I attempted to go through and pluck as many remaining questions as possible, while avoiding duplicates. Thanks to all for the great questions!
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jonbb11asked: Hey can anyone answer what NHL team Rich actually roots for?
Answer: It’s fascinating how the comments to this question went off in a completely incorrect direction, and then how that incorrect direction became accepted as fact, and then how I got criticized for that incorrect direction. Sadly, I think that’s an increasingly relevant commentary on the way people consume and believe news today, but that’s a different rant. I love hockey and I’m not a Kings fan, nor do I have a favorite team. I love pizza and I don’t exclusively eat Domino’s, either. I’ve been in daily print journalism since 1995 and I’ve covered dozens of teams. I’m not a fan of all of them. That would be rather absurd. I’ve answered this question honestly for five years, the same way, every time, but some people don’t believe it so I’ve stopped arguing for the most part, but I hope this clarifies things.
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Robyn asked: If the Kings do happen to sign Shane Doan, where do you think he’d fit best? And could we use another captain or do you think we might run into the problem of too many caps, not enough mates?
Answer: Doan would fit in fine on any of the first three lines, as I think his skills are adaptable enough to fill any number of rules. A leader doesn’t have to wear a letter on his jersey. Mike Richards, Rob Scuderi, Justin Williams, Jarret Stoll and the like are leaders, but they don’t wear letters. It’s a symbol and doesn’t mean much in terms of the locker-room dynamic. What all of those players — and also Doan — bring is a great attitude and work ethic. You can never have too many of those players. If you have players with egos who want to be recognized as “the boss,’’ then you might run into problems, but I certainly don’t get that sense with Doan or with any of the Kings’ current captains.
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JJ asked: I am curious if serving as your own editor on the blog has changed your writing, if at all, from when you had an editor at the newspaper? for example, do you enjoy the freedom of being able to write whatever you want? is it more pressure because you have to constantly provide all of the material? have you felt more comfortable editorializing and adding humor as the years have gone by? those kinds of things…
Answer: I don’t think it’s changed the writing, but it has definitely changed the way I do the job. I was fortunate to have some great, very supportive editors at the Daily News, so I don’t feel as though I was ever restricted before, but certainly now, in terms of storylines, features, etc., I have the freedom to explore any topic I wish. Sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes it’s a bad thing. Sometimes you need someone to tell you, “Well, actually, that’s not a very interesting idea.’’ So there is some value in having an editor. There’s also some value to having a backup on the beat, who can give you a day off every now and then. As for editorializing and humor, I try to be careful there. I try to add it when I feel it’s appropriate, but I will always feel as though passing along information is the most important thing. In general, I don’t talk just to hear the sound of my own voice, and I don’t write just because I think people should read my opinions. If you want opinions, you can go anywhere. And I’m not knocking that, because it serves a great purpose, but I would rather have people giving their own opinions, rather than talking about my opinion. Humor is a different story. I can’t help but be a smart-ass sometimes.
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Mikey asked: Its interesting to me, and im sure to others, what goes on behind the scenes. We’ve all seen the 24/7s, and Kings Vision videos. Can you give us a break down of your every day routine during the regular/play-off season? What is the most gratifying part of your job? Also, does munters offer products and services to residential properties?
Answer: Thanks for the interest in my job. It’s a tough question to answer because it varies from day to day so much. I’ll take you through the Game 6 day, for one example. I did a little work that morning, then carpooled with Daryl Evans to the morning skate at Staples Center. After that I came home, had lunch, wrote a couple blog items then got ready and went back to Staples around 2:30 p.m. I had dinner there, talked to people at the arena, covered the game, covered the celebration, went to the after-party, got home around 3, slept for five hours, got up and started working again. No two days are exactly the same. You never know when news will break or when someone will return a call. My mindset is basically, if I’m awake, I’m working, and whatever happens during the day kind of dictates the rest of it.
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carol vadnais asked: I’m uncler about the whole Bernier situation. He has asked to be traded. He can see the writing on the wall vis a vis playing time. Will he be a distrction if a trade demand is not met? How long can Lombardi wait? Will it be a Smythe situation where he just forces a trade? Does Lombardi wait til a contender loses their goalie and then pounces? What are you hearing and,if he is moved, can you rank how the Kings view their netminders in the organization?
Answer: Bernier asked to be traded (if possible) before last season’s trade deadline. Would you say he was a distraction for the team from January through mid-June? I wouldn’t. So, I don’t see any scenario in which the backup goalie of a championship team would become a “distraction.’’ There really isn’t any comparable to Ryan Smyth at all. The fact is, there was a very good chance that the Kings would have bought out Smyth’s contract if they didn’t trade him. Getting his massive salary off the books was not a bad thing at all. The problem with Smyth is that he only wanted to be traded to one of two teams: Calgary or Edmonton. He forced Lombardi’s hand by letting the Flames and Oilers know that he had no other options. That was rough. I don’t think Lombardi feels any extra pressure to make a move. OK, maybe 10 percent more than usual, but he’s not going to make a panicked move just to placate a 23-year-old goalie with 48 games of NHL experience. If Bernier were to move in the short term, the most likely candidate for promotion would be Martin Jones, but the Kings aren’t totally convinced that he’s ready to handle that role just yet.
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Kings king asked: Rich, many times under the coaching of Terry Murray I felt the kings were not prepared to play the game that night. Now under sutter it seems to be well known he came in and changed their preparation. I’m really curious to know just what changed or what you saw changed in each players prep.
Answer: Well, there’s no way I could tell you how every single player changed, but there was definitely a change in tone overall. I’ll tell you one thing I noticed, and I can’t remember if this made it to the blog before but I believe it did. One thing that occured to me in hindsight was the intensity in practice. Murray would start out each practice standing in front of a whiteboard with players, and he would diagram all the drills with players. They would stand there for several minutes, and it was clear that some of them would get antsy and have their attention start to wane a bit. That wasn’t the case under Sutter. He cracked the whip in practice and sometimes didn’t even diagram a play at all, especially in the beginning. He wanted work and intensity, and I think that helped set the tone. I know that wasn’t the specific answer to your question, but hopefully it gives a broad sense.
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Ed: Let’s say that Rich Hammond gets a day with the Stanley Cup. What would be your plans with the Cup? Wrigley Field? In-n-out?
Answer: Given the history here, I think at least part of the day would have to be spent at Tommy’s, with everyone eating chili-cheese fries from the bowl, right?
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Cruiznblue asked: So what are you a fan of rich?…if not the kings…
Answer: My college, the Cubs and the Galaxy. That’s pretty much it, in terms of individual teams.
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luc20rules asked: Rich, Are players allowed to workout at the Teams training facility if there is a lockout? Also, I know the Kings run several promotions for charities throughout the season not to mention the silent auction and the kiosk selling Game Used Jerseys at every home game. Do you think the team and players might get together and do something for charities even if there is a lockout or strike? I have no doubt Brown and other players as well as Execs like Luc will still do things on their own, but I think it would be a nice showing if they did something together. I suppose the main thing is to just hope there is no lockout and we have a full season or very close to it.
Answer: Players would be allowed to rent ice time, as individuals or as a group, the same way that you could call a rink and buy time for a birthday party, etc. In the event of a lockout, there could be zero team-sponsored events or contact. There’s no way that any Kings players would be able to do any type of charity event with the Kings organization. On the other hand, if memory serves correctly, during the 1994-95 lockout, some players did band together to do some charity games. That would be a possibility, but not under the umbrella of the NHL or any of its teams.
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Helvetica asked: Hey Rich, reading through these forum answer posts i wanted to say I really appreciate your willingness and ability to remain as impartial as possible when it comes to covering the Kings. I wanted to ask, if your still answering questions, whether you are doing all of this alone or if you have a small staff helping you out with coverage and the site and all that? How big of a job is this whole process for you? Can you elaborate on how much work is involved? Any people who help you out that we should thank as well?
Answer: Thanks very much for the kind words. In terms of “staff,’’ I’m pretty much a one-man band. Hopefully some things are obvious, such as that I’m not involved in shooting/producing the KingsVision videos, and that I don’t write some of the NHL.com stories that I link to (they have bylines on them) or shoot some of the pictures, but essentially everything else on the site is my work. How big is the process? It’s hard to describe, honestly. It’s definitely not a 9-to-5 job. With the exception of Christmas Day and perhaps one or two other holidays, there’s not a single day when I don’t do some type of work. Sometimes it’s 90 minutes, sometimes it’s 12 hours. It just depends on the schedule, the day and what’s going on. In terms of people you should thank, there are a lot of people who help make my job easier. In terms of content, the KingsVision guys do an excellent job. Dewayne Hankins, the Kings’ digital-media guru, is a big help to me behind the scenes in terms of keeping things running smoothly from a technological standpoint.
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2hitnik asked: Do you see a delay in the start of the season as a benefit to the Kings and Devils? Or maybe not a benefit, but it at lease reduces the detriment of playing so deep into the season.
Answer: Good point. I hadn’t thought of it that way. When you consider that the “Stanley Cup hangover’’ usually hits teams at the start of the season, a delay might not be the worst thing for the Kings. Everyone would be off-schedule a bit, and it would stand to reason that the Kings might be on more equal footing. That’s hard to judge, but it’s a very interesting theory and it might hold some water.
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Todd asked: 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?
Answer: Sutter’s history indicates that he’s not shy about giving a lot of games to his No. 1 goalie. In Calgary, Miikka Kiprusoff once played 74 games under Sutter. In San Jose, Evgeni Nabokov was almost always in the high 60s in terms of games played. Based on that, if Quick started fewer than 65 games, I’d be surprised. Fans (and some media) love the word “showcase.’’ I tend to think the entire concept is massively overstated.
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KHenry14 asked: 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?
Answer: I’m really not clear about your question. In one sentence, you ask why a team would keep around a guy who will “never play,’’ but in the next sentence you say, “Obviously you need to carry a back-up D-man.’’ So, yes, I agree with you. You need to carry a back-up D-man. I don’t really know how to answer the question. The Kings had a rather extraordinary run of success this season in terms of keeping their three regular stay-at-home defensemen (Mitchell, Scuderi, Greene) healthy. If one of them had been out for an extended period, Drewiske would have played. They weren’t, so he didn’t. He’s the seventh defenseman on the team. Somebody has to fill that role, and I can assure you that there are hundreds of defensemen out there who would die to be the seventh defenseman on a strong team, to work hard in practice and be ready in the event that the team needs a player. But again, I really don’t know how to answer, “Why keep guys like that around?’’ A team would be horribly unwise to only keep 20 players on the active roster. If a guy gets hurt at the morning skate, what are you going to do?
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Mars asked: I do have a question. Does it bug you when fans referr to themselves as part of the team? Such as we won. We have the cup, etc. I know I do it, and I am not ashamed of it either.
Answer: You know, it really doesn’t bother me. I get it. People get heavily invested in their teams and spent countless hours and dollars in support. I understand that feeling of community. It might not make sense rationally, but emotionally it makes a lot of sense.
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DEH asked: Hi Rich, every once and a while I hear that the league wants to make the game more offense orientated, do you know if this a topic that has come up in the labor talks? What are your thoughts on making the game more offense orientated? Personally I like tight defensive games, but according to the league I would be the minority. Any predicted changes such making the goal larger by a few inches or using a wider rink like the European game?
Answer: It seems as though everything that is done in the name of increasing scoring eventually finds a counter-balance. After the lockout, the NHL took out the red line and cracked down on obstruction. Well, eventually coaches found a way to adjust defensively, and slowly referees started to get less strict on those obstruction calls. I have a feeling that no matter what rules/changes come into place, eventually a smart coach would find a way to stifle them. Making the net wider/taller might be one that is adjustment-proof, though. That would be interesting. I used to think that making the rink wider would make a difference, but Jim Fox convinced me that teams, defensively, would simply “pack the middle’’ and let teams have as much space as they wanted on the perimeter. I’m not sure that would help.
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Maury asked: I wonder if Bernier will get his name on the cup? Based on above it appears not. I thought in some of the games when we had large leads DS could have put him (Bernier) in near the end of the game for that purpose.
Answer: Yes, he will. He was on the active roster for all 82 regular-season games and 20 playoff games.
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Tyler asked: A few questions for you: (1)It seems like each year you make more and more tv appearances during intermission, etc. Do you feel comfortable now in front of the camera or are there still butterflies right before you go on? (2) How often do you dream about drinking Tommy’s chili from the Stanley Cup? (3) Who drives the car in the Kings’ organization that you covet the most and what type of car is it? (4) What are your top three steakhouses? (5) Personality-wise, which player is the most different from the interviews we see on tv? (6) If Drew Doughty took the SAT right now, what do you think his score would be? (7) Have you ever wanted to plug your nose in the locker room while doing an interview? (8) How have social networking sites changed your industry? Do you view them as a helpmate or a hindrance?
Answers: 1) Actually, I’ve been doing fewer TV appearances, but I’m glad to do them when asked. And to answer your question, there’s no doubt that the more you do it, the more comfortable you feel. Jim Fox makes things very easy as well. With him, it’s more like a conversation, and over time you forget that you’re on TV (although it’s still important to look at the camera). 2) I can’t say I’ve ever dreamed of it, but it would be funny, for sure. 3) I’d pretty much take any of them, except maybe Matt Greene’s Jeep. 4) Wow. We went to Bern’s Steak House in Tampa last season, and that was life-changing. Ruth’s Chris is 1A and 1B with Bern’s. Then I’ll go off the board and pick a Brazilian steakhouse, such as Fogo de Chao. 5) Probably Rob Scuderi. He has a very good sense of humor that’s probably not publicly seen. 6) Doughty is, uh, very intelligent on the ice. 7) Yes, at the start of every season. The first day of training camp is brutal. Then you adjust to it. 
I view social-media sites, themselves, as helpful and very interesting in terms of finding ways to distribute news. I view certain people who use (and abuse) social-media sites, often under the guise of “reporting,’’ to be an enormous hindrance, not only to myself but to everyone.
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Lake Forest asked: Rich, are you a coffee or tea guy? We are dying to know.
Answer: Coffee. Often.
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jom asked: Just a quick question on a follow-up to the Legends night: Wasn’t Daryl Evans’ Legend night originally scheduled to be for Bob Pulford? I could swear the Kings announced Pulford for a Legends night. Maybe it wasn’t replaced by Daryl but still….???
Answer: Pulford had a “Legends Night’’ the previous year.
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Shakes asked: Rich as a road warrior what is your favorite American hockey city in terms of fans and enjoyinging the city (and you’re not allowed to say Nashville)
Answer: Well, since you later amended to say non-Original 6 American city, I’d have to say St. Paul. It’s a great hockey environment with one of my favorite arenas and some really nice people.
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TheAcaciaStrain asked: Where can we as fans purchase or somehow acquire the playoff games? I have found the Stanley Cup Final Games on Youtube and maybe one from each series. We’re celebrating the Kings 16 wins in the playoffs it would be nice to have each one on DVD or video file or something because each one was so memorable in it’s own right. Do you know where we could get the full entire games from the playoffs, including Vancouver, stl, phx, etc…? Thanks again Rich.
Answer: All of the Stanley Cup Final games are available on iTunes for $1.99 each. Search for “2012 Stanley Cup Final.’’ As for the first three rounds, I don’t believe they are available for purchase. NHL Network periodically shows games from throughout the playoffs, so keep an eye open there.
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Reality asked: Is their any inclination, now that the Kings have won the Stanley Cup, that Bob Miller might consider retirement sooner than he had before?
Answer: Bob has one more season remaining on his current contract. My understanding is that his plan remains the same: to do one more season and then reevaluate with his family.
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likid asked: In the middle of last season, when everything went wrong and Kopi was in the middle of his usual slump, was there any concern within organisation about Kopitar ability to be no.1 C of Stanley cup champion team and maybe even any thoughts within organisation about any trade involving Kopitar?
Answer: No.
Hi Rich, do you think you could be more precise and concise in your answer about Kopitar
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:20 am
@Shotongoal,
And, why did he answer it in French?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:15 am
@Michael J., I read it in Spanish…
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DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:34 am
@Michael J.,
I translated his answer into Jumbalaya and it came out as “Nope”, so “No” has two less letters than “nope” and thus Rich did in actuality, have the mot possible concise answer based upon Jumbalaya verbiage.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@DesertKing,
I love Jumbalaya!
riccweee Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 6:39 am
Oh man, Making the ice larger would make for a snoooooze fest like league, catch any Swedish elite League game, they all end 1-0 or 2-1 etc, no one goes hard at net, just chillin behind net or in the corners, all bad….. just keep it like it is, NHL is probably the most offense minded league out there, thats all good.
Thanks
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6) “Doughty is, uh, very intelligent on the ice.” Well played, sir! gKg!
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Hey Rich, did you just kind of compare the Kings to Domino’s? I mean don’t get me wrong, Domino’s has made great strides with the new recipe and all. But not exactly the Stanley Cup of pizza.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:14 pm
@Ian, It wasn’t that. What he was saying was that you can enjoy the sport of hockey without having to be a fan of one particular team.
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King$ Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
@Ian,
in all honesty, i would rather read an insider report from someone who truly loved the kings the way we all do. nothing says that a fan favorite can’t be objective and unbiased. that should be a given for anyone reporting the news.
it’s funny this came up though, because over the last two years of reading the insider (and forgive me perhaps for not reading the comments as closely as others have because obviously this has come up before), i’ve felt that while the information in this blog is great, there is little color commentary, which is why i think someone like bill simmons is so awesome. this report is blatantly non-partisan.
i guess you have to go where the work is, and an opportunity to do what every kings fan probably wishes they could do, is just another day in the office for a guy that loves the sport and will work it from wherever. fair enough.
in the end, we’re all here because we love the kings, love the sport, and want to have fun reading about the sport and team we love. but i dont think anyone can deny it wouldn’t be more fun if this site reflected our passion more. someone just as into this team as we are.
take on a junior editor?! a monthly fan contributor?! anything…
[Reply]
TK Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 4:48 am
@King$,
I would much rather have the dry non-partisan Hammond than the douchey arrogant Bill Simmons ANY DAY! Personally, I go to Surly & Scribe for emotion and here for facts. For what Hammond is is he very good at it. Also, @Ian saying Dominoes has made strides is like saying that cardboard with cheese is better than just plain cardboard. Technically you are correct, but lets be honest they are both terrible.
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PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@King$, I appreciate everything rich does,and I think this blog is one of the best in the NHL, but I agree with king$ I think someone like Paul A has the passion for his team, and loves the KINGS ( I will never forget that picture with him and the cup) But what do I know? I am just a dopey kings fan.
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK RICH. I wish I would have never read that.
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Debra Turull Reply:
August 4th, 2012 at 10:55 am
@Ian, I think it is great that Rich doesn’t side with the Kings. It is better that he is inpartial and gives his opinion without rose colored glasses. The Kings are not perfect and a non biased opinion is appreciated. Thank you Rich, you do a great job.
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west coast ram Reply:
August 5th, 2012 at 8:49 am
@Debra Turull, …but that is exactly the problem, he doesn’t provide his opinion. Rich gives you that same game report that you would get from a line service (AP). If Rich would input some of his own observations (good and bad) I think fewer people would care if he was a “fan”.
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Thanks Rich.
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Yeah Rich…..GO GALAXY!!!!!
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Off topic – Does anyone know if the SC DVD is available in an actual store in OC? I didn’t order online because I assumed (badly it seems) that one of the box stores would stock it in the area.
Also off topic – Do you guys think we NEED to add Doan or someone like him to keep from becoming stale? Or is this team able to generate the needed fire to repeat which hasn’t happened since ’98?
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Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:48 am
@Weasel,
No. Toffoli will be the Kings’ spark next year.
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Weasel Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:55 am
@Michael J.,
Is he that intense?
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Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:35 am
@Weasel,
Not really. just wishful thinking. You know, rookie makes the squad, starts off hot with 10 goals in 20 games…
Weasel Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:55 am
@Weasel,
Just saw a note the Cristobal Huet wants to return to the NHL this season –He might be a good backup goalie if the Kings got an offer for Bernier that they wanted to take before the season.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:19 pm
@Weasel, I know a lot of people here disagree with me but the most I can say is he would be “nice to have”. In fact after what he pulled in WCF game 5 I hope they DON’T sign him. Remember, apparently Gagne is completely healthy so we ALREADY have to let a forward go as it is. And as far as that “odds of repeating” and nobody has done it since 98 and Yada yada please tell me which of those Stanley Cup winners since then kept their ENTIRE roster intact?
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Weasel Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Actually I like the Gagne mention — he’s like adding a Free Agent if he stays healthy.
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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:29 pm
@HockeyNerd, Here we go again Nerd lol. It’s not just that a team hasn’t repeated in the next year, it’s that there has been 9 separate champions in the last 9 years which means no team is even repeating two years, five years or 9 years down the road. And everyone brings up Chicago as a team that dismantled itself because of the salary cap, but most teams did not. Did Detroit? New Jersey? Pittsburgh? Boston?. Just because they didn’t have the exact same roster doesn’t mean they weren’t trying to get better or just lost an insignificant player. Hopefully DL is not resting on his laurels but is actively searching for any edge for next year, including Doan.
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AlexPiw Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:46 pm
@Weasel, Best Buy is selling the SC DVD’s, for a better price than I paid at the NHL SHOP.
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Weasel Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:59 pm
@AlexPiw,
In store? Great I’m on my way after work!
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Weasel Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:22 am
@AlexPiw,
Thanks guys picked it up at Best Buy — yeah it was more expenisve than ordering online at $29 for the Blu-Ray version. But, my brother’s heading over to visit tonight and since we both spent a year’s entertainment budget on playoff tix this year I can’t NOT have the DVD on hand.
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kings of SB Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@Weasel, I got the DVD at Costco in Santa Barbara so I would think they would have it in the OC if they have it here. GKG!
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kings of SB Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:00 pm
@kings of SB, for $17.99 I think.
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@Weasel, My wife purchased it at Walmart in Orange I believe. Wasn’t worth the $29.00 to be honest. Would love to have had a 24/7 type look at the SCF, but it was pretty pedestrian for the most part. Haven’t been through all the “extras” so maybe there are some gems there. Still worth watching more than once of course, but could have been better.
GKG!
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Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@Harrison Merkin, the extra’s are not any better… I was at least hoping that the blue-ray would come with the file to setup a Kings wallpaper or something, the way some movies do… oh well.
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“Sadly, I think that’s an increasingly relevant commentary on the way people consume and believe news today, but that’s a different rant.”
Sadly, I think that’s the way it’s always been. The difference today is that it spreads so damn fast.
[Reply]
CL Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:54 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), It’s been strange seeing that question pop up so many times too. Why care about Rich’s personal preferences if it doesn’t affect the content?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:57 am
@CL, I think people naturally (and understandably, ie. Miller, Fox, Evans) think Rich is a fan. When they find out otherwise (like I did at one point) they are surprised and want to believe it’s not true.
[Reply]
jonbb11 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:53 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Ok, time to vindicate myself since I was the one who asked the initial question and then believed the responses I got. I asked the question because while I do come to this site often, very often at that, I simply did not know the answer. You would think everyone who follows the game (minus the commissioner and referees) would have some allegiance to some team. I guess I assumed that since Rich is an employee of the Kings, and that people within the organization such as the Kings twitter staff, guys like Bob Miller, and Nick Nickson, guys who have never worn the uniform, and follow them on a daily basis, would if not be Kings fans, be fans of some team. Now that Rich has shed light on the issue, it is all clear to me. He is an impartial hockey writer, that’s awesome, just something we are more accustomed to seeing on espn.com or nhl.com. As an LA Kings insider, you would think he would be a little more of a homer towards some team. That’s just my thinking…
King$ Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:49 pm
@CL,
in all honesty, i would rather read an insider report from someone who truly loved the kings the way we all do. nothing says that a fan favorite can’t be objective and unbiased. that should be a given for anyone reporting the news.
it’s funny this came up though, because over the last two years of reading the insider (and forgive me perhaps for not reading the comments as closely as others have because obviously this has come up before), i’ve felt that while the information in this blog is great, there is little color commentary, which is why i think someone like bill simmons is so awesome. this report is blatantly non-partisan.
i guess you have to go where the work is, and an opportunity to do what every kings fan probably wishes they could do, is just another day in the office for a guy that loves the sport and will work it from wherever. fair enough.
in the end, we’re all here because we love the kings, love the sport, and want to have fun reading about the sport and team we love. but i dont think anyone can deny it wouldn’t be more fun if this site reflected our passion more. someone just as into this team as we are.
take on a junior editor?! a monthly fan contributor?! anything…
Paul….are you a fan????
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:39 pm
@King$, Hell yes.
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
@King$, GO KINGS GO
“If you have players with egos who want to be recognized as ‘the boss,’ then you might run into problems.”
Or players who cry, pout and stomp their feet when they lose
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:48 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
“Don’t call him the Boss”
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Or yap at people in the handshake line…..
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:44 pm
@HockeyNerd, in your opinon, is it worse to yap in the line or to not even get in it at all, ala Eddie Belfour? just curious.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:59 pm
@Stuart, Worse to get in it and then dis it.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:43 pm
@Stuart, If you have nothing nice to say…
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:50 pm
I was just wondering if there was different levels of unsportsmanship?
Duncanz Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:53 pm
@HockeyNerd,
We need more guys like that can dominate in the handshake circle.
Know of any still available FAs that might fit the bill?
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:17 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Do you remember why Doan was mad at Brown? He thought Brown cheap-shotted his teammate and intentionally injured him. This, of course, was incorrect as the replays showed but when it happened live, it did appear that it could have been a cheap shot. If the exact same thing happened in reverse, and Richards or Kopi or whomever did the same thing as Doan, I would bet you dollar to donuts you would be making an excuse for Richards (ie sticking up for his teammate, extremely competitive fellow etc)
Anyway, all this Doan hating at the expense of bettering our team with a proven 25 goal scorer seems kind of childish. The below might interest some of you that are interested in facts, rather than hyperbole
When Shane Doan (and Martin Hanzal, but nobody seems to care about that) didn’t offer up niceties and a hug to Dustin Brown after the series, we were all caught a little off-guard. This is one of the league’s classiest players, or so we thought. The problem is, he’s also one of the NHL’s most passionate. So what happened there? There shouldn’t ever be dickishness in the handshake line.
Apparently…Shane Doan agrees?
The Arizona Republic caught up with him, and here’s how it was explained:
Shane Doan feels sheepish, as he should.
But he wants to make something clear:
“I didn’t swear at him. I didn’t say anything rude or disrespectful,” Doan said of his postgame dust-up with Kings’ captain Dustin Brown. “I just wasn’t as cordial as I should’ve been.”
No kidding.
He added:
“Brownie wanted to explain himself, and at the moment, I wasn’t ready to hear it,” Doan said. “I said, ‘Not right now. Are you kidding me? Not right now.’ That was my expression. That’s all I’m saying.
“But at the same time, everyone who has ever played in a playoff game has done the handshake line. Am I arrogant enough to think I’m the only player who felt bad? No. And in that situation, I have to be in better control of my emotions.”
[Reply]
kings of SB Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:05 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Very nice post. Smith was the one that really got to me more than Doan. Smith should have been suspended several games for his hack job on Brown and/or his swing at Richards after the game winner. Can’t wait till the boys light this guy up again next season.
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,
Sorry, he still sucks. Everyone forgets his history of cheap shot discipline. His behavior during the entire series was erratic.
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:02 pm
@DesertKing; To my knowledge he has been suspended twice in 17 years. That would have been a average week for Bobby Clarke if the NHL had even bothered with suspensions back then….
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:12 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,
So, are you saying Bobby Clarke sucks too?
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@DesertKing, Apparently. Now I will go bang my head on my desk twenty times….
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:15 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Now you are the one putting words in my mouth. “At the expense of bettering our team?” No, I do not now and never have said Doan would not make our team better. “If it had been Richards?” Then yes I would have called it classless. You don’t have to believe me but I would appreciate you’re not posting “what I would have done if….”. If it helps you I did not like Sean Avery, I did not want him here, and I was glad to see him go. I have players I respect and players I don’t and I don’t respect Doan. And I will say this again: it is DL’s decision, not mine, I have absolutely no influence on what DL will do. And if Doan does come here then he is a King and I cheer for him. Now can we drop this already? We each know how the other one feels, I’m not going to change your mind, and you aren’t going to change mine.
Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:04 pm
@DesertKing We aren’t nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize, we want to see him in a Kings uni. The aspects that make him a great player might not make him a model citizen. Sort of like 4 time Stanley Cup winner and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Claude Lemieux. The guy I loved to hate during his playing days. But there wasn’t a team in the league that didn’t want him on their team in the playoffs. He was one of the most controversial players of his time but was never a cancer in his locker room. His teammates loved him. Doan is hardly in that category but if he was he would be even more valuable to the Kings. This is HOCKEY.
DesertKing Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:12 am
@BringbackButchGoring,
LOL, perfect answer reference the desk!
“There’s also some value to having a backup on the beat, who can give you a day off every now and then.” -Jonathan Quick on Bernier’s role (zing!)
[Reply]
“My mindset is basically, if I’m awake, I’m working.”
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:39 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Bingo! Why would DL be looking to move him? What hole in our roster is he looking to fill? And who needs a Goaltender so badly that they will give us a 40 or even 30 goal scorer for someone who had never been a starter at this level of play?
Just because “Bernier asked to be traded” (if true) or “Bernier deserves a chance to be a #1 somewhere” (if true) doesn’t mean DL is going to trade a very good and cheap insurance policy on something happening to Quick.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@HockeyNerd,
I really, really hope that good, cheap insurance policies that have never been a starter don’t read the blog!
[Reply]
“He’s not going to make a panicked move just to placate a 23-year-old goalie with 48 games of NHL experience.”
Ouch. That pretty much says it all though. We fans often get hyper-focused on marginal issues. Bernier situation = molehill.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:02 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I remember that guy Molehill!
He had a small-time attitude and never grew very much.
After he was traded to do weather on Ch 2 he was much more impressive.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:43 pm
@Duncanz, and I think he’s got a walking talking beard running around posting on blogsites…
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:15 pm
@Duncanz,
Wasn’t he rooming with Cap Space last year?
[Reply]
You know there is no way Bob will retire “yet*. He wants to go around the whole league as the play by play man of a Stanley Cup Champion team. He and Jim and have expressed that it won’t hurt their feelings being those guys.
Keep in mind that Bob will be 74 when his contract is up. He may just be done. I personally wonder if he might come up with a Vin Scully type arrangement, where he does all the home games and the road games in California, and someone else calls the farther away road games.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:36 am
@Donald_S,
No offense, but please don’t mention the unmetionable
[Reply]
Evan Reply:
August 17th, 2012 at 7:34 am
@DesertKing, We have potentially10 , 20+goalmenwe can score fine
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“One thing that occurred to me in hindsight was the intensity in practice.”
The ‘roller-derby-like’ beginning to practice is what immediately jumped out at me. Those group sprints around the rink were non-existent with Murray. Also, Murray’s patented ‘soft whistle’ was always strange to me. I liked it as a fan because it was mellow and cool but looking back, it was symbolic of a practice that was just too relaxed IMO.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:35 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), i am really getting sick and tired of all this Terry Murray bashing going on! He is gone now, lets just leave this in the past shall we!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:36 am
@puck73,
You have been going to therapy, haven’t you?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:40 am
@DesertKing,
Not a moment too soon.
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:41 am
@DesertKing, Still waiting for Rich Hammond to give his season ending review on TM.
Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:44 am
@DesertKing, puck,
I’m waiting for his review of the bloggers!
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:50 am
@Puck73
I would like to see the posts regarding JK vs JS after their evlauations.
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:44 am
@puck73, it’s ironic that he replaced his bro 2x and was replaced by a Sutter bro 2x too…
[Reply]
kings of SB Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:08 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), What do you mean by “soft whistle”?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:24 pm
@kings of SB, I’m not sure either, but if your whistle is hard for more than 4 hours, you should see a physician!
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@kings of SB, As long as the pea isn’t stuck in it, you’re good.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@kings of SB, Not loud. When he wanted guys go gather it would be a really light, quiet whistle. Very rarely would he blow hard…the whistle I mean.
[Reply]
plywood Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:51 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Ha–My sister is in the Roller Derby Hall of Fame. She is one of th greatest skaters that ever played.
[Reply]
“Let’s say that Rich Hammond gets a day with the Stanley Cup. What would be your plans with the Cup? Wrigley Field? In-n-out?”
That brings up an interesting point. Maybe someone else mentioned this already, but I wonder if Rich thought about requesting a day with the Cup, but not for himself, for all of us. Opportunity lost?
[Reply]
NMKingsFan Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:18 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Kidding right? The NHL is gonna let some team blog fans have a day with the Cup.
After seeing all the posts, someone needs to step back for a bit and enjoy the off season.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:58 am
@NMKingsFan,
It’s not like we would have a day with the cup, but rather, Rich would make it available during a public appearance, perhaps for charity, just as occurred at the redondo beach cafe or at the toyota sports center. Not an interesting idea? I think it is.
As for, “After seeing all the posts, someone needs to step back for a bit and enjoy the off season,” I don’t know what that means but it doesn’t sound flattering. I can assure you though, I’m enjoying the off-season tremendously.
[Reply]
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Great post paul
[Reply]
Why is it so relevant to everyone what team Rich roots for? He is a professional journalist, it’s his job. Imagine if you graduated with a degree in journalism and some professional team offered you a job, you would take it regardless of who or where it was. Your all Kings fans, what if that team was the Islanders? Then for the next decade you were covering the Islanders, flying with them everywhere. Would you be a die hard Islanders fan and not care about the Kings anymore? I would argue that you would develop relationships with people, but really not care about the franchise as a fan, but an employee. It wouldn’t be a bad thing either, because it helps with him and hypothetically yourself in remaining impartial and unbiased. I have no idea where this expectation that he would magically turn into a Kings fan came from, or why it is even relevant at all.
[Reply]
jonbb11 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:09 am
@Telos, the initial question that I asked, was just an innocent question of what is Rich’s team. Nothing more, nothing less, just curious. He could be a fan of the Panthers for all I care, it would not change the feeling I have of this blog which is of complete respect and admiration for the job he does. If a hockey fan meets another hockey fan, out of sheer curiosity, you ask what is your favorite team? You ask simply to know more about the person, and like I already said, it wouldn’t affect my view of this blog. Then I started getting answers from other people that Rich isn’t a hockey fan, so naturally, I started to believe that. Now that I know more now, it makes sense. Like I said above answering someone else’s response to the question (scroll up to see), we come to expect impartial hockey coverage from the larger sites, i.e. espn.com, nhl.com, yahoo sports, etc. At least for me, and I assume for many others, when we first came to this LAkings Insider site, where it is a blog promoted by the Kings organization, just like their extremely biased and homer-filled twitter site is (which we all love), there is some feeling at least at first that the author would be of a Kings fan. I learned a long time ago that he isn’t and that doesn’t change a thing for me, but a lesson that I learned from all this is that you should probably believe the answers from the source, and not comments on a blog.
[Reply]
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:46 pm
@jonbb11, It appears to me that Rich is a fan of low scoring teams….
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:50 pm
@BringbackButchGoring,
Thuggish types like @Stuey like thuggish style teams.
Naturally, I myself like attractive, fun and free spirited teams..
Why @Rich likes low scoring teams I cannot say for certain …
King$ Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:52 pm
@Telos,
in all honesty, i would rather read an insider report from someone who truly loved the kings the way we all do. nothing says that a fan favorite can’t be objective and unbiased. that should be a given for anyone reporting the news.
it’s funny this came up though, because over the last two years of reading the insider (and forgive me perhaps for not reading the comments as closely as others have because obviously this has come up before), i’ve felt that while the information in this blog is great, there is little color commentary, which is why i think someone like bill simmons is so awesome. this report is blatantly non-partisan.
i guess you have to go where the work is, and an opportunity to do what every kings fan probably wishes they could do, is just another day in the office for a guy that loves the sport and will work it from wherever. fair enough.
in the end, we’re all here because we love the kings, love the sport, and want to have fun reading about the sport and team we love. but i dont think anyone can deny it wouldn’t be more fun if this site reflected our passion more. someone just as into this team as we are.
take on a junior editor?! a monthly fan contributor?! anything…
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 1:38 am
@King$,
Hey, try reading the comments more often then.
THIS is where the color commentary appears to complement @RH’s solid play by play.
You’ll be a made man.
[Reply]
King$ Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 6:54 am
@Duncanz,
but then i’m stuck reading your sutter impressions all year…lol
Duncanz Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:18 am
@King$,
Nothing better than a captive audience.
And one could do a lot worse when filtering the blog for useful Kings information.
I mean, try making hide or tail of anything @Stuey, @Dommer or @variability say!
Stuart Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:06 am
@King$, yes, the aforementioned Insiders bring a heavy game that’s not for the squeamish…
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
@Telos, Being a kings fan is in the blood.
[Reply]
“My college, the Cubs and the Galaxy. That’s pretty much it, in terms of individual teams.”
Riot Squad or Angel City Brigade?
[Reply]
Hey Rich, i don’t have a question, and I rarely post…but i read every day. I just wanted to say thank you.
[Reply]
Howe9 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@MeanMrMustard,sleeps in the park, shaves in the dark, trying to save paper.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:56 pm
@Howe9, doesn’t think very highly of the queen, either… and about that thing he keeps up his nose?? such a dirty old man.
[Reply]
“There’s no way that any Kings players would be able to do any type of charity event with the Kings organization.”
It seems obvious on the surface but good to get confirmation that the line is so clearly drawn under those circumstances. I would imagine there would be quite an uptick in activity for the Kings Alumni Association in the event of a lockout since they aren’t ‘players’ anymore.
[Reply]
“When you consider that the “Stanley Cup hangover’’ usually hits teams at the start of the season, a delay might not be the worst thing for the Kings.”
Of course, if the Kings happened to repeat after a shortened season, haters would claim it’s not a legitimate repeat.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:26 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Why all the hate towards haters?
[Reply]
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:39 pm
@Duncanz,
Paul said “don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” Oh snap!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@Duncanz,
Because Rodney King was wrong and we all cannot get along. Ducks suck! Casucks suck! Cryotes suck! Snarks suck! Did I miss anyone?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@DesertKing,
Yes, NBC.
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:45 pm
@MichaelJ
Never Broadcast Competently
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
@DesertKing, Is there any other team besides the KINGS?
kings of SB Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:15 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), It will be interesting to see if the SC hangover is less for us since we are such a young team. If you think about it, all of our young players that have been in the league for a year or two, the playoff run of 20 games and pressure of the SCF probably is equal to a half year in the league or more in terms of experience, stress level, etc. Not that high school football is a apples to apples comparison but I remember when our team made it to the state finals several years in a row, our coach really believed that the extra 5 weeks of games and practices the all the players went through were a huge bonus for the program since most of the other teams seasons were over and they were sitting on the couch done for the year.
I hope that we come out firing and don’t look back next year. After all we still need that elusive Pacific Division banner on the way to our next Cup!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:55 pm
@kings of SB,
Yeah, for sure. It will be very exciting to see how they do over the entire (shortened) season.
The obvious ‘next step’ for this team (and for the franchise) is to create a perennial winner. To me, that will be Lombardi’s greatest challenge now and ultimately his legacy.
The Kings proved they can play with the best of them and win it all in the playoffs, but now it’s about being SOLID during the regular season and getting into the playoffs without having to scramble at the end. In other words, better consistency.
Of course, we’d all take crappy regular seasons every year if it meant winning in the playoffs! Last thing we want is to become the Vancouver Canucks.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
+1
A little heads up for LA Kings Night on Friday, August 24th at Dodger Stadium. @puck73 has outdone himself again. This time he has puchased 18 Loge Level Tix for Bloggers and family. So far, the guset list includes…@Variable, #1FaninVegas, @TeamJMFJ, @MichaelJ, @IceGuy, and @408KingsFan.
As more people RSVP, I will update. We will be meeting at 6:30 PM outside the 3rd Base Side Loge Level Entrance.
How does the old song go? It’s my party, and I’ll buy if I want to!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 am
@puck73,
You da man! Even though I hate the Dodgers, I would love to be there with you and the other Insiders, but we will be in Fenway Park that night rooting for our Angels. You guys will have a great time!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:41 am
@puck73,
Looking forward to it!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:29 pm
@puck73, Wow!!! That does sound fun!
[Reply]
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:36 pm
@puck73, We still on for @Sammuch’s beach party on the 11th in Bolsa Chica? Want to hang out with you and Patty.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:04 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), BTW,you are invited to this event. The problem is, I cant get a hold of you again on that cell phone of yours! Call me ASAP !
[Reply]
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:10 pm
@puck73,
I lost my phone (I think at the movie theaters, but I’m not sure), and haven’t replaced it. Hate that damn thing anyway!
Would be honored to join you for a Dodger game.
Gail Web Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@puck73, Oh sorry already bought tiks to the event, did not know but thanks for letting us know, me too I hate the Dodgers so much, but I am only going for the beloved Kings I loved this team now for 25 years and counting!
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:25 pm
@Gail Web,
Now just say that you are a Raiders and Angels fan and you will be my favorite blogger
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:06 pm
@DesertKing,
And if she loves nachos somebody’s going to Jarrett
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:18 pm
@MicaelJ
Remember, “favortie blogger” not favorite lady. That spot is spoken for and the only thing better than a great lady who likes nachos is a geat lady who makes them for you. The weird thing is she hates all aports
TeamJMFJ Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:35 pm
@puck73, its gunna be a great time!! I cant wait to meet all my Stanley Cup Champion bloggers!
[Reply]
“People get heavily invested in their teams…”
Particularly people in a certain area of Illinois.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Carbondale?
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:21 pm
@DesertKing,
Wait a minute. I’m a Salukie!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:43 pm
@IceGuy,
My cousin went to SIU and I have family in Sparta. Definitely not the stereotypical “Illinois.”
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:52 am
@IceGuy,
What the hell is a Salukie?
(And this after spending 5 years of college in Illinois.)
DesertKing Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:14 am
@SaveHrudey
SIU alum
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
@DesertKing,
Oh, I understood that it meant the mascot, therefore an alum, of SIU.
Just never sure what an actual salukie is.
Heard it was a type of dog once.
sorry Insiders for the length, but @Russ and I have a convo going on a soon to be lost thread, so I wanted to post my response here:
@Russ Dynda, obviously we have two diametrically opposed philosophical outlooks on the same sport. Civilized behavior in a game that allows fighting? I think the game is very civilized, except of course when things like McSorley’s two-hand axe job on Brashear, and other similar situations, but overall, it is a very civilized game. Nowhere else do players line-up after being eliminated and shake the oppositions hands. There are multi-layered dynamics that are going down on the ice in split seconds… and to call it “animal-like” is very derogatory, IMO. just because you don’t agree with it doesn’t mean that you should denigrate it. If you can’t stomach the physical aspect, and the messages that it entails, than I don’t know what brought you to the sport in the first place. It’s beautiful blend of skill and toughness is what makes it the awesome sport that it is. If you like the finesse aspect only, then watch all-star games, or Olympics, or Euro leagues, or College hockey (which is brutal but doesn’t condone the fisticuffs)… I wonder what DL has meant all this time when he talks about “character” guys?? maybe he meant guys that SIMPLY want to win or guys that are great teammates, great in the locker room, great leadership abilities? Or maybe those things mean nothing and he wants guys that simply want to fill the net, keep theirs empty and win (which never happens that way). As we found out this year, a little more is required to be successful otherwise TM would’ve been the guy, but he couldn’t create an identity for this team, something that everyone can buy into and play for…
I’m simply astounded at the under-valuation you’ve put on team camaraderie/togetherness/solidarity. your hyperbole is a little astounding as well, from someone preaching “practical sense”. but I digress.
Let’s take a look at your list of SC winners and see if they’ve all been ice-capades with sticks:
2000 – NJ – Holik/Lemiux/Arnott/Steven/Daneyko/White – all pretty tough customers that never saw a check they didn’t finish hard and with ill intent
2001 – COL – probably the most skilles/least tough – Dingman/Hinote/Foote – and even Forsberg laid the body
2002 – DET – Draper/Matlby/McCarty/Shanahan/Chelios – all pretty tough customers that never saw a check they didn’t finish hard and with ill intent
2003 – NJ – Friessen/Langenbruner/Rupp/Marshall as well as the Dmen from 200 – all pretty tough customers that never saw a check they didn’t finish hard and with ill intent
2004 – another more skill than tough – Dingman stands out, but Lecavalier and the forwards had plenty of bang to counter CAL
2006 – CAR – Brind’Amour/Staal/Ladd/Commodore/Babchuk/Ward/Hedican – all finished their checks and were tough to play against
2007 – ANA (that hurts to write) – I thought they had a really lucky run, but they had several bangers on that team which never saw a check they didn’t finish hard and with ill intent
2008 – DET – Draper/Helm/MaCarty/Cleary/Maltby/Stuart/Kronwall – all pretty tough customers that never saw a check they didn’t finish hard and with ill intent
2009 – Talbot/Kunitz/Cooke/Orpick/Letang – all pretty tough customers that never saw a check they didn’t finish hard and with ill intent
2010 – CHI – Bolland/Ladd/Byfuglien/Burrish/Eager – all pretty tough customers that never saw a check they didn’t finish hard and with ill intent
2011 – BOS – it’s well known how physical they were
2012 – LAK – it’s no wonder talking heads were complaring them to the previous champs in their physical, dominating style. big, big, and BIG!
So please don’t tell me none of the past SC winners weren’t tough or didn’t have an element of toughness to their game. They truly did.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:50 am
@Stuart,
Forget Doan, sign Mike Tyson!
[Reply]
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@DesertKing, If you want a biter sign burrows…..NOT!!! GKG
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:55 am
@Stuart, Wow man, you really did some research! I hate to admit it as well, but that Ducks team of 07 is one of the best all around teams I have seen. They had speed, skill, size, goaltending, and veteran leadership. After the Cup, they lost some key contibutors like MacDonald, Penner, ODonnell, and Moen. Those losses really dinged their chemistry.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:01 am
@puck73, boo!
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:15 am
@puck73,
I wouldn’t say best all around, but they certainly were the toughest all around team. Every one of their forwards could grind, including Selanne, and their D-men were nasty. Almost anyone would beat you up just for looking at them. But they weren’t the best all around team.
If w/l records mean anything, the Kings were the best team since 1997 (16 W to 4 L) and the only team ever to have a 3-0 lead in each series before the other team even had an answer.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:18 am
@FKA PakiFro, what the Kings did down the stretch after Carter arrived was unbelievable. Their record was 28-8 in games that he suited up, and that includes the playoffs.
FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:28 am
@puck73,
28-8 in games that Carter suited up…
Thanks for that. I was wondering what that record was. Ridiculous. I hope they can do that for the full year.
Duncanz Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:41 pm
@Upstart,
Your animal-like derogatory conduct towards other innocent bloggers is quite denigrating.
This style is rather thuggish and won’t win your side any points with the Pullitzer Cup people.
I suggest you each line up for a handshake and a big hug ….
…. and then proceed to BEAT THE LIVING (STUFF-ING) OUT OF EACH OTHER!!!!
[laughs]
[Reply]
“The first day of training camp is brutal. Then you adjust to it.”
I love the smell of bleach in the morning. Smells like… victory.
[Reply]
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:18 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), The next day smells like bengay.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:57 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), Fortunately, I don’t get to breathe all that stale air in the locker room but the TSC seems to use bleach as their air freshener!
[Reply]
As far as the question about creating more offense with European sized rinks, I was present when Scotty Bowman was asked that question appx.1997. He disagreed with Jim Fox. Bowman believed the larger rinks would have made for more offense. He said, in fact, “The NHL missed the boat in not going to larger rinks while building new hockey arenas in that era”. He went on to say “It won’t change now because it would mean fewer seats if the rinks were revamped.”
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 6:30 pm
@Crown Royal, If Scotty said this, it was one of the few times he was wrong. KHL has less goals per game than the NHL. The Swedish premier league has a lot less scoring. The Swedes show it is much easier to play defense on a big ice surface. Sweden is where the defensive LW lock system originated. The more space you have the easier it is to angle a player off. The more space you have the harder it is for quick counter attacks. Big ice surface point shots come from further out and missed shots involve a lot more chasing. Really slows the game down. Also big ice surface = less physical play.
[Reply]
Rich can you or any fellow regulars answer this questions regarding Bob Miller’s contract???
At a King’s game @ the GW Forum sometime in the 90′s, the organization was celebrating Bob. It was either a milestone # of games or his HOF induction but I vaguely remember it being announced that they were awarding Bob with a lifetime contract(?) Anyone else remember something like that? I’m not sure if he’s an employee of the Kings or Fox Sports? Anyone?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:47 am
@smoKING gun, RH said he has one year left on his contract, but I too remember him being on a “lifetime” contract… maybe he’s beating the prognosis…
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:50 am
@smoKING gun, Answered above…by Rich.
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@smoKING gun, I was at that game as well. Perhaps it was a ceremonial thing? I’m sure they wouldn’t hesitate to re-up Bob if he wanted to extend.
[Reply]
SLG1013 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:16 pm
@smoKING gun, I believe they were celebrating Bob’s 3000th game broadcast
[Reply]
Thanks for answering my question Rich. I can say I believe DS at least learned to give Bernier the first or second start in back to backs instead of starting Quick both times. So I think your number is realistic for Quick in terms of starts he makes for the season.
Does anyone know what the differences are between the NHL stanley cup dvd and the Kings stanley cup video?
I’m going to download the finals games now on itunes. that’s awesome that they offer them.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:19 pm
is “Los Angeles Kings 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Champions Commemorative DVD” different then “Stanley Cup Champions 2012: Los Angeles Kings”??? I got the latter.
[Reply]
Todd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:07 pm
@Stuart,
Yeah, the NHL has one also besides the Kings organization, right? Or it is the same thing?
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:10 pm
@Todd, that’s what I don’t know… I’ve only seen one on sale as a blue-ray and that’s the one I got. It was just released last week, or two, ago…
Todd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:31 pm
@Stuart,
Yeah, that’s the one I got as well. That’s the only one I was aware of. Maybe I am just confused and reading it wrong.
FKA PakiFro Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@Todd,
My understanding (from the open forum answers) is that there will be a 2nd one from the Kings which will likely include Bob Miller’s voice during the call and other highlights and tidbits. And also a book from the kings.
KC23 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@Todd, IMHO, gamecenter subscription is a far wiser investment. Best hockey related investment I ever did. To be able to watch any game regular season or playoffs for any team from either the home or away broadcast is as good as it gets.
[Reply]
Excuse me, heading for the restroom, need to (urp) pray to the porcelain god since Doc Emerick just came on the Olympic tele………. Whew, just made it….
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 12:26 pm
@DessertKing,,
Does he make you skitterish?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:01 pm
@Duncanz,
Everytime I hear his voice, all I can think of is “PEPTO-BISMAL WITH THE RIFLING DRIVE SLASHING THROUGH AND KN IVING IN FOR A GOAL!!!!” Oh, great, back to the bathr…..
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 1:50 pm
@DesertKing, Isn’t Brian Hayward covering badminton?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:15 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Yes, and praising the lack of effort by the disqualified players as being a stroke of strategic genius that the Sucks deployed every year after 2007.
[Reply]
plywood Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:19 pm
@DesertKing, I hope you swaggered there.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:26 pm
@plywood,
Of course. I am a fan of the STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS Los Angeles Kings.
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 2:24 am
@DesertKing,
Ah yes, the robotic babble of Mike Emerick. I wonder if he has Dorothy squeeze a couple squirts from the oil can to his mandible before each match.
[Reply]
Hey Rich, I dont expect to see the answer to this in your forum answers but I see and hear more and more people curious about who does and who doesn’t get there name on the cup. At your leisure could you please make a post of who all gets their name on the cup.
Thanks, keep up the good work
[Reply]
THE LINEUP: Marilyn Manson, Bad Religion and The Kings? Sure, why not?! http://bit.ly/NWzm4S
[Reply]
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 2:31 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Offspring too! Yeah!
[Reply]
Rich, I know the Kings up until possibly this year has lost money. Do you know if the Kings turned a profit this year? With 9 Playoff Home Games its difficult to see how they wouldn’t, but I can understand if finding the info out in a CBA year may be difficult.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@luc20rules, I think people think Chicago, because it was rumored that you are a Cubs Fan. Is it even true that you are a Cubs Fan?
[Reply]
Rich,
So does Dominos at least get an article of it’s own on Buffalo wings?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:36 pm
@Dominick (defrim65), When will you be getting a phone? If your not sure, then meet us at Dodger Stadium on the 3rd Base Side, Loge Level Entance before 6:30 PM, and I will give yo your tix.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:37 pm
@puck73, Friday, August 24th !
[Reply]
I like pizza too. When something like pizza or beer or … is so good it’s hard to have just one favorite. So many are so good in so many different ways.
Is in not OK to be more hockey connoisseur than fan?
Besides, there are already plenty of fan blogs and forums.
[Reply]
Update on The Insiders going to LA Kings Night at Dodger Stadium. The List is the following…@TeamJMFJ, @@Variable, @MichaelJ, @408KingsFan, @IceGuy, #1FaninVegas, and just added, @OnTheFly, and @Jeff_R !
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 3:25 pm
@puck73, Just added @Penguin76 !
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:05 pm
@puck73, Just added @DuncanZ !
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:17 pm
@purge73,,
I’ll drink the stadium dry of PBR.
Now watch the punters drop out in droves!
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:20 pm
@puck73, there goes the neighborhood…
OnTheFly Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:35 pm
@puck73,
And here I thought I had to wait till Vegas to show off my New Kings hat and Shirt. Looking forward to Aug 24th. Thanks Puck73
TeamJMFJ Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:40 pm
@puck73, quite the group @puck…gunna be a helluva party
[Reply]
neil Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:02 pm
@puck73, how do you get on the list????
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:21 pm
@neil, mikebrnstn@gmail.com
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:34 pm
@puck73, Just added @KC23 !
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:53 pm
@puck73, Just added @Neil !
neil Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:39 pm
@neil, Iam ON the list!!!!!!! Thanks Puck(boo)73!!!!!
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:41 pm
@neil, You are in !! Dont forget your Kings Jersey !
Just looking for some help from fellow readers. I am putting a photo album together to tell the story of the kings post season run. Do you recall any big game changers during the run? I have my own list but would very much welcome other opinions. First round the brown hit, stoll overtime winner, second round the shorties especialy kopis which looks sick in pictures, kings bounce back goal after letting the lead slip, penners swg, you know stuff like that. All help is appreciated as my memory is not what it used to be.
Thanks in advance
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:45 pm
@JPL, MR’s hit on Burrows at the end of game 2(?) was pretty nifty…
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 4:56 pm
@JPL, King’s fight with Crombeen in game 2 after the game 1 hit on Pietranglo. He held his own, if not winning that fight outright and it seemed to take the steam out of StL afterwards and game 2 became a runaway Kings’ victory.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:27 pm
@JPL, 5 on 3 PK vs St. Louis. That completely demoralized and they had the Blues the rest of the sweep.
[Reply]
KingsFan602 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
@JPL, SCF game 1 Brownie hit on parise was a beauty.
[Reply]
JPL Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 7:06 pm
@JPL, thanks for ur thoughts
[Reply]
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
@JPL, how about sedins tapout!
[Reply]
I feel vindicated after reading Rich’s opinion on what Doan would mean to the LAK roster and how he could benefit the quest for another Stanley Cup. He did not get involved with the financial aspect of a contract for SD, but that is secondary, as long as we have the cap space to sign him.
Thank you, Rich!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@Gustavo,
No offense, but Rich is a Cubs fan…. (sorry Rich!)
[Reply]
Stanley in Hollywood….
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=338885849528780&set=a.334757639941601.80230.261234273960605&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:00 pm
@Real 7, Infinity pools rule.
[Reply]
Off topic…Justin Williams.
Another one bites the dust!!
Congrats JW!!!\
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=639106&navid=DL|NHL|home
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 6:34 pm
@Gustavo, +1, JW is racking up Assists even in the offseason.
[Reply]
So who do we blame if we have a lock out?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:50 pm
@Lake Forest, Gary Bettman, and The owners who cant help themselves wanting to throw 7 Mil plus at past his prime Shane Doan.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 6:37 pm
@puck73, +1, can we really blame the players for taking these outrageous deals. If your boss came in or another company came in and offered you 100 million over 12 years with like 20 million guaranteed what would your decision be?
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:08 pm
@luc20rules, It even sounds like the NHL is again about to make the same mistake it made last time. The NHL had all the bargaining power, but put in player salaries based on Revenues, and this is crazy. If you want ” Cost Certainty ” you can do that. But if you want franchise stablility the players pay may start as % of revenue, but then would have % rollbacks worked in based on Profit = Revenues minus Costs at the end of the year combined with some NHL profit sharing between the teams. I am sure the PA would ask that these figures be calculated league wide which means some teams would lose money, but then the NHL should have some form of profit sharing if they want small markets to compete. Also one would wonder why the 8 mil/yr in both directions from the median cap does not fluctuate with the total cap. The first year minumum cap was 22mil/yr, that 8 mil was like 35% now the minimum cap in 2005-06, but now the minimum cap is 54.2 mil that 8 mil/yr to the median is only 14.7%. Double those figures going from min cap to max cap 70% in 2005-06 to 29.4% now. The fact that 8 mil/yr range to the median cap or 16 mil/yr from top to bottom cap shows why some small market teams are suffering so much worse. The amount between minimum cap and Max cap should have grown with the growth in total salary cap.
puck73 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 7:23 pm
@luc20rules, Hope to meet you at a Kings event soon. If you want, you can email me at mikebrnstn@gmail.com and I will pass my cell number on and we can talk or text hockey.
Let me rephrase my question Rich. Obviously every team needs to have back-ups with the team all year. I guess my problem/question is, why not use the back-up periodically just to give the main guys a break now and then? Or to give a young player game experience. Yet Drewiske didn’t see the ice for five months. If I was a coach, i’d want to use my back-ups periodically just to keep them sharp. But that didn’t happen and I wonder why?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:16 pm
@KHenry14, What you have to remember is for those 5 months the team was either: 1) fighting for their playoff lives or 2) in the Stanley Cup playoffs. You had a unique situation of 6 defenseman perfectly healthy when every point you didn’t get could have sent you to the golf course in April. You play the 6.
If DD makes the team as the 7th defenseman I think he will see more playing time as this team will not struggle like last year. Bernier is probably a different story as DS uses his #1 as much as possible. And at forward, it’s probably moot as we have one forward too many already — 2 if Doan comes here.
[Reply]
Regarding the question of fans’ use of self-inclusive terms such as “We won”:
After 44 years of banging my head against the wall following and supporting the team, I’ll say “We won”, dammit.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@Robert R,
Das right!
[Reply]
fridgemagnet57 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:20 pm
@Robert R,
Agreed!
I feel what is more annoying than that are people who try to predict everything and try to look like they’re Nostradamus hockey expert when that happens.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 2:10 am
@Robert R, I don’t even get the point of this question, the team is nothing without us the fans. We are the fuel that drives the machine!
[Reply]
I am going to pose this question for those who would like to see Doan signed:
We are already 1 forward over the roster limit WITHOUT Doan. So if Doan came here which 2 forwards would you get rid of?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 8:36 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Answer: Don’t sign Doan.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 9:49 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Sign Doan and let the chips fall where they may during training camp. I’d imagine Doan could easily beat Gagne & Richardson for a roster spot. I’d not be willing to move Lewis, Clifford, King or Nolan because of their youth and physical play style.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:20 pm
@Gustavo,
I would take Gagne and Richardson over Doan just in the moral character department alone anyday.
Yes, sign Doan, -to the Mighty Ducks in a glorious a ten year deal.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:27 pm
@jess, Huh?
fridgemagnet57 Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:32 pm
@jess,
I would take Doan over Gagne and Richardson if the price is right. Doan would be a very impactful player, but probably not at his ridiculous 7mill+/year for 4 years contract.
If the team wasnt’ heavy enough as it already is Doan would be a huge presence.
Lewis would probably go to the 4th line and Clifford/Richardson might just sit in the press box for games until there are injuries or someone is not playing well. I see those guys mentioned as team players and just like Drewiske they might prefer to play, but team comes first, unless they are playing lights out good.
Also injuries happen so having guys available to play will be important for a long season and playoffs if the team makes the playoffs again.
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:41 pm
@fridgemagnet57,
You made my point for me. Team comes first.
If the guy was a kid, I might understand his whiney moments. But the fact that he is a vet and does it tells me his character will corrupt or disrupt the stellar chivalry this team has a reputation for right now, which overcame all cheapshots, dives and whining during the post season.
That’s right, I said chivalry.
Gustavo Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:50 pm
@jess,
Now it goes to morality?
Doan is a stronger player than either Gagne or Richardson. Period.
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:55 pm
@Gustavo,
Tell you what, hire Bernie Madoff to run your company (if you have one) if you don’t believe in morality being essential to success.
Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:38 pm
@Gustavo, It sounds like @HockeyNerd thinks you can have too much talent. Since when is competition for jobs a bad thing? The Kings are Stanley Cup winners, lets think on the lines of a winning culture. Players have to earn the honor to be on the Kings. I want the Kings to have so much depth that it is hard for young players to crack the lineup. Never have too much talent.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:50 pm
@Osaka, If I’m trying to make a point, I will make one. If I want to say we shouldn’t sign anyone, I will say that. I mean what I posted — I want to know who you would let go of.
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:53 pm
@Osaka, And incidentally now that I think about it it is not my opinion you can have too much talent it is a FACT. The roster limit is 23 players. Which we are already over. Count yourself.
DesertKing Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
@Gustavo,
I think we just won the Cup with the guys you think we should let go for a downhill player who has never won anything and when he had his chance, he couldn’t keep his focus and let his emotions override his training.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:41 pm
@DesertKing, Stated with scientific precision. Bravo.
Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:06 pm
@DesertKing, For sure we will be a GREAT team without him. We can and will win either way. I would love to see the Kings add even more skill and grit given the opportunity and there isn’t a better fit for the Kings than Doan. That being said I would not want to see the Kings overpay for him, that would be counterproductive in building a dynasty.
As far as never winning anything? Really? He spent his whole career with Winnipeg/Phoenix. Dionne, Taylor, and Nichols never won anything then. Actually Daon is quite accomplished. He has won back to back Memorial Cups in Jrs. (MVP one year), 2 golds at World Championships, gold at World Cup of Hockey, and gold at the Olympics. You don’t like him, don’t want him on the team. Cool. Everyone has their own way of making decisions.
Gustavo Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:56 pm
@DesertKing,
Neither Richardson nor Gagne were factors during the Cup run. Doan, on the other hand, was a major force in taking Phoenix to the WCF.
You also forget the LKG roster that blazed through only 20 games in the playoffs also flopped miserably during the larger portion of the regular season to the point where they almost missed the last playoff spot.
Like Osaka said above, I want the best talent in this team competing for roster jobs.
Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:25 pm
@HockeyNerd, Gagner or Penner and Richardson. Hell get rid of both Gagner and Penner and you have the 7 mil that was the rumored asking price. Doan is a natural RW but is versatile and can play either wing. The Kings have interest in him on the LW so it is clear Simon or Dustin would be moved. Doan it is believed would play LW2 and King LW3. In a year or two King and Doan would swap lines in an ideal world.
Also do you really believe their is a place on the Kings for Lokti? Is there a place for Westy?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:34 pm
@Osaka,
Huh? I’ll answer that. The guy can’t man up and shake hands with Brown in the most sacred of sacred things about hockey?
That’s all you need to know.
We had many adversaries in the playoffs that I would welcome to the Kings.
Doan is not one of them.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:44 pm
@jess, You don’t like the guy for your personal emotional reasons and don’t want him on the Kings because of it? That’s cool, everyone has their own way of doing things, but to wish him on the Ducks if he doesn’t sign here? Because you don’t like the guy doesn’t mean he isn’t a great player. 16 teams so far made offers to him as high as 7 mil. Like it or not he is a good player. I hope he plays in the East if the Kings don’t sign him.
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 10:49 pm
@Osaka,
No, the personal emotional took place last year and the year before in debate between you and myself regarding your admiration for Terry Murray, as opposed to him actually being right for the Kings.
I will admit, that the moral character of a player goes into my assessment program, which is quite objective.
Good, let him make 7 mil somewhere.
Looking forward to seeing the Kings pound him.
Again…
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:13 pm
@jess, @osaka Neither I nor Jess nor anyone that I know of said Doan is not a great player. What we said was that we do not like and respect him, and yes if you want it is because and only because of that one thing that he did. On other threads, probably even above on this thread I have posted that I do not like Doan and do not want him here. That is waaaaaay different from saying you can have too much talent or too much competition for jobs. Please do not put words in my mouth. I am asking an honest and fair question — if you sign Doan you are TWO forwards over the limit and I want to know who you get rid of, because it is a FACT that two forwards will have to go. Jess’s opinion is that automatically by definition means the team is NOT improved so he feels it is a moot point to answer the question. In my case I wanted to open the floor for debate. I am well aware competition for jobs is “a good thing”. I was trying to get a little deeper than that — pointing out that signing Doan is not a total “freebie”. That’s all. Don’t read more into it than that.
Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:16 pm
@jess, You hit a home run with wanting Doan on the Ducks. I don’t like Malkin, Crosby, Stamkos, or Parise! I hope they all go to the Ducks!
Gustavo Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:01 am
@jess,
Fortunately for the quality of the LAK roster, DL is the one who dishes out the welcome mat with a contract, not fans like you who wear their emotions to close to their sleeves.
Who gives flipping flip anymore about the handshake scene? We won, it’s over. The league looked into it. The were reprimanded. End of story. Move on, people.
BringBackButchGoring Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:05 am
@Nerd, This isn’t intended directly at you so calm down. Doan is only one person so he will replace only one person, not two. I never learned that it was IMMORAL not to be cordial at the handshake line. Doan can replace anyone that isn’t a natural leader, 25 goal scorer, 200 hits per season, stand up for your teammates type player. I’m sure DS isn’t going to have a problem working Doan into his lineup. That’s just freaking absurd.
Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:35 am
@Gustavo,
“DL is the one who dishes out the welcome mat with a contract” Really?
“not fans like you who wear their emotions to close to their sleeves” WTF?
“End of story. Move on, people” Look at who’s calling the kettle black?
Weren’t You the one who wouldn’t shut up for 3 months strait at the start of the season about DD? Just about every post was a rip on the guy.
King Cobra Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:31 am
@HockeyNerd, There is no debate that Doan acted like a total dick in the playoffs. He hates losing and I like that, but he could have controlled himself a little better and at the moment I hated the guy big time!
There is also no debate that he is a hell of a player. He is 5 times the player of Richardson. He is better than all of our bottom six forwards. Gagne is 99.99999% sure to get hurt in the first few months of the new season.
Hey if we can make OUR team even better adding the guy and DL and Sutter want it to happen, I am all for it.
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Regarding the debate on Doan:
The guy is a whiner!
Which one of the Kings players in our roster have you ever seen whine before? Nobody.
Do we want that in our club?
In our locker room?
Hell no.
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Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:10 pm
@jess, Doughty isn’t? We wearing our rose colored glasses again? Our boys can do no wrong. Because Daon is an A-hole, it makes him so good. Because Drew is how he is, he is great!
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jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
@Osaka, When did you ever see Doughty whine to the media after a loss?
And even if you thought he was, you want another one?
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Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:20 pm
@jess, Yes. I love hockey. I don’t care what the players do or say. I love to watch intense hockey! I want the Kings to win. I don’t care how nice they are. I don’t care how much they cry after a game, I won’t listen to it.
I don’t think Sutter would let them cry after a game
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:18 pm
@Osaka,
BTW Doughty has shown in the playoffs (where it counts) -that he has WAY MORE fortitude and self control than Doan and the wonder boy Smith put together.
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Osaka Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:26 pm
@jess, I am not going to argue the merits of Drew, he is a 1000% STUD! Remember the Kings won, you don’t know how ugly it could have gotten or what would have been said if the Yotes would have won the series. Of course Drew didn’t whine after winning. I don’t care either way if he would have though. Drew is a STUD either way. He was unfreak’n believable!!!!
jess Reply:
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:32 pm
@Osaka,
I mean, I could write paragraphs on the matter.
-But in no way can I put it more succinctly than @DesertKing said it in one sentence see above /\
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@jess, I don’t think doan will come because of doty thowing him down to the ice
Gustavo Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:05 am
@jess,
“Our Locker room”???…ROFLMAO!!!
When was the last time YOU were anywhere near the LAK locker room?
Leave that to the GM, Coaches and players to determine who is or isn’t a good influence in the team’s locker room.
Neither you, nor I, nor anyone else in this blog (except Rich to some extent) is qualified to pass that judgment.
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jess Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:12 am
@Gustavo,
Yeah, OUR locker room. And BTW, you have no idea how close to that cup or that locker room I’ve gotten, non of your business.
Roll on the floor bro, you belong there.
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jess Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:49 am
@jess,
*I meant roll on the floor with cupcake sprinkles. Damn new keyboard.
DesertKing Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:20 am
@Gustavo,
I have had the honor to visit the Kings locker room at Staples twice. Of ocurse, it wasn’t during a game and there were no players there, but what the heck, it was “my” locker room for a short time and I have the picture to prvoe it. Funny, I didn;t see any lockers with the names of any whiners on them, just STANLEY CUP CHAMPION Kings players.
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Gustavo Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:08 am
@jess,
Shane Doan is a winner who whined at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons. You want perfect? Good Luck!
Nothing that happened after game 5 last whistled takes anything away from the quality of play and work ethic Doan brings to the ice. His credentials in that respect are impeccable.
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Wrt Doan….thank god some of you are not my parent…one mistake and you want to disown him…..
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Gustavo Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:54 am
@neil,
Not to worry. The real LAK parent figures (DL & DS) are looking at Doan correctly. That’s why they presented two offers for him to join the LAK.
I guess some people will have to start rooting for the Ducks if Doan, ‘the Immoral’, signs here.
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BringBackButchGoring Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:11 am
@Gustavo, What hilarious is watching the bloggers on this board whine about Doan being a whiner. I’m sorry the big bad monster did not shakie poo Brownie hand. Let’s put on our big boy pants and get over that already….
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King Cobra Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:14 am
@BringBackButchGoring, Thanks for the good deep belly laugh!!!!
DesertKing Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:21 am
@BringBackButchGoring,
Time for another 20 on your desk
Michael J. Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:18 am
@Gustavo,
Adoption?
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:15 pm
@neil, Poor analogy. Correct analogy: my child Dustin and your child Shane played on opposite teams in a soccer league and Sean’s team lost, Sean acted like a brat and refused to shake hands properly after the game like the other kids. Now you are leaving to Europe for several weeks and you have to leave Sean with someone….and you are puzzled as to why I don’t want him to stay with me for that time.
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BringBackButchGoring Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 12:41 pm
@HockeyNerd, Uh, better analogy Shane, however is a fine young man, very well liked and respected among his peers and a person that devotes many many hours to community service events and to his church. Shane has subsequently publicly expressed remorse for his actions in the hand shake line. However some very small-minded people cannot overlook this one incident as being out of character and believe poor little Shane should be judged entirely on this one incident…
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Stuart Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 1:11 pm
@BringBackButchGoring, I thought we were talking about Sean?
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 1:37 pm
@BringBackButchGoring, Enough already! I’m like the little kid who says I don’t like the taste of broccoli and won’t eat it and you are giving me a masters thesis on why broccoli tastes good. I don’t like or respect Doan. Please respect that opinion.
BringBackButchGoring Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@BringBackButchGoring, Maybe if you tried Shane Doan on a plane, or a train, with a fox or in a box?
I heard on the radio that Lokti is tearing it up in the pool at the Olympics. I had no idea he was such a good swimmer!
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Duncanz Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:25 am
@Michael J.,
But there are suspicious Chinese girls that beat him too!
… I had no idea he was into that sort of thing!
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Sebastian Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 8:33 am
@Michael J., haha, i always think of Lokti when they talk about Lochte.
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Michael J. Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:18 am
@Sebastian,
Ohhhhhhhhhhh…. Lochte is how it is spelled???
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I wonder if Rich is a Kings fan?
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Gustavo Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:08 am
@john,
Oh to be a fly on the wall and watch Rich’s reaction when he reads that question….again. LMAO!!
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DesertKing Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 9:22 am
@Gustavo,
I am going to join BringBackButchGoring and hit my head on the desk 20 times.
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Kingstane9 Reply:
August 5th, 2012 at 1:28 am
@DesertKing, LOL
puck73 Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:26 am
@Gustavo, Dude ! Your ping pong match with @Jess last night was hilarious! I read the whole thread, and I was totally locked in! Its weird, @Jess is still my boy, but on the subject of Doan, I agree with you and @Osaka…If Lombardi and Sutter want him, and he is willing to sign here, then I am totally all for it. If he takes more money and signs somewhere else? That is fine as well.
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 10:52 am
@puck73,
Doan will be a Canuck.
Stuart Reply:
August 3rd, 2012 at 11:15 am
@Dom, that fits his style, leave one never-won for another.
PalmSpringsKingsFan Reply:
August 7th, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@john, Of course he is!! don’t you read this blog? I am heading to dominos now.
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Re: Rich H. not being a Kings fan:
Non-partisan viewpoint usually makes for level-headed reporting.
I don’t mind partisan reporting either, and the Kings’ broadcasters have just the right mix of impartial reporting with where-needed partisan commentary, IMHO. They’re no. 1.
You want cheerleading, listen to Mike Shannon announce a Cardinals game. He’s entertaining as well, and if I cared about Cardinals baseball, I’d adore his work. Also, check out the Blackhawks crew. If you root for Chicago, you gotta love ‘em.
All that being said, Anaheim does indeed suck, IMPHO (in many people’s humble opinions).
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Well if it’s a record then Congratz for it Rich. At this point of the season I’m usually like, I know everything, I don’t even have a question, but there’s always a thing or two to learn about here. Love this site, just keep up the good work…..and lastly, it’s been a while so: GO KINGS GO!!!
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Rich,
I could have swore many years ago Bob Miller was given a lifetime contract by the Kings. Am I thinking of Chick Hearn? Only reason I ask is you said he had 1 year left on his contract, where I thought Bob has his choice.
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Come Rich the bandwagon is warmed up and waiting for you!! JUST KIDDING
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Rich, have the dates been determined yet as to when the open practices will begin at TSC?
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