Dustin Brown got the bulk of the attention after last night’s game, and rightfully so, given that Brown scored two huge shorthanded goals and played a highly effective all-around game. For those who have watched the Kings of late, though, it was no revelation. Brown had a goal in Game 1, and that followed up a very strong final quarter of the season. In his final 21 games, Brown had eight goals, 15 assists and a plus-12 rating. In his first 61 games, Brown had 14 goals, 17 assists and a plus-6 rating. Brown had an impactful Game 2, as he scored a shorthanded goal to put the Kings up 1-0, another shorthanded goal to make it 2-1, and then assisted on Jarret Stoll’s power-play goal (Brown initially got credit for that goal as well). Today, Brown tried to deflect as much of the credit away from him…
BROWN: “I think any players wants to be the difference-maker. I scored the goal on the first goal, but it was really Kopi who made the play. Then I found a way to capitalize on a mistake they made. It’s important for our leaders to be good and for our best players to be our best players. That’s kind of been the case in the first two games of the series, I think.’’
Teammates were more effusive with their praise of the team captain, as Drew Doughty, Jarret Stoll, Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards offered thoughts, as well as Darryl Sutter. A couple of them noted Brown’s surge since the trade deadline. Brown heard his name mentioned in trade reports, but his game didn’t suffer. If anything, it took off.
DOUGHTY: “He’s been great. It seems like ever since after the trade deadline, he has been playing unbelievable. He’s scoring key goals at key times. Not only is he leading offensively, but he’s making big hits and he’s playing well defensively too. That’s exactly what we need from our captain, and that’s why Brownie does the job he does.’’
STOLL: “You can just see the determination coming out of him. Shift after shift, he goes. He’s all over the ice. Whether he’s on the ice, face-down on the ice, or he’s scoring goals or he’s hitting guys or he’s backchecking like he’s on a breakaway, he does everything. He kills penalties for us, obviously. He’s a big part of the power play. He’s out there in every situation. That’s what you want in a captain. You want a guy that, in big games like that, he’s doing those types of things. He’s not doing them every once in a while. He’s doing them on a regular basis.’’
KOPITAR: “He’s been playing great for us, the last 20 games of the season. He’s been putting points up on the board. He’s been great on the penalty kill. Obviously, last night getting two shorties was big for our team. That’s the kind of captain you want to have on your team, because he always leads by example and he’s always the hardest-working guy on the team.’’
RICHARDS: “He does everything. He not only leads by example in all areas, but he says the right thing a the right time in the dressing room. He’s always the most physical player. He scores huge goals for us. He steps up at times that he needs to. He’s everything that you would want in a leader, and more. … He doesn’t get credit for how well he plays defensively. How he reads the play is something that I think is under-appreciated. You just look at the goals and the shots he made, the patience he has with the puck and how well he reads the plays. I think that’s key for the shorthanded goals like he scored last night.’’
SUTTER: “I think he has a strong identity to his game. When he’s playing that power game, that straight-line game, he’s really effective.’’
Are we going to have 5 penalties each game. its getting old.
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Gustavo Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
@LUCALACA,
Why not…I like the penalty / shortie ratio we’re having of late, lol
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LUCALACA Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
@Gustavo, don’t get me wrong i love the short handed goals. but its not going to be good for us if we keep taking penalties like this. it hurts us more than it helps us. “and you know this man(Smokey)”
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 9:45 am
@LUCALACA, No sugar? Daaamn.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 11:39 am
@LUCALACA, Hey, if those first two games had been played 5-on-5, the Kings probably would have lost them. Don’t knock it!
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ChiTownKingsFan Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’m ok with parading to the penalty box against Vancouver, but they can’t get in the habit of doing that, because other teams like St.Louis and Nashville/Detroit will make you pay dearly on the PP. I don’t want to get too ahead of myself and look to round 2, but it’s certainly an area of concern.
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It’s been said before, Brown is the heart of this team. It’s also it’s hammer when a big hit is needed.
So happy he’s playing so well.
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Cruiznblue Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
@vplaza,
Wonder what all the “trade brown for stafford” fans are thinking now.
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rontheking Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@Cruiznblue,
All trade rumors about Brown were ridiculous, and based solely on the supposed fact that Richards “had” to be captain. The thing was, there was no glaring hole in defense or goalie position the Kings needed filling–so the idea that they would trade away a top notch forward like Brown (and team captain and leader by example to boot) made no sense at all. For whom would they have traded him? His departure would have created a massive hole which could not have been filled in the lineup…it was a bs rumor….
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Don’t you hate when you post and voice
There is already a new post? Dang Rich
You work too hard but are great at it..
SO…REPOST…
Contrary to public opinion
And @DuncandoNUTz rumor baiting…
I will NOT be at Staples tomorrow
Wearing A woman’s one-piece bathing suit…
But he is right about one thing…
I do have nice hips…
GKG…
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Duncanz Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
@SLIM, “VOILA!”
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SLIM Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
@Duncanz,
“Comme ci, comme ça”
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@SLIM, I think your english translators aren’t working? You guys are speaking Farsi.
Duncanz Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:33 pm
@Defrimik, … it’s Slovenian, you Turkey!
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:41 pm
@Duncanz, Do they have Slovenians in Turkey?
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lvkingaholic Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 11:17 am
@Duncanz, who frank……………….
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DesertKing Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
@SLIM,
OMG, I knew it, you are Daniel Sedin!
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SLIM Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
@DesertKing,
No not…Daniella…
But I am an Alien..
Eye’s without a face…
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DesertKing Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
@SLIM,
I saw that guy live. It was actually a good concerr.
Funeral Rites for the Canucks;
“Vancouver to ashes – Dustin Brown … “
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vinny Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:23 pm
@Duncanz, nice
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Duncanz Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
@vinny, I’m gonna do some acrostics for you sometime.
Did you see my one about the Commisioner?
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vinny Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
@Duncanz, no, mustve missed it, whered you write it?
Duncanz Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 5:31 am
@vinny,
How does on check back on one’s post? Is there a shortcut to do that on The Insider?
It would take me too long to sleuth it down. I’ll just repeat it.
Someone did one about the Commish’s lack of response to the R.Clowe incident that said, I think, “No Huevos League”.
So my rejoinder was, “Gee. Bet eggs taste terrible mornings after nefariousness.”
In keeping with my usual good fortune, I honestly doubt that anybody even noticed …
Duncanz Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 5:33 am
@vinny,
How does one check back on one’s post? Is there a shortcut to do that on The Insider?
It would take me too long to sleuth it down. I’ll just repeat it.
Someone did one about the Commish’s lack of response to the R.Clowe incident that said, I think, “No Huevos League”.
So my rejoinder was, “Gee. Bet eggs taste terrible mornings after nefariousness.”
In keeping with my usual good fortune, I honestly doubt that anybody even noticed …
Where are all the yahoos who want him stripped of the “C” because he’s not a leader, or doesn’t fight, or bla bla bla?
A month ago I couldn’t get those guys to shut up, now they’re nowhere to be found.
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SLIM Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@Dominick (defrim65),
Back where they belong…
On the “Sharts” site….
Who are losing 2-0….
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), Yea well where are all the poeple who said this season was a failure and the Kings had no heart and were gutless. Also if they somehow made the playoffs they wouldn’t last. Where are all those people?
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
@Jeff_R, Those people are still here, but now they’re believers. They only asked that the Kings prove them wrong, and so far the Kings have, so it’s all even (I guess).
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DesertKing Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:47 pm
@Dominick (defrim65),
DD still sucks.
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
@DesertKimg,
! Funny, last night Variable actually thought I was taking that serious. Sometimes my mockery can go too far in it’s mockery. lol
DesertKing Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
@Dominick (defrim65),
We suck. So does Lundqvist who just lost in OT.
Duncanz Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:25 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), Hello. My name is @Duncanz (for a change, ironically) and what did you think of my nuanced approach to the matter when I chipped in with a pair of polished pennies right around Feb 27th, 2012?
I don’t recall us engaging …
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:07 pm
@Duncanz, I don’t think we did. I went back and looked, and there was some nice words from you about my nefew, but nothing else between us.
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Duncanz Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 5:39 am
@Dominick (defrim65), I hope you aren’t your nephew’s spelling tutor
No, that’s what I’m saying. I had a ‘huge’ take on it that I repeated at least once in those dark days, but if Jim Rome didn’t care then I guess no one else did
Mars Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:10 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), +1 anda a huge thank you!
FYI I was wearing my Brown t-shirt each game day and will tomorrow too (doing laundry again)
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tornado12 Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), I think it most telling that the players themselves are singing his accolades. End of discussion.
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Expect a really really “bad ice” tomorrow!
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kingrussell Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:23 pm
@MOSH, Yeah,the Lakers play in the afternoon.
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Sebastian Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:28 pm
@MOSH, this can only benefit the Kings since theyre used to it by now. Just hope nobody gets hurt because of it
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Guess what…
Hazy says Lundquist gets
His vote for the Vezina..
So Surprising!
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Cruiznblue Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:41 pm
@SLIM,
Hazy is a joke…I can’t stand listening to him right now…I was hoping he was done for the season
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CB14 Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
@Cruiznblue, Hopefully this game ends soon so we don’t have to keep listening to that blow hard.
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CB14 Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
@CB14, That wasn’t too long. Hazy sucks.
DesertKing Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 6:49 pm
@SLIM,
Ducks suck.
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When Brownie scored 2 goals last night…
I thought..I wonder what Rickys thoughts were…
Both being Alpha Males and such…
Both being captains in their career..
And that Ricky was the stand-out the 1st game..
I wondered about those dynamics…
But obviously..Ricky REALLY appreciates Brownie..
Which is a great thing to have…
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Ron Reynolds Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
@SLIM,
Totally agree. It was great to read Richards’ effusive (and authentic) praise for Brown.
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Mars Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
@SLIM, I was worried when we brought him om (MR) and I bet it sucks to lose the C and also be traded too. I am happy the dynamics are good, maybe there will be a battle for the C in the offseason or whatever, maybe it wont be contested. I just hope they dont trade Brownie, as I am a huge fan, but what we get for his price you cannot beat. It would be dumb to get rid of him.
The complaints I saw earlier this season were bad at the whole team, rainy day blues or whatever. I like what we have, would be ok keeping stoll and penner but for severely reduced wages and keeping them on lower lines. Mainly because we need to resign/extend Quick.
Hope Cliffy and Richardson are getting better fast.
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Stuart Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
@Mars, the DB we have today (since the trade deadline) was not the DB that we had prior… I don’t care what people say about the fans that wouldnt have minded seeing him traded while he struggled within his own skin.
But since the deadline, someone must’ve sat him down and had a talk about what being a C is all about and probably reassured him that he is/was/will be the C of this team regardless of the roster moves that are made. His confidence has been off the charts and his game has improved leaps and bounds.
My gripes with DB have always been about his lack or inability to let plays unfold, too see plays in front of him, to use his linemates, etc. basically to be a THINKING MAN out there, not a hitting machine. He’s been that and some lately and because of this I can truly say I am in full support of our captain!!
Remember, I’ve always held that I really like DB and the way he’s playing he is no longer a momentum killer!!! Amazing what a difference a coach makes…
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Duncanz Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 5:53 am
GREAT TAKE @Stu’! Leaps and bounds above !
You took the time to address the multi-dimensional aspect of the issue.
Interesting none the less to consider DS’s synopsis of DB’s strengths on the hockey team.
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ChiTownKingsFan Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@Mars, I dunno. I love brown, but I’d still trade him in a package deal with JB and round pick for Nash in a heartbeat. That being said, Brown is one of my favorite players on the team and I own 2 jerseys of his. (1 away and 1 olympic), and it would be terribly sad to see them get hung up in the back of the closet next to my cammaleri jersey.
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IceGuy Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:55 pm
@SLIM,
High praise from Richards.
A guy who’s “been there and done that”.
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lvkingaholic Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 11:21 am
@SLIM, hopefully till they raise the cup they will be twin son’s of different mothers……….
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The only other person who can compare Brown to is Callahan.
They better not nfijrgfhbiw -ing trade Brown in the off season as the rumor goes. I will be crushed.
When the Kings first came out with their current home jersey I got it the day it came out with Brown on it and had him sign it the very next day. I also have his All-Star and Olympic jersey signed. I wish I could find his Jr. team jersey. I’ve seen them around. They’re sickkk.
I love Captain (Crunch) Brown :]
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Mars Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
@Subby, Agree 100% +1 and thank you too.
Lucky bastard getting your Olympic jersey signed.
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Action Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:45 pm
@Subby,
He played for Guelph, same as Doughty. They shouldn’t be too tough to find online, as long as you don’t mind paying a bit for shipping from Canada.
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Subby Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
@Action, I don’t mind. I looked but I can’t find it :/
I tried finding a Adam Deadmarsh Winterhawks jersey and that was impossible to find either.
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SJ suckz and so does the TV coverage of the game. They missed the figbt caused by the SJ Cbeaters playing dirty as usual.
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FiG17 Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@DesertKing,
You should have heard the SJ announcers.
I seriously don’t like Remenda. Even my roommate, who never watches hockey and knows next to nothing about it said he was annoying.
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Mikey J. Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@DesertKing, San Jose goon squad at it again.
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Mars Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
@DesertKing, I didnt watch the game cause I hate the sharts that effin much, but why did STL change goalies?
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
@Mars, Halak got run over by one of his teammates (accidentally). He was most likely sent to the Quiet room.
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RICHARDS: “. How he reads the play is something that I think is under-appreciated. You just look at the goals and the shots he made, the patience he has with the puck and how well he reads the plays. I think that’s key for the shorthanded goals like he scored last night.’’
Mike Richards says Browns has hockey smarts. DL says Richards hockey IQ is off the charts.
Some bloggers say Brown is not a smart hockey player.
Who to believe?
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Christian Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 1:56 am
@Sdgolfer, I came to think of this as well. A couple of months ago, a couple of posters claimed his “hockey IQ” was very low. Reading the above player comments either those statements seem absurd or he’s been popping a ton of smart drugs since the deadline.
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Hey all….. I know Quick has stood on his head lately, and this scenario is a bit of a what if! I am just curious as to what people would like to see if we ended up facing the Preds down the line.
Would you like to see the coach use Bernier given his success against Nashville or stay with Quick?
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CrownJewels Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
@SDJ73, Ride Quick like a Sutter farm hoarse and if he starts to struggle or look tired give Bernier a game or two.
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lvkingaholic Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 11:24 am
@CrownJewels, no way, jq looks like he is just starting to hit his stride………. the three c’s, calm, kool, cickin arse……………
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 11:50 am
@SDJ73, no
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Nothing makes me madder than remembering when Sean Avery used to make fun of Dustin Brown for speaking with a lisp. It really bothered Brown and was one of the reasons Avery was shipped out. How can you not root for Brown?
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puck73 Reply:
April 14th, 2012 at 11:38 pm
@Keith Berry, Lombardi couldnt wait to get rid of that poison pill Avery, regardless of him picking on Brown or not. Also, DL gets major props for getting rid of that other selfish locker room cancer…Michael Calamari(yes that was intentional)
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KC23 Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 7:13 am
@puck73, and O’Sullivan.
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even before Browns stellar performance in Game 2, I still could not fathom trading such a hard working player with nothing but a beneficial presence for the rest of his team, especially for the price we are paying him. Plus the guy not only hits like a monster, he stays outta the box while doing so. He is a total gem when it comes to being a grinder. Just as Stamkos and Malkin are gems when it comes to putting up points. Totally underrated in my opinion.
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Pili Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 8:30 am
@TurboLaserDavey, Agreed. Friday night I was considering that very thought, that considering how many hits he makes he rarely gets penalties. As his teammates said, timing and anticipation are key.
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All I can say about Brown is… He’s the best MAN for the job. Captain Crunch is a perfect nickname for this guy. If I was going to the game today I would make a little sign with the Captain Crunch in #23 JERSEY.
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trytodethroneus Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 9:38 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
I wonder if Gilles Marotte would object
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You know, most professional athletes at the mention of being traded, will begin to act negatively, like its them against the world, but NOT brownie, he steeped up his team play and leadership role! The thoughts/conversations that took place amongst King executives about trading Brown, should be squashed and forgotten forever!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 15th, 2012 at 11:49 am
@Alwayzkings, It’s been brought up that in response to the trade talk, he stepped up his game. I like the way it was put in this article, that rather than let it effect his game, it improved. I’d like to hear his response to that. It would be interesting to hear if he would say he felt a challenge and/or took it as an opportunity to review his game.
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I think you guys are onto something. “Captain Crunch” is the perfect nicknane for Brownie!!.
Nick, make it so. Spread the word and use it as much as possible.
I havent been this excited about the playoffs since the Cup run. I hope the whole town gets behind this team like it did then
GO KINGS GO. You have our hearts, keep showing us your passion!
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It’s great to see Brownie getting the attention he deserves. Even when he’s not scoring, he’s hitting, and playing responsible defense. That, and I’m sure he probably didn’t WANT to be the captain, but having been offered it as the role model he is, he accepted the role as a personal challenge for his communications skills. Dustin Brown is a complete hockey player, and I can say without reservation there isn’t a general manager with a brain (so I guess that leaves about 25) that doesn’t want a Dustin Brown or 20 on his team.
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