The Manchester Monarchs, the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, have made the playoffs. That’s the good news. The bad news is that, in the first round, the face a team that hasn’t lost in more than two months. The Monarchs finished eighth in the Eastern Conference, with a 39-32-5 record, and drew the top-seeded Norfolk Admirals, who finished with a 55-18-3 record with with 28 consecutive wins, a record for a North American professional hockey team. Norfolk’s last loss came on Feb. 5. The best-of-five first-round series begins with games Friday and Saturday at Norfolk.
The Monarchs finished the regular season strong. Going into the final weekend, they needed three consecutive victories in order to guarantee themselves a playoff spot, and they went 3-0. Justin Azevedo finished the season with team-highs of 28 goals and 50 points. Patrick Mullen had a team-high 28 assists. Brandon Kozun had 20 goals and 26 assists while Linden Vey had 19 goals and 24 assists. In goal, Jeff Zatkoff and Martin Jones split time. Zatkoff, in 44 games, had 21-17-1 record, a 2.49 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. Jones, in 41 games, had an 18-17-2 record, a 2.60 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.
In junior hockey, Tyler Toffoli, one of the Kings’ top prospects, is helping to keep the Ottawa 67s afloat in their second-round OHL playoff series. Ottawa hosts the Barrie Colts in Game 7 tonight. The 67s were down 3-1 in the series but have won the last two games. Overall in the playoffs, Toffoli has 10 goals and five assists in 12 games. Toffoli, a second-round draft pick of the Kings in 2010, led the OHL in the regular season with 52 goals in 65 games.
Manch is going to do it just like the big club… take out the #1 seat!!!
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DesertKing Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 8:59 am
@Stuart,
Hopefully not. I like sitting in the #1 seat. That #1 seed though, I hope they school them “just like the big club.” Man, tomorrow night is going to be crazy at Staples.
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Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:01 am
@DesertKing, LOL… I went back and forth on seed/seat… I should’ve went with my intial choice… LOL
as long as you don’t like sitting in the seat to do #1 it’s all good! Larry David style.
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DesertKing Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:47 am
@Stuart,
LOL
Since I live in Chesapeake, VA; I think I will make the drive and see the Monarchs play in Norfolk. If there is anyone else in the area that would like to hook up, let me know.
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KinginVA Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:46 am
@kozak, I’m in portsmouth and plan to head over to watch a game. LMK when you’re going. GKG!
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:04 am
@KinginVA, kozak, Help represent our baby kings and lead them to victory.
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KinginVA Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
@Jeff_R, I will be wearing my Kings jersey W/ Pride! GKG!
kozak Reply:
April 18th, 2012 at 9:00 am
@KinginVA, got my tickets for Friday night. Sec 209, row H. will be wearing Kings jersey as well.
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KinginVA Reply:
April 20th, 2012 at 11:33 am
@kozak, Friday too and I’ll be in Section 112 Row J! GKG!
KinginVA Reply:
April 21st, 2012 at 7:33 am
So the Monarchs made a late push but lost game one. Going again tonight to see them break that stink’n streak! GMG!
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What I love about the Monarchs right now is that they have a roster full of fresh, young talent eager to contribute. I’d prefer those new kids to still be playing with their junior clubs, but since they lost, why not help Manchester make a run. It must be difficult for Mark Morris to juggle all the new faces in the lineup though.
Here are highlights from the Monarchs final regular season game: http://youtu.be/M2hHZEln8zg
Goalie prospect (and the only other Kings juniors player still playing), Christopher Gibson, also helped his club reach game 7 in their series by posting his first career playoff shutout.
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Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:18 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com, formerly AKA wavesinair), whatthe??? make up your mind man!!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:31 am
@Stuart,
LOL. Sorry. Had to make a transition though. There was no other way that I could think of.
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puck73 Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:34 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Sorry man, but you will always be waves to me!
Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:37 am
@puck73, there’s a Billy Joel song in there somewhere…
Shakes Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:48 am
@Stuart
or some sorta Radiothead song
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
waves lives on the hearts and minds of men!
As for Radiohead, how about King of Waves!
DesertKing Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:49 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I get it, you are the guy from Total Recall. Cool.
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holly crap! 28 consecutive wins! wow.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:46 am
@Sebastian,
28 wins is a fluke. 29 is a streak!
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Toffoli is dope.
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28 wins is truly amazing. As for Toffoli, I fully expect him to be with the big club next year. He doesn’t need Manchester, this kid can just flat out snipe.
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puck73 Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:36 am
@Krusher, I wouldnt be surprised if he makes it next season either. Also expect former Manchester sniper Bud Holloway to get a good look as well because he has played very well over in Sweeden and is still Kings property.
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does anyone know if/when they’ll anounce standing room only tickets?
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:47 am
@Stuart,
I think day of the game.
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Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:51 am
@FKA PakiFro, on the website? through ticketmaster??? I just want to get in the building!
Thanks
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:07 am
@Stuart, Maybe the Box Office.
Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:09 am
@Jeff_R, thank you kindly!
Duncanz Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:13 am
@Stuart,
Ere, ave ewe met ‘er period?
Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:14 am
@Duncanzee, red wings… give you bulllllllllll!!!
Duncanz Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@Stuart, Red thongs, Ere, ewe awt ta save thut wawn faw lay’er in th’ mawnth.
what is a deal with lokti is he ok?
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@GG, I believe he took a shot off his foot, blocking it. I rather have richie anyway, more experience then Lokti. Lokti should go and help the baby kings.
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Sounds like Toffoli is doing well.
I’ve heard Justin Acevedo’s name mentioned in some of these Monarchs updates but know nothing about him. Sounds like he had a good season at Manchester. Does he project to be in the big leagues in the future? Seems like we’ve got a good crop at center now and for the forseeable future.
Doesn’t look like he’s a big kid either.
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luuc Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:38 am
@vplaza,
Azevedo was one of those “project picks”. He was on the oler side when drafted (if I remember correctly), but the book on him was always – great offensive skills, but way too small to make it to the big league. If you thought Lokti was small, wait till you see this kid. He’s only 5’8, he would get killed playing against the Canucks. The hope was he could turn into a Marty St. Louis type player, but I don’t think he has the tenacity and speed that make Marty so great. Most likely will never make it to the NHL, but should have a great AHL career, he really does have some great offensive skills.
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luuc Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:39 am
@luuc,
*older
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vplaza Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:40 am
@luuc,
Thanks. Sounds like he could benefit the Monarchs for a while.
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CT King Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@luuc,
We watched a bunch of Monarchs games this year and no way Azzy is 5’8″. 5’5″ is generous. Scores a lot but finished the year around -13. I love the guy and hope that someday he gets a game in the show but I’m not counting on it.
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off topic but hey rich do you know if holloway is still considered a part of the kings? i checked out a list at capgeek and he’s not on it..just curious thanks
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gb Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:07 am
@vinny, yes he is…he didn’t want to sign a two way contract this past year and chose to sign in sweden for double the money, but he was drafted the same year as Bernier and is still kings property.. I expect the kings to give him a one way contract for next year rather than signing retreads like hunter and the likes…he deserves his shot..
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puck73 Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:15 am
@gb, Totally agree about deserving his shot, he has more then paid his dues to get that chance. Lets be honest though, the reason he and Moller didnt stick around is because they knew they had no shot making the team as long as the “thick” and “heavy” Leslie Nielson was coaching here. I think it was a smart move by those 2 guys to move on temporarily until that bafoon was removed.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:15 am
@puck73, I know you are part of secret love society of TM. I see through your psychological ways
.
Duncanz Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:35 am
@Jeff_R, i miss the potential we displayed in those days.
when you’ve realized it already there is less of a thrill.
vinny Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:25 am
@gb, thanks for the clarification..i was kinda hoping he’d be eliminated today, and then could hop on a plane and come join the kings for the rest of the playoffs
..he clearly has other plans tho, as he’s scored for his team again (1-1 second period)
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Who is Norfolk affiliated with?
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vplaza Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:41 am
@nykingfan,
Tampa Bay
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PRMan Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:05 am
@vplaza, Maybe they should bring some of those kids up…
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Very happy with the progression of some of the young players in Manchester. Linden Vey has had a very solid season in his first pro year. Patrick Mullen is getting better every season, Thomas Hickey will be an NHL defenseman very soon, bank on it, and our young goalies are getting better as well.
Although it may still be a long shot because of his size, the guy that I root the hardest for is Justin Azevedo. He once again led Manchester in points, and before the season started for the Kings, he was one of the last players to get cut. I really hope he makes it in the NHL someday!
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vplaza Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:44 am
@puck73,
Looks like Hickey had a good season with the Monarchs. The question is, who would he replace in the lineup?
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Weasel Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:49 am
@vplaza,
Drewiske???
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vplaza Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:05 am
@Weasel,
Hickey as a regular person in the press box in the NHL?
7milforhickey Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:22 am
@Weasel, you gotta assume that out of voynov, amart, greene, scuds, that one of them wont be here next year due to quicks incoming pay raise. hickey is going to dominate back there on the blue line
Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:21 am
@vplaza, Martinez. He has played well but face it he isn’t passing up Drew or Slava and he can be a nice trade option based on his play.
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Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:23 am
@Jeff_R, Martinez and Bernier as a package???
Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@Stuart, That could work!!!
I really hope with these young guys one of them becomes a gem within the next year or two. Another franchise player!
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#8 vs #1, who will win?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:59 am
@zdfun,
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Does this mean we can’t bring Toffoli up during the play-offs to give us some much needed offesnive punch and save our play-offs since Gagne and parse are not going to make it back
(seriously, I think this Toffoli kid is our future sniper)
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PRMan Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@DesertKing, It’s 3 levels higher than what he has been playing (AHL, NHL, NHL Playoffs). He’s good, but you can’t do that to the poor kid.
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:23 am
@PRMan, Rangers put in Kreider a week after winning the frozen 4, so why not Toffoli? Unless you think the NCAA is higher then juniors. I know Krieder is older but he still only played about 40+ games a year in the NCAA’s.
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Waxieman Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:10 am
@DesertKing, If the monarchs are out then maybe too be around the team too get a feel what it’s like. The game would be way too fast for him and the jump too big from juniors to the NHL playoffs. Great future IMO.
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I’m currently trying to get tickets to the 67s game tonight. If anyone in Canada/near the border hasn’t gone to a junior hockey playoff game, do yourself a favour and go! Everything is much cheaper and perhaps even more insane/rowdy in those small arenas.
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I had a hypothesis that maybe Norfolk’s dominance is due to have a bunch of elder ex-NHL’ers versus a building young prospect…but a tour through the Admirals roster on their website disproves that silly hypothesis. They’re just a good team.
#DyingforHockeyUntilWednesday
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puck73 Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:58 am
@Shakes, Steve Yzerman is a lucky guy!
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Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:25 am
@puck73, Lot of people think that his first year is a fluke and that his 2nd year is more representative of his GM skills. However he has really helped his team at the trade deadline by bring in more youngsters and getting a boatload of draft picks. He is really going to turn that team around. Especially in the Goaltending and defense category.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
@Shakes, Watch some highlights of Richard Panik scoring goals. Kid has crazy skills.
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Off topic, but I was just peeking at the playoff schedule, and winning Wednesday means A LOT to the Kings in many ways. If they can pull off the sweep, they don’t have to wait until SUNDAY to continue the series, giving the Canucks more time to scheme, get fresh, etc. Plus, if they do win, they’ll have a huge layover before the next round. They miss the opportunity, and the costs really add up (the combination of the hope and opportunity it gives the Canucks and the opportunity it takes away from the Kings.)
The Kings need to throw everything they have at the Canucks, plus some more that they don’t know that they have, to get this over and concentrate on the kinks in their game at Toyota Center while waiting for the next unsuspecting victims.
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Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:04 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, would you rather see a Blues’ team with little PO experience (outside of arnott and loganberry) or a hot Mike Smith in net?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:30 am
@Stuart, Those two teams have been the most consistent pains in the collective posteriors of the Kings since the Gretzky era. That said, I think Phoenix has been more so, more recently. I think I’d rather have a series not unlike that game the Blues and Kings played a few weeks ago.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:31 am
Also, the Blues goaltenders aren’t exactly slobs–and there are two, so there’s that, too. Smith seems to be a witch right now, though.
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Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:35 am
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, but Halak isn’t even dressing at the moment, but he might be back in time… I just think our team can beat theirs, whereas a hot goalie can’t be beat by anyone, unless he cools off…
either way, if we manage to get past that round (and this one too) we’ll probably have Nashville to look forward to. Fun times ahead!
Jeff_R Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:29 am
@Stuart, Before we even think about our next opponent, it may not even be St Louis or Phoenix as they both still might end up losing. We might end up playing Nashville or Detroit. First though we have to end the Canucks which might get a bit tougher if Sedin #2 plays.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
@Jeff_R, IMO, it doesn’t matter who plays after 3-0. If the Kings cannot win this series, they deserve to have their house cleaned.
KC23 Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
@Stuart, Have you seen Elliot’s numbers this year? They’re better than Smiths.
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Stuart Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
@KC23, over the course of the year, maybe, but then again Elloitt played all of 38 games to Smith’s 67. And more to my point, I think Smith is the second hottest goalie at the moment, and was the hottest going into the playoffs. He’s in a zone, and seeing on who wins tonight, he can end up stealing this series and maybe more… anywho, I was just playing WWJD….
Rich, has there been any discussions about a suite night for the playoffs? I appoligize if this has already been asked.
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puck73 Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:27 am
@HappyLappy, You know that good ol @puck73 is waiting to pounce on 4 of those duckets!
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HappyLappy Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 11:07 am
@puck73, I was hoping I could pounce on TWO!
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Toffoli is going to be the future SNIPER for the Kings. He is in a way a mold of Robitaille with a amazing wrist shot and has a knack to be at the right place, right time to put the puck in the net. His 1st 3 steps are needed for improvement but I would not hold that part of his game against him, he will get faster, Luc did as a King
Another that will fit the Kings roster in next year or so, Andy Andreoff. This kid plays with a big heart and does what it takes for his team mates. He can score, skate, hit, drop the gloves when needed and plays smart hockey. Bad part of this years draft, Kings don’t have a 1st rnd pick, the top 8-10 players are very highly skilled as in forwards and defenceman. Hope the Kings get lucky in a 2nd and 3rd rnd draft pick. Time will tell….
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puck73 Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 10:58 am
@mcdangles, Very good post, thank you.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
@mcdangles, Agreed. Toffoli is for real, and I like Andreoff. Similar mold to Simmonds/Clifford/Nolan. Good prospect.
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mcdangles Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
@PP Anybody?, you have seen what Simmonds and Schenn have done for the Flyers, you have seen what King and Nolan and Clifford have done for the Kings. Next you will be seeing the other pieces that will be added as in Toffoli and Andreoff
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luc20rules Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@mcdangles, The only negative of the DL era is that the young players have not been given the proper opportunities. Simmonds was never given the top 6 and PP minutes he deserved, although an argument could be made that we needed him on the 3rd shutdown line. Schenn should have been given a chance last year at playing 50+ NHL games and as one of the top 6. Moulson & Boyle were not given a chance in the top 6, then there is Purcell given tons of chances, but in wrong system. The minors is full of prospects, but there is no spot for them, and unless a specific person is hurt Loki is not the best fit for anything other than a top 6 center man. The D & G prospects are the strength of the Kings system, but time is running out on Hickey we may not even get a 3rd round pick even if we decide to move him injury history & no NHL experience.
lazyone213 Reply:
April 17th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
@mcdangles,
The 2nd round pick traded for Mike Richards. Our 3rd went in the trade for D Penner.
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Go Monarchs!
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I can’t wait until Toffoli plays in the bigs. That guy will be a 30+ goal scorer for the Kings!
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