A couple notes from the impressive Sprint Center…
– Jonathan Bernier is scheduled to play the entire game tonight, with Jeff Zatkoff as the backup. Jonathan Quick is slotted for tomorrow’s game.
– As noted yesterday, Jake Muzzin and Kevin Westgarth are not on the trip. Terry Murray also said he doesn’t expect Colin Fraser to play any preseason games.
– The Kings will take all 29 healthy players back to Los Angeles after tomorrow’s game, then make decisions about possible roster cuts.
– There is no TV/online tonight, but there is radio. More to come from the skate…
This is going to be an exciting week for all of us Kings fans with the last couple of exhibition games and frozenfury, and then roster cuts. One of my favorite times of the year !
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:08 am
@puck73, sorry I missed last nights get-together. Hope it turned out well.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:20 am
@Lake Forest, solid turnout for a non watch party, thanx. Hope to meet you at an event this season.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
@puck73, I know I’M amped! This will be my first chance to show up at any of these things in over two seasons. I’ve got my nose to the grindstone here at work so I can get away with the Friday drive from Colorado to the happiest place on earth.
[Reply]
Go get em boys
[Reply]
I re-learned my lesson about getting worked up over pre-season games last Sunday. I am looking forward to Vegas though, should be fun!
[Reply]
Doughty update?????????????????
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:44 am
The latest: He’s still an unsigned restricted free agent.
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:09 am
@Rich Hammond,
Just curious as to why there has not been a link to or mention by Rich to Helene’s interview with TL. I think that would qualify as something of an update.
[Reply]
LA67 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@Rich Hammond, Hit the “Easy” button already…..
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@Justin, keep an eye on this website for even more insider info on the Doughty deal…
http://hasdrewdoughtysignedyet.weebly.com/
[Reply]
Bonvivant1 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@Sebastian, Succinct.
[Reply]
mash-ola Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@Sebastian, LOL I LOVE IT!
There should be a similar website set up for the people who continuously keep asking if the game will be televised or streamed online. No offense, but read up and stop being so lazy!! lol
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Sebastian, LOLz! There’s always: http://tinyurl.com/3em6jhm
[Reply]
Go kings, hope they finially come with a attitude tonight and play hard.
[Reply]
Is the radio broadcast on AM1150 in the Los Angeles area?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 9:59 am
@Kostamojen, Yes it will.
[Reply]
Hockeyfanb4Gretzky Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:09 am
@puck73, What time ? sorry I have been out of it since sunday nite.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@Hockeyfanb4Gretzky,
5pm today
7pm tomorrow in colorado
7pm friday in anaheim
6pm saturday in vegas
10am oct 4th in germany (not sure about radio)
10am oct 7th in stockholm (first regular season game) (TV)
11am oct 9th in berlin (TV)
Sebastian Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:14 am
@Hockeyfanb4Gretzky, oops…that last one there should be oct 8th, Saturday (not 9th)
vplaza Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@Kostamojen,
Useful info about the radio network:
KTLK 1150 AM Southern California/Flagship
KVTA 1520 AM Ventura, CA
KHTS 1220 AM Santa Clarita, CA
KMET 1490 AM Banning, CA
KLOA 1240 AM Ridgecrest, CA
KOSS 1380 AM Palmdale, CA
KPTR 1450 AM, Palm Springs.
1150 doesn’t always come through strong enough down in San Diego.
[Reply]
SDJ73 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:57 am
@vplaza, How funny to see 1240 KLOA…. I grew up in Ridgecrest as a kid. Talk about middle of nowhere, and Ridgecrest is usually involved. Sorry just thought it funny to see it on that list.
[Reply]
KFII Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
@vplaza, KTLK 1150 AM is free online and never a problem with the signal. If you’ve got a computer with speakers, you can listen. Pretty cool for me since I live out of state and couldn’t hope to pick up a radio broadcast. Enjoy the game tonight! Go Kings!
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@KFII,
Thanks. I was actually more concerned with the radio in the car. I have a 40 minute commute home and I have to resort to the XM feed during the regular season to hear them, which means sometimes, I have to listen to the homer announcers for the other team.
Not a problem during home games typically since I’m home by then, but for early start games, I don’t like missing the action on my way home.
See comments from Leiweke? Drew is starting to look like a jerk. 65 days and counting.
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:02 am
@Steve S.,
Haha, starting to? He’s looked pretty bad for awhile now. It sure would be nice to get his side of the story. Meehan not talking, as well as asking Drew not to talk or explain their position is hurting both of their reputations in the short term.
Hopefully this will all be over soon. I really want to hear Meehan’s/Drew’s take on what’s going on.
[Reply]
Crash Davis Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:15 am
@Steve S., I fail to see Doughty’s position (and Meehan’s) to ask for more money and/or shorter year contract (to arrive at Free Agency sooner).
How is being the 4th highest paid Defenseman in the NHL at age 21 a bad thing?
How much more money do you need in life above and beyond $6.8 million a year to play a game you love?
How many more meals out do you need or new clothes or a fancy car or a slew of video games to conquer?
In today’s depressed California economy…DD could buy a Manhattan Beach house with cash and not even feel it.
[Reply]
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:40 am
@Crash Davis,
I’m sure some of the hesitation about a long-term contract is coming from what happened to Mike Richards. He signed a deal that he admitted was a discount for 12 years only to have his rights traded 12 months before the no movement clause kicked in. Now he’s stuck in a deal that doesn’t pay him his market value and he’s on a team that he didnt agree to sign a contract with. Obviously, a working class person like me would happily move to pretty much anywhere in the country for 5.5M a year for the next 9 years, but this guy would potentially have options if he wasnt in the binding agreement. Now imagine Doughty signs a 7 year deal, but Lombardi decides in year 3 that Doughty is expendable because Hickey/Voynov give the Kings more flexibility and Doughty is shipped out of town (see Visnovsky, Lubomir). Doughty would have then given in to a contract he doesnt want and would be on a team he wouldn’t want to be on. I don’t blame the guy for trying to get as much as he can now because he might not get another kick at the can for the better part of a decade. I’d like to keep him as a King for the rest of his career. But I’m on his side in this case. Lombardi says don’t marry yourself to players, but too late on this one. I was meh about Frolov leaving, I could handle Blake being gone, and I even got over the void left by Robitaille in the Tocchet trade. But its about time the Kings show the league and players they’re capable of treating a player like Detoit did for Stevie or the Avs did for Sakic or the Bruins did for Bourque. Franchise players that the fans saw grow up in front of them.
[Reply]
bitter Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:52 am
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, For sure it’s not only about dollars and cents. It’s about control over his future.
Yes, he wants to be paid what he’s worth but a long deal opens himself up to the risk of losing control of his career. Mike Richards is a good example.
Stagger Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:58 am
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro,
That’s all well and good but Drew hasn’t come close to proving that he is on the same level as Yzerman, Sakic, or Bourque.
The Kings have reportedly made an offer(s) that is more than fair for a player with DD’s experience and current skill level. If what we are hearing is true about dollars/term then the Kings ARE showing the league they are capable of paying a cornerstone player MORE than he deserves.
Crash Davis Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:10 am
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, you make some very good, valid points.
I would counter to say that if reports of DL’s latest offer are true, then DD has a choice of 6 years for term length (making DD a free agent at age 28). Not a 9 year deal like Mike Richards. The thinking is Kings don’t want Kopitar and Doughty to be free agents at same time (5 years) when no one – repeat no one – knows the cap situation 5 years from now.
Just saying…another way to do it is DD gets on a plane with his agent, comes to L.A. and they sit down w/ DL & his number crunchers to work it out. Sign the contract. Fly to Europe. But that’s too easy.
He may be 21, but DD needs to take control of this if he wants to play this season.
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Crash Davis,
That is the ideal situation and in the back of my mind, I’m constantly holding out hope for that to unfold. The best way to handle this is for him to come to town and actively negotiate a deal instead of sitting around waiting. I’d say Lombardi should do the same but he’s flown out to Toronto and he currently has a team in the midst of training camp to manage.
And I agree, he does need to take control of the situation. But for all we know, the Kings are being just as stubborn as Doughty is in the term they’re offering. A 2 or 3 year deal keeps him away from being a UFA. The best thing he’s done is not talk about it. All of the bashing on here literally is just speculation on the parts of frustrated fans.
jet Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:34 am
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, your arguement actually makes the case for signing for a reasonable number. If he signs for a number that is unsustainable for the Kings every year going forward then he will be traded. The whole point is if he signs for a number where the Kings can keep their other players on the team he will not be traded.
vplaza Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro,
Sound arguments. But here are some things to ponder:
1. It’s not quite fair to compare DD to Lubo. Lubo was shipped because he wasn’t a cornerstone of the franchise. Frolov? Again, not even close to being that type of player and it wasn’t a trade either. Blake? Well, that’s a story that will probably never be totally cleared up in everyone’s mind. Luc? I’d have to check how productive he was when he left because I don’t recall.
2. You mention Yzerman. The Wings were considering trading him in 1994 for Mathieu Schnieder and a 1st round pick, from what I read. And come on, the biggest name ever to be traded, Gretzky, was traded as well. There are very few lifetime players in the league. Even Borque didn’t stay with the Bruins forever. So to me, the argument that he wants to control his own future completely seems a bit unrealistic given history of top players in the league.
If he really doesn’t want to be moved, ask for a NTC. But in doing so, take a lower salary. Does he really want his cake and eat it too? Why should the Kings handcuff themselves? They don’t know if DD will come into camp a few years down the road unprepared again. He’s done it before.
I think that it’s all about money and anyone saying that it isn’t is playing semantics.
gene Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:38 am
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, Sorry respectfully disagree. In those years you mention with the Red Wings or the Avs there were usually only one or two players that were making really big bucks. Now the teams have half there players making millions and millions of dollors. Not every one can make 7 or 8 or 9 or 10 million a year. Yes he is a great player but he is also young and money hungry. He is 21 years old, needs to grow up and wants way to much money. Just ask the other players who were in the league 5 or 6 or 7 years before they got big bucks. I believe most of this is not his fault but his agents fault. DD is not willing to stand up to his agent and say enough is enough, the team comes first and most important I think I can live on $6.5 million a yera for the next 7 or 8 years. Tell his money hungry agent I want to be a part of this team. Best thing he could do is firer his stupid agent and pull a JJ. It would save him the extra money he wants.
tim chaney Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, do you think a NTC would make it acceptable for both sides?
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@tim chaney,
Nope. It can’t kick in for a few years due to CBA rules. I can’t recall exactly when, but I think its when he’s 26.
And all the rest of you make great points, but I’m just trying to get everyone to see the other prespective. Everyone is so quick to jump on Doughty’s case but no one has heard what Lombardi is being stubborn on from Doughty’s prespective. We all know Doughty doesn’t want Kopitar’s contract, but we dont know why Lombardi doesn’t want Doughty’s proposal. I’m not saying he’s defensible, but it takes two to tango.
@vplaza — Luc scored 40+ the year before he was traded then scored like 23 goals in 46 games (lockout year). I’m not making a point about keeping all of those guys, I’m just saying we’ve seen so many Kings developed faces ushered out of town and not get the best player in the trade.
Steve Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
@Crash Davis, Ok, lets look at your statements. The 6 highest paid defensemen this season are(not cap hit for this season, their SALARY for this season)
Zdeno Chara $8.5 mil
Duncan Kieth 8.0 mil
Chris Pronger $7.6 mil
Shea Weber $7.5 mil
Brian Campbell $7.1 mil
Brent Seabrook, Kevin Bieksa and James Wisnewski tied at $7 mil.
Now, is Doughty better than Chara…no. Is he better than Kieth…No. Is he better than Pronger or Weber…no. Is he betetr than Campbell…yes. So if your Doughty’s agent, why would you accept less than $7.1 million dollars? In Doughty’s mind, why should he take less than Campbell, Seabrook, Bieksa, and Wisnewski, when he’s better than them 4? I would agree with him on that. Why should I take less when other guys that Im better than are making more? The market says Im worth at least $7.1 million dollars.
As much as we hate it as fans, this is a business, and it goes both ways…period!! For example. Lets say you were working at your job and you made $15/hour. Another guy who did the same job as you is making $20/hour. He’s always late, does sloppy work, etc. Its time for your raise. Your company is offering you $16/hour…would you take it, knowing that this other guy, who your better than is making $20/hour…I think not!!! Your first statement to your boss would be “Im better than he is and he’s making $20/hour.” That’s the way Doughty and Meehan feel. Im better than Campbell, Seabrook, Bieksa, and Wisnewski, I want paid more than them. This is a business!! These guys have short window in which to maximize their value and as much as I hate it as a fan, I cant blame them one bit!!
Like I said, it goes both ways. You think if Sydney Crosby’s contract would have expired after last season that the Pens would be offering him the same $8+ mil he had been making? Would you? Would you pay a guy a guaranteed $8+ mil for however many years, when he cant get over his concussion symptoms? Its a buisness, and Im sure the Pens would see it that way.
[Reply]
Crash Davis Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 4:38 am
@Steve, the “4th highest” paid defenseman numbers were coming from L.A. Time’s Helene Elliott (who I respect as a hockey writer). She might have been referring to “average per season salary” not THIS season alone. I have no idea now after all the articles and conjecture. And the James Wisnewski contract sent shock waves through the NHL. What a stupid price to pay for a journeyman.
But you make some fine points. Each side has their position. That’s why they’re at a stalemate. My only added thoughts are: A) All those guys on the list have more years in the league than DD. B) DD didn’t have a stellar year last season. Good…but not great.
This round of negotiations is a lot about POTENTIAL for a gifted, talented 21 year old (yes, former Norris Trophy candidate) d-man. He hasn’t proved he’s a $7+ mil player…yet.
I live in Canada. Will I be able to listen or watch this game online some how?
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:47 am
@shane, go to the 1150am in LA website, you can listen live there
[Reply]
I’ll be there!!! Can’t wait to see the boys live…I’m a diehard living in KC and love it when the Kings come play here. GO KINGS GO BABY.
[Reply]
Who is DD? We dont have a player by that name on this team. Who ever that is either grow up or go awat.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:29 am
@gene, Boy Gene, you are full of piss and vinegar this morning ! Kickin a poor and underprivilidged Canadian boy like Doughty who has no money, you ought to be ashamed of yourself!
[Reply]
gene Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:34 am
@puck73, OK I am sorry, who be me to say he should be making $7,000,000 insted of $6,800,000. Times are tuff for everyone and DD will need that extra $200,000 to pay for food and his electric bill.
[Reply]
SDGolfer Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:36 am
@gene, im tired of everybody bitching about what these people are making in these “tough times”. just because somebody has the talent and skill to command a huge salary, you shouldnt complain about it. if you want to make more money, get off yor ass and earn it. this is America, right
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@gene, oh yes we do! his name is Davis Drewiske
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, hopefully not for long!!!
[Reply]
gene Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@gene, Well SD Golfer Don’t have to work, I am retired making about $7,500 a month clear. Own my home outright and and living life . So get off your ass and get to work. You will have to retire someday.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
@gene, Not too shabby man……ex city worker I take it?
[Reply]
The Kings need to play some Canadian teams in the preseason so it can be televised by TSN/NHL network.
[Reply]
SUPPORT DREW DOUGHTY!!!
[Reply]
StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:41 am
@nofreight,
Amen brother (or sister)
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:53 am
@nofreight, I hope his ass gets numb from sitting because Tim and Dean are not budging, nor should they. He will be payed plenty, and even more importantly we will have money in the future to pay players as each new season comes along. If you dont believe me, ask BlackHawk fans if they liked losing 10 players off their roster that helped them win their first Stanley Cup in 50 years…they didnt like it one bit !
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:01 am
@puck73,
Great point. The Hawks are a perfect example of how NOT to maintain a team for the long haul. Yes, they got a Cup, but the cost in my opinion was too high.
[Reply]
kingszzz Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Stagger, I’ll take 1 cup.
vplaza Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
@nofreight,
I say “Support the Kings!” Drew Doughty is not on the Kings, so he doesn’t have my support. Pretty simple.
[Reply]
In Rich’s blog ” 2011/09/13/kings-of-the-road ” Chris McGowan, the Kings’ chief operating officer, talked about building a brand, “LA Kings”.
Question: Most fans understand why the Vegas game is done. Maybe fewer understand the Kansas City game. Is that more important to the AEG side of things? What’s the benefit on the Kings’ side?
MCGOWAN: “Clearly, there’s an importance on the AEG side of things. It’s an AEG building, and it’s good when us, as the Kings, can go and do something that helps AEG as a whole. AEG is a great owner for us, so we always like to repay them back, so to speak, and put another great event in the Sprint Center, which is another good hockey market. But I also think it’s good for the Kings as well. As your team gets better and has a wider appeal throughout the country, it’s good. I have no problem with having Kings fans in Kansas City who can go online, watch Center Ice or go on NHL.com and buy a jersey. As you’re building a brand, it’s just good to play in as many places as you can in the country. I also like going to Europe. Taking the Kings brand where it’s typically not, overall it’s just good for our organization.”
How about repaying your loyal fans and stream the games so we can see them. This is also building the brand. We lose two home games. Repay us and show us the preseason games. The last two streams on Kings vision, the out of market fans could not view them. It is building the brand?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:05 am
@OnTheFly, Totally agree, and very hypocritical and cheap on their part. With the internet better then ever, AEG should be making sure that Kings fans around the world have access to this team…Great Post!
[Reply]
go Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@OnTheFly, Great question. Adding to the fan base is fine. But don’t take away from current fans. At least try to respect us.
Also I saw that FSN West had poker on during the last Kings game. Really Streaming it was cool but the Picture quality is no where near HDTV quality. Because of poker? Come on.
[Reply]
Marc-Andre Cliche
Rich Clune
David Meckler
All cleared waivers this morning.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:50 am
@Token,
Not surprising, their initials spell “CCM”, hockey gear!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 10:55 am
@Token, Wow, gotta admit I am kinda surprised. I really thought at least one of them would get claimed. Oh well, thats a good thing, more depth in Manchester !
[Reply]
Cynic Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Token, For a brief moment, I thought these guys were full up ‘Released’ when I read about them yesterday. The whole ‘Released from Camp’ thing is confusing since some news outlets just say ‘Released’ or ‘Waived’. Gives you the impression they are full up gone. Maybe I just read too fast.
I expected Clune to get picked up. That was a surprise. Meckler and Cliche are AHL lifer material I believe unfortunately. I don’t think there is room to give them a shot here, they should be traded for their own good.
Clune however I’d like to keep around in case Clifford takes one too many right crosses one night. Rich could step right in and be effective I believe.
[Reply]
Bernier for the shut out
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
September 27th, 2011 at 11:14 am
@408kingsfan, even though its pre season, if he were to shut out the Pens tonite that would be pretty impressive.
[Reply]
I figured out the DD thing. He hated going to Europe last year, so refuses to go this year. He will sign as soon as the team gets back! Haha
[Reply]