Thomas Hickey’s path towards his first National Hockey League point was not as easy as one would expect for a top-five NHL draft pick.
A junior hockey legend with the Seattle Thunderbirds and a two-time gold medal winner at the World Junior Championships – he served as team captain of the 2009 team that included Jamie Benn, Alex Pietrangelo, Evander Kane and John Tavares – a strong professional career didn’t seem to be in doubt, even if many considered his fourth overall selection at the 2007 NHL Draft to be a major stretch.
Considering his constitution, skating ability and work ethic, he projected as a balanced, character-exuding defenseman. After he was a point-per-game player in Manchester during a seven-game season-ending stint following his junior hockey season of 2008-09, he appeared to be on a path that would soon see him join the Los Angeles Kings as the appropriate step in his career.
Injuries delayed his path to the NHL and stunted his development as a player and his growth on the Kings’ depth chart. He underwent ankle surgery after his 2008-09 season, followed by a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery early in 2009-10. After he returned late in the season, he suffered a high ankle sprain that limited him to four playoff games.
Though he bounced back with encouraging AHL campaigns in 2010-11 and 2011-12, he had been passed over by defensemen like Alec Martinez, Slava Voynov and Jake Muzzin.
Hickey was claimed on waivers by the New York Islanders on January 15. He finally made his NHL regular season debut on January 27, though his usage dipped in February to the point where he had been a healthy scratch for three consecutive games earlier this month. After Brian Strait suffered a broken ankle, Hickey’s usage increased to the 14-to-16 minute range, and he was on the ice in overtime in Montreal last night.
John Tavares used a terrific individual stickhandling effort before falling and shoveling the puck towards Michael Grabner, whose quick pass found Hickey unmarked at the far post. Hickey snapped the pass into the empty net for his first NHL goal, an overtime game-winner.
“It probably feels a little sweeter with all that time,” Hickey said to reporters, referencing the time he spent in the AHL. “There was a lot of hard work put in, a lot of doubts, but I stayed confident and I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to play here.”
His first career goal came with his father, Dennis, in attendance.
A continent away, several of Hickey’s former Manchester teammates spoke of the pride they felt in watching him record his first NHL point.
“That was really cool,” Andrew Campbell said. “I texted him right away and congratulated him. That’s a pretty neat way to score your first goal. I’m really happy for him. He’s a great guy, great teammate, good friend.”
The two are quite familiar with each other.
“He was my road roommate for the last three years. We spent a lot of time together, a lot of meals together, a lot of fun. So it was great to see.”
Said Muzzin: “That was awesome. I saw the highlight last night. I was excited for him. That was a nice goal, and what a way to get your first NHL goal as an overtime goal. I’m really happy for him.”
Very happy for him. I wonder if I’ll ever understand the GM aspect of hockey enough to understand how we get a player like Elleby for a 5th round nothing pick and lose a player like Hickey for absolutely nothing.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:35 pm
@KC23, Maybe Ellerby is considered the better player right now….
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:02 pm
@Neil, size and type of player is the role we needed.
If neither Greene or Mitchell were out and it was Our offensive minded dmen that were then maybe…..
Any feedback on that?
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:12 pm
@Neil, defensemen, especially “stay at home” defensemen almost always mature late. Odds are good he’ll get better. Maybe even much better.
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:02 pm
@KC23, I thought I read an article early in the season (can’t remember at this point) that DL was saying he didn’t want to lose the 2 guys he did on waivers. I thought he said he tried to trade them or something, but I can’t remember anymore. I don’t think early in the season DL counted on a third of his defense being out for nearly the entire season.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:56 pm
@KC23, There was nothing DL could have done. He picked the best 7 defensemen to start the season and could only hope that Hickey wouldn’t be taken. It didnt happen that way. DL didn’t gamble and lose — the game was rigged. No options.
[Reply]
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 9:49 am
@KC23,
Am I the only one getting tired of hearing this question asked over and over??
DL did the best he could. Been covered numerous times. Can we move on??
[Reply]
a continent away ? ……. im confused
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:21 pm
@phil sykes, I’m not even sure if Hickey’s in North America?!?
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:04 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), they must all hangout at the same spot outside North America like a hockey paradise
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:07 pm
@Lake Forest, That must be where Gagne, Mitchie and Greener are at right now. Explains SO much…
Along with Simmonds’ Gordie Howe Hat Trick and Loktionov’s first goal in a Devil’s jersey (as well as others!) it was one heck of a night for Kings alumni.
Here’s Simmonds night on a page: http://kingsnewsdaily.com/watch-wayne-simmonds-gordie-howe-hat-trick/
[Reply]
good ….. vancouver scores middway thru the third to break a scoreless tie with nashville ……… nashville 0 points ………………. man the preds are good defensively
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:39 pm
@phil sykes,
You put 6 guys infront of the net it’s hard to score, pathetic hockey if you ask me. They were going for ot all the way. They had 6 shots in the 3rd. If not for a pp at the end of the game they would of finished with 3 shots. Way to put the home fans to sleep.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:42 pm
@Pesus, dont hate . preds are always good . its no joke . and not a fluke ….. it never is with them
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 7:27 am
@phil sykes, yet they manage to lose 4 of a possible 7 at some point in the playoffs…go figure.
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 9:52 am
@phil sykes,
Hate that kind of hockey. It’s not for most fans.
However, it’s the kind of hockey a team MUST use if they have no legitimate scoring threats or systems. (See TM)
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:40 pm
@phil sykes, and good hawks just scored middway thru the third to break the tie with san jose and try to hold on for the record …. 13 minutes left to hold on
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:00 pm
@phil sykes, They’re going to do it. SJ looks gassed. They’re not playing strong anymore. They’re just shooting anything that comes their way. Course sometimes you get lucky that way…
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:13 pm
@phil sykes, Trotz, (best coach in hockey imho) seems to always make a seemingly nothing roster into something.
[Reply]
Canucks really helping us out last couple of nights
[Reply]
Bernier second goalie off the ice today…does that means he is starting tomorrow???
[Reply]
Harry Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:59 pm
@Neil,
The Mayor reported that Quick will get the nod.
[Reply]
I’m Brendon Shanahan and I drop the puck….
After reviewing the hit on Clusterphuck…
The player Hall led with his knee which is so bad…
The fact that Hall has no history with bonehead collisions….
He must stay in his room for two games….
I’m Brendon Shanahan and I prop the Duck…
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:10 pm
@SLIM, You’re not trying to say that Shanny is inconsistent with his rulings, are you?
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:43 pm
@SLIM, That was a disgusting hit. He had Clutterbuck lined up. Can’t say it was an unavoidable collision
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 7:30 am
@Robert R, looked a lot like the brown on Roszie hit in the WCF… I thought it was bang-bang play, and considering clutter is out with a thigh bruise, doesn’t seem to have been knee-on-knee.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 8:14 am
@Stuart, Still counts as kneeing though. Contact with the opponents actual ‘knee’ is not a prerequisite.
Kenny44 Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 8:59 am
@Stuart, no no no no no. As Shanny himself explained, Hall extended and led with his knee which was the initial and principal point of contact. He didn’t knee Clutterbuck because Clutterbuck made a last second evasive move and it the knee wasn’t incidental to a shoulder hit. That’s the difference from Brown’s hit, and it is a huge difference in the intent and danger of the play.
Looked more like a Muni hit if you ask me. Is he still in the organeyezation?
Ex-Kings doing well? Fire DL! NJ, Philly, Isles, all are obviously on the verge of winning the Cup because of their ex-Kings.
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:57 pm
@DesertKing, Sorry, I missed the sarcasm font. Were you being serious? I couldn’t tell (darn internet makes reading tone so much more difficult)
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:03 pm
@soo-do-nihm,
That guy is serious about everything he posts. Just ignore him
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:20 pm
@Michael J.,
Now that is sarcasm
DesertKing Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:04 pm
@soo-do-nihm,
I figured the inclusion of the Isles as being on the verge of winning the Cup should explain it all.
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:06 pm
@DesertKing, Sorry, it’s hard to read the sarcasm font on the internet LOL. I thought it was sarcasm but I got confused lol
DesertKing Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:19 pm
@soo-do-nihm,
No problem
luc20rules Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:23 pm
@soo-do-nihm, He is only serious when he talks nachos! Then he is dead serious.
[Reply]
linny Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:51 pm
@DesertKing, Im not saying DL should b fired (obviously), but since I have criticized him alot about some of his decisions and had a bunch of ‘ road apples’ tossed at me for saying so (esp about lokti)…at. least maybe those of u who think he never does anything wrong wont think his detractors are totally insane when we question said decisions. Lamoriello is not considered one of the best GM’s because his friends run the blogs n sites that say so…his record as GM speaks for itself.
I mentioned yesterday that lokti might make some noise one day. One goal is meaningless…but I truly think he had a big laugh when he got lokti n made it look like he was in the minors to stay as some of those here thought. It appears that when the majority here thinks alike, then anyone stating the opposite is immediatele deemed an idiot. Once in awhile we idiots are right. Q E D!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:59 pm
@linny,
Lokti stands to have some success in the Eastern Conference due to their lack of emphasis on defense and more attention to speed and offense.
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:02 pm
@linny, You made a really good point about Lokti, but the counter argument was that we have so much depth at center and that Lokti didn’t really seem to fit our system. I didn’t really pay attention to Lokti’s career so I can’t really argue one way or another but, yes, occasionally people on the “opposing” side make good points
(Can’t say right cuz then that means someone else is wrong and I dunno about that)
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:03 pm
@linny, no worries linny …….. its a gang mentality reminiscent of 12 year old kids …………… u would thinks peeps would just ignore or offer their opinion , if they disagreed ……… but theyd rather say the word idiot or imply u are an idiot to make themselves feel better or to gang up on someone who dosent share the mainstream opinion …. its very common in this room and society …………… oh well …… just go order a pizza and chill out ……… u cant change how this room reacts …. believe me …. i have tried … they are all pretty much 12 year olds …… however , you will find a few with their heads screwed on straight
[Reply]
linny Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:10 pm
@phil sykes, it took me awhile to figure it. I admit…thanks for.the input…enjoy the game tomorrow
Save, Hrudey! Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 9:56 am
@phil sykes,
Not necessarily disagreeing with you, but if that’s really what you think of this room, then why are you in here still posting??
basically , at this point , we should be rooting for vancouver , ducks , hawks , and columbus every night from here on out …. i mean vancouvers still kinda close to us , but i think we all know its a given they will make the playoffs …. so may as well have them beat everybody – like the other teams above i listed above
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:14 pm
@phil sykes,
Canucks and Hawks to never lose again, except when they play us. Sorry, will never cheer for the Ducks.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:19 pm
@Pesus, apparently pesus dosent want the kings making playoffs .. would rather see ducks lose to dallas – thus lessening our chances
[Reply]
Pesus Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:26 pm
@phil sykes,
Yeah, you got me figured out.
What’s wrong with the Ducks losing all the rest of their games?
Kings winning the pacific is not out of the question.
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:28 pm
@Pesus, chances of that happening at this point are extremely slim …….. especially with fasth in goal
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:04 pm
@phil sykes,
How do you figure they’re extremely thin. Ducks are 9 points clear of us with 33 games to go. What science are you using to calculate?
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:12 pm
@phil sykes, blarney . the science of fasth ……. hes way better than hiller … so i do not expect the ducks to slide that far back as they have done in the past ……. and considering how the kings consistently lay eggs in the regular season – especially with all these injuries – 9 points with 33 left will be a ton for them to make up ………… not impossible , but extremely thin ………. so id rather see anaheim beat dallas , beat colorado , beat detroit …. etc …
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:25 pm
@phil sykes,
If you are talking probability, then the odds are that the Ducks will simmer and the kings will ramp it up a little. If the Kings win 21 of 33 and the Duck win 16 of 33, there are 10 points right there. So the question is, will the Duck win more that half their games. Probably is Fasth stay hot.
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:29 pm
@phil sykes, just make the playoffs blarney ………… thats all anybody should be concerned about …………. and right now the ducks winning is the best way to ensure that …… because they will beating all the teams around us
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:36 pm
@phil sykes,
Good point!
linny Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:27 pm
@phil sykes, totally agree Phil (and this has nothing to do with our agreement above…which I feel i have to state because of the way some insiders think). Chicago, Ducks n Vancouver “appear” to b locks for a playoff spot so I am rooting for those 3 to win any game against any of the next 7 currently ahead of us in points, esp San Jose, Minnesota, Detroit n Dallas who IMO r the most vulnerable
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:30 pm
@linny, or teams right behind us linny ….colorado , edmonton etc….
[Reply]
Rooting for the Sharks sucks.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:54 pm
@LA_1968, why would u be doing that
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 7:58 pm
@LA_1968, I know. When Chicago tied the score, I was like ok, Sharks are going to lose. They look beaten down at this point.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:06 pm
@soo-do-nihm, i say again .. why would u be rooting for the sharks
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:08 pm
@phil sykes, Someone needs to take Chicago down a few pegs…
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:16 pm
@soo-do-nihm, id rather have the kings make the playoffs thanx …. chicago , ducks and vancouver can win every game for all i care …… these games mean nothing ………….. except for the kings they dont mean nothing …. cuz we need to make the playoffs first ………………………… those 3 teams are already in
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:10 pm
@LA_1968, what’s worse, watching Chicago beat a NHL record or watching sharks win???
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:15 pm
@LA_1968, I couldn’t do it, but I tried tonight. In the end I’m glad the Sharks lost.
[Reply]
And the Niemi lost it for the Sharks
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:15 pm
@soo-do-nihm, Niemi just sucks, so glad he is a Shark.
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:23 pm
@KC23, The first goal he should’ve had in the bag. Dude, 5 hole. Gotta close it, guys.
[Reply]
good sharks lost ………… 0 points
[Reply]
Chelsea Daggers > Clowey doggers
[Reply]
Our chances on making the playoffs went up again tonight.
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Western/Pacific/LosAngeles.html
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:24 pm
@KC23, This feels familiar. Watch, next week (even if we win our next few games), it’ll go back down again. It’s such a roller coaster with these stats
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:27 pm
@KC23, Interesting, Vancouver, Chicago, San Jose and Nashville all have low chances in the playoffs, even though CHI won the game tonight. It’s still a low chance
[Reply]
Well looking ahead to tomorrow’s game, I think the Kings have a good chance if they just stick with what they did in Calgary. And if the Avs took Hartley’s words to heart. Then the Avs will come in thinking they can beat us easily and hopefully we can pound their swift forwards into the boards so they’re too tired to play by the second period.
Wishful thinking, but hey, something’s gotta get me through the night
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:35 pm
@soo-do-nihm, how about a pizza , or m & ms , or thoughts of a long lost ex girlfriend
[Reply]
kings trivia time ……………. what kings goaltender stopped wayne gretzkys consecutive point streak of like something around 50 games …
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:18 pm
Mattson
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:20 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, marcus mattson you are correct
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:26 pm
@phil sykes,
Google is a wonderful thing!
kings trivia time ……… what kings ex coach was coaching the kings , but then secretly made a deal to coach the vancouver canucks while he was still coaching the kings
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:27 pm
@phil sykes,
The silver haired fella!
[Reply]
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:29 pm
@kissmyblarneystones,
Quinn!!
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:32 pm
@kissmyblarneystones, yes , pat quinn
kissmyblarneystones Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:35 pm
@phil sykes,
I lived in Toronto for awhile.
Because of JQ’s family dynamic with MM I almost feel somewhat related to the Islanders. Next time though the Kings got to get JQ that win.
[Reply]
kings trivia time …… luc robitaille was traded for who
[Reply]
Mikey J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:45 pm
@phil sykes, I’m gonna guess Kevin Stevens.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:48 pm
@Mikey J., excellent guess …………… but incorrect ……….. and in a strange twist , the kings did trade kevin stevens for luc robitaille later on ………. but the only time the kings ever traded luc robitaille was for what player ?
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:52 pm
@phil sykes, hint …………………….. he enjoyed gambling
neil Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:53 pm
@phil sykes, for duncanz???
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 9:55 pm
@phil sykes, lol … duncanz would be incorrect …………….. another hint ……… he was an ex flyer teammate of ron hextall
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:00 pm
@phil sykes, Rick Tocchet. And no I DIDN’T have to google it. What do I win? A pizza maybe?
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:03 pm
@phil sykes, BTW to clarify you mean who did the Kings trade Luc Robitaille FOR? Because they DID trade Stevens in the other direction to GET him back later on.
OK, Just being an annoying child. Sorry.
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:03 pm
@phil sykes, yes hockeynerd , …… rick tocchet is correct ………….. and relax … nobody cares if anybody had to google or not
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:05 pm
@phil sykes, hockeynerd . read my response to mikey regarding your last question
linny Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:09 pm
@phil sykes, r u sure pete rose didn’t play hockey that yesr?@
Complaints about Tappen of the NHL Network and her knowledge of hockey caused me to wonder why she’s employed. At home, I don’t get that channel, so I never saw her til tonight here at my hotel in San Diego. As I suspected, she’s a babe.
[Reply]
neil Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:00 pm
@Robert R, well…duh!!!!!
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:08 pm
@neil, Thanks
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:03 pm
@Robert R, Yeah she has just enough hockey knowledge to read the teleprompter but NHL network is trying to draw viewers in. It doesn’t post the big numbers that NBA or MLB or NFL does so when all else fails, hire a pretty blond girl with the reading skills required of a 6th grader (not saying that’s her reading skill level, just the min requirement for the job) to read the teleprompter and pretend to know what she’s talking about.
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:28 pm
@soo-do-nihm, Not every woman in sports reporting is model material (some at ESPN come to mind) but she fits the stereotype.
[Reply]
Mikey J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:07 pm
@Robert R, She was homing for the Devils last year, but who wasn’t. Great to see her in that red dress reporting how the Kings won that one.
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:09 pm
@Mikey J., Mike, Keith and what’s his face were all homing for the Devils. They made 0 bones about it. Every time the Kings scored, they sounded so disappointed. I hate the NBC broadcasters.
I was mentioning to my father the other night about Bob Miller’s broadcasting style – he makes each game seem exciting; hell he even sounds excited when the OTHER team scores. And of course, it was pointed out to me that that’s why Bob Miller is a hall of fame broadcaster…
[Reply]
Mikey J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:18 pm
@soo-do-nihm, When Bob Miller is calling the play building up it doesn’t get much better than that. I also really enjoy Chicago’s play by play man too. Pat Foley
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:43 pm
@soo-do-nihm, Both Mike and Keith feel the Kings will repeat the SC this year.
I could’ve sworn Mike Milbury predicted the Kings to be winners last play-offs too.
Robert R Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:39 pm
@Mikey J., Chicago broadcasters are the biggest homers–Bob Miller’s opinion. That being said, I agree that they are also very entertaining.
[Reply]
Mikey J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:48 pm
@Robert R, True, well said.
luc20rules Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:26 pm
@Robert R, Are you talking about Kathryn “I’d like to be” Tappen?
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:35 pm
@luc20rules, most certainly. Great outfit, love her hairstyle.
Hey Kathryn: Monday night–Ducks/Kings sec 114 row 13. Stop by, plz.
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:45 pm
@luc20rules, Yes, he’s talking about Kathryn “big teeth” Tappen.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:03 am
@Robert R,
She used to work for the Devils and is married to a retired Devils player.
[Reply]
kings trivia time …………….. speaking of the ridiculous ………… the kings traded marty mcsorley for sean mcchekern … but then months later traded sean mcchekern and tomas sandstrom for what player ?
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:43 pm
@phil sykes, well .. it appears either people are stumped or they have left the building ………………… the answer is ………………….. marty mcsorley
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:30 pm
@phil sykes, I knew that right away. More patience please, sometimes it IS about an hour between visits to this blog, I do work, eat, sleep, etc.
[Reply]
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:36 pm
@HockeyNerd, sorry . i waited over half an hour …….. thats pretty much gonna have to be the limit …… unless i get busy with something and have to leavee
These late night threads are like an old version AOL chat rooms. Except they don’t go private.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:47 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), muahahahahahahahahahahhahahah
[Reply]
Robert R Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:58 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Welcome to “Kings Blogging After Dark”
[Reply]
soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:07 pm
@Robert R, This is the time when delusion and sleep deprivation starts to set in for bored bloggers…
[Reply]
Di Pietro went into waivers!!! Think DL is thinking about him???
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:53 pm
@rogiesbackbrace, How’s that itsy bitsy little contract looking these days?
[Reply]
no . hes owed many years and much dollars . and is not even that good …isles know nobody will pick him up ….. its just a move im sure to open up a roster space for somebody
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:47 pm
@phil sykes, Jonathon Bernier came to my mind when I heard Di Pietro waived….The Isles are “Kings East!!”
[Reply]
kings trivia time …………… when alyssa milano was a teenager , her kings boyfriend and mark fitzpatrick were traded for kelly hrudey …. who was this obviously lucky dude , with a not so distinguished nhl career ?
[Reply]
Munchrat Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:04 pm
@phil sykes, Wayne
[Reply]
Munchrat Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:05 pm
@Munchrat, Not THAT Wayne…
[Reply]
Munchrat Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:05 pm
@Munchrat, Wayne Mc Bean!?!
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:06 pm
@Munchrat, yes ….. that is correct
Tommy must be pushing 30 by now. It’s hard to believe it’s been 8 years since I saw Hickey play for the Seattle Thunderbirds. Hickey had just been drafted by the Kings, so it was extra added value for me to follow the Tbirds. I will never figure out why it took him so long to make the jump to the NHL. I am as disappointed as anyone that he didn’t break in with the Kings.
Side note: As much as I love Seattle, Seattle is the WORST hockey city in the USA BAR NONE.
Let’s hope the league does not make the mistake of granting that town a franchise.
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soo-do-nihm Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:14 pm
@Munchrat, I heard rumors that Toronto may get a second team. Though I think the NHL kebashed that… I dunno, it’s all speculation at this point.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:15 pm
@Munchrat, Why do you say?
Do they not draw for minor league hockey?
I notice an indicator bandied about whenever franchise acquisition is touted is how well their expansion MLS Sounders team drew right off the bat, i.e. around 43,000 sellouts which immediately had them leading the league.
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:18 pm
@Duncanz, agree . seattle would probably be a good place for a team ….. most beautiful city in the world
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:19 pm
@phil sykes, vancouver too of course
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:21 pm
@Duncanz, and natural rival for canucks
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Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:40 pm
@phil sykes, i think it would be a great natural rivalty if they moved lak to sea and phx to pdx!
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:44 pm
@Duncanz, yur answer confuses me
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:16 am
@phil sykes, it all makes sense if you reread it … or if you re any other peep … the 1st time you read it.
Munchrat Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at 7:50 am
@DuncanSykez, The Sounders play outdoors……. and soccer is played by almost every kid in this county……….. Nowhere for a kid to play hockey here……. makes soccer more apprachable for the typical Seattle sports fan…….. Yes, the Thunderbirds do have a loyal following…..
….Of about 4,000.
And this is a city that couldn’t even keep an NBA team……… there is no viable arena and after the football stadium fiasco noboddy will vote to fund a new arena……………. Funding for a new arena will have to come from private investors…….
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kings trivia time …………… what number was phil sykes ? ………… of course all questions of this nature refer to his days as a king … not numbers players may have had for other teams
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Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:20 pm
=@phil sykes – 35 …
n.b. that answer was designed so that only you and i would know so that all other peeps can still take a pot at it.
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:27 pm
@Duncanz, sweet …….. but no , 35 , belonged to 3 legendary kings goaltenders off the top of my head …….. glen healy , darren elliot , and stephane fiset ……….. obviously there were others who wore that number i am sure ……. but those are the 3 that pop out at me
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Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:29 pm
@phil sykes, My answer wasn’t ’35′.
It was a cryptic calculation to the answer..
Mikey J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:24 pm
@phil sykes, How bout 19.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:27 pm
@Mikey J., That was Foxy, wasn’t it?
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:30 pm
@Duncanz, correct duncanz foxy
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:31 pm
@Duncanz, lol … yes duncanz .. i understood your crytic answer …… no worries
Mikey J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:33 pm
@Duncanz, Stretching memory. Just popped in my head.
Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:33 pm
@phil, ok so was i right?
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:33 pm
@Duncanz, and know yur real answer wasnt 35 … i got it the first time …… no worries
phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:28 pm
@Mikey J., incorrect
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Real 7 Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 2:54 am
@phil sykes, sykes wore #7….now I have one for you, Phil: where did Phil Sykes go to college?
Ok, I’m losing the battle against sleepiness. Goodnight, be civil and GMFKG! Kick some Av butt tomorrow.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:25 pm
@sea-doo-nihm,
In times of war, no man is a civilian [@Dncnz, 2013..]
(and probably Winston Churchill or somesuch, too…)
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Ok phil sykes, here’s one for you:
There was once a King player with the very same name as a former or current Kings broadcaster, although he was not related to him, nor the broadcaster himself.
Who was he and what year did he play?
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:41 pm
@HockeyNerd, thats a confusing question ……………. its hurting my brain the way it was phrased ……… but if i remember correctly bob miller played for the team around 83
maybe im wrong but the question confused me
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:43 pm
@phil sykes, Yes, Bob Miller in 84-85
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:48 pm
@HockeyNerd, and glenn anderson scored on a break down the right wing in overtime against bob janecyk and the season was over
Who is the only team from the “original 6″ that has not won a Stanley cup since the first expansion in 67-68?
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Mikey J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:50 pm
@HockeyNerd, Toronto Maple Leafs
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:50 pm
@HockeyNerd, leafs ……. but lets try to keep it on kings trivia
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Mikey J. Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:51 pm
@phil sykes, Got you jeopardy style.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:51 pm
@HockeyNerd, For bonus credit, name the only team of the 5 teams added that year (67-68) and that still exist (the California Seals / Cleveland Barons folded) that has NOT won a Stanley Cup.
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:52 pm
@HockeyNerd, blues ….. back to the kings please
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What player did the Kings obtain by giving a draft pick that was later used to draft Ray Borque?
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:54 pm
@HockeyNerd, thats right when i was becoming a fan at like 9 years old ….. but i think it might have been jerry korab
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:55 pm
@phil sykes, Right time frame….. But no
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phil sykes Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:57 pm
@HockeyNerd, like i said … its a lil before my time
Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:12 am
@HockeyNerd, Was it a goalie?
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:15 am
@Duncanz, I will neither confirm nor deny that but I will tell you he played in the WHA.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:19 am
@HockeyPhone, lol, did he have a son…?
Goring 19 Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:27 am
@HockeyNerd, ron graham
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:34 am
@Goering 19, (*sp)
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:49 am
@Goring 19, Correct (but spelled Grahame I believe)
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Here’s an eagle-eye question for anyone still hanging.
Who scored in warm-ups vs JQ in the Kings open house/televised preseason practice and immediately pocketed the puck?
Answers on the back of a 10 dollar bill addressed to @Duncanz, please..
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 22nd, 2013 at 11:58 pm
@Duncanz, Elias?
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:00 am
@HockeyNerd, ooohhh, so close – NOT
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:22 am
HockeyPhone, clue tho …. coincidentally his birthday is exactly a month apart from elias’ …. i shouldn t just give these answers away like this but there ya go ….
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phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:24 am
@Duncanz, lol duncanz i didnt evn think it was a real question … i thought u were just taking a jab at us ………….. but since i know it is real ill guess doughty or greene
Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:28 am
@phil, right on the 2nd count! …what made you guess those 2?….must ask greener about that one if i ever make it over to ca …
phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:33 am
@Duncanz, because i remember watching as u would say eagle eye … and i remember doughty and scuds and doughty scored pretty much right away …… and of course doughty and greene are the prankster types …….. so i figured it was them ……. i kinda remember it and i kinda dont ………… fuzzy memmory
phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:33 am
@Duncanz, doughty and scuds and greene *
Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:38 am
@phil, that’s good tho ….. i m impressed ……. esp considering how much pepperoni must be addling your brain…
well anyways …… phil sykes wore number 7
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:08 am
@phil sykes, dude … i got it … where’s my credit? … grrrr
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phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:17 am
@Duncanz, it dosent say on my computer u responded number 7 ………….. if u did then theres a screwup on my computer …… sorry
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:32 am
@phobe techs, dude … i thought you would figure out the code … now i ve got a feeling you never know what the heck i m telling you….
btw ……………… hi @neil … i know you re reading this ….
phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:36 am
@Duncanz, was 35 supposed to be some kinda code for 7 .. if so i missed it
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phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:37 am
@phil sykes, i knew when u said 35 u were kidding ……… but i didnt possibly know it could somehow be a code for 7 …… and if yur kidding right now ……… then yea , its tough to tell when yur kidding sometimes
Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:41 am
@phil sykes, no, if you reread it i left you a calculation which from the convo last nite i thought would lead you to my actual answer …. i overrated i guess …… no big woop …… you re a pretty smart dude for an old dude …..
phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:47 am
@Duncanz, i was rereading trying to find a cryptic answer ……….. but i didnt get it ………….. it just said 35 to me no matter how hard i tried … i was doing this for the last half hour …… but i couldnt unlock yur code ……….. unless of course with all this talk now yur kidding … and convo last night ……. well , man my brain hurts to think about tonight and then last night sometimes
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:01 am
@phil sykes, here was the calculation… =@phil sykes – 35 …
ie ur reputed age – 35 … which would = …………. a king missile …..
Mikey J. Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:13 am
@phil sykes, thanks, I knew it was an odd number, Sorry Foxy you were just before my time.
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Name all 3 ex Kings that once scored 70 goals in a season.
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phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:18 am
@HockeyNerd, grettzky , nichools , kurri
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HockeyNerd Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:51 am
@phil sykes, Correct
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1st season of facts of life they had an allstar cast including charlotte ray and molly ringwald …. but one of the characters – nancy – who so famously tried to starve herself to fit into a pair of designer jeans – a few years later turned out to be the kings tunnel girl ……… taking care of things by the kings tunnel …. coordinating etc ……
and as the facts of life will have u know …………….. please young ladies let this be a cautionary tale of the dangers of anoerixia nervousa
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Mikey J. Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:25 am
@phil sykes, Is that where the Nancy reference comes from?
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phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:27 am
@Mikey J., no … not at all
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Mikey J. Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 12:30 am
@phil sykes, Alright then. Nice facts Phil.
So many ironies ….
Cooke (reputed goon) appears to be in control, critically gashes Karlsson (reputed talent), Karlsson gets the criticism for not wearing his kevlar, Cooke gets off scott-free, texts sympathies to Karlsson who doesn’t directly respond but lashes out at Cooke in the press.
Hall (reputed talent) has a split second, doesn’t adjust in time and (in?)conveniently ends up putting Clutterbuck (reputed goon) on crutches, Hall gets 2 games and a bad rep, doesn’t contact Clutterbuck who never-the-less speaks very graciously about the incident to press..
Did I mention how ironic I find all this?
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phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:03 am
@Duncanz, no , irony is the reason why hammond left this blog ………… good riddance
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:14 am
@phil sykes, ironically i disagree ……@rh is a folk hero ….
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phil sykes Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:16 am
@Duncanz, we disagree …. no big woop
Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:24 am
@phil, au contrare …. but yeah …. no biggie …… btw hi @lake forest …. i know you re checking in …… lol
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 8:48 am
Good riddance to Rich?
Very telling. You sure can pick ‘em duncan.
Birds of a feather…
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oh okay duncanz .. just read yur answer 42 – 35 ………. yeah , i would have never gotten that ……… i would have been here for years
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Duncanz Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:18 am
@phil sykes, no biggie ….. school system in maine is nt too advanced i imagine …. its kind of the al of the nth east …. you never stood a chance …. but you recovered decently in some other aspects …… not grammar …. but in others ….. you impressed the heck outta @hockeyphone fo sho …..
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well heres hoping we dont lay another daygame egg tomorrow …….. gotta love sutter saying how great we are in day games …………. lol lol lol ……. anything to be contrararian …. even if its not true …………. but who cares , right ?
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Monarchs quietly filling roster spots and signing try out agreements. Couple of forwards and couple of defensemen. Obviously we needed to do it for defensemen due to Muzzin, Campbell and Elleby, but two new forwards? Humm. What does that suggest?
One of those fowards is another very small guy (5′ 9″) named Yellow Horn. He’s been put with Kozun (5′ 8″) and started his Monarch career with a four-game point streak (1-4=5) and has been trusted to be on the ice in key moments in hockey games.
After just 6 games Yellow Horn has 1 goal and 6 assists and is a plus 4.
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harty Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 7:54 am
@KC23, during the lockout I streamed the Reign games and Yellow Horn was always in on the scoring.
He needs to learn defensive responsibilities in Manchester to take the next step.
Agan from the opposition blueline in he is good, but in own end no so……
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YoBro Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 8:58 am
@KC23, Sometimes it’s the size of the fight in the dog. We had a little fella here, wore #16, he did prettty well.
Go Kings
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Normally, I would pass on todays game because I just feel like do do. Don’t like day games and fighting the flu, but in honor of Lappy day, I got to step up and go. Lappy never whimped out so I feel I owe it to him to nut up and go. I hope the Kings do him honor and kick butt.
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Spencer Maze Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at 9:52 am
@KC23, Well, no better medicine than a Kings victory!! Kings win or Theraflu?? Easy decision
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Good for him….love seeing guys do well after having some issues along the way. Hopefully he’ll stay in the league and have a nice long career
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Congratulations to Hickey. He’s had a tough road. Still, it was a wasted pick, we could’ve had Karl Alzner, that one’s on Dean…
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