LA Kings coach Darryl Sutter puts together some great press conferences. Tonight was no different. After the Kings picked up just their second win in Calgary in 12 tries, he addressed the media and dropped in some new Sutterisms - like, 'It's a struggle' (when talking about the Kings playing with a lead), 'Hot at home' (when describing the Flames recent play) and the crown jewel was 'Park and ride' (on if he had any emotion tied to tonight's game or victory).
Watch it all unfold...
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
Saturday, January 14, 2012
VIDEO: Kings talk following morning skate in Calgary today
After the LA Kings had their traditional game day skate in Calgary today, several players - including Jack Johnson and Colin Fraser - spoke with the local media and answered questions about coach Darryl Sutter.
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP (plus notes on Mike Cammalleri and some Sutterisms)
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP (plus notes on Mike Cammalleri and some Sutterisms)
Alec Martinez loves Sutter, even when he scratches him
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| Defenseman Alec Martinez (photo by: Dinur) |
In fact, after coach Darryl Sutter took over, Martinez sat out the next six games in favor of Slava Voynov. Once the Russian rookie was injured, #27 was given a chance to play. In the next four game, Martinez posted zero points - but, appeared to be getting more involved in the offense, increasing his shot totals in each game.
He also took in stride when he was swapped with Voynov for the Kings last game, Thursday's home contest vs. the Dallas Stars.
"It was a coach's decision," Martinez explained. "He told me he wanted to get a righty in there, for that righty-lefty combo. So, I've just been getting extra work in (after practice) and I'll keep working hard so when my opportunity comes back, then I'll be ready."
The former University of Miami (Ohio) standout, also like his new coach's approach to managing the team - "He's good on the bench. He shoots it to you straight. If you make a good play, he'll tell you. If you don't, he'll tell you too. Personally, I like it that way. I think a lot of guys do."
Friday, January 13, 2012
Kings coach Darryl Sutter wants to know 'What is history?'
LA Kings forward Mike Richards wasn't the only one with a lot to say prior to the Kings leaving for Calgary today. Coach Darryl Sutter shared thoughts on Anze Kopitar's health, the instigator rule, his return to Calgary, the Kings schedule and much more.
For you soundbite readers, here's a taste of the three-word Sutterisms - 'going to live' (status of Kopitar), 'moved past it' (his return to Calgary), 'What is history?' (Calgary's record at home). His full quotes were as follows...
On Kopitar - "It appears he’s going to live. Going to pull through...He was fine last night. I try to be as honest as I can without disclosure, right? I said he was fine. It’s a good hit, a hard hit. Nothing wrong with it...Assuming we had practice today, he would have practiced."
On the instigator penalty assessed to Richards after his scrap with Stars' captain Brenden Morrow (video linked below) - "It's sort of a funny rule, right? One penalty that you still deem as a good penalty is protecting your teammates, and with that heavyweight thing going away in the league, guys with heart and character are guys that have always protected their teammates. Without saying it’s grandfathered in, there’s not too many kids coming out that don’t wear visors, right? It may be a rule that’s gone past its time, sort of. It’s probably something that they should look at when you think about it."
On what the NHL should do about the rule - "You know what, I’ve been all over with it in the few years… the way the fighting part of it has changed, the intimidation part of it has changed in the game, really I don’t even know where I stand in it anymore. I think it’s more of a case-to-case thing with me."
For you soundbite readers, here's a taste of the three-word Sutterisms - 'going to live' (status of Kopitar), 'moved past it' (his return to Calgary), 'What is history?' (Calgary's record at home). His full quotes were as follows...
On Kopitar - "It appears he’s going to live. Going to pull through...He was fine last night. I try to be as honest as I can without disclosure, right? I said he was fine. It’s a good hit, a hard hit. Nothing wrong with it...Assuming we had practice today, he would have practiced."
On the instigator penalty assessed to Richards after his scrap with Stars' captain Brenden Morrow (video linked below) - "It's sort of a funny rule, right? One penalty that you still deem as a good penalty is protecting your teammates, and with that heavyweight thing going away in the league, guys with heart and character are guys that have always protected their teammates. Without saying it’s grandfathered in, there’s not too many kids coming out that don’t wear visors, right? It may be a rule that’s gone past its time, sort of. It’s probably something that they should look at when you think about it."
On what the NHL should do about the rule - "You know what, I’ve been all over with it in the few years… the way the fighting part of it has changed, the intimidation part of it has changed in the game, really I don’t even know where I stand in it anymore. I think it’s more of a case-to-case thing with me."
Richards - plenty to say about NHL rules, Morrow, Kopitar
After the game last night, Kings forward Mike Richards wasn't happy with the instigator penalty he was assigned in his fight with Stars' captain Brenden Morrow.
Prior to the Kings boarding a plane for Calgary, he had a chance to speak about the entire incident at the Kings training facility in El Segundo...
On the overall situation - "I think the most frustrating thing is if the NHL is trying to get us to wear visors, and then we get penalized for fighting with them on. I think it kind of defeats the purpose...You hear all the speculation of having the set fights and fighting in the moment and things like that, but then when you do fight in the moment, you get penalized for it because you had a visor on. I don’t really understand the whole thing about visors, and if they want people to wear them or not. It just seems like every day something new."
On similar situations in the past - "I can’t remember ever getting an instigator on plays like that. Usually it’s a two minute roughing or something like that, but the refs are there to call what they see. They made the right calls, I mean you can’t argue with that, but I just think it’s a dumb rule in place."
On Kopitar being hit by Morrow moments prior - "I was obviously scared for Kopi and you never like to see a player like that. Even though it was a shoulder to shoulder hit, it was a dangerous play and it’s good to see that he’s healthy and doing well. Like I said, it was just one of those in the moment things. If you’re going to get penalized for sticking up for your teammates, it’s a tough message to send around the league."
Prior to the Kings boarding a plane for Calgary, he had a chance to speak about the entire incident at the Kings training facility in El Segundo...
On the overall situation - "I think the most frustrating thing is if the NHL is trying to get us to wear visors, and then we get penalized for fighting with them on. I think it kind of defeats the purpose...You hear all the speculation of having the set fights and fighting in the moment and things like that, but then when you do fight in the moment, you get penalized for it because you had a visor on. I don’t really understand the whole thing about visors, and if they want people to wear them or not. It just seems like every day something new."
On similar situations in the past - "I can’t remember ever getting an instigator on plays like that. Usually it’s a two minute roughing or something like that, but the refs are there to call what they see. They made the right calls, I mean you can’t argue with that, but I just think it’s a dumb rule in place."
On Kopitar being hit by Morrow moments prior - "I was obviously scared for Kopi and you never like to see a player like that. Even though it was a shoulder to shoulder hit, it was a dangerous play and it’s good to see that he’s healthy and doing well. Like I said, it was just one of those in the moment things. If you’re going to get penalized for sticking up for your teammates, it’s a tough message to send around the league."
Quotes from the Stars locker room after def LA 5-4 in SO
Another Kings-Stars game and they needed more than 60 minutes to decide things. Big surprise. Among the things these two teams have become known for over the last few years would be close games, usually decided by just one goal, and wild comebacks by either side.
Last night featured both. The Stars went up 2-0 before the Kings began chipping away at things - even doing the unthinkable, scoring multiple goals on the power play. In the end, LA gave up a late goal to Dallas, tying things at 4-4. Overtime, nothing. Then, the Stars won in the shootout.
When things were over, here's what they were saying back in the visiting team dressing room...
Coach Glen Gulutzan on the overall game - "They are a real good team and I’m a big fan of Darryl Sutter—six years in Las Vegas and you can certainly see his influence on that team. I thought it was a tremendous hockey game tonight, maybe not for the coaches but for the fans. It was real exciting; it was fast I thought through 65 full minutes, so it was a real good game."
Gulatzan on Brenden Morrow's hit on Anze Kopitar (video below) - "We watched it in slow motion there and we watched it again. In my mind it was a clean hit but he fell very awkward. I hope he’s okay. I don’t know the extent on anything there but he fell awkwardly into the boards. I don’t think anything will come of it but that’s for the League to decide. Hopefully he is okay. [Kari Lehtonen] was hurt too in that goal mouth pile up there but he is going to be fine."
Last night featured both. The Stars went up 2-0 before the Kings began chipping away at things - even doing the unthinkable, scoring multiple goals on the power play. In the end, LA gave up a late goal to Dallas, tying things at 4-4. Overtime, nothing. Then, the Stars won in the shootout.
When things were over, here's what they were saying back in the visiting team dressing room...
Coach Glen Gulutzan on the overall game - "They are a real good team and I’m a big fan of Darryl Sutter—six years in Las Vegas and you can certainly see his influence on that team. I thought it was a tremendous hockey game tonight, maybe not for the coaches but for the fans. It was real exciting; it was fast I thought through 65 full minutes, so it was a real good game."
Gulatzan on Brenden Morrow's hit on Anze Kopitar (video below) - "We watched it in slow motion there and we watched it again. In my mind it was a clean hit but he fell very awkward. I hope he’s okay. I don’t know the extent on anything there but he fell awkwardly into the boards. I don’t think anything will come of it but that’s for the League to decide. Hopefully he is okay. [Kari Lehtonen] was hurt too in that goal mouth pile up there but he is going to be fine."
VIDEO: Brenden Morrow's hit on Anze Kopitar
At the 12:12 mark of the third period - with the LA Kings leading by a goal - Stars' captain Brenden Morrow put a hit on Anze Kopitar as he was trying to come from behind the net and possibly wrap around the goaltender.
Kopitar did not return to the game, due to something coach Darryl Sutter described as 'a bloody nose' during his post game presser. Mike Richards went after Morrow and ended up receiving enough penalties to put the Stars on a four minute power play. Dallas scored, ruining the Kings extended penalty kill success of late. And, more importantly, it was the goal they needed to push the game into overtime.
The question of the hour is was the hit legal? Take a look...
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
Kopitar did not return to the game, due to something coach Darryl Sutter described as 'a bloody nose' during his post game presser. Mike Richards went after Morrow and ended up receiving enough penalties to put the Stars on a four minute power play. Dallas scored, ruining the Kings extended penalty kill success of late. And, more importantly, it was the goal they needed to push the game into overtime.
The question of the hour is was the hit legal? Take a look...
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Kings lead, but lose to Stars - still 'love each other' though
The LA Kings spotted the Dallas Stars a two goal lead in the first period, trailed 3-2 after forty minutes, then managed to lose a 4-3 lead with less than six minutes in regulation. In the end, it was home ice loss via a shootout.
After the game, here's what a few of the players had to say...
Captain Dustin Brown on the overall game - "We didn’t get off to a good start. Came back, found a way to get a point. We had an opportunity to get two. The shootout is what it is. Like I said, Our PK was great and they found a way to get a fluke one. It takes overtime and a shootout."
Brown on the penalty calls - "Richie [Mike Richards] stepped up for Kopi and did his job. That rule [the penalty for visors] is right in the rule book. There’s no arguing on that one. There’s no arguing that or the instigator. I didn’t see it, but I’m assuming he went right after him and got the two for instigating and then the other one is automatic. We did a great job of killing it, and then it ended up in our own net. The PK was great tonight, and they ended up with a fluky goal."
Brown on battling back from being down two goals - "We didn’t get off to a good start. We came back and found a way to get a point. We had an opportunity to get two. The shootout is what it is. Our PK was great, and they found a way to get a fluky one. That takes it to overtime and the shootout."
After the game, here's what a few of the players had to say...
Captain Dustin Brown on the overall game - "We didn’t get off to a good start. Came back, found a way to get a point. We had an opportunity to get two. The shootout is what it is. Like I said, Our PK was great and they found a way to get a fluke one. It takes overtime and a shootout."
Brown on the penalty calls - "Richie [Mike Richards] stepped up for Kopi and did his job. That rule [the penalty for visors] is right in the rule book. There’s no arguing on that one. There’s no arguing that or the instigator. I didn’t see it, but I’m assuming he went right after him and got the two for instigating and then the other one is automatic. We did a great job of killing it, and then it ended up in our own net. The PK was great tonight, and they ended up with a fluky goal."
Brown on battling back from being down two goals - "We didn’t get off to a good start. We came back and found a way to get a point. We had an opportunity to get two. The shootout is what it is. Our PK was great, and they found a way to get a fluky one. That takes it to overtime and the shootout."
LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Penner and Pancakegate
Last night Dustin Penner offered an 'open letter' on MayorsManor to explain his side of what went down with his recent back injury and the surrounding media attention related to his eating of some 'delicious pancakes.'
That story has gone somewhat viral since, with references and links on the Edmonton Journal, Puck Daddy's Yahoo Sports blog, Canada's National Post newspaper, Spector's Hockey, Grantland, BusinessInsider.com and many more.
So, what does Kings GM Dean Lombardi think about all this? Here's what he had to say when asked just that by Mark Spector on his Edmonton-based radio show earlier today...
"When you're in this position and trying to manage your team to (become) a winner, I guess maybe it's not only the young kids that you have to put out some fires - [Lombardi was smiling and holding back laughter] there's a perfect example of all the things that can happen as you try to keep your team focused and get to where you want to go. You never know where it's coming from. But, he's made a lot of progress here and - actually - he's played pretty darn well here recently."
Funny off the ice, playing better on it. That's all well and good. Now, Penner is now looking to score some goals. Will he break through tonight? There's at least a good chance, as in the past he's told us that he gets up for playing the Stars - the team he made his NHL debut against back in 2005.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
More from Lombardi's radio interview today - apologizes to the Oilers, talks changes under Sutter
EXCLUSIVE - Open letter from Dustin Penner re: PancakeGate
Penner on the Ducks' Corey Perry 'milking it' and the Hockey Gods
ALL shirts 50% off until 2pm PST on Friday January 13, 2012 - offer code here
That story has gone somewhat viral since, with references and links on the Edmonton Journal, Puck Daddy's Yahoo Sports blog, Canada's National Post newspaper, Spector's Hockey, Grantland, BusinessInsider.com and many more.
So, what does Kings GM Dean Lombardi think about all this? Here's what he had to say when asked just that by Mark Spector on his Edmonton-based radio show earlier today...
"When you're in this position and trying to manage your team to (become) a winner, I guess maybe it's not only the young kids that you have to put out some fires - [Lombardi was smiling and holding back laughter] there's a perfect example of all the things that can happen as you try to keep your team focused and get to where you want to go. You never know where it's coming from. But, he's made a lot of progress here and - actually - he's played pretty darn well here recently."
Funny off the ice, playing better on it. That's all well and good. Now, Penner is now looking to score some goals. Will he break through tonight? There's at least a good chance, as in the past he's told us that he gets up for playing the Stars - the team he made his NHL debut against back in 2005.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
More from Lombardi's radio interview today - apologizes to the Oilers, talks changes under Sutter
EXCLUSIVE - Open letter from Dustin Penner re: PancakeGate
Penner on the Ducks' Corey Perry 'milking it' and the Hockey Gods
ALL shirts 50% off until 2pm PST on Friday January 13, 2012 - offer code here
order here --> MayorsManor Store
Lombardi - Kings have 'more juice out there' with Sutter
As mentioned last hour, Kings GM Dean Lombardi was a guest earlier today on Mark Spector's radio show up in Edmonton. We've already posted his apology to the Oilers over how he reacted to the fallout of the Ryan Smyth trade last summer. Now, here's what he had to say about coach Darryl Sutter and the recent transformation that has seen the team go 6-1-3...
On why the coaching change has worked out so well over the first 10 games - "If there was a perfect formula for it, I guess everybody would do it and it work all the time. But, I really don't know how to answer that, other than feel. Obviously, I have a great relationship with Darryl that spans six, seven years. Knowing him as a person, as well as a coach, you just get a gut feel that he's the right fit. I've always had enormous respect for Darryl - not only as a coach, but actually more so as a man. When that goes through to your players, the type of person he is, you can only benefit from that. Again, I don't know. These are 'feel' things, just like intangibles and chemistry in your room. So far, we've had some results. But, we both know we have a lot of work to do."
On what's been different with the Kings in the last 10 games compared to earlier this season - "If you're looking for one of the things that generally can happen with you chance coaches, there's a little more juice out there. Darryl's made a few changes. But, mostly, to me, it's in the mindset of the players. So, I think we've had the benefit of that initial burst when you make a change, where the players are ready to listen."
If you missed it, here's Lombardi's apology to the Oilers (link).
Still more to come later this afternoon.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
On why the coaching change has worked out so well over the first 10 games - "If there was a perfect formula for it, I guess everybody would do it and it work all the time. But, I really don't know how to answer that, other than feel. Obviously, I have a great relationship with Darryl that spans six, seven years. Knowing him as a person, as well as a coach, you just get a gut feel that he's the right fit. I've always had enormous respect for Darryl - not only as a coach, but actually more so as a man. When that goes through to your players, the type of person he is, you can only benefit from that. Again, I don't know. These are 'feel' things, just like intangibles and chemistry in your room. So far, we've had some results. But, we both know we have a lot of work to do."
On what's been different with the Kings in the last 10 games compared to earlier this season - "If you're looking for one of the things that generally can happen with you chance coaches, there's a little more juice out there. Darryl's made a few changes. But, mostly, to me, it's in the mindset of the players. So, I think we've had the benefit of that initial burst when you make a change, where the players are ready to listen."
If you missed it, here's Lombardi's apology to the Oilers (link).
Still more to come later this afternoon.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi publicly apologizes to Oilers
Did you think we had heard the last of Mulletgate?
If so, you were wrong. With the Kings scheduled to travel to Edmonton this weekend - for the first time this season - GM Dean Lombardi was a guest today on Mark Spector's radio show (Team 1260, Edmonton).
As usual, Lombardi had plenty to say. For example, here were his comments when asked if he and Oilers' GM Steve Tambellini had mended fences...
"I think we were able to work that out. That's something that I have to apologize for. I was certainly frustrated, having to lose a player like Ryan Smyth - then getting in a bind with trying to replace him and there was a little gray area, as far as what we got back (in the trade with Edmonton). But, the bottom line is I should have never said what I said publicly. It was the wrong thing to do. I apologize to Edmonton, as well as the National Hockey League, that that wasn't the way to handle it. As we sat down, we were able to come to some resolution. But, the bottom line, I was wrong in the way that I handled that and we move on. It was a tough situation losing a good player like Ryan Smyth. It's kind of been one of the things we run up against, (when we) talk about the building process - whether it was Ryan or Drew holding out or going to Europe. These were all the things you confront. But, regardless, that was the wrong way to handle it."
Lombardi had much more to say during the interview - including detailed talk about the rebuilding of the Kings since he took over, his philosophy on the upcoming trade deadline, Dustin Penner's recent injury and a few other things. Look for those comments to be posted in about an hour.
If you missed Lombardi's comments on Smyth at the time of #94's trade request last summer, check out this link. Other Lombardi articles are linked below for your reference.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Lombardi on Darryl Sutter, Bobby Valentine and the Boston Red Sox
LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on cheating vs. earning it
Lombardi on coach Terry Murray's job performance - exit interview last season
Lombardi evaluates Dustin Brown as a captain
Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Holloway and Moller's European Vacation
LA Kings Lombardi - 'Kopitar may be the new Blake Griffin'
ALL shirts 50% off until 2pm PST on Friday January 13, 2012 - offer code here
If so, you were wrong. With the Kings scheduled to travel to Edmonton this weekend - for the first time this season - GM Dean Lombardi was a guest today on Mark Spector's radio show (Team 1260, Edmonton).
As usual, Lombardi had plenty to say. For example, here were his comments when asked if he and Oilers' GM Steve Tambellini had mended fences...
"I think we were able to work that out. That's something that I have to apologize for. I was certainly frustrated, having to lose a player like Ryan Smyth - then getting in a bind with trying to replace him and there was a little gray area, as far as what we got back (in the trade with Edmonton). But, the bottom line is I should have never said what I said publicly. It was the wrong thing to do. I apologize to Edmonton, as well as the National Hockey League, that that wasn't the way to handle it. As we sat down, we were able to come to some resolution. But, the bottom line, I was wrong in the way that I handled that and we move on. It was a tough situation losing a good player like Ryan Smyth. It's kind of been one of the things we run up against, (when we) talk about the building process - whether it was Ryan or Drew holding out or going to Europe. These were all the things you confront. But, regardless, that was the wrong way to handle it."
Lombardi had much more to say during the interview - including detailed talk about the rebuilding of the Kings since he took over, his philosophy on the upcoming trade deadline, Dustin Penner's recent injury and a few other things. Look for those comments to be posted in about an hour.
If you missed Lombardi's comments on Smyth at the time of #94's trade request last summer, check out this link. Other Lombardi articles are linked below for your reference.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Lombardi on Darryl Sutter, Bobby Valentine and the Boston Red Sox
LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on cheating vs. earning it
Lombardi on coach Terry Murray's job performance - exit interview last season
Lombardi evaluates Dustin Brown as a captain
Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Holloway and Moller's European Vacation
LA Kings Lombardi - 'Kopitar may be the new Blake Griffin'
ALL shirts 50% off until 2pm PST on Friday January 13, 2012 - offer code here
order here --> MayorsManor Store
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Jack Johnson surprised by NHLPA announcement
In early December, the NHL announced that next season would bring a radical realignment to the conference format and post-season schedule. The league was to split into four conference, no divisions, and the first two rounds of the playoffs were to be contested within the conference. This would be similar to how the playoffs worked in the 'Gretzy Era' - when the Kings would often meet up with Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
Another major change that was to take place would be a regular season schedule where all teams would play each other at least once at home and on the road. The positives of such a schedule are endless (and long over due), including stars like Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby coming to LA every year - instead of only once every few years.
Well, the plan was shot down by the NHLPA last week. Privately, some players had told me they weren't happy with the way the NHL went about 'force feeding' them the change. Additionally, Kings' defenseman Jack Johnson had no problem speaking his mind on the record...
"I'd like to see more teams," he began. "I had no idea we disapproved it until it was even announced. I'd like to play all the teams and see everyone. I'm pretty surprised actually that it was disapproved. I guess we'll see where it goes."
Expect much more on this story in the weeks to come.
If you missed NHLPA head Donald Fehr on MayorsManor last spring, here's a quick link. At the time, he was in town to meet with several agents and to review his overall plan. We were the only outlet covering the meetings and provided additional interviews with Anze Kopitar's agent Pat Brisson (link) and Dustin Brown's agent, Scott Norton (link).
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
What I've learned so far this season... by Penguins' Kris Letang
Ian Laperriere on Mike Richards vs Chris Pronger
Interview with Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne
Checking in with Mike Modano
Jeremy Roenick previews Kings vs Coyotes for MayorsManor
Another major change that was to take place would be a regular season schedule where all teams would play each other at least once at home and on the road. The positives of such a schedule are endless (and long over due), including stars like Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby coming to LA every year - instead of only once every few years.
Well, the plan was shot down by the NHLPA last week. Privately, some players had told me they weren't happy with the way the NHL went about 'force feeding' them the change. Additionally, Kings' defenseman Jack Johnson had no problem speaking his mind on the record...
"I'd like to see more teams," he began. "I had no idea we disapproved it until it was even announced. I'd like to play all the teams and see everyone. I'm pretty surprised actually that it was disapproved. I guess we'll see where it goes."
Expect much more on this story in the weeks to come.
If you missed NHLPA head Donald Fehr on MayorsManor last spring, here's a quick link. At the time, he was in town to meet with several agents and to review his overall plan. We were the only outlet covering the meetings and provided additional interviews with Anze Kopitar's agent Pat Brisson (link) and Dustin Brown's agent, Scott Norton (link).
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
What I've learned so far this season... by Penguins' Kris Letang
Ian Laperriere on Mike Richards vs Chris Pronger
Interview with Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne
Checking in with Mike Modano
Jeremy Roenick previews Kings vs Coyotes for MayorsManor
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
EXCLUSIVE - An open letter from Dustin Penner re: Pancakegate
As most of you know, Kings' left wing Dustin Penner has been a frequent guest on MayorsManor since arriving in Los Angeles last February. He's often brought a great sense of humor and insight to this site when talking about hockey and life in general. A lot has gone down though since he was a last minute scratch against the Columbus Blue Jackets this past Saturday. The following 'open letter' comes directly from the man himself...
So it seems as though I need to address Pancakegate for those in the sports media world, as well as those following #pennercakes on twitter, in light of the recent phenomenon I've created.
Right off the bat, I'd like to clarify a few things.
For example, they were vegetarian pancakes. The injury happened as I was sitting down to eat, not mid-bite. And yes, I did finish them.
There has been some feedback from the media as a whole regarding the lack of transparency involving injuries. So, I decided to be candid.
First and foremost, I think we can agree that having delicious pancakes that your wife made for breakfast, for a 1pm game, is not out of the norm. Secondly, "SOBS" (Sudden Onset Back Spasms) can occur at any moment, doing just about anything you can think of, and is a very serious issue.
Those who have experienced "SOBS," know it is no laughing matter. I'm a little hurt, to tell you the truth, that the plight of my people isn't being taken seriously.
Frankly, I don't mind the attention and there's no such thing as bad press, right? Apparently, I made it onto ESPN's 'Around the Horn' and joined Kings' ATH alumnus Dustin Brown (see water bottle incident) and have also became a twitter sensation overnight (with hashtag #pennercakes). So, I'm hoping to get an endorsement from IHOP or Denny's.
The main thing here though is that we were able to bring attention to a serious issue like "SOBS" and hopefully find a treatment and unmask the mystery of it all.
In closing, for those who know how to laugh and find humor in life I hope they've enjoyed this as much as I did.
In an effort to end the entire experience on a high note, I'm partnering with MayorsManor to sponsor a 'Pancakes with Penner' breakfast. In the weeks to come we'll be setting up a special raffle. Fans will be able to purchase tickets for $1.00 for a chance to have a pancake breakfast with me. All the money raised will go to charity...while we enjoy some delicious pancakes!
Be on the lookout for more information soon.
Thank you for your time,
Dustin Penner
[MayorsManor update 1/19/2012 - Things are happening behind the scenes to put the event together. Step one in the process was registering and activating the website address - www.PennerCakes.com - which points to this letter for the time being. More information, including the date, location, how to buy raffle tickets, etc. should be available early next week. Thank you for your patience.]
So it seems as though I need to address Pancakegate for those in the sports media world, as well as those following #pennercakes on twitter, in light of the recent phenomenon I've created.
Right off the bat, I'd like to clarify a few things.
For example, they were vegetarian pancakes. The injury happened as I was sitting down to eat, not mid-bite. And yes, I did finish them.
There has been some feedback from the media as a whole regarding the lack of transparency involving injuries. So, I decided to be candid.
First and foremost, I think we can agree that having delicious pancakes that your wife made for breakfast, for a 1pm game, is not out of the norm. Secondly, "SOBS" (Sudden Onset Back Spasms) can occur at any moment, doing just about anything you can think of, and is a very serious issue.
Those who have experienced "SOBS," know it is no laughing matter. I'm a little hurt, to tell you the truth, that the plight of my people isn't being taken seriously.
Frankly, I don't mind the attention and there's no such thing as bad press, right? Apparently, I made it onto ESPN's 'Around the Horn' and joined Kings' ATH alumnus Dustin Brown (see water bottle incident) and have also became a twitter sensation overnight (with hashtag #pennercakes). So, I'm hoping to get an endorsement from IHOP or Denny's.
The main thing here though is that we were able to bring attention to a serious issue like "SOBS" and hopefully find a treatment and unmask the mystery of it all.
In closing, for those who know how to laugh and find humor in life I hope they've enjoyed this as much as I did.
In an effort to end the entire experience on a high note, I'm partnering with MayorsManor to sponsor a 'Pancakes with Penner' breakfast. In the weeks to come we'll be setting up a special raffle. Fans will be able to purchase tickets for $1.00 for a chance to have a pancake breakfast with me. All the money raised will go to charity...while we enjoy some delicious pancakes!
Be on the lookout for more information soon.
Thank you for your time,
Dustin Penner
[MayorsManor update 1/19/2012 - Things are happening behind the scenes to put the event together. Step one in the process was registering and activating the website address - www.PennerCakes.com - which points to this letter for the time being. More information, including the date, location, how to buy raffle tickets, etc. should be available early next week. Thank you for your patience.]
VIDEO: Face Paint with LA Kings goalie Jonathan Quick
Below is a short video that covers a lot of ground, as Kings goalie Jonathan Quick talks about three of his masks - the traditional black and silver one he wears most games, the 'Rogie Vachon' model worn with the purple and yellow vintage jerseys and the Team USA mask he took to the Olympics in 2010.
Check it out...
For more articles on Kings goaltenders and their masks, click here to read an article about Jonathan Bernier's lid being selected as tops in the NHL and click here for a sneak peek we gave earlier this year to prospect JF Berube's new design (and one of the sharpest looking masks you'll see).
The Mayor
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Check it out...
The Mayor
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012
CONTEST: Tebow your way to Kings Meet the Players Party
We have one final pair of tickets to giveaway for tonight's Meet the Players Party. If you'd like to snap a pic or get an autograph from - or even just say hi to - your favorite LA Kings player, you'll want these tickets.
Entering is easy. In honor of Jack Johnson striking a Tebow pose as part of his post-goal celebration last night, we want to see you 'doing the Tebow' in your Kings jersey. You have until noon today (PST) to get your submissions in. Post them on our facebook page, send them over via twitter or email them to the address on our contact us page listed above. Your choice.
One random winner will be selected this afternoon. If you're not quite sure what to do, just watch Jack do it here.
Good luck!
The Mayor
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Quotes from the Capitals locker room after 5-2 loss in LA
Only a few players in the NHL are as synonymous with their teams as Alex Ovechkin is with the Washington Capitals. It's nearly impossible to think of one without the other.
He's played the LA Kings just seven times in his career though, winning the first two meetings and now having dropped five straight - after last night's lopsided 5-2 loss.
When the dust settled, here's what they were saying in the Caps locker room...
Ovechkin on the overall game - "I don’t think it’s all about me; it’s all about us. We wanted to have a good start and we had a good start. Two mistakes cost us almost the whole game—Wideman lost a guy in our zone and he got a goal and Laich lost a puck. I’m not calling out only these two guys, I had mistakes in our zone and everybody had mistakes in our zone and that cost us the game."
Ovechkin on his team's performance - "I think we had a pretty good start. We had emotion and we scored the first goal. After that we just stopped playing and my line had a couple of chances. Including that, we didn’t do anything in the offensive zone and I think there was communication in the neutral zone and we started playing in the defensive zone."
He's played the LA Kings just seven times in his career though, winning the first two meetings and now having dropped five straight - after last night's lopsided 5-2 loss.
When the dust settled, here's what they were saying in the Caps locker room...
Ovechkin on the overall game - "I don’t think it’s all about me; it’s all about us. We wanted to have a good start and we had a good start. Two mistakes cost us almost the whole game—Wideman lost a guy in our zone and he got a goal and Laich lost a puck. I’m not calling out only these two guys, I had mistakes in our zone and everybody had mistakes in our zone and that cost us the game."
Ovechkin on his team's performance - "I think we had a pretty good start. We had emotion and we scored the first goal. After that we just stopped playing and my line had a couple of chances. Including that, we didn’t do anything in the offensive zone and I think there was communication in the neutral zone and we started playing in the defensive zone."
Monday, January 9, 2012
VIDEO: Jack Johnson scores, talks about doing The Tebow
Goal celebrations may be on the decline in the NFL, yet the LA Kings sure seem to be getting into the act. Fresh on the heels of Drew Doughty and Jarret Stoll doing the 'love tap' celebration a few weeks ago in Chicago, defenseman Jack Johnson posed for a quick 'Tebow' after he found the back of the net tonight vs. Washington...
After the game, Johnson explained it this way - "Have some fun while you’re scoring. I was watching the Broncos game with some buddies that flew in from Michigan and they said that if you score, you have to ‘Tebow’. I said, ‘You’re on!’"
He also said that it was a one time thing and don't look for him to do it again in the future.
As for the overall game, Johnson went on to say "It’s a great feeling to give our goalie some breathing room finally. They’ve been playing out of this world all year. It’s nice to kind of give them a break here finally."
The game was also filled with plenty of intensity, something Johnson welcomed - "It’s fun, it’s refreshing to play a team like that. Everyone wants to see new teams and I thought it was a fun hockey game."
What about that Ovechkin guy? "It’s fun to play against guys like that," said Johnson. "It’s just as much fun for us to play against him as it is for fans to watch him. He’s a great player and it’s fun to play a team we don’t see very much."
For a different look at Johnson's 'Tebow' - here's video from the Washington feed. See what the Capitals announcers had to say as it all unfolded.
More notes and quotes up later.
The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Jarret Stoll and Drew Doughty talk about the 'love tap' celebration - includes video
Johnson and Sutter talk LA Kings power play
After the game, Johnson explained it this way - "Have some fun while you’re scoring. I was watching the Broncos game with some buddies that flew in from Michigan and they said that if you score, you have to ‘Tebow’. I said, ‘You’re on!’"
He also said that it was a one time thing and don't look for him to do it again in the future.
As for the overall game, Johnson went on to say "It’s a great feeling to give our goalie some breathing room finally. They’ve been playing out of this world all year. It’s nice to kind of give them a break here finally."
The game was also filled with plenty of intensity, something Johnson welcomed - "It’s fun, it’s refreshing to play a team like that. Everyone wants to see new teams and I thought it was a fun hockey game."
What about that Ovechkin guy? "It’s fun to play against guys like that," said Johnson. "It’s just as much fun for us to play against him as it is for fans to watch him. He’s a great player and it’s fun to play a team we don’t see very much."
For a different look at Johnson's 'Tebow' - here's video from the Washington feed. See what the Capitals announcers had to say as it all unfolded.
More notes and quotes up later.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Jarret Stoll and Drew Doughty talk about the 'love tap' celebration - includes video
Johnson and Sutter talk LA Kings power play
Mike Richards has something his linemates don't
The Capitals will be without forward Nicklas Backstom and defenseman Mike Green tonight, as they flew back to D.C. earlier today with nagging injuries. Kings forward Mike Richards certainly won't be crying over their absence. He's played against both guys enough in his career to know the damage they can inflict on their opponents.
In fact, Richards has played more games against the Capitals than his two wingers combined. Left wing Dustin Penner has only seen the Caps four times in his career and right wing Jarret Stoll has faced them five times. You could even add in Anze Kopitar's five games and Dustin Brown's seven, and you'd still only have 21 games total - not enough to surpass Richards' 22 regular season games.
However, it was a post-season encounter with the Capitals that was quickly brought up when he was asked about his favorite memory against them. "We (Philly) beat them in game seven in Washington my third year in the league," recalled Richards. "It was a pretty good series too. We were up 3-1, they came back to tie it 3-3. Then, we ended up winning in overtime against them."
As for tonight's game, Richards shared the following outlook - "They'll be a tough opponent for us. As good as they are offensively, they still play a good defensive system. Obviously with Ovi and Semin, even without Backstrom, they still have a good offensive team. They have three or four guys on the back end who really move the puck well. So, it's going to be a tough challenge for us and we just have to be good defensively."
To read Brown's pre-game comments, including his thoughts on Alex Ovechkin and how to beat the Caps, click here.
The Mayor
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In fact, Richards has played more games against the Capitals than his two wingers combined. Left wing Dustin Penner has only seen the Caps four times in his career and right wing Jarret Stoll has faced them five times. You could even add in Anze Kopitar's five games and Dustin Brown's seven, and you'd still only have 21 games total - not enough to surpass Richards' 22 regular season games.
However, it was a post-season encounter with the Capitals that was quickly brought up when he was asked about his favorite memory against them. "We (Philly) beat them in game seven in Washington my third year in the league," recalled Richards. "It was a pretty good series too. We were up 3-1, they came back to tie it 3-3. Then, we ended up winning in overtime against them."
As for tonight's game, Richards shared the following outlook - "They'll be a tough opponent for us. As good as they are offensively, they still play a good defensive system. Obviously with Ovi and Semin, even without Backstrom, they still have a good offensive team. They have three or four guys on the back end who really move the puck well. So, it's going to be a tough challenge for us and we just have to be good defensively."
To read Brown's pre-game comments, including his thoughts on Alex Ovechkin and how to beat the Caps, click here.
The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Dustin Brown on Ovechkin and how to beat the Capitals
 |
| Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (photo: M. Zampelli) |
He has six points in those six games (two goals and four assists), with both goals coming in DC. Even so, Kings captain Dustin Brown sounded like a man with a plan when asked for his memories of playing the Capitals in the past and to share any thoughts on the game tonight...
"It's always exciting when you have a player like Ovechkin coming in," began Brown. "He's one of the premier players in the league. We don't play him very often. We've always played really good defense (vs the Caps in the past) and that's why we've been successful against them. They're pretty high-powered offensively. If we can just make them play defense - they don't like doing that. I think that's how we won last time. Ovechkin scored on the very first shift in Washington and we didn't really give up any chances after that, and we dominated the game. So, we need to key in on a couple of their players and make sure we're really good defensively."
The game last year Brown referenced was won by the Kings 4-1. Jonathan Bernier was in net that day and only faced 23 shots. Coach Darryl Sutter is giving him the start again tonight.
As for Brown's individual performance vs. the Capitals, he has one goal in seven career games - and it came at home on November 20, 2008.
The Mayor
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Big week for five of the LA Kings college prospects
The Kings are right near the top when it comes to U.S. players currently on the team and/or in the pipeline. With the big club, you have Jack Johnson, Matt Greene, Rob Scuderi, Dustin Brown, Trevor Lewis and many others - plus, Jonathan Quick in net.
And the team has a slew of players currently enrolled at major U.S. colleges, including 2010 first round pick Derek Forbort.
Last week, five of the college prospects made some news...
- Forbort was expected to be a major part of Team USA's defensive core at the World Junior Championship. Instead, he was injured along the boards early in the tournament (believed to be his knee) and didn't play in the team's final few games. He returned to the University of North Dakota last week. However, he did not play in either of their games over the weekend. So, we'll need to monitor the situation going forward.
- Kevin Gravel (fifth round 2010) has been coming on strong. He was named to the above mentioned USA squad and scored the game winning goal for them in their final game vs. Switzerland. The win ended an otherwise disappointing tourney for the Americans, who finished seventh overall.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
VIDEO: Kings coach Darryl Sutter on Saturday Night Live
It took Wayne Gretzky a full year of playing in LA before he was invited to host NBC's Saturday Night Live. Darryl Sutter hasn't even been the coach of the Kings for three weeks, yet one of his recent press conferences made its way into a skit last night...
Even so, Sutter's best presser to date has to be this one.
The Mayor
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Even so, Sutter's best presser to date has to be this one.
The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
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