After missing the first two regular-season games with a still-undisclosed “lower-body injury,’’ Dustin Penner is ready to make his season debut tomorrow at New Jersey. Penner made it through a second consecutive full practice, on a line with Mike Richards and Dustin Brown, and that’s where he’s expected to play against the Devils, Terry Murray said.
MURRAY: “Penner is ready to go. I thought he had a good practice today, good jump, good energy, but most importantly good jump. I think that was the confidence that he’s looking for in his leg. He’s up and running, 100 percent.’’
After practice, Penner talked about using caution during his recovery over the last couple weeks…
PENNER: “It’s an injury that I’ve never had before, so I didn’t want to rush it, especially this early in the season.’’
Question: A little frustrating, to have that injury right at the start of the season?
PENNER: “Yeah, it happened right from the first game of preseason. I tried to work my way through it, but obviously it had different ideas of its own.’’
Question: It looks like you’ll be out there with Richards and Brown. What do you think of that look?
PENNER: “Our top two lines are pretty interchangeable. We’re pretty deep down the middle and down the wing, so whatever combination ends up working best for the team, I think that’s what we’ll stick with, and it’s going to be my first game, so it’s going to be interesting to see how we work as a line.’’
I guessing Penner will score tonight! We need him to have a strong year.
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gralx Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:17 am
@Nick, If Penner scores tonight, we will start tomorrow’s game with a 1-0 lead? Just askin’.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:18 am
@gralx, I don’t think Nick is talking about hockey…
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:21 am
@wavesinair, haha
makes me wonder
vladimir Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@wavesinair, And friday.
Brownkingsfan Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@wavesinair, Haha! I thought I was screwed up for a second!
nykingfan Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@wavesinair,
LMFAO!
Nick Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@wavesinair, LOL!!! my bad I meant tomorrow night!
quisp Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@wavesinair,
thus, “leg”
Gary Livingston Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@gralx, haha, how many of us took a double take at the calendar?
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Chucker Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
hahaha but yeah Penner needs to score and score often.
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here we go penner…here we go :O
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Gokings Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Kings Fan In Temecula, Yea I like this line combo, let the skill be skilled and the big bodies grind the boards. Penned always looked slightly behind with kopi and williams
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“it’s going to be interesting to see how we work as a line.”
…emphasis on the word “work” Pens.
I’ve been hoping to see this line in a game since camp and hope it pays dividends. I just hope Penner playing with two of the hardest working guys on the team rubs off on him.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@wavesinair, I think it will. honestly I think he is looking to work hard this season regardless. Besides being a contract year he was put on blast by Dean at the end of last season and if his offseason is any indication of what he will bring this year it looks hard work is in the cards. IF Penner can ignite his best form we have a top 6 that rivals any club in the league!
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wavesinair Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@BrokeKingsFan,
Agreed. And even if he isn’t in top form, we have depth. So regardless, I think we have a top 6 that ranks up there all season long.
Then, as we approach the deadline and we’re looking like the contender we are, this is the year we can attract a top vet scorer. LA is the place to be!
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@wavesinair, Eye to eye my friend.
I hope Penne attacks the net the same way he attacks hot dogs and family-size bags of Doritos.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:22 am
@Tyler, dont forget the 40′s
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Tyler Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:23 am
@Kings Fan In Temecula, I thought that was Mike Richards.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:24 am
@Tyler, i think its both but richards seems hard workin and all so i’m too worried bout him yet
fsd1 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Tyler, so calling him fat twice in the same thread? Especially when he shows up in great shape? No doughnuts jokes today?
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Tyler Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@fsd1, The day is early, my friend.
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DLB Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Tyler, did you just wander in from Edmonton?
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The only way Penner scores tonight is if he brought his wife on the train and has a private train cabin added after the kaboose.
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Score? Caboose? There’s a joke in there somewhere!
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KingMe20 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@Face Wash,
Actually, no one will score tonight. The game is tomorrow.
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I say, 1 goal, and an assist tomorrow, and Kingsfans will still hate him for tripping while he had the puck, skating up ice. Wait and see.
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Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:33 am
@Dominick, especially if it’s JJ that trips him… YIKES
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EASportsMgt Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:37 am
@Dominick, seems to be what’s been happening here lately. No one is ever satisfied. Guy loses 20 lbs is in the best shape of his life and people still make wise cracks about him eating hot dogs and doritos. You wonder when some of these folks will give it a break already.
Of course they’re also going to point out JJ’s play when he ALMOST gave up a goal completely forgetting his positive contributions. I see why some people don’t even read the comments anymore.
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Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@EASportsMgt, or people that go on and on about team ownership when all they’ve done is spend to the cap and try to make a winner… I hate those people!
People are always more inclined to gripe than be thankful, just the nature of the beast.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@EASportsMgt,
Even if we win the Cup, some people won’t be satisfied. That’s just the nature of sport I think. As many Cups as Detroit or Montreal has won, their fans are as rabid as ever and demand more and more and more.
I think there’s a critical distinction between a guy like JJ and a guy like Penner.
JJ has show his commitment to this team in both his effort and contract. The guy tries and will continue to get better, which is why I can’t understand why people get down on a guy like him. He’s a great team guy.
Penner, on the other hand, brings the wrath of fans upon himself. And not just the fans mind you, but former coaches also, who have called him out publicly. Regardless of his off season conditioning, if he shows signs of lackadaisical play that has been a mainstay in his game, he will once again be called a lazy bum…and rightly so IMO.
Of course, I hope he has a fantastic year. I’m rooting for the guy. We’ve been waiting for a bad-ass left winger for a long time. Unfortunately, Penner is more of a reminder of the Enigma and Poni than Lucky or Granato.
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KingsFan1971 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
@EASportsMgt, I agree the season is young and penns looks great the tam looks great JJ DD I mean come on we are about to be 2-1 this team is going to go all the way.. in my opinion we couldnt look stronger faster and more skilled. GKG!
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KingsFan1971 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
@KingsFan1971, team…spell check !!!!
Penner is a giant marshmallow
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Tyler Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:54 am
@KingsFan77, If Penner was a giant marshmallow, he would eat himself, just like Pizza the Hut in Spaceballs.
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LAPD line Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@Tyler, Where is the “ignore” button?
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RobSD Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
@Tyler,
That reminds me of the SNL skit with Harry Carry. If you were hot dog, would you eat yourself.
If Penner scores a goal tonight I promise not to bad mouth him all season. Any other takers?
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Dazed N Confused Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@RobSD,
It will be tough to score tonight because we actually play tomorrow:)
fsd1 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Tyler, really? 3 times?
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@fsd1, Isn’t that a hat-trick?
mash-ola Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@KingsFan77, Ich bein ein jelly donut!
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I was not a big fan of Penner last year. But I will be on my best and give him a chance the first 5 or 6 games he is back. I hope all the work you put in trying to loose weight and get in better shape pays off Penner. Work hard, go to the net and have a attitude on the Devils d. GO PENNER GO KINGS
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KC23 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@gene, Pretty much my take as well. The guy took the public blast from DL like a man and did something about it. Can’t ask for anything more from a guy so I’m giving him a clean slate free of cutting remarks.
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Out of curiosity does anyone own or seen anyone wearing a Penner Kings jersey?
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TradedForAPick Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:41 am
@Sebastian,
I saw a few last year. I think a lot of people are holding off because he is here for a year, not like JJ, DD, Kopi, Brownie, or Richards.
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Tyler Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:42 am
@TradedForAPick, I don’t think the fans are holding off because is his here for a year. I think the fans are holding off because he sucks.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Tyler, sorry, 4 times
klong Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:48 am
@Sebastian,
I did see Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy wearing them at different points in time. Also, the it is the number one selling Kings Jersey in Neverland…
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@Tyler, AWESOME
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fsd1 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@JohnnyChimpo, not
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Dominick Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@JohnnyChimpo, Have you seen Jerry the Giraffe?
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Penner played well with the ducks and he did so because was included in a hard working line. Putting Penner on this line will improve his play. When watching Penner I thought he played a little lazy. Like a few said though, he’s in the best shape (so is everyone else on the team, especially DD8). These guys knew during the offseason that THIS IS THE CUP SEASON!! Even though i can’t watch this game (cause of the baby), but I think he gets 2 assists. Maybe a goal, but it would have to be from a tip in.
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Sebastian Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Lake Forest, hmmm having kids prevents you from watching Kings games? thanks for the head up…. definitely going to put that off as long as possible.
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Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@Sebastian, and that aint all they prevent!
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
@Sebastian, well, yes we will be having the kid tomorrow night (c-Section). So in this particular case she is preventing me from watching the game. Unless kaiser has the game on TV
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Dominick Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@Lake Forest,
They will. Just go to the waiting room in the main hallway, and ask security who to talk to about changing the channel. Don’t feel guilty if shrek is on, and a bunch of kids are watching it, becuase the little snot nosed brats will have a life time of shrek to watch, and you’ll only have about 35 more years of Kings games left if your lucky. lol
Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
@Dominick, is the NHL closing its doors in 2047???
rick Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Lake Forest, Saying Penner played a “little” lazy last year is like saying that it’s a “little” hot in LA today…
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@rick, hahaha, i just got back from lunch and it’s SUPER hot outside!!
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Anyone else think his legs just got tired from summer conditioning? I feel like the reason the injury isn’t being disclosed is because his legs were just tired and he needed to recover. That is, if we’re to believe reports that he worked hard this summer (I do).
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wavesinair Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@indeed, He clearly states it was an injury he never had before. It was an injury, not fatigue.
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tornado12 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@wavesinair, sounds like a hammy
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trytodethroneus Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@tornado12,
Our ex PT sabotaged him before he left
KC23 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@tornado12, a PR guy slipped and said it was a minor hammy before the official “lower body injury” report came out. Probably the most common injury for someone who does an unusual amount of condictioning of the legs in the off season. He should of taken pre-season games off, not regular season games to get it back in shape though.
@Tyler, He ate it for the protien he needed to build the muscle he put on this offseason. He didnt think you deserved to wear it anyway. The guy is going to make you eat crow…
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fsd1 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Yep
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Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I think he may have been jilted by Penner at some point. He’s some serious angst going.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
@Stuart, tell me about it!
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TYLER Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, im sick of this other “Tyler” on the blog! Make hime change rich! geez….he makes me look bad.
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Wow, Penns is taking such a beating, even I feel bad for him.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
@Stuart,
This comment is one letter away from being epic.
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Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@wavesinair, ah-ah-ah, moderation lurks in every corner! but you caught my jIst.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
@Stuart, Yeah, even I would have to agree on moderating this one! LOL.
InTheCrease Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@Stuart, Just from Tyler. Most fans like him and/or his potential. Tyler seems to be focused on the dude’s diet. Which makes you wonder if Tyler himself is overweight and/or has an eating disorder, or if he is just weird about food… ala Ann Margret in Tommy.
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Tyler Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@InTheCrease, Wow, this reminds me of the way that people use to stand up for Frolov. He had a couple of good seasons and now he’s going to be great all of the sudden? The reason that DD doesn’t get as many fat jokes is because he is a consistently productive player. It’s the same reason why we never talk about how much Kopitar looks like a cross between a human being and a Droopy Dog.
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Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@Tyler, eat a snickers, man.
We get it, you don’t like Penner’s weight.
The Royal Family LA Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@InTheCrease, Or Anna Freud…
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This just in….The Flyers have traded Stefan Legein and a 6th round pick in 2012 to Los Angeles in exchange for future considerations..who the heck is Stefan Legein?
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wavesinair Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@lakingsphan0427,
Blessed with blazing speed, the Oakville, ON native plays a game tailor-made for the new, less-restrictive NHL. His work ethic and dedication to improving his game have been lauded by coaches, teammates, and scouts alike.
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Sebastian Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@lakingsphan0427, most likely a player to help out the Monarchs, but why would Philly also give up a 6th round pick? why not just waive the guy? what exactly will they consider in the future?
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trytodethroneus Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
@lakingsphan0427,
Alias for Brayden Schenn
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Dammit, Eklund picks the Kings to win the cup, now it’s never going to happen…
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/So-now-that-youve-seen-them-all-playWho-makes-playoffsWho-wins-the-Cup/1/38815
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Since he’s had this injury beginning with the first game of preseason, that would explain him always being behind the play and looking out of position a lot. At least, I HOPING the injury is the reason. Nice to have an explanation.
Time to validate it by playing your jock off against the Devils tomorrow! Good luck Dustin!
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I thought Penner played hard last year but often seemed to a step behind the play. Maybe he put on some weight, maybe he was confused by the new system and new linemates, but whatever the reason his results were not there. Last year, the Edmonoton boards were surprised at his play for the Kings–one guy wrote “he never sucked this bad for us [Edmonoton]” or something like that.
Penner’s a big strong dude not so fast by NHL standards. Nice hands and seems to think the game well. Not one who goes for the big hit, which is smart for a bunch of reasons I’d say, especially if you are a slower player. It wld be a season of real NHL woe if Penner’s the fastest dude on your team. Still, Penner’s been called out by other coaches in Ana and Edmonton so the Kings knew what they were getting into when they traded for the man. This year: certainly sounds like Penner put in a lot of work in the off season. Can’t ask for more than honest effort. Let’s hope it keeps up in the season and translates into some success. IMO, a good year from Penner and better defense from JJ are too big factors if this team is to have success.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@vicarious, I’d have to say there are specific times he mailed it in, too.
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Stuart Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, WTFK, is it me or have you been gone for days? welcome back.
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KC23 Reply:
October 12th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, imho he mailed it in as soon as Kopitar went down. Although he had some good playoff games. He just looked like he could only go for about 45 seconds and he was gased of looking to get off the ice asap.
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