Tuesday skate updates; Leiweke’s long day

It was a light morning skate for the Kings, as expected, with only Willie Mitchell and the players expected to be scratched on the ice. Mitchell is something else. As the oldest player on the team, he almost never misses a practice — even the practices that are totally optional — and he’s regularly the last skater on the ice in practice and in pregame warmups.

Over in Scottsdale, the Coyotes held their morning skate, and it’s still possible that defenseman Adrian Aucoin will rejoin the Coyotes’ lineup tonight. As Jerry Brown of NHL.com noted — link here — Aucoin’s return would give the Coyotes a veteran defenseman to pair with younger Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Phoenix could return to the strong pairing of Rostislav Klesla and Michal Rozsival. Aucoin’s status is considered a game-time decision. Here’s what Tippett said about Aucoin’s possible return…

TIPPETT: “Well, right now, anybody that can jump in and help would be great. But Adrian has been in and out of our lineup for a while here. We have capable people if he can’t play. If he can play, he’s been a good player for us. We’ll see where it goes.’’

Finally, Tim Leiweke better load up on the caffeine. Leiweke, the Kings’ governor, was in Arizona for Game 1 on Sunday, then flew to Washington, D.C., to join the Galaxy, as the MLS champions visited the White House today. Shortly after this photo was taken, Leiweke rushed to a plane to get back to Arizona, to get here for tonight’s opening faceoff.

133 Comments

  1. Blake says:

    I’ve never heard a bad thing about mitchell, can’t believe Vancouver gave him up but I’m glad they did.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @Blake, As I’ve said, it’s not only the Kings who give up “talented players.” It’s just about timing in one’s career in sports. Can’t blame the organization or the player.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @Blake, he was hurt, thought he was bad-baggage. We took a risk in taking him on, just like Gagne.

    [Reply]

    P1 Kings Fan Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Concussion issue with WM, no?

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Blake, I’m glad WM didn’t give up on the Kings and signed and extention just before the Carter trade. I think those 2 things sparked the Kings playoff run at the end of the season as did Sutter taking the reins did in Dec. WM with Kings for 2 more years, and I hope a few more after that. Lets keep him until he retires. ;)

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

  2. TheAcaciaStrain says:

    I was at the game where the Galaxy beat the Dynamo last season, what a great game that was, now it’s the Kings turn to bring home their respective trophy. GO KINGS GO!
    Fire Bettman

    [Reply]

    hockeyguy24 Reply:

    @TheAcaciaStrain, I am curious why fire bettman?

    [Reply]

    vinny Reply:

    @TheAcaciaStrain, lol

    [Reply]

    jake1000 Reply:

    @TheAcaciaStrain, WHO CARES ABOUT SOCCER….It’s all about the Kings.

    [Reply]

  3. rogiesbackup says:

    Kings will be in the White House too!!!

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, Rich, I don’t mind you deleting this.

    [Reply]

    vinny Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, hahahahahahaha

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, seriously, dude? Politics aside it’s an honor to be received at the White House.

    [Reply]

    AliCali Reply:

    @dMan, If you notice, it’s the same poster saying it’s okay to be deleted. I think it’s a jinx thing.

    dMan Reply:

    AliCali, thanks. I had not noticed. After reading further down and seeing what transpired, I think it makes sense.

  4. Sebastian says:

    very cool…hoping for the Kings to have a similar photo with Mr President and MR Stanley in the very near future. A win tonight gets us 1 win closer! GKG

    [Reply]

    LuckyEleven Reply:

    @Sebastian, it’s LORD Stanley sir…GKG!

    [Reply]

  5. tornado12 says:

    i doubt the return of Aucoin will effect the Kings gameplan. They will continue to dominate if they keep up the effort and relentless pursuit of the puck they have displayed over the last month.

    [Reply]

    Capt Jam Reply:

    @tornado12,

    “relentless” – that’s the perfect word to describe the Kings.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @tornado12, If Sutter changes the line it’ll really f(*&%$ up Tippet. I mean his head will just explode.

    With the way Kings are playing with passion it won’t matter who their line mates are.

    [Reply]

  6. Capt Jam says:

    I got a high five from Uncle Timmy at Margaritaville outside the Jobing Arena prior to G1. Haven’t washed my hand since and not intending to wash it before the Cup is handed to our Captain.

    Go Kings Go!!!

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @Capt Jam, Ewww.

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @Capt Jam, Stink palm! Stink palm!

    [Reply]

    Capt Jam Reply:

    @mrbrett7,

    LOL.

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @mrbrett7, Yeah but I’ve had that after not washing my gloves for a long time,lol.

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @LVKINGS88, Wash your gloves? I never have actually…maybe that’s why my hands stink for 3 days after a game? Huh? Ya Think?

    Michael J. Reply:

    @LVKINGS88,

    Simple solution-just wear the gloves until the palms are gone-no more stink! Works for me :)

  7. 370455VinSD says:

    I have to work until 7 tonight and will DVR the game and start it when I get home. I’m not sure I will survive.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @370455VinSD, I do that all the time just to fast forward the commercials, but it’s been tough to do in the play-offs.

    [Reply]

    370455VinSD Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, I like to follow the blog along with the game and you can’t really do that if you start it late. Hopefully I can catch up to live before the end of the game.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @370455VinSD, Yes, it’s fun to do that and input during the game, unfortunately I don’t have an Iphone. :(

    Niko Reply:

    @370455VinSD, That’s the hardest part, checking the blog is the first thing I do whenever on the computer. Especially at work or school when I am waiting to watch the DVR game. Needless to say this site and my habits prevents me from keeping any score secret lol.

  8. Duncanz says:

    Beckham: “Washington was a hockey town once.”

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @Duncanz, I thought I saw a sign in from a kings fan FIRST row that said something to the effect of, “L.A, Canada’s NEW hockey city.” Was LMAO!!!!!

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Duncanz, Hey man… we’re in 3rd row behind King’s bench. Same section as last time. I’ll text you if there’s an open seat.

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @LA_1968, We’ll see you first of course.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @LA_1968,
    Landing shortly at Ground Harbor Roadport on Foggy Dog Land Landlines!
    If you figure all of that out, come pick me up?!

  9. iansez says:

    Did the Galaxy keeper attend? )

    [Reply]

    Capt Jam Reply:

    @iansez,

    He’s stuck in a cab. A Boston cab.

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @Capt Jam, hahaah maybe Peggy can help him out too

    [Reply]

    Ashykon Reply:

    @iansez, Hahaha

    [Reply]

  10. Not to mention he was in Houston on Saturday attending MLS Dynamo game…

    [Reply]

    Steve W Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I thought Oscar De La Hoya’s group bought the Dynamo from AEG?

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Steve W,

    Oscar bought half of it but AEG still runs it. I think AEG wants to sell the other half too.

    [Reply]

  11. BrokeKingsFan says:

    Mitchell is the man! talk about a lead by example guy and someone who pretty much epitomizes a role model IMO. Great vet to have around our young guys showing them how a true professional goes about their business.

    [Reply]

    LuckyEleven Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, couldn’t agree more. A true gem to have on our team!

    [Reply]

  12. lowegirl says:

    I love Mitchell. I would go on and on about him but I am trying to wipe out the fact that I had to look at a picture of someone I wouldn’t vote for if my LIFE depended on it, on my favorite news source hockey info interweb site. Not cool.

    [Reply]

    vinny Reply:

    @lowegirl, lol..ill do it for you..great guy, a believer like us, dedicated, hard working, smart, dependable, overall bad motha fisher, who’ll drop the gloves with anyone, and lead the way for the younger guys to follow!

    [Reply]

    lowegirl Reply:

    @vinny,

    Well said. Mitchell is one of my faves.

    [Reply]

  13. Rich Hammond says:

    It took 20 minutes for this to devolve into political garbage. Much longer than I expected.

    [Reply]

    mark4kings Reply:

    @Rich Hammond, Sad, but it was bound to happen.

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Rich Hammond,

    I don’t see anything about Tim Thomas… Or, my need for a good RichWich, right now!

    By the way, what’s in a RichWich?

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

    A Hammer! :D

    …..or money?

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @Rich Hammond, Haha…….thanks for deleting the political garbage.

    There’s only ONE party in this blog it’s called The Kings Party!!! GKG

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, We’re all in the “same party!!” GKG

    [Reply]

    LuckyEleven Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, Thank you. Kings party rules!!!

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, That’s a party I have been in for 22 years,lol.

    [Reply]

    Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:

    @Rich Hammond,

    “political garbage” = Tautological

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    Is that a brand of sausage?
    #StillHungry

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    Take it easy with those 5 syllable words there, waves!

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @Rich Hammond, Darn…I missed it! Quick draw on the delete’s there Rich.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @mrbrett7, It wasn’t much, but definitely political bias and their opinion for which affiliation they were tied to.

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Okay, good…I don’t like missing out on the fun!

    Michael J. Reply:

    @mrbrett7,

    I missed it too. Another reason why “work” is a four-letter word.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @Rich Hammond, That’s rather easy to understand with a political photo plastered across the top. I don’t understand how you can’t notice when you are introducing the politics.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    Oh, and to be perfectly clear. I don’t have a “side.”

    [Reply]

    Rich Hammond Reply:

    It’s a picture of a team at the White House. There’s no political commentary, and none needs to be introduced here, nor will be introduced here. Thank you.

    [Reply]

    Steve Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, The Galaxy would have been photographed with the president no matter who it was or what party they are from. I’m no fan of Obama, but it would still be an honor to meet him and be recognized by the elected leader of our nation.

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Rich Hammond,

    Wow…….a whole 20 minutes?

    Musta been the picture?

    I missed it……..cooked me some lunch. :D

    [Reply]

  14. I loved this video of Mitchell last Wednesday. He was out there for so long after everyone else was gone… http://youtu.be/hdYpQjhDH6Y?hd=1

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Dudes a STUD! so glad we have him locked up for 2 more years. Even if we dont win the cup while he’s a King he is still a champion in my book!

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, That’s a pretty wicked wind up, too!!! He even gave you an up close and personal looked around 1:29.

    He is such a sound dman!!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
    I spend 25:21 of every game yelling, “Get the puck to Willie in space at the point!”
    There’ll be games when all this extra practice will pay off royally for the Kings!
    WIllie Mitchell for President!!!!

    (sorry @Brown for President & MR …… )

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @Duncanz, I would love to have a Mitchell in the White House, can a Canadian become our Prez?
    “I’m Matthew Mitchell and I approve this message”

    [Reply]

    Steve W Reply:

    @LVKINGS88, Only if he was born in the US.

    PRMan Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Awesome video.

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),

    WM looks and acts like a caged lion. Man, he is focused. By the way, I want my own rink all to myself too!

    [Reply]

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Are you still liking those now “newish” skates? As I recall, they looked pretty “shiny” & new at that Suite Game! :D

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Kingsfanone,

    Yes, and I am going to have them “baked” too. I still haven’t fallen while wearing them, something my elbows, knees and back are very happy about :) I hope we have a similar “Shoot, Suite and Skate Night” next season. Maybe they will bring the Cup out and let us skate around while holding it over our heads?

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    Ok……..let’s not get THAT crazy!

    Besides, we wouldn’t be allowed to lift it over our heads. Policy.

  15. Niko says:

    WM wants the cup more than anyone!

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @Niko, I actually think you’re right about this. You can see it in the way he prepares and plays.

    Now, I’m sure everyone wants it bad, but that man is playing on another level right now.

    [Reply]

    Steve Reply:

    @Niko, I know Doughty’s playing pretty well and that he has a lot of skill, but I don’t see him playing with the focus of Willie Mitchell.

    [Reply]

    LuckyEleven Reply:

    @Steve, He will someday very soon. After all the bs last summer. I’m sure glad DD is a King for many years to come. WM is a great role model for the young D men.

    [Reply]

  16. Tom says:

    I saw him and the guy next to him in that photo along with Luc and a few others Sunday after the game at YardHouse
    They were in a great mood answered all that wore Black to the game

    [Reply]

  17. rogiesbackup says:

    Check out the what underrated means and you’ll see definition in Websters

    1)Willie Mitchell, Rob Scuderi, Matt Greene, 2)Drew Doughty, Slava Voynov 3) Alec Martinez

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, A-Mart takes the cake IMO as far as the underrated one on our D. Mitch, Scuds, Greener, Dewey, and Slava have all got thier fare share of ink and praise but people normally fail to mention or credit Martinez. Guy is playing great IMO and completly solidifies our D-core.

    [Reply]

    rogiesbackup Reply:

    @BrokeKingsFan, Was in no particular order, but I’m pointing out the WHOLE Defense.

    [Reply]

    BrokeKingsFan Reply:

    @rogiesbackup, I realize that….was just saying out of all our D-man A-mart gets the least amount of press and Kudos from people and has been playing as solid as you could ask for. Your point about our D being underrated is well taken and while i dont necessarily agree (seeing as we were the #2 defensive team in the league) Martinez seems to go un-noticed by many alot more than the others(at least non Kings fans).

  18. Steve says:

    Dustin Brown is now 13th all-time in Kings playoff scoring!

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @Steve, Not sure if that makes me happy or sad.

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Exact same thought went through my head.

    [Reply]

  19. DesertKing says:

    So much for no politics on the blog………..Soccer sucks……..

    [Reply]

    iansez Reply:

    @DesertKing, you obviously missed the EPL season end last Sunday, absolutely amazing sports action.

    [Reply]

    Sebastian Reply:

    @iansez, that was absolutely amazing. and people say the lack of a playoff structure to decide a champion is boaring. what a great finish by City!

    [Reply]

    iansez Reply:

    @Sebastian, it reminds me of that great Kings comeback against the Wings in the playoffs game many years ago. I was there and you’re at the point when you think “there is no chance”, you’re despondant, (my dipshit Van-fan buddy was sitting next to me grinning like an idiot), all hope is seemingly lost….then it happens they score, and it happens again and the electricity is just incredible! There’s something about going from agony to elation, it’s a hell of a ride..you could see what those Man City supporters went thru..

    DesertKing Reply:

    @iansez,

    Yes, I missed it. I had something more important to pay attention to – KINGS HOCKEY (and that Mother’s day thing too). I don’t even know what an “EPL” is other that it must be a later version of the DPL (?). I just can’t seem to get into a sport where the players wear jerseys that say “BIMBO” on them and they play on fields covered in confetti. Each time I have watched it, I feel like I am watching a mix between Casucks hockey and the WWF. Every game seems to have commentators from NBC speaking with different accents, none of which I can understand until they scream/rasp/gurgle/choke/spit out “GOGOGOGOGOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Arhentinnnnnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!. Sorry, I don’t need the theatircs, just the Bob Miller version of “He shoots, he scores!”

    [Reply]

    iansez Reply:

    @DesertKing, yeah well that’s fine, it’s still the most popular sport in the world and if you can’t appreciate it, doesn’t actually mean that it “sucks”.

    P1 Kings Fan Reply:

    @DesertKing, hahaha, you make me laugh!

    DesertKing Reply:

    @iansez

    Wine is the most popular drink in the world and it sucks too :) Go Pepsi One!

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @DesertKing,

    I can’t drink wine. Redundant. :D

    iansez Reply:

    @DesertKing, wrong again it’s water, a desert dweller really should know that.

    Steve Reply:

    @DesertKing, Soccer rules. Go Galaxy!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @DessertKing,
    Not as much as being cornfielded for repling innocently to @fortunato, unfortunately …

    ( sorry, Rich 8) )

    [Reply]

    Steve W Reply:

    @DesertKing, No, Baseball sucks!!

    [Reply]

  20. fourtunato says:

    @Duncanz, I have already been chastised for “political garbage” even though I don’t think I said anything inflammatory, so I’m going to just say GO KINGS!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @fourtunato, Unmittigatedly agreed … 8)

    [Reply]

    BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:

    @fourtunato,

    Sausage is a dish best server HOT…

    #I’mStillHungry

    [Reply]

  21. rogiesbackup says:

    I hope Aucoin will play, if he’s been in/out of line – up this will help the Kings.

    [Reply]

    Steve Reply:

    @rogiesbackup,

    Q: What do you get when you add an average player to an average team?

    A: An average team.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @rogiesbackup,
    I wonder if Aucoin is any good in the slot …

    [Reply]

    vinny Reply:

    @Duncanz, lol no credits

    [Reply]

  22. Sammuch says:

    Hey Smyth, do you still want to be an Oiler?!…

    [Reply]

    Steve Reply:

    @Sammuch, We already have a Smtyh!

    Conn Smythe!

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @Steve, +1

    [Reply]

  23. Steve says:

    7 more to go Kings fans!

    No joke. I had a dream last night of Brown hoisting Lord Stanley’s cup at Game 4 against the Rangers. I was crying in my dream.

    [Reply]

    dMan Reply:

    @Steve, Well, either way, it appears you will be crying. ;-)

    [Reply]

    Brian in Wildomar Reply:

    @Steve, THAT IS AWESOME!!!!

    [Reply]

  24. Forum Gold says:

    It’s May 15th and we have a game TONIGHT. Thanks Kings, this is so much fun and the best is yet to come. GO KINGS GO!!!

    [Reply]

  25. bbb7 says:

    OT a bit, but it’s been amazing and a pleasure to have THREE articles per day in the LA Times sports section about the Kings in this round. I can’t remember the last time they got that much attention; probably in 93. There’s not much ‘news’ in there for Insiders cause we get WAY more coverage from Rich (and a day earlier to boot), but at least it exposes the team’s success to more casual LA sports fans and increases the awareness that we have a damn good hockey club in town.

    Game on! All I ask for is MORE OF THE SAME!

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @bbb7,

    Have you noticed that most of the articles you read contain words, phrases and lines driectly from Rich’s stories? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, PALGIARISM SUCKS (sorry Dom)!

    [Reply]

    bbb7 Reply:

    @DesertKing, I dont know if it’s so much plagiarism as much as the Times reporters and Rich are at the same press conferences and player chats. I might be wrong tho.

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    @bbb7, I think the press feel guilty when they wait until the have to cover the Kings because they’re an unavoidable story, so they try to “make up.”

    [Reply]

  26. JAYC says:

    So…im leaving on the 21st till the probably the 29th/30th going on a road trip (can’t get out of it) say we finish this series in 5 or 6 although the way we dominated them in G1 it should be over in 4 and say the eastern conference goes to game 6 or 7. when would the SCF start? I wish i was going to leave and im thinking of sorts of excuses to get out of it lol

    [Reply]

    JAYC Reply:

    @JAYC, *wasn’t going

    [Reply]

    Steve W Reply:

    @JAYC, I’m leaving on the 20th. for about 2 weeks. Bad timing, but hopefully I can catch some of the games in Mexico City. Remember being in Mexico years ago during the playoffs. One of the Mexican stations was broadcasting in Spanish. That would be cool to hear ‘ Goooollll de Dustin Brownnnn!

    [Reply]

  27. Shotongoal says:

    @Margaritaville, any takers???

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Shotongoal,
    I’M A TAKER !

    [Reply]

  28. Duncanz says:

    MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL KINGS FANS IN ARIZONA

    Anyone suffering under the sizzling Arizona sun right now, good news is on the horizon!
    All 400 lbs + of The Rt Honarable @Kissmyblarneystones is about to hit town – like a meteor from outer space!
    I suggest everybody gathers to his easterly side for the remainder of the afternoon as I have been informed there will enough shade for over a hundred regular human beings!

    (@SVELTE, 1000s in your case … )

    [Reply]

    DesertKing Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Yep, Armageddon all over again ;)

    [Reply]

    SLIM Reply:

    @Duncanz,
    When I turn side-ways…
    I disappear…

    [Reply]

  29. Steve W says:

    Rich, apologies for the earlier posts. Wasn’t trying to start WWIII, just tried to make a humorous response to one of the posts. Since this is an election year south of the 49th., and west of the Yukon and BC, I guess everyone would be on edge. Again, apologies, and thanks for the deletion. Go Kings,and, even though I’m not a fan, but hate the Lakers, go OKC and the Clippers!

    [Reply]

    Rich Hammond Reply:

    Thanks. No worries. It’s just that even the most innocuous comment can send things spiraling off-course. No need to apologize, but thanks.

    [Reply]

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