Media day stories, video interviews

It’s been a media overload day today, but for those who just can’t get enough, here’s more on the eve of the Stanley Cup Finals. First, my LAKings.com story for today looks at the impact that Kings captain Dustin Brown has made in this postseason, both because of his scoring and because of his physical play. Thanks for reading…

Captain Brown leads the way

Also, thanks to the hard work of the KingsVision team, there are a ton of interviews from today’s media session. I’ll embed the interviews with Jonathan Quick, Dustin Brown and Darryl Sutter, followed by links to the rest of the video interviews…

Jonathan Quick

Dustin Brown

Darryl Sutter

Drew Doughty

Justin Williams

Dean Lombardi

Anze Kopitar

Dustin Penner

Jeff Carter

Mike Richards

Matt Greene

Jarret Stoll

Simon Gagne

158 Comments

  1. Klong says:

    I’m on information overload but I can’t get enough of this. I’m so hyped up and can’t wait for the series to start tomorrow.

    [Reply]

    David R Reply:

    @Klong, I hate this stuff, my friend loves it, all the pre game analysis during regular games he would watch intently, i guess i get it since there is nothing else going on. But glad a basketball game was on, but I did notice some similarities between the Canucks and basketball players, they both stare at refs for calls in the middle of action.

    [Reply]

  2. DesertKing says:

    Hang in there Rich, only 2 more weeks!

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @DesertKing, Likely a week from today. Or are you counting a week of celebrations? :-)

    [Reply]

    David R Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, yeah, we win in 4 so i can shave this beard off

    [Reply]

    Stuart Reply:

    @David R, +1 for my wife

  3. stagger says:

    Thanks Rich, A Cup Final worth performance from you as well.

    [Reply]

  4. Duncanz says:

    Rich Hammond wins the Stanley Cup for Pullitzerism!

    [Reply]

  5. PurpleRocks says:

    Thanks Rich!

    Glad to see Gagne was keeping the faith a grew a playoff beard! Since I am female and can’t grow a beard I did the next best thing and have my fingernails painted silver with black crackle on top – looks pretty cool! Or I guess I could pull my hair into a ponytail aronud my chin and make a beard! :)

    Why is DS wearing Devils colors on media day?!

    It’s been a long week – the wait is almost over!

    LGK!!!! GKG!!!! LGK!!!! GKG!!!!

    [Reply]

    KingsFanInPortland Reply:

    @PurpleRocks, I was wondering why DS was wearing Devils colors too!

    Hopefully it’s some kind of superstition he has or a lapse in judgement and not signs of things to come.

    [Reply]

    FiG17 Reply:

    @PurpleRocks,

    Purple with silver crackle for me! :)

    [Reply]

    toemas_sandstrom Reply:

    @PurpleRocks, Well, there is another kind of “beard” you can grow!!! Easy, easy…I’m talking armpits!!!

    [Reply]

    King Cobra Reply:

    @toemas_sandstrom, Naughty, Naughty

    [Reply]

    gralx Reply:

    @toemas_sandstrom, NOBODY wants that LOL

    [Reply]

  6. A bit off topic but I just watched the end of the Kings Leafs game 7 replay from 93. Loved listning to Bob and Jim call the game! Jim didn’t talk much during the games back then. Holy Mullets and Penalties! Did Melrose have a dead animal on his neck? If the games were officiated the way they are today they would have needed sin bins the size of @Duncanz trailer. Hooking holding and triping oh my! Play after play I found myself yelling for calls but they never came. One last thing I noticed was that the Kings dressed 7 d-men that night. I saw Hardy chillin in full gear on the back corner of the bench. When was the last time an NHL team dressed a player besides the goalie and didn’t play him?

    Lots of good and sad memories during that run to the finals. I just remembered that I bought the VHS highlight video after that season. Good thing I still have an old VHS DVD combo unit in the game room. Gonna fire it up tonight! Speaking of videos. Does anyone know if any additions were made to the video that ran on the score board right before game three during the Blues Kings series? That was one of the best.

    Sleep well my fellow Kings fans! I can hardly stand it! 19 years seems like a lifetime. I guess it was worth it cause It feels REAL DAM GOOD RIGHT NOW!!!

    GKG! GKG!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @illegalstick33,
    It was that double-wide curved stick that stole the big show in ’93.
    Although truthfully, it really had as much effect on the Kings season then as Clowe’s stick did on the Kings season this time round. Just two coincidental iconic items of criminality, really. Sideshows.
    So tomorrow is the biggest day in Kings hockey since sometime (maybe ‘that’ time) since ’93.
    The tension rises by the hour, by the minute, by the second.
    Any Kings maniac in his oxymoronic right mind will not be able to (go to) sleep properly tonight, and will be alert and abuzz at the crack of dawn tomorrow.
    I could easily libel you all, but you know who you are.
    Leave your signatures below if you like.
    Anyhow, in case you hadn’t noticed,
    The time IS NOW !!!
    It’s about to get CRAZY up in here!!!!!

    GKG GKG !!!!!!!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, Present Sir….

    [Reply]

    Puckhandler Reply:

    @Duncanz, I’m more excited than I can stand to be. By the power of greyskull I pray to the Hockey Gods to look upon our Kings kindly.

    [Reply]

    David R Reply:

    @Puckhandler, WEEEEEEEEEEEE HAVEEEEEEEEEE THE POWEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

    Kman Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Yunno I’m always lurking here somewhere – posting or not.

    Took the full day off, I’m ALL Kings tomorrow !!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    Lurking like a Caiman, @Kman!
    What nice sharp teeth you have..

    Stuart Reply:

    @Duncanz, so yesterday this guy at work walked by and asked if I was nervous, I matter-of-factly said no because I wasnt… so then I’m watching the replay of game 5 last night and lo and behold I couldn’t sleep thinking about today and the next few days!! Damn you Kings for making my life more about you than about anything else right now!!! Win it for my nerves! Win it for my heart! Win it for my sanity! just WIN it!!!

    GKG

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Duncanz, If it wasn’t for that double wide curved stick as you call it, the Kings would of never made it to the cup to begin with.

    [Reply]

  7. Gailweb says:

    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

    King Cobra Reply:

    @Gailweb,
    Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

  8. TiredOfIt says:

    Another sleepless night of Mr. Hammond’s stories, insight and interviews. Love it…Thank you Rich

    [Reply]

  9. TiredOfIt says:

    Is anybody else getting the feeling that Gagne is going to play? I just watched his interview and he sounds very anxious.

    [Reply]

    PurpleRocks Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, I did notice in his video he said he hasn’t played a playoff game YET – makes me wonder. Also it is curious that Gagne has a video but Lewis, Richardson, Fraser, King, and Nolan don’t. I guess time will tell. I’m sure though that if there is any chance he will play DS would try to keep it under wraps as long as possible.

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @PurpleRocks, True…plus he might be thinking of getting him in for one game so he can get his name on the prize.

    [Reply]

    gralx Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, I THINK it was discussed in earlier threads that he would have to get into 2 games.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Purple Rocks, A la D.Sedin, Petro, Aucoin … gee, if that isn’t diminishing returns …
    Now it’s a race between Talinder and Gags to see who can be the anti-Savard, or however you want to characterize it!

    @TiredOfIt, Posted last night (guess you saw it, right?) that he came across as exactly that, anxious, as he left practice Sunday afternoon.
    He was very eager to emphasize to the attending fans that he was back in black and totally ready to play.
    It was positively dripping off him!

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, Of course I saw it…I plagiarize better than anyone….well not anyone….LOL

    [Reply]

    Cruiznblue Reply:

    @TiredOfIt,

    Well he is definitely itching to get back in the line-up…that’s for sure.

    I think bringing him in would be a huge boost for the Kings not just cuz of his on ice game…but as an excitement factor similar to when Nolan/King were called up.

    The question is…with his style of game…where do you put him?

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Cruiznblue, Exactly…..I’d have to say Richardson, or Nolan but I don’t like either move. I don’t think in all my years as a Kings fan we’ve ever had this issue….

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, I could totally see Gagne getting in on the fourth line in place of Richardson.

    [Reply]

    Kman Reply:

    @Osaka,

    Changing my mind here, but I might be able to see that as well. Just not for Game 1.

    Lots of Kings fans will protest a ’4th line’ role, but it might be perfect. 6-8 minutes of ice time and maybe jump out for PP2 unit.

    I would not have said this 3 weeks ago, however, if Gags is healthy and WANTS to skate maybe lettem rip. We made it this far – let’s see how the first game shakes out.

    [Reply]

    jorb Reply:

    @Kman, This is the exact type of role he should be used in, limited minutes but a chance to contribute to our sagging PP.

    A couple years ago during the Flyers cup run, Gagne came back early from an injury because the Flyers were facing elimination vs Boston, he only scored the OT winner in game 4 and lead the comeback from a 0-3 series deficit.

    If we completely dominate the Devils without him in the lineup it might be hard to add him in, but I’m pretty sure this is going to be a close series and we could use the extra firepower.

    KC23 Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, yep, I think DS has something up his sleve regarding Gagne.

    [Reply]

  10. TiredOfIt says:

    Who is the biggest star you’ve seen in L.A? That’s a question?…..C’mon

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, … for … ?

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, Penner……Stoll……C’mon…..(funny)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt,
    Not understanding the exact tenor of the question.
    I’m sure it’s dancing all around my hat, but …
    Do you mean as far as, who’s the biggest name in hockey you’ve seen about the village, and to anecdotalize said largish entity?

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, No these media guys asking the players who the biggest star is that they saw in L.A….C’mon

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, Oh, I get it. Sorry, was out all day and missed Rich’s not-so-illustrious colleagues distinguishing themselves in such fashion.
    I’m sure NHL Tonight will enlighten me in a few minutes.
    My answer to that would have been “Alpha Centauri”, but that’s just me I guess.
    Maybe I should sell jokes to Penner … and hope he doesn’t ask me for his Nickelback.
    (that was a new spin on an old broken record, @jesst, I know!)

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, Check it out you’ll love it….and check out the tilt towards Newark from this thing

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt,
    I’m sure I will.
    But you know from last night that my intense West Coast bias against the insanely palpable East Coast bias took a sudden 540 deg turn for the worse and then ran into a wall yesterday after NHLN, against anyone’s Bettman judgement, displayed the “Three Amigos” in all their inglorious bastardism, on the front patio of Jimmy Buffettville, for all the hockey world to scoff at.
    Anyhow, after that little 3 second ex-poe-zay, I am now a confirmed supporter of their otherwise outlandish coverage, and will now be advocating for contract extensions for all concerned in bringing us this comprehensively compelling television!

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, Oh man I forgot that spin on it…..instead of bowing towards the west before bed you’ll be bowing North towards the satellite path from NHLN. You are forever indebted to NHLN and therefore are never going to understand where the lowly surfs of the non tv world are coming from. I pity the fool, and that fool is me

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt,
    You know it!
    @Tweety Birdwatch_R can’t even go out the front archway of his freshly purchased mansion these days.
    Told me he’s had the Beckhams battling the Brangelinas for curbspace out front to snap photos, even!

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, I’m sure the guy asking that question repeatedly is doing a story on that theme but they’re serious about that back there. I went to school in NY and took some friends to LA and we saw James Earl Jones crossing on the down escalator in the airport. They could not believe their eyes. They told everyone and still tell the story.

    I’m surprised that none of the players answered @Duncanz, @Jeff_R or @kissmyblarneystones.

    Beckham isn’t a movie star but he got screwed.

    John Candy is still the best. Hands down.

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @LA_1968, Yes he was….and your right about Los Tres Amigos….totally dissed by the players

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, It’s a tie between all those who served in the Military for our great country.

    [Reply]

  11. Duncanz says:

    T-minus WIPE ‘EM OUT, WESTY!!!

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, Hahahaha……..who’s next?…I know

    [Reply]

  12. Underdog says:

    Rad!!!

    [Reply]

  13. Guss says:

    Dam this blog is awesome o became an alcoholic id rarely post anywYs been
    Fan since 05.

    Posted minorly in 08-09 But kings are in the finals now crazy eh? Been a long ride congrats to those kings fan who have been around for a long time !! ( I’m 20.) So let’s gkg!! I’ll still be around when we fall forever!!!! Gkg!!!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Guss,
    With Gussto!

    [Reply]

  14. TiredOfIt says:

    Either I’m very perceptive to this NJ bias thing, or I’m one paranoid (add word or words here) The NHL network, during Luc’s interview, shows the highlights from the ’93 finals game and a shot of McSorely and “the measurement”? Then a shot of Desjardin’s goal in O.T. to win game 2? I’ve been watching this channel for four hours and they have shown the NJ commercial 12 times? C’mon. Go Kings…regardless or the dis-respect from the rest of the hockey world.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt,
    ” … paranoid kovalchucker!”
    Howd’ya like them rotten apples?!

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, Thats a cornfielder right there

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TOI,
    I think RH is probably horribly jetlagged.
    I seem to be skating through under the radar since the team took off.
    Wonder just how long before he gets his Eastern Seaboardlegs and starts culling!.

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, After the NHLN episode, “The Boys Are Back In Town”, Free blogger passes for life have been chiseled into the base of the WG statue in front of TSC for the “3″ amigos

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt,
    Sweet thoughts not to go to bed by, ‘cos I’m probably just staying up all night. To heck with even trying.
    Btw TSC is really ‘Toyota Sports Center’, as opposed to the ‘Stapler’..

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, Damn those acronyms

  15. Itchy says:

    Anybody catch the interview where they ask Penner about Quickie wearing his hood? Tells them, he’s channeling his inner Eminem.

    I lawled…

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Itchy, was that mom’s spaghetti?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Scratchy,
    HOODEY!

    [Reply]

    Darrell Reply:

    @Itchy, He’s a
    Hoodie
    Ninja

    [Reply]

  16. Duncanz says:

    T-minus Davy Taylor & Bob Berry!

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, IF you get the next one you are a hockey god….and it’s not Kurri or Visnovski

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt,
    High preemptive praise indeed!
    (thanks fot the clues, I think I got this one, though …)

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Duncanz, I understand the jersey numbers but how are they determined besides hours remaining til game? Goals scored???

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, Thats a good question better answered by The Prof

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, Is there a system involved in this?

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @LA_1968, Jersey numbers…he aint gonna get this one

    Duncanz Reply:

    @LA_1968,
    Ok, well I think @Bakes (Shakes) was the one that started this, but my own criterion is, if there is no current squad member to cite, to try to come up with the most iconic Kings player to ever wear that number jersey, be it by numbers put up, or by fame or infamy – the historically most popular, really.
    Does that all follow, more or less?

    Duncanz Reply:

    Also, long and loyal service is a big plus.
    Going to have a lot of problems with a nomination at 1pm tomorrow ….

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Duncanz, Ok I think I got it… I thought they were inverted trivia questions but it’s more subjective. What’s wrong with future HoF for 1pm?

    [Reply]

  17. Cruiznblue says:

    So players like Gagne & Bernier (assuming they dont play any games)…will they get their name on the cup?

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @Cruiznblue, Getting ahead of ourselves here but… Bernier would get on because he was on the roster/dressed for every game… which is greater than 41 games. There would also be room for a few non-automatic qualifying players. Lokti, Gagne, Whiskey and Westie should fit under limit.

    [Reply]

  18. FiG17 says:

    In ten minutes it will officially be Stanley Cup Final day. This is a hockey fan’s Christmas Eve. :)

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @FiG17, I’m going nuts….cant sleep…watched the end of the WCF 3 times

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @FiG17, I watched and read everything thing out there today. Aaaaah. Sucking it all in. If this is a regular thing I’ll need to cut back…. but probably wouldn’t.

    [Reply]

  19. Duncanz says:

    T- minus …… drum roll, please ……
    Matt ‘I aint Minus Forever MF’ Johnson ….. & ……
    Tom ‘I aint just another pretty Justin’ Williams !!!!!!
    (how’d I do?)

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, OK….those are good ones….you qualified…I was thinking Jimmy Carson….scored 50 in his second year…what a phenom

    [Reply]

    LA_1968 Reply:

    @TiredOfIt, 19 years old at the time.

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @LA_1968, 2nd US born player to score 50 in a season. I still have the VCR tape of the game he scored his 50th…Guess against who

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @LA_1968, Darren Pang

    Osaka Reply:

    @TiredOfit Carson was the second US born player to score 50, the first was another former King Bobby Carpenter.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @TiredOfIt,
    I dumped him for the others for the reasons that Johnson was a folk hero plain and simple, and Williams played a lot more games and broke 100 goals for the Kings.
    Carson had ?s over his play and stuff.
    If it were just his GPG no.s, sure he would have been in..

    [Reply]

    TiredOfIt Reply:

    @Duncanz, Johnson was…..People loved him…I remember he got hurt for awhile and when he came back he wasn’t the same for a time

    Osaka Reply:

    @Duncanz, Jimmy Carson’s first 2 years in the league he had 186 points in 160 games, he had 92 goals in those 2 years. Then he was traded to Edmonton in the Gretzky deal and cracked under pressure there trying to be the guy who replaced Wayne. He demanded a trade in 89 and his career never was the same. We never will know how good Jimmy could have been, but he was one of the most players the Kings ever drafted. His last year in Jr.’s he scored 70 goals, his first 3 years in the NHL he scored 141 goals…… Snipper.

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Osaka,
    True. so many “ifs”.
    In the end though, the crucial aspect to a player’s development or otherwise is how he is able to manage the psychological pressure.
    So apropos to this, @ Uncle Stuey’s ‘DDD’, who admitted today during Media Day that he cracked under the strain of expectations, his and the hockey public’s.
    Mercifully, the eggshell could be put together again, and hes back approaching the DD we all know and still have high hopes for!
    In many ways, his has been the comeback of the year for the Kings.
    There’s almost no way the team could have satisfactorily covered his minutes from without and still prospered!
    I almost venture to say, “He’s ba-ack!”.

  20. Gailweb says:

    Go Kings Go!

    Whee its Wednesday Cup day oh yea!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Gailweb,
    I hereby dedicate this particular day “Websday”, in your blogging honor!

    [Reply]

  21. Osaka says:

    Where is Dave Taylor? Alright, when we go back to LA I want to see Taylor, Dionne, Blake, Well, Hardy, Norstrom, Gretz…. all at the games. Robitaille and Nichols will already be there of course. Dave Taylor though, he is Mr. Kings, I want to hear from him!

    One of my personal favorite was Brian MacLeallan, just reminiscing…….

    GKG!!!!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @0 sake,
    Of course, Taylor cannot be part of it.
    He’s a Blue.

    [Reply]

    Osaka Reply:

    @Duncanz, Oh, that’s right! Hey Granato is an assistant coach for Pitt and was on NHL live or some show talking about LA going to the finals….

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @0 sake,
    Well, it’s not like TG flew in or anything.
    Nothing to stop DT offering some thoughts.
    Just that those guys won’t be attending due to current responsibilities.

    Osaka Reply:

    @Osaka, Yeah, DL did take his job and all. But that guy played 18 years in a Kings uni and served as GM.

  22. Jeff_R says:

    It is finally here. The day we have been waiting 19 years for. The day we can call the Kings Stanley Cup Finalist. Game 1 T time 17 hours. Off to sleep with Brownies, Quickies, Doughty’s going through my head. Time to start the crown of Champion, Cup Champion that is. The Time Is Now. Drop them puck……

    Go KINGS GO!!!!!!!

    Go KINGS GO!!!!!

    This song is how I hope the night ends in 20 Hours or so….

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6KIvezThK8

    [Reply]

  23. Duncanz says:

    T-minus “Little Beaver”, MED..

    [Reply]

  24. Icecrown says:

    Please win game 1 please win game 1 please win game 1! THE REST WILL FOLLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

  25. Sammuch says:

    Hi, I have been a member of this blog for a few years now. I think we suffered enough to hear us all blabber this & that!!!

    So, it’s time for a moment of silence to our beloved Kings…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

    Now we all bow down to the Lord Stanley Cup… guide us kings fans to victory, thou end this long suffering we have sufferard blood, stress & heart since 1967! For we Knight you, our only true King!! When you so guide us to Victory, make are kings players strong, confident, fight with all their might to glory! So they can bring Lord Stanley Cup to the Kingdom that you only belong to, THE LA KINGS and you will be cherish as our honorable & beloved KING of all KINGS. LONG LIVE LORD STANELY!!!!!

    WE WANT THE CUP!!!! By, Sammuch Ghareebo

    [Reply]

  26. Duncanz says:

    T-minus Brad ‘Not THAT Richie’ Richardson

    [Reply]

  27. Duncanz says:

    T-minus J Dub!

    @Bakes, Hope you’re up soon to relieve !

    [Reply]

  28. Shakes says:

    T minis Justin Williams ( and no I could not sleep last night)

    [Reply]

  29. Kingsfaninportland says:

    3:30 am and I can’t sleep. Full day ahead of me. I’ve been waiting for this game since ’93. These next 15 hours will last longer than this last week.

    May the hockey Gods shine bright on the black and white.

    GKG!

    [Reply]

    Kman Reply:

    @Kingsfaninportland,

    It’s Cup Eve : D

    We’re all counting down.

    [Reply]

    the_guv Reply:

    @Kingsfaninportland, I just moved to Portland from L.A. a few weeks ago, nice to know there’s another Insider near by. Know of any good spots to watch the games? GKG!!!

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @the_guv,
    Better establish which Portland, first.
    There’s another one, you know!

    [Reply]

    the_guv Reply:

    @Duncanz, Good point. City of Roses…

    Kingsfaninportland Reply:

    @the_guv, hey guv… nice to see another transplant in portland. I moved here from la about a year ago. Unfortunately, I don’t know any good places to watch. I’ve been wanting to find that out myself. Tried to find other portland people on here, you’re the first one I’ve found lol. I’m down to watch the game somewhere though.

    [Reply]

  30. Duncanz says:

    T-minus Finger-lickn’ chicken – KFC
    Time for a catnap.
    All yours, @Bakes !

    [Reply]

  31. Landofoz says:

    t-minus cliffy!

    [Reply]

  32. Landofoz says:

    It’s a 3-2 league.

    [Reply]

  33. Robert R says:

    FYI checked Ticketmaster again, and they currently have zero; no new release

    [Reply]

  34. Robert R says:

    PS for home game 2. Didn’t check Monday’s game

    [Reply]

  35. Kings Fan South says:

    Well I guess I have to watch the game on TV here in Charlotte. Was planning on flying with my buddy to Newark this morning and all flights are oversold. So much for the “buddy pass” benefit. Good thing I was planning on scalping and didn’t buy tickets over Stub Hub. There is always Saturday’s game 2 when we take a 2-0 lead. Waiting since 1975 for this! Come on boys. Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Kings Fan South, 75 was a dam good year to start becoming a King’s fan. Best regular season in our history.

    [Reply]

  36. Shakes says:

    got into work…counting down the seconds until T minus Kevin Todd

    [Reply]

  37. Jack says:

    The blogging on NHL.COM is really silly….

    I had to post this just now:

    “Some of the posts about facing adversity and all that jazz are borderline idiotic. It seems that a lot of hockey fans here just can not think deeply or with clarity, or never played any sports at a high level..

    I would like to suggest that you step back from your keyboard and think about what you are about to type, as you most likely will give hockey fans worldwide a bad reputation for being simpletons.

    Thats why statistics is a very dangerous weapon when used by people who can not put them in any big picture context.”

    [Reply]

    Kman Reply:

    @Jack,

    well-played.

    Hey, maybe you could rattle off some of this “think about what you’re saying” logic to NBC.

    [Reply]

    Jack Reply:

    @Kman, they have their NBC forcefield up..impenetrable.

    [Reply]

  38. nykingfan says:

    I couldn’t sleep at all last night. Kept thinking about the Kings playing for the cup.
    I’m still numb. I can’t believe our Kings are in the finals with a chance to bring home the cup for a loyal starving fan base.
    I’m sure at some point I’ll wake up to find this was all a cruel dream, but in the meantime it’s impossible to enjoy hockey moer than I am right now.
    less than 12 hours until the drop of the puck. Damn, I can’t wait!

    GO KINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

  39. Shakes says:

    The Bill Simmonds inrterview of Dustin Penner is pretty amusing…although i find that as much as I like his written work (now on Grantland) he’s not a great interviewer generally speaking. My favorite part was when Simmonds talk all over and then finished Penner’s story of scoring the game winning OT goal…

    My second favorite part was regarding the Blue goalies:
    Simmonds: “…but then the St. Louis goalie got injured and you had to play the backup”
    Penner: “…yeah, but he was an all-star this year”
    Simmonds: “really? this year?
    Penner: “yes”
    Simmonds: “what happened to him?”
    Penner: “the LA Kings”

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Shakes,

    Penner is a beaut!

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Shakes, Man I hope we resign Penner. Just love his quotes.

    [Reply]

    red49er Reply:

    @KC23, Wow, what a change a few months can bring.

    [Reply]

  40. KDinUT says:

    Living in the out-of-the-way place I do, ever few weeks I make a trip to the “big city” to do some shopping. As I was strolling through the WM in Cedar City, UT I spotted I guy sporting a Kings jersey (and, of course, I was wearing my T) and had to chat him up for a few minutes. Cool – I’m not the only fan in this corner of the state!

    And does anyone know where to get one of those hoodies? I’ve looked everywhere . . .

    GO KINGS GO!!!!

    [Reply]

    SoUtahKingsFan Reply:

    In Cedar City too…Your not alone :)

    [Reply]

    KDinUT Reply:

    @SoUtahKingsFan, Cool – I’m at Bryce . . .

    [Reply]

  41. East Coast Kings Fan says:

    So excited to be heading to game 1 tonight. I’ll have to actually use my Twitter feed to note sightings of Snooki and the other excitement of Newark.

    [Reply]

    lakingbob(chi) Reply:

    @East Coast Kings Fan, hAVE A GREAT TIME!!

    [Reply]

  42. Steven H Brown says:

    It is unfortunate, that almost 18 months ago, I moved out of Greater LA, and will not be at the games @ staples Center, but I can tell you, that as long as this past week, has been waiting for it to be game day finally, it has been an even longer wait, and of course the Stanley Cup will not arrive in Los Angeles, for a few more days, since that sad night 19 years ago, when after losing their 3rd straight OT gaame, those of us fortunate enough to be in the Forum that night, had to choose between saluting our heroes, for the thrill ride of our lifetimes in 1993, and the hope that they would be back, one more time that year, when we would know for sure, that we had seen them play on home ice, for the final time that season. For those of you who will be at the games Monday and Wednesday show the world, that LA is a hockey town, it’s just a lot of other things too!

    [Reply]

  43. Steven H Brown says:

    Win or lose in the next 2 weeks, I think as fans, we need to enjoy the fact, that given the current kings ownership situation, it is unlikely to be another 19 years, before the team, makes the finals again. It took 25 years to get to the finals the first time!

    [Reply]

  44. Gailweb says:

    Game day!

    Just got my Tiks last night for pre season in
    Oct Kings and Ducks perfect timing

    Go Kings Go!

    Have a great game and

    You Want To Win Don’t You?

    [Reply]

  45. King Cobra says:

    Ten hours to go!! This is really happening??!! Unbelievable!!

    All together Now!!

    Go Kings Go!! Go Kings Go!! Go Kings Go!! Go Kings Go!!

    [Reply]

  46. Michael J. says:

    T-minus Mike Allison, or Warren Rychel.

    Hmmm… I think I’ll take the current #10 over #10s of Kings past.

    [Reply]

    Shakes Reply:

    @Michael J., although Rychel did have a weirdly good ’93 playoff run. But that Richards guy we have isn’t too shabby

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Shakes,

    Somehow Rychel ended up on a line with Sandstrom and Gretzky. He made the best of it, then the next year McSorrley went to PIT and Warren became a punching bag.

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Michael J.,
    Rychel was a key ingredient of the classic scoring line recipe – playmaker, sniper, beast.

  47. Shakes says:

    I was just reading Plaschke’s article in the LA Times about jumping on the bandwagon and my theory is this: I don’t mind bandwagon fans at all, the more the merrier, but like any crowded bus i have one request, listen and try to learn before you talk and yell over everyone else. I get more annoyed at the commentary of bandwagon fans who believe in talking first and not listening, versus their actual presense. I’m not saying that everything longer diehard fans say is necessarily golden… but if you try to understand what you’re following you’ll like it a lot more than acting like you know everything and then not picking up anything.

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @Shakes,

    OK, mixed feeling here. While I absolutely agree with everything you say, I would like to see a “minimum” required before entering Staples for a playoff game. Rather than paying a minimum, one would have to show ticket stub to at least 5 regular season games attended this season, or a total of 10 over the past two years. For those out of town, they could be credited for their miles traveled to get to home/road games, or blog contribution.

    Yes, it is true I cannot afford $392 per ticket to go to the finals.

    [Reply]

    red49er Reply:

    @Michael J., and then try to take your family, adults have food and one beer each and feed the kids. You could drop 2k w/o too much effort.

    [Reply]

    rumpa#19 Reply:

    @Shakes, Make em name the defense Wiskey ,muzz, hickey and so on.

    [Reply]

    Shakes Reply:

    @rumpa#19, or mkae the name at least 5 goalies that we’ve had since Hrudey

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Shakes, Only time bandwagoners get to me is when they complain about things they know nothing about. Especially about King players. An example would be complaining about the defensemen stuck in the 2 on 1 short end of the stick instead of the defenseman who should of also been there.

    [Reply]

    Shakes Reply:

    @KC23, yeah that’s exactly the kinda stuff i’m getting at… i would also say that i also get annoyed when people yell “Shoooooot!” but the reality is that bandwagon fans and diehards both do it every so often

    [Reply]

  48. GOOD MORNING ALL INSIDERS!!!!!! Today is the day with 10 hrs to go till puck drop. Sorry JEFF R but I had to do it.Got golf outing today with believe it or not Blackhawk alumni, YES I HAVE MY KINGS SHIRT AND HAT ON!!! I am not goin to the dinner,since I have BIG commitments for tonight.. See all of you within the hour of PUCK DROP..

    [Reply]

    Michael J. Reply:

    @lakingbob(chi),

    Have a great day!

    [Reply]

    rumpa#19 Reply:

    @lakingbob(chi), And the sun shines down on the kingdom for another day.

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @lakingbob(chi), That’s cool. I gladly share it with you. Have a good day golfing. See you before puck drop where I willbe annoucing ga,e time updates, with your help.

    [Reply]

  49. pat says:

    You remember Simon Gagne?? He’s on the trip? I wonder if he will play

    [Reply]

    Jeff_R Reply:

    @pat, Most likely no, but then again you never know.

    [Reply]

  50. KopiforSelke says:

    Thank you for the Kings app. I can’t get enough. Been watching NHL Network almost everyday saying the same thing. Been watching Darryl and Rich’s Practice Updates. Good info. Keep up the good work. I’m sure everybody is rested. Darryl and staff have gone over Devils’ tapes and have made the necessary adjustments.

    Nice to see Melrose and Buccigross have picked the Kings to win. Can’t say the same for Scott Burnside. Another reason why the Kings will win just to prove him wrong.

    Has it really been 19 years since I saw Pat Conacher skate out to center ice to take the opening faceoff in the Stanley Cup playoffs? Wow. Let’s do it. Let’s bring it home. The Kingdom is with you. The Kings’ alumni is eager. The Great One is on board. L.A. is watching and wanting. For all the players that never won and never been. For all the Kings in L.A. and all the fans in on this planet, the time has arrived. 4 more games. Let’s close the deal. Let’s win! Go Kings Go!

    [Reply]

    Gianni_B Reply:

    @KopiforSelke, That was a great post! Spot-on! Thank you.

    [Reply]

  51. Pili says:

    I moved from Santa Monica to Springfield MO in November of ’92, work related. Job one was to purchase one of the huge C band satellite dishes to watch the Kings. Today it’s DirectV, but my constant connection to my passion is this blog. Thanks to Rich for providing it and to all you bloggers for posting. I count the minutes to the drop.

    GO KINGS GO!!!!!

    [Reply]

  52. MattG says:

    Does anyone else enjoy Coach Sutter’s answers and how he makes the reporters wonder sometimes why they even asked their question? I love it.
    Thanks to him for keeping our guys so focused and ready. Let’s bring the Cup to LA, starting tonight. Go! Kings Go!

    [Reply]

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