On a day with not much else going on, here’s something interesting. The website ontheforecheck.com did an analysis of the 2012-13 schedule and calculated how many miles each NHL team will travel next season. The Kings, per the website’s calculations, will travel a total of 45,152 miles next season, which is the 10th-most among all teams. The Dallas Stars log the highest total (49,851), followed by the Florida Panthers (48,880) and the Winnipeg Jets (47,876). The fewest? The Philadelphia Flyers (27,541), followed by the New York Islanders (30,072) and the Ottawa Senators (30,614).
The 12 teams with the lowest total miles are all in the Eastern time zone, and you can be certain that East Coast teams use these numbers when it comes to wooing free agents. That’s not to suggest any East Coast bias. It’s just geography. There is a big cluster of NHL teams in the Northeast, so naturally there will be less travel for those teams. The NHL’s division alignment is also a huge impediment for teams such as Dallas and Winnipeg, who have division opponents who are far away. Moreover, might the light travel end up hurting teams in the playoffs? New Jersey, for instance, didn’t leave the Eastern time zone from Jan. 14 until June 3. Is it just a coincidence that when the Devils faced two cross-country flights in the Stanley Cup Finals, they lost the games that followed (Games 3 and 6)? Perhaps, but the year before, Boston went 1-3 on the road in the Finals against Vancouver, but did win Game 7.
As for the Kings, their 2012-13 miles traveled won’t be significantly different from years past. Last season was an anomaly because of the Europe trip, but in the three previous seasons, the Kings traveled 39,348, 45,682 and 44,917 miles, respectively. The full breakdown for all teams can be found by clicking here.
they don’t give you nothin’ for flying in a big metal bird, right? [chuckles]
Kings of the well-travelled road!! GKG
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 3:15 pm
@Stuart, Do the Kings get Aeroplan miles when they fly that charger Air Canada plane? Well, 45K won’t get them much anyway.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:41 pm
@Stuart,
let’s hope it’s not a F-22…(!)
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 8:11 am
@variable, Let’s hope it IS!!!….Flying right over Anaheim
[Reply]
Rich, what happened to the new proposed 4 conference alignment based on time zones? I know the NHL Players’ Association is/was holding it up, Was that supposed to kick in THIS season or next? Or did it fail outright? Because Winnipeg is still in the Eastern Conference playing the Florida teams, Carolina & Washington.
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 3:21 pm
The PA killed it for now, but it will most likely be part of the new CBA.
[Reply]
Anjin Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 5:53 am
@Rich Hammond, yep, it was supposed to be in the ’12-’13 season but the NHLPA decided they needed some leverage for the upcoming negotiations.
Speaking of said negotiations I really hope the NHL and NHLPA realize that a work stoppage or delay of any kind will be devastating to the league and will guarantee it will always be a niche sport in the U.S.
Apparently my rant continues (apologies):
I do find it funny and sad that the NHL’s marketing to the masses is so bad that most non hockey fans know more about the ‘Peggy’ commercials than they know about specific players in the league.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 8:07 am
@Anjin,
very naughty, bye bye.
But it’s not just miles because you are going 600 mph. It’s all the time away and packing and unpacking and trying to live off the land if you will. Those three teams, and a few more, get to sleep at a reasonable hour in their own beds many more nights than our boys. We get that when we play the Ducks basically.
[Reply]
Jgomez Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@LA_1968, Its only 75.25 hours worth of travel
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Pasadena Hockey Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:00 pm
@Jgomez, I agree, I’d take it to play out here in So Cal. Has anybody ever done a study or thought that it is good for the players to spend the extra time together? One more thing, the extra time should be calculated against the median miles, not the lowest. It would be way less than 75 hours. I think this stat is made a way bigger deal than it is.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@Pasadena Hockey, I flew out to NJ for game 5. This stat is valid. It probably is extremely underrated if anything. The thought you can sleep on a plane is from people that rarely travel. Sleep on a plane is about that of sleeping on a moving bus or car. Flight is 5 hours each way plus the 3 hour time change it is an ordeal.
TiredOfIt Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 8:13 am
@LA_1968, If you call dining at Flemming’s Steak House “living off of the land” (lol) But yes it is a long haul on the road for this team.
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I don’t think miles traveled is much of an issue so much as start times.
Wait I think the back to backs might be more or a problem.
Both were an issue last season, if my memory serves me right that Kings played in Dallas then went to the Rangers.
I believe we had a few games with less than 24 hours between games as well.
Most vets are used to it, the newbs this year got used to it during their cup run too.
I don’t foresee it an issue this year though.
[Reply]
Tim James Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 11:13 am
@Mars, the Kings played the Islanders on a Sat. afternoon, then Dallas the following evening. Also, they played Edmonton and Minnesota on consecutive nights (which involves clearing Customs).
[Reply]
What I don’t understand is how Anaheim travels approximately 10% less than the Kings do over the course of the year. They are only like 35 miles apart.
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Rich Hammond Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 3:25 pm
They play different Eastern Conference teams. For instance, that St. Louis-Florida leg that the Kings have in March is brutal. That’s basically an extra 2,400 miles (round trip) right there .
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Pili Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@Rich Hammond, Interesting that the success ratio in these situations seems decent. Makes one think that instinct taking over might not be a terrible thing.
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KFL Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:06 pm
@Rich Hammond,
I suppose we certainly can’t complain considering the success the “Road Warriors” had this year!
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:24 pm
@KFL, @Rich Hammond,
Preparation is the key to success on the road…
There certainly is more time to prepare, coaching staff and players spending hours together on a plane.
TiredOfIt Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 8:15 am
@Rich Hammond, No matter how many miles the boys travel this year, they’re sure going to “feel” different traveling them.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@KFL, Don’t forget the Ducks don’t share their arena with 2 NBA Teams. I would also venture to guess more events non-Sports related try to get the Staples Center, before settling for Honda Center. The 2 weeks for the grammy’s is a prime example.
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The 10 back-to-backs the Kings are currently scheduled to play next season has to be at or near the top for most b2b’s in the league. 20 potential points already in jeopardy.
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Hackwoods Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:12 pm
@Capt Jam, The Kings have 12 back to backs, and the league average is 13.4, so the Kings are in on even ground with most of the rest of the league. The only issue is that most of the eastern teams have back to backs with a home and away against another team that is fairly close to them, so it is a back to back, but not a road game back to back, so a bit easier. The Kings have a couple of back to backs when they are home for one of the games, but teams like NYR play the Isles or Philly or NJ (all less than a 1 hour bus ride), then play a home game the next night or vice-versas, and this makes up a significant amount of their back to backs. It is a little easier for these east teams, IMO.
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What some people call brutal, @Duncanz terms a World Class Privelege!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@Duncanz,
And @Duncanz wears a bad ass scarf!
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Duncanz Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:03 pm
@Kingsfannone,
I’ll tell you what “brutal” is … trying to peacefully finish eating your lunch at the Y H while @Tweety_R is trying to yell across the table at all-comers and across your sightline to your plate of food.
THAT is “brutal”!!
But, yes! I have just signed an agreement for JK Rowling to author a seven volume collection about these exploits!
Volume 1 will be, ‘Scary Scarfer & the Marauder of the Phoenix’.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:13 pm
@Duncanz, scarfet muncher? or asscot tickler?
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@Duncan yo-yoz,
Phoenix???
Geez……that means you’re gona be back, doesn’t it…….sigh…..
But……lunch at the Y H was very tasty! I sent Paul the group pic the waitress took! I just want to know why YOUR RALLY TOWEL was not the one handed out that day? Yours said Round 2-Game 4, not 2012 Stanley Cup Champions. This mystery is almost like the missing puck???
errrr……maybe not quite the same mystery…..
Duncanz Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 6:10 pm
@Kingsfansecondtonone,
Well, I had TWO that day is the reason. The one from the rally and the one I must have randomly pulled from a random pocket for the random photo (that @KingsNewsBiMonthly is still considering redistributing) that day, was indeed from Game 4 of the SLB series.
So happy that was one of the few games I attended, too.
One of the best and most satisfying of a SC playoff run when it was never-the-less difficult to elevate one fantastic game above another!
*I know, it would’ve been more interesting if I said I got it when Patrik Elias flipped it over the glass to me, but ….
Duncanz Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:12 pm
@Stuart,,
Whatever toys you have in your toybox, I don’t want to know …. or do I?
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So much for the pundits that say West Coast teams cant win the cup because of the travel. Looked to me as if the Devils had trouble flying to the west coast and getting only one off day because they got their ass handed to them both times at Staples when that travel situation occurred.
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Pili Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@puck73, Of course, that West Coast team would have to have a tremendous forecheck, excellent defense and the best goaltender in the business.
[Reply]
pautna Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@puck73, IMHO, I think it’s less about the Devils as a team and more about a 40 year old goalie who’s body doesn’t recover as fast as it used to. I.e., Marty was not totally on his game on the respective Mondays after traveling all day on Sunday. Just a theory.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@pautna, Watching the goals the Kings scored in those games. I don’t think it was the Goalie, but very well placed shots. In game 3 also there was the 1 goal that should have been blown dead as it was under Broduers leg pad, but the ref was behind and didn’t see it. That is nitpicking though it still would have been 3-0.
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45,152? That’s almost as far as Sedin flew on the Brown check in round one!
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Duncanz Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@Mel Powell,
Coincidentally, that was also the number of nerve endings that felt that impact – and still do to this day!
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Lake Forest Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@Mel Powell, “you keep on knocking but you can’t come in”
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The team with the most travel last year won the Cup (beating the team with the least travel in the finals). Nothing to be too concerned about.
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I didn’t read through all the threads, sorry if this was already mentioned:
DUSTIN BROWN AT LIVING SPACES FURNITURE IN VAN NUYS THIS SATURDAY!
http://www.livingspaces.com/morePromotions.aspx?pid=2&utm_source=Meet+Dustin+Brown+at+Living+Spaces%21&utm_campaign=Dustin+Brown+Email&utm_medium=email
Too far for me, but some of you nearby Van Nuys need to know.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 6:03 pm
@Cynic, THANK YOU!!!
I am going, now to decide what to bring to get signed!
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Cynic Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 8:56 pm
@Mars, COOL! I’m glad this helped someone. My dad pointed this out to me as I haven’t seen it anywhere. Figured it needed to be on the Insider. Have a great time! Get there early as only the first 300 get in line.
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Mars Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 11:34 pm
@Cynic, Yeah we are trying to igure out how early to get there, leaving from Torrance.
I am soo on this. Bringing my wife and boys, and I am getting my Stanley cup Champs pucks in tomorrow too.
I will be wearing my ol gold and forum blue jersey with all three boys in all their jerseys, the wife will have on her woman bling one too.
My oldest who is almost 9 will freak out. He loves DB and Kopi.
Cav Pilot Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@Cynic, I am so there!
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King Alex Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 9:58 pm
@Cynic, Thanks for the tip. I live 5 minutes away from this place. I’m gonna get my SCF Game 3 puck signed! Can’t thank you enough for this tip brother!
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Louis Zypher Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 11:38 pm
No offense to our awesome captain…..but I don’t suppose he’ll be joined by a certain silver chalice?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:08 am
@Cynic, Totally photoshopped out any reference to the Kings.
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Rich Hammond says, “On a day with not much else going on…”
How about our inside reporter taking a freakin’ vacation? I love reading the blog every day, but when will Rich prepare a bunch of posts and schedule them to go over a long time so he can take a break? I’d hate for him to be burned out.
Of course, as soon as he leaves for a vacation, major Kings news will pop up.
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:41 pm
July 15, and yes, the last sentence of your comment is absolutely correct!
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DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:03 pm
@Rich Hammond,
What could happen? Oh, wait……..
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CB14 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@DesertKing, Parisegate, or mabye Doughtygate.
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:32 pm
@Rich Hammond,
Has happened the last three seasons, eh?
–KoviGate…
–Richards trade(s)…
–2012… ?????????
[Reply]
RICH…
what are yr own thoughts on realignment…?
would it make it easier for you to report during yr travels with the team…?
[Reply]
Rich Hammond Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:15 pm
It’s hard to say. I think the realignment plan they came up with is the most fair possible. Again, Eastern teams are always going to have an inherent advantage because of geography. The only way to really mitigate that would be to just mix up every division…have the Kings, Rangers and Panthers in one division and the Ducks, Islanders and Lightning in another. But nobody wants that and it’s terribly impractical. So, like I said, I think the four-division setup would be an improvement.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@Rich Hammond,
thanks for answering my questions…(!)
i agree with you about the plan that they came up with is probably the fairest…it might not be perfect and i know some teams won’t be completely satisfied…but i do think it’s a step in the right direction…
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:39 pm
@variable, I agree with you and Rich that it’s the most practical. I think a few tweaks to it could make it much better.
1. Make the 4th playoff spot in each of the conferences be open to all the remaining teams. It’s not fair if 2 conferences have 7 teams and the other 2 have 8 teams, yet they all have the same number of playoff spots. Each team should have the same chance of making the playoffs.
2. Make the Eastern conferences have 8 teams each instead of 7 so that the travel is a little better balanced. I believe both Nashville and Columbus were still in the Central conference. Move them to the East and that makes those conferences travel more to better balance out the travel.
3. This is a big one to me, SPLIT UP the ATLANTIC division conference. Send 2 of the teams from the PHI, PIT, NYR, NYI, NJD 5 some to the division with the Eastern Canadian teams. Then have the 2 Florida teams take their place. I remember seeing the graphic Waves posted with the 4 conferences divided by color and it just seems so stupid to have the 2 teams in Florida be in the same conference as 3 Canadian teams.
My conferences would look like this:
FLA, TBL, NAS, CAR, WAS, NJD, NYR, NYI
PHI, PIT, BOS, CBJ, BUF, MTL, TOR, OTT
COL, WIN, MIN, DAL, STL, CHI, DET
LA, ANA, SJS, PHO, VAN, EDM, CAL
variable Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:03 pm
@CB14,
1. i’m not sure i agree with that proposal, but i understand how you would rather protect a team with more points who doesn’t into the playoffs versus a team that gets into the playoffs with less points…
2. the team that has the most priority as far as moving to the eastern conference is detroit….they have been lobbying for the change for years…and from what i understand, if realignment does take place in the “super division” format, detroit would be the team to move to the eastern conference….
3. it’s not a bad proposal, but imo, it will never happen….the realignment will be based upon this super division format….and there will be some push back from the franchises that don’t want to move….so a 16 and 14 split seems to be where we are heading, at least that was the original realignment proposal…this is the most controversial of the realignment plans, and oddly, was the first one publicly announced…the nhlpa quickly pushed back and wanted to fully discuss the matter during the upcoming CBA talks…and that’s where it stands – in limbo….
ultimately, some team is gonna have to do something that they don’t want to for the betterment of the league…once the owners stop fighting with the players association, they will start fighting amongst themselves – sadly….
Tim James Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 11:23 am
@Rich Hammond, you don’t go back to the realignment of 1974, when the Kings were in a division (Norris) with Montreal, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Washington? And the CA Golden Seals (RIP) were in with Toronto, Buffalo and Boston? That was a strange setup: Atlanta (the Flames) were in with the Rangers, Islanders and Flyers, while the Canucks were lumped in with Minnesota (North Stars), St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City (Scouts, which became Colorado Rockies which became New Jersey Devils). Compared to those days, the West Coast gets plenty of respect today. (I think they were trying to kill of the Kings and Seals–they were one of two in that regard.
[Reply]
When does the CBA stuff get started?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:50 pm
@Lake Forest, As soon as Bettman and Fehr get their heads out of their own butts.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:52 pm
@CB14, so never….. and at least it’s not in each other’s right?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@Lake Forest, I hope!
DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:17 pm
@CB14,
and figure out which one gets “to drop the puck.” They should just let DL handle it.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:52 pm
@Lake Forest,
there are no scheduled talks as of now…everything is tentative…
however, i would expect after july 1 that both parties will start the chess process….
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:54 pm
@variable, Do you know what the major factors are for discussions in addition to the realignment?
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@Lake Forest,
here are some that i posted on the other thread…
this was in response to PAUL’s comments regarding a possible work stoppage…:
it’s probably gonna happen…and that’s me being optimistic….
eventually, RICH will put up a CBA thread…and then all opinion-hell will break loose….
i’ve stated some opinions on what’s gonna happen on previous threads based upon what PABLO likes to call “the talking heads”…(minus david byrne)…
i will say this – the players have very little leverage…at 57% of revenue sharing, they’re foolish if they think they are gonna be able to keep that number…
of course, there’s the escrow issue…and the realignment dilemma…
long-term contracts will be heavily discussed…
and the possibility of a few teams relocating….
the wanger situation (NYI) is not going away and is bound to lead them off the island at this point…so that’s a huge issue….
seattle and las vegas want teams…
you got the jim blackberry situation that is sure to rise again come fall in his quest to bring a second team to toronto *hamilton, to be specific)…
there’s plenty to talk about regarding the upcoming talks,….
and i’m guessing we will have plenty ‘o’ time to do so….
Lake Forest Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@variable – THANKS MAN!
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:33 pm
@Lake Forest, @V,
KC wants a team, too…
Jest Sayin’.
CB14 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@Lake Forest, The problem I see from the players perspective is that they got screwed over during the last negotiations, and now the owners will want to take away even more money. The NBA gets less than 50% of revenue, the NFL I believe gets 52%. The owners certainly know that and will look for a similar percentage of revenue. After what happened last time, and the fact that they hired Donald Fehr, i’m not optimistic these negotiations will be short.
variable Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 6:52 pm
@CB14,@B
well, the players are making 57% right now…and that will definitely not happen this time around…
yr figures on the nba and nfl are correct…and that’s exactly the model bettman and the team owners are gonna go by….
B….
yes…they want one, too….
i have no idea of the pecking order of who’s at the top of the list…
i know the movie producer jerry bruckheimer has been dying to own a team and i think he’s wanting to own one i vegas…
there’s a lot of things influx this time around regarding ownership, ownership financing, relocation and contraction….
Mars Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 11:47 pm
@Lake Forest, (more so @variable)
I would love to see Seattle and Vegas get teams.
Honestly, they should add more or spread some out. I know there is a huge market in the east, but the only way to really make Hockey truly national is to give other markets a damn good shot. Vegas and Seattle are great fits.
Dont say Vegas wont work because of the Desert, Phoenix kinda does, Dallas does, and the Frozen Fury is a HUGE hit there.
I think Utah would be good too. Colarado works. I think an SLC team would draw huge crowds, might wanna avoid sundays though. LOL.
As for adding another team in Toronto, that is absurd, but buttman will try. Especially when there are huge voids in the west. The NHL has spread and expand across the map a bit more.
The NHL season is what 185 days long, so it averages out to 244 miles per day, obviously they dont’ travel that way, but it makes it seem like a lot less. On second thought, it doesn’t!
[Reply]
NJ denied the travel, which they’re not used to, made a difference. I think it did. I predicted it would.
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:17 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Yes, they’re in denial.
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time for a “ask Rich a question” …..such as ..are you still not a fan??? or were you at least rooting for the cup??? Thanks!!!
[Reply]
@Rich Hammond,
Only got a few things to tidy up, so to speak:
1) When you go on vacation, are you doing the “school” or lecture thing again, orare you actually gonna vacation?
2) Unfortunately I didn’t get to personally thank you, shake your hand, in the suite at the rally (or wherever!), but wanted to again thank you for your tremendous work here for us. Second to none!
3) Do you get a ring????
[Reply]
Here my take on the Draft! Which I study & look forward to seeing the next 2days…
The draft has about 12 good picks! 2 that will be superstars, 2 maybe superstars, but will be stars & 8 that could be stars or just solid players!
The sleeper of the draft will be TEUVO TERAVAINEN, LW, JOKERIT JR. (FIN-JR.) if you like Selanne you will like this Kid! Ducks would be crazy not to take him 6th, but because of his weight he might drop to 10 to 20 at 165lbs, he’s not that small at 5’11 & growing.
KINGS: If they are confidant to resigning Quick! Then I say, trade JB, If not keep him. If you could trade JB & a top prospect in Manchester to CBJ or EDM I would do it to grab one of these 2 guys for sure! For the 2 top Russian are going to be great & on D Murray would give DD a run for best D on the Kings…
This will good thing to do with the future of the kings changing 3 to 4 years from now! With free agents and needing prospect for the future when Mancheter gets depleted!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:45 pm
@Sammuch,
this is gonna be an interesting draft because of all the late-round sleeper potential that most of the professional scouts are predicting….
i think yr gonna see some trades – possibly big ones…
i’m about 51% sure that rick nash remains with the blue jackets after the draft….
i’m about 51% sure that evander kane might be traded during the draft….
and i’m about 99% sure that jordan staal will NOT be in pittsburgh come next year…
the point you make about quick’s contract extension is the key…from there, dominoes will fall and pieces will com together…if the kings are absolutely, positive that they will extend quick, then jb will probably – and should probably – be moved….
from what i understand, tampa bay spoke to the kings about jb, but felt that they were asking way too much – i don’t have the details that were discussed…that’s why they traded for lindback from nashville…they only gave up a few second round picks and a third rounder….that gives me good reason to believe that dl wanted high-end roster players from tampa and probably a number one pick….
if the quick situation gets resolved soon after july 1, i think it would be in the kings best interest to shop bernier asap – his value is higher than it’s ever been, especially for a goalie who hasn’t played a lot of nhl games…
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 11:55 pm
@variable, I agree on Nash, Kane and Staal.
I am curious to see what happens.
Normally I am All Kings and only Kings news and draft news, but I find myself watching a lot more and more and more.
I am curious too see if Luo gets moved too.
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Hopefully come this Sept they will let hockey
start and not make us fans suffer
Go Kings Go!
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fyi…
quick made the nhl’s second all-star team today…
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6 day games at home this coming year. On the plus side they may be the easiest tickets to get. I am thrilled we got the Cup but Kings Hockey will never be the same. GO KINGS GO!!!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:52 pm
@Forum Gold,
Tix may not be so “easy to get” as they once were.
Yes, Kings hockey will surely never be the same again! Wouldn’t have it any other way!
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 3:45 am
@Forum Gold, Good point about Kings hockey never being the same again. All part of the acceptance process. May we all learn together
.
[Reply]
This Stanley Cup thing just keeps getting better and better! My new “away” jersey just came in the mail with “STANLEY” on the back and “12″ on the back and arms. Can’t wait for HockeyFest, Frozen Fury, and the first road game in Anaheim. GKG-AGAIN!!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:47 pm
@DesertKing,
Nice choice! I know you’ll wear it proudly! Did your son get a new one also?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 8:50 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Nope, he got an away Quick jersey a couple of months ago. Just ordered the personalized plates tonight too. Got to be ready for next season! GKG-AGAIN!!!
[Reply]
FiG17 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 8:53 pm
@DesertKing,
The away choice seems very fitting.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@FiG17,
Except it makes me look fat. Well, fatter would be more accurate
[Reply]
Gailweb Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 6:30 am
@DesertKing, Hi and great to here my son also
got new jersery end of playoffs 23 with C
and nice patch too other stuff in route now
already got Tiks frozen fury and Ontario so
just about all set for new season once Tiks
for season come in mail
Finally after twenty four years have so much
nice stuff to buy now hurry
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 8:10 am
@Gailweb,
+1
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I logged 6400 miles flying/driving during the Finals. Of course it was worth it.
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 3:47 am
@Robert R, Way to represent!
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Who cares about travel. We won’ the cup
haha
[Reply]
I wish we were opening in Europe, it seems to be good karma
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 7:47 pm
@408kingsfan, I thought you were banned? I guess long term moderation?
Whats next, @poorman with a surprise appearance?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 8:48 pm
@puck73,
Anthonyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!
[Reply]
I guess because the number of youths(under 30) the kings have, their poise and focus was prevelant during the road games.
[Reply]
Rich-
Just a suggestion: Might be time for an ‘Ask Rich’ Questionfest. I see a lot of questions directed toward you that maybe get missed since there are obviously so many posts in a thread.
Might fill some time in this short offseason. I figured you don’t get to use your keyboard enough either and wanted to help you out.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@Cynic,
Rich should pick one Insider for each day that he is on vacation and let that Insider host the blog. Oh, wait, er, um, nevermind……
[Reply]
Trouba, Dumba, Maatta, Pokka…confusing? Hard to keep them all these d-men apart!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 9:35 pm
@Mudfish4,
Sounds like a line from the Oompa-Loompa song.
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It’s interesting that this season the Kings had the most miles (almost 56,000) and the Devils had the least (about 28,500). The Kings traveled just about twice as many miles as New Jersey in our quest for the Cup!
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 4:20 am
@King John, …but it’s that last mile which Jersey just couldn’t travel…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 8:29 am
@Shakes,
or 200 feet of ice. They just seemed a little slower in Game #6.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:17 am
@King John,
Which means travel has absolutely nothing to do with winning it. Zero causality.
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The draft starts tonight so I’m just going to throw this out there:
To Edmonton:
Jonathan Bernier
The Kings 1st round draft pick (30th overall)
Thomas Hickey or Derek Forbort
To LA:
Edmonton’s 1st round pick (#1 overall)
This trade would address Edmonton’s two biggest needs with young elite talent in Bernier & the defenseman and they’d still have a 1st round pick. And it would help the Kings because they need a young goal scorer so they could take Yakupov.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 8:04 am
@PaulHB, We wont own the 30th pick till the 28th pick, and CBJ will decide that.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:18 am
@rumpa#19, Indeed. But they can make that trade after CBJ makes their pick.
[Reply]
OT: Bobby Ryan on the trading block?
[Reply]
PaulHB Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 6:38 am
@vplaza, That’s what was reported in the last couple of days. Can’t understand why the Quackers would part with him. Doubt they”d consider trading him to the Kings though.
[Reply]
Rich and fellow Insiders,
The proposed 4 conference re-alignment is a Bad Idea!
It would make the Kings have to travel even more and the Western Conference would have more teams in it. How is this fair?
Why should everything be changed just to appease a few teams? The Kings should not have to be in a division with Calgary and the Oilers! This is like putting the Maple leafs in a division with the Panthers.
The notion that you have to change to this 4 conference alignment so all teams can play each other at least one time per year is stupid. Just tell the schedule maker to have all teams face each other now the way it is and swap Detroit with Winnipeg and problem is solved.
Go Kings Go
[Reply]
PaulHB Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 7:54 am
@King Cobra, I agree with your contention that the proposed realignment isn’t fair to the West. But how does swapping Detroit & Winnipeg solve the problem. Detroit isn’t much closer to the Florida teams then Winnipeg is. I’d suggest swapping Winnipeg & Nashville. That puts The ‘Peg in a division with Detroit, Chicago, Colorado, Edmonton, & Calgary. And Nashville gets into a division with the 2 Florida teams, Washington, & Carolina.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 10:54 am
@PaulHB, That makes good sense.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:23 am
@King Cobra,
There is no ‘western conference’ in the proposed new alignment and if there were, there would be 7 teams LESS, not more.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 10:53 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Paul there will be 2 divisions based out of the West side and there will be more teams on that side fighting for the same amount of playoff spots as will be in the East side, so the balance will be off.
I don’t want our team having to play teams in Canada as much as they play Phoenix and the Ducks.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 12:14 pm
@King Cobra,
Yep, no question the ‘balance’ will be off if they split it into 4 conferences/divisions. Still though, it’s all about the level of competition, not the number of teams. A 7 team division could be fiercely contested while an 8 team division could be a cakewalk for the top 4 teams.
If this was the alignment last year, where would the Kings have finished in their 8 team division? Yep, 4th (the equivalent of 8th).
I LOVE the tighter divisions for rivalries sake, both in the regular season and especially the playoffs. I think it would make for far more year-to-year consistency in terms of meaningful battles and entertainment for fans.
As with anything, I’m sure there will be unforeseen consequences, but change is necessary at some point despite it being hard for a lot of people to accept.
Best response yet to Puck-Gate from a friend who is a Devils fan and season ticket holder:
“Everybody deserves a souvenir from the Finals. You got a 35lb silver cup. We got a rubber puck”
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:25 am
@Shakes,
I propose the death penalty for using the term ‘gate’ in anything. Is this going to far?
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:41 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Paul, thank you so much for posting the 4 part video of Kings Live after game 6. I’ve searched everywhere!
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:59 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Startergate
Gagnegate
Puckgate
Gategate
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 10:00 am
@vplaza, Off with your head!
vplaza Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 10:17 am
@Paul Armbruster(KingsNewsDaily.com),
WillHeGetHisNameOnTheCupGate