The Kings made it through practice today without any traffic accidents. Including goalies, there were 27 players on the ice (plus coaches). The total has been growing over the last couple weeks. First, third goalie Martin Jones joined the group, followed by AHL players Marc-Andre Cliche and Jake Muzzin. Today, Simon Gagne jumped in, one day short of five months since he suffered a concussion. Gagne skated as an extra, and is not on track to play in any games until the fall, but his appearance on the ice was a positive sign in terms of his long-term ability to play again. Darryl Sutter welcomed him back with an interesting analogy.
SUTTER: “Well, we’re still playing, so he got an opportunity to practice with us. You need lots of live ammo. It’s the same thing when somebody asked a week or so ago. There was no chance then, because he hadn’t even skated with the team. So, all you do is improve your (odds). You go from zero to whatever.’’
The only chance of Gagne playing would be if the Kings suffered a couple injuries to forwards, and even then, that would presume he felt good enough to play. First in line would be Kyle Clifford, who was a lineup regular late in the season but has been a healthy scratch for most of these playoffs as the Kings have gone with a fourth line of Colin Fraser, Brad Richardson and Jordan Nolan. Still, players such as Clifford — and, to some extent, Gagne — give a coach options that he likes to have.
SUTTER: “You need lots of good players. I don’t see too many teams, at any point in the playoffs, that haven’t used a lot of players. Cliffy is probably the youngest player in our room. Experience is a big part of it, not just Cinderella. With the break, and that sense of it, basically what has happened to this team, now and forever probably will never happen again, where you see six-day break, seven-day break. You ask about somebody not playing, we’re thankful, from our standpoint inside the room, with the time we’ve had that’s what we’ve been able to do (is rest).’’
Rooting for NJ. Tickets $110 cheaper on StubHub, no mid-town Manhattan traffic.
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Robert R Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
@Robert R, How about if Bob Miller was allowed a chance to hoist the Cup? He’s waited 40-plus years.
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Stuart Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
@Robert R, I asked a few threads back if he’d be allowed to lace up a pair and hoist the cup, with spotters, of course!
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Robert R Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
@Stuart, No need to lace ‘em up; just roll out a few feet of carpet on the ice.
Funny, here we are discussing what to do with the cup, but we haven’t won it yet. Positive thinking.
Gary Livingston Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@Robert R,
They really should bring him out there if they win and let him do it.
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Joey No-No Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
@Robert R, How much are they for NJ?
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Lafleur Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
@Joey No-No,
320-400 for “cheap” seats. Around 500 at msg
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Joey No-No Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
@Lafleur, Thanks! GO KINGS GO!
luc20rules Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
@Lafleur, Thats upper bowl nose bleed seats. To get into the lower bowl the difference is from $550 NJ to $1,000+ MSG.
Robert R Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@Joey No-No, Just bought sec 231 row 6 $365 incl tax and fees
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Jack Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@Robert R, i havent commited yet to getting any tix…I will reevaluate once I know…I would love for the Devils to win..as I like them, they are 30 min from my place, its cheaper and better views from the cheap seats.
I just dont know if i wanna lay out 800.00 for 2 tix…
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Robert R Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
@Jack, See my response just above
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Scott Reply:
May 28th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
@Robert R, Only $110 dollars cheaper? I was seeing $400-$500 cheaper.
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I know this is a little off topic from this post, but, wouldn’t it be great to see Gretzky and Messier here, maybe to drop the cup for game 3 here? Just a kool thought.
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mcdangles Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:13 pm
@mcdangles, Messier only if Rangers make the finals, that is
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
@mcdangles, Gretz will be at Game 3. He’s been hesitant to take the spotlight away from the team but yeah, that would be cool even if it was him on the ice for the ceremonial drop.
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mcdangles Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I just think it would be fitting that he is there, being he was there for the ’93 cup runneth
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klepto Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
@mcdangles, let’s hope that no ‘drops’ the cup…at least until our boys get to skate around with it for a while.
( Just busting your chops – I obviously know what you meant to say )
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klepto Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
@klepto, now I can’t write. LOL I tried to say ‘ no one drops the cup’.
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if there is an injury to a top 6 guy you HAVE to consider puttingin gagne IMHO
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Donald_S Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
@tornado12,
He’s just not ready. He doesn’t have 2 or 3 regular season games to ease back into it. If a top 6 guy goes down they’ll move up Richie and put Cliffy in on the 4th line. Now if 3 top 6 guys go down…. But lets not dwell on that idea.
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tornado12 Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
@Donald_S, you may be right, but gagne has the experience to overcome some of that though. look at parse or williams last year. they put them in the playoffs and they were not ready physically. SP has far less experience than SG and JW had the experience and did fairly well. I get your point but this is the SCF and SG has been there before. Hopefully, as you alluded, this is all a moot point!
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PW Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
@tornado12, Clifford would be in then Loki as a last resort. Unfortunately, Gagne won’t play.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@PW, According to the rules, the only way Lokti gets his name on the Cup is if he gets in a Finals game. He’s 2 games shy of the regular season requirement and his 2 games during the playoffs don’t count. THAT has got to suck.
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PW Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Yes it does. I can’t wait for him to find his niche in the lineup and be able to maintain a consistent spot. He is talented, just needs to round out his game, especially his defense and back checking.
tornado12 Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), they could petition for him though right? I think he should be if it comes to that…
Stuart Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), he’ll get his name on it next year!
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Yes, any of those guys not qualified can be petitioned by the club. I have no idea how Bettman makes those decisions though.
Kingsation8 Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), STOP WITH THE JINXS! We have not won it(Yet!?)
brian spain Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
@PW, Loktim wont play no matter what, he isn’t good enough, strong enough to play in the Final.
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Newf Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@tornado12, i don’t think so. i think he’s been out way too long. if a top 6 guy goes down, you probably look at moving King or Richardson up, then sticking in Clifford.
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zulov Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
@tornado12, I would move King up before Gags came in – only because Gags hasn’t seen a game in 5 months.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
@tornado12, I don’t think so, IMO. You’ve got Cliffy and Lotky and Westy. Gags is just not ready for this speed.
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@tornado12, How about we stop with the injury if’s.
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brian spain Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@Harrison Merkin, Amen to that. What’s with the negative people in here. Knock it off.
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what I find ridiculous is the NHL mandates that player must always wear a suit when travelling, as if wearing a suit gives them credence as not being a bunch of hooligans who fight a lot and a tie shows they are professional.
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Harty Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
@TheZamboniMechanic2, do you have any idea how many NHL players cannot tie a tie???
this would make you laugh down Hollywood Blvd.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
@TheZamboniMechanic2, Wow. Where’d THAT come from?
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PW Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
@TheZamboniMechanic2, Basketball players is even more comical. It is a business, hence business attire.
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BigSeeGas Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
@TheZamboniMechanic2, i think its cool.
just my opinion though
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Wilmonde Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@BigSeeGas,
I second this. I think it’s really classy to have them all show up in suits and ties.
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brian spain Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@TheZamboniMechanic2, We had to wear ties to school when we had a gold match in High School. It’s just a thing. It was kind of cool. Other kids would ask why I had a tie on and I said I have a golf match today…and they would respond with…what a dork…It was 1982
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Everytime Sutter speaks I just say “yeah, what he said”.
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Richards is a smaller guy by NHL standards, and he has taken some big hits. Brown and Lewis aren’t really big guys either. Everyone has been hit hard over three rounds and this rest will go a long way to being able to play as close to 100% as possible.
As far as subbing goes, Clifford would be next in line for a physical guy up front, Loktionov for a skill guy. If there are many injuries, Cliche could get in there, I really doubt Gagne comes back at all this year. Drewiski would fill in for a defensemen, with Muzzin being next in line after that. It’s nice that the Kings are a pretty young team, they should heal quickly;
only Jones has never played an NHL reg season game.
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PW Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
@Hutch, Don’t forget about Westy.
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Hickey has been part of the ‘Last Taxi’ squad with Cliche, Muzzin and Jones. Guess he was the odd man out today? I didn’t see him so I guess so.
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Simarosa Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I think I read in the last week or so that Hickey was one of the guys who were sent home.
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Translation: For the Gagne hounds, Hammond, and Sutter both toss you a small bone.
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Well we know where everyone sits now in the pecking order.
Hey fans lets stay focused on what we should all be talking about. Hard effort, big times for LA when we secure this puppy (SC) when they get back to game 4 this time.
I have no doubt the Kings sweep and you folks in LA will be the happiest on the planet.
Headlines, “Kings Crown Themselves with SC”.
Don’t say keep it in check, lets get this all started.
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If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Clifford could attest to that.
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I would like to see the Rangers win game 6 in the 3rd OT.
Then whoever wins game 7, wins it in the 3rd or 4th OT.
Rangers / Devils- Keep your foot on the gas boys.
Run out gas then play the Kings on fumes.
Wonderful.
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zulov Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
@ChrisAB, It would be better if the Rangers won the next 2 games in quadruple OT.
That said, you can’t count any team out. It will be hard either way. Boys need to keep the focus 1 game, 1 period, 1 shift.
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brian spain Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
@zulov, its better that the Devils won, it gives the Kings 2 extra days to prepare for them. Don’t worry about the Devils, the Kings worry about themselves, if they play Kings hockey they will win.
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I need 1 ticket to game 4 and 2 to game 6. If anyone can help me out puhpuhpuhplease let me know.
I lost my debit card and didn’t realize till morning and couldn’t buy the ticketsD; ahaha
myspacesubby@yahoo.com
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“whatever” odds are…I predict Gagne will play.He is 100% according to reports.He will play on the 4th line….maybe not the first few games but later in the series…
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fsd1 Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
@neil, respectfully disagree, he might be 100% healthy but no way is he in game shape. Why mess with what is working?
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pr0cess Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
@fsd1, indeed, i think its more of a joke now to say “when is Gagne going to play”
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Kingsfan602 Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@fsd1, agree
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
@neil, All depends on how the series goes and injuries. If your prediction holds true, I believe that means the Kings won’t be doing well.
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tornado12 Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), exactly
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neil Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I was thinking more if Nolan struggles…DS already mentioned the inexperience of Cliffy.For 5 to 7 min. Gagne would be O.K….
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PW Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
@neil, 100% doesn’t mean 100% game ready. I’d say he is %40 game ready. He needs to get his legs, needs to get his lungs, needs to be hit, get his timing with his line, etc. Not going to happen in the next 4-7 games.
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bbb7 Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
@neil, The 4th line needs to be bangers, there’s no way he belongs there, especially if we face the Rangers’ 4th line. Next year for Gagne.
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DesertKing Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
@neil,
The poor guy hasn’t played in a game in 5 months. It takes several weeks to get your timing back. The playoffs are much faster and harder hitting thanthe regular season. Putting him back out there would be tantamount to ending his career. He would just get nailed again and never come back. Let him practice with the team and bring him back next season, if he and his doctors determine the risk is worth it.
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Weasel Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
@neil,
You have the scoop of the playoffs if right. I’d be stunned if it happened. But if it does — you’re the ‘man’!
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I hope Gagne gets his name on the Cup. If we win,of course.
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Harty Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
@kingrussell, what is the rule of thumb who gets their name on the cup, he will get a ring no doubt.
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PW Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
@Harty, 41 regular season games or 1 Finals game appearance. Translation, he will get an awesome ring and a sweet tee shirt and hat.
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Where’s Gagne? left wing, right wing, chicken wing?
Also, I think DS used to write music in the 80′s. “Zero to Whatever” sounds like the title of a surefire 1980′s hit song.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
@DesertKing, Not to mention, “Cindarella”!
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Stuart Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@DesertKing, buck-n-wing?
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DesertKing Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@Stuart,
wing and a prayer
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Stuart Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
@DesertKing, pigs on the wing? pts. 1 and 2!
vplaza Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
@DesertKing,
Broken Wings
Duncanz Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
@DesertKing, Get Your Wings
Weasel Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
@DesertKing,
My car does zero to whatever is 6.0 seconds…..
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Wish they’d find an alternative to having so many players clogging the ice in a single session.
Can this really be conducive to an effective practice?
Hope so.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
@Duncanz, They could practice in a swamp or on the moon or in Death Valley, It doesn’t matter. These guys are locked in….Go Kings Go
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Duncanz Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
@TiredOfIt, Ha ha. Those are some good ideas you have there.
I wonder if Kings management read the blog!
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R2 says that Gagne’s chance of playing went from zero to 725:1. Actually R2 has been known to make mistakes… from time to time… Oh dear…
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Go Kings Go!
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bbb7 Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
@Gail Web, short and sweet!
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lakingbob(chi) Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
@bbb7, Gail is the only in sane one here with the insiders,,, GO KINGS GO.. thats it ,just keep on going to the finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Gail Web Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@lakingbob(chi), Yep thanks no words can really express my feelings about how I love and loved the Kings for the pass 24 years!
Except for going to the games, still do, and I will be there as usual to scream on for my boys!
Go Kings Go!
Kompon – “Simon is the answer to improving the PP”
Reporter – “But he isn’t expected to pay in the Finals?”
Kompon – “The Finals? I’m talking about next season. When did we get to the Finals?”
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DesertKing Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
@DesertKing,
“play” not “pay”
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
@DesertKing, Maybe the reporter meant dinner
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I agree that Gagne will be a great part of this team next year but I would be shocked if he sees action this year. This team needs no fixing or tinkering. They just need an opponent.
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Just got my tix for game 4. Really excited for the series to begin. I’ve been kicking myself the last 19years
for not buying a ticket in 1993
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Weasel Reply:
May 25th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
@Tweeners,
In 93 I couldn’t talk any of my friends into going — Ended up watching each game at the local Red Robin with the other 5-10 hockey fans in Canoga Park….
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IF we win the cup,,,I wonder how the team will feel next season…hungrier and meaner? relaxed? everyone will be gunning for them. But technically, we could be better next year and take a president’s cup and do well again in playoffs…I really wish the team could remain intact…i think they have a unique camaraderie/chemistry thing going and would love to see them again.
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Rich,
I have a TShirt idea. Is there a contact for Kings merchandise?
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Is it just me, or reading Sutter’s quotes is like listening to Rocky Balboa?
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O T
This has to be in the top three moronic posts of the playoffs.
The TSN article was about Doughty’s play in the playoffs.
After criticizing Doughty ( overpaid, overrated, etc.),
this phi beta kappa candidate goes on to say
” as I said before, the only reason the KINGD are still in the playoffs
is that all the good teams are out”
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