinez v. Hickey v. Voynov v. Deslauriers — will be a spectacle.
I would be shocked if Hickey isn’t training his ass off.
CB14 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@Quisp, What about Muzzin? Don’t forget about him, I liked what I saw from him last year. I don’t think it would be a bad idea to trade Martinez during camp if either of those other 4 d-men play great. Both Martinez and DD2 have guaranteed contracts that pay the same in the AHL and NHL, so I don’t see either one of them being in Manchester, and I would rather trade AM for a 3rd or 4th line R.W. and keep DD2 in the press box. Martinez has more trade value and could probably bring back a top 9 forward.
mrbrett7 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@puck73, He made Tuebert expendible and may eventually replace Matt Greene (just a guess though).
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Buster Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@puck73, I hope the Oilers stocked up on popcorn.
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Rich,
Phillipes or Coles?
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Stuart Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@Bootz, damn I’m hungry now!!! Coles usually has less of a wait, at least when I’ve gone.
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Bootz Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@Stuart,
And great cocktails.
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Rich, I don’t say this as often as I should but your the best. Thank you for all the stuff you do for us. Thanks for also always being real and sticking to truth and not rumors. Your seriously one of the best things a sports fan could ask for to get the ultimate experience of being a fan.
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PRMan Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@Subby, Here here.
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TYLER Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@Subby, +10000000000
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Kingsfanone Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Subby,
Rich? Who dat? lol
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There are still a few quality players available. Do you see us making any more moves? With there possibly not being NBA and NFL next season the NHL will be the only major sporting event for people to watch. This can be great for hockey. Especially hockey in Cali. Greatzk got traded to LA in the past to grow the game out here. Do you see any chance of picking up Stamkos? I can’t see that kid going too long without getting a cup and what better place then LA would work for him marketing wise money wise and hockey wise? A player like that I’m sure would grow our fan base to it’s full potential. I know we would have to give up a lot to get him but we have so much depth that it would probably be woth it if it were a possibility. Either way we have a solid squad here and are going to be a vety good team for years to come. I’m very excited about the upcoming seaon and the sky is the limit for us.
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Sammuch Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:24 am
@Kris Benveniste,
Kopi is our man, now that we have players that can play with him. Stamkos is great, but 3 great players that help him be a great player. Kopi will be one of top 10 players in NHL from this day forward…
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:57 am
@Sammuch, We in no way need Stamkos! plus its just rediculous to even go down that thought process right now, he is and always will be with the Lightning (at least until his new/upcoming contract expires). Stamkos is a center and we have a Great 1-2 punch with Kopi and Richards and plenty of 3rd and 4th line centers available to us. I couldnt see Kopi, Richards or Stamkos as a 3rd line center…..just wont happen. Regardless of the caliber of player Stamkos is we would have to sell the farm to get him and with our current prospects and development system we will be set for years to come and trying to pry him away from the Lightning will jeopardize that. It would be great dream to have Stamkos but right now thats all it is…….a dream!
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Rich, I’ll be coming from Alaska to see the Frozen Fury game so I hope to meet you there and thank you personally for this blog.
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akpride Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Christian T, I thought I was the only Kings fan in Alaska.
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Christian T Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:51 pm
@akpride, Now we know there are 2 of us. What part of the state are you in? I grew up in Cali and have been a fan of the Kings since I started watching hockey.
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I just got back from Vegas a few days ago (waaaaaay to hot for a human being to survive right now) and I paused for a drunken second outside of the enterance to the arena at MGM where frozen fury will be played. Got me excited. Hopefully I can make it out there for the festivities. I’ll have 5 weeks vacation time given to me a few weeks before the event. Anyone here going FOR SURE? Like “already booked the hotel” for sure?
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Cortex949 Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
@Cortex949, ***”waaaay TOO hot for a human…..”
I’m very anal about spelling so I had to edit that lol
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LittleRhody Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
@Cortex949, Hotel is booked (Excalibur) Tickets in hand. (section 16, row S)
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Cortex949 Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@LittleRhody, Oh sweet. I have free rooms at Luxor because the maid left broken glass in the room and I cut my foot open on it. Hopefully we can get a group of us out there and meet up for drinks or something.
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InTheCrease Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
@anybody who knows – Does ‘Frozen Fury’ ever sell out?
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Otto Ped Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
@InTheCrease, always
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mantooth Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 8:53 am
@InTheCrease,
Yes it does!
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Otto Ped Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@Cortex949, Booked
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 7:20 am
@Cortex949, tickets in hand, hotel resv at MGM Signature.
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Brownkingsfan Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@Cortex949, Going with my wife. We’re booked at the MGM and have our tickets.
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408kingsfan Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@Cortex949, Going for sure, I make the trip every year from SJ
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Cortex949 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:02 am
@408kingsfan, Sweet, hopefully we get a chance to party it up before or after the game
[Reply]
lvkingaholic Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@Cortex949, try working in this crap all day, i guess no brain no pain……………………….lol
[Reply]
@brokekingsfan
re RFA “holdouts”
An RFA who does not sign by December 1, 2PM Pacific time, is ineligible to play (or sign a contract with any NHL club) that season.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
@quisp, I thought it was the 15th. I could be wrong though.
[Reply]
quisp Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
@Token,
11.4 Signing Deadline for Group 2 Free Agent. An SPC for a Group 2 Free Agent
will be rejected and will be null and void ab initio (i.e., the Player’s Free Agency and
contractual status shall revert to the status he held prior to signing his SPC), if it is not
signed and filed with Central Registry by 5:00 p.m. New York time on December 1 in the
then current NHL Season.
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
@quisp, I bet you have a fathead of Jeff Solomon up on your wall, don’t you.
Quisp Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:29 am
@cynic
bobblehead
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:59 am
@quisp, Thanks!
[Reply]
Hey Rich, during your time following hockey have you ever heard rumblings of the AHL moving west in order to keep the players closer to the NHL teams?
[Reply]
Rich –
Is there any likelihood that DL is in the market for a Beast-on-the-Boards behemoth, a guy with SIZE and fangs and unpleasant attitude?
I know I’m being obsessive about this, but I can’t help it. No matter how elegantly or quickly we skate, despite the keenness of our shooting eyes, I yearn to add bulk and brute force to our line-up.
Bobby Clarke was fond of repeating — and implementing — the Fred Shero dictum: “Take the straightest path to the puck and arrive in ill humor.”
[Reply]
im playing be a pro mode in nhl 11 just simulating through games to get points. after simulating a few seasons to my surprise, a certain team won the stanley cup in the 2011-2012 season :]
[Reply]
Scot Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
@jonjon,
How up to date are all of the rosters other than the Kings?
[Reply]
the dude from the southeast Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
@jt.jeffgordon24@yahoo.com, haha mind blank
[Reply]
Who Knows? Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
@jonjon, For some reason if you started a Be A GM with the Kings before July 1, BR was a king,
[Reply]
Andrew Campbell could play now for 50% of the teams in the NHL. He is a stay at home defensive defenseman with good size and great attitude. Kings brass know this and will hang on to him as long as they can.
[Reply]
Rich, thanks for keeping us “in the loop!” I love the offseason banter that happens here (ggod and bad)…ah the promise of a new season.
My question is about the Kings calling players up from Manchester. Multiple times over the past few seasons, a player is moved by the Kings to the Ontario Reign, only to be called up to the Kings hours later. Is this some sort of shell game to save money? There is nothing like seeing a big name on our roster, only nto have the bubble popped hours later. Seems shady to me!
Looking forward to another Insider Suite…or two…or three!
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
@Reign Mafia, I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think it’s done to save money. I think it’s a way to have that player closer to LA, if indeed they need to call him up in the next day or 2 due to a Kings players injury being worse than expected. I think they did that last year with Loktionov, although i’m not sure who it was that was injured on the Kings. Given that Manchester is a 5.5 hour flight from LA, it makes sense to have that player closer if a particular players injury requires him to go on the IR. It also might have something to do with the amount of players allowed on the roster at a given time. Quisp would know more than I do, so mabye he can give you some more info.
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 8:56 am
@Reign Mafia, I’m guessing it’s because they get to stay in game shape while waiting for the call up to the big club and Ontario is just a wee bit closer than Manchester.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@Reign Mafia,
It’s just a guess, but it’s probably a roster availability move. The Kings only have a 23 man limit, and have a player there to save time until another player is cleared off the roster so they can move the other player to LA. The moves are usually followed by another player being placed on IR retroactive to such and such a date.
[Reply]
Do you think this new home plate logo looks best on a cut rate funeral home than on a professional sports team?
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
@Buster, Says the guy with the Burger King avatar lol, just kidding
[Reply]
Any update on progress of Hickey?
[Reply]
Rich, what is with a team that changes uniforms more often then some folks change underwear?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 8:09 am
@USHA#17,
“Your supposed to change your underwear?” – Duck’s Fan, 2011
[Reply]
Buster Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@USHA#17,
OR a girl from USC would be asking “What is this underwear thing I keep reading about?”.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@Buster,
I didn’t know Brittany Spears went to USC?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
@DesertKing,
Brittney went to the trailer park classes located in the back near the dumpsters.
jet Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@DesertKing, She went to USC to meet Rich.
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
@Buster, I love College Girls!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Especially ones that don’t wear panties. LOL
Buster Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Just send me the redheads and keep the rest for yourself.
Have a great vacation Rich, and get lots of rest. I have a hunch you are going to be working hard well into May next year, and hopefully into June.
[Reply]
Off topic:
I’m still working my way around Google+. Not super impressed as of now. The whole “circle” thing isn’t very intuitive to me. It’s not really making connections that are relevant to me yet. I see 100 people who it “recommends” but doesn’t say how I know them (or may know them).
Anyway, if anyone still wants an invite, email me by clicking on my name, then contact or leave your email here if you want.
Thoughts from anyone else?
[Reply]
puddle Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@wavesinair, I’m with you. I’ll give Google time to make the necessary changes before I ditch it entirely, but as of right now, you can count me among the underwhelmed.
[Reply]
Bodoe Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:44 am
@wavesinair, Im starting to think that it looks at your gmail contacts and suggests them or people that are in there contact lists. I’m still a little unclear as to how they suggest certain people.
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@wavesinair, I’d love a Google+ invite for: camelothis@charter.net
Thanks!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 4:58 am
@wavesinair, Glad I’m not the only one who is underwhelmed by google plus.
[Reply]
WAKingsfan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@wavesinair, I would love a google+ invite! My email is easterner2112@live.com . Thanks a ton!
[Reply]
Wow, it’s almost 10 in the morning and no one has brought up what Ecklund posted about Doughty and the Islanders. Hmmmm…maybe people on this site have finally learned their lesson about internet rumors.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:51 am
@puck73, LOL, hey puck! So, isn’t this like saying, “don’t think of an pink elephant?” In other words, here come the comments!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@wavesinair, Hey Dude, howz are boy @Variable ? Will you guys be at fanfest and frozen fury ?
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:21 am
@puck73, He’s good! I plan on going to both, not sure about the v-man. You coming down for fanfest? (I have a memory of you living north)
puck73 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@wavesinair, Actually, I live in Orange County, 39 miles away from Staples Center. And yes, I will be at both, and will also be attending Kings night at Dodger Stadium July 29 so I will be posting that next Moday and trying to get alot of the regulars out there for that and hopefully we can meet somewhere like the patio on the Loge Level and pour down some liquid refreshment !!
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@puck73, Cool thing about that the 29th. Did you get your ticket already? If so where are you sitting? I see the ticket promo page on the dodgers site…
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
@wavesinair,
Damn it, I can’t get that pink elephant out of my thoughts. I wonder why…….
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@puck73,
Whats an “Ecklund”? Was he trapped in Carmageddon on the 405? Is he replacing JK as our PP coach?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:17 am
@DesertKing, Hey, dont laugh, Ecklund might be an upgrade from Kompon. I think JK will be on the hot seat this season with the addition of Richards and Gagne.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@puck73,
I would be un upgrade over JK and I can barley spel “hocky”! On a personal note, hoping to order our FanFest tickets after Select-A-Seat today and then locking in Frozen Fury later this week.
puck73 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:37 am
@DesertKing, Hopefully, I finally get a chance to meet you as well at both of these events. Also, dont forget about Dodger Stadium July 29.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@puck73,
At the river on vacation that week, plus I am an Angels fan (thank goodness there was no TV for yesterday’s game).
Michael J. Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@puck73,
I thought we agreed to never go to that site
[Reply]
Rich, Where’s Jim’s “4-page Wine exposé” this year?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@KingsRockLA,
Jim’s in Europe drinking his way thru page 3 by now. lol
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@Kingsfanone, If Jim Fox isnt, you can be sure Jerry Buss is !! lol
[Reply]
KingsRockLA Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@puck73, @Kingsfanone, Those guys know how to live!
Lots of Voynov talk… one has to wonder where Muzzin fits in… He didn’t do anything to lower his expectations playing rather well for Manchester after he was sent back… That’s quite a glut on the blue line…
[Reply]
Alright, lets trade Quick and Kopi to TB for Stamkos and St. Louis.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@DesertKing, Yes, I know your only joking.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@puck73,
I had to do something. The thread is dying, my Select-A-Seat appointment was still 2hours away and i was sweating how much cash I was going to spend. The seats are now locked in, I moved up 4 rows and I saved a bunch of money since my daughter didn’t want a seat this year (new boyfrend and he is not a hockey guy – he had to have some bad point). It is all good now, but maybe we could trade DD for Jagr
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@DesertKing,
Rich — Any validity to this rumor?
(Yes, I’m being sarcastic)
[Reply]
DougS Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@DesertKing,
Too many tornados in Missouri these days. I’d rather have Chicago. I kind of miss eating at Harold’s Chicken Shack, even though my arteries probably don’t miss it at all.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
@DougS,
I agree, they can keep St. Louis. Lets take a shot at getting Seattle.
[Reply]
Does anyone know if we are changing the logo at center ice next season from the crown to the “home plate”? Sorry if this was already posted somewhere and I missed it…
[Reply]
You guys might have already seen this, but apparently Stoll’s amazing shootout performance last season was the NHL’s best since the skill contest was implemented:
http://eye-on-hockey.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/27694626/30654589
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@jp,
Maybe I missed it but Stoll is also 2 away from breaking the alltime consecutive shootout record. Hopefully he pulls it off in his next 2 shootouts.
[Reply]
jp Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:45 am
@Dominick, I’d love to see him break that record, but I’m hoping we get some regulation wins instead!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:51 am
@jp, Maybe we’ll get lucky and 2 will be all we get this year.
whats the over/under for amount of posts this thread ends up with now that Rich is on his well deserved (hopefully long, but not too long) vacation? closest winner gets….my congratulations?
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@tornado12, There was a period of 7 days between posts last year that got 1,625 comments. So if it goes that long again this time, I’ll take the under because it was at the height of Kovi-mania last summer.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@wavesinair,
Hopefully DD signing will break it up. I say under, over afterwards with Rich going 7 days between posts and alot of fans spending that time arguing about why it took so long, and how DD’s on the chopping block.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@wavesinair, thats sound logic, not a place for any of that here. seriously though, ill take the under. but there are alot of new faces around and seems like more traffic than usual for this time of year so wouldnt be surprised to see it push over 1000, even with no Kovigate. We still have mulletgate, pennergate, quickvberniergate, donutgate, SIZEgate, systemgate, PPKompongate…i could go on all day!
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 9:18 am
@tornado12,
the “gate” thing is driving me insane! lol. perhaps the most overused/misused tag of all time? hmmm…
Player-X Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@waves- Thanks for starting gate-gate…
Shakes Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:48 am
@tornado12,
i’m going to go with 800 over the course of the week. maybe it’s about time i figure out a new script for our King’s management…
[Reply]
I miss Rich…
[Reply]
Anybody wondering why the Kings struggled during the last regular season at scoring?
Read this:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=371987
Not a single King in the top 50 of forwards at even strength.
Not a single King in the top 20 of D-men at even strength.
–Yep.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Terry Murray to the white courtesy phone…pageing Terry Murray to the white courtesy phone.
[Reply]
kevin Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@puck73, At least we got on 1 of the list……
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@puck73,
X-Factor Numero Uno 2011-12 season = TM
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@puck73, It’s not like Terry Murray singled out being better 5 on 5 LAST off-season as the Key thing his team needed to improve on. Oh wait, he did exactly that.
Here’s what Terry Murray said on September 19th 2010, “I know that we have to improve on the 5-on-5 offensive numbers.” http://lakingsinsider.com/2010/09/19/change-in-focus/
But it’s not like he said the exact same thing 2 years ago. Oh wait, he did exactly that too. (According to what Rich wrote, because I can’t find the quote) Here’s what Rich wrote on April 29th, 2010, “Finally, Murray was reminded how, this time last year, he stressed 5-on-5 scoring as the major thing the Kings needed to improve.” http://lakingsinsider.com/2010/04/29/how-to-improve/
I wonder what he’ll say this off-season? LOL
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@puck73,
The half boards are for the loading and unloading of pucks. The half boards are for the loading and unloading.g of pucks. The slot is for the shooting and scoring of picks. The slot is for the shooting and scoring of pucks. There is no parking. In the slot. There is no parking in the slot. Parking is available im front or the net. Parking is available in front of the met.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
@DesertKing,
I hate typing on a smart phone……
Buster Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:26 am
@puck73, No. The WHITE phone.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:57 am
@Buster,
Chief, did you want TM to use the shoe phone or the cuff link phone?
Goring 19 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, even so, the Bruins had 1 o and d guy on that list, not impressive yet they won the cup
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, The good news is that there was only one King in the bottom 25 tho, Handzus, and he be gone baby gone.
By the way, neither I, nor a guy named Rich Hammond, subscribe to the heretic lunacy (I kid) that Terry Murray’s system is “offensively challenged.” It was, among other things, very young guys putting up terrific defensive numbers, winning bunches of games against all systems, and simply still learning how to score certain types of goals in a very tough league.
From Forum Answers VI, http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/07/17/forum-answers-vi-5/
“m_and_m asked: When you had the last Lombardi Q and A just before the Richards trade hit the fan, there were several questions about the Kings’ offensive sysstem which I don’t remember you asking DL. Do you (and more importantly DL) think that if the Kings aspire to go deep in the playoffs this year or challenge for the cup, they need to open up their system? Given that they have 6 guys who have scored 30+ goals in the past, do you think they need to change their system and/or coach to get to the next level?
Answer: No, I don’t think the system needs to change. When it is implemented and executed, it works, just like every other system in the NHL.”
Bam!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@Player-X,
The shootout rule and the king’s ability with special teams to exploit it, put LA into the playoffs. Kompon needs to deliver a miracle this year and serves at the pleasure of TM so it really does fall back on TM. Good news is we have newly acquired players with the instinct to finish and we need that badly since last year whether it was the system or the roster, they had a hard time closing the deal in regulation. This should be a tell tale year.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:54 pm
@jess, This WILL be a tell tale year. No one can say that this team doesn’t have the talent (with DD of course) or experience to make it out of the first round, or possibly further, barring major injuries. It’s a put up or shut up year for Terry Murray. Personally I don’t think he makes it the whole year as Head Coach.
CB14 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
@Player-X, From Forum Answers VII on April 30th 2011: 2011.http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/04/30/forum-answers-vii-4/
“I think the main flaw in what Terry Murray tries to accomplish is that it requires a high level of perfection. If players get away from it, even for a five-minute segment of a period, it’s tough to get back. It requires a lot of intelligence, patience and hard work, and that can be hard to maintain for 60 minutes.” Check, your turn.
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:35 am
CB14- So, after I spent 5 minutes looking through the Forum Answers VII from July 17, until I finally realized that April 30 was not July 17, (yikes, goatta be awake a little longer) I found the quote you pulled. When I say pulled, I mean yes, it does apply and apparently in refute to what I selected, and they are both quotes from the same Rich Hammond, but I have to say that you must be ignoring the rest of Rich’s quote from April 30, the context of which actually reaffirms a positive conclusion regarding the system.
“On one hand, I think the main flaw in what Terry Murray tries to accomplish is that it requires a high level of perfection. If players get away from it, even for a five-minute segment of a period, it’s tough to get back. It requires a lot of intelligence, patience and hard work, and that can be hard to maintain for 60 minutes. That said, there’s nothing wrong with this system. If you have the capability — I think the stories are archived on the website — check out Sports Illustrated’s recent story on the Washington Capitals. Almost to the letter, the Capitals are trying to do exactly what the Kings try to do. They have more experience, and more talent up front, but it’s the same thing. So it’s a matter of having the talent, it’s a matter of properly instructing the talent and it’s a matter of the talent getting it done on the ice. All three are important.”
Again, the Kings are a young team. No, not all are brand new, but for the last two seasons the Kings have always been among the top 3 youngest teams in the league. So, even though the Kings have been able to learn and apply an apparently difficult system, the problem has been consistency. Yes, sometimes the Kings get away from it, and sometimes the result is catastrophic.
Catastrophic results when a team gets away from a system do not in themselves prove anything, really. Any system, when not implemented, could have the same ineffectiveness, and the same results. This kills the aspect of the argument that there is some peculiar component to Murray’s system compared to others.
The fact that the difference between (1) when the Kings successfully implement the system and (2) when they do not successfully implement the system can easily be seen proves that they are able to play it; so, they understand it, and they can execute it properly. This kills the aspect of the argument that “it is too difficult to master.”
The fact that the Kings have handily beaten teams with all other types of systems is evidence that the system is effective when implemented. As well, the Capitals taking the President’s-Trophy-winning system and deciding they need to make it look more like the same system the Kings use, is some mighty damn compelling evidence that the system is effective, especially in the playoffs. This kills the aspects of the argument that the Kings system is ineffective, antiquated, easily countered, one-dimensional or unproductive.
I still maintain that Murray’ system is a winning system, appropriate to today’s NHL. Any system is hard to maintain for a whole 60 minutes. Having a solid defensive foundation is what Lombardi said he would create; we have seen this focus and plan manifested for the last 5 years. This year, as Lombardi has also stated, the plan is entering another phase, which is to concentrate on completing the lineup of forwards to enhance scoring WITHOUT SACRIFICING DEFENSE. Murray’s system is, IMO, the single best system that can allow that to happen.
To try to parry without snark, I guess my line would have to be “I just traded a pawn for your queen; check.”
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@Player-X, While I purpously left out the rest of the paragraph Rich wrote because it was damaging to my point, you also left out the fact that Washington got swept out of the playoffs last year in the second round while using the same system that Terry Murray uses. All while allowing 3 goals or more in each game against Tampa Bay. I think you’ll agree with me that Washington’s previous system was too focused on offense, but I think their current system is too focused on defense. That’s been my problem with the system Terry Murray uses, too much defense and not enough offense. I’d like to see a better balance between the 2.
Regarding your line of Lombardi stating the plan is to enhance scoring without sacrificing defense, I’m all for that, but Terry Murray has been trying for the last 2 years to increase 5 on 5 scoring and has produced nothing to show for it.
I wrote this a little higher up in this same post, and provided the links to the articles.
Here’s what Terry Murray said on September 19th 2010, “I know that we have to improve on the 5-on-5 offensive numbers”.
Here’s what Rich wrote on April 29th, 2010, “Finally, Murray was reminded how, this time last year, he stressed 5-on-5 scoring as the major thing the Kings needed to improve.”
So that goes to show you that just because a Head Coach or GM wants to improve something, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Especially when that Head Coach is Terry Murray! LOL.
Player-X Reply:
August 1st, 2011 at 8:24 am
@CB14, All good points CB. The past years there has been, as almost all agree, some holes in the offense; “we need a sniper,” “…a hole at LW,” etc. We agree on the problem, 5 on 5 scoring, and I also think a paramount improvement would be a consistently good power play, and inside the numbers a very much improved 5 on 3.
The hole on LW has now been filled twice over, with adding Penner and improving on Smyth by getting Gagne. No longer can one problem of 5 on 5 scoring be attributable to more than one cause. This year, if there is not better scoring, I will agree that it must be the system and the coach. But if the Kings do score more, it will be because either the system was good all along or else because the coach was able to adapt his system; both of which seem to be the current criticism of Terry Murray.
crashin' da net Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, This should not come as a shock to anyone here. TM has everyone playing a hard 2-way game hence our low goals-against average. Also, we really had only one top 6 that could be in there and after JW being out for awhile and no one really to assist him, KOPI (and his short injury) will not break into the camp.
I am hoping that with the new additions, TM let’s the guys play a bit more offensively and let’s the seasoned Dmen do their jobs (JJ w/ a new contract and hopefully DD w/ a new contract and in better physical condition, we can do some scoring this year.
Hopefully Kompon will be gone too. But seems that ain;t gonna happen. Let’s see if he changes his M.O. at leasst.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
@crashin’ da net,
Interesting all these replies to bako about TM and he never mentioned him once in his post.
[Reply]
chip Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 12:43 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
That isn’t a “why”, that is just a result of what happened. We already know that that Kings were not a high scoring team.
[Reply]
So I can stop refreshing every ten minutes, does any one know when Rich is going dark for a couple weeks? I am thinking it started today, though the Forum Answer portion is not complete.
[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@mrbob25,
I think he is going to chime in every once in a while. I’ve never been into drugs or any other addictive products.. but i think i know what its like right now.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@mrbob25, Yeah, he won’t go dark the entire time. He’s basically online and working so if Kings news pops up, I imagine he’ll post it just as he did last year when the Kovi thing went down and when Poni got signed. But I don’t think he’s officially back until August 1st.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
@wavesinair, Dude, I havent gotten my tix yet for July 29, but I am going to get mine on stubhub for cheap in the Loge on the 3rd base side. I was hoping you would get tix on the Loge as well, their are plenty left, and they are like 10 bucks a ticket. Also, if a bunch of the crew load up on those tix alot of us can hang out on the patio on the Loge and have some food and drink…It has potential to kick ass, get the word out !!
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@puck73, Sounds good. Let’s get the word out and grab some seats. 10 bucks is a great deal. I’d like to get a voucher for a hat but that costs 25. I’ll send you an email and we’ll orchestrate.
so I was just on youtube looking at some mike richards videos I gotta say my favorite is when he is opening the crap out of corey perry in juniors . I bet katie perry I mean corey perry is going to hate playing the kings even more now . I hate that guy
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Did anyone else notice that the Staples ice shown on the Select-A-Seat site has the home-plate emblem on it?
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CB14 Reply:
July 18th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@DesertKing, Yeah, someone brought it up a week ago in response to a question in the open forum about what logo would be at center ice. I prefer the Crown, or the Chevy logo myself.
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KC23 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 5:13 am
@DesertKing, Yes, looks like crap. Be nice to try and build some tradition with our uniforms, but the bean counters get their way every time.
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puck73 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 7:44 am
@KC23, My favorite uniform story is after the 98-99 season I was at a season tix holder meeting and had a 5 minute discussion after the meeting with Tim Leiweike begging him not to change the original silver and black uniforms that Gretzky wore that set sales records in the NHL to this day. Leiweike insisted that we had to get away from the Raiders colors because it was bad for our image and gang bangers were wearing them ( Tim’s words, not mine). Fast forward to 2009/2010 season, and the Kings decide to have a 3rd jersey. And what a surprise it was, the same silver and black color scheme as before with a different logo. That being said, I would like to congratulate Tim Leiweike for helping eliminate the gang problem in Southern California and would like to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize, I mean after all…Tim would never have brought back those colors if wasnt safe to do so….Give me an effin break, and stop insulting our intelligence Tim !!
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DesertKing Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 7:53 am
@puck73,
Wow, you just put TL in the same league as Tookie Williams
Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@puck73,
Since the Raiders moved back to Oakland they took the Gang Banger element with them. None left in LA to ruin our good hockey atmosphere, and children are now safe to wear the old colors in the streets again thanks to Lieweike…….maybe it’s just that the new crest is bullet proof?
LittleRhody Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@puck73, Unfortunately, the new uniforms are black and white not black and sliver. More silver would at least make them stand out.
Although, I wish they had a hint of purple in there somewhere.
King Cobra Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 7:46 am
@KC23, Agree!!
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I saw that you metion that the kings will be having legend nights again this year. Do you know if there giving away the cheap rally towels again? I wish they would do the bobbleheads again.
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wavesinair Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@omar winkie, Whoever’s likeness appears on the bobblehead will be traded…
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omar winkie Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
@wavesinair, so we need a penner bobblehead then lol
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Shakes Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
@wavesinair,
it would be oddly funny to have the bobblehead be a “Legend” and then we trade them… even though they’ve like been retired for 20yrs.
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Junkydare Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 3:40 am
@Shakes, haha luc robitaille gets traded
is Alexei Yashin really gonna come back and do you think he is still worth going after?
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OK Kings Insiders, Here is the question of the day.
Who is the Kings best/most important player and in turn should be the highest paid player in the future?????
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puck73 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 7:47 am
@King Cobra, For me right now its in this order..Quick, Kopitar, Mitchell, and Doughty. As for who should be payed the highest? I would say Kopitar.
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Player-X Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:46 am
@King Cobra, Great question, plays right into the Doughty situation.
Doughty is, according to reports, asking for more money than even Kopi gets. Based on potential, maybe it’s worth it. But in this real world and on this day, Doughty has in no possible way done more for this team, he has not worked harder than Kopi, he has not improved his game more than Kopi and he has not shown the kind of maturity and self-sacrifice exhibited by Kopi. If you believe all the hype, every bit of it, then you can only “project” that Doughty will BECOME worth the kind of money Kopi already deserves now.
All the in-game stats, his ice-time, quality of opponent, game- and puck-control numbers, these things are all good at showing parts of a player’s game, but they do not trump actual goals, assists, points, and results. Being able to handle the puck more against more solid opponents does not make bad, selfish late-game retaliation penalties go away. (Think playoffs and teeth) In my opinion this is actually a critical year for Doughty, as he can establish himself as either great, good, mediocre or disappointing; the fact that his reputation is still developing is further testament to his not yet being worth more than Anze Kopitar.
If you had to choose, who do you keep? Kopi or Doughty? Tough question, but at this point, I think it has to be Kopitar.
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wavesinair Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 9:13 am
@Player-X,
Glad we don’t have to make that decision! And that’s a good thing because we’ll need both to win a cup (at least in my dreams).
The Doughty situation reminds me of a tiny version of the debt ceiling crisis. We all know it will happen, it’s just a matter of who blinks first. In this case, I think it’s obvious Doughty will. I imagine he’s already said to his agent, “hey I’m playing for the Kings so come training camp, I want the best deal I can get, but get it done.” We’ll see.
We all know about the December 1st deadline to sign, which I don’t eve think is a possibility, but does anyone know if there is a deadline for teams to submit an offer sheet? I can’t find that info anywhere. For example, can they give one to Doughty in mid-November?
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Player-X Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@wavesinair, Wassup mang?
Interesting question, new angle… I dunno. Now that you mention it, if a player holds out, when does he become an RFA again subject to offer sheets, is it the next season or is he permanently in limbo?
Hey, check your e-mail, maybe spam, yersterday I sent you boating invite via DITK from T.O.P. Service, had Player-X in subject field.
TransAm Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:55 am
@King Cobra,
Kopitar, merely because I believe that Quick would be easier to replace. Kopitar gets paid what he deserves.
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rick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:47 am
@King Cobra, That”s an easy one. It has to be Kopitar. Our best offensive player, and probably our best defender from the forward position. A true superstar, and only 23. He is going to be a Hart Trophy winner more than once.
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tornado12 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@rick, It gonna be real tough for the east coast voters to get to know Kopi. He will have to lead the league in scoring and the Kings will have to win the cup for him even to get a sniff of the Hart.
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jonjon Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 10:35 pm
@King Cobra, kopitar without a doubt. you look at any guy on this team and ask yourself if he’s a winner. kopitar is at the top of the list. quick is a close second, his battle level really stepped up this year. when doubty shows his potential game in and game out maybe he can contend for most paid. also maybe he shouldnt be the most paid but depending on how good williams does this season.. his pay cut could be a god send.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
@jonjon, One word answer for me is KOPITAR!!
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KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 4:09 am
@King Cobra, Answer seems obvious to me and apparently several others. Kopitar, because he is the hardest to replace. I think Mike Richards is not far behind as the 2nd hardest for the same reason.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 8:29 am
@KC23, I agree the answer seems obvious, I posed it to send a message to you know who……
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Dear Diary,
It is Day 2 of Rich’s vacation. Life has become mundane with nothing to look forward too. The anticipation of a new updated thread has become unbearable. I am lost with no where to go. Don’t- know-how-much-longer-I-can-hold-on…..
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jess Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@DesertKing, W I I L LLL SSON!!
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DesertKing Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@jess,
LMAO
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jess Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@DesertKing,
maybe it’s time to have a burning goat festivel and sacrifice something special to the thread gods??? I’ve seen this before -thread gods definitely require blood, brightly colored masks and maybe even a volcano
DesertKing Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@Djess
I guess the gods got thier blood. Stamkos signed.
gmo Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@DesertKing,
are you serious? only day 2? oh gosh im in for a really long 2 weeks lol
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Shakes Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
@DesertKing,
at this point i’m craving a even some semi-important Monarchs news to warrant a new posting
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LBlocal Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
@DesertKing, Hammer Time (a vacation snapshot) THE MAN plays a ‘heavy’ game!
https://picasaweb.google.com/114565119314249722685/2011CSPAStudentPhotoAlbum?feat=flashalbum#5630811465927123602
gKg!
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CB14 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
@LBlocal, That’s our Rich, even on his Vacation he’s still working.
Side note; How on Earth did you find that picture? What’d you do, google search his name or something?
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DesertKing Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:32 am
@LBlocal,
What do you mean “no partying”??
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King Cobra Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
@DesertKing, Answer the question of the day?
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Just wanted to let everyone know that their are plenty of tix left in the Loge Level, section 157 on stubhub for July 29 which is L.A Kings night at Dodger Stadium, game time is 7:10 P.M. If you want to get tix, click on preffered Loge level, and you will see tix in sec 157 and 159 which are 3rd base side near the big patio for 10, 11, and 12 dollars !! Also, once again @puck73 will taking 2 bloggers as his guests for free. I will attach a reply to your post if you are one of the 2 people…see ya all at Blue Heaven !!
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RobSD Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@puck73,
I hear the Dodgers are pretty good this year.
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TYLER Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@puck73, sounds pretty awesome haha…im wearing my kings jersey for sure
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Im freaking out. I need hockey news.
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Bodoe Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Subby, I keep checking back to see if anything new has been posted. I don’t think I have ever relied on a website as much as this.
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Geez, its still July and I’m already in dire need of a hockey fix. Gonna be a rough summer.
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Mikey Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@KC23, i’ve been watching a lot of kings highlights and NHL “top ten” from espn on youtube. it helps!
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LittleRhody Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@Mikey, I actually watched the DVR copy of the Suite Game from last season a couple of nights ago. Unfortuantely, I forgot that that recording ended with 5 minutes left to go inthe game, lol
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fun video, all Kings…scroll down to vid pane…
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Puck-Headlines-Islanders-arena-update-Bruins-B?urn=nhl-wp9323
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Sebastian Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
@Player-X, cool video!
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Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
@Player-X,
That was cool. I was so bored last night I actually watched the old episode of Voices with Nick Nickson.
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stamkos signs 5 years.
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Stamkos signed, DD where you at?
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Lightning just signed Stankos to a 5 year deal!
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
$7.5M cap hit. This might have just set the bar for Doughty.
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vplaza Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
OUCH if it does. DD isn’t worth $7.5M after last year, IMHO.
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Todd Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
If Stamkos is getting a contract where his cap hit is $7.5 million. Doughty has to be in the range of $5.5 million and $6 million in my opinion.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
@Todd,
Thats exactly what I was getting at. Stamkos deserves more than Doughty, but I’d put him in the 6-6.5 Range.
miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@Todd, Yeah, but the consensus is that Doughty and his people are waiting to see what Shea Weber gets. And, he is nowhere near Stamkos money, so hopefully, the cap hit will still be tolerable.
King Cobra Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
@FKA PakiFro, There are no metrics that put Doughty in the exact range as Stamkos. He deserves 5 to 6 million. There is no way he should be paid more than our leader Kopitat.
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Stamkos is signed to Tampa
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408kingsfan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@408kingsfan, Wow you guys type fast!
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great now doughty going for a 7.5 million contract i dont think he deserve it after the way he didnt be at his full strength of last season he deserve a 4 million tho.Who ever say he deserves it.He doesnt am sorry but he doesnt
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ESPN NHL – Lightning re-sign C Steven Stamkos (96 goals the last 2 seasons) to 5-year deal worth $37.5 million
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@Subby, how much for a year 7.5??
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Time for Lombardi to step it up and sign Doughty to a nice deal and lock him up for the next 5-7 years. If Stammer can get that kind of $$$ he deserves it for being one of the key forwards in the NHL. I say the same on “D” for Doughty…just my .02
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@mcdangles, IMO Stamkos earned the salary he got by performance and not potential. Doughty had the one great Norris candidate year but other than that he has been a Good/borderline great D-man that shows his immaturity alittle to much at this point. Not saying he doesnt deserve a great contract but not a 7.5 mil a year. I say between 5.5-6.5 for the same 5 years and see what happens. If he breaks out and becomes the player he is toughted to be then show him the real $$$
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tornado12 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, 5.5 million sounds like real $$$ to me…
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@tornado12, I feel ya! its actually fairy tale $$ to me but……..
tornado12 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@BKF, you probably cant afford it, but are you going to frozen fury? Im making plans and just need to confirm the time off work and then click the submit button to get my TIX…
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@tornado12, Im doing my best to be there. I have a friend who might be able to hook me up with lodging (not at MGM but like a 5 to 10 min drive away) for free. If i can swing that ill be there for sure. Puck73 was asking earlier as well so you guys will be the first to know if i can make it.
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39scars Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:06 am
@BrokeKingsFan, Buying a condo is now cheaper than getting a hotel for the week
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Soooo…..did DL do any exit strategies with The developement camp attendies? I suspect he said to Elkins “your girls pretty hot, does she have an older sister? If she does, I see no reason why you can’t make Camp this season”.
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DougS Reply:
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:04 am
@Dominick,
No, that’s what I would say if I was in Dean’s position.
Dean Lombardi is, IIRC, married to Bob Pulford’s daughter.
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Uh oh, now with Stamkos locked up I can just hear the crazy Doughty to Toronto for Kadri and a 5th or Anaheim offer sheet rumors. I hope DD doesn’t think that he can use Stamkos’ contract for comparison to his. He’s not worth 7.5 mil. yet.
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Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Bailey Fan,
Anahiem is no threat. They couldn’t afford to even offer up enough to pay for his parking tickets. Edmonton on the other hand is in the basement salary wise, DL has a strained relationship with them, and Tambellini’s a crook. If anybody was to jack up the price and screw with DL it would be them. Dont think that would happen in the slightest though, because it would also make him look bad to the rest of the NHL.
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Token Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@Dominick,
“… make him look bad …”
That boat has sailed long ago.
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Bill M. Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@Dominick, You can sure as hell bet that if Tambellini did that, after all that has already gone down, DL would fully retaliate with an offer sheet on Hall or Eberle when they come up for RFA.
I’m pretty sure Tambellini would be gone in seconds if he lost Hall or Eberle, even if he picked up Doughty in the process.
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@Bill M., That would be some sauce for the goose.
Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@Bill M., I’ve mentioned before in past posts that Tambellini’s already screwed his team. I don’t think it will be said allowed by any of the players, but when we play them this season I think every player on the Kings roster will know how much it will mean to DL to stick it to Edmonton, and Edmonton will get steamrolled by the Kings every time we play them.
The Kings are already a better team, and the added incentive to do it for DL will probably fuel the Kings play during those games. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the players say it’s just another game, then tear them apart during the games.
Honestly, if anything at all, stamkos’ contract helps lombardi out with the negotiating process. I mean, that’s a pretty affordable contract imho.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@dwave, affordable….. maybe. Justified for DD at this point……..not so sure.
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dwave Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, sorry, I meant relative to what stamkos is worth. Based on his 7.5 cap hit I meant to imply that there’s a pretty slim chance that DD even comes close to that… seeing as stamkos has led the league in goals over the last two years.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@dwave, gotcha!
Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@dwave, If I were DL, I would want a longer deal for DD8 than the one Stamkos just got… The Kings don’t want to face the prospect of DD8 as a UFA at 26 years old five years from now… The 9 – 12 year deal at 6 -6.5 mil per is in the best interest of the franchise IMHO…
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King Cobra Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 11:59 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, Makes good sense to me.
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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/stamkos-lightning-ink-five-year-deal-worth-375-million/article2102490/
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Sign doughty for 5-7 yrs or a hit of 6-6.5, if he wants what stammer is getting, give him bonuses to reach. Give him something to work for!!!!!
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vancitykingsfan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@vancitykingsfan, and a hit of 6-6.5*
Make him prove to us that he is worth 7.5…..if he gets another nommine for james norris, there is his bonus.
Who else has ideas??????
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King Alex Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@vancitykingsfan, I think DD wants a 5 to 6 year max contract so we can go through this all again when he is 25 or 26 and in his prime. I like many have read the Kings offered 9 years at 6.5mil/year. IMO the 6.5 is good but I think DD wants another shot at a bigger contract before turning 29 to 30.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@vancitykingsfan, 5 to 7 years at 6-6.5 sounds good to me!
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Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Rumor has it the Kings have already offered 6.5 for 9 years. I think we’ll probably find out when it’s all said and done that the hold up was an NMC and not the money. 6.5 would be manageable, but DL not being able to move DD if we get into cap trouble would probably be a major sticking point.
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tornado12 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Dominick, If thats it, then I say give him the NMC. He is worth it. He, Kopi and Quick are our holy trinity (sorry, I’m catholic). I truly believe he is a generational talent. He just needs to mature and show the dedication off the ice needed to put him over the top (like Lidstrom, etc). I am cautiously optimistic he will. If he comes out of shape this fall, then I will be very disappointed and will have to change my thinking about him drastically.
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
@Dominick, I could see that. those NMC can really bend you over and stick it to ya sometimes. It for sure benfits the player no doubt and can handcuff a team(see Ryan Smyth)
Token Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Dominick, Need to be a Group 3 Free Agent before you can get an NMC/NTC. Dewey don’t qualify for that yet.
CB14 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@Dominick, I would rather sign DD to a 2 year deal worth 5.5 per year. Then if he plays like he did 2 years ago, we sign him to a long term, high dollar deal. I would much rather risk Drew playing great these next 2 years, and thus requiring more money per year in his next contract, then signing him long term now and risk him playing like he did last year. Which wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t worth 6.5 per year for the next 9 years. A 9 year 6.5 million dollar average contract would be worth a total of 58.5 million. If you follow up a 2 year 11 million dollar deal with a 7 year 7 million per year deal it would be worth a total of 60 million. More money for Drew, more assurances for the Kings that Drew is worth that money, and everyone wins! Heck if Drew played these next 2 years like he did 2 years ago, I’d be fine with giving him 8 million a year. IMO it is more important not to overpay for a player, then it is to lock them up long term for POSSIBLY less than they might be worth in 2 or 3 years. Stamkos was worth 7.5 per year for what he had done the previous 3 years. Drew, IMO, is not worth 6.5 per year for what he has done the previous 3 years. There’s no doubt that he has the potential to be worth 6.5 per year, and possibly much much more, but I would rather see it proven for more than 1 year before he gets that big of a contract.
Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
@Dominick,
Sorry I should of made that more clear. The suspected contract is around 9 years. The NMC would kick in around year 4 leaving 5 years of being locked into the contract. That is the major reason we dealt Visnovsky. he was dealt before that NMC/NTC kicked in. I suspect DD is saying fine, I’ll sign for 9 or 10 years, but I want an NMC in place so that You can’t move me during my prime years. Meaning if the Kings were to move him he would still be looking at entering his prime, and on the Kings end, would make dealing him less likely. Then the NMC/NTC would Kick in and before you know it, he’s able to serve the full length of the contract without being moved.
tornado12 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@vancitykingsfan, I dont believe he is eligible for an incentive laden contract…right?
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
@tornado12, I do think you are correct my friend! I think Rich actually covered it in these open forums. not sure which instalment but its there.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Congratulations, you are going to Kings night at Dodger Stadium July 29 as my guest, you interested ?
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@Puck73, Damn……Im interested but I actually have to work that night otherwise I would love to (cant afford to miss a shift). Thanks for the gesture though, i really appreciate it! I am making a big push to be at frozen fury and one of the insider suite nights this year. Im looking forward to actually meeting and putting faces and REAL personalities to the blog names of many around here. Thanks again brother for the consideration!
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@tornado12,
Right.
[Reply]
Dang, does this mean the DD for Stamkos trade is off? Man, based on the internet rumors,I thought it was going to happen.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@DesertKing,
File that one with: “Elvis @ McDonald’s”
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@jess, Elvis at McDonald’s is totally crazy talk, McDonald’s doesn’t even have a hockey team and Elvis can’t skate. C’mon!!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@Player-X,
What in the world are you talking about??
Everyone (who is anyone) knows Elvis is goaltending for the Winnepeg Jets.
DesertKing Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@jess,
Ha! Even I know that one is false! They don’t serve peanut butter and vicodin at McDonalds!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
@DesertKing,
Looks like you haven’t requested their double secret menu –because why??
Answer: You didn’t know about it.
DesertKing Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
@jess
That would explain the pharmacist behind the counter and the “Happy Meals”
Dominick Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
@DesertKing, Based off internet rumors, I like the one where Crosby comes here to play with his lifelong buddy JJ.
[Reply]
jet Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Dominick, but we would have to give up Mullin and an 8th in 2024
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 1:42 am
@jet,
DD8 should get 6 mil max! He really hasn’t proved anything other than being a good puck moving defenseman. He doesn’t score 45 goals like Stamkos. He’s small. Does not play physical. Too cocky/confident with the puck. And all those FAT/immaturity rumors. He’s got a long way to go before he commands that kind of dough. And don’t start with “But he’s a Norris finalist!” He hasn’t won anything. Second place is the first loser.
But… with that being said. DD8 and his agent should and will try to get as much $$$ as they can. Players have a very small window in their professional careers to make $. More power to him. This is a business!
[Reply]
Is it Frozen Fury time yet? Please wake me up when it is
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Glad to see Stamkos’ number is $7.5M. that means Doughty can’t expect more than $6M-$6.5M given he’s coming off an average year. so with the Stamkos deal it seems it’s about term now.
if Doughty wants shorter term he gets less per year. $30M over 5 years sounds about right. if he’ll go 8 years or more then you can bump it to $6.5M/year.
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jonsey Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
@Dave, Ugly. I don’t think that Stamkos needed 7.5. I sure hope Doughty doesn’t get more than he deserves. I’m just some guy, but his numbers and his performance this last year didn’t even make him the MVP among defencemen. Really a bunch of hard working guys like Scuderi and Mitchell worked out great.
9 years 50 million dollars. 5.55 million cap hit.
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16,005 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 9:10 am
@Dave,
I like the analysis… me thinks Doughty’s camp was waiting to see what Stamkos got before finalizing the deal. Don’t want to leave anything on the table.
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DD will get 6.25 mil cap for 6 years! That my thinking…
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Deadmarsh Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
@Sammuch, that’s probably the best estimate yet! I’m sure DL is thinking the same thing. We all tend to overreact.
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Way OT:
Since the Kings “open” their season this year on the other side of the planet (and we LOSE two home games along with it) …
Dontcha think that the NHL ought to give Kings Fans a little compensation by providing TV coverage via Center Ice at NO COST for Southern California?
Just sayin’.
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For Frozen Fury, are there any bad seats I should avoid buying at the MGM arena? Also is there going to be an Insider gathering before the game?
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408kingsfan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
@DesertKing, Hooters across the street woo hooo!
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DesertKing Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@408kingsfan,
Sounds good thanks.
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puck73 Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@DesertKing, Most of the seats are pretty good. If you want more info, email me and I will talk to you on the cell phone and give you the skinny. I have been going since 99 so I am kind of a seasoned veteran at it. My address is mikebrnstn@gmail.com. As far as alot of the bloggers getting together on friday or saturday in Vegas, that is being worked on. I have a feeling that people like @wavesinair and myself will really be pushing hard to make that a reality this season !!
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OnTheFly Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@puck73, I’ll be there, Got my ticket to the game too. I’ll be in Las Vegas fri, sat, sun and monday. So just post when the bloggers getting together is before friday and i’ll be there.
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puck73 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@OnTheFly, Consider it done. You can also email me and I will give you my cell # so you can call or text.
WTF Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@puck73, Keep us in the loop, I will be out there for work that whole week so I am down and have some hook ups.
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puck73 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
@WTF, Count on it. You can email me if you wish, and I will give you my cell# so you can call or text.
toemas-sandstrom Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 8:08 am
@DesertKing, I, like a fool, waited until the last minute to get my tickets last year and got stuck with “obstructed view” seats(can’t see the end boards or the goal). They’re the equivelant of section 104,105,108,113,114,117,118. Not all those sections but just to give you an idea, it’s in the corners. Just a warning, the ticketmaster website did not mention anything about an “obstructed view” didn’t know it until I had the tickets in hand.
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DesertKing Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:10 pm
@toemas-sandstrom,
Great thanks.
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Why not offer Doughty two years and less money like Quick took?
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jonsey Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
@jonsey, Or 20 years $100 million? Lol.
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Mike Richards just tweeted a pic of the first kings jersey he signed haha saw it and loved it lol can’t wait
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Okay, which one of you guys on here is this?
who did a video interview during the prospect camp hahaha
too bad you cant hear anything
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0gqEYeP_-4
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Ill say at least 6.1 mil per years for 8 years.. No more and no less…………………
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Just pay the man 68 mil for 10 years and be done with it.
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chip Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:06 am
@SDGolfer, Is that the road to “rolling all 2.5 lines”? Just sayin’.
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SDGolfer Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:03 am
@chip, Nope
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I feel all sad and lonely. I want my boys back. I hate off-season.
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Anyone else getting this nagging feeling about Mike Richards that he is real depressed about being traded as the captain of a prominate east coast team to a never won anything team like the Kings (sorry, but its true).
Gonna be a hard adjustment for a guy like him. Especially from being a captain to just another player on a west coast team. There is such a stark difference from reading Gagne response to coming to the Kings and Mike Richards. Everything I’ve read and heard about Mike Richards response to coming to the Kings is more about what a shock it was (can’t really blame the guy though). I really hope Richards gets a strong start to get him in a grove.
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puck73 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 5:22 am
@KC23, With his natural hard work ethic already built in, plus this team has been in the playoffs the last 2 seasons, has one of the youngest core’s, is talked about in all the hockey publications as being the deepest organization, and is vey close to a championship, and add to the fact that he is familiar with Murray, Stevens, Lombardi, and Hextall, and living on the beach….I think he will get over it more Quickly then you might think.
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KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:50 am
@puck73, Sounds logical, but I don’t know. I’m just not getting a warm fuzzy feeling about it so far.
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Osaka Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@KC23, Try purple drank.
tornado12 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 10:54 am
@puck73, was the Quickly pun intended? lol
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DesertKing Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:27 am
@KC23,
I think he is going to be fine. He hated the coach in Philly but apparently really likes TM. Not being the captain takes alot of pressure of him and he can just concentrate on playing and scorinig. Everyone is acknowledging that this Kings team and ownership/management group is not the same as in our past, that this group is moving forward and has more potential than Philly has right now.
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KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:56 am
@DesertKing, I’ve read that Richards is familiar with TM, but really can’t say I’ve seen anything about him liking or disliking all those you’ve mentioned. I do agree about the Kings current reputation is a large improvement over past management situations.
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DesertKing Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 8:28 am
@KC23,
There were media reports before the playoffs that stated Richards and the Philly coach disliked each other so much, that the Philly coach wouldn’t even talk to Richards, despite him being the captain of the team. I found that very interesting because I was wondering at the time (not knowing that Richards was going to come to us) as to whether that failed relationship rested on the coach or the player, especially since it involved the team captain. It was weird, but at the same time, it was in Philly. Lets hope the issue was with the coach.
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:46 am
@KC23,
Where are you getting this “nagging feeling” from? Is there an article I missed? I know he mentioned he was shocked during the confrence call and articles immediately following the trade, but really for the last three weeks, I havent heard much out of him aside from his twitter updates on the lake.
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KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:59 am
@FKA PakiFro, The fact we haven’t heard much is what gives me that nagging feeling. Gagne gets a press OP with pictures of him in his new King uniform, wife at his side looking for a house to relocate. Richards … nothing but silence. Zip, nada.
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SDGolfer Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 8:39 am
@KC23, http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/06/23/mike-richards-talks-about-trade-to-kings/
“I’m not sure how I’m going to fit in, but I like the makeup of the team. They’ve got an extremely gritty team with a lot of skill. They have two great goaltenders, up to a defense that is skilled and play the game hard, and then you’ve got a lot of depth at the forward position too. I’m not sure how I’m going to get placed into it at the moment, but I’m just looking forward to getting there and really just playing the game that has kind of got me to this point.”
“It’s going to be different, showing up to training camp in a new place and not going back to Philadelphia. I know Drew Doughty from the Olympics, and Justin Williams a little bit just from being in Philadelphia, and Dustin Brown from playing against him in the OHL. It’s going to be strange, for sure, not going back to Philadelphia and seeing everybody there, and going to L.A. to see a bunch of new faces. I almost have to start from scratch there, but it’s an opportunity for me to be a part of an organization that has a good chance to have success, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
He’s a professional.he will be fine.
KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 9:03 am
@KC23, The phrases that stick out to me … “I’m not sure how I’m going to fit in … I’m not sure how I’m going to be placed … It’s going to be different, showing up to training camp in a new place and not going to Philadelphia …It’s going to be strange, for sure, not going back to Philadelphia and seeing everybody there, and going to L.A. to see a bunch of new faces. I almost have to start from scratch there
I’m just not feeling it.
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@KC23,
As Rich mentioned, its not feasible to just fly him out here for a photo op. Gagne happened to be coming out this way to look for a place and they made the schedule work. I’m sure when Mike Richards makes a trip out here, the Kings will do the same. And like someone mentioned above, he showed a pic of the first Kings jersey he signed. All I’m saying is there’s no need to panic. No news is not neccessarily bad news.
Cricket Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 10:29 am
@KC23,
He also tweeted a couple weeks ago something to the effect that he was “tired of hearing trades are just part of the business.” Something like that. And yes, he has been very clear in saying how much he wanted to play his whole career in Philly and how he’s sad to go.
So maybe he is a little down still. Here’s the good news: that’s what you want to hear from him. DL addressed this after the trade and said that’s the reaction you want from a player. DL wants character players who put the team first, and he got a guy who loved the team he was on. He hasn’t even practiced with the Kings yet, so how can he be anything right now but wistful for the only team he knows? It’s like when you break up with your girl and you know once you meet another one you’ll be over your ex, but until then it’s your ex you still think about.
Penner didn’t seem happy to be traded either but the latest interview with him about his summer training was a thing of beauty. He sounds very committed to the Kings right now. I’m sure once Richards gets comfortable that same energy he had in Philly will simply transfer to LA and he will be the ultimate team players in the locker on and off the ice.
King Cobra Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 8:38 am
@KC23, Get on his Twitter account and ask him to get on LA Kings Insider and let us know what he is thinking, just an idea…..
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Brig33 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@King Cobra, I posted earlier but he posted a pic if a kings jersey he signed he said it was the first one. So maybe he’s getting into it lol
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AZ King Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@KC23,
It’s tough to compare Richard’s attitude to Gagne’s. Gagne chose to come here as a free agent, so obviously he wanted to be here. Richards was traded, so he didn’t have control over his situation. Whether or not Richards is happy to be here remains to be seen, but I agree that he is a professional with a strong work ethic. I think he will fit in just fine.
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KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 10:31 am
@AZ King, Good point regarding traded vs ufa. Definately a different kettle of worms.
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John Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@KC23,
So, where exactly does this FEELING come from? Just curious.
“…just another player on a West coast team…” hahahaha must be the offseason!
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dMan Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 11:18 am
@KC23, Where are you getting this info?
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From Philadelphia Sports Daily
“I was very shocked,” Richards said about the whole process. “At first I was shocked and then excited – I’m excited to move out to L.A. and be a part of a team that has a ton of great players. I’m just looking forward to helping them out.”
Dont forget the excited part…just saying.
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KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@KFII, Comes across as a tried and true sound bite to me, but we’ll see.
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John Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
@KC23,
Tried and true, maybe – but he didn’t have to say any of it! But he did & how could a 26 year old center that knows our organIzation NOT be happy to come to this team? Hockey people know we’re right on the cusp!
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interesting article, but it fails to address the most important aspect of Kings drafting, the will to work hard.
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jet Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 10:18 am
@jet, http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=569735
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I think MR is probably looking to do most of his talking out on the ice. You know, like “express his inner feelings” -on someone’s face from the ducks and put pucks in the net. I’m down with that.
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Interesting how closely we have moved with the Isles.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=569580
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I’m sure most of you have already read all the Open Forum stuff but if you haven’t, I was bored and put all questions and answers in one PDF document. Makes it easier to read!
http://deepinsidethekings.com/2011/07/insider-open-forum-pdf/
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My 2cents on the Richards being happy or not…
I don’t think he is happy. He wanted to spend his career there. He was captain. I think he was comfortable. Being traded with those circumstances has to suck. He has to move. He needs to get life started here when he thought it was there but the fact is he got traded.
I don’t think Wayne Gretzky was super amped about being traded to L.A. I recall tears? I was like 4 years old then so I don’t know for sure,
What I do know is Richards will be a King hopefully for a long time and what WE can do is cheer him on when he is on that ice and give him a reason to be happy to be a King and MAYBE even a reason to look at his current situation and see the positives or being in L.A. over Philly. You never know…he could like it better here. We wont know until he has played and settled in.
Obviously Ryan Smyth wasn’t too happy here or at least not happy enough to stay one more freaking season -_- That is an example of someone who still loved there old team. Richards could end up like that or he could love the Kings and later think “I am SO glad I got traded here.”
You never know. All we can do is be fans and do are best to make him feel welcomed.
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nykingfan Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Subby,
Happiness comes with winning and nothing else.
If we win the cup MR and the rest will be singing the praises of LA….
99% of the guys who get traded aren’t thrilled about being moved unless they asked for a trade. There is some comfort in being with an organization from the beginning. It’s like a job…you have your comfort zone, but when a better offer comes along, you’re still hesitant about leaving the place you’ve been with a while.
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Stuart Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@nykingfan, exactly! If we were to win it all MR will take to LA like white on rice. All the heartache of getting close but never winning in Philly will melt away.
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Subby Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@nykingfan, what about a player like Nash. He isn’t winning but he obviously is happy there? Winning doesn’t always = happiness.
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jess Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Subby,
Well hopefully we don’t have any “happy losers” in the kings lineup this year.
nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 9:22 am
@Subby,
Nash is happy because he’s with the team he’s been with since being drafted in the NHL.
It’s that comfort zone that I mentioned.
If he was traded to LA, I’m sure he would be hesitant, but if we won the cup with him, he’s be thrilled to be a King.
mrbrett7 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
@Subby, Smyth being unhappy had everything to do with his family being unhappy. He did not want his kids going to the schools in LA, and I for one don’t blame him one bit. If you have the power to take care of your family the way he is taking care of his, you do it, any and every chance you get.
Who cares if you piss off a few fans. Like they have any clue about your actual personal life, the only thing that really matters.
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Cup B4 I Die Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@Subby,
He has the right to be un-happy..that was his home+the team that drafted him. Like most people, he just needs time to process it. He’ll be fine, as long as he’s winning, he’ll be happy. It’s like breaking up with a girl…it only hurts until you meet another girl who is just as good, if not better.
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tuan jim Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
@Cup B4 I Die,
Yeah!
We gotta show Richards we’ll put out like girls he’s used to. So long as he gets his wick wet with the Kings he’ll be as happy as a pig in poop.
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@Subby, Moving sucks,I was with my ex-wife for 15 years,I moved 15 times with her,I used to tell my son that his mother was a gypsie,he had it worth than me,he moved 18 times in 18 years.I moved out to Vegas 4 years ago for work,now I’m moving back to So Cal,I’m back home,but moving still sucks.
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@LVKINGS88, sorry,”worse than me”.LOL.
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Im not sure if I’m late on this one….but Tampa re-signed Teddy P for two years at like $4.5 million total.
seems a little high for a guy that has never scored 20 goals in a season…he was on fire there for a while in the playoffs
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Sebastian Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
@launch, its easy to look at only the offensive numbers and make up a dollar figure of what a guy is worth, but thats not the way to look at it. if you look at TSN’s story, all the comments from TB fans who actually followed the team, they are all excited to have TP back. Their coach had him playing at a very high level in the playoffs.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@Sebastian, At least a million too high. For all he did, he is still a perimeter player. Not to mention, since when do we look at fans opions on a player? We really don’t know donkey doo…
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Dominick Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Sebastian, $2.25 mill for a combination #2 right or left winger is a good deal anywhere in the league. He can line up on either side of Lecalvalier, and be a good follow up to St.louis, or Malone coming on the ice. It gives them the freedom to drop Downie, or Thompson back to the 3rd line depending on matchups.
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KC23 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@launch, wow, pricey.
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Kenny44 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:42 pm
@KC23, If you compare to Gagne, maybe. But that was a bargain compared to most of the deals this summer.
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KC23 Reply:
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:58 am
@Kenny44, Point well taken. It’s all relative.
Not sure if this has been mentioned, but from the LA Times this morning, Helene Elliot reports on Mulletgate…
“An NHL mediator was unable to resolve the dispute between the Kings and Edmonton Oilers over the fitness of center Colin Fraser, leaving it up to the Kings to decide if they will file a grievance with the league. The Kings acquired Fraser on June 26 as part of the Ryan Smyth trade and contend he has an unhealed foot fracture, a cyst and a blood disorder that could prevent him from playing for up to four months and prohibit them from buying him our or waiving him. A formal dispute would be heard and ruled upon by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.”
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jess Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@SLG1013,
Wow knowing gary bettman has the final say in this ruling brings about a level of comfort similar to chewing on tinfoil balls.
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Cry Baby Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@jess, Were good if Bettman is handling it….it’s obvious he hates canada!
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Mikey Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@SLG1013,
i hope we spank the hell out of that Edmonton team. But not hurt them. I would hate to see dirty hockey from our club. That is when i will throw my jersey on the ice and walk off into the sunset.
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Eric Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@Mikey,
Maybe Westgarth will hurt Hordichuk for jumping him a couple years ago… Nothing wrong with that.
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Big Plans Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
@Mikey, well……..bye
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King Alex Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@SLG1013, That dirty Oilers GM Tambiliar burned us twice on this deal. He knows, us fans know it, DL certainly knows it and the league knows it but because we are the LA Kings, not a damn thing will be done about it. I think it’s in our best interest to quit beating this dead mullet as it is and move along. There is nothing more we can say or do other than have the deal nullified and we certainly don’t want that. We will just have to spank them on the ice every game we play them next year!
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Mikey Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@King Alex,
Remember when LUUUUUUUUUUUUUC scored a goal with a shot so hard it wasn’t counted cuz it went THROUGH the net, only to be announced later in the game that it was a goal, in his last season? i want everyone of our goals to be like that against those oilers.
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HeyChief Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
@Mikey, Jim Fox lost a goal the same way. Unfortunately no video replay during that era and the goal never counted. Occasionally, he & Bob Miller retell the story & I know it still bothers Foxie.
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
@Mikey, I remember a goal being scored against us by Dallas,it found a hole next to the post and they counted it,I’m still pissed about that,and that was in the eighties.
King Alex Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
@Mikey, The Oil better keep their heads up when we play them this year. You know what they say about payback!! There might be some hard hits coming the Oil’s way. Clean hard hits!!!
broncokings Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@King Alex, hell send smyth to another team the, supposedly theres one interested. i am all for taking it out on smyth.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@broncokings, I do believe they would have to void the trade and Smyth’s NTC would kick back in and more than likly he wouldnt waive it to go anywhere else. I say we just make Edmonton take Frazier bach all together and be done with it. the cap relief and pick is good enough for me.
King Alex Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
@broncokings, At this point for all the drama RS caused with his trade request, I’d ship his behind to the Tupelo T-Rex if I could!!!
Bettman won’t do ANYTHING about this.
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KC23 Reply:
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:00 am
@PK, doesn’t seem like there is much he can do unless the Kings want to void the trade.
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Where is everybody getting all this Richards physco wimpiness crap? The guy has been nothing but a piller of strength, and character, and nowhere near as frail as some are portraying him. He’s probably sick and tired of everybody feeling like he’s too dumb, and has to have it constantly explained how the trade was just buisness. He’s not some little school girl crying over a broken heart.
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King Alex Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
@Dominick, You are right buddy! MR is a man in a man’s sport! Tough as they come with skill to match. How anyone could question the former 3 year captain of the Flyers is beyond me. Maybe Philly is known for producing mentally weak players? I don’t think so!!
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KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:40 am
@King Alex, Apparently Philly management (who should know him best) questioned MR or he would still be a Flyer.
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JW Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 8:35 am
@KC23,
Not exactly, they signed IB and needed cap space. Even after trading Richards and Carter they may need to juggle players to stay under the cap. Just because a player gets traded does not mean there is something about his play. If that was the case why did the Kings trade Luc (twice!). Management knew they sucked between the pipes and were out to correct it.
King Alex Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 9:21 am
@KC23, The reason Philly traded away their entire front line was to clear cap space for a goaltender they overpaid for. I guess Jeff Carter had problems with management too. Great players get traded all the time for reasons that have nothing to do with what they do on or off the ice. Wayne Gretzky comes to mind but I suppose Oiler management at the time questioned him as well.
Bill M. Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 10:56 am
@KC23, Gretzky himself is a perfect example of this. He actually stated in his autobiography that the reason for the trade was cash, pure and simple. Peter pocklington has mismanaged his finances, and a more successful club wasn’t going to help because they were as successful as you can get at that point. When you’ve won multiple cups and have standing room only every night and you are still losing money, then selling your biggest assets for straight up cash is what you do.
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 11:44 am
Philly had one big cap space snafu I guess. I think it was idiotic of them to pay that much for a goalie though.
Shotongoal Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 11:48 am
@KC23, so then what’s your take on them trading Carter? I think you’re looking for something that’s not there, and why even bother doing that? Its just total and pure speculation on your part and doesn’t hold water. They tried to win a Cup with the roster they had, couldn’t do it because of a lack of goaltending, and changed their philosophy by spending a lot of money on a goalie that they feel can get them there, and then had to trade salary to fit that goalie in their cap space….those ARE the facts. Your speculations are just “drama”, and is that really necessary? If you didn’t like the trade, just say so….but why make things up?
Ochoniko Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@KC23, I have been questioning flyers management for a long time as well, they make bad decisions, they’ve had goalie issues for years and should have done something like this years ago. You cant win with a bunch of star players and a goalie like Roman Cechmanek(oh the memories)! I think this is not about judgment, the flyers gave up a star player and got the best prospect in hockey and a pretty gritty 3rd liner in return.
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
@Dominick, Amen.
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Shotongoal Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 10:54 am
@Dominick, I totally agree, I’ve been trying to ignore this “sentiment” about Richards that some are spewing here, but I guess I held my tongue (fingers?) as long as I could. I just think some here like to cause drama just to “hear” themselves and/or to get reactions from others. Hopefully though, it just makes those who are “drama free” realize that some are just not happy or want to stir the pot no matter what…..Just my small opinion though!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:53 am
@Shotongoal, Used the phrase “nagging feeling” to help express the fact that it wasn’t a take at all. I don’t understand your need to make it sound like I’ve started some kind of conspiracy and begin personal attacks, but I’ve got thick skin so hammer away if it makes you feel better.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@KC23, sorry, but I don’t see anywhere in your post where you say “nagging feeling” so maybe its my omission, but I still stand by the fact that “I” feel like you and some others are just stirring things up for no real apparant reason. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, obviously, but if you’re going to have “nagging feelings” or whatever you want to call it, then you should hope and/or expect to get comments back. Isn’t that the reason we post here anyway? I don’t understand why you think it was a personal attack, because I said “drama?” Sorry if I offended you, even though you say you have thick skin, that wasn’t my intention, in fact my only intention was to comment on what you said….And, I think that’s what I did.
Maybe I just get a little confused by some here, as we all are supposed to be Kings fans-followers, but even when something positive seems to occur with the team, there are those who question it or find a negative in it. That just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Criticism where criticism is warranted is justified. But, to make something when there’s nothing there to make doesn’t make sense to me. Thanks for responding though…
why Dommer, how insensitive of you haha.. Some of these discussions, -if one was to remove the context it could be mistaken for knitting sweaters instead of hockey.
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 11:50 am
@jess, A-frekin-MEN!!!
[Reply]
Who remembers Miss Turkey? I went to Carls & saw a life size stand up of her. Besides the obvious thought it made me think of the Kings games.
[Reply]
tuan jim Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
@Howe9,
I remember Miss Turkey.
You can have the Kings games. Just gimme the obvious.
[Reply]
Cortex949 Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
@Howe9, Haha yea one of the 12 commercials that constantly played during games. Hahah, that and San manuel Indian bingo and casino haha
[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@Cortex949,
Thanx for the memories! Miss Armenia is much prettier btw
[Reply]
Ari Reply:
July 20th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
@Mikey, Agree 100%
Ravens Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 8:29 am
@Mikey, I’ll take miss Turkey..better butt than USA
Adamic39 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 5:44 pm
@Cortex949, How about “used to be a bank here, one day it was in business, next day it was gone” I’ll remember that commercial for life.
[Reply]
Speaking of Richards… I love the guy, and I think he will settle in nice in LA. One thing that worries me though. I heard that he and Jeff Carter were partying A LOT when they played in Philly.
If you google (pictures) them you get more party pictures with pornstars than you get hockey pictures.
And now he is playing in LA!! Talk about opporunity to party..
[Reply]
How come Nikolai Zherdev is still an UFA? He would look nice as the RW on the 3rd line (for the Kings of course).
[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 7:51 am
@Osaka, How come? Because he has a reputation of being lazy.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 8:55 am
@Osaka, Because he sucks?
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 24th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@mrbrett7, What sucks? What about him sucks? I haven’t seen him play enough to judge his game. Looking at his stats he looks like a good player, why do you say he sucks? He is not signed so it might be true, so what about his game sucks?
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 9:22 am
@Osaka, and because the kings dont need to sign any other UFA’s, their roster and cap are set to start the season.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 11:46 am
@Sebastian, Roster is set, cap … not quite. DD still hanging out there.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@KC23, Even with DD we will have some room.
nykingfan Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 9:24 am
@Osaka,
Fro lite!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 9:50 am
@nykingfan, I trust your assessment of this player as you have had better observations of him.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 11:56 am
@nykingfan, its funny because I was watching one of the replays of the philly/buf series this year and on one play he made a good backchecking play. The commentators were raving about how he had improved in that area. I think the mere fact they had to even mention that says alot!
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@nykingfan, I have to be honest I don’t know much about his game, that’s why I ask. For him to be available I was wondering what the reason was. I know he did bolt to Russia before but came back and played with Philly. I was wondering if he wanted too much money, had issues with his game, attitude problem…..?
@Sebastian, I agree we maybe have more forwards than we have possitions for, a good problem. I have gone on record praising Lewis and saying how I would like to see him play RW3, BUT if you can improve your team you are always looking. I am not for making moves to make moves but if it is a legitimate upgrade I am for making room. Never be complacent.
[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@Osaka, He has amazing hands, good skater, can’t play D very well and has a reputation for being lazy and bratty.
Osaka Reply:
July 24th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
@Puckn-A, That would answer my question, thanks bro.
Kenny44 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:12 pm
@Osaka, Check out the Cullen reports on TSN. Zherdev is ranked #10 in even strength goals per even strength TOI. So at least we know he’s not racking up cheap points on the PP. I also watched some Philly in the playoffs (Kings East!) and Zherdev looked active and effective. Maybe he just doesn’t bring the intensity every day. If that’s the case, Fro-lite is right. Seen that movie starring TM.
[Reply]
Friends,
We are exactly 2 months away from the first pre-season game(s) of the new season. I can almost smell the fresh ice.
[Reply]
I need a Fix…
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 2:35 pm
https://picasaweb.google.com/114565119314249722685/2011CSPAStudentPhotoAlbum?feat=flashalbum#5631637730112805234
Hammer fighting off the paparazzi while staying cool on his vaca..
gKg!
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 3:37 pm
@LBlocal,
Nice find. I was beginning to think no one remembered where he was.
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@LBlocal,
Wouldn’t it be funny if Doughty signed today between 4:30 and 5:30?
http://deepinsidethekings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/breakingnews.jpg
[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 3:49 pm
…obviously I meant yesterday…
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@LBlocal,
I think he was saying “I’m a blogger. I write a blog”.
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@LBlocal, I don’t know,but for some reason these picture’s of Rich remind me of Tosh.O,I could see him standing in front of a green screen,with different videos behind him. The RICH.H show.
[Reply]
here’s a VERY good article.
“Social media has largely been good for hockey…and those on the value of a player versus his salary can make being a fan more frustrating than ever before.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Bourne-Blog-How-salary-cap-sucks-the-fun-out-of;_ylt=AlChz0gD.WR6V4rqHr4iX1B7vLYF?urn=nhl-wp9502
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
He’s absolutely got a point. It is frustrating also to see so many who care more about discussing the dollar amount, than how that player functions in a particular line up. Even the DD hype can be just as guilty. Most who want to get rid of him for financial reasons, have yet to come up with even 1 serious point as to how we could lose our best defenseman and still function system wise. Almost would be better if the fans were clueless about the money. Then they’d just go back to being fans, and talking about the game itself.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:50 am
@Dominick,
Yep, I kind of miss that. I hate taking about how much cap space a player is taking up. Smyth was a good serviceable player..but I have to admit he wasnt worth 6.2M. And its almost impossible not to think about the opportunity cost of that cap space. Quite frankly, all I want is for the Kings to win, not who makes what. But its just so hard to avoid the discussion about cap implications.
[Reply]
Ok so this may be as good a time as any to try figure out how many people are truly interested in an Insiders pre-game party for Frozen Fury. If I get enough interest I will ask Kings management to try to facilitate something. If its only a few folks then we may just meet up at the restaurant right before you enter the arena. Last year Heidi was there along with Jim Fox and Daryl Evans and it was a great time. Either way I can try to get something set up. Either reply on here or email me at fjr@easportsmanagement.com. keep in mind that Rich doesn’t know his schedule as of yet so he may not be available for this event. So you’re going to have to settle for myself and Waves to keep you entertained.
[Reply]
Cortex949 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@EASportsMgt, 100% yes. I’m in!
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@EASportsMgt, I’m interested. (party of 2)
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@EASportsMgt, I am definately interested. My girlfriend and the @#1faninvegas will be attending as well. Also, their is still the possibility that some of us bloggers may do something the night before on Friday on the strip, so keep that in mind, and you are invited to attend as well if that should come to fruition.
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@puck73, Yeah Puck,”#1 fan in Vegas” will finally be the #1 fan,I’ll be moving back to Cal August 31st,so I’m abdicating my title to him,LOL.Wow for the first time in four years I’ll have to get a hotel room in Vegas,oh well it’s worth it.EA that sounds like fun,I’m in,would be great to party with some Insiders.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@EASportsMgt, me and my wife would attend. We already have tx.
[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@EASportsMgt,
i’m in! party of 4-6.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@EASportsMgt, im in.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@EASportsMgt,
Planning. On attending. Will it ne someplace that my 16 year-old son can attend also? He is an Insider too.
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:54 am
@DesertKing, he should be able to attend but that will depend on the final venue. As I know a lot of folks are traveling with family I will certainly keep that in mind. Will be speaking with the Kings today so I will let you know.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:27 am
@EASportsMgt,
Excellent, thank you!!
OnTheFly Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@EASportsMgt, Frank count me in. I’ll be there on Friday. Is there anyway the Kings can set up a feed of the Friday night game against the Ducks that we all can watch together from Vegas?
[Reply]
Otto Ped Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@EASportsMgt, I’m in + 1
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@EASportsMgt, I would like to be in also. Myself + 1. Thanks
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@EASportsMgt,
I’m interested. Is this party going to cost money aside from the attendance? If so will tickets be sold seperately?
[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 5:57 pm
@EASportsMgt, I’m in as well
[Reply]
IEKingsfan Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:15 pm
@EASportsMgt, I’m in, party of 2.
[Reply]
Hockeyfan B4 Gretzky Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@EASportsMgt, Frank I will be there as well would love some input as to what section and all put me in for four I am thinking about renting a 15 pass van and have a bunch of insiders carpool.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:33 pm
@Hockeyfan B4 Gretzky, Put me in for that. I don’t want to drive, and would very much like to go with some other fans.
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:52 pm
@EASportsMgt, count me and my friends in
[Reply]
paganhagen Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 7:05 pm
@EASportsMgt,
I’m very interested! Me and my girlfriend will be there and possibly some friends. vegaaasss!!!
[Reply]
EASportsMgt Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@paganhagen, @Subby, @Dominick and all others:
I spoke with the Kings today, they are going to research some options for us and let me know on Monday what options they may have. I will also call the restuarant and inquire about doing something there before the game. I will keep everyone posted and if we are able to put something together, I will ask Rich to post it for everyone to be able to attend who will be in Vegas.
[Reply]
Cortex949 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@EASportsMgt, outstanding. Thanks for the extra effort you put in.
puck73 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:52 pm
@EASportsMgt, Thanx Frank. It will be great to have alot of the guys on this site together for Frozen Fury. It’s never happened before for this event, and knowing what a kick ass time the Hammond Suite event is, if you could make this a reality, this would not only kick major butt, but it would also be great advertising for the next Hammond suite event at Staples…..Good luck Frank, snd CLOSE the deal !
LVKINGS88 Reply:
July 23rd, 2011 at 11:11 am
@EASportsMgt, Thanks!.
Gislaw Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 10:50 pm
@EASportsMgt,
My girl and I, and a few friends would be in.
[Reply]
I’ll offer up a topic de’jour:
Stupid internet/twitter stuff, but its the first offer-sheet stuff I’ve seen in a week or two. Detroit might be a good offer-sheet team (as in a lot of things need to be in place for it to happen, and Det has those things (drafts picks available, $$ needed, etc). ESPN contributor Jonathan Willis wrote about it. I only got the first 5 or 6 paragraphs because, despite being a sports degenerate; morally, I can’t allow myself to become an “ESPN InSider”.
DL obviously matches, but interesting (cause nothing else is out there)
[Reply]
(posted this same comment on my phone, but that is “still awaiting moderation” and Hammond is on vaca, so here’s my re-type on my home computer which is green lighted. put this under “things that make zero sense to me”)
I’ll offer up a topic de’jour:
Stupid internet/twitter stuff, but its the first offer-sheet i’ve seen in a week or two. Detroit might be a good offer-sheet team in regards to Doughty, as in a lot things need to be in place for it to happen, and Det has those things (draft picks available, $$ needed, etc). ESPN contributor Jonathan Willis wrote about it. i only got the first 5 or 6 paragraphs because, despite being a sports degenerate; morally, i cant allow myself to become an “ESPN InSider”.
DL obviously matches, but interesting (cause nothing else is out there)
[Reply]
Sparky Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@jayhay, Yeah, I’ve seen that “stuff” too. I know, I know, they are just rumors! The thing that cracks me up is the response people are having. I know other teams (and fans) would love to have DD, but I don’t think they realize that he is a RESTRICTED FA and that we can (and will) counter any offer (within reason) that is made. It’s just funny though…
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 9:10 pm
@jayhay, If a team like Det really wanted DD they would have to trade for him. You don’t see any team make offers to RFA because it doesn’t work. Even if Det threw out a ton of money DL wouldn’t pay DD I see him matching the offer and then trading DD. Why let him walk for nothing (or draft picks that won’t help us now). Looking at Cap Geek Det is about 6 Mil under the Cap while LA is about 10 Mil. NYI on the other hand are about 25 Mil under the cap and about 10 Mil under the cap floor. They could offer DD 12 or 14 Mil a year and it wouldn’t hurt their payroll. Seeing they still have 4 more years of paying Yashin (while he plays in Russia) and DiPietro is signed for another 10 years are they stupid enough to do it again?
[Reply]
What happens if a team throws an offer sheet at doughty that he doesn’t like? Could the kings still match or can doughty say no right away?
[Reply]
Subby Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 6:50 pm
@Subby, for example 5 years 30mil. What happens?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:13 am
@Subby, Yes! DD can say No!
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 8:51 pm
@Subby, i think he has to accept for the Kings to match
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 8:52 pm
@Subby, An offer sheet is just an offer, Drew could say no. It means nothing until Drews says yes. Theoretically DD could have recieved an offer sheet already that he turned down and we didn’t know about. I am sure we would have heard about it if he did recieve an offer though.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:11 am
@Osaka,
There’s a filing process that has to followed through the NHL. All they can do is make an offer and see if DD signs it. To make any offers directly to DD without the expressed written consent of the Kings would be the same as negotiating and would be considered tampering. The other teams can’t even contact DD’s agent to find out a ball park figure of what it might take to sign him. All offers have to be made publicly to assure that all parties involved are properly notified, and have adequate time to act accordingly. Only the Kings have the right to negotiate with DD and his agents behind closed doors, because technically DD is still their property.
[Reply]
Hey guys anyone seen, MR is be part of a press event luncheon next wednesday… NICE!
[Reply]
Mike Richards press lunch (like the one Gagne did) next wednesday at 1pm lakings.com is going to stream it just saw it on twitter
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 10:37 pm
@brig33, Awesome, cant wait !
[Reply]
Player-X Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:09 am
@brig33, Wouldn’t it be great if he came in saying, “I’ve been looking at the lineup, and the prospects pipeline, and then our goaltending. This team is in for some long seasons…as in playing into late May and maybe even June. Right away I started two-a-day workouts, because I know it’s gonna make a difference in the playoffs, and everybody on this team should be thinking the same way.”
[Reply]
So? Isn’t this weekend Kings Cruise? Who’s going? Isn’t DD on the list? How weird and awkward would it be for DD have to run into you guys and answer over and over to the question: When will you sign Drew?
Heres my solution;
Can we get DL to hire Suge Knight and get him on the list too? Have him pull the balcony treatment over the ships rail (a la Vanilla Ice). We can get DD to sign for 12 years at $100K per year and without a NMC nor NTC.
[Reply]
chip Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:49 am
@RQ@315, We don’t need Big Suge in Cali hockey.
Doughty we would like to sign to a long term contract.He shouldn’t get Brian Cambell money, but should be paid well.
With a Doughty, you only want to do this once. So do it right.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:12 am
@RQ@315,
LOL
[Reply]
LB Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 9:43 am
@RQ@315,
Funny thing is that he’s a Kings fan… He was in the suite next door to the one I was in, one time for a Kings game a few years back.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@RQ@315, Doughty dropped out of Fan Cruise…
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/07/kings-drew-doughty-nhl-hockey-.html
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@Sebastian, i can understand why and concede I dont know the exact circumstances, but it does appear from the outside as kinda a wuss move on his part.
my favorite part of the story…
‘Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi, asked earlier this week if he had talked to Doughty’s representatives, said via email, “Focused on negotiations for raising the debt ceiling now.”’
I love DL
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@RQ@315, According to Helene, Doughty cancelled on the cruise last minute. Damn..
[Reply]
Does doughty want a ntc nmc or DL?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:42 am
@Subby,
I’m just guessing, but I’d say DD would benefit greatly from having one. In 4 years he will be entering his prime years, and might not want to be moved during those years. If the Kings wanted to trade him in (for instance) a salary dump, they would have to do it before he reaches his prime, because the NTC/NMC would kick in.
It gaurentees that DD would have total stability during his prime years, and if a team wanted to trade him, they would have to get his permission, and he would have the final say so on where he goes during those years. IF it’s a long term contract like most believe it will be.
Stamkos (for example) got one for year 5 of his new contract for this exact reason, but he’s only signed for 1 of those prime years, where the Kings are rumored to be looking for a lot more of those prime years from DD, and DD is rumored to be wanting a guarantee for those years.
Most complainers think it’s the money, and DD being greedy, but I think there’s more to it. Wouldn’t surprise me to see DL abandon a long term and sign DD for 5 years, like Stamkos.
[Reply]
pw Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:28 am
@Dominick, Insiders up at all hours of the night.
[Reply]
For any of you who are bored and would like to just pour through some stats to kill the time. Here’s the GVT stats and projections for all teams and players, going from all time numbers of every player ever, to every team through to May 5th 2011.
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8D4onnbcAAUNDJjNmRkNjMtNzEyYi00YmY2LTg4YjUtZGZiOTNhNmUwMzcz&sort=name&layout=list&num=50
Have fun sorting them out. That should keep you busy for a few days. lol
[Reply]
Eric K Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Dominick, first thing I noticed is that the Ducks, Coyotes, and Stars all “over-performed” compared to their GVT. Good sign?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@Eric K,
The projected GVT and the actual rating right next to it is helpful. I too went down the entire list and looked at every single team. I spent a few days looking over every possible way you could look at all those numbers, and I could spend a week still doing it, and not even scratch the surface. Fun stuff if your into numbers.
[Reply]
Note-to-self: Schedule-vacation-at-the-same-time-as-Rich’s-vacation. This is killing me! I am actually anticipating my ticket agent calling me to confirm my seats and payment, just because it involves the Kings. Really wish Select-A-Seat had been at Staples. We really enjoyed the locker room and bench area tours last year and the great photo opportunities.
[Reply]
http://kings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569848
[Reply]
Actually, this is a good time to not really have anything going on. Just graduated last month, and this is my first week working full-time. Don’t want this site distracting me yet…
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 12:27 pm
@Eric K, Congrats on your graduation. Good luck with the new full time work. I’m a father of 3 all in college and I see how hard is its. Much respect.
[Reply]
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Boogaard-brother-charged-in-NHL-player-s-OD-death-1537328.php
[Reply]
Okay Rich… back to work.
[Reply]
Kings should sign this one for sure…
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/icegirls/ania_k/index.html
[Reply]
Real 7 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:35 pm
@JMan, Ania should be the Kings compensation for the Kovalchuk ordeal…wonder if she’s Russian…NO…wonder if she can skate…HEH-HEH!
[Reply]
Did we sign Kovalchuk yet………… Must remain awake……..Go……Kings……..Go…….
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@DesertKing,
Hey! wake up and go to sleep!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVywCYLIUz4
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@Dominick,
Looks like the Kings prospect camp
[Reply]
i will now summarize the last few days of my internet life:
refresh. refresh. refresh.
NOTHING. DOH!
refresh. refresh. refresh.
NOTHING. DOH!
refresh. refresh. refresh.
NOTHING. DOH!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Shakes, LOL!
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@Shakes, Nice to see your back. Keep me LOL.
[Reply]
Token Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@Shakes, Here you go:
George Bud Holloway signed with a Swedish team. He’ll be playing with our lil’ Viking, Moler up in Lapland this winter.
[Reply]
Anyone catch the new jets logo? I think it’s an improvement over the old one.
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@Broken Katet, I disagree (see below)
[Reply]
kevin from toronto Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Broken Katet, I think it sucks… The red leaf is what makes it suck.
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@kevin from toronto, it takes after the Canadian Air Force, this is our heritage…..how can that be bad.
I suppose your were picketing at the G20 summit also?
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@Harty, canadians hating on canadians…now ive seen it all
kevin from toronto Reply:
August 12th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
@Harty, Actually no, I left town.
You don’t see any American teams putting the American flag on their jerseys.
I feel just as embarrassed to see the Flames’ Alberta flag and even as much as the stupid leaf on the Blue Jays jersey.
It would be alright if the league was based out of 1 country, but it’s not.
Broken Katet Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@kevin from toronto, I thought it looked good and I thought the leaf was a clever way to keep the old colors without just adding some random red.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@Broken Katet,
Only thing I can say is……There are 7 teams in the East, and 4 teams in the West that incorperate “RED” into their colors schemes. By my count that’s 11 teams using that color, or some variation there of. Add to that, that Colorado uses “Magenta”, and Philly, Edmonton, and the NYI use “Orange”, and that’s 15 teams that are Friggen color blind.
“Red” doesn’t seem very random to me.
LittleRhody Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:14 pm
@Broken Katet, At least it has actual colors. Our colors are black and white.. ugh.
Wow! If you thought the new Kings jersey was ugly, look at the new Jets logo! Horrible. It is very plain for having an F-16 on it. Also, they might as well be called Leafs West with that giant maple on it! Man. I bet all of those people who wanted the rehashed Jets are begging for the Moose now!
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I think it’ll look fine with the “jet” being made up of sparkle material to give it some flash.
I like the indent at the top, pointing Due North.
I’d suggest a red trim ring around the outside (rather than silver) for contrast, but, hey, I ain’t a Canuck.
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I say let Rich rest, have fun Rich, tell he’s back let’s do our own Q’s! Kings only Q’s
I start with one, Us Kings fans, who do you think will be the most improve player on the Kings this year. choose three.
Going with Tevor Lewis as my 1st choice, Penner 2nd and DD 3rd.
Starting to miss Rich already…
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Mikey Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@Sammuch,
Cliff, Kopi, Penner.
Cliff really opened up towards the end there and became more important than a flying fist. I’ve said it since i laid eyes on him- hes the next DB.
Kopi now has players much like him on the ice, it will give him more room to play, more options. Apart from that, i remember him mentioning during the playoffs that hes learning so much from sitting out of the game and watching.
Penner is starting the system fresh this season. Hes training hard and getting into Kings conditioning.
Gonna also sneak in JJ. i have a feeling hes going to really open up.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Sammuch, Cliff, Lewis,A.Mart. But i hope DD is in it.
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Oscar Moller's Beard Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@rumpa#19, Penner, Lewis, Doughty.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:15 pm
@Oscar Moller’s Beard, Would have Penner in it but taking the whole year in he was good .Sure hope he plays much better for us this year, its key to our team being better.
OnTheFly Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@Sammuch,
I’m hoping the most improve person on the Kings this year will be Assistant Coach
Jamie Kompon and his powerplay.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@OnTheFly, Nice call even if the PP isnt just on him.
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LittleRhody Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:16 pm
@OnTheFly, +10
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KC23 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:13 pm
@Sammuch,
Penner
Martinez
Hoping JJ though.
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@Sammuch, I think Lewis showed alot more last year then what was expected and if he just keep that up it will be a good thing for us for sure.If he doubles or triples his point output (totally possible) ill go with possibly most improved. Penner and DD…….. I think they have a better chance at “most improved” over Lewis due to expectations to actual production last year. DD underachieved last year and although Penners #’s for the whole year wernt bad he didnt do much after Kopi and J-Dub went down and frusterated alot of people. If Pens and DD can at least have par seasons or do whats expected of them i would say they have a better chance to get “most Improved” due to last seasons outputs. I put Clifford in the same boat as Lewis and personally I think Richardson is the guy who will get the trophy for most improved. If B-rad can get consistant 3rd line minutes or better with semi-consistant line mates i think he has the best chance. Something tells me this guy is going to break out and will score against alot more teams than just COL.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, You mean B-rad from Malibu’s Most Wanted? Funny flick bro.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:00 pm
@rumpa#19, It is pretety damn funny! but then again I like Jamie Kennedy (why im not sure) and think anything he does is pretty hilarious. My best friends name is Brad and ive called him B-rad my whole life so its just kind of a habit i guess.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, My bosses son I call J-Rad because he lives in a trailer in Paradise Cove,And his name is Jerad. Not sure why Jamie is so funny either but he had me rolling.
Scott Laughlin on home ice was saying he assumes DD skipped the trip because he would be getting his balls busted about not signing yet.Makes sense, who needs constant grilling before any deal get done.
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Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 5:23 pm
@rumpa#19, Surprised the Kings didn’t replace at least Simmonds. DD not showing is just bad form on the Kings for not recognizing this could happen and having Deadmarsh, Gretzky, Palffy, somebody at least, to be on board to give the fans something of a replacement with some ties to the Kings. That would have been better than having nobody.
As I said that, I realized there are a few I wouldn’t want to see there, because it might start a mutiny like Cloutier, POS, Roenick.
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tornado12 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 6:39 pm
@Dominick, not to start a riot, but why is POS loathed? he played his best hockey with us and never did anything “bad” to the kings except say some out of context quote about LA not being a hockey market (at least that was the way I percieved it). just wondering…
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Oscar Moller's Beard Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 7:05 pm
@tornado12, Im sorry, who is POS?
deadite77 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@Oscar Moller’s Beard, Patrick O’Sullivan
Dominick Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@tornado12,
I don’t personally hate him, but he has got some Kingsfans blood pressures boiling. Much like Rob Blake. You mention his name and suddenly there’s someone pissed off. I admit to Cloutier, and Roenick being on my bad side though.
everyone go to ESPN/nhl.There is a poll and Kopi needs your help.vote now
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louis Isman Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:02 pm
@louis Isman, That’s ESPN.COM/NHL
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Real 7 Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:50 pm
@louis Isman, Kopi polling 7%….not good…
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Deadmarsh Reply:
July 24th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@Real 7, It just means that those 7% actually know something about Hockey.
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I’m seriously bummed out about Holloway splitting for European ice. Kid had a serious playoff knack for scoring game winning goals.
Good news is he is off to Sweden with Moller, so he’s in good hands.
I’d like to read some kind of writt about this from the Kings. Did he get a QO? Is he still a King on loan to Eaurope like Moller?
Wish the brass had the cajones to give him a shot last year during the injury plague.
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I just saw the DL video and he talks about Holloway and Moller. He seems ok with the Moller thing in that he needs to mature a little more physically. But he was visibly pissed about Holloway. He said Holloway was almost called up last year when JW got hurt and he was making strides. He was astounded that Holloway at 21 would go to Europe for a few extra bucks when he was so close to making the team.
I’m pretty sure the Holloway situation is the same as Moller’s. DL said something about they do knock off another year where they are closer to free agency but with them both being so young that is still a few years away. But based on what I saw on the video i wouldn’t be surprised if Holloway’s rights are traded based on this decision. DL was not happy at all.
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