How are the Phoenix Coyotes preparing for the Western Conference Finals? By the sound of things, very much the same way the Kings are, by easing into practice and trying to build the momentum toward Sunday’s Game 1. The Kings wrapped up their second-round series last Sunday, and the Coyotes followed suit a day later, so both teams will be well-rested by the time the series starts. To get a first look at the Coyotes and what they’re thinking, check out the coverage from The Arizona Republic, plus some extensive coach and player quotes as provided by the Coyotes…
The Arizona Republic’s Coyotes coverage
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COACH DAVE TIPPETT
(on managing all the time off…) “A couple days is good for us right now. Any time you can grab the rest I think it’s a good thing, but you’ve also got to balance it. We’ll have two good days of practice where we expect good, intense practices to get us ready. The thing about it is, is that both teams are in the same situation. They won their series the day before we did. So, both teams are in the same predicament that way.”
(on his team’s defensive depth…) “You have to have more than six guys ready. I thought (David) Schelmko came in and played a very good game for us the other night under a tough situation, where losing (Adrian) Aucoin halfway through that game, all of a sudden you’ve got a player who’s played in two games in the last three weeks and he’s getting extra minutes and I thought he handled himself very well. So, we’ll kind of evaluate where we are over the next few days and figure out which six we feel like gives us the best chance to be successful, and that’s who we’ll go with.”
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KEITH YANDLE
(on how his team doesn’t lose momentum with the time off…) “It’s our job. We have to be ready to play when we do play, and you can’t just be playing off of emotion. We know that when we get out there the crowd is going to be behind us. There’s going to be enough emotion to get ready for the game. It doesn’t matter how much time you had in between. You’re going to be ready for a playoff game.”
(on the abilities of some of his fellow defensemen…) “I think all of our guys have offensive ability. Everybody is pretty good with the puck, plays the puck well, makes good passes. And that’s the key, especially in this game, is to try to make one pass and get out of the zone quick or as quick as you can. And I think we’ve got guys who are great defensively as well, too, but I think we’ve got a lot of good puck-moving guys.”
(on what it was like to play the Kings in the regular season…) “I thought our games we played with them in the regular season were playoff-type games. We played hard. There were a lot of fights, guys playing hard. So, I remember when we finished those games, you talk amongst the guys and you’re saying it’s a playoff-type game. So, it’s a good thing that we got matched up with them and are able to play them because it’s going to be a fun series.”
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MIKE SMITH
(on playing the Kings…) “They’re a deep team with a really good goaltender. They play their system to a tee. So, it’s going to be another tough test for our club.”
(on defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s play…) “It’s unbelievable. The kid never ceases to amaze you with what kind of moves he pulls off on the ice. He flies under the radar, but I think he’s getting a lot more acknowledgements now that we’re going deep in the playoffs and he’s logging the kind of minutes he has. So, he’s playing with top players and he’s done an unbelievable job for us. He’s been, obviously, a young kid that’s improved every game, I think. Just his composure out there shows a lot about what kind of kid he is.”
(on the evolution of the Coyotes’ defense in the postseason…) “I think we’ve gotten more confident playing with the puck. Early in the playoffs, we didn’t want it so much. We got it and got rid of it. I think as we got deeper in the playoffs our D got more comfortable playing with it, playing with the puck, being more poised with it and started to make a lot more plays with it. So, I think as we do that the players themselves gain confidence in what they’re doing, and not just that, but blocking shots and the desperation that it takes to win hockey games, especially close hockey games. The difference between winning and losing, when you’re blocking shots that are going in empty nets or defending rushes and stuff like that, they’ve done an unbelievable job.”
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SHANE DOAN
(on what he expects out of the Kings, in terms of physicality…) “They’re going to play hard. It’s a fun type of hockey to play. You enjoy it and I think our team enjoys that a lot. I think we’re comfortable playing that type of game, and obviously they’ve been very successful at doing it. And you look at what they’ve done to Vancouver and to St. Louis. They would’ve probably been a lot of people’s picks out of the West and L.A. did a good job of making it look almost easy at times.”
(on the Kings and Coyotes making the Western Conference Finals…) “You never know, but you always talk about how you get into the playoffs and almost anything can happen, and two weeks before the playoffs I’m sure that not too many people were picking this, but it doesn’t matter, we’re both here and we’re excited.”
(on Kings captain Dustin Brown…) “He’s probably been the best forward, the best player. You look at (Jonathan) Quick, and you look at Smitty [Mike Smith], the goaltenders, they always rule the playoffs. But outside (of that), as a player, he’s probably been the best player in the playoffs. It’s been fun to watch. It’s going to be really fun to compete against him, for sure. I mean, you look forward to that.”
C vs C is going to be great to watch… I wonder what kind of match-ups either coach has in their minds-eye at the moment…
OT – it’s official, my beard is wierd! but it’s got another month left in it!!!
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Jgomez Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
@Stuart, My beard is coming in but my problem is I cannot grow a mustache! For my first playoff beard, I am very happy with it. Hope I get to keep it a lot longer
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Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
@Jgomez, this should be the first of many facial hair endeavors!! Enjoy the down-softness while you can, it’ll be stubbly before you know it…and eventually peppered
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Deke'r Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
@Stuart, …count your blessings….mines gone completely white…
Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
@Deke’r, with a little girl on the way, I might just skip the peppered phase and meet you in the Gandalf stage!
Deke'r Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@Stuart, ….first child?….if so get ready for a great ride…
Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
@Deke’r, thank you sir… first baby girl… ugh! years of heartache/break coming my way!
vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
@Stuart,
Dude, girls rule! I have two and they’re the greatest. Just remember, the first years go by before you know it. Enjoy it while you can.
wes Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@Stuart, so i’m late to the party, but i have to tell you, daughters are awesome. shed that heartache/heartbreak thing. i’ll affirm and echo vplaza’s post and go him one better, i have three “and they’re the greatest.” Enjoy it, “the first years go by before you know it.” Soon enough they’ve graduated summa cum laude, seen more of the world than you ever will, and married great guys. Through it all, nothing replaces a great daddy.
No trepidation, man, this is good.
Stuart Reply:
May 11th, 2012 at 7:43 am
@wes, would’ve never expected that coming from you, but your words are a future I can definitely live with.
Thanks man!
vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
@Stuart,
Mine’s still going. Getting more and more comments around the office.
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CheezyPoofs Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@vplaza, I’ve told the same guy 4 times I’m growing a playoff beard, and he looks at me wierd. I have patches that don’t grow any and my neck is going nuts. I normally don’t have any facial hair, so this is a huge departure from my normal routine.
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Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
@CheezyPoofs, classic… sounds like the Toews growth pattern! I’d like mine to just get all Wendel and grow like 2 inches every night in my sleep!
vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@CheezyPoofs,
Fortunately, the folks around here understand. I still get the jokes like “did your wife throw you out of the house?” “Are you homeless right now?”, but it’s all worth it.
Some people actually say that it looks good and that I should let it really grow out and keep it.
QueenInVan Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
@Stuart, I’ve stopped shaving my legs… What’s a girl to do?
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vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
@QueenInVan,
LOL, I know you didn’t want to ask this crowd that question.
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Gianni_B Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
@QueenInVan, That is priceless! Exactly what my wife said she’s doing next year (she loves the Kings…… not the beard)… I am lucky that she humors me as much as she does!! enjoy your shaving break!
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Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@QueenInVan, @Duncz has vowed to go au naturale, too!!! There will be no Brazilians in Pahrump!! Not this SC run, not EVER!!!
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Steve W Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@Stuart, Maybe @Duncanz can go to that European pool in Vegas, where ‘everyone is totally nude…Liberating”.
SLIM Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@Stuart,
Not even a Jet strip..
aKinginVancouver Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
@QueenInVan, Hey, are you in Vancouver, BC?? If so, we should watch some games?
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Captain’s goin’ to be HEAD to HEAD! Hell of a battle right there…
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***OFFTOPIC*** Game 1 Insider meet up!
For everyone who is going to Game 1 and wants to have a Insider meetup between intermissions and such where do you think is a good place to meet up?
I was thinking Team Store (Bottom Level) or the wall with the big map of all the teams (Upper Level)
I think the Team Store would be more intimidating. What do you guys think?
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pr0cess Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:27 pm
@Subby, im good with whatever!
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Howe9 Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
@Subby, Team Store after the first period.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:36 pm
@Subby,
Map sounds like goid one.
Bring pointers to denote HOCKEYWOOD for the 4-5 home fans that may be in the vicinity!
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KingsFan in OC Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
@Subby, I will be there too! Can’t wait. Doing a dead head out and back same day on Sunday. I assume everyone is wearing black or purple. No whites this game with all the Phoenix white-out stuff.
This is going to be fun! Kings need to just play their game and go right at them.
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Shawm in Arizona Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@Subby,
My 5th grade teacher salary makes it hard to afford a game ticket but are any of the insiders going to meet up at a local eatery in the Glendale/Phoenix area before the game (or after to celebrate!)–I may live in AZ but I am a huge Kings fan as I grew up in Irvine in the 80′s—-I remember the Kings on channel 9 I think it was–good times!
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Shawn in Arizona Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@Shawn in Arizona,
Shawn, not Shawm
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vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@Shawn in Arizona,
Not to be confused with Shaun of the Dead.
Diego Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
@Shawn in Arizona,
Oooookay…?
“We know that when we get out there the crowd is going to be behind us.”
You might be in for a surprise, Keith. I heard 2000 tickets have already been sold on Ticketmaster to the LA area… See ya there.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
@Naturallawyer,
They are gonna be “Yandalized” !!!!
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SLIM Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
@Duncanz,
How will we handle Yandle?
Can’t hold a candle..
Especially in sandals..
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Diego Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 5:02 pm
@Naturallawyer,
The stands are gonna look like a smile with bunch some missing chiclets, perfect..
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Diego Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
@Diego,
* know what i meant…?
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Diego Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
@Diego,
* know what i meant…?
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Shawn in Arizona Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@Diego,
ooookay what?
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Diego Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
@Shawn in Arizona,
Touche!
As I have stated before, this is the team in the West that I believe is going to be the toughest for the Kings to play against. I have great respect for Shane Doan and admire is compliments to Brown and the team, given the last time these two teams played Brown and Doan dropped the gloves. Respect. These two teams are going to battle hard, fight hard, forecheck hard, and flat out play hard. At the end, and I hope its the Kings on top, there is going to be respect.
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I really wish I could go to Phoenix with all of you die-hard Kings fans who are going to represent us so well at Games 1 and 2. From the sound of it, 1/3 of the crowd could be Kings fans. Their “white-out” is going to look like a hockey super-model’s smile – pretty white teeth but half of them missing! GKG!!!
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Howe9 Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
@DesertKing,
I was going to go to Phoenix but then I realized if they lost what a long & expensive trip that would be. Pessemist, I know.
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DesertKing Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
@Howe9,
I was just thinking that if I am not at home with my wife, the mother of my children, what a long and expensive divorce that would be
Besides, now you can save that money for Cup Finals tickets! Optimist, I know
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As our favorite team…Philly packs it up
For the season…Ahh…Too bad….
Hartnell mentions they missed Richards and Carter…
And Holgrem hopes the Kings win it all….
So what do you think?
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Howe9 Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
@SLIM, What do you think?
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@SLIM,
I think I’d like a link…
To read that.
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SLIM Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
You asked…And I deliver..
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=395598
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Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
@SLIM, crazy… Jason has a city in Jersey named after him??? I keed!
SLIM Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@Stuey..
Vorhees…I know..Kinda where they got the mask..
CheezyPoofs Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
@FKA PakiFro, ^^^ THIS!!!
I’ll believe the quote when I see it on the Flyers website, not just some fanboy being cute.
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SLIM Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
@CheezyPoofs,
Then read it to you’re delight…
I guess you could call TSN…Fanboys…
Ye…Of little faith…Get back to me..will ya?
FKA PakiFro Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
Thanks. Very nice to hear they’re pulling for their old pals. I, too, hope the Kings win the Stanley Cup.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
This June.
Respect the Yotes but do not fear them. We took out the Presidents Trophy winners in 5 games and the best defensive team in the league in 4. We prompted the upcoming tade of Sweet Lou and beat his replacement Schnides. We beat a goalie who was unbeatable in Elliott. We roll 4 lines. We play every player in both PP & PK. We have the highest scoring team in the western conference in these playoff’s. We get timely goals from every line & Quick the Qrab has been getting better with each new series. The Yotes beat one team with all offence and no D or goaltending. They beat another team with great D & goaltending but no O. I have seen the Yotes lack finish and have to go to OT because they let teams back in the game late. This Yotes team is really good but in my humble opinion we are simply the better team. Respect the Yotes but do not fear them!
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IceGuy Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
@King Alex,
Amen, Alex, amen.
The Yotes have not played a well balanced team yet – like the one the Kings have become in the playoffs.
Rolling 4 Lines. Scoring from across the lineup. Fierce Defense. And, of course, Quick.
This is going to be a fun series – and I’m pretty sure there’s no sweep ahead.
If we split in Phoenix (well, OK, Glendale) we’re good.
If we take Game 1 – we’re already in their heads.
1. Carter has to step up.
2. 4th & 3rd Lines must CONTINUE to excel.
3. Big bodies in front of Smith at all times (I’m looking at you ‘Cakes).
4. The Power Play MUST make them pay for penalties.
5. Get to the net, but hold back a foot or two for rebounds. Make Smith move more.
6. (or 5A if you like) Cross ice passes – backdoor opportunities – make Smith move more.
7. Lunch pail hockey. Hard. Fast. Steady.
Kings in 6.
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King Alex Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
@IceGuy, We are on the same page! Definately make Smith move & shoot low on him too!
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Arizona Al Reply:
May 11th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@IceGuy, The Kings will take the Coyotes lightly, just as you folks here are doing. Coyotes in 7. 5 if the Kings stay cocky.
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No hockey until SATURDAY? this is absurd! come on NHL, stop acting like the NBA.
GO KINGS!!!!!
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Diego Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@Shuchuk,
Kills the momentum. The viewers that start to get interested and would soon recognize how great Hockey is (with constant exposure) lose interest and stray away. NHL has gotta keep flashing the shiny objects.
Hockey fans will make necessary adjustments to attend/view.
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look we all know anything can happen, lets not get full of are self’s… Please keep the heads even on this one.
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a lot of good vibes coming into this series, but all that admiration goes out the window once things become chippy, and they sure well. I’m glad the kings didn’t take as many emotional plays as the blues wanted them, and I hope that sense of “cool” transfers over. Not only did the kings beat their last two opponents, the ability to emotionally cripple them has been a theme in this playoff run.
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…since we’re in a comparison mode:
Just heard the Blues new ownership press conference…they are crowing about they have “all these finalists for the various awards Backus, Hitchcock, Armstrong. Fantastic regular season 2nd in the league, blah, blah,, BLAH!” I’ll take our Vezina finalist and that we’re still dancing…Go Kings Go!
PS: I’m on my way to NYC and should be in Penn Station about the time all those Ranger fans are heading to the Garden for Game 7…you think I’d be standing out wearing my Kings sweater?
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King Alex Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
@CupRun2012, Show those New Yorkers how we roll in LA!
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Gustavo Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@CupRun2012,
When they ask you if you missed the Phoenix freeway exit, tell them you’re scouting for the 1000s of Kings fans that plan to attend the SCF back east.
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Diego Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@CupRun2012,
Good on ya!!!
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@Stuart – Just saw that you are having the girl!
Congrats man! (not sure if I missed the annoucement before)
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Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
@Lake Forest, I thought I had shared, but yes, it’s a girl! At least 99.9% sure it is.
Thanks man, I might have to call you and @vplaza to get some girl-raising tips!
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Lake Forest Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:16 pm
@Stuart, no tips needed. They (she) will have you wrapped around her finger the second she gets here.
From what I hear, at least now, they are easier than boys. It’s scary when they get older
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Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
@Lake Forest, LOL, and THAT (the future) is exactly what I’m afraid of…
I hope she looks like me so I don’t have to worry about all the boys’ bad intentions!!! LOL
Kissmyblarneystones Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
@Stuart.
Firstly, Congratulations!! Secondly, get your wallet out!!
vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@Stuart,
Lake Forest is right, she’ll have you pretty much wrapped around her finger. BUT, that doesn’t mean that Daddy isn’t still the boss (when Mommy’s not around
).
IMHO, girls are easier than boys before their teen years. My oldest just became a teenager, so check back with me on how that goes in a few years.
That said, both my girls are die-hard Kings fans!
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Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@vplaza, nice!!! Then you’re doing something right!
your parenthetical comment made some heads turn in my office when I blurted out a muffled laugh!
vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@vplaza,
Well, at least that’s what my kids tell me when I ask who the boss is.
IceGuy Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@vplaza,
@Stuart: When date night arrives, always answer the door for the young man. Invite him in. Ask if he’d like a Pepsi. Engage him in conversation, being friendly and polite, while you wait for your daughter to appear. Play it reasonable.
Wardrobe: Underwear, Speedo size, brightly colored. Zori’s optional. Nothing more.
Props: Whetting stone and large kitchen knife (to keep your hands busy during conversation). “Oh, we’re having rump roast while you’re out,” is always a good cover line.
When you ask, “Please have ________ back by 11″, I can assure you he’ll have her back on time.
vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@IceGuy,
Personally, I like the way Martin Lawrence and Will Smith talked to Lawrence’s daughter’s date. I was planning to do that with my brother-in-law when the time came to meet the first bf.
Stuart Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@IceGuy, Classic!!! but 11??? I’m thinking 9:30!
@Blarney, first, thank you! second, wallet is out and wasted…more like a flapped piece of leather
vplaza Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@vplaza,
Sorry, meant to reference the movie, “Bad Boys II” in the above post.
Sorry for the Offtopic-ness.
Diego Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@Stuart,
Congrats. I only had to worry about my boys, not everybody else’s…
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Schelmko? Schelmko? That guy owes me money!
And Brown, Richards, King, Nolan, Fraser and/or Cliffie will turn Oliver-Ekman-Larson into “Ladybug-Onna-Windshield”
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72 hours 12 minutes to game time….but who is counting, anyway?
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