All Richards, all the time

The Philadelphia media got a jump-start on Mike Richards’ return to town with a couple nice items today. Here’s a story from the Philadelphia Daily News, followed by a nice blog item from the Delaware County Times with a lot of reaction about Richards’ return.

Richards returns to Philly, in a Kings jersey

It’s all about Richie

As for Richards himself, he politely faced the media today, the same Philadelphia media that he didn’t always have the best relationship with during his time with the Flyers. Here’s how it went…

Question: What do you think tomorrow will be like?

RICHARDS: “I don’t know. It will be all right. I think it will be just another hockey game. I’ll prepare for it the same way as I prepare for any other game. I’ve played in his building a lot, so it’s not going to be much difference.’’

Question: Have you adjusted now, after the trade?

RICHARDS: “I’ve adjusted. With the long trip overseas, it’s been kind of a whirlwind, more so, to start the season more than anything. By no means is it going to be a normal game tomorrow, but I’m going to try to approach it like that.’’

Question: What do you think your emotions will be like tomorrow?

RICHARDS: “Excited. I’m excited to play tomorrow. It’s nice to see a bunch of friends and people around the rink that I haven’t seen. It’s just going to be a good game tomorrow. I’m excited for it.’’

Question: Does it help having former Flyers coaches and players on the Kings?

RICHARDS: “Yeah, it does, and the group has helped me out a lot. They have welcomed me. They have a close-knit group that they welcomed me in and made me feel comfortable. With Simon and Terry and Johnny here, it makes things easier on the ice, and they’ve helped me out with the part off the ice.’’

Question: Do you still feel like a part of the Flyers in any way?

RICHARDS: “I don’t feel a part of them, no. I’m an L.A. King. I’m excited to be an L.A. King. We’ve got a great team here, and an opportunity to do something special throughout the season. I’m happy to be here. Do I miss friends? Of course. I’ve been here a long time and spent a lot of time with a lot of people around here, so you miss them but we have a good group here and it’s fun to come to the rink every day.’’