It’s been a while, so please feel free to post any Kings/NHL-related questions you might have, and that you think I or your fellow readers might be able to answer. The answers won’t be posted for a few days, but be assured that I’ll be getting to them soon. Thanks…
LATEST NEWS- WATCH: May 22nd Practice Report May 22, 2013
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- WATCH: LA vs SJS Game 4 - Game Previews May 21, 2013
- Live Chat - Western Conference Semifinal: Game Four May 21, 2013
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SOCIAL MEDIA
LA Kings Insider LA Kings Official
Rich,
Do you think the Kings should sign Shane Doan or keep the team as it is?
[Reply]
IN King (formerly AZ King) Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
@King Cobra,
I think Doan would be a great addition to this team. I would love to see him on the 3rd line right wing. I think he would relish the idea going somewhere we he doesn’t have to be “the guy”, kind of like Ricky and Carts.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@IN King (formerly AZ King), I’m with you 100% INK! He would love to win and I think he would really understand what he would be bringing to this team. I posted a few back that if he were signed I don’ doubt at all that his first venture into the room would be to shake DB’s hand as a champion and ultimate competitor, a few no-hard-feelings and then trench brothers all around!
We would have a true fear-factor and IMO it would be beneficial for the TL’s, DK’s, JN’s of the team to see what a player who has the respect of the ref’s/league can and cannot get away with as far as the edgy/intimidation style of play. JN already has a nice chippiness to his stick, which I do enjoy watching when it shows. anywho STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS
[Reply]
Token Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@Stuart, Why stop there, trade Williams, Stoll and guys like Lokti and Hickey that will never make it with the Kings for Nash and sign Doan.
Now that would be a juggernaut roster.
Stuart Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@Token, Are you being facetious? LOL we would be able to fill those holes, but that would never happen.
rogiesbackup Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:13 pm
@Stuart, As you note my handle, I’ve been a Kings fan for sooo long, but this organization has had a hard time being RECOGNIZED as a solid organization because they’ve always traded their prospects away for a veteran guy who’s so called in “his last” sails. This year SCF was really sweet in that not only did we win the cup for the first time, but many key players such as Quick, Kopitar, Brown, King, Nolan, Doughty, voynov were “raised” here.
We’ve garnered some respect here because we actually “built” a SC champion team from our own “resources” and not tried to “forced” it by getting all the has beens here.
The Kings organization has the ABILITY(good scouts) to get the future “Doans.” Heck we have jNolan and dKing who I think will be able to raise their market value. Perhaps, this is why rNash isn’t in the Kings list. We follow our OWN vision and not somebody elses and maybe we’ll continue to garner more respect in the future.
luc20rules Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
@IN King (formerly AZ King), Ricky & Carts IMHO really like LA, because they can play the game they love, and not have media/fans just hounding/bashing them. As for Doan he would have an upside, but the Downside is Jordan Nolan’s development would be stalled by a year at the AHL(He is of the age that can move up and Down without being exposed to waivers while Lewis is not). I also heard that Doan is looking for a 3 year payday(minimum of 15mil over 3 yrs) and that really doesn’t fit into the Kings plans in Cap Hit or length of contract. Not a good investment for a 3rd liner.
[Reply]
The Gondor Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:31 pm
@King Cobra, Apparently, Doan has been offered $30 million for four years by Sabres, cap hit of $7.5 million. Game, set and match to “No way are the KIngs getting Doan.”
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@The Gondor, Yes nothing better than telling your wife and four kids “We are moving to the beautiful city of Buffalo where I can expect to spend the next four years not winning the Stanley Cup” I doubt the Rangers, Penquins, Canucks, RedWings and Kings are overly worried Doan is going to Buffalo. Even if he does, that leaves none of our real competitors any better so that would be my second best scenario
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,
Butch Almighty!
King Cobra Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 6:56 am
@The Gondor, He can move his family to Siberia for some extra cash or come win a cup with us in paradise. Either way I am not losing any sleep over it, jut putting the question out there….
[Reply]
Mike in Oregon Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:10 am
@King Cobra, At least retire #19. He deserves it.
rogiesbackup Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@The Gondor, I can’t EVEN believe we GAVE sDoan the GRATIFICATION of being able to reject us!!!!! It’s exactly what I mean…we don’t seem to have PRIDE in our organization. Why should players like Nash put us on his “want” list if we got no pride. It makes us look as though we don’t have our OWN vision.
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
@rogiesbackup, We should have never entertained the notion of signing Doan here!!!
King Cobra Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 7:40 am
@rogiesbackup,
No pride in our organization?? Not sure where you get that?? No vision?? DL has tons of vision and has built a Stanley Cup winning team!
How do you know that we are not on the Nash list? I have read that we were and the total list really has not been made public, DL just would not give away the store for the guy. So are you saying that we should not have gone after Carter because we did not raise him up in our farm system?
We take pride in winning and if adding Doan makes us even better and stronger that is vision to making us better into the future. If Doan decides to sign with Phoenix or another team that is just business and we should not take it as a personal attack to the pride of our team.
I salute your passion for our team but-
We have nothing to prove to the world. We are the Stanley Cup Champions, the Kings of the world!
What’s your gut feeling on the looming possibility of a work stoppage? Does the season start on time?
[Reply]
Any updates on Linden Vey’s injury that he sustained at development camp? He looked to be hobbling pretty badly in street clothes during the last day of camp.
[Reply]
Jason Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 3:17 am
@losingsand, I just found out he owns a condo in my complex lol
[Reply]
What member of the kings is your favorite to interview, why? How was it covering a Stanley cup winning team during the playoffs?
[Reply]
kingsxstevenxkings Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 2:24 am
@Chris,
That’s a great question about covering the Stanley Cup winners. I’m sure it’s hectic and a whirlwind of activity.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:41 am
@Chris,
A follow up..
How would you compare the playoff atmosphere in each city you’ve been to (including SJ last year)? Do the cities seem to be taken over with NHL excitement?
[Reply]
Any word on who is going to replace the Deadhorse, er, sorry, Kompon? Is @Dominique in the running for that job?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
@DesertKing, Wilkins??
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
@Stuart,
Wrong Dom
[Reply]
SDGolfer Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
@DesertKing, When will the incessant bashing of Kompon and TM end? They were both pieces of the puzzle (good or bad) that helped the Kings win the Stanley Cup. I’m just glad there are classy people in the Kings organization, unlike certain people here (Puck73, Jess and others), who give them credit for their role in this accomplishment.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
@SDGulfer,,
Classy people that don’t denigrate others are few and far between …. like me, silly!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 3:26 am
No problem with his spelling though!
puck73 Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:02 pm
@SDGolfer, You want to here something ironic though? If you, and some others had your way, TM would still be coaching this team, and you would still be blaming the players for everything and insisting that a different coach wouldnt make a difference. How do I know this? Easy, because I read posts from guys like you over the past 3 seasons, so its all recorded so to speak.
Now go on the Philadelphia Phantoms blog and welcome the new emporer.
[Reply]
glewis29 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:53 am
@puck73, I disagree. I don’t think we need to bash TM and Kompon. I think the Kings are better with them gone (obvious about TM), but at least regarding TM, I’m more than happy to give him credit with establishing the defensive mentality that was partially responsible for the Kings winning the cup. I’m also more than happy to acknowledge that while TM was key to getting to the the finish line, he was not capable of crossing it.
I choose not to bash TM for being what he was, an excellent teacher incapable of motivating the team to do what they needed to do.
jess Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@glewis29,
Do you feel better after that good cry?
luc20rules Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
@puck73, While there is no doubt firing TM was the right thing. Its not like we would have won the Cup in 2011 with Kopi’s injury. 2010 was the first time the Kings were in the playoffs for 8 yrs, I would be surprised if any Coach could have lead that team to a Cup Championship. We won this year so do you mind showing us the extensive damage he did to this team? Its not like he was in charge for a decade( 3.35 yrs actually ). If your going to rail about Purcell and Moulson neither really is particularly strong on the D side of the game no Selke Candidates there. I think the Crawford years were way more damaging to the Kings other than gaining us the 2nd pick to take Doughty.
I say let it go for the sake of your Blood Pressure.
jess Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:17 pm
@SDGolfer,
Thanks for the mention SD.
I seem to remember a post where you got wished into the cornfield for calling all Kings Insiders morons.
If you had your way, Kings would not have a cup right now, and TM would still be coach.
Thank you so much for your insignifigance.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:40 am
@jess,
+1 to you, but -1 to me for supproting someone who bashed someone who claimed we shouldn’t be bashing people because its mean and we should just give Stanley Cups to everyone so they all feel better, just like Little League.
CB14 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
@jess, I remember the morons comment very well. The best part about it was that he did the same exact thing after the next game. That was hilarious!
DesertKing Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:39 am
@SDGolfer,
For Kompon, never. It is too much fun.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
@SDGolfer, Gosh dang it. This is why I should check the blog everyday. I can’t believe I missed this conversation. Puck, DK, and jess did a good job in my absence.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@DesertKing,
Kompon just got hired by the BlackHawks! Let’s watch their PP next year go south!
[Reply]
Do you think Oscar Moller and Bud Holloway are done with the Kings?
[Reply]
JOHN SHAW Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
@Nut, Not until they reach 27…GKG…
[Reply]
Hiya Rich,
With the prospects of a possible work stoppage looming over next season, are there any contingent plans regarding some of the cup celebrations planned for the beginning of the season such as Hockeyfest and the banner raising?
[Reply]
Game 6.Stanley Cup Finals….little bit of rooting for the Kings????(P.S. even for the reason of not wanting to go back to N.J. )
[Reply]
JOHN SHAW Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@neil, Not until they reach 27…GKG…
[Reply]
Rich, thanks for keeping us informed all season long. I was just wondering if you know when the names are engraved on the cup, and who’s names are going to be engraved on the cup?
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
@KJCHIP30,
Traditionally, the engraving happens in September. It’s actually not engraving though. Technically, the names are stamped. As far as who gets their names on the cup, the rules say all Kings players who finished the season as Kings property, played 41 or more regular season games or played at least one game in the Final, plus management (inc. owner, GM, asst GM, coach, asst coaches, scouts — although I think the management names are left to the team’s discretion. Rich?).
Drewiske, Parse, Westgarth and Loktionov did not play 41 games. Neither did Gagne, Nolan, Carter or King, but they played in the Final. Jack Johnson got traded so he misses out.
[Reply]
fridgemagnet57 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 2:44 am
@Quisp,
I”m curious what happens to AHL players like Martin Jones or injured players like Scott Parse?
I was surprised to see them lift the Cup.
So do the AHL guys get rings and their names on the Cup? Are the Kings petitioning for Parse to get his name on the Cup? I just thought they wouldn’t and holding the Cup was just part of the celebration.
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
@fridgemagnet57,
No, the AHL guys don’t get rings or their names on the cup. Yes, I assume you’re right and raising the cup was part of the celebration, not an indicator of anything.
The team can petition the league to have a player’s name added under special circumstances, but I think that would be kind of hard to argue in Parse’s case. I can see them petitioning to add Loktionov, since he played 39 games in the regular season and two in the playoffs, which adds up to 41.
luc20rules Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
@fridgemagnet57, I believe the Parse(IR), and AHL players were members of the extended taxi squad (10 player slots added to the inactive NHL roster) that playoff teams are alloted. Tyler Toffoli was also one of those players I suppose he played a few of AHL playoff games, but mostly he was in Juniors all year. That is why they were on hand to lift the cup, but no lifting the cup is no assurance that they will get their name stamped on the cup.
Yelvis111 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:17 am
@Quisp, for players who don’t meet the prescribed criteria, the organization can petition to have their names stamped on the Cup, right? I’m wondering if the Kings have petitioned to have Drewiske, Parse, Westgarth and Loktionov’s names put on the Cup.
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
@Yelvis111,
Yes, and don’t know.
Mike in Oregon Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:13 am
@Quisp, Westgarth could just bite the Cup.
[Reply]
KJCHIP30 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
@Quisp, thanks for all the information. I really hope that the Kings petition to get Westy and Drewiske’s name on the Cup, as they were part of the team all year long and did everything they were asked to do. Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Do you know if the kings are looking for anyone specifically to get for Jonathan Bernier and if so who? Also, are there any more free agents that the kings are interested in (including Doan) and if so who? And on a separate topic, how much progress do you think Slava voynov is going to have to make defensively in order to be a top 2-way defenseman?
[Reply]
Hi Rich,
Were any of the players nursing injuries during the playoffs, other than Penner with his wrist?
[Reply]
IN King (formerly AZ King) Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
@responsible D,
I’d say there’s no doubt about that. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Brown had something going on during the finals. You don’t through the playoffs without getting banged up. We were lucky to get through the the whole thing with the most significant injury being Clifford’s concussion.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@IN King (formerly AZ King), yeah much respect for the way DB continued to play through the pain of whatever ailment he had!
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
@responsible D,
I heard that Gagne also had the surgery on his neck.
[Reply]
PurpleRocks Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
@goldielocks,
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/13/report-simon-gagne-underwent-surgery-to-remove-mass-from-his-neck/
[Reply]
If you had to compare players on the current Kings roster to the 5 main characters from Murphy Brown (Murphy, Jim Dial, Frank Fontana, Corky Sherweood, and Miles Silverberg), who would you choos and why?
[Reply]
Hey Rich thanks for an amazing coverage during an amazing season!
I have a question about one of Kings vision videos: there is a video called “signs and sounds on the bench” that’s the name I think, it was filmed during the Kings preseason game against the Hamburg Freezers and I’m actually in this video… so is there any chance to get some kind of copy?
Greetings from Germany and again thanks for all your hard work!
[Reply]
Rich, at some point guys like Cliche and Clune (and to a lesser extent Campbell, Muzzin, Hickey) have to wonder if their chance at “the show” is ever going to happen (on a regular basis.) Do you see these guys, having re-signed with the Kings, “resigned” to a life of buses in the American League? How does their morale factor into the overall plan?
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
@Marc Nathan,
Unless I missed something, Hickey and Muzzin (and King) haven’t signed.
[Reply]
Hey Rich,
You a fan yet?
[Reply]
Thanks for this Rich!
Do you know how the teams are selected for the opening games overseas? It can’t just be at random.
Same with teams for the Winter Classic. How are they decided?
[Reply]
Same question as responsible D – what injuries were kept out of the media in the weeks leading up to the playoffs? I had visions of Kopitar not being himself and thought maybe there was an unspecified ‘lower body injury’ and the same for Mike Richards…
Also, what’s the final scoop on the assault charge hanging over the head of Doughty?
Also, give us some more insight on the relationship of Bernie Nichols and the Kings? How has he changed from the first two years under McNall and prior to his trade? He seems mild and quite different than I remember and the hushed stories that came from unnamed media sources.
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
July 22nd, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@Utah Chris, Hushed stories? I do know a couple of girls who used to attend the Kings practices at Culver Ice Rink back in the day. If your “hushed stories” have anything to do with that time then you are probably correct in assuming they’re true. At least they have souvenir pucks autographed by him with his name and 80′s phone number.
[Reply]
Any word on how badly Dustin Brown was injured, especially after the Phoenix series? Or any other player for that matter?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
@QueenInVan, 3 broken ribs, I heard from a “reliable source”!
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
@Duncanz,
Aww, you remember!
Anyway, I just noticed that someone posted the same question before me. Ah well, off-season, I guess…
[Reply]
Hi Rich, Thanks for a wonderful year of coverage. What everone told me would NOT happen in my lifetime did. Any chance of having an edit feature so we could correct spelling errors or a statement after entering it?
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
@Forum Gold, i aggreee.
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
@Forum Gold, Everyone. See Rich, this is what I am talking about. These old eyes did not see my error until after it was posted.
[Reply]
IN King (formerly AZ King) Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@Forum Gold,
I 2nd, 3rd, and 4th this. Some of us have been asking about this for a while.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 5:36 pm
@Forum Gold,
Don’t do it, Rich.
Warts ‘n all, I say!
As soon as you touch a piece in chess you have to move it.
Once you take your fingers off of it, that’s your move.
Done and dusted.
Just ask @jesst.
He regrets every move he makes, but is reconciled with not being able change a thing!
[Reply]
I am in NY for business right now,
and getting mad respect wearing my Brown shirt,
And LA Kings Stanley Cup Champions hat.
Why is that?
[Reply]
c4sraser Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
@Mars, i am in hawaii and except for only one other Kings fan am runnin into scads of other teams fans all with a positive response. hochey fans for sure.been wearin my Kings shirts and hat everyday, very proudly i might add.
[Reply]
HawaiiKingsFan Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
@c4sraser, I’m in Honolulu. Been wearing my Kings gear everywhere for the past few years. Only gotten one comment so far, a few months ago.
[Reply]
RayBlanco Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@Mars, Because we beat the Devils, who beat the Rangers…
When I flew to Jersey for the Finals I was expecting a little more hostility wearing KINGS jersey/hat from Jersey fans, but I quickly learned from multiple conversations that there were many people attending the games to root for whoever the other team was…. being LA Kings!
GO KINGS GO! I wonder if Kovalchuk still thinks he made the right decision?
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 7:47 am
@Mars, Rangers fans love the Kings, and what’s better is that even though the Rangers lost the fans still follow hockey, so people were rooting for us hard to win.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 7:48 am
@Shakes, i should clarify by saying “Rangers fans love(d) the Kings in that series”
[Reply]
Mike in Oregon Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:16 am
@Mars, Because the world be our bitches.
[Reply]
Rich, thanks for taking the time to interact with us Kings nuts!
I’m not very positive about getting a new CBA without a work stoppage. What do you think the chances are of getting a CBA and the NHL not missing any games? And in your opinion, what will be the major changes in the next CBA?
[Reply]
Rich,
After watching the NBC version of the finals game 6 (for the third time), I would like to ask you whether you think the NBC national broadcasters are biased in favor of east coast teams. Pierre McGuire comes to mind, especially. I watched the Canadian CBC broadcast and did not think there was any bias whatsoever. However, Pierre McGuire’s NBC comments (keep in mind, not his interviews with players, but his individual opinions) seem to lean heavily in favor of New Jersey. I believe Mike Emrick used to broadcast New Jersey’s games, but I thought his broadcast at least kept some semblance of objectivity. Actually, it seemed to me that NBC retired NHL players displayed more objectivity than non retired players. Considering your own background in mass media, do you think NBC displayed a bias in favor of the east coast and if so, what do you think can be done to weaken this bias?
[Reply]
Mike in Oregon Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:26 am
@John, They were, and are continually biased towards east coast teams in my opinion. This includes satellite NHL radio and all TV coverage except our own broadcasts. It was particularly irritating in the playoffs. When the Kings were up 3-0 in final, despite not having much to say about Jersey, the broadcast crew for NBC continually found “amazing” facts about NJ while they were getting their clocks cleaned. When Devils won two games, it was like the earth moved and Kings got little respect. I was really disappointed in the coverage, which actually made me angry a number of times. Even Eddie Olczyk, a former KING assistant captain, was biased big time towards Devils. I also believe that if Devils had won, the celebration coverage would have pre-empted the riveting race car programming that followed. I loved the visual content of NBC coverage, which I thought was excellent. And, Mike Emrick is SICK. To me, he is in the Bob Miller league, although I would pick Bob over anyone if given a choice. Milbury was also reasonably objective and I thought very insightful. Also, JR was pretty good too. But, the West gets no respect.
[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
@Mike in Oregon,
I agree. I was more disappointed in the apparent rooting for the Devils by Olczyk than Maguire’s work. Maguire’s loyalty seems to be more directed at players instead of teams (witness Penguins fans’ hatred of him for his effusive praise of Mike Richards while Richards was in Philadelphia). There were times it seemed that Olczyk was genuinely angry that the Kings were winning.
[Reply]
John Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
@Mike in Oregon,
One thing which particularly struck me was how Pierre McGuire repeatedly complained about the lack of any penalty on the Jarret Stoll hit on Brian Gionta while Rob Scuderi is lying on the ice with his blood splattered around. If you look carefully, you’ll notice that the hit on Gionta happened right in front of McGuire. I guess the natural tendency is to focus on the hit you see right in front of you, but McGuire kept repeating the same thing even though replays obviously showed the Scuderi hit to be much more severe. He just kept mentioning the hit on Gionta numerous times, when it really didn’t even come close to the severity of the Scuderi hit. I felt that by repeating the same thing so often exposed his bias in favor of the Devils.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 5:44 am
@John, I thought Emeric wasn’t too biased, but one of his color commentators was absurd. The play that stood out for me was Carter making a great play short handed to get off a good chance and the commentator could only say that Peter Harold made a great play to foil the attempt … it wasn’t that great.
[Reply]
anonandonanon Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 9:47 am
@John, Problem was that Emereic is used to calling the game from the Devils fan perspective and try as he might that tinge always came through. The same thing would’ve happened to Bob. The 11-12 SC 4 LA heals all wounds.
GKG
[Reply]
Hey Rich,
I’ve asked this before…but this is the “Open Forum” so here I go again……
Do you think there is any chance that we (the Insiders) can get a few minutes with the Cup during one of our suite events next season? Never been to one but I would jump on this in a heartbeat…..
I work 10h/days….it is impossible for me to stand in line for hours and hours at an appearance for a chance to get a pic with the Cup……so it would be so awesome if it could be arranged.
What do you think?
[Reply]
IN King (formerly AZ King) Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
@Louis Zypher,
If I’m not mistaken the Cup goes back to the HOF in Toronto once the season starts.
[Reply]
McCheese Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 7:33 am
@IN King (formerly AZ King), not all season… it actually travels about 300 days a year.
[Reply]
Rich, love the coverage, thanks for a job well done again this year. Two questions from me…
1.) Are there plans in the works for a season ticket holder event with the Stanley Cup this off-season or during the season?
2.) Are the photo’s on the Kings website below ever available for free download or even purchase?
http://kings.nhl.com/club/gallerylanding.htm
[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@kings of SB,
http://photostore.nhl.com/home.aspx?sourceid=globalnav
That store gets a decent selection. I would imagine the quality isn’t the best compared to a more serious archival print. But, those will do the job of decorating a wall.
You could always contact the photographers direct about getting something a bit more polished printed as a fine art piece. But, not sure how often photographers do that.
[Reply]
Any new news on the Doughty Case?
[Reply]
Edzky Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@Lets do it again, Inquiring minds want to know…
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 7:46 am
@Lets do it again, no news, but if anyone needs to commit a crime, do it in the City of Hermosa Beach, you will have 6 to 12 months to head south to Mexico before they finish their investigation.
[Reply]
penguin76 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
@Sebastian,
HA! if there was a “Like” button, i would click it!
[Reply]
Thank you, Rich!!
1. Any chance the LAK will have a “Day with the Cup” exclusively for Insider bloggers and/or season ticket holders? I thought a charity event like Jim Fox’s Wine Tasting would give us the chance to take pictures with the Cup while serving a good cause, at the same time.
2. Can you expand on any last minute exchanges between DL’s office and J Bernier’s camp, if any?
3. Any DD case updates?
4. Are you going on vacation soon? Please let us know the dates.
Again, thank you for your work. It gets an A+ on my evaluation!!
[Reply]
Are players compensated for waiving a “no trade”cause? I know on baseball players are sometimes (all the time?) bought out of no trade clauses but I never read about that happening in hockey.
[Reply]
Rich, given that you’re not a Kings fan, what were your feelings when they won the Cup? Also were you shocked by their playoff dominance?
What is the team’s biggest need for next season or is there one?
[Reply]
1. Is the Stanley Cup going to be at Frozen Fury this year? If it is, do you think fans will be able to take pictures with it?
2. Do you think Bernier will be traded before training camp?
3. Where do you think Gagne will fit in the lineup at the start of the season if everyone is healthy?
Thanks Rich!
[Reply]
LuckyEleven Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:58 pm
@Marbles, As for #1, was wondering that as well. I bought my frozen fury tickets in hopes that it would be there. Then I realized if the CBA isn’t negotiated there won’t be a frozen fury. Then I wondered, if there’s no frozen fury would I be reimbursed?
[Reply]
1) What are the chances for a lockout this season, since Bettman proposal recently? Or Strike?
2) Can we do a bloggers Stanley Cup gathering this early September?
3) Do you think JB will still be a King by Jan 1st? What do you think we should get for him? My thinking 3 years from now 1st rounder in 13 would be my choice?
[Reply]
Whats the latest on re-signing RFA Dwight king?
[Reply]
I have question about the stick of Marty in 1993 SC Finals.
My questions are,
1. Did Marty told the equipment department what stick he want them to order?
2. Did the equipment department know about it’s illegal?
3. I know we didn’t, but if we really want to blame on someone, should it be Marty more or the Equipment department?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@zdfun,
Players work on their sticks into the shape they want them in. In the “old days” guys would heat up their sticks with a torch and shape the blade to their liking. Marty knew exactly what he was playing with.
[Reply]
uclaemt Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
@zdfun, many players adapt the curve to their liking. Usually with a blow torch, especially back then. I doubt the stick manufacturers would make an illegal staick and it’s more likely that McSorely liked the extra bend in the blade and put it there himself
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:52 pm
@zdfun, sometime during the last PO’s there was a piece put together and in it BM flat out said he new it was illegal and the chicken [stuff] thing about it was that MON and JL coud’ve picked out any one of several other players’ sticks… so I’m sure everybody knew about everybody’s stick in the room…
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:12 pm
@zdfun, Is that stick still around?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 12:02 am
@QueenInVan,
It resides discarnately forever in the philosophical Kings Hockey Hall of Blame!
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 12:08 am
@Duncanz,
But it would pair up nicely with that Cup-winning lost and found puck.
Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 12:39 am
@QueenIn’Vene,
That would be so true if it still existed.
If not and it was splintered down and crushed to make pomade for Barry Melrose’s mullet, and had Pat Elias thrown the puck into the Atlantic they would have remained two of the great missing heirlooms in Kings history.
Fine question you ask, though.
@RH single-handedly, but for a little assist on the national stage from Bill Plaschke, tracked down the puck’s whereabouts.
If he managed to do the same with that stick he would deserve to be enshrined along with them!
Who needs Madame Tussauds when you can do your own taxidermy and mounting?!
Thank`s Rich for everything!
Could you tell me all the players or others whose names will be on the cup.
[Reply]
I am interested in hearing the latest about the Kings and situations regarding Shane Doan and Jon Bernier.
I am MORE interested in this commemorative book being put out? I assume it is a hard cover?
Also any approximate details on when the book will be released, where it will be available and cost?
Thanks as always Rich, you’re the top gun of bloggers.
Now go have some In N Out followed by a Tommy’s chaser of your choosing.
[Reply]
Arron Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@The Grice Boys,
I’d like to add a part B to this question. Will this book be available in Canada? Bob Miller’s book wasn’t.
[Reply]
paige Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@The Grice Boys, Rich, what do you think the Kings can reasonably expect in return for Bernier?
[Reply]
Thanks again for everything you do for us.
Which prospects do you think have a decent chance of playing for the team in 2012-2013, (if not on opening night than as a replacement due to injury)?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
@HockeyNerd, Also: were you very surprised at what this team accomplished? At what point in the playoffs did you begin to feel there was a very strong possibility of winning the cup?
[Reply]
Rich,
First I want to say to you, thank you for all the hard work you do for us Kings Fans, you have given us the ability to be closer to the team we all love, great job!
My only question to you is more about the lakingsinsider.com site, when is the theme going to be updated to the new LA Kings logo or even better, the Stanley Cup Champions logo?
[Reply]
DaveinSD Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
@BobsYourUncle, the Kings crown rules with purple of course. I will assume this logo will change to the home plate crest on this website. I vote to keep as is, but just add a Stanley Cup image next to the crown;)
[Reply]
Rich, What is the bottom line on Bud Holloway? Is he good enough and under what circumstances could he potentially join the team given his contract overseas? I saw his probability of success stat drop to F at hockeysfuture.com. Not sure who does that rating, but it seems like someone’s trying to send a clear message by giving him the only F. Thanks
[Reply]
1. Besides a new assistant coach, what other organizational personnel changes have occurred or are possible?
2. If they made you GM what would you be looking to do at this time?
3. Concerning the Insider about what do you feel the most pride and the most regret?
4. Has there been any speculation how long Daryl Sutter is likely to keep coaching?
5 Has DS bought any additional acres in Viking or elsewhere?
6. Doughty’s attorney predicted a dismissal of charges was imminent. Then Gloria Allred appeared on the scene.. What do you hear/think?
7.Is Bob Miller returning next year?
8. What is your opinion on the likelihood of Farmer’s Field being built? When?
9. If AEG gets an NFL franchise how would that impact their ownership of the Kings/
10. Has winning the Cup prompted Kings alumni to take a more active role in supporting the club?
!!. Is it possible for the Insider to try to sell out a box to subscribers who would buy tickets on a individual game basis? This could be a limited time, off-season effort contingent on the box selling out in advance for the entire year.
11. What can you tell us about Penner’s off season workouts?
12. Have you had to add bandwidth to accommodate Duncanz’s posts?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
13 (appropriately). Is it good to throw bricks if you are people living in glass houses?
14. Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?
[Reply]
JackKentCooke Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
@Duncanz,
How close are you?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
@JackKentCooke,
Now that’s the 64 (thousand) dollar question!
Harrison Merkin Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@JackKentCooke, What is the air speed of an unladen swallow?
JackKentCooke Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
@JackKentCook
The speed of a homing pigeon to the second power
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@Harrison Merkin,
Well, you have to know these things when you’re a King, you know.
John P Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@JackKentCooke, Bob signed a 2 year contract at the start of last year.
[Reply]
Hey Rich
Do you think Kyle Clifford will get his spot back again on the 4th line (or do you even think he deserves it)? I know roster spots are pretty tight right now & nothing is really guaranteed. I personally feel he has great potential & it’s a must to have a player like that on the team who will take no you know what & back it up. Just wanted to hear your opinion. Thanks for all the great work this season!
[Reply]
Rich, thanks for all you do on the blog and keeping us up to date with all the news. Couple questions…first, what is the song played when the kings come onto the ice? And then which kings jersey is your favorite? Past or present
[Reply]
Hello Rich
From what you can tell being around the players and having some insight into the league what reasons do you attribute the lack of ability for the Kings (or the Ducks, SJ or VAN for that matter) to attract “big time” UFA’s? It’s not as if I care all that much as I’ve found it over the years to be rather overrated in terms of making a winner. But still I’m curious. Thanks
jom
[Reply]
Thanks for the awesome job you do and complete coverage of the Kings.
Is there going to be a Kings sale this year?
[Reply]
I’m curious on if the Kings plans are as far as jerseys this year. Will they keep the black and purple as their third or has that gone the way of the dodo birds, and will they have the Legends nights with the purples?
[Reply]
Tony A Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
I second that question Rich.
[Reply]
Rich, all I can do is echo everybody’s thanks for all you do; above and beyond. I’m sitting here listening to Abbey Road with a great cigar; great time to thinking about life and all I can do is look forward to this season. Is there an unwanted cure for this? Also, I’m a long time Cards fan (since 1967), and if the Cards are hopelessly out of it, my heart goes to the Cubs. For the fans. You deserve it.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
@Pili, And I’m sure we can all wish the Silver Hammer, Golden Slumbers …. Right?
[Reply]
Hey Rich do you think the Kings would ever consider a jersey/logo with Gold, black and silver but no purple?
[Reply]
Thanks for all the work you have done Mr. Hammond.
My question is Do you see the Kings making any significant changes next year or will it be minor if any?
[Reply]
Rich, always appreciate the work that you put into the “insider” and my question is going to be about Dean Lombardi. We know that Dean pushed in the past seasons to raise the bar with the core players for improving on every aspect of the team. Simply put is winning the cup going to be Dean’s measuring stick now or does the bar get raised higher?
[Reply]
Thanks, Rich. I don’t think Doan is an option. The team would be far more powerful with Kopi/ Carter/ Richards/ Stoll down the middle..Unless I’m mistaken, Doan has only played center and Stoll was much better in the middle than his games at RW. What do you think? Thank again.
[Reply]
BringBackButchGoring Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:24 am
@Mik3ysfv, Doan is a right wing and obviously he is an option if the Kings have already extended an offer.
[Reply]
Mik3ysfv Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@BringBackButchGoring, damn I hate being wrong.
[Reply]
Rich do you still have no vested feelings for the Kings there fans or hockey?
[Reply]
Donald_S Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 7:41 am
@pr0cess,
Why does it seem everyone wants Rich to be a Kings fan? It’s better that he is not. His objectivity is a great thing for us. My sense is that it would be like if I was writing for the Galaxy. I would wish the best for the players that I would see every day, but I wouldn’t spend my personal money to go to a game.
[Reply]
Forum to Staples Fan Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@Donald_S, +1
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@Donald_S,
Then the Kings aren’t worth the price of a ticket?
Even during those zeppelin-like times of the SCF I would have paid the inflated figures if I could have afforded it.
[Reply]
Hi Rich,
Thanks for all the great work over the years with LAKingsInsider. It’s always one of my ‘check daily’ websites, even in these ‘quiet’ times.
My question concerns the Stanley Cup. Do you know if any ‘Cup Photo’ events are being planned for Kings fans, including your faithful followers on the blog? : )
It would be wonderful to have a pic taken with the cup. I avoided it when the draft was held at Staples because I didn’t want to jinx us (you’re welcome everybody) but I would line up for hours if the opportunity came along again.
Still on a Cup winning high so far this summer btw.
[Reply]
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@ForumFan, I second that it would be something to treasure
insiders day with the cup? doesn’t anyone else want that?
[Reply]
Any word / news on a Dwight Kings extension?
Any word / news on Hockeyfest? Are they waiting to see what happens with the CBA or are they going to do it regardless?
Any ice girl phone #’s?
[Reply]
laikaloco Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
@saf227, 867-5309…ask for Jenny.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@laikaloco, sounds like that could be a hit song some day!!!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@laikaloco,
I called that number, once…..
[Reply]
Rich, any news on when us regular non millionaire, non season ticket holding, die hard true fans get a chance to take a pic with the cup?
[Reply]
Rich, have any players or coaches ever indicated to you – explicitly or implicitly – that they looked at or read anything on this blog? Do you personally ever feel that it’s professional/appropriate/comfortable to bring up any feelings from this blog talking to players, coaches or team execs?
As always, thanks for the fantastic work you are doing here!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
@mask0425x, That’s a really great question!
I once asked that very question of a member of the coaching staff who replied that he (or she, ha ha) read it from time to time. The impression I got was that he (darn, gave it away) was playing it down a little. Others deny all interest. Are they lying?
If I were a coach or in any of several other positions on the club, I would comb the blog (and others) as a matter of course. It’s unimaginable that at odd times valuable ideas or analysis wouldn’t appear here before being considered by other departments of the organization.
If I were running another club, I would designate one of the scouting staff expressly to monitor the best fansites in search of info and theory on the other hockey clubs’ lineups and tactics.
Sometimes I get nervous wondering who could be silently lurking when one of our bloggers here brings up an incisive point.
I inevitably shudder when it’s @TiredOfIt or @JackKentCooke, of course!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@Duncanz,
I think more tha just the coching staff visits this blog. I could swear that at Hockeyfest, during the kids Q&A session, the players on the stage were trying to figure out which kids had parents that were blog contributors.
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@Michael J., I’ve posted this before but bears repeating, I think.
At the very least Dustin Brown follows the blog on Twitter. Also, there was a Twitter account Called FakeTerryMurry (when he was coaching) that DB followed as well which made fun of how bad we were at the time. I’m sure those comments were seen.
I’m sure that, if not the players themselves, their family and friends do so I wouldn’t be surprised if stuff “got back to them”
I know that we have all heard JIm Fox mention things on the braodcast that were nearly direct quotes from this blog, so I imagine he checks it out.
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
@LittleRhody,
Those diect quotes from the blog were probably inadvertant (or otherwise) direct quotes from Jim Fox in the first place, so maybe just a rehash of things he’d previously said.
I guess if he does read the blog he’ll now be careful of repeating himself, especially after reading rather self-flattering instructional posts!
nykingfan Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 5:46 am
@mask0425x,
I can see players reading Rich’s articles from the blog, but I can’t see them reading our comments…
If this was your job would you want to have your temperature taken after every game and read about it from people who know nothing about what’s going on? I don’t mean that in a disrespectful way, but read thru the comments after we lose a game and it’s pretty evident.
[Reply]
BringBackButchGoring Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:34 am
@nykingfan, How would Stolly and Lewis know to shoot at the net instead of wide of the net if we weren’t here to remind them of that every dang day of their life Bahahaha seriously if I were a player, I would only read the comments when I scored a goal. Otherwise, I would need a xanax to go to bed.
[Reply]
Do you get a day with the Cup?
[Reply]
Just curious as to your view on how the season ended. Since you’re impartial as to the out come, what, in your opinion would have been the better story line for you to write/comment about. The Kings finish out the way they did or they have a complete collapse and lose the series to the Devils in 7.
Either way, the Kings still finish better than anyone could have imagined, but if they lose, it would be only the 4th time in NHL history a team came back from being down 0-3.
[Reply]
Just a big, fat THANK YOU for all the hard work, Rich!!
I work 12 hour days in the film industry and I get 100% of my updates between takes from your site, so that being said – you’re a life-saver.
Thanks again!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
DeLuise reads the blog!
Got any cooking tips on how to avoid burning tortellinii soup?
[Reply]
Dom Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Greetings from the grave!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@Dom,
What? You’re gone??
And Berlusconi is still alive?!
Something’s wrong in il mundo dello spettacolo!
I’m sure covering this year’s team was a tremendous experience for you, both personally and professionally. What are your top 2-3 experiences/memories from these past few months that you’ll carry with you forever (the good or the bad)? I’m sure there are tons, but I’d love to hear what the experience was like for you as an insider and as a journalist.
Thanks for all you do Rich… it is amazing!
[Reply]
Thanks Rich for all you have done for the Insider site, and keeping us fans up too date and have a great vacation!
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Hi Rich, Do you have any knowledge of whether the players read this blog at all, and if they do, do they mostly just laugh at how idiotic we are? Also curious if DL has ever taken even one suggestion from any of the experts on this board. I would ask if DS ever read this but I think we all know the answer to that question…
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,
Speak fer yerself!
I have noticed some clear and present sublte technical changes ever since I started expounding my unfathomable depth of hockey wisdom on here, circa 3 weeks after becoming a fan at the beginning of this season.
All one needs to do is go and read all my posts that with the benefit of some intensive revisionist checking back, I’m sure DL & DS did on an apparently quite successful basis.
Unfortunately, my revelationary ideas on the Ducks & Sharks weblogs did not go down quite so successfully …
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:10 am
@Duncanz, In life (and technology) there are always those who are first adopters.. and then there are those resistant to change (at this point every tech blog would explode with the inevitable apple ve. microsoft debate). Maybe the Ducks and Guppy fans are just…um… slower towards adopting your ideas.
[Reply]
Mike in Oregon Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:35 am
@Duncanz, I agree. My posts always reveal a high degree of hockey genius. I’m sure they have been impactful to anyone in the organization who reads them.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@Mike in Oregon, This is beautiful – like looking at myself in the mirror all day!
Wherever you reside I would like to make it my lovely Pahrump’s sister hicktown!
You get a ring? Day with the cup?
Is the NHL DVD different than the one the Kings put out?
Who is closer Toffoli or Andreoff? Martin Jones ready?
[Reply]
Thanks Rich and sorry you have to read through all the screeds of dross in your constant mission to keep the cornfield satisfactorily populated with misanthropic miscreants (of which I have been known to be once or twice).
• Is there a question, apart from, “What is the address of your exclusive luxury mansion?”, or, “What is your middle name?”, that you secretly fear being asked ?
• Is there a question or questions you wish you were ever asked, apart from, “Mr Hammond, this is ESPN here, would you be interested in …. ?, or “Have you room in your garage for this complimentary pristine Porshe?” ?
• Don’t I ask just the most universally thought-provoking questions?
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:11 am
@Duncanz, … or to add, was there a question you asked which wished you didn’t from the moment it left your lips
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:58 am
@Shakes,
Such as the 3 examples above?
I imagine it would have been 98% of the ones posed to DS before he got smart enough and just started feeding his questions to the other unsuspecting journos to ask for him.
[Reply]
Mike in Oregon Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@Duncanz, What would this blog be without miscreants?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@Mike in Oregon,
Just one big fallowed cornfield!
[Reply]
So, is the NHL going to have a lockout for a bit? or is that still uncertain?
[Reply]
You’ve mentioned that it is a real treat being with Bob and Jim on the road. Can you share a few anecdotes about what has made it so special?
[Reply]
What is the KHL contract status of Maxim Kitsyn? Any chance he could play in Manchester this coming season? Thanks and enjoy some time off Rich!
[Reply]
How long is Darryl Sutter’s contract for?
[Reply]
Dom Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@deepsea_drumz, next Season. That’s it.
[Reply]
Don’t you think we can add a defensemen to this team? for example Mike Green that rejected the washington capitals? I think he would make a fine player and we need to bump up our defense.
[Reply]
Gary Livingston Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@KINGFANX18,
The Kings need to bump up the defense? Did they lose someone?
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
@KINGFANX18,
I hope we focus on the still weakest area (wing), not the one that proved to be the strongest in the league (defense). If we had lost any of our defenders, I’d agree with you. But every blueliner is coming back.
[Reply]
KINGFANX18 Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 7:54 pm
@Gustavo, no one has left but we cant keep the exact team. well we can but we can atleast add some players to the team to help out or atleast make it better which i think mike green can.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:48 pm
@KINGFANX18, We can’t keep the exact team? Huh? We just DID keep the exact team!
HockeyNerd Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
@KINGFANX18, If you would phrase that in the form of a question like “do you think we still might upgrade our defense” you’d be making more sense. The way you put it seems like its less of a question than looking for acceptance of your opinion. If you’d really like Mike Green to be a King that’s fine. Then phrase it “do you think the Kings would possibly go after Mike Green”? The point is no we DON’T need to upgrade our defense….
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@HockeyNerd, Picking up Mike Green would remind me of the old days when we would overpay to get someone in their last few (dismal) years in the league. The way to win is to be trading those guys not picking them up.
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Exception Doan of course
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@HockeyPhone
In his original post the questions @X18 asked were just so.
It’s not his fault he attracted undue dissent from people that unduly knew a whole lot better!
[Reply]
Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:47 am
@KINGFANX18, Even if we had an interest in a defenseman like Mike Green (Nice player, but I don’t think we need defensive help), He is an RFA (RESTRICTED FREE AGENT) so therefore he is betrothen to the Capitals for the time being…
[Reply]
Kings Win, Ducks Lose Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:49 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose, oops, looks like he just re-upped with the Caps for three more years!
[Reply]
To DL:You have to make some move to push…sign-TL-1.2-everyday player-3yrs(BR-only partime player 1.175)…lock it up…GKG…
[Reply]
Rich – When will you start dressing more professionally? Whenever I see you on camera, you look too casual.
Regardless on how you look, you are the best!
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
@JohnD,
Eyeroll…Fashion critique, really???
[Reply]
QueenInVan Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:20 pm
@Gustavo, Well there has to be something, or Rich is too perfect…
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 1:04 am
@QueenInVan,
Rich is a media man, and I’m grateful he does not dresses like a Don Cherry, Barry Melrose or any many other TV bozos.
And Rich’s work for the LAK IS PERFECT. Putting down his thread is like criticizing Mary Lou Retton for being too short right after she scored a perfect 10.
Gary Livingston Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@JohnD,
Haha. I hope you are his mother in disguise. Or, Barry Melrose.
What a ridiculous comment!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 7:15 pm
@JohnD,
This is a perfectly legitimate question to be asking – less offensive here than in the street or at a cocktail party, say – but are you getting Rich confused with Darrell Hammond, perhaps?
Everything our beloved leader wears screams of DK or CK …
And have you even SEEN the way Dwight King and Louis CK dress on a recovery Sunday morning after a particularly challenging cocktail party???
I’ll bet you your favorite tractor you haven’t!
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
@JohnD, Exactly, most sportwriters are known for their fashion sense. Rich needs a makeover stat.
http://craigsagerssuits.tumblr.com/
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:10 pm
@JohnD, Just don’t dress like Don ‘I hate Euros’ Cherry.
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:12 pm
@Steve W, * I was referring to Rich, Not @JohnD, who probably dresses better than Grapes, and likes European players.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:43 pm
@Steve W, I’ll bet he likes Pau Gasol!
The great thing about winning a Stnaley Cup is…the lack of questions…The team is entirely intact to defend this coming year..,there is plenty of depth on the back end and up the middle…the late acquisition of JC has seem to balance out the lines…Only a few question marks ….Gagne…can he come back from yet another concussion and have a good year?…I realize that is a wait to see question and not one you could answer, Rich…The only other question is …have you heard any more trade talk about Bernier?
thanks again Rich…you do an amazing job
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Rich– I have always wanted to know. In the past, has there been information you have been privy to or seen being so close to the team, that you couldn’t report to us fans. What I am refering to is like injuries or imminent trades or certain players not getting along. Any bones you can throw us now that time has passed?
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Gary Livingston Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@NMKingsFan,
“Off the record?”
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Hey Rich!
I was wondering how many championship teams in any of the four major sports have come back fully intact without even one player leaving the line up during the offseason?
I know Bernier may disrupt the Kings being one of those teams to do that but, I’m still curious how frequent this is.
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Hey Rich, You do amazing work. It floors me to think how much time and professionalism you put into this job. We readers appreciate it very much. Can you tell us something you know we don’t don’t know about the team or any players? And what about you? What is something that even those who know you don’t know about you (I triple dare you to answer that last one because I bet you instinctively run screaming from personal disclosure on this blog). And finally, none of us readers will ever get to be as close to a stanley cup run as you now have been. And it was a crazy season with the highest high and the lowest low. What was the best/worst/most memorable part of it for you? Thanks again for all your hard work in keeping the fans plugged in.
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Hi Rich -
Again thank you for all your amazing work! It really means a lot! If there is a lockout do you know if they will try and revamp the schedule that was realeased or will they completely scrap it and make a new one? There are so many great games on that schedule that I hope stay. I am really praying there isn’t a lockout but I don’t get a great feeling about what could possibly happen. Thanks again!
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Rich – how were the Kings mentally for the beginning of Game 6? We’re they confident? Worried?
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Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 7:17 pm
@JohnD, I heard they were “casual” ….
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fsd1 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:37 am
@JohnD, you should just watch the pre game on the ice interview of kopi. They were ready.
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Gotta know…did you touch it? Well did ya?
You deserve it.
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Did or will David Courtney get a day with the Cup? Did he at least get to hoist it? I know he’s not strictly a Kings employee but he’s in some ways as much “the voice of the Kings” as Bob Miller or Nick Nickson. I hope the Kings recognize that. “LOS ANGELES GOAL….”
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If the NHL let us host the the Winter classic between us and the Sucks at Dodger or Angel Stadiums, do you think we could convince the local ski resorts to donate their snow blowing machines for the day?
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Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 8:44 pm
@DessertKing,
I venture to suggest that our respectable ringleader would not touch such a question that includes a so derrodgeratory reference as this.
Who does anyone in their right mind think they are to include the term “Dodgeball” (there, that’s the closest I could come to repeating it) in a comtemporary sentence, in a sophisticated world?
Someone call Scully (Dana) to investigate this D/devil’s dwelling of paranormal activity, already!
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DesertKing Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:45 am
@Duncanz,
OK, you can go back to Warehouse 13
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Rich,
1.) Now that the Kings have won the Cup, when can we expect to see “Royal Ascent” at our local bookstore?… 2.) It’s been stated on here that Bernier has been a great teammate and super supportive, but won’t this recent escapade by the King’s backup netminder be hard to ignore in training camp? If he doesn’t settle down won’t they have to trade him?… 3.) Why is it whenever a sad scene takes place in a movie that is set in Los Angeles it rains?… 4.) Was Quick inebriated at the Kings championship rally?… 5.) Have you ever had a bacon vodka shot?… 6.) Next time you see Jim Fox and Bob Miller can you give each of them a “high-5″ from Irish Pat? I’m sure you’re aware, but they’re pretty rad and I want to thank them for all they do to enrich my enjoyment of the Kings each season. Give yourself one too. You’re pretty rad as well… Cheers Rich.
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nykingfan Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 5:51 am
@Irish Pat,
(2) Every time I’ve read that he’s a great teammate has been from the posters on this blog. Maybe I’m wrong, but do we really know that he is or isn’t? Also, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be #1 goaltender with an NHL team. I don’t think that would be viewed as a negative by his teammates.
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Will The Kings do another red/white/blue jersey for veteran’s day that get auctioned off to fans?
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Any word on Drew Doughty’s situation?? Just wondering what is taking so long!
Thanks
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Rich (or fellow royalty): If there is a labor impass (Lockout, strike, or whatever,) will that affect players under a Kings Contract at the affiliate level (ie., Manchester or Ontario….hey I can hope for some talent at the AA level)?
Also, who will be doing the announcing at CBBA in Ontario for the Kings/ Ducks preseason game (on ice and TV)
Thanks Hammer! You definitely deserve a vacation!!!
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I haven’t seen this mentioned yet as the reason for the Kings Stanley Cup success this season but it seems clear to me: the uniform change! Agreed?
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My Question is
Kings are the Stanley Cup Champions!!!yea yea i know its not a question but soo
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Hi Rich,
As many others have said on here so far, thanks for taking the time to read and answer our questions.
I know it’s hard to evaluate a player’s psyche, especially when you don’t know them very well, but do given that a report recently came out that Shane Doan is “interested” in LA Kings, he’d give up the incredible about of money that some teams are reportedly offering him since we have significantly less room under our cap than those other teams? Given all that you know about Doan, do you think location or money is more important?
One other question… Do you think Cam Janssen’s recent interview accurately showcases how a lot of players truly are on/off the ice? Do you think there will be any negative fallout publicly, besides the harsh criticism he received?
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Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@Robyn,
His sparkling new teammate, Krys Barch (who made his debut against the Kings, for what it’s worth) suggested PK Subban had slipped on a banana peel, while he was appearing for the Panthers last season and got a one game suspension for it …. the comment, not playing for the Panthers.
Anyway, he was lucky. FLA is still universally considered a Southern state.
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Thanks Rich for the great job
I became a Kings fan living in Montreal when I saw the Kings vs Maple Leafs, think it was 74 in the playoffs. A Kings player checked a Maple Leaf over the boards and I was an instant fan. Any fellow blogger that may remember who that was?
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Hey Rich…do we get Heidi Androl back next season?
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Hey Rich,
This question goes back a couple years, and I may have missed the answer but…
A couple years ago Lombardi had you scouting a player at a Hitmen game in Calgary, did the Kings ever draft that player? Or did he get drafted? And I don’t suppose you will mention who it was now?
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Gustavo Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 12:48 am
@Meman,
Are you talking about Alex Roach?
DL signed him up last summer. Big kid, 19, 6’4″, 227 lbs, good fighter, good stay home defenseman. May need work with puck handling and foot speed.
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Can you tell us of any injuries to other Kings players during the playoffs that weren’t disclosed? any news on hockeyfest?
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Rich, I am a little concerned for our toughness in regards to having someone stand up to other teams tugs. I know we have size, but not necessarily a fighter on the line up as it is. Not suggesting to have to put westgarth like players on the line up for that purpose alone on regular basis, but I think something has to give in order for us to be able to match other teams tugs when push comes to shove. Any notes or ideas if DL is pursuing such type players as debth?
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Bob Miller call of game 6. I heard it will be coming available for sale on DVD etc…..is that true?
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rich,
any insight on why Quick is so fracking flexible? Thanks for your time.
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Hi Rich,
Do you think, as I do, that Mike richards put a stop to the phony castle cutout from which the team used to emerge? Do you think taking away the gimmicky, wrestling-type tomfoolery helped the team take themselves more seriously?
Thanks for your work on the blog and keep us updated on where we can get all the merchandise that chronicles this fabulous run.
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I came to ask about the injuries that they were playing through, but it’s already been asked.
So instead I’ll tell an unrelated anecdote.
My best friend’s dating a guy who’s from Jersey and I met him today. He had actually just gotten back from a trip home a couple days ago, so one of the very first things I said to him was, “New Jersey must be a sad place right now without a big, shiny, silver Cup to brighten it, huh?” He had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. He didn’t even know his home team was in the Finals, nor did he know anyone who cared enough about it to mention it in conversation. Although, given the fact that he was here for most of the playoffs and seemed to have no idea we were there, either, he might just be oblivious to hockey in general. It’s a good thing he’s such a nice guy, or I’d probably encourage my friend to move on. lol I’m kidding. Mostly. 
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Duncanz Reply:
July 15th, 2012 at 11:50 pm
@FiG17,
If he’s not oblivious to sports in general, or even if he is, it sounds like his girlfriend’s friends represent a bit of a niche market, as far as he is concerned.
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Assistant coach and offense/power play news. I wish there was more commentary in general about actual strategy.
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Hello Mr. Hammond,
Thank you for allowing me to continue to post on the best blogger’s site in the NHL, considering past history. I have only one question…..Do you think that the local media will ever embrace the Kings like they deserve, especially now that they are champions?
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Sammuch Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 2:39 am
@TiredOfIt,
Local media will never embrace us Kings! I never see channel 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 & 13 ever at games until the quarter finals! But when other LA teams ae doing bad, they all at the game broadcasting live! If the Kings have one bad season, you won’t see them for years…
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Jason Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 3:27 am
@TiredOfIt, I say we just keep winning the cup!
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Buster Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 3:57 am
@TiredOfIt,
Nah. They still think we’re in Sacramento.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 7:37 am
@TiredOfIt,
This should not really matter.
We sell out every game, sell a ton of merchandise and have the most rabid loyal fan base of any southern California team!
Yes, the bandwagoneers will fade away, but the true Kings fans like us will always be there.
People either get hockey or they don’t and the people who don’t really don’t and treat it like some enigmatic alien organism!
2 thousand dollar playoff tickets are bad enough.
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Shakes Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:20 am
@TiredOfIt, my 2 cents:
I think the team will get respect when we have the right to demand it. With our Playoff run/ Cup victory we’ve earned respect and now it looks like we’ll have a full building for the rest of the season. If the team plays wells again the local media will have no choice but to give them more space and respect. it’s one thing to be a loveable loser in a sport like baseball like the Cubs (sorry Rich) where people don’t have to be convinced to be baseball fans, but for hockey I don’t think it’s the same. Half the battle is getting new fans to learn and understand the sport. Nothing compels a person to learn and understand a sport quite like winning. Even some American Original 6 hockey teams had trouble getting crowds when they weren’t winning
The Kings are winners now and have more mindshare with regular sports fans. Continued winning will only help. Oh and wearing silver and black doesn’t hurt either
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Why hasn’t Dwight Kings been resigned? are the Kings looking to add anymore players to the roster? Name of a prospect that has a shot at making the team next year?
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As the new season approaches I find my attitude has changed. However my biggest worry of next season is having all my comments moderated for another year. Any chance of a clean slate? I’ll be 30 years old this year haha
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Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 10:31 am
@Jason,
If that ear you’re whispering in has a husk around it you may be out of luck for a while.
How do otherwise highly functioning people get themselves into these situations, all presunptions aside?
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Have they checked Quick’s midichlorian count yet?
And now for a question a little more serious.
It seems like a dream that the Kings won the Cup. Does anyone else have this problem (and even happier that that dream came true)?
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Gustavo Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:02 am
@Buster,
Yes, I do. Don’t wake me up, though…
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East Coast Kings Fan Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
@Buster, indisputable proof that quick is indeed a freaking jedi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jh2NXL_Wwk&feature=related
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Rich,
When it comes to the schedule, who generally has first pick at Staples Center? Kings? Clippers? Lakers? I know traditionally the Lakers get the Friday night and Sunday games and the Clippers/Kings have to split Saturdays. Is there any formula or criteria they use in the home dates?
Thanks,
Tom
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One thing I’ve noticed since midway through the playoffs…. youth hockey players have SIGNIFICANTLY increased their support of the LA Kings with shirts, hats, jersey’s. We are in Boston this week for youth hockey and frankly… I’m stunned how many Kings hats from youth players and families I’ve seen.
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Now that DL has earned his ring with LA, does he feel he wants to complete the run with this core or bow out in the next year or two for his next project?
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So… here’s my real question for you Rick…
If you were to be reincarnated as an LA Kings player… knowing which wife is hottest… NO… don’t go there and answer that….
Instead, tell us some anecdotes of your interactions with Kings spouses throughout the season. In particular, I’d like to know about Penner’s ex.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:25 am
@Utah Chris, Who is Rick??????????
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Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 10:23 am
@King Cobra,
I think he was thinking with it … especially in the case of Enner’s souse …
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Utah Chris Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 5:12 pm
@Duncanz, I needed spell check…. Rich, Rick, you get the idea…
Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Utah Chris,
You’re good, man.
I was just playing with that one-eyed snake.
Hi, longtime Kings fan here, new to this site. I live in Washington DC and was wondering if the Kings will make themselves available this year when they come to town? I would really like to get my jersey signed and there is no way for me to get out to LA. My family and I will be attending the only game where they will play the Caps. Thank you for your time.
Best
Doug Ryan and Family
[Reply]
ponch0v Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:50 pm
@Doug, Don’t know if you’ll get an email when this is replied to, but I live in Arlington. Would love to be able to watch a game or two with some east coast fans next season. tim@ironsightdesign.com
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Sorry for the harshness of this while celebrating, but, – Bernier,Greene,Loktionov,Scuderi for Weber?
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Michael J. Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:53 am
@Joe,
The Kings can’t afford another big contract. Plus, why would Nashville want that package?
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Gustavo Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:00 am
@Joe,
Makes no sense to me. Why would we want Weber, or any other defense man, for that matter?
Wing is the only position this team still has some need to improve.
I Bernier goes, I would like to see Roloson at no more than $2.0 – $2.5 mill to backup Quick until Jones is ready to come to the big team. Experience and a good reputation as a locker room presence.
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King Cobra Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:28 am
@Gustavo, Not to mention the guy only has one year left on his contract….
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Sebastian Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:50 am
@Joe, sounds like youre just throwing names out there without thinking about contract terms and dollars.
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LT21 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
@Joe,
I would agree on all except for Scuderi. He works really well with Doughty and is a good yin to his yang when Doughty decides to get fancy. Stay at home defensemen don’t get as much glory but they play a huge role and he did great this season.
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Thanks, Rich, for the yeoman’s job of providing such great insight, news & info.
Lou Lamoriello taught DL that at the end of every season a GM should take a piece of paper and write down the 3 big mistakes they made.
Q: Climbing into Dean’s mind (there’s a task for you), what would you guess he’d say were his 3 big mistakes as Kings GM for the 2011-2012 season?
I’d say: 1) Waiting too long to fire Terry Murray. 2) Expecting Trent Hunter & Ethan Moreau to still be serviceable NHL players. 3) Not bringing up King & Nolan sooner (as Ferreira suggested & pleaded for).
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Gustavo Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:55 am
@Crash Davis,
Let’s put a positive spin on it and say 1) Not Hiring DS sooner.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 10:19 am
@Gustavo, Positive spin. Novel idea.
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Crash Davis Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@Gustavo, My educated guess is that DL felt as though Murray was both a good coach & great guy. That DL had given TM a roster full of scorers, a team meant to succeed. Everyone started the season with the best of intentions. But, as we now know, TM had taken the Kings as far as his highly conservative, defense first approach could go. When the Kings got into a terrible slump scoring goals – that was it. Something had to give. It was Murray.
I would not have wanted to be DL on that long flight to Boston to meet with Murray, or be in the room when DL let TM go. That’s tough. But, that;s what a GM has to do – because TM wasn’t the guy to drive the bus anymore.
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I’m pretty sure I already know the answer to this but I’m curious if you have heard anything from inside the organization. Are the Kings going to be parting ways with Scott Parse this summer? Is he even healthy enough to be playing for someone next season?
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my question…How are you going to answer all of these questions and still have time to take a break??? Good luck!!!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 10:07 am
@neil,
This is probably the equivalent of when a lawyer asks, “How can I help you?”
At least as far as the victim is concerned!
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DesertKing Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 10:25 am
@Duncanz,
Or the rdoctor’s equivalent of “This shouldn’t hurt too much.”
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Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:48 am
@DessertKing,,
Or the used car salesman’s, “Let’s get you into this little beauty over here!”
Hey Rich,
With the Lakers Leaving FS West this fall, will the Kings have a bigger role on the network (a pregame show, longer post game, etc..)
Thanks!1
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puck73 Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:34 am
@Vahe, The Lakers are leaving FSW ? Wow! If thats true, I was not aware of that. And if they are leaving, where are they going to?
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Forum Gold Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:41 am
@puck73, Time Warner.
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DesertKing Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:42 am
@puck73,
They are getting their own netwrok on Time Warner, similar tothe Yankees channel. I guess iwon;t be watching too many Laker games next season since I have DirectTV.
[Reply]
Rich,
Do any of the Kings currently under contract have a NTC/NMC attached to their agreements? According to CapGeek.com, we are the only team without one in the entire NHL… I would think maybe that Richards, Carter, (Doughty, Kopitar & Quick when they reach “7 years in or 27years old” eligible status) might have one in place… Can you find out from Dean Lombardi/LA Kings Mgt?
Thanks in advance,
David Griffith
Kings Win, Ducks Lose
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:43 am
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,
I’m almost certain that Richards and Carter do have those clauses. They were to kick in the year that each would have been eligible for UFA, which was either this summer or next. I believe all the deals that Lombardi handed out to current Kings players don’t have a NMC/NTC.
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Thanks for baby sitting Rich!!
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What is the NHL’s stance on referees picking up broken sticks on the ice? I seem to remember them doing it all the time in the past but very rarely do I see it anymore.
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AZ King Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@4tee
They’re supposed to pick them up if the stick is in the way of play (not along the boards), but only if dong so would not interfere with the play.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
@AZ King, What? You moved back?
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Duncanz Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Or was that another blogger …
IN King (formerly AZ King) Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 8:40 am
@Duncanz,
LOL…No I just forgot to change my name on my ipad.
What will happen if the cap is lowered per the current NHL demand? Who goes?
[Reply]
Hey Rich, what’s the word on Scott Parse? He’s listed as a UFA this summer, are the Kings planning to bring him back? He certainly did have injury problems, but he was without a doubt a solid player when he was healthy.
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Kings fan in New Jersey here, and I’m sure there’s others in the area wondering this. Any word on if Justin Williams is doing any public event with his day with the cup in Ventnor? I feel lucky enough I got to go to game 1 since Newark is an hour north of me, but a picture with the Cup would pretty much make my life complete.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:40 pm
@East Coast Kings Fan, Here’s a question for you east coast. Do you feel “eastcoast – bias” coverage by NBC exist or just an imagination by LA fans?
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East Coast Kings Fan Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 8:13 am
@rogiesbackup, I think there is a bit of both going on. Where I live, on the border of Flyers and Devils/Rangers territory, if I didn’t know better I’d have thought the Flyers relocated to the west and were making a big run. Everything was about Richards and Carter and the rest of the former Philly crew. Of course, that’s not NBC, that the local sports coverage. With NBC, having Emerick, who got his start with the Devils, announcing the SCF certainly didn’t help the bias. All that said, I also think some Kings fans are looking for the bias and are quick to perceive every small comment as a slight, so it is exaggerated. Though I do have to put in alot more work following the Kings on the East Coast than a Rangers of Flyers fan would to follow their team on the West Coast.
[Reply]
Rich,
Great Job on the blog. A couple of questions:
1) Do we have a full list of whose names are going on the Cup? Wasn’t sure about guys like Trent Hunter, etc 2) Do you know how long the radio contract with 1150 is for ? Reception is a little spotty outside LA, although there are options like Satellite Radio (thank goodness) 3) Is Mike Murphy in line for a Kings Legends night ? Doesn’t seem like we get too many 50/50 calls from the War Room in Toronto, maybe we need to send a little love up there (where Murphy is in charge) 4) What was the feeling about the Kings Fest events of the past couple years. Seems like some version of that right before Training Camp would be option. I think the line for “take your picture with the Cup” would start next week
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When the Kings make changes to the ice at Staples, for example, adding “Stanley Cup Playoffs” or “Stanley Cup Final” to the ice do they simply paint over the ice or do they completely redo all of it?
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Dr. T Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
@858King, The designs on the rink are painted below the ice. Fans have participated in this at some of the Kings events in the past.
[Reply]
Dom Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@Dr. T, this doesn’t answer his question. Do they start from scratch for the playoffs or are they just adding ice on top of the new paint which is painted on the ice…?
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@858King, Actually I think I can answer the question a little better after being at the rally. I watched workers actually come out to the ice area where the “Stanley Cup Final” logo was placed. I watched them melt the ice with a blower type apparatus and then peel the logo off. It looked like there was a layer of ice under the logo and obviously a layer over it. So the logo was actually a thin sheet of some type of material. I would assume a plastic film of some type. That’s what I saw and I hope it answers your question.
[Reply]
858King Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 11:30 am
@Shotongoal, Thanks! I hope it does too because I’ve always wondered how it gets converted so quickly. I’m familiar with the ice making process itself but when they have to add or remove something it seems to be done quickly. My understanding is that there is one (maybe two) thin layers of water/ice then the white, lines, circles etc, are added and then flooded with several more layers
I also assumed they “Stanley Cup Final” etc were actual paint like the lines and not some sort of graphic in the ice itself.
I’d be interested to hear how it’s done for certain even though your answer seems to make sense
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Any talk in starting games at 7pm instead of 7:30pm, like Lakers,Clippers, even the Ducks
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Had to skip the comments due to time constraints so hope this isn’t a dupe. Do the Kings have plans for Maxim Kitsyn, specifically do they have him under contract after his KHL contract expires?
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My question: “Ninth?!?” Having phrased it that way…the impression is that classy guys like Anze Kopitar really don’t care about things like the Selke; they say they’d been honored to win it, it would be nice, but that’s not a focus. Still, there remains what appears to be an understandable but brutal non-West bias with individual recognition. Do the Kings organizational types talk about it? Do they lobby or push on behalf of players? If so, does it help? If not, would it help?
[Reply]
Rich:
1. Who do you think was the biggest standout in the Kings development camp?
2. Do you expect Bernier to be dealt before the season starts?
[Reply]
IN King (formerly AZ King) Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 8:42 am
@Jason K for Kings,
If DL can get what he deems is fair value for Bernier he will trade him, if not than expect to see Bernier on the Kings roster at the start of the season.
[Reply]
LT21 Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@IN King (formerly AZ King),
Ditto. Unless there is something DL just can’t pass up I would say to keep him. After all, this is a business to them and if anything happened to Quick next season (knock on wood) we would want to make sure we didn’t have a rookie goalie between the posts.
[Reply]
Hi Rich. Thanks for the great year. Here’s my question. Is there a monetary prize axxociated with winning the Stanley Cup, say like winning the President’s Cup? My wife and I have a bet. Once again, thanks for all the great coverage.
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Hey Rich! Just wondering…when is the cup coming to Kenora, Ontario accompanied by Richards?
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Rich,
last year Trent Hunter was invited to Kings training camp. How invitation in general happens? Does GM calls to player’s agent and asks him if the palyer want to come to the camp or there is other way? Thanks!
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Bob and Jim were considering doing a DVD of announcing the fianl game, is it going to happen, if so I want a copy????????????
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Why wasn’t Kyle Clifford mentioned in the salary scale post? Everyone was mentioned except for him.
Thanks (:
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luc20rules Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:34 pm
@KAT, He only listed the players that he felt would be on the 23 man roster. Its too early to tell before preseason, but Clifford may be starting the season with Manchester in the AHL. I imagine the Kings will only keep Westgarth or Clifford on the 23 man roster if you are wondering who he is primarily competing with.
[Reply]
Quisp Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@luc20rules,
Clifford would never clear waivers.
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Can you remember any Stanley Cup Champion that has returned every single player from their Cup team as the Kings now have? In your opinion, does this improve the Kings’ chances of repeating or should they have gone a different direction, primarily with their UFA’s?
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luc20rules Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 8:44 pm
@sstephen17, I know you are likely looking at Minn’s spending spree that netted them Parise, and Suter. The current CBA that is good thru 9/15/2012 says the Salary Cap is at 70.2 mil, but that is not really good for this year. The renegotiated Salary Cap may be lowered with no roll back in player salaries, which would mean some teams will need to send players to the AHL to get them off the Cap or there maybe a couple of roster amnesty spots like in the NBA CBA that allows teams to desolve some contracts to free cap space and the player must sign some place else. Anyway if the players win no rollback and the owners win the lower Cap then teams close to the Cap like Minn. will suffer depending on the CBAs new resolutions(if there are to be any) for teams that are over the lowered Cap.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@luc20rules, Why do they have to “desolve” the contracts, why not just flat out send them to the AHL??
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Quisp Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 5:36 pm
@luc20rules,
What you describe is exactly the reason the league/union wouldn’t lower the cap without giving teams a manageable way to comply. “Send a bunch of NHL players to the minors” isn’t going to be an option the union would knowingly let stand, and in fact that loophole is (or at least has been discussed in the past as) something that may be closed in the coming CBA. And big spending teams (i.e. ownership, i.e. the league) aren’t going to want to sabotage their own big spending ways.
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rogiesbackup Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
@sstephen17, How bout the 2010 Chicago Black Hawks! LMAO
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Ever had a Kings GameDay Burgers and Brew Combo at The Mixing Room? My mouth just watered a little. Is it October yet?
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Hey Rich, not sure if this has been asked yet, but has Dean said anything about his plans for Kevin Westgarth? Since all the Kings who played in the playoffs are coming back, there doesn’t appear to be room for Westy on the 23 man roster. Also, Darryl Sutter didn’t seem to have much use for him.
P.S. I thought your vacation was supposed to start yesterday, the 15th? Quit working and go relax by a beach somewhere. You deserve it.
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Marty4Ever Reply:
July 18th, 2012 at 1:00 am
@CB14, I hope Coach Sutter remembers how the ’93 Kings team was beaten around in ’94 after McSorley was traded. By the time he was traded back, too much damage had been done.
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Rich, will there be a consolidated list of the commemorative videos, books, etc re-capping the season that are referenced constantly? There seems to be some great stuff in the works and it would be nice to have a list of what you know about!
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Rich…..
If Mike Richards was in his car traveling at the speed of light……
If he turned on his headlights …..
Would they work?
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Quisp Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
@SLIM,
Depends on your frame of reference.
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Rich,
I am not sure if this already was asked by someone else… In terms of Kings’ chances to repeat – everyone says it hasn’t been done since Detroit did it in 97-98 but are there any statistics for prior Stanley Cup champions coming back next year without any personnel changes with all key players signed long-term? Also, did anyone who won the Cup before have the average age of most important contributors around 25? Thanks,
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Thanks Rich, for all you do, especially in this longer Stanley Cup-winning season for the Kings.
My question is about Dave Taylor. I know you had a picture from Bob Miller’s time with the Cup and Dave was there with Jim Fox and others, but has anyone been able to get him to comment on this Cup run?
I know he’s with the Blues now but it would be great to get his thoughts, unless you have some already from him or others surrounding the team.
THANK YOU!
Mark in Boston,MA
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Rich,
Wondering if this site can number the post and or replies so that the blogger can find their threads or responds easier by making a mental note what number their thread is so it’s easier to find. I’ve seen the blog up 1000 bloggers and its hard to find my own post and if anybody responded to it.
Thanks.
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I was wondering how Nick Ebert could have fallen from a 1st round certainty to Mr. Irrelevant of the draft. I thought that he might fall a round or two, but SIX? How the heck did the Kings know he was still there for the picking?
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Rich,
What do you like better about doing this blog than doing the old sports page paper? I think I already know what you don’t like about doing the blog … moderation.
Who do you consider the most under-rated King.
Which rookie is likely to be the most impressive this pre-season?
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What, specifically, gets players kicked out of the faceoff circle, and why is it happening more often than it used to?
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Buster Reply:
July 19th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@Catcherman,
The linesmen are idiots.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 21st, 2012 at 12:18 am
@Buster,
This answer is hardly intellectually thought out.
Therefore you qualify in toto to don the striped uniform next season.
Ha ha, just bustering your mutton chops..
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hi rich,
what are the plans for KITSYN? is he still our property and did he eventually play in Juniors? is there any scuttlebutt about his future with us?
thx
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Quisp Reply:
July 17th, 2012 at 5:29 pm
@d b cooper,
After playing half a season for Mississisauga (sp!) St. Michael’s Majors (OHL), Kitsyn returned to the KHL, from which he was on loan (under contract until…either the end of this past season or next season). Youngsters don’t generally get much of a shot in the KHL as I understand it, and Kitsyn wasn’t able to do much with his limited opportunities. At some point last season he was sent down to the KHL’s minor league, the name of which escapes me.
If he had stayed in North America, he would have had to be signed by the Kings by this past June, I think. But, as he is playing in Europe, I’m pretty sure his North American rights belong to the Kings indefinitely.
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Rich,
Will Suter change the captain and alternate captains of the team? Brown, Kopitar and Green were all Murray picks.
Thanks
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Rich – Did you hoist the cup above your head? Can we see a pic? How do you feel personally to have journeyed with this team over the past years through the ups and downs and now see them win it all the way they did? Personally? Thanks for everything you do!
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I know I’m probably repeating some questions but I gotta ask just in case:
- Which players were playing hurt during the playoffs and what were their injuries?
- Do you get a ring? Will you post a picture of it when you get it?
- Will future jerseys have any purple on them? If, as a fan, I could put my vote in to keep the purple, I would. Just sayin’.
- Do the players/coaches get bonuses for being in the playoffs or for winning the cup?
- Who is your favorite King to interview, and why?
- Aside from Carter and Richards, who are some players that seem to have a strong friendship off the ice?
Thanks for all you do, Rich!
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Marty4Ever Reply:
July 18th, 2012 at 11:33 am
@NoOneUKnow, Good questions, I’d like to know all that too.
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Why are the Kings signing so many defensemen? It seems we had a solid defense so it is confusing to see all the defensive additions in the off season.
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Rich, I would like to get a DVD of season highlights, the playoffs, and/or the SC Final games. Are the Kings going to market any recordings? Also, if they do, would you please suggest adding Game #7 vs Toronto in 1993? And, if I were to really get my way on this, I’d like to see highlights of The Great One and McSorley as well.
I closely watched the interview with Marty regarding the “stick.” However, nobody has said just how “far” that stick had violated regulations. I’d like to know. Especially if there’s any possibility the stick may have been altered w/o Kings’ staff knowing it occurred.
Did DL hire additional security to guard Kings equipment during SC playoff run?
Thanks. Hope you have to work just as hard next SC playoffs too!!
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Will Maxim Kitsyn come back over this summer or does he have to finish his military contract first…? Is he still highly regarded by the Kings…..? I would love to see him in Manchester sooner than later ( I want to see him ” score ze goals “).
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Rich, for fun, and ease of accessing, would you please ask that we be able to watch (even w/commercials) the entire game #6 asap? There’s nothing I’ve enjoyed more than watching those highlights or that game. The animated Kings bench in last five minutes is priceless.
And could we have access to radio broadcast too? Around ten minutes left Kings (don’t remember who) announcer says a group of fans in level 100 are completely standing as a group. He had never seen that before, the emotions in his voice were intense.
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Hail Kings Fans; Winners All!
My question revolves around the 3rd line makeup for next year. I’m assuming Gagne is ready to go.
The 3rd line becomes Gagne, Stoll, and who else?? Lewis does not have the offensive skills to be a 3rd line winger. We need someone Doan-like. The Kings need to get someone in before training camp. I see Elkins as part of the active roster now, is he a possibility?
A forth line of King-Lewis-Nolan would be terrific!!!
This 3rd line right wing problem is the most serious problem the Kings forwards have.
What do you think?
Martin
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What is the name of the music that is played before the second period? I have tried to find the name of it, but have not been successful. Thank you.
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I wonder if the Kings will ber doing a “We Are the Champions” recording a la the Big Blue Wrecking Crew a while back, and who would be the main singers for this if it did happen?
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Sorry for the late post.
With all the news about crazy long, front-loaded contracts, bonuses, NTC’s, etc, my question goes back to when Jack Johnson negotiated his own contract. Is this something that is generally frowned upon by the NHLPA, other players, etc? Rich, do you ever hear any players, agents, media talking about it or does it not come up often since it doesn’t happen often? Do you feel players negotiating their own contracts is a good thing or bad thing?
Thanks for all you do Rich!
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Hi, Rich. No questions this time, just a big thank you for all you do for us Kings fan. Hope you’re enjoying your short summer.
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How are the Doughty negotiations going? Will he be signed by training camp? Do you think Kovalchuk is going to sign with New Jersey, or here?
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Hi Rich, which prospect do you think is ready to make the jump to the Kings lineup next season? Thanks!
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Rich,
Would you say that winning the cup is like eating Chinese food? A year after winning one you want another one.
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I have3 always heard that this ice at staples center was some of the worst in the NHL and given that we have seen staff taking ice temperatures during all the periods i have no reason to believe that this ice is great. Why is is that our ice is so bad? If it can be rated good in PHX one would think it should be good in LA. Is there a standard for ice quality throughout the league? Is there a ratings table of all the arenas of the NHL?
Roger
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