A day after the Kings opened their abbreviated training camp before overflowing bleachers and a robust contingent of a couple dozen media members, the numbers at the Toyota Training Center dwindled on Day Two.
With about 25 fans looking on and a press corps reduced to dozen media members, the Kings went to work minus much of the previous day’s hype on a chilly Monday morning in El Segundo.
There were, however, a couple of big additions on the ice.
Newly acquired Anthony Stewart participated in drills and Anze Kopitar skated with associate coach Bernie Nicholls after practice. Kopitar, who has not yet been cleared to practice, was testing the knee he injured while playing in Sweden and getting accustomed to wearing a brace for the first time in his career.
“I didn’t really know what to expect,” Kopitar said. “But it felt good. We’ll see, day-by-day, how it progresses.”
Kopitar, who took passes from Nicholls and shot pucks into a wide-open net on an empty sheet of ice, did not appear to be hampered by the injury but said he is still not at 100 percent.
“I didn’t go all out right off the hop,” Kopitar said. “I wanted to pretty much just get the turns in and the crossovers. I was curious to explore the turns, the pivots. I didn’t have any problems. There is a little discomfort, but I honestly thought it would be worse.”
As for the custom brace he was fitted for yesterday, Kopitar admitted that will “take a little getting used to.”
Stewart, who arrived from Carolina in yesterday’s deal for Kevin Westgarth, is ready to shake off the surprise of being dealt on the first day of camp and move forward with his new team.
“Whenever you get traded, it’s a bit of a surprise,” Stewart said. “But Carolina, not making the playoffs last year, has a lot of young guys coming up. The GM mentioned that there would be six-or-seven guys from the minors making the team. Me being one of the third or fourth line guys, I sort of saw myself on the outside looking in.”
Stewart is happy to be landing in Los Angeles, where he is familiar with many of his new teammates and eager to be one of the players on the inside looking out.
“There is not better team to get traded to than the Stanley Cup champions,” Stewart said. “It’s a system that fits my strengths, being a big body that can skate. I know a bunch of the guys. I played World Juniors with Richie (Mike Richards) and Carts (Jeff Carter). I know (Drew) Doughty from back in Toronto. I played with (Colin) Fraser, and I know (Brad) Richardson, so it’s not like there are a lot of strangers in the room. I am grateful for the opportunity and I am not here just to be a warm body. I want to be an impact player as soon as possible.”
Stewart then gave reporters a brief synopsis of his skill set.
“I am a power forward,” he said. “I like to play along the wall and I got some speed to my game, also, so I can beat a defenseman wide and crash the net.”
Coach Darryl Sutter said it was good to see Stewart on the ice, but stressed he will be in a battle for ice time.
“He is competing with three or four other guys that everybody assumes are in our lineup for the same position,” Sutter said. “You can’t play them all. We have a 23-man roster and can only dress 18 skaters.”
CAPTAIN’S LOG
Dustin Brown stayed active during the lockout by playing in Zurich, Switzerland. Brown said he enjoyed the Swiss lifestyle and his time in Europe was a good experience for his family. More importantly, he said the two months he played in the Swiss League have him in game shape.
“I think it’s different for everyone,” Brown said. “But for me, it just feels like we had a five-or-six day break between games because I have been playing for two months in Switzerland. For some players who haven’t been playing any games this year, it might feel a little different because it’s their first real practice.”
Regardless, the Kings’ captain stressed the importance of making the most the week of practice before Saturday’s noon opener vs. Chicago at STAPLES Center.
“We only have three or four practices to get ready for Saturday,” Brown said, “so it’s important to stay focused on the practice and get what we need to get done.”
STILL THE SAME
Jonathan Quick has seen his individual profile and that of his team rise significantly since last spring’s Stanley Cup triumph. Still, the soft-spoken goaltender from Connecticut says his approach in taking the ice as the hunted will no different than doing so as the hunter.
“You just play hockey,” Quick said.
While Quick admits to looking forward to Saturday’s ceremony honoring the Stanley Cup champs before the season opener, he says once the banner is raised to the STAPLES Center rafters, he won’t even notice it.
“You’ve got to put last year behind you,” Quick said. “Obviously we will relive it a little before our opening game when they raise the banner. That will be pretty special for everyone in here. Right after that, we will snap right out of it and be focused on Game 1 of 48. You are focused on winning a certain amount to be one of the 16 teams that makes the playoffs.”
Like everyone else, Quick despised the lockout. But he believes the resultant 48-game schedule will make for intensely watchable hockey.
“It’s going to make it a little more exciting for the fans and more fun for the players,” Quick said. “With every game meaning so much, you can’t take a night off. Whoever gets the chemistry going first and gets off to a good start will be sitting a little better than most other teams.”
Quick reiterated that his back feels fine after off-season surgery, but said the truncated schedule will necessitate monitoring his workload between games.
“I feel good,” Quick said. “Now it’s all about preparing for Saturday and getting the work load that you need. I don’t want to do too much because we are playing more games per week, so you have to be able to manage yourself in practice.”
WORD’S EYE VIEW
Among the media members on hand at the Toyota Training Center in El Segundo were the Kings’ TV broadcast team of Bob Miller and Jim Fox. The duo’s call of the Kings’ Game 6 Stanley Cup winning win from June 11 can be heard as part of a DVD included in a book commemorating the Kings’ historic run last spring.
Miller said he knew what he would say when the final horn sounded and the Kings’ claimed their first Cup.
“I had it written down, the same way I had it written down when Wayne Gretzky passed Gordie Howe to become the NHL’s all-time scoring leader,” Miller said of his call. “I knew it would be so emotional with the Kings finally winning the Stanley Cup and I didn’t trust my emotions.”
Fox said he had only one objective as he prepared to call the Kings’ Cup clinching victory.
“The one thing in my mind was not to do my normal thing and instead let Bob carry the call,” Fox said. “That’s what fans wanted to hear. The last game was very simple because we had such a big lead. If it had been close, I would have needed to talk strategy, but the way it ended, I was able to let Bob handle the call.”
Miller says his day with the Cup came on June 26th and he had four hours with the greatest trophy in sports. Originally, Miller had planned on an intimate affair at his house, but when his guest list ballooned to 180, he booked a room at Braemar Country Club in Tarzana. “Everyone asked, ‘Can I bring my mom and dad?’” Miller said, adding that it’s impossible to say no when it comes to the Stanley Cup. Among the disparate group of attendees was Miller’s UPS deliveryman. “He’s a huge Kings’ fan,” Miller said. “He stops just to talk hockey, even if he doesn’t have a delivery.”
In all, Miller said he attended 14 different Stanley Cup parties over the summer.
“It never got old, seeing the joy on people’s faces when they see the Cup. They were overjoyed to see, touch, and take a photo with it.”
Mitchell is out indefinately according to DS not week to week. I would try to sign Sean O’Donnell he knows our Defensive structure. While I don’t make him a top 4 he is a great PK guy and can be a good # 5 D-man. We would only need him to fill in for a month then trade him to an Eastern Conference team that realizes they are a train wreck on D as we still remain a top 5 D in the NHL. Are we could just bring up one of our prospects. Andrew Bondarchuk, Thomas Hickey, Jake Muzzin, or Nick Desaularies and can ride the 3 man scratch bench as DD2 plays the 6 D spot as he has capably done so many times in the past. It will be interesting to see if a prospect actually does get playing time with every game being important in a shortened 48 game schedule.
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2013/1/14/3874196/injury-report-willie-mitchell-knee-surgery-setback-kopitar-skates-2013-kings
That said I believe Mitchell is one of the best Shutdown D-men in the NHL.
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luc20rules Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 6:46 pm
@luc20rules, We could also have OD sit as insurance once Mitchell gets healthy as insurance for a shutdown D-man getting hurt (Greene, Mitchell, or Scuds). In this short condensed season it may be a good insurance policy with Chicago in 93-94 DS had to use 21 Forwards, 11 D-man and 3 Goalies. That sounds like a injury riddled season.
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JackKentCooke Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
@luc20rules,
Maybe we could trade for Westgarth. After one practice, Carolina may be ready to deal.
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CB14 Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:06 pm
@luc20rules, I’m not sure about O’Donnell. He can’t play top 4 minutes anymore, so that would mean he would play with Greene, which would quite possibly be the slowest defensive pairing in the history of the NHL. And I say that with love for both O’Donnell and Greene.
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luc20rules Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
@CB14, Your right about that. I didn’t notice he was a -6 and only played 13:30 mins/game for Chi last year. Best route is to give DD2 the spot, then give a prospect a shot if DD2 doesn’t workout.
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KC23 Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:18 pm
@luc20rules, Nah, DD2 can fill in just fine. OD just doesn’t have the wheels for it any more.
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SDGolfer Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 11:00 pm
@luc20rules, if you want dinosaurs on D, lets get Jay Wells or Larry Murphy
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Kings20 Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 11:36 pm
@luc20rules, We do not to sign anybody. We have enough talent to do the job. Would love to see if Cambell can do it.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:14 am
@luc20rules,
Total tangent here…
Anyone here live in Denver and going to the Kings/Avs game on tuesday? I’m going there for business and am thinking about going to the game. I’d rather sit near kings fans than just be on my own.
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ColoKings8 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
@FKA PakiFro, I will be there with my wife and brother, sitting in section 116 I believe
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ColoKings8 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 12:15 pm
@ColoKings8, I’ll be wearing my black Lewie jersey and ky bro will be wearing a yellow brown jersey
FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 4:25 pm
@ColoKings8,
Great! Stubhub has tix for about 50 bucks in that section. Much cheaper than staples center.
Hopefully i’m able to make it
ColoKings8 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 7:50 pm
@ColoKings8, that’s where I get my tickets from, hope to see u there
Jzager-you write well. Is this an audition? Did you pen yesterday’s well written entry as well? It seemed to have a very similar voice.
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jp Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:12 pm
@JackKentCooke, I’m fairly that the “LAKings.com”-authored posts are written by the Director of Digital Media and @LAKings Twitter mastermind, Dewayne Hankins. Though, I suppose it’s possible that blogger hired for this site would report to Hankins and perhaps these are auditions.
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Cant wait for Saturday!
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Among the disparate group of attendees was Miller’s UPS deliveryman. “He’s a huge Kings’ fan,” Miller said. “He stops just to talk hockey, even if he doesn’t have a delivery.”
Of course Bob is such an awesome dude he takes the extra time to talk to his UPS delivery driver about the Kings.
Like the article, and the updates with player interviews that Bettman had banned.
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Hickey waived? Thoughts?
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luc20rules Reply:
January 16th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@bryanagee, Not waived exposed to waivers as the Kings attempted to send him to AHL Manchester to get under NHL scaled down roster step.
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OMG, the Kings are playing……. the Kings?
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Bernier’s new mask is wicked!
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king lopez Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:37 pm
@DesertKing, do you have a pic?
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DesertKing Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
@king lopez,
Nope, just saw it on TV during the televised practice.
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KC23 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 7:53 am
@DesertKing, Really? I thought it looked very vanila, especially compared to last years masterpiece.
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:19 am
@KC23,
Last year’s was a masterpiece but didn’t match the uniforms. The new mask matches both “new” uniforms perfectly.
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Kenny44 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:25 pm
@DesertKing, the lion mask was awesome and mystical. The new one looks like a Happy Meal toy.
goldielocks Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:36 am
@DesertKing,
Someone said it’s a practice mask.
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Luc, What color is your hair tonight? Lose a bet, eh? Don’t fight age and dye your do.
Unless your wife, says so. (just like AEG) gKg!
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Did they actually SELL tickets to practice? Was I reading that right from earlier?
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DesertKing Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 7:59 pm
@California Royalty,
They were free, but you had to get them through the regular ticket service. They did the same thing for the “effin” Stanley Cup rally. Quick was so funny that day.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
@California Royalty,
Hey Kevin. No, tix were free, but they had to go online on Ticketmaster to sign up for them. Then download and print like regular tix. They may have been protecting from getting 100, 000 people showing up and having to turn away people.
Hope that explains it!
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jp Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
@California Royalty, Tickets to Staples tonight were available via Ticketmaster, but they were, in fact, free of charge. Concessions were also 50% off to fans in attendance.
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Kenny44 Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
@jp,
“Practice beers”. I love it!
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California Royalty Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 7:18 am
@California Royalty, Haha oh okay. I was going to lose my mind if they SOLD tickets to a practice, coming off a lockout! Haha
Hope all enjoyed. To say I’m jealous is a huge understatement.
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I am worried that DS will overplay Quick and he might re-injur his back. The schedule is just so condensed and when fatigue hits is when injury happens. Then again, Quick did what he did last year while playing with the disc herniation. Begs the question- could he possibly have done better with a good back? hmmmmmm….
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
@tornado12,
Answer……yes, he may have been better! Scary!
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luc20rules Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
@tornado12, Don’t forget it was herniated so badly that a sac had formed. The word with Quick is “Competitor” he just battles until he wins. He takes responsibility for everything, the Kings in the TM period only averages a stretch of 1.3 goals a game for like 10 games and Quick will do interviews and say he is responsible for a loss where he shutout the other team, but lost the shootout. I believe this made every King want to win and give Quick a margin for victory. There is wanting to win, and there is a almost crazed disregard for personal safety, or willingness to take a bullet for someone. I think that type of bond that has been made on this team. My proof is that Kings players skated in front of Mike Smith’s Crease after Brown got slashed.
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g smith86 Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
@luc20rules, quick is sick!…a straight-up, no s&*# guy who can bring it every night…NHL network predictions already in…and no one on that channel has the Kings winning it this year…R U Freaken Kidding Me!!! It’s like they didn’t just watch the Kings roll over everybody on the way to the cup…did they forget? Did they not see Quick s performance every night…win or lose..I think he might have let in two questionable goals throughout the entire playoffs…and with the team finally scoring after a horrible offensive regular season, it seemed like a cake-walk to the cup, but NOOOO!…The NHL network dweebs are picking Boston and New York and Philly and Vancouver…VANCOUVER??!!! The Sedin Sisters?!!…WHATEVER! Pick who you like(you cast of nobodies and neverwas(es))I’ll stick with the Kings…here’s hoping the Kings stick it to the rest of the league!!!!
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DesertKing Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
@g smith86,
Kings suck. Ask any hockey expert. Since they are all from Canada or the east coast, they are wayyyyyy smarter than us simple west coast MOrons. I’m picking Ottawa since they are a hockey team, they are from Canada, and they picked themselves
luc20rules Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:34 pm
@g smith86, Remember you are talking about the NHL network that just rolls re-runs from 11 PM ET to 9 AM ET. The last live broadcast on that station is the wrap-up show ends at 8 PM PT. Geez that means they may be covering the or have highlights from what the first 10 game mins from a 7:30 PM start?
KC23 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 7:59 am
@g smith86, Bottom line is no one believes Quick can continue to be that good for an extended period of time. History would support that notion as well. Unlikely the Kings can stay as healthy as they did last year going through the playoffs. Starting the year without our best forward and arguably without our best defenseman also raises serious questions.
If my life depended on picking the cup winner I wouldn’t pick the Kings either at this moment in time. I think both Vancouver and NY have a better shot at the cup right now than we do. That being said, there is no way Chicago and Detroit should be picked ahead of the Kings.
luc20rules Reply:
January 16th, 2013 at 8:08 pm
@KC23, NYR should roll, but Vancouver CanSucks are going to be without Kesler for the first 2 months of the season. And lost Pahlsson to UFA in the summer. So up the middle they will be Sedin 1 then #4-6 centers in their system.
Mars Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 12:08 am
@tornado12, He is MONSTER!
A few years ago, I herniated 3 discs and was in so much pain I was unable to stand up straight. I didnt notice it until I made it to the doctor/PT and a chiropractor. Granted I was not even a candidate for surgery; I can only image the pain quick was going through.
There were countless moments where I would move and suddenly I would just lock up in pain and out of my control.
I have no clue how he did it.
Again; MONSTER!
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I know Rich Hammond is a real journalist and all, but it seems like he had a good gig going here…of the many problems the lock-out caused us as fans, losing Rich to a newspaper, might be the hardest blow to us core fans…I have to think that if the lock-out wasn’t looming last year, or if it didn’t happen at all, that Rich would still be here. Sure, he is an excellent journalist, but newspapers are a thing of the past…I guess he wanted to do what he was born to do…and for that, I respect him and will read his reports in that paper…
I guess I am just sad because the SC Champs who had the best blog in the land lost their leader…
PS…no disrespect to whomever is preparing the content currently…we have been told it is temporary and that a hiring process is taking place…with that in mind the reports are good and I thank you…
PPS Please find someone who understood the Kings fans and the blog as well as Rich did…It will be a difficult task because Rich was uncanny with the ability to set the table for the blog…thanks
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Mars Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 12:13 am
@g smith86, While he did an amazing job and I beleive he enjoyed what he did. It was not his love; rather he didnt love Hockey and the Kings like we do. (no disrespect)
I can only imagine how much better his future articles will be, reporting for his Alma matter, being an alumni and a sports he truly loves.
That said, I hope we can find a writer that has the talent and the love for the kings.
Again adding; the Kings know talent and the fan base. I have faith in them.
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BluLiner Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:10 am
@Mars,
One of the main reasons I trusted Rich’s content was because he was not a Kings fan. I do not want a PR guy running the blog and we do not need to see articles that only show the bright side of things or only show the Kings side regarding bad goals, bad penalties, poor efforts, etc.
g smith – I also loved that guy that set the table for us. He seemed unbiased to me and I believed he got the facts straight – good or bad. He was a professional reporter, who got answers from the players – not like Oprah and Armstrong.
I am concerned that all we will see here is happy stories. Why no news about the Mitchell situation yet. I am pretty sure the previous insider would have filled us in and let us know how long to expect before Mitchell is ready to play, or if he will even be back this season.
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IceGuy Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 11:21 am
@BluLiner,
I agree with having a Reporter rather than a Fan run the Insider.
It’s rather like another famous Angelino – Joe Friday, “Just the facts, ma’am.”
We who come here fill the place with all manner of thoughts, stats and opinions, which makes it a lot of fun. We call out and get called out regularly, which makes this Blog so unique. And those discussions usually began with a straight forward news story by Rich (hotel room views excepted!).
Whoever steps into the Head Insider role, be prepared.
Managing us is a lot like trying to herd cats.
Can’t wait till Saturday! Just got my tickets!
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In reading this report it has become obvious to me that the Kings have a great amount of depth this year…and that that is a good thing…with Willie and Kopi out to start the season, it’s good to know that they can absorb some injuries, for the time being, at least…although you can never replace the veteran presence and smarts of Mitchell, or the incredible work ethic and skill-set of Kopitar (or Kobidar, as some bimbo once uttered) it is still good to know that there is some talent waiting to supplement if needed
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I appreciated Rich as much as anyone, but let’s not get carried away. There are many quality people out there who can take the lead on this blog, and I am sure that the Kings will bring one of them on. I am far more interested in getting back into hockey and enjoying another great season with you all!
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CUP4LA Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:17 am
@rick, We need someone now. There should be some explanation of the Hickey being claimed on waivers.
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Wow!!
Go Kings Go!
Haven’t said that in a while….
End of the depression I had all winter…
Back from my job on the road and glued in front of TV…
Hello to everyone back blogging..
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Duncanz Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
@SLIM, Cheers SVELTEY.
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@PaulArmbruster (formerly Kings News Daily)
Hey man, just checked your revamped sight and all I can say is awesome! It looks a lot cleaner and more streamlined, while still very easy to navigate. Congrats on a great job!
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DesertKing Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:05 pm
@DesertKing,
“site”, as in website, as in Kings News Daily. Sum di eye wil lern to spel betr.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 8:11 am
@DesertKing, The check is in the mail
Thanks man. More in the works!
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:20 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Just got the check. Why does it look like a McDonalds gift certificate?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:49 am
@DesertKing,
Well duh! (sponsor talk)
Top 50 NHL players on NHL network. Komi was highest at 10
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
@Lake Forest, kopi …… Brad doty was up there too….
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Kenny44 Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 10:51 pm
@Lake Forest,
Crosby was #1 for the third consecutive year. I hope he’s healthy again this year, because he’s a great player. But I don’t see how you can be #1 if you can’t stay on the ice.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:12 am
@Kenny44, one more hit to the dome and the guy is done….sad to say it but I think its truth. The main problem Cindy has is he is so quick and has so much skill guys have no choice but to lay the body on him…thats the only way you can slow him down and stop his production. He is the next Savard just waiting to happen…only a matter of time IMO
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Kenny44 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
The Flyers will take every opportunity to run Crosby, just like they did at the end the season, which caused the Pens to have a total meltdown when the teams met in the first round of the playoffs.
Flyers fan won’t soon forget the Pens openly yukking it up on the bench while Lindros was struggling to find his bearings on the ice after Kasparitis knocked him out. The Flyer that takes out Crosby for good will be a Philly hero (not the savory kind of Philly hero, but a Philly hero regardless).
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:12 pm
@Kenny44, wouldnt surprise me one bit if its a Flyer who takes him out. I think the Rangers would be prime contenders as well with the style of play they use and the fact thety lead the NHL in hits last year. Its too bad for Cindy really….If he played in the times of true enforcers when guys were able to police themselves i dont think he gets lined up for a smashing like he does in todays game…would have been able to stay healthy (obviously not a given but I hope you get my point)and would have given the great one a run for his money.
Kenny44 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
Yeah, the instigator rule has put the elite players on the endangered list. I remember a Kings game against the Nuks in Gretzky’s first season. 99 got hit in one of the corners and was slow to get up. McSorley immediately leapt off the bench, tracked the guy down and pummelled him to the ice. All the Nuk did was try to hold on. Result – 5 minutes each for fighting. In those days, the officiating was subjective enough to allow the teams to police each other. It was also maddening in its inconsistency. But the best players of that era didn’t get targeted so much. That’s the trade off the NHL made.
KC23 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:56 am
@Lake Forest, The Kings made up 10% of the top 50 players projected for this year. Quick, Doughty, Richards, Brown and Kopitar. Kopitar came in highest at number 10. Shocked me actually.
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Especially as some have mentioned maybe just not have a shorten season. I have been posting about the Kings and their window to win multiple championships. DL has built this team to be young, strong, fast, and skilled. We have many core pieces signed for 7 years. From the recent article on TL NYI won 4 cups in 4 years, Det 11 cups(3 in 7yrs, 4 in 6yrs, 3 in 5yr & 1 alone), Edm 5 cups in 7yrs. I think the window is about 7 years that the core of this team will all be under 33 and should be in the prime of their careers. Of course nobody knows if the we will win 0 or 7 cups in that time or if the core is kept in place for that period of time. I just am very glad that that window wasn’t shorten to 6 by a lockout. I want that boys to have a chance to win as many as they can, and even hope DL can restock the excel spreadsheet to extend that window past this core groups prime years.
Go Kings Go!
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 10:21 pm
@luc20rules,
We’re gonna learn a lot about our team in a very short amount of time. Fate will have a part to play, but if the boys come out with a swagger, it just might be our era. We’ll also see how good of a motivator DS actually is. If we win the cup this year, a good part of it will be down to him, more then last year.
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So I went to the practice at Staples and one of the best parts about it was that some of the banners were already up in the rafters waiting to be unfurled. Just thinking about the banner raising on Saturday made me tear up.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:47 am
@FiG17,
Those were all the banners waiting to ne unfurled! Watch a replay of the practice on Fox Sports West!
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Gotta love it:
TSN experts pick Pitt to win it all because of the offensive abilities of crosby and Malkin
Barry Melrose picks the Rangers to win because of Nash and Gaborik with Lundvist in goal
The reason we gotta love it is because we know that defense wins championships. 28 of the 30 NHL teams scored more goals than we did, so keep on scoring other teams, just don’t expect to score against Quick and the Kings defense. Kings will repeat. GKG-Again!
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 14th, 2013 at 10:39 pm
@DesertKing, it’s all about defending our title….. With Mitchell and kopitar out its going to be tough. Mitchell is a freaking rock.
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Forum Gold Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:08 am
@DesertKing, EJ Hradek of ESPN and NHL Network picked Vancouver. GO KINGS GO!!!
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:23 am
@Forum Gold,
DL’s evil master plan of repeating as Stanley Cup champions by playing the underdog and sneaking back in as a #8 seed is working, bu wah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!
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Much has been put into having a good start this year, but I believe how the Kings come out of the March 4th to March 23 stretch where they play 10 games in 16 days will determine if we are healthy enough to repeat. 4 of our 7 back to back games are in March. Bad start or not I would think that our team since the Carter trade (29-9-3 including the playoffs) is going to make the playoffs. I believe it will be how healthy we enter, and or stay healthy in the playoffs. We did address some depth on the RW with Anthony Stewart although I would say he is a 3rd Line player at best. For offense I would think Lewis moves up. I would imagine Stewart would be the healthy scratch until he learns the system. I think Nolan has been plus. Stewart would have to prove to be better to get in the line up.
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Visnovsky no accepta…[hearkening back to a 1948 headline seen while in Mexico....boy does that date me as ANCIENT KINGS FAN]…that headline said “Eisenhower No Accepta”…I’ll let you guess what that was about]
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/12/isles-booked-flight-for-visnovsky-to-fly-to-new-york-and-he-wasnt-on-it/
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Can’t wait till Saturday. But in the mean time… I watched the NHL network yesterday. They showed the Kopi, Sutter, Nolan, Westgrath enjoying their day with the Cup. Pretty good Stuff. It is my belief that the Cup means more to hockey players then any other trophy in pro sports. I got to have my very short moment with the cup when it came here, Salt Lake. The Line was around the Maverick Center and not everybody got to see the darn thing. I did get to show Trevor Lewis my LA Kings tattoo. Some dude just pushed me on though, you know with the “keep it moving” person who don’t matter attitude. Oh well My eyes did see the priceless thing. So I’m happy. I still think that we as a club will come together quicker then other teams. Just having everyone back will be a huge advantage.Hope everyone has a good day of posting and always remember… Go Kings Go!!!
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Real 7 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 8:43 am
@King Charles of Salt Lake, I got my Kings tattoo, old logo, on June 15…
just had to do something special, after being a fan for so long…
http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/1/14/full/rrgfl0ixn5mpqhfcp7l5mgl5y.gif
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@Real 7, did you get it in color or Black Ink? either way I like it!
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It gives me goosebumps to anticipate the collective electricity at Staples when the firtst championship banner takes its rightful place.
What will be the chants this time to kick off the start of the season?
“ONE MORE CUP” is my choice. It may help the boys stay focused on the task ahead and in touch with the fans support.
My wife wants to chant “BETTMAN SUCKS”, but only is he shows up and ruins the celebration with his presence.
What’s your choice?
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Forum Gold Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:05 am
@Gustavo, Thankfully he will not be in the house. GO KINGS GO!!!
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Nice..a fresh update on the blog.
Can anyone tell me how the scrimmage went last night?
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 7:24 am
@nykingfan,
The Kings won
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:45 am
@DesertKing,
Did you go last nite? You & son going Sat?
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:26 am
@Kingsfanone,
Not there last night. Still working on tickets for Saturday and hopefulyy know on Friday
Watched the NHL network ‘Top 50 players last season’ from start to end.
What a @&)?¥%ing farce!!!
They mentioned Kopi as the best 200 feet forward in the league, but still placed him behind the ginger sisters who year after year continue to wet their pants if they have to cross their own blue line to retrieve a puck.
Last year they chose Pitt vs Vanc to be in the finals. Both lost in the first round of playoffs in shameful fashion. Who do they choose this year?……… Yup, you guessed it. Pitt vs Vanc.
These tv analysts sound like parrothead to producers who pander to the viewing masses or politicians chasing polls before election day.
The LAK need to show up to the big dance in June repeatedly if they want the eastern masses to stay worried about playing against LA. Lucky for us fans, we have the right GM, the right coach and the right core group of players to get the job done
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nykingfan Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 6:30 am
@Gustavo,
I watched the top 50 as well..
It seemed to pain them to even mention Kings being in the top 50..You get the same feeling with the prognosticators who pick the Kings to be in the conversation as the best team.
It’s as if they feel they have to put us there since we won the cup but otherwise they wouldn’t mention the Kings even in passing.
I shouldn’t have been surprised when they put Lundqvist ahead of Quick…both are outstanding goalies but only one guy has won a cup and been named MVP of the playoffs.
In the end it’s just people giving their opinions. There’s are as worthless as ours.
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Goring 19 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 8:02 am
@nykingfan, SCOREBOARD
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KC23 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:14 am
@Gustavo, They’re pandering to the majority of their audience which is Canada and East coast. I thought everyone picked in front of Kopitar was fair, including the Seden brothers myself. I really doubt Kopitar will have better numbers this year than either of the Vacouver brothers. This was about the PROJECTED top 50 players this year and was not rating what they’ve already done.
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Last night on tv they said the banners would be to
right of Canada flag and on left of America flag
the retired jerserys the old ones in walks will
come down
We will have to wait a few more days DD looks
fantastic and Brown and couple of other guys
Quick included
Our Champs will be on the ice again at Staples
Go Kings Go!
So says my star at Staples Cemter
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:37 am
@Gailweb,
Yes, Patrick O’Neal showed the banners last nite. Already hung & rolled up ready to drop. Either side of the US & Canada flags.
Can’t wait! Got my tix coming!
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Man I missed this site. Hopefully we got lots to cheer about this season.
GKG!
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the original Forum Blue [purple] and Gold uniforms were by far my favorites….
I don’t know how that degenerated into what we have today, but it is nowhere near as classy looking as the original idea of Royalty on Ice….come to think of it, wouldn’t Purple and Gold be so much
more fitting for a Stanley Cup Championship team?
http://kings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=41270
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:10 am
@Real 7, A lot of fans don’t realize the original logo was also a “home plate” or shield. Today’s logo is simply a cross between that original logo and the Gretzky era. I’m not a big fan of it either, mainly for the very same reason you mentioned. The colors aren’t colors at all. Black and White = Monochrome. I love the idea of embracing the original colors. It’s unique to LA and stands out.
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Real 7 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:01 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), maybe the new [non]colors were an attempt to replace the missing Raiders, known for their hard-nosed, blood and guts play…
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:24 am
@Real 7,
And it worked!
KC23 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:17 am
@Real 7, Also wasn’t a fan of the change, but now the Kings have won with this logo and colors I don’t want them to change ever again. This should be the start of a forever logo and colors that can be traced back to our first cup win.
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Steve W Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
@Real 7, The two times they went to the finals, they wore black and white unis. Keep them.
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 6:13 pm
@Steve W, Excellent point.
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Just announced: NYI claimed THickey. NASH claimed RClune
Deano’s golden boy, gone!
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:16 am
@LBlocal, I predicted Hickey would never play a game in a Kings uniform. I guess I was right!
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Michael J. Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:20 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Is there video of a certain blogger being taken out by a puck?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:39 am
@Michael J.,
I looked for that video on Paul’s site but didn’t see it! Paul? Video please!
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:47 am
@Michael J., There may be a Zapruder film out there I don’t know about. But I wasn’t filming at the time. I was minding my own business, blogging away and WHACK! To give the story a happy ending though, a certain commenter’s son got the puck. Can you guess who?
tornado12 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:57 am
@Michael J., but who’s stick did said puck come from? did it involve a grassy knoll?
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:02 am
@Michael J., It came from newly acquired Oswald #63. He doesn’t have a very good shot but good enough to hit me after banking off the ceiling and wall. Kind of magical you could say.
Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:06 am
@Paul Armbruster,
Oh what, now you’re claiming David Blaine was there?
DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@Michael J.,
I heard that the stick was made in Italy.
Michael J. Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:17 am
@LBlocal,
There goes some depth. Not going to miss Clune at all.
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Sebastian Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:22 am
@LBlocal, Good for Hickey, he will get to play much sooner. Im happy to finally turn the page on Lombardi’s worst draft choice.
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KOHO Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:17 am
@Sebastian, I agree the worst pick ever by DL. Hickey is crap, we couldn’t even trade him for a pick? Even Westgarth parlayed a player and two picks. Everyone at the draft party was like “WHO”? The 22nd rated player just went 4th overall?! All that time and money spent trying to get him to the big club and he gets released for nothing.
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KC23 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:24 am
@LBlocal, Strange that DL couldn’t at least get some kind of draft pick for hiim. Oh well.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
@LBlocal,
Muzzin apparently also has to clear waivers if he’s sent down. Hopefully he does or is part of a move to bring in a stay-at-home fill in for Mitchell. If the Kings lose Hickey and Muzzin in the same week, Manchester will be seriously short on regular D-men, not to mention a serious ding to the overall organizational depth.
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BUST: HICKEY CLAIMED
http://kingsnewsdaily.com/bust-hickey-claimed-off-waivers/
Off to practice…
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Real 7 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:54 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), you have a great site there! I truly appreciate your efforts in keeping us up on all of what’s new…Hickey? I think we’ve done better with our top draft picks in general…he’s no Bobby Orr..
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:34 am
@Real 7, Thank you very much kind sir!
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tornado12 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:56 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), DL gets a pass with this one because we got the cup. however, in retrospect what a waste of a high draft pick. not even a cup of coffee at the NHL level…good luck Hickey!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:03 am
@tornado12,
Totally agreed!
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Real 7 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:03 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), hope Clune and Hickey gets a fair shot at making their new teams….best of luck guys!
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BluLiner Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:12 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Who else was available to the Kings in that draft?
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BluLiner Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:15 am
@BluLiner,
Logan Couture at #9
Ryan McDonough at #12
But did not generally appear to be a very good draft.
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LBlocal Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:19 am
@BluLiner, Alzner, Benn, PK Subban, Tangradi, Pacioretty, Gagner, Voracek, Couture, Sutter for starters…
TeamJMFJ Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:23 am
@BluLiner, ugh…thats a tough list to stare at….still would have liked to see hickey get a shot ..and now he will…with the Islanders.
tornado12 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:27 am
@BluLiner, our castoffs to the isles always seem to do well there. of course i have no real stats to back that up, but feels that way…
Michael J. Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:36 am
@tornado12,
Jason Blake comes to mind.
FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:38 am
@tornado12,
Jason Blake and Matt Moulson are the two obvious castoffs to the Isles that come to mind.
But good for them. They weren’t going anywhere here so they made the most of it when they got their chance. Hopefully Hickey does the same.
LB Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 10:48 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
I totally remember how much the Kings sucked in the 06-07 season and back then the prospect cupboard was bare, so was really excited about getting the 4th overall pick for our troubles…figured we’d get a top player….so that didn’t work out. But we won the Cup so it’s all good
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SDGolfer Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 1:49 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Hickeys a bust?
More like the other kings picks exceeded expectations and there was no room for him
More like the draft is a crap shoot after the first couple of picks
Name one GM who has never made a pick that didn’t pan out as expected.
Hickey will be a fine player in the NHL
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 6:11 pm
@SDGolfer,
I hope you’re right. I have nothing against him other than I do think his size is a real issue. I don’t question his heart but I do think he’s a long shot at making the NHL. Of course, I thought the same thing about Dwight King. As for the ‘Bust’ line, it’s mainly targeted at the Kings getting nothing in return for a #1 pick, which is a bust in my book.
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Rich Clune claimed on Waivers too
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Could be an optional practice as there are a handful of skaters on the ice, including #11. Practice is scheduled for 11 so we’ll see if more champs come out.
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Full practice underway. Kopitar in the dressing room. https://twitter.com/KingsNewsDaily
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Real 7 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), from Paul’s website I learned – it’s Slava Voynov’s Birthday – Happy 23rd! – to one of the best young D-men in the NHL…
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Rich Hammond in the house.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 11:31 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Tell him we said Hi
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 11:58 am
@FKA PakiFro,
And please come back.
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Forum Gold Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 11:59 am
@DesertKing, + a huge 1. GO KINGS GO!!!
Duncanz Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Great! Which line’s he skating with?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:31 pm
@Duncanz, He’s centering John Hoven and Gann Matsuda.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:55 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), That’s a line that can write it’s own headlines.
toemas_sandstrom Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Wasn’t the Munters van in the parking lot a dead giveaway?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
@toemas_sandstrom, I should have known when I saw all the Tommy’s burger wrappers everywhere.
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Stanley Cup coming to San Pedro on Wed 12-2pm on the USS Iowa.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/breakingnews/ci_22376561/los-angeles-kings-stanley-cup-flexes-its-bigStanley Cup coming to San Pedro on Wed 12-2pm to the USS Iowa.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 11:54 am
Wear Kings attire and tix only $10 each.
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This place is entirely too positive now. Come on guys step it up
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 12:53 pm
@7MILforHickey,
Time for a new blog name? How about “7MILforDoughy”? Accurate, timely, and you won’t need to contemplate a change for 7 years
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
@DesertKing,
“Doughty”, even though “Doughy” would have applied in the past.
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Michael J. Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
@DesertKing,
I never noticed
Sebastian Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
@7MILforHickey, LOL!
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kissmyblarneystones Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
@7MILforHickey,
Bummer!!
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:28 pm
@7MILforHickey, dont change your name man….I think its even better now that hes gone since its so to the contrary. I remember when you had the F in for capitalized and It used to read 7MILForHickey and I took a jab at you saying, “I would take the 7 milfs over Hickey”…looks like the Kings agree with me
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
@7MILforHickey,
New Name: FKA 7MILforHickey
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7MILforHickey Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
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Where was this accelerated buyout thing when the Kings needed it concerning a certain oft-injured goaltender>>>
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Shakes Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 1:32 pm
@Michael J.,
my oh my, it really was not too long ago that this franchise had some really dark days…
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Zetterberg just called Todd Bertuzzi a “fine player.” Thats like calling Ryan Clowe a “paragon of virtue.” No wonder the Red Wings are falling.
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pr0cess Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@DesertKing, LOL
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@DesertKing, You mean he isn’t?
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DesertKing Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:19 pm
@Lake Forest,
Bettman, aka Evil Load, thinks he is.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
@DesertKing, I still cant believe Clowe got away with that…
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tornado12 Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:36 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, with buttman in charge, are you really???
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Lake Forest Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
@DesertKing, Is this like hiring Bettman to be the new Priceline Negotiator?
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It still pains me that Bob Miller’s name is not on the cup. I am not saying that any of the names on the cup are not deserving, however, I would think that they could have found a way to get his name on there. just saying.
Here are the non-players whose names are on the Kings’ Stanley Cup:
COACHES (5)
Darryl Sutter, John Stevens, Jamie Kompon, Bill Ranford and Ryan Colville (video).
HOCKEY OPERATIONS (6)
Dean Lombardi, Ron Hextall, Jeff Solomon, Jack Ferreira, Marshall Dickerson and Lee Callans.
SCOUTING STAFF (5)
Rob Laird, Mike Futa, Mark Yannetti, Mike O’Connell and Nelson Emerson.
TRAINING/EQUIPMENT STAFF (4)
Chris Kingsley, Darren Granger, Dana Bryson and Myles Hirayama.
OWNERSHIP AND FRONT-OFFICE STAFF (8)
Phil Anschutz, Nancy Anschutz, Tim Leiweke, Dan Beckerman, Ted Fikre, Luc Robitaille, Mike Altieri and Chris McGowan.
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Duncanz Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
@UglyinLA, He’s no Nancy Anschuz, that’s for sure!
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Hey, where is the Fox Sports West TV schedule? I’ve got to plan my life around those broadcasts! Good to be back and see all the boys and girls back at it.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 4:53 pm
@Happy Lappy,
Welcome back, buddy!
[Reply]