Moving on, here is the sixth set of the “Open Forum” questions and answers…
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PurpleRocks asked: 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!
Answer: Thank you, and as to your question, it would depend entirely on how long the (presumed) lockout went. For instance, if it’s a lockout that ends after one week, there probably wouldn’t be any changes. If it took a big chunk out of training camp, the players/owners would have to decide when to start the season and how to rearrange the games. Remember, a lot of buildings — Staples Center, first and foremost — are booked pretty tightly in the fall. The league would have to decide how it wanted to structure the season — for instance, still play six games against division opponents, or just four? — and then plan from there. The longer the (theoretical) lockout went, the more “revamping’’ would be necessary.
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JohnD asked: Rich – how were the Kings mentally for the beginning of Game 6? We’re they confident? Worried?
Answer: I wasn’t in the dressing room or the bench, so only the people who were would be able to tell you. Justin Williams gave a speech before the game about playing together and having no regrets. Best I could tell, there wasn’t any worry or panic among the players.
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NMKingsFan asked: Gotta know…did you touch it? Well did ya?
Answer: It’s hard not to. I almost tripped over it at the Jimmy Kimmel taping. (Who left it sitting on the floor, anyway?) I definitely wanted to see, first-hand, some of the famous misspellings and crossed-out names, etc., as well as just the history and all the names of legendary players.
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Paulhb asked: 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….”
Answer: I don’t know, but I don’t believe so. Again, I understand the sentiment of wanting to give everyone associated with the team a “day,’’ and David has certainly been a big part of the organization over the years, but it’s just not feasible. You’re talking about roughly 25 players, four coaches, about a dozen team-support people, a dozen scouts, management and team broadcasters. That’s approximately 70 “days’’ right there, not to mention other obligations. I’ve seen the schedule and the Cup is literally booked every single day into September. On the other hand, it’s fair to say that most everyone associated with the team has had some time with the Cup in small settings.
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DesertKing asked: 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?
Answer: Based on Gary Bettman’s sneering whenever this subject comes up, I think it’s more likely that you’ll need those snowblowers in Hell than at Dodger Stadium, unfortunately.
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Irish Pat asked: 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.
Answers: 1) Good memory! Actually, I have contributed approximately 9,000 words of text to the commemorative book that will be coming out shortly. I’m really excited to see it. I almost suggested that as a title… 2) Be careful not to blow this out of proportion. What we’ve seen is one translated report out of Quebec that didn’t offer a lot of context. I’m not (at all) suggesting that Bernier was misquoted in any way, but at the same time I’d be careful about being hasty in terms of labeling it as an “escapade’’ or suggesting that Bernier will be a problem. Bernier and Lombardi have spoken regularly about this topic and I’d be shocked if Bernier makes it any type of public issue in the locker room. 3) Well, as I’m typing this, it’s about 72 degrees outside under a blue sky. Who could be sad about that? 4) Yes. 5) No. But that sounds oddly intriguing. 6) Bob and Jim are fantastic broadcasters and even better people. Your appreciation for them is very well-founded!
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Itchy asked: Will The Kings do another red/white/blue jersey for veteran’s day that get auctioned off to fans?
Answer: I don’t know for certain, but that definitely sounds plausible. Those commemorative warmup jerseys seem to be a good way to raise money for charity.
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Reign Mafia asked: 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)
Answers: 1) During the 2004-05 lockout, a number of the Kings’ well-regarded young players — Dustin Brown, Michael Cammalleri and Mathieu Garon in particular — played for Manchester. Assuming it’s a lockout, and not a strike (which seems far more likely at this point), there’s a good chance you could see some younger players in the AHL. Would there be a trickle-down to the ECHL level? Perhaps. That would probably depend on how much NHL-caliber players ended up in Manchester. 2) Good question. Perhaps they will compromise and have David Courtney do one period, have the Ducks’ announcer do one and have the Ontario Reign announcer do one? I don’t believe there will be any TV for that game, although it’s possible that Fox Sports might add some Kings preseason games at some point.
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Anaheim Kings Fan asked: 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?
Answer: Well, given that the Kings wore those jerseys when they lost to Vancouver and San Jose the previous two years, I’d have to go with “no’’ on that one.
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Robyn asked: 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?
Answers: 1) I do believe Doan is sincere about location and about wanting to stay in Phoenix. At this point, it’s been almost a full month. If money was the motivating factor, he would have signed elsewhere. He wants to stay in Phoenix but only under what he feels are the proper circumstances. If he’s not satisfied with that, I think he will look at the next-best option, not not just the most money. 2) It would be unwise to look at Janssen’s comments and say, “That’s how players are off the ice.’’ It’s no more accurate than hearing a lawyer make off-color comments and saying, “That’s how all lawyers are.’’ Pro sports are just like any other profession. There are a lot of good people and some clowns. I wouldn’t paint with a broad brush simply because of what Janssen said, and I don’t think most people do. So, I don’t believe there will be any long-term, widespread fallout. I think most people understand that it’s just one guy shooting off his mouth.
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Cruiznblue asked: Hey Rich…do we get Heidi Androl back next season?
Answer: Not unless she returns to Fox Sports. At this point, I’m not aware of any plans of that.
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Meman asked: 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?
Answer: Just to clarify, at the game you’re referring to, it wasn’t just about scouting one player. Lombardi gave Nick Nickson and me a list of players — I can’t remember how many, but approximately 10 — and asked us to rank them at the end of the game. The top player was David Musil, who ended up getting drafted by Edmonton in the first round last year. One of the other players was Alex Roach, whom the Kings later signed. I’m not aware of the other players. I probably still have the list somewhere but none of the other names have jumped out at me.
Rich, How many games do you think Bernier will start in goal this season? I would think the Kings would like to see Quick with a little less workload after what he did and they would also like to showcase Bernier a little bit more as well. I’d guess 20-25?
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Cruiznblue Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:16 am
@Todd,
Sure sounds like a good idea to start him more…cuz you know there are going to be teams that are going to need to address their goaltending situation before the trade deadline next season. No reason to burn JQ out either.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:54 am
@Todd, If history is any indication, Sutter will not ‘rest’ Quick. he will ride him as hard as he can. I’d be surprised to see Quick play less than 70 games if there’s a full season and he’s healthy.
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luc20rules Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 6:14 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I would say a huge factor is if there is a compacted(as many games shortened calendar), reduced # of games played, or a combination of both do to a lockout. If the Kings are asked to play 82 games in 140 days (normal regular season is about 190 days) I think it changes things and it would lead to a 75% Quick and 25% Backup rotation(62 Quick/20 Backup). That though is a very condensed schedule I doubt the players would agree too. One must consider how hard and long he was worked even with the Kings relatively easy march to the Stanley Cup Championship Crown.
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Mik3ysfv Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:01 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I could see the brass interefering to “showcase” Bernier’s talents to increase his trade value. DS, as a former GM can understand this. I truly don’t see Bernier going anywhere before the mid-season point and no fewer than the 20 game mark. My guess is trade deadline so he can showcase his awesomeness.
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Gary Bettman in Hell with snow blowers? Yep, that would be a good start. Thanks Rich!
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CoffeyIsForClosers Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@DesertKing, +1
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luc20rules Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@DesertKing, +1, I just read that he handed Fehr documents related to the teams revenues and it was 76,000 pages long later in the interview he claimed now that the NHL has given the NHLPA its demands and details of revenue & costs, so the season should start on time.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8219780/nhl-proposes-expanded-revenue-sharing-talks
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great story: http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8214405/los-angeles-kings-captain-dustin-brown-brings-stanley-cup-ithaca-new-york
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:55 am
@LB, Thank you. I love how you guys are all putting up great stories more and more.
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Bacon shots!!! LOL, I just saw some show where this guy was at this “speak easy” bar thats known for their bacon vodka shots… very in-ther-esthing!
GKG
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Michael J. Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:59 am
@Stuart,
Bacon-wrapped sausage available at the OC Fair!
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Stuart Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:34 am
@Michael J., is it bad that that almost sounds like normal breakfast food stuffs??
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Michael J. Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:31 pm
@Stuart,
I don’t know. i’m sure I’m missing some all-important ingredient like the breading that goes around the thing, or maybe its dipped in cheese…
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:57 am
@Stuart, I saw a commercial for marshmallow vodka too… odd flavors to mix with vodka but I’d try (almost) anything once!
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Forum to Staples Fan Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 9:30 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I saw the same commercial, complained and was told there’s a salmon vodka, too. Yuck.
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Rich,
It makes sense to me that you couldn’t be a fan of the Kings while you work for them. I wonder though, at some point in your life, say after retirement, would you possibly become a fan?
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Michael J. Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:27 am
@Weasel,
By the time he retires the Cubs will have drained every last bit of hope from his body, there will be nothing left.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:57 am
@Weasel, …so you’re saying there’s a chance.
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If it’s alright, I’d like to take a stab at JohnD’s question. My wife & I went to every playoff home game (except one in the 1st round). Most of those games the team came out of the tunnel the way they do all season – some serious, some smiling, a lot of them giving high-fives to the fans along the way. But I saw a completely different team stepping out for game 6. To a man they were serious & focused. I didn’t see ANY high-fives. It was all business.
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DesertKing Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:26 am
@saf227,
It was weird, you could feel that in the whole building.
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Itchy Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:50 pm
@saf227,
Yeah, I was lucky enough to be at game 6 also… Just walking up to Staples Center I got this feeling that it was all going to end that night. During the pregame skate the guy sitting next to me told me not to worry, he had a funny feeling that game was going to end well for The Kings… the energy there was different from any other game I’d ever been to. Even Duncanz told me before the game that I looked like I’d seen a ghost.
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KC23 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 5:49 pm
@saf227, I also went to every home playoff game except game 4 of Vancouver and even game 2 at Phoenix I saw.
You are absolutely right about that game 6, but it wasn’t just the players. The fans also seemed in a mood to do what ever it took to help the Kings win that game. Fans going into the stadium looked like they were going to a rumble to take care of business one way or another which was a stark contrast to game 4 which was all Laker-isk Hollywood flamer feeling.
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I haven’t heard anything about the jannsens interview. Anybody have a link to it?
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Sebastian Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 10:58 am
@Bleb, Google does
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fuzzerson Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:12 am
@Bleb, http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Cam+Janssen+interview
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Quisp Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:54 pm
@Bleb,
I self-servingly believe the best coverage of the Cam Janssen interview can be found by Googling “Cam Janssen Quisp Fat Broads”.
p.s. It rains when sad things happen in movies because of an effect called “the pathetic fallacy.”
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Funny stuff – http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=184850
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Rich, can you speak a bit about the Kings philosphy regarding their healthy scratches? Poor Davis Drewiske plays in all of 9 games last year, and is a scratch for all the others. What’s the point of keeping a guy around who you will never play? Obviously you need to carry a back up D-man, but had one of the teams backline guys gotten hurt, how productive could Davis have been not having played for five months? Westgarth is a bit different since his particular “skill” is not much desired by Coach Sutter. But Richardson will likely get some time on the ice since he’s fairly versatile, but jeez, you had to feel sorry for Drewiske and Westy for coming to practice all those days with no hope of playing. So, why keep guys like that around?
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:46 am
@KHenry14,
I would imagine Drewiske may have got more time if Martinez wasn’t splitting time with Voynov after Doughty returned from injury. The Kings did regularly use 7 d-men for the year even before the Johnson trade so I think Drewiske will get more time going forward, unless of course an offensive D-man really shines in camp (Hickey?) and one of Doughty/Voynov/Martinez gets hurt.
When Drewiske first came up a few years ago and was regularly playing, he literally went weeks without being on the ice for an even strength goal. The guy rarely makes a mistake and might be a good replacement for Scuderi, minus the leadership and experience, if scuds is not re-signed.
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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:49 am
@KHenry14, I would think DD2 probably is glad to sit out and make 650K than play in Manchester and make 70K. For all of his rest, when he did play he sure looked ready and capable to me. I can’t think of any other team though where DD2 wouldn’t be at least on the 3rd pairing.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:00 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Whiskey is on an one way contract. He’d make 650k no matter where he played.
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Purple Ghost Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 11:49 am
@KHenry14, For the amount of money that Drewiske and Westgarth get paid, I would be happy to go to practice every day!!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:01 pm
@KHenry14, I’m confused because you answered your own question. “Obviously you need to carry a back up D-man”
As for Westy, my guess is he won’t be ‘kept around.’
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KHenry14 Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:07 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Paul, but isn’t it better to keep a guy around who is involved? DD2, while at practice, can’t be effective after sitting so long. Why not keep a guy around who might actually play, like Richardson? I mean, had Scuds, Willie or Greener gotten hurt late in the season, anyone really think DD2 could have filled in well? I don’t.
And if your “happy” to sit the bench while earning a 6 figure salary….then I don’t want you on my team. Give me guys who are pissed off about being scratched, guys who are busting their butt to earn a spot. And not someone who’s ‘satisfied’
IMO, DD2 could play as a bottom pair D-man someplace in the league. Hell, Randy Jones got minutes in WPG last year, god knows DD2 is better than him!
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Stuart Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 1:17 pm
@KHenry14, but DD2 has filled in well. And careful what you wish for wrt to a player “pissed off about being scratched.” Professionals need to know their roles. And from everything that’s ever been said about DD2, he does bust his rear at practive and he seems to be a positive personality in the room. What more do you want? Just because someone is a career back-up isn’t a bad thing or a poor mark on their character. My only complaint has been his speed, but he must be doing something right because he’s been here all this time.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 2:19 pm
@KHenry14,
What Stuart says is right on I think and I remember Jim Fox saying as much. “Professionals need to know their roles.” It’s not either/or.. being satisfied or ‘pissed off.’ Professionalism as an athlete is very important and Whiskey has it in spades. I hear you on the driving/pushing aspect and I believe Davis does just that.
Stuart Reply:
July 31st, 2012 at 12:17 pm
@KHenry14, he did score a couple of goals in the back-to-back games he got into!
He’s a pro’s pro! just be ready.
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Check out my latest creation… the Stanley Cup Tracker! Your feedback isn’t just welcomed, it’s required!
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/stanley-cup/
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@saf227, The results speak for themselves but I think
that they could have come out with rainbow wigs and
Black, curly mustaches and still got it done
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I just wanna raise the banner in front of San Jose please….
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Anaheim Kings Fan asked: 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?
Answer: Well, given that the Kings wore those jerseys when they lost to Vancouver and San Jose the previous two years, I’d have to go with “no’’ on that one.
RICH I’M THINKING A.K.F. WAS MEANING THE NEW WHITE JERSEY ON THE ROAD. AND YES, akf, I CERTAINLY THOUGHT ABOUT THAT ALOT AS THE PLAYOFF ROAD STREAK GOT BIGGER! WHOEVER CAME UP WITH THE WHITE VERSION SHOULD GET A RAISE!
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Perhaps, NHLPA might change Betteman’s mind about a warm weather winter classic, although you’d have to think the Twin Cities, are now higher on the potential site list, than they were before signing Parise & Suter. Denver, needs one st Louis, is likely to get on I can see Dc and even Carolina, being possible sites, The Horseshoe in Columbus seems a likely venue, and of course the NFL Stadium in New Jersey will get one. I guess Betteman is worried, that it will play itself out, before all the cold weather sites in the US have had a turn, and he doesn’t want to hear from The Islanders, Rangers, and Devils, that he took the game to CA and ruined it, before they could host one! Mot particularly happy about Toronto, getting into this years game, rather than their being another Heritage Classic, in Canada. I know he’s worried about TV ratings, but good golly miss Molly, we have TV sets west of the Mississippi, and south of the Mason Dixon line, and we might just watch hockey, if we were given the opportunity, to see our teams, on a “national” broadcast every now and again.
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