JF: You’ve been a head coach, and assistant coach and I’m going to ask this two different ways and see if I can get a different answer. First of all, as a head coach, what do you need from your assistants?
Andy Murray: You need passion, you need guys that are passionate about the game and back in L.A. we had that with Harpo (Mark Hardy) and Dave Tippet and Ray (Bennett), John Van Boxmeer and Andy (Nowicki)…
…You need passion–you need guys that really care, that really love the game. Then you need guys that are prepared to challenge your ideas–that are prepared to make sure you’re coming up with the best solutions and ultimately when you go to the team you all have to be selling the same message but you need guys that are prepared to challenge it and bottom line is you need a respect and loyalty level that you can trust each other.
JF: I’m going to ask it the other way around–as an assistant, what do you need to bring to the head coach–it might be the same thing that you just touched on–I’m just trying to see if the point of perspective changes, whether the answer changes?
Andy Murray: First of all I think it would be whatever the head coach needs you to bring. If there’s something that he feels that–there’s a reason he hired you and you need to bring what he hired you for–special teachings, ability in a certain area, whether it’s defensive play or whatever, just to bring what you’re hired to bring and I think certainly passion and enthusiasm. We have all of our staff and our players and the whole university, we all wear wristbands that say “no bad days”. One of our assistant coaches has a four-year-old son is suffering from Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy–it’s a terrible disease and we wear these bands that say “no bad days” and that’s exactly what it is–it’s being enthusiast and excited to go to work everyday and you need assistants that are like that and you need to bring that. I think the other thing too, I always thought as an assistant coach you should think like a head coach–you should think–this is the situation we’re in, if I was making the call here what would I do because if you do that, then you’re going to be able help the head coach more because you’re understanding where he’s coming from. I also think it’s a way of developing a good training experience in terms of being a potential head coach–you should always look at it from the head coach’s perspective–what should we do if I was running the program?–what would we do?–and I think that’s part of the head coach’s responsibility to make the assistants feel like they really are part of the whole picture. I want my assistants to coach–bottom line–I want coaches–I don’t want guys that are just puck movers or whatever I want our coaches speaking to the team and feeling comfortable running different drills and so on. That’s the way I look at it.
JF: You touched on them earlier you have three kids all played at a high level. I’m sure you’ve given them many pointers throughout the years but–is there a balancing act that needs to be there between coach and father?
Andy Murray: Yeah–that’s a tough one. In some ways it’s probably not good to say, I might have been maybe–it’s tough to say–but I am probably better at the coaching part then the father part. I think there’s been times when I hadn’t done a good enough job in that area because I was so focused on the other area and all of us in this business would say that to a degree and I have certainly recognized that myself and you know, it’s not a good situation and you certainly do have regrets but you also can’t live your life that way–in regret–but to me I think could have done a better job on the other side of it, the father side. I still have time. So that’s being honest. Well my big thing was probably missing so much of their lives–more than anything, that would be my thing and you know sometimes when you’re not around that much and then you are there all of a sudden you want everything to be perfect and it’s not always going to be perfect–Ruth’s (Andy’s wife) has told me a few times, I would come back and they had life going pretty well and I would mess everything up–but you know it would be time away and not being at things that you should have been at and that type of thing–our profession causes us to do and there’s probably no way around it but I think I could have done a better job.
JF: I’ve talked to coaches about the rewarding part of the game and many times the answer is “taking a player or a team to a place that they never thought they could get to”. Do you have any examples of that at any level and then of course I want to ask you specifically about your time with the Kings and when you thought–as a coach or coaching staff that you were able to bring a player or a team to a level you never thought they would get to?
Andy Murray: I’m still looking for that–I think that’s why I’m coaching–it’s because you’re still wanting the players to have their “best ever game” or your team to have their “best ever game”, so I think I’m still looking for that and I have a difficult time signaling out anyone in particular, accomplishments or whatever just because I think if I did I’d be doing such a disservice to so many people because coaching Junior, Canadian College, in Europe, Team Canada, American League, NHL, to U.S. College now–every one of the players that I’ve coached and every one of the people that I’ve had the chance to come in contact with–media sports staff whatever, they all play a role in what’s happening in your life. I just couldn’t pick out one particular thing that I think is one sense of real accomplishment because if I did I just feel like I would be doing people some disservice. So I guess still looking to be even better as a coach and still looking for that best ever coached game or season or whatever and that’s what keeps you going and keeps pushing and I still have the same passion I’ve had from the day I got into coaching and when I was lucky enough to get the opportunity in L.A.–I mean I’m still the first guy in the rink unlocking the doors—I have this “first key last key mentality”–I think I have to open it and I have to lock it up at night–that’s just the way of my leadership style and so I don’t know if there’s one particular event–when I got the job at Brandon University or when I got the job with Team Canada with their full time team or when I got as the head coach at Shattuck , or the head coach in L.A., that’s probably the best day of your job just because it means somebody appreciated you enough to give you the opportunity and I still tell it the same way when Western Michigan asked me to take this job and I almost felt guilty because there’s so many good young coaches that have been assistants in college hockey or have been with other programs in the lower levels and it was an opportunity they wanted and yet Western offered me the job. So those are the special things to me and then obviously the people along the way–I think I have tried to, even though I’m not real good at staying in touch with people–I think when I’ve left situations or whatever I’ve never tried to burn any bridges or whatever and that’s why when you called today or anybody ever called me from the Kings or any other team I have ever coached, I’m going to be calling right back, we’ll enjoy the conversation so those are all things that are highlights–it’s just all the people along the way and I didn’t give you very specific answers but I can’t…
JF: You’ve already talked about the believing you can win and competing…it’s all part of the same theme–I saw it personally, I saw it off the ice but I’ll be honest with you and you might think it’s a little funny–I saw your hunger for the game when we played three on three on Sunday morning skates with the Alumni–when I drove to the net and you whacked and hacked me–the game of hockey, when we grew up—it is tough to explain and I’ve asked many people about it–it’s probably more specific to Canadians–does this hunger come from anywhere or is it just osmosis of growing up where we grew up? I know you mentioned your family and your Mom…
Andy Murray: Well I think…yeah it’s all of us—it came through family situations where it’s such a part of your life–when I coached Team Canada in tough situations I always talked about the fact that I felt that we as Canadians had the deepest “emotional well” for the game of hockey in the world. There was no other country whose “emotional well” went as deep as ours did and that our care for the game and what it means to us runs deeper than anyone else’s and if we have to find it we can dig deeper than other people and that is–I have to say that’s changing to some degree–I don’t want to believe it as a Canadian but now we talk about the international game–in the US now and the “emotional well” for the game and in Europe now–the different countries–they really care as well and I’m speaking as a Canadian, we’re going to have to find a way to dig even deeper but it’s just part of us and it’s the reason why I was whacking you because there was no way I could catch you and you weren’t that fast (laughing). But it’s–can you believe that I’m sitting here and you’re sitting here and you’re not as old as I am but this is all we’ve done–I mean every time you have a bad day, you just think about how many other people would love to be doing what we’re doing and I don’t care if you’re an equipment manager or you’re in the marketing department with the L.A. Kings or whatever–you’re a guy studying sports management and all these guys taking these sports management programs and now you this guy’s in the marketing department for the L.A. Kings and you just can’t wait to talk to the guy I mean it’s just a thing that’s out there and we’re so very, very lucky. It’s incredible, I have friends that are the same age that I am that are coaching Junior A hockey up in Canada up in BC –they’ve been doing it all of their lives and they can’t see themselves doing anything else you got when we owned the team in Salmon Arm, we would make a coaching change we had lawyers and other people wanting to come coach our team just because it’s who we are.
“If I had just had Jamie Kompon as an assistant coach, I could have won it all.”
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 4th, 2013 at 11:22 pm
@DesertKing, I’ll take “Things Head Coaches have never said”, for $200 Alex.
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DesertKing Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 12:35 am
@CB14,
“You are the best scorer on the team, so during the power play, make sure you stay on the half-board and look to pass.”
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luc20rules Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 1:02 am
@CB14, You forgot to make sure nobody move. JK always wanted the umbrella to maintain its perfect shape, and you should only shoot if you are as far away from the goal as possible while staying in the offensive zone.
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The best one is “backdoor? We tried that play 6 times all last season….and we didn’t score on any of them”.
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If you didn’t take the time to watch the World Jr.s you missed out of some outstanding hockey. Congrats to the USA winning the gold. Canada goes to the hall of shame with their loss to Russia. First time Canada hasn’t medaled in 15 years.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
@KC23, USA USA
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Go Scot go!
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No medal for Canada? Priceless!
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I love Andy and Terry. Two great coaches that the Kings were able to have. I hope his son, Kings prospect, Brady Murray, is doing good in Sweden.
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Off topic, but as I look at the prospects I always asked Rich Hammond and he never could answer. Who is ANDREI SHEFER and IGOR MELYAKOV? The team has had them for a long time both in their 30′s and just wondering if they are under contract or what the deal is with them. I know they will never play a game for the Kings, but for years I have wondered who they are and when they will be no longer a prospect of the Kings.
Thank you to anyone that can shine some light on these guys in this lockout.
GO KINGS! Raise that banner already!
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Kopi knee injury, 2-3 weeks. F&$#!
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KingsFanftw Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
@goldielocks, tell me about it…Now i do hope there is no hockey season LOL
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
@goldielocks, Not good. In a shortened season (if we still do have one) one bad stretch of games can put you out of the playoff picture. And no Kopitar could easily mean a bad stretch of games. Of course there are several options: bring Lokti up, move Carter to center, bring Toffoli up, have Stoll center a second line and Richards the first. Lets keep our fingers crossed….
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DesertKing Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@goldielocks,
Swedish revenge
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If this really is the Kings insider site …then please update us on Kopi….other sites have the info but not the Kings????
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Andy Murray? Again? Do I really need to do another long winded, verbal pasting of this guy, and how he ran players into the ground?
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
@puck73, i guess so…or maybe we’d like to talk about the ducks being made into a movie one more time??
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DesertKing Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
@puck73,
Actually, he didn’t run them into the ground, he actually skated them into the ice
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Darrell Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 6:48 pm
@puck73, Sheesh. Give them a break. It’s not like they’re reporters – or bloggers, even.
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Helene Elliott
Spoke to Anze Kopitar’s agent, Pat Brisson. He said Kopitar’s knee injury “is nothing to be alarmed with.” Said Kopitar is in good spirits.
Really? Phew …
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
@goldielocks, we wish you you the best kopi
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KC23 Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
@goldielocks, Sounds like it might be a … NHL season is looking good to start within a couple of weeks … type of injury.
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RYC Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 9:58 pm
@goldielocks, TSN is saying that it looks like he’ll be out three weeks.
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Gold game on now
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goldielocks Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 5:56 pm
@Lake Forest,
Sucks that Sucks got some nice prospects.
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 6:15 pm
@goldielocks, i may be in the minority but I wouldn’t mind cheerleaders. I think I have seen them at other NHL team games
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goldielocks Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
@Lake Forest,
No, you are not minority. We could definitely use some of those pom poms.
goldielocks Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 6:26 pm
@Lake Forest,
And Russian chick moves …
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
@Lake Forest, You’d think out of all cities to have them we’d be the most logical. Maybe we could just contract the Laker Girls!
DesertKing Reply:
January 5th, 2013 at 8:58 pm
@Lake Forest,
Don’t need cheerleaders. They take up seat space that fans pay a lot of money for.
Highlights of article. Meanwhile, Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports the league has shown some willingness to come off its $60-million figure for the 2013-14 season and perhaps go to the $63-64 million range.
Those two issues — pensions and next season’s salary cap — remain the biggest hurdles to getting a new CBA deal completed, along with the fight over contract term limits.
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/eye-on-hockey/21502513/nhl-lockout-mediation-continues-cautious-optimism-seems-to-be-back
[Reply]
Gary – hey Don, please pass me the Grey Poupon
Don – sure Gary
Gary – filet mignon without Grey Poupon is so, ah, normal
Don – Yes, I completely agree
Gary – Its like caviar without crackers
Don – we completely agree again. Its like drinking Stella Artois out of an un-chilled glass.
Gary – yes, we completely agree again
Don – Yes, and can you imagine paying for it with our own money?
Gary – no, that would be so, so, so, common.
Don – Well, maybe we should get back to the negotiating?
Gary – and let the champagne chill a little longer. Korbel and Dom Perignon?
Don – Oh, the Dom of course.
Gary – see, we agree again.
Don – well how about we meet in the middle on these contract issues and start the games again?
Gary – ah, Don, you know we can’t do that? That would mean that we would have to agree on something
Don – I guess you are right, we can’t agree on anything
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:20 am
@DessertKing,
But WAIT! There’s MORE ………..
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:37 am
@Duncanz,
I knew it. Once they ran out of caviar, filet mignon and champagne.
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I just want these negotiations to end one way or the other…..
All I do is check here and the tsn twitter page…..first thing I do when I wake up and last thing I do before going to bed……
…..unless its a drinking night!
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I was just thinking of Andy Murray the other day. He just seems like an earnest, honest, class guy – never mind the wins and losses, he’s the kind of guy I’d want coaching my own kids.
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Pierre LeBrun
Via email, update from NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly: “Making progress.”
Bring it! I’ll stay up all night if I must!
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goldielocks Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:05 am
@goldielocks,
Getting tired of watching world junior over and over. I got nothing else to watch to keep myself awake … oh, wait … I’m now watching the biography of Mike Fisher’s wife … somebody help!
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Okay I`ll be the first to publicly say it, I miss Rich.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:36 am
@California Royalty, Plus One Trillion !
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KingsFan602 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 8:44 am
@California Royalty, I agree I feel like this site took a huge blow with Rich being gone. Thanks NHL!
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KingsFan602 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:58 am
@KingsFan602, still awaiting moderation? Can I please be taken of moderation! Thanks
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I think they are really going at it this time.
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Really? Really?
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Waiting for the confirmation …
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It’s over guys! Hockey is back!!! YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
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Deal is 10-year CBA with out after eight; contracts limited to seven years, eight to re-sign; $64.3M cap in ’13-14.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:27 am
@goldielocks, Darn, for a fanciful moment there I thought we were going to be the last Stanley Cup Champions of all … while the NHL folded and a new, replacement league popped up with brand new owners, but the same players and teams more-or-less … and of course my beloved, benevolent Uncle Gary once again at the helm!
Oh well …..
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There’s not really much to update what goldielocks already posted. Kopi is supposed to be back in two week time, not a serious injury fortunately…
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Happy hockey, everyone!
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Someone get “See-MOAN Gaa-NYAY” back to North America real quick!!
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Bonvivant Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:32 am
@Duncanz, Where is he playing?
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Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:01 pm
@Bonvivant, Reference was to the Great Sutter’s quote when asked of his status of last year …
“I don’t even know if he’s in North America!”
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Rumor is that NHL wants 50 game season., and Bettman was under enormous pressure from sponsors.
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As angry as I am at all this mess, and I AM ANGRY, I’m also completely thrilled that we’re going to have a hockey season! I was convinced the season was lost. Best night of 2013 so far!
GO KINGS GO!!!!
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Doan said Scot Beckenbaugh kind of lock em up till deal is done.
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luc20rules Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:52 am
@goldielocks, Sounds like a fan of Hockey.
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Save, Hrudey! Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:08 pm
@goldielocks,
First time I’ve ever rooted for Doan.
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IT’S OVER!!!!…THEY GOT A DEAL DONE AFTER ALL.
I’ll attend at least one more game to cheer our boys as they proudly watch the first Stanley Cup Championship banner rise to the highest wall in the building.
And I hope the idiot Buttman does not dare show his face that day at Staples. I’d lose my voice booing him before the puck is even dropped.
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Pesus Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:25 am
@GUSTAVO,
I hope the Stanley Cup winner doesn’t take the cup from him, and hope he gets booed so loud you can’t hear his pre-cup speech.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:51 am
@Pesus, I can’t remember the movie where a delusional man hears boos of hate, but in his ego maniacal state hears and imagines only cheers. This is what I think of when Bettman addresses a crowd. Last I saw him booed soundly he had that smug smile and waived like the Queen of England.
I am just glad the lockout is over and just hope Bettman is forced out or retires before the next negotiations. I know he is doing the owners bidding, but a more socially graceful individual maybe able to not make each CBA a act of Hate, Distrust, and Malice.
[Reply]
Ca plane pour moi!
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Finally! Still pissed they took our Frozen Fury Stanley Cup Champions Edition away from us. Hoping Kopi gets well soon and that Penner and Doughty are in shape!
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Kings have the best chance of being the first team to re-peat since the Redwings did it in the 90s. Fully intact squad, I guess unless lockout has created awkward situation for players.
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Osaka Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 5:11 am
@Bonvivant, True, but Kopi jut hurt his knee in Europe.
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Paul From Ventura Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 5:22 am
@Osaka, It’s reported to be a minor injury and he’ll probably only miss a couple of Kings games, if any.
[Reply]
Bonvivant Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:58 am
@Osaka, I read that. It’s that severe to put in jeopardy his coming back?
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:48 am
@Bonvivant, I believe they said it is 2-3 weeks so he will miss training camp and most likely the first 1-2 weeks of the season.
Bettman is not entirely at fault here. He was doing his job representing owners. He will be villified and seen as the scapegoat as long as he is the commissioner but there is plenty of blame to go around.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
@Bonvivant, Well said. He represents the owners, not the NHL. Owners who are not happy unless they protect themselves from their biggest enemy — themselves — and ruin Hockey doing it.
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:12 pm
@Bonvivant,
Completely agree. To some extent he was just the puppet of the owners.
They could have placed anyone as the commissioner, and told him to do the exact same thing.
[Reply]
Sweet Jesus we’re bringing the band back together!
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Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:08 pm
@Shakes Your Moneymaker.
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Thank you sweet Big Baby Jesus! I’ve never been so hyped before. LES GOOOO!
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Raise that banner baby. Lets get it on. Go Kings
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Kopitar has knee injury – three weeks out
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Where is the new hire that should have an article up right about now like Hammond would’ve done. This blog has gone to crap in a short time. Can we get that mediator to restore our blog?!
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KOHO Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:31 am
No offense to our resident bloggers of course but this lockout has ruined the greatest team coverage in all of sports.
Hopefully this blog will retain some credibility when it starts up again..Gary Bettman needs to write Hammond an apologyapology
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:46 am
@KOHO,
Hope it’s Paul!
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:06 am
@Kingsfanone, +1.
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CB14 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:03 am
@Kingsfanone, Does anyone know what happened to Paul? He hasn’t been on here or updated his site in awhile. Hopefully he was just fed up about the lockout and will continue to contribute here and run his own site, or even better, run this site.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:35 am
@CB14,
See below, about 20 posts.
I texting back and forth with Puck and one thing is true: while i’m annoyed/disappointed at both sides in taking the fans for granted in the whole process, i will say that I’d much rather debate our 4th line composition for the next decade than the definition of Hockey Related Revenue. I’m happy.
[Reply]
40YearKingsFan Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:38 am
@Shakes,
Profound words indeed!
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Finally! Lets get on with it!
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Ok deal will get done hopefully be set how many
homes games you think they can have now
at Staples Center?
Hockey coming back its all over the news
Kopi oh my miss him so much what a bummer
Go Kings Go. Soon !
[Reply]
ding dong the witch is dead… still sour though
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DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:34 am
@Stuart,
Did Evil Load take a bath or have a house fall on him (I wish)? “I’m meeeeltttingggg!”
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ok it’s time to hire Rich back…
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We want Rich….we want rich…..we want rich…
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California Royalty Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:33 am
@Neil, HAMM-OND! HAMM-OND! HAMM-OND! HAMM-OND! HAMM-OND!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 5:09 pm
@California Royalty, Wha? Did he let in another soft goal?
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Wooohoooo!!!!! Hockey is back baby and I can get back to posting. Now that there will be a 48-50 game season should I start run off of games on how many we need to win to make the playoffs
. Seriously though it is awesome that Hockey is back and since there will be a 48 game or 50 game season most likely be 24-25 home games.
Oh yea we either need Rich back or some one needs to be hired quickly to take over leadership of the blog.
Kopi we need you. Get better soon.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
@Jeff_R, Great stuff..we need 70 points???
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
@Jeff_R, Rich ain’t coming back.
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It’s about damn time.
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It’s a great day for hockey. GO KINGS GO!!!
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I am emotional right now. Geez LOL Go Kings Go!
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Message to owners and players
Welcome back A$$HOLES!!!
Go Stanley Cup. Champion Kings!!!
Who’s on our team again? Lol
[Reply]
With all due respect, I would like to thank all the contributors who took the time to write for the Insider blog during the Lockout. However …
I have kept to myself my opinions regarding what has happened to this outstanding community of LA Kings fans. The Kings, Dean Lombardi and Rich Hammond did something daring and unique in creating a fansentric source for in-house factual Kings information and open discussion regarding Kings hockey. The ultimate success of the Insider experiment falls in great part to the talent, personality and integrity of Rich Hammond. For that I will forever be grateful. The information, discussions, arguments and hotel room views from around the league made this place special.
If the old saw is true, and from experience I’d say it is, the first time is always the best time. The sharing of the ride to the Stanley Cup with Bob, Jim, Nick, Darryl, Rich and all of you Insiders is a time in my life I will always cherish. But that time has passed. One should never live in the past, but the opportunity to take another similar ride is forever lost – and that is because of one man, and one man alone – Gary Bettman.
For me, that scar will never heal. Rich Hammond chose to strand on the firm ground of integrity rather than bow to the marionette manager of the NHL. Hammond moved on. That decision and action will, for me at least, be a major memory of the Kings first Stanley Cup. All the good things we attribute to hockey players can also be associated with Rich, which is high praise indeed. So, again, thank you and fare well Mr. Hammond (and I hope, one day, you personally get to enjoy your beloved Cubbies being the Champions of Baseball).
As for Mr. Bettman … please, never consider a trip to Los Angeles again for any reason. You are not welcome here. You will save the cash strapped NHL a lot of airfare money. No downtown hotel rooms to live in. You don’t like a good taco anyway. And certainly, no In-n-Out or Tommie’s for you. Or, to put it in your own terms, consider yourself Locked Out of LA. That’s non-negotiable. It’s the hill this fan will die on.
As for the Insider blog … The Kings, Tim, Dean, Luc et al, need to revive the LA Kings Insider blog almost instantly. You all have had plenty of time to consider a new team reporter to write for and pilot this blog into the future. Please note that I did NOT say “replace Rich Hammond”. That would be as stupid as asking the organization to “replace Bob Miller”. Common sense dictates that the Insider will be different. That’s how life goes. Change is the only constant.
But, whomever you choose to step up to the challenge of leading the unique character of this Blog, do it sooner rather than later. You have already accomplished the truly miraculous job of bringing the entire Stanley Cup Champions back for another run. Now is the time to think of us, your fans. Please, do not even consider painting “Thank You Fans” under Staples ice. What we actually need are hockey games and an inside link to the Team, Players and the, for better or worse, thoughts, suggestions and opinions of the best hockey blog community in the world – us, the Insiders.
And, being so bold as to make a suggestion, as a demonstration of good faith to us, perhaps the first story should be the events surrounding Hammond’s exit. I would very much appreciate seeing on the record statements from the Kings regarding their efforts to protect the integrity of the Insider in the face of Bettman’s unilateral muzzling. That, more than anything, would be a clear demonstration of the Kings appreciation of their true and hard core fans, and a signal that the free and honest LA Kings Insider blog has returned. After that, well, I hope we can all get back to hockey. I look forward to agreeing with, sparring with and enjoying the opinions and insights of my fellow Insiders, as well as getting to know the new Insider reporter.
So, at long last I can say, “The Kings are Dead – Long LIve the Kings!” It’s been a long and painful wait, but finally …
Go Kings Go!
PS: to Judy MIller …
I’m sorry, but Bob deserves a Farewell Tour of the entire League, so I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with your husband’s broadcasting this year and at least next year. After that, if he chooses, he’s all yours.
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LBlocal Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:44 am
^ Word.
[Reply]
Nykingfan Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:00 am
@IceGuy,
That’s a Pulitzer worthy post.
I agree with everything but the Cubs part.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:15 am
@IceGuy,
Nicely said! In the way of this blog…… +1
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:15 am
@IceGuy,
Nicely said! In the way of this blog…… +1
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:19 am
@IceGuy, Great Post. But I don’t think we’ll ever see any more details from the Kings about Rich’s exit. NHL teams refuse to stand up to the man, aka the NHL, time and time again.
Just look at the lockout as an example. Teams would’ve been fined a million dollars had they spoken about it, now that sounds like a lot of money, but for teams like the Rangers and Maple leafs that’s nothing. James Dolan, the Rangers owner, could’ve spoken up about his desire for the lockout to end, and trust me, he felt that way, but didn’t because that would put him on Bettman and Jacobs bad side even more than he already is. He tried to get Bettman fired after the last lockout, but it didn’t happen and now Bettman’s pissed at him. That’s why he wasn’t allowed in the negotiating room, and why the biggest city in the US hasn’t hosted the biggest hockey game yet, the Winter Classic. He wants a Winter Classic game in New York, and pissing off Bettman and Jacobs won’t help make that happen.
So you can bet that an owner who isn’t involved in the day to day operations of the team won’t ruffle any feathers in the league office by posting e-mails from the league about a disagreement they had in which the person involved subsequently left his job.
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KFII Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:22 am
@IceGuy, Nice post.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@IceGuy, WOW, amen to that
in its entirety
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KC23 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:21 pm
@IceGuy, Now that is a post! Well done.
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Yaaawwwnnn! Just woke up from a 3 month nap. Have I missed anything?
[Reply]
Munchrat Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:30 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), YES!!!!!!
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=649086&navid=nhl:topheads
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:16 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
You gotta have a helluva beard, Rip.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:23 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNoiseDourly.com),
Happy (belated) Christmas, War is Over!
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Dammit! Just when I was mastering backgammon and the citar with my lockout free time, the NHL decides to come back. Oh, and look who else comes back? All the bloggers who bailed during the lockout, including those who said the blog was dying. A blog lives through participation of the bloggers, so welcome back everyone. But the mission isn’t over. There is still a piece of clean-up that needs to be done. BRING BACK RICH!! BRING BACK RICH!! BRING BACK RICH!!
GKG- AGAIN!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:48 am
@DesertKing, no way rich is coming back I think.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:06 am
@DesertKing,
Rich. is. gone. Jim.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 5:16 pm
@Kingsfiendone, Maybe the phasers were only on stun…
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CB14 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:20 am
@DesertKing, In the words of Johnny Utah, “He’s not coming back”.
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DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:42 am
@CB14,
Never give up!!! “Bring Back Rich” signs on the glass at warm-ups.
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:20 am
@DesertKing, LOL
Dave's a Killer Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:41 am
@DesertKing,
As if all the drivel that spewed from this site during the lockout was worthy of comment
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DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
@Dave’s a Killer,
There was some good stuff. As Kings fans, you learn to support anything Kings related in both good times and bad
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
@DesertKing,
I would agree to a certain degree.
However, wasn’t really interested in commenting on “What Andy Murray does on his day off” threads.
Wooooooooooo, hopefully this blog gets back to the status when 1guy posts “first”, but is really second
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Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
@Late Postest,
Happened to me more than once, believe it or not..
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The thing that’s so frustrating about this whole lockout crap is the fact that this is the deal the players would’ve signed back in September, had it been offered then. The Players knew they were going to take less money, but they wanted previous contracts to be honored and they didn’t want all the limitations on players contract rights that the NHL wanted. Well, they got $300 million in make whole money, and the only limit on player contract rights is a 7 year term limit, 8 if they re-sign with their old team.
Had Gary Bettman not tried to ream the players up their backside with their first CBA offer, we would’ve probably not missed a game. Donald Fehr knew all along that contrary to what Bettman said, the deal would get better for the players as time went on. He was right. Fire Bettman.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:11 pm
@CB14, +infinity
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I would love for a true fans revolt. Opening night of the league, the fans boycott the arena.
I realize its not going to happen and I don’t think I could boycott the games either, but wouldn’t that show both sides what we really think of their disgusting greed and their complete indifference towards their fans?
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CB14 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:24 am
@Nykingfan, It would, but as you said it won’t happen. Too many die hard hockey fans for that to happen.
I’m not gonna spend a dime on the NHL, but i’ll watch every Kings game that I can.
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:31 am
@CB14, right there with you. No kings stuff this season at all but I will be watching
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HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
@Nykingfan, …And?
Seriously.
There is a new CBA. We have our Hockey back. We have a 2013 season after all. Please, anyone, answer this question: what would a boycott accomplish? Do you think in 10 years we won’t be right back here again? That owners won’t sign players for ridiculous amounts and ridiculous contract lengths then cry they are losing money? That Bettman will suddenly grow up and realize he represents a SPORT, not rich owners? That teams will lower ticket prices to “get fans back”? That the owners will realize the object of the sport is NOT for teams to have identical 41-0-41 records? That in order to TRULY make the sport competitive the LAST thing needed is to “level the playing field” with ridiculous salary caps?
Did the league “learn” from this in 1995? 2005? So why will they now?
Don’t get me wrong, I understand your anger. But if you REALLY want the answer to who got hurt by this it wasn’t us. It was the ticket agents, vendors, parking attendants, and league employees who DON’T make millions of dollars, had spouses and children, and had to find other work for these 4 months if they even could in an already crowded job market. If we boycott what will happen to them?
Honestly, what would a boycott accomplish at this point?
It’s a free country (in fact TWO free countries) and I am not going to tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t do. Especially when once again Hockey bit the hand that feeded it. But as for me, I don’t cut off my hand to spite my face. Hockey is my sport and the Kings are my team. IN SPITE OF what these idiot owners have done to TRY to ruin it. Because they CAN’T. It’s too great a sport. And anytime I can be there, I will.
[Reply]
Nykingfan Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Perhaps something can be gained from it..hell, ill take an end to the bettman reign of error as a good thing at this point.
Of course we’ll all be back here again in 7-10 years..why is this acceptable?
They’re all killing this game. Eventually the goose no longer lays the golden egg. There are limits to everyone’s patience.
As far as who got hurt in the lockout, the fans sure as hell aren’t responsible for what happened. So based on that let the owners/players worry about those who got hurt.
I’m thrilled there will be hockey and ill watch every game, but as I said everyone had a breaking point. These arrogant a-holes better understand that.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@Nykingfan, I hear you. We’re all pretty frustrated over this. Yes, even the players and the owners and Bettman. I’m not trying to excuse their conduct, especially in the case of Bettman and a small group of 7 or 8 owners. It’s deplorable. But what are you going to do? They hold all the cards. It’s like we’re the little toddlers and they steal a plate of candy from us, then give us back half the plate. It’s despicable but what good does it really do the toddler to say “no I don’t want it any more now”?
KC23 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:22 pm
@Nykingfan, If it wasn’t for the banner raising I wouldn’t go to the first game, but no way I’m giving up seeing that banner go up. Not in a million years.
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Nykingfan Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 3:22 pm
@KC23,
I meant that for every other team.:)
Like I said originally, my plan was doomed from the start when I said I wouldn’t miss the 1st game.
Just venting my anger boys!
And now back to our regularly scheduled programming
STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS LA KINGS HOCKEY!!!!
Go Kings
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
@KC23,
Ditto.
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Time to drop the Puck!!!!!!!
Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8MDNFaGfT4
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Does this mean that the Kings won’t have their typical late November/December losing streak, or will it just be delayed a bit?
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:41 pm
@CB14, +1
I was thinking the same thing – it cracks me up. The prob is that a 5 game losing streak at any point in time could kill us
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once again DFehr has shown that although unpopular, his tactics end up working out in his constituents favor. Good job Donald. Now please retire.
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When is the banner dropping ?
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DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:46 am
@Let’s do it again,
I just got my personalized official LA Kings email from Luc. I know it was personalized because he addressed me by my first name. It started “Dear Desert” and then went on to explain that the Kings were working out the details and should have the schedule and ticket information during the first part of next week. I anticipate seeing something on Wednesday or Thursday.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:47 am
@Let’s do it again, Depending on whether the Season starts the 15th or the 19th will depend on when the Banner will be dropping. If the season starts the 15th most likely the Kings will open up at home on the 16th. If the Season starts on Saturday the 19th then the Kings will most likely play that afternoon.
I am pretty sure we will have a bunch of home games to start as February is the Kings annual Road Sojurn. They had only 4 games scheduled in February in the original schedule.
[Reply]
Kind of funny how the news break out through the social media.
First, Andrew Ference of Boston Bruins, who was in the CBA negotiation, tweeted “
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goldielocks Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:55 am
@goldielocks,
Second, one of reporter tweeted that there was some sort of noises coming from the meeting room. A minute after, they all reported that the lockout is over one after another. It took like 5 minutes the whole world realized what had just happened.
Third, players also started tweeting expressing their feeling. Basically, they don’t care their sleep was interruputed cause it was the best wake up call they ever had.
Fourth, they all went back to bed except those TSN guys … they hadn’t slept like more than 24 hours … boy, what a day, night and morning.
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For all the good it’ll do, I gotta keep trying.
I hope Paul Armbruster gets the Insider job, for purely selfish reasons. Because he’s not only qualified, but he’s one of us. Sure, he’s not an acredited writer, but I believe he can do the job well and continue to take the blog skyward.
Kings. I want Paul Armbruster running this blog. Please.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:09 pm
@Kingsfiendone, ‘Kings Insider News Daily’ has a nice ring to it, doncha think?
Then we would all be known as KINDers!
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I’m just happy for all the fans. Too bad it took so long but who am I kidding, I glad this is finally over & am looking forward to my 1st live game!
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If only it would have been done 4 days ago. Why it would have spared Kopi the injury he got in Europe. He will miss probably the first 8 days of the regular season.
I am thrilled that it is over. After all if it went to the courts their was a small chance the NHL would have dissalved, and our beloved Kings with it.
The Kings are reigning Champions of the NHL. Long Live the KINGS.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:07 am
@luc20rules,
He thinks he’s fine. So does Gasper.
[Reply]
Cesar Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
@luc20rules, It was Kopitar who choose to play in Sweden and because of it he got injured.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@Cesar, some say its all a ploy to come back and play here
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
@luc20rules, @Cesar, You can’t play this “what if” scenario to assign blame. Maybe if Kopitar had not played Hockey at all he would have pulled a muscle at the gym. Maybe if he’d been healthy and ready for training camp he’d have gotten hurt there. Lets just work with where we’re at now, OK? Fortunately it’s just a week or 2 he’ll miss tops. Meantime we have tons of options: Move Carter to Center, give Toffoli a look, bring up Lokti, Use Richards / Stoll 1 and 2. If just these 2 weeks cause is to miss the playoffs then we don’t deserve to defend the cup. That won’t happen.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:32 pm
@HockeyNerd, Your right, but just wanted to chuck some more blame Bettman’s way.
Stupid computer … it should have been …
Kind of funny how the news break out through the social media.
First, Andrew Ference of Boston Bruins, who was in the CBA negotiation, tweeted “
[Reply]
Stupid computer … it should have been …
Kind of funny how the news break out through the social media.
First, Andrew Ference of Boston Bruins, who was in the CBA negotiation, tweeted
[Reply]
OK. Now I get it. This site does not allow the symbols. That’s why my comment was cut short. Oh, what the hell here goes again.
Stupid computer … it should have been …
Kind of funny how the news break out through the social media.
First, Andrew Ference of Boston Bruins, who was in the CBA negotiation, tweeted “Square(symbol)”. Everyone was like what the … and then someone realized it was thumbs up.
Second, one of reporter tweeted that there was some sort of noises coming from the meeting room. A minute after, they all reported that the lockout is over one after another. It took like 5 minutes the whole world realized what had just happened.
Third, players also started tweeting expressing their feeling. Basically, they don’t care their sleep was interruputed cause it was the best wake up call they ever had.
Fourth, they all went back to bed except those TSN guys … they hadn’t slept like more than 24 hours … boy, what a day, night and morning. #forgetthecommentabove
[Reply]
Does anyone have the NHL Schedule I want to clear my work slate for the first few home games. First home game could be a 12pm morning games next Sunday.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@luc20rules,
No one does until ratifications are made by both owners and players. But the rumor indicate that ratification of new CBA deal by owners could come Tuesday. So if the training camp starts next day, that means the season can start 15th with a 50-game season.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:30 am
@goldielocks, If the season does start on the 15th the Kings will most likely start on the 16th, as the Lakers play on the 15th. Of course this is if the Kings start at home, which they should.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
@Jeff_R,
The Kings should be granted to start with home ice. After all, they are champions.
They say that 50-game season is simpler to shedule while 48-game season might be complicated, and sponsors’ pressure on Bettman and all, so I’m leaning toward 50.
Hockey’s back. Juraj Mikus is pleased…..
Drop the banner first, THEN the puck!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:34 pm
@Cynic, Perhaps it was a call from the Mikus that ended this silly lockout. Both Bettman & Fehr should fear the Mikus.
[Reply]
MUNTERS MUNTERS MUNTERS MUNTERS MUNTERS
Will they ever be the Sam without rich?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:41 pm
@Lake Forest, Munsters?
Oh, Munters … for a minute I thought you were doing a shoutout to Dion Phaneuf..
[Reply]
Mikey J. Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 5:56 pm
@Lake Forest, Rich is Munters. Hope he returns.
[Reply]
Finally! The nightmare is over! The owners sure said a lot of things that didn’t come true: “The hill we’ll die on.”, “Make whole is off the table.”, “We don’t want to negotiate publicly” etc., etc. . .
What was Kris Letang thinking? He signed with a KHL team yesterday. Was supposed to play in his first game today. Wonder if he got off the plane in Russia, then turned around and got on another one to come home?
[Reply]
Anybody have any idea when we might get a “revised” schedule?
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@InTheCrease, From what I am reading it looks like Wednesday. GO KINGS GO!!!
[Reply]
OK, finally….
So how did the Kings’ fare by playing elsewhere during the lockout?
For how long will A-Mart be out? How bad is Kopi hurt? Is Clifford healthy?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
@Michael J., I don’t have the answers to those questions, but if the absolute WORST thing we’re facing is the loss of Kopitar for 2 weeks of the season, and the loss if a 4th line forward and 6th defenseman and we CAN’T make due with the tremendous depth we have then we don’t deserve to repeat. Miss the playoffs on account of this? Not gonna happen. Don’t lose sleep.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
@HockeyNerd, Alec Martinez & Kyle Clifford are ready to go.
I posted with some links, but it was awaiting moderation.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@luc20rules, yay, glad to see A-Marts ready to go, i heard he got hurt pretty bad awhile back
luc20rules Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:36 pm
@Michael J., It appears as though Alec Martinez & Kyle Clifford are ready to go. Kopi however just got hurt last Friday and initial estimates are 2 to 3 weeks knee injury.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-kopitar-injured-nhl-nhlpa20130105,0,5400451.story?track=rss
Martinez was hurt while playing in Finland back in November when a puck hit him in the face, but he appears to be fine now since he’s projected to make his debut on Monday night against Quad City. Mon, Dec 31, 2012 06:00:00 PM
http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nhl/2678/alec-martinez
http://mayorsmanor.com/2013/01/trevor-lewis-is-thinking-of-fighting-kyle-clifford-tonight/
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 1:50 pm
@Michael J.,
My son saw Lewis and Clifford play last Friday in Ontario and said they both looked and played like they were ready to go also.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
@Michael J.,
Dean Lombardi: “Willie Mitchell tweaked his knee a month ago. So we’ll be able to look at him when he comes in.” “I didn’t get the details.Again it’s nothing serious from what we’ve gathered.We won’t know if sure until he gets here”
[Reply]
Mikey J. Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 5:46 pm
I was really worried the munters were going to cost us the season, but thank god we have top flight hockey again.
[Reply]
I will miss Rich but I miss the insiders more…Iam glad to read Paul,Puck,Jeff,Gustavo, ETC ETC ETC….All of the insidrs that I met at Dodger Stadium and at the Final games at a Bar and Toyota Center….All the insiders that comment from out of town…Those are the comments that I really enjoy reading !!!! Having Duncanz back….This site is back and Iam glad to be part of it..Rich or no Rich… Lets ALL get together at a Kings practice before the season starts !!!
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:48 pm
@Neil, Mutualmente amigo. But I don’t mind confessing, I’ll miss @RH an awful lot.
It’s like getting your hostaged kid back, but they cut off an arm.
Hope we can get a good transplant!
[Reply]
So glad that the season is on. I am ready to book my flight back to LA from Mexico to see the banner drop! GKG!
[Reply]
lisa dillman
Good catching up w/Stoll and Richardson in the parking lot at El Segundo HQ. They were joking about being the only Kings skating this morn.
Stoll: “I don’t know if they (the others) were at church.”
Richardson: “Down at the beach.”
Both were realistic about wounds not healing overnight and the work ahead. Stoll said it was going to take time. Not like waving a magic wand and all is forgotten.
Richardson: “You can’t just have a Fan Fest and think they’re going to come back.”
Well … I tell you this. When I ink my body, there’s alwasys a reason. The reason that I want to remember something forever with pain because you’ll never forget the thing that pains you so much.
This lockout hurted me alot. I feel like it will never heal like forever. But because of this wound they gave me, I realize how important the hockey is as a part of my life. I will cherish this game and what this game brought to me forever. Come to think of it, this lockout made me even stronger as a fan. So no need for a fan fest for me.
[Reply]
Now we can start thinking about the roster and the lines. Lots of questions and only a short training camp to come up with answers.
What do you do to replace Kopitar, albeit for 2 weeks tops?
Once Kopitar returns we are already one forward over the limit (if you go with the Roster that started game 6 plus Clifford, Richardson, and Westgarth). Who’s out?
For that matter do you even give Westgarth a spot since (arguably) Clifford and Nolan can handle the fisticuffs and play Hockey?
Or do you keep Nolan to the minors since you wouldn’t lose somebody to waivers that way? Or have both King and Nolan earned the right to stay in the big show and thats where they stay?
Is Drewiske the 7th defenseman? Or do you go with Muzzin, Hickey, or someone else?
Who plays LW on the 2nd line? King, Penner or Gagne?
What are your 3rd and 4th lines?
Do you try to deal Bernier? What are you looking to get for him if you do and what so you do for a backup?
Who do you start with the big club if only to take a good look at them? Toffoli? Even Pearson? Someone else?
Nice to have THESE questions, finally.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:29 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Ahhhhh. I remember this.
Hockey Tak!!!
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:30 pm
@IceGuy,
Obviously too excited …
Hockey Talk.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:52 pm
@IceGuy, Only rarely does it get tacky.
CB14 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
@HockeyNerd, I would like to see Lokti take Kopi’s spot because he’s been playing all this time and is ready to go while Richards, Carter, and Stoll haven’t been playing. I’m not saying they’re out of shape, they’re just not in game shape yet.
I would get rid of Westy because with Nolan and Clifford, he’s not needed. Also because with the quick start to the season, and a more condensed schedule, you’re going to need to roll 4 lines consistantly. Which is something that doesn’t happen with Westy in the line-up.
I think DD2 remains the 7th d-man.
I think Penner gets the first shot at left wing alongside Richards and Carter.
My 3rd line would be King, Stoll, and Gagne. Which would really be like a second 2nd line.
The 4th line would be centered by Fraser, with likely Clifford and Lewis on the wings, but that could change depending on match-ups. I think the reserve players will be used alot more than previous seasons because of the condensed schedule.
I would keep Bernier because we don’t have a need for anything right now. If a hole needs to be filled later in the season, then we could trade him, but not now. Plus Quick had surgery a few months ago and we’ve yet to see him play since then.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:16 pm
@CB14, Pretty much agree with that, but I’m not crazy about calling Lokti up and putting him on a first or second line. He’s just not responsible enough defensively. We’ll see what DS and DL do. There are lots of options and at this point, what’s not to trust?
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
@CB14, Thats probably how I would do it too. DD2 may be traded, but with the new cap and his solid play I would want a 3rd Round Pick( I only do this because we have crazy depth at that position, and DD2′s potental is not any better than a 5-6th D-man).
Keep Bernier, I don’t understand the hurry in moving him. He is RFA protected for a few more years. Quick is recovering from a Back Surgury, and we Jones has backstepped a bit this year while Berube is in the ECHL right now probably to give him more work.
[Reply]
Wonder what happens with the trading deadline? Oh, welcome back to real hockey!!!
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
@KC23, Reports are it will be somewhere around April 5th.
[Reply]
Many smiles. Time to defend our cup!!
[Reply]
Back-To-Back!! Let’s do this!
[Reply]
I am glad a tentative deal was reached and we shall soon see a start to training camps and the shortened season. I am however sad, that I cannot attend any games this year and must watch from home. Not because of the players, but because of the NHL/Owners/Bettman.
I am hoping that Bettman will be fired, and that his filthy name will be removed from the NHL logo as well. My kids Jerseys will only fit them the rest of this season, I am hoping next will be Bettman free.
I love the Kings and will miss staples this season. But I cannot support the NHL on all of this.
I am hoping the 8 year opt out will get the next CBA negotiations started earlier and we will not see another lockout and missed/shortened season.
Here is hoping that I score some free tickets. Otherwise I am going to be watching from home with my family and friends.
GO KINGS GO! Back to back!!! Go Kings GO!!
[Reply]
Pasadena Hockey Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:42 pm
@Mars, I agree with your post. I love hockey and the Kings, but we too not be going to any games this year unless we get free tix.
I’d rather give my kid private lessons and watch them on TV.
[Reply]
Does anyone think we could sign Kovalchuk or Parise? (Its good to have everyone back)
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 3:15 pm
@DesertKing, Lombardi has been very disciplined with his salary cap so the Kings haver 7.8 million in room this season and about 15 million in cap space next season when it drops to 64 million. Plenty of room to actually add a player for a cup run. Is Doan tired of PHX yet?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
@Osaka,
Good to have you back
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
@DesertKing, Great to have hockey back my friend!
luc20rules Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
@Osaka, I think you need to see how many players are signed. I am sure that with Quick & DD raises that the Kings will be over 64 Mil Cap with the current roster. Of course we will have the luxury of not resigning Penner or Gagne after this season. Also Scuds is a UFA after next season as well as some RFAs that will likely earn a small raise. Only 13 players signed thru that year at this time. So it 14.5 million to sign 7 to 10 players(3 will be healthy scratch players that travel with the Kings, but if you cut it too close you will need to only use 3 inactives that get paid less then starters is replacements need to be made.)
http://www.capgeek.com/kings/
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
@luc20rules, The player that need resigning aren’t going to cost very much. Voynov will get a little raise for sure but very manageable. It will be interesting what they decide with Scuds. He still has game but at 34 and in a cap league…..
Willie Mitchell “tweaked” his knee, Kopi is having an MRI on his knee, and Quick is “close” to being medically cleared. The Kings could have used another couple weeks or lockout
With a 50 game season it is all about the start you have. The good news is no new faces to get use to. Teams like Minnesota who added superstars over the summer don’t have time for an adjustment period. Don’t look for many teams to use new systems this season.
[Reply]
Hsllelujah! Let’s get down to business and drop da puck!!!
[Reply]
we need to open up the offense….this coach isnt the right one to take us to the next level…I know its only preseason but we cant be losing the FF…..DD8 better be in shape… WAIT..That is SO last year !!!!!
[Reply]
Bonvivant Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
@Neil, Nice.
[Reply]
nothing’s over til it’s over…
[Reply]
Oh happy day
[Reply]
Who would have thought an Andy Murray story would receive over 180+ comments. Mayne we should bring him back?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
@DessertKing, Signs on the glass on opening night?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:59 pm
@Duncanz,
Sure, you, me, and Puck can hold them up together
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:23 pm
@DessertKing, I’m used to holding your end up on the blog, I’m sure being under one side if your sign won’t hurt!
How about “Don’t Ditch Rich! / Mallard Murderers for Murray!”
Big question for the King’s is who fills in for Kopitar? Do you break up the Richards line? Doubt it. Stoll? Oh, God no. Lewis? Nah. Richardson? Nah. Vey? An interesting choice, but I’m thinking Loktionov myself, but Vey would be an interesting choice as well.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:11 pm
@KC23, Stoll Brown Williams
Richards Carter Penner
Fraser Lewis King
Richardson Gagne Clifford
Why this works: it’s minimal disruption to the lines we ended 2012 with, you don’t have to send Nolan down or cut Westgarth or someone else loose until Kopitar comes back, you don’t have to break someone new in and get him used to our system just to send him back a week later. One bad streak of a few games could cost us the playoffs in this shortened season. You gotta use the experience.
Loktionov is not defensively responsible enough to play on a first or second line.
We’ll see what DS and DL do though. Should be interesting. And depending on what people show or don’t show in the very short training camp you may be right after all.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:48 pm
@KC23,
Keep the “2nd line” in yact. Maybe Kopi will be back for the opener, if not move Strollsy up.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:49 pm
@Michael J.,
*tact, not yact or yacht or whatever
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
@KC23, Stoll works best on the 3rd line with Lewis and King. What they would probably do is move Carter to the First line Center and then slide in Gagne to the 2nd line. Can Gagne or Penner play RW?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:46 pm
@Jeff_R, For just a few games, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work. Good to be posting back at you BTW!
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:35 pm
@Jeff_R,
I was thinking the exact same thing….except maybe give Toffoli a shot at 2nd ling RW.
Brown – Carter – Williams
Pens/Gags – Richards – Toffoli
King – Stoll – Lewis
4th line
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:11 am
@Save, Hrudey!, @HockeyNerd @Jeff_R @Michael J @KC23
AH! A sign of relief.
This is the type of conversational reading I have been missing for months!
THANK YOU GUYS!!!!
I dont see the CPR line being messed with, Not sure whom they will put around Brown and Williams. I woulndt be surprised to see them try it with King. I am guessing he will shine in camp. But until I hear some camp news, assuming we get any with RH gone. We wont know much for a bit.
Ah, Insiders, it’s good to be back after a three month break. I read so many books during the time I would have spent on this blog! No disrespect to the Kings legends that have been maintaining the site in the interim—it was just too depressing to read about the Kings without any games to watch. Repeat time!
[Reply]
Finally time to get back to business. I missed this place, but it just wasn’t the same during the lockout. Now all we need is to get Rich back, and all will be well. Go Kings Go!!
[Reply]
I was just about ready to start watching the NBA. Whew, that was close.
[Reply]
How is this gonna play out with the annual Kings banishment from Staples in February?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:50 pm
@Goring 19,
Sports Arena here we come!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
@Michael J., Or (cough, cough, yikes!) the Pond.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:40 pm
@Goring 19, Gonna be interesting that’s for sure.
[Reply]
So when does John Hoven take over the blog?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:00 pm
@0 sake, When they allow fans in as journos.
Only we know that @RH was nervously sequestering his affiliation for all that time.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:28 pm
@Osaka,
Ultimate Hammond revenge – Evil Load fired as NHL commissioner then hired as Athletic Director at USC.
[Reply]
Jon G Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:19 pm
@DesertKing, Nice!
[Reply]
After 113 days likely the agreement reached wont be far from averaging the two sides’ positions on Day One… but oh well, the suits have to show they’re doing something to earn their money.
I’m happy that likely NHL GameCenterLive will be free (if the early reports are to be believed) but what MIGHT make me forgive somewhat would be making Center Ice free as well.
To start the season, especially Kopi-less for a week or two, it might make sense to bring up a guy who has been steadily playing in Manchester – Lokti would be an obvious choice but he’s hardly been tearing up the AHL. Might be a good opportunity to give Linden Vey a short look-see/taste of the Show.
Im glad we’ve kept Bernier cause the schedule is gonna be tightly packed this season; he’ll be needed.
And since NO ONE is opening in London or Prague or Dusseldorf the 4 straight ‘Cup Winners Who Opened The Season In Europe’ has to end…
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
@bbb7,
No Europe opener = Kings repeat???
[Reply]
Well, now that the lockout is over DL can get back to the first order of business and ship “the backup” to the first available taker that will bring the Kings anything more than a 2nd round pick.
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:48 pm
@Michael J., Assuming you mean Bernier by the term ‘the backup” I think that’s not a good plan considering the scheduling this season – you’ll need a good backup, and one with experience.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:39 pm
@bbb7, Agree 100%. If something happens to Quick (insert knock on wood here) are we really going to defend the cup with Martin Jones? Is he even NHL ready? And if we trade Bernier and need to get a different backup what was the point of trading Bernier to start with? What’s the point if trading him anyway? What hole are we trying to fill? We’re the Stanley Cup Champions! We are already 1 forward over the roster limit when Kopi comes back and that’s WITHOUT counting Lokti. Everyone’s argument for this always turns into “he’ll be unhappy and he deserves to be a starter somewhere”. Unfortunately the way it works is this: DL has to do what’s best for the TEAM not what is best for an individual.
Now of course if someone is so desperate for goaltending they are going to send a Stamkos or Chara or Thorton, etc. than yeah, we take it. I’m preaching being cautious, not stupid. But don’t shop him. Let other GM’s come to us. Other teams desperately need to fill holes. We don’t.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
@Jacko, Good job @MJ, always hanging the hook!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
@Duncanz,
Low traffic post time
[Reply]
This is going to be one helluva ride. Whew wee……………… 48 games all conference opponents, every team is extra juiced to beat the champs finally get to defend our title. I really, really, really like our chances.
[Reply]
It’s been a long time…I took the summer plus 113 days off. Glad to see things up and running and hopefully another epic season with y’all.
[Reply]
David Courtney, we sure wish you were going to be here for this repeat ride to the Cup. RIP and we will always remember you.
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 7:42 pm
@DesertKing, +1.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:19 pm
@DesertKing,
+1
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:41 pm
@DesertKing,
Nice.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 12:09 am
@DesertKing,
I was thinking, maybe as a tribute to Mr. Courtney, the crowd at Staples could fill in for David’s call to action. Repeat after me, everyone in the building …
“Ladies and Gentlemen, OUR Los Angeles Kings!”
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:59 am
@IceGuy,
Perfect with one change – “OUR Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings!”
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:40 am
@DesertKing, Goosebumps. GO KINGS GO!!!
IceGuy Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
@DesertKing,
Now that’s an improvement I totally agree with! I would be thrilled if such a tribute would be allowed.
Can’t wait to see our KINGS raise the banner!
[Reply]
Looks like 48-game season starts on 19th. The training camp will start Saturday earliest or Monday if not. However, 50-game plan is not completely out of picture.
[Reply]
GUSTAVO Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:17 pm
@goldielocks,
Raise the first LA Kings Championship banner on my birthday???? (Jan 19th)
How much sweeter could it get?
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:42 pm
@GUSTAVO,
My Birthday too!
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 1:45 am
@GUSTAVO, My birthday was Jan 4th and my wish blowing out the candles was an end to the lockout
Everybody, your welcome.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 4:47 am
@Osaka, aw, dreams do come true
happy belated birthday btw
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 4:48 am
@GUSTAVO, Mines on the 15th, lookin like a good one
[Reply]
TM…Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo Boo
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:43 pm
@puck73,
The cornfield is now closed.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
@DesertKing, Miss Ethan Moreau on The Powerplay?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:58 pm
@puck73,
Ethan plays his best hockey when he is handcuffed with a black hood on in the back of an unmarked van, heading @ high speed to points unknown.
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:10 am
@puck73,
Not as much as Kompon :p
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:51 pm
@puck73, No TM. We win the cup. Everyone returned, except Kompon. And no, you have NOT entered the Twilight Zone. That would be if Bettman got canned for “not properly representing the sport of Hockey”.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 8:56 pm
@HockeyNerd, Although this is just an opinion, I believe in 2010/2011, if Kopitar was in the lineup, and if Williams was 100 percent, I believe they would have beaten San Jose despite the ninkempoop TM.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:00 pm
@puck73,
Ninkempoopoo?
jess Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:21 pm
@puck73,
-So you are predicting that under the perfect conditions, Terry “I’m not sure -so let’s try 50 more line changes” Murray would’ve gotten us past a first round? SWEET:) -Where can I cash that check:)
Michael J. Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:34 pm
@puck73,
Who is this TM you speak of???
[Reply]
http://m.ocregister.com/sports/kings-382636-players-first.html
We’ll see if this link is allowed…….
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:01 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Forgot to say it’s Rich’s write up.
[Reply]
Jon G Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
@Kingsfanone, Thanks for posting the link. I hope Rich continues to report on the Kings for the OC Register. It may be wishful thinking, but perhaps he can even resurrect the Kings blog he had back at The Daily News.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:25 pm
@Kingsfanone, If I had facebook, i’d write a comment. He could use a few, or one.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:34 pm
@CB14,
I don’t have Facebook either. I’ve been commenting to him on Twitter, which is where I got the link from. I think last I looked Rich had something round 1,400+ followers on Twitter.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:08 pm
@Kingsfanone, I hope Rich doesn’t get forced out of another job for interviewing Westgarth again. Thanks for posting the link, I miss Rich’s posts.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:43 pm
@luc20rules,
No chance of that. OC Register has higher standards than the NHL!
[Reply]
Wow first a Ducks article, then 3 articles on Andy Murray?
WHAT OTHER GENIUS have I been missing out on? (!) =) :p
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:17 pm
@jess,
Don’t ask…….
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:52 pm
@jest, You missed an informative four-parter titled: ‘Barry Melrose’s Tactics Without Wayne Gretzky in the Lineup’, and a 15 chapter epic: The Life and Times and Glorious Successes of Jeremy Roenick’s Kings Career.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 9:58 pm
RAD -where can I get these in print?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:03 pm
@Duncanz
-And does the Roenick saga include his pasty vid out-takes in that rundown apartment? If so I’ll take three immediately.
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:45 pm
@jest, Never seen it but I gobble up any and all JR memorabilia I can get my mitts on so you’ll be the 1st lucky individual I tape a copy for when I find it, pal!
luc20rules Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:01 pm
@jess, I believe this is a rather poorly disguised attempted to make us very happy with our current situation as Stanley Cup Champions. Hoping to make us appreciative of what we have by dwelling on darker times.
[Reply]
Spock: Captain, this is not logical.
Kirk: Explain.
Spock: Your Gary Bettman never acted in a logical manner for the good of the sport, yet your Earth of 2013 has now announced a season will be played after all. Obviously, some outside forces are still at work attempting to change the timeline. We must investigate this.
Kirk: McCoy, do you concur?
McCoy: Dammit Jim, I’m a Doctor, not an arbitration expert!
Scotty: Captain, a gentleman has materialized in engineering. He has a phaser pointed at me set to Kill!
Unidentified Voice: Beam Quick to these coordinates and nobody gets hurt!
Kirk: Beam who quickly?
Unidentified Voice: No, dude. Doesn’t have to be quick. I mean the PERSON named Quick, dude.
Spock: Captain I do believe we have located our “poor man”.
Kirk: And he will, with our help, kidnap Quick and start Bernier in Goal. And history will be changed. And if the Kings don’t win the cup in 2013—-
Spock: Exactly. Bettman will declare himself emperor of Earth, no further space exploration will ever occur because the worlds governments will all claim they are willing to negotiate when they are not, and worse yet the Ducks will win the next 10 Stanley Cups.
[Chilling musical tone and commercial break]
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
@HockeyNerd, @DesertKing, is this you?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
@puck73, No. He can do better than that. But would still like to see what he thinks.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 6th, 2013 at 11:16 pm
@HockeyPhone, He might find it … Enterprising ..
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:46 am
@HockeyNerd,
(left eyebrow arched) I find it fascinating that you use a Star Trek reference to describe something that is so much deeper and could have been conveyed in a much simpler yet more complex manner. An example of which would be “Gives me back mys Precious you Bilbo Bettmans!” or an even simpler reference “Why isn’t Quick in goal after 3 shut outs in a row? Because I had Bernier pencilled in there.” Of course, your Star Trek portrayal was completely accurate and left me with a lasting vision of @Poorman, standing on the transporter pad, pointing a late 1990′s flip phone at Scotty. That would indicate that this Star Trek post receive a dilithium crystal rating of A+.
Anyone else miss Hammond…. get rid of the old school picture look. This site looks like a flashback from the 90′s. While I appreciate the articles during the lockout….. how about some current Kings News. Oh, and when do we get a permanent replacement for Hammond? Go Kings!!!!
[Reply]
now that we have hockey back and we have no articles to comment on…Boy do I miss Rich!
It’s going to be really tough trying to handicap how this will all shake out over 48 games.
My initial inclination is the Oilers will have the biggest advantage coming out of the lockout. A lot of their guys have been playing together in the minors this year, so you would think they would have a smooth transition once the games begin. They have a ton of talent, just little experience. This half season that was missed helps them a lot.
In the end I think this will be a season of attrition. Injuries, especially muscle pulls, will be rempant this season. Guys may have been working out and skating, but nothing compared to what they’ll have to start doing in a very short timeframe.
I like our chances this year if we stay healthy, but trying to predict anything this season is nearly impossible.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:01 am
@nykingfan, I actually think the Kings have the biggest advantage. Many Kings have been playing in Europe or minor leagues and we are bringing back the exact same team. No other team can say that.
Repeat baby.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:22 am
@KC23,
I’m all for repeating!!!
Have a lot of the guys been playing elsewhere?
The fact that there will be little to no change in the Kings roster and probably the system that we’ll be playing does give us a big advantage.
Also the cup hangover should not be an issue at all.
I can’t wait!
[Reply]
King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:32 am
@nykingfan, Good to see both of you back here. NY and KC both of you I concider friends. Sometime NY you will have to make it out West to watch a game with me and KC. KC keep that program close I’ll be coming out soon!
nykingfan Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:57 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake ,
Good to be back with you too King Charles. I consider you guys as friends as well.Eventually I will make it out there for a game.
I am totally psyched for some hockey. I’m wondering hat’s going to happen with the Center Ice package….They better not be charging us full price for 1/2 season.
Looks like most of us{Insiders} are still going to stick around. Who’s running this ship anyway? Now that our leader has gone on to USC, we need someone to step up. It is may hope that the person who does get the job would be someone within our own realm. There are many who could step in and run a tight ship. Should be interesting who our Kings will hire. I did see that they had an ad for employment as a writer. We could only assume it was for the vacant Insider job.
Great to see that many of you guys and gals are back. It should be a wild 48 game sprint to the Cup. We have the veteran club that may take off and not look back. Hopefully after the banner gets raised the Kings will pick up right where they left off. We do have EVERYONE coming back!!! Even Parse has got a shot.
Here’s to the 48 games and hopefully a playoff run of Kings hockey. I’m so glad they got it done. After watching the USA kids win the gold, I have the hockey bug again. For so long during this lockout I stayed pissed, refusing to watch any type of hockey. But as of late with the signing of Trevor Lewis to a contract with the Utah Grizzlies {watched him played} to the IIHL Kids skating for gold, I am ready for some Good NHL hockey. Am I still pissed YES, but in these days of business what did we expect from these rich people. I’m just glad the game is back and now we can get into what is important… The Kings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:58 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
Hockey is back, Kopitar down with a knee injury… and the blog is quiet! They need to get someone on this.
[Reply]
DanielC Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:23 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, I’m looking forward to that banner raising also, and another great run. Not to burst your bubble but Parse actually left to the New Jersey Devils! Anyways , I’m just glad we can all watch NHL hockey
[Reply]
Cesar A Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:04 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, I am so happy that we have hockey this season. I look forward to seeing the Kings in the playoffs this season.
[Reply]
Wait a minute now we have a mod? Were is my bloody post?
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:56 am
@pr0cess, What did you say? heh
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:41 am
@LA_1968, ITs was they need the Hammer back and should pay him a $hite ton to make it happen
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:55 pm
@pr0cess, Yeah, the Kings should. But they would need Deano to handle it. I’ve been saying (June hehe) that Rich’s value to a club like the Yanks, Dodgers, or Cowboys is huge. He brings a lot. He should get an agent. Not yet though. Wait until this thing sucks even worse.
Cant rich just make his own blogg again?
[Reply]
I feel violated but I’m back with my normal unjustified optimism.
I would suspect the Kings will announce a new insider now that the lockout is over and the new person can actually interview players.
[Reply]
can we get Hammond back now?
[Reply]
Hammond taught me everything I know Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:10 am
@Sebastian,
Hammond’s still got it!!!
http://www.ocregister.com/sports/kings-382636-players-first.html
[Reply]
Bettmen has re-lit the beacon, which is a duraflame log in a steel trash can. So now what?
Kings have players spread out all over the galaxy playing for different alien leagues. Wonder how much time it will take them to gather their gear and get back to mother earth, let alone north america.
Maybe the phantom running this blog can start doing some reporting and kick down some decent info?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:35 am
@jess,
@PaulDArmbruster or @goldielocks, we need a report asap reference what players are already in El Segundo since we no longer have the Hamminator to inform us (stupid Evil Load).
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:00 am
@DesertKing,
I’ll definitely get over there soon.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:14 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
You da man! I know you hate going over there
Mars Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:52 am
@jess, Agree’d
We need a new replacement ASAP
RH would have given us about 20 new piecces to ready by now. (well at least 3 really)
1. Game on!
2. Where everyone is
3. Training camp details and whom is going to report in
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:52 am
@Mars, For Sure.
Those are the things we need addressed ASAP (especially on this blog eh?). I’m sure Paul will beat me to it, but I may just head down to TC and take a look around myself:)
[Reply]
can i talk now?
[Reply]
How has there been no update of the lockout ending on this site?
[Reply]
So, what’s the over-under on the next hockey-related post? No, “My Favorite Slap Shot Moments” from Foxy, or “Best Road-trip Barber Shops” from Nick does not count.
Presently this blog is left for dead.
[Reply]
50 game season playing at least one set of back to back games every week. Injuries are going to be way up and fortunately this team is deep in many areas.
Forget line combinations until everyone is at 100%. Players who kept themselves in shape are going to get serious minutes. Important to get off to a fast start!
And absolutely do not trade Bernier! With JQ coming off surgery, this may be the one season JB gets some serous playing time. Great opportunity to show the league how talented he is and increase his trade value
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:58 am
@Barry’s Mullet, Wouldnt that be something if Bernier took the ball and ran with it while JQ was rehabbing?! Can you imagine the smack @poorman would be running if that were to happen?!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 12:27 pm
@puck73, Nah, Quick has nothing more to prove and everyone knows it. Even poorman. Bernier could do it I bet though. The more work he gets the better he’d be no doubt.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:53 pm
@KC23, +1 I have been saying that all along. He played great when he was Manchester’s starter and came up to the Kings only to start a game or two. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he was just amazing as a starter.
Im glad the lockout is over but im sticking to my guns…..I will not spend a single penny on anything NHL for at least 2 years. I will watch the games that are broadcasted on regular TV only! No center ice package, no merchandise, Tickets, etc. If fans can show the NHL via empty seats and terrible merchandise sales that they cant take us for granted maybe they wont in the future when the CBA is set to expire…not likely, but if we dont try they will never take us seriously.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:04 am
@BrokeKingsFan, You will cave in at some point. A defiant @CrownRoyal asked me not to text him anymore! He says he no longer cares about the NHL. Tell ya what, I think he’s full of crap, he will cave as well!
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:28 am
@puck73, I will continue to follow the Kings, but will not buy the Center ice package this year and since I live out of market, i wont be watching many games. I will not buy any merchandise or attend any games either. I will not cave!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@puck73, Yep, they’ll cave sooner or later. Hockey is so much better than the other sports. I went to a Clipper game recently and it isn’t even close to hockey in any way shape or form.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
@KC23, i dont want to have battered spouse syndrome!
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@puck73, you might be right in the long run, but there is no way i cave on a shortened 48 game season though. Maybe by next year the sour taste in my mouth from all this will have disappeared but right now its very much there and I cant ignore it. You might see me next year dragging my butt down to Staples for a game with my tail tucked between my legs but not in the near future….thats for sure!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:33 am
@BrokeKingsFan,
So no Bettmen bobble head for your dash this year? I hear when you get past 50 it starts puking.
YOU KNOW YOU WANT THAT…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:50 am
@jess,
I say we have Gary Bettman BobbleHead Night. When the Kings score their first goal everyone rips Bettman’s head off and throw them on the ice, then take the headless bodies home and practice voodoo rituals on them.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@DesertKing,
I see the making of a kings tradition in the works. The vision of ice covered with bouncing plastic bettmen heads is fantastic.
And I like how nothing goes to waste like the eskimos. That’s how we roll.
I very much appreciate the efforts that have been made to keep this site alive during the lockout. With that said, it is a tad annoying to log in here – the best fan website for the defending Stanley Cup champs – right after the lockout is over and find nothing but a story about Andy Murray I always liked AM, but Jeez……….
[Reply]
This website is an embarrassment. Kings need to hire a beat writer ASAP to take control and feed us real info….
[Reply]
Stop complaining about this site. If you are fed up with it, then we understand. Beating a dead horse!
Let’s try and be a little patient with the team and let them get ready to play on such short notice.
Once the season starts I will ASSUME they will get a writer on here. It won’t Rich, so I am sure there will be complaining about that too.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:46 pm
@Lest Forgetest, You are dead on.
And seriously, what’s the sense in hiring hastily and incurring the wroth of the Insiderenry if it’s a wrong fit. It’d be like snapping up Alex Burrows near the deadline and then Alex Ovechkin becomes available the next day.
Like you say, following up the eternally lamented @Rich will be nigh on impossible anyway, harder than Kings repeating perhaps, so it’s going to require the punters to be a little understanding and not so antsy and rigidly immovable that they can’t enjoy themselves here in a reconfigured website and under a new style of “captaincy”, as the great @Tweety Birdwatch_R (@Jeff_R) puts it.
Lord, give me the serenity to accept … etc, etc ……
[Reply]
We need a replacement for LAKI asap!
Do not get me wrong; during the hattrick of lockouts by Rich Hammond killer Gary Bettman
We have had great coverage by our favorite commentators, play by play callers, legends and award winning staff!
For that I thank them for going above and beyond!
But now, we need a replacement. With a deal being inked, players scrambling to come back to LA,
We really need an update. The gratuitous info we have becomes a costumed too!
We didn’t age out of the orphanarium!
We have been loyal and supportive, even if over critical and hyper reactive.
We are not spoiled but insanely passionate! Loyal to a 45 year fault! (That for dramatic effect ok)
Please get a new “beat” reporter, a new insider Quickly!
Thank you,
A 35 year fan,
A lifelong Kings fan!
Marcel
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
@Mars, please forgive the formatting and typo’s (autocorrections too)
I hate the iPhone.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 12:48 pm
@Mars, have you read the other blogs??? I think we ARE spoiled =)
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
@Lake Forest, No way! Why would I do that?
Born a Kings fan, will Die a Kings fan.
I dont want my eyes to catch fire.
Rich set the bar high, the Kings org must know this and reciprocae since they set out to do this with RH.
While getting Helene Elliott would be a dream, I just cannot see it happening.
Too bad we cannot get Heidi Androl back too.
I am wondering whom else would be a good candidate. Mayor maybe?
Paul?
I also dream of insiders that are regular and have their own sites taking the reigns.
There are some big munters truck shoes to fill.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 6:35 pm
@Mars,
FYI
If this is all I have to complain about with the Kings right now.
We are looking VERY good.
GO KINGS GO!
What did I miss? Last thing I remember is pounding jäger bombs
After the Kings won the big silver thing.
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@xeropoint, Um the NHL fails, Beatman fails more, and the Kings tried to GAG rich so he gave them the Bird and we all lose…. O and ya hockey is back after the Fail
[Reply]
Read the papers, the LA Times, here it is Dustin Brown taking a flight back today to America and Anze will be back in town this Wednesday, the report states says he has a sprained knee for now.
Kings working on a new plan for a new schedule now, for 48 games played. Luc on Kings web site says more will be coming soon, about payments tickets printing and such. The new all 30 teams schedules should be coming out by this Thursday and or Friday the latest, as NHL says it will be 48 games to be played.
So far this is what I see in the papers and on web sites, and I guess its up to us fans for now to keep one another informed. Thanks
Go Kings Go very soon!
We are still the Champs!
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
@GailWeb, it’s funny hearing from other fans their arena constraints for potential games… i.e. while we have our annual Grammy trip at exactly this time, Chicago has the ice capades for like 2 weeks, etc.
I will say this, it would be something if the Kings played maybe a game in the old Forum in order to accomodate games while Staples is booked (not likely obviously but it would be sorta cool).
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 1:46 pm
@Shakes, Doubt it would happen, but it would be cool.
[Reply]
GailWeb Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
@Shakes, Yep for sure it woudl be nice to go in the old forum again is was so nice to see games there up close and personal for sure, and a lot less money too
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
@Shakes, I would kill for that!
I would really love to see that!
That would for sure get me out to buy some glass tickets!
[Reply]
Luc is now a cartoon character? Too cool Luc!!!
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=646780
[Reply]
I guess Bob, Foxy, Daryl, Nick are all busy now for the preparation for the season.
In two weeks of time until the season opener, should the Kings pick up some free agants?
Here’s the list of free agents available.
CALGARY FLAMES
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: LW Raitis Ivanans; RW Tom Kostopoulos
EDMONTON OILERS
Restricted: LW Linus Omark
Unrestricted: D Cam Barker; D Bryan Rodney
MONTREAL CANADIENS
Restricted: D P.K. Subban
Unrestricted: D Chris Campoli; D Alex Henry; LW Mathieu Darche
OTTAWA SENATORS
Restricted: LW Nikita Filatov
Unrestricted: G Alex Auld; C Corey Locke; RW Mark Parrish; C Jesse Winchester
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Restricted: D Cody Franson; D Korbinian Holzer; C Marcel Mueller
Unrestricted: D Jeff Finger, C Mike Zigomanis; LW Jay Rosehill
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: C Sami Pahlsson; C Steve Reinprecht
WINNIPEG JETS
Restricted: D Brett Festerling; LW Evander Kane
Unrestricted: D Randy Jones; RW Eric Fehr
ANAHEIM DUCKS
Restricted: D Kyle Cumiskey
Unrestricted: G Dan Ellis; LW Jason Blake; LW Niklas Hagman; C Mark Bell
BOSTON BRUINS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: C Brian Rolston; G Marty Turco; D Mike Mottau
BUFFALO SABRES
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: C Jochen Hecht; RW Ales Kotalik; D Shaone Morrisonn
CAROLINA HURRICANES
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: LW Chris Durno
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: G Cristobal Huet; D Sean O’Donnell; LW Andrew Brunette; C Brendan Morrison
COLORADO AVALANCHE
Restricted: C Ryan O’Reilly
Unrestricted: None
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: G Curtis Sanford; D Brett Lebda; D Radek Martinek; LW Kristian Huselius; C Darryl Boyce
DALLAS STARS
Restricted: C Jamie Benn
Unrestricted: G Andrew Raycroft; D Brad Lukowich; RW Radek Dvorak
DETROIT RED WINGS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: G Ty Conklin; LW Tomas Holmstrom; LW Fabian Brunnstrom
FLORIDA PANTHERS
Restricted: D Dmitry Kulikov
Unrestricted: C John Madden; LW Marco Sturm
LOS ANGELES KINGS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: RW Trent Hunter; LW Ethan Moreau
MINNESOTA WILD
Restricted: RW Nick Palmieri
Unrestricted: D Kurtis Foster
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Restricted: RW Alexander Radulov
Unrestricted: LW Andrei Kostitsyn
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: RW Petr Sykora
NY ISLANDERS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: D Milan Jurcina; LW Jay Pandolfo
NY RANGERS
Restricted: D Michael Del Zotto
Unrestricted: LW Sean Avery
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: D Pavel Kubina; C Blair Betts
PHOENIX COYOTES
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: C Daymond Langkow; C Patrick O’Sullivan; C Gilbert Brule; G Justin Pogge
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: G Brent Johnson; RW Richard Park
ST. LOUIS BLUES
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: C Jason Arnott; RW Jonathan Cheechoo
SAN JOSE SHARKS
Restricted: C James Sheppard
Unrestricted: D Colin White; D Jim Vandermeer; C Dominic Moore
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: G Dwayne Roloson; D Mike Commodore
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Restricted: None
Unrestricted: RW Mike Knuble
Make your pick or none at all.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
@goldielocks,
Definitely D Randy Jones from Winnepeg
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
@Michael J., Better yet, Hunter and Moreau….
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 2:54 pm
@goldielocks, None at all. What for? Once Kopitar comes back we are ALREADY one forward over the limit and this is without including Lokti. We are the Stanley Cup Champions and everyone is returning. We have no holes to fill. And somebody — Toffoli Vey, Muzzin, Hickey, or other(s) may show themselves NHL ready at camp — and will stay in the minors because there is no room for them. Why on Earth sign anyone?
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Not saying they should but deeper is better for the thing called depth.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
@goldielocks, So who goes to Manchester if you sign somebody? Because no one worth signing is going to want to play in Manchester.
As it sits right now the Kings already have an extra forward. With Kopi likely missing the first week of the season no one will have to be sent to Manchester, but when he comes back, someone will have to go. I think King has guaranteed himself a spot, and Nolan probably has too, so that leaves Westy, Richie, or Clifford.
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 5:29 pm
@goldielocks, Parise and Doan were worth trying for (which DL did). Most, if not all of the UFAs left would be very unlikely to make the team. Yes, injuries inevitably happen. At that point you call up a Muzzin, Hickey, Vey or Toffoli and see what they can do. Remember a year ago? Moreau and Hunter didn’t exactly give us “depth”. I don’t see any upside here. The only remote possibility might be to sign a backup and deal Bernier. Even that, I’d strongly advise against. Bernier is cheap insurance against something happening to Quick. And suppose you signed Turco, then at that point do you really think you’ll get full value for Bernier? And if you had all 3 would you send Turco to the minors? No, I’m just not seeing any added value here. The best free agents have been signed. Some of the remaining ones will help somebody, no doubt. Just not us.
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 6:04 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Remember when Richards went down with concussion? Did we have depth to overcome that obstacle? When he went down so did the whole team. This time we have Carts but who will fill in RW in that case? There are so many case scenarios possibly happens.
Looking at the depth chart,
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=79392
The Kings are in good shape but even so, there’s no guarantee when one of centers goes down, they can still keep strength down the middle which is supposed to be essential to this team in the shorter season. And the same goes to goaltender situation if Quick is out for some reason. Honestly, I’m scared of Quickie’s goaltending style that he might possibly hurt himself again.
Not neccessary but just in case, DL should look into something if any assets he can think of.
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
@goldielocks, This is a very different team than the one we had when Richards went down. That’s the whole point. Worry not, I’m sure DL is looking at that list and if he decides its worthwhile to go after any if them I trust him. But again I ask: if you sign anyone from that list, what do you do with them? I’m fine with Muzzin or Hickey if a defenseman goes down, I’m fine with Toffoli or Lokti if a forward goes down and I’m fine with Bernier and Jones if Quick goes down. Maybe I’m naive but I’m not seeing the upside to, if the situation even occurs, using some 39 year old with limited upside INSTEAD of taking a long look at one of the many prospects we have who have unknown ability that will show itself IF THEY ARE GIVEN A CHANCE.
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:04 pm
@HockeyNerd,
You would gamble the unproven over the experience in the shorter season. Well … maybe it works. Who knows? I would also be thrilled to see those young guns but not in shortened season. There are so many concerns among veterans, too. Will Greene be able to maintain his physical game again? Can Scuderi be the same? What about Gagne? Can he stay healthy? We can’t assume that all the players remain healthy all season long, can we? I don’t know what was DL’s plan to move players if he could sign Parise or Doan but there was definitely a plan to gain more assets to this team. Are you also saying this is a very different team than the one when DL tried to get those free agents?
InTheCrease Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:16 pm
@goldielocks, Whoa… that’s deep, man…
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:41 pm
@goldielocks, When players went down last year and we went with the likes of the “experienced” Hunter and Moreau, we lost games. When players got hurt later on and we called up the “unproven” King and Nolan, we won games. Tell me one team, any team, no matter their record that doesn’t call up a minor leaguer at SOME point to replace someone who is injured. There are certain things experience brings. There are other things players getting their very first taste of NHL action bring that the former doesn’t. And yes to be more direct and precise I WOULD rather have a Toffoli or Muzzin than any of the UFAs on that list. None of them are going to add much of anything for US. We already have plenty of experience and its all signed and ready to go. If there IS one thing that might help a (supposed) “cup hangover” it’s someone young and talented with a lot of heart and desire.
It’s not so much I don’t get what you’re saying. Of course you need a balance between youth and experience. But understand we ALREADY have the experience but are (arguably) a little short on the youth. Doan, or Parise would definitely have added talent to the team. But the NAMES THAT ARE LEFT do not excite me the least little bit. Experience in and of itself isn’t everything. Or should we sign Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe too?
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Not all the players for the depth excite us. They can be 3rd or 4th liners or veteran D-men. And I’m pretty sure DL didn’t go after those big names for excitement. If there was absolutely no hole in this team like you said, he wouldn’t have even moved his fingertips. Again there are some concerns among some veteran players. When those veterans go down or even downgraded, we need veterans not young. This team’s defensive success comes from the combination of veterans and young talented players. Offense, too, need some veteran presence. There is no all rookie lines. We are not the Oilers. You sound like those young prospects can fulfill the veteran roles. I’m sorry but I can’t agree with that. Put any of those guys with either Doughty, Martinez, Voynov. Boy, I’m not going to be comfortable with any combinations. That is why I think DL should look into something if there is anything. If nothing, he doesn’t have to.
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:57 pm
@goldielocks, Nobody is talking about “replacing”. You lose Kopitar, you lose Kopitar. You lose Quick, you lose Quick. In those instances you can have Toffoli or Arnott, Jones or Johnson. You ain’t gonna “replace” them either way. Experience or rookie you’ve just lost depth. A lot of depth. You put as much experience as you can on your team to a point. 40 year old players with 20 years experience will want a certain amount of money. There’s a point where the cost isn’t worth the benefit. I’m not getting through to you. I’m not talking about expecting a young player to perform like a Doughty, Brown, or Scuderi. They won’t. What you are not getting, I don’t know how many times I have to post the same thing, IS THAT THESE NAMES WHO ARE ****LEFT**** WON’T EITHER. Why do you have a minor league system in the first place? It’s because sooner or later someone will get hurt and you call someone up who you think CAN play at NHL level for limited minutes and for limited time. What on earth does a shortened season have to do with anything? Is there any situation where you AREN’T trying to win games? You have to develop players too. When your roster shrinks, the best ones get their shot. You’re not trying to REPLACE the guy you lost, you’re trying to do damage control.
Again, for the millionth time: I would rather replace Kopitar with Toffoli than Knuble. I AM NOT EXPECTING TOFFOLI TO MAKE ME FORGET KOPITAR IS HURT. But I am even LESS, in fact MUCH less expecting Knuble to either, and this at a SUBSTANTIAL cost. You’re just not following this.
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:28 pm
@HockeyNerd,
So who does replace Scuderi, Greene, Mitchell if they get hurt? You are avoiding my point. Who said anything about Knuble? Don’t try to change the subject. And there are some vetran Ds or goalie who can play veteran roles in the list. Of course, it is something to do with the shortened season. You don’t want to wait those young prospects to develop in the short schedule. You are talkig about damage control. Well then, they need faster damage control than the normal length season, and it should be veterans not unproven or unstable young players. In the 82-game season, you can have that kind of time for the prospects but not the half length season. And about the substantial cost, those players in the list are not in the position to demand what they want at this point. Finding the team they can play is their priority. For that you can always ask for discount. So tell me who is asking this substantial cost right now. But hey, we ain’t GMs so let’s see what DL does.
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:06 pm
@goldielocks, Drewiske, Muzzin or Hickey. You have your answer to a question you didn’t need to ask, unless DL makes a move, you knew that. I got annoyed because YOU ASKED a question (about 15 posts ago!), I gave you an honest and well thought out answer and now you are trying to tell me I am wrong. Fine, but then just post your own opinion in the first place, why ask anyone else for theirs if all you are going to do is argue with them. Obviously there is merit to signing a free agent for depth AND there is merit to bringing someone up from Manchester. One more time (since I will give you the last word after this and not respond any further) one year ago when we NEEDED WINS DESPERATELY we brought up Voynov, we brought up King and we brought up Nolan. And I don’t have to remind you how well THAT worked. I don’t understand what you think I am not getting. DL is well aware of that list and he will look at it and discuss it with managent. He knows his job. YOU asked ME if anybody on that list was worth picking up, I told you no, I told you why, and for whatever reason you could not respect my opinion and leave it at that. Let it go.
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:32 pm
@HockeyNerd,
And I already gave the answer that I don’t agree with young-young defense pair. But that’s just me. I’m not saying you are wrong. It might work. I just don’t thik that’s a good idea. And voynov did not replace the veteran D-man, did he? Did he? I’ve been telling you that there are some concerns among veterans. You just ignore that point. Maybe veteran forward like Gagne is replaceable with a young player but I don’t think that works when it comes to D-pair. I’d respect your opinion but that doesn’t mean I have to agree with you. So yeah, I can let it go. Peace out.
yetiman_oc Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:52 am
@HockeyNerd, it’s been so long, people forget that this team couldn’t score most of the regular season last year. they got on a great run at the right time, but i wouldn’t say just because they have the same exact team from last year that they shouldn’t try to add better parts when available.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:05 am
@yetiman_oc, the Team that won the cup, with 2 call ups from Manchester, with a different Coach, with a different second line, with a talented new Defenseman instead of one who had a poor +/- every season is NOT the same team and THAT is what everyone around here seems to be forgetting. Of course you always try to “add better parts” . But a) the guys on this list are not “better”, and more importantly b) we ALREADY have waaaay more talent than there is room for, so no you aren’t ADDING anyone, you would have to replace. Replace someone from a lineup that went 16-4 in the STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS? You better give me a damn good reason. Parise or Doan would have been. These guys are not.
Michael J. Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
@goldielocks,
Wait!!!!!! Both Moreau and Hunter are UFA’s???? DL better get to work and sign these guys. No way he can afford to let them just walk away.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 5:09 pm
@Michael J.,
Actually, Moreau is retiring. So is Holmstrom. So take those two out from the list.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
@Michael J.,
Forget signing them. Just trade them to Tampa for Stamkos and a 1st round pick. Or better yet, trade them to San Jose for Clowe so we can make him a healthy scratch every game.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 6:07 pm
@DesertKing,
I’ll take either of those two options.
puck73 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
@goldielocks, DL and Hexxy have always been big Mike Knuble fans. It will be interesting to see if they would want him here for depth purposes.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
@goldielocks, Is there a 10 day contract like the NBA. I wouldn’t mind signing Arnott, but not for the whole season, but just while Kopi is out. On the second thought Loki should get that time to prove he can be an effective top 6 center. I like the second line the way it is Carter-Richards-Penner just has real good chemistry.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:36 pm
@luc20rules,
Agreed. I wouldn’t break up the 2nd line either. They’re about creating more chemistry between them. I think Lokti needs more time to develop especially his defensive side of the game. So I’m not sure about that.
[Reply]
Lubo is staying KHL for this season.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:07 pm
@goldielocks,
And Isles fans are pissed off. Rightfully so cause no cookie for them.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
@goldielocks,
More on Visnovsky
Bob McKenzie:
NHL says it’s been assured KHL won’t let players with valid NHL deals play in KHL. Guess that “assurance” will be put to test.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
@goldielocks, Who’d be an Isle (fan)?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 4:04 pm
@Duncanz,
Isle fans need to get a life. They need a lot more than Visnovsky to turn that barge around.
luc20rules Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:45 pm
@goldielocks, Thanks, for all the info. Voynov will make everyone forget about Lubo anyway, and maybe he knows this. After all one of them has his name on the cup.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:24 am
@luc20rules, poor lubo, he’s been getting the worst of it since we gave him the cold shoulder, good defensemen too, little too small but good guy
[Reply]
does anyone know when the new schedule is coming out? Anyone…anyone…
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:17 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED, From Twitter:
Helene Elliott @helenenothelen
NHL sked won’t be released until both sides ratify new CBA but Jan. 19 still appears to be most likely date.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 4:05 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED, Friday the latest, but likely Thursday.
[Reply]
GailWeb Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 6:10 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED, this Thursday or Friday they have been saying
[Reply]
Bettman said teams are still in lockout mode, it that why we have no updates here?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
@Osaka, Wouldnt be surprised.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 4:01 pm
@Osaka,
Bettman sucks
[Reply]
So disappointed in everything related to NHL, including this site…
[Reply]
I’m told by inside sources that the kings are expected to start training together (for the most part) this weekend @ TC.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:39 am
@jess,
The Rangers all practiced together yesterday at their practice facility. Tortorella was in the stands.
I wonder why the Kings aren’t doing the same?
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
@nykingfan,
Ahhh good ole torta-meltdown!
Not sure, I was passed some info from the King’s equipment manager -or family thereof. I’m sure there are already guys down there getting back into the groove. But many of the boys were all over the map and probably needed a little time to get home.
[Reply]
Meanwhile, Penns is practicing in Sucks sweater … that’s just disgusting equivalent to Doughty wearing Sharks jersey.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
@goldielocks, ugh, not a visual I want … shame on you :p
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
@goldielocks, Maybe he thinks it is 2007? Isn’t that the sweater he wore after the last lock out? And as much as it disgusts me to say it, didn’t they win the Cup that year? (omg, I’m going to be sick..)
Hopefully, once again the team be plays for after the lockout will win it again. GKG !!
GAME ON!!!
[Reply]
NHL goal is to have the memorandum of understanding ready by Tuesday night. NHLPA is working and revising the document.
hmmm … 50-game season is stil possible?
[Reply]
Rich is reporting for the OC Register, hopefully he will be writing more about the Kings than the Quacks.Finally there is going to be hockey played, raise the banner and defend the title,oh and FF is coming back,weeeeeee.
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:11 pm
@LVKINGS88, They have hockey in OC? Where? Since when?
[Reply]
LVKINGS88 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
@InTheCrease, Yes, even before that team in Anacrime came into existence.
[Reply]
This from the Sporting News:
“According to multiple reports, the plan is to have as many rivalry games as possible on opening night. Think Penguins-Flyers, Canadiens-Bruins, Red Wings-Blackhawks, etc.”
So, that would mean…what?
Kings-Canucks? Or…
Kings-Sharks? Or…
Kings-Ducks? Or…
Kings-Coyotes? Or…
Kings-Blues? Or…
—what?
I guess what I’m saying is, I think by having just won the cup, we managed to create a lot more rivalries. They are ALL going to be rivalry games, and SO much fun to watch! Go, you nasty Kings, Go!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:19 pm
@InTheCrease,
I would say Kings-Nucks would be tops as you listed. Sharks would be my pick in number two spot but many here would probably list the Yotes for 2nd spot or 1st. Yotes would be 3rd for me. But any or all will be great to watch!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:33 pm
@jess, Skill level your right, but shear anomosity the Cryotes top the list. Over and Under on Mike Smith Slashes would be an appropriate proposition for that game.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:52 pm
@luc20rules,
Now that you brought that up…
DesertKing Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:24 pm
@luc20rules,
It would be good to see Doan crying again.
Duncanz Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:27 pm
@DessertKing, Doan doesn’t cry, he brays.
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 7:02 am
@Duncanz
Are you saying he is a “doankey”?
Duncanz Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:48 pm
@DessertKing, That’s Assenineteen!
fourtnuanto Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 7:35 am
@jess, I guess I’m in the minority but I’d love to see the Ducks in the opener. It would be sweet to have their eleven fans and that team have to sit through the raising of the banner.
[Reply]
swiss12 Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:33 pm
@InTheCrease,
No brainer, the Canucks.. That would be the one time I wouldn’t mind their fans coming along for the road trip either
[Reply]
You guys should follow the Mayor. He has always been the real Kings Insider. He has been getting some great interviews and has updated info, including Kopitar’s injury. No need for this site.
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
@hbjohn, No need for this site? Then why are you here? And who asked you, anyway? Piss off, hand-job john.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
@InTheCrease,
+1000.
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:26 am
@Kingsfanone,
nykingfan Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:41 am
@InTheCrease,
LMFAO
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
@hbjohn,
I like mayor’s site for some decent info along with others I check..
But there is something you’re missing that mayor’s site doesn’t have.
Comradery. -And see.. -You just got run off by one of mine
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
@jess,
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 11:29 pm
@jest, … not to mention camaraderie, as well.
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 5:47 pm
@Duncanz, this has had me rolling all day.
The Han Solo comment too
Man I am so happy everyone is coming back here now!!!
Duncanz Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:57 pm
coMarsradery!
Greener just scored the shorty in game 1 against the Blues, showing again on NHL Network. That was a devastating goal after Pietrangelo nailed by King. He was bleeding but King got only 2 minutes miner. And while they are angry about the call, Greene put the garbage in the net.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
@goldielocks, That was one of the most unlikely goals I’ve ever seen in 45 years of watching hockey. A goal from Green is unlikely enough, but a shorty and from inside the crease? Crazy.
[Reply]
It is so interesting to see everyone talking about lines. We just saw the ultimate set of lines in May and June of 2012. We watched 4 rolling lines go 16-4 against the top 3 seeds and the survivor of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Oh yea, those 4 lines won the Cup. Keep them all the same. If Kopi can’t go for a week or two, plug in Gagne or Richardson so the other 3 lines can remain intact. Oh my god, I just made a hockey post! Its true! its true! The Stanley Cup champs are back! The Stanley Cup champs are back!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:41 pm
@DesertKing, as puck73 pointed out, carter can play center no worries!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 10:42 pm
*Also
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 8:23 am
@jess,
The line of Penner, Carter and Richards was incredible during the playoffs. You could see that they had real chemistry and their strengths and weaknesses were perfect for each other. No team could stop them and they were a scoring juggernaut.I wouldn’t break up that line to have Carter center for DB and JW.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 8:56 am
@DesertKing,
I agree about not mixing up that line- we’ll call them the “CPR” line (add your own pun or wisecrack here).
Move Stolly up, or insert Richardson.
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@DesertKing, Richards was only a plus 1 and Carter a zero in plus minus. They were pretty much a wash. Penner was a plus 4 however, but only because he started on the Stoll line.
The difference makers were the Kopitar and Stoll lines. And trust me, I’m no Stoll fan. Carter was coming off an injury though.
Ok Kopi is hurt!!! Strike one
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 7:43 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, And the case of the disapearing posts again…. Anyways one more damn time, SO first we are told that is minor and he is fine and now we are getting differant story… BS
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:17 am
@pr0cess, Even when they said it was minor it was 2-4 weeks. Now it is changed to 4-6 weeks. However others that have had this particular injury have come back to play in around 3 weeks or so. So most likely Kopi will miss the first 5-10 games.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:24 am
@Jeff_R,
The NHL Lockout… the gift that keeps on giving…
pr0cess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:52 am
@Jeff_R, ya… and that wouldnt be so bad if we had 84 games… Grrr sorry just not happy that we didnt have the proper season to defend the Crown…
I think we can all agree that the org can be cut a little slack for not getting all the info to us as quickly as we’d like. Especially if they’re in lockout mode etc.. still. And I think we can all agree that the Kings legends who filled in to add content are much appreciated. BUT, the org has had more than enough time to find a replacement for Rich. It would be a very smart thing to generate interest and bring everyone back into the fold if we had a new captain of this ship prior to today. So why don’t we?
[Reply]
so who do we amnesty/but out first? DD?? Kopi? Quicker? LOL, jokes people
[Reply]
Check out TSN. Kings are the first team they preview for new season.
Oddly, their “con” about the team is that we might be a little “thin” on defense.
Really? Really??
Voynov? DD? Muzzin? Deslauriers? Kolomatis? Hickey?
If that’s thin – I better start on the Bean, Beer and Bacon Diet right now!
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:11 am
@IceGuy,
They didn’t even have Hickey on their version of the Kings’ depth chart. I thought Hickey was ready foor the NHL last year… that’s how deep the Kings are on defence.
P.S. Note to TSN- The Kings don’t miss Jack Johnson one bit. Their defence became stronger when he left. Sorry Dominick
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
@IceGuy, I smell Craig Button. The guy is a complete idiot regarding the Kings and their depth chart at the low end of defense. He hasn’t a clue. Campbell, Hickey and Bodnarchuk are all better than the two at the bottom they mention.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
@KC23,
I feel bad for you. That has got to be the most hideous smell ever – pack bacon, stale beer, hair perm, too much make-up, and a lot of methane gas, along with some bull crap. You are a brave man to attempt to smell Craig Button.
[Reply]
According to TSN. first NHL games are on Thursday, January 15.
Oddly (again) Kings first game is set for Saturday night, January 19, AT Phoenix.
At Phoenix?
Yeah, the NHL is still showing lots of love and respect for their Stanley Cup Champions … NOT.
Upside of this is that Kopi and Willie get a little more time to get their knees in shape.
I guess we’ll just have to “CEEP the CUP” for another year just to stick it in Bettman’s eye.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:04 am
@IceGuy,
That can’t be right.
I thought that the season would be all intra-conference games.
The schedule that’s up on TSN has teams playing inter-conference games.
What gives?
I wonder if that’s what the original schedule that was done prior to the owners/players stealing our game from us for 3+ months (new phrase for lockout lol)?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
@nykingfan, Yeah, that was the original schedule regarding the Phoenix game. I have it on my calender.
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:06 am
@IceGuy,
I think that game at Phoenix was from the original 82 game schedule. The league had not officially cancelled that game yet.
[Reply]
I know we all can’t wait to read the next fifteen page article on for King coach, Marc Crawford…
Here is something a little more relevant.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=79392
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 8:37 am
@California Royalty, *former Kings coach*
[Reply]
Howe9 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:33 am
@California Royalty,
Thanks, good article.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@California Royalty, I think the two bottom defensemen on the depth chart are way off. I would put Toffoli ahead of Kozun at the bottom of the RW depth chart as well.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
@California Royalty, Wouldn’t John Torchetti be next?
[Reply]
I used to see Andy Murry at the Long Beach Ice Dogs games we talked a few times. He is a really nice guy who lives, eats and breathes hockey. He loves the game and I don’t think you could find someone more passionate or focused about his job.
GKG!
[Reply]
If I cannot have my January 19 Opening Home Game Championship Banner raising ceremony for my birthday, at the very least I want Gary Bettman to be diagnosed with something somewhere between the laryngitis and throat cancer to ensure he is NOT there to puck up the mood at Staples Center.
[Reply]
They say the players can’t see their team doctor until CBA is ratified. So Kopi has to wait till Saturday?
[Reply]
@PUCK 73, I almost fell down the stairs when i got your second Text about the Leafs being eliminated from the 2013 play offs
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:22 am
@Lake Forest,
You’re welcome
[Reply]
ESPN’s post-lockout forward rankings.
http://espn.go.com/fantasy/hockey/story/_/page/frontline130108/evgeni-malkin-leads-post-lockout-forward-rankings
Pfff ……
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:29 am
@goldielocks,
Fantasy stuff where backchecking, killing penatlies, and defensive-zone play are not factors.
I will take Kopitar over Malkin any day of the week.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:32 am
@goldielocks, brown at 76 from 77….yeah, right on target…
I am again happy with flying under the radar, if it leads to the results we had last year!
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@goldielocks, Yeah, Purcell is better than Brown, Richards, Kesler and Bobby Ryan. Yeah, sure. That list is laughable.
[Reply]
Hehehe. Cowboys VS Stars. I guess they have their own division this season.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-01-08/dallas-cowboys-stars-twitter-nhl-schedule-2013-tony-romo-mike-modano
[Reply]
For me the $6MM dollar question is Penner. Does he Play like he did during the regular season or like he did during the playoffs??
Same could be asked for many players.
No time for a slump. We need everyone on the bus from the start (minus any current injuries).
Also I thought AM took a puck to the face and had like 6 fractures, someone mentioned he is ready to play??
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:48 am
@Lake Forest,
I think Penner will be fine. No bad back. No bad wrist. No bad relationship (hopefully). if he stays with Carter and Richards he should be an impact player. Should…
Let’s hope Martinez’s grill is okay
Getting any sleep yet?
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:07 am
@Lake Forest,
Last I heard that A-Mart had 2 metal plates implanted, and looked like a Terminator. Shall we call him Martinator?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
@Lake Forest, I expect slow starts from Penner, Stoll, Richards Carter and Doughty. We’ll see.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
@KC23, I feel the same way.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
@KC23, I’m concerned…..not at Richards or carter but I would add Lewis before those two
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:41 pm
@Late Startest, At least T Lew has been playing.
You’d kind of hope the guys who’ve been active will have their hockey legs under them already.
[guessing there's no moderator and anything I attempt to post can only be diverted into a quasi-permanent holding pattern in the unmonitored ether, but here goes nothin'. . .] Is it not yet finally time for the LA Kings to take on a dedicated blogger to keep fans up to date? With all the story lines busting out over the last 60 hours lakingsinsider.com has nothing to say? _Nothing_, not even crickets. Want to know about Kopitar’s knee? Hunt that down somewhere else. Want to know if Brown is back from Switzerland? Hunt that down somewhere else. Want to know if Penner is in game-shape? Forget about it. Want to know if the organization has spent any of the last few months lining up a blogger/editor/moderator for this site? Good luck with that? Other sites are discussing what organizations are thinking as far as wooing back fans — there’s no particular interest in that kind of thing in the Kings’ offices?
[Reply]
My posts keep disappearing!! Why??
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:09 am
@fourtunato, good question i have to post twice sometimes, it might be a bot that sees words and kills the post? Or we have a lurker Admin who is bored and is being random with post that get deleted.
[Reply]
And here comes Vegas odds.
http://sports.bovada.lv/sports-betting/hockey-futures.jsp
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:15 am
@goldielocks, “Never tell me the Odds Kid” -Han Solo
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:52 am
@pr0cess,
I am not afraid to say it
For that comment, I love you man
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:25 pm
@Mars,
Ditto.
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:56 am
@goldielocks,
Penguins – all they got is Crosby and Malkin with a sieve for a goalie and they can never beat Batman
Rangers – all they got is a great goalie and a coach who gives one hell of a press conference and couldn’t beat the Devils
Canucks – all they have are the Gingers, 2 goalies who can’t beat the Kings, an injured Kesler and that POC Burrows and guess who they couldn’t beat – da Kings!
It is nice going into the season not being the favorites. And to quote Han Solo, “Never make a Wookie mad.”
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:27 pm
@DesertKing,
So you’re gonna rip my arm off?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
@goldielocks,
Eeeeyaurgggghhh!
Lake Forest Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:27 pm
@DesertKing, I am interested to see how Nash works out for them. Hopefully it’s something like the lakers with Howard! (a guy can dream can’t he).
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
@DesertKing, Rangers look very strong on paper, the rest I agree with you on. Pens are way over rated.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 8:44 pm
@KC23, Yep, after winning the Cup the Penguins went all offense letting Scuds, Goligoski, and Hal Gill go on D. They won’t win anything without rebuilding the D corps. Letting go Zbynek Mickalek this summer won’t help them at all. Rangers system is the cause of many of their scoring problems. Of course Nash is used to the shakles of bad coaches in Columbus.
I MISS HAMMOND!!! HE’d have inside scoops and stats and things for us already. :’(
[Reply]
This site has to get better or has to go. If I see Andy Murray’s face one more time, I will scream and begin dropping little notes under my kids doors for inspiration like Murray did lol
Seriously..I like chatting with all of you guys which is the only reason that I’m still here.
Do we have an alternative in case the Kings let this go by the wayside?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@nykingfan,
There was a story about Andy Murray? Crap, I missed that since I usually just come on here to talk to the best Kings fans in the world. GKG-AGAIN!
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:33 pm
@nykingfan,
Why yes, it’s called the bus stop bench. We can squiggle note to one another with permanent marker
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 6:13 am
@jess,
LMFAO
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:40 am
@nykingfan, If they scrap this blog, or if the new “moderator” doesn’t work out, maybe we could convince Rich to start a new blog. Call it the LAKingsOutsider…
P.S. Yes, that domain name is still available. For $1660.00.
[Reply]
Hockey is back! Time to return to this site… disappointing that there is nothing regarding the team so far…. not much of an insider site …
Hammond is gone but I have no doubt that there is a person equally as talented in LA that would kill for this job. Lets go Kings! Step it up and recruit someone.
[Reply]
Remember people we are still in a lockout. Just have patience!
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 6:14 am
@Lake Forest,
Patience?
that ended back in October lol
[Reply]
Not sure about you guys, but I can’t wait for the 4 part story of Terry Murray!!!!!!!
[Reply]
Mars Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@Lake Forest,
Article one: B
Article two: O
Article Three: O
Article four: !
You are welcome.
Mars one time LAKI temp beat writer. LOL!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@Lake Forest, WARNING: Spoilers ahead
Part 1: “We need to work on that shot mentality”
Part 2: “We lost 5-0, but I like a lot of things we were doing”
Part 3: Mathematics lesson in all possible permutations of arranging 12 forwards into 4 lines.
Part 4: Video of HockeyNerd eating his words, including 100 posts saying “I stand by TM and he is the right coach for this team” no matter what the final score was.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
@HockeyNerd, HAHA, hey man, I was also behind TM before the firing.
I think one of the parts has to be about being heavy on the stick.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
@Lake Forest,
NOOOOOOoooooooooo!
[Reply]
Bill Daly said training camps will open no later than Sunday.
[Reply]
Quickie saw the doctor yesterday, and has been cleared to play. Meanwhile Brown stopped in NY to give Bettman a hit or two.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 12:37 pm
@goldielocks, I believe half of that…..
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 1:56 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Close enough. Brwon did stop in NY. Be at practice tomorrow.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 8:50 pm
@goldielocks, Thanks for the breaking news. Is there another update on Kopi’s status? I heared 2 to 3 weeks from the initial injury on 1/5. Which if he is on the 2 week progress could be available on 1/19 opening night.
goldielocks Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:33 pm
@luc20rules,
They got MRI from Sweden but it was not conclusive. So they are going to evaluate the damage on Wednesday once Kopi gets here but one concern is that he may not be able to see the team doctor because it cannot be done until CBA is ratified. Possibly, he has to wait till Saturday.
Paul’s at work
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
@Michael J., He does good work, but man that site is to busy…. He needs some real website help
[Reply]
To think I remember when I could come here for update news and information. Hope it picks up… My mid day breaks are so boring…
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
@Merit, you cn thank the nhl for losing rich…
[Reply]
Any Kings family in Las Vegas? I am moving there next week and looking for Kings fans to watch some games with.
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
@Kings Fan Vancouver, WA,
You’re that dude with the beard, huh?
[Reply]
Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:40 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, haha ya thats me
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
@Kings Fan Vancouver, WA, happy Lapps was from Vegas the last time I heard from him
[Reply]
Kings Fan Vancouver, WA Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
@Lake Forest, thanks bud!
[Reply]
Kings season opening presser Thursday 4PM at Staples. All big wigs to attend. Televised live on Fox Sports West with multiple re-broadcasts.
[Reply]
GailWeb Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 2:40 pm
@goldielocks, Hi do you mean a press conference?
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:06 pm
@GailWeb, yes…a presser is slang for a press conference.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:14 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
shoot I thought that is when you had to go no. 2
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
For example: “Hey I’d love to continue this wonderful in-depth conversation, but I feel a presser coming on..”
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
@jess, LOL…yeah that too
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
@jess, I got a turtle head poking out…
GailWeb Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Thanks
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Thanks! I thought for a second that AEG had sold its interest to DryClean USA.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
@jess,
Or, ‘I gotta go cause I’m touchin’ cloth’.
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
@goldielocks,
It ain’t there on FSW.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
@DesertKing,
It will be. Helene Elliott also confirmed it.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
@goldielocks,
Ooops, my bad, I was so excited to see it I went right past the Thursday part
Man it feels good to come home and read about Kings hockey again. hopefully whom ever is in charge of the Insider will get their act together. All good things need a leader and without Rich around it seems as if we are lost. There are plenty of people who could do a good enough job. I would love to be the guy, but I just don’t think my grammar and typing skills are up to par. Also you would have to be somewhat detached from the love of the Kings. To start the blog off with, “We will kick their ass next game” will not be to cool, or “who cares what the other teams coach thinks, we lost because we had a bad game, not because the other team was better” See if I ran this blog site it would be complete madness and no one would want to post. What would you do if YOU, yes YOU had the chance to run this blog site. Would YOU walk around starstruck and just be happy to be traveling with the boys? Would you print the objective thought? Or would you be subjective and only print the pluses of Kings hockey? Would @puck73 please answer the purple phone!!
[Reply]
I am back… How is everyone???
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
@lakingbob(chi),
Hey Bob, welcome back.
Truth is, we’re all just getting back. I got a knock on my door, it was @SHAKES amd he said:
“Hey Jess, we’re getting the band back together..”
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:41 pm
@jess, He told me we’re on a mission from god.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
@CB14, “Cop motor, Cop tires…”
KFII Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
@lakingbob(chi), Ready for hockey, thanks for asking.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:30 pm
@lakingbob(chai), Getting tired of interminable frames of bowling to fill up my nights!
This work stoppage was closer to a strike than I ever got.
[Reply]
Things getting a tad stagnant with this here thread, might be time…
OPE!
-RUN!
-Here come the SKEETERS (!)
[Reply]
Looks like DL is on the move.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
@goldielocks,
We should have fired him last year. Oh, wait, um……….
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
@DesertKing,
The Mapleleafs said no interest for the trade but the Devils, Frames, Red wings, Oilers might be.
[Reply]
michael j Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
@goldielocks,
What trade? The backup?
goldielocks Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 7:35 pm
@michael j,
You can tell by the teams he might deal with, can’t you?
From Twitter
Helene Elliott @helenenothelen
Because Jonathan Quick’s injury occurred before lockout and he wasn’t cleared to play, he was getting paid. Said he owes teammates dinner.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
@Osaka,
Not only is he a great goalie, he is smart too!
[Reply]
Hey speaking of stagnant..
-is the NHL network going to get it together soon or do I have to watch Black Hawks TV and Oil Change for another week?
Game 2 against the blues is on @ 9:00 pm though.
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
@jess, I watched game 1 last night…It was pure joy (again) watching Greener stuff home that shorty that sealed the Blues fate that night. They were to busy pissing and moaning about the penalty call they forgot the game continues once the puck is dropped again.
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Yes! I never get tired of watching the playoff run. The only way I can think of to recapture that joy, is by stomping on @Duncanz famous fluffy unicorn cupcakes with glitter frosting.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 5:28 pm
@jest, If the Insider ever goes offline (heaven forbid) there is definitely a writing internship waiting for you at one of Alex Jones’s respected news outlets (heaven forbid)!
jess Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 5:39 pm
@Duncanz,
I was hoping that would put a smile on your face.
Please let us know what the schedule is going to be. I wonder what the Center Ice package is going to cost. Hopefully FREE!!!
[Reply]
KFII Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 4:48 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, We can wish..LOL
[Reply]
What the f…………
http://www.ocregister.com/video/
Penner in a ducks uniform
[Reply]
Please hire someone who will post on this site!!! With news of the lockout being over, Rich would’ve had 30 stories up by now…
[Reply]
ashykins Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:28 pm
@jgomez, its not over yet
[Reply]
Well it looks like this blog needs a writer. Everyone who was so kind to fill in during the lockout now has their own jobs to do. It will be hard to replace Rich, we all respected him so much. Let’s hope we are not forgotten.
[Reply]
If anyone is a Slayer fan, they have these Slayer/Hockey jerseys!
http://store.slayer.net/shop.cfm/pk/category/ac/detail/cid/406692/prodid/408716
[Reply]
Hmmm … hockey cold war has started?
[Reply]
Just saw on channel seven news our boys
Quick Lewis and others were on ice today
El Segundo practicing what a rush Quick
looks great
Go Kings Go!
Whew finally
[Reply]
Way disappointed in the King’s organization letting this blog just sit for days after the announcement of the season coming. Very disapppointed.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 6:59 pm
@KC23, technically we are still in a lock out…..
Not sure if it was said today but Luc was on KROQ this morning….
[Reply]
jonsey Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 8:38 pm
@KC23, ME too!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:41 pm
@KC23, Fair enough, you said “disappointed”. I’m willing to give them a huge pass on this. No point during a lockout to go thru rounds of interviews and hire someone with nothing to write about. Now that we are playing they will, *eventually* find a replacement for Rich. Unfortunately for one thing, getting the team ready to play in a week has to come first. For another, it’s going to be almost impossible to find someone as talented as Rich and who did so much for us. It sucks big time but I’m not going to hold this one against them.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:59 pm
@HockeyNerd, +1
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:54 am
@HockeyNerd, I’m doubting the people responsible for getting the team ready has anything to do with the people responsible for getting this blog back up running. Rich didn’t just leave when the announcement of the CBA agreement came a few days ago. Rich has been gone for several months now.
There is no excuse that makes a lick of sense.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:58 pm
@KC23, Try this. We lost Rich AND had a lockout that until just DAYS ago looked like it would cost the entire season. You’re going to hire and pay someone to do what exactly? What would have been the point? I’m sure that *now* they are looking at getting a replacement. Now you tell me: if you are a hiring manager do you hire the first person that walks thru the door? Or do you take some time and get the best applicant?
Incidentally thru all this (as nearly everyone here seems to be forgetting) we have been able to post pretty much anything we have wanted to discuss.
Patience.
nice podcast on kings
http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=8825457&s=espn
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:24 am
@tornado12, Excellent podcast, ty for the link!
[Reply]
Wow, getting the love from TSN – 4 Kings made the top 100 of prospective scorers for this season with Richards being the highest ranked prospect at #43. Yep, we keep gaining the respect. Mmmmm hmmm, another year of respect. For sure, we are moving up in the respect market. Oh boy, here comes the respect. Alrighty then, feeling the love and respect out there…………
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:44 pm
@DesertKing, Who were the 4? And why wasn’t Kopitar first? Even if they know he’s hurt still you’d think….
Doesn’t make sense.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:07 pm
@HockeyNerd,
#43 – Richards
#58 – Kopitar
#73 – Williams
#91 – Carter
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:20 pm
@DesertKing, Richards above Kopitar, can you say Canadian bias? What a joke that site is. I’m not trying to talk badly about Mike Richards, but there’s no way he should be ranked above Kopi. In Kopi’s 6 NHL seasons, he has outscored Richards in 5 of them, including the last 3.
And where is Brown? He had better numbers last year than Richards did.
Duncanz Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 11:17 pm
@BC14, True, although if you consider goals, points/TOI MR actually edged him, at least as far as the regular season went.
When you consider that MR was playing markedly less minutes due to nursing both injuries and struggling linemates the coming season’s comparative stats might be expected to be a little different.
Kept intact, conceivably the CPR line would be seriously challenging WilKoBro for supremacy in -/’13.
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:03 am
@DesertKing, So Richards over Kopitar and No Brown at all despite what those 2 did in the playoffs? No Doughty in the top 100? Carter < Williams? (Williams is a more complete player but not anywhere near the offensive threat).
Ummm OK TSN. Whatever. Maybe you should rank the top 25 goalies and leave Quick out…..
Mars Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:14 am
@DesertKing,@HockeyNerd’s last one.
TSN would leave Quick out if they ranked the top 30. Because he is American.
Because we are in LA, not NHL owned, not a Buttman favorite/respected.
I HATE TSN. Sadly that really only leaves me THN
KC23 Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:26 am
@DesertKing, Cracks me up how Canada loves to ignor Brown, yet when Brown trade rumers surfaced last year they were all falling over themselves with the thought they might get Brown (espeically Leaf’s fans).
[Reply]
Spoke to my ticket rep today. Game 1 at home Saturday 19…..Noon or 1 PM on National TV.
So Once again they stick it to us. No Bob / Jim calling the banner raising ceremony WTF????
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
@GUSTAVO, Not that we haven’t gotten the short end of the stick on numerous occasions but come now. National TV has to get SOMETHING. If it had been a different game my guess would be you (or at least someone else) be posting here complaining “we’re the Stanley Cup Champions raising the banner and STILL we can’t get on National TV”. You’re being ridiculous.
[Reply]
GUSTAVO Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:58 pm
@HockeyNerd,
I’d happily trade national tv to have games announced by BM/JF. Never been a whiner about national exposure.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:42 pm
@GUSTAVO,
I have a feeling that Bob will be the Master of Ceremonies for the banner raising and the whole country will get to emjoy his incredible talents.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:45 pm
@DesertKing, Makes perfect sense and we all hope so.
[Reply]
Niko Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:23 am
@DesertKing, He will be, the Mayor posted a great interview with Bob on his site where he mentioned this.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:30 am
@GUSTAVO, Not sure I would call a nationally televised game on a Saturday afternoon “sticking it to us”. I would say quite the opposite actually. I’ll be there in person regardless so it’s all good from my point of view.
[Reply]
Wow who’s driving this Insider ship now? No news? Really?
[Reply]
GUSTAVO Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 9:59 pm
@rontheking,
A ship without a rudder
[Reply]
Yeah… this insider site is quite poor. You’d think that tidbit news would be dribbling out of this place first. Instead…nothing. I have to check twitter and tsn to find out anything Kings.
[Reply]
Ugh…..I missed hockey but, I think I miss Rich more. On to Surly and Scribe. Farewell my droogies.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 8th, 2013 at 10:26 pm
Heavens to Merkintroid! We’re shedding talent faster than Celebrity Apprentice!
Hey @Lake turn the lights out as ya leave, will ya?!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 8:18 am
@Duncanz,
Babe, I love you so
I want you to know
that I’m going to miss your love
the minute you walk out that door
so please don’t go
don’t go, don’t go away
please don’t go
don’t go, I’m begging you to stay
If you live, at least in my life time
I had one dream come true
I was blessed to be loved
by someone as wonderful as you
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 8:33 am
@Lake Forest,
Shouldn’t that have been addressed to @KC23?
Mars Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:07 am
@Harrison Merkin, @the rest of the gang here too!
Surly and Scribe
Mayor’s Manor
Jewels from the crown
Inside the Kings
Where can I keep in touch with you guys just in case we get scattered (forced) to the wind or other choose too?
I am hoping, that they are holding off on a replacement until the new CBA is ratified, just in fear of Buttman throwing his menopause pill bottle at us again and trying to run his policed state, censored league. But if we do not have a new beat reporter soon, my hope will fade.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:00 am
@Mars, Worry not, good man.
This site has been far too popular for the Kings to consider dumping it, though it would be nice if they were a little more communicative re its future continuance, wouldn’t it?
(Sometimes you almost think there is no one from the org actually monitoring here.)
Should anything untoward happen however, I hereby commission the erstwhile @waves to take up the mantle and rejig the mighty ‘Kings Nudes Duly’ for the sake of keeping our itinerant community together.
Lord knows, Pahrump, NV 89048 isn’t getting any bigger in this non rabbit hunting economy we have.
So what say the populace?
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 6:35 am
@Duncanz,
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Mars Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:39 am
@Duncanz, yeah I am hoping once the CBA gets ratified this will kick back into gear here
I am guessing that Bob, Jim, Nick and Daryl are all busy prepping.
I just hope they have someone lined up!
I have faith, just hoping sooner rather than later.
Listened to an espn podcast and there was talk about Mitchell having an injury. Anyone have any details?
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 6:27 am
@KC23,
I read yesterday that he tweaked his knee about a month ago. No other details. I never heard about it to begin with. (Rich, where are you????)
[Reply]
Who cares all this stuff just bring our beloved
Kings on the ice to see to watch and to cry when
our Champs finally get there banner
For now we are still the Champs Stanley Cup Champs
Go Kings Go!
Your real fans will be with you to see the magic
[Reply]
Whoa. This site has become more pathetic than the San Jose Sharks…
So this is Jonathan Bernier’s last season as an LA King. Any ideas as to where he lands? It’ll be a tough deal to make with this lowered salary cap. Had they traded him under the previous CBA, Lombardi may have gotten more ROI. Well it won’t be hard to trade him, it will be challenging to get maximum talent for him. Maybe they go the draft pick route?
If the Leafs don’t land Luongo, I could see him being traded to Toronto. They have no one on the team I’d want that would be involved in the trade.
Maybe he is dealt to the Flames? Bernier can take over once Kiprusoff retires, which isn’t far away. The Kings and Flames have always had a good relationship, and have a few players I wouldn’t mind. That Granlund guy has got some serious talent. Sven Baertschi is their top prospect, but I don’t know if they’d be willing to part ways.
Anyway, lets talk about something relevant and get excited for the upcoming season! I don’t care about the Mighty Ducks movie, I don’t care about the Philadelphia Spectrum, I only care about this upcoming season!
I don’t know when the schedule will be released, but the 19th is when it’s starting. The Clippers play a home game at night, so I can see the Kings having a matineé that day.
I’m going to try my hardest to get out there for the raising of the banner! I didn’t make it to any SCF games in NJ, so I figure I owe it to the organization!
Hope everyone’s having a great 2013 – Go Kings!
ps. With Kopi likely out a couple weeks, this is (in my opinion) Loktionov’s last shot at a roster spot on the Kings. He’ll have about 2-3 weeks to prove he should still be here.
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 9:03 am
@California Royalty,
I’m not sure that I agree with you about Bernier.
I don’t think the new CBA will have any effect on his status or whether we get full value for him.
His future salary demands will have to be in line with what the new cap will be.
His value to another team or the Kings doesn’t change at all.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 10:32 am
@California Royalty,
See the post above. DL’s on the move.
[Reply]
Ashykon Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 10:58 am
@California Royalty, I have this weird feeling devils are his likely trade destination
[Reply]
maybe the Kings are waiting for their press conference tomorrow, when the CBA is officially over, to announce (amongst other things) the blog handover. I’m guessing that if it is the Mayor then he probably wouldn’t wanna be under the Kings banner until the lockout is technically over in order to still interview players (i.e. to not get stuck in the same rut that Rich was in)
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 7:55 am
@Shakes,
“CBA is officially over” = CBA officially ratified
[Reply]
I like how everyone that was not on this blog the last 4 months, their first comment is how horrible this site is.
This is the best it’s been in 4 months with people coming back!
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 8:44 am
@Lake Forest, I’ve been checking this site almost every day since the Kings won the cup. What am I going to comment on?
If you enjoy reading a novel about the Philadelphia Spectrum, then yes, this site is still great.
For anyone interested in relevant Kings/NHL news… not so much.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 9:33 am
@California Royalty, how relevant can we be with a lockout?
[Reply]
Everyone needs to relax about the website. Rich would be the first to tell everyone that it is not about the moderator or the person who posts some stories, rather it is the interaction of die-hard Kings fans that makes the Insider special. Rich has a special talent – he can write a neutral story that prsents different viewpoints and stimulates conversation about those viewpoints. I am going out on a limb here, but most of us on this site can pretty much do this on our own now that Rich has trained us. Once we have a schedule, once we have a banner raised, once we are into the season, then I expect to see the Kings and Luc pick someone really great to oversee this website. The Insider blog took care of itself and stayed in existence while the lock-out was in effect and can hang a little longer while the importance of winning a second Stanley Cup takes priority.It is our blog and we are what make it so special. In fact, I would venture to say that based upon some organizational actions last season, actions that were suggested on this blog, people in the Kings administration are reading this blog and taking notes, so we need to keep providing them with suggestions to improve our team. We, as Kings fans, are at the top of the hockey world right. Relax and enjoy the view. By the way, Bettman still sucks and he can’t fire us or tell us what to do.
[Reply]
California Royalty Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 8:50 am
@DesertKing, For sure. But there have been zero posts about; the final days of the lockout, the lockout actually ending, Kopitar’s injury, what may happen to Bernier, etc.
Who cares about arenas that no longer exist. To make it more painful, each article is a fifteen page scroll. I know there is not much to talk about when a lockout is going on, but at least keep it relevant and update as meetings were scheduled/progress was made, etc.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 9:16 am
@California Royalty, unfortunately this website was just following the lockout silence rules placed by the NHL. and technically the lockout is not over until the board of governors vote on it this weekend. i suspect once that happens, the lockout will be officially over, then we will see posts on here regarding training camp which should open Sunday. you cant blame the website, they cant talk about the lockout and cant talk about players or their injuries or trade speculation until its officially over.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
@DesertKing, Exactly and thank you! I am not understanding all this whining either. Whatever we have wanted to post about — the passing of David Courtney, the Lockout and idiocy of those who let it happen, what the team should or shouldn’t do with the roster — we have been able to all along. Given that last statement, seriously what is everybody’s problem? That a story about a movie or old rink appears on top? Or that you have to scroll down a little? Honestly, give me a break!!!!!!
[Reply]
GailWeb Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
@DesertKing, Here here +1
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 10:19 pm
@DesertKing, Well said, lad.
[Reply]
On the brighter side of things – Jamie Kompon is now employed by the Chicago Blackhawks.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 8:55 am
Q@Michael J.,
+11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111.5
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 9:11 am
@DesertKing,
I thought that might get your attention
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:41 am
@Michael J.,
Lake Forest Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 9:41 am
@Michael J., Who’s going to help with our PP?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 10:40 am
@Lake Forest,
My guess is Andy Murray. The Kings seem to be focusing a lot of their media attention on him lately.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:33 am
@Michael J., nice reply I like it!
More good news-
Bob McKenzie@TSNBobMcKenzie
Toronto Maple Leafs have apparently fired Brian Burke as general manager. Working on official confirmations.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:27 am
@Michael J.,
Although they firmly denied, Luongo factor was the part of the reason because there’s no other reason as to why now.
[Reply]
Cant wait till Andy Murrays ugly mug is buried in new threads that pertain to KINGS Hockey. Vote on the damn CBA and sign the friggin thing already so we can have fresh material to argue/debate about! Im gettin antsy….
[Reply]
Really? So this site is pretty much dead now? No updates on the Kings… Guess we have to get our Kings news somewhere else…
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:13 am
@Jstin,
Patience grasshopper. Lockout just ended and it takes time to get an organization with a lot of moving parts back up to speed. good things come to those who wait.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:22 am
@Jstin, come back on saturday afternoon when the lockout officially ends
[Reply]
So players now get a private hotel room on the road cept rookies. Oh, and Dean Lombardi and scouts stay in the motel room.
[Reply]
Thanks Bob, Jim, Nick and Darryl for sharing your experiences and stories. The lock out was hell for all of us fans, I Imagine it must have been even worse for those integrally involved with the Kings. Sounds like you will be busy with meetings and preparing for the season from this point forward, so just wanted to say I appreciated your efforts to keep this blog alive. The Kings could just as easily have scratched it completely, so thank you. Looking forward to the return of actual Kings news and an epic opening ceremony! LGMFK!!
[Reply]
Has anyone else been able to confirm the first home game will be Sat 19 at noon or 1:00 PM?
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 11:50 am
@GUSTAVO, i think Helene Elliot confirmed it via twitter.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@GUSTAVO,
Absolutely nothing has been confirmed yet. The owners vote Thursday and the players will vote Friday and Saturday…..to ratify the CBA.
Any leak of scheduling may still be changed until the official schedule is released by the NHL. Everyone is still operating under the lockout, officially, until the CBA is fully ratified.
Yes, it’s very probable, but you cannot use the word confirmed yet. You may, but remember, I warned you.
[Reply]
Can we get a petition/collection/beg Rich to come back? sigh
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
@Goring 19, Do we still have the cap space?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
@Goring 19,
I’ve already emailed him and pleaded on Twitter.
Can we bribe him?
[Reply]
I can’t see myself leaving this site to get my updated Kings news, but really something has to be done. Look I would glad leave Salt Lake and become the lead writer for this here blog site, but that would never happen, due to my favoritism towards the Kings. Thing is with Rich he was very objective and gave us the facts. We are the one’s who act wild and go off on crazy tantrums. Please if anything get off your chairs and hire someone to cover the Insider. For many of us this is a family. Over the years we all have come to know each other on so many different levels. We have cried, fought, and won the championship together. To leave us now would be a sin. Time to put a new story line up so we can all start our bickering. Please no more Andy Murray. Dude was cool and all but enough is enough.
[Reply]
IN King (formerly AZ King) Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
I’m right there with you. I keep coming back here hoping to get some news ab out whats going on now that the lockout is over, but I’m starting to think that it’s time to go elsewhere. Even when someone new is hired it still wont be the same around here without Rich running things.
Like you said this place is family though, and I’m sure I’ll never be able to get too far away.
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Hang it there. I am sure articles will be posted starting Saturday or Sunday. The players have to ratify the CBA first. Anybody who works for this blog works for the Kings. Anybody who works for the Kings works for the NHL. NHL employees cannot comment until the CBA is ratified. Just a couple more days.
[Reply]
it’s a great day for a hockey game…let’s play two…(!)
[Reply]
Maybe Jeremy Roenick could take over as the “Insider”? (please give a couple of minutes to reach the bomb shelter before replying)
[Reply]
IN King Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
@DesertKing,
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
@DesertKing,
Hahaha. I was already swearing before I finished reading the sentence….
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
@DesertKing,
Oh. Hell. No.
^..^
[Reply]
The best way to defend the Cup is to act like you’ve never won it before.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 12:50 pm
@KOHO,
I think the thought should be:
Look, we won the Cup playing a full season.
Look, we won the Cup as an 8th seed. (never been done before)
Look, let’s win the Cup in a short season – and back to back. (never been done before)
Look, we can relax next summer.
[Reply]
When are they going to start updating this site with important information??
[Reply]
Niko Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
@jp, I’m guessing when the lockout is officially over. With everyone returning to their responsibilities, I doubt Bob or Jim will have any time to write for LAKI.
[Reply]
I can vork for this side , but i no tiping very fast ,but i love my KINGS . GO KINGS GO.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
@vladimir,
“photon turpedows ar armeded captain and tageted on the enewy wessel”. I think we have the perfect job for you…….
[Reply]
jess Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
@DesertKing,
eat ess fonz to writes fortheese kings peoples!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
@vladimir,
Checkov……..is that you?
[Reply]
InTheCrease Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 10:22 pm
@Kingsfanone, Nyet. It is I, Igor.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:48 pm
^0 <|@^^^€<| <o^^^^!€s !!!
[Reply]
NHL board completes review of CBA approves the new Document. Done deal. But players haven’t ratified the deal yet. They’re expected to hold their vote Thursday-Friday.
[Reply]
Who should run this blog? Someone from the media corp. Someone professional. No personal attachment to the organization or fans. All he cares is the fact, fact only kind of guy. Come to think of it, Rich was exactly the guy like that. I hope they will find the right guy, Rich 2.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@goldielocks, Maybe a ex-marketing guy from Munters, or an old farmer who knows a cornfield or two.
maybe poorman! I mean sure it would be 8 posts about bernier between the kings posts, but whatever! At least we would know the color of berniers eyes!
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goldielocks Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
@Lake Forest,
Hehe, yeah and he’s gonna ban everyone who says anything good about Quick!
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over 500 posts….we the posters are here….this site is like a team…its bigger then any one individual…once camp is on and a new blogger is hired…the band will be back together..just with a different manager….
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King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
@neil, Pick me, Pick me!! I’ll do the job, Pick me!!
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InTheCrease Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 10:25 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Nyet. They must pick me, Igor.
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Wish hockey hurry up and start!
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Helene reports its Kings vs. Hawks Jan 19 in afternoon.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-nhl-ratifies-labor-deal-20130109,0,3166409.story
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Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
@Michael Jacko, Niceee.
Jamie’s revenge, a dish best served icy cold?
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goldielocks Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
@Duncanz,
We can read his lips to know what their plan is. He doesn’t have many vocabularies when it comes to PP.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
@goldielocks, “Find the seams”, “Get pucks to the net”, “Jordy, you don’t go forward there, you retreat”
what a relief…
we all can start talking about line combos in lieu of willie’s and anze’s injuries…
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Next will be an article on Terry Murray, “The making of a Stanley Cup coach!”
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how is the headless Snake today?
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About goalie.
We all know Quick is our #1 goalie. In the upcoming short season, should we let Bernier to play 33%? That means Quick plays 2 games, then let Bernier to play one. Or should we trade him to upgrade our team?
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:55 pm
@zdfun, We need to keep him I think. No need for a trade so why use him now. with the short season it’s goign to be 6 months of play off type games. plus the season, i am assuming, will add more games per week, therefore it’s very important to have a good back up.
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goldielocks Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:41 pm
@Lake Forest,
The thing is, DL is a kind of guy if any player wants to be traded, he would do so because he doesn’t want any unmotivated guy in the locker room. Some sources hinted that DL is now trying to move some guys including the player in question. And interesting enough, what happened today is that King, Nolan, and Voynov are all on their way for the training camp except Lokti. We’ll see how this is going to develop but something tells me that some moves might be made before the season opener or possibly the camp.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
@goldielocks, Cap slash dictates; offload early, download draft picks.
Osaka Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
@Duncanz Cap slash? The Kings are 7.8 mil under the cap, Bernier makes 1.2. What NHL experienced backup can you get for less than that?
Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
@0 sake, Martin Jones?
Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
I was more looking at some of our skaters, not Bernier.
Some depth guys that haven’t created a major impression are going to be making way for picks at some point.
Osaka Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
@Duncanz Martin Jones has 0 NHL games to his credit. Every year NHL teams overpay to pick up spare parts from Stanley Cup winning teams, it time teams overpay for some Kings castoffs. Although, I can only see DL adding a player (with the large cap space we have) not getting rid of anybody. Next year when the cap comes down we have even more space with 7 mil of Penner and Gagne coming off the books. We will need to resign Voynov but he is the biggest name. Maybe Scuds. DL has worked the cap well though, kings are in good shape.
LA could take a big cap hit from another team (short term) to give that team relief and pick up a pick or prospect and compensation.
Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:32 pm
@0 sake, This is all true. Problem is keeping JB satisfied and keeping him in the fold (he’s got his career to think about too, of course) and yet not shorting Quicker games and then he goes off the boil.
As ideal as this partnership appears on the face of it, it may not be sustainable.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:47 pm
@Duncanz
@Osaka
I missed you two.
Osaka Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
@Blarney!
It’s like the Blues Brothers “we’re getting the band back together”.
Osaka Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
@zdfun, In a 48 game season Quick needs to play 46-43 games, no time to showcase Bernier. However, quick is recovering from back surgery so a good back up is more important now than ever. I don’t see Bernier going anywhere until the season is over.
This season is a sprint. This is playoff hockey from game one.
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DesertKing Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:03 pm
@zdfun,
I think we should wait to play Bernier only after Quick gets 3 shutouts in a row.
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Newsflash – “@Puck73 Sends Text Indicating Leafs Failed To Win The Cup In 2013 – Burke Fired”
How much power do the A Kings Insiders have? Apparently enough to affect hockey operations in the Mecca of Hockey, Toronto. During the preceeding year, LA Kings Insiders were known to post suggestions for La Kings operations. Many of those suggestions were followed, including the dismantling and removal of the Kings Castle entry at Staples Center. The Kings went on to win their first Stanley Cup. Now a long time Kings Insider, @Puck73, has sent out a text indicating that before the first game of the 2013 season has been played, the Leafs have failed to win the Stanley Cup for the season. In an earth shattering move that took many hockey experts by surprise, the Leafs fired General Manager Brian Burke, who many believed was an “untouchable” in the sport after helping the Anaheim Ducks, who have no business even being a hockey team, perform a miracle and win the Cup in 2007.This reporter called the Leafs front office, and when asked if there was any connection between the @Puck73 text and Burke’s firing, the only comment was “No comment.” Many Kings Insiders are hoping their power will lead to the removal of Gary Bettman as NHL Commissioner. Their power was also shown following the removal of Terry Murray at the mid-point of the 2012 season following a barrage of posts calling for his removal. Prior to Burke, the Insiders were instrumental in removing former Kings video guru Jamie Kompon, also a frequent target of Insiders suggestions. The NHL, fearing the growing power of the Insiders, forced their leader, Rich Hammond, into exile in Orange County, but that move has obviously failed, causing the Insiders to become more rebellious and causing Rich Hammond to become a martyr for freedom and the fans. One Insider, who requested to remain anonymous, stated that the Insiders would continue to use their power until certain conditions were met, such as more ice time for the Insiders after games, nachos with more cheese, a 2 cent reduction in beer prices, and the continual firing of Kompon. A second anonymous Insider provided a deeper reflection, stating “Yeah, what he said, and bus service to Staples from Pahrump!” Clearly this will be a developing story that will need further follow-up as the LA Kings Insiders exercise their power of suggestion.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
@DessertKing, Those pesky anonymous varmints!
Mmm, bus service …
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
@DesertKing,
Wait. Was the nachos reference a giveaway?
The funny thing is the timing of puck’s text and then Burke gets fired out of the blue!
These damn pesky Insiders! Next thing you know, there’ll be a Rich Hammond post. Scary!
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Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
@Kingsfiendone, (don’t tell anyone, only @Dessert knows, I’ve been writing pseudononymously all this time. bettman sucks, fight on!)
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DesertKing Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:53 pm
@Duncanz,
Ah, another member of the “BS” (Bettman Sucks) club. WE NEED T-SHIRTS!
Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:04 pm
@Dessert, I think a simple, “Thanks A Lot Gary!” above a picture of his smiling mug.
League people would take it as gratitude and be ok, whereas the fans would all pick up on the irony.
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@Duncan Donuts,
Did you say pseudononymouslyness? Can I buy a vowel?
Forum Gold Reply:
January 10th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
@Duncanz, pseudononymously. Really. Please keep this site within the box that I check off on the forms I fill out-some college. Thanks. GO KINGS GO!!!
Dave Joseph of ESPN LA to replace our beloved David Cortney. Wishing him the best. GO KINGS GO!!!
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Forum Gold Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 3:26 pm
@Forum Gold, Courtney.
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GailWeb Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
@Forum Gold, Best of luck, hard postion to fill we loved
David Courtney RIP
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Mars Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 10:11 pm
@Forum Gold,
I still think they should use DC’s voice for first call. At least this season, or at the dead minimum, the first game.
I have heard him doing it for 24 of my 35 years.
I am not a man of tradition or superstition.
I accept change well, and roll with the punches.
I have an EF it mentality, don’t get pissed too much really either. Only things of wrong doing or are my passion.
But this one, I am kind of bummed about. I am really going to miss his call.
I worry about Bob too, (Jim, Nick and Daryl also, but they seem younger and healthier)
I dont want too much to change.
Also (for trying to make this more upbeat and less sad, yeah I mask my sadness with humor too) bring back Heidi.
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Forum Gold Reply:
January 10th, 2013 at 7:39 am
@Mars, Excellent post. I am almost twice your age and have also learned to accept and expect change but I also love tradition so the loss of our original crown still bothers this old guy. I am sooooooo ready to get Kings hockey back into my life. GO KINGS GO!!!
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The natives are getting restless eh! A couple more days ladies and gents and I am sure they will start posting articles here again. Just need the players to ratify the new CBA. Probably Saturday or Sunday things will get going again.
The Kings will have a press conference streamed live Thursday at 4:00 PM on their website as well as broadcast of Fox Sports West. TL, DL, and Sutter are scheduled to speak and will be hosted by Bob Miller. I guess there is a chance we can see updates here after that but my guess is not until the players ratify the CBA.
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GailWeb Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:14 pm
@Osaka, Cool
Go Kings Go!
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CB14 Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
@Osaka, I don’t blame them, i’m getting a little restless myself. I wasn’t expecting the Kings to hire someone to run the Insider during the lockout, and I realize that it will take some time to hire someone now that they know there will be a season, but there needs to be something written from someone with regards to the lockout potentially ending. The Kings have people who write for lakings.com, use them.
Have Jim or Daryl, or anyone for that matter, go down to the TSC and write an article about who they see skating together. They don’t need to speak to them, which is still a no no, just report on what they see. It’s not illegal to talk about the lockout, Luc was on KROQ yesterday morning talking about it. There just needs to be SOMETHING on here to show people that Bob, Jim, Daryl, and Nick didn’t write their articles 4 months ago and this website has been on auto pilot since then.
Heck, have someone go on the players twitter accounts and report on where they are at. Are Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar back in LA yet? Have the Kings players in Manchester left yet, or been taken out of the line-up?
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Osaka Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
@CB14, Maybe the Kings are unavailing a new site here shortly. If they don’t have coverage here by the time training camp opens then they really dropped the ball. I can just give them a few days until then.
I am interested to see what players from Manchester will be invited to the shortened camp. Will Toffoli, Pearson, and Vey be invited? That would destroy Manchester’s offense. Will be interesting.
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Osaka Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:16 pm
@Osaka, The should be unveiling
Osaka Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:16 pm
@Osaka, That
CB14 Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:23 pm
@Osaka, With such a short training camp I doubt they would bring all of those guys. Mabye Toffoli since it seems like he has the most upside.
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
@Osaka, I suggest the Kings should franchise the blog out to Rich personally or to the OC Register. It’s a Win-Win as far as I can see. We get a competent leader and he gets to smack talk the NHL all he wants without repercussions!
BREAKING NEWS: KINGS TO BE SOLD AND MOVED TO SEATTLE.
Someone alert Channel 11!!!
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GailWeb Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
@Duncanz, basketball that is
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Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:32 pm
@GailWeb, Don’t tell Ch 11, you’ll spoil their scoop!
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GailWeb Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:13 pm
@Duncanz, ok no problem
Lake Forest Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 4:58 pm
@Duncanz, Damn, just when i was about to get my Brad Boty and Anje Kopidor jerseys
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Duncanz Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:13 pm
@Lint Fastest, I suggest a (Marcus) Thornton jersey.
Then in any case you could wear it when your secret favorite team comes into town!
#chopchop
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
@Duncanz, oh that was cold…..
variable Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:17 pm
@Duncanz,
ahhhh….
you gotta love fox…
they might as well be on another planet because they report the news like they are on one…
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maybe if all goes well during the first few weeks of the season, maybe we can arrange a blogger’s day to see a game…
it doesn’t necessarily needs to be a suite…but if we do get enough peeps involved, maybe we can pool our money and reserve one …
we might as well put together our own get-together days..
if anyone is interested, let me know and we can start to get the puck dancing…(!)
thanks…:)
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 7:13 pm
@variable,
Wait…….puck73 dances? Naaawwww……
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variable Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
@Kingsfanone,
he can do a wicked frug…:)
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I am soooooooo excited to finally see some hockey soon. Looks like Deano will be doing the “I am really sorry” speech today at 4, let’s hope that includes some cheap tickets!
Any talk of a get together for this season to celebrate?
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Just spotted Rich the hammer Hammond at the presser.. Come back? Come…back? Please….Come back..
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