Last night is one that will never be forgotten for 27 players (11 Kings and 16 Devils), those who played in their first-ever Stanley Cup Finals game. Some, such as 36-year-old Bryce Salvador and 35-year-old Willie Mitchell, waited a long time for the experience. Others, such as 21-year-old Jacob Josefson and 22-year-olds Dwight King, Jordan Nolan and Slava Voynov, are getting an early-career test. All of them, most likely, had some pregame butterflies. Even Jonathan Quick, who rarely allows for any public expression of his emotions, talked about dealing with the hours in advance of Game 1…
QUICK: “There were a lot of nerves going throughout the day. My (afternoon) nap wasn’t as good as it usually is. Your head is kind of racing a little bit. You just want to get out there and play. You’re excited about it. Everybody loves the game, and to be playing in it, at this stage, it’s pretty exciting.’’
Did the coaches notice the jitters? It’s tough to say, given that there were other factors involved, especially for the Kings, who were coming off an eight-day layoff. The building, as previously noted, was warm, which might have made players look a little different than they might otherwise. Darryl Sutter talked about how his players felt, and the Devils’ Peter DeBoer talked about the pre-series distractions and how he felt his players dealt with them…
SUTTER: “Our guys said today they felt sluggish (in Game 1). If that was nervous, then so it was. Our guys felt they could play better. That’s a good thing. I’m sure the other team is saying the same thing, too.’’
DeBOER: “I think when they dropped the puck last night. I don’t think there’s any avoiding the distractions that go with playing this time of year. Lou (Lamoriello) addressed our entire group after the conference final on exactly what you’re talking about, based on his experiences, trying to limit as many of those things as you can. But there’s no avoiding them. I thought we did a good job. But the reality is, you know, until the puck drops and the games start, this is a different situation you’re dealing with. You have to handle it the best you can.’’
Even for players with previous Finals experience, it’s a tense time. Most reviews of Game 1 included the observation that it was a “feeling-out’’ game, particularly since the teams had little first-hand experience playing against each other. Jeff Carter, who played in the Finals two years ago with Philadelphia, said he expects that to change in Game 2 on Saturday.
CARTER: “I think it’s kind of expected for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. You had guys who hadn’t been there before, so I expect the next game to be ramped up a little more.’’
It was my second time of getting the jitters and I relived them before game 1
I am proud of the Kings!
But must admit; I am still jittery
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LA_1968 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 12:40 am
@Mars, I finally calmed down a few minutes ago.
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game 1, the feel out game
game 2, the blow out
game 3, kings draw a lot of penalties due to frustration.
game 4, do it for the fans
stick to the script.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:21 pm
@pesus,
The Devilution WILL Be Televised !!!
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anonandonanon Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:13 pm
@Duncanz, You’re one of the Last Poets?
¡GKG!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:23 pm
@anonandonanon,
A Byrd of a feather, perhaps!
Cheers!
Socalr6 Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@pesus, I like that script.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:57 pm
@pesus, Perfect!!!!
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Rob Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 11:28 am
@pesus,
game 5 (if necessary), just because we wanted to let you see a ray of hope before crushing you.
games 6 and 7, not necessary.
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Just finished watching the replay of game 1 on NHL Network and they had the CBC feed. They had plenty of replays when Kopi scored in OT and they had a shot of DL and RH and you can clearly read Hextall’s lips saying “come on Kopi!” when he was on the breakaway. It was just cool to see that because you know they have to stay professional but deep down inside they are cheering as hard as we are.
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Socalr6 Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:33 pm
@Kopi Bryant, Yup posted that on fB last night. It’s on you tube. Kings have some good people off the ice too. Wow so proud of OUR Kings. Wish we had the CBC feed. Announcers are so much better than NBC
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:54 pm
@Socalr6,
Really? I started watching this afternoon with that very presumption.
Although you could say the more measured commentary stood up reasonably well beside the routinely overwrought NBC call, I ended up being really disappointed by the distinct lack of emotion of the play-by-play man when the goals were scored, notably at the scoring of the GWG.
After all, there were only THREE goals to “celebrate” in the game!!!
NBC’s call on Kopis goal wasn’t so climactic either in truth but was better none the less.
CBC commentary for that game, at fhe end of the day, I sadly will remember as being little more than a damp squib.
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Diego Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@Duncanz,
Another CBC SCF broadcast with no Canadian team.
Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:50 pm
@Diego, Good read on the problem with the CBC broadcast, @Diego.
Now that wouldn’t account for NBC’s faultering.
But perhaps the instinctual sympathies held from many years of announcing for the organization do.
And it’s fathomable maybe that the rest of the crew would sub/consciously follow suit.
Brian Engblom says that for him it is very easy to remove himself from any sensitivities towards the Kings when he announces, but he is 17 years removed from the organization.
Mr Emrick left the NJD organization only last year after his second stint there, totalling 12 seasons.
“He (ME) was without question identified with us, and we are identified with him.”
~ Lou Lamoriello (July, 2011)
mash-ola Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:38 pm
@Kopi Bryant, CBC’s coverage was much better, in my opinion. I liked that they gave the play-by-play without the color being too preachy about what the players/teams needed to do more of. They mostly just reported what happened. They had a nice interview with Rex Ryan, coach of the NY Jets about his hockey roots (he’s a Leafs fan), and if you think Mike Emrick’s call of Kopitar’s goal was not emphatic enough and ‘anti-Kings’, you should have heard CBC’s call. It was emotionless. Very little talk. Like shock. And with no feeling. Kind of weird. I did like that they interviewed Justin Williams at the end of the game. I didn’t see that many quotes from him last night, and he had so much to do with that OT GWG as anyone (other than Kopi, of course).
Anyway, good to see the coverage North Of The Border for some variety.
GO KINGS GO!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:03 pm
@mash-ola, Was slowly composing my diatribe as you were.
Pretty much agree with what I can see you were feeling.
Fred Roggin and the postmatch report was rickety.
What happened to this guy? Used to like his relatively (to now) riveting delivery but he seems a shadow of that now.
Also, as @waves says the No-Def on his part of the telecast was abysmal and incongruous.
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Pie Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:01 pm
@Duncanz, I think rickety is to kind. It was bloody horrible
mash-ola Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:40 pm
@Kopi Bryant, And it was kind of cool to see Lombardi and Hextall’s reaction from the box. A quick burst of emotion, then back to stone-faced. They know it’s just a piece of the big puzzle.
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Kopi Bryant Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:47 pm
@mash-ola, Yeah you could see that quick burst of emotion then back to normal *nothing to see here*… 3 more wins!
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:37 pm
@Kopi Bryant, If you get to see Hextall again in that moment check out what he says after Kopi scores…love it
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East Coast Kings Fan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:40 am
I watched that feed last night too. Having been at the game, I kind of missed how close some of the Devils chances were that they just flat out missed. I also have a picture of Don Cherry standing on the ice before the game so it was cool to see what he was actually saying. In the coach’s corner segment he made the same point I made yesterday about the Cross D zone passes. Yes, it can be a set play, but don’t blow it.
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Just when you think rich is done putting stuff up……thanks ….makes this ride even more enjoyable!
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Lake Forest Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:33 pm
@neil, funny when he did his evening reading posts. I was like “THAT’S IT???? Come on now”
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luc20rules Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:34 pm
@neil, Rich, made the bad rides good, and this ride just something special that I am sure none of use will ever forget. Rich makes us feel part of the team. Priceless.
Go Kings Go!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:05 pm
@luc20rules, + 1
Rich Rules, OK!
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I didnt know Salvador was 36. Good for him, he’s been playing well throughout the play offs. Just hope not against us.
Rich, do you nap, or are you too busy removing slacked jaw yokels like myself?
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:26 pm
@Lake Swawrest
… whatever tbat means??
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off topic, anybody know who the gentleman on right of the picture of the Insider flag to Rich Hammond’s right and who the kings player is on the left closest the camera. By the way how is it that rich is behind the team bench? Is this allowed by the NHL and this is usually not his “office.”
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Wow, I don’t know if anyone else has been browsing flights & tickets for game 2 or 5 at NJ. Of course as the date approaches Airefares rise, but I am shocked at how the bottom has fallen out of the game 2 ticket prices. It was $360+ to get the nosebleed seats now its under $200 on Stubhub. I know the Devils looked disappointed after losing in OT, but it looks like fans are jumping off the bandwagon over there.
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mash-ola Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 7:44 pm
@luc20rules, I’m flying to JFK from LAX if there is a Game 5 (most likely there will be). I got tickets on NJ’s Ticketmaster in section 10 (lower bowl, two sections from center ice) of The Prudential Center. My ticket that low is still cheaper than comparable tickets on Stub Hub/Barry’s for the price… RT, non-stop airfare and ticket for less than $900. A lot, but worth it to me.
GO KINGS GO!!!
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luc20rules Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:11 pm
@mash-ola, Have fun, I haven’t bought yet, but likely will as if game 5 is necessary. Haven’t been a Kings Fan for 35 years to not see the boys lift the cup live, thats for sure. I just didn’t want to do the airefare if we do it in 4. I guess, I missed the timing on the NJ ticket master and the ticket exchange has not put up game 5 yet.
Go Kings Go!
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East Coast Kings Fan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:46 am
@luc20rules, The Devils for as good as they are as a team historically and having a nice building, have a relateively low STH base. Part of it is that they compete with other teams in the market that they share with other teams, part of it is the move to Newark cost them some fans, and just general economic malaise. Plus Game 1 is the first game. Game 2 is an oddity. No Cup, and no novelty. I think people are selling to recoup what they paid and save up for 5 or 7.
If you do go, I have spent a lot of time in Newark over the years. There is only one good hotel near the arena, the Hilton, which is kind of pricey and usually sold out. There are more hotels outside of town and over by the airport but you’ll either need to get a train or find a hotel that will shuttle you to and from the train station (as opposed to the airport). I probably helped a dozen semi-lost Kings fans.
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Our team can do this. We didn’t play our best but still won. The Devils were held to 18 shots even with 2 PPs.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:36 pm
@DessertKing,,
As posted earlier today, watch for Brodeur to have one ‘Smith-like’ game where he stones us and starts us wondering if he is indeed returning to his “glory days”, before JQ and the Kings regroup for the next game and once and for all restore the NHO (New Hockey Order), to all of our unbridled and unending delight!!!
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@pesus This…
game 1, the feel out game
game 2, the blow out
game 3, kings draw a lot of penalties due to frustration.
game 4, do it for the fans
stick to the script.
I fully expect this to happen (again) for this series.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@Vegas13,
” The Devilution WILL Be Televised!!! ”
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 11:16 pm
@Duncanz, I don’t know where all these happy faces are coming from…they don’t have any of those out here
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I don’t think we’re pursuing net presence enough and our forecheck is still not as good s the St. Louis series. The wave upon wave of pressure is almost none existent, maybe Devils have something to do with it.
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DesertKing Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 8:53 pm
@rogiesbackup,
NJ may be able to play a little better but not much. Most of their problem was our defense playing very well in the neutral zone. I am a little worried that they did get some excellent scoring chances, but Quick and the D have held them scoreless (pucks bouncing off our players don’t count for NJ success)and Quick was really only “pressured” a couple of times.
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Andros Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@DesertKing, I dunno, man. I saw more than a handful of wide open nets for the Devils offense to shoot at. I hope the D can tighten up and eliminate those chances for the Kings’ sake. That said, I’m sure there will be more firepower and life breathed into the Kings.
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Mars Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@DesertKing, I agree, and I hope they tighten up a little bit more.
I hope Voynov shook that off though, he was where he needed to be, just an unlucky bounce.
I dont want to see any hesitation on his part because of that.
One thing that shocked me was how little a rebound came of DD’s shot on MB’s double stack pad. Either they are soft or he shot it so hard it was still trying to travel forwards. I like that latter, it wasn’t a bridge stone puck after all.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:28 pm
@rogiesbackup,
Seems DS’s heavy forechecking tactic was put in the drawer for future use.
Remember, it’s all strategic manouvering and mind games with these coaches.
Neither team offered up much in the way of what their style will be like for the bulk of the series.
This game was, dare I even say it, almost a sacrifice game to both clubs for the sake of seeing what the other would throw out first.
Both coaches ended up just waiting each other out and DeBoer’s team made the first major mistake of the game and there it was!
Game 2, might just look a little different if, especiially if Kings keep their shape and NJ start getting anxious for lack of goals and turn into the “desperate Devils”.
For further far more exciting developments, watch this space!
The gloves will come off and The Kings and The Devils will lock horns for real sometime during Game 2..
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Mars Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:53 pm
@Duncanz, ooo Duncanz, Nice thinking. You just gave me more to think about. I was chalking up some to climate change and jitters, a slowish paced game of waiting for mistakes, but your theory is better than the one I had going. Thanks!
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rumpa#19 Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:04 pm
@Duncanz, Nice job .
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My friends co-workers mother (elder women about 80) who doesn’t know much about hockey was like “well The King of Kings always beats the Devil…so I’m rooting for the Kings!”
XD
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@Subby,
I take it she probably didn’t have … a blue dress on?
Lol, I’ll bet you’re to young to get that one, @Subster!
(ha ha, compliment :p )
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LVKINGS88 Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:40 pm
@Duncanz, ‘Fee fee fi fi fo fo fum, lookin mighty nice, her she comes,devil inna blue dress, blue dress’.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:07 pm
@AKKING11,
Look at Kopi now
Here he comes
Wearin’ his wiggy hair and beard to match
He’a got Pro Stock skates and a Bauer hat
Winnin’ the girls and his Stanley Cup Rings
He’s got a Warrior in his fingers and he plays for The Kings!
He’s Kopi with the black sweater, black sweater, black sweater
Kopi with the black sweater on!
“We’re not worried about our record,
or road record,
or home record.
We’re worried about three more wins.”
SOURCE: http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/47487-Kings-in-front-again-as-Cup-finals-stop-for-2-days-following-OT-win-over-Devils.html
That sums it up. They are focused and determined.
I like what Pesus said a lot too.
Stick to the script.
game 1, the feel out game
game 2, the blow out
game 3, kings draw a lot of penalties due to frustration.
game 4, do it for the fans
LGMFK!
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Also I liked this player interview video clip
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/47474-VIDEO-Los-Angeles-Kings-react-to-Game-1-OT-win.html
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Somewhere I think Dave Taylor was smiling when Kopitar scored that game winner. Credit goes to him for drafting both Kopi and Dustin Brown who have carved themselves quite a legacy as Kings players…
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neil Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 9:45 pm
A@SaveByCechmanek, and quick!
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Mars Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:00 pm
@SaveByCechmanek, Where is he these days, I am not good at following players once they retire nad move on, unless they are like Robi, Fox etc where they are in your face.
I am still pumped Nicholls and Dionne came out to help this year. Makes me love our team even more than I already did, LOVE seeing the alumni coming out and doing what they can.
The Kings run deep. Very Deep. I think this is why I REALLY want us to keep Brown, Kopi, DD and Quick Kings for their entire careers.
I would love nothing more than to see some Kings for Life.
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CB14 Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:06 pm
@Mars, He’s the Blues director of player development, or something like that.
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:12 pm
@BC18,
‘Director of Player Personnel’
Same thing, to be quite honest with you … right?
CB14 Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:26 pm
@YoYo, Right?
TellmeY Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 7:35 am
@SaveByCechmanek, And credit goes to dean Lombardi for not trading them To try to win earlier then the 5 yr plan.
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Any Kings fans in Yosemite this Saturday night? Here I am, planned the trip a year ago and now I’m sitting here in a Kings jersey under El Capitan! Anyone here to join me to watch the game on Saturday night?
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Mars Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:02 pm
@Shane, Wonder if you can get that laser they have been playing up in the hills to light it up there.
That would be EPIC!
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Duncanz Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@Shane,
El Capitan, eh?
I hear you get the best echo if you yell “Dustin Brown” at it.
Try it and let us know!
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QueenInVan Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 10:28 pm
@Duncanz,
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Go Kings Go!
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@Shane, my parents (fans since 67) are one hour south of you at bass lake …plenty of room on the sofa …let me know
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I checked out Stubhub for tickets to game 3 just to see what they were going for….WOW…I already have 3 seats in 218 that I got with the renewal priority right before the PHO series. They have Quintippled…hahahaha…I don’t know what you call it. Glad I got in early….Great to see how many have joined “the nation”. I know there were alot of watch parties last night but I stayed home with the fam (support group)…Pretty nervous after the first period and stood up the rest of the game, in the “man cave”, walking up and down the hall between commercials and intermissions. when Kopi scored we were all bounceing and jumping and hufgging and yelling all over the house. Its a kick to look back on yourself and see how you react to these moments in Kings hockey history. Grown men, and women, acting like kids again. Fun stuff this Kings team and the playoffs, fun stuff…Go Kings Go
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Mars Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 11:04 pm
@TiredOfIt, Yeah I was like you, had the boys with me, the wife was bouncing between watching with us and in our room. All three TV’s in the house blaring the game, the surround sound system was the loudest. We were all screaming and yelling and going crazy. It was awesome.
Saturday, again at my house, but inviting some friends over too. Should be awesome!
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TiredOfIt Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 11:10 pm
@Mars, Glad to see I wasn’t the only “maniac” in the state. Great to be with my 10 year old teaching her about the game and being able to share this with her and the wife. Seeing their excitement in this the sport and team I love makes it extra special. Good for you, good for me, good for the faithful… Have a great time….Go Kings Go
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stromtrooper Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:15 am
@TiredOfIt, here, here, on the jumping and screaming. I haven’t felt this much emotion and excitement for any sport in i don’t know how long….i guess 12 years when the Rams won the SB. But i tell you its lonely up here in Seattle. I barely know any hockey fans and zero Kings fans. A friend of mine and our SO’s are going to a sports bar to watch game 2. When we get there, i am going to have to ask them to put one of the 12 TVs on the Stanley Cup. I will get a blank stare and then be asked what station is it on. Thank god the Mariners are not on, because i would have to fight to get one TV. Oh crap… just looked and saw that San Antonio at Oklahoma City(formerly Seattle Sonics) NBA game is on at 6. This might get interesting. Lol. we are going to get funny looks when we are cheering at none cheering times during the Thunder game. Oh man,and if we win it in OT again. I will prob get kicked out.
Wish i was back in LA right now to enjoy this with you guys.
ARE THERE ANY KINGS FANS UP HERE???? If so help me support them on Sat. We will be at Blazing Onion at Alderwood. I will have my DB shirt on and my new hat that just arrived today:-D, its the same one Kopi was wearing in his post game interview.
GoooooooKiiiiiiinnnnnnngggggggsssssssssGoooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Now for something completely different,
How the (add verb here) did Martin Broduex(haha) get third star last night? He gave up 2 goals? If anything it should have been either Frazie for his goal or DD for his +2? I dont get this MB campaign. Well, yes I do…I just don’t get why the NHL refuses to embrace the Kings. Everything I’ve watched since last night, NHLN(Dunc’s favorite network now), CBC’s replay, ESPN, they just seem to explain away any success the boys have had to lucky bounces or bad ice or MB being tired or…..I should be used to it by now but I never will be. I don’t care how many times they show our “monumental collapse” against Montreal or “the measurement”. They’ve shown Jason Arnott’s GWG 163 times so far. I just watched the DFN(DuncanzFavoriteNetwork)and they showed NJ top 10 moments? C’mon. Believe it or not I think you could find 10 moments in King’s history also….anyway….Love this team….Love the faithful…..GKG
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 12:35 am
@TiredOfIt,
The … “No Hellraisers Left Needy” channel!
WE LOVE IT !!!!
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A little bit old but dam I’m glad we got Doty on our team!
In the words of Roy jones Jr. “Yall musta forgot”!
http://youtu.be/H-2tT-1IXws
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LA_1968 Reply:
May 31st, 2012 at 11:46 pm
@illegalstick33, Awesome compilation. Thanks.
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yard dog Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:50 am
@LA_1968, great……………#8
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rumpa#19 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 7:38 am
@illegalstick33, That should be illegal. Good vibes.
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Important offensive weapon: we never saw this in all the hockey clinics and drills we’ve been through–but it works.
Just take that puck and swat it into the net with your forearm! Just sweep it out of that crease and into the cage! If possible, take it into your glove and just whip it into the net. Then hope that the ref was thinking about his favorite post-game watering hole and didn’t notice.
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Players had the jitters, understandable. How about the insiders? Stanley cup jitters from anyone or is everybody posting their best work. I am silenced by the pressure of the grandiose moment, don’t have many Stanley Cup worthy comments to post. I mean this is the finals! Can’t type announcers suck, refs suck, Kompon sucks, TM sucks, Devils suck….. even if any of it was true. This is the CUP! I need to re a thesaurus before game two. I did watch Slapshot on the Japanese movie channel the other day (Paul Newman day). They put Slapshot right between Cool Hand Luke and The Sting. I reread The Game by Ken Dryden (Fern Hill of hockey,) but I am still at a loss. It’s OK, just first game jitters, I’ll bring my A-game Saturday (actually Sunday for me).
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nykingfan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:26 am
@Osaka,
I had some serious jitters before game 1 and the only thing I had to do was click the remote, as well as have the exact same snacks, dinner, and other odd rituals prior to game 1 lol
I would think it would be easier on the players than the fans because at least they have some control of the outcome.
Other than burning bad luck hats, we’re kind of limited as fans.
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Osaka Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:13 am
@nykingfan, I was never as nervous playing (of course nothing close to NHL level) as watching. When you play and and exert yourself to the limit you can kind of accept the outcome. Dancing around the living room is not quite the same, these guys are killing me!
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rumpa#19 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 7:45 am
@nykingfan, Ihave a Elvis doll holding amini cup, and i always rub lucky kings poker chip, the ones that got you free popcorn at the movies from 2003. To many weird rituals to list, thats why they call it cup crazy.
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Game 1 TV ratings were down 25% from game 1 ratings last year. It doesn’t effect anything, just a fact, and the reason the announcers try to make the game seem even and not give one team too much (even if it is due) credit. The game drew a 4.2 rating in LA and 5.1 in NY, but only 2.4 nation wide.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 2:24 am
@0 sake,
Two widely unfancied hockey teams with few nationally recognized marquee players.
How about the ratings in Nippon?
The folks still remember where Yutaka made his name, right?
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Osaka Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 6:19 am
@Duncanz, My wife watched game one, that makes 2 confirmed. It would help if the games were on a channel. World Series and Super Bowl were broadcast……
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DesertKing Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:39 am
@Duncanz,
Kind of hard to have nationally recognized players when the NHL limits itself to marketing Ovi, Syd, Stamkos and Thomas and then ignores the other 26 teams. Until the League office pulls its head out of a deep dark place and utilizes marketing models similar to the other sports leagues (market 3-4 players per team in their home market, market 10-15 in regional markets with rivalries, and then market 20 players nationally), along with national TV ads, internet marketing, etc., then national interest will wane behind the other leagues. The Commissioner obviously has no love for certain teams in certain markets, LA being one of them. The league also loses credibility when they fail to follow through on discipline for blatant violations leading some people to believe that hocky is just WWE on ice.
Hockey clubs derive most of their profit from ticket sales and is the only major league sport that does. The other earn their profits from TV and marketing deals. The thing about hockey is that once someone sees it live, they are hooked, but you rarely see the NHL workingto put people in seats on a national level. A Cup in LA will help, as it did when Anaheim won theirs, but the league needs to a better job on a national level. Just wait until Detroit starts to free fall and the powerin the league shifts west to LA, Phoenix and vancouver, and then you may see ther League sit up and take notice.
Letting Lidstrom retire in the middle of the Cup Final is evience of this. Here you have a tremendous player, outstanding role model, the very example of everything good about the NHL, and you let him announce during the biggest national tournament, where after Saturday, everyone will say “Lidstrom who?”, rather than have him wait until a week after the Cup, then have him announce, so he can continue to draw positive media to the League when it isn’t playing and Lidstrom would get the attention and accolades he deserves for at least a week rather than 2-3 days. Yep, nice work Bettman.
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Interesting take above somewhere that maybe DS has toned down the aggressive forecheck by design. I guess for the sake of energy conservation and winning without using your best tactical plan has its advantages, as you will always have an extra gear to turn to when needed…Maybe if we win game 2 as well, we will ramp up the forecheck for game 3 to take the 3-0 lead.
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I have had the jitters all playoffs long. I don’t post as much due to my nervousness.100%
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I may not have the money or the time to make the Cup Finals, but never question my heart and love for this team. Many of us have been around this blog site for years and have NEVER been in this position. For me I’m just trying to maintain and let the many NEW bloggers and fans have their say. We have been through so much with this team. It feels good to see the boys go out and skate with such confidence. We are winning games and are making a historic run. Let us all not forget where we came from. It wasn’t that long ago when many of us gave up on this team. We have faced many challangeing days and night. We must continue to have faith and soon the prize will be ours. May we all enjoy this series!!!
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rumpa#19 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 7:51 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Your absence has been noticed by some im sure, and it wasnt long ago we were all bitching about kovilaspank.
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anonandonanon Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 7:55 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, I thought we were destined to win it, and that I’d paid my dues the last time My Kings were up a game in the Finals. Dig deep boys, Important game.
I don’t know if anyone posted about JQ’s giggle when Anze responds to the reporter, “it was a forehand”, but that’s my fave moment is of all the NHL/NBC coverge so far.
Welcome new fans. If the “game” has fascinated you, you’re in in the midst of a great feast. It doesn’ t come anyones way often. Drink deep, lifes short.
To my long time brothers in arms, anyone else feel like a HoCKEY*ZomBiE!!!?????? (Shuffling along with my hands out in front of me mumbling. Kopitar…Kopitar…Kopitar. Ala The Mummy.)
¡GKG!
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palmspringskingsfan Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:03 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Never gave up on this team, or Penner. It has been a rollercoaster though
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JOHN SHAW Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:16 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Well said:The boys are making a historic run,and you-you-and you-and me,we ALL feel the vibe of this 2012′s run,we ALL part of the KINGS(as team),we shall ALL stand under THE CUP to raise up! Glad to have and to join as” FANS of LA KINGS “…GKG…
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The net the net go to the net then all jitters
we be gone when puck slides in
Go Kings Go!
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rumpa#19 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 7:53 am
@Gailweb, to the net to the net everything you owns in the net.
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Where are all the bloggers I have missed!!! What A guy goes off the blog and suddenly he is forgotten!!! Where were you guys when the team stuggled to win games back in December. Yes all is great now, but will you run if the POOP hits the fan? C’Mon folks we all love winning hockey, but many of us SUFFERED through years of losing, yet still believed. Nbc keeps trying to play the, “Kings have not faced any adversity in the playoffs” card. Kopi reminded them that this team has faced adversity throughout this season. We all must come back to reality and remember where we have come from. We still have work to do. !!!!
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I was just looking through old comments and came across this one on October 2nd. Kingsfanone referenced a twilight zone episode after seeing one of Rich’s pics en-route to Germany. I responded with…
“You’re traveling through another country — a country not only of Hamburg Freezers and no sleep, but of hockey. A journey into an icy rink whose boundaries are that of the boards. That’s a goalie up ahead: your next stop: the Stanley Cup Zone!”
See, I knew all along. Yeah right!
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trytodethroneus Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 9:40 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Nah, just a case of pre-Kingstradamus jitters
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http://t.co/bI4ONAL3 If you haven’t seen this yet, you have to watch it! get pumped!!!!!! This is the cup!!!!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 7:50 am
@elijah,
And there’s this one too by the same guy… http://youtu.be/eN-ca9wmgEA?hd=1
He does a fantastic job. Talented.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:06 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Checked out the St lou & van ones too , great work.
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rumpa#19 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:05 am
@elijah, Nice.
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Pili Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 8:22 am
@elijah, Goosebumps here at work. Thanks
.
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I’m still comfortably numb! But happy!
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Like many longtime fans, Bernie Nicholls ‘can’t believe what’s going on’… http://tinyurl.com/bqun2nr
He’s a good dude. Glad it’s worked out.
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Real 7 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 10:52 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), it’s unreal…it’s like a dream…
I concur, as a 44 year addict of Kings hockey, this certainly is all of the things Bernie says….
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Lets take a poll for the longtimers on here.
Be truthful, how long have you followed the Kings?
Me personally, been a fan since they started in ’67. Lots of ups and downs since then, but this
is one of the greatest feelings I have had in my life. I have a new baby due any day now and I keep telling my wife if you go into labor on the day the Kings clinch the Cup you might be in the delivery room by yourself.
Second part of the poll, What is your most memorable Kings experience before now?
The ’93 Run was great, put personally watching the Kings and the Broadstreet Bullies each racking up
300PM in the game in the 70s is my best memory.
Lets hear it Kings Fans!!!!!
GO KINGS GO
We are proud of you Boys!!!!!!!
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Pili Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 9:00 am
@KingsFan in Vegas, Same here on longevity. My dad took me to the Sports Arena whan I was 10. Favorite memory….watching the Miracle on Manchester with my dad years later. I still smell the cigarette smoke and pushing the coffee table out of the way to do an abbreviated Pumper-Nicholl.
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Kingsfanforlife Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 9:40 am
@KingsFan in Vegas, 1992
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 11:11 am
@KingsFan in Vegas,
•Is this your first child? Under NO circumstances do you put your wife or child 2nd to Anything!!! Ever!!!!
•1990, when I stepped off the plane.
•My memory is short though constantly being added onto by new experiences.
So I’m just going to say whooping it up in the Renaissance Lobby Bar, Glendale, AZ, after the great Game 1 with the likes of @(whiskey)Shotongoal, @LA_1869, @Scott(‘s ego), @KingSurfer/Cruiser, @Nick Nickson, Bob, Jim, Luc, Brian Engblom, etc, etc, with various players and media passing thru’ and stopping by!
Felt like you were in the center of the hockey universe just for one night!
# heroes
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KingsFan in Vegas Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 12:14 pm
@Duncanz,
No Duncanz, this is child #4. I told the wife we have already gone through the
new birth process. Ive never seen the Kings win the Cup. Surprisingly she
undertands, LOL. I think we will compromise and put the game on the TV in the delivery room.
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Duncanz Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 9:17 pm
@KingsFan in Vegas, Sweet!
anonandonanon Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Just a Kings fan. @KingsFan in Vegas, My first Kings game was as Seals game. I was a Seals fan, growing up in the northbay. Seals went to Cleveland I graduated College and headed South for the entertainment industry. First Kings game was a pre-season tilt FALL. OF 75. Hooked ever since. Wasn’t at the miracle. Couldn’t afford On TV, I listened. Favorite live experiences – Jay Wells hipcheck that put it a silverhaired Gordie over tbe boards- Dave taylors #18 retiring, – Luc -Marcel- Fox -Murphy-Nichols- Goring-et al. I love this amalgamation of players. Maskless Gump Worsley, players without helmets, two line passes, ties, benchclearing brawls, close 9-8 defnsive struggles, and prepared to defy the odds every September.
¡GKG!
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Crozitar Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@KingsFan in Vegas, I got on board during the ’93 run and have been a die hard fan ever since. Many thanks to Gretz for not only his fantastic career but in getting me to love this most beautiful and exciting sport. In the years since I have found that everyone involved in hockey, from the management right on down to the stick boys, and especially the fans, are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Just good solid down to earth people. Not sure where that comes from, but I dig it. I’ve got nothing but love for our Kings and all my fellow Insiders and hockey fans…even if they are not Kings fans!
GKG! We win game 2 and this series is ovah! We will finally get to see our boys circle the ice, Cup held high!!
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Crozitar Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:06 pm
@KingsFan in Vegas, If you have a son you must name him Anze! I’m done having kids but I can guarantee you that my next dog will be a boy named Anze. Best I can do at my age.
Congrats on the impending new arrival bro!
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Crozitar Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:11 pm
@Crozitar, Best memory….I forgot the year but I was at the game when Marty was brought back from his trade to Pittsburgh a couple of months after it happened. Funny to see almost everyone in the Forum waving the Marty face-on-a-stick giveaways everyone got upon entrance. That also happened to be my first date with my wife. Had to be ’94 or ’95. She’d kill me if she knew I forgot!
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KingsFan in Vegas Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@Crozitar,
Thank you very much! In fact it will be a boy, but he is going be be named after his grandfathers on both sides. If only he had a Uncle Dustin or Anze and I would be in the money, LOL
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Crozitar Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@KingsFan in Vegas, Ya that’s probably better anyway. Sure your wife wouldn’t be down for that. Back up plan is a new puppy named Dustin, Anze, or perhaps Fraz.
Real 7 Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 9:39 pm
@KingsFan in Vegas, [oops! I'm a little late]
1969 was when I got addicted to the Kings….got the fever bad when they were at their worst…go figure, I was a Pittsburgh Pirates fan when they were at their worst….
even went to training camp when they stayed at The Empress Hotel in Victoria….
Jack Kent Cooke wanted the best….
got to talk quite a bit with Real “Frenchie” Lemieux, who was very friendly/approachable…
thus my handle…he loved the game SOOOOO much….died at a still young age, unfortunately..
was a season ticket holder ’73 to ’76, but the 190 mile round-trip commute for every game became a bit much….since then just an occasional visit to The Forum, and now I’ve been to Staples Center a handful of times….this season’s playoffs are VERY exciting, yet strange; so un-Kings like….but I’ll be one of the happy Old-Timers if The Cup is ours…
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