The Stanley Cup is continuing a tour through Canada, and is hanging out with Kyle Clifford and friends and family today. There are only a handful of official “days” with the Cup remaining. By the start of September, the Cup will be back in Southern California for a series of events, and then shortly after that, Luc Robitaille will take it to be Quebec, where it will also be engraved with the names of the Kings players, coaches and staff members. What have folks been doing with the Cup? Jarret Stoll had it in his childhood hometowns of Neudorf and Yorkton, in Saskatchewan. That was also a special day for Kings fans (and blog readers) John Hallman and Rob Mathieu, who emailed to share their story of flying from Southern California to Saskatchewan in order to enjoy the public ceremony in a small Canadian town. John and Rob got mentioned in a local write-up as being visitors from “big-city California” in the story below…
Stanley Cup champ Jarret Stoll has a happy homecoming in Neudorf, Sask.
Also, click below for a few videos from Dean Lombardi’s day with the Cup, as well as Stoll’s time with it…
Stoll visits his grandmother with the Cup
And in case you haven’t seen them yet, there is a spectacular set of photos from Mike Richards day with the Cup on Facebook via this thread… http://kingsnewsdaily.com/kenoras-king/
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Howard Berger Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 8:08 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Hey Kingers… Some great photos here from your championship team and stupendous city. Enjoy… http://www.bergerbytes.ca/2012/08/california-2012hockeyneil-armstrong/
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Mikey J. Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Thanks so much Paul. I’ve been hoping to see a picture of Mike and Arnold with the Cup, truly awesome.
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It is so awesome to be a Kings fan. While in Montreal, we toured the Olympic Stadium. The guide asked where we were from and we told him southern California. Of course he replied “Kings fans?”. When we replied that we were, he congratulated us on the Cup and asked if we had been to any of the SCF games. When we told him we had been to all three at Staples including the clincher, he simply replied “do you mind if I touch you?” and tapped our shoulders. I guess that is while Montreal has won many cups, not that many fans have actually been able to see it happen. GKG-AGAIN!!
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Gustavo Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 9:58 am
@DesertKing,
WOW…that’s some perspective there. It magnifies the significance of us having attended all playoffs games + Game 1 in Phoenix.
GO KINGS GO FOREVER!!
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Lake Forest Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 10:18 am
@DesertKing, That’s pretty awesome man! Did you guys have a good time? How was the HOF?
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DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:27 pm
@Lake Forest,
It was awesome. The Kings have their own Stanley Cup case with items worn by the players. They were plahing our path to the Cup video starring our Kings in the playoffs Cup theater. When you went upstairs to where the Cup is kept, there was the photo of the Kings on the ice with the Cup mounted on the wall. The fact that we were wearing our Kings jerseys got us instant attention. We were definitely viewed and treated better than we were when we visited the HHOF last summer. Of course, we made sure to touch the Lucky Loonie amd wish to win the next Stanley Cup. Its good to be a Kings fan.
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Jpizzle313 Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:29 pm
@DesertKing, I also went to all SCF games at staples! And ended this awesome season w a trip to the HOF w my dad! Both of us are life time kings fans and season tic holders!.. I was happy to see that the HOF is now dedicated to Ace Bailey and Mark Bevis!.. I was told when I entered that the Stanley cup odessey was featuring the kings! But it was about Boston!. Kings display was in front of it and awesome!. The people in Toronto do no like kings championship gear! It’s almost like Canada’s cleavland! Long live the kings!!
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:32 pm
@jpizzle313
They had the right one playing while we were there. Good thing you told them! At least they got the tribute to Bailey and Bevis correct which both heroes so richly deserved.
Does anyone know which players are left to have their day with the cup?
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Hartnell extends with the Kings East
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/scott-hartnell-6-deal-flyers-shrewd-pre-cba-213111553–nhl.html
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 11:18 am
@Gustavo, He’ll be a King West soon enough!
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Gustavo Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Hartnell + Simmonds for Scuderi and …?
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Osaka Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 4:48 pm
@Gustavo, Toffoli and Penner?
Robert R Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:16 pm
@Gustavo, Hartnell never stops. Always hustling, hard-hitting–the kind of player that you hate to see your team play against. Seems like he never has a bad shift.
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Two more days till lakingsinsiders invade dodger stadium!
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OnTheFly Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 10:41 am
@neil,
Looking forward to it, since we may not have Frozen Fury this year!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 11:19 am
@OnTheFly, There will be an event no matter what though I believe.
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Gail Web Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 2:04 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Hi so even if lockout they will have something for the frozen fury in Vegas still?
Go Kings Go!
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 2:50 pm
From what I hear, yes.
OnTheFly Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 2:56 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I need clarification too. Paul, your saying that even if Frozen Fury is not played, there will still be some kind of event in Vegas. I have been holding off from getting a hotel room until I knew something was happening. We Kings fans can all get together and party in Vegas if that’s what you meant.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Luc’s poker charity event will take place no matter what and from what I heard from a good source is that there may be an alumni game in the works if ‘Frozen Fury’ doesn’t happen. I have no idea if FF tix will be good for any alumni game. I would expect something to be announced around Sept. 15th if a lockout occurs.
Gail Web Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Ok thanks a lot, sounds cool yes I just saw on facebook the news that Luc will have that poker game again. So as I already have FF tiks and room, it would be great to have a alumni game, get refund on FF tiks and buy that one, and or same tiks cool too, but you never now how many people would go go that as FF is sold out for long time now, and may want there money back, praying each day we do not have a lock out but as you know us fans dont have a say in the matter.
Cannot wait until Friday to go to Kings/Dogers night another cool thing to do with our beloved Kings!
Go Kings Go!
Gustavo Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 10:49 am
@neil,
We’ll be there.
Any news on who will throw the ceremonial pitch?
GO KINGS GO!!
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Michael J. Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 11:16 am
@Gustavo,
Puck, of course
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 11:19 am
@Michael J., Slapshot a baseball.
DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:36 pm
@Gustavo,
Doan?
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Gustavo Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@DesertKing,
LOL…next year, perhaps.
DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 3:48 pm
@Gustavo
Kopi Bryant Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:16 pm
@Gustavo, Jim Fox
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Robert R Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:17 pm
@Gustavo, Let Bailey do it, I say.
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plywood Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:31 pm
@neil, Looking forward to meeting everyone!
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There is a rumor going around that the Cup will be in Oxnard, CA at the Channel Islands Ice Center sometime this week. Can anyone confirm? Apologies in advance if I was massively misinformed. Cheers.
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one87money Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 10:24 am
@mrbob25,
Word is it will be there September 6th. There will be raffle tickets sold at $5 a piece to get an opportunity for photos. Only 50 people will be selected. You can contact the rink for more info.
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Krusher Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 10:47 am
@one87money, My kid played hockey there for years. The Riptide! I think we’re gonna have to go pay the ol’ rink a visit.
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mrbob25 Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 11:17 am
@mrbob25,
@one87money Thanks for the info. Appreciate it.
@Krusher Do it Krusher, do it.
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Purple Reign Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 11:36 am
@mrbob25, Valley Ice Center in Van Nuys and the rink in Simi Valley are doing the sa e. 5 dollar raffles, enter as many times as you want, some money to youth hockey some to charity.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:11 pm
@mrbob25, You can purchase $5 raffle tickets over the phone. Each of the 50 winners can bring one guest to take a picture with them. The event starts at 9:30am on the 6th. http://bit.ly/NFJthz
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Jay805 Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 3:36 pm
@mrbob25,
so stoked! that rink is right around the corner from my house! Can’t wait
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TeamJMFJ Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 7:24 pm
@Jay805, same here! Cant wait!
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TeamJMFJ Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 7:20 pm
@mrbob25, SHHHHH!!! Keep this on the down low! Trying to keep my odds good for the raffle…lol either way I’ll get to see it and the rink i work at will get some money. All good things i guess.
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I read that the Kings held a summer camp recently where Sidney Crosby and others went to do what players do in summer camp. does anyone have any info on this? I’m interested to know who attended and if there were Kings there getting ready for next season, or if they’re still all partying. Any info on contingents from the team coming together in the offseason to keep their skills sharp and conditioning ready is of interest.
Thanks
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:29 pm
@Mark,
Here’s video and a link to the puckdaddy ‘story’ http://kingsnewsdaily.com/scott-parse-skates-with-sidney-crosby/
While the story claims the ‘camp’ took place last week, the tweet from the USHL goalie in the video was on June 29th.
This was not a ‘youth camp’ with Crosby. A bunch of NHL’ers spend time in LA during the summer and workout together. That’s not anything special. I believe they ‘picked up’ the USHL goalie, who was working out there with other young guys.
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Mark Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 6:05 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I remember reading last year before the season started about Dustin Brown setting the pace with a group in workouts prior to camp. I got the sense then that the effort had not been seen before and it gave me hope for the season to come. All of the stories thus far are still of drinking from the chalice. Maybe a delayed start won’t be such a bad thing.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@Mark, At the very least, both Brown and Kopitar said they are skating again and Dean said Penner and someone else were in good shape (or something to that effect). But yeah, the partying doesn’t help for next season so a delay may prove very beneficial.
@Mark
here’s a vid from Puck Daddy about Crosby and Parse doing drills in camp:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/sidney-crosby-gets-robbed-hockey-camp-no-thanks-130241491–nhl.html
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must be cool to be a Ducks fan these days.
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DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 2:10 pm
@Shakes,
As in “Oregon”?
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Dominick (defrim65) Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 4:08 pm
@DesertKing, http://www.goducks.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&SPID=11401&SPSID=94831
This is baseball.
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DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 8:47 pm
@Dominick (defrim65),
With all that green, it looked like the Celtics website.
Loving life, standing outside Fenway waiting for the gates to open, wearing the Kings SCF championship hat.
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 3:26 pm
@DesertKing, I was at Fenway two years ago to see a game. I’ll be at Camden Yards in Baltimore on 9/24 wearing the same cap and t-shirt.
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DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 3:50 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED,
I heard Camden is beautiful. Maybe I can hit that one next year.
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toemas_sandstrom Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@DesertKing, Nice stadium, rough neighborhood…
Deke'r Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:50 pm
@DesertKing, …..sweet…..spent a few pregames at Beerworks across the street myself….
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Just got back from kyle cliffords day with the cup. Will email rich some pics
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This is for puck73. Found this quote from Doughty.
“Terry was all X’s and O’s and Darryl’s not that at all,” Doughty said. “He’s all about preparation, hard work and being a man out there. And once I finally understood that, it was easy.”
From a Vancouver hockey site.
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puck73 Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 6:35 pm
@KC23, TM….BOO BOO !
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Another blatant example of ownership hypocrisy. Hall gets a 7 yr 42 mill deal from Edmonton.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/48283-Taylor-Hall-and-Edmonton-Oilers-agree-on-a-sevenyear-contract-extension.html
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neil Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@Gustavo, but hey the owners and player asso. did talk for TWO hours today!!!!
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Osaka Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 4:58 pm
@Gustavo, A career high 27 goals and 53 points is worth $6mil a season. He has played only 2 years in the league! I know the kid will be worth $6mil someday, but let him earn it first. I really can’t stand behind the owners AT ALL this time. Of course they want the players to take a salary rollback, AGAIN!
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:07 am
@Gustavo, I said the same thing on NHL.com yesturday in the article about it and got ripped a new one. I totally agree….super rediculous and total hypocrisy.
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Do you know when Nick Nickson’s day with the cup will be?
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From prior experience does anyone know what happens to season tickets if the season is cancelled. Hope that is not, but since mines are paid for, I was just wondering how mad I should be? I know a refund, but what about select a seat?
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DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@onhuhgreatwon,
No prior experience wifh this, but my refund wll go to Raider, Laker and Reign tickets.
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Shotongoal Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
@onhuhgreatwon, If I remember right from the last one you kept your seats and you were refunded the money from lost games, with the opportunity at first choice for those seats the next played season, as long as you put down your deposit for the next played season. I don’t think it’s going to happen though, plenty of time to get things resolved. Lots of posturing occurs in negos, this one is no different. But, what do I know……..
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DesertKing Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 8:44 pm
@Shotongoal,
I hope you are right. I would ratber spemd my money on Kings tix.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
@DesertKing, Just think what would happen to all the new “ticket agencies” that have formed on Ebay selling Kings tix…..oh no…be still my heart…CRASH!!!!!
PHX, LA, SJ, Detroit, Pitt, Philly, and Buffalo are all said to still be interested in Doan. Buffalo has the standing offer of 4 years $30 million on the table. Still it is believed Doan might want to turn down Buffalo’s offer to remain in the West.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/buffalo-sabres-still-4-30-million-deal-table-034015015–nhl.html
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IceGuy Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@Osaka,
Perhaps Doan ought to read this and re-consider:
http://lifehacker.com/5937037/potential-is-more-valuable-than-experience
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Gustavo Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 10:24 pm
@IceGuy,
What is Doan to reconsider?
His first option is to stay put with the Cryotes. He’s said that many times.
Outside of AZ, he’ll take the best fit possible for his career and his family. It’s not like the guy is an unemployed 9-5er trying to beat the rest of the crowd out there
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Still the best idea I’ve read to resolve the CBA is to get rid of the hard cap. Go to a luxury tax system with revenue sharing coming from the luxury tax. Starting at say $56 million a team would pay a luxury tax percentage for every $ spent over the $56. Each million in payroll would increase the tax. A team could spend over the current hard cap of $70 million but have to pay 300% in luxury tax for every $ over the $70mil. The small market struggling teams wouldn’t mind the teams spending over the $70 mil because they would be compensated with the revenue sharing which would allow them to spend more. You still have a cap system to help keep salaries in check but team have more freedom to operate the way that is best for them.
Oh, and limit contract length to 5 or 6 years but no salary rollbacks.
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vicarious Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 6:41 pm
@Osaka, I dunno. Baseball has that and basically the Yankees\Red Sox\ect. end up with the best players. I’m old enough to remember when small market teams like the Reds and Pirates had powerhouses. I know in football way back when the owner of the Giants lead the charge for revenue sharing in the NFL and that seems to give every team a decent chance at winning. If the NHL goes the luxury tax route, then its likely you’ll see the teams in the larger financial markets dominate the league. Its certainly complicated, with many different factors to consider, and there is big money involved.
As for contract length, I like watching the players and hate the lateral moves. I don’t mind at all seeing players like Doughty and Kopitar sign longer term contracts. Maybe with injury rates so high the long term contracts don’t make much sense for the owners (Roenicke’s comment on the Crosby contract) but I’m not sure I share that opinion. If contract length is 5-6 years there is more chance of player movements, which I as a fan tend to dislike.
I’m confused why they don’t allow contracts with a certain amount guaranteed (say $3-4 million a year say for contracts over some number, say $5 or 6 million a year) and why they don’t allow some of the higher contracts to float with the revenue cap. I’m sure there are reasons why not which I just don’t know.
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Osaka Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 7:14 pm
@vicarious, Interesting, you sign a contract for a percentage of the teams revenue. Players become partners with the owners in a way.
I also agree with what you are saying about a luxury tax system, but the situation of the rich teams getting all the players exist now. Columbus and Winnipeg will never be able to spend to the cap like the Rangers or Philly. I just think it might have a better chance of working in hockey where the big market teams don’t have a seemingly unlimited source of revenues like their baseball cousins. In hockey how much over a cap could a team afford to spend if it was a 300% tax? If Philly spent $5 million over they would have to pay an additional $15 mil. At least with a tax Columbus and Winnipeg would be able to add a player or two also with the revenue sharing.
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Interesting.
NHL will get its NBC rights fees even if a lockout cancels the 2012-13 season.
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it’s gonna be great to see all of you guys again….
i always enjoy learning and catching up with all y’alls when we do these lil’ events….
THANK YOU PUCK FOR MAKING THIS ALL POSSIBLE…YR GENEROSITY AND THOUGHTFULNESS ARE TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED……(!)
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puck73 Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:34 am
@variable, My Pleasure V. Gotta say though, the best news I have heard here besides the Kings winning it all of course, is when people like you, @RogiesBackUp, and @Goring19 are working again. Having the tough economy the last 5 years has affected many I know to some degree, and when guys like you were having a difficult time, and someone took a chance on guys like you because you were persistent, and never gave up looking, I cant think of any better reward then the words…congrats, you got the job, we want your type here.
Cheers to guys like you.
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variable Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 11:09 am
@puck73,
thanks, PUCK…
cheers to you, too…(!)
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Gail Web Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:50 pm
@puck73, Hi and have to be inside early because the tiks I bought but will look out for you guys at the game tomorrow
Go Kings Go!
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i said yesterday that if i were a bettma….oh, um…i’m mean a betting man, i give the season a 10% chance of starting on time….:(((
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What a great night! Saw a great game at Fenway, the Angels won, we walked out of the park and ran into Angels owner Arte Moreno. He was very nice and took pictures with us. Now, everything would ne perfect if we could just get a CBA agreement done.
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variable Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@DesertKing,
awesome…good for you…
re: cba agreement….
eh, i hope yr prepared to be disappointed….:(
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Good to see Westgrath checking out the NHLPA negotiations in New York. He’s a Princeton guy right??
Maybe we should have him and Parros negotiate for the PA instead of Fehr.
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i’m having a problem posting, so this is a test post…
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variable Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 10:49 am
@variable,
ok…that was weird….
what i really wanted to sat was waking up to this headline made me wanna go back to sleep again….
UNION AND LEAGUE EXECS TO MEET NEXT WEEK TO MOVE TALKS ALONG
TORONTO — The two sides in the NHL labour negotiations are hoping to make some progress next week by putting the four main players in the talks in a room together.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly will sit down with players’ association executive director Donald Fehr and his brother Steve Fehr, the union’s No. 2 man, in a small group session Tuesday.
Economic issues will be the main topic of conversation as a wide financial gap remains between the two sides.
Bettman says no progress can be made until those “fundamental economic issues” are solved.
Fehr says he remains optimistic there is enough time if there is a “mutual will” to get a deal done before the current collective agreement expires on Sept. 15.
The league has said if there is no deal by then, the players will be locked out.
The two sides had a short meeting today in Toronto where the union expanded on its proposal as it pertains to rules governing player contracts.
c’mon, guys…only 90 minutes of talks and they’re waiting to talk again til next tuesday…???
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Gustavo Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 11:01 am
@variable,
Are you surprised? I’m not.
They give themselves one, and only one, chance to bridge the gap of fundamental differences. There have been multiple of messages from the owners that they intend to lock out the players already. It worked for them before in 2004. It makes sense for them to use the same tactic again. Public opinion be dammed.
So a lockout is what I expect. Anything different will be a surprise to me.
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variable Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 11:08 am
@Gustavo,
i said yesterday that i give the season a 10% chance of starting on time….i ready to downgrade that to about .0010%….
yeah, i agree with you…this is what the owners want…but from what i hear, several owbers have spoken up internally and are against this strategy….
btw…the league will still get paid by nbc regardless of the seasons starting on time/lockout….
even less incentive for them to change their course of negotiation tactics…
we are all gonna get screwed again….
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@Gustavo, Great, just great. The owners are not going to negotiate, period. They will simply stop buissiness until the players take their one and only “offer”. And just who do you think will be paying higher ticket prices to make up for the lost revenue?
I’m getting very angry right now.
hahahahah , probably already on here:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/nhl-players-want-posted-list-divers-embellishers-every-141840439–nhl.html;_ylt=ApBzq4IFQXi6gtWUfBEbpQx7vLYF;_ylu=X3oDMTN1ZmJtOXVzBG1pdANGRUFUVVJFRCBNZWdhdHJvbiBOSEwEcGtnAzg5MjM2ZDNkLTJjNGUtM2U4YS04NmZlLTM3ODZmZjg1MzljMwRwb3MDMQRzZWMDbWVnYXRyb24EdmVyA2M5NzVjODgwLWVkMzMtMTFlMS1iYjNmLWM3NTVkYjYxOWM4MQ–;_ylg=X3oDMTFoYWo1YzR1BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANuaGwEcHQDc2VjdGlvbnM-;_ylv=3
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@Lake Forest, I agree completely with the writer. It isn’t like NHL officials DON’T ALREADY KNOW who is doing this. If only they would just enforce the rules that are already in place…. Oh wait a minute this is the same league and same officials who gave Mike Smith and Ryan Clowe no consequences for their actions…..
I’m not in a good mood today at all!!!!!!!
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Mudfish4 Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@Lake Forest, Nice! While it’s amusing, I don’t think anything but penalizing the plays on the ice will help. If you’re in the Stanley Cup final and your options are:
1. Fall to the ice holding your face hoping to draw a call that could win you the game
2. Risk being added to a public list as a diver
I’m pretty sure they’re still going to pick #1. However, if the 3rd option were:
3. Risk having your diving call negate the original call, thus putting your team shorthanded in the SCF, well, that might actually work.
The problem then is the game too fast now for refs to accurately tell whether the stick made good contact with the face, just barely touched it, or simply did a flyby without contact? If it’s not there yet it’s close. Not to mention things that happen in the refs peripheral vision. (like goalies slashing the crap out of forwards)
Solution: I think it’s two fold.
1. Refs make an increased effort to call the embellishment. This would help on plays where they saw the infraction, but feel the player over reacted to draw a call that was probably coming anyway. This isn’t called as much and should be called more often.
2. Impose a fine on players that are caught on camera “diving” as this could be done after the fact without slowing the game down for “video review” ala NFL. These fines would be for significant diving such as falling to the ice holding your face when the replay shows the stick clearing not making contact.
Lastly, I would like to see the NHL not make injuries as much of a factor in suspensions. An intentional hit to the head should be called the same way whether or not the player is out for a month or doesn’t miss a game. All the other factors should stay the same, just less emphasis on injury.
I think this would help keep guys like Smith from laying on the ice for 8 minutes with doctors and trainers around him, only to suddenly be fine enough to continue playing. And also keep his club from saying he may miss games due to the “injury” only to have them say he’ll be playing the next game AFTER the suspension was handed down.
Anyone else see the irony in Tippett being the most outspoken despite his team actively participating in the embellishment? (See: Rozsival, Michal & Smith, Mike)
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
@Lake Forest, Had a problem with employees at work showing up late constantly, posted repeat offenders list near the time clock….reduced tardies by 70%…..
[Reply]
Dear National Hockey League and Mr. Bettman there are VERY SIMPLE ANSWERS to your revenue and image problems:
1. Stop trying to force a league where every team finishes with the same .500 record.
2. SELL THE SPORT.
3. If you don’t have the money to pay a player 7 million a year THEN DON’T.
4. Actually enforce the rules that exist.
5. When Todd Bertuzzi or Chris Simon or Mike Smith or Ryan Clowe make a mockery of the rules STOP BEING WIMPS AND PUNISH THEM APPROPRIATELY.
Am I being naive? Please tell me.
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
@HockeyNerd, Absolutely right on…….great post
[Reply]
I hope you guys are having a great summer basking in the glory… Unfortunately, STILL catching up on my work from the Cup run. Yeah, work. Can you beleive it? I should be a junky here by preseason.
I just got this email from the Ducks and for people who may want to go it might be a good deal:
1 day only – buy tickets before the public!
Buy presale tickets now for the 2012-13 Anaheim Ducks season with the special code ‘ASSIST’.
• October 1 vs. Los Angeles Kings– Preseason
Link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09004901DD3AA025?artistid=805893&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=9
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:09 pm
@LA_1968,
Did you wear your “eternal optimist” t-shirt when you thought of this, lol?
I doubt there is going to be a preseason or even a season.
Anyone trying to get you to buy game tickets today would probably also try to sell the Brooklyn Bridge, lol.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:38 pm
@Gustavo,
Come on! We’re Kings fans right? Therefore we all have eternal optimist t-shirts in the back of the closet. Even if we may not need them anymore.
Besides, most people that sell bridges don’t let you put it on your credit card with a policy of refund if no event. Personally, I doubt there will not not be a season.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:48 pm
@LA_1968, Errrr. I doubt there will not be a season.
Oh NO! The LA Kings of Sacramento are moving to Virginia! Are they going to take Brad Doty with them: http://www.ocregister.com/sports/anaheim-369354-kings-move.html
[Reply]
Mudfish4 Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@paige, So would they have been called the Los Angeles Kings of Anaheim??
Man, that would really confuse the local media.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:14 pm
@Mudfish4, I still envision the dark and sad day when Analame abandons support of their (not so mighty) Ducks (a la the Angles) and change their name to the Los Angeles Ducks of Anaheim. The horror. The horror. Next thing you know, they’ll be playing at Staples just like the Clippers.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:14 pm
@paige, Jonathan swift and OnJay Kopidor did not want to move.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@paige,
Good riddance!
[Reply]
Nothing to do but sit and wait for the powers that be on both sides to make some progress, but this kind of thing usually ends up dragging, so I’m not optimistic for a start to the season before November. Meanwhile, I’ve received the Hockey News 2012-2013 Yearbook which I’m avoiding delving into until I know there will BE a season, but what a pleasure to see a King on the cover for once… and a quick look inside showed hardly anyone believes the Kings will win the Cup again – only 6% (I think, I dont have the issue in front of me) expect the Kings to repeat.
Nothing like being underdogs again, I say!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:16 pm
@bbb7,
The powers that be suck!
[Reply]
Stories and photos from today’s adventures with Jeff and Drew… http://kingsnewsdaily.com/london-calling/ (will be updated throughout the day)
[Reply]
THE BIG DAY IN AYR…………
Wow, talk about your true professional at 21 years of age.
Cliffy made sure as many young athletes who came to see the Cup was given the chance. As he traveled through our village anytime he saw children lined up throughout the parade route he would make a stop for viewing of Stanley.
Then off to our new Community Center where he remained for 4 hours and ensured he could fullfill as many dreams of getting a photo with the Cup as possible.
The village of Ayr or Township of North Dumfries owes a great deal of thanks to Cliffy for making our dreams come true of witnessing Lord Stanley and Cliffy signed autographs for hours.
True professional and a great role model comes to mind when it was all over.
LA your truly lucky to such young men representing your City and fan base at all times.
Obviously everybody knows I’m subjective when it comes to Kyle but this event will take a long time to top in our Village if ever. Thanks Kings, thanks NHL, thanks fans for supporting the team and especially thanks Kyle and his family.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:37 pm
@harty, just wait until KFC takes it back next year!!! GKG!
[Reply]
harty Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:53 pm
@Stuart, I believe they could do this again, would that be a party in LA, now that everyone has some experience. Book two days off work my friends………
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@harty, We’ve been waiting for Cliffy’s (your) day with the cup!
[Reply]
harty Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@Lake Forest, he sure did our village proud, to sit next to the cup is great but to have the chance to sit next to the cup with Stanley Cup Champion LA Kings Forward Kyle Clifford is awesome……….
As mentioned, I just cannot explain how professional this young man conducts his buisness on a daily basis.
Soon to be chimming in more often with opinion or insight around the team and league with all you fabulous fans in LA and throughout North America and Europe. Summer break I guess.
Puck 73, Paul Armbruster, neil, Variable, DesertKing hope you folks are doing well. Talk soon.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:35 pm
@harty,
You too. Clifford deserves his time with the Cup.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@harty, How about some photos and/or video to add to this thread? http://kingsnewsdaily.com/cup-day-kyle-cliffords-day-with-stanley/ Looks like a great time was had by all even though some were annoyed at how disorganized it was.
[Reply]
harty Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:05 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), not really Paul, the details of the day were well prepared and laid out for the entire village and friends and fans traveling from afar.
Some may have not so happy if Kyle was away from the Cup from time to time to get caught up with old friend, but that’s what the day is all about….sharing.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 5:07 pm
@harty,
awesome to hear you ad a great time and that every went well…(!)
[Reply]
Marco Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
@harty, I was lucky enough to be there for this great afternoon. As a kings fan from toronto i was real lucky to get to talk to kyle and take a picture with him and the cup at the local has bar.
Kyle was first class. The wondetful people of ayr were first class as well.
Thanks kyle and ayr for some great memories.
[Reply]
You just gotta love the owners crying poor again. Just take a look at the free agent signings this off season. Some BIG money & LONG multi-year contracts being thrown at players for a league that wants to kill big money & long multi-year contracts. Some of these offers are just crazy for the talent being sought after. THE OWNERS BLOW and I am 100% behind the players during this. Maybe, just maybe, the owners should handcuff some of these GM’s they employ who are playing with Monopoly money. In today’s day & age, with such uncetainity for the average hard working stiff out there, I find it just sickening that hockey will follow the same path that baseball & football just did. Nothing good EVER HAPPENS for fans when billionaire owners fight millionaire players.
[Reply]
Good to see the Cup get around and all, but can’t wait till it gets here to Salt Lake. Very grateful to Trevor Lewis. He’s making this Kings fan dream come true… A photo with the CUP. Word on the street is that He will fly the cup into Ute Stadium during halftime of the season opener. Should be a great day for him and all the Kings fans here in Salt Lake. See all of you there at the Mavrick Center on the 30th.
[Reply]
I’m proudly wearing my Stanley Cup t-shirt here in Twillingate, Newfoundland. Spending a few days here, and utilizing the opportunity to spread the word of Kings hockey supremacy. I think that there are many who mentally can’t internalize the fact that we have the Cup.
TSN never mentions the Kings, as they are preoccupied with the labor dispute and Taylor Hall signing on for 7 extra years of futility with the Oilers. It will be good for his golf game.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:33 pm
@Robert R,
The Kings won the Cup? Yea, right
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:49 pm
@DesertKing, Honest they did.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 7:07 am
@Robert R,
Wow, imagine that. The next you are gomna tell me is that we now have handheld communications devices and doors that automatically open when you approach them just like Star Trek.
OT but I have a FANTASTIC idea for Major League Baseball:
If the score is tied after 9 innings, give each team a half game in the standings.
Play another 2 innings, if the score is still tied sit everyone but the pitcher and 3 batters for each team. At this point the team that hits the most home runs wins.
Signed,
Gary Bettman and the NHL owners.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:48 pm
@HockeyNerd, this aint baseball!!!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@Stuart, A shootout and giving a point away to a LOSER is NOT HOCKEY. That’s exactly the point.
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@HockeyNerd, After the latest negotiating sessions were cancelled, the owners were seen leaving in a Conga line, singing “Call Me Maybe”
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@HockeyNerd, The only change I hope for is two points to zero if the game is decided in overtime. The shootout portion is inevitable.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 7:06 pm
@Pili, I’m not crazy about the shootout but I can live with it. What makes absolutely no sense to me is that you award a total of 3 points in some games and 2 points in others. It’s basically a reward for getting into overtime and that’s very wrong.
[Reply]
Before now I thought to myself that we would have a season and it would start on time. After what happened TWICE the owners could not be that stupid.
They are that stupid. They simultaneously throw millions of dollars at players who have yet to perform at a high level or never will and cry and whine they are not getting enough revenue. They have no intention at all of listening to the players offer or actually negotiating. Until the players make every concession and the owners make none the 2012-2013 season will not be played. And Bettman and the owners could care less. For cryin’ out loud they will still get TV revenues even if there are no games on TV!!!!!
And who loses? Us. If we even get hockey by the new year which I very seriously am doubting now, we’ll pay more for tickets, more for parking, more for beer and all to watch someone with a 6 million dollar contract get 5 goals and 10 assists in the shortened season.
There is no sense of urgency here. Now it’s “next Tuesday”, almost a week away for the next meeting. Well I just looked at my calendar and I could be wrong about this, but I thought September 15th WAS LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY.
Can someone, somewhere, PLEASE explain to 31 people (30 owners plus 1 commissioner) that HOCKEY IS A GREAT SPORT AND DESERVES TO BE PLAYED????
And Yes you better believe I am cranky today!!!!!
[Reply]
Pili Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 4:52 pm
@HockeyNerd, You’re cranky for good reason. The fans finance this in the end.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Getting upset and staying cranky only compounds the problem, my friend.
The owners think they’re in a pretty strong position at the moment. That can change.
The networks may very easily reject their deals, stop all payments, sue them for bad faith negotiating and take the side of the NHLPA publicly. Then support the players to develop another league altogether.
I think the owners are opening a Pandora’s box that will leave them with poop all over their greedy incompetent faces.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 7:23 pm
@Gustavo, I wish I could see things that way, but I can’t. How much greedier, incompetent and uncaring about the sport could the owners and the league possibly get at this point? And it still hasn’t blown up in their face? Basically they just have gotten and will continue to get everything they want including crappy teams that “look” like they are good thanks to a “sympathy point” for losing, a salary cap to protect them from themselves and a league that could care less about enforcing actual rules( want to sucker punch someone? Swing your stick at him? Play from the players bench? Go right ahead.). They’re just going to sit tight until the players take their “offer” even if we lose the entire season. (BTW a supposed “World Hockey League” was formed in 2004 and they signed not a single player. Believe me, the NHL knows it has a monopoly.)
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
@HockeyNerd, …..things will not change in the leagues mind until the FANS take a stand such as not buying tickets….renewing season tickets for a shortened season and likely higher cost is ludicrous…
NOWAY is there a season this year , That makes 3 lockouts under Bettmans watch .
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 6:40 pm
@Party time, Bettman’s nickname should be Gary “The Lockout Negotiator” Bettman. Its better than his last nickname “Putz”(Nothing to do with Golf).
[Reply]
All we can do is watch our DVR’s of old games, and the best one of course game six on June 11,2012 at least we still have that.
For sure hockey will not start on time, as correct above, they are just wasting times for months now, and they know it.
Rich great picture of you now with the shinning cup, finally nice to see one.
To all we can only dream of hockey this winter
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 6:22 pm
@Gail Web,
maybe we could simulate games by then…
yeah…the owners want a lockout – at least the majority do….and especially the bigger market owners – which includes us…uncle phil hasn’t come out and said anything publicly yet, i don’t think…sticking to his true nature. he’s been soundbite-free…
i gotta figure uncle [hil wants a lockout, too…
maybe that’s good story for RICH:
either talking directly to uncle phil or through a straw man like leiweke or dl…
i’m sure the kings management are consolidating their thoughts for public release and consumption, but it would be interesting to know how our management is approaching the talks, cba and the future, in terms of having a late-starting season (if any at all which is doubtful) and future revenue sharing/upcoming ufa’s, etc….
this is where the league should stand out and be different from the other major NA sport leagues…
[Reply]
TiredOfIt Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:49 pm
@Gail Web, You can’t watch the games on your DVR if your wife recorded her soaps and the darn thing filled up and deleted the games at its own discretion….AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Does anyone know if there will be available ALL of the Kings playoff games on DVD…Ever?
[Reply]
and continuing on that last thought from GAIL WEB’S post….
the nhl has always been know for talking swift action to right a wrong…
i’m not the biggest bettman fan, but he has done some…some…good things…
if you compare how the nhl in historic terms has usually corrected things in motion, in mid-season stride, only the nfl can say they might do a better job effecting rule changes on the dime…i personally think the nhl is the best at doing this…
so that’s why following the same practices that the nba and nfl have is not only unnecessary, but foolish on so many levels…
i’ve talked about in the past how it’s very hard for the gm’s to police themselves and even harder to regulate thongs when yr paying the sheriff to represent you AND police you….
i’ve always thought that professional sports leagues think of themselves as beyond reproach…and as a league in general, regardless if bettman or daly or whomever was the man, their mindset and pathway will always be contrarian to the players and fans….
and, in this case, because the league is going to get paid by nbc regardless if the season starts on time or not, further advances how shrewd, protective and patient and wait for the players cave…
…and the players always cave…and end up with something worse than what they should have got…
the nba screwed up it’s salary structure and realistic income potential during the jordan years….and to this day, will never be as popular as football is, regardless of how hard stern, abc and espn try…the only case/chance for them to do so is in the event of a decline in parents who let their children play football in lieu of all the recent troubling research we’ve learned about concussions and one’s ability to function in life in the aftermath of such a trauma….
the league – and bettman/the owners – have a golden opportunity to do a 180 degree, about face and take the high road and negotiate fairly RIGHT NOW…
if they can realize the sport is trending upward in popularity since the last lockout fiasco, then maybe they can realize that the popular trend amongst fans is the best trend…
GET SOMETHING DONE EQUITABLY….NOW….(!)
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 6:48 pm
@variable,
sorry…it should read…:
“and, in this case, because the league is going to get paid by nbc regardless if the season starts on time or not, further advances how shrewd, protective and patient the owners will be and wait for the players cave…”
thanks for listening…
[Reply]
Gailweb Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 4:26 am
@variable, They just don’t care
Always about money and not the fans or the players
If they cared hey they could have started talking last year
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
In the future why dont they have the cba expire july first instead of so close to the season…..
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 7:00 pm
@neil, You know what? It wouldn’t matter. Every single time including this time they knew this was coming, could have met and gotten it resolved well before the season started, and did nothing.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 7:07 pm
@HockeyNerd,
exactly…
[Reply]
harty Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
@neil, however its also a bargining chip for the NHLPA.
[Reply]
OK, now….I need the season to begin!!!
[Reply]
I took part in Jarret Stoll’s day with the cup in Neudorf, Saskatchewan, Canada. Neudorf is my hometown also, and I too learned to skate and play hockey in that rink. A buddy of mine started up a facebook page about the days events, and we were really hoping someone would be able to help us out with this. 2 hardcore fans named John Hallman and Rob Mathieu mande the trip to Neudorf all the way from Cali. Kinda unreal!!! Anyway, if anyone knows who these 2 guys are, and if they are on facebook, we would really like to add them to the page. They can contact myself, at jk2@sasktel.net or on facebook under jason farmer steininger or search for the page about jarret stoll brings the cup to neudorf. Thanks. IT WAS AN EXTREMELY GREAT DAY WITH THE CUP!!!
[Reply]
Bad day for Lance Armstrong…
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@Michael J.,
like boxing, competitive cycling is finished….
the creditability is gone for a long time…
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 10:03 pm
@variable, Boxing is also getting KO’d by MMA.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 10:10 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Boxing? Isn’t that a holiday in Canada?
Lake Forest Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 11:22 pm
@Desert King, Cambodia
Juzt got back after watching the Angels beat the Red Sox 14-12 at Fenway. I thought I was at a football game. We did run into a fellow King fan that we met last summer in Toronto while following the Angels. Kings fans are everywhere.
[Reply]
Noah Reply:
August 23rd, 2012 at 11:14 pm
@DesertKing, awesome!! what a game. Go Angels & Kings
[Reply]
circle jerks 1988
kings shirt guitarist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d65nnXV7npM&feature=related
[Reply]
OT- I heard that Stoll is dating the Great one’s daughter. Maybe Gretz can help Jared game? Just kiding i like Stoll and he did step up his game in the playoffs.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
@TA,
Have you seen Gretz’ daughter? Stolly has plenty of game!!! Yikes!
[Reply]
If you’re reading this and I think you might
, well, Happy Birthday AK #11 !
[Reply]
Happy Birthday !
Kopitar
Have a great day !
11!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:15 am
@Gailweb,
Pretty impressive resume for just turning 25!
http://twitter.com/KingsNewsDaily/status/239042851139354624
[Reply]
Gail Web Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Yep
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Kopitar!
[Reply]
Something will happen before the 15th, Doan’s agent said he will be signed by then. Doesn’t want to risk falling into the rules of the new CBA whatever they might be.
I see PHX, SJ, or VAN.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:17 am
@Osaka, Said from the beginning, SJ makes the most sense for Doan imho. I don’t think he is going to stay in Phoenix because I think he would of already closed the deal.
[Reply]
So what nobody knows me anymore? What a guy goes away for a few months and BOOM everyone forgets him? I tell ya, this is a tough crowd now that we have the Cup in our hands. I remember when there were only a handful of bloggers around here. Where have all the good times gone?????
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:08 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
I remember you KC! LOL. This is an odd place at times. People come, make a splash, then disappear. Others just love to hear themselves type and don’t interact. It’s not the easiest place to carry on a conversation unfortunately. There are lots of active facebook pages and groups that are much more personal. Threads come and go here like the wind with no practical way to revisit a topic, etc.
[Reply]
OnTheFly Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
I remember you… but do you remember me?
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Hey hey hey, I’ve sent you at least text msgs since the end of the season……….and no reply from you! Did you change your number?
[Reply]
Shotongoal Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 2:15 pm
@Shotongoal, 3 text msgs
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@Shotongoal, He doesn’t remember you.
[Reply]
Well insiders, the day has arrived, LA Kings Night at Dodger Stadium has arrived! The 20 isiders that will be sitting in sections 151, 153, 155, and 157 in the 3rd base Loge Level side are…@IceGuy, @LuckyEleven, @Variable, @Dominick, @DuncanZ, @Gustavo, @Jeff_R, @plywood, @Penguin76, @KC23, @MichaelJ, @Luc20Rules, @Neil, @Wavesinair, @OnTheFly, @ta, @TeamJMFJ, @vplaza, #1faninvegas, and some guy who calls himself @puck73.
Of course, that is not including the other 20 family and friends that will be representing as well for a grand total of 40!
For those of you who are going but do not have tickets in our section, if you want to meet some of us anyway, you are welcome to do so. We will be meeting outside the 3rd base loge level entrance at 6:30 PM tonite.
Thanks insiders, for all your comments and interest in this event. and I look forward to seeing some of you again, and some of you for the 1st time.
Hope everyone has a blast, and dont forget to chant “Lets Go Kings” as often as possible!
[Reply]
neil Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:11 am
@puck73, as neil young and rod stewart sang…..tonights the night!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:14 am
@puck73,
And then there’s Mike. A one man army hellbent on bringing the people of this blog together, whether they like it or not!
Thanks again dude for making it happen.
I’ll see you all tonight. Should be a blast. I will coordinate with the Royal Army out in the official bleacher section so we can get a cross-stadium chant going.
We yell LA, they yell Kings.
LA…Kings!
LA…Kings!
LA…Kings!
If we can pull that off, it would be a hit.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:21 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), you a Galaxy fan? they do those chants at Galaxy games all the time. Its pretty cool when everyone participates.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:55 am
@BrokeKingsFan,
Yep. LA…Galaxy! Riot Squad/Angel City Brigade. Good stuff.
Jeff_R Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:16 am
@puck73, Can’t wait. C ya all then. Like @puck73 said some for the first time and some for a 2nd or or more.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:20 am
@puck73, I’ll take any excuse to put on my King’s stuff so this is perfect. I wonder if we can get a Go Kings Go chant going tonight. See ya tonight folks!
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:28 am
@puck73,
Can’t wait to get out of here early to go home and then up to the Stadium. Can’t wait to see everyone! Thanks again, puck!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:49 am
@puck73,
Really looking forward to meeting most of this group for the first time.
Mike, you are the MAN!
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
Steve W Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
@puck73, hate to rain on someones parade, but I thought there already was a Kings night at Dodger stadium. Don’t teams usually schedule one kind of promotion per season?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
@Steve W, Not sure if they do it more than once, but here you go… http://kings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=81960 Tonight’s the night. (no rain in the forecast)
[Reply]
harty Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), have fun folks, a good old Dodger Dog and some beers are in order, I used to get the Dodger Dogs at Dodger Stadium in Vero Beach Florida at spring season.
But you folks are at the real deal, enjoy and have fun……
A small chant of “Go Kings Go” would work, likely Vinn Sculley would mention that on the broadcast……
LuckyEleven Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 5:07 pm
@puck73, Looking forward to meeting you all tonight to give the Kings some love and hopefully the Dodgers will right the ship!
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
@puck73, Hope everyone had a blast! Wish I could have been there to see some new and familiar faces.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 5:42 pm
@California Royalty,
See the comments after Mike’s post below…..
Says it all!
[Reply]
It really pisses me off that they can only manage to negotaite once or twice a week for 90 min! 90min? Really? They need to lock these clowns in a room 8 hours a day 5 days a week until something is agreed upon. I will boycott the NHL this time if there is another lockout….I came back the last time but wont have open arms this time. I have already dished out between $1000-$1500 for next season and thats not even on season tickets. I am prepared for the cancelation of Frozen Fury but if we dont have game 1 against the Rangers when scheduled ( which I payed $400.00 for 2 tix in sec 333) I am done with the supporting the NHL for at least 2 years. when they finaly manage to start playing again Ill watch Kings games on TV but Kings games only…thats it! I will not attend any games, and will not purchase any merchandise. Greedy Sport Corporate America makes me puke more often than not.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 10:26 am
@BrokeKingsFan, Greed? I have no idea what you are talking about. When I ran Disney, I always put the Customer and my employees first.
Thank you for listening.
Michael Eisner, Former CEO, Walt Disney Corporation.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Tell me about it. I sort of understand the owners are running a buissiness, the players see no reason a free market shouldn’t be sufficient and that in and of itself creates issues that are hard to negotiate through. It’s frustrating but somewhat understandable. What is completely inexcusable is there is absolutely no, none, nada, zilch zero urgency TO ACTUALLY GET THIS DONE AND HAVE A SEASON.
Obviously the owners are not actually interested in negotiating. They will simply lock the players out on the 15th and wait until they cave in. It happened in 2004 and it worked.
Despicable.
[Reply]
Kings rank 112 out of 121 for their uniform design. Not going to agree nor disagree, but of course depending on age and experience we all have that favors our preferred logo.
http://espn.go.com/espn/playbook/story/_/id/8274852/uni-watch-power-rankings-rates-nfl-mlb-nba-nhl-uniforms-1-122
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 11:15 am
@Lake Forest, and looking into this article, the author blows. as you can see from the top 5
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
@Lake Forest,
What’s odd is it’s just one guy’s opinion. Nothing more. Many Kings fans would put our jersey at #30 in the NHL! LOL.
Here’s my write up on it. Thanks for the link!
http://bit.ly/PHf52N
[Reply]
wes Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 9:49 am
@Lake Forest, interestingly, ESPN’s Mr Blackell wannabe actually has the right take on his silly little indeavor: “If that sounds like an audacious project, well, it is. You say it’s nonsensical, maybe even crazy . . . You’re right!”
Curious that of his top six, three are minor variations on the same basic design– Montreal Canadiens @ ‘Mr Blackwell’s’ #1, Chicago Bears @ his #2, Green Bay Packers @ his #6. And ranking the Lakers gawd-ugly logo/colors at #18 out of 121?! Somewhere the real Mr Blackell is vomiting on ESPN’s list.
[Reply]
One Coyote fan still crying over Brown hit LOL…
am actually surprise i seen a Coyote fan usually they go away and only show up for playoffs.
[Reply]
I just figured it out. Actually everybody DOES think we will defend the Stanley Cup. The reason only 6% of those polled are picking us is that they think there is only a 6% chance HOCKEY WILL BE PLAYED in 2012-2013!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Whatever happens, happens. All I know is that the Kings won the Cup and I have my Championship flag flying!
[Reply]
Big rumors swirli.g here in Boston reference the Red Sox 14-12 trading Gonzalez to the Dodgers for Loney. Other Sox players mentioned were Beckert, Crawford and Punto. Reportedly, the only thing holding up the deal is that the Sox want @puck73 and Rich Hammond. LA has counter-offered @Duncanz the channel 4 sportscasters.
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 5:42 pm
@DesertKing,
I hope that Kopidor is not part of the deal
[Reply]
Kicking it with the bloggers at Dodger statium, ah how cute they still do the wave.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 24th, 2012 at 9:10 pm
@KC23, Did somebody say wave?
[Reply]
New million dollar idea for baseball vendors… no doze.
[Reply]
Puck73,
Thank you for the nice treat. It was a pleasure meeting you and the other LAK Insiders. We had a great time at Dodgers Stadium. Much appreciated.
[Reply]
just made it home from the Dodgers game. A great time had by all!
puck73 is the man! Thanks for getting this organized.
Fireworks show after the game to “Honor the Stanley Cup Champion LA Kings” was terrific.
Most memorable moment: After the fireworks, our gang began chanting “Go Kings Go” loudly, and you could hear it echo across the stadium.
Nice way to end a wonderful evening.
[Reply]
Thanks again to Puck!!!!! great times !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 And Puck never said BO TM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again..it was great to meet some new/old friends!! And like the Beack Boys sang…Lets Do It Again!!!!
[Reply]
Just got home from a great night at Dodger Stadium! Thanks to puck73 for all he did to put this event on and it was great meeting you all there. Got to say hello to some old friends like Dominic and Paul and of course puck. And of course all the new friends i met tonight including but not limited to @variable, @#1faninvegas, @Jeff_R, @ta, @neil and many more! Thanks for the great time…i guess im obligated to post more often now haha see you all next time!
[Reply]
Would like to thank, Puck73 one more time for organizing the Dodgers Nite for Insiders. It was great meeting Dominic, Jeff R, Gustavo, #1faninVegas, TA, TeamJMFJ, and all the others. It was also a nice touch that the Dodgers did a few in game and after game tributes to the Kings, including a customized firework show that was Kings themed with Bob Millers redubbed Finals Call, the Briges “this is LA” and 30 seconds to Mars Kings intro “Black Parade”. All and all an awesome nite.
[Reply]
TeamJMFJ Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 1:47 am
@luc20rules, was nice meeting you!
[Reply]
NHL’s 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, announced they will host the Stanley Cup at Ayres Hotel and Suites Ontario Convention Center on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Another chance to see the cup. Not sure, but this one might even be free?
[Reply]
TA Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 10:48 am
@luc20rules, Hey Luc, it was great to meet you and talk puck w/u last night hopefully we can do it again soon. Let me know more about this Cup event as I would like a chance to see it up close. thanks, Tim
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
@TA, ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, 2011-12 Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL’s 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, announced they will host the Stanley Cup at Ayres Hotel and Suites Ontario Convention Center on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Jack Ferreira, Special Assistant to the General Manager, Dean Lombardi, is sharing his day with the Cup with the Ontario Reign and their loyal fans. The Reign’s new host hotel partner, the Ayres Hotel and Suites Ontario Convention Center will host the event in their main lobby to celebrate their new partnership.
Later in the article is says they have a professional photographer, so I don’t know if you can take pictures yourself making it free or whether you would have to buy the photo from his website?
Click Link Below for full article.
http://www.ontarioreign.com/news/teamnews/index.html?article_id=1513
[Reply]
Upon further review. Not sure if you can take your own pictures while the ones they will try to sell are taken?
During this free event the Reign’s team photographer, Lee Calkins, will be on-site to take fan photos with the Stanley Cup. These photos will be made available online for purchase.
[Reply]
Looks like you guys had a good game last night at Blhe Heaven. Even if the game sucked, I am sure you all had a good time.
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What a great night for a game even if it was baseball. Great hanging out with everyone. Wish I got to hang with people in other sections but I’m glad some found their way over our way.
Of course, thanks to puck and his persistence and generosity for making it all happen. No question it wouldn’t have without him.
There were lots of fun conversations including but not limited to… what happened to Duncanz? how the CBA will get resolved, how Jack Johnson would have led us to the promise land and why he sucks, why James Looney sucks and needs to be traded, the peanut guy who’s been working at Dodger stadium since it was built and much, much more…
Here are some photos from last night. Send me yours and I’ll add them to the album. paul at kings news daily dot com.
http://bit.ly/Nt6aQy
[Reply]
neil Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Roger the peanut man…ask any long time Dodger fan..he is a legend!!!! Nice to see you last night and great pics!!!! GKG!!!!
[Reply]
@TeamJMFJ Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), hahaha…we all know JJ wouldve won playoff mvp…
[Reply]
Here’s this week’s hockey questions…. http://bit.ly/SxL5ei
How about some of your answers?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 11:06 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Best Moment: watching SCF game 6 at Buffalo Wild Wings with about 2 minutes to go. What was about to happen hsorbet really hit me yet and at that point the NBC telecast showed the guy polishing the cup. Everyone around me started cheering….and my tears started coming down. In fact I’m crying just thinking about it again now.
Calder: good pick I think, Edmonton will need a lot from the kids and will play them a lot.
Pressure: IDK, it very well could be Penner. If he gets put on the first or second line and doesn’t produce immediately he could be gone and he knows it. (Although I think he’ll have a nice comeback year). Suter and Parise? I think almost annually the biggest free agents don’t live up to the hype. And why would they feel pressure? They’ll get those fat paychecks anyway. That’s why I didn’t and don’t want to overpay for Parise and Doan.
Coach: Hard to say, the first team that doesn’t meet expectations. Could be Minnesota’s coach if the 2 above don’t greatly improve the team. Vancouver or the Islanders would be good bets too.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 11:08 am
@HockeyNerd, “hadn’t really hit me yet”
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Most memorable moment from the 2011-12 season?
Game 6, June 11 2012 watching everyone in section 219 cry knowing it was happening, at last.
Fact or Fiction? Edmonton’s Nail Yakupov wins the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year).
Good pick, barring injury.
Which player has the most pressure on him heading in the 2012-13 season?
Alexander Semin. I think his rep as an underachiever is much worse than Penner’s. Penner can create plays, Semin’s style relies much more on his center to feed him the puck.
Which team will be first to fire their head coach this season?
San Jose Sharks.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@Gustavo, Good answers. You’re right — San Jose in particular is likely to underachieve.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Also kind of forgot about Ovechkin. He has really fallen off the last 2 seasons. And a lot of people were picking the caps to win the cup last year.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:14 am
@HockeyNerd,
Only the Caps fans really believed that line deep in their hearts.
[Reply]
Just wanted to say THANKS to Mike (puck) for getting everyone together for the game last night. What a GREAT guy! and he’s a blast to talk puck with. He even got @poorman on the phone after 1am NY time! It was great meeting new friends as well as others that i’ve meet before and I hope that the CBA gets done soon so that we can all talk puck again soon.
Thanks again Mike, Happy B-Day
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 25th, 2012 at 11:13 am
@TA, Was great seeing everyone, but made me all the more sad about the CBA situation. I miss hockey more than ever.
[Reply]
Any word on the Bob Miller Game 6 DVD?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 8:46 am
@Scott, Nothing recently, I’m wondering if they are doing a piece on each King’s day with the cup and that is what is holding things up?
[Reply]
BTW — I picked up the Hockey News yearbook last night. I think their favorites for the cup were Pittsburgh — and still they were only 7-1. So 10-1 for US is not bad at all. And yes, Doan would probably improve that a little. They also picked us behind Vancouver — which I get — and St. Louis (which I don’t). I think St Louis is going to fall off quite a bit. I don’t see us finishing worse than any of Minnesota, San Jose, Nashville, Detroit or Chicago — and neither did they.
Anyway hopefully it won’t all be moot. C’mon owners SHOW YOU CARE AND GET THIS DONE!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@HockeyNerd, Yep! The Canucks are in such a soft division that the Kings would have to sweep the 4 games head to head series(shortened season 3 or 2 games) to even think about having the best record in the Conference.
[Reply]
thanks to PUCK and PATTI (sounds like a new age group) for their amazing generosity and their ability to get many peeps together for a lovely night st Chavez Ravine…
it’s always great to hang out with old friends and get introduced to new ones…
the season night not start on time this year, but we will, finding more ways of getting together, as we all continue to play wait and see, and try to get through “it” together….
[Reply]
Mike, can’t thank you enough for the tickets last night. Nice to meet so many of you. Wish we had more time to hang out thought. At least I have some faces with some of the names now. Thanks Domonic, hadn’t thought about the Ice Dogs in a long time.
[Reply]
A BIG thanks to Puck73 and Patti! My family, and I thoroughly enjoyed the game last night and it was great meeting all the insiders. Looking forward to the start of the season…whenever that may be. Raising the banner is gonna be sweet!!!
[Reply]
I watched the Dodgers,game…..
After the LOUD…Go Dodgers Go..
I heard the Go Kings Go…I was proud of you guys and girls…
[Reply]
Thanks puck, for the chance to join the Insiders last night. It was great to finally meet you and some of the other Insiders. My family thoroughly enjoyed it. And the fireworks to songs that were in the Kings Stanley Cup video was a great way to end the night.
Enjoy your upcoming vacation!
[Reply]
Another heart-felt thank you to Puck and Patti for hosting a great night last night. Great to meet so many insiders for the first time.
[Reply]
Hi all, just chiming in (been real busy) I sure hope we have a season because we are in for watching our Kings dominate the rest, I would sure like to see Vey get a few games under his belt this season and I cant wait for frozen fury (if we have one) and I sure am enjoying the summer in San Jose gloating about our chamionship to all the Shark fans. I just keep telling them … dont worry your still the 3rd best team in California ha ha! Im done babbling now Go Kings Go
[Reply]
Enjoy Brad and Jeff’s day with the Cup by clicking me.
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Back in So Cal! Woo hoo! !!
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OT – watching game 6 again… was it just me or did the shaven Henrique look a lot like Freddy Mercury with that mustache???
[Reply]
McDonalds Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 12:24 am
@Stuart,
Yes he did, may he RIP. Armstrong too.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
@Stuart,
That explains the fat-bottomed girl waiting for him by the team bus.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
@DesertKing, I thought he entered a Bicycle Race and rode hime with his best friend?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@Stuart,
We call that bohemian rhapsody.
Doan needs to sign already to any team but the Kings…Dont want him in Kings make the Kings look bad..After what he did in the handshake who wants a big baby in their team.I sure dont.
[Reply]
The Cup will be here in Salt Lake City on Thursday. See you there!!!
[Reply]
Alyn McCauley’s day with the Cup? Yep. http://kingsnewsdaily.com/cup-day-kings-pro-scout-alyn-mccauley/
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For all you Inland Empire folks, here’s another chance to get your photo with Lord Stanley’s epic chalice… http://kingsnewsdaily.com/jack-ferreira-to-share-cup-with-ontario-reign-fans/
[Reply]
There are some epic photos from Jeff’s day with Stanley, including…um…two girls and the Cup? http://kingsnewsdaily.com/cup-day-jeff-carters-day-with-stanley/
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Now THAT is a movie I’d like to see.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
He’s doimg better. It use to be entire sororities.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), looks like life is as good as it gets for J.C.!
[Reply]
Looks like everyone had a blast at the Dodgers game on Friday night. Sucks that I had to miss that. Too bad you guys didn’t get to see any of their recent accusitions play. Magic and the other Dodger owners sure are flexing their checkbook, and it’s great to see.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
@CB14,
Yeah, I had to miss it too, but babysitting the grandson and 2 dogs and rabbit for the kids 3rd wedding anniversary is never a bad choice for me!
[Reply]
So I open the King’s home page and what do I see on the Insider part? A picture of Rich hoisting the Cup! Congrats Rich, you deserve that honor.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
@DesertKing,
You know what that means don’t you? Yep. Whether he likes it or not, Rich is officially a KINGS FAN!!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 2:55 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
The Cubs hoisted the Cup before?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
@DesertKing, And he was smiling too! Like Waves said, Rich is now a Kings fan just like all of us (but without the crazy).
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
@CB14, You mean *as* crazy. Can’t be a Kings fan without some…
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
As puck would do, cymbal crash!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike!
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Happy birthday to puck, happy birthday to puck. Happy BIRTHDAYYYY dear puuuuckk. Happy birthday to you! And 73 more…..
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 8:37 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Somehow……I don’t picture you singing that……don’t know why!
Anybody contact @Duncanz yet?
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 6:51 pm
@Kingsfanone, Not without protection!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 7:05 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
We’ll……actually even then would be taking a chance…….
[Reply]
neil Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), it shows how close we (kings Fans) are…..We all care about Duncanz…please phone home!!!!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
@neil, Has there been any real cause for concern? I really think we’re getting silly here. Caring is one thing but respecting privacy is extremely important and supersedes anyone’s need to know what’s going on in anyone’s private life. Same thing goes for Rich. There’s zero reason to worry from what I can see.
Sorry, not trying to be harsh. Just trying to be respectful of privacy.
DesertKing Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Did the Red Sox take him kn the trade?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 8:35 am
@DesertKing,
I had the same thought!
Welcome back from Boston? (Wherever it was!)
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:59 am
@Kingsfanone,
Montreal, Toronto and Boston. 3 geat towns, except we still hate the Canadiens, the Leafs, the Raptors, the Bruins, the Celtics, the Red Sox and the Patriots
Alec Martinez at the Hawks training camp last week. True story. Kind of.
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/alec-martinez-begins-training-camp-with-the-hawks/
[Reply]
I don’t know how many more times I can watch “Oil Change” on the NHL network before I start losing it…
[Reply]
jess Reply:
August 26th, 2012 at 11:13 pm
@Cruiznblue,
LOL! Same here.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 8:33 am
@Cruiznblue,
Exactly!
[Reply]
I dont know about everyone else but its still so amazing to say kings are stanley cup champs i will never get over that just makes me yearn for some kings hockey lets hope not long lockout. GO KINGS GO BABY!!!!!!!!!!! and a side note yes seems like oil change on very often lol to often to say the least
[Reply]
It’s Whiskey’s day with the Cup! Here’s some good morning reading about the Hudson organization that helped Drewiske in his hockey career. http://kingsnewsdaily.com/hudson-hockey-association-to-celebrate-first-stanley-cup/
[Reply]
wow la kings has picture of rich with the cup over his head! very cool
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:46 am
@pr0cess, http://lakingsinsider.com/2012/08/22/cup-still-on-the-move-2/#comment-1655679
[Reply]
To my fellow LA Kings insiders:
Thank you for coming out and attending LA Kings Night at Dodger Stadium on friday night. what a great time that was for me, Pati, and our extended family. 39 out of 40 people were able to make it, which was incredible when you consider how life sometimes has a tendency to make you change plans.
I wish I could have spent more time getting around and talking to some of the others in other sections, but unfortunately there never seems to be enough time to do the things you wanna do (Jim Croce). The firework show and video tribute to the Kings after the game was spectacular, and of course The Dodgers were as well as they walloped The Marlins.
Some of you insiders are just wonderful people who came bearing gifts, and others great conversation and good vibes. I think the reason I like doing these kind of events is because Rich Hammonds blog has enhanced my life so much, and given me a chance to hang out with, talk, and text people who share the same passion as I do, The LA Kings. Plus, it is my hope that some of you who attend these events end up meeting new friends and acquaitences as well.
Also,a special shout out to Wayne (#1faninvegas) who spent the week with us, and got to see Staples, Dodger Stadium, The Insiders, and The Beach for the very 1st time! lol
Anyway, thanks again to everybody, I look forward to us getting together for more events in LA, OC, and SD in the near future, you guys are the best.
Cheers, Mike (@puck73)
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:58 am
@puck73,
Who are you again………???
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:56 am
@Kingsfanone,
Santa Cla….???
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
@DesertKing,
Jimmy Hoffa.
Gustavo Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:17 am
@puck73,
Thank YOU, Mike!!
[Reply]
neil Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:19 am
@puck73, Thanks to Mike and Patty(and family) Patty…you have a special man there….The insiders must do this again as it was lots of fun and its great seeing the faces that matches the names….No I wont say that ALL of our faces are meant for the Blog and NOT T.V.!!!!! If waiting all these years for the Cup meant sharing it with so many Kings fans..I guess it was worth the wait..It wouldve ben great to win it earlier in our lives but having the internet and this blog just made it all the more amazing!!! Just think there are 2 months old babies who havnt seen the Kings win a cup yet….
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:21 am
@puck73, Excellent! #1faninvegas must have had a blast. When are you opening up your Kings-themed Bed & Breakfast? Names in the works…
The Puck Inn
Hotel 73
King Mike’s Resort
The Cup Lodge
Stanley’s Saloon
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:30 am
@puck73,
Thanks again Mike. Yvonne and I had a great time. Well, me more than her.
Looking forward to getting together for some grub sometime before the season starts.
Mike
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:38 am
@puck73, Thanks again Mike. I give you the greatest of compliments, when I say this event was very Luc Robitaille like in turning your birthday into the ultimate celibration for insiders to take part and enjoy, and then thanking them for making it so special.
Your the best Mike, I am guessing your friends and family realize it and your birthday celibration continues on as a week event. Have a great B-Day Mike.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
@puck73, Ty again for the event. Always fun seeing fellow King fans.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
@puck73,
thanks again to you and Patti, Mike….(!)
it was a nice evening….
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
@puck73, Still can’t believe I missed that. Happy belated birthday Mike.
[Reply]
OnTheFly Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
@puck73,
Thanks again to you and Patti. That firework show was awesome.
I sat there and said to myself, “Wow the Kings really won the cup.”
Thank you for making me a believer
[Reply]
Phoenix to host Stanley Cup Party… http://kingsnewsdaily.com/phoenix-to-host-stanley-cup-party/
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:19 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), If that isnt a rub it in your face move, I dont know what is? Maybe Doan, Hanzal, and Smith will come down and heckle everyone!
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:38 am
@puck73,
When asked about the event…
Doan: “I won’t shake hands with Denver.”
Hanzel: “Denver’s dad blew out my knee. Like father, like son.”
Smith: “Denver should be banned for live from Arizona.”
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
“Wilson, a long-time employee of the Ice Den and Coyotes Ice Sports, has chosen to bring the most storied trophy in professional sports to the Ice Den in support of minor hockey.”
Yup, you can tell a kid who grew up around the Kings!
Well done, Denver.
[Reply]
Now, if that isn’t a knife in the Coyotes heart with multiple twists, I don’t know what is
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:31 am
@Gustavo, Totally agree. I dont know why that guy thinks throwing the event there would be a great idea. Apparrently he has forgotten all the debris that was thrown on the ice after the Kings won game 5 in Phoenix.
I definately would not have done this.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:47 am
@puck73, Mike Smith + Kings Stanley Cup Celibration= Episode of Seconds from Disaster?
Just have to hope the Coyotes aren’t around due to the CBA problems. I would have invited all the people Denver was close to, but had the event at least 20 miles away for the practice and arena area.
[Reply]
Is Rich O.K. ???? He hasnt checked in?? Is he with Duncanz???? We ask cause we care!!!!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 11:54 am
@neil,
Didn’t you see the picture? He is with the Cup!
[Reply]
Dear Gary,
I was hoping to get some advice from you. My favotirte hockey team, the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings are hosting a special pre-season game in a few weeks, Frozen Fury. Like many Kings fans, I have already purchased my tickets and reserved my room. Since you are one of the key figures in getting the CBA done, I was wondering if you could tell me if I should cancel my Frozen Fury plans, get a refund for my tickets and hotel room, and then GIVE THE MONEY TO THE NBA, NFL, or MLB, you STUPID MORON.
Thank you fo you valuable time, consideration and assistance with this reuest.
Your friend,
DesertKing
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puck73 Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 11:09 am
@DesertKing, Dear D. Kimg.
I am the boss of this league. If it wasnt for me, you wouldnt even have the chance to attend an event like that. You definately owe me me an apology for your boorish behavior.
Respectfully Yours, Gary Bettman. Commissioner National Hockey League.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 11:53 am
@puck73,
Well, I guess Gary just dropped the puck!
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
@DesertKing, If only calling him a stupid moron would actually be an insult to him. The problem isn’t that he’s stupid, the problem is that he and the owners simply don’t care. They have no intention of actually negotiating with the players union. They are simply going to sit tight, lock out the players and wait until they agree to their “offer”. It worked in 2004, if it ain’t broke why fix it?
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
@HockeyNerd, unfortunatly I have agree with you. There is no negotaiating going on right now…meeting for 90 minutes a week is hardly enough time to negotaite a contract for a damn hotdog stand let alone a new CBA. I think we lose this whole season due to players who buckled last time to the owners CBA not wanting to do the same and will play hardball with the league and the owners this time around.
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Osaka Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@HockeyNerd, Gary is just doing what the owners tell him to do. The owners know they will loose a few dollars in the short term if there is a lockout, but in the long run their pockets will get stuffed with extra cash. They know what they are doing, they have done all the research on the repercussions and chose to go this route AGAIN. Why do they repeatedly go to the lockout tactic? They make more money. They will be more than compensated by any losses or fans that turn away. The owners are not stupid, they are smart. They may be a$$holes for for treating their customers the way they do, but since they can get away with it customer service is not their concern.
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KC23 Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
@DesertKing, The chances of Frozen Fury happening is pretty remote. I’d cancel.
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luc20rules Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 7:06 pm
@DesertKing, It is obvious from your proposal that we do not see eye to eye on the NHL finances, so please forward 24% of your salary to the NHL NOW! It would also be helpful if you could also set you future finances so we may take another 24% in 7 years.
Sincerly, Gary “Lockout Negotiator” Bettman
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To make the sport more exciting we (Gary Bettman and the owners) are immediately instituting the following changes:
1. All teams must total EXACTLY $49,999,999.99 in salary.
2. The losing team will receive one extra point if they were tied at the end of the first period, two extra points if they were tied after two periods, three extra points if they were tied after regulation and 4 extra points if they went into a shootout. (The winning team will continue to only receive 2 points under any circumstance).
3. All 30 teams will make the Stanley cup playoffs regardless of record.
4. The winner of each round of the playoffs will be determined by a coin toss, except Phoenix who will flip a 2 headed coin and call “heads”.
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Stuart Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
@HockeyNerd, remarkably, several of my non-fan friends feel #3 is already a fact and has been for some time… My comparison to the NBA falls on deaf ears as somehow those 16 of 30 teams that make it are different…
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I think the hour-long Kings Season Preview is aired on Sirius/XM NHL Home Ice in about 15 minutes (repeating at 5:05 pm PDT
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vplaza Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
@Kings Win, Ducks Lose,
I just caught the replay. Basically, the bozo says in the end that he doesn’t see the Kings making it out of the west. He goes on to say he doesn’t think the Kings are the best team in hockey even though they won the Cup. I guess he’s still in denial.
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WHERE ARE YOU RICH????? I’m in withdrawals. Though the pix from the Stanley Cup home visits are awesome.
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So THN has the Blues No. 1 in the west and Vancouver No. 2 for the upcoming season. The Kings, bringing every single player back from the team that swept the Blues and beat the Nucks 4-1, are No. 3.
IMO, the Blues overachieved last year and they were exposed by the Kings in the playoffs. They didn’t do anything to improve their roster and I think that the alternate goaltending scheme will eventually fall apart.
The Nucks are going to have to deal without their #1 diver for a while and will also have to deal with the crap that will come with Luongo not being the #1 keeper. And again, they didn’t do anything to improve their roster. I’m not sold on Schneider being an elite keeper.
If the season were to start, then the Kings have their roster intact, the SCF experience under their belt, and (hopefully) a camp and full season under Sutter. Oh well, I guess the Kings will just need to prove that they weren’t a one Cup wonder.
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Mars Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
@vplaza, +1
GO KINGS GO!
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OnTheFly Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@vplaza,
Remember, We were told all season long the Kings were built for the playoffs.
Not the regular season. They proved you dont need to finish first, just in the top 8.
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Gustavo Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:59 pm
@OnTheFly,
Sorry, but that “team built for the playoffs” attitude almost cost us the entrance to the playoffs this last season. This team still has a lot to prove that it can work hard and long enough during the regular season to finish at least in the middle of the pack without having to stress about other teams losing or winning so we can go to the playoffs.
I’ll be royally pissed if once again:
1. Quick has to carry this team on his shoulders during 75% of the season
2. Penner hibernates until playoff time
3. Stoll does a Houdini act and disappears.
4. Brown does not produce until trade rumors start making the papers.
5. Lombardi holds back AHL talent in favor of practice pylons like Moreau and Hunter.
It’s up to the coaches and management to squeeze the same playoff performance the players delivered over the last 20 games. Winning it all is nice and dandy, but “Yesterday heroes” often turn into today’s zeros. Here is to hoping it does not happen to us.
Salud!!
GO KINGS GO!!
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puck73 Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:12 pm
@Gustavo, Lately, you have been writing Pulitzer like posts. Now I really regret not coming over to see you in your section in Blue Heaven.
My loss….totally
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
@Gustavo, Do not stress. The team that won the cup in June is very different than the team that was languishing in 11th place and couldn’t buy a goal. In fact, we’re even better than THAT because Gagne is healthy and quite a few kids are very close to NHL ready. And to address some of your specific concerns: If Penner doesn’t produce he will be gone. Stoll is now comfortable in his role, which is primarily to check the opposing teams best line, 15 to 20 goals on top of that would be a bonus. Quick will continue to win games we have no buissiness winning, that is what goaltenders with his talent do. And Moreau and Hunter are not on the roster, we now have a 4th line with Stanley Cup experience and they will play like it. If they — or anyone from it — doesn’t THEY will be gone in short order. This team will NOT struggle to make the playoffs and you can take that to the bank. Assuming of course, we have a season.
Gustavo Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 11:42 pm
@hockeynerd,
Did not mean to sound stressed, in the least. But those who think the next regular season (whenever that is) will be anything like it was in the past, are sorely mistaken. the LAK already have targets on their backs, that alone will require them to play with a level of intensity they’re no accustomed to playing.
“The Champions are coming, the champions are coming!!” will be heard across every nhl rink once the schedule is finally released. And every team, no matter how lousy they are, will step up their play against us.
I should have said Moreau / Hunter TYPE players.
If we miss the season, all bets are off and whatever momentum was gained during this playoff run to continue playing as a cohesive unit will be lost.
We’ll see, said the blind man
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 12:05 am
@Gustavo, “a level of intensity they’re not accustomed to playing?” Try the last quarter of the season and the playoffs. If that doesn’t prove to you what this club CAN do then I don’t know what to tell you.
Yes it’s sports and stranger things have happened but if we are not one of the top 5 or 6 teams in the west all year I for one will be VERY surprised.
Unfortunately it may well all be moot…..
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Gustavo Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 8:31 am
@HockeyNerd,
I think we all know what this bunch CAN do. Whether they can sustain the rigors of an 82 game campaign is a different challenge altogether and the biggest question mark.
jess Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 1:00 am
@Gustavo,
We’ll be fine in the regular season. But with that, my fear is that a reg season which performs well, will flame out come playoff time.
Once again, the regular season means absolutely nothing, I can’t harp on that enough.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 1:32 am
@jess, When the playoffs roll around I think there is a lot to be said for a roster that has a lot of people with the experience of winning a cup or coming close. It takes a different style of play to win and players who are used to that and the pressure that comes from a few inches being the difference between moving on to the next round or to the golf course. And — I could be wrong about this — but I believe we had more such players than our opponents in every round.
Of course one could make the argument that Vancouver has learned a lot from their playoff failures and now knows what NOT to do. And 8th seeds seem to upset 1st seeds way more often than they should. The usual explanation given is that nobody expects the 8th seed to win so they don’t feel any pressure, where as the 1st seed lets the possibility of an upset get to them and makes mistakes they shouldn’t or plays too conservative.
But we have Quick and I think for that reason if nothing else I would disagree with the experts and say we have the best chance of winning a cup in 2013. IF we have a season….
Gustavo Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 8:42 am
@jess,
Regular season performance is far from meaningless. It determines who goes into the playoffs and how many home games they get to play in front of their own fans (home advantage). We may agree it’s too long of a season, but it’s the same for every team. Traveling being the only big advantage/disadvantage.
During March run, the LAK played with desperation (not assertiveness – except Quick) and we BARELY made it into the dance. Personally I want to see our team be willing to apply the same road discipline and focus at home as they did during their road games.
Distractions be dammed. Be focused and be disciplined! And let us, the fans, enjoy more home wins and a better qualifying record.
HockeyNerd Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 1:15 am
@vplaza, We do not match the talent Vancouver has at forward, and while we do have a better defense than they do they aren’t that much worse there. I think we will have a better record than they will, but to pick them ahead of us is not unreasonable.
But the Blues I don’t get. I think they waaaaaay overachieved. I cannot see their goaltending and defense pulling those numbers off again. In particular, Elliot with a 1.57? Not a chance.
Us ? Well it’s probably stretching it to think that even with a healthy Gagne, a full season from Carter and Penner playing like he can that we’d be much better than the middle of the pack OFFENSIVELY. But I claim we will have the lowest goals against average. A team with Quick and the defensemen we have won’t be more than 20 goals off that, AT WORST.
That should put us in good shape all year. Maybe not at the very top of the league, but we’re not going to be anywhere close to missing the playoffs. I know some here don’t agree, but they’re wrong. The team we have NOW is not the team that was in 11th place. Far from it. And I’m going to go farther and say that WE — not Pittsburgh, not Vancouver, are the favorites for the cup. If only because of Quick.
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vplaza Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@HockeyNerd,
I’ll agree that the Sedin twins are certainly a force to be reckoned with. But I’d say that collectively, our four lines match up very well, even more favorably, than some give credit for.
And defensively, I like our lineup as well, especially with DD nit distracted before the season.
I suppose it can be argued that the Kings themselves overachieved during the playoffs. But that misses the point that they were a different team after Sutter and, eventually, Carter joined the team.
I suppose it’s just my opinion that the Kings won the Cup with one of the most dominating playoff run in history. And they’re coming back intact, and one could say, better with a healthy Gagne. So, unless these other teams made major improvements, thes experts should give them some credit and see that they are the best until someone proves otherwise.
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Stuart Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 8:19 am
@vplaza, VAN very well might be #1 but it will be because of all the points they rack up playing the weak teams in their division, not because they’re unstoppable. Lou won’t be their #1 and their offense will win them some games. If there is a shortened season and most of it is inter-congerence heavy, they will def rack up the most points…
For that same reason, I can see #2 and #3 being very close, especially with #4 just missing out on the conference leader spot by a point or 2. The Pacific will be brutal again, hopefully DAL sputters with the pieces they lost/picked up and the Ducks are a toss up… I cant see PHO winning without Doan and the other pieces that left, and SJ is still SJ and until the Kings show they can beat up their bigger brother, I’ll always worry that SJ will get the better of us…
STL wont have as many wins as it did mostly because their situation in goal will show it’s true self… I think we saw the real Elliott in the last 2 games of the series. They’ll be the hungriest though, having something to prove after being swept the way they were!
All in all, I can’t wait. But it seems we’ll have too.
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Gustavo Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 9:04 am
@Stuart,
I think this is the year San Jose implodes. There is way too much tension built up from multiple years of playoffs disappointment. I predicted the Sharts will fire their coach, and possibly Wilson, as well.
As for the Blues, I don’t think they overachieved. Hitchcock did a fantastic job with what he inherited during the season and the first round of playoffs. He’ll get them to develop a more cohesive effort this time around. They’ll be better, but we’ll still beat them.
Vancouver will not rack up as many inter-divisional points as they’re accustomed to do. Both the Oilies and the Wild have major made improvements. No Kessler till at least December (and probably longer) means less points earned from diving. The Lou / Cory drama is another major cause of distraction in the locker room for them.
The Quack fans no longer believe in ownership and management. Are they rebuilding or not? The way they treat one of their best players (B. Ryan)is pathetic. If they start slow or worse, they’ll see a massive exodus of their fan base to our camp. Their season ticket renewal is already among the lowest in the league.
Dallas is the big question mark for me. Who knows what all their new pieces will be able to accomplish. But why is Jamie Benn not resigned yet? If he stays, I see them making the playoffs. Benn is a huge impact player.
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Stuart Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 10:01 am
@Gustavo, MIN will not be as competetive as they think. It will take another year for their new parts to get acclamated. COL is the only real test in VAN’s div. Unitl EDM finds an answer in net, they can accumulate all the #1 picks they can get but will just be spinning their wheels… And Lou should be gone by start of the season, so that debacle will be over with.
This might be the year SJ implodes, but they’ll need to be way out of it at the deadline for them to be sellers. And with Big Bird patrolling the bench, it’s only a matter of a slow start before TM is canned.
I do think STL overachieved, especially in net. The duo will not have the same success in the coming year.
I hope the Ducks fans don’t come over at all. They can stay there, all 300 of them.
Cup party in Phoenix? I guess this wouldn’t be the best time to announce Doan is coming to the Kings?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@KC23, There might be a riot. The Cup Keeper wouldn’t stand a chance.
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Where is Liewicke telling us how much the ownership loves us? AEG and their fellow owners don’t a rats behind about the fans or the good of the game. The rich just want to get richer. Don’t blame Bettman for a lockout, blame Anschutz and his peeps. They saw what NBA and NFL players get in revenue percentage and like a little kid they said I want that and starting kicking and crying. How can they lock the players out when the current CBA is what they locked the players out before to get?!?!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
@Osaka, I don’t pretend to be an expert in all this but aren’t the owners themselves divided? From what I understand, the smaller market teams are at odds with the big market guys, giving the players a chance to drive a wedge between them.
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Gustavo Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Unfortunately, there is an overwhelmingly amount of owners of rich teams compared to the number of owners of struggling teams, including the league owned Coyotes and the financially bankrupt Devils. The NHLPA can side with the poor teams all they want, but it won’t help their cause.
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TiredOfIt Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:56 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Are we now small mkt or big mkt?…Curious
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 11:43 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), The small market owners need to stop being crybabies and get to work. When they purchased their respective teams and / or moved them they didn’t know their cities population and how many people in their cities follow Hockey? Come now. Hockey is a COMPETITION and the owners should neither want or attempt to make every NHL team have the same record and the same income. So you aren’t the New York Rangers or Detroit Red Wings? Fine. Work harder. Sell the sport in your city. Pay for the free agents you can afford and build the rest of your team through the draft and wise trades. Make your team attractive to a Doan, Parise or Suter even if you cannot wave the same amount of money at them. Edmonton won several cups. Calgary won a cup. Tampa Bay won a cup. Dallas won a cup. These are all smaller or “un hockey” like cities. Don’t tell us you’re gonna fail without help from the richer teams. That’s B——T. You’re failing because you’re poorly managed and run. And the consequences should be the same as any other buissiness. Either change your marketing strategy and get better or go OUT of buissiness. Mr. Bettman and the owners: get this through YOUR THICK HEADS ONCE AND FOR ALL. We fans do NOT want every team to have an identical 41-0-41 record and NEITHER SHOULD YOU. The teams that make money and win cups do so FOR A REASON. You want some of that? Then find out what they are doing well AND EMULATE IT IN YOUR OWN ORGANIZATION. Stop holding the players, the large market teams, and worst of all US FANS as hostages for **** YOUR **** not anyone else’s but **** YOUR **** OWN FAILURES.
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Osaka Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 1:41 am
@HockeyNerd,I can agree with a lot of what you are selling. As of right now Phoenix has the lowest payroll in the NHL yet they went to the conference finals. The city shouldn’t have a hockey team, but give the organization credit for the on ice success.
The NHL failed once in Atlanta so they go back? Now they go back to Winnipeg and there is talk Quebec City or Kansas City are two options for relocation. If they fail will the NHL expect it to come from the players salaries in the form of more rollbacks? I agree it is each individual franchise’s own job to be successful, but I would rather see the owners pay for the owners that fail (luxury tax revenue sharing) than see the players pay for it. Someone is going to, they won’t consider contraction, so I would want the owners to pay.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 8:41 am
@HockeyNerd, Great stuff guys. Don’t have time right now to get into it all but I’ll make this point: While philosophically I support the idea of teams competing on the level hockeynerd, I have to make a distinction between this case and other regular companies. In this case, the NHL is, itself, a brand and company so it’s in each owner’s best interest to see other teams (at the very least) survive. So while it would be good to allow for less parity among franchisees, it would be foolish to let a team go down just because it was mismanaged. In other words, the owners are better off BUSINESS-WISE saving the likes of Phoenix than letting it lessen the overall value of their product. So maybe there’s a compromise there that would satisfy fans’ desire for more city-based competition and league health. Make sense? Not sure if the softcap and/or luxury tax would suffice.
CB14 Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
@Osaka, Your last sentence is why I have zero respect for the owners. It’s complete horse dung what they’re doing.
With regards to Bettman, Waves brings up a good point about the owners themselves being divided. It’s Bettman’s job to bridge the gap between all the owners and come up with a better way for the league to spread out their revenues. The revenue sharing that they currently have doesn’t work at all. Personally I’d like to see a soft cap like the NBA uses that allows the super rich teams like the Lakers (hey @Steve W
) to spend over the cap while punishing them severly for doing so.
Make it a 55 million dollar soft cap with every dollar from 55 to 60 million be taxed at 2x the amount. So if a team has a salary of 58 million, they would pay 6 million towards the league’s revenue sharing account. Every dollar from 60 to 65 million is taxed at 3x the amount. Every dollar from 65 to 70 million is taxed at 4x the amount, and so on. So the Rangers can have a 65 million dollar payroll, but they would pay 25 million, ( 5 x 2 = 10, 5 x 3 = 15, 10+15=25 ) into the league’s revenue sharing account. And the Flyers can have a 70 million dollar payroll but they would pay 45 million into the revenue sharing account. This would allow the larger market teams to use their larger revenues to their advantage, while also giving small market teams more money that they can then use to improve their teams.
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Gustavo Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:45 pm
@CB14,
An NBA type soft cap would destroy whatever parity the last CBA has brought. Allowing teams to spend over the cap is an artificial way to create perennial contenders at the expense of the smaller market teams that would not get to keep their talent no matter how hard they work to draft and nurse their youngsters through the minors. The moment those players reach their peek, BAM!! the richer teams pluck them with large contracts the smaller teams cannot match. No, thank you.
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Osaka Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
@Gustavo,
A. That situation already exist now. The Islanders are $20 million under the cap, there are a lot of teams that spend to the cap.
B. Unlike NBA or MLB the NHL doesn’t have unlimited revenues, how much over the cap can Philly spend if they are paying $3 for every $1. They will go over by one or two million (probably at the trade deadline) if they are making a run at the cup but can they afford to go the whole season $4 million over if it cost them $16 million total? If they can more power to them, that would create a healthy league. Small market teams would do well and would be able to add big contract players.
C. It is only since the last CBA that we even had a salary cap. Prior to the cap Edmonton, Calgary, Colorado, Dallas, TB, Carolina, and Anaheim all won the cup. Those are all considered small market teams in today’s NHL and all aren’t close to winning anything. What did the cap do? The NYR always spent tons of money, how many cups have they won since 54? ONE.
Osaka Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
@CB14, I agree, I have been saying a soft cap with luxury tax is the way to go. Some argue that the rich teams have an unfair advantage in that system but it is better than the current situation. Phoenix or Winnipeg can’t spend like Boston or Philly now, with a tax those small market teams would be compensated for the rich teams throwing money around. Look at how Philly has spent money (or tried to spend money) this summer. The owners are saying now they can’t survive in the current system? Hasn’t the salary cap gone up each year? The league is making money not losing. It is the distribution of the money they make that isn’t even. That is the owners problem, not the players. How would rolling back salaries and giving the owners a bigger piece of the revenues solve that? The rich teams will STILL would make more than the smaller market teams which will still put them at an advantage.
I am with you on this one CB14, I have ZERO respect for the owners.
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Stuart Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 8:27 am
@conversation, isn’t one of the inherant problems with revenue sharing that even the tight, small market owner won’t be forced to spend the money they get? There will need to be some stipulation that the “shared” money will need to be spent or forfeited. I can see a cheap owner taking that shared income gladly and yet still not spending to the cap floor. At that point, what good is revenue sharing?
And re: attracting FA to small markets, it isn’t all about waving money in people’s faces… as we’ve seen it takes more than that to make a player want to sign.
Osaka Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@Stuart, Good point.
Kopitar now in the top 5 of fantasy hockey league picks. Ahead of some very good centers.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=639849
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Gustavo Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 9:33 pm
@KC23,
Mike Richards #24?????
Ppfffftttt….
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Jimmyosports Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 7:55 am
@Gustavo, Wrong slot for Richie – s/b in top ten
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Today’s Rant, How difficult is it really the old CBA’s major flaws. Didn’t expand the 8 mil from Mid Cap point. 7 years ago the Min Cap 22 Mil/yr and Max Cap 38 Mil/yr. The Range Min to Max of 16 mil to the Min cap teams 72.7% this current year Max Cap 70.2 Mil/yr and Min Cap 54.2 mil/yr Range Max to Min for Min Cap Teams 29%. If the 16 Mil range grew with the Cap it would be 29.6 Mil. Making the Min Cap 40.6 mil/yr, which may make it easier for small market teams to operate. Also how about allowing teams to desolve 2 contracts to get under the Cap just this year like the NBA CBA instead of rolling back and further giving benifits to the teams that had those 10+ year curcumventing contracts? Or a combination 5% rollback and 1 contract that can be dissolved per team? Also teams trading Cap Space combined with a luxury tax that goes to all teams that are under the midpoint seems like a great idea.
I know all these good ideas will be shot down as it is not exactly what Betmann’s narrow mind came up with. But then again he dictated to the players the terms 7 years ago? So why isn’t the NHL in great shape?
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luc20rules Reply:
August 27th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
@luc20rules, Oh, lets not forget a biggy. How about letting teams in city’s that can’t support a NHL team move? Was Atlanta to Winnepeg a disaster or success? The way Bettman has boxed Phx from moving you would think it was a major disaster.
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Labor Day steadfastly approaching.
So tell me fellow Insiders:
-What flavor of beer should I drink out of Lord Stanley’s Cup?
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HockeyNerd Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 1:41 am
@jess, I’m jealous. The closest I will get to that is if I buy a Stanley cup replica. If you are really drinking out of the real deal wouldn’t you therefore be the most interesting man in the world? In which case isn’t it always Dos Equis?
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jess Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 2:19 am
@HockeyNerd,
Probably several liters of CHIMAY, red label. A couple of my buddies have already beat me to it!
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luc20rules Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
@HockeyNerd, I have a mini plastic Stanley Cup given away a few years ago at Staples after a Kings Game. But I am afraid to drink out of it, since it was made in China pick your toxin (Lead, etc).
[Reply]
kinginprague Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 6:02 am
@jess, Buy Pilsner Urquell, czech bier, best in the entire world! I suppose there is a possibility to buy one in LA. It’s worldwide known trademark.
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Gustavo Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 9:07 am
@kinginprague,
Best beer in the world is Elephant Beer, made in Denmark. Huge kick, small bottle.
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kinginprague Reply:
August 29th, 2012 at 6:36 am
@Gustavo, Oh, come on, it doesn’t depend upon the kick but upon the taste!
Czechvar would match well with the metallic silver pairing.
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Osaka Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 1:45 am
@Osaka, Whoops, that was for you Jess.
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jess Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 2:48 am
@Osaka,
Excellent choice
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It’s nice that somebody picked up on D44′s day with the cup. Nice that he made time to make sure the Cancer patient, and the hockey player with the neck fracture were able to get their photos taken with the Cup. Might give them the strength to push a little harder and make it all the way back! GO KINGS!
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