First, to answer what usually seems to be the most-asked question, Ethan Moreau will wear No. 17 with the Kings. Moreau said his son also secured the number today when he signed up with the Jr. Kings program, so the Moreaus will be on the same page this season. I talked to Moreau (the elder) about his reasons for wanting to join the Kings and his motivation at this stage of his career. At the end of my interview is the video interview Moreau did today with Kings Vision…
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Question: You got this deal done fairly late in the summer. Can you maybe talk about what the last two months have been like, and your process in trying to find the right fit?
MOREAU: “I guess everything happens for a reason and everything works out in the end. That’s definitely the case with us this summer. I was coming off a disappointing year, where I got hurt early in the season, but still having a lot of confidence in my ability, that I can play. I have a lot of hockey left and I knew that whoever gave me a chance was going to be happy. It just kind of turned out that, literally, No. 1 on my list would be to play in L.A., on a good team that has a chance to win a Stanley Cup, and be around family and lots of friends. I’m not just saying that. It was No. 1 on the list, and I was fortunate that it materialized.”
Question: Were you waiting to see how things played out with the Kings? You waited a while to sign. Were you keeping an eye on whether things would work out with them?
MOREAU: “I knew they had some interest, but I also knew that they were looking at some other players. It was just a case where I had to wait. I didn’t really know where I was going to end up. It just happened really fast. I told my agent, Pat Brisson, that that’s where I wanted to be, but that’s not always the way it works. You can’t just call up a team and say, `This guy wants to play here, for these reasons.’ But for me, it was all reasons. It’s for quality of life. It’s for my kid. It’s to be close to my brother, who lives here also. But probably, most importantly, it’s a chance to win. I probably wouldn’t have those same sentiments if it wasn’t a great team, which I believe it is.”
Question: Ron Hextall said he talked to you a couple days ago, and all you talked about was winning the Stanley Cup. That’s not something, in past years, that has been associated with the Kings. What did you see, from the outside, that made this an attractive situation for you?
MOREAU: “Well, that’s one thing that has to change. I think everybody in the organization has to get rid of that feeling. You can’t feel inferior, or you’re not going to accomplish winning. You have to know that you’re on the same level as some of the elite teams. We have to prove that. But from the outside looking in, before I was part of the organization, everybody knows that L.A. has a very, very good roster and that they’re going to be challenging for the top spot in the Pacific and in the West. I think that’s a pretty common opinion around the league. That’s just not coming from a guy that just signed here. At this stage of my career, I’ve been to Game 7 of the Finals and lost, and I’ve been on some teams that haven’t done well and haven’t made the playoffs. That was one thing I wanted to stay away from. I didn’t want to go to a young team and have to be the older guy on a young, not very good team. I wanted to be a piece of the puzzle on a good team that had a chance to win. I think everybody would agree that L.A. is that spot.”
Question: Obviously this will be up to the coaches, but what are your expectations for yourself on the ice, in terms of what role you might fill? Have you had those conversations yet?
MOREAU: “I want to come to camp and prove that I’m where I was a few years ago. Throughout my career, I’ve been a top player on the third line. I’ve been an elite penalty-killer. I play defensively, I play physical, I play tough. I just can’t wait to get back, just to show my teammates that I’m not just here for leadership. I’m not just here to be a piece of the roster. I want to re-establish myself and score goals and play tough and do what I’ve always done. I don’t feel like my play has gone down. I’ve just had some unlucky injuries. It’s exciting for me to be able to re-prove myself in the league and have some incentive. I’m mad, which is good. I’m motivated that more teams didn’t want me, and hopefully I can take it out through my play.”
Question: And your brother, Chad, he’s local, right? He lives in the South Bay?
MOREAU: “My brother, he used to be the strength coach for the Edmonton Oilers. He’s a chiropractor in Torrance. So I’ve been coming down here for about eight or nine years to train with him. He’s a pretty knowledgable hockey guy and he has helped my career, so it’s going to be fun to play in front of him as well. A lot of the guys know him as well.”
Question: Dustin Brown sent out a tweet saying he has known you for a long time. Is that through your summer work here?
MOREAU: “Yeah, just from being down here. I know Brownie. I think we have mutual friends and I’ve gotten to know him well. Obviously I know Stolly [Jarret Stoll] and Greener [Matt Greene] and Pens [Dustin Penner]. I’ve gotten to know a lot of the other guys too, just from being around those guys. It’s such a comfort level. I went in the locker room today and I kind of knew everybody in there. It was a weird feeling for me, because I’ve always been on the other side and practicing with those guys and getting along with them, but now, actually being in the room, it felt pretty cool.”
Gustave Moreau was born in Paris. His father, Louis Jean Marie Moreau, was an architect, who recognized his talent. His mother was Adele Pauline des Moutiers. Moreau studied under François-Édouard Picot and became a friend of Théodore Chassériau, whose work strongly influenced his own. Moreau had a 25-year personal relationship, possibly romantic, with Adelaide-Alexandrine Dureux, a woman whom he drew several times.[1] His first painting was a Pietà which is now located in the cathedral at Angoulême. He showed A Scene from the Song of Songs and The Death of Darius in the Salon of 1853. In 1853 he contributed Athenians with the Minotaur and Moses Putting Off his Sandals within Sight of the Promised Land to the Great Exhibition.
Oedipus and the Sphinx, one of his first symbolist paintings, was exhibited at the Salon of 1864.
He became a professor at Paris’ École des Beaux-Arts in 1891 and among his many students were the fauvist painters, Henri Matisse and Georges Rouault. Jules Flandrin also studied with Moreau.
Moreau died in Paris and was buried there in the Cimetière de Montmartre.
During his lifetime, Moreau produced more than 8,000 paintings, watercolors and drawings, many of which are on display in Paris’ Musée national Gustave Moreau at 14 rue de la Rochefoucauld (IXe arrondissement). The museum is in his former workshop, and began operation in 1903. André Breton famously used to “haunt” the museum and regarded Moreau as a precursor of Surrealism.
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@M.T. Netter,
Mon dieu.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@M.T. Netter, um……Thanks for the info? it was quite interesting though, i must admit
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inThe Crease Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@M.T. Netter, Sacré bleu! I hev left my béret and stripy chemise in zee Café.
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Mike in Oregon Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@M.T. Netter, AWESOME COMMENT! BRING SOME CULTURE TO THE BITCHES!
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Shakes Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 5:58 am
@Mike in Oregon, that may be one of the most epic lines ever, which will now be known forever as B.S.C.T.T.B.
What happens when Brownie nails someone into the boards for the first time this season?
BSCTTB.
What happens when Quick robs someone?
BSCTTB
What happens when Bailey dumps popcorn on an unsuspecting Wings fan?
BSCTTB.
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Belexes Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Shakes,
this is hilarious. I could see BSCTTB popping up quite a bit this year!
dduffy Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@Shakes, AWESOME!
jess Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@Mike in Oregon, over-the-top best reply to anything i’ve seen here ever!
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McCheese Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:24 pm
@M.T. Netter, I’ll take that over “FIRST!” any day. Well done.
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OnTheFly Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:41 pm
@McCheese,
This time Rich was the first to say “First”.
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DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:02 pm
@M.T. Netter,
“Is thet yuuur doga?”
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Kenny44 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@DesertKing, No no no. The line is: “dez yuuur duag beite?”
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crashin' da net Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:39 pm
@Kenny44, “oui, bud he iz naut mi daug”
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@Kenny44,
Mon bien! Thanks
Probably one of the funniest scenes ever!
Rob Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:07 pm
@M.T. Netter,
Cool! Since the Kings got such a good deal on him, I might consider buying a couple of his paintings, just to help him out.
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DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:10 pm
@Rob,
Nice!
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number 6 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@Rob,
Now THAT was good Rob. Exxxccccellent.
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Cry Baby Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 pm
@M.T. Netter, Récemment, PureFit envoyé dans un échantillonnage de leurs barres de nutrition. Je les ai essayé au cours de quelques longues randonnées en VTT, et je dois dire que j’ai été impressionné. D’abord, ils réellement de bon goût. La texture et la consistance n’est pas complètement étranger, et surtout, je me sens comme ils m’ont aidé à reprendre mon souffle après plusieurs heures sur la piste. Est-ce qu’un PB & J ou une barre de Snickers ont fait la même chose? Très probablement, mais je m’égare …
Chaque barre contient jusqu’à 220 calories, glucides 26g, 18g de protéines et 7g matières grasses totales. Peut-être plus important que ce qui est dans les bars PureFit est ce l’est pas. A savoir, pas de produits animaux. Ils sont 100% végétaliens. Ils sont également sans gluten et casher.
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MacSwede Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:13 am
@Cry Baby, In the movie Matrix I think it is the Merovingian who says that cursing in French is like wiping your ass with silk.. hillarious!
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@MacSwede,
O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux.
Car ton bras sait porter l’épée,
Il sait porter la croix.
Ton histoire est une épopée,
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
bfarm Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:44 am
@Cry Baby,
Ce blog est francophone maintenant? Je prefere manger les barres de butterfinger.. la sucre me donne l’energie.. meme s’il me fait plus gros.
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number 6 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@bfarm,
Geniale!! Finalement un peu de culture sur ce blog. C’est incroyable qu’on a autant de ‘fans’ qui parlent francais. Je me demande justement, s’ils sont des Canadiens du coin de Canada ou on parle francais… ou si on utilize le truc qu’on peut trouver sur l’internet qui fait la traduction tout seul.
Vous savez aussi que Steve Jobs s’est démissioné (I think that might be the word….not sure) d’Apple aujourd hui. Et maintenant…… qu’est qui se passe?
number 6 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@bfarm,
S’il me fait grossir ….. or …..
S’il me rend plus gros.
I’m loving his attitude!
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YAYYY!! He looks and sounds like a class guy. Will be good for the young ones. Thanks Lombardi….
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KevinS Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
“I dont want to be the old guy on a young team that sucks” saying he doesnt want to go back to edmonton lol
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Kenny44 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:24 pm
@KevinS, Yeah, and points for recognizing that real quality of life doesn’t begin and end with the mullet culture.
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King John Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
@KevinS, I guess Ryan Smyth has a different view….
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No FIrst! Dumb. Good guy. Niiiice signing. Clifford, Stoll, Moreau works for me. GKG!
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Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@Harrison Merkin, Are you going to be the first to claim no firsts on every thread?
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jack Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:08 pm
@Harrison Merkin, That would be a killer line. Kings keep signing some gritty guys. Are we being setup for disappointment like usual? What is all this first b.s. explain it to me
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KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@jack, Actually, we havn’t even been expected to do anything since 2003 until last year. I think I like getting set up knowing that it is possible to win the cup this year. It is making this summer pretty fun to think about the Kings.
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Eric Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:55 pm
@Harrison Merkin,
I like that line very much. That’s a tough, in your face type of line that will cause damage. However, I don’t like the idea of Richardson playing with Lewis. Lewis should be the odd man out hopefully… Clune-Richardson-Westgarth.
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TransAm Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:15 pm
@Eric, What exactly do you have against Lewis?
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Eric Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:19 pm
@TransAm,
I have nothing against him personally. He seems like a nice fellow. But as a player, I just don’t see the justification of having him center the fourth line. Yes, he’s a decent penalty killer, but so is Kopitar, Richards, Stoll, Moreau, Richardson, Brown. He doesn’t really bring character to the kings, and fourth liners should bring character and grit to the table. That’s why I think Richardson would be the ideal choice to center the fourth between Clune and Westy.
Kenny44 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@TransAm, Clune over Lewis??? Guess Lewis doesn’t hit enough shadows on the glass or take enough offensive zone penalties for some folks. Lewis isn’t a whirling ball of hate, but he has plenty of character. He skates harder than anyone on the team, takes hits to make plays and has poise. Needs to develop at face offs and finishing plays, but hopefully we’ll see progress this year. Clune’s ceiling is obviously lower, so the smart play is to develop Lewis.
TransAm Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:17 pm
@Eric, I didn’t assume you had anything against him personally. What I saw last year was a good young defensive forward with a bunch of potential and a great rate of improvement. Assuming he looks good in camp, I think it would be a shame for him to lose a spot. I suppose I see where you’re coming from though. I guess this is the problem with having a team stacked with talent.
KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 pm
@Eric, Richardson will sit before Lewis. Lewis is an excellent defensive forward and better than Richardson on the PK (although Richardson is okay). I do like Richardson better on offense though, but I got a feelign Lewis is going to mature to being a much better goal scorer.
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Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@KC23,
I/m not sure that Richardson has stopped developing either. He’s definitely a late bloomer and are lucky to have picked him off the scrap heap and then been rewarded with a guy who keeps forcing his way back onto the ice.
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@KC23,
Okay just looked it up (if you trust wikipedia)
Weaver would be about the 19th highest paid player in baseball is you look at his avg salary in context vs 2011 salaries. This makes him the 4th highest paid pitcher behing Sabathia, Sanatana, Halladay, Zambrano, and Zito. Note that the other pitchers are all very established veterans while Weaver like DD is still a young player. Also, of the top 20 contracts almost all of them were signed prior the recession hitting baseball.
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@KC23,
Sorry about that — put that salary post in reply to the wrong initial post – my apologies
ta Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:15 pm
@Eric, Louie is way better player then either Clune or westgrath! and even richardson.although i like him and i do feel that richardon will play somewhere either 3rd or 4th line.
We have a lot of dept now. and Parse,Richarson, Lewis and Moreau all can play multi. postions. I just wondering if we have room for Loti if he has a good camp?
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King Cobra Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:15 am
@Eric, Lewis is solid fast and getting better by the period. He is going nowhere but back in the game….
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Levi Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Eric,
From: The Forth Period’s twitter @LAKings W Mitchell on Trevor Lewis – “great young player, reminds me of Alex Burrows when he was young in Vancouver, just cracking through”
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Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@Levi, hopefully he doesn’t start biting people 4 years from now…
number 6 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@Levi,
Well, you beat me to it. Guess it was pretty obvious though. WM set us up for that one.
Kenny44 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:29 pm
@Harrison Merkin, Oh yeah, I have visions of lots of pucks coming out of the corners for quick shots by Stoll from the slot, and fat rebounds for greasy goals. Just got to get Stollie to hit the net
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yeahh that was the number i pick on nhl 11.. LOL.. i can’t wait for nhl 12, so i can start playing.. This will be a good season for LA and the Fans of LA
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Tha man is standing there after a workout. Good sign #1. Said he wants redemption, and to prove something to his teammates, other teams and the whole league. Good sign #2,3 4 and 5. Said he wants to be here to win the freakin’ Stanley Cup. Best sign #6.
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Damn that interview made me feel good
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jack Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:09 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, same here, man can’t wait for this season
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Off topic, but to me the big immediate concern is Kopitar’s recovery. Does anyone know whether he is skating yet or have any other details concerning his rehabilitation. The last report that he was walking was not reassuring.
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Player-X Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:37 pm
@JackKent Cooke, You must have missed Lombardi and others, they say he is ahead of schedule, doing well, and expected to be 100% for training camp. Fear not.
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:46 pm
@Player-X,
I heard the same vague reassurances but there was no mention whether or how well he was skating.
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wes Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:37 pm
@JackKent Cooke, love the hard headed skepticism. usually a good idea to question the happy face.
Stephen Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@JackKent Cooke, Here’s an aricle done recently on Kopitar:
http://www.sport-tv.si/novice/intervju-z-matjazem-kopitarjem-1.-del–86285/
google translate is a bit choppy but you can see that he is coming along very well.
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Sydor25 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:26 pm
@JackKent Cooke,
http://www.mayorsmanor.com/2011/08/anze-kopitar-is-training-in-one-of-most.html
He’s skating at home.
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@Sydor25,
Thanks for the link. here is the key excerpt:
Anze’s father proclaimed his leg injury healed, he’s recovered and ready to go. The elder Kopitar also says this summer’s workouts were by far the most intense and lengthy of his career, not just for the leg, but his ‘upper and middle torso’ as well – all part of a training program designed by the Kings trainers when Anze was still in LA following the end of the NHL season.
Never had any reason to doubt his father, Matjaz, before.
Here is what Wikipedia has to say about Matjaz:
Matjaž Kopitar
Kopitar began his career with HK Acroni Jesenice in 1983, and played eleven seasons with the club. He played two seasons with HK Bled, and Klagenfurt AC. He finished his career with HK Maribor in 2003.
Kopitar represented Yugoslavia and Slovenia in international competitions.
He coached HK Acroni Jesenice in the 2006-07 season, and the Slovenia men’s national ice hockey team at the World Championships in 2011.
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King Cobra Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:26 am
@JackKent Cooke, Kopitar is my favorite player!! He is rad, he plays amazing, he is awesome, he is sick oh and he rocks as well……
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JackKent Cooke Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@King Cobra,
How do you really feel about him.
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Jumblehead Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@JackKent Cooke, Check mayors manor blog. Pics of kopi skating in Slovenia training with his brother and Dad. Dad coach of Slovenian national team. Returning to So Cal early Sept. Also training upper body and core strength based on Kingsoff season plans for him .
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This is the first time I’ve heard of him properly, and I LOVE his attitude and perspective.
Quickly earning my respect. Can’t wait to see what he does on ice.
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c4sraser Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:13 pm
@Rider, dam gina i wish it were october already
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MIK3Ysfv Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 2:23 am
@c4sraser, damn gina? L.A.. County or did u earn your way to mainline?
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c4sraser Reply:
August 27th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
@MIK3Ysfv, SB County,martin lawrence my cuzin GO KINGS
You guys remember Terry Murray said when it comes down lines he works in pairs. He will fit perfect on the 3rd line the checking grinding line. I see Moreau and Stoll do some damage.
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Stang Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:30 pm
@pat, I don’t know. Clifford and Moreau are both L. wingers. Possibly Cliff, Stoll, Lewis and Moreau, Richardson, Parse?
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pat Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:57 pm
@Stang, Clifford is a left winger and Moreau and Parse can play either wing.
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KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@pat, I got Clifford Stoll and Parse moving over to RW.
Forth line Richardson Lewis Moreau playing on the right side or Perhaps Moreau as LW Richardson center and Lewis to RW.
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ta Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:22 pm
@KC23, I like those lines to. I also feel that Clifford and richardson played well together with simmonds in the playoffs. Maybe Clifford Stoll Richardson? Either way both good lines and now we have 4 awesome lines for TM to throw out there. Can wait for 2012! Just please sign DD
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pat Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 5:35 am
@KC23, I rather have Moreau Stoll Parse then Clifford Lewis Richardson
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pat Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 5:36 am
@KC23 those would be my last two lines
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 7:12 am
@pat, Not sure Moreau is 3rd line material at this point in his career, but I’d love to be wrong. I’d rather see some scoring ability on the 3rd line. Moreau’s fewer 4th line minutes could be offset my additional PK minutes Giving our first three line wingers less time on the PK and more time 5 on 5 and PP.
RLane420 Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
@pat, you can pick lines all you want and have very good odds of seeing it at some point during the season. With TM lines shuffle more than my ipod. So you are all right eventually.
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i just got bored and tired of waiting for this awaiting thing to get off me but i had to say this..and i say sorry to rich again
This team is looking good…..I cant wait for the season to start.
Got two great goalies Bernier and Quick
Got great D Martinez,Greene,Mitchell,JJ,Doughty,Scuderi
got great forwards like,Kopi,M.Richards,Gagne,Brown,JW,Clifford,Penner,Richardson,
I dont know whats going to happen this season but i hope its going to be a blast while it last
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@KingsFanFTW, oh yea forgot to add Moreau
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Eric Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:58 pm
@KingsFanFTW,
Also forgot Westgarth. He will probably be the most improved player on the Kings this season, besides Penner.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:02 pm
@Eric, oh yea Westy thanks for reminding me
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wes Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@Eric, [grimace] with a team well stocked with consistent, skilled, gritty, leadership guys like Kopitar, Brown, Richards, Greene, Scuderi, Mitchell (other names can be added here) – even Moreau on the fringe of this category, and with young studs like DD and JJ, if we’re going to lean on Westgarth and Penner, we’d be a little bit ridiculous! Hey, I hope those two have excellent years, but if they’re projected as leading LAK to the promised land . . . well . . . ouch. trouble. seriously. ouch.
Everybody falls all over themselves forgetting Parse. Hard to foresee how things could/might shake out for this roster, and every reason to think SP has now been bumped from top six, at the outset anyway, but there’s an under-the-radar skills and energy guy that could be an impact player if he stays healthy. If Penner spends the first month or two sleepwalking once again, Parse may yet have a serious shot at top six. Not a bad thing for this team. Depth.
Man, it’s fun to contemplate the LAK depth, balance, and potential. Good times may be near. If Penner and/or Westgarth show up this fall—bonus!
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:28 pm
@wes, like ur thinking keep it up
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@wes,
Parse could easily be the big surprise of the season. He must be dying to get on the ice and prove that he is the top 6 guy he was once projected to be.
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 7:14 am
@Eric, He clearly improved towards the end of last season which got my hopes up, but then some fan reminded me that Westy was 27 and not likely to continue to improve a the same pace. You never know though, there are late bloomers in every sport, including hockey.
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Eric Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@KC23,
I don’t expect him to suddenly turn into a 20 goal scorer. However, I do expect him to actually net 5-6 goals this season and play more minutes.
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:28 am
@Eric, are we talking about Kevin Westgarth potting 5-6 goals??? In the NHL??? This coming season, 11-12??? I dont see it. But if I did see it with mine own eyes I would pit my shants and dance a jig!!
Glad to hear that none of the injuries are carry overs that could have slowed him down at his age. He said the hand feels 100% and I’m starting to get excited that maybe we have a diamond in the rough here. Can’t wait for camp.
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SLIM Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:28 pm
@Dominick,
Most people love the underdog story…
I know I do…I’m playing the Rocky music in my head watching the video..
This guy can easily be a fan favorite in no time..
I am routing for him already…
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KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@SLIM, Yeah, hard not to like a guy like that and easy to see why he wore a C on his chest despite not being a goal scorer.
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xeropoint Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@SLIM, I too can’t wait for camp and a whole new season of SLIM haiku’s.
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So he takes Simmer’s old # eh..
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Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, If he ends up on the right side, he’ll take Simmonds old spot too.
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Chris Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@Dominick, so i just need to cover the simmons name with Moreau, and I’ll be ok for a year!
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Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@Chris, LOL, or put Kurri on it.
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Dominick, well aint that a coeenkeedink!
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 5:23 am
@BrokeKingsFan,
Who?
[Reply]
I like the way he thinks…..
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Weird how each answer seemed like the perfect answer. Good mature veteran guy!
[Reply]
Great attitude. He’s a keeper.
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This guy sounds like everything a fan could hope for. King’s no. 1 on his list? I love this guy already already
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
@jess, I told you guys you will love him.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:29 am
@jess, Let’s see how he does first guys?? Save some of that love. He does seem very cool.
[Reply]
OK I take it back. Blown away by this dudes attitude, he’s pissed. He’s going to be a great addition to the squad. Key phrase from the interview; “I’m mad, which is good.” Hellz yeah brother. Please take Westy’s spot and score goals doing it. Pretty please!
[Reply]
Welcome to the Kings Chopper!
Let’s raise the cup in June!
[Reply]
Kings number 1 on somebodys list? Some things are really changing around here.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:42 pm
@Pesus, Sounds weird doesnt it?
[Reply]
Does anyone else not like this signing? I mean Im happy the kings got some veteran playoff experience. I feel like you can never have too much of that. But, I was really looking forward to seeing some young kids battle it out for a spot and now everythings seems pretty set. I’m just scared now all these top prosepcts are going to keep following guys like moller and holloway.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 7:29 pm
@Timmy tim tim, ill take veterans over young kids any day. everyone will get their chance. injuries are inevitable, the more depth and leadership the better.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
@Sebastian, Agreed. I would rather have a vet for sure. The only time I want to see a rookie make the team is if he beats out a vet, no jobs handed to him.
[Reply]
MIK3Ysfv Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 2:45 am
@Osaka, Bill Walsh said” everyone forgets that if you start a rookie,at the end of the year….he’s no longer a rookie. This from a man who won his first Super Bowl w/ 3 rookies and a sophomore in his secondary.
Eric Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:00 pm
@Timmy tim tim,
His contract is only for one season. Nothing wrong about giving the youngsters extra time to develop, eh?
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:59 pm
@Timmy tim tim, Do you want a guy on the team that would bolt to Europe? If that is what they are about, good riddance. I mean Steve Young after being a starter in the USFL and Tampa of the NFL backed up Joe Montana for 4 years.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:05 pm
@Timmy tim tim, What it means is any rookie who breaks this line up is gonna have to be dam good. It might very well happen this year. We have several rookies who are prime to move up to the next level, but they’re gonna have to earn it.
[Reply]
xeropoint Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:56 pm
@KC23, Exactly how good organizations do it and exactly how it should be.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 5:27 am
@Timmy tim tim,
Thankfully the days of holding spots open for rookies is gone. That’s called rebuilding!
The kids will get their shot, but it will have to be earned. Injuries happen during the season and circumstances change.
Look at Martinez last season…He certainly wasn’t being penciled in as top 6 D’man, but when he got the chance, he took full advantage of it. .
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 7:24 am
@nykingfan, Wow, great example (Martinez). Especially to those who saw Martinez the year before and wrote Martinez off (like me, I’m embarrassed to say). I laugh when I read some who wonder if Martinez will be knocked off by some rookie. Not gonna happen.
I’ll go so far to say that JJ will end up being in for a fight with Martinez for his 2nd Def line spot. Sure JJ deserves first line PP minutes, but not 2nd Def pairing minutes. Except for the PP, Martinez is the better defenseman and Martinez isn’t that far behind JJ on the PP.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:17 am
@KC23,
That makes 2 of us who wrote him off the year before.
I’m excited to see how he improves from last season. He was pretty steady for a rookie. I thought his offensive game was a bit inconsistent last season..he showed glimpses of how good he can be on the PP with his shot and decisivness with the puck.
Hopefully that becomes more the norm than the exception. With the experience he got last season, i would expect that to be the case.
He’s such a good skater and has an idea what to do with the puck when he has it. No reason he can’t work himself up to be a #2 D’man.
King Cobra Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@Timmy tim tim, We needed to replace Zus with a solid mentor type player, he should fit the bill with his shut down defensive style play.
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Timmy tim tim,
Last year I would have agreed with you. This year I do like this signing. It means we really think we can win it all. Even if EM doesn’t light it up, his presence signals to the whole team that they are expected to win. Also, it tells the young guys that they have to live up to EM’s work ethic and surpass his talent to earn their ice time — no more playing young guys if they can’t contribute. Plus, it’s not like he signed a long term deal. I could easily see this guy being a coach once his playing days are over.
[Reply]
@PK, Loving this guy already! Depth and anger…
[Reply]
Wow this made me extremely giddy. This is the most excited I’ve been for hockey in a while
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:30 pm
@OC Hip Check,
I gotta agree with you! I am stoked! Our team is a monster!
Is it time yet?
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:01 am
@OC Hip Check,
Remember when Beavis turned into Conholio and he started shaking and gritting his teeth and spazzing out?
Well, that’s how I feel waiting for the season to start!
“I am the Great Cornholio! I need. . . . HOCKEY!!!”
[Reply]
Brownkingsfan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 7:25 am
@Stagger, Seriously this made me laugh out loud! Good analogy, cornholio!
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If he plays half as well as he talks, he’ll be a solid contributor. Love that he wanted to be here and the reasons.
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Good sign. It seems Ethan Moreau and Dustin Penner has something to prove. They will have a great season this year.
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I’m mad, which is good.
I’ve got something to prove….
(Regarding the lack of expectation of winning the Stanley Cup in LA) Well, that’s one thing that has to change…
THIS!!!! How can you not get jacked up hearing this from one of OUR players. I really have a solid feeling Ethan is going to have a special ‘Unsung Hero’ type role on this team. He’s gonna keep guys focused and accountable, even if he ends up having a slightly selfish reason for it in wanting the Cup (Which it completely acceptable in my book, duh).
I’m kind of hoping EM will have a year like that one year Pat Conacher was our ‘Unsung Hero’. ’95-’96 was it? He was Unsung hero in 92-93 but he was most inspirational also in 95-96
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LBlocal Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:09 pm
@Cynic, JM27 gem via email link… Did U get it? There are 2. gKg!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:45 pm
@Cynic,
I am so jacked for this team! Is this really happening? Wow!
[Reply]
Oldthunder Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:33 pm
@Cynic, Conacher was truly a class act and great grinder, one of my all time favorite kings. Glad to see others appreciated him as well.
[Reply]
billanthony Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:14 pm
@Cynic, The Kings were coming off a disappointing season and playoffs the season prior to signing Conacher. He was their lone addition and comments in the local media mocked the signing as inconsequential. Real fans knew him as one of the league’s best PKers. I also remember him winning many late 3rd period defensive zone faceoffs that playoff year.
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PENNER, KOPI, WILLIAMS/ GAGNE, RICHARDS, BROWN/ CLIFFORD, STOLL, LEWIS/ MOREAU, RICHARDSON, PARSE.?
Clifford and Moreau are both L. wingers. Cliffords play last year and in the playoffs, you gotta give him first shot at #3 line, he earned it.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@Stang, Moreau can play both sides, so if Cliffy ended up on a line with him, it’s all good still.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:09 pm
@Stang, Parse, Lewis and Moreau can play both wings. Lewis can play center as well.
We’re set debth wise. I thought we had a problem on RW, but with Parse and Moreau being able to play both wings … RW debth problem … solved.
[Reply]
he somewhat looks like modin…
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I dunno. I heard that same exact line “Yeah yeah I’m stoked to be here because I want to make a contribution blah blah blah….” and then they end up doing squat. I can watch all the video on this guy but that don’t mean a thing to me. I guess we’ll all find out how he works out.
I do like the hunger though. I mean being at a game 7 in SC finals and losing it. That’s gotta be one of the worst feelings in hockey. Talking about all he wants to do is win the cup it’s either he’s really selling the hell outta himself to get signed because no one else really wants him or he’s the real deal. I do hope this guy says what he does and plays his ass off for the team to win the cup. We shall see…Reminds me of the Marc Crawford interview when he was selling the hell outta himself passion this passion that and then turned out to be a total flop.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@Hat trick, Your right, nothings been proven, but I like the passionate attitude (and if he did win it, it would be a great story in Kings folklore). I see a guy who came close a few years back, and fell short, and is at the end of his career, saying “Just one more kick at the can Hockey gods, that’s all I ask for! Just one more kick at the can”. He can’t do everything, but hopefully he can pitch in and have a positive effect on what he can do.
[Reply]
Hat trick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
@Dominick, I really do hope so….I know a Lot of us in here finally want the cup to come to LA.
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Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:11 am
@Dominick, I’m not sure he feels he only has “one more kick” left… I can see him getting an extension for another year if he has any type of impact on our 3rd line.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 5:30 am
@Hat trick,
He’s a cheap veteran with something to prove and it sounds like he’s hungry for the shot.
If he doesn’t work out..$600k is not a lot to lose.
Personally, I think he’ll be a very useful player. I like the signing a lot.
Veteran leadership on a relatively young team going for the cvup is always a positive.
[Reply]
Love the motivated veteran looking to re-establish his career and prove to other teams they shouldn’t have passed on him. That is all good for the Kings.
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Ethan, welcome to LA. I love your attitude. If we don’t believe we’re special, we won’t win. You can help change that mindset in “the room.” We have all we need now to go the distance.
I believe you’ll make it happen.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:14 am
@SouthbayFan, I loved that part of the interview too!!! Mindset for young players sometimes never changes…it’s like when a person is in the early 20s and they sit and think for the first time “the rest of the world sees me as an adult now” and viola they start to act like one! I think our boys are need to start to see that they ARE the elite team now and that they’re going to be better than every team they line up against from here on out!!!
I love what EM is saying and I can’t wait for the season to start!!
BSCTTB or BSC2TB!!! LOL
[Reply]
DougS Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
@Stuart,
I think you guys have hit upon the key to Moreau’s value to the team. It seems to me that the last hurdle to becoming a Conference Finals team (i.e., the Final Four) for the Kings is pyschological, not talent level or team cohesion. It’s all about self-confidence and believing that you belong at that elite level. Moreau’s little pep talk there is a useful reminder from someone with an outside perspective that other teams should be afraid of the Kings, not the other way around.
[Reply]
I hope he is the piece that gets me to drink beer out of the cup next summer
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:20 pm
@dabronx,
I’d just like to be in the same room with it. I’ve never even seen it in person, because I’m waiting till the Kings win it.
Hopefully I get to touch it one day.
[Reply]
Hat trick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:32 pm
@Dominick, I’ve touched the cup. It’s crazy. Seriously has this weird “aura” to it. I got a chance to touch it actually thanks to the ducks. My buddy works for Honda and he snuck me in to touch it. It’s cool cuz they will allow you to hold, touch, kiss it but you they will not allow you to hoist it over your head. That’s reserved for the ones that actually win it.
Sure would have been a whole lot sweeter if the Kings had brought it to CA first. Hopefully soon!!!!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:12 pm
@Hat trick,
I almost went to see it last year when it was in Cali, but I figured I waited this long, might as well wait a few more years. I feel like if I touch it now, I didn’t earn it. All my years of blind loyalty has to account for something, and touching it now makes those years meaningless.
I’ll probably get hit by a bus some day, and those years will be meaningless anyways, but right now they mean something to me.
I’m an idiot.
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 7:31 am
@Hat trick, Rather the Ducks get it before us that the Sharks or Vancouver. Just want to beat the Sharks and Vancouver to getting the cup.
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:17 am
@Dom, if you’re an idiot then I’m right there with you!!! I thought I was the only one that would not touch the cup until the Kings won it. Heck, I didn’t even want to see it when the Scmucks won it and I’m down the street from them…
For the same reasons, I will continue to wait for my team to hoist and then I will relish every moment as if I were on the roster!!
I’m a uber-idiot!
BigIslandKingsFan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@Hat trick, I was in Toronto a few years ago and went to the HHoF. I got my picture taken with the cup and the Phtographer said that I could touch the cup or wrap my arm around it. I told the phtographer that no, I will not touch the cup, I didn’t earn the right and my team hasn’t won it yet.
So, I guess that I’m in the same boat with you and Stuart. No touching of the prize until our team earns it. Hopefully in the next couple of years (PLEEEEEEZEEEEEE !!!)
Then, just to be selfish, I would like us to “own” it for 2 in a row ! ! ! Hahahaha
He says LA was 1st on his list, so he should be happy he’s here right?
So why this quote?
“I’m motivated that more teams didn’t want me, and hopefully I can take it out through my play”
This sounds like the guy that was picked last, with the ever popular excuse “well this is the team I wanted to play in anyways”, and he wants to show up the other team to earn their respect so he can jump ship to the actual team he wanted to play with in the first place.
If he REALLY respects LA and REALLY wanted to play in LA, he wouldn’t say “I’m motivated that more teams didn’t want me”, sounds like he’s sour, because if I wanted to play for LA, and I got a chance to play for LA, I wouldn’t care if they were the only team that wanted me. I’d say jackpot and forget about it.
Now imagine Boston picked him up or, Detroit picked him up. Do you think he’d say “I’m motivated that more teams didn’t want me”. What does that say about Boston and Detroit?
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:16 pm
$600K. Nuff said… gKg!
[Reply]
fourtunato Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@MiniKing, I hear what youre saying but I disagree. It’s entirely consistent to want to play somewhere but to also be a little put off that more teams did not want him, not appreciating what he believes he would be able to contribute. I like that he said that because it means he’s got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and, like he said, something to prove.
Man, I gotta say, I really am jacked for this season. What a bunch of good guys we have on this team. I got my season seats the last year of Andy Murray’s tenure. Where they just quit the last 10 games and Brownie was just a baby finding his way. This is not that team. This is a team built to win and to put some hurt on the enemy while doing it.
[Reply]
TransAm Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@MiniKing, I can’t tell if you’re joking or if you’re really that negative. It sounds like he just wants to prove that he’s better than people think. Determination and fierce competitiveness is what I get from it.
[Reply]
DBking Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 8:38 pm
@MiniKing, I think you’re reading into what he said way too much.
There are concrete reasons that make sense for him to want to be a King. His family lives here and he spends his summers here. If he could have made 1M somewhere else then sure, he probably would have signed elsewhere. “I’m motivated that more teams didn’t want me” means he didn’t get any nice offers and he probably thinks he’s worth double the price he signed for…
[Reply]
PurpleBlacknGold Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:21 pm
@MiniKing, How about the fact that if more teams were interested he wouldn’t have had to sign for only 600,000. More interest just means more value. I believe him when he says LA was his first choice, I think he just hoped to be making something closer to what he has made in the past.
[Reply]
billanthony Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 pm
@MiniKing, Sounds like someone who gets motivation out of proving detractors and opponents wrong by beating them. He’s chapped and he definitely has an edge. A strong personality who should excel as an experienced “character guy” on the Kings.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 7:35 am
@MiniKing, His agent told him how many teams where interested in him. Par for the course and one has nothing to do with the other. It’s an agent’s job to explore and expose all options for his player. Moreau put King’s first has nothing to do with his agent doing his job.
[Reply]
DLB Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:15 am
@MiniKing, I think the Kings were his first choice (good team plus close to his family) but you’d still notice what other offers come in.
If he has an “I’ll show you” attitude, that’s fine by me!
[Reply]
dMan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:54 am
@MiniKing, we all have egos. I believe him when he says LA was his first choice because of family, friends and the chance to be part of a Stanley Cup winning team. His familiarity with the organization and the players in his off-seasons must have impressed him.
At the same time, he must have spent some pretty anxious moments this summer waiting for a team to make an offer, wondering if he might have to play in Europe or possibly even retire. That’s not easy to contemplate for a professional athlete who still feels he can add value. Who knows whether he had other offers from teams that didn’t appeal to him, maybe he did for more money and waited for the dust to settle in LA. Pat Brisson is his agent and Pat is close friends with Robitaille and has a long history with the LA organization, that might have helped.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:40 am
@MiniKing, Bah Humbug!
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You can tell he’s an experienced vet cause he talks the talk……now if he walks the walk the Kings will rock the league this season. GO KINGS!!
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Good addition. Love his attitude and the right fit. I may just win my bet with my husband – we are going to WCF.
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Maybe Moreau is the piece of the team that can get “Pens” motivated? Seems that Penner did well when Moreau was his teammate then degraded when Moreau left Edmonton. Maybe DL knows something we don’t about “chemistry”? Maybe Rich Hammond is in the running to run the Cubs next year? Maybe I should stop asking questions?
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Welcome Captain Moreau! Man, I really like our chance now. There are no reasons why we shouldn’t win the Cup this season.
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Add to that, he’s worked out here every year, found friends like Brownie, and his brother helps him train. Sounds to me that this IS where he wants to be, and it feels damn good as a Kings fan that vets like him Wants to be here to Win, not play out the end of his career for some small salary.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:20 am
@Happy Lappy, totally!!! One thought that crossed my mind was how can one person love the LA environment for their family (EM) and another feel they need to get out of this place in a desperate way (RS)??? Sounds like the country mouse and the city mouse to me.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Stuart, Personally…….I wasnt picking up any of the mularky that RS was laying down about the Southbay not being a good enviornment for his kids. We have world class school systems and some damn good family neighborhoods that rival some of the best in the world(speculation on my part but im sticking to it).IMO, RS was eternally homesick and couldnt suck it up like the big boy he is supposed to be for ONE more year and took advantage of a class guy like DL knowing that if he asked for a trade to Edmonton that DL would do what he could to accomodate. I respect RS for the product that he puts forth on the Ice but he should have pulled up his Pampers and played out his contract that he signed and committed to.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:18 am
@BrokeKingsFan, agreed.
I read on yahoo. that moreau comes over to help a young core get to the next level…. R U kidding me this “young core of players have been here for 3 to 5 yrs. They need a vet to come in and do his job (EM) and that is what he will do—–some of u really have no clue about this team. He will help and that is what we need. If he plays 60 games that is a plus and gives us 30 pts bonus. But watch for the little things. That is why I wanted Eric B back. One of my fav kngs and great face-off guy
go
[Reply]
Gotta love a guy who came from Edmonton that chose LA for family reasons.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:25 pm
@Joel, ha ha! I was going to make a wise crack about him heading in the wrong direction if he’s doing it for family, but I thought we suffered enough indignity seeing a guy bolt for the same reasons.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:16 pm
@Joel, Amen brother. Amen.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:53 pm
@KC23, Got a new cell phone 2 weeks ago and lost your number, text me when you can, thanx KC.
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KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 7:38 am
@puck73, Will do. Hey, this team keeps looking better and better. Gonna be an interesting season. Richards already talking smack about his first game against the Rangers. Apparently he doesn’t like them much and vis a versa.
McCheese Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:14 am
@KC23, Where did you hear the smack talk? Any good quotes? Love the passion!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:10 am
@McCheese, Mayor mannor or some such site.
The best part about this interview was he didn’t give the same old BS answers to each question. You can actually feel his enthusiasm and drive to win it all. Gotta love it!!
Less than one month to go before 1st pre-season game!!
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Terry Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:09 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, Totally agree. I get so tired of the same old BS answers some guys give. thumbs up to something new.
[Reply]
Brownkingsfan Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 7:34 am
@Cup B4 I Die, Do you sit in 112? I always see the “CUP B4 I DIE” jersey in the 2nd row of that section.
[Reply]
Cup B4 I Die Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:32 am
@Brownkingsfan,
Nope, not me. Although I’ve had several people ask if I’m the same guy. I guess what I thought was an original blog name, isn’t so original after all.
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Now HERE is a guy with the right attitude. He’s got 2 things to prove – 1) he, and 2) the Kings are good enought to go get that brass ring if they really want it. He’s mad, got a chip on his shoulder, and won’t take “no can do” for an answer. If he doesn’t fire up Penner to leave it on the ice, no one and nothing will. Bring on San Jose and Vancouver! Heck, I’m psyched! Like Ali said – “I want Joe Frazier!!!”
[Reply]
bankwood Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 1:17 am
@crashin’ da net, Nice man, I’m pumped too!
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this guy is great signing…hexy has it right on the money when be talks about having to replace zeus
The la kings are going to be a force this year…I’m so jacked up for this season
Seriously people think about the additions we made this off season. Way togo mr lombardi!!! Thank you
[Reply]
Cry Baby Reply:
August 23rd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@launch, I have always loved this guy…he is a Lappy type of player. He is a blue collar, hard working, gritty, in your face, willing to drop the gloves kind of guy…He is a great pick up! He sounds pissed and that is a great motivator. Can’t wait for the puck to drop!
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Let’s hope that Staples becomes “The Island of Mr. Moreau”… It’s certainly nice to hear LA being considered as cup contenders. Now it’s time to prove it on the ice!
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You know what got lost in all this excitement?… The Facebook login. Hahaha jk sorry. Come on October first 6pm
[Reply]
bankwood Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 1:16 am
@Cortex949, I think we were hoping it was out of sight, out of mind.
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DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:12 am
@bankwood,
Agreed!!!
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Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:16 am
@Cortex949, funny the other day I left a comment on NHL.com and I had to log on through my yahoo account. I got an e-mail from yahoo afterwards notifying me that I’d agreed to “share” my info with nhl.com blablabla.
I hope we don’t have to do that here…
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I think Moreau eventually will grab that third line LW spot. Dont get me wrong, I love Clifford, but he is still very young, and inexperienced. To give him a granted 3rd LW spot is dangerous, now he has to earn it.
I think the starting bottom 6 would be like this?
Moreau – Stoll – Richardson
Clifford – Lewis – Westgarth
What about Parse and Loktionov?
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@MacSwede,
I agree with you…I think Parse and Westy will be interchangeable. Lokti will the first one called up in case of an injury.
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“Well, that’s one thing that has to change. I think everybody in the organization has to get rid of that feeling. You can’t feel inferior, or you’re not going to accomplish winning.”
Loving the attitude! Gotta like a guy that likes being here.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@bankwood,
There are some people on this blog that need to adapt that attitude as well…
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
@AZ King, +100
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wow..love the attitude.
Don’t recall players talking that way about LA…as far as the reputation around the league.
I’m pretty sure most of you agree…
This is going to be our year!
We’ve been waiting since the rebuild began hoping to get to this day where we become more than relevant..we become one of the teams to fear.
The arguments over whether DL could get us to this spot have been but to bed. He’s done the job by bringing in the right guys….
Now it’s time for the roster and coaches to reward the fans with a much deserved cup!
GO KINGS!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 6:56 am
@nykingfan, It’s becoming apparrent that Dean Lombardi, Ron Hextall, and the entire staff have turned the culture around in El Segundo. Over the the last 3 seasons, look at the players that have chosen to sign here, players like Rob Scuderei, Willie Mitchell, and now Ethan Moreau. Or how bout players who decided to re-sign here like Justin Williams, Jack Johnson, Brad Richardson, and Trevor Lewis. Or how bout players who waived no trade clauses to come here like Fredrick Modin and Ryan Smyth. Yes, this organization is ready to start competing for the prize now, like you, I was wondering if I would ever see the day when we were taken seriously. When I see Dean Lombardi I will thank him personaly for both of us !
[Reply]
MIK3Ysfv Reply:
August 25th, 2011 at 2:55 am
@puck73, That’s right!!!
[Reply]
I found it interesting that Hextall introduced Moreau to the media via interview. I thought Hextall was pretty much in charge of player developement stuff (as in rookies and Manchester)? Guess DL was too busy with Meehan.
[Reply]
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:20 am
@KC23, I sure as hell hope so.
[Reply]
Anyone else as pumped for the 2011/2012 season as much as I am? Can’t Wait!!!!
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@Alton, I Wood agree!!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@Alton, “Pumped” is an understatement. I think it’s safe to say we’re all with you.
[Reply]
A couple interesting quotes from Willie Mitchell on The Fourth Period’s twitter feed. Something along the lines of Johnson is coming around defensively and is more talented than Doughty and a comment about how Tervor Lewis reminds him of a young Alex Burrows and is just cracking through.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:23 am
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, link? I can’t imagine WM comparing JJ and DD publicly like that… doesnt bode well.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:12 am
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, I find that very difficult to believe.
[Reply]
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@KC23,
http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20110824_071725_14108
Straight from the horses mouth
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
AT about 4:30 into the audio, Willie says “It’s hard to believe, but Jack could actually be the more talented of the two players.”
[Reply]
OK, just got my twitter set up recently (Yes, I’m slow) and I follow Dennis Bernstein who writes for The Fourth Period. One of his tweets this morning:
DennisTFP Dennis Bernstein
Interesting quote @LAKings Willie Mitchell on Johnson/Doughty -”Jack more talented of the 2. Starting to find out what it takes defensively”
Wow. I know Drew hasn’t signed and all yet and I’m almost positive this has nothing to do with that since Mitchy is a heckofanice guy, BUT Normally anyone saying something like this on a Kings blog would get absolutely shot down. BUT…..BUT……
This dude PLAYS on his TEAM! Kind of makes you think….
BUT…..BUT……Wait now, I actually see this as more of a boost for Jack Johnson than a putdown for Drew Doughty. We ALL know DD has severe talent and will be something special in the NHL IF he wants it. Comparing JJ to DD and saying he has MORE talent and that he’s ‘Getting it’ can only mean good things. Besides, DD doesn;t seem to have a problem with self-confidence, so the comment won’t matter to him.
Just thought the quote was interesting.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:25 am
@Cynic, wow, there it is then… just posted I couldn’t believe WM would say something like that, but I stand corrected!
BSC2TB!! loving that nugget more and more!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@Cynic, That is just weird. Still having a hard time believing Mitchell would every say such a thing.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@KC23, I’m having a hard time believing it too. How credible is Dennis Bernstein?
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Reviewed the audio (see above.) Of course, the quite is INACCURATE.
[Reply]
Link for Dennis Bernstein’s Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/DennisTFP
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 8:26 am
@Cynic, Let’s try that again:
http://twitter.com/DennisTFP
[Reply]
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:02 am
@Cynic,
http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20110824_071725_14108
Here’s a link to the interview they said they’re quoting. I haven’t listened to it yet, just passing it along.
[Reply]
Somebody asked about Kopitar
http://www.siol.net/data/fotogalerije/sportal/2011/08/anze_kopitar_trening.aspx
[Reply]
Who Knows? Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:00 am
@boter, Nice to see his dad pushing him.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@boter, Skating is one thing but to pull a bungy rope… that looks pretty good for his recovery progress.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:02 am
@LA_1968, Verticle bungee jumping? Reminds me of the neighbors st.bernard growing up. All chained up and trying to pull as hard as he can to get at a cat sitting on the fence. We used to call him Cujo.
[Reply]
Is it time to start the season yet? I am looking forward to this season more than any I can remember, except for the the season we brought in some guy named wayne. If I remember correctly he did pretty well with the Kings and brought hockey teams to places that they had not been before.
How many of us will be at training camp? The Toyota center is not too far and I bet we can draw more fans to our training camp than the Clucks will to their home opener:)
Kings for life!!!!
[Reply]
boter Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:41 am
@Dazed N Confused,
Not me, 10,000km away from Toyota center
[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:17 am
@boter,
I tell you what you take a plane to LAX and I will pick you up. That seems to be about 50/50 to me:) I will yell twice as loud so they think we are both yelling.
I cannot wait, it’s like Christmas Eve and I know I going to get some good stuff because I peeked in the closet while mom was at the store.Gigggggaty.
[Reply]
Bodoe Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@boter, I will, I live 2 miles from the Toyota Center
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Anze!!!
[Reply]
Message to DD – Go to your nearest computer. Bring up Google – Enter “Jered Weaver” – Note the negotiation strategy – Note the player’s personal philosophy – Note that the player is the “boss” – Note that his agent was one of the most dificult to deal with – Note the class act that Weaver is – Note a lot of happiness for the player, the team and the fans (but not the agent!).
GKG!!!!!
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:34 am
@DesertKing, EXCELLENT CALL! I was riding in this morning listening to his presser, and I was thinking that exact same thing! He told Boras it’s not about squeezing the lemon, it’s about wanting to be at a certain place and making it happen!
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:58 am
@DesertKing,
You’re crediting Weaver for forcing his agent to sign on of the highest paying contracts in baseball? Weaver’s contract is basically the same as the Kings giving DD $7.5M+
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:11 am
@Weasel, but you’re missing the point, Weaver could’ve gotten A LOT more from several other teams… I don’t think you can translate a baseball contract into NHL terms.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:24 am
@Weasel,
Weaver walked away from a FA contact that would have paid him between 100-110 million. Walking away from $25 million so you can stay with the club that drafted you is extremely impressive. Stuart is right, the contracts in baseball are significantly higher per year than hockey, but I was referring to the “thought” and intentions of the player, not so much the exact financial sums.
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@DesertKing,
Boros thinks he could have had $25M – I am not so sure, the $25M mark was prior to the recession. And to get $25M it would have to be the whole ARod circus again. DD isn’t doing any of that. Weaver is the 4th highest paid player at his position now. If DD were the 4th highest paid D-man where wouldthat place his salary (heck now I have to look that up)
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@DesertKing,
Okay not sure if this is super accurate but:
Originally Posted by Rivet52
1. Weber, Shea NSH $7,500,000
2. Campbell, Brian FLA $7,142,875
3. Chara, Zdeno BOS $6,916,667
4. Bouwmeester, Jay CGY $6,680,000
5. Boyle, Dan SJS $6,666,667
6. Phaneuf, Dion TOR $6,500,000
7. Redden, Wade NYR $6,500,000
8. Timonen, Kimmo PHI $6,333,333
9. Lidstrom, Nicklas DET $6,200,000
10. Seabrook, Brent CHI $5,800,000
I think you could make an argument that Lidstrom is under paid versus his historical value. But, which of these guys would you pick over DD at as 7.0 or 7.5 a year for DD. At the very least it is obvious that DD is worth 6.5 — so if we have to over pay a touch that wouldn’t kill us. JmfJ actually seems more overpaid based on the comparison.
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:19 am
@Weasel
I believe Verlander received $117 and someone else comparable to Weaver about $112, so some analysts (not Boras) projected that Weaver would have been 110-115. As I said earlier, we shouldn’t get hung up on the numbers, rather concentrate on the attitude/mindset of the player as the determiner of his own destiny. I am not DD and don’t know what his personal financial requirements or goals are, but it would be nice to see him show some loyalty to the Kings and us fans for our support. In case you are wondering, I am a DD fan and his jersey is hanging in my closet right next to my Luc jersey.
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@Weasel, you’re comparables are apples to oranges. NHL=salary cap, MLB=spend it if you got it. If this were MLB, a team like the Yanks would pay Chara 20 mil a year just so other teams COULDN’T have him… different animal. And then a team like BOS would throw an offer sheet of 20M at Weber to battle with NY… not camparable Weasel.
Amazing thing about the list you have there is that all those Dmen are established. No paying for potential there (granted Redden was a gaff and a half)
A bit off topic, but how many live roosters are too many to sacrifice to the hockey gods during pre-season? GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:45 am
@McCheese,
More than five is overkill. I have four chickens and one goat.I think we are covered.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:54 am
@McCheese,
Depends on how many hens you have. Recent studies have shown that 1 rooster can service 99 hens, but the rooster only has a life span of 3 years. If you have 5 rossters and 198 hens, sacrifice 3 and you are still good to go.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@DesertKing, very servicable those roosters are…
remember that other study that said two in the bush leaves you with none in the hand, but a big smile on the face!
Sacrifice away!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:26 am
@Stuart,
Need to ask yourself, if I believed in reincarnation, would I want to come back as a rooster? Of course, with McCheese sacrificing as many roosters as he can find, I would be inclined to say “no”
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:33 am
@DesertKing, so many rooster questions floating through my dome right now, but I can’t play with you. Last time me and you bounced back and forth I found myself on Timeout (moderation) over an innocent post, of all things. I think that was the eye-in-sky’s way of letting me know they were watching and I am not an autonomous agent free to exercise my will as I see fit.
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@Stuart,
Yea, anything with chickens could get ugly. I wonder what a “moderation chicken” looks like? Right, nuff said
loskingpride Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:03 am
@McCheese, You can never sacrifice too many roosters to the hockey gods during preseason. Now during the regular season it’s a minimum of 3 a month. Then in the playoffs it’s 2 per game.
[Reply]
McCheese Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@loskingpride, finally a voice of reason to validate my poultry offerings. Although, good to know about the rooster to hen ratio thing…
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@McCheese, is this going to be like the dertoit octopus thing, i dont think sneaking a rooster into staples center would be very easy.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:11 am
@Sebastian,
Would McNuggets from the McD’s suffice?
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@McCheese, Ja boo boo requires 5. Mikus requires none.
[Reply]
Ethan Moreau is the perfect addition to the team. A gritty defense first veteran for the bottom six is what we needed & what EM brings to the ice. We will have grit on any line & we will not be pushed around by any team in the league. We have goaltending, we have defense and we have one of the best if not the best 1-2 centers in the league which should give us much better offence. These are truely exciting times we live in now Kings fans! May the Hockey Gods bless our season!!!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@King Alex, EM can hit, and will defend himself too. Love the way this off season is shaping up.
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@Dominick, Now all we need is the signing of DD and this off season will gone down in history as a very good one for the Kings! Get ready, cause here we come!!!
[Reply]
Nice interview Rich. If that didn’t get you fired up nothing will.
[Reply]
@weasel – you’re posting about Weaver in a few different places and you feel that he’s not as “established” as those other 4 pitchers aheaed of him? He’d be a number one on every team in the league except for the Phils and MAYBE the yanks, but even they might give him a go at it. The man is a horse. He’s leading the league in ERA and K’s (i believe) and if it wasn’t for a poor offense in front of him, he’d have surpassed Verlander in wins.
Aside from the ridiculous contrat Santana signed (and busted out) Weaver could have sought to be thee highest paid pitcher in the entire league, he’s that good.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:16 am
@Stuart, anyway, this is a baseball rant, sorry fellow insiders… that’s the last i’ll say about Weaver.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:22 am
@Stuart,
I liked it (but I am an Angels fan!)
[Reply]
Dazed N Confused Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 10:23 am
@Stuart,
The point is you just do not see this happening that much anymore. I thank Jared and I have been an Angels fan sice I was a kid. These are the types of professional athletes my kids should look up to. I wish this happened more often but it’s also hard because it is a business and the if you don’t do your job well enough there is another player waiting in the wings.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@Dazed N Confused,
Since he threw my son a ball during warm-ups in Toronto a couple of weeks ago, I would have to concur.
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@Stuart,
Actually I will concede that Weaver is in his prime and I should not have called termed as not yet being established. He is relatively young for his contract, but not nearly as young as I was thinking.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:20 am
@Weasel,
Imagine what kind of slapshot he would have if he had been a hockey player?
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Stuart,
That’s not the point — talent does not equal established in sports. Since players get paid below their talent level at the start if their careers veteran guys get overpaid versus talent due to supply and demand. Hence the biggest salaries tend to go to veteran, guys and this actually tends to prove to be a big risk — AJ Burnett, Barry Zito are not close to being worth what they are paid. Sabathia and Halladay are. Weaver as a young pitcher probably is too — but based just on talent Clayton Kersahw is worth more than all of them since he is just as good but even younger (and left handed too).
In any case Weaver’s contract is amazing for such a young player — and seems to me to be about the equivalent of DD getting 7.0M or so. In fact Weaver is a decent comparison for Doughty (except DD has less actual experience which is a minus, but is also younger which is positive)
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@Weasel, ok Weasel, UNCLE. Pay DD 12m for half a season and let’s call it a day.
we can at least agree to disagree, right?
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@Stuart,
I’m just saying if you gave him $8M it would be overpaying — but not by a HUGE amount like say paying Ryan Symthe 6.75 for his level of production — I would love to see DD in at 6.5 or even 7.0 if we wrap him up for the longterm — On the other hand he isn’t doin anything wrong, he’s saying the right things and he’s waiting for things to shake out. At some point he may very well tell his agent to just cut a deal. We don’t know. All I do know is the days of being a farm system for the other teams are over (hopefully forever)
I had a dream last night that Doughty signed with us and Smyth scored a OT goal in a preseason game.. It tells me that both are not happeningable. Why is this important to you? because my dream was Kings related- so it involves all kings fans. Including Rich. I expect to see a new thread titled “Mikey and his dreams; Disambiguation.”
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:28 am
@Mikey, did you see in the 3rd row waving at you? my hands felt like two balloons!
[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Stuart,
Sadly i did not. Its hard to see the third row when you have 1st row glass seating behind the goalie. Sadly, again.. those tickets can only be obtained through nocturnal bliss..
[Reply]
Mikey Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Stuart, I’ll try and dream up an extra seat for you next time, Stu.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@Mikey, thank you kindly!! LMAO
Dominick Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@Mikey, I keep hoping for a dream that involves the Ice Girls. With my luck, they’ll probably be beating me to death with hockey sticks.
Off Topic: What is your guys take on Sidney Crosby’s situation? I get this terrible feeling that the guys career is close to being over. When your having post concussion symtoms a good 6 to 8 montghs after the incident I think youve done damage that you dont just “recover from”. Im no doctor by any means and hope im wrong but it doesnt look good to me. Sid is really the only one IMO who could even attempt to come close to the Great Ones records and i feel he will nopt get the chance to make a push at them. He just might become the Great One that should have been.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I started writing one thing but scratched it… if Crosby has to end his career because of this (is this his 1st conc.?) then it would be a travesty. Even more so if they start changing rules because of it. Is it sad? Yes. Is it the end of the NHL? No.
I would hope PIT would find a spot in the front office or something. He’d still be the face of the organization.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Hate to think about it. The hockey world would lose out on a great talent for sure. Hopefully it isn’t anything as serious as career ending, but considering the time lost already, it is a scary thought.
[Reply]
art Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
If his career did end now, he’s still has accomplished more than most others would dream about. He’s won every award except the Conn Smythe. His name is engraved on the cup, and he got the game winner in Olympic gold medal game at home. Its amazing when you realize that he just turned 24. Would have been nice to have the 1st pick and take Crosby, but at least we got the second best player in that draft.
[Reply]
Hope this guy does great and the team even better, but my question is…what is his nickname? If it’s not sheepdog I’d be surprised.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
@red49er, Moreau-er, Moreauy….um…Mors…i give up.
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@Sebastian, thought maybe he had a black eye. Then I realized it was the center of his eye that is black not the surrounding area. Imagine someone really p.o.’d coming at you with that look. would be time to retreat.
[Reply]
Don’t know if this was posted
This was tweeted by the fourth period:
Interesting quote @LAKings Willie Mitchell on Johnson/Doughty -”Jack more talented of the 2. Starting to find out what it takes defensively”
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Levi,
No way. That’s a shocker. Do you think he just means athletic talent — he can’t possible mean that in the end JJ will actually be the better player overall. Or do you???
[Reply]
Levi Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@Weasel, I think there is a chance that they have the close to the same stats throught out their careers. If Doughty does better it could be because he started earlier, but if Doughty had something click in his head (kind of like Matt Kemp) and matured i think he can blow up!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@Levi, Drew Doughty’s hockey IQ at this point is far superior to JJ’s in the defensive zone, its not even close. JJ better get his act together quickly before Muzzin, Voynov, and Deslauriers blow right by him !
[Reply]
Levi Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@puck73, you are right, but until sometihng clicks in Doughtys head (like i said above..ala Matt Kemp) matures, realizes his potential and puts in work, deadicated work at that to get better. but until then it’ll all be potential..just like JJ.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
@Levi, You are right what you posted in reference to Doughty. As far as JJ is concerned, I just cant understand how somebody like JJ who has the speed, and the Physicality constantly loses his man down low and gets burnt. Last time I saw someone with that kind of talent get toasted constantly was Daryl “The Tin Man” Sydor who Barry Melrose kept trotting out there constantly. It seems as though TM has a the same kind of love affair with JJ. I am not saying that JJ will never get it, what I am saying is we have quite a few guys coming in the system so JJ doesnt have as much time as you might think. Heck, he has been here 4 seasons already, going on 5…I’m still waiting !
TransAm Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@Levi, If you listen to the interview, he says “Jack could actually be the more talented of the two.” It sounds to me like he meant they’re both talented and we don’t know which one will turn out better in the long run.
[Reply]
wes Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
@Levi, if it turns out that JJ is never more than a disappointing ‘second fiddle’ to DD, there is no reason to think it controversial to suggest that JJ is more talented in a purely physical sense. JJ is an awesome skater, better than DD. Faster. JJ hits harder and has a heavier shot. But Doughty has demonstrated a sense/”feeling” for the game Johnson has not, that shows up mostly in terms of quick defensive reads/coverages– no minor thing of course (although we’ve certainly seen DD take a few mental naps during games last season). I dare say both have been slackers, given their potential. but if DD garners half a dozen Norris’s and JJ retires early as the hot shot that never panned out, it won’t change the fact that JJ has more pure physical ability.
no controversy in acknowledging mere facts.
[Reply]
This should take the edge off!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/197542/nhl-games-kings-vs-bruins
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
August 24th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@Mikey, after rewatching this game it reminds of just how much potential Lewis has. He has the tools. If he can put that “it” factor to use, he can be a better than average player. dare i say top 6 potential?
[Reply]
Wow. Trippy pupils that guy has.
But who cares. LOVE the ATTITUDE. This signing may end up HUGE.
[Reply]
Ive met chad a couple times. Played hockey with some people around him. This is a awesome signing for the kings, and just gives us a depth player that will do what is asked. Just makes us better.
[Reply]
Hail Kings Fans!!
Well, assuming the Kings forwards cupboard is full, here is my take on the line combos:
Pe Ko Wi
G R B
C S M
Pa L BR : 4 Light
King L We : 4 Heavy
What will hurt this line up is injuries-Nothing else!!!
This group of 9 top forwards is the best the Kings have ever had. EVER!
As a point of discussion, what do think of a 3rd line of Moulson-Boyle-Purcell vs C-S-M??? It could’ve been!
Can’t wait for training camp!!! See you all there!!!
Go Kings Go
Goldentoe
[Reply]
I like this guy, what a grat interviewer.
[Reply]
OK DD signed for 2 years for 5.5 mil cap and show us you are a 8 million dollar man…
EM is Ok! I still think a young guy would bring more to the team. Chicagio did it, the Kings can too!
Looking at EM game stat and notes, he gets injured way to much the last 5 years. So I say he’s good for 50 games and leave a young some young guys room to play.
But I love EM come playoff time, so stay healthy EM or at least come playoff time!!
[Reply]
He will be a good addition to our team
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 27th, 2011 at 9:35 am
@Kingsfan15, Yeah, it would seem he is likely to be a very good addition. Great chemistry with current players and a chip on his shoulder to prove he still belongs.
[Reply]