The Stanley Cup-championship experience on the Kings’ roster has been well-chronicled, and much of it is recent: Colin Fraser in 2010, Rob Scuderi in 2009, Dustin Penner in 2007 and Justin Williams in 2006. Add to that players such as Jeff Carter, Matt Greene, Mike Richards and Jarret Stoll, who have been to the Cup Finals and lost, and the Kings have a few players who are not in uncharted waters. Reaching the conference finals is a big step, and the Kings have been getting a lot of pats on the back — in print and over the air and, literally, from excited fans — but they’re only halfway to their goal. Taking time to smell the roses right now doesn’t do anything for anyone. Kings captain Dustin Brown, who is making his first-ever trip to the third round, said the built-in knowledge of players who have been on deep playoff runs is a benefit to these Kings…
BROWN: “I think those guys definitely help. I also think that a lot of these guys have been playing together a long time, and we kind of understand that this is the most successful we’ve been, but it’s not where we want to end up. Those guys definitely help to bring that to the forefront, and understanding that we haven’t done all that much, in terms of where we want to go and what we want to do.”
Williams’ 2006 Hurricanes weren’t exactly underdogs — they were the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference — but Williams was asked if he saw any parallels between these Kings and those Hurricanes…
WILLIAMS: “I think every championship team definitely has similarities. You have a goalie who is playing well at the right time. You have a healthy squad. And you have guys who raise their levels, come playoff time. I think we have all those factors, right now, that every championship team needs. In saying that, we’ve won two rounds. That’s it. There’s four teams left, and we’re happy about that — well, there’s five right now, but eventually there will be four teams left, and we want to be the last one standing.”
Then there’s the amazing Ray Whitney, who turned 40 yesterday. Whitney had a great regular season for Phoenix this year, with 24 goals and 53 assists in 82 games. He was even better in the 2006 playoffs with Carolina, as Williams’ teammate, when Whitney had nine goals and six assists in 24 playoff games. Williams was asked what he remembers of Whitney from that year…
WILLIAMS: “He wasn’t 40, putting up a lot of points like he is now. [grins] He was a big part of our team in ’06, and he’s certainly a huge part of their team right now. He’s going to demand a lot of our attention. We’re going to have to be hard on him, because he’s a guy who can certainly have an impact on the series.”
Darryl Sutter has been to the Finals as well, as Calgary’s coach in 2004. He was asked about the benefit of having players with championship experience, who can set an example for younger teammates as playoff games get even more intense…
SUTTER: “Hopefully they’ve sort of been doing that, because in each game there is more emphasis. Not each series but in each game, in terms of what experience brings. You look at the two teams, the guys with experience and a lot of playoff experience. That has impacted both teams, for sure. So, I don’t know about guys who have won, but guys who have been to conference finals and guys who have won rounds, but that definitely makes an impact. … It’s about composure. I’m not into all that sexy, philosophical, dreamy stuff, right? Because it’s all a bunch of (B.S.), quite honestly. If you play Game 1, and somebody slaps you in the face, then it doesn’t matter (whether), `Oh, did you win a Stanley Cup? Did you get to the conference finals?’ That’s what it’s about.”
If Williams and Carter show up a
Bit more….We will have the edge…IMHO..
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DesertKing Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
@SLIM,
+1
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
@SLIM, They WILL
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Kinglers55 Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 10:56 pm
@SLIM, +2
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adanac Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 12:56 am
@SLIM, Arizona is not as good a team as the Kings and we will win in (5)with one loss in Arizona.
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I’m rooting for the NYR just so that the next round can start sooner. Go Rangers!
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
@deadcatbounce, Don’t forget we have home ice only over the Caps.
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Donald Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
@LA_1968, as Rocky would say “don’t want home ice”
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lakingbob(chi) Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
@LA_1968, Even though we are a lower seed.. Does it go by total points???
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
@lakingbob(chi), Yeah, in SCF it’s only based on points. If FLA would have made it, even with their division title, we would have had it them.
luc20rules Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
@lakingbob(chi), Yes.
lakingbob(chi) Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@lakingbob(chi), Ya ,,,but do we really want home ice??? Cant we defer it????????????????????
Diego Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
@lakingbob(chi),
SCF ice is decided by regular season points, not playoff seed.
Jeff_R Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
@deadcatbounce, I also want the Caps as I have friends in DC.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
@Jeff_R, (not for any other reason)
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Marty's Fists Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
@deadcatbounce, Can you imagine a Los Angeles – New York Stanley cup finals??? Man that would raise the bar for sure, wow would that be intense!
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I should try some of DS’s stuff on my employees – definitely no “sexy, philosophical dreamy stuff”, just walk up and slap ‘em. No wonder DD won’t watch TV anymore.
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
@DesertKing, I thinking the same thing. But we’d really need the competition or a con artist to LITERALLY slap the employee directly. Hockey is great.
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DesertKing Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
@LA_1968,
We better have Human Resources look into this. It could create a whole new paradigm in management!
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We need Dustin to come out REALLY hard in game one, we need Carter to step up a lil more, we need more than anything to not think about what has happend and think about what it going to happen. I really hate this break, at least PHX is in the same boat. The Kings are hot and we dont want them to cool. Game 1 means so much in this round with having this break. I hope they are the same team and continue to hit, get to loose pucks and win them. To me Brown in game one is the spark plug if he is pumped up and hits, draws calls, and is all over the ice the rest of the team will pick right up. He is really the key to the team, a few months ago I doubted him….and I WAS WRONG!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
@Chris Bond,
You were not unfounded in your concerns at the time.
But you are correct now more than ever that the Captain is the pivot this Kings team revolves around.
Since Brownie has come out of his funk the whole team has been looking virile and vital.
A far cry from the days when it seemed all anybody seemed to have was a virus.
GKG
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FdoFmFull Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@Chris Bond, The skipper has been huge, but the Kings player that’s set the tone at the start of both series is Richards.
I’m expecting that he’ll do more of the same.
One of the reasons Brown’s come of age is because Richards sets the example.
GkG!
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Chris Bond Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 6:24 am
@FdoFmFull, You bring a very good point. I just hope they all come out on fire!
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Wow, that quote by Coach Sutter about the “dreamy stuff” being “BS” because if you get “slapped in the face in game 1″ is definitely top shelf Sutterism material. Probably the very best episode yet. HE is awesome.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
@LA_1968,
I’ve requoted @JackKentCooke in these pages before, but he cannily categorizes DS as, “A book that is writing itself”.
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The Kings have to get as many shots on Smith as they can. It will be quantity that wins this series! They need to assume the first shot isn’t going to go in and crash that net and put in rebounds. If they look for that pretty goal the Kings will be in trouble.
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I’m not into all that sexy, philosophical, dreamy stuff, right?
Because it’s all a bunch of (B.S.), quite honestly….
Give this guy a TV show…
It’s Hollywood, Right?
How could you not love this coach?
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
@SLIM,
I really don’t know how.
He sounds a little messed up in the head when you listen to him with your ears. But he knows what matters.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
@LA_1968,
It’s all part of the “Masterplan”, earthling!
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Diego Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
@Duncanz,
“To serve Kings Fans”?
Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@Diego, “Protect and Serve “
Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 10:10 am
@Diego, nice TZ reference!
On a day to day basis, Coach Darryl would definitely not consider himself a sexy, philosophical dreamer, by any means …
But maybe he becomes one when he pulls on his pajamas …….
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:53 pm
@Duncanz, I can’t believe he used the word “sexy”. He’s steppin’ out of the 50′s. Watch-out!
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paige Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 10:20 pm
@Duncanz, Please put that image back where you found it.
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I think we will be ok, as our quality play is born from blue collar work ethic and tough play,,,I think these guys will be ready…if they had to rely on flash and star, I would worry…
SO the layoff will be actually good for us, you guys will see…we are so dialed in to the winning ways, they will miss it and want it badly…Its an addiction!!
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DesertKing Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 5:52 pm
@Jack,
Both teams will have a sloppy 1st period then settle in. I actually think this break has been good for us since it was obvious that Carter wasn’t 100% and these last few days have helped him heal up some more.
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Didn’t Clifford lead in points in last years playoffs?….
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paige Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
@Donald, actually, it was Jack Johnson, but cliffy did have 5 points in 6 games
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paige Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 10:54 pm
@paige, no. i think i am wrong. I think johnson led the year before with 7 points…i think
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“There’s four teams left, and we’re happy about that — well, there’s five right now, but eventually there will be four teams left, and we want to be the last one standing.” – Justin Williams #GoKingsGo
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Lundvist showing why he should win the Vezina
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Chimera is no chimera … apparently..
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DesertKing Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
@Duncanz,
Chi Chi Chi Chimera…. Now available at all Rite-Aids.
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Sunday it is, boys and girls. At least I can now plan my flight and hotel.
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LOOKS LIKE THE DAY COULD BE SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
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Jeff_R Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
@lakingbob(chi), Me happy….
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DesertKing Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
@lakingbob(chi),
What? Mother’s Day? Of course it’s on Sunday.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
@DesertKing,
Norman Bates is probably in two minds over this …
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DesertKing Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
@Duncanz,
I thought he was a Duck’s fan?
Diego Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@lakingbob(chi),
5 PM Sun PDT according to Goodspeedlem
http://lakingsinsider.com/2012/05/09/kings-have-to-stay-in-the-moment/#comment-1385300
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Jeff_R Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
@Diego, NBC proper has golf from 11-4 so most likely that start time is correct and will be on NBC Sports as NBC proper doesn’t show prime time games until the Finals.
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Diego Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:47 pm
@Jeff_R,
Conf Finals 19 & 20 May, all others listed as NBCSN
NHL Channel Finder – http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/46907840/ns/sports-nhl/?zip=90039&search=Find
Jeff_R Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
@Diego, The only reason they aren’t on this weekend on NBC is because of Golf. The game on the 19th is earlier because of The Preakness (2nd leg of triple Crown.) Hopefully it will be the Eastern Conference game and not L.A. Game 4.
Diego Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
@Jeff_R,
Those wknd games may get me out of a party I don’t want to be at, not worried about Kings play.
Dustin Brown:
“… we kind of understand this is the most successful we’ve been, but it’s not where we want to end up …. and understanding that we haven’t done all that much, in terms of where we want to be and what we want to do.”
I just love these words and the accompanying attitude!
And I’m convinced the Captain is speaking for the whole team when he states this!!
Go Crunch Go & GKG !!!!!!!!
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Osaka Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
@Duncanz, Florence has more of an Efrin Saldivar edge going today. I need to channel some of Crunches attitude.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@0 Sake, Killing ‘em softly, eh?
Come to think of it, where’s @baggypipes today.
I feel like I’m missing out on some good sport!
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Can the Ranger score 2 goals in 3rd period….
I’m saying no…But I’m not an expert like Hazy is…
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lakingbob(chi) Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
@SLIM, Fell\\els wierd watching a game without the DRIP..
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Jeff_R Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
@SLIM, They would really help themselves by scoring on one of those odd man rushes they been getting all game long.
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lESS THEN 20 MINUTES TIL WE THEN START PUTTING our GAME FACES ON THE final four!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Just put the new license plates on the new truck and yep, the new LA Kings license plate frames. The truck looks 100% better now. GKG!!
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Osaka Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:56 pm
@DesertKing, Reminds me of the Kings plate frame I got back in 89, had for 18 years until I wrapped the front bumper of my truck around a tree on an icy in Lake Arrowhead. Poor guy had to be put down.
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DesertKing Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
@Osaka,
Lol!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
@DesertKing, I have a good name for your new truck …
“The Band Wagon”
YES! Peggy, Peggy, Peggy! Thank you, thank you …
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I’m in Sedona, AZ on vacation, wearing my Kings gear wherever I go. So far I’ve had at least TEN positive go Kibng,go type comments and not one comment supporting the yotes. These people don’t deserve a win.
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DesertKing Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:51 pm
@plywood,
They probably think you are a gangster
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SLIM Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
@plywood,
I went there once…
To get my Alien implant removed…
Stank of Indian exploitation…
Hope you are having fun…
It is a weird town…
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
@SVELTE,
I was going there once to check out some of those vortexes that you and Stevie Nicks like to hang out near.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the energy.
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Osaka Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
@plywood, When I was in the states last summer I was in Sedona for a few days of rock climbing, nice spires with natural pro. Beautiful place!
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OMG! That shot of Rod Langway made me feel old!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
@Osaka, I’ve not heard of him … so I guess I feel quite young!
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Osaka Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
@Duncanz, American defensman won the cup with Montreal in 79. Won the Norris 83 and 84 with Washington.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
@Osaka, That’s a Langway back for a young sprite like m’self.
I’ll have to check him out.
You obviously thought highly of him!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/quick-an-unlikely-goalie-star-for-kings/article2428226/
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Duncanz Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 7:07 am
@petemagoop, Thanks, pete. Good article.
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Looks like the Rangers & Capitals are going to a game 7. I would love to see NY lose game 7 on home ice. Being born & bred in LA, I find it most difficult to root for any NY team. NBC won’t know what to say or do if NY gets the boot just like Philly did.
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@Bones posted an interesting thought last night that it would be great to see a handshake between Marty Brodeur and Jonathan Quick as it would feel like the torch was being passed from one HOFer to the next.
Tell ya what, this young fella, Holtby, is on a mission for a torch of his own, right now.
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Jeff_R Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@Duncanz, I feel the Caps are going to beat the Rangers in game 7 and then the Devils and get into the Finals.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
@Jeff_R, You’re really holding out hopes for your relatives … er, I mean the Caps, huh!
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If NY comes back again, I don’t even know what to say.
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At Redwings games they throw octopi on the ice. At Panthers games they throw rats.
So when the Capitals win at Verizon Ctr do they throw washing?
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King Alex Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:27 pm
@Duncanz, They should throw US Senators or at least Congressmen & women!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 8:17 pm
@King Alex, Especially the Massachusetts ones!
Lol, jk jk …
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King Alex Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
@Duncanz, Zing!!!! Very funny!
I just hope FSW/Prime Ticket will broadcast Kings Live after every game instead of bike/boat races.
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Jeff_R Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
@Diego, Bob said they would be continuing Kings Live into the Conference Finals. Not sure about the Finals though, although I assume he didn’t want to mention something like that at this time.
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King Alex Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@Diego, I come to be a fan of World Wide Slapfighting. The Filipino Team with Bolo is quite good!
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Diego Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
@King Alex,
Bolo? impressed!
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Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 10:14 am
@King Alex, Was Jamie Dangleberries on the Canadian team?
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Torts looks like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs in his press conferences.
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brian spain Reply:
May 9th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
@King Alex, Torts, has a terrible personality, but I understand it, it must get old real fast when the sportswriters ask stupid question after stupid question. Why did you call a timeout. If you are watching the game…either they are tired and iced the puck, or they can’t get into there game. simple stuff.
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Adamic39 Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
@brian spain, Simple MATH, right?
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I don’t believe there is anything left to analyze, or mentor, or coach, or predict. Our boys have “it”. When did “it” materialize? I think it was game one vs the Casucks. They realized that beating the #1 seed Presidents Trophy winner at home had confirmed that they had arrived with “it”. Call “it” swagger, confidence, compete or comfort level. “It” shows on the face of every player and coach on this team for every game of these series. “It” is a zone that you, the fan, can feel. I have sat and watched many a playoff game in my Kings history and have never felt the confidence I feel before the start of a game like I do now with these Kings. I truly believe that they are going to win every game they play. I know thats not how it works mathmatically but there is something magic about this team and that is what “it” is. Sorry for the “waxing poetic” but this is special to watch and feel. Friends tell me good luck, and I chuckle…they don’t get “it”……
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Duncanz Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 7:16 am
@TiredOfIt, You know what else is magical – not to mention, downright unusual?
A post of your’s that didn’t have a sungle exclamation mark ….. so I’ll put in one for you …. !
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