Here were Wayne Simmonds’ thoughts about facing the Kings last night. Simmonds didn’t get on the score sheet but did make his presence felt, jawing and getting involved in a little post-whistle jostling a couple times. Some of it appeared to be good-natured, but some of it didn’t…
Q: I notice you talked to Drew Doughty. I know you guys have been friends. Initially, when you first saw it, what were your thoughts (on the hit)?
SIMMONDS: “I thought it was a clean hit, you know (Zac Rinaldo) did a good job of tracking him all the way back, came across and delivered a good hard hit. And he had the fight to back it up.”
Q: And you got a chance to talk to him? Is he all right?
SIMMONDS: “I don’t know. He didn’t really say. I guess you don’t want to expose yourself to the other team. So I’m not too sure.”
Q: What was the exchange of words with Mike Richards?
SIMMONDS: “He threw a big hit and I kind of circled around and realized it was him and I went up to him and said something. I’m not sure I can repeat it. I gave him a little jab with my stick and then everyone came in, so…”
Q: Did the irony dawn on you at all?
SIMMONDS: “I guess so. It was pretty cool I guess the fans were cheering really loud at that point so It was awesome.”
Q: Was it expected for Mike Richards to be booed?
SIMMONDS: “Yeah, you know it’s Philadelphia. I haven’t played here too long but I notice the fans will jump on you quick, especially when you’re wearing a visiting jersey. They don’t really care who you are.”
Q: Is it tough to get any flow in a game like that when the refs are whistle-happy?
SIMMONDS: “Yeah, kind of, We want to play 5-on-5 hockey. If you’re going to get a power play, that’s fine, but if you’re going to have a PK then it mixes up lines.”
Q: Are you happy to put your emotions behind you after playing this game?
SIMMONDS: “I’m happy it’s done and over with. I would have rather had the two points. I’m obviously not happy about that. But at the same time we can move on and focus on our next couple games.”
Q: Do you feel like Quick stole one of those points tonight?
SIMMONDS: “I think he played well. I thought he stood on his head. We had a few flurries in every single period. He did play well.”
Q: Is there a point that you thought, `Wow, I’m really playing against the Kings?’
SIMMONDS: “Oh no. You know what’s going on when you go out there. It’s a business. Hockey is a business. And once you leave one team you go to another, you try not to think about it. I’m a Flyer now… I bleed orange. That’s how I think about it.”
That a boy Simmonds.
[Reply]
So long Simmonds, the transition is complete. Go Kings!
[Reply]
Whatever his uniform he will always be a favorite. Good luck Simmonds…
[Reply]
Now that this game is over, we can focus on Mike Richards, the King, and Wayne Simmonds, the Flyer… No more “Mike Richards, ex-Flyer” and “Wayne Simmonds, ex-King.” The game is over, and now we can focus on the teams’ hockey player, not all this off-ice, media stuff.
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Kevin, Excellent
[Reply]
It was tougher than I thought to see him in a Flyer uni. He’s still one of my favorite players. Absolutely love his game.
[Reply]
I used to tease my wife and say that Simmonds was trade bait and on a regular Basis, she really liked him of course. The unfortunate part was that he won me over the last 2 years and I was sad to see him go.
GL Simmonds
[Reply]
I like Simmonds, but how come former fan fav Richards gets booed in PHI but former fan fav (and still fan fav) Simmer gets complimented after we play PHI? I have never booed anyone, but if my favorite player Patrick Roy were playing the Kings, I’d cheer when he looked bad.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 9:55 am
@jonsey, P.Roy 1993. in 2001 I used to yell “wife beater” at him. Hate that stuck up frog.
[Reply]
Simmonds is always welcome to return to LA.
Rich -one word -”sleep” – you have spoiled us enough now go get some!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
@DesertKing, He probably already got 8 hors, and his only choices are, write an article, or X-Box.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
@Dominick, make that PS3
[Reply]
WIll always love SImmonds . . but he does fit in and look good in that Flyer orange
[Reply]
“Is it tough to get any flow in a game like that when the refs are whistle-happy?” Wow! It really sounds as if the Philly media is blaming the loss on the officiationg. My biased impression of the game was that the Flyers got the better end of the calls.
[Reply]
LicoriceBiscuit Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@Michael J., Indeed. Flyers were really selling the stick offenses and the refs were buying it. Also Pronger got away with a plethora of cross-checks throughout the game. I know it’s hockey and if you stand near the crease you’re going to get the business, but the way the officials were calling it, you’d figured that it would have been called.
[Reply]
Dan H. Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 7:51 am
@LicoriceBiscuit,
If Pronger doesn’t get called for a penalty on any shift, he got away with something. Probably IMO the dirtiest player in the game and biggest whiner when something comes his way.
Well Crosby is the biggest whiner but isn’t dirty when he plays.
[Reply]
LicoriceBiscuit Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Dan H., Without a doubt. Even the Flyers TV team were saying that it appeared Pronger sold it a bit, and then they went on to talk about how scary his mean glare was. I can’t say what I really think about his scary faces on this web site, but needless to say it’s full of chicken this and pieces of that. Pronger has been a spot picking idiot for many many years. IMO he looked really really bad in his last fight with Mitchell (when he was still with VAN) Pronger got loose, but WM locked him out and that created any opening for WM to start throwing, but Pronger applied the bear-hug-death-grip-bailout. He had no intention of exchanging. Looked pathetic.
Simmonds fits the Flyers style and system than the Kings. Trades happen for a reason and you hope that both parties benefit. Looks like Simmonds is showing the Flyers they made the right decision in getting him
[Reply]
I’m gonna miss simmer. He is gonna be a great player for many years to come. I wish the best for him except against the kings.
[Reply]
Will miss Simmonds and hope someday he rejoins the team. Till then I will silently weep that he is gone, however I’m glad to see him get some great playtime with an awesome team.
[Reply]
Voynov a scratch today vs. Springfield…
on a plane?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
@Marc Nathan, Likely. Whiskey played well, but with DD being an offensive defenseman, Voynov is a better fit IMO. I hope he plays well.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
@CB14, Whiskeys in for Martinez.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@Dominick, It wouldn’t surprise me if DD2 stayed in for AM the next few games. He played solid, and St. Louis is a physical team. It’s nice to know we have a capable fill in so that we can rest some guys if need be.
Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
@Dominick, I like our depth.
Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@Marc Nathan, interesting.
I was teasing Kingsfans last night about Hickey, and Muzzin, because I hoped it would get someone riled up ,but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Voynov. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Hickey, or Muzzin either, but Voynov makes sense.
[Reply]
Simarosa Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@Marc Nathan,
From what I read, the first flight this morning left Manchester for LA around 6:15 am….no Voynov sightings in LA yet?
[Reply]
Lot of Fans still love Simmers (including me). Before the game somefans showed some real class holding up signs to thank Richards for his service to Philly. The even gave him a standing ovation. Once the puck was dropped those same fans had no problems booing him. Probably be the same for Simmers when he comes to LA. I’ll be glad to see him, but that joy goes out the door once the games underway.
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Dominick,
I’m all about booing players. I loved booing Blake when he came back. I don’t think I will Boo Simmer though. There is no reason too. He didn’t do anything but be hard working class act. Blake left for Money, DD held out for money. I know it’s a business but as I fan, I see no reason to boo Simmer.
However, it is a mob mentality out there and once it starts it takes on a mind of it’s own. We won’t be seeing Philly out our way again any time soon though. Unless it’s in the SC Finals. We can only hope.
How good does Jagr still look? How come he left the NHL? Was it money? These older talented guys are really amazing. Jagr, Lindstrom, Chelios, Selanne. Chelios played until 44 and then rode a bus when he was sent down to the minors. That’s awesome. Guys love the game. You’d never Kovulsmuck riding a bus in the minors.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@RobSD, Jagr left for the money, but that league (the KHL) sucks. I’ve posted this before, but Jagr actually played in a game where they stopped the game 4 minutes in because they ran out of eligable players. 840 PIM’s were doled out in 1 game 4 minutes in. 840. The league has no real policies on head shots, the fighting runs rampant. Stick infractions are laxed at best, and the overall skill level is subpar. Chased Jagr right back to the NHL.
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 8:18 am
@Dominick, sounds like the NHL of old.
Slava voynov a scratch for today’s monarchs game, you know what that means…
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@KH, He’s playing like crap? lol
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@Dominick, Ya think???? LOL
[Reply]
Green was horrible last night. Took 3 penalties and was out of position a lot. I’ve noticed in the first few games that he has been playing rather poorly. Anyone else notice that too? I like Penner dropping the gloves and sticking up for Doughty. He has been playing with much more emotion I think. I hope it manifests into some flipping points.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@RobSD, I wouldnt say he played horrible. Greener put a few players on their ars and played physical. That is what the Kings need more of. He got a bit exposed with DD going down and him having to play more minutes against the more skilled players. For example, his penalty on Giroux after that glorious move (MAN that kid is awsome).
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@RobSD, Me thinks thats why Pens got benched, he took 17 minutes in penalties and I think Terry wasn’t buying into that from him.
[Reply]
crashin'da net Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@RobSD, points is what any of our top six guys should be judged upon.
[Reply]
SIMMONDS: “Oh no. You know what’s going on when you go out there. It’s a business. Hockey is a business. And once you leave one team you go to another, you try not to think about it. I’m a Flyer now… I bleed orange. That’s how I think about it.”
Simmonds bleeds orange. The tattoo is gone. He is the enemy.
[Reply]
LOL! He’s gonna cover it up with a tatoo of the orange guy from the Rock’em Sock’em Robots game.
[Reply]
It is a business (as I burn my simmonds jersey) Not that I can afford another jersey, but it would most likely be a Rick jersey
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 16th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@Lake Forest, If you haven’t already, get him to sign it, put it away and then a few years down the line sell it for big bucks and thank him. Sims is just one of those guys you can’t dislike, even if he was wearing a Montreal jersey…… well maybe a little bit.
[Reply]
i loved simmonds in LA and will always be a simmonds fan EXCEPT if he becomes a duck! Like visnovsky!
[Reply]
Simmonds is a stud. We’ll see him again in June…for games 1 and 2…
[Reply]
Simmonds was a likable guy who didn’t mind dropping the gloves once in a while. When it came to points, he was lacking. Based on they hype, he was trade bait and traded as such.
[Reply]
Lots of respect for Simmonds!..
I’d still do the trade 10 out of 10 times..Richards is in LA & from what I hear Mikey likes it.
Good trade for both teams.
[Reply]
Fare thee well, Wayne whatever your name was.
[Reply]
Ok I guess I can understand why so many of you loved Simmonds, not me. He is a average player. Every team has a tough guy like simmonds, really he never blew up the score board. Richards is a top player in this league. We got the better deal and everybody knows it. Just because he was cool dosn’t make him a god. I won’t miss him. He can bleed orange all he wants. Turn the page. We bleed Kings blood around here. See ya at the beach, Simmonds.
[Reply]
red49er Reply:
October 17th, 2011 at 8:32 am
@kinginsaltlake, As a general rule it the team that gets the best player wins the trade no matter who or how many are sent in return for that player.
[Reply]
Good luck simmer. STOKED on MR
[Reply]
A big reason Simmonds was traded was because Clifford fit the same mold, was on the up and up, and many saw him to have more potential than Simmonds, so the move made a lot of sense when looked at from that perspective. But I’ll tell you, based on the first four games of this seasons, it’s obvious that Clifford not only has a long way to go, but he’s taken a step backwards and has played like dog crap. Seriously, he’s looked awful and hasn’t made a single solid play or taken part in a scoring chance. That better turn around real quick. He’s not crashing the net, he’s losing pucks all over the ice, and we’re not seeing the Clifford that seemed to emerge in last year’s POs, when he was one of the best players on the ice for both teams. What happened? Is it one of the first sophomore slumps we’ve seen in a long time for the Kings? Simmonds is looking hot in Philly, has put up some points, while we’re looking at a frozen-footed Clifford here in LA. Turn it around yesterday Kyle.
[Reply]
I’m kinda with him. It happened, it’s over. He’s a Flyer now. No hard feelings, and if it made sense, I’d be happy to see him back in a Kings jersey.
[Reply]